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News
3 April 2015 from Terry Daley HOSTS Aberbargoed Buds and Chepstow Town kick off the weekend action on Friday with a crucial derby clash of which several other promotion-seeking clubs will be keen to discover the result. Friday - kick off 7.30pm. Division Two (figures in brackets relate to table positions of 16). Recreation Ground: Aberbargoed Buds (3) v Chepstow Town (9). The promotion issue rumbles into another round of fixtures with Aberbargoed still in pole position to secure first-time promotion back to the top flight. Will have leading scorer Tom McCarthy available again after he missed last weekend's fine, 1-0 away success over second-placed Caldicot Town. Chepstow's form going into this clash is poor with seven defeats from their last eight league outings and there's little doubt they will start as massive underdogs. However they are due a decent result and it's not unknown for the high-flying hosts to slip up against lesser-placed opposition. Form guide: Aberbargoed Buds: W L W W L W Chepstow Town: L W L L L L Saturday - all 2.30pm kick offs. Division One (figures in brackets relate to table positions of 16). Pen-Y-Pound Stadium: Monmouth Town (6) v Aberdare Town (10). Monmouth's chances of a successful defence of their top-flight title are all but over following their 1-0 away mid-week defeat at the hands of Haverfordwest County. The Kingfishers pressed hard late on, but in hitting a post and seeing the home goalkeeper make a first-class save meant they couldn't quite earn a draw. The outcome meant there was no fourth consecutive win and with just six matches remaining, it now appears they are only playing to retain their current table position. Five wins from their last six outings has all but guaranteed Aberdare's top-flight status and that sort of form is light years away from the 8-1 home defeat by Monmouth in mid September, Form guide Monmouth Town: W L W W W L Aberdare Town: W W W L W W Rhiw Dda'r: Taffs Well (8) v Goytre (9). Four defeats in five has more or less put an end to Goytre's hopes of a top-four finish and they are 18 points adrift of that position with only one game in hand. Their only win during that sequence of games was 2-0 at home against Taffs Well on March 7, when striker Craig Moses netted twice to reach his current league tally of 13. Scoring goals has been a huge problem all season for Goytre, whose tally of 40 is the lowest in the division's entire top 12. Taffs Well moved seven points clear of Goytre on Tuesday night, when they emerged 3-0 home victors over relegation-threatened Pontardawe Town. Form guide: Taffs Well: L L W L W W Goytre: W L W L L L Division Two (figures in brackets relate to table positions of 16). Cold Bath Road: Caerleon (14) v AFC Llwydcoed (11). A mini revival of two games unbeaten following the arrival or several experience recruits has been negated by three defeats on the trot for relegation-threatened Caerleon. It leaves them second from bottom and five points from safety, although they have played two matches less than 13th-placed Penrhiwceiber Rangers. A lack of goals has been the problem, although while only the team immediately below them, Dinas Powys, have scored less goals - 31 as opposed to 30 - Caerleon have conceded less than the whole of the bottom nine. The visitors will be seeking a fourth consecutive victory and one of their three previous wins was 1-0 at Croesyceiliog on March 7. Form guide: Caerleon: L W D L L L AFC Llwydcoed: W L L W W W Woodland Road: Croesyceiliog (10) v Barry Town United (champions). Croesyceiliog appear destined to achieve a mid-table end to their campaign, which has been something of a tough trek because of inconsistency. However they do go into this clash on the back of a 0-0 home draw with Cwmbran Celtic which followed a fine, 3-1 away win over Llanwern. But they will most certainly want to do far better than they 6-0 loss they suffered at Jenner Park against Barry Town United in mid February. The champions will begin as clear favourites to secure the three points, but they'll also be aware they last time they hosted a Gwent club they slipped to their only league defeat - 3-1 by Undy Athletic. Form guide: Barry Town United: D W L W D W Croesyceiliog: W L L L W D Station Road, Wenvoe: Ely Rangers (16) v Cwmbran Celtic (6). It really is quite amazing that Celtic keep drawing games, yet remain in the hunt for promotion - although what they require from this match will depend on the outcome of Friday's Aberbargoed v Chepstow clash. Celtic have been beaten only once in their last 18 outings, but have won only six of those and have earned parity in their four previous games - the last two ending 0-0. Manager Della Cheedy's team are bidding for a win double having seeing off Ely 4-1 at Celtic Park back in late February - after the capital side had led 1-0 at the break. Given the relegation-threatened hosts have lost eight games on the trot, it's clear they will begin as huge underdogs and dare I write it, but a draw is also no good to them either! Form guide: Ely Rangers: L L L L L L Cwmbran Celtic: D W D D D D Glasbrook Field: Penrhiwceiber Rangers (13) v Llanwern (4). Llanwern have done very well to climb to fourth position following a poor start to the season, but are at a disadvantage of having only five fixtures remaining. They are the same amount of points adrift of the third and final promotion spot and the three teams below them, Risca United, Cwmbran Celtic and Undy, all have games in hand from which to overtake them. They have recently re-signed defender-midfielder Liam Screen from Division Three side Lliswerry and defeated Penrhiwceiber 1-0 at home on the final day of February. The hosts are in the first safe position above the drop zone having lost five of their last six league fixtures and among those was a 4-2 defeat at Aberbargoed Buds. Form guide: Penrhiwceiber Rangers: L L W L L L Llanwern: W L W D L W The Causeway: Undy Athletic (7) v Dinas Powys (15). Two victories, including becoming the only team to beat champions Barry Town United, plus a draw from their previous three games have given Undy a sniff of promotion. But they are, however, outsiders to go up and will need to rely on others above them to trip up fairly badly between now and the end of the campaign. Nonetheless, the building blocks are in place to build on for the 2015-16 season, when Undy could well be one of the teams challenging for a place in the top flight. This, though, won't be easy as Dinas Powys have recently lifted themselves off the foot of the table with successive 2-1 and 4-1 home wins over Caldicot Town and Caerleon respectively. Form guide: Dinas Powys: L L L L W W Undy Athletic: L L L W D W Pri-Deri Park, Mayhill: West End (8) v Risca United (5). Unbeaten-in-six Risca are another of those teams whose recent good form has given them an entry into the promotion race. They trail third-positioned Aberbargoed by five points and also have an inferior goal difference, with each club having seven matches left. Have scored 14 times in putting together their undefeated run with Tony Wallis heading their scorers' list with 11 while Dave Hurley and Kyle Williams have eight and seven respectively. West End had been near the top three for most of the season, but have slipped down the table as a result of other clubs winning matches in hand. Form guide: West End: L L L L W D Risca United: W D W D W W Division Three (figures in brackets relate to table positions of 18). Recreation Ground: Ammanford (3) v Treowen Stars (14). If it's three to be relegated out of the league, then Treowen still have a bit of work to do to get completely away from the danger zone. They are half a dozen points better off then second-from-the-bottom Bettws, although they do start on the back of a fine 3-2 away triumph at county rivals Lliswerry. Ricky Amos' goal total for the campaign has now reached double figures, but you'd think he or at least one of his colleagues would have to score here if Treowen are to gain a positive result. After something of a blip, Ammanford have recovered enough to be searching for a fifth successive victory and they look nailed on to gain first-time promotion back to Division Two. Form guide Ammanford: L D W W L W W W W Treowen Stars: W W W L L W Riverside Ground, Radyr: Cardiff Corinthians (5) v Newport Civil Service (17). NCS's 4-0 away defeat at table-topping Llanelli Town on Wednesday means they remain one from the bottom on goal difference only from Treharris Athletic Western. Both teams have an minus goal difference of 43 and 44 respectively, but Treharris have scored more goal than NCS - 29 as opposed to 17. NCS still have 14 matches remaining in which to claw themselves away from the relegation area, but they really do need to start winning matches sooner rather than later. The hosts, who've yet to draw a league game, seemed a good bet to go up at one stage, but only two wins from their last seven fixtures has blunted their bid. Form guide: Cardiff Corinthians: L W L W L L Newport Civil Service: W W L L L L Mount Pleasant Park, Beddau: Cwm Welfare (9) v Tredegar Town (4). Tredegar's chances of gaining Division Two football next campaign weakened again in mid-week, when their closest rivals, Cwmamman United, won 5-0 against Lliswerry at Spytty Park. It takes Cwmamman above Tredegar on goal difference (plus 28 v plus 19) with the west Walians having two matches in hand. All was going well for Tredegar until a recent 4-0 home loss to mid-table side Pontypridd Town, although they still have 30 points to play for. Cwm have won just twice in their previous eight games, although they have enough points for a mid-table conclusion to the season. Form guide: Cwm Welfare: L L W L W D Tredegar: W L W W W L Spytty Park: Lliswerry (6) v Pontypridd Town (8). Lliswerry's comprehensive 5-0 home defeat at the hands of promotion rivals Cwmamman United gives the impression they will again be playing lower-level football next season. The unexpected outcome means it is now only five wins from 13 and although they do still have as many as nine matches left to re-ignite their chances of going up. They are actually just six points adrift of Cwmamman, but now simply must win this clash and will be seeking to over turn a 2-0 defeat at Pontypridd in early February. Pontypridd are chasing a top-six finish, although they'll have to improve on a run of five without a win if they are to achieve that status. Form guide: Lliswerry: L W L D L L Pontypridd Town: W L D L D L Mendalgief Road: Newport YMCA (13) v Caerau (15). A sequence of four unbeaten and just one defeat in six has YMCA in the verge of retaining their league status for at least one more season. It was touch and go for quite a while, but certainly the 11 goals scored by Nial Simmons has gone a long way towards YMCA current position. Should they emerge victors from this encounter, it will be their 10th win of the campaign and will give them a points total of 32 from 27 fixtures. The visitors are just above the danger area and nine points behind YMCA and since winning two games in a trot, have not won any of their last five matches. Form guide: Newport YMCA: W L D W D W Caerau: W L L D L D Panteg House, Griffithstown: Panteg (12) v Rhoose (7). Panteg moved up a place above Newport YMCA on Tuesday evening, when goals from Luke Dyke and Chris White earned them a 2-2 home draw against mid-table Llantwit Major. That is a position in the table Panteg are quite capable of ending the campaign, although manager Mark Taylor will wish for the return to the fray of the majority of his long injury list. On their day, Rhoose are capable of holding their own against any team in the division and are still in with an outside chance of going up - although there are more clubs better placed. Form guide Panteg: W L W D L D Rhoose: L W L D W W
GWENT MID-WEEK ROUND-UP 2 April 2015 from Terry Daley THERE was precious little to celebrate for local a quartet of local clubs from mid-week fixtures, which produced three defeats and a draw for Panteg. In Division One, late Monmouth pressure against hosts Haverfordwest County, they hit a post and forced a brilliant save from the home goalkeeper, counted for nothing as they went down 1-0 to leave them sixth. It was even worse in Division Three as both Lliswerry and Newport Civil Service slipped to heavy reverses - the former 5-0 at home to promotion rivals Cwmamman United and the latter 4-0 at table-topping Llanelli Town. Lliswerry remain in sixth spot, but it now seems highly likely there will be no Division Two football for them in 2015-16. NCS remain in 17th position on goal difference above bottom-placed Treharris Athletic Western. Meanwhile Panteg were forced to recover from a 2-1 deficit to earn a point from a 2-2 against visiting Division Three rivals Llantwit Major on Tuesday night, when Luke Dyke and Chris White netted their goals.
GWENT WEDNESDAY PREVIEW 1 April 2015 from Terry Daley Division One (figures in brackets relate to table positions of 16). Bridge Meadow Stadium: Haverfordwest County (5) v Monmouth Town (6) - kick off 7.30pm. It would appear there are at least three teams above them who are more favoured to take over as champions from Monmouth, although The Kingfishers are seeking a fourth win on the trot. Player-boss Andrew Smith's side kept clean-sheets in winning all of their three previous games, earning a 2-0 victory at Ton Pentre before securing respective 1-0 and 2-0 home triumphs over Briton Ferry Llansawel and Ton again. Monmouth, who have no selection worries, will start 16 points behind new leaders Caerau (Ely), who took over at the top from Penybont as a result of Tuesday's 4-1 away win at Ton Pentre. When these teams met at Monmouth's Pen-Y-Pound Stadium HQ in Abergavenny in late August, Haverfordwest took the honours with a 2-0 victory and the west Walians were last in action on March 21 when they lost by the same score at Briton Ferry Llansawel. Form guide: Haverfordwest County: W L D D W L Monmouth Town: L W L W W W Division Three (figures in brackets relate to table positions of 18). Stebonheath Park: Llanelli Town (1) v Newport Civil Service (17) - kick off 7.45pm. NCS found themselves moving off the foot of the table last Saturday, even though they didn't play - Treharris Athletic Western's 7-1 defeat at Ammanford pushing them to down to the basement position. Here they will be minus defender Gareth Wysome and forward Dave Mellon, who are both suspended, plus unavailable midfielder Jac Hardman is while several other squad members will face fitness tests. Because of that, NCS face a huge task to gain a positive result with Llanelli Town bidding for a quick-fire win double having beaten them 4-1 at their Shannon Close home ground in Bettws on March 21. Llanelli Town are inching closer to promotion to the second tier, have dropped only 15 of a possible 78 points and are the division's leading scorers with 85 goals in 26 outings. Form guide: Llanelli: W W L W W W Newport Civil Service: L W W L L L Spytty Park: Lliswerry (6) v Cwmamman United (4) - kick off 7.45pm. Lliswerry's hopes of gaining entry to Division Two for the first time took a blow last weekend with a 3-2 home defeat at the hands of county rivals Treowen Stars. It all means boss Adam Corfield's side is half a dozen points adrift of third-positioned Tredegar Town, so this is close to being a 'must-win' match-up. Victory will take Lliswerry above Cardiff Corinthians into fifth spot in the table and that would put them just two points of third place - although they'd have played a game more than Tredegar Town. Corfield will be unable to call on several players because of injury and work commitments against visitors, who ended a three-match run without a win by beating Cardiff Corinthians 2-0 at home. Form guide: Lliswerry: W D L W L D Cwmamman United: W W L D D W
GWENT TUESDAY PREVIEW 31 March 2015 from Terry Daley Panteg House, Griffithstown: Panteg (13) v Llantwit Major (10) Panteg have played only 20 games because of postponements and an abandonment and that has left them only nine points above the drop zone - provided it's three to be relegated. They now face a hectic 14-games-in-46-days run-in, although manager Mark Taylor's troops do have many matches in hand and on the positive side, are 17 points off the third and final promotion spot currently held by county rivals Tredegar Town, who have played four more fixtures. Panteg, whose very lengthy injury list has been the root cause for them winning only two of their last 12 league games, were last in action on March 21, when visitors second-positioned Ammanford won 2-0. Llantwit Major were beaten 3-1 at Mendalgief Road by hosts Newport YMCA last weekend, the outcome leaving the Vale of Glamorgan outfit 10th and they will start three points ahead of Panteg, who have played as many matches less. Form guide: Panteg: L W L W D L Llantwit Major: L L W L W L
GWENT SATURDAY ROUND-UP AND GWENT GOALSCORERS (LEAGUE ONLY) 30 March 2015 from Terry Daley ABERBARGOED Buds posted a crucial Division Two win over promotion rivals Caldicot Town while only Undy Athletic of the chasing pack managed to secure victory. In Division Three, Lliswerry's hopes of going up took a massive hit with a home defeat by county rivals Treowen Stars while in the top flight, Goytre were beaten for a third successive time. Caldicot entertained Aberbargoed at their Jubilee Way HQ in second versus third clash with each side starting on the back of defeats - the former losing their 14-match unbeaten record to lowly Dinas Powys and the latter slipping up at Risca United. However after a largely forgettable encounter, a Scott Armitage goal on 68 minutes was enough to earn the visitors a deserved 1-0 triumph to move them 13 points behind Caldicot and with three games in hand. Armitage fastened onto a through ball inside the penalty area to beat home goalkeeper Ben Davidson from 10 yards to settle the contest and he needs just one more goal to reach double figures. Only in the final 10 minutes did Caldicot come into the game and went close to equalising on a couple of occasions, but it simply wasn't their day as Aberbargoed moved closer to a first-time return to Division One. Aberbargoed won minus leading scorer Tom McCarthy, although it's hoped he will be available for selection on Friday when Chepstow are the visitors to the Recreation Ground. Despite their second successive reverse, Caldicot are still favourites to go up with already-promoted Barry Town United, who secured the divisional title with a 5-2 home success over Penrhiwceiber Rangers. Behind Aberbargoed are Llanwern and Risca, who both had their games postponed, Cwmbran Celtic, who drew 0-0 at Croesyceiliog, and Undy - 4-0 away victors over Chepstow Town. Celtic's result was the 13th time in only 23 league fixtures they finished a game all square and they remain in sixth position with Croesyceiliog moving up one to 10th. Undy's goals in that routine win over Chepstow were scored by Tom Hooper (2) and Gareth Cullimore, who now has 14 league goals to his credit this season. They elevated themselves above Swansea-based West End into seventh spot and still have an outsiders' chance of going up to the top flight for the first time. Relegation-threatened Caerleon had Liam Head netting in a 4-1 away defeat at Dinas Powys and the results means they remain second from the bottom of the 16-strong section. In Division Three, Lliswerry hosted Treowen on their 3G surface at Spytty Park, where they fell 3-0 behind via goals from Scott Jones, Shane Brewer and Ricky Amos, who took his campaign league goal tally to 10. Lliswerry did strike back with a couple of Safian Skupinski efforts, but the defeat leaves them six points adrift of the third and final promotion spot currently held by not-in-action Tredegar Town. Treowen's win gives them every hope of eventually attaining a mid-table finish and the same can be said of Newport YMCA. They posted a fine, 3-1 home success over Llantwit Major at Mendalgief Road where their goals were scored by Mo Hassan (2) and Nial Simmons (penalty), the latter scoring for the 11th time in 2014-15. Remarkably, Newport Civil Service are off the bottom of the 18-strong division - despite not kicking a ball in anger after their game at Tredegar was called off because of a water-logged playing surface. Treharris Athletic Western's 7-1 away defeat at the hands of second-placed Ammanford pushed them down onto the basement spot with an inferior goal difference than NCS. Division One, Goytre remain ninth after having only a Josh Bull penalty to show for in a 2-1 home defeat by Briton Ferry Llansawel while Monmouth Town's away game with lowly Pontardawe Town was postponed. The Kingfishers are next in scheduled action on Wednesday, when they make the long trip to face Haverfordwest County. Gwent goalscorers (League only) UNDY'S Gareth Cullimore was the highest-placed scorer on Saturday, when his brace in a 4-0 home success over visiting Chepstow took him onto 14 for the season - nine behind leading marksman Josh Brown, of Lliswerry. 23 - Josh Brown (Lliswerry). 19 - Tom McCarthy (Aberbargoed Buds). 17 - Zac Osbourne (Croesyceiliog). 15 - Leo Ross (Chepstow Town). 14 - Gareth Cullimore (Undy Athletic), Jason Thorn (Caldicot Town). 13 - Nick Harrhy (Monmouth Town), Matthew Hibbs (Llanwern), Craig Moses (Goytre). 12 - Jon Butcher (Panteg), Dan MacDonald (Monmouth Town), Ian Pettit (Tredegar Town). 11 - Tomas Lynch (Tredegar Town), Niall Simmons (Newport YMCA), Tony Wallis (Risca United). 10 - Ricky Amos (Treowen Stars), Steven Hughes (Tredegar Town). 9 - Scott Armitage (Aberbargoed Buds), Olly Beckett (Undy Athletic), Dale Cook (Lliswerry), Matthew Flynn (Llanwern, including seven for Pontypridd Town), Dan Hooper (Llanwern), Nic Hooper (Llanwern), Hishi Lama (Croesyceiliog, including one for Chepstow Town). 8 - Daniel Battle (Risca United, including six for Tredegar Town), Josh Bull (including two for Monmouth Town), Dominic Connor (Cwmbran Celtic), Dave Hurley (Risca United), Dan Saunders (Caldicot Town), Luke Lewis (Cwmbran Celtic). 7 - Jamie Davies (Caerleon), Gareth Delve (Llanwern), Luke Dyke (Panteg, including one for Croesyceiliog), Tom Hooper (Undy Athletic), Richard Sharratt (Caldicot Town), Dan Stoneman (Lliswerry), Kyle Williams (Risca United) 6 - Ben Davies (Undy Athletic), Elliot Evans (Monmouth Town), Liam Head (Caerleon), Jordan Jones (Llanwern), Josh Jones (Tredegar Town), Derice McLean (Newport Civil Service - no longer with club), Ben Taylor (Panteg), Luke Thomas (Cwmbran Celtic). 5 - Josh Collier (Risca United), Mark Dunn (Caerleon, including three for Chepstow Town), James Francis (Caerleon), James Martin (Newport YMCA), Matt Prosser (Goytre), James Young (Goytre). 4 - Michael Bishop (Llanwern), Aaron Colwill (Risca United), Lewis Coote (Treowen Stars), Dan Edwards (Lliswerry), Chris Ham (Monmouth Town, now of Carmarthen Town), Joe Howells (Lliswerry), Chris Jones (Treowen Stars), Andrew Larcombe (Cwmbran Celtic), David Lloyd (Caldicot Town), Jordan Maisey (Aberbargoed Buds), Mark Organ (Chepstow Town), Stephen Parfitt (Treowen Stars), Craig Price (Treowen Stars), Chris Quinlan (Tredegar Town), Dean Randall (Treowen Stars), Liam Shaw (Aberbargoed Buds), Safian Skupinski (Lliswerry). 3 - Wayne Antoniazzi (Aberbargoed Buds), Jamie Arnold (Croesyceiliog), Tom Berry (Newport Civil Service), Dan Clouth (Croesyceiliog), Luke Cueto (Caerleon), Marc Curtis (Llanwern), Gary Evans (Treowen Stars), Max Fessey (Lliswerry), Elliott Ford (Monmouth Town), Nathan Hardwick (Newport YMCA), Mo Hassan (Newport YMCA), Ryan Hayward (Croesyceiliog), Kirk Hicks (Panteg, including three for Lliswerry), Craig Lewis (Chepstow Town), Rhys Luffman (Lliswerry), Tre Marrett (Newport YMCA), Paul Michael (Risca United), Sam Rushworth (Chepstow Town), Jordan Ryan (Panteg), Gyles Thompson (Undy Athletic) Tom Wise (Panteg). 2 - Paul Clayton (Undy Athletic), Owen Cook (Cwmbran Celtic), Richard Crees (Cwmbran Celtic), Lloyd Dando (Treowen Stars), Josh Evans (Treowen Stars), Louis Feeley (Chepstow Town), Luke Fernquest (Croesyceiliog), Marc Gunter (Newport Civil Service), Jordan Harding (Goytre), Matt James (Caldicot Town), Alex Jenkins (Newport YMCA), Rhys Jones (Aberbargoed Buds), Kazeem Kareen (Lliswerry), Ben Lawrence (Newport YMCA), Liam Macan (Tredegar Town), Lee Mason (Panteg), Gavin Meacham (Aberbargoed Buds), Calum Miles (Goytre), Joe O'Brien (Newport YMCA), Nick Potts (Chepstow Town), Mitchell Slape (Caldicot Town), Kieron Thomas (Aberbargoed Buds), Elliott Williams (Aberbargoed Buds), Jon Williams (Panteg), Ben Wotton (Caerleon). 1 - Jack Alderdice (Monmouth Town), Adam Alkysi (Tredegar Town), Gareth Appleby (Panteg), Josh Ball (Tredegar Town), Michael Baugh (Cwmbran Celtic, no longer with the club), James Barnes (Undy Athletic), Tom Barry (Llanwern), Gareth Bennett (Caerleon, including one for Chepstow Town), Joe Bidgood (Newport YMCA), Mike Binning (Undy Athletic), Steven Boucher (Lliswerry), Daffyd Brewer (Aberbargoed Buds), Shane Brewer (Treowen Stars), Gareth Cleverly (Newport Civil Service), Jacob Cross (Aberbargoed Buds), Simon Crook (Caldicot Town), Tom Dando (Cwmbran Celtic), Ben Davies (Monmouth Town), Nathan Davies (Goytre), Aysa El-Doory (Newport Civil Service), Yousif El-Doori (Caerleon), Alex Evans (Goytre), Ben Evans (Monmouth Town), Gary Evans (Treowen Stars), Joe Gibson (Lliswerry), Dean Goddard (Newport YMCA), Lewis Grant (Chepstow Town), Jordan Harding (Goytre), Jack Hardman (Newport Civil Service), Jack Harvey (Chepstow Town), Luke Harris (Treowen Stars), Craig Hewitt (Tredegar Town), Rhys Hodges (Cwmbran Celtic), Sam Hunt (Monmouth Town), Luis James (Panteg), Robbie James (Llanwern), Tommy James (Treowen Stars), Ashley Johnson (Lliswerry), Grant Jones (Treowen Stars), Luke Jones (Cwmbran Celtic), Scott Jones (Treowen Stars), Sean Feeley (Cwmbran Celtic), Jason Lewis (Newport YMCA), Scott Lewis (Caerleon), Owen Llewellyn (Cwmbran Celtic), Will McConnell (Caldicot Town), Craig McDonnell (Aberbargoed Buds), Nick McGrath (Croesyceiliog), Steffan Marchant (Croesyceiliog), Nick Maynard (Llanwern), Ryan Meek (Treowen Stars), Dave Mellon (Newport Civil Service), Adam Meredith (Tredegar Town), Gavin Millar (Panteg), Lee Morgan (Newport Civil Service), Dale Morris (Llanwern), Ian Morris (Tredegar Town), Mark Morris (Croesyceiliog), Lewys Nash (Aberbargoed Buds), Sam Oakley (Caerleon), Ashley Palmer (Chepstow Town), John Pardue (Newport YMCA), Rakesh Patel (Cwmbran Celtic), Marcus Power (Undy Athletic), Tyla Preece (Aberbargoed Buds), James Price (Tredegar Town), Anthony Richards (Croesyceiliog), Leigh Sharp (Risca United), Richie Shire (Lliswerry), Jack Sinderby (Croesyceiliog), Andrew Smith (Monmouth Town), Richard Stansfield (Chepstow Town), Alex Stewart (Newport YMCA), Lewis Sweetland (Newport Civil Service), Mathew Thomas (Risca United), Simon Truman (Goytre), Alex Waters (Caerleon), Jake Wainright (Goytre), Ben Watson (Caerleon), Jack Wellington (Croesyceiliog), Steve Wilson (Caldicot Town), Ben Wotton (Caerleon), Joel Worgan (Tredegar Town). CLEAN-SHEETS: 12 - Caldicot Town. 8 - Tredegar Town 7 – Lliswerry; Monmouth Town. 5 - Aberbargoed Buds; Cwmbran Celtic; Goytre; Panteg; Undy Athletic. 4 - Chepstow Town; Risca United. 3 – Caerleon; Croesyceiliog; Llanwern; Newport Civil Service; Newport YMCA; Treowen Stars.
FEBRUARY MANAGER OF THE MONTH AWARD 27 March 2015
Francis Ford (right), Manager of Penybont receives the February Nathaniel Car Sales Welsh League Manager of the Month Award from Mr Wayne Griffiths, Managing Director, Nathaniel Car Sales Limited, the League's main sponsor, this evening. During the month Penybont achieved four victories in four Division One matches, scoring 19 goals and conceding four. Congratulations Francis!
GWENT SATURDAY PREVIEW 27 March 2015 from Terry Daley THE race for places in next season's Division One has never been tighter as only nine points separate Aberbargoed Buds in third position and Croesyceiliog in 11th place - with five other local clubs sandwiched in between. Saturday - kick offs 2.30pm. Division One (figures in brackets relate to league positions of 16). Plough Road: Goytre (9) v Briton Ferry Llansawel (7). There was a stage when these teams were touted as outsiders to lift the championship, but playing records of only two wins from their last nine and seven games respectively means they are now playing only for mid-table respectability. Goytre have been beaten three times in four league matches and their 39-goal tally is the lowest in the division's entire top 11 - yet the 35 goals conceded is the best in the bottom eight. Player-boss Carl Evans' men reached the Gwent FA Senior Cup final on Wednesday with a 4-1 last-four win over Division Three club Panteg at Newport Stadium, where Craig Moses (3) and Matthew Prosser scored their goals. BFL have actually improved of late with two wins from three, although a repeat of the 1-1 scoreline when the team met in mid February would not be surprising. Form guide: Goytre: D W L W L L Briton Ferry D D L W L W Recreation Ground: Pontardawe Town (15) v Monmouth Town (6). Five wins from their previous seven outings places defending champions Monmouth 14 points adrift of table-topping Penybont, although there are several sides above them more fancied to secure the title. Nonetheless player-manager Adrian Smith's troops can still finish as high as third or fourth and most certainly the basics are in place for him to build upon for next season. Smith made a rare appearance as a substitute and scored from the penalty spot during The Kingfishers' 3-1 home success over Pontardawe last last month and his side will start here on the back of three successive clean-sheets. Despite last Saturday's fine 2-0 home triumph over Goytre, the hosts remain in deep relegation trouble having accumulated only 15 out of a possible 69 points. Form guide: Pontardawe Town: L D L L L W Monmouth Town: L W L W W W Division Two (figures in brackets relate to league positions of 16). Jubilee Way: Caldicot Town (2) v Aberbargoed Buds (3). These clubs are favourites to join already-promoted leaders Barry Town United in Division One next season - yet both will begin having to return to winning ways following a defeat. Caldicot surprisingly lost their 14-game unbeaten run when going down 2-1 at bottom-placed Dinas Powys last Saturday, when Aberbargoed slipped to a 3-1 reverse at county rivals Risca United. A Caldicot success would leave them on the verge of going up while a victory for the visitors will life extremely difficult for the chasing pack. Only Barry Town United and Llanwern have scored more than Aberbargoed's 54-goal total while Caldicot are the clean-sheet kings having kept 12 in 25 league outings. Form guide: Caldicot Town: D W W W W L Aberbargoed Buds: D W L W W L Woodland Road: Croesyceiliog (11) v Cwmbran Celtic (6). As usual, this Cwmbran derby is expected to be a keenly-contested affair with Croesyceiliog seeking to build on a fine display in winning 3-1 at Llanwern last time out. Should be better off as well for the return from suspension of top scorer Zac Osbourne and victory here could see them move up a couple of places. Draw-experts Celtic were at it again on Wednesday, when they held already-promoted leaders Barry Town United, who had a man sent off, 0-0 at Jenner Park and here striker Luke Thomas returns from a ban. Here, you can chose your own preferred stat: Celtic have been beaten only twice in 22 starts or Celtic have won only eight of 22 games - the price of drawing an amazing 12 times! Form guide: Croesyceiliog: L W L L L W Cwmbran Celtic: D D W L D D The Murch, Sunnycroft Lane: Dinas Powys (16) v Caerleon (14). If two are to be relegated to Division Three, then Caerleon are currently a couple of points clear of the drop zone and with matches in hand over all around them. But if three are to eventually go down, they they are five points from safety because of a poor record of only one victory from their last 10 outings. The one positive note is the 43 goals conceded in 22 league games is the least in the bottom eight and up until last Saturday, they may have been clear favourites to secure a win here. However the hosts became the first club in 15 to defeat second-placed Caldicot Town, winning 2-1, and suddenly this encounter looks far more likely to end in parity. Form guide: Dinas Powys: W L L L L W Caerleon: L L W D L L Ty-Isaf Park: Risca United (5) v AFC Llwydcoed (10). Not so very long ago, a fifth successive defeat had some Risca officials and followers privately expressing the view that another loss would mean the side becoming embroiled in the relegation dog-fight. How times have changed because 14 points from the last 18 on offer has made player-boss Paul Michael's unbeaten-in-six troops being marked down as outsiders for promotion. The turnaround continued on Tuesday, when efforts from Dan Battle and Matthew Thomas plus an own goal earned a 3-0 triumph at lowly Ely Rangers - although centre back Josh Hales serves the third of a five-game ban. The visitors are in the same boat as Risca form wise because they have from posted three consecutive victories and appear certain to soon confirm their divisional status for another season. Form guide: Risca United: W D W D W W AFC Llwydcoed: W L L W W W Sports Ground, Margam: Tata Steel (12) v Llanwern (4). It seems odd to write about a team which won its last game 7-2 away, that its record of picking up only half of the last 24 points appears almost certain to cost them the chance to play top-flight football in 2015-16. Llanwern will start here only a couple of points adrift of third place, but they have played three more matches than Aberbargoed and have only five fixtures remaining. Nonetheless as long as the maths add up, manager Gareth Morgan will demand nothing less than 100 per cent - although here they face one of the division's most in-form teams. Tata looked relegation fodder until some new signings helped start a run of just one defeat in 11 and they look well capable of eventually achieving a mid-table end to the campaign. Form guide: Tata Steel: L W D W W W Llanwern: W L W D L W The Causeway: Undy Athletic (8) v Chepstow Town (9). Having become the first club this season to defeat champions-elect Barry Town United, Undy would have been seeking more than a 1-1 home draw with Cwmbran Celtic last weekend. However a run of two without defeat is certainly far better than the previous record of a trio of successive losses and you could argue it's those reverses which will eventually mean no promotion for Undy. Chepstow are in the middle of a very poor run of results of only two wins from 11 and it all came to a head last Saturday, when they were thrashed 7-2 at home by Llanwern. Moral has certainly taken a big hit, but, thankfully, they have enough points on the board not to become embroiled in the battle to stay in the division. Form guide: Undy Athletic: W L L L W D Chepstow Town: L L W L L L Division Three (figures in brackets relate to league positions of 18). Grenig Park, Glanaman: Cwmamman United (4) v Panteg (12). A very lengthy injury list has caused havoc with Panteg's promotion push and it seems certain they will now have to settle for another season at this level in 2015-16. They do still, however, have as many as 14 league fixtures remaining and there is no reason why boss Mark Taylor's side can't end the campaign in the top six. Their latest outing came in mid-week when they slipped out of the Gwent FA Senior Cup at the semi-final stage in being beaten 4-1 by Division One side Goytre at Newport Stadium. Cwmamman have hardly set the world alight recently with only one win in four and certainly this is a match which promotion-seeking Tredegar will be very keen to discover the outcome of. Form guide: Cwmamman United: W W L D D W Panteg: W L W D L Spytty Park: Lliswerry (6) v Treowen Stars (14). Lliswerry are just half a dozen points off third position and are definitely still in contention to go up, although they simply can not afford to lose this local match-up. Have suffered recently through several suspensions to key players, including striker Josh Brown - who with 23 goals leads the list for those players attached to Gwent clubs. Treowen lost their last two matches having won three on the trot previously and they need to gain some more positive results if they are to eventually finish in a mid-table spot. Are the bottom seven's top goalscorers with 35 from 21 league outings with Ricky Amos needing one more to reach double figures for the campaign. Form guide: Lliswerry: W D L W L D Treowen Stars: D W W W L L Mendalgief Road: Newport YMCA (13) v Llantwit Major (10). With just one defeat from their last five matches, YMCA are gradually easing themselves clear of the drop zone and they still have 11 matches left. Unbeaten-in-three, they have, in general, suffered through a lack of goals, although Nial Simmons now has 10 to his credit. This fixture is a quick-fire return of the clubs' March 14 clash at Llantwit, when a last-minute Simmons penalty earned YMCA a 1-0 win. The visitors have since won 2-1 away against lowly Treharris Athletic Western and previous to that defeat by YMCA, were same-scoreline winners at Newport Civil Service. Form guide: Newport YMCA: L W L D W D Llantwit Major: W L L W L W Sports Complex: Tredegar Town (3) v Newport Civil Service (18). Promotion contenders Tredegar couldn't have chosen a worse time to put in what was, arguably, their worst display of the season in crashing 4-0 at home to mid-table visitors Pontypridd Town on Wednesday night. The defeat ended Tredegar's three-match winning streak and here they will be minus Ian Pettit, Liam Macan and James Price. NCS are bottom of the whole pile and unless they start winning soon, then then a return to the Gwent County League is inevitable. Having explained that, I back them to eventually gain the points to secure their league status and doubtless they will take great heart from Tredegar's mid-week reverse. Form guide: Tredegar: W L W W W L Newport Civil Service: L W W L L L
GWENT MIDWEEK ROUND-UP 25 March 2015 from Terry Daley Tuesday Barry Town 0 Cwmbran Celtic 0. Celtic dropped one place to fifth after failing to defeat 10-man and already-promoted Barry Town United, who had Barry Briers sent off before the interval for deliberate handball at Jenner Park. Before he departed on 28 minutes, Briers provided the free kick from which team-mate Ryan Evans struck Celtic's crossbar. As the interval approached, Dominic Connor, Adrian McGuire plus Andrew Larcombe all wasted reasonable goalscoring chances for the visitors. And indeed after it, Connor spurned his side's the best opportunity when he drove over the target after accepting a Larcombe pass. However with only five minutes remaining, two Barry Town United players tried to walk the ball into an empty net when a shot from either of them would probably have brought a goal (source, Cwmbran Celtic). Some other facts are the 0-0 scoreline was Jenner Park's first since a game against Cambrian & Clydach three season ago (source, Barry Town United twitter) while Celtic's clean-sheet was their first in 11 matches since the same scoreline result at Caldicot Town on January 31. It was also the first time they had failed to score since that game and the draw was, remarkably their 12th in just 22 league matches - yet they are still in contention for promotion. They trail third-placed Aberbargoed Buds by just four points with each club now having only eight fixtures remaining. On Saturday. Aberbargoed visit second-placed Caldicot while Celtic travel the very short distance across Cwmbran to take on Croesyceiliog. Ely Rangers 0 Risca United 3. This result means unbeaten-in-six Risca have taken 14 points from the last 18 on offer and it moved them above county rivals Cwmbran Celtic into fifth position. They are now only a couple of points behind the third and final promotion spot held by Aberbargoed, although Risca have played a game more. Efforts from Dan Battle, Matthew Thomas and an own goal accounted for the win as Risca won for the 12th time in 23 starts and are at home to AFC Llwydcoed on Saturday. Ely remain one from the bottom and are next in action on April 4, when they are scheduled to entertain Cwmbran Celtic. Wednesday Division Three: Tredegar Town 0 Pontypridd Town 4. Tredegar couldn't have chosen a worse time to put what was, arguably, their worst display of the season in crashing to the mid-table visitors. The defeat ended Tredegar's three-match winning streak while Pontypridd's success called a halt to a four-games-without-a-win sequence. Tredegar remain in the third and final promotion spot and are in home action again on Saturday against visiting bottom-placed Newport Civil Service while Pontypridd, who moved above Panteg into 11th position, are on the road again at table-topping Llanelli Town. Gwent FA Cup, semi final: Panteg 1 Goytre 4. Division One Goytre reached the final after a fairly comfortable victory over their bottom-tier county rivals under the floodlights at Newport Stadium. Goytre moved in front on nine minutes when striker Matthew Prosser scored at the far post from a James Young cross and the rest of their total was made up by a hat-trick from his fellow-marksman, Craig Moses. Goytre will now face either Tredegar Town or Monmouth Town, who play their semi final at Tredegar on Wednesday, April 8 - kick off 7.30pm. Goytre return to top-tier action on Saturday by hosting Briton Ferry Llansawel while Panteg resume Division Three duties at Cwmamman United.
GWENT WEDNESDAY PREVIEW 25 March 2015 from Terry Daley Division Three (figures in brackets relate to table positions of 18): Sports Complex: Tredegar Town (3) v Pontypridd Town (11) - kick off 7.00pm. Five wins from their last six league fixtures has put Tredegar in pole position to clinch third place and victory here will mean they will have six-point lead over chasing pair Cwmamman United and Cardiff Corinthians. Cwmamman will then have three games in hand, but their recent form has hardly been inspiring and certainly Tredegar now have an excellent opportunity of regaining the Division Two status they lost at the end of the 2009-10 campaign. Tredegar report they have a full squad available for this encounter with player-boss Gareth Harbord keen to see Ian Pettit and Tomas Lynch add to their current 12 and 11-goal totals respectively. All looked well for Pontypridd when they posted wins over higher-placed sides Cardiff Corinthians and Ammanford, but they have since not won in four and will start following last Saturday's 1-1 away draw at Caerau. Form guide: Tredegar: W W L W W W Pontypridd Town: W W L D L D Gwent FA Senior Cup, semi final: Newport Stadium: Panteg v Goytre - kick off 7.30pm. PANTEG seek to bridge a two-divisional gap to appear in the final while Goytre will see this competition as a chance to end what has been something of a disappointing season by picking up silverware. Manager Mark Taylor reports his side were minus six regulars for almost every game since Christmas and this was the case when losing 2-0 at home to Ammanford last weekend. His injury list is now plus another three following that game with the loss of central defenders David Gabbidon and Jon Williams (both injured) and striker Luke Dyke (cup tied). Although nowhere near the problems of Taylor, Goytre player-manager Carl Evans also has selection issues and will give fitness test to himself and experienced midfielder Simon Truman - the pair having picked up knocks in last weekend's 2-0 defeat at Pontardawe Town. However goalkeeper Nicky Thomas will return after missing the last two league outings and the winners will face either Tredegar Town or Monmouth Town, who play their semi final at Tredegar on Tuesday, April 7 - kick off 7.30pm.
