WELSH LEAGUE ROUND-UP

27 March 2006

NEWPORT YMCA beat the weather to grab three vital points and move up a place to 11th in the Macron Welsh League First Division table on Saturday.

On a dreadful day when seven games were abandoned in the three divisions and three others postponed, the superb Mendalgief Road drainage stood up well for YMCA to defeat visitors Bridgend Town 2-0.

YM enjoy playing Bridgend and fancied their chances of victory,  having drawn there six weeks ago when they felt they should have won.

They were helped by Bridgend having a player sent off after 15 minutes for scything down Phil Tranter, who returned from Undy to play for the club in place of fractured-knee injury victim Mark Ingles.

YM took the lead with a superb goal after 25 minutes, excellent build-up ending with Aaron Stewart curling a shot into the top corner.

Bridgend’s ten men had a lot of possession without threatening but YM missed chances, once when Steve Edwards chose to pass when he might have scored himself.

They eventually got their second goal when Danny Heath headed against fellow YM player Craig James from a corner and shot in the ricochet, last year’s player of the season James playing his first game back after injury.

In Division Two Croesyceiliog moved into third spot, level with second-placed ENTO Aberaman but with two games in hand, thanks to a 2-1 win at Cardiff Corries.

In atrocious conditions, Croesy had to battle hard for their win, grabbing a 60th-minute lead when Jodie Jenkins headed in his 25th goal of the season from a Ricky Coffe right-wing cross.

But 15 minutes later a quickly taken corner caught them napping and Corries equalised.

Croesy substitute Mike Dewar then missed a couple of chances before outstanding midfielder Carl Evans grabbed an 85th-minute winner, weaving his way through the defence before striking a left-foot shot into the top-right corner.

Fifteen-year-old Daniel Clouth did well after going on for his debut in the final 20 minutes but Croesy were grateful to clear off the line in the seventh minute of injury time.

Jamie Jekins (two matches) and Adie Pearce (one) are currently suspended and are likely to get further three-game suspensions after being reported for foul and abusive language.

“They were sent off last week and we had a few words about our discipline before the game,” said manager Chris Evans, who will be hoping the bans do not cost them in the weeks ahead.

Caldicot Town remain on the promotion fringe in fifth spot after a 3-1 home win over Ammanford, and have some vital games ahead, starting at home to Penrhiwceiber on Wednesday (7pm).

Gareth Cullimore grabbed their first two goals, which gave them a 2-1 half-time lead, and should have completed a hat trick, but fired wide after rounding the ’keeper.

Although David Lloyd was sent off for dissent on leaving the pitch at half-time, Caldicot’s ten men dominated the second half and Tyrone Tucker got their third.

Tredegar Town manager Rob Ellis has set his sights on a top-ten finish and saw his side reach tenth spot with their 2-1 win at Pontyclun.

They dominated the first half but had only an Ashley Ford goal following a great ball from centre- half Gareth Stephens to show for it.

Ten minutes into the second half Sam Hartree headed in Ian Morris’ cross to make it 2-0 and Tredegar were thankful to goalkeeper Chris Morris it stayed that way when he made a great save when Pontyclun were awarded a penalty for a trip.

Hartree was then sent off for a second bookable offence and four minutes later Pontyclun pulled a goal back, but Tredegar defended well to take the points.

Abertillery slipped a place nearer the relegation places with a 2-1 home defeat by Morriston Town, but have only themselves to blame.

Richard Langley and Chris Penny spurned three chances between them in the second half, while the Morriston ’keeper made some great saves.

All the goals were scored in a ten-minute spell in the second half, Abertillery going 2-0 down, the second after a goal-keeping error, before Penny pulled one back with a 12-yard shot into the top corner.

Llanwern went second in Division Three with a 1-0 home win over Cwmbran Celtic, but manager Laurence Owen has banned the P (promotion) word.

It was a cagey derby on a heavy pitch with no goals in the first half, though Llanwern missed a couple of chances.

They took the lead on the hour when a superb right-wing run and cross by Alex Lee enabled Steve Perszewski to side-foot home from six yards. Further chances were missed before Celtic put on the pressure in the last 15 minutes without reward.

