TWO OFF FOR YMCA

31 January 2007

Newport YMCA, battling to move clear of relegation fears, suffered double dismissal trouble in defeat at top team Neath Athletic in the MacWhirter Welsh League, Division One, last night.

John Pardue was the first to find his way back to the dressing room rather early, receiving two yellow cards before the interval and then late in the second-half striker Faris Yafai was shown a red card.

Viv Edwards, YM secretary, was far from happy with the display of Port Talbot referee Lee James. Edwards said: "We didn't expect anything here but you certainly couldn't fault the lads for their effort. I feel frustrated and infuriated by his handling of the game."

Neath, bidding for a place in the Principality Building Society Welsh Premier League, went ahead with a first-half penalty from Jarrod Price and leading scorer Carl Shaw added a second early after the break. Chris Miller rounded off Neath's success.

Neath are eight points clear of Pontypridd, another side looking to step up, who have four games in hand.

But there was joy for another Gwent club, Tredegar Town moving into the semi-finals of the Shamrock Travel Cup with a 2-1 home win over First Division Bridgend Town last night.

Tredegar, bidding to move clear of relegation worries in Division Two, held a first-half lead through Richard Langley and Phil Blackmore increased the lead after 77 minutes. Two minutes later Lee Pratt converted a Bridgend penalty.

Tredegar, hoping to take their cup form into the league, now face Afan Lido, another Division One side, in the semi-finals, neutral venues and dates for the ties expected to be announced later in the week.

Llanwern bid to close the gap on Division Three leaders Pentwyn Dynamo when they entertain Gwent rivals Goytre at Spytty Park tonight (kick-off 7.0pm). Llanwern, five games in hand, are seven points adrift of the top team.

WEEKEND ROUND-UP

29 January 2007

DIVISION One debutants Croesyceiliog continued their march towards being crowned as Gwent’s top MacWhirter Welsh League club with a fine, 3-1 home victory over Bryntirion Athletic.

The Cwmbran side took their recent points haul to 10 from the last 15 on offer – despite being minus regulars Michael Pattimore, Chris Watkins and David Jenkins for various different reasons.

“This was a great win and a brilliant all-round team performance,” revealed delighted manager Chris Evans. “We were excellent throughout and thoroughly deserved the three points.

“Even their manager Francis Ford (the former Cwmbran Town striker) said it would have been an injustice if his side had got anything out of the game.”

Jamie Jenkins put the home side ahead with a free kick just after the half-hour mark, with Jamie Stokes’ well-executed volley doubling the advantage on 50 minutes.

The visitors did manage to reduce the arrears before youngster Daniel Clouth secured the win and the three points with a late header.

Lowly Newport YMCA were at Dinas Powys, but saw luck desert them in a match which they eventually lost 2-1.

“We had a bit of the rub of the green in our last game (a 2-2 home draw against Taffs Well), but none here, I’m afraid,” said YMCA boss Mark Coldrick.

“We dominated the opening 20 minutes, saw Alex Stewart miss with a headed chance before an unusual mistake by defender Steve Edwards paved the way for them to open the scoring.

“Then, out of the blue, they’ve gone two up with a 35-yarder some five minutes later, and although Leon Spargo had got one back, we couldn’t manage another.

“However, we should have because Faris Yafi has missed a couple of one-on-ones with their goalkeeper, Daniel Cueto has fired wide of an open goal, and to cap it all, Craig James missed a penalty.”

YMCA’s woes continued as central defender James later picked up a knee injury and Spargo a foot sprain.

Caerleon had midfielder Martyn Phillips sent off after picking up two yellow cards in a 4-1 defeat at Ton Pentre.

Yet it was the Gwent side which opened the scoring on 15 minutes through Steve James, with manager Brendan Dowd believing his side had the better of the match.

“We had the best of the play, but missed three or four good chances and you’ve got to take them no matter who you are playing,” he said.

Ton gained a 2-1 lead midway through the second period. But with 10-man Caerleon tiring, the former Welsh Premier League club secured the victory with two further goals in added injury time.

In Division Two, Caldicot Town are fourth thanks to a 3-2 away success over Cardiff Corries, strikers Jason Thorne (2) and Matthew Williams did the damage, with Thorne’s winner coming after the Corries had rallied from being 2-0 down.

Tredegar were beaten 4-1 at home to Swansea-based West End, Phillip Blackmore the scorer, and they will hope for better fortune when they host Bridgend Town in a Shamrock Travel Cup quarter-final tomorrow, kick-off 7.15pm.

