3 Chepstow Town standouts in dominant Caldicot Town win with ‘unplayable’ two-goal hero

Chepstow Town moved to the top of the Ardal South East table after an impressive 3-0 victory over local rivals Caldicot Town.

A first-half brace from Chris Ham and an early second-half goal set the visitors on their way.

The result saw Chepstow climb above their rivals to move one point clear at the summit, making it a significant afternoon in the race for promotion.

While Ham’s goals provided the cutting edge, Chepstow’s performance was built on more than just their finishing. They created problems down the flanks, made the most of their opportunities and remained organised when Caldicot tried to respond after the break.

The hosts had a handful of promising moments, but struggled to turn them into clear-cut chances against a well-drilled Chepstow side.

Among the players who stood out were Ham, whose first-half brace put his side in control, Sonny Lewis, who offered a threat in attack, and Lewis Bamford, whose work and versatility helped Chepstow manage the contest.

Manager Marc Ingles was equally pleased with the contribution of the rest of his side, highlighting several individual performances after a dominant display from the first whistle to the last.

If I was honest, I could have had 11 man-of-the-matches out there today. We were superb from minute one until the final minute.”

Here are three players who caught the eye as Chepstow secured a clean sheet and took the top spot in the Ardal South East.

Chris Ham: Clinical in front of goal

Ham set Chepstow on their way with two first-half goals. He opened the scoring with a header from Mike Murphy’s cross before doubling his tally from close range after another dangerous delivery caused problems in the Caldicot defence.

His brace gave the visitors a two-goal half-time lead and laid the foundations for an impressive away performance.

His performance was all the more impressive given the fitness concerns he had carried into the match, with Ingles full of praise for the forward’s impact and ability beyond his goals.

“He is a cheat code. To be fair, he was struggling with a hamstring today. He was umming and ahing. He had a fitness test at the start. A goal does wonders for the injuries, I think.

“If people don’t know Chris Ham, you just think all he does is score goals. He’s actually a very good player. Technically, he’s brilliant in the air, as you saw with his first goal.

“He’s a constant threat, and when he’s on it like he was today, he was almost unplayable.”

Sonny Lewis a constant threat

Sonny Lewis was a tireless presence in Chepstow’s attack, combining tenacity with intelligent movement to keep the Caldicot defence on its toes throughout the contest.

The forward constantly looked to find pockets of space between the lines, making himself available to receive the ball and linking up well with his teammates. His willingness to press, chase lost causes and keep asking questions of the Caldicot backline made him a persistent threat, even as Chepstow established control of the game.

Lewis also showed his attacking intent when opportunities arose, forcing Caldicot goalkeeper Mathew Sandiford into action with a low effort. He was unfortunate not to get on the scoresheet, having also been denied by a crucial Alex Edwards block after Sam Broadribb’s cutback.

His contribution did not go unnoticed by Marc Ingles, who was quick to praise Lewis when reflecting on Chepstow’s all-round performance.

“Sonny Lewis was brilliant,” Ingles said.

Lewis Bamford: Driving Chepstow forward

Bamford caught the eye with an influential display in a more advanced role, having usually operated as a number 10. The former Newport County midfielder adapted well to the positional change, providing an attacking outlet and looking to find ways through the Caldicot defence.

He contributed to Chepstow’s control in midfield, playing in an advanced role. His work helped the visitors maintain their shape and continue posing a threat as Caldicot searched for a way back into the game.

He also linked up with his teammates in attacking areas, while his delivery from a free-kick found an opportunity for a header that went over the bar. Bamford’s freedom to roam gave Chepstow another option as they managed the game and protected their lead.

Marc Ingles was impressed with how Bamford handled the responsibility, singling him out alongside Sonny Lewis and Sam Broadribb when reflecting on the performances of his players.

“I thought Bamford played really well today up top, he usually plays in the 10,” Ingles said.