Monmouthshire Windows East Gwent League - Thornwell Red and White A 2 Sudbrook CC 2

TWO teams tipped to take the title went head-to-head in the season opener at Thornwell and left with a point apiece.

Thornwell Red and White strengthened their side with a number of signings over the summer while Sudbrook CC’s EGL side have benefited from the Gwent County League side’s promotion to Division Two and the attraction of new players there.

In some ways, the teams cancelled each other out with neither side able to dominate for lengthy periods and both goalkeepers were kept busy.

Thornwell welcomed back Dan Northey after a long injury lay-off while Sudbrook gave 16-year-old Josh Brown the jersey and neither let their side down.

Also on show was Thornwell’s Stephan Reynolds who has a remarkable ability to hang in the air at crosses and corners.

But his two goals were fired in low from the right side of the penalty area giving Brown little hope while Sudbrook’s Chris Phillips and Joe Whitehouse were equally ruthless, Phillips from the penalty spot and Whitehouse from close range, giving Northey no chance.

Both teams have local legends who have served their club well over the years – Kenny Vidler, Terry Woodward – who supplied the cross for Reynolds’ first goal – and Matt Divers for Thornwell while Stuart Cochrane – back after a season with Chepstow Town Thirds – and Rob Thorn have a similar status for Sudbrook

These have been backed with signings in Thornwell’s case, of Rob Wood and Andrew Skuse, while the new players attracted to Sudbrook’s GCL team has meant manager Gary Vaughan has some experienced players to work with the youngsters in his team.

He said he was pleased to get this game out of the way.

“Red and White are well-organised favourites to win the league,” he said.

“We had to battle to get a draw. Their winger, Stephan Reynolds, is a quality player and although they had lots of possession I felt they lacked a cutting edge up front. 

”We defended really well considering it was the first time our defence had played together – our keeper Josh Brown was making his debut and showed he has the ability to be a really good keeper. 

“Midfield battles were pretty even – Rob Thorn troubled their centre halves but overall I thought a draw was a fair result.

“I’m glad we played them in the first game because they will be difficult to beat later in the season.”

With manager Richard Jones away, defender Neil Brown took temporary charge of Thornwell and he was keen to pay tribute to Jones for the difference in the team’s performance.

“Richard has really galvanised the whole team – and the area – and the difference in the team spirit and the feeling at the club is due to him and his enthusiasm,” Brown said later.

“It’s early days but we are all confident this could be a good season for us.”

Bob Cypher