MONMOUTH Town 2nds beat Caldicot Castle 3-2 in a thrilling East Gwent One Saturday clash at the Sports Ground.

The Kingfishers scored three in the first half, and despite a strong push from the visitors after the break, held on for all three points.

Saturday also marked the club’s junior fundraiser day, with mascots walking out alongside the team, a Parents v Coaches match, and live music rounding off the event.

The hosts created the first chance, with in-form forward Nathan Ward driving towards goal, but his effort was blocked by Jack Hunter.

David Elworthy then threatened after cutting in from the wing, and although Tommy Leonard got a touch, goalkeeper David Hayward reacted to keep it out.

Monmouth took the lead in the 19th minute though, Thorp delivering an excellent long pass to Elworthy on the wing, who picked out Fin Cummins on the edge of the box.

And although his shot was blocked, it fell kindly for Ward, who tapped home for 1-0.

The Kingfishers kept pressing, and they doubled their lead in the 39th minute, when Elworthy again found space out wide and played a dangerous ball to Oliver Kennedy, who drove forward before the ball ran to Oliver Brownridge to finish confidently from close range.

And just before half-time, Elworthy added a third with a composed finish past Hayward after the goalkeeper’s clearance was intercepted, and Brownridge set up the winger.

The second half was a different story however, as Caldicot started quickly, and Cameron Johnson nearly caught William Edwards off his line, only to see his effort drift just over.

The visitors pulled one back in the 66th minute after Monmouth conceded a penalty, Craig McCluskey converting despite Edwards nearly making the save.

The comeback looked possible when Caldicot scored again in the 87th minute through William Birkin, who found space on the right, drove to the edge of the box, and curled a superb strike into the top left corner to set up a tense finish.

However, time ran out for the visitors, and the final whistle confirmed a hard-earned win for Monmouth in their last home game of the season.

The reserves match was followed by Parents v Coaches, which ended in a 4-1 win for the parents.

The 1sts return to action this Saturday with their final home fixture against Abertillery Excelsiors (April 25), while the 2nds travel to face Caldicot Castle again on May 2.

Meanwhile, Usk 2nds travelled to Blaenavon Blues' Memorial Ground with hopes of lifting silverware in the Benevolent Cup final on Sunday.

But a brilliant finish from Penygarn & Trevethin’s Lewis Hale after seven minutes proved the only goal in a competitive game.

Usk at least had the consolation of a 2-0 midweek Gwent Central 2 home win over promotion rivals Tranch 2nds, Matthew Galletley and Liam Howells with two late goals.

Elsewhere, East Gwent 2 leaders Rockfield Rovers lost 6-4 away to third-placed Caldicot Castle 2nds despite a Tommy Tynan hat-trick and one from Ryan O'Keefe.

Chepstow Town 2nds walloped Underwood 8-0 in midweek to close the gap to four points with two games in hand.