East Gwent Senior League - Benevolent Cup Round One - Caldicot Town 1 Underwood B 3

UNDERWOOD B put on a ‘Ryall’ commanding performance to clinch a place in the second round.

Brothers Luke and Alex Ryall joined forces with their 16-year-old cousin Shaun Ryall as two second-half goals clinched this victory.

Although none of the goals came from them, much of the good work on Underwood’s right flank involved all three.

Town took an early lead through Ethan Addis but Joey Leighton equalised almost immediately and the rest of the first half was mainly even with both teams creating chances they were unable to convert into a lead.

Wishing Underwood good luck in the next round, Town boss Nathan Thomas admitted he was disappointed his team had given their lead away so quickly after going ahead.

“We played some good football at times but conceded minutes after, which halted our progress,” he said.

“Our second half performance wasn’t great and we gifted them two goals.”

Those goals, scored by Jahmal Johnson and Callum Ford, were both tap-ins after good work on the right flank saw the ball swept across the goalmouth from the right.

The winning margin might have been wider had it not been for a fine double save by Town keeper Louis Randle who leapt to tip a goalbound shot at his near post and then recovered to scramble across his goal to deny a tap-in at the far post.

At the other end, Underwood keeper Will Hobbs made some timely interceptions, especially from crosses and free-kicks to deny Town the chance of reducing the deficit.

“It was a hard game against a Division One team and I am very happy with our performance,” Underwood player-manager Craig Johnson said later.

“We played as a team and played some really nice football to take us into the next round.”

This weekend the teams will be in cup action again. In the Gill Cup second round, Tintern face Undy, Caldicot Town welcome Thornwell and Underwood A host Rockfield Rovers with Mathern A given a bye because their original opponents, Severn Bridge, have folded.

In the Centenary Cup for Division Two teams, Portskewett & Sudbrook are home to Mathern B, Severn Tunnel entertain Underwood B, Sudbrook CC visit Caldicot Castle B and Chepstow Athletic welcome Chepstow Town to their Mathern Road ground. All matches kick off at 1.45pm.