WELSH LEAGUE ROUND-UP

28 February 2006

Newport YMCA stretched their lead to nine points at the top of the Macron Welsh League Reserve Division, writes Ray Parker.

YM defeat Risca 3-0, Alex Jenkins – one of five youth team players in their line-up – giving them an interval lead. Steve James got a second and Dean Goddard, another youth team player, added a third.

Croesyceiliog drew 1-1 away with second-placed Grange Quins, now one of three teams in the division to have points deducted. David Roberts scored his first of the season to earn the visitors a point.

Treowen, in third, had a 5-0 home win against Chepstow with goals from Gary Evans (two), Dean Morse, Chris Williams and Huw Thomas.

They are on 30 points with the Quins, who have a superior goal difference, but with a game in hand. Caldicot suffered a 4-1 defeat at UWIC, despite defender John Reed equalising with his first of the season. 

Caerleon completed their Macron Welsh League, Youth Division (East) fixtures with a 2-2 draw against Risca, all the goals scored in the second-half.

Rhys Iles gave Risca the lead but Caerleon hit back through Nathan Millichip and Luke Cueto. However, Risca gained a point when a cross from Eddie Ryall was headed into his own net by Matthew Davies.

Newport YMCA, third in the table, gained a 5-2 home win over bottom team Cardiff Corries with two goals apiece from Jamie Martin and Dean Goddard, Corries contributing to their own

downfall with an own goal. YM goalkeeper Gareth Yeoman made another spot-kick save, his second in successive matches, coming at an important stage of the match with the YM leading 2-1.

Second-placed Cwmbran stage a top-of-the-table clash tomorrow night when they take on leaders Treowen (kick-off 7.30pm), two points separating the teams. Cwmbran are level on 22 points with YM but the young Crows have a superior goal difference.

Macron Welsh League, Youth Division (East): Newport YMCA 5, Cardiff Corries 2; Risca 2, Caerleon 2.

WELSH LEAGUE ROUND-UP

27 February 2006

Newport YMCA eased their relegation worries from the Macron Welsh League, Division One, when they gained an impressive away win over Afan Lido, the former Welsh Premier League outfit.

YM have lost only two of their last nine league matches, and manager Mark Coldrick declared: “It was a massive three points for us. It was a fantastic result.

“We did everything right before the game. Our preparation was spot-on and you would have thought we were a top-four or -five team.

“We kept control of the ball well, and even when we lost possession we worked twice as hard to get it back and our goals came just at the right time.”

Daniel Heath gave YM the lead, and Coldrick added: “When he scored it was as if another strand of confidence swept through the side, although there was an element of good fortune with our second goal.”

And that fell to Leon Spargo, whose free kick, 35 yards out, was missed by defenders and attackers alike and found its way into the bottom corner of the net.

But there was no such joy for Caerleon, who crashed 4-1 at home to Bryntirion who entertain the YM this week.

David Griffiths, Caerleon manager, said: “We have conceded seven goals in our last two games and against Bryntirion we were just not at the races.”

Caerleon leaked an early goal and were then floored by a penalty.

Griffiths added: “When they scored their first goal we were just not strong enough and I thought the penalty against Todd Quarterly was a good challenge, although his momentum carried him on.

“We got back into the game before half-time but but in the second half we just continued to give the ball away and allowed them to dictate the game. It was a game where three goals came from mistakes and a penalty.”

Gareth Sadler scored from the penalty spot for Caerleon’s goal and Lewis Andrews had the misfortune to concede an own goal. Jonathan Cuss scored Bryntirion’s opening goal and the penalty and their other goal was scored by Lee Pratt.

Croesyceiliog, far from being at full strength, remain on course for a second season of promotion following a 2-1 Division Two home win against Troedyrhiw. Croesyceiliog are in second spot, one point covering three clubs. They are ahead of Garw on goal difference, the teams level on 48 points with ENTO Aberaman a point behind, but Croesyceiliog have an all-important game in hand. And hard on their heels are Caldicot, who had a 2-0 home win over Abertillery Excelsior.

Croesyceiliog took the lead with a long-distance wind-assisted shot from Jamie Jenkins and a shot from him also hit a post.

