Gwent FA Amateur Cup Round One Underwood SC A 7 Croesyceiliog 2

UNDERWOOD earned a trip to North Gwent League side Oak FC by crushing Croesy on Caldicot’s new 3G surface.

As their own ground was waterlogged, Underwood were committed to playing the tie and despite persistent rain, the “home” side effectively won with a first half performance which yielded three fine goals through Josh Downing and two by Kyle Brown.

With former keeper Justin Bidgood playing at the heart of their defence alongside Ashley Edinburgh, and with tough-tackling Craig Owen, Underwood are fairly difficult to break down and Croesy had little to offer upfront.

The second half was only minutes old when Sean Johnson rose unchallenged at the near post to flick home a Jermaine Allen corner and at 4-0 down Croesy looked dead and buried.

However, their hopes were temporarily raised when they scored after Underwood failed to clear a free-kick pumped into their penalty area, but straight from the restart, Underwood restored their four-goal cushion when Allen’s wind-assisted cross dropped inside the far post.

Brown added two more goals, Croesy scored another consolation but they were soundly beaten.

“It was a good performance from our players with some of the best football we have played all season,” Underwood manager Craig Johnson said later.

“I’m happy we have progressed to the next round and with the draw, as we have avoided a Gwent County League team.

“It will still be a tough game against Oak FC but I’m confident we can get the win.”

Although the remainder of the Round One ties are still to be played this Saturday, the second round has already been drawn and has produced some interesting possibilities.

If Mathern overcome Wattsville, they will earn a home tie against Rockfield Rovers or West of St Julians while Sudbrook CC face either Division Two side Tredegar or Division Three’s Trinant.

Meanwhile, if Severn Tunnel A can produce the shock of Round One by beating Division Two pacesetters Spencer Youth and Boys, their visit to Ynysddu will be less daunting in the next round.

The reward for Caldicot Castle if they beat Glenside will be another home tie against the winners of the Monkswood-Boilermakers clash and provided Blackrock Rovers beat Clydach Wasps, they will be home to either Cwmbran Centre or RTB Ebbw Vale.

Finally, Thornwell Red and White’s reward for overcoming Tranch will be an away day to Division Three Rogerstone or Division Two strugglers Mardy.