DELVE STEPS IN FOR CAERLEON CUP CLASH

29 September 2006

Andrew Delve, former Newport County goalkeeper, makes his Caerleon debut in the home Welsh Cup tie with UWIC tomorrow (kick-off 2.30pm), a clash between two sides from the MacWhirter Welsh League, First Division.

Delve steps in for James Cairns who is nursing a thigh strain having played three games in as many days at the weekend.

He was in the first team which lost at Afan Lido a week ago, played for the reserves the following day and the youth team on Sunday.

And also missing are defender Lee Relish (hamstring) and striker Nicky Vassallo who has a twisted knee, joining long-term injury victim Todd Quarterly while Ben Davies is serving a three-match ban following his second-half dismissal in the 3-2 defeat at Afan Lido.

Brendan Dowd, Caerleon manager, is hoping that experienced striker Robbie Howells will be available and that fellow front runner, Cwmbran’s Martin Houston, will also be available.

First Division Newport YMCA are also at home, taking on Second Division Ammanford who are below halfway with one win in five games – but YM are not without their injury worries, three strikers facing a race against the clock.

Danny Cueto has an infected toe while Sean Pearce has strained ankle ligaments and Aaron Stewart, after shaking off a hamstring injury. Mohamed Hassan has been called into the squad while Steve Edwards is available after missing out because of work and Craig James has recovered from a knee strain.

Division Three side Llanwern, after suffering their first reversal of the season at Aberbargoed Buds, face a most difficult tie at First Division Neath. Goalkeeper Chris Hart is recovering from an ankle injury which he sustained in the warm-up at Aberbargoed while Michael Aviss and Darren Poultney are still out through injury, Ivan Poncak has returned to Slovakia for a family wedding and Michael Vaux is serving the second of a three-match ban.

Caldicot manager Jason Pritchard may be changing his squad in the near future. He said, ahead of tomorrow’s home Second Division game with relegated Briton Ferry, “I have not given up signing a couple of players.”

He added: “I was not happy with the performance at Caerau (Ely) and there were a few bleeps after the game. Our performances away from home have got to change.”

Pritchard is hoping that both Wayne Morley and Lloyd Stone, recovering from injuries, will be back in the reckoning.

CELTIC WAIT FOR CUP CLASH

27 September 2006

CWMBRAN Celtic’s home Welsh Cup tie with Cardiff Corries at the weekend has been put on hold.

The second round tie was due to go ahead on Saturday but Maesteg Park  - knocked out in the previous round by Corries - have complained that the Cardiff club, who play in Radyr, fielded a player who had not received international clearance.

The Football Association of Wales hearing into the allegation is not being held until Tuesday and it could be that Maesteg Park may be reinstated.

The Corries could also face the loss of points in the MacWhirter Welsh League and may lose their place in the Shamrock Travel League Cup following their win over UWIC.

And the cup delay means there will not be a clash of neighbours because Principality Building Society Welsh Premier League Cwmbran Town are at home to Carmarthen in the Welsh  Cup and Celtic’s ground lies in the shadow of Cwmbran Stadium.

Third Division Celtic have now arranged an away MacWhirter Welsh League game with newcomers Aberbargoed Buds who took Llanwern’s perfect record last Saturday, ending a run of nine straight league and cup wins.

Llanwern will be involved in a history-making game when they meet Neath in a second round tie of the Welsh Cup on Saturday when the match officials will be a father and his two sons.

Steve Hames, a well-established Principality Building Society Welsh  Premier League referee from Aberaman (Mid-Glamorgan) will be in the middle and taking the flags will be sons Dale and Kris who are officials in the MacWhirter Welsh League.   

LLANWERN LOSE RECORD

25 September 2006

CROESYCEILIOG may have lost on Saturday but at least they have still got their 100 per cent home record - played none, lost none this season.

The club have played every match of the current campaign away from their home ground but next weekend that all changes as they face Maesteg Park in a return of yesterday’s 3-0 MacWhirter Welsh League Division One loss for the Gwent outfit.

It may have been a defeat but Croesyceiliog secretary Martyn Jones was pleased with the way his side played.

He said: “We conceded a goal after 30 seconds on their first attack. Fair play to our boys, in the second-half we played excellent football. We hit the bar and the post but they broke away and scored.

