ABERGAVENY'S loss to Penarth the previous week, might have effected the confidence of the Abergavenny team, especially against a Whitchurch 'development' side of young national players.

However, Abergavenny have skilled youth players of their own, and this week saw a call up for Issac Pritchard (to replace Tom Johnsone who broke his thumb last week), and Alex Morgan in defence.

Chris Bu replaced the unavailable Clements as front man, and regular Huw Davies, Alex Mac, and Duncan Melville all in midfield completed the tally of six players under the age of 17.

Whitchurch scored early on in the first half, with a well worked goal, and scored again shortly after, following confusion in the Abergavenny defence that saw the ball trickling into the net under the keeper's feet after a shout to leave it.

Abergavenny soon clawed one back after excellent attacking play by Dilwyn Thomas who arrived first on a loose ball in the D.

By the time the half time whistle went, both team had several half chances more, with the game pretty much even, despite the pretty passing of the Cardiff team.

The start of the second half though saw an early chance by the visitors well taken, and thumped into the back of the net, and a few minutes later, a penalty short was equally as well taken.

Despite this the Aber defence held up well, and played with a panache and determination that might have been missing in previous weeks.

Alex Morgan in particular put in a solid performance, with several excellent well taken tackles, and good strong clearances from set pieces and various pressure points.

The strikers also had their chances, with Chris Bu coming close on a number of occasions, and Huw Davies and Alex Mac combining well to pressurise the keeper.

Despite this, Abergavenny's finishing was never as sharp as the visitors. This was reinforced when Whitchurch managed to score a further pair of short corners, to finish the game a disappointing, and flattering five goals in front of the town team.

Despite the difference in the score line, Abergavenny can be pleased with the team performance, and the defence in particular.

Issac Pritchard, and Alex Morgan accounted for themselves well, while Meredith, Davies and Hewinson played with pride and passion, and were aggressive and determined in the tackle.

If the finishing had been to the visitors standard, then the final score line might well have been reversed in the other direction.

Next week sees Abergavenny on the road again, with a trip to Newport – a local Derby that has never traditionally seen the best of the town team.