Gwent Premier League Premier Division

Cefn Fforest 1 Monmouth Town 1

A CENTURY and a half old this month, Monmouth Town FC rescued a draw at Cefn Fforest in a tightly fought contest on Saturday.

After going a goal down in the first half at Britannia Fields, Dan Macdonald’s late equaliser secured a point on the road for the Kingfishers, moving them up to fifth in the Gwent Premier League top tier.

It was a quick start from Monmouth, who won an early set-piece.

But while Mitchell Palmer’s quick free-kick found Macdonald, his shot was comfortably saved by Cefn Fforest shot-stopper Asa Kirkwood.

Town continued to apply the pressure, creating chances from both wide and central areas before the home side responded with a few opportunities of their own.

And Fforest’s pressure was rewarded in the 25th minute when one of their latest squad additions, Kristian Powell, gave the home side the lead.

After winning the ball back on the halfway line, Fforest played it out wide, with Corey Lower finding Powell to fire home.

Monmouth then had it all to do if they were to avoid a third consecutive loss after two successive cup losses.

As the first half went on, tempers flared as both Dominic Hunt and Brad Phillips were temporarily sin-binned, leaving their respective sides down to ten players.

Despite more opportunities for both teams, the first period ended with the hosts holding the advantage.

The second half saw the intensity between the two sides continue, but it was the Kingfishers who found the breakthrough in the 78th minute through Macdonald.

After a darting run from super-sub Jack Hanks was intercepted, Lewis Lloyd quickly won the ball back and drove forward towards the top right of the Fforest penalty area.

And his low cross found Macdonald, who created an opening and, despite Kirkwood getting a hand to the ball, it trickled over the line to level the game.

Both teams had late chances, but great saves from Jack Harris and Kirkwood ensured the points were shared at full-time.

The 2nds meanwhile suffered a 4-1 East Gwent Cup defeat to Caldicot Castle at home, with the consolation goal scored by Ollie Moss and assisted by Harry Wilson.

On Sunday, the Women’s team ended their placement league match with a 4-1 win over Undy AFC Women.

Grace Odrovakavula fired a brace and Elizabeth Hamilton and Rosie Bennett one apiece, with the win seeing them finish in Division 4 after achieving three wins from five games.

The Youth side meanwhile progressed through to the next round of the cup after winning on penalties against Llanyrafon Junior U18s, with the winning spot kick scored by Henry Taylor.

Monmouth Town FC played their first match 150 years ago on October 12, 1876, with The Beacon reporting that the match would be taking place in its October 7, 1876, edition a century and a half ago today (Wednesday).

This coming Saturday (October 10), Monmouth Town FC will be celebrating the milestone with a match at home to PILCS in the Gwent Premier League, with former players and members invited for a shared day of memories.

If you have memories, stories or photographs from your time with the club that you would like to share, the club would love to hear from you.

The 2nds meanwhile are away to Chepstow Town 3rds in East Gwent One.

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