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Clubs' Match Reports
Ton Pentre 2, Barry Town 2 Pre-season friendly from Ton Pentre FC This proved to be a very useful run out for both Ton Pentre and Barry Town whilst providing some excellent entertainment to the on looking spectators at Ynys Park. Bulldogs manager Dean Morris appears to be building a very useful looking team with a good mixture of youth and experience. Despite making a good start to the match Ton Pentre found themselves a goal behind after 16 minutes after Ton goalkeeper Lee Ruddall saved well from an attacker's strike only to be beaten by Geraint Frowen on the follow-up to the rebound. Ton didn’t dwell on going a goal down and were looking vibrant in attack. Chris Jones played himself through on goal after 20 minutes and was unfortunate not to equalise as Dan Bradley dived on top of the ball. The Bulldogs did draw level three minutes later and the chance arose from Jones’ saved shot that rebounded to Richard Cleverley who crossed it back into the box. Ryan Prosser jumped above the Barry defence to nod the ball into the back of the net. Prosser could have grabbed a second on the half hour mark when his individual skill created an opening in the Barry defence but Bradley was equal to his shot as the visiting goalkeeper pulled off a fine save. Before the half-time interval the Bulldogs had two more chances to gain the lead when Leon Young played a through ball for Jones who saw his effort tipped around the post and winger Rob Thomas struck narrowly wide with a shot across the goal. Thomas Harris was introduced into the match during the second half and the striker was quick to get involved as he worked Bradley hard with a useful shot that was tipped over the crossbar. Lee Rudall was forced into action on 75 minutes when he pushed the ball onto the bar and out for a corner from a Sam Hartrey shot inside the 18-yard box. From the resulting corner Lewis Coslett caught the Ton defence off guard to regain the lead for Barry. A defeat would have been unjust for either team in this match so it seemed fair that Ton equalised four minutes later through Cleverley after Harris dribbled his way into the box before cutting the ball back to his teammate. Both teams will be happy that the match provided a good workout and Dean Morris will undoubtedly be pleased that his players seem to be gelling well so early on in the pre-season schedule.
Trelewis 0, Ton Pentre 8 Pre-season friendly from Ton Pentre FC Ton Pentre, under the new management of Dean Morris were pleased to get back to playing football as the issue of promotion and relegation of teams within the Welsh League is yet to be decided, travelled to South Wales Amateur League side Trelewis hoping to get their pre-season up and running with a victory away from home. The Bulldogs, featuring many new faces, lined up in a new formation and from the first whistle were keen to dominate proceedings. Ton’s new signing Chris Owens had the first chance of the game but his shot was expertly saved by the Trelewis keeper. Four minutes later Owens had another close range shot saved by the keeper who at this early stage was have a busy July evening. Ryan Prosser, another new signing, led the attacking line well with Owens and the two began to build good partnership. On ten minutes Prosser beat the defender and lined up a pass to Josh Evans who coolly slotted the ball past the keeper to give Ton a deserved lead. Ton continued in this attacking frame of mind using wingbacks Fraser Williams and Darryl Minet to break quickly. It was on one of these attacking moves that Williams delivered a fantastic ball across the box and Owens doubled Ton’s advantage after 36 minutes. Prosser was causing the Trelewis defence problems every time he had the ball and had several clear cut chances but failed to take of advantage of them. It proved however, to be fifth time lucky for Prosser as on 41 minutes when from a Williams' corner he rose unchallenged and beat the keeper from eight yards to make it 3-0. Trelewis kept fighting but the Ton defence limited them to long range efforts which were easily dealt with by Richard Jefferies in the Ton goal. With referee Allen Griffiths playing time added on for injuries Prosser had his sixth gilt-edged chance but was thwarted on the goal line by some resilient defending. The ball broke to Prosser again and he laid it off to Wayne Antoniazzi who emphatically beat the keeper from 18-yards with a blistering shot into the top of the net. At half time Ton led 4-0 but it could and probably should have been more. Dean Morris rung the changes at half time and this did not have an effect on the attacking performance. Minutes after the restart Owens delivered a telling ball for Phil Clarke to score with his first touch of the game. On 55 minutes Morris brought on Simon Payne and Iffy Otung. Otung from the outset caused the Trelewis defence problems with his pace and energy. On 56 minutes Thomas Harris shot and the defender stopped the ball with both hands leaving referee Griffiths no choice but to point to the spot. Up stepped Chris Jones but he saw his penalty saved. Otung broke through the Trelewis defensive line in the 69th minute and went through on goal but unselfishly squared the ball for Harris to beat the keeper to make it 6-0. It was a case of déjà vu on 74 minutes as referee Griffiths again awarded a spot kick for Ton as a defender handled in the box. This time Otung coolly slotted the ball past the keeper to make it 7 -0. With only a few minutes remaining Simon Payne scored with a strike from 25-yards that easily beat the keeper to round of a successful night for the Ton team. Morris will take many positives from this game but he will be aware that there will be much tougher tests to come, starting with Barry Town at home on Saturday 24th July. Remaining Pre-Season Matches:
Saturday, 24th July - Barry Town - Home - 2.30pm
REDS UNDER-19S END SEASON ON A HIGH 29 May 2010 from Llanelli FC The Reds under-19 side finished their long season on a high note on Wednesday night when they won a penalty shoot-out against Taffs Well in the final of the MacWhirter Youth Cup at Bryntirion Athletics’ ground in Bridgend. Reds keeper, Craig Richards, was the hero of the hour by saving three Taffs Well’s penalty kicks in the shoot out. Declan John, Joe Clarke and Antonio Facciuto all scored their spot kicks to ensure the Reds victory and winning the trophy for a second successive season. The main game was an entertaining event with both sides producing some neat football. It was Taffs Well who scored first when Clayton Green hit a scorching volley into the roof of the net after 14 minutes. Six minutes later, the Reds were level when Craig Frater scrambled the ball home from an acute angle after a mistake by the Taffs Well defence. The game was now an end to end contest and it wasn’t until four minutes before half time before the Reds eventually took the lead. Craig Frater was brought down in the penalty box and Declan John took the resultant penalty kick. His first effort was saved by Tom Shears only for referee, Allen Griffiths to notice encroachment by a Taffs Well defender and order a re take, John made no mistake with his second effort and the Reds went in to a 2-1 half time lead. The second period followed the same pattern as the first with both teams playing good attacking football with the Reds having slightly better of the proceedings. It was looking as if there would be no more goals in the game when Taffs Well’s, Lewis Hydes, equalised when he neatly finished off a fine team passing move in the 84th minute. That was the end of the scoring in both normal and extra time and the game was decided by penalty kicks and the heroics of Craig Richards. The Reds under-19s now look forward to competing against senior opposition later this month when they play in a pre-European tournament with the Reds first team and Port Talbot Town and Welsh Premier League champions, The New Saints.
PENRHIWCEIBER WIN LEAGUE IN DRAMATIC FASHION 27 May 2010 from Penrhiwceiber Rangers FC Penrhiwceiber Rangers claimed the Second Division title on Saturday 22 May 2010, coming from two goals down at half time to clinch victory at Newcastle Emlyn. It looked odds on that the title would be going to Gwent based Cwmbran Celtic but late drama put a stop to that. Penrhiwceiber went into the game knowing only a win would be good enough to secure the league and started the brighter of the two sides. A good move involving Craig Hewitt, Gary Collins and Adam Callan resulted in Richard Veale firing wide. And Hewitt thought he should have had a penalty after a fine run saw the officials indicate a corner, not punishing what looked a certain foul. But soon Newcastle Emlyn were in the ascendancy, winning the physical battle and playing some excellent football. Chances were created and unsurprisingly Emlyn took the lead with a calm finish from just outside the six-yard box. But for Ceiber keeper Ryan Betteney, Emlyn could and probably should have been out of sight; however on the stroke of half time they eventually doubled their lead. A mix up in Ceiber’s defence saw the Emlyn forward convert at the second attempt. But whatever Steve Haggett and Brian Sparks said in the dressing room during the interval inspired their team. Ceiber came out rejuvenated and took the game to the home side. There were early chances for striker Howie Wiltshire before Jason Lewis played in Callan who was brought down inside the area. Despite protests from the perpetrator, Dean Brown stepped up and coolly converted the spot kick sending it straight down the middle of the goal. Haggett then replaced Collins with the more attack-minded Sam George who almost made an immediate impact. Again good work from Lewis and Callan saw George head on to the underside of the crossbar, only for the ball to be cleared off the line. Moments later George went close again, this time curling a left foot shoot from outside the box on to the woodwork. Keston Hall had to be replaced on the hour due to a hand injury with Guy Hillman stepping in to the centre back role. Captain Nathan King was moved up field with Haggett knowing only a win was good enough. And the bravery soon paid off when Callan was again apprehended in the area. The tackle resulted in a second yellow card and Emlyn were down to ten men. Brown stepped up and calmly sent the keeper the wrong way for 2-2. With 20 minutes or so left it looked like Ceiber would get the goal they needed but Emlyn stood firm. Nerves began to set in as half chances came and went. But with minutes remaining a crossfield ball from Sam George found Richard Veale who unleashed a left foot shot from all of 30 yards to find the back of the net, sending the Ceiber faithful wild. Although Emlyn pressed late on the Ceiber defence now comprising of Steve Temple, Hillman, Lewis and George stood firm and at the final whistle the celebrations began. Nathan King gratefully accepted the trophy with sights now firmly set on the challenges of Division One.
AFC Llwydcoed 3, Croesyceiliog 4 from AFC Llwydcoed Croesyceiliog arrived at the Welfare Ground with a below-par squad prior to the Nathaniel Car Sales League Cup final on Tuesday night and still recorded a victory. Llwydcoed’s end of season promotion challenge finished just as the season started in defeat, forfeiting 14 points out of 15. Croesyceiliog were trailing after Christopher Vardon found room to shoot past Croesy goalkeeper James Peckham, it was all too easy for Llwydcoed at this stage. Croesy responded with goals from Joel Dean (2), Zac Osbourne and Callum Miles. Llwydcoed’s second and third goals were scored by Matthew Reynolds and Tomos Morris. A shocking display by Llwydcoed.
Treharris Athletic Western 4, AFC Porth 1 from Treharris Athletic Western FC Treharris started their final home fixture fast out of the blocks creating with early chances for Keiron Jones, Rees and Harris. Porth's first opening saw Orchard shoot wide of the goal. With an early injury to a Porth player ex-Cardiff City hero Scott Young entered the match. Treharris playing some fluent football were spraying the ball around with confidence. Sedgemore, Porter and Bowley comfortably playing their way out of defence, finding the front two of Bounds and Davies with ease. Porth were playing some keep ball to with the hard-working Burge and awareness of Needs influential for them. The opening goal came in the 30th minute when Sellick passed to Bounds who spun his marker on the edge of the box before firing into the corner from 15 yards. Porth immediately created an opening only to see Clyne in the home goal fast off his line to smother at the feet of Hares. Treharris’ Rees was bundled over near the touchline and from the resulting free-kick as Porth lined-up the wall a quick-thinking Bounds squared the ball to Sedgemore whose venomous shot found the bottom corner from 25 yards for 2-0 at the interval. At the start of the second half Porth were straight on the back foot as Treharris went for the jugular. Only the impressive Noble, Burge and Corey keeping Treharris out. But on 62 minutes a passage of play involving Porter, Harris and Jamie Rees saw the ball fed into Bounds who once again showed composure to lose his marker before finding the far corner of Williams’ net from 22 yards for his 17th goal of the season. Back came Porth with their best move of the game that saw Burge play in Hares to slip the ball past Clyne for a fine goal. Porth sensed their chance of a comeback and were in control for 10 minutes until Gareth Davies was sent clear and slid the ball past Williams and in off the post for 4-1 to seal the win on 80 minutes. Mitchell, Thomas and Chris Reddy coming off the bench for Treharris before the final minutes of the match saw chances falling to both teams but no further goals. This was one of Treharris’ better home performances of the campaign with the crowd showing their appreciation at the final whistle.
Newport YMCA 3, AFC Llwydcoed 2 from AFC Llwydcoed AFC Llwydcoed arrived at the YMCA ground without long term injured Richard Dennis plus Ryan Barry and Ross Williams, three regular players for this massive penultimate match a draw would take their promotion challenge to the very last match but the challenge was thrown away. YMCA had a fantastic start scoring straight from the kick off. Daniel Edwards moved inside Llwydcoed’s defender Matthew Doherty and shot past goalkeeper Rhys James, what a disastrous start for Llwydcoed, less than a minute played. The response was superb, Jonathan Mason looked back to his best, he combined and crossed for Matthew Reynolds to score, only for an offside flag to rule it out. Llwydcoed were not to be denied after a few more attacks Matthew Doherty and Jonathan Mason were involved. YMCA survived then Llwydcoed lost the services of Jonathan Mason through a hamstring injury Garin Withers replacing him. An equaliser arrived after Tomos Morris and Craig Boulton won possession and Christopher Vardon scored. YMCA responded as they required the points to save relegation Llwydcoed’s defence came under an aerial assault but coped with Leigh Phillips and Luke Davies defending superbly. Their goalkeeper Rhys James supported them with some top handling, half time arrived with the teams all square. Llwydcoed looked comfortable at the end of the first half after a disastrous start, YMCA were not attacking with any menace but Llwydcoed began to lose possession too cheaply, breaking up their rhythm with too many difficult over hit passes. YMCA moved forward as an attacking unit but again Llwydcoed’s defence held firm until YMCA were awarded a controversial free kick that YMCA took and shot around the Llwydcoed wall Llwydcoed goalkeeper Rhys James saved the ball but it rolled free and prolific goal scorer Phil Tranter scored, another disastrous goal. Llwydcoed’s response was to use their substitutes Matthew Phillips and Jonathan Price. Llwydcoed were playing catch-up YMCA’s defence was not really tested because the visitors could not build any sustained attacks. Over the past few weeks any bad luck available Llwydcoed have had it. Leigh Phillips in clearing the ball seemed to be fouled but the ball went out and the referee awarded a corner and YMCA’s John Pardue scored with a free header, disaster number three. Llwydcoed’s promotion challenge was on the ropes. YMCA almost added to their total because Llwydcoed were throwing players forward trying to reduce the arrears, after YMCA failed to add to the score Llwydcoed reduced the arrears Matthew Phillips scoring from close range, could Llwydcoed salvage a point?. Tomos Morris and Jonathan Price combined and opened up the YMCA defence to give Leigh Phillips a chance but the Llwydcoed defender shot over that was the last chance in a disastrous game. YMCA won the points and avoided relegation. Llwydcoed lost eleven points out of a possible twelve in the last four games. Not promotion form.
Pontardawe Town 3, Ton Pentre 2 from Ton Pentre FC Ton Pentre Football Club suffered relegation for the first time in their history as they fell into the MacWhirter Welsh League Division One drop zone following defeat in their last game of the season against Pontardawe Town at Afan Lido.. Competitive football in Ton Pentre has been played since 1896 and the Club has never endured such a fate of automatic demotion, only forced resignation due to financial crises. In 1923, following the collapse of the post-war coal boom and the demise of many Valleys teams under financial stress; Ton Pentre saved themselves by withdrawing from the Southern League for the Welsh League. And in 1997 the Bulldogs were forced to resign from the League of Wales after a foray into European football nearly dragged the club into insolvency. The 17th May 2010 will now be added to those significant dates in Ton Pentre’s history as the Rhondda Bulldogs are forced to come to terms with the fact that they will now be a Division Two club for the 2010-11 season. Going into their last match of the season, Ton Pentre had to equal or better Cardiff Corinthians result against Aberaman Athletic. The Corries pulled off a fine 2-1 win with Gareth Delve and Jonathan Knight securing the Radyr based club’s Division One status. Against Pontardawe the Bulldogs took the game to their opponents and their first half performance was full of spirit. Leon Young came close with a shot from distance after seven minutes following some excellent build-up play involving Alyn Jones and Andrew Hughes. Eight minutes later Ton notched up another effort on goal when Alyn Jones passed inside to Hughes. The Bulldogs player-manager unleashed a marvellous shot but the Pontardawe goalkeeper managed to tip the ball over the bar. Moments later Fraser Williams was forced to pull off an excellent save in the Ton goals when he denied the striker by diving at his feet to block the ball before it rebounded back off the attacker and behind the line for a goal kick. Chris Jones could have given Ton the lead in the 18th minute when the ball broke for him in attack but when he went one-on-one with the keeper he struck the ball straight into his arms and two minutes later Wayne Antoniazzi suffered the same fate when he saw his shot remarkably saved by the keeper stretching his arm to claw the ball into his possession. The Rhondda Bulldogs finally broke the deadlock to deservedly take the lead from a 30th minute corner taken by Lloyd Toghill. The ball was whipped into the back post where Young headed Ton into a rapturous lead. Ton Pentre went 2-0 up in the 42nd minute when poor defending saw the ball break loose to Toghill. In an almost natural reaction Toghill launched an immediate shot at the goal and with the keeper rooted to the spot he scored from his magnificent 30-yard strike. Pontardawe hit back straight away when less than a minute later they won a free kick several yards into the Ton half of the pitch. The ball was sent deep into the Bulldogs area where Andy Lewis jumped above the defence to head the ball over Williams and into the back of the net. The second half was just five minutes old when Pontardawe won a corner from which James Pickup equalised with a header and disaster struck again in the 56th minute when Mark Nappieralla ran through to make it 3-2. Ton were unable to replicate their first half performance and their creativity dried up as news came through that Cardiff Corries were victorious in their match. The Bulldogs were left with too much to do and long before the final whistle blew they knew that their future was to be in Division Two of The Welsh Football League. Ton Pentre have become victims of the re-organisation of Welsh domestic football as in any other season their final position would have secured safety, however, every club in the division were aware of the enlarged relegation zone and in stark reality the Bulldogs’ form in the latter part of the season has not been good enough. Following the disappointment of relegation, a Club spokesperson said: “Everyone connected to Ton Pentre AFC is in deep shock that we have been relegated for the very first time in our history. “Even more painful is that we fell into the relegation zone following our last match of the season, however, the league table does not lie and we have simply not been good enough over the course of the season. “It is now vitally important that everyone at Ynys Park works hard to stabilise the Bulldogs in Division Two next season in an attempt to make a swift return to Division One of the Welsh Football League and we encourage anyone who feels they can help us achieve this to come forward.”
Friday 14 May 2010 AFC Porth 2, Newcastle Emlyn 1. from AFC Porth Porth completed their home fixtures with this win, their third of the season over the visitors from West Wales. Unbelievably Emlyn requested a Friday night and didn’t arrive until 6 40pm for a 6 30pm kick off, because of delays on the M4. t wasn't noticed though as not for the first time the opposition had the better of the first 20 minutes, indeed they took an early lead as Orchard was dispossessed and striker Raymond scored his fourth in two games to beat Williams. Credit though to Orchard who put the setback behind him to put in a gritty performance in an unorthodox position of centre half, running young Jarrad Wright close for Man of the Match. Porth had another scare as Williams misjudged a cross, the ball going narrowly wide. Porth gradually gained the initiative and Adam Wright and Hares combined well to give Hares a shooting opportunity which went wide. The midfield of Lewis, Coles and Jarrad Wright started to dictate and Emlyn were grateful for the half time whistle as they went in one-up. Porth totally dominated after the restart and it was felt a goal was coming, Ashley Burge replaced the tiring Mouncher and it was his endeavours that got Porth back into the game, he surged forward and was unceremoniously fouled, from the resulting free kick Orchard's goal bound shot was fumbled and Jarrad Wright tapped home. The visitors visibly wilted as they struggled for possession, again Burge was fouled and up stepped Dean Lewis to blast the free kick home, Lee replaced Hares, Christian Burge going up front, and Scott Young came on for the last 10 minutes to see out the game. The three points meant that the fear of a ridiculous relegation for finishing outside the top ten was banished and if Porth can win their two remaining games they can finish fifth, which would be a very credible season.
Treharris Athletic Western 1, Llangeinor 2 from Treharris Athletic Western FC Treharris entertained Llangeinor as the sides met for the second time in four days. This time it was Llan who got the away win and Division Two safety through two Jordan Mortimore goals in a much improved performance having been second best at home to Treharris four days earlier. The first goal arrived on 12 minutes with keeper Rob Jones saving well from a Kyle Owen shot, the follow up shot was well-blocked by Morris only for the third effort to be headed home by Mortimore, Llan's leading marksman. Treharris missed a glorious chance to draw level after excellent work by Rees saw Harris tamely shoot straight at John from 10 yards. With the Llan pairing of Elwood and Thomas scrapping for every ball in midfield Treharris were struggling to get into the game. Treharris introduced Craig Reddy and Alun Thomas in the second period as they tried to gain some vital possession in the game. But on 70 minutes Mortimore picked up the loose ball to fire home the all-important second goal from the edge of the area. Treharris sent on Chris Reddy for the final 10 minutes, Llan sent on Griffiths and Walker. Late in the game with Treharris pushing men forward Keiron Jones struck the Llan crossbar and minutes later again shot at goal only for John to save well. Ellis then shot narrowly wide for Llan before a 30-yard thunderbolt into the top corner from Ross Porter reduced the deficit. Llan holding on for the final minutes for the vital three points. Treharris face Porth at home this Wednesday (6.30pm), before finishing the season at Caerau (Ely) on Friday (6.30pm).
Wednesday 12 May 2010 Llangeinor 0, Treharris Athletic Western 2 from Treharris Athletic Western FC Treharris confirmed their Division Two status for next season with a convincing 2-0 win at in-form Llangeinor. Without a recognised Goalkeeper player-manager Craig Reddy went in goal and incredibly kept a clean sheet, thanks to some competent handling and a well-marshalled defence. Treharris could and should have been out of sight in the opening 20 minutes as Tom Harris (2) and Gareth Davies missed one-on-one's against home keeper John. On 30 minutes Harris was wrestled to the ground by Roberts resulting in a penalty, up stepped Reddy only to shoot over the crossbar. Influential home player Mortimore hobbled off with injury with his replacement Griffiths’ wilful running bringing the hosts some foothold in the match. At the start of the second half Treharris pushed Jamie Rees up front searching for the goal they deserved and only some good defending from Llan's Matthews prevented Treharris from scoring on several occasions. With Porter, Morris and Bowley dominant for Treharris and Reddy quick off his line to clear any danger all Treharris lacked was a goal. A passage of play saw Sedgemore, Sellick and Harris all involved before Rees burst through into the box to get caught from behind, this time substitute Dai Lee Mitchell made no mistake from the spot for 1-0 in the 75th minute. A long distance Roberts shot went just over as Llan searched for an equaliser. In the final minute good play between Keiron Jones and Tom Harris saw the latter pick out Rees who shot home from 18 yards for 2-0.
Ton Pentre 0, Bridgend Town 4 from Ton Pentre FC Ton Pentre’s woes continued at Ynys Park as they went down by four first half goals to fellow relegation battlers Bridgend Town. The Rhondda Bulldogs goalkeeper crisis has been well documented in the press and for this encounter winger Fraser Williams offered to go between the posts. Five teams will be relegated from Welsh League Division One this season and a sixth could go if Afan Lido fail to win promotion to Welsh Premier League and Llangefni Town gain promotion from the Cymru Alliance League in North Wales. This would mean that Haverfordwest County would be relegated from the Welsh Premier to the Welsh League. Both Afan Lido and Llangefni are currently appealing against the decision of an independent panel not to award them a FAW Domestic Club Licence, which is a prerequisite for promotion. If successful in their appeals Llangefni would be promoted as Cymru Alliance champions and Afan Lido would require a top two finish in the Welsh League. The Rhondda Bulldogs started the match against Bridgend Town quite well but their hopes were dashed as early as the seventh minute when the visitors scored with their first chance. Adam Lewis was caught in possession and this allowed the Bridgend attacker a route into the box where he took full advantage of Fraser Williams’ inexperience in the goalkeeper position. Rameer Outlaw added a second for Bridgend on 22 minutes when he finished off a lovely attacking movement that opened up the Bulldogs defence. Bridgend Town made it 3-0 after 35 minutes when Phil Clarke was put under pressure deep inside his own half. Having failed to put the ball out of play Bridgend were able to snatch possession and score from inside the box. Two minutes later the match was well and truly put beyond the Bulldogs when Bridgend scored a fourth. In the second half Ton Pentre introduced Caio Iwan and Andrew Hughes into the match and the Bulldogs instantly looked sharper and started to create a few chances. Iwan ran clear of the Bridgend defence in the 67th minute and when he chipped the ball over goalkeeper Neil Collins he was unfortunate to see his effort drop wide of the post. This defeat saw Bridgend Town leapfrog Ton in the league as the Bulldogs drop to sixth from bottom. Ton’s final match of the season is on Monday, 17th May when they play Pontardawe Town at Afan Lido’s Marston’s Stadium. Kick off for the game is at 7pm. A victory for the Bulldogs would ensure safety, however, if Ton lose and Cardiff Corinthians win their match against Aberaman Athletic on the same night, Ton would be automatically relegated. Ton would also be relegated on goal difference if they were to lose and Cardiff Corries were to draw.
AFC Llwydcoed 0, Caerau (Ely) 2 from AFC Llwydcoed Caerau (Ely) cancelled Llwydcoed’s six point league advantage and moved within three points with a game in hand after beating Llwydcoed by two goals both scored by James Bennett. Caerau (Ely) took full advantage of Llwydcoed not taking their chances by scoring theirs. Llwydcoed pressured Caerau (Ely) in the first quarter playing excellent football. The return of Jonathan Mason was a big plus and his pace contributed a lot early on as did Christopher Vardon too. A very promising opening for Llwydcoed, the Caerau (Ely) defence was being tested, Brent Hewitt and Garin Withers were doing well on the left side and a goal at this stage would have been deserved. Chances came for Matthew Reynolds, Jonathan Mason and Christopher Vardon but to no avail. Caerau (Ely) turned a difficult opening around and Keyon Reffell started to break things up and Jordan Cotterill combined with Tyrrell Webbe to push Llwydcoed on the defencive. Llwydcoed were on the defensive but Caerau (Ely) began to look settled and won a corner that was cleared, Jonathan Jones played the ball back into the Llwydcoed penalty area and James Bennett found space to score. Caerau (Ely) were on top, Llwydcoed were being contained and fell further behind, in a similar way to the first, and the same scorer - James Bennett. Llwydcoed regained some composure and a brilliant cross saw a Christopher Vardon header saved by the Caerau (Ely) goalkeeper David Burnett. Llwydcoed required a goal but two glorious chances were missed, Matthew Reynolds and Jonathan Mason failed to score. Llwydcoed moved the ball better in the opening stages of the second half. Tomos Morris was able to move forward but the ball would not fall their way and Caerau (Ely) were on the defensive, several corners were won but Caerau (Ely) were solid and turned defence into attack with pace giving Llwydcoed’s defenders some anxious moments. Llwydcoed lost Jonathan Mason and Ryan Barry through injury, Luke Davies and Craig Boutlon replaced them, also Matthew Phillips replaced Matthew Reynolds. Llwydcoed had enough possession but failed to score. Caerau (Ely) with their strength and pace began to control the remainder of the match to secure the deserved win. An excellent match, Llwydcoed failed to score when they were in control but Caerau (Ely) did.
Cwmaman Institute 2, Pontypridd Town 1 from Cwmaman Institute FC A large crowd gathered to watch this top of the table clash at Canolfan. Pontypridd were smarting from a 2 0 defeat in their last game, at the hands of local rivals Llantwit Fardre. In contrast Cwmaman were going into the game on the back of two very good away victories at Aberbargoed and Goytre. But it was the away team who started the better, playing high tempo football and using their much bigger players to good use. The more physical approach by Ponty forced Cwmaman on the defensive for most of the first half. The high ball was the order of the day and Cwmaman's defenders were busy keeping Ponty at bay. They broke the deadlock on 30 minutes with a goal scored at the near post after a defensive mistake when Cwmaman failed to clear the ball. Before the half was over Cwmaman had a couple of half chances but ended the first period one nil down. It was do or die in the second half for Cwm, and they didn’t disappoint the crowd. They took the game to the visitors and with 70 minutes on the clock, Haggett put Cwmaman on level terms with a snap shot from the edge of the box. Ponty had a player sent off for two yellow cards before both teams were reduced in numbers by further dismissals. With 15 minutes remaining, Haggett got the winning goal for the home team, he beat the defender and goalkeeper to the ball to score into the empty net. Before the teams could kick off, Ponty were further reduced in numbers by another dismissal. Cwmaman created several chances to increase their lead but the game ended in a victory and almost certain promotion to the second division.
Goytre 2, Cwmaman Institute 3 from Cwmaman Institute FC Cwmaman made the journey to Gwent side Goytre in high sprits, after their win against the league leaders in their previous game. Defender and captain Matthew Cable was late arriving for the game, so a late change in the starting eleven had to be made. They started in a positive mood with fast raids on the Goytre defence, Wickham was well placed but shot over from six yards, Haggett hit a shot from 25 yards only to see the keeper make a brilliant save and tip the shot over the crossbar. In the meantime Goytre had a move down the Cwmaman left, only to see the striker shoot over from a tight angle. After 20 minutes of attacking football from both teams, Cwmaman went into the lead, a move involving Jenkins and Ross Leeke gave Haggett a chances and he made no mistake from close range. Within five minutes the visitors went two-up with the best goal of the game, good work down the right resulted in Haggett laying the ball to Connor Wickham, who curled the ball into the top corner from fully 25 yards giving the home keeper no chance. Back came Goytre and Truelove made a good save from the Goytre number 11, the home team then hit the post from a free kick. Haggett had a chance from a cross by Wickham but shot over when well placed. Dorian Cook had to leave the field with an injury on 40 minutes to be replaced by Shane Leeke. In the early part of the second half Cwmaman were all at sea, the home team pulled a goal back on 50 minutes. Truelove made a rare mistake to give Goytre a foothold in the game. Back came Cwmaman with Jarrad Price going close from a free kick. The home team started to put pressure on the visitors defence, Woodford and Evans had to be at there best to keep them out. With Cwmaman under pressure a goal looked to be on the cards, on 65 minutes a corner was only half cleared by Goytre, the ball was put back in to the box by Jack Howe who watched as Haggett scored from 12 yards with the home team appealing for offside. Matthew Cable came on for the final 25 minutes which saw Goytre throw everything at Cwm. They scored again near the end after another mistake by the Cwm keeper but Cwmaman held on for a deserved victory. With two home games to go against Pontypridd and Garw, Cwmaman are in the driving seat for promotion.
Saturday 8 May 2010 AFC Porth 2, Llanwern 0. from AFC Porth Porth returned to winning ways against Llanwern who showed plenty spirit and endeavour. Porth were without seven first team regulars for one reason or another but the benefits of a Welsh League reserve team was evident as the players who stepped in were magnificent. The front two of Hares and Wright were giving Llanwern all sorts problems with their willing running, being prompted by the midfield trio of Dean Lewis, Keiron Coles and Jarrad Wright. Indeed Coles, Josh Owen and the Wright brothers were playing their fifth game in seven days. Porth almost took the lead when Mouncher’s free kick evaded everyone and Church in goals was grateful for a goal line clearance, but the first goal wasn't long in coming as Hares flicked on, Adam Wright advanced and beat the keeper from 18 ysrds via the post. Hares had a chance to double the lead just before half time, after Coles played him in, but he shot wide as he was forced away from goals. Porth began the second on top, Llanwern threw three up front but Williams in goal was having a comfortable afternoon, and indeed he nearly had an assist after his long kick, Wright challenged Church who dropped the ball and Lewis fired agonisingly wide. The hard-running Hares was replaced by Rob Moore on 65 minutes, with Orchard moving up front and Jarrad Wright dropping back. After Owen was upended Jarrad Wright was unlucky with a header, but Porth were not to be denied, Adam Wright showing great anticipation to latch on to a back pass, his sixth goal in six games. Soon after Vivers replaced Lewis, and Lee replaced Mouncher. Next home game is against Newcastle Emlyn on Friday 14th May (6 30pm).
Saturday 8 May 2010 AFC Llwydcoed 3, Newcastle Emlyn 3 from AFC Llwydcoed Llwydcoed were robbed of a deserved victory in the closing minutes with Adam Raymond shooting past Llwydcoed goalkeeper Rhys James to complete his hat trick. This completed a remarkable recovery after trailing 3-0 in the early stages of the second half. Controversy surrounded all of Emlyn’s three goals. AFC Llwydcoed Manager Mark Harbord introduced Garin Withers and Matthew Doherty into the team, Ross Williams was on holiday. Llwydcoed settled early doors, Emlyn were prepared to over-hit the ball mostly through Adam Raymond and after a few exchanges Llwydcoed produced a quality goal, Jordan Coles and Garin Withers combined the latter found Christopher Vardon who scored a sublime goal. Llwydcoed were on top. Craig Boulton Tomos Morris were causing problems giving Matthew Reynolds and Christopher Vardon a platform, a deserved second goal arrived Christopher Vardon again scoring past Emlyn goalkeeper Kieran Spencer who failed to hold the shot. Llwydcoed totally exposed Emlyn’s shape after a Jordan Coles, Garin Withers move, the same players found Christopher Vardon who scored easily. Llwydcoed were in charge Emlyn made a tactical change pushing Adam Raymond forward and Llwydcoed’s defence who were outstanding came under pressure. Then came Raymond's controversial hat trick to level the match which ended 3-3.
Saturday 8 May 2010 Aberbargoed Buds 0, Cwmaman Institute 2 from Cwmaman Institute FC This was a very good performance from Cwmaman, they set their stall out early in the game and did not give the home team a chance to settle. The went in front in the fourth minute, a free kick taken by Leighton Price deceived everyone in the Buds defence but not young Jack Howe who ghosted in at the far post to score with a close range header. This was just the start Cwmaman needed; their confidence grew as the game progressed. Seb Haggett had a chance with a header at the near post but it went wide of the post. The Cwmaman defence was in superb form with Scott Woodford outstanding, they restricted the Buds to half chances with Truelove being a supporter for most of the half. Cwmaman's play during the first half was top-drawer; they kept their shape and were much the better team during this period. Aberbargoed had to attack Cwmaman in the second half if they were going to get anything from the game. This they did, but throwing players forward left holes at the back and Cwmaman exploited this with fast raids down the flanks. Chances fell to Dorian Cook and Ross Williams as the game entered its final stages. From one of these attacks, Cwmaman scored their second, good work by Ross Williams through the middle gave Seb Haggett a chance and he made no mistake from the edge of the penalty box. Cwmaman played out the rest of the game with the Buds having lots of possession without really troubling the away defence. Having lost at home to Corus Steel in the previous game, this said a lot about the character of the team, to play a team at the top of the league and come away with a victory.
Cwmbran Celtic 2, Treharris Athletic 0 from Treharris Athletic Western FC Treharris travelled to Leaders Cwmbran Celtic looking to continue their excellent run of results. In only the fifth minute Celtic top scorer Lanyon hit the post after a pass from fellow frontman Williamson. Soon after Llewellyn shot wide when he really should have scored, Treharris’ first chance saw Glassey send in a cross that Batten and Davies should have done better with. Another Treharris effort saw Keiron Jones try his luck from distance that was easily dealt with by the imposing figure of Morgan in the home goal. Trickery from Howarth on the left wing created an opening for Lanyon whose shot was well blocked by Treharris' Porter. On the half hour mark an excellent run by Harris saw him leave two defenders in his wake and send over a cross that keeper Morgan punched clear as Batten was set to pounce. From a Treharris corner Celtic broke quickly with Prangley and then Williamson finding Lanyon who shot home from six yards for the opening goal on 35 minutes. A fine move saw Sedgemore play in Sellick who sent Glassey free down the right wing only to be flattened by home player/manager Copeman who received a yellow card. From the resulting free kick Morris picked out Batten who headed over. Half time 1-0. From the restart Celtic substitute Horrobin sent Howarth clear out wide, his cross flicked just wide of the goal by Williamson. Down the other end Tom Harris's trickery saw him cut inside his marker only to be seemingly impeded, but the referee waved play on to Harris's frustration. Close control from Lanyon on the edge of the box saw the Treharris defence stand off afraid to commit a tackle allowing him to pick out Williamson who shot home from eight yards for 2-0. Treharris sent on Hollett and Rhys Williams for the final 20 minutes as they looked to rescue the game, pushing Mitchell into an advanced role, Mitchell instantly testing Morgan with a vicious 25-yard effort. Morgan's resulting clearance found Lanyon whose one-two with Williamson saw Lanyon shoot wide. Up the other end another 25-yarder this time from Sedgemore just missed the top corner. The final 10 minutes saw both sides defences come out on top as Celtic held on for promotion and their party celebrations to start. Morris and Harris having fine games for the visitors who will look to bounce back at Llangeinor (6 30pm) Wednesday for the three points required to ensure their division two status. Treharris’ remaining fixtures are: Llangeinor away Wednesday 12th, Llangeinor home Saturday 15th, AFC Porth home Wednesday 19th, Caerau Ely away Friday 21st May.
AFC Porth 0, Pontyclun 1 Youth Division Central from Pontyclun FC Probably the only people not shocked by this result, were those involved with Pontyclun Youth this season. So often this term, Pontyclun have been left bemoaning their bad luck, and habit of conceding soft goals; but tonight they finally got what they deserved. A much depleted Pontyclun squad made their way to Dinas Park to face a home team only three wins away from winning the league. In their previous game, Pontyclun had lost out by just a single goal at the home of the League's other title contenders, Ely Rangers. Again with a bit of luck, but for the crossbar, the result could have been a little different. The visitors took the lead after 15 minutes when a corner kick was headed home by centre back Tom Ryall, who bravely started the game with a heavily strapped ankle, but was determined to help out the team the best he could. Porth were rocked by the goal, and tried to force the game in search of an equaliser, but their lack of composure caused frustration, and led to a couple of bookings following disputed decisions. The second half saw goal scorer Ryall replaced by 16-year old Ben Jenkins. The youngster slotted in superbly at centre back, and carried on the heroics showed by his team mate in the first half. Porth laid siege to the Pontyclun goal for most of the second half, and a series of fine saves from 'keeper Steve Johnson, coupled with some poor finishing by the hosts, kept the visitors lead intact. That said, Pontyclun had two glorious chances of their own to increase their lead and put the game beyond doubt, but a hurried shot from 12 yards by Marcus James went narrowly wide, and then the Porth keeper pulled of a tremendous save from a Jack Kane header following a rare attack in the second half. The final 15 minutes was played in very poor light, but Pontyclun held on for a memorable victory, and this result will give the team a lot of heart for next season, when most of the them will be available again.
Wednesday 5 May 2010 Treharris Ath Western 2, Newport YMCA 0 from Treharris Athletic Western FC With Bowley, Reddy, Davies and Batten unavailable for various reasons Treharris reshuffled for the visit of Newport YMCA. An evenly contested opening saw both teams cancel each other out without threatening goal. The visitors failed to capitalise after a diagonal cross from Pardue saw Beckett shoot high over from just inside the box. From a quickly-taken Harris freekick Sedgemore shot wide for the hosts. The YMCA's front two of Tranter and Beckett were full of running, keeping the Treharris defenders on their toes. As the half progressed there were long-distance strikes from both teams but all were dealt with by keepers Jones and Hillarie. A strong challenge by Sellick in midfield in the 30th minute saw the ball fall to Jamie Rees who instantly hit it on the half volley from fully 40 yards straight over Hillarie for a memorable 10th goal of a productive season to date. YMCA came back strongly towards the end of the first half with Spargo impressing and his pass picked out Beckett, who ran wide at Porter whose strength comfortably dealt with the danger running the ball out for a goalkick only for Treharris' disbelief as the referee pointed to the spot on the assistants say so. YMCA's centre-back stepped up and struck the ball well enough only to see Rob Jones expertly save low down to his right. The half ended 1-0 in a very evenly contested 45 minutes. The second half started with YMCA fast out of the blocks creating two early chances for veteran Tranter, one well-saved by Jones and the other going agonisingly wide of the far post. From a corner captain Pardue headed over as the YMCA searched for an equaliser. Soon after the excellent Treharris pairing of Sellick and Rees started to dominate the midfield winning tackle after tackle, thus creating chances for the unusually quiet Bounds and Harris. A perfectly weighted pass from Mo Morris was headed across the goal-line by Rees only to see Sedgemore slide in missing the target by inches. With Keiron Jones, Porter and Morris becoming more and more influential it looked only a matter of time before the second goal arrived, but a resolute YMCA defence were equal to the task, keeping Treharris out. Visiting substitute Edwards tested Jones from distance with a powerful drive. Hollett's pass out of defence found Glassey who cut inside before threading a pass in for the onrushing Sellick who shot high over from 18 yards. YMCA pushed on late in the game searching for a goal only to come up against a Treharris defence determined to get a second successive clean sheet. With substitutes Mitchell and Chris Reddy on the field, Treharris made one last effort to wrap up the game, Harris found Mitchell whose quick control and turn saw him find space before picking out Bounds on the edge of the area who duly took one touch before firing into the far corner of the net for 2-0 with his 14th of the campaign. Credit must go to the YMCA who gave it their all but just lacked a cutting edge to some fine moves. Treharris travel to face leaders Cwmbran Celtic on Saturday as they look to gain the three points that would secure their Division Two status having taken an excellent 29 out of 36 points in their last 12 fixtures.
Ammanford 2, AFC Llwydcoed 1 from AFC Llwydcoed Ammanford gained a deserved victory against a Llwydcoed team punishing them for some poor all round play and ended their mini run. Matthew Doherty was missing from the starting time line up due to work commitments Craig Boulton received the recall. Ammanford were very lively in the early stages across the midfield with Rupert Jones and Gethyn Jones creating too much space. Llwydcoed’s defence dealt with the danger and turned defence into attack with Brent Hewitt and Ross Williams combining and giving Matthew Reynolds space to attack. Ammanford's Richard Lewis looked dangerous at this stage causing Llwydcoed's Luke Davies problems when Llwydcoed had possession Ammanford chased and closed them down so much that possession became rare for Llwydcoed. Ammanford had been threatening as were Llwydcoed but Richard Lewis found too much room to move forward unmarked to shoot past Rhys James. Llwydcoed’s discipline was tested by the pace of Ammanford midfield from another attack they won a corner kick taken by Gethyn Jones and a horrendous error by Llwydcoed’s goalkeeper Rhys James saw him punch the ball into his own goal with no challenge from an Ammanford player. Ammanford had scored two goals during the time they were controlling this passage of play. Llwydcoed’s response was first class, Ammanford’s defence played a back pass to their goalkeeper that went straight to Llwydcoed’s Ross Williams but on this occasion the shot was save easily by Ammanford goalkeeper Stewart Lloyd. Worse was to follow, a penalty award after Jordan Coles was fouled, up stopped Brent Hewitt to try to reduce the scores but no, a poor penalty saw Stewart Lloyd save the award, a very poor first half finished for Llwydcoed two goals in arrears Llwydcoed were forced to withdraw defender Leigh Phillips due to injury Matthew Doherty stepping in. The display in the second half was as expected, Ammanford defended their advantage and gradually Llwydcoed began to find their rhythm. The introduction of substitutes Craig Mallett and Garin Withers was positive, the movement was excellent but the final pass was lacking composure. A goal arrived after Tomos Morris and Garin Withers combined and Christopher Vardon scored. Llwydcoed came desperately close to equalising from a superb pass by Tomos Morris that just failed to find Christopher Vardon, and another Craig Mallett pass just failed as well. Ammanford were struggling at this stage but they survived the pressure and then looked dangerous and almost scored from another free kick. Llwydcoed were under pressure but survived and tried to make a last round of attacks but failed to score a second goal. Ammanford kept chasing and tackling and won the match, the damage was done in the first half. A very poor display against a very young Ammanford team that played with more desire throughout the match.
Ton Pentre 0, Garden Village 4 from Ton Pentre FC Ton Pentre slumped to a crushing defeat at the hands of Garden Village who, whilst aiding their chances of Division One survival, dragged the Rhondda Bulldogs towards the relegation mire. After taking all the points at Ynys Park, Garden Village sit at the top of the five team drop zone and are three points off Ton Pentre with a game in hand. However, the bottom of the table is incredibly tight and as every game is played teams will switch positions. The fates of Ely Rangers, Dinas Powys and Caerleon have already been decided as their relegation has been confirmed. A win against Garden Village would probably have been enough to ensure Ton Pentre’s Division One status but they were dealt a massive blow a few days before the match when goalkeeper Leighton James was ruled out for the rest of the season through injury. With the transfer window closed the Bulldogs are unable to sign another keeper despite a request for special dispensation to the Football Association of Wales. In the match against Garden Village, it all started to go wrong for the Bulldogs during the 21st minute when Derrick Jenkins capitalised on a vast amount of space in the Ton box to give the visitors the lead. Ton could and probably should have equalised in the 40th minute when Alyn Jones was released up the left. He sent a lovely cross into the box where Wayne Antoniazzi was making a diagonal run before connecting with a diving header. Although making good connection with the ball he was unable to direct it low enough as it skimmed over the cross bar. Early in the second half Ton put Garden Village under substantial pressure in search of an equaliser but were enable to breakdown their defence despite efforts from Lloyd Toghill and Chris Jones, who appeared to have just the keeper to beat only to be denied by a superb sliding tackle. Garden Village went 2-0 up following a failed clearance by Matthew O’Keefe, who had taken over from Andrew Hughes in goals at half time. As he looked to send the ball up the pitch he kicked it straight at Ashley Richards and after hitting his back the ball lobbed O’Keefe and fell into the back of the net. Richards scored a more conventional goal in the 77th minute when he was able to run clear of the Ton defence to put the ball past a helpless O’Keefe. Garden Village rounded off a stunning result with a fourth goal five minutes later when Marc Lloyd scored from outside of the box. The Bulldogs now turn their attention to the home match against fellow relegation battling rivals Bridgend Town on Friday, 14th May 2010 at 7.30pm. Bridgend Town knocked Ton out of the Welsh Cup earlier in the season and the Bulldogs also lost to them in the away league fixture.
Saturday 1 May 2010 Cwmaman Institute 4, Risca United 3 from Cwmaman Institute FC What a game for the neutrals, Cwmaman looked home and dry at the interval. Three goals to the good and looking in complete control, Risca had other ideas. Cwmaman scored first after 15 minutes, Haggett hitting a shot into the top corner of the net, the second was put in by Carl Jenkins from close range following a cross from the left. In the meantime Risca had a chance only for Truelove to par the shot away. Chances were coming thick and fast for Cwmaman, and it was no surprise when Haggett put them three-up after 40 minutes, once again from a cross, Price put a shot onto goal, only for the Risca keeper to par the ball into the path of Haggett who made no mistake from five yards. That was it for the first half, no one had any idea what was to follow. To be fair to Risca they took the game to Cwmaman in the second half and caused havoc in the Cwm defence. But if Haggett and Price had taken early chances the game would have been over. The away team pulled a goal back on 48 minutes, a well taken shot giving Truelove no chance. More pressure followed by Risca and another goal came, this time from close range. 3-2 soon became 3-3, with the Cwmaman defence all at sea the Risca striker hit the ball into the roof of the net. The home team managed to compose themselves over the next 15 minutes but Risca were going all out for the winning goal. With chances created and missed at both ends, the game looked to be heading for a very entertaining draw. But with the game in injury time Cwmaman were awarded a corner, Wickham took the kick into Leighton Price at the near post, he turned the defender and the ball hit the Risca keeper on the leg and was deflected into the net. Risca and their keeper were very unfortunate and deserved something from the game for the way they performed in the second half. Cwmaman will take the win which pushed them up into third in the table.
Saturday 1 May 2010 AFC Porth 2, Newport YMCA 2
from AFC Porth
Porth started brightly and took the lead on nine
minutes when Ashley Burge’s astute through ball found twin Christian who
crossed and Anthony Hares scored his first for the first team by getting
in front of his marker. The goal was reward for Hares who has come into
the squad in recent weeks and done well.
Wright had several half chances to score, but we
shouldn't be relying on 18 year olds when there are several more
experienced heads out on the field who don't seem to be stepping up to
the plate.. YM were indebted to their keeper who saved twice in the
space of a minute, firstly from Ashley Burge, and then from a Wright
snap shot. Yes, the players have played three games a week, in fairness manager Young has tried to rotate but when players don't perform the simplest of tasks like marking or tracking players making runs then you’re going to cause problems for yourselves. Porth still have six games and 18 points to play for, and with the reorganisation of the league in the summer, players had better realise and fast, starting at UWIC on Tuesday that the Club are far from safe and could well be playing third Division football next season, and after all the hard work of the last three seasons both off and on the field that would be a disaster.
Maesteg Park 0, AFC Llwydcoed 2 from AFC Llwydcoed Park welcomed Llwydcoed to Tudor Park hoping to gain more points after some vastly improved results of late. The visitors knew a result would sustain their promotion challenge. AFC Llwydcoed Manager Mark Harbord made a team change with Christopher Vardon returning from injury. Llwydcoed settled well with Brent Hewitt and Ross Williams combining to create a chance for Matthew Reynolds that Park’s defence cleared. Park began to cause some anxious minutes for Llwydcoed whose midfield player Jordan Coles covered the danger. More attacks from Park saw David Williams creating a chance for Leon Jeanne, Llwydcoed’s defence was under pressure, Luke Davies and Ryan Barry responded and cleared the danger, a very scrappy opening from Llwydcoed. Park were more dangerous at this stage than Llwydcoed, an excellent defensive header by Brent Hewitt helped clear the danger and Llwydcoed came through this passage of play and Matthew Doherty received some possession to create an opening for Matthew Reynolds and Christopher Vardon. Llwydcoed who had come through a difficult opening were given a massive boost when. Christopher Vardon moved inside from the right and hit a left footed shot into the top corner. Park were behind to a class goal as the first half finished with Llwydcoed were on top. The second half was end to end, Llwydcoed’s Matthew Doherty found space but lost possession, Park kept a tight grip on the midfield area keeping Llwydcoed on the defensive. Llwydcoed’s defence was again rock solid after a suspect first half the presence of Park’s Leon Jeanne was always a threat as was David Williams who made some terrific runs, one in particular taking the ball past several Llwydcoed players, Tomos Morris clearing the danger his organisation was a plus and he helped stop Park creating more danger. Llwydcoed introduced substitutes Garin Withers and Craig Mallett. Llwydcoed’s goalkeeper Rhys James was also at his best when his team maters were under pressure, the match result became more positive for Llwydcoed a terrific save by Rob Bloor the Park goalkeeper prevented Christopher Vardon from scoring number two. However, Llwydcoed were not to be denied when a superb Tomos Morris run almost created another chance, then Garin Withers followed him with another superb run finding Tomos Morris who set up Matthew Reynolds to score with style. Llwydcoed had moved through a worrying spell and showed superb spirit throughout the team. Craig Mallett showed his quality with his movement and passing. Park played their part in a game in which the points were more important than the performance. Llwydcoed did not complain about the performance, the points were won.
Tuesday 27 April 2010 UWIC 1, AFC Llwydcoed 1 from AFC Llwydcoed Llwydcoed arrived at Cyncoed Campus looking to gain a result, this was not helped by an injury to Jonathan Mason in the previous match, in stepped Craig Boulton. The match began with a fast and furious opening UWIC having two players cautioned early doors. Llwydcoed’s midfield of Ross Williams and Jordan Coles took charge helping Matthew Reynolds and Tomos Morris cause danger in the UWIC defence. UWIC tried to create moves but Llwydcoed’s Matthew Doherty and Luke Davies stopped this. Llwydcoed had some excellent opportunities to open the scoring with Matthew Reynolds and Jordan Coles going close, then Tomos Morris broke through only for UWIC goalkeeper Tom Edmunds to save at the near post. More good play by Llwydcoed saw them win a corner taken by Jordan Coles and Tomos Morris scored with a fine header, a deserved lead, UWIC were being outplayed. Llwydcoed’s Ross Williams was again the “rock” as the match neared the end of the first half. UWIC pushed Llwydcoed’s defence into a spell of pressure, it took a top save by Llwydcoed’s goalkeeper Rhys James to stop Adnan Hiroli from scoring for UWIC, a few anxious minutes for Llwydcoed’s defence saw Ryan Barry and Leigh Phillips win the aerial battle, but UWIC’s Jack Kinnerly found space just between Llwydcoed’s defence and midfield to equalise with a top shot. UWIC looked dangerous at this stage Llwydcoed were under pressure the scores remained level at half time. After UWIC had equalised in the latter stages of the first half the match was poised for an intriguing second half. Llwydcoed’s determination and belief saw them control the early stages. UWIC’s goalkeeper Tom Edmunds kept his team in the match, first he saved a Matthew Reynolds shot then he pulled off two outstanding saves from Jordan Coles and Tomos Morris. Llwydcoed had done everything but score. UWIC were hanging on but they began to work their way through this period of pressure and attacked Llwydcoed’s defence who again were superb. Both teams used their substitutes with Garin Withers, Christopher Vardon and Craig Mallett entering the play. UWIC began to cause problems for Llwydcoed who left them too much space. Rhys James kept his composure to stop the danger, Llwydcoed’s play at this stage became too frantic it needed a cool head to bring composure to the team. The match ended all square, a result that Llwydcoed were happy with.
AFC Porth 0, Treharris Athletic Western 2 from Treharris Athletic Western FC With only two defeats in their last 10 matches Treharris went into the game at AFC Porth full of belief. Manager Reddy gave starts to Bounds, Glassey and Hollett as he continues to try and keep players fresh with rotations of late. A fast start to the game saw forward Gareth Davies pick-up the ball beat his marker and let fly 30 yards out only to see his sweetly struck effort bounce back off the crossbar. Porth's mix of experienced and youthful players soon got into the game gaining plenty of the ball without really threatening the Treharris goal. One shot from Burge did however require Jones in the visiting goal to be alert to make the save. Porth were in the ascendancy as the half progressed as they won an abundance of second balls, only the dogged determination of Porter, Bowley, Sedgemore and Hollett keeping them at bay. A fine challenge by Sellick saw Jamie Rees play in Tom Harris his run and cross just eluding Davies at the back post. A towering header from Porth's Gavin Cory going just over the bar as the hosts looked for the breakthrough. A well-worked move up the left flank between Sedgemore and Glassey gave Bounds a sight at goal but home keeper Hall got down well to make a comfortable save. As half-time approached Wright created an opening for himself but after delaying his shot the strong Bowley ushered the ball away to safety. After strong words from player-manager Reddy during the interval Treharris came out with renewed vigour as Reddy got the reaction he had demanded, an early chance seeing Davies shoot over from distance. Down the other end the wilful running of Hares and Wright kept the Treharris backline on their toes. Porter having a fine game in defence intercepted a home pass strode forward before passing onto Sellick who in return found Sedgemore and Harris in acres of room, as the pair of them bore down on goal it took a great last ditch Noble tackle to deny the visitors. On 60 minutes Treharris got the opening goal when keeper Rob Jones's huge kick bounced on the edge of the area allowing the alert Bounds to challenge Hall in the home goal that saw the ball go straight through into the unguarded net for the Treharris veteran to claim his second career goal. Porth came back strongly with substitute Wells playing in strike partner Wright whose vicious drive stung the hands of Jones going out for a corner. Minutes later a well-worked move saw Coles thread in Wright only for the flag to come to Treharris's rescue ruling out the goal. On 76 minutes Treharris scored their second goal after Hall fumbled a Sedgemore freekick with Tom Harris the sharpest to react firing home into the empty net from 10 yards. To their credit Porth still refused to accept defeat and kept pushing Treharris onto the back foot. But excellent defending from the Treharris rearguard Bowley in particular saw Treharris pick off the home attacking play and with real pace in the Treharris counterplay Treharris searched for a third goal. Treharris introduced Morris and Kevin Jones to the game as the final 10 minutes were played out end-to-end but no further scoring followed. An extremely pleasing win for Treharris as they chalk up their seventh away win of a rapidly improving season. Treharris have a free weekend on Saturday before facing Newport YMCA at the Athletic Ground on Wednesday 5th May. The reserves gained their first point in recent weeks as Joey Clyne's decimated squad drew 2.2 at Pontyclun with Stu Mathews (2) on the scoresheet.
Abertillery Bluebirds 0, Cwmaman Institute 1 from Cwmaman Institute FC The long journey to Abertillery for this mid week game resulted in Cwmaman coming home with three points. Any mid week game is difficult and this was no exception, with David Airey, Leon Bansal and Seb Haggett unavailable through work commitments. The rain earlier in the day had soften the ground slightly, so the ball was easier to control and it was Cwmaman who took advantage of this in the early stages. Their quick short passing was causing Abertillery problems, with Dorian Cook and Jarrod Price involved, a cross from the right by Price caused panic in the home defence before being cleared. Connor Wickham was played in but his shot went wide when well placed. The bigger home team had the advantage at set pieces, but Truelove was up to the challenge, and with Matthew Cable and Scott Woodford in good form Abertillery was restricted in their chances on goal. As the half worn on the home team got more into the game, they got the ball forward quickly up to their big strikers but not creating many chances. They forced several corners in this period but the Cwmaman defence was more than capable. The first half came to an end with neither side able to make the breakthrough. Abertillery up the pace at the start of the second half with quick ball into the box, but as in the first half the Cwmaman defence held firm. Ross Williams replaced Robert Evans on 60 minutes and his more robust approach paid dividends with crosses into the box. Jarrod Price broke onto the box but the chance was gone when he delayed his shot, Aaron Cable shot over when well placed. The winning goal came on 75 minutes, substitute Christian Boyce who had only been on the field two minutes, made headway down the left he crossed into the box which was half cleared to Price, he laid it into the path of Boyce who hit a low shot into the corner of the net. Before the resulting kick off Abertillery had a player sent off. The remaining 15 minutes were played out with the home team throwing the kitchen sink at Cwmaman, but the game ended with all three points in the bag for Cwmaman. Captain Matthew Cable was very pleased with the player’s performance; they showed commitment and desire against a very good team.
Garden Village 2, Barry Town 1 from Barry Town FC The Dragons season came to a disappointing end with a third defeat in the last four games. The early kick off seemed to affect the Barry players who were slow to get into the game. Garden Village took advantage of this by harassing the players and knocking them out of their stride. A mistake at the back left a Village striker one on one with keeper Dan Bradley and he made no mistake in putting his side one up with less than 15 minutes on the clock. With a number of tall players in their side Village kept the ball high and Barry Town were unable to stamp their authority on the game. When chances were created they were squandered and the Village keeper was hardly troubled. With 10 minutes of the half remaining Village were awarded a corner which was played to the far post where their number nine easily placed his header into the net. The second half started as the last few games have with The Dragons suddenly finding their feet and completely dominating the game. Chances came and went before Nickie Jones eventually blasted home with 15 minutes gone. There was only one team in now but the equaliser would not come with The Dragons players guilty of trying to walk the ball into the net. Garden Village broke through on one or two occasions and at least had shots even though they did not trouble the Barry keeper. With the Village side in the bottom five and fighting for Division One survival their hunger to win seemed to be more than Barry Town’s and although The Dragons second half performance deserved the draw yet again they had left themselves with too much to do and Village eventually ran out the winners. Manager Gavin Chesterfield will be pondering over next season and who he needs to strengthen the squad. He has not been helped at all this season with an extensive injury list. Last night he was without Damon Searle, Kirk Huggins, Kurt Bettles, Lewis James, Ian Jones, Anthony Redwood and Michael Hayward with Michael Parkins on the bench but in reality on the injured list. Team: Dan Bradley; James Simpson, Lewis Cosslett, Dan Clare, Atif Bashir; Rob Blatchford, Scott Jones (sub. Dan Marshall), Sam Hartrey, Nickie Jones: Jaymes Dixon (sub. Josh Bell), Christian Mills (sub. Sam Small). Sub not used; Michael Parkins, Richard Johnson.
Saturday 24 April 2010 Pontyclun 5, Llantwit Fardre 1 from Pontyclun FC Pontyclun welcomed back Adrian James, Tyrone Pope and Wayne Morgan to their squad for this eagerly anticipated and very important Welsh League Division Three game at Ivor Park. What made the three points more important is the fact that there is a lot of uncertainty as to how many clubs will be relegated out of the Welsh League this season due to the re-structuring of the league. Pontyclun started this game on the front foot and enjoyed the lions share of possession for the first 20 minutes, however on 25 minutes against the run of play Fardre took the lead when the Clun failed to clear a corner and Pontyclun old boy Ross Hutchins lashed the ball into the net. It wasn’t long before Pontyclun levelled matters, when from the kick off they attacked the Llantwit back four and with some neat interplay involving Wayne Morgan and Mark Day resulting in Morgan being hacked down in the box when through on goal. Geraint Williams stepped up and slotted the ball home giving the away keeper no chance. Pontyclun were now putting real pressure on the visitors and a through ball from the impressive Aled Davies put Geraint Williams in on goal, a tackle from behind denied Williams the chance to shoot. From the free kick Morgan who was returning after being out of the game for almost three and a half years lifted a delightful free kick over the wall right into the path of Craig Williams who knocked the ball past the keeper but was halted by the stopper when he appeared to impede young Williams, some of the crowd waited for the referee to point to the spot but to their horror, no decision came. An eventful first half, finished 1-1. After an inspiring Winston Churchill like team talk from Manager Barry Quinn at half time, Pontyclun started the second half flying out of the traps. Within five minutes of the restart Matthew Havard put the home side 2-1 up with his endless endeavour to get in front of the defenders to smash the ball past the helpless Llantwit keeper. In fact this was to spur Havard on who caused Fardre problems all afternoon with his pace and power and gave the away defenders a torrid time who just could not handle him. The third Clun goal wasn’t long in coming when a great move involving six Pontyclun players fed the opportunity to the magnificent Geraint Williams who caressed the ball past the stopper with a delightful finish that was goal of the game. Pontyclun were now piling on the pressure and the fourth came in the 70th minute when a horrendous mistake by another ex-Pontyclun player Simon Payne presented the ball right into Geraint Williams path who finished with aplomb to complete his hat-trick to horror of young Payne. With Pontyclun now 4-1 up Llantwit Fardre had appeared to throw in the towel, the odd attack from them was quashed by the back four of Clun, Davey, Bowen, Parkinson and Pascoe. The home defenders were having quite a quiet afternoon just having to deal with the one dimensional play of Fardre who were now just lumping the ball forward. The fifth and final goal came when Craig Williams danced through three defenders and smashed a left foot drive past the hapless away keeper. With the score now 5-1 and the points in the bag for the home side young Tom Holder came on and had some great touches. A mention has to go to Rhys Davies, whose commitment to the club has been fantastic as he now lives in London and travels back to play on a Saturday. He had a quiet afternoon despite sweeping up his back four and taking plucking the ball out of the air when needed. A great result for the Clun who are looking for another good performance when they host Newport Civil Service at home on Tuesday. The Management duo of Barry Quinn and Eliot Davey were pleased with the performance on the whole but still know there is improvement to come from the Pontyclun Squad Team: 1. Rhys Davies, 2. Tom Pascoe, 3. Eliot Davey, 4. Ben Parkinson, 5. Chris Bowen, 6. Aled Davies, 7. Craig Williams, 8. Mark Day, 9. Matthew Havard, 10. Geraint Williams,11. Wayne Morgan. Subs: 12. Tom Holder, 14. Adrian James, 15. Tyrone Pope, 16. Matthew Evans
Saturday 24 April 2010 Cwmaman Institute 3, Monmouth Town 1 from Cwmaman Institute FC Following the mid week draw away at Seven Sisters, Cwmaman made several changes for the visit of in form Monmouth Town. Matthew Cable came back into defence with Leighton Price and Robert Evans into midfield and Jarrad Price into the attack. The visitors lined up with a five-man midfield and monopolised the possession in the early stages, playing the flanks very well without causing Cwmaman too much trouble. The home team found it difficult to keep possession in these early stages. They soon started to find their way through the visitors defence and Jarrad Price put them in front on 15 minutes. A cross by Robert Evans found Price who beat the Monmouth keeper to the ball to head Cwmaman into the lead. Play for the remainder of the half was end-to-end with both teams going for goals. The start of the second half was dramatic to say the least, Cwm kicked off, the ball was laid back to Leighton Price, he hit the ball from fully 55 yards, it beat the keeper but the ball rebounded off the crossbar. Within two minutes Monmouth were level, a move down the right resulted in Truelove making a great save, but the ball fell to the striker who made no mistake from close range. Cwmaman dusted themselves down and started to control the game, Jenkins and Cable put them into a winning position with two goals in a purple patch mid way through the half. The visitors had a player dismissed for two yellow cards and Cwmaman saw the game out and three point in the bag against a very good Monmouth team.
Saturday 24 April 2010 Croesyceiliog 0, AFC Llwydcoed 1 from AFC Llwydcoed Llwydcoed travelled to the Gwent area to play Croesyceiliog with both teams looking for promotion, the visitors having a more realistic opportunity and in gaining an excellent victory thanks to a superb team display from goalkeeper Rhys James through to striker Matthew Reynolds, they cemented this, the all-important goal being scored again by Ross Williams in the 15th minute. Llwydcoed started brightly on a very difficult dry surface. Croesyceiliog tried to contain them but Jordan Coles and Matthew Doherty soon started to dominate the midfield, the football played by Llwydcoed was first class.Croesyceiliog tried to bring top scorer Jody Jenkins into play, his physical presence was kept at bay early on. Jonathan Mason and Ross Williams looked capable of creating chances at this stage and that was the case, a excellent pass by Jordan Coles saw Ross Williams race clear to score a superb goal shooting past the Croesyceiliog goalkeeper Jonathan Chorley. Llwydcoed were on top, Matthew Reynolds and Tomos Morris were a constant threat to the Croesyceiliog defence, another goal should have followed but not quite, Jonathan Mason came desperately close as the match moved towards half time. Llwydcoed lost Jonathan Mason twisting his knee in a fair challenge with Craig Boulton replacing him. Croesyceiliog came more into the game and it took a top save by Llwydcoed’s goalkeeper Rhys James to stop them from scoring, a few anxious minutes before half time, but Llwydcoed’s defence held firm. Croesyceiliog had far more of the play in the second half, their midfield began to gain possession and threaten Llwydcoed’s defence who were outstanding. Luke Davies, Ryan Barry, Leigh Phillips and Brent Hewitt as one unit, time and again the aerial assault by Croesyceiliog was dealt with along with goalkeeper Rhys James when called upon. Llwydcoed spent most of the half on the defensive, the introduction of Llwydcoed’s substitutes Craig Mallett and Christopher Vardon helped but Croesyceiliog kept coming and Llwydcoed kept defending. Llwydcoed found their passing game again with Craig Boulton and Tomos Morris combining as the match approached the end, Croesyceiliog had one chance cleared off the line, another aerial assault but a pulsating match finished with Llwydcoed deservedly winning the points. The commitment by all of the players was superb.
Saturday 24 April 2010 Treharris Athletic Western 2, Cwmbran Celtic 1 from Treharris Athletic Western FC Table-topping Cwmbran Celtic were the visitors to the Athletic Ground, and the first chance came to Celtic top scorer Lanyon but his half-volley was hit straight at Robert Jones in the home goal. Treharris' first effort at goal saw Reddy's direct free kick dealt with by the Celtic keeper. From a quick breakaway by Celtic, striker Williamson found a yard of space but shot just over. At the other end Jamie Rees's deft shot came down on top of the Celtic net. From a couple of dangerous corners Celtic's Lanyon and Williamson both got the better of their markers but headed over. A top-notch passage of play involving Reddy, Sellick and Sedgemore saw Tom Harris scurry down the wing and his cross met by the hard-working Gareth Davies only for keeper Jeffries to save well. This end-to-end fast-paced game was being appreciated by the large crowd in attendance. On the stroke of halftime Reddy was caught late and he vented his anger at the referee who then gave a straight red card to Reddy for inappropriate language. The start of the second half was a disaster for Treharris as on 48 minutes a long throw into the box glanced off the dominant Ceri Bowley and into the net giving the visitors the lead. Treharris heads did not drop and they were back level within 10 minutes as the industry of Harris and Davies created an opening 20 yards out that Jamie Rees drilled home with power aplenty. With their tails up the one-man disadvantage was not a factor and on 65 minutes Treharris were in front, Porter and Keiron Jones played their way out of defence before Harris took over running with an abundance of energy and close-control he rounded Jenkins whose desperate lunge only helped deflect the ball up and over Jeffries in the Celtic goal for 2-1. With a physical presence in their front two it was no surprise to see Celtic try to get the ball to them has quick has possible. The aerial threat they offered though was being dealt with by Bowley, Porter and the impressive handling of the ever-green Rob Jones. A sweetly struck Davies free kick was saved well by Jeffries as Treharris tried to increase their lead. From a wicked Cheedy cross deep into the Treharris area defender Mo Morris was alert to sweep up the danger. Llewellyn tried his luck from distance as Celtic chased the equaliser. Late in the match Treharris sent on substitutes Glassey, Hollett and Bounds to give fresh legs to the cause. Despite some long balls being pumped into the home box Treharris held on with some excellent catches from Jones relieving the pressure. This was an excellent three points for Treharris against Division One-bound Celtic as the battle to avoid the relegation places looks like going to the final games for numerous clubs. Next-up Treharris visit AFC Porth Wednesday 28th April (6.15 pm). With no game Saturday 1st May, Treharris play Newport YMCA at home Wednesday 5th May (6.15 pm).
Garden Village 0, Ton Pentre 0 from Ton Pentre FC Ton Pentre played out a drab goalless draw at Stafford Common where Garden Village were hoping to upset the Rhondda Bulldogs in their quest for Welsh League Division One survival. However, with both teams ineffective in front of goals the West Wales outfit remain in the relegation zone while Ton Pentre are forced keep an eye on those below them until they are mathematically safe. The Bulldogs were certainly the more creative of the two teams but Garden Village on the whole defended well to keep this fixture at a stalemate. Ton came close from a ninth minute corner kick when Liam Hutchinson swerved a well executed ball to the far post where defender Tom Davies got an attempt on target with a sound header, but his effort was dived on by Village goalkeeper Norman Ward. As the half progressed the Bulldogs were not turning their possession into goal scoring opportunities but there was respite from this frustrating play in the 27th minute when Fraser Williams ran straight through the middle of the pitch avoiding several challenges before going one-on-one with the goalkeeper. As he broke free of the last defender he unfortunately saw the ball roll out of his stride which allowed Ward to get to it and desperately kick up field. The ball, however, immediately ended up in Ton’s control again but Andrew Hughes, Lloyd Toghill and Alyn Jones saw their intentions blocked by the defence before Ward punched the ball clear of the box. Ton continued to apply pressure as the first half drew to a close when Toghill played a ball over the top of the defence for Hughes to run on to. With a defender applying physical pressure on the Bulldogs player-manager, and a keeper narrowing the angle, Hughes attempted to chip Ward. It nearly worked but the goalie managed to change the ball’s direction with the tips of his fingers. Although Ton were very much in control of the second half, Garden Village did at least conjure up some opportunities as they hit the post and crossbar on two separate occasions. Garden Village could have snatched all three points with just a minute left on the clock when the ball was sent to the far post from a corner kick. Fortunately for the Bulldogs, goalkeeper Leighton James got under the ball to tip away for another corner, from which the Bulldogs cleared up field. Ton Pentre now have three remaining fixtures this season: Wednesday, 5th May at home to Garden Village, kick off 7.30pm. Friday, 14th May at home to Bridgend Town, kick off 7.30pm. Monday, 17th May away to Pontardawe Town at Afan Lido FC, kick off to be confirmed. Ton Pentre: 1. Leighton James, 2. Adam Lewis, 3. Phil Clarke, 4. Jamie Thomas, 5. Tom Davies, 6. Liam Hutchinson (66mins), 7. Fraser Williams (87mins), 8. Andrew Hughes, 9. Chris Jones (87mins), 10. Lloyd Toghill, 11. Alyn Jones (Captain). Substitutes : 12. Wayne Antoniazzi (66mins), 14. Calvin Mclaggon (87mins), 15. Caio Iwan (87mins) Goals: None Bookings: None Referee: Paul Walters (Merthyr Tydfil)
Caldicot Town 1, Barry Town 1 from Barry Town FC The Dragons penultimate game of the season took them to high-flying Caldicot Town. Once again due to injuries and unavailability Gavin Chesterfield had to ring the changes. Caldicot showed that their lofty position is no fluke as they played a mixture of long balls and slick passing. The Dragons contributed as well to an entertaining game with the ball flowing from end to end. Dragons keeper, Richard Johnson, playing only his third game of the season brought off some good saves when in one on one situations, but was flat footed when Caldicot scored midway through the first half when a corner was not cleared properly. The Dragons started to put pressure on Caldicot and although the surface was bumpy they continued with their renowned passing game but the final ball always seemed to find a Caldicot defender. An equaliser was looking on the cards when a header from a corner looked destined for the top corner of the goal but Caldicot’s keeper made a magnificent save, tipping the ball around the post. Half time arrived with the team still behind but fully deserving to be on level terms. The second half started briskly with The Dragons going flat out for a goal, which duly arrived 10 minutes into the half when Nickie Jones fired home past the unsighted keeper. With a few of the bulbs not working on the floodlights the light was poor and the players did well to provide an entertaining fixture. Caldicot did make a few chances but the second half belonged to Barry Town but as has seemed to be the story of the season, the chances created were not turned into goals. Overall The Dragons were well worth the point but will be slightly disappointed that the three were not taken. The team should feel proud that despite missing nine players through injury, unavailability or suspension they still matched a team who proved they were worthy of their third spot in the Division. Team: Richard Johnson; James Simpson, Lewis Cosslett, Dan Clare, Lewis James; Christian Mills (sub. Scott Jones), Michael Parkins, Nickie Jones (sub. Josh Bell), Sam Hartrey; Jaymes Dixon, Sam Small. Sub not used Rob Blatchford.
Cardiff Corries 4, Dinas Powys 2 by Peter King, Dinas Powys FC Dinas had to reshuffle their squad somewhat for this 6.30pm kick off away game with several players unavailable or injured. It took both sides a while to get into their stride, the bright evening sunshine making high balls difficult to judge but Dinas settled quicker and for the first 15 minutes looked the better side but Corries always looked dangerous on the break and Dinas keeper Peter Blain made a superb save from Andrew Smith who met a cross from the right with a powerful header. Dinas kept up the pressure and a nice passing sequence involving Barry Pappin, Jacob Rudman and Jo Hinds was finally snuffed out by the Corries' defence. Blain was called into action again, saving with his feet when the Corries skipper Robbie James got a powerful shot away. The half ended goalless with Corries having the better chances. Dinas were awarded a free kick early in the second period after Nathan Hosgood was fouled but Rudman's effort was gathered by ex-Dinas keeper Chris Golton and from his long clearance Rhys Yates beat the offside trap to open the scoring. The same player almost doubled their tally bursting through the Dinas defence but his shot was wide. The Corries were getting on top and when Dinas failed to clear their lines, the ball fell to Gareth Delve to hook the ball past Blain for 2-0. The visitors looked to have scored when Pappin made a fine run and cross down the left which found Tony Wallis at the far post by his header was blocked by Golton. Corries then made it 3-0 when a defence splitting pass from Yates found Delve to slot home his second. Dinas were then handed a slim lifeline, the referee awarding a penalty for pushing in the area, Dunford making no mistake with the spot kick. However, Corries weren't finished and Delve bagged his hat-trick jinking through the defence at pace to side foot home for 4-1. With five minutes remaining a long clearance from Blain found Hinds who took the ball wide on the left but squeezed it past Golton for a final 4-2 scoreline. The next fixture for the Villagers is Wednesday 28th May when Ely Rangers visit the Murch for a 6.30pm kick off.
Saturday 17 April 2010 Cardiff Corinthians 2 Barry Town 0 from Barry Town FC Having beaten their hosts recently at Jenner Park, The Dragons hopes of completing a double were dashed inside the first 20 minutes. Manager Gavin Chesterfield was forced into changes again in this injury-ravaged season. That the Club have managed to fulfil fixtures has been a miracle. Richard Johnson in goal, replaced the unavailable Dan Bradley, and had a fine game despite playing only his second game of the season. He had no chance with either of the Corries goals. The man in the middle continually frustrated the Barry Town players, Management and supporters with some controversial decisions and this eventually boiled over and the vastly experienced Damon Searle was sent off half way through the first half following an altercation with an opposing player. The Dragons were appealing for consistency from the referee but it seemed to matter little. A poor first half for The Dragons finished with the score line at 2-0 to The Corries. There must have been strong words at half time as the 10-man Barry Town side started to take control of the game. Chris Golton, in the Corries goal, kept his team in the lead with a string of saves. It was inevitable that Corries would also create chances but Richard Johnson brought of a magnificent double save when a Corries striker was clean through on goal. The Corries two first half goals ended up deciding the game but The Dragons felt hard done by and despite playing over half the game with 10 men could have got a point out of the game but for the saves made by the Corries keeper. Next up: Wednesday 21st April – Caldicot Town – Away – KO 7.30pm.
Saturday 17 April 2010 Treharris Athletic Western 1, Croesyceiliog 1 from Treharris Athletic Western FC After a tough run of away fixtures that had yielded two wins and one draw Treharris were glad to be back in familiar surroundings but knew that Croesyceiliog were going to be as difficult as any especially having suffered a 5-0 defeat in the reverse fixture earlier in the season. A scrappy opening brought only one chance of note when a long clearance by Croesyceiliog keeper Chorley caught out the Treharris defence but were grateful to see Croesyceiliog's Anthony Southard shoot tamely at Robert Jones. With 15 minutes gone Southard's day was over as he appeared to inexplicably kick out at Treharris full back Hollett and received a straight red card. Reddy and Sellick played a one-two with Reddy sending Sedgemore clear out wide and his cross saw Jamie Rees stretch to volley just wide with the visiting keeper beaten. On the break another long clearance by Chorley fell to Osbourne whose strike was clawed out by the backpedalling Jones in the Treharris goal. With half time approaching Reddy picked up a loose ball in midfield, carried it forward before shooting left-footed into the corner of the net from 22 yards for an interval lead. A half-chance at the start of the second period saw Croesyceiliog's Jenkins lift his effort high and wide. Up the other end Treharris striker Harris sent in a cross that eluded Rees by inches. As the game entered the final quarter substitutes came on thick and fast as both teams had played midweek fixtures, Treharris' Batten and Glassey immediately getting involved in the action. Treharris could not quite get the second goal and despite not really threatening the home goal Croesyceiliog were always in the game at only one-down. A raking pass out of defence from Bowley played in Sedgemore who cut in from the by-line and with three men awaiting the pass Chorley's outstretched hand grasped the ball. As the match entered the final minute another long clearance evaded Porter and from wide-out Osbourne lobbed into the far top corner to the delight of the Croesyceiliog players. From the restart Porter surged forward and picked out substitute Bounds who bore down on goal only to see keeper Chorley save bravely at his feet. Croesyceiliog's Osbourne also had a great late chance to win it only to see Jones save at his feet. Both Treharris teams have a free week to re-energise for the visit of table-topping Cwmbran Celtic on Saturday 24th April, with the reserves travelling to face champions-elect Bryntirion on the same day.
Saturday 17 April 2010 AFC Llwydcoed 4, Tredegar Town 1 from AFC Llwydcoed Llwydcoed gained a victory with Tomos Morris, Brent Hewitt, Matthew Doherty and Ross Williams scoring to gain another three vital points. AFC Llwydcoed Manager Mark Harbord made one change with Matthew Doherty replacing Garin Withers. Tredegar felt the heat in the opening minutes when a Ross Williams pass split the Town defence for Tomos Morris to chip over the Town goalkeeper Kris Morris. The visitors responded very comfortably on the ball with Scott Mantle and Ryan Caniff involved, the hosts control was erratic, the defence came under pressure with Luke Davies and Ryan Barry on their game. Although Town were well in the game Llwydcoed attacks looked dangerous and they won a couple of free kicks that were wasted. Back came Town and they were rewarded for their persistence, they gained space and flighted a cross ball across Llwydcoed’s defence for Lee Brooker to score a fine goal. At this stage Town were on top Llwydcoed’s but Matthew Doherty was covering a lot of space in midfield to help the situation. The turning point came from a Llwydcoed attack, a collision between Matthew Reynolds and Town goalkeeper Kris Morris saw Morris being dismissed for foul play in the penalty area, Brent Hewitt scored the ensuing penalty. Llwydcoed kept their discipline and Town’s defence was looking solid with Andrew York in charge. The first half was a scrappy one. The second half opened with Llwydcoed hoping to use the extra player to their advantage and Town’s central defence kept their side in the game until another defence splitting pass from Ross Williams saw Tomos Morris break away and give Matthew Doherty an inside pass to score. The introduction of Llwydcoed substitutes Garin Withers, Christopher Vardon and Craig Mallett and another Town sending off saw Ross Williams scoring from a Jordan Coles free kick. Llwydcoed’s defence and discipline was again first class. Ryan Barry was outstanding with Leigh Phillips along side. Town were then reduced to eight players after another sending off. Llwydcoed’s supporters are looking at a possible second consecutive promotion.
