CROESY'S BIG CHANCE  

29 December 2006

Croesyceiliog have a golden opportunity to wash away the bitter disappointment of losing at home to UWIC last Saturday in the MacWhirter Welsh League, Division One, when they entertain bottom club Grange Quins on Saturday.

Chris Watkins is available for the game after missing the UWIC defeat because of a one-match ban, and recent signing Griff Jones is included in the squad.

Chris Evans, Croesyceiliog manager, said: "I had good reports of Jones' performance in the reserves who beat Porthcawl 3-0 (goals by Mark Jones, Andrew Pritchard and an own goal).

"We didn't perform against UWIC for the first time in six or seven matches, proving there is no such thing as a banker in this division. We were really disappointing.

"We certainly have to up it' against the Quins because we are facing three games - Quins, Caerleon and Newport YMCA - which are really six pointers, especially our game with Caerleon.

"It was not luck that UWIC won - they played well and we have to turn things around tomorrow."

Newport YMCA, after a blank Saturday with their game at ENTO Aberaman called off, aim to succeed where Croesyceiliog failed by overcoming visitors UWIC.

Mark Coldrick, YM manager, said: "With our game being off and results not going our way with Croesyceiliog and Caerleon losing (to strugglers UWIC and Barry respectively) it places more emphasis on getting three points. We cannot take anything less."

YM, who had a training session yesterday, have an unchanged squad with Steve Edwards, Louis Walsh and Daniel Cueto under suspension. The only injury worry is right wing back Leon Spargo who has ankle ligament damage.

Caerleon face the toughest task of the three Gwent clubs in the top flight, travelling to Pontypridd who have their eyes firmly fixed on gaining a place in the Principality Building Society Welsh Premier League.

Defender Lee Relish misses the game but manager Brendan Dowd is likely to play with three central defenders and five across midfield where the race is really on for a place, six or seven players all challenging.

Pontypridd are in second place, two points behind Neath with two games in hand.

Llanwern, second in the Third Division, are once again without a match tomorrow but play at home on Wednesday night against AFC Porth. However, they could slip into third place if Llangeinor, with two games in hand, win at Goytre.

Cwmbran Celtic, still very much involved in the promotion chase, have an attractive home fixture, taking on leaders Pentwyn Dynamo.

WEEKEND ROUND-UP

27 December 2006

SATURDAY wasn’t a good day for the three Gwent sides in Division One of the MacWhirter Welsh League as Croesyceiliog and Caerleon fell to defeats while Newport YMCA saw their match postponed.

However, the best result of the day was recorded by promotion-seeking Division Two side Cwmbran Celtic, whose striker Shane Williamson hit four goals in a 6-3 win at Newcastle Emlyn.

Croesyceliog’s 2-0 home reverse at the hands of UWIC was something of a shattering blow because manager Chris Evans’ side had been in good form of late while the capital-based students began with only two wins from 14 previous league outings.

There was good and bad news for Evans beforehand. The experienced Chris Watkins was available again following a one-match suspension, but left back Danny Jenkins was forced to withdraw with a bout of ’flu.

“In all honesty, they deserved to win,” said a hugely-disappointed Evans. “We under performed and there’s no doubt all our players know exactly how we feel.

“It looked as through UWIC were hungrier than us and under those circumstances, who can deny them their victory?

“We were 2-0 down at the break and we told them then that if we could get a goal back, then the picture would change.

“Our goalkeeper Pat O’Hagan did superbly to save a penalty (his second in successive games) to keep us in the game soon after the restart.

“We had a go at them after that, but we simply couldn’t put away about four decent opportunities we created after the interval.”

There was more woe for Croesyceiliog later in the game when new signing from Bridgend Town, Kevin Davies, went off with an ankle injury.

Croesyceiliog remain in 10th position with Caerleon failing to land a sixth successive win to take them above their Gwent rivals when they lost 2-0 away to resurgent Barry Town.

The Cold Bath Lane outfit fell to goals from former Cwmbran Town striker Zac Misbah and Scott Morris, who has also been on the Crows’ books this season but without making an appearance after signing from Carmarthen Town.

“Our great run had to come to an end sometime and Barry are a much-improved team to the one which was in last place not so long ago,” remarked Caerleon boss Brendan Dowd.

“However, for all that, we certainly knew it was a Christmas fixture because we gifted them both their goals.

