YMCA FACE RELEGATION SIX-POINTER

30 March 2007

Newport YMCA make the short trip to Cardiff where they take on relegation-threatened Ely Rangers knowing that victory will be a major step towards shrugging off the threat of going down from the First Division of the MacWhirter Welsh League.

But it remains unclear whether three or four teams will drop - the division running at one under strength and the situation at the bottom of the Principality Building Society Welsh Premier League is far from resolved.

Mark Coldrick, YM manager, said: "We are looking to increase the points gap between ourselves and Ely, but we've got to overcome a mini-blip having lost the last three games."

Central midfield player John Pardue, who has missed the three matches, away on holiday, returns to the squad while central defender Gareth Lynch could miss out with a bruised foot.

Caerleon, at Dinas Powys, are three of points better off. They will be boosted by the return of dual-registered striker Martin Houston who was Cwmbran's two-goal hero in their draw at Connah's Quay Nomads last Saturday in the Principality Building Society Welsh Premier League.

Central midfield player Dale Evans is missing from ninth-placed Croesyceiliog squad to entertain Ton Pentre, still not recovered from an ankle injury while Gareth Pattimore, also central midfield, calf strain, could be okay to play.

Consistent Caldicot look to keep their Division Two promotion challenge on course when they visit Penrhiwceiber who are in a rather false position having had seven points deducted.

The east Gwent outfit, under Jason Pritchard's astute management, have suffered two defeats in their last 14 league matches, falling to a double defeat against Bettws who are immediately below them in the table, a point adrift with a game in hand.

Troedyrhiw occupy fifth place, two points behind Caldicot, but they have played four more matches.

On the other side of the coin are Tredegar, looking anxiously over their shoulder. Morriston and AFC Llwydcoed look set for the drop but Cardiff outfit Caerau (Ely) have three games in hand and two points adrift. A win at home to Garden Village would be a big boost for Tredegar.

Llanwern, who strengthened second place in Division Three with a midweek home win over Aberbargoed Buds, entertain lowly Llansawel. Llanwern have eight games left - six of them at home.

They are two points adrift of leaders Pentwyn Dynamo with two games in hand and Pentwyn have yet to visit Spytty Park.

Llanwern new signing, Rhys Redman, from UWIC, the former Risca player, could be in the squad for the first time if he recovers from a back injury and Carl Baugh, suffering a similar injury after catching a knee in the back against Aberbargoed, is expected to be fit.

Buds are at home to Chepstow who have a lot to do to beat the drop while Abertillery Excelsiors, immediately above them in the table, are without a game.

Croesyceiliog have reached the semi-finals of the Harris Printers (Reserve Division) Shield with a 3-2 home win over Neath after establishing a three-goal lead through Andrew Pritchard, Mark Jones and Lee Mason.

LLANWERN BEAT BUDS

28 March 2007

Llanwern 3 - Aberbargoed Buds 0 

Llanwern displayed their promotion credentials with a disciplined performance at home to Aberbargoed Buds in the MacWhirter Welsh League, Division Three, last night.

Llanwern are now two points adrift of leaders Pentwyn Dynamo with two games in hand. Llanwern, who entertain Pentwyn early next month, also have the division's meanest defence and  the best goal difference.

Laurence Owen, Llanwern manager, said: "We gave a very effective performance and to have two wide players - Matthew Currie and Marcus Power made a big difference. They were a very competitive side, especially in the first-half, right in our faces, but we were in control in the second-half."

Richard Shier gave Llanwern a half-time lead, Power supplying the cross, and Kristian Hanbury added a second soon after the break, Currie involved in the move. Substitute Steve Perszewski, a 59th-minute replacement for Carl Baugh, rounded off the win.

Buds, in their first season of Welsh League football, were without their entire usual back four - three working in west

Wales and another on shift work - but they battled from the first minute to the last, but unfortunately Buds were let down by wayward finishing. Goalkeeper Asa Kirkwood, who had trials with Cardiff City as a youth, was outstanding and made the best save of the match to keep out Hanbury's second-half diving header.

John Randall, Buds joint manager, said: "We brought in second team lads in defence and I thought they did well. We asked for 100 per cent from the team and got it."

Buds are in their first season of Welsh League football and occupy a mid-table slot, and Randall added: "It was our aim to consolidate and see what we can do from there."

The oddest feature of the game was the fact that just one bank of lights on the pylons were used, casting large shadows across the pitch.

Llanwern (4-4-2): Hart; Tanner, Taylor, Binning, Spiteri; Power, Quarterly, R Shier, Currie; Baugh, Hanbury. Substitutes: T Shier, Bingham, Perszewski.

Aberbargoed Buds (4-4-2): Kirkwood; Griffiths, Simmonds, Brewer, Edwards; Bond, C Jones, Young, Antoniazzi; Rees, Fowler. Substitutes: Randall, G Jones, Morgan.

Referee: Referee: Robert Mealins (Cardiff).

CAERLEON AND YM TROUNCED BY GOYTRE UNITED

26 March 2007

HOST Caerleon couldn’t manage to hold reigning MacWhirter Welsh League champions Goytre United for a second successive week when they lost 3-1 at Cold Bath Lane yesterday.

It rounded off a good weekend for the Port Talbot-based side who visited Gwent on Saturday to inflict a 5-0 home defeat on Newport YMCA.

The county’s other Division One side, Croesyceiliog, fired blanks in a 0-0 draw at relegation-threatened Ely Rangers.

