Clarbeston Road opened their league campaign with a workmanlike and committed performance to beat visitors to the Knock Field, Fishguard Sports 2-1 on Monday (Aug 18).

Trailing to a Adam Lawrence goal for last season’s Division 2 champions, from the first quarter of an hour, the striker reading the play to strike from inside the penalty box to the left of goalkeeper Rhys Mansell, the home side came out in the second half and took the game to their opponents, building on a number of chances in the opening period which captain Mathew Davies and wide man Jack Ashman couldn't convert.

The Sports had their opportunities, striker Luke Thomas a livewire alongside Josh Bland, a second half effort with the score still at 1-0 rattling the crossbar, Lawrence again the focal point for their offensive play. The game changed in the sixty-fifth minute when referee Jamie O’Connor signalled for a penalty; centre half Patrick Hughes was adjudged to have fouled Ben John as the ball drifted aimlessly across the goal, Davies stepping forward to take responsibility as captain, calmly striking home beyond Rhys Sinnott dive.

With wind in their sails, the Road mounted pressure on the visitors goal, man of the match Ashman, John and co linking well with player manager Mathew Ellis and Mathew Griffiths, the former playing the ball which led to substitute Steffan Thomas drilling home the winner to take the three points.

Clarbeston Road

Rhys Mansell; Mathew Ellis; Travis Jones (Steffan Thomas); Sam Hurton; Mathew Griffiths; Jake Booth; Mathew Davies ©️; Ben John; Jack Ashman; Jake Wesley.

Substitute not used
Richard Bevan

Managers: Mathew Ellis & Travis Jones

Fishguard Sports

Ryan Sinnott; Hayden Hughes; Tomas Lawrence (Mathew Lewis); William Moore; Greg Hughes; Luke Thomas (Jack Griffiths); Tony Lawrence (Iwan Howells); Henry Sturman; Patrick Hughes ©️; Josh Bland.

Substitutes not used
Steve Lewis; Thomas Merry

Manager: Phil Jones

Photos from Ethan Ellis

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