Dinas Powys 2, Cambrian and Clydach 3 by Peter King, Dinas Powys FC Despite not gaining any points from this game it was a much improved performance from the previous week with some attractive football being played by both sides at times. Dinas took the game to the visitors from the start with an early Tom Hutton strike being deflected over the bar. A good cross from Hutton found Mark Dunford but his effort was off target, and the long throw-ins from Steve Provis were causing the Cambrian defence some problems. But it was the visitors who opened the scoring when a cross from the left found Jason Bertorelli in the six yard box for a simple tap-in on 25 minutes. Just two minutes later the visitors doubled their lead when the same player burst through the middle of the Dinas defence to beat Peter Blain from six yards. Dinas were still having more of the ball and forced several corners without any reward and down at the other end Blain had to tip a goal bound lob from Dane Williams over the bar when he was played in by Bertorelli. The closest Dinas came to scoring in the first half was from a superb cross from Jo Hinds which found Tony Wallis but his shot was saved one handed by Jarrad Howells. Just before the interval the visitors made it 3-0 with all the Dinas contingent screaming for off-side, Michael Jones lobbed the ball to the pacey Bertorelli who grabbed his hat-trick. Linford Harris replaced Owain Adams, who had taken a knock, early in the second half and despite a tremendous 25-yard shot from Cambrian's Scott Hayward which bounced off the cross-bar, Dinas began to gradually get on top and their never-say-die attitude was great to see. After a good passing move involving several players, Tom Hutton struck a sweet shot from the edge of the 18-yard box which just cleared the bar. With 20 minutes remaining and the Cambrian defence appearing to tire, Dinas were awarded a free kick on the edge of the box after Harris was tripped and Jacob Rudman drove a low shot through the wall to beat Howells for 1-3. With a few minutes remaining and Dinas very much dominating play, a free-kick from the left by Barry Pappin reached Tony Wallis who somehow scrambled the ball home under the diving keeper. Despite pressing as hard as they could the equaliser wouldn't come although Dinas certainly deserved something from the game. Dinas travel to the Riverside Ground, Radyr on Tuesday evening for a 6.30pm kick off against Cardiff Corries where realistically they must win to stand any chance of staying in the top flight.
Tuesday 13 April 2010 Newcastle Emlyn 1, Treharris Athletic Western 2 from Treharris Athletic Western FC Treharris made the long journey to Newcastle Emlyn and came back jubilant with the three points on offer. Player-manager Reddy recalled himself, Keiron Jones, Jamie Rees and top scorer Kevin Bounds (after a four-match suspension) as he looked to freshen things up after a very tough away fixture at Penrhiwceiber three days earlier. Five minutes in saw Gareth Davies flick on to Bounds who shot instantly but wide of the goal. A neat move from the Emlyn front two of Owens and Raymond saw Vincent in space but his shot lacked composure and failed to test visiting keeper Jones. A very uneven surface saw both teams try to hit the strikers with direct long balls out of defence but the Emlyn pair of Evan sand Coles and Treharris pairing of Bowley and Porter comfortably dealt with the danger. On 30 minutes Emlyn missed a glorious chance to take the lead when a clever back heel from Owens in the area played in Burrows who smashed high and wide from 15 yards. Treharris also had a great chance to open the scoring when from an excellent diagonal Sedgemore pass Bounds dropped off his marker to play in Davies but Davies's shot lacked the required power and Rutkowski saved. Vincent was creating problems on the flank with his pace and trickery from which one ball in Owens headed for goal but Jones saved well. An exquisite through ball from Reddy sent Tom Harris in on goal with his shot going just the wrong side of the post. Treharris hit a purple patch at the start of the second period with goals in the 50th and 55th minutes. Firstly Keiron Jones won possession with a strong tackle and found Rees who played the ball behind the Emlyn defence and with Rutkowski rushing out Harris nonchalantly lobbed him, then for the second a strong run down the wing saw Matt Glassey win a corner from which after a scramble Bowley slammed home the loose ball from six yards. This double blow however seemed to rejuvenate Emlyn who really went for it with nothing to lose and they put Treharris on the back foot for the next 15 minutes with sustained pressure that was only lacking a cutting edge. Half chances came thick and fast that had Treharris on the back foot and retreated further and further back. Some top notch defending by Porter, Bowley and Sedgemore keeping Emlyn at bay. Treharris substitutes Hollett and Sellick entered the match to add fresh legs, Sellick making an immediate impact as he won possession and drove powerfully forward before finding Bounds whose shot was blocked by the influential Gary Evans. In the 82nd minute Emlyn got the goal they craved as a free kick sent into the box was dispatched with a terrific header from Owens. With renewed vigour Emlyn poured forward in search of an equalising goal to boost their promotion hopes with Vincent being the main threat from his close control and pace. Treharris though held on for six nervous minutes of time added on for an excellent victory with the rearguard of Jones, Bowley, Porter, Sedgemore and Reddy valiant. Another tough fixture this Saturday sees Treharris welcome Croesyceiliog to the Athletic Ground. Treharris confirmed following Monday's committee meeting that they will next season be running a youth under-18 side. Anyone interested in joining can contact the club through the committee or secretary Steve Broome.
Tuesday 13 April 2010 Newcastle Emlyn 1, Treharris Athletic Western 2 from Newcastle Emlyn FC Emlyn played their second home game in three days. On the back of two defeats Emlyn made one change to the previous game against Cwmbran Town, back came Rhys Parry to replace Dorian Davies. Emlyn started the brightest with chances being created by Anthony Owens and Sam Thomas. Shooting again appeared the problem in front of goal as it did against Cwmbran on Saturday. After good work in midfield from Sam Thomas and Alec Squires Adam Raymond was able to shrug off a Treharris defender to see his shot go wayward. The ever-reliable and pacey winger Alex Vincent appeared to cause trouble throughout the game down the left flank with his electric pace. The problem Emlyn had was that they appeared to have blanks in their shooting. It was not for the lack of effort it appeared to be the final execution which cost Emlyn this match. Treharris caught Emlyn on the break with a long ball down through the middle which caught the Emlyn defence flat-footed for Harris to lob the ball over debutant polish keeper Dwid Rutkowski. Treharris extended their lead when Bowley toe-poked in from a goalmouth scramble following a corner. Emlyn appeared to wake up after the second goal and dominated the last 25 minutes. Owens, Vincent, Raymond, Burrows and Thomas all guilty of poor finishing. Had this not been the case Emlyn would have comfortably taken three points as Emlyn keeper had not one save to make.
Owens
scored with about 10 minutes to go. His outstanding header into the top
right hand corner was delivered by Stefan Davies who appears to be
showing more confidence of late. Cwmaman Institute 1, Abertillery Bluebirds 1 from Cwmaman Institute FC Two successive home draws may not be ideal, but this was a much better performance than the previous game. Playing against a very good Bluebirds team, who were much bigger and more direct than Cwmaman, was a challenge in itself. The young Cwm team rose to the challenge and gave a much improved display. The ground was hard but flat, this meant fast flow football with the visitors enjoying much of the possession. The ball finding its way to the big strikers very quickly. Young Scott Woodford and Stuart Evans were excellent during this period. During this time Cwmaman were catching the visitors on the break, both teams were intent on attack and trying to win the game. Chances fell to both teams in the first half, but neither had the luck to cross over at the interval in front. The Bluebirds took the initiative early in the second half, when a move down the Cwmaman left, gave them a chance which they took to put them into the lead. A flowing move involving several players gave David Airey a chance but shot over when well placed. Dorian Cook made a run into the visitors half but was unlucky when his cross was cleared at the near post. The visitors were still putting pressure on the Cwm defence without creating many clear cut chances. Connor Wickham was fouled 25 yards from goal and up stepped Stuart Evans, to score his first goal for the club with a thunderous shot which the keeper could not stop from hitting the back of the net. Phil Davies, the referee, must have a mention for the way he kept the game flowing. Both teams must be pleased with the result as it keeps them in the hunt for promotion.
Llanelli 6, Afan Lido 1 Youth Division West from Llanelli FC The Reds under-19s gained revenge for their only league defeat of the season when they hammered Afan Lido 6-0 at Stebonheath Park. In a pulsating display of attacking football, all the goals came in the first half of the game! After just 10 minutes the writing was on the wall for the visitors when Craig Frater played a neat through-ball to left winger Daniel Smale who then put in a pin-point left foot cross for Rikki Evans to head home the opening goal. The home side continued to put pressure on the Lido goal and in the 23rd minute, skipper Antonio Facciuto, hammered home the second with a superb left foot volley after some fine work again by Frater and Smale. Two minutes later, Rikki Evans made it 3-0 when he capitalised on a mistake by Conah Williams in the Lido goal to coolly slot the ball home. Williams has to leave the field injured after that incident and in the 40th minute, Craig Frater, scored the Reds fourth goal when he headed home another superb cross from man of the match, Daniel Smale. Two minutes later Rikki Evans grabbed his hat trick before Lido pulled a goal back through Ellis Harris. Just before the break, Rikki Evans scored his fourth of the night to give the Reds a 6 1 half time lead. In the second half, Reds Academy Director Bob Jeffrey made some substitutions with Aaron Houlihan, Daniel Wilks and Ben Williams replacing Lewis Jones, Antonio Facciuto and Joe Clarke but the second period saw no further goals as the game was played from end-to-end with Reds keeper, Craig Richards being called upon to make some fine saves. The under-19s next game is away to Pontardawe Town on Wednesday 21st April. Kick off: 6.30pm.
Saturday 10 April 2010 Penrhiwceiber Rangers 1, Treharris Athletic Western 1 from Treharris Athletic Western Treharris made the short journey to face Ceiber in a local derby with player-manager Reddy recalling Gareth Davies, Sedgemore and former Ceiber player Ian batten to the starting line-up. Early action was fast and furious as full-blooded tackles came often but fairly. The first chance saw home striker Wiltshire head high over the crossbar. The game started to take shape with Ceiber controlling the midfield, winning lots of second balls versus a very youthful Treharris side. A breakaway by Sedgemore saw him feed Tom James out wide who then ran 40 yards before shooting just wide of the far post. From a Ceiber corner a Steve Temple shot was cleared off the line by Batten. Ceiber's dominance of possession brought more half-chances from which one King effort saw Treharris’ veteran keeper and ex-Ceiber player Robert Jones go full stretch to tip the ball around the post for a corner. The Treharris defence were holding on with some staunch work by Porter and Bowley. Gareth Davies went on a powerful run for the visitors and after a one-two with James saw his sweetly struck effort blocked by Brown. After a half-time telling off Treharris came out with a more determined look about them but despite tremendous effort were just not getting enough ball. A nice move between Lewis and Callan saw Callan clear but an alert Jones was quick off his line to gather the ball. As the final quarter of the match arrived Ceiber sent on Veale and George, two attack-minded players and Treharris sent on the experienced pairing of Reddy and Jamie Rees to freshen up the overworked midfield. On 75 minutes a scramble on the edge of the Treharris box saw Veale pick-up the loose ball and fire into the corner of the net for a deserved lead. Before the home celebrations had died down Lewis found himself through on goal to seal the game but a last-ditch Hollett challenge was enough to make him rush his shot which sailed over. A Reddy pass picked out Glassey in space out on the touchline and after a step-over he sent his marker the wrong way only to be upended, from the resulting free kick ready sent over an inch perfect cross that saw Ross Porter out- jump keeper Betteney for the equaliser on 82 minutes. Both teams went for the victory in the closing minutes with Reddy's goal-bound volley blocked by the impressive Temple before a late Jason Hatch shot went wide for the hosts. Treharris were well satisfied with the point gained in their battle to avoid the seven relegation positions and wish everyone at Ceiber the best for their upcoming promotion run-in. This Tuesday April 13th Treharris make the long midweek journey to Newcastle Emlyn for a 7.30pm kick off.
Saturday 10 April 2010 AFC Porth 0, AFC Llwydcoed 1 from AFC Llwydcoed Porth and Llwydcoed played out a dour defensive match. The visitors gaining another three vital points with a late penalty award after Matthew Reynolds was fouled moving onto a pass in the penalty area, Brent Hewitt coolly scored. Porth's young midfield chased and fought for every ball and Llwydcoed’s Garin Withers was caught out on his defensive duties. On occasions Llwydcoed’s defence came under pressure and Luke Davies stepped in to cover his midfield. The dry weather has suddenly made everything more difficult to control, that’s Llwydcoed’s excuse, giving the ball away too cheaply. Llwydcoed almost scored early doors after a misdirected pass fell to Jordan Coles with Porth goalkeeper Steven Hall pushing the Cole's shot onto the cross bar. Porth midfield kept chasing and moving stopping Llwydcoed from creating, the half finished with both defences in charge. The second half started slowly and neither team could find that final pass to create a goal chance. Llwydcoed introduced substitute Matthew Doherty and his first touch put Jonathan Mason into space to put pressure on the Porth defence to win a corner then he lost possession and Porth striker Adam Wright wasted a brilliant chance to score. Llwydcoed’s Ryan Barry was again majestic winning so many aerial challenges. Craig Boulton entered the match and Llwydcoed gained the impetus and began to win the battle, a series of corners saw Porth defend as a unit, Llwydcoed’s Ross Williams had moved to the left and came inside only to be fouled as was the Porth striker by Ryan Barry. As the match entered the final quarter the win that Llwydcoed required seemed to be slipping away, that changed and patience was the key. Tomos Morris, Jordan Coles and Brent Hewitt combined to find Matthew Reynolds and as he received the ball to move away from his defender he was fouled, Brent Hewitt scored the penalty, his form of late has been a revelation, the points were won. Llwydcoed stuck to the task, rolled up their sleeves and won an ugly match.
Saturday 10 April 2010 Afan Lido 0, Ton Pentre 1 from Ton Pentre FC The Rhondda Bulldogs were much improved in their game against Afan Lido but were still unable to avoid defeat at the Marston’s Stadium as Mark Jones grabbed the winner for the Aberavon based club. Ton Pentre dictated the early play in this match with Andrew Hughes and Liam Hutchinson coming close for the Bulldogs with well hit shots. Afan Lido were lucky not concede once again when in the 12th minute of play, Hughes and Leon Young were presented with opportunities to score from close range, however, some staunch defending saw their efforts blocked on the line by the goalkeeper and his defenders before the home team eventually hoisted the ball to safety. Following the award of a corner kick, Ton’s Leighton James was alert in goals as Mark Jones connected with a header. The ball came quickly towards James but he comfortably took it into his arms as Afan Lido rued a great chance. On the half hour Hughes linked with Alyn Jones on the edge of the box to help create a wonderful opening. After Jones had sent a return pass over the defence Hughes volleyed the ball but his strike went over Mike Lewis’ cross bar. With seven minutes of the first half remaining Ton Pentre should have been in the lead when Jonathan Hood mishit a free kick directly to Chris Jones who had a free run at goal. When he was one-on-one with Lewis, Jones elected to slot the ball to the right of the goalkeeper but just as Ton thought they were going to be a goal up, the ball went wide of the post. Title chasing Afan Lido clearly realised that they had to do better in the second half and their management team would have been pleased in the way that they responded. They put the Bulldogs on the back foot for the first ten minutes and got their reward when a cross into the box from the left was not effectively dealt with by the Ton defence and Mark Jones slotted the ball into the net deep inside the area. When Hughes and Lloyd Toghill worked the ball forward to the edge of the box a pressurised Afan Lido defender knocked the ball straight to Chris Jones in the penalty area. As Jones was about to let a shot loose the Afan Lido defender managed to recover and block the strike. Whilst under some sustained pressure Leighton James kept Ton Pentre in the game when he pulled off a fine save after Nathan White went one-on-one with the Bulldogs shot stopper in the 83rd minute. Time was running out for the Bulldogs and as they were desperately searching for an equaliser Ton were camped in and around the Afan Lido box. When Leon Young attained possession with his back to goal on the edge of the six-yard box he was apparently bundled to the ground by Shaun Galsworthy with a push high in the back. Unfortunately, the match officials decided to refrain from making a crucial decision leaving the Bulldogs incensed at the failure to award a penalty. Afan Lido held out for the win which has seen the Aberavon club move into second place in Division One of The Welsh Football League. Ton’s next match is on Saturday, 24th April when they travel west to Garden Village. Kick off is at 2.30pm. You can find out all the latest news at Ynys Park by becoming a fan of Ton Pentre on Facebook. Ton Pentre: 1. Leighton James, 2. Phil Clarke, 3. Fraser Williams, 4. Adam Lewis, 5. Jamie Thomas, 6. Leon Young, 7. Liam Hutchinson (55mins), 8. Andrew Hughes, 9. Chris Jones (54mins), 10. Lloyd Toghill, 11. Alyn Jones (Captain). Substitutes: 12. Calvin Mclaggon (74mins), 14. Wayne Antionazzi (75mins), 15 Tom Davies. Goals: None Booking: Thomas 69 Referee: Lee James (Pontardawe)
Saturday 10 April 2010 Barry Town 1, Cambrian & Clydach 3 from Barry Town FC The Dragons finished their 2009-10 home programme with a disappointing reverse at the hands of Cambrian & Clydach. There can be no complaints as The Dragons were beaten by the better team on the day. Cambrian started much the livelier and they were soon putting The Dragons defence under pressure and keeper Dan Bradley was called on to make several saves whereas The Dragons with Ian Jones as a lone striker found it difficult to create a chance. It was no surprise when Cambrian took the lead on 36 minutes when a lovely through ball to Mike Jones saw him coolly put them in front. They also hit the upright and deservedly went in at half time in the lead. The half time team talk usually brings a better second half for Barry Town but it seemed that the long season, littered with so many injuries, was taking its toll on the players, many of whom were playing with injuries themselves. Cambrian went 2-0 up within five minutes of the restart when poor defending from a free kick gave full back Lee Michaels an easy header from three yards out. The Dragons pushed forward searching for a goal to get them back in the game but once again Cambrian showed their mettle when they scored a brilliant third goal. From a Dragons free kick they picked up the ball and fed it to Jason Bertorelli who ran 20 yards unmarked and smashed the ball home off the underside of the crossbar on 76 minutes to effectively seal the game. To give the team credit they never gave up and with Ian Jones, Sam Small and Christian Mills now up front they looked for a consolation goal. It came with five minutes left when Michael Parkins picked up the ball on the half way line and from fully 30 yards out shot into the far corner for what was the best goal of the game. It would be of little consolation though as The Dragons were beaten on the day. Although a disappointing result the Barry Town supporters never stopped encouraging the team and will now be looking to support the team to victory in their last three games which are all away from Jenner Park. Credit must be given to Cambrian & Clydach who came to play football on what was a poor surface, the worst Jenner Park has seen in a long time. Team: Dan Bradley; Atif Bashir, Lewis Cosslett, Dan Clare, Lewis James; Rob Blatchford (sub. Christian Mills), Michael Parkins, Sam Hartrey, Nickie Jones (sub. James Simpson), Scott Jones (sub Sam Small); Ian Jones. Subs not used: Damon Searle, Richard Johnson. Next up: Saturday 17th April – Cardiff Corinthians – Away – KO 2.30pm. Wednesday 21st April – Caldicot Town – Away – KO 7.30pm.
Saturday 10 April 2010 Pontyclun 2 Troedyrhiw 0 by Troedyrhiw FC 'Rhiw travelled to Ivor Park last Saturday to take on old foes Pontyclun in this league clash. On a day when the Grand National was being run, it could be said that 'Rhiw were "not at the races" in this game as their performance was decidedly lacklustre and lethargic throughout. It was the hosts who scored within minutes of the kick-off to put 'Rhiw on the back-foot early on. Goal-scoring chances were very much at a minimum for ''Rhiw with Rhys Nolan's free-kick the only opportunity of great note in the first half. Although they also had a penalty claim waved away by the referee, a fate that also befell the hosts when 'Rhiw's Luke Jones handled in the area only for the man in black to deny them a spot-kick. The half ended and despite 'Rhiw looking out of sorts, with this score-line there was always hope. However, 'Rhiw's second half display was very much the same as the first as their players looked languid and bereft of ideas. Again, any goals-scoring chances were at a minimum, although Shaun O'Brien's effort late on came close to levelling the scores. The hosts had a number of opportunities to increase their lead but 'Rhiw 'keeper was on hand to keep them at bay and had a fine game. With the game entering injury-time, Pontyclun managed to beat Stephens to make it 2-0 and seal the win despite the 'keeper getting a hand to it. At the final whistle, it was Pontyclun who took the three points. 'Rhiw could have no complaints as this display was a far cry from the impressive showing at Cwmaman Institute in midweek. 'Rhiw look to make amends as they seek vital points when they entertain Seven Sisters at The Willows this coming Saturday. 'Rhiw's Reserve side welcomed local rivals and near-neighbours Treharris Athletic Western to The Willows in a local derby and ran out 3-0 winners. Joel Collins scoring a brace and Kie Phillips getting the other. * Troedyrhiw FC would like to express their sincere condolences to the family of Gerald Flynn who passed away recently. Gerald was a frequent visitor to The Willows and was well known by all at the club and our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.
Bettws 2, Dinas Powys 0
by Morley Williams, Dinas Powys FC
This was a poor game on a difficult pitch with neither side providing much in the way of entertainment in the warm sunshine.It was the home side who applied the early pressure with Richard Ready clearing the crossbar with his shot. Early on both keepers were guilty of clearing the ball too far on what was a small pitch with the ball ending in the arms of their opposite number but Dinas keeper was in the right place to save comfortably from Kieran Howells when he turned well in the area and got in his shot.Dinas came back into the game with Jo Hinds heading down for Ricki Morgan to shoot but his effort was deflected clear. Mark Dunford then shot wide but he couldn’t reach a Paul Carro through ball with the ball running to Mark Elliot in the Bettws goal. The best chance of the half came from a corner for Tony Wallis, but his powerful header was saved when it looked as though he must score. Five minutes before half-time fortune shined on Bettws when deep in the Dinas area a defensive clearance rebounded of another player and ended in the back of the net for the openerNeither side had really deserved a goal in the first half but it was the home side who came out and had Dinas on the back foot for most of the second half. When the visitors did get forward they didn’t create any goal-scoring opportunities, the nearest was a penalty appeal for handball turned down by the referee.If the first Bettws goal was fortunate the second certainly was well constructed, fullback Nicky Cole did well on the left to get the better of his marker and pulled the ball back for Gareth Morgan to place his shot just inside the left upright from the edge of the area to seal Dinas’s fate, the referee blowing for full-time a couple of minutes later.Tuesday 6 April 2010AFC Llwydcoed 0, Cwmbran Celtic 1 from AFC Llwydcoed AFC Llwydcoed Manager Mark Harbord was again without long-term injury victims Richard Dennis and Christopher Vardon, but were boosted by the return of Tomos Morris and Matthew Reynolds. Celtic settled down well playing with confidence and had the better of the midfield early on with Craig Cheedy and Shane Williamson combining well. Llwydcoed responded with Brent Hewitt finding Matthew Reynolds who won a few early free kicks. Celtic looked every part a quality team and Llwydcoed matched them in every department.. Jordan Coles moved forward into some excellent attacking areas, he found Jonathan Mason with a sublime pass who in turn almost found Matthew Reynolds, the Celtic goalkeeper Tom Morgan picking out the cross. Celtic were prepared to just clear the danger by banging the ball as far away as possible. Llwydcoed’s defence was solid with Ryan Barry and Leigh Phillips winning some excellent tackles and turning defence into attack. Celtic’s defence remained solid and began to win most of the aerial attacks with Ben Graham and Lloyd Davies in control. Llwydcoed’s biggest threat was on the floor, Jordan Coles Tomos Morris and Matthew Reynolds combined forcing Celtic goalkeeper Tom Morgan to make a low save. Celtic were given a boost against the run of play, Scott Lanyon moved forward from a flick-on to score from what appeared to be an offside position. Celtic looked dangerous, Llwydcoed matched them and just before half time Leigh Phillips missed a glorious opportunity from a Jordan Coles free kick to equalise. The second half saw Llwydcoed attack the Celtic defence looking for a deserved equaliser. The visitors responded and kept the hosts midfield out. Gradually Llwydcoed began to turn the screw, Ross Williams who scores so many big goals was denied. Celtic defence was solid and Llwydcoed needed someone to break it open, it looked as if they had after several attacks when Jordan Coles and Jonathan Mason created space. Celtic were under pressure for most of the half although they had one breakaway and Llwydcoed goalkeeper Rhys James came to the rescue saving a certain second goal. Llwydcoed were having the majority of the play, the excellent Tomos Morris created space and it looked as if they had been rewarded for all their excellent play when Ross Williams was appeared to be fouled in the penalty area but no penalty was awarded, a major decision. Llwydcoed introduced substitutes Craig Boulton, Matthew Doherty and Jonathan Price, more attacks brought more pressure on the Celtic defence who won the day, they won the match on a no-nonsense approach. Llwydcoed deserved at least a draw but you don’t always get what you deserve. Both sides played their part in an excellent game.
Ton Pentre 0, Bettws 1 from Ton Pentre FC Ton Pentre lacked desire in their game against relegation-battling Bettws after Richard Ready gave the visitors hope of Division One survival at Ynys Park with a second half winner. The Rhondda Bulldogs failed to find the fluidity that they demonstrated in their previous match against Barry Town and lacked creativity when going forward. Most concerning was that the players didn’t appear to be concerned about this and were void of any kind of urgency on the pitch. The only positive aspect that the Bulldogs produced was their defensive display, which despite the conceded goal, turned in a fairly positive performance. Even more so considering that the defence lost linchpin Tom Davies to injury inside the first ten minutes of the match. Bettws didn’t play particularly well either but they dug in and were relatively untroubled by the Bulldogs as Mark Elliott had very little to do in between the goal posts as their fantastic win hauled them out of the relegation zone. The Bulldogs did manage a dash of good football in first half when Lloyd Toghill skilfully dribbled the ball through midfield avoiding several Bettws challenges to steal possession. As he gained ground inside the Bettws half, Toghill picked a splendid through pass that presented a goal scoring chance to Wayne Antoniazzi, but the Bulldogs winger watched his shot get blocked by Elliott before going behind for a corner. Early in the second half Jamie Thomas saw his header go over the bar and Alyn Jones’ lobbed effort did exactly the same as the Bulldogs failed to get their rare chances on target. To his credit, Fraser Williams attempted to force matters when he gained possession of the ball on the left side of midfield before he cut his run inside. From 25-yards he struck a shot that went just wide of the left post. Moments later however, after Ton lost the ball in midfield, Bettws caught the Bulldogs on the back foot when Ready seeped through the middle of the defence to place the ball into net. With time running out Ton could have grabbed an equaliser from a Liam Hutchinson corner but when Andrew Hughes met the ball in the six-yard box he was underneath it and was unable to direct it anywhere other than over the crossbar. Next for the Bulldogs is a tough trip to promotion chasing Afan Lido on Saturday, 10th April at 2.30pm. Ton Pentre: 1. Leighton James, 2. Adam Lewis, 3. Fraser Williams, 4. Jamie Thomas, 5. Tom Davies (9 mins), 6. Leon Young, 7. Wayne Antoniazzi (60 mins), 8. Liam Hutchinson, 9. Chris Jones, 10. Lloyd Toghill (71 mins), 11. Alyn Jones (Captain). Substitutions: 12. Calvin Mclaggon (60 mins), 14. Phil Clarke (9 mins), 15. Andrew Hughes (71 mins). Goals: None Bookings: None Referee: Kim Fisher (Cardiff)
Llanelli 1, Wrexham 2 After extra time – 1-1 full time FAW Youth Cup Semi-final at Newtown FC from Llanelli FC The Reds under-19s lost their FAW Youth Cup Semi Final against Blue Square Premier Side, Wrexham on Easter Sunday, as they lost by the odd goal in three. In an entertaining game neither side deserved to lose but it was the North Walians, coached by ex-Wrexham and Liverpool legend, Joey Jones, who won through to the final at the end of April. The Reds started nervously and keeper, Craig Richards, was called on early in the game as he saved from a Declan Walker shot. Wrexham took the lead in the 12th minute when Reds left back, Antonio Facciuto, was caught in possession and Ryan Batley then fouled Jordan Kane in the box and Ed Moss scored from the resulting penalty kick. Once the Reds settled down to the pace of the game, they matched Wrexham in every department and they has two guilt edged chances to draw level when Kieran Hayes and Ryan Batley both put their headers wide of the upright. The second half was end to end with Craig Richards having an inspired afternoon in the Reds goal with a number of fine saves. Facciuto went close to levelling the scores when he saw his cracking left foot drive deflected for a corner and the game became tense in the last 15 minutes with referee Paul Fisher having to maintain a tight control which saw cautions for Reds’ Declan John and Leon Clowes and Ed Moss for Wrexham. With time running out, the Reds drew level in the last minute of normal time when Rikki Evans, scrambled home a Declan John corner, in a set piece move that has brought the under-19s many goals over the past few seasons. The game went into extra time and both teams strived for the elusive winner. It was looking like a penalty shoot out until Wrexham were awarded a free kick in the 114th minute and a chip by Jordan Kane was headed towards goal by Lee Roberts and cruelly, Craig Richards in the Reds goal, who had given a man of the match performance, couldn’t hold on to the ball and Wrexham were into the final! A great effort from the Reds, who matched their full time opponents who now go onto the play either Swansea City or Llandudno in the final. Llanelli: Richards, Jones, Jenkins, Batley, Facciuto, Clarke, John, Secker, Frtaer, Hayes, Evans. Subs. Smale (Jenkins) Doyle (Jones), Houlihan (Frater) Wilks, Smith (GK). Wrexham: Ward, Walker, Moss(L), Clowes, Marsh, Penk, Moss (E)Pearson, Rushton, Kane, Malton. Subs, Roberts (Pearson) Obi Anoruo (Rushton), Bainbridge, Deaman, Cieslewicz. Referee: Paul Fisher (Port Talbot)
Tredegar Town 1, AFC Llwydcoed 2 from AFC Llwydcoed Llwydcoed travelled up to the Heads of the Valley to play Tredegar without Tomos Morris, Matthew Doherty, Christopher Vardon and Matthew Reynolds. The arctic weather conditions were a challenge to both teams. Town started with confidence trying to build up on Llwydcoed’s right side who in turn attacked from defence with Ryan Barry and Luke Davies stopping the Town attacks. Garin Withers combined with Jordan Coles to move clear of the Town midfield who were facing the arctic conditions, their defence were under pressure. Llwydcoed were winning possession, the excellent Brent Hewitt and Craig Boulton prevented Town making progress. Town although having a fair amount of possession were being thwarted by Llwydcoed who were defending well as a team. Llwydcoed’s possession was spoilt though by too many off-sides. The goal Llwydcoed deserved came and the player who scores so many big goals Ross Williams scored with a looping 20-yard shot, the half time whistle arrived with Llwydcoed threatening to score a second goal. The second half started with the arctic weather threatening to stop the match thankfully the weather improved. Town came into the game and began to build up some attacks. Llwydcoed’s play became sloppy, and a number of the referee’s decisions were being awarded to Town but Llwydcoed showed a spirit and composure and should have punished Town but an awesome move and run by Jonathan Mason combining with Garin Withers was wasted, the final ball was disappointing. Nevertheless, considering the conditions Llwydcoed’s football was still good in stages, they split the Town shape again and scored, the excellent Jonathan Mason finishing in style. So Llwydcoed providing they gained a victory would move up into the third place, Town had other ideas and their movement allowed them to brake clear of Llwydcoed’s midfield and pressured the defence but Ryan Barry stood out again as well as Leigh Phillips. The match entered the final quarter and Town kept plugging away, Llwydcoed kept them out until the final minutes and Neil Mathieson scored from a good set up so as in the previous match Llwydcoed were defending a one goal advantage. Town could not break down Llwydcoed further and a deserved victory was gained. Both teams had displayed excellent control and attitude considering the arctic conditions.
Barry Town 0, Caldicot Town 0 from Barry Town FC It was second against third in this battle at the top of the Welsh League Division One table. Caldicot Town came into the game in second spot having amassed 64 goals in their 24 games so far, Gareth Cullimore and Jason Thorne have been scoring goals for fun this season so The Dragons defence was in for a hard test. Damon Searle and Atif Bashir were missing for the game and Barry manager Gavin Chesterfield had to name himself as a substitute otherwise the team were down to the bones with just 15 fit players. The morning showers had left the pitch very wet with the odd puddle here and there. The game was played at a very high pace with both teams creating the odd chance but generally the defences were on top and no goals came in the first half. Ian Jones, Sam Small and Jaymes Dixon were all trying to open up a very stubborn Caldicot defence and The Dragons defence, superbly marshalled by Dan Clare, snuffed out as best they could the dangerous opposition forwards. The best chance of the game fell to Ian Jones, who ran 20 yards with the ball, superbly beat the only defender, but saw his shot saved by the keeper. The second half was much the same with both teams looking to open up the scoring but being thwarted by great defending from both sides. Chances fell to Christian Mills and Rob Blatchford but their shots went agonisingly past the upright. Caldicot also created a few chances but again some great defending and goalkeeping kept them at bay. The game was well officiated by Gareth Ayres, ably assisted by Graham Dale and Ryan Hillier-Smith. The Dragons with so many players missing would have taken a point at the start of the game and great credit must go to them for the resilience they showed. Team: Dan Bradley; Michael Parkins, Lewis Cosslett, Dan Clare, Lewis James; Scott Jones, Nickie Jones, Sam Hartrey, Jaymes Dixon (sub. Rob Blatchford); Sam Small (sub. Christian Mills), Ian Jones. Subs not used: Gavin Chesterfield, Richard Johnson.
Tuesday 30 March 2010 Barry Town 2, Ton Pentre 2 from Barry Town FC These two old rivals met at Jenner Park and were welcomed by high winds and heavy downpours. However the weather did not dampen the enthusiasm of both teams. Due to injury and unavailability Gavin Chesterfield was forced into two changes from Saturday’s starting line up with Lewis Cosslett and James Simpson starting in place of Damon Searle and Scott Jones. Ton started much the livelier and they were soon putting The Dragons defence under pressure but just as we all thought they had weathered this initial storm, a hard low cross into the penalty area deflected off defender Dan Clare and into the net before keeper Dan Bradley could react. With only eight minutes gone there was plenty of time for Barry Town to get back in the game. The team started to get to grips with their game but some resolute defending by Ton kept The Dragons at bay. They kept plugging away and were rewarded when a low cross into the Ton six-yard box was steered into the net impressively by Ian Jones with 30 minutes gone. After a long time out with niggly injuries Ian is starting to show the goal scoring abilities that he is renowned for. It was a deserved equaliser and both teams continued to play some good football without further troubling the keepers. The second half continued in the same vein with both teams playing attacking football despite the atrocious conditions. The play was end to end but the stout defending from both defences limited goal scoring opportunities. Ton eventually took the lead again from a mistake in The Dragons defence when the ball, from a quick free kick, was lost to a Ton attacker who played the ball into Alyn Jones who was unmarked on the edge of the box and his shot beat Dan Bradley, who had no chance of saving it. Although there was still 20 minutes to go this looked like the winner as so few chances were being created. One thing that can be said about this team though is that they do not give up easily. Gavin Chesterfield brought on Sam Small, Jaymes Dixon and Michael Parkins to try to rescue at least a point from the game. With time now running out and only seconds left of time added on a great cross from the right landed at the feet of Sam Small who, 15 yards out, curled the ball past the helpless Ton keeper to give the Dragons the point they deserved. Ton only had time to kick off before the Referee brought proceedings to an end. A most enjoyable game in atrocious condition and supported by three Officials who did their best to keep the game flowing. Next up: Saturday 3rd April - Caldicot Town – home – KO 2.30pm
Barry Town 2-2 Ton Pentre from Ton Pentre FC Ton Pentre played out a tremendous match at Jenner Park against Barry Town but the Bulldogs will feel devastated after seeing all of their missed chances culminate in the home team auspiciously netting an injury time equaliser. At times the conditions were extremely difficult with swirling wind and rain encompassing Barry Town’s Jenner Park fortress, but both sets of players seemed to ignore the elements and put on a wonderful show for all those that were present. The Bulldogs started this MacWhirter Welsh League Division One clash well and when Wayne Antoniazzi and Alyn Jones played a one-two with each other Ton Pentre found themselves 1-0 up. Having received the ball back from Alyn Jones out on the right, winger Antoniazzi squared an excellent pass into the six-yard box that Barry’s defence found impossible to deal with as the ball hit a defender’s leg to go into the net. Alyn Jones was having a splendid game and after linking up with strike partner Chris Jones, the Bulldogs captain looked to place the ball in the top left-hand corner but his effort failed to dip and painstakingly cleared the cross bar. Barry Town responded immediately by hitting Ton’s post before seeing the ball cleared off the line after the Dragons’ strike force appeared to have an eternity in the 18-yard box to pick their spot. Ton Pentre looked menacing when on the attack and were giving the Barry defence a torrid time. Lloyd Toghill should have increased the Bulldogs lead when his amazing run into the box saw him brush off his challengers before rounding Dan Bradley in the home team goals. The midfielder looked to slot the ball into the net but he hit the outside of the left-hand post. Leon Young was also presented with a superb chance to grab a goal when he too was allowed access into the 18-yard box before taking the ball past Bradley only to see his strike desperately blocked by a covering defender. The Bulldogs were made to regret those missed chances when former Ton striker Ian Jones was able to get in front of his marker to receive the ball from the left wing deep inside the Bulldogs area. He deftly prodded the ball with his first touch to send it quickly past goalkeeper Leighton James. Ton could and probably should have taken a lead into the half time interval when Toghill was in the thick of the action inside the Dragons box when his point-blank shot was well saved by Bradley, who was called upon again when he also held on to Alyn Jones’ follow-up. The Bulldogs players looked at each other in disbelief as another goal scoring chance had gone by the wayside. The action didn’t let up in the second half either as Barry had a goal ruled out for offside moments after Young held off a defender and looked likely to score for Ton, but sent his strike over the bar. Nicky Jones was looking to give the home team the lead after he finished off a counterattack when a Ton move broke down with Martyn Phillips high up the pitch. Jones’ well-hit strike was well saved by James who was having a wonderful match in the Bulldog’s number one shirt. Barry were also being rueful with their chances in this cracking encounter as they thought they’d done enough for the lead when the ball was hurtling towards the back of the net as the hour loomed, but Tom Davies denied the seven times Welsh League champions with a clearance off the line. As the action moved to the other end of the pitch some lacklustre Barry Town defending was capitalised upon by Chris Jones. With just one defender to beat the former Caerleon front man passed to the unmarked Alyn Jones who applied a well executed finish to give the Bulldogs a 2-1 lead. Barry made a triple substitution as their chances were rapidly dwindling away in front of them and as the match moved into injury time Barry saw the ball plucked out of the air by James following a corner kick. With the Referee checking his watch it appeared as though this was to be their last chance, but when Ton failed to sufficiently clear the ball up the field from danger Barry suddenly found themselves with a man over, an advantage that they used to perfection. Ian Jones received the ball to feet at the left-hand corner of the 18-yard box where he had a clear sight at goal. From this position he hit a marvellous punt over James and into the bottom right-hand corner of the net for a dramatic equaliser before the Referee called time on the game. Ton will be disappointed not to get the win that overall they probably deserved while Barry will release a huge sigh of relief after grasping a point from the jaws of defeat. Weather permitting; the Bulldogs will be home to Bridgend Town on Saturday, 3rd April. Kick off for the Division One match is at 2.30pm. Ton Pentre: 1. Leighton James, 2. Adam Lewis, 3. Fraser Williams, 4. Jamie Thomas, 5. Tom Davies, 6. Leon Young, 7. Wayne Antoniazzi, 8. Martyn Phillips (74mins), 9. Chris Jones, 10. Lloyd Toghill, 11. Alyn Jones (Captain). Substitutes: 12. Calvin Mclaggon (74mins), 14. Liam Hutchinson, 15. Matthew Hearne, 16. Andrew Hughes. Goals: Own Goal 7, A.Jones 73 Bookings: James 59, Toghill 63, Young 81, Davies 90+1 Referee: Kris Hames (Aberdare)
Bryntirion Athletic 2, Port Talbot Town 3
Youth Division West
from www.porttalbottown.co.uk After going a goal behind in the first minute Port Talbot got themselves back into the game with some fine play between Sam Baker and Chris Silva to set up Jack Germain who slotted the ball home on 22 minutes. Many chances went begging, Jamie Jones going close on three occasions, the Town well and truly on top with Sam Baker starting to pull the strings in midfield' he had a shot from 25 yards but the Bryntirion keeper to made a tremendous save, Sam France also going close while at the other end Josh Wonnacott and Aaron Biddescombe were keeping the busy Bryntirion striker at bay limiting his chances on goal. In the second half Port Talbot were asked to keep up the tempo but Bryntirion started the stronger of the two teams and made Ryan Dummer work with a fine save. Ten minutes into the second half Josh Wonnacott won a header at a corner for Sam Baker to slot home. Jamie Jones later made it 3 -1 on the hour. Bryntirion were now piling on the pressure and pinned the Town back to force a number of corners in quick succession but the defence remained in tact. Chris Silva is now back to his best but received another knock and had to leave the field with 15 minutes left. Bryntirion then had a player sent off for a challenge on Jake Parry, which left Jake with nasty gash down his calf. With seven minutes remaining Bryntirion pulled a goal back to make it 3-2. The game should have been all over and made safe when Jamie Jones shot from 30 yards to hit the crossbar but the boys kept up their spirits and saw the game out with a well-deserved victory against the side currently at the top of the table. Port Talbot Town goal scorers: Jack Germain, Sam Baker and Jamie Jones
Saturday 27 March 2010 Aberaman Athletic 0, Barry Town 2 from Barry Town FC The Dragons travelled to the home of reigning Welsh League Division One Champions on the back of two successive wins and also an unbeaten run of six games. Aberaman have recently parted company with their manager, former Welsh International, Leighton James and had also lost several players to other Clubs. The Dragons were still without the services of long- term injury victims Kurt Bettles, Michael Hayward, Dan Marshall, Anthony Redwood and Josh Bell whilst Kirk Huggins was still unavailable and Michael Parkins and Jaymes Dixon were nursing small knocks and therefore were only on the bench. To add to that Sam Small was serving the second and last match of his suspension. After overnight rain the pitch at Aberaman was very heavy which does not suit the Dragons passing game. The game started slowly with the ball difficult to move around. The first chance fell to Aberaman but the ever reliable Dan Bradley showed strong hands to palm the ball to safety. The Dragons created one or two chances but were guilty of trying to walk the ball into the net and the chances were snuffed out by the Aberaman defence. The first half was one of the poorest witnessed this season. Both teams were guilty of poor passing and chances were few and far between. The Dragons were particularly guilty of not shooting when a chance appeared. The Dragons defence, normally so solid, was being pulled all over the place and the long ball over the top was causing difficulty. It took all the experience of Damon Searle to get the defence working as we all know it can. Manager Gavin Chesterfield would have asked his team to up the pace in the second half and also to have a shot when in a good position. The Dragons heeded his advice and injected more pace into the game which put Aberaman on the back foot. With 56 minutes on the clock the ball fell to midfielder Sam Hartrey who found himself in acres of space about 22 yards out. He decided to shoot and as with his last goal at Caerleon, the ball rocketed into the net giving the keeper no chance. Aberaman created only once chance but the ball cleared the cross bar, whilst Barry Town’s players went in search of a second. Ian Jones, still getting himself back to full match fitness, had a chance but also fired over the cross bar. The second goal arrived four minutes later when a back pass was under hit and Christian Mills was able to toe poke the ball past the stranded Aberaman keeper. The second half saw a much better performance from The Dragons and they were worthy of the victory. It extended their unbeaten run in the League to seven games with five of them won, this despite being unable to call on their whole squad because of the injury list. With Sam Small available and hopefully Jaymes Dixon and Michael Parkins free from injury the team will hope to extend the unbeaten run when they entertain Ton Pentre on Tuesday 30 March. Team: Dan Bradley; Atif Bashir, Dan Clare, Damon Searle, Lewis James; Rob Blatchford, Scott Jones, Sam Hartrey, Nickie Jones; Christian Mills, Ian Jones. Subs not used: Michael Parkins, Jaymes Dixon, James Simpson, Lewis Cosslett. Next up: Tuesday 30th March - Ton Pentre (home) - KO 7.45pm. Saturday 3rd April – Caldicot Town (home) - KO 2.30pm. BTSC Lotto: 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 10. There were no winners and the Jackpot is now £1250.
Saturday 27 March 2010 Newcastle Emlyn 1, Porthcawl Town 0 from Newcastle Emlyn FC Emlyn who lost to Cardiff Bay Harlequins on Tuesday night welcomed back four key players from injuries and suspensions. The game started slowly in the first 20 minutes with neither team showing much offensive play. Emlyn having the better chances with Alex Vincent and Sam Thomas creating problems with their pace down the flanks. Lone striker Adam Raymond getting in the thick of action throughout the game causing the Porthcawl defence a lot of problems. Attacking midfielder Anthony Owens was supporting Raymond up front at every opportunity. In the 35th minute the deadlock was broken with Sam Thomas being brought down 20 yards out from the Porthcawl goal. Up stepped Emlyn’s player-manager Wayne Jones to curl the ball over the wall with his educated left foot and place the ball into the top right hand corner. . Emlyn then appeared to be in control for the remainder of the game with Alex Vincent going close on two occasions. The back four of Emlyn were outstanding and man-of-the-match Lee Burrows covering every blade of grass. Manager Wayne Jones said after the game “It was a must win game for us if we are to have a chance of promotion. “The result I believe was fair and we could have increased the scoreline if we had taking our chances. “The most positive thing I take out of this game is that we have kept a clean sheet and I don't think our keeper had a save to make. “Credit goes to all the lads because good teams bounce back from defeats."
Saturday 27 March 2010
Llangeinor 1, AFC Llwydcoed 2
from AFC Llwydcoed Llwydcoed arrived at Llangeinor Park looking to gain three vital points against lowly opposition who have shown excellent improvement of late. AFC Llwydcoed manager Mark Harbord was again forced into shuffling his squad around because of the unavailability of Luke Davies Jonathan Price Tomos Morris and Matthew Doherty. Llwydcoed settled early and their passing and movement was superb with Jordan Coles, Garin Withers and Jonathan Mason on top form considering the difficult playing surface. Matthew Reynolds and Christopher Vardon both had half-chances. Llangeinor who were also missing several players but were struggling to gain possession but they almost caught Llwydcoed napping whose midfield failed to track back to help their defence. Llan’s Kris Rees found Kyle Owen and he picked out Jordan Mortimer unmarked on the eighteen yard line but thankfully Llwydcoed covered the danger. Llwydcoed returned to the attack and a tremendous run by Jonathan Mason put Llan under more pressure whose goalkeeper Steve John saved Matthew Reynolds one-on-one effort Llan although being outplayed still had not conceded they found space again in the Llwydcoed shape to cause an anxious moment. Another Llwydcoed attack involving Garin Withers and Ross Williams saw Jonathan Mason open the scoring. Llan finished the half strongly with Llwydcoed losing their fluency and work rate. Llwydcoed’s goalkeeper Rhys James was forced into making three saves the latter a top corner effort he pushed around the post. Llan had almost punished Llwydcoed for all the chances they had failed to take, the one goal was enough at half time for Llwydcoed. Llwydcoed’s Craig Boutlon and Jonathan Mason combined early in the second half to create chances for Christopher Vardon and Matthew Reynolds. Llan were hanging on and they were rarely seen as an attacking force, the question was could Llwydcoed add to their total? Not until a few more chances were missed, and from another corner that Llan failed to clear and Christopher Vardon turned sharply to score with a low short into the bottom corner. Llan then had a player dismissed. Llwydcoed introduced substitutes Brent Hewitt and Matthew Phillips who combined well early with his players to create more chances Llwydcoed’s young players Garin Withers and Craig Mallett both had excellent games. The composure and ability was evident as the match entered the final quarter, Llan were awarded a controversial goal when Llwydcoed defender Leigh Philips appeared to be impeded by a Llan player who was standing in an offside position and was allowed to move forward on the Llwydcoed goal, Jordan Mortimer scored after Llwydcoed’s goalkeeper Rhys James saved his first shot. The remaining minutes saw Llan cause some anxious minutes but Llwydcoed’s Ryan Barry was outstanding in defence, a Braveheart defender for the team. The points were deservedly won on chances created alone.
Saturday 27 March 2010
Dinas Powys 1, West End 3
by Morley Williams, Dinas Powys FC
Following their heavy defeat in the previous game Dinas needed to bounce back quickly in this game against a side just below them in the league.
The opening ten minutes of this game was fairly even but Dinas got a confidence booster on twelve minutes when a slip in the West End defence gave Mark Dunford a clear run on goal and his powerful shot from the edge of the area beat the diving Nicky Pritchard to give the home side the lead. It lasted just four minutes, a 30 yard cross-field ball fell invitingly for Gavin Guy to volley over keeper Peter Blain from 20 yards to equalise.
Dinas had appeals for a penalty turned down when Mark Dunford went down when challenged in the box and at the other end defender Lloyd Davies cleared a dangerous cross for a West End corner. Alex Chrysanthou should have done better for the visitors when he headed over from eight yards and just before half-time it seemed Mark Dunford would get a second for Dinas but when he stretched to reach a lofted ball he could only head onto the bar from close range.
At half-time the crowd were entertained by Dinas Dragons under-sevens playing in their new kit.
Dinas supporters had seen enough in the first-half to think that Dinas could go on and win this game but it was the visitors who came out strongly after the break with Carl Smitham given the room to turn and shoot forcing Blain into a good save. They continued to apply pressure and when a throw was hooked into the Dinas area Danny Kavanagh headed powerfully over the keeper for their second goal.
In the first-half Dinas were quite effective going forward with Mark Dunford and Joe Hinds causing problems for the visiting defence but it was West End who got a third goal from a corner scored by substitute Kieran Cullen with a low shot at the far post.
Dinas substitute Tony Wallis saw a shot blocked and when it came back to him his follow-up shot seemed to hit a defender on the hand but the referee turned down appeals for a penalty. The remainder of the game was played out with neither side creating any clear opportunities.
Dinas’s poor form combined with the reduction in the number of teams in the Welsh Premier League mean that their position in Welsh League Division One is now looking precarious and there really has to be a change in fortunes to avoid relegation. Squad: 1 Peter Blain, 2 Tom Hutton, 3 Owain Adams, 4 Lloyd Davies, 5 Anthony Roberts 6 Rhodri Foote, 7 Ricki Morgan, 8 Jacob Rudman, 9 Joe Hinds,10 Mark Dunford(1), 11 Barry Pappin, 12 Karl Steele, 14 Steve Provis, 15 Tony Wallis, 16 Paul Carro.
Saturday 27 March 2010 Taffs Well 4, Ton Pentre 3 from Ton Pentre FC Ton Pentre were forced to play this Welsh League Division One match with Taffs Well without a recognised goalkeeper due to unavailability of Leighton James. Therefore, Bulldogs manager Andrew Hughes was forced to play himself between the posts and although he conceded four goals, none of them can be put down as goalkeeping errors. Both teams looked dangerous when on the attack and Taffs Well were unfortunate not to be awarded a penalty in the sixth minute when their striker was grounded by an outstretched leg of a Bulldogs defender who failed to connect with the ball. Ton took the lead four minutes later when Lloyd Toghill sent a long throw to the near post where Tom Davies headed on for Chris Jones to direct the ball into the net past Taffs Well goalkeeper Jon Howe. The home team responded well to going a goal behind and equalised less than a minute later when Liam Williams was allowed a free header from a Taffs Well corner. After Wayne Antoniazzi had an excellent chance to regain the lead for Ton, but sent his strike over the bar, Taffs Well soon found themselves in the lead when the ball was crossed into the Ton box from the left wing. It appeared as though Bulldogs defender Tom Davies got the last touch on the ball, in an attempt to stop an opponent from getting to it, and sent it past Hughes in goals. Just before the break Hughes pulled off a wonderful diving save to tip the ball around the post for a corner. Once again the Bulldogs failed to effectively deal with the corner and Jamal Roberts scored from just inside the box. On the hour it got worse for Ton when Roberts netted his second from a rebound after Hughes had done well to save an initial shot. At this point Ton looked completely out of this match but the Bulldogs were able to muster a late comeback when they scored from a free kick after Antoniazzi was fouled on the edge of the box. Fraser Williams hit the free kick low and hard through the crowded area and the ball beat Howe at his right post. With 81 minutes played Antoniazzi finished off a lovely move when he was set free in the box by Toghill to make it 4-3. Ton were finishing the game strongly and nearly drew level in injury time when Toghill hit a 25-yard shot that made Howe scramble before pulling off a good save by tipping the ball away from the goalmouth. Taffs Well will be pleased that they avenged their defeat to the Bulldogs earlier in the month while Ton Pentre will be encouraged by the amount of chances they created. Ton Pentre: 1. Andrew Hughes, 2. Matthew Hearne, 3. Fraser Williams, 4. Adam Lewis, 5. Tom Davies, 6. Leon Young, 7. Wayne Antoniazzi, 8. Liam Hutchinson (45mins), 9. Chris Jones (70mins), 10. Lloyd Toghill, 11. Alyn Jones. Substitutes: 12. Calvin Mclaggon (70mins), 14. Martyn Phillips (45mins), 15. Matthew O’Keefe. Goals: C Jones 10, Williams 75, Antoniazzi 81. Bookings: None Referee: Mike Bullock (Nelson)
Cardiff Bay Harlequins 1, Treharris Athletic Western 2 from Treharris Athletic Western FC Treharris Athletic Western visited the new Leckwith Stadium to face Cardiff Bay Quins looking for three points having already suffered two losses at their hands this season. But it was the hosts who got off to the better start with the technical craft of Omar and industry of Saad Essa at the forefront. A superb full length save by Treharris’ Rob Jones from Abdul kept the scores level. Soon after Abdul’s fierce strike from just inside the box clipped the post before Bowley cleared up the loose ball. Twenty minutes in Treharris’ first attack of any real threat saw Harris play in Sellick who looked to have been bundled over on the penalty spot but Treharris were disappointed to see the referee wave play on. Treharris gradually got to grips with the game and started to spread the ball around on an excellent surface, but had to be careful of the Quins front pair who were a real handful with tricks aplenty. Dai Lee making his first start of an injury-plagued campaign took a free kick 30 yards out and his excellent whipped delivery was met by a bullet header by Ross Porter for 1-0 to Treharris at half-time. Minutes into the second half quick feet by Abdul saw him pick out Dunne whose delivery into the box somehow evaded everyone and found its way to the back post for Essa to tap home from a yard out for the equaliser. Things soon turned worse for Treharris as a mistimed but reckless tackle by Mo Morris wide-out on the touchline floored Dunne and there was no mercy shown as the referee produced a red that more times than not a yellow would have been given. Quins went for the win has they tried to get past Treharris on the flanks but the back three of Hollett, Bowley and Porter held firm. In a reshuffle player-manager Reddy and Gareth Davies entered the field and after another five minutes of frantic defending the visitors started to win a lot more possession which saw Harris, Rees and Reddy begin to dictate the play. One such move saw Rees square the ball into the path of Davies only for Saleh to block the goal-bound effort. A direct and powerful run by Quins’ Dunne ended with Omar firing straight into the hands of the grateful Rob Jones. The lightening speed of Matthew Glassey saw him ease past two defenders before a last-ditch Gibson tackle saved the Quins. With the play going from end to end Quins’ Matthews tried his luck from distance but it lacked direction. On 70 minutes a five-man move in midfield eventually saw Reddy clip an inch-perfect pass over the defence for the onrushing Tom Harris who took it on his chest before side-footing on the volley over keeper Thomas from 25 yards for a goal worthy of winning any match. Quins sent on two substitutes as they looked for a quick response, Treharris sent on Sedgemore in place of the hard working but cramp-suffering Kieron Jones. Young Sedgemoor’s energy and pace was a great outlet in the closing 15 minutes as on numerous occasions he picked out Rees and Harris. With Reddy, Davies and Dai Lee competing well against the impressive pairing of Omar and Essa in midfield Treharris held on in the final minutes for an excellent but on times backs-to-the-wall vital three points. On Saturday Treharris renew rivalries with AFC Porth who visit the Athletic ground for the first of two fixtures between the clubs.
Port Talbot Town 1, Briton Ferry Llansawel 2
Youth Division West
from www.porttalbottown.co.uk
With manager Mark Pike unavailable for this match Wayne Edwards and Rob Wonnacott took temporary charge of the side but could not prevent Briton Ferry Llansawel claiming their first points of the season.
The visitors had lost all eight of their games but played the better football for long periods against a Port Talbot Town side lacking their usual quality and enthusiasm.
Briton Ferry Llansawel went ahead after just eight minutes when Imran Ali found himself in space on the left and placed the ball past advancing goalkeeper Ryan Dummer to hand his side the lead.
Port Talbot pushed for an equaliser and forced a series of corners, one from which Jake Perry hit the post directly before Jamie Jones thought he had equalised for his side on 34 minutes. Another corner from Perry has headed in by Jones but the referee adjudged that there had been an infringement and disallowed the goal.
The visitors then went two goals ahead as a corner was only cleared as far as Daniel Williams on the edge of the area and he drilled a low shot through a crowded area. Goalkeeper Ryan Dummer could not stop the shot as Port Talbot appealed for offside but the referee awarded the goal.
A double substitution midway through the second half brought a more positive performance from Port Talbot Town as Sam France and Liam Pullen were brought on and the forward trio of Pullen, Jamie Jones and Sam Baker began to cause problems for the visitors. At the other end however Ryan Dummer was called into action to make two fine saves while Josh Wonnacott was on hand to prevent any further problems with an assured performance at the back.
Sam Baker found himself through on goal on 75 minutes and thought he had earned his side a penalty when he was brought down in the area but the referee waved play on.
Five minutes later Baker again found himself in space and scored from close range but it was not enough as Briton Ferry Llansawel held on for their first win of the season.
Port Talbot Town: Ryan Dummer, Adam Gaunt, Jake Perry, Aaron Biddescombe, Josh Wonnacott, Luke Paynton, Alex Williams, Chris Silva, Sam Baker, Jamie Jones, Jordan Edwards. Subs - Alex Powell, Liam Pullen, Sam France, Sean Tennant, Daniel Pugh. Goalscorer - Sam Baker (80)
Briton Ferry Llansawel: Geraint Bowden, Oliver Jones, Daniel Williams, Mark Williams, Jamie Griffiths, Lewis Thorpe, Imran Ali, Malik Williams, Sam Baca, Callum Serman, Tim Stevens. Subs - Richard Matthias, Daniel Collins, Drew Beck. Goalscorers - Imran Ali (8), Daniel Williams (41)
Afan Lido 9 Dinas Powys 1
by Morley Williams, Dinas Powys FC
Not sure what Dinas had done to deserve this mauling, granted they played poorly and coupled with every deflection and ricochet seeming to fall to the feet of a Lido player they could not cope with the quick incisive passing of a Lido side who seemed to be able to score almost at will. Their recent form, including a one-all draw against Lido just a few days before, suggested they may get something from this game.
How wrong we all were and once Lido had opened the scoring in the 20th minute they continued to do so with increasing regularity throughout the game. The goals came mainly from prolific scorers Mark Jones (4) and Robbie Walters (3) with Carl Payne and Nathan White also getting a goal each. The lone Dinas goal came from Joe Hinds as the travelling supporters feared double figures, but at least we were spared that ignominy.
At the end of the game the Dinas dressing room was a sorry place to be with players looking shell-shocked but they will quickly have to put this game behind them and manager Danny Kinsey will have to pick the team up for their remaining games most of which are against sides at the lower end of the table.
Squad: 1 Peter Blain, 2 Tom Hutton, 3 Owain Adams, 4 Lloyd Davies, 5 Anthony Roberts 6 Rhodri Foote, 7 Ricki Morgan, 8 Jacob Rudman, 9 Joe Hinds(1), 10 Mark Dunford, 11 Barry Pappin, 12 Tony Wallis, 14 Steve Provis, 15 Karl Steele.
Saturday 20 March 2010 Llanwern 4, AFC Porth 2
by Huw Jones, AFC Porth Porth were again without suspended top scorer Craig Wells and his influence was sorely missed, thankfully he is back for Saturday's game at home to Croesyceiliog. It started so brightly as Christian Burge opened the scoring on eight minutes after a dreadful backpass mix-up, he coolly rounded the keeper to slot home. Soon after a golden chance to double the lead was spurned by Orchard as he failed to test the keeper when put through by Mouncher, another chance went begging as Burge just failed to find the unmarked Davies in the box. The unfortunate Hallett was forced off with a dislocated shoulder on 27 minutes, he was replaced by Owen and soon after a warning for Porth as a free header from a corner was cleared from under the bar. Porth didn’t heed the warning and on 32 minutes, the equaliser as a simple ball over the top caught the defence square and Power slotted home. Unbelievably one minute later it was 2-1 to the home side as Power crossed for strike partner Shire to tap-in the simplest of goals. Porth were showing plenty endeavour but little quality as just before half time it was 3-1 as keeper Williams got his positioning all wrong and palmed the ball back across goal where Power shot home at the second attempt. After a half time roasting Porth as expected piled on the pressure and with just five minutes gone Davies fired home from the edge of the box. It was all Porth now with Llanwern visibly wilting Davies tried his luck again from distance and soon after Adam Wright and Brock replaced Mouncher and Needs. Just as you felt an equaliser was coming Porth again shot themselves in the foot as from a rare foray into the Porth half a corner was completely missed by at least half a dozen players including keeper Williams and Shire headed in unopposed at the far post. That took the wind right out of the sails and to be honest although there were 20 minutes left referee Williams might as well have blown the final whistle then and saved us all the torment. Credit must go to managerless Llanwern who fully deserved the victory and the three points.
Taffs Well 1 Barry Town 2 from Barry Town FC The Dragons returned to Taffs Well on Monday less than a week after the disappointing League Cup result. There was a determination that the previous week’s score line would not be repeated. For this game Christian Miles and Ian Jones replaced Sam Small (suspended) and James Simpson (unavailable). Kirk Huggins (injury) was still unavailable for selection. The players were out of the blocks from the start and despite a heavy sloping pitch were quickly into their passing game. With both teams having pace up front the game swung from end to end with few clear cut chances. With both defences strong chances were few and far between. Taffs Well were relying on quick breaks with the ball being played over the top to turn the Barry Town defence. From one such move Taffs Well thought they had scored but the Referee had spotted a handball by the Taffs Well forward. The Dragons should have had a penalty but the Referee waived play on. Chances fell to Ian Jones and Jaymes Dixon but they were unable to convert them thanks to some desperate defending. The game seemed to be heading for half time with a blank score sheet when a lovely through ball on 43 minutes found Jaymes Dixon unmarked. His pace took him unchallenged into the box where despite a valiant attempt by the keeper he fired the ball home to give The Dragons a deserved lead. The second half started the same way as the first with a lot of pace. The Dragons were playing some great football and three minutes into the half a brilliant pass from Jaymes Dixon played over the top of the static Taffs Well defence found Scott Jones running into space. He controlled the ball well and drove into the penalty area where he placed the ball under the keeper to give The Dragons a two-goal lead. Taffs Well threw caution to the wind and threw everything at The Dragons defence. They had a few shots that were well defended, one even hitting a Barry Town defender and going over the bar. Eventually a ball to the far post found an unmarked Taffs Well forward who fired home. The game started to get a bit frantic and niggly and the Referee intervened to stop what could have been a mass brawl. A couple of yellow cards calmed the situation and the game resumed to its previous frantic pace. Very few chances were now being created with both defences standing firm. On balance The Dragons deserved this hard-foughtvictory against a youthful but skilful Taffs Well side who will only improve with experience. Manager Gavin Chesterfield will be very pleased with the all round performance and also the fact that although not many chances were created, two of them were put away. It is difficult to choose a man of the match from this game as it was a good all-round performance which pleased everyone. The win lifts The Dragons in third spot but they have played more games that the teams around them but the points are on the board. Team: Dan Bradley; Atif Bashir, Dan Clare, Damon Searle, Lewis James; Scott Jones (sub. Michael Parkins), Sam Hartrey, Nickie Jones; Christian Mills (sub Rob Blatchford), Ian Jones, Jaymes Dixon. Subs not used; Richard Johnson, Lewis Cosslett, Josh Bell. Next up: Saturday 27th – Aberaman Athletic - away (2.30pm).
Friday 19 March 2010 Barry Town 1, Ely Rangers 1 from Barry Town FC With Tuesday’s disappointing Nathaniel Cup Exit now behind them The Dragons geared themselves up for further progress up the table by welcoming their near rivals Ely Rangers to Jenner Park on Friday evening. Manager Gavin Chesterfield again made changes bringing back several absentees from Tuesday's encounter in Atif Bashir, James Dixon and Lewis James. Michael Parkins and Ian Jones joined Kirk Huggins as notable absentees due to injury and illness. The Dragons began the game playing at pace and in their usual fashion and might have gone ahead as early as the third minute the ball narrowly missing the post from striker Sam Small. It soon became obvious to onlookers that the failings of recent months began to emerge once again -the inability to turn possession into goals. Barry Town can usually out pass most teams in the Division but the failure to hit the back of the net is a problem this season. With no budget to work with Gavin is restricted in the players available to him. That the team have stayed on despite this is credit to the Management team and the players themselves. Midway into the first half, the talented Pakistan international Atif Bashir on one of his barnstorming runs neatly avoided several defenders tackles before passing into the box where midfield dynamo Scott Jones netted after the ball had rebounded off the post. Barry continued to dominate the rest of the half and had several more opportunities but the score remained 1-0 at the interval. The second half was quite simply dominated by the referee who showed four orfive5 yellow and one red card (to Sam Small). His decision-making infuriated players and Management from both sides and it felt like he wanted to be the centre of attention. The sending off seemed to dent The Dragons confidence and it was only natural that they began to lose their shape allowing their lowly-placed neighbours back into the game. Rangers with space now in which to operate started to exert pressure of their own and equalised when some fine football left of the home side's box by a Rangers player and a well-executed cross by him saw them score with a powerful header from Michael Osbourne (another ex-Dragons player), leaving Dan Bradley in the Barry goal helpless. The Barry manager brought on local boy Christian Mills who as last week lifted the atmosphere with some thrilling runs and cheered on by the fans had a fine shot saved by the visiting keeper. The match finished as a draw which was all in all a fair result. With Sam Small now suspended for two matches Christian may get a start on Monday at Taffs Well. Barry Town need to score goals although every home fan wants to see skilful football as well. The Dragons can certainly live up to that most times but what matters most to the fans is the ball hitting the back of the opposition net. Next up: Saturday March 27th Aberaman, away (2.30pm). BTSC Lottery: No’s. 2, 3, 6, 7, 10, 11. No Winners. Prize now £1, 200.
AFC Llwydcoed 4, Ammanford 3 from AFC Llwydcoed Llwydcoed and Ammanford served up a brilliant game of attacking football, a three-goal spell in the opening minutes of the second half saw Llwydcoed win deservedly, Matthew Reynolds and Christopher Vardon scoring two goals each. AFC Llwydcoed manager Mark Harbord was without Mathew Doherty, Tomos Morris and Brent Hewitt (Captain) so included were new signing Craig Mallett Christopher Vardon and Craig Boulton, the latter putting in a man-of-the-match performance. The early minutes saw Llwydcoed dictate with Ross Williams and Jordan Coles in tandem. The danger from Ammanford was through their left midfield player Richard Lewis who gave Luke Davies some difficult moments. When Llwydcoed won possession, they used new signing Craig Mallett on their left side and combined with Craig Boulton to create problems. Ammanford were on their defensive and a lovely through-ball form Jordan Coles almost gave Christopher Vardon a chance. A few more attacks with Ross Williams and Jonathan Mason involved saw Llwydcoed almost score, but put that to right when Jonathan Mason moved inside after Christopher Vardon put him into space and passed to Matthew Reynolds who shot past the Ammanford goalkeeper Daniel Bowen, a deserved opening goal. Ammanford responded and put Llwydcoed’s defence under pressure, they held out until the ever reliable Leigh Phillips moved out of defence and passed, Ammanford intercepted and broke at pace and that player Richard Lewis moved inside and his right-footed shot on goal hit the post and bounced into the path of Matthew Fisher to score. Llwydcoed had been knocked back after not looking in any danger, worse was to follow when Ammanford’s Steffan Hughes and Gethin Jones split open the Llwydcoed midfield and Dean Jenkins scored in excellent fashion. The half time whistle sounded with Llwydcoed rocking AFC Llwydcoed manager Mark Harbord’s half time team talk was constructive and direct. The second half started with Llwydcoed building. The excellent Craig Boulton encouraged his players to keep working. Then Jordan Coles burst through on another run and caused problems for the Ammanford defence, they failed to clear and Matthew Reynolds equalised. Llwydcoed were on top and a third and fourth goal followed with Craig Boulton involved in both and Christopher Vardon finishing brilliantly, their football at this stage was top class. Ammanford regained their composure although still under pressure, Llwydcoed’s Luke Davies' passing out of defence was first class. The work- rate of Matthew Reynolds was top class, he helped built more attacks with Jordan Coles pulling the strings giving Jonathan Mason several opportunities to attack his Ammanford marker. As the match entered the final twenty minutes Ammanford clawed their way back into the game. The excellent Richard Lewis was allowed too much room as in the first half and shot past the Llwydcoed goalkeeper Rhys James, a poor defensive team goal from Llwydcoed's point of view. The remaining minutes saw Ammanford pressurise the Llwydcoed defence, they had been given a chance to equalise and the way both teams attacked it might happen but Llwydcoed held on to win the points. New signing Craig Mallett had an excellent opening game, he played his part in a brilliant victory.
Bryntirion Athletic 2, Dinas Powys 1 by Peter King Dinas Powys FC After a thorough pitch inspection by the referee this game was deemed playable after heavy rain during the day. The hosts had the best of the early exchanges with first Ricky Hodge shooting wide from a corner and after further strong runs down the left wing by Hodge another corner ensued from the right with Jon Cuss volleying wide. Dinas began to assert some pressure of their own when a good run and cross by Rhodri Foote was met by Joe Hinds but he didn't connect cleanly and the chance was cleared. On the 15 minute mark the hard-working Hinds was fouled when well placed resulting in a yellow card for Cuss. Barry Pappin took the free kick which found Jacob Rudman whose shot cleared the cross-bar. This was followed by another chance when a shot from Hinds was blocked but fell to Mark Dunford who hammered the ball home but was adjudged offside. Dinas finally got the breakthrough on 25 minutes when Hinds again broke into the box but was chopped down. This time Dunford made no mistake from the penalty spot to give the visitors the lead. The hosts then upped the pressure and Dinas held their lead for just 12 minutes before Lloyd Davies was adjudged to have tripped a Bryntirion forward in the box and Tom Wellington made it 1-1 from the spot. Dinas then had to make an early substitution, Rhodri Foote limping off to be replaced by Steve Provis. Just before the interval the visitors' superb keeper Peter Blain had to make a diving save to gather a deflected shot and had to make another save when Cuss got a shot on target from a corner but the half ended level. Dinas had early chances at the start of the second half, Dunford latching onto a through ball but his effort was just wide and a good passing sequence between Hinds and Dunford set up Provis for a chance but he took too long to pull the trigger and was closed down. As the half wore on the hosts began to get on top and Blain put in a man-of-the-match performance blocking shots from all angles and tipping one deep cross cum shot from the Bryntirion captain Paul Evans over the bar. However, the pressure finally told when a cross from the left was swept home by Anthony Rawlings to give the hosts the lead with 15 minutes remaining. Dinas manager Danny Kinsey then rang the changes bringing on Tony Wallis for Hinds, who had put in his usual hard-working performance, and Karl Steel replaced Barry Pappin. It was backs to the wall time for Dinas as the very fit Bryntirion side looked to increase their lead. Hodge did manage to beat Blain but his effort was ruled offside and Dinas saw out the remaining minutes to keep the score respectable. The win took Bryntirion to second spot in the table and Dinas can reflect that they can match the best teams in the Division after their performances over the last three matches. Dinas are on their travels again on Wednesday when they take on Afan Lido at the Marston Stadium with a 7.30pm kick off. Further details can be found on the club's website at www.dinaspowysfc.co.uk.
Barry Town 1, Croesyceiliog 2 Nathaniel Car Sales League Cup Semi Final from Barry Town FC Barry Town went into this game with confidence having seemed to have turned the corner after some indifferent results in January and February. There would have to be a lot of changes to the team with Atif Bashir, Jaymes Dixon and Lewis James all cup-tied and Kirk Huggins joining the once again lengthening injury list. Even with all these changes the team should still have been good enough to win the game against their struggling second division opponents. It is well known that cup games though bring some strange score lines and this game was to prove that. The team started well and were soon into the renowned passing game but within a few minutes a quick ball out to the right was floated into the Barry Town penalty area and suddenly Croesy were 1-0 up. The Dragons were straight back into the match and pressured the Croesy defence before a cross from the left by Nickie Jones found Sam Small at the far post to level the scores. Barry Town completely dominated the first half but were susceptible to quick counter attacks and were nearly caught out but a brilliant stop from Dragons keeper Dan Bradley saved what seemed to be a certain goal. The second half was marred by a serious injury to Croesy defender Huw Williams who was taken to hospital. The game was held up for 10-15 minutes and the break seemed to spur Croesy on and within 10 minutes they had taken the lead again with a carbon copy of their first. The Dragons hit the crossbar twice and chances which should have been taken were not. The Croesy defence stood firm against a Barry Town team which had the majority of the skill, possession and territory but its goals that win games and Croesy had two of them. In the dying seconds a Croesy defender appeared to handle the ball on the line to stop what looked like the goal to take the tie into extra time. Unfortunately for The Dragons neither the referee nor his assistant saw the offence so Croesy hung on for the win. They will play the winners of the Afan Lido - Goytre United tie at a venue to be decided. Whilst all at the Club were desperately disappointed with the outcome we wish Croesy the very best of luck in the Final and also wish Huw Williams a speedy recovery.
Sunday 14 March 2010 Afan Lido 4, Port Talbot Town 2 Youth Division West from www.porttalbottown.co.uk Former Port Talbot Town midfielder Rory Healey was named in the Lido starting line- up for this local derby while Luke Martin returned in goal for Mark Pike’s side. Lido pushed the early pressure with some testing runs on the right of midfield but it was the visitors who opened the scoring after just four minutes when Alex Williams headed home from a corner. The goal rattled Lido but boosted Port Talbot’s confidence and they continued to push forward and closed down their opponents quickly in midfield. A break on the left by Sam France enabled him to create enough space to cross the ball for Luke Paynton to head back across goal and past Lido goalkeeper Conah Williams to double his side's advantage. Lido settled into the game shortly after and began to retain possession for long periods while the forward pairing of Ellis Harris and Luke Borrelli caused the Port Talbot Town defence a number of problems as they went in search of a goal to bring themselves back into the match. Port Talbot Town goalkeeper Luke Martin was called into action but could not stop Borrelli pulling a goal back for the home side after 25 minutes. The goal handed Lido the edge and they continued to cause problems for the visitors while restricting them to half-chances on the counter-attack. Just before the half- time whistle Lido equalised as Ellis Harris found himself in space inside the area and he made no mistake from close range.
The home side started the second half brightly although Port Talbot began to create more chances for themselves at the other end but it was Lido who took the lead on 58 minutes when Harris scored his second of the game and the lead was extended on 85 minutes when Borrelli scored his side's fourth. At the other end Alex Williams had a long range effort well saved by Conah Williams before substitute. Oliver Bowen came close after rounding the keeper way outside his area but his shot drifted wide. A bad tackle on Sam France was then missed by the referee before he brought the competitive contest to a close.
Afan Lido - Conah Williams, Nathan Doyle, Conor Harris, Grant Fisher, Matthew Beynon, James McEvoy, Niall Lewis, Rory Healey, Ellis Harris, Luke Borelli, Remi Whitelock. Subs - Callum Fleming, Dan Symons, Matthew Doyle.
Goalscorers - Luke Borelli (25), (85), Ellis Harris (44), (58).
Port Talbot Town - Luke Martin, Jordan Tomlinson, Ryan Bowen, Aaron Biddescombe, Josh Wonnacott, Luke Paynton, Alex Williams, Sean Tennant, Sam Baker, Daniel Pugh, Sam France. Subs - Jamie Jones, Alex Powel, Oliver Bowen, Adam Thornton, Chris Silva.
Goalscorers - Alex Williams (4), Luke Paynton (9).
Saturday 13 March 2010 Risca United 2, Troedyrhiw 1 from Troedyrhiw FC 'Rhiw travelled to Ty-Isaf Park in Risca last Saturday to take on their hosts who are also struggling in the bottom half of the league table. 'Rhiw were looking to continue their recent run of form and gain momentum in their quest to climb the table. They got off to the worst possible start when it was Risca who scored in the opening minutes. Soon after though 'Rhiw hit back with what they thought was the equaliser, only to see the referee disallow it for handball by Chris Quinlan, a claim which was vehemently denied by the 'Rhiw man who insists that the ball struck his face. The final decision though is with the man in the middle and 'Rhiw remained 1-0 down. 'Rhiw looked out of sorts for vast periods of the half and were unable to find any sort of rhythm and it was Risca who scored a second to make it 2-0. The second goal looked suspiciously offside to everyone except to the man that mattered - the referee. Suitably aggrieved 'Rhiw looked to hit back but despite a handful of chances were unable to reduce the deficit before the break. 'Rhiw came out for the second half with renewed vigour, and they scored minutes from the restart when Rhys Nolan's sublime corner-kick was met with a thumping trademark header from skipper Chris Siers. At 2-1 'Rhiw really 'put their foot on the gas' and pressed their hosts and had them on the retreat for the majority of the half. Chance after chance came for 'Rhiw and Risca were a shadow of their first half showing as the visitors lay siege to the home goal. Goalscoring chances were coming thick and fast for 'Rhiw, and the home contingent were frayed with nerves and praying for the final whistle such was 'Rhiw's dominance in the half. Despite this 'Rhiw were unable to conjure up that second goal and as the final whistle went it was the Gwent men who recorded the narrow victory. 'Rhiw look to overcome this setback when they welcome old adversaries Briton Ferry Llansawel to The Willows this Saturday hoping to avenge defeat at the hands of their visitors earlier in the campaign. Kick off 2.30pm
Saturday 13 March 2010 AFC Porth 0, Caerau (Ely) 2
by Huw Jones, AFC Porth Keeper Williams was the busier as he superbly tipped a stinging shot around for a corner on 27 minutes after a neat five-man build up by Caerau. Porth didn't heed the warning and from the resulting corner the ball was played back in TJ Nagi, the only footballer I know in the Nagi family, sorry Paul, was being held up and was facing away from goal when inexplicable Hallett stuck out a leg and gave a soft penalty away, up stepped James Cotterill to beat Williams. Burnett had his first real action on 34 minutes when Orchard tried his luck from distance. Caerau where totally dominating the midfield area and had loads possession, Porth chasing shadows and living off scraps. On 42 minutes it got worse as Gilbert was allowed acres of room to lob in from 12 yards, where was the marking? Not just the defence but the midfield were totally non-descript, it summed up Porth's woeful first half performance with one shot on target in the whole 45 minutes. Minutes after the restart Cory replaced Hares with Coles moving into midfield to liven things up. On 55 minutes Porth’s day was summed up Orchard played a cross in and keeper Burnett who was solid throughout misjudged the flight, the ball clipped the bar and fell to Wright some six yards out, he smashed the ball goalward where a defender blocked the ball with his arm, the referee said he was unsighted but the linesman should have seen it, but play was waived on. Wright had another golden opportunity when the ball fell to him but he hit it straight at the keeper, Porth were huffing but with little puff to be honest. Howard Burge replaced Hallett, and with a last throw dice manager Young came on for the last 10 minutes. Caerau defended well and closed out the game with few anxious moments. There still 16 games to go, almost half the season, but Porth must start showing some battling qualities, get a grip on the game first and then show the undoubted quality this squad of players has. Tredegar away on Tuesday takes on more significance and their record this season suggests its going to be a hard-fought game, but we have to be up for it, this club has come miles in the last three years, a third successive promotion is still within reach, its up to the players now.