“We were always chasing the game and central defender Dan Brimfield scored for us near the end, but there was little time left and it only proved to be a consolation.

“We’d done great to hold them to a 0-0 draw down their place last weekend, but it wasn’t to be today.”

Caerleon stay in 11th position, but Croesyceiliog move up a place to ninth following that goalless draw at Ely.

“We dominated for long periods, created a lot of chances, but simply couldn’t apply a finish,” said manager Chris Evans.

“We really should have won, al- though we had an escape when they hit a post. So a point is better than nothing and we’re only eight short of our 40-point safety target with ten games remaining.”

Not so well off are the YMCA, who fell flat on their faces in trying to get last Wednesday’s 4-3 Gwent Senior Cup defeat by Croesyceiliog out of their system when hosting Goytre United.

But it wasn’t the Mendalgief Road outfit’s day as they slipped to that emphatic 5-0 defeat, with manager Mark Coldrick giving his usual honest appraisal.

“They scored in the first minute, which put us on the back foot, and we simply failed to recover from that cup defeat in mid-week,” said Coldrick.

“On an extremely windy day, we were 2-0 down at the interval, recovered a bit after it, but some more sloppy defending has cost us again and the white flag has gone up.

“We need a win now because we’re being dragged into a relegation scrap and that’s disappointing because it appeared we’d climbed well clear of trouble not so long ago.

“But we’ll iron out matters in training this week before what has now become a massive game against Ely Rangers on Saturday.”

Indeed, that game is a crunch meeting because YMCA are now only four points above the drop zone, although they’ve played three games fewer than Grange Quins.

In Division Two, Caldicot Town remain well on course for promotion thanks to a fine 5-2 home success over lowly Morriston Town at Jubilee Way.

Like Caerleon, they were also in action yesterday when they drew 2-2 at mid-table Ammanford.

Against lowly Morriston, it took manager Jason Pritchard’s side the best part of an hour to make the breakthrough with a devastating four-goals-in-15-minutes spell shortly after the break following a scoreless first period.

Striker Jason Thorn grabbed a brace, with the other goals coming from Lloyd Stone, Matt Addis and Gary Hayward.

Tredegar Town failed to take advantage of a hat-full of goal-scoring opportunities created at mid-table Pontyclun and paid dearly for it in losing 1-0.

The reverse means they are still only two points off the final relegation spot currently held by Caerau Ely, but the capital club has three games in hand.

Promotion-seeking Llanwern lost for only the third time in 23 Division Three starts, Richie Shire’s late goal proving to be little more than a consolation at Llangeinor.

The win for the third-placed hosts moves them closer to Llanwern, who are now only a trio of points better off, having played a couple of games more.

“It’s our first defeat since October and it hurts,” said Llanwern boss Laurence Owen. “We didn’t really perform as we can, but have a quick opportunity to rectify it when we host Aberbargoed Buds on Tuesday.” (kick-off 7.00pm.)

Ninth-placed Buds will certainly have to pick themselves up for that clash, having crashed 4-0 at home to Newcastle Emlyn.

However, they should be able to call on those players who were unavailable because of their trip to support Wales in their Euro 2008 qualifier against the Republic of Ireland.

Cwmbran Celtic saw off the challenge of struggling visitors AFC Porth 4-2, but coach Della Cheedy revealed that defensive work will be the main subject of this week’s training session.

“Yes, we did well to win, but we were far too sloppy at the back and we’ll certainly be addressing the issue on the training-ground,” said Cheedy.

He was in charge of the side because player-manager Mickey Copeman started a three-match suspension, as did fellow-defender Jason Price, while striker Shane Williamson was unavailable.

Midfielder Daynar Thorpe was pushed forward to accommodate the vacant front role and he responded well to the challenge by scoring twice, with defender Ben Graham and midfielder Kevin Payne also getting on the scoresheet.

Aberbargoed Buds weren’t the only Gwent side in the division to concede four goals at home, Abertillery Excelsiors emulating the unwanted feat against Llansawel, who had a player sent off late on.

But at least they managed to find the back of the net, twice, in fact, through David Smith and Jamie Williams in a 4-2 defeat.

“We created double the amount of chances, but silly defending cost us the match,” moaned Excelsiors chief Colin Preece.

Excelsiors now find themselves just one place above the drop zone, just five points above Chepstow Town, who were beaten 2-1 at home by Porthcawl Town.

To add to Chepstow’s woes, even their goal was scored by a visiting defender and they are in serious trouble, mainly because all the teams around them have matches in hand.

Goytre slipped beneath hosts Ystradgynlais, who emerged 4-2 winners with Andy Walsh and Lee Grimes scoring, while Risca United claimed another useful point in their battle towards safety in drawing 3-3 at mid-table Llantwit Fardre.

It really was a nip-and-tuck affair, with the lead changing hands several times before Lee Phillips levelled matters with just minutes remaining.

“I’m disappointed that we threw away the lead twice, but happy that we managed to salvage a point in the end,” said Risca boss Jeff Eckhardt.

CHURCH LOOKING FOR EDGAR STREET CONTRACT

23 March 2007

CWMBRAN Celtic’s Nicky Church could be the latest in a growing list of Gwent-born goalkeepers to make it to the Football League in recent times.

The 20-year-old currently trains twice a week with Hereford United and recently made his debut in a reserve-team friendly against Cardiff City at Edgar Street.

