Football roundup – Three set for Gill Cup semi-finals (From Free Press Series)

Football roundup – Three set for Gill Cup semi-finals

12:40pm Tuesday 12th February 2013 in Sport

THREE teams are through to the semi-finals of the Gill Cup but, once again, heavy rain ruled out play at Rogiet Sports Field where Severn Tunnel A were due to meet Chepstow Athletic.

That match should be played on Saturday to decide who will join Mathern Wanderers A, Blackrock Rovers and Underwood in the semis.

Blackrock enjoyed a 9-3 victory over Caldicot Town, thanks to Joe O’Brien (4), Craig Johnston, Dave May, Gareth Taylor, Richard Lee and Chris Norris.

“It was a much-improved performance,” said Rovers’ manager Leigh Taylor.

“Our captain Gareth Taylor gave a great performance before he leaves for Afghanistan for two months and we all wish him well and a safe return,” he added.

Underwood manager Danny Williams described his team’s 6-2 success over Chepstow Town as “a good hard cup-tie”.

“It was end-to-end to start with but after we scored a couple of goals, we gained confidence and settled down,” he said.

Underwood’s goals came from Josh Downing (2), James May, Elliott Campfield, Simon Hard and Rob Williams.

In Division 2, leaders Sudbrook CC lost 3-2 to second-place Caldicot Castle A but still lead by six points although Castle A have a game in hand.

Third-placed Tintern Abbey found Severn Tunnel B a hard nut to crack, eventually winning 2-0 thanks to goals from Geraint Reynolds.

Both managers paid tribute to the heroics of Tunnel keeper Sam Atkins.

“Geraint’s first goal was a penalty and the keeper had no chance with either of them but he had an exceptional match,” said Abbey manager Martin Woodford.

“We had the majority of the possession, Tunnel defended extremely well and but for a good save by our keeper Stuart Williams, they might well have scored in the second half.

“Our results lately have been patchy, so the most important thing for us was to return to winning ways and we performed very well against a gutsy team.”

Tunnel manager Ron Atkins was also pleased with his team’s performance.

“Our right-back Dan Barlow impressed me,” he said. “For a team who haven’t won a point yet, I am amazed by their commitment, courage and spirit, It keeps me at it, “I am sure we will get that point soon and I will enjoy it as much as they will.

“Sam played really well and definitely kept us in it right up to the final whistle.”

In the only other match to survive, Mathern B won 3-1 at Thornwell Red & White thanks to goals from Gary Baker, James Burchill and Scott McGrogan. Leon Ivin scored for Red & White.