“So we have still got our 100 per cent home record. We have played six matches and six have been away from home.

“The performance was much better than the Barry game last week. It gives us heart for the next game and the good thing is all the teams below us lost.

“We are missing a centre forward and centre half. The scoreline didn’t reflect the game, even their boys said that. At least they tried. It wasn’t like the mess against Barry.”

Tredegar Town were happy with the win on Saturday night although a bit frustrated not to have bumped up the goal difference a lot more.

They scored a 1-0 home victory over AFC Llwydcoed in Division Two but were so dominant that club secretary Riley Gray said: “You could have put a nought in front of our score.”

He added: “We missed no end of chances. We dominated the game from start to finish but the keeper was brilliant for them.

“Although we didn’t score and missed our chances, everyone did everything right.”

Ian Morris, the Tredegar captain and midfielder, found the back of the net after Richard Langley went down the left, beat two players and he found Morris 18 yards out to volley home.

Caldicot Town, though, struggled at Caerau Ely to leave manager Jason Pritchard fuming.

Caldicot were 2-0 down going into the second-half but strikes from frontman Mark Williams and midfielder David Lloyd levelled matters.

However, a header close to the end by the Cardiff outfit gave them a 3-2 verdict.

Pritchard said: “We played for 20 minutes in the second-half but I was very disappointed and there will be changes next week, if I am honest.

“We could not win on our travels last season and it seems the same now.

“It comes down to players attitudes. We are not mentally getting ourselves psyched up for them and were really were poor in this match.”

The nine-match unbeaten record of Llanwern has finally gone as the side they smashed 7-0 last Saturday turned the tables this weekend, Aberbargoed Buds scoring a good 3-0 home win.

Llanwern are now down to second in the Division Three title race as Aberbargoed Buds gained revenge on their Welsh Cup thumping.

It puts them behind Llangeinor on goal difference, with Cwmbran Celtic and Abertillery Excelsiors battling for third and fourth spot on 13 points each.

Manager Laurence Owen admits he was to partly to blame for Llanwern’s demise because of his selections and said: “I told them it was a massive banana skin, having beaten them 7-0 last week when it could have been 20.

“Fair credit to Aberbargoed, they deserved to win.

“It is easy to pick an attacking side when you have won nine out of nine but maybe I should have picked some defensive players. I have to take some of the blame.

“My team talk before they went out was that these boys want to kill you.

“If I was the manager of a team thumped like that, I would be the same.

“I knew it would be a massive battle. I would have been happy with a point but we were very poor.

“Maybe it is the wake-up call we need. Now we have been beaten, let’s take it forward. There is no excuses from me.”

Both Cwmbran Celtic and Abertillery Excelsiors were 4-0 winners, with the Excelsiors victory probably taking the more credit as they were away in a Gwent derby against Chepstow Town.

The strike force of Shaun Smith and Chris Penny lead the way for Abertillery as Smith bagged a hat-trick and Penny recorded his first goal of the season.

Secretary Keith Williams said: “It was a good result down there. Chris has been frustrated as he has not hit the target this season.

“We had another three or four good chances that we should have buried.

“Their keeper was injured, though, and they didn’t have anyone to replace him.

“It was a good team performance. We have Chepstow again next week so we have them back to back as Cwmbran are in the Welsh Cup.”

So, Cwmbran are in the next round of the knock-out competition but they don’t know who they have got yet.

Maesteg Park could appeal against Cardiff Corries victory in the first round as they are said to have played a man who did not have international clearance after playing in America.

But they certainly go into the match with confidence after beating Cwmamman United at home 4-0. And it was the strike force of Shane Williamson and Joe Carless who did the damage, both getting two goals each.

It puts the Celtic into third place in the league and secretary Malcolm Jarrett said: “After last year, we only just managed to stay up and now we are good enough to do something.

“There is a long way to go yet but we have played nine games and won seven, drawn one and lost one in all competitions.”

As for Saturday, he added: “The boys are playing really well. We dominated the game.”

Risca United, however, went down to their fourth league defeat of the season when losing 3-1 at Goytre. 

CAERLEON GIVE BATTLE IN VAIN

25 September 2006 

Caerleon deserved at least a share of the points after their five-goal thriller at former Welsh Premier League club Afan Lido in Division One of the MacWhirter Welsh League on Friday night, writes Ray Parker.

