MATHERN FC will face RTB Ebbw Vale tomorrow (Thursday 12th May) in the semi-final in the County Cup.

The club booked a place in the semi-final with two excellent victories last week, beating two teams they have been unable to get the better of in the last two seasons.

On Tuesday, they travelled to take on Malpas United and shocked their hosts with two first half goals by Elliot Greening.

Despite reducing the deficit in the second half, Malpas were unable to penetrate the visitors’ defence again and Mathern emerged worthy 2-1 winners.

That meant a home tie against Neuadd Wen last Saturday and the boot was definitely on the other foot as the visitors stormed into a two-goal lead at the break.

Stormed was the right word as the hazy sun turned to torrential rain, sending spectators scurrying for cover.

Mathern boss Colin Jeffery made changes for the restart and his men reacted well against a team which is still hoping to gain promotion to Gwent County League Division One in their last match of the season.

A free-kick on the edge of the penalty area saw Matty Board deliver an excellent free kick which the visitors’ keeper could only parry into his own net.

A revitalised Mathern launched wave after wave of attacks and although it was by no means one-way traffic, the momentum was certainly with the home side.

Minutes later, Board collected a quickly taken throw-in before drilling the equaliser – again from the edge of the penalty box.

With extra time looming, Greening again applied the finishing touch, climbing high at the far post to head home a deep corner.

“We never stopped believing and working,” Jeffery said later.

“We beat two clubs who have beaten us over the last two seasons and we beat them well.

“Marshfield are Division One and Ebbw Vale have just won our division so they will be hard to beat but we have no reason to fear anyone.

“The semi-final could be our last match of the season – but maybe it won’t be!”

If Mathern beat Ebbw Vale they will face Abercarn in the final at Pen y Pound, Abergavenny on Friday 13th at 7pm.