EAST GWENT SENIOR LEAGUE DIVISION 1 UNDY 4 BLACKROCK ROVERS 2

TWO late goals, the second scored with the last kick of thematch, secured the points for Undy Athletic after Blackrock Rovers matched them for 75 minutes.

Coming just a week after a much-weakened Rovers were humiliated 16-2 by Underwood SC, Blackrock manager Leigh Taylor was pleased with his team’s performance although disappointed they hadn’t been able to grab a point.

“We still struggled to raise a team because our main striker, Dave Skinner, is injured after playing for our first team and our firstchoice ’keeper Terry Boston was also unavailable,” Taylor explained.

“We were always in it and paid the price although I don’t want to take anything away from Undy. They played well and just about deserved to win.”

Rovers took the lead after the ball rebounded around the home penalty area, Connor Bryant finally scoring after his first shot had been parried by Undy ’keeper Mike Lambert.

That was the only goal in the first half although Rovers keeper Ryan Skellorn prevented an equaliser when he dived full-length to deflect Richard Regulski’s fierce drive for a corner.

After the break, Jack Lloyd equalised, placing the ball beyond Skellorn’s reach, but back came Rovers to regain the lead when Craig Johnson whipped over a cross-shot which eluded everyone and dropped in at the far post.

Undy mounted a number of attacks down both flanks but Blackrock’s defence held firm until the 63rd minute when a deep cross from the left was nodded down by Simon Owen for Andrew Peacock to equalise with a rising shot.

Undy manager Ben Garner reaped the benefits of tactical changes as his team took the lead for the first time when Josh James prodded the ball home on 75 minutes.

Rovers still refused to lie down and almost produced an equaliser with Johnson’s clever lob which Lambert tipped over the bar.

Owen rounded it off, scoring the fourth goal with the last kick of the match.

“I’m chuffed,” Garner said.

“Rovers were always in it but we dug in and fought hard for the two equalisers and then the winners. I think we deserved to win and I’m proud of the players for not giving in when we went behind twice.”

Undy visit Division Two side MathernWanderers B in the Benevolent Cup on Saturday while Blackrock entertain Chepstow Town in the same competition.