East Gwent Senior League

MATHERN Reserves A pulled clear at the top of Division 1 after beating second-placed Underwood SC A 3-0 on Saturday.

The home side’s goals came from Connor Hayden, Alex Watson and Rob Wood but although delighted with the result, manager Lee Baker was keeping tight-lipped about any talk of titles.

“It’s far too early and far too many games to play,” he warned.

“It was a good performance but it had to be, if we were going to beat a very good team like Underwood.

“I thought we executed our game plan and controlled the game and all 14 in the team played their part.

“But the fact is, we travel to Underwood in two weeks so we have to keep our feet grounded while we enjoy this win.”

Meanwhile, Severn Tunnel A go second in the league on goal difference after thrashing Caldicot Castle A 14-0 at Rogiet. Tunnel appear keen to follow the example set by last season’s champions Sudbrook CC by ensuring that if the points are the same at the end of the season, the goals they score on the way will hand them the title.

Thornwell Red & White are fourth, following a 6-1 success at Severn Bridge – a result which pleased Thornwell boss Terry Woodward after his side turned in a “shocking” first 20 minutes during which Zak Hitchens put Bridge ahead on his debut for the club.

“We were shocking but once we scored, there was only going to be one winner,” Woodward said.

“A lot of Severn Bridge’s players used to play for us and they were “at it” for the first 20 minutes but we expected that.

“We dominated the game and played some really good stuff, particularly in the second half.

“Tony Reynolds came on after half time and scored a couple, Dean Corbett added two and Kenny Vidler and Jordan Locke scored the others.

“It was the best game Tom Chappell has had this season.”

Other results were Caldicot Town 6 Chepstow Athletic 0 and Undy Athletic 2 Tintern Abbey 2.