Gwent County League Division Two

Sudbrook 4 Newport Corinthians 2

BAD weather was the only winner at the weekend, causing many games across all three divisions to be called off due to unfit pitches, writes Bob Cypher.

But Sudbrook manager Daryl Cann had booked the 3G pitch at Caldicot Leisure Centre for his table-topping team to face visitors Newport Corries.

"I had pre-booked the pitch weeks ago so it was more luck than judgement," Cann said later.

"This was our first game since the Saturday before Christmas and it was clear we were a bit rusty but would need to start quickly because this was a totally different Corries side to the one we beat 13-1 earlier in the season.

"Their recent results showed us they have improved and have been on an impressive run of form."

Cann was proved right in his assessment when Corries took an early lead after an attempted clearance six yards out hit one of the visiting players and bounced past Sudbrook keeper Steve Hepple.

"It was a soft goal to give away but they deserved it and with their tails up, they doubled their advantage when a long-range shot zipped off the greasy surface and slipped through Steve's hands," Cann continued.

"The lads knew they needed to show their character if we were to get anything out of the game."

Cann also knew a lost home game would be an encouragement for the pack chasing Sudbrook for a place in Division One next season.

A point ahead of second-placed Wattsville and with Ynysddu and Abertillery keen to keep up the pressure on the leading pair, a slip-up at home - even if it was on the 3G surface - could be a crucial defeat.

But Cann has assembled a squad of experienced and talented players, so it was no great surprise when Jason Thorn reduced the arrears just before half time, sweeping Lloyd Williams' through ball past the onrushing Corries keeper.

"It was a different side in the second half," Cann said. "We were more composed, aggressive and clinical and we played the game as we wanted it played and Corries visibly tired."

Sudbrook were denied an equaliser when Thorn lobbed the keeper to score but the referee decided the striker was offside, but the decision only delayed the inevitable as the same player was set up by Oli Mottram to level matters.

Hepple played his part with a brave one-on-one save to deny Corries taking the lead.

Sudbrook exerted more pressure on the visitors' defence to win a corner.

Ben Miles' flag-kick found Jamie Green who gave Sudbrook the lead for the first time with a powerful header.

Corries started to make some rash challenges and from one such challenge, a free kick was awarded about 30 yards out.

The ball was slung over to Green who headed it back across goal for Cann - on as a substitute - to volley past the keeper to complete the comeback and, with Wattsville's match at Pill a victim of the weather, the Mill Lane outfit are still top.

"All we can do is keep winning and hope the chasing pack drop points," Cann added.

The Division Three derby between Underwood Athletic and Severn Tunnel was also postponed because of an unfit pitch while Mathern were without a game.