Gwent County League Division Three- Sudbrook CC 2 Severn Tunnel 0

SUDBROOK CC maintained their lead at the top of Division Three with a hard-fought three points at the expense of local rivals Severn Tunnel.

The Gwent County League new boys acquitted themselves well against the leaders and trailed 1-0 thanks to Dave Sinden’s goal until two events ended their hopes of a point.

First, Rob Thorn scored with a bullet header from a Tom Turner corner and then, after having a ‘goal’ disallowed, they lost Ollie Jones, red-carded for using foul language.

Tunnel manager Ken Nurden refused to be downhearted, however.

“I’m really proud of the lads,” he said later.

“I thought the match was fairly even until Sudbrook scored their first goal and then controlled the rest of the first half and if it hadn’t been for several top saves by our keeper Neil Hughes, they could have increased their advantage.

“We started the second half much better and were probably edging it for the first 20 minutes but their second goal and then us having a goal disallowed for offside, hit us hard.

“We went down to 10 men for the last 15 minutes and although we created a few half chances, we weren’t able to make any of them count.”

Nurden congratulated Sudbrook and tipped them for promotion,

“They have a really strong team and look a certainty to win promotion so I am proud that we held our own with them for long periods in the game.”

Co-manager Marcus Jenkins was disappointed that both Sudbrook goals came from set-pieces.

“We’ll have to work on those in training this week,” he said.

Caldicot Castle enjoyed a welcome home victory when they beat bottom club Cefn Fforest 2-1 to ease their own relegation fears.

Manager Dave Adamson was forced to endure some nervy moments in the final stages of the match after Castle failed to convert a penalty.

“We had an early goal from Joe O’Brien’s lob but we squandered three or four really good opportunities and let them back in it when a long-range shot went in,” he said.

“We went back in front when Connor Bryant tapped in from Joe’s cross and we really should have gone on and extended our lead.

“We missed a penalty and that meant we had a few nervy moments at the end but it was a good three points and hopefully, we can push on and get up the table.”

Mathern were without a match as Division Two is one team short following the withdrawal of the Cromwell team.