Monmouth Town - 5

West End - 0

 

THAT Monmouth Town fans were bemoaning 'poor finishing' after this game says pretty much everything you need to know about the scale and ease of this Nathaniel Cars league cup win.  

Smith made seven changes to the team that so comfortably beat AFC Porth on the last outing - handing season first starts to Joe Loftus and Luke Cleaves, playing Sam Palmer and Ashley Ford in unfamiliar central midfield roles, and resting a number of first choices.

Initially West End went close in the very first attack, but Town, sponsored for the match by Physio Six soon found some rhythm and passed the ball with ease.

Perhaps lulled by the monotony of possession the Kingfishers enjoyed, it appeared something of a shock when Josh Bull finally burst through on goal 20 minutes in with an exceptional finish.

It took another 20 minutes for Monmouth to double the lead when goal machine Dan Macdonald latched on to a loose ball and struck it across the keeper from range into the bottom corner.

The first 15 minutes of the second half were a blur of attacking intent with Town able to create chances at will and miss them with equal competence.

Ham smashed a few over, Bull did likewise, headers were missed and crosses flashed across goal waiting for the all important touch while the visiting keeper also pulled off some good stops.

Finally, as if fed up with the profligacy of his team mates MacDonald took matters in hand, first of all blasting across the keeper for Jacob Guy to put in a simple touch and claim his first goal of the season, then leaping higher to head down and beyond for his second of the match.

There was still lots of time for Eliot Evans, on for Ford, to make it five, Ham to hit a post and even Cleaves almost got some action but his strike was well saved. At times it was exhibition stuff with Ham showing the full range of his beguiling skills and MacDonald's vision and range of pass at its height.

On the rare occasions the Swansea based outfit did get clear they were a bit more no nonsense and Blackburn pulled off a couple of good saves.

Town will now play two tough way games at resurgent Cambrian and Clydach and fourth placed Goytre FC before returning to Pen-y-Pound for a Welsh Cup second round home game against Division One rivals Penybont on November 8.   

 

Abergavenny Town saw their away clash at last season's champions, Pill FC, fall victim to the weather last Saturday. However with their nearest rivals all dropping points they still hold a healthy five point lead at the top of the Gwent County Division One table.

On Saturday they turn their attention to the FAW Trophy. Having disposed of Aber Valley in round two, they now face Johnston FC who make the long trek to Abergavenny from their base in Pembrokeshire tucked away between Milford Haven and Haverfordwest. Supporters should note this match kicks off at Penypound at 1.30pm, and there will be a small admission charge of £2.00 (to include programme).