Monmouthshire Windows East Gwent League

Division One

ON A weekend ruined by bad weather, Severn Tunnel rediscovered their mojo as the management team decided to make changes, writes Bob Cypher.

Tunnel booked the Caldicot Leisure Centre 3G pitch for the visit of Tintern Abbey and ran out 9-1 winners.

It didn’t start well for Tunnel, who fell a goal down after defender Darren Poultney gave away a penalty.

“Darren put both arms up to protect his good looks,” quipped Tunnel boss Ron Atkins later.

Despite the setback, Tunnel reacted well.

“The next 30 minutes belonged to us,” Atkins continued.

“We had lost two on the spin so me and Paul Light decided to mix it up a bit and we shocked everyone by moving Tom Atkins back into midfield and gave Marc Carter-Selwood the chance to show what he could do upfront - and it worked a treat.

“Marc hit five goals before half time which amazed everyone but me!

“I replaced three players at half time and told them ‘win your place’ and they took the opportunity,

“We scored through Tom Atkins, a couple from Tom Pickin and James Perrett to complete the victory.

“Paul and I have a squad of players who can play anywhere and I believe this performance was the best all season.

“Tom Hoggins impressed us with his first start, Tom Atkins was upstaged by Carter-Selwood for the man of the match award and if I hadn’t taken him off at half-time, he would probably have doubled his tally.”

Atkins also paid tribute to bottom club Tintern’s fighting spirit.

“They never gave up even though they aren’t having the best season in their long history,” he said.