East Gwent Senior League Division 1

Chepstow Athletic 0 Thornwell Red and White 3

THORNWELL bounced back from their 5-2 home defeat by Underwood with victory over a stubborn Athletic side.

Playing only their second home match of the season, Athletic were up against it from the start with no-one on the subs bench but despite falling behind to a fine goal by Jordan Locke and two by Tom Chappell, they played so much better in the second half, with Chris Meddins and the rest of the defence throwing themselves in the way of everything Thornwell could fire at them.

And when the visitors did find a way through, they found keeper Nick Taylor in good form.

Thornwell’s influential centre back Neil Brown picked up a slight injury in the first half and spent the second period running the line, but that didn’t stop him encouraging, warning and inspiring his fellow defenders.

Manager Terry Woodward switched Chappell to the back four and brought on Dean Corbett for the second half but despite creating many chances, the visitors were unable to increase their advantage.

“I thought we did the hard work in the first half getting in front,” Woodward said later.

“A great strike by Jordan Locke put us one up and Tom (Chappell) did well up top getting his two goals, but I was disappointed with our second half although they did defend deep and the keeper made some decent saves.

“It was another clean sheet. Neil Brown had a slight groin problem so rather than risk him doing any long-term damage, he went off and Tom dropped back.

“It was a shame because he would probably have got his hat-trick.

“It wasn’t much of a test for us defensively but I’m happy with three points and the clean sheet!”

Having managed to restrict Thornwell to just three goals, Athletic’s manager Jake Parkinson said he was disappointed his side didn’t do enough to get a point but thought the second-half showing was a positive sign.

“I thought we defended well in the second half and I couldn’t fault the boys’ work-rate and attitude,” he said.

“They were outstanding! Credit to Thornwell who are a great footballing side and deserved their win.

“Our man of the match would have to be our keeper. He pulled off some incredible saves and I’d also mention Michael Slater who played wide on the left, worked tirelessly in defence throughout and was a threat going forward.”