GWENT TUESDAY PREVIEW 24 March 2015 from Terry Daley Division Two (figures in brackets relate to table positions of 16): Jenner Park: Barry Town United (1) v Cwmbran Celtic (5) - kick off 7.45pm. After drawing for the 11th time in 21 starts last Saturday, when they held hosts Undy Athletic 1-1, there may be some in the Celtic camp who may well take parity if it were offered right now. Barry Town United earned promotion to Division One on the same day as a result of winning 4-1 at Caerleon and remain beaten only once, 3-1 at home to Undy recently, in 25 league fixtures. Should Celtic emulate Undy's achievement, then they would go up one place and above Llanwern on goal difference and would be just two points adrift of third-placed Aberbargoed - with each club then having eight games remaining. Six-goal Luke Thomas is again unavailable as he serves the second of a three-match suspension, Owen Cook and Rhys Hodges could make squad returns while the one-game bans of Barry Town United's Damon Searle and Lewis Cosslett have now been completed. These sides met at Celtic Park on February 28, when it ended 2-2 - Jamie Bradford and Ryan Evans putting Barry 2-0 up by the eighth minute with comeback goals from Luke Lewis and Owen Cook rescuing a point for Celtic Form guide: Barry Town United: W W D W L W Cwmbran Celtic: W D D W L D Station Road, Wenvoe: Ely Rangers (15) v Risca United (6) - kick off 7.30pm. Risca's unbeaten five-match run has re-ignited their promotion bid, although they'll probably have to win five of their six remaining matches to stand any chance of going up. A win here against the relegation-threatened hosts would put player-boss Paul Michael's men only two points off third-placed Aberbargoed - although they will have played one more fixture. On the team-news front, defender Matthew Russell's three-match suspension is over, but centre back Josh Hales will serve the second of a five-game ban. Skipper and full back Leigh Sharp is also available again after missing two outings because of work commitments, although goalkeeper Mark Mears is an injury doubt because of suspected cracked ribs. Risca will start on the back of last Saturday's fine 3-1 home triumph over Aberbargoed, when goals from Tony Wallis (penalty), Kyle Williams and Dave Hurley accounted for the visitors. Ely have endured a nightmare campaign and have lost their last seven league games, including last Friday's 3-1 home defeat at the hands of AFC Llwydcoed. Form guide: Ely Rangers: L L L L L L Risca United: L W D W D W
GWENT SATURDAY ROUND-UP AND GWENT GOALSCORERS (LEAGUE ONLY) 23 March 2015 from Terry Daley THE race to the top is again wide open as Caldicot Town and Aberbargoed Buds both lost while Llanwern hit seven on the road - all on the day Barry Town United clinched promotion to Division One by winning at Caerleon. In the top tier, there was a another success for defending champions Monmouth Town, but defeat for Goytre while Tredegar Town strengthened their case to go up with another Division Three win. Second-placed Caldicot travelled to face basement outfit Dinas Powys and were bitterly disappointed to have three goals disallowed when losing their 14-match unbeaten run in going down 2-1 - Dan Saunders getting their consolation. Aberbargoed visited Risca United, but slipped to a 3-1 reverse with goals from the home side coming from Tony Wallis (penalty), Kyle Williams and Dave Hurley. Jordan Maisey was on target for Aberbargoed and both they and Caldicot remain third and second respectively, although the next three places are now filled by county rivals whose promotion hopes remain alive. Maisey put Aberbargoed into the lead with an unchallenged header before Risca player-boss Paul Michael hit an upright with a free kick. The side levelled on 55 minutes when Wallis fired home from the spot following a foul on Josh Clayton and on the hour mark it went 2-1 up when Williams pounced from close range. Risca went close to adding to their total several time before they finally did, Dave Hurley cutting in from the left to fire home into the far corner to make it 3-1. Risca remained comfortable at that score, although goalkeeper Mark Mears made a superb one-handed save in stoppage time to maintain the scoreline. Llanwern thrashed hosts Chepstow Town 7-2 to stay in fourth spot, then come Cwmbran Celtic (fifth), who amazingly drew for the 11th time in 21 starts this time 1-1 at Undy Athletic, and Risca (sixth). Even Undy, in eighth place, are ranked as outsiders to go up and while it's felt Caldicot will soon return to winning ways to clinch the runners-up place, any of the four other clubs can still finish ahead of Aberbargoed, Llanwern routed Chepstow with two goals each from Dan and Nic Hooper plus one apiece from Matthew Flynn, Michael Bishop and Jordan Jones with the home side's efforts being netted by Louis Feeley and Richard Stansfield. Celtic lead 1-0 at the break at The Causeway against Undy via a Dominic Connor goal, but the home side eventually levelled matters via a 25-yard free kick from Tom Hooper. Gareth Cullimore also struck the bar with a close-range header for Undy, whose substitute forward Ollie Beckett put an even closer chance wide of the target. There was more bad news for Undy when midfielder Ben Davies snapped medial ligaments in a knee and now faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines. Celtic, who selected Lewis Watkins ahead of Giles Cutlan in goal, saw good chances wasted by Andrew Larcombe and Owen Llewellyn with Rhys Williams also seeing a shot strike the woodwork. There were other opportunities for both sides to have won this encounter with Celtic taking their recent record to three wins and eight draws from 12 outings and this was their 10th consecutive game without a clean-sheet. Celtic and Risca are both in away Tuesday action, although their tasks to gain positive results differ greatly - the former visit Jenner Park to tackle Barry Town United and the latter visiting one-from-the-bottom Ely Rangers. At the other end, Caerleon remain second from bottom after Barry Town United won 4-1 at Cold Bath Road - Liam Head scoring for the home side as the visitors celebrated securing a top-flight spot for 2015-16. Promotion-seeking Tredegar Town were at county rivals Treowen Stars, whose recent form of three wins from four has taken them away from Division Three's drop zone. However this was Tredegar's day as they moved up one to the third and final promotion spot thanks to goals from Stephen Hughes (2) and Liam Macan. Tredegar will seek to gain another three points on Wednesday, when they return home to take on mid-table outfit Pontypridd Town. Despite a 2-0 home defeat at the hands of second-placed Ammanford, Panteg remain ninth while Newport YMCA climbed one to 13th after efforts from Eliot Owen and Jamie Martin earned them a 2-2 away draw against Cwm Welfare. However because Cardiff Grange Harlequins withdrew from the league on Friday evening, Newport Civil Service's 4-1 home defeat at the hands of table-topping Llanelli Town means they slip to the bottom of what is now an 18-strong section. NCS took the lead through Tom Berry before Dave Mellon and Gareth Wysome were both sent off, the latter conceding a penalty which goalkeeper Chris Jones saved only for a the Llanelli spot-kick taker to score from the rebound. In Division One, sixth-placed Monmouth saw off visiting Ton Pentre with strikes from Elliot Evans and Ben Davies but Goytre stay ninth after a 2-0 reverse at lowly Pontardawe Town. Mid-week fixtures (7.30pm kick offs, unless stated). Tuesday. Division Two: Barry Town United v Cwmbran Celtic (7.45pm) Ely Rangers v Risca United. Wednesday. Division Three: Tredegar Town v Pontypridd Town (7.00pm). Gwent FA Senior Cup, semi final: Panteg v Goytre (at Newport Stadium). Gwent goalscorers (League only). LAST season's top scorer, Tony Wallis of Risca United, was the highest-placed marksman last Saturday when he netted once in a 3-1 home success over Aberbargoed Buds to take his campaign tally to 11. 23 - Josh Brown (Lliswerry). 19 - Tom McCarthy (Aberbargoed Buds). 17 - Zac Osbourne (Croesyceiliog). 15 - Leo Ross (Chepstow Town). 14 - Jason Thorn (Caldicot Town). 13 - Nick Harrhy (Monmouth Town), Matthew Hibbs (Llanwern), Craig Moses (Goytre). 12 - Jon Butcher (Panteg), Gareth Cullimore (Undy Athletic), Dan MacDonald (Monmouth Town), Ian Pettit (Tredegar Town). 11 - Tomas Lynch (Tredegar Town), Tony Willis (Risca United).#10 - Steven Hughes (Tredegar Town), Niall Simmons (Newport YMCA). 9 - Ricky Amos (Treowen Stars), Olly Beckett (Undy Athletic), Dale Cook (Lliswerry), Matthew Flynn (Llanwern, including seven for Pontypridd Town), Dan Hooper (Llanwern), Nic Hooper (Llanwern), Hishi Lama (Croesyceiliog, including one for Chepstow Town). 8 - Scott Armitage (Aberbargoed Buds), Dominic Connor (Cwmbran Celtic), Dave Hurley (Risca United), Dan Saunders (Caldicot Town), Luke Lewis (Cwmbran Celtic). 7 - Daniel Battle (Risca United, including six for Tredegar Town), Josh Bull (including two for Monmouth Town), Jamie Davies (Caerleon), Gareth Delve (Llanwern), Luke Dyke (Panteg, including one for Croesyceiliog), Richard Sharratt (Caldicot Town), Dan Stoneman (Lliswerry), Kyle Williams (Risca United). 6 - Ben Davies (Undy Athletic), Elliot Evans (Monmouth Town), Jordan Jones (Llanwern), Josh Jones (Tredegar Town), Derice McL.ean (Newport Civil Service - no longer with club), Ben Taylor (Panteg), Luke Thomas (Cwmbran Celtic). 5 - Josh Collier (Risca United), Mark Dunn (Caerleon, including three for Chepstow Town), James Francis (Caerleon), Liam Head (Caerleon), Tom Hooper (Undy Athletic), James Martin (Newport YMCA), Matt Prosser (Goytre), James Young (Goytre). 4 - Michael Bishop (Llanwern), Aaron Colwill (Risca United), Lewis Coote (Treowen Stars), Dan Edwards (Lliswerry), Chris Ham (Monmouth Town, now of Carmarthen Town), Joe Howells (Lliswerry), Chris Jones (Treowen Stars), Andrew Larcombe (Cwmbran Celtic), David Lloyd (Caldicot Town), Jordan Maisey (Aberbargoed Buds), Chris Quinlan (Tredegar Town), Mark Organ (Chepstow Town), Stephen Parfitt (Treowen Stars), Craig Price (Treowen Stars), Dean Randall (Treowen Stars), Liam Shaw (Aberbargoed Buds). 3 - Wayne Antoniazzi (Aberbargoed Buds), Jamie Arnold (Croesyceiliog), Tom Berry (Newport Civil Service), Dan Clouth (Croesyceiliog), Luke Cueto (Caerleon), Marc Curtis (Llanwern), Gary Evans (Treowen Stars), Max Fessey (Lliswerry), Elliott Ford (Monmouth Town), Nathan Hardwick (Newport YMCA), Ryan Hayward (Croesyceiliog), Kirk Hicks (Panteg, including three for Lliswerry), Craig Lewis (Chepstow Town), Rhys Luffman (Lliswerry), Tre Marrett (Newport YMCA), Paul Michael (Risca United), Sam Rushworth (Chepstow Town), Jordan Ryan (Panteg), Gyles Thompson (Undy Athletic) Tom Wise (Panteg). 2 - Paul Clayton (Undy Athletic), Owen Cook (Cwmbran Celtic), Richard Crees (Cwmbran Celtic), Lloyd Dando (Treowen Stars), Josh Evans (Treowen Stars), Louis Feeley (Chepstow Town), Luke Fernquest (Croesyceiliog), Marc Gunter (Newport Civil Service), Jordan Harding (Goytre), Matt James (Caldicot Town), Alex Jenkins (Newport YMCA), Rhys Jones (Aberbargoed Buds), Kazeem Kareen (Lliswerry), Ben Lawrence (Newport YMCA), Liam Macan (Tredegar Town), Lee Mason (Panteg), Gavin Meacham (Aberbargoed Buds), Calum Miles (Goytre), Joe O'Brien (Newport YMCA), Craig Price (Treowen Stars), Nick Potts (Chepstow Town), Safian Skupinski, (Lliswerry), Mitchell Slape (Caldicot Town), Kieron Thomas (Aberbargoed Buds), Elliott Williams (Aberbargoed Buds), Jon Williams (Panteg), Ben Wotton (Caerleon). 1 - Jack Alderdice (Monmouth Town), Adam Alkysi (Tredegar Town), Gareth Appleby (Panteg), Josh Ball (Tredegar Town), Michael Baugh (Cwmbran Celtic, no longer with the club), James Barnes (Undy Athletic), Tom Barry (Llanwern), Gareth Bennett (Caerleon, including one for Chepstow Town), Joe Bidgood (Newport YMCA), Mike Binning (Undy Athletic), Steven Boucher (Lliswerry), Dafydd Brewer (Aberbargoed Buds), Gareth Cleverly (Newport Civil Service), Jacob Cross (Aberbargoed Buds), Simon Crook (Caldicot Town), Tom Dando (Cwmbran Celtic), Ben Davies (Monmouth Town), Nathan Davies (Goytre), Aysa El-Doory (Newport Civil Service), Yousif El-Doori (Caerleon), Alex Evans (Goytre), Ben Evans (Monmouth Town), Gary Evans (Treowen Stars), Joe Gibson (Lliswerry), Dean Goddard (Newport YMCA), Lewis Grant (Chepstow Town), Jordan Harding (Goytre), Jack Hardman (Newport Civil Service), Jack Harvey (Chepstow Town), Luke Harris (Treowen Stars), Mo Hassan (Newport YMCA), Craig Hewitt (Tredegar Town), Rhys Hodges (Cwmbran Celtic), Sam Hunt (Monmouth Town), Luis James (Panteg), Robbie James (Llanwern), Tommy James (Treowen Stars), Ashley Johnson (Lliswerry), Grant Jones (Treowen Stars), Luke Jones (Cwmbran Celtic), Sean Feeley (Cwmbran Celtic), Jason Lewis (Newport YMCA), Scott Lewis (Caerleon), Owen Llewellyn (Cwmbran Celtic), Will McConnell (Caldicot Town), Craig McDonnell (Aberbargoed Buds), Nick McGrath (Croesyceiliog), Steffan Marchant (Croesyceiliog), Nick Maynard (Llanwern), Ryan Meek (Treowen Stars), Dave Mellon (Newport Civil Service), Adam Meredith (Tredegar Town), Gavin Millar (Panteg), Lee Morgan (Newport Civil Service), Dale Morris (Llanwern), Ian Morris (Tredegar Town), Mark Morris (Croesyceiliog), Lewys Nash (Aberbargoed Buds), Sam Oakley (Caerleon), Ashley Palmer (Chepstow Town), John Pardue (Newport YMCA), Rakesh Patel (Cwmbran Celtic), Marcus Power (Undy Athletic), Tyla Preece (Aberbargoed Buds), James Price (Tredegar Town), Anthony Richards (Croesyceiliog), Leigh Sharp (Risca United), Richie Shire (Lliswerry), Jack Sinderby (Croesyceiliog), Andrew Smith (Monmouth Town), Richard Stansfield (Chepstow Town), Alex Stewart (Newport YMCA), Lewis Sweetland (Newport Civil Service), Simon Truman (Goytre), Alex Waters (Caerleon), Jake Wainright (Goytre), Ben Watson (Caerleon), Jack Wellington (Croesyceiliog), Steve Wilson (Caldicot Town), Ben Wotton (Caerleon), Joel Worgan (Tredegar Town). CLEAN-SHEETS: 12 - Caldicot Town. 8 - Tredegar Town. 7 – Lliswerry. 6 - Monmouth Town. 5 - Goytre; Panteg. 4 - Aberbargoed Buds; Chepstow Town; Undy Athletic. 3 - Caerleon; Cwmbran Celtic; Llanwern; Newport Civil Service; Newport YMCA; Risca United; Treowen Stars. 2 – Croesyceiliog.
CARDIFF GRANGE HARLEQUINS 21 March 2015 It is with regret the League has received confirmation of the withdrawal of Cardiff Grange Harlequins with immediate effect.
GWENT SATURDAY PREVIEW 20 March 2015 from Terry Daley Saturday - kick offs 2.30pm. Division One (figures in brackets relate to league positions of 16). Pen-Y-Pound Stadium, Abergavenny: Monmouth Town (6) v Ton Pentre (13). Despite having lost more games (8) than any other club in the top six, Monmouth can still reach the 60-point mark and that total could be enough for them to make a successful defence of their title. That may sound a bit far fetched, but anything can yet happen - especially considering no one team is proving to be dominant. And with three wins from their last four outings, The Kingfishers are certainly in good enough form to post a quick-fire double having won 2-0 at Ton Pentre a couple of weeks ago. The visitors were 2-1 victors at home against Taffs Well the weekend previously, although that ended a sequence of four consecutive league defeats. Form guide: Monmouth Town: W L W L W W Ton Pentre: L L L L W L Recreation Ground: Pontardawe Town (15) v Goytre (9). Several missed penalties over recent weeks has cost Goytre league points and the likelihood is they will end up finishing in seventh of eighth place. That would be another fair effort following on from their debut top-flight finish of fifth in 2013-14, when they totalled 54 points - 24 more than they currently have and with nine fixtures remaining. This encounter, though, does offer player-boss Carl Evans' side a reasonable chance of securing win number 10 from 22 starts. Pontardawe appear nailed on for relegation to the second tier and here will begin having won only one of their previous 10 league matches. Form guide: Pontardawe Town: L L D L L L Goytre: L D W L W L Division Two (figures in brackets relate to league positions of 16). Cold Bath Road: Caerleon (14) v Barry Town United (1). A recent run of a win and a draw following the arrival of several experienced players raised hopes Caerleon could claw themselves away from the drop zone. However a 1-0 home loss to fellow-strugglers Tata Steel, who have since won again, means they remain firmly entrenched in the bottom three. But Caerleon do have games in hand over the four sides immediately above them, although here could be facing a 'wounded animal'. Barry Town United lost their proud unbeaten 24-game record last Saturday, when they were defeated 3-1 at home by mid-table Undy Athletic. Form guide: Caerleon: L L L W D L Barry Town United: W W W D W L Larkfield Ground: Chepstow Town (8) v Llanwern (4). Chepstow were going quite well until a run of only two wins from 10 outings has placed them in mid-table with just seven league fixtures left. Indeed with only three points won from the last 12, it has to be said they will start this local derby as slight underdogs. But Llanwern's promotion prospects look grim following a 3-1 home defeat by Croesyceiliog on Wednesday night, Robbie James scoring for the home side and Luke Fernquest (2) and Hishi Lama for the visitors. The outcome means they have won only once in their last four league matches and this is a clash which could well end all square. Form guide: Chepstow Town: W L L W L L Llanwern: D W L W D L The Murch, Sunnycroft Lane: Dinas Powys (16) v Caldicot Town (2). It's now 14 game unbeaten for Caldicot, whose bid for promotion to Division One is entirely in their own hands and are certainly not looking out for any other club's results. Have recorded more clean-sheets (12) than any other Gwent clubs this season and one of those was in the 3-0 home win over Dinas Powys on February 21. Here Caldicot welcome back top goalscorer Jason Thorn and skipper David Biggs from injury and unavailability respectively, but are minus the suspended Matt James Having secured only 12 of a possible 66 points, it's really extremely difficult to make a case for Dinas Powys escaping relegation to Division Three. Form guide: Dinas Powys: D W L L L L Caldicot Town: D D W W W W Ty-Isaf Park: Risca United (9) v Aberbargoed Buds (3). Risca have put together a mini run of four without defeat and can certainly count themselves unlucky to have been held 1-1 by hosts Cwmbran Celtic last weekend. Are not completely out of the running for promotion, but would probably have to win six and draw at least one of their last nine fixtures. Aberbargoed moved a step closer to first-time promotion back to Division One on Wednesday night, when they emerged 4-2 home victors over Penrhiwceiber Rangers. Jordan Maisey, Kieran Thomas, Liam Shaw and Tom McCarthy were on target with the latter's goal taking his campaign league tally to 19. Form guide: Risca United: L L W D W D Aberbargoed Buds: D D W L W W The Causeway: Undy Athletic (7) v Cwmbran Celtic (6). Undy will hope it's not a case of after the Lord Major's Show following on from their magnificent 3-1 away win over previously-unbeaten leaders Barry Town United. That win actually ended a run of three successive defeats and like several others outside of the top three, can not yet be ruled out of the promotion race. Celtic's 1-1 result against visiting Risca was, amazingly, their 10th draw in 20 league games and had they managed to win just half of them, would now be seven points clear of the fourth-placed club. Celtic won this game 1-0 via a Dominic Connor goal when it was played on their Celtic Park in mid-November and anything less than another three points will severely dent their hopes of going up. Form guide: Undy Athletic: W W L L L W Cwmbran Celtic: D W D D W D Division Three (figures in brackets relate to league positions of 19). Mount Pleasant Park, Beddau: Cwm Welfare (12) v Newport YMCA (14). In terms of the relegation issue, both these sides appear to have enough points on the board to ensure they retain their league status for 2015-16. YMCA are fresh from a fine 1-0 away triumph over Llantwit Major, where Nial Simmons scored from the penalty spot to take his campaign league tally to 10. The clean-sheet was only their third in 24 fixtures and success here will bring their win total for the season to 10 from 27 matches. Cwm have experienced some inconsistent from in their debut campaign, but posted one of their best wins in seeing off visiting Rhoose 4-1 last time out. Form guide: Cwm Welfare: D L L W L W Newport YMCA: L L W L D W Shannon Close, Bettws: Newport Civil Service (18) v Llanelli Town (1). If it's three to go down, then NCS are 10 points from safety - but with half a dozen matches in hand over Bettws - and, amazingly, this game marks the start of the second half of their 36-fixture programme. However most clubs above them have recently picked up valuable points and it's getting to the stage where those games in hand may suddenly county for nothing. If it's only two which gets relegated out of the league, then NCS' position is much better as they trail Treharris Athletic Western by a single point having played one fixture less. Llanelli Town are nailed to to go up to Division Two and this is the first of two meetings between the clubs in a short period of time as they face each other again on April 1 at Stebonheath Park. Form guide: Newport Civil Service: L L W W L L Llanelli: W W W L W W Panteg House, Griffithstown: Panteg (9) v Ammanford (2). Panteg are 14 points behind a promotion spot with four games in hand and with 45 to still play for, still have an outside chance of going up to the second flight. However inconsistency seems likely to thwart their bid and a record of only three wins from their last 11 league matches is hardly an inspiring stat. Nonetheless, manager Mark Taylor's side will relish a challenge against the division's second-best side, which won 3-1 at Panteg five days before Christmas. Ammanford consolidated second position on Tuesday with a 1-0 home success over Caerau, their 19th victory in 24 league games. Form guide: Panteg: L L W L W D Ammanford: L D W W L W W Bush Park: Treowen Stars (13) v Tredegar Town (4). This is a clash between two of the county's most in-form clubs as between them they have won seven on their last nine league fixtures. For Treowen, that has meant a climb away from the relegation zone while Tredegar have been able to maintain contact with the promotion pack. Treowen, though, will start on the back of a 3-1 away defeat at the hands of table-topping Llanelli Town while Tredegar were 4-1 home winners over promotion rivals Lliswerry. On the face of it, a draw would probably suit Treowen better, although the teams have drawn only eight of the 46 league games they have played this season. Form guide: Treowen Stars: W D W W W L Tredegar: L W W L W W
GWENT MID-WEEK ROUND-UP 18 March 2015 from Terry Daley ABERBARGOED Buds took firm control of their promotion destiny with a 4-2 home victory over Penrhiwceiber Rangers while Llanwern's hopes of going up nose-dived following a 3-1 defeat by visiting Croesyceiliog. At The Recreation Ground, Aberbargoed led 3-1 at the break and although Penrhiwceiber pulled one back, a fourth goal enabled manager Adrian Needs' side to claim a 12th win in their 21st game of the season. They now move onto 40 points, five more than fourth-placed Llanwern, who have played three more games, and six ahead of Cwmbran Celtic (sixth), who have played one matches less. Their goals came from Jordan Maisey, Kieran Thomas, Tom McCarthy and Liam Shaw with McCarthy taking his campaign league tally to 19. Some extremely poor defending from Llanwern and some good attacking play from Croesyceiliog at Newport Stadium meant the visitors held a 3-1 advantage at the break. The visitors swept into a 3-0 lead thanks for efforts from Hishi Lama (2nd minute), Luke Fernquest (two) (15th and 28th) before Llanwern left back Robbie James reduced the arrears on 32 minutes. The second period was goal-less and the outcome moves Croesyceiliog above AFC Llwydcoed into 10th position with their ninth success in 23 starts. * On Tuesday night, Lliswerry remained in fifth place in the Division Three table after drawing 0-0 with hosts Rhoose at Jenner Park.
GWENT WEDNESDAY PREVIEW 18 March 2015 from Terry Daley Division Two (figures in brackets relate to table positions of 16) - both 7.30pm kick offs. Recreation Ground: Aberbargoed Buds (3) v Penrhiwceiber Rangers (12). With only one defeat in their last six outings, Aberbargoed will be the more fancied side to win here and welcome back a couple of regulars. Returning from a four-game ban is Liam Shaw while Scott Armitage is back after missing last Friday's 4-1 home win over Croesyceiliog due to a family bereavement. Tom McCarthy scored twice in that win to take his season's league tally to 18 with Armitage the club's second top goalscorer with eight. Despite other clubs behind them still being in the hunt to pip Aberbargoed to the third and final promotion spot, manager Adrian Needs' side is in the driving seat and victory here will strengthen their bid for a first-time return to Division One. Rangers were 2-1 home victors over Undy Athletic last time out to ease their relegation fears, although they will certainly not want a repeat of the 6-0 defeat they suffered at the hands of visiting Aberbargoed last October. Form guide: Aberbargoed Buds: D D D W L W Penrhiwceiber Rangers: D W W L L W Newport Stadium: Llanwern (4) v Croesyceiliog (11). With 16 points gained from the last 27 on offer, Llanwern have put themselves in with an outside chance of earning a place in the top flight for 2015-16. However the odds are against them as although they trail third-placed Aberbargoed by just a couple of points, they've played three more games. They will, however, be able to call in skipper and midfielder Sam Hartrey from suspension and forward Matthew Flynn from injury., but wide man Gareth Delve has been ruled out for a month with a hamstring tear. Croesyceiliog will here seek to end a miserable run of three consecutive defeats and will be better off for the return of 17-goal striker Zac Osbourne from a three-match suspension. Their poor form has helped clubs below them close the points gap on Croesyceiliog, although the Woodland Road outfit appears to be capable of eventually climbing away from the danger zone. Form guide: Llanwern: D D W L W D Croesyceiliog: W L W L L L
GWENT TUESDAY PREVIEW 17 March 2015 from Terry Daley Division Three (figures in brackets relate to table positions of 16). Jenner Park, Barry: Rhoose (8) v Lliswerry (5) - kick off 7.30pm. LLISWERRY will again be minus leading goalscorer Josh Brown on Tuesday, when they must return to winning ways against hosts Rhoose to maintain their push for promotion to Division Two. Former Newport County Academy ace Brown has 22 league goals to his credit and heads the scorers' list for those player appearing for Gwent clubs. He missed the 4-1 away defeat against promotion rivals Tredegar Town on Saturday, when Safian Skupinski netted his second league goal of the season, due to serving the second of a three-match suspension. Also missing against Rhoose for the same reason is Ashley Sully, but Lliswerry welcome back Liam Screen from a two-match ban for the game. Manager Adam Corfield's men will start fifth of 19 and trail third-placed Cardiff Corinthians by four points, but with a match in hand with Tredegar sandwiched in between the pair - two points better off than Lliswerry. Rhoose also lost last weekend, going down 4-1 at Cwm Welfare, and will begin in eighth position - 10 points adrift of Lliswerry, but with four matches in hand. Form guide: Rhoose: W D L L W L Lliswerry: W W D L W L
17 March 2015 (22 March 2015) from Terry Daley FORMER Caerleon player and long-serving committee member Tommy Davies has passed away, aged 86. Mr Davies played for the club for 30 years from the 1940s and later filled almost every committee position during a 60-year association. He was among those influential in the building of the clubhouse with gaining a bar licence at Cold Bath Road. The funeral will take place at 10.00am at Croesyceiliog Crematorium, Cwmbran, on Wednesday, April 8.
GWENT WEEKEND ROUND-UP AND GWENT GOALSCORERS (LEAGUE ONLY) 16 March 2015 from Terry Daley UNDY Athletic produced the Welsh League result of the season in becoming the first side in 24 to defeat Division Two leaders Barry Town United, winning 3-1 at Jenner Park. The outcome was great news also for second-placed Caldicot Town and Aberbargoed Buds, third, who posted 4-0 and 4-1 home victories over derby rivals Chepstow Town and Croesyceiliog respectively. Tredegar Town took a giant step towards promotion to the middle tier with another Division Three win while in the top flight, Monmouth Town won but Goytre missed out in a seven-goal thriller at home. But it was Undy's magnificent triumph over Barry Town United which rightly grabs the headlines and nobody should point to the fact the table-toppers were down to nine men by the final whistle as a reason for the upset. That's because Undy were in total command at 3-0 when the first Barry player was dismissed and indeed they actually scored their goal after former Newport County defender Damon Searle became their second to be sent packing - after he had entered the fray as a substitute. Undy marksman Gareth Cullimore gave his side a 1-0 interval lead before he doubled the advantage on 50 minutes with a fine finish from a Tom Hooper assist. And it was Hooper who put the issued beyond doubt by making it 3-0 with a superb long-range free kick - with Barry's TJ Nagi grabbing a late consolation. The outcome moves Undy up a couple of places to seventh and they are only four points adrift of Aberbargoed - but having played two matches more. Aberbargoed got the weekend's action underway on Friday night with that 4-1 home win over Croesyceiliog thanks to a couple of goals from Tom McCarthy, who now has 18 for the season, Dafydd Brewer and Jordan Maisey - with Nick McGrath replying for the visitors, who drop one to 11th. Caldicot are now only eight points behind Barry Town United with each having just six fixtures remaining and their efforts against Chepstow came via Richard Sharratt, Simon Crook (pen), Sam Watkins and Dan Saunders as manager Mark Williams' side stretched its unbeaten league run to a 14th game. Immediately behind Aberbargoed are Llanwern, who were denied the full three points when they conceded a late and controversially-awarded penalty to hosts West End - after Matthew Hibbs has put them ahead with his 13th league goal. It was sixth versus eighth as Cwmbran Celtic entertained Risca United and a 1-1 draw, the home side's 10th in 20 outings, was a little harsh on the visitors. The game failed to ignite from the very off - except for a 21st-minute midfield clash between Celtic's Luke Thomas and Risca's Josh Hales which ended with both being straight red-carded. Risca deservedly held a 1-0 interval lead thanks to a fine goal from striker Tony Wallis, who strode onto a through ball before beating goalkeeper Giles Cutlan at his near post with 11 minutes of the first period remaining. After the break, Cutlan prevented his side from going 2-0 when he made an outstanding, one-handed save onto the bar to deny Aaron Colwill's header. And with time running out, Risca paid the price when Celtic's Owen Llewellyn tapped in from close range after another substitute, Sean Feeley, has headed into his path. Parity means Celtic, whose goal was their 500th in the Welsh League, and Risca trail Aberbargoed by one and five points with the latter having played one more game. Tredegar entertained Lliswerry in a fifth versus fourth Division Three encounter with the hosts coming out on top 4-1 with goals from Ian Pettit (2), Joshua Jones and Craig Hewitt with Lliswerry, who were minus suspended trio Josh Brown, Liam Screen and Ashley Sully, scored through Safian Skupinski. The teams remain in the same positions as do ninth-placed Panteg, who drew 1-1 away at Caerau, where Tom Wise was their scorer with a brilliant 35-yarder - although they dominated enough to have emerged winners. Another club staying put are Treowen Stars, whose 3-1 away defeat at the hands of leaders Llanelli Town leaves them 13th of 19 - Stephen Parfitt netting in the loss which ended a run of three successive wins. Despite a fine 1-0 away win over Llantwit Major, via an 89th-minute penalty by top scorer Nial Simmons, Newport YMCA failed to move up from 14th - although the win more or less secures their league status. However the same can not to said of one-from-the-bottom Newport Civil Service, who went down 3-1 at second-placed Ammanford, where Marc Gunter put them ahead. Monmouth failed to move up from sixth in Division One after a goal from Nick Harrhy earned them a 1-0 home success over Briton Ferry Llansawel while Goytre are still ninth following a 4-3 defeat by visiting promotion-seeking Haverfordwest County. Leading Goytre scorer Craig Moses missed an early penalty and although Calum Miles later equalised to make it 1-1, the West Walians took control by scoring twice more. But efforts from Matthew Prosser and Nathan Davies put Goytre level at 3-3 - only for Haverfordwest to sneak a late winner. Credit to the visitors who played the final 35 minutes with 10 players following a sending off and they also missed a penalty during this period. Mid-week fixtures (all 7.30pm). Tuesday. Division Three: Rhoose v Lliswerry. Wednesday. Division Two: Aberbargoed Buds v Penrhiwceiber Rangers Llanwern v Croesyceiliog. Gwent goalscorers (League only). ABERBARGOED Buds' Tom McCarthy scored twice in a 4-1 home success over county rivals Croesyceiliog to move five behind leading scorer Josh Brown, of Lliswerry. 23 - Josh Brown (Lliswerry). 18 - Tom McCarthy (Aberbargoed Buds). 17 - Zac Osbourne (Croesyceiliog). 15 - Leo Ross (Chepstow Town). 14 - Jason Thorn (Caldicot Town). 13 - Nick Harrhy (Monmouth Town), Matthew Hibbs (Llanwern), Craig Moses (Goytre) 12 - Jon Butcher (Panteg), Gareth Cullimore (Undy Athletic), Dan MacDonald (Monmouth Town), Ian Pettit (Tredegar Town). 11 - Tomas Lynch (Tredegar Town). 10 - Niall Simmons (Newport YMCA), Tony Willis (Risca United). 9 - Ricky Amos (Treowen Stars), Olly Beckett (Undy Athletic), Dale Cook (Lliswerry). 8 - Scott Armitage (Aberbargoed Buds), Matthew Flynn (Llanwern, including seven for Pontypridd Town), Steven Hughes (Tredegar Town), Hishi Lama (Croesyceiliog, including one for Chepstow Town), Luke Lewis (Cwmbran Celtic). 7 - Daniel Battle (Risca United, including six for Tredegar Town), Josh Bull (including two for Monmouth Town), Jamie Davies (Caerleon), Gareth Delve (Llanwern), Luke Dyke (Panteg, including one for Croesyceiliog), Dan Hooper (Llanwern), Nic Hooper (Llanwern), Dave Hurley (Risca United), Dan Saunders (Caldicot Town), Richard Sharratt (Caldicot Town), Dan Stoneman (Lliswerry). 6 - Dominic Connor (Cwmbran Celtic), Ben Davies (Undy Athletic), Josh Jones (Tredegar Town), Derice McLean (Newport Civil Service - no longer with club), Ben Taylor (Panteg), Kyle Williams (Risca United). 5 - Josh Collier (Risca United), Mark Dunn (Caerleon, including three for Chepstow Town), Elliot Evans (Monmouth Town), James Francis (Caerleon), Jordan Jones (Llanwern), Matt Prosser (Goytre), Luke Thomas (Cwmbran Celtic), James Young (Goytre). 4 - Aaron Colwill (Risca United), Lewis Coote (Treowen Stars), Dan Edwards (Lliswerry), Chris Ham (Monmouth Town, now of Carmarthen Town), Liam Head (Caerleon), Joe Howells (Lliswerry), Chris Jones (Treowen Stars), David Lloyd (Caldicot Town), Chris Quinlan (Tredegar Town), Mark Organ (Chepstow Town), Stephen Parfitt (Treowen Stars), Craig Price (Treowen Stars), Dean Randall (Treowen Stars). 3 - Wayne Antoniazzi (Aberbargoed Buds), Jamie Arnold (Croesyceiliog), Michael Bishop (Llanwern), Dan Clouth (Croesyceiliog), Luke Cueto (Caerleon), Marc Curtis (Llanwern), Gary Evans (Treowen Stars), Max Fessey (Lliswerry), Elliott Ford (Monmouth Town), Nathan Hardwick (Newport YMCA), Ryan Hayward (Croesyceiliog), Kirk Hicks (Panteg, including three for Lliswerry), Tom Hooper (Undy Athletic), Andrew Larcombe (Cwmbran Celtic), Craig Lewis (Chepstow Town), Rhys Luffman (Lliswerry), Jordan Maisey (Aberbargoed Buds), Tre Marrett (Newport YMCA), James Martin (Newport YMCA), Paul Michael (Risca United), Sam Rushworth (Chepstow Town), Jordan Ryan (Panteg), Liam Shaw (Aberbargoed Buds), Gyles Thompson (Undy Athletic) Tom Wise (Panteg). 2 – Tom Berry (Newport Civil Service), Paul Clayton (Undy Athletic), Owen Cook (Cwmbran Celtic), Richard Cress (Cwmbran Celtic), Lloyd Dando (Treowen Stars), Josh Evans (Treowen Stars), Marc Gunter (Newport Civil Service), Jordan Harding (Goytre), Matt James (Caldicot Town), Alex Jenkins (Newport YMCA), Rhys Jones (Aberbargoed Buds), Kazeem Kareen (Lliswerry), Ben Lawrence (Newport YMCA), Lee Mason (Panteg), Gavin Meacham (Aberbargoed Buds), Calum Miles (Goytre), Joe O'Brien (Newport YMCA), Craig Price (Treowen Stars), Nick Potts (Chepstow Town), Safian Skupinski, (Lliswerry), Mitchell Slape (Caldicot Town), Elliott Williams (Aberbargoed Buds), Jon Williams (Panteg), Ben Wotton (Caerleon). 1 - Jack Alderdice (Monmouth Town), Adam Alkysi (Tredegar Town), Gareth Appleby (Panteg), Josh Ball (Tredegar Town), Michael Baugh (Cwmbran Celtic), James Barnes (Undy Athletic), Tom Barry (Llanwern), Gareth Bennett (Caerleon, including one for Chepstow Town), Joe Bidgood (Newport YMCA), Mike Binning (Undy Athletic), Steven Boucher (Lliswerry), Daffyd Brewer (Aberbargoed Buds), Gareth Cleverly (Newport Civil Service), Jacob Cross (Aberbargoed Buds), Simon Crook (Caldicot Town), Tom Dando (Cwmbran Celtic), Nathan Davies (Goytre), Aysa El-Doory (Newport Civil Service), Yousif El-Doori (Caerleon), Alex Evans (Goytre), Ben Evans (Monmouth Town), Gary Evans (Treowen Stars), Louis Feeley (Chepstow Town), Joe Gibson (Lliswerry), Dean Goddard (Newport YMCA), Lewis Grant (Chepstow Town), Jordan Harding (Goytre), Jack Hardman (Newport Civil Service), Jack Harvey (Chepstow Town), Luke Harris (Treowen Stars), Mo Hassan (Newport YMCA), Craig Hewitt (Tredegar Town), Rhys Hodges (Cwmbran Celtic), Sam Hunt (Monmouth Town), Luis James (Panteg), Tommy James (Treowen Stars), Ashley Johnson (Lliswerry), Grant Jones (Treowen Stars), Luke Jones (Cwmbran Celtic), Jason Lewis (Newport YMCA), Scott Lewis (Caerleon), Owen Llewellyn (Cwmbran Celtic), Will McConnell (Caldicot Town), Craig McDonnell (Aberbargoed Buds), Nick McGrath (Croesyceiliog), Liam Macan (Tredegar Town), Steffan Marchant (Croesyceiliog), Nick Maynard (Llanwern), Ryan Meek (Treowen Stars), Dave Mellon (Newport Civil Service), Adam Meredith (Tredegar Town), Gavin Millar (Panteg), Lee Morgan (Newport Civil Service), Dale Morris (Llanwern), Ian Morris (Tredegar Town), Mark Morris (Croesyceiliog), Lewys Nash (Aberbargoed Buds), Sam Oakley (Caerleon), Ashley Palmer (Chepstow Town), John Pardue (Newport YMCA), Rakesh Patel (Cwmbran Celtic), Marcus Power (Undy Athletic), Tyla Preece (Aberbargoed Buds), James Price (Tredegar Town), Anthony Richards (Croesyceiliog), Leigh Sharp (Risca United), Richie Shire (Lliswerry), Jack Sinderby (Croesyceiliog), Andrew Smith (Monmouth Town), Alex Stewart (Newport YMCA), Lewis Sweetland (Newport Civil Service), Kieron Thomas (Aberbargoed Buds), Simon Truman (Goytre), Alex Waters (Caerleon), Jake Wainright (Goytre), Ben Watson (Caerleon), Jack Wellington (Croesyceiliog), Steve Wilson (Caldicot Town), Ben Wotton (Caerleon), Joel Worgan (Tredegar Town). CLEAN-SHEETS: 12 - Caldicot Town. 7 - Tredegar Town. 6 – Lliswerry. 5 – Goytre; Monmouth Town; Panteg. 4 - Aberbargoed Buds; Chepstow Town; Undy Athletic. 3 - Caerleon; Cwmbran Celtic; Llanwern; Newport Civil Service; Newport YMCA; Risca United; Treowen Stars. 2 – Croesyceiliog
GWENT WEEKEND PREVIEW 13 March 2015 from Terry Daley Friday - kick off 7.30pm. Division Two (figures in brackets relate to league positions of 16). Recreation Ground: Aberbargoed Buds (3) v Croesyceiliog (10). Aberbargoed must win here, otherwise their status as promotion favourites will be called into question - even though they were a tad unlucky to lose 1-0 at home against unbeaten leaders Barry Town United last Saturday. Have taken only 12 points from the last 10 matches and rely heavily on Tom McCarthy and Scott Armitage for goals, the pair currently on 16 and eight respectively. Croesyceiliog lost their last two fixtures having previously won four out of five and are currently nine points off the third-from-bottom slot held by Caerleon. This is a tough ask for them to avoid a third successive defeat, especially considering they will be minus suspended 17-goal leading scorer Zac Osbourne. Form guide: Aberbargoed Buds: L D D D W L Croesyceiliog: W W L W L L Saturday – kick offs 2.30pm. Division One (figures in brackets relate to league positions of 16). Plough Road: Goytre (8) v Haverfordwest County (4). Goytre still have enough points to play for (30) to make an impact on the top four and two wins from their last three outings suggests they are capable of a much higher finish. Unusually for them, scoring goals has been a problem this season and the stats reveal their tally of 36 is the lowest in the top 10. Wales under-23 semi-professional cap Craig Moses is their leading scorer with 13, but the next after him is James Young with five. The visitors have been trying to gain a Welsh Premier League spot for the last three seasons, but so far have only succeeded in shooting themselves in the foot time after time. Form guide: Goytre: L L D W L W Haverfordwest County: W W W L D D Pen-Y-Pound Stadium, Abergavenny: Monmouth Town (6) v Briton Ferry Llansawel (7). Monmouth's inconsistent results has blighted their whole season, although third place is certainly not beyond the defending champions. Were 2-0 winners at Ton Pentre recently, but their bid to reach the Gwent FA Senior Cup final by defeating hosts Tredegar Town on Wednesday was thwarted when the game was postponed because of a floodlight problem. Will be seeking a season's double having travelled back from Briton Ferry Llansawel as 4-2 victors last August, when Nick Harrhy hit a hat-trick with the other goal coming from the since-departed Chris Ham. The visitor's recent run of picking up just six of 21 points knocked them out of title contention, although they were 3-0 home victors over Garden Village last time out. Form guide: Monmouth Town: L W L W L W Briton Ferry Llansawel: L D D D L W Division Two (figures in brackets relate to league positions of 16). Jenner Park: Barry Town United (1) v Undy Athletic (9). Despite a third consecutive defeat, this time 3-1 at Llanwern in mid-week when Ben Davies scored with a brilliant 30-yard volley, Undy remain only four points off a promotion spot. However they have played a couple more games than Aberbargoed and the reality is Undy are almost certain to be again playing second-tier football in 2015-16. Defensively, there is not too much wrong because their goals against total of 33 (from 21 fixtures) is the lowest outside of the division's top six. Seemingly there is nothing to prevent Barry Town United from a earning promotion to the top flight and including this match, they are seven away from ending the campaign unbeaten. Form guide: Barry Town United: W W W W D W Undy Athletic: W W W L L L Jubilee Way: Caldicot Town (2) v Chepstow Town (7). Caldicot are within touching distance of Division One - no matter what happens to any other club below them in the table. A run of 13 games without a defeat clearly indicates they are worthy of promotion and here they will start as red-hot favourites to overcome their close rivals. In terms of picking up points, all is not well with Chepstow as a run of only nine from the last 27 has blunted their promotion charge. Having explained that, this is just the sort of challenge manager Dave Livermore will relish and without doubt his team will be up for the occasion. Form guide: Caldicot Town: W D D W W W Chepstow Town: D W L L W L Celtic Park: Cwmbran Celtic (6) v Risca United (8). It really is amazing how one win can affect a club and Celtic's 3-1 victory over visiting Llanwern last weekend has convinced many they will go onto pip Aberbargoed to the third and final promotion slot. It stretched their unbeaten run to a seventh game, although it goes without saying it will count for nothing if Celtic don't win again here. Following an horrendous run of five successive defeats, Risca have re-grouped well and are attempting to be unbeaten in four outings and mathematically are not yet out of the promotion race. Were 2-0 victors at Chepstow last time out and will also be aiming to avoid a campaign double defeat having lost 2-1 at home to Celtic 12 days before Christmas. Form guide: Cwmbran Celtic: W D W D D W Risca United: L L L W D W Pri Deri Park, Mayhill, Swansea: West End (5) v Llanwern (4). Llanwern moved up a quartet of places to fourth on Wednesday night with a 3-1 home success over county rivals Undy Athletic with goals coming from Marc Curtis, Matthew Hibbs and Dan Hooper. The outcome rekindled their promotion hopes following a same-scoreline defeat at Cwmbran Celtic previously, an outcome which ended their eight-match league and cup unbeaten run. They trail third-placed Aberbargoed on goal difference only having played three more fixtures and this match-up gives Llanwern an opportunity to avenge a 3-1 home defeat at the hands of West End on December 20. West End halted a run of four straight losses by winning 2-1 at Dinas Powys, but while they trail third place on goal difference only, have just five matches left and there are several other clubs expected to soon overtake them. Form guide: West End: D L L L L W Llanwern: W D D W L W Division Three (figures in brackets relate to league positions of 19). Recreation Ground: Ammanford (2) v Newport Civil Service (17). NCS still have much to do to claw themselves away from the exit door which will lead to the Gwent County League, although the signs are encouraging. Lost 2-1 at home to Llantwit Major last time out, a result which prevented them from gaining a third win on the trot since a recent recruitment campaign. If three are to go down, then they are 10 points from safety - but with as many as seven matches in hand over some teams above them. Obviously this will be an extremely tough task given the large gap between the table placings, but it must be pointed out Ammanford, having won their first 15 games, have lost four of their last seven matches. Form guide: Ammanford: L L D W W L Newport Civil Service: L L L W W L Athletic Ground: Caerau (15) v Panteg (8). Panteg are a dozen points away from a promotion slot with five fixtures in hand, although they still have 16 to fit in between now and the end of the season. That could hinder their bid to go up, especially should the suffer any more postponements, and that means Panteg may have to settle for another campaign in the lower level. Nonetheless they have made a favourable impression in their debut season since ending a 15-season absence with Jon Butcher their leading league goalscorer on 12. Caerau had won five out of six before a couple of consecutive defeats, including last Saturday's 3-0 loss at Treowen Stars, means they still remain near the drop zone. Form guide: Caerau: W L W W L L Panteg: W L L W L W Stebonheath Park: Llanelli Town (1) v Treowen Stars (13). It's extremely pleasing to report Treowen will here defend a five-game unbeaten run, a sequence which has taken them well clear enough of the danger zone. Indeed manager Simon Evans' side are just five points off a mid-table spot with top scorer Ricky Amos needing one more to reach double figures. It doesn't come any harder than a visit to face the divisional leaders and Llanelli Town's 2-0 home win over second-placed Ammanford in mid-week took them to the 60-point mark for the season. However a couple of weeks before, Tredegar Town lost only 1-0 at the venue while Lliswerry defeated Llanelli 3-1 at home recently. Form guide: Llanelli: L W W W L W Treowen Stars: L W D W W W Windmill Ground: Llantwit Major (11) v Newport YMCA (14). Although hugely inconsistent, YMCA appear to have enough about them to eventually secure league status for another season. Gained a valuable point from a credible 2-2 away draw against seventh-placed Pontypridd Town last weekend and here seek a ninth win in 26 starts. YMCA have scored just 33 goals in 25 league matches, but Nial Simmons has enjoyed a reasonable campaign in scoring nine of them. The hosts are eight points better off than YMCA and are booked for a mid-table end to the season and they were 2-1 away winners over Newport Civil Service last weekend. Form guide: Llantwit Major: L L W L L W Newport YMCA: L L L W L D Sports Complex: Tredegar Town (5) v Lliswerry (4). This really is a crucial clash between two teams who sit behind third-placed Cardiff Corinthians by only two and one point respectively - and with a game in hand. However with the Corries expected to defeat bottom-placed Cardiff Grange Harlequins at home, a draw here would be of no use to either side. Tredegar Town were not in action last weekend and were denied some match practice on Wednesday, when their scheduled home Gwent FA Senior Cup semi-final with Monmouth Town was postponed due to floodlight issues. Lliswerry scored a fine 3-1 home triumph over table-topping Llanelli Town last Saturday, their 14th victory in 23 league starts. Form guide: Tredegar: L L W W L W Lliswerry: L W W D L W
GWENT WEDNESDAY REPORT 11 March 2015 from Terry Daley Llanwern 3 Undy Athletic 1 LLANWERN returned to winning ways at Newport Stadium to boost their hopes of maintaining a place in the race to gain promotion to Division One. They recovered from Saturday's same-scoreline defeat at Cwmbran Celtic to move up a quartet of places to fourth and behind third-placed Aberbargoed Buds on goal difference only. However Llanwern have played three more matches than Aberbargoed and sixth-placed Celtic - who also have a trio of games in hand. Marc Curtis put Llanwern ahead around the five-minute mark before visiting forward Ollie Beckett passed over a great chance to level matters when he missed from the penalty spot just six minutes later. However Undy did manage to equalise via a brilliantly-struck 30-yard volley from Ben Davies just after the half-hour mark and Beckett was out of luck again when he hit the crossbar before team-mate James Barnes head wide when well placed. Llanwern went ahead for a second time through their top scorer Matthew Hibbs, who fired in his 12th league goal of the season on the hour mark and it was 3-1 with just 16 minutes remaining when Dan Hooper netted. Home goalkeeper Chris Golton kept Undy at bay with three good saves before his side went on to complete a deserved triumph - their 10th victory in 22 starts and they are next in action on Saturday, when travel down the M4 to face fifth-placed West End. Undy are remain ninth, although still only four points adrift of Aberbargoed, and they now face an extremely difficult task to gain a positive result - an away fixture against unbeaten leaders Barry Town United.