Saturday 13 March 2010 Caerleon 1, Barry Town 2 from Barry Town FC Results in recent matches have shown The Dragons appearing to have rediscovered their fine early season form. Against league leaders Goytre in midweek, they were by far the better footballing side and but for a fine performance by the home keeper an even better score than the eventual 1-1 would have been forthcoming. Travelling to the old Roman town of Caerleon should have held no fears for manager Gavin Chesterfield and his team in their attempts to climb the table of the second tier of Welsh domestic football. With Tuesdays’ cup semi final in mind a couple of changes were made by the manager with Lewis James coming in at full back and Ian Jones starting up front. Caerleon are currently bottom of the league and are fighting to ensure their Division One status for next season so a gladiatorial encounter was in prospect for the team and their fans. Well gladiatorial it hardly was, as the Romans built another wall, this time around the home goalmouth and to be fair defended it stoutly on a pitch which was certainly not conducive to any real flowing football. Barry Town although being superior in their skills struggled to breach it with shots being cleared off the line and some brilliant saves from the home keeper preventing them from doing so. Against the run of play however it was Romans who took the lead with a well taken goal from a disputed comer with a home player swivelling and hitting a fine shot beyond the sprawling Dan Bradley at his near post in the Barry goal. The second half showed the home fans what they were up against. In the 47th minute and playing in familiar style The Dragons scored their deserved equaliser. James Simpson floated a fine free kick in from wide right of the box and it saw former Welsh Premier predator Ian Jones heading a fine goal at the far post. Jones was playing his first full game for some months and showed the fans what they had been missing in his absence. The home side were still putting up the shutters with some fine defensive performances and solely relying on the pace of their front runners like Luke Cueto. With defenders Atif Bashir, Lewis James, Dan Clare and the immensely experienced and capable Damon Searle also playing well it was only a matter of time before this equaliser came. Midfielders James Simpson, Nickie Jones and Sam Hartrey were industrious and coped well in controlling the game even though the uneven surface was difficult to contend with. The winner came in the 56th minute when Nickie Jones played a square ball to fellow midfielder Sam Hartrey who from fully 20 yards hit a shot of such ferocity that it hit the back of the net before the home keeper even moved. Goals of such quality are rare at this level and if it were seen on the box pundits would be drooling and many repeats would be forthcoming. As in many games this season The Dragons were the better side but so often the right result has not been forthcoming. On this occasion though, it did with Barry Town deserving the win although to the Romans credit they never stopped trying. Next up: Tuesday 16th – Nathaniel Cars League Cup Semi Final, at Taffs Well, v Croesyceiliog. ko 7.00pm. Friday 19th - Ely Rangers, Home, ko 7.45pm. Monday 22nd – Taffs Well, Away, ko 7.15pm. BTSC Lotto No’s 1. 2. 5. 8. 9. 11. No winners. Prize now £1,150.
Bryntirion Athletic 1, Llanelli 1
Youth Division West
from Bryntirion Athletic FC
Bryntirion U19s went into this top of the table clash versus Welsh Premier League opposition Llanelli with a number of injuries to key players.
The home team started brightly and took the game to their esteemed visitors whose side contained a number of players with first team experience plus a number of ex-Swansea City youth players.
Nevertheless Bryntirion were not to be outshone by their opponents and following a spell of early pressure, they took the lead after 15 minutes when following a corner from Joe Hopkins, striker Davey Lavers drilled the ball into the back of the visitors net.
The Bryntirion midfield of Hopkins, Morgan, Emanuel and Newman contained the visitors threat and whilst Llanelli always looked dangerous on the break James Huxtable in the hosts goal produced a fine save when he rushed off his line to smother a sure-fire effort from the Llanelli striker.
After 30 minutes of play a solid challenge from Llanelli resulted in an injury to Bryntirion's Ricky Newman who was replaced by Matthew Jones who was making only his third appearance for the U19s. As the first half progressed both teams squandered efforts in front of goal but the home team went in at half time with a deserved 1- 0 lead.
After what must have been a blunt and direct half time briefing the Llanelli players started the second half with renewed vigour and after just six minutes from kick off they equalised following some good combination play on their left. The ball was driven across the Bryntirion penalty area and was well finished by Kieran Hayes giving the home keeper little chance.
Bryntirion had to re-shuffle their pack when Glyn Davies was introduced following a foul on in-form striker Craig Davies. Despite these changes Bryntirion continued to look confident but after an hour of play following a coming together of midfielders from each side, mayhem ensued when both teams decided to play out a scene from "Rocky" which was difficult to contain for the match officials.
The end result was a red card for a Bryntirion player and a yellow for both a Llanelli player and a Bryntirion player. Unfortunately in the melee the officials missed the initial push from a Llanelli player and the fact that the Bryntirion striker had his shirt ripped from his torso.
The game continued to be played at a frantic pace as both sides pushed for the winner. Craig Davies, Matthew Jones and Joe Hopkins all missed opportunities that on another day would probably have found the back of the net.
Llanelli tried in vain to make their numerical advantage pay but couldn't break down a resolute Bryntirion defence of Thomas, Budd, Llewellyn and Davies.
Bryntirion stay top of the league by one point, Llanelli slip to third following Afan Lido's victory over Port Talbot Town which moves them up to second place.
Saturday 13 March 2010 Bridgend Town 2, Ton Pentre 0 from Ton Pentre FC Bridgend Town got a vital win at their Brewery Field ground as they took another step towards MacWhirter Welsh League Division One safety following a poor showing by Ton Pentre who were defeated 2-0. The Rhondda Bulldogs were certainly more effective in the first half compared to their second half performance and were able to muster up a few half chances. A ball from the right wing was sent deep into the Bridgend box early on in the half and Alyn Jones brought it down into his possession. The Ton Pentre captain decided to have a shot that continued to rise and go over Neil Collins’ cross bar. Although they had failed to start well, Bridgend Town did look dangerous on occasions when going forward. The Rhondda Bulldogs were forced to clear off the line following one of these attacks after the ball rebounded around the penalty area as Bridgend desperately attempted to find that killer touch. Fortunately for Ton, Phil Clarke was positioned under the cross bar to punt the ball away to safety. As the half progressed Ton Pentre looked comfortable without really threatening, however, a long Lloyd Toghill throw-in sent into the Bridgend box caused the home team some difficulty. Tom Davies met the throw at the near post where he flicked the ball onto Leon Young who powerfully connected but headed his effort painstakingly over the bar. Bridgend looked more assured in the second half as the Bulldogs lacked organisation, and as the match approached the hour mark, Ton Pentre were punished for lacklustre defending when they were forced to clear the ball off the line for the second time, which lead to a corner. The corner kick was sent to the far post where former Bulldogs captain Ryan Morgan headed the ball back across the box. Bridgend defender Brian Showdery connected to hit the ball into the Ton net making it 1-0. Moments later Bridgend won another corner and it was a carbon copy of their previous effort but just as the ball was finding its way into the back of the net the Assistant Referee signalled that the goal scorer was offside sparing Ton’s blushes for poor defending. Ton Pentre were consigned to defeat inside the final ten minutes of the match when Paul Jones connected with a cross from the right to head the ball past Leighton James. Calvin Mclaggon created Ton’s only shot on target deep into second half injury time when his direct play highlighted vulnerability in the Bridgend defence but the Bulldogs hit the post with their shot to round off a very disappointing performance. Garden Village are visitors to Ynys Park on Saturday, 20th March for a 2.30pm kick off. Ton Pentre: 1. Leighton James, 2. Matthew Hearne, 3. Phil Clarke, 4. Adam Lewis, 5. Tom Davies, 6. Leon Young, 7. Wayne Antionazzi (76mins), 8. Liam Hutchinson (67mins), 9. Chris Jones, 10. Lloyd Toghill (76mins), 11. Alyn Jones (Captain). Substitutes: 12. Fraser Williams (67mins), 14. Calvin Mclaggon (76mins), 15. Martyn Phillips (76mins), 16. Andrew Hughes. Goals: None Bookings: Hearne 78, Lewis 81 Referee: Mike Ford (Pontypridd)
Saturday 13 March 2010 Ammanford 2, Treharris Athletic Western 0 from Treharris Athletic Western FC Two form teams met as Treharris made the journey to Ammanford. With the game only three minutes old, home striker Fayers failed to find the target from two yards out, scooping the ball over. Treharris’ first venture forward saw Bowley send Sellick through on goal but he dragged his shot wide. Then after tricky winger Lewis sent over a superb cross, Treharris’ defender Porter headed over to concede a corner. As the game settled into a midfield battle both sides were playing on the counter attack using fast wide men as outlets. The opening goal came from a home corner with striker Luke Fayers pulling away to the back post controlling and picking out Bowen to score from six yards. Treharris tried to up the tempo and had half-chances for Harris and Sedgemore. A 20-yard freekick from Mo Morris was saved by Ammanford’s keeper Lloyd. Soon after home player Jenkins tried his luck from distance as half time arrived. Treharris, missing influential players Bounds, Reddy, Davies and Rees knew a strong start to the second half was required if they were to get back into the match. But Ammanford were to create the first chance as Fayers goalbound header was expertly clawed out by Rob Jones in the Treharris goal, to keep the visitors in contention. Intricate play between Ammanford’s Evans and Jones saw Bowen cross and Jenkins just failing to get the finishing touch. A fine move down the flank saw Glassey and Batten play in Sedgemore whose shot was smothered by the home keeper. Treharris’ fullback Keiron Jones tried his luck from distance but lacked the power to really test the keeper. Lively winger Lewis settled the match in injury time as he ran onto a pass and comfortably rounded Jones to fire into an empty net.
Saturday 13 March 2010 Newcastle Emlyn 3, AFC Llwydcoed 1 from AFC Llwydcoed Llwydcoed travelled to Parc Emlyn in buoyant mood after four consecutive victories, another victory would move them into third position. Top scorer Christopher Vardon failed a fitness test making things more difficult for manager Mark Harbord, the story of the season so far. Also, Craig Boulton was not available so Garin Withers and Jonathan Mason received the call. Emlyn set their stall out from the start, direct from the kick off using the electric pace out wide right, it brought early pressure that Ryan Barry and Luke Davies found uncontrollable. A spate of early free kicks were not in the script. Leigh Phillips won some towering headers to clear the danger but Emlyn were not to be denied, Llwydcoed cleared a corner to the edge of the box that Emlyn defender Gary Evans scooped over Rhys James to open the scoring, Emlyn’s Sam Thomas was having a top game and he lost his midfield marker to score a fine headed goal and an excellent team goal. The pace of the Emlyn’s midfield was excellent and Llwydcoed were yards slower in being totally over-run, When they did move through this torrid opening Garin Withers moved forward from a Jordan Coles combination that Emlyn just about cleared, another attack by Llwydcoed saw Ross Williams almost giving Matthew Reynolds a chance.but Llwydcoed could not score from this spell of pressure. Jonathan Mason thought he had created a goal for Matthew Reynolds but his header was cleared off the line, another goa-l line clearance saved Emlyn a goal for Llwydcoed at this stage would have been a boost and a half. Llwydcoed knew they had to start the second half where they left off in the first. Emlyn defended their advantage and kept their shape and stopped Llwydcoed from creating any dangerous moves toward goal. The match became stop-start, both teams receiving far too many cautions. Llwydcoed were punished for some shocking defending when Emlyn’s Owen Thomas danced through some nonchalant defending to score in style,. Llwydcoed were now on the ropes, Emlyn could have scored a lot more if it had not been for Llwydcoed’s goalkeeper Rhys James, although the indecision and indiscipline did not help. The introduction of Llwydcoed substitutes Craig Mallett and Tomos Morris gave the team a boost, they pulled a goal back, Ross Williams scoring with a looping header. Emlyn were under pressure and Matthew Reynolds used his physical presence to turn the Emlyn defender who in turn pulled him down on the edge of the penalty area, a free kick was the award, a penalty would have been handy. Llwydcoed finished the match trying to reduce the arrears, Emlyn held on and deserved their victory in a very stop-start match, one Llwydcoed must learn from as they are a lot more experienced than Emlyn and should look at themselves instead of blaming the match officials.
Dinas Powys 1, Afan Lido 1 by Peter King, Dinas Powys FC Despite having one or two regulars unavailable, Dinas came within five minutes of registering their third straight win against opposition from the top end of the table. The game started evenly but it was the visitors who had the first chance, Nathan White connecting with a cross from the left but his effort was off target. Lido also had three early corners but the Dinas centre-back pairing of Tony Roberts and Lloyd Davies were in fine form and cleared the danger. The game was quite physical at times and the hosts' Jacob Rudman needed treatment after a robust tackle. Recent signing Barry Pappin was making some good runs down the left and on one occasion threaded a fine through ball into the path of Mark Dunford but the Lido defence just got to the ball first. It was White again on 20 minutes who latched onto a long clearance from keeper Michael Lewis but again he was off target. Dinas began to assert some pressure and on two occasions Paul Carro used his pace to put in good crosses, one of which Mark Dunford headed just over the bar. Dinas finally got the breakthrough with four minutes of the half remaining, this time it was Pappin who beat his marker to put in a fine cross from the left for Dunford to head home for the opener leaving Michael Lewis rooted to the spot. The half-time entertainment this week was provided by Dinas Wolves under-eights with a five-a-side match. The visitors introduced prolific striker Robbie Walters at the start of the second half and they began to get the upper hand with a succession of corners, but the Dinas defence cleared time after time. Peter Blaine also had a powerful 30-yard free kick from Scott McCoubrey to deal with but he gathered if comfortably. Lido were getting frustrated and after a bad foul on Rudman, White was shown the yellow card and also defender Damon Thomas for getting involved. Dinas manager Danny Kinsey then rang the changes bringing on Karl Steel for Paul Carro and Steve Provis for Dunford. Further knocks were incurred by Lloyd Davies and Rhodri Foote but they both soldiered on and just as it looked as though Dinas would hang on to the points, Nathan White drove a loose ball into the corner of the net from 16 yards to grab a share of the points. Dinas saw out the remaining minutes and were probably more pleased with the result than their opponents. Next game for Dinas is on Friday, 19th March at Bryntirion with a 7.30pm kick off. Further information can be found on the club's web site at www.dinaspowysfc.co.uk.
Wednesday 10 March 2010 Ton Pentre 2, Taffs Well 1 from Ton Pentre FC A splendid first half performance saw Ton Pentre score the goals that they needed to defeat a Taffs Well team that four days earlier had ended Goytre United’s 27 game unbeaten run. The Bulldogs had to fend off a strong second half comeback by their opponents, which made the victory at Ynys Park that much sweeter for manager Andrew Hughes and his players. Former Taffs Well midfielder Lloyd Toghill gave Ton Pentre a 13th minute lead when his strike from outside the box whizzed past goalkeeper Jon Howe. The chance arose after Chris Jones showed real strength in holding the ball up before providing the lay off for Toghill’s strike. Ton Pentre were playing some excellent football and it was no surprise when Wayne Antoniazzi was presented with a chance after being released on goal by a wonderful through ball. With time and space to shoot the winger watched his effort beat Howe but crash against the keeper’s left-hand post. Soon after, Antoniazzi was involved once again, this time he made easy work of avoiding Matthew James’ attempts to stop him as he ran towards the Taffs Well box. Antoniazzi then threaded a pass to Chris Jones who had a great chance to score but the striker sent his shot wide of the post. The Bulldogs deserved a second goal and duly got it four minutes before half time. After receiving the ball 25-yards out from goal, Liam Hutchinson felt confident enough to hit a long range shot. His endeavour caught the Taffs Well defence by surprise when the ball skimmed across the ground before nestling in the bottom left hand corner of the goal. Taffs Well made an excellent start to the second half taking just three minutes to grasp full advantage of some slack Ton Pentre defending by making it 2-1. Taffs Well thought they’d scored an equaliser five minutes later when they found the back of the net again, but the goal was ruled out by the Assistant Referee who flagged for an offside infringement. Following a fabulous save by Leighton James to keep the Bulldogs in front on the hour, Ton Pentre appeared to have endured Taffs Well’s onslaught and began to find their foothold in the game once again. Fraser Williams, who had replaced Lloyd Toghill, was having much joy on the left wing and could have scored to ease the pressure on the Bulldogs in the 82nd minute. Leon Young had shown great vision to send a cross field pass out to Williams who had space to take a defender on and get into the 18-yard box. He lined up a shot but the youngster fired the ball inches over the bar. Ton were put on the back foot once more during injury time when James was again on hand to pull off a terrific save after Taffs Well were allowed too much space in and around the box. Tyrone Topper had a chance to equalise after latching on to a pass deep inside the area but the Ton keeper produced a point-blank block to deny the Taffs Well player. If Topper had managed to tap the ball either side of James the match would have been drawn. It was an excellent result for the Bulldogs particularly after their disappointing 4-3 defeat to Dinas Powys the previous Saturday. Up next it’s a trip to the Brewery Field for Ton Pentre against underachieving Bridgend Town. Kick off for the MacWhirter Welsh League Division One fixture is at 2.30pm on Saturday, 13th March.
Goytre United 1, Barry Town 1 by David Cole, Barry Town FC The Dragons travelled to table-toppers Goytre United with two successive wins behind them and as a result moving into the top six. Goytre United have been one of the strongest teams in The Welsh League for some years so a hard battle was expected. The first half though belonged in the main to The Dragons with some fast flowing football but they were unable to get the lead they deserved due in the main to some superb saves from Chris Curtis in the Goytre United goal and some quality defending by the hosts. With Richard Ryan and Chris Summers up front the opposition were always going to be dangerous on the break but The Dragons defence stood the test well and chances were few and far between. Sam Small, Jaymes Dixon and Rob Blatchford all came close but the half finished with neither side able to score. Dragon’s Manager, Gavin Chesterfield will have had a much easier half time talk than of late, with the request being more of the same. The second half saw a much rejuvenated Goytre United, not unexpected from such a quality team, really start to attack at pace. The Dragons midfield and defence were stretched at times but managed to hold out under the pressure whilst putting the opposition under pressure by also breaking at pace and the game ebbed and flowed with neither keeper troubled. After weathering the storm The Dragons again showed their qualities by putting the hosts under much pressure. As ever in these games a 0-0 draw was looking the most likely outcome when on 70 minutes the first goal of the game came. Prolific striker Chris Summers twisted and turned on the left and turned provider with a beautiful chip to the far post where Ryan out-jumped the defence to give Goytre United a lead. Having played their part in a pulsating game it would have been so easy for heads to drop but the confidence amongst the players is high at present and the team went looking for an equaliser. It duly arrived with 13 minutes remaining from an unlikely source, Damon Searle. The goal was virtually a carbon copy of the oppositions as a cross to the far post was put into the net. There was some ferocious tackling and the Referee was forced to brandish a few yellow cards. It was not a ‘dirty’ game but just two very committed and very good teams determined to get the winner. Goytre United had a chance when a thundering shot from 25 yards crashed against the crossbar but the rebound was cleared. San Harterey and Ian Jones both had chances to win the game for The Dragons late on but stumbled at the last moment. The last chance, and most probably the easiest, fell to Goytre United with seconds left, but with the goal at his mercy, Ryan managed to fire the ball over the crossbar from six yards out. The game, which finished with both teams picking up a point, was a great advert for Welsh League football and both teams will be satisfied with a point but they will also rue the chances to have picked up all three points, although to be fair it would have been harsh for either side to have lost this game. Barry Town: Dan Bradley; Atif Bashir, Dan Clare, Damon Searle, Kirk Huggins; Rob Blatchford, Michael Parkins, Sam Hartrey, Nickie Jones (sub Lewis James); Sam Small (sub Christian Mills), Jaymes Dixon (sub Ian Jones). Subs not used – Lewis Cosslett, James Simpson.
Saturday 6 March 2010 Llantwit Fardre 1, Troedyrhiw 2 from Troedyrhiw FC 'Rhiw made the short journey to Tonteg Park last Saturday to take on fellow league strugglers Llantwit Fardre. They went there in the knowledge that nothing short of three points was what they needed to aid their climb up the league table. A cagey opening saw 'Rhiw gradually gain the ascendancy and they were starting to put Fardre under extreme pressure and chances indeed came their way. It wasn't until the 22nd minute though that 'Rhiw got the breakthrough they needed courtesy of a Craig Howells effort which was finished with aplomb to give his side a 1-0 lead. More goal scoring opportunities came their way and in particular Chris Siers who was impressive throughout, came extremely close to putting his side further in front but saw his effort go awry. 'Rhiw continued pressuring their hosts but were unable to score the elusive second goal. Fardre had a handful of goal scoring chances but found 'Rhiw 'keeper David Stephens and his defence in defiant mood. Therefore the half-time score remained 0-1. The second half saw much of the same from 'Rhiw and chances came thick and fast. Siers again nearly got his name on the score sheet but his effort was stopped by the home 'keeper. Fardre slowly got in the game and 'Rhiw knew they needed that second goal. Sure enough it duly arrived when Gareth Harbord's long range shot found it's way over the line despite the home defence's best efforts and the referee was well placed to award the goal. Now 2-0 up 'Rhiw were hungry for more and set about scoring further. With the game nearing it's end though, it was Fardre who pulled a goal back to make for a tense finish. This wasn't helped by a massive amount of time added on by the referee to fray 'Rhiw nerves a little. When the man in the middle eventually blew for full time it was 'Rhiw who emerged deserved winners. The whole team are to be commended for their hard work and commitment throughout. 'Rhiw look to take this through to their next game when they take on Risca Utd away at Ty-Isaf Park on Saturday. Kick off is at 2.30pm. * Last Saturday evening Troedyrhiw FC held one of their regular "Stars In Their Eyes" shows at Troedyrhiw Ex Club. A capacity crowd were treated to performances from Elvis Presley, Shania Twain, Liam Gallagher, Lady GaGa, Madonna, Katy Perry, Tom Jones, Freddie Mercury and Shakin' Stevens. The eventual winner was Lady GaGa aka Donna Lewis whose rendition of Bad Romance won the crowds vote. The night was a huge success and Troedyrhiw FC would like to thank Richie Collins for being an excellent compere, the staff and committee of Troedyrhiw Ex Club and of course all those who supported the night, including local Councillors. A special mention must go to event organiser Michael Cope who did a great job.
Saturday 6 March 2010 Risca United 2, Cwmaman Institute 3 from Cwmaman Institute FC Cwmaman were forced into make two changes after their win at Pontyclun. Ross Williams and Leon Bansal were unavailable and in came Leighton Price and Daniel Johnson. Once again the playing surface left a lot to be desired but what a start Cwmaman had, from the kick off the ball was laid up to Seb Haggett by Matthew Cable who set it up for Connor Wickham and he hit the ball into the bottom corner of the net, all within 30 seconds! They continued to control the game in the opening period with the home defence at sixes and sevens. Carl Jenkins was everywhere in midfield and Stuart Evans commanding at the back. The much bigger Risca team gradually got a foot hold in the game, when they were rocked back on their heels with a gem of a goal. Young Connor Wickham took a free kick which found Cable at the far post, his header was put back across goal for Jarrad Price to have the easy task of knocking it over the line. The home team came back and put Cwmaman under pressure, the much bigger Risca side were playing the long ball and forced a series of corners, from one of these corners they pulled a goal back, the big centre back was left unmarked at the far post to hit a shot which was deflected past Truelove to make the half time score 1-2. It was Cwmaman who put the pressure on early in the second half and were rewarded with a third goal on 47 minutes, a corner was only half cleared to Cable who put the ball into the far corner. This was the buffer Cwmaman needed and they control the next 20 minutes with their pass and move game. Risca to their credit came back at Cwm, they had to be at their best to keep out the home team who put the ball into the box on numerous occasions, but it was Evans and Cable who were at hand to clear time and again. The home team did score on 88 minutes when Cwm failed to clear and the ball was prodded home from close range. This was nine matches undefeated for Cwmaman, they are now gaining confidence with every game, this was a difficult game and Cwm showed how they can mix it and come out on top.
8 March 2010
by Huw Jones, AFC Porth They fell behind after only two minutes when hesitation at a corner resulted in home striker Ollie Beckett turning the ball in from eight yards.. Porth must cut out these lapses, but credit the players for taking the game to their hosts as they deservedly equalised before half time through Adam Wright, who found space and drove home from an acute angle. His third goal of the season in only three starts. Porth dominated second half possession and further goals from top scorer Craig Wells, his 10th of the season, and midfield maestro Craig Davies sealed the three points. Porth have midweek games in both the next two weeks and look to climb the table, and put themselves in the pack vying for promotion. Porth's defence on Saturday contained 17-year-old Jarrad Wright, two 18- year-olds in Josh Owen and Keiron Coles, and "Old Man" John Noble who has been with the Club longer than Jarrad Wright has been alive , amazing and a testament to both the fantastic youth set-up at Porth with tremendously hard-working coaches, and John Noble's unswerving loyalty which has earned him the deserved tag of "Mr Porth". The Welsh League Reserve Side beat Bettws 2-0 at Dinas Park, although they left it late with deserved goals for top scorer Dean Lewis his eighth of the season, and Anthony Hares his seventh brought gained all three points. The Youth Central Division reigning champions, continued their unbeaten run by defeating Merthyr Tydfil at Penydarren Park by 3-0..Goals from Jarrad Wright, and two from Adam Wright sealed a battling performance. Four of the starting line up began for the first team on Saturday, a remarkable achievement.
Saturday 6 March 2010 Cwmbran Celtic 1, Penrhiwceiber Rangers 3 from Penrhiwceiber Rangers FC Penrhiwceiber Rangers stormed back to the top of the league in emphatic style at Celtic Park, Cwmbran, not an easy place to get a result at the best of times. This was a vital game for both sides, with so much at stake this was not a football classic, but nevertheless a very exciting and competitive game played in good spirit. Ceiber went in front inside five minutes, with good play through Ceiber’s midfield the ball was played into the path of striker Adam Callan, with his back to goal he played a clever flick to put in co-striker Ryan Buchmann, he controlled the ball and passed it into the far corner. Celtic were enjoying most of the possession at this stage and created a number of half-chances and they pulled a goal back after thirty minutes, striker Scott Lanyon found space in the box and he finished with a shot low in the corner. Ceiber came back into the game forcing a number of corners and went back in front just before the break, good play down Ceiber’s left flank, the ball played into midfield where wingback Jason Lewis hit a screamer from twenty yards. The second half was pretty even but settled into a pattern with Ceiber defending but looking dangerous on the break. Celtic tended to try and put Ceiber under pressure with high balls into the box, but Ceiber were comfortable with this as Ceiber’s central defenders Nathan king and Steve Temple were in commanding form,. The game was finally won in the eighty-first minute, Ceiber forced a number of corners and from one striker Ryan Buchmann got in at the far post to head past keeper Bayley. A good day for Ceiber, the season is now set for an exciting finale.
Saturday 6 March 2010 Barry Town 2, Cardiff Corinthians 0 by Dave Cronk and David Cole, Barry Town FC With last week's excellent performance in mind Manager Gavin Chesterfield welcomed near neighbours Cardiff Corries to Jenner Park for this important first division match. All were hoping for another show of the increased confidence and performance displayed last week at Bridgend Town. It was however in the first half anything but. It was the Corries that took the plaudits in this period, their shoot on sight and pressing of the ball policy clearly upset their more experienced opponents. But for the crossbar and some excellent goalkeeping by Dan Bradley in the home goal the visitors could easily have been three or four goals up by half time.
The Dragons created very little and were chasing the ball
with little effect. It must be admitted that much against the run of
play it was The Dragons who took the lead right on the stroke of half
time. Recently returned Pakistan international Atif Bashir played the
ball into the path of Rob Blatchford who passed the ball into the box
for striker Jaymes Dixon, with his back to goal, to cleverly back heel
it into the net past the visiting keeper. The half time whistle went
just as the Radyr based outfit kicked off and they could rightly
consider themselves unlucky to go in one down. With striker Sam Small now holding the line well, Barry Town gained more room in which to operate. They took full advantage of this freedom midway into the second half when Jaymes Dixon, who had looked lively throughout, popped up in the box and from close in hit a half volley into the net from a parried shot by the keeper.
Barry were now fully in control of the game over for their
plucky opponents who were by this time finding the big pitch somewhat
tiring in having to chase the game, with substitutions made by both
teams the match came to its inevitable conclusion, with another win for
The Dragons. Barry Town: Dan Bradley; Atif Bashir, Dan Clare, Damon Searle, Kirk Huggins; Rob Blatchford (sub Ian Jones), Michael Parkins (sub James Simpson), Sam Hartrey, Nickie Jones; Sam Small (sub Christian Mills), Jaymes Dixon. Subs not used – Lewis Cosslett, Lewis James. Next Up Wednesday: Goytre United (away) March 10th. ko.
7.30pm.
Saturday 6 March 2010
Treharris Athletic Western 4, Newcastle Emlyn 1
from Treharris Athletic Western FC With strike duo Batten and Bounds missing through work commitments and suspension respectively Treharris reshuffled pushing Rees and Davies into advanced roles for the visit of promotion-chasing Newcastle Emlyn. Treharris got off to a fast and furious start creating early chances for Gareth Davies and one that saw young Matt Sellick crash against the bar from close range. Treharris’ veteran keeper Rob Jones saving a one-on-one from the visitors first forage into the Treharris goalmouth. In the 12th minute a flowing move between Keiron Jones and Matt Glassey saw Davies head on for Rees to fire home into the bottom corner from 18 yards. With a fast and energetic pattern to their play Treharris were well on top with Emlyn picking up a couple of cautions as they grew frustrated with some of the refereeing decisions. A Reddy pass sent Mathew Glassey clear but just has he was about to shoot a cracking last ditch tackle by Gary Evans saved the visitors. Moments later though a long throw into the box saw Evans turn into the villain has he wrestled Jamie Rees to the floor, from the resultant penalty Reddy fired confidently into the corner for 2-0 On the stroke of half-time Sellick was bundled over in the box but was left frustrated to see the referee wave away his penalty appeal. An evenly contested opening to the second half saw a partially cleared ball fall to Alex Vincent who shot home after the initial save by Rob Jones. Treharris were shocked to see Emlyn back in the game that they had been second best in for long periods but to their credit kept their passing and movement going. For the next 10 minutes Emlyn gave it a real go in search of an equaliser but then a Tom Harris run saw him win a corner from which Reddy's drilled delivery was side-footed home by the immaculate Ross Porter for 3-1 Minutes later Emlyn’s Vincent burst into the box only to see the ever consistent Hollett time his tackle to perfection to fend off the danger. Another fine move involving Mo Morris and Glassey saw fullback Keiron Jones fire just wide. Competent midfielder James shot just over for Emlyn before a fourth home goal arrived after the never give up attitude of Rees saw him chase down a weak backpass, win the 50/50 with the keeper and walk the ball into the empty net for his second of the game. Late chances for both teams came to nothing before Emlyn’s centre-half saw red for fowl and abusive language during time added on.
Port Talbot Town 2, West End 0
Youth Division West
from www.porttalbottown.co.uk
Port Talbot Town named Luke Martin in goal ahead of Ryan Dummer for this MacWhirter Welsh League Youth Division West match and the youngster more than impressed with a fine performance.
The visitors could have taken the lead however inside the opening minute of the match as Richard Evans broke down the left to make space for himself inside the area but his shot was well saved by Martin.
Port Talbot struggled to settle in the opening exchanges but soon started to dictate possession and they began to test the West End defence from a series of free-kicks around the edge of area as the frustration of the visitors began to show.
Luke Paynton cam close with a header before Jamie Jones found himself in space but his effort clipped the top of the crossbar. At the other end Martin was again called into action and denied the visitors Kieran O’Brien with another fine save midway through the half.
Port Talbot started the second half strongly and went ahead inside the opening two minutes as Sam Baker made a powerful run and finished in style to hand his side the lead. Despite not extending their lead for the next twenty minutes Port Talbot remained in control with Josh Wonnacott and Aaron Biddescombe dealing with any attacking play from the visitors while Martin was on hand to prevent West End finding an equaliser.
The second goal of the game arrived on 68 minutes as Ryan Bowen made a strong run on the right and scored with a well struck effort past West End goalkeeper Andrew Peason.
Chances were few and far between for both sides for the remainder of the match as Port Talbot held on for a comfortable victory and claimed their second consecutive win and third consecutive clean sheet.
Port Talbot Town: Luke Martin, Alex Powel, Adam Gaunt, Aaron Biddescombe, Josh Wonnacott, Luke Paynton, Ryan Bowen, Sean Tennant, Sam Baker, Jamie Jones, Sam France. Subs: Daniel Pugh, Jordan Tomlinson, Chris Thornton, Sam Hodge, Ryan Dummer. Goalscorers - Sam Baker (47), Ryan Bowen (68)
West End: Andrew Peason, Luke Pyle, Lewis Paul, Colin Farrell, Sam Roden, Tom Harris, Kurtis Morgan, Jordan Abrahams, Kieran O’Brien, Jordan Langley, Richard Evans. Subs: Dewi Williams, Jacob McKinley, Luke James Goalscorers - None
Saturday 6 March 2010 AC Llwydcoed 2, UWIC 1 from AFC Llwydcoed Llwydcoed won a deserved victory thanks to goals from Ross Williams and Matthew Reynolds, Jack Kinnerly replying for UWIC in injury time, the victory should have been more convincing if the hosts had taken more composure on goal attempts. AFC Llwydcoed Manager Mark Harbord brought in Luke Davies moving Matthew Doherty into centre mid replacing the suspended Tomos Morris. The opening exchanges were competitive, Llwydcoed were tested and responded in brilliant fashion but Ryan Barry and Luke Davies were forced to concede free kicks to the students after their midfield broke clear of Llwydcoed’s midfield. Jack Kinnerly was causing problems whenever he received the ball for UWIC, Llwydcoed goalkeeper Rhys James saved well and punched clear to help his defence, then Llwydcoed prompted by Jordan Coles opened up the UWIC midfield and they came under pressure. Brent Hewitt Llwydcoed’s captain was again on top form combining with Ross Williams to create danger, the hosts main problem was too many mislaid passes, they were working twice as hard with Craig Boulton giving everything for the cause to win back possession. The UWIC defence were winning the aerial assault then Llwydcoed began to gain a period of pressure, the excellent Christopher Vardon delivered a fantastic pass to his striking partner Matthew Reynolds that just eluded him, another attacking move saw Ross Williams just failing to score with a header with the UWIC goalkeeper Tom Edmunds beaten. another quality piece of play by Llwydcoed’s Vardon. Boulton almost brought a goal as the half neared the end but the breakthrough arrived and the man who scores so many big goals for the club Ross Williams scored a fine goal. UWIC started the second half similar to the first with Jack Kinnerly involved with Gareth Willis trying to break Llwydcoed’s shape, the hosts problem was they gave away possession too many times putting more and more pressure on their defence. Llwydcoed had been forced to withdraw Christopher Vardon with a hamstring problem being replaced by Jonathan Mason, their central defenders Leigh Phillips and Ryan Barry were outstanding stopping everything by UWIC's attack, supported by Luke Davies and Brent Hewitt,. UWIC could not find a way past the Llwydcoed defence time and again, the hosts should have put the game to bed. Jonathan Mason could have scored a hat trick striking a post. The second goal Llwydcoed required arrived after Matthew Doherty won the ball in a tackle passing to Matthew Reynolds to shoot past the oncoming UWIC goalkeeper Tom Edmunds. UWIC had an equal amount of possession but they failed to deliver in the goals column. Llwydcoed’s Craig Boulton encouraged his teammates to keep doing things in the right areas, the pace of Jonathan Mason was a threat to the UWIC defence and it almost brought another goal but it was the visitors who scored in the last minutes after a Rhys James fumble letting Jack Kinnderly score. Llwydcoed also introduced substitute Garin Withers in the last quarter he showed excellent composure putting Ross Williams through but the final whistle blew with Llwydcoed deservedly winning the points..
Saturday 6 March 2010 Dinas Powys 4, Ton Pentre 3 from Ton Pentre FC Dinas Powys gave their performance of the season against Ton Pentre in MacWhirter Welsh League Division One as they outplayed the Bulldogs to come from a goal behind to win all three points. For the neutral this must have been an entertaining match to watch with plenty of goals, action and talking points. Ton Pentre took a fifth minute lead in this match through Lloyd Toghill after the ball was sent into the box from the right wing. Chris Jones was the first player to make contact with it and saw his shot deflect off a defender into Toghill’s path. The Bulldogs midfielder headed the visitors into the lead to cap off a superb start by Ton. Going a goal down spurred Dinas Powys into action as they started to play some sublime football that Ton Pentre were finding difficult to defend against. Dinas defender Lloyd Davies came close to scoring from a free kick when he met the ball in the box with a header that if were on target would very likely have beaten Bulldogs keeper Leighton James. An equaliser was looking inevitable and it came during the 16th minute of play when Ton conceded another free kick outside of the box. Once again the Bulldogs failed to deal with Davies’s aerial threat as the defender headed back across goal and into the net. Dinas took the lead through a superb 32nd minute strike that Joe Hinds had unleashed from outside of the box. The striker had spotted space behind the Ton keeper and looped the ball out of his reach and into the goal. Four minutes later the home team made it 3-1 after Ton failed to stop a cross from the left. Tom Hutton was allowed too much space and as a result was able to send a lovely cross to the far side of the box where Hinds headed in his second of the match. Bulldogs manager Andrew Hughes was looking for an improvement from his team in the second half and after the first five minutes he appeared to get it. Following a useful attack Ton saw the ball hit the crossbar before being cleared off the line. Ton however, were left frustrated as Dinas were able to counter attack and when Mark Dunford sneaked around the back of the Bulldogs defence he scored the home teams fourth goal of the match. On the hour Dinas’s two goal hero Hinds was sent off for a second bookable offence after he failed to retreat from a free kick that Ton were attempting to take quickly. As a result Dinas were starting to operate more defensively as Ton piled on the pressure. They finally hit the back of the net following this pressure in the 83rd minute through Toghill, and Leon Young’s 89th minute header made it 4-3 as the Bulldogs ran out of time to find the equaliser. The Bulldogs face a tough test at Ynys Park on Wednesday, 10th March as Taffs Well are the visitors fresh from their fantastic triumph over table- toppers Goytre United on the weekend. The match kicks off at 7.15pm. Ton Pentre 1. Leighton James, 2. Adam Lewis (Captain), 3. Matthew Hearne (39mins), 4. Jamie Thomas, 5. Tom Davies, 6. Leon Young, 7. Wayne Antionazzi, 8. Liam Hutchinson (59mins), 9. Chris Jones (59mins), 10. Lloyd Toghill, 11. Fraser Williams. Substitutes: 12. Phil Clarke, 14. Calvin McLaggon (59mins), 15. Alyn Jones (39mins), 16. Leighton Jeffries, 17. Andrew Hughes (59mins). Goals: Toghill 5, 83; Young 89 Bookings: Young 26, Williams 45 Referee: Hywel James (Cardiff)
Saturday 6 March 2010 Taffs Well 4, Goytre United 1 by Frank Terrell, Taffs Well FC Goytre United are the yardstick by which Welsh League clubs measure themselves: with their small but tightly-knit first team squad refreshed by the occasional change of personnel, they have dominated the First Division for the last few years either winning the league or coming close. When you look at the players you see experienced, streetwise campaigners who know how to dominate possession, control the tempo of a game, make the right decisions at the right times and always come up with decisive goals at key moments. They can spoil when they need to, foul to quell dangerous moves building impetus for their opponents and switch from short, possession football to long-range passing in the blink of an eye; they are strong and physical but they can play awesome football too. Goytre United are a team to respect. In the reverse fixture, Taff’s Well showed them no respect, took the game to them at pace and but for some contentious refereeing decisions, should have come away with all three points but ended drawing four-four in a thrilling encounter. This match was just as thrilling and just as contentious. Goytre started like the proverbial house on fire taking the game straight to the Taff’s Well jugular with a series of swift attacks hitting the bar with a left-wing strike after only two minutes. It was clear that they wanted to knock their hosts out of their stride and take the game over as early as possible conscious that Taff’s Well’s recent form has been patchy. Everyone knows what is said about the best-laid plans and managers, in their frustration are all-too aware that once their players cross the white lines they make key decisions. Goytre’s vastly experienced captain, Ian “Buster” Morgan, showed that no matter how many games you have played at this level, no matter how clever you are as a footballer, sometimes instinct takes over. Taff’s Well had counter-attacked at pace and earned a left-wing corner. The ball was fizzed in to the near post, a Taff’s Well player met the ball with a firm header to clear keeper Curtis’s flailing arms and the ball was heading inexorably into the net. Steve Conaty and “Buster” were covering and the Goytre captain’s hand deflected the ball over the bar. There was an inevitability about the referee pointing to the penalty spot and raising the red card that Ian Morgan knew all along from the moment he deflected the ball with his hand and he faced the short walk to the dressing rooms, pausing only long enough to see young Taff’s Well centre back, Matt James send Curtis the wrong way to score (1-0, 12 minutes). The buzz around the ground lingered long after the goal went in and the general opinion was that Goytre were good enough to concede the goal and come back to win with eleven men on the pitch and, even with ten, still posed a genuine threat. As Goytre reorganised Taff’s Well launched a series of attacks the most threatening when Liam Williams fed his hard-running front man, Dean Maynard with a ball into the visitors’ penalty area but the ball bobbled at the crucial moment as he lined up his shot and it ran through into the grateful arms of Chris Curtis. Shortly afterwards, Taff’s Well captain, Liam Williams, stretched awkwardly and, after treatment on the pitch was replaced by substitute, Jamal Easter (21 minutes). Easter is gradually restoring his match fitness and as an ex-professional has a wonderful first touch and almost extra-sensory awareness of those around him. Taff’s Well continued to dominate this phase and Tyrone Topper should have scored when Aaron Colwill played him through but he fired wide when, with a little more composure, he would have been able to pick his spot as the cover was light in Morgan’s absence. Taff’s Well’s teenage left back, Chris Hugh then set off on a rampaging run along his left flank before cutting inside, wrong-footing two defenders to advance into the penalty area; he set himself for a shot which he duly unleashed only for Darren Lyons to throw himself at the ball and block bravely for a corner. Curtis fumbled the resulting corner kick but, once more, Lyons came to his rescue by lashing the ball clear (27 minutes). Taff’s Well kept the pressure on earning another corner a minute later. Jamal Roberts took an in-swinger having observed Curtis’s fallibility on the previous attempt, the defender on the near post missed the ball and it flew straight in to extend Taff’s Well’s lead (2-0, 28 minutes). It is impossible to keep a side as effective as Goytre United quiet for all of a match and the visitors shook themselves into life thanks to a rampaging run from the vastly experienced Chris Summers cutting in from the left flank. His dangerous cross was headed out at full stretch by Taff’s Well’s Barry Richards but only to the menacing Dale Price who lashed his volley back at goal forcing Jon Howe to tip over for a corner then cleared (32 minutes). Dale Price tried his luck again a minute later running onto a ball played in from the left but his attempt faded wide of Jon Howe’s right hand post at the last minute. It appeared that Goytre were back in the game and on thirty-five minutes, Chris Summers forced Jon Howe into an excellent diving save low to his right. The irrepressible Dale Price then cut in from the right following a Goytre throw before firing over the bar from thirty yards (40 minutes). With Richard Ryan well marshalled by Taff’s Well’s young centre-back pairing of James and Biggs, however, and Chris Summers forced to help out in midfield, Goytre lacked impact in the home penalty area and all their efforts to get back in the match were snuffed out. The more Goytre pressed for a goal, the more vulnerable they were to the counter-attack. Lyons was forced to halt Dean Maynard by pulling him back by the arm and the resulting free kick was manoeuvred intelligently from Richards to Roberts who shuffled a yard past the cover and crossed but he hit the ball too heavily and the ball went beyond the far post and was cleared (43 minutes). Jamal Easter then collected the ball in the right midfield area and showed his lovely touch to turn away from tacklers to set himself up for a fierce low shot that forced Curtis into a fine diving save (44 minutes). Goytre, however, were looking to redress some of the balance by sneaking a goal before the interval and thought they had done so when Ryan hit the ball into the net but his effort was disallowed by the assistant referee flagging for offside. Jamal Easter started the second half as he finished the first by trying his luck from twenty-five yards but the attempt flew wide. Jamal Roberts then ran at his full back, stepped inside and then back out and crossed. Of all people, Tyrone Topper, a winger not renowned for his heading, was in the ideal position unmarked in the centre of the goal to meet the ball but his header lacked conviction yet nevertheless forced Curtis to deflect the ball away but only as far as Dean Maynard who volleyed back in to score a thoroughly-deserved goal for all of his hard work (3-0, 49 minutes). To their credit, Goytre did not cave in and driven on by the hard work of Chris Summers and Dale Price and the irrepressible desire of the outstanding John Meacock, forced their way back into the game. Richard Ryan is an outstanding striker at this level and showed all of his experience and nous when he chased a through ball into the Taff’s Well penalty area and ran into home goalie, Jon Howe who had nowhere to go to get out of the way. Ryan fell holding his shoulder and the referee took pity on him and awarded Goytre a penalty much to the amazement of the home supporters. Ryan showed no discomfort as he stroked home the penalty (3-1, 56 minutes). With the home bench consumed with frustration as they felt the officials were taking pity on the ten-man visitors, the referee awarded a free kick on the edge of the Taff’s Well penalty area when Ryan hit the ball from close range against David Biggs’s arm; Jon Howe saved Chris Summers’ free kick. Further controversy erupted when immediately afterwards, Taff’s Well launched an attack the other way and Darren Lyons, the last defender, stopped the ball from going through with his arm to prevent a Taff’s Well player from running in on goal. He was shown a yellow card. Who would be a referee? When Goytre counter attacked, Barry Richards was perfectly positioned to head clear preventing another chance for the visitors. Tyrone Topper then enjoyed a little run cutting in from the right on his left foot but just fired his shot wide (70 minutes). Goytre replaced the tiring Jacob Daley with Darren Griffiths hoping the experienced forward’s cultured left foot could effect a change (78 minutes). Jamal Roberts then cut in from the left wing to try his luck from thirty yards but Curtis held the ball despite a late deviation off the pitch. Hard-running Dean Maynard gave way to Steve Edwards for Taff’s Well (83 minutes). Edwards is Taff’s Well’s top scorer and always poses a threat cutting in from either flank and so it proved an effective change as he scored the clincher. David Biggs headed the ball out to the left flank to Jamal Roberts who cut in before picking out Edwards in the danger area for the cool-headed forward to drive the ball past Curtis with Goytre’s defence pulled out of shape (86 minutes). Taff’s Well’s management team took the opportunity to give teenage substitute, Dean Clifford, experience at this level and the promising youngster was pleased to be involved against such durable and proficient opponents. Taff’s Well created a couple more opportunities thanks to a brilliant surging run from Aaron Colwill and then good work from Jamal Roberts and Steve Edwards but all came to nothing and there was no further addition to the score. This was Goytre’s first defeat in the league this season. Will it send shock waves through the ranks of Welsh League clubs? It might seem churlish to criticise the young Taff’s Well team but they are not yet the seasoned campaigners that Goytre’s players are so they still cannot control the tempo of a game, thrilling though they may be going forward, in the way the old heads can. Nevertheless this team is packed with teenagers and twenty-year olds and will only get better. They love playing and training together, they are thrilling to watch with pace throughout the side and with David Biggs giving them solidity at the back through his reading of the game and clever use of the ball they are gradually becoming harder to beat. For Goytre it was a bad day at the office but don’t rule them out yet. Taff’s Well: 1. Howe; 2. Richards; 3. Hugh; 4. Biggs; 5. James; 6. Jones; 7. Roberts; 8. Williams (Capt.); 9. Maynard; 10. Colwill; 11. Topper; subs. 12. Easter; 14.Edwards; 15. Clifford; 16. Mouncher. Goytre United: 1. Curtis; 2. Shugar; 3. Chavess; 4. Meacock; 5. Morgan (Capt.); 6.Lyons; 7.Summers; 8. Conaty; 9. Ryan; 10. Price; 11. Daley; subs. 12. Griffiths; 14. Duggan.
Dinas Powys 4, Ton Pentre 3 by Morley Williams, Dinas Powys FC This certainly was an eventful match for Dinas forward Joe Hinds. One minute the hero, scoring two goals to help the home side to a comfortable lead, and the next the villain, by getting himself needlessly sent off for a second bookable offence when they were seemingly cruising to a good win against a side in fourth position in the league. It took the visitors just five minutes to get on the score-sheet, a good right wing cross was left by a Dinas defender and when the ball was put back across the area Lloyd Toghill had the easiest of chances to head past Peter Blaine in the Dinas goal. To their credit the home side came back immediately with a Paul Carro shot saved by Leighton James in the Ton goal and Anthony Roberts heading wide from a Mark Dunford cross. The Dinas pressure started to tell on the Ton defence and when they conceded a free-kick thirty-five yards out Jacob Rudman found Lloyd Davies on the edge of the six yard box and he made no mistake heading past the keeper for the equalizer. Dinas were starting to play with some confidence passing the ball around well and good play by Paul Carro and Mark Dunford gave Carro the chance to shoot with the keeper pushing the ball away from goal, his defence completing the clearance. A poor clearance by the Ton keeper gave Mark Dunford a chance but he was grateful to his defence for getting him out of trouble. Dunford was causing the visiting defence problems and he saw another shot blocked before Dinas took a deserved lead, again it was Dunford the provider, this time with a pass finding Joe Hinds who’s shot from twenty yards found the back of the net. The home side increased their lead just five minutes later, young full-back Tom Hutton was getting forward well after a shaky start and once again he got past his marker before crossing for Hinds to head in from eight yards to send Dinas in a half-time with a deserved 3-1 lead. At half-time the crowd were entertained with a mini football game by two sides from Dinas under-sevens and at next weeks game against Afan Lido the crowd can look forward to another when Dinas Wolves will provide the entertainment. In the second-half the home side continued where they left off with Paul Carro shooting over but they were grateful to their defence when a dangerous cross into the area was cleared. Dinas got the fourth goal their play deserved and again it was Tom Hutton the provider, his header found Mark Dunford who made no mistake from fifteen yards. More good passing forced Ton to concede a corner and Hinds headed over from five yards when he had a clear chance for his hat-trick. Wayne Antoniazzi had a good chance to get one back for the visitors and Dinas were grateful to keeper Peter Blaine for keeping their lead intact. Then came a moment of madness from Joe Hinds when he attempted to stop Ton taking a quick free-kick he was given his second yellow card and sent off. This was just the incentive the visitors needed and Dinas were forced on the defensive, they held out until the thirty-ninth minutes when Lloyd Toghill got his second of the game hooking the ball in from eight yards. A couple of minutes from time Ton were awarded a corner with Leon Young heading in at the near post to give the home side an anxious few minutes but they managed to hold out for all three points. Next Saturday, the 13th March, Dinas entertain another team from the upper reaches of the table with Afan Lido the visitors in another stern test of Dinas’s revival, kick-off 2:30pm. Squad: 1 Peter Blaine, 2 Tom Hutton, 3 Owain Adams, 4 Lloyd Davies(1), 5 Anthony Roberts 6 Rhodri Foote, 7 Ricki Morgan, 8 Jacob Rudman, 9 Joe Hinds(2), 10 Mark Dunford(1), 11 Paul Carro, 12 Karl Steele, 14 Steve Provis, 15 Josh Reffell, 16 Nathan Hosgood. For news and fixtures see the club’s web site: www.dinaspowysfc.co.uk
Saturday 27 February 2010 Pontyclun 1, Cwmaman Institute 3 from Cwmaman Institute FC Cwmaman extended their unbeaten run to eight games with this difficult but impressive win at Pontyclun. The away team were on top from the kick off with David Airey and Seb Haggett going close. The playing surface meant that mistakes were going to be made and good flowing football impossible. Carl Jenkins and Leon Bansal were prominent in the centre of midfield with Matthew Cable masterful at the heart of Cwmaman's defence. The home defence were playing the offside trap and was catching the Cwm attack time and again. Truelove had little to do in the opening 25 minutes but a move down the Cwmaman right was put wide of the near post. Pontyclun were coming more into the game, with Cwmaman failing to hold onto the ball and passes going astray. They needed to up their game if they were going to get anything from it. Half time was approaching with the home team having the better of the exchanges, without causing too many problems for the Cwmaman defence. What ever was said to the Cwmaman players at the interval certainly had the desired affect. Cwmaman put Pontyclun under pressure and in the 53rd minute they had the break through, Seb Haggett made a mesmerising run down the right beating three defenders and made a pinpoint cross for Carl Jenkins to slot the ball into the far corner. Cwmaman were in the middle of a purple patch, a corner was powerfully headed home by Matthew Cable to put the away team in the driving seat. Sub Ross Williams replaced Airey and his powerful running caused the home defence problems. With Cwmaman in control of the game Pontyclun were gifted a goal, their number 10 appeared to be clearly in an offside position but the referee waved play on, and he beat Truelove at the second attempt. It had taken 70 mins for Pontyclun to get their first shot on target. Young Ross Leeke replaced Haggett on 85 minutes and it was he who finalised the scoring with his first goal for the first team, he latched onto a through ball and beat the advancing home keeper. Cwmaman's second half performance was a lot better than the first half; they put more effort into the game and controlled the important areas.
Saturday 27 February 2010 Troedyrhiw 1, Garw 1 from Troedyrhiw FC 'Rhiw welcomed basement club Garw to The Willows last Saturday looking to build on the previous week's 3-0 win at Seven Sisters. Despite their visitors' lowly league position, 'Rhiw were told by the Management team of Roland House and Cohen Griffith not to take anything for granted in this fixture as Garw had not just turned up and were going to surrender. The game started at a furious pace, but 'Rhiw soon settled into their stride as they looked to make a breakthrough and indeed had their chances but could not find the net. Garw were restricted in their chances as their forwards were well marshalled by the home defence. In the 20th minute, 'Rhiw got the breakthrough. An excellent strike from Rhys Nolan beating the 'keeper to give his side the lead. 'Rhiw grew in confidence following the goal and had Garw on the retreat at times as they looked to increase their lead. Further opportunities arose but were not capitalised on. Garw had a chance to level the scores later in the half when they were awarded a penalty. They failed to do so as the resulting spot-kick was well saved by Jon Jones in the home goal. Therefore 'Rhiw went into the half-time interval 1-0 to the good. The second half saw 'Rhiw continue very much in the same vein as the first as they looked for the second goal to give themselves a little breathing space. Garw came into the game more in this half and they had their chances to level. 'Rhiw knew that second goal was becoming more and more important as the visitors grew in confidence. In the final five minutes of the game, Garw got their reward when they made it 1-1 after some slack defensive work let them in to score. This made for a tense finish for 'Rhiw as both sides battled it out. 'Rhiw though managed to hold firm and at the final whistle the score was 1-1. The 'Rhiw camp were obviously disappointed not have secured all three points but took some solace in the fact that it was not a defeat. Saturday sees 'Rhiw travel the relatively short distance to Tonteg Park, where old adversaries Llantwit Fardre await them. Kick off is at 2.30pm.
Saturday 27 February 2010 AFC Porth 2, Cwmbran Celtic 2 by Huw Jones, AFC Porth Honours ended even at Dinas Park, probably the result that most of the Division wanted, but how this game finished all square is anyone's guess? Both sides will have mixed emotions as both could have secured all three points. The opening exchanges were fairly even with both keepers being tested early on. Porth's Williams atoned for a poor kick out as he saved down low, and Celtic's Morgan held on to an Orchard snap shot. Craig Wells was in barnstorming mood as he swept past players with ease his cross which just evaded the outstretched boot of Christian Burge. Just as both teams were settling down a very harsh penalty was awarded against Orchard on 14 minutes, as he closed down, he turned his back and the ball some three yards away hit his arm with the assistant referee signalling a penalty. Up stepped Simon Prangley to beat Williams. Porth came straight back and again Wells was involved, he picked up the ball in his own half and ran at the defence, he beat several challenges and unleashed a piledriver which beat Morgan but smacked against the post, he went close again moments later. On 27 minutes it got worse for Porth, Ashley Burge played a suicidal ball across goal, forcing Brock to concede the corner, Williams attempted a catch but seemed to be blocked, allowing Lloyd Davies a free header. But the Porth players showed their mettle by pulling a goal back within minutes, a 25-yard thunderbolt from Orchard giving the keeper no chance. It wasn't all Porth though, Celtic had a great chance to increase their lead as a cross was allowed to travel right across the goalmouth, but no one got the decisive touch. Porth made them pay on 38 minutes when after he was fouled Craig Davies sent over a cross, keeper Morgan seemed flat footed and he managed to palm the ball straight to Craig Wells who headed home, a well-deserved equaliser for both the team and Wells. Porth were forced into a half time change with Noble replacing Needs, captain Gavin Cory already had to miss the game, but it did nothing to stop the onslaught on the Celtic goal, they were defending well, and with keeper Morgan carrying an injury not being able to take goal kicks, the pressure was being kept in the Celtic half. But not for the first time this season indiscipline let Porth down, Christian Burge was being held back, he reacted and was red carded, leaving Porth to play on with ten men against the league leaders. But what followed was unbelievable as for the remaining 35 minutes Celtic barely got out of their half, Davies had a couple snap shots, but the best chance fell to substitute Adam Wright the ball fell to him some eight yards out but as he prepared to shoot the ball squirmed under his foot. Davies then beat several players and shot agonisingly over, Owen replaced Mouncher as Porth pressed in vain for the winner but credit to Celtic who are a very good team and are almost certain for promotion this season. The Porth players deserve credit for coming back from two goals down early on and dominating large periods, but even though they gained a valuable point it as felt all three were there for the taking. The Welsh League Reserve side lost narrowly 2-1 to Ammanford in the Classic Sportswear Cup in controversial fashion. With minutes left, after Anthony Hares had scored Porth's goal, Chris Saunders thought he had equalised but the referee not only disallowed the goal but decided to end the game, this despite there being six substitutions and several stoppages to play. The MacWhirter Youth team made it four wins from four and went back to the top of the League knocking opponents Ely Rangers off top spot. Adam Wright scored twice, with four players deservingly seeing red. Referee Lewiss Edwards, was left with no choice as two from each side were dismissed.
Saturday 27 February 2010 Newcastle Emlyn 2, Croesyceiliog 1 from Newcastle Emlyn FC Newcastle Emlyn entertained Croesyceiliog at Parc Emlyn on the back of three consecutive wins. The game started brightly for Emlyn, with the ever-reliable Owen Thomas going through, only to be saved by the Croesyceiliog keeper in the opening five minutes. Croesyceiliog also caused problems with veteran striker Jody Jenkins going close, but shooting wide. This appeared to be a quite open game with both teams going at each other at a fast pace. The deadlock was broken when a sweet free kick from Thomas was headed in by centre half Gary Evans. Emlyn were in full control for the remaining 25 minutes but a serious injury to midfield player Alec Squires meant that pacey winger Alex Vincent came off the bench to attack the Croesyceiliog defence. Vincent was only on the pitch three minutes when he showed an instant threat on going through on another one-on-one, only to be denied by the visiting Keeper again. With the pitch cutting up heavy by half time, Emlyn took the break one-up. Anthony Owens was yet again making a real impact in his first full season, causing all sorts of problems and was rewarded in the 55th minute with an outstanding left foot shot into the top right hand corner to take his tally to 14 goals in 22 games in the league this season. The Emlyn back four which appear to be more confident with the leadership of player-manager Wayne Jones and the ever-improving Dorian Davies and Adrian Owens dealt with everything that was thrown at them. Sam Thomas showed his ability in running at the Croesyceiliog defence and worked defensively throughout. Adam Raymond playing up-front proved again that he's a handful by holding up the ball in order to feed the midfielders Rhys Parry and Thomas. Croesyceiliog were rewarded for their "never-say-die" attitude and scored in the 72nd minute with a free header from a corner. Apart from that Emlyn keeper Spencer Cutlan never had a save to make throughout the 90 minutes. Emlyn turned out 2-1 winners. A delighted Emlyn manager said in his post match comments - "This was another professional job done and four points taken off a very well-organised side this season. “The lads are growing in confidence and that's four wins and a draw in our last five games. “We will just keep ticking on through every game and see where that takes us. ”I honestly believe that this group of lads we have here, are capable of playing at a higher level, but it's important that we stay focused and not get ahead of ourselves. "February has been a kind month for us, so let's hope March does the same.
"Full credit to the lads and my assistant Sean Cresser who is
pulling the strings behind the scenes."
Saturday 27 February 2010 Porthcawl Town 1, AFC Llwydcoed 5 from AFC Llwydcoed Llwydcoed gained another three vital points against another lowly team Porthcawl Town, the Seasiders battled well but Coed won decisively in the end. Llwydcoed Manager Mark Harbord recalled Ryan Barry after his one-match suspension replacing Luke Davies. The visitors burst into life a superb move involving Reynolds, Vardon, Doherty and Morris with Craig Boulton opening the scoring with a top left- footed shot. Porthcawl were struggling to stop Llwydcoed building attacks but Coed were not to be denied with the pace of Christopher Vardon and the strength of Matthew Reynolds creating danger and although the Porthcawl goalkeeper saved the first shot Vardon followed up to score a fine opportunist goal. Porthcawl could have reduced the arrears but they missed a clear headed goal chance. Llwydcoed began to lose their shape and Town were awarded a few free kicks from which they almost scored. Leigh Phillips, Matthew Doherty and Brent Hewitt were on top form in defence but they were punished for not responding to Porthcawl turning defence into attack and Brandon Walters scored. Llwydcoed finished the half with a one goal advantage it should have been more. Porthcawl were hoping to draw level after reducing the score at the latter stages of the first-half, Llwydcoed’s answer was to defend as a team with a better shape but the match became scrappy. Town tried but Llwydcoed broke up the play, the impressive Brent Hewitt found Ross Williams and Tomos Morris raced clear his shot was pushed away to Christopher Vardon to score. This goal gave Llwydcoed the impetus to add more goals, and a tremendous strike from Tomos Morris brought goal number four. The introduction of Llwydcoed substitutes Luke Davies Garin Withers and Jonathan Mason saw them score number five, the impressive Garin Withers found Jonathan Mason to score a beauty, Llwydcoed played some top class football... what more can you ask?
Saturday 27 February 2010 Penrhiwceiber Rangers 1, Tredegar Town 0 from Penrhiwceiber Rangers FC Ceiber had to dig deep for this win, the opening 15 minutes was pretty even. Ceiber then started to dominate particularly down the right flank where fullback Dean Brown was getting forward at every opportunity. It was from one of his runs that produced the game’s only goal, he got to the by-line and hit a cross to the far post striker with Adam Callan got on the end of it and headed back across goal with fellow striker Howie Wiltshire perfectly placed to hammer the ball into the bottom corner. Ceiber were on top at this stage and went close on a number of occasions. The second half saw Tredegar come more into the game, but both defences were well on top and goal chances were few and far between. This win puts Ceiber within a point of leaders Cwmbran Celtic after Celtic drew with AFC Porth. On Saturday Ceiber visit leaders Cwmbran Celtic, and manager Steve Haggett and coach Brian Sparks are a little happier as the last two games produced two wins, but more importantly two clean sheets.
Saturday 27 February 2010 Wrexham 2, Bryntirion Athletic 0 FAW Welsh Youth Cup Round Four from Bryntirion Athletic FC Bryntirion Athletic hit the road again this weekend in their second attempt to play their FAW Youth Cup fixture against Blue Square Conference outfit Wrexham. Last Sunday's game was called off due to overnight snow which frustrated the visitors as they had travelled up the night before to prepare for the game. This was never going to be an easy fixture for Bryntirion as the Wrexham outfit contained a number of Welsh International players and had scored 21 goals in the previous three rounds without reply. The hosts started the brighter of the two sides playing excellent possession football but couldn't break down the visitors' defence. Bryntirion looked dangerous when they attacked Wrexham down the flanks but unusually for them couldn't find the quality crosses required to penetrate a solid back four. The hosts broke the deadlock after 14 minutes when a superb cross field ball found Louis Moss on the left who drove the ball across the penalty area where Ed Moss ran in to finish well. Bryntirion continued to take the game to Wrexham and were unlucky when a corner from the left was met by John Paul Budd whose header just went over the crossbar. Moments later Chris Rees struck a shot just wide of the keeper's far post. Bryntirion introduced Ricky Newman at the start of the second half and he soon caused problems for Wrexham down the right flank, but still the visitors couldn't find the back of the net. A neat through ball found Craig Davies who broke through the Wrexham defence to find himself one-on-one with the keeper who saved well with his feet. Gareth Davies was then introduced in an attempt to pull back the deficit but the Wrexham defence kept him closely marked, restricting his chances on goal. Kristian Smith was then introduced as the Bryntirion management had to change to a more attacking formation to try and secure the equaliser. Now playing with three up front Bryntirion were always in danger of being caught on the break. With ten minutes left on the clock and following a series of corners Wrexham scored their second of the game when Ed Moss struck the ball from outside the penalty area catching everyone knapping and the ball dropped into the goal just under the crossbar. Bryntirion continued to use the width of the pitch to their advantage and caused problems for the home defence with a number of crosses from both flanks, but the Wrexham central defenders were in no mood to give anything away. With just five minutes remaining Craig Davies created space for himself on the right wing and whipped the ball across the area where Max Morgan just failed to get on the end of it. Despite this defeat praise must go to the visitors for putting up such a resolute fight against one of the best youth teams in Wales. Wrexham: D Ward, D Walker, M Penk, L Clowes, J March, R Pearson (capt), E Moss, A Malton, N Rushton, J Colbeck, L Moss. Substitutes: J Deaman, L Shipton, L Roberts, T Bainbridge Bryntirion: J Huxtable, J Thomas, G Davies, JP Budd, R Llewellyn, J Hopkins, I Emmanuel, O Emmanuel, C Rees, M Morgan (capt), C Davies. Substitutes: R Newman (46), G Davies (65), K Smith (75), A Stratford, J Baker
Dinas Powys 2, Taffs Well 1 by Morley Williams, Dinas Powys FC This was three badly needed points for Dinas with the game going much the same as the Wales v France international the night before but with a different outcome. For the whole of the first-half the home side were woeful, giving a young Taffs Well side time and space to knock the ball around almost at will, and hardly mounting a meaningful attack of their own. Visiting captain Liam Williams shot wide as early as the third minute to give a taste of what was to come and with Dinas conceding a number of free-kicks it was no surprise that the visitors scored in the twelfth minute. Tyrone Topper’s well placed free-kick found David Biggs in acres of space on the edge of the six yard box but his goal-bound header was somehow pushed away for a corner by keeper Peter Blaine. From the corner the same player was again given too much room and this time made no mistake with a well placed header to score what was a deserved opener. The visitors continued their dominance of the half with a Topper header cleared off the line and Jamal Roberts heading wide. The first-half ended with the home support thankful that it was only a one goal deficit partly due to keeper Peter Blaine but also the inability of the visiting attack to convert more of their many chances. In the second-half the home side came out with more purpose not giving their opponents time to settle and this changed the whole course of the game, they had more shots on goal in the first three minutes than the previous forty-five. The midfield pair of Jacob Rudman and Ricki Morgan worked hard to gain the upper hand and it was Rudman who had a shot saved in the first minute. Mark Dunford headed narrowly wide before Dinas got the equaliser when Tom Hutton’s cross fell for Joe Hinds just inside the area and his effort ran through a crowd of players and just inside the post with keeper John Howe stranded. Dinas had knocked the visitors out of their stride and continued to have much the better of the second-half, Lloyd Davies headed wide and Rudman’s shot was held by the keeper. Twenty-seven minutes into the half Ricki Morgan did well to free Tom Hutton and when he reached the bye-line he put over an excellent cross. It was misjudged by the keeper, who must have thought it was going behind, but the ball bounced off the crossbar and Mark Dunford was on hand at the far post to head in from to more than two yards. For the remainder of the game Dinas continued to have the upper hand and when Taffs Well were busy appealing for a foul, the referee waved play on and Paul Carro should have done better but his shot was comfortably saved by the keeper. Despite reports to the Vale Council about dog mess problems at recent games three piles had to be removed from the pitch before the game and it seems the council are powerless to prevent this happening. Next Saturday, the 6th March, Dinas have another home game with Ton Pentre the visitors, please note the weekend kick-off times now change to 2:30pm. Squad: 1 Peter Blaine, 2 Tom Hutton, 3 Andy Lane, 4 Lloyd Davies, 5 Anthony Roberts 6 Rhodri Foote, 7 Ricki Morgan, 8 Jacob Rudman, 9 Joe Hinds(1), 10 Mark Dunford(1), 11 Paul Carro, 12 Owain Adams, 14 Karl Steele, 15 Josh Reffell, 16 Stephen Provis.
Cambrian & Clydach 1, Ton Pentre 2 from Ton Pentre FC The Rhondda derby match between Cambrian & Clydach and Ton Pentre was an incredibly competitive and entertaining affair that ended with the host team being reduced to ten men in the second half when Cambrian’s Steven Turner was dismissed for violent conduct. The Rhondda Bulldogs suffered a huge blow the day before this important match when club captain Ryan Morgan, decided to transfer to Division One rivals Bridgend Town. This left a gaping hole in the Ton defence that was admirably filled by the young Jamie Thomas, who turned in an excellent performance along with Matthew Hearne, Tom Davies and Adam Lewis as they coped well with Cambrian’s dangerous presence up front. Ton started very well and although the Bulldogs were getting in behind their opponents defence they were unable to create that killer chance. Fraser Williams came close in the 18th minute when he ran into the box from the left and attempted to chip Paul Bees who had rushed from his line to meet him. The Cambrian keeper pulled off a great save when he managed to get his fingertips to the ball and bring it under control. Following this Cambrian started to inflict some pressure on the Bulldogs and in the 24th minute their defence was breached and a goal scoring chance appeared imminent, however, a superb last ditch sliding tackle by Matthew Hearne thwarted this attempt and Ton were able to get the ball away from goal. It was Ton Pentre who took the lead in this match when five minutes into the second half they went on the attack after surviving a scare in defence following a Cambrian free kick. Chris Jones was in possession of the ball and with a defender to beat he dummied a move to go on the outside of the player and instead cut inside, which opened up the space for him to shoot and score a cracking goal. Cambrian equalised in the 55th minute after the Referee had awarded them a free kick deep inside the Ton half following a foul on Michael Jones. The ball was powerfully hit toward goal and Bulldogs keeper Leighton James was beaten to his left. This was turning into an exciting match as Cambrian’s celebrations were short lived as Ton Pentre regained the lead in the 56th minute when Jones supplied the pass to Williams allowing him a run into the box. The winger applied a wonderful touch to the ball that sent it into the back of the net. Ten minutes later Cambrian thought they had equalised again, when from a corner the ball was sent to back post, where following a touch, James was unable to get anywhere near it. The ball hit the bar and post before rebounding out into the populated box but Cambrian conceded a foul. This foul lead to an incident between Steven Turner and Lloyd Toghill, who was the fouled player on the ground. The Referee had a good view of the incident and took no hesitation in sending the Cambrian defender off. Although a man down, Cambrian were still dangerous going forward and Ton’s defence had to keep its concentration. In the 83rd minute Hearne came to Ton’s rescue once again as he cleared the ball off the line following another Cambrian corner. Following this the Bulldogs comfortably held out for a terrific win over their local rivals. Overall Ton probably deserved the win and should be very happy with their team performance. Ton’s next match is an away fixture at Dinas Powys on Saturday, 6th March. Kick off for this game is at 2.30pm. Ton Pentre: 1. Leighton James, 2. Adam Lewis (Captain), 3. Matthew Hearne, 4. Jamie Thomas, 5. Tom Davies, 6. Leon Young, 7. Wayne Antionazzi (90mins), 8. Liam Hutchinson, 9. Chris Jones, 10. Lloyd Toghill, 11. Fraser Williams (72mins). Substitutes: 12. Clavin Mclaggon, 14. Caio Iwan (90mins), 15. Phil Clarke (72mins), 16. Andrew Hughes, 17. Richard Jeffries. Goals: C.Jones 50, Williams 56 Booked: Hutchinson 41, Thomas 63, Davies 74, Toghill 90+1 Referee: Kris Hames (Aberdare)
PENRHIWCEIBER RANGERS MATCH SUMMARIES
Saturday 20 February 2010 Cwmbran Town 0, Penrhiwceiber Rangers 2 Manager Steve Haggett and coach Brian Sparks, got the response they wanted to stay in the title race, a clean sheet and three points, played on a good playing surface that suited the Ceiber team. They set off at a high tempo, they went one up in the third minute, a sweeping move down the left flank and perfect cross from Howie Wiltshire found Ryan Buchmann in the right place to slot home from close range. Ceiber were enjoying the near perfect conditions playing great football and went two-nil up after 30 minutes, the move started in midfield by Gary Collins, who found Jason Lewis wide on the left his cross was met by Ryan Buchmann who powered a header into the roof of the net, In the second half was more even with both teams playing good football, but no goals to show for it. On Saturday 27 February, Ceiber entertain Tredegar Town (2.00 pm).
Saturday 13 February 2010 AFC Porth 2, Penrhiwceiber Rangers 1 Ceiber lost 2-1 away to AFC Porth, the opening play was pretty even. Porth opened the scoring in the 25th minute, with a well-taken goal from close range. Ceiber were then coming more into the game and levelled the score with a pure individual goal from midfielder Craig Hewitt, he took possession in the middle of the park he set of on a mazy run that took him past three players before hitting a shot into the bottom corner. The second half saw Ceiber introduce substitute Ryan Buchmann for his comeback after a long layoff. The second half was a dour affair, but it was Porth who got the all-important winner in the 75th minute, a deserved win for Porth who wanted it more.
Llanelli 1, Ely Rangers 0 FAW Welsh Youth Cup Round Four from Llanelli FC Llanelli under-19s maintained their grip on the FAW Youth Cup with a hard-earned win against Cardiff side Ely Rangers at Stebonheath Park on Sunday afternoon. The visitors provided the young Reds with their stiffest test since their victory over Swansea City in last season’s final. The Reds started well and could have gone ahead in the first minute when a Craig Frater shot was well saved by Ely Keeper Lewis Wilcox. Frater went close again minutes later when he fired over from close range. The Reds saw a number of further chances go wide of the net during the early stages of the game with Ryan Batley and Frater both going close to opening the scoring. With the Reds failing to capitalise on their dominance of the game, Ely gained some confidence and they started to get more into the game. They competed in every part of the field and they made the Reds work hard and the half time break came with the scores level. The second half started in the same way as the first with Frater prominent at the head of the Reds attack. He failed to capitalise on a number of opportunities before the Reds finally broke the deadlock after 63 minutes. Reds midfield dynamo, Joe Clarke, played a superb through-ball for Daniel Smale, who recently joined the Reds from Swansea City, to run onto before coolly slotting the ball past the advancing Wilcox. This gave the Reds the upper hand and Declan John then tested the keeper with two fierce drives which were both well-saved. In the last minute, Craig Frater hit the cross bar with a left foot volley before the referee blew for full time and the Reds were through to another Youth Cup semi final. They now eagerly await the draw, which is on Monday 1st March. Llanelli: Richards, Jenkins, Facciuto, Batley, Hayes, Clarke, Samuel, John (c), Frater, Evans, Smale. Subs: Doyle, Wilks, Vyse, Houlihan. Ely Rangers: Wilcox, Sparks, Griffiths, Walbeof, Evans, Phillips, Kavanagh, Saddler, Greaves, Haines, Clark.Subs: Thomas, Simpson, Leek, Azzopardi. Referee. Geoff Martin (Bridgend)
Saturday 20 February 2010 Seven Sisters 0, Troedyrhiw 3 from Troedyrhiw FC 'Rhiw travelled to The Welfare Ground in Seven Sisters last Saturday in the hope of securing a much needed victory. The game's opening encounters were cagey to say the least but 'Rhiw soon got into their stride and played some decent football on a soggy pitch. Despite this, the final ball was lacking and they were unable to punish their hosts Seven Sisters tried their utmost to get back at 'Rhiw but found a staunch visiting defence.. In the 45th minute, 'Rhiw took the lead courtesy of a fine solo effort from Chris Quinlan to stun the home side and give his side the advantage going into the break. The second half saw 'Rhiw refuse to sit back as they continued to press Seven Sisters. This pressure was duly rewarded when Rhys Nolan's free-kick found the net via a defender to make it 2-0, although 'Rhiw defender Chris Siers was insistent he had the final touch. 'Rhiw tails were now well and truly up as they searched for more goals. The hosts had an opportunity to get a goal back when they were awarded a penalty for handball. The spot-kick though was sent soaring over the crossbar. 'Rhiw then went 3-0 up later in the half. A foul on Shaun O'Brien resulted in a scuffle and both O'Brien and his opponent received their marching orders. The resulting free-kick saw Luke Jones find the net with his superb effort to put the result beyond the home side. 'Rhiw had chances to increase the scoreline but despite this were unable to find the back of the net again. When the final whistle sounded it was 'Rhiw who ran out deserved 3-0 winners and claim those all-important three points and make their journey home an enjoyable one. This Saturday sees 'Rhiw look to build on this win when they welcome lowly Garw to The Willows. Kick off is at 2.00 pm.
