Govilon - 2
Llanhilleth - 1
AFTER two successive defeats on the trot, Govilon returned to winning ways on the weekend with a victory over Llanhilleth.
The end result mirrored the score line when the two teams met at Llanhilleth in December, and keeps Govilon at the top of the Gwent County Division Two table, albeit hotly pursued by Newport based Lliswerry FC.
Govilon dominated the opening stages and Llanhilleth were grateful to former Newport County front man Chris Townsend, now turned goalkeeper, for a series of fine saves including one spectacular triple effort that denied Govilon an early lead.
Their resistance was broken as the half hour approached when a flowing move saw Jamie Laurent set up Dean Morgan for the marksman to add to his season's tally.
Govilon went further ahead ten minutes later when referee Hopkins awarded a penalty which McCarthy hammered home.
Llanhilleth reduced arrears five minutes before half time when the lively Adam Carroll broke away and fired past debutant Gareth Roberts in Govilon's goal.
After the break Govilon created plenty of chances but found these hard to convert in the face of an impressive Townsend.
Richard MCcarthy almost added to his account, but a thunderbolt drive was pushed to safety by Townsend and moments later his header was also saved.
Govilon stretched Llanhilleth to their limit with five minutes remaining and stormed at them in a late flurry.
It was only desperate defending which foiled Morgan and Jamie Wilkins in the space
of seconds, and Wilkins was again denied when his headed effort was saved.
The last piece of action fell to Dean Morgan who saw his shot hit the bar and bounce to safety. On Saturday Govilon face an away trip to Rogerstone as kick-off times revert to 3.00pm.