CROESY DROP TO NINTH

30 April 2007 

WHILE a home defeat saw Croesyceiliog drop a place to ninth and a defeat for Newport YMCA kept them in relegation trouble, Caerleon secured a fine win to boost their hopes of getting away from the MacWhirter League Division One danger zone.

After Mark Jones had opened the scoring for Croesyceiliog, visiting Bridgend Town, who included several players from Welsh Premier League clubs, went 2-1 up midway through the second period.

A penalty from midfielder Michael Pattimore levelled matters, only for Bridgend to finish stronger in adding twice to their total to emerge 4-2 winners.

Ninth-placed Croesyceiliog now host Gwent rivals Caerleon on Tuesday, kick-off 6.30pm, and will doubtless find their opponents in fine spirits following their 3-0 win at Taffs Well.

Ian Hillier put them on the road to victory, with Luke Cueto scoring either side of the interval in a 3-0 success.

“We played an excellent game and deserved to win,” said Caerleon boss Brendan Dowd. “We were never in any real danger of losing, although they did have a couple of scrambles in our goalmouth.”

Caerleon are now seven points clear with only four games left, but YMCA are just five above the danger area and they have three matches remaining – including Wednesday’s home encounter against Maesteg Park Athletic, kick-off 6.30pm.

They lost 1-0 at Goytre United, with manager Mark Coldrick disappointed with the outcome.

“No matter which way you look at it, we’re back in the mire,” he said. “It’s a massive disappointment to know we lost this match after being in full control.

“It was all one way and our strikers had a major off-day. We know what we have to do and it’s still in our own hands.”

In Division Two, goals from Mark Williams and Gareth Cullimore earned promotion-seeking Caldicot Town a point from a 2-2 draw at champions Garw Athletic, while Tredegar Town remain above the relegation trapdoor following a same-scoreline result at West End.

The Gwent side’s goals were scored by teenager Nathan Cowdell, with a thumping 30-yard effort, and central defender Lee Brooker.

Tredegar can further ease their plight on Wednesday when they entertain the team immediately below them, Penrhiwceiber, kick-off 7.00pm.

The Division Three title race is between current leaders Llanwern and Gwent rivals Cwmbran Celtic – after the pair both clinched promotion.

The clubs are locked together on 65 points, but Llanwern have a better goal difference – plus 39 compared to plus 32.

Celtic, though, have two games left and are favourites to capture the championship trophy.

Llanwern were held 1-1 at Llansawel, where substitute Tony Shire equalised after the interval, although the Newport Stadium side had Dennis Spitteri straight red-carded.

“We came for a point – and I’m pleased to say we got it,” said delighted Llanwern boss Laurence Owen.

Celtic continued their fine home form in defeating visiting Seven Sisters, with striker Shane Williamson grabbing both goals.

“We obviously now want to go on and win it (the title),” said Celtic coach Della Cheedy, whose side entertain Pentwyn Dynamo on Wednesday, kick-off 6.30pm.

Risca’s recent good form has dragged them clear of relegation and they moved up as high as 10th place following a fine 3-1 victory at Ystradgynlais.

Goal-scorers were David Hurley, Steve Lane and player-manager Jeff Eckhardt, who pointed out how his side’s recovery had been achieved without easing the purse strings.

“We’ve not gone and spent any extra money to bring in so-called better players,” said the former Newport County central defender.

“We simply worked with what we had, kept some clean sheets and that has been very satisfying indeed.”

Aberbargoed Buds’ goalkeeper Asa Kirkwood’s mistake cost his side the game at Llangeinor, who emerged 3-2 winners. Buds’ goals came from striker Ross Fowler and midfielder Dean Randall.

Chepstow Town are already relegated, although that didn’t prevent them from winning 2-0 at home to AFC Porth through a penalty by Daniel Savage and a header from Julian Saunders.

However, the best Gwent win of the day was recorded by Abertillery Excelsiors, who won 6-2 at home against Newcastle Emlyn.

