MONMOUTH Town came from behind to draw 1-1 with visitors New Inn on Saturday, in a ‘must not lose’ Gwent Premier top tier promotion game.

The Kingfishers created the first opportunity with Taylor Street trying his luck from distance, but goalkeeper Max Manson gathering.

A Monmouth player tries a high-flying overhead kick
A Monmouth player tries a high-flying overhead kick (James Townley)

Monmouth’s keeper and former New Inn shot-stopper Lloyd Watkins was then tested by a long-range Brad Baker effort, which was deflected but comfortably claimed.

But the visitors netted the opener in the 37th minute, Baker firing a free-kick in to Anthony Richards, who tapped past Watkins for 1-0.

The Kingfishers suffered another blow just before half-time, fullback Mitchell Palmer forced off with an ankle injury to be replaced by the experienced Luke Cleaves.

Town improved after the break, with Robbie Atkinson providing a threat down the wing, with an early effort on target but gathered by Manson.

Monmouth Town secured a point at home to New Inn
Monmouth Town secured a point at home to New Inn (James Townley)

Chances came and went, but with time beginning to run out, their persistence finally paid off in the 80th minute, Dan Macdonald floating a free-kick into the box, where Callum Uttley’s header was parried by Manson, with Cleaves reacting quickest to fire home the equaliser.

Players celebrate Luke Cleaves' leveller
Players celebrate Luke Cleaves' leveller (James Townley)

Despite both sides best efforts in the final ten minutes, neither could find a winner, with the game ending 1-1.

Kingfishers manager Mark Morris said: “Two really competitive teams, two very good teams. It was a tough game.

“I felt it took us a long time to get into the game. Injury as well for Mitchell hasn't helped and them scoring just before half-time put us on the back foot, but we didn't start very well and weren't at the races really.

“In the second half, we were a bit more aggressive, a bit more threatening. Robby was very good on the wing, Jake Perrella excellent in the middle of the park and Jack Meredith good at the back.”

The 2nds lost 3-2 at Underwood, scoring two late goals through Ebrima Ndure and Sam Williams.

Elsewhere, Chepstow Town won 3-2 at home to Abertillery Bluebirds in the Ardal South East League, Josh Gibson tapping in on 39 minutes for 1-1 before putting them in front with a second on 57 minutes and Lo Amadou making it 3-1 12 minutes from time.

Bluebirds scored again in stoppage time, but the Jockeys held on for the three points.

Usk Town triumphed 4-0 at home to bottom side Pontnewynydd in the Gwent Premier 2 basement battle thanks to a Jordan Loydall hat-trick and one from Oliver Rudall.

And promotion-chasing Redbrook Rovers won 6-1 at lowly Ruardean United in North Gloucestershire One, Tom Wareham firing a hat-trick (23, 84, 87), Tom Maxted a 40-yard screamer(36) and Ieuan Frost (58) and Dan Heaven (77) also on target.

Scores from Paul Brooks, Dan Bodenham and an own goal also put their 2nds through to the semi-final of the FJ Pope Cup, 3-2 away to Broadwell A.

Monmouth’s Rockfield Rovers also marched on at the top of East Gwent 2 with a 3-1 win away to Caldicot Castle 3rds, Ben Wiggins, Ryan O’Keefe and Tommy Tynan the scorers.

And Tintern Abbey shared the points 3-3 away to the Castle’s 2nds, thanks to Ollie Moss and George Gibbard strikes and an own goal.

Monmouth Town 1sts host Sifil on Saturday (March 21), while the Kingfishers’ 2nds visit Severn Tunnel in East Gwent One.