Monmouth Town Under 16s entertained Chepstow in the cup last Sunday (23rd January) in a repeat of last year's semi final.

The Town won on that occasion and this time the outcome was the same after an epic battle.

Earlier on this season, Chepstow had equalised in injury time to share the points and this was another close encounter.

The Town dominated early on and got their reward when Oxford played a glorious ball into the channel and East ghosted past the right back to cross for Boxhall-James to volley home.

Pritchard was outstanding in midfield, his balance and range of passing was superb and he was backed up by Ryley, who made tackle after tackle.

Oxford saw a sweetly-struck free kick turned around the post by a very confident Chepstow keeper.

The second half got underway and with no Cleaves and no subs the Town started to run out of steam.

Oxford made a tired challenge and the ref pointed to the spot – Chepstow were back in it. Chepstow then took the lead as the Town wilted.

East crossed from the left and Tynan's remarkable header was tipped over.

As much as these boys want to play football that is pleasing on the eye, they will not be bullied as tackle after tackle came in from Hiederman, Hunt, Ryley and Pritchard.

Just when it looked as if the game was drifting away, Boxhall-James broke away, was tripped and it was another penalty.

With so much at stake, nobody expected McMeal to grab the ball.

All the players looked on thinking they should pull rank, manager Nick Oxford checked he was sure before McMeal placed the ball, sent the keeper the wrong way and made it all square.

Just as it looked as if that was that, East did another couple of tricks down the left, squared the ball and Badman, who had been quiet for most of the match, smashed the ball home.

Both sides have to be complemented on the football that was played on a sticky pitch.

With local rivals Rockfield and Garden City yet to play against the Town in the cup, they remain confident they will reach the semis.

These boys really do believe in each other as was proved when McMeal grabbed the ball for the spot kick. They are also enjoying their football, shown in the fact they are still unbeaten.