WELSH LEAGUE ROUND-UP 

30 January 2006

NEWPORT YM demonstrated their fighting spirit on Saturday, battling back to earn a point at Bridgend Town in Division One of the Macron Welsh League.

The YM scored the opening goal, taking the lead on 25 minutes via the penalty spot after a handball.

John Pardew kept his nerve and sent the goalkeeper the wrong way, but five minutes later the hosts levelled after a mistake from goalkeeper Craig Margettes.

The hosts took the lead early in the second half with a well-struck free kick, but then saw one of their midfielders dismissed with a straight red card following an off-the-ball incident.

The incident sparked the YM back to life, but their equaliser owed a lot less to expertise than it did to luck.

Leon Spargo launched a 50-yard free kick towards the penalty area, but the ball caught the ferocious wind and shocked the goalkeeper by going over his head and into the net.

Newport went in search of a late winner but were almost caught out, Margettes making a wonderful save to deny Bridgend’s striker deep into injury-time.

It was a useful point for the YM, but boss Mark Coldrick was not satisfied.

“Before the match we would have taken a point, but we are disappointed because we took our foot off the gas and let them take advantage,” he said.

“However, I will always rest easy if we don’t lose and now we can fully focus on our next game.”

In Division Two, Caldicot Town became the first side to score twice at Pontypridd Town, but they still lost 4-2.

Neil Windsor equalised an early opener by slotting home a penalty, with Jason Thorn scoring a late consolation goal when the score was 4-1.

However, the result doesn’t tell the full story as Caldicot had plenty of chances and could well have got something out of the contest.

Manager Jason Pritchard explained: “It is incredibly frustrating to have lost the game because we created so many chances and gave away incredibly sloppy goals.

“We should have taken at least a point, but if you make mistakes then a team like Pontypridd will punish you.”

In the other Division Two games involving Gwent sides, Abertillery drew 1-1 at Pontyclun and Tredegar Town drew 0-0 with Ammanford.

In Division Three, Chepstow were comprehensively beaten, thrashed 3-0 at home by league leaders Pentwyn Dynamo.

Risca United had a better afternoon, securing a 1-0 victory over Blaenrhondda thanks to a Lee Phillips strike on 15 minutes.

Cwmbran Celtic went down 2-1 at home to Porth in a game hugely affected by the strong wind.

Porth rushed into a 2-0 lead in the first half when the wind was behind them, leaving Cwmbran a mountain to climb in the second half.

Unfortunately Cwmbran could only halve the arrears, Niki Villars finding the net after a penalty area scramble.

It was a far better day for Goytre, who earned the Gwent bragging rights by beating Treowen 3-0.

Goytre battered the visitors throughout the game, though amazingly Treowen looked like getting to half-time all square.

However, two goals in first-half injury time effectively killed off the Treowen challenge, Graham Mason scoring the first after a fine build-up.

A minute later Kevin Wallace thundered the crossbar with a free kick and the unfortunate Ryan Bennett could only turn Darren Haynes’ effort into his own net.

Treowen’s Dean Randall was sent off in the second half for a professional foul after hauling down Wallace in the area when he was clean through, Mark Longford dispatching the penalty.

Llanwern’s Shamrock Travel League Cup third round clash at Merthyr Saints was postponed.

WELSH LEAGUE PREVIEW

27 January 2006

Abertillery Excelsior manager Jason Morgan set his side a target of maximum points from three away games in Division Two of the Macron Welsh League in an attempt to make a major push to get away from the drop zone. 

Now he must slightly adjust his aim as Abertillery prepare for a trip to Pontyclun tomorrow after winning at Cardiff Corries before being denied a midweek victory at neighbours Tredegar Town who gained a last-gasp equaliser. 

Abertillery look good enough to beat the drop but they still have a lot to do while Tredegar, two defeats in their last eight matches, look set for the comfort zone of mid-table and maybe above. 

Rob Ellis, Tredegar manager, said after his side snatched a share of the points with their neighbours, “I was relieved. It was a fair result” while Morgan felt his side had been “mugged.” 

Tredegar are at home to Ammanford tomorrow, the two teams on 21 points, the visitors having a superior goal difference. 

Caldicot face the toughest task of the Gwent clubs in the division, travelling to promotion certainties Pontypridd, unbeaten in 17 league games. 

First Division Newport YMCA travel to Bridgend Town, looking to succeed where Caerleon, without a game tomorrow, failed the previous week, sliding to a 3-0 defeat. 

YM are still smarting from their 6-1 home drubbing by Ton Pentre last week and manager Mark Coldrick said: “The game was discussed at training and the boys are disappointed to be rolled over. They are keen not to get beat but they (Bridgend) have had a change of personnel at the top which tends to boost the players.” 

Darren Porretta is out with a calf muscle injury and Aaron Stewart (hamstring strain) faces a fitness test. 

