Saturday saw a tightly competed block fixture against Clifton College and last Thursday saw the first XI pick up their first win of the season against BGS.
We welcomed BGS with blustery conditions on our astro but they were quicker to adapt scoring three early goals. However, Monmouth fought back through a penalty combined with a long range effort from skipper Dan and goals from Matthew and Nathan. This left it 4-3 at half time. Monmouth came out and dominated the second half with most of possession and with 10 minutes to go Asanji hit a wonder strike from 30 yards to ensure that the result was in no doubt.
The local rivalry with Clifton provided many eventful games serving up several excellent matches for the spectators. At home there was a win and a loss for the U14s and the U16s rose to the many physical challenges posed by the opposition to eventually run out 4-0 winners.
Away from home the U15As put in a convincing performance winning 4-0 whereas the Bs just lost out in an enthralling 4-2 loss. The 2nd XI once again put in a dominant display winning 5-1 with a hat trick from Ben including a debatable 40 yard free kick and a long range volley from Adam. The 1st XI once again came up against a physical side that employed what can only be described as ‘route one’ tactics. However, our defence proved strong with goalkeeper Ross putting in a commanding performance. Despite several promising attacks Monmouth were unable to capitalise and were hit on the break making it 1-0 to Clifton mid-way through the first half. Yet this did not dampen our spirit and after some tasty challenges from a Clifton midfielder which left Vice-captain Nyasha with a considerable lump on his head; Dan was then able to position his body perfectly so that the referee had no choice but to award a penalty for a clumsy challenge from the same midfielder. This made the game 1-1 after he converted from the spot.
Despite going down to 10 men later on in the game when James selflessly took one for the team, Monmouth looked the most threatening to score the winner but the game ended as a tie.
