Ardal League South East
Saturday 3 May 2025 - Tredegar Leisure Centre Ko 14.30pm

Tredegar Town 1 - 2 Caldicot Town 

Caldicot finished of their campaign with a hard fought win against Tredegar who after hearing of the shock news that Newport Corries were to be deducted 18 points, a chance of staying in the league has presented itself to both Abercarn and Tredegar. The former had Corries on Saturday whilst Tredegar played host to Caldicot, with both of them facing Goytre in their final two games.

Caldicot started with returning goalkeeper, Matt Sandiford who we congratulate both Gemma and himself after the birth of baby Archie, who we don't believe is named after our chairman! Lewis Grant and Sam Watkins were at fullback whilst Ben Burns and Jordan Francombe started at centre halves with Matt James continuing in the Midfield with Sam Swann and Lyes MiHoubi, whilst the potent front three of Ngunjoh, Greenhaf and Donoghue started up front.

The ground was hard, like most pitches at this time of year, and a breeze was present that was with Tredegar in the first half. Tredegar were certainly playing with a high intensity, especially with the chance of an escape from relegation was on offer which left Caldicot with little time on the ball whenever they did have it. Town had a couple of half chances but you would probably say that Tredegar edged a tight first half that was lacking quality

Half-time: Tredegar 0 - 0 Caldicot

Into the second half and it didn't take long for them to start better as Sam Swann found Ngunjoh who has ended the season on a hot streak scoring 9 goals in the last 10 games. Just minutes later disaster struck as Burns allowed a clearance to bounce before coming under pressure from the encroaching striker who had the run on him. A slight contact sent the Tredegar player sprawling and the referee couldn't get his red card out quick enough as Burns was left ruing the chance to clear the ball. The resulting free kick was central and on the edge of the area which presented Sandiford with a problem on setting his wall. Andrew Martin picked his spot and rifled the ball past Sandiford who was left with little chance of saving it, making the scores 1 - 1 on 49 minutes.

The Management team were forced into making a change and so Alex Edwards replaced Mihoubi which was unfortunate for him but it allowed for James to sit back into the defence whilst Edwards anchored the midfield. Town were now in a game but reacted really well and retook the lead on 53 minutes when Donoghue finished well after an assist from Matt James. Caldicot kept trying to play and didn't ever look like they were the team down to ten men which is great credit to them.

Ben Smith came on for Donoghue and was looking to bow out in style as it was announced by the player that he would be leaving Caldicot at the end of the season for a return back to Undy. We wish Smudge well for the future and thank him for his service to the club where he played a pivotal role in winning us the Welsh League second division title back in 2017, playing up front in a productive strike duo with departing manager, Tony Wallis. Caldicot brought on Prettyjohn for Greenhaf but maintained their slender lead through to the end of the game which leaves Caldicot currently in the play-off place of second, but knowing Goytre play Chepstow twice with Chepstow only needing to draw one of the games to leapfrog Caldicot on goal difference. Alternatively, if Goytre pick up 4 wins, they could leapfrog both Caldicot and Chepstow.

It's effectively out of Caldicot's hands but they can look back on the season with great pride having pushed the teams around them hard winning 8 out of the last 9 games to put themselves in with a shout.