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Garden Village (News)
Unless otherwise stated all match reports relate to Division Two Link to Garden Village Photographs E-mail: info@gardenvillagefc.co.uk, or programme@gardenvillagefc.co.uk (Programme information only)
PRE-SEASON WIN FOR VILLAGE Garden Village kick-started their preparations for the new season with a 3-1 victory at Pembrokeshire League outfit Clarbeston Road on Saturday, writes Owain Johns. The visitors included new signings Anthony Wright, Mark Jones (both West End), Derrick Jenkins (Morriston) and former Tredegar Town midfielder Craig Davies in the starting eleven but it was long-serving defender David Evans who put the visitors in front shortly before half-time. Village then extended their lead with two quick-fire goals after the break with player-coach Anthony Wright and last seasons top-scorer Ashley Richards both on target. The hosts pulled one back twenty minutes before time but Bob Lloyd’s side held on register the win. Village host Neath Athletic on Tuesday July 31 (6.30pm), a Swansea City XI on Saturday August 4 (2.30pm) and Bryntirion Athletic on August 7 (6.30pm) before they travel to Barry Town for the opening league game of the season in two weeks’ time. Village: Matthew Martin; David Rimmer, Gary Davies, David Evans; Sam Brown, Mark Jones, Anthony Wright, Craig Davies; Derrick Jenkins, Ashley Richards, Phil Myles. Used Subs: Stuart Lloyd (GK), Neil Lloyd, Alex Jones, Matthew Cannon. *For a chance to win tickets to next Saturday’s friendly with the young Swans, visit: http://official.sportnetwork.net/main/s221/st116469.htm.
GARDEN VILLAGE ANNOUNCE PRE-SEASON LINE-UP Garden Village have announced four pre-season friendlies as they prepare for the 2007/08 MacWhirter Welsh League Second Division campaign, writes Owain Johns. Welsh Premiership sides Neath Athletic and Port Talbot Town will line-up against Bob Lloyd’s side while trips have been arranged to Third Division neighbours Cwmamman United and Pembrokeshire outfit Clarbeston Road. Pre-season kicks-off against a Port Talbot Town side managed by Welsh Semi-Pro boss Tony Pennock. The Steelmen, who completed the last Welsh Premiership season in sixth placed and reached the semi-final’s of the FAW Premier Cup, will make the short trip to Stafford Common on Tuesday July 24 (6.30). Lloyd will then take his side to Cwmamman United of the Welsh League Third Division forty eight hours later for a 6.30pm start at their Grenig Park base. The Glanaman-based outfit finished the Third Division in tenth place last term and this will be the first meeting between the two sides since the 2-2 pre-season stalemate at Stafford Common back in July 2003. Village head west to Pembrokeshire for the second successive pre-season to take on Clarbeston Road on July 28 (2.30). Having beaten Tenby FC 5-1 last summer, they face the FAW’s ‘Club of the Year’ for 2003 that finished last seasons Pembrokeshire League Division Two campaign in fourth position. Finally there will be a re-match of the Tony Nakonecznyj West Wales Senior Cup when Welsh League champions Neath Athletic come to town on Tuesday July 31 (6.30). The Eagles clinched West Wales’ premier cup competition with two late goals in the meeting between the two sides at Llandarcy Park in May. There could be further matches added to this list in the near future. Watch this space. 13 June 2007
CUP FINAL HEARTACHE FOR GARDEN VILLAGE By Owain Johns Welsh Premiership-bound Neath Athletic brought the curtain down on their successful season by lifting the Tony Nakonecznyj West Wales Senior Cup on Wednesday night. The Welsh League champions defeated Second Division neighbours Garden Village, 2-1, at a rain-swept Llandarcy Park but were made to work hard for their victory. An impressive first-half performance saw the visitors take the lead through Lee Rastatter shortly before the break, but it was the same player who put through his own net on 76 minutes to level the scoreline. Neath now had the momentum and in the very last minute were awarded a controversial penalty which was converted by Jarrod Price, who only 24 hours earlier had helped Cwmaman Institute win promotion to the Welsh Football League. A full-strength Village side did well to keep their high-flying hosts at bay for the majority of the first-half, and Bob Lloyd's side could have taken a 15th minute but player-coach Gary Davies could only direct his powerful strike into the side netting. Davies, though, made amends later on in the half with a goal-line clearance after 'keeper Stuart Lloyd had been caught out. The visitors' best chance of the half came on 41 minutes through Cameron Hopkins, whose curling strike dipped just over the top of the bar, but all of Village's hard work was rewarded two minutes later as they took the lead. David Rimmer's long free-kick into the box was knocked across goal by Gary Davies and Lee Rastatter was at the back post to head Village in front. Neath looked more lively in the second period and shortly after the re-start forced Village striker Ashley Richards to clear off his own line after Lloyd has been beaten. But Richards had a glorious chance to put his side further in front on 71 minutes; Paul Bromage put the ball into the six-yard box and, with the 'keeper beaten, only needed the slightest of touches for it to be converted. Richards was sliding in at the back post but missed out on connecting with the ball by a matter of inches. It got worse for the side from Stafford Common as Neath grabbed themselves a sloppy equaliser in the 76th minute. A corner from the right-hand side was sent into the heart of a crowded box but unfortunately ricocheted off the leg of Lee Rastatter for an own-goal. Stuart Lloyd pulled off an excellent acrobatic save on 84 minutes but as the tie looked to be heading for extra-time the home side were awarded a penalty, and was calmly converted by former AFC Llwydcoed midfielder Jarrod Price to seal victory for Athletic and send the distraught players, management and large band of supporters back to the west of Swansea empty handed. 17 May 2007
By Owain Johns Garden Village ended their league campaign in disappointing fashion but now have the chance of winning some silverware for the first time in five years. They take on Welsh League champions Neath Athletic in the final of the Tony Nakonecznyj West Wales Senior Cup at Llandarcy Park on Wednesday (7.30), the first time that the Kingsbridge-based side have reached this stage of the competition. A 4-1 defeat at neighbours Ammanford in midweek brought the curtain down on their Second Division campaign, but Village go into the final on the back of three defeats in their last 15 matches, two of which came in the last two games, and manager Bob Lloyd is looking forward to the challenge. “This is a very prestigious game for the club, it will be our first appearance in the final and it will be a challenge,” said Lloyd. “Our ultimate aim is to get back into Division One and there is no better way to prove ourselves than to play against the Welsh League champions. “I am a little disappointed that the game won’t be played on neutral ground but it will still be a great day for the club.” Village started off the season as promotion favourites and they lived