Croesyceiliog, against the elements, defended very well and when Troedyrhiw gained an equaliser a draw looked to be on the cards, but Jody Jenkins popped up with a late winner as Croesyceiliog gave what was described as one of their best performances of the season.

Caldicot made it three wins from their last four games when they gained a 2-0 home success over Abertillery Excelsior, with goals from Gareth Cullimore and a David Lloyd penalty, conceded by Lee Bull.

Jason Pritchard, Caldicot manager, said: “In the first half we played against the very strong wind and played our better football. It was a pleasing result because we kept another clean sheet.” (They have conceded one goal in the last four matches.)

David Davies had his first start in Caldicot’s back three, while goalkeeper James Smallcombe made a stunning close-range second-half save from Richard Langley.

Tredegar’s home game with Garden Village was postponed because of a snow-bound pitch.

Risca snatched an injury-time winner to topple Division Three leaders Newcastle Emlyn.

Following a goalless first half Risca, 3-2 winners, established a two-goal lead through Rhys Iles and player-manager Michael Colcombe, who scored with a beautifully executed left-foot free kick. In a highly entertaining second period Risca ’keeper Nicky Church made a tremendous penalty save and then kept the rebound attempt out, Colcombe harshly penalised for handball.

However, Newcastle Emlyn were not discouraged and hit back with two goals before substitute Chris Maher, making his first appearance for three months having recovered from knee ligament damage, got Risca’s winner in injury time, bringing the game to a thrilling end.

Goytre gave manager Steve Morgan a reasonable birthday present, gaining a point from a 1-1 draw at Pentwyn Dynamo, the visitors coming from behind to equalise through Joe Carless before half-time.

Chepstow made it three wins from the last four matches, Nicky Owen scoring in the first half to gain a crucial 1-0 home win over fellow strugglers Blaenrhondda.

Cwmbran Celtic, after a run of five games with one defeat, have lost in their last two outings, the latest a 2-0 home defeat by Cambrian and Clydach,  who scored a goal in each half, but Celtic did not play at all well.

Treowen fell apart in the second half after holding a one-goal half-time lead at Ystradgynlais, who got hold of the game after the break, winning 3-1. Luke Evans scored the Treowen goal. 

WELSH LEAGUE PREVIEW

24 February 2006

Caerleon, the lowest scoring side in the Macron Welsh League, Division One, 25 goals in 23 matches, have had two front runners in training this week ahead of their crunch home clash with Bryntirion, one point separating the teams.

David Griffiths, Caerleon manager, said: “One of the players is an Australian who has been over here for three weeks. I think he has been playing to quite a good standard back home but we’ve not had the chance to see him play.

“We haven’t a reserve game this weekend to have a look at him and the other is a lad from Malpas who came well recommended to us.”

Caerleon would certainly welcome a late boost in their bid to avoid the drop because runaway top scorer Chris Pearce is still only midway through a four-match ban and Kristian Hanbury who figured in the defeat at Ely Rangers last week returns to Cwmbran for their Welsh Premier League game at Port Talbot tonight.

Striker Gareth Sadler, who played in the win over Barry but missed the Ely game, makes a return.

Caerleon are one of six teams – including draw kings Newport YMCA – separated by four points and Griffiths added: “It really is getting tight down there.”

YM, beaten only twice in their last eight league games, face a real test at well-placed Afan Lido, looking to prevent the former Welsh Premier League side from completing the double.

Manager Mark Coldrick said: “We know it’s going to be tough but we have a double incentive – to avenge a home defeat and try to drag ourselves from the perilous position we find ourselves in because we are up to our necks in it.

“We have got to turn these draws (eight games) into wins and I think, for the first time since I’ve been manager (Coldrick is now in his third full season) I’m able to say ‘same again.’”

YM are still without Darren Porretta (calf injury) and he may include Faris Yafai, recovered from a kidney injury, on the bench.

Second Division Caldicot look to follow-up their midweek success over Porthcawl with another win against Abertillery who are battling to beat the drop while Croesyceiliog look to enhance their promotion chances when they entertain Troedyrhiw, a tough encounter despite having home advantage.

Likewise, Tredegar, although at home will have their work cut out as they bid to overcome Garden Village.