Llanwern should be back to near full strength for their home match with Ystradgynlais on Wednesday (KO 7.15pm).

Chepstow Town were without several injured players but deservedly led 2-0 after 50 minutes away to top team Newcastle Emlyn, both goals by Mark Dunne.

But after Emlyn scored a dubious first goal, Chepstow allowed them too much room and they gained in confidence to score four more for a 5-2 win.

Goytre moved up two places to tenth with a 3-0 home win over Blaenrhondda, courtesy of a hat trick by Mark Langford.

It was not all plain sailing and they were under pressure for periods, but battled it out with a solid performance.

Langford took the ball around the ’keeper for his first after 20 minutes while his 70th-minute second was a header from six yards after a pinpoint cross from 18-year-old Joe Carlas.

And it was a Carlas flick-on which set up Langford’s third.Treowen’s game at Cwmamman and Risca’s at Seven Sisters were postponed.

WELSH LEAGUE ROUND-UP

20 March 2006

CAERLEON were held to a goalless draw when they hosted Ton Pentre at Cold Bath Road in a game they dominated from the off.

Prior to kick-off the hosts would have been content to share the spoils in the Macron Welsh League Division One clash, but despite picking a side to ensure they did not concede it was Caerleon who created the best chances.

Todd Quarterly hit the bar and the visitors cleared a pair of shots off the line when the hosts had elected to go for placement rather than power.

Assistant manager Brendan Dowd said: “We should have won really, we set our stall out to get a point but we created lots of chances while they only had one.

“Our ’keeper didn’t have a save to make and didn’t have to get dirty. It’s just a pity that we couldn’t stick the ball in the back of the net.

“They are a good side but we kept them out and played really well.

There was good passing, good movement and everybody played for each other.”

While Caerleon were putting in a resolute performance at the back, Newport YMCA shipped four goals on their travels to Dinas Powys.

But the game was overshadowed by a horrific injury to YM striker Mark Ingles, who fractured a knee while overstretching for the ball.

By that stage the game was already gone for YM, who had gone into the second half trailing by a solitary goal, only to concede three more after the break.

It wasn’t just the defenders who had a game to forget. With the score at 1-0 YM missed a one on one, shot poorly over the bar twice and missed a header from a corner.

Manager Mark Coldrick said: “If we said we had an off day it would be an understatement. We put in a poor performance.

“I don’t think Andrew Thomas (who was recalled by Newport County) would have made a difference because we were on a good run before he arrived. It wasn’t just the defence that didn’t perform, it was throughout the side.

“But hopefully we can fight back against Bridgend next weekend and put in a performance for Mark.”

In Division Two Croesyceiliog were on the receiving end of a 6-1 drubbing by Garw, who then leapfrogged them into third in the table.

The hosts were not only let down by their defending, but also by their discipline, with both Jamie Jenkins and Adi Pearce seeing red for talking back to the referee.

The score had been 1-1 at the break, with Jody Jenkins tucking away his 24th of the season for Croesyceiliog.

But things went wrong for the hosts in the second half as they battled against the wind, and the goals conceded could harm their chances come the end of the season.

Caldicot Town came back to equalise twice when they travelled to Morriston Town but couldn’t match the hosts’ third strike.

Town went into the break on level terms after Wayne Morley’s header levelled things up. After the hosts had retaken the lead Tyrone Tucker scrambled home a second for Caldicot.

But shortly afterwards on 70 minutes Morriston scored their third and decisive goal to take the points.

Manager Jason Pritchard said: “It wasn’t a good performance and we gave a couple of sloppy goals away. I probably didn’t help things myself because I changed the formation and it didn’t work.”

Abertillery were also losers, going down 5-1 on a cold day at Penrhiwceiber. They were trailing from the second minute and never looked likely to get anything from the game.

Richard Langley gave them a lifeline when he pulled the score back to 2-1 with a 30-yard strike after 35 minutes, but just 40 seconds later they conceded a third.

It was a better performance in the second half, but relegation-threatened Abertillery still let in another pair of goals.