up to those odds by taking 12 points from a possible 18, but a bad string of results sent them into a downward spiral and by January the club was flirting with relegation. Form picked up in March and after eight victories and four draws from their final 15 outings they finished a credible ninth, but Lloyd wants his side to push forward and challenge for honours at the top next term. “This season has been a rollercoaster ride,” he said. “After starting off as promotion favourites it all went wrong and I am so glad we came out of it. “We are going to work extremely hard over the summer as I want us to progress. I don’t want Garden Village to become a mid-table side.” Goalkeeper Stuart Lloyd returns after injury and suspension kept him out of the first-team set-up while promising youngsters Cameron Hopkins and Dayle Selvage are set to return after missing the final day defeat at Ammanford. Winch Wen, who lifted the West Wales Intermediate Cup at the Liberty Stadium in midweek, were comfortably beaten by Ragged School at Garden Village on Saturday. The two teams were playing for the Swansea League Senior Cup and it was Ragged who came out on top by two goals to nil. 12 May 2007
SEASON 2006-07 Please follow headline link(s) to article(s) Village book their place in cup final 26 March 2007 Village win as web-site starts to function again 24 March 2007 Village perform their own great escape in derby 19 November 2006 Five-star performance earns first win since August 11 November 2006 Winless run continues at Old Road 8 November 2006 Village held by Caldicot but win in cup 30 October 2006 Village narrowly defeated at Bettws Park 22 October 2006 Garden Village suffer derby day blues 15 October 2006 Cup run brought to an end at Coychurch Road 1 October 2006 Six-goal thriller at The Willows 23 September 2006 Garden Village comfortably progress in Welsh Cup 16 September 2006 Ten-man Village crash out of League Cup 9 September 2006
VILLAGE HANDED WELFARE CUP DATE
Village have been drawn
at Carmarthenshire League Premier Division outfit Dafen Welfare in the
first round of this season's Tony Nakonecznyj Insurance Brokers West Wales
Senior Cup, writes Owain Johns,
www.gvafc.co.uk. 8
September 2006 New boy Devonald strikes on debut 2 September 2006 Winning run brought to an end in Cardiff 26 August 2006 Top of the league! 19 August 2006 Two out of two as Village win derby match 16 August 2006 Opening Day Delight For Garden Village 12 August 2006
Sunday 6 August 2006 Pre-season friendly Garden Village 2 - 2 Afan Lido Garden Village ended pre-season with a creditable draw against First Division neighbours Afan Lido at a baking hot Stafford Common on Sunday afternoon, writes Owain Johns, www.gvafc.co.uk. The home side were without last seasons top-scorer Ashley Richards which allowed young Dayle Selvage to take a more attacking role, while the experienced Paul Bromage returned to the side for the first time since the end of last season and was named amongst the substitutes. Village should have gone in front within the opening 60 seconds as when Steven Evans was through on goal, instead of shooting he decided to put the ball across goal but it was safely collected by one-time Garden Village 'keeper Wyn Walters. The deadlock was broken shortly afterwards when Michael Harvey connected with a Mark Napieralla corner and volleyed low past Walters. Phil Myles came close with a volley on 16 minutes but the Lido equalised ten minutes afterwards through former Port Talbot League player Chris Latham who headed across Stuart Lloyd into the corner of the net. The scoreline remained the same until the first-half was drawing to a close, but a piece of magic by Phil Myles ensured that Garden Village would return to the changing rooms one goal in front. After twisting and turning past a few defenders he launched an unstoppable shot high into the net from near 25-yards which left Wyn Walters stranded. For the second-half during Tuesday's win over St. Joseph's, manager Bob Lloyd had made a dozen changes at the interval, the only substitution made this time 'round was the introduction of Paul Bromage who replaced the impressive Freddy Treloar. But it was the visiting side that struck first nine minutes into the second-half, Latham again on target with a lob over Stuart Lloyd which trickled over the line to make it 2-2. David Rimmer had a free-kick deflected just wide of the target and Mark Napieralla had a strike well held by Wyn Walters during a quiet second-half but all-in-all a good physical test for Garden Village before the league opener at Cambrian & Clydach Vale on August 12 (2.30). Village: Stuart Lloyd; Michael Harvey, David Rimmer, Neil Simon; Mark Napieralla, Phil John, Freddy Treloar, Steven Evans, Jack Jenkins; Phil Myles, Dayle Selvage. Used Subs: Alex Jones, Nicky Lowe, Paul Bromage.
Tuesday 1 August 2006 Pre-season friendly Garden Village 4 - 0 St. Joseph's Garden Village put in a productive performance as they dispensed of reigning Swansea Senior League champions and West Wales Intermediate Cup holders St. Joseph's at Stafford Common on Tuesday evening, writes Owain Johns, www.gvafc.co.uk. . Neil Simon made his first appearance in a Village shirt while the likes of Stuart Lloyd, Carl Alfei, Craig Blake, Dayle Selvage and Owen Williams returned to the side after missing the weekend fixture. The hosts took a third minute lead through former Neath Athletic midfield Mark Napieralla who beat the offside trap to slot the ball in after some good work down the right by Derrick Jenkins. It should have been two by the sixth minute when Steven Evans was through on goal but he could only shoot wide. St. Joseph's had a few efforts on goal and forcing returning goalkeeper Stuart Lloyd into making some good saves, their best effort coming on 27 minutes when Lloyd was beaten and the ball skimmed the top of the bar, but down at the other end the visiting 'keeper was called into action on a few occasions and didn't let his side down. But two goals towards the end of the opening half all but sealed the win for Village; Phil Myles doubled the lead on 35 minutes from close-range and he added a third from similar distance a minute before the break. Bob Lloyd introduced eight new faces in the second and it was one of those players, Ashley Richards, who came close on 48 minutes with a lob just over the top after some great play down the left by Jack Jenkins and new boy Nicky Lowe. Richards tried his luck agains with a lob, this time from around 30 yards, four minutes later but again it dipped just over. The rout was completed in the 63rd minute when young Dayle Selvage, one of the eight half-time substitutes, struck an unstoppable volley from a difficult angle into the corner of the net. Owen Williams, Ashley Richards and Craig Blake all had chances late on to extend the lead but the game ended 4-0 for Village to secure a second pre-season friendly win out of three. Next match: Sunday August 6 vs Afan Lido (H) kick-off 2.30pm. Village: Stuart Lloyd; David Rimmer, Michael Harvey, Neil Simon; Mark Napieralla, Phil John, Steven Evans, Freddy Treloar, Jack Jenkins; Derrick Jenkins, Phil Myles. Subs Used: Dale Hulland (GK); Nicky Lowe, Carl Alfei, Dayle Selvage, Chris Holt, Owen Williams, Craig Blake, Ashley Richards.
