A first Monmouth Town goal by Rob Laurie and a first of the season from Dan Spence sealed a first-ever win for the Kingfishers at Gwent rivals Aberbargoed Buds and consolidated the Town's 10-point lead at the top of the Welsh League Second Division.

With just six games to play starting this Sunday at home against relegation-threatened Bettws (2.30pm kick off), promotion is almost certain and the title is theirs to lose.

But once again the Kingfishers made hard work for themselves, failing to build on the early lead after Laurie had bundled in his chance at the far post with Ford, Palmer and Bowen all guilty of missing chances that would have eased the nerves of the visiting supporters.

As it was, it was typical Monmouth who went further ahead as Spence headed home a corner only for Buds to give themselves a chance with their first real attempt.

Back in Monmouth, a James Lee hat-trick, a Ryan Holder penalty and a Tom Maxted goal kept the reserves in second position as they grabbed a five-three win over Undy Athletic.

Cruising three-nil at half-time, they allowed Undy back in at three-three before Holder's penalty and Lee's third claimed the points.

Both games, along with all east Gwent games, were preceded by a minute's silence for inspirational junior coach Kevin Johnson, who passed away after a long illness and a number of  the players were delighted to have 'done it for Kevin' over the weekend, with Ashley Ford dedicating his appearance and Jimmy Lee tweeting that his hat-trick was "for Kev".

Both teams are back in Monmouth this weekend with the reserves playing Saturday and the first team on Sunday both at 2.30pm and both preceded by more tributes to Kevin to celebrate his contribution to the club.

Chairman Lee Robson said: "It's been a tough week for all of us at the club and our thoughts are with Mel, Harry, Imogen and Kev's sister Beverly at this really difficult time."