Llanwern, chasing promotion from Division Three, take a break from the league, the only Gwent club remaining in the Shamrock Travel Cup.  

They face a tough away game with Merthyr Saints with nine players absent for various reasons, including central defenders Graham Poyner (groin), Carl Baugh (calf), Michael Aviss (back) and Paul Foster (flu). One central defender out of five is able to play – skipper Greg Taylor.  

Llanwern manager Laurence Owen is also searching for a goalkeeper. Chris Hart (broken jaw) is out for at least another month and young Ross Davies has a back injury. 

Nicky Potts and Denis Spiteri are both suspended while Alex Lee remains a doubt with an ankle injury. 

Richard Shier returns to the squad, a ban expired, and Ivan Poncak is available but returns to Slovakia next week for a 21-day break. 

Llanwern return to league action in midweek, taking on Risca at Newport Stadium on Wednesday night (kick-off 7pm). 

WELSH LEAGUE PREVIEW/ROUND-UP 

25 January 2006

Tredegar Town, after two successive defeats, look to get back on the winning track when they entertain neighbours Abertillery Excelsior in Macron Welsh League Division One tonight (kick-off 7pm), writes Ray Parker.

Rob Ellis, Tredegar manager, is missing central midfield player and captain Ian Morris and wide midfield player Lloyd Davies, both working, while recent signing Phil Bowden is likely to miss out because of injury.

Bowden, who played under Ellis at Fields Park-Pontllanfraith, was signed from Gwent County League side Aberbargoed Buds but suffered a gashed leg on his debut against Merthyr Saints.

Abertillery ended a losing sequence with a 3-1 away victory over Cardiff Corries and manager Jason Morgan has targeted the match, along with a trip to Pontyclun on Saturday, as a six-point haul.

Abertillery are second from the bottom on ten points, having won only two of their 18 league matches, Tredegar having double that amount from the same number of matches.

Morgan’s lone injury worry for the game is central midfield player David Smith, who has a groin injury. 

Caerleon manager David Griffiths could soon be boosted by the return of Todd Quarterly to the Macron Welsh League Division One side.

Quarterly has been missing for several months, working on his house, but has recently made a comeback, playing for the reserves.

He was in the side which defeated Chepstow 3-0 – playing in central midfield – in the Reserve Division (East), on Saturday, Tyrone Gibbs, who not so long ago made the move from Newport YMCA, scoring a hat-trick.

Griffiths said: “Todd is now back in training and looking to get match fit. He definitely wants to get back into the first team and it is a matter of getting fully fit. He is a strong player who can score goals and also give us that bit of experience which we have been lacking.”

Lloyd Bristow scored both goals for Croesyceiliog in a 2-0 home win over leaders Newport YMCA, enabling them to complete the double. 

Treowen went down 1-0 at Dinas Powys and Caldicot also failed to score, losing 1-0 at Grange Quins.

Risca suffered a 2-1 home defeat at home to Neath in the second round of the Harris Printers (Reserve Division) Shield – all three goals scored from the penalty spot. Risca, who fell behind, levelled matters with a Matthew Noble spot-kick. Neath, who play in the West Division, are second having lost one of their dozen games.

Cwmbran Town hold a one-point advantage at the top of the Macron Welsh League Youth Division (East) following their one-goal win over Ely Rangers.

And the young Crows can increase their lead if they win at home to bottom team Cardiff Corries tonight (7.30pm).

In a hectic week, Cwmbran take on Swansea City in the Welsh Youth Cup on Sunday, the game switched to Newport YMCA’s ground at Mendalgief Road (kick-off 2pm) because Cwmbran Stadium is not available.

In the 2-1 win over Ely Rangers, all the scoring came in the second-half, Joseph Carless breaking the deadlock, the chance carved out by Andrew Johnson.

Ely equalised with a header from central defender Mitchell Osborne before Cwmbran ’keeper Rob Watkins kept his side in the game with a stunning save late in the game and almost immediately Cwmbran struck their match winner. Liam Palmer made it a perfect debut for Cwmbran by scoring the  last-gasp close-range goal, Michael Traynor threading through a neat pass.

Third-place Newport County had a 7-0 home win over Cardiff Corries with a hat-trick from Mark Griffiths, two by Dane Whittaker and one apiece from Jason Potter and Michael Palmer while Caerleon were edged out 1-0 by home side Newport YMCA, Jamie Martin scoring a first-half goal with a close-range shot when Caerleon failed to clear Alex Jenkins’ corner.

WELSH LEAGUE ROUND-UP 

23 January 2006

Newport YMCA, after their stunning midweek win at table-topping Neath, crashed back down to earth with a very painful bump at home to Ton Pentre on Saturday in Division One of the Macron Welsh League.

