TABLE toppers Goytre backed secured a comfortable win over Monmouth Town on Friday night, before shock news yesterday that the village high-flyers had been deducted 15 points for reportedly fielding an ineligible youth player on the bench in five games.

The Ardal South East League table has been adjusted to confirm that, leaving Abergavenny on top three points clear.

On Friday, the Kingfishers looked to try and soak pressure and hit Goytre on the counter attack and for large periods of the first half it had success.

However in the 13th minute, Warren Archer managed to break free from his marker to head a free-kick.

Kingfishers on a two-game losing streak going into the game, huffed and puffed but a second goal by Chris Ham - the league’s top scorer - after full back Lewis Davies underhit a back pass saw the hosts take control on the match and deservedly lead 2-0 at half time.

In the second half a formation change saw the away side look to attack from the off and started to stretch the home team as the game became more open.

The introduction of new signings Laurent Ngunjoh and Iwan Mooney saw the Kingfishers start to make dents in the final third but without an end product.

In the 73rd minute as the Kingfishers pushed again a simple ball over the top evaded the Monmouth defence and Michael Murphy scored a good goal from the angle when left one on one versus Travis Wood in goal.

Overall it was a deserved win for the league leaders as the strength and depth showed in their squad proved too much for their fellow Gwent opposition.

Manger Scott Russell said: “They are a very strong squad no doubts about it, I think their bench were on more money than our whole squad.

“We looked at teams who have done well against them so decided to try and soak up the pressure and hit them on the counter, but the early goal gave them a cushion to sit back more compared to if they were at 0-0.

“Second half we decided to give it a go and attack them, and we had success at times but were unable to score.

“Laurent and Iwan looked like two great additions to the squad also.

“The lads wanted to speak to each other without the coaches at the end of the game to right a few wrongs, and as crazy as it might sound I think we have hit a turning point in the season in a positive way, with the players taking ownership of their performances over the last few weeks and want to prove to the club they are good enough.”

Monmouth Town 2nds fought out a 4-4 home draw with Pontypridd Town on Saturday.

Fixtures this Saturday (February 12) include - Monmouth Town v Aberbargoed Buds, Abertillery Excelsiors v Chepstow Town, Croesyceiliog v Caldicot Town.