Gwent Premier League Premier Division

New Inn FC 1 Monmouth Town FC 2

THE Kingfishers defeated New Inn in a tightly contested 2-1 away win in the Gwent Premier League, strengthening their grip on third place, reports JAMES TOWNLEY.

As the season progresses to its final stages, it could prove a crucial three points in their hopes for promotion back to the Ardal South East League .

Ebil Ndure is surrounded by New Inn players
Ebrima Ndure is surrounded by New Inn players (James Townley)

Monmouth’s fast-starting forward Josh Maksimovic opened the scoring after just five minutes for the visitors after a well-built-up goal from the back.

The hosts reacted quickly though, hitting back within six minutes to level through a goal from Ethan Preston-Watkins.

A New Inn player fires in a shot
A New Inn player fires in a shot (James Townley)

New Inn continued their attacking threat, with a chance next from a free-kick which thankfully for the visitors sailed over the bar.

Brad Baker then used some great skill to get past two Town defenders, but his shot was hit wide of the goal.

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

But despite the New Inn pressure, Monmouth then retook the lead on 27 minutes thanks to Dan MacDonald, who had the ball played to him from Ashley Ford on the edge of the box, which set the No 10 up to fire home for a 2-1 lead.

Jacob Parrella then had a chance on the edge of the New Inn box and got a shot off, but it went wide.

Jacob
Jacob Parrella on the ball for Monmouth (James Townley)

At the other end, the hosts then forced Ethan Ross into a great save, tipping away a shot from range which was heading for the top corner.

But as the referee ended the first half, it was Monmouth who were going into the second half with a one-goal advantage.

And Town started the second period strongly, with MacDonald delivering the first chance when a ball in from the corner found him in the box, only for his shot to go straight at Lloyd Watkins between the posts.

Goalmouth action in the Monmouth box
Goalmouth action in the Monmouth box (James Townley)

Baker pushed his side forward as they searched for an equaliser, although his attempt to get the ball into the box was cleared by Rob Laurie.

Ebrima Ndure then found some great space on the right side of the pitch and made his way into the New Inn box before a great tackle by Rico Richards ended his surge.

Dan Macdonald turns his man
Dan Macdonald turns his man (James Townley)

But despite no further goals for the visitors, Monmouth held on for a closely contested 2-1 win.

First team manager Sam Palmer said: “Everyone grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck and just battled really, really hard, winning their individual battles.

“Honestly, I can't fault anyone from one to 16, including the lads that came on. Honestly, they did really well.”

A Monmouth player breaks clear
A Monmouth player breaks clear (James Townley)

Elsewhere on Saturday, it was a 4-2 defeat for the 2nds against Thornwell R&W Reserves in Chepstow, all the goals coming in the second half.

The hosts went 2-0 up within three minutes of the restart before Sam Williams pegged one back three minutes later.

But two more Thornwell goals made it 4-1, before Oliver Moss scored for Monmouth with seven minutes to play, the visitors then also missing a late penalty.

On Sunday the Youth also lost 3-0 away to Panteg Youth.

This Saturday (April 12) the 1sts visit Wattsville in the league, while the 2nds look for speedy revenge against Thornwell at the Monmouth Sports Ground, and the Youth play Newport Saints U18s away on Sunday.