MONMOUTH Town will be playing Division One football this autumn after the Kingfishers secured the Gwent County Second Division title on Saturday with a 1-1 draw at Llanhilleth.

Andrew Smith's side had already ensured themselves of promotion with a 2-1 win over Abertillery Bluebirds the previous week. But Town, on the back of a 14-game unbeaten run, have now bagged the league title with one game still to play.

Smith said this week: "We didn't celebrate too much on Saturday as the team went out after the promotion win last week and it got quite messy. But we're talking to the league now and hope to get our hands on the trophy this weekend.

"We knew we just needed a point on Saturday against Llanhilleth but they're a good side and were looking to spoil the party. It was stalemate until eight minutes before the end then they scored and put a bit of a dampener on things."

But Andrew Rogers popped up just two minutes later to bag the equaliser, which saw Smith's men crowned Division Two champions. Jack Allardyce had provided the assist with a cross-field ball, which Rogers slotted into the bottom corner.

Earlier, neither side had many chances to take the lead although Ricky Prosser came closest for Monmouth only to miss the opportunity. Athletic were boasting much of the possession but were rarely threatening Andy Phillpott's goal.

Phillpotts, at 44, was making his debut in goal as stand-in for the injured Robin Pick. Pick is out with an ankle ligament problem for the rest of the season after playing a key part in the championship push. Johnny Roberts had deputised last week but was unavailable on Saturday due to commitments with Monmouth Cricket Club.

Monmouth now travel to Abertillery AFC for their final outing of the season this weekend (kick off 3pm, Saturday) hoping to get their hands on the league trophy.

On Sunday, Monmouth Town FC host a fundraising Race Night at the clubhouse. Doors open 7.30pm and all are welcome to have a flutter and relax in the bar.