Saturday 29 July 2006 Pre-season friendly Garden Village 0 - 1 ENTO Aberaman Athletic A second-half penalty was the only difference between Village and ENTO, writes Owain Johns, www.gvafc.co.uk. Aberaman as they fought out a very competitive pre-season friendly on Saturday. Richard Jago was the man who converted past Simon Cole in the 57th minute after ENTO's star signing Kurt Nogan was grounded by home debutant Michael Harvey. It was Nogan who had the first proper chance after 19 minutes when he brought a fine save out of Cole on the edge of the area. Phil John brought a save out of visiting 'keeper Neil Collins towards the end of the half as did striker Robert Shannon, who was a handful all afternoon, after flicking the ball past a few defenders before unleashing a thunderous half-volley heading towards the top corner but dealt with by ex-Scunthorpe stopper Collins. A minute before the break ENTO trialist Rhys Carr supplied a pin-point cross into the box which met the head of Kurt Nogan but the former Stockport man could only direct it wide of the target. The deadlock was broken 12 minutes into the half after Michael Harvey, who recently joined the club from Neath Athletic, brought Kurt Nogan down in the corner of the area which left Fforestfach official Adrian Hartley with no choice but to award a penalty. Former Bryntirion and Pontypridd front-man Jago drove his penalty straight down the middle to put David Morgan's side in front. Substitutes Ashley Richards and Jack Jenkins both had chances during a quiet second period, as did Derrick Jenkins, but the home side just couldn't find that extra something to draw themselves level. Robert Shannon was forced to leave the pitch with facial injuries after taking a nasty blow to the face towards the end of the match; David Evans, David Rimmer and Nicky Lowe also picked up injuries during the course of the match. Village: Simon Cole; Michael Harvey, David Evans, David Rimmer; Mark Napieralla, Phil John, Chris Thomas, Derrick Jenkins, Nicky Lowe; Phil Myles, Rob Shannon. Used Subs: Dale Hulland (GK), Jack Jenkins, Steven Evans, Chris Holt, Freddy Treloar, Ashley Richards.
Saturday 22 July 2006 Pre-season friendly Tenby 1 - 5 Garden Village Garden Village's preparations for the upcoming season got off to the perfect start with a comfortable win over Pembrokeshire League side Tenby at the Clicketts Sportsground, Tenby on Saturday, writes Owain Johns, www.gvafc.co.uk. Bob Lloyd included new signings Robert Shannon, a striker who joined from new Second Division rivals West End, and defender Michael Harvey who made the short trip down the M4 from Neath Athletic. Young striker Richard Jones also played some part in the fixture after he recently signed senior forms. Phil John also returned to action for the first-time since sustaining ligament damage 11 months ago and put in a good performance. The visitors took the lead on 11 minutes through Jack Jenkins who was quickest to the ball after the home 'keeper parried a free-kick, and the match was effectively over within a five minute period later on when Garden Village found the net on three occasions. Rob Shannon opened his Garden Village account on 29 minutes to make it 2-0, Phil Myles added a third on 32 minutes and Shannon grabbed a second two minutes later to take this friendly encounter into the break at 4-0. Garden Village's free-scoring attitude looked to have stayed with them as they began the second-half with Jack Jenkins scoring his second of the game in the 50th minute, but that was the last of the goals for the side from Stafford Common. The hosts did pull back a consolation with 15 minutes to go but as the game drew to a close Richard Jones had a goal disallowed and Ashley Richards struck the post. Next up is the home match against ENTO Aberaman, who won promotion to Division One last term after taking Garw's position in third spot, and kick-off is at 3.00pm. Village: Dale Hulland; Andrew Pugh, Michael Harvey, David Evans; Jack Jenkins, Phil Myles, Steven Evans, Phil John, Derrick Jenkins, Rob Shannon, Ashley Richards. Used Subs: Dayle Selvage, Freddy Treolar, Chris Myles, Richard Jones.
AFAN LIDO - GARDEN VILLAGE CONTEST CALLED OFF The pre-season friendly match against Welsh League Division One outfit Afan Lido has been called off. It was due to be played at the British Steel ground in Port Talbot on Thursday July 27 but there is another match scheduled to be played there instead. If anymore information is released regarding a new date or new opposition it will be announced on www.gvafc.co.uk. Revised Pre-Season Fixture List: Sat Jul 22 vs Tenby (A) 2.00pm Sat Jul 29 vs ENTO Aberaman (H) 3.00pm Tue Aug 1 vs St. Joseph's (H) 6.30pm Sat Aug 5 vs Illogan RBL (A) 3.00pm Owain Johns www.gvafc.co.uk 18 July 2006
Garden Village Football Club - Pre-Season Friendlies Saturday July 22 TENBY FC (Pembrokeshire League Division 1) The Clicketts Sportsground, Tenby, Pembrokeshire Kick-off: 2.00pm Thursday July 27 AFAN LIDO FC BSC Port Talbot Ground Kick-off: 6.30pm Saturday July 29 ENTO ABERAMAN ATHLETIC FC Stafford Common, Kingsbridge Kick-off: 3.00pm Tuesday August 1 ST. JOSEPH’S FC (Swansea Senior League Division One)* Stafford Common, Kingsbridge Kick-off: 6.30pm *2005/2006 Swansea Senior League champions and West Wales Intermediate Cup winners Saturday August 5 ILLOGAN RBL FC (Cornwall Combination League) Oxland Parc, Illogan, Cornwall Kick-off: 3.00pm The above information was supplied by Owain Johns, www.gvafc.co.uk 28 June 2006
SEASON 2005-06 Please follow headline link(s) to article(s) Village Miss Out On Points Record After Defeat 10 May 2006 Late Strikes Seal Victory Over Promoted Cockerels 9 May 2006 Aberaman Park Encounter Ends All-Square 3 May 2006 Away Day Joy As Promotion Post Is Still In Sight 29 April 2006 Village Leave It Late At Blandy Park 26 April 2006 Village Up One Place After Ivor Park Success 22 April 2006 Cockerels Come From Behind To Steal Vital Point 17 April 2006 Derby Day Defeat For Lloyd's Men 15 April 2006 Late Strike Seals Victory Over Pontyclun 13 April 2006 Village Slip To Defeat At The Riverside 10 April 2006 Village's League Cup Dreams Come To An End 7 April 2006 Blandy Park Encounter Rained Off In First Half 25 March 2006 Shamrock Cup Semi Final Venue Revealed 19 March 2006 Garden Village Knock Saints For Six 18 March 2006 Village Into Last Four After Spytty Park Triumph 11 March 2006 Second Half Strikes See Off Excelsiors 4 March 2006 Village Held Against Promotion Rivals Caldicot 18 February 2006 Four-Match Winning Run Brought To An End 12 February 2006 Village Victorious Over Struggling Gwynfi 4 February 2006 Village Book Their Place In Cup Quarter Finals 28 January 2006 Dickie At The Double As Village Record Another Win 21 January 2006 Richards Double Sinks Seasiders 14 January 2006 Unbeaten Run Ended By Experienced League Leaders 7 January 2006 Village Climb To Second After Derby Success 17 December 2005 Unbeaten Run Extends To Six After Corries Win 10 December 2005 Away Day Success Continues At Glasbrook 4 December 2005 Richards On Target To Defeat Saints 19 November 2005 Richards Double Seals Away Win For Village 5 November 2005 Town Strike Late To Deny Village Victory 29 October 2005 Village Leave It Late To Progress Into Round Three 22 October 2005 Last Minute Heartbreak At Jubilee Way 15 October 2005 Mansell Strike Helps Village To Victory 8 October 2005 Village Pick Up First League Points Since August 1 October 2005 Garden Village Record Historic Win Over Barry 25 September 2005 Nine-Man Aberaman Come From Behind To Win 19 September 2005 Injury-Time Heartbreak For Village In Welsh Cup 12 September 2005 Village Beaten In Welsh Cup Opener 10 September 2005 Evans & Rimmer See Red As Village Are Beaten 27 August 2005 First Away Points Secured With Win At Ammanford 25 August 2005 Village Beat Porthcawl To Keep 100% Home Record 22 August 2005 Village Stroll To Victory Over 10-Man Ammanford 17 August 2005 Opening Day Woe As Village Lose At Ponty 14 August 2005
