East Gwent Senior League Underwood 1 Thornwell 2

THORNWELL players found their half-time ‘oranges’ too bitter to swallow but they enjoyed a sweet victory as Underwood’s promotion bid turned sour.

“Our defender, Neil Brown, bought oranges for half time refreshment but they turned out to be grapefruit,” Red and Whites boss Terry Woodward explained. “They were a little sour to say the least.”

With a 1-0 lead thanks to Tony Reynolds at the break, Woodward’s men limited Underwood to mainly long-range chances and when they did break through, they found keeper Dan Northey in good form.

“Dan never looked like being beaten,” Woodward continued. “We hit them on the break and had a few shots saved before Shane Morris from the corner of the boss which their keeper could only palm into the net.

The second goal came with 15 minutes remaining and spurred Underwood to search for at least a consolation goal which came when a cross from the right dipped over Northey to set up a nervy final five minutes.

“We had some really good performances from our boys including Jordan Locke, Cameron Pritchard and Tom Chappell to name but a few, especially having only played once in two months,” the manager added.

“Now we face another tough game against Mathern this Saturday.

“We need to play with the same confidence as yesterday and take our chances when they come, as that was the difference in the last game against Mathern when we played them at home. They took their chances with two very good finishes.”

On Saturday Severn Tunnel, who are now hot favourites to win promotion to the Gwent County League Division Three, welcome Underwood to Rogiet Sportsfield.

But Woodward said his men can only influence their own matches.

“I know there are other important matches on Saturday but I don’t really look at the other results,” he said.

“We need to concentrate on getting as many points as possible and see where we end up.”

In the other matches, Castle A welcome Undy Athletic, Tintern Abbey are at home to Chepstow Athletic and Caldicot Town host Severn Bridge.

The match of the day in Division Two is likely to be third-placed Mathern Reserves B who are at home to leaders Underwood B.

Underwood have 25 points from 11 games with a goal difference of 33 while Mathern have 24 points from nine games and a goal difference of 36. Keeping the two teams apart are Chepstow Town who also have 24 points from 10 matches and a goal difference of 39. Chepstow Town could return to the top if they beat visiting Severn Tunnel B and Underwood and Mathern draw.

The other matches in Division Two are Castle B versus Severn Tunnel C, while Thornwell B host Portskewett and Sudbrook CC.