Llanwern maintained their promotion push by winning 2-1 at Chepstow Town. Striker Richard Shire scored both their goals, with Mark Dunn replying, and Llanwern are in action again on Wednesday, when they host Goytre, kick-off 7pm.

Aberbargoed Buds lost 1-0 at home to Llangeinor, Risca United scored through Rhys Iles but still went down 3-1 at Seven Sisters, while Goytre were beaten 3-2 by visiting Newcastle Emlyn. 

Cwmbran Celtic maintained their Welsh League Division Three promotion push with a comfortable 3-0 home success over Gwent rivals Abertillery Excelsiors on Saturday.

“We controlled the game well and we looked physically stronger as it went on,” said assistant manager Della Cheedy.

“Our energy levels in midfield were fantastic and this was a really good all-round team performance.”

Cheedy’s son Craig and veteran midfielder Kevin Payne both got on the score-sheet with an own goal making up the tally for the home side’s tally.

SATURDAY COLUMN

27 January 2007

Llanwern, bidding to climb from the Third Division of the MacWhirter Welsh League, are facing four “big games,” says manager Laurence Owen, starting with a Gwent derby clash at Chepstow this afternoon (kick-off 2.0pm).

Newport-based Llanwern are anxious to get out of the bottom section and so start the climb towards regaining former glory when they were a top-flight outfit and, as Spencer Works, twice took on Swansea City in the Welsh Cup, the games played at the Somerton Park, home of the old Newport County.

On the first occasion, Wales team manager John Toshack was in charge and the second game was a replay, Spencer having gained a draw at the Vetch Field.

But that was at a time when Wales’ then four Football League clubs competed in the Welsh Cup and it was, by comparison, a glamour competition. Sadly, not any more.

Llanwern face another home derby on Wednesday, taking on Goytre followed by an away meeting with Cwmbran Celtic, also nurturing promotion hopes after experiencing a nail-biting first season when they beat the drop by the skin of their teeth.

Llanwern also face leaders Pentwyn at home to complete the “big four” and then just around the corner is another home midweek game, this time Abertillery Excelsiors the visitors.

Chepstow aren’t having the best of runs, one win in their last seven matches, including a 7-0 defeat at Newcastle Emlyn. But Owen isn’t taking anything for granted. He said: “It’s a derby and Chepstow will be well up for it but we’ve been training hard.”

Michael Binning may be ruled out with a groin strain while Matthew Currie, who hasn’t played for a couple of months because of a thigh strain, is close to a return but may not be risked, looking to make his comeback against Goytre.

THAT'S THE LAST TIME I GET SENT OFF - STRIKER 

26 January 2007 

Newport YMCA striker Daniel Cueto has promised his manager Mark Coldrick he won’t get sent off again.

Cueto has just ended a four-match ban – spanning more than two months because of postponements – and returns to the squad for their match at Dinas Powys tomorrow in the MacWhirter Welsh League, Division One.

It was Cueto’s second ban of the season.

Coldrick said: “When I spoke to him about his discipline he said to me ‘I will not get sent off again playing for the YM.’”

However, fellow front runner Aaron Stewart is still struggling with a hamstring injury and could be under consideration for a return at Neath on Tuesday. Kristian Avery, unavailable for the visit of Taffs Well last Saturday, comes back into the squad.

YM, beaten once in their last four league games, will be looking to continue their  climb to safety.

Coldrick said: “We look back over those matches and see the win at Pontardawe as probably the point where we turned the corner. The defeat against Grange Quins at Leckwith Stadium was the one disappointment.

“The players are talking differently now and although we didn’t play that well last week we did have the rub of the green.”

YM, beaten only three times in their last seven league matches, gained a midweek boost when Pontardawe, immediately below them, lost at Goytre United. The YM are top of six clubs at the bottom, two points covering them

Croesyceiliog are the only Gwent team at home, entertaining Bryntirion. Caerleon, a point behind Croesyceiliog, face a difficult test at Ton Pentre who figured in a goalless draw at Pontypridd in midweek.

Sweeper Michael Pattimore is missing from the Croesyceiliog line-up because of work. Back with the Woodlands club is Ross Brady, also a sweeper, after a year in New Zealand. However, he is still waiting for international clearance.

Croesyceiliog will be looking to avoid a repeat of the away game with Bryntirion who swept them aside.

