BLAENAVON BLUES 1 GOVILON 2 BLAENAVON

Blues welcomed local rivals Govilon to the Memorial Ground on Saturday for a first round John Payne Barber Amateur cup fixture.

The two sides met two weeks earlier in the league when the game ended all square, but Govilon were the better side on the day.

This week was a totally different story as the Blues dominated large periods of the game playing some great football in the process only to fail to convert the numerous chances they created, and paid the ultimate price.

The Blues opened the scoring within the first five minutes when a Darryl Brenton cross was diverted into his own net by a visiting defender.

Some great pass and move football from the Blues allowed them to get in behind the Govilon defence only for Craig Tanner to put his shot wide of the mark.

Around the 25-minute mark, the Blues lost central defender Matt Cox to a knee injury and within 15 minutes right back Darryl Brenton was also forced the leave the field with a knee injury. The Blues reshuffled their defence with Ryan Simons and RichardWilliams coming on.

Govilon should have gone in at half-time all square when a good move opened up the Blues defence, only for their striker to put his shot wide.

The second half saw Govilon start to dominate possession, but the Blues always looked dangerous on the counter-attack.

Govilon’s keeper Parsons was outstanding, making a number of superb saves.

With five minutes remaining, the Blues continued to push forward to look for a second goal, but Govilon caught them out and got themselves an unlikely equaliser. With the game deep into injury time, Govilon sneaked a winner, and a second round tie.

A great advert for Gwent County football, congratulations to Govilon and good luck in the second round.

This weekend the Blues are in more cup action when they welcome DafenWelfare to the Memorial ground for a fourth round FAW Trophy game, kick-off 2pm.