“The first was as early as the eighth minute and that settled them and when the second went in just after half-time, it left us chasing the game.

“We created a few chances and their goalkeeper made three good saves, but Barry did enough.”

Newport YMCA were scheduled to travel to face big-spending ENTO Aberaman, but the match fell foul to inclement weather.

In Division Two, Caldicot Town remain fourth after securing a 0-0 draw at home to leaders Garw Athletic, who are still seven points clear of the Gwent side having played a game less.

“I would have taken a point beforehand, so I’ve got to be pleased with the result,” said Caldicot chief Jason Pritchard.

“The match was pretty even with few goal-scoring chances on offer. Garw are a good side and although we didn’t play particularly well, we’re happy with a clean sheet against the top of the table.”

Tredegar Town remain with a relegation fight on their hands after losing 2-1 at Briton Ferry Athletic.

“We were very poor,” admitted Tredegar manager Jason Morgan. “We showed some battling qualities after they went 2-0 up, but the result was right.”

Tredegar, whose goal was scored by striker Lee Brooker 15 minutes from time, remain two places from bottom and only seven points ahead of basement side AFC Llwydcoed.

Cwmbran Celtic’s fine victory at Newcastle Emlyn moved them above their hosts into fourth spot.

For all that, Celtic didn’t get off to the most impressive of starts and were held 2-2 at the break. However coach Della Cheedy explained the side came into its own after the restart.

“A bit of a long journey caught up with us early on and we weren’t at the races,” he admitted. “But we were a different class during the second period when Shane Williamson and Joey Carless proved too hot for their defence.”

Carless bagged a goal double as Celtic scored an eighth success from 14 matches and they are currently 10 points adrift of leaders Pentwyn Dynamos, but have three matches in hand over the capital club.

Cheedy had more than a watching brief, the 46-year-old coming off the bench with five minutes remaining to make his first competitive appearance since being a substitute in Cwmbran Town’s 0-0 draw with Rhyl in a Welsh Premier League game played at Merthyr Tydfil’s Penydarren Park in the 2000-01 season.

Fifth-from-the-bottom Chepstow Town had no luck when visiting Pentwyn Dynamos, who ran out 5-2 winners.

“This was never a 5-2 game because we really did play very well,” explained Chepstow boss Ian Davies.

“I just can’t work it out how we lost by that score-line and it was one of those days when the opposition punish you for every single mistake.

“We pounded them during the second period and certainly deserved more than getting beat 5-2, even though they are the leaders.”

Striker Mark Dunn and left winger Dominic Connor were the goal scorers for Chepstow.

In this division, Abertillery Excelsiors’ home game with Seven Sisters, Risca United’s away clash at Llangeinor and Aberbargoed Buds’ scheduled visit to Ystradgynlais were all postponed.

CAERLEON OUT TO CANE BARRY WITH SIX OF THE BEST

22 December 2006

Caerleon bid for a sixth straight league win when they face improving Barry Town at Jenner Park in the MacWhirter Welsh League First Division tomorrow.

Barry are unbeaten in three league games, including wins over fellow strugglers UWIC, now in bottom place, and Grange Quins.

Caerleon manager Brendan Dowd said: “We need to pick up something from the game but there is so much confidence in the side.”

Four players who missed last week’s game are available again – Lee Relish, Steve James, Martin Phillips and Gafin Griffiths – but Dowd is unlikely to make many changes to his starting line-up.

Croesyceiliog, in a run of home games, should continue their climb  against bottom team UWIC. Croesyceiliog have won their last two games without conceding a goal.

Michael Pattimore, returning to the club from Cwmbran Town, is in manager Chris Evans’ squad and left-hand side midfield player Chris Pritchard returns from suspension. However, Chris Watkins is serving a one-match ban and Daniel Clouth is still on holiday.

Evans, fully aware of UWIC’s position, said: “I am not getting complacent because of their position. Every game is hard and we have to treat them as a top side.”

And Evans is already looking ahead to a new year meeting with Gwent rivals Caerleon, who are very much the form side.

Newport YMCA, who had a much-needed victory last week – at Pontardawe – are on the road again, this time at ENTO Aberaman whose form is on a downward spiral, offering YM hope of avoiding returning home empty handed.

Aberaman haven’t won since success against Dinas Powys back in late October, a run of five matches without success.

