Marc Ingles reacts as Chepstow Town beat Caldicot to go top of Ardal South East

Chepstow Town manager Marc Ingles praised his side’s dominant display after they defeated local rivals Caldicot Town 3-0 to move top of the Ardal South East table.

The derby victory saw Chepstow leapfrog Caldicot into first place, taking a one-point lead over their rivals after a commanding performance on their opponents’ home turf.

Prolific forward Chris Ham struck twice in the first half, while Iestyn Davies added a third shortly after the restart to cap an impressive afternoon for Chepstow.

The visitors were rarely troubled by Caldicot, controlling proceedings from the opening minutes and leaving Ingles delighted with both the result and the manner of the performance.

Ham had been a doubt before kick-off after struggling with a hamstring injury, but the forward made a decisive contribution as Chepstow claimed local bragging rights and moved to the summit.

Marc Ingles hails dominant Chepstow Town derby display

Ingles was full of praise for his players after seeing them produce what he described as potentially their best result against a difficult Caldicot side.

“I’m really pleased. A real dominant performance. It could have been more,” he said.

“It’s probably the best result we’ve had against a tough Caldicot side.

“We controlled the game from minute one. We were aggressive, on the front foot. We had chances, a brilliant header from Hammy. We just went from there. I’d take a 3-0 all day. A clean sheet I was buzzing with. I’m really happy.”

Chepstow’s approach proved particularly effective in the first half, with Ingles explaining that a tactical adjustment helped his side gain the upper hand in the local derby.

“We changed formation. We wanted to pick up a lot of second balls. We went a little bit more direct than we usually do,” he said.

“We picked up almost every second ball in the first half. We were on the front foot. We were dominant, and it could have been more.”

The manager also admitted he would enjoy the victory, particularly given the rivalry between the two clubs.

“I will celebrate tonight; I’m quite happy. They’re very vocal on social media, so it’s quite nice to get one over on them really,” he added.

Chris Ham delivers despite pre-match injury concerns

Ham proved the difference in the first half, scoring twice to put Chepstow firmly in control of a fixture carrying added significance for both sides.

The forward had been struggling with a hamstring problem in the build-up to the game and faced a fitness test before being given the opportunity to feature.

However, his contribution left Ingles delighted, with the manager describing the striker as a player capable of making a significant difference to his side.

“He is a cheat code,” Ingles said.

“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.”

While Ham’s goalscoring record makes him an obvious threat, Ingles was keen to highlight the wider qualities that make the forward such a valuable player.

“If people don’t know Chris Ham, you just think all he does is score goals. He’s actually a very good player,” he said.

“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.”

Ham’s brace gave Chepstow a commanding half-time advantage, leaving the visitors well placed to complete a derby victory that would also take them above Caldicot in the standings.

Iestyn Davies caps Chepstow’s win after injury return

Chepstow continued where they left off after the interval, with Davies scoring early in the second half to make it 3-0 and put the result beyond doubt.

The defender’s goal was another highlight for Ingles, who praised his aerial ability and impact at both ends of the pitch.

Davies had only just returned from injury after being forced off the sidelines following a problem sustained against Risca United, making his contribution all the more impressive.

“Sonny had one cleared off the line moments before. If I’m honest, Iestyn has five or six for us this season, all from set plays,” Ingles said.

“He’s a monster in the air at both ends. He deserved his goal. He’s just come back from an injury after getting injured against Risca. It was his first game back, and I thought he was outstanding.”

Davies was one of several players to earn special recognition from the manager, with Ingles also highlighting the performances of Sonny Lewis, Bamford and Sam.

He also praised goalkeeper Swanny for his reliability at the back, as Chepstow secured a clean sheet to go alongside their three goals.

“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,” Ingles said.

Chepstow Town top the table but Ingles warns against promotion conclusions

The victory lifts Chepstow to the top of the Ardal South East table, replacing Caldicot, who had occupied first place before the derby.

However, despite the significance of moving above their local rivals, Ingles was quick to stress that the result would not determine the outcome of the promotion race.

With just seven games played, the manager believes there is still a long way to go, with Caldicot, Goytre and other challengers likely to have a say as the season develops.

“We’re seven games in; it’s a long old season,” he said.

“This won’t define whether we win, Caldicot win, or Goytre or anyone else, but it does help for the bragging rights of being a derby.

“It massively helps. You can hear the boys singing and dancing in the changing rooms. A long time coming.”

For now, Chepstow can savour a convincing derby triumph, a clean sheet and top spot in the division.