SEASON 2004-05
TUESDAY 4 MAY 2005 NEWPORT YMCA 1 - 1 GARDEN VILLAGE Promotion-hopefuls Newport YMCA needed a last minute re-taken penalty to clinch a draw in Tuesday's encounter with Garden Village at Mendalgief Road. A win for the Pill-based side would have given them promotion to the First Division for the first time in 13 years but Garden Village, who had defender David Rimmer in goal because of there being no goalkeeper available to play, read the wrong script and denied Newport YM promotion on the night. From their remaining two matches they need just two points to confirm their promotion. If Village had won the match, they would have inflicted a first defeat in 14 matches - and three months - on Newport YM, and a first defeat at home since November. The visitors took the lead in the first-half through Ben Brown and that's how it remained until the break. YM came out strong in the second-half and continuously pushed for the equaliser; they hit the post three times before they finally got their goal from the penalty spot in the 90th minute after David Rimmer brought down a player in the box. They were requested to take the spot-kick twice because two of their players were in the box at the first attempt, but they did score the equalising goal second time 'round. By Owain Johns
SUNDAY 1 MAY 2005 GARDEN VILLAGE 2 - 0 PORTHCAWL
TOWN The home side were without Ben Brown, Andy Mumford, Chris Thomas, Louis Cann, David Evans and Carl Alfei for the game but were boosted by the return of Jamie Evans from injury. Young goalkeeper Matthew Martin was picked ahead of Carl Howells to start only his second match for the first team. The first of a host of chances came after just 18 seconds; straight from the kick-off David Rimmer's long-ball forward found Chris Morgan to the right of goal and his cross was half-cleared by the Porthcawl defence, the ball fell to Phil John and his close-range shot crashed against the crossbar. Dai Rimmer headed wide from a corner soon after but the first goal finally came on 11 minutes from Craig Blake, who headed home from a Chris Morgan cross. The game died down after that with Village unable to add to their one-goal advantage. Young defender Kerry Williams picked up an injury ten minutes before half-time which saw him carried off the pitch and replaced by another young player in Marc Thomas. HALF-TIME: Garden Village 1 - 0 Porthcawl Town It didn't take long for Village to score a second after the re-start; a quick free-kick on the edge of the box from Jamie Evans picked out Paul Bromage, who put the ball across goal for Marc Lloyd to tap-in at the back post on 52 minutes. Porthcawl did have the ball in the back of the net four minutes later through Dan Harris but it was ruled out for offside. Dai Rimmer had a few chances to score with headers in the first-half, but on 65 minutes he had possibly his best chance of the match. The unmarked defender was on the end of a low cross from the left but from a matter of yards out, and just seven minutes later he could have scored again, this time he headed onto the post from a Chris Morgan free-kick. He was replaced soon after by Michael Hughes. It was a game that Village could easily have won by more against a below-par Porthcawl side, but we go into Tuesday's final match of the season at high-flying Newport YMCA on the back of well-deserved win which saw us move 11 points clear of Penrhiwceiber, who occupy the place below. Village: M Martin, N Lloyd, K Williams (M Thomas '35), D Rimmer (M Hughes '82), C Morgan, J Evans, P John, N Romanello, P Bromage, M Lloyd, C Blake (G Fisher '67). Goals: Craig Blake (11) & Marc Lloyd (52). Porthcawl: W Alston, J Robbins, R Owen, M Morgan (P Gilbert '57), R Owen, C Holmes, D James, S Atkinson, D Harris, M Cile, J Brown (J Owen '84). Un-Used: R Comley. By Owain Johns
WEDNESDAY 27 APRIL 2005 PENRHIWCEIBER RANGERS 5 - 1 GARDEN VILLAGE Penrhiwceiber inflicted this heavy defeat on Garden Village, our heaviest away from home this season, in a game which Village could easily have won if we took our chances early on. The home side went into the half-time interval with a three-goal advantage and killed off any hopes of a Village comeback with two further goals at the start of the second-half; 17-year-old forward Matthew Thomas grabbed a consolation towards the end of the match while Penrhiwceiber were reduced to 10-men in the second-half. Village had top-scorer Ben Brown missing from the squad due to other commitments, and he was badly missed. The visitors could easily have scored four goals inside the opening 25 minutes, chances that would have surely ended the match as a contest if they had been converted. David Rimmer and Neil Lloyd both returned from injury to start the match and they partnered Nicky Romanello and Alex Jones in a four-man defence. Chris Morgan made his first appearance in a number of months on the right side of midfield while Phil John was used as a striker to replace the missing Ben Brown. As early as the second minute Marc Lloyd capitalised on a defensive slip-up to go through on goal; Chris Morgan's throw into the box was totally missed by a 'Ceiber defender which saw Lloyd go one-on-one with the goalkeeper, he saw the 'keeper come off his line but sent his lob over the top of goal. Three minutes later Andy Mumford brought a fine save out of the 'keeper with a free-kick which saw him dive down well to his right and on 11 minutes Craig Blake cut-in and shot just wide. On 23 minutes Phil John completed a great move which involved Andy Mumford, Carl Alfei and Chris Morgan by cracking the foot of the post. How the Village players would have rued missing those chances as in the 24th minute, totally against the run of play, Penrhiwceiber took the lead. Carl Howells dropped the ball from a right-sided cross to the feet of a 'Ceiber player and he simply tapped the ball in to make it 1-0. They should have doubled that lead just a minute later but Howells made amends from his earlier mistake by palming away