Saturday 20 February 2010 Ton Pentre 1, Caldicot Town 3 from Ton Pentre FC Three goals in three minutes ensured that Caldicot Town left Ynys Park with all the points after they overcame Ton Pentre taking an early lead. The win meant that the Gwent outfit remain second in MacWhirter Welsh League Division One eight points behind Goytre United. The Rhondda Bulldogs started this game strongly and were quick to edge themselves in front when a free kick sent into the box from midfield found its way onto the head of Tom Davies. The Bulldogs defender directed the ball into the back of the net from the penalty spot leaving James Smallcombe helpless. Ton were dominating play and Caldicot were struggling to find their way to goal, however, disaster struck for the Bulldogs in the 32nd minute when goalkeeper Richard Jeffries spilled the ball after making an easy save from a long range effort. Jason Thorn’s eyes lit up as he ran onto the loose ball and slotted it into an empty net. The equaliser had a detrimental effect on the home team as Caldicot started to play with devastating confidence. A simple long ball forward was headed past Jeffries in the 33rd minute by Thorn for an incredible comeback. It got even worse for Ton in the 35th minute when a lovely attacking move was finished off with a well taken goal by Mark Williams, who left the Bulldogs and the rest of Ynys Park absolutely shell-shocked. In the second half Caldicot’s main objective was to protect their two-goal lead and hit Ton on the brake if such a chance arose. As a result Ton dominated possession but were unable to break their opponents down. Lloyd Toghill, who returned to the Bulldogs from Taffs Well the day before the match, had Ton’s best chance of grabbing a goal back but Smallcombe pulled off a fantastic diving save to tip the ball around the post. Caldicot have proved to be the league’s surprise package and their grit and determination has certainly helped them to their fantastic second-placed position. The defeat they inflicted on Ton Pentre is the Rhondda Bulldogs first of 2010. The Bulldogs will look to bounce back against local rivals Cambrian & Clydach on Friday, 26th February at the King George V field. The match kicks off at 7.00 pm. Ton Pentre: 1. Richard Jeffries, 2. Jamie Thomas, 3 Adam Lewis (74mins), 4. Ryan Morgan (Captain), 5. Tom Davies, 6. Leon Young, 7. Wayne Antoniazzi (56mins), 8. Liam Hutchinson; 9. Chris Jones, 10. Lloyd Toghill, 11. Fraser Williams (65mins). Substitutes: 12. Phil Clarke (65mins), 14. Leighton James, 15. Matthew Hearne, 16. Calvin Mclaggon (74mins), 17. Andrew Hughes (56mins). Goal: Davies 2 Booked: Davies 56, Morgan 83 Referee: Kim Fisher (Cardiff)
Saturday 20 February 2010 Llanwern 1, Newcastle Emlyn 3 from Newcastle Emlyn FC On the back of two consecutive wins, Newcastle Emlyn travelled to the Spytty Park home of Llanwern. Newcastle Emlyn made some changes to side from the previous week. In came Sam Thomas, Rhys Parry and player- manager Wayne Jones. Emlyn started the game with great desire and captain Owen Thomas had a good chance to take the lead in the first five minutes but scuffed his shot on a poor and muddy surface. Emlyn continued to dominate the first 25 minutes with Sam Thomas and Anthony Owens causing all sorts of problems down the flanks.. Lone Striker Adam Raymond holding the ball up well which the Llanwern defence didn't appear to know how to handle the big robust striker. Emlyn took the lead after 31 minutes with the man-of-the-moment Anthony Owens latched onto a long kick from keeper Spencer Cutlan to finish with ease and confidence. Llanwern tried to get back into the game, but the back four of Adrian Owens, Wayne Jones, Gary Evans and Dorian Davies stood solid with everything that was thrown at them. After 42 minutes Llanwern got back into the game by hitting Emlyn on the break and a poor misjudged clearance by Emlyn's defence let the Llanwern striker to toe-poke past Emlyn keeper Cutlan. Emlyn then straight after had a goal controversially disallowed. In the second half Emlyn continued to dominate with Alec Squires and Rhys Parry supporting Raymond and Owen Thomas in every attacking opportunity. Emlyn then restored the lead with the fast pace and strength of Owens appearing to be too much for Llanwern defence, he latched onto a through-ball to score his 15th goal of the season. After 70 minutes the man-of-the Match Sam Thomas was rewarded with a goal for all his work rate throughout the game, by slotting the ball past the Llanwern keeper. Emlyn comfortably 3-1 to the good. Adrian Owens and Dorian Davies were growing in confidence and displayed both very good performances. Adam Raymond had the chance to make the scoreline 4-1 but had his spot kick well saved by the Llanwern keeper after Anthony Owens was brought down inside the box. The match finished 3-1 to Emlyn to continue their good run.
Saturday 20 February 2010 AFC Llwydcoed 2, Maesteg Park 1 from AFC Llwydcoed Maesteg arrived at the Welfare Ground hoping to gain a result to improve their lowly league position. Considering the inclement weather the playing surface was superb. Maesteg set out their playing shape and caused Llwydcoed’s midfield no end of problems because they always had a spare player. Llwydcoed’s Brent Hewitt had settled into the match and combined with Ross Williams who was taken out without a caution. Llwydcoed were chasing the Maesteg players trying to break their midfield hold on the match. Layton Maxwell and Leon Jeanne used all their experience probing and trying to break open the Llwydcoed defence, who started to lose possession too easily. Maesteg had one golden chance that Jeanne shot over unmarked. Llwydcoed began to keep possession with Tomos Morris, Matthew Doherty combining bringing Matthew Reynolds and Christopher Vardon into play. Llwydcoed came very close to scoring after Christopher Vardon and Ross Williams broke clear and Tomos Morris just failed to finish being inches away, then Ross Williams was in space but he took the wrong option. Llwydcoed’s midfield began to win the tackles in close quarters with Jordan Coles doing well, the spell of pressure brought Llwydcoed a goal, a Jordan Coles corner saw Leigh Phillips head Llwydcoed in front, a lead they kept up to half-time. Maesteg had given so much but had nothing in the goals column. Llwydcoed started the second half where they left off, on top. Ross Williams and Brent Hewitt causing problems and stopping Maesteg who were contributing to an excellent match, they were playing more like a team in the top half of the table. Llwydcoed’s Matthew Reynolds was having a top game, his work-rate with Christopher Vardon looked excellent and a second goal seemed to be linked to these players but in fact Tomos Morris scored it breaking from midfield from a pass from Craig Boulton to score a beauty, shooting past the Maesteg goalkeeper Karl Thomas. Llwydcoed’s defence was solid with Luke Davies in top form, it looked as if they were going to add to their score-line but Maesteg dug in and kept them out, in fact they were the next to score after both teams used their substitutions Ryan Barry and Jonathan Mason for Llwydcoed, whose return from injury is a huge boost for players and club. Maesteg were not to be denied Llwydcoed’s sloppy play saw them break through and their goalkeeper Rhys James decided to try and clear the danger but Maesteg’s Gary Twyneham got there first to score and reduce the scores. Maesteg caused some anxious minutes for Llwydcoed who survived just to gain the points and moved them up to fifth position. Maesteg brought a lot to the match but Llwydcoed deserved the victory. So finally Llwydcoed have reached the half-way stage but will have to improve their results in the 17 remaining games to challenge for promotion.
Garden Village 3, Dinas Powys 1 by Peter King Dinas Powys FC Dinas had high hopes of gaining three points from this encounter after beating their Swansea-based opponents earlier in the season, but it wasn't to be and Dinas slumped to another defeat in a poor game littered with fouls after a lack-lustre performance. Dinas started the game quite brightly and in the first minute a cross from Andy Lane from the left wing found the head of Joe Hinds but his header was straight at keeper Mark Snell who gathered comfortably. This was followed by Paul Carro and Hinds combining well down the right flank but Hinds' cross was cleared. Tony Wallis also had a shot on target which brought a save from Snell. The game was quite physical and both Lane and Josh Refell needed the magic sponge early on. The hosts were beginning to get on top and a powerful shot from Jack Jenkins brought a fine save from Peter Blaine between the sticks for Dinas. The home side had a strong shout for a goal after a corner looked to have been scrambled over the line before it was cleared but the referee saw it differently and waved play on. After a spell of sustained pressure the hosts finally got the breakthrough on 31 minutes when a corner found Jenkins who made no mistake from 10 yards. Ricki Morgan gave Dinas some hope when he burst through three tackles but his left foot shot was not strong enough to beat Snell and Garden Village deserved their half-time lead. Blaine had to be alert early in the second half when good work from the hosts culminated in a dangerous looking cross from the right which he caught with their forwards bearing down on him. Dinas midfield man Jacob Rudman took a knock on the head but was able to carry on after treatment. The one ray of sunshine for the visitors was their equalising goal which was one of the best moves of a scrappy game. Paul Carro picked up the ball in midfield and fed Joe Hinds on the left, he beat his marker and put in a pin-point cross to Tony Wallis who volleyed home from six yards with 35 minutes remaining. However, the hosts doubled their efforts and soon had the lead again after a goalmouth scramble with around six players from each side involved, the ball finally ended up in the net for 2-1. Manager Kinsey then introduced Nathan Hosgood for Rudman but Dinas's misery was compounded when Tony Wallace was shown his second yellow of the game and Village made the game safe after Morgan lost possession in midfield and Daniel Lancey advanced unopposed to slot home from 10 yards for 3-1. Dinas now have a run of three successive home games although all are against teams at the top end of the table but they must dig deep and try and gain some points from these three games starting with Taffs Well who visit the Murch on February 27 with a 2.00 pm kick off. Further information can be found on the club's website at www.dinaspowysfc.co.uk
Saturday 13 February 2010 Troedyrhiw 0 , Newport Civil Service 1 from Troedyrhiw FC 'Rhiw welcomed Gwent side Newport Civil Service to The Willows looking to end their recent losing streak. 'Rhiw had recorded an excellent 2-1 win in Newport earlier in the season and another such victory would have aided their league campaign greatly. Despite 'Rhiw holding their own in the first half, it was Newport who took the lead in the 43rd minute following a defensive mix-up and they took this lead into the interval. 'Rhiw came out in the second half quietly confident of getting something from this game and indeed were in control for vast periods. Craig Howells had a gilt edged chance to put 'Rhiw level only to see his effort strike the crossbar from what was only yards out. The hosts continued to plug away and had the visiting defence in disarray at times but were unable to convert any such pressure into goals. With the game nearing it's end, Chris Siers almost salvaged a point for his side but alas his headed effort went inches over the bar. As the whistle went 'Rhiw were left to rue missed chances yet again as they succumbed to yet another defeat. They look to put things right this Saturday when they travel to The Welfare Ground to take on Seven Sisters in the hope of travelling back with a very much needed three points. Kick off: 2.00 pm.
Saturday 13 February 2010 Pentwyn Dynamos 0, Cwmaman Institute 3 from Cwmaman Institute FC Cwmaman travelled to Cardiff hoping to extend their unbeaten run and maintain their top-six position. Cwm was full of confidence going into the game but it was Pentwyn who started the brighter. They had a lot of the ball without creating too many chances, Cwm gradually got into the game and Haggett was unlucky with a shot which went just past the post with the keeper beaten. With 25 minutes of the first half gone, Connor Wickham scored a fine goal with a shot into the far corner of the net. Within five minutes Cwm were 2-0 up, the home keeper failed to hold onto a shot, and Jarrad Price was on hand to tap the ball home. It was all Cwmaman at this stage, with their pace down the flanks causing Pentwyn problems. Matthew Cable had a header well saved before Jack Howe made it goal number three just before the interval. From a corner Cable headed the ball back across goal, where Howe made no mistake from close range. The poor playing surface meant good football was impossible, and the second half saw the home side show plenty of character, but it was Cwm who had the clearer cut chances. Despite all their efforts Cwmaman could not add to their total and had to be happy with their three first half goals, and the three points which maintained their top-six position.
Saturday 13 February 2010 Caerau (Ely) 1, Porthcawl Town 2 Reserve Division Central from Porthcawl Town FC Porthcawl Town Reserves opened their 2010 league account with a narrow win at Caerau Ely. The high-flying visitors, playing their first league match since December 12, made light of their inactivity by seizing the initiative from the outset. Porthcawl spurned some well crafted opportunities early on but their adventure and attacking intent ensured that more openings would follow. The Seasiders opened the scoring when speedster Marcus Lewis beat the offside trap and accelerated into the box to poke home a low right-footed drive. Laying siege to the Caerau Ely goal the visitors should have added to their advantage but lacked composure at the crucial stage. Despite Porthcawl’s torrent of attacking onslaughts Caerau Ely were threatening to punish the visitors for their early profligacy and restored parity when their ambitious midfielder launched a speculative strike from 25 yards which caught their opponents off-guard and located the top left hand corner. Fortunately for the visitors their immense frustration was surpassed by their endeavour and Martyn Morgan’s hard-working outfit pressed for a second with James Davies, Alex Winkler and Christian Bold all going close. Winger Mark Pickering, who was linking up effectively with playmaker Winkler, forced the Caerau Ely keeper into action with a rasping right-footed drive and netted at the second time of asking, coolly slotting home the rebound with his left foot. In the second half the hosts played their part and provided dogged opposition as Porthcawl failed to take their chances and put the game beyond the visitors. The enterprise and distribution of Winkler and central midfield partner Jason Becker, a mature influence in the centre of the park, provided a platform for some expansive football but couldn’t produce a third which ensured a nervy finish. Porthcawl entertain Treharris Athletic Western on Saturday 20 February at Locks Lane (2.00pm)..
Saturday 13 February 2010 AFC Llwydcoed 3, Cwmbran Town 0 from AFC Llwydcoed Early pressure from Coed amounted to nothing as both sides attempted to settle into the game. A fine ball from Jordan Coles to Ross Williams saw the left-sided player deliver a good cross only for Richard Dennis’ glancing header to skim over the bar. Indecision in the Cwmbran defence saw a Chris Vardon shot scramble onto the post which Cwmbran managed to clear for a corner. After 20 minutes, a poor tackle from behind on the Coed striker Richard Dennis left him with a dislocated ankle and Craig Boulton replaced him. For the remainder of the half Coed struggled to find any fluency to their game and appeared to be missing their talisman (Dennis) up front. Cwmbran seemed happy to let Coed have most of the possession, but they couldn’t capitalise on this before half time and both teams went into the dressing rooms level at 0-0. The second half saw Coed start with more determination and with both sides defending high up their respective halves, it would be only a matter of time before the off-side trap was broken. Indeed, on 56 minutes, a through ball saw Tomos Morris beat the off-side defence line and hit a sweet strike in the left hand corner of the goal, which gave the Cwmbran keeper no chance. Cwmbran failed to learn from this and 10 minutes later, Morris once again latched on to a through ball to then play a clever pass across the area to Chris Vardon, who duly put the ball into an empty net. Coed were 2-0 up. The visitors offered little in the form of any cohesive attacking play and the game deteriorated with mainly long balls being played from both defences. This suited Coed and Morris was making runs through the midfield to cause problems in the Cwmbran defence. On 85 minutes his timed run saw an almost identical goal being scored as Morris supplied Vardon for his brace and put Coed 3-0 up, which secured the points for the home side. This game was a confidence booster for Coed and saw them jump several places up the league table after an indifferent period of results. However, it turned out to be a bitter-sweet afternoon with the injury to Richard Dennis. Both the club and supporters wish him a speedy recovery.
Llanwern 3, AFC Llwydcoed 3 from AFC Llwydcoed AFC Llwydcoed arrived at the Newport Stadium facing a fifth consecutive defeat, Llanwern being the opposition. AFC welcomed back Club Captain Matthew Doherty to his first start of the season. Llanwern exerted some early pressure on the Llwydcoed defence calling their goalkeeper Rhys James to punch clear on a few occasions. Llwydcoed responded after this spell of pressure, Garin Withers made a terrific run giving the Llanwern defence a worrying time, most of the visitors' good play came from Tomos Morris combining with Jordan Coles. Llanwern almost caught out Llwydcoed central defenders out of position but their striker's shot was held by Llwydcoed’s goalkeeper Rhys James, Llwydcoed although they failed to keep possession in good areas they still created some excellent play and finished the half in charge. An outstanding first half but no goals Llwydcoed were beginning to gain the ascendency and deservedly scored from a quality Leigh Philips free kick but they failed to protect their advantage and left their back door open, Llanwern raced clear and Mike Vaux scored from a pin-point cross. Llanwern were now looking dangerous but Llwydcoed held firm and Tomos Morris settled things down and created some lovely openings. Llanwern’s goalkeeper Nicky Church foiled Christopher Vardon from scoring but the enigmatic Tomos Morris delivered scoring from a lovely move with Llanwern under pressure. So could Llwydcoed defend the advantage? No, was the answer. Llanwern found space in Llwydcoed’s midfield and Ashley Sully equalised, a poor defensive team goal. Llanwern must have realised they could score freely and scored again, the same reason, too much open space in the Llwydcoed midfield on the right side their defence failed to respond and left Llanwern’s Marcus Power in yards of space and he scored easily. Llwydcoed had thrown away the advantage with minutes remaining Llwydcoed responded. Llanwern’s Luke Palmer was dismissed for a double yellow leaving his team mates under pressure. Richard Dennis had one good chance blasting over the bar, more pressure and the equaliser they deserved arrived with Richard Dennis scoring. Llwydcoed still had time to win the match, a few minutes more and they could have. Llanwern’s defence stayed firm just and a draw was the result for both teams. A cracking match well refereed.
Port Talbot Town 1, Llanelli 3 Youth Division West by Mark Pitman, http://www.porttalbottown.co.uk Port Talbot Town manager Mark Pike rotated his squad for this difficult MacWhirter Welsh League Youth Division West match against champions and league favourites Llanelli as his side looked to build on their midweek victory over Haverfordwest County. It was the visitors who had the better of the early possession however with Antonio Facciuto a constant problem for Port Talbot Town on the left of midfield and his two early crosses tested the home defence. Port Talbot quickly settled into the match however and caught Llanelli on the counter-attack with striker Tom Gigg forcing visiting goalkeeper Craig Richards to make a superb save after 15 minutes. Two minutes later Port Talbot were ahead as Gigg hooked the ball back into the area and Sam France was on hand to head the ball home. Port Talbot continued to push forward and Jack Germain should have made the most of his opportunity after beating the Llanelli defence but his shot went wide of the post. Llanelli continued to enjoy the better of the possession but Port Talbot remained well organised in defence with the confidence from taking the lead and extra incentive as they went into half-time.
Llanelli came out with an positive attitude for the second half as they looked to pull the game back and on 59 minutes the eventual equaliser arrived through Daniel Smale. Antonio Facciuto then struck the crossbar with a long range effort before the visitors took the lead through Craig Frater on 67 minutes. Port Talbot were restricted to half-chances at the other end with Tom Gigg coming the closest to levelling the score with a long range effort that went wide of the post on 75 minutes. Llanelli made the game safe with nine minutes remaining when James Secker scored their third goal of the game. Frater could have added a second but his effort hit the crossbar. Despite the defeat Port Talbot will take a number of positives from the match having taken a one goal lead into half-time.
Port Talbot Town - Ryan Dummer, Alex Powel, Sean
Tennant, Aaron Biddescombe, Luke Paynton, Chris Silva, Adam Gaunt, Sam
France, Tom Gigg, Sam Baker, Jack Germain. Subs - Jamie Jones, Jordan
Edwards, Daniel Pugh, Liam Pullen, Jordan Tomlinson
Saturday 13 February 2010 Aberaman Athletic 1, Ton Pentre 1 from Ton Pentre FC After pulling themselves level in the second half, Ton Pentre became the dominant force in this match against reigning MacWhirter Welsh League Division One champions Aberaman Athletic at their Golden Acres home. Unfortunately for the Bulldogs they were unable to score a winning goal despite having at least six brilliant opportunities to net what looked like certain goals. These goal scoring chances were mainly created by player/manager Andrew Hughes, who without his usual strike force decided to play himself up front. His ability to hold the ball up along with his skill helped to produce many of the Ton Pentre chances. When Aberaman conceded the eqauliser they appeared to lose confidence and looked incredibly vulnerable. The Cynon Valley outfit were a completely different team when compared to their first half performance. Liam Beattie had given the home team the lead after 14 minutes when Aberaman counter attacked when a Ton move broke down with Andrew Hughes in attack. Although Hughes appeared to have been fouled after losing the ball the referee ignored his protests as Aberaman worked the ball down the left. Once Beattie was in control of the ball he spotted Ton goalkeeper Richard Jeffries rushing off his line to narrow the angle. With space running out the former Dinas Powys striker lobbed Jeffries to send the ball into the back of the net for a sublime goal. Aberaman were certainly the more creative team in attack during the first half and they nearly doubled their lead soon after when following some defensive confusion in the Ton box they hit the post. From this lucky escape the Bulldogs sent the ball up field where Hughes got himself into a position to shoot. He was unable to avoid Gareth Williams in between the posts as he sent his effort into his arms. Ton Pentre pulled themselves level through Wayne Antoniazzi in the 50th minute of the match when an Aberaman defender slipped on the uneven surface at Golden Acres on the edge of the box. Antoniazzi was close by and after taking possession he finished well for a fortunate goal. From here the Rhondda Bulldogs completely dominated the second half exchanges and pleasingly for the management created chance after chance. However, Ton’s finishing was poor leaving Aberaman feeling fortunate that they were not on the end of a Bulldogs hammering. Hughes crossed into Martyn Phillips’ run on the hour and just as the Ton midfielder jumped to head it Williams pounced through the air to take it off his forehead. Antoniazzi had a superb chance to give the Bulldogs the lead ten minutes later after Hughes held the ball up before squaring it inside to the attacking winger. Antoniazzi had the vastness of an open goal but somehow sent the ball centimetres wide of the left post. The player lay on the ground with hands over his face in disbelief. Leon Young was also guilty of missing the target when he was presented with a fantastic opportunity to score after Hughes played him in with a cheeky chip over the Aberaman defence. With just the keeper to beat Young sent the ball wide of the left post. During the 87th minute of play Hughes was again on hand to set the ball up for a goal scoring opportunity when his pass to Phillips presented another wonderful chance to score and win the game. Phillips’ shot appeared to be goal bound and Ton’s travelling fans started to celebrate but somehow the ball skimmed wide of the left hand post once again leaving everyone gasping in disbelief. Football can be a cruel game and the Bulldogs were always weary that they may be made to rue these missed chances and deep into injury time this was nearly the case. In an unusual second half break from Ton’s pressure, Aberaman were able to get the ball into the Bulldogs box deep into injury time. As the Ton defence creaked under their attacking pressure Aberaman hit the cross bar and the ball fortunately fell to a Ton defender who punted it up field. Andrew Hughes will be very pleased with Ton’s second half performance and in particular with the amount of chances that the Bulldogs were able to produce. He may very well decide to keep playing himself up front as he certainly put in a man-of-the-match performance. Ton have another tough test on Saturday, 20th February 2010 when the Welsh League’s surprise package, Caldicot Town, visit Ynys Park for a 2.00 pm kick off. Ton Pentre: Richard Jeffries; 2. Adam Lewis; 3. Matthew Hearne (61mins); 4. Ryan Morgan (Captain); 5. Tom Davies; 6. Leon Young; 7. Wayne Antoniazzi; 8. Liam Hutchinson; 9. Andrew Hughes; 10. Martyn Phillips (90mins); 11. Fraser Williams (78mins). Substitutes: 12. Phil Clarke (78mins); 14. Matthew O’Keefe; 15. Jamie Thomas (61mins); 16. Calvin Mclaggon (90mins); 17. Leighton James. Goal: Antoniazzi 50 Booking: Phillips 17 Referee: Ian Holyoake (Porthcawl)
Saturday 13 February 2010 Dinas Powys 1, Goytre Utd 3 from Peter King, Dinas Powys FC Dinas went on the attack from the first whistle and, after good approach work by Ricki Morgan and Joe Hinds, a cross from the right wing found Tony Wallis at the far post but he didn't hit his shot cleanly and Goytre keeper Chris Curtis was able to scramble the ball away. Another attack down the left wing by Paul Carro culminated in him cutting in and shooting just over the bar and just two minutes later the same player used his pace to make progress before laying the ball inside to Wallis who made amends for his earlier miss with a fine strike to beat Curtis from 15 yards for the opener after nine minutes. However, the visitors are not top of the league for nothing and began to get their act together with Darren Lyons firing over the bar from a corner and then Darren Griffiths connecting with a John Meacock free kick but his shot was wide of the upright. As the half wore on it was Goytre having more of the ball but Dinas always looking dangerous on the break. In the 35th minute the visitors did get the ball in the net, Richard Ryan's free kick finding Darren Lyons at the far post for a looping leader but his effort was ruled offside. Just as it looked at though Dinas would hold onto their lead until the interval, they failed to clear their lines and the ball fell to Lyons again who made no mistake with a powerful shot from 12 yards. Dinas had their keeper Peter Blaine to thank right on the stroke of half-time for two superb saves to keep the score level at the interval. The hosts had the perfect start early in the second half when the referee awarded them a penalty for handball. Captain Ricki Morgan took the spot kick but Curtis guessed the right way and made a good save. The visitors then found themselves down to 10 men when an assistant drew the referee's attention to an off the ball incident and Scott Kenyon was shown a straight red card. This just made Goytre all the more determined and they were awarded a penalty for hand ball 15 minutes into the half. Richard Ryan blasting the spot kick into the roof of the net giving Blaine no chance. Five minutes later Jacob Rudman threaded a pass to Paul Carro, having one of his better games, but Curtis managed to save his shot. This was about as good as it got for Dinas as the 10 men looked comfortable and they made the game safe with the best goal of the game, a long ball out from Curtis found Darren Griffiths who hit a 20-yard screamer to make it 3-1. With 20 minutes remaining, manager Danny Kinsey replaced Joe Hinds with long time Dinas favourite Nathan Hosgood, re-signed from a stint at Pontypridd Town, and Andy Lane came on for Owain Adams. Dinas did have one further chance when a good cross from Mark Dunford on the right found Wallis but his header was saved by Curtis. Next week Dinas make the long trek down to Swansea to face Garden Village with a 2.00 pm kick off. Further information can be found on the club's web site at www.dinaspowys.co.uk
Newcastle Emlyn 2, Caerau (Ely) 0 from Newcastle Emlyn FC This game where Newcastle Emlyn hosted fifth place Caerau (Ely) of Cardiff to Parc Emlyn could turn out to be a massive test for both sides in their respective quests for promotion. In early open play, Emlyn proved to have the few early chances with Anthony Owens and Adam Raymond testing the Caerau (Ely) keeper. Caerau (Ely) were not going to lay down without a fight and were competing strongly in midfield. The best chance for Caerau (Ely), fell in the 32nd when their striker shot right footed on to be turned away by the ever reliable keeper Spencer Cutlan in the Emlyn goal. The Back four of Dorian Davies, Josh Davies, Gary Evans and Adrian Owens grew in stature as the game was ticking on and dealt with everything that was thrown at them.
In the 40th minute Emlyn on the counter-attack took the lead
when the educated midfielder Alec Squires sent through a telling pass to
the on- running striker Anthony Owens beat to Caerau (Ely) defenders and
round the Caerau (Ely) keeper in class fashion. Emlyn headed for the
changing rooms at half time one goal to the good. The game appeared over when two Caerau (Ely) players were sent off for verbal abuse towards the referee and Emlyn saw Jake Harries receive a straight red for an off the ball incident. Overall, Caerau (Ely) would be disappointed not to come away with anything having put in a good performance. A delighted Emlyn manager, Wayne Jones, stated after the game ”This was a massive three points for us and puts us in good shape for a tricky game next week away to Llanwern.” "We have now completed the double over Caerau (Ely) who shadow us in the league at present so to claw six points from them is huge." "The lads were superb, all 14 in the squad, so hats off to them.” ”The most important thing for me was that we have managed to keep clean sheets for two back-to-back games, something which we have worked on.” ”But one swallow doesn't make a summer, we will enjoy the night and prepare for Llanwern next week."
Port Talbot Town 2, Haverfordwest County 1 Youth Division West by Mark Pitman, http://www.porttalbottown.co.uk Port Talbot Town first team manager Mark Jones was in attendance as Mark Pike’s side picked up their first league points of the season with a fully-deserved victory against Haverfordwest County. Despite the visitors having the better of the early possession, Port Talbot soon settled into the match and after Luke Robinson had come close with two half-chances for Haverfordwest. Sam Baker had the best chance to open the scoring but his effort went over the bar on 18 minutes after Jordan Edwards and Sam France had combined well on the right. Jamie Jones then came close to handing Port Talbot the lead but his placed shot went narrowly wide of the post after 21 minutes as the home side began to take control of the match. Chances were few and far between for the remainder of the half but Port Talbot began to dominate in the second half with Chris Silva coming close from a free-kick outside the area on 55 minutes. Sam Baker then tested visiting goalkeeper Luke Clarke-Trevis with a long range effort but the keeper was able to push the ball wide of the post with a fine save minutes later. Port Talbot kept the momentum up with Jack Germain a constant problem for Haverfordwest with his attacking runs from midfield while at the back the central defensive pairing of Aaron Biddescombe and Josh Wonnacott prevented goalkeeper Luke Martin from being called into action. Port Talbot took their deserved lead on 68 minutes in style as Sam France drilled a half-volley from the edge of the area past the Haverfordwest keeper but allowed the visitors back into the match just three minutes later when he tripped substitute Atueyi Vincent in the area. Ashley Andrews scored the resulting penalty despite Martin diving the right way. Port Talbot were back in front on 73 minutes when Jack Germain capitalised on a defensive mistake to pass the ball into an empty net from a tight angle. Haverfordwest pushed for an equaliser but Port Talbot defended strongly with Aaron Biddescombe in superb form to hold onto their lead and claimed the deserved victory. Port Talbot Town - Luke Martin, Luke Paynton, Daniel Pugh, Aaron Biddescombe, Josh Wonnacott, Chris Silva, Jordan Edwards, Sam France, Sam Baker, Jack Germain, Jamie Jones. Subs - Adam Gaunt, Liam Pullen, Oliver Bowen, Ryan Bowen, Sean Tennant Haverfordwest County - Luke Clarke-Trevis, Danny Peters, Kristian Isaacs, Curtis Hurlow, Greg Lees-Griffiths, Ashley Andrews, Jack Jones, Nathan Evans, Luke Robinson, Rob Morgans, Rhys Dalling. Subs - Atueyi Vincent, Daniel Bryce, Sean Seymour-Davies
AFC LLWYDCOED MATCH INFORMATION Saturday 6 February 2010 Treharris Athletic Western 3, AFC Llwydcoed 2 from AFC Llwydcoed Llwydcoed travelled the short distance to the Merthyr Valley looking to end a run of three defeats. Last season’s record breakers of Division Three slumped to another defeat their seventh out of fourteen matches. Llwydcoed started full of promise with Garin Withers moving on to a top cross-field pass from Leigh Philips he found Matthew Reynolds whose touch was sublime bringing Christopher Vardon into the attack, he flew past a few Treharris defenders but the finish was missing, at this stage of the match it looked likely that Llwydcoed could galvanise a result. Treharris were on the defensive Llwydcoed’s Gavin Fowler and Brent Hewitt kept finding their strikers, Another Garin Withers run created danger for Treharris allowing Christopher Vardon to try and score the opening goal but the chance was missed. Treharris spent most of the opening fifteen minutes on the defensive, but gradually they began to cause some panic in the Llwydcoed right midfield, a warning of what was to come but not from open play the hosts were awarded a corner kick taken by Stephen Sedgemoor and the ball eluded the Llwydcoed players for Treharris to open the scoring, a shocking defence goal. Treharris were in control they began to find too much space throughout the Llwydcoed shape. Kevin Bounds linked up with his team mates and sent a crashing shot against the post, another warning sure enough the same player scored with a blistering shot from a similar position again unmarked. The half time whistle arrived with Llwydcoed’s players facing an uphill battle. The second half saw Treharris create early problems for Llwydcoed, it looked as if they were going to score more goals from one of those attacks. Kevin Bounds again unmarked scored with a low short into the bottom corner. Llwydcoed were unrecognisable from a few weeks ago. Matthew Doherty, Richard Dennis and Luke Davies were introduced as substitutes, in time the influence of Matthew Doherty began to raise the heads of the Llwydcoed players but time was running out a snap shot by Jordan Coles forced Treharris goalkeeper Robert Jones to save but could not hold, Christopher Vardon followed up to score. Then more pressure and Leigh Phillips missed a very good chance off a corner, he was not to be denied when another corner taken by Jordan Coles and Leigh Phillips scored with a power header so instead of being three goals in arrears it hade been reduced to one. A few anxious minutes for Treharris they survived to gain a deserved victory. Llwydcoed’s players just need to show desire and commitment and this unforeseen losing run will end.
Tuesday 26 January 2010 Afan Lido 5 v 3 AFC Llwydcoed (after extra time – 3-3 full time) Nathaniel Car Sales League Cup Round Four from AFC Llwydcoed Coed started this game with Matthew Reynolds recalled to the starting line up and given the role of leading the line with Chris Vardon in Llwydcoed’s attack but the early pressure came from the home side, who themselves looked threatening with pace on either flank. However, after the early exchanges and a couple of close efforts for Lido, Coed took the lead. Good pressure in the midfield resulted in a corner which Jordan Coles, who worked tirelessly throughout, whipped into the near post area. Ross Williams timed his run to perfection and his header glanced in off a defender to put Coed 1-0 ahead. Afan Lido looked to get back into the game and were unfortunate not to equalise, with a couple of efforts chalked off by the linesman for offside. However, the equaliser did come before long but Coed only had themselves to blame. Following a throw in on the half way line, Ryan Barry failed to control the ball and that allowed the pacy Lido striker to run away from him with the ball and beat keeper Rhys James at the near post. Barry recovered from his mistake and went onto put in a commanding second half performance but not before he scrambled the ball home for Coed’s second before half time following another dangerous corner kick by Coles. The second half started with more pressure from the home team but Coed weathered the storm and began to settle into their pass and move game. Tomos Morris was seeing as much of the ball as anyone and he used it well to bring wide players Garin Withers and Ross Williams into the game wherever possible. Frustration grew for the home side and indiscipline cost them dearly as the referee sent off one of the home players. Reynolds was a force for the first hour of the game and he constantly occupied the central defenders and helped Coed play further up the field and from that pressure Vardon slipped the Lido defenders and at the second attempt of asking put the ball past the keeper to make it 3-1. Lido reacted as you would expect – changes were made and pressure resulted, as Coed dropped deeper and tried to defend the lead. Matthew Docherty was brought into midfield to try and shore things up but the inevitable happened and Lido got one back. Again, this came from a mistake in possession which Coed were punished for. In the closing minutes of the game, having seen a couple more efforts disallowed by the referee for offside, the referee awarded a penalty to the home side. The Lido striker seemed to go down far too easily in the penalty box and at first the referee agreed. He waved play and shook his head to penalty shouts but incredibly changed his mind and pointed to the spot. Lido equalised and the game was taken into extra time. Lido played the majority of extra time in Coed’s half and created a number of chances to take the lead and win the game. Coed continued to waste possession and take the wrong options and ultimately were punished, with Lido scoring twice, once in each half of extra time. Coed kept playing to the end and had excellent chances to reduce the lead but Vardon, Morris and substitute Richard Dennis all failed to take them. In the end it was an excellent cup tie that Coed will look back on and think how did we lose that? Action from AFC Llwydcoed Reserves v Pontyclun Reserves on Saturday 23 January 2010
Llwydcoed and Pontyclun gave a first class display in this reserve encounter. Llwydcoed's top scorer Matthew Phillips showed his goal- scoring qualities yet again to record a hat trick. Pontyclun played some excellent football but Llwydcoed's defence was too strong on the day. Further goals followed for Llwydcoed to record an deserved 5-0 victory.
Friday 5 February 2010 Taffs Well 1, Aberaman Athletic 4 by Frank Terrell, Taffs Well FC Friday night’s game brought a big crowd to Taffs Well many of them hoping to see another victory from Mark Sampson’s exciting young side. One commented beforehand that he hoped to see the theme of four continue for yet another game; by the final whistle he was probably wishing he hadn’t said those words. This was a classic case of old, experienced players knowing how to win ugly not bothering about the beautiful game but digging in to make life difficult for the home side and relying on the break to snatch opportunities. Aberaman had that spine of experience running through the side with Swansea City goalkeeping coach, Tony Pennock in between the sticks, Simon Truman, Samir Misbah and Nathan Cadette anchoring the midfield and John Phillips and Mark Greedy able to offer a goal threat up front. Chris Ashley was returning to the club he played Youth football for and then graduated to one of the finest Taffs Well sides ever under the managership of Nicky Tucker and he has a habit of hurting the hosts at both ends of the pitch. Taffs Well started at an electric pace with Tyrone Topper firing over the bar and David Biggs going close. Aberaman were then thwarted when their first meaningful attack was halted by an offside decision. Shortly afterwards, the visitors put together a good move to force Jamal Roberts into an excellent recovery tackle to earn a corner. Dominic Dwyer rose at the near post to head clear but mistimed his header and only succeeded in deflecting it to the far post where Chris Ashley headed powerfully past Jon Howe and into the net 90-1, 16 minutes). Aberaman manager growled from the touchline at his team to keep their shape and their discipline as Taffs Well launched wave after wave of attacks to get back into the game. Steve Edwards was set up on the right flank for Taffs Well following good approach play but his first touch took him a little too wide and Tony Pennock forced him out conceding a corner. Aberaman defended that one at the expense of a second but then the ball was cleared downfield (27 minutes). With the home side throwing bodies into fast-moving attacks from all parts of the field the inevitable happened when they were caught on the counter. Chris Hugh had pushed up to support a left-wing attack and so Dominic Dwyer covered over from centre back into the left back slot, as good defenders do, but this meant that he just played Simon Truman onside when a long clearance picked out the Aberaman number four’s run, according to the officials. Truman did what he has made a career of doing and burst through to beat the cover and score (0-2, 28 minutes). Taffs Well supporters in line with the last defender were adamant that he was offside but it is the judgement of the officials that count and hard luck stories don’t win the League. Taffs Well continued to create chances the next coming only a minute after the goal when Topper and Maynard swapped positions, Maynard crossed perfectly onto Topper’s head but the winger could only head straight at the perfectly positioned Tony Pennock who caught the header comfortably. Arron Colwill picked out Steve Edwards on the right wing with an ingenious pass, Edwards cut into the right corner of the penalty area, tricked Tarrant Watkins, cut inside and then out again before driving the ball past Pennock (1-2, 30 minutes). Taffs Well stepped up the tempo even further in a mad few minutes with Liam Williams first shooting over the bar from the edge of the area, then forcing Pennock to tip his next shot over the bar before he then hit the post (31 minutes). A minute is a long time in football and that was certainly an action-packed one. Taffs Well then created another chance after good approach play along the home side’s right flank but a defender managed to block Maynard’s effort from close range for a corner from which Liam Williams again shot over (32 minutes). Taffs Well were next denied when Pennock saved from Arron Colwill’s effort, Tyrone Topper forced home the rebound having reacted in a different time frame from everyone else but to everyone’s amazement his “goal” was disallowed for offside (35 minutes). Steve Edwards then set Jamal Roberts free down the right flank but he scuffed his shot wide (37 minutes). Taffs Well then forced a corner but Biggs’s header at the far post was cleared off the line by a defender on the post as the home side continued to press right to the half time whistle. Taffs Well started the second half as they had finished the first with a trademark attack down the right wing with a clever run from Steve Edwards but when the ball was played across the penalty box, Liam Edwards was thwarted again (47 minutes). David Biggs then swept a terrific cross field diagonal pass from the right side of the centre circle in behind the Aberaman right back. Topper raced onto the pass but a covering defender forced the ball out for a corner that was cleared. Aberaman managed to force play up to the other end and earned a corner from which Taffs Well broke away when Dean Maynard played an intelligent ball to set Topper free on the right wing but when he fed his pass in to Liam Williams, Pennock read the young home captain’s body shape and saved his effort comfortably (50 minutes). It was time for a change so Steve Edwards went off after an excellent performance in which he might have added to his one goal. Jamal Easter came on (55 minutes) and very quickly helped Taffs Well earn a corner. Topper and Roberts worked a short corner to set Maynard up at the far post but again Pennock fielded the ball easily, his hands like magnets his reading of the situation impeccable (56 minutes). Taffs Well showed all the thrilling naivety of a young side with wave after wave of attacks but too often were forcing the game when perhaps a little more patience would have earned them more reward. However, for the paying customer the game was proving a thrill a minute. As Taffs Well kept pressing for an equaliser they were increasingly vulnerable to the counter attack. On fifty-eight minutes a heavy-legged Samir Misbah was replaced by the youthful and energetic Liam Beattie. Aberaman concentrated on slowing the game down at every opportunity whether a throw, goal kick or free kick showing all the nous one would expect from a Leighton James team. Roberts nearly equalised for Taffs Well when he set off on yet another right wing run following a throw-in but his cross flew off the outside of Pennock’s near post and behind. Pennock will tell anyone he was confident it was wide (62 minutes). Aberaman replaced Nathan Cadette with Greg Palmer but the attacks kept flowing towards the visitors’ goal. Pennock was forced to save for another corner which was then cleared but Taffs Well then launched another breathtaking left wing attack only to see the ball rebound off the far post. Taffs Well adjusted the formation taking off defender, Matt James, dropping Biggs back in defence and putting Lloyd Toghill on in midfield (72 minutes). With Taffs Well continuing to be frustrated by Aberaman’s dogged defending with Ashley and Jacobson hanging on in central defence for the visitors Arron Colwill went off following a knock to the leg and Barry Richards came on to push Jamal Roberts further forward (79 minutes). It wasn’t long before the inevitable happened and Liam Beattie did for Aberaman what he had done so effectively earlier in the season at home – score. A breakaway from deep saw Beattie race from just beyond the half way line to score beyond Jon Howe’s despairing dive with the home defence caught undermanned by throwing players forward (1-3, 84 minutes). Antony Taylor was then sent off for his second yellow card of the game for pulling back Tyrone Topper and Chris Hugh exploited the lightweight visitors’ right flank with a buccaneering overlapping run and a superb far post cross knocked back to Dean Maynard but he scuffed his shot and Pennock saved again. Aberaman then ended the game as a contest when, in stoppage time, Dominic Dwyer tried to play his way out of defence with an attempted chip over Simon Truman who charged his attempt down (with his arms according to Dwyer) before he beat Jon Howe to score Aberaman’s fourth and his second (1-4, 96 minutes). Game over. The old hands had smash and grabbed the young whippersnappers but it was the visitors who had struck four. Taff’s Well: 1. Howe; 2. Roberts; 3. Hugh; 4. Dwyer; 5. James; 6. Biggs; 7. Edwards; 8. Williams (Capt.); 9. Maynard; 10. Colwill; 11. Topper; subs. 12. Easter; 14.Toghill; 15. Flynn; 16. Richards. Aberaman Athletic: 1. Pennock; 2. Taylor; 3. Watkins; 4. Truman; 5. Ashley; 6. Jacobson; 7. Misbah; 8. Kift; 9. Greedy; 10. Phillips; 11. Cadette; subs. 12. Beattie; 14. Jones; 15. Palmer; 16. Elias.
Saturday 6 February 2010 West End 3, Barry Town 3 from Barry Town FC After last week’s victory in the Nathaniel Cup at Bridgend Town, Manager Gavin Chesterfield took his in-form side down the M4 to Swansea-based West End. With the travelling fans expectations on a high these expectations took a knock after just one minute when the West Wales side scored following a fine pass on the right when striker Kieran Cullen showing great control slipped the ball wide of Dan Bradley in the Barry goal. This however did not seem to upset the Dragons unduly and they began to control the game in their usual fashion. Rob Blatchford scored in the 12th minute after some great build up play The Town continued in this vein completely dominating the opposition and were rewarded in the 18th minute with a penalty when one of the visiting front runners was brought down in the box and striker Sam Small dispatched the ball with some aplomb to give The Dragons the lead. The
Dragons were now dominating the game and chances fell to Jaymes Dixon
and Sam Hartrey but they were unable to finish. The Dragons increased
their lead again in the 28th minute when Jaymes Dixon, who had missed an
similar opportunity earlier did not make the same mistake again and with
a moment of individual brilliance he danced around his defender and hit
a sweet shot past the home keeper for a fine goal. The Dragons kept resorting to long balls in the air which we eagerly cleared by the big centre halves. When they did try to control the ball the West End midfielders muscled them off the ball. It was now all West End, completely dominating play and it was no surprise when in the 68th minute West End equalised with arguably the goal of the game, a move involving four players at pace going the full length of the field resulting in a fine clip by Alex Chrysanthou into the net past the visiting keeper. All in all a draw was a fair result but the Barry Town management team will be very disappointed that their team did not kick on in the second half to take all three points, whilst being grateful for several classy saves from Dan Bradley to keep a point. BTSC Lotto Nos. 3. 4. 7. 8. 9. 11 No winners,. Prize now £900. 1-13 Next up: Pontardawe Town at Jenner Park, Saturday 13th February (2.00pm) then Caerleon at Jenner Park, Tuesday 16th February (7.45pm).
7 February 2010
by
Huw Jones, AFC Porth The game saw the three Burge brothers Ashley, Christian and Howard take the field at the same time, making Dad Keith, a former Premier League Referee justifiably proud.
Next Saturday 13th
February, high-flyers Penrhiwceiber Rangers visit Dinas Park (2.00pm)..
Next up - away at
Pontyclun Sat 13th February (2.00pm). Scoring sensation Adam Wright led the way with 6, Leon Anstee 2, J Wright, Josh Owen and Dan Williams got the other goals.
Next up is Cambrian on
Sunday 14th February at Dinas Park (2.00pm)..
Ton Pentre 2, Ely Rangers 1 from Ton Pentre FC Despite having to play the majority of this match with ten men, the Rhondda Bulldogs of Ton Pentre managed to come from behind to beat Ely Rangers in a Friday night match at Ynys Park. It was Alyn Jones who saw red for the Bulldogs in the 16th minute with his sending off the result of violent conduct. As the Ton striker brought the ball under his control in the middle of the pitch he had space ahead of him and an attack looked promising. Just as Jones was attempting to run into this space an Ely Rangers player pulled his shirt to stop his progress. Jones was dismissed for his reaction after being confronted by several Ely players. From the resulting free kick Ton launched the ball into the box but Ely were able to clear and hit the Bulldogs on the break. Richard Greaves was the player who hit the back of the net in the 18th minute to add to Ton’s woes. Although they were a goal down, Ton remained well organised as Ely failed to make the extra man count. The Bulldogs also had fortune on their side when in the 26th minute Richard Jeffries booted a huge kick up field. As Ely goalkeeper, Ian Davies, came off his line to get the ball, defender Gareth West headed the ball over him and into his own net. The Bulldogs looked motivated and eight minutes later they gained the lead when from a Liam Hutchinson corner kick Tom Davies finally guided the ball into the goal after Ton had seen several shots blocked or kicked off the line. Even though Ton were a man less they were still capable of creating chances and could have been further in the lead early in the second half. Chris Jones received the ball in the Ely box on 50 minutes with space and time to take a look at what area of the goal he wanted to target. He struck a neat shot that looked likely to test the keeper but the ball took a deflection off a defender to send it off target. Ely Rangers did manage to put the Bulldogs under some sustained pressure when Ton had to remain resolute for the final 15 minutes of the match. Between Richard Jeffries and the defence Ely were unable to find an equaliser and when Neil Coleman sent his shot over the bar deep into injury time the visitors knew they were consigned to defeat. Ton, who are currently third in Welsh League Division One, visit fourth placed Aberaman Athletic on Saturday, 13th February for a 2.00pm kick off. Ton Pentre: 1. Richard Jeffries; 2. Adam Lewis; 3. Matthew Hearne; 4. Ryan Morgan (Captain); 5. Tom Davies; 6. Leon Young; 7. Wayne Antionazzi (71 mins); 8. Liam Hutchinson; 9. Chris Jones (87 mins); 10. Caio Iwan (61mins); 11. Alyn Jones. Substitutes: 12. Jamie Thomas (87 mins); 14. Calvin Mclaggon (61 mins); 15. Martyn Phillips (71 mins); 16. Leighton James; 17. Grant Parfitt. Goals: West (O.G.) 26, Davies 34 Booked: Hutchinson 8, Morgan 18, Lewis 25, C.Jones 62 Sent Off: A.Jones 16 Referee: Phil Thomas (Tonypandy)
Saturday 6 February 2010
Dinas Powys 1, Bridgend Town 2
by Morley Williams, Dinas Powys FC
Once again prior to this game dog mess had to be removed from the pitch and although every effort is made inevitably some traces will remain, the perimeters of the pitch are absolutely littered with it and make it very unpleasant for spectators who are always likely to step in it. There are signs prominently displayed with threats of £1,000 fines for owners of dogs caught fouling the area but one wonders if these will ever be enforced.
Back to the game and there was not a lot of good football on show from either side, Dinas found it difficult to put together any fluent football with not enough passes finding a team-mate and whilst the visitors defence looked vulnerable Dinas couldn’t take full advantage.
Bridgend started the better pushing the home side back and forcing a number of free-kicks but keeper Peter Blaine only had one weak shot to deal with.
Dinas relied on breakaways with Mark Dunford prominent when they did get forward. It was Dunford who opened the scoring in the 10th minute when a mistake in the visitors defence gave Tony Wallis the chance to find Paul Carro whose cross was converted by Dunford from 10 yards.
They held on to the lead for just seven minutes before a long ball out of the Bridgend defence was headed on and Gianlucca Palladino shot past the Dinas keeper from twenty yards. From a free-kick Palladino had another chance to score but his header was too close to the keeper who saved comfortably, the home sides reply was a quick break when a Bridgend corner was cleared, Paul Carro’s cross was cut out by keeper Neil Collins before Tony Wallis could pounce.
Early in second-half we saw a glimpse of what could be done when good passing between Carro and Wallis gave Mark Dunford an opportunity but his effort was wide of the upright. But it didn’t last long and if anything the remainder of the game deteriorated to even lower levels that the first-half.
It was the visitors who got the decider eight minutes into the half when a good ball in from the right found Rameer Outlaw and he was given the room to turn and fire home from no more than eight yards. Neither side were able to create any further clear cut opportunities in the game with Bridgend moving to within a point of Dinas in the league with three games in hand.
It doesn’t get any easier with next week's visitors, table toppers Goytre United at The Murch, but Dinas usually play well against them and pushed them all the way in the fixture at Glenhafod Park earlier in season and look forward to the challenge.
Squad: 1 Peter Blaine, 2 Tom Hutton, 3 Josh Reffell, 4 Owain Adams, 5 Lloyd Davies, 6 Paul Carro, 7 Ricki Morgan, 8 Jacob Rudman, 9 Joe Hinds, 10 Mark Dunford (1), 11 Tony Wallis, 12 Barry Pappin,14 Rhodri Foote, 15 Anthony Roberts.
Saturday 6 February 2010 Cwmaman Institute 1, Cwmamman United 0 from Cwmaman Institute FC The clash of the two Cwmamans was a close encounter and not settled until the dying minutes. The home team included the two recent signings from Llwydcoed, Leon Bansal and Stuart Evans. The visitors were the brighter of the two teams in the early stages, Cwmaman were finding it difficult to get their passing game going, and the visitors were finding space on the flanks and getting crosses into the box on a regular basis. It took Cwmaman almost 30 minutes to get their first shot on goal, David Airey found space on the edge of the box but his shot was well saved by Thomas in the Cwmamman goal. The visitors had a chance when a cross into the near post was hit wide from six yards. Cwmaman's passing was poor during this period but Truelove was in good form and held everything that was thrown at him. The Referee was forced to caution several of the visitor’s players which didn’t go well with the coaching team. Cwmaman were getting more into the game as half time was looming, but were certainly not firing on all cylinders. It must be said that the visitors had the better of the first half without creating too many clear cut chances Ross Williams was bought on at the start of the second half in place of young Ross Leeke. Cwmaman were a lot better in the early stages of the second half with Price and Bansal starting to get their passing going. Fifteen minutes into the second half the visitors had a player dismissed for two bookings. This only resulted in galvanising the visitors and they showed a lot of character during the rest of the game. Cwmaman had a chance when Matthew Cable headed across goal only to see it cleared off the line. Thomas made a double save from Airey and young Connor Wickham before the pressure told and David Airey scored the winning goal in the 88th minute. The visitors will feel hard done by after a good performance from their players but it’s all about goals and this game never had a lot of chances in it, but Cwmaman were the team that scored the one and only goal to secure the three points.
Penrhiwceiber Rangers 5, Cardiff Bay Harlequins 2 from Penrhiwceiber Rangers FC Gladbrook Field is the place to be for football entertainment, Ceiber’s last two games have produced no fewer than 15 goals, the first v Ammanford saw Ceiber lose there first game of the season 3-5 and also top spot in the league on goal difference,. Ceiber entertained form team Cardiff Bay Harlequins, and it was Ceiber first out of the blocks, striker Howard Wiltshire got in behind the Quins defence and scored through the leg of the Quins keeper, after only three minutes Two minutes later the same player burst through the Quins defence to score low in the corner. Ceiber were dominating the game and playing good football, it came as no surprise when Ceiber increased their lead, after good interplay in midfield Craig Hewitt feed the ball to striker Adam Callan who calmly rounded the Quins keeper to slot the ball into an empty net, to make it 3-0. Quins clawed their way back into the game, on 23 minutes they pulled a goal back, and in the 26th minute they hit Ceiber on the break scoring a good goal and put themselves right back in the game. The game was very even at this stage with the game end-to-end, the next goal was going to be vital to both teams, it was Ceiber who scored it just before the break Adam Callan scored his second and Ceiber’s fourth. The second half saw both defences tighten up, there were chances at both ends Ceiber hitting a post and Quins hitting the crossbar. Ceiber finalised the scoring, substitute Ryan Buchmann finding the net from close range. A good win for Ceiber against a team who were bang on in form, and Ceiber were missing key defenders Gavin Keepings and Guy Hillman, midfielder Garon Davies was also injured,
Saturday 30 January 2010 Ely Rangers 0, Taffs Well 4 by Frank Terrell, Taffs Well FC Ely Rangers have a tight pitch but the playing surface is usually immaculate but even they have had trouble coping with the extremes of weather we have faced this winter so the playing surface was not up to its usual bowling green standards. As a result the opening exchanges proved to be scrappy as both sides tried to settle into their respective games. Ely had set themselves up to restrict their visitors, to close players down quickly whilst keeping a tightly-disciplined formation and to inhibit Taffs Well’s free-flowing attacking play – a very effective theory but practice does not always follow theory. The problem Ely faced was that Taffs Well’s system was set up to free players into space, restricted though it might be, so runners would arrive in unexpected areas throwing Ely off balance. Jamal Roberts troubled Ely with an early threatening run but his cross was headed away as the home defence kept its shape. Taffs Well’s holding midfield player, Warren Jones, making a first start after returning from a broken arm was rightly booked for a late challenge on Graham Cummings in the centre circle. Ely Rangers threw their big guns forward for the free kick but Dominic Dwyer cleared the danger with a fine diving header. It was Taffs Well’s turn to put the pressure on and Tyrone Topper ran well along the left flank but his cross was blocked allowing Lloyd Toghill to back up and cross to Dean Maynard but his effort was headed out for a corner. Taffs Well put together two more incisive phases of play but Ely Rangers resisted hacking the ball away for a throw and then conceding a corner. The visitors were dominating possession and Jamal Roberts was thwarted again though the ball fell nicely for a cross allowing the alert Liam Williams to throw himself horizontally at the ball to head into Ian Davies’s right hand corner of the net for the lead (0-1, 17 minutes). Ely were rocking and only a minute later overlapping left back, Chris Hugh crossed for the onrushing Jamal Roberts to head over. Ely earned themselves a free kick in a dangerous attacking position and the otherwise excellent Ely number six, Ryan Evans fired well wide. Taffs Well ripped Ely apart with a sweeping four man move across the face of the home penalty area with a clever pass picking out Jamal Roberts with his back to to goal in the penalty area. Roberts twisted, turned to make space and scored past Davies with a fierce shot (0-2, 26 minutes). Neil Coleman troubled Taffs Well as Ely tried hard to respond when he cut into the visitors’ penalty area with a pacy run but then shot wide (28 minutes). Dominic Dwyer then earned himself a yellow card for fouling Coleman some thirty-five yards from his goal and Ely put together a passing move instead of lumping the ball into the box but James Saddler shot over. Taffs Well regained their grip on the game by passing Ely to distraction until Liam Williams ran onto the ball just outside the Ely area but his shot was deflected over for a corner. Dean Maynard, a tireless worker for the team, then shot but Davies saved brilliantly (35 minutes). Superb overlapping play from Chris Hugh set up Jamal Roberts who was too quick for his marker but his effort was blocked as Ely defenders threw themselves into challenges and blocks to try and keep in touch with their visitors. Former Taffs Well player, Dan Hooper, burst forward to get free on the right of the Ely attack and struck his shot fiercely but it rebounded off the foot of the post and the follow-up was blazed over the visitors’ bar (40 minutes). Warren Jones was then sent off for another late challenge that earned him his second yellow card (41 minutes). He later bemoaned his fate lamenting his enforced lay-off that had affected his timing as he tried extra hard to impress. The seventeen year-old will be back as he has a rare maturity as a footballer even if his timing is out at the moment. This should have been the time for Ely to get back into the game but there seemed to be no difference in the contest and, if anything, it appeared that Taffs Well had the extra man. Excellent combination play between Jamal Roberts, Tyrone Topper and Liam Williams eventually set Dean Maynard up for a strike he fired confidently past Ely keeper Davies for a three-nil lead in stoppage time (46 minutes). Danny James came on after the break for Ely and almost immediately Gareth Fundalski clattered late into Lloyd Toghill to send a message of commitment from the home side earning him a warning from the referee. Ely Rangers shrugged this off and counter-attacked but Coleman was caught offside. Jon Howe in the Taffs Well goal broke up an attack with a confident catch and throw to set Jamal Roberts free on the left flank but the vastly experienced Ely player-manager, Wayne Matthews managed to thwart him, the ball broke to Liam Williams who shot wide. Dominic Dwyer fouled Saddler for Ely on the edge of the Taffs Well area, a perfect opportunity for Dan Hooper but his free kick was blocked by Jon Howe who then got up brilliantly to save the follow-up. Chris Hugh then dived into a challenge to concede another free kick allowing Hooper to try again but Howe saved comfortably this time (52 minutes). This had been Ely Rangers best spell but it was caused in part by over-confidence and over-playing at the back by Taffs Well. This has its positive side in terms of attacking play as the visitors constructed yet another flowing passing move with Topper spreading play to the over-lapping right back, Barry Richards whose form has been first class recently. Liam Williams timed his run from deep perfectly as Richards placed a beautiful cross into the path of his captain’s run for him to head in (0-4, 54 minutes). When Ely Rangers put the pressure back on Taffs Well, Jon Howe was in commanding form in goal catching two corners in quick succession. Jamal Roberts might have made the margin five following another lovely sweeping move. Both managers contemplated substitutions with Taffs Well making the first move when Jamal Easter and Matthew Flynn replacing Topper and Roberts on the hour mark. Howe saved twice to deny Ely as they brought on Matthew Hibbs and Richard Greaves for Greatrex and Saddler (68 minutes). Taffs Well played confident and impressive possession football to shut out any Ely revival looking solid in defence and threatening in attack. Steve Edwards came on for Lloyd Toghill for the visitors after seventy-six minutes with no diminution to Taffs Well’s control, despite Jon Howe saving calmly from a Cummings twenty-five yarder and then brilliantly in the eighty-eighth minute from Greaves. The game petered out despite Cummings firing wide shortly afterwards. There are curious parallels between the two sides with Taffs Well relying heavily on a crop of good young players brought in via the club’s Youth system or the manager’s contacts leavened with a couple of older players. Maybe Taffs Well are a year ahead of Ely Rangers and certainly Taffs Well were fortunate to survive in the top division last season to kick on this whilst it is difficult to see Ely being so fortunate. With a series of successful Junior sides feeding into the club it is only a matter of time before Rangers are back on the road to success. Ely Rangers: 1. Davies; 2. West; 3. Hooper; 4. McLaggon; 5. Matthews; 6. Evans; 7. Fundalski; 8. Saddler; 9. Coleman; 10. Cummings; 11. Greatrex; subs. 12. Hibbs; 14. James (D); 15. Greaves. Taff’s Well: 1. Howe; 2. Richards; 3. Hugh; 4. Dwyer; 5. Biggs; 6. Jones; 7. Roberts; 8. Williams (Capt.); 9. Maynard; 10. Toghill; 11. Topper; subs. 12. Flynn; 14.Easter; 15. Edwards; 16. Colwill; 17. James (M).
Afan lido 0, Llanelli 4 FAW Welsh Youth Cup Round Three from Llanelli FC The Reds Under-19s maintained their hold on the FAW Welsh Youth Cup, that they won after beating Swansea City in last season’s final, with a 4 0 win at Afan Lido’s Marston’s Stadium. After conceding home advantage after the tie had been postponed twice at Stebonheath Park, the Reds youngsters were always in control in competitive match. They had the better of the chances with one in particular, falling to Rikki Evans, who skied his shot over the cross bar when it had been easier to score. On the half hour, the Reds, who were playing in their change strip of all white, finally took the lead. Nathan Logan was brought down in the penalty area after being brought down after mesmerising the home defence. The usually reliable spot king, Declan John, saw his penalty saved by Tobin in the Lido goal but he was alert enough to hit the rebound safely home. Minutes before the break, Lido nearly got on level terms when Reds keeper, James Vyse, brilliantly tipped a fierce shot over the bar. From the resulting corner, Kieran Hayes cleared a header off the line and on the Reds then broke away and Craig Frater played a superb through ball onto Nathan Logan who saw his shot hit the post. The second half followed the same pattern as the first with the Reds looking the better side but failing to get the all important second goal. Academy Director, Bob Jeffrey, then made a tactical change, with James Secker replacing Ben Jenkins. Kieran Hayes moved to centre back with Secker taking up his place on the right flank and Rikki Evans joining Frater at the spearhead of the Reds attacking force. This paid dividends as Evans grabbed a hat trick in the final twenty minutes. He put the Reds 2 0 in front after 72 minutes when he pounced onto a pass from James Secker to coolly slot the ball past the keeper. In the 83rd minute a Frater/Evans combination let in Evans to score the third goal of the evening and put the tie beyond doubt. Evans completed his hat trick in the last minute of the game to give the Reds an impressive win and they now face Cardiff side, Ely Rangers in the quarter finals at home at Stebonheath Park.
Cambrian & Clydach 3, Caerleon 1 from Cambrian & Clydach FC On a night were you would have thought the weather conditions would make this game a leveler saw Cambrian defying all the odds with a master-class first half performance. With a number of changes made to the team which played against Ton Pentre the week before. Cam came out of the blocks all guns blazing and picked apart a determined Caerleon team with some exquisite football in atrocious conditions. The Game saw new signing Ryan Prosser make his debut alongside Bertorelli upfront with youngsters Mahoney and Welsh taking up the wide roles whilst veteran Ingram slotted into the middle of the park alongside Jones and Matthews. It wasn’t long before Cam had their first shot on goal after some good one -touch play from Matthews and Ingram in midfield saw Bertorelli’s shot just wide of the post.Wwith some good individual skill from Prosser beating two players on the edge of the area but again fired wide of the post. This was the story of the opening encounters but it took just 15 minutes for Cambrian to make the breakthrough. Again some well worked play through midfield saw youth team product Gareth Welsh unopposed inside the area to follow up a saved shot from a Jones’s effort and slotting calmly into the open net making the score 1-0. And it wasn’t long before Cam got their second goal and this time from a set play. A Chris Ingram corner from the right hand side was met by Michaels whose shot was blocked only to fall to Steve Turner to fire home from 10 yards out. At 2-0 down after 30 minuts anyone would have thought given their position and score line Caerleon would be feeling dejected but this wasn’t to be the case. And with a decent spell of possession on the half hour mark they could have easily made it 2-1 but for some excellent keeping from Howells and committed defending from Turner, Haywood and Michaels but it wasn’t to be the case and didn’t Cam make them pay for their missed chances. A pin point through ball from Turner saw Bertorelli through on goal from 25-yards out with the keeper to beat and he did just that with a fierce drive into the area saw the keeper move to close his angles but the calm striker slotted the ball into the far side of the net making it 3-0 at half time. However the second half was a somewhat different encounter. With Cambrian loosing their up-and-coming star Welsh to a hamstring injury were forced to make a change with Haywood moving to the left and new signing Gareth Wharton filling in at centre half. But it was Caerleon and their nothing to lose attitude who enjoyed the opening encounters with their direct counter attacking approach causing Cam some problems at the back as they took time to settle into their new positions and seeing Howells again showing why he is one of the best about with some committed saves to keep Caerleon at bay. But it was on the hour mark that Caerleon made the breakthrough from the penalty spot under very unusual circumstances. During a Caerleon corner kick the linesman called the referee's attention resulting in the referee speaking to two players (one from each team) about holding inside the area and nothing more. But from the resulting corner the referee pointed to the penalty spot awarding a penalty kick to Caerleon with no apparent reason as to why. And with players and supporters scratching their heads in amusement the spot kick was converted. At 3-1 it didn’t stop there with the tie swaying in the opponents favour. Caerleon full of confidence and Cambrian still bemused by the spot kick saw the home side under pressure from a good spell of play from the visitors but for some last ditch tackles and excellent defending saw Cambrian regain their composure and it was not long before the tie swayed back into Cambrian's favour. With Cam pushing for a fourth and the game into the 90th minute, an intercepted cross from the right saw a long clearance from Caerleon fall to their striker's feet who was clear through on goal but with the conditions slowing the striker down it allowed defender Michaels to catch him and make a last-ditch tackle which appeared to be five or so yards outside of Cambrian's area but the referee awarded a penalty and Caerleon a lifeline and not before showing Michaels a straight red. The spot kick was missed with the tie ending 3-1. This was a great three points for Cam against a very committed Caerleon side in very difficult conditions. Although the home side didn’t convert anywhere near the chances that were created in the game it was nice to see we are not far away from our best which is just what we need before the tough Nathaniel Car Sales League Cup quarter final game at Goytre United on Saturday (1.30pm) were we welcome back captain Daniel Lever and winger Scott Seldon to the squad.
Saturday 30 January 2010 Troedyrhiw 3, Aberbargoed Buds 6 from Troedyrhiw FC 'Rhiw finally returned to action last Saturday following a lengthy lay off courtesy of the weather. The club like many in the league had not played since December 12th. At times in this game it showed that 'Rhiw had been out of action for a long time as they were decidedly lacklustre against the visiting Gwent men. Defensive errors saw Buds take a 3-0 lead coming up to the break, but some good work from 'Rhiw saw Shaun O'Brien pull a goal back from close range to reduce the deficit and make it 3-1 at the half-time interval. The half-time team talk looked to have paid dividends for 'Rhiw when O'Brien's header made it 3-2. 'Rhiw were now in the game and looked to haul themselves level. However shortly after, Buds scored again to make it 4-2. This took the wind out of 'Rhiw's sails a little but they battled on. The visitors were then awarded two penalties that were duly dispatched to really rub salt into 'Rhiw's wounds. 'Rhiw substitute Chris Quinlan scored a penalty for his side later on to make it 6-3. 'Rhiw refused to give up and plugged away but time was against them and as the referee blew for full time it was victory for John Lewis' Buds. Saturday sees 'Rhiw travel to Plough Road, Goytre, looking to make amends. They do so without Kevin Rogers who has decided to stand down as Manager due to other commitments. Everyone at the club wishes Kevin all the very best for the future and express their heartfelt thanks to him for his hard work during his time as Manager. The knowledge and experience Kevin brought to the club will no doubt stand the club in good stead for the future. * Troedyrhiw FC would like to express their sincere condolences to the family of former Club Physio Patsy Flynn who passed away recently. Our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.
Saturday 30 January 2010 AFC Llwydcoed 1, Cardiff Bay Harlequins 3 from AFC Llwydcoed Quins recorded the double over Llwydcoed in the space of eleven days. The scores were level at seventy minutes until Llwydcoed failed to move out of defence, hesitated and left their goalkeeper in trouble, his clearance hit Quins substitute Rasul Abdul and the ball rolled into the net. Quins chose to play with a five man midfield, something Llwydcoed struggled with but their defence were not troubled. Leigh Phillips broke up the Quins attacks and moved forward with style, the midfield area was hot, Quins attitude was determined their defence was under pressure with Llwydcoed’s Garin Withers involved. Quins goalkeeper Anthony Thomas pulled off a good save to stop the first goal arriving. Quins were quite content to play through their midfield, they had the best chance of the half their defender Giles Smith heading over the bar but they were not to be denied the pace of their midfield caught Llwydcoed out and Ahmed Noor scored after a spell of attacks. Llwydcoed were finding it very difficult to threaten the Quins shape, that changed thanks to a superb goal from Matthew Reynolds moving inside from the left and shooting past the Quins goalkeeper Anthony Thomas, Llwydcoed were in the ascendancy but no more goals. The second half saw Llwydcoed control the match Garin Withers was excellent as was Tomos Morris, Quins tried to slow the game down.. The best chance of the second half found Christopher Vardon in space after Matthew Reynolds flicked on a header but the chance was missed. Llwydcoed were being slowed down too many times by the Quins. Quins were being outplayed but Llwydcoed failed to punish them. The Quins did defend for their lives, gradually they began to gain possession, Llwydcoed’s defence was superb, a superb tackle by Garin Withers stopped a certain goal chance and then Gavin Fowler found space but he hesitated and put his goalkeeper Rhys James in trouble and Quins were gifted a goal. Llwydcoed responded bringing on substitutes Richard Dennis and Matthew Doherty, they had chances but Quins held on as the match entered the last minutes Rasul Abdul won the battle for possession from Matthew Doherty and finalised the scoring. Llwydcoed have now lost their last three games, Quins are in third position with twenty eight points, Llwydcoed are nine points behind them with five games in hand, they still have twenty one games remaining. The season has just started, Llwydcoed did not deserve to lose the match, they gave it away,
Saturday 30 January 2010 AFC Porth 1, Croesyceiliog 2 Nathaniel Car Sales League Cup Round Four
by
Paul Nagi and Huw Jones, AFC Porth Credit must go to the very hard working Committee who were there hours before kick off, ensuring the game could go ahead, the last thing both sides needed was a postponement. Porth's woes started in the very first minute as top scorer Craig Wells was forced off with a hamstring injury, he was sorely missed, and replaced by youth scoring sensation Adam Wright. Porth had the ball in the net on five minutes, a direct free kick taken by Craig Davies evaded everyone in the box, but for some reason the assistant referee flagged for offside, when the ball clearly didn't touch anyone. Porth had started very well and Wright was presented with a great chance after a cross by Mouncher but he headed wide. Croesy now got into the game and Porth were fortunate when the crossbar and post came to their rescue twice in a short space of time, first top scorer Jenkins hit the bar from a free kick, and then Porth's Davies was relieved when he struck out a leg to divert a dangerous cross onto the post. Both sides deserve great credit on a very difficult surface and Porth should have taken the lead on 29 minutes when after he was brought down in the area Craig Davies picked himself up demanded the ball, unfortunately his well struck penalty hit the post and was cleared. The fifth penalty missed by Porth this season. Referee Mr Hegarty and his assistants, who handled the game superbly throughout considering the conditions were kept busy as both sides had strong appeals for penalties turned down, just before half time a clash led to another substitution with Noble replacing Mouncher. Unbelievably it was all square at the break 0-0. Both sides started the second half well, two well-matched teams who won't be far apart come May, hopefully both in the promotion frame. The first goal was always going to be crucial and it was Croesy who got it on 57minutes when keeper Williams rashly brought down Miles who was going away from goal, but in truth the danger should have been cut out well before, up stepped Jenkins to beat Williams, who guessed the right way. Porth were aggrieved just 60 seconds later when Christian Burge goal bound shot was handled inside the area but a free kick outside was given, it amounted to nothing. Porth were now bombarding the Croesy goal and just when you felt an equaliser was coming, Porth shot themselves in the foot on 64 minutes when Orchard received his second yellow for contesting one too many decisions. This knocked Porth out of their stride, Coles replaced Cory on 67minutes, Croesy with the extra man began to dominate the midfield, Porth did press for the equaliser but it was no surprise when Jenkins got his second of the game on 78 minutes, after a goal mouth scramble. Porth to their credit never gave up and after the impressive Jarrad Wright crossed Christian Burge shot home, to give Croesy an anxious last five minutes, Porth appealed in vain as Josh Owen was upended in the box but Croesyceiliog held on to win. Next at home for Porth - Penrhiwceiber Rangers on Saturday 13th February (2.00pm).
Caerleon 1, Ton Pentre 3 from Ton Pentre FC Ton Pentre moved up to fourth place in MacWhirter Welsh League Division One with a 1-3 win over bottom club Caerleon. Chris Jones, Liam Hutchinson and Leon Young scored the goals at Cold Bath Road as the Bulldogs capped off a week which has seen the Rhondda outfit take seven points from three matches. The Bulldogs gave a laboured performance in a match they were favourites to win comfortably and were lucky not to be behind at half time due to some lacklustre finishing from the home team. When Luke Cueto set off on a run down Caerleon’s right wing, Ton Pentre were unable to stop him from sending a dangerous cross into the box. Cueto accurately found Jason Price in the penalty area but the powerful striker smashed the ball over the bar leaving him to begrudge his effort as he should have given Caerleon the lead. Caerleon had another opportunity to hit the back of the net later in half when from an in-swinging corner kick Ton goalkeeper Richard Jeffries missed the ball when he attempted to collect it. As the ball curled it hit the far post before landing at the feet of a Caerleon player. The player wasn’t expecting the chance and as a result he hit the ball wide of the goal. The Bulldogs were more creative in the second half and when Alyn Jones was fouled on the edge of the box Ton Pentre signalled their intentions from the resulting free kick. Liam Hutchinson hit a lovely strike that was goal bound, however, Scott James dived to tip the ball away for a fantastic save. With Caerleon beginning to judder Wayne Antionazzi moved the ball up the right to attack the box from an angle. He decided to have a shot which was blocked by a Caerleon defender but fortunately the ball broke to Alyn Jones who picked out a pass to Chris Jones on his left. The former Caerleon striker made no mistake with his shot as he gave the Rhondda Bulldogs the lead. Caerleon responded well to going a goal behind and drew level shortly after when Cueto crossed from the right for Price to score a great goal, making up for his first half miss. Ton remained calm and re-established the lead from a free kick on the edge of the 18-yard box. Hutchinson made no mistake with this effort as he beat James with a strike that dipped low to the keepers left leaving him with no chance of making a save. The home team thought they had equalised again a few minutes later from a corner but the goal was ruled out by the Referee for a push on Jeffries as he attempted to catch the ball. Ton were unable to put the result beyond doubt until deep into injury time when they counter attacked from a Caerleon corner kick. With the goalkeeper having gone into the Ton box for the corner kick, Caerleon were left exposed. Leon Young was the player who finished the movement up the field with a shot into an unattended goal for Ton to win the match 1-3. Up next for the Rhondda Bulldogs is a Friday night match when Ely Rangers visit Ynys Park for a 7.30pm kick off on 5th February 2010. Ton Pentre 1. Richard Jeffries; 2. Matthew O’Keefe; 3. Matthew Hearne; 4. Adam Lewis; 5. Tom Davies; 6. Leon Young; 7. Wayne Antionazzi; 8. Liam Hutchinson; 9. Chris Jones; 10. Caio Iwan; 11. Alyn Jones (Captain). Substitutes: 12. Martyn Phillips (for 2 on 61 mins); 14. Geraint Parfitt; 15. Leighton James; 16. Andrew Hughes (for Iwan on 69 mins). Goals: C Jones 55; Hutchinson 64; Young 90+3. Bookings: Davies 70 Referee: Clark Campbell (Blackwood)
Wednesday 27 January 2010
Goytre United 4, Taffs Well 4
by Frank Terrell, Taffs Well FC Who needs to sit at home and watch the Manchester League Cup Semi Final second leg when you can get down to Goytre and watch a live game as thrilling as this? A wet night thanks to a spell of light rain rendered Goytre’s pitch the perfect surface for a totally absorbing end-to-end encounter with both sides playing attractive, if contrasting styles of football. This was a case of the old lags, who have been there, seen it all and done it several times over against a team of young whipper-snappers afraid of nothing. Goytre represent the gold standard of Welsh League Division One sides with a consistency that is the envy of all and an ability to wring results from the most unpromising cloth when others would collapse into defeat. Even though the team has been modified somewhat over the last few years, nevertheless the hard core of strength and experience remains in place with the rock at the heart of their defence Ian “Buster” Morgan partnered by the ever-reliable John Meacock providing a resilience to be envied. They were in for a shock. Taffs Well relied on a couple of pacy wingers to get at the experienced Darren Lyons and the highly capable Michael Chaves. The early exchanges were more cat-and-mouse as the two sides sparred uneasily trying to probe each other’s defences. The first real threat saw Taffs Well left-winger, Tyrone Topper fouled out wide but though the free kick that ensued was cleared well down field Taffs Well counter-attacked putting together a swift, close-passing move revolving around right-back, Barry Richards to threaten the Goytre goal. Topper, Dean Maynard and Taffs Well captain, Liam Williams then combined to set Jamal Roberts free along his right wing to cut in but he fired across the face of the goal and wide (seven minutes). Time for “Buster” to bawl out his team for not protecting the back four sufficiently! Goytre responded pressurising the Taffs Well defence whose response when they secured possession was to overplay but they managed to get away with it. The pressure did not relent, however, forcing young left-back, Chris Hugh to intercept and then gallop forward releasing Jamal Roberts again to run at Darren Lyons but when he set the ball back, his captain, Liam Williams could only fire wide (11 minutes). The pattern of the game was now beginning to emerge: Taffs Well would have a period of close passing interplay carried out at pace, Goytre would exploit their opponents’ naive enthusiasm and counterattack with Richard French and Jacob Daley joining Richard Ryan and Darren Griffiths but always secure in the screen provided by Geza Hajgato and Steve Conaty. Jon Howe was forced to make a desperate save following a corner and a dangerous bye-line run from Steve Conaty but somehow he managed to keep the ball out for an unidentifiable defender to hack clear. When play sprang in an instant to the other end Darren Lyons was forced to flatten Jamal Roberts on the edge of the Goytre penalty area and earned himself a yellow card for his desperate attempt to prevent Roberts hurting his team (14 minutes). The resultant free kick was cleared for a corner which home keeper, Chris Curtis contrived to miss but Arron Colwill’s header was cleared in desperation. Goytre counter-attacked only for Taffs Well to respond in kind and when Barry Richards was set free by a clever pass from Liam Williams Jacob Daley felt obliged to pull him back and earned Goytre’s second yellow card (17 minutes). Goytre were just about hanging on and managed to survive a couple of dangerous attacks from the visitors before their play earned a deserved lead. Tyrone Topper ran across the field from his left wing berth to set up the hard-working Dean Maynard for a shot which Curtis saved but only to see Jamal Roberts arrive to put in the rebound (0-1, 21 minutes). Goytre is not a club at the top of the table year in, year out by a fluke; the players know how to get goals and there is no striker in the League better at that than Richard Ryan. Taffs Well’s young defence revealed their collective naivety when a mistake allowed the lethal Ryan just enough space down the middle to get free and finish with absolute certainty past Jon Howe (1-1, 23 minutes). Taffs Well’s players put that behind them and put together a series of dangerous moves without any end product before Richard Ryan struck again. It was a move of utter simplicity resulting from a long punt by Goytre’s keeper, Chris Curtis. Ryan used all of his experience and not a little cheek by simply pushing Dominic Dwyer over with both arms as he challenged the home striker before finishing past Jon Howe almost exactly as before. It was one of those situations where you feel the foul was so obvious the officials must spot it but no, the goal stood. It happened in an instant and the otherwise excellent referee clearly thought Ryan was just too strong (2-1, 31 minutes). Taffs Well fought back for a spell but Goytre’s defence held firm. Jacob Daley might have increased the lead but his effort was deflected for a corner that the visitors somehow survived. An excellent passage of possession football took Taffs Well up the field until the ball was passed wide to Topper on the left, he crossed and Jamal Roberts arrived at pace to score his and Taffs Well’s second (2-2, 37 minutes). Roberts might have earned his hat-trick moments later but scuffed his shot for Curtis to save comfortably. Topper was running Chaves ragged at this stage but the most he got out of the defender was a corner. If Dominic Dwyer had not tidied up brilliantly just before the break, Goytre might have gone in with a lead but the half ended with Taffs Well pressing and Ian Morgan stemming the tide of attacks aided by his fellow defenders. The Goytre players must have been reminded at half time what had so often got them out of trouble in the past but they were certainly left in no doubt that they had a real test on their hands. For Taffs Well it was a case of more of the same going forward and to try to be a little more secure at the back. The second half opened with Taffs Well dominant and Curtis was forced into a good save to deny Dean Maynard after good approach play by David Biggs and Tyrone Topper. The home fans were stunned when Taffs Well play-maker, Arron Colwill set up Topper on the left edge of the home penalty area to shoot home for the lead to go to the visitors (2-3, 51 minutes). This set the game up a notch more to fever pitch: a free kick out wide forced Taffs Well to defend the area but Matt James cleared at the second attempt; Richard French then tricked his way into the Taffs Well area set up by Ryan’s pass but a combination of Jon Howe and a defender cleared only for the cross to come straight back in from Darren Lyons with Taffs Well in disarray, “Buster” proved the net buster with his header crossing the line to level again (3-3, 54 minutes). Taffs Well attacked again when David Biggs used clever footwork to elude Geza Hajgato and played an excellent ball into the onrushing Topper but his effort was blocked. Arron Colwill then ran at the Goytre defence but saw Curtis save for a corner, the ball was only cleared out to Chris Hugh who forced Curtis into another save. Hajgato went off for Ryan Shugar for Goytre. Things were happening so fast it seemed time had stood still until I found my watch had actually stopped. A Taffs Well cross from the right wing saw Dean Maynard throw himself heroically and horizontally at the ball but miss it by a whisker with the goal at his mercy. Goytre broke back but Darren Griffiths dragged his shot across the face of the Taffs Well goal (62 minutes). Colwill then broke up play in the centre circle and ran at a back-pedalling defence going past three players but his final pass was over-hit and came to nothing (67 minutes). Liam Williams then shot wide forcing Goytre to shuffle their pack taking off the hard-working Conaty for Scott Kenyon (70 minutes). This didn’t help initially as a breath-taking break set up by Arron Colwill’s pass out to the right flank for Jamal Roberts to race to the bye-line and cut the ball back to the far post where Topper arrived on cue to top off Taffs Well’s scoring (3-4, 71 minutes). Colwill then fired over when set up by another Taffs Well move and it looked like youthful brilliance was going to overcome functional effectiveness. There is a strength of will and an inevitability about Goytre, however, that cannot be taken for granted. They will make chances and they will score. Meacock sent in a warning shot when he tried his luck from half way seeing Jon Howe had strayed forward from his line but the Taffs Well keeper just managed to back-pedal fast enough to deflect the ball away for a corner. The inevitable followed as Kenyon shot, Howe saved but French followed up to equalise (4-4, 76 minutes). A rash of substitutions for Taffs Well followed and both sides created one or two more chances but the final score was there and no further goals were going to change it. Taffs Well had given Goytre a mighty scare in an absolute cracker of a game but the old, experienced campaigners had toughed out a fair result yet had gone off the field knowing they had come up against a very good side. Ian Morgan can lay claim to being the home side’s man-of-the-match with his defensive solidity, his organisation of those around him when under the cosh and his long throws and, finally, third goal he scored for his team when they so needed it. For Taffs Well there were so many good performers no individual stood out above the rest so they go to Ely Rangers on Saturday hoping to play as well but this time go home with a victory. Goytre United: 1. Curtis; 2. Hajgato; 3. Chaves; 4. Meacock; 5. Morgan (Capt.); 6. Conaty; 7. French; 8. Daley; 9. Ryan; 10. Griffiths; 11. Lyons; subs. 12. Shugar; 14. Kenyon; 15. Protheroe. Taff’s Well: 1. Howe; 2. Richards; 3. Hugh; 4. Dwyer; 5. James; 6. Biggs; 7. Roberts; 8. Williams (Capt.); 9. Maynard; 10. Colwill; 11. Topper; subs. 12. Flynn; 14.Edwards; 15. Grant; 16. Jones; 17. Toghill.
