Gwent County League football

SUDBROOK CC bounced back from last week’s disappointment at leaders Wattsville to gain three points against tricky opponents Pill at the weekend, writes Bob Cypher.

But it took a second-half substitute to turn the game in Sudbrook’s favour at a sunny but chilly Mill Lane.

In a goalless first half Sudbrook had enjoyed their fair share of the action but had been unable to make the breakthrough.

The home side was a mixture of the first and second squads as a number of regular players were away, attending a team-mate’s wedding.

Sudbrook’s East Gwent League team’s manager Gary Vaughan said the absentees meant the Seconds’ match had been postponed in order to put out a competitive side for the county league match.

“We are playing three at the back, five across the middle and two upfront and hope we can restrict Pill and maybe grab a goal,” he added.

As it turned out, his selection did frustrate the visitors but until Richard Lloyd arrived, straight from work, it looked like a draw was the most likely result.

Lloyd, who works for the Royal Mail, delivered a sparkling performance when he arrived, as Rob Thorn limped off after a crunching tackle.

Within minutes Lloyd set up Jason Thorn for his first goal, before firing in a 20-yarder which the Pill keeper could only parry straight to the feet of new signing Dave Jackson who gleefully slotted the ball into the unguarded net.

Jason Thorn then added two more as Pill dissolved into bickering among themselves before Jackson grabbed his second – his third in two matches – from just outside the penalty area.

Although Lloyd and the scorers were the headline grabbers, Sudbrook’s work-rate was excellent as was the non-stop “commentary” provided by goalkeeper Steve Hepple.

Never one to hide his light under a bushel – whatever that is – Hepple cajoles, encourages, warns and generally directs his side’s play from between the sticks.

He reads the game well and spots potential danger – and openings – often before the players in front of him do.

Sudbrook are still in third place but they appear to be out of the promotion equation after Mathern were beaten 5-1 at Abertillery Excelsiors on Saturday.

Five points behind Sudbrook, Abertillery have four games in hand and look favourites to join Ynysddu Welfare in Division 1 next season.