However, YM go into the game without Louis Walsh, Daniel Cueto and Steve Edwards – all suspended. Jamie Martin, Craig Ford and Alex Jenkins are the trio expected to step up.

Mark Coldrick, YM manager, said: “We have never been lacking in confidence and we can see ourselves going on a run and hopefully last week was the starting point.”

In Division Two fourth-placed  Caldicot have a rather tasty home fixture, taking on top team Garw, while Tredegar go to mid-table Briton Ferry.

Risca, making the journey to Llangeinor, look to end a run of four Division Three defeats, three of them at home, scoring just twice.

Daniel Freestone, son of former Wales and Newport County goalkeeper Roger Freestone who also played for Chelsea, Swansea City and Hereford, scored on his debut for Risca’s youth team in their MacWhirter Welsh League Youth Cup 4-2 success over Bryntirion – their first win of the season. They followed the victory up with a 2-2 home league draw against AFC Porth.

Because Newport County are in action at Newport Stadium on January 6, Llanwern have had to concede home advantage against Afan Lido in the fourth round of the Shamrock Travel Cup on that date, the game kicking-off at Afan Lido at 1.30pm.

And because the County are at home to Histon in the FA Trophy on January 13, promotion-chasing Llanwern, without a game tomorrow, have had to rearrange their home league game against Porthcawl for the following Wednesday, January 17, kick-off 7pm.

HARD WORK PAYS OFF FOR GOLDEN BOYS

18 December 2006 

THERE'S simply no stopping Caerleon, whose 1-0 home win over Bridgend Town was their fifth successive MacWhirter Welsh League Division One victory.

In a tight affair during which genuine goal-scoring opportunities were at a minimum, the Cold Bath Lane outfit secured the three points thanks to midfielder Luke Cueto's 24th-minute effort.

Left back Jamie Hillier's ball down the flank put in Andy Gay, whose by-line cross was finished off in style by the on-rushing Cueto.

This was not a pretty game by any means and Caerleon had to dig deep for victory over a Bridgend side containing former Newport County players Andy Mainwaring and Leigh Pratt.

Another familiar face in the visitors' squad was midfielder Geraint Goodridge, who came off the substitutes' bench 15 minutes from time after scoring for Cwmbran Town in a 2-2 home Welsh Premier League draw against Llanelli the night before.

Caerleon's win came just three days after their fine 2-1 success at Maesteg, and for once the Gwent side didn't concede a late goal - a scenario which has haunted them this season.

"We've been working hard in training on defending free kicks and corners and that paid off for us," said Caerleon boss Brendan Dowd.

"You're right, it wasn't pretty but it's what we came to do. We knew we'd be up against it, but 1-0 was what we set our stall out for.

"We're on a great run and let's hope it doesn't end before the new year. We've a series of away fixtures now, but it's certainly not a problem as we're as happy playing away as we are at home."

Caerleon are in 11th place in the table, immediately below Croesyceiliog, who beat off the challenge of big-spending visitors ENTO Aberaman.

Right wing-back Chris Watkins got the first on 20 minutes with a shot from the edge of the penalty area before central defender Mike Dewar wrapped up the success by heading in a Dale Evans cross.

"We played well and even their manager (David Morgan) complimented us on our performance," revealed Croesyceiliog boss Chris Evans.

"We look far more solid these days and seemed to have turned things around, and that's down to the return of people such as goalkeeper Pat O'Hagan."

The former Cwmbran Town number-one confirmed his manager's thoughts by pulling off a magnificent penalty save before the break.

Croesyceiliog have been further strengthened by the return of midfielder Michael Pattimore, who has been playing this season for cash-strapped Cwmbran in the Welsh Premier League.

"Michael has committed himself now to us and we're delighted, of course, with that," said Evans of Pattimore, who was a non-used substitute in that 2-2 draw of Cwmbran against Llanelli last Friday.

Newport YMCA capped a good day for Gwent sides in Division One by winning 2-0 at Pontardawe to ease their relegation fears.

"The lads played very well and deserved this win which was much needed," said YMCA boss Mark Coldrick.

"I told them beforehand that I didn't want any pretty-pretty stuff and just to make sure we got three points out of the game, and they did exactly as I asked.

"It was an ugly affair, but our work-rate was superb and we looked comfortable throughout."

