For some observers this was all about a new home for the ambitious Kingfishers as they set out on their Welsh League title defence at Abergavenny's Pen Y Pound Stadium. For others it was a curious peak at a team shorn of some stars from their championship winning side but featuring potential stars of the future – and a few comebacks, too. Division 2 champions Cardiff Met University are always a bit of a puzzle at this time of the year too, with students coming and going, but both sides' reputations as passing, attacking sides promised much for this encounter. The early signs didn't disappoint in that department as both sides passed diligently without really troubling one another. Monmouth looked the more ambitious and more direct in the early exchanges. The Kingfishers have had to refashion their team, introducing Adam Newbury at the base of midfield, Ashley Ford in an unfamiliar left back berth and fans' favourite Jacob Guy reverting to right  back. Nick Harrhy led the line with the exciting Chris Ham playing wide left. Newcomer Josh Bull had to settle for a place on the bench. It was Elliot Ford, back after an eight month absence, who drew first blood, driving at a static defence and earning a penalty (pictured) expertly converted by Nick  Harrhy (pictured). It could and should have been two shortly afterwards as Ford blasted one over, then on the half hour, Ham got the better of a challenge with the students' 'keeper but his shot was cleared. On 38 minutes the first real threat from the visitors produced  a free kick that was blasted under the defensive wall, giving Blackburn no chance. It was to stay one-a-piece, with Ford thwarted twice in quick succession by some good stops by the students' 'keeper and a few other chances sailing high and wide. The students threatened now and again and did hit the bar but will be the happier of the sides in earning a point. Manager Andrew Smith was disappointed with the result. "It was a silly goal to concede and I thought we looked solid at the back and lively up front. We're still a way off our best but it's a work in progress," he said. Town continue their campaign this Wednesday with a local derby at  Goytre (kick off 6.30pm), who will be looking to avenge the two defeats inflicted on them during the last campaign.