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After seven league victories in a row, Risca United dropped a crucial two points in a 2-2 draw against Caldicot Town at the Centre for Sporting Excellence.

The Cuckoos came into the match having played Caldicot the week prior, edging past the visitors 1-0 on that occasion.

There were more goals in Ystrad Mynach on Tuesday April 9, with Laurent Ngunjoh opening the scoring for Caldicot before Finlay Wood equalised from the spot.

Mathew James gave the visitors the lead once more, before Jak Lewis brought things level again.

Risca pushed for the winner, but couldn’t find a third goal. They still remain second in the Ardal South East but have played a few more games than the sides around them.

Kick-off

It had been the perfect start to Nathan Bracegirdle’s tenure as Cuckoos manager since taking over from Simon Berry six games ago.

With some notable changes to personnel though, it was a new-look Risca outfit with a lot of youth featuring.

One of those exciting young talents is 19-year-old winger Lloyd Oliver, who made an immediate impact on the game.

A superb ball out from the back by Arthur Furness split the Caldicot defenders and found Oliver charging through on goal.

Goalkeeper Matthew Sandiford came rushing out but couldn’t get to the ball before Oliver lobbed him from some way out, only to see his effort bounce once and hit the bar. So close to an early lead for the hosts.

Injuries and other stoppages plagued the first 20 or so minutes of the game, but when things did get moving, Risca’s Finlay Wood was the player to watch in midfield. He has a great read of the game, and always knows where his next pass is going before receiving the ball.

Generally though, both sides were missing that extra bit of quality when getting forward. Both were competitive however, and it wasn’t long before more chances came.

Caldicot had their first shot on target thanks to Laurent Ngunjoh, who despite his big frame, was catching the eye with some intricate footwork and passing.

Although his first shot didn’t cause Joseph Massaro much trouble, his second effort shortly after did.

Ben Donoghue started the move down the left, cutting inside past right back Regan Robinson before curling a cross towards the near post where Ngunjoh was making his run.

Between two defenders, the forward got enough on the ball to beat the keeper and put the visitors 1-0 to the good.

The Cuckoos almost responded instantly through Wood up the other end. His shot from a narrow angle went through the keeper’s legs but onto the post and out.

There were calls from the Caldicot bench to remain disciplined for the little time remaining in the half, but shortly after there were big calls for a Risca penalty when Oliver went down in the box.

The referee instead booked Oliver for diving to protests from the hosts, before blowing the whistle for half-time shortly after.

Second-half

Oliver started the second-half much like the first, causing problems for Caldicot.

This time though, his hard work and sheer pace led to a goal. A ball over the top to the winger left defender Gethin Foster wrong side and clawing at his shirt.

This time Oliver was awarded a penalty, and Wood stepped-up to fire home. The keeper did get a solid glove to the strike, but he was beaten for pace. 1-1.

The game remained extremely end-to-end following the goal. Caldicot had a chance to retake the lead after defender Connor Hanford gave the ball away as last man.

Donoghue beat the keeper with his effort but hit the post. A huge let-off.

After an hour played however, the visitors finally took the lead again, thanks to captain Mathew James.

A corner from the left was stood-up to James at the back post who leapt above the rest and headed past Massaro into the corner.

It felt a bit flat for Risca after conceding the goal. Substitute Daniel Battle was on to add some life and had a few half chances, but they needed a spark.

It came shortly after through fullback Ryan Wheeler. He had no right to keep a ball in down the left wing, but did so and got to the by-line before picking out Jak Lewis in the middle.

Lewis took a few seconds to sort his feet out, but eventually managed to prod the ball home to bring things level with 20 or so minutes left.

Seventeen-year-old Alfie Hutton had the best chance for Risca to take all three points, another ball over the top fell perfectly to Hutton who caught his half volley well, but put it straight at Sandiford.

The Cuckoos pushed hard for the winner in the last ten minutes, but Caldicot held-on for the point.

The draw keeps Risca United in second, but only three points clear of Newport City who have four games in hand.

Caldicot remain in 7th, and are at no risk of going down.