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Kingfishers Weekend Roundup: First Team Earn Point as Youth Progress on Penalties
Monmouth Town rescued a draw away to Cefn Fforest on Saturday in a tightly fought contest at Britannia Fields.
After going one goal down in the first half, Dan Macdonald’s equaliser secured a point on the road for the Kingfishers, moving them up to fifth in the Gwent Premier League table.
It was a quick start from Monmouth, who won an early set-piece. Mitchell Palmer’s quick free-kick found Macdonald, but his shot was comfortably saved by Cefn Fforest shot-stopper Asa Kirkwood.
Town continued to apply the pressure, creating chances from both wide and central areas before the home side responded with a few opportunities of their own.
Fforest’s pressure was then rewarded in the 25th minute when one of their latest squad additions, Kristian Powell, gave the home side the lead. After winning the ball back on the halfway line, Fforest played it out wide, with Corey Lower finding Powell. Monmouth then had it all to do if they were to avoid a third consecutive loss.
As the first half went on, tempers flared as both Dominic Hunt and Brad Phillips were temporarily sin-binned, leaving their respective sides down to ten players. Despite more opportunities for both teams, the first period ended with the home side holding the advantage.
The second half saw the fight between the two sides continue, with both looking to get on the scoresheet. However, it was the Kingfishers who found the breakthrough in the 78th minute through Macdonald.
After a darting run from super-sub Jack Hanks was intercepted, Lewis Lloyd quickly won the ball back and drove forward towards the top right of the Fforest penalty area. His low cross found Macdonald, who created an opening and, despite Kirkwood getting a hand to the ball, saw it trickle in to level the game.
Both teams had late chances, but great saves from Jack Harris and Kirkwood ensured the points were shared when the final whistle was blown.
The reserves meanwhile suffered a 4-1 defeat to Caldicot Castle at home. The goal was scored by Ollie Moss and assisted by Harry Wilson.
On Sunday, the Women’s team ended their placement league with a 4-1 win over Undy AFC Women. They finished in Division 4 after achieving three wins from five games. Grace Odrovakavula netted a brace with Elizabeth Hamilton and Rosie Bennett scored the other two goals.
The Youth side meanwhile progressed through to the next round of the cup after winning on penalties against Llanyrafon Junior U18s. The winning penalty was scored by Henry Taylor.
This weekend, Monmouth Town FC celebrates its 150th anniversary against PILCS in the Gwent Premier League, with former players and members invited for a shared day of memories. The seconds meanwhile will be away to Chepstow Town thirds in league action.