a close-range shot. Howells went on to make another fine save during the first-half but was twice beaten right at the end of this forgettable 45 minutes. On 45 minutes another cross in from the right was heading for the gloves of Howells but a player popped up in front of him to head through his hands and into the net. They put the match beyond their visitors with a third goal a minute into stoppage-time when a player beat the offside trap to go through on goal and calmly slot the ball beyond a helpless Howells. HALF-TIME: Penrhiwceiber Rangers 3 - 0 Garden Village If Penrhiwceiber could score three goals in a half and look second best (for the first quarter at least) there was no doubt that Village could peg them back in the second-half, but any hopes of this event occurring was dashed just three minutes into the half. After Howells had made a great save the ball was knocked back into the box and tapped-in to make it 4-0. The home side were reduced to 10-men on 54 minutes, one of their players swore at the referee Phil Watts after the Bridgend official awarded Village a free-kick. He didn't improve his case as he swore at Watts a second time as he left the pitch. The early second-half dismissal didn't affect Penrhiwceiber in any way as they managed to produce a fifth and final goal on 57 minutes; their player was played through and after beating Carl Howells he slotted the ball in from a tight angle to give his side a 5-0 lead. It now looked to be an impossible task ahead for the Village players and in the 30-plus minutes that remained of the match we still weren't creating the chances. Andy Mumford did have a couple of chances; he cut-in and shot just wide of the target on 69 minutes and 12 minutes later he forced the goalkeeper into making a fantastic save from his thunderous strike. Six minutes from time and Village finally got their goal; a ball in from the left-hand side fell into a crowd of players but as it got loose substitute Matthew Thomas got a hard enough touch to force it over the line for him to score his first ever goal for the first-team. Village head into the penultimate weekend of the season with two matches to be played in the space of 24 hours. On Saturday third-placed Tredegar is the destination for Bob Lloyd's side while on Sunday Porthcawl Town make the short trip to Stafford Common. Both matches kick-off at 3.00pm. Village: C Howells, N Lloyd (C Smith '66), D Rimmer, N Romanello, A Jones (M Thomas '45), C Morgan, A Mumford, M Lloyd, C Alfei (O Dugdale '66), P John, C Blake. By Owain Johns
TUESDAY 19 APRIL 2005 PONTARDAWE TOWN 1 - 1 GARDEN VILLAGE This match was played in awful weather conditions which included: heavy rain, hail, thunder and lightning, which made it extremely difficult for both sides to play in, and by half-time there was a lot of surface water visible on the playing surface. But the match was completed and Village's excellent run away from home in the league this season (just one defeat) added another result to its toll after this draw at league-leaders Pontardawe. The home side had taken the lead in the first-half through Jamie Brown but Chris Thomas brought Village level mid-way through the second-half with his first goal for the club. Thomas was later sent off as was a Pontardawe midfield player. Village were still without key-players such as David Rimmer, Jamie Evans, Louis Cann and Owen Williams through injury, while Neil Lloyd could only make do with a place on the bench after he limped off early on in Saturday's win at Caldicot. Carl Howells returned in goal to replace Matthew Martin and young defender Alex Jones was named amongst the substitutes. Jones was used as an early substitute to replace David Evans who was forced off with injury, the last thing the club needed with the long list of players already missing. Champions-elect Pontardawe forced Carl Howells into making a string of fine saves during the first-half and the Village 'keeper did well considering the awful conditions of the pitch. Andy Mumford had Village's best chance of the half on 20 minutes with a free-kick but he was unable to add to his goal as he saw the home 'keeper save comfortably. Two minutes later and the deadlock was broken by the home side; a quick free-kick was taken out on the right-hand side and from the cross Jamie Brown attacked the ball well and sent his header flying into the bottom corner. HALF-TIME: Pontardawe Town 1 - 0 Garden Village Village played a much better game in the second-half and after some early pressure should have been awarded a penalty. Paul Bromage was clearly fouled in the box on 52 minutes but Swansea ref' Andy Bachelor turned a blind-eye to it. The home side could have put the game beyond Village five minutes later but Nicky Romanello made a fine stop on the line to deny them a second. After some more pressure the equalising goal finally came in the 67th minute; from the edge of the box Chris Thomas curled the ball into the bottom corner - with the aid of a deflection - to level the scores at 1-1 and for him to score his first for the club since joining from Neath last month. Craig Blake then had a glorious chance to put Village in-front three minutes later but from a matter of yards, and with only the 'keeper to beat, he could only put it wide. One thing that was missing from this fiery derby match was a sending-off, and the game had two red-cards flashed in the closing minutes. Goalscorer Chris Thomas was the first to go in the 89th minute after collecting a second yellow card for deliberate hand-ball and two minutes into injury-time Pontardawe also had a man dismissed after collecting two yellows. Village: C Howells, D Evans (A Jones), A Mumford, N Romanello, M Lloyd, C Alfei, P John, P Bromage, C Thomas, C Blake (G Fisher), B Brown. Un-Used: N Lloyd. By Owain Johns
SATURDAY 16 APRIL 2005 CALDICOT TOWN 1 - 2 GARDEN VILLAGE Garden Village picked up their ninth away win of the season with a 2-1 success at mid-table Caldicot on Saturday. Andy Mumford's second goal in three games for the club and a Craig Blake header helped Village race into an early two-goal lead, the home side did pull one back soon after but the visitors held on for the win. Bob Lloyd was without many of his first-team regulars through injury - Jamie Evans, Owen Williams, Louis Cann and David Rimmer all missing out. Things didn't get better as defender Neil Lloyd only lasted 20 minutes of the match at Jubilee Way before being substituted. Young goalkeeper Matthew Martin came in to replaced Rob Thomas - after a shaky start he went on to have a very good game - and young forward Matthew Thomas was also used in the first team for the first time this season. Paul Bromage also returned to the side after sitting out the last three matches through suspension. Village got off to the perfect start by taking an eighth minute lead through an Andy Mumford free-kick. The former Swans midfielder also scored in similar fashion against Newport YMCA in midweek; but this time curling the ball around the outside of the wall, totally catching out the home side's goalkeeper. That lead was doubled on the quarter of an hour mark. Ben Brown took the ball to the by-line after going on one of his mazy runs and crossed into the centre for Craig Blake, whose diving header put Village 2-0 up. Caldicot did pull one back ten minutes later - Phil John lost possession on the edge of the box and the ball was cracked in from just inside the area - but that was as good as it got for the home side. Village boss Bob Lloyd commented about the game, saying: "The boys did really well. We were really up against it as we had so many players missing." He added: "We brought in Matthew Martin whose been playing in goal for the Seconds, he had a shaky start but then went on to play really well. Matthew Thomas also came on for the last 20 minutes and did well." Village: M Martin, N Lloyd (K Williams), N Romanello, D Evans, M Lloyd, C Alfei (P Bromage), P John, A Mumford, C Thomas (M Thomas), C Blake, B Brown. By Owain Johns
