Abertillery Excelsiors -2

GOVILON bounced back from their mauling by Undy Athletic to record a 3-1 midweek win over Pentwynmawr Athletic.

Strikes came from Leon Gilchrist, Matthew Stephens and Rhys Whiteman, as Govilon completed the double over the Newbridge based side.

Last Saturday Govilon travelled to Abertillery Excelsiors and were unlucky to return without any reward.

In an entertaining match where the action flowed from end to end, Excelsiors took the lead 20 minutes in and could have doubled the advantage moments later except for a timely intervention from Stephen Lane.

Sam Morris in Govilon's goal was called into action early in the second half producing a fine save to keep the Badgers in the match and this heralded Govilon's best period of the game as they started to dominate play.

They equalised when the ball fell to Craig Norman on the edge of the box, and the feisty midfielder made no mistake.

A Matthew Heritage strike almost saw Govilon take the lead before the most controversial decision of the game came from referee Davies who adjudged 'keeper Morris to have fouled an oncoming Excelsiors striker just outside of the penalty area when he was left in a 'one on one' situation.

Despite claims that Morris made no contact he was shown a straight red card as the game swung back in favour of the Excelsiors.

Matthew Stephens stepped in between the sticks but could do nothing to prevent a wonder strike from Excelsiors substitute Gareth Owens as Excelsiors claimed the points.

On Saturday Govilon entertain Abercarn Utd (2.00pm).

Blaenavon Blues - 1

Pentwynmawr Athletic - 2

BLAENAVON Blues welcomed fellow Gwent County division one strugglers Pentwynmawr Athletic to the Memorial ground on Saturday and were beaten for their hospitality.

The Blues were missing manager Rob Browning who was ill so assistant Neil Cox took over the management duties.

The Blues should have scored in the opening minute when Josh Bull was put through on goal only for the visiting keeper' to make a great save low down.

Pentwynmawr put the poor first few minutes behind them and were the stronger of the two sides but the Blues' offside trap worked well and caught out the visitor's front men on a number of occasions.

Pentwynmawr took the lead after 20 minutes of play when a poor cross was misjudged by Blues keeper' Lee Jones as the ball slipped through his hands gifting Pentwynmawr an early goal.

They soon doubled their lead when a long ball made its way through the Blues defence and was well finished by the Pentwynmawr attacker to make it 0-2 at the interval.

The Blues dominated the second half and at times played some great one touch football but found Pentwynmawr very difficult to break down.

15 minutes into the second half and the Blues got one back when Josh Bull pull out to the right and cut inside to fire home.

The game was always very close to boiling over for most of the duration as the referee was inconsistent with his decisions and players became frustrated.

A rash challenge by a Pentwynmawr defender close to the end of the game resulted in a coming together of both sets of players; the referee came to the conclusion that Blues player Jim Cox deserved a second yellow card and dismissed the Blues midfielder, whilst allowing the Pentwynmawr players to go unpunished.

The Blues battled on for the final 10 minutes but were unable to get an equaliser.