Monmouthshire Windows East Gwent League

Sudbrook CC 2 Caldicot Castle 0 (Division Two)

A GOAL by Macauley Rice minutes from time finally clinched the points for Sudbrook - but it was not as close an encounter as it may seem, writes Bob Cypher.

Having taken the lead in the first half, Dickie Lee sliding in to prod a cross from Chris Phillips past Castle keeper Ian Cross, it looked likely that Sudbrook would win easily.

But despite good approach play, too often shots were off-target or delayed long enough for Castle’s defence to clear the danger.

Keith Morse was the player with the “they shall not pass” attitude, heading crosses clear and timing his tackles to perfection.

As the game progressed, particularly in the second half, the impressive Tom Knight and Richard Burrows created plenty of chances but were unable to apply the killer touch, Knight holding his head in anguish as he saw his shot beat Cross but bounce past the far post.

Steve Davies was also on form but he too was unable to reproduce the stunning 45-yard goals he has scored in recent weeks.

With time running out, Chris Phillips claimed his second assist, crossing for the onrushing Rice to apply the finishing touch from a few yards out.

The three points gained kept the pressure on leaders Chepstow Town, and the clean sheet helped Sudbrook’s goal difference and rather cast Castle adrift as they are now nine points behind the cricket club and 10 behind Town, who beat visitors Portskewett & Sudbrook 3-1.

Monmouth Town also won at home, beating Chepstow Athletic 5-1, and Raglan beat their visitors Thornwell Red & White B 8-2.

This Saturday, Sudbrook welcome Chepstow Town to Mill Lane, Castle B visit Monmouth Town, Chepstow Athletic make the short journey to face Thornwell B and Raglan welcome Portskewett & Sudbrook.

Division One and Two round-up

Severn Tunnel’s title hopes took a knock when they lost their unbeaten record in a 4-2 home defeat to Rockfield Rovers.

With Caldicot Castle A on Amateur Cup duty, Tunnel had the ideal opportunity to make up ground, especially as they had two games in hand on the current champions.

But Tunnel’s rivals, hopefuls Iscoed Tafarn, did take the opportunity to put pressure on Castle by winning 2-0 at Undy Athletic.

Taylor Gregory and Jamie Richardson were the Tafarn’s marksmen and manager Ashley Edinborough said he was pleased with the way the game was played.

“It was a well-earned three points for us against a gritty Undy team that never gave in,” he said later.

“It was nice to be involved in a game where both teams actually tried to play football instead of just playing it long,” he added.

This Saturday sees the Tafarn welcoming Caldicot Castle A to Underwood while Severn Tunnel are due to take on Thornwell at Rogiet Sportsfield.

In other matches, Rockfield entertain Undy and Caldicot Town welcome Tintern Abbey.