Striker Shaun Smith (2), midfielder David Smith (2), midfielder Kevin Robins and Chris Penny all got on the score sheet for Abertillery, who travel to face Porth on Wednesday, kick-off 6.30pm.

YMCA ARE CLAWING THEIR WAY TO SAFETY

27 April 2007 

NEWPORT YMCA may well have ensured their MacWhirter Welsh League Division One status after a memorable 3-2 home win in their Gwent derby against Croesyceiliog on Wednesday night.

“It was a good win but it was a bit hairy,” said YMCA chairman Viv Edwards after the full-blooded game in which Croesyceiliog had two men sent off.

He said: “We were very relieved to get the three points and I think we’re now one win away from safety.

“But we’ve got a real toughie away to Goytre United tomorrow.”

YMCA could be boosted by the possible return of centre midfielder Steve Edwards but will rue the loss of the versatile Alex Stewart who is out for the rest of the season.

Croesyceiliog still have everything to play for despite enjoying mid table comfort.

Savouring a fine inauguration in Division One, joint manager Neil Gilmore said: “It’s our first season in this division and we’re aiming to finish as high as we can and to finish as the top Gwent side.”

Currently in eight position they lead the Gwent pack with YMCA trailing in 11th and Caerleon in 14th place.

Gilmore praised his players for their performances this season and singled out Michael Dewer for particular praise: “He was a good centre forward who has been converted into an outstanding centre half - he’s been magnificent this season.”

Croesyceiliog will be out to avenge their 7-1 away thrashing to Bridgend Town earlier in the season when they entertain them tomorrow.

Gilmore said: “We owe them one after that defeat which was a bit of a one off.”

Jodi Jenkins, Chris Watkins, Gareth Pattimore and Ross Bristow are expected to return but they will be without keeper Pat O’Hagan and midfielder Dale Evans after their dismissals against YMCA on Wednesday.

Back in the battle to escape the relegation mire are Caerleon who lost 2-1 at Bryntirion Athletic in midweek.

Now sixth from bottom, they are hoping to ease their worries with a win but face another tough away trip, this time to mid table Taffs Well.

Caerleon manager Brendan Dowd remains upbeat: “We played OK against Bryntirion and should have killed the game off after we went 1-0 up.

“We are a quality side and I’m confident things will be all right.

“We’re one game away from being comfortable and tomorrow is the time to do it.”

Caerleon’s hopes will be boosted by the return of midfielder Simon Truman, centre half  Todd Quarterly and right back Matthew Hearne.

Caldicot Town are in fine form as they strive for promotion from Division Two.

They dispatched Penrhiwceiber Rangers 2-0 at home in midweek but face a tough away match tomorrow to the formidable leaders Garw Athletic.

At the opposite end of the table, Tredegar Town, fifth from bottom, are fighting for their Division Two lives.

Their misery was compounded by a 1-0 midweek defeat away to Garden Village and face a tough away trip to fifth placed West End.

Llanwern and Cwmbran Celtic are involved in a close battle for the Division Three championship.

Llanwern are the current top dogs with Celtic in second place.

The Newport side are clear by two points but have played two more games than their Gwent rivals.

Llanwern visit third from bottom Llansawel tomorrow.

Meanwhile Cwmbran Celtic face sixth from bottom Seven Sisters at home.

Desperate for points, struggling Abertillery Excelsiors will be hoping to ensure their safety when they entertain mid table Newcastle Emlyn.

Speaking about their 2-0 defeat to Cwmbran Celtic in midweek, the Excelsiors’ secretary Keith Williams said: “We played our best football for months and I think we deserved at least a draw.

“We had two Under-18 players - Rhys Hodges and Matthew Haile - who stepped in and did really well.”

The club will be hoping to go one better than they did following their thrilling 5-5 draw with Newcastle Emlyn earlier in the season.

Chepstow Town seem to be doomed this season.

They look certain to be relegated, second from bottom with just 23 points from 30 games with only two matches remaining.

They have to beat AFC Porth on Saturday to keep their slim hopes alive.

Risca United look to be free from the spectre of relegation and go west to play Ystradgynlais. 