Chris Evans, Croesyceiliog manager, said: “I felt they were one of the best footballing sides we’ve played (August 26).

“I think we were 5-1 down but pulled it back to 5-4 and with the last kick of the match a shot hit the inside of an upright. We didn’t deserve anything from the game but nearly came away with a point.”

Second Division Tredegar are at home to West End and the Gwent club have also arranged their home Shamrock Travel Cup tie with Bridgend for Tuesday (kick-off 7.15pm), the game postponed this week because of a frozen pitch.

Division Three provides two Gwent derby clashes  – promotion-chasing Cwmbran Celtic at home to Abertillery Excelsiors who suffered a shock home defeat to lowly Seven Sisters.

Excelsiors are still without recent central midfield signing Chris Maher – he joined from Welsh Autoparts Gwent County League club AC Pontymister. He is unavailable because of work calls.

Celtic are seeking a fourth successive league victory.

Second-place Llanwern, five games in hand of leaders Pentwyn and seven points adrift, travel to Chepstow.

NEWMAN BRACE

25 January 2007

TOP team Cwmbran Town increased their lead to nine points with a 2-0 home win over Pentwyn Dynamo last night in the MacWhirter Welsh League, Youth Division (East).  Lee Newman scoring both goals in the first half.

YM'S CRUCIAL POINT

22 January 2007

GOALKEEPER Gareth Yeoman went from hero to zero to hero again as Newport YMCA gained another crucial point towards their quest for MacWhirter Welsh League Division One survival with a 2-2 home draw against Taffs Well.

The youth product, given his chance because of regular number one Julian Phillips’ honeymoon, saved a first-half penalty by diving to his left to thwart striker Barrie Gunstone.

The stop ensured the Gwent side went into the interval still 2-0 ahead after striker Faris Yafai had scored both goals.

However, within six minutes of the restart the visitors were level, Yeoman seemingly left stranded by Callum McKenzie’s speculative 30-yarder before he could only push out a free kick directly into the path of Wayne Marks for the equaliser.

But the youngster didn’t let it faze him, and he made amends in the dying seconds when he produced a fine save to deny Ashley Gittens earning the visitors the three points.

The draw came on the back of the previous Saturday’s excellent 2-0 home victory over Gwent rivals with YMCA remaining three places above the drop zone.

It is, however, all very tight at the basement with only three points covering the entire bottom seven clubs.

“Obviously it was disappointing not to have won after being 2-0 up at half-time,” said YMCA boss Mark Coldrick. “We had a chat during the interval because we felt we hadn’t played all that well.

“But at that stage we’d got the rub of the green and the two goals. You think to yourself, ‘come on then, let’s go on from here’.

“But some calamity defending for both their goals meant it wasn’t to be. It could have gone either way in the last 15 minutes.

“We missed a couple of late chances, but so did they. So we’ll take the point and the main aim was not to get beat.

“We’re unbeaten in two now and we must try and keep this momentum going.

“We must take it on from here.”

Coldrick confirmed Welsh Premier League outfit Cwmbran Town, whose former players Mark Evans and Adam Moore are Taffs Well’s managerial duo, have placed seven days’ notice on top goal-scorer Aaron Stewart.

However, the Crows may have to wait for their man, with Coldrick revealing the YMCA’s leading goal-scorer for the past five seasons is currently sidelined for a month with a hamstring injury.

In Division Two, Tredegar Town gained a fifth win in 16 league starts by winning 3-1 at bottom-placed AFC Llwydcoed.

However, the performance was pretty dire and with five players now missing for Tuesday’s home Shamrock Travel Cup quarter-final against Division One outfit Bridgend Town (kick-off 7.15pm), the signs are hardly encouraging that the north Gwent club can reach the last four.

“It was a poor performance, if the truth be told, although I suppose it’s good that we can win when playing badly,” said Tredegar chief Jason Morgan.

His side went ahead through Paul Reed, but then had fellow striker Lee Brooker sent off for violent conduct and he must now serve out a four-match suspension.

The home team, who also had a player sent off in the same incident, levelled matters on 35 minutes.

And it was only after Llwydcoed had a second man red-carded that Tredegar managed to secure the win with further goals through central midfielder Ian Morris and wide-left midfielder Richard Langley – although goalkeeper Andrew Diggles also earned his corn with a couple of crucial saves.

