WELSH LEAGUE ROUND-UP

30 August 2005

A LAST-MINUTE winner earned Newport YMCA a tremendous 2-1 victory at Ton Pentre in Macron Welsh League Division One on Saturday.  And Mark Coldrick's side had to come from behind to do it as Chris Egitto blasted in a double to seal the points.

"I was really pleased with the result and also the performance," Coldrick said. "It just shows how well we played that we were disappointed that the margin of victory wasn't bigger.

"We created a hat-full of chances but we're not complaining. This result really kick-starts our season and hopefully we can build from here."

Elsewhere in the top division, Caerleon slipped to a 2-1 defeat at home to Bridgend Town.

In Division Two there was nothing strange about Croesyceiliog winning at home against Penrhiwceiber, they haven't lost there for more than two years, but few would have predicted the 5-3 scoreline.

Croesy raced to a 4-0 lead inside the first 35 minutes with Ricky Coff, Michael Dewar, Mark Alcock and Jamie Stokes on target. But the visitors grabbed one back before the break and when Alcock was sent off they made it 4-2. But Daniel Claire eased any nerves by nothing up a fifth on his debut to make the game safe although Penrhiwceiber did nab another consolation goal late on.

"That's four wins out of five so far as we must be happy," said secretary Martyn Jones.

Caldicot secured an away point in their 1-1 draw at Pontyclun but Abertillery are still looking to get off the mark after going down 2-0 to Cardiff Corries.

Tredegar also crashed at home 2-1 to Morriston, their third defeat from four matches so far this season.

In Division Three Chepstow's up and down start to the season took a nosedive in the 3-0 defeat at home to West End.

But Cwmbran Celtic grabbed their second win of the season in a fine 3-0 victory at home to Blaenrhondda. Shane Williamson opened the scoring for Celtic and their cause was aided in the second half as the visitors were reduced to nine men following two sendings off.

Williamson doubled his account soon after and player-manager Michael Copeman grabbed a third late on.

"We are still getting used to being in the league but we have done fairly well so far," said secretary Malcolm Jarrett.

Elsewhere Risca overcame Treowen 2-1 in a hard fought match at Ty Isaf Park.
 

WELSH LEAGUE PREVIEW

27 August 2005

CAERLEON are hoping to build on their steady start to the Macron Welsh League Division One campaign as they host Bridgend this afternoon.

Dave Griffiths side have won two and lost two of their matches so far and the boss is calling for his side to be more ruthless in front of goal.

"In terms of performances, we are playing really well," Griffiths said. "We are creating a hat-full of chances but need to be a bit more clinical in front of goal.

"If we start sticking those chances away we will be in better shape."

Griffiths has injury doubts over Paul Shephard, Chris Pritchard and Gareth Reynolds but Craig Joliff and Ryan Andrews should recover in time.

Newport YMCA face a tough test with a visit to Ton Pentre and they have to do so without forward Aaron Stewart who has a hamstring injury.

Promoted YM have already got four points on the board but boss Mark Coldrick is looking for an improvement.

"I don't think we have played to our capabilities yet so will be looking for an improved performance today," Coldrick said.

"We have had quite a few injuries and it is an extremely hard place to go to but we will go up there and try and pull something out of the hat."

In Division Two Caldicot have an opportunity to stay at the top as they travel to pointless Pontyclun whereas Croesyceiliog will be out to maintain their two-year unbeaten home record against Penrhiwceiber.

Tredegar host Morriston and Abertillery Excelsior will be hoping to get off the mark in their home clash with Cardiff Corries.

Despite several new faces Chepstow have made a solid start to the season and they will hope to build on it against league new boys West End, who have opened up with two wins from two.

 

WELSH LEAGUE ROUND-UP

22 August 2005

CALDICOT Town are out on their own at the top of the Macron Welsh League Second Division after their 4-1 romp against Cardiff Corinthians on Saturday.

Troedyrhiw and Caerau Ely, who were both on the same number of points, lost and drew their matches respectively, leaving Caldicot clear on top with three wins out of three.

Caldicot were 3-0 up in the first 16 minutes through Wayne Morley, Andrew Edwards and Jason Vaughan to decide the outcome before the visitors got into the game.

They did pull one back, and though the young Caldicot side went off the boil they made sure with their fourth goal from Kel Stevens in the last ten minutes.

