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Cup action for some meant a welcome break from league action, as we near the halfway stage of the season.

Starting with Ardal South East action on Friday November 8, Risca United travelled to Goytre in a replay of the Amateur Trophy match last weekend.

Hoping for a better result after missing out on penalties, the Cuckoos were behind early when Chris Ham opened the scoring, but responded with a Lloyd Oliver equaliser.

Joseph Ward gave the visitors a 2-1 lead, before Lewis Iles’ late brace meant defeat again for Risca, who slide to 13th.

On Saturday, Trethomas Bluebrids were in action, looking to make it four wins on the bounce as they faced Cambrian United on the road.

Just the one Gareth Tedstone goal was enough to give the Bluebirds all three points, as they move clear at the top of the Cymru South in their debut season.

Back to the Ardal South East, and Abercarn couldn’t find a decisive goal against Undy, with that one finishing 0-0.

Treowen Stars were also held to a frustrating draw away to title rivals Canton FC, in a 4-4 thriller.

Despite the visitors taking a 4-1 lead thanks to four Corey Jenkins goals, a red card to Chris Hartland before the break meant the Stars were up against it in the second 45.

They very nearly held-on, but a late Curtis Griffin goal meant it was points shared.

In the Gwent County Premier League, Wattsville’s bad run of form continued. A 6-0 loss to Lliswerry puts them 15th and bang in trouble.

Cefn Fforest’s game against Cwmffrwdoer Sports Club was postponed.

In the First Division, Aberbargoed Buds‘ relentless run continued, they beat Panteg 5-1 to move to within two points of the league leaders.

A hat-trick from Ryan Morgans and goals from Dylan Jones and Joseph Horne was more than enough to secure the victory.

Machen were involved in a cracker of a match at home to fellow Caerphilly County Borough side Pentwynmawr Athletic, with the hosts edging it 4-3 thanks to two last minute penalties from Daniel Lewis.

Lewis actually scored three from the spot across the match, with Lewis Willetts scoring the other. A brace from Daniel Sutter and one from Iwan Davies not enough for the visiting side.

Machen move into seventh with that win, while Pentwynmawr sit in fifth.

There was not good news for Pontymister who were looking to build on their win last weekend. They suffered a 5-2 defeat to Nantyglo.

Rhymney also tasted defeat for the fifth match in a row; they fell 4-0 to Pilcs FC in the division and sit 14th.

Finally in Gwent Division Two, Trinant celebrated a 2-1 win over Usk Town. Owen Hacker with the opener and Jack Bees with the winner. The hosts are seventh with that win.

There was a host of Hugh James Cup matches played over the weekend, with several Caerphilly-based sides featuring.

Bargoed find themselves in the hat for the next round after a comfortable 6-2 win over Royal Oak.

Despite falling behind early-on, goals from Dylan Thomas, Mathew Roberts, Dylan King, Wilson Makia, and Ieuan Evans made sure of the result.

Elsewhere, Caerphilly Athletic also managed to score six goals in their 6-1 win over Brynna. Joey Morelli bagged himself a brace, whilst James Corrigan-Davies, Will Toms, and Iwan John scored the rest.

Aber Valley also booked their spot in the next round following a 2-0 win over Cwrt y Vil. Connor Stokes and Owain Davies with the goals.

The final Caerphilly side to make it through was Nelson Cavaliers with their 3-1 win over Bryncae. In a competitive match, goals from Ellis Whitcombe, Liam Dellanna, and Daniel Cushion were enough.

Not such good news for Gilfach, Cascade, or Cwrt Rawlin, who all exit the cup after losses.

Back to league action, and there was reason to cheer for Argoed Reform Club in the North Gwent Football League, they thrashed Twyn y Ffald Blues 10-0 to move up into fifth.

There were goals from all over with Jordan Price bagging a hat-trick, while Connor Bennington, Liam Bennington, and Jak Sillett all claimed a brace.

Newbridge Town also had cause for celebration after their 8-0 drubbing over Fields Park Athletic. Four goals from Beau Dugmore got things rolling, with Daniel Creese, Kristian Sheppard, and Cameron Collins all chipping-in.

Newbridge are second in the table just behind Fleur De Lys, but with two games in hand.

The table toppers were also in action and claimed a 5-1 win over Waunlwyd thanks to goals from Harvey Hampshire, Dylan Morgan, and a hat-trick from Kane Giffard.

It was a clean sweep for the Caerphilly sides, with Maesycwmmer also grabbing three points in their 3-2 win over Ashvale.

A back-and-forth tie, two penalties from Ellis Paterson and a goal from Izaac Prothero was enough.

Down in the Newport and District League, Risca Town overcame Pill to win 2-1 despite being down to ten men for large parts of the contest.

Daniel Woods and Luke Short with the goals meant Risca move-up into top spot.

Meanwhile Bedwas also had a good day at the office, they beat Riverside Rovers 3-1 on the road thanks to late goals from Charlie Colwill, who bagged a treble on the day.

Elsewhere, there was just the one senior side to play in the first division TERV league. Masons Arms sealed a 3-2 win over Cwm Welfare despite being down to eight men.

Lloyd Silcox with one and a brace from Chris Jones was enough to give them the points despite the ill-discipline.

Moving onto Sunday and Cascade Ladies pulled-off an extremely unlikely upset over Cardiff Met Women at the Centre for Sporting Excellence in the Genero Adran Trophy.

The top tier capital city side would have been expecting to win this one comfortably, but fell to a Chrystalla Moreton goal in the 35th minute and never recovered. A huge result and win for Cascade.