Caerleon were reduced to ten men in the second half when Ben Davies was sent off for an ill-advised challenge on Craig Martin, who was taken to hospital, which resulted in a lengthy hold-up as Ystradgynlais referee Eddie King took time to calm everyone down, virtually every player – and both benches – wanting to throw in their unnecessary twopenn’orth.

Beaten 3-2, Caerleon recovered from conceding a tenth-minute goal scored by Ian Jones, their defence split wide open, Nicky Vassallo, his pace and intelligent running always a threat to the home defence, putting the visitors into a 2-1 lead, his equalising goal on the stroke of half-time a spectacular finish.

Virtually all the action was in the second period – the first sedate by comparison – including a ten-minute break when the lights went out on one side of the ground.

Distraught Caerleon manager Brendan Dowd, who now has the experienced Mike Powell working alongside as coach, was too upset to talk after the game, which lasted an extra 20 minutes, a further ten minutes added for injuries.

Caerleon, under intense pressure for much of the second half, worked their socks off to try to get a point. Jones equalised on 78 minutes with a penalty after Lee Stanton had been penalised harshly for handball, and Sean O’Leary  provided a dramatic finish with a spectacular winner three minutes from the end.

DOWD FRUSTRATED IN BID TO BRING IN NEW FACES

22 September 2006

Brendan Dowd’s attempts to boost his squad for tonight’s First Division game in the MacWhirter Welsh League at Afan Lido have bitten the dust.

However, the Caerleon manager has not given up and will continue his efforts to bring in players before the home Welsh Cup clash with UWIC a week tomorrow.

Dowd, who took over the reins this season, had been casting an eye over Cwmbran fringe players and had hoped to make a move after their home Loosemores League Cup game with Llanelli on Wednesday only for the plans to fall through.

Dowd is missing striker Robbie Howells, who is not available, and James Bubella is out with an ankle injury. Central defender Todd Quarterly has a groin injury and could be out of action for several weeks.

Newport YMCA are the odd team out in a 19-strong division while Croesyceiliog make the trip to Maesteg Park.

Division Three top team Llanwern, with a perfect return from nine league and cup games, face a swift return encounter with Aberbargoed Buds, who were sent packing in the Welsh Cup last week. The Newport-based side gained a 7-0 win, despite  the fact that they played much of the game with ten men following the dismissal of hat-trick striker Michael Vaux.

And he automatically misses a league meeting with newcomers Buds, but this time Llanwern are away and the valley side will be determined to make sure there is no repeat of the cup drubbing.

Work may rob Llanwern of both defender Carl Baugh and striker Lee Pattison but Denis Spiteri returns after missing the cup tie.

Llanwern, looking to take their winning run into double figures, have scored 35 goals in nine games, shared by nine players with Steve Perszewski leading the way on nine. Vaux and Marcus Power are both on the eight mark.

GOAL ACE VAUX SENT OFF

18 September 2006

LLANWERN will not be appealing against the dismissal of goal ace Mike Vaux after they thrashed Aberbargoed Buds 7-0 to go forward to the next round of the Welsh Cup.

Team manager Laurence Owen said it was a case of mistaken identity that saw his marksman, who hit a hat trick inside the first 20 minutes of the game, being sent off for fighting, along with one of the Buds’ men.

Owen said: “The referee and linesman were only a few yards away but they sent off the wrong person. Mike was 30 yards away, but you know what it is like. There were twenty people involved and they sent him off for throwing a punch.”

It was tough luck on Vaux, who now misses three matches, as Owen ruled out disputing the decision with the Football Association of Wales, saying: “You can appeal but you have to go down to Cardiff for a hearing and there are costs involved, so it’s not worth it, really.”

A goal from outstanding frontman Marcus Power, in addition to Vaux’s hat trick, gave Llanwern a 4-0 half-time lead and, despite being down to ten men, they turned on the style again after the break when Richard Shier struck, then Ivan Poncak scored a dream goal.

Finally, Steve Perszewski got the seventh to complete the rout and maintain Llanwern’s incredible unbeaten run in all competitions so far.