The Bluebirds fielded a strong team including central defender and skipper Darren Purse, who used the match to test a back strain, Arsenal loan full-back Kerrea Gilbert and Newport-born Wales under-21 cap Darcy Blake.

“Things have been going well and I understand Hereford will be making a decision soon about me,” said 20-year-old Church, who made a couple of Welsh Premier League appearances for Cwmbran Town while still with the club’s academy.

“I enjoyed playing against Cardiff (who won 2-1) and after it, Hereford coach John Trewick (the former West Brom midfielder) told me I’d done well and to keep working hard in training.

“That all I can do really and then it’s up to the club to decide if they want to take me on and it’s a nervy time for me.”

Church spent three years at Cwmbran’s academy at the town’s Fairwater High School where he came under the influence of coaches Kevin Griffiths and Della Cheedy.

“I’ve a lot to than them for, especially Kevin, who helped me out on the goalkeeping side of the game.”

Church is currently helping Celtic, at home to lowly AFC Porth tomorrow, in their bid for promotion from Division Three of the MacWhirter Welsh League

Other Gwent-born goalkeepers who’ve enjoyed professional career are Andy Dibble, who appeared for Cardiff City, Manchester City and Wales, Mark Kendall, who began with Newport County before going on to appear for Tottenham Hotspur, his son Lee Kendall, who was on the books of Crystal Palace, Cardiff and Shrewsbury Town, Newport County academy coach Glyn Jones, who was with Bristol Rovers, and current Leyton Orient number-one Glyn Garner, who earned a Wales cap last year.

Brynmawr-born Christopher Hartland, 16, is the youngest player in the Wales’ Under-18 squad for the Centenary match against England on May 4.

Croesyceiliog top scorer Chris Watkins could continue in goal for their Division One, game at Ely Rangers tomorrow if first-choice keeper Pat O'Hagan fails to recover from an ankle injury.

Watkins played the second half of their dramatic Gwent Senior Cup win over Newport YMCA on Wednesday evening at Cwmbran Stadium, replacing O'Hagan who was injured in the warm-up and battled through the first-half.

John Bailey, the club's longest-serving player, is unavailable to take over from O'Hagan and third team keeper Jason Branfield plays for the second team in their reserve cup tie against Neath.

Caerleon have a Sunday home game with Goytre United who are at Newport YMCA tomorrow. Danny Brimfield, central defender, and right back Matthew Hearne, two Newport County youngsters, will both make their Caerleon debuts.

YM manager Mark Coldrick said: "We have to pick the boys up after the major disappointment of losing to Croesyceiliog after taking a three-goal. The player I really felt sorry was Danny Heath after scoring a hat-trick it was heart-breaking to lose."

COUNTY YOUTHS LEAGUE EXIT

23 March 2007

THE MacWhirter Welsh League has suffered another blow with the shock withdrawal of Newport County from the Youth Division (East).

County, in mid-table, have only played nine games - just two at home - and they are the third team to fall by the wayside, Caerleon and Pentwyn Dynamo leaving earlier in the season.

County have been experiencing problems staging home games because of the pressure on Spytty Park and Taffs Well temporarily came to their aid.

County even had to play a Welsh Youth Cup tie against Cardiff Celts at Barry Town's Jenner Park ground.

CROESYCEILIOG HIT BACK IN CUP THRILLER

22 March 2007

Croesyceiliog 4 Newport YMCA 3

CROESYCEILIOG reached their second successive Gwent Senior Cup final by staging a magnificent recovery from being 3-0 down at Cwmbran Stadium last night.

The victory was even more remarkable because they lost goalkeeper Pat O’Hagan with an Achilles heel injury at the break, outfield substitute Chris Watkins taking over.

But YMCA will be disappointed they failed to find a way past Watkins, who was never stretched as Croesyceiliog secured a place in the final of the April 4 last-four clash between Cwmbran Town and Caerleon..

YMCA had their own goalkeeping problems with youth team stopper Scott James, replacing the suspended Gareth Yeoman, forced to play despite having stitches inserted in a finger he’d injured at work.

The Mendalgief Road outfit started like a house on fire, albeit courtesy of some very slack defensive work by Croesyceiliog.

The outcome was extremely harsh on YMCA central defender Daniel Heath, who achieved the rare distinction of scoring a hat-trick headers to put his side in command by the 39th minute - all three coming at set pieces.

Croesyceiliog looked down and out even at that relatively early stage, but the tide began to turn as first striker Jody Jenkins and then midfielder Chris Pritchard, from the penalty spot after Alex Stewart was harshly adjudged to have handled, reduced the arrears to 3-2 before the interval.

Within ten minutes of the restart, a superb finish from Jenkins levelled the score with the winner coming from substitute Jamie Stokes, with an equally clinically-taken effort, 19 minutes from time..

YMCA had plenty of possession during the second period, but for all their huffing and puffing they simply couldn’t find a way through.

The win gave Croesyceiliog a quick-fire double over their opponents, who they beat 2-1 at home last Saturday in a MacWhirter Welsh League, Division One, encounter.

Croesyceiliog return to league action on Saturday when they travel to Cardiff to face relegation-threatened Ely Rangers while YMCA entertain Goytre United.

Croesyceiliog: P O’Hagan (C Watkins 46), G Jones, Jamie Jenkins, R Bristow, M Dewar, D Clouth, C Pritchard, M Pattimore, L Mason (J Stokes 58), Jody Jenkins, R Coffe. Subs not used: M Morris, J Preece.

