Cwmbran Celtic manager Sam Lewis has praised his side’s recent progress after they secured a 2-0 victory over local rivals Blaenavon Blues in the Ardal South East League.
Goals from Evan Maidment and Munya Mabwe gave Cwmbran Celtic a two-goal advantage inside the opening 15 minutes, with the home side going on to secure another important three points.
The result also marked a third consecutive clean sheet for Cwmbran Celtic, something Lewis believes highlights the improvements his team have made in recent weeks.
Speaking after the victory, Lewis said: “I’m buzzing with the result, it’s a third clean sheet in a row for the club, something we haven’t done in a long time.
“If you compare where we were at the start of the season to where we are now, it just shows we’re on the up and we’re capable of anything.”
Cwmbran Celtic make fast start against Blaenavon Blues
The hosts got off to the perfect start when Evan Maidment found the net with a first-time finish into the bottom-left corner.
The goal came following good work down the right from Dan Camaj, who created the opportunity for Maidment to give the home side an early lead.
Blaenavon almost responded just four minutes later after a mix-up between a defender and goalkeeper presented them with an opportunity to equalise. However, a superb goal-line clearance from Cwmbran Celtic captain Terry Obeng prevented the visitors from getting back on level terms.
Cwmbran doubled their advantage just before the 15-minute mark, with Munya Mabwe also finding the bottom-left corner after several errors from the Blaenavon defence.
The visitors began to build pressure as the first half progressed, creating a number of promising opportunities, but Celtic managed to maintain their two-goal advantage heading into the break.
Sam Lewis reflects on Blaenavon’s pressure
Despite his side’s strong opening, Lewis admitted that Blaenavon had worked their way back into the contest towards the end of the first half.
He said: “I feel like we let them back into the game a little bit towards the end of the first half, so credit to Blaenavon for creating their chances.
“It kept us on our toes, so the talk at half time was just let’s go out there and do our best and try to repeat what we did in the first half.”
Blaenavon continued to put pressure on the home side after the restart, with an effort going narrowly wide of the post and both goalkeepers producing important saves.
Cwmbran Celtic also had opportunities to extend their lead, with substitute Kev Aldoori firing just over the crossbar.
Kian Saunders then delivered a dangerous free-kick which was almost turned home at the back post by Obeng.
The visitors continued to search for a way back into the game during the closing stages, with two significant opportunities providing late pressure.
One effort went over the crossbar from close range, while another chance saw the ball fail to fall kindly for Craig Tanner.
However, Celtic held firm to secure the 2-0 victory and another clean sheet.
Celtic boss highlights recent run of form
The victory continued an encouraging spell for Celtic, who have now won five of their last six matches in all competitions.
Lewis believes the key to maintaining that momentum is for his players to continue concentrating on the basics and carrying out their responsibilities on the pitch.
Reflecting on the recent run, he said: “Just keep doing what we’re doing, I think we showed tonight we can win ugly as well when we’re not at our best.
“So for me it’s just for the lads to keep doing the basics and keep doing everything right.”
With three consecutive clean sheets and five wins from their last six matches, Lewis will be hoping his side can carry their improving form into their upcoming fixtures as they look to continue their progress in the Ardal South East League.