Croesyceiliog’s cup hopes of emulating their run last year, in which they reached the third round and played Caersws, collapsed at the first attempt with a 3-2 extra-time defeat at Barry Town.

But Croesy can only have themselves to blame as goals from full back Chris Watkins and striker James Stokes gave them the lead, yet poor defending gifted Barry Town two.It was level at 2-2 at the end of full time and, despite hitting the opposition hard in the extra period, the Gwent side conceded another soft goal to lose out.

Caerleon received a morale- booster after a run of bad luck to go through to the next round with a 2-1 home win over Garw Athletic.

The result was all the more pleasing as Caerleon went 1-0 down after twenty minutes, but stuck to their guns and hit back almost straightaway when striker Robbie Howells netted.

And, after 20 minutes of the second half, midfielder Ben Davies got what turned out to be the winner from a free kick.

Manager Brendan Dowd, who takes his men to Afan Lido in the MacWhirter Welsh League on Friday night and is looking to strengthen the squad with a few more signings, said: “A win is a win. We were always on top and we were never troubled by them.”

Cwmbran Celtic secretary Malcolm Jarrett described his team’s success as “a bit of a smash- and-grab raid” as they caused a stir and unseated second division Caldicot Town from the cup with a 1-0 away win.

Although third division Celtic have done well in the league this year, they did not arrive at Caldicot with much anticipation of getting a result against the higher division side.

And their defence held up well under home pressure, with Nicky Church, between the goalposts, producing some excellent saves.

Celtic’s doggedness paid off in the second half when Cerion Porter did good work before giving striker Joe Carless the chance to score. Eighteen-year-old Carless, who has hit ten goals this season, obliged to send his team through.

There was also relief at a decent win for Newport YMCA as they faced a potential banana skin away to good third-division outfit Llantwit Fardre, but managed to come through with flying colours with a 1-0 win.

Manager Mark Coldrick said: “To be honest we knew it would be a tough game up there because, although they are a couple of leagues below us, we knew they would give 200 per cent.

“But I’m pleased with the result and pleased to keep a clean sheet. Apart from a couple of half-chances, they didn’t really threaten us. It has boosted the confidence of the boys and they were a bit jovial afterwards. This Saturday, though, we are the odd one out in the league and haven’t got a game, which is a pity because we’d have liked to keep it going. But we will train and prepare properly this week before we play Maesteg Park.”

Tredegar Town, though, are out of the competition after going down to a 1-0 home defeat by Llangeinor on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the third division league action saw one win and a draw for Gwent clubs. Risca United scored a healthy away win at Llansawel of 2-1 while Chepstow Town made the trip west to Ystradgynlais and came home with a 2-2 draw to their credit.

COLDRICK DELIGHTED AT YM'S TRIPLE PRE-CUP BONUS

16 September 2006

NEWPORT YMCA received a triple boost ahead of their trip to Llantwit Fardre in the first round of the Welsh Cup this afternoon (kick-off 2.30pm), writes Ray Parker.

Experienced defender Robbie Painter returns to the side after missing three matches because of holiday while striker Lewis Sommers has recovered from a virus which kept him out of the side defeated at Bryntirion a week ago.

And the third bonus for YM is that Darren Porretta is back in training and could have a first run-out of the season in the coming weeks for the reserves.

Manager Mark Coldrick said: “It will be good to have Robbie and Lewis back but to see Darren back in training during the week was a massive bonus and hopefully it will not be long before he is in contention for a first-team place.”

YM reserves have drawn their first two games, 3-3 with Bryntirion, goals from Dean Goddard and James Lixton (2) and goalless against Risca.

YM are at home to Newport County tomorrow in the MacWhirter Welsh Youth League (kick-off 2.30pm). YM began their season with a 2-1 win over Caerleon, scorers Aaron Peutner and Lee Morris.

CROESYCEILIOG AIMING TO GET BACK ON RIGHT TRACK

15 September 2006

CROESYCEILIOG will be hoping to brush away their disappointing display at Grange Quins in midweek when they take on Barry Town in the first round of the Welsh Cup at Jenner Park tomorrow afternoon, writes Ray Parker.

And with Barry languishing at the foot of the MacWhirter Welsh League, First Division without a point there is every chance they could turn things around.