Aaron Stewart put Coldrick's men ahead on 21 minutes, with Faris Yafai securing the victory after robbing the goalkeeper of possession.

Caldicot Town remain fourth in Division Two - despite a fine 4-1 away win over AFC Llwydcoed, where strikers Jason Thorne (2) and Mark Williams plus midfielder Gary Moores all struck before the interval, and the Gwent side also hit a post and the crossbar.

In Division Three, Risca lost out in their Gwent derby against Abertillery Excelsiors, who emerged 1-0 winners.

Andy Phillips grabbed the all-important goal after being set up by David Smith to go above inactive Aberbargoed Buds into sixth place.

"We paid the price for some missed chances and we need to bring in a striker now," said Risca chief Mike Colcombe.

Goytre are eighth following a solid display in seeing off visiting Cwmamman United 2-0 through an own goal by visiting defender Gareth Morgan and a Graham Mason effort.

"We were worthy winners and it could have been a lot more," said Goytre manager Ian Rosser. "However, that won't detract from what was an excellent win."

Mason's goal is certainly worth describing in detail. Picking up the ball inside his own half, he raced away and cut inside two defenders before firing a left-footed shot into the top corner of the net for a glorious goal.

Chepstow Town, however, had an afternoon to forget, losing 7-0 at Newcastle Emlyn. The home side scored two penalties, while Chepstow's cause was not helped by the sending off of midfielder Daniel Savage in the 55th minute when the score was 3-0.

None the less Chepstow boss Ian Davies was generous in defeat: "Without doubt Newcastle Emlyn are the best footballing side we've met this season," he said.

"At the same time it was our worst performance of the campaign, although we've no excuses whatsoever for this defeat."

The Division Two match between Tredegar Town and visiting Bettws was postponed because of a waterlogged playing surface, and no new date has yet been announced.

CAERLEON HOPE TO KEEP UP WINNING RUN

15 December 2006

Four straight league wins have given Caerleon manager Brendan Dowd the belief that his side can continue their rise in the MacWhirter Welsh League, Division One.

They made it four in a row at Maesteg Park in midweek and now have home games with Bridgend Town (tomorrow) and then bottom side Barry Town the following week.

Dowd said: “It’s a long time since we won four league matches on the trot and I believe we have the ability to go on and win our next two home games.”

Caerleon’s preparation was well planned, Dowd playing his first team in a reserve league game last Saturday. Caerleon won the match against Ely Rangers 1-0 with Ben Davies getting the goal.

Midfield player Davies, signed from Welsh Autoparts Gwent County League side Spencer Youth, shone in the win over Maesteg Park.

Dowd said: “He has started to pick up his game. He has quality although, at times, he is still a little naive.”

Lee Relish, who played so well alongside Troy Quarterly at the heart of defence at Maesteg Park, is not available and Lewis Andrews takes his place while Martin Phillips comes into the squad – if he’s recovered from a hamstring injury.

Caerleon, with two games in hand, are level on 18 points along with Croesyceiliog who are at home to ENTO Aberaman.

Croesyceiliog have signing 19-year-old Griff Jones who lasted season captained Bristol City Under-18 team.  He will make his debut in a  reserve game at Bridgend.

Central midfield player Gareth Pattimore returns after missing last week’s win over Pontardawe but Daniel Clouth, who plays in a similar role, is not available.

Newport YMCA look for a festive lift when they travel to Pontardawe who are also in the wrong half of the table and smarting from a 4-0 defeat in Gwent.

However, they are without striker Daniel Cueto, who was sent off against Ton Pentre last week. His four-match ban takes him out of the front line until the new year.

Right-wing back Leon Spargo is a doubt with ankle ligament damage.

Caldicot should take the points in their Division Two visit to bottom side AFC Llwydcoed while Tredegar take on Bettws who are a point ahead.

CAERLEON VICTORY LIFT

14 December 2006

Caerleon came from behind – and missed a penalty – to gain their fourth successive win, beating Maesteg Park, who finished the game at windswept Tudor Park last night with nine men.

The victory lifted them into mid-table in the MacWhirter League, Division One, level on 18 points with Gwent rivals Croesyceiliog and above Bridgend, Saturday’s visitors to Cold Bath Road.

