Monmouth Town FC advanced through to the next round of the FAW Welsh Cup Qualifiers after a 1-0 win over Pentwynmawr Athletic on Saturday.

After a short break from football, the two sides who will both play in the Gwent Premier League this season competed in their first competitive fixture hosted by the Kingfishers at the Rockfield Community Centre.

The decisive goal in what was a tightly contested outing was given as an own goal against the visitors defender Jamie Russell.

Monmouth looked the most threatening in the opening stages, with runs from Robbie Atkinson and dangerous balls into the box from Dan Macdonald giving Pentynmawr an early challenge.

However, the Kingfishers were unable to find a way past the stubborn opposition defense and went into half time goalless.

The second half saw Lamin Ndure bring some fresh legs, with Lucas Harris and George Gouldingay joining his fellow teenager in search of an opener.

The own goal came in the 72nd minute after Mitchell Palmer’s cross found the head of Russell who deflected it past his own keeper to put them behind.

From there on it was about maintaining the advantage they had been in search of for over 70 minutes of the game with the defensive change of Fin Cummins for Brad Phillips aimed to help keep the advantage.

Despite a late chance for the visitors which forced new signing Jack Harris into action, Town held on to see them into the second round of the FAW Welsh Cup Qualifiers.

Speaking after the game, Sam Palmer said: “It wasn’t the prettiest of games but we are really pleased to be through to the next round. I thought the boys did really well today.”

“The Street brothers worked hard, Connor and Taylor worked really hard and Jack on his debut in goal was excellent. Really composed, making decisions at the right time and had a really good debut for us.”

“The Street brothers worked hard, Connor and Taylor worked really hard and Jack on his debut in goal was excellent. Really composed, making decisions at the right time and had a really good debut for us.”

On the back of his first game for the club, Jack Harris said, “Yeah I really enjoyed it. Tough conditions for us but first game with the boys and it’s good to be playing after about a year or so from the game.”

Up next for the Kingfishers is a friendly this Friday at Lydbrook AFC against Cardiff Met Development before our Gwent Premier League season kicks off on the seventh of August away to Wattsville