Monmouthshire Windows

East Gwent League

Division 1

A LATE goal by skipper Craig McCluskey earned Caldicot Castle A victory at Severn Tunnel to set up the crunch clash for the Division 1 title this Saturday, writes Bob Cypher.

While rivals Thornwell were beating Tintern Abbey 11-0, Castle took the lead, lost it, went behind, drew level and finally triumphed in the closing minutes at Rogiet.

Player-manager Joe O’Brien put his side ahead after a clearing header was missed and he won the race to the loose ball before firing it past Tunnel coach Paul Light.

“But again we conceded a goal through our own mistakes as we delayed a back pass and miskicked the clearance,” O’Brien said later.

“Tunnel went ahead with a decent long range effort from Tom Atkins as we gave him far too much time.

“But we were gifted the equaliser as a back pass had their defence in a knot and Rick Woodland chipped the ball over to me to score."

With three points vital to keep Castle ahead in the title race, McCluskey fired the winner from a corner.

The result means Thornwell can take the title if they beat Castle on Saturday but a draw or defeat will not be enough.

But O’Brien is not interested in playing for a draw.

“We were sloppy and didn’t see enough of the ball,” he said.

“Credit to Tunnel they didn’t give us time and they kept the ball, but hopefully we can sort ourselves out to put in a better performance against Thornwell and come back with the league next Saturday - but we certainly won't be playing for the draw!”

Thornwell’s goals were scored by Tobias Prettyjohn (4), Wayne Duffield (2), Tudor Morgan-Huggett (2), Jimmy Boulter, Kyle Gettings and Robert Wood.