laenavon Blues - 1

Govilon AFC - 1

IN a gripping local derby between two well-matched sides, it was probably a fitting result that both Govilon and Blaenavon ended with a share of the points.

After a fairly even first 20 minutes, Blues Lloyd Jeffries was first to threaten either goal when his well-placed shot rebounded off the far post.

Govilon's striker Dean Morgan was denied a shot at goal when Lee Wathen made a last ditch tackle, Morgan again threatened, this time Blues keeper Lee Jones forced him into shooting wide.

From the resulting corner Govilon's Stephen Morgan headed wide.

Blues should have taken the lead when Lee Penry found Matt Burns out wide, his excellent cross was headed straight at the keeper by Jeffries.

Govilon took the lead when Stephen Morgan headed on for Dean Morgan to shoot home.

Blues came straight back at the visitors and Burns great cross was headed narrowly wide by Jake Bull.

The second half started with Burns crossing for Penry, he had two attempts at goal before Govilon scrambled it away for a corner.

Blues turned the screw Mike Waite had a fierce shot well held by the keeper Dan Parsons, Craig Tanner shot just over.

Waite and Jeffries combined to put Bull in but he shot straight at the keeper.

Blues suffered a major blow when hard working midfielder Marc Browning was sent off for disputing a decision.

A ten man Blues still kept up the pressure on the visitors, Jeffries was tripped as he ran at the defence, his free kick was excellently saved by Parsons.

Morgan, a constant threat to the Blues, cut inside and shot inches wide. Good work by sub Darren Harris set up Burns who also shot wide.

With time running out Jeffries timed his run to perfection and with only the keeper to beat was brought down by Govilon centre back Jamie Summers who was given his marching orders.

Waite's spot kick was magnificently saved by Parsons in the Govilon goal.

Right on the final whistle Dean Morgan was denied by Blues keeper Jones as the fierce and frantic encounter ended all square.