Monmouth Town 5 Cwmaman Institute 0

A blistering brace from Sam McCoy and two deft headers from skipper Jack Alderdice put the icing on the Christmas cake as the Kingfishers moved out of the relegation zone with their best home win for three years and inflicting Cwmaman's worst defeat in their Welsh League campaigns.

A remodelled line up made sure the Town were more compact than in recent games and in the absence of skipper Smith, Davies returned to command the back line with Dean Palmer in a more comfortable advanced position.

It was Palmer who won the first decisive free kick decision on 17 minutes and up stepped McCoy to whip the ball over the wall and into the Cwmaman net from 25 yards to settle the post Christmas nerves.

Fears that the festivities would have a negative effect on the young Kingfishers were further laid to rest when Alderdice met another set piece with a glancing header to make it two and then set up Bowen, whose first touch was sublime and his finish efficient.

Three up at half time Town could have been forgiven for shutting up shop and taking the points but instead continued to try to keep a high tempo for the second half with Palmer getting more joy and the midfield dominating before Alderdice again made a good connection with a Palmer free kick to make it four.

There was still time for McCoy to rattle a fifth from 30 yards to seal the win and a point blank save from the again impressive Williams kept the Town's first clean sheet for four months intact.

Track suited Chairman Lee Robson was delighted with the result "There was a real bounce to us today despite a bit too much Christmas Pud but maybe that made us a little bit more relaxed.

"The Lads are responding well to fairly simple but direct instructions about what they have to do and when and I think they can now see that if we keep doing the basics well then we can build on that and get a bit more expansive".

Robson also announced the signing of experienced striker Phil Tranter from Undy Athletic, who will be available from next week. "I am delighted than Phil has agreed to sign for us as he caused us all sorts of problems when he's played against us in the past and I have wanted to get him here for a couple of seasons.

"He's strong, direct and scores goals. He's got a lot of experience and will be a great help to the younger lads".