Ton Pentre 1, Cambrian & Clydach 1 from Ton Pentre FC The spoils were shared when Ton Pentre and Cambrian & Clydach met at Ynys Park for a MacWhirter Welsh League match that had an added incentive with it being a Rhondda derby match. Bulldogs captain Ryan Morgan certainly got himself involved in the match as the defender gave Cambrian a second half lead with an own goal before scoring the equaliser and then getting himself sent off for a second yellow card. In all honesty this was probably not the best of matches for the neutral to watch, but despite the lack of quality the game remained a nail bighting encounter for both sets of players and fans. Cambrian were easily the most dominant team during the opening exchanges having set up camp in the Ton Pentre half of the pitch for the first 15 minutes. The Bulldogs had to endure some scary moments but between some exquisite goalkeeping by Richard Jeffries and resolute defending by Jamie Thomas, Ryan Morgan, Tom Davies and Adam Lewis, Cambrian’s attempts for a lead were blunted. Once Ton had settled they started to explore Cambrian’s end of the pitch and Calvin Mclaggon was beginning to cause the away team’s defence a few problems. In particular, Cambrian will have felt fortunate that they kept Daniel Lever on the pitch as the defender was involved in two off the ball incidents before receiving a yellow card for a foul on Mclaggon. Through Alyn Jones and Wayne Antionazzi, Ton were creating the odd chance in attack but were unable to direct much of this on target and a goalless draw at half-time was a fair outcome of the first period’s events. Jason Bertorelli should have given Cambrian an early second half lead when the striker was presented with a chance following a corner kick. After the ball was curled into the penalty area a Ton defender headed it out to the edge of the box where it was met by Chris Ingram who worked the ball through to Bertorelli. His strike was tipped away from the goal by Jeffries for another excellent save. Following this Ton continued to chip away at their opponents as they had done in the first half and when Cambrian took the lead the Bulldogs had every right to feel aggrieved. It was a sucker punch that started with the home team losing the ball in midfield. With Ton on the back foot Cambrian attacked and entered the Bulldogs goal area. As the ball pinged around the box Bertorelli got a touch that sent it towards goal. Morgan slid in attempting to sweep clear but between him, the post and goalkeeper the ball rebounded back against his body to go over the line. The Bulldogs looked dejected and with time running out they understandably appeared to look beaten, however, derby matches are never as straightforward as that and as fate would have it Morgan was the player to grab the equaliser. Ton had won a corner kick and Liam Hutchinson’s well executed cross into the box saw Morgan rise unchallenged to powerfully head the ball past Jarrad Howells making it Cambrian’s turn to look miserable. Morgan saw red in the final minute of the match when the referee deemed the Ton captain’s challenge on Michael Jones was worthy of a yellow card. As this was his second of the match he was sent off leaving him to serve an immediate one match suspension. Neither team will grumble at the outcome of this derby match as a draw was a fair result. Morgan will now be forced to sit out Ton’s visit to Caerleon on Saturday 30th January at 2.00pm. Ton Pentre: 1. Richard Jeffries; 2. Jamie Thomas; 3. Adam Lewis; 4. Ryan Morgan (Captain); 5. Tom Davies; 6. Leon Young; 7. Wayne Antionazzi; 8. Liam Hutchinson; 9. Matthew O’Keefe; 10. Calvin Mclaggon; 11. Alyn Jones. Substitutes: 12. Matthew Hearne; 14. Geraint Parfitt; 15. Leighton James; 16. Andrew Hughes (for 9 on 70mins). Goal: Morgan 39 Bookings: Young 1, Morgan 58 Sent Off: Morgan 90 Referee: Lee James (Pontardawe)
Cardiff Bay Harlequins 2, AFC Llwydcoed 0
from AFC Llwydcoed Llwydcoed travelled to Cardiff Athletic Stadium to play third-placed Quins, the visiting opponents who had not played for five weeks and three days were looking to win the points so they could move up to third position. Quins had played one match over the past five weeks. AFC Llwydcoed Manger Mark Harbord brought Jonathan Price and Christopher Vardon into the team, Jordan Coles was suspended. Llwydcoed’s five week break had not been wasted with plenty of indoor training and swimming. Quins started the match on the attack looking to build on their previous victory and Llwydcoed gifted them with a goal, the defence failed to stop the threat and Rasul Abdul scored past Llwydcoed's goalkeeper Rhys James who failed to stop the first shot. Quins extremely young side were full of pace and confidence they stopped Llwydcoed from playing and building any attacks. Llwydcoed began to give away a lot of free kicks because they could not find their rhythm, yellow cards being issued to Tomos Morris, Gavin Fowler and Leon Bansal, they could have been red. As the first half entered the closing 15 minutes Llwydcoed began to build some attacks, Jonathan Price combined with Ross Williams to create a chance for Christopher Vardon who had not played for nine weeks, he also helped create a chance for Richard Dennis that Quins goalkeeper saved. The best Llwydcoed chance of the half fell to Richard Dennis after some good play, but the chance was lost. The first half finished with Llwydcoed fortunate to have eleven players on the field. Llwydcoed’s second half performance was improved, they started to gain some possession through Tomos Morris who again stood out, the Quins defence came under pressure and they began to give away free kicks a spell of pressure by Llwydcoed came to nothing. Quins defended the pressure and kept out the Llwydcoed attacks and they were caught out when Quins turned defence into attack and Ahmed Noor scored with a twenty-five yard screamer. The Quins had scored against the run of play. The introduction of Llwydcoed substitutes Ben Rees and Matthew Reynolds brought movement but the match was lost. Llwydcoed’s long lay off seemed to be everyone’s excuse for this defeat, application, attitude, discipline was also the reason. Llwydcoed players have to roll up their sleeves because the other teams challenging for promotion have not played in fact it will be six weeks before they play. The match was full of untidy football and some Llwydcoed players totally lacked discipline.
Port Talbot Town 0, Bryntirion Athletic 5
Youth Division West
from Bryntirion Athletic FC
Following their close-fought FAW Welsh Youth cup victory against Neath last week Bryntirion Athletic’s under-19s were back to league action when they travelled to the GenQuip Stadium to take on Port Talbot Town. Due to a significant number of injuries Bryntirion travelled to the Welsh Premier club with just 12 fit players, some of which had already played 90 minutes of football in the morning for the Boys’ Club of Wales trials.
The home side started the brighter and kept possession well but could not penetrate a resolute Bryntirion defence. Despite this early Port Talbot possession Bryntirion took an early lead on seven minutes when a fine pass from Craig Davies found fellow striker Max Morgan on the edge of the penalty area. With the keeper advancing Morgan took the ball on his left foot and chipped the ball into the back of the net. The home side continued to play excellent possession football but the Bryntirion boys kept pushing them back and as a result Port Talbot didn't have an attempt on target on James Huxtable's goal throughout the first half.
Bryntirion needed to double their efforts in the second half and had the dream start when they were awarded a free kick just outside the hosts penalty area. Craig Davies' strike was too hot for the keeper to hold and Ioan Emanuel was fastest to react and slid the ball into the back of the net. This seemed to knock the stuffing out of the Port Talbot boys and Bryn continued to take the game to them. Substitute Davey Lavers was introduced on 50 minutes when right back Jamie Baker retired injured. Lavers' pace was an immediate threat to the hosts and they struggled to cope with his strength. Bryntirion's pressure was further rewarded on 55 minutes when a Ricky Newman cross from the right found Craig Davies on the edge of the six yard box who side footed the ball into the goal. Just two minutes later a driven cross from Max Morgan struck a Port Talbot defender and flew into the back of the net.
By this time Port Talbot were almost spectators but they did manage to strike the post mid way through the second half, alas this was the closest they would come to a goal. With just eight minutes remaining the busy Davey Lavers won possession in the middle of the park, ran at the Town's defence, played a one -two with Rhys Llewellyn and drilled the ball under the advancing keeper with a powerful signature left foot effort. Bryntirion have yet another away match on Sunday when they visit West End (2.00pm).
Saturday 23 January 2010 AFC Porth 2, Llangeinor 0
by Huw Jones, AFC Porth A combination of rustiness, after a five-week break in which the players couldn't even train, and determination from Llangeinor who featured several ex-Porth players, meant that the first 20 minutes was fairly even, the nearest Porth came to opening the scoring was when Craig Davies, went on a mazy run, he cut inside and shot, the keeper got down well but was fortunate as the ball bounced up, struck him on the head and bounced out for an unproductive corner. The lively Josh Owen was causing problems and twice he was chopped down, from one free kick taken by Mouncher, Orchard saw his goal-bound header cleared from under the bar. Porth were not having it all their own way and Llangeinor fighting for their Division Two survival forced a couple of corners, without testing keeper Williams. Porth took the lead on 36 minutes when Mouncher played a great crossfield ball to the ever eager Craig Wells he beat his man on the touchline and was fouled. Davies swung over a dangerous cross, the keeper under pressure from Wells partially cleared but only as far as skipper Gavin Cory who bundled the ball over the line. Llangeinor to their credit kept plugging way and Porth were indebted to Williams as he produced a breathtaking save low down to keep out a flicked header from Darren Jones. Porth were forced into a half time change Adam Wright replacing the injured Jamie Hallett, his pace caused no end problems as he linked up with Wells and Christian Burge up front. Both sides deserve credit for the pace of the game, and again Williams was forced to make a great save, but it was felt a second decisive goal was coming. Wells, Burge and Wright had half chances, but the best fell to Ashleigh Burge, Wright won a free kick, Davies played a superb ball into the box Cory flicked on and Burge shot over. Brock replaced Mouncher as Porth looked for that killer second, and it arrived on 78 minutes, Wright picked the ball up and ran at the defence he played the ball out wide on the left to Wells, he cut into the box turned two defenders before lashing the ball into the net, giving the keeper no chance. Jarrad Wright replaced Christian Burge for the last 10 minutes and Porth with this win climbed up to ninth with games in hand over a few sides above them. Next Game: Dinas Park. Saturday 30 January versus Croesyceiliog, Quarter Final Nathanial Car Sales League Cup (1 30pm).
Saturday 23 January 2010 Ton Pentre 2, Cardiff Corinthians 0 from Ton Pentre FC Following a six week hiatus forced by the inclement weather, Ton Pentre finally found themselves back in action when Cardiff Corinthians visited Ynys Park hoping to complete a league double over the Rhondda club. Cardiff Corries were bottom of the table when the teams last met at the end of September but the Radyr based outfit shocked the Bulldogs with a fine 3-0 win. Corries came into this latest encounter full of confidence and were hoping to inflict a similar defeat on Ton following their excellent 4-2 midweek win over reigning MacWhirter Welsh League Division One champions Aberaman Athletic. However, the Bulldogs were eager to get back into action following the enforced break and appeared determined to pick up all the points on offer. Ton were understandably rusty following kick off but the Bulldogs were soon in their stride and pressing their opponents. The first notable attempt on goal saw Chris Jones and Alyn Jones link-up well on the left before playing the ball in field to Calvin Mclaggon. The former Dinas Powys striker did well to hold the ball up to then play Wayne Antionazzi into space inside the Corries box. The winger unleashed a shot but sent the ball over the bar. Ton continued to push and when Liam Hutchinson played a splitting through ball for Chris Jones to run onto, the Bulldogs found themselves 1-0 up after the striker hit the back of the net with a clean well executed strike. Richard Jeffries had to pull off a superb block to stop Corries from equalising as the match passed the hour mark. The Cardiff club somehow managed to sneak through the Ton defence where Matthew Walsh was presented with a splendid opportunity, but Jeffries was vigilant and made the save before Ryan Morgan cleared the ball to safety. The Bulldogs were desperate to secure victory with a second goal but their opponents were remaining resolute enough to keep denying Ton. However, when Alyn Jones jinked his way into the box he looked set to score with a fantastic shot, but to Ton’s dismay the ball struck the post when the effort deserved to be a goal. Ton were quick to create another chance soon after when Hutchinson’s corner was met in the box by Morgan. The Ton captain saw his headed shot cleared off the line as Corries continued to hold on. Caio Iwan, who had replaced Mclaggon earlier in the match, helped Ton to secure victory in the last minute when his solo run saw him take on several defenders on his way into the box before rounding the goalkeeper. The angle was too tight for a shot so the former Bangor City player unselfishly squared the ball to Chris Jones who had an easy finish to grab his and Ton’s second goal of the match. It was a great performance by the Bulldogs and a much needed victory ahead of the Rhondda derby match with Cambrian & Clydach at Ynys Park on Wednesday, 27th January. Kick off for this mouth-watering fixture is 7.15pm. Ton Pentre: 1. Richard Jeffries; 2. Matthew O’Keefe; 3. Adam Lewis; 4. Ryan Morgan (Captain); 5. Tom Davies; 6. Leon Young; 7. Wayne Antionazzi; 8. Liam Hutchinson; 9. Chris Jones; 10. Calvin Mclaggon; 11. Alyn Jones. Substitutes: 12. Caio Iwan (for 10 on 61 mins); 14. Andrew Hughes (for 7 on 72 mins); 15. Leighton James. Goals: C.Jones 32,89 Bookings: Antionazzi 20; Lewis 29; Young 51 Referee: Tim Drean (Swansea)
Saturday 23 January 2010 Taffs Well 4, Caerleon 0 by Frank Terrell, Taffs Well FC A certain amount of rustiness was to be expected after the disruption to sport caused by first the wet weather and then the snow so it was hardly surprising that players found it hard to get going on a sticky pitch. These two sides have enjoyed contrasting fortunes this season with Taffs Well beginning to play confidently with a good shape and a comfortable balance to the side thanks to recent signings. Caerleon, by contrast, have struggled to sustain a settled side and as a result perhaps lack a little cohesion and probably confidence too considering their parlous League position. Having said that, all of the players on show looked comfortable at this level but maybe the team lacked that crucial cutting edge that would earn them the results their approach play looked capable of getting them. To illustrate Caerleon’s difficulties, Nick Vassallo was starting his first game for two years wearing the green number nine shirt after suffering knee ligament damage yet he looked bright and lively early on and is clearly someone with plenty of ability. He tested Jon Howe in the Taffs Well goal with a low shot when the home defender, David Biggs, misplaced a back-pass straight to Vassallo’s strike partner, Shaun Pearce who then set up the chance. Biggs was clearly suffering some ring-rustiness yet never shirked his duties and was always available to support his colleagues in his holding role in midfield. Biggs’ disciplined work provides a platform for Arron Colwill, the Taffs Well playmaker, who won the ball in midfield before setting off on a twisting run to send his opponents off-balance as they tried to challenge him but when Colwill finally unleashed his shot it flew over the visitors’ cross bar (8 minutes). Hearts fluttered among the Taffs Well followers when Caerleon right-back, Lewis Grant, set off on a strong run along his right flank before unleashing a cross that straightened unexpectedly before hitting the top of Jon Howe’s post and cross bar before bouncing safely out of play. The unflappable Jon Howe in the Taffs Well goal merely shrugged his shoulders and collected the ball for his goal kick (10 minutes). Another strong run from Arron Colwill then tested the mettle of Caerleon’s big young goal keeper, Scott James but the visitors’ shot-stopper proved his mettle clutching the ball at the second attempt after good work by Tyrone Topper whose cross was deflected out to Liam Williams to provide the shot (11 minutes). Steve Edwards, back with Taffs Well after a period with Ton Pentre, switched play from the Taffs Well right flank with a clever ball inside Caerleon right-back, Lewis Grant. Tyrone Topper used his pace to race onto the ball but his effort was well blocked by a covering defender for a throw. When the ball came into the middle, Taffs Well’s right back raced forward but shot over the bar (15 minutes). Since moving to the Welsh League from the South Wales Amateur League, Richards has developed into an accomplished First Division player and his dangerous crosses were to prove a decisive factor in the game. The game settled into a period of stalemate with both sides working hard but failing to get a breakthrough as they cancelled each other out. In this phase it was hard to see why Caerleon have struggled so far this season. They nearly ended the deadlock when Taffs Well got sloppy in defence overplaying when in possession and allowing Vassallo to steal the ball. His free run on goal saw him beat Jon Howe with his shot but the ball rebounded off the foot of a post to enable Matt James to race back and clear for a corner. Taffs Well promptly went down the other end, released by Howe’s accomplished catch and clearance, and Tyrone Topper forced Scott James into an excellent save for a corner (27 minutes). Caerleon repeated the Taffs Well pattern by clearing the ensuing corner and racing to the other end where Pearce forced Howe into an agile save for another corner (28 minutes The stalemate ended when, a minute later, Taffs Well constructed a patient, eye-catching move along the right flank with a series of intelligent passes moving Caerleon players out of position until eventually Barry Richards crossed to Steve Edwards who drilled his shot inside Scott James’s right hand post to score (1-0, 29 minutes). Taffs Well nearly earned a second goal when the players put together another thrilling passing move that released Topper in the middle of the Caerleon defence but his imaginative attempt flew just over with James back-pedalling frantically to try to save (32 minutes). James was forced into action again following a Taffs Well free kick launched high into the visitors’ penalty area, the young keeper spilled the ball but then saved well from his Taffs Well namesake, Matt James. As the half drew to a close, a period of stalemate gave way to a strong Caerleon attack that forced Jon Howe into a brilliant save low to his right to turn the ball out for a corner he then plucked from the air with consummate ease (44 minutes). Despite the score line, the match appeared evenly balanced at the break with only the slightest advantage to the home team. All depended on the response of the players to the team talk during the interval. Understandably, Caerleon were not likely to come out full of confidence with the way results have gone this season yet Taffs Well, having scored seven and five in their last two games should start the second half full of attacking aggression to add to their tally. So it proved as early Taffs Well pressure kept Caerleon pegged back in defence. The second goal took a while to arrive, however, but for the home fans it was worth the wait: Steve Edwards and Tyrone Topper had switched wings and so a swift left-wing raid saw the ball switched across the area for Topper to collect a pass, cut in on his left foot and squeeze his shot inside Scott James’s left hand post to double the home advantage (2-0, 54 minutes). Caerleon’s initial response to this setback was positive and Jon Howe was forced to race off the Taffs Well line to dive at Shaun Pearce’s feet clattering the visiting number ten in the process as the ball squirted clear. Pearce was able to continue after treatment. If Taffs Well supporters had been jubilant at the effectiveness of Tyrone Topper’s run and finish, they were astonished by their captain’s intervention in the fifty-seventh minute. Liam Williams collected a loose ball in midfield some thirty-five yards from goal, pushed it forward and then unleashed an almighty left-foot drive that Scott James could merely wave a belated right arm at as it flew past him into the top corner of the net (3-0, 57 minutes). This was the clincher and what a way to kill off your opponents! Both managers began to consider changes and Tyrone Topper became the first being replaced by Jamal Roberts for Taffs Well after sixty-one minutes with the game Vassallo going off two minutes later for Caerleon to be replaced by Scott Lewis. Taffs Well captain and scorer of the amazing goal of the game was replaced by midfielder, Warren Jones returning to action after breaking an arm. Caerleon threatened briefly with a free kick knocked into the Taffs Well penalty area and flicked on by a visitor’s head but Jon Howe plucked the ball casually from the air making a good save look easy (65 minutes). Lewis Grant went off then for Caerleon being replaced by Liam Head (75 minutes) and then the hard-working target man Dean Maynard went off for Taffs Well to be replaced by pacy Liam Grant (80 minutes) whilst the experienced Richard Snook came on for Pearce in a last desperate throw of the dice for Caerleon. Taffs Well then closed out the game with a clever corner driven in by Steve Edwards, the excellent Matt James headed for goal but his attempt was blocked, the ball ran out to Barry Richards who drove it back in only to see Scott James somehow parry the ball with an arm before Arron Colwill rounded off the scoring by forcing the rebound over the line thanks to his quick reactions (91 minutes). Most of the players on both sides are still eligible or just out of Youth football which should give Caerleon hope and Taffs Well real optimism. The victory was built on the authority of Jon Howe in the Taffs Well goal making saves at crucial times and demonstrating appropriate confidence as one of the most experienced players in a young team. His reaction saves and assured handling were inspirational. Matt James was steady as a rock in the heart of the defence, ably supported by his fellow defenders who defended when they needed to but also who used the ball effectively out of defence or joined in attacks as appropriate. The midfield worked hard all game and the attack always looked capable of scoring thanks to a combination of pace, trickery on the ball and hard work. Taffs Well will go into their next match on Wednesday against Goytre, the yardstick for quality in this division, full of confidence that they will give the League leaders a hard time in their own back yard. Taff’s Well: 1. Howe; 2. Richards; 3. Hugh; 4. Dwyer; 5. James (Matthew); 6. Biggs; 7. Edwards; 8. Williams (Capt.); 9. Maynard; 10. Colwill; 11. Topper; subs. 12. Jones; 14.Grant (Liam); 15. Roberts. Caerleon: 1. James (S); 2. Grant (Lewis); 3. Hillier; 4. Jepson; 5. Andrew; 6. Roderick; 7. Clark; 8. Davies; 9.Vassallo; 10.Pearce; 11.Cueto; subs. 12. Snook; 14. Lewis; 15. Head.
Dinas Powys 0, Caldicot Town 3 from Peter King, Dinas Powys FC Despite the scoreline, this was a promising performance from Dinas, who more than matched their high-flying opponents for long spells of the game with sharper finishing the only real difference between the sides. Both sides had early corners with Dinas nearly taking the lead when Joe Hinds headed just wide from one corner and the same player forced a superb save from James Smallcombe when he picked up a long clearance from Peter Blaine, shrugged off his marker and his shot forced Smallcombe into a finger-tip save to push the ball over the bar. After another good spell of Dinas pressure Mark Dunford, wide on the right, brought another save from Smallcombe. On the 35 minute mark David Lloyd was booked for a foul on Ricki Morgan, with Jacob Rudman's free-kick curling just wide of the visitors' far post. But Dinas were made to rue their missed chances, when a Caldicot free-kick taken by Gareth Haywood was volleyed home by David Lloyd right on half-time to give the visitors the lead. The second period was again very even early on. with the Dinas midfield duo, Morgan and Rudman tackling and closing down any Caldicot chances to gain possession for long spells until 15 minutes into the half, a Caldicot corner evaded everyone in the six-yard box to reach Gareth Cullimore at the far post to head home powerfully to double the visitors' account. This was followed by a 25-yard free kick for Caldicot which skimmed across the ground to hit the far post and was cleared. Dinas manager Danny Kinsey then rang the changes bringing on Tony Wallis and Paul Carro for Josh Refell and Tom Hutton. Another spell of Dinas pressure then ensued with good work by Rudman to feed Ricki Morgan who fired over the bar, injuring himself in the process but he managed to run it off. With 15 minutes remaining Caldicot put the game beyond doubt when Cullimore lashed home a cross from the left to give Blaine no chance. The Dinas heads didn't drop however and they finished the game strongly when, after good work by Wallis to feed Dunford resulted in him firing a powerful low shot just wide of the upright. A mention must be made of Dinas defender Owain Adams who had a fine game and the tireless running of Joe Hinds up front who always gives 100 per cent effort. Another tough encounter awaits Dinas next Saturday when they travel to play Cambrian & Clydach with a 2pm kick off. Further information can be found on the club's website at: www.dinaspowysfc.co.uk.
Neath 3, Bryntirion Athletic 4
FAW Welsh Youth Cup Round Three
from Bryntirion Athletic FC
Bryntirion Athletic under-19s were in Welsh Youth Cup third round action with a seven goal thriller at the Gnoll. An emphatic second half performance saw them progress to the last eight of this competition beating Welsh Premier side Neath under-19s by four goals to three. Both teams were a mix of experience and youth with players also representing first and reserve teams in their respective leagues.
Due to the recent bad weather neither side had played a competitive game for a number of weeks, nevertheless Bryntirion started the brighter of the two teams and had a number of early chances. Despite this Neath took the lead after six minutes when a long through ball caught the visitors defence knapping and the ball was slid into the back of the net.
Bryntirion continued to create chances but a combination of poor finishing and resolute defending kept them at bay.
Midway through the first half Neath doubled their lead when a cross from wide was met by a Neath player with a tap in at the near post. Bryntirion continued to put pressure on their hosts but couldn't find the back of the net.
Just as the Bryntirion management thought it couldn't get any worse, right on half time a corner from the right eluded all their defenders and squeezed over the line.
Following what must have been an interesting half time talk the visitors came out for the second period with renewed vigour and took the game to Neath.
Glyn Davies came on for the injured James Thomas and soon got into the game linking up well with Joe Hopkins on the left flank. This combination caused Neath problems and they struggled to cope with Bryn's movement off the ball. Bryntirion's strategy of playing further up the park was paying off as wave after wave of attacks put Neath under severe pressure. It was only a matter of time before Bryntirion scored and captain Max Morgan showed the way with a cool right foot shot which beat the keeper.
Matthew Jones was then introduced for the injured Ricky Newman and his pace and movement seemed to un-nerve the Neath team and they continued to loose the ball in crucial areas of the field. Max Morgan took advantage of this and stole the ball on the edge of the Neath penalty area and rifled a left foot shot through the crowded defence into the back of the net.
Neath were now playing a lone striker and were defending in numbers whilst Bryntirion continued to push for the equaliser. This came when a superb corner kick from Joe Hopkins was whipped in from the right and met by Craig Davies's head to send the game to extra time, or that's what everyone thought!
With just minutes on the clock a long ball forward found Max Morgan in the penalty area, he chested the ball into the path of Matthew Jones who confidently drove the ball into the goal sending the visiting supporters delirious. Final score Neath 3, Bryntirion Athletic 4.
This was a fantastic cup match played in great spirit by both teams, and thanks must go to Neath for ensuring such a good playing surface following all the recent foul weather.
Bryntirion
Athletic
1.
James Huxtable; 2. Jamie Baker; 3. James Thomas; 4. Rhys Llewellyn; 5.
Owaun Emanuel; 6. Ioan Emanuel; 7. Joe Hopkins; 8. Chris Rees; 9. Craig
Davies; 10. Max Morgan (captain); 11. Ricky Newman. Substitutes
12. Lloyd Thomas; 14. Glyn Davies (for 3 on 46 mins); 15. Matthew Jones
(for 11 on 80 mins). Goals: Max Morgan (2), Craig Davies, Matthew
Jones
Neath:
1. Luke Owens; 2. John Berry; 3. Stephen Hubbuck; 4. Mike Davey; 5. Tom
Phillips; 6. Luke Morgan; 7. Joe Phillips; 8. Josh Archer; 9. Joe Jones;
10. Liam Davey; 11. Sam Jones. Substitutes: 12. Rob Spendiff; 14.
Jordan Tucker; 15. Tom Day; 16. Chris Baker; 17. Jack Midwinter.
Goals: Sam Jones, Liam Davey, Joe Phillips
Saturday 12 December 2009 AFC Llwydcoed 3, AFC Porth 1 from AFC Llwydcoed Llwydcoed gained a victory against Porth who played their part in a pulsating match, the hosts introduced Gavin Fowler into their defence with Leon Bansal moving into midfield. The match burst into action Llwydcoed were fortunate to not concede a goal in the opening minutes after Porth almost caught out the hosts' goalkeeper, the effort crashing against the crossbar. Llwydcoed survived this scare and they were given an early penalty but Richard Dennis was fouled unnecessarily and the Llwydcoed marksman scored shooting past Porth goalkeeper Nigel Williams, Llwydcoed could have scored at least another one goal or even two goals in this spell. Richard Dennis was a constant threat, his power caused panic in the Porth defence. Porth responded and put Llwydcoed under pressure, they won a few corners and free kicks, Llwydcoed’s defence survived, they turned defence into attack and they struck the woodwork, the match was totally open. Llwydcoed’s young starlet Garin Withers had probably the best chance of the half breaking away from his marker but he shot wide of the goal. Porth were determined to equalise and if it had not been for Llwydcoed’s goalkeeper Rhys James they would have, saving with his legs, with the goal at the mercy of the Porth striker. There could have been a hatful of goals in the opening spell and that changed, Llwydcoed’s defence were caught out and Craig Wells clipped the ball over the Llwydcoed goalkeeper Rhys James, the match was there to be won but who could win it? Porth had more possession, Llwydcoed’s defence was being put to the sword, both sets of midfield players were committed for their teams. Both Llwydcoed and Porth had played their part in a cracking first half, the hosts met Porth head on in the physical department. Porth were comfortable on the ball probing away early in the second half, Craig Davies and Ashleigh Burge combined for their team. Llwydcoed’s defence were being tested to the full and they responded with some top class defending with Ryan Barry and Leigh Phillips in charge as the second half ticked away, Llwydcoed began to move back into the game, the work rate of Tomos Morris and the power of Richard Dennis a plus for any team, they combined and up popped Ross Williams who scored with a left flick what a massive goal. Porth came out looking for the equaliser Craig Davies hit a cracking shot from just outside the penalty area that Llwydcoed’s goalkeeper Rhys James just tipped onto the post. Llwydcoed’s Captain Brent Hewitt kept his team mates on their toes and Gavin Fowler responded with some no-nonsense defending. Llwydcoed’s defence was outstanding and Leon Bansal rewarded his team mates with an outstanding goal, racing through on the right side and hitting a fantastic shot past the Porth goalkeeper Nigel Williams, what a goal. Llwydcoed introduced substitutes Matthew Reynolds, Jonathan Price and Craig Boulton to play out the remaining minutes. Porth kept plugging away Llwydcoed were determined not to be denied the victory and they achieved this with a performances based on determination and team spirit. Some of the goals they scored were fantastic the victory was deserved based on the way they defended and scored goals – that’s what it’s all about!
Saturday 12 December 2009 Newport Civil Service 0, Cwmaman Institute 0 from Cwmaman Institute FC Cwmaman moved up to fourth in the league table after this win over Newport CS but it came at a price. Young Connor Wickham and Jack Howe both had serious injuries. There were few chances in a first half that saw both defences on top. Cwmaman were the more nervous team at the start with passes going astray and wrong decisions made. The playing surface did not help both teams with players finding it difficult to turn on the sticky surface. Keeper Jon Truelove had to come to the rescue for Cwmaman but was cautioned in the process after a poor back pass. Civil Service had the more physical approach and were putting Cwmaman under pressure in midfield. The half time whistle came with the score line at zero but Cwmaman had those two serious injuries. The second half was only five minutes old when Cwmaman went in front, the ball was only half cleared by the home team, and Robert Evans reacted first and scored from the edge of the penalty box. Newport CS then had a player dismissed before Cwmaman scored their second, a through ball found Seb Haggett he squared the ball for David Airey to score from close range. The home team then had a second player dismissed for a second yellow card. A move down the middle and Haggett scored Cwmaman's third when he lobbed the home keeper. Cwmaman were rewarded for their hard work with a fourth goal scored again by Haggett. Cwmaman are hitting form and ending the year on a high, they play Garw at home on 19 December, kick off 2.00pm.
Saturday 12 December 2009 Barry Town 1, Dinas Powys 1 from Barry Town FC Having already beaten their local rivals twice this season the Dragons fans were expecting another comfortable win, but despite continuing the unbeaten run for Barry Town though, this really was a poor game with virtually all the excitement confined to the first 20 minutes or so.
Making one change from the starting line up from last week, Scott Jones
coming in for Anthony Redwood in midfield, The Dragons started the game
in familiar fashion with short sharp passing and it was from this
familiar style of playing that they took the lead. In the tenth minute
James Simpson scored his fourth goal in two weeks neatly guiding his
shot in via the post with the visiting keeper wrong-footed.
Midway through the second half Scott Jones got a chance to put the
Dragons in front but ballooned his shot over the bar. With seconds
remaining and the game meandering towards a draw Dinas substitute and
former Barry Town player, Jaymes Dixon burst through the Dragons defence
and looked likely to hit the winner but Dan Bradley dived full length to
palm the ball past the upright. Next game: Saturday 19 December, Goytre United (away) kick off 2pm. (Match report compiled by Dave Cronk and edited by David Cole)
Saturday 12 December 2009 Monmouth Town 5, Goytre 2
by Lee Robson, Monmouth Town FC Saturday 12 December 2009 Taffs Well 7, West End 1 by Frank Terrell, Taffs Well FC West End, with players who are postal workers and heavy seasonal traffic, did not manage the best preparation for this game arriving too late to complete a proper warm-up. To add to their woes, their kit had gone missing somehow and the hosts had to loan them a set. The first warning sign for the visitors came as early as the third minute when Taff’s Well striker, Dean Maynard tried a shot from just outside the penalty area having controlled a difficult bouncing ball before firing just over. It was clear that Taff’s Well’s tactic of switching play from one flank to the other was stretching West End’s defenders and the ploy paid dividends in the seventh minute. Liam Williams, Taff’s Well’s young but inspirational captain, switched play from the right to the left with a powerful diagonal ball. Steve Edwards had pulled wide into space and surged onto the ball, controlled it perfectly, advanced into West End’s area, skipped inside a defender and drove his shot past Scantlebury in the West End goal (1-0, 7 minutes). Richard Jones should have equalised for West End in the 10th minute but Jon Howe made a vital save for a corner which he then punched out beyond the edge of his penalty area showing his commanding current form. West End’s players steadied themselves and the game became more even from this inspirational attack but the pendulum swung back after 18 minutes Clever interplay between Tyrone Topper and Dean Maynard cut the visitors’ defence apart and when Maynard set the ball back, Liam Williams was unfortunate to see his powerful strike fly just wide (18 minutes). Taff’s Well’s young side were demonstrating a confidence and fluidity in their play that began to cause increasing uncertainty in West End’s defence Yet another cross-field switch again saw play swing from right to left, Topper volleyed his cross into a defender but when the ball came back to him his second cushioned volley found Dean Maynard who fired home (2-0, 23 minutes). Maynard then stretched West End racing down the middle onto a Biggs long ball but fired just wide (27 minutes). This was to prove a feature of the game as the Taff’s Well centre-forward chased lost causes and worked tirelessly to give the home side the attacking focus that was so lacking in the early weeks of the season. The first set-back for the home side came only two minutes later when an unfortunate mis-kick by the otherwise excellent Barry Richards allowed Jon Keaveney to run into the area and force Jon Howe into a save that Keaveney somehow converted into a goal, though Howe later claimed the ball was kicked out of his hands. Regardless of Howe’s assertion, the goal stood and there was no doubt in the mind of the crucial person, the referee (2-1, 29 minutes). West End’s players and coaching team had barely finished celebrating when Dean Maynard touched the kick-off to Steve Edwards who was alert enough to see Scantlebury had strayed to the edge of his area to congratulate his team mates so Edwards simply drove the ball over him into the net for an extra-ordinary goal (3-1, 30 minutes). It was a coincidence to see Figueroa of Wigan Athletic do something similar on Match of the Day in the evening. Edwards then fired over from a free kick 35 yards from goal (40 minutes) and then failed from six yards to repeat what he had earlier managed from fifty by shooting over when picked out by Maynard’s cross following a brilliant right flank burst from the home number nine (43 minutes). Despite the score line, the match appeared evenly balanced at the break with Carl Smitham looking the outstanding player for West End and Keaveney’s poise and movement always a threat to Taff’s Well. However, the threat from the home side was revealed as early as the first minute of the second half when Taff’s Well left back, Chris Hugh, made a swashbuckling run along the left flank and then along the bye-line before crossing into the penalty area where, somehow, a succession of home attackers contrived to miss the chance. The relief for West End did not last long as Tyrone Topper ran down that same left flank, crossed and Liam Williams scored at his second attempt, the first being blocked by a brave defender (4-1, 48 minutes). Dan Kavanagh should have pulled one back for West End from a corner when he met the ball unmarked but headed wide (50 minutes). Jon Howe then made another excellent save from Kieron Cullen’s header as West End applied the pressure to get back into the game but eventually Topper cleared the danger having tracked back (55 minutes). West End gambled by throwing on all their three substitutes in one go with midfielder Leigh Morgan and strikers Tyrrell and Chrysanthou joining the fray. This did not stop Taff’s Well from dominating, however, as West End adjusted to the changes. A thrilling run from home winger, Topper, saw Maynard duck under his cross to allow Steve Edwards another chance that was blocked for a corner. A series of corners ensued before the visitors finally cleared the danger. Edwards went off for Taff’s Well to be replaced by Jamal Roberts, back from his six weeks adventure with Bridgend Town (70 minutes). This meant one tricky speedster was replaced by another. Yet another excellent Tyrone Topper run along the other flank saw him cut into the box only to see his effort blocked by brave defending. A corner ensued and defender, Matt James, did the uncomplicated thing by merely heading powerfully into the goal (5-1, 74 minutes). Topper went off for playmaker, Aaron Colwill for Taff’s Well. Colwill made his mark when he showed his trickery on the ball and great sleight of foot to collect a loose ball on the edge of the West End area and drift past two defenders before chipping the ball effortlessly over poor Gareth Scantlebury (6-1, 78 minutes). Maynard went off for Taff’s Well substitute, Liam Grant who should have scored almost immediately but side-footed his volley into Scantlebury’s midriff with the goal gaping. Liam Williams then chipped Scantlebury from the edge of the penalty area as Taff’s Well completed the scoring for the afternoon (7-1, 84 minutes). West End's young right back Jordan Davies can be pleased with his contribution as he handled Taff’s Well’s wingers with pace and composure and struck a free kick dangerously across goal at one point. The crucial factor in the defeat, however, might have been the borrowed kit as the shorts bore the Cardiff City logo, an anathema to Swansea players. Taff’s Well head west for an away fixture at Pontardawe next week and manager, Mark Sampson, hopes his young side show the same form and continue to climb the table. Taff’s Well: 1. Howe; 2. Richards; 3. Hugh; 4. Dwyer; 5. James; 6. Biggs; 7. Edwards; 8. Flynn; 9. Maynard; 10. Williams (Capt.); 11. Topper; subs. 12. Roberts; 14.Grant; 15. Colwill; 16.Gibbs. West End: 1. Scantlebury; 2. Davies; 3. Crabbe; 4. Wright; 5. Kavanagh; 6. Hole; 7. Cullen; 8. Keaveney; 9. Jones; 10. Smitham; 11. Griffiths; subs. 12. Chrysanthou; 14. Morgan; 15. Tyrrell.
Saturday 12 December 2009 Bryntirion Athletic 3, Ton Pentre 1 from Ton Pentre FC At the moment Ton Pentre are a ‘Jekyll and Hyde’ team as you never know which personality is going to come out onto the pitch. On this occasion it was the latter as the Bulldogs followed up a fine 6-1 midweek win against West End with a drab uninspiring display that saw 10-men Bryntirion boss their way to a 3-0 half time lead. It was not until the final 15 minutes of this match, after Ton themselves were reduced to 10-men, that the Bulldogs had any kind of bite. Bryntirion had the full complement of players when they took a seventh minute lead after Nana Baah had chest the ball down for his Anthony Rawlings inside the Ton box to hit the back of the net for a wonderful goal. A few minutes later Wayne Antionazzi was released one-on-one with Rory McCreesh and as the goalkeeper came outside his box to meet the Ton attacker he brought him down with a sliding tackle. A free kick was awarded on the edge of the box and McCreesh was fortunate to avoid seeing red as the Referee believed the ball’s eventual destination following Antionazi’s flick did not provide an obvious goal scoring opportunity. A Bryntirion player was to see red after the Referee’s Assistant brought an incident to the Referee’s attention in the 14th minute. Following a tackle made by a Bulldogs defender, Nana Baah appeared to kick out at the player which resulted in his dismissal. Ton failed to make their one man advantage count and were made to pay for this in the 41st minute when from a corner kick Leighton James looked as though he had removed the ball from danger after he jumped to catch it on his line, however, the former Pontypridd keeper dropped the ball allowing Sean Barney-Williams to prod it in making it 2-0. It got worse for the Bulldogs a minute later when they failed to stop a cross into the box from the wing. Without any kind of challenge Adam Carpenter headed in Bryntirion’s third goal from about 10-yards out to finish a quality passage of play. The Rhondda Bulldogs needed to improve in the second half but any plans of a hopeful comeback were quickly shattered after Phil Clarke was red carded on 54 minutes. Clarke reacted angrily to being caught by a late tackle and as this reaction was spotted by the Referee’s Assistant Clarke was dismissed for violent conduct. With both teams now playing with 10 men each Ton started to look a little more creative in attack but despite Chris Jones’ 74th minute goal it was never going to be enough to get back into the match and as a result the Bulldogs were consigned to their sixth league defeat of the season. Ton Pentre 1. Leighton James; 2. Adam Lewis; 3. Phil Clarke; 4. Martyn Phillips; 5. Ryan Morgan (Captain); 6. Andrew Hughes; 7. Wayne Antionazzi; 8. Liam Hutchinson; 9. Sam Baker; 10. Chris Jones; 11. Alyn Jones. Substitutes 12. Richard Jeffries; 14. Leon Young (for 4 on 58mins); 15. Jamie Thomas; 16. Caio Iwan (for 9 on 58mins); 17. Calvin Mclaggon. Goal C.Jones 74 Booking Lewis36 Red Card Clarke 54 Referee Nathan Mullock (Llanelli)
Barry Town 1, Dinas Powys 1
by Morley Williams, Dinas Powys FC
For the third time in as many games Dinas come from behind to frustrate local rivals Barry Town and gain a well earned draw with their never-say-die attitude at Jenner Park.
The visitors had the first effort on goal in this game when Mark Dunford’s 20-yard shot was deflected for a corner, he had another opportunity a few minutes later when he met a good Ricki Morgan cross only to see the ball fly high over the bar. In between Scott Jones saw his 20-yard effort comfortably saved by Peter Blaine in the Dinas goal.
The home side were getting into their stride with their fluent passing game and Dinas were finding it difficult to contain them. In the 10th minute their defence failed to close down James Simpson and 20-yard shot found its way into the net via the foot of a post with the Dinas keeper stranded.
The lead lasted just four minutes, when a quick Dinas throw found Joe Hinds, his hooked shot from the corner of the area looped over Dan Bradley in the Barry goal and dropped inside the far post for the equaliser.
The home side came back strongly with Sam Small heading straight at the keeper who excelled a minute later getting a hand to a powerful Scott Jones shot following a strong run at the Dinas defence. Despite this pressure the visitors were coming to grips with the five man Barry midfield and their only real scare came late in the half with Dan Clare heading over from a corner when he should have done better.
The first 10 minutes were relatively quiet with both sides cancelling each other out but the home side sprang to life with Rhodri Foote doing well to concede a corner from another strong run by Scott Jones.
Mark Dunford made way for Jaymes Dixon before a strong run by Rhodri Foote enabled him to set up Jacob Rudman but his 20-yard shot ran wide of the post.
A Barry corner was headed over from no more than six yards and James Simpson’s long range shot flew well wide but the arrival of substitute Dixon was causing the Barry defence problems forcing them to concede a number of free-kicks. With the home side becoming more frustrated the referee had to brandish a number of yellow cards their way before Jaymes Dixon had a chance for glory in the ninetieth minute but Barry keeper Dan Bradley did well to parry his shot.
The referee played five minutes of added time but Dinas held out to gain a valuable point.
Squad: 1 Peter Blaine, 2 Tom Hutton, 3 Andy Lane, 4 Owain Adams, 5 Lloyd Davies, 6 Jacob Rudman, 7 Ricki Morgan, 8 Rhodri Foote, 9 Joe Hinds(1), 10 Mark Dunford, 11 Josh Reffell, 12 Jaymes Dixon,14 Paul Carro, 15 Anthony Roberts, 16 Linford Harris.
Ton Pentre 6, West End 1 from Ton Pentre FC Following a month of atrocious wet weather Ton Pentre finally returned to action at their Ynys Park home against West End, who had dished out a 6-1 hammering to the Bulldogs in the Nathaniel Car Sales League Cup at the beginning of November. A solid performance saw Ton Pentre reap sweet revenge on their Swansea-based opponents with an exact reversal of the cup match score line between the two Division One clubs. Despite a bright start by the Bulldogs such a victory did not appear to be in the pipeline as exchanges were reasonably equal for the majority of the first half. On 21 minutes Ton goalkeeper Leighton James was forced into making a splendid one-on-one save which denied West End what appeared to be a certain goal. With ten minutes of the first half remaining Ton Pentre were beginning to get the upper hand on their adversaries and when debutante midfielder Wayne Antoniazzi dinked a lovely ball over the defence it allowed Alyn Jones to run into the box. Jones applied a cool finish to give the Bulldogs the lead. Three minutes later Antoniazzi was involved once again when a wayward arm of a West End defender made contact with the ball as the Ton midfielder entered the box. The Referee awarded a penalty for handball. Liam Hutchinson, who has re-signed for Ton from local rivals Cambrian & Clydach Vale, took the spot kick but despite hitting it well Nicky Pritchard guessed correctly to make a fine save. Ton did grab a second goal before break when in first half injury time the Rhondda team were awarded a free kick out wide on the right deep inside the West End half. Hutchinson swung an excellent ball into the box from which Chris Jones took a swipe at goal. As the ball passed through the crowded box it was turned over the line by Andrew Hughes via his knee. The Bulldogs were quick to add a third within a minute of the second half when Alyn Jones slotted the ball into the net after Sam Baker’s effort had been blocked in the six-yard box. With West End’s confidence waning Ton Pentre looked to take full advantage and soon made it 4-0 when Hutchinson back-flicked the ball to open up play in midfield. As a result Chris Jones was able to gather possession on the left from where he squared a pass into Baker who netted from the edge of the six-yard area. Alyn Jones was on top form and looking hungry to add to his two goal tally. On 68 minutes Jones did just that when he won possession after tackling a West End defender on the edge of the box. As he ran into the box the defender attempted to trip him up. As he was losing his balance he managed to shoot but only into the goalkeeper’s arms. However, the Referee decided to bring play back and award a penalty as he must have felt there was not sufficient advantage. Alyn Jones was quick to grab the ball and take responsibility for the kick. From the spot he sent the keeper the wrong way and notched up a well deserved hat-trick. Intelligent build-up play helped Ton to their sixth goal as a silky passage of play up the pitch was finished off by Chris Jones who took on a defender before scoring a well placed effort on 74 minutes. Darren Griffiths grabbed West End’s consolation goal when he was played clean through four minutes later. Despite Leighton James’ best efforts at narrowing the angle he was unable to stop the player for scoring. The enforced break appeared to revitalise the Bulldogs after getting thrashed in their previous two matches at the beginning of November. Former Aberbargoed Buds player, Wayne Atoniazzi, made an encouraging start to his Ton Pentre career with a fine debut performance and it was an excellent return to Ynys Park for Liam Hutchinson who added an extra dimension to Ton’s play. Most pleasing, however, was Alyn Jones’ hunger which helped him to a well deserved hat-trick. Ton will look to take the confidence gained from this performance into their match at Bryntirion Athletic on Saturday, 12th December. Kick off is at 2pm. Ton Pentre 1. Leighton James; 2. Adam Lewis; 3. Phil Clarke; 4. Martyn Phillips; 5. Ryan Morgan (Captain); 6. Andrew Hughes; 7. Wayne Antoniazzi; 8. Liam Hutchinson; 9. Sam Baker; 10. Chris Jones; 11. Alyn Jones. Substitutes 12. Caio Iwan (for 7 on 61mins); 14. Jamie Thomas (for 2 on 73mins); 15. Dominic Broad. Goals A.Jones 35, 46, 68 (Pen), Hughes 45+1, Baker 51, C.Jones 74 Booking Antoniazzi 34 Referee Mike Davies (Risca)
Cardiff Bay Harlequins 0, Caerau (Ely) 3
from Caerau (Ely) FC
Playing for the first time in five weeks it was no shock that the away side had a shaky start, In wet and windy conditions, in all fairness the pitch although very wet was in excellent condition, both teams struggled to get hold of the ball and be constructive.
Caerau had a good penalty shout turned down when Anthony Nagi (TJ) appeared to be tripped in the box but the referee was having none of it. As time went on the Quins had the better of the later stages of the first half coming close on a couple of occasions, and should have gone in at half time one up due to an error at the back but they missed their chance and honours were even at the half way point.
In the interval a couple of home truths were discussed regarding the amount of effort that was being put in by some key players and these were in all fairness accepted and taken on board.
The second half started with a bang, two minutes in after some good inte-r play Jon Jones found himself in the box his shot was parried by the keeper but Jon continued his run and climbed to head over the keeper into the net for the opener.
Both sides started to create more chances but it was Caerau who grabbed a second, Nagi in his first game back following his return from Ely Rangers, found himself on the edge of the box, instead of the pass out to Jon Jones that everyone expected he cleverly turned inside drove the ball past the out stretched keeper to put us 2-0 up.
The Quins tried in vain to score past Dave Burnett but he stood strong and kept a well deserved clean sheet, his handling on the night in such poor conditions was superb.
Towards the end of the game with time running out the Quins had three players dismissed.
With the three man advantage for the last five minutes the visitors found themselves with a bit more space and James Cotterill’s strong run paid off when he placed the ball neatly past the keeper for Caerau's third of the night. That’s how it finished, a much needed three points but more than that a great effort away from home against a team who were going for five wins in a row.
Saturday 5 December 2009 Troedyrhiw 2, Risca Utd 4 from Troedyrhiw FC Following an enforced lengthy lay-off due to the recent adverse weather conditions, 'Rhiw returned to action last Saturday when they welcomed Gwent side Risca Utd to The Willows in this re-arranged fixture. From the outset 'Rhiw looked the better side with Shaun O'Brien and Michael Murphy proving to be constant thorns in the visitor's side. They were ably assisted by the imposing figure of Jason Launchbury who held the ball up well and did his job allowing O'Brien and Murphy to run at the Risca defence. Despite numerous chances, it wasn't until the 18th minute that 'Rhiw broke the deadlock. It was O'Brien who found the net after some good work from Michael Cope. This lead was relatively short-lived as some sloppy defending from 'Rhiw let in Risca for the equaliser. On around 28 minutes though, 'Rhiw regained the lead when that man O'Brien hit his and his side's second to make it 2-1. 'Rhiw had further chances to extend their lead but were unable to do so. Risca were restricted in their chances and were often foiled by skipper Lloyd Martin and his defence. Thus the score was 2-1 at the break. The second half saw 'Rhiw take full control of the game and they had their visitors on the rack for long periods of the half but they knew that they had to score further to allow themselves some breathing space. However it was Risca who scored to equalise with around 15 minutes left on the clock and stun 'Rhiw and from then on the hosts just self-destructed as the Gwent men went on to score two further goals and snatch victory from under 'Rhiw's noses and break their hearts. At the final whistle everyone connected with 'Rhiw were left shaking their heads in disbelief and asking themselves how they let victory slip from their grasp such was their dominance and superiority. The answer is simple enough, they failed to take their chances and put the game out of Risca's reach. This Saturday 'Rhiw look to make amends when they welcome Cwmamman Utd to The Willows. Kick of 2pm. 'Rhiw's Reserve side made the relatively short journey to take on Llantwit Fardre and came away with a creditable 1-1 draw. Jaryd Jones was 'Rhiw's goalscorer after successfully converting a penalty. 'Rhiw's Under 18's side were left kicking their heels as their fixture was called off due to-surprise, surprise, a waterlogged pitch.
Barry Town 4, Bryntirion Athletic 2 Nathaniel Car Sales League Cup Round Three from Barry Town FC Six well-taken goals, good football and well officiated, what a difference from last week was the talk around Jenner Park after Friday evening's very entertaining League Cup game between the Dragons and Bryntirion Athletic. Here were two sides determined to play the game the right way. The passing and moving of both teams was a delight to watch with the match flowing from end to end. With several more changes in personnel and position due to long-term injuries and regular left back Dan Marshall’s suspension, Barry Town Manager Gavin Chesterfield moved midfielder Nickie Jones into the back four with tough tackling Anthony Redwood coming into the middle. Understandably looking a little unsettled for a while, several passes went astray but it was soon business as usual as the team continued in the manner of the last few weeks. The home team’s first goal came in the 31st minute when man of the match James Simpson, hit a fierce low drive into the visitors net, Bryn's keeper Adam Caswell seemingly diving too early and the ball bouncing over him and into the net. This seemed to spur on Bryntirion who then began to pile on the pressure with some nice movement on and off the ball. They deservedly equalised right on the stroke of half time. From a goalmouth scramble Adam Carpenter hit a sweet half volley past the helpless Dan Bradley, again having another fine match in the Dragons goal. The second half carried on where the first left off, more exciting stuff, good interplay by both teams. The Dragons took the lead again in the 65th minute when James Simpson, again reading a great pass, moved swiftly to hit a fine drive into the far corner of the net leaving the Bryn keeper with little chance of stopping it. The entertainment was warming all on a cold night. The Bryn manager, the affable and popular Francis Ford (a fine former Barry striker himself) showed his delight when they equalised once again with their finest effort of the evening. Following some fine interplay, prolific striker Anthony Rawlings arrived in the box and with considerable pace slotted the ball home with popular home keeper Dan Bradley rooted to the spot. The Dragons were not to be denied and took the lead for the third time when James Simpson completed a fine hat trick with another good goal. Barry Town’s fourth came when substitute and club captain Michael Parkins, who was making his first appearance of the season due to his long term injury, came on. Following a challenge a few yards outside the box by a Bryntirion defender, he decided he was going to take the free kick himself and what an effort it was, with a beautifully controlled curler into the bottom corner beyond the despairing keeper’s hands. It was his first kick of the season and was an early Christmas present for him and the fans. Barry Town were now in complete control with the Bryn keeper called on to make several more fine saves. The Dragons were not going to let Bryntirion back into the match but as several fans commented at the end of the game both sides were to be congratulated on providing fine fare on a bitterly cold night. Next up: Local rivals Dinas Powys, Sat Dec 12th at Jenner Park (2.00pm). BTSC Lotto No's: 6.7.10.11.16.18. No winners Jackpot now £600.00. (Match report compiled by Dave Cronk and edited by David Cole).
Saturday 5 December 2009 Cardiff Corinthians 3, AFC Llwydcoed 4 Nathaniel Car Sales League Cup, Round Three from AFC Llwydcoed Llwydcoed travelled to the Cardiff area to play Division one Corries and won a thrilling cup tie, with Richard Dennis scoring the winner in the closing minutes. After the horrendous rainfall for the past six weeks the Corries ground was in top condition Llwydcoed were without Christopher Vardon, holiday, giving Craig Boulton a recall. The opening goal arrived after Llwydcoed were awarded a corner kick taken by Jordan Coles and expertly headed in by Leigh Phillips, what a start! Llwydcoed were creating far more attacking moves with Jordan Coles using his power, sadly the Llwydcoed players could not keep possession at vital times. Corries broke from defence and caused some anxious minutes for Llwydcoed whose defence stood firm until their top defender Ryan Barry failed to clear the danger and Corries Michael Bishop equalised a poor goal was conceded. Corries found space too easily in the Llwydcoed right midfield breaking forward and causing some anxious minutes. The visitors defended well and gradually Jordan Coles created some attacking moves with Garin Withers also prominent. A second goal for Llwydcoed arrived after a foul saw Jordan Coles striking the free kick into the Corries area and Richard Dennis timed his run to perfection and flighted his header past Corries goalkeeper Dale Webb. Llwydcoed’s defence organised by Brent Hewiit saw out the danger, the play of young Garin Withers was superb as was Leon Bansal in defence, Corries had a penalty appeal turned away but shortly afterwards they won a very controversial penalty decision and Richard Veale scored. Corries were first to everything in the early stages Llwydcoed’s passing was erratic, loosing possession and letting their hosts gain the initiative, a complete contrast to the first half. Corries were rewarded with another Richard Veale goal after Llwydcoed’s defence failed to clear their lines so after leading twice Llwydcoed were behind. The introduction of Llwydcoed’s substitutes Ben Rees, Gavin Fowler and Jonathan Price started to settle things down, but Corries should have put the match to bed breaking through some poor defensive tackles by Llwydcoed. They missed a glorious chance to score a fourth goal, the visitors responded with Tomos Morris breaking clear only for Corries to clear the danger, another attack saw Ben Rees almost pick out Richard Dennis. Llwydcoed’s man-of- the-match Bansal and Ross Williams found some more energy and spirit and helped win a corner. Bansal’s flighted the ball over and Leigh Phillips scored with another towering header. So with minutes remaining in normal time scores were level Llwydcoed had won back the ascendancy their captain Brent Hewitt moved forward from defence and combined with Jonathan Price and Tomos Morris helped create space for him to move even further forward and his magic left foot picked out Richard Dennis who flicked the ball past the Corries goalkeeper Dale Webb. A pulsating cup tie, Llwydcoed’s spirit was fantastic but they must cut out the defensive mistakes and keep possession. A quarter final awaits.
Saturday 5 December 2009 Cwmaman Institute 2, Goytre 0 from Cwmaman Institute FC Cwmaman went into this game having been idle for three weeks due to bad weather and International games. The visitors were in third places going into the game, four places above Cwmaman. The Canolfan field was in very good condition despite all the bad weather of late. Goytre were late arriving for the game and Cwmaman took advantage of their slow start, to take the lead after only six minutes, a move down the right involving Ryan Woods, playing his first game for a number of weeks through injury, his cross found Seb Haggett and he made no mistake from just inside the box. Young Connor Wickham was causing the Goytre defence all sorts of problems on the right, his movement and crosses into the area were superb. The visitor’s keeper made several good saves, one save from a Matthew Cable header when it looked like a goal all the way but he tipped the ball over the bar. Further chances fell to Wickham and David Airey before Haggett increased Cwmaman's lead on the half hour mark. This time it came from the left with young Wickham involved yet again and it was left to Haggett to end the move with a good finish at the near post. The first half performance by Cwmaman was their best for quite a long time, with Goytre only occasionally threatening the Cwmaman defence. With the weather deteriorating at a rate of knots, Goytre increased the pressure on Cwmaman during the second half without causing the defence too much trouble. Truelove's handling was excellent, what he had to do he did with confidence. Cwmaman maybe should have been awarded a penalty when Ross Williams was pulled down but the Referee waved play on Matthew Cable and Scott Woodford were excellent in defence for Cwmaman and Connor Wickham and Seb Haggett were a thorn in Goytre's side all afternoon
Saturday 5 December 2009 Monmouth Town 1, Aberbargoed Buds 2
by Lee
Robson, Monmouth Town FC Town co-boss Barry Burns was disappointed with the result saying “We looked ring rusty and were second best to every loose ball and yet we created a lot of good chances which again we failed to take. Buds are a well drilled side and you have to make the most of every opportunity of you’re going to beat them. We didn’t.” Town are at home again this Saturday against high flying Goytre kick off 2pm
Aberaman Ath 1, Dinas Powys 2 from Peter King, Dinas Powys FC Dinas travelled to high flying Aber with a squad decimated by illness, suspensions and unavailability but came away with the points in this Division One fixture. The Golden Acres pitch was already very heavy as the match commenced and the heavens opened right on cue. The home side started in determined mood, John Kift setting up Jason Cowan for a powerful shot that whistled past the post. They kept the pressure up and forced a couple of corners which the visitors managed to clear. Dinas began to get into the game in the difficult conditions but it was the hosts who opened the scoring, Cowan taking a free kick from 18 yards which Peter Blain could not hold leaving Jon Phillips a simple tap-in for 1-0 after 23 minutes. The visitors did have two good chances to level things, the first after good work by Paul Carro down the right wing saw his cross fizz across the six yard box with Mark Dunford at the far post just failing to make contact and the second when Dunford turned provider, playing Joe Hinds in but his shot, though accurate, was not hard enough to beat Aber keeper Craig Hutcheon who managed to get one hand on it. At the other end Dinas keeper Blain needed the magic sponge after a clash in a crowded six yard box but was ok to continue and the half ended with just the one goal separating the sides. Aberaman started the second half on the attack and had several chances to wrap the game up but failed to take them, a factor which they were to rue by the end of the 90 minutes. In the first minute Blain made a good save from Phillips and Owain Adams headed away a goal-bound shot from Cowan and Blain tipped another effort over the bar, all in the first five minutes. At the other end a Dinas corner was met by the head of Owain Adams but that was cleared off the line. As the half wore on and the pitch turned from heavy into a quagmire, the Dinas players seemed that bit fitter and began to get more and more possession. A great cross from Rhodri Foote found Dunford but he fired well over when perhaps he should have done better and after some good build-up play Jacob Rudman shot just wide. Dinas then rang the changes bringing on Linford Harris for Dunford. Just after this a Rudman corner found the head of central defender Lloyd Davies who powered the ball home for the equaliser with 10 minutes remaining. Harris them made his presence felt just two minutes later, busting through the defence to fire home from six yards to give Dinas the lead. Dinas then ran the time down, bringing on Matthew Edward-Jones for Rudman for the last two minutes of the game. The win takes Dinas up to seventh spot in the league. This Saturday they make the short trip to Jenner Park to face Barry Town with a 2pm kick off.
Saturday
28 November 2009
Five minutes later,
Andy Lane dived in on the advancing West End striker inside the penalty
box, the referee pointing to the spot where another referee may have
given a goal kick. The hosts'
Ashley Wright
scored from the resulting spot kick giving the Dinas players an uphill
struggle for the second half. This Saturday Dinas travel to high flying Aberaman for a rearranged league match as original opponents Pontardawe are still involved in the Nathaniel Car Sales League Cup.
Saturday 28 November 2009 Barry Town 2, Aberaman Athletic 2 from Barry Town FC Second and third in the league met at Jenner Park on Saturday. The football played by the Dragons in the first 20 minutes could easily have been on display at earlier times in the Club’s history, such was the accuracy and distribution of their early running on and off the ball. Barry Town deservedly took the lead in the 15th minute when Striker Sam Small from wide right of the area hit a fierce low shot into the box that the visiting keeper could only parry and tireless midfielder Nickie Jones following up hit his shot into the net. The second for the Dragons arrived just two minutes later when Nickie’s brother Scott arrived in the box after some lovely interplay by the Dragons players, to direct a beautifully controlled drive past the visiting keeper. Despite all the injury problems the football on show from Barry Town was of the highest quality. However, Aberaman Athletic showed that they were not current Champions for nothing and began to get back into the game. In the 34th minute former Barry Town player Nicky Hooper, who seems to have a habit of scoring against the Dragons, burst into the penalty area and fired the ball sweetly to the left of the retreating Dan Bradley in the Barry goal to reduce the deficit. The second half was dominated by the Referee’s whistle, flowing football skills seen in the first half became a premium, with four yellow cards and a very harsh red for the home side and a few yellows for the visitors. It was no longer any sort of football spectacle with players on both sides seemingly nervous of tackling and being penalised further. Aberaman’s equaliser, which brought huge unbelieving smiles to the visiting fans faces and angry scowls and howls of derision from the home support, came in the latter stages of the match, Lewis Cosslett once again giving an assured performance in the centre of defence was adjudged by the Referee of pushing the opposing striker in the box. To the apparent astonishment of both teams he awarded a penalty which was dispatched low into the net with some aplomb by Jonathan Kift, another former Barry Town player. The game ended 2.2, but could, and should have been so much better for both sets of fans. This was a hard but certainly not a dirty game and certainly not meriting all the controversial decisions made by the Referee on the day. Next up; Friday 4th December, Bryntirion Athletic in the Nathaniel Car Sales League Cup. Round Three, KO. 7.45pm at Jenner Park. BTSC Lotto No's 1.6.11.13.16.19. No winners.Now £550.00. (Compiled by Dave Cronk, edited by David Cole)
AFC Llwydcoed 4, Llangeinor 2 from AFC Llwydcoed Llwydcoed returned to action after a two week break against bottom team Llangeinor who did not play like a team in that position. The match burst into action with Llwydcoed striker Richard Dennis finding space and forced Llangeinor goalkeeper Matthew Rees to tip the ball over the crossbar, Jordan Coles took the corner and Ross Williams scored with another header with several Llangeinor players around him, what a start. The midfield area was competitive, Llwydcoed’s Tomos Morris was on top form tackling and creating openings for Jordan Coles. Llangeinor’s Kyle Owen also caused problems for Llwydcoed moving forward trying to link with his midfield players Simon Rees and Robert Thomas. Llwydcoed showed their prowess after a few attacks Christopher Vardon found space and he found his fellow striker Richard Dennis with a sublime pass to score the second goal. Llangeinor kept playing and tried to break the Llwydcoed grip on the match, Llwydcoed were forced into a defensive change with Leigh Phillips leaving the field through injury replaced by Gavin Fowler, Llwydcoed’s Garin Withers was doing his job well always looking for work. Shortly before half time Llwydcoed again won possession and attacked with pace, Christopher Vardon found space in the Llangeinor defence to score with a top finish.
Pictured (above) AFC Llwydcoed opens the scoring in the first few minutes with a Ross Williams header.
Pictured (above) AFC Llwydcoed's Richard Dennis scores his team’s second goal from a sublime Christopher Vardon cross. Llangeinor’s young players kept playing at the start of the second half whereas Llwydcoed became careless but their defence was solid stopping any danger, Leon Bansal and Brent Hewitt combined to help stop the danger. Llwydcoed were not as dominant as the first half they had chances to add to this total, Llangeinor were rewarded for their efforts after Llwydcoed’s goalkeeper Rhys James spilled a shot and Darren Jones scored, a wake up call for Llwydcoed and they responded with Leon Bansal finding Richard Dennis who returned the pass into his path the danger he created saw Christopher Vardon pick up the loose ball to score. Llwydcoed had other chances to score but it was Llangeinor who finalised the scoring with Josh Ellis shooting past the Llwydcoed goalkeeper Rhys James, Llwydcoed deserved the victory and moved up to sixth position.
Llanelli u-19s 8, Port Talbot Town u-19s 0 from Llanelli FC Llanelli under-19s began their MacWhirter Welsh League Youth Division league campaign in style on Monday night as they produced an emphatic second half performance to beat fellow Welsh Premier side Port Talbot Town under-19s by eight goals to nil, at Stebonheath Park. During the first half the visitors managed to keep the home side at bay apart from an eighth minute goal from Craig Frater, who chipped the keeper from close range. For the remainder of the first period, Port Talbot frustrated the young Reds, who failed to produce their usual free flowing football, by defending in numbers and prevented any further clear cut scoring opportunities. The second half was a completely different affair, with Llanelli producing a superb display of football, scoring a further seven goals without reply. Kieran Hayes started the rout in the 48thminute, when he scored after a fine team move. Three minutes later, Craig Frater got onto the scorsheet again when he played a neat one-two with Hayes before hitting the net from eight yards. Hayes got the home side’s fourth goal when he headed home after 57 minutes from a cross by Nathan Logan. He completed his hat trick when he made it 5-0 in the 82nd minute after a fine build up with left back, Antonio Facciuto prominent. Then the crowd witnessed the best goal of the night after 85 minutes. Kieran Hayes took a corner on the right and spotted Declan John unmarked at the edge of the penalty area. John then unleashed an unstoppable right foot volley into the roof of the net. Criag Frater then rounded off the night with two well-taken goals in the final minutes to take his tally on the night to four. The Reds under-19s winning run continues and they now look forward to a visit to Swansea side, West End on Sunday.
Friday 20 November 2009 Ely Rangers 0, Barry Town 1 from Barry Town FC A short ten minute journey saw the high-flying Dragons arrive at Ely Rangers home ground on Friday evening. A large number of injuries had fans shaking their heads in disbelief at their bad luck, but soon these fears were replaced by admiration, manager Gavin Chesterfield fielding a side that quickly began to look very well balanced. Once again Lewis Cosslett looked solid in his central defensive role with Dan Clare again showing maturity on the ball and his aerial capabilities. Fullbacks Jason Davies and Dan Marshall completed a well-organised defence. With the hardworking and seemingly tireless Jones brothers Nickie and Scott snuffing out the dangerous Michael Osborne and co., few opportunities were presented to the Wenvoe-based team. The first half saw Barry Town dominating play but thanks to the amazing saves of Ian Davies, who gave a fantastic performance in the home goal and a fine defensive performance from the home side’s No 4, the Dragons only led by the one goal at half time. The goal came in the 43rd minute when local boy Lewis Cosslett leapt high to head home to the obvious delight of his team mates who enveloped him as he headed back to the centre circle, a popular player with team mates and fans alike. Up front young Josh Bell (replacing the injured Ian Jones) partnered Sam Small, and they looked comfortable with each other, Sam with his heading ability, and both with intelligent running off the ball and work rate on it. Sam Harterey and Morgan Harris added the steel to midfield and along with the Jones brothers snuffed out the Ely midfield. If the first half belonged to Barry Town, the start of the second belonged to Rangers who came out of the blocks at an admirable pace. They began to play some nice football, playing through the midfield and starting to cause the Barry Town defence some problems. Passing and moving Barry style they began to excite both sets of fans and it was now Dan Bradley's turn in the visitors goal to show his mettle making several smart stops, one in particular palming the ball onto the bar while going to ground to the astonishment of both sets of fans. The match was now becoming very competitive and exciting with end to end football. Both clubs were enjoying moments of good possession and both keepers distinguishing themselves with more than fine saves. It really was a fine advert for this level of the football and it was increasingly hard to understand how the Rangers hold such a lowly position in the League. Barry Town’s fans were impressed by the home team and showed their approval to the opposition at the end of the match. A more obliging defence than the Dragons on the day and the Wenvoe-based team may have got something from the game and would have deserved to do so. Overall it was a fine game, well officiated, and a credit to both clubs and their fans. Next up: 2008-09 Champions Aberaman Athletic., Sat, Nov 28th, home (2.00pm). BTSC Lottery: No's. 6, 9, 11, 15, 16, 17. No winners, Jackpot now £500.00.
Dinas Powys 2, Bryntirion Athletic 4 by Morley Williams, Dinas Powys FC Dinas fight back to level but being reduced to ten men is just too much. The visitors took early control of the game and scored the opener after just six minutes, Adam Carpenter’s first time effort found the back of the net following a good right wing cross. With the help of a strong wind Bryntirion continued to dominate the game with Jon Cuss in particular finding acres of space on the right with the home defence not picking him up. It came as no surprise when they doubled their lead and again it was Cuss who delivered a telling cross with former Dinas player Nana Baah getting in at the near post to provide the touch to guide it past keeper Peter Blaine. Tony Wallis had a good shot saved by visiting keeper Josh Payne but that was one of the home sides few efforts on goal in a first half where keeper Peter Blaine kept Dinas in the game. The forecast heavy rain came at the beginning of the second half making conditions even more difficult and the Dinas cause wasn’t helped when Jaymes Dixon was dismissed for one of those offences that infuriates the manager. Amazingly this seemed to signal a fight back and when Tony Wallis headed the ball on it was laid back for Tom Hutton who fired the ball past Payne in the Bryntirion goal from twenty yards for his first goal in first team football. A few minutes later Dinas were level when Tony Wallis was tripped on the edge of the six yard box, Jacob Rudman converting. For a time the visitors were pushed back and it looked as though Dinas may get a third but Bryntirion made full use of their one-man advantage and scored further goals from Nana Baah and Anthony Rawlings to run out deserved winners. Few players came out of this game having enhanced their reputation and they will certainly have to improve, starting in their next game at West End, or get dragged down into the relegation mire. Squad: 1 Peter Blaine, 2 Tom Hutton, 3 Josh Reffell, 4 Andy Lane, 5 Anthony Roberts, 6 Jacob Rudman, 7 Joe Hinds, 8 Lloyd Davies, 9 Tony Wallis, 10 Jaymes Dixon, 11 Rhodri Foote, 12 Owain Adams, 14 Mathew Edward-Jones, 15 Paul Carro, 16 Ashton Turner.
Saturday 21 November 2009 Porthcawl Town Reserves 3, AFC Porth Reserves 1 from Porthcawl Town FC Porthcawl Town returned to the top of the table after a fine win over AFC Porth at Locks Lane. The Seasiders settled quickly and looked more comfortable in the blustery and wet conditions. With Porthcawl firmly in the ascendancy an opener seemed imminent. Centre-back Christian Bold emerged with possession from the centre circle and drove forward before unleashing a memorable 35-yard effort with the inside of his left foot which located the outstretched goalkeeper’s top right hand corner. After 35 minutes Porthcawl doubled their advantage with a slick, assertive attacking move. Deep in his own half Tom Warren fed Mark Pickering on the right flank who shifted the ball to Lee Giles and then bustling brother Matt whose inviting ball into the box was neatly tucked away by winger Rob Phillips. The second half was conducted in similar fashion as Porthcawl continued to show bite and operate as a cohesive force. The visitors played their part and while looking a capable attacking force where comfortably thwarted by an efficient Porthcawl defence. After the hour mark the Seasiders edged further in front when lively winger Mark Pickering was played in by hard-running midfielder Olly Warren. Porth’s goalkeeper intercepted the through ball but his clearance was promptly recovered by Pickering who confidently side footed home from the edge of the 18-yard-box. Striker Dan Edwards, who operated effectively in the pocket, made way for debutant Lewis Pearce, as Porthcawl maintained their impressive work rate for the remaining quarter of an hour. The visitors grabbed a consolation as their keeper’s long punt took a high bounce off the wet pitch and looped over his advancing opposite number Richard Gorrett for Porth’s striker to tap home.
Bridgend Town 2, Taff’s Well 4 by Frank Terrell, Taff's Well FC Taffs Well travelled to the Brewery Field for the first time for a Friday night fixture against hosts, Bridgend Town and when the squad arrived they stared around them in amazement at the quality of their surroundings; where else in Welsh League football would there be an experience to match running out at the Brewery Field? One can only suppose the money rugby has been able to attract over the years accounts for the facilities and who are Bridgend Town to undervalue such a plush stage on which to strut their stuff? This is the point at which we find an enigma: Drewe Phillips has assembled a multi-talented squad that is the envy of cash-strapped clubs like Taffs Well; the pedigree of the players according to the programme is impressive, most of the names are familiar to observers of Welsh football as excellent performers at this or a higher level yet, as the hosts graciously observed, they were out-performed by their youthful visitors who delighted in the wide open spaces of the Brewery Field. This is the conundrum with which Drewe Phillips must be wrestling: how to get the right blend to stop the slide down the table. The game opened at a furious pace with Bridgend dominating the early exchanges and for half an hour or so it looked like there would be only one winner, the hosts. Jon Howe made several saves without being too troubled in the visitors’ goal but there was plenty of good work going on in front of him with Dominic Dwyer making one tremendous blocking tackle and Matt James in commanding form at centre back. Paul Jones on Bridgend’s right flank and Michael Waters on the left were proving difficult opponents for Taffs Well but, for all their pace and work-rate Rameer Outlaw and Vinnie Wattleworth proved unable to find a breakthrough. Taffs Well relied on breakaways and might have been awarded a penalty when Steve Edwards was felled in the area but the excellent referee, Paul Walters, waved play on as he was to do shortly afterwards when the ball clearly struck the upraised hand of a Bridgend defender in the penalty area ruling in the second instance that the ball struck the hand rather than vice versa. The half was punctuated by stoppages as Gianluca Paladino was injured and required treatment, he tried to carry on but was forced to leave the field to be replaced by Haydn Fleming so one former Taffs Well player replaced another. The visitors had survived Bridgend’s onslaught and it was clear they were running out of ideas as to how to break down Taffs Well’s resistance whilst at the other end, Neil Collins had been forced to make an exceptional save and the trickery of Tyrone Topper and Steve Edwards on the flanks was giving the home defenders problems as was the movement and strength of Dean Maynard. The threat from the visitors was fulfilled when, following a period of Taffs Well dominance, the ball fell to Aaron Colwill on the right hand edge of the area and he drove home a forty-first minute goal to give Taffs Well the lead. This was then extended in stoppage time by Taffs Well stalwart, Barry Richards. The right back had supported an attack along the right flank and when the ball came out to him he struck it back through the crowded penalty area to score on forty-six minutes. Taffs Well went in at half time jubilant at having secured a two-nil lead. It seemed the second half had barely started when a Taffs Well player dived into a challenge in the penalty area in almost exactly the same spot they had been denied a penalty in similar circumstances in the first half. This time Mr. Walters pointed to the spot to award the kick. Leigh Pratt stepped up but Jon Howe made a brilliant save turning the ball away to his right and the follow-up attempt was blazed wide. Taffs Well breathed a collective sigh of relief and proceeded to take the game over. Bridgend’s players were clearly deflated and Haydn Fleming, instead of calling the shots in midfield spent most of his time doubling up on Taffs Well’s elusive dribbler, Tyrone Topper who was tormenting both experienced Bridgend full backs, Frowen and Stone in turns. Taffs Well extended the lead in the fifty-ninth minute when Dean Maynard was rewarded for his hard work by bursting clear and driving his shot past Collins for three-nil. Drewe Phillips acted decisively by bringing on striker, Raith Plant. The whole team stepped up their work rate and Taffs Well’s young players showed their naivety by chasing more goals instead of closing out the game and paid the penalty. Rameer Outlaw was the beneficiary as driving moves down the Bridgend right flank saw two crosses come into the middle and his movement was good enough for him to elude the Taffs Well defence and strike goals past Jon Howe in the seventy-fifth and seventy-seventh minutes. Centre back Matt James blamed himself for the second gambling to cut the ball out towards the near post leaving Outlaw free to score. Taffs Well manager, Mark Sampson acted decisively taking off the elusive Steve Edwards and sending on the more defensive Matthew Flynn but Dean Maynard rendered that issue academic by striking his second goal and Taffs Well’s fourth in the seventy-ninth minute ending any hopes of a home come back. In fact it could easily have been victory by a wider margin had a number of excellent chances not been squandered by Taffs Well players. Both managers made changes to affect the outcome with Jamal Roberts coming on for Bridgend against his former club but he hardly touched the ball in the time he was allowed whilst sixteen year-old winger, Ellis Grant, on in stoppage time for Tyrone Topper looked almost as dangerous as the man he had replaced with a series of well-placed passes and a couple of threatening runs with the ball. Taffs Well’s young side are rapidly gaining experience, play some attractive football and looked fitter at the end of the game than their disillusioned hosts. With Aaron Colwill running the midfield and the tireless Taffs Well captain, Liam Williams, outstanding there will be a few more teams left in their wake as they climb the table if Taffs Well continue to perform like this. Mark Sampson can be confident the players he sent out to do battle might have been inferior individually on paper but on the pitch they were collectively the stronger on the night. Bridgend Town: 1. Collins; 2. Frowen; 3. Stone; 4. Hartley; 5. Crutch (Capt.); 6. Pratt; 7. Jones; 8. Paladino; 9. Outlaw; 10. Wattleworth; 11. Waters; subs. 12. Plant; 14. Showdery; 15. Fleming; 16. Thomas; 17. Roberts. Taff’s Well: 1. Howe; 2. Richards; 3. Hugh; 4. Dwyer; 5. James; 6. Biggs; 7. Edwards; 8. Williams (Capt.); 9. Maynard; 10. Colwill; 11. Topper; subs. 12. Flynn; 14. Grant (L); 15.Grant (E).
