East Gwent Senior League - Amateur Cup

LOCAL clubs had mixed fortunes in the first round of this season’s Amateur Cup with only four clubs left to take an interest in round two.

Two teams will represent the East Gwent Senior League on 5th November with another two from the Gwent County League also involved.

Sudbrook CC – 4-2 winners against Tranch – will take on Tintern Abbey who needed extra time and a Geraint Reynolds hat-trick to edge out visiting Portskewett & Sudbrook 6-4.

The main giant-killing exploit was Underwood A’s 5-4 victory at Gwent County League Division 2 side Race thanks to goals by Dave Jackson, Tony Ryall, Nathan Adams and Kyle Harrison.

Underwood boss Sean Johnson said: “Despite starting well, dominating possession and creating chances, we went 1-0 down on 15 minutes.

“We struck back with three goals but just before half time we gave away a sloppy penalty to make it 4-2.”

After the break Underwood conceded two penalties although Race only scored one and the visitors replied straight away with Dave Jackson’s second goal.

Johnson said: ”The last five minutes were a little nervy as they made it 5-4 but we saw the game out for a well-deserved victory.

“Kyle Harrison had a fantastic game dictating play in the middle and Craig Owen also did a good job, deputising for the injured Justin Bidgood.”

Keenan Perrett scored his first goal since his return to Sudbrook CC to help beat Tranch 4-2 at Mill Lane with top-scorer Steve Wilson netting a brace.

Assistant manager Drew Main said: “It proved an easier game than expected as we continued our excellent league form, It gave us a great opportunity to try some players in different positions.

“The game was very one-sided and although the score suggests it was close, the result was never in doubt.

“We played excellent two-touch football and scored four great goals – including a brilliant free-kick by Ben Miles – and it could have been more.”

Manager Daryl Cann said he was pleased to see Perrett score and that Steve Wilson was available and continuing his scoring form. He said: “Ben Miles and Kel Stevens controlled the game from start to finish.”

Caldicot Castle lost their home tie against Coed Eva but Castle boss Dave Adamson said he was pleased with the overall performance of his team despite the 3-2 reverse.

He said:“The cup wasn’t a priority but the performance was and we put up a decent performance.

“We went 1-0 up with a volley from Sean Marsh and seemed in control but we had a poor spell – something that has plagued us this season – and we conceded three goals before half time.

“After the break, we were more up for it and we hit the bar, missed a couple of really good chances then Craig McCluskey scored a penalty to make it 3-2.

”Joe O’Brien went to retrieve the ball but was kicked by their goalkeeper. Joe retaliated by pushing him and was the one sent off which we thought was really harsh.

“But we move on. There were plenty of positives to take from the game including a good debut for Jamie Watkins.”

Other results were: Mathern 5 Forgeside 3, Thornwell 1 Whiteheads 6, Severn Tunnel 3 Lucas Cwmbran 9, Ponthir 4 Rockfield Rovers 1.