Tredegar Town recorded a win that should ensure their safety for this season, winning 3-2 at home against Cardiff Corinthians.

But Town made heavy weather of it after racing into a 3-0 lead, with two late Cardiff goals giving them a sniff of an unlikely point.

Sam Goulding gave Tredegar the lead with a volley before Sam Hartree scored a freak goal for a 2-0 lead at the break, the wind catching his free kick to take it over the ’keeper’s head.

Ashley Ford latched onto a long ball to score the third, but sloppy defending ensured a nervous finale.

Llanwern picked up an excellent point with a resolute performance at top-of-the-table Newcastle Emyln in Division Three.

It was a tight game from the outset, with both defences ensuring chances were at a premium.

’Keeper Chris Hart was in fine form when called upon, while Kieran Porter came close to winning it at the death, but his lob went just wide and the game remained goalless.

Goytre headed home with the spoils when they faced Treowen, Steven Collet scoring the only goal of the game in the first 15 minutes.

Collet volleyed home a free kick from six yards to ensure the three points in a scrappy game. Both sides had their chances but a late Treowen rally was to no avail.

Risca United deservedly took the points when they triumphed over Llantwit Fardre 2-1.

Captain Brendan Scott opened the scoring after 25 minutes when he struck home a free kick, and the lead was extended minutes into the second half when Andy Gay converted a penalty. Llantwit got a goal back after 70 minutes but Risca held on for the win.

Chepstow Town headed to Treharris with a depleted squad and suffered a 3-0 loss.

WELSH LEAGUE PREVIEW

17 March 2006

Central defender Andrew Thomas’ road back to helping Newport County preserve their Nationwide Conference (South) status has moved too quickly for city neighbours Newport YMCA.

Thomas was initially set to help beleaguered Cwmbran Town in the Welsh Premier League but that didn’t work out.

His switch last week was kept under wraps and he made his first appearance in the heart of YM’s defence, alongside Danny Heath, in the 2-0 win over Bryntirion in the Macron Welsh League Division One. However, it could also be his last.

Thomas was all set to line up for the YM at Dinas Powys tomorrow but the reports of his fitness level and performance were so good that County were persuaded to quickly recall him into their ranks.

YM coach Darren Porretta could start his comeback from a calf muscle injury by playing in the reserves against Dinas Powys in a Reserve Division (East) game at Mendalgief Road.

Porretta last played in the first team back in January when he scored a penalty winner in a satisfying success at high-flying Neath.

Caerleon ended a run of three successive league defeats with a 2-1 win at Briton Ferry last week. They are at home to Ton Pentre looking to prevent the Rhondda team completing a double following a 4-1 victory at Ynys Park.

And Ton have started to show signs of recovery after a rough run.

They suffered eight defeats in nine league and cup games – their only win over the YM – but their last two games have yielded four points, including a 6-1 success over Ely Rangers last week.

It’s a big day in Division Two where the top four teams meet head on.  Unbeaten leaders Pontypridd travel to ENTO Aberaman while third-placed Croesyceiliog entertain Garw who are immediately behind them, three points adrift and both teams having played 22 games.

And waiting in the wings for the leaders to slip are Caldicot who go to Morriston.

Llanwern, hoping to climb into the Second Division, face a tough task – after a long trek – at Newcastle Emlyn.

WELSH LEAGUE ROUND-UP

17 March 2006

Newport YMCA lost ground in their bid to lift the Macron Welsh League, Reserve Division (East) title, losing 2-0 at lowly Caerau (Ely).

And the YM’s lead at the top has been cut to three points by Grange Quins who won 6-2 at home to Risca, Chris Hastings and Jon Payne scoring their goals. Quins, with a game in hand over YM, also have a better goal difference.

Croesyceiliog won 2-1 at Caerleon who scored an equaliser before half-time through Tyrone Gibbs. Two-goal star of Croesyceiliog’s victory was Gareth Jeffries.  

Chepstow Town, through to the final of the Harris Printers (Reserve Division) Shield where they will face Neath, are pleased with the progress of their second string, particularly two teenage players, 16-year-old goalkeeper Jason Banfield and midfield player Paul Clouth.

