20 December 2004

TREDEGAR Town are up into second place in the Welsh League Division Two thanks to postman Mark Dunn delivering the goods with an injury-time winner in their 1-0 victory at Ammanford on Saturday.

Manager John Lewis could not have been happier as they sign off for the Christmas break with their unbeaten run now at nine games.  “It was a terrific team performance in difficult conditions,”  Lewis said. “We deserved to win because we put so much into the game.

“We were missing quite a few bodies, but now we can enjoy the break and the league position is just the icing on the cake.”

Meanwhile, Newport YMCA have hit a really sticky patch, but manager Mark Coldrick believes they can turn things round. YM crashed 2-1 at Pontypridd on Saturday, despite having ten men to the home side’s nine, and it is now just one win in six for Coldrick’s troops.

 
“It was a total mugging,” said Coldrick. “We battered them for the entire second half, then got caught out by a sucker punch. “After last week’s defeat we had a game plan and hoped to cut out the mistakes, but we went behind after only four minutes and the plans were out of the window.”
 

YM found themselves a goal down when Michael Ryan scored a spectacular 25-yard own goal, but they got back into it before halt-time, when Pontypridd netted an own goal as well, but they were caught out in the final minute.

They had a goal dubiously ruled out for offside, and Chris Egitto was red-carded for what Coldrick described as “handbags”.

“We have a three-week break now and it has come at the right time for us,” he said. “We have had our blip, but we’re still in it and will turn it round in the new year.”

Llanwern also went down, dumped 1-0 at Ento Aberaman, but Caldicot were the stars of the day when they took all three points at Bryntyrion.  Gareth Cullimore grabbed the winner as Caldicot stay in touch near the top.

There was not much festive cheer for Tillery as they were on the end of a 6-2 hiding at Porthcawl.  Lee Bull and Matthew Price got the consolation goals for Tony Seymour’s men.

Up in Division One, Caerleon’s rollercoaster season took another dip as they lost 1-0 to Llwydcoed at Cold Bath Road. The goal went in after only two minutes, leaving Caerleon with an uphill struggle.

“We are making it hard for ourselves,” said assistant manager Brendon Doud. “We seem to only play for 45 minutes at a time, rather than the full 90.  “But we will have a few sessions over the break and try to work things out.”

Game of the day in Division Three was Croesyceiliog’s amazing 6-4 victory at Ystradgynlais, despite having goalkeeper Pat O’Hagan sent off just before half-time for reacting to what he felt was a foul on him as the home side scored.

Until that point Croesy were cruising at 5-0, with Gareth Pattimore netting twice and brother Michael also on target. Michael Dewar was also on target, along with recent signing from Llanelli Ryan Fahey, who was making his debut.

 
The loss of key defender Mark Wadden due to injury put pressure on Croesy, and the home side rallied, grabbing two goals to make it 5-3.

Dewar made it more comfortable with his second of the match before Ystrad nabbed another late consolation.

“At 5-1 we were coasting, but the loss of Pat and also Mark put us up against it,” said manager Chris Evans. “We managed to hold on and have games against Risca (on Boxing Day) and Blaenrhondda (on January 3) and we will be looking for maximum points.”

Treowen are still in the hunt after their 4-2 victory at strugglers Fields Park Pontllanfraith.

Local rivals Risca and Albion Rovers fought out an entertaining 1-1 draw at Ty Isaf Park. Dangerman Stewart Wilkins put Rovers one up midway through the first half, but pulled up with a hamstring problem and had to go off before half-time. They were dealt a further blow as centre back Barry Bardsley was sent off and Risca managed to draw level.
 

The home side were on the offensive for most of the second period, but Rovers held on and could even have sneaked it at the end .

“It was a typical derby match,” said Richard Davies. “I thought we were the better side in the first half, but losing two of our best players made it very difficult.  “We frustrated them and worked very hard, so I think we deserved the point.”