The YM were walloped 6-1 and manager Mark Coldrick declared: “We were chasing shadows, especially in the first-half when we were four down at half-time. They thoroughly deserved the victory and we couldn’t get near them. They ran us ragged.

“If any neutral had been at the ground  they would have thought they were watching a side from two leagues higher.

“Although they were far superior we were sloppy  after being tight at the back for so many games.” In their five previous matches, YM had conceded three goals

YM’s lone goal, scored when they trailed 5-0, came from central midfield player John Pardue.

It was double misery for Gwent’s two top flight teams, Caerleon falling 3-0 at Bridgend. And Caerleon manager David Griffiths tersely declared: “We didn’t deserve anything better, although 3-0 slightly flattered them. We allowed them to dictate for the first

half hour after conceding an early goal. We had a good 15 minutes before the break but still didn’t create anything.

“We started the second-half well but a second goal knocked the wind out of our sails and they quickly scored a third and it was all over.”

Croesyceiliog, third in Division Two, turned on the style to win 4-2 at Penrhiwceiber who shook the high-flying Gwent side by levelling after trailing by two goals. Adi Pearce gave Croesyceiliog a half-time lead and Jody Jenkins added a second.

But Croesyceiliog, sailing along, were rocked back on their heels as Penrhiwceiber made it 2-2.

Croesyceiliog staged a late show and with five minutes remaining scored from a picture-book move, started by midfield player Carl Evans followed by a right cross from Jamie Jenkins and Michael Dewar scored with a perfect header. And to round things off substitute James Stokes’ shot was cleared off the line and Jody Jenkins tucked away the loose ball – his 12th goal in five games and giving him 19 goals in 15 league and cup appearances.

Abertillery Excelsior, ten games without a win, finally turned the corner with a 3-1 away victory over Cardiff Corries, taking the first step to a target set by manager Jason Morgan. He said: “We now face Tredegar on Wednesday and Pontyclun on Saturday and I am looking for nine points. They came up trumps with the first three and the attitude was much better.”

Chris Penny and Blake Parnell scored for Abertillery and Corries registered an own goal when Phil Blackmore’s cross was turned into the net by a home player.

Ryan Durham, Abertillery’s central defender, was outstanding while their two strikers  Penny and Andrew Davies caused problems for the home defence.

Caldicot, after their hard-earned midweek win over Tredegar, crashed 3-1 at home to lowly Pontyclun. Jason Pritchard, Caldicot manager, said: “We were poor and got what we deserved. They were not much better but deserved the win.”

Jason Thorn scored Caldicot’s lone goal.  Tredegar went down 2-0 at Morriston and manager Rob Ellis said: “They were first to everything, a big, physical, strong side who got the ball forward very quickly and we cannot have any complaints.

Chepstow Town went down 5-2 at newcomers West End – “the best side we have met,” said player-manager Chris Lilygreen. And Chepstow had the odd surprise for the home side, starting with taking a lead through youngster Dominic Connor. And then Paul Light struck the crossbar, his effort cleared off the line.

But West End retaliated quite sharply with three swift goals. Lilygreen added: “We knew we would be up against it and in the space of four minutes we went from a goal in front to 3-1 down, that’s how quickly it all happened.”

However, Connor got a second goal to make it 3-2 and Lilygreen said: “It’s a pity we couldn’t have got a third because I would have shut up shop and pulled ten men back behind the ball.”

Goytre slipped up at home to Seven Sisters who gained a 2-0 victory, going ahead with a Richard Herdman penalty after Lee Williams, from Cwmbran’s academy, had conceded a penalty, considered a rather harsh decision.

Richard Smith curled home a gem of a free-kick to sink Goytre who brought on Joe Carless, another Cwmbran academy player who has also appeared with the senior squad.

Llanwern, without nine players for varying reasons, crashed 4-1 at Pentwyn Dynamo and manager Laurence Owen said: “Our away day hoodoo struck again and although we were without so many players we have no excuses.

“Only Steve Perszewski (who scored Llanwern’s goal) and central midfield player Adrian Evans did well.”

But on the brighter side, Cwmbran Celtic gained a second successive win after five losses, registering a 2-0 success at Blaenrhondda, Shane Williamson scoring twice in as many minutes five minutes from the break.

Treowen, with a goal in time added on, shaded Risca 3-2, Dean Randall heading a close-range header from Carl Thorne’s corner, gained following a free-kick awarded when Risca central defender Dai Palmer was shown a red card following a second bookable offence. Thorne and Matthew Hughes were Treowen’s other scorers.

It was a bitter blow for Risca who had only just got an equaliser through Liam Kidman on the stroke of full-time after Brendan Scott had got their first goal. 

WELSH LEAGUE ROUND-UP 

19 January 2006

Newport YMCA gave a determined performance to topple Macron Welsh League Division One leaders Neath 1-0 away last night – thanks to a second-half penalty from player-coach Darren Porretta, his second spot-kick success in three league games.

