Cwmbran Celtic 1-2 Undy Athletic: Late winner stops the rot for Undy

Paul Clayton scored a dramatic late winner for Undy Athletic as they came from behind to beat Cwmbran Celtic in the JD Cymru South.

Jordan Meaney gave the home side the lead after six minutes. After 33 minutes Gareth Cullimore levelled for the visitors before defender Paul Clayton got the winner in the last minute of the game.

The win moves Undy to within four points of Risca in 14th place. As for Cwmbran they remain in 13th place but only five points clear of Undy and the relegation places.

Celtic started well and Lewis Iles saw his early effort from the edge of the box go just wide.

Soon Celtic had a free-kick out on the right which was sent into the box. Lewis Iles went to flick the ball on and Thomas Meechan then found Jordan Meaney who fired in from close range.

The goal seemed to help Undy who began to push Celtic back into their own half. Gareth Cullimore sent a shot over the bar as they looked to respond quickly.

Working the ball out wide Undy sent in another cross towards the far post. Finding the head of James Barnes who sent the ball back into the danger area for Cullimore. Cullimore’s headed effort lacked power and was easy for Lewis Watkins in goal.

The first half was heated with big strong tackles from both teams and both sets of players calling for fouls.

Soon though Undy’s pressure told and they were level. Ryan Hudson sent a pinpoint cross on to the head of Cullimore who buried the chance into the net.

As the half drew to a close the game became more heated as players faced up to each other after late tackles with the ref showing several yellow cards.

The second half was calmer as the teams looked to play the ball around more. Undy continued to push Cwmbran into their own half as they looked to win the game.

Cullimore’s flicked on header found James Gidney who shot from close range but it was blocked and Celtic were able to clear.

Isaac Powell had a chance for Celtic but his low shot was saved by James Smallcombe.

James Barnes went close for Undy with a well taken volley from the edge of the area. After Celtic failed to clear the ball fell to Barnes who fired first time but it went just wide.

Cullimore had a really good chance to put Undy ahead from another good cross. This time however the forward put his header wide from close range.

Undy began to really crank up the pressure as Celtic had to start blocking shot’s on the line and Cullimore fired just wide.

Cwmbran had two good chances late on as Smallcombe was called into action. First Thomas Meechan’s well stuck free-kick heading into the net was pushed up and over the bar. Then from the corner Smallcombe made a superb reaction save to deny an almost certain goal.

Undy then went up the over end of the pitch to grab a late winner. Oliver Smith sent in a corner that Celtic could not deal with. Two shots were quickly blocked on the line before the ball fell to Paul Clayton who smashed a shot into the net and give his side the win.

Cwmbran Celtic: Lewis Watkins (G) (C), Samuel Powell, Dominic Connor, Andrew Larcombe (Evan Prosser 63), Jordan Meaney, Taylor Davies, Daniel Prichard (Lewis McCauley 45), Isaac Powell (Jack Martin 75), Lewis Iles, Alex McDowell, Thomas Meechan.

Goals: Thomas Meechan 6,

Yellow Cards: Andrew Larcombe 41, Daniel Prichard 44,

Undy Athletic: James Smallcombe (G), Kane Jellyman, Gyles Thompson, Paul Clayton, Christopher Parry (C), James Gidney, Thomas Wright, James Barnes, Ryan Hudson, Gareth Cullimore, Oliver Smith.

Goals: Gareth Cullimore 33, Paul Clayton 90,

Yellow Cards: Kane Jellyman 20, Christopher Parry 41, James Gidney 41, Gareth Thompson 44, Paul Clayton 51, Alex Jarman 90,

(Pic by Lewis Mitchell/FAW)