TUESDAY 12 APRIL 2005 GARDEN VILLAGE 1 - 2 NEWPORT YMCA A Marc Lloyd own-goal six minutes from time broke Village hearts as the game had looked like it was heading for a draw. The home side battled well throughout and it was Andy Mumford with his first goal for the club who opened the scoring with a spectacular curling free-kick from 20-yards out. Newport YMCA piled on the pressure in the second-half and they were rewarded with a goal on 59 minutes. Phil Tranter was the man who got the goal from close range and right at the death they got the goal that gifted them the win. One change was made to the side that drew with ENTO Aberaman at the weekend; Andy Mumford made was given his first start in Village colours in place of Carl Alfei while young defender Kerry Williams made the subs' bench. David Rimmer was still missing through injury and Paul Bromage served the final match of his suspension. Garden Village made the perfect start to the game and on his full-debut, Andy Mumford fired his new side in front. On nine minutes Ben Brown was fouled just outside the box and Mumford, well known for his excellent set-pieces, stepped-up and curled the ball into the top-corner to put Village one-up. The game got sloppy and not much was produced by either side until we reached the closing minutes of the half. In the 41st minute giant striker Lewis Sommers sent his free-kick over and a minute later Phil Tranter shot across the face of goal. Garden Village had their chances, too. Ben Brown produced a fine finish which saw him chip the goalkeeper but the goal was ruled out for offside and Craig Blake shot across goal soon after. HALF-TIME: Garden Village 1 - 0 Newport YMCA The second-half proved to be much more one-sided than the first, with the visitors in possession of the ball more than their hosts. They could have levelled things up five minutes into the half if not for Jamie Evans' goal-saving tackle right on the line. They did, though, pull one back just before the hour through winger Phil Tranter who scored from close-range after some good work by Aaron Stewart. Newport YM did have their chances to take full-control of the game but some stubborn defending from the home defence kept the score at 1-1. Village could easily have re-taken the lead nine minutes from time through Andy Mumford, but he shot just wide of the target. YM's second finally came in the 84th minute, but in cruel fashion. The ball fell to Marc Lloyd in front of goal and as he attempted to clear the ball away for a corner, he unfortunately found the top corner of Rob Thomas' goal. They could also have scored a third just before the end but substitute Chris Egitto, who had caused problems since arriving on the scene with just under quarter of an hour left, but he shot just over. Village face Caldicot at Jubilee Way on Saturday afternoon before they face another tough midweek test when they travel to table-topping Pontardawe on Tuesday. Village: R Thomas, N Lloyd, A Mumford, D Evans, L Cann, J Evans, P John (N Romanello 69), C Thomas, M Lloyd, C Blake (O Williams 72), B Brown.Un-Used: K Williams. YMCA:
M Rees, S James, S Pearce (K Averie 82), F Yafa' (D Porretta 68), By Owain Johns
SATURDAY 9 APRIL 2005 GARDEN VILLAGE 2 - 2 ENTO ABERAMAN ATHLETIC Marc Lloyd's scrambled goal two minutes into injury-time capped off a great Village comeback against ENTO Aberaman on Saturday - the second time in a week in which Village have scored right at the death to earn a 2-2 draw. Craig Blake's goal early in the second-half started the comeback to peg back the visitors who took a 2-0 lead into the break thanks to goals from Leighton Price and Ross Williams. There was only one change to the side that beat Ammanford in midweek, David Rimmer was forced to miss out through injury and he was replaced by David Evans. Paul Bromage was still suspended but there was a place on the bench for former Swansea City midfielder Andy Mumford, who less than 24 hours earlier played the full 90 minutes in Aberystwyth's 4-0 drubbing of Haverfordwest. The game got off to the worst possible start for Garden Village when they conceded with only four minutes on the watch. A quick ball across the face of goal defied the defence and the unmarked Leighton Price was gifted an easy tap-in to put his side in front. Jamie Evans came close to levelling just a minute later when he headed over the top from Louis Cann's corner. ENTO never looked like a quality side but they were causing Village all sorts of problems at the back. They doubled their lead on 20 minutes and this time goalscorer Price turned provider, it was his corner that met the head of Ross Williams and the ball flew past Rob Thomas. The half started to go quiet with neither side really creating much, but six minutes before the break top-scorer Ben Brown came close to producing a goal similar to the first one he scored in the win over Ammanford. After beating two defenders on the edge of the area he let loose a powerful shot that beat ENTO player-manager David Morgan in goal but cracked the top of the crossbar. HALF-TIME: Garden Village 0 - 2 ENTO Aberaman Athletic With just five minutes of the second-half played, and with Village still not creating many chances, Andy Mumford was brought on to replace Carl Alfei to help bolster the midfield. The home side did pull one back on 54 minutes; Ben Brown again managed to get past a defender and his low shot beat the 'keeper and struck the foot of the post but, as the bounced up into the air, Craig Blake was at hand to knock the ball into the empty net. Things started to pick up for Village from here. With 20 minutes of the half gone Village were awarded a free-kick on the edge of the area. Cries from the crowd insisted that Andy Mumford should be the one to take it, as he proved to be a master at taking set-pieces during his days at the Vetch. He stepped up and curled the ball over the wall and it looked to be heading for the top corner, but David Morgan produced a fantastic one-handed