PANTEG defender David Gabbidon will end a remarkable 23 years of service with the Welsh League outfit, when he plays his 696th and final game against visiting Bridgend Street (Cardiff), writes Terry Daley.

The Division Three club brings the curtain down on its 2016/17 campaign with Gabbidon, brother of former Wales and Premier League star Danny, also calling time on his Panteg playing career at the age of 41.

He arrived in August 1994 from then-League of Wales side Cwmbran Town with Panteg suffering relegation to the Gwent County League at the end of 1998/99.

But while other players left to sign for other WL clubs, Gabbidon showed true loyalty in remaining.

It was a long await for Panteg to secure promotion back to the WL but with Gabbidon a rock in defence they managed to earn it in 2014.

After credible 11th and seventh-placed finishes in their first two seasons, Panteg have continued their improvement and victory over today's capital opponents will see Panteg favourites to end in third.

Sadly because only two teams are to be promoted, Panteg will again play Division Three football next season, but minus Gabbidon.

Joint Panteg manager Mark Taylor remarked: "David Gabbidon has been the linchpin of our rise back into the Welsh League.

"It has been my privilege to be his manager for 10 years and he is not just a great player, but is the nicest guy you could ever meet.

"He has always put the team first and without 'Gabbi', we would not be where are today - an absolute amazing person."

Kick off at the Panteg House Sportsground is at 2.30pm.

BLOB Ty-Isaf Park, Risca, will be the venue for two local cup finals next month.

On Saturday, May 6, Gwent County League Division Two champions Villa Dino Christchurch will take on third-placed finishers Fairfield United.

Seven days later, Division One rivals Neuadd Wen and Malpas United face each other in the Gwent Senior Cup final - both matches kicking off at 2.30pm.

Neuadd Wen will be seeking a season's double as they recently clinched promotion to the Welsh League with a 1-0 win at Malpas and can still lift the divisional title ahead of current leaders AC Pontymister.

Meanwhile Monmouth Town's Welsh League Youth Cup final against Afan Lido will take place at the Jenner Park home of Barry Town United on Thursday, May 19 - kick off 7.30pm.