TREDEGAR TOWN V MONMOUTH TOWN POSTPONED THIS EVENING 11 March 2015 This evening's Gwent FA Senior Cup semi final between Tredegar Town and Monmouth Town has been postponed because of floodlight issues. Rearranged date to be advised.
GWENT WEDNESDAY PREVIEW 11 March 2015 from Terry Daley Division Two (figures in brackets relate to table positions of 16). Newport Stadium: Llanwern (7) v Undy Athletic (9) - kick off 7.30pm. BOTH of the teams will be well aware defeat could see an end to their already-slim hopes of achieving promotion to Division One. Therefore each needs to win this local derby and should Llanwern prevail, then they would go above three clubs into fourth place behind Aberbargoed Buds, who currently hold the third and final promotion spot. It would leave Llanwern trailing Aberbargoed by goal difference only, but having played three more matches with just eight remaining. Undy will also move up a trio of places to sixth should they gain the full three points and that would leave them just one adrift of Aberbargoed having played two fixtures more with nine left. Llanwern lost their unbeaten eight-match league and cup run last Saturday, when they went down 3-1 at Cwmbran Celtic, but welcome back suspended central defender Ben Burns. However they are still minus influential skipper and midfielder Sam Hartrey, who must serve the last of a three-match ban. Undy, whose coach Lawrence Owen spent nine seasons in Llanwern's dug-out, have striker Gareth Cullimore suspended and defender Gyles Thompson out with a shin problem while midfielder Martyn Phillips is doubtful with a knee strain. They will be bidding to avoid a third consecutive reverse to follow on from respective 2-1 losses at home against Croesyceiliog and at Penrhiwceiber Rangers last weekend. Form guide: Llanwern: W W D D W L Undy Athletic: L W W W L L Gwent FA Senior Cup, semi final: MATCH POSTPONED - FLOODLIGHT ISSUES Sports Complex: Tredegar Town v Monmouth Town - kick off 7.30pm. TREDEGAR will begin as underdogs to reach the final and will start fifth in the 19-strong Division Three table and are just a point adrift of third-positioned Cardiff Corinthians and with a match in hand. They will be without Lewis Parfitt and Craig Hewitt, but welcome back Liam Macan, Gethyn Jones and Thomas Jones to their squad. Division One champions Monmouth are currently sixth of 16 in the top flight, but would need several teams above them to experience form collapses if they are to make a successful defence of their title. Dan Clare, Elliot Ford and Rob Laurie all missed Saturday's 2-0 away win at Ton Pentre, but all will return to the squad - although Ashley Ford and Sam Hunt face late fitness tests. The winners to face either Panteg or Goytre, who meet at Newport Stadium on Wednesday, March 25.
GWENT SATURDAY ROUND-UP AND GWENT GOALSCORERS (LEAGUE ONLY) 9 March 2015 from Terry Daley CWMBRAN Celtic and Lliswerry both posted crucial 3-1 home victories wins to enhance their respective hopes of promotion from Division Two and Three. In the top flight, there were 2-0 wins for Monmouth Town and Goytre while Treowen Stars' lower-tier revival continued with a third successive triumph. Celtic entertained county rivals Llanwern knowing drawing nine of their first 18 league fixtures was seriously harming their prospects of first-time promotion back to the top tier. However a 3-1 success plus news of a 1-0 defeat at unbeaten leaders Barry Town United for third-placed Aberbargoed Buds, means manager Della Cheedy's troops are just a point adrift. Both clubs still have 11 games remaining and they are now rightly classed as joint favourites to go up behind Barry Town United and second-placed Caldicot Town. Up until the interval at Celtic Park, the sides were evenly balanced as the score stood level at 1-1 - with yet another draw looming for the home side. However there's little doubt unbeaten-in-six Celtic created the better chances during the second period - even thought they had to reply on two late goals to secure the triumph. Striker Luke Lewis' powerful drive bounced high into the air after it has struck the underside of the cross bar and he was first to react in heading home to make it 2-1 with just 10 minutes remaining. Then as the game entered stoppage time, substitute Luke Thomas fired home his side's third goal to register win number eight for Celtic. The home team went ahead on 19 minutes when Curtis Patel's pass was latched onto by Dom Connor, whose well-timed shot went in off the far post. Llanwern, managed by former Celtic boss Gareth Morgan, began to settle in though and after a Matthew Flynn header had been cleared off the line by home midfielder Rhys Williams, they took a deserved equaliser. However it's not a moment Celtic goalkeeper Giles Cutlan will want to recall as he allowed a fairly tame shot from Flynn to pass though his body. Both sides missed opportunities before and after the break, but just when it appeared parity would reign Celtic finally took control. Besides Aberbargoed, there were also 1-0 defeats at home for under strength Croesyceiliog and Caerleon against AFC Llwydcoed and Tata Steel respectively and a 2-1 away loss for Undy Athletic at Penrhiwceiber Rangers. Olly Beckett gave Undy a 47th-minute lead when he back-heeled in a Dan Jarman cross and after the home team had eventually gone 2-1 up, Jarman and Ben Davies both struck the woodwork while James Barnes missed a very good chance. Chepstow Town were also beaten at home, but at least the victors were Risca United, whose goals in a 2-0 success came from Dan Battle and Tony Wallis. The win was thoroughly deserved by a changed Risca outfit, whose winger Kyle Williams hit the crossbar with a long-range effort after Wallis had opened the scoring on 15 minutes. Battle doubled the advantage with a well-struck free kick before the break and although Chepstow did improve after it, they never really came close to reducing the deficit. Lliswerry faced a difficult task when they hosted Division Three table toppers Llanelli Town at Spytty Park as the west Walians had been beaten only twice in 23 previous league outings. However goals before the interval by Joe Gibson, Dan Edwards and Safian Skupinski put manager Adam Corfield's men in total control and although the visitors pulled one back after it, Lliswerry were worthy winners. They are now fourth and only a point behind Cardiff Corinthians with a match in hand with not-in-action Tredegar Town a further one adrift, having played the same amount of games as Lliswerry. Panteg moved up a couple of spots to eighth thanks to a 1-0 home triumph over Bettws, Jon Butcher taking his league goal tally to nine with an 84th-minute strike. Treowen stay 13th, but are looking increasingly safer against relegation - their 3-0 home victory over Caerau coming thanks to goals from Ricky Amos (2) and Chris Jones. Amos now has nine league goals to his credit while Jones has recently returned from Division One Ton Pentre with Treowen also fielding new midfield signings Shane Brewer and Steve Edwards. Newport YMCA aided their fight against the drop by picking up a point from a 2-2 draw at Pontypridd Town, but Newport Civil Service remain in the danger zone after being beaten 2-1 at home by Llantwit Major. YMCA looked like being 2-1 losers until Alex Jenkins levelled in the very last minute with Ben Lawrence getting their other goal while NCS suffered the opposite in conceding a stoppage-time effort. Recently-returned midfielder Marc Gunter was on the mark for NCS, whose player-boss Ben Burrows hit an upright with a free kick while the visitors' goalkeeper also made a fine save to prevent Callum Porter from adding to NCS' total. In Division One, champions Monmouth won 2-0 at Ton Pentre and Goytre by a similar scoreline against visiting Taffs Well with both having a player netting twice, goal-doubles for Elliot Evans and Craig Moses taking their respective league totals for five and 13. Mid-week fixtures (both 7.30pm): Wednesday. Welsh League, Division Two: Llanwern v Undy Athletic. Gwent FA Senior Cup, semi final: Tredegar v Monmouth Town. Gwent goalscorers (League only). GOYTRE'S Craig Moses scored both of his side's goals in a 2-0 home win over Taffs Well to take his campaign tally to 13 - ten behind leading marksman Josh Brown, of Lliswerry. 23 - Josh Brown (Lliswerry). 17 - Zac Osbourne (Croesyceiliog). 16 - Tom McCarthy (Aberbargoed Buds). 15 - Leo Ross (Chepstow Town). 14 - Jason Thorn (Caldicot Town). 13 - Craig Moses (Goytre) 12 - Jon Butcher (Panteg), Nick Harrhy (Monmouth Town), Dan MacDonald (Monmouth Town). 11 - Matthew Hibbs (Llanwern), Tomas Lynch (Tredegar Town). 10 - Gareth Cullimore (Undy Athletic), Ian Pettit (Tredegar Town). 9 - Ricky Amos (Treowen Stars), Olly Beckett (Undy Athletic), Dale Cook (Lliswerry), Niall Simmons (Newport YMCA), Tony Willis (Risca United). 8 - Scott Armitage (Aberbargoed Buds), Matthew Flynn (Llanwern, including seven for Pontypridd Town), Steven Hughes (Tredegar Town), Hishi Lama (Croesyceiliog, including one for Chepstow Town), Luke Lewis (Cwmbran Celtic). 7 - Daniel Battle (Risca United, including six for Tredegar Town), Josh Bull (including two for Monmouth Town), Jamie Davies (Caerleon), Gareth Delve (Llanwern), Luke Dyke (Panteg, including one for Croesyceiliog), Nic Hooper (Llanwern), Dave Hurley (Risca United), Dan Saunders (Caldicot Town), Richard Sharratt (Caldicot Town), Dan Stoneman (Lliswerry). 6 - Dominic Connor (Cwmbran Celtic), Dan Hooper (Llanwern), Derice McLean (Newport Civil Service - no longer with club), Ben Taylor (Panteg), Kyle Williams (Risca United). 5 - Josh Collier (Risca United), Ben Davies (Undy Athletic), Mark Dunn (Caerleon, including three for Chepstow Town), Elliot Evans (Monmouth Town), James Francis (Caerleon), Jordan Jones (Llanwern), Josh Jones (Tredegar Town), Luke Thomas (Cwmbran Celtic), James Young (Goytre). 4 - Aaron Colwill (Risca United), Lewis Coote (Treowen Stars), Dan Edwards (Lliswerry), Chris Ham (Monmouth Town, now of Carmarthen Town), Liam Head (Caerleon), Joe Howells (Lliswerry), Chris Jones (Treowen Stars), David Lloyd (Caldicot Town), Chris Quinlan (Tredegar Town), Mark Organ (Chepstow Town), Craig Price (Treowen Stars), Matt Prosser (Goytre), Dean Randall (Treowen Stars). 3 - Wayne Antoniazzi (Aberbargoed Buds), Jamie Arnold (Croesyceiliog), Michael Bishop (Llanwern), Dan Clouth (Croesyceiliog), Luke Cueto (Caerleon), Gary Evans (Treowen Stars), Max Fessey (Lliswerry), Elliott Ford (Monmouth Town), Nathan Hardwick (Newport YMCA), Ryan Hayward (Croesyceiliog), Kirk Hicks (Panteg, including three for Lliswerry), Andrew Larcombe (Cwmbran Celtic), Craig Lewis (Chepstow Town), Rhys Luffman (Lliswerry), Tre Marrett (Newport YMCA), James Martin (Newport YMCA), Paul Michael (Risca United), Stephen Parfitt (Treowen Stars), Sam Rushworth (Chepstow Town), Jordan Ryan (Panteg), Liam Shaw (Aberbargoed Buds), Gyles Thompson (Undy Athletic). 2 - Tom Berry (Newport Civil Service), Paul Clayton (Undy Athletic), Owen Cook (Cwmbran Celtic), Marc Curtis (Llanwern), Richard Cress (Cwmbran Celtic), Lloyd Dando (Treowen Stars), Josh Evans (Treowen Stars), Jordan Harding (Goytre), Tom Hooper (Undy Athletic), Matt James (Caldicot Town), Alex Jenkins (Newport YMCA), Rhys Jones (Aberbargoed Buds), Kazeem Karen (Lliswerry), Ben Lawrence (Newport YMCA), Jordan Maisey (Aberbargoed Buds), Lee Mason (Panteg), Gavin Meacham (Aberbargoed Buds), Joe O'Brien (Newport YMCA), Craig Price (Treowen Stars), Nick Potts (Chepstow Town), Mitchell Slape (Caldicot Town), Elliott Williams (Aberbargoed Buds), Jon Williams (Panteg), Tom Wise (Panteg), Ben Wotton (Caerleon). 1 - Jack Alderdice (Monmouth Town), Adam Alkysi (Tredegar Town), Gareth Appleby (Panteg), Josh Ball (Tredegar Town), Michael Baugh (Cwmbran Celtic), James Barnes (Undy Athletic), Tom Barry (Llanwern), Gareth Bennett (Caerleon, including one for Chepstow Town), Joe Bidgood (Newport YMCA), Mike Binning (Undy Athletic), Steven Boucher (Lliswerry), Gareth Cleverly (Newport Civil Service), Jacob Cross (Aberbargoed Buds), Simon Crook (Caldicot Town), Tom Dando (Cwmbran Celtic), Aysa El-Doory (Newport Civil Service), Yousif El-Doori (Caerleon), Alex Evans (Goytre), Ben Evans (Monmouth Town), Gary Evans (Treowen Stars), Louis Feeley (Chepstow Town), Joe Gibson (Lliswerry), Dean Goddard (Newport YMCA), Marc Gunter (Newport Civil Service), Lewis Grant (Chepstow Town), Jordan Harding (Goytre), Jack Hardman (Newport Civil Service), Jack Harvey (Chepstow Town), Luke Harris (Treowen Stars), Mo Hassan (Newport YMCA), Rhys Hodges (Cwmbran Celtic), Sam Hunt (Monmouth Town), Luis James (Panteg), Tommy James (Treowen Stars), Ashley Johnson (Lliswerry), Grant Jones (Treowen Stars), Luke Jones (Cwmbran Celtic), Jason Lewis (Newport YMCA), Scott Lewis (Caerleon), Will McConnell (Caldicot Town), Craig McDonnell (Aberbargoed Buds), Liam Macan (Tredegar Town), Steffan Marchant (Croesyceiliog), Nick Maynard (Llanwern); Ryan Meek (Treowen Stars), Dave Mellon (Newport Civil Service), Adam Meredith (Tredegar Town), Calum Miles (Goytre), Gavin Millar (Panteg), Lee Morgan (Newport Civil Service), Dale Morris (Llanwern), Ian Morris (Tredegar Town), Mark Morris (Croesyceiliog), Lewys Nash (Aberbargoed Buds), Sam Oakley (Caerleon), Ashley Palmer (Chepstow Town), John Pardue (Newport YMCA), Rakesh Patel (Cwmbran Celtic), Marcus Power (Undy Athletic), Tyla Preece (Aberbargoed Buds), James Price (Tredegar Town), Anthony Richards (Croesyceiliog), Leigh Sharp (Risca United), Richie Shire (Lliswerry), Jack Sinderby (Croesyceiliog), Safian Skupinski (Lliswerry), Andrew Smith (Monmouth Town), Alex Stewart (Newport YMCA), Lewis Sweetland (Newport Civil Service), Kieron Thomas (Aberbargoed Buds), Simon Truman (Goytre), Alex Waters (Caerleon), Jake Wainright (Goytre), Ben Watson (Caerleon), Jack Wellington (Croesyceiliog), Steve Wilson (Caldicot Town), Ben Wotton (Caerleon), Joel Worgan (Tredegar Town). CLEAN-SHEETS: 11 - Caldicot Town. 7 - Tredegar Town. 6 - Lliswerry. 5 - Goytre; Panteg. 4 - Aberbargoed Buds; Chepstow Town; Monmouth Town; Undy Athletic. 3 - Caerleon; Cwmbran Celtic; Llanwern; Newport Civil Service; Risca United; Treowen Stars. 2 - Croesyceiliog; Newport YMCA.
GWENT SATURDAY PREVIEW 6 March 2015 from Terry Daley SHOULD Aberbargoed Buds become the first team of 23 to defeat unbeaten leaders Barry Town United on Saturday, it would significantly boost their prospects of first-time promotion back to the top flight. Nathaniel Cars Welsh League (all 2.30pm kick offs). Division One (figures in brackets relate to league positions of 16). Plough Road: Goytre (9) v Taffs Well (8). Goytre are battling to secure a mid-table end to the campaign and could yet finish in the top six, although they must become far more consistent during their final 11 games. Player-boss Carl Evans' troops can match the best on their day, but being the top 11's lowest goalscorers - just 34 in 19 - has held them back. Will begin here on the back of last weekend's 2-1 away defeat by Aberdare Town, where 12-goal striker Craig Moses' penalty miss denied them a point. The visitors are just one point better off and lost by the same score at Ton Pentre and with these teams having identical playing records over the past three matches, a draw seems the favourites outcome. Form guide: Goytre: L L L D W L Taffs Well: W W W D W L Ynys Park: Ton Pentre (12) v Monmouth Town (6). The day is fast approaching when Monmouth will be described as former champions and they must recover from Tuesday's 2-1 home defeat at the hands of Caerau (Ely). Striker Nick Harrhy was The Kingfishers' scorer to take his season's league tally to 12, the same as attacking midfielder Dan MacDonald. Monmouth have defeated Ton this season, winning a Welsh Cup, round-one tie 3-0 at home last October, when Harrhy, MacDonald and the now-departed Chris Ham were their scorers. Ton, eight points adrift of Monmouth having played three matches less, ended a run of four straight defeats by winning 2-1 against visiting Taffs Well last time out. Form guide: Ton Pentre: W L L L L W Monmouth Town: L L W L W L Division Two (figures in brackets relate to league positions of 16). Recreation Ground: Aberbargoed Buds (3) v Barry Town United (1). Aberbargoed are unbeaten in four and halted a sequence of three consecutive draws by defeating visiting Swansea-based West End 5-2 a couple of weeks ago. Striker Tom McCarthy bagged a brace to take his campaign league total to 16 and since, results have gone his side's way remain in pole position to go up. Are currently 13 points behind second-placed Caldicot Town with four matches in hand and the teams meet at Caldicot's Jubilee Way ground on March 28. This, of course, is the ultimate test as the visitors are unbeaten in 22 league matches, the last a 2-2 draw at Cwmbran Celtic recently. Form guide: Aberbargoed Buds: W L D D D W Barry Town United: W W W W W D Cold Bath Road: Caerleon (13) v Tata Steel (14). Caerleon's recent recruitment drive produced four points from the last six on offer and their improved form has finally taken them out of the drop zone. Another positive is despite their lowly position, they actually have the best defensive record in the section's bottom seven, just 38 goals conceded in 20 outings. This is an extremely difficult game to predict a winner as both sides are on the up and it would be no surprise if it ended all square. Tata may well still be in the drop zone, but Wednesday's 2-2 draw at Cwmbran Celtic means it's just one defeat in eight for them now - although five have been drawn. Form guide: Caerleon: L L L L W D Tata Steel: D W D D L D Larkfield Ground: Chepstow Town (4) v Risca United (9). Despite losing five squad regulars recently, Chepstow returned to winning ways by edging a nine-goal thriller at AFC Llwydcoed. The victory took them up to the very edge of the promotion race, but the general feeling is they may just miss out - mainly because they've played more matches than their rivals. Risca have stabilised a rocking boat with a win and a draw following five successive defeats and it's a fact they are still only half a dozen points off a promotion spot. However a top-six place in now a much more realistic target for The Cuckoos, whose striker Tony Wallis scored a last-minute penalty to earn a 1-1 home draw with Caerleon last time out. Form guide: Chepstow Town: L D W L L W Risca United: L L L L W D Woodland Road: Croesyceiliog (10) v AFC Llwydcoed (11). Croesyceiliog put a 6-0 away thrashing at the hands on unbeaten, champions-elect Barry Town United by winning 2-1 away at county rivals Undy Athletic. However they can count themselves extremely unlucky to have slipped to a 1-0 defeat at second-placed Caldicot Town in mid-week, when the home side scored in the very last minute via Mitchell Slape. To make matters worse, Croesyceiliog will be minus top scorer Zac Osbourne, who missed a penalty and was then sent off at Jubilee Way. The visitors form run of seven defeats from their last nine outings has them just six points above the danger zone and they lost their last two games, both at home, 4-0 and 5-4 to Caerleon and Chepstow respectively. Form guide: Croesyceiliog: W W W L W L AFC Llwydcoed: L W L W L L Celtic Park: Cwmbran Celtic (7) v Llanwern (5). It may be worth checking to see if this game is on a pools coupon somewhere because given Celtic's passion for drawing games, it certainly appears to be worth a punt on parity. Their 'habit' surfaced yet again on Wednesday, when they were held for the ninth time in 18 games, this time 2-2 at Newport Stadium by Tata Steel - Dom Connor and skipper Richard Crees their scorers. Llanwern are unbeaten in their last six league matches and only leaders Barry Town United have scored more than their 46-goal tally and they played Celtic at Newport Stadium on February 18 - when it unsurprisingly ended 1-1. The hosts may not be the most free-flowing football side on the planet, but they do have a strong work ethic and they can still make an impact on the promotion race. Form guide: Cwmbran Celtic: D W D W D D Llanwern: W W W D D W Glasbrook Field: Penrhiwceiber Rangers (12) v Undy Athletic (8). Undy were very disappointed to have been beaten 2-1 at home by county rivals Croesyceiliog last weekend, when victory would have put them into fourth place. Their bid to quickly recover in mid-week was thwarted by the weather which forced a postponement of their away game against Ely Rangers. They are by no means out of the running to clinch promotion from ending the season in third spot, but because of their last result this is now a 'must-win' fixture. Rangers have been flirting with the drop zone of the vast majority of the season, have won only two of their last 11 games and were beaten lost 1-0 at Llanwern recently. Form guide: Penrhiwceiber Rangers: L D W W L L Undy Athletic: D L W W W L Division Three (figures in brackets relate to league positions of 19). Spytty Park: Lliswerry (5) v Llanelli (1). Lliswerry's prospects of playing Division Two football for the first time took a hit in mid-week, when they were beaten 3-1 at home by second-placed Ammanford. Kazeem Karen scored their goal, although the defeat means they are still just a single point off third spot (held by Tredegar Town) and with a match in hand. Their previous game was actually at Ammanford where they played well before being held 1-1, although they will have to re-produce that form here of they are to gain a positive result. The west Walians are in fine form and it appears only a matter of time before they clinch promotion and probably the divisional championship trophy. Form guide: Lliswerry: W L W W D L Llanelli: W L L W W W Shannon Close, Bettws: Newport Civil Service (17) v Llantwit Major (11). After reporting on such an horrendous run of straight defeats (13), I take great delight in explaining NCS are here gunning for a third successive victory. The turnaround, following the signing of a whole batch of Monmouth Town youth-team players plus a couple of 'old-boys', has given the club fresh hope of eventually climbing away from the relegation zone. There is, however, much work to be done, although it's quite a remarkable fact that NCS still have 22 league fixtures remaining - so with 66 points on offer, who am I to rule them out of promotion!! The visitors' slump in form has seen the slip to defeat four times in their last five outings, including a 3-0 home loss at the hands of Treowen Stars six days ago. Form guide: Newport Civil Service: L L L L W W Llantwit Major: W L L W L L Panteg House, Griffithstown: Panteg (10) v Bettws (16). Panteg are 13 points off a promotion spot and with four games in hand - although they will be aware there are several clubs who are in better positions. They were edged out in a seven-goal thriller at Tredegar Town on Wednesday, when Jon Butcher (2) and Ben Taylor were their scorers with the home side netting via Ian Pettit, Tomas Lynch, Steven Hughes and Joshua Jones (penalty). The records show that was Panteg's third loss in four and because of that, this clash must produce a win for manager Mark Taylor's men. Bettws' recent run of good form has kept them just above the drop zone and they were 2-0 away victors over basement outfit Cardiff Grange Harlequins on the same night. Form guide: Panteg: D W L L W L Bettws: W W D L W W Ynysangharad Park: Pontypridd Town (9) v Newport YMCA (15). With 24 points gained, YMCA are some 12 ahead of those in the drop zone - but their recent form is not good and they may still need three more wins to be absolutely safe. They really do need to tighten up at the back and only bottom-placed Cardiff Grange Harlequins have conceded more goals - 97 as opposed to 69. Are, remarkably, still waiting for the first draw after 24 league matches and the truth is, a point here would be most welcome. The hosts were on a good run of four unbeaten until they were defeated 3-1 at home by revitalised Newport Civil Service. Form guide: Pontypridd Town: L W D W W L Newport YMCA: L L L L W L Bush Park: Treowen Stars (13) v Caerau (14). Treowen will see this as a fine opportunity to continue their recent run of good form and it's not beyond them to eventually progress to clinch a mid-table end to the campaign. Manager Simon Evans' side has also been among the goals as no less than 14 were scored in compiling a sequence of three wins and a draw. Not unsurprisingly, that means they are now the highest goal scorers in the bottom seven with Ricky Amos their leading marksman with the same total. The visitors had won five of six until they were defeated 3-0 at home by Newport YMCA two weeks ago and the home side will begin as favourites to clinch the three points on offer. Form guide: Treowen Stars: D L W D W W Caerau: W W L W W L
GWENT WEDNESDAY ROUND-UP 5 March 2015 from Terry Daley Division Two. Jubilee Way: Caldicot Town 1 Croesyceiliog 0 There was a dramatic end to this county derby as each side had a player sent off, there was a missed penalty plus a last-minute winner for the promotion-seeking home team. Croesyceiliog's Zac Osbourne saw Caldicot goalkeeper Ben Davidson save his spot kick before he and the home side's Matt Trottman were both red-carded - with striker Mitchell Slape grabbing the last-minute winner. It was Caldicot's 11h clean-sheet in 23 league outings and they now have 50 points for the season and are almost within touching distance of regaining top-flight status while Croesyceiliog remain in 10th position. Newport Stadium: Cwmbran Celtic 2 Tata Steel 2. Just when it appeared Celtic were about to celebrate victory, up popped Tata full back Matthew Williams with two minutes left to head home the equaliser. However the goal was shrouded in controversy as Celtic claim the ball had not crossed the line as one of their defenders attempted to head Williams' effort clear. The visitors held a 1-0 interval lead, this time from a Matthew Lewis header, before Celtic struck back through goals from a Dom Connor free kick and a header from skipper Richard Crees at a Connor corner. However Williams' late effort means Celtic drew for a ninth time in 18 league outings - although they moved up one place to seventh above Undy Athletic while Tata remain 14th of 16. Division Three. Spytty Park: Lliswerry 1 Ammanford 3. This defeat for Lliswerry means they lose valuable ground in the race to gain Division Two football and with Tredegar defeating Panteg, they remain in fifth place. Lliswerry's goalscorer Kazeem Karen. Sports Complex: Tredegar Town 4 Panteg 3. Goals from Tomas Lynch, Ian Pettit, Steven Hughes and Joshua Jones (penalty) earned Tredegar the edge in this seven-goal thriller. The success was their 13th in 23 starts and took them up two places to third on 43 points and there was more good news later when it was discovered Lliswerry had been beaten at home by Ammanford. On target for Panteg where Jon Butcher (2) and Ben Taylor and they stay 10th in the 19-strong section.
GWENT WEDNESDAY PREVIEW 4 March 2015 from Terry Daley Division Two (figures in brackets relate to table positions of 16). Jubilee Way: Caldicot Town (2) v Croesyceiliog (10) - kick off 7.30pm. Victory for Caldicot will take them onto 50 points for the season and given they have the meanest defence in the entire league (for those clubs who have played more than 18 games), it would make them red-hot favourites to go up behind champions-elect Barry Town United. They are unbeaten in 12 league matches and will start on the back of Saturday's 2-1 away win at West End, their 14th success in 23 fixtures in which they have kept 10 clean-sheets. This is, however, no given because apart from a 6-0 thrashing at Barry, Croesyceiliog's form has been excellent and indeed they are only six points off third spot, having played a game more. Were also 2-1 away victors at the weekend, against hosts Undy Athletic, and their total of 41 goals conceded is the second lowest in the bottom seven. Form guide: Caldicot Town: W W D D W W Croesyceiliog: D W W W L W Newport Stadium: Cwmbran Celtic (8) v Tata Steel (14) - kick off 7.30pm. Statistics are firmly against the home side gaining promotion back to the top flight as only two of the last 15 clubs to have gone up drew more matches than Celtic's current total of eight. That was Aberbargoed Buds and Caerau (Ely), who both found parity 10 times when earning elevation to the top flight in 2012-13 - but that figure was from 30 games as opposed to Celtic's 17. Celtic, though, deserve great credit from recovering from a very-early 2-0 deficit at home against unbeaten leaders Barry Town United last weekend. Their respective league placings will hand Celtic the favourites tag, but be aware lowly Tata Steel have lost just once in their last seven fixtures - with four of those being draws! Form guide: Cwmbran Celtic: L D W D W D Tata Steel: D W D D L W Division Three (figures in brackets relate to table positions of 19). Spytty Park: Lliswerry (4) v Ammanford (2) - kick off 7.30pm. This match represents a fair chance for Lliswerry to continue their push for promotion to the second tier and it comes just four days after the teams drew 1-1 at Ammanford. Lliswerry striker Josh Brown was on the mark to take his league tally to 23 to stretch his lead at the top of the scorers' list for those players appearing for Gwent clubs. Should Lliswerry avoid defeat, it will take them above third-placed Cardiff Corinthians and they will still have a match in hand over the capital side. After winning their opening 15 games, Ammanford's form has dramatically nose-dived to show they have gained only one point from the last 12 on offer. Form guide: Lliswerry: L W L W W D Ammanford: W W L L L D Sports Complex: Tredegar Town (6) v Panteg (10) - kick off 7.15pm. Big game for both clubs, who rightly still harbour hopes of being involved in the race to go up - although each will be aware there are some clubs in much better positions. Tredegar were unlucky in losing 1-0 to hosts and leaders Llanelli Town last time out, but expect to have Liam Macan, Lewis Parfitt, Gethyn Jones and Thomas Jones all returning to the squad. Panteg earned a 5-2 home win over Cardiff Grange Harlequins last time out, but report they are minus eight members of their squad for this clash, Remarkably, this match marks the start of their second half on their 36-fixture programme and with still so many points to play for, manager Mark Taylor's men can still finish in a fairly lofty position. Form guide: Tredegar: W L L W W L Panteg: L D W L L W
GWENT TUESDAY PREVIEW 3 March 2015 from Terry Daley Division One (figures in brackets relate to table positions of 16). Pen-Y-Pound Stadium, Abergavenny: Monmouth Town (6) v Caerau (Ely) (5) - kick off 7.15pm kick off. ROB Laurie hopes becoming a father for the second time can inspire him to victory against the team immediately above Monmouth. However The Kingfishers' leading scorer, 22-goal Dan MacDonald, is doubtful for the game because of injury. Laurie, 29 and club captain, missed The Kingfishers 3-1 home win over Pontardawe Town on Saturday, due to the birth of his daughter and also missing were Elliot Ford, Sam Hunt and Ben Evans - but all are available for selection. The visitors are one spot above Monmouth in the 16-strong division and they were 3-0 victors at basement side AFC Porth at the weekend. Form guide: Monmouth Town: W L L W L W Caerau (Ely): D L D W D W Division Two: Station Road, Wenvoe: Ely Rangers (15) v Undy Athletic (7) - kick off 8.00pm. Undy must recover from Saturday's 2-1 home defeat at the hands of county rivals Croesyceiliog, their seventh defeat in 19 league fixtures. They will be without strikers Gareth Cullimore (suspended) and Dan Jarman (holiday) plus injured midfielders Martyn Phillips and Tom Hooper. Victory for Undy will take them up three places to fourth in the table and just one point off the third and final promotion spot held by Aberbargoed Buds. Ely are in danger of losing their second-tier status having won only five times in 23 starts and they were last in action on February 21, when they were beaten 4-1 by hosts Cwmbran Celtic. Form guide: Ely Rangers: W L L L L L Undy Athletic: D L W W W L
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GWENT SATURDAY ROUND-UP AND GWENT GOALSCORERS (LEAGUE ONLY) 2 March 2015 from Terry Daley CALDICOT Town inched closer to a place in the top flight thanks to a 2-1 win at Swansea-based West End, their 14th success in 23 Division Two starts. In the same section, Chepstow Town and Llanwern both won to stay on the heels of the promotion pack while in the bottom tier, it was a good day for Lliswerry, whose bid to go up was helped by them picking up a valuable away points while other rivals slipped up. Caldicot player-boss Mark Williams took his side down the M4 to the Mayhill area of Swansea to face West End, who were relegated from Division One at the end of last season. It was a tight affair, but Caldicot eventually emerged as 2-1 victors to consolidate second position and they are now a point closer to Barry Town United, who maintained their unbeaten status with a 2-2 draw at Cwmbran Celtic. Netting for Caldicot were David Lloyd and Dan Saunders while Chepstow moved up three to fourth behind not-in-action Aberbargoed Buds with a 5-2 home triumph over hosts AFC Llwydcoed. Leo Ross was their goalscoring hero with a hat-trick to take his campaign league tally to 15 with other goals coming via Louis Feeley and Mark Organ. Also elevating themselves up a trio of places were Llanwern, now fifth, whose effort in their 1-0 success over Penrhiwceiber Rangers was scored by Michael Bishop - although defender Ben Burns now faces a suspension after being sent off for picking up two yellow cards. Down two spots to seventh are Undy Athletic, who surprisingly lost 2-1 at home to Croesyceiliog, who leap-frogged Risca United into 10th spot. Undy took the lead before the break through Gyles Thompson, but goals after it by Jack Wellington and Jamie Arnold earned the visitors the win. Celtic entertained Barry Town United, who began with a bang with two goals in the opening seven minutes - first when a Jamie Bradford corner evaded everyone and in the first 60 seconds and then when Ryan Evans scored at another flag-kick after home goalkeeper Giles Cutlan had done well to initially parry a close-range shot. The home team, though, managed to gain a foothold on 23 minutes as Luke Lewis fired in after visiting goalkeeper Dan Bradley could only push out a deflected Dominic Connor cross. Manager Della Cheedy's men maintained the pressure and were duly rewarded on the hour mark, when Bradley's weak punch out of a Luke Jones lob was headed into an unguarded net by Owen Cook. The 2-2 draw, Celtic's eighth in 17 league outings, means they slip one from seventh and they are in action again on Wednesday, when they host Tata Steel at Newport Stadium. Risca drew their county derby against improving Caerleon 1-1 with the visitors looking likely to secure as second consecutive win following a goal from Liam Head. However despite having Matthew Russell sent off, Risca grabbed a last-minute equaliser thanks to a Tony Wallis penalty. Lliswerry made the long trek home from second-placed Ammanford with a point from a 1-1 draw and they are fourth only a point behind Cardiff Corinthians with a match in hand Striker Josh Brown scored yet again to take his campaign league total to 23, the highest among those playing for Gwent clubs, and they face a quick-fire return with the west Walians, who they host on Wednesday. Tredegar's promotion hopes took a knock as they were beaten 1-0 at table-topping Llanelli Town while of the remaining five local clubs in the section, only Newport YMCA didn't win. They were crushed 5-1 at Cardiff Corinthians, but Panteg beat visiting Cardiff Grange Harlequins 5-2, Treowen won 3-0 at Llantwit Major and Newport Civil Service were 3-1 victors at Pontypridd Town. Panteg's goals were posted by Jon Butcher (2), Tom Wise, Luke Duke and Luis James as they moved up a place to 10th of 19 with Treowen scoring via Dean Randall (2) and Josh Evans. NCS were without five regulars, but will managed to net goals by Tom Berry (2) and Jack Hardman and they are now favourites to move away from the drop zone. In Division One, defending champions Monmouth Town were 3-1 home winners over struggling Pontardawe Town, but Goytre fell to a 2-1 reverse at Aberdare Town. The Kingfishers' player-boss Andrew Smith came on as a substitute for his first appearance in two years and managed to score a penalty which supplemented goals from Nick Harrhy and Luke Cleaves. Goytre had only an own goal to show for their efforts with striker Craig Moses missing a penalty. Mid-week fixtures (7.30pm kick offs, unless stated). Tuesday. Division One: Monmouth Town v Caerau (Ely) (at Pen-Y-Pound Stadium, Abergavenny). Division Two: Ely Rangers v Undy Athletic (8.00pm). Wednesday. Division Two: Caldicot Town v Croesyceiliog Cwmbran Celtic v Tata Steel (at Newport Stadium). Division Three: Lliswerry v Ammanford Tredegar Town v Panteg (7.15pm). Gwent goalscorers (League only). LEADING scorer Josh Brown increased his lead at the top of the list after scoring Lliswerry's goal in a 1-1 draw at Ammanford. 23 - Josh Brown (Lliswerry). 17 - Zac Osbourne (Croesyceiliog). 16 - Tom McCarthy (Aberbargoed Buds). 15 - Leo Ross (Chepstow Town). 14 - Jason Thorn (Caldicot Town). 12 - Dan MacDonald (Monmouth Town). 11 - Nick Harrhy (Monmouth Town), Matthew Hibbs (Llanwern), Craig Moses (Goytre). 10 - Gareth Cullimore (Undy Athletic), Tomas Lynch (Tredegar Town). 9 - Jon Butcher (Panteg), Dale Cook (Lliswerry), Ian Pettit (Tredegar Town). 8 - Scott Armitage (Aberbargoed Buds), Olly Beckett (Undy Athletic), Matthew Flynn (Llanwern, including seven for Pontypridd Town), Hishi Lama (Croesyceiliog, including one for Chepstow Town), Luke Lewis (Cwmbran Celtic), Niall Simmons (Newport YMCA), Tony Willis (Risca United). 7 - Ricky Amos (Treowen Stars), Josh Bull (including two for Monmouth Town), Jamie Davies (Caerleon), Gareth Delve (Llanwern), Luke Dyke (Panteg, including one for Croesyceiliog), Nic Hooper (Llanwern), Steven Hughes (Tredegar Town), Dave Hurley (Risca United), Dan Saunders (Caldicot Town), Richard Sharratt (Caldicot Town), Dan Stoneman (Lliswerry). 6 - Daniel Battle (Risca United, including six for Tredegar Town), Dan Hooper (Llanwern), Derice McLean (Newport Civil Service - no longer with club), Kyle Williams (Risca United). 5 - Josh Collier (Risca United), Dominic Connor (Cwmbran Celtic), Ben Davies (Undy Athletic), Mark Dunn (Caerleon, including three for Chepstow Town), James Francis (Caerleon), Jordan Jones (Llanwern), Ben Taylor (Panteg), Luke Thomas (Cwmbran Celtic), James Young (Goytre). 4 - Aaron Colwill (Risca United), Lewis Coote (Treowen Stars), Chris Ham (Monmouth Town, now of Carmarthen Town), Liam Head (Caerleon), Joe Howells (Lliswerry), Josh Jones (Tredegar Town), David Lloyd (Caldicot Town), Chris Quinlan (Tredegar Town), Mark Organ (Chepstow Town), Craig Price (Treowen Stars), Matt Prosser (Goytre), Dean Randall (Treowen Stars) 3 - Wayne Antoniazzi (Aberbargoed Buds), Jamie Arnold (Croesyceiliog), Michael Bishop (Llanwern), Dan Clouth (Croesyceiliog), Luke Cueto (Caerleon), Dan Edwards (Lliswerry), Eliot Evans (Monmouth Town), Gary Evans (Treowen Stars), Max Fessey (Lliswerry), Elliott Ford (Monmouth Town), Nathan Hardwick (Newport YMCA), Ryan Hayward (Croesyceiliog), Kirk Hicks (Panteg, including three for Lliswerry), Chris Jones (Treowen Stars), Andrew Larcombe (Cwmbran Celtic), Craig Lewis (Chepstow Town), Rhys Luffman (Lliswerry), Tre Marrett (Newport YMCA), James Martin (Newport YMCA), Paul Michael (Risca United), Stephen Parfitt (Treowen Stars), Simon Prangley (Chepstow Town, now of Afan Lido), Sam Rushworth (Chepstow Town), Jordan Ryan (Panteg), Liam Shaw (Aberbargoed Buds), Gyles Thompson (Undy Athletic). 2 – Tom Berry (Newport Civil Service), Paul Clayton (Undy Athletic), Owen Cook (Cwmbran Celtic), Marc Curtis (Llanwern), Lloyd Dando (Treowen Stars), Josh Evans (Treowen Stars), Jordan Harding (Goytre), Tom Hooper (Undy Athletic), Matt James (Caldicot Town), Alex Jenkins (Newport YMCA)Rhys Jones (Aberbargoed Buds), Ben Lawrence (Newport YMCA), Jordan Maisey (Aberbargoed Buds), Lee Mason (Panteg), Gavin Meacham (Aberbargoed Buds), Joe O'Brien (Newport YMCA), Craig Price (Treowen Stars), Nick Potts (Chepstow Town), Elliott Williams (Aberbargoed Buds), Jon Williams (Panteg), Tom Wise (Panteg), Ben Wotton (Caerleon). 1 - Jack Alderdice (Monmouth Town), Adam Alkysi (Tredegar Town), Gareth Appleby (Panteg), Josh Ball (Tredegar Town), Michael Baugh (Cwmbran Celtic), James Barnes (Undy Athletic), Tom Barry (Llanwern), Gareth Bennett (Caerleon, including one for Chepstow Town), Joe Bidgood (Newport YMCA), Mike Binning (Undy Athletic), Steven Boucher (Lliswerry), Gareth Cleverly (Newport Civil Service), Richard Cress (Cwmbran Celtic), Jacob Cross (Aberbargoed Buds), Simon Crook (Caldicot Town), Tom Dando (Cwmbran Celtic), Aysa El-Doory (Newport Civil Service), Yousif El-Doori (Caerleon), Alex Evans (Goytre), Ben Evans (Monmouth Town), Gary Evans (Treowen Stars), Louis Feeley (Chepstow Town), Dean Goddard (Newport YMCA), Lewis Grant (Chepstow Town), Jordan Harding (Goytre), Jack Hardman (Newport Civil Service), Jack Harvey (Chepstow Town), Luke Harris (Treowen Stars), Mo Hassan (Newport YMCA), Rhys Hodges (Cwmbran Celtic), Sam Hunt (Monmouth Town), Luis James (Panteg), Tommy James (Treowen Stars), Ashley Johnson (Lliswerry), Grant Jones (Treowen Stars), Luke Jones (Cwmbran Celtic), Kazeem Karen (Lliswerry), Jason Lewis (Newport YMCA), Scott Lewis (Caerleon), Will McConnell (Caldicot Town), Craig McDonnell (Aberbargoed Buds), Liam Macan (Tredegar Town), Steffan Marchant (Croesyceiliog), Nick Maynard (Llanwern), Ryan Meek (Treowen Stars), Dave Mellon (Newport Civil Service), Adam Meredith (Tredegar Town)Calum Miles (Goytre), Gavin Millar (Panteg), Lee Morgan (Newport Civil Service), Dale Morris (Llanwern), Ian Morris (Tredegar Town), Mark Morris (Croesyceiliog), Lewys Nash (Aberbargoed Buds), Sam Oakley (Caerleon), Ashley Palmer (Chepstow Town), John Pardue (Newport YMCA), Rakesh Patel (Cwmbran Celtic), Marcus Power (Undy Athletic), Tyla Preece (Aberbargoed Buds), James Price (Tredegar Town), Anthony Richards (Croesyceiliog), Leigh Sharp (Risca United), Richie Shire (Lliswerry), Jack Sinderby (Croesyceiliog), Mitchell Slape (Caldicot Town), Andrew Smith (Monmouth Town), Alex Stewart (Newport YMCA), Lewis Sweetland (Newport Civil Service), Kieron Thomas (Aberbargoed Buds), Simon Truman (Goytre), Alex Waters (Caerleon), Jake Wainright (Goytre), Ben Watson (Caerleon), Jack Wellington (Croesyceiliog), Steve Wilson (Caldicot Town), Ben Wotton (Caerleon), Joel Worgan (Tredegar Town). CLEAN-SHEETS: 10 - Caldicot Town. 7 - Tredegar Town. 6 - Lliswerry. 4 - Aberbargoed Buds; Chepstow Town; Goytre; Panteg; Undy Athletic. 3 - Caerleon; Cwmbran Celtic; Llanwern; Monmouth Town; Newport Civil Service. 2 – Croesyceiliog; Newport YMCA; Risca United; Treowen Stars.