In the other Gwent derby, ten-man Chepstow twice came from behind to edge out Goytre in a hard-fought 3-2 victory at Plough Road. Nick Vassilo netted to make it 1-1, then Miles Griffiths was on target to pull it back to 2-2 before Nicky Owen popped up with the winner.
 

13 December 2004

LLANWERN teenager Marcus Power lived up to his name with a power-packed display to help his side climb away from the Motaquote Insurance Welsh League Division Two danger-zone on Saturday, writes Paul Tully.

The 19-year-old scored two superb goals and made the other in Llanwern’s 3-1 home win over fellow strugglers Morriston that took his side two places up the table.

“It was a must-win game for us,” said Llanwern manager Laurence Owen. “We have been a bit depleted, with three or four out through injury.”

Ex-Newport County Youth player Power gave his side the lead after five minutes, firing in off the inside of a post after a superb move.  Llanwern missed chances to increase their lead before half- time, but after 60 minutes Power ran 15 yards before firing past the advancing goalkeeper. Morriston pulled a goal back and put Llanwern under pressure for a while before Power turned a defender inside out more than once before curling over a superb cross, which Lee Stewart met with a great header to seal the points.

The best goal of the day was scored by Tredegar striker Shawn Mainwaring to give his side a well-deserved point with a 3-3 draw away to second-placed Garden Village.  Tredegar, just outside the promotion places, had fought back from 3-1 down to 3-2 with just minutes remaining, when Mainwaring, spotting the home ’keeper still off his line after a goal kick, half-volleyed the ball straight over the unfortunate rival and into the net from 40 yards.

“It was Beckhamesque,” said Tredegar manager John Lewis. “It was fully intended and a superb strike.”

Tredegar trailed 2-0 after 20 minutes, and it was still that way at half-time when Lewis made a tactical change.  Laurence Davies reduced the arrears but Tredegar conceded a penalty third before Lee Brooker shot home from a cross. Tredegar then had their best spell and got right on top, but missed several chances before Mainwaring’s stunner.

“It was important to get a result,” said Lewis, “as we had not previously taken points off a team above us in the table, and to come back the way we did will do us a lot of good.”

In the same division, promotion-chasing Newport YMCA suffered a very disappointing 3-0 defeat away to leaders Pontardawe.They had just as many chances and matched their rivals for an hour, but gave away two sloppy goals after conceding a good opening score.

“Giving away silly goals has been our forte in the past few weeks,” said Darren Porretta, “and we know we have to play better.  “We had a Lewis Somers ‘goal’ disallowed before they scored, and had that stood it might have been different, while we also missed two one-on-ones, but we have not been playing as well as we can.”

Also in Division Two, Tillery gave themselves a boost with a 3-2 home win over Caldicot, the team with the best defensive record, apart from Pontardawe.

In Division One Caerleon were held to a 2-2 draw at home by Goytre Utd, the team just above them in the table.  Midfield player Richard Shire scored Caerleon’s first after a scramble in the penalty box, and striker Chris Pearce added the second.  But Caerleon will be disappointed they didn’t win, as both goals they conceded followed straight- forward free kicks into their penalty area.

“For some reason we just can’t seem to defend well from dead-ball situations like free kicks and corners,” said Brendon Down, “despite the fact we can deal with normal crosses all day.  “We probably had 70% of the game, but all things considered, 2-1 was probably a fair result.”

Risca and Gelli had a wasted journey to Blaenrhondda in Division Three when the appointed referee failed to turn up and the game was postponed.

Albion Rovers suffered a very disappointing 3-0 home defeat by a Goytre AFC side who began the day below them in the table.  All the goals were scored in the first half, the first two the result of errors. The second half was more even, but though Albion saw one effort cleared off the line, they never really looked like clawing back the deficit.

Croesyceiliog, who have yet to reach double figures in terms of matches played, grabbed a very good point with a scoreless draw away to second-in-the-table Caerau Ely, who have scored more goals this season than anyone else in the division.

