Monmouth Town's Kingfishers finally clinched the Welsh League Division Two title with an emphatic second half performance against Cardiff-based Ely Rangers in the pouring rain last Wednesday (9th May).

Town needed a win from their final two games as playing just twice in six weeks had seen arch rivals Tata Steel threaten to steal the championship despite Town being top since their opening day five-nil victory over Garden Village last August.

After 45 seconds, Ely took the lead as the Town defence parted like a yellow sea to let in Nicky Gardener to rifle home. Despite some good pressure, Monmouth looked to grab an equaliser and missed a number of chances before a hand ball allowed Dan MacDonald to calmly slot home from the spot.

More chances went begging and Town rued the missed opportunities as Robert Greatrex smashed Ely back into the lead on 35 minutes. As the rain made the pitch deteriorate the Kingfishers huffed and puffed but went in at half-time knowing they had to emerge in the second period with even more attacking intent.

A double substitution saw Palmer and Smith replaced as Tom Maxted entered the fray. The more direct running immediately paid dividends as wave after wave of attacks drew a corner which was headed home by Jack Alderdice – the 100th of the season and a record for a Gwent club at this level.

More slick passing set up a few other chances and Dan MacDonald sent the travelling support into raptures with a smart turn and finish to put the Town in the driving seat.

A mix up with just 15 minutes left let in Bowen to poke home his first of 2012 and what proved to be the title-clinching goal rendering academic the Town's final fixture against Dinas Powis (a two-nil defeat)  last Saturday (12th May).

The Kingfishers will now embark on their debut top-flight campaign in August against the likes of 20-times Welsh League champions and Champions League entrants Barry Town, Brewery Field-based Bridgend Town and other Welsh League giants Haverfordwest, Ton Pentre and Taffs Well.

For more on this story, see this week's Beacon (16th May)