Monmouthshire Windows East Gwent League

Caldicot Castle B 1 Mathern A 9

THE scoreline might be debatable but two hat-tricks, a superb double by a player easing his way back from injury and a debut goal adds up to nine in any language, writes Bob Cypher.

The scoreline was recorded as 8-1 on the league’s results page, although it is understood Mathern’s secretary has asked for it to be revised.

The hat-tricks were claimed by striker Keiron Gettings and Matty Bajjada, the double came via a smart header and a brilliantly-executed bicycle kick by Luke Farley, and the icing on the cake came when 16-year-old Cameron Fletcher – on as a sub – scored with a low shot, squeezing the ball between Castle keeper Ian Cross and the near post.

Mathern A boss Simon Bajjada could have loaded his team with the club’s Gwent County League players as they did not have a match, but he stuck with his regular selection.

The visitors played some excellent one-touch football with the impressive James Burchill pulling the strings in midfield, while James Trigg was equally as influential in defence.

Mathern stormed into a 2-0 lead but then a corner led to Castle's Stewart Wood pulling one back.

Stung by the setback and encouraged by skipper Wayne Duffield, Gettings completed his treble and Matty Bajjada scored twice to go into the break in control.

Despite the scoreline, boss Bajjada was far from complacent, urging his players to be more consistent.

“I asked them to play that sort of football throughout, not just for short periods,” he added.

“Caldicot were stubborn and the next goal just wouldn’t come so, after 65 minutes, I sent on Luke (Farley) and Jamie Palmer to freshen up the attack.

“With a full bench to support the team, I sent on another two subs – Sam Greening and Cameron Fletcher and within minutes Cameron, making his debut for the Seconds, scored our sixth goal.”

After being hauled down in the penalty area, Greening handed the ball to Matthew Bajjada who completed his hat-trick.

Determined not to be left out of the action, Luke Farley headed Mathern’s eighth from a cross by Greening and then, with only minutes left, he scored a magnificent goal with a bicycle kick from Jack Taylor’s cross

“Although it was a comfortable win, I was pleased our shape looked good throughout, even after five substitutions,” manager Bajjada added.

“The passing in the last 10-15 minutes of each half is what we need throughout. And to do that, I think we have to get our fitness and sharpness to a higher level – especially when we play tougher teams.”