CLUBS' CRUCIAL WINS

23 April 2007

WHILE Croesyceiliog earned a win which maintains their hopes of a top- eight finish, Caerleon and Newport YMCA both secured crucial victories towards their bid to retain MacWhirter Welsh League Division One status.

Croesyceiliog travelled to Cardiff to face UWIC, where prolific marksman Jody Jenkins’ well- taken hat trick in a 3-1 success proved the difference between the two teams.

Jenkins began the season with Cwmbran Town, and scored 12 goals before moving to Welsh Premier League rivals Haverfordwest County.

He netted another five for the Bluebirds, but now only plays for Croesyceiliog after moving to London for work.

“I have said all along that had Jody been with us all season, we would have finished in the top four;” said joint manager Chris Evans. “He is a clinical finisher, one of the best around.

“We made six changes because of injuries, suspension and unavailability and we came through as deserving winners.”

Croesyceiliog now face a couple of stiff challenges within the space of the next three days, hosting Dinas Powys tonight before making the short trip to tackle YMCA on Wednesday.

Because Cwmbran are now relegated from the Welsh Premier League, four clubs will go down to Division Two at the end of the season.

Therefore Caerleon’s 2-0 home win over Barry Town and YMCA’s 3-0 win over visiting ENTO Aberaman was essential for their continuing safety

“We certainly deserved to win, and their goalkeeper was the difference between us earning a bigger win,” said Caerleon boss Brendan Dowd.

“It took us a while to get going, but once we scored it was obvious we would go on to do well.

“To be honest, we were never in any real trouble except for a little scare about 10 minutes from time.” Simon Trueman put the Cold Bath Road outfit ahead with only 20 minutes remaining, with mid- fielder Martyn Phillips wrapping up the scoring by adding a second near the end.

YMCA entertained big-spending ENTO Aberaman Athletic at Mendalgief Road and ran out worthy 3-0 winners, with goals coming from Danny Cueto, before the interval, and substitute Faraz Yafai and Gareth Lynch (penalty) in the final three minutes.

“We finished the first half the stronger side, but they certainly made a go of it on the restart,” said YMCA chief Mark Coldrick.

“But once we got over that we dominated the game and enjoyed the victory. When you look at the table, Barry and Grange Quins can’t catch us and that’s two of the four to go down.

“We know we’ve some more work to do, starting with Wednesday’s home clash with Croesyceiliog.”

Eleventh-placed Caerleon are now eight points from safety with a game in hand, while YMCA are six points clear with five matches left.

In Division Two, promotion-seeking Caldicot Town were not in action, but Tredegar Town secured an absolutely priceless 1-0 victory at Caerau Ely thanks to a 70th-minute goal from Nathan Cowdell.

“It was a scrappy affair, but I simply don’t care because all I’m concerned about is gaining the three points,” said Tredegar manager Jason Morgan.

His team moved above their hosts into 14th position, and the Gwent club is now two places and three points above the drop zone with a couple of games in hand.

In Division Three, table-topping Llanwern and second-placed Cwmbran Celtic remain well on course to come up thanks to positive results.

Llanwern used Cwmbran Stadium to entertain Seven Sisters because their own Newport Stadium home was undergoing track maintenance.

However, the switch of venues failed to disturb the leaders, although they were made to work hard to secure a 2-1 success.

In-form striker Steve Perszowski put Llanwern ahead on 20 minutes, with the visitors levelling shortly before the interval.

However, manager Laurence Owen’s team promptly grabbed what proved to be the winner almost immediately when Marcus Power netted.

Celtic have built a reputation this season for gaining points when all seemed lost - and they did it again in recovering from being 2-0 down with 20 minutes left to draw 2-2 at Cwmamman United.

Shane Williamson and Sam Winter were their scorers, while coach Della Cheedy believes the team’s recent punishing schedule was mainly responsible for the result.

“We had a tough match against Llangeinor on Thursday night and I thought that game caught up with us a bit here,” said Cheedy.

“But credit the team for showing great determination in not giving up when perhaps others would have.”

