TT No.161: Mike Latham - Sat 5 Jan 2008: Macwhirter Welsh League Division Three.                  Monmouth Town 3-2 Newcastle Emlyn.  Att: 80 (h/c); Admn: £2 including 28pp prog; FGIF Match Rating: 4* 

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As newcomers to the Welsh National League this season Monmouth Town will doubtless receive visits from many travellers and on a mercifully bright and largely dry afternoon after all the recent rain several were in attendance for the visit of Newcastle Emlyn to the Chippenham Sports Ground.

Monmouth is an ancient border and market town situated at the confluence of the Rivers Wye, Monnow and Trothy with a huge historical significance.  The Romans settled here in the first century AD, the Normans some time later, King Henry V was born at the castle and Freddie Mercury and Queen recorded Bohemian Rhapsody at a nearby recording studio.

The Monmouth Town FC secretary’s son, Michael Cleaves, who also plays for the side, cheerfully fielded calls on the Saturday morning to reassure travellers that the game had passed an early morning pitch inspection. “We’re in good form at the moment and it should be a good game as Newcastle Emlyn are second in the league and going well,” he said.  What a service.

The already good impression goes up several notches upon going over the road bridge over the Monnow and turning right into the ground. There is a decent covered standing terrace straddling the half-way line and the rest of the ground is open standing behind a post and rail fence.  The ground is fenced off along the far side to separate it from an adjoining pitch.  A smart white-pained building houses the changing rooms and a convivial bar and tea room area where hot drinks are cheerfully dispensed and chairman Lee Robson is on hand to welcome old and new friends to the club.

Mr Robson’s infectious enthusiasm for the club, coupled with a simply outstanding 28-page full colour programme, sold for only £2 that includes the admission price demonstrates that here is a friendly, positive and progressive club clearly enjoying their first taste of life in the Welsh National Leagues.

The pitch, though heavy, is perfectly playable and a hugely entertaining game unfolds before a crowd that numbers around 80 people at its height, most gathered under the terraced cover.  The home side, made up of local players and clearly with a good team spirit, take a 3-0 lead with two goals from Sam Palmer in the space of two minutes midway through the first half and then a curling shot from striker Matthew Bowen. Palmer’s first follows a goalkeeping error, his second is a rebound after his own penalty is saved.

But Newcastle Emlyn have now shaken the effects of their lengthy journey from their limbs and, with several players who have played in higher grade football in their ranks, they mount a determined comeback. Goals just either side of the break leave the game on a knife-edge but Monmouth dig deep and eventually prevail in an exciting finish.

Situated close to the town centre and with breathtaking distant views, Monmouth is an interesting town to while away a few hours and the town’s football club are adding to the tourism attractions.  They are welcoming, friendly and progressive with an excellent website and an obvious spirit about the place.  A visit here comes highly recommended.  A great way to mark the first Saturday of the new year. 

contributed on 05/01/08