Croesyceiliog gained a fine 3-2 away win against Merthyr Saints to move up the table. Croesy, well beaten at Caldicot in midweek, went a goal down after 35 minutes against the run of play and conceded another near half-time.

But a few harsh words at half-time did the trick, and Gareth Wilmott scored ten minutes into the second half. Another striker went on for a defender and Chris Watkins scored twice in the last minutes.  He broke through from midfield and chipped the ’keeper for the first, and with two minutes left scored a superb solo goal for the winner.

Croesy face the return against Caldicot on Wednesday, when their two-year home league record will come under fire. They will also be strengthened by the return of some key players.

Tredegar Town fell to a 4-2 defeat at Penrhiwceiber. They were 2-0 down at half-time, and lost Ben Dimond, who was sent off for dissent just before the interval, but they replied two minutes into the second half through Ian Morris from a direct free kick, and though down to ten men, equalised through Gareth Harding.

But Harding missed a penalty, which proved the turning-point, and the home side scored twice in the last ten minutes. 

In the First Division Gwent clubs Caerleon and promoted Newport YMCA were both beaten, Caerleon going down 2-0 at high-flying Dinas Powys, and YMCA suffering their first defeat in their third game when they were well beaten 3-0 at home by Briton Ferry, who had lost their first two games.

Caerleon conceded a penalty just after half-time which was hotly disputed after an alleged clumsy challenge. They hit the bar three times in the second half, but just couldn’t find the back of the net.

And with 20 minutes left a defensive mix-up lost Caerleon their second goal, and they need to bounce back against neighbours YMCA on Wednesday night.

YM conceded a goal in the first few minutes against a sharp Ferry team. They went further behind before the interval, then Aaron Stewart hit the post before they were hit by a fine third goal.

In Division Three Cwmbran Celtic, promoted from the Gwent County League, jumped off the bottom of the table with their first win of the season at rivals Treowen. The only goal of the match was scored by Michael Archer.

Chepstow beat Ystradgynlais 3-1 after going 2-0 up in the first 20 minutes. Aaron Kaniecky got the first from a cross, and Paul Light also knocked in a cross for the second before the visitors replied, only for Nicky Owen to head home a fine third.

Goytre beat Llantwit Fardre 2-1, though the scoreline didn’t reflect their dominance. It was 0-0 at half-time, then a fine move resulted in outstanding skipper Kevin Wallace scoring, but Llantwit equalised and Goytre got the winner when Mark Langford headed home with ten minutes left. Goytre face Cwmbran Celtic on Wednesday.

Risca fought hard at leaders Cwmaman before going down 1-0.

WELSH LEAGUE PREVIEW

19 August 2005

Although the Macron Welsh League season is only a week old just one club in Gwent, Caldicot, has a perfect return from two matches.

And table-topping Caldicot bid to make it three Division Two wins in a row tomorrow afternoon when they entertain Cardiff Corries.

In their dream start to the season Caldicot have scored eight goals and kept two clean sheets.

Tredegar Town, under new boss Rob Ellis, are away to Penrhiwceiber – their third successive away match. They lost the opening match at Merthyr Saints – a game where they could have least got a point – and then won at Abertillery Excelsior in midweek.

They lost a two-goal advantage at the Saints and then won 2-1 at Abertillery, coming from behind for success, Nicky Ward making a good start to the season, scoring in both matches.

Ellis was missing a quartet of players at Abertillery – Ian Morris, Matthew Williams, Gareth Harding and Craig Jones all working.

Promoted Newport YMCA are unbeaten in their first two Division One matches and look to extend their good start at the expense of Briton Ferry, yet to get off the mark in two starts. But the Ferry have faced two strong sides, Afan Lido, relegated from the Welsh Premier League, and AFC Llwydcoed.

YM are still beset by injuries but they kept plugging away against Caerleon and were rewarded with late goals from John Pardue and a second by Faris Yafai who started the game at left wing back and went up front for the last 20 minutes and proved a real thorn in Caerleon’s side.

Caerleon are at Dinas Powys – but former manager Denis McCoy isn’t planning on watching. He explained: “I was toying with the idea of going but it has been a bogey ground for me so I might stay away.....I’ll put the nets up for the reserves and maybe have a run out.”

