Support quality, independent, local journalism…that matters

From just £1 a month you can help fund our work – and use our website without adverts. Become a member today

Treowen Stars have moved nine points clear at the top of the Ardal South East with a 3-1 win over local rivals Risca United.

It was a frantic first-half of football at Bush Park on Saturday February 22, with a total four goals scored on a wet and boggy pitch.

The Stars had control entering the break though, and despite the Cuckoos’ best efforts in the second 45, they couldn’t find much against a well-organised Treowen side.

Kick-off

A testing pitch at the best of times, the rain during the week made the surface at Bush Park especially tough; not ideal for two sides who like to get the ball down and play.

Both still tried though, and it was Risca who threatened first when dangerman Lloyd Oliver was away down the right before a lunging Craig McDonnell tackle stopped him in his tracks.

It was the hosts who had the first real chance of the game, a soft one at that when the boggy surface caught defender Dylan John out.

A ball heaved forward from Treowen, John headed back before trying to pass the ball to his keeper. It held-up on the surface though and Carter Campbell was there to capitalise, finishing low past Harry Morris.

Tough for the Cuckoos, who’d done well up until then – but they had a reprieve themselves when the pitch once again played its part.

A few balls had been played back to Stars keeper Cael Jones, but this time it was a little short, and Finley Skiverton gambled to charge down the clearance.

Jones’ kick went straight into the striker and directly into the net. The animated Treowen number one couldn’t have done a lot from that position in fairness. 1-1.

Two ‘mistakes’ then, it was a question of who could regain their composure first.

The league leaders answered that question swiftly. Starting on the right, Christopher Hartland dug-out a lovely cross and hung it up at the back post where Corey Jenkins outjumped the defender and goalkeeper to head home.

Both sides seemed to settle into the game after this, Treowen generally in control though, moving the ball around well despite the surface.

Gavin Meacham found his range early at left back and pinged some lovely diagonals where Hartland almost without fail controlled the ball and made something happen.

Meacham found Hartland in a more central location this time, and with a few yards of space, the prolific goalscorer grabbed his 18th of the season with a thunderous strike into the roof of the net. A brilliant goal to make it 3-1 after 30 minutes.

There was a bit of pressure from Risca to close the half, captain Finlay Wood with an effort wide, but more importantly some nice passing moves in the final third.

The hosts held out though, and entered the break feeling pretty happy with their work and lead.

Second-half

A slightly unsettled start to the half for Treowen, with the Cuckoos registering the first chance after Skiverton’s shot was saved down low by Jones.

Cries of ‘wake up’ from Jones and the Treowen dugout, who could sense Risca were growing into this one.

The hosts turned it into quite a physical contest against a very inexperienced Risca side, who must have an average squad age of around 20.

Things almost boiled over in true derby style when Campbell swung a late leg at a Cuckoos defender off the ball. The referee had a chat with his linesman and opted for a yellow instead of red.

Risca remained the more threatening side, Skiverton again looking lively down the right this time. He skipped past a few before fizzing a shot just wide of the far post.

Despite their best efforts, Risca seemed out of ideas against a well-organised Stars side after 75 minutes or so. A string of corners for Treowen up the other end marked the end of Risca’s spell.

The hosts finished strongest – Corey Mitchell had a chance to make it four but blasted over the bar after a nice bit of play.

They were enjoying it by the end, sub Christopher Colvin getting stuck-in and winding players up as best he could.

The whistle went on a fairly comfortable win for the Stars, but credit to Risca down in ninth, they battled hard and were close to making it a real game in the second-half.

Reaction

After the win, Caerphilly Observer spoke to Treowen Stars manager, Ben Murphy. He said: “I thought Risca started well and adapted quicker than us, but passing on this pitch was almost impossible.

“We got a bit of luck with the first goal but looked fairly comfortable after that.”

On the second-half, Murphy added: “I thought Risca were the better side but conditions didn’t support them. I thought 3-1 was a bit flattering in all honesty.

“Although it doesn’t feel like it, the wind was quite strong and they struggled to get out. There are some good young footballers on that pitch though and I think they’ll be a good side in the future.

“Overall we showed our strength and physicality towards the end of the game and managed it well.”

Treowen move nine points clear at the top of the Ardal South East after that win, but Murphy was keen to remind everyone that there is still a long way to go with crucial games against sides around them coming up.

They host Abergavenny Town next on Saturday March 1.