Treowen and visitors Caldicot shared the points in a goalless draw.

All three games in the Youth Division (East) on Sunday were postponed because of snow-bound pitches – Treowen’s game at Ely Rangers, the derby clash between Risca and Newport County along with Newport YMCA’s home match with Dinas Powys.

WELSH LEAGUE ROUND-UP

13 March 2006

CAERLEON did their chances of avoiding relegation from the Macron Welsh League First Division a power of good with a deserved 2-1 win at bottom-but-one Briton Ferry on Saturday.

Caerleon were the only team in the bottom seven to win, four others losing and two drawing, so gave themselves some breathing space.

Both their goals were scored by skipper Troy Quarterly, his first of the season, his first after ten minutes and the winner ten minutes from time after Ferry had equalised with a 55th-minute penalty after John Seymour had handled.

Quarterly’s first was scored when he nipped in to push home Craig Jolliffe’s right cross from six yards, and his second was an overhead kick from close range after Ferry had only half-cleared a Luke Fernquest cross.

Youth player James Cairns did well on his debut in goal and the defence looked solid throughout.

Newport YMCA climbed above Bryntirion with a 2-0 home win, the sides having drawn 1-1 the previous week.

It took them 65 minutes to go in front, Bryntirion stopping and expecting a free kick after Steve Edwards had been brought down, only for Danny Heath to curl home a 20-yard shot.

Aaron Stewart grabbed their second after 80 minutes, cutting in from the left and taking advantage when a ricochet returned the ball for him to slot home from 18 yards.

Caerleon skipper John Pardue had an 85th-minute penalty saved after Danny Cueto had been brought down.

“We thoroughly deserved the win,” said Newport YMCA manager Mark Coldrick. “We were pretty confident after drawing with them the previous week.

“Our goalkeeper, Gareth Wesson, made a great double block after 15 minutes and that settled us down.

“We signed Andrew Thomas from Newport County in midweek and he was awesome. His influence shone through.”

In Division Two Croesyceiliog maintained their promotion push with a 4-1 home defeat of Tredegar Town, though the visitors’ manager, Rob Ellis, was not happy.

“The officials were absolutely appalling,” he said, “and left a very, very bitter taste.

“We were denied a blatant penalty when Dan Shore was tripped after we had gone two down and they immediately went upfield to score their third. That was the turning-point.

“But we conceded three goals from corners and one from a cross, and that’s not good enough.”

Croesy manager Chris Evans agreed Tredegar should have had the penalty, but said: “Ours was a really solid performance."

“All season we have been putting quality balls into the box and not getting on the end of them. This time we did. We want to win promotion and the boys’ attitude is spot on.”

Mark Allcock scored Croesy’s opening two goals and Adie Pearce, moved up front, got the other two, Sam Hartree getting Tredegar’s consolation after they had trailed 3-0 at the interval and 4-0 early in the second half.

Caldicot did bottom club Gwynfi United no favours with a 5-1 away win, Tyrone Tucker and Jason Thorne scoring before a hat trick by Gareth Cullimore.

“Because we have been drawing too many games we played 4-3-3,” said manager Jason Pritchard, “and it paid off, though they are not the best of sides and we weren’t at our best in beating them.”

Struggling Abertillery hit back from being two goals down in ten minutes to draw 2-2 at mid-table Merthyr Saints, and felt they should have won comfortably.

“We were asleep early on but then we took control, and apart from the goals we hit the bar twice, a post and missed a penalty,” said manager Jason Morgan.

Striker Richard Langley got up after being brought down in the box to send the penalty wide just after the interval, but made amends with Abertillery’s 70th-minute equaliser from a free kick.

Chris Perry had got Abertillery’s first, also from the penalty spot a few minutes after the first.

“We should have won but a point is useful. I have set a target of four wins from 11 games to stay up,” said Morgan.

In Division Three Chepstow, bidding to pull away from the relegation zone, scored an important 3-0 home win over Penrhiwfer.

“We are battling hard and doing well,” said manager Barrie Vassallo, “though they too are at the bottom and came to compete.”

Nicky Vassallo gave Chepstow a 35th-minute lead with a strike into the bottom corner following a good move started in defence by John Sanderson.

