TYNEWYDD FC came away with a hard fought victory in their first game of 2018, surviving a second-half fightback from SP Billy to claim a deserved 3-1 win.

Tynewydd started brightly against the league's second placed side, creating half chances through some quick wing play from Elliot Hicks who proved a constant threat to the SP backline.

Midway through the half, Tynewydd made the deserved breakthrough after some neat play in the centre of the park resulted in Craig Rattenbury being released just outside the 18 yard box, who cut in smartly to fire a sweetly struck shot that nestled inside the corner of the net.

Tynewydd doubled their advantage when a long free-kick from the half-way line by Jodie Shepherd managed to elude everyone in the box, somehow bouncing over the keeper and into the top corner to make it 2-0 at half time.

SP started the second half much improved and managed to pin Tynny deep into their half. Bombarding them with crosses from deep and creating a few decent chances, their pressure eventually told after a scramble in the box and a deflected shot deservedly put SP on the scoreboard.

With SP now firmly in the ascendency, Tynewydd knew they had to up their game to make sure of victory and with 15 minutes to go, Rattenbury grabbed his second of the game. Receiving a throw in just inside the box, he pinned his marker and swivelled quickly to unleash a rocket of a strike, giving the keeper no chance to wrap up all 3 points.

It was a solid performance from Tynewydd, who were good value for their win and will be looking to maintain those levels for the rest of the campaign.

Man of the Match went to Craig Rattenbury for his two goal salvo, with both goals being extremely well taken.

Squad: C.Coleman, D. Gibbs, J.Shepherd, G.Pycroft, S.Eveleigh (C), J.Brana, L.Union, J.Rawlings, J.Smith, E.Hicks, C.Rattenbury, C.Harding