BLAENAVON Blues thirds hosted their nearest rivals Forgeside AFC in what turned out to be a classic local derby match.

With neither Blaenavon firsts nor seconds having a game, the thirds management showed great faith in keeping with the third team squad.

The match started as expected, fast with some ferocious challenges going in from both sides as both teams tried to keep hold of the ball and play football.

The game was well refereed by stand-in referee Paul Jones.

After a good Blues passing move involving Ben Dando, Harrison Archer and Ellis Richards, the ball reached Kyle Richards, 25 yards out, and his drive hit the upright with Forgeside keeper Jason Gulliford beaten.

Forgeside then got themselves into the ascendancy. After a promising Forgeside attack, Blues were forced to give away a corner. From that corner Harry Jones capitalised on the Blues inability to deal with it and headed in the opening goal.

As Forgeside piled on the pressure, Natt George in the Blues goal dealt well with a number of crosses and corners, constantly under pressure from the Forgeside attack.

Half-time: Blues 3rds 0-1 Forgeside 2nds

The 2nd half started very much as the first half with strong committed challenges from both sides.

Young Pierce Archer, Forgeside man of match, was very busy in Forgeside's midfield, alongside the hardworking duo of Lee Davies and Rhys Black. With only ten minutes gone of the second half, Forgeside earned another corner and McCauley Trinder swung in a great ball which flew past everybody and into the top corner.

Blues 3rds 0 – 2 Forgeside 2nds.

Blues skipper Kyran Bould, Blues' man of match, led by example and rallied his players together, and the Blues started to play passing football. The young Blues midfield of Stuart Harper, Kyle Richards Kyran Bould, Harrison Archer and Ben Dando started playing some great football, forcing Forgeside back into their own half.

The Forgeside defence were now under a lot of pressure with Jason Gulliford pulling off some fine saves for Forgeside.

Blues' back four of Rhys Davies, Harvey Philpott, Steve Richards and Dan Rogers started to push forward and pile on the pressure.

With midfield and defence linking well on the Blues side, the resultant pressure led to a corner.

Kyran Boulds' delivery caused mayhem in the Forgeside defence and the ball ended up in the Forgeside net. The comeback had started.

Forgeside weren’t helped when their hard-working Gazzy Williams had to go off through injury. This forced a reorganisation by Forgeside.

Stuart Harper picked up the ball in the Blues midfield and fed Ellis Richards with a delightful through ball.

With Ellis racing through on goal, the Forge keeper came out and a 50/50 challenge resulted in the ball flying through the air and striking the cross bar with Ben Dando, following up, playing the ball into an empty net.

At 2-2, the comeback was definitely on.

Forgeside made some tactical changes which saw Marcus Williams pushing up and leading the attack with Michael Marsden, who was always looking a constant threat with his pace.

Blues were then forced to reorganise as Dan Rogers went off injured. He was replaced by Shey Watkins who went straight into centre midfield.

Blues were upping the pressure again, continually running at Forgeside at every opportunity.

Lee Crimmins had a great game at centre half for Forgeside, soaking it all up.

The last ten minutes saw Blues still full of running.

Following a loose ball an excellent header from Steve Richards put Stuart Harper in a bit of space. Harper cut inside, onto his favoured left foot, and his drive screamed into the Forgeside net. Comeback complete.

Forgeside battled to put pressure back on to try to get an equaliser but the Blues defence and keeper remained resolute.

The final whistle was eventually blown after what seemed such a long second half.

A great game of football and amazing Blues team spirit.

The Blues manager, Steve Richards, had nothing but praise for his team, stating how proud he was of every player and unused subs.

“What a great squad of players,” he said.

Final score Blues 3rds 3 – 2 Forgeside 2nds.