Newly-promoted Croesyceiliog have lost three of their opening five league games all away -- but it is unlikely that they will waste so many scoring opportunities in one game.

Llanwern, eight wins in league and cup behind them, look to extend their perfect start to the season when they entertain Aberbargoed Buds in the cup.

Richard Shier returns to the squad after missing two games because of holiday and Matthew Currie is recalled after being rested for the Shamrock Travel Cup success at Troedyrhiw (Llanwern won 5-1).

Striker Michael Vaux has a gashed leg nut is expected to be fit and Paul Tanner hopes to have recovered from a foot injury.

Abertillery Excelsiors have an attractive home draw in the second round of the Shamrock Travel Cup, paired at home with First Division Maesteg Park.

Caerleon have a derby draw, travelling to Tredegar while Caldicot and Llanwern are also on the road, to First Division sides Pontypridd and Pontardawe.

Second round (ties to be played on November 11): Abertillery Excelsiors v Maesteg Park, Bettws v Newcastle Emlyn., Bridgend v AFC Porth, Briton Ferry v Afan Lido, Caerau (Ely) v Treharris, Cambrian and Clydach v Cardiff Corries, Grange Quins v Ammanford, Llansawel v Cwmbran Celtic, Llantwit Fardre v Neath, Pontardawe v Llanwern, Pontypridd v Caldicot, Porthcawl v Morriston, Tredegar v Caerleon, Ystradgynlais V Llangeinor.

Car navigation systems are not all their cracked up to be or maybe it’s just the users. One Cardiff-based side side were travelling across the city for a midweek match but finished ten miles away in the opposite direction. When the team finally arrived at their destination they then had to borrow a strip from the home side.

Cwmbran's under-19 team in the MacWhirter Welsh League (East Division) have started the season in style, opening with a 4-2 win over Newport County.

Joe Carless, who figured on the fringes of the first team last season and playing at Welsh League level with Cwmbran Celtic this season, scored twice with Jamie Parsons and Lloyd Davies also on the mark for Cwmbran who established a three-goal lead after 25 minutes.

The young Crows followed up with a 3-0 win against Penrhiwceiber. Carless again coring with other contributions Cwmbran from Luke Sallis who gave Cwmbran a half-time lead, and Michael Traynor.

CROESY FIND IT SO TOUGH

13 September 2006

CROESYCEILIOG, after gaining promotion in successive seasons, are rapidly discovering the harsh realities of life in the top flight of the MacWhirter Welsh League, none more so than against Grange Quins last night.

Quins gained their first Division One win of the season with a 13th-minute goal from Nana Baah, who was sent off durtng the second-half.

Croesycetliog, who should have gained a point at least, had the lion’s share of the game but couldn’t get the better of a packed home defence, marshalled by the much-travelled Eston Chiverton.

And when Croesyceiliog did get through debut-making French ‘keepcr Alain Fonangum denied them.

Croesy manager Chris Evans said: “it was disappointing considering we conceded a goal and again dominated, playing really well in the second-half. We can only keep plugging away and hope to turn the corner.”

LLANWERN'S GIANT-KILLER

11 September 2006

LLANWERN caused a massive shock in the Shamrock Travel Cup first round as their remarkable unbeaten run continued with an astonishing victory over high-flying Welsh League second division side Troedyrhiw

And Caldicot Town came through a thriller at Ely Rangers that went all the way to a penalty shoot-out before progressing to the second round with their own giant-killing act.

And Tredegar Town were cock-a-hoop themselves with a piece of cup magic by putting out Bryntirion Athletic and, just to add to it, Cwmbran Celtic beat a side in a higher division as well.

It was all good stuff from the lower division teams against their higher counterparts, but third division leaders Llanwern’s win was a huge upset against a team which has only conceded four goals all season and are looking for promotion from the second division to the top flight.

While they only got one goal in the first half through Lee Pattison on 20 minutes, Llanwern turned up the heat afterwards to run out convincing 5-1 victors.

Troedyrhiw equalised ten minutes into the second half, but a wonderful cross from Steve Perszewski set up Troy Quarterly to head the ball into the top corner.

Perszewski got the third himself before substitute Marcus Power lived up to his name with a piledriver from 25 yards that zoomed into the net. Just to finish it off, Quarterly added a second and left manager Lawrence Owen beaming.

