Mighty Mac at the double as Town put Romans to flight

MONMOUTH Town left it late to secure all three points in Saturday’s Gwent Premier League fixture at Caerleon.

Despite holding the advantage for much of the match, the Halloween clash with The Romans threatened to put the frighteners on the Kingfishers, until Dan Macdonald's late injury-time second goal sealed a 3-1 win.

A dark and gloomy afternoon in Caerleon set the tone for a tight and tense contest between two sides who have experienced contrasting fortunes so far this season, the Romans sitting in the lower half of the table, while Monmouth battle near the top.

After an opening spell that saw chances for both sides, Lucas Harris gave the Kingfishers the lead in the 19th minute, the returning Robbie Atkinson finding space out wide on the left and picking out the 17-year-old inside the box to fire home.

Their lead was short-lived though, experienced Kingfisher Rob Laurie conceding a penalty a minute later, and Iwan Evans stepping up to fire into the left corner despite Monmouth keeper Jack Harris diving the same way.

Despite nervy moments for both sides, the score remained level at 1-1 to the break.

But Monmouth regained the lead in the 57th minute after winning a free-kick on the edge of the Romans box.

There was little doubt who would step up to take the opportunity, Macdonald striking the ball hard and low past Caerleon keeper Sam Kearney to restore the Kingfishers' advantage.

It remained tense though, with the home side piling on the pressure in search of an equaliser, with Mitchell Palmer having to produce a superb goal-line clearance in the closing stages to keep his side in front.

But the game was finally put to bed in the eighth minute of added time when Macdonald broke free and calmly finished to send the travelling Kingfishers into celebration, with the final whistle following moments later.

Meanwhile, at the Monmouth Sports Ground, the reserves also enjoyed a strong result in the Brian Reed Cup, advancing to the next round with a 2-0 win over Underwood.

A brace from Oliver Brownridge, alongside a pair of assists from Tarran Evans, booked the 2nds place in the second round.

On Sunday, the Women secured their first win in the SWWGL Women's Division Four with a victory at home against Holton Road Women.

It was a controlled display from the side, who were worthy winners, a brace from Jessica Stoddard and a goal from Roxi Phillips securing the three points.

The Youth side, however, were knocked out of the cup following a goal-filled 5-3 defeat away to Treowen Stars U18s, with Tarran Evans, Jack Hanks and Henry Taylor their scorers.

This weekend, Monmouth Town 1sts host Sifil in league action at the Monmouth Sports Ground, while the reserves travel to Sudbrook for an East Gwent Division One fixture.

On Sunday, Monmouth Town Women are on the road against Penrhiwceiber Women, while the Youth side travel to face Caldicot Town U18s.