Abertillery Excelsiors have suddenly found themselves in the relegation mix, and only managed a point from a 2-2 home draw with Llangeinor.

A Lee Bull penalty, his eighth goal in his last three matches, paved the way but the result leaves his side four points above the danger zone with a match in hand.

Headed goals from Rob Surtees and skipper Steve Collins earned mid-table Goytre a 2-2 draw at Llansawel, while Aberbargoed Buds played very well in scoring through Michael Bond (2), Ross Fowler and Chris Griffiths to win 4-0 at AFC Porth.

Neither Risca United nor Chepstow Town were in action.

MID-TABLE CROESY GUNNING FOR REVENGE

20 April 2007

CROESYCEILIOG have a few injury worries ahead of tomorrow’s MacWhirter Welsh League, Division One away clash with lowly UWIC.

Currently in mid-table, Croesyceiliog will be hoping to exact revenge for their 3-1 defeat by the students early in the season.

Joint manager Neil Gilmore said his side will be boosted by the return of marksman Jodi Jenkins and midfielder Michael Pattimore.

He said: “We’ve had so many injuries because of the amount of games we’ve been playing recently and as a result of hard pitches.”

They will also be missing second team players engaged in the semi-final of the reserve team cup.

Gilmore thinks Croesyceiliog who won 2-0 away at Pontardawe Town last Saturday and lost 1-0 on their trip to ENTO Aberaman Athletic on Wednesday, have done enough to stay up this season: ‘I’m pretty sure we should be safe.”

Caerleon are hoping to add to Barry Town’s relegation anxieties and put themselves in the clear when they entertain the former Welsh league and cup champions tomorrow

Caerleon’s manager Brendan Dowd, a former Barry player, is confident of taking their scalp and avenging their 2-0 defeat at Christmas.

His side are hitting form when it matters having thumped Maesteg Park 7-1 last week and getting a 2-2 away draw at Bridgend in midweek with Chris Pearce and Daniel Brimfield getting the goals.

Dowd said: “Everybody seems to be playing together now as a unit where we have been playing previously in fits and starts.”

He said he is determined to beat his old side but admitted: “I will feel sad if a big club like them did go down.”

Still embroiled in a relegation dog fight, Newport YMCA will take heart from the availability of a full strength squad ahead of tomorrow’s vital clash with high-flying ENTO Aberaman Athletic.

YMCA manager Mark Coldrick said: “The boys are a bit down after being held 1-1 by Pontardawe Town on Wednesday but with a full squad, we are still confident.”

In Division Two, Tredegar Town’s relegation worries were compounded by a 3-0 away defeat to second-placed Garw Athletic last Saturday. Tomorrow they visit fellow strugglers Caerau Ely, who were hammered 6-2 by Garden Village in the week.

Third-placed Caldicot’s promotion drive is back on track after they beat Treharris Athletic 2-0 last Saturday.

They sit out this weekend and many will be keeping a close eye on second-placed Garw Athletic’s visit to Bettws, just below Caldicot, in fourth position.

In Division Three, leaders Llanwern’s home match with Seven Sisters has been moved from Newport Stadium to Cwmbran Stadium for maintenance work on the athletic track.

They bounced back from their weekend defeat away to Cwmamman United with a 2-1 home win against AFC Porth to go three points clear at the top.

Fourth-placed Cwmbran Celtic visit Cwmamman United.

CAERLEON ON THE UP AS CROESY NEAR TARGET

16 April 2007

CROESYCEILIOG gained a win which maintains their hopes of finishing as top Gwent side in Division One of the MacWhirter Welsh League, while Newport YMCA suffered a defeat which adds to their relegation fears.

However, Caerleon take the plaudits for their 7-1 home hammering of hapless Maesteg Park Athletic, with striker Luke Cueto taking the individual honours with a fine hat trick - and all this after the visitors had taken a third-minute lead.

"At last we got our act together for the while 90 minutes and not just in our usual style of fits and starts," said Caerleon boss Brendan Dowd.

Caerleon's other scorers were Chris Pearce (2), Matthew Hearne and Ben Davies, and the amazing aspect is that Dowd was struggling to put together a squad.