Abertillery Excelsiors would have fancied their chances of beating one-from-the-bottom Seven Sisters, who had only previously managed two wins and 10 goals in 13 league starts.

Yet by the end of the match the visitors had secured a deserved 5-3 success to deny the hosts three points towards their outside-chance hopes of promotion.

For Abertillery, Lee Bull, with a 30-yarder and a penalty, grabbed two goals, with Sean Smith getting one with a fine solo effort.

Former Newport County central defender Jeff Eckhardt’s managerial career has got off to an eye-opening start with Division Three outfit Risca United.

He began with a 6-0 thrashing at Newcastle Emlyn, and although his side did play better than that in Saturday’s home match against Gwent rivals Goytre, Risca still slipped to a 2-0 defeat.

To add to their woes, they also missed a penalty through striker Rhys Isles, whose spot kick shaved a post, and had Craig Williams sent off.

“We worked hard for this win in windy conditions and generally controlled the match,” said Goytre manager Ian Rosser.

He saw his side go one up on the hour mark through a Kevin Wallace penalty before central defender Andy Walsh wrapped up the scoring by heading in at a free kick.

Games postponed involving Gwent clubs: Division One – Caerleon v Ely Rangers; Croesyceiliog v Dinas Powys. Division Two – Caldicot Town v Caerau Ely. Division Three – Cwmamman United v Cwmbran Celtic; Llanwern v Aberbargoed Buds.

DAVIES GETS HIS WISH TO SWITCH CLUBS

19 January 2007

Croesyceiliog are losing right-wing back Kevin Davies who is off to join Dinas Powys - visitors to the Woodlands tomorrow afternoon in the MacWhirter Welsh League, Division One.

Davies was signed from Bridgend Town earlier in the season.

Chris Evans, Croesyceiliog manager, said: "They put seven days notice of approach and I have said he can join them - but not to play against us."

Lee Mason, 17-year-old front runner, returns to the squad, taking over from Davies. Evans said: "He was left out against Taffs Well last week because in recent games he had taken a bit of a battering."

Newport YMCA, lifted by their derby win over Caerleon last week, entertain Taffs Well.

Manager Mark Coldrick said: "We are hoping to build on the win over Caerleon. It was a pleasing win and we deserved the three points - but the win came at price."

Striker Aaron Stewart suffered a hamstring injury late in the game and is a doubtful starter while Kristian Avery, who came on as a substitute, suffered a damaged calf and is likely to be missing.

Jamie Martin, replaced by Avery, has a calf strain but he is expected to be all right along with Craig James who jarred the knee which was operated on last year.

Shaun Pearce and Leon Spargo have both been called into the squad.

Coldrick said: "The win has really lifted the boys and although I had to leave for work after the game, I was getting text messages through the night - the last at 4.45am."

YM turned the tables on Caerleon and now they look to make up for dropping points at Taffs Well where they were two up and drew 2-2.

It is certainly nail-biting at the bottom where six clubs, including the YM, are covered by two points - three teams on 13 and three on 14, the YM top of the six.

Caerleon, a point behind Croesyceiliog and two games in hand, entertain Ely Rangers, one of the bottom trio.

Manager Brendan Dowd regards it as a "must win" game. He said: "We could have been two up against the YM before they decided where they were playing. We hit a post and bar but, in the end, they probably deserve to win it."

Midfield player Wayne Jepson is unavailable for Caerleon.

Cwmbran Celtic, fourth in Division Three, hope to be at full strength for the visit to bottom team Cwmamman United.

Ben Graham came on as a substitute last Saturday and will be back in the reckoning for a starting place. Liam Kidman should be available after missing the last two games through work and sickness.

Other good news for the squad is that two of the longer term injured players, Nathan Beer and Rhys Dalgleish, are hoping to be fit for the reserve team playing at Chepstow.

Another player who has been plagued by injury for most of the season, Niki Villars, is hoping to be available in about a fortnight.

Manager, Micky Copeman, said: "It will be good to have the full squad available going into the second half of the season. We are on a great run at the moment and want to keep it going.

"We learned last season that you can take nothing for granted in this league and, although Cwmamman are bottom, we will still have to perform well to win.

"Although the whole squad is playing well at the moment, I have to give special praise to our 20-year-old goalkeeper Nicky Church, who has been in outstanding form all season.

"He made one save last Saturday from a misdirected header by one of our defenders that was unbelievable and you won't see many better ones at any level.