Owen said: “They are flying, just off the top of the second division. It was a pleasing result, and more pleasing because I made five changes from last week. We have a large squad and no second team so I gave the other lads the opportunity for a game.

“Now I’ve told the boys to keep their feet on the ground as you cannot get carried away  with it, but it gives me a big selection headache for next week, which is a good thing.” 

Striker Wayne Morley put second division Caldicot Town 1-0 up at half-time against their first division opponents after he converted a penalty when he was pulled down in the box. Ely, though, equalised 15 minutes into the second ha]f and that was how it was at the final whistle.

So into extra time they went, and Caldicot immediately suffered a blow when the home team went 2-1 up inside a minute of the restart. However, forward Jason Thorne got the vital equaliser later on and, while both teams battered each other’s areas, they could not be separated from the 2-2 final score.

But the Monmouthshire side were perfect with their penalties, going first and firing home five out of five. And they found another hero in goalkeeper James Smalicombe, who saved the second strike by Ely for his side to finish 5-3 winners in the shoot-out.

Manager Jason Pritchard said: ‘I’m chuffed to beans because they are a division above us. It was a very good game and there was nothing to chose between the two sides.

“It keeps that good start going for us and we are still in the cup,” he added.

Second division Tredegar went into their clash at first division Bryntirion confident now that they have a full squad, with their injured players back in the mix of things.

So when centre forward Richard Langley put them 1-0 up after 27 minutes, that only added to their confidence. Town could have had a couple more later in the game but the result was the main thing.

Delighted secretary Riley Gray said: “We played well. They are a first division side and are going quite well. So to beat them on their own patch was a good win for us.”

And Cwmbran Celtic produced a shock result too as the third division outfit put out second division Penrhiwceiber Rangers 3-I away

Abertillery Excelsiors are also through to the next round after beating fellow third division outfit Gwynfi United 4-1.

Newport YMCA’s starting curse struck again as they went down 5-2 at Afan Lido. It has been something of a problem for YM this season in that they have begun games slowly and conceded goals, only to play some decent football later.

This time they would have needed a miracle of biblical proportions to claw their way through to the next round of the cup as they found themselves 4-0 down at half-time.

Sean Pearce and Jon Pardew got a couple of goals late on in the match but, by then, an early exit was the only inevitable outcome.

Manager Mark Coidrick cannot put his finger on what is the trouble with his side, but hopes that having former Newport AFC man Rob Painter and ex-Newport County player Darren Porreta back in the fold next week will be the spark the club needs.

Coldrick said: “Hopefully we will get back to the old YMCA soon. ”And in another all first division clash, Croesyceiliog could not get going as they went down 2-0 at home to Pontypridd Town to also go out early.

Chepstow Town lost to Ammanford Town 5-2. Aberbargoed Buds went down by the odd goal in five at Llantwit Fardre, while third division Risca United put in a brave display against ENTO Aberaman Athletic, from the first division, but went down 1-0 at home.    

YM OUT TO AVOID ANOTHER NIGHTMARE START

8 September 2006

Newport YMCA will be out to make sure there is no repeat of the nightmare start made against Bryntirion last week when they travel to Afan Lido in the first round of the MacWhirter Welsh League, Shamrock Travel Cup, writes Ray Parker.

YM conceded three goals in the opening ten minutes and manager Mark Coldrick said: “We had a good pre-season and a good start in the league but all it takes to knock the confidence is one bad result.

“But we had a chat about it after the game and then had a 20-minute training session.

Everyone who said they would turn up for training did so and the pressure is off because it is a cup tie – but it would be nice to have a cup run.”

Central midfield player Steve Edwards, central defender Craig James and attacking midfield player Faris Yafai are all expected to declare themselves fit while youngsters Muhammed Hussan and Joe O”Brien, who both made impressive second-half appearances at Bryntirion, are expected to be in the squad.

Croesyceiliog entertain Pontypridd, both teams gaining a Division One place this season, the visitors looking to win a place in the Welsh Premier League.

Caldicot, riding high in Division Two, face their most difficult task, travelling to First Division Ely Rangers – but don’t rule out an upset.

Third-placed Caldicot will once again be without central defender Lloyd Stone, missing his second successive match through injury.

