Gwent County League

Division Three

Underwood Athletic 1 Usk Town 2

USK Town did the double over Underwood but this was a much tighter game than the 12-1 result in the earlier encounter, writes Bob Cypher.

Both teams were promoted to the GCL at the end of last season with Usk looking the most likely, at present, to progress to a higher division.

Manager Stuart Rodden has assembled a skilful team who attack with pace on both flanks and have a strong midfield.

Underwood lost important players like Josh Downing, Rob Williams and Dave Jackson through injury, as well as the experience of Tony Ryall and Lee Ryder.

It was pace and good passing from midfield which resulted in both of the visitors’ goals, although Underwood relied too heavily on catching their attackers offside.

After at least four offside decisions had frustrated them, the visitors took the lead through Greg Harris who rifled the ball home from 10 yards after home keeper Taylor Carey had blocked an earlier effort.

Carey was by far the busier keeper, earning applause from both benches when he dived full length to palm a net-bound header around a post.

But minutes later he was picking the ball out of the net after the speedy Harris timed his run perfectly to collect a through pass before firing the second.

Underwood looked stretched at the back as Usk’s Harry Wade, Owain Evans and Harris supplied a stream of crosses and niggly fouls kept referee Richard Beach busy.

The home side reduced the deficit when Dave Jackson ran on to a perfectly weighted pass to lob the on-rushing keeper Carl Holliday.

The fouls increased in regularity and intensity and yellow cards were shown as both teams realised the next score could be crucial ahead of half time.

During the team talk, Rodden urged his men to not allow Underwood to “pull you down to their level” but after the restart, and with Underwood attacking the top goal, late tackles became more frequent as the heavy pitch took its toll.

Despite the introduction of Underwood’s Joey Leighton and Dave Rees, the visitors’ defence held firm and with half an hour to go, Underwood were reduced to 10 men when Elliot Camfield – booked earlier for dissent – was shown a second yellow.

Although both teams had chances before the end, none were put away.

Later, Underwood manager Craig Johnson said he was disappointed his men were unable to get a point from the game.

“We knew we would have to be on top of our game if we were to stand any chance of taking anything from it,” he said.

“I believe my players did everything asked of them and were the better team for the majority of the game so it was disappointing to not take any of the points.”

Usk now sit in third place but 11 points adrift of Brynmawr and Rogerstone, all having played 14 games, while Underwood are fourth from bottom.

This weekend sees Underwood at home again when Division 2’s New Inn visit for an Amateur Cup Third Round match.