"He is currently training with Hereford United and I will be very surprised if they don't take him on full time. If they don't, it won't be long before another club spots his undoubted talent."

WORK PAYS OFF FOR YM

15 January 2007

VISITING Caerleon were taught a harsh lesson in finishing at Mendalgief Road, where Newport YMCA's moved away from the MacWhirter Welsh League Division One relegation zone thanks to a 2-0 success in the big Gwent derby.

After Caerleon had spurned several fine opportunities, the home side scored twice in four minutes shortly before the interval - goals which eventually led to their fourth win in 15 league matches.

The victory was later diluted somewhat by the news that the only team below them before the start of play, Cardiff-based Grange Harlequins, had defeated capital rivals Ely Rangers 2-1 at home.

However, the YMCA moved up three positions to 14th, and with only one point separating the bottom five, it's not difficult to understand why manager Mark Coldrick was delighted with the result.

"This was a massive result for us, especially considering we lost to the Quins (3-2 the previous Saturday) last time out," he said.

"And if there's a game to get a side up after a disappointing result, then it's a local derby.

"I'm chuffed we got the three points and chuffed for the lads because they've worked hard in training.

"They knew they let themselves down last week, but I really do believe that they proved in this match that they really can beat any side in this league - as long as they put in the effort.

"I told the boys if they put in 100 per cent work-rate, then the rest of the game will come naturally to them.

"We've got quality players and when they put in the work-rate, they're as good as anyone."

Early on, Caerleon striker Aaron Stewart shot wide when well placed, with team-mate Martin Houston twice failing to find the target before YMCA suddenly came alive.

Left back Louis Walsh exchanged a neat one-two with midfielder John Pardue before firing home the first on 41 minutes, and with only seconds remaining of the opening period, right back Jamie Martin rifled in a fierce close-range shot after Pardue had struck an upright.

"They probably nicked it in the first half, but the most important part was that we got the goals," was Coldrick's honest assessment.

"But I think we thoroughly deserved to keep a clean sheet, albeit because they hit a post (through Houston), but we had a goal wiped out for offside or a foul on the goalkeeper or whatever.

"So I believe we nicked the game in the second half, deserved the win and I think Brendan (Caerleon manager Brendan Dowd) will say the same."

Despite the defeat, Dowd, whose side remain 11th of 18, wasn't too downhearted: "On another day, we'd have been coming in 1-0 up," he remarked. "But here we came in 2-0 down.

"I was happy with the way we were playing, but they just out-muscled us really. I hate losing, but I'm not too despondent because we created enough chances to have won."

In the same division, Croesyceiliog, the team immediately above Caerleon by one point but having played two games more, were held to a 2-2 draw at home by Taffs Well.

It was the Cwmbran-based side's first draw in 18 league outings, with manager Chris Evans explaining the outcome was just about right.

"We played really well in certain parts of the match and I'm disappointed that we didn't go on and win it," said Evans. "However, they came at us a bit and a draw was the fairest result."

The visitors opened the scoring, but soon Chris Watkins dusted himself down to convert a penalty after he'd been fouled to level matters at the break.

And when Abergavenny-based right-side midfielder Griff Jones, released by Bristol City after captaining their under-18s side, made it 2-1, everything pointed to a home win.

But Lady Luck smiled on the visitors when Jamie Jenkins diverted in a shot which goalkeeper Pat O'Hagan had covered, to assure the visitors a share of the spoils.

Division Three outfit Cwmbran Celtic are now genuine promotion contenders after their 1-0 home win over Llantwit Fardre moved them up a place to fourth.

The Henllys Way side are eight points behind leaders Pentwyn Dynamos, but with four matches in hand, and their latest success came via a goal from young striker Joey Carless.

"We played really well before the interval and should have been three or four goals to the good," revealed Celtic assistant boss Della Cheedy.

"But they came back strongly in the second half and there wasn't a lot in it on a pitch which cut up a lot.

"The most important thing for us was to win this game, and we're all delighted that we managed to do just that."

If ever newly appointed Risca United manager Jeff Eckhardt needed any sort of message about just what a tough task he has on his hands to revive the Cuckoos' fortunes, then he certainly got it loud and clear at Newcastle Emlyn, who emerged 6-0 winners.

However, in fairness to the Gwent side, their hosts fielded several players who'd starred in Haverfordwest County's 2-0 home Welsh Premier League win over Cwmbran Town the previous night.