But it could have been an even more impressive result because YM, hard hit by injuries, failed with a second penalty, substitute Mark Ingles’ attempt – Porretta had earlier left the field injured – saved by Neath ’keeper Huw Liddell.

YM’s success halted a run of eight straight league wins by Neath who are bidding for a place in the Welsh Premier League. YM have taken four points from Neath this season.

Mark Coldrick, YM manager, said: “We worked hard for 90 minutes. I could not have asked for more from the team. This was a win we’ll enjoy.”

WELSH LEAGUE YOUTH (SUNDAY)

ROUND-UP 

19 January 2006

Treowen, top team in the Macron Welsh League, Youth Division (East) avoided defeat at home to Risca by the skin of their teeth, writes Ray Parker.

A last-gasp goal from Thomas Price earned them a 1-1 draw after Chris Baker put Treowen in front following a goalless first-half and Rhys Iles so nearly added a second, his excellent shot just off target.

Treowen hold a one-point lead over Cwmbran Town who did not play while Newport County, in third place, lost 2-1 at home to Caerleon who established a two-goal first-half lead through Alex Davies and Nathan Millichip before Lloyd Toghill pulled a goal back for County, suffering their first defeat in seven matches.

WELSH LEAGUE ROUND-UP 

18 January 2006

An inspired double substitution during the second-half helped provide home side Caldicot Town with an important win in the Macron Welsh League, Division Two, over Gwent rivals Tredegar Town in a tight tussle at Jubilee Way last night. 

Wayne Morley and Tyrone Tucker, who did not make a great impression on Tredegar’s sound defence, made way for Jason Thorn and Paul Harris who both had a point to prove – and they did. 

Caldicot had much the better of the second period but the opening 45 minutes were tense and there was very little between the two teams, Tredegar arguably just having their noses in front with Darren Bennett outstanding in the heart of their defence. 

But Tredegar, looking to improve on a five-match unbeaten run, couldn’t hold the lively Harris who made an immediate impact on the game, heading over the bar from Gareth Cullimore’s cross but Harris showed sharp finishing for the match winner. 

After a goalless first-half Caldicot took the lead through Lloyd Stone, the former Newport County youngster, just back in the side from a knee injury, scoring his first goal of the season.

However, Tredegar hit back almost immediately with a coolly struck penalty from Sam Hartrey after Will Vers had been penalised for handball. 

Caldicot’s substitution were crucial factors in the game. Apart from Harris and Jason Thorn they had Sam Monday in the fray at half-time for Neil Windsor who suffered a cut head just before the break. And Monday proved a powerful stumbling to Tredegar as they battled to stay in the hunt for at least a point. 

Caldicot have moved into fourth place and manager Jason Pritchard declared: “I thought we were the better side in the second-half but I didn’t think either side were up to much in the first-half.

“I am delighted with the win and I felt the move for the winning goal was probably the best of the game.” 

Tredegar manager Rob Ellis said: “I was pleased with our attitude and commitment but we ran out of ideas and it just wasn’t to be.”

RAY PARKER

WELSH LEAGUE ROUND-UP 

17 January 2006

Newport YMCA, leaders of the Macron Welsh League, Reserve Division (East) strengthened their position at the top with a home victory against Grange Quins. 

Two goals from Faris Yafai, returning from suspension, gave YM a 2-0 home win and they now hold a three-point advantage over Ely Rangers who won 2-1 at Caldicot. Yafai scored a goal in each half. 

YM, as a club, continue to battle on in the face of an injury list now into double figures. Chairman Viv Edwards, said: “On Saturday we had ten squad players missing through injury and one who was unavailable. The list seems absolutely endless and it says a lot for the tremendous spirit and the willingness of players.” 

Matthew Addis, a member of the Gwent County youth squad, scored Caldicot’s goal against Ely who suffered their first setback in 11 games. 

Goals from Rory Prettyjohn, Steve Pattison and Mark Davies gave Chepstow a 3-1 home win over Pontyclun and Caerleon had cause for celebration following a 2-1 away victory against UWIC, Luke Cueto and Alex Smith scoring the goals. 

Risca suffered a 2-1 defeat at Bryntirion but youth team player Jay Hawker scored his second reserve goal in as many appearances. 

Treowen gained the best away win, a 3-1 success at Caerau (Ely) with goals from Stephen Parfitt, Daniel Powell and Dean Morse.

WELSH LEAGUE ROUND-UP 

16 January 2006

NEWPORT YMCA grabbed an important point in their battle against relegation from the Macron Welsh League First Division on Saturday, but were disappointed it wasn’t three. 

They were away to bottom side Briton Ferry, whose only two wins were way back in August, but failed to find the net in a goalless draw. 