Caerleon, playing into the teeth of a strong and sometimes unpredictable wind and rain, fell behind after 21 minutes when goalkeeper Andrew Delve failed to get the measure of Richard Stevens’ free-kick, the ball slipping through his grasp and into the net.

Six minutes later Caerleon should have been level from a much-delayed penalty, Port Talbot referee Ryan Thomas taking his time to sort things out with an assistant. It resulted in Chris Lee getting a red card for the goal-line handling of Todd Quarterly’s goal-bound effort from Steve James’ corner.

But there was still more drama as vastly experienced home keeper Gary Wager made the right decision to save from Andy Gay.

But Caerleon, with the experienced Lee Relish and Quarterly playing soundly in a difficult first half, didn’t have to wait long for a deserved equaliser. Ben Davies scored from the best move of the match, which flowed the entire length of the pitch from its originator Delve.

A draw was on the cards until a spectacular own goal three minutes from the end gave Caerleon the points. Quarterly knocked a short free-kick to impressive midfield player Ben Davies whose 30-yard shot thudded against the bar, the ball striking the grounded Wager on the back of the head and flying into the net.

And just to complete Maesteg’s late misery they had Stevens dismissed deep into time added on for bad language and getting a yellow card.

LLANWERN UP FOR AFAN LIDO TESTER 

13 December 2006 

The three Gwent clubs remaining in the quarter-finals of the MacWhirter Welsh League, Shamrock Travel Cup have all gained home ties.

Third Division promotion-chasing Llanwern, first of the eight teams drawn from the hat, entertain First Division Afan Lido while Tredegar take on Bridgend, another First Division outfit.

Caldicot, fourth in Division Two, face mid-table Bettws but perhaps the tastiest of the four ties is the all-First Division meeting between Goytre United, drawn at home, and leaders Neath.

Laurence Owen, Llanwern manager, commented: “It is not a bad draw – it could have been worse. But the boys all had visions of a draw with Neath, that’s what they wanted.

“They really wanted to have another go at them. In our Welsh Cup tie with them we had a man sent off after 20 minutes but they didn’t score until the 70th minute when they had a penalty. The boys felt they were robbed by their own indiscipline and wanted another crack at them  – but we’ll take the home draw any day.”

Shamrock Travel Cup, quarter-finals: Llanwern v Afan Lido, Tredegar v Bridgend, Goytre United v Neath, Caldicot v Bettws. Ties to be played on January 6 (kick-off 1.30pm).

l Risca, the only Gwent side remaining in the MacWhirter Youth Cup, will be away to either Cambrian and Clydach or Port Talbot.

MacWhirter Youth Cup, quarter-finals: Pontypridd v Pentwyn, Neath or Goytre United v West End or Haverfordwest, Cambrian and Clydach or Port Talbot v Risca, Pontardawe v Ely Rangers. Ties to be played February 4 (kick-off 1.30pm)

Tonight’s First Division match between Maesteg Park and Caerleon is the subject of an afternoon pitch inspection.

GWENT THREE THROUGH

11 December 2006

GWENT could have a Shamrock Travel Cup finalist for the first time in five years after a trio of clubs reached the last eight on Saturday.

Llanwern, who won the 2001-02 final by beating Gwynfi United at Neath, Caldicot Town and Tredegar Town all made third-round progress to go into tomorrow night’s draw.

Division Three promotion-seeking Llanwern bridged a section gap by edging out Division Two strugglers Caerau Ely in an eight-goal, after-extra-time thriller in Cardiff.

Llanwern travelled to the capital without three key players, goalkeeper Chris Hart and central defenders Mike Binning and Carl Baugh, with striker Steve Perszewski forced to don the number-one jersey.

An own goal by Richard Binning put the home side ahead before striker Mike Vaux levelled by robbing the goalkeeper of possession on 28 minutes.

Skipper Greg Taylor put manager Laurence Owen's men ahead seven minutes later to make the interval score 2-1, only for the hosts   to equalise on the hour mark.

Llanwern went 3-2 up when Tony Shire set up brother Richie, but with just 30 seconds remaining Caerau Ely took the game into extra time with their third.

Vaux struck again nine minutes after the restart before he secured a fine hat trick by netting Llanwern’s fifth with eight minutes to go.

“It was a great result played out on a horrendous surface, and all we could ask for beforehand was a place in the next round,” said Owen.