Booked: Clouth (29).

Goals: Jody Jenkins (42 and 54), Pritchard (44 penalty), Stokes (71).

Newport YMCA: S James, A Stewart, L Walsh, R Painter, D Heath, C Ford, D Cueto, L Sommers, J O’Brien (G Lynch 72), F Yafai (M Hussan (56). Subs not used: A Jenkins, L Spargo.

Booked: Cueto (73).

Goals: Heath, (4, 34 and 39).

Referee: Robert James (Newport).

CROESY ALL SMILES

19 March 2007

CROESYCEILIOG earned much more than just local bragging rights following their 2-1 home MacWhirter League Division One success over Newport YMCA.

The Woodland Road outfit also struck a big physiological blow ahead of the club’s Gwent Senior Cup semi-final clash at Cwmbran Stadium on Wednesday, kick-off 7pm.

“We deserved the win and the YM had no complaints,” said joint Croesyceiliog manager Chris Evans.

“We had a bit of a problem beforehand when centre back Paul Belski dropped out because of family commitments.

“With the reserves having already set off for their game, it meant we had to draft in Mark Waddon onto the bench and he’s been out injured for a while.

“Then Gareth Pattimore got injured in the warm-up and had to come off after only 15 minutes, and then we’ve had Dale Evans carried off after a horrendous tackle.

“So you can see we’ve done well to win against YMCA, who have improved a lot recently. ”

The home side took the lead on 10 minutes when Chris Watkins’ low cross was turned in by striker Jody Jenkins, only for giant YMCA marksman Lewis Summers to level matters two minutes from the break with a finely taken free kick.

However, Croesyceiliog maintained tenth position when Mike Dewar scrambled the ball in from close range during the second period.

To compound YMCA’s woes, they had goalkeeper Gareth Yeoman sent off for bringing down substitute Lee Mason with nine minutes remaining.

“We weren’t really at the races and that’s disappointing, and so was having our goalkeeper dismissed,” said YMCA boss Mark Coldrick.

“To make matters worse, we’ve lost (striker) Aaron Stewart to what looks like a recurrence of his hamstring problem.

“So we’ve lost our ’keeper, our striker and they’ve secured a physiological advantage for the cup match, so it’s a triple whammy for us.

“But we’ll regroup and give it a real go on Wednesday, that’s for sure.”

YMCA’s defeat and Caerleon’s unexpected away point from a 0-0 draw against reigning champions Goytre United means the Cold Bath Lane club climbs above their Gwent rivals into 11th position.

“I’d definitely have taken a point beforehand, especially when you consider I only had nine players at 9am,” revealed Caerleon chief Brendan Dowd.

“Then it was 11 at 10am, then we managed to get another and eventually we had 14 thanks to bringing in two or three from the reserves.

“So all in all it was a great result, and as you can imagine we didn’t do a lot of attacking and we rode our luck at times.

“Having said that, we did create a couple of chances. But we defended with quality and that was very pleasing.”

Caerleon are not in action on Saturday, but entertain the same fourth-placed opponents in a quick-fire return at Cold Bath Lane on Sunday, kick-off 2.30pm.

In Division Two, Caldicot Town continued their march towards promotion with a 2-1 victory at mid-table Treharris Athletic.

Striker Jason Thorne, 20, reminded everyone just what a good marksman he is by scoring a double to take his goal for the season to 23.

The win moves Caldicot up to third position above Treodyrhiw, who were beaten 4-1 at relegation-threatened Tredegar Town.

“This was a great win for us,” said a very happy Tredegar boss Jason Morgan. “I switched the format around, had Ian Morris up front, Lee Brooker at the back and Richard Langley at wide left midfield and it worked out well for us.

“We showed great commitment, and if we can reproduce more of the same, then we’ll be OK.”

Langley grabbed two of the goals, with the others coming from Morris and Phillip Blackmore.

Llanwern’s march towards promotion from Division Three continued with a solid display in a 4-0 away win at Newcastle Emlyn.

“We’ve got a good mix of youth and experience, and with more home games than away ones to  come, it’s in our own hands now,” said player-coach Matty Smith.

Marcus Power (2), Troy Quarterley and Mike Vaux got the goals as second-placed Llanwern remain two points behind leaders Pentwyn Dynamos with three matches in hand.

Llanwern came off the pitch eager to discover if Gwent neighbours Goytre had done them a favour by beating the Dynamo at home.

However, it was bad news for them because the capital side won 3-2 at Plough Lane, mainly thanks to a three-goals-in-15-minutes spell shortly after the start of the second period.

Despite skipper Steve Collett’s first-minute miss, sixth-placed Goytre held an interval advantage through a fine individual goal from midfielder Kevin Wallace.

The visitors took control with that scoring burst and although they had a player sent off, they only conceded an own goal to hold on for the win.

Promotion candidates Cwmbran Celtic grabbed a 1-1 away draw at Seven Sisters, where a punch-up led to the sending off of three players.

The home side had a player red- carded while Celtic player-manager Mickey Copeman and fellow  defender Jason Price were both dismissed.

Copeman went for landing a punch, but Price’s demise seemed extremely harsh because witnesses claimed he only had a ‘peacemaker’ role in the unsavoury incident.

Midfielder Kevin Payne scrambled home Celtic’s goal and they remain in fourth position.

