A Dan MacDonald hat-trick and a Tom Pass penalty save were the highlights of a super showing as Monmouth began life in Welsh League Division Two in emphatic style.

The third division champions were up against Garden Village, relegated from Welsh League One in May, without five regulars missing for a variety of reasons.

It meant a defensive reshuffle with Chris Tyler making his first appearance at Welsh League level and a first start for 16-year-old Luke Cleaves while 16-year-old Geroge Ryley and 17-year-old Dan Barnard warmed the bench.

The surface was perfect for football with some light drizzle making the ball zip around in the early exchanges as both sides seemed nervous, often misplacing passes and finding it difficult to find any rhythm.

For full story see Beacon 17/08/11.