Gwent County League

BLACKROCK Rovers’ promotion bid suffered a minor hitch at the weekend but manager Richard Regulski refused to be downhearted.

Playing at home to promotion rivals Rhymney, Rovers shared the points in a 2-2 draw but the manager saw the result as a point gained rather than two lost because his side trailed 2-1 until the last five minutes.

“We pushed for an equaliser after going behind soon after half time,” he said.

“Luke James saw shots hit the woodwork three times and Steve Wilson – who put us ahead with his sixth goal in five games – had similar luck.

“Rhymney’s keeper was having a great game and made some unbelievable saves.

“But I noticed the visitors were visibly tired so I pushed Jamie Green up front and after Keiron Nesbitt broke up a Rhymney attack, he sent Josh Fitton away.

“Josh and Corey Bowe set up a move with Corey delivering a cross which Jamie dived to head past the keeper.”

The goal came five minutes after Green appealed in vain for a penalty when he was brought down in the Rhymney box.

“Corey had earlier set up Steve’s goal and although it was frustrating that we didn’t win which would have closed the gap between them and us, I see it as a point gained rather than two lost,” Regulski added.

“Until Jamie’s goal, we were looking at the gap widening!”

Rovers are away to lowly Tranch on Saturday.

Caldicot Castle’s home match against Rockfield Rovers was called off when the referee ruled the pitch unplayable.

On Saturday, Castle are due to visit Wainfelin Bluebirds who beat Sudbrook CC 3-0 last weekend.

With Sudbrook manager Daryl Cann away, only 11 players were available to travel.

“The pitch was awful, as was the referee and we were never at the races,” a spokesman said.

Sudbrook are due to welcome Rogerstone to Mill Lane on Saturday.

Meanwhile, in Division Two, Mathern FC warmed up for Saturday‘s visit by runaway leaders RTB Ebbw Vale, with a 5-2 home win over Tredegar Athletic.

Mathern dominated the game from the whistle and Lewis Cutajar gave them a deserved lead, heading home a corner from the left to celebrate his birthday.

Elliot Greening added a second after good work down the right flank by Jordan Barrett and Luke Farley before turning provider for Farley to make it 3-0

Tredegar reduced the deficit before half-time scoring when a corner was only half cleared.

Mark Organ who was swapping wings to keep the visitors’ defenders on their toes, restored the three-goal advantage soon after the break but another slip allowed Tredegar to make 4-2 before Farley scored his second beating a defender to score from close-range after sub Billy Jeffery’s shot hit the far post and trickled along the line.