DEPLETED by injuries and work commitments, Caldicot Castle knew their opponent Ponthir would provide a tough test in the Gwent County League.

Castle were without their top scorer Joe O'Brien and the influential McKeon brothers, Scott and James, as well as first-choice keeper Dave Hayward.

But Hayward's replacement, Richard Beach, kept the visitors at bay for the first 20 minutes, making a fine double save to deny Ponthir striker Nathan Evans before being beaten by a low shot from the edge of the area.

The lead was extended before half-time and, soon after the break, stretched to 3-0 from the penalty spot despite the keeper getting his left hand to Leigh Ford's low shot, but unable to prevent the ball trickling over the line.

Ironically, the third goal sparked Castle into life and Kieran Adamson made it 3-1 before Richard Regulski's screamer made it 3-2 to set up a barnstorming final 20 minutes.

Team spokesman James Lawrence admitted Castle found Ponthir a handful.

"We were poor in the first half and couldn't cope with their movement off the ball," he said.

"We never really got going until we were 3-0 down but Kieran and Richard's goals gave us real hope.

"Richard Beach made some good saves but hopefully we'll be back to a full squad for the match at Whiteheads on Saturday."

Thornwell Red & White earned a useful point in a 3-3 draw at Pontnewydd but are still only one place above bottom club Trinant.

Manager Steve Bidmead said his men, who were 1-0 up at the break "fell asleep" after the restart.

"We were ahead through Tom Chappell's goal but they scored three times before we woke up again," he said.

"We fought really hard to get back to 3-3 thanks to goals by Tony Reynolds and Neil Brown." Thornwell are away to Ponthir on Saturday.