CCL Gill Cup (Preliminary Round)

Portskewett & Sudbrook 3 Monmouth Town 2

PORTSKEWETT & Sudbrook booked their place in the first round of this season’s Gill Cup, but they were made to fight all the way, writes Bob Cypher.

Monmouth Town Reserves may have lost two of their best players in keeper Josh Ellis and skipper Larsson Brown, but they showed enough spirit to suggest they can be a force to reckon with this season.

On an exceptionally sunny day, they probably edged the first half, taking the lead, and although not dominating Port & Sud, they certainly looked a threat on the break.

The home side were strong and aerially dominant but, prompted by manager Richard Thorp, Town played the game on the floor as much as possible.

That said, it was an excellent cross-field pass by Fin Thorp which helped give the visitors the lead.

From just inside his own half, right on the left touchline, Thorp Jnr spotted Jacob Perella way out on the right.

Thorp delivered his cross for Perrella to run onto.

Home keeper Declan Hubbard came out to challenge but the ball squirted clear for Ben Robb to side-foot into an unguarded net to take a 1-0 lead into half time.

Attacking the clubhouse end in the second half, Port & Sud equalised through Dave Skinner and then took the lead through Lewis Bailey and it was Town’s turn to apply more pressure.

Their equaliser was fairly typical of their all-round display and was another example of Jacob Perrella’s ability.

Receiving the ball with his back to goal, Perrella's close ball control allowed him to turn in a wide arc before firing home from 15 yards, steering the ball between two defenders and beyond Hubbard’s reach.

At 2-2 and with water breaks in both halves, the prospect of another 30 minutes extra time looked likely until Rhys Williams scored the third goal to clinch victory.

Thorp Snr was gracious in defeat, admiring the contribution by home defender Dave Skinner, who he described as man of the match.

But he was also full of praise for his young team.

“I thought we were fantastic and we deserved our goals,” he said after the match.

“I am proud of the fight the lads put up but Port & Sud’s defence was strong in the air and Skinner was the best player on the pitch. Good luck to Port & Sud in the first round.”

Home manager Mike Panacci was delighted to be in the hat for the first round draw and is keen for Port & Sud, who won the Centenary Cup last season, to add more silverware this term.

“We can beat anyone on our own pitch so obviously a home draw is preferable,” he said.