JD Cymru Welsh Cup 2nd Round

Monmouth Town FC 2 Pill FC 3

THE Kingfishers were hopeful of ending their run of three defeats in recent fixtures against Gwent Premier rivals Pill to progress to the third round of the Welsh Cup, reports ROB LAURIE.

Monmouth celebrate their opening goal
Monmouth celebrate their opening goal (Des Pugh/ Beacon)

But despite coming off the back of a five game unbeaten run, the visitors had the last word on Saturday with a winning goal 12 minutes from time.

The match started well for Town, with Dan Macdonald winning a second ball after three minutes to put in George Gouldingay, whose dangerous ball across the goal was met by Fin Thorp brilliantly timing his run to finish beyond the keeper, much to the delight of a strong home crowd.

Monmouth pressure the Pill goal
Monmouth pressure the Pill goal (Des Pugh/ Monmouth)

Monmouth continued to press forward and threatened to extend their lead, but it only lasted four minutes as a defensive mix up gave the visitors a golden opportunity to level, with Ben Lawrence accepting the chance for 1-1.

Monmouth then missed several chances to retake the lead before a rare Pill attack punished the hosts on 21 minutes, Mason Collins firing home for 2-1, which remained the score to half-time.

Pill, have a habit of defending a lead well and this proved the case as Town probed relentlessly after the break.

A combination of good defending from Pill but poor finishing and decision making from Monmouth looked likely to cost the hosts.

A Monmouth player looks for a way through
A Monmouth player looks for a way through (Des Pugh/ Beacon)

But as the game looked set to be slipping away from the Kingfishers, Jake Perrella found the impressive Gouldingay who made it 2-2 with 18 minutes left to play.

The tie looked set for penalties at that point, but a further lapse in concentration from the Kingfishers gifted Pill a third just five minutes later, Lawrence pouncing to bag his second for 3-2, which try as the host might, remained the score to the final whistle.

Monmouth Town go close against Pill
Monmouth Town go close against Pill (Des Pugh/ Beacon)

Monmouth will rue missed chances and a great opportunity to progress and potentially draw one of the big boys in the third round.

But they will have to focus on league duties next, with Lucas Cwmbran at home in the Gwent Premier League Premier Division at the Sportsground this Saturday (October 26), kick-off 2.30pm.

Monmouth Town 2nds will also be in action in East Gwent One, away to Chepstow Town 3rds.