Gwent County League Round-up

MATHERN recorded the best result of the weekend, inflicting a first defeat on visiting Division Two leaders Wattsville, writes Bob Cypher.

The 4-1 scoreline – provided by goals from Gary Baker, Elliot Greening, Nick Hanson and James Burchill – boosted Mathern into the plus side of the goal difference column, although the three clubs around them in the table also won their matches.

A goal up and well on top, Mathern were given an extra boost on 25 minutes when the visitors’ keeper was sent off for foul and abusive language aimed at the home dugout.

Reduced to 10 men, the cracks began to show as Mathern turned up the heat.

“We knew we had to get a result even though they are flying high," manager Lee Baker said.

“We started very strongly, passing the ball short and asking a lot of questions of Wattsville very early on and they had no answer as we went 1-0 up.

“The game changed when their keeper was sent off because we went a lot more direct and played into their hands. The stop-start way of the first half went in favour of them in the situation they were in, but we scored a second with the last kick of the first half.”

During the break, the Wattsville manager changed his team’s formation with a more attacking shape.

“Wattsville really had no answer to our football game and we controlled the second half very well, especially as they pushed for a point,” Baker continued.

“We defended like dogs and were very determined to win this game.

“I’m very pleased with the game management. It shows what we can do and what we are capable of.

“We have set a standard, so now we must push on and go again next week, at home to Pill.”

Meanwhile, in Division 3, Underwood lost 4-0 at Oak FC and Severn Tunnel were beaten 6-2 at Usk Town.

Underwood boss Craig Johnson has similar problems to Sudbrook’s manager – missing players.

“We were without three first team players so it was always going to be a tough game,” he said.

“We came across a very determined Oak team and with only two subs it was difficult for us to change things around.

“But we will go again next week and keep trying to turn things around.”

Tunnel welcome Nantyglo to Rogiet on Saturday while Underwood entertain Rhymney. In Division Two, Mathern are home to Pill and Sudbrook welcome second-placed Ynysddu Welfare to Mill Lane.