Abergavenny Thursdays 2 - Govilon 2 - ABERGAVENNY Thursday's Kyle Holmes reckons the club is back on track and looking forward once again after the Gwent County Division Three side picked up its second point in two games against Govilon on Saturday.
The result certainly marks a big turn around in form for the once struggling team and Govilon general secretary and former Thursdays old boy Brian Jones was the first to admit the Pen-y-Pound club looked a different side.
'Thursdays were full of running and spirit. There was a good crowd and a great atmosphere and overall it was a good, close local derby. We should be pushing for the title I think this season so we were looking for all three points. We had our chances to take the game, but Thursdays did well and I'm pleased to see them pulling things around,' said Jones.
Holmes, who enjoyed stints as a player with Hereford United and Merthyr Town, was just as vocal in his applause of Thursdays. The centre half said: 'On paper they had the much stronger squad, but by the end I think our younger side looked the fitter and had the upper hand.
'There were three marginal off sides where we were one-on-one with the keeper so could have nipped the result. Overall though we're chuffed as beans with the point.
'We've set ourselves a 20-point target this season so any point is great. Basically we've rebuilt the side from nothing and at this time of year it's difficult to get players. I'm hoping in a month we will have a settled side meaning consistent results.'
Govilon took the lead with an Anthony Ellaway effort, his first since rejoining the club from the now disbanded Llantilio. Thursdays equalised with the first of young striker Keiran James' brace, but his strike was cancelled out by another Govilon goal - this time from the boot of Jon Ratcliffe. Thursdays sealed a share of the spoils when James netted his second to cap a fine performance.
The game was marred by the double sending off of midfielders Richard McCarthy (Govilon) and Mike Pengally (Thursdays) in a first half scuffle.
'I think that decision effected Govilon more than us,' admitted Holmes.
He is now hoping one of his old Thursdays team mates Simon Tylor will take up an offer to rejoin the club as a coach.
'I'd love him to come back and play, but any help as a coach he can give would be great. I know he'd bring our young players on and make a big difference.'
Thursdays are away to Cefn Forest this Saturday and Govilon travel to the Crusaders. Both matches kick off at 3pm.
Clydach Wasps 2
Mardy 1
In Division One Mardy's poor start to the season continued on Saturday as they slumped to their third loss of the campaign away at Clydach Wasps. The Wasps haven't enjoyed the best of starts either, but the win puts them a point ahead of 13th placed Mardy who do have a game in hand on their rivals. See our extra sport page (P49) for all the league tables and results in full.
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