“We were in desperate need of all three points to help us pull clear of the relegation zone and fancied getting the result,” said manager Mark Coldrick, “but it was a pig of a pitch and there were few chances. 

“Looking at the positives, it’s two games without defeat and we finished the stronger despite being down to ten men.” 

That was because Steve Edwards was sent off ten minutes from time for a second bookable offence, a foul following one for dissent. 

Danny Heath did send in a superb first-half header, but in trying to make sure of the goal (it was going in anyway, claimed Coldrick) Christian Avery actually headed over from point-blank range. 

“That sums up our luck,” said Coldrick, whose team’s other best chance was when Phil Tranter was one on one with the Ferry goalkeeper but lost control, and the ’keeper was able to smother. 

In Division One, Croesyceiliog maintained their promotion push with a 3-2 home victory over Merthyr Saints, though they almost threw it away. 

Manager Chris Evans felt his side could have been three up at the interval instead of it being 0-0, but two ‘goals’ were ruled out – “I still don’t know why,” said Evans – and other chances were missed. 

Gareth Pattimore and Andrew Pearce went on as second- half substitutes and within minutes Croesy were 3-0 ahead. 

Jody Jenkins was pulled down in the penalty area and Chris Watkins gave them a 65th-minute lead from the spot. 

This began a purple spell and two minutes later, after some superb passing, Pattimore placed a shot into the corner from the edge of the penalty area. 

Five minutes later Jenkins scored his 12th goal in four games since his return from suspension. 

But then Croesy took their foot off the pedal, and though Merthyr had a player sent off they scored twice in the final few minutes. 

“We should have romped it, but we’ve won our last four despite not firing on all cylinders,” said manager Chris Evans. 

Abertillery Excelsior manager Jason Morgan, who has had offers from other clubs, has threatened to resign if his players do not show greater commitment after their 6-1 defeat at Garw. 

“We were totally outplayed and it was disappointing all round,” he said. “I’m usually upbeat but I’ve told the players they have a few weeks to turn things around and show commitment – some have not been training – or else I’m off.” 

Abertillery conceded three goals in each half but were up against it once Sean Smith had been sent off for handball on the line after ten minutes.

Nevertheless, they scored arguably the best goal, Philip Blakemore picking the ball up in his own half and beating three players before pulling it back from the by-line for Andrew Davies to head in. 

Tredegar manager Rob Ellis saw his team make it four wins and a draw in five games with just one goal conceded from open play, and then said of his side’s 1-0 win over Penrhiwceiber: “I feel like Dick Turpin – we robbed them. 

“They should have won, they were the better side, we could have been 3-0 down by half-time,” he said with refreshing honesty. 

Professional boxer Nathan King ran the show for Penrhiwceiber in the first half, but Tredegar put a man on him in the second when it was more even, and with five minutes left they pinched victory when Ian Morris rose high to head in. 

Caldicot should have won with ease at struggling Cardiff Corries but had to be content with a 1-1 draw courtesy of a goal by Tyrone Tucker. 

Caldicot missed so many chances that they left the field feeling as though they had lost. 

In Division Three, Cwmbran Celtic were 4-1 home winners of the Gwent derby against Treowen Stars, ending a run of five defeats. 

Treowen started brightly, but then Celtic got well on top and Shane Williamson put them ahead after 25 minutes, heading in a cross from Nicky Villars. 

Ten minutes later he added a second that both managers said was a brilliant goal, cutting in from the left to fire a fierce right-foot shot into the top corner. 

Treowen hit back in the second half and within two minutes striker Gavin Hughes, in his second full game after two years out with a shoulder problem, pulled a goal back with a 25-yard shot. 

This prompted a fine Treowen spell and Hughes had another ‘goal’ disallowed for a push while Carl Thorne fired over from close range. 

But Celtic hit back with two late goals, Williamson completing his hat trick before setting up a first goal for the club by Daniel Rosser, who took it well by chipping the goalkeeper. 

Risca drew 1-1 at home to Cwmamman but pinned their opponents in their own half in the second 45 minutes and were disappointed not to win. 

Spaniard Kharim Haddu scored for Risca after 25 minutes after a good passing move ended with him heading in Dave Hurley’s cross from the penalty spot. 

“We missed chances and half-chances in the second half and their ’keeper has had a blinder – and he was their reserve ’keeper,” said Risca’s Stuart Luckwell. 

Goytre had to be content with a 0-0 draw away to lowly Llantwit Fardre, while struggling Chepstow Town went down 2-1 at Ystradgynlais. 

Ollie Hunt scored for Chepstow, who were well worth a draw, but were beaten by a goal two minutes from time. 

Llanwern’s game at West End was postponed because of a waterlogged pitch.

WELSH LEAGUE ROUND-UP 

12 January 2006

Promotion hopefuls Llanwern moved up a place in the Macron Welsh League, Division Three, with a 4-1 home win over Blaenrhondda last night, writes Ray Parker. 