GWENT SATURDAY PREVIEW 27 February 2015 from Terry Daley CWMBRAN Celtic's ambitions for first-time promotion back to the top flight following last season's enforced relegation, will come under fierce examination on Saturday when they host the Welsh League's only unbeaten club, Division Two champions-elect Barry Town United. Nathaniel Cars Welsh League (all 2.00pm kick offs). Division One (figures in brackets relate to league positions of 16). Aberaman Park: Aberdare Town (12) v Goytre (9). Goytre are seeking to break into the top half of the table and indeed have enough games left to eventually finish in the first six. Will start on the back of last Saturday's 2-1 home win over lowly Garden Village, an outcome which ended a run of four without success. Although it could be said most clubs need to score more goals, in Goytre's case it's certainly true because their total of 33 is the lowest in the entire top 12. Aberdare are six points behind, although here they will bid for a third successive win and they've netted 10 goals in their last two outings - beating bottom-placed AFC Porth 6-1 and then winning 4-1 at Ton Pentre. Form guide: Aberdare Town: L L L L W W Goytre: W L L L D W Pen-Y-Pound Stadium, Abergavenny: Monmouth Town (8) v Pontardawe Town (15). It's been a disappointing season for champions Monmouth, who appear well out of contention to retain their title and they currently are 20 points off the top with only four fixtures in hand. They are definitely out of the League Cup following last weekend's 2-1, after-extra-time defeat by Llanwern at Newport Stadium and their only chance now of silverware lies in the Gwent FA Senior Cup. Nonetheless there is something to build on for next season, so it's far from being doom and gloom and here they will be firm favourites to return to winning ways. The visitors are one from the bottom with just a trio of wins from 20 outings and only basement side Porth has scored less goals this season - 12 as opposed to 20. Form guide: Monmouth Town: L W L L W L Pontardawe Town: W L L D L L Division Two (figures in brackets relate to league positions of 16). Celtic Park: Cwmbran Celtic (7) v Barry Town United (1). With only two defeats in in 16 games, late-starters Celtic are proving hard to beat - although seven draws so far has held up their challenge to join the promotion race. Played well after the break against relegation-threatened Ely Rangers in scoring all their goals in a 4-1 victory which came days after a credible 1-1 draw at Llanwern. Over the years, Celtic have traditionally done better against higher-placed sides and this could be one of those occasions when they will upset the odds But this is a very tough task for them as table-toppers Barry are virtually certain to go up and are unbeaten in 21 games with only nine remaining. Form guide: Cwmbran Celtic: D L D W D W Barry Town United: W W W W W W Newport Stadium: Llanwern (8) v Penrhiwceiber Rangers (12). Llanwern will begin on a high after clinching a Welsh League Cup semi-final spot following their 2-1 after-extra-time triumph over champions Monmouth Town. However a couple of league draws previous to that has blunted their hopes of becoming involved in the battle to reach the top flight. But their playing record now shows just two reverses in their last 15 all-competition fixtures with Matthew Hibbs their leading league scorer on 11 goals. The visitors are seven points worse off having played a game more and although they lost 2-1 at home to Barry last Saturday, they'd kept three successive clean-sheets prior to that match. Form guide: Llanwern: L W W W D D Penrhiwceiber Rangers: L L D W W L The Causeway: Undy Athletic (5) v Croesyceiliog (10). Only one loss in seven and conceding just one goal in winning three league games on the trot, has helped Undy re-join those clubs seeking top-flight football in 2015-16. However they will have to do without 10-goal leading scorer Gareth Cullimore, who is now suspended for three games after being straight red-carded during a 2-1 win at Chepstow Town. Croesyceiliog had put together an impressive run of only one loss in eight games - until they were undone by unbeaten leaders Barry, who won 6-0 at Jenner Park. If manager Mark Waddon's men can put that outcome firmly to the back of their minds, then they could well push the hosts, who are competing in their fourth successive derby, all the way. Form guide: Undy Athletic: D D L W W W Croesyceiliog: L D W W W L Pri Deri Park, Mayhill: West End (4) v Caldicot Town (2). It seems only a matter of time before Caldicot clinch promotion back to Division One from which they were relegated from at the end of the 2010-11 season. Player-boss Mark Williams' side is now unbeaten in 11 league outings and kept clean-sheets in eight of those to take their tally to 10 for the campaign. Striker Jason Thorn scored in a 3-0 home triumph over relegation candidates Dinas Powys to take his league tally to 14 with Richard Sharratt on seven and Dan Saunders six while goalkeeper Ben Davidson saved a penalty. West End are four without a win and their high placing is largely a result of playing many more games than all their rivals and here they must avoid a campaign double having lost 3-0 at Caldicot last November. Form guide: West End: L W D L L L Caldicot Town: W W W D D W Division Three (figures in brackets relate to league positions of 19). Recreation Ground: Ammanford (2) v Lliswerry (4). Not so very long ago, this clash would have been seen by many as red-hot banker home win as Ammanford secured victory in each of their first 15 league games while Lliswerry had lost three in four. However Ammanford have subsequently shipped 15 goals in losing three consecutive matches with Lliswerry now looking for a third successive win. The amazing turnaround means manager Adam Corfield's side retains interest in the promotion race and if they avoid defeat here and Cwmamman United lose at Cwm Welfare, then they will return to third position. Striker Josh Brown netted twice in a 3-1 home success over Bettws and he still leads the scorers' list for those players appearing for Gwent clubs with 22 league goals. Form guide: Ammanford: W W W L L L Lliswerry: L L W L W W Riverside Ground, Radyr: Cardiff Corinthians (6) v Newport YMCA (14). YMCA halted a run of five straight defeats by emerging 3-0 victors over hosts Caerau and it's believed two more wins from their remaining 13 fixtures will be enough to retain their league status. Indeed they are only seven points adrift of eighth-placed Pontypridd Town, although they have played a couple of matches more, so a mid-table finish is still on the cards. It's an odd fact that YMCA have still to draw a match yet after 23 outings and by coincidence, neither have the hosts in 22 starts. Therefore it would be no surprise of parity ensued here and that would be a result which would suit YMCA better as the Corries are struggling to remain in promotion contention. Form guide: Cardiff Corinthians: L W W W L L Newport YMCA: L L L L L W Stebonheath Park: Llanelli Town (1) v Tredegar Town (5). Tredegar reached the 40-point mark following last weekend's 2-0 win at Rhoose and need only another 11 more to better last season's total which provided them with an eighth-placed finish. As far as going up is concerned, they are behind third-positioned Cwmamman United on goal difference - but have played three matches more. They also need to be more sharper in front of goal as their tally of 48 from 21 starts is the lowest in the top six and have netted 30 less than leaders Llanelli from just one more fixture. That kind of goal power has enabled the west Walians to win 17 and draw three of their 22 matches and a continuation of that sort of form will undoubtedly send them back to the second level. Form guide: Llanelli Town: D W L L W W Tredegar Town: D W L L W W Windmill Ground: Llantwit Major (10) v Treowen Stars (15). After being eight without success, Treowen are now three unbeaten to ease fears they would go on to drop out of the 51-strong league. Boss Simon Evans has seen his men reach 22 points from 19 fixtures and they have games in hand over the three teams above them to further improve their placing. Ricky Amos heads their scorers' list with seven, including a couple in a fine, 5-1 away victory at bottom-placed Cardiff Grange Harlequins. The hosts seem sure of a mid-table end to their third campaign in this league and their last two matches have produced 2-0 winning and losing scorelines at home to Panteg and away at Lliswerry respectively. Form guide: Llantwit Major: W W L L W L Treowen Stars: L D L W D W Panteg House: Panteg (11) v Cardiff Grange Harlequins 19. Only one success from their last seven league fixtures has ruled out Panteg for promotion and they are 13 points off third spot with just a single game in hand. However they still have 57 points to play for, although cramming so many matches into a short period of time is never the best for any side. However they have a never-say-die attitude and that often can carry a side forward and here they should be good enough to clinch all three points. The visitors are enduring a miserable campaign in which they have gained only seven from a possible 72 points and seem certain to lose their league status. Form guide: Panteg: D L D W L L Cardiff Grange Harlequins: L L D L D L Ynysangharad Park: Pontypridd Town (8) v Newport Civil Service (18). Finally! After 12 successive league defeats, NCS ended the rot by winning 1-0 at fellow-strugglers Treharris Athletic Western, their first clean-sheet they beat visiting Caerau 2-0 on the opening day of the season. The victory took NCS off the bottom of the table and above Cardiff Grange Harlequins and with 23 matches still remaining, player-manager Ben Burrows' men have lots of points from which to continue their climb. Have since signed former Newport County youth-team goalkeeper Jamie Proctor from Caerleon, forward Tom Berry from Albion Rovers and Wales under-18s striker Callum Porter from Monmouth Town youth. This is a tough task though for them as Pontypridd's form shows four matches unbeaten and only one loss in eight and their 47-goal tally is the highest outside the top six clubs. Form guide: Pontypridd Town: W L W D W W Newport Civil Service: L L L L L W
DATES FOR THE LEAGUE CUPS SEMI-FINALS ANNOUNCED 27 February 2015 NATHANIEL CAR SALES LEAGUE CUP SEMI FINALS SATURDAY 11 APRIL 2015 (2.00 PM KO) Cwmamman United v Caerau (Ely) at Cwmamman United FC Taffs Well v Llanwern at Taffs Well FC
LEAGUE YOUTH CUP SEMI FINALS SUNDAY 12 APRIL 2015 (2.00 PM K0) Aberdare Town v Cwmbran Celtic at Aberdare Town FC Caerau (Ely) v Port Talbot Town at Caerau (Ely) FC
GWENT FA SENIOR CUP SEMI-FINAL DATES ANNOUNCED 26 February 2015 from Terry Daley DATES for both of this season's Gwent FA Cup semi-final ties have been announced with each game having Welsh League Division Three clubs hosting Division One opposition. Promotion-seeking lower-tier outfit Tredegar will entertain top-level Monmouth Town at their Sports Complex home ground on Wednesday, March 11 - kick off 7.15pm. The other last-four tie is between Panteg and Goytre and has been arranged to take place at Newport Stadium two weeks later on Wednesday, March 25 - kick off 7.30pm. Tredegar reached this stage following 1-0 home wins over Caldicot Town and Caerleon while The Kingfishers beat hosts Risca United 6-5 on penalties following a 2-2 after-extra-time draw and then defeated Undy Athletic 10-0 on Llanwern High School's 3G surface. Panteg were 3-0, first-round winners over visiting Treowen Stars before knocking out hosts Croesyceiliog 1-0 with Goytre first winning 1-0 at home against Aberbargoed Buds and the seeing off hosts Cwmbran Celtic 3-1. Gwent FA Senior Cup, first-round full results. Chepstow Town 1 Cwmbran Celtic 2. Risca United 2 Monmouth Town 2 (after extra time - Monmouth won 6-5 on penalties). Goytre 1 Aberbargoed Buds 0. Croesyceiliog 4 Newport Civil Service 1. Newport YMCA 0 Caerleon 4. Panteg 3 Treowen Stars 0. Tredegar Town 1 Caldicot Town 0. Lliswerry 1 Undy Athletic 2. Quarter-final results. Tredegar Town 1 Caerleon 0. Undy Athletic 0 Monmouth Town 10. Croesyceiliog 0 Panteg 1. Cwmbran Celtic 1 Goytre 3. Semi-finals Tredegar Town v Monmouth Town: Wednesday, March 11 - kick off 7.30pm. Panteg v Goytre (at Newport Stadium): Wednesday, March 25 - kick off 7.30pm.
GWENT SATURDAY ROUND-UP AND GWENT GOALSCORERS (LEAGUE ONLY) 24 February 2015 from Terry Daley LLANWERN reached the semi finals of the Welsh League Cup at the expense of Division One champions Monmouth Town while both Caldicot Town and Aberbargoed Buds remain on course for promotion to the top flight. In Division Three, Lliswerry continued their push to go up with a home victory and there were crucial wins for relegation-threatened trio Treowen Stars, Newport YMCA and Newport Civil Service. Division Two outfit Llanwern entertained Monmouth at Newport Stadium, where the teams were playing for an away, last-four clash with top-tier side Taffs Well. As the interval approached, fine saves from goalkeepers Chris Golton and Kieron Blackburn looked likely to mean a goal-less stalemate. However when the ball bounced down off the crossbar during a 44th-minute goal-mouth scramble, Monmouth's Sam Hunt was on hand to give The Kingfishers a 1-0 advantage. Llanwern began the second period much the stronger with Dan Hooper, Nic Hooper and Gareth Delve all going close before Monmouth had their period of domination with Golton again having to make important stops. The odds swung in favour of Monmouth, when home skipper and midfielder Sam Hartrey was extremely unlucky to be straight red-carded when it appeared he had won a tackle legally. It seemed the visitors would hang on until a linesman spotted a handball in the penalty area with Dan Hooper's ensuing spot-kick proving too powerful for the diving Blackburn. The successful 82nd-minute equaliser saw the game enter extra time and with a penalty shoot-out looming, Llanwern's Gareth Delve nudged the ball over at a Dan Hooper corner - although it did seem as though Blackburn was impeded. The 2-1 win stretched Llanwern's unbeaten league and cup run to an eighth game while Monmouth were slipping to a sixth defeat from their last nine all-competition matches. In Division Two, Caldicot and Aberbargoed remain second and third respectively thanks to fine, three-goal margin home victories. Caldicot scored via Dan Saunders, Jason Thorn and David Lloyd, the latter with a long-range volley, in defeating basement side Dinas Powys 3-0 - their 10th clean-sheet in 21 league starts. Striker Tom McCarthy took his campaign league tally to 16 with a brace in Aberbargoed's 5-2 win against fourth-placed West End with Elliott Williams (2) and Scott Armitage also netting, although Liam Vaughan was sent off. Undy moved up two to fifth following a 2-1 away triumph at Chepstow Town, who drop one to sixth after taking the lead through Leo Ross before a Ben Davies header levelled matters. Both sides were reduced to 10 men when Ashley Palmer and Gareth Cullimore saw red after a clash and deep into 12 minutes of stoppage time, up popped James Barnes to nod in the winner from a Davies free kick. Cwmbran Celtic elevated themselves up one to seventh thanks to a 4-1 home success over struggling Ely Rangers, who led 1-0 at the break. The home side, though, powered away with goals coming from Luke Thomas, Luke Jones, skipper Richard Crees and Dominic Connor. Risca went into their home fixture with lowly Tata Steel having lost five games on the trot, but a 4-0 scoreline eased fears they may become embroiled in the fight to stay in the division. Dave Hurley scored twice with other goals coming from Josh Collier and Kyle Williams as player-boss Paul Michael's side went up one position to ninth. Caerleon's poor form had them struggling in the relegation zone, so they recruited experienced trio Gareth Wesson (goalkeeper), Gareth Bennett (defender) and Mark Dunn (striker, rejoining after a previous spell) in the week. All three were included in the team for the visit to AFC Llwydcoed and made an immediate impact as their new side engineered a fine 4-0 win to climb out of the bottom three. Dunn was on target twice with Scott Lewis and Jamie Davies adding goals as Caerleon won for only the fifth time in 19 league outings. In Division Three, Lliswerry and Tredegar Town are fourth and fifth following a 3-1 home win against Bettws and a 2-0 away victory over Rhoose respectively. Scoring Lliswerry's goals were Josh Brown (2), who now has 22 league goals, and Dan Stoneman while Joshua Jones (penalty) and Steven Hughes were on target for Tredegar. Panteg stay 11th of 19 in losing 4-1 at home by promotion-seeking Cwmamman United after taking the lead through Jon Butcher with Kyle Edwards later being sent off. YMCA travelled to face Caerau as underdogs having lost five successive games, although they responded with a 3-0 win which puts them 14 points clear of the danger zone - their goals came from Nial Simmons (penalty), Ben Lawrence and James Martin. Treowen's form improvement continued with a thumping 5-1 success at bottom-placed Cardiff Grange Harlequins where efforts from Ricky Amos (2), Lloyd Dando, Lewis Coote and Stephen Parfitt has them 12 points ahead of the relegation area. NCS finally collected three winning points following an horrendous sequence of 12 straight defeats with a 1-0 triumph at fellow-strugglers Treharris Athletic Western. Their recent recruitment policy paid off as new signing Lee Morgan snapped up the only goal of the game, although NCS were grateful to a splendid last-minute save from goalkeeper Chris Jones. In Division One, Goytre are up one rung to ninth after defeating visiting Garden Village 2-1 with goals from Josh Bull and Jordan Harding. There are no mid-week games. Gwent goalscorers (League only). LLISWERRY'S Josh Brown increased his lead at the top of the list by scoring twice in a 3-1 home win over Bettws while Aberbargoed Buds' Tom McCarthy took his total to 16 with a brace in his side's 5-2 victory over visiting West End. 22 - Josh Brown (Lliswerry). 17 - Zac Osbourne (Croesyceiliog). 16 - Tom McCarthy (Aberbargoed Buds). 14 - Jason Thorn (Caldicot Town). 12 - Dan MacDonald (Monmouth Town), Leo Ross (Chepstow Town). 11 - Matthew Hibbs (Llanwern), Craig Moses (Goytre). 10 - Gareth Cullimore (Undy Athletic), Nick Harrhy (Monmouth Town), Tomas Lynch (Tredegar Town). 9 - Dale Cook (Lliswerry), Ian Pettit (Tredegar Town). 8 - Scott Armitage (Aberbargoed Buds), Olly Beckett (Undy Athletic), Matthew Flynn (Llanwern, including seven for Pontypridd Town), Hishi Lama (Croesyceiliog, including one for Chepstow Town), Niall Simmons (Newport YMCA). 7 - Ricky Amos (Treowen Stars), Josh Bull (including two for Monmouth Town), Jon Butcher (Panteg), Jamie Davies (Caerleon), Gareth Delve (Llanwern), Nic Hooper (Llanwern), Steven Hughes (Tredegar Town), Dave Hurley (Risca United), Luke Lewis (Cwmbran Celtic), Richard Sharratt (Caldicot Town), Dan Stoneman (Lliswerry), Tony Willis (Risca United). 6 - Daniel Battle (Risca United, including six for Tredegar Town), Luke Dyke (Panteg, including one for Croesyceiliog), Dan Hooper (Llanwern), Derice McLean (Newport Civil Service - no longer with club), Dan Saunders (Caldicot Town), Kyle Williams (Risca United). 5 - Josh Collier (Risca United), Dominic Connor (Cwmbran Celtic), Ben Davies (Undy Athletic), Mark Dunn (Caerleon, including three for Chepstow Town), James Francis (Caerleon), Jordan Jones (Llanwern), Ben Taylor (Panteg), Luke Thomas (Cwmbran Celtic), James Young (Goytre). 4 - Aaron Colwill (Risca United), Lewis Coote (Treowen Stars), Chris Ham (Monmouth Town, now of Carmarthen Town), Joe Howells (Lliswerry), Josh Jones (Tredegar Town), Chris Quinlan (Tredegar Town), Craig Price (Treowen Stars), Matt Prosser (Goytre). 3 - Wayne Antoniazzi (Aberbargoed Buds), Dan Clouth (Croesyceiliog), Luke Cueto (Caerleon), Dan Edwards (Lliswerry), Eliot Evans (Monmouth Town), Gary Evans (Treowen Stars), Max Fessey (Lliswerry), Elliott Ford (Monmouth Town), Nathan Hardwick (Newport YMCA), Ryan Hayward (Croesyceiliog), Liam Head (Caerleon), Kirk Hicks (Panteg, including three for Lliswerry), Chris Jones (Treowen Stars), Andrew Larcombe (Cwmbran Celtic), Craig Lewis (Chepstow Town), Rhys , David Lloyd (Caldicot Town), Luffman (Lliswerry), Tre Marrett (Newport YMCA), James Martin (Newport YMCA), Paul Michael (Risca United), Mark Organ (Chepstow Town), Stephen Parfitt (Treowen Stars), Simon Prangley (Chepstow Town, now of Afan Lido), Sam Rushworth (Chepstow Town), Jordan Ryan (Panteg), Liam Shaw (Aberbargoed Buds). 2 - Jamie Arnold (Croesyceiliog), Michael Bishop (Llanwern), Paul Clayton (Undy Athletic), Marc Curtis (Llanwern), Lloyd Dando (Treowen Stars), Jordan Harding (Goytre), Tom Hooper (Undy Athletic), Matt James (Caldicot Town), Alex Jenkins (Newport YMCA), Rhys Jones (Aberbargoed Buds), Ben Lawrence (Newport YMCA), Jordan Maisey (Aberbargoed Buds), Lee Mason (Panteg), Gavin Meacham (Aberbargoed Buds), Joe O'Brien (Newport YMCA), Craig Price (Treowen Stars), Nick Potts (Chepstow Town), Dean Randall (Treowen Stars), Gyles Thompson (Undy Athletic), Elliott Williams (Aberbargoed Buds), Jon Williams (Panteg), Ben Wotton (Caerleon). 1 - Jack Alderdice (Monmouth Town), Adam Alkysi (Tredegar Town), Gareth Appleby (Panteg), Josh Ball (Tredegar Town), Michael Baugh (Cwmbran Celtic), James Barnes (Undy Athletic), Tom Barry (Llanwern), Gareth Bennett (Caerleon, including one for Chepstow Town), Joe Bidgood (Newport YMCA), Mike Binning (Undy Athletic), Steven Boucher (Lliswerry), Gareth Cleverly (Newport Civil Service), Owen Cook (Cwmbran Celtic), Richard Cress (Cwmbran Celtic), Jacob Cross (Aberbargoed Buds), Simon Crook (Caldicot Town), Tom Dando (Cwmbran Celtic), Aysa El-Doory (Newport Civil Service), Yousif El-Doori (Caerleon), Alex Evans (Goytre), Ben Evans (Monmouth Town), Gary Evans (Treowen Stars), Josh Evans (Treowen Stars), Dean Goddard (Newport YMCA), Jordan Harding (Goytre), Jack Harvey (Chepstow Town), Luke Harris (Treowen Stars), Mo Hassan (Newport YMCA), Rhys Hodges (Cwmbran Celtic), Sam Hunt (Monmouth Town), Tommy James (Treowen Stars), Ashley Johnson (Lliswerry), Grant Jones (Treowen Stars), Luke Jones (Cwmbran Celtic), Kazeem Karen (Lliswerry), Jason Lewis (Newport YMCA), Scott Lewis (Caerleon), Will McConnell (Caldicot Town), Craig McDonnell (Aberbargoed Buds), Liam Macan (Tredegar Town), Steffan Marchant (Croesyceiliog), Nick Maynard (Llanwern)Ryan Meek (Treowen Stars), Dave Mellon (Newport Civil Service), Adam Meredith (Tredegar Town), Calum Miles (Goytre), Gavin Millar (Panteg), Lee Morgan (Newport Civil Service), Dale Morris (Llanwern), Ian Morris (Tredegar Town), Mark Morris (Croesyceiliog), Lewys Nash (Aberbargoed Buds), Sam Oakley (Caerleon), Ashley Palmer (Chepstow Town), John Pardue (Newport YMCA), Rakesh Patel (Cwmbran Celtic), Marcus Power (Undy Athletic), Tyla Preece (Aberbargoed Buds), James Price (Tredegar Town), Anthony Richards (Croesyceiliog), Leigh Sharp (Risca United), Richie Shire (Lliswerry), Jack Sinderby (Croesyceiliog), Mitchell Slape (Caldicot Town), Alex Stewart (Newport YMCA), Lewis Sweetland (Newport Civil Service), Kieron Thomas (Aberbargoed Buds), Simon Truman (Goytre), Alex Waters (Caerleon), Jake Wainright (Goytre), Ben Watson (Caerleon), Steve Wilson (Caldicot Town), Tom Wise (Panteg), Ben Wotton (Caerleon), Joel Worgan (Tredegar Town). CLEAN-SHEETS: 10 - Caldicot Town. 7 - Tredegar Town. 6 - Lliswerry. 4 - Aberbargoed Buds; Chepstow Town; Goytre; Panteg; Undy Athletic. 3 - Caerleon; Cwmbran Celtic; Monmouth Town; Newport Civil Service. 2 - Croesyceiliog; Llanwern; Newport YMCA; Risca United. 1 - Treowen Stars.
JANUARY MANAGER OF THE MONTH AWARD 21 February 2015
Gruff Harrison, Manager of Ammanford receives the January Nathaniel Car Sales Manager of the Month Award from Mr Alf Germain, Chairman, The Welsh Football League, this afternoon. During the month Ammanford achieved five victories in five Division Three matches, scoring 15 goals and conceding six. Congratulations Gruff!
GWENT SATURDAY PREVIEW 20 February 2015 from Terry Daley LLANWERN and Monmouth Town will try for the second successive Saturday to play their last-eight Welsh League Cup tie while elsewhere, almost every game will effect promotion and relegation issues. Nathaniel Cars Welsh League Cup, quarter finals (kick off 1.30pm and to be played to a conclusion). Newport Stadium: Llanwern v Monmouth Town. This tie was postponed last weekend because of a water-logged playing surface and since, the semi-final draw has handed the winners an away clash with Taffs Well on a date yet to be decided. Division Two outfit Llanwern lifted the trophy in 2002 while Division One champions Monmouth are seeking to reach their first final - although this is only their eighth season in the league. Both these clubs produced disappointing results last time out, Llanwern scoring through Nic Hooper in Wednesday's home 1-1 against Cwmbran Celtic while and Monmouth lost 2-0 against at home to Penybont. Nathaniel Cars Welsh League (all 2.00pm kick offs). Division One (figures in brackets relate to league positions of 16). Plough Road: Goytre (10) v Garden Village (13). The championship title may well be beyond them, but Goytre have enough games remaining to secure a top-four spot - although they must start to put some regular ticks in the W column. Looked good value to complete a deserved and overdue victory at high-flying Briton Ferry Llansawel last weekend before a very late equaliser denied them. Postponements has meant huge gaps between match action this is only Goytre's fourth league fixture of the year and their first at home since five days before Christmas. The visitors have been in and around the relegation zone for most of the campaign and although there are three clubs below them, each has matches in hand. Form guide: Goytre: W W L L L D Garden Village: W D D W D W Division Two (figures in brackets relate to league positions of 16). Recreation Ground: Aberbargoed Buds (3) v West End (Swansea) (4). Despite four matches without a win, Aberbargoed are actually still in pole position to clinch the third and final promotion spot. Their last trio of games have all ended in 1-1 scoreline and they have played less matches than the three teams immediately below them, the visitors, Chepstow Town and Undy Athletic. Tom McCarthy has 14 league goals and if he can maintain that form and Aberbargoed continue to do well defensively (just 19 goals conceded in 17 games), then a first-time return to the top flight is in their hands. West End are a decent outfit, but appear to have played too many games and and although they trail the hosts on goal difference only, they have played five more fixtures. Form guide: Aberbargoed Buds: W W L D D D West End: W L W D L L Merthyr Road: AFC Llwydcoed (11) v Caerleon (14). Caerleon hope the signings of goalkeeper Gareth Wesson, central defender Gareth Bennett and striker Mark Dunn from Chepstow Town will boost their bid to avoid the drop. It's now six without a win for the Cold Bath Road outfit, who here will want to halt a miserable run of four consecutive defeats. They do have games in hand over all three of the teams above them, Ely Rangers, Penrhiwceiber Rangers and Llwydcoed, but simply must start to gain positive results. The hosts had lost four on the trot recently, but have recovered somewhat lately and have won two out of their last three matches - including a thumping 5-0 home success over Risca United last Saturday. Form guide: AFC Llwydcoed: L L L W L W Caerleon: D D L L L L Jubilee Way: Caldicot Town (2) v Dinas Powys (16). Caldicot had gone 566 minutes without conceding a goal until hosts Tata Steel finally found a way through in a 2-2 draw, the second successive match player-boss Mark Williams' side had finished all square. However they are still red-hot favourites to go up with unbeaten leaders Barry Town United, who were the last side to defeat Caldicot - 2-0 way back on October 21, 2014. That means they have strung together a sequence of 10 games without a loss - seven wins and three draws - and have suffered only one reverse in their last 14 league outings. Dinas Powys sit in the very bottom of the table, although they are unbeaten in two and they were shock, 1-0 victors at Cwmbran Celtic a couple of weeks ago. Form guide: Caldicot Town: W W W W D D Dinas Powys: L L L L D W Celtic Park: Cwmbran Celtic (9) v Ely Rangers (13). Celtic moved to six points behind third-positioned Aberbargoed Buds with a 1-1 draw against Llanwern at Newport Stadium on Wednesday night. They also have two fixtures in hand, although the outcome was their seventh draw in just 15 outings and that is clearly far too many. Substitute Luke Lewis netted within a minute of his introduction to take his campaign league tally to seven, although defender Rakesh Patel saw his penalty well saved by Llanwern stopper Chris Golton. Ely have been involved in the fight to avoid relegation all season and here will bid to end a run of three consecutive defeats. Form guide: Cwmbran Celtic: D D L D W D Ely Rangers: D L W L L L Ty-Isaf Park: Risca United (10) v Tata Steel (Margam) (15). Six losses from seven has scuppered any hopes Risca had of playing Division One football in the 2015-16 campaign. And unless the poor form can be arrested, they are in danger of becoming involved in the relegation dog-fight to avoid dropping into the lower tier. Their last win came on December 20, when they defeated hosts Aberbargoed Buds 3-2, and to make matters worse, Risca have not won any of their last six league and cup home fixtures. Tata Steel are much improved of late and here defend a five-match unbeaten run, although four of those have been drawn. Form guide: Risca United: W L L L L L Tata Steel: L D D W D D Division Three (figures in brackets relate to league positions of 19). Athletic Ground: Caerau (14) v Newport YMCA (15). With the three teams currently in the relegation zone, Cardiff Grange Harlequins, Newport Civil Service and Treharris Athletic, also all struggling, YMCA's run of nine defeats in 10 has not been as harmful as it may suggest. However a continuation of that form could eventually lead to them being dragged into the dog-fight which also includes Bettws and Treowen Stars. YMCA were a forced to be reckoned with in mid-season, when they posted five wins on the trot - but now face a host side which is in equally good form. From being relegation candidates, Caerau have strung together a run of six wins from seven to move three points above YMCA having played a match less. Form guide: Caerau: W W W L W W Newport YMCA: W L L L L L International Sports Stadium: Cardiff Grange Harlequins (18) v Treowen Stars (15). Two games unbeaten may not be a great run, but it's form which has eased Treowen's fears of dropping back down to the Gwent County League. Manager Simon Evans' men won 4-3 at promotion-seeking Cardiff Corinthians and then drew 3-3 at home with Pontypridd Town and they have scored more goals (32) than in the bottom six. Ricky Amos heads their scorers list with five while Craig Price has four and here Treowen will be classed as the more fancied side to post a win. The bottom-placed capital hosts are experiencing an horrendous campaign with only one win and four draws in 23 starts and their latest outing was on Wednesday, when they finished level at 1-1 with fellow-strugglers Treharris. Form guide: Cardiff Grange Harlequins: L L L D L D Treowen Stars: L L D L W D Spytty Park: Lliswerry (5) v Bettws (16). Two wins from their last three games has maintained Lliswerry's promotion interest with striker Josh Brown heading the goalscorers' list for players appearing for Gwent clubs. Brown has 20 league goals to his name and with Lliswerry still having 17 fixtures remaining, there's every chance he could eventually bag 30 plus. Lliswerry, though, are far from being a one-man team with Dale Cook having netted scored nine times and Dan Stoneman seven in their 53-goal total. Bettws are again involved in the battle to retain league status, but a recent vast form improvement means they will here seek to stretch their unbeaten run to a fifth game. Form guide: Lliswerry: W L L W L W Bettws: L L W W W D Panteg House: Panteg (11) v Cwmamman United (4). While it's mathematically possible for Panteg to join the promotion race, their recent form and that of most of the teams above them means they will have to eventually settle for a second season at this level. Nonetheless it's been a fine debut season back following a 15-year absence and manager Mark Taylor has done a good job with a committed squad. Panteg have suffered badly through postponements and they still have 22 games to squeeze in between now and the end of the campaign and that kind of crammed fixture list is of little use to any club. Unbeaten-in-15 Cwmamman are riding high in the battle to go up and they are also in the last four of the League Cup. Form guide: Panteg: L D L D W L Cwmamman United: D W D D W W Jenner Park: Rhoose (7) v Tredegar Town (6). Tredegar returned to winning ways and to keep the pressure on the promotion pack with a comfortable 4-0 home success over Cwm Welfare on Wednesday night. Tomas Lynch and Ian Pettit took their respective league goal tallies to 10 and nine with one each while also on target was Stephen Hughes and Joshua Jones, although Lynch also missed a penalty. It was Tredegar's sixth clean-sheet of the campaign and they will begin here only a couple of points adrift of third-placed Cardiff Corinthians and with a game in hand. Rhoose are also on the edge of the clutch of teams seeking to go up, although they will certainly have to improve on their current form of only three wins and two draws from their last nine outings if they are to gain promotion. Form guide: Rhoose: W D L W D L Tredegar: W D W L L W Athletic Ground: Treharris Athletic Western (17) v Newport Civil Service (19). This is a massive clash for NCS, who here are seeking to halt an absolute horrendous sequence of 13 consecutive league defeats since winning their opening two fixtures. Have brought in a coach (Simon Berry) and five players from Monmouth Town's youth set-up while defender Gareth Wysome (from Chepstow Town) and midfielder Marc Gunter (unattached) have both re-joined. NCS have played only 14 league games and with 66 points still to play for, there remains hopes they can eventually escape from the danger area - but the new recruits must hit the ground running. They fell to the very bottom of the league on Wednesday, when Cardiff Grange Harlequins overtook them as a result of drawing 1-1 at home with Treharris. Form guide: Treharris Athletic Western: L W L L L D Newport Civil Service: L L L L L L
CROESYCEILIOG CHAIRMAN QUITS 19 February 2015 from Terry Daley FORMER manager Chris Evans has quit as chairman of Croesyceiliog after eight years in the hot-seat with the Welsh League Division Two club. Long-serving committee member Bob Urie has succeeded Evans, who was in charge in the dug-out for 10 seasons as Croesyceiliog moved from the Gwent County League to the top tier of the WL. “It's become harder and harder for me to get motivated about things such as sponsorship and in all honesty I was becoming increasingly embarrassed at asking the same people for help time after time,” explained Evans. “That and the fact I need to concentrate on my business (electrical contractor) means I have to step down and the job needs someone with some fresh ideas. “I have missed being in the dug-out and my passion as a chairman maybe was not as great as it was when I was manager. “I don't want to be tied anymore to anything other than my family and business and I wish all the committee, players and fans of the club all the very best for the future. “I'd also like to thank all those who have sent me best wishes since I announced I was finishing, they are all very much appreciated.” Alongside joint manager Neil Gilmore, Croesyceiliog remained unbeaten in gaining promotion from the GCL in time for the 2004-05 WL season. In successive campaigns, the managerial duo took the club into Division One before Evans was in sole charge after Gilmore eventually stood down. Evans in turn handed over to Gareth Morgan, now boss of Llanwern, who guided Croesyceiliog lift the 2010 Welsh League Cup. The current man in charge at Woodland Road is player-boss Mark Waddon with Croesyceiliog currently sitting in a mid-table position in the 16-strong division.
CLIFF BETHEL - UPDATED 22 FEBRUARY 2015 19 February 2015 It is with sadness and deep sympathy that the death yesterday of Cliff Bethel, founder member and Life President of Tredegar Town FC is reported. The funeral service is being held at St George's Church, Tredegar at 1.45pm on Friday 27 February 2015 followed by cremation at Llwydcoed Crematorium.
GWENT WEDNESDAY ROUND-UP 19 February 2015 from Terry Daley Division Two Llanwern 1 Cwmbran Celtic 1. THESE county rivals were forced to accept a point each at Newport Stadium, although neither will feel the outcome will do any favours towards their hopes of earning promotion to the top flight. The result was Llanwern's second successive draw following from a 0-0 stalemate against Tata Steel and they now are now three points adrift of third-placed Aberbargoed Buds - but having played two matches more. Celtic were experiencing parity for the seventh time in only 15 outings and they trail Aberbargoed by six points, but have played a couple of games less. While there are still plenty of points still to play for both clubs, their inability to kill off teams could is threatening to keep each in the second tier in 2015-16. On a different night, this could well have ended up with a 5-5 scoreline as both teams missed guilt-edged chances with visiting defender Rakesh Patel wasting a 58th-minute penalty. Celtic were dealt a blow before even a ball had been kicked when central defender Rhys Hodges was injured in the warm-up, although he was replaced by experienced defender Ben Luck - who had a spell with Llanwern last season. Also lining up against his former team-mates was Celtic forward Andrew Larcombe while home boss Gareth Morgan was once in charge of the visitors. Llanwern began well with Celtic goalkeeper Giles Cutlan forced to save from Gareth Delve and then Jordan Jones before midfielder Nic Hooper struck the bar with a free kick. Celtic, though, eventually began to get forward with Owen Llewellyn drawing a save out of home stopper Chris Golton, who stretched backwards to palm away the resulting corner from visiting skipper Richard Crees. Larcombe soon combined well with Llewellyn, but when the former's cross fell to Dominic Connor, the Celtic winger lashed the ball high and wide of the intended target. Patel was next to try his luck with a fierce long-range effort from Cress' short corner with Nic Hooper teeing up Delve, whose effort went just wide. It was nip and tuck as Owen Cook and Luke Thomas did well to play in Connor, but again he fired wide when well placed. But just when it appeared it would be all square at the interval, a mistake by Cutlan presented Hooper with his seventh league goal of the season. As a cross came over, Nic Hooper was unmarked some six yards out and didn't even have to jump to put his header on target. However Cutlan made a hash of collecting the ball and appeared to help it into the net, although the goal was later officially credited to Nic Hooper. It's always a difficult time for a side when it concedes so late in the first period, but Celtic came out after the break to dominate the early stages with some forceful play. Luke Thomas pulled a shot wide and soon Celtic were handed a golden opportunity to draw matters level when Dominic Dwyer was adjudged to have fouled Larcombe as they both contested a cross into the area. However as Patel send a firm penalty shot towards Golton's left-hand post, the goalkeeper guessed right and dived full length to push the ball around the post. Patel's penalty miss ended the club's run of 17 consecutive successful spot-kicks and he was the last Celtic player to fail from 12 yards - on October 27, 2012, against visiting Tata Steel. But just four minutes later, Celtic did manage to get the ball in the back of the net when substitute Luke Lewis tapped home from very close range for a thoroughly-deserved equaliser. It was Lewis's seventh league goal of the season and came just a minute after he had come on to replace Luke Thomas up front. The unfortunate Connor again slashed a shot well wide before Larcombe set Llewellyn up only for Golton to make a fine one-handed stop. Celtic were having much the better of the play in terms of producing goal chances with Patel being extremely unlucky when his header crashed against the crossbar with Lewis soon shooting past the target. However apart from Patel's penalty error, the miss of the night went to Llanwern substitute Matthew Flynn, who side-footed wide of an unguarded net as Golton lay on the ground following a save. Both camps will undoubtedly argue they did enough to have warranted the full three points, but in all honesty a draw was just about the right result on a night when each side missed enough chances to have won two matches! Llanwern take a break from trying to win points when they host Division One champions Monmouth Town in a Welsh League Cup quarter-final tie on Saturday (1.30pm kick off) while Celtic return to home action when hosting lowly Ely Rangers (2.00pm kick off). Llanwern: 1: Chris Golton, 2: Liam Whiskey, 3: Robert James (Ben Burns 76), 4: Michael Bishop, 5: Dominic Dwyer, 6: Jordan Jones, 7: Sam Hartrey (captain), 8: Nic Hooper (Mark Curtis, 74), 9: Matthew Hibbs (Matthew Flynn, 74), 10; Dan Hooper, 11: Matthew Delve. Subs not used: Dean Maynard; Rhodri Morgan. Booked: Bishop (90). Goal: Nic Hooper (43). Cwmbran Celtic: 1: Giles Cutlan, 2: Rakesh Patel, 3: Richard Crees (captain), 4: Luke Jones, 5: Ben Luck, 6: Owen Cook, 7: Owen Llewellyn, 8: Craig Cheedy, 9: Luke Thomas (Luke Lewis, 61), 10: Andrew Larcombe, 11: Dominic Connor. Subs not used: Sean Feeley, Rhys Williams, Curtis Patel, Tom Doidge. Booked: Llewellyn (33); Crees (89). Goal: Lewis (62). Referee: Darren Aidie (Caldicot). Assistants: Nigel Baldwin (Pontypool) & Jordan Harman (Newbridge).
Tredegar Town 4 Cwm Welfare 0. Tredegar returned to winning way following two consecutive defeats to remain in contention for promotion to Division Two. Tomas Lynch and Ian Pettit took their campaign league totals to 10 and nine respectively while others came from Stephen Hughes and Joshua Jones - although Lynch blotted his copybook by missing a penalty. Tredegar remain sixth of 19, but are now just two points behind third-positioned Cardiff Corinthians with two games in hand and the scoreline earned them a sixth clean-sheet in 19 league starts They are next in action on Saturday, when they visit Rhoose while league debutants Cwm, who are 13th, are scheduled to host leaders Llanelli Town.
PORT TALBOT DERBY ON FRIDAY 18 February 2015 Valuable points and local bragging rights are at stake on Friday evening 20 February, when Goytre United entertain Afan Lido at Glenhafod Park Stadium, Goytre, Port Talbot. Kick off is at 7.30pm.
CAERLEON SIGN THREE FROM CHEPSTOW TOWN 18 February 2015 from Terry Daley Relegation-threatened Caerleon have strengthened their squad by signing three playing from Division Two rivals Chepstow Town. The Cold Bath Road outfit has recruited goalkeeper Gareth Wesson, central defender Gareth Bennett while striker Mark Dunn rejoins and all three are expected to make their debuts in Saturday's away game against AFC Llwydcoed. Wesson began with Plymouth Argyle and later appeared for Newport County, Cwmbran Town and Newport YMCA, Bennett was previously with Newport Civil Service while former Notts County professional Dunn was also on Cwmbran's books when they were a Welsh Premier League club. Caerleon, who are joint managed by Nick Davies, Brendan Dowd and Dave Griffiths, are currently second from bottom of the division, but have matches in hand over the three teams above them. The trio's departure from Chepstow follows the moves of Simon Prangley and Gareth Wysome to Afan Lido and Newport Civil Service respectively.