Striker Ross Fowler (2) and midfielder Ross Maserack were on target for Aberbargoed Buds in a 3-1 away win at Porthcawl, who had a man sent off, while Risca United climbed further away from the relegation zone when a Russell Scott goal gave them a 1-0 home success over Ystradgynlais.

Chepstow Town drew 1-1 at AFC Porth, while midfielders Anthony Phillips and David Smith plus striker Jamie Williams netted in Abertillery Excelsiors’ 3-3 draw at Llangeinor.

BAUGH GOAL GIVES LLANWERN BOOST

15 March 2007

Llanwern 1 Chepstow 0 

Carl Baugh finally won his absorbing tussle with Chepstow goalkeeper Karl May to give Llanwern a crucial home win last night in their bid to gain promotion from the MacWhirter Welsh League, Third Division, writes Ray Parker.

Baugh was switched from a central defender role to attack but it seemed he would finish second best to May as the visitors recalled keeper made three super saves from Baugh to keep his relegation-haunted side in the hunt for a point.

But Chepstow hearts were broken late in the second-half when the persistent Baugh finally got his reward, swiftly latching on to an exquisite through pass from Steve Perszewski as Llanwern launched a counter-attack, slotting the ball past the advancing May.

And the goal came just after Llanwern keeper Chris Hart made a stunning save from Mark Dunn. Llanwern had the greater number of scoring chances but on this showing Chepstow have the ability to get out of relegation trouble.

The relief felt by Llanwern was all too obvious as they celebrated, moving to within two points of leaders Pentwyn with three games in hand. Chepstow are third from bottom and travel to AFC Porth who are immediately below them in the table and with games in hand.

Chris Lilygreen, Chepstow player-coach, said: "I feel robbed. We did enough to win it and Karl (May) was absolutely superb.

This was not a bottom of the division side. If we played like that all season we would not be in trouble."

Laurence Owen, Llanwern manager, said: "It was the first time Baugh has played up front since I became manager and he proved a handful. I am not saying it was a managerial masterstroke but we had to do something. I wanted to take the heat of Steve Perszewski and playing a big 'fella' alongside him worked a treat. I will take 1-0 wins for the rest of the season."

Llanwern (4-4-2): Hart; Tanner,Taylor, Binning, Burman; Vaux, Quarterly, R Shier, Power; Baugh, Perszewski. Substitutes: T Shier, Bingham, Corey.

Chepstow (4-4-2): May; Saysell, Julian Saunders, Simon Lewis, Chris Lewis; Swift, Greg Saunders, Savage, Palmer; Dunn, Shorrock. Substitutes: Rutherford, Owen, Lilygreen.

Referee: Terry Allday (Barry).

CAERLEON CREEP CLOSER

12 March 2007

THE race is well and truly on to finish as Gwent top dogs in the Welsh League Division One – with Caerleon and Newport YMCA both moving three points closer to 11th-placed Croesyceiliog.

Caerleon, who are one place and a single point behind but with two matches in hand, triumphed 1-0 at home against relegation-threatened Grange Harlequins, while YMCA, in 12th position another point adrift, drew 2-2 at home against promotion-seeking Pontypridd Town.

It was a bad day, however, for Croesyceiliog, who slipped to a 3-2 away defeat at the hands of reigning champions Gotyre United.

The home side should have gone ahead, but struck the crossbar with a penalty after Jamie Jenkins was adjudged to have fouled in the area.

However, Croesyceiliog were denied a clear spot kick of their own when Jenkins was up-ended while in the act of tapping in from close range.

After United opened the scoring, striker Chris Pritchard levelled only for poor defending to allow the hosts to take a 3-1 advantage.

Croesyceiliog threw right back Chris Watkins forward and he managed to grab second, although it proved only to be a late consolidation.

“It’s a disappointing result and once again we’ve been let down by a lack of pace at the back,” said joint Croesyceiliog boss Chris Evans.

“We missed a couple of real sitters as well, one I recall from substitute Lee Mason when he was in a 1v1 with their goalkeeper.

“We finished strongly again, but you can’t defend poorly and hope to get away with it all the time.”

A 35th-minute goal from Ben Davies from a Todd Quarterly free kick gave Caerleon the three points – although there was a farcical incident involving the Gwent club’s manager, Brendan Dowd, late on.The former Ebbw Vale and Newport AFC central defender fell foul of an assistant referee who seemingly refused his request to make a substitution.

By his own admission Dowd swore at the official and was promptly sent from the dug-out by the match referee.

Dowd takes up the story: “I was walking away from the dug-out area when I suddenly realised that I’m the team’s physic, so I returned.

“Despite having already attended to two or three of my players during the game, the assistant referee refused to believe I am the physio and she complained to the referee, who sent me to the stand.

“Anyone who knows our Cold Bath Lane ground will be aware the beginning of the stand is less than three yards from the dug-out, so I didn’t see the point.

“During the confusion, Quins’ manager Eston Chiverton (a former Cwmbran Town, Ebbw Vale and Newport AFC player) was also sent from the dug-out for arguing that I should not be reinstated.

“But more importantly, we got the win we deserved. We were never in danger, although we were fully aware that one mistake would have let them back in.”

YMCA manager Mark Coldrick expressed his disappointment that his side were twice pegged back by big-spending Pontypridd Town.

“It’s always unsatisfactory when that happens,” said Coldrick. “We shaded the first half, even though we were 1-0 down, and they had the better of things in the second period – but I thought we did enough to win.”

