DIVISION ONE

AFC WHITCHURCH ...... 0 CEFN CRIBWR BC ........ 1

ON-SONG Tom Jones rifled home a superb winner at AFC Whitchurch to leave Cefn Cribwr still top of the pile, writes Tony Poole.

But on arguably the worst playing surface on the circuit, the Riders found the going tough and were relieved to exit the Welsh capital with all three points.

“On balance, considering we created more chances the boys were deserved recipients of the points,” said Cefn Cribwr boss Scott Dryden.

“Our defence again turned in a masterful dis- play, and their efforts are reflected in successive clean sheets.’’

Goalkeeper Rhys Fisher returned to the side, as did Ioan Clatworthy, while Tom Jones made a first start since last month making a high profile switch from Division Two side Llanharry.

It was Jones who had the opening Cefn pot on goal while Fisher denied the home side just ahead of the break.

During the second period, the Riders pressed higher and began to pose more problems with Gordon Watt more prominent.

One electrifying Watt effort was blocked on the goal-line, but as time dragged on it seemed as something out of the ordinary was required to settle the issue.

And the magical moment came from Jones, who hit as sweet a 30-metre pile-driver as you’ll see all season.

The Jones match winner was a definite contender for club goal of the season – and during the closing exchanges only brave goalkeeping from Phil Harrison denied him more goals.

However, a 14th league win from 19 outings with three drawn resulted in Cefn heading Trebanog by a point.

But there might well be more twists and turns in a promotion race that’s expected to go right down to the wire.

Cefn are without a game on Saturday, but on the horizon are home games with Aber Valley (March 10) and Garw a week on.