GWENT WEDNESDAY PREVIEW 18 February 2015 from Terry Daley Division Two - kick off 7.30pm. (figures in brackets relate to table positions of 16). Newport Stadium: Llanwern (6) v Cwmbran Celtic (9). This is a keenly-anticipated derby clash which both clubs need to win if their status is to be classed as genuine promotion contenders. Llanwern, managed by former Celtic boss Gareth Morgan, are four points adrift of third-placed Aberbargoed Buds having played a couple of matches more. The visitors are 17 behind Aberbargoed and have only three games in hand, a scenario brought about because they have drawn six of their 14 fixtures. After scoring 20 goals in just three outings, Llanwern's last league encounter produced a disappointing 0-0 home draw with lowly Tata Steel. Celtic chief Della Cheedy saw his side return to winning ways by defeating hosts West End 3-1 last Saturday and his players are no strangers to Newport Stadium. They've already hosted three of the four fixtures being paid for by the Football Association of Wales due to the club's belated start to the season following an appeal against relegation. Unbeaten-in-four Llanwern are definitely without wideman Gareth Delve and recent signing Dean Maynard through injury while Celtic are not expected to make many changes to their squad. A Llanwern success will see them move above Chepstow Town into fifth place while a Celtic victory will elevate them up three rungs to sixth over Croesyceiliog, Undy Athletic and tonight's hosts. Form guide: Llanwern: W L W W W D Cwmbran Celtic: W D D L D W Division Three - kick off 7.15pm. Leisure Complex: Tredegar Town (6) v Cwm Welfare (11). Tredegar's faltering promotion challenge of picking up only four points from the last 12 on offer has handed this game a 'must-win' tag for them. However they will will welcome back Gethyn Jones, Thomas Jones and James Price, who all missed Saturday's 4-2 away Welsh League Cup, quarter-final defeat at divisional rivals Cwmamman United. Player-boss Gareth Harbord's men were last in league action on February 7, when they were a little unfortunate to slip to a 2-1 away defeat at the hands of then-unbeaten Ammanford. Victory will take Tredegar onto 37 points, just a couple worse off than third-positioned Cardiff Corinthians and after this clash they will still have two matches in hand. Cwm, who will move up a couple of places with a victory, have endured a topsy-turvy debut campaign, although their recent form has been good and here they will seek to stretch their unbeaten league run to six. This is the third time of asking for this fixture was twice postponed last month and the return game at Cwm is scheduled to take place on April 4. Form guide: Tredegar: W W D W L L Cwm Welfare: L W W W D D
GWENT SATURDAY ROUND-UP AND GWENT GOALSCORERS (LEAGUE ONLY) 17 February 2015 from Terry Daley IT WAS another disappointing match-day for local clubs as only Division Two sides Cwmbran Celtic and Undy Athletic plus lower-level outfit Lliswerry managed victories. In the Welsh League Cup, Tredegar were beaten 4-2 on the road while the county derby between Llanwern and Monmouth Town was postponed because of a water-logged Newport Stadium playing surface and has been re-scheduled to take place on Saturday. In Division One, mid-table Goytre looked to be heading for a much-needed win when Craig Moses' penalty had them 1-0 up at Briton Ferry Llansawel. However a stoppage-time equaliser from the hosts denied player-boss Craig Evans' troops, although the outcome did end a run of three consecutive defeats for Goytre. Second-placed Caldicot Town began their Division Two clash at Tata Steel not having conceded a league goal in 538 minutes and added another 28 to that before the hosts took the lead. Dan Saunders levelled with a smart back-heel on the hour mark, but after his team continued to dominate matters Tata scored with a well-struck free kick. But with time running out, Caldicot levelled for a second time when Matt James fired home while David Lloyd twice struck the woodwork. Player-manager Mark Williams' men remain in pole position to go up with champions-elect Barry Town United, who well and truly ended Croesyceiliog's recent form improvement by defeating them 6-0 at Jenner Park. Despite having their match at Dinas Powys postponed, Aberbargoed Buds remain in third position while not-in-action duo Chepstow Town and Llanwern stay fifth and sixth respectively. Undy moved above Croesyceiliog into seventh spot thanks to a 2-0 home triumph over relegation-threatened Caerleon at The Causeway. It was 0-0 at the break before Undy left it late to secure the three points for coach Laurence Owen, who was in charge in the absence of manager Mark Crook, with efforts from Ben Davies and Mike Binning counting. Risca United travelled to AFC Llwydcoed aiming to halt a run of four successive defeats, but failed miserably in losing 5-0 and they have now been overtaken by Celtic. Risca missed an early chance through a Dave Hurley effort before the home side went ahead and at the break, they led 2-0 - although the second goal was thought by many to be offside - with striker Tony Wallis having had a header cleared off the line. Matters got even worse after the interval for Risca, who kept getting caught out by long balls down the middle, with Josh Hales picking up a red card after being booked for a second time. Celtic boss Della Cheedy took his troops to face fourth-placed West End bidding to prove the previous week's 1-0 home defeat at the hands of bottom-placed Dinas Powys was nothing more than a freak result. A 3-1 win certainly went a long way to restoring some pride for ninth-positioned Celtic, whose goal scorers were Luke Thomas, Dom Connor and Andrew Larcombe, and they are next in action on Wednesday against Llanwern at Newport Stadium. In Division Three, Lliswerry rekindled their promotion hopes by beating visiting Llantwit Major thanks to goals from Josh Brown and Kazeem Karen. Brown now has 20 league goal this season, the highest total for players appearing for Gwent clubs, and while Lliswerry remain fourth, they are now just four points off a promotion slot - and with a couple of games in hand. Elsewhere in the section, there was a 3-3 home draw for fast-improving Treowen Stars but a sixth defeat on the trot for relegation-haunted Newport YMCA. Treowen began on the back of a fine 5-3 away win over high-flying Cardiff Corinthians and looked set fair for another three points when Stephen Parfitt and Ricky Amos put them 2-0 up at home against Pontypridd Town. However the visitors struck back to level at 2-2 before Lloyd Dando handed the advantage to Treowen by scoring their third goal. But as the game entered its seventh minute of stoppage time, Pontypridd grabbed an equaliser to leave Treowen 15th of 19 - although they are now 10 points clear of the danger zone. YMCA squandered a couple of chances before the break at Mendalgief Road against visiting Bridgend Street, who led 1-0 at that stage via Ross Dingle's early effort. However after it, the visitors controlled the game for long periods and it was only after further goals from former Llanwern striker Alex North, Liam Jeremy and substitute Robert Fowler did YMCA manage another on-target shot. Dan Cueto's effort was well saved by goalkeeper Damian Lack, but he had given no chance when substitute John 'Frankie' Pardue's brilliantly-struck, free kick sailed past him. YMCA are still 12 points ahead of the drop area, but that's now 10 goals shipped in successive defeats against Bridgend Street and 23 in their last six losing outings. They now face four consecutive away matches - all against higher-placed sides and starting with Caerau on Saturday. Tredegar Town travelled to face Division Three rivals Cwmamman United looking for a win which would have secured them a semi-final spot in the Welsh League Cup. However despite equalising goals from Tomas Lynch and Chris Quinlan, they were beaten 4-2 to leave them to concentrate on their outside chances of promotion to Division Two - beginning with Wednesday's home fixture with Cwm Welfare. Mid-week fixtures. Wednesday. Division Two: Llanwern v Cwmbran Celtic (7.30pm). Division Three: Tredegar Town v Cwm Welfare (7.15pm). Gwent goalscorers (League only). LLISWERRY'S Josh Brown scored a goal in his side's 2-0 home success over Llantwit Major to increase his lead at the top of the list. 20 - Josh Brown (Lliswerry). 17 - Zac Osbourne (Croesyceiliog). 14 - Tom McCarthy (Aberbargoed Buds). 13 - Jason Thorn (Caldicot Town). 12 - Dan MacDonald (Monmouth Town). 11 - Matthew Hibbs (Llanwern), Craig Moses (Goytre), Leo Ross (Chepstow Town). 10 - Gareth Cullimore (Undy Athletic), Nick Harrhy (Monmouth Town). 9 - Dale Cook (Lliswerry), Tomas Lynch (Tredegar Town). 8 - Olly Beckett (Undy Athletic), Matthew Flynn (Llanwern, including seven for Pontypridd Town). Hishi Lama (Croesyceiliog, including one for Chepstow Town), Ian Pettit (Tredegar Town). 7 - Scott Armitage (Aberbargoed Buds), Gareth Delve (Llanwern), Richard Sharratt (Caldicot Town), Niall Simmons (Newport YMCA), Dan Stoneman (Lliswerry), Tony Willis (Risca United). 6 - Daniel Battle (Risca United, including six for Tredegar Town), Josh Bull (including two for Monmouth Town), Jon Butcher (Panteg), Jamie Davies (Caerleon), Luke Dyke (Panteg, including one for Croesyceiliog), Dan Hooper (Llanwern), Nic Hooper (Llanwern), Luke Lewis (Cwmbran Celtic), Derice McLean (Newport Civil Service). 5 - Ricky Amos (Treowen Stars), James Francis (Caerleon), Steven Hughes (Tredegar Town), Dave Hurley (Risca United), Jordan Jones (Llanwern), Dan Saunders (Caldicot Town), Ben Taylor (Panteg), Kyle Williams (Risca United), James Young (Goytre). 4 - Josh Collier (Risca United), Aaron Colwill (Risca United), Dominic Connor (Cwmbran Celtic), Chris Ham (Monmouth Town, now of Carmarthen Town), Joe Howells (Lliswerry), Chris Quinlan (Tredegar Town), Craig Price (Treowen Stars), Matt Prosser (Goytre), Luke Thomas (Cwmbran Celtic). 3 - Wayne Antoniazzi (Aberbargoed Buds), Dan Clouth (Croesyceiliog), Lewis Coote (Treowen Stars), Luke Cueto (Caerleon), Ben Davies (Undy Athletic), Mark Dunn (Chepstow Town), Dan Edwards (Lliswerry), Eliot Evans (Monmouth Town), Gary Evans (Treowen Stars), Max Fessey (Lliswerry), Elliott Ford (Monmouth Town), Nathan Hardwick (Newport YMCA), Ryan Hayward (Croesyceiliog), Liam Head (Caerleon), Kirk Hicks (Panteg, including three for Lliswerry), Chris Jones (Treowen Stars), Andrew Larcombe (Cwmbran Celtic), Craig Lewis (Chepstow Town), Rhys Luffman (Lliswerry), Tre Marrett (Newport YMCA), Paul Michael (Risca United), Mark Organ (Chepstow Town), Simon Prangley (Chepstow Town), Sam Rushworth (Chepstow Town), Jordan Ryan (Panteg), Liam Shaw (Aberbargoed Buds). 2 - Jamie Arnold (Croesyceiliog), Michael Bishop (Llanwern), Paul Clayton (Undy Athletic), Marc Curtis (Llanwern), Jordan Harding (Goytre), Tom Hooper (Undy Athletic), Matt James (Caldicot Town), Alex Jenkins (Newport YMCA), Josh Jones (Tredegar Town), Rhys Jones (Aberbargoed Buds), Jordan Maisey (Aberbargoed Buds), James Martin (Newport YMCA), Lee Mason (Panteg), Gavin Meacham (Aberbargoed Buds), Joe O'Brien (Newport YMCA), Stephen Parfitt (Treowen Stars), Craig Price (Treowen Stars), Nick Potts (Chepstow Town), Dean Randall (Treowen Stars), Gyles Thompson (Undy Athletic), Jon Williams (Panteg), Ben Wotton (Caerleon). 1 - Jack Alderdice (Monmouth Town), Adam Alkysi (Tredegar Town), Gareth Appleby (Panteg), Josh Ball (Tredegar Town), Michael Baugh (Cwmbran Celtic), James Barnes (Undy Athletic), Tom Barry (Llanwern), Joe Bidgood (Newport YMCA), Mike Binning (Undy Athletic), Steven Boucher (Lliswerry), Gareth Cleverly (Newport Civil Service), Jacob Cross (Aberbargoed Buds), Simon Crook (Caldicot Town), Lloyd Dando (Treowen Stars), Tom Dando (Cwmbran Celtic), Aysa El-Doory (Newport Civil Service), Yousif El-Doori (Caerleon), Alex Evans (Goytre), Ben Evans (Monmouth Town), Gary Evans (Treowen Stars), Josh Evans (Treowen Stars), Dean Goddard (Newport YMCA), Jack Harvey (Chepstow Town), Luke Harris (Treowen Stars), Mo Hassan (Newport YMCA), Rhys Hodges (Cwmbran Celtic), Sam Hunt (Monmouth Town), Tommy James (Treowen Stars), Ashley Johnson (Lliswerry), Grant Jones (Treowen Stars), Kazeem Karen (Lliswerry), Ben Lawrence (Newport YMCA), Jason Lewis (Newport YMCA) David Lloyd (Caldicot Town), Will McConnell (Caldicot Town), Craig McDonnell (Aberbargoed Buds), Liam Macan (Tredegar Town), Steffan Marchant (Croesyceiliog), Nick Maynard (Llanwern), Ryan Meek (Treowen Stars), Dave Mellon (Newport Civil Service), Adam Meredith (Tredegar Town), Calum Miles (Goytre), Gavin Millar (Panteg), Dale Morris (Llanwern), Ian Morris (Tredegar Town), Mark Morris (Croesyceiliog), Lewys Nash (Aberbargoed Buds), Sam Oakley (Caerleon), Ashley Palmer (Chepstow Town), John Pardue (Newport YMCA), Rakesh Patel (Cwmbran Celtic), Marcus Power (Undy Athletic), Tyla Preece (Aberbargoed Buds), James Price (Tredegar Town), Anthony Richards (Croesyceiliog), Leigh Sharp (Risca United), Richie Shire (Lliswerry), Jack Sinderby (Croesyceiliog), Mitchell Slape (Caldicot Town), Alex Stewart (Newport YMCA), Lewis Sweetland (Newport Civil Service), Kieron Thomas (Aberbargoed Buds), Simon Truman (Goytre), Alex Waters (Caerleon), Jake Wainright (Goytre), Ben Watson (Caerleon), Steve Wilson (Caldicot Town), Tom Wise (Panteg), Ben Wotton (Caerleon), Joel Worgan (Tredegar Town). CLEAN-SHEETS: 9 - Caldicot Town. 5 - Lliswerry; Tredegar Town. 4 - Aberbargoed Buds; Chepstow Town; Goytre; Panteg; Undy Athletic. 3 - Cwmbran Celtic; Monmouth Town. 2 - Caerleon; Croesyceiliog; Llanwern; Newport Civil Service. 1 - Newport YMCA; Risca United; Treowen Stars.
CWMBRAN CELTIC RESERVES URGENTLY REQUIRE FRIENDLIES - FRIENDLIES NOW FILLED 17 February 2015 Cwmbran Celtic Reserves are looking for a potential friendly or two over the next two weekends. Sat 21st Feb – Away only. Sat 28th Feb – Home or Away. If anyone is interested then please contact Rhys Dalgleish on 07446 115 975 or Gareth Hinwood on 07768 542 920.
NOVEMBER MANAGER OF THE MONTH AWARD 14 February 2015
Eirian Rees and Mark Snell, Joint Managers of Cwmamman United receive the November Nathaniel Car Sales Manager of the Month Award from Mr Jeff Davies, Vice Chairman, The Welsh Football League, this afternoon. During the month Cwmamman United achieved three victories in three Division Three matches, scoring 12 goals and conceding two. Congratulations Eirian and Mark!
GWENT SATURDAY PREVIEW 14 February 2015 from Terry Daley THE winners of the Llanwern v Monmouth Town Nathaniel Cars Welsh League Cup tie assures one local side of a semi-final spot and it could be two if Tredegar Town are victorious at Cwmamman United. Nathaniel Cars Welsh League Cup, quarter finals (kick off 1.30pm and to be played to conclusions). Grenig Park, Glanaman: Cwmamman United v Tredegar Town. Given they are unbeaten in their last 15 league games, the home side will undoubtedly be firm favourites to progress from this all-Division Three clash. That form has them placed fourth in the 19-strong table while two consecutive defeats and only one win in four has seen Tredegar slip down to sixth. Tredegar, though, had by far the better of the two league meetings this season - winning 1-0 at Cwmamman last August before drawing 0-0 at home two days after Christmas. Newport Stadium: Llanwern v Monmouth Town. Both these clubs will want to recover from disappointing mid-week results, Llanwern drawing 0-0 at this venue with relegation-threatened Division Two rivals Tata Steel and Monmouth losing 2-0 against at home to Penybont. Llanwern's last picked up a piece of silverware when they won this trophy in 2002 while Monmouth are the current Division One champions. That makes The Kingfishers as the more fancied team here, although before that stalemate against Tata, Llanwern had previously scored 20 goals in the three league outings. Nathaniel Cars Welsh League (all 2.00pm kick offs). Division One (figures in brackets relate to league positions of 16). Old Road: Briton Ferry Llansawel (6) v Goytre (10). Goytre are here seeking to avoid an unprecedented fourth successive Division One reverse and with news there may be only two clubs relegated, it means they are currently 11 points off the drop zone having played three fixtures less. They have also played fewer games than all nine of the clubs above them, so a top-six finish is certainly not beyond player-manager Carl Evans' side. Their defensive record of conceding only 25 goals (from 16 games) is the best among the division's bottom nine, but eight have been shipped in losing their last three outings. The hosts have enjoyed a good first season back at this level, although their recent form of only one win in five has more or less ended whatever championship hopes they had. Form guide: Briton Ferry Llansawel: W L L W D D Goytre: W W W L L L Division Two (figures in brackets relate to league positions of 16). Merthyr Road: AFC Llwydcoed (11) v Risca United (9). Four consecutive losses and five from the last six has just about knocked Risca out of the promotion race, although they are currently just seven points off third spot. However there are several clubs with better claims to go up and perhaps player-manager Paul Michael's troops may do better now that expectations have virtually vanished. Goalkeeping problems have meant they've re-signed experienced stopper Mark Mears, who played in last Saturday's 1-0 home defeat at the hands of county rivals Undy Athletic. Llwydcoed have won only once in their last eight league fixtures - although that was 2-1 at Undy a couple of weeks ago. Form guide: AFC Llwydcoed: L L L L W L Risca United: L W L L L L Jenner Park: Barry Town United (1) v Croesyceiliog (7). Player-manager Mark Waddon has turned things around after his side looked likely to be among those clubs fighting against relegation. Were unconvincing in beating visiting Ely Rangers 3-2 last time out, but it's getting to the stage of the season when a win is a win is a win. Striker Zac Osbourne scored in that victory to take his league tally to 17, although this is a mighty task for his team to gain a positive result against the unbeaten table-toppers Barry made it 19 without defeat since the start of the campaign on Tuesday, when they saw off visiting Ely Rangers 3-0. Form guide: Barry: W D W W W W Croesyceiliog: W L D W W W The Murch: Dinas Powys (16) v Aberbargoed Buds (3). Aberbargoed regained third position on Wednesday night, although they would have been looking for all three points instead of the one picked up from a 1-1 home draw with Cwmbran Celtic. It was their third successive same-scoreline draw with leading scorer Tom McCarthy on the mark again to take his campaign league total to with his 14. Until last Saturday, manager Adrian Needs outfit would have been the obvious choice to secure victory here against the division's bottom-placed club. However Dinas will doubtless be full of confidence following a highly-surprising 1-0 success at Cwmbran Celtic - only their third win in 18 league starts and which ended a miserable sequence of 12 games without a win. Form guide: Dinas Powys: L L L L D W Aberbargoed Buds: W W L D D D Sports Ground, Margam: Tata Steel (15) v Caldicot Town (2). Caldicot will again try to increase their minutes-without-a-goal record from 538 minutes following last weekend's postponement at Aberbargoed. Player-boss Mark Williams' side is well placed to finish the season as runners-up to champions-elect Barry Town United, although it's true to say there are several chasing clubs who can overtake them. However with such a fine defensive record of nine clean-sheets from 19 fixtures, it would seem Caldicot are well on their way to regaining the top-flight status they lost at the end of the 2010-11 season. Williams was an interested spectator at Newport Stadium on Wednesday, when he watched Tata stretch their unbeaten run to a fourth game with a 0-0 draw against hosts Llanwern. Form guide: Tata Steel: L L D D W D Caldicot Town: W W W W W D The Causeway: Undy Athletic (8) v Caerleon (14). Undy's 1-0 win at Risca United last time out was their first in four outings and because it was only their second in nine, it looks likely they will have to settle for another season at this level. But for all that, they remain only four points adrift of third place with a game in hand and have still 14 matches remaining. Caerleon are deep in relegation trouble with just one victory in nine, but have moved to strengthen. Should this happen then expect Caerleon's fortunes to change for the better and they trail the first safe club, Ely Rangers, by two points having played four fewer games. Form guide: Undy Athletic: L W D D L W Caerleon: W D D L L L Pri Deri Park, Mayhill: West End (4) v Cwmbran Celtic (10). Celtic would be a punter's delight if they were on the football pools as Wednesday's 1-1 draw at Aberbargoed Buds was their third in four and sixth in the 13 games they've played since their belated start to the season. Luke Thomas scored his third goal of the campaign, but it appears they are in desperate need of a striker who can put the ball in the back of the net on a regular basis. It could mean the difference between success and failure because while they have many matches in hand over all of their rivals, three points from the last 12 is certainly not promotion form. The west Wales host are trying to secure first-time promotion back to the top flight, but it seems they have already played to many matches and it's expected several of their rivals will eventually overtake them. Form guide: West End: W W L W D L Cwmbran Celtic: W W D D L D Division Three (figures in brackets relate to league positions of 19). Spytty Park: Lliswerry (5) v Llantwit Major (8). Recent poor form has dented Lliswerry's promotion drive and they really must win this encounter if they are to regain momentum. With leaders Llanelli Town and second-positioned Ammanford, who have won all 15 of their games, seemingly set fair to go up, it would appear Lliswerry are only chasing third spot. However all is most certainly not lost though as they are only five points behind third-placed Cardiff Corinthians with four games in hand. The Vale of Glamorgan visitors won 2-0 at home against Panteg last time out and could yet clinch a top-six end to their campaign. Form guide: Lliswerry: W L L W D L Llantwit Major: L W W L L W Shannon Close, Bettws: Newport Civil Service (18) v Cardiff Corinthians (3) Civil's continuing recruitment campaign has seen former player-coach Gareth Wysome return from a spell with Division Two outfit Chepstow Town. It's just the sort of experienced defender the club needs following on from the signing of five members of Monmouth Town's youth-team squad. It pains me to write NCS have lost their last 13 league fixtures and they have just Cardiff Grange Harlequins below them on goal difference only. The capital-based visitors had won five of six until last Saturday's shock, 4-3 home defeat at the hands of struggling Treowen Stars. Form guide: Newport Civil Service: L L L L L L Cardiff Corinthians: W L W W W L Mendalgief Road, Pill: Newport YMCA (14) v Bridgend Street (Cardiff) (10) Nothing at all surprises me in football anymore and it's a fact a team who is beaten heavily one Saturday is capable of turning matters around against the same opposition seven days later. Well that's exactly what struggling YMCA are being asked to do here following a 6-0 drubbing at Bridgend Street and it doesn't help that they have lost eight of their last nine fixtures. Despite that poor form, they are still a dozen points above the drop zone and the smart money will be laid on them retaining their league status come May. That big win for Bridgend Street over YMCA has planted them barely into a mid-table position and a hat-trick scorer on that occasion was former Llanwern forward Alex North. Form guide: Newport YMCA: L W L L L L Bridgend Street: L W L D W W Bush Park: Treowen Stars (15) v Pontypridd Town (11). Treowen's magnificent 4-3 away success at Cardiff Corinthians was just the badly-needed tonic they were seeking following eight matches without a win. It gives them a nine-point advantage over those clubs in the danger area and another win here and depending on other results, could see them climb two places. But manager Simon Evans' side has not won consecutive league games all season and certainly gaining three points from this particular clash won't come easy. Inconsistency has dogged Pontypridd over a number of seasons, although they are well capable of defeating most clubs on their day. Form guide: Treowen Stars: D L L D L W Pontypridd Town: W L D W L W
GWENT MID-WEEK ROUND-UP 12 February 2015 from Terry Daley DIVISION One champions Monmouth Town plus second-tier outfits Aberbargoed Buds, Cwmbran Celtic and Llanwern all failed to secure wins in mid-week games. Monmouth were first in action on Tuesday, when a 2-0 home defeat at the hands of new leaders Penybont was a serious blow towards their bid to make a successful defence of their championship title. The Kingfishers missed several good goalscoring chances to have achieved a positive result, but it was the visitors who were sharper in front of goal. It all means Penybont are now 17 points ahead of Monmouth having played six games more while second-placed Haverfordwest County are 15 in front with The Kingfishers. who have only one match in hand. In Division Two, Aberbargoed Buds and Cwmbran Celtic played out a 1-1 draw - an outcome which is of no use to either clubs' hopes to gaining promotion - while Llanwern's recent goalscoring spree came to an abrupt end in being held 0-0 at home by struggling Tata Steel. Luke Thomas gave Celtic a 10th-minute lead at the Recreation Ground with his third league goal before Tom McCarthy levelled matters three minutes into the second period to take his tally to 14. Aberbargoed moved above West End into third position on goal difference while Celtic remain 10th - although there is no doubt both sides would have wanted the full three points towards their ambitions. The same can be said for Llanwern, who had scored no less than 20 goals in their previous three league outings while Tata edged hosts AFC Llwydcoed in a nine-goal thriller last Saturday. Both sides could have scored as each goalkeeper, Chris Golton for the home side and visiting stopper Matthew Stanton produced a couple of good saves, while Llanwern left back Robert James headed off his own line in the game's very last minute. Llanwern are still sixth, but are now only four points off a promotion spot while relegation-threatened Tata remain one from the bottom - but are unbeaten in their last quartet of fixtures (one win and three draws).
GWENT WEDNESDAY PREVIEW 11 February 2015 from Terry Daley Both 7.30pm kick offs Division Two: Recreation Ground: Aberbargoed Buds (4) v Cwmbran Celtic (10). Aberbargoed will start just a point behind West End, but with five games in hand while 10th-positioned Celtic are 11 points adrift of the final promotion spot having played the same amount of games less. The home side were last in action on the final day of January, when they were held 1-1 at Tata - their second successive draw to take their run of matches without a win to three. Celtic could start low on confidence after losing 1-0 at home to bottom-placed Dinas Powys last Saturday, only their only second reverse in 12 league fixtures and one of the five draws they have played out was 1-1 at home to Aberbargoed on January 25. On that occasion, Jordan Maisey gave Aberbargoed and interval lead only for Celtic substitute Sean Feeley to grab the equaliser with just three minutes of normal time remaining. Celtic have a clean bill of health, but Aberbargoed have injury doubts over Scott Armitage and Liam Vaughan as well as having four players unavailable. However they do have top scorer Tom McCarthy, Wayne Antoniazzi plus the returning Dafydd Brewer all fit for selection. Form guide: Aberbargoed Buds: L W W L D D Cwmbran Celtic: D W W D D L Newport Stadium: Llanwern (6) v Tata Steel (15). Llanwern go into their clash with Tata with a highly-impressive recent scoring run of 20 goals from their last three league outings. After defeating visiting Ely Rangers 9-1, they went onto win 6-2 at AFC Llwydcoed 6-2 and then 5-1 at home against county rivals Risca United. That form has taken them to only five points behind third-placed West End and with four games in hand and following this fixture, Llanwern have consecutive derby matches against Celtic (away on February 18) and Croesyceiliog (three days later). Llanwern, who will remain in sixth place even if they emerge as victors, welcome back Michael Bishop, Matthew Hibbs and Liam Whiskey to their squad Tata had suffered a depressing run 15 games without success before they gained a much-needed three points by winning at AFC Llwydcoed in a nine-goal thriller last Saturday. Form guide: Llanwern: L W L W W W Tata Steel: L L L D D W
GWENT TUESDAY PREVIEW 10 February 2015 from Terry Daley Kick off 7.15pm. Division One (figures in brackets relate to league pacings of 16). Pen-Y-Pound Stadium, Abergavenny: Monmouth Town (10) v Penybont (3). MONMOUTH Town boss Andrew Smith could have a full-strength squad for Tuesday's crucial home Welsh League Division One clash against Penybont. The Kingfishers are defending champions, but have slipped to 15 points behind leaders Haverfordwest County - although they do have a couple of matches in hand and will visit the west Walians on April 1. Smith could have defender Aaron Davies and forward Eliot Ford available to boost his selection options following last Saturday's 4-1 home success over former title winners Goytre United. Nick Harrhy scored twice to take his season's league tally to 11 while Dan MacDonald now has 12 after netting once - as did Ben Evans. That win at Pen-Y-Pound Stadium in Abergavenny, moved Smith's men up three places to 10th while Penybont, who defeated visiting Taffs Well 1-0 last Friday night, are third. It was their third successive league win to following on from the same number of consecutive defeats and they've not drawn any of their last 10 league fixtures. They lead Monmouth by 14 points, but have played six games more, and will seek a campaign double having won 2-1 at home on January 27. However Monmouth have beaten Penybont at home this season, winning a Welsh Cup tie 3-1 in mid November of last year. Form guide: Monmouth Town: D L W L L W Penybont: L L L W W W Wednesday fixtures (both 7.30pm). Division Two: Aberbargoed Buds v Cwmbran Celtic. Llanwern v Tata Steel.
GWENT SATURDAY ROUND-UP AND GWENT GOALSCORERS (LEAGUE ONLY) 9 February 2015 from Terry Daley DEFENDING Division One champions Monmouth Town returned to winning ways on a day when only four of 12 local clubs in action managed to emerged as victors. Croesyceiliog and Undy Athletic also took all three points in Division Two fixtures while Treowen Stars eased their relegation fears with a fine away success in the lower tier. Seventh-placed Monmouth previously suffered consecutive defeats which had somewhat derailed their bid to make a successful defence of the crown they won in 2013-14. However goals from Nick Harrhy (2), Dan MacDonald and Ben Evans earned them a fairly comfortable 4-1 home triumph over former title-holders Goytre United at their Pen-Y-Pound Stadium home in Abergavenny. MacDonald now has 12 league goals for the season and Harrhy 10 and The Kingfishers can reduce the current 15-point gap leaders Haverfordwest County have over them on Tuesday night, when they host third-placed Penybont. In the second level, Chepstow Town remain fifth despite a 5-1 home thumping at the hands of unbeaten-in-18 table toppers Barry Town United for whom former Cwmbran Town forward Tom Billing was among their scorers. Chepstow actually took the lead via a Simon Prangley goal, but Barry forged clear during the second period after the hosts goalkeeper Gareth Wesson limped off injured to be replaced by outfield player Sam Rushworth. At a bitterly-cold Woodland Road, Croesyceiliog entertained Ely Rangers, who had been thrashed 9-1 by Llanwern on the last occasion they played in the county. Another hefty defeat looked on the cards for the Cardiff-based visitors as goals from Zac Osbourne, Jamie Arnold and Daniel Clouth put the home side in complete command at the break - even though Ely had looked the better side in the opening 20 minutes or so. But Croesyceiliog made hard work of hanging on for the success as Ely roared back to reduce the arrears with two goals from Richard Greaves - although his stoppage-time sending off ended the visitors' challenge. Osbourne took his league tally to 17 and he is now only two behind Lliswerry's Josh Brown, who currently heads the goalscorers' list for those players appearing for Gwent clubs. It was the third successive league victory for player-manager Mark Waddon's team, which is now unbeaten in four with only one defeat in eight, and it is just six points off a promotion spot with four matches in hand. Undy moved above hosts Risca United to eighth position as a result of a 1-0 win at Ty-Isaf Park, where a long-range free kick from Tom Hooper with just three minutes remaining was enough to settle the derby. Risca fielded goalkeeper Mark Mears, who has re-joined the club, but he had little chance with Hooper's superb dead-ball shot which gave Undy their seventh victory of the campaign while the home team slipped to a fourth consecutive defeat. Both of these clubs are just seven points from a promotion spot having played less matches than all of their rivals placed above them. However it was Risca's third loss on the trot while Undy have won only two of their last nine league outings. Cwmbran Celtic had lost only once in 11 league fixtures as they lined up against bottom-placed visitors Dinas Powys, who turned up having with no wins from any of their last 12 outings. However a shocking display from Celtic caused them to crash to an unexpected 1-0 reverse, which ended their unbeaten six-match run and they remain in 10th place in the 16-strong table. They have a quick opportunity to redeem themselves on Wednesday, when they travel to face fourth-placed Aberbargoed Buds - whose home derby clash against second-positioned Caldicot Town on Friday night was postponed. In Division Three, Tredegar Town visited Ammanford aiming to end the hosts' amazing 100 per cent record from 14 games since the start of their season. It was all going to plan for Tredegar, whose recent poor form has seen them drop from the second place held by Ammanford to sixth, when Tomas Lynch beat four would-be tacklers before netting his ninth league goal of the campaign. But, and despite having much the better of the possession, two defensive errors from Tredegar allowed Ammanford to eventually emerged as 2-1 winners. Tredegar's eventual finishing position could be decided by home form as 11 of their final 16 fixtures are scheduled to take place at their Sports Complex HQ in the town. Elsewhere in the same section, promotion-seekers Lliswerry and Panteg plus relegation-threatened duo Newport YMCA and Newport Civil Service all fell to away defeats - and each without even scoring. Lliswerry and Panteg went down 2-0 at Pontypridd Town and Llantwit Major respectively to stay in fifth and drop one spot to in the 19-club division. YMCA lost 6-0 at Bridgend Street while NCS slipped to a 4-0 loss at Bettws, the latter taking their sequence of consecutive league defeats to 13. However without-a-win-in-eight Treowen edged a seven-goal thriller at high-flying Cardiff Corinthians to move nine points clear of the drop zone. Goals came from Ricky Amos, Lewis Coote, Chris Jones and Tommy James as Treowen clinched only their fifth victory in 17 league starts and manager Simon Evans' side has matches in hand over all of the immediate five clubs above them. Mid-week fixtures (7.30pm, unless stated). Tuesday. Division One: Monmouth Town v Penybont (7.15pm). Wednesday. Division Two: Aberbargoed Buds v Cwmbran Celtic. Llanwern v Tata Steel. Gwent goalscorers (League only). CROESYCEILIOG'S Zac Osbourne scored once in a 3-2 home victory over Ely Rangers to move to just two goals behind Lliswerry's Josh Brown. 19 - Josh Brown (Lliswerry). 17 - Zac Osbourne (Croesyceiliog). 13 - Tom McCarthy (Aberbargoed Buds), Jason Thorn (Caldicot Town). 12 - Dan MacDonald (Monmouth Town). 11 - Matthew Hibbs (Llanwern), Leo Ross (Chepstow Town). 10 - Gareth Cullimore (Undy Athletic), Nick Harrhy (Monmouth Town), Craig Moses (Goytre). 9 - Dale Cook (Lliswerry), Tomas Lynch (Tredegar Town). 8 - Olly Beckett (Undy Athletic), Matthew Flynn (Llanwern, including seven for Pontypridd Town). Hishi Lama (Croesyceiliog, including one for Chepstow Town), Ian Pettit (Tredegar Town). 7 - Scott Armitage (Aberbargoed Buds), Gareth Delve (Llanwern), Richard Sharratt (Caldicot Town), Niall Simmons (Newport YMCA), Dan Stoneman (Lliswerry), Tony Willis (Risca United). 6 - Daniel Battle (Risca United, including six for Tredegar Town), Josh Bull (including two for Monmouth Town), Jon Butcher (Panteg), Jamie Davies (Caerleon), Luke Dyke (Panteg, including one for Croesyceiliog), Dan Hooper (Llanwern), Nic Hooper (Llanwern), Luke Lewis (Cwmbran Celtic), Derice McLean (Newport Civil Service). 5 - James Francis (Caerleon), Steven Hughes (Tredegar Town), Dave Hurley (Risca United), Jordan Jones (Llanwern), Ben Taylor (Panteg), Kyle Williams (Risca United), James Young (Goytre). 4 - Ricky Amos (Treowen Stars), Josh Collier (Risca United), Aaron Colwill (Risca United), Chris Ham (Monmouth Town, now of Carmarthen Town), Joe Howells (Lliswerry), Chris Quinlan (Tredegar Town), Craig Price (Treowen Stars), Matt Prosser (Goytre), Dan Saunders (Caldicot Town). 3 - Wayne Antoniazzi (Aberbargoed Buds), Dan Clouth (Croesyceiliog), Dominic Connor (Cwmbran Celtic), Lewis Coote (Treowen Stars), Luke Cueto (Caerleon), Mark Dunn (Chepstow Town), Dan Edwards (Lliswerry), Eliot Evans (Monmouth Town), Gary Evans (Treowen Stars), Max Fessey (Lliswerry), Elliott Ford (Monmouth Town), Nathan Hardwick (Newport YMCA), Ryan Hayward (Croesyceiliog), Liam Head (Caerleon), Kirk Hicks (Panteg, including three for Lliswerry), Chris Jones (Treowen Stars), Craig Lewis (Chepstow Town), Rhys Luffman (Lliswerry), Tre Marrett (Newport YMCA), Paul Michael (Risca United), Mark Organ (Chepstow Town), Simon Prangley (Chepstow Town), Sam Rushworth (Chepstow Town), Jordan Ryan (Panteg), Liam Shaw (Aberbargoed Buds). 2 - Jamie Arnold (Croesyceiliog), Michael Bishop (Llanwern), Paul Clayton (Undy Athletic), Marc Curtis (Llanwern), Ben Davies (Undy Athletic), Jordan Harding (Goytre), Tom Hooper (Undy Athletic), Alex Jenkins (Newport YMCA), Josh Jones (Tredegar Town), Rhys Jones (Aberbargoed Buds), Andrew Larcombe (Cwmbran Celtic), Jordan Maisey (Aberbargoed Buds), James Martin (Newport YMCA), Lee Mason (Panteg), Gavin Meacham (Aberbargoed Buds), Joe O'Brien (Newport YMCA), Craig Price (Treowen Stars), Nick Potts (Chepstow Town), Dean Randall (Treowen Stars), Luke Thomas (Cwmbran Celtic), Gyles Thompson (Undy Athletic), Jon Williams (Panteg), Ben Wotton (Caerleon). 1 - Jack Alderdice (Monmouth Town), Adam Alkysi (Tredegar Town), Gareth Appleby (Panteg), Josh Ball (Tredegar Town), Michael Baugh (Cwmbran Celtic), James Barnes (Undy Athletic), Tom Barry (Llanwern), Joe Bidgood (Newport YMCA), Steven Boucher (Lliswerry), Gareth Cleverly (Newport Civil Service), Jacob Cross (Aberbargoed Buds), Simon Crook (Caldicot Town), Lloyd Dando (Treowen Stars), Tom Dando (Cwmbran Celtic), Aysa El-Doory (Newport Civil Service), Yousif El-Doori (Caerleon), Alex Evans (Goytre), Ben Evans (Monmouth Town), Gary Evans (Treowen Stars), Josh Evans (Treowen Stars), Dean Goddard (Newport YMCA), Jack Harvey (Chepstow Town), Luke Harris (Treowen Stars), Mo Hassan (Newport YMCA), Rhys Hodges (Cwmbran Celtic), Sam Hunt (Monmouth Town), Matt James (Caldicot Town), Tommy James (Treowen Stars), Ashley Johnson (Lliswerry)Grant Jones (Treowen Stars), Ben Lawrence (Newport YMCA), Jason Lewis (Newport YMCA) David Lloyd (Caldicot Town), Will McConnell (Caldicot Town), Craig McDonnell (Aberbargoed Buds), Liam Macan (Tredegar Town), Steffan Marchant (Croesyceiliog), Nick Maynard (Llanwern), Ryan Meek (Treowen Stars), Dave Mellon (Newport Civil Service), Adam Meredith (Tredegar Town), Calum Miles (Goytre), Gavin Millar (Panteg), Dale Morris (Llanwern), Ian Morris (Tredegar Town), Mark Morris (Croesyceiliog), Lewys Nash (Aberbargoed Buds), Sam Oakley (Caerleon), Ashley Palmer (Chepstow Town), Stephen Parfitt (Treowen Stars), Rakesh Patel (Cwmbran Celtic), Marcus Power (Undy Athletic), Tyla Preece (Aberbargoed Buds), James Price (Tredegar Town), Anthony Richards (Croesyceiliog), Leigh Sharp (Risca United), Richie Shire (Lliswerry), Jack Sinderby (Croesyceiliog), Mitchell Slape (Caldicot Town), Alex Stewart (Newport YMCA), Lewis Sweetland (Newport Civil Service), Kieron Thomas (Aberbargoed Buds), Simon Truman (Goytre), Alex Waters (Caerleon), Jake Wainright (Goytre), Ben Watson (Caerleon), Steve Wilson (Caldicot Town), Tom Wise (Panteg), Ben Wotton (Caerleon), Joel Worgan (Tredegar Town). CLEAN-SHEETS: 9 - Caldicot Town. 5 - Tredegar Town. 4 - Aberbargoed Buds; Chepstow Town; Goytre; Lliswerry; Panteg. 3 - Cwmbran Celtic; Monmouth Town; Undy Athletic. 2 - Caerleon; Croesyceiliog; Llanwern; Newport Civil Service. 1 - Newport YMCA; Risca United; Treowen Stars.
