UNDERWOOD Athletic won their Gwent Amateur Cup tie, 4-1 at County League Division 3 side Rhymney.

Boss Sean Johnson believes the result will urge his team to ensure they play such opposition every week next season.

"It was a fantastic win against a strong team who have been scoring freely in recent weeks," he said.

"This win strengthens our desire to do the job in the league this year so we can play at that level week-in, week-out.

"We limited them to a few half-chances all game and scored through Josh Downing, myself, Matthew Seabourne and David Rees."

A goal by Luke Farley, pictured, sent Mathern FC through to Round Two at the expense of Graig-y-Rhacca.

With manager Dean Thomas away, Third team coach Colin Jeffery stepped in to take charge and also to fill a gap at the heart of the defence.

"Rhacca won 10-0 in the preliminary round so we could not be complacent," Jeffery said.

"They began strongly but we stuck to our game plan, controlled midfield and Billy Jeffery and Connor Hayden caused Rhacca's defence problems.

"Ten minutes from time Luke Farley scored with a powerful header and our defence stood firm as Rhacca looked for an equaliser."

Blackrock Rovers are also in the hat for Round Two after winning 4-2 in a hard-fought match at Pantside.

"Pantside were very determined, eager to take a Gwent County scalp," according to Rovers manager Paul Lovell.

Rovers took a 2-0 lead with goals from Ben Smith and Luke James in the first ten minutes but Pantside pulled a goal back in the first half and levelled soon after the break.

"They piled on the pressure which had us on the back foot before late goals from Phil Mitcheson and Jamie Watkins settled it for us," added Lovell.

Meanwhile Rockfield Rovers also went through, winning 2-1 at Brynmawr thanks to two goals from Scott Skipp.

"We were without five first-team regulars," said manager Dave McDonald.

"Brynmawr went ahead but I changed the shape of our side and Scott equalised from close range.

"We were heading for extra time when Scott scored his second to clinch it.

"That's five wins in a row and we switch our attention back to the league campaign now," McDonald added.

Elsewhere in the league, several teams lost their chance to lift the cup.

Thornwell Red & White went out in a penalty shootout after drawing 3-3 at Croesyceiliog this weekend.

Severn Bridge battled well but lost 4-2 to County League Division Two high-fliers Llanhilleth Athletic and Caldicot Castle went down 5-0 at home to another Division Two top five side, Malpas United.

Thornwell were also short of first team regulars but manager Steve Bidmead said the replacements did well. "If we had taken the chances we created, we would have won easily," he said.

"Despite that, I was really happy with the way we played."

With manager Dave Adamson away, James Lawrence and Richard Beach took over for the match against Malpas at Caldicot Castle.

After a recent upsurge in their performances, there was a feeling that Castle might cause an upset but, as Richard Beach explained, their optimism was unfounded.

"We were hit by a few last minute drop-outs through injuries which cut the squad down to the bare bones," he said.

"We couldn't cope with the extra quality and desire from a very strong Malpas side, who will be right up there at the end of the season.

"They killed the game off within 30 minutes with three quick goals and added two more before halftime."

The score stayed the same after an improved defensive display and Castle showed much more desire but the only real positive to take out of the game was the emergence of two of the club's youngsters – Connor McLennan and Jamie Hughes who didn't look out of place against such opposition.