"I managed to get two players, Jason Donovan and Craig Stephens, signed on in the nick of time," revealed Dowd.

"However, we're due to play at Bridgend on Wednesday and I've got three out because of work commitments and another three or four doubtful due to knocks.

"We'll have to mix and match players from elsewhere and it may be that I will have to include myself."

The win takes the Cold Bath Lane outfit up to 13th place, four places and seven points behind Croesyceiliog, but with a couple of matches in hand.

Goals from Mike Dewar and substitute Mark Morris earned Croesyceiliog a 2-0 success at Pontardawe Town, but it was Chris Pritchard who again makes the headlines for the third successive week.

First he was told he would never play again for the club after walking out when only named as a substitute before he was handed a recall after apologising for his action.

Now he faces a suspension after being straight red-carded for a tackle which led to a minor skirmish, a situation which also led to an opponent also being sent off.

"It was a solid performance, although I have to say our goalkeeper, Pat O'Hagan, was outstanding," said Croesyceiliog joint manager Chris Evans.

"There was an awesome display by Dale Evans in midfield and it's true to say we had to graft for this win.

"We've always said 40 points would make us safe. We've now got 39, so we're on the verge of our own safety target with six games still to go."

However, YMCA are nowhere near such a strong position and must soon start to pick up points.

They lost 3-1 at Afan Lido and are only two points better off than Pontardawe, who are in the fourth and final relegation spot, and the two square up to each other at Mendalgief Road on Tuesday.

"This was a much better display than we put in midweek (when they lost 2-0 at Ton Pentre), but sloppy play cost us again.

"We also couldn't apply the finishing touch in front of goal and now face a right six-pointer with Pontardawe."

After going behind early in the game, YMCA equalised through Faraz Yafai, but eventually fell victim of the Welsh Cup finalists - and also had Alex Stewart sent off for a second bookable offence.

Caldicot Town kept up their Division Two promotion push as a couple of Gareth Cullimore goals gave them a 2-0 home victory over Treharris Athletic.

But Tredegar Town failed to lift their relegation blues in losing 2-0 at leaders Garw Athletic.

In Division Three, top-of-the-table Llanwern failed to draw clear of Pentwyn Dynamo when they lost 3-1 away to in-form Cwmamman United, where Richie Shire scored their only goal "It was a poor display, there are no excuses and the better side won," was manager Laurence Owen's honest appraisal of the match.

Llanwern could have gone three points clear because Pentwyn were beaten 2-1 at home by Cwmbran Celtic.

Striker Shane Williamson scored both Celtic's goals, the winner with the game's final kick.

"They shaded the first half, but we dominated after the break," said Celtic secretary Malcolm Jarrett. "It was a good game for the neutrals, but nail-biting for both clubs and we're delighted with the win."

Aberbargoed Buds drew 0-0 at Llantwit Fardre, but lost central defender Rob Shorney with a broken arm - the club's third such injury victim in the last month - while Goytre had only a Steve Collett goal to show in a 2-1 defeat at Llangeinor.

Both Abertillery Excelsiors and Risca United were among the goals with the former's 4-3 home win over Llansawel throwing up a remarkable individual story.

Lee Bull, a utility player who normally operates at right back, was thrust into a striker's role - and responded by scoring all four of his side's goals.

Bull's magnificent achievement certainly made up for the previous week's showing when he missed a last-minute penalty.

Risca continued to ease their relegation fears by beating Llansawel 3-0 with goals coming from Steve Lane, Lee Phillips and Rhys Isles, although they did have some fortune when the visitors lost their goalkeeper through injury when the score was only 1-0.

CAERLEON HOPE TO BOUNCE BACK

13 April 2007 

CAERLEON will be hoping to bounce back from a 5-0 thrashing at the hands of MacWhirter Welsh League Division One leaders Neath Athletic on Wednesday night.

The club are trying to stave off relegation and need a win to ease their worries tomorrow when they host Maesteg Park, who are well in the top half of the table.