Llanwern, now fourth, were far too powerful in the first-half, brushing aside their lowly visitors with a four-star showing. They allowed their game to slip in the second-half but the only blot was conceding a last-gasp goal. 

Laurence Owen, Llanwern manager, said: “It was a very good first-half and I thought we did well. Our front two of Marcus Power and Steve Perszewski worked their socks off. 

“If anything I was a bit critical that we didn’t score more goals and I was annoyed that we conceded such a late goal.” 

Llanwern got off to a perfect start, Power scoring in the eighth minute following a corner and a mix-up in the Blaenrhondda defence allowed the alert Ivan Poncak to add a second after 25 minutes.  

Matthew Currie scored a third (36 minutes) and Llanwern saved the best until last, Perszewski rounding off an excellent move to add a fourth goal four minutes from the break.  

Lee Tapper scored for Blaenrhondda with seconds remaining, his free-kick finding the net off a post. 

WELSH LEAGUE ROUND-UP 

11 January 2006

Treowen maintained their place at the top of the Macron Welsh League, Youth Division (East) with a 4-2 win at Newport YMCA on Sunday, writes Ray Parker. 

Jamie Martin, the youth team captain, had quite a weekend.

He scored both goals for the YM after appearing for the reserves on Saturday where he took over in goal from Matthew Rees who suffered a first-half neck injury. 

Treowen established a four-goal lead through Luke Evans, Tom Price, Chris Osment and Gerrard Coote. 

However, Treowen have played four more games than Cwmbran Town (second) and Newport County who, come the end of the season, are likely to be the sides scrapping for the title. 

Risca gained an impressive 6-1 home win over Taffs Well. Jay Hawker, who scored the previous day for the reserves, was on target again, scoring midway through the first-half – as he did against Bryntirion in the reserve match.

Risca were helped on their way by an own goal – an impressive diving header – Matthew Edwards, two from substitute Nathan Cleverley who made a stunning appearance by netting shortly after arriving on the field and Rhys Iles wrapping up their third league win. 

Caerleon, in fourth place, won a thriller 4-3 at Ely Rangers, Luke Cueto getting the winner with very little time remaining. Cueto scored twice as did Neil Leeson.

WELSH LEAGUE ROUND-UP 

9 January 2006

NEWPORT YM, who have temporarily lost manager Mark Coldrick with a broken ankle, were cruelly denied a win at Pontardawe Town in Division One of the Macron Welsh League. 

Assistant manager Darren Bidgood took over the managerial duties for the day, and he was delighted after a battling performance from his side, who drew 1-1. 

With the score locked at 0-0 after a tense first half, the home side gained the momentum just after the interval when young YM midfielder Craig Ford was sent off for a second bookable offence.

It put Newport on the back foot, but they soaked up the pressure from the home side and with 20 minutes remaining earned a corner.

The corner was met by a YM head and the ball was destined for the net, only to be turned over the bar by a defender on the line who was promptly dismissed for handball. 

Veteran coach Darren Porretta took his opportunity and scored from the spot, but YM were denied in the fifth minute of injury time when the home side drew level. 

“I’m not sure how the referee found so much injury time, but before the game we’d have settled for a draw and the lads played very well,” Bidgood said.

Also in Division One, Caerleon were beaten 2-1 by the students from UWIC.

Caerleon took the lead through prolific marksman Chris Pearce and should have extended that advantage when Craig Jolliff went clear, but his effort cannoned back off the crossbar. 

The hosts were always likely to come back into the game as they began to dominate proceedings, and they scored two quick-fire goals in the second half. 

However, Caerleon did end the game strongly and they almost scored a late equaliser, but Pearce’s effort was well saved. 

Manager Dave Griffiths reflected: “We perhaps deserved a draw, but it wasn’t to be. We played well and I would have loved it if we had made it four wins on the bounce, but I can’t be too downhearted.” 

In Division Two, Croesyceiliog moved to third in the table after winning a tricky game 3-2 at Abertillery. 

The hosts took the lead after only three minutes, but Jody Jenkins quickly got Croesy level with a tap-in, before ’keeper John Bailey made some outstanding saves to keep the score at 1-1 at half-time.

Jenkins scored his second early in the second half to make it 2-1 to Croesy, but the hosts again came back to level the score. 

However, with time running out and both sides pressing, fox in the box Jenkins headed home his third, which proved to be the winner. 

It was also good news for Gwent’s two other Division Two outfits, Tredegar Town and Caldicot Town, who both won at home against sides above them in the league. 

Caldicot beat Garw 2-1 to move to within a point of them.

Caldicot raced into a two-goal lead, thanks to a majestic Carl Stevens free kick and a header from Peter Little. The visitors immediately hit back and dominated a scrappy second half, but Caldicot held on to secure a vital win.

