MARDY had earmarked their trip to Blaenavon as a title-decider from an early stage this season, writes Keith Fairbank.

But ironically Saturday's 1-1 draw between the two sides has all but handed the championship, and potential Welsh League football, to Aberbargoed Buds, at both sides' expense.

Aberbargoed Buds have won their last 13 games in a row to storm to the top of Gwent County Division One, now requiring just two points to claim the title. But Mardy coach Ben Bannon admits he would prefer Blaenavon to be promoted, now Mardy are mathematically out of the race.

Bannon said yesterday: "It would have been nice if either ourselves or Blaenavon could go up."

Reflecting on the draw, he added: "Our keeper Tom Indge was out with a broken leg so we had Adam White deputising in goal and he's done okay. In the circumstances 1-1 was a good result, but at the same time we've lost the title now."

Blaenavon took the lead just after half time. Aaron Davies' penalty made it 1-1, and thereafter both sides had chances to win it with Mardy perhaps having the best of them.

Mardy take on Spencer Youth in their final league game on Saturday. Then there is the small matter of the cup final at Abergavenny Thursdays, against Abertillery Bluebirds, on Saturday, May 6.