Ton Pentre 0, Goytre United 5 from Ton Pentre FC Ton Pentre have hit a dire patch of form as they were hammered for the second time in the space of a few days at their Ynys Park home. On this occasion Goytre United inflicted the misery as they scored five goals without reply against the Rhondda Bulldogs, with this defeat on the back of Ton’s 6-1 exit in the League Cup to West End. Having suffered that heavy League Cup defeat, Ton Manager Andrew Hughes was hoping to get a positive reaction from his team in the match against Goytre, and there were early signs of a possible bounce back to form were visible in the first half of the match. With just a minute played new signing Martyn Phillips did well to avoid challenges from several Goytre defenders as he ran the ball down the left. He crossed into the box where Leon Young looked to loop the ball over the keeper with a header. Unfortunately for the Ton midfielder his effort went over the bar. A few minutes later prolific Welsh League goal scorer Richard Ryan was ruled on side as a long ball over the top of the Ton defence landed at his feet. With just Leighton James in the Ton goals to beat from approximately 16 yards out, he sent the ball wide of the right post. As the first half progressed Goytre were beginning to take hold of the fixture but Ton appeared to dealing well with what was thrown at them. However, after a Ton move broke down in the 25th minute Goytre played some superb football that tore the Bulldogs apart. Dale Price was involved in some well worked build-up play to allow Chris Summers a chance to find the back of the net to make it 1-0. Having restarted play from the centre spot Ton failed to retain possession which resulted in immediate pressure as Goytre attacked and won a corner kick. From that corner the ball eventually went into the goal off the post from Ryan’s shot. Before half time Ton had two excellent chances to pull a goal back, which may have changed the course of the game, but after Dominic Broad first blasted over the bar with one shot and then saw an effort cleared off the line by a defender, the Bulldogs soon realised this was not going to be the case. Summers gave Goytre a comfortable lead four minutes into the second half when he was allowed time in the box to pick his spot and ten minutes later Ton’s confidence evaporated as Richard French was on the end of a cross from the right to make it 4-0. The Rhondda Bulldogs failed to muster any kind of scoring opportunity in the second half and Goytre’s convincing win was rounded off by Ryan who was left unmarked wide on the left-hand side where he entered the box on the angle to meet the ball. As James rushed from his goal line Ryan applied a clinical finish to beat the keeper for Goytre’s fifth goal of the match. Ton need to eradicate this poor form as soon as they can otherwise similar performances will soon see them hurtle towards the foot of the table and the mammoth relegation zone that engulfs five teams due to the reorganisation of Welsh football at the end of the season. Therefore, the Rhondda Bulldogs have their work cut out before their next match at home to Cambrian & Clydach Vale on Wednesday 18th November at 7.15pm when their local rivals will start clear favourites. Ton Pentre: 1. Leighton James; 2. Jamie Thomas; 3. Phil Clarke; 4. Ryan Morgan (Captain); 5. Gavin Rodgers; 6. Andrew Hughes; 7. Leon Young; 8. Martyn Phillips; 9. Chris Jones; 10. Dominic Broad; 11. Alyn Jones. Substitutes: 12. Adam Lewis; 14. Matthew O’Keefe (Thomas 65); 15. Caio Iwan (Broad 65). Goals: None Booking: Phillips 50 Referee: Kevin Russell (Cardiff)
Saturday 7 November 2009 Monmouth Town 2, AFC Llwydcoed 3, aet Nathaniel Car Sales League Cup Round Two from AFC Llwydcoed Llwydcoed moved into the last sixteen of the Nathaniel League Cup after a pulsating extra time victory, the visitors finished the match with ten players so an even better result. Town as in previous encounters put Llwydcoed to the sword, if they had taken their earlier chances the result could have been so different. Their direct approach gave Llwydcoed’s defence problems, a couple of off-side decisions were debatable and an early goal was almost gifted to Town by Llwydcoed’s goalkeeper Rhys James when he miss-kicked straight to Town’s striker Phil Tranter who took one touch too many allowing Llwydcoed’s defender Leigh Phillips to clear However they were not to be denied, Llwydcoed gave the ball away in midfield and this time Phil Tranter broke clear to score,. Llwydcoed’s football was erratic in some areas, Town were covering the spaces, they had another golden chance to score but thankfully the Town player missed again. Llwydcoed finally started to play with Brent Hewiit, Leigh Phillips, Stuart Evans and Garin Withers breaking up the attacking ploys of Town and turning defence into attack. Llwydcoed’s Ross Williams and Jordan Coles tried to build from midfield and Town came under pressure with Christopher Vardon also looking dangerous. The first half finished with Town deservedly in charge, one was a bonus for Llwydcoed, their midfield had been over-run. Llwydcoed started the second half with the elements playing down the slight slope. Credit to young Garin Withers for his great attitude, some of his touches were top class. The visitors were still not keeping possession and as expected Llwydcoed introduced substitutes Tomos Morris and Gavin Fowler. A goal soon followed with Christopher Vardon, Tomos Morris and Richard Dennis combining allowing Ross Williams to attack and score with a sublime header. Llwydcoed were on top and another move saw Christopher Vardon scoring with a top finish after a similar combination so Llwydcoed had taken their chances to gain the advantage. After raising their game Llwydcoed’s football became scrappy Town were not as dominant as in the first half. Llwydcoed looked comfortable until Town began to find their belief they were helped by Llwydcoed who had a player dismissed for foul play so ten against eleven as the match entered the final third of normal time. Town were given a boost Llwydcoed’s defence and goalkeeper failed to clear the danger and Elliott Ford equalised with a soft goal. The final minutes saw Town test the Llwydcoed defence who just held out. Town began the first half of extra time and only some last ditch defending by Gavin Fowler and Leigh Phillips prevented Town scoring, desperate minutes for Llwydcoed just surviving, but as in other games the belief of Llwydcoed’s never-say-die attitude came to the fore. Richard Dennis broke clear from his marker who had kept a grip on him through the game, and another Town defender, and shot from twenty five yards past the bewildered Town goalkeeper John Roberts to score a fabulous goal. Town introduced their substitutes looking to draw level with a 4-3-3- formation, the pressure mounted on the Llwydcoed defence and only some terrific goalkeeping by Llwydcoed’s Rhys James prevented Town from scoring, a pulsating climax to this cup tie. Final whistle sounded with Llwydcoed the victors. Youngsters Garing Withers and Craig Davies playing their part
Saturday 7 November 2009 Cwmaman Institute 2, Bridgend Town 3, aet Nathaniel Car Sales League Cup Round Two from Cwmaman Institute FC Cwmaman welcomed First Division Bridgend to Canolfan for this League cup tie. The visitors were first out of the blocks, when in the second minute a mistake by Cwmaman allowed a cross into the area and Rameer Outlaw scored at the far post. Worse was to follow after 13 minutes an almost identical move Rameer Outlaw gave Bridgend a two-goal advantage. Forced to make several changes due to injuries and player unavailability, Cwmaman slowly started to get back into the game and Seb Haggett was causing problems to the visitors defence, A move down the right involving Price and Wickham gave Haggett a chance but he shot over the bar. Bridgend were dangerous in attack and created several good chances but Truelove was up to the challenge. Half time came with Cwmaman still in the game. The second half was very much the same as the first with the visitors pressing, looking to increase their advantage, the young Cwmaman team would have none of it. Seb Haggett pulled a goal back with a free kick placed into the bottom corner of the net. Bridgend continued to take the game to Cwmaman, but it was the home team that levelled the scores. A move down the left resulted in Haggett crossing into the box, the ball was half cleared to Boggis who hit a shot from 25 yards high into the net. The remainder of the game saw chances created at both ends but the final whistle came and extra time. The game was 10 minutes into extra time when Bridgend were awarded a dubious penalty, duly converted by Michael Waters. Both teams had chances to score, but the final whistle came with the first division team going into the next round. The young Cwmaman team can feel very pleased with their performance and all goes well for the future if they can continue to improve.
Saturday 7 November 2009 Troedyrhiw 2, Llantwit Fardre 1 from Troedyrhiw FC Following the previous week's disappointing 1-1 draw at lowly Garw, 'Rhiw played host to old foes Llantwit Fardre at The Willows. The game was very much nip and tuck from the outset with both sides looking to gain a stranglehold on the match. Both sides battled it out and opportunities came and went for both sides but neither were able to capitalise on their efforts and find the net. 'Rhiw's defence was relatively staunch and kept the visitors at bay. Lloyd Martin in particular a lynch pin at the heart of the defence. When the 'Rhiw defence was breached on rare occasions, Fardre found 'Rhiw custodian Jon Jones in fine form. It was 'Rhiw that eventually took the lead through Chris Quinlan whose thunderbolt of a shot from distance blasted into the net. Despite the 'keeper getting a hand to it, the power Quinlan put into his shot made sure it reached the net. Both sides then continued to battle it out until the break and at the interval it was 1-0 to the hosts. The second half carried on in very much the same vein as the first, with opportunities coming for both sides and said chances going begging. Jones protecting his sides' lead with a number of good saves. Later on in the half though, Fardre made things all square at 1-1 with a scrappy equaliser. 'Rhiw heads though remained unbowed as they continued with the job in hand. They exerted pressure on Fardre and later in the half were awarded a free-kick. Quinlan was the man to take it and again his superb strike hit the back of the net for his and his team's second, much to the delight of everyone in the 'Rhiw camp. 'Fardre tried their hardest to haul themselves level, and to be fair they refused to give up but again the 'Rhiw defence stood firm. When the final whistle eventually sounded after what seemed like an eternity 'Rhiw claimed a great 2-1 victory and more importantly the much valued three points to add to their league tally. With no fixture this Saturday, 'Rhiw will travel to play Briton Ferry Llansawel this Friday. Kick off is at 7pm.
Saturday 7 November 2009 Barry Town 3, Dinas Powys 0 Nathaniel Car Sales League Cup Round Two from Barry Town FC Hoping to continue their three week unbeaten run, the Dragons welcomed near-neighbours and local rivals Dinas Powys to their Jenner Park for this encounter in the Nathaniel Car Sales League Cup. Having moved up to fifth in the table recently, the Barry management were confident of further progression in the competition with another victory. Once again fielding a changed side due to injuries, etc., Manager Gavin Chesterfield brought midfielder Sam Harterey into central defence, a move that turned out to be a very shrewd one and he turned in a man of the match performance with both fine defensive quality allied to good distribution of the ball. With the Jones brothers in midfield for the first time in weeks, the team were showing a good balance, testimony to an excellent squad of players now at the Jenner Park club. Dinas with two former Dragons in their ranks, the dangerous James Dixon and Jacob Rudman were for the most part second best on the day. The former did cause the odd moment of consternation however early on, using his pace he sped into the box only for the excellent Harterey to execute a tackle which allowed Dan Bradley to go down to his left to save easily. That was about as good as it got for Dinas, the exception being the occasional foray into the opposing half and a few subsequent corners. With the familiar cry of pass the ball from the Barry Management ringing in their ears from the sidelines the Dragons took control of the game and it was with some surprise that it took until the 41st minute to open the scoring with striker Sam Small scoring after an accurate cross from midfielder James Simpson. Such was their dominance that hardly had the fans finished discussing this, when they scored again. The hard-tackling Anthony Redwood hit a fierce low drive which was deflected into the bottom corner past the sprawling Dinas keeper. The second half started and finished with the Dragons in complete control, passing the ball about almost effortlessly at times. Using the big pitch and consequent space effectively they denied their visitors any worthy possession of the ball. Rob Blatchford and Morgan Harris came on as substitutes and their pace caused havoc in the Dinas ranks. The third and final goal was scored by striker Josh Bell from close range with just three minutes remaining. A fourth goal looked likely a minute later but James Simpson’s header hit the cross bar and rebounded to safety. All in all a very good performance considering the mounting injury problems at the Club. Next up. Ely Rangers Friday 20th November kick off 7.30pm. Supporters Lottery – 5th November – 5, 6, 9, 16, 19, 20 (no winners).
Saturday 7 November 2009 Ton Pentre 1, West End 6 Nathaniel Car Sales League Cup Round Two from Ton Pentre FC Ton Pentre suffered an abysmal time at Ynys Park as Swansea outfit West End visited for the second round of the Nathaniel Car Sales League Cup. The Rhondda Bulldogs had goalkeeper Richard Jeffries sent off within a minute of the second half leaving the Rhondda- based club to put an outfield player in goals. Ton were uninspiring in the first half of this match and a miserable defensive display had seen West End take a 2-0 lead into the half time break. The match had started promisingly for the Bulldogs as straight from kick off Ton went on the attack and a nice move completely split the West End defence. However, this early scare for the visitors seemed to be the catalyst for their fine performance as they tightened up at the back and started the probe the Ton defence for frailties. Such frailties were discovered in the 17th minute when Darren Griffiths found his way into the 18-yard box unchallenged. With just Richard Jeffries to beat the West End attacker flashed his effort across the front of the goalmouth before going wide of the far post. West End continued to have the upper hand in this cup fixture and their hard work paid off when in the 23rd minute the Bulldogs failed to clear the ball from the visitors’ first attempt. As a result Kieran Cullen had the chance to shoot, an opportunity that he did not waste. Six minutes later Ton conceded a free kick on the edge of the box from where Griffiths heaped more despair on the home team as he blasted the ball into the back of the Bulldogs net for a great goal. With half time approaching Ton wasted an excellent opportunity to get a goal back after debutante Calvin McLaggon won a corner following his run up the left. After the ball had been whipped into the box a shot was blocked on the goal line and McLaggon was unable to get the touch needed from the rebound to make sure the ball ended up in the net. Despite their poor first half performance the Rhondda Bulldogs came out at half time believing that they were capable of pegging back West End, however, after Gavin Rodgers had conceded a free kick within a minute of the restart on the edge of the 18-yard box, the Referee took exception to a comment made by the Bulldogs goalkeeper. For his outburst he was dismissed from the field forcing Ton to play 44 minutes with a man down and without a keeper. An injured Adam Lewis was substituted for Matthew O’Keefe who took up a position in between the posts. O’Keefe was making his debut for Ton after joining the Bulldogs from Tredegar Town as a midfielder. West End took full advantage of Ton’s misfortune as O’Keefe was beaten five minutes later as the visitors went 3-0 up. A 62nd minute shot from just inside the box made it 4-0 before West End grabbed their fifth from a corner in the 76th minute. This goal was particularly harsh as the Referee failed to spot an apparent push in the back on O’Keefe as jumped for the ball. Ton pulled a goal back on 82 minutes after Leon Young was upended in the box just as he was about to score resulting in a penalty. No card was shown to the culprit but Andrew Hughes stepped up to score from the spot with the ball going in off the left post. From the restart of play West End immediately went on the attack and scored their sixth goal of the match to complete their rout and consign Ton to their heaviest defeat this decade. The Bulldogs will be without Jeffries for their next two matches against Goytre United on Wednesday 11th November at 7.30pm and Cambrian & Clydach Vale on Wednesday 18th November at 7.15pm. Both matches are at Ynys Park. Ton Pentre: 1. Richard Jeffries, 2. Jamie Thomas, 3. Gavin Rodgers, 4. Adam Lewis, 5.Ryan Morgan (Captain), 6. Andrew Hughes, 7. Martyn Phillips, 8. Leon Young, 9. Chris Jones, 10. Calvin McLaggon, 11. Alyn Jones. Substitutes: 12. Dominic Broad (for 10 on 45 mins), 14. Matthew O’Keefe (for 4 on 48mins), 15. Wayne Savage. Goal: Hughes 82 (Pen) Sent Off: Jeffries 46 Referee: Alun Boore (Cardiff)
Saturday 7 November 2009
Newcastle Emlyn 3, AFC Porth 4 aet
Nathaniel Car Sales League Cup Round Two
by Huw
Jones, AFC Porth
Both sides were trying to get the ball down and play, credit also to referee Paul Fisher and his assistants, as they tried to let the game flow, in the driving wind and rain.
.
Barry Town 3, Dinas Powys 0
Nathaniel Car Sales League Cup Round Two
by Morley Williams, Dinas Powys FC
Dinas got what they deserved from this poor performance with neighbours Barry Town fully deserving to progress to the next round of the cup.
The first forty minutes of this game was fairly even with the home side shading possession and Dinas having the better opportunities. If it wasn’t for the vigilance of home keeper Dan Bradley Dinas may have taken a two goal lead with Tony Wallis and then Jaymes Dixon both having just the keeper to beat but failing with Bradley saving at their feet.
Five minutes before halftime the visitors were left to rue these missed chances when Sam Small was given too much room in the penalty area and he comfortably converted a right wing cross to open the scoring. A couple of minutes later the referee allowed Barry to take a quick free kick and Scott Jones scored with a low shot from twenty-five yards giving Dinas a mountain to climb in the second half.
Dinas were finding it difficult to find any sort of rhythm and the nearest they came to scoring in the second half was when keeper Bradley again saved at the feet of Tony Wallis following a good cross from substitute Rhodri Foote.
Barry played with the confidence of the two goal lead without creating any real scoring opportunities but they did find their way through five minutes from time when good play between substitutes Rob Blatchford and Morgan Harris gave Josh Bell the chance to add a third with a shot from eight yards.
Next week there is an enforced international break but Dinas will have to improve if they are to get anything from the next game against Bryntirion at The Murch.
Dinas Powys Squad: 1 Peter Blaine, 2 Tom Hutton, 3 Andy Lane, 4 Josh Reffell, 5 Lloyd Davies, 6 Jacob Rudman, 7 Ricki Morgan, 8 Jaymes Dixon, 9 Joe Hinds, 10 Tony Wallis, 11 Paul Carro, 12 Ashton Turner, 14 Rhodri Foote, 15 Owain Adams, 16 Mathew Edward-Jones.
Llanelli 11, West End 2 MacWhirter Youth Cup Round One Group D from Llanelli FC The Reds under-19s hit the goal trail at a rain-soaked Stebonheath Park as they defeated West End. The writing was on the wall for the visitors as early as the seventh minute when Rikki Evans volleyed home the opening goal. Craig Frater made it 2-0 two minutes before half time with a well taken free kick and a minute later, Rikki Evans grabbed his second goal after some fine play by Antonio Facciuto and Declan john. Rikki Evans got his hat trick just after the restart of the second half and Craig Frater got the Reds fifth goal in the 49th minute. Nathan Logan then got amongst the goals on the hour mark with a screamer from 30 yards out. The visitors then got on the score sheet when they were awarded a penalty in the 58th minute which was duly tucked away by Kieran O’Brien and they added their second of the game a minute later through Jordan Abrahams. The Reds got back to their scoring when full back Antonio Facciuto volleyed home after 63 minutes and Nathan Logan, whose solo effort three minutes later was his second of the game. Craig Frater then secured his hat trick with a stupendous 35-yard direct free kick which flew into the back of the net, giving the west end keeper no chance. Frater was again on target with the tenth goal of the game in the 76th minute and Declan John then completed the night’s scoring when he slotted home after some good work by Liam Samuel and debutant Kristian Corbisiero, cousin of Reds first team star, Antonio.
Saturday 31 October 2009 AFC Llwydcoed 4, Porthcawl Town 1 from AFC Llwydcoed Llwydcoed returned to league action after last Saturday’s postponement with a convincing victory considering the injury crisis with Tomos Morris joining Matthew Doherty, Jonathan Mason and Ryan Barry on the sidelines. Richard Dennis returned to the action after his injury with young Garin Withers slotting into the team. Llwydcoed burst into action after an early attack by Porthcawl, they turned defence into attack, Ross Williams picked up the ball in midfield and played a pass between the Porthcawl defence and Christopher Vardon scored with a sublime finish shooting past the Town goalkeeper Ben Banks, a goal in the first minutes of play. Town responded well to this very early set back with Sean Rees probing in midfield, Llwydcoed’s defence had to be on their toes to stop any danger, Leon Bansal was on top form defending with purpose and composure as was Stuart Evans. Town were having a good spell, their movement was excellent, Llwydcoed’s all round team display remained solid to prevent any Town attacks and when Llwydcoed attacked they created more danger, Jordan Coles was exceptional with some of his skills, from one move Llwydcoed won a corner taken by him, Leigh Phillips headed a goal after Town goalkeeper Ben Banks missed the cross. The match was full of entertaining football. Town kept plugging away they were rewarded with a headed goal scored by Steven Atkinson with Llwydcoed’s team failing to spot the danger. Town pressurised the Llwydcoed defence whose Leigh Phillips and Brent Hewitt were as one, Llwydcoed had other chances but no more goals in the first half. Llwydcoed started the second half in control, they began to build in midfield and created some excellent chances. Christopher Vardon was on top form creating a top chance for Richard Dennis who missed. Llwydcoed won a free kick just inside the visitors’ half and Llwydcoed’s Stuart Evans fired the ball towards goal and straight into the back of net with Town goalkeeper Ben Banks stranded. Town responded again putting more pressure on the Llwydcoed team who defended superbly as a team, Leon Bansal and young Garin Withers were first class. Llwydcoed were playing and contributing most of the time to a high quality and a fourth goal arrived with a power volley by Richard Dennis that the Town goalkeeper found too hot to handle. Llwydcoed introduced substitutes Matthew Reynolds Craig Davies and Ben Rees the match was won. Town contributed to an excellent match Llwydcoed scored the goals at vital times to gain victory.
Saturday 31 October 2009 Cwmaman Institute 1, Pontyclun 2 from Cwmaman Institute FC Following an excellent team performance against Pontypridd, Cwmaman approached this game in high spirits and were optimistic of recording a home win. However, as good as they were against Pontypridd, they were equally as bad against Pontyclun, with every player having to look at their own particular performance in a hugely disappointing game. Cwmaman had a huge advantage territorially throughout the game but were totally inept in front of goal. Pontyclun took the lead on the stroke of half time with a hotly disputed offside goal. Cwmaman again dictated play in the second half but squandered a number of chances. They gained a fortuitous equalizer when a Connor Wickham shot was half saved by the keeper when it hit a divot and went in. Within a minute Pontyclun had regained the lead and held on to record a 2-1 victory and a valuable three points. Managers Pip Edwards and Leighton Price will not have been happy with this performance and strong words were spoken in the dressing rooms following the game.
Saturday 31 October 2009 Bryntirion Athletic 1, Barry Town 1 by Dave Cronk
Following a recent run of good results manager Gavin
Chesterfield took his team the short distance to picturesque Bryntirion
for the meeting between the two teams, with good players on both sides
it promised to be a cracker. Bryntirion equalised in the sixth minute, talented and prolific striker Anthony Rawlings scoring from close in, after an accurate cross was headed down into the Barry goalmouth and hit into the net. The match then produce a flurry of chances, both sides going close with the ball gliding past their respective posts.
Barry’s influential central defender Kurt Bettles went off
injured and replaced by the capable Lewis Cosslett, who coped well with
this situation. Dan Clair was everywhere covering the ground and making
very important challenges when needed as well as being very commanding
in the air. With Dan Bradley making another of his trade mark saves and
with the number of chances going astray from both teams, the score could
have been three all at the interval, but it remained 1-1. Just before the conclusion of what can only be described as a battle, with both highly committed to their respective shirts and managers and the match ebbing to an inevitable conclusion, the best chance of the game fell to Rob Blatchford, finding himself clear on the right of the box he hit a fierce drive just past the far post, when probably the better option would have been to slip the ball to striker Sam Small completely unmarked in the centre just outside the six-yard box. Several substitutes were used, two injured players for the visitors, Bettles and Jones.
On balance though over the 90 minutes, a 1-1 draw a fair and
equitable result on the day. Saturday 31 October 2009 Cwmbran Celtic 3, AFC Porth 1 by Huw Jones, AFC Porth
Another disappointing result, but in fairness Porth can have
little complaints over the 90 minutes, even if the third decisive goal
was bizarre to say the least.. It was end-to-end stuff, but for all their possession Porth created very few clear-cut chances, and indeed Williamson should have doubled his tally but blazed over from five yards out. Porth didn’t learn and although Ashleigh Burge and Davies couldn't be faulted on effort, Porth were restricted to long-range efforts. Morgan in goal was rarely troubled.
Celtic doubled their lead in first half stoppage time as
again sloppy play as Brock was dispossessed, a quick one-two between
Williamson and Llewellyn put the striker through on goal and he slotted
into the bottom corner. It was a great spectacle and how neither side added to the score was down to both keepers who had excellent games. Owen replaced Brock as Porth went all-out attack. Celtic were reduced to ten men when Davies picked up a second yellow, but it did Porth no favours as they pressed, often the final decision was poor. Then as full time approached a bizarre incident, Porth were attacking as the ball was cleared a Celtic player stayed down, the referee blew and on came the physio, the game was then restarted with a drop ball, Celtic wanting to give the ball back to Porth but as it was barely outside the box Porth decided rather than have the ball back in the keeper’s hands some 80 yards away to contest the drop ball, Celtic won it and raced away with half the Porth team perplexed, man-of-the-match Williamson who won the drop ball exchanged passes with Llewellyn and ran some 60 yards to score. In injury time Porth were reduced to ten as Ashleigh Burge received a second yellow and the game ended.
Saturday 31 October 2009 Pontardawe Town 2, Llandudno Town 0 FAW Welsh Cup Round Three from Pontardawe Town FC Llandudno Town had set off at 6:30am from their clubhouse and fortunately the game was able to go ahead following excellent work in poor weather by Hugh the groundsman and his volunteers. Pontardawe lined up with an unfamiliar backline following the withdrawal of Steven Cox through suspension. In midfield the on-loan Dale Otten, who was allowed to play by Llanelli, stood in for the experienced, but injured, club captain Jon Coates. The game started at a frantic pace and Pontardawe took the lead with a goal from Carl Owen who finished off an excellent move after just nine minutes. A move down the left saw a cross to Owen who beat Llandudno's keeper Paul Whitfield to immediately warm up the reasonably sized, but damp, crowd. Llandudno dominated the play for the remainder of an entertaining first half with midfielders Gaz Evans and Neil Coverley showing well but were unable to get the equaliser they probably deserved. This was mainly due to the commitment to the cause of the Pontardawe lads especially captain Gary Taylor and, man-of-the-match, Stuart Hoskins. In the second half Pontardawe Town had more of the game and caused the Llandudno defence a lot more problems than in the latter part of the first half. The introduction of Andrew Stokes and Mark Nappieralla had a positive effect and on 70 minutes, after another excellent move down the left, Andrew Stokes met a great cross to put Pontardawe Town 2-0 up. This was a great game with some excellent and committed play from both teams. Llandudno's captain Craig Hogg, together with Joe Morgan, gave 100% in some bone-crunching collisions but they were met full-on by the Pontardawe lads with Paul Lenihan and Richard South outstanding in defence. In midfield Stuart Hoskins was definitely the outstanding player on the park whilst Steff Davies, up front, worked his socks off as usual. Llandudno had their chances and Pontardawe were grateful for some of their wayward heading and shooting but, despite Mark Nappieralla's sending-off after 95 minutes, it was Pontardawe who finished the victors and went into the draw for round four. An excellent game played by both sides which was well managed by Jon Twigg and his officials, Bernard Coyle and David Badger. Pontardawe Town: B Hopkins, A Lewis, O Williams, R South, P Lenihan, D McGrath, G Taylor (C), S Hoskins, S Davies, C Owen, D Otten, M Nappieralla (Sub), A Stokes (Sub), R Daniel (Sub - Not Used), D Thomas (Sub - Not Used), R Evans (Sub - Not Used) Llandudno Town: P Whitfield, P Roberts, S Eardley, W Williams, C Hogg (C), J Morgan, G Evans, B Dews, L Thomas, G Peters, N Coverley, D Hughes (Sub), A Roberts (Sub), R Chesters (Sub) Scorers: C Owen (90, A Stokes (70). Sending Off: M Nappieralla Officials: J Twigg, D Badger, B Coyle
Saturday 31 October 2009 Porthcawl Town Reserves 1, Pontyclun Reserves 0 from Porthcawl Town FC Despite losing three influential players to injury Porthcawl made it five league wins out of six to move up to second. The Seasiders welcomed back speed merchant Alex Treharne from the suspension and the 18-year-old made a typically telling impact when his left wing centre found standout midfielder Alex Winkler who fired home from inside the box. Treharne, an ever-present threat on the flank, showed vision and poise to find Porthcawl’s hard-working captain who featured heavily throughout. Porthcawl were forced into their first change when midfield enforcer Andrew Hedley had to leave the field due to an ankle injury, and was replaced by summer recruit Darren Ward. When in possession the home side looked capable of prying open the Pontyclun defence, without ever producing their best football. Their best openings in the first half were prematurely halted on almost every attack when Lee Giles and brother Matt were adjudged to have strayed offside. Striker Lee Giles, also suffering from an ankle injury, made way at the break for utility man Paul White. The second half was a tight affair and while at times quality was lacking, the commitment of both sides ensured the game would remain in the balance until the final whistle. With Porthcawl in the ascendancy they were dealt another blow when the tough-tackling Martyn Morgan stayed down after a heavy challenge. The tenacious full-back was replaced by Rhys Griffiths who slotted in confidently at left-back. The home side restricted Pontyclun to half chances with keeper Richard Gorrett rarely extended all afternoon. Porthcawl saw out the last quarter of an hour to battle to another hard-earned victory.
Taffs Well 3, Dinas Powys 1 from Peter King, Dinas Powys FC Dinas travelled to Rhiwdda to face Taffs Well in a confident mood after two good performances but they failed to produce a third and were comfortably defeated 3-1 in a lack-lustre performance. The visitors started well and forced a couple of early corners which were eventually cleared and the hosts began to get on top, their pacey winger Tyrone Topper causing some problems for the Dinas defence with some good crosses. There were a few brighter moments for Dinas, with Ricky Morgan linking well with Paul Carro and the hard-working Joe Hinds who was fouled, Jacob Rudman putting the resulting free kick over the bar from 30 yards. And another spell of pressure with Mark Dunford and Hinds combining almost produced a goal. But the hosts were having the lions share of possession and finally got the breakthrough three minutes from the interval when Liam Williams headed home a cross from the right wing. Just a minute later they doubled their account when a through ball from the left evaded everyone except Matthew James at the far post who had a simple tap-in. The Dinas cause was not helped when Mark Dunford pulled up with a hamstring strain when well placed and had to be replaced by Tony Wallis. Taffs Well started the second half in the ascendancy, their passing and pace crisper than the visitors and they forced three successive corners, Dinas eventually clearing their lines. But the hosts were not to be denied and Steve Edwards added the third, neatly lobbing Peter Blaine in the Dinas goal from 16 yards. Dinas manager Danny Kinsey then rang the changes, replacing Rhodri Foote with Lloyd Davies which seemed to improve things and Dinas began to gain more possession and pressure on the hosts goal and were given a glimmer of hope when a penalty was awarded for hand ball, Ricky Morgan making no mistake from the spot for 3-1. Dinas kept up the pressure and had the best of the last 15 minutes but could not add to their tally and Taffs Well deserved the points overall. Next Saturday Dinas make the short journey to Jenner Park to face Barry Town in a Nathaniel Car Sales League Cup clash with a 1.30pm kick off.
Saturday 24 October 2009 Pontypridd Town 1, Cwmaman Institute 1 from Cwmaman Institute FC Cwmaman started well against a vastly experienced Pontypridd Town and both Seb Haggett and Connor Wickham had efforts well saved by goalkeeper Matty Ellacott. New signing Carl Jenkins was particularly industrious in the midfield area and Daniel Trampelli was causing problems on the wing. Cwm were dealing comfortably at the back with Ponty’s forwards and should have been in front before a misplayed pass in midfield found its way to ex-Cwm player Anthony Waters who made no mistake to put Ponty 1-0 up. The best chance of the first half fell to Leighton Price who scuffed his shot and it went tamely to the keeper. Cwm could feel aggrieved to be behind at the interval. The second half saw Ponty gain the territorial advantage and Cwm once again relied on the goalkeeping skills of Jon Truelove to prevent Ponty from adding to their score. Despite this Cwm kept pressing and following a clumsy challenge resulting in a second yellow card Ponty were reduced to 10 men. Cwm were now in the ascendancy but with the game entering injury time they were awarded a penalty. Up stepped captain Matthew Cable to confidently drive the ball into the back of the net. Upon reflection a draw was probably the right result and it would have been an injustice if Cwm had returned home without a point. Carl Jenkins can be pleased with his debut while both Jack Howe and Jon Truelove had impressive games for Cwmaman.
Saturday 24 October 2009 AFC Porth 1 Tredegar Town 0 by Huw Jones, AFC Porth
Porth returned to
winning ways, but boy did they, and nine-man Tredegar make it hard work.
Almost all of Porth's best efforts involved Craig Davies, it
was a sign of things to come as he hit the post with a cross, cum shot
after four minutes. Porth then suffered an injury blow as starlet Keiron
Coles fell awkwardly after a challenge, leading to his eventual
substitution and hospital check-up but he was ok. Porth were getting frustrated as Tredegar were content to let them have the ball with very little being created, half chances came and went for Orchard, again Burge and Brock and the half time whistle was greeted with relief. Adam Wright came on at half time, and his energy lifted the side, like the first half Porth saw plenty of the ball, with Tredegar packing the defence, Davies was again instrumental ghosting past three men before setting up a headed chance for Wright, but keeper Morris held comfortably. Davies them went on a mazy run and crossed but no one anticipated, then on 60 minutes referee Dale Hames had his first big decision as that man Davies surged into the box he was checked, a red card for a second booking and a penalty. Up stepped Davies to blast the penalty... over the bar. Down to ten Tredegar defended magnificently, then they were down to nine as again a second yellow led to a dismissal. Twenty minutes left and Porth were camped in the Tredegar half, Josh Owen replaced Mouncher down the left, but Porth didn’t show enough guile and craft, content to launch the ball into the box instead of moving the nine men around the big Dinas Park pitch. Just as most of the crowd thought that a draw was on the cards, with full time fast approaching man-of-the-match Craig Davies picked up the ball, ran at a couple of defenders and crossed hard and low, Kristian Orchard blasted the ball home to secure all three points.
Saturday 24 October 2009 Caldicot Town 3, Ton Pentre 2 from Ton Pentre FC A sloppy second half performance saw Ton Pentre throw away their half time lead at Caldicot Town as they left Jubilee Way with a disappointing defeat. With a strong wind behind them the Rhondda Bulldogs took a 13th minute lead when Gavin Rodgers spotted Jordan Branch’s run into space up the right deep inside the Caldicot half of the pitch. The former Turberville Arms defender sent a super through ball forward for Branch to take into the box where he applied a cool finish to beat James Smallcombe. Despite creating the chances needed to increase their lead, the Bulldogs went into the half time interval with the 1-0 lead. Chris Jones should have doubled Ton’s lead within the first 25 seconds of the second half when the striker was sent one-on-one with Smallcombe. Jones scuffed his shot when inside the box allowing Smallcombe to gather the ball with ease, the Caldicot keeper then launched the ball down field. Within 12 seconds of Ton’s missed chance Caldicot made the Bulldogs pay when they equalised following some careless defending by both the midfielders and defenders. Seven minutes later Ton were lucky not to concede again when Jason Thorn was allowed to take the ball forward and he witnessed his shot from the edge of the box hit the post and side netting. Caldicot were beginning to look more and more confident and Ton were made to pay for further lacklustre defending when a cross from the left was directed into the back of the net off Gareth Cullimore’s boot. Richard Jeffries was left helpless in the Ton goal as the shot went between his legs. As the hour mark was approaching Ton felt that they had endured all of Caldicot’s pressure as Alyn Jones ran onto a through ball to wonderfully slot in his first goal of the season. However, Caldicot looked to capitalise on Ton’s poor organisation when defending. Jeffries was forced into making a couple of excellent 71st minute saves when in a crowded box he had to come some distance off his line to make two goal saving blocks. Unfortunately these superb saves were in vain as Caldicot did manage to take the lead when a ball in from the left was headed into the goal at the far post in the 77th minute. This goal turned out to be the winner leaving Ton to undertake a post-mortem on their sloppy second half performance. It’s Nathaniel Car Sales League Cup Round Two action for the Rhondda Bulldogs next as West End visit Ynys Park on Saturday 7th November 2009 at 1.30pm. Ton Pentre: 1. Richard Jeffries, 2. Jordan Branch, 3. Phil Clarke, 4. Adam Lewis, 5. Ryan Morgan (Captain), 6. Gavin Rodgers, 7. Andrew Hughes, 8. Leon Young, Sam Baker, 9. 10. Chris Jones, 11. Alyn Jones. Substitutes: 12. Jamie Thomas, 14. Caio Iwan (for 9 on 83mins), 15. Wayne Savage (for 10 on 69mins), 16. Dominic Broad, 17. Leighton James. Goals: Branch 13, A.Jones 59 Booking: Clarke 87 Referee: Gareth Heggarty (Cefn Hengoed)
Saturday 24 October 2009 Dinas Powys 3, Garden Village 1 by Morley Williams, Dinas Powys FC This was an excellent all round team performance with Tom Hutton stepping up from the reserves for a promising debut, up front the industrious Joe Hinds combined well with Mark Dunford who was back to his best with a couple of goals and in goal Peter Blaine was outstanding making a number of excellent saves when the visitors did break through the defence. It was Garden Village who almost made the breakthrough after a couple of minutes when Sam Brown’s free kick struck the crossbar and was deflected for a corner. With a number of six foot plus players in their side set pieces were going to be a problem but throughout the game, keeper Peter Blaine was up to the task. It was the home side who got the all-important opener after eleven minutes, Jaymes Dixon was finding room on the right getting the better of the visitors offside game and when he found Mark Dunford he was able to hold off a defender and shoot past keeper Johnny Martin from the edge of the area. At the other end the Dinas keeper had to punch clear a corner before saving low at the foot of his post from Chris Richards twenty-five yard shot and did well to get strong hands to a Chris Thomas shot to parry away. Dinas attacks always looked dangerous against a defence intent on playing an offside game and Dunford should have done better when put clear but his shot was deflected for an unproductive corner. Ten minutes before halftime Jaymes Dixon and Tom Hutton combined to get through the visiting defence and Dixon’s cross was met at the far post by Mark Dunford to score his second goal. A couple of minutes later Dinas again got the better visitors offside game and Paul Carro should have scored a third but put his shot too close to the keeper who saved. A couple of minutes before halftime Dinas keeper Blaine did his bit with a magnificent double save to ensure they went in at halftime with a deserved two goal lead. Six minutes into the second-half Garden Village got back into the game. They were awarded a penalty converted by David Rimmer when a close range shot struck a defenders hand. This should have given the visitors the impetus they needed but their attacks came to grief against a resolute Dinas defence with Andy Lane and Josh Reffell coping well against much taller opponents. With manager for the day Ricki Morgan busy in midfield and Jaymes Dixon always a threat the home side looked the more likely to score but they had to wait until a couple of minutes from full time before substitute Tony Wallis headed a defensive clearance on for Dixon to run on to and finish with a low shot past the keeper from fifteen yards. Manager Danny Kinsey was at a family wedding and missed what was an excellent performance but I am sure the players will let him know how the game went. Dinas Powys squad: 1 Peter Blaine, 2 Tom Hutton, 3 Ashton Turner, 4 Andy Lane, 5 Josh Reffell, 6 Jacob Rudman, 7 Ricki Morgan, 8 Jaymes Dixon, 9 Joe Hinds, 10 Mark Dunford, 11 Paul Carro, 12 Tony Wallis, 14 Dan Ayard, 15 Rob Whitfield, 16 Lloyd Davies.
Saturday 24 October 2009 Barry Town 3, Bettws 0 by Dave Cronk With last week's terrific performance and result, fresh in their minds, the Dragons welcomed Bettws to Jenner Park, the Bridgend side with their new management team.
It soon became evident however it was the ideal time for the
in-form Dragons to meet them and record their first win over them, these
are usually very close affairs, not this time though. With important
central defender Kurt Bettles back, few changes were made by manager
Gavin Chesterfield.
The second goal, fortuitous but well-deserved goal arrived in
the 34th minute with another cross which was deflected in his own net by
Bettws defender Nicky Cole, under pressure by the rampant Dragons after
another clever run and cross by the impressive Morgan Harris. A solid
team performance was on view, the tireless Scott Jones, and the hard
tackling Anthony Redwood also contributing well.
The visiting teams efforts were not sustained however. With
Bettles now urging the highline fifteen minutes into the half, Barry
again took over and could and maybe should have scored again, having
complete control once again. Three subs were used, Zac Misbah on for Sam
Small, Josh Bell replacing Ian Jones, and James Simpson for Rob
Blatchford, a very satisfactory afternoon for the supporters.
Treharris Athletic Western Reserves 2, Porthcawl Town Reserves 2 from Porthcawl Town FC Porthcawl recovered a two-goal deficit to share the spoils and remain unbeaten this season. At a rain-soaked and windswept Athletic Ground the home side left Porthcawl rue after another shaky opening which saw the Seasiders fall two goals behind for the second successive game. Treharris’ winger broke the deadlock after edging past his man to poke home before The Lilywhites doubled their lead when their veteran forward side-footed home a low drive from inside the box. The visitors warmed to the contest and by the break were producing the better football. Midfield creator Alex Winkler was an imposing threat from the left flank while Andrew Hedley anchored the centre of park. Porthcawl struck on the stroke of half time when player-manager Tom Warren floated over a free-kick from the edge of the area towards advancing front man Lee Giles who headed home from an acute angle The visitors dominated the second half and upped the tempo as they searched tirelessly for an equaliser. Player-manager Tom Warren had the opportunity to put the visitors back on level terms after a push in the box yielded a penalty. However, his well struck effort was superbly tipped over by Treharris’ keeper. Porthcawl’s endeavour paid dividends when captain Alex Winkler’s corner was met by imposing centre-back Christian Bold whose bullet header found its way in at the near post. The Seasiders continued to press and were relentless in search of a winner but despite their hard efforts and some well-crafted openings were forced to settle for a point. Porthcawl entertain Pontyclun at Locks Lane on Saturday 2.00 pm).
Ton Pentre 4, Caerleon 0 from Ton Pentre FC A devastating second half performance saw Ton Pentre add three goals to their late first half strike to comfortably beat Gwent outfit Caerleon under the floodlights at Ynys Park. Caerleon’s defence was well organised during the first half of this MacWhirter Welsh League Division One fixture as they stood up well to Ton’s testing efforts to find a break through. The visitors rarely had an opportunity to threaten the Rhondda Bulldogs but they did manage to get the ball in the back of the net in the 28th minute when Richard Snook connected with a free kick into the box. However, the goal was ruled offside by the Assistant Referee and Caerleon soon found themselves a goal down. On 38 minutes Chris Jones gained possession of the ball from a Phil Clarke free kick sent into the penalty area from the right. As a result of his hard work to hold the defence off he supplied a pass to Andrew Hughes who gave the Bulldogs a 1-0 lead from close range. Within 40 seconds of the second half Ton were 2-0 up after a wonderful passage of play. Sam Baker and Chris Jones linked well with a one-two movement that opened up space for Baker to strike from outside of the box. His shot whistled into the back of the net as Scott James stood helpless on his goal line. Ton Pentre decided to rest Baker after 58 minutes when the former Port Talbot striker made way for Caio Iwan in a straight swap up front. Iwan was soon in the thick of the action when he scored his first goal for the Bulldogs since joining from Bangor City in the 67th minute. As Alyn Jones ran onto a through ball deep inside the Caerleon half of the pitch, his immediate reaction was to look for support. He found it in Chris Jones and squared a first time ball to the young Bulldogs striker. Chris Jones struck the ball with a solid strike but Caerleon’s Scott James did well to block the shot although unfortunately for him and his team the ball broke free to Iwan on the follow-up. With a gaping goalmouth in front of him Iwan made no mistake and made it 3-0. Iwan nearly grabbed a second moments later as Caerleon were caught in possession high up the field. Iwan was released free at goal and as James narrowed the angle he elected to try and dink it over the keeper. It was probably the correct decision but James hadn’t fully committed himself and was able to get enough of a touch on the ball to stop it from beating him. With the luxury of a three goal advantage the Rhondda Bulldogs made two more substitutions with Player Manager Andrew Hughes leaving the pitch for Dominic Broad and Rhys Owen replacing Club Captain Ryan Morgan. Caerleon almost grabbed themselves a consolation goal when in the 78th minute a shot from just inside the Ton box hit the underneath of the cross bar before ricocheting off the post. The Caerleon players gasped in disbelief as the Bulldogs cleared the ball up the field. Ton Pentre completed the goal scoring three minutes from full-time when a Phil Clarke back heel in defence stopped the ball from going out of play for a throw-in at the same time as taking it away from a Caerleon attacker. This allowed the ball to be played forward from defence as the Bulldogs counter attacked. Leon Young had made a fantastic run from the heart of midfield to get hold of possession before cutting into the box where he set-up a strike for Dominic Broad who confidently slotted the ball into the net for a comprehensive victory. Next match: Away to Caldicot Town on Saturday 24th October at 2.30pm. Ton Pentre: 1. Leighton James, 2. Jordan Branch, 3. Phil Clarke, 4. Adam Lewis, 5. Ryan Morgan (Captain), 6. Gavin Rodgers, 7. Andrew Hughes, 8. Leon Young, 9. Sam Baker, 10. Chris Jones, 11. Alyn Jones. Substitutes: 12. Jamie Thomas, 14. Caio Iwan (for 9 on 58mins), 15. Rhys Owen (for 5 on 73mins), 16. Dominic Broad (for 7 on 73 mins), 17. Richard Jeffries. Goals: Hughes 38, Baker 45, Iwan 67, Broad 87. Booked: Owen 81 Referee: Richard Harrington (Aberdare)
Saturday 17 October 2009 Garden Village 2, Cambrian & Clydach 4 by Ryan Tyler, Cambrian & Clydach FC
Cambrian travelled to Garden Village a week after suffering
their first defeat this season, determined to take the points.
Saturday 17 October 2009 Newport Civil Service 1, Troedyrhiw 2 from Troedyrhiw FC 'Rhiw made the journey to Gwent where high-fliers Newport Civil Service awaited them. 'Rhiw were more than keen to make amends for the previous week's poor showing against Goytre and personnel changes were made. The game got underway amid glorious sunshine as both sides looked to gain the ascendancy. As the first half progressed it was 'Rhiw who looked the better side as they took the game to the hosts and indeed had numerous chances to take the lead. Shaun O'Brien and Chris Quinlan both coming close to getting on the scoresheet. Newport had a handful of opportunities themselves, but nothing of great note. When they did manage an attempt on goal they found visiting 'keeper John Jones in inspired form. With both sides battling it out, the half drew to a close with the score at 0-0 and it was 'Rhiw who looked the more confident of the two teams. This confidence was rewarded early on in the second half when they took the lead. Quinlan unleashed a venomous effort from around 25 yards that left the keeper helpless and his team-mates delirious. 'Rhiw now had the bit between their teeth and were hungry for more and they didn't have to wait long as O'Brien put his side 2-0 up and stun the hosts. 'Rhiw were by now rampant and goalscoring chances came at regular intervals. Michael Murphy especially going close. Striker Ceri Kinsey caused no end of problems in the Newport defence as he won the battle against the imposing centre half. The Gwent side looked to have no answer to 'Rhiw but they did muster up a few chances. One effort was seemingly goal-bound but 'keeper Jones pulled off an incredible save to deny the Newport man. As the game wore on, Newport got themselves back into the game as they made the score 2-1 scoring a goal that was suspiciously offside, so much so even Newport were apparently surprised that the referee allowed it to stand. 'Rhiw were suitably aggrieved but refused to let it dent their confidence as they pressed further. The remainder of the game was somewhat nervy for 'Rhiw but as the final whistle went it was the men from The Willows who travelled back home with the vital three points. 'Rhiw thoroughly deserved their win and those in the Newport camp acknowledged the fact. Indeed the scoreline flattered the home side as 'Rhiw could have won the game by a far greater margin. There is no fixture this Saturday so the next game sees the team travel to take on strugglers Garw on October 31st. * 'Rhiw's Reserve side entertained Bryntirion at home and despite an impressive performance lost the game 0-4, a scoreline that didn't reflect on the game and flattered the visitors. * 'Rhiw's Youth side travelled the short distance to Penydarren for a local derby. An enthralling encounter saw 'Rhiw emerge 3-2 winners. It was 'Rhiw who took the lead through Curtis Colcombe before Penydarren equalised. 'Rhiw went ahead again when Gareth Tedstone smashed the ball home following a great solo run. It was all 'Rhiw from then on and Man of the Match Tedstone latched on to a sublime through ball from Aaron Farmer and coolly slotted home the winner for 'Rhiw. A great victory for 'Rhiw for whom Ashley Tandy and Dan Jones also shone. The Management team of Ceri Kinsey and Matt Driscoll were extremely pleased with their side's performance especially their second half showing.
Port Talbot Town U-19s 7, Bettws U-19s 0 MacWhirter Youth Cup Round One Group B from http://www.porttalbottown.co.uk Manager Mark Pike had a stronger squad available for this home match following a number of absentees last week due to a flu virus and injury. In a competitive opening half both sides created chances with Jamie Jones coming close to scoring for Port Talbot Town inside the opening 10 minutes but his effort drifted wide. On 21 minutes however Jones was rewarded for his efforts as he opened the scoring. Chris Silva was the main creator for Port Talbot Town in midfield while Aaron Biddescombe was able to push forward from his position at left back to cause the visitors problems. Bettws did have chances of their own however and after forcing a series of corners goalkeeper Ryan Dummer was called into action to make a fine save from close range. Port Talbot had not been at their best in the opening half with misplaced passes making the game more difficult for them than it should have been. The second half was a different story however and after a few long range efforts Port Talbot settled into the game and doubled their advantage through Sam France on 64 minutes with a fine individual goal. The heads of the Bettws players dropped after the second Port Talbot Town goal and just four minutes later Aaron Biddescombe completed a superb run down the left by finishing in style to score his sides third goal of the game. On 78 minutes defender Josh Wannacott was on hand to head home to score his sides fourth as Port Talbot took the game to their opponents and dominated the last twenty minutes of the match. Chris Silva made it five on 84 minutes and there was still time for Jamie Jones and Sam France to both score in the last few minutes of the match to complete the convincing win. Bettws were reduced to ten men in injury time to complete an afternoon to forget for the visitors while Port Talbot Town will take plenty of positives from an impressive second half performance.
Port Talbot Town
Team -
Ryan Dummer, Alex Powell, Aaron Biddescombe, Jordan Tomlinson, Josh
Wannacott, Adam Thornton, Chris Silva, Jack Germain, Jamie Jones,
Sam France, Ryan Bowen. Subs - Luc Jones, Liam Pullen, Adam Roberts,
Luke Paynton, Adam Gaunt Bettws Team - Rees Jones, Nathan Rose, Christopher Hale, Keenan Chick, Anthony Bale, Rhys Dyke, Jason James, Aaron Jeffries, Morgan Thomas, Joshua Evans, Gareth Thomas. Subs - Ryan James, Mark Brown, Luke Miller
Saturday 17 October 2009 Penrhiwceiber Rangers 2, AFC Porth 1 by Huw Jones, AFC Porth For the second week running Porth tasted defeat, but unlike last week this one was hard to swallow. Porth more than matched, indeed for large periods outplayed the League leaders on their own patch, but at the end of the day you cant give a side like Penrhiwceiber a two goal start and expect to win. Players must learn fast if their efforts are to be rewarded, hard work on the training ground, and concentration for 90 minutes are called for. Porth welcomed back last seasons top scorer Craig Wells to the squad, but kept the same starting line up as last week, and the players responded well the first half although goal less was entertaining for the crowd with both teams playing attractive football. Porth started the second half well on top, man-of-the-match Orchard working tirelessly for the cause. Porth won a couple half chances, Brock was seeing a lot of the ball but the final ball lacked any quality. Wells replaced Mouncher on 55 minutes. Porth had a scare on 62 when a poor kick from Williams put the defence under pressure and although this was cleared, a couple minutes later they fell behind, cruel luck playing a large part. Coles came across to cut out the danger, his clearance hit a ‘Ceiber player and forced Cory to concede a corner, after a goalmouth scramble when the ball could and should have been cleared a ‘Ceiber player scuffed his shot wrong footing everyone, it went straight to Callan some five yards out looking suspiciously off side but he didn’t care and planted the ball in the net. Once again poor concentration had cost Porth, after dominating large parts. Worse was to follow as after a quick throw in King was allowed to get in front of his marker and head powerfully past Williams. Porth showed their fighting qualities by pulling a goal back within three minutes as Davies lashed home at the far post. Porth stormed forward looking for the equaliser, leaving gaps at the back which led to some exciting moments, but although they had a good penalty shout when Ashley Burge was upended the final ball let them down on numerous occasions. Wright replaced Davies and Porth laid siege to the ‘Ceiber goal but they defended resolutely and keeper Betteney can feel proud of his form against his former club.
Saturday 17 October 2009 Cwmbran Town 0, AFC Llwydcoed 2 from AFC Llwydcoed AFC Llwydcoed Manager Mark Harbord’s pre-match talk to his players was focused on every player working harder for each other and showing the right attitude. After two consecutive defeats the response was superb every player raising their game inspiring a 2-0 victory. Llwydcoed arrived at the Cwmbran Stadium facing a home team buoyant after a very good away win the previous week. Llwydcoed recalled Christopher Vardon into the team after suspension, he showed his craft by scoring in the first minute with a typical opportunist goal flicking the ball up and striking it towards goal the ball eluded Town goalkeeper Ryan Griffiths, what a start. Town responded with James Cooper causing problems. Llwydcoed’s new shaped-midfield saw Ross Williams and Jordan Coles combining in the centre. Town tried to break open the Llwydcoed defence who remained solid, the work rate of Tomos Morris and Craig Hewitt was first class as the first half ticked away Llwydcoed almost doubled their advantage several times, the movement and passing of Llwydcoed was top class, they deserved a second goal. Matthew Reynolds came so very close as did Christopher Vardon. Town had a few attacking chances, Llwydcoed’s defence stood firm with Leon Bansal and Stuart Evans in top form. Town started the second half with two substitutes already used and they began to pressure the Llwydcoed defence, every throw-in they had was thrown long trying to gain an aerial advantage. Llwydcoed’s Leigh Phillips was again a tower of strength with Brent Hewitt organising superbly there were a few anxious minutes as was expected but Llwydcoed could have scored on the break with Christopher Vardon picking out Matthew Reynolds who headed towards the top corner only for Town goalkeeper Ryan Griffiths to pull of a top save, to prevent another definite goal. Town were reduced to ten players after a foul tackle on Craig Hewitt. Llwydcoed introduced young Garin Withers, replacing the injured Tomos Morris, he looks a brilliant prospect for the club. As the match entered the final quarter Llwydcoed were still under pressure from the long throw-in but they survived. The second goal they deserved arrived after a break up field, Town failed to clear the danger and Ross Williams scored from twenty yards shooting past the unsighted Town goalkeeper Ryan Griffiths who had earlier saved Jordan Coles goal-bound shot. Llwydcoed returned home with a top class victory.
Saturday 17 October 2009 Ton Pentre 1, Aberaman Athletic 3 from Ton Pentre FC When reigning MacWhirter Welsh League Division One champions Aberaman Athletic visited Ynys Park they proved themselves more than capable of being able to hold onto their crown. After seeing Ton Pentre take the lead in the first half the Cynon Valley outfit remained patient and confident that their attacking style would find them a way back into the match. The first half exchanges between these two teams were fairly even. Inside the first ten minutes former Rhondda Bulldogs front man Jonathan Kift hit the post with his shot and saw the ball rebound straight into Leighton James’ arms. As the match entered its 18th minute hard working Chris Jones did well to take the ball forward and through the Aberaman defence. After one goal attempt was foiled by Aberaman’s panicking defence, Leon Young was able to get a vital touch on the ball to loop it into the back of the net. Aberaman responded well and were looking dangerous in attack. After John Phillips had looked certain to equalise, but sent his shot over the bar in the 23rd minute, the same player made no mistake with his equaliser 12 minutes later. When Aberaman counter-attacked in the 35th minute they outnumbered the Ton defence which left Phillips free at the far post to apply a finish following a cross from the right. A strong start to the second half saw Aberaman dominate and were it not for an excellent tip over the bar by Leighton James from Barrie Gunstone’s strong shot, they could have found themselves in the lead on 48 minutes. The visitors didn’t have to wait long to take the lead as a 58th minute corner kick was curled into the near post by Danny Hooper. Chris Ashley stooped low to flick his header into the net between the post and the goalkeeper. During the second half Ton were never able to get any continuity in their play as Aberaman cleverly slowed down and disrupted the game. The reigning champions made the win a certainty in the 82nd minute when some sublime passing tore the Bulldogs apart finishing with Gunstone supplying a pass for his strike partner Phillips to shoot home Aberaman’s third goal of the match. Aberaman’s slight difference in class was the key factor in this game, however, Ton Pentre should not be too despondent as they certainly competed with their Rhondda Cynon Taff rivals. Next for the Bulldogs is the visit of Caerleon to Ynys Park on Wednesday 21st October for a 7.30pm kick off. On Saturday 24th October Ton are in action at Caldicot Town. This away fixture will kick off at 2.30pm. Ton Pentre: 1. Leighton James, 2. Jordan Branch, 3. Phil Clarke, 4. Adam Lewis, 5. Ryan Morgan (Captain), 6. Gavin Rodgers, 7. Andrew Hughes, 8. Leon Young, 9. Chris Jones, 10. Sam Baker, 11. Alyn Jones. Substitutes: 12 Jamie Thomas, 14. Caio Iwan, 15. Rhys Owen, 16. Dominic Broad. Goal: Young 18 Booking: Clarke 90+3 Referee: Steve Richards (Caldicot)
Saturday 17 October 2009 Monmouth Town 5 Cwmamman United 2 from Monmouth Town FC
Phil Tranter's
second hat trick of the season perfectly illustrated the strikers'
art coming as it did with the classic left foot, right foot,
backside combination which ended a perfect week for the new dad and
the Kingfishers who secured their first home points of the season.
Tranter however was
not finished and completed his perfect week guiding a Bowen effort
in with his stomach. There was still time for Cwmamman to have a
headed goal disallowed and to miss a penalty but this was
thoroughly deserved win for the Town.
Newport County 0, Monmouth Town 2 Gwent Senior Cup from Monmouth Town FC
An Andrew Smith penalty and a superb Matthew Bowen goal were
enough to seal a famous win for Monmouth Town against Newport County
and clinch a semi final place in the Gwent Senior Cup.
Pontardawe Town 2, Barry Town 3 by Dave Cronk It was with some trepidation that Dragons fans travelled down the M4 for the game against Pontardawe at the Recreation ground, they were hoping for a much improved performance from last week and they got it, The first half saw the Town completely dominate the home side, with more enforced changes, and without several regulars in the suspended Kurt Bettles, Kirk Huggins and, flu victim midfield dynamo Nickie Jones being replaced by Morgan Harris. Nervy fans might have expected the worst, but they needn't have worried. Playing some entertaining football, and with Dan Marshall having returned from Merthyr and the very capable Morgan Harris in fine form, they should have been several goals up at half time, but for a combination of poor finishing, the crossbar, a couple of goal line clearances by the Ponty defence.
Barry took a well-deserved lead in the 24th minute, a nicely
weighted ball from the impressive Daniel Clare through the home
defence with experienced striker Ian Jones scored his first goal
for the club, neatly lobbing the onrushing keeper while trying to
maintain his balance , The home side benefitted first in the 48th minute, from a well-flighted free kick from wide left into the box and with visiting defence looking bemused, Steffan Davies hit a deft half volley into the top corner Barry’s keeper Dan Bradley.
Hardly had the Swansea side finished celebrating when a
minute later the Dragons again drew away, striker Ian Jones from
wide right hit an inch perfect pass for Morgan Harris to score from
close range, and shortly afterwards they scored again through Ian
Jones in the 66th minute to make it 3-1 to Barry. Saturday 17 October 2009 Llantwit Fardre Reserves 2, Porthcawl Town Reserves 5 from Porthcawl Town FC Veteran striker Brandon Walters produced a four-goal salvo as central division pacesetters Porthcawl Town come from behind to maintain their perfect start to the season. The high-flying Seasiders made an uncharacteristic start, gifting the home side two quick-fire goals after failing to clear their lines. But even with a two-goal deficit Porthcawl were always capable of reverting to their free-scoring early-season form. As the visitors searched for inspiration Walters, who at 35 remains a lethal marksman, stepped up to steer his side to victory. Walters fired a clinical brace after being supplied by Matt Giles and brother Lee. The former Bryntirion man secured his hat-trick from the spot after striker partner Matt Giles, who made a nuisance of himself throughout, was felled in the box. The always-threatening Giles used his sharp feet on the edge of the 18-yard box and forced his marker to haul him down. Player-manager Tom Warren left Fardre’s keeper stranded as he fired the free-kick into the bottom right hand corner from 20 yards. The visitors wrapped up the win when Alex Winkler, who worked tirelessly on the flank all afternoon, skipped past his marker before playing a majestic ball into the feet of Walters in the box who neatly slotted home his fourth.
Goytre Utd 1 Dinas Powys 0
by Morley Williams, Dinas Powys FC
Dinas pushed the league leaders all the way but are undone by a defensive mix-up two minutes into the second half with ex-Dinas player Jacob Daly scoring.
It was the visitors who had the first real opportunity after a couple of minutes when Goytre gave the ball away deep in the Dinas half, the ball was quickly transferred to Paul Carro and as he was about to shoot from no more than ten yards a defender stretched to put the ball narrowly wide of his own post with Dinas unable to make anything of the ensuing corner.
A few minutes later Dinas again looked dangerous when Ricki Morgan played a good ball through for Jaymes Dixon but he lost his footing when well placed.
A defensive slip almost gifted the home side a goal but Chris Summers shot wide when you would have expected more from the prolific goal-scorer. Andy Lane did well to block a Goytre effort but at the other end Jacob Rudman was off-target and a Mark Dunford shot was deflected clear, he then just failed to get his head to a free-kick with the home keeper doing well to take the ball. The combination of Morgan and Dixon again gave Dinas a chance on goal but the cross was deflected for a corner. The visitors went in having had the better chances without getting that all-important first goal.
All the good work of the first-half counted for nothing when after just two minutes Goytre played a lofted ball towards the Dinas penalty area and as the defence hesitated Jacob Daly nipped in to score with a low shot from just fifteen yards. This was just what the home side needed as they had been finding it difficult against a Dinas side who had knocked them out of their stride in the first-half. They started to take more control of the game without really creating anything, the nearest they came to adding to the lead was a Summers header narrowly wide of the post. But Dinas did not look like scoring either coming to grief against a robust defence when they did break free.
Manager Danny Kinsey must have been pleased with the performance if not the result and Goytre keep their place at the top of the table. Dinas Squad: 1 Peter Blaine, 2 Rhodri Foote, 3 Ashton Turner, 4 Josh Reffell, 5 Andy Lane, 6 Jacob Rudman, 7 Ricki Morgan, 8 Jaymes Dixon, 9 Joe Hinds, 10 Mark Dunford, 11 Paul Carro, 12 Tony Wallis, 14 Owain Adams, 15 Danny Kinsey.
Saturday 10 October 2009 Troedyrhiw 1, Goytre 4 from Troedyrhiw FC Gwent side Goytre visited The Willows last Saturday to face a Troedyrhiw side who had played extremely well against Cambrian in the Welsh Cup the previous week. However, 'Rhiw were a shadow of the side they were in that game. They were decidedly lacklustre and often bereft of ideas and dare it be said belief and desire. Therefore it came as no surprise when they went a goal down. Owen McGill though gave his side hope when he equalised for 'Rhiw but from then on Goytre ran riot and 'Rhiw allowed them to. The 'Rhiw midfield was at times non-existent and their defence was out of sorts on occasions. Goytre took advantage of this and scored three further goals to make it 1-4. 'Rhiw were by now severely downbeat and looked to have no answer to their visitors and chances were at a minimum and as time ran out they were beaten 1-4. 'Rhiw look to put this to bed and put things right next Saturday when they travel to play Newport Civil Service. Kick off 2.30pm. * 'Rhiw's Welsh League Reserve side travelled to the capital last Saturday where they faced Caerau Ely. They returned home with a creditable 2-2 draw. Scorers were Lloyd Martin and Dan Hanson who was the hero of the hour securing the draw in the dying seconds. Meanwhile 'Rhiw's under 18s drew 5-5 with Abercwmboi on Sunday. Hitting the mark for 'Rhiw were Gareth Tedstone, Ashley Nash, Dan Jones, Rhys Tandy and Man of the Match Luke Tarr who was outstanding throughout. Some goalkeeping errors cost 'Rhiw victory and the management team were hugely disappointed with the result. Ceri Kinsey's men travel the short distance to near neighbours Penydarren next Sunday.
Saturday 10 October 2009 Barry Town 1, West End 1 by Dave Cronk Not having played for a fortnight, Dragons fans eagerly awaited the visit of West End, the Swansea-based team currently lying below Barry in the league table. This was a very poor game, with more enforced changes again made by the Dragons management, influential midfielder Nickie Jones going down with flu, along with the reliable Kirk Huggins out long-term with a tendon problem, and current hotshot striker Josh Bell also out Barr were really out of sorts. Both sides were continually giving the ball away, however most of the chances did fall to West End and but for man-of-the-match, Barry keeper Daniel Bradley making several top class saves could easily have left Jenner park with all three points,. The first half saw one moment of class by James Simpson which did get the attention of some of the Barry fans who until then were talking about anything but the game. Simpson with the outside of his right foot hit a sublime pass through the visiting defence, resulting in a fine chip into the six-yard box for striker Sam Small to score with a well placed-header beyond the West End keeper's hands in the 29th minute. Surely it could only get better now were the comments that followed from some of the smaller than normal crowd, who must have wished they were elsewhere. The second half began again seemingly devoid of any real attacking ideas, woeful, and lacking most everything there is about the beautiful game, with the ball continually in the air, it was all becoming frustrating for the Dragons fans, once again turning there attention to other matters of the day, such as the Wales v Finland game. Jason Davies, Barry’s right back is certainly becoming a plus for the Dragons, reads the game well and is comfortable on the ball, Kurt Bettles, was back from his broken arm injury, for the most part, along with his fellow defenders coped well with most of what West End had to offer. Bettles was sent off in the latter stages for his second bookable offence. The visitors did have one player that caught the eye however, when the dangerous and capable substitute Andy Tyrell came on in the latter stages, he made an immediate impact, scoring with a deftly placed header past the home town's impressive young keeper Bradley. Tyrell continued to cause the home side problems with some intelligent and penetrating runs, thankfully for the Dragons though, it was all a little bit late, several substitutes used by both teams made little difference, 1-1 and over the ninety minutes, a four or five minute game, and little else it has to be said,. as one regular hardy fan later described it... "a snooze fest!"
Saturday 10 October 2009 AFC Porth 0 Cwmbran Town 3
by Huw Jones, AFC Porth It turned out to be one of those days, the visitors took the lead on 14 minutes with a thunderbolt of a shot from fully 30 yards as Jones advanced from full back with no one challenging him and he arrowed a shot into the top corner giving Williams no chance. Within five minutes it was 2-0, possession was lost in midfield and Cooper was allowed time and space to shoot, his effort parried by keeper Williams, Stentifood was the quickest to react as the defence stood around, he sidestepped Williams and squared for Wood to coolly slot home. Such was the dominance that visiting keeper Griffiths wasn’t forced into action until the 31st minute as Brock went on a mazy run and shot. Williams kept the score down on 37 minutes as he tipped a Thomas shot over, again the player was allowed the freedom of the park, but the third goal from the resulting corner typified the first half performance, Porth had the chance to clear on no less than three occasions, the final attempted clearance hit a Cwmbran player on the back and rebounded to Wilson in acres of space, where was the marking? He planted the ball under the advancing Williams.The half time whistle couldn’t come quick enough. With credit the Porth players they came out all guns blazing and took the game to the visitors. Chris Saunders replaced Mouncher on 55 minutes, Adam Wright replaced Noble on 58 minutes with Gavin Cory going up top as an emergency striker. Cwmbran were content to let Porth have possession and defended well, Griffiths again a virtual spectator. Porth did come close to pulling a goal back as Brock's tremendous effort was pushed onto the angle of upright and crossbar and Christian Burge missed a penalty after a handball, again striking the post. The game petered out and as far as Porth were concerned was summed up in injury time, Davies took a free kick it hit the post and rebounded off the referee, if that had gone in it would have rounded a miserable day off perfectly! It must be said that over the last couple of seasons the players have been magnificent, currently lying third in division Two with almost a quarter of the season gone.
They have the
perfect opportunity to put this performance behind them this
Saturday, away at leaders Penrhiwceiber. AFC Porth 6, Merthyr Tydfil 2 MacWhirter Youth Cup Round One Group C by Huw Jones, AFC Porth Porth warmed up for next week’s derby with Cambrian by demolishing Merthyr at Dinas Park. Porth fell behind on a greasy pitch as keeper Pritchard misjudged a back header, but equalised when Edgell powered home from a corner. Jarrad Wright then put Porth in front with a sweet half volley when Merthyr failed to clear a corner, making it 2-1 at half time. Porth were now dominating and the customary goal from Adam Wright put the hosts two goals up with a neat turn and shot. Porth then relaxed and allowed Merthyr back in with a well-taken penalty. But Porth picked up the pace once again and Adam Wright completed a second half hat trick with two headed goals in the space of three minutes.Huw Day completed the rout.
Saturday 10 October 2009 AFC Llwydcoed 4, Treharris Athletic Western 5 from AFC Llwydcoed Llwydcoed’s return to the MacWhirter Welsh League Division Two that promised so much is not going to plan so far. They have seven points out of twenty one losing four games out of seven played. Injuries have decimated the squad, the latest to Ryan Barry is a massive set- back. The match opened with Llwydcoed scoring in the fist minute with Matthew Reynolds finishing brilliantly as was the move. Treharris were shocked by this after last week’s comfortable win, their confidence coming into the game was high. Llwydcoed were looking good in the early stages but the final ball was poor apart from one forty-yard pass from Leigh Phillips that gave Leon Bansal the chance to break away. Treharris defended this attack and cleared. Treharris then started to settle down and their midfield began to bring some attacking moves towards the Llwydcoed defence and Stephen Sedgemore and Jamie Rees found too much space and created a few anxious minutes for Llwydcoed whose defence stood firm as the half ticked away. Treharris became more and more into the game Llwydcoed also had chances with Matthew Reynolds doing excellent work and Ross Williams causing problems in the Treharris defence. A good stop from the Treharris goalkeeper Marcus Clyne kept out a dangerous free kick, Treharris although one goal in arrears were playing with freedom and belief they were having an equal amount of possession but the Llwydcoed defence was solid, Treharris equalised before half time with a 35-yard-drive from ever-present Kevin Bounds flying past a despairing attempted save by Llwydcoed goalkeeper Rhys James. Llwydcoed were then awarded a penalty for a foul, up stepped Tomos Morris who hit the penalty over the bar. Treharris had scored just before half time and they scored just after the second half started with Thomas Harris reacting first to the danger whereas the Llwydcoed defence stood and watched. Llwydcoed were in arrears, Treharris were on top they broke away after Llwydcoed lost possession and Brent Hewitt in trying to clear the danger scored an own goal. Worse was to follow when another clearance from Treharris turning defence into attack saw Gareth Davies scoring with Llwydcoed’s Ryan Barry pulling up with a hamstring injury when he was ready to clear the danger. So from one goal up Llwydcoed were three goals in arrears, if the Llwydcoed players needed a challenge this was it. An own goal by Treharris gave them hope. Llwydcoed introduced substitutes Craig Boulton Craig Davies and Richard Dennis, they found their form and a third goal with Ross Williams scoring with a fine header Craig Boulton started to help create more attacks and Tomos Morris flew past his marker and crossed to Richard Dennis to score with a top headed goal so the match was all square, both teams deserve credit for all the entertainment it looked as if Llwydcoed were going to win the match Treharris defence just held out. There was another twist to come Treharris under pressure for most of the second half again turned defence into attack and Gareth Davies found space, he moved in on goal and scored with an excellent finish to win the match for Treharris. Llwydcoed had been punished again for not keeping their shape, the match itself was a cracker for the neutrals but for Llwydcoed a disaster.
Cwmamman United 2, Cwmaman Institute 2 from Cwmaman Institute FC Seb Haggett came to the rescue for Cwmaman in this top of the table Division Three game. The visitors had started slowly, and found themselves a goal down in the first minute, Stephen Williams for Cwmamman found space after skipping several tackles and hit a shot from 30 yards which deceived Truelove and flew into the net. With six minutes on the clock Cwmaman went further behind, when the same player scored from a cross cum shot into the top corner. The young Cwmaman team were all at sea, with the home team dominating the opening exchanges, only missed chances and some good goalkeeping by Truelove kept the score-line at 2-0. But Cwmaman responded on 25 minutes, Haggett run at the home defence and hit a left foot shot from outside the box which beat the home keeper into the corner. Within five minutes the visitors were level and it was Haggett who did the damage again, Ross Williams chased a pass down the right, and produced a great cross which gave Haggett a free header to put the game back on level terms. Chances were created at both ends, with young Connor Wickham unlucky with a free kick from the edge of the box. The home team continued to press but there was no further scoring and the first half came to an end. It must be said that the home team continued to press the Cwmaman defence, but they found Truelove in great form to deny them time and again. At the other end Robert Evans had a shot well saved by the home keeper and Matthew Cable had a powerful header cleared off the line. With 20 minutes to go the home team had a player sent off, this seemed to spur them on and Cwmaman had to pull out all the stops to remain on level terms. Once again Truelove made several good saves to give Cwmaman a very good point which they would have taken before the game.
Friday 9 October 2009 Bridgend Town 2, Dinas Powys 0 by Peter King, Dinas Powys FC Dinas made their first visit to the luxurious new home of Bridgend Town and were comfortably beaten, despite a gutsy performance on a superb pitch but in pouring rain. Bridgend showed their intentions from the first whistle and had the ball in the Dinas net but the effort was ruled offside. The hosts kept the early pressure up and Leigh Pratt brought a good save from Dinas keeper Peter Blain. Dinas began to adjust to the conditions and a good run and cross by James Dixon found Jacob Rudman but his shot was too high. Just eight minutes into the game it was Pratt again who beat the offside trap to sidefoot home for the opener. The hosts were dominating play and had the lion's share of possession but the Dinas defence held firm and Bridgend found themselves ruled offside on a number of occasions. In the final minutes of the half Brian Showdery thundered a header against the woodwork from a corner but the final action of the half belonged to the visitors with another good run and cross cum shot from Dixon which brought a save from Neil Collins. Dinas started the second half much better, stringing some good passes together and after a good run and cross from Rhodri Foote, Ricki Morgan fired over the bar. Dixon was looking threatening and evaded several challenges to get a shot in which was blocked before it troubled Collins and just two minutes later the same player put in a low cross which evaded everyone, skimming across the six yard box and out for a throw-in. But Bridgend began to get on top again and a cross from the right was met by Vince Wattleworth to beat Blain from six yards for 2-0 with 25 minutes remaining. Dinas did manage to get the ball in the net with some slick passing through the middle soon after but the effort was ruled offside and that was the closest they came to scoring. Both teams then rang the changes bringing on fresh legs but Dinas stood firm and did not concede further. Considering they had several players missing, this was a gutsy performance from Dinas and face another big challenge next week when they travel to play leaders Goytre United.
Ely Rangers 0, Ton Pentre 4 from Ton Pentre FC With Kevin Richards resigning as Ton Pentre Manager the day before this MacWhirter Welsh League Division One match, the Rhondda Bulldogs turned to Andrew Hughes to guide them through against Ely Rangers. His foray into the world of football management couldn’t have started better as Ton Pentre left Station Road with all three points having bagged a convincing 4-0 win. New signing Sam Baker got this triumph underway in the tenth minute of the match when he prodded the ball into the net from a Jordan Branch corner kick. As the ball swung into the box an Ely Rangers defender unintentionally headed the ball from the penalty spot towards his goal. As the ball dropped to the ground Baker scored from just inside the six-yard box. The former Port Talbot striker was involved in setting up Ton’s second goal 15 minutes later when he used his physical attributes to hold onto possession whilst under pressure from the Ely defence inside the 18-yard box. Having spotted Leon Young making a run towards the edge of the box from midfield he laid the ball off for his team mate to smash a shot into the back of the net. Ely Rangers also created opportunities to score with some lovely build-up play that at times the Ton defence struggled to cope with. However, Ely were rueful and missed several opportunities to give themselves a life line before the Referee blew for half time. A minute past the hour Ton gave themselves a comfortable lead after soaking up Ely’s early second half pressure. On this occasion Branch was provider when his cross into the box from the right wing saw the Ely defence fail to deal with it. As a result Chris Jones was allowed the space and time to strike through a populated box to notch up his second goal of the season. Ton’s fourth goal was the result of a mixture of unconvincing defending and fortune as the ball was hit straight at Young who was harrying the Ely defenders. He couldn’t do anything about the ricochet but the ball kindly broke to allow Baker in on goal to score his second of the match making it four goals without reply in the 78th minute. It could have got even better for Ton moments later were it not for a superb save by Ely goalkeeper Ian Davies when he rushed from his line to slide into Young’s feet to smother the ball. On 84 minutes the Referee issued a controversial red card to Ton’s Wayne Savage. Despite appearing aggrieved by this decision the Rhondda Bulldogs reacted admirably and got on with the match. With just two minutes of regulation time remaining they should have scored a fifth when Baker had beaten the last man with his run onto a through ball, however, just as the striker had started to break away from his marker the Ely player pulled him back by his shirt resulting in the home team also being reduced to ten men. Ton failed to score from the resulting free kick as Ryan Morgan’s shot deflected over the cross bar off the Ely wall. Ton Pentre will feel very pleased with not only the win and a clean sheet but also their vibrant performance. Ton’s next match is at Ynys Park on Saturday 17th October when Aberaman Athletic, the current league champions visit for a 2.30pm kick off. Ton Pentre: 1. Richard Jeffries, 2. Jordan Branch, 3. Phil Clarke, 4. Adam Lewis, 5. Ryan Morgan (Captain), 6. Gavin Rodgers, 7. Wayne Savage, 8. Leon Young, 9. Chris Jones, 10. Sam Baker, 11. Alyn Jones. Substitutes: 12. Jamie Thomas (for 2 on 68mins), 14. Caio Iwan (for 9 on 68mins), 15. Rhys Owen (for 8 on 82mins), 16. Andrew Hughes, 17. Pascal P-Gi Goals: Baker 10, 78; Young 25, Chris Jones 61. Booked: Clarke 26, Alyn Jones 65, Young 73, Savage 84 Sent Off: Savage 84 Referee: Mike Pedler (Caerphilly)
Friday 2 October 2009Cambrian 3, Troedyrhiw 1FAW Welsh Cup Round Twoby Ryan Tyler, Cambrian & Clydach FC
Forty four places separate Cambrian and Troedyrhiw who met at King
George's field Friday evening for the second round of the Welsh Cup.