The home side went ahead five minutes before the break when giant striker Lewis Summers headed in at a corner and looked to have secured the victory when co-marksman Aaron Stewart fired in a 25-yarder.

But it was not to be as the visitors grabbed the equaliser to cement their second place in the table.

In Division Two, fourth-placed Caldicot Town maintained their promotion push with a 1-0 home win over bottom-of-the-table AFC Llwydcoed, but Tredegar Town’s relegation fears increased when they lost by the same score at Cardiff Corries.

Caldicot midfielder Richard Sharrett scored his side’s goal at Jubilee Way and they are now just three points off the final promotion spot currently held by Troedyrhiw, but with four matches in hand.

“We played very well and I was pleased with that,” said Caldicot manager Jason Pritchard.

Third-from-the-bottom Tredegar are only a point off safety, but have played three more matches than the team immediately above them, Caerau Ely.

On an uneven surface and in very windy conditions, Cwmbran Celtic earned a 2-1 home win over Gwent rivals Goytre to move up one place to fourth.

Joey Carless opened the scoring on 13 minutes for the home side at Celtic Park only for Goytre skipper Steve Collettt to equalise before the interval with a well-taken penalty.

Matters were nip and tuck during the second period before Carless struck again to give the Cwmbran side what many regarding as a rather flattering success.

“1-1 would have been the right result and I honestly believe we were a bit unlucky not to get anything out of the game,” said Goytre assistant manager Paul Greenhalgh.

“We haven’t played for a while and we looked a bit rusty to start with and it was always going to be difficult because Goytre are a good battling side,” said Celtic coach Della Cheedy.

“But we had a few chances, we hit the crossbar twice, and I believe we’ve had the better of a scrappy affair.

“At the end of the day we’ve played the conditions a bit better than they did.”

Without-a-game Llanwern  is next in action on Wednesday when they host relegation-threatened Chepstow Town, kick-off 7pm.

Chepstow threw themselves a lifeline by defeating visiting Seven Sisters 1-0 at home thanks to a goal from 17-year-old Ashley Palmer, while the upset of the day came when fellow strugglers Risca United drew 1-1 at leaders Pentwyn Dynamo, where striker Lee Phillips was on target.

Goals from striker Ross Fowler and winger Wayne Antoniazzi gave ninth-placed Aberbargoed Buds a 2-1 home victory over AFC Porth.

Croesyceiliog and Newport YMCA have arranged their Gwent Senior Cup semi-final to take place at Cwmbran Stadium on Wednesday, March 21.

CROESY REGRET LOSS OF HOT-SHOT JENKINS

9 March 2007

Chris Evans, Croesyceiliog manager, firmly believes that if he could have kept hot-shot Jody Jenkins, his side would be a top-six team in the First Division of the MacWhirter Welsh League, writes Ray Parker.

Jenkins began the season with Cwmbran Town in the Principality Building Society Welsh Premier League and his goals gave them an excellent start to the season. But when the money dried up he decided on a move to Haverfordwest.

He has scored 15 league goals, a dozen of them with the Crows.

Jones, who takes his side to Goytre United tomorrow, said: "If we had hung on to Jody we would be in the top six. He was the most critical player to lose. We would have been right up there."

Croesyceiliog struck a sticky patch, conceding 12 goals in three games, but they got things right at title chasing Pontypridd last week, holding them to a goalless draw.

Evans added: "We will set our stall out with the same game plan as for Pontypridd and if we have the same attitude and commitment then we can derail them as well.

"I honestly believe we should have won at Pontypridd. We finished the game so strongly and just didn't give them time to settle."

Griff Jones and Chris Pritchard are missing because of injury while Mark Jones is unavailable. However, Lee Mason, Jamie Jenkins and Mark Morris all return to the squad.

Caerleon can lift a heavy relegation weight from their shoulders by defeating visitors Grange Quins. Caerleon had an excellent win away to bottom-four side UWIC last week, ending a run of six straight defeats, and success over Quins, even deeper in trouble, would be another giant stride towards top flight preservation.

Brendan Dowd, Caerleon manager, said: "Saturday's success will not mean anything unless we win this game. It is an even bigger game because a win will lift us closer to safety but defeat drop us right back in trouble. I just need a performance of the standard of last week."

Jason Donovan, who has not been playing because of work, will make his debut in defence, if he shakes off the effects of a flu virus.

Newport YMCA eased their worries with a 4-1 win at Barry last week but they'll undoubtedly find visitors Pontypridd a different proposition, particularly after dropping vital points to Croesyceiliog.

YM have taken ten points from their last four games and have suffered only three defeats in the last ten matches.

Two of  the goals came from central defender Danny Heath who made a quicker recovery from a broken cheekbone than expected, returning a week earlier. Mark Coldrick manager, said: "It was a big blow to lose him but a massive bonus to get him back so quickly."

YM are expected to announce an unchanged squad with Steve Edwards still unavailable because of work along with injured pair Craig James and Sean Pearce.

Tredegar, after their fine run in the Shamrock Travel League Cup ended against First Division Afan Lido on Wednesday night, travel to Cardiff looking for a Division Two double over the Corries having won 2-1 at home.

It has been a tough season for Tredegar but if they can repeat their cup form they will steer clear of relegation but the majority of their fixtures are away from home.

Jason Morgan, Tredegar manager, said following the cup defeat, "Staying in the division is a lot more important than a cup tie."

