East Gwent Senior League Mathern Reserves A 9 Caldicot Town 1

MATHERN Reserves A warmed up for this Saturday’s clash at Underwood A with a 9-1 victory at Caldicot Town.

In a classic “game of two halves” Mathern were dominant in the first half, scoring eight and conceding one but after stern words from Town manager Andrew Thomas, the home side buckled down to their task and restricted Mathern’s free-scoring forwards to just one goal after the break.

“I told them they had to play like they’ve played in other games this season,” Thomas said.

“Mathern are a very good side. They play very good football, keep it on the deck as much as possible and have some very skilful players – but so do we!

“I just had to make my team realise that, and they competed better in the second half.”

There was little doubt that Mathern were in good form and they attacked from the start. Dan Tyler scored the first early on and the impressive Tom Watson scored the second.

Tyler added the third from the spot and then Connor Hayden added the fourth from what seemed like an impossible angle before Rob Wood made it 5-0 with a wicked cross-shot which cleared Town’s tall keeper Louis Randle but dipped under the bar at the far post.

Tom Corner reduced the deficit when his shot was deflected over Mathern’s keeper Josh Harding but Mathern scored almost from the restart, Tyler completing his hat-trick.

Wayne Duffield added the seventh and Jack Stewart, whose strong running on the right flank had been a major supply route throughout, made it 8-1 at the break.

With their manager’s encouragement ringing in their ears, Town’s players came out with a lot more grit and determination in the second half and it wasn’t until the 75th minute that Duffield fired his second from Callum England’s pass.

Mathern boss Lee Baker was pleased with his team’s first half performance.

“It was as dominant a first half as you can have,” he said.

“I thought we outplayed them but in the second half, all credit to them, they came out and had a go.

“It was a good reminder of what we need to do next week when we go to Underwood.”