Saturday 3 October 2009 Croesyceiliog Reserves 4, Porthcawl Town Reserves 5 Classic Sportswear Reserve Division Cup Round One by Robert James Owen, Porthcawl Town FC With five minutes remaining, having played over 60 minutes with a mere eight outfield players, Porthcawl Town reserves progressed to the next round of the cup, defeating a persistent Croesyceiliog 5-4, on the back of a Tom Warren injury time penalty. The encounter was less a traditional football match than a set of random events, decided by the brilliant, the unbelievable and the ridiculous. Hence what ensued was a game of back-and-forth, up-and-down seesawing that saw Porthcawl win the first half, Croesyceiliog the second, and a dramatic winner in the third, leaving many of the spectators and players themselves quite disbelieving. Since it is impossible to find logic, in the illogical, there will be no attempt here. Instead here are the facts: Porthcawl Town took a well deserved lead through two Lee Giles headers. Their lead should have been extended to three soon after as Porthcawl captain Alex Winkler was deemed to have been felled in the area. The usually reliable Thomas Warren stepped up, only to see his shot saved low to the Croesyceiliog ‘keeper's right. Moments later, as is so often the case, the home side were able to reduce the deficit as their number nine made the most of a Richard Gorritt fumble in the Porthcawl goal. Undeterred, Porthcawl again extended their lead as Matthew Giles finished off a superb flowing move, firing low and hard into the corner with some aplomb, before his brother Lee, who seemed almost unplayable at times in the first half, terrorising the opposing defenders at every opportunity, completed a superb hat-trick by rounding the keeper following a defence-splitting ball by Town new boy Mark Evans At this point the game was well and truly over and it seemed best case scenario for the home side would be to dig in and defend in order to prevent a true rout. Following some controversial incidents however, all anarchy broke out. One seemingly bad challenge on Porthcawl midfielder Dan Evans sparked a melee which saw Evans dismissed for violent conduct. Porthcawl were nevertheless able to hold onto their commanding lead until half-time, drawing on the confidence and guile which has seen them begin the new campaign with a 100% record. But following an early second-half goal by the home side and then a second dismissal of the game for Porthcawl, there was little doubt that the visitors would do well to escape the encounter with a win, even with a two goal advantage. The second dismissal of winger Alex Treharne did seem harsh however, Treharne did clatter into the back of his opposing number eight, but even then the challenge appeared to warrant at worst a yellow card. As expected Croesyceiliog countered, exposing the space left by the two dismissals and evened up the score at 4-4 around the 75th minute mark. From then on it was a fight to the death. Croesyceiliog drove forward with wave after wave of attack, whilst Porthcawl camped in their own half defending heroically, pleading for the full-time whistle in order to re-group. With little left in the tank, having survived almost 30 minutes of football with a two man deficit, Porthcawl player-manager Tom Warren and coach Gary Phillips went for broke, employing a 3-2-3 formation for the duration of extra-time. This left the back three particularly susceptible to attacks and the mid-field duo of Martyn Morgan and Andrew Hedley the nigh on impossible task of containing Croesyceiliog’s five-man midfield. They soldiered on regardless, releasing the ball to the front three, who did their best to stall play and when possible, go for an improbable winner. And unbelievably, their gamble paid off when a long ball was flicked forward by the irrepressible Matthew Giles. From there on it was a foot-race, which Porthcawl attacker Rob Owen won. One-on-one with the onrushing keeper, and just about to pull the trigger, Owen was clipped and although not felled, he stumbled crucially. Questionably, the referee awarded Porthcawl a penalty, despite the fact that the impediment was made a good couple of yards outside the area. And equally oddly, the official decided not to punish the offender with even a yellow card, let alone a red, despite the fact that he was clearly the last man and had denied a certain goal-scoring opportunity. In the end it all proved insignificant for Porthcawl, as Tom Warren made no mistake with his second penalty of the day, steering the ball into the corner and with that, his side into the next round. Last season, this Porthcawl side would never have emerged from this game with a result. However following some key signings and the return of a few influential individuals like the Giles brothers and centre back Cristain Bold, manager Tom Warren now has a solid squad, let alone side, that is strong, talented and on the back of this match determined; and which could in light of recent results prove a serious contender for the reserve central division. Porthcawl ended up victors despite playing nigh on 70 minutes with a mere nine players, for little reason other than they wanted it more. Every single player gave 100% to achieve a goal which seemed more or less impossible at certain times in the game. After the game player-manager Warren commented, “I have never been involved in a game like that in my life, and I just want to commend the nine warriors I had out there fighting by my side.” He added, “It was the ultimate game of football, and I for one had more fun than I did on my wedding day!”
Cambrian & Clydach 3, Troedyrhiw 1 FAW Welsh Cup Round Two from Troedyrhiw FC Last Friday saw 'Rhiw travel to the King George V Field in Rhondda, where Division One high- flyers Cambrian & Clydach awaited them in this Welsh Cup clash. 'Rhiw were looking to 'put the cat amongst the pigeons' and cause a great upset. Indeed 'Rhiw were by no means overawed by the job in hand as they matched their hosts from the outset. Some strong tackling and constant harrying from 'Rhiw knocking Cambrian off their stride at times and often restricting them to a long ball game. Midway through the half though Cambrian took the lead after some sloppy 'Rhiw defending. 'Rhiw refused to lie down though and carried on with their task, again often upsetting Cambrian's rhythm. They set off in search of the equaliser and did their utmost but as the first half reached it's conclusion it remained 1-0. The second half saw 'Rhiw come out as valiant and determined as the first as they looked to get back on level terms and they got their just rewards early on in the half. A defensive error let in Adam Callan who made no mistake in stroking the ball past the helpless 'keeper and send the travelling 'Rhiw contingent wild. The game had now burst into life as a slightly shocked Cambrian looked to regain superiority. Again 'Rhiw continued to frustrate their opponents as they themselves looked to snatch the lead. Later in the half though the home side made it 2-1. 'Rhiw heads remained unbowed and they were highly confident of getting something out of this game. Opportunities came and went and with the game nearing it's end and the score at 2-1 'Rhiw were still toiling away as this was not yet a lost cause. However, it was Cambrian who scored again to make it 3-1 with a goal that looked to be suspiciously offside to everyone in the ground apart from the men who matter - the officials. This was desperately disappointing for 'Rhiw and they were suitably aggrieved as they battled away towards the final whistle. When it sounded it was Cambrian who went through to the next round but 'Rhiw can hold their heads high after a superb performance and effort and 'Rhiw boss Kevin Rogers proudly told his players that after the game. 'Rhiw look to take this into to their next game which is this Saturday when they welcome Goytre to The Willows in a league fixture.. *' Rhiw's Reserve side travelled to Radyr where they faced Cardiff Corries in a league encounter. A goal from Jason Launchbury was all they had to show for after an excellent performance as they returned to the Valleys with a 2-1 defeat. * Troedyrhiw Under 18's took on St. Albans OB in a South Wales Youth League Cup game last Sunday. They were edged out 7-6 by the visitors after extra-time in an enthralling game.
Saturday 3 October 2009 Cwmaman Institute 1, South Gower 0 from Cwmaman Institute FC Cwmaman moved up to third in the table after this hard fought win over new comers to the league, South Gower. Cwm were forced into making four changes through injury and suspensions, out were Leighton Price, Richard Williams, Scott Woodford and Geraint Davies, in came Scott Carson, Ross Leeke, Aaron Cable and Daniel Trampelli. The first half saw very little action, Cwmaman's first shot by Ross Williams in the 10th minute was easily dealt with by the keeper. South Gower had a free kick well saved by Truelove and Cook had to clear off the line from the resulting corner. David Airey had to leave the field through injury after 30 minutes, that was all the action from a poor first 45 minutes. The second period saw Cwmaman a different team and took the game to the visitors, Seb Haggett had a shot well saved by the visitor’s keeper, the same player went close with a header from a corner by young Connor Wickham. On the hour mark a free kick by Wickham was headed back across goal by Robert Evans, for Haggett to score at the far post. Cwm then hit the post and it looked only a matter of time before they scored a second, but South Gower came back at the home team and forced Cwmaman on the defensive. They had a free header from a corner when the player was well placed to score. Cwmaman then had a chance but Haggett put the ball past the post. Cwmaman held out for the final 10 minutes for a very good but hard-fought three points. They travel to namesake Cwmamman United next week in a second verses third clash.
Port Talbot Town U-19s 1, Afan Lido U-19s 1 MacWhirter Youth Cup Round One Group B from http://www.porttalbottown.co.uk Port Talbot Town rose to the challenge of their toughest match of the season so far as a strong Afan Lido side visited The GenQuip Stadium for this local derby. Lido named a number of players with first team experience including James McEvoy, Jonathan Hood and Carl Payne, who had played and scored for Afan Lido in the Welsh Cup the day before. Lido started the stronger of the two sides and forced the early pressure with a series of corners with Ryan Dummer the far busier of the two goalkeepers. The home side soon settled down however and created a number of chances for themselves in the entertaining match. Liam Pullen and Oliver Bowen both came close for the side with Lido goalkeeper Connah Williams needing to be at his best to deny Port Talbot Town. Aaron Biddescombe was moved to left back and impressed with an excellent performance both through his defensive play and from his attacking runs forward and it was from his attacking runs that Port Talbot were able to create their best chances. The opening half stayed goalless but seven minutes into the second half Lido went in front through Carl Payne as he headed the ball home from close range after a scramble in the area. Port Talbot made changes as they looked for an equaliser as Jordan Tomlinson and Jamie Jones were introduced into the team and it was Jones who grabbed the all important equaliser as he made no mistake with a well taken strike after 69 minutes. Port Talbot goalkeeper Ryan Dummer was called into action twice before the end of the game to make two fine saves while Jones and Pullen both had chances to win the match at the other end.
The scores remained
level however with Port Talbot able to take a number of positives
from an excellent result and performance against their local rivals.
Port Talbot Town
- Ryan Dummer, Alex Powell, Aaron Biddescombe, Chris Thornton,
Josh Wannacott, Jack Germain, Chris Silva, Oliver Bowen, Chris
Waters, Sam France. Subs - Liam Rees, Jamie Jones, Jordan Tomlinson,
Daniel Morgan, Nick Briz-Waters. Goalscorer - Jamie Jones (69) Afan Lido - Connah Williams, Sam Nolan, Remi Whitelock, Matthew Beynon, Andrew Collins, James McEvoy, Niall Lewis, Carl Payne, Daniel Symons, Jonathan Hood, Conor Harris. Subs - Daniel Pugh, Daniel O’Brien, Matthew Doyle. Goalscorer - Carl Payne (52)
Saturday 3 October 2009 Bridgend Town 2, Ton Pentre 0 FAW Welsh Cup Round Two from ton Pentre FC This Welsh Cup Round Two match was hurtling towards extra-time as Bridgend Town and Ton Pentre struggled to find the back of the net, however, a 78th minute cracker from Vince Wattleworth separated the teams before Michael Hartley secured Bridgend’s place in Round Three deep into injury time. Wattleworth could have opened the scoring in the first five minutes of the match when he managed to run free of the Ton defence to go one-on-one with Richard Jeffries. The Bulldogs keeper blocked the striker’s shot for a wonderful save to stop Bridgend taking the lead. Ton Pentre put Bridgend under pressure via a series of consecutive corners where Jordan Branch’s crosses into the box were causing havoc in the opponents defence. The home team somehow managed to keep the ball out of the net by blocking and clearing it off the line. Early in the second half a lapse in concentration allowed room for Bridgend to cross into the box from the left. Having connected with the ball in the box Bridgend’s striker was denied by the goal post much to Ton’s relief. In the 73rd minute the Bulldogs looked odds on to take the lead when the ball ricocheted off Brian Showdery’s boot in the Bridgend defence playing Dominic Broad clean through into the box. With just Collins to beat the Ton midfielder struck his shot wide into the side netting. Ton were made to pay for this five minutes later when good movement up the pitch saw the ball reach Wattleworth some 25-yards out from goal. As the defence stood off him he decided to try his luck with a shot that glided into the goal. Wattleworth’s strike was a worthy match winner but Bridgend were able to score again in injury time to secure their cup win when a short back pass from Adam Lewis to Richard Jeffries allowed Michael Hartley to tackle the Ton goalkeeper and score into an empty net. It was a cruel goal to concede making the score line look more comfortable than it actually was. Bridgend will now go on to play Welsh Premier League champions Rhyl at Belle Vue in the third round of the Welsh Cup, a mouth-watering tie for all those involved with the Brewery Field outfit. Ton’s next match is away to Ely Rangers on Friday, 9th October. The match kicks off at 7.30pm. Ton Pentre: 1. Richard Jeffries, 2. Jordan Branch, 3. Rhys Owen, 4. Adam Lewis, 5. Ryan Morgan , (Captain), 6. Andrew Hughes, 7. Dominic Broad, 8. Leon Young, 9. Wayne Savage, 10. Chris Jones, 11. Alyn Jones. Substitutes: 12. Pascal P-Gi, 14. Jamie Thomas, 15. Leighton James, 16. Phil Clarke (for 2 on 81mins). Goals: None Bookings: None Referee: Wayne Tregonning (Merthyr Tydfil)
Saturday 3 October 2009 Ely Rangers 3, AFC Llwydcoed 2 FAW Welsh cup Round Two from AFC Llwydcoed Llwydcoed travelled to Wenvoe to the home of Welsh League Division One Ely Rangers, the second time in two weeks Ely were looking to gain revenge after defeat previously Llwydcoed crashed out after a Jekyll and Hyde display, although they trailed 3-0 at half time they were denied an equaliser when two blatant penalty awards claimed by Llwydcoed were turned away. Llwydcoed’s opening was superb the passing was top class with Craig Boulton finding Tomos Morris racing into space. Llwydcoed were denied an opening goal when Tomos Morris thought he had scored but another Llwydcoed player was caught offside. Ely could not handle this opening threat, Leon Bansal was involved creating problems but the young Ely players stuck to their cause and they moved out of this opening spell of pressure and tested the Llwydcoed’s defence. A miss-kick was picked up by Michael Osborne for Ely and he found Matthew Hibbs in space and he opened the scoring with a top finish. Llwydcoed’s opening spell seemed far away. Ely were chasing and splitting open the Llwydcoed shape who had become erratic and from another Ely attack they were awarded a penalty for a foul on their attacker, Graham Cummings scoring the penalty. Ely had punished Llwydcoed for some poor play, worse was to follow Ely split open the Llwydcoed shape and Steve Arthur scored with a header. Llwydcoed kept their belief and Jordan Coles almost put Ross Williams through, the half time whistle blew leaving Llwydcoed with a mountain to climb. Llwydcoed’s players attitude in the second half was first class, Jordan Coles kept probing away in midfield but the Ely defence was still solid they were under pressure as Llwydcoed chased the game. The hosts also tried to score a fourth goal on the break, and it looked as if Llwydcoed weren’t going to score after Matthew Reynolds came desperately close to scoring and a penalty award was turned away. The introduction of Llwydcoed substitutes Garin Whithers, Ryan Barry and Richard Dennis solved the problem. Llwydcoed were awarded a free kick and Leigh Phillips hit a fantastic shot past the Ely goalkeeper Ian Davies. So, could they come back to this take cup tie into extra time? A second goal arrived after Richard Dennis flicked on a pass from a flowing move and Tomos Morris scored a top class goal chipping the Ely goalkeeper. Ely were hanging on, and in another attack by Llwydcoed the ball was played to Richard Dennis, the Ely defender was on top of him with the Llwydcoed player crashing to the ground with Llwydcoed claiming a blatant penalty, not in the eyes of the match referee, the final whistle blew and Llwydcoed crashed out just failing to pull back the half time deficit.
Saturday 3 October 2009 Llangeinor 2, Pontyclun 1 (aet) FAW Welsh Cup Round Two from Llangeinor FC In a close game Llangeinor were pushed all the way by a spirited Pontyclun side. Llangeinor had the majority of possession while Pontyclun only looking to score from a Llangeinor mistake Llangeinor were creating plenty of chances, but were failing in front of goal. Having hit the woodwork on numerous occasions, it was completely against the run of play when Llangeinor goalkeeper Steve John gifted Pontyclun a golden opportunity for Phil Watson to take the lead on 73 minutes. Llangeinor kept battling and gained a deserved equaliser on 80 minutes when a cracking strike by Llangeinor substitute Matthew Haycock hit the back of the net from 20 yards Llangeinor had a second goal ruled out in injury time. Darren Jones struck the bar from eight yards and then Matthew Heycock also hit the woodwork for Kevin Kelland to head home. To everyone’s amazement the assistant flagged for offside. In extra time Llaneinor continued to gain the upper hand when a tap in by Kevin Kelland proved the difference between the two sides. There we some excellent performances from captain Kristoffer Rees, Anthony Elwood, Jordan Mortimore and substitute Matthew Heycock. Llangeinor have been rewarded for their efforts with a home draw against Anglesey-based Holyhead Hotspur in round three on Saturday 31st October(2.00pm)
Saturday 3 October 2009 AFC Porth 3, Porthcawl Town 1
by Huw Jones,
AFC Porth Porthcawl sprung a surprise with ex-Cardiff City manager Eddie May in the stand running the rule over the squad with a view to becoming their manager. In truth Porth dominated first half possession and should have been out of sight by half time. As early as the second minute the danger signs were there as Brock swept down the right his cross headed narrowly wide by Orchard. Noble had a chance on five minutes, from a corner but couldn’t quite get enough purchase on the header. Next chance again fell to Orchard after Ashley Burge's persistence won a corner, Davies crossed and Orchard flashed a header wide. The first goal wasn’t long in coming when on 20 minutes as Brock, played through by Coles advanced to the edge of the box, he jinked inside and although his shot took a deflection it was going in anyway. Porth did have a scare when Noble rolled a back pass to keeper Williams, the ball took a horrible bounce and rolled wide, in the middle of the goal it would have been a disaster. The pitch was the winner again some five minutes later as Brock again tormented the Porthcawl defence he stormed into the box and his great cross only needed tapping in from some five yards, but as Christian Burge prepared to celebrate the ball bounced over his outstretched foot. Considering the conditions, wind and driving rain both teams endeavoured to play football, and although Porthcawl were competitive they lacked any real cutting edge up front. The second half couldn't have started any better for Porth, indeed many of the large crowd missed Porth's second, queuing for a half time cuppa. Town kicked off and lost possession the ball ended up at Brock's feet and his cross come shot was sliced up and over the stranded keeper Banks to make it 2-0. Porth then took their foot off the gas and Porthcawl had their best spell of the game sloppy defending allowed Williams to poke home on 54 minutes, and they had a couple half chances but manager Young reacted by making a change on came Dean Lewis for his first team début, replacing Adam Wright to stiffen up the centre of midfield and Porth once again gained the ascendency. Christian Burge had a strong penalty claim turned down, and the goal of the game put the result beyond doubt, on 73 minutes Craig Davies effortlessly glided past three players advanced to the edge of the box and pulled the trigger... bang, game over! Craig scores so many spectacular goals that you tend to just accept them as matter of fact but few players in all three divisions can strike a ball as sweetly as Craig Davies and with either foot, he has also become the complete player by curbing his rather annoying habit of giving silly fouls away, and tracking back to defend when needed. Josh Owen replaced Mouncher, Jarrad Wright replaced Gavin Cory and there was time for one last chance, Owen flicked a neat ball over the top and Banks superbly turned Orchard's goal bound shot away. Eddie May if he does take charge has plenty work to do but Porthcawl did show plenty endeavour. Next up at Dinas Park is AFC Porth v Cwmbran Town on Saturday 10 October (2 30pm).
Saturday 3 October 2009 Dinas Powys 3, Caerleon 1 by Morley Williams, Dinas Powys FC A welcome three points following the heavy defeat in their last game played in difficult blustery conditions at The Murchfield. It was the home side who had the first goal scoring opportunity when keeper Peter Blaine caught a Caerleon free-kick and immediately fed Jaymes Dixon on halfway, he gave the ball to Liam Beattie whose cross found Calvin McLaggon but his shot was saved by the feet of the visiting keeper Scott James. With Caerleon having the greater possession Dinas had just the boost they needed on eighteen minutes when a free-kick was headed across the Caerleon goal and Josh Reffell had the simple task of tapping in from close range. A Jaymes Dixon cross was just beyond Liam Beattie before Caerleon’s Lewis Grant put over a good cross only to see it headed narrowly wide of the Dinas goal. The Caerleon defence managed to scramble one Dinas attack away and just before half-time Jaymes Dixon and Rhodri Foote did well to give Ricki Morgan the chance to shoot but the ball cannoned off the crossbar with the keeper beaten. At the start of the second-half Dinas keeper Blaine did well to clear a Caerleon attack with his feet. Dinas got the second goal five minutes into the half, Jaymes Dixon found Calvin McLaggon just outside the area, his pace took him past a defender and on to score with a low shot from fifteen yards. A few minutes’ later Caerleon’s chances were dealt a blow when Leon Spargo was dismissed but they still managed to force a corner with Mathew Hearne shooting wide when the ball was cleared to him just outside the area. Dinas started to make the most of the extra man using the pace of Liam Beattie and Calvin McLaggon to get around the back of the visiting defence. Caerleon keeper Scott James was kept busy saving from from McLaggon and Morgan but when they did attack good work by Luke Cueto on the right gave him the chance to cross and Daniel Cueto fired home from twelve yards to reduce the arrears. The pace of McLaggon was still causing the visitors problems and when he found substitute Paul Carro he shot wide when well placed. Jacob Rudman was playing well at the heart of the midfield and it was his pass that gave McLaggon the chance to use that pace to get past a defender and rap the game up with a well-taken goal from an acute angle. Manager Danny Kinsey must have been pleased with the response to the result the previous week but Dinas will meet much stronger opposition starting with Bridgend Town in their next game.
Goytre United 0, Pontardawe Town 3 FAW Welsh Cup Round Two by Gary Thomas, Pontardawe Town FC The South Wales Evening Post read “Goytre favourites to add to Ponty's woes - GOYTRE United will be overwhelming favourites when they host Pontardawe Town in the second round of the Welsh Cup. In-form Goytre head division one of the MacWhirter Welsh League, with four wins and four draws from their opening eight matches, while Pontardawe languish at the bottom of the table having won just one of their seven games so far.” Pontardawe Town's manager, Steve Price, posted multiple copies of it on the Goytre Utd changing room to act as motivation for Town's players. Everyone at the club was determined to make the headline writers eat their words... and with a 3-0 win we did just that. After just three minutes the United keeper, Ian Morgan, punched a cross directly to Town's right back, Paul Lenihan, who scored with a well directed header. This was a great start and saw Town dominate for the first 10 minutes with Carl Owen looking very sharp up front giving former Town player Michael Chaves a torrid time. United got back into the game and started to boss the midfield battle providing good service to the dangerous Richard Ryan and Richard French. Great defending by the Town back four with support from the midfield kept the United chances to a minimum. After 34 minutes Town were awarded a free kick in front of the stand and a great delivery from Gary Taylor crept through a crowd of players into the United's goal. An upset, from the Evening Post's perspective, was on the cards. Town started the second half strongly with Steff Davies having a great battle with the experienced Dale Griffiths. It was in defence though that Town were the strongest with Richard South and Steven Cox outstanding all game. On 50 minutes a weaving run by Carl Owen saw him send a lovely low cross which Jon Coates put away in style giving Morgan no chance. The win was looking a certainty and Town pressed the United players giving them no chance of getting back into the game. By this time there were some niggle in the game and on 79 minutes Richard French saw red after he kicked out at Steffan Davies who had to leave the field soon after with a knock. Town continued to battle resolutely and kept United's prolific strike force down to one effort which came off the bar. At the final whistle the Town contingent celebrated in style and are now looking forward to a big draw in the next round. Town are also looking forward to the Evening Post's match report in the coming week. Everyone in the team deserved full credit for a performance that has been coming for some weeks Town: Ben Hopkins, Paul Lenihan, Andrew Lewis, Steven Cox [Owain Williams], Richard South, Gary Taylor, Jon Coates [Andrew Stokes], Stuart Hoskins, Steffan Davies [Dan Thomas], Carl Owen, Dan Mcgrath.
Sunday 27 September 2009 Pontardawe Town 0, Cwmaman Institute 2 FAW Welsh Youth Cup Round One from Cwmaman Institute FC Cwm started the game really well playing at a high tempo and pressurising their opponents by not allowing them time to settle. Cwm got their just rewards within five minutes when Ross Leeke received the ball 30 yards out, he turned and unleashed an unstoppable shot which flew into the top corner past the bewildered keeper. That’s two goals in two matches for Ross and both contenders for goal of the season. Within two minutes Cwm were awarded a penalty for a foul on James Jones. Daniel Johnson coolly converted from 12 yards for his second in two games to put Cwm two up and in control. The away side had further chances to increase their lead which would have killed the game but Ross Leeke missed from eight yards after good work down the left by Howe, then James Jones dragged his shot just wide after pouncing on a mistake from a defender. Shortly after Cwm suffered a setback when they lost Richard Williams to injury, he was caught by a late tackle which the referee missed although he was not helped by a strange decision by the FAW not to appoint assistant referees for this competition. Williams was replaced by the returning Sean Woodford who went on to produce one of his best performances for Cwm. The home side composed themselves and did not buckle and they started to gain a foot hold in the game forcing Cwm to defend and started to create chances but found Kurt Rogers in goal and Parry in fine form. As the home side continued to press, although Cwm still posing a threat on the break, the score remained 2-0 at half time. In an evenly contested second half with Cwm creating the more clear-cut chances. The introduction of Boyce, with his pace, midway through the half was a constant threat to Pontardawe’s defence. This combined with Daniel Johnson’s work rate and effort which seemed to transmit itself to the rest of the team. The home side never gave up to their credit and kept going right to the final whistle but whenever they did threaten with balls into to the box the back four and Kurt Rogers who was faultless in goal dealt comfortably to ensure Cwm progressed to round two. Overall a great team performance in keeping their discipline under difficult circumstances when others nearly lost theirs. It was hard to pick a man of the match performance but this week it goes to Parry whose positioning and leadership were first class. Standards must not be dropped as every game is difficult at this level and the right to win must be earned. Next game is at home to Pontyclun in the league cup on Sunday, where Cwm can make it three wins in a row and two out of two in the group.
Saturday 26 September 2009 Corus Steel 2, Cwmaman Institute 1 from Cwmaman Institute FC Cwmaman travelled to Port Talbot for this Welsh League Division Three top of the table clash, they welcomed back captain Matthew Cable and Richard Williams into the team. The young Cwmaman team settled quickly and played a very good passing game, outwitting their much bigger opponents. Connor Wickham had an early chance but failed to control his effort and it sailed over the crossbar. Cwmaman continued to play good football and a cross by Haggett was met by Airey but once again failed to hit the target. Cwmaman were on top with the home team failing to make any impression at all. It must be said that some of the referee’s decisions were baffling to say the least. Steel did cause Cwm problems at set pieces, their big strikers were a handful but Cable and Woodford handled the situations well. Wickham was played in through the middle and his lob almost caught the keeper who had come off his line. Cwmaman went in front in the 58th minute, a shot by Haggett was only parried away by the home keeper, David Airey was on hand to tap the ball home to give Cwmaman a deserved lead. The home team came back strongly at Cwmaman and continually bombarded the Cwm goal with crosses from all over the park. A free kick awarded to the home team, another controversial decision by the referee, lead to the Steel equalizer. The ball into the box was played on and looped over Truelove in the Cwm goal. Cwm were now under pressure, not helped by the referee’s decisions. They held out until six minutes from the end when a shot to the near post was saved by Truelove only for the Steel striker to tap in the rebound. Cwmaman had one more chance, a cross found Ross Williams but his header went straight at the home keeper. Cwmaman can feel very hard done by, they worked hard played good football and deserved something from the game, except the game was not played on a level playing field.
Barry Town 2, Afan Lido 0 by Dave Cronk With Afan Lido being the visitors to Jenner Park on Friday evening, it came as no surprise to the larger than normal crowd that the football would be entertaining and committed, and so it proved to be, with each negating the opposition’s chances and playing good football. Barry manager Gavin Chesterfield, unlike last week made only one change bringing the newly signed Sam Harterey into the side and he acquitted himself well, with the back four remaining the same, and both fullbacks Jason Davies, and Nickie Jones, also playing well. Man of the match Lewis Cosslett commanded his area with confidence, making several very important tackles. Dan Clair was also once again impressive and. the dangerous Lido forwards were given few opportunities, however they had a glorious chance midway through the first half, when striker Scott McCoubrey unlike him, somehow blazed the ball over when it looked impossible not to score and only a couple of yards from Dan Bradleys goal. Lido are a good side and always looked threatening with very pacy forwards, but the Dragons new look defence kept them at bay with some aplomb, which must have pleased the on looking coaching staff, once again very good to watch. The returning Rob Blatchford to the delight of the faithful, continually troubled the Lido defence and hit the bar with a rasping drive, but the game remained scoreless at half time. The second half began in very much the same vein with not too much between the sides and still entertaining, but the Dragons gradually began to get the edge ten minutes into the half with some lovely passing moves, Blatchford showing once again what a threat he is, his pace always a problem for defences. Barry went ahead from a corner in the sixty fourth minute with striker Sam Small bundling the ball over the line past Lido keeper Mike Lewis after a melee in the Lido goalmouth, his first goal in his second game since returning from Clevedon Town. It was a hugely improved performance by the dragons and fully appreciated by the faithful, the second and vital goal was scored by Blatchford, latching on to the ball to the right of the Lido net, beating two defenders on the by-line and stroking the ball past the keeper for a fine goal. With no game for the Dragons next week, the side which has been decimated by injuries, etc., over recent weeks will have some of them returning. Those that have replaced them however and played out of their normal positions have performed admirably, which must have pleased coaches and manager immensely. The closing moments came with Lido pressing hard and they almost scored when a well hit shot from one their strikers brought a fine save from the Barry keeper Bradley diving to his left and turning it round the post.
Saturday 26 September 2009 Troedyrhiw 2, Abertillery Bluebirds 5 from Troedyrhiw FC Troedyrhiw played host to Gwent side Abertillery Bluebirds at The Willows for the second time in a matter of weeks. The first meeting between the two sides saw 'Rhiw emerge 2-1 winners in a closely contested Welsh Cup match. Therefore 'Rhiw knew they were in for a stern test this time around. 'Rhiw started the game well, and indeed they could have took the lead almost immediately through Ceri Kinsey whose thumping header narrowly missed the target. From then on it was very much 'Rhiw who were in the ascendancy as they took the game to the visitors and indeed had the Bluebirds defence in disarray at times. However, 'Rhiw were unable to convert this pressure into goals. Later in the half they were punished for this when Bluebirds took the lead very much against the run of play much to the dismay of the 'Rhiw contingent. This understandably stunned the hosts and they looked to make amends but as the half-time whistle went it remained 0-1. 'Rhiw looked to re-group and come out fighting in the second half but their hopes of getting back on level terms early on were dented when Bluebirds scored their second within around six seconds of the restart. A shell-shocked 'Rhiw responded almost immediately when Adam Callan's powerful effort hit the net to get his side back in the hunt at 1-2. The game now really came alive as a contest as both sides battled it out. It was the Gwent side though that found the net again to make it 1-3. 'Rhiw's reply was again a swift one when soon after a hefty long range strike from Shaun O'Brien made it 2-3 to give 'Rhiw hope. This was now a real humdinger of a game as the two sides fought it out. Bluebirds though seemed to be gaining the advantage over 'Rhiw and this was compounded when they scored two further goals to put 'Rhiw to the sword. 'Rhiw though toiled away in the vain hope of salvaging something from this game but with time eventually running out it was Bluebirds who travelled back to Gwent with the three points. 'Rhiw had their chances in this game but unlike their opponents were unable to capitalize on them. 'Rhiw must now pick themselves up as they look to put things right in their next game. This game is a tough away encounter at high flying Division One side Cambrian & Clydach in the second round of the prestigious Welsh Cup. This game will be played on Friday 2 October at King George V New Field, Clydach Vale. Kick off is at 7.30pm. Please get behind Kevin Rogers and his men as they look to upset the applecart and progress into the next round. * Troedyrhiw's Under-18 side recorded an extremely impressive victory over MacWhirter League outfit Dinas Powys in the Welsh Youth Cup. 'Rhiw won the the tie 5-3 with goals coming from Dan Jones who notched up a hat-trick, Gareth Tedstone and Matthew Saunders. 'Rhiw played a large amount of the game with ten men as the referee brandished the red card to Matthew Rudge for dissent. Despite this blot on their copybook, 'Rhiw boss Ceri Kinsey was extremely pleased with his team's performance and understandably proud of his side's excellent achievement as they go into the hat for the next round.
Port Talbot Town 4, Cambrian & Clydach 2 FAW Welsh Youth Cup Round One from http://www.porttalbottown.co.uk A potentially difficult Welsh Cup match was well won by Mark Pike’s side despite the visitors coming back into the game in the second half. Following last week’s win over Barry Town, Port Talbot started the match confidently but were under pressure in the early exchanges as Cambrian forced a series of corners and created a few half chances for themselves. The opening goal arrived on the counter-attack however as Port Talbot pushed forward and Liam Pullen scored the first goal of the game with a well taken strike after 11 minutes. Cambrian continued to have the better of the open play but Port Talbot grew in confidence following the goal and started playing some excellent football. Sam France had a couple of chances to increase the lead but he was denied by Tommy Barrett in the visitors goal but Pullen was on hand after 25 minutes to score his second of the game with another well taken goal. Frustrations grew for the visitors and a knee injury to one of their players that required hospital treatment midway through the half added to their problems. Just before half time however Cambrian did pull a goal back through Nicholas Price who scored with a fine drive from outside the area. Cambrian came out confidently for the second half as they looked for an equaliser and it arrived on 58 minutes through Nathan Hughes. Port Talbot were soon back in front however as straight from the re-start a long ball up field was poorly dealt with by the goalkeeper and Chris Silva’s determined work enabled him to restore the side’s lead on 59 minutes. The match became open with both sides looking to add to their goal tally and on 71 minutes a header towards goal from Liam Pullen was turned into his own net by Cambrian defender Nicholas Price. Port Talbot Town goalkeeper Ryan Dummer was called into action as the visitors looked for a way back into the match but Port Talbot defended well to maintain their advantage and claim their second successive win. Port Talbot Town: Team - Ryan Dummer, Adam Thornton, Adam Gaunt, Jordan Tomlinson, Josh Wannacott, Chris Silva, Oliver Bowen, Jack Germain, Liam Pullen, Sam France. Subs - Chris Waters, Daniel Morgan, Lewis Deek, Alex Powell, Nick Brizwaters Goalscorers - Liam Pullen (11), (25), Chris Silva (59), Nicholas Price OG (71) Cambrian & Clydach: Team - Tommy Barrett, Ian Smith, Nicholas Price, Daniel Stanton, Declan Facey, Jake Rees, Liam Reed, Gareth Welsh, Nathan Hughes, Liam Hutchinson, Morgan Plant. Subs - Nathan Parsons, Jordan Jones, Lewis Jenkins, Luke Huntley, Adam Murphy Goalscorers - Nicholas Price (45), Nathan Hughes (58)
Saturday 26 September 2009 Llangeinor 0, AFC Porth 2
by Huw Jones, AFC Porth Porth were dominating midfield, leading to several rash challenges, with the referee issuing several cautions, one for Llangeinor’s Ellwood, and he was very fortunate later on not to receive a second for a challenge with Craig Davies who tormented Llangeinor with his skills. Indeed Davies was involved in the opening goal on 14 minutes, Ashley Burge won a free kick with his persistence, Noble swung the cross into the box which was sliced for a corner, Davies took it long to Orchard who headed back across for Christian Burge to score. Porth then lost their way with several silly bookings and had a scare when from a corner Jones shaved the post with a miscued header. Porth should have doubled their lead when from a Burge corner keeper Evans flapped at the ball and it rolled agonisingly across goal but no one reacted. Evans redeemed himself with a great save low down after a neat one two between the Burge brothers. Brock then saved Porth with a fantastic goal-saving tackle, and he swept the ball up field keeper Evans dashed out and miscued the ball to Ashley Burge some 30 yards out, his first time shot going agonisingly wide. Porth doubled their lead shortly after on 42 minutes when Coles fed Brock who beat his man and crossed low and hard across goal forcing ex-Porth man Vivers into slicing the ball into his own net. Referee Neale was forced to take action in first half stoppage time as Llangeinor's manager Neil Foulkes was sent to the stand after questioning one decision too many, Llangeinor were out very early for the second half, but it was that man Davies with the first opportunity as he strolled through the home defence to shoot narrowly wide. He then nearly set up Orchard with a clever chip, but Evans smothered the danger. Porth were comfortable but on 62 minutes a chance for Llangeinor to get back in the game when Needs was penalised for handball, up stepped Darren Jones but his penalty struck the post and was cleared. Manager Young then reacted to some Llangeinor pressure when he replaced the tiring Mouncher, playing his first game for five months with Adam Wright, with Orchard stepping back to midfield. Porth were content to let the hosts have the ball and keeper Williams was rarely called into play, Brock set up Burge, Davies had another shot off target and the game petered out with Porth deservedly taking the three points to move up to fourth in the table with a game in hand over top spot. Next up for AFC Porth is Porthcawl Town at Dinas Park on Saturday 3 October (2 30 pm).
Saturday 26 September 2009 Cardiff Corinthians 3, Ton Pentre 0 from Ton Pentre FC Cardiff Corinthians produced an excellent defensive display as the Radyr based club continue to be one of Ton Pentre’s bogey teams. The Rhondda Bulldogs failed to bond in a match that saw them miss two penalty kicks that typified their abysmal performance. The Corries were bottom of the table before this MacWhirter Welsh League Division One meeting but their deep defence drew the Bulldogs out and as a result they were able to counter attack and it was this that helped them to victory. The home team took the lead after just five minutes of play when the Ton defence failed to pick-up the Corries attackers. This led to Gareth Delve taking the ball around goalkeeper Leighton James before slotting his shot into an empty net. Ten minutes later Ton were looking dangerous on an attack that saw Leon Young going up the right. As he crossed the ball into the box its destination was blocked by Michael Bishop who was judged to have handled it by the Referee. Andrew Hughes took responsibility for the penalty but his kick was too soft and Chris Golton was able to make an easy save. With 32 minutes of the match completed Ton hit the ball out of play due to an injury to a Corries player. In returning the ball to the Bulldogs they hit it out for a throw-in deep inside the Ton half. The ball was thrown to James who was not sportingly given the time to play the ball. As a result the keeper was caught in possession when Rhys Yates tackled him before scoring Corries second of the match. It almost got worse for the Bulldogs moments later when Corries latched onto Wayne Savage’s loose pass in midfield. As Richie Veale was bearing down on goal he looked likely to net but a fantastic tackle from Gavin Rodgers stopped the player from shooting. Corries were able to make it 3-0 on 49 minutes after Rodgers lost the ball at the halfway line. The Ton defender attempted to foul his opponent but the player was able to get away from Rodgers as the Referee played an excellent advantage. Veale made easy work of the finish when he had just the Ton keeper to beat. The Bulldogs were desperately looking for a way back into this match but all of their efforts were foiled by the Corries. One such occasion saw Golton pull off a great save to deny a Chris Jones shot that looked destined to be a goal. Ton were awarded their second penalty of the match in the 82nd minute when a Bulldogs player was tripped in the box. Captain Ryan Morgan stepped up this time to take the kick as he looked to apply pressure on Corries for the remainder of the match. Morgan hit the penalty straight down the middle and again Golton was able to make an easy save. The second penalty miss summed up Ton’s afternoon. It was their worst performance of the season so far. They will hope for better on Saturday 3 October when they travel to the Brewery Field to play Bridgend Town in the second round of the FAW Welsh Cup. The match kicks off at 2.30pm. Ton Pentre: 1. Leighton James, 2. Sam Baker, 3. Phil Clarke, 4. Adam Lewis, 5. Gavin Rodgers, 6. Ryan Morgan (Captain), 7. Leon Young, 8. Andrew Hughes, 9. Wayne Savage, 10. Chris Jones, 11. Alyn Jones. Substitutes: 12. Jamie Thomas (for 5 on 73mins), 14. Rhys Owen (for 3 on 55mins), 15. Dominic Broad (for 9 on 45mins). Goals: None Booking: Clarke 38 Referee: Mark Dyson (Abertillery)
Saturday 26 September 2009 AFC Llwydcoed 3, Llanwern 2 from AFC Llwydcoed Llwydcoed galvanised another victory, their third on the bounce with a superb second half team performance to add to their league record with three vital points. Llanwern started the match in top form they were first to every ball dancing around the Llwydcoed players, changing defence into attack with Denis Spiteri and Matthew Currie causing problems on the left, Ashley Sully and Nick Aherne on the right side. Llwydcoed’s defence was under pressure from the start and they went a goal behind in the first ten minutes through Matt Currie. The hosts responded after going a goal behind when they broke the Llanwern grip on the match and Matthew Reynolds won the aerial battle for Tomos Morris to score. Llwydcoed had began to win possession but Llanwern’s defence held firm winning the aerial attacks. That changed after Llanwern were gifted a second goal when Llwydcoed’s defence and goalkeeper failed to clear an attack by Llanwern and Mike Vaux accepted the gift. Llwydcoed had began to compete in midfield before this with Craig Hewitt and Jordan Coles gaining possession and also picking too many careless passes. Tomos Morris was living on the odd goal pass and as a very entertaining first half ended. Llwydcoed’s players responded to their Manager Mark Harbord’s half time roasting and scored two goals within the first ten minutes, first Leon Bansal split the Llanwern defence and found Tomos Morris who scored his second, a fine goal followed by a brilliant opportunist goal by Craig Boulton shooting through two Llanwern defenders and the unsighted Llanwern goalkeeper Lawrence Owen, a brilliant start to the second half. Llanwern responded with some dangerous attacks but Llwydcoed’s defence were as one with Brent Hewitt Leigh Phillips in top form and Llwydcoed were in charge. Ross Williams and Stuart Evans were having an excellent second half, they had far more of the play and looked to score more goals but the final whistle blew and three goals proved to be enough, a brilliant match, Llwydcoed’s second half performances gave them a deserved victory.
Saturday 26 September 2009 Pontyclun Reserves 1, Porthcawl Town Reserves 4 from Porthcawl Town FC Porthcawl moved two points clear at top of table after this a 4-1 victory at Pontyclun. The visitors made a lively start and asserted pressure as Pontyclun were forced to weather an early onslaught. While battling to contain Porthcawl’s repeated advances the hosts did manage to venture forward but failed create a clear sight of goal. The visitors’ firm defence was perfectly illustrated by a typically robust tackle after a quarter of an hour from the tenacious Martyn Morgan on the left flank. The visitors opened the scoring when front man Matt Giles lost his marker in the six-yard box to power home a header from Alex Treharne’s left-wing centre. Marauding winger Treharne, 18, switched flanks with the influential Porthcawl captain Alex Winkler to good effect, both linking up well with the full-backs, holding midfielder Olly Warren and the hard working front pair. Porthcawl doubled their lead when a sweeping counter attack pulled the hosts apart. Veteran forward Brandon Walters, who weaved his way past the Pontyclun defence, fired straight at the keeper but adventurous right-back Mark Pickering surged into the box to neatly slot home the rebound. The home side were allowed back into the contest when Martyn Morgan was harshly penalised for handball. The penalty was tucked home past Richard Gorrett to hand the momentum to Pontyclun on the stroke of half-time. Porthcawl wrestled back the initiative after the break and as the home side began to tire the visitors developed urgency to their play as they looked to put the hosts out of sight. After a passage of slick and free-flowing football the evergreen Brandon Walters, who was busy and willing throughout, found the net after playing a defence-splitting one-two with Alex Treharne and manufacturing the space to drive home Porthcawl’s third from close range. As the absorbing encounter began to take its toll on the injury-hit Porthcawl side they reacted by shoring up the midfield with the introduction of Lee Giles, debutant Darren Ward and Paul White. The visitors wrapped up the win when Lee Giles marked his return from injury with a well-taken goal – the midfielder stealing ahead of his man to finish coolly and conclude the scoring. Pontyclun’s brightest attacking forays were thwarted by a blue blanket of committed defenders, marshalled by the commanding centre-back pairing of Tom Warren and Mark Evans. The Seasiders travel to Cwmbran on Saturday to face Croesyceiliog in round one of the Reserve Division Cup.
Newcastle Emlyn 2, Tredegar Town 0 from Newcastle Emlyn FC Emlyn started with game against Tredegar with urgency and a more direct approach. The first attempt on goal was within four minutes when Anthony Owens was put through one on one with Tredegar keeper, who produced a flurry of fine saves and on this Owens occasion shot directly at the keeper. Emlyn were in full control of this game with Owen Thomas Jake Harries working hard throughout. The wide players of Adam Raymond and Anthony Owens caused all sorts of problems for the Tredegar defence marshalled well by the experienced Andrew York. Sean Pemberton who appears to be getting better by the game was a major threat with his aerial presence and the youthful Sam Thomas whose all-round game is clicking into place. Good attempts by Pemberton, Thomas, Raymond and Owens were all put to bed by the Tredegar keeper in the first half which ended goalless. The second half saw Emlyn produce two goals, the first being a great run by Owens and slotting the ball into the net with confidence. The second was a penalty in which Adam Raymond made no mistake by thrashing the ball into the roof of the net. The scoreline should have been a lot more had it not been for the man of the match Tredegar’s keeper Kris Morris. A delighted Emlyn manager said in his post match interview “We were very strong today and fully deserved three points”. “The lads have played a lot of football over the last week with the cup game going into extra time and a midweek game, so to apply and perform as we did today leaves me a very happy".
Caldicot Town 6, Dinas Powys 0 by Morley Williams, Dinas Powys FC For the second game in a row Dinas were involved in a six goal game only this time they were on the wrong end of all six goals. All the good work from Dinas at Ton Pentre seemed to have been left behind as they gave there opponents too much time and respect and allowed them to race into a two goal lead in the first seventeen minutes. The first came from top scorer Gareth Cullimore with a low shot from twenty yards and with the home side looking dangerous it came as no real surprise when they doubled their lead, good work on the left gave Peter Little the chance to cross and Richard Sharratt powered in a header from twelve yards. When Dinas did put together a few passes they were able to put Ashton Turner through the home defence but his shot was way too high. Caldicot were not to be denied and scored their third just before half time, Cullimore headed on a free kick and Jason Thorn finished with a header at the far post. Dinas brought on Jaymes Dixon and Andy Lane for the second half and the move almost paid off when Dixon cut through the home defence but his shot was deflected for a corner, this was to prove the nearest they were to come to scoring in the whole match. The home side continued to dominate and when a Caldicot attack ended with the Dinas keeper tripping a Caerleon player in the penalty area David Lloyd scored from the spot. Two minutes later a great turn by Cullimore in the area made the opportunity for a cross and Jason Thorn scored the fifth from close range. Five minutes into injury time substitute Jacob Guy headed home to complete the rout. Whilst Dinas dejectedly made their way home, on this form Caldicot must be looking forward to challenging Goytre and Aberaman at the top of the league.
Llanelli 7, West End 1 FAW Welsh Youth Cup Round One from Llanelli AFC Llanelli under 19s started the defence of the FAW Youth Cup, which they won last April with a superb win against Swansea City, by beating Swansea based, West End, by seven goals to one at Stebonheath Park. The Reds started well with a goal from Kieran Hayes inside two minutes and it was Hayes again who made it 2-0 after 28 minutes with a neat chip from 18 yards out. In between, James Vyse, making his debut in the Llanelli goal made a superb save from Kieran Cullen. Four minutes later, Craig Frater got the third goal with a well-taken effort. The visitors pulled a goal back a minute later when Ricky Kellaway hit a fierce shot which gave James Vyse no chance in the Reds goal. In the 37th minute, Frater got his second of the game when he volleyed home from a superb cross from Rikki Evans. In the second period, the Reds continued to dominate and Kieran Hayes got his hat trick on the hour when he side-footed home another fine pass from Evans after an excellent team move involving five Reds players. The Reds then made two substitutions with Ian Evans and James Secker replaced Craig Frater and Lewis Jones. Midfield dynamo, Luke Chappell, then hit a super drive into the top of the net after 74 minutes and in the final incident of the night, Declan John hit the Reds seventh goal, when he scored with a penalty after James Secker had been brought down in the area. Llanelli: Vyse, Jones, Facciuto, John, Batley (c) Clarke, Frater, Chappell, Evans (R), Hayes, Logan. Subs. Evans (I), Secker. Not used Samuel, Jenkins, Smith. West End: Williams, James, Lewis, Farrell, Paul, Abraham, Langley, Cullen, Jackson, Kellaway, Hopkins. Subs. Morgan, Davies, Harries, Smith, Cook. Referee: Mr Garwyn Davies (Morriston)
Wednesday 23 September 2009 Ton Pentre 3, Dinas Powys 3 from Ton Pentre FC Ynys Park witnessed another enthralling match as Dinas Powys visited the Rhondda looking for a positive result against an in form Ton Pentre team, and with the help of two lapses in defence and a speculative 25-yard effort the Vale of Glamorgan visitors did just that. Following the final whistle the Rhondda Bulldogs were clearly dejected and frustrated with themselves for not getting the win. It all began handsomely well for Ton Pentre who took a ninth minute lead through Leon Young following a goal mouth scramble. Dinas Powys were put under pressure when a through ball to Alyn Jones split the defence. As he squared the ball back across the goal mouth a melee ensued. One Ton shot had been desperately blocked on the line by what looked like a defenders arm but the Referee turned down the penalty appeals judging that the ball had hit his chest. Nevertheless, Young was able to eventually head the ball into the net as the Dinas defence failed to clear. Somewhat against the run of play Dinas Powys worked an opening to score an equaliser in the 15th minute. A loss of concentration in the defence resulted in Calvin Mclaggon running clean through into the Ton box. He applied a sleek finish leaving Ton goalkeeper Richard Jeffries fuming at his defence. Ton suffered a huge blow in the 26th minute when a sliding tackle by Mclaggon on Jordan Branch injured the Ton wingback. After five minutes of treatment Branch was unable to continue and was replaced by Dominic Broad. Moments later Dinas pulled themselves in front following some disjointed Bulldogs defending. With just their second attack of the half Dinas outnumbered the defence and a simple squared pass allowed Ashton Turner to slot the ball home for 2-1. Peter Blaine, the Dinas goalkeeper was having a splendid game and his efforts were saving the visitors time and time again. When Wayne Savage played a wonderful through ball for Alyn Jones to run onto Blaine denied the striker with an excellent block. Ton drew level on 50 minutes when Young’s run into the box along the by-line drew a reckless tackle from a defender with the Referee quick to award a penalty kick; Andrew Hughes made no mistake in scoring from the spot by sending the keeper the wrong way. Three minutes later Dinas nearly regained the lead from a free kick on the edge of the box, Jeffries saw it late as it popped up over the wall but he was still able to get a fist on the ball to punch it away from the Dinas players on the follow-up. The visitors began to tire and were made to suffer a barrage of Ton attacks. For the most part they always seemed to be in the right place at the right time. However, they were unable to stop Ton in the 66th minute when from another attack Broad managed to get the ball over the line, which led to controversy as the Referee’s Assistant had flagged for an offside. Once spotted the Referee spoke with his Assistant to confirm that the ball Broad had scored from had been played through by a defender, therefore meaning the Ton midfielder was onside. Savage should have ended the Dinas challenge in the 75th minute when from his shimmying run he found himself one-on-one with the keeper. He went direct with his shot and Blaine was able to save it. From this the play moved into the Ton half and from 25-yards out Jacob Rudman hit a speculative ball forward that freakishly beat Jeffries standing just off his line when the ball dropped into the net behind him. This stunning goal drew the teams level once again. Dinas Powys looked happy to hold out for a point and they did just that despite Ton’s best efforts to find a winner. Ton are away to Cardiff Corinthians on Saturday 26th September 2009. Ton Pentre: 1. Richard Jeffries, 2. Jordan Branch, 3. Phil Clarke, 4. Adam Lewis, 5. Gavin Rodgers, 6. Ryan Morgan (Captain), 7. Leon Young, 8. Andrew Hughes, 9. Wayne Savage, 10. Chris Jones, 11. Alyn Jones. Substitutes: 12. Jamie Thomas, 14. Rhys Owen, 15. Daniel Morris (for 11 on 87mins), 16. Dominic Broad (for 2 on 26mins), 17.Pascal P-G Goals: Young 9, Hughes 50, Broad 66 Bookings: Savage 86, Broad 90+2 Referee: Eddie King (Ystradgynlais)
Newcastle Emlyn 1, Ammanford 1 from Newcastle Emlyn FC After a dramatic comeback on Saturday in the Nathaniel Car Sales League Cup. Newcastle Emlyn entertained a very quick and experienced Ammanford side. Emlyn could not have asked for a better start going one up within the first minute. A long ball from Rhys Parry enabled Sean Pemberton to head down neatly into the path of Owen Thomas who made no mistake of scoring by riffling the ball into the roof of the net. With a large crowd present Emlyn kept up the tempo with Ammanford becoming frustrated by Emlyn’s tactics. Keeper Rhodri Jones was only tested once in the first half, this shows how defensively improved Emlyn appeared to be of late. In te second half both sides appeared not to be happy with the score line with both attacking well. Emlyn’s back four played extremely well against Ammanford’s attacks. Both Josh Davies and particularly Gary Evans dealt with everything thrown at them. Ammanford managed to find a way past in the 86th minute with Luke Fayers following up a fine Rhodri Jones save. Manager Wayne Jones stated after the match ”It was a very improved performance from recent weeks so we need to take this into our game Saturday. There were some very good performances from the lads tonight. I think a point would be a fair result, as I feel Ammanford will be there or there about at the end of the season. We've taken four points from them this season but still await a clean sheet at home. We need to keep a steady level of concentration which appears to be improving."
Ton Pentre 3, Dinas Powys 3
by Morley Williams, Dinas Powys FC
This was a battling performance and result under the lights at Ynys Park especially as Dinas were without four players through suspension and work commitments. Goalkeeper Peter Blaine was in excellent form but players showed a willingness to fight, and put their bodies on the line when called upon.
From the kick-off Dinas took the game to their opponents without creating any clear-cut scoring opportunities but against the run of play the home side took the lead in the twelfth minute. A Dinas free-kick was cleared by the home defence straight to the other end and when the ball was crossed to the far post Leon Young eventually forced the ball over the line to give the home side the lead.
They held the lead for just five minutes before an excellent pass found Calvin McClaggon, his pace took him through the home defence and he finished well with a low shot from fifteen yards.
Ton Pentre’s passing game was causing the visitors problems and when a Jordan Branch cross was directed towards goal, keeper Peter Blaine kept the ball out with his feet, one of many good saves on the night.
McClaggon’s pace was causing the home defence problems and when he made ground down the right his low cross was converted by Joe Hinds from close range to give the visitors the lead in an entertaining game.
Ton pushed forward searching for the equaliser and Blaine was again called into action saving an Alyn Jones shot and in a goalmouth scramble the Dinas defence cleared the ball off the goal-line.
It wasn’t all one way and the pace of Calvin McClaggon was a constant problem to Ton but they should have equalised four minutes into injury time when Andrew Hughes’s shot was inches wide with the keeper beaten.
Dinas had to weather heavy pressure at the start of the second-half but the equaliser came from an Andrew Hughes penalty following a mis-timed tackle in the area. Further Ton efforts from Alyn Jones and Leon Young were off-target and with the visiting defence’s valiant efforts somehow keeping the their goal intact it looked as though Dinas may get a valuable point. But Ton had other ideas and following another goalmouth scramble substitute Dominic Broad scored from just a couple of yards.
The few Dinas supporters who had made the trip to Ynys Park started to fear the worst but they reckoned without the never-say-die attitude of the Dinas side this season, and when a Simon Stephens cross into the area was headed out to Jacob Rudman he volleyed the ball over the keeper to score from twenty-five yards to give Dinas the draw there fighting spirit deserved.
For the next game Manager Danny Kinsey will have to make difficult decisions as to whether to bring in those players unavailable or stick with those who showed such effort and commitment.
Saturday 19 September 2009 Cambrian & Clydach 4, Pontypridd Town 1 Nathaniel Car Sales League Cup Round One by Ryan Tyler, Cambrian & Clydach FC Picture by Brian Davies
Cambrian Defender Scott Hayward (15) challenges for a header
Cambrian hosted
division three club Pontypridd in the league cup with their previous
4-0 Welsh cup victory were the strong favourites. Cambrian made five
changes to their starting line up and Pontypridd may have felt they
were facing a lesser Cambrian team looking good from the off, but it
wasn’t long before Cambrian settled down and took control of the
game. Saturday 19 September 2009 Seven Sisters 1, AFC Porth 2 Nathaniel Car Sales League Cup Round One from AFC Porth Porth triumphed were they failed last season, a pretty tough place to win, and this in Scott Young's first game in charge. Porth started brightly and fashioned the first chance when Stuart Brock's perseverance was rewarded, he fed Christian Burge whose far post cross was just missed by Kristian Orchard. Referee Ryan Thomas who had a good game throughout was then forced to issue the first yellow after just four minutes when Evans of Seven tripped Ashley Burge. It was difficult to play football on the sloping pitch and both teams fell into the trap of hitting long balls, instead of using the space out wide. Porth came closest to opening the scoring when Christian Burge hit the bar with a neat turn and shot. Orchard fired just over and Craig Davies was very unlucky as he powered forward, his flick over the top hit a defender and bounced to safety. Williams in goal was a virtual spectator, with just a few unproductive corners which he dealt with at ease. Seven's front two of Brown and Soroka showed some neat touches, but were starved of possession as Porth's midfield took control. Wells had the last chance of the first half when he headed a Davies corner wide,. Porth came out fired up and took the lead on 48 minutes when Davies played a superb ball to put Christian Burge away, he cut inside and crossed Wells dummied and Brock slotted home. Porth swept forward in search of the second goal, and this led to Seven being reduced to ten men when Evans tugged at Davies shirt and was dismissed for a second yellow. Porth created several half chances but were guilty of ball watching on 57 minutes as the ten men levelled, Soroka equalised with a neat turn and shot that hit the underside of the bar to give Williams no chance. Porth were forced into a change on 67 minutes after a clash left Keiron Coles with a bleeding nose, Adam Wright replacing him. Within two minutes and with his first touch he was celebrating his first senior goal on his first outing. Wells held the ball up, slipped in Christian Burge and his precise pass was finished coolly by Wright. Seven to their credit never gave up but Porth were rarely troubled, a couple unproductive corners and long shots not troubling the keeper. On 79 minutes a great chance to wrap the game up as Ashley Burge won possession, he played a ball for his brother to run on to, keeper Thomas raced out and sliced the ball straight to Brock some 30 yards out, he lobbed the ball goalwards and Turner got back superbly to palm the ball away for an unproductive corner. Porth were then reduced to ten themselves as Wells reacted to a challenge and was shown a straight red.
Mouncher replaced Orchard and Porth saw out the game with
little threat. Sunday 20 September 2009 Pontyclun 1 AFC Porth 3 MacWhirter Youth Cup Round One Group C
from AFC Porth Pontyclun started the brighter and Porth who had the majority of last season's championship winning side on display took their time to get a hold of midfield, but once Day, Williams and Owen found their feet it was only a matter of time. Owen was lucky mind with one rash challenge, he earned a booking, but he then showed the better side of his game to score twice to give Porth a cushion, a header at the near post from an Anstee cross, and then a neat finish after a Day pass. Pontyclun did pull a goal back but Wright popped up with his customary goal, put through by Thomas to seal the win.
Saturday 19 September 2009
Llangeinor 1, Troedyrhiw 0
Nathaniel Car Sales League Cup Round One
from Troedyrhiw FC 'Rhiw took to the road last Saturday to take on Division Two side Llangeinor in this cup tie. Having beaten Abertillery Bluebirds in the Welsh Cup the previous week with a less than satisfactory performance, 'Rhiw were looking to improve on that display. Sure enough they didn't disappoint as they set about the job in hand and played some good football, putting their hosts on the back foot for large periods of the first half. Such was their dominance at times any neutrals watching would be forgiven for thinking that it was 'Rhiw who were the Division Two side and not Llangeinor. Ceri Kinsey was his usual self battling away in midfield. Despite being the better side, 'Rhiw had very little in the way of goalscoring chances, the nearest they got to scoring was when Shaun O'Brien's effort struck the crossbar. Llangeinor too created very little and when they did manage to get an opportunity they found Chris Siers and his defence in defiant mood ably assisted by 'keeper Jason Pendry. Thus the score remained goalless at half time. The second half saw the hosts creep into the game a little and 'Rhiw were losing their shape at times. Yet again though goal scoring chances were at a minimum. With both sides battling it out to break the deadlock, it was Llangeinor who got the opener with around 25 minutes left. A good strike which left Pendry helpless. This stunned 'Rhiw and they set off in search of the equaliser but it was the hosts who were now exerting the pressure and putting 'Rhiw on the back foot. With the final whistle beckoning 'Rhiw tried their utmost to salvage something from this game but it was to no avail as when the whistle came it was Llangeinor who booked their passage to the next round and leave 'Rhiw to travel back scratching their heads and wondering what could and perhaps should have been. 'Rhiw look to get back on track this Saturday when they welcome back Abertillery Bluebirds to The Willows, this time in a league fixture. * Troedyrhiw's reserve side continued their excellent start to the season when they defeated Rhondda side Cambrian & Clydach 2-1 at home. 'Rhiw found themselves 1-0 down early on but Jason Launchbury levelled the scores and Kai Phillips scored the decisive goal. Reserve Manager Roland House named Rhys Nolan as Man of the Match and heaped praise on Lloyd Martin whose display was outstanding throughout. 'Rhiw 'keeper Jonathan Jones also deserves great credit for pulling of a fine save from a penalty. * Troedyrhiw's Youth side were involved in a goal fest last Sunday. Man of the Match Gareth Tedstone (3), Dan Jones and Matthew Saunders all getting on the score sheet in a 5-5 draw with St Alban's. 'Rhiw's Youth Manager Ceri Kinsey was disappointed to have dropped two points as he felt his youngsters were the better of the two sides and deserved victory.
Saturday 19 September 2009
Barry Town 1, Risca United 0
Nathaniel Car Sales League Cup Round One
by Dave Cronk
Hard, determined, and resolute were third division Risca United at Barry's Jenner Park.
With more changes from last week, Barry manager Gavin Chesterfield brought in Macedonian teenager Tomas llivenski for his home debut, Lewis Cosslett, normally a left back moved into the centre half position and had a fine game, midfielder Nickie Jones also played in an unaccustomed left back role. With Striker Sam Small also back there were signs of returning confidence to the team after last week's second half debacle.
Young llivenski showed he certainly has something to offer the team, exhibiting good vision, he exited the home fans on several occasions by delivering some typically clever European style passes through the middle of a strong Risca defence well marshalled by central defender Blaine Llewellyn, a few more games under his belt, and this lad under manager Chesterfield’s tutelage, could develop into the sort of creative player missing since the departure of Jamie Bradford,.
With possession constantly changing and the game going from end-to-end in the first half and with both defences coping well, it came as no surprise to all that the score remained goalless at half time.
Barry started the second half in determined fashion, Rob Blatchford’s pace testing the opposition’s fitness levels, thus creating several chances for the forwards, but were denied in no small measure by the Risca keeper who made several really fine saves, one in particular when a terrific drive from the Barry striker appeared to deflect on its way into the net, showing great reflexes he turned the ball away for a corner, conversely Dan Bradley in the Barry goal was not having one of his busiest days, having to leave his line occasionally to catch and punch away several dangerous crosses, but not having many direct shots to deal with. That's not to say Risca were a bad team they certainly were not, but like their higher profiled opponents, they too are finding goals difficult to come by at the present, they try to play the game the right way, and at and times over the ninety minutes they matched the Dragons with their approach play, but could not get past the new look Dragons back four of Jason Davies, Lewis. Cosslett, Dan Clair and Nickie Jones.
With the match looking certain to go into extra time, in the 88th minute came one of those moments that leads one to say I was there when that was scored. Were it to be shown on Sky, Match of the day, or the Spanish League on Sgorio, pundits would be drooling, and replaying it time and again, it it was that good, the sort of which you simply do not see certainly in this division or indeed the next level.
Barry's talented young striker Josh Bell a local lad, surrounded by defenders and from just inside the the box controlled the ball then with spins and turns more likely to be associated with Covent Garden than on a football field, lifted the ball onto his left foot, than onto his right, not finding the opportunity for a strike, he then repeated the feat, all the while with the ball in the air, finally and adroitly guiding a sweet volley into the top corner past the astonished Risca keeper who could only watch and admire such ball juggling, a truly class Tevezesque style goal, and the best seen at the ground for many years, it was indeed remarkable and a more than worthy match winner.
In summary, Risca proved to be really tough opponents for the Dragons and fought to the end, not the greatest game overall, apart from the wonder goal that was worth every penny of the admission charge, but on the day the Dragons just about deserving of the spoils An extremely tense game, and well contested and officiated.
Saturday 19 September 2009 Ely Rangers 1, AFC Llwydcoed 2, aet from AFC Llwydcoed Nathaniel Car Sales League Cup Round One Llwydcoed arrived at Ely’s Wenvoe ground looking to try and cause a cup upset against the Division One Team. Ely were full of confidence after their memorable win over local rivals Barry Town, the playing surface was superb, a credit to the Ely ground staff. Ely started brightly and looked dangerous on the left side only some superb defending by Ryan Barry and Leigh Phillips kept out the hosts strikers. Llwydcoed’s attacking moves were poor because the choice of pass to the Llwydcoed’s strikers Matthew Reynolds and Christopher Vardon was not good enough, the unaccustomed left midfield position saw Llwydcoed’s Brent Hewitt look uncomfortable. Ely were breaking at pace, Llwydcoed’s midfield of Jordan Coles and Ross Williams began to stop the threat after a difficult opening but Ely changed that and they found space in midfield and scored with a header on the far post, the pass cut out the Llwydcoed defence and eluded their goalkeeper Rhys James, Anthony Nagi scored. Llwydcoed picked themselves up from their set back and began to pass and move the excellent Christopher Vardon and Matthew Reynolds were complimenting each other. The Ely goalkeeper Ian Davies kept out some goal bound shots with some excellent saves and the first half finished with Llwydcoed on top but behind. The second half saw Llwydcoed take control, the intensity of their play was first class and the introduction of Llwydcoed substitutes Tomos Morris and Leon Bansal gave the team a big boost. The equaliser arrived with a penalty award after the excellent Matthew Reynolds was fouled. Up stepped Christopher Vardon to score. The Ely goalkeeper Ian Davies was by far the busier and a top class save from Christopher Vardon saved his team. During the second half Ely lost their influential defender Wayne Matthews through injury. Ely had a few chances on the break Llwydcoed were in charge but could not find the winning goal. Ely introduced their substitutes and this gave them a boost with only a last-ditch save by Llwydcoed’s goalkeeper Rhys James saved his team. Llwydcoed moved into the second half of extra time on top and deservedly and scored the winning goal and what a superb goal with Craig Boulton, Tomos Morris and Christopher Vardon finding Craig Hewitt with a sublime pass to score. The victory was in sight but the gloss was taken from the victory with two players from each team being dismissed in five minutes of complete madness.
Saturday 19 September 2009 Goytre United 0, Ton Pentre 0 from Ton Pentre FC With the rest of the Welsh League clubs in Nathaniel Car Sales League Cup action, Ton Pentre travelled to Glenhafod Park Stadium to play Goytre United in a Division One fixture as both teams had received a bye into the second round. Although this match finished without a goal it didn’t seem to matter as this top class encounter was full of action, commitment and excitement. In particular Ton Pentre will feel remarkably content with their performance as they proved to their doubters that they can compete with the top clubs in this division. The Rhondda Bulldogs dominated for large portions of this match, particularly in the second half, and even when they were on the back foot they defended stoutly in order to maintain their good start to the season. When Adam Lewis was fouled deep inside the Goytre United half after just ten minutes, it provided Ton with an excellent chance of opening the goal scoring from a free kick. Wayne Savage guided a perfect ball to the far post which avoided all of the Goytre defenders. Unfortunately, it also bypassed three Ton players who were unable to get a connecting header to the ball having left their runs a split second too late. Any contact on the ball would have beaten goalkeeper Chris Curtis. Resolute defending helped the Bulldogs keep Goytre United out as Gavin Rodgers was having his best game yet for Ton as time and time again he was blocking Richard Ryan’s advances towards goal. The defender was playing South Wales Amateur League football last season and he has adapted well to the higher standards of the Welsh League proved by his battles with Ryan, who is Division One’s most prolific striker. The battling exchanges between the two teams continued in the second half but it was Ton who started to look the more likely to get something from the match. A Long free kick forward from midfield saw the Goytre defence unable to control the ball and as a result it broke for Leon Young on the edge of D. The ball exploded off the midfielder's boot and looked destined for the back of the net but Curtis was able to pull off a wonderful save that drew applause from both sets of fans as the goalkeeper kept the scores level. Panic was beginning to set in throughout the home team as the Bulldogs continued to apply pressure to their hosts. As a result Curtis handled a back pass from his own defender which saw the Referee award an indirect free kick inside the 18-yard box. As the Goytre wall lined up inside the six-yard box Savage decided to try and place the ball in the top left hand corner of the goal rather than blasting his shot. This turned out to be the wrong decision as the ball floated over the cross bar releasing the pressure on Goytre. Goytre nearly snatched victory deep inside injury time when a useful attack saw Jacob Daly managing to break through the Ton defence for an opportunity to shoot. Richard Jeffries narrowed the angle but Daly was able to send a shot past the Ton keeper which somehow bounced and curled around the left goalpost. The Rhondda Bulldogs will be happy with the point they gained at Goytre which has seen the Ynys Park outfit climb to fourth in the table. Cup News: Ton have been drawn away to Bridgend Town in the second round of the FAW Welsh Cup. This will be the first ever Welsh Cup match at the Brewery Field and will take place on Saturday 3rd October 2009. Meanwhile the second round of the League Cup will see the Bulldogs take on West End at Ynys Park on Saturday 7th November. Next Match: Ton Pentre will face Dinas Powys at Ynys Park on Wednesday 23rd September at 7.30pm for a re-arranged Welsh League Division One fixture. Ton Pentre: Richard Jeffries, Jordan Branch, Phil Clarke, Adam Lewis, Gavin Rodgers, Ryan Morgan (Captain), Leon Young, Andrew Hughes, Wayne Savage, Chris Jones, Alyn Jones. Substitutes: Dan Morris (for 10 on 82mins), Dominic Broad, Jamie Thomas, P-Gi Pascal, Rhys Owen. Goals: None Bookings: Branch 20, Young 38 Referee: Hywel James (Cardiff)
Cwmaman Institute 2, Cwmbran Celtic 1 Nathaniel Car Sales League Cup Round One from Cwmaman Institute FC What a turn around from last week, after a record home defeat at the hands of their second division opponents, Cwmaman run out worthy winners of this League cup game. Leighton Price, Connor Wickham, Ross Leeke and Dorian Cook came into the team for the unavailable Matthew Cable, Richard Williams, Scott Carson and Ryan Woods. The game started in the same way as the previous week with Celtic having lots of possession but not the same space. Cwmaman were working hard in closing down their opponents and restricting them any space to work in. Cwmbran were getting frustrated at their lack opportunities, with only long range efforts which was easily dealt with by Truelove. Haggett was put in on goal but his shot hit the post and rebounded to safety, Airey also had a chance but his effort was into the side netting. Cwmbran’s goal was a defensive error when the centre forward was allowed to turn at the near post and beat Truelove in the home goal. At half time Cwmaman could feel a little hard done by, their play deserved a lot more than the score line reflected. With the young players showing maturity Cwmaman took the game to their opponents, Ross Leeke and Connor Wickham were holding their own in midfield and gaps started to appear in the Celtic defence. Cwmaman got back on level terms with a move down the right; it ended with Haggett putting Airey through the middle to beat the keeper from 15 yards. Within five minutes Cwmaman were in front for the first time and it was Airey who did the damage again. He slotted the ball home from 10 yards beating the advancing keeper. This was no more than Cwmaman deserved; it took a lot of character to come back from 1-7 reverse of the previous week. Cwmaman thoroughly deserved this victory and progress to the next round where they will play first division Bridgend Town at Canolfan on November 7th.
Porthcawl Town reserves 2 1 AFC Llwydcoed reserves 1 from Porthcawl Town FC Porthcawl Town reserves maintained their 100% start to the season with a hard fought win over AFC Llwydcoed. A sun-drenched afternoon and a smooth playing surface at Locks Lane provided the perfect conditions for Porthcawl to produce their attractive brand of football. The home side started brightly, working the ball well and looking full of ingenuity. Porthcawl used the channels well and looked likely to open the scoring as they broke with pace and purpose. As the heat threatened to sap the energy of the contest both sides continued to push for an opener. The challenges increased in intensity and volume as the half wore on and as the match required a goal Porthcawl found a breakthrough. Busy midfielder Olly Warren, who missed the victory over Bryntirion with a concussion, marked his return to action with a well-taken strike. Warren, a driving force in the middle, made a surging run from deep into the box to slam home a loose ball after the visitors failed to contain a fast-paced Porthcawl break. High-flying Town continued to press after the interval and come close to doubling their advantage when four corners in quick succession stirred panic in the away ranks and forced a headed goal line clearance. Llwydcoed restored parity when a flowing move was neatly finished by their front man, who found a yard of space in the six yard box to slot home. Despite losing their lead the home side maintained their composure and worked tirelessly to search for a second. In the 70th minute Porthcawl edged back in front when hard working forward Daniel Harris picked up the ball on the edge of the 18 yard box and drove in from the right to fire a pinpoint effort across the keeper from an acute angle. The home showed a good appetite for the remainder of the contest to match Llwydcoed’s repeated advances. The visitors were for the most part restricted to hopeful efforts from outside the box. Porthcawl saw out the final twenty minutes to record their second home victory in as many games. Match-winner Olly Warren said: “Even though we’re not playing to our best at times, we still pulled off a good result against a good side, which shows that we are ever improving as a team.” The Seasiders travel to neighbours Pontyclun on Saturday.
Saturday 12 September 2009 Cwmaman Institute 1, Cwmbran Celtic 7 FAW Welsh Cup, Round One from Cwmaman Institute FC Cwmaman suffered their heaviest home defeat for several years at the hands of their second division opponents. Cwmbran were a young team with pace and movement, but if Cwmaman are to learn from this defeat they could do worse than to look at their opponents. From the kick off Cwmbran controlled the game for long periods, but the home team were not without their chances. Seb Haggett had a chance in the 10th minute but his shot hit the outside of the post. Everything went pear-shaped for Cwmaman in the 15th minute when the young number seven was allowed to shoot from the edge of the area giving Truelove no chance. Worse was to follow two minutes later, a move down Cwmaman’s right saw the striker score at the near post, it soon became three and four before Haggett pulled a goal back for Cwmaman. More of the same was to follow in the second half, with the young Cwmaman team struggling to cope with the onslaught. But cope they did and maybe should have had a penalty when Haggett was pulled down. But there was no denying the visitors and they added a fifth when Palmer who had caused havoc in the Cwmaman's defence all afternoon, scored from inside the box. The visitors added two more goals before the final whistle to run out worthy winners. Cwmaman can learn a lot from this game, only if it’s to close their opponents down quicker and take chances when created, but the league is the priority this year and with a young team they can take a lot from this game.
Haverfordwest County 1, Llanelli 8 MacWhirter Youth Cup Round One Group D from Llanelli FC The Reds under 19’s began their MacWhirter Welsh League season in style at the New Bridge Meadow when they produced an impressive display of controlled and attacking football to beat fellow Welsh Premier League side Haverfordwest County in a League Cup Tie. After losing just four of last season’s all-conquering side, the Reds gave debuts to Llanelli boys, Craig Frater, who has returned to Stebonheath Park after being released by Manchester City, Liam Samuel and Ian Evans. Frater making the starting line up with Samuel and Evans making an appearance from the bench. The Reds started the game brightly and they eventually took the lead after just nine minutes when Kieran Hayes rose majestically to head home a Luke Chappell free kick. The Reds were now playing some excellent football and they went further ahead when Nathan Logan chipped the keeper from twenty yards out. The only blip on the night came a minute later when a defensive slip let in Sean Seymour Davies to fire home from inside the box. That was the end of the scoring for the first period but in the second half the young Reds produced an emphatic display scoring six goals without reply! Craig Frater started the goal avalanche when he hit a super left-footed free kick into the top of the net from 20 yards out in the 51st minute. Three minutes later Rikki Evans finished off a fine move when he tapped home a pass from Kieran Hayes. Nathan Logan got his second of the game on the hour when he produced some fine skill before hitting home a low hard drive. In the 77th minute Rikki Evans was brought down in the area and Declan John made no mistake from the resulting spot kick to make it 6 1. An inspired finish to the game saw the Reds add a further two goals when Craig Frater headed home a great cross from Antonio Facciuto and then Nathan Logan completed the scoring when he secured his hat trick when he was put through by Craig Frater. The Under-19s next game is at home to West End in the Welsh Youth Cup next Thursday. Llanelli: Craig Richards, Lewis Jones, Antonio Facciuto,Declan John,Ryan Batley,Joe Clarke,Rikki Evans,Luke Chappell,Craig Frater,Kieran Hayes, Nathan Logan. Subs. Oliver Ardolinno (Hayes) Liam Samuel (Batley) Ian Evans (Jones) Not Used Ben Jenkins, James Vyse Referee: Bernie Coyle
Port Talbot Town 1, Bryntirion Athletic 2 MacWhirter Youth Cup Round One Group B from www.porttalbottown.co.uk A number of new players made their Port Talbot Town debuts as manager Mark Pike took charge of his first competitive game since taking over the side during the summer. It was a nervous start for the side however against a physical Bryntirion team and after just six minutes the visitors had taken the lead through Davey Lavers who made no mistake with a good finish past goalkeeper Ryan Dummer. It was far from an ideal start for Port Talbot Town as Dummer became the far busier of the two goalkeepers in the opening exchanges as Port Talbot struggled to retain possession. On 13 minutes Bryntirion had doubled their lead when as John-Paul Budd drilled the ball through a crowded penalty area to extend their advantage. Despite being two goals behind Port Talbot settled into the game after 20 minutes and began asking questions themselves with striker Liam Pullen a concern for the visitors defence and he twice came close to bringing his team back into the match including an effort that hit the post from close range. The game swung in favour of the home side just before the break as the referee, having failed to take control of a number of hard challenges earlier in the match, sent off Bryntirion’s Davey Lavers for a stamp on Chris Thornton following consultation with his linesman. Having finished the opening half the better of the two sides, Port Talbot came right into the match in the second half and deservedly scored through Chris Silva on 61 minutes as he scored a with fine individual effort. The goal made the game very open but the play was constantly interrupted by a string of injuries. Port Talbot had two good chances with Liam Pullen twice finding himself in space in the area but could not score an equaliser as Bryntirion held on for the victory although Port Talbot will take plenty of positives from an encouraging performance. Port Talbot Town- Ryan Dummer, Jordan Tomlinson, Adam Gaunt, Aaron Biddescombe, Josh Wannacott, Chris Thornton, Luc Jones, Chris Silva, Liam Pullen, Sam France, Jack Germain. Subs - Jordan Stock, Adam Clark, Oliver Bowen, Luke Paynton. Goalscorer - Chris Silva (61) Bryntirion Athletic - David Dames, James Thomas, Josef Hopkins, Nathan Wilkinson, John- Paul Budd, Ioan Emmanuel, Ricky Newman, Max Morgan, Davey Lavers, Craig Dames, Owain Emmanuel. Subs - Kristian Smith, Lewis Murray, Jamie Barker. Goalscorers - Davey Lavers (6), John-Paul Budd (13)
Saturday 12 September 2009 Troedyrhiw 2, Abertillery Bluebirds 1 FAW Welsh Cup, Round One from Troedyrhiw FC Gwent side Abertillery Bluebirds were the visitors to The Willows for this Welsh Cup match. The visitors were something of an unknown quantity as this was the first time the two sides had met be it cup or otherwise. The opening encounters were tentative to say the least with neither side looking to make a mistake. It was 'Rhiw though that took the lead courtesy of Andrew Diggle following a corner, although it was helped on it's way by a Bluebirds defender. From then on the game was very much nip and tuck with chances coming and going for both sides. 'Rhiw custodian Jason Pendry gave a good account of himself when called into action. On around the 70 minute mark 'Rhiw went 2-0 in front when substitute Gavin O'Connor broke through the visiting defence and beat the Bluebirds 'keeper with aplomb. Bluebird's response was almost instant as their reduced the arrears and made for a tense climax to the game for their hosts. 'Rhiw though stood firm and despite being put under a little pressure from the visitors they held out to record a 2-1 victory that sees their name go into the hat for the second round draw. This Saturday sees 'Rhiw in cup action again, this time in the league cup where they travel to Llangeinor. * Troedyrhiw's Reserve team played their first game in the Welsh Reserve League Central Division away to Bettws and came away with a very creditable 1-1 draw. 'Rhiw fought back from a goal down with Lloyd Martin scoring from the penalty spot. 'Rhiw can be pleased with a very good point but were slightly disappointed not have claimed all three. * Troedyrhiw's Under 18 side maintained their 100% record when they recorded a 4-2 home win over Cardiff outfit Rhiwbina. On target for 'Rhiw were Rhys Tandy, Gareth Tedstone, Dan Jones and Matthew Rudge.
