Monmouthshire Windows East Gwent League,

Division One

SEVERN Tunnel’s Tom Atkins blew the title race wide open one week after it looked to be all over, writes Bob Cypher.

Seven days earlier, a goal by Tobias Prettyjohn virtually ended Caldicot Castle A’s hope of retaining the title and handed the trophy to Thornwell Red & White A.

But Atkins’ 65th minute strike changed all that, handing Tunnel a 1-0 victory at Thornwell’s ground.

Meanwhile, Caldicot Castle were collecting all three points in a 7-0 home win against Undy Athletic to close the gap on their rivals.

Thornwell are still in pole position with 44 points from 19 games but Castle have 41 points from 17 games and the title race will go down to the last league match of the season on April 27th when Thornwell entertain Castle.

The goal difference gap has also narrowed after the weekend’s results with Thornwell on +65 and Castle on +57.

Thornwell’s run-in should see them increase their goal difference with their other match also at home against bottom club Tintern Abbey.

Castle welcome Rockfield Rovers this Saturday and have to play Severn Tunnel home (Tuesday, April 16th) and away (Saturday, April 20th) before the crunch clash against the current leaders a week later.

Castle player-manager Joe O’Brien thanked Atkins for the shock upset.

“Tunnel definitely did us a favour,” he said later.

“We were buzzing today and bounced back in style.

“Everyone was exceptional all over the pitch, even the subs did us proud when they came on!

“Rick Woodland's first goal was due to his great hunger to get to the ball first and Steve Edwards got the second after the ball fell at his feet six yards out.

“In the second half we continued dominating the game.

“Rick scored two more headers, I got a goal from a header and Sean Marsh came off the bench to add the sixth, but goal of the game fell to Craig McCluskey with a superb free kick smashed in off the crossbar.

“It's exactly the reaction we wanted after losing last week.”

Tunnel coach Paul Light took the keeper’s jersey in Sam Morgan’s absence and although his teammates were under the cosh as Thornwell searched for an equaliser, he was pleased with the way they battled.

“I played as a keeper/sweeper and I was pleased with my distribution today,” Light said.

“Tom Atkins was causing loads of problems for Thornwell down the left and Dan Griffiths did well up top with flick-ons as well.

“They piled on the pressure in the last half an hour but we stood strong and did our job all over the park for a result that leaves the league all open.

“We had an under-strength side through injuries and work commitments and only had 12 players so I’m proud of the boys.”