Tredegar Town also enjoyed a thumping win, beating Merthyr Saints 2-1. 

Ashley Ford opened the scoring for Tredegar, before Dan Shown added a second. 

The Saints got back into the contest in the second half with a penalty after Gareth Stevens handled. 

Tredegar’s Phil Bowden had to make a trip to A&E after suffering a nasty cut to his leg, and in the subsequent injury time Phil Bowden made a superb save for Tredegar from the opposition goalkeeper, who came to join the attack. 

Tredegar haven’t conceded a goal in open play in four games now, and manager Rob Ellis is delighted. 

“If you don’t concede you can’t be beaten and we are on a good run at the moment as a result of our defending,” he said. 

In Division Three two Gwent outfits took a bit of a thumping,

Chepstow Town lost 3-0 at Cambrian and Clydach, and Cwmbran Celtic lost 4-1 at Cwmamman United. 

Risca also got a hiding, losing 5-0 at Goytre, who started the day below Risca in the table. 

Risca were the better side in the opening 15 minutes but seemed to lose all shape after they conceded the opening goal. 

Graham Mason provided the cross that allowed Kevin Berry to open the scoring for Goytre, before Steve Collett made it 2-0 shortly before half-time.

Berry got his second of the afternoon on 55 minutes before Mason got onto the scoresheet to make it four. 

Substitute Mark Langford, back in the squad after a 12- week injury absence, finished off the scoring after coming off the bench to make it 5-0. 

In the other game involving a Gwent outfit in Division Three, promotion-chasers Llanwern were beaten 3-2 at Ystradgynlais. 

Llanwern will be kicking themselves to have lost a game they dominated, they in fact led 2-0 at the interval thanks to a brace from Steve Perfzewski. 

However, the hosts were much improved in the second half and scored three times to inflict a third successive away defeat on Llanwern. 

WELSH LEAGUE PREVIEW 

6 January 2006

Caerleon manager David Griffiths awaits a fitness report on top scorer Chris Pearce before finalising his team to face UWIC away in the Macron Welsh League, Division One tomorrow.

Pearce, nine goals in the last six games, aggravated a groin strain while playing in Cwmbran Town’s home draw with Grange Quins in the Welsh Premier League on Wednesday night.

Front runner Pearce came off ten minutes from the end of a sterile game and was replaced by Joe Carless.

Griffiths, his side looking for their first double of the season following a 2-1 win on the opening day, said: “He is doubtful. It is a risk you take but you can’t stop players wanting to play at a higher level.”

But defenders Glen Willis and Dale Roberts are available as Caerleon look for a fourth straight win.

Griffiths added: “With our last result (Caerleon beat fifth-placed Afan Lido) we should not be fearing anyone. We have won our last three games and the confidence is pretty high. Neath are way out on their own, but the rest of the teams are pretty much of a muchness.”

But a key figure in Caerleon’s revival is another youngster, Luke Cueto. Griffiths explained: “He is quick with bags of skill and capable of putting in good crosses. He has started the last three games and has added something a little different for us.”

Newport YMCA, at Pontardawe, have gained one win in their last eight games – but now their injuries have hit the management! Mark Coldrick, first team boss, has his left ankle in plaster following a work accident – on his first shift following the holidays. And he joins Gareth Porretta, second team manager, on the injury list.

Attacking midfield player Dean Goddard, who has progressed from the youth team, is not available and neither is right wing back James Rowberry who is on holiday. Chris Egitto is recovering from a shoulder injury but could be out for up to four weeks.

Coldrick said: “We will have to bring in one or two fresh faces which could provide us with the spark we need.”

Llanwern manager Laurence Owen has been busy this week, signing young goalkeeper Ross Davies from Lliswerry, the Gwent County League side, and experienced midfield player Denis Spiteri, the former Caerleon player

Davies makes his debut in the tough away game with Ystradgynlais, but Spiteri’s debut is up in the air. 

Owen explained: “He picked up a three-match ban towards the end of last season following a sending-off but because of an additional incident had to serve another six matches. However, the Football Association of Wales say they are still outstanding because he has not reregistered with a club.

“We are trying to clear up this point with the FAW and are waiting to hear from them.”

Llanwern, in fourth place, have injury worries over defenders Graham Poyner and Carl Baugh while Greg Taylor returns. Michael Aviss is serving the last of a three-match ban while Richard Shier begins a three-game suspension.

WELSH LEAGUE ROUND-UP 

2 January 2006

Caerleon registered their third successive win in the top flight of the Macron Welsh League, and manager David Griffiths was delighted with the 1-0 home win over Afan Lido, who were relegated from the Welsh Premier League at the end of last season. 

And Caerleon’s goal hero was, once again, Chris Pearce, scoring his eighth goal in the last six games and taking him to 13 Division One goals for the season. 