“We could and should have been 5-0 up early on and paid for not taking those chances later on.“None the less we’re through, and a home draw would be nice because we’ve had a lot of away games so far.”

There was another eight-goal thriller at Tredegar Town, who prevailed 5-3 on penalties following a 4-4 after-extra-time draw against Ystradgynlais.

In a nip-and-tuck affair, Tredegar scored via substitute Paul Reed (2), striker Lee Brooker and defender Paul Jenkins before Ian Morgan secured the win by slotting home the winning penalty.

“We’ve certainly played better, but we’re through to the next round and that’s all that counts,” commented Tredegar manager Jason Morgan.

Caldicot, fourth in Division Two, travelled to face mid-table Division Three outfit Llansawel and returned home 2-1 victors.

“We were not at our best, although we had a solid look about us throughout,” remarked Caldicot boss Jason Pritchard.

“We’re due a home game, although having won at places such as Pontypridd Town and Ely Rangers, we won’t be frightened of visiting anyone if we have to.

“This was a deserved win. However, we know cup rounds are a bonus and that the league is our bread and butter.”

Striker John Thorne put Caldicot ahead by outpacing the home defence, with midfielder David Lloyd doubling the advantage by powering in a 25-yarder before the break.

The hosts reduced the arrears after the interval, but Caldicot stood tall to hang on for the success.  

In Division One of the MacWhirter Welsh League, Croesyceiliog thumped visiting Pontardawe 4-0 with goals coming from brothers Jamie and Danny Jenkins, both with long-range efforts, man-of-the-match Paul Belski and substitute Jamie Stokes.

The match began a sequence of nine consecutive home matches for Croesy, who included new teenage defensive signing from Bridgend Town Kevin Davies as a substitute.

“We’re delighted with the win and it’s just the start we need for all these home games we now have,” said Croesyceiliog boss Chris Evans.

While the Cwmbran-based club are on the up, another Gwent side, Newport YMCA, are struggling at the wrong end of the table and a 3-2 home defeat at the hands of former champions Ton Pentre has not helped their cause.

Manager Mark Coldrick, however, is determined to take a plus out of a reverse: “We looked dead and buried on a few occasions, but credit to the players for the way they kept going, and it’s that sort of mentality which I’m sure will be of great benefit to us in the coming months.”

He continued by expressing his disappointment at his side’s defensive frailties which eventually led to the YM’s eighth defeat in 12 league outings.

Cwmbran Celtic’s home match against Porthcawl Town proved a dire game on an uneven surface, but they still managed to emerge victors thanks to a first-half goal from Liam Kidman.

“It wasn’t a pretty game to watch, but the three points in the bag are what counts,” said Celtic coach Dell Cheedy.

“We’re happy to be as high as fourth just before Christmas, and with defender Ben Graham and  Keiron Porter due back from injury, we’re confident of progressing further.”

In Division Three, Abertillery Excelsiors were 8-1 winners over bottom-placed Gwynfi, who’ve now lost all 15 of their league outings.

Three players, Shaun and David Smith plus Lee Coburn, all netted twice, with Anthony Phillips and Chris Penny also getting on the scoresheet.

In a scrappy encounter, Chepstow Town defeated visiting Aberbargoed Buds 2-1 thanks to goals from midfielder Daniel Savage and Mark Saysell, who cracked the winner after Dean Randall had equalised.

Mid-table Risca United lost 3-1 at Cwmamman United, where Farhan Mahmood was their scorer, while ninth-placed Goytre played out a goalless stalemate at Llantwit Fardre.

“It was just about the right result,” observed Goytre chief Ian Rosser. “It was a hard-fought match which could have gone either way.”

Caerleon will end three weeks of inactivity when they visit Maesteg Park Athletic on a Division One encounter on Wednesday, kick-off 7.30pm.

CROESY INCLUDE NEW SIGNING IN SQUAD

8 December 2006

CROESYCEILIOG’S latest signing Kevin Davies is in their squad for tomorrow’s MacWhirter Welsh League, Division One home game with Pontardawe.

Davies, full-back or sweeper, signed from rivals Bridgend Town. He watched his new club suffer an odd-goal defeat at Afan Lido a week ago, the fifth successive odd-goal match in which Croesyceiliog have been involved, winning two and losing three.

Davies is the club’s third capture in recent weeks, joining Dale Evans and Paul Bielski.

Another local player who has had experience with a League club is poised to join.

