AMBITIOUS Underwood SC have launched a bid for a second pitch and offered their services as coaches in return.

Speaking after his team were beaten 5-3 in a Centenary Cup quarter-final by Mathern, Underwood manager Sean Johnson revealed negotiations are ongoing for the club to have the use of the school field alongside their current ground.

"Our pitch is a big concern for us at the moment as we are a few games behind the others in the league, but we are working hard to find an alternative."

The club hopes to win promotion to the Gwent County League by lifting the East Gwent Senior League Division 1 title at the end of the season but they know an alternative pitch would be needed, especially if their high-flying second team also wins the Division 2 title in the Spring.

"It is something we are hoping to gain local community support for," added Johnson who is studying for his doctorate in sports psychology and his UEFA C certificate to add to his Football Association of Wales football leaders qualification.

"We have six qualified FAW football leader coaches who are all willing to coach at the school," he added.

"I'm hopeful the school governors will back this initiative which will benefit the children and will obviously help the club as well. It's a real community project.

"Negotiations are ongoing but it would help us a great deal if it is approved." 

Referring to the cup-tie defeat, Johnson praised Mathern for the way they played and wished them well in the semi-finals.

"It was a hard loss to take but Mathern were deserved winners," he said

"They pressed us hard all game, never giving up even when we went 3-2 up in extra time.

"It took a fantastic free-kick from Wayne Duffield to bring them back into contention and a sloppy pass led to their fourth goal.

"We were weak in the centre of the park all game, missing Kyle Harrison and Lee Ryder, and their two midfielders dominated play.

"Credit to our players, we continued to show desire and commitment throughout but we cannot concede goals in the way we did if we expect to do well in the other cups, and, most importantly, the league."