Griffiths said: “This was an excellent result and I could not have asked more of the players over the last three games.” 

Caerleon had to rejig their side following the late withdrawal of sweeper Dale Roberts, following a family bereavement. It was a fairly even first half but goalkeeper Fitzroy Hutchinson kept Caerleon in the game with a commanding performance, while Jon Seymour was outstanding in a sound back four. 

Griffiths added: “Fitzroy made one absolutely outstanding save to keep us in the game and after Chris scored we were under the cosh, but defensively we did not look as if we would concede a goal.”

Caerleon scored their vital goal midway through the second half, Craig Joliffe starting the move for Luke Cueto to open Afan Lido down the right and supplied the cross for the top scorer to volley home. 

Caerleon have scored a dozen goals in their last four league matches, having scored only ten in the previous 14 – a remarkable turnaround. 

But little is going right for rivals Newport YMCA, who went down 1-0 at Ely Rangers, a win from a second-half goal which lifted them off the bottom. 

Mark Coldrick, YM manager, said: “It was a disappointing result and a scrappy type of game, but in the first half our goalkeeper (Craig Margetts) made three great saves, and so too did their ’keeper. 

“We put enough work and commitment into the game to deserve a point, but we will have to pick ourselves  up because it was the first of four away games. We’ve now got Pontardawe, Briton Ferry (on the bottom) and Neath (leaders). They are all difficult games and we are in a bit of a scrap. 

“We are missing that little bit of class up front and silly little things are going against us. We are a good enough side to get out of trouble, of that I am sure.” 

And as if to emphasise the point YM were beaten by a freak 70th-minute goal. Ross Hooper-Nash, the Ely ’keeper, launched a free kick from inside the penalty area (10 yards), the ball bouncing once and over Margetts, although he got a hand to the ball. 

Coldrick added: “It was an indirect free kick and it caught out Craig and I wish he hadn’t got a hand to it.” 

Jody Jenkins said farewell to the year in stunning style, scoring six of Croesyceiliog’s goals in a 7-1 home win over luckless Gwynfi United, who have now conceded 66 goals in 19 Division Two games, and to make matters worse have had six points deducted for misdemeanours. This was a record win for Croesyceiliog since joining the league, now in their second season of Welsh League soccer. 

The other goal for Croesyceiliog, four goals to the good at half-time, came from substitute James Stokes, a replacement for Gareth Pattimore. 

Abertillery Excelsior put up an excellent show at promotion-chasing Troedyrhiw, but went down 2-1, all the goals scored in the first half. But Abertillery deserved at least a share of the points, much the better side in the second half, with Shaun Smith failing to make the most of good chances. 

Abertillery, with only one win to their credit, scored an equaliser through Rhys Jones and the Troedyrhiw scorers were Julian Barsi and Lee Brooker. 

Risca turned the tables on newcomers West End to earn a 3-1 home Division Three win, scoring three times after the break.

Stuart Luckwell, Risca secretary, said: “We could so easily have been three down at the break, they simply overran us and it was a classic game of two halves, but in the end we deserved our win.”

Risca rocked their highly placed visitors with a Lee Phillips equaliser two minutes into the second half, and three minutes later Andy Gay put them in front. Substitute Kharim Haddu, yet to make the starting line-up, got a third within a couple of minutes of appearing. 

Llanwern crashed to defeat in a nine-goal away game with table-topping Cambrian and Clydach. Llanwern were beaten 6-3 after making a flying start with a fifth-minute goal from Steve Perszewski, but five minutes later they trailed 2-1, gifting the home side two goals. 

And it simply continued to go downhill for the visitors, losing central defender Carl Baugh with a calf strain and trailing 4-1 at the break. Within a minute of the restart Llanwern let in a fifth.

After leaking a sixth goal, Llanwern staged a minor recovery, Marcus Power hitting a post and then pulling a goal back. Alex Lee netted with a spectacular free kick, but sandwiched between the goals was the dismissal of Richard Shier. 

Laurence Owen, Llanwern manager, was far from impressed with his side’s performance. He said: “Our home form is superb, but away we are just not doing it. We didn’t do anything apart from taking the lead. There are too many players in the comfort zone and there could be changes on the way.” 

Llanwern couldn’t get to grips with Kevin Kelland, who scored four times, Chris Rees and Huw Bowtell being the other home marksmen. 

Treowen, battling to preserve their Welsh League status, had a crucial 1-0 away win over fellow strugglers Penrhiwfer, the all-important goal scored by left-sided midfield player Luke Evans, ten minutes from the end. 

Cwmbran Celtic, four players absent through suspension and two missing through injury, slumped to a 3-0 defeat at promotion-chasing Cardiff suburb side Pentwyn Dynamo, all the goals scored in a 20-minute spell during the second period through Dave Williams (2) and Andrew George, the game switched because their home at Cwmbran Stadium was closed.