Gwent County League

Division Two

EAST Gwent’s two county league clubs had mixed fortunes as they kicked off their season, writes Bob Cypher.

Mathern were due to host Machen, but a switch from Saturday to the previous Tuesday was arranged without manager Lee Baker’s knowledge.

Sudbrook’s first match also brought a problem, not of timing but of venue.

With their usual home pitch still being part-used by the cricket club, manager Daryl Cann had difficulty finding a pitch that conformed to county league standard.

“The 3G pitch was already booked so I asked if we could use Severn Tunnel’s pitch in Rogiet for the match against FC Tredegar, and they said yes,” he explained.

The game went ahead but Cann, who is due to step down as manager next month, did not get the campaign off to the best start as they drew 1-1.

Keenan Perrett gave Sudbrook the lead, curling his shot over the visiting keeper’s outstretched arm.

But the lead was short-lived when a soft penalty was awarded and driven home to level.

The second half saw Sudbrook pile on the pressure but they rarely found a way through Tredegar’s defence.

When they did, the visitors’ keeper was outstanding, making a triple save to deny a winner as Perrett, Dave Jackson and Tom Turner all tried their luck.

There was better news for Mathern despite the change of time.

“The first I knew of the change was when the referee rang me to ask when I was going to confirm the match with him,” manager Lee Baker said.

“I said I would ring Friday and he told me the game had been switched.

“It took a few urgent calls but we managed to field a good team and the 3-1 victory - and the three points - were very good.”

Mathern were due to visit Brynmawr last night and are home this Saturday to Rhymney (3pm).

Sudbrook were also due to play last night, at home to Pentwynmawr Athletic, and visit Lucas Cwmbran on Saturday.