Monmouthshire Windows

East Gwent League

WITH a number of Division 1 teams engaged in cup duties, only one game survived following the recent torrential rain, writes Bob Cypher.

But the game which did go ahead was a good advert for the league as Sudbrook CC A and Monmouth Town Reserves shared eight goals at Mill Lane.

Both managers admitted later that the result was probably the fairest after 90 minutes of commitment with some fine performances and well-worked goals.

Jacob Perrella gave Town the lead when he prodded the ball under home keeper Josh Brown but Sudbrook hit back when Darren Cleverley’s accurate free-kick to the far post was headed home by Steve Phillips.

The play was end to end with neither team able to dominate their opponent.

Dougie Drummond made it 2-1 to the home side but Taylor Gregory hit the net to take a 2-2 scoreline into half time.

Fin Thorp made it 3-2 but player-manager Steve Phillips equalised before Seb Lawson restored Town’s lead.

Sudbrook were reduced to 10 men when Drummond was shown a red card but within minutes, a cross from the right was nodded into the middle by Steve Phillips for his brother Chris to level.

Despite losing the lead, Town boss Richard Thorp admitted the result was a fair one.

“It was a really good battling performance and I’m gutted not to take the three points but it’s probably the fairest result,” he said.

“We are trying to get the boys to play a certain style but we need to teach them to think about game management when they lead.”

His opposite number Chris Phillips took over managing the A team recently and he praised his men for the way they battled for a point after being reduced to 10 men.

“I definitely claim the fourth goal although a defender probably got the last touch, but I’m sure he won’t want to have an OG by the side of his name,” he quipped.

“Town are a very talented young side and they can get around you and make an older team like us work harder than we want to.

“But we kept at it and when I saw the ball go out wide, I just got in the mix and managed to earn the point we deserved.

“I was pleased for our keeper Josh Brown because I thought he was brilliant and although he might have misjudged the third goal I think he did well with a number of other chances Town created.

“He’s only 18 and it must be tough playing in his position in a much older team but he did really well.”

In Division 2, Caldicot Castle B lost 4-3 at home to Sudbrook B, Raglan won 3-0 at home to Tintern Abbey and Chepstow Athletic beat visitors Port & Sud B 5-2.