Goals galore for joyous Goytre (From Free Press Series)

Goals galore for joyous Goytre

A CONVINCING long-awaited win for the home side this weekend couldn't have been more welcome.

And thankfully for Goytre opponents Risca failed to come back despite two determined shots at goal in the first 15 minutes.

Both of those early attempts were foiled by excellent saves from Goytre keeper Ryan Makerness.

Goytre were defeated 4-0 at their last meeting at Risca's home ground so this weekend's match was hailed as "revenge," by a spokesman.

A large crowd got their money's worth after Makerness made sure the first two Risca attempts were saved, keeping Goytre on level terms.

Against the run of play Goytre took the lead as a free kick by Geoff Howells went to Graham Mason, who crossed from the right for Kevin Berry to head in, for their first.

Within five minutes Goytre were two up, a free kick by captain Steve Collett was deflected into his own net by Rhys Redman.

Not long into the second half Risca were left struggling to keep up when, after the first few minutes, Lee Grimes took on and beat his marker to set up Kevin Berry for his second goal.

Backed up by his team mate minutes later, Graham Mason further increased their lead, passing defenders to slot the ball past the advancing Risca keeper Nicky Church.

Goytre, at this stage were in complete command and only Nicky Church in goal and Goytre's attack kept Risca from having a hat full.

Mark Langford came off the substitutes bench to immediately head home a cross from Steve Collett's free kick.

Another goal by him was stopped straight after when Risca keeper Nicky Church made an excellent save.

Goytre's club chairman Paul Greenhalgh said: "It was down to Nicky Church that the score was kept at 5-0 in the last ten minutes. It was a truly convincing win for Goytre."

GOYTRE'S second string had an amazing result too as they went top of Gwent Central league's first division with a two goal win over Gilwern. All in all it was a good weekend for the club. The scores at half time were 0 - 0, although Stuart Price's shot hit the post, Mike Dixon scored Goytre's two goals.

GOYTRE are one of five clubs who have applied for promotion to the Welsh Premier. Ground inspections will take place in the next few weeks.