"They were good players and they made a lot of difference," said Eckhardt, who was in charge for the first time since replacing the sacked Mike Colcombe, now joint second-team manager at Newport YMCA.

"They've got off to a flyer and were 4-0 up at the break, and although we played a lot better after the interval, they went on to kill us off."

Risca are still third from the bottom and are just four points better off than basement outfit Cwmamman United.

Chepstow Town would have climbed to 10th place had their home clash with bottom-placed Cwmamman United not been abandoned with the score at 0-0 after 18 minutes, with manager Ian Davies later expressing his disappointment with the visitors.

"I have to say that Cwmamman were up for it before the start," said Davies. "But by the time it was called off, we'd penned them into their own half and they couldn't get out.

"Because of that, their attitude changed and all I'll say is we had no rain after the match began and you must draw your own conclusions from that."

Caldicot Town slipped out of the Shamrock Travel Cup at the quarter-final stage, while Tredegar Town's home last-eight clash against Division One side Bridgend Town was postponed for the second successive Saturday.

"We were very poor and we've no excuses," said Caldicot chief Jason Pritchard after his team were beaten 2-0 at home by Division Two rivals Bettws.

"This match offered us a very good chance to progress to the semi-finals and we missed out big time.

"We conceded a soft goal after about 10 minutes and then we had central midfielder David Lloyd sent off for violent conduct.

"The frustrating thing was that Bettws weren't much better on the day than us, but we didn't create in front of goal.

"I'm very disappointed because this was an opportunity missed."

Tredegar are trying to re-arrange the Bridgend game for either Tuesday, January 23, at 7.30pm, or for the following night with the same kick-off time.

YMCA AIMING TO PULL OFF A SURPRISE

12 January 2007

Newport YMCA, avoiding the bottom rung of the MacWhirter Welsh League, First Division, only by virtue of a better goal difference than Grange Quins, entertain Caerleon, having waited a long time for the chance to erase the memory of an early-season defeat which still hurts.

In only their third match of the season YM lost 4-0 at Caerleon after they had taken four points from the opening two games.

Mark Coldrick, YM manager, believes it was then the club's season - three league wins in 14 games - began to go wrong.

He said: "Our problems started with that loss and we will be aiming to put that right.

"We are looking forward to the game after the debacle at UWIC last Saturday when players let themselves and the club down. I think we will catch them by surprise.

"We had twenty players in training in the pouring rain on Tuesday and we were soaked - but it was good to see and know the players want to get us out of the hole we are in."

Steve Edwards and Louis Walsh have completed their suspensions.

John Pardue is back in the squad after being left for disciplinary reasons while Leon Spargo is back in training after an ankle ligament injury.

Caerleon, whose defeat at Barry brought to an end a run of five straight league wins, are without midfield player Wayne Jepson who is unavailable.

Croesyceiliog bid for the double over Taffs Well following a 3-1 early-season success and manager Chris Evans declared: "After the disappointment of our match with Caerleon being postponed, everyone is itching to play."

Michael Colcombe, who recently parted company with Risca as manager, has linked with Newport YMCA and is now second team joint manager with Mark Ingles.

Mark Coldrick, first team manager, said: "He was disappointed to leave Risca but with his experience and knowledge he will be a great asset and gives us a fresh dimension."

Second Division Caldicot and Tredegar Town hope to have better luck with their Shamrock Travel League Cup quarter-finals ties, both postponed last week.

Caldicot, one loss in their last nine league games, are at home to Bettws while Tredegar, third from bottom, take on First Division Bridgend.

Llanwern, second in Division Three, are once again sitting idle while Abertillery Excelsiors (sixth) are at home to Aberbargoed Buds (seventh), two points separating the teams, both having played 14 games.

SEMI PAIRINGS

10 January 2007

The two Gwent clubs remaining in the MacWhirter Welsh League Shamrock Travel Cup, have been kept apart in the semi-final draw made last night.

Caldicot, if they overcome Bettws, will face either Goytre United or Neath while Tredegar will take on Afan Lido - if they beat Bridgend in a delayed quarter-final tie on Saturday.

The dates, venues and kick-off times for the semi-finals have yet to be arranged.

YM PAY THE PRICE FOR THEIR SLOW START

8 January 2007

DIVISION One side Newport YMCA’s bid to steer themselves clear of the relegation zone came unstuck in Cardiff on Saturday when they lost 3-2 against the only side below them, Grange Harlequins, at Leckwith Stadium.