Cwmbran Celtic will be virtually at full strength for their Third Division game against local rivals Goytre. The only player still out injured is Kieron Porter, who suffered damaged knee ligaments three months ago. He has suffered several setbacks since when he was hoping he could return.

As things stand at the moment, he is hoping to be fit at the beginning of April in time for the tough run-in to the end of the season. Secretary, Malcolm Jarrett, said: "More than anything, it is important that we actually play on Saturday after two weeks of postponed games. From April on we already have to play two games a week and any further postponements will make it a really tough last six weeks of the season."

Manager Mickey Copeman said: "It's always difficult when you have a period of inactivity but the lads have shown a great attitude and have put in good training sessions on the Saturdays when we haven't played. Hopefully, this will stand us in good stead for the end of season run-in. Like all derbies, this week-end's game will be tough and Goytre will be out to avenge our 1-0 win at their place earlier in the season"

Second-placed Llanwern are without a weekend fixture but are at home to strugglers Chepstow next Wednesday. Llanwern have a dozen games left, eight of them at home.

PENALTY DECISION COSTS TREDEGAR

8 March 2007

Afan Lido 2 - 1 Tredegar Town

IMPRESSIVE Tredegar failed to gain a place in the MacWhirter Welsh League Shamrock Travel League Cup final, edged out by First Division Afan Lido's mean defence in a semi-final clash at Ton Pentre last night, writes Ray Parker.

Second Division Tredegar, who had already disposed of three First Division sides to reach the semis, were unfortunate not to force extra time, denied a second-half penalty by Ystradgynlais referee Eddie King.

Phillip Blackmore was felled by Daniel Williams inside the penalty area. There was clear contact as Williams made a desperate challenge. It should have been a spot-kick and a red card for the defender.

The controversial decision failed to rattle Tredegar who dominated the second-half but their one failing was in front of goal. Manager Jason Morgan took the blow squarely on the chin.

He said: "I think it was definitely a penalty, but that's gone. It was a commendable performance by all my players and we deserved an equaliser. But now we have to concentrate on staying in the Second Division, that's more important."

Blackmore put Tredegar into a 12th-minute lead from Richard Langley's left cross but they were hit by two goals in Afan Lido's best spell of the tie, Liam McCreesh equalising (16 minutes) and Craig Jones ten minutes later. It was an excellent spell by the Lido who threatened to run away with the game. But to Tredegar's credit they refused to step aside and let their rivals take charge.

Three minutes from the break, Tredegar keeper Kris Morris made a top-class save from Karl Lewis who scored the goal which took Afan Lido into the semi-finals of the Welsh Cup at the expense of local rivals Port Talbot on Saturday.

In the second-half, dominated by Tredegar, Morris kept his side in the game, with an equally splendid save from Ian Jones.

But despite the fact that Tredegar had so much of the ball after the break there was no way past Afan Lido's central defensive trio of Carl Evans, Daniel Williams and Craig Martin who were outstanding. The Aberavon side have conceded 17 goals in 18 league games and three in five Shamrock Travel Cup ties, the other two being against Newport YMCA in the first round.

Morgan added: "In the first-half we couldn't cope with their movement and they were far superior but I thought we were far the better side in the second-half."

Afan Lido will now meet Bettws or Goytre United, who meet at Maesteg Park on April 3, in the final

Afan Lido (3-5-2): Brian Thomas, Carl Evans, Daniel Williams (Justin Williams, 66), Craig Martin; Karl Lewis, Matthew Lavis (Evans, 77), Chris Latham, Liam McCreesh, Greg Hurley, Ian Jones (Phil Holmes, 89), Craig Jones.

Tredegar Town (4-4-2): Kris Morris; Daniel Evans (Dave Reed,66), Paul Jenkins, Rhys Griffiths, Phillip Blackmore, (Chris Jones, 82), Ian Morris, Sam Goulding, Sam Hartrey, Scott Mantle, 88), Lee Brooker, Richard Langley.

Referee: Eddie King (Ystradgynlais).

CROESY CAN HOLD THEIR HEADS HIGH

5 March 2007

GIVEN the stage of the season, Gwent’s trio of MacWhirter Welsh League Division One representatives, Croesyceiliog, Newport YMCA and Caerleon, arguably produced the best trio of results two wins and a draw

For Croesyceiliog, their 0-0 draw at promotion-seeking Pontypridd Town proves they can hold their own with the big spenders of the section. while the respective 4-1 and 2-1 away wins for YMCA and Caerleon at Barry Town and UWIC are huge boots to their bids to avoid the dreaded drop.

Croesyceiliog, 10th, travelled to second-placed Pontypridd, who included prolific scorer Chris Summers - formerly of Cwmbran Town.

However, 90 minutes later, Croesyceiliog walked off the pitch with their heads held high after earning a well-deserved point from a 0-0 draw

“This was no fluke,” said joint Croesyceiliog manager Chris Evans. “We were excellent value and we executed our game plan very well.

“We didn’t have striker Jody Jenkins available, so we reverted to the 4-5-1 system which suits us so well.

“We had to reply on goalkeeper Pat O’Hagen to make three good saves before the break, but we also created, and missed several chances, while Jamie Stokes also hit the woodwork.

“If you take away that awful result against Bridgend (Croesyceiliog lost 7-0), then we’ve only lost once in our last nine games.

