Monmouthshire Windows East Gwent League

Division 1

CALDICOT Castle opened a three-point lead at the top with a 5-1 home victory over Rockfield Rovers, writes Bob Cypher.

Castle’s player-manager Joe O’Brien was able to “loan” two proven goalscorers to the club’s second team and still have a full bench.

“Going into this game I had 18 regulars available for selection and the evergreen Richard Lund was available.

“He was our top scorer last season and would have been a great asset to us.

“We have been having between 15 and 20 training most of the season which has been great but can cause a headache for selection.

“I rotated the squad to try and keep everyone happy even if a few got upset but I have to try and squeeze 18 into a 16-man squad.

“I put captain Craig McCluskey on the bench as he has started every game this season and I rotated the rest who started our last game against Caldicot Town.”

Castle took an early lead through a Sean Johnson penalty but Rockfield equalised within minutes.

Zac Niblett restored the home side’s advantage and Castle took advantage of some poor finishing by the visitors to increase the lead through O’Brien.

Ciaran Adamson scored the fourth before O’Brien lashed home a free kick from the edge of the penalty area.

Mathern’s resignation from the league, Severn Tunnel’s rearranged cup match and Caldicot Town being unable to field a team to play Thornwell Red & White A meant Castle’s game was the only one in the division.

Tunnel lost 2-1 at Crindau Corries in the Gwent FA Amateur Cup round 1 clash.