Croesyceiliog manager Chris Evans must also find a replacement for left-sided midfield player Chris Pritchard who was sent off at Afan Lido, his second red card of the season.

Newport YMCA are also at home, facing high-flying Ton Pentre, with manager Mark Coidrick looking for an improved performance after last week’s defeat at Neath, taking a first-minute lead and then trailing 2-1 after five minutes.

Coldrick said: “We played five in midfield in the first-half. But at the start of the second period I switched to 3-4-3 and maybe we should have held on for an extra ten minutes or so. I take a bit of the blame looking back at the game.

“We defended poorly, something we must improve on, but the stop-start season isn’t helping us.”

Central midfield player John Pardue misses the game because of a one-match ban and Coldrick is waiting for the outcome of fitness tests on Lewis Sommers and Craig Ford.

Caerleon are once again without a fixture - they haven’t played since mid-November - and manager Brendan Dowd is planning to use most of his first-team squad in a home reserve game against Ely Rangers. 

Dowd wants to give his players a run-out because they are away to Maesteg Park on Wednesday, a game that was scheduled for tomorrow but the Tudor Park club are at Afan Lido for a league cup tie.

Three Gwent sides are involved in the Shamrock Travel Cup - all in with a shout of making progress, despite the fact that two are on the road. Third Division promotion-chasing Llanwern go to Second Division relegation-haunted Cardiff side Caerau (Ely) while high-riding  Second Division Caldicot are away to league newcomers Llansawel - not an easy task.

Tredegar have home advantage over Division Three side Ystradgynlais who are third from bottom.

However, Lianwern are facing a goalkeeper crisis. Chris Hart is unavailable and manager Laurence Owen is the latest to be affected by the one-player one-club rule being operated a season earlier than necessary by the Gwent FA. Owen may turn to striker Steve Perszewslcj in his hour of need.

Carl Baugh is still absent with a calf injury, Michael Binning is not available and Troy Quarterly has a broken thumb.

CROWS RETURN TO WINNING WAYS

7 December 2006

CWMBRAN Town, who lost their unbeaten record when losing to Ely Rangers in the second round of the MacWhirter Welsh League, Youth Cup on Sunday, bounced back with a league win last night.

The young Crows gained a 2-1 home win over Cambrian and Clydach in the East Division to make it a maximum return from nine games and now hold an 11-point lead over Caerau (Ely).

Cwmbran’s goals came from Owen Llewellyn and Rakesh Patel.

WEEKEND ROUND-UP

4 December 2006

A HOME game against MacWhirter Welsh League Division One leaders Neath Athletic was always going to be a tough examination for struggling Newport YMCA, and so it proved as the visitors emerged 4-1 winners.

YM did, however, have the satisfaction of scoring first when Craig Jones slotted home a penalty midway through the first period before goal braces for Jarrod Price and Jon Keaveney ensured the points went to the visitors.

The Newport side was the only Gwent club in Division One action on Saturday. Caerleon were without a game, while Croesyceiliog lost 3-2 at Afan Lido on Friday night.

After a tight affair, Croesyceiliog manager Chris Evans expressed his disappointment that his side was pipped at the post.

“We are disappointed at the way we played, and that’s now seven games this season in which we’ve been beaten by the odd goal,” said Evans.

His team had battled back well from a 2-0 deficit to level with goals from Chris Pritchard and Danny Jenkins.

But after the Lido were reduced to ten men by a sending off, they grabbed all three points with a late clincher.

Croesyceiliog are in 13th place in the table, but will now hope for an improvement with nine successive matches at home to take them through to February.

In Division Two, Jason Thorpe was a hat-trick hero in fourth-placed Caldicot Town’s fine 4-0 away victory over one-from-the-bottom Morriston, where his strike partner Mark Williams also got on the scoresheet.

But Tredegar Town slipped to 13th position after a penalty by Sam Hartley proved only to be a consolation in a 4-1 home defeat at the hands of Pontyclun.

Another successful penalty-taker was Cwmbran Celtic striker Joe Carless, with team-mate Liam Kidman also scoring in their side’s 2-2 away Division Three draw at AFC Porth.

“I’ll settle for that because it’s a difficult place to get a positive result,” said Celtic player boss Mickey Copeman.

His team are fifth in the table, ten points adrift of leaders Pentwyn Dynamos but with a couple of matches in hand.