save to push the ball onto the crossbar, and from the rebound Marc Lloyd flew in with a diving header, with the open goal in front of him, he could only head the ball in the direction of the post. Rob Thomas was also forced into making a great save from a Leighton Price free-kick just three minutes later, which he acrobatically tipped over the bar. Phil John then had a chance for Village but with less than quarter of an hour to go Mumford was gifted another chance in front of goal with another free-kick. This time he sent his set-piece low and around the outside of the wall, but David Morgan was alert to it and again produced a fine save by tipping it around the foot of the left-hand post. Time was now running out for the home side. The chances were coming but they just were't becoming anything. With two minutes to go Jamie Evans had his header tipped over the bar after getting on the end of another quality Mumford free-kick, and in the last minute Craig Blake, with a shot, and Andy Mumford, with a header, could have scored. After trying so hard in the second-half the equalising goal finally came two minutes into injury-time. Once again Ben Brown beat his man and took the ball right to the by-line, with the 'keeper at the front post all he had to do was place the ball inside the 6-yard box and there were at least three Village players waiting to score; the ball fell to Marc Lloyd and he just managed to scramble it in to make it 2-2. The game could have easily been turned on its head if Louis Cann had struck his shot harder in the 3rd minute of the added time, which was collected comfortably by David Morgan, who had an excellent match between the sticks for the visitors. This draw extended Village's unbeaten run to three matches, and on Tuesday night fellow promotion-hopefuls Newport YMCA are the visitors to Stafford Common. Kick-off is at 6.15pm. Village: R Thomas, N Lloyd, D Evans, J Evans, L Cann, C Alfei (A Mumford 50), P John (O Williams 83), C Thomas, M Lloyd, C Blake, B Brown. Un-Used: N Romanello. ENTO: D Morgan, G Fowler, L Williams, M Edwards, G Bennett, D Blackstock, M Smart, R Whatley, L Price, R Horan (M Cable 86), R Williams. Un-Used: A Jenkins, N Giles. By Owain Johns
TUESDAY 5 APRIL 2005 GARDEN VILLAGE 2 - 0 AMMANFORD Garden Village returned to winning ways with a convincing victory over rivals Ammanford at Stafford Common on Tuesday evening.
Village welcomed back five players who missed Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Morriston. Jamie Evans, Chris Thomas, Marc Lloyd, Craig Blake and Ben Brown all returned but David Evans was unavailable and Paul Bromage was suspended having picked up a red card at Morriston. The visitors included midfielder Michael Donne and striker Paul Hughes, both formerly of Garden Village, in their starting XI.
The game itself saw very little chances created by both side’s; a goal in each half from Ben Brown, his fourteenth and fifteenth goals of the season, separated the two sides in what was a dull match. A few hefty challenges were put in from players of both sides but the game won't be remembered as a classic.
Phil John had the game’s first real chance on 13 minutes when he shot just, while just six minutes later he was brought down inside the area from behind and looked to have been a definite penalty, but play was waved on by referee Mark Evans. The game had to wait until the 24th minute for its first goal, top-scorer Ben Brown beat two defenders and unleashed an unstoppable shot which ended up in the top corner.
HALF-TIME: Garden Village 1 – 0 Ammanford
The second-half started as quiet as the whole of the first-half had been. Village came close to scoring a second on 54 minutes; David Rimmer’s well directed pass from the left-flank found Louis Cann out on the right, Cann then picked out Marc Lloyd just inside the area but the midfielder’s shot was dragged a few yards wide of the target.
Chances were few and far between for the two sides between then and the end of the game. Village’s second, which ended the match as a contest, came a few minutes into added time to secure Village’s first win in three games.
From Craig Blake’s lay-off Ben Brown held-up the ball well under pressure from three Ammanford defenders before firing home his and Village’s second of the night to secure all three points.
Village are at home again this weekend, ENTO Aberaman are the visitors to Stafford Common for the match that kicks-off at 3.00pm.
Village:
R Thomas, N Lloyd (N Romanello 70), J Evans, D Rimmer, L Cann,
Un-Used Subs: C Smith, O Williams.
Goals: Ben Brown (24 & 90+3).
By Owain Johns
SATURDAY 2 APRIL 2005 MORRISTON TOWN 2 - 2 GARDEN VILLAGE Garden Village's chances of promotion looked all but over after they were held to a boring 2-2 draw against relegation threatened Morriston Town at the Dingle. Village's goals came courtesy of David Rimmer and an injury-time strike from Michael Neale, but midfielder Paul Bromage was sent off in the second half. Bob Lloyd was without Jamie Evans, Marc Lloyd, Chris Thomas, Ben Brown and Craig Blake for the short trip east; Carl Alfei and Owen Williams were drafted into the starting eleven while striker Michael Neale found himself on the bench. Lloyd was happy with the draw but didn't think much of the game itself, he said: "It was a shocking first-half played on a shocking pitch. Both teams tried to play football but the pitch was too bad for that." "Neither side had any chances and we went in 0-0 at half-time." Morriston took the lead through Dean Beniamous after he beat three defenders and his weak shot somehow slipped through the hands of Rob Thomas and into the bottom corner. David Rimmer levelled the scores with a well-taken free-kick but with about six minutes remaining the home side restored their lead in comical fashion. Rob Thomas sliced a Craig Smith back-pass out for a corner and from the resulting flag-kick, which no one in the box attempted to clear, the ball hit the back of a Morriston player and went in. Village's equaliser came in injury-time when Michael Neale's terrific strike from outside the area found its way into the top corner. At 1-1 both Paul Bromage and a Morriston centre-back were shown straight red cards by the referee for fighting. "It all happened in the last 20 minutes
where we had most of the play," said Lloyd, "It was a great fight-back by
us and a terrific goal from Michael Neale to get us the draw." Village:
R Thomas, N Lloyd, D Evans, D Rimmer, L Cann, C Alfei,
P John, Used Subs: C Smith, D Ferro, M Neale. Goals: David Rimmer & Michael Neale. Sent Off: Paul Bromage.
By Owain Johns
SUNDAY 27 MARCH 2005 GARDEN VILLAGE 1 - 7 PONTYPRIDD TOWN Garden Village’s chances of promotion suffered a major blow on Easter Sunday after they crashed to a 7-1 defeat at home against big-spenders Pontypridd Town. The home side’s only goal of the game came from a David Rimmer penalty in the second-half and the afternoon became much worse when wing-back Jamie Evans was dismissed shortly before the end.
