Football round-up: Machen beat Rhymney while Caerphilly Athletic push for top spot

With the end of the season fast approaching, sides across Caerphilly County Borough took advantage of the good weather on a packed weekend of football.

Kicking things off in the Cymru South, title hopefuls Trethomas Bluebirds were out for revenge when they travelled west to face Baglan Dragons.

It wasn’t to be on the day for Mark Dunford’s side, who fell to a 2-0 loss and surrendered top spot to Llanelli Town.

With just two points in it though, the Bluebirds are still in the title race, and have five games remaining in the season.

Treowen Stars took a step closer to joining them following their 3-0 win over Abergavenny Town in the Ardal South East.

Christopher Hartland with his name on the scoresheet once again alongside Corey Jenkins and captain Christian Davies.

Ben Murphy’s side remain nine points clear at the top ahead of a tricky run of games to close the season out.

Elsewhere in the division and Abercarn United were in action, but lost 1-0 to Chepstow Town and fall to 13th. They’ll need a few big performances to stay in the league.

Down in the Gwent Premier League and Wattsville might have thought they were going to pick up a win after going 2-0 up against Newport Saints, but ultimately lost 6-2 and sit 14th of 17.

In Division One, Machen secured a whopping 6-1 victory over fellow borough side Rhymney.

Despite the visitors taking a 1-0 lead through Travis Greening, goals from James George, Sam Williams, Gareth Jones, and a hat-trick from Tyler Kidley made sure of the win and three points.

Pontymister were also feeling good after they secured a 2-0 win over Graig Villa Dino thanks to a brace from Morgan Payne.

The only side in action down in Division Two were Trinant, who suffered a 2-0 loss at the hands of Crickhowell.

There was good news all-round in the South Wales Premier League however, as Caerphilly Athletic beat high-flying Cardiff Airport 3-2 to move to within six points of the league leaders with a game in hand.

Captain Troy Hiscock-Greening with one, while Maximilian Franke picked-up a brace.

Aber Valley also managed a win on the day, beating Ely Rangers 2-1 thanks to goals from Hari Davies and Nathan Radzimierski.

Cwrt Rawlin were in action over in Division One East; they settled for a 1-1 draw with Fairwater. The goal coming from James Harvey.

There was a 12-goal derby match in the North Gwent Premier Division, with Argoed Reform claiming the bragging rights over Maesycwmmer thanks to a 9-3 thrashing.

Two from Ellis Patterson and another from Jorge Rees not enough for the hosts after Jac Verity scored three, Jordan Price and Jordan Burton scored two a piece, and Jamie Young and Thomas Oliver chipped-in with goals too.

Another borough clash elsewhere as Twyn-Y-Ffald Blues were beaten handedly 5-1 by Newbridge Town – goals from Lewis Watkins, Kristian Sheppard, and Jayce Hadigate.

Newbridge are now a point off Fleur De Lys at the top of the table. No league game for the leaders, but they did bow out of the Roly Parfitt Cup after a 2-0 loss away to Garnlydan.

The other game in the division was between Blackwood Town and Rassau. One to forget for the town though who lost 13-0 and remain rock bottom.

Risca Town were the only side representing Caerphilly in the Newport and District Premier League, but they lost 1-0 to Rogerstone and miss the chance to close in on top spot.

But there was a whopping 9-1 win for Bargoed down in the TERV Premier Division over Graig. There were no less than five goals from Dylan King, while Lawson Price grabbed a brace as did Dylan Thomas. Bargoed remain top by two points.

Gilfach also won on Saturday afternoon, beating Ynysybwl 2-0 thanks to goals from Jamie Jones and Dean Phillips.

Another derby in Division One as Gelligaer claimed a 4-1 win over Masons Arms. Michael Boulton, Jake Coles, Lewis Rowlands, and Dylan Evans with the finishes.

Moving onto Sunday and Cascade Ladies were in Hugh James Cup action against Llanrumney Women, and were pushed all the way against the lower league side.

Zoe Atkins gave the visitors an early lead before Chrystalla Moreton brought Cascade level.

Atkins’ second gave Llanrumney the advantage once more, but goals from captain Katie Davies and substitute Annaliese Lewis were enough for the hosts to secure a narrow 3-2 win.