Amateur Cup quarter final

Thornwell Red & White 3 The Docks Cons 1 (aet)

THORNWELL must wait at least another seven days to find out which team they will face in the semi-final after two extra-time goals sealed victory at the weekend, writes Bob Cypher.

The other quarter-final clashes were called off but they face a tough test against whoever they draw in the semi-final, with all six clubs riding high in either Division 2 or 3 in the Gwent County League.

Against The Docks, they needed to step up their game and after a fairly even first half, Red & White took the lead thanks to Kenny Vidler’s clever header which looped over the visitors’ keeper, Josh Davies, and into the net.

But the lead lasted only a few minutes, Corey Wigmore rifling the ball home after the home defence failed to clear a corner.

With the score at 1-1, both sides had chances although Thornwell edged it in terms of possession, with neither team able to grab the winner.

In extra time, The Docks would have been remembering their previous wins in the competition this season having clinched two victories with penalty shoot-outs and may have thought they could go through with a different sort of hat-trick.

But Thornwell wingback Rob Wood had different ideas and his goal meant the visitors needed to be a little more adventurous in attack.

As they pressed for a second equaliser they were undone by a bizarre goal.

Matt Divers’ long clearance was touched back to his keeper by a Docks defender but as Vidler chased the back-pass and the keeper came out to clear, the ball bobbled, the keeper performed the perfect air-shot and the ball bounced past him on its way into the net.

Vidler – in the time-honoured way of all strikers – claimed he applied the final touch and it’s fairly safe to assume that neither the keeper or the defender want the goal to go down to them.

Thornwell manager Richard Jones named Vidler as man of the match for his goals and work-rate.

“It was fairly even with them and us having periods on top and although their goal was pretty scrappy, they deserved it,” Terry Woodward said.

“Rob Wood’s goal was a good strike from 20 yards and the third came at the right time for us.

“The gaffer said he was pleased with a good squad performance with everyone working hard for the right result.”

The remaining quarter finals involving Abertillery Excelsiors v New Inn, Brynmawr v Rhymney and Oak FC v Ynysddu Welfare are due to be played this Saturday while Thornwell will be in East Gwent League action at Caldicot Castle B.