Caerleon manager Brendan Dowd said things are not going his team’s way at the moment: “It’s going to be a tough game – we’ve got nine games left and the potential to win all nine. We’ve been shooting ourselves in the foot recently by conceding early goals.”

Birmigham-based star midfielder Simon Truman is due to return to the starting line-up and James Cairns is set to replace injured keeper Richard Lancaster.

Newport YMCA face a tough away trip to Afan Lido.

YMCA chairman and secretary Viv Edwards said the side will take heart from Afan Lido’s midweek defeat at Croesyceiliog.

He said: “It will be a difficult match but they lost to Croesy which gives us a bit of hope. Afan Lido are a good side. We drew with them earlier in the season but were disappointed not to get the three points. We will have to perform at our best to beat them.”

Croesyceiliog are hoping to build on their fine 2-1 home win against Afan Lido when they visit lowly Pontardawe in the Swansea Valley.

Croesyceiliog’s joint manager Chris Evans said: “We played very well again on Wednesday and were unlucky to lose to Neath last Saturday.

“We went 1-0 down to Afan Lido completely against the run of play before Chrisy Pritchard scored an absolute screamer from about 30 yards and Paul Belski got our second after a near-post cross.”

Croesyceiliog will be boosted by the return of their leading marksmen Chrisy Watkins, back from suspension, and dual-registered Jodi Jenkins.

In Division Two Caldicot Town are hoping to kick-start their promotion push which has been faltering in recent weeks with three draws from their last four matches.

They will be hoping to do the double over visitors Treharris Athletic after beating them 2-1 last month.

Manager Jason Pritchard could draw from a full strength squad if left-back Peter Little is available.

At the opposite end of the table Tredegar Town are hoping to turn things around and avoid the drop.

They will have it all to do with a visit to second-placed Garw Athletic.

In Division Three high-flying Llanwern have two games in two days, travelling to Cwmamman United on Saturday and entertaining AFC Porth on Monday.

Cwmbran Celtic travel to Pentwyn Dynamo in a top-of-the-table clash.

Abertillery Excelsiors entertain fellow strugglers AFC Porth, while there could be an interesting mid-table tussle between Llantwit Fardre and Aberbargoed Buds.

Risca United will be looking to put greater distance between themselves and the league basement with a home triumph against struggling Llansawel.

CROESY FALL BY WAYSIDE

9 April 2007

CROESYCEILIOG failed to stop Neath Athletic’s march towards the MacWhirter League Division One championship title, although pre-match problems once again struck the Gwent side’s hopes.

Last week it was the shock walk-out of front-man Chris Pritchard after he’d only been named as a substitute against former champions Ton Pentre.

Joint manager Chris Evans declared the player “wouldn’t kick a ball again for the club”. However, the two shook hands again on Saturday, although Pritchard was not scheduled to be in the 14-strong squad.

But minutes later he was on the team-sheet after Jamie Stokes withdrew because of an ankle injury, and his would-be deputy Lee Mason through illness. Striker Jody Jenkins was also an ankle-injury victim, so Pritchard leap-frogged from being an almost certain spectator to lining up against the champions-elect.

Ninety minutes later, however, Neath marched off 1-0 winners and remain on course for promotion to the Welsh Premier League - possibly as replacements for relegation-threatened Cwmbran Town.

“We got done by a set piece after about an hour and that was disappointing because we played some good stuff before the break,” said Evans.

“I thought we were the better side and had a penalty awarded for us before the referee, on the advice of one of his assistants, changed his mind and gave a free kick for the first infringement.”

Croesyceiliog remain in ninth position, three points and a trio of places ahead of Newport YMCA, who lost 2-0 on the road against Ton Pentre.

“We made two defensive errors and got punished severely for them,” explained YMCA boss Mark Coldrick.

“Louis Walsh and Daniel Heath got in a muddle for the first, while Alex Stewart was responsible for the second, and Ton are too good a side to let you off the hook.

“We had a good spell for about 15 to 20 minutes during the second period, but we couldn’t break through.”

Two positions below and one point adrift of the YMCA are Caerleon, but they have a couple of matches in hand over their Gwent rivals.

