Pentwynmawr Athletic - 4

Blaenavon Blues - 2

ALTHOUGH twice taking the lead in a game of end to end football against Pentwynmawr, the Blues eventually ran out of steam and lost the game 4-2.

The Blues dominated the first half playing some attractive football through the skillful Mike Waite, James Parfitt and Andrew Johnson, but it was central defender Matthew Cox who opened the scoring for the Blues with a looping far post header which deceived the home keeper.

Some sloppy play by the Blues allowed Pent back into the game with a well-taken equaliser. The Blues were soon back in front through some superb close control by Mike Waite and even a clumsy challenge by the defender couldn't put Waite off as he slid the ball past the advancing keeper.

The Blues started the second half very deep and allowed the youthful Pentwynmawr side to attack them at will.

The Blues defended for their lives for twenty minutes until Pent got the equaliser. Blues defender Huish then gave a penalty away with a rash challenge, but Blues keeper Chris Jones who had another brilliant game between the sticks saved the resultant penalty with ease.

This should have given the Blues the lift they needed, but the Blues continued to sit deep, allowing Pent to take the advantage and the lead.

The Blues pushed forward looking for an equaliser, but were caught out on the break, and Pent wasted no time in making it a final score of 4-2.

Overall, it was a disappointing result for the Blues who need to improve their levels of fitness and composure, or else they will once again struggle at the wrong end of the Gwent County Division One table for yet another season.

On a final note, the Blaenavon Blues committee would like to give a big thank you to junior section Chairman Bill Jones who very kindly officiated for the reserve team game.