Gwent Premier PL

Cwmbran Town 2 Monmouth Town 2

THE Kingfishers still had hopes of promotion if they could win all their remaining games, but a battling comeback draw at unbeaten league leaders Cwmbran Town on Saturday wasn’t enough to keep them alive, reports JAMES TOWNLEY.

It was a quick start from Cwmbran as they went one goal up after just two minutes thanks to Alex Davies.

Monmouth reacted with a great chance of their own though, as Ebrima Ndure and Jacob Perrella broke free on the counter-attack.

Monmouth Town launch an attach
Monmouth Town launch an attach (James Townley)

But an underwhelming shot from Perrella went straight into the hands of Cwmbran keeper Callum Brain.

The hosts pressed on as they looked for a two-goal advantage, and a ball into the box almost delivered, only to be headed just wide.

Goalmouth action from Monmouth Town's 2-2 draw at Cwmbran Town
Goalmouth action from Monmouth Town's 2-2 draw at Cwmbran Town (James Townley)

They then broke free again on 28 minutes, this time with Aysa Al-Doori playing in Harry Russell, whose effort was deflected wide.

But from the resulting corner, Kristian Wharton fired home to make it 2-0.

Monmouth’s final chance of the half was a replica of their first, and had a similar result, easily claimed by Brain.

The referee then blew for the break as Cwmbran looked clear favourites to take the three points from the game and seal the title.

Monmouth pile on the pressure
Monmouth pile on the pressure (James Townley)

The hosts started the second half pushing for a third, with a chance for Russell flying over the bar after a great ball from Joshua Brown.

Daniel Prichard then delivered a ball into the box which ended up hitting the bar, catching Ethan Ross off guard, which rebounded to Davies who hit it well over.

The pressure continued as Prichard then got played through on goal by Al-Doori, but Ross was able to rush out and claim it as the hosts demanded a penalty for the goalkeeper’s actions.

Then in the 82nd minute, Jack Meredith gave the visitors a lifeline, firing it past Brain from a corner to make it 2-1.

Monmouth hit back late on to snatch a 2-2 draw
Monmouth hit back late on to snatch a 2-2 draw (James Townley)

And a minute into stoppage time, Ashley Ford gave Monmouth a late equaliser after heading past a stranded keeper.

Monmouth score and the Cwmbran keeper can't believe it
Monmouth score and the Cwmbran keeper can't believe it (James Townley)

From nowhere, the visitors now had hopes of even finding a winner, but despite close action during a lengthy period of added time, there were no more goals before the referee brought the game to an end, signalling the title for Cwmbran and the end of Monmouth’s promotion hopes.

The Kingfishers still have hopes of silverware though, as they will take on the same opponents in the final of the Gwent Senior Cup, venue and date still to be announced.

First team manager Jack Alderdice said of the draw: “A really disappointing result in as much as it’s the end of our hopes of catching Liswerry in second

“Credit to Cwmbran though, who have gone a whole season unbeaten which is a remarkable achievement.

“The really frustrating thing for us as a management team is we don't feel we were anywhere near our best for a large portion of the game.”

Despite the disappointment and missing several players on duty for Monmouth Comprehensive School in their Welsh Schools Cup final triumph the same day, the Kingfishers shrugged off any hangover with a thumping 4-0 win over Pill on Wednesday night (April 30) in their final home game of the season.

Max Jepsom set them on their way in the 16th minute, followed by goals for Sam Oxley (41), Jack Meredith (45) and Jake Lewis (85)

Elsewhere on Saturday, the 2nds lost to Caldicot Castle 4-3 at home after leading 3-1 at the break, Henry Williams with a brace and Sam Williams with one.

Monmouth 1sts visit Newport Saints on Saturday (May 3), while the Youth face Newport Corinthians U18s away on Sunday in their final game.