Promotion-chasing Llanwern are without a game tomorrow and manager Laurence Owen is hoping that by the time his side next takes the field – at bottom outfit Penrhiwfer a week tomorrow – he will have a near full squad available. Llanwern have been hit quite hard by injuries and the only worry is likely to be central defender Graham Poyner, nursing a back injury.

Llanwern moved level on 43 points with Treharris after a midweek home win over AFC Porth and near neighbours Cwmbran Celtic could do them a favour by dumping visitors Cambrian and Clydach while Treharris travel to Llantwit Fardre who haven’t lost in five league matches.

Chepstow, after two straight league wins, slipped at Treowen last week and they’ll be hoping to improve their chances of working out of relegation trouble against fellow strugglers Blaenrhondda who are a point better off, but Chepstow have three games in hand.

Treowen, three points better off than Chepstow, face a very difficult task at Ystradgynlais. However, Treowen have won three of their last five games so all may not be lost.

WELSH LEAGUE ROUND-UP

23 February 2006

Caldicot were made to work hard for their home 2-1 victory over relegation candidates Porthcawl in the Macron Welsh League, Division Two, last night, substitute Jason Thorn getting a controversial winner six minutes from the end.

Tyrone Tucker fired promotion candidates Caldicot into a lead but industrious and inventive Porthcawl posed numerous problems and thoroughly deserved their levelling goal from Luke Bowen.

Manager Jason Pritchard was relieved at the end, commenting: “Everything good from Saturday, when we only got a point, we didn’t bring into last night’s game. We didn’t play as well, but got three points.”

Caldicot have moved into fifth place and Llanwern kept themselves in the Division Three promotion frame with a 2-1 home win over AFC Porth, moving into fourth spot, thanks to a double second-half strike from Matthew Currie after the visitors established a half-time advantage.

WELSH LEAGUE ROUND-UP

20 February 2006

IT was a disastrous afternoon for the majority of Gwent sides in the Macron Welsh League, Division Three outfit Treowen the only team who managed a win.

Treowen, who are within two points of the Division Three drop zone, needed a victory at home to second-from-bottom Chepstow Town, who appointed Barrie Vassallo as manager during the week.

It was an exciting contest and both sides created enough chances to win the game.

The visitors led 2-1 at half-time, two goals from Vassallo’s son, Nicky (meaning he has scored five in his last two games) cancelling out Dave Stevenson’s opener.

However, the home side raised their game in the second period and goals from Simon Evans and Lewis Cootes saw them clinch the three points.

Chepstow boss Vassallo was disappointed with the result, commenting: “We started well without playing great football, but in the second half we caved in and deserved to lose. I take nothing away from Treowen, they aren’t a great team but they deserved to win.”

In Division One, Newport YMCA did their survival hopes no harm with a 1-1 draw at home with Llwydcoed, though the circumstances of the draw made the result a bitter pill for manager Mark Coldrick to swallow.

In a tight and cagey affair it was the YM who finally broke the deadline, Danny Heath scoring with a header after 89 minutes.

However, football is a cruel game and deep into injury time Heath got caught flat-footed at a corner and Llwydcoed snatched a draw with a header.

Manager Coldrick explained: “It feels like we have lost because the equaliser came so late on, but in truth neither side deserved to win the game.

“It was a typical bottom-of-the-table scrap and we didn’t do enough to win it, but we need to stop drawing so many games that we could’ve won.”

Gwent’s other struggling Division One side, Caerleon, were on the wrong end of a 3-0 pasting at third-from-bottom Ely Rangers.Caerleon conceded two first-half goals (a deflected shot and a toe-poke from a corner) and never recovered, despite dominating the second period, Ely clinching the game with a third goal on 75 minutes.

“We weren’t good enough and effectively lost the game in the first half with some sloppy defending,” Caerleon manager David Griffiths reflected.

Caerleon’s next match is against Bryntirion on Saturday, a clash Griffiths described as a “six-pointer”.

In Division Two, Caldicot were the pick of the Gwent sides, earning a 0-0 draw at Garden Village.

Caldicot had the bulk of the possession and were always the side most likely to win it, Tyrone Tucker striking a post with perhaps Caldicot’s best chance.

Youngster Richard Sharratt marked his first full appearance with a man-of-the- match performance.