Llanwern find themselves without a fixture because scheduled opponents West End are involved in the FAW Trophy. But there is a bright side for manager Laurence Owen whose injured players have time to recover, including Richard Shier and Carl Baugh who were hurt in the final pre-season friendly against Newport Civil Service, forcing them to miss the opening game of the season, a win at Chepstow on Tuesday night.

Llanwern have a backroom change with Ian Burman appointed assistant manager, taking over from Gary Spink who stepped down because of work.

Llanwern’s next match is the return with Chepstow on Wednesday evening.

WELSH LEAGUE ROUND-UP

17 August 2005

Risca’s hopes of building on their impressive home win over Goytre in the Macron Welsh League, Division Three, were shattered at Pentwyn Dynamo last night, writes Ray Parker.

Risca, missing a quartet of players from their four-goal win over Goytre on the opening day of the season, were well in the game at half-time, the teams level at 2-2. But after the break the Cardiff-based side ran away with the game, winning 5-2, making it maximum points from their two games.

Risca, who had two players dismissed in their win over Goytre who ended the game with ten men, equalised in a very even opening half through David Palmer – he also scored against Goytre – after Ryan Cachia gave Pentwyn the lead. Lee Phillips put Risca ahead but the lively Cachia levelled for the home side on 38 minutes with a blistering shot  when Risca were caught flat-footed by a smart, swift right-flank attack.

Cachia grabbed his hat-trick two minutes from the end to round off a great performance.

But by that stage Risca were well out of it after conceding two goals in as many minutes. Brendan Scott turned in an own goal after 70 minutes and Lee Grant swiftly plunged Risca deeper into the mire.

Rhys Iles (2) and Rhys Griffiths were the scorers against Goytre with Greg Haines and Russell Scot dismissed.

Llanwern, hoping to bounce straight back into Division Two, got their season off to a good start with a 3-1 away win over Chepstow, Aziz Anifowoshe twice on target with one goal from Marcus Power.  Chepstow’s scorer was Dave Livermore.

Goytre bounced back from their flop at Risca with a 4-0 home win over league new boys Cwmbran Celtic, the goals flowing from Kevin Berry, Lee Groynes, Darren Haines and Kevin Wallace.

Treowen suffered a 2-0 home defeat against Treharris who just missed the promotion boat last season. Newport YMCA maintained their unbeaten start to the season with a 2-0 home win over Caerleon, John Pardue and Faris Yafai scoring for injury-hit YM in the last 15 minutes of the match.

Caldicot gained an impressive 4-0 home win over promoted Croesyceiliog with goals scored by Gareth Cullimore, Wayne Morley (penalty) and David Lloyd, Caldicot also profiting from an own goal.

A goal from Andrew Watkins wasn’t enough for Abertillery Excelsior – formerly Tillery – who lost 2-1 at home to Tredegar Town.

WELSH LEAGUE ROUND-UP

15 August 2005

INJURY-ravaged Newport YMCA came close to grabbing three points on the opening day of the Macron Welsh League Division One but had to make do with a point as Pontardawe nabbed a last-minute equaliser in an entertaining 3-3 draw.

Phil Tranter had given newly promoted YM the lead after a difficult opening 15 minutes, but the visitors grabbed a quick double as the first half drew to a close.

Mark Coldrick's side, minus eight players due to injury, again seized the initiative and took the lead after goals from Craig Jeavons and another Tranter strike.

They looked on course for an opening-day victory until Pontardawe’s Ryan Fahey popped up to salvage a point.

“It might have been a draw but it feels like a defeat,” said YM boss Coldrick. “I do feel a bit disappointed but I can’t fault the lads."  “We weathered an early storm and got our noses in front but we lost goals at bad times.

“We had eight out and there might be more missing for tomorrow’s match against Caerleon, but we have a big squad and will have to dig in.”

In the same division Caerleon are off to a flier after their 2-1 victory over UWIC.  Chris Pearce grabbed both goals that left his manager, Dave Griffiths, a happy man.

“It is always nice to get off to a good start,” Griffiths said.  “I’m glad to get the first game out of the way, you spend six weeks preparing for it.

“It was a good, hard-working performance and we look to be in good shape. I think we should be aiming for a top-six place this season.”

In Division Two, promoted Croesyceiliog are up and running after their 3-1 victory over re-named Abertillery Excelsior.

