CALDICOT Castle keeper David Hayward put in a man-of-the-match performance – but it was not enough to prevent his side going down.

Thornwell made heavy weather of this derby win in Gwent County League division three.

Hayward made a string of fine saves including one to tip a twisting Tony Reynolds free-kick over the bar.

Thornwell keeper Ian Stafford was back between the sticks but he had Andrew Skuse to thank for a first-half goal-line clearance which prevented the visitors taking the lead.

The winner was scored by left-back Dan Cole who beat four players to get the only goal of the game.

Skuse was in action again to keep out Simon Pope when he was bearing down on Stafford.

Castle manager David Adamson praised Thornwell, saying they deserved to win.

He added: "They completely bossed us."

Staff and players at Thornwell have sent best wishes to James Evans who is due to go into hospital for knee surgery this week.