Tredegar Town, mid-table at present, lost 2-0 at Troedyrhiw, after two first-half goals.

Manager Rob Ellis reflected: “It was a dreadful performance in a dreadful game that was an appalling advert for Welsh League football.

“We shaded the second half, but we didn’t deserve anything from the game.”

It was also a bleak afternoon for promotion-chasing Croesyceiliog, who had won seven on the bounce before Saturday; they lost 4-1 at rivals Ento Aberamam.

Two goals inside a minute put Ento 2-0 ahead at half-time, though Croesy started the second half well after getting the hairdryer treatment from boss Chris Evans.

Prolific striker Jody Jenkins made it 2-1, but two late goals sealed Ento’s victory.

Evans said: “We didn’t deserve to win and they did, but on the back of the run we have just had, providing we bounce back, this result isn’t the end of the world.”

In Division Three, Cwmbran Celtic went down 1-0 at Newcastle Emlyn.

Risca United also lost, thrashed 5-1 at Treharris Athletic, though the scoreline flattered the home side with Risca twice hitting the post when the score was 2-1.

David Hurley got the Risca goal.

Fifth-placed promotion-chasers Llanwern were also beaten, surprisingly losing 2-0 at third-from-bottom Blaenrhondda.

In a game of few chances, Blaenrhondda took the lead via a deflected cross on 75 minutes and killed the game off with five minutes remaining as Llanwern pushed forward in search of an equaliser.

Llanwern manager Laurence Owen was far from happy with his team.

“It is three points dropped and we offer no excuses, the best side won and I am bitterly disappointed,” he said.

“Our away form hasn’t been good enough over the last two or three months and it could cost us promotion the way we are going. It was a really bad day at the office and changes will need to be made to get us back on track.”

WELSH LEAGUE PREVIEW

17 February 2006

Newport YMCA manager Mark Coldrick is not underestimating the task facing his side to keep their place in the top flight of the Macron Welsh League after gaining promotion last season.

Coldrick’s side entertain fellow strugglers AFC Llwydcoed tomorrow and the team boss declared: “It is going to be yet another scrap; a six-pointer as they all will be right to the end of the season.”

But if YM battle as they did at title-chasing Goytre in midweek they are quite capable of steering clear of trouble. Goytre, at times, exposed a class gap but Coldrick’s side never gave up on a very heavy pitch – and that kind of spirit can carry them to safety.

Coldrick added: “I was disappointed with the result at Goytre – but not the way we worked, that was pleasing. It’s a pity we didn’t work that hard against Taffs Well the previous week,” (YM figured in a 2-2 draw).

Near neighbours Caerleon can help themselves – and YM – by winning at bottom three side Ely Rangers. Caerleon are looking for the double having won the home clash 2-1 back in October and are going into the game on a high following the home success against Barry last Saturday.

Apart from missing suspended striker Chris Pearce, on a four-match ban, they are also missing schoolteacher Gareth Sadler who played so well up front with scorer Craig Joliffe in the 1-0 win over Barry Town last week.

David Griffiths, Caerleon manager, said: “It really is a case of ‘same again, please,’ both with performance and score. We played really well against Barry, taking the game to them and playing well in all areas.”

Division Three promotion-chasers Llanwern, their midweek home game with Ystradgynlais postponed because of an unfit pitch, bid for a double when they travel to struggling Blaenrhondda.

Chepstow Town, away to fellow strugglers Treowen, have successfully turned to former manager Barrie Vassallo to preserve their Welsh League status.  He said: “All I want to do is get them out of trouble and then look to get someone in place for next season.”

Vassallo had hoped to call on experienced goalkeeper Peter Mason to bolster his side – but his plans have been dashed.Mason has been helping out long-time cricketing friend John Macey, the former Newport County keeper who has been with Wessex League club Wimborne Town for a number of seasons, the two first meeting when Macey coached at Newport County.  Mason had acted as cover while Wimborne were on the FA Vase trail but they were knocked out by Pickering Town. However, their number one choice was sent off in a midweek league match and Mason got a SOS call from assistant manager Macey.

Mason said: “I would have loved to help Barrie but I had already given my word to John and I am not leaving him in the lurch. I changed jobs recently and get a bit more time on Saturdays. I am not going down to Wimborne to replace anyone – just to help out.”

