Monmouthshire Windows East Gwent League

Division One

THE title race is hotting up after leaders Caldicot Castle’s 100 per cent record was shattered at the weekend, writes Bob Cypher.

And with Thornwell Red & White A winning 5-1 at home to Undy Athletic and Severn Tunnel emerging with all three points in a 3-2 victory over Caldicot Town at Rogiet, four clubs are now thinking their name might be on the trophy next May.

Castle and Iscoed are locked on 19 points each from eight games, Thornwell are third with 14 points from seven games but Severn Tunnel - if they were to win their two games in hand - would leapfrog all three clubs above them as they have 14 points from just six games.

Tunnel boss Ron Atkins admitted he was “so chuffed” after seeing his men come back from 2-1 down to beat Caldicot Town 3-2.

“Town came with a strong squad hoping to give us our first league defeat,” Atkins said.

After seeing his men go a goal down to a penalty and then watch his son’s penalty kick skim off the bar, things didn’t look too good.

But Atkins junior, skippering the side in the absence of injured Nathan Wheeler, made amends with a 40-yard screamer which was fumbled over the line by Town’s keeper.

“Town went ahead again with a good long range shot and we made a couple of substitutions, bringing on Callum Wheeler and Marc Carter-Selwood,” Atkins continued.

“We continued to push on, watched by Severn Tunnel Ladies, which seemed to inspire the boys, especially man of match Atkins and Tom Pickin.

“We equalised and then took the lead through Pickin and Chris Taylor and saw it out.

“It was an excellent game all round to be part of and I was particularly pleased with the attitude of the subs we didn’t use.

“They are helping us sustain a good squad and we appreciate them.”

Division Two

WITH only two games surviving the weather, Sudbrook CC put extra pressure on leaders Chepstow Town with a 4-0 home victory over Thornwell Red & White B.

Ricky Douglas’ men were always in control as a hat-trick from Tom Stuart and substitute Connor Brown’s goal wrapped up the points.

Sudbrook are now a point behind Town with a game in hand.

Raglan fought hard to get back to winning ways but were hit by a late goal, losing 3-2 at Caldicot Castle B.

GWENT FA have fined and suspended Iscoed Tafarn’s manager and players for their part in September’s abandonment of the league match at Caldicot Castle.

The game was abandoned by the referee after Iscoed’s manager Ashley Edinborough and two players were sent off.

The Gwent FA website has announced the punishments, with Edinborough fined £75 and ordered to pay £25 costs and banned for three games from November 7th.

The club has also been fined £200 with £100 suspended until 2019, and a further £100 for a separate offence. Iscoed player Kieran Watkins was fined £100 with £25 costs and banned from playing for two years.