THE future looks bright for Crickhowell FC who, with a starting 11 consisisting of nine players aged 23 and under, took to the turf on Saturday for their Gwent County Division Three local derby with Abergavenny Thursdays and scored a stunning victory over the pre-match favourites. Thursdays were always confident of gaining the points from this game to boost their promotion chances but found themselves outclassed on the day by a young and highly talented Crickhowell side. Despite the conditions, a good crowd were treated to some breathtaking football as the hosts built on some impressive recent performances. The game started quickly with both teams creating early chances. The opposing goalkeepers were quickly called into action and forced to make good saves early on. As the game settled it was Crickhowell who were having the better of the game, playing some of their best football of the season so far. Goalscoring gem, Matthew Stevens capitalised on some delightful play from back to front, when he smashed the ball past the impressive Thursday's keeper. A goal to the good, the home side were able to dominate the game, the Elvicta side displaying a mix of simple, effective short passes combined with exquisite long range passes from the midfield quartet. Crickhowell were made to pay for squandering chance after chance though as just before half time Thursdays were awarded a controvesial penalty. Owain Jones the player adjudged to have tripped Abergavenny forward Richard McCarthy on the edge of the Crickhowell penalty area. McCarthy picked himself up to score from the spot. Boosted by the equalising goal, Thursdays enjoyed far better possesion in the opening 10 minutes of the second half. They were however restricted to a few long range efforts thanks mainly to a commanding central defensive display from Sam Timpson and Alex Ravetta. The lack of penetration was in stark contrast to the exciting interplay between the Crickhowell midfield and forwards. It was on the hour that John o'Donovan put Crickhowell back in front with a well taken strike. It was his second goal in as many games. With the game running away from them, Abergavenny manager Bill Mainwairing withdrew both frontmen, Graham Rees and McCarthy in an attempt to get back into the game. However Crickhowell began to slip through the gears and turn on the style. Boosted by the introduction of subtitutes Craig Thomas and Johnny Webb, Crickhowell soon made it 3-1. An inspirational left footed pass by defensive midfielder Owain Jones picked out the run from the ever dangerous Stevens, who cooly dummied, then deftly chipped the ball over the keeper as he lay stranded. The icing on the cake came as forward Owen Jones hung for what seemed like an eternity in the air, finishing with a slow motion overhead kick from a corner to cement the final score at 4-1.