GWENT WEEKEND PREVIEW 6 February 2015 from Terry Daley DIVISION Two promotion rivals Aberbargoed Buds and Caldicot Town meet in the first of this weekend's local fixtures on Friday, when the visitors will defend a brilliant run of 528 minutes without conceding a league goal. Friday (7.30pm kick off). Division Two (figures in brackets relate to league positions of 16). Recreation Ground: Aberbargoed Buds (4) v Caldicot Town (2). Caldicot last shipped a league goal in the second minute of a 2-1 home win over Tata Steel on December 2, 2014, and have since beaten Llanwern (1-0), AFC Llwydcoed (2-0), Risca United (1-0) plus Penrhiwceiber Rangers (2-0) and drawn with Cwmbran Celtic (0-0). This is a crucial clash because despite having three matches in hand, Aberbargoed trail the hosts by 10 points and they certainly need to emerge victors if they are to maintain their hopes of a first-time return to the top flight. Both clubs have in-form scorers who have scored 13 league goals - Tom McCarthy for Aberbargoed and Jason Thorn for Caldicot. However it's Caldicot's magnificent defensive record which marks them down as favourites here and certainly a draw would suit them far better. Form guide: Aberbargoed Buds: L W W L D D Caldicot Town: W W W W W D Saturday (all 2.00pm kick offs). Division One (figures in brackets relate to league positions of 16). Pen-Y-Pound Stadium, Abergavenny: Monmouth Town (9) v Goytre United (4). Just two wins from their last eight league outings means Monmouth have a massive task to make a successful defence of the championship title. They will start a huge 17 points adrift of table-topping Cardiff Metropolitan University and have only four fixtures in hand over the students. While The Kingfishers still have 45 points left to play for, it would appear their best chance of lifting silverware lies in the League Cup, in which they visit Division Two side Llanwern at Newport Stadium on February 14. The unbeaten-in-six visitors are in contention to win the title for the first time since 2009-10 and will be seeking to go one better than the 0-0 home draw with Monmouth on November 1 last year. Form guide: Monmouth Town: L D L W L L Goytre United: W W W D D W Division Two (figures in brackets relate to league positions of 16). Larkfield Ground: Chepstow Town (5) v Barry Town United (1). Chepstow ended a run of four without a victory when defeating hosts Ely Rangers 4-2 last time out, when Leo Ross scored a goal to take his campaign tally to 11. Are only a point off a promotion spot having played a couple of games less, although their habit of drawing looks likely to hold then back. Manager Dave Livermore has seen his side gain parity on six occasions, a total which is shared only by lowly Penrhiwceiber Rangers in the entire division. It will take a football miracle to deny the visitors Division One status for 2015-16 and here they will hope to stretch their unbeaten league run since the start of the season to 18. Form guide: Chepstow Town: W D D L D W Barry: W D W D W W Woodland Road: Croesyceiliog (8) v Ely Rangers (12). Until a fine current sequence of only one loss from seven games, Croesyceiliog were battling against being dragged in the relegation fight. Now, however, and with Zac Osbourne and Hishi Lama both in good goalscoring form, player-boss Mark Waddon's troops are just two or three wins off being classed as promotion contenders. They will certainly be highly fancied to post one of those victories here against an Ely side which lost 9-1 at Llanwern on December 27. They have, however, won 3-0 at fellow strugglers Caerleon - one of only five wins from 19 starts for the capital visitors. Form guide: Croesyceiliog: W W L D W W Ely Rangers: D L L D L W L Celtic Park: Cwmbran Celtic (10) v Dinas Powys (16). On paper, any side which has a record of only one defeat in their first 11 fixtures must be convinced they will soon join the promotion race. However Celtic have drawn no less than five of those games and that could prove to be far too many as they strive regain Division One status at the first attempt. Celtic need an experienced marksman to guide some of the younger forwards and perhaps resting one or two regulars to the bench may have a more positive effect on the side in the long run. Nonetheless they will begin here as strong favourites to land the three points against the bottom-placed visitors, who failed to win any of their previous 11 league matches. Form guide: Cwmbran Celtic: W D W W D D Dinas Powys: L L L L L D Ty-Isaf Park: Risca United (7) v Undy Athletic (9). This is a county derby between two clubs whose poor recent form has virtually ruled them out of the race for promotion to the top level. Risca were hammered 5-1 at Llanwern to make it three consecutive defeats while Undy's 3-1 home loss to AFC Llwydcoed means they failed to win a trio of league matches in January. These teams drew 2-2 at Undy in early November last year, when Ben Davies and Gareth Cullimore netted for Undy and Aaron Corwell getting both of Risca's goals. Another draw will be of no use to either side and because of that, this has all the ingredients for being a cracking local match-up. Form guide: Risca United: W L W L L L Undy Athletic: L L W D D L Division Three (figures in brackets relate to league positions of 19). Recreation Ground: Ammanford (2) v Tredegar Town (6). Two draws and as many defeats in their last eight outings has meant Tredegar dropping four places and it now appears they are now only in contention to finish in the third and final promotion spot. Although Llanelli Town lost their unbeaten record last weekend, it's thought they and Ammanford will form the division's top top two at the end of the season. That would leave Tredegar as one of half a dozen clubs chasing third place and they must start to put together a decent run of results - although here they are the clear underdogs. Ammanford have scored 51 goals in winning all 13 of league fixtures following their belated beginning to the campaign and it will be interesting to see what is required when the return takes place at Tredegar in the clubs' final game of the season on May 9. Form guide: Ammanford: W W W W W W Tredegar: D W W W D W L North Site, Bettws Road: Bettws (16) v Newport Civil Service (18). NCS' recent recruitment drive of signing new coach Simon Berry and three youth players from Monmouth Town plus the return of midfielder Marc Gunter simply must hit the ground running - or else. Last week's 2-0 home defeat by capital-based Bridgend Street was their 11th on the trot and they will begin here needing seven more points to get out of the drop zone. The side in the first safe position is today's hosts, so this clash really is an extremely crucial affair for both sides especially considering NCS have played five fewer fixtures than the hosts. Bettws are in good recent form having won 3-2 at Treowen Stars last Saturday and 4-0 at home against Treharris Athletic Western seven days previously. Form guide: Bettws: L L L L W W Newport Civil Service: L L L L L L Willows High School, Tremorfa: Bridgend Street (10) v Newport YMCA (13). Even though YMCA are a dozen points off the danger area, the time has now come for them to gain some positive result because some teams below them are starting to gain momentum. They've now lost six of their last seven league outings and would have been very disappointed to go down 2-0 at home against fellow-strugglers Cwm Welfare recently. Previous to the current poor run, it was only one reverse in five for YMCA and the simply must return to that sort of consistency if they are to survive. The visitors are fresh from a 2-0 win at Newport Civil Service and appear set fair for an end-of-season mid-table finish. Form guide: Bridgend Street: L L W L D W Newport YMCA: L L W L L L Riverside Ground, Radyr: Cardiff Corinthians (4) v Treowen Stars (15). Losing 3-2 at home to one of only four sides (Bridgend-based Bettws) below them in the table was a massive blow for Treowen's hopes of remaining in the league. It's now no wins from eight for manager Simon Evans' men and here they face a club which beat them 3-1 at home in early September of last year. Treowen have played fewer games than the two sides above them and another good statistic is they have conceded less goals (40) than the entire bottom eight. But just to confirm what a difficult task this is, the hosts will begin in very high spirits having become the first team in 19 to defeat leaders Llanelli Town - winning 3-0 at this venue last weekend. Form guide: Cardiff Corinthians: L W W L W W Treowen Stars: L D L L D L Windmill Ground: Llantwit Major (9) v Panteg (8). Given most of the teams above them are in good form, it's believed Panteg will just miss out on promotion to the next level at the conclusion of their return season. Nonetheless there is still hope they can remain in contention, although they still have a tough task to fit in their remaining 21 fixtures. Manager Mark Taylor's side can hold it's own with any club when it brings it's 'A' game to the proceedings and should they manage that here, there are signs they could well return home with the points. The hosts lost their last two games, albeit against Ammanford who have a 100 per cent record from 13 games, and have won only twice in their last seven matches. Form guide: Llantwit Major: D L W W L L Panteg: W L D L D W Ynysangharad Park: Pontypridd Town (11) v Lliswerry (5). Lliswerry are three points off the third and final promotion spot behind Cwmamman United with both clubs have 19 fixtures remaining. Therefore absolutely anything is possible and here manager Adam Corfield will want his side to banish all thoughts of the mass brawl which forced last Saturday's game at Caerau to be abandoned. Lliswerry striker Josh Brown is the county's leading league scorer with 19, but he has not found the back of the net recently. Because of cup matches and postponements, Pontypridd have played only six league fixtures since November 1 last year - the latest producing a 2-0 home defeat at the hands of promotion contenders Cwmamman United. Form guide: Lliswerry: W W L L W D Pontypridd Town: L W L D W L
GWENT WEEKEND ROUND-UP AND GWENT GOALSCORERS (LEAGUE ONLY) 2 February 2015 from Terry Daley FOOTBALL was the loser on Saturday, when gratuitous violence caused Lliswerry's Division Three match at Caerau to be abandoned with 19 minutes still remaining. At that stage the home side led 3-0 against promotion-seeking Lliswerry, who play their home games at Spytty Park in Newport. However an off-the-ball incident produced a mass brawl between both sets of players and soon Blackwood-based match referee Tudor Lewis had clearly seen enough in calling the game off. Officials of both clubs were tight-lipped about the affair with Lliswerry boss Adam Corfield only confirming a slight injury to his player, Rhys Luffman. Welsh League and FAW officials will now await Mr. Lewis' match report before investigating matters, although league life-vice president and FAW vice president David Griffiths was in attendance. There was more bad news later for fifth-placed Lliswerry when it was discovered promotion rivals Cardiff Corinthians and Cwmamman United had both won. Elsewhere in the same division, Panteg emerged as the only winners among five other local clubs - although Tredegar Town's home clash against Pontypridd Town was postponed. Both of Panteg's goals came from Ben Taylor and their win still has them 10 points off a promotion spot having played two fixtures less. There were 2-0 home defeats for Newport YMCA and Newport Civil Service against Bridgend Street and Cwm Welfare respectively while Treowen Stars lost 3-2 against visiting Bettws - Ryan Meek and Lloyd Dando their goal scorers. In Division One, Goytre looked set to pick up a point from a trip to tackle second-positioned Haverfordwest County until they conceded a late goal. The 1-0 defeat leaves them just eight points off the drop zone, although they have played less matches than some of the teams above them. Division Two side Chepstow Town got the weekend's action underway on Friday night, when they travelled to Wenvoe to face relegation-threatened Ely Rangers. After 90 minutes during which both sides missed some clear-cut chances, Chepstow emerged 4-2 victors thanks to goals from Simon Prangley, Leo Ross, his 11th of the season, Mark Dunn and Mark Organ. Caldicot Town are a point closer to clinching a place in Division One after being held 0-0 by county rivals Cwmbran Celtic at their Jubilee Way home ground. It was second-placed Caldicot's ninth clean-sheet of the campaign, their fifth in succession and sixth in seven matches - although the outcome denied them an eighth consecutive league win. Celtic are now beaten only once in 11 league fixtures since their belated start, although it was their fifth draw, with Dom Connor coming close to scoring when his effort was cleared off the line. An early goal from Tyla Preece put Aberbargoed Buds ahead at Margam-based Tata Steel, but they had to settle for a 1-1 draw - their second successive such result following on from their clash at Cwmbran Celtic the previous week. They moved back above Chepstow into fourth spot and are only a point adrift of third-placed West End having played four fewer games. It was seventh versus sixth as Llanwern hosted Risca United at Newport Stadium, where it was obvious at the break that the visitors' 1-0 lead, thanks to a close-range goal from Kyle Williams after goalkeeper Chris Golton had spilt a Daniel Battle free kick, was never going to be enough because of an extremely strong wind. And so it proved as Llanwern roared to a 5-1 triumph, although the second period was a tale of two goalkeepers for Risca. Debutant Leigh Jones, signed in mid-week from Gwent County League side Blaenavon Blues, was forced off through injury on the hour mark and some 12 minutes after conceding a Jordan Jones equaliser. On came substitute stopper Tom Chorely, who endured something of a nightmare time with the next couple of goals, being badly positioned to deal with a Matthew Flynn corner which flew straight in and seemingly being slow to get down to a Matthew Delve shot which made it 3-1. Delve made it four with a very good finish, although Llanwern debutant Matthew Maynard was clearly in an offside position when he went through for the fifth soon after coming on as a substitute. In fairness to Chorely, a regular for Risca for a number of seasons, he did also make several fine saves as Llanwern, who were minus leading scorer Matthew Hibbs, tried to add to their impressive tally of 25 goals from their last four league fixtures. The teams swapped places as a result of the game Undy Athletic remained ninth following a hugely disappointing 3-1 home defeat at the hands of AFC Llwydcoed, who are 11th in the 16-strong table. Olly Beckett put Undy in front before he went off injured and after the visitors had a player sent off, the home side's Paul Clayton also saw red. Despite a battling performance against unbeaten table-topping Barry Town United, lowly Caerleon slipped to a 1-0 reverse at Jenner Park and they are now above the relegation zone ahead of Penrhiwceiber Rangers on goal difference only. Gwent goalscorers (League only). CHEPSTOW Town's Leo Ross scored in a 4-2 win at Ely Rangers to move on to 11 goals, eight behind leading scorer Josh Brown, of Lliswerry. 19 - Josh Brown (Lliswerry). 16 - Zac Osbourne (Croesyceiliog). 13 - Tom McCarthy (Aberbargoed Buds); Jason Thorn (Caldicot Town). 11 - Matthew Hibbs (Llanwern), Dan MacDonald (Monmouth Town), Leo Ross (Chepstow Town). 10 - Gareth Cullimore (Undy Athletic), Craig Moses (Goytre). 9 - Dale Cook (Lliswerry). 8 - Olly Beckett (Undy Athletic), Matthew Flynn (Llanwern, including seven for Pontypridd Town), Nick Harrhy (Monmouth Town), Hishi Lama (Croesyceiliog, including one for Chepstow Town), Tomas Lynch (Tredegar Town), Ian Pettit (Tredegar Town). 7 - Scott Armitage (Aberbargoed Buds), Gareth Delve (Llanwern), Richard Sharratt (Caldicot Town), Niall Simmons (Newport YMCA), Dan Stoneman (Lliswerry), Tony Willis (Risca United). 6 - Daniel Battle (Risca United, including six for Tredegar Town), Josh Bull (including two for Monmouth Town), Jon Butcher (Panteg), Jamie Davies (Caerleon), Luke Dyke (Panteg, including one for Croesyceiliog), Dan Hooper (Llanwern), Nic Hooper (Llanwern), Luke Lewis (Cwmbran Celtic), Derice McLean (Newport Civil Service). 5 - James Francis (Caerleon), Steven Hughes (Tredegar Town), Dave Hurley (Risca United), Jordan Jones (Llanwern), Ben Taylor (Panteg), Kyle Williams (Risca United), James Young (Goytre). 4 - Josh Collier (Risca United), Aaron Colwill (Risca United), Chris Ham (Monmouth Town, now of Carmarthen Town), Joe Howells (Lliswerry), Chris Quinlan (Tredegar Town), Craig Price (Treowen Stars), Matt Prosser (Goytre), Dan Saunders (Caldicot Town). 3 - Ricky Amos (Treowen Stars), Wayne Antoniazzi (Aberbargoed Buds), Dominic Connor (Cwmbran Celtic), Luke Cueto (Caerleon), Mark Dunn (Chepstow Town), Dan Edwards (Lliswerry), Eliot Evans (Monmouth Town), Gary Evans (Treowen Stars), Max Fessey (Lliswerry), Elliott Ford (Monmouth Town), Nathan Hardwick (Newport YMCA), Ryan Hayward (Croesyceiliog), Liam Head (Caerleon), Kirk Hicks (Panteg, including three for Lliswerry), Craig Lewis (Chepstow Town), Rhys Luffman (Lliswerry), Tre Marrett (Newport YMCA), Paul Michael (Risca United), Mark Organ (Chepstow Town), Sam Rushworth (Chepstow Town), Jordan Ryan (Panteg), Liam Shaw (Aberbargoed Buds). 2 - Michael Bishop (Llanwern), Paul Clayton (Undy Athletic), Dan Clouth (Croesyceiliog), Lewis Coote (Treowen Stars), Marc Curtis (Llanwern), Ben Davies (Undy Athletic), Jordan Harding (Goytre), Alex Jenkins (Newport YMCA), Chris Jones (Treowen Stars), Josh Jones (Tredegar Town), Rhys Jones (Aberbargoed Buds), Andrew Larcombe (Cwmbran Celtic), Jordan Maisey (Aberbargoed Buds), James Martin (Newport YMCA), Lee Mason (Panteg), Gavin Meacham (Aberbargoed Buds), Joe O'Brien (Newport YMCA), Craig Price (Treowen Stars), Nick Potts (Chepstow Town), Simon Prangley (Chepstow Town), Dean Randall (Treowen Stars), Luke Thomas (Cwmbran Celtic), Gyles Thompson (Undy Athletic), Jon Williams (Panteg), Ben Wotton (Caerleon). 1 - Jack Alderdice (Monmouth Town), Adam Alkysi (Tredegar Town), Gareth Appleby (Panteg), Jamie Arnold (Croesyceiliog), Josh Ball (Tredegar Town), Michael Baugh (Cwmbran Celtic), James Barnes (Undy Athletic), Tom Barry (Llanwern), Joe Bidgood (Newport YMCA), Steven Boucher (Lliswerry), Gareth Cleverly (Newport Civil Service), Jacob Cross (Aberbargoed Buds), Simon Crook (Caldicot Town), Lloyd Dando (Treowen Stars), Tom Dando (Cwmbran Celtic), Aysa El-Doory (Newport Civil Service), Yousif El-Doori (Caerleon), Alex Evans (Goytre), Jack Evans (Treowen Stars), Josh Evans (Treowen Stars), Dean Goddard (Newport YMCA), Jack Harvey (Chepstow Town), Luke Harris (Treowen Stars), Mo Hassan (Newport YMCA), Tom Hooper (Undy Athletic), Rhys Hodges (Cwmbran Celtic), Sam Hunt (Monmouth Town), Matt James (Caldicot Town), Ashley Johnson (Lliswerry), Grant Jones (Treowen Stars), Ben Lawrence (Newport YMCA), Jason Lewis (Newport YMCA) David Lloyd (Caldicot Town), Will McConnell (Caldicot Town), Craig McDonnell (Aberbargoed Buds), Liam Macan (Tredegar Town), Steffan Marchant (Croesyceiliog), Nick Maynard (Llanwern), Ryan Meek (Treowen Stars), Dave Mellon (Newport Civil Service), Adam Meredith (Tredegar Town), Calum Miles (Goytre), Gavin Millar (Panteg), Dale Morris (Llanwern), Ian Morris (Tredegar Town), Mark Morris (Croesyceiliog), Lewys Nash (Aberbargoed Buds), Sam Oakley (Caerleon), Ashley Palmer (Chepstow Town), Stephen Parfitt (Treowen Stars), Rakesh Patel (Cwmbran Celtic), Marcus Power (Undy Athletic), Tyla Preece (Aberbargoed Buds), James Price (Tredegar Town), Anthony Richards (Croesyceiliog), Leigh Sharp (Risca United), Richie Shire (Lliswerry), Jack Sinderby (Croesyceiliog), Mitchell Slape (Caldicot Town), Alex Stewart (Newport YMCA), Lewis Sweetland (Newport Civil Service), Kieron Thomas (Aberbargoed Buds), Simon Truman (Goytre), Alex Waters (Caerleon), Jake Wainright (Goytre), Ben Watson (Caerleon), Steve Wilson (Caldicot Town), Tom Wise (Panteg), Ben Wotton (Caerleon), Joel Worgan (Tredegar Town). CLEAN-SHEETS: 9 - Caldicot Town. 5 - Tredegar Town. 4 - Aberbargoed Buds; Chepstow Town; Goytre; Lliswerry; Panteg. 3 - Cwmbran Celtic; Monmouth Town. 2 - Caerleon; Croesyceiliog; Llanwern; Newport Civil Service; Undy Athletic. 1 - Newport YMCA; Risca United; Treowen Stars.
HUGE CUP-TIE FOR TON PENTRE YOUTH ON SUNDAY 30 January 2015 from Ton Pentre FC Ton Pentre’s Youth Team has accomplished a remarkable achievement by reaching the final eight of the FAW Youth Cup, where they rub shoulders against the established academies of Welsh Premier League clubs and the youth teams of Cardiff City, Newport County and English Premier League outfit Swansea City. The young Bulldogs play Bala Town at Ynys Park on Sunday 1st February in what will be their biggest game of the season. A place in the Semi-Finals of the FAW Youth Cup will be the prize for the winner. Fellow Quarter-Finalists Airbus UK Broughton, Bala Town, Port Talbot Town and The New Saints all receive significant funding from UEFA for their Academy teams, while Cardiff, Newport and Swansea are professional outfits. Ton Pentre Youth’s entire existence is down to a small grant from Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council via Sport Wales to get the team started and the hard work of supporters and the players themselves whose fundraising activities help run the team. Under the guidance of Youth Team Manager Ryan Betteney, Ton Pentre have knocked Merthyr Town out of the Welsh League Youth Cup and are currently well positioned in the challenge for the Welsh League Youth Division East title. The team’s achievements have highlighted the young football talent in the Rhondda and several of the Youth players have already made the step up to the Ton Pentre First Team in Welsh League Division One this season. The Bulldogs Youth Team are certainly making a name for themselves and are looking forward to the visit of Bala Town on Sunday, 1 February for an FAW Youth Cup match that kicks off at 2.00pm. Entry for this game will be £2 and with 16 year olds and under free. For more information on Ton Pentre AFC please visit tonpentreafc.com or if you would like to discuss sponsorship opportunities with the Bulldogs, please contact Ceri Jones on 07792 190761 or e-mail sponsorthebulldogs@gmail.com.
Ton Pentre youth celebrate reaching the Quarter-Final of the FAW Youth Cup FAW Youth Cup Quarter Finals Cardiff City v The New Saints Port Talbot Town v Newport County Swansea City v Airbus UK Broughton Ton Pentre v Bala Town
NEWPORT CIVIL SERVICE STRENGTHEN 30 January 2015 from Terry Daley RELEGATION-THREATENED Newport Civil Service have moved to strengthen on and off the field in a bid to avoid dropping out of the Welsh League. The struggling Division Three outfit has brought in Monmouth Town under-19s manager Simon Berry as coach to link up with player-boss Ben Burrows as NCS seek to move out of the drop zone. Berry has brought three of The Kingfishers' youth-team squad with him, winger Jac Hardman, midfielder Thomas Hodge and defender Callum Hodges while another midfielder, Marc Gunter, returns to the Shannon Close clubs club following a break from the game. “We are delighted Simon (Berry) has agreed to join our management team,” remarked NCS player-secretary Steve Muir. “He is a young and enthusiastic coach, who is performing wonders with Monmouth's youth team “The players he has brought in will bring more quality and ability to the squad and they will, hopefully, push us up the table. “We offer them all a warm welcome to the club and would also like to thank Monmouth chairman Lee Robson and his club for their help and cooperation “We also welcome back Marc (Gunter) back home where he belongs after his extended break from the game and he will add a much-needed extra dimension to our game.” Hardman, Hodge and Hodges are all available for Saturday's home game against Bridgend Street, but Gunter not so until the February 7 away clash at Bettws.
GWENT WEEKEND PREVIEW 30 January 2015 from Terry Daley CHEPSTOW Town kick off the local football action on Friday while the outcomes of a couple of Division Two derbies on Saturday will have a strong bearing on which clubs will eventually be promoted to the top flight for the 2015-16 season. Friday (7.30pm kick off). Division Two (figures in brackets relate to league positions of 16). Station Road, Wenvoe: Ely Rangers (12) v Chepstow Town (5). Although it's only one defeat in six, Chepstow's promotion bid has taken a knock over the past few matches with just three draws from their last four outings. They've brought in the vastly-experienced Gary Proctor as first-team coach to work alongside manager Dave Livermore and his assistant Chris Lillygreen. Livermore and co. will certainly want to avoid a campaign losing double having been beaten 2-1 at home by Ely last November. Ely ended a miserable run of six without a win by being 3-0 victors at Caerleon, an outcome which lifted them out of the relegation zone. Form guide: Ely Rangers: D L L D L W Chepstow Town: W W D D L D Saturday (all 2.00pm kick offs). Division One (figures in brackets relate to league positions of 16). Bridge Meadow Stadium: Haverfordwest County (2) v Goytre (10). This is an extremely difficult task for out-of-form Goytre, who have lost their last three league and cup fixtures - all away. They are 15 points adrift of leaders Cardiff Metropolitan University having played the same amount of games (15 of 30), but are only eight above the drop zone. Need to get leading scorer Craig Moses back among the goals while a clean-sheet for player-boss Carl Evans' side would certainly not go amiss. During every campaign since relegation, the hosts have found a way to shoot themselves in the foot in eventually missing out on regaining Welsh Premier League status - could this be their season? Form guide: Haverfordwest County: L D D W W W Goytre: L W W W L L Division Two (figures in brackets relate to league positions of 16). Jenner Park: Barry Town United (1) v Caerleon (12). It's really no exaggeration to say if Caerleon are to win this fixture, then they must bring their A-Star game to the seaside venue. Will start on the back of a hugely disappointed display in losing 3-0 at home to fellow-strugglers Ely Rangers, a lack of sharpness in front of goal letting them down. If they are to get anything positive, it's thought Jamie Davies or James Francis - or both – will need to add to their six and five-goal tallies respectively. Barry are unbeaten in their 16 league matches and have scored 19 times and conceded just five in owning a 100 per cent record from seven home games. Form guide: Barry Town United: W W D W D W Caerleon: L W D D L L Jubilee Way: Caldicot Town (2) v Cwmbran Celtic (10). Caldicot are on track for promotion back to Division One and here seek an eighth consecutive win, although they were held to a 1-1 draw at Celtic in late October. Keeping clean-sheets is the speciality of player-manager Mark Williams side, which has eight to its name - the last four in succession and five out of their previous six outings. Celtic didn't play as well as they can last weekend, but still grabbed a point from a 1-1 home draw against promotion contenders Aberbargoed Buds. However this is a different kettle of fish and their fine record of just one defeat in 10 starts will be tested to the max by the home side. Form guide: Caldicot Town: W W W W W W Cwmbran Celtic: L W D W W D Newport Stadium: Llanwern (7) v Risca United (6). This is an important clash between two teams whose recent form is the exact opposite - the hosts having won three from four and the visitors having lost the same number from their quartet of previous games. That's not to say, however, that Risca can't win here as they came close to getting something from a home meeting with unbeaten Barry Town United before losing 2-1 last Saturday. Llanwern scored 20 goals in those four games and start in the back of a brilliant 6-2 away triumph over AFC Llwydcoed on the same day. These sides are only eight and seven points respectively off a promotion spot, so victory is absolutely essential to maintain interest in a top-three position. Form guide: Llanwern: W L W L W W Risca United: D W L W L L Sports Ground, Margam: Tata Steel (15) v Aberbargoed Buds (4). Dropping two points from a 1-1 draw at Cwmbran Celtic means Aberbargoed have taken only 14 from the last 30, although they are still just one spot off third place and with matches in hand. Played well enough to have won at Celtic, but certainly missed unavailable 13-goal striker Tom McCarthy plus a couple of other influential regulars. On the face if it, Aberbargoed will be firm favourites to return to winning ways, but they will be aware Tata drew 0-0 at Undy Athletic last time out. The hosts are heading for relegation and although the 33 goals they've conceded in 16 outings is the lowest in the six - the 14 scored is the worse tally in the entire division. Form guide: Tata Steel: L L L L L D Aberbargoed Buds: D L W W L D The Causeway: Undy Athletic (9) v AFC Llwydcoed (11). With just one win from seven, Undy's hope of promotion to Division One are fast fading and it didn't help matters that they were held 0-0 at home by lowly Tata Steel last weekend. They do, however, have many games in hand over all but one of the eight teams above them and currently are 10 points off the third and final promotion place. Gaining a win here is vital for Undy, whose entire February fixture list is made up of local derbies against Risca United, Caerleon, Chepstow Town and Croesyceiliog. Llwydcoed will seek to avoid a fifth successive league defeat - although they will also bid for a season's double having beaten Undy 2-0 at home last October. Form guide: Undy Athletic: D L L W D D AFC Llwydcoed: L W L L L L Division Three (figures in brackets relate to league positions of 19). Athletic Ground: Caerau (14) v Lliswerry (3). Lliswerry have played just four times since November 29, but despite only one win they've managed to remain in a promotion spot. Will doubtless have been extremely disappointed to have only drawn 0-0 against visiting capital-based Bridgend Street last time out - their first home league blank of the campaign. Remain the division's second highest goalscorers with 51 from 17 outings and that kind of form would have meant they'd have been clear favourites to win this a month or so again. However a run of fours wins from five has lifted Caerau well clear of the relegation zone and certainly Lliswerry will hope they can return to their previous fine goalscoring ratio. Form guide: Caerau: L W W W L W Lliswerry: W W L L W D Shannon Close, Bettws: Newport Civil Service (17) v Bridgend Street (12). Last weekend's 4-0 defeat at Cwm Welfare was the 10th consecutive reverse for NCS, who are here yet again involved in a 'must-win' clash. And while it's a fact they do have enough fixtures in hand to get out of the relegation area, a total of just 10 goals in 12 league games suggests wins are going to be very hard to come by. Having explained that, this is a match-up which NCS can gain something positive from and the one matter which is without doubt is they will give nothing less than 100 per cent. The visitors have drawn their last two matches 0-0, at home against Treowen Stars and at high-flying Lliswerry, and certainly parity can not be ruled out. Form guide: Newport Civil Service: L L L L L L Bridgend Street: L L W L D D Mendalgief Road, Pill: Newport YMCA (11) v Cwm Welfare (13). YMCA were thumped 5-0 at Rhoose, a surprising outcome given they'd only lost 2-1 at unbeaten Ammanford a week previously. Nonetheless YMCA are generally regarded as one of the clubs who will eventually finish the campaign in mid table and they are currently 12 points clear of the drop zone. However their form is poor in terms of picking up points, although this match-up does offer them a reasonable chance to secure an eighth win of the season. League debutants Cwm are just as inconsistent as the hosts and have earned only nine points from the last 30, but they will start on the back of a 4-0 home success over Newport Civil Service. Form guide: Newport YMCA: L L L W L L Cwm Welfare: W L W L L W Sports Complex: Tredegar Town (5) v Pontypridd Town (10). Just one win from their last three fixtures has dented Tredegar's promotion ambitions and they've slipped down three places from the runners-up spot. With Llanelli Town and Ammanford seemingly fast heading towards Division Two, it appears Tredegar are competing with four other clubs for the third and final promotion place. Therefore a win here is of top priority and anything less will seriously harm the chances of player-boss Gareth Harbord's side Pontypridd recently lost 2-0 at home against one of Tredegar's rivals to go up, Cwmamman United, but previously they ran Division One champions Monmouth Town close in losing a League Cup tie 3-2. Form guide: Tredegar: W W W D W L Pontypridd Town: L W L D W L Athletic Ground: Treharris Athletic Western (17) v Panteg (9). Panteg are fresh from picking up a good point from a 2-2 draw against Rhoose at Jenner Park, Barry, on Tuesday, when skipper skipper Tom Wise and Jon Williams netted. It was a very encouraging display given they were without several regulars, although Kirk Hicks was sent off on the hour mark and the former Lliswerry player is now suspended. The outcome leaves Panteg 11 points adrift of a promotion place with three matches in hand and with 66 still to play for, manager Mark Taylor's men can not be written off yet. Treharris are in deep relegation trouble and a Panteg victory will aid the plight of lowly Newport Civil Service, who along with Cardiff Grange Harlequins are the only two clubs below the hosts. Form guide: Treharris Athletic Western: L D L L W L Panteg: W W L D L D Bush Park: Treowen Stars (15) v Bettws (Bridgend) (16). This is a huge game for both of these struggling sides, who are involved in the fight to avoid dropping out of the 51-strong league. Treowen will begin with no wins in seven, although they did gain a credible 0-0 away draw with Bridgend Street last weekend. Manager Simon Evans' side is six points out of the relegation area and they've let in the least amount of goals, 37 in 15 games, than any other team in the lower seven. Bettws' second win of the campaign, 4-0 at home against fellow-strugglers Treharris Athletic Western last Saturday, ended a seven-match sequence without victory. Form guide: Treowen Stars: L L D L L D Bettws: D L L L L W
CHEPSTOW TOWN NAME NEW FIRST-TEAM COACH 29 January 2015 from Terry Daley WELSH League Division Two outfit Chepstow Town have added much-travelled former Cwmbran Town manager Gary Proctor to the dug-out team. Proctor has been appointed as first-team coach and will work alongside Chepstow boss Dave Livermore and his assistant Chris Lillygreen, the former Newport County striker. Chepstow's next fixture is on Friday when they travel to Wenvoe on the outskirts of Cardiff to take on lowly Ely Rangers at their Station Road HQ. “I am delighted to have Gary on board as he has a wealth of experience having managed in over 600 games,” remarked Chepstow boss Dave Livermore, who is in his first season in charge after being promoted from the reserve-team set-up. “Gary will be working with the first team and will oversee all football matters at the club. His duties will be to work with the current management team and oversee our progression to the next level. “He has a professional approach and work ethic and that is something which will be very much welcomed at this club.” With unbeaten table-topping Barry Town United and second-placed Caldicot Town going so well, it's thought Chepstow are battling with several other clubs for the third and final promotion spot. That is currently held by Swansea-based West End, who head Chepstow by only four points having played three games more. Besides Cwmbran, Proctor has also previously been a manager with Rhayader Town, capital-based Bridgend Street (two spells), Cardiff Grange Harlequins and Llanelli.
GWENT TUESDAY ROUND-UP 28 January 2015 from Terry Daley Division One Penybont 2 Monmouth Town 1. DESPITE a debut goal from midfielder Sam Hunt at Bryntirion Park, Division One champions Monmouth slipped to a sixth defeat in 16 top-tier starts. Home striker Richard French did the damage with both his side's goals on a night when The Kingfishers failed to take some fine goalscoring chances to have wrapped up a win before the break. They remain in ninth spot and still 14 points behind leaders Cardiff Metropolitan University, but they now have only three games in hand while Penybont climb one to fourth. Player-boss Andrew Smith's troops are not now in action until Saturday, February 7, when they will entertain Goytre United at their Pen-Y-Pound Stadium home at Abergavenny. Division Three Rhoose 2 Panteg 2 Panteg came from behind at Jenner Park, Barry to claim a crucial point towards their promotion ambitions - although there was a downside for manager Mark Taylor's team. The home side gained an early advantage when Drew Fahiya earned them a fifth-minute lead only for visiting skipper Tom Wise to level matters shortly before the half-hour mark. Rhoose went ahead for the second time as Nicholas Davison netted soon after the start of the second period, but within minutes Jon Williams had equalised to make it 2-2. Panteg's Kirk Hicks was cautioned for the second time on 67 minutes and his subsequent red card means he will miss Saturday's trip to Treharris Athletic Western. Panteg remain ninth and are 11 points adrift of third-placed Lliswerry with three games in hand while Rhoose, who next host unbeaten Ammanford on February 3, are still seventh.
GWENT TUESDAY PREVIEW 27 January 2015 from Terry Daley Both 7.30pm kick offs. Division One (figures in brackets relate to league positions of 16). Bryntirion Park: Penybont (5) v Monmouth Town (9). DIVISION One champions Monmouth Town are in Nathaniel Cars Welsh League action for the first time in 25 days on Tuesday, when they travel at take on title rivals Penybont. The Kingfishers have not played a league match since losing 3-0 at Taffs Well on January 2 and their only fixture since saw them defeat visiting lower-tier outfit Pontypridd Town 3-2 in a Nathaniel Cars Welsh League Cup tie, a week last Saturday. This is a must-win meeting for ninth-placed Monmouth if they are to successfully defend their top-tier title as they will start 14 points behind leaders Cardiff Metropolitan University, although they do have four matches in hand. Goalkeeper Keiron Blackburn is back after being rested for that win over Pontypridd because of of an early-morning arrival from holiday, although Aaron Davies remains sidelined Monmouth will give a fitness test to Sam Palmer and will hope international clearance can be gained for defender and Sam Hunt, a student at University of Wales who has experience with English clubs Evesham United, Redditch United and Cinderford Town. Penybont sit in sixth position eight points better off than The Kingfishers having played five games more, but they lost their last three - all at home on their 3G surface at Bryntirion Park. These two teams met at on November 15 last year, when Monmouth emerged 3-1 home winners of a Welsh Cup, round-two tie with Dan MacDonald, the now-departed Chris Ham and Nick Harrhy getting the goals. Form guide: figures in brackets relate to league positions of 16). Monmouth Town: W L D L W L Penybont: L W W L L L Division Three (figures in brackets relate to league positions of 19). Jenner Park, Barry: Rhoose (6) Panteg (9) Panteg will hope to be able to call on at least a couple of the eight regulars who were unavailable for Saturday's home clash with table-topping Llanelli Town, who departed Cwmbran Stadium as 2-0 victors. Manager Mark Taylor's men are in their return season following a 15-year absence and are 11 points short of the third and final promotion spot currently held by Lliswerry - although they do have four games in hand. Previous to losing against Llanelli Town, Panteg drew 1-1 at the West Walians' home base at Stebonheath Park – although you have to go back to December 6 to find their last win, 1-0 against visiting Pontypridd Town. Rhoose have played two more fixtures and are seven points better off and were 5-0 home winners over Newport YMCA on Saturday. These clubs have met before in 2014-15, but the outcome of their October 4 meeting at Panteg House was inconclusive because it was abandoned on 90 minutes when a Rhoose player could not be moved after he picked up a serious injury. The match was re-scheduled, but was postponed because of a water-logged pitch and a new date of April 4 has been announced. Form guide: Rhoose: L W W D L W Panteg: W W W L D L
GRAHAM BEVAN 27 January 2015 from AFC Llwydcoed AFC Llwydcoed wish to announce with regret the sudden death of Mr Graham Bevan who was one of a small group of supporters from Llwydcoed who travelled near and far to watch their village football team.
During his working career he taught at Comin School, Trecynon, Aberdare. It was through his teaching career that he became involved with football. He became Cynon Valley Schools Secretary for over 20 years organising all the junior ages, this also included him being a Welsh Schools’ football selector.
His work will never be forgotten. Without which there would not have been schools football for this length of time.
The Aberdare Valley Football League recognised this and made him a Vice President.
Mr Bevan was a football man through and through, Saturdays will not be the same for his Llwydcoed friends, players, and officials.
His funeral is at Llwydcoed Crematorium on Friday 30 January at 12.45pm.
GWENT SATURDAY ROUND-UP AND GWENT GOALSCORERS (LEAGUE ONLY) 26 January 2015 from Terry Daley CROESYCEILIOG hit seven and Llanwern six on an afternoon when Division Two rivals Caldicot Town took a massive step towards regaining top-tier status. Elsewhere, there was a damaging reverse for Division Three promotion contenders Tredegar Town and an agonising extra-time League Cup defeat for Goytre. Caldicot entertained struggling Penrhiwceiber Rangers and were fully expected to claim an eighth straight win under player-boss Mark Williams. And although the visitors played well, the result was never really in doubt as goals from Jason Thorn, who now has 13 this season, and Simon Crook (penalty) eased them home. It was a crucial win because all four of the teams below them failed to gain the full three points and it all means Caldicot are 10 points clear of fourth-placed Aberbargoed Buds, who have three games in hand, and 12 ahead of Chepstow Town (fifth), who have played one match less. Aberbargoed travelled to face Cwmbran Celtic, who were defending a record of only one defeat in nine outings since their delayed start to the campaign. On the day, the visitors played the better football more or less throughout as Celtic struggled to get into any sort of rhythm at their Celtic Park HQ. Nonetheless a point from a 1-1 draw when you've under-performed is not to be sniffed at and substitute Sean Feeley's 87th-minute effort maintained his side's 10 place in the 16-strong table. Aberbargoed boss Adrian Needs will feel his team should have had matters wrapped up long before Feeley's late leveller - although it must be pointed out he was minus several key players. Striker Tom McCarthy, who has netted 13 times this season, was unavailable while influential midfielder Wayne Antoniazzi and impressive defender Keiron Thomas were also sidelined. However they put those losses firmly behind them and went onto take lead just three minutes before interval, when Scott Armitage's low cross was turned past home goalkeeper Giles Cutlan by Jordan Maisey. Poor passing the main feature and just when it appeared the visitors had clinched victory, Owen Llewellyn's cross was side-footed home by Feeley to save the day. Chepstow hosted third-positioned West End, but were disappointing in a 0-0 draw while there was a 2-1 home loss for Risca United by unbeaten leaders Barry Town United. The seasiders took the lead at Ty-Isaf Park through Barry Briers only for Josh Collier to make it 1-1, but sixth-placed Risca were denied a point when Barry's James Dixon headed in the winner. But it was the scoring performances of Llanwern and Croesyceiliog which were the highlights as each improved their status by moving above Undy Athletic into seventh and eighth places respectively. Llanwern demolished hosts AFC Llwydcoed 6-2 with goals coming from Matthew Hibbs (2), Gareth Delve (2), plus brothers Nic and Dan Hooper. Hibbs now has 11 league goals in 2014-15 while Croesyceiliog striker Zac Osbourne also netted a brace in his side's 7-1 home thrashing of Dinas Powys to take his tally to 16. However he was upstaged by team-mate Hishi Lama, who smashed in a hat-trick with Croesyceiliog's other goals coming from Jamie Arnold and Dan Clouth. Undy will be bitterly disappointed they were held to a 0-0 stalemate by visiting Tata Steel, who turned up at The Causeway having lost all 12 of their league outings. Undy slip a couple of rungs to ninth while 13th-placed Caerleon paid the price for missing several good chances in being defeated 3-0 at home by another relegation-threatened club, Ely Rangers. In the lower tier, Tredegar lost their promotion spot and are now fifth following a 3-1 away defeat at the hands of Cardiff Corinthians - Josh Jones scoring, but also missing a penalty. Mid-table Panteg were forced to switch their home game with table-topping Llanelli Town from their unavailable Panteg House home to Cwmbran Stadium. However being minus eight regulars took it's toll and they couldn't get anywhere near the fine form they displayed in drawing 1-1 at Llanelli the previous weekend in going down to a 2-0 defeat to the west Walians. There were also reverses for Newport YMCA and Newport Civil Service, but a valuable point from a 0-0 draw at Bridgend Street for Treowen Stars - for whom goalkeeper Asa Kirkwood saved a penalty. YMCA, who are sit in mid-table, were beaten 5-0 at Jenner Park, Barry, by promotion outsiders Rhoose and NCS 4-0 by hosts Cwm Welfare. It was NCS' 11th consecutive defeat and they remain in the one-from-the-bottom spot while Treowen's draw means they are now half-a-dozen points above the drop zone. Goytre's League Cup, round-three tie at Ton Pentre appeared to be heading for a penalty shoot-out, but the home side scored in the 120th and final minute to earn a quarter-final tie at Division One rivals Taffs Well. Ton had defender Ryan Morgan sent off with Goytre also being reduced to nine men after Brad Dowling received a second yellow card and having already used all their substitutes when when a player limped off injured. Tuesday fixtures (both 7.30pm). Division One: Penybont v Monmouth Town. Division Three: Rhoose v Panteg Gwent goalscorers (League only). CROESYCEILIOG'S Zac Osbourne scored twice in a 7-1 home success over Dinas Powys to move to just three goals behind Josh Brown, of Lliswerry. Caldicot Town's 2-0 victory over visiting Penrhiwceiber Rangers was their seventh clean-sheet in 18 league starts – three more than Tredegar Town. 19 - Josh Brown (Lliswerry). 16 - Zac Osbourne (Croesyceiliog). 13 - Tom McCarthy (Aberbargoed Buds); Jason Thorn (Caldicot Town). 11 - Matthew Hibbs (Llanwern), Dan MacDonald (Monmouth Town). 10 - Gareth Cullimore (Undy Athletic), Craig Moses (Goytre), Leo Ross (Chepstow Town). 9 - Dale Cook (Lliswerry). 8 - Nick Harrhy (Monmouth Town), Hishi Lama (Chepstow Town, including three for Croesyceiliog), Tomas Lynch (Tredegar Town), Ian Pettit (Tredegar Town). 7 - Scott Armitage (Aberbargoed Buds), Olly Beckett (Undy Athletic), Matthew Flynn (Llanwern, including seven for Pontypridd Town), Richard Sharratt (Caldicot Town), Niall Simmons (Newport YMCA), Dan Stoneman (Lliswerry), Tony Willis (Risca United). 6 - Daniel Battle (Risca United, including six for Tredegar Town), Josh Bull (including two for Monmouth Town), Jon Butcher (Panteg), Jamie Davies (Caerleon), Luke Dyke (Panteg, including one for Croesyceiliog), Dan Hooper (Llanwern), Nic Hooper (Llanwern), Luke Lewis (Cwmbran Celtic), Derice McLean (Newport Civil Service). 5 - Gareth Delve (Llanwern), James Francis (Caerleon), Steven Hughes (Tredegar Town), Dave Hurley (Risca United), James Young (Goytre). 4 - Josh Collier (Risca United), Aaron Colwill (Risca United), Chris Ham (Monmouth Town, now of Carmarthen Town), Joe Howells (Lliswerry), Jordan Jones (Llanwern), Chris Quinlan (Tredegar Town), Craig Price (Treowen Stars), Matt Prosser (Goytre), Dan Saunders (Caldicot Town), Kyle Williams (Risca United). 3 - Ricky Amos (Treowen Stars), Wayne Antoniazzi (Aberbargoed Buds), Dominic Connor (Cwmbran Celtic), Luke Cueto (Caerleon), Dan Edwards (Lliswerry), Eliot Evans (Monmouth Town), Gary Evans (Treowen Stars), Max Fessey (Lliswerry), Elliott Ford (Monmouth Town), Nathan Hardwick (Newport YMCA), Ryan Hayward (Croesyceiliog), Liam Head (Caerleon), Kirk Hicks (Panteg, including three for Lliswerry), Craig Lewis (Chepstow Town), Rhys Luffman (Lliswerry), Tre Marrett (Newport YMCA), Paul Michael (Risca United), Sam Rushworth (Chepstow Town), Jordan Ryan (Panteg), Liam Shaw (Aberbargoed Buds), Ben Taylor (Panteg). 2 - Michael Bishop (Llanwern), Paul Clayton (Undy Athletic), Dan Clouth (Croesyceiliog), Lewis Coote (Treowen Stars), Marc Curtis (Llanwern), Ben Davies (Undy Athletic), Mark Dunn (Chepstow Town), Jordan Harding (Goytre), Alex Jenkins (Newport YMCA), Chris Jones (Treowen Stars), Josh Jones (Tredegar Town), Rhys Jones (Aberbargoed Buds), Andrew Larcombe (Cwmbran Celtic), Jordan Maisey (Aberbargoed Buds), James Martin (Newport YMCA), Lee Mason (Panteg), Gavin Meacham (Aberbargoed Buds), Joe O'Brien (Newport YMCA), Mark Organ (Chepstow Town), Craig Price (Treowen Stars), Nick Potts (Chepstow Town), Dean Randall (Treowen Stars), Luke Thomas (Cwmbran Celtic), Gyles Thompson (Undy Athletic), Ben Wotton (Caerleon). 1 - Jack Alderdice (Monmouth Town), Adam Alkysi (Tredegar Town), Gareth Appleby (Panteg), Jamie Arnold (Croesyceiliog), Josh Ball (Tredegar Town), Michael Baugh (Cwmbran Celtic), James Barnes (Undy Athletic), Tom Barry (Llanwern), Joe Bidgood (Newport YMCA), Steven Boucher (Lliswerry), Gareth Cleverly (Newport Civil Service), Jacob Cross (Aberbargoed Buds), Simon Crook (Caldicot Town), Tom Dando (Cwmbran Celtic), Aysa El-Doory (Newport Civil Service), Yousif El-Doori (Caerleon), Alex Evans (Goytre), Jack Evans (Treowen Stars), Josh Evans (Treowen Stars), Dean Goddard (Newport YMCA), Jack Harvey (Chepstow Town), Luke Harris (Treowen Stars), Mo Hassan (Newport YMCA), Tom Hooper (Undy Athletic), Rhys Hodges (Cwmbran Celtic), Matt James (Caldicot Town), Ashley Johnson (Lliswerry), Grant Jones (Treowen Stars), Ben Lawrence (Newport YMCA), Jason Lewis (Newport YMCA) David Lloyd (Caldicot Town), Will McConnell (Caldicot Town), Craig McDonnell (Aberbargoed Buds), Liam Macan (Tredegar Town), Steffan Marchant (Croesyceiliog), Dave Mellon (Newport Civil Service), Adam Meredith (Tredegar Town), Calum Miles (Goytre), Gavin Millar (Panteg), Dale Morris (Llanwern), Ian Morris (Tredegar Town), Mark Morris (Croesyceiliog), Lewys Nash (Aberbargoed Buds), Sam Oakley (Caerleon), Ashley Palmer (Chepstow Town), Stephen Parfitt (Treowen Stars), Rakesh Patel (Cwmbran Celtic), Marcus Power (Undy Athletic), Simon Prangley (Chepstow Town), James Price (Tredegar Town), Anthony Richards (Croesyceiliog), Leigh Sharp (Risca United), Richie Shire (Lliswerry), Jack Sinderby (Croesyceiliog), Mitchell Slape (Caldicot Town), Alex Stewart (Newport YMCA), Lewis Sweetland (Newport Civil Service), Kieron Thomas (Aberbargoed Buds), Simon Truman (Goytre), Alex Waters (Caerleon), Jake Wainright (Goytre), Ben Watson (Caerleon), Jon Williams (Panteg), Steve Wilson (Caldicot Town), Ben Wotton (Caerleon), Joel Worgan (Tredegar Town). CLEAN-SHEETS: 8 - Caldicot Town. 5 - Tredegar Town. 4 - Aberbargoed Buds; Chepstow Town; Goytre; Lliswerry. 3 - Monmouth Town; Panteg. 2 - Caerleon; Croesyceiliog; Cwmbran Celtic; Llanwern; Newport Civil Service; Undy Athletic. 1 - Newport YMCA; Risca United; Treowen Stars.
CAMBRIAN & CLYDACH URGENTLY REQUIRE FRIENDLIES 26 January 2015 Cambrian & Clydach are looking for a potential friendly or two over the next few weeks. Will travel away in mid week or if anyone is free and fancies a 5.00pm Saturday night game then we are looking for games on January 31st and February 7th on our 3g. If anyone is available then please contact Antony Coombes on 07765 244792.
DECEMBER MANAGER OF THE MONTH AWARD 24 January 2015
Rhys Fisher, Captain, receives the December Nathaniel Car Sales Manager of the Month Award on behalf of Ammanford’s Manager, Gruff Harrison, from Mr Alf Germain, Chairman, The Welsh Football League, this afternoon. During the month Ammanford achieved four victories in four Division Three matches, scoring 15 goals and conceding seven. Congratulations Gruff!