Dominic Connor, 18, beat three players down the left for Vassallo to convert his cross for the second, and Rory Jones got the third with a shot from the edge of the area five minutes from time.

Goytre paid for being sloppy and surrendered a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 at home to Cwmamman United and slip below them in the table.

Midfielder Graham Mason gave them a 15th-minute lead and striker Mark Langford added the second from the edge of the penalty area after 30 minutes before Goytre missed further chances and then paid the price.

Cwmbran Celtic were very disappointing in slipping to a 2-0 defeat at lowly Llantwit Fardre, but struggling Treowen were delighted with their 0-0 draw away to second-place Pentwyn Dynamo.

“I signed goalkeeper Andy Diggle, from Pontlottyn, in the week, but he didn’t arrive and assistant manager Mark Lewis had to go in goal for the third time this season,” said manager Richard Davies, “and he saved a penalty in the first ten minutes to really boost our confidence.”

Risca United played 70 minutes of their home game with Cambrian and Clydach with ten men after player-manager Mike Colcombe had been sent off for pushing an opponent, yet felt they deserved a point rather than a 1-0 defeat.

They controlled the second half but failed to really test the visitors’ goalkeeper, even from a few set pieces.

The only remaining Third Division side in the Shamrock Travel Cup, Llanwern, bowed out with a 3-2 home defeat by Division Two Garden Village after twice hitting back to equalise.

“They’re a decent side but we did well,” said Llanwern manager Laurence Owen. “They had three shots and scored three goals.”

After trailing to a fifth-minute goal, Michael Aviss equalised for Llanwern with a header.

Garden Village regained the lead just before half-time following what Owen admitted had been a great move, but Matthew Smith equalised after 65 minutes.

After that Llanwern missed several chances to go in front and  paid for their profligacy when Garden Village regained the lead.

Llanwern’s disappointment was complete when Carl Baugh was sent off minutes from time after squaring up to an opponent.

“It was a positive performance and I told the boys so,” said Owen.

WELSH LEAGUE PREVIEW

10 March 2006

Newport YMCA hope to parade a new signing for their return Macron Welsh League, Division One, home game with Bryntirion tomorrow (kick-off 2.30pm).

But manager Mark Coldrick is keeping the player – a central defender – under wraps until the deal is signed, sealed and delivered.

The newcomer will step in for Craig Jeavons who is serving a one-match ban but he will miss more than that because of ankle ligament damage.

Coldrick has other tough calls to make with central midfield player Robert Wigmore out for anything up to eight weeks – another ankle ligament damage victim – while  Darren Porretta, Kristian Avery and Phil Tranter are also absent, front runner Tranter deciding, for personal reasons, to play more locally.

However, central midfield player Steve Edwards is now available having completed a four-game ban.

YM have lost only twice in their last ten outings but have drawn six of them. Coldrick said: “It has been mentioned about draw specialists on the football coupon – but put us down for a home win! We are not going to underestimate them but I am pretty confident we will get three points – even allowing for all the changes we have to make.

“We have drawn nine games all season and if they had been wins we would be second in the table. It makes a massive gap since they introduced three points for a win.”

Caerleon have suffered five defeats in their last seven matches and are just three points ahead of the relegation zone.

And Briton Ferry, visitors to Cold Bath Road tomorrow, are one of the teams in the drop zone.

David Griffiths, Caerleon manager, said: “I am fed up saying it is a six-pointer – but we’ve got nine games left and they all are!

Everyone around us is picking up the odd point or a win.”

Caerleon’s recent arrival, Australian striker Jarrah McDonald-Furnell is recovering from the flu.

Griffiths said: “He is bursting for a game but is struggling to adjust to the weather.”

Josh Collins, Martyn Phillips and Richard Lancaster all gave Caerleon a helping hand last week – Cwmbran without a game – but the trio aren’t available and top scorer Chris Pearce, his four-match ban complete, is likely to opt for the Crows. However, Troy Quarterly and Glen Willis return to the squad.

