Gwent County League Division Three - Pontnewydd 1 Blackrock Rovers 6

BLACKROCK Rovers continued their recent good form under new manager Richard Regulski with a 6-1 victory at second-from-bottom Pontnewydd.

“It was good to get back to winning ways after two draws on the trot,” Regulski said.

“We went with 12 players again due to a few injuries and a few unavailable and took the lead through Connor Bryant after a good through ball from Luke James.

After Pontnewydd equalised James restored Rovers’ lead and further goals from Corey Bowe, two more from Bryant and another from James completed the victory.

The manager is hoping to have a few more players available for the next game against Rockfield Rovers.

Sudbrook CC warmed up for this Saturday’s visitors, local rivals Caldicot Castle, with a 4-2 home win over Ponthir.

“The first half was one to forget for us,” admitted Sudbrook manager Daryl Cann.

“Ponthir took the lead when we didn’t play to the whistle and went 2-0 down when Steve Phillips was penalised for a tackle.

“At the break, we changed our formation and I went on with Tom Stuart and it seemed to do the trick!

“Within five minutes Ben Miles scored direct from a corner then he equalised on 55 minutes with a great strike after a cheeky back heel from Rob Thorn.”

Cann put his team ahead with another goal straight from a corner but Phillips was sent off for a similar tackle and Ponthir were awarded a penalty which keeper Craig Brimble saved.

“We had it all to do with 10 men for the last 20 minutes but we made it safe with our fourth goal when Rob Thorn scored with a diving header from my cross which even the ref applauded!”

There was no such happy ending for Caldicot Castle who lost 4-0 at home to league leaders Wattsville.

“We again had availability problems with six players out and we took on the leaders with only one sub on the bench,” Castle boss Alex Hart said.

“The scoreline flattered Wattsville because we were always chasing a goal after they scored but they did deserve to win.

“They led 1-0 at half time but went further ahead a minute into the second half through an unfortunate own goal and we were forced to chase from then on.

“That left us vulnerable at the back and we were punished.

“We gave a gutsy performance and I was proud of the effort and application the players put in.

“We are on a bad run but Saturday’s derby game is just the right opportunity to change that.

“If we get a couple of players back, I’m sure we can secure our league status and provide a platform for next year.”