GWENT SATURDAY PREVIEW 23 January 2015 from Terry Daley A GOYTRE win at Division One rivals Ton Pentre will earn them a Welsh League Cup quarter-final spot alongside Monmouth Town, Llanwern and Tredegar Town while the pick of the rest is a second-tier county derby between Cwmbran Celtic and Aberbargoed Buds. Nathaniel Cars Welsh League Cup round three (1.30pm kick off) Ynys Park: Ton Pentre v Goytre. Third time of asking for this tie, which has twice fallen victim to inclement weather with the eventual winners scheduled to visit top-flight rivals Taffs Well on a date yet to be announced. Goytre, winners in 2010-11, must tighten up defensively as they lost their last two league fixtures, 2-0 at Penybont and 5-2 at namesakes Goytre United. The hosts have won only three of their last 10 outings - although they did emerge 3-2 victors at Goytre in a league match in early September. Nathaniel Cars Welsh League (all 2.00pm kick offs). Division Two (figures in brackets relate to table positions of 16). Merthyr Road: AFC Llwydcoed (11) v Llanwern (8). Although they held a section advantage, Llanwern's 1-0 League Cup win at unbeaten Division Three leaders Llanelli Town recently was, arguably, the club's best away result in a number of seasons. The impressive success came on the back of a brilliant 9-1 home league victory over struggling Ely Rangers just before the turn of the new year. Their previous best home triumph this season was, coincidently, 5-2 against visiting Llwydcoed back in early September, when leading scorer Matthew Hibbs netted one of his nine league goals. Four defeats in five has Llwydcoed sitting only three points above the relegation area, although their 28-goal tally is the joint highest in the bottom eight. Form guide: Llwydcoed: W L W L L L Llanwern: W W L W L W Cold Bath Road: Caerleon (12) v Ely Rangers (14). Caerleon failed to stretch their unbeaten run to a fourth match last weekend, when they went down 3-1 at promotion-seeking West End. And because they'd drawn their previous two games, they are now without a win in three and find themselves only a single point above the drop zone. Jamie Davies (six goals) and James Francis (five) are their leading scorers and if Ely repeat the sort of defending which cost them so heavily the last time they played, then the pair may well add to those totals. Ely visited Newport Stadium on December 27, when they were thumped 9-1 by Llanwern, who actually scored all 10 because of an own goal. Form guide: Caerleon: L L W D D L Ely: L D L L D L Jubilee Way: Caldicot Town (2) v Penrhiwceiber Rangers (13). With only 13 fixtures remaining, Caldicot are well set to gain promotion back to Division One and here seek a seventh consecutive league victory. They also lead the clean-sheet table for local clubs with seven - four of which has come in the last five outings and three in succession. The only possible down side is Caldicot have suffered a trio of recent postponements and their last game was on December 27, when they beat hosts Risca United 1-0. Rangers were in the county in their previous appearance, losing 2-0 against Cwmbran Celtic under Newport Stadium's floodlights. Form guide: Caldicot: W W W W W W Rangers: W L L D D L Larkfield Ground: Chepstow Town (5) v West End (Swansea) (3). Like so many clubs, Chepstow have not been in action since December 27 - a 2-1 home defeat at the hands of Cwmbran Celtic ending their five-match unbeaten record. Because their two fixtures before that ended in parity, they've not actually won since they emerged 3-2 victors at Margam-based Tata Steel three weeks earlier. This is a crucial game for both sides as Chepstow are just three points off the final promotion spot currently held by the visitors, who played as many games more. West End are a decent enough side seeking first-time promotion back to Division One, but the general opinion is they've completed far too many games and will eventually be overtake by several rivals. Form guide: Chepstow Town: W W W D D L West End: W L W W L W Woodland Road: Croesyceiliog (9) v Dinas Powys (15). Croesyceiliog have been as inconsistent as most this season and have not kicked a competitive ball since returning from Tata Steel as 3-2 victors as far back as December 20. That has to have an affect on match fitness and in many respects, this clash is certainly like a season opener because the visitors have also been sidelined for the same period. Up to that win at Tata, striker Zac Osbourne was in fine form in netting 14 league goals and if he can return to that kind of strike rate, then Croesyceiliog could yet clinch a top-six finish to the campaign. Without-a-win-in-10 Dinas are in all sorts of trouble near the bottom with five successive defeats and although they've won just two matches - one was 3-2 at Croesyceiliog. Form guide: Croesyceiliog: W W W L D W Dinas Powys: D L L L L L Celtic Park: Cwmbran Celtic (10) v Aberbargoed Buds (4). Celtic's scheduled game against Margam-based Tata Steel at Newport Stadium on Wednesday was washed out and no new date has yet been announced. This particular clash sees Celtic complete 10 fixtures and they will begin 12 points off promotion with as many as 10 matches in hand. Aberbargoed were going quite well, but a run of only four wins and a draw from nine outings has seen them drop out of the three-strong promotion area. A draw here would not be the end of the world for either club and players to watch for are Celtic's Luke Lewis, who has quickly moved onto six goals, and Aberbargoed's Tom McCarthy, who has 14 for the season. Form guide: Cwmbran Celtic: W L W D W W Aberbargoed Buds: W D L W W L Ty-Isaf Park: Risca United (6) v Barry Town United (1). Risca's inconsistent form over their last half-dozen matches threatens their promotion hopes and it doesn't come any harder than a visit from unbeaten-in-15 leaders. The home side has, however, played less matches than all of the five teams above them and will certainly want to replicate the good form they showed in only losing 2-1 at Barry back in early September. Have not played in a month and have recently signed six-goal midfielder Daniel Battle from Division Three side Tredegar Town, 22-year-old striker Matthew Thomas from Gwent County League outfit Abercarn United and 18-year Nathan Doe from Newport County Academy. Barry, who lost 3-1 at this venue in a Division Three fixture in 2013-14, have stuttered somewhat lately with two draws in their last three outings - but remain firmly on course for a second consecutive promotion. Form guide: Risca United: D D W L W L Barry: W W W D W D The Causeway: Undy Athletic (7) v Tata Steel (Margam) (16). Undy are one of a number of teams who have fallen behind in their fixture programme and still have 17 remaining from which to secure first-time promotion to the top flight. That's an improbable rather than impossible task and here they will fancy their chances of stretching their unbeaten league run to a third match. Will bid to complete a campaign double having won 2-0 at Tata in their fourth league game of the season back in September, when James Barnes and Paul Clayton were on target. Tata are trying to avoid a second relegation on the trot and after a good start of two wins and a draw, the wheels have dropped off in losing all of their subsequent 12 league matches. Form guide: Undy Athletic: L D L L W D Tata Steel: L L L L L L Division Three (figures in brackets relate to table positions of 19). Willows High School, Tremorfa: Bridgend Street (Cardiff) (12) v Treowen Stars (15). Treowen have 14 points from as many games and given all four clubs below them have yet to reach double figures, victory here will be a huge boost. Boss Simon Evans' side can play some decent football, but often it presses the self-destruct button and it'll have to shake off ring-rust as it hasn't played since losing 2-1 at Newport YMCA five days before Christmas. This clash is expected to be a very tight affair and Treowen still start only four points adrift of the hosts and with a game in hand. Bridgend Street performed well in drawing 0-0 at promotion-seeking Lliswerry last Saturday and the 28 goals conceded is the lowest in the division's bottom nine. Form guide: Bridgend Street: W L L W L D Treowen Stars: L L L D L L Riverside Ground, Radyr: Cardiff Corinthians (6) v Tredegar Town (3). There is good and bad news for promotion contenders Tredegar ahead of this important meeting with the capital side, which is only four points behind them. The good news is former Newport County midfielder Gethin Jones has re-joined following a brief spell away from the game while talented young striker Matthew Saunders has been brought in from a Merthyr League club. However the bad is joint-leading scorer Tomas Lynch, who alongside Ian Pettit has eight goals, is unavailable because of work commitments. The Corries were looking good for promotion until a recent run of six defeats from eight fixtures, the most recent of which was 3-1 at unbeaten Ammanford two weeks ago. Form guide: Cardiff Corinthians: L L L W W L Tredegar: D W W W D W Mount Pleasant Park, Beddau: Cwm Welfare (13) v Newport Civil Service (17). NCS have recently made several signings while striker Dave Mellon is back after a short break and forwards Aysa El-Doori and Lee Morgan are both ready to return from long-term injuries. Player-boss Ben Burrows has recruited defenders Lewis Coldrick and Chris Thomas (from AFC Porth and Malpas United respectively) plus goalkeeper Josh Griffiths (Rogerstone) and all are poised to make club debuts By kick off, it will be 32 days since NCS last 1-0 at Caerau and this game does offer them a reasonable opportunity to end an horrendous run of 10 defeats on the trot. Cwm have found it difficult to make an impact in their first season at this level and one of the eight reverses they've suffered in 15 starts was 7-0 at table-topping Llanelli Town last time out in late December. Form guide: Cwm Welfare: L W L W L L Newport Civil Service: L L L L L L Cwmbran Stadium: Panteg (9) v Llanelli Town (1). This game has been switched because Panteg's home ground is temporarily unavailable and before last Saturday, they would have been massive underdogs against the unbeaten table-toppers. However Panteg earned a 1-1 draw at Llanelli's Stebonheath Park, where the west Walians only managed to level via a penalty, and manager Mark Taylor's side is 11 points off a promotion spot with five fixtures in hand. Are without midfielders Jordan Ryan, who still has three of a four-match suspension to sit out, and Chris Erasmus, who here serves the second of a three-game ban. Llanelli Town have won 14 and drawn three, scoring 64 goals in those 17 starts and have conceded just 13 - the highest and lowest respective totals on the entire league (except Cwmbran Celtic, who've played only 10 games) Form guide: Panteg: L W W W L D Llanelli Town: W W W D W W Jenner Park, Barry: Rhoose (7) v Newport YMCA (11). YMCA are sitting reasonably comfortable and are 15 points clear of the drop zone and only 13 off the third and last promotion spot. Therefore a win here could well end any lingering relegation fears and while no-one is suggesting they will go up, certainly a mid-table position is not beyond them. Manager Stevie McCarthy-Campbell's men were last in action two weeks ago, when they were beaten 4-1 at home by high-flying Tredegar Town. However match fitness may be a problem for both as Rhoose, who last crossed the white line on December 27, when they lost 3-2 at Lliswerry. Form guide: Rhoose: L L W W D L Newport YMCA: W L L L W L
GWENT SATURDAY ROUND-UP 19 January 2015 from Terry Daley LLISWERRY passed over the chance to cement their Division Three promotion credentials after only drawing 0-0 with visiting capital-based Bridgend Street at Spytty Park in Newport. However there was some good news later when it was discovered the only team above them, unbeaten leaders Llanelli Town, were held to a 1-1 home draw by Panteg. Second-tier side Caerleon were the only other local side in league action in losing 3-1 at West End, but Division One champions Monmouth Town reached the last eight of the League Cup with a home victory. Lliswerry's stale-mate, described by manager Adam Corfield as a “bore-draw”, was the first time this season they had failed to score on their 3G playing surface. And credit must be given to Bridgend Street, who have now twice kept clean-sheets against Lliswerry following a 2-0 home success on September 6 last year. Indeed the visitors came closest to scoring when they struck the crossbar as Lliswerry returned to action for the first time since beating seeing off Rhoose 3-2 at home on December 27. The point did, however, take them above county rivals Tredegar Town into second place - although they are not now in action until January 31 at Caerau. Panteg travelled west to face a Llanelli Town side which has been beaten 1-0 Stebonheath Park by Llanwern in a League Cup tie the previous Saturday, although it was the home team which began clear favourites. However despite missing five regulars through injury and suspensions, Panteg put in a really good display and on a better day may well have secured a shock victory as both side missed several good chances. A draw was deemed to be a fair result and Panteg remain ninth of 19 and are 11 points adrift of a promotion spot with five matches in hand. Jon Butcher scored his sixth league goal of the campaign to put then ahead before the break, but Llanelli levelled matters when they converted a 65th-minute penalty. In losing at West End, 12th-placed Caerleon failed to stretch their unbeaten league run to a fourth game and they are still just one point above the drop zone - James Francis scoring a league goal for the fifth time this campaign. Caerleon, though, do have a good opportunity to ease their relegation fears on Saturday, when they are scheduled to entertain one of the four teams below them in the 16-strong table, Ely Rangers. Monmouth hosted Division Three outfit Pontypridd Town seeking to join Tredegar in the last eight and knowing success would give them an away tie against county rivals Llanwern. Manager Andrew Smith's men duly produced a 3-2 triumph at Pen-Y-Pound Stadium at Abergavenny, but praise must to to the visitors for making a great effort to upset the odds. Indeed the visitors enjoyed the majority of the possession and territory after the break and had they scored during that period, then they may might well have gone to to win. But they didn't and paid the price as striker Nick Harrhy's second goal of the game 10 minutes from time made it 3-1 to The Kingfishers. Substitute Chris Vardon did mange to poke home a very late goal for Pontypridd, but there wasn't enough time left for the visitors to snatch and equaliser to take matters into extra time. On a heavy playing surface which in the end held up fairly well given the massive amount of recent rain, Monmouth began the better and took a fourth-minute lead when Harrhy took advantage of a defensive lapse in Pontypridd's rearguard. Shortly after the half-hour mark, Monmouth's leading scorer Dan MacDonald doubled the advantage when he drove home from the penalty spot after Harrhy had been fouled in the area. It was MacDonald's 21st league and cup goal of 2014-15 and that's a fine total considering he didn't appear for Monmouth until September 6 following his return transfer from Merthyr Town. Pontypridd, though, gained a foothold shortly before the interval when Luke Gullick fired past Monmouth goalkeeper Matthew Johns and the visitors remained in the ascendancy after it. However Harrhy's killer second effort, taking his league and cup tally to 12, was ultimately the deciding moment as The Kingfishers clinched that meeting with Llanwern on a date yet to be announced. Credit to all outfield players for producing a very interesting game on such a muddy surface and also to both goalkeepers, Johns and Pontypridd's Ryan Griffiths for some very good saves. Johns was deputising for number-one choice Keiron Blackburn, who was rested after only arriving back from an overseas holiday in the small hours of Saturday morning. Goytre's planned round-four tie at Ton Pentre was postponed because of a frozen pitch and the two Division One clubs will try for a third time to play the game on Saturday, when the victors will earn a trip to face top-tier rivals Taffs Well. Wednesday fixture. Division Two (Newport Stadium, 7.30pm): Cwmbran Celtic v Tata Steel
GWENT SATURDAY PREVIEW 16 January 2015 from Terry Daley WEATHER permitting, Goytre and Monmouth Town will play previously-postponed Nathaniel Cars Welsh League Cup ties in bids to join Llanwern and Tredegar Town in the last eight. Nathaniel Cars Welsh League Cup round three (1.30pm kick offs). Pen-Y-Pound Stadium, Abergavenny: Monmouth Town v Pontypridd Town. Monmouth take a break from the defence of the Division One title and they will begin here with defender Ben Evans available again. The Kingfishers are firm favourites to progress to the quarter finals and to get this far, they've seen off the challenges of Division Two outfit West End 5-0 and third-tier side Cardiff Corinthians 5-1 at home. Mid-table Division Three side Pontypridd went through after Cambrian & Clydach had fielded an ineligible player when beating them 4-0 before the defeated visiting Caerleon 2-0. The winners will travel to face second-tier side Llanwern at Newport Stadium on a date yet to be announced. Ynys Park: Ton Pentre v Goytre. Goytre, competition winners in 2010-11, will want to do far better defensively than in losing their last two league fixtures, 2-0 at Penybont and 5-2 at namesakes Goytre United. However if strikers Craig Moses and Josh Bull can be given the right ammunition, then the odds are short that player-boss Craig Evans' troops will progress. This all-Division One clash will start with hosts having won only three of their last 10 outings - although they did emerge 3-2 victors at Goytre in a league match in early September. The victors will visit to Division One rivals Taffs Well, who lifted this cup in 2011-12 and again in 2012-13, in next round. Nathaniel Cars Welsh League (all 2.00pm kick offs). Division Two (figures in brackets relate to table positions of 16). Recreation Ground: Aberbargoed Buds (3) Penrhiwceiber Rangers (13). With so many promotion rivals above and below them producing positive results on a regular basis, this is an encounter Aberbargoed can not afford to drop any points from. Because of a trio of postponements, manager Adrian Needs' men have not played a competitive game since losing 3-2 at home to Risca United on December 20. A behind-the-scenes shake-up of the club's committee will not affect what happens on the pitch and Aberbargoed should start here as clear favourites. Relegation-threatened Rangers visited the county on January 7, when they lost 2-0 to Cwmbran Celtic at Newport Stadium, and have won only three of 15 league fixtures. Form guide: Aberbargoed Buds: W D L W W L Penrhiwceiber Rangers: W L L D D L
Caldicot are seven matches unbeaten, including winning six on the trot, and while they didn't set any scoring records in those fixtures, netting only 10 times, their goals-against total is to be greatly admired - just two. Striker Jason Thorn has 11 to his name and attacking midfielder Richard Sharratt seven while the team will seek to post a fourth successive clean-sheet. Croesyceiliog were 3-2 away winners over Margam-based Tata Steel last time out and they've suffered just one defeat in their last six outings. That was in sharp contrast to their season's start of only one win from the first nine and one of their earlier reverses was 4-0 at home against Caldicot in mid October. Form guide: Caldicot Town: W W W W W W Croesyceiliog: W W W L D W Station Road, Wenvoe: Ely Rangers (14) v Risca United (6). Risca haven't appeared since losing 1-0 at home to to Caldicot three weeks ago, although they've strengthened their attacking midfield department by signing six-goal Daniel Battle from Division Three side Tredegar Town. A second 22-year-old, striker Matthew Thomas, has also been snapped up from Gwent County League outfit Abercarn United while 18-year Nathan Doe has been brought in from Newport County Academy. Here they have the chance to gain a campaign double having won 2-1 at home against Ely on October 11 and given their hosts' most recent result, they will feel confident of doing just that. The capital-based side travelled back from Newport Stadium on December 27 as 9-1 losers against hosts Llanwern and have played more games than any other club in and around the relegation zone. Form guide: Ely Rangers: L D L L D L Risca United: D D W L W L Sports Ground, Margam: Tata Steel (16) v Cwmbran Celtic (10). With only one defeat from their opening nine fixtures, Celtic are not far off being classed as genuine promotion contenders. Their latest win was 2-0 against Penrhiwceiber Rangers at Newport Stadium, where they will entertain today's hosts next Wednesday (7.30). Any striker who can score 18 goals in a relegated side must be of some worth and Luke Lewis has already six to his name for Celtic after joining them from Abertillery Bluebirds, who now play in the Gwent County League. Tata have struggled all season after dropping out of Division One and given they have only secured seven of 45 points on offer, it's not difficult to suggest anything other than an away win here. Form guide: Tata Steel: W L L L L L Cwmbran Celtic: W L W D W W Pre Deri Park, Mayhill: West End (4) v Caerleon (12). Because of postponements and losing a League Cup tie at Pontypridd Town 2-0 on January 3, Caerleon have not played in the league since drawing 3-3 at Cwmbran Celtic five days before Christmas. That outcome at Celtic took Caerleon's unbeaten league run to a third game, although they are currently only one point above the drop zone. They have, however, the best defensive record of those clubs in the bottom-nine who've played more than 14 matches - conceding just 28. The hosts are seeking first-time promotion back to the top flight, but have played more games than any other side in the whole division and after this one, they will have only 11 remaining. Form guide: West End: W L W W L W Caerleon: L L L W D D Division Three (figures in brackets relate to table positions of 19). Recreation Ground: Ammanford (5) v Newport YMCA (11). Given 10 previous sides have all lost to the hosts this season, this is a massive ask for YMCA to gain anything from this trip to west Wales. But while it's a fact they've lost four of their last five fixtures, it does appear YMCA are destined to secure a mid-table spot by the season's end. Start here on the back of a 4-1 home defeat at the hands of high-flying Tredegar Town and without doubt, they must bring their 'A game' to this particular encounter. Ammanford are all-conquering and their 100 per cent record has them just three points off a promotion slot - with as many as six matches in hand. Form guide: Ammanford: W W W W W W Newport YMCA: W L L L W L Stebonheath Park: Llanelli (1) v Panteg (9). Only later starters Ammanford (10) have played less matches than Panteg, who still have 25 fixtures remaining and they are currently 11 points off the promotion zone with five games in hand. Most of those, however, will all be jam-packed into the final few weeks and that could prove to be too much of a hectic schedule for manager Mark Taylor's troops. Due to postponements, Panteg have played only once since December 6, a 3-1 away defeat at Ammanford three weeks ago, and a lack of match fitness could prove to be crucial here. Llanelli Town have lost only twice all season, both in cup ties including last Saturday's 1-0 home League Cup reverse against Llanwern, and will be red-hot favourites to land win number 15 from 17 starts. Form guide: Llanelli: W W W D W W Panteg: W L W W W L Spytty Park: Lliswerry (3) v Bridgend Street (12). Lliswerry have gone all European in an attempt to maintain their unbeaten home record on their 3G surface, bringing in Polish striker Safian Skupinski plus an as-yet unnamed Portuguese player. Skupinski, 26, is listed as being previously on the books of Newport County, Cwmbran Town and Monmouth Town and he has also appeared for Clevedon Town. In Josh Brown, Lliswerry have the leading scorer (19) among county sides in this league while the team's total of 51 is second best only to table-topping Llanelli Town (63). The capital-based visitors are going through bad patch with only three points gained from the last 18 and their most recent game saw them lose 5-2 at Llanelli a fortnight ago. Form guide: Lliswerry: W W W L L W Bridgend Street: L L L L W L Shannon Close, Bettws: Newport Civil Service (17) v Rhoose (7). It's been 28 days since NCS travelled back from Caerau beaten 1-0 to take their losing sequence of games to nine. But player-boss Ben Burrows has been busy bringing in defenders Lewis Coldrick and Chris Thomas (from AFC Porth and Malpas United respectively) plus goalkeeper Josh Griffiths (Rogerstone). Striker Dave Mellon is also back after a short break while forwards Aysa El-Doori and Lee Morgan are both ready to return from long-term injuries. Inconsistency has been Rhoose's downfall so far because on their day, they are capable of beating any team in this league and this will certainly be a tough task for the home side. Form guide: Newport Civil Service: L L L L L L Rhoose: L L W W D L Sports Complex: Tredegar Town (2) v Bettws (Bridgend) (18). Tredegar's home mid-week clash against Cwm Welfare fell victim to the weather, so this fixture is the first for the club since midfielder Daniel Battle's departure to Division Two side Risca United. He scored one of the goals in last Saturday's 4-1 away win over Newport YMCA to take his league tally to six and there's no doubt his drive and commitment will be sorely missed. However no one player makes a team and Tredegar have a good enough squad to make up for his absence and here they will be well fancied to stretch their unbeaten league run to seven. Bettws are in deep trouble with only Cardiff Grange Harlequins below them and they'll start without any wins from their last seven league outings. Form guide: Tredegar: D W W W D W Bettws: L D L L L L Bush Park: Treowen Stars (15) v Cwm Welfare (13). Only a couple of victories from their previous 10 league match-ups means Treowen are on the brink of entering the battle to avoid being relegated out of the league. They are, however, eight points above the drop zone and have matches in hand over the bottom two, Bettws and Cardiff Grange Harlequins. Nonetheless, manager Simon Evans will have marked this particular clash as a 'must-win' and there's little doubt three points would considerably ease the nerves. Seven defeats in their last nine games suggest the visitors are finding life at this level tough following promotion, although they do hold a reasonably comfortable nine-point advantage over those in the relegation area. Form guide: Treowen Stars: L L L D L L Cwm Welfare: L W L W L L
ABERBARGOED BUDS NAME NEW CHAIRMAN 14 January 2015 from Terry Daley FORMER Newport County player-boss John Lewis has been appointed as Welsh League Division Two side Aberbargoed Buds' new chairman. It's a family affair at The Recreation Ground as Lewis' wife Gillian has been named as the club's secretary until the end of the current 2014-15 season. The pair were have taken over the respective positions from Gary Thomas and Mark Giffard, who both recently resigned. “I am delighted to take over the helm, although there is much hard work ahead for us to ensure we are operating on an even keel financially,” remarked John Lewis, who confirmed the club needs to appoint a youth-team manager. “Matters on the pitch are going well as as our firsts are third in the table, the youth are top of their league and we have some very promising young players coming through. “It's all about managing the running costs. We are a very small committee (six people) and the club runs eight teams. “One of the things we insist on is every player sells five of our lottery tickets each week and that generates much-needed revenue. “It's up to the committee to make sure the club is sustainable and I am more than happy to return to this club, which has great potential.” Tredegar-born Lewis returns after leaving Aberbargoed earlier this season as director-of-football and he has also been a player, player-manager and coach with the club He began his senior playing career with Aberbargoed in 1974 and was appearing for Pontllanfraith four years later, when he was spotted by Cardiff City for whom he played in 140 Football League appearances. He went on to play in 153 FL games for County after linking up with them in 1983 and took over from Jimmy Mullen as player-manager in 1986-87. However Lewis, who gained one Wales under-21 cap, left after just six matches into the following campaign and went onto appear in 25 more FL games for Swansea City until 1989. He returned to the non-league scene as player-coach with a highly-successful Abergavenny Thursdays side and before holding a similar position for the newly-formed Newport AFC. He was later associated as either a coach or manager with now-defunct Ebbw Vale, who he twice led into Europe, Merthyr Tydfil (three spells), Rhayader Town, Irish side Bohemians, and Llanelli. Promotion contenders Aberbargoed are next in action on Saturday, when they entertain relegation-threatened Penrhiwceiber Rangers, kick off 2.00pm.
CAERAU URGENTLY REQUIRE A HOME FRIENDLY ON SATURDAY 17 JANUARY 14 January 2015 Caerau urgently require a home friendly on Saturday 17 January 2015, 2.00pm ko. Please contact Ian Rees, Secretary, on 07446 657170.
GWENT SATURDAY ROUND-UP AND GWENT GOALSCORERS (LEAGUE ONLY) 12 January 2015 from Terry Daley LLANWERN produced a brilliant away win to reach the last eight of the Nathaniel Cars Welsh League Cup alongside Tredegar Town, who scored four on the road to move into second place in the Division Three table. In the only other game played involving a local club, Undy Athletic became only the third of 15 Division Two teams to hold runaway leaders Barry Town United. Llanwern may have began against lower-tier leaders Llanelli Town with a divisional advantage, but it was the west Walians who were firm favourites to secure a place in the quarter finals. Llanelli Town are unbeaten in 16 league outings and had previously won 4-2 at home against Panteg and 3-2 at Cwmbran Celtic to reach this stage. However a 35th-minute Gareth Delve goal at Llanelli Town's well-appointed Stebonheath Park ground was enough to see 2001-02 winners Llanwern through to round four. Independent reports suggest Llanwern, whose manager Gareth Morgan guided Croesyceiliog to WLC success in 2009-10, should indeed have scored more. Tredegar defeated visiting Risca United 1-0 last month to gain a last-eight spot and that re-arranged tie meant they were free to travel to Mendalgief Road to tackle Newport YMCA in a Division Three encounter. And Tredegar took full advantage of the situation to roar to a 4-1 victory to move above Cwmamman United and Lliswerry into the second spot. The outcome means Tredegar are now genuine promotion contenders and player-boss Gareth Harbord's troops can consolidate their position with success on Wednesday against visiting Cwm Welfare, who are 13th of 19. Tredegar started much the better with central defender Liam McCan going close with a header at a third consecutive Daniel Battle corner. However they passed over a fine chance to open the scoring when Joshua Jones could only shoot straight at home goalkeeper Mark Drew following good approach work by Steven Hughes and James Price. YMCA, though, could have taken the lead had Ben Lawrence's goal-bound shot not been blocked to safety by visiting skipper Gareth Stevens. Soon, however, the promotion seekers managed to nose ahead as Battle latched on to a loose ball before firing past Drew with ease on 26 minutes for his sixth of the season. YMCA's Joe O'Brien smashed a left-footed effort over when a clearance at a corner fell nicely to him before Tredegar clinched a 2-0 interval lead. A Jones cross was shot back into the penalty area by Ian Pettit and there at the far past was Tredegar's top scorer from last season, Tomas Lynch, to tap home unchallenged from close range to take his campaign tally to seven. YMCA started the second period far better than they ended the first, but the third goal duly arrived shortly after the hour mark when Hughes headed into the path of Pettit, who banged in his eighth of 2014-15. The home side, though, didn't let their heads drop and gained a foothold just a minute later when Jamie Martin was first to a long punt by Drew to steer home past Tredegar number-one Kris Morris. Play became a bit scrappy as the game wore on with Lynch making a meal of trying to get around Drew before the guilt-edged chance disappeared. But soon, Lynch got it right by doing just that for his side's fourth of the afternoon to confirm Tredegar's 10th victory in 17 matches. Undy hosted Barry at The Causeway trailing the table-toppers by a clear 19 points and with only two games in hand - and that's how it stayed as the teams played out a very-entertaining 2-2 draw. Olly Beckett got Undy off a great start on just five minutes when he drilled home a Marcus Power lay-off into the bottom corner from 12 yards. Power should have doubled the advantage only for Barry goalkeeper Daniel Bradley to make a fine save before the seaside outfit levelled when TJ Nagi shot under home stopper James Smallcombe on 12 minutes. However within a couple of minutes, Undy went ahead for the second time as James Barnes shot in from eight yards - although they threw it away just before the half-hour mark when a defensive error let in James Dixon for 2-2. Before the interval Barnes smashed the ball against Barry's crossbar and in the second period, Dale Howarth did the same for the visitors. Undy's Gareth Cullimore brought the best out of Bradley when he met a pin-point cross from Barnes and the general feeling was that parity was a fair result as the home club moved up one to seventh. It was a good outcome for Undy, who were minus regular trio Chris Parry, Ben Davies and Dave Sinden, whose coach Lawrence Owen remarked: “Barry are a real good side with no weaknesses and I believe they will walk away with the title to gain promotion.” * The Welsh League Cup, round-four draw will take place today and besides Llanwern and Tredegar, it will also include Goytre and Monmouth Town. The Division One pair had their respective away and home, round-three ties with Ton Pentre and Pontypridd Town postponed at the weekend and they have now been re-scheduled to take place on Saturday. Wednesday fixture. Division Three (7.30pm). Tredegar Town v Cwm Welfare. Gwent goalscorers (League only). TREDEGAR Town duo Tomas Lynch scored twice and Ian Pettit once in a 4-1 win at Newport YMCA to move onto eight goals for the season while team-mate Daniel Battle also netted to take his tally to six. 19 - Josh Brown (Lliswerry). 14 - Zac Osbourne (Croesyceiliog). 13 - Tom McCarthy (Aberbargoed Buds). 12 - Jason Thorn (Caldicot Town). 11 - Dan MacDonald (Monmouth Town). 10 - Gareth Cullimore (Undy Athletic), Craig Moses (Goytre), Leo Ross (Chepstow Town). 9 - Dale Cook (Lliswerry), Matthew Hibbs (Llanwern). 8 - Nick Harrhy (Monmouth Town), Tomas Lynch (Tredegar Town), Ian Pettit (Tredegar Town). 7 - Scott Armitage (Aberbargoed Buds), Olly Beckett (Undy Athletic), Matthew Flynn (Llanwern, including seven for Pontypridd Town), Richard Sharratt (Caldicot Town), Niall Simmons (Newport YMCA), Dan Stoneman (Lliswerry), Tony Willis (Risca United). 6 - Daniel Battle (Tredegar Town), Josh Bull (including two for Monmouth Town), Jamie Davies (Caerleon), Luke Dyke (Panteg, including one for Croesyceiliog), Luke Lewis (Cwmbran Celtic), Derice McLean (Newport Civil Service). 5 - Jon Butcher (Panteg), Dan Hooper (Llanwern), Nic Hooper (Llanwern), Steven Hughes (Tredegar Town), Dave Hurley (Risca United), Hishi Lama (Chepstow Town, including three for Croesyceiliog), James Young (Goytre). 4 - Josh Collier (Risca United), Aaron Colwill (Risca United), James Francis (Caerleon), Chris Ham (Monmouth Town), Joe Howells (Lliswerry), Jordan Jones (Llanwern), Chris Quinlan (Tredegar Town), Craig Price (Treowen Stars), Matt Prosser (Goytre), Dan Saunders (Caldicot Town), Kyle Williams (Risca United). 3 - Ricky Amos (Treowen Stars), Wayne Antoniazzi (Aberbargoed Buds), Dominic Connor (Cwmbran Celtic), Luke Cueto (Caerleon), Gareth Delve (Llanwern), Dan Edwards (Lliswerry), Eliot Evans (Monmouth Town), Gary Evans (Treowen Stars), Max Fessey (Lliswerry), Elliott Ford (Monmouth Town), Nathan Hardwick (Newport YMCA), Ryan Hayward (Croesyceiliog), Liam Head (Caerleon), Kirk Hicks (Panteg, including three for Lliswerry), Craig Lewis (Chepstow Town), Rhys Luffman (Lliswerry), Tre Marrett (Newport YMCA), Paul Michael (Risca United), Sam Rushworth (Chepstow Town), Jordan Ryan (Panteg), Liam Shaw (Aberbargoed Buds), Ben Taylor (Panteg). 2 - Michael Bishop (Llanwern), Paul Clayton (Undy Athletic), Lewis Coote (Treowen Stars), Marc Curtis (Llanwern), Ben Davies (Undy Athletic), Mark Dunn (Chepstow Town), Jordan Harding (Goytre), Alex Jenkins (Newport YMCA), Chris Jones (Treowen Stars), Rhys Jones (Aberbargoed Buds), Andrew Larcombe (Cwmbran Celtic), Jordan Maisey (Aberbargoed Buds), James Martin (Newport YMCA), Lee Mason (Panteg), Gavin Meacham (Aberbargoed Buds), Joe O'Brien (Newport YMCA), Mark Organ (Chepstow Town), Craig Price (Treowen Stars), Nick Potts (Chepstow Town), Dean Randall (Treowen Stars), Luke Thomas (Cwmbran Celtic), Gyles Thompson (Undy Athletic), Ben Wotton (Caerleon). 1 - Jack Alderdice (Monmouth Town), Adam Alkysi (Tredegar Town), Gareth Appleby (Panteg), Josh Ball (Tredegar Town), Michael Baugh (Cwmbran Celtic), James Barnes (Undy Athletic), Tom Barry (Llanwern), Joe Bidgood (Newport YMCA), Steven Boucher (Lliswerry), Gareth Cleverly (Newport Civil Service), Dan Clouth (Croesyceiliog), Jacob Cross (Aberbargoed Buds), Tom Dando (Cwmbran Celtic), Aysa El-Doory (Newport Civil Service), Yousif El-Doori (Caerleon), Alex Evans (Goytre), Jack Evans (Treowen Stars), Josh Evans (Treowen Stars), Dean Goddard (Newport YMCA), Jack Harvey (Chepstow Town), Luke Harris (Treowen Stars), Mo Hassan (Newport YMCA), Tom Hooper (Undy Athletic), Rhys Hodges (Cwmbran Celtic), Matt James (Caldicot Town), Ashley Johnson (Lliswerry), Grant Jones (Treowen Stars), Josh Jones (Tredegar Town), Jason Lewis (Newport YMCA) David Lloyd (Caldicot Town), Will McConnell (Caldicot Town), Craig McDonnell (Aberbargoed Buds), Liam Macan (Tredegar Town), Steffan Marchant (Croesyceiliog), Dave Mellon (Newport Civil Service), Adam Meredith (Tredegar Town), Calum Miles (Goytre), Gavin Millar (Panteg), Dale Morris (Llanwern), Ian Morris (Tredegar Town), Mark Morris (Croesyceiliog), Lewys Nash (Aberbargoed Buds), Sam Oakley (Caerleon), Ashley Palmer (Chepstow Town), Stephen Parfitt (Treowen Stars), Rakesh Patel (Cwmbran Celtic), Marcus Power (Undy Athletic), Simon Prangley (Chepstow Town), James Price (Tredegar Town), Anthony Richards (Croesyceiliog), Leigh Sharp (Risca United), Richie Shire (Lliswerry), Jack Sinderby (Croesyceiliog), Mitchell Slape (Caldicot Town), Alex Stewart (Newport YMCA), Lewis Sweetland (Newport Civil Service), Kieron Thomas (Aberbargoed Buds), Simon Truman (Goytre), Alex Waters (Caerleon), Jake Wainright (Goytre), Ben Watson (Caerleon), Jon Williams (Panteg), Steve Wilson (Caldicot Town), Ben Wotton (Caerleon), Joel Worgan (Tredegar Town). CLEAN-SHEETS: 7 - Caldicot Town. 5 - Tredegar Town. 4 - Aberbargoed Buds; Goytre. 3 - Chepstow Town; Lliswerry; Monmouth Town; Panteg. 2 - Caerleon; Croesyceiliog; Cwmbran Celtic; Llanwern; Newport Civil Service. 1 - Newport YMCA; Risca United; Undy Athletic.
GWENT SATURDAY PREVIEW 9 January 2015 from Terry Daley THREE local clubs will seek to join Tredegar Town in the quarter finals of the Welsh League Cup while second-placed sides Caldicot Town and Lliswerry continue their bids to gain promotion from Division Two and Three respectively. Nathaniel Cars Welsh League Cup round three (1.30pm kick offs, unless stated). Stebonheath Park: Llanelli Town v Llanwern (2.00pm). Llanwern, winners in 2001-02, will start determined to make a divisional gap count against the west Walians and they will begin on the back of a 9-1 thumping over visiting Ely Rangers last time out. Manager Gareth Morgan, who guided Croesyceiliog to cup triumph in 2009-10, saw striker Matthew Hibbs grab a couple of goals on that occasion to take his league goal tally to nine for the campaign. Morgan has this week signed former Caldicot Town forward Dean Maynard, who has returned from a spell in the US, but the Wales Futsal international is not available for this tie This, though, is an extremely tough task as Llanelli are top of the lower-tier table having gone 16 league games unbeaten since the start of the season. Pen-Y-Pound Stadium, Abergavenny: Monmouth Town v Pontypridd Town. Monmouth's patchy league form is threatening their bid to make a successful defence of their Division One title and here they will seek to recover from last Friday's 3-0 defeat at Taffs Well. They will, however, be firm favourites to progress to the last eight and to get this far, The Kingfishers beat Division Two outfit West End 5-0 and third-tier side Cardiff Corinthians 5-1 at home. Pontypridd are mid-table in Division Three, were given a pass through to round two after Cambrian & Clydach had fielded an ineligible player when beating them 4-0 before winning 2-0 against visiting Caerleon 2-0 last Saturday Ynys Park: Ton Pentre v Goytre. Goytre, who lifted this cup in 2010-11, will certainly have to defend a lot better than they did in losing their last two league fixtures, 2-0 at Penybont and 5-2 at namesakes Goytre United. However if strikers Craig Moses and Josh Bull can be provided with enough ammunition, then there's no reason why player-boss Craig Evans' troops can't progress. This all-Division One clash is difficult one to call as the home side have only won three of their last 10 outings - although they did win a league game 3-2 at Goytre in early September. Nathaniel Cars Welsh League (all 2.00pm kick offs). Division Two (figures in brackets relate to table positions of 16). Cold Bath Road: Caerleon (12) Dinas Powys (15). Caerleon will feel confident of stretching their unbeaten run to a fourth game against a side which has won just eight points of a possible 45. The home side, however, may be a tad rusty having not crossed the white line since drawing 3-3 at Cwmbran Celtic five days before Christmas. The prospect of relegation can not be ignored as Caerleon are only one point above the drop zone, making this clash a must-win for them. The visitors are in deep trouble down near the basement, but will take heart from the fact they actually won 4-0 at Caerleon in a Welsh Cup tie in mid-September. Form guide: Caerleon: L L L W D D Dinas Powys: L D L L L L Larkfield Ground: Chepstow Town (5) Caldicot Town (2). Chepstow are only two points off a promotion spot but because leaders Barry Town United and Caldicot are going so well, they may have to settle for going up as a result of finishing third. However they simply can not afford to drop any points here and with every team below them having played less games, defeat would certainly dent their hopes of gaining top-flight football. Caldicot will be chasing a sixth successive victory and they will start just a couple of points off Barry - although they have played three more fixtures than the seaside outfit. Another telling fact ahead of this local derby is Caldicot have kept three consecutive clean-sheets and four in their last five games. Form guide: Chepstow Town: W W W D D L Caldicot Town: D W W W W W Woodland Road: Croesyceiliog (9) v Aberbargoed Buds (3). Croesyceiliog embark on the second half of their campaign looking reasonably comfortable in a mid-table position, sitting just nine points adrift of the visitors. Therefore victory here would give them 'outsiders' status promotion and if striker Zac Osbourne can improve on his 14-goal league tally, anything is possible. Aberbargoed have their own in-form marksman in Tom McCarthy, who has 13 to his name, and they will begin eight points off Caldicot - but having played three fixtures less. Only one of their 14 league games has ended in parity. But given they've won only four of their last nine games, a single point here would be a set-back to their hopes of going up. Form guide: Croesyceiliog: W W W L D W Aberbargoed Buds: W D L W W L Glasbrook Field: Penrhiwceiber Rangers (13) v Cwmbran Celtic (10). Celtic are now beaten just once in their first nine league games having defeated Rangers 2-0 at a rain-soaked Newport Stadium on Wednesday night. Luke Lewis now has half-a-dozen league goals and this quick-fire return offers Celtic a good chance to make it win number six. It was also Celtic's second clean-sheet of the season and with recent goalkeeping signing Giles Cutlan now with the club on permanent terms, the feeling is they will soon join the race for promotion. The defeat for Rangers was their seventh in 15 league starts and they still sit one spot above the danger zone on goal difference only ahead of Dinas Powys. Form guide: Penrhiwceiber Rangers: W L L D D L Cwmbran Celtic: W L W D W W Ty-Isaf Park: Risca United (6) v West End (4). Risca have matches in hand to make an impression on the top three, although their current form guide hardly inspires much confidence. Part of the problem to date has they have been unable to field leading scorer Tony Wallis enough times, although the return of the highly-dependable Rob Aldridge will certainly help with their attack options. However Risca failed to win any of their previous four home league and cup matches and if they are to eventually to break into the top three, then that form must be addressed immediately. The west Wales visitors have re-grouped well following relegation and are a decent side, although first-time promotion could elude them as they have only 11 fixtures left after this one. Form guide: Risca United: D D W L W L West End: W L W W L W The Causeway: Undy Athletic (8) v Barry Town United (1). Undy are placed in the mid-table slot and have games in hand over all seven of the clubs above them, but they must start to put far more ticks in their win column to be classed as serious promotion contenders. On their day, they are capable of defeating any side and the visitors will be aware of just how well Undy played in part when going out of the Welsh Cup against top-level outfit Carmarthen Town. Forwards Gareth Cullimore and Olly Beckett have 10 goals and six league goals respectively, but they'd certainly both have to at the very least double those totals if Undy are to be playing Division One football. There doesn't seem anything to stop Barry returning to the top tier and here they will hope to stretch their unbeaten start to their campaign to a 15th game. Form guide: Undy Athletic: W L D L L W Barry: W W W W D W Division Three (figures in brackets relate to table positions of 19). The Willows, Tremorfa: Bridgend Street (Cardiff) (12) v Panteg (9). This is only the 12th game of the season for Panteg and with 26 still remaining after it, there are enough points to play to enable them to gain a place in Division Two for 2015-16. However and especially if they are to have any more matches postponed, the fear is manager Mark Taylor's side will have too many to play in a short period of time towards the campaign's end. Nonetheless it's been a good effort so far in their return to the league following a 15-year absence and the feeling is they will win more fixtures than they will lose from now on in. The hosts must start to arrest poor current form if they are to avoid becoming involved in a relegation battle, although the 28 goals conceded is the lowest in the division's bottom nine. Form guide: Bridgend Street: L L L L W L Panteg: W L W W W L Mount Pleasant Park, Beddau: Cwm Welfare (13) Lliswerry (2). Lliswerry ended a mini collapse two successive defeats by winning 3-2 at home against Rhoose a couple of weeks ago and start here as clear favourites to gain three more points. A negative is they've slipped to defeat (5) more than any of the top four while a positive is their 51-goal tally is the second highest in the entire section behind leaders Llanelli's 63. Striker Josh Brown has bagged 19 of those to lead the charts for players attached with Gwent clubs while Dale Cook and Dan Stoneman on nine and seven respectively. Cwm have not found it easy in their debut season, have just four victories from 15 starts and have shipped the second-highest number of goals, 54, in the division behind bottom-placed Cardiff Grange Harlequins (60). Form guide: Cwm Welfare: L W L W L L Lliswerry: L W W W L L W Shannon Close, Bettws: Newport Civil Service (17) v Bettws (Bridgend) (18). NCS is the one local club above all others which is in desperate need of a win and while I dislike the term 'six-pointer', there's little doubt this basement battle is absolutely crucial to both teams. There is no leeway here for player-boss Ben Burrows' struggling outfit which has now been beaten in nine consecutive league matches. Although they have matches in hand over all their rivals, even a draw here would be classed as not enough and it can't be emphasised enough how devastating a defeat would be. The visitors have won only once in 16 league fixtures, are below NCS on goal difference and were 6-3 losers against Ammanford on Tuesday night. Form guide: Newport Civil Service: L L L L L L L Bettws: L D L L L L Mendalgief Road, Pill: Newport YMCA (11) v Tredegar Town (4). Local match-up of which the reward for any would-be winner is so vastly different, the home side being offered virtually a free pass away from the drop zone and the visitors able to take a huge step towards promotion. On form, Tredegar will be the more fancied side as they have only one defeat in their last 11 league fixtures while YMCA only recently ended a run of three successive defeats. However and with all due respect to a good Tredegar team, better sides have floundered on the Mendalgief Road playing surface and this is certainly no 'gimme'. The visitors have the stronger goal power having scored 12 more times from the same amount of matches and it's interesting to note YMCA have yet to draw in 16 starts. Form guide: Newport YMCA: W W L L L W Tredegar: L D W W W D Jenner Park, Barry: Rhoose (6) v Treowen Stars (15). This is a difficult task for manager Simon Evans' out-of-form Treowen, who appear to be heading for the divorce courts with Lady Luck. Precious little has gone right in games they may have got something positive out of and they are currently only eight points above the drop zone. Because of draws, defeats, cup wins and losses plus postponements, Treowen must look back to October 4 last year to discover their last win - 4-3 at home against now-bottom-placed Cardiff Grange Harlequins. When in full flow, Rhoose are as good as any other team in the division although their push for promotion has faltered somewhat over their past half-a-dozen outings. Form guide: Rhoose: L L W W D L Treowen Stars: L L L D L L
GWENT WEDNESDAY REPORT 8 January 2015 from Terry Daley Cwmbran Celtic 2 Penrhiwceiber Rangers 0. A LUKE Lewis goal double at a rain-soaked Newport Stadium was enough to stretch Celtic's league record to just one defeat in nine games and take them up one place to 10th. It was a worthy success for manager Della Cheedy's men, although the result was always in doubt right up until Lewis struck for the second time with just two minutes of normal time remaining. After a couple of long-range efforts from Andrew Larcombe and skipper Richard Crees sailed high and wide of their intended target, Celtic took a 13th-minute lead. A slick passing movement with Luke Thomas and Andrew Larcombe linking well ended with Lewis side-footing past stand-in Rangers goalkeeper Gavin Keepings, who is normally a central defender. Celtic goalkeeper Giles Cutlan was finally brought into action when he was forced to smother away the danger from an approaching Warren Jones before the 'home' side were denied a second goal when Larcombe's shot struck a post. Celtic non-playing substitute defender Ben Luck picked up a booking for dissent after incurring the wrath of referee Mark Boucher at the dug-out area shortly before the break. At the start of the second period, Celtic replaced the injured Owen Cook with Rhys Williams and soon Thomas hobbled off with Lloyd Kinsella coming off the bench Cutlan made his first only genuine save when he pushed away an effort from full back Matthew Glassy as the rain fairly hammered down and at one stage, there were concerns the game may not last its full course. However Mr. Boucher allowed play to continue, mainly because there was no danger whatsoever to any of the players, with Keepings having to save from Larcombe as Celtic pressed. Rakesh Patel and Lewis both saw shots go off-target before Keepings did well to thwart Michael Baugh with a smart save. Just as it looked as thought the game would be decided by a single goal, Lewis struck a low, 25-yarder past the despairing dive of Keepings and into the far corner of the net to round off a workmanlike display by Celtic. Rangers had quite a lot of shots, but many were widely off the mark as Celtic kept a second clean-sheet of the campaign to follow on from a 1-0 win over Undy Athletic at this venue on November 12. Weather permitting, these teams meet again at Penrhiwceiber on Saturday - although Crees may have played his final game for Celtic as Division One Goytre have put seven-days notice on the 28-year-old left back. Cwmbran Celtic: Giles Cutlan, Rakesh Patel, Richard Crees (captain), Luke Jones, Rhys Hodges, Owen Cook (Rhys Williams, 46 - Sean Feeley, 71), Michael Baugh, Luke Thomas (Lloyd Kinsella, 47), Luke Lewis, Andrew Larcombe, Owen Llewellyn. Subs not used: Ben Luck, Curtis Patel Goals: Lewis (13 & 88) Booked: Jones (10, foul), Luck (40, dissent off the bench). Penrhiwceiber Rangers: Gavin Keepings, Matthew Glassy, Daniel Trampelli, Dean Brown (captain), Ross Leeke, Warren Jones, Alex Jones, Lee Smith (Declan Hansen-Surle, 70), Ryan Buchmann, Jason Hatch, Brandon Hill. Subs not used: Lewis Bowen, Jack Lockett. Referee: Mark Boucher Assistants: Andrew Murdoch and Paul Gobbett.
