Gwent Premier League Premier Division

Wattsville FC 1 Monmouth Town 5

THE Kingfishers beat Wattsville in a six-goal league thriller to continue to close the gap to second-placed Lliswerry with games in hand, reports JAMES TOWNLEY.

There were two early free kicks for Wattsville for Monmouth to defend, which they did successfully.

The visitors then quickly turned the tide, Josh Maksimovic opening the scoring on 17 minutes after chipping the ball over keeper Benjamin Mitchell.

Monmouth strengthened their grip on third with a commanding win
Monmouth strengthened their grip on third with a commanding win (James Townley)

Wattsville responded with a great opportunity, as the hosts’ attack got past lone defende Finley Thorp to go one-on-one with Ethan Ross, only for the keeper to pull off a great save to deny them.

But Wattsville were awarded a penalty on the half-hour mark following a handball in the box, converted by Kelan McColl for 1-1.

The Kingfishers then looked to regain the lead, Maksimovic having two good chances, the first a shot from the edge of the box which went over the bar, the second from a ball which fell to the No 9, who missed the target from close range.

The referee then brought the first half to a close with the two sides level heading into the final 45 minutes.

As the second half got underway, it took just four minutes for the visitors to regain the lead, with Dan MacDonald beating the keeper for a well-worked goal.

A Wattsville player tries his luck against Monmouth
A Wattsville player tries his luck against Monmouth (James Townley)

And just four minutes later, Maksimovic gave the visitors a two-goal advantage, Mitchell saving the initial shot, but unluckily deflecting it back to the striker.

It was then 4-1 on 65 minutes, as Jason Suter scored an own goal following a Kingfishers’ cross into the Wattsville box.

And it was 5-1 in the 79th minute, Macdonald getting his brace with a great goal after going one-on-one with the goalkeeper.

The three points leaves Monmouth third 13 points behind the Lizards with five games in hand.

First team manager Jack Alderdice said: “First off, we weren’t at our best, although we weren’t awful. Our quality on the ball wasn't what we wanted it to be. I think going in level was probably fair.

“The second half our quality levels rose; Oscar (Elias) came on and made a real difference at the front, occupying those two centre-backs, which then allowed Macca, Maxi, Ibra (Ebrima Ndure) to get in the game a little bit more.”

Defender Thorp said: “I think we did well, not the best start. I don't think we were at our best in the first half, especially.

“We were much more on it and in their faces in the second half, winning the ball higher up and creating more chances, getting shots off.”

Elsewhere, the 2nds won 4-2 at home against Thornwell Red & White 2nds in East Gwent One, with two first senior goals for Lucas Harris and strikes from Sam Williams and Luca Cappetta.

But the Youth were defeated away to Newport Saints on Sunday, narrowly losing 3-2 with a goal from Harry Williams and the other score an own goal.

This Wednesday (April 16), the 1sts play Rogerstone away and also play away on Saturday (April 19) against Coed Eva Athletic.

The 2nds play Sudbrook at home in an important game in their chase for the top of the league, and the Youth play at Treowen on Thursday (April 17) in their penultimate game of the season.