Chepstow have pulled clear of the bottom three with two successive wins and Vassallo said: “Three of our next four games are against the teams below us and we are looking for a nine-point return.”

The experienced Mark Dunn, recovering from an ankle injury, is expected to make a return and Vassallo would like to boost his squad. He added: “Realistically, I would like another two players.

WELSH LEAGUE ROUND-UP

15 February 2006

Battling Newport YMCA gave a brave performance against title-chasing Goytre who made their class tell as they took another stride last night towards the Macron Welsh League, Division One title.

YM, beaten 4-2 at Glenhafod Park, conceded  a goal within a minute of the start and then suffered a similar fate at the beginning of the second period.

However,  YM to their credit, refused to be rolled over and Faris Yafai pulled a goal back before the break. But any hopes of a recovery were dashed as second-placed Goytre, looking to get a place in the Welsh Premier League, opened up a 3-1 lead.

Jon Pardue pulled it back to 3-2 when he worked hard on a heavy pitch as torrential rain battered the pitch after his penalty had been saved.

Goytre’s goals came from Darren Lyons (2) and Kevin Bartley (2).

Lewis Owen marked his debut for Newport YMCA reserves with four goals in a 6-4 success at Grange Quins in the Reserve Division (East) last night. YM, with five youth team players, scored their other goals through Dean Goddard and Jody Wiggan.

WELSH LEAGUE PREVIEW

14 February 2006

Goalkeeper Gareth Wesson has returned to his football roots and plays for Newport YMCA in their tough Macron Welsh League Division One game at Goytre United tonight (kick-off 7.15pm).

And Wesson, who quit Cwmbran Town last week, can expect a rather busy time against the side lying second in the table to Neath, where the YM won last month, and with designs on a place in the Welsh Premier League.

Goytre, beaten just twice in 18 league games and on a run of eight league wins, have six matches in hand over Neath and are 15 points adrift.

Wesson, who played as a youth for the YM, went on to Newport County before spending a couple of seasons with Plymouth Argyle.

However, the YM will be without Leon Spargo and Steve Edwards who were both dismissed during the 2-2 draw at Taffs Well. Their places are taken by Faris Yafai and Robert Wigmore respectively.

Aaron Stewart is unavailable through work and Daniel Cueto steps into the line-up.

However, the experienced Darren Porretta is still absent from midfield with a calf injury but it is hoped he will have recovered in time to face AFC Llwydcoed at Mendalgief Road on Saturday.

The YM’s second team are also in action tonight, facing Grange Quins in Cardiff in a Reserve Division (East) match.

Taffs Well have withdrawn from the Youth Division East. 

WELSH LEAGUE ROUND-UP

13 February 2006

Caerleon took another big stride to Macron Welsh League, First Division safety with a crucial home win over Barry Town and the Gwent club have lost only twice in their last seven matches.

Craig Joliffe scored the all-important goal which gave Caerleon – missing top-scorer Chris Pearce because of a second period of suspension – a 1-0 victory, breaking the deadlock after 78 minutes following a neatly worked move involving Glen Willis and Luke Cueto.

But it was the quality of the performance which impressed assistant manager Brendan Dowd, who said: “That is the best we have played all season, our one-touch passing was absolutely brilliant. If we continue to play in that fashion then we will certainly keep out of trouble.”

John Sadler, now working away, made his first appearance of the season for Caerleon, linking in attack with Joliffe. “They worked off one another so well,” added Dowd. “We did so well in midfield and I’ve never been so upbeat – that’s how good it was. It was a quality performance from all 14 players involved.”

Newport YMCA are the division draw kings. They shared the points in a 2-2 draw at Taffs Well – both sides ending with nine players – and four of their last six matches have ended all square. In all, they have drawn seven games – more than any other side in the top flight.

YM got off to the best of starts when Aaron Stewart was brought down by home goalkeeper David Jones, who was sent off – former Cardiff City player Dai Thomas going in goal – and skipper John Pardue converted the spot kick, a lead they held at the break.

However, YM lost their way at the start of the second when Adam Moore equalised with a header from a free kick and then went down to ten players with the dismissal of right-wing back Leon Spargo.