The Cold Bath Lane outfit gained what could prove to be a crucial point from a 2-2 home draw at home to a Bryntirion Athletic side managed by ex-Cwmbran Town striker Francis Ford.

His team went ahead, only to be pegged back by a Chris Pearce goal, and although the visitors re-took the lead before the interval, a second equaliser came from Luke Cueto.

However, a late penalty miss by Caerleon’s Ben Davies ensured parity, an outcome home manager Brendan Dowd admitted was the right result.

“We could have won it, but then again we could have lost it, so a draw was the correct ending for all,” said the former Ebbw Vale and Newport AFC central defender.

In Division Two, Tredegar Town continue to flirt with relegation and their 1-0 defeat at Bettws means they are only one place above the drop zone on goal difference, having played three more games.

Cwmbran Celtic, five points off a promotion spot with a match in hand, were as amazed as - opponents Aberbargoed Buds when they fought back to win 3-2 - with all their goals coming in a frantic final eight minutes. A penalty from full back Nathan Edwards and a goal by striker Ross Fowler had given the Buds what looked like an unassailable lead.

Even when Kieron Porter pulled one back on 82 minutes, it still appeared as though the eighth-placed Buds would hold out for the three points.

But Porter again and then Dayner Thorpe fired the late, late goals which maintained Celtic’s fourth place in the table.

“To be fair, we missed a lot of chances earlier in the game so in a way we got our just rewards,” said Celtic coach Della Cheedy. “Having said that, the Buds were in full control and looked to have it all sewn up. But well done to our lads for keeping at it.”

Buds assistant manager John Randall paid tribute to Celtic for their comeback, but also described the outcome as “day-light robbery”.

“We dominated for 80 minutes - yet still lost,” Randall lamented. “But that’s football for you and good luck to the Celtic.”

Goytre lost 2-0 at resurgent Cwmamman United, a result which did fellow strugglers Chepstow Town no favours - even though the Gwent side won 2-1 at home to Newcastle Emlyn. Striker Mark Dunn and Nicky Owen grabbed the goals, although Chepstow remain in a relegation position.

Risca United were also in relegation trouble, but a recent upturn in results, including Saturday’s 0-0 draw at Abertillery Excelsiors, has seen them pull away from the danger zone.

But they were grateful for a last-minute penalty miss by home striker Lee Bull for them to secure a point which takes them seven points clear of the drop area.

CROESY’S STORMY WEATHER AS PRITCHARD PACKS BAGS

2 April 2007

IF it was drama you were after on Saturday, then there was an abundance of it before, during and after Croesyceiliog’s home MacWhirter Welsh League Division One clash against former champions Ton Pentre.

Before it, Croesyceiliog mid-fielder Chris Pritchard quit after discovering he had only been named on the substitutes’ bench.

During it, a goal deep into injury time from wing-back Chris Watkins earned the home side a deserved 1-1 draw.

While after it, Caldicot-based match referee Steve Richards sent off visiting striker Jamie Michael for dissent as the players were leaving the pitch.

And if you throw in a thunderous rain-storm during the second period, there was certainly more than enough going on to keep spectators interested.

But it was Pritchard’s decision to quit which was the chief pre-match talking-point, with joint manager Chris Evans later revealing the player will never appear for the Woodland Road outfit again.

“We picked and named the side before the game and Chris Pritchard was on the bench,” said Evans. “He had been involved in 95 per cent of our games this season, and even when we’ve played different formations he’s been part of the team.

“If he hasn’t been starting, he’s been on the bench, and after I’ve announced the team, someone has told me that Chris had walked out of the dressing-room with his kit-bag.

“He never even had the decency to say he wasn’t happy and he won’t kick a ball for this club again.”

Croesyceiliog were left chasing the game, which was dominated by a strong, swirling wind, after Ton opened the scoring within 20 seconds of the restart.

But the Gwent side applied almost constant pressure on the visitors through a series of corners and free kicks during the final 15 minutes.

