At any other time of the season an away point at high flying AFC Porth would be classed as a great result.

That it didn't feel like it spoke volumes as the Kingfishers failed to win for the fourth match in a row – a run that has severely dampened any talk of winning the Welsh League title.

After the lack lustre draw with relegation haunted Tata Steel, Town were at least back to something approaching full strength and with only one goal from the previous two games could have been confident of at least getting on the score sheet.

It was clear after just a few minutes that the hard bumpy pitch would make any sustained passing moves unlikely and possibly unwise as the ball bobbled around with all the predictability of the Grand National.

As a result chances were at a premium although Town did fashion a good move when a through ball was crossed by Nick Harrhy and Ford just failed to reach it at the far post.

There was very little real goal threat after that with both defences on top and Laurie and Evans in particular looking good but in all other areas players had to battle with a ball developing a mind of its own as the game wore on.

The home team probably had the better of the early exchanges without stirring any levels of excitement.

That was reserved for the referee who came in for some heavy fire from bored locals not content with enjoying the warmer weather and a nearby hillside fire.

In the second half it was much the same story, with a lot of hitting and hoping and even more huffing and puffing.

Porth's misfiring frontmen should have done better with some promising stations but any favours were returned with spades in the final 10 as Ford struck a post when clean through, did the same minutes later from the opposite side of the pitch and Alderdice shot tamely when well placed as the clock ticked away.

Blackburn also threw one at a post to keep it vaguely interesting but the game finally petered out leaving both sides with a lot to do to catch leaders Taff's Well who have remained consistent throughout the season.

Town, sponsored by WyeMedia and Best of Monmouth with match catering by Raduni Restaurant, are next in action this Friday (12th April) travelling to Pontardawe before a run of six home games starting with Bryntirion Athletic this Sunday (14th April) at 2.30pm, followed by a Wednesday evening fixture against Ton Pentre (6.30pm).

Three wins puts them back in with a chance of Welsh League honours.

The second placed reserves (pictured below) went down heavily 6-1 to local rivals Goytre, who host Monmouth Town's first Gwent Senior Cup final appearance since 1940 on Tuesday 7th May (6.30pm) as Town take on Caldicot Town.