Marc Lloyd and Chris Thomas were both missing for Village while Greg Fisher and Kerry Williams were added to the side for the visit of Ponty.
It took the visitors just three minutes to open the scoring, experienced midfielder Chris Summers was put through by former Swansea City striker Jonathan Keaveny and from the angle he struck the ball past Rob Thomas. Nicky Romanello went close for Village with a header on 15 minutes but Ponty went straight down the other end to score a second through Kerry Harding.
Pontypridd eased off for the remainder of the half and the hosts came close to pegging them back on a few occasions. Just before the half-hour Daniel Ferro ran onto Phil John’s cross at the back post and struck his shot across the face of goal, and just before the break Paul Bromage’s free-kick was headed into the side netting by Louis Cann, who impressed throughout on the right-hand side.
HALF-TIME: Garden Village 0 - 2 Pontypridd Town
The second-half saw Pontypridd come out with all guns blazing and showed why they currently occupy second spot in the division.
It took them just 17 second-half seconds to score a third and put the game beyond Village, Chris Summers tapped home from a Kerry Harding cross for his second. Ben Brown forced visiting ‘keeper Neil Collins into making a fine save from his 30-yard drive on 62 minutes but seven minutes later Chris Summers scored his third and Ponty’s fourth of the afternoon from close-range.
Two minutes later and Village were awarded a penalty after substitute Owen Williams was grounded in the box. Another substitute, David Rimmer, stepped-up to convert what was only a consolation goal for the home side. Ponty were awarded a penalty of their own just a minute later when Kerry Harding was brought down by Neil Lloyd after a mix-up between defender and goalkeeper; former-Swan Jonathan Keaveny easily slotted home his side’s fifth past Rob Thomas from the spot.
Ben Brown came close to scoring a second for Village on 77 minutes but he shot just wide. Things didn’t get any better for Village when Jamie Evans was given his marching orders by Morriston official Garwyn Davies with six minutes to go; the wing-back was booked for a second time in the match after his mis-timed challenge on Kerry Harding.
Pontypridd added a sixth and a seventh right at the end; Chris Summers twisted and turned his way through the Village defence before scoring his fourth and a minute into injury-time Stephen Powell was gifted possession in the middle of the park and on reaching the penalty area comfortably slotted the ball past Rob Thomas.
Village: R Thomas, N Lloyd, J Evans, D Evans (D Rimmer 65), L Cann, K Williams (D Ferro 24), P John, N Romanello, P Bromage, G Fisher (O Williams 65), B Brown. Goal: David Rimmer (72, pen) Sent Off: Jamie Evans (84) Pontypridd: N Collins, J Ryan, J Lee, I French, W Price, L Thomas, C Summers, D Morris, S Powell, J Keaveny, K Harding. Un-Used Subs: J Jeremiah, R Lewis, B Gibson. Goals: Chris Summers (3, 46, 65, 90), Kerry Harding (16), Jonathan Keaveny (73, pen), Stephen Powell (90+1) By Owain Johns
SATURDAY 19 MARCH 2005 GARDEN VILLAGE 1 - 0 PONTYCLUN Garden Village remain in touch with their promotion rivals after a 1-0 win over mid-table Pontyclun at Stafford Common. Phil John was Village's hero as it was his goal three minutes into the second-half which ensured that the Ivor Park outfit would return home pointless. It turned out to be a very bad day at the office for the visitors as they had Adrian James sent-off three minutes before time after he had swung his arm in the face of Paul Bromage. Marc Lloyd returned to the side having missed the match against Llanwern the previous week; he partnered Ben Brown up-front in replace of Gregg Fisher. David Rimmer also returned to the side, albeit to start on the bench, after turning out for the Reserves against Briton Ferry last week. There was also a place on the bench for new recruit Chris Thomas, the midfielder has joined the club from First Division neighbours Neath. It was a very quiet start to the match with both sides failing to create anything worth mentioning during the opening 30 minutes, but the last quarter of an hour did have a little bit more life in it. Pontyclun goalkeeper Barry Whiteham was forced down to his right to make a good save on the line from Marc Lloyd and two minutes later Ben Brown headed just over the top. The visitors had their chances towards the end of the half, ex-Swansea City youngster Craig Williams drilled a shot just wide and Eliot Davey also came close before Ben Brown set-up Paul Bromage down the other end but the midfielder sent his low drive past the post. HALF-TIME: Garden Village 0 - 0 Pontyclun Village started the second-half as they finished the first and were rewarded with a goal in the 48th minute. A move which started with a clearance by Village 'keeper Rob Thomas, the ball found its way to Marc Lloyd on the right-hand side and his cross into the area was met by the head of the unmarked PHIL JOHN to make it 1-0. The match, again, started to get a little quiet with chances for both sides coming few and far between. Pontyclun, who rarely looked like scoring, had their best chance of the match on 69 minutes when substitute Matthew Parker's shot from the edge of the area beat Rob Thomas but rattled the crossbar. The woodwork also denied Village a second eight minutes later when from a matter of yards out Ben Brown saw his header bounce off the up-right. With three minutes to go the visitors were reduced to 10-men after ADRIAN JAMES swung what looked to have been his elbow in the face of Paul Bromage. Referee Phil Davies was left with no choice but to produce the red card to the former Pontypridd Town midfielder. Pontyclun also finished with 10-men when both sides last met in the league back in October. The win should have been wrapped up in injury-time; Ben Brown beat two defenders inside the area before squaring the ball to substitute Owen Williams but the 17-year-old failed to connect with the ball cleanly and it was sent over from a few yards out. This was the first time that Village had won back-to-back matches and clean-sheets since the start of December, a run of form needed before going into Sunday's vital promotion 6-pointer at home against the in-form Pontypridd Town, who currently hold second spot. Village: R Thomas, N Lloyd (D Rimmer 65), J Evans, D Evans, L Cann, D Ferro (O Williams 64), P John, N Romanello (C Thomas 81), P Bromage, M Lloyd, B Brown. Goal: Phil John (48) Pontyclun: B Whiteham, P Watson, D Lewis, T Pope, G Rees, A James, C Williams, W Green (S Wallace 90), G Williams (P Williams 58), R Hutchins (M Parker 64), E Davey. Red Card: Adrian James (87) By Owain Johns
SATURDAY 12 MARCH 2005 GARDEN |
