Monmouth Town's blistering start to the season came to an abrupt end when they crashed out of the Nathaniel League Cup with a humiliating seven-two defeat at Third division Briton Ferry last Saturday (10th September).

The young Kingfishers have started their campaign with seven victories in as many matches, racking up a hatful of goals on the way.

However, as the old saying goes, you are only as good as your last game, and on this evidence, the Town deserve to be a side fighting relegation in the Gwent County League.

The only positive thing that can come from this performance is that it may bring some of the players back to earth with a mighty bang and realise that without hard work and the right application of hard work, you win nothing.

Preparations had started badly when managers Burns and Pick had news on the Friday night that captain Alderdice would be unavailable, adding to the absentee list including Ford, Palmer, Kennedy, Davies and Williams.

Striker Bowen faced a late fitness test, still struggling with a back injury.

The Kingfishers reshuffled, resulting in more changes to a fragile back line that has not played two consecutive games together all season.

Dan Barnard came in at right back with young Luke Cleaves on the left, either side of the centre half pairing of Spence and Chris Tyler, making only his second start of the season.

The Town actually started brightly, looking to play their trademark high tempo passing football.

Unfortunately this bright spell lasted only five minutes until the weakness started to show.

For the full report, see this week's Monmouthshire Beacon