Croesyceiliog, in third place, look to strengthen their promotion claims at the expense of visitors Tredegar Town, who have suffered a string of postponements. Croesyceiliog are two points adrift of ENTO Aberaman but with two games in hand. Division Two leaders are unbeaten Pontypridd on 56 points.

Abertillery, with only two league wins all season, bid to improve their chances of a swift Division Three return at the expense of Merthyr Saints.

Chepstow look to continue their climb from trouble in Division Three when they take on bottom team Penrhiwfer.

WELSH LEAGUE ROUND-UP

9 March 2006

Newport County are on course to lift the Macron Welsh League, Youth Division (East) title following a 2-0 home win over local rivals YMCA, moving to within two points of leaders Treowen with four games in hand.

The County goals were scored by Michael Palmer and Ricci Morgan.

Risca gained a 5-0 away win over Cardiff Corries, leading 2-0 at the break.

The goals were scored by Russell Scott, who opened Risca’s account, followed by Jay Hawker and then in the second-half Jonathan Payne, an own goal and Matthew Edward wrapped up the success.

Risca have five games left to play – twice against County and Cwmbran and a trip to Ely.

Cwmbran’s home game with YM last night was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch. 

Fixtures (Sun): Ely Rangers v Treowen, Newport YMCA v Dinas Powys, Risca United v Newport County 

Chepstow Town reached the final of the Macron Welsh League Harris Printers (Reserve Division) Shield with a thrilling extra time success over Gwent rivals Croesyceiliog.

Chepstow, trailing by two goals, pulled back to 2-2 in normal time and then stormed to a 5-2 extra time success. In the final they will meet Neath or Maesteg Park whose tie was postponed last week and has been rescheduled for this Saturday.

Ian Davies, Chepstow manager, said: “It was an absolute cracker of a tie – worthy of being the final. Croesyceiliog were well worth their lead but really it was a game neither side deserved to lose.”

Substitute Steve Smith began Chepstow’s revival and Steve Cooper equalised – his first goal for more than three seasons. Before the end of normal time Croesyceiliog missed the chance to go ahead and Smith could have won the tie for Chepstow.

Two goals from Dominic Connor – man of the match – put Chepstow firmly in control and and own goal completed their success. 

WELSH LEAGUE ROUND-UP

6 March 2006

NEWPORT YMCA kept their fine run going when they notched an away point at Bryntirion in Macron Welsh League Division One.

YM put in a solid performance in a 1-1 draw and could even have headed home with all three points after hitting the woodwork and having a pair of shots cleared off the line in the last 20 minutes.

But they settled for a point courtesy of a goal from emergency striker Faris Yafai, who was moved up front from right back due to injury.

Manager Mark Coldrick said: “I think we should have got all three points really, we dominated the first half only to concede just before the break. But I suppose if you’d offered me a point at half-time I would have taken it.

“It’s nice to keep the run going, we’ve only lost twice since the start of the year and that was to a pair of good sides.”

The hosts went into the break a goal to the good, making the most of some poor finishing by YM. The visitors made a sloppy start to the second half and it looked as though they would be heading home with nothing to show for their efforts.

But with 25 minutes to go Aaron Stewart went on a strong run down the left flank and his cross was turned in at the near post by Yafai.

YM then applied plenty of pressure but were unable to convert their chances and had to be content with their away point.

Coldrick said: “It was good to see that we didn’t let our heads go down and we kept huffing and puffing. It was a good, hard-working team performance, we’ve got them again at home next week and hopefully we can take all three points.”

While YM were able to boost their points total with a point Caerleon remain on 24 points after losing 1-0 at home to Pontardawe Town.

They trailed from the opening seven minutes when the visitors scored from the penalty spot. A clumsy challenge from Martin Phillips was penalised, and though ’keeper Richard Lancaster got a hand to the spot kick he was unable to prevent it from going in.

It was the only difference between the sides during an even first half and after the break Caerleon were made to pay for a combination of poor finishing and good goalkeeping.

Both Luke Fernquest and Craig Jolliff squandered chances and the visitors held on to their lead to condemn Caerleon to defeat.

Caerleon manager David Griffiths said: “It was a frustrating game and there wasn’t much between the sides apart from the early penalty. We paid the price for not taking our chances while they managed to take one of the few that they created.