However, YM got their act together and regained the lead when Danny Cueto scored with a near-post header from Robbie Painter’s free kick.

Taffs Well suffered another blow when Moore was sent off but YM still couldn’t hold their advantage, Paul Michaels scoring.

And there was a fourth red card shown, resulting in an early walk for YM central midfield player Steve Edwards, and the YM heaved a sigh of relief when Taffs Well had an effort ruled out, Rod Thomas volleying in a shot.

Mark Coldrick, YM manager, said: “I think, at times, the referee was a little over-zealous. It was disappointing because we twice got our noses in front but in the end we could have lost it.”

Croesyceiliog, second in Division Two, were made to work extremely hard for their 3-2 home win against relegation-haunted Porthcawl, who took an early lead after the lively Jody Jenkins had struck efforts against both post and bar.

James Stokes put Croesyceiliog on equal terms and then Jenkins gave Croesyceiliog the lead, although the visitors levelled before the break. And it was fitting that Jenkins got the winner, although Croesyceiliog almost let it slip, clearing a late effort off the line.

Richard Langley celebrated his return to the Abertillery Excelsior side – missing for nearly two months because of work – with a late equaliser in a 1-1 draw at Caerau (Ely) who took an early lead.

Abertillery played well in the second half and are now unbeaten in four games, three of them drawn.

Caldicot’s game at bottom club Gwynfi was postponed because of a frozen pitch, and so too was the game between Tredegar and ENTO Aberaman.

Llanwern’s Richard Shier kept up his stunning goal burst, scoring four times in a home Division Three 6-3 win over Treowen, giving him eight goals in three league and cup games since returning from suspension. However, he blotted his copybook in the final minute when he was shown a red card.

That automatically rules him out of Wednesday’s home match with Ystradgynlais, and Marcus Power is also considered doubtful because of a back problem.

Laurence Owen, Llanwern manager, said: “Richard absolutely ran the show and we are going to miss him. He got a second yellow card right at the end but no-one complained that it was a foul.”

But it was only in the second half that Llanwern displayed their class, three times falling behind in the first half and trailing 3-2 at the break.

Owen added: “I read the riot act at the break. We were dire in the first half and I could have gone home. But, in fairness, we were a different side in the second half.”

Flu victim Michael Aviss was substituted at half-time, replaced by Paul Foster. Owen added: “It certainly didn’t help us that Michael wasn’t fully fit.”

Matthew Currie twice set up Shier for Llanwern’s two first-half goals, and once Power put Llanwern on equal terms the home side never looked back, Shier completing a hat trick after Steve Perszewski had been brought down in the box. Power got his second of the match and Shier rounded off the best move of the match, full of one-touch football.

Richard Davies, Treowen manager, said: “We went from wonderful in the first half to bitterly disappointing after the break. You just cannot afford to switch off, and that’s what happened with some of my players.”

Matthew Hughes scored twice for Treowen, his first direct from a corner, although it did take a slight deflection, and their other goal came from Paul Cunningham.

Cwmbran Celtic suffered both joy and heartache in toppling promotion-chasing Treharris 2-1, finishing the game with nine men.

They were reduced to ten players at the break when Deri Crimmins was shown a red card and with a minute left for play, two-goal star Mark Haynes was also dismissed along with Treharris substitute Steve Broome, who had only been on the pitch for 14 minutes.

It was certainly a good three points for Celtic, who fell behind to a Ryan Taylor goal after only eight minutes.

Chepstow chalked up a second successive win, winning 3-2 at home to Cwmamman with former players Lee Stanton and John Sanderson making a return to the club. But the star of the show for Chepstow was striker Nicky Vassallo, who scored a hat trick, including a penalty.

Risca were well beaten at home by bottom team Penrhiwfer. Risca lost 3-1 and were trailing by three goals when substitute Chris Hastings, a youth team player, scored a late consolation goal.

Goytre’s trip to Ystradgynlais also ended in a 3-1 defeat, Joe Carless scoring an equaliser.

WELSH LEAGUE ROUND-UP

8 February 2006

Caerleon have suffered a double player loss for apart from prolific first team marksman Chris Pearce being sent off for the second time this season, they have also had reserve hot-shot Tyrone Gibbs sent packing.