Fields Park/Pontllanfraith, struggling one off the bottom, also drew, but would have hoped for more than a 1-1 draw at home to an Ystradgynlais side only a few places above them.

Chepstow Town had to be content with a 2-2 draw at home to Troedyrhiw after leading 2-0 through goals by Luke Fernquest and Nicky Vassallo.  The turning-point was the sending off of Chepstow playmaker John Sanderson, along with Troedyrhiw’s Charlie Wyatt after a bout of fisticuffs.

“Sanderson had been running the show,” said Chepstow’s Barrie Vassallo, “and we weren’t the same after his loss.  “But their first goal was a scrambled effort and we were still ahead until about five minutes from time.  “At least we stopped the rot after losing the previous three.”
 

Treowen went down 3-1 at Penrhiwfer, for whom former Newport County striker Steve Mardenborough was outstanding, Dean Randall scoring the Treowen goal.

“We were fortunate only to be losing 1-0 at half-time,” said Treowen’s Richard Davies. “We tried to play too much football while they bypassed the midfield to put pressure on us.”

Randall’s goal made it 1-1 straight after half time and Treowen were on top for a while before conceding two late on.
 

WELSH LEAGUE PREVIEW

10 December 2004

Newport YMCA’s away game at Pontardawe is undoubtedly the top clash in the Motaquote Insurance Welsh League, Second Division, tomorrow – a meeting of the top two teams.

And just to add a little more spice, the third and fourth teams meet head on, Tredegar travelling to third place Garden Village who have not conceded a goal in their last four league and cup games. And just to round it off there is a Gwent derby at Tillery who meet Caldicot.

YM’s recent form has not been so hot, winning once in their last four league and cup matches, beating local rivals Llanwern but losing to Bryntirion and then Caldicot in the Gwent Senior Cup.

Pontardawe, 13 wins in their last 14 league and cup matches, are not at full strength with striker Layton Thomas unavailable and midfield player Jamie Rickard is serving a one-match after collecting five yellow cards. Steve Devonald is also out.

Pontardawe’s one draw in their impressive run was a home draw with Penrhiwceiber – the side YM drew with at home last week.

John Lewis, Tredegar manager, said: “It’s a big weekend for the top four teams and we have to make sure we get something from the match. We will not be going just to shut up shop.”

Tredegar will be without defender Ross Mazurczak who is suspended following his sending-off against Seven Sisters last week.

Caerleon, at home to Goytre United in Division One, have lost Morgan Harris – he scored in the defeat by Garw last week – to Taffs Well who have departed to Llanelli. Defender Michael Binnings is not available because of work and Troy Quarterly and James Bubella, both substitutes last week, will be in the starting line-up.

Chepstow, whose form has dipped – they’ve lost the last four league and cup games – entertain Troedyrhiw and are without Lee Stanton and Jason Donovan, both suspended, and Lee Relish is troubled with a hamstring injury. However, John Sanderson returns after missing a couple of games following his father’s death.

Barrie Vassallo, assistant manager, said: “Our form has been disappointing and the next two games are so important. We’ve had our just desserts in recent matches and I hope we can put it right.”

Treowen’s Carl Pullen misses the trip to newcomers Penrhiwfer because of suspension but manager Richard Davies is hoping that Richard Molyneux, unavailable last week, will return to the squad.

6 December 2004

Caerleon, struggling to find their early-season form, suffered a humiliating defeat at lowly Garw, who won their first game of the season, writes Ray Parker.
 

The Gwent side lost 2-1, Garw doubling their goals tally for the season and gaining their first success in a dozen Motaquote Insurance Welsh League, Division One matches.Brendan Dowd, Caerleon’s assistant manager, said: “It was a poor show from the amount of possession we had and on the chances we created.”

Caerleon gifted Garw an early goal and Gary Wager, the vastly experienced home goalkeeper capped by Wales at non-League level, made several fine saves. Morgan Harris raised Caerleon’s hopes with an equaliser just before half-time, but even that failed to inspire the visitors, who slipped up five minutes from the end, conceding a second goal.
 

