MATHERN FC finally bowed out of this season’s Gwent Amateur Cup competition when they lost 3-0 at Malpas United.

Despite the reverse, manager Dean Thomas was still upbeat about his team’s effort and commitment.

“The game was fairly even for the most part, but we gifted Malpas their goals and failed to take our chances,” he said.

“We played some good football but took the wrong option too many times in the final third.

“There are positives to take into the next game – at Mardy on Saturday and we will work hard in training this week to put right the mistakes we made.”

Blackrock Rovers also returned to action after a lengthy lay-off due to unfit pitches home and away. Losing 3-1 to promotion hopefuls Llanhilleth Athletic.

“We were all a bit rusty from the gap in games,” admitted Rovers’ boss Paul Lovell.

“We went ahead through Ben Smith’s free-kick but Athletic equalised after a goalmouth scramble just before half-time.

“It was pretty even right up to the last 15 minutes and they scored from a corner with some of our players running out of energy.

We had the chance to equalise from a corner but we missed the ball completely two yards out and they galloped up to our area and scored their third.

Blackrock are due to take on New Inn this Saturday.

In Division 3, Caldicot Castle entertain near-neighbours Thornwell Red & White and Rockfield Rovers entertain Wainfelin Bluebirds.

While Rovers – who won 7-1 at Whiteheads at the weekend - are pushing for promotion back to Division 2, Castle and Thornwell are looking over their shoulders at the three clubs below them.

The clubs shared six goals in their first derby clash in November but a point each will not suit either team.

Castle, who did not play at the weekend, have 20 points from 16 games while Thornwell have 17 points from 20 games.

They enjoyed a 3-2 home victory over Rhymney at the weekend thanks to goals from Matthew Pearce, 17-year-old Jack Taylor and an own goal.

“Jack’s goal was his first for the team and it was a very good one,” said manager Steve Bidmead.

“We were the better team for most of the game and I was pleased with the performance and the commitment from my players. We are looking forward to Saturday’s match.”