Gwent County League

Division Two

SUDBROOK CC returned to the top of the division after a hard-fought 2-1 win at Pentwynmawr on Saturday, writes Bob Cypher.

But boss Daryl Cann knows the hard work begins now as his men still have a game to play against each of the chasing pack.

“Even though teams below us have games in hand, we still have to play everyone again so we know we can’t afford to drop a single point and that is going to be tough,” he said later.

“It will be especially tough if we have to play on pitches like Saturday’s.

“It was waterlogged, soft and bobbly and it didn’t make for attractive football, but it was to be expected.

“We struck first when Steve Davies won the ball deep in their half and the ball fell to Oli Mottram.

“With still plenty to do, Oli skinned three defenders and hammered the ball past the keeper.

“We were on top but Pentwynmawr caught us on the break and equalised with a good header just before half-time.

“It was very much the same story in the second half as we tried our best to play football, but the lads stuck to the task and we got the breakthrough with about 15 minutes left.

“Jamie Green won the ball at the back and found Keenan Perrett with a great through

ball.

“One on one with the keeper, Keenan calmly slotted the ball home.

"Pentwynmawr kept pushing for an equaliser but we came away with the points after a proper battle on a horrendous pitch.”

Meanwhile, Mathern were beaten 5-1 by visitors Lucas Cwmbran in a match which manager Lee Baker said was dogged by individual errors.

“It was a hard day at the office for us,” he said.

“We started very well and went ahead when a good free kick was bundled home by Elliot Greening.

“We looked good value for the lead. We kept the ball short and asked a lot of questions of them.

“But they equalised with a penalty and we had an uphill battle from there on in.

“We held them until the hour mark and then, when their third goal went in, that killed us.

“We battled hard and really didn’t give up, pushing right to the final whistle.

“I can’t fault my squad for that. We have been taught a few lessons the last couple of weeks and we will learn from them but individual errors are costing us.

“Despite this, I’m very happy with the attitude and commitment of these young players who are improving massively each week. On to the next we go!”