HIGH-FLYING Mathern were leading 2-0 at Cefn Forest thanks to two Connor Hayden strikes but a moment of madness by central defender Gary Baker saw them reduced to 10 men 10 minutes before half-time.

"We played well but it's very difficult playing 55 minutes with 10 men," said Mathern boss Dean Thomas.

"I'm very proud of the work-rate and commitment the 10 players put in. If we keep up that sort of form, we won't go far wrong."

Blackrock Rovers went down 3-1 at Llanhilleth Athletic who are Mathern's visitors on Saturday.

Rovers boss Paul Lovell is hoping Lloyd Williams' return from injury will help to improve his team.

"It was a spirited display but individual mistakes meant another defeat," he said.

"A late Kieron Nesbitt goal gave the scoreline a truer reflection, but two of Llanhilleth's goals could have been avoided.

"The return of Lloyd Williams after he twisted a knee in the first 10 minutes of our opening game has left him on the sidelines but he should be back to boost the squad in the next couple of weeks and give us a bit more steel at the back.

"His return will improve the team and hopefully help to improve the results."

The only local team to claim three points was Caldicot Castle who have already shown the improvement in training and on the field, called for by manager Dave Adamson.

"We had a great result beating promotion candidates Neuadd Wen," Adamson said.

"The boys continued with the same attitude and commitment they've shown in the last games and the last two training sessions.

"Neuadd Wen are a very good team and our midfield and defence had to work their socks off to keep them out."

Castle went ahead through leading scorer Joe O'Brien but the visitors hit back to equalise from a corner.

In a closely-fought second half, Castle retook the lead when James Reid volleyed a cross from Richard Regulski past the keeper and then Richard Beach won it for us although Neuadd Wen reduced the arrears 10 minutes from the end.

"I am extremely proud of the boys for the way they dug in defensively in the closing minutes to deny them a point. All 14 squad members played a part."