Second-placed Llanwern continued their promotion push with a 4-2 home success over Llangeinor at a windswept Newport Stadium.

Playing with the elements in their favour, Llanwern stormed to a 3-0 advantage after just 18 minutes against the third-placed visitors.

Richie Shire was first on the scoresheet with a seventh-minute volley, Marcus Power fired home his 15th goal of the season following a six-man move just five minutes later, before it was number 12 for Steve Perszewski following a magnificent ten-pass move.

The visitors reduced the arrears shortly before the break and pulled another back by the time the second period was eight minutes old. But after Llanwern had stiffened the midfield by replacing Ivan Poncak with Matthew Smith, Perszewski grabbed his second of the game from the penalty spot to ensure Llanwern’s tenth win in 14 league outings.

Aberbargoed Buds drew 2-2 at Newcastle Emlyn, but should have done better with the hosts having had two players sent off.

Buds’ goals came from Leon Young and Wayne Antoniazzi as they consolidated their sixth position.

Veteran striker Chris Lillygreen made it five goals in three matches with a brace in Chepstow Town’s 3-3 draw at Porthcawl Town, where Simon Lewis also scored for the Gwent outfit.

Risca United lost a home mid-table battle 3-0 against Llantwit Fardre, while Abertillery Excelsiors drew 2-2 at Llansawel.

Abertillery took a 2-0 lead with goals from Chris Penny and Dave Smith, but were later pegged back by a physical home unit.

Goytre climbed clear of the relegation zone thanks to a 3-2 home victory over Ystradgynlais at Plough Road.

Striker Andy Walsh opened the scoring by curling home a 30-yarder before the visitors reached the break level at 1-1.

Walsh made it 2-1 with his second, and although Ystradgynlais equalised again, full back Chris Perry snatched the all-important winning goal.

TIMING COULD HIT NEW SIGNING'S DEBUT

1 December 2006

Croesyceiliog, busy in the transfer market in recent weeks, are hoping to complete another signing today – but perhaps not in time to play at Afan Lido tonight in a MacWhirter Welsh League, Division One game (kick-off 7.30pm).

The sweeper with another Division One outfit is expected to play in a home reserve team game tomorrow against Cambrian and Clydach. Chris Mills, who came on as a substitute at leaders Neath last Saturday, will not be considered after suffering a hand injury at work. He is still in hospital.

Mills, who has been scoring quite a lot of goals for the reserves, was in the frame to start at the Lido, who are in fifth place, one of four clubs on 22 points.

Chris Pritchard, left sided midfield player, and Danny Jenkins, left back, both return after serving one-match bans.

Central midfielder Gareth Pattimore was carried off at Neath but is expected to declare himself fit.

Newport YMCA entertain Neath, contemplating making a change in their playing style. Manager Mark Coldrick said: “We know all about Neath and what to expect from them.

“We normally play three attackers but we may drop one into midfield – but that’s something we’ll decide on the day.”

YM will be without central midfielder John Pardue and Coldrick admitted: “That’s a massive blow for us.”

YM were one of many clubs to fall by the wayside last week because of the weather. To have their game called off was a blow.

Coldrick said: “We had a full scale work-out on the pitch and we had a few people come to watch us.

“It was disappointing to have the game called off because we’d worked hard on the pitch.”

Caldicot are going well in Division Two, sitting in fourth place, and will be looking to improve on that at the expense of home side Morriston, who are just one rung from the bottom with two wins from 11 matches.

Llanwern and Llangeinor, two of the Third Division’s top teams, clash at Spytty Park with Laurence Owen’s side holding a two-point advantage but Llangeinor have three games in hand.

Owen describes it as a “must win” match after they dropped valuable home points the previous week against Newcastle Emlyn who forced a 2-2 draw.

Defender Paul Tanner returns to the squad after missing the last two games with a hamstring injury as does striker Steve Perszewski who missed the Newcastle Emlyn draw because of work.

Matthew Currie (thigh strain), Carl Baugh (calf) and Tony Shier (foot) are all rated as having a 50-50 chance of playing.

Cwmbran Celtic and Aberbargoed Buds, just outside the promotion frame, are both on the road, Celtic in the Rhondda to meet AFC Porth and league newcomers Buds making the long journey to Newcastle Emlyn.

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