“We battled away but we couldn’t quite force our way back into it. The conditions didn’t help and at least it was a better performance than last week, but it’s still annoying that we can’t take the chances when they come.”

A pair of games fell victim to the weather in Division Two, with Tredegar Town’s clash with Croesyceiliog called off because of three inches of snow, while snow also forced the postponement of Caldicot Town’s match at Merthyr Saints.

One game that did take place was Abertillery’s trip to Garden Village, although the trip was a fruitless one.

Abertillery headed home after a 2-1 loss despite dominating for large periods of the game and winning the midfield battle thanks to a man-of-the-match performance by Jamie Maher.

After a goalless first half the wind was knocked out of their sails by a goal within 30 seconds of the restart. And that strike was followed ten minutes later by a peach of a goal from 30 yards that put the hosts in a dominant position at 2-0.

Abertillery did keep going and were rewarded for their efforts with 80 minutes on the clock with a superb Richard Langley free kick that went in off the underside of the bar.

But they were unable to make the most of their chances and failed to score an equaliser to grab a point that their performance deserved.

There were a host of postponements in Division Three, with Chepstow’s visit to AFC Porth, Goytre’s match at Cambrian and Clydach, Llanwern’s trip to Penrhiwfer and Treowen’s clash with West End all falling victim to the weather.

Cwmbran Celtic will wish that their game at Risca United was called off after they were put to the sword 3-1, playing for more than 80 minutes with ten men after 18-year-old Lewis James saw red for disputing a refereeing decision.

Risca took the lead after just five minutes when player-manager Michael Colcombe swept home a free kick, after which James received his marching orders.

The lead was doubled four minutes later when 18-year-old striker Rhys Iles made the most of a defensive mix-up caused by Cwmbran having to play without a recognised goalkeeper.

Ten-man Celtic then got themselves back into the game when Mark Parfitt converted a penalty minutes before the break and they applied plenty of pressure in the second half.

But Iles scored his second to seal the game in the closing stages, hitting a sweet left-footed volley from an acute angle to secure the three points. 

WELSH LEAGUE PREVIEW

3 March 2006

Newport YMCA are quite a happy bunch on the road and manager Mark Coldrick will be looking for his side to continue their climb in the Macron Welsh League, Division One, when they visit Bryntirion tomorrow.

And in a rearranged fixture, YM play the Bryntirion return at Mendalgief Road a week tomorrow.

YM have lost only once in seven away games this year – at title-chasing Goytre United who are playing in the quarter-finals of the Welsh Cup tomorrow.

YM have won twice, keeping a clean sheet in both of them, at Neath and Afan Lido.

But there is a note of caution for the YM who will certainly have noticed that Bryntirion gained a comprehensive win over Caerleon last week.

Coldrick said: “We haven’t won two successive matches but we will be looking to put that right.

“I can see us finishing in the top half of the table but we have to maintain our form.”

Central midfield player Kristian Avery, who came off at half-time in the win over Afan Lido, is ruled out through injury and Robert Wigmore, his replacement, is in the starting line-up.

Darren Porretta is still absent with a calf injury and striker Aaron Stewart, who has been absent with a hamstring injury, is now laid low with flu.

Caerleon, one of the most unpredictable teams, entertain promoted Pontardawe.

Caerleon, after three successive wins, have gained just one win in their last six outings – against Barry.However, Caerleon are without the suspended pair Troy Quarterly – replaced by Paul Shepherd – and Chris Pearce while Gareth Sadler is unavailable.

Tredegar Town, facing two Second Division home games in the space of four days, have a demanding test in the first, taking on second-place Croesyceiliog and on Tuesday, Pontyclun are the visitors.

Caldicot, looking to close the gap on the top four, face a difficult trip to Garden Village who are a place below them in the table while Abertillery Excelsior, battling to preserve their status, go to Merthyr Saints.

Fifth-placed Llanwern, out of action last week, travel to basement outfit Penrhiwfer in Division Three.

Tonight’s fixture: Macron Welsh League, Division One: Bridgend v Taffs Well.