THE Kingfishers celebrated their 150th anniversary with a five-star 5-0 Gwent Premier League win over PILCS at the Sports Ground on Saturday.
The Monmouthshire Beacon first reported on 7th October 1876 that Monmouth Town FC “will commence its season on 12th October”, making the fixture a perfect fit for the milestone event.
Former players turned out to watch the game, which was marked with an anniversary edition programme, balloons and a banner celebrating a special occasion for one of the oldest clubs in the country.
The last time the two sides met earlier this season, PILCS handed the Kingfishers their only league defeat so far this campaign, and the hosts were hungry for revenge.
The first opportunity of the game fell to Town in the opening few minutes, Jack Harris’ goal kick sent forward towards Dan Macdonald, whose pass found Brad Phillips out wide.
However, the winger’s shot was hit straight into the hands of William Gandee.
PILCS responded with a chance of their own from a corner, but the ball was safely cleared by the Monmouth defence, allowing the Kingfishers to counter through Phillips, although his cross was deflected wide.
The visitors then had a great opportunity to take the lead when Jack Morris found space on the edge of the Kingfishers box.
The winger’s shot was on target, but a great diving save from Harris denied him the opener.
But with chances coming at both ends, Monmouth eventually took the lead from a set-piece though.
After winning a free-kick on the edge of the box, there was little doubt who would step up to take it, with Macdonald placing the ball perfectly into the back of the net to make it 1-0.
Despite a few nervy moments following their opener, the home side held on to take their lead into the break, with the second half marking the beginning of a dominant spell for the Kingfishers.
Their second goal arrived in the 53rd minute, with Phillips rewarded for his threatening contribution throughout the game.
After receiving the ball out wide, he played it to Macdonald, who in turn found Robbie Atkinson in the box.
Atkinson then picked out Phillips, whose shot was placed comfortably past the PILCS keeper into the net for 2-0.
Atkinson soon got a goal of his own following a great run down the right-hand side.
Cutting inside, he struck the ball into the back of the net to give his side an even more comfortable 3-0 lead.
Super-sub Lucas Harris then delivered the final blow for the visitors, scoring twice in quick succession to complete a 5-0 victory for the jubilant home side.
His first goal came in the 76th minute, courtesy of a beautifully played long ball from centre-half Callum Uttley, who sent the young forward through behind the PILCS defence.
His second arrived just two minutes later, with Macdonald’s low cross into the box finding Harris in front of goal to complete the scoring.
The Kingfishers remain fifth in the league following Saturday’s victory, but have games in hand on the teams above them.
Meanwhile, the reserves suffered a defeat against Chepstow Town 3rds, narrowly losing 3-2 in East Gwent Division One.
Oliver Brownridge and Nkazimulo Ndlovu scored the goals for Monmouth, who had reason to rue an early missed penalty.
Town 1sts return to cup action this Saturday (October 17), making the trip to Coed Eva Athletic in the third round of the Gwent Premier League County Motors Challenge Cup.
The seconds, meanwhile, face a local derby a few hundred metres away against Rockfield Rovers at the Community Centre.
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