Gwent County League

Division 2

Mathern FC 2 Blackrock Rovers 2

TWO penalties – one scored and one saved – just about summed up this Division 2 derby.

The successful penalty was won and scored by Blackrock’s Ben Smith while the failure – which would have given the home side the lead – was pounced on by Rovers’ tall goalkeeper, Jason Szmaglik.

Often feisty and occasionally spilling over onto the sidelines, the game also summed up the recent fortunes of the two clubs.

Mathern hasn’t gained a league since December while Rovers sit one place off the bottom so one point does neither club any favours

Chances were created by both teams, but good defending and indifferent finishing kept the match goalless.

Rovers were also missing former skipper Sam Watkins who signed for Caldicot Town in midweek.

The stalemate was broken when a through ball was miscontrolled 20 yards out and as Smith flicked the ball over Mathern keeper Jason Johnson, he was fouled by the keeper, just inside the box.

After receiving treatment, Smith despatched the penalty, sending Johnson the wrong way.

Mathern fought back with Jeffery and Alex Jarman in good form on the flanks and Elliot Greening and Rory Prettyjohns battling for midfield control.

The equaliser came when Jarman rose high to loop Jeffery’s corner over the keeper.

Soon after the break, the tricky Jeffery was fouled in the box but he was unable to put Mathern ahead as Szmaglik smothered the spot-kick.

Rovers restored their lead when a long kick by the keeper was helped on to Smith who scored with a low shot.

Home boss Dean Thomas sent on Connor Hayden and Luke Farley to add more of a cutting edge to Mathern’s attacks.

Rovers held firm however until 10 minutes from time when Jarman stooped low to steer the ball between a defender and the keeper to level.

“We didn’t create a lot,” admitted Thomas later. “Blackrock worked hard and made the most of their chances.”

Opposite number Lovell said he thought his men had done enough to earn three points.

“A moment’s lack of concentration cost us the equaliser but there were some encouraging signs for our last nine games.

“It was a typical local derby with no quarter given from either side and we made a bright start with a few clear-cut chances which should have seen us ahead by a couple of goals before Mathern woke up and started to play.

“It was a tight game which saw us close them down at every opportunity, a scrappy game with a fair result in the end.”