Monmouth Town - 4

Abergavenny Town FC - 3

DESPITE taking the lead twice, Town returned empty-handed from their trip to league leaders Monmouth Town.

In a match played in monsoon conditions, Town got an early boost after only three minutes when referee Jordan Harman awarded them a penalty, which Sean Feeley duly converted. Town’s lead lasted only two minutes after they lost possession in midfield and let in Monmouth’s lively Leo Ross to score.

Monmouth nearly took the lead shortly after, but Town’s Ross Davies, a colossus in defence, brought off a brilliant block. Town restored their advantage on 25 minutes putting together a slick passing move, which defied the atrocious conditions, and ended with Sean Feeley grabbing the second of a brace. Again Town’s lead was short-lived and ten minutes later, with the ball bobbling from player to player in the box, it was Leo Ross who was quickest to the loose ball firing into the roof of the net.

In the second half, Town took the field with a strong wind at their backs, but did not make the most of the conditions, and 15 minutes from time it was Monmouth who took the lead for the first time as Town came under a period of sustained pressure.

Undeterred, Town fought back and Will Duggan brought the sides level again with a pile-driver from thirty yards.

Soon after, Monmouth were reduced to ten men, when Harmon gave Ashley Ford his marching orders, but in the next minute Monmouth must have thought they had taken the lead again, but Town’s ‘keeper, Tom Indge produced a magnificent one-handed leaping save to thwart the hosts.

However Monmouth were not to be denied, and reclaimed the lead, and all three points, scoring from an attack with only seconds left on the clock.

Ultimately it was a match in which both sides can claim credit for producing quality football and quality goals despite the driving rain and gale force conditions.

On Saturday, Town travel to Gorseinon to face Garden Village, whilst Town’s reserves, without a fixture last Saturday, are also on the road, to Dinas Powys. Both matches kick off at 2.30pm.

Meanwhile Town’s youth side, who have seen little action lately, drew 3-3 against Treforest, with Town’s goals coming from Lance Lewis who scored two, and Elliot Simmonds.