“We paid the price for making a slow start and this always seems to happen when we’ve had a week off,” said YMCA boss Mark Coldrick.    

“We had a bit of a bright opening ten minutes, but then they came into it and suddenly we’re 2-0 down by the time the match is 25 minutes old.

‘We’re chasing it then, although striker Aaron Stewart gave us a life-line with a goal shortly before the break.

“But then we’ve gone and conceded another soon after the interval and we’re back to square one again. 

We kept at it and managed to grab a second through our other striker Lewis Summers but they’ve just edged it. 

“It wasn’t the best display defensively and it was all a little bit huff and puff towards the end.”          

All is not lost for YMCA, who trail the two teams immediately above them, Barry Town and UWIC, by a couple of points, but with four and two matches in hand respectively.       

Chepstow Town eased their Division Three relegation fears slightly by picking up a point from a 1-1 draw at Llantwit Fardre. 

The Gwent side got off to an awful start when Simon Lewis conceded an own goal before left-winger Dominic Connor levelled matters with 20 minutes remaining with a brilliant 20-yard volley into the top corner after David Savage. 

“It was a disappointing outcome, but the end result was fair,” said Chepstow manager Ian Davies, whose team moved above inactive Risca into 12th position. 

“We had about five or six chances to have scored more and it was a decent performance from us.         

 “But 1-1 was just about right, and while we could have done with all three points, we didn’t get beat and that was important.”        

Abertillery Excelsiors remain sixth following a fine 2-0 away win at the seaside against tenth-placed Porthcawl Town.

Striker Jamie Williams and mid-fielder Lee Bull were the goal-scorers on a difficult playing surface.        

One place below is Aberbargoed Buds, who also collected an on-the-road victory in winning 1-0 at Cwmamman United.        

Central defender Leon Shorney was Buds’ match-winner by heading home at a 70th-minute corner, but the win came at a price.        

Buds had right-sided midfielder Gerwin Jones sent off after he picked up two yellow cards, and they also missed a penalty 10 minutes from time when left wing back Nathan Edwards saw his spot kick brilliantly saved by the home goalkeeper.       

“The match was played in poor conditions and it was a real hard slog,” said Abertillery chief Colin Preece.        

A trio of Gwent clubs were hoping to make progress to the semi-finals of the Shamrock Travel Cup, but only one, Llanwern, managed to play because of the inclement weather.        

However, promotion hopefuls Llanwern failed to bridge a three-division gap when they went down 2-0 at Afan Lido in a match which had to be switched because of the unavailability of Newport Stadium to the Gwent club. 

Llanwern assistant manager Ian Burman summed up the proceedings in one sentence when he said: ‘They took their chances and we didn’t.” 

The scheduled 1.30pm kick-off was delayed for an hour while Marston Stadium ground staff cleared surface water. 

“They (former Welsh Premier League outfit Afan Lido) are a good side and our lads did a god job.       

“Any neutrals would have had a difficult time knowing which was the Division One team.”        

Caldicot Town and Tredegar Town had their respective home quarter-final ties with Bettws and Bridgend Town postponed because of water-logged pitches, and both games have        been rescheduled for Saturday with 1.30pm kick-offs.     

ECKHARDT MAN AT THE TOP FOR RISCA

8 January 2007

MACWHIIRTER Welsh League Division Three outfit Risca United have named much-travelled defender Jeff Eckhardt as their new manager. 

The former Newport County and Merthyr Tydfil central defender takes over the Ty-Isaf Park hot-seat from Mike Colcombe, who was sacked on December 19. 

First-team goalkeeper Matthew Long was installed as caretaker manager, although he never got the chance to show his worth because successive matches against Llangeinor, Llansawel and Gwynfi United were all postponed due to the weather. 

Now, however, Eckhardt, who played more than 600 Football League games in a career which took in Sheffield United, Fulham, Stockport County and Cardiff City is faced with the task of stopping the slide which has seen the Cuckoos lose four consecutive league matches.         

Long has been appointed as assistant manager to Eckhardt, who joined Risca as player-coach at the start of the season, with Simon Woodsford taking up the role of coach.         

The shake-up means former assistant boss David John standing down, although the loyal clubman is to remain with the Gwent side. 

“Risca United wish to put on record their thanks to Mike Colcombe, who was in control all of last season when the club finished ninth, its highest position for a number of years,” said Risca chairman Stuart Luckwell. 

“This season the club expected to kick on and to be challenging for the three promotion places. 