From one such flag kick Croesyceiliog sent goalkeeper Pat O’Hagan up plus substitute Mark Waddon, but it was Watkins who was on hand to fire past former Cwmbran Town number-one goalkeeper Marty Ellacott.

Waddon’s last-minute appearance brought warm applause from home spectators mindful the player has been battling to overcome cancer.

The draw moves Croesyceiliog up one position to ninth, a couple of places above county rivals Newport YMCA, who won 3-2 on the road against relegation threatened Ely Rangers.

“This was a deserved victory because except for the first 10 minutes we dominated the match and should have won by a larger margin,” observed YMCA boss Mark Coldrick.

“We dispute their early, first goal, which was awarded only after a linesman said the ball had crossed the line, and they’ve scored late on as well.

“The win puts some distance between us and those in the relegation zone and now we’re looking forward to hosting Afan Lido tomorrow night.”

The visitors will start that match in good spirits, having reached the Welsh Cup final by defeating Welshpool Town 7-6 on penalties following a 1-1 after-extra-time draw at Aberystwyth Town’s Park Avenue on Saturday.

YMCA’s goals came from Aaron Stewart (2) and John Pardue, but it wasn’t such good news, however, for Caerleon, who slipped to a 3-1 defeat at Dinas Powys.

“Defensive mistakes cost us the first two goals and although we’ve been the better side during the second half, we just couldn’t score again,” said Caerleon manager Brendan Dowd, who had seen his side take an interval advantage through a goal from striker Chris Pearce.

Caerleon are now just four points off the drop zone, but with a match in hand over UWIC, who occupy the final relegation spot.

There was more bad news for midfielder Martyn Phillips, who picked up an ankle injury which will keep him out of Wednesday’s away Gwent Senior Cup semi-final against holders Cwmbran Town.

In Division Two, Caldicot Town gained a win which maintains their promotion push, while Tredegar Town earned a point which could well prove to be vital towards their bid to avoid going down.

Caldicot, who remain in third place, won 3-0 at Penrhiwceiber Rangers thanks to a fine hat trick from Gareth Cullimore.

Although Tredegar threw away a 2-0 advantage at home to Garden Village before drawing 2-2, manager Jason Morgan still expressed his delight at the outcome.

“I’d have loved to have got all three points, but would have settled for one beforehand,” he admitted.

“We were very good for the first 30 minutes, but when you are down near the bottom luck often goes against you and that’s what happened on this occasion.

“We were the better side for long periods and they’ve scored their equaliser five minutes into injury time.

“We don’t know where the referee got all that from and we made a point of expressing our disappointment after the game had finished.”

Tredegar scored through Philip Blackmore and Lee Brooker before

the visitors managed to squeeze a point out Of the Gwent side.

Llanwern have at long last climbed to the top of the Division Three table after they defeated visiting Llansawel 5-2 and previous leaders Pentwyn Dynamo could only draw 2-2 at AFC Porth.

Manager Laurence Owen’s side now lead the capital outfit on goal difference with both clubs locked on 54 points, but with Llanwern having two games in hand — the first at home to Porthcawl at Newport Stadium on Wednesday.

“We missed loads of goal-scoring opportunities and had Llansawel conceded 10, then I’m positive they would not have complained,” said Owen.

Kristian Hanbury opened the scoring on 15 minutes with goals following from Troy Quarterly, Steve Perszewski, Marcus Power and Matthew Currie, while goalkeeper Chris Hart saved a penalty when the score was 3-1 to the home side.

Aberbargoed Buds won their home Gwent derby 3-0 against relegation-threatened Chepstow Town with goals from Nathan Edwards, Tony Rees and Chris Griffiths, while Goytre lost 1-0 against visitors Llantwit Fardre.

Veteran midfielder Kevin Payne headed in a Lee Challenger free kick 20 minutes from time to earn promotion-seeking Cwmbran Celtic a 1-0 win at Porthcawl, with Risca United also registering a single-goal victory.

Player-manager Jeff Eckhardt proved the difference between his side and bottom-placed Cwmamman United by scoring at the far post on 12 minutes to engineer a result which further eases his side’s relegation fears.