Dowd added: “A point would have been disappointing, but to leave with nothing was even worse.”

Michael Aviss suffered heartache in Llanwern’s 1-1 Division Two draw at Pontyclun, breaking a leg very early in the second half. Laurence Owen, Llanwern manager, said: “He had made a clearance and then went over on his standing leg. No-one else was involved.
 

“Not only is it a massive blow to us, it is hard for him. He has been playing so well for us and has been our star player. Sadly, the incident totally overshadowed everything else.”
 

Marcus Power gave Llanwern the lead and they had a number of opportunities to stretch their advantage, but failed to make the most of them and Pontyclun equalised before the break.
 

Tredegar Town extended their unbeaten league and cup run to seven matches with a 4-0 home win over basement side Seven Sisters.
 

Substitute Craig Cheedy, a recent arrival, came off the bench just before half-time and scored two of the goals, the other marksmen being Sean Mainwaring and Steve Edwards.

John Lewis, Tredegar manager, said: “I know they are a bottom team but they scrapped and battled, but we matched their commitment and gave an excellent performance. There were a lot of plusses for us in the game, including being rock solid in defence.”
 

The only blot on Tredegar’s copy book was the dismissal of Ross Mazurczak along with a Seven Sisters player late in the game.
 

Caldicot Town gained a 3-0 home win over Ammanford, scoring all their goals in a brief purple patch during the first half, Gareth Cullimore starting the run when he punished a goalkeeping error.
 

Mark Williams scored with a header from Wayne Morley’s free kick, and then Williams converted a penalty after Cullimore, following an impressive right-flank run, was brought down in the penalty area.
 

Tillery were right off form at ENTO Aberaman, who gained a 6-2 win, leading by three goals at the break. Tillery, who have signed Gareth Harding from Tredegar, pulled a goal back through Dai Smith, who has been sidelined with an ankle injury. Matthew Price scored their second, the chance created by Richard Langley.Treowen toppled Division Three leaders Caerau (Ely) with a 2-0 home victory, ending a run of six straight league wins by the visitors.

Richard Davies, Treowen manager, said: “At last we are beginning to play well. We have struggled to put any sort of performances together, but the last two weeks have been pleasing.”

Recent arrival Jeff Reynolds was Treowen’s two-goal star, making quite an impact since joining from neighbours Fields Park-Pontllanfraith, who surprisingly decided to part company with him as player-manager a couple of weeks ago.

He was quickly snapped up by promotion-chasing Treowen, and promptly repaid them with a debut goal against Cwmamman the previous week.
 

The only downside in the game was the dismissal of three players – all in the same incident – a flare-up just before half-time. Treowen midfield player Carl Pullen was sent off, along with two from Caerau (Ely).

Davies added: “It could have turned nasty but both sides settled down to play football and it was quite a decent game. There were no complaints about the dismissals.”
 

Treowen are in fourth place but have three games in hand over all the teams above them, Caerau (Ely), Treharris and AFC Porth.

Fields Park have appointed Howard Beynon, the former Pontypridd player, as their new boss, but he’s not got off to the best of starts, suffering three defeats.

He has made a number of signings, including Jay Davies from ENTO Aberaman, who scored in the midweek defeat at Penrhiwfer. His son, Daniel, has moved from Cardiff Corries, while David Hazel has joined from Risca.

Fields Park trailed AFC Porth by a goal at the break, but any hopes of a comeback were dashed by two quick goals, giving the visitors a 3-0 lead.

Chepstow, who began the season quite impressively, suffered a third straight league upset after losing one of their first nine matches. They went down 3-1 at Croesyceiliog who, having played just eight matches, could have a big shout in the promotion stakes.

Croesyceiliog, unbeaten at home since April 2003, have played only three league games at home and conceded two goals while scoring ten. Adi Pearce notched their first goal and young Joe Lewis got his first senior goal for the club, while David Dewar registered his first of the season. Chepstow’s reply came from Nicky Vassallo.