Defenders Neil Windsor, back from holiday, and Andrew Wenzel, recovered from injury, are likely to be included in the squad.

Caldicot, one defeat in five – beaten by second-placed and newly-promoted Cambrian and Clydach – while Ely have seven points from six games and are in eighth place, winning two games and one drawn.

Jason Pritchard, Caldicot manager, said: “It’s been a very good start for us and the league win over Merthyr Saints last Saturday was probably the best we have played this season.

“We should have won by more but Merthyr were well organised and a good outfit. But we are showing a lot of passion and commitment which has got us some of our results.”

However, Caldicot have suffered a blow off the pitch with the decision of secretary John Burrows to step down.  Former secretary Gordon Lewis has taken over the reins.

Llanwern’s perfect start to the season will most certainly come under close scrutiny at Troedyrhiw, top team in Division Two. 

Troedyrhiw have 16 points from six games, four ahead of Cambrian and Clydach along with Caldicot who have a slightly inferior goal difference.

Llanwern, topping the Third Division with a full house from six games and a Welsh Cup win thrown in for good measure, will be without Darren Poultney and Michael Aviss.

Cwmbran Celtic are determined to avoid the painful struggle of last season when they just avoided the dreaded drop. They hold third place on ten points along with Abertillery Excelsiors who are looking to make a swift return into Division Two.

A Division One club – not in Gwent – put in a seven-day notice of approach for a striker but sent a letter to the wrong club!

TEENS HOT BUT STRUGGLING YM SLOW TO WARM

4 September 2006 

IT is becoming a mystery why Newport YMCA cannot get themselves into gear during the first  half. The YM went down 4-2 against third-placed Bryntirion Athletic on Saturday in their MacWhirter Welsh League first division match, and were always facing a mountain to at least get a point after a disastrous start to the match.

And third division Risca United have scored a real coup by persuading former Cardiff City striker Jeff Eckhardt to come out of playing retirement – with an immediate impact!

The YM conceded three goals within the opening ten minutes, all along similar lines of poor tackling on the wings with loose defending in the box.

But there was cause for optimism as YM pulled back to 3-2 down in the second half as manager Mark Coldrick threw on two youngsters, Mohammed Hassan and Joe O’Brien, for their first-team debuts, and their enthusiasm changed the course of the match.

Danny Heath got Newport back into the match after the break with a goal, before Lewis Sommers was fouled in the box and slotted home the penalty himself.

However, a major error at the back by YM allowed Bryntirion to seal the match and, to add to their problems, Dan Cueto was sent off for dissent.

Coldrick was impressed by the teenagers, but said his side need to find out why they cannot click earlier than they do. He said: “It was the first time in the first team for the two lads we threw on, and I can tell you they should be in with a shout of playing again next week.

“But, to be honest, we got what we deserved. Again, we never turned up in the first half and we found ourselves three down in ten minutes. We felt the goals we gave them were cheap and we had a 20-minute training session afterwards because we only performed for 45 minutes. Everyone has said they have to knuckle down in training.”

Caerleon boss Brendan Dowd was far happier this week than last, even though his side went down to a 1-0 home defeat against top-of-the-table Neath Athletic.

Dowd ordered his players in for extra training after last Saturday’s 4-0 loss to Ton Pentre, and said: “They scored early on but it was one of those things. It was 100 per cent better than last week.

“We had our chances and we could have lost by three or four and scored a couple. We put five in midfield and that seemed to work.”

Meanwhile, manager Jason Pritchard was a delighted man after his Caldicot Town side played a good team game and came away with a 2-1 home victory over Merthyr Saints in the second division.

Pritchard should be happy as well because the win has put Caldicot into equal second place in their table.

Wayne Morley got Caldicot up and running with a penalty after five minutes, but Town conceded after half an hour and went in level with a well-organised Merthyr outfit.

And after some great work by Jason Thorne in the second half, when he beat a couple of defenders to put in a superb cross, Mark Williams was there to give the move the goal it deserved and, as it happened, seal the victory.

Tredegar Town’s match with Penrhiwceiber Rangers was postponed by mutual agreement between the clubs.

It is now six out of six for unbeaten Llanwern in division three as the bandwagon just keeps on rolling. Llanwern grabbed the honours at Porthcawl Town, which has put them three points clear of second-placed Llangeinor, although they have played one more match.

