WITH leaders Thornwell in cup action, Caldicot Castle A took full advantage with a 13-goal mauling of hosts Portskewett & Sudbrook, writes Bob Cypher.

The victory means Castle are three points behind Thornwell but with an 11-goal superiority in the goal-difference column.

Richard Lund (4), Craig McCluskey and player-manager Joe O’Brien (3 each), Richard Regulski, Richard Withey and Kyle Williams did the damage.

For O’Brien it was a victory tinged with sadness following the loss of his grandmother, Peggy.

“On a personal note, I would like to dedicate my hat-trick to my Nan who passed away last Sunday,” he said later.

“We went to the match with just 12 players due to work and family commitments and started with Craig and Richard Lund up top.

“They got into the defence early on and linked up well scoring a couple of early goals.

“Richard Withey weighed-in with a well-finished header before setting up Richard Regulski for the goal of the game, a 25-yard screamer which is his first goal from open play this year.

“Kyle Williams scored his first goal of the season with a diving header and we led 6-0 at the break.

“We were clinical in the second half and scored another seven while our defence and goalkeeper Dave Hayward were strong to keep a clean sheet.”

In other matches, Sudbrook CC beat visitors Mathern 4-3 thanks to goals by Josh Brown, Tom Knight and Chris and Steve Phillips.

Chepstow Town won 3-1 at Tintern Abbey in a game that Town’s Sean Canavan described as a “good honest game played in good spirit by both teams."

Canavan himself came closest to opening the scoring with a free kick in the first half which rattled the Abbey’s bar, but after the break, Steve Smith scored from Chris Hooper’s cross and Tom Philp scored twice – once from the spot – to give his team the three points.

Meanwhile, Undy Athletic beat Castle B 4-0 with Severn Tunnel awarded three points and a 5-0 win against Underwood Athletic.

This weekend, Castle A welcome Underwood and Tintern Abbey entertain Thornwell Red & White A in Benevolent Cup ties which could result in the two title rivals meeting in the final at the end of the season.

“We are all looking forward to next week's semi final with Underwood full of confidence,” Castle boss O’Brien said.