East Gwent Senior League Roundup

THE fixture fiasco which has caused major disruption throughout the Gwent County League season meant Underwood SC A’s match against Thornwell Red & White was brought forward to an earlier kick-off.

Thornwell’s senior side were due to play Rogerstone away but as they had already done so – on October 25 – the match was switched to a home game.

That, in turn, caused the East Gwent Senior League to change the timing of the Underwood match.

Underwood were unfazed however, winning 8-0 with goals from Kyle Brown (2) Matthew Jackson (2), Sean Johnson, Tom Turner, David Jackson and Kyle Gettings.

Manager Sean Johnson said that despite missing some regulars, including striker Josh Downing who is recovering from a hamstring injury, he was pleased to continue their current run of form.

“Although Thornwell lacked an attacking threat, we remained solid defensively and I'm happy with another clean sheet going into some hard, season-defining, games,” he said.

"We should probably have scored more but their keeper pulled off some great saves.”

The early start was an extra bonus for Underwood who were able to watch most of the Mathern-Sudbrook match and run the rule over their title rivals.

Before then, however, Underwood have a difficult match this weekend when they take on their own B team in a cup semi-final.

“There has been a great build-up to the semi and I expect both teams will pull out all the stops to make the final,” Johnson continued.

“We expect it to be a fiery contest, with friendships between the two teams left in the changing rooms.

“It's a fantastic chance for us to bring the community together and celebrate what both teams have achieved so far this season.

“All the players either live in Underwood or grew up in the area, apart from Gavin Ellis, who we adopted from Sudbrook CC.”

Elsewhere in Division 1, Severn Tunnel A won 5-1 at Caldicot Castle A, Dan Chambers scoring Castle’s consolation.

In Division 2, Paul Light and Nick Owen scored in Chepstow Town B’s 2-0 win over Caldicot Castle B, Sudbrook CC B beat Severn Tunnel C by the same score and Severn Tunnel B lost 4-3 at home to Tintern Abbey B.