Albion Rovers, after taking the lead at Pentwyn Dynamo, fought back from a 3-1 deficit to gain a point in a 3-3 draw. Albion, missing injured striker Luke Ash, out for six weeks with an ankle injury, played captain Stuart Wilkins in a forward role, and he responded with two goals and Jon Lilygreen was their other marksman.
 

Risca gained a third straight win without conceding a goal, beating Llantwit Fardre 2-0 at home, the visitors ending the game with eight players, Andy Gay marking his return from several seasons at Caerleon with a goal. Rhys Iles was their other scorer, converting a penalty after he had been brought down by the ’keeper.Stuart Luckwell, Risca secretary, said: “I am just pleased that we kept our discipline.”
 

Goytre suffered an eventful 3-1 home defeat by Treharris, conceding two penalties, one converted by Kevin Bounds, and the second saved by Gareth Williams. And to make matters worse, Richard Taylor, trying to head clear a corner, scored with a near-post header. Justin Clarkson added a third for Treharris before Steve Collett grabbed a consolation for Goytre.
 

Andy Edwards (2) and Ben Miles scored in Caldicot’s 3-0 away win over Caerleon in the Reserve Division (East).
 

WELSH LEAGUE PREVIEW

3 December 2004

Caldicot have placed the emphasis on developing and encouraging local talent this season and their policy is paying dividends.

Although they're looking for their first success in five league games when they entertain Ammanford in the Motaquote Insurance Welsh League, Division Two tomorrow afternoon, they reached the last four of the Gwent Senior Cup with a win over Newport YMCA on Monday night.

Mid-table Caldicot gained two late goals for their success and John Burrows, secretary, said: "A total of 12 players in the squad were from Caldicot, or the immediate area, and that is something of which we are extremely proud. There is a tremendous amount of potential in the area and there has never been a better opportunity  than now for local players to get a chance."

Patient Laurence Owen, Llanwern manager, has finally got his man - and central defender Jamie Bailey  from Christchurch Hamdden, the Welsh Autoparts Gwent County League, Second Division leaders, makes his debut at Pontyclun. Owen explained: " I tried to get him at the start of the season and then he got in touch with me. He goes straight into the side."

However, Bailey's arrival is tempered by the loss of captain and central defender Greg Taylor who is unavailable. Owen added: "It's a blow because I was going to pair them up but now I shall have to shuffle things around."

And Owen hopes that will not be the end of the newcomers. He added: "I am hoping to get a centre-forward and utility player within the next week."

However, Llanwern are still without Matthew Payne, recovering from a shoulder injury while Brendan Scott and Alex Stewart face fitness tests.

Tredegar Town, at bottom club Seven Sisters, will be without new signing Shane Williamson until the new year, ruled out with a hamstring injury after making three appearances, coming off the bench on all three occasions.

John Lewis, Tredegar manager, said: "He has made a huge impact on the squad and he would have been in the starting line-up this week. His loss, which could be for a month, is a body blow for us.

"He scored a cracking equaliser after we had taken the lead against Porthcawl last week."

Tredegar's next three games are away, travelling to Garden Village and Ammanford after the trip to Seven Sisters who have won only once in five home league games.

Lewis added: "It won't be easy. We are not firing on all cylinders in front of goal and in their position they will be scrapping. We will be looking for an early goal to settle things down."

Caerleon seek a second successive league win when they travel to troubled Garw who are without a win in 11 Division One games and are minus two points, along with Gwynfi. They have only scored two league goals and were beaten 9-1 by Tredegar in the Shamrock Travel Cup.

Brendan Dowd, assistant manager at Caerleon, expects to name an unchanged squad but is planning to make one or two positional changes. He said: "We needed the win over Ely last week, although the performance wasn't very good. We're looking for another win to push us into the mid-table pack."

RAY PARKER