Cwmffrwdoer Sports Club 6 Cromwell 1

AFTER the previous week’s successful cup exploits, Cwmffrwdoer Sports Club returned to Gwent County League action with a surprisingly easy home win against a good Cromwell side from Newport, who are expected to be in the mix at the end of the season.

The Doer welcomed back skipper Matthew Jackson and Gazza Priest, the latter following a long lay-off with injury, but it was striker Mikey Passmore who opened the scoring after 25 minutes following a mix-up in the Cromwell defence.

With the two quick Cromwell strikers being contained by seasoned centre halves Keven Lewis and Mike Osland, any strikes on goal were dealt with by ‘keeper Gareth Williams, who pulled off a number of crucial saves to encourage his team-mates.

With the Doer starting the second half 1-0 to the good, Cromwell looked to take the game to their hosts.

But the Doer midfield of Jackson, Kristian Howells, Stewart Lewis and Kyle Tovey took control and Cromwell soon found themselves 2-0 down when Passmore struck again.

The Doer began to play their short, sharp passing game and kept the ball well and in the 60th minute striker Steffan Clarke, who recently transferred from Welsh League side Abertillery Bluebirds, produced a sublime finish when he chipped the ball over the advancing Cromwell ’keeper to make it 3-0.

Cromwell never gave in and were a constant threat all afternoon and were rewarded for their efforts shortly afterwards with a well deserved goal.

What could have become a difficult time for the Doer in fact spurred them on and after 70 minutes Passmore latched on to a superb cross into the box from Jackson, firing the ball into the roof of the Cromwell net to complete his hat-trick.

Shortly afterwards he scored his fourth goal and the Doer’s fifth with a low strike.

With the Doer now in full control with five minutes remaining another good ball in from the right wing by Lewis found Howells running in at the back post to place the ball past the static ’keeper and complete the 6-1 scoreline.

This was another excellent all-round team display and next Saturday the Doer travel to Cromwell for the return fixture.

●Cwmffrwdoer Sports Club seconds gave an excellent account of themselves against leaders Usk in their Gwent Central League fixture and were unlucky to leave the island 4-3 losers.

Goals for the Doer were scored by in-form striker Matthew Timbrell (two) and Lloyd Davies.

This Saturday Cwmffrwdoer Seconds are away to near neighbours New Inn.