“We had the belief beforehand that we could gain a positive result and we didn’t go there looking for a draw, we wanted to win it.”

One place and three points behind with a match in hand are YMCA, whose goals at Jenner Park against the former kings of domestic football came from Aaron Stewart and Danny Heath - both of whom scored twice.

“We enjoyed ourselves and to be honest we could and should have scored a few more goals,” said YMCA boss Mark Coldrick.

“It’s all come together for us since the turn of the year. We’ve managed to get our act together and we’re playing some good football right now”

YMCA are currently eight points clear of safety with three matches in hand, while Caerleon are seven above the drop zone, having played fewer games than Grange Quins.

‘I’m well happy with both the result and the performance,” said Caerleon chief Brendan Dowd. “We were very good and we seemed confident in everything we did.”

Midfielder Todd Quarterly put Caerleon ahead, and although the capital-based students drew level before the break, striker Chris Pearce, rested by Welsh Premier League side Cwmbran Town, snatched the winner 20 minutes from time.

Caldicot Town maintained their Division Two promotion push with a 2-1 away victory over Swansea-based West End, where striker Jason Thorpe and mid- fielder Andrew Edwards scored their goals.

However the Gwent side has been forced to postpone their home game against Cambrian and Clydach because of floodlight maintenance at their Jubilee Way ground.

Tredegar Town remain in relegation trouble after losing 2-1 at home to Caerau Ely, with striker Chris Jones netting, but they might have had Wednesday’s Shamrock Travel Cup semi-final clash against Afan Lido at Ton Pentre (kick-off 7.00pm) on their minds.

Second-placed Llanwern would have started their home Division Three encounter with bottom-placed Cwmamman United as red-hot favourites to secure their 13th win of the season, but the Newport Stadium outfit had to settle for just a point from a goalless stalemate.

Goytre, fifth, deepened Chepstow Town’s relegation fears by defeating the visitors 4-2. Mid- table Aberbargoed Buds recovered from 2-0 to draw level at Seven Sisters, but eventually missed out by the odd goal in five, central defender Rob Shorney and mid-fielder Ross Murczack their scorers.

The day’s, and arguably the season’s, most exciting game came at Newcastle Emlyn where Abertillery Excelsiors shared the spoils following an extraordinary 10-goal thriller.

The Gwent side led 1-0, went 2-I down, drew level at 2-2 and then 3- 3 before the home team appeared to have victory wrapped up when they led 5-3 with just 10 minutes left. However, Abertillery stormed back to grab two late goals to clinch a deserved point from a 5-5 draw.

FIXTURE CHANGES FOR LLANWERN

3 March 2007

Llanwern have been forced to change a couple of MacWhirter Welsh League, Division Three fixtures.

They were due to play AFC Porth on Wednesday but Newport County play Port Talbot in the FAW Premier Cup.

Llanwern also had a home date with Aberbargoed Buds on March 28 but that clashes with Wales' meeting with San Marino and they are hoping to bring this fixture forward by 24 hours.

EVANS LOOKING TO DERAIL PONTY'S TITLE BID

2 March 2007

Croesyceiliog manager Chris Evans wants to throw a spanner in Pontypridd's MacWhirter Welsh League championship charge when he takes his side ton Ynysangharad Park tomorrow afternoon.

Evans, not a manager to beat about the bush, said: "They are the one side I want to beat this season."

But equally he knows that his side must show an improvement. He added: "We have got to really knuckle down because over the last three games (including a 7-0 defeat at Bridgend) we have been poor. The boys know the score.

"We play Goytre the following week and we can't afford to play the way we have been against either side."

Croesyceiliog, in the First Division for the first time, will not have striker Jody Jenkins and Ross Bristow is not available either. However, the experienced Michael Pattimore is available while Daniel Clouth returns from holiday and Ricky Coffe is expected to have recovered from flu.  Lee Mason, out for a couple of weeks with a hamstring injury, trained this week and could make the squad but Mark Morris (groin injury) may miss out.

Newport YMCA are also away, travelling to Barry. Mark Coldrick, YM manager, said: "Like Bridgend last week (YM came back from two goals down to draw 2-2) this is another big game for both clubs. But we are confident, especially after our second-half performance, coming back for a point. But our first-half display was not good enough.

"The introduction of Aaron Stewart  (back from injury) and John Pardue (suspension), 15 minutes into the second-half gave us a bit of pace and power and changed the way we played, and we are looking to follow on from that."

Craig James (knee injury) and Sean Pearce (thigh) are doubtful starters along with Robbie Painter who is suffering with tonsillitis.

Caerleon will certainly be looking for a win from their trip to Cardiff for a meeting with UWIC.

Llanwern's bid to go top of Division Three has been put on hold. They were due to play twice in five days but the game against AFC Porth on Wednesday is off because Newport County have a FAW Premier Cup tie with Port Talbot.

Second-placed Llanwern, five points adrift of Cardiff side Pentwyn who are inactive this weekend, take on Cwmamman tomorrow. They are four points adrift of AFC Porth who were duty at Spytty Park on Wednesday.

Laurence Owen, Llanwern manager, welcomes back skipper and central defender Gregg Taylor who missed the game at Llantwit Fardre last week, attending a wedding in Ireland.

However, Matthew Currie suffered the recurrence of a thigh muscle injury, likely to keep him out of action while Owen is more hopeful of Carl Baugh, although only lasting just before half-time with an ankle injury, returning after training on Tuesday.