Gwent County League Caldicot Castle 3 Sudbrook CC 2

CALDICOT Castle edged this derby clash but neither team could be sure of the three points until the final whistle.

Castle took their opportunities in the first half and deservedly went into the break two goals to the good but the second half belonged to the visitors and in the final 20 minutes the result was always in doubt.

Steve Edwards put Castle ahead collecting the ball in midfield and firing past Sudbrook Craig Brimble from the edge of the box.

Joe O’Brien added to the score, making it 2-0 with a strong free kick which took a deflection and wrong-footed Brimble.

But Sudbrook, without injured Rob Thorne upfront and Steve Hepple in defence through suspension, came out in the second half and reduced the arrears through Tom Stuart.

They looked the more likely to score but O’Brien restored Castle’s two-goal cushion when he latched onto a through ball, rode a challenge and scored as Brimble advanced.

Although that goal eventually clinched the points, Sudbrook, with Keenan Perrett in good form, again reduced the deficit, Mark O’Hara finishing off Perrett’s low cross.

Castle keeper Dave Hayward claimed every cross or corner kick pumped into his penalty box throughout but Castle – who were also missing key players including the McKeon brothers – stood firm, thanks to James Reid’s excellent workrate and the willingness of Joe Shaw Jones to probe Sudbrook’s right flank whenever he had the chance.

Unsurprisingly, both managers saw the game differently.

Castle boss Alex Hart said he was pleased his men had “ground out” a derby victory.

“We changed formation to flood them in midfield and it worked for the first 20 minute. We had chances which we would hope to take but didn’t.

“The timing of the goals helped us and kept them at arm’s length until the last 15 minutes

”They struggled to deal with James Reid who was outstanding.

“Despite missing a few key players it was fantastic to get a win. Hopefully we can build on this and string a run of victories to get up the league!”

His opposite number, Daryl Cann was pleased with the way Sudbrook’s squad stepped up.

“It was a gripping game,” he said.

“I thought the Second team lads we called up gave it their all and the number of people who said they couldn’t believe we didn’t win, speaks volumes.

“I thought we dominated the game, especially the second half.

“Castle only had four or five chances the whole game but made them count! Keenan Perrett was my man-of-the-match by a mile – terrorising Castle’s defence throughout. He laid on Mark’s goal and was involved in the build-up to Tom’s goal.

“It’s been a frustrating day but loads of positives to take from the performance. I thought the lads were excellent.”