Monmouthshire Windows East Gwent League Division One - Caldicot Castle A 4 Thornwell Red and White A 3

AFTER racing neck-and-neck in the quest for the league championship, it was fitting that the title decider was equally as close and the winning goal was worthy of the over-used expression “worldie”.

The lead changed hands as both teams enjoyed their fair share of the action with Castle needing only to draw to take the trophy while, for Thornwell, it was a must-win game.

There was some pre-match ill-feeling because Castle asked for two linesmen to assist referee Paul Fieldsend, arguing that a game carrying so much pressure, should be treated like a cup final.

The league agreed to supply two extra referees at Castle’s expense but it was an unpopular move with the opposition.

There was a fair amount of tension on the pitch and Fieldsend called the captains, Craig McCluskey and Rory Garey, to lay down the law after some niggly fouls.

Castle went ahead when Richard Lund rose to head a Jake Withey cross from the right, the ball looping over keeper Dan Northey.

But the lead was short-lived as Kenny Vidler outjumped Castle’s defence to score with a bullet header.

That brought Castle’s players back down to earth before Stephan Reynolds also leapt highest to head Thornwell into the lead.

However, minutes later, Castle’s skipper McCluskey scored a fine free-kick, curling the ball inside the far post to the delight of the large number of home supporters.

Early in the second half, Lund prodded home from close range to sting the visitors once again.

Lund was mobbed by his team-mates in a dramatic show of raw passion – this was no ordinary East Gwent League match!

But Thornwell have shown great character this season, especially during their Amateur Cup run and they showed it again when Reynolds scored his second to make it 3-3.

But as has often happened this season, player-manager Joe O’Brien had the last word.

On as a substitute, he operated wide on the right as the target for counter-attacks.

With minutes ticking away, he received the ball, ignored advice to take the ball into the corner to run down the clock and shocked everyone by shooting from the touchline, the ball sailing over the stranded Northey before deflecting off the far post and into the net.

“I knew I had time to pick a spot and that Lundy was at the back stick to sweep up so I drilled the ball hoping for the far corner and luckily it went in,” O’Brien said later.

“It meant much to us not just winning the league but being the only team in the league to beat Thornwell which felt like a cup in itself.

“It’s been great that we haven’t just run away with it and Thornwell deserve a lot of credit for pushing us to the last game of the season and I’m sure they will do so again.”

Castle club chairman Chris Adams was equally as pleased with the success.

“It was a great turnout with a brilliant atmosphere,” he said later.

“The result thankfully went in our favour and the boys have really deserved it after their commitment and hard work all season.

“We’ve had a tough couple of years but it finally looks like it’s turning around. I can’t wait for the last cup final and preparing them for next season.”

The two rivals meet again in the Monmouthshire Windows Benevolent Cup final on Friday 4th May – it should be quite a game!

Bob Cypher