Tranch 2 Caldicot Castle 3

ONLY one match was completed this weekend in the Gwent County League, with Caldicot Castle winning a game in which boss Alex Hart praised his team’s “backs-against-the-wall” defending for a gutsy 3-2 “slog in a bog” victory at Tranch.

“We needed to resist Tranch’s desperate efforts to equalise in the last 15 minutes,” he said. “But we held out to gain a crucial three points.”

The game, which Hart thought should have been called off because torrential rain had turned the pitch into a bog, started badly for Castle who were without keeper Dave Hayward who was late arriving at the ground.

With striker Joe O’Brien taking the jersey, Castle began with 10 men but managed to withstand early pressure from their hosts to keep a clean sheet until Hayward was able to join the action, releasing O’Brien to do what he does best – score goals.

It didn’t take O’Brien long to get on the scoresheet, finishing neatly when Craig McCluskey nodded on the keeper’s route one clearance.

Tranch came back though, and when the wind held up a cross, Hayward was left in no-man’s land as the home striker equalised.

“We dominated the rest of the first half and deservedly regained the lead through another goal finished well by Joe,” added Hart.

“We were a bit sloppy with chances but in the conditions it was perfectly understandable.”

After the break, Castle were awarded a free kick which Richard Thorn took, his shot taking a deflection from a Tranch defender to leave their keeper helpless.

“It was a deserved goal to give us a 3-1 lead,” Hart said.

“The game became scrappy as the conditions worsened and fatigue set in and we conceded another goal to set up a tense final quarter-hour.

“But the lads battled well with their backs-against-the-wall attitude and we held out for a deserved three points.

“It was a slog in the bog but we came away with three points and no injuries, and I’m really proud of the team for showing great team spirit which has been missing sometimes this season.

“Hopefully we can really push on with this result and climb the table!”

The win put Castle seventh, one place ahead of Sudbrook CC who were disappointed their match at home to local rivals Blackrock Rovers was ruled out by the referee when he inspected the pitch.

Manager Daryl Cann said he was very disappointed by the decision, especially as he had a full-strength team, including Matt Phillips and new signing Jason Thorn.

Elsewhere, Rockfield Rovers lost 5-0 at home to leaders Villa Dino who are due to visit Sudbrook on December 12th.

Meanwhile, Division Two’s Mathern FC led 4-0 at Cwm when the referee abandoned the match.

Manager Colin Jeffery said he was proud of the way his team had performed, scoring through Mark Organ (2), Dan Drake and Sean Murphy.

“They were four great goals,” Jeffery said. “We hope the league will let the score stand so the lads are credited with their goals.

“Also very satisfying was Cwm’s manager’s comment afterwards that we were the best side his team had faced all season.”