East Gwent Senior League Division Two

IN Division Two, Kyle Gettings scored his first hat-trick for Mathern Reserves B in their 9-0 home win over Severn Tunnel C.

After a goalless first 20 minutes against an under-strength Tunnel side, Mathern boss Jeff Whitehouse broke the deadlock with a low shot from 20 yards and Matt Divers doubled the lead with a great strike 10 minutes later.

“I was disappointed with our first half display,” admitted Whitehouse,

“We were guilty of some poor passing and there wasn’t enough commitment to win the ball.

“When we had it, we gave it away too easily and if we want anything from this season we need to improve.

“To be fair, we were a lot better in the second half, we moved the ball with more confidence and I was really pleased with the back four who were all confident on the ball.

“There was another outstanding display from Jack Taylor who took his goal well.

“I would like to thank Ron Atkins and his players for their commitment.

“They only had 10 players but there was never any question of the game being conceded and their players were a credit to their club and their manager.”

Wayne Duffield (2) and Ash Pearce scored Mathern’s other goals.

Manager Atkins was happy with his team, despite the defeat.

“When we can’t raise a full team, I always ask the lads if they want me to cancel the game but they always say no because they want to play football, winning isn’t that important, they just want to play,” he said.

“We’ve got last season’s top scorer, Dave Scanlon, wearing the number 4 shirt in our defence.

“He could play at a higher level but he prefers to play with us because he likes the team and the spirit in the team and that means a lot.”

In other Division 2 matches, Chepstow Town B beat Caldicot Castle B 3-0 thanks to goals from Christian Kiely, Barry Stewart and Darren Luff and Severn Tunnel B lost 5-3 at home to Underwood SC B while Sudbrook CC beat Thornwell Red & White 3-2.