Gibbs got the winner in the Macron Welsh League, Reserve Division (East) 3-2 win at Llantwit Fardre before a second yellow resulted in his dismissal.

Dave Howden scored Caerleon’s other goal from the penalty spot. Pearce, who scored in the First Division draw at Maesteg Park, has picked up a four-match suspension after being dismissed for violent conduct which keeps him out of Cwmbran’s big home game

with Llanelli in the Welsh Premier League tonight. Pearce has twice played for the Crows and scored in both games.

Chepstow also ended with ten players after the dismissal of scorer Rory Prettyjohns in a 1-1 home draw with Dinas Powys whose equaliser came late in the game, a second penalty after one had earlier been saved by Karl Baynton.

Newport YMCA, division leaders by four points, drew 1-1 at Cardiff Corries, Robert Wigmore scoring a late equaliser.

YM had goalkeeper Julian Phillips to thank for keeping them in the game, saving a penalty which would have given the home side a two-goal lead.

Risca lost 3-0  at home to UWIC while Joe Martin scored in Caldicot’s 4-2 defeat at lowly Pontyclun.

WELSH LEAGUE ROUND-UP

6 February 2006

IT was a great weekend for Gwent clubs in the Macron Welsh League, with seven of the ten in action on Saturday winning, two drawing and only one losing – Goytre at home to managerless Chepstow in a Division Three derby.

The only First Division side to play were Caerleon, and the strugglers bounced back after two disappointing defeats with a superb 1-1 draw at fourth-placed Maesteg Park.

“We’d have settled for a point beforehand,” said manager David Griffiths. “I think overall it was a fair result, although it was like the Alamo for us in the last 20 minutes,” (after striker Chris Pearce had been sent off for an alleged stamping).

Caerleon played down the slope in the first half and took a tenth-minute lead.

Todd Quarterley, playing his first game after missing all season because of work on his house, sent a good ball through to Pearce, whose pin-point cross was tucked home by Craig Jolliffe.

Ten minutes later Troy Quarterley struck the bar with a free kick, and then John Seymour’s effort was cleared off the line.

But in the second half Caerleon couldn’t clear their lines, though they defended solidly until Maesteg equalised with a goal from a corner.

After that it was backs to the wall, Caerleon holding out for what was a vital point, with none of the four teams below them winning.In Division Two there were wins for Croesyceiliog (3-1 at Ammanford), Caldicot Town (1-0 at home to Caerau Ely) and Tredegar Town (1-0 at Porthcawl).

Croesy moved into second place and closed the gap on leaders Pontypridd, not in league action, with their success.

“Considering we had five players missing and were up against one of the division’s best footballing sides, it was an outstanding display,” said manager Chris Evans. “The boys who came in were superb.”

Croesy lost Mark Redman with a gashed ankle after 15 minutes, but five minutes later took the lead through Mark Allcock.

Jamie Stokes cut inside and cracked a shot against the bar and Allcock volleyed in the rebound.

The prolific-scoring Jodie Jenkins made it 15 goals in his last six games on the half- hour, Stokes and Chris Watkins inter-passing before Jenkins knocked the ball home at the far post.

Mike Dewar added the third on the hour before Ammanford pulled one back with 20 minutes remaining.

Caldicot got the only goal of the game to beat Caerau through replacement midfielder David Lloyd with ten minutes to go after they had earlier missed a hatful of chances.

Andrew Edwards and Paul Harris played their parts before Harris played the ball into Lloyd’s path for him to shoot back across the ’keeper.

“The opposition were pretty ordinary and our finishing was a bit wayward but it was a good win,” said Caldicot manager Jason Pritchard. “We hope now we can go on a bit of a run.”

In Division Three Risca United had an excellent 4-2 win at AFC Porth, who had been on a bit of a winning run.

“We’ve played better and lost,” said Risca official Stuart Luckwell, “but it was a real battling performance.”

Andy Gay gave Risca a 20th-minute lead but Porth equalised just before half- time.

Rhys Iles restored Risca’s lead on the hour, and soon after Gay hit his second before Russell Scott made it 4-1 with ten minutes remaining, Porth grabbing their second two minutes from time.

