BLACKROCK Rovers are the top local side in Division Three thanks to a 6-0 home win over Pontnewydd which hoisted them to second in the table.

But, as manager Paul Lovell pointed out, the game was definitely one of two halves!

“The first half was frustrating,” he said. “We took the lead with a penalty scored by Ben Smith after Corey Bowe was fouled by Pontnewydd’s keeper but we couldn’t add to the score, with Ben hitting the woodwork four times and Corey going close time after time.

“They both worked hard and kept going, unfazed, and the second half proved more fruitful with the pace of our front runners causing Pontnewydd problems.

“Ben scored a second-half hat-trick and our other goals came from Richard Regulski and Keiron Nesbitt.

“I was pleased with a solid performance at the back and a strong, confident display by keeper Jason Szmaglik helped produce a clean sheet.”

Rovers were due to entertain Tranch FC last night (Tuesday) and will be home to Race on Saturday.

Caldicot Castle enjoyed a 3-2 win over Tranch thanks to James Reid, a Craig McCluskey penalty and an own goal.

Castle boss Alex Hart paid tribute to his team which had a number of regulars missing.

“We had eight or nine first teamers missing and to get a result like that is brilliant,” he said. “It really got us back on track after the disappointment of losing to Blackrock.

“We have strength in depth and everybody is fighting for places and that’s all I can ask for.”

Castle were due to be at home to Penygarn & Trevethin last night and travel to Pontnewydd on Saturday.

Unavailable players proved costly to Sudbrook who lost 4-1 at Villa Dino Christchurch but manager Daryl Cann wasn’t making excuses.

“I’m not taking anything away from them - they are a very good team,” he said.

“We hit the post twice just before half-time but were 3-0 down at half-time.

“But the second half was a different story, Mark O’Hara arrived just before half time so we changed things around and took the game to them.

“Tom Stuart scored a ‘worldie’ from about 30 yards and we were back in it and looked threatening every time we went forward.

“Villa caught us on the counter right at the death to make it 4-1 which didn’t reflect the game - especially the second half.”

Sudbrook were due to play Wattsville last night (Tuesday) and travel to Tranch on Saturday.