Monmouth Town's Kingfishers continue their remarkable season tonight (Wednesday 17th December) in a Gwent Senior Cup semi final at Aberbargoed Buds (7.30) seeking to reach their first cup final since 1996 and their first ever at Gwent Senior level since the 50's when the Town's team won Monmouthshire cup silverware.

Add that to the fact that Town are third in the Welsh League first division, just two points off top and facing the leaders AFC Porth in the Rhondda this weekend with the winners claiming top spot for a Christmas number one.

Without a game last weekend due to the weather the Kingfishers were able to have an extra few days to recover from their thrilling game against Welsh Premier Bala Town who edged them out of the Welsh Cup with a late winner – a stunning volley by £10,000 striker Lee Hunt.

Going into the Porth game however Town will be without Elliot Ford who picked up his fifth caution of the season in the Bala game but should welcome back skipper Jack Alderdice, who's partner Leah gave birth to baby daughter Ella just before the Bala game  and who will have served his suspension following his dismissal against Risca United at the beginning of the month. The squad according to joint manager Barry Burns however is strong enough to challenge for honours if they can stay fit and avoid unnecessary bookings and red cards.

"We've got a great squad here and although it's been difficult for some people who have not been able to get regular first team action the game against Bala showed that when they do get a chance they can take it. We can definitely challenge for the Welsh League title as we can score goals. From here on in it's about determination and discipline. We have the talent." Andrew Smith is a great example of what Burns was talking about when after an absence from first team duties since August he returned with a vintage display against Bala aided by 18 year olds Max Fessey and Dan Compton  who also put in a shift despite spending a lot of time on the subs bench recently.  

Meanwhile Chairman Lee Robson played down speculation that the Town would be looking to relocate to make sure they can take up promotion to the Welsh Premier Division should they become the champions of South Wales. "Obviously we'll be going all out to win the title but we wouldn't be able to accept the promotion spot. Unfortunately we haven't got the facilities at the moment but of course we're looking at a range of options. Obviously if there's a rich benefactor out there with a lot of land then I'm all ears. The clue however is in our name.  Last time I looked it said Monmouth Town Football Club and if the people in Monmouth continue to back what we're doing by turning up to cheer us on, sponsoring games and helping out in other ways  then who knows what we can achieve."

Town, sponsored by WyeMedia with match day meals by Raduni Restaurant are next at home on Saturday 29th December against bottom club Tata Steel with a  2.30 kick off. If you would like to sponsor the game please contact the club.