Monmouth Town 0 Goytre 3

Cwm Welfare 2 Monmouth Town 4

AS homecomings go, the Kingfishers return to the Sportsground was not the best as they slumped to a convincing 3–0 defeat at the hands of Monmouthshire rivals Goytre FC. But a glimmer of light was provided for the remainder of the season with the club’s first win of the season at third division Cwm Welfare, as Dan MacDonald grabbed a hat trick.

Monmouth, sporting new training wear sponsored by Mandarin Stone, had the chance to get a first win with a first visit to third division Cwm Welfare in the Nathaniel Cars League Cup.

Town welcomed back Ford along with new signing Tom Maxted and returnee Ben Evans but were a goal down after only three minutes as a quick free kick caught the defence sleeping and the home striker lifted the ball over Sloper’s head. The visitors couldn’t get going on a small pitch and the home side were certainly giving as good as they got, but a piece of Macca magic got the Kingfishers back in the game as he hurdled a number of challenges before planting the ball beyond the Cwm goalkeeper.

Greaves followed this ten minutes later to make it 2–1 although Cwm looked threatening with every attack and Sloper pulled off some good stops. Sure enough, a good break down Town’s left exposed Sloper who’s save merely delayed the inevitable and at half time it was 2–2.

As the game entered the final quarter of an hour, Smith’s changes had restored some balance as Laurie returned to midfield and Maxted provided some width, allowing MacDonald to wriggle his way to a penalty. MacDonald completed his hat trick with a fine run and finish and although Town survived some more scares it was enough to earn a place in the second round.

Monmouth, sponsored by South Hereford Garages and Furniture Importers, are in home action this Saturday against Aberbargoed Buds in a 2.30pm kick off at the Sportsground.