IT was a dismal day for the area as four out of the five Monmouthshire sides lost.

In division two, Mathern lost 4-1 at high-flying RTB Ebbw Vale, with Connor Hayden scoring the visitors’ consolation goal.

Meanwhile, in division three, Blackrock Rovers and Caldicot Castle both lost, Rovers going down 6-2 at Rockfield Rovers and Castle losing 5-2 at leaders Rhymney while Sudbrook CC lost 3-2 at Race.

Blackrock boss Paul Lovell admitted his men gave an all-round poor performance.

“We had a fairly good start with two good openings created but wasted,” he added.

“An avalanche of errors saw Rockfield score three goals from three shots.”

Rockfield, who started the match as the bottom club in the league, appeared to gain belief in themselves and added a fourth before half time.

Rockfield boss Dave Seymour said confidence is high.

“Dan Lane scored four against Blackrock and gave us the deadly striking we’ve been missing,” he added.

“Owen Walters and Matty Williams scored and this was an excellent display. Back-to-back league wins have boosted our confidence.”

Castle’s manager was equally disappointed but was also prepared to shoulder some of the blame himself.

Alex Hart held his hand up for two of Rhymney’s goals but also felt his men didn’t enjoy a fair rub of the green with refereeing decisions.

“There were some interesting decisions but we started slowly and they took an early two-goal lead,” Hart said.

“I was really disappointed with the display and we were 3-0 at the break.

“Then, early in the second half, two mistakes I made cost us dear and although James Reid made it 5-1 with a well-crafted goal, and I scored from a free-kick we couldn’t find a third which would have dragged us back into the game.

“Immaturity cost us. We will learn a lot from this performance and this will help us develop into a better team.”