BLAENAVON Blues firsts welcomed the visit of Caerleon AFC to the Blues Memorial Ground in a Gwent County Division 1 fixture.

The first ten minutes was a hard fought affair, but soon Illtyd Caddick, playing down the left for the Blues, produced an excellent opening goal.

Illtyd was causing all sorts of problems for Caerleon down the left, producing some of the form that the Blues had come to expect from him.

Blaenavon doubled their lead from the most unlikely of sources. Following a corner, Caerleon failed to clear well and Alex Bull was on hand to volley in the 2nd, showing great technique from the edge of the box. Caerleon came back and were close to getting a goal back just before half time, but only found the crossbar, with Ash Paine in the Blues goal beaten.

Half time: Blues 2 – 0 Caerleon AFC.

The second half continued in the same manner with both sides evenly matched. But 15mins in, a great cross-field ball again from Illtyd Caddick found the hard working Jake Bull who, after great control, coolly finished to make the score 3-0. Jake was then replaced by younger brother Sam Bull. At only 16, he didn't look out of place against an experienced Caerleon side.

With 15mins left Caerleon grabbed a deserved goal for all their hard work. But the Blues comfortably saw out the game without further scoring from either side.

Manager Darren Harris was very happy with the performance following last week's poor display.

Final score: Blues Firsts 3 - 1 Caerleon AFC

Blaenavon Blues 2nds made the short trip to play league leaders Cwmffrwdoer, but with many players away injured or working, the seconds took just 12 players to the toughest game of the season so far.

The Blues management brought Ian Munroe back in after injury and he put in a Blues man-of-the match performance.

Blues' preparation for the game was further hampered as two of the players were delayed and did not have time for even a warm-up.

Both teams started brightly and created and spurned chances. The Blues still settling into a new formation this season are improving every game and the intelligent runs from Jack Moore, playing up top, started to cause Matthew Harris and Ieuan Bromley in the Cwmffrwdoer defence to be on top form to keep him out.

Then, suddenly, Cwmffrwdoer were two up. The first, a fantastic free kick from Cwmffrwdoer's Man of the Match Corey Gauntlett, the ball dipping in so late that most thought it had gone over the bar. Chris Jones, Blues stand-in goalkeeper, having no chance.

The Blues could barely draw breath before Gauntlett again sprinted through the Blues defence and despite the calls for offside he buried the second again, giving Jones no chance.

The Blues again faced a test of temperament as well as spirit to come back into the game. The Blues' three centre backs, Kyran Bould, George Edwards and Ian Munroe providing a very strong base for Cwmffrwdoer to try and break down. The Blues navigated their way to half-time without further score. HT Cwmffrwdoer 2 - 0 Blues.

Led from midfield by the experienced Shey Watkins and Steve White, the Blues came back into the game. The main areas of play started to be in the Cwmffrwdoer half. The pressure paid off as Graham Rees was knocked over for a penalty. Steve White strolled up and passed the ball into the net. Cwmffrwdoer 2 -1 Blues.

Blues continued to press, Craig Williams and Lewis Walters both pushing forward at every opportunity. After another foul on Jack Moore out wide, Steve White strolled up and delivered an excellent free kick right onto Jake Greens head, who powered the header in. Cwmffrwdoer 2-2 Blues.

With Blues now in the ascendancy, Cwmffrwdoer started to look rattled, but they are still a quality team and Ieuan Bromley and Matthew Harris providing a formidable force in the Cwmffrwdoer defence. The game could have gone either way at this stage but following a mis-control by the Blues, the ball broke to Corey Gauntlett and as he skilfully moved the ball to the left, he hit a fantastic shot from the edge of the box, which screamed into the top corner to complete an excellent hat-trick.

The Blues were then hit with a fourth, again an excellent shot from the edge of the box by Ieuan Bromley which again gave Jones in the Blues goal no chance.

The Blues again showed real belief and playing attractive football pressed forward to look to get back into the game.

Their chance came when Jake Green was bundled over in the box, and again Steve White strolled up to take the spot-kick. But this time the ball struck the foot of the post and away. The Blues continued to huff and puff but couldn’t knock the Cwmffrwdoer house down.

Final score Cwmffrwdoer 4 – 2 Blaenavon Blues

Blues 3rds travelled away and found themselves up against a strong, hard working Tranch side.

It was going to be a tough game as Tranch have won every league game so far this season. But to add to Blues' difficulties, many players were unavailable from all three Blues teams, therefore, the thirds only had the bare 11 players.

The game started brightly and was evenly matched. Tranch finally broke through to take the lead. The Blues defence of Mike Weenink, Alex Bond, Jason Blatchford and Harvey Philpott working tirelessly and were outstanding against a very fast and skilful Tranch attack. Kieron Parfitt in the Blues goal produced numbers of saves. The Blues conceded another just before half-time.

Half time: Tranch 2 – 0 Blues 3rds

Second half and the Blues made a few tactical changes with Man of the Match Harrison Archer moving into a free role, alongside Steve Richards.

Hardworking Josh Preece, wide men Stuart Harper and Ben Dando played some attractive football and created a number of half chances.

But as the Blues started to tire, Tranch were able to bring on fresh legs and this proved effective, young Callum Pollard coming on at right back for Tranch, and they took total control of the game.

Glenn Barlow playing up top, by himself, for the Blues worked tirelessly, chasing back as well as forward. The Blues were unable to make changes as Tranch attacked with wave after wave of attacks and goals.

The Blues management was very proud of the team's performance and spirit. Building a team spirit being key to the success of any team.

Final score: Tranch 8 – 0 Blues 3rds