Gwent Premier League Premier Division

Monmouth Town 2 Cwmbran Town 3

UNBEATEN league leaders Cwmbran Town ended Monmouth’s 11-match unbeaten streak in a thrilling clash at the Sports Ground on Saturday, reports JAMES TOWNLEY.

The Crows and Kingfishers are currently the most formidable teams in the league and locked beak-to-beak in a close encounter.

Before the game got underway there was a minute's applause for ‘Fordy’ – Steve Ford – who suddenly passed away in the week.

A friend to so many in the Monmouth community, a former Kingfisher himself and father to players Ashley and Elliot, he will be much missed.

It was an end-to-end start as both sides were able to unleash shots at goal in quick succession, but both efforts went wide.

Cwmbran then went close as Liam Head found himself in behind the hosts’ defence, but his shot went straight into the hands of Kingfishers keeper Ethan Ross.

But the visitors then opened the scoring in the 23rd minute after a poor Monmouth clearance, the loose ball played into the box where Harry Russell met it with a stunning volley into the bottom right corner of the net.

The game continued to be compact with both sides having chances before Monmouth conceded a free-kick on the edge of the box four minutes before half-time.

Jaye Bowen stepped up and placed it into the bottom right corner, the ball just slipping through Ross’ hands to give the visitors a two-goal advantage at the break.

It was another tight and nervy start to the second half with both teams creating chances in each other’s box.

But Monmouth’s Ebrima Ndure found himself in behind the visitors’ defence on 63 minutes when he was brought down by the keeper, with Dan MacDonald cooly converting from the spot to cut the deficit to 2-1.

Cwmbran pushed back only for Mathew Jones to make a superb last-man tackle in the box to deny an almost certain goal.

But the Crows extended their lead five minutes from the end of normal time, with Russell setting Leo Ross up nicely for their third goal.

Monmouth weren’t done yet though, and won another penalty six minutes into stoppage time, converted again by MacDonald, but it was just a bit too late.

The final whistle blew after ten minutes of added time to leave Cwmbran unbeaten and that bit closer to the Gwent Premier League title.

Kingfishers first team manager Sam Palmer said: “We were the better team for the first 30 minutes but didn’t manage to get our noses in front.

“The sticky pitch didn’t help but Cwmbran did the basics better and took their chances.

“Credit to our lads for coming out second half and running the league leaders close, but it wasn’t to be. A cup semi final at home next week gives us a perfect opportunity to bounce back.”

The reserves lost 6-3 to Caldicot Town 3rds in the East Gwent One League, after two goals from Jake Lewis and one from Alex Hammerton had put them 3-1 up midway through the first half.

Monmouth 1st XI are back in action at home this Saturday (March 1) in the semi-final of the Gwent County FA Senior Cup against New Inn.

The 2nds face Underwood in the East Gwent Brian Reed Cup away, whilst the Youth play PILCS U18s at home.