WELSH LEAGUE ROUND-UP

18 May 2005

Ace Window Systems Cup Final

Cardiff Corries 1 - 2 Newport YMCA

Two goals in an early second-burst from substitute John Myles paved the way for Newport YMCA's second string to lift the Motaquote Insurance Welsh League's Ace Windows Cup against Cardiff Corries at Ely Rangers' ground in Cardiff last night.

And it was a dramatic entry for the tall front runner who only entered the arena a couple of minutes from the break, replacing the injured Mark Ingles.

Myles struck in the 57th minute to break the deadlock and six minutes later a glorious slice of skill in a confined space, rounded off with the coollest of finishes, should have made life comfortable for his side, particularly after the Corries Jason Thomas got his marching orders in the 71st minute.

Two free-kicks from John Pardue, one in each half, brought excellent saves from Richard Jeffries but it was his opposite number Matthew Rees who put himself in the spotlight as Corries launched a spirited recovery to try and force extra time.

They pulled a goal back through Dan van Grudgings in the 78th minute and in a frantic finish Myles could have completed a hat-trick.

YM lived on a knife edge for a while as the Corries launched all-out attacks, Rees making spectacular saves from Peter Morgan and Dave Pucknall which clinched the man of the match award for the Newport keeper.

And the YM's success enabled them to celebrate with their first team counterparts after they clinched promotion to the league's top flight.

Viv Edwards, YM chairman said: "I am absolutely delighted with the club's double success and it was good to see such good support and so many first-team players backing them."

Newport YMCA: Rees; Pardue, Pimm, Drew, Heath, Blewett, Wigmore, Hargreaves, Ingles, Cueto, Goddard. Substitutes: Routley, Pimm, Myles.

Referee: Dave Mason (Newport).
 

WELSH LEAGUE ROUND-UP

16 May 2005

NEWPORT YMCA signed off for the season with an impressive 2-1 victory over Merthyr Saints.

Chris Egitto and Christain Avery were on target for the YM as manager Mark Coldrick shuffled his pack, safe in the knowledge that promotion was already assured.

Elsewhere Caldicot ended on a high with a 2-0 victory at Morriston with Gareth Collimore grabbing a double but Tillery were on  the end of a 5-1 hammering by Bryntirion, who confirmed third place in the table.  It marked Tillery's first defeat in five after four straight victories had dragged them to safety.

In Division Three, Croesyceiliog are already promoted and were looking for Troedyrhiw to slip up to have a chance of the title, but they claimed top spot thanks to a 2-0 victory at home to Risca. That result rendered Croesy's 2-2 draw at Penrhiwfer meaningless but it ended a remarkable season for the side, gaining promotion in their first season in the Welsh League.

But Albion Rovers have suffered the agony of relegation and went down 7-0 at home to Newcastle Emlyn.

Bottom of the table Fields Park Pontllanfraith are folding, with Cwmbran Celtic earning promotion to the Welsh League from the Gwent County League.

Treowen crashed 3-1 at home to Llantwit Fardre but ended the season comfortably in the top half of the table.

WELSH LEAGUE PREVIEW

13 May 2005

CROESYCEILIOG will go all out for victory against Penrhiwfer tomorrow and hope that Risca can help them out against Troedyrhiw in their Welsh League Division Three title bid.

Victory for Croesy coupled with a defeat at home for Troedyrhiw would hand them the title and if Risca can force a draw, a 4-0 win would also do it.

It may be a tall order but manager Chris Evans, who has a fully fit squad, is going for it.

“We have to keep our end of the deal and see what happens,” Evans said. “We have to go out and attack and whatever happens, it has been a great season."

“We can just hope now that Risca can do us a favour.” Towards the bottom, Albion Rovers are looking for a miracle and need to win at home to Newcastle Emlyn.

They went down 5-3 in midweek to Penrhiwfer and will now be sweating on which teams win the feeder leagues to see if they can beat the drop.

Treowen complete their campaign with a home match against Llantwit Fardre.

In Division Two Tillery will be looking to finish the season with a victory at home to Bryntirion and Caldicot end their term with a trip to Morriston.

Newport YMCA will be hoping their hangovers have cleared after clinching second spot last week as they host Merthyr Saints.

Manager Mark Coldrick said: “Merthyr are the only side left who we have not beaten and we want to avenge the 2-1 defeat at their place.

“It will be a chance to give some of the fringe players a run-out while not getting away from the fact that we want to win the game.”

In Division One, Caerleon are at home to Grange Quins but Division Three’s Goytre can capture a place in the final of the Shamrock Travel Cup if they can overcome Pontardawe.