Gilwern show their strength

Hard battle for the Robins

Undefeated Gilwern welcomed Blaenavon Blues B to the playing fields on Saturday for a full blooded game in wet conditions. Gilwern began the game with enthusiasm and gusto and took the lead after 5 minutes when Adam Carrington headed the ball over the keeper following a long through ball.
After 15 minutes Adam Carrington had to be replaced by debutante Daniel Phillips after spraining his ankle. Blaenavon settled and began to play their game and both sides had a few chances to score but good defensive work from Blair Keane, Joey McCarthy, Matthew Chaney and Nathan Webb ensured the score remained 1.0 at half time. The second half began with General Gandera having to be replaced by Tom Baynton following a thigh strain, with Gilwern attacking in strength they quickly scored with a first class header from Sean Chidgey and Thomas Baynton added a third. Gilwern looked comfortable until an error from goalkeeper Kurt Jones gifted Blaenavon a goal which seemed to spur them on, they quickly scored again from a dubious free kick awarded after a ball to hand incident and equalised from a corner. With 10 minutes left it was anyone's game with both sides looking for a winner Bergoyne came very close with a couple of attempts it was the stronger Gilwern side that took the lead through man of the Match Sean Chidgey following a mix up in defence with the keeper failing to clear a back pass Chidgey finished Blaenavon off with his third goal a minute later.
The game finished 5-3 to Gilwern.

Manager Tony Carrington said, " This was by far the toughest test we have faced this season and I take my hat off to Blaenavon for they way they played, they certainly gave us a game. However, I am extremely proud of our boys who showed the guts and determination to battle through this tough game".