Mathern FC 2 Pentwynmawr Athletic 2

Division Two

Mathern FC 2 Pentwynmawr Athletic 2

TWO goals from Sam Greening earned Mathern what could prove to be a precious point in their battle against relegation, writes Bob Cypher.

Greening struck in the first half, finding himself in acres of space with time to pick his spot after a cross from the right eluded the visitors’ defence.

It was a lead Mathern might have increased with better shooting and decision-making in the final third but the score stood to half-time.

Pentwynmawr came out with more purpose after the break and looked menacing, particularly on their left flank, and it was no real surprise when they levelled on 55 minutes.

To their credit Mathern dug in and kept probing through Greening and Ryan Palmer, the latter being upended in the area to present his partner with the chance to restore Mathern’s lead from the spot, which he did.

With the clock running down, assistant manager Jason Johnstone brought on Keiron Gettings in search of a third goal but the visitors upset the plans with a speculative strike from the left touchline which flew over the desperate efforts of Mathern keeper Nathan Fieldhouse to claw it away and nestled inside the far post.

Having led twice and been pegged back twice, Mathern then had to dig deeper to prevent their visitors from taking all three points.

The home side created chances but were unable to convert any of them and although they fought to the end, they had to settle for a single point.

If they had managed three, it would have been a fairer reward for a better display than of late and it would have seen them leapfrog Tredegar.

As it is, they are still rooted to the bottom of the table, a point behind Tredegar and six behind Pentwynmawr.

Despite watching his team throw away the lead twice, Johnstone was upbeat.

“I thought we played well in the first half and had the majority of good quality possession, creating the better chances,” he said.

“Pentwynmawr came back into it in the second half and made the game a physical encounter.

“We battled well and deserved at least a point from the game.

“But it brings to an end a poor run of results which haven’t been reflected in the majority of our performances this season.

“There were a lot of positives and we move forward with another great opportunity next weekend in the cup so it’s onwards and upwards for our improving team and performances.”

Mathern are away to Clydach Wasps in a Gwent FA Amateur Cup first round tie this Saturday.

Other East Gwent clubs in round 1 are Severn Tunnel, who travel to take on Crindau Corries, Thornwell Red & White A are also away to FC Tredegar, Rockfield Rovers are home to Garnlydan and Tintern Abbey welcome Newport Eagles.