The score may indicate a tight game, but manager Laurence Owen gave his team “a rollicking” at the end for allowing Porthcawl the sniff of a chance of drawing.

The game, played in what Owen described as “a force-ten gale” on Porthcawl’s seafront ground, was dominated by Llanwern, and really they should have won by more than just three.

Llanwern were denied a penalty after 20 minutes when the referee gave them a free kick, although there was a foul inside the area.

However, Tony Shier made up for that five minutes later by converting a spot kick that Llanwern won.

And, after a lovely through ball by Ivan Poncak, Marcus Power made it two with a great finish from the edge of the area just before the hour mark, while Matthew Currie fired in a direct free kick to put Llanwern seemingly comfortable.

Yet goals in the 80th and 86th minutes made for a testing finale that caused a few headaches before the final whistle blew.

Forty-year-old Eckhardt grabbed a goal on his debut for Risca United as they beat Newcastle Emlyn 4-1 and climbed to halfway in the table.

The ex-Cardiff defender, who lives in Bassaleg, was asked to help out with training at Risca and agreed, but could not resist the temptation of pulling on the boots  again.

So, when a cross came in to the Newcastle area, Eckhardt got a flick with his head and scored the first of his team’s goals.

Brendan Scott got two others and Lee Phillips had the fourth.Abertillery Excelsiors scored a fine 4-1 victory in tough conditions over local rivals Aberbargoed Buds, but only managed to get right in the driving-seat at the end.

The Buds had their goalkeeper sent off with only ten minutes of the match gone for a foul in the area. Lee Bull converted the spot kick for his third penalty in three games, but the Excelsiors didn’t take advantage of their extra man.

Shaun Smith and Chris Penny caused problems for the Buds up front, and it was Smith who grabbed two of his team’s strikes in the second half, which has now taken him to a highly impressive six goals in just five games. Kevin Robins cracked home a volley for the other Excelsiors’ goal.

Chepstow Town really enjoyed themselves with a big 5-2 away victory at Cwmamman United. The match was remarkably goalless at half-time and Chepstow went two down in the second half. But a feast of goals – and the chance of a few more as well – took the East Gwent side away from their opponents. Paul Light was one hero, with a hat trick of strikes, while Mark Dunn and Steve Griffiths got the others for Town.

Cwmbran Celtic went down to a 1-0 defeat away at Llantwit Fardre. 

YMCA MANAGER GOES FOR YOUTH TO PLUG GAPS

1 September 2006


NEWPORT YMCA will turn to youth for their difficult trip to Bryntirion Athletic on Saturday in their MacWhirter Welsh League Division One encounter.

Manager Mark Coldrick is without several players who miss the game through injury and two who are unavailable for other reasons.

Influential player Faraz Yafai misses out with a hamstring strain and Aeron Stewart, Leon Spargo and Gareth Lynch are injured while Robbie Painter is on holiday and Craig James is attending a wedding.

It means a selection headache for Coldrick, but he will add to his first team squad by calling up players from his youth side.

"It’s a case of needs must and we look to some young boys, hopefully they can step up for’ us", he said.

Bryntirion is a tough place to go, but we are confident we can get something out of the game. Our early season form has been great, but sometimes you need to take it with a pinch of salt, with many players unavailable I don’t think this is a true reflection on our ability”

Caerleon entertain Neath at home, Croesyceiliog without a game.

Division Three pace-setters Llanwern will look to make it six wins out of six when they travel to Porthcawl Town.

Manager Laurence Owen has been delighted with his charges and wants to take his side to 18 points. His promotion bid has been boosted with the signing of former Caerleon skipper Troy Quarterly who had a brief flirtation with Cwmbran this summer.

His much needed experience will be aided by the return of central defender Carl Bough from injury and Slovakian duo Ivan Poncak and Peter Radakovsky also return.

But Steve Perszewski serves a one match ban an talisman Richie Shire is on holiday.  Mike Aviss is still a long-term absentee with a back injury.

Tredegar Town were due to travel to Penrhiwceiber in Division Two, but the match has been postponed.

Tredegar manager Rob Ellis has had to travel to Torquay, his mother was tragically killed after being hit by a car on holiday and his father is in a serious condition.