Saturday 12 September 2009 Cambrian & Clydach 4, Ammanford 0 FAW Welsh Cup, Round One by Ryan Tyler, Cambrian & Clydach FC Pictures by Brian Davies
Jason Bertorelli (right) scoring his first of three goals
Cambrian's Huw Bowtell challenges in midfield
James Mahoney of Cambrian (right) challenges Ammanford may have preferred any other League One team after hearing Cambrian had scored nine goals in their last two matches, Jason Bertorelli nearly added to this total hitting the post in the opening minutes. Ammanford came back with an early chance of their own, a powerful strike just inside the box being denied by goalkeeper Jarrad Howells. A long ball by Howells nearly embarrassed the Ammanford's defence, a headed ball floated past their own keeper and hit the post for a corner. Bertorelli found himself in the referee's book early in the first half after a collision with an Ammanford defender, the away supporters sure it was a sending off offence.
Cambrian tightened up at the back and put pressure on Ammanford,
several chances coming from their pace on both wings. Just before
half time Bertorelli scored his first goal, beating three defenders
and the goalkeeper. James Mahoney caused Ammanford no end of trouble on the left wing attracting some hard tackles, after a 50-50 challenge with Ammanford's goalkeeper Mahoney was sadly unable to continue. It wasn't long before Bertorelli was in on goal for his hat-trick, Huw Bowtell flicked a long throw onto the left wing which Bertorelli picked up beating the last defender and the goalkeeper finding the back of the net from a tight angle. Bowtell could only find the bar after beating the goalkeeper from close range but minutes later was picked out again from a long ball and was this time able to score making it 4-0 to Cambrian.
Saturday 12 September 2009 Porthcawl Town 2, Ton Pentre 4 FAW Welsh Cup, Round One from Ton Pentre FC Despite Porthcawl Town’s second half comeback, Ton Pentre never really looked like losing this FAW Welsh Cup Round One match as the Bulldogs class showed against their Welsh League Division Two opponents. The Rhondda Bulldogs had crashed out of the Welsh Cup at this stage last season against second division opposition in Llanwern, and as a result they were certainly looking to avoid such a shock this year’s competition. Ton signalled this intention within the first five minutes of this clash as Wayne Savage gave Ton the lead. Having heaped early pressure on the Seasiders, Ton Pentre won two corners. The first was superbly curled in by Phil Clarke but a Porthcawl defender got to the ball first to knock it behind for another corner. As he did with the first, Clarke executed another pinpoint cross that evaded the Porthcawl goalkeeper. As the ball reached the back post Savage was positioned well to chest the ball into the back of the net giving Ton the lead. Ton grabbed a second goal in the 22nd minute when Andrew Hughes dribbled the ball into the 18-yard box where he passed to Alyn Jones who continued the movement by squaring the ball to Jordan Branch who had run into the box from the right wing. Branch applied an excellent finish to give the Bulldogs complete control of this Welsh Cup fixture. Branch nearly scored Ton’s third of the match in the 51st minute had it not been for the goal post. Hughes was once again on hand to provide a well timed pass diagonally through the box for Branch to latch onto. From the tight angle that he found himself in, Branch unleashed a fierce strike that unfortunately hit the upright. As the half progressed Ton’s grip on the match began to slacken as slapdash defensive play allowed Porthcawl to apply pressure through a series of corners. Despite coming close to scoring on several of these occasions Ton somehow managed to stop the ball from ending up in the back of the net. The Bulldogs gave themselves some breathing space in the 66th minute after Leon Young was upended as he ran into the box resulting in a penalty. Branch made it 3-0 from the penalty spot with an assured kick that sent the goalkeeper the wrong way. Ton should have strolled into the second round of the competition from here but following a mini collapse the Bulldogs were made sweat as the home team pulled two goals back as Ton allowed themselves to get under pressure once again. Porthcawl’s goals were scored in the 73rd and 84th minutes and Ton were desperate not concede again as the defence finally regained its form to block the Seasiders' advances. As a result of this defending Ton were able to get the ball forward and secure victory two minutes from time when Chris Jones was released clean through on goal to take the ball around the keeper before slotting it into the back of the net to make it 4-2. The Bulldogs now eagerly await the draw for the second round of the FAW Welsh Cup. Ton face their toughest challenge of the season so far on Saturday 19th September when the Bulldogs travel to Port Talbot based club, Goytre United for a MacWhirter Welsh League Division One fixture. The match at Glenhafod Park Stadium kicks off at 2.30 pm. Ton Pentre: Richard Jeffries, Jordan Branch, Phil Clarke, Adam Lewis, Ryan Morgan (Captain), Gavin Rodgers, Andrew Hughes, Leon Young, Chris Jones, Wayne Savage, Alyn Jones. Substitutes: Dan Morris (for 7 on 74 mins), Jamie Thomas (for 2 on 90 mins), 15. Rhys Owen, P-Gi Pascal. Goals: Savage 4, Branch 22, 66 (Pen), C. Jones 88 Booking: Rodgers 43, Savage 64 Referee: Teifion Cook (Swansea)
Newcastle Emlyn 1, AFC Llwydcoed 2 FAW Welsh Cup, Round One from AFC Llwydcoed Llwydcoed travelled to Parc Emlyn Football Ground minus six regular squad players with Leon Bansal, Ross Williams, Tomos Morris, and Richard Dennis joining long term injury casualties Jonathan Mason and Matthew Doherty on the sidelines. AFC Llwydcoed Manager Mark Harbord moved utility player Craig Boulton into defence with young Ben Rees, Matthew Reynolds and Wayne Smith into the team line-up. After a poor start to their league campaign Llwydcoed required a display that they were capable of and that’s just what happened. They started the match superbly the link-play involving Craig Boulton and Craig Hewitt which saw Christopher Vardon causing problems for the Newcastle defence, the movement and passing was up to standard. Newcastle gave away a lot of free kicks trying to stop the attacking threat from Llwydcoed’s team work rate which was stopping any Newcastle attacking moves only a long range effort by their midfield player Adam Raymond caused any danger. Christopher Vardon scored deservedly with a quality turn and shot past Newcastle goalkeeper Rhodri Jones and they had a grip on the match and from another move involving Wayne Smith and Matthew Reynolds, Jordan Coles pounced on a Newcastle error to score his first of the season. Llwydcoed’s first half display was full of quality with Ben Rees settling in well, and the experience of Stuart Evans was evident throughout the half Newcastle knew an early goal could give them a lift after the first half display by Llwydcoed that did not seem possible with the temperatures becoming hotter Llwydcoed were punished for not clearing the attack and Sam Thomas scored for Newcastle so they had been given a boost. They started to threaten Llwydcoed’s defence and a few minutes of pressure saw Ryan Barry and Leigh Phillips stopping their attacks. Newcastle could not break open the Llwydcoed grip on the match, the last quarter saw both teams play out the match with Llwydcoed the deserved winners, the Llwydcoed supporters were smiling again, a much improved display with Craig Boulton playing for the shirt - just what you expect.
Saturday 12 September 2009 Barry Town 1, Ely Rangers 5 FAW Welsh Cup, Round One by Dave Cronk With near-neighbours Ely Rangers visiting sunny Jenner Park and on a finely-conditioned pitch, there was real optimism among the Barry fans for some progress in this season’s Welsh Cup, few however could have envisaged the nightmare scenario for manager Gavin Chesterfield and his players of what was to come from the contest that followed. The first half saw an even game with both sides playing some attractive football, but with few clear-cut chances and Barry just about on top, the impressive Jason Davies catching the eye, as did Nanna Bah with his running off the ball and with the Dragons fans waiting expectantly for the breakthrough. It did not come as expected however, against the run of play and in the 40th minute one of Rangers’ lively front-runners, Lee Carter, neatly evaded his marker and scored with a crisp low drive, beyond the advancing home keeper Richard Johnson, deputising for the suspended Dan Bradley, it was a smartly taken goal. In the final minute and with the referee’s whistle in his mouth Barry striker Zak Misbah was unfortunate in hitting the bar after lobbing the keeper. The second half then became something of a horror show for the Dragons, with their poorest 45 minutes seen in recent times in the competition. The lively visitors having very useful front-runners soon began to take advantage of the situation, forcing the normally solid Dragons defence into panic mode. Poor as the Dragons were on the day; conversely, the Ely side were playing some delightful football for their fans, completely out-playing the beleaguered town defence, they began a scoring spree that continued throughout the half with four more goals completing a rout. That had the stunned crowd watching on, rubbing their eyes in disbelief. Barry's stand-in keeper Johnson must have wished he was elsewhere as he had little chance with any of them. There was at least something to cheer about however in the closing stages, with several substitutes now on Barry scored, the returning Rob Blatchford's pace and control beginning to cause problems and a well taken consolation goal by fellow substitute striker Josh Bell just before the end causing a ripple in the stand, but it was all far too late for any sort of hope of progress in this year’s competition. A hat trick by Mathew Hibbs, and one by Antony Nagi, bringing a well deserved Welsh Cup victory for the visitors.
Hay St Mary’s 2, Dinas Powys 1, aet FAW Welsh Cup Round One by Morley Williams, Dinas Powys FC
The visit to the book town of Hay on Wye was a break from
league games for Dinas Powys but they would have hoped to come away
with a win against their Spar Mid Wales League opponents. Dinas kept up the pressure on the home side forcing a number of corners before Jaymes Dixon should have doubled the lead hooking a Paul Carro cross narrowly wide of the post. In the first half-hour Hay were penned back in their own half with Jaymes Dixon and Liam Beattie always dangerous for Dinas but they failed to capitalise on the amount of possession they had. Hay gradually came into the game with Rhodri Foote clearing a Kevin Jones cross and when Jones met a free-kick lofted into the area his effort sailed high from no more than six yards. Hay had their best opportunity of the half when Liam Brewster got the better of the defence and his powerful shot hit the post and out for a goal-kick.
Just before half-time Liam Beattie hooked a clearance over
his shoulder but the ball just cleared the bar and with half-time
approaching another great run from Jaymes Dixon ended with a good
cross headed for goal by Tony Wallis, but Hay keeper Steve Price
pulled off an excellent point-blank save to deny him. They were made to rue these missed opportunities thirty minutes into the half, following a throw Hay crossed into the area and with players unable to reach the ball at the near post it hit Owain Adams and rolled into the net for an unfortunate own-goal. Dinas thought they had regained the lead eight minutes from time when good interplay between Liam Beattie and Jacob Rudman gave Rudman the chance to shoot and when the ball was deflected to substitute Mark Dunford his effort was ruled out for offside.
There had been plenty of effort from both sides and neither
really wanted to play a further thirty minutes extra time in what
must have been one of the hottest days of a poor summer.
Saturday 5 September 2009 Ton Pentre 1, Barry Town 0 by Edryd Thomas After a vital win against Taffs Well last week, Barry faced a tough trip away from home at Ton Pentre. Barry were nursing a few injuries and were missing several key players. Ton were one place below Barry in the table, so Barry knew they were in for a tough ride. The game started with neither side really creating any clear cut chances. Ton’s tactics were to knock the long ball and to try and get their pacy strikers in behind the Barry defence. However, Barry coped very well with new signing Dan Clare impressing again. After 20 minutes things were soon turned on their head when Barry’s keeper Dan Bradley was sent off after being judged to have handled the ball outside the area. Morgan Harris bravely stepped up and put the gloves on. The resulting free kick was well saved by the stand in keeper, and Barry were glad to clear after a nervous few minutes. With the extra man Ton were enjoying a good spell of possession and got their reward after 28 minutes, when a good cross came in to the box and the ball bounced off Barry’s right back Jason Davies and into the net. He wasn’t affected by this setback, as he once again had a very good game at right back. As the first half progressed Barry restricted Ton to very few chances and had some decent possession themselves, but with a man down found it difficult to create any good chances. On 24 minutes Ton had a good chance to go 2-0 up, a good cross from the left hand side found the Ton player at the back post, but he failed to score as he blazed his shot over. Barry’s best move of the match came in the 35th minute with some lovely neat passes resulting in a cross into the box, but James Simpson failed to convert with a header. Shortly after Morgan Harris was called into action and he responded with a great punching save. Barry manager Gavin Chesterfield’s team talk must have worked as Barry came out fighting and looked determined to pull the score back level. Barry were strong in attack and defence with Ian Jones and Zak Misbah giving the Ton Pentre defence plenty to deal with. Also, Barry’s defence had to be on their toes as Ton were not just going to sit back and drop deeper and deeper. Dan Clare produced a great defensive header as the shot from the Ton Pentre forward looked destined for the goal. On the hour mark Ton broke quickly and used their man advantage as their striker burst through, one-on-one with Barry’s stand it keeper, he shot hard and low but Morgan Harris was equal to it and pulled off a fantastic save that Petr Cech would have been proud of. Unfortunately just after the hour Ian Jones had to go off due to injury and was replaced by Nana Baah. Barry were hoping that Nana could make his presence felt and cause problems for the home defence. Shortly after Nana had a chance to level the game, a good cross from Jason Davies found him in the box where he met the ball with a decent header which the Ton Pentre keeper tipped over. By now Barry were really on top and the home side were struggling to deal with the pressure. Another chance for Barry, this time it was James Simpson’s shot that went wide after he beat two defenders with ease. Ton had a rare chance in the second half to score, when a cross came in form the right that found Shane Brewer at the back post, but his shot was blazed over form 18 yards. After 70 minutes Barry had a great chance to level up, with some lovely neat interplay between Zak and Nana resulting in Zak’s shot at the back post going agonisingly wide. On the 75th minute Nana had a snap shot that just went over the bar, and the home side were now clinging on. Barry made another sub as Geraint Goodridge replaced Anthony Redwood. Another chance came Barry’s way as James Simpson’s shot was well saved by the keeper for another Barry corner. In the dying minutes Zak’s long range effort just crept over the crossbar much to the delight of the Ton Pentre keeper. The referee blew his whistle and the cheer from the Ton Pentre players and supporters showed how much of a scalp it was beating Barry. Barry will feel disappointed that they didn’t get anything out of the game, especially in the second half as they piled the pressure on the home side. Barry Town: 1 Dan Bradley, 2 Jason Davies, 3 Nickie Jones, 4 Lewis Cosslett, 5 Dan Clare, 6 Anthony Redwood, 7 James Simpson, 8 Scott Jones, 9 Ian Jones, 10 Zak Misbah 11 Morgan Harris, 12 Nana Baah, 14 Geraint Goodridge, 15 Michael Hayward, 16 Gavin Chesterfield. Next Saturday Barry are home to Ely Rangers in the First Round of the Welsh Cup, kick off 2.30 pm.
Saturday 5 September 2009 Cwmaman Institute 1, Briton Ferry Llansawel 1 from Cwmaman Institute FC Cwmaman’s good start continued with this hard fought game against a powerful Briton Ferry Llansawel team. The home team were slow out of the blocks and the visitors took the initiative to put Cwm under pressure, Cwm were finding it difficult to hold on to the ball. The home defence were strong in the opening period and slowly they got to grips with the visitors. Cwm had a purple patch in the latter part of the first half, and forced several corners without any success in the way of goals but they were now competing with their opponents. Leighton Price and Richard Williams were controlling the centre of midfield and Seb Haggett and Ross Williams were causing problems up front. The half ended with no goals but lots of goalmouth action at both ends. The second half saw David Airey replace the injured Ross Williams and Cwmaman had instant success, Player-manager Leighton Price hit a shot from twenty yards which was only parried away by the visitors keeper, David Airey reacted the quickest to slot the ball into the net. This was a great start by Cwm, but the visitors hit back by putting them under pressure and forcing them to defend for long periods. The pressure paid off in the 86th minute following a corner, Cwm could not clear the ball and a cross to the near post had the slightest of touches to beat Cwm keeper Truelove at the near post. You could say it was hard luck on the home team to concede so late in the game, but the visitors deserved to take a point away from the game after forcing Cwmaman to defend in the later part of the game.
Saturday 5 September 2009 Monmouth Town 3, Troedyrhiw 4 from Troedyrhiw FC 'Rhiw travelled to the Chippenham Sports Ground, Monmouth last Saturday to take on Monmouth Town in this league clash. The travelling squad were more or less back to full strength following injuries, etc. There were goals aplenty in this enthralling encounter and it was 'Rhiw who raced into a 0-2 first half lead. The first a fine strike from Michael Cope, followed by a thumping trademark header from Chris Siers. The Kingfishers were shell-shocked to say the least but despite their best efforts they were unable to find a reply and the first half ended 0-2. The second half saw 'Rhiw a shadow of the the side they were in the first half and they were decidedly lack-lustre and out of sorts. This was apparent when Town made it 1-2 early on in the second half and soon after made things all square. Later in the half 'Rhiw restored their lead when Adam Callan scored with a superb 30-yard effort. However, this lead was short-lived as Town levelled the scores yet again. Time was ticking as both sides battled it out in search of the winner. It was Siers who provided it, again scoring with his head to make it 3-4 and break Town's hearts. When the final whistle sounded after what seemed like an eternity, it was 'Rhiw who travelled back victorious and with the all important three points under their belt. This Saturday sees 'Rhiw welcome Abertillery Bluebirds to The Willows in the first round of the prestigious Welsh Cup competition. Having already disposed of Cwmbran Town in the preliminary round, 'Rhiw will be looking to proceed further. Kick off is at 2.00 pm. * Troedyrhiw's Reserve side kicked off their season at a higher level with a Welsh League Reserve cup match away to Pontardawe Town. 'Rhiw put in an excellent performance winning the game 1-2 in the last minute with an excellent strike from Dan Hanson. 'Rhiw will be at home to Afan Lido in the next round.
Saturday 5 September 2009 Cambrian and Clydach 3, Caldicot Town 3 from Cambrian and Clydach FC Cambrian looked dangerous from the off, Scott Seldon’s pace causing problems for Caldicot on the wing and it would be from there Cambrian’s first goal would be made, Jason Bertorelli put a cutting pass to Dane Williams on the right wing who set up Huw Bowtell for a tap in. Cambrian began to dominate the half with quick passing and physical play. Caldicot struggled to get into the game and spent most of the first half defending, a free kick on the halfway line gave them a chance to attack but a short pass was picked up by Cambrian and put Bortorelli in on gaol who was able to put Bowtell in for his second of the match.
Bertorelli had three chances to make it 3-0, a cross from Dane
Williams was flicked just over the bar, a through ball from Lee
Matthews was cut out by the keeper and a long dangerous back pass
was struck well but once again the keeper was able to save. Dane
Williams also found himself on the end of a great through ball from
Bowtell, Williams was able to take it around the keeper but was
cleared off the line. Caldicot received another booking but this time saved a goal, Bertorelli had just beaten the keeper in the air, as the ball rolled toward the goal the referee had already blown up and given Cambrian a free kick in their own half. It seemed as if Bertorelli would not manage a goal hitting the bar with his next effort. The chances kept coming Cambrians way with Bowtell heading just wide and Bertorelli denied again this time a good save from the Caldicot keeper who was determined not to concede again. Caldicot received their third yellow card for abuse directed at the referee. Bowtell found himself looking at his forth of the match when James Mahoney picked up the ball after the keeper had failed to clear but shot wide of an empty net.
Cambrian continued to worry Caldicot’s defence with attack after
attack, Huw Bowtell was pulled down in the box but the referee
claimed it as a fair challenge. A shot from James Mahoney was just
cleared for a corner which saw Caldicot’s keeper pull off another
good save at the back post. Lee Mathews failed to make it 4-1 pulling his shot wide only moments after Caldicot’s first goal. Caldicot celebrated their second goal just a few minutes later; a cross was headed toward goal by Cambrian’s Robbie Thomas that beat keeper Jarrad Howells making it 3-2. Cambrian came back with another quick attack, Caldicot’s keeper pulling off an impressive double save keeping his team in the game. Caldicot flooded the box after winning a corner with only seconds left and were able to head in to take a share of the points.
Saturday 5 September 2009 Ton Pentre 1, Barry Town from Ton Pentre FC Ton Pentre edged themselves to a MacWhirter Welsh Football League Division One victory at Ynys Park against Barry Town. The Dragons were reduced to 10 men during the first half after goalkeeper Dan Bradley was sent off for denying an obvious goal scoring opportunity. The red card was the result of a poor clearance on Bradley’s part during the 18th minute of play. The Barry goalkeeper, whilst attempting to clear the ball following a Ton attack, hit it straight at Bulldogs striker Chris Jones. As Jones shot at goal from outside the box Bradley dived on the ball and handled it in the process denying a strong possibility of a goal. Clark Campbell, the match referee, had no option but to send the player off. Morgan Harris took over goalkeeping duties for Barry and the outfield player put in a heroic performance denying Ton on many occasions throughout the match. Ton Pentre took the lead on 29 minutes when some lovely build-up play saw Andrew Hughes provide Alyn Jones with a defence splitting through ball. Jones looked to square the ball to Leon Young, who had made a run into the box from midfield. As the ball cut across the box Barry defender Jason Davies stuck his leg out to block the pass and inadvertently directed the ball into his own net. Ton should have scored again four minutes later when a Chris Jones pass into Alyn Jones’ run from the right provided Ton’s vice captain with an opportunity to strike. His effort however, continued to rise from the moment it left his boot and the shot skimmed the top of the crossbar. Alyn Jones came close again soon after when he linked up with Hughes. Jones hit a powerful shot at goal but Harris punched the ball away from underneath his cross bar. At the start of the second half Alyn Jones was substituted due to an ankle injury and was replaced by Dan Morris. Immediately after his introduction Morris saw the ball brake for him as it dropped behind the Barry defence. Morris brought the ball under control using his chest to knock it into his stride. He decided to strike low and hard but Harris pulled off a fine save to deny the striker of his first goal of the season by tipping it around the goalpost. The Rhondda Bulldogs won several free kicks on the edge of Barry’s box during the early stages of the second half but the closest they came to scoring from one was in the 60th minute. Wayne Savage took a strike at goal with a powerful attempt that took a deflection off the wall before hitting the left post. Ton spent the rest of the second half on the back foot as the ten men of Barry got a strong foothold in the match and began to pile on the pressure. Their best effort came from a long throw on the right. As ball was hurled into the box, Nana Baah’s headed effort was tipped over the bar by Richard Jeffries. The Rhondda Bulldogs managed to hold out for a victory that saw them climb to sixth in Division One. Ton’s attentions now turn towards the FAW Welsh Cup Round One match at Porthcawl Town on Saturday, 12th September. The match kicks off at 2pm. Ton Pentre: 1. Richard Jeffries, 2. Jordan Branch, 3. Shane Brewer, 4. Adam Lewis, 5. Ryan Morgan (Captain), 6. Gavin Rodgers, 7. Andrew Hughes, 8. Leon Young, 9. Chris Jones, 10. Wayne Savage, 11. Alyn Jones. Substitutes: 12. Dan Morris (for 11 on 51mins), 14. Phil Clarke, 15. P-Gi Pascal, 17. Shay Everson (for 8 on 90mins). Goal: Davies OG 29 Booked: Young 31, Savage 68 Referee: Clark Campbell (Blackwood)
Saturday 5 September 2009 Caerau (Ely) 2, AFC Llwydcoed 0 from AFC Llwydcoed Llwydcoed crumbled to their third defeat in five opening matches, the defeat was not as sad as the serious leg injury to star player Jonathan Mason who was returning from an injury to his left leg. Llwydcoed also welcomed back Brent Hewitt, Stuart Evans, Leon Bansal from injury and illness. Caerau Ely’s promising start to the season was a challenge that Llwydcoed knew they had to be up for, an early move saw Craig Hewitt put Jonathan Mason away, the Caerau Ely defender ran alongside him who lost his footing and turned over on his right ankle, a sickening injury blow for this special player. AFC Llwydcoed Manager Mr. Mark Harbord introduced Craig Boulton into midfield moving Craig Hewitt to the right side. Caerau Ely, a very young side, were full of pace and confidence, they found Llwydcoed not as one after the early injury and punished them with a twenty-five yard screamer from James Cotterill who was totally unmarked. Llwydcoed responded with Richard Dennis keeping possession for Christopher Vardon to break through the host’s defence but they soon cleared the danger. Caerau Ely almost doubled their advantage when they were allowed to run past their markers and only poor finishing stopped them, also Llwydcoed’s goalkeeper Rhys James saved his team. Caerau Ely were not to be denied they finally doubled their advantage with Steve Moore eluding the Llwydcoed players to score easily, a shocking team goal, the first half finished with Llwydcoed’s team spirit wanting. AFC Llwydcoed Manager Mark Harbord’s half time team talk was verbal and constructive, the players responded with Christopher Vardon odds on to score but Caerau Ely goalkeeper David Burnett saved at his feet. Llwydcoed’s performance in the second half was much improved and they began to control the midfield but possession was given away too cheaply Caerau Ely’s pacey young midfield and strikers still caused Llwydcoed problems and only some top goalkeeping by Rhys James stopped them from scoring. Llwydcoed’s Christopher Vardon still had enough chances to win two matches but they all went astray, a much improved performance in the second half, nevertheless yet another defeat. Caerau Ely overall deserved their victory.
Dinas Powys 1, Aberaman Ath 2
by Morley Williams, Dinas Powys FC
Aberaman came to The Murch in second position but Dinas pushed them all the way and almost got a point, but the visitors were the stronger side through the majority of the game.
The visitors started the game well with forwards Jonathan Kift and Barry Gunstone looking strong but the Dinas defence held out well. But they were caught out in the twentieth minute when a corner was cleared but fell to an Aberaman player who immediately crossed the ball and with the Dinas defence appealing for offside Barry Gunstone ran through from a deeper position to rifle in from twenty yards. The visitors continued to have the majority of the game with Kift’s overhead kick and Tom Ramasut’s effort off-target. The centre-half pairing of Owain Adams and Josh Reffell copped well against the visiting attack with young Reffell in particular playing well but with the Dinas midfield not firing on all cylinders few chances were created in the first-half.
Dinas came out in the second-half looking for the equaliser but were knocked back after just four minutes when Gunstone’s cross found Steve Edwards in acres of space at the far post and he headed in from just five yards to double their lead.
On the plus side Jacob Ruduson was doing well on his debut starting at full-back but moving forward into midfield for the last half-hour and helped to push Dinas forward. Gareth Williams in the visitors goal did well to parry Liam Beattie’s fierce shot and gathered at the second attempt and when Tony Wallis got the better of his marker his cross was met by substitute Calvin McClaggon but his shot was charged down with the crowd appealing for hand-ball.
The home side thought they had got a goal back when Liam Beattie rose above the defence to head in at the far post only for the referee to blow for a harsh foul on the keeper. A few minutes before the end they did get the goal there never-say-die efforts deserved, Jacob Ruduson powered his way into the area and was brought down, the referee immediately pointed to the spot and Ricki Morgan stepped up to convert. Despite there efforts Dinas could not get the equaliser in the short time remaining.
This result took Aberaman to the top of the table and next week Dinas look forward to a trip to Hay St Marys in the first round of the Welsh Cup.
Saturday 29 August 2009 Newcastle Emlyn 1, AFC Porth 2 from AFC Porth
Porth left it late, very late, but in fairness it was
well-deserved, and shows the never say die attitude, credit goes to
the management team of Paul, Scott and the two Rob's who have
moulded this team, with a fantastic team spirit, the bus was rocking
all the way home
Porth forced a succession of corners, which Jones dealt with
and as the half came to a close, having already been booked, Thomas
was very late as Noble cleared, but the referee gave him the benefit
and blew for half time shortly after
For the next 10 minutes was the most dangerous of the match
for Porth, as Emlyn with their tails up stormed forward, and Porth
seemed to lose shape, Davies was booked after a succession of home
corners and indeed Cory was fortunate when one eluded everyone at
the near post and he cleared from under the bar with inches to
spare. Both Davies and Emlyn's Thomas were fortunate not to get a
second yellow. Thomas again flattened Davies, and Porth's best chance so far came on 75 minutes when after yet another foul Ashley .Burge took a quick free kick, Coles couldn't believe the space he was in and hesitated slightly, and the danger was cleared. Noble then wasted a glorious chance when after yet another corner the ball fell to him some eight yards out but he shot wide. Time for the cavalry on 86 minutes as Scott Young replaced Noble and went straight up front, within a minute a chance as his shot hit the post and rebounded into the keeper’s hands with Orchard waiting, most teams would have thought that was it but not these boys as on 88 minutes a breakthrough, Brock stormed down the left, cut inside the box and buried his shot into the bottom corner.. If there was to be a winner it was going to be from Porth, they continued piling forward and on 93 minutes after the initial danger had been cleared Cory fed Brock, he checked inside and crossed to the far post were Christian Burge leapt like a salmon and headed back across goal, Young powered forward and with neck muscles flaring and buried the header beyond the despairing dive of Jones. There were mass celebrations from Porth, but Emlyn were dejected, there was still time for a horrendous tackle on Coles which led to handbags all round but Porth after five previous failings left with the three points, which made the long journey home seem that much sweeter. Next at home for Porth is Ammanford on Saturday 5th September (2.30 pm).
Saturday 29 August 2009 Aberaman Athletic 2, Cambrian & Clydach 6 from Cambrian & Clydach FC
Cambrian got their most convincing win this
season over top of the league side, Aberaman.
Cambrian had a clear chance to take the lead
after a through ball to Mahoney saw him fail to put unmarked Jason
Bertorelli in and chipped into the keepers hands, Aber managed a
goal from this save, a defensive error allowed Aberaman a tap in to
take a one-nil lead through Nicky Hooper.
With a chance to head home the fourth and a
one-on-one with the keeper it looked like things were out of reach
for Aberaman, when Bertorelli fell on Aberaman's keeper, Daniel
Field, seeing him leave the field three-one down and Cambrian having
a throw in. Aberaman's replacement keeper saw the first of the ball
run between his legs as his own defender helped Cambrian into a
four-one lead. Aberaman finally getting a chance on goal later in the second half saw a good effort hit the post, when Dane Williams tried to clear the ball caught one of Aberaman's players for a penalty. Aberaman were able to make it five-two through Jon Kift.
Cambrian came back with more chances including a
volley at the back post cleared off the line, Huw Bowtell finished
off with a goal tucked under the goal keeper just before full time.
Saturday, 29 August 2009 Bettws 0, Ton Pentre 0 from Ton Pentre FC Ton Pentre and Bettws played out a drab stalemate at the North Site ground as neither team could breach their opponents defence. The Rhondda Bulldogs will feel particularly disappointed with their performance as they failed to muster a single shot on target during the whole 90 minutes. Bettws faired slightly better but were unable to score from two very good chances in the first half. With just over half an hour played a long through ball from the Bettws midfield looked to release their strike force, however, the ball was slightly over hit and it appeared to be running loose just to the right of the 18-yard box. Ton’s goalkeeper, Richard Jeffries, ran to meet the ball and bring it under his possession but he soon found himself over-committed and was beaten to the ball by an alert opponent, and as a result a cross was sent into the box. Ryan Morgan was forced to clear off the line as he beat the striker to the ball. Following some Bettws pressure Ton had to clear the ball off the goal line for a second time moments before the half-time break. On this occasion Adam Lewis was Ton’s saviour as the defender struck the ball to safety. In the second half there was very little activity in either team’s penalty areas that would even suggest that the stalemate could be broken. Despite the lack of action in this game Bettws will be content that they are beginning to steady the ship after the recent resignation of manager Mark Sage following a couple of poor results at the start of the season. Meanwhile, one positive that the Bulldogs can take from this game is that they managed to keep a clean sheet after conceding 10 goals in their first four matches. Ton have a tough test in their next match when Barry Town visit Ynys Park for a 2.30 pm kick off on Saturday, 5th September. Under the guidance of manager Gavin Chesterfield, Barry are a well organised outfit and have already revealed what their intentions are this season by applying for promotion to the Welsh Premier League should they finish in a top two position in the MacWhirter Welsh League Division One. Ton Pentre: 1. Richard Jeffries, 2. Jordan Branch, 3. Gavin Rodgers, 4. Adam Lewis, 5. Ryan Morgan, 6. Andrew Hughes, 7. Leon Young, 8. Dominic Broad, 9. Chris Jones, 10. Alyn Jones (Captain), 11. Phil Clarke. Substitutes: 12. Shane Brewer (for 11 on 47mins), 14. P-Gi Pascal, 15. Dan Morris, 16. Jamie Thomas (for 7 on 70mins), 17. Shay Everson (for 8 on 56mins). Goals: None Bookings: Young 42 Referee: Richard Harrington
Saturday 29 August 2009 Barry Town 2, Taffs Well 1 by Dave Cronk After several indifferent performances, injuries and departures in recent weeks manager Gavin Chesterfield was once again forced into making changes for the visit of near neighbours Taffs Well,. With the unfortunate injury of a broken arm to vital central defender Kurt Bettles, Chesterfield brought in Dan Clair for his debut and the young defender gave a man-of-the-match performance on his debut, being very assured in the air and distributing the ball well on the ground. Nannah Bah replacing the very experienced Ian Jones started the game for the first time and also took his opportunity well, often troubling the Wellmen’s defence with his pace and well-timed heading ability. With the Jones brothers, Nickie and Scott working hard in midfield, the signs of a home victory were there for all to see. However Taffs Well were in no mood to be turned over, and throughout the first half the game went end to end with neither side creating too many chances in front of goal the score remained scoreless at half time. The match continued in the same vein well into the second half until the latter stages, it was the Dragons though who made the long awaited breakthrough in the seventy fifth minute, when young striker Josh Bell struck with what appeared to be a half-hit volley low into the Wellmen’s net, deceiving Jon Howe in the visitors goal who had gone to ground early allowing the ball to bounce over his despairing hands, The Dragons then began to finally dominate the Cardiff side but as all football fans know one-nil is a dangerous score, and Taffs equalised six minutes from time when their lively number nine scored a good goal, when for once the home side’s well marshalled defence failed to clear their own box.. When it looked like the home side would have to settle for a draw, which to be fair in the context of most of the match, would have been a fair result, the Dragons brought on several substitutes and it was one of these, the experienced and skilful Morgan Harris who danced through a couple of challenges and hit a glorious drive past the visiting keeper for a much needed, confidence building winner just minutes from the final whistle, The referee, who had in the main controlled the game admirably, then brought to an end.a much improved performance from the Dragons on the midweek match.
Saturday 29 August 2009 AFC Llwydcoed 3, Newport YMCA 2 from AFC Llwydcoed Llwydcoed welcomed back Christopher Vardon to the team but were missing defender Stuart Evans plus another four players. YMCA arrived at the Welfare Ground with two victories to their credit, Llwydcoed had just one point from nine. YMCA started brilliantly with plenty of confidence and Llwydcoed’s midfield of Craig Boulton Tomos Morris and Jordan Coles had to be as one otherwise the YMCA would gain the upper hand. After the opening exchanges the YMCA scored from a corner with an Olly Beckett header beating Llwydcoed goalkeeper Rhys James to the ball. So the hosts were behind , the first time in four league games they had not scored first, the new formation. Llwydcoed’s midfield looked promising and they began to threaten the YMCA with Ross Williams involved, only some splendid goalkeeping by YMCA Ashley Wintle stopped Christopher Vardon from scoring, Llwydcoed were rewarded for their response with Leigh Phillips scoring with a towering header from Jordan Coles corner, a second goal soon followed with Justin Nash scoring from another Jordan Coles corner. YMCA were finding it difficult to gain possession. Llwydcoed scored a third with a top team goal with Ross Williams scoring. YMCA responded to a very hot half time team talking by their Manager, they showed plenty of endeavour and belief and pushed Llwydcoed back on the defensive, the Llwydcoed defence was solid with Justin Nash, Ryan Barry and Leigh Phillips superb. Both Llwydcoed and YMCA were forced to substitute players through injury after a heavy challenge involving Llwydcoed’s Tomos Morris and Leon Spargo, Wayne Smith made a welcome return with twenty five minutes remaining Llwydcoed had seemed to keep out the YMCA attacks but that soon changed a corner kick by the YMCA and John Pardue beat Llwydcoed’s goalkeeper Rhys James to the ball and scored with a header, meaning more anxious times for the hosts. the YMCA were having more and more possession, Llwydcoed’s defence was under pressure but thy remained solid, the Llwydcoed players turned efence into attack several times with Richard Dennis a constant threat and Christopher Vardon having shots brilliantly saved by the YMCA goalkeeper Ashley Wintle, he was the visitors “Man of the Match” as this match entered the final few minutes the YMCA made a final assault to try and gain a result but the final whistle blew with all three points won by Llwydcoed.
Wednesday 26 August 2009 AC Llwydcoed 2, Penrhiwceiber Rangers 2 from AFC Llwydcoed Rangers arrived at the Welfare Ground hoping to record a double over Llwydcoed who were missing players Brent Hewitt, Leon Bansal, Christopher Vardon, Jonathan Mason, Matthew Doherty. The Rangers were also missing Guy Hillman with a long term injury. The match burst into life Llwydcoed spread the ball wide and Craig Hewitt post his marker and crossed hard and low and Tomos Morris scored. Rangers were not behind for long they exploited the changes in Llwydcoed’s defence and Gary Collins scored with a rocket shot. Rangers were on top and another move with Sam George involved saw Ryan Buchmann find space to score, making it three goals in the eight minutes. Llwydcoed were rocked by this two goal blitz, they looked as if they were going to concede again, but they just about hung. Llwydcoed came through an opening spell and began to threaten the Rangers defence, whose midfield had dominated, Ross Williams was having another fine match for Llwydcoed they should have won a penalty after a blatant hand ball that was waived away. Half time arrived with Llwydcoed on the ropes. The second half favoured the hosts, they picked up the work rate and created some chances, they soon equalised with Richard Dennis arcing his run away from Gavin Keepings and shot past the Rangers goalkeeper Matthew Evans. Llwydcoed had turned the match around that’s all they had to do was to score their chances, Craig Hewitt and Tomos Morris wasted two glorious ones, shot after shot went past the post instead of inside, they failed to punish the Rangers who were hardly seen as an attacking force. As the match entered the final quarter, Rangers Manager Steve Haggett made a few substitutions with Chris Keepings and Nathan King introduced. Llwydcoed Manager Mark Harbord introduced Christopher Vardon and Jordan Baker, the chances that Llwydcoed had missed almost returned to haunt them with both Rangers substitutes nearly scoring the winner, only Llwydcoed’s goalkeeper Rhys James prevented Chris Keepings from scoring. The match ended with Llwydcoed gaining their first point out of nine, a very disappointing start especially considering in two games they had lost the advantage and threw the games away.
Ely Rangers 1, Dinas Powys 1 by Morley Williams, Dinas Powys FC At the end of this game it was regarded that this was a point gained rather than two points lost with Dinas dominating the opening thirty minutes of this game on a good pitch without getting that all-important goal.
The visitors started really well with Tony Wallis shooting wide in the opening minute and good work by RicKi Morgan and Paul Carro giving Jaymes Dixon an opening, but the feet of keeper Ian Davies saved his shot. Tony Wallis was causing the home defence problems heading a cross just wide and shooting over the bar following a good cross from Liam Beattie. When a clearance from the Dinas keeper, Peter Blain, was headed on for Liam Beattie his volley was just wide of the upright. In the opening half-hour the home side were restricted to off-target headers from Steve Arthur and Anthony Nagi, with a much improved performance from Dinas over the previous game.
Towards the end of the half Rangers fought their way back into the game forcing a series of corners with the best chance falling to Steve Arthur but he could not get his head to a good cross.
Rangers put more pressure on the Dinas defence at the start of the second-half with Dinas keeper Peter Blain saving well from a Lee Denner shot and the dangerous Anthony Nagi lifting a ball wide after turning well in the box.
With Dinas attacks were less frequent, Tony Wallis did well to rob a defender before making his way into the penalty area but from an acute angle he shot into the side netting.
Twenty minutes into the half the home side opened the scoring, the Dinas keeper did well to parry a Nagi shot round the post and when the defence could only clear the resulting corner as far as the edge of the area, James Sadler placed the ball out of the keeper’s reach and into the corner of the net.
Dinas were close to equalising when Owain Adams made his way forward to meet a Ricki Morgan corner only to see Davies pull off a good stop diving to his right. Liam Beattie almost caught the home keeper off his line with a volley but he just managed to get back and push it over the bar.
With time running out for Dinas it looked as though they might rue not having converted one of the many chances they made in the first-half, but when Rangers' manager Wayne Mathews conceded a corner Tony Wallis rose above the defence to head just inside the upright to give Dinas a point their improved performance deserved. Next week it is high-flying Aberaman Athletic at The Murch and although they came unstuck in their home match today it is sure to be an intriguing encounter.
Wednesday 26 August 2009
Caerleon 2, Dinas Powys 1
by Morley Williams, Dinas Powys FC
This was a game low on quality with all the goal-scoring action in the last ten minutes of the game when the gathering gloom matched the majority of this game.
It was the home side who had the majority of the game in the opening fifteen minutes with Duncan Culley shooting high following a mistake in the Dinas midfield and Dinas keeper Peter Blain saving well from one headed effort.
The home side’s main threat came from their aerial ability, with centre-half Josh Collins dangerous at all set pieces.
For most of the half the only real Dinas threat came from a Lloyd Davies shot charged down by the home defence and Joe Hinds twenty-five yard effort just wide of the upright until five minutes from half-time Jaymes Dixon got the better of the home defence before laying the ball off for Paul Carro, his shot from the edge of the area cannoned off the crossbar with Dixon just failing to reach the rebound.
A couple of minutes before the break Blain in the Dinas goal again did well to beat away a shot following a swift Caerleon move but could only watch as a defensive header fell just wide of his post.
Dinas came out after the break with more purpose forcing a number of corners without really threatening the home goal and when Paul Carro collected a good ball his dangerous cross was beyond his fellow attackers.
Ten minutes from the end Caerleon opened the scoring when Josh Collins headed in a corner at the near post. With the visiting supporters looking anxiously at their watches Dinas equalised when Jaymes Dixon beat two defenders on the right of the area before producing an inviting cross for Tony Wallis to rise above his marker and head in at the far post.
It was the home side again who had the last word when they again showed their aerial prowess with Duncan Culley heading home a good cross from no more than five yards.
Ton Pentre 2-1 Pontardawe Town from Ton Pentre FC The Rhondda Bulldogs left it late in their MacWhirter Welsh League Division One match with Pontardawe Town as they turned probable defeat into victory. Two goals in the last ten minutes from Jordan Branch and substitute Shay Everson helped paper over the cracks of a poor Ton Pentre performance. Despite having much of the ball the Bulldogs failed to turn possession into goal scoring chances while Pontardawe Town will be disappointed that they couldn’t hold onto their one goal lead to stop them from falling to their fourth consecutive defeat. Pontardawe took a first half lead through a wonder shot that was struck from out wide on the right. Goalkeeper Richard Jeffries was left with absolutely no chance of getting near the ball as the shot tucked inside the right post. Ton’s visitors should have increased their lead soon after when Daniel Thomas timed his run well so as not to be caught offside and despite Andrew Hughes’ best efforts to stop him the Pontardawe player had a free shot at goal. Richard Jeffries did well to smother his strike at close range providing time for the Ton defence to recover and clear the ball. The second half was much the same as the first with Ton enjoying a lot of possession but failing to generate anything significant in front of goal until the final ten minutes. Before Ton’s comeback the Bulldogs were lucky to still find themselves in the match as Pontardawe missed several clear cut chances. One of these chances, and easily the best, fell to Andrew Lewis who had met the ball in the box following his run up Pontardawe’s left wing but the player missed an open goal as he sent his unchallenged shot over the crossbar. Ton Manager Kevin Richards realised that something needed to change and decided to bring Phil Clarke and Shay Everson on in place of Shane Brewer and Daniel Morris. These substitutions would prove to be a masterstroke. Clarke’s runs up the left wing immediately started causing Pontardawe problems and they appeared to provide Ton with an extra dimension when on the attack. During the 79th minute of play Pontardawe received a fatal blow when defender Stuart Hoskins was shown his second yellow card of the match by Referee Phil Thomas for a foul on the edge of the box. As a result he was shown the red card and ordered from the field of play. Ton used this one man advantage to turn the game completely around. The Bulldogs equalised two minutes after the sending off when Jordan Branch was played through behind the defence on the right. From an angle the winger released a powerful shot that whistled past Dean Morgan to pull Ton level. With five minutes left on the clock the Rhondda Bulldogs completely turned the match around when Clarke provided Shay Everson with a fantastic pinpoint cross into the 18-yard box. The former Turberville Arms midfielder connected well with a header to give the Bulldogs a 2-1 win. Ton visit Bettws on Saturday 29th August for a Welsh League Division One match that kicks off at 2.30pm. Ton Pentre: 1. Richard Jeffries, 2. Jordan Branch, 3. Gavin Rodgers, 4. Adam Lewis, 5. Shane Brewer, 6. Andrew Hughes, 7. Dominic Broad, 8. Leon Young, 9. Chris Jones, 10. Daniel Morris, 11. Alyn Jones (Captain). Substitutes: 12. Jamie Thomas (for 7 on 75mins), 14. 14. P-Gi Pascal, 15. Shay Everson (for 10 on 58mins), 16. Phil Clarke (for 5 on 58mins). Goals: Branch 81, Everson 85 Booked: C. Jones 61, Hughes 72, Branch 81 Referee: Phil Thomas (Trealaw)
Saturday 22 August 2009 Cwmbran Celtic 2, AFC Llwydcoed 1 from AFC Llwydcoed Llwydcoed travelled to Celtic Park for the first time and as with their previous defeat they were punished in the last twelve minutes after leading through a Christopher Vardon goal, Llwydcoed welcomed back defender Leigh Phillips but they were still missing captain Matthew Doherty and Jonathan Mason through injury. Llwydcoed settled well with Leon Bansal and Craig Hewitt combining. Celtic responded working hard to prevent any attacking moves, the visitors were in control and caused some problems for the hosts defence. Celtic turned defence into attack and were rewarded when Leigh Phillips was adjudged to have fouled the Celtic attacker, up stepped Scott Lanyon to strike the penalty, Llwydcoed goalkeeper Rhys James responded with a brilliant save, and the match remained goalless. Llwydcoed began to control the match and Celtic goalkeeper Nicky Church pulled off a top save, the goal Llwydcoed deserved arrived after Tomos Morris and Richard Dennis found Christopher Vardon in space to score. Llwydcoed’s football was a joy to watch as the half time whistle neared Celtic threatened and caused some anxious moments when too much space in midfield allowed them to come forward. Llwydcoed kept a tight grip on the match with Craig Hewiit everywhere, the defence was solid with Stuart Evans Leon Bansal in top form. A second goal looked probable, Ross Williams missing a great opportunity then the Celtic goalkeeper Nicky Church pulled off a top save to prevent Richard Dennis from scoring, the pressure was on the Celtic defence and they should have been punished for a hand ball offence but the claim was waved away. Celtic introduced substitute Shane Williamson to give them an attacking option, Llwydcoed in turn brought Craig Boulton on to replace Christopher Vardon. The match was full of open football, Celtic did trouble Llwydcoed’s defence and only a top save by Llwydcoed’s goalkeeper Rhys James prevented Luke Sailis from scoring. Celtic had a few snap shots from the edge of the box because Llwydcoed’s centre midfield were not as one. The match was still in Llwydcoed’s grasp but the normally reliable midfield player Craig Hewitt was caught in possession and Celtic broke clear, substitute Shane Williamson found space and scored, a heavy blow for Llwydcoed who returned to the attack, they lost possession again Celtic raced up field, Llwydcoed’s defence failed to clear and Scott Lanyon scored, an even heavier blow. Llwydcoed responded and their ever reliable striker Richard Dennis broke clear but he shot over the bar, the final whistle blew, Llwydcoed had thrown away the advantage and were punished for it, they now have to put things right.
Wednesday 19 August 2009 Penrhiwceiber Rangers 4, AFC Llwydcoed 3 from AFC Llwydcoed Llwydcoed travelled the short distance to the Glasbrook ground to play promotion favourites Penrhiwceiber. The match was won in the last minute by Penrhiwceiber with Sam George scoring direct from a corner kick punishing Llwydcoed for throwing away a two goal advantage with twenty five minutes to go. They were 1-3 ahead. The eagerly awaited match burst into action with Llwydcoed settling down well with Craig Hewitt and Ross Williams combining chances were created and Llwydcoed opened the scoring with Christopher Vardon scoring with a sublime shot. Penrhiwceiber responded and caused problems for the Llwydcoed defence because of the mid field area, an equaliser soon arrived with Nathan King scoring, who else at this stage. Penrhiwceiber looked like scoring more goals, only a good save by Llwydcoed’s goalkeeper Rhys James and a superb goal-saving header by Stuart Evans saved the day. The match was wide open Llwydcoed returned to the attack with Jordan Coles and Tomos Morris creating space and after another piece of quality play by Christopher Vardon as fouled. Richard Dennis scored the penalty award Llwydcoed had began to gain the midfield ascendency they looked as if they could add to their total but they had to settle for the one goal advantage The second half saw not so many chances but plenty of good attacking football. Penrhiwceiber threatened and Llwydcoed’s defence stood firm with Ryan Barry Brent Hewiit Leon Bansal and Stuart Evans as one unit. Llwydcoed looked as if they could score more goals and the best of the match arrived with Christopher Vardon scoring with a twenty yard shot. Penrhiwceiber kicked off with a two goal deficit and soon damaged Llwydcoed’s midfield which allowed Ryan Buchmann to move forward, he clipped the ball into the penalty area and Jason Hatch scored with a header to reduce the arrears with his first touch. Penrhiwceiber looked dangerous from the aerial attacks, Llwydcoed did not defend as a team and Penrhiwceiber punished Llwydcoed with an equaliser after a goalmouth attack Ryan Buchmann scoring to make it 3-3. Llwydcoed survived and returned to the attack, they looked as if they could score a fourth goal with Richard Dennis and Craig Hewitt having shots saved. With a minute remaining Penrhiwceiber were awarded a corner kick that was taken by Sam Geroge and missed by every player but landed in the back of the net, Penrhiwceiber were the victors. Llwydcoed provided enough to obtain at least a point, but they threw away a two goal advantage and Penrhiwceiber punished them.
Saturday 22 August 2009 Cwmamman United 1, Troedyrhiw 1 by Andrew Challis, Troedyrhiw FC 'Rhiw took to the road last Saturday to Grenig Park where Cwmamman were the opponents in this league game. 'Rhiw were more than keen to make amends for the 1-3 defeat at Pentwyn Dynamos in midweek. Kevin Rogers was forced to field a changed side due to injuries and work commitments etc., and indeed 'Rhiw travelled to the Amman Valley without a recognised strike-force. The first half was a tentative and cagey affair with neither side wanting to put a foot wrong, however as the half wore on it was the visitors who were gaining the ascendancy. Attempts on goal came and went for both sides but neither were able to find the net as both sides continued to battle it out. with neither team managing to break the deadlock the first half ended goalless. The second half saw the game carry on in very much the same vein as the first but it was again 'Rhiw who looked the the better side. However, midway through the half, it was Cwmamman who snatched the lead. A defensive error letting them in to find the net. This wasn't what 'Rhiw deserved and they set off in search of the equaliser. They didn't have to wait too long when substitute Lloyd Martin scored on his league debut, finishing from close range to level the scores at 1-1. 'Rhiw were well and truly in their stride by now as they searched for the winner and put their hosts under pressure. Michael Murphy showed promise after coming on as a substitute and had the home defence in turmoil at times. Alas, despite their efforts they were unable to find a winning goal and at the final whistle the game ended all square. Although disappointed not to have taken what should have been all three points, Manager Rogers was reasonably happy at the end of the game especially with the hard work and commitment from his depleted side. 'Rhiw look to improve on this result when they welcome Cynon Valley outfit Cwmaman Institute to The Willows this Saturday. Kick off is at 2.30pm.
Saturday 22 August 2009 AFC Porth 3, UWIC 2 by Huw Jones, AFC Porth
Porth stretched their unbeaten home league record stretching
back 24 months to April 2007, but were made to work hard for the three
points as a combination of poor finishing and sloppy defending allowed
the visitors to remain in touch.
The game opened with Stuart Brock rampaging down the right
and he produced several dangerous crosses, Porth nearly took the lead on
six minutes when a Craig Davies shot smacked the bar with the keeper
beaten, Davies again had a fine game tormenting the students throughout.
UWIC were neat and tidy but really the game should have been
over as a contest at half time, but disaster was to follow in first half
injury time when again problems down the left as a simple through ball
was collected by Sayce and he coolly finished, unbelievably at half time
it was 1-1. Chances came and went for Christian Burge and Wells as Heath was far the busier of the two keepers.
On 65 Langford replaced the tiring Avery, and two minutes
later again slack defending almost cost as UWIC should have equalised,
but the shot was dragged wide. Williams in the Porth goal was finally forced to make a save on 86, as he comfortably saved a snap shot from Roughneen. But once again the defence were caught out as in injury time Coles played a back pass to Williams, his poor clearance was picked up by Roughneen and he advanced to score UWIC's second. There was barely enough time to restart as Porth deservedly collected the three points, but Porth will have to be much sharper in front and meaner at the back if they are to continue to match the high standards they have set the last two seasons.
Saturday 22 August 2009 Barry Town 2, Goytre United 2 by Dave Cronk With the midweek’s poor game at Cambrian & Clydach thoroughly behind them, the Dragons were at home for the first time this season, needing a much improved performance if they were to overcome one of the division’s most successful teams of recent years, Goytre United. The game began in strange fashion for Barry fans, with another airborne you to me, me to you style that frustrates supporters of the beautiful game the world over. Manager Gavin Chesterfield once again made several changes from midweek, giving Goodridge and Zaki Misbah their first starts of the season. The first half saw Goytre dominating most of the play with Barry’s Nickie Jones and brother Scott striving manfully to contain the prolific Richard Ryan and the team in red, with who in truth were playing the better football. For once the usually solid Barry central figure of the giant Kurt Bettles did not dominate, and the normally solid Barry defence was constantly under pressure, but strangely Dan Bradley was not really called upon to make many significant saves. The Goyts went ahead just before half time when striker Richard Ryan using his strength and eluding his marker beat the advancing Barry keeper and side footed into the far corner of the net for a fine goal. With the onset of the second half and with fans expecting early changes the match frustratingly continued in the same vein, the Goyts once again on the front foot, and they scored again after ten minutes. With the Dragons fans now expecting the worse, things took a dramatic turn for the better after 70 minutes, when the Goytre team deciding they had done enough, tried to close the game out, but as with many teams that this level this tactic did not work, and Barry got one back when the hard-working Nickie Jones scored from close range, With the Goyts themselves now on the back foot, manager Gavin Chesterfield in a very astute piece of management, brought on three substitutes adding pace and guile, and it was one of these Striker Nannah Bah who had earlier used his this pace and hit the post, got the equaliser in the 89th minute, a fine headed goal following a precision cross from fellow substitute James Simpson. Taking in the overall context of the match a draw was a fair result for supporters of both clubs, with both still unbeaten to date. Next up: Tuesday evening, 25th August, Garden Village at home (7.45 pm ko).
Saturday 22 August 2009 Dinas Powys 3, Cardiff Corries 1 by Peter King, Dinas Powys FC After Wednesday's excellent performance against Bettws, Dinas went into this game full of confidence, despite having three key players unavailable, but couldn't reproduce the same dominance and it was the visitors who were calling the shots for long periods of the first half, with their ability to keep the ball much better than Dinas. Dinas did have their chances however, after some good work from Paul Carro and Jaymes Dixon, Calvin McClaggon's shot was wide. But most of the pressure came from the visitors, a free kick from Jon Knight was saved by Dinas keeper Peter Blain and two great blocks on the goal-line saved what looked a certain goal as the visitors pressed forward. At the other end, Ricki Morgan went on a mazy run but his shot was not good enough to beat ex-Dinas keeper Chris Golton and a good cross from Liam Beattie was headed straight at Golton by Joseph Hinds. The half ended with Corries again on the attack, a powerful shot from Sam Hartrey just clipping the top of the cross bar. The second half was keenly contested, the referee having to brandish a few yellow cards to both sides but it was Corries who opened the scoring when Hartrey headed home from a corner 18 minutes into the half. This seemed to be the wake-up call the Villagers needed they levelled the score just four minutes later with a powerful low shot from Dixon from the edge of the box going underneath Golton. With 20 minutes remaining Dinas took the lead, Calvin McClaggon hitting an unstoppable shot into the top corner. Dinas then rang the changes with Linford Harris replacing Joseph Hinds. The visitors pressed hard to get back into the game but it was Dinas who extended their lead with McClaggon feeding Dixon and as he attempted to round the keeper, Golton brought him down earning himself a yellow card. Ricki Morgan converted the spot kick with just a couple of minutes remaining for a 3-1 final score.
West End 2, Ton Pentre 3 from Ton Pentre FC Jordan Branch scored a hat-trick as Ton Pentre got their first win of the season at Swansea- based outfit, West End. The former Port Vale player has now scored five goals in three games, which is not a bad return for a wingback. Despite playing the better football for the majority of this fixture, Ton Pentre frustratingly made hard work of the match after failing to make all of their chances count which allowed West End to get back into the game on two occasions. Early chances fell to Chris Jones and Dominic Broad but Ton failed to take full advantage of their opportunities. After Alyn Jones had played a through ball for Chris Jones the Ton striker saw his shot blocked by Nicky Pritchard in the West End goals, his follow-up strike was hit directly into the keepers hands. Broad’s chance to score was the end product of some neat build-up play. Dan Morris had taken possession of the ball on the right. He squared a cross into the box for Chris Jones whose backward pass set up an opportunity to strike for Broad. The former Cwmbran Town midfielder hit the ball well but saw his effort cleared off the line by a defender’s header. Ton deserved a goal and they got one from the penalty spot after Steve Crabbe impeded Dan Morris’ run into the box by putting his arm over the striker’s shoulder. Jordan Branch stepped up to take the spot kick and confidently placed the ball into the back of the net after sending Pritchard the wrong way. With half time fast approaching poor defending from Ton allowed Darren Griffiths to advance towards the goalmouth and finish off his solo effort with a goal scored from just inside the 18-yard box. Ton were put under pressure early on in the second half through a series of West End corners. The Bulldogs looked unorganised in the box but despite looking likely to concede they managed to eventually clear the ball to safety. Once Ton had settled in the second half they began to play some attractive football once more. Chris Jones and Branch linked to work the ball up the right wing before playing it into central midfield for Leon Young. Branch continued his run into the box and was picked out by Young and finished the move with a lovely strike to regain the lead. Moments later Adam Lewis was forced to clear the ball from under the cross bar after a West End free kick on the edge of the box caused panic in the penalty area. West End did score with their next significant attack when a Ton move broke down up front allowing the home team to break through the middle of the pitch. With plenty of space the West End striker was presented with a reasonably easy chance to score, which he duly took. The match looked likely to end as a draw but a long throw into the box by Branch resulted in a West End defender handling the ball under pressure. The Referee was quick to award a penalty from which Branch scored his third of the game to secure all three points. With the Bulldogs relieved to get the win they will now look towards Wednesday’s (26 August) home match against Pontardawe Town at 7.15pm. Ton Pentre: 1. Richard Jeffries, 2. Jordan Branch, 3. Phil Clarke, 4. Adam Lewis, 5. Shane Brewer, 6. Andrew Hughes, 7. Dominic Broad, 8. Leon Young, 9. Chris Jones, 10. Dan Morris, 11. Alyn Jones (Captain); Substitutes: 12. Jamie Thomas for 10 on 81 mines, 14. 14. P-Gi Pascal. Goals: Branch 23 (Pen), 55, 82 (Pen) Booked: Hughes 88 Referee: Gareth Ayres (Port Talbot)
Wednesday 19 August 2009 Ton Pentre 1-3 Afan Lido from Ton Pentre FC Ton Pentre suffered a disappointing home defeat as visiting Afan Lido gained their first win of the season after Sam McCoy opened the scoring in the first half before Nathan White bagged a brace. The Rhondda Bulldogs were lucky not to find themselves a goal down during the first minute of play when Gavin Jones set off on a dazzling run down the right wing. After crossing the ball into the box Carl Payne headed it down for Nathan White to take a strike at goal. His shot was blocked by goalkeeper Richard Jeffries before a Ton defender hit the ball long and out of danger. The first half was proving to be an open encounter as Alyn Jones took the ball on a run before threading a pass into Dominic Broad’s path. Broad offloaded a shot that Lido keeper, Brendan Cropley, struggled to hold on to. As the ball broke Broad was presented with another chance but the midfielder saw his effort cleared from inside the six-yard box. Afan Lido took the lead in the 31st minute when Daniel Lancey supplied the pass from which Sam McCoy gained possession. McCoy, who was making his debut following a transfer from Monmouth Town, was fouled on the edge of the box but Referee Tony Williams played an advantage from which the Lido player chipped Jeffries to score. Eight minutes later Afan Lido found the back of the net again to give themselves some breathing space when Nathan White ran through the defence to score from a tight angle. Ton pulled a goal back moments later when Chris Jones saw his shot well saved but parried back to the ground by Cropley. When the follow-up shot was blocked by a defender the ball broke to Jordan Branch 20-yards out on the right. He hit a sweet shot using the outside of his boot that curled into the top left hand corner for a wonderful goal. After getting a goal back before half time Ton were expected to come out in the second half and apply serious pressure to Afan Lido, however, it was the visitors who enjoyed most of the early possession. Ton struggled to create any clear chances as Carl Evans bossed the Afan Lido defence winning everything that came at him in the air. With an hour played the Bulldogs were awarded a free kick but as the ball entered the box Evans was on hand again to clear via a header. The ball went out of play for a throw-in near the corner flag. The ball was immediately flung back into the box where Andrew Hughes looked odds on to score but he misguided it past the post. Afan Lido wrapped the game up in the 75th minute when Chris Pridham won the ball in midfield and passed it out wide to Payne on the right. After running down the line past Shane Brewer he crossed for White to score his second to make it 3-1. The win gave Lido their first points of the season. Ton will go in search of their first win of the season against newly promoted West End on Saturday 22nd August (2.30pm) but they should expect a stern test against the Pri Deri Park outfit. Ton Pentre: 1. Richard Jeffries, 2. Jordan Branch, 3. Phil Clarke, 4. Adam Lewis, 5. Jamie Thomas, 6. Andrew Hughes, 7. Leon Young, 8. Alyn Jones, 9. Chris Jones, 10. Shane Brewer, 11. Dominic Broad; Substitutes: 12. Dan Morris, 14. Shay Everson, 15. P-Gi Pascal. Goal: Branch 41 Booked: None Referee: Tony Williams (Merthyr Tydfil)
Dinas Powys 5, Bettws 0 by Peter King, Dinas Powys FC Dinas started well and soon had the Bettws defence under pressure and were awarded a penalty in the 4th minute for a blatant push, Ricki Morgan making no mistake from the spot for the opener. Paul Carro had a good chance just two minutes later, latching onto a cross from the left but his shot was saved by Bettws keeper Mark Elliott. Bettws began to get into the game and Dinas keeper Peter Blain had to make a save with his feet after a goalmouth scramble. Bettws found themselves down to 10 men after 20 minutes when Gavin Thomas was shown a straight red card for a bad foul on Dinas defender Owain Adams who was able to continue after treatment. Just five minutes later Rhodri Foote hit a superb cross to the far post and Liam Beattie headed home for 2-0. Peter Blain was called into action again when Richard Llewellyn broke through the Dinas defence but Blain cleared the danger. At the other end, after a good run and cross by Liam Beattie, Ricky Morgan fired a powerful shot just the wrong side of the upright. The half ended with Blain making a superb finger-tip save from Jonathon Keaveney, pushing the ball over the bar. Just eight minutes into the second half the hosts added to their tally, Paul Carro feeding Ricky Morgan and he calmly rounded the keeper to make it 3-0. Bettws used their substitutes to try and turn things around but Dinas were well on top by then with the centre back pairing of Lloyd Davies and Owain Adams both having fine games. The fourth goal was again down to good work from Beattie whose cross was fired home by Jaymes Dixon from close range. With 10 minutes remaining Dinas rang the changes, taking off Wallis and Jaymes Dixon for Calvin McClaggon and Joseph Hinds. It was then Ashton Turner's turn to get on the score-sheet with a great shot, beating Elliott from 12 yards for the fifth. Andy Lane was then introduced, replacing Simon Stephens for the final five minutes. A fine all round team performance from Dinas and the score line could and perhaps should have been higher.
Saturday 15 August 2009 Troedyrhiw 3, Cwmbran Town 1 FAW Welsh Cup, Preliminary Round from Andrew Challis, Troedyrhiw FC Saturday saw ‘Rhiw play their opening game of the new season when they welcomed Division Two and ex-Welsh Premier outfit Cwmbran Town to The Willows for this Welsh Cup encounter. Despite their visitors being a division higher, ‘Rhiw were quietly confident going into the game and this confidence showed in their play as they took the game to Cwmbran. Indeed this confident attitude paid dividends when ‘Rhiw took the lead early on when an excellent strike from prodigal son Craig Howells put his side 1-0 up. This lead was no less than ‘Rhiw deserved and it was Kevin Rogers’ men who looked to be the division two side and not the visitors, such was their dominance at times. This dominance was compounded when ‘Rhiw doubled their lead when it was Howells again finding the net. This time heading home from a corner. At 2-0 ‘Rhiw were controlling the game and Shaun O’Brien and Matthew Glassey both proving to be constant thorns in Cwmbran’s side. With half-time looming, Cwmbran made it 2-1 when a defensive mix-up allowed them to reduce the deficit and this was the score at the break. The second half saw Cwmbran slowly get back into the game as was expected, but ‘Rhiw were sticking to the task in hand and did so incredibly well. With the score at 2-1 chances came and went for both sides and you could feel the tension. ‘Rhiw looking to extend their lead and give themselves a cushion and Cwmbran looking to at least take the game into extra-time and who knows maybe penalties. However, Cwmbran were running out of time and with the game well into time added on, the impressive O’Brien compounded their misery when his long range lob bounced in front of the Cwmbran ‘keeper and went over his head much to the custodian’s embarrassment and give his side a 3-1 lead. The final whistle eventually sounded and it was ‘Rhiw who emerged deserved victors which sees them going into the draw for the first round. All in all ‘Rhiw were deserved winners and gave new Manager Kevin Rogers an excellent start to the season. This Saturday sees ‘Rhiw travel to Grenig Park where Cwmamman Utd await them in a league clash. Kick off is at 2.30pm.
Saturday 15 August 2009 Treharris Athletic Western 2, Ammanford 2
from Treharris Athletic FC Before the start of play a presentation was made to long-standing Committee members Mike Casey and Keith ‘Tiger’ Lewis who have stepped down after 30 years of service to the club. It took the hosts only 11 minutes to open the season with their first goal with a Jamie Rees diving header after fine work by debutant Ceri Bowley. A young, quick and adventurous Ammanford side was far from through though and quickly drew level through Dean Jenkins after sloppy work by Bowley, Howe and Jones. With the elements in their favour Ammanford were in the ascendency and on 35 minutes a Rhys Jones free kick just missed the top corner. From the goal kick a Bounds flick on found Batten and his pass was hit first time by Rees only to see Fisher clear on the visitors goal line to leave the score 1-1 at half time. At the start of the second half good work by another Treharris debutant Paul Sedgemore saw him pick out Rees, but his effort was dragged wide of the post. In the 55 minute a quick counter attack involving four Ammanford players, the cross was glanced for a goal by captain and influential striker Luke Fayres for a 2-1 score line for the visitors. Minutes later the post denied Fayres from extending their lead, this was to prove costly as a quick one-two between Bounds and Reddy saw Rees head on and Alun Jones hooked home the equalizer from 10 yards.
Treharris
introduced substitutes Lee Day and Geraint Corkery for the final 15
minutes and this seemed to give them the urgency needed for the winner
but some last ditch tackling and missed chances by Batten and Sedgemoor
ensured the game ended with a fair point each.
Saturday 15 August 2009
Dinas Powys 1, Barry Town 3
by Dave Cronk With just a ten minute journey, and the first league game of the new season awaiting, and several players missing from last year, Barry manager Gavin Chesterfield introduced new blood into the side at Dinas Powys, including ex-premier league and prolific scorer at that level Ian Jones. The game began as everyone expected, very competitive but with neither side dominating, and play switching from end to end. Barry then just began to get the edge and scored a delightful goal in the 34th minute, Ian Jones showing his vast experience in the game, timed his jump to perfection and flicked the ball on to the Dragons new onrushing striker Josh Bell who really looks the part with his movement and ability to find space, he shook off his marker from just inside the box and hit a lovely controlled shot into the far corner of the Dinas net. The half time whistle came with Barry just on top. The second half began with Dinas pressing strongly, creating several opportunities, former Barry player Jaymes Dixon creating havoc with his pace and control, and but for some resolute defending from Barry's man of the match Kirk Huggins and young defender Lewis Cosslett, might easily have equalised, Centre back Kurt Bettles, a former Dinas player too had his hands full containing a lively Tony Wallis, but it was the Dragons who scored again shortly into the half, with the alert James Simpson latching on to a through ball and showing great composure slipped the ball past Dinas keeper Peter Blain and into the net. The village side then began to force their more experienced team onto the back foot, bringing one superb save from Dan Bradley in the Barry goal, they were rewarded for their efforts however when the ever dangerous Dixon went outside the defender and crossed, only for the officials to have adjudged a handball offence by the Town player resulting in a penalty, the ball being expertly dispatched by Ricky Morgan, sending the keeper the wrong way. Barry's third goal of the game came deep into injury time, Ian Jones out jumping the opposing keeper and heading into the net for his first goal in his first competitive league game for the club. Barry’s win, so important for the first game of a new season. With new players needing time to bed in, it’s early days for the town, overall though the signs look good for the season, more good news is that striker Christian Mills has finally had his operation, ending his frustration of waiting for so long. Next up Wednesday evening, Cambrian & Clydach, away, 7.00 pm.kick off.
Saturday 15 August 2009 AFC Llwydcoed 3, AFC Porth 1 FAW Welsh Cup Preliminary Round from AFC Porth
Porth once again locked horns with the team that just pipped
them to the Division Three title last season, a fight which went right
down to the final two games. Davies surged forward on 17 minutes and shot across goal, Brock won a couple of corners, but the delivery was woeful. Then on 26 minutes a goal , Needs was undone by the bounce of the ball, hesitancy at the back and the attacker turned and finished superbly. Porth got straight back on the attack and the tireless Craig Wells, easily Porth's man of the match got them level as he chased a superb through ball from Wright, and he held off two defenders and scored on 27 minutes. Although Porth contested the rest of the half, all the clear-cut chances were being created by the home side, for all Porth's possession Wells shot was the only one on target all half. Porth started the second like the first, on top and Orchard had a great opportunity to put the visitors in front but from eight yards he headed wide from a Davies free kick. That was as good as it got as Llwydcoed stepped up, a gear. They took the lead on 54 minutes and in truth never looked like losing the lead. They strode through the middle, passed out wide and when the cross came in all three centre backs were guilty of ball watching as the player strolled in and headed past the helpless Williams. Davies did have a shooting opportunity after good work by Needs, but Porth were indebted to some poor finishing as they desperately searched for the equaliser. Twice in a matter of minutes Porth wasted corners, and it was no surprise when on 68 minutes it was 3-1, Porth were caught up field and Coed broke away and scored to put the tie beyond the visitors. Worse was to follow as Needs, unsuccessfully appealing for an off side flag was dismissed, Porth re-shuffled and Noble and Owen replaced Davies and Cory but it had little effect. Wells almost pulled one back when he hit the post with the keeper stranded and Noble had a chance after a goalmouth scramble. Ashley Langford replaced the out of luck Christian Burge, and the game finished with Coed on top.
Llwydcoed is a difficult sloping pitch which Porth failed to
deal with, but in fairness the better team won on the day, and we wish
them all the best for their Cup campaign.
Saturday 15 August 2009 AFC Llwydcoed 3, AFC Porth 1 FAW Welsh Cup Preliminary Round from AFC Llwydcoed Llwydcoed and Porth produced an excellent opening match to the season, the hosts deservedly winning whereas the visitors pushed them all the way. The opening exchanges were very competitive in the midfield areas, the visitors combined well with Keiron Coles and Kristian Orchard involved, Llwydcoed’s answer saw Ross Williams and Stuart Evans defend with strength and positional play. Porth were finding space in the midfield at this stage and gave Llwydcoed’s defence some anxious moments, the hosts were giving the ball away on occasions. After this opening exchanges Llwydcoed began to retain the ball and from a series of attacks the opening goal arrived after Richard Dennis received a pass from Stuart Evans and Jordan Coles combination to turn and power home a glorious goal passed the Porth goalkeeper Nigel Williams. Llwydcoed were on top Leon Bansal was having a fine game as the first half ticked away Llwydcoed’s defence were not being troubled but that changed after giving the ball away Craig Wells equalised for Porth, the rest of the half saw Porth push for a second goal. The second half was still as competitive Llwydcoed’s midfield of Jordan Coles and Craig Hewitt were driving their team on, their defence was superbly marshalled by Brent Hewitt closely followed by Leigh Phillips. The hosts regained the advantage after turning the defence into attack Leon Bansal, Jordan Coles and Tomos Morris combined and the latter picked out Richard Dennis to power home a thunderous header the match was as good as you would expect. Porth tried to regain the momentum, Llwydcoed made it much harder with Christopher Vardon moving onto a pass to shoot past the Porth goalkeeper to score number three. Porth came forward but failed to punish Llwydcoed after a series of attacks Llwydcoed introduced substitutes Ryan Barry, Justin Nash and Matthew Reynolds. The match ended with Llwydcoed the winners deservedly, an excellent match.
Dinas Powys 1, Barry Town 3
by Morley Williams, Dinas Powys FC
A crowd of nearly two hundred watched this hard fought encounter with the visitors running out narrow winners against a much-changed Dinas’ side who before this game had only played four friendlies together and will improve with games.
It was the visitors who had the first strike on goal with Ian Jones heading wide when well placed but with Jaymes Dixon working effectively on the right the home side always had attacking options without being able to trouble Dan Bradley in the Barry goal.
The opening goal came on thirty-five minutes, a Barry free-kick taken deep in their own half enabled Josh Bell to escape his marker and run through to score with a low shot from the edge of the area. With very few attempts on goal by either side the first-half came to a close with the visitors just about deserving their lead.
Dinas came out in the second-half looking for the equaliser but in was the visitors who increased their lead with a goal similar to the first, another long ball beat the Dinas defence but this time it was James Simpson who latched onto the ball to place it past keeper Peter Blain.
Within a minute Dinas had pulled a goal back when the referee awarded a penalty for hand-ball, Ricky Morgan scoring comfortably from the spot. This encouraged the home side to go searching for the equaliser and it was centre-back Lloyd Davies who came closest with a powerful header that look destined for the back of the net before keeper Bradley got a hand to the ball and managed to hang on to it at the second attempt.
Further efforts on goal by Jaymes Dixon and Lloyd Davies could have given them the equaliser but with Dinas pressing forward the inevitable happened two minutes into injury time, a clearance from the Barry defence found the head of Ian Jones, seemingly in an offside position on the edge of the Dinas penalty area, and as the keeper challenged for the ball it bounced a couple of times before finding the back of the net. Despite the result a good crowd was entertained not only by a hard fought local derby but also by Dinas’ Junior Under 10’s game at half-time and the effort put in by everybody within the club ensured the day went well.
Ton Pentre 4, Bryntirion Athletic 4 from Ton Pentre FC The match between Ton Pentre and Bryntirion Athletic at Ynys Park was an enthralling encounter but the Rhondda Bulldogs will be downbeat after letting victory slip from their grasp despite their visitors being reduced to ten men. Tomos Wellington was shown a second half red card following his protest to Wayne Stephens after the match Referee had awarded the Bulldogs a penalty when Ian Gearie fouled Jordan Branch in the box. Branch scored from the spot to give the Rhondda Bulldogs a comfortable 4-2 lead and Ton should have cruised to success but sloppy defending gifted Bryntirion a route back into the match. The Rhondda Bulldogs had started this Macwhirter Welsh League Division One encounter with an intelligent and delightful vigour electing for a pass and move ethos rather than the hit and hope of a long ball strategy. Such play helped Ton to win an early corner from which striker Chris Jones beat a defender to the ball in the 18-yard box. Having connected well with the ball he saw his header inch just over Adam Caswell’s crossbar. The Bulldogs were playing well and after Shane Brewer had distributed the ball to the left wing for Phil Clarke to take forward, Bryntirion soon found themselves in imminent danger. Clarke released Dominic Broad into the penalty area from where the midfielder struck the ball on the half volley to score a stunning goal giving Ton a deserved lead. Bryntirion are a determined team and appeared fully convinced that they could get themselves level. As they applied pressure in the Ton half of the pitch Ton’s Adam Lewis conceded a free kick outside the box. New Bryntirion signing, Anthony Rawlings, smashed the ball low and hard at goal. On its way into the box the ball took a defection off a Ton defender to beat Richard Jeffries in the Bulldogs goal. Bryntirion took the lead before half time as the result of a goalkeeping blunder when the Ton defence left the ball following a call from Jeffries. Rawlings managed to get his head on the ball before the Ton keeper could catch it leaving Ryan Morgan scrambling to hit it off the line. The Ton Captain failed in his attempts to do so and the visitors celebrated taking a 2-1 lead. An outstanding individual display of skill from Leon Young inside the first minute of the second half saw him dribble past several defenders in the Bryntirion area before slotting a wonderful shot into the net for 2-2. Again Ton appeared to be the more dominant force and could have taken the lead through several corner kicks with Morgan coming the closest after seeing his header hit the top of the crossbar. It wasn’t long before the Rhondda team took the lead when Young tried his luck from 25 yards. Caswell was unable to get anywhere near his spectacular effort as Young notched up his second goal of the match that will certainly be an early contender for goal of the season. Ton appeared to be strolling towards victory soon after when Bryntirion were reduced to 10 men with the Bulldogs taking a 4-2 lead from the spot but the visitors were gifted two goals with which they drew level. The first of Ton’s self inflicted wounds came from Young’s terrible decision to pass the ball back towards his defence, which allowed Bryntirion to snatch possession and grab a goal that provided belief. Ton allowed themselves to be put under pressure and as a result they cracked just minutes before the full time whistle when Lewis’s attempt to clear the ball resulted in the defender conceding a penalty. Rawlings took the spot kick and Jeffries blocked the ball but in making his save he punched the it back towards the penalty taker who made no mistake with his follow-up effort. Despite throwing victory away Ton will feel buoyed by the skilful football that they played but will look to iron out the defensive frailties ahead of their match with Afan Lido at Ynys Park on Wednesday, 19th August 2009. Kick off for this match is at 7.15pm. Ton Pentre team: 1. Richard Jeffries, 2. Jordan Branch, 3. Phil Clarke, 4. Adam Lewis, 5. Ryan Morgan (Captain), 6. Andrew Hughes, 7. Leon Young, 8. Gavin Rodgers, 9. Chris Jones, 10. Shane Brewer, 11. Dominic Broad Substitutes: 12. Dan Morris for 11 on 88 mins., 14. Jamie Thomas for 8 on 79 mins., 15. P-Gi Pasquale Goals: Broad 14, Young 46, 65, Branch 75 (Pen) Booked: Branch 52, Rodgers 55 Referee: Wayne Stephens (Llanelli)
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