Gwent Premier League Premier Division

Monmouth Town FC 3 Wattsville 0

MONMOUTH Town made it 10 games unbeaten beating basement boys Wattsville 3-0 in their first league game of 2025, reports JAMES TOWNLEY.

Dan Macdonald’s brace and a headed goal from defender Rob Laurie saw Town seal the win whilst also recording a fifth clean sheet of the season.

The visitors proved a threat at the beginning, as every game counts for the second from bottom side.

The Kingfishers had the first opportunities though, with Macdonald’s free-kick in the opposition half headed in the box by Laurie and Josh Maksimovic shooting wide.

Finley Thorp then had a great chance on the edge of the box, his shot beating Ben Mitchell in the Wattsville goal and hitting the bar.

The next two opportunities came from the visitors though as they found space on the left side.

Luke Clay was able to get a shot off which was saved by Ethan Ross and cleared by Laurie.

And Wattsville then had another golden opportunity, as a goal kick made its way to Garin Davies, who broke through Monmouth’s defence and shot just wide with an effort shot that seemed rather rushed.

Monmouth hit back with Maksimovic running through on goal on the right stopped by a crucial tackle, before Town grabbed the opener, Macdonald’s corner delivery finding the powerful head of Laurie.

Kingfishers players congratulate Ron Laurie after opening the scoring
Kingfishers players congratulate Rob Laurie after opening the scoring (James Townley)

Wattsville pushed back and troubled the hosts, but their next two opportunities were ended by a clearance from Laurie.

The Kingfishers then won another corner, with Macdonald playing it to George Gouldingay on the edge of the box, whose shot was blocked before the No 10 himself fired just wide.

But Monmouth’s second soon followed, with Jacob Parrella’s flair pass to Macdonald on the edge of the box seeing the former England Schools cap place the ball nicely into the net for 2-0 at the break.

Dan Macdonald tries his luck
Dan Macdonald tries his luck (James Townley)

Parrella then had two shots from outside the area early in the second half, both saved comfortably by the keeper.

Monmouth next won a free-kick on the edge of the box, an excellent opportunity for Macdonald’s magic, but his shot didn’t make it past the Wattsville wall.

But undeterred, Perrella won the ball back on 74 minutes which bounced to the No 10 for a composed finish for 3-0, which proved the end of the scoring, with the win leaving Monmouth fifth.

First team manager Jack Alderdice said: “I don’t think we were at our best today, but the opposition have been struggling in recent weeks.

"I think for me and Samuel (Palmer) it was all about getting the three points and moving onto the next games which are probably bigger for us coming forward.”

Player David Elworthy added: “I don’t think it was our best game today, the pitch made it a bit difficult.

"We came into this game knowing they were a bit of a weaker opposition, especially compared to the last game, but they battled hard which made it more difficult.”

The 2nds were victorious 2-1 away to Undy 3rds leaving them second in East Gwent One, Sam Williams and Lamin Ndure the scorers.

Monmouth return to Gwent County FA Senior Cup action on Saturday (February 1) away to Newport Saints, while the 2nds host Caldicot Town’s 3rds in the league, and the Youth host Newport Saints on Sunday.