Treowen Stars, despite several players away on a stag weekend, grabbed a vital 2-1 home win over Seven Sisters in their bid to pull clear of the relegation zone.

“It was a case of all hands to the pump, with several players having to play out of position and a couple more youth players having to be introduced,” said manager  Richard Davies, “but the youngsters did well and showed they want to keep their places.”

Davies’ side were under pressure at times but created the better chances, two efforts cleared off the line, and deserved the points.

All the goals came in the opening 15 minutes, David Stephenson opening the scoring by knocking in the rebound after the Seven Sisters goalkeeper had saved.

The visitors equalised two minutes later before Treowen scored a swift second, goalkeeper Nick O’Reilly throwing a long pass to Jamie Russell, who played it across the penalty box for Luke Evans to rifle in.

Chepstow were another side who needed points, and after parting with manager Chris Lilygreen by mutual consent and appointing his assistant, Wayne Samuels, as caretaker manager, grabbed a cracking 1-0 win at Goytre.

Lilygreen was involved as a player but the only goal was scored by 19-year-old Dominic Connor ten minutes from time following a throw-out by the ’keeper and a cross by Nicky Vassallo.

“We had been playing well and losing, and this time we did not play as well but got the luck,” said assistant secretary Ian Davies.

Chepstow remain one from bottom, but with games in hand over the four teams above them can still climb to safety.

Cwmbran Celtic picked up a point with a 1-1 draw at bottom club Penrhiwfer, but will be disappointed not to have gained all three.

l Third Division Llanwern reached the last 16 of the Shamrock Travel League Cup with a superb 1-0 win at Second Division Merthyr Saints courtesy of a goal by Richard Shire.

They are now hoping for a home draw after playing away in all rounds to date.

“It was a great result,” said manager Laurence Owen, “as we had eight players unavailable – two suspended, one on holiday and five injured.”

Llanwern dominated the first half but did not score until the 60th.

Shire fired home a cross by Alex Lee after good work by Richard Bingham and Marcus Power.

WELSH LEAGUE PREVIEW 

3 February 2006

MANAGER Chris Lilygreen and assistant Wayne Samuel have been dismissed as the management team of relegation-threatened Chepstow – but they have been asked to stay on as players.

The 40-year-old Lilygreen, who first moved to Chepstow when they were a Gwent County League side, said: “We have tried our hardest and put everything into it.  I don’t think anyone could have done any more. It certainly has not been all plain sailing.

“I have never walked away from a club. I happen to like the club and if they want me to play then I will try and get a few goals to help keep the club in the league.”

Already former manager Barrie Vassallo, whose son Nicky plays for Chepstow, has been linked with making a return.

Chepstow, who face a Gwent derby at Goytre on Saturday, are second from the bottom of the Macron Welsh League, Third Division but they have games in hand over their fellow strugglers.

Big rivals Caldicot are in a much healthier position, occupying a place in Division One where they can still talk about promotion.

They are at home to Caerau (Ely) and may be without the influential Wayne Morley because of work.

Manager Jason Pritchard said: “It will be a difficult game but if we want promotion then we have to get a run going. It was very frustrating on Saturday (at leaders Pontypridd) because I felt we played well but gave away poor goals. We went 3-1 down but it should have been a reverse scoreline.”

Even better off are Croesyceiliog who face a trip to Ammanford. 

Croesyceiliog are in third place, just a point behind ENTO Aberaman with two games in hand.

First Division Caerleon – at Maesteg Park – are hoping they can keep scoring machine Chris Pearce as they seek to preserve their top flight status. Pearce has appeared for Cwmbran and he was on the mark for the Crows in their Welsh Premier League draw at Caernarfon on Saturday.

David Griffiths, Caerleon manager, who doesn’t want to lose the high-scoring postman, said: “He has proved that he can score at a higher level. I have said in the past I would never ever try to prevent anyone trying to improve themselves. He would be a sad loss and put a dent in our scoring. We will have to wait and see how it develops.”

Pearce, who often works before a game, will be with Caerleon tomorrow because he is cup-tied and Cwmbran are in the Welsh Cup.

Caerleon, after three straight league wins, have lost the last two and Griffiths added: “It has undone some of the good we achieved.

I think some of the players have to take a really good look at our league position.”