“It has not worked out that way so Risca United wish Mike Colcombe all the best for the future.” 

Eckhardt will be in charge for the first time on Saturday, when 13th-placed Risca travel to face Newcastle Emlyn, who currently sit in fourth position in the Division Three table.

CLOSE RIVALS INVOLVED IN CLASH OF THE DAY

5 January 2007

Without doubt the most intriguing clash in Division One of the MacWhirter Welsh League tomorrow is the one between Croesyceiliog – looking for the double – and visitors Caerleon who are locked together in mid-table.

Croesyceiliog, with a full squad available, have their noses ahead – just – on goal difference, both teams on 21 points. They have both won seven games, Caerleon having two games in hand.

Chris Evans, Croesyceiliog’s manager, said: “The boys are itching to go and it should be an entertaining game. Hopefully we can make home advantage count. Brendan (Dowd, Caerleon manager) has turned things around and they’ve had a good run, as we have, so I just hope the weather improves.”

Dowd said: “We lost at home to them at the start of the season so we certainly owe them one, but we are a different side now. I have got a plan and we have set our stall out to get something from the game – defeat is not an option.”

Newport YMCA’s clash with bottom side Grange Quins is equally important. YM are three points better off and a win for Mark Coldrick’s side would be a perfect start to the new year.

Coldrick, stressing the importance of the game, said: “It really is a six-pointer but the boys have got the bug to play. We have had good turn-outs for training and it’s disappointing that we have gone so long without a game.”

Steve Edwards, Louis Walsh and Daniel Cueto are still under suspension and youth team player Alex Jenkins, central midfield, is a flu victim and faces a fitness test while right back Jamie Martin, who came through the youth system, is in the squad.

Llanwern’s Matthew Currie and Ivan Poncak are both back from holiday and available for the tie against Afan Lido in the fourth round of the Shamrock Travel Cup, the game switched to the First Division club’s ground because Newport County are at home to leaders Histon in a Nationwide South clash.

Flu-suffering Paul Tanner has a 50-50 chance of making the squad.

Three Gwent sides are bidding for a semi-final place with Division Two teams Caldicot and Tredegar both enjoying home advantage. Caldicot probably have the best chance of all, at home to Bettws, while Tredegar have home advantage against First Division Bridgend.Cwmbran Celtic travel to Ystradgynlais in Division Three with a strong squad, looking to make ground on Llanwern. Liam Kidman is available again after work commitments prevented him  travelling to Newcastle Emlyn two weeks ago. Ben Graham, who has been out for three months with a knee ligament injury, is now back in training along with Nathan Beer, recovering from a broken wrist.

Manager, Micky Copeman, said: “We have a strong squad and the first team has already called on 29 players this season, none of whom has let us down. Having this number of players to call on is bound to stand us in good stead through the next couple of months, particularly at the end of the season when we will be playing two and maybe three games a week. We are all confident that we can mount a serious challenge for promotion in the second half of the season.”

LLANWERN GET TIMELY PROMOTION BOOST

4 January 2007  

Llanwern gained an unexpected promotion boost after the disappointment of having last night’s home MacWhirter Welsh League, Division Three game with AFC Porth postponed because of a waterlogged Spytty Park pitch.

Heavy rain which began a couple of hours before the scheduled kick-off resulted in match referee John R Jones from Swansea calling off the match with twenty minutes remaining to the start.

Laurence Owen, Llanwern manager, said: “I think the referee wanted to play the game if possible – but in the end he had no choice.”

Llanwern, who are at Afan Lido on Saturday in the Shamrock Travel Cup, have not played a league game for a month. And they have been forced to switch the league cup tie because Newport County are at home to Nationwide South leaders Histon.

However, Llanwern have gained an unexpected promotion lift following bottom club Gwynfi’s decision to withdraw from the league. Llanwern have not played them while clubs also battling to go up will lose out, including Llangeinor who are right on their heels and with games in hand.

When the division table is adjusted – after next week’s management meeting – they will lose six points  while leaders Pentwyn Dynamo will drop three points as will Cwmbran Celtic.  Llanwern meet both Pentwyn (home) and Celtic (away) at the beginning of next month.

Gwynfi secretary David Walters sent a resignation e-mail to league secretary Ken Tucker this week, the club deciding to continue running a side in the Port Talbot League. Gwynfi are rock bottom of Division Three without a point from 15 matches, scoring only nine goals.