Indiscipline a worry as the Riverboaters are beaten

THIS was a disaster waiting to happen for former leaders Caerau against improving Chepstow Town, writes Tony Poole.

The Riverboaters missed three big guns in goalkeeper Matt Rees, golden boy Dale Price and midfield ace Adam Jenkins. Suspensions led to their absence as once more the old chestnut of discipline is driving Caerau fans conkers.

They remedied the goalkeeping quandary in bringing in former Llan Rangers stopper Paul Treloar, who was unattached.

Last season, discipline and the Riverboaters weren’t happy bed partners - and again it’s causing sleepless nights.

Since opening the season with seven straight league wins, Caerau were held 3-3 by Trefelin in a stormy midweek clash.

That represented first dropped points of the season and now Chepstow have relieved them of the unbeaten tag.

The improving Larkfield Park side survived all that Caerau threw at them during the 2-1 stage - but the Riverboaters were the architects of their downfall.

Chances galore were missed and once Chepstow boxed clever to lead 3-1, Caerau were out for a count.

Lee Ross shot Chepstow in front with a ninth goal of the campaign from Tom Walters squaring matters.

A free header led to Jason Thorn giving Chepstow a 2-1 lead and having survived the pressure, another goal fuelled the win.

In the process, Chepstow became the first Riverboat winners since Newport YMCA won 2-1 last February.

The defeat sent Caerau down to third spot on goal-difference from STM Sports and Ely Rangers.

Having licked wounds, Caerau will be looking to pick up the pieces at home to high-flying Trethomas Bluebirds on Saturday.

Meanwhile, goals from Jake Trahor, Thomas Krause, Kieran Thomas and Danny Budge set up a 4-1 win for Caerau U16s over Penyfai in the Celtic Tyres Bridgend & District League.