Monmouth Town 1 Troedyrhiw 2

Monmouth Town's winning run came to an end in a scrappy and feisty affair at the Sportsground as they finally ran out of luck in front of goal.

After sixteen goals in the previous three fixtures and barely a missed chance the Kingfishers had good reason to feel confident about reversing the 4 - 1 thumping they experienced earlier in the season.

However, after a fairly even first twenty minutes the task got harder as they failed to deal with an awkward penalty area melee, Smith handled and was red carded for the third time this season and the resulting penalty was confidently dispatched.

A hastily reorganised Monmouth team took a little time to get back into the game but for the rest of the half took the game to the visitors and had the better of the exchanges but struggled to make the possession and territory count as Troedyrhiw showed their mettle.

Town finally got the breakthrough they deserved when once again great work by Tranter was clinically finished by an increasingly confident Bowen for his fifth goal in four games. The pendulum swung further Monmouth's way in a mad final minute before half time when first another penalty was awarded to the visitors, which was well saved by Williams then a moment of madness by a Troedyrhiw midfielder as he stamped on Kingfishers captain Alderdice was answered with the second red card of the game.

Perhaps because of the additional space the second half grew more scrappy and stretched as both sides failed to find any rhythm but Town defended well and restricted Troedyrhiw to passing around in front of them.

A couple of good efforts didn't really trouble the visiting 'keeper but Tranter and Bowen should have done better with clear opportunities before a lapse of concentration let in the busy Troedyrhiw striker, who took his chance well.

From there a lot of huff and puff made no real dents in a the Troedyrhiw back line who held firm and looked dangerous on the break as both sides tired.

Town co-boss Barry Burns was disappointed with the result but commented "I thought we were good for a draw at least but we've lost a bit of concentration at a crucial time and been punished.

"We possibly could have made more of some opportunities but its hard to criticise anyone as they all put in a good shift today. Sometimes it doesn't go your way. That's football"

This Saturday Town are away at Llansawel in Neath