Jody Jenkins had a brace and youngster Gary Wilmott added another to maintain Croesy’s amazing two-year unbeaten record at home.

“We played really well, much better than we have done in the pre-season friendlies,” said joint manager Chris Evans.  “It was a good start to build on and it is nice that we have competition for places.”

Tredegar crashed to a 3-2 defeat at Merthyr Saints, but Caldicot made an impressive start, winning 4-0 at Garw.

Strikers Jason Thorn and Wayne Morley both scored twice as Caldicot fielded a side that contained just one player over 30 years old.

Eighteen-year-old goalkeeper James Smallcombe also saved a penalty for Caldicot.

Risca made the best possible start to their Division Three campaign with a superb 4-0 victory at home to Goytre.

Chepstow salvaged a point after coming back from two goals down with just ten minutes remaining.

Nick Vassallo and Nick Owen grabbed the late goals, but new boss Chris Lilygreen thought his side could even have won the match.

“I was pleased to get a point after being two down but I thought that we could have sneaked it,” Lilygreen said.

“Considering we have such a young side who have only been together for a few weeks I am definitely pleased.”

Elsewhere, Cwmbran Celtic went down 4-2 at home to Cwmaman and Treowen lost by the same scoreline at Newcastle Emlyn.

WELSH LEAGUE ROUND-UP

08 August 2005

Chris Lilygreen, Chepstow Town’s new boss, was absolutely delighted with his side’s performance against Croesyceiliog at home on Saturday  – and his team lost! 

Croesyceiliog, thanks to two early goals, won their final pre-season workout 2-1 – but they were far from happy with the showing. 

Lilygreen said: “We are not going to get carried away, but this display made us a lot happier. I was really pleased with the performances, and when four substitutes came on they slotted into place.”

Lilygreen, who has taken over as boss this season, with Wayne Samuel working alongside him, added: “We gave away two sloppy goals, but during this week we’ll be working on set pieces and shooting – and that’s what the pre-season is about.”

Chris Evans, Croesyceiliog manager, although missing a number of players, said: “It was not a very good display. In fact, by the standards we have set, it was pretty poor. With a lot of players missing it was the chance for a few others to chuck their hats into the ring for the start of the season. It was not the result we were looking for, but the performance, and it didn’t happen.”

Chepstow signed youngster Ben Harrhy, a former player with Cwmbran academy, after the match, and Lilygreen is hoping to add another, more experienced player, to his squad this week.

Croesyceiliog gained the perfect start with a Kirk Hicks goal inside the opening five minutes, and after a good spell from Chepstow, which did not result in an equaliser, the visitors broke away and doubled their lead through Jody Jenkins. Both Hicks and Jenkins had chances to put the game well beyond Chepstow, who worked their way back into the game with good play.

Mark Dunn had a shot saved by John Bailey, who will start the Macron Welsh League season ahead of Pat O’Hagan, who will be absent with a five-match ban.

And before the break the unmarked Nicky Vassallo failed to hit the target with a header, and on the stroke of half-time Chepstow ’keeper Carl May made the best save of the match to foil Hicks.

But the second half undoubtedly belonged to Chepstow, and Vassallo gave them hopes of earning a draw with a well-deserved goal, but the home side had the opportunities to level against a side reduced to frequently arguing among themselves.

Third Division Goytre continued their policy of playing higher-grade opposition with a game at home to First Division UWIC, the students winning 1-0 with a first-half goal, but it proved yet another excellent workout for the Welsh League side.

It wrapped up Goytre’s tough pre-season, although they have a full-scale trial match on Wednesday.

It’s all change at Treowen, who have lost a high number of last season’s squad, and manager Richard Davies will be relying largely on youth this time around. The experienced Jeff Reynolds has moved on to Tredegar Town, another side  undergoing big changes following the shock departure of manager John Lewis.

Davies said: “I will be chuffed to beans if the youngsters hold their own and finish in a mid-table position. All the signs at the moment are that we can achieve that.

“We have a team in the Welsh League’s new Under-19 division and many of that team will play in the Welsh League.”

Treowen have also lost goalkeeper Andy Diggles, who suffered a broken hand towards the end of last season, and Simon Lewis has moved on to Abertillery Excelsior.

And Treowen, who had a 3-0 win over local side Pentwynmawr at the weekend, face a searching start to the season with a trip to Newcastle Emlyn on Saturday.