UNDERWOOD go second in Division Three thanks to a 6-2 victory over Ponthir while Severn Tunnel bounced back from defeat to beat Mardy 6-1.

Following their 4-4 draw at Cefn Fforest, Underwood boss Craig Johnson was pleased his men performed well despite the absence of some of the team.

“We didn't go into the game at our strongest but my players stepped up with David Jackson leading the way with a hat-trick” he said.

“It was great to see Kieron Watkins, who was a second team player last season, play out of position at centre back and give a man-of-the-match performance."

Underwood’s scorers were David Jackson (3), Kyle Harrison (2) and James May.

Tunnel’s joint managers Marcus Jenkins and Drew Main were pleased with the way their team put the 4-0 defeat at Brynmawr behind them and scored six of the best to beat Mardy at Rogiet.

Centre back Tom Atkins scored a hat-trick, putting his side ahead in the first half before wrapping up the points with two more later.

“We played Mardy off the park with an excellent performance from start to finish despite missing several players,” Main said.

“We pressed quickly, never giving Mardy a moment to dwell on the ball. After dominating the first 20 minutes, Tom scored our first goal with a well-taken set piece and finish.”

Four further goals from new signing Jason Lawrence (2), skipper Nathan Wheeler and a second from Atkins, came in 12 first-half minutes as Tunnel cruised to a 5-0 lead.

“We made changes at the break introducing fresh players and 2nd team players who stepped up to help us out and Marcus and I were delighted with the response after last week's defeat.

“We needed to bounce back quickly and winning home games is vitally important.

“The bye in the cup gives us another full week’s training before we travel to Rhymney on Saturday.”

In Division Two, Sudbrook were without a game following their 4-3 victory at Mathern in midweek.

Two goals from defender Jamie Green – including his late winner – ended a defiant display from Mathern whose goals came from Harry Johnson (2) and Elliot Greening.

Mathern put the defeat behind them to win 2-1 at Marshfield thanks to goals from James Burchill and Ryan Palmer, at the weekend and, like Severn Tunnel, they have a bye in round one but are due to visit Lucas Cwmbran on Saturday.