Llanhilleth U16 - 3

Mardy U16 - 1

MARDY U16's (pictured) came up against one of the leading sides in the league on Sunday and came off second best, despite a brave effort.

With some faces missing, it was always going to be a tough afternoon keeping pace with a strong and talented Llanhilleth side.

After conceding an early goal, Mardy hit back through Tom Jenkins' well-taken strike and competed fiercely across the pitch.

James Thomas marshalled the backline well to cope with some steady Llanhilleth pressure, and Lewis Holley pulled off some fine saves in the Mardy goal to keep the Reds in touch.

However it was weakness at set-pieces that let Mardy down in the second half.

An innocent looking free kick was somehow allowed to bounce through the defence into goal, and then a Mardy free kick that didn't reach the attackers was turned into a flowing Llanhilleth move that was clincially finished with a fierce shot from the edge of the area to make the score 3-1.

Even so Mardy made enough chances to salvage a draw from the game, but it was a lesson to remember that against a strong defence the chances made need to be taken.

 

Abergavenny Thursdays U14 - 3

Caerwent U14 - 1

ABERGAVENNY Thursdays U14's returned to football action with a hard thought win over title chasers Caerwent.

After recent success in reaching the Cup final, they brought this form onto the pitch and continued their top four charge.

The game started well for Abergavenny with constant possession and the creation of early chances. Main man Rhys Williams did well evading his man marking and linking up play as usual. Down the other end of the pitch there was also solid defending and a few good saves from the Abergavenny defence and keeper.

Five minutes before the break Abergavenny deservedly took the lead after a deflected shot from Rhys Williams found its way to the back of the net to make it 1-0 to the Thursdays going into the interval.

The second half started just as strong with the Abergavenny midfield doing well controlling the game. A special mention must go to Conor Dando who saw his best game in a Thursdays shirt.

All the hard work paid off when after a great cross from Jimmy Davies, Rhys Williams got his second of the game.

Following in the wake of the second goal things became a tad dramatic when the Thursdays had two players sent off within a matter of five minutes.

Consequently Abergavenny would have to see out the last 20 minutes with just nine players. Remarkably it was the Thursdays who were to score the next goal. Once again Rhys Williams picking up a hat-trick, after a skillful chip of the keeper, gave Abergavenny a three goal lead. From here on in, the team had to work outstandingly hard with the defence and midfield throwing their bodies in line to keep Caerwent at bay.

It was only with two minutes remaining that Caerwent were to break down the resilient Abergavenny goal and added a consolation strike of their own to a much-deserved and hard thought Thursdays victory.