AN injury-time goal robbed Blackrock Rovers of two points at Ebbw Vale but Rovers' boss Paul Lovell remained upbeat.

"It was a much improved performance," he said.

"Every player concentrated for the full 90 minutes and individual mistakes, which have cost the team lately, were few and far between.

"A dominant first half performance was capped with a Luke James goal to give us a deserved first-half lead" the manager added.

The second half saw Ebbw Vale press much harder and Rovers were forced back, defending deeper and deeper.

"Despite the pressure, we defended well, with good performances from Joey Lee, Scott Lovell and Jamie Watkins," Lovell added.

"But in injury time, Ebbw Vale pushed more men forward and were rewarded in the 93rd minute with a scrambled equaliser.

"Although our players were deflated, it was a good, hard-earned point and I hope they will take heart from the improved team performance."

Mathern's game at Sebastopol was called off and they face a tough test at Llanhilleth Athletic on Saturday. Athletic forced a 3-3 draw at Mathern last month.

In Division 2, Caldicot Castle and Rockfield Rovers had their games cancelled but Thornwell Red & White took a point in a 2-2 draw at Whiteheads, a result that did neither team any favours.

Manager Steve Bidmead said he saw the result as two points lost, although they were 2-1 down at half time, their goal being scored by skipper Rory Garey.

"We had 70 per cent of the play in their half of the field and managed 11 shots on target throughout," he said.

"Rory won us a deserved point with his second goal in the second half but we could so easily have taken all three."

Thornwell, who travel to play Rockfield Rovers on Saturday, are still fourth from bottom of the division with Whiteheads a place below.

Castle are due to visit Tranch while Blackrock are away to Spencer Youth.