JD?Welsh League Division Two - Monmouth Town 2 Caerau Ely 1

MONMOUTH Town FC moved firmly into mid-table as they claimed a scrappy three points over 10-man Caerau Ely on Saturday.

The Kingfishers were looking to improve their league standing with a home game against high flying Caerau, who before kick off sat third in Division Two of the Welsh League.

On a breezy, damp afternoon the game started in lively fashion with Caerau having the better of play. A notable performance by Caerau’s central striker demanded early defensive play by Monmouth which resulted in keeping the initial score sheet clean.

In an end-to-end spell it was a very entertaining game of football with chances falling to both sides but neither side was able to capitalise with a goal.

However a yellow card for a Monmouth defender changed the tone of the game, which had been played in an open and good spirited nature, to more bad tempered, with niggling fouls by both sides. During this period of play, a foul by a Caerau player resulted in a red card, reducing the visitors to 10 men.

The game became scrappy but chances were created by both sides, with Monmouth subsequently conceding a penalty which was well converted by Elijah Chilekwa. The score remained 1-0 up to the half time whistle.

The second half started in a lively manner with end to end chances. Rory Prettyjohns equalised for Monmouth, scoring a fine header at the near post from a corner kick. Play once again became disjointed and a number of players on both sides were showing their frustration, which resulted in a number of yellow cards.

Towards the end of the game a superb cross in to the Caerau penalty area saw Rhodri Lewis connect with the ball to score a well taken headed goal to give Monmouth a 2-1 lead.

More chances were created by both sides but no conversions to goals and the score remained 2-1, with the Kingfishers climbing to eighth in the table.

Monmouth’s next game is at home to Garden Village on Saturday 8th December, before three successive home matches against Risca United, Caldicot Town and Dinas Powys.