GWENT WEDNESDAY PREVIEW 6 January 2015 from Terry Daley CWMBRAN Celtic can take another step towards regaining their Welsh League Division One status with victory over struggling Penrhiwceiber Rangers at Newport Stadium on Wednesday night (7.30pm). Celtic's well-documented late start to their 2014-15 Division Two campaign has seen them beaten only once in eight league starts under head coach Della Cheedy Their much-anticipated home clash against town rivals Croesyceiliog on Saturday fell victim to a water-logged pitch at their Celtic Park HQ and success against Rangers will only take them above AFC Llwydcoed into 10th place of 16. However three points will mean Celtic will be only 10 adrift of third-placed Aberbargoed Buds - and with four matches in hand. Goalkeeper Giles Cutlan will return after completing his unusual loan spell with Southern League South & West outfit Merthyr Town. Cutlan signed from Merthyr last month and appeared against Chepstow Town and Risca United before re-joining the Martyrs on loan when their goalkeeper became suspended and he kept a clean-sheet in a 2-0 away win over Wimbourne Town on December 20. However with their number-one choice back, Merthyr have since allowed Cutlan to re-join Celtic on a permanent basis and he will take his place in a side seeking to stretch it's unbeaten run to a fourth match. Celtic were last in action when winning 2-1 at Chepstow Town on two days after Christmas and will meet Rangers in a quick-fire return on Saturday at their opponents' Glasbrook Field home ground. Another coincidence is Celtic's last three opponents have been the same as Rangers. Celtic beat Risca 2-1, drew 3-3 with Caerleon and defeated Chepstow 2-1 while Rangers lost 2-1 to Risca, held Caerleon to a 1-1 stale-mate before drawing 2-2 with Chepstow. This is Celtic's third of four scheduled games to take place at the home of divisional rivals Llanwern and the former base of Newport County, who later switched to playing at Rodney Parade in the city centre. A goal from Dominic Connor enabled Celtic to defeat Undy Athletic 1-0 at Newport Stadium on November 12 before they lost by the same score against Chepstow Town on December 10. Celtic will complete their quartet of fixtures at the venue on January 21, when current bottom-placed side Margam-based Tata Steel are the visitors. Rangers are also struggling at the wrong end of the 16-strong table with just three wins from 14 outings and because consecutive away fixtures against Croesyceiliog and Tata Steel were postponed, they've not played since that home draw with Chepstow on December 20. Form guide: Cwmbran Celtic: W W L W D W Penrhiwceiber Rangers: L W L L D D
GWENT WEEKEND ROUND-UP 5 January 2015 from Terry Daley MONMOUTH Town's hopes of a successful defence of their Welsh League Division One title received a massive blow with a 3-0 away defeat while top-tier rivals Goytre were also beaten on the road. To cap a losing hat-trick, Caerleon failed to make a divisional gap count in going down 2-0 at lower-level outfit Pontypridd Town in a League Cup, round-three tie. The trio of games were the only ones involving Gwent clubs as overnight rain caused many playing surfaces to become water-logged. Monmouth were first in action on Friday night, when they travelled to the outskirts of the capital on the back of a 4-1 away victory over struggling Garden Village the previous weekend. That outcome meant The Kingfishers began trailing table-topping Cardiff Metropolitan University by seven points and there was nothing in at the interval as the teams headed to the dressing-rooms level at 0-0. But shortly after it, Monmouth were lucky not to fall behind when a free kick from former Newport County midfielder Aidie Harris struck a post. However the much-travelled ace was soon successful second time around with a similar effort to put the hosts 1-0 ahead. Marcus Jones netted a second for The Wellmen before they finished it off in fine style with a goal from ex-Cwmbran Town striker Sam Small to post a third league win on the trot. On Saturday, CMU were held to a 1-1 home draw by Goytre United to increase their points advantage over Monmouth to eight - although player-boss Andrew Smith's side has played a game less. The defeat was sixth-placed Monmouth's in 15 games and they start the second half of their 30-fixture programme with a home match-up against bottom-placed AFC Porth on January 17. Goytre (10th) visited Bryntirion Park to take on Penybont (5th) on their 3G surface seeking to recover from a 5-2 away reverse at namesakes Goytre United the previous Saturday. However a 2-0 reverse means they have slipped to half-a-dozen defeats in 15 fixtures - although they are only nine points adrift of top place while Penybont's win moved them up to second position. Goytre trailed 2-0 after conceding goals to Paul Evans and Anthony Rawlings before the break and although they played much better during the second period, they'd left themselves too much to do. Player-manager Carl Evans also confirmed left-sided defender/midfielder Jordan Knott has left the club to link up with Welsh Premier League side Carmarthen Town. Former Risca United player Knott has become the fifth player in the last two years to leave Plough Road for the Old Golds, who are managed by ex-Wales cap and Newport County defender Mark Aizlewood. Caerleon knew if they could overcome hosts Pontypridd Town at Ynysangharad Park it would set up a last-16 League Cup clash with Monmouth on Saturday. But a couple of goals in a 12-minute period before the interval by James Hill and Luke Gullick earned Pontypridd a 2-0 success in adapting to a an extremely heavy pitch much better and they now visit Monmouth at their Pen-Y-Pound Stadium HQ at Abergavenny. * Risca United acted quickly when their away Division Two clash with Dinas Powys was called off by arranging to face top-tier side Caerau (Ely) in a friendly on a 3G pitch at Ystrad Mynach Stadium. It was certainly a worthwhile exercise for Risca, who are fourth in the table and a point off the promotion spot with a game in hand. The Division One side ran out 4-2 winners with Risca's goals coming from Steve Edwards (penalty) and Robbie Aldridge, who has made a welcome comeback after retiring at the end of last season. Wednesday fixture. Division Two (kick off 7.30pm): Cwmbran Celtic v Penrhiwceiber Rangers (at Newport Stadium).
GWENT WEEKEND PREVIEW 2 January 2015 from Terry Daley NATHANIEL Cars Welsh League champions Monmouth Town start the new year action for local clubs on Friday night with the stand-out game of Saturday being the Cwmbran derby between Celtic and Croesyceiliog in Division Two. Friday (kick off 7.30pm). Division One (figures in brackets relate to table positions of 16): Rhiw' Dda'r: Taffs Well (10) v Monmouth (6). Monmouth ended a potentially title-damaging run of three without a win when defeating hosts Garden Village 4-1 two weeks ago. The Kingfishers are seven points adrift of table-topping Cardiff Metropolitan University having played a game less then the students. Here they face the side they pipped to the Division One championship last season and will seek a campaign double having beaten them 5-2 at home in September. The hosts have been inconsistent enough to have recently flirted with the relegation zone, but back-to-back wins have eased such fears. Form guide: Taffs Well: W L L L W W Monmouth Town: L W L D L W Saturday (all 2,00pm kick offs). Division One (figures in brackets relate to table positions of 16): Bryntirion Park: Penybont (4) v Goytre (9). Without appearing to be too negative, the feeling is Goytre will probably miss out again on a title challenge - even though they are only eight points off the top with a match in hand. Whoever has won the championship over the last five seasons have lost on average the same amount of games and currently Goytre have already been beaten that number of times - and they still have 16 matches remaining. That's not to say, however, that player-manager Carl Evans' men won't win the vast majority of those fixtures and certainly a top-four spot is not beyond them. Penybont are a decent side, although their championship bid has faltered somewhat of late with just one win from their last three outings. Form guide: Penybont: W W W D L W Goytre: W L W W W L Division Two (figures in brackets relate to table positions of 16): Recreation Ground: Aberbargoed Buds (3) v Chepstow Town (5). This is derby neither side can afford to lose, especially the visitors whose form of only two points from the last nine has blunted their promotion ambitions. Aberbargoed have themselves dropped off the pace in gaining just 13 from 27 and both teams start here on the back of home defeats by county rivals. Chepstow, who have the lowest goals-for total in the top five, were beaten 2-1 by Cwmbran Celtic while Aberbargoed lost 3-2 against Risca United. Because they've conceded 10 less goals in two fewer fixtures, the home side will begin as favourites - although a draw, which won't suit either, can not be ruled out. Form guide: Aberbargoed Buds: W D L W W L Chepstow Town: W W W D D L Jenner Park: Barry Town (1) v Llanwern (7). This is an extremely difficult hurdle for Llanwern to mount, even thought they were 9-1 home winners over hapless Ely Rangers last Saturday. Having explained that, Ely are only one of two clubs not to have lost against unbeaten Barry in 14 league games and their 3-3 home draw with the seaside outfit came as recently as five days before Christmas. Llanwern's armchair-ride success over Ely gave them the chance to get recent signings Ben Burns and Matthew Flynn on as substitutes and the pair look like good acquisitions. Barry are motoring fast towards the top flight and their 39-goal tally is the highest in the division with only Aberbargoed (37) close. Form guide: Barry: W W W W D W Llanwern: W W L W L W Celtic Park: Cwmbran Celtic (11) v Croesyceiliog (9). The winners of this cross-town derby will not only gain local bragging rights, but also an extension to their recent form surges which has taken them away from the drop zone. Following a delayed start, Celtic have climbed away thanks to only one defeat in eight while Croesyceiliog are one spot below mid-table having accumulated 13 points from their last 18. Croesyceiliog will look towards striker Zac Osbourne to improve on his 14-goal league tally while Celtic's leading marksman is Luke Lewis with four, although his side has played only eight matches. Given the clubs are separated by only a couple of miles across town, this particular clash is expected to attract a large crowd and a point apiece will not be such a bad result. Form guide: Cwmbran Celtic: W W L W D W Croesyceiliog: W W W L D W The Murch, Sunnycroft Lane: Dinas Powys (15) v Risca United (6). Risca's form over the past six fixtures has been very patchy and although they have games in hand over all of the five teams above them, a win is absolutely essential if they are to eventually gain promotion. They were beaten 1-0 at home by second-placed Caldicot Town last time out, although it was only the second time in 22 league and cup outings that they failed to score. A season's double is also on offer for Risca, who had Dave Hurley and player-boss Paul Michael on target in a 2-1 home triumph over Dinas in late September. The hosts are in deep relegation trouble having lost 11 of 15 fixtures and it's difficult to make a case for anything other than an away win here. Form guide: Dinas Powys: L D L L L L Risca United: D D W L W L Division Three (figures in brackets relate to table positions of 19): North Site: Bettws (Bridgend) (17) v Lliswerry (2). Despite two defeats in three, Lliswerry have managed to hold on to second spot - although boss Adam Corfield will doubtless be aware of the need to tighten up at the back. While striker Josh Brown leads the county's scoring list with 17, Lliswerry goals-against total of 26 in 15 is the highest in the top four. On the flip side, however, is they are scoring at a rate of 3.1 goals per game and should the match that here, then it will almost certainly lead to win number 12 of 17. Bettws are fighting off relegation out of the league having gained just eight of 45 points with only 13 goals scored in 15 games. Form guide: Bettws: L L D L L L Lliswerry: W W W L L W Shannon Close, Bettws: Newport Civil Service (18) v Cardiff Grange Harlequins (19). This is clash between the league's bottom two and it has to be said even a draw will not really help either club's hopes to relegation out of the league. However a win for NCS and a defeat for Treharris Athletic Western at Newport YMCA will lift player-boss Ben Burrows' men out of the bottom three for the first time in months. Nine successive wins is a slump which simply has to be halted and this game at least offers NCS a fair chance to do just that. The capital visitors prop up the entire 51-strong league having gained just a win a couple of draws in 16 starts - in which they've leaked no fewer than 60 goals. Form guide: Newport Civil Service: L L L L L L Cardiff Grange Harlequins: L L L D L L Mendalgief Road: Newport YMCA (11) v Treharris Athletic Western (16). YMCA's last game in December 20 produced a 2-1 home success against county rivals Treowen Stars and another three points here could actually move them up to eighth depending on other results. That victory followed a trio of reverses which came on the back of five consecutive wins, form which adequately spells out YMCA's inconsistency. This game, though, represents a very good opportunity for manager Stevie McCarthy-Campbell's side to land another crucial triumph. Treharris, though, will begin on the back of a shock, 3-2 home win over high-flying Lliswerry, an outcome which ended a depressing run of 12 without success. Form guide: Newport YMCA: W W L L L W Treharris Athletic Western: L L D L L W Panteg House: Panteg (9) v Rhoose (6). Panteg have many games in hand over eight of the nine teams above them and a bid to secure a fourth win on the try was unsuccessful when they lost 3-1 at unbeaten Ammanford. However because they've played only 11 league matches, they may end up playing too many games in a short period of time during the run-in, especially if they are to have many more fixtures postponed. Nonetheless manager Mark Taylor's side has settled in well on its return to the league and are also still in the Gwent FA Senior Cup in which the face a semi final against Division One Goytre in the new year. Rhoose often prove to me stern opponents when they play well, although their last outing saw them lose 3-2 at second-placed Lliswerry Form guide: Panteg: W L W W W L Rhoose: L L W W D L Sports Complex: Tredegar Town (4) v Cwm Welfare (13). Tredegar dropped a couple of points in drawing 0-0 with visiting promotion rivals Cwmamman United last Saturday, but the outcome may ultimately be of great value. It stretched Tredegar's record to only one defeat in 11 and victory here could see them go second if Lliswerry and Cwmamman slip up up Bettws and Treowen respectively. With only three defeats in 16, moral is high within the squad and here they will feel confident a 10th victory of the season can be achieved. Cwm have struggled to make an impact in their debut campaign, have won just four times in 15 league starts and were thrashed 7-0 at Llanelli Town last time out. Form guide: Tredegar: L D W W W D Cwm Welfare: L W L W L L Bush Park: Treowen Stars (15) v Cwmamman United (3). Treowen are without a win in any of their last half dozen league games and here they face a difficult task to gain a positive result. The visitors lost their first two matches, but are 13 unbeaten since - although they have been held to draws in three of the last four. A victory here though would take Treowen some way clear of the dreaded drop zone and manager Simon Evans' side has produced a shock result or two this season. When these clubs met last season, they drew 0-0 and 2-2 and should it again end in parity, then that outcome would probably suit Treowen better. Form guide: Treowen Stars: L L L D L L Cwmamman United: W W D W D D
GWENT SATURDAY ROUND-UP AND GWENT GOALSCORERS (LEAGUE ONLY) 29 December 2014 from Terry Daley LLANWERN produced an irresistible nine-goal display while Division Two rivals Caldicot Town secured a seventh clean-sheet to cemented their status as genuine contenders to gain top-flight status in 2015-16. In Division Three, Lliswerry remain second following a 3-2 home success while in-form Tredegar were held by visiting promotion rivals Cwmamman United. But it is Llanwern's highly-impressive 9-1 home thrashing of hapless Ely Rangers at Newport Stadium which rightly makes the headlines - the outcome being a club record Division Two. Oddly, there wasn't a hat-trick scorer with efforts coming from Matthew Hibbs (2), Gareth Delve (2), Dan Hooper, Nic Hooper, Tom Barry, Jordan Jones and an own goal making up the total as Llanwern moved up a couple of places to seventh in the 16-strong table. With the exception of the own goal scored with a header by visiting defender Adam Griffiths, everyone of the goals, even Ely's scored by Sam Newing, was of high quality. The undoubted pick being Barry's 35-yard thunderbolt which may still have been travelling had it not been stopped by the net. This was no fluke because Barry took deliberate aim as the ball rolled towards him and even visiting supporters showed their appreciation of a magnificent goal. It would have graced any level of of the sport and without doubt it's the finest long-range strikes I have ever witnessed in far too many years of watching senior football to mention. There were periods in the game, notably during the opening five minutes, when lowly Ely enjoyed decent possession and on a better day, they may well have added a couple more goals. But this, without doubt, was Llanwern's day and what made this performance all the more remarkable was it came just a week after a quite horrendous display in losing 3-1 at the same venue against Swansea-based West End. It was 4-1 at the interval and any hopes the visitors had to retrieving the situation went up in smoke as Llanwern scored very nearly at will - and certainly no blame can be attached to Ely goalkeeper Richard Morgan. The outcome leaves Llanwern, who gave a debut to midfield/striker Matthew Flynn off the bench, eight points off third spot and while no-one is suggesting they are genuine promotion material, more results such as this will certainly make others sit up and take note Second-placed Caldicot travelled to face county rivals Risca United and made it home as 1-0 victors with Dan Saunders emerging as the match winner. Risca will rue missing some fine goalscoring chances, particularly before the break, with Saunders' goal coming against the run of play during this period. Caldicot had the better of matters after the interval, although Risca's Brendon Scott had an effort cleared off the line before he had a shot kicked away by a visiting defender. Striker Tony Wallis also planted a late header wide as Caldicot held on to consolidate their position and although all bar West End have games in hand, the points on the board make manager Mark Williams' side favourites to go up. Cwmbran Celtic began their campaign by winning a Gwent FA Senior Cup tie 2-1 at Chepstow Town back in early August - and repeated the feat to make it only one defeat in their opening eight league outings. Andrew Larcombe put the visitors ahead on 22 minutes before Lewis Feeney struck an equaliser with seven left before the turnaround. In a very tight affair, Luke Lewis fired home the winner shortly before the hour mark as Celtic lept up three places to 11th while Chepstow remain fifth. Lliswerry entertained promotion rivals Rhoose on their 3G pitch at Spytty Park, where some very late drama saw them edge home in a five-goal thriller. Josh Brown fired home a goal double to take his season's league goal tally to 19 and as the score stood at 2-2, boss Adam Corfield sent on substitute Dale Cook. Within a minute, Cook had blasted home the winner, his ninth effort of the season, although it took a last-minute penalty save from goalkeeper Ross Davies to ensure Lliswerry posted an 11th win in 16 starts. Tredegar are still in fourth place after drawing 0-0 with the team immediately above them, Cwmamman, and they remain behind the visitors on goal difference only. In Division One, Goytre slumped to a 5-2 away defeat at the hands of namesakes Goytre United and the only plus was two goals from striker Craig Moses to take his league total to double figures. In total, inclement weather meant seven local clubs failed to get into action and there are no mid-week fixtures. Gwent goalscorers (League only). LLISWERRY'S Josh Brown scored twice in a 3-2 home victory over Rhoose to increase his lead at the top of the list over Croesyceiliog's Zac Osbourne to five. 19 - Josh Brown (Lliswerry). 14 - Zac Osbourne (Croesyceiliog). 13 - Tom McCarthy (Aberbargoed Buds). 12 - Jason Thorn (Caldicot Town). 11 - Dan MacDonald (Monmouth Town). 10 - Gareth Cullimore (Undy Athletic), Craig Moses (Goytre), Leo Ross (Chepstow Town). 9 - Dale Cook (Lliswerry), Matthew Hibbs (Llanwern). 8 - Nick Harrhy (Monmouth Town). 7 - Scott Armitage (Aberbargoed Buds), Matthew Flynn (Llanwern, including seven for Pontypridd Town), Ian Pettit (Tredegar Town), Richard Sharratt (Caldicot Town), Niall Simmons (Newport YMCA), Dan Stoneman (Lliswerry)Tony Wallis (Risca United). 6 - Olly Beckett (Undy Athletic), Josh Bull (including two for Monmouth Town), Jamie Davies (Caerleon), Luke Dyke (Panteg, including one for Croesyceiliog), Tomas Lynch (Tredegar Town), Derice McLean (Newport Civil Service). 5 - Daniel Battle (Tredegar Town), Jon Butcher (Panteg), Dan Hooper (Llanwern), Nic Hooper (Llanwern), Steven Hughes (Tredegar Town), Dave Hurley (Risca United), Hishi Lama (Chepstow Town, including three for Croesyceiliog), Dan Saunders (Caldicot Town), James Young (Goytre). 4 - Josh Collier (Risca United), Aaron Colwill (Risca United), James Francis (Caerleon), Chris Ham (Monmouth Town), Joe Howells (Lliswerry), Jordan Jones (Llanwern), Luke Lewis (Cwmbran Celtic), Chris Quinlan (Tredegar Town), Craig Price (Treowen Stars), Matt Prosser (Goytre), Kyle Williams (Risca United). 3 - Ricky Amos (Treowen Stars), Wayne Antoniazzi (Aberbargoed Buds), Dominic Connor (Cwmbran Celtic), Luke Cueto (Caerleon), Gareth Delve (Llanwern), Dan Edwards (Lliswerry), Eliot Evans (Monmouth Town), Gary Evans (Treowen Stars), Max Fessey (Lliswerry), Elliott Ford (Monmouth Town), Nathan Hardwick (Newport YMCA), Ryan Hayward (Croesyceiliog), Liam Head (Caerleon), Kirk Hicks (Panteg, including three for Lliswerry), Craig Lewis (Chepstow Town), Rhys Luffman (Lliswerry), Tre Marrett (Newport YMCA), Paul Michael (Risca United), Sam Rushworth (Chepstow Town), Jordan Ryan (Panteg), Liam Shaw (Aberbargoed Buds), Ben Taylor (Panteg). 2 - Michael Bishop (Llanwern), Paul Clayton (Undy Athletic), Lewis Coote (Treowen Stars), Marc Curtis (Llanwern), Ben Davies (Undy Athletic), Mark Dunn (Chepstow Town), Jordan Harding (Goytre), Alex Jenkins (Newport YMCA), Chris Jones (Treowen Stars), Rhys Jones (Aberbargoed Buds), Andrew Larcombe (Cwmbran Celtic), Jordan Maisey (Aberbargoed Buds), Lee Mason (Panteg), Gavin Meacham (Aberbargoed Buds), Joe O'Brien (Newport YMCA), Mark Organ (Chepstow Town), Craig Price (Treowen Stars), Nick Potts (Chepstow Town), Dean Randall (Treowen Stars), Luke Thomas (Cwmbran Celtic), Gyles Thompson (Undy Athletic), Ben Wotton (Caerleon). 1 - Jack Alderdice (Monmouth Town), Adam Alkysi (Tredegar Town), Gareth Appleby (Panteg), Josh Ball (Tredegar Town), Michael Baugh (Cwmbran Celtic), James Barnes (Undy Athletic), Tom Barry (Llanwern), Joe Bidgood (Newport YMCA), Steven Boucher (Lliswerry), Gareth Cleverly (Newport Civil Service), Dan Clouth (Croesyceiliog), Jacob Cross (Aberbargoed Buds), Tom Dando (Cwmbran Celtic), Aysa El-Doory (Newport Civil Service), Yousif El-Doori (Caerleon), Alex Evans (Goytre), Jack Evans (Treowen Stars), Josh Evans (Treowen Stars), Dean Goddard (Newport YMCA), Jack Harvey (Chepstow Town), Luke Harris (Treowen Stars), Mo Hassan (Newport YMCA), Tom Hooper (Undy Athletic), Rhys Hodges (Cwmbran Celtic), Matt James (Caldicot Town), Ashley Johnson (Lliswerry), Grant Jones (Treowen Stars), Josh Jones (Tredegar Town), Jason Lewis (Newport YMCA) David Lloyd (Caldicot Town), Will McConnell (Caldicot Town), Craig McDonnell (Aberbargoed Buds), Liam Macan (Tredegar Town), Steffan Marchant (Croesyceiliog), James Martin (Newport YMCA), Dave Mellon (Newport Civil Service), Adam Meredith (Tredegar Town), Calum Miles (Goytre), Gavin Millar (Panteg), Dale Morris (Llanwern), Ian Morris (Tredegar Town), Mark Morris (Croesyceiliog), Lewys Nash (Aberbargoed Buds), Sam Oakley (Caerleon), Ashley Palmer (Chepstow Town), Stephen Parfitt (Treowen Stars), Rakesh Patel (Cwmbran Celtic), Marcus Power (Undy Athletic), Simon Prangley (Chepstow Town), James Price (Tredegar Town), Anthony Richards (Croesyceiliog), Leigh Sharp (Risca United), Richie Shire (Lliswerry), Jack Sinderby (Croesyceiliog), Mitchell Slape (Caldicot Town), Alex Stewart (Newport YMCA), Lewis Sweetland (Newport Civil Service), Kieron Thomas (Aberbargoed Buds), Simon Truman (Goytre), Alex Waters (Caerleon), Jake Wainright (Goytre), Ben Watson (Caerleon), Jon Williams (Panteg), Steve Wilson (Caldicot Town), Ben Wotton (Caerleon), Joel Worgan (Tredegar Town). CLEAN-SHEETS: 7 - Caldicot Town. 5 - Tredegar Town. 4 - Aberbargoed Buds; Goytre. 3 - Chepstow Town; Lliswerry; Monmouth Town; Panteg. 2 - Caerleon; Croesyceiliog; Llanwern; Newport Civil Service. 1 – Cwmbran Celtic; Newport YMCA; Risca United; Undy Athletic.
29 December 2014 from AFC Llwydcoed AFC Llwydcoed wish to announce with regret their first team Manager Leighton Price has resigned due to the family commitments. Since his arrival Leighton guided the club to promotion from Division Three to Division Two. AFC Llwydcoed wish to state on record their thanks to the Leighton for his total commitment and professionalism both on and off the field. The word “total” is what the Leighton is about.
GWENT SATURDAY PREVIEW 24 December 2014 from Terry Daley THE final Saturday of Welsh League fixtures for 2014 features five county derbies, including a cross-city Division Three clash between Newport Civil Service and Newport YMCA. In the top flight, Goytre travel to face namesakes Goytre United while defending champions Monmouth Town entertain Aberdare Town at Abergavenny. Nathaniel Cars Welsh League. Division One (figures in brackets relate to table positions of 16). Glenhafod Park Stadium: Goytre United (5) v Goytre (9). Goytre visit the Port Talbot area on the back of three consecutive wins and with renewed hope that they can join those clubs chasing the championship title. They start eight points off leaders Cardiff Metropolitan University and with two matches in hands with recent signing Josh Bull in fine form. He has already added four goals to the couple he scored for previous club Monmouth Town and with fellow-striker Craig Moses on eight, suddenly Goytre have found a highly-productive scoring partnership. However they will also be out to avoid a season's double defeat because United won 2-1 at Goytre back in mid September. Form guide: Goytre United: W D W L W W Goytre: W W L W W W Division Two (figures in brackets relate to table positions of 16). Cold Bath Road: Caerleon (11) v Aberbargoed Buds (3). Caerleon are unbeaten in three after they shared six goals with hosts Cwmbran Celtic, where Jamie Davies took his season's league goal tally to six. Joint managers Nicky Davies, Brendan Dowd and Dave Griffiths have assembled a relatively young squad which can often rise to the occasion and pull off a surprise result. Aberbargoed's current form over the past nine games is only 13 points gained from the 27 on offer and they were beaten 3-2 at home by Risca United last Saturday. However striker Tom McCarthy is scoring in almost every match and it's not beyond the bounds of possibility that he could well double his current 13-goal total by the end of the campaign. Form guide: Caerleon: L L L W D D Aberbargoed Buds: W D L W W L Larkfield Park: Chepstow Town (5) v Cwmbran Celtic (14). For different reasons, this is an important derby for both sides, who met earlier in the season at this venue where Celtic won a Gwent Senior Cup tie 2-1. Chepstow are among the promotion pack and sit just two points off third spot and here begin the second half of their 30-fixture programme. Celtic, on the other hand, have only played seven league matches and victory here will almost certainly take them out of the drop zone for the first time. Between them, these clubs have gained parity from their previous three matches and it will be no surprise if this ends all square. Form guide: Chepstow Town: L W W W D D Cwmbran Celtic: D W W L W D Woodland Road: Croesyceiliog (8) v Penrhiwceiber Rangers (13). When Croesyceiliog gained only six points from the first 27, the word relegation was being branded about on a fairly regular basis. Since, however, it's been four wins and a draw in six for boss Mark Waddon's men, who suddenly find themselves just nine points from a promotion place. Striker Zac Osbourne netted twice in last Saturday's 3-2 away success at Margam-based Tata Steel to make it 14 league goals for 2014-15. Rangers have won only three of 14 fixtures and sit just a couple of points above the relegation area and begin having drawn 2-2 at home with Chepstow. Form guide: Croesyceiliog: W W W L D W Penrhiwceiber Rangers: L W L L D D Newport Stadium: Llanwern (9) v Ely Rangers (12). Without a doubt, Llanwern boss Gareth Morgan will demand a huge improvement on the below-standard display which accounted for last weekend's 3-1 home defeat by West End. Matthew Hibbs got the goal against West End and he now has seven in the league, but the Hoopers, Nick and Dan, have not yet recaptured the form which gained them 44 goals between them last season. So Morgan has drafted in Matthew Flynn from Division Three side Pontypridd Town, where he also scored seven league goals this season. Ely have won only once in their last dozen league games and with the next two teams below them both having matches in hand, the drop zone beckons. Form guide: Llanwern: D W W L W L Ely Rangers: W L D L L D Ty-Isaf Park: Risca United (6) v Caldicot Town (2). Interesting derby which between promotion rivals who some believe will both clinch a place in Division One for the 2015-16 season. Risca, with only a single defeat in nine, trail Caldicot by nine points - although they have played four matches less and were 3-2 winners at Aberbargoed recently. Caldicot have the points in the bag over every other club except leaders Barry Town United and are the county's best club in terms of keeping clean-sheets - six in 16. A draw for both would keep the kettle boiling, although the unbeaten-in-six visitors will certainly want revenge for a 3-0 home defeat by Risca last September. Form guide: Risca United: W D D W L W Caldicot Town: D W W W W W Division Three (figures in brackets relate to table positions of 19). Spytty Park: Lliswerry (2) v Rhoose (5). Lliswerry's promotion push has been blunted somewhat by successive defeats, including last weekend's shock 3-2 away reverse at lowly Treharris Athletic Western. However they have such a strong home record that they remain one of the favourites to go up, probably alongside current leaders Llanelli Town. Marksman Josh Brown remains the county's leading league scorer with 17 goals, although this match is certainly no foregone conclusion. Rhoose are among a clutch of sides hovering just outside the top three and only Llanelli Town in the first half dozen have conceded fewer goals. Form guide: Lliswerry: L W W W L L Rhoose: W L L W W D Shannon Close, Bettws: Newport Civil Service (18) v Newport YMCA (11). Very-close local match-up which certainly the home side must get something from to arrest an extremely alarming slump of nine consecutive league losses. There was, however, some very encouraging signs in last weekend's 1-0 away defeat at the hands of fellow-strugglers Caerau that all is not yet lost. YMCA won five on a trot, then lost three on the spin - but managed a W in the right column on beating visiting Treowen Stars 2-1. So with both sides finding some sort of decent form, a share of the spoils is the likely outcome here - although the visitors will start as favourites. Form guide: Newport Civil Service: L L L L L L Newport YMCA: W W L L L W Panteg House: Panteg (9) v Treharris Athletic Western (16). A 3-1 set-back at Ammanford is nothing much to worry about given it was the west Walians' eighth straight win since the start of their campaign. However it still leaves manager Mark Taylor's troops with plenty to do to join those seeking to go up because they've played only 11 league games to date. The fear is they may have too many games to play in a short period of time towards the back end of the season if there is to be a glut of postponements over the coming weeks. Treharris halted a poor run of 11 without a win by gaining three points from a 3-2 home success over Lliswerry, but they remain in relegation trouble. Form guide: Panteg: W L W W W L Treharris Athletic Western: L L D L L W Bush Park: Treowen Stars (15) v Ammanford (7). It's not often a home side goes into a game as massive underdogs, but Ammanford's 100 per cent start to their season makes them odds-on favourites here. Treowen's six-without-win form has plunged them down to the very edge of the drop zone, although they do have an eight-point buffer over the second-from-the-bottom spot. Nonetheless boss Simon Evans will certainly want an improvement and it's often the case that Treowen do manage a positive result when they are under pressure. The visitors have scored 26 times in their eight games and conceded just 10 and therefore it's difficult to make a case for them to drop points here. Form guide: Treowen Stars: L L L D L L Ammanford: W W W W W W
LLANELLI TOWN PAY CHRISTMAS VISIT TO MORRISTON HOSPITAL CHILDREN'S WARD 23 December 2014 Llanelli Town AFC paid their annual Christmas visit to the Children's Ward at Morriston Hospital last Sunday to visit the children on the ward and give them Christmas presents donated from the players, management and supporters of the Welsh League Division Three Club. Reds players Bruno Forkuoh, Mark Napieralla, Jamie Evans and Lee Bevan were present along with club secretary Neil Dymock and Reds photographer Keith Griffiths. For Bruno Forkuoh it was his first visit after joining the club last summer and he said "it's good to give something back to the community, especially at this time of year and I didn't realise the football club did this sort of thing when I joined last summer. It's good we have the opportunity to do good and it was a pleasure to see the faces of the children when we give them the presents." Mark Napieralla also joined the Reds in the close season and was inspired by the visit. He said "It was a pleasure meeting Joseph, who I found out had a season ticket for Swansea City in the same stand as myself. He said he was looking forward to seeing me at The Liberty Stadium when he gets better." Jamie Evans visited last Christmas but was equally moved this year saying "I could visit every year, its moving meeting the children and I hope they all get better soon and enjoy Christmas." Llanelli Town captain Lee Bevan is used to giving presents out in his day job as a postman, but these were presents with a difference as children were recovering from illness. Lee said "It was good to chat with the children and see them in such good spirits despite what is a difficult time for themselves and their families. If we brought them a bit of happiness and took their minds away for a while, it has been good and I am looking forward to going back again next year. It was an emotional day, but its good to chat to the families as well and see them in such a positive light." Llanelli Town AFC would like to thank all the supporters who donated gifts as well as the players and management. As well as Janette Williams and Lisa Richards at Morriston Hospital for arranging and hosting the visit.
Bruno Forkuoh, Mark Napieralla, Lee Bevan, Jamie Evans and Neil Dymock meet Joseph.
Neil Dymock, Mark Napieralla, Lee Bevan, Bruno Forkuoh and Jamie Evans meet Seren. Llanelli Town would also like to wish a Happy Christmas to the Welsh League Management Committee and all their fellow clubs.
GWENT WEEKEND ROUND-UP AND GWENT GOALSCORERS (LEAGUE ONLY) 22 December 2014 from Terry Daley CALDICOT Town are step closer to joining Monmouth Town and Goytre in Division One thanks to a fifth successive Welsh League victory. Cwmbran Celtic and Caerleon shared six goals in their Division Two derby, but there was a shock lower-tier defeat for promotion-seeking Lliswerry. Second-placed Caldicot received mid-table side AFC Llwydcoed at Jubilee Way, where efforts from Jason Thorn and skipper Richard Sharratt earned them a 2-0 success - a 10th in 16 outings and their sixth clean-sheet. There was more good news later when it was discovered leaders Barry Town United had been held 3-3 by Ely Rangers and it all means manager Mark Williams' side is now just a couple of points off the top. They've played more game than any of their promotion rivals, with the exception of Swansea-based West End, but most of them have to meet each other. Visiting Risca United inflicted a 3-2 defeat on hosts Aberbargoed Buds, who are still third - with the visitors now trailing them by only points and with two fixtures in hand. Risca lead 2-1 at the interval thanks to goals from Tony Wallis and Kyle Williams with Tom McCarthy replying, but it looked all over when Wallis brilliantly volleyed home his second to make it 3-1. Aberbargoed, though, refused to lay down and struck back via Jordan Maisey, but Risca hung on as goalkeeper Tom Chorley excelled in winning three one-on-ones. Under strength Chepstow dropped one to fifth after being held 2-2 at Penrhiwceiber Rangers, where Mark Organ scored both, with Risca sixth and Undy Athletic seventh. The latter had coach Laurence Owen in charge in the dug-out in the absence of manager Mark Crook as they secured a fine, 4-2 triumph at Dinas Powys. Striker Gareth Cullimore scored a hat-trick to take his Undy goal tally to 100 in just 118 appearances with Paul Clayton also netting - although Ben Davies was sent off for picking up a second yellow card. Next are Croesyceiliog, who travelled back from Margam having defeated hosts Tata Steel 3-2 with Zac Osbourne grabbing two and Hishi Lama the other - the outcome being their side's fourth win its last six league games. Llanwern dropped two to ninth because of a 3-1 home loss to West End, who thoroughly deserved to take home the three points. They opened the scoring before the break via Richard Tomkins and although Matthew Hibbs equalised after it, a Alan Richards effort and an own goal from Jordan Jones settled the matters for the visitors – before Nick Hooper struck the crossbar with a late header. Caerleon stay 11th, but it looked as if they were heading towards a higher position when they led hosts Celtic 3-1, James Francis (2) and Jamie Davies scoring for them and Michael Baugh for the home team. However two goals in as many minutes by substitute Luke Lewis earned Celtic parity and while they are still third from the bottom, they have played up to nine games less than any of the teams around them. Division One champions Monmouth were first in action at Garden Village on Friday night, when efforts from Nick Harrhy (2), Chris Ham, who beat five opponents before scoring, and an own goal accounted for their 4-1 success. The win ended a run of three without for The Kingfishers, who moved up two places to fifth overnight - although they slipped down one following Saturday's results. They remain seven points off the top spot occupied by Cardiff Metropolitan University, but with a match in hand over the students. Goytre hosted Cambrian & Clydach at their Plough Road HQ and eased to a 3-0 success with goal coming from Callum Miles. Josh Bull and Craig Moses - all arriving before the break. Player-boss Carl Evans' men stay ninth and are eight points adrift of the number-one slot having played two fixtures less. In Division Three, Lliswerry would have been confident of gaining a positive result from a trip to face bottom-but-one Treharris Athletic Western - event though they had five players sidelined for various reasons. However the hosts came up trumps with a 3-2 success with Dan Stoneman netting both the goals for Lliswerry, who stay second. Panteg faced a mighty challenge to become the first side to take a point off Ammanford, shot themselves in the feet by having Chris Erasmus and Jordan Ryan sent off in a 3-1 defeat - Ben Taylor scoring as his side slipped two to ninth of 19. Newport YMCA (11th) returned to winning way in seeing off visiting Treowen Stars (15) 2-1. Niall Simmons put the hosts ahead before Tom Dando levelled only for Alex Jenkins to snatch the winner just after the hour mark. One-from-the-bottom Newport Civil Service lost again, this time 1-0 at Caerau, although it was certainly a far better display than of late and it's understood the club is about to soon bring in several new faces. Gwent goalscorers (League only). CROESYCEILIOG'S Zac Osbourne scored twice in a 3-2 win at Tata Steel to move onto 14 goals for the season, just three behind Lliswerry's Josh Brown. 17 - Josh Brown (Lliswerry). 14 - Zac Osbourne (Croesyceiliog). 13 - Tom McCarthy (Aberbargoed Buds). 12 - Jason Thorn (Caldicot Town). 11 - Dan MacDonald (Monmouth Town). 10 - Gareth Cullimore (Undy Athletic), Leo Ross (Chepstow Town). 8 - Dale Cook (Lliswerry), Nick Harrhy (Monmouth Town), Craig Moses (Goytre). 7 - Scott Armitage (Aberbargoed Buds), Matthew Hibbs (Llanwern), Ian Pettit (Tredegar Town), Richard Sharratt (Caldicot Town), Niall Simmons (Newport YMCA), Dan Stoneman (Lliswerry), Tony Willis (Risca United). 6 - Olly Beckett (Undy Athletic), Josh Bull (including two for Monmouth Town), Jamie Davies (Caerleon), Luke Dyke (Panteg, including one for Croesyceiliog), Tomas Lynch (Tredegar Town), Derice McLean (Newport Civil Service). 5 - Daniel Battle (Tredegar Town), Jon Butcher (Panteg), Steven Hughes (Tredegar Town), Dave Hurley (Risca United), Hishi Lama (Chepstow Town, including three for Croesyceiliog), James Young (Goytre). 4 - Josh Collier (Risca United), Aaron Colwill (Risca United), James Francis (Caerleon), Chris Ham (Monmouth Town), Dan Hooper (Llanwern), Nic Hooper (Llanwern), Joe Howells (Lliswerry), Chris Quinlan (Tredegar Town), Craig Price (Treowen Stars), Matt Prosser (Goytre), Dan Saunders (Caldicot Town), Kyle Williams (Risca United). 3 - Ricky Amos (Treowen Stars), Wayne Antoniazzi (Aberbargoed Buds), Dominic Connor (Cwmbran Celtic), Luke Cueto (Caerleon), Dan Edwards (Lliswerry), Eliot Evans (Monmouth Town), Gary Evans (Treowen Stars), Max Fessey (Lliswerry), Elliott Ford (Monmouth Town), Nathan Hardwick (Newport YMCA), Ryan Hayward (Croesyceiliog), Liam Head (Caerleon), Kirk Hicks (Panteg, including three for Lliswerry), Jordan Jones (Llanwern), Craig Lewis (Chepstow Town), Luke Lewis (Cwmbran Celtic), Rhys Luffman (Lliswerry), Tre Marrett (Newport YMCA), Paul Michael (Risca United), Sam Rushworth (Chepstow Town), Jordan Ryan (Panteg), Liam Shaw (Aberbargoed Buds), Ben Taylor (Panteg). 2 - Michael Bishop (Llanwern), Paul Clayton (Undy Athletic), Lewis Coote (Treowen Stars), Marc Curtis (Llanwern), Ben Davies (Undy Athletic), Mark Dunn (Chepstow Town), Jordan Harding (Goytre), Alex Jenkins (Newport YMCA), Chris Jones (Treowen Stars), Rhys Jones (Aberbargoed Buds), Jordan Maisey (Aberbargoed Buds), Lee Mason (Panteg), Gavin Meacham (Aberbargoed Buds), Joe O'Brien (Newport YMCA), Mark Organ (Chepstow Town), Craig Price (Treowen Stars), Nick Potts (Chepstow Town), Dean Randall (Treowen Stars), Luke Thomas (Cwmbran Celtic), Gyles Thompson (Undy Athletic), Ben Wotton (Caerleon). 1 - Jack Alderdice (Monmouth Town), Adam Alkysi (Tredegar Town), Gareth Appleby (Panteg), Josh Ball (Tredegar Town), Michael Baugh (Cwmbran Celtic), James Barnes (Undy Athletic), Joe Bidgood (Newport YMCA), Steven Boucher (Lliswerry), Gareth Cleverly (Newport Civil Service), Dan Clouth (Croesyceiliog), Jacob Cross (Aberbargoed Buds), Tom Dando (Cwmbran Celtic), Gareth Delve (Llanwern), Aysa El-Doory (Newport Civil Service), Yousif El-Doori (Caerleon), Alex Evans (Goytre), Jack Evans (Treowen Stars), Josh Evans (Treowen Stars), Dean Goddard (Newport YMCA), Jack Harvey (Chepstow Town), Luke Harris (Treowen Stars), Mo Hassan (Newport YMCA), Tom Hooper (Undy Athletic), Rhys Hodges (Cwmbran Celtic), Matt James (Caldicot Town), Ashley Johnson (Lliswerry), Grant Jones (Treowen Stars), Josh Jones (Tredegar Town), Andrew Larcombe (Cwmbran Celtic), Jason Lewis (Newport YMCA) David Lloyd (Caldicot Town), Will McConnell (Caldicot Town), Craig McDonnell (Aberbargoed Buds), Liam Macan (Tredegar Town), Steffan Marchant (Croesyceiliog), James Martin (Newport YMCA), Dave Mellon (Newport Civil Service), Adam Meredith (Tredegar Town), Callum Miles (Goytre), Gavin Millar (Panteg), Dale Morris (