CALDICOT Castle hosted Blackrock Rovers last night (18th August) hoping to add another three points for new manager Alex Hart.

Castle won 2-0 at Rockfield Rovers on Saturday thanks to goals from James Reid and a Craig McCluskey penalty.

“It was great to start the season with a hard-fought away win,” Hart said.

“The team were superb and executed the tactics excellently which is really pleasing.

“Kyle Williams and Ciaran Adamson were superb in defence and gave a real platform from which to mount our attacks.

“McCluskey ran the game and caused all sorts of problems for Rovers. The only disappointment was that we weren’t further ahead at half time.”

Blackrock manager Paul Lovell said his team looked a much better outfit than they had last season

Strengthened by Jamie Green, the defence looked far more solid than it looked last term.

 “We have a much-improved squad, with strength in depth which bodes well for the future,” he said.

“We are stronger than last year and will get better as the squad gels. It was a great debut by Richard Regulski, scoring our goal as well as controlling the midfield.

Rovers are home to Pontnewydd and Caldicot Castle host Tranch (kick-off 3pm).

In Division 2, a Mark Organ double helped secure Mathern’s first opening-day victory for three seasons, at Fairfield.

Excellent passing and good finishing saw Mathern leading 3-1 at the break but soon after the restart, the advantage was cut from the penalty spot.

Mathern restored their two-goal cushion and although Fairfield reduced the arrears in the dying minutes, they were denied a share of the points.

Elliot Greening and Alex Watkins were Mathern’s other scorers.

 “It was a very tough first game for a young, energetic Mathern squad but it was just the start we were hoping for as we have started slowly in previous seasons,” said manager Colin Jeffery.

Last night, Mathern were due to visit Tredegar United before entertaining Clydach Wasps at home on Saturday (kick-off 3pm).