Caldicot Town move up to third

Caldicot Town 3 - 1 Caerphilly Athletic
Saturday 11th October 2025 - KO 2.30pm

Caerphilly were the visitors to Jubilee Way on Saturday for this latest league fixture having seen last weeks game away at Goytre postponed. Town had travelled to Ystrad Mynach in the Welsh Cup a few weeks earlier to play Caerphilly, and came away with a superb 3 - 1 win. Town knew that they would have to be on their 'A' game once again if they were to repeat another victory.

Ieuan Smart was called up to start in goal with Sandiford struggling with injury whilst Jacob Guy made his way to the bench having signed on earlier in the week and will add defensive experience and cover. Lewis Grant returned after injury to slot back in at right wing back whilst Matt Swann started at left wing back with Burns, Edwards and MJ completing the defensive line-up. Chris Parry, Sam Swann and Michael Rimmer made up the midfield with Niro Gowran and Cole Greenhaf starting up top.

Town looked in determined mood and from minute one through to the final whistle they gripped the game tightly and never gave Caerphilly a chance to get a decent foothold in the game. To a man, the defence was solid and kept the goal threat of Iwan John quiet whilst the midfield three were excellent, Rimmer and Parry were rock solid whilst Sam Swann floated around linking the midfield to the forwards. Indeed it was Swann who scored the first of the game slotting home a right footed shot after good work from Greenhaf down the right hand side that gave Town a 9th minute lead.

Town were well on top and further chances were created but unfortunately for the home side, Gowran picked up a suspected rib injury that saw Dan Lane come on to replace him on the half hour mark. The game was tense as both sides battled for control. The match referee was determined to play a part and dished out a couple of yellows to Grant and Matty Swann and before the end of the half, he also presented Hill and Hanford with a yellow a piece.

Caerphilly rung the changes at the break, making three substitutions whilst Caldicot's named substitute, Laurent Ngunjoh made it to the game having been delayed. He eventually replaced Dan Lane who had played the full 90 in the earlier kick off on the top pitch in a 2 - 1 win over Tintern, so a great effort from the youngster. Caerphilly were huffing and puffing but struggled to create any clear chances, whilst in the Caldicot goal, Smart was dealing with everything that got sent his way.

As the game reached the final quarter, it was clear that Town needed a second goal to ensure the points. This duly came through Cole Greenhaf who finished well having been assisted by Chris Parry much to the delight of the home crowd. Just two minutes later, Town were piling forward once more and it was that man Greenhaf once more who found the net with a sublime controlled finish, volleying the ball coming from high over the Caerphilly defence and into an empty net to seal the win.

The visitors looked beat and Town were able to bring Jacob Guy and Freddy Kemsley for the impressive Sam Swann and Chris Parry. Caerphilly di pull a goal back right at the death through Franke, and nearly got another before the final whistle were it not for a full stretch save from Smart in the Caldicot goal. All in all it was an impressive Caldicot performance that deserved the points and a win that sees the side move up to third in the table.

MOTM awarded to Ieuan Smart who stepped into the pressure of this big game and was performed brilliantly. That said there were easily six other outstanding performances from the midfield trio, Greenhaf and the defence.

Next up for Caldicot are a couple of cup fixtures starting this coming Saturday 18th when Penrhiwceiber are the visitors to Jubilee Way in the second round of the JD Welsh Cup. The following Saturday, Town travel to Morriston in the League cup.

#uppatown