Monmouthshire Windows East Gwent League Benevolent Cup quarter finals

THE clash between Tintern Abbey and Mathern A ended prematurely in dramatic fashion when Mathern keeper Josh Carter collapsed with no other player close by.

Carter, 25, complained of a “pins-and-needles” sensation in his legs and a back injury was suspected, the decision was taken to not move the stricken keeper while an ambulance was called for and the game was abandoned.

The match, which was abandoned with the score at 1-1, will be replayed this Saturday.

In the other quarter finals, Thornwell Red and White A beat their visitors Chepstow Town A 4-0 and Underwood Athletic A beat Red and White’s B team 5-1.

The visitors’ manager Keith Tipper was disappointed that three goals came from two penalties and an own goal.

“It wasn’t a fair reflection of the game,” he said later.

“Our goal was scored by Josh Walker who finished off a one-two with a great strike.”

In the other cup match Caldicot Castle scored five second-half goals to beat visitors Rockfield Rovers, 

Leading 1-0 at the break through a Joe Shaw-Jones goal, Castle piled on the pressure in the second half and despite some good saves by Rovers’ keeper Gareth Williams, the home side showed why they are challenging for the title this season.

Steve Edwards and James Reid increased the advantage early on and further goals by skipper Craig McCluskey, Tim Battersby and player-manager Joe O’Brien made it 6-0.

“We started poorly and wasted good possession making the wrong decisions,” O’Brien said later,

“We were trying to force the game instead of being patient before the break but in the second half we were much better to watch – really clinical – and our subs had a positive influence with their fresh legs and pace.”

Rovers had arrived with only 11 players and as O’Brien observed, the extra pace and stamina proved crucial.

“I think Rockfield just ran out of gas and with man of the match Richard Regulski giving 100 per cent throughout, we were too strong for them.

“Although he didn’t score for once, Richard Lund led the line and assisted a couple of goals when he could have taken a shot himself.

“Now we go to Thornwell Red and White hoping to keep our 100 per cent record.

“It should be a good game and all the lads are buzzing for it.”

Bob Cypher