Monmouth Town returned to winning ways and edged another three points closer to promotion with a two-nil win over basement club Treharris Athletic at the Sports Ground last Saturday (25th February).

In truth, the Kingfishers were never at their most fluent and struggled all afternoon to maintain possession against a side they had beaten by eight goals to one back in November.

The visitors had not played for numerous weeks due to the inclement weather but had made three signings themselves in a bid to strengthen for their relegation fears, a feat they have achieved for the past three seasons, despite being bottom at Christmas.

The Town started the game nursing their wounds after the three-nil defeat to Caerleon the previous week, in addition to the suspensions of Jack Alderdice and Matthew Bowen.

This resulted in a full debut for Tom Burns upfront and a return to the number 10 shirt for Ashley Ford.

Aaron Davies returned to the bench but realistically is still a couple of weeks away from full fitness.

The Kingfishers kicked off in the glorious spring sunshine, but the game had to be stopped for five minutes after just three seconds when Smith's attempted ball to the corner hit the onrushing midfielder flush in the face, resulting in lengthy treatment for the unfortunate number eight, who would later see red after two rash challenges.

The Town looked comfortable for large periods of the first half but misplaced passes or too much time dwelling on the ball resulted in many breakdowns in play.

The visitors rarely threatened themselves and Pass had a comfortable time in goal, dealing with any over-hit passes that came his way.

Tom Burns looked composed and can be happy with his performance, although decent service to him was limited.

Ash Ford scuffed a shot when well placed and Sam Palmer struck at the goal keeper when one-on-one.

The Kingfishers nearly broke the deadlock when, from a Dean Palmer free kick, Smith volleyed from an acute angle but just clipped the corner of the upright. 30 seconds later, however, and the Town got their opening goal.

Burns persevered on the touchline and after his initial shot was only parried, Elliot Ford was on  hand to fire the ball home from six yards.

The home supporters and players alike then expected the floodgates to open, but the Town continued to struggle to maintain possession and show composure on the ball resulting in the half-time score remaining at one-nil.

For the full report from this match, see this week's Beacon (29th February)