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Trethomas Bluebirds are just two wins away from securing the Ardal South East league title after an impressive 5-0 win over local rivals Risca United.
The Cuckoos came into the game on Tuesday April 30 knowing their season was effectively over, with Newport City nailed-on to at least secure second and a play-off spot.
For the Bluebirds, a win would mean one step closer to winning the league and gaining automatic promotion to the Cymru South – the second tier of Welsh football.
It was a typical fast start for ‘visitors’ at the shared ground in Ystrad Mynach, with Levi Rees scoring inside 15 minutes.
Rees would would go on to score four of the five goals, with James Young scoring the fifth late on to cap-off a job well done for Mark Dunford’s men.
Kick-off
The rain was chucking it down at the Centre for Sporting Excellence before kick-off, leading to a few passes going awry in the early minutes.
It also meant there was a good pace to the game though, helpful for Risca especially who looked to build out from the back with quick passing between the lines.
The Cuckoos did have a bit of joy early on, but after a couple of misplaced passes from back-up goalkeeper Harry Morris, it became a bit ragged.
Any sign of weakness had been leapt upon by the Bluebirds all season, and this match was no different.
A great move between striker Gareth Tedstone and winger Levi Rees opened-up the left side of the field for Tedstone to run into.
Cutting the ball back to his teammate, Rees caught the skidding half volley sweet with his laces and the ball was past Morris before he could blink to make it 1-0.
There was the odd warning sign going the other way for the Bluebirds. Risca played such an expansive game in possession with the fullbacks and wingers sent as wide as possible. It sometimes left Bluebirds defender Ryan Bolter fairly isolated up against Lloyd Oliver.
Bolter coped well for the main, but was caught out once when a ball over his head fell to Oliver who quickly passed the ball inside to Oliver Berry. His shot was straight at keeper Harry Irving however.
The league leaders were far more clinical up the other end moments later.
A ball over the top should have been dealt with by the Risca backline, but Tedstone was there having gambled someone would miss a header.
Down the right, the first touch out of his feet was perfect. Another into the box dragged Morris away from his goal and all Tedstone had to do was play the simplest of passes to Rees who grabbed his second of the night.
The Cuckoos struggled to respond. Leon Thomas had a decent effort cutting inside and putting a bouncing ball in front of the keeper, but there were no sustained attacks.
Anything that did come near the Bluebirds defence was promptly dealt with by William Bevan, who would have been in with a man of the match shout if not for the Trethomas forwards.
Speaking of, Tedstone almost had his hat-trick of assists on the night when he was again in space down the right, finding the head of Rees in the middle who just nodded over.
Risca were frustrated as half-time approached, giving away cheap freekicks in dangerous areas.
They held on though, with the score just 2-0 at the break.
Second-half
The Bluebrids came out firing to start the second. Tedstone almost had his deserved goal after winger Ethan Edwards latched onto a stray pass before setting the number nine up. Tedstone’s effort hit the post however.
His next effort should have hit the back of the net only moments later. More good work from Edwards down the left provided another chance to Tedstone in the middle, but somehow he put his shot over the bar from close range.
Risca were really hanging-on now. Edwards clipped the bar himself after 50 minutes played.
Mitchell Palmer was one shining light in midfield for the Cuckoos, he always makes it look as though he has more time and space than most.
The battle between the two Selway brothers was a great watch. Former Risca youngster Harvey Selway moved to the Bluebirds earlier in the season, whilst brother Bailey lined-up at left back for the Cuckoos.
It was hard to watch anyone other than Rees however, who soon had his hattrick.
Edwards had the assist this time, some great link play once again involving Rees, who was never missing in front of goal; slotting the ball into the far corner with his left foot.
Rees could do no wrong in this one, and it wasn’t long before he had his fourth on the night and 42nd of the season.
Another Tedstone assist, but this time it was all about Rees. Through on goal, he rounded Morris who was down early before blasting the ball into an empty net.
Much like during the 6-0 win against Undy last Saturday, the comfortable lead allowed Dunford to take-off Rees, Tedstone, and Edwards, ahead of an equally crucial match away to Caldicot this coming Saturday.
There was still time to grab another though, and after substitute Jack Jones was brought down by Morris in the box, James Young stepped-up and scored an unstoppable penalty into the roof of the net.
The only negative point for the Bluebirds on the night was when captain James Saddler went off limping with about five minutes to go. They’ll be hoping he’s back fit for the weekend.
Full-time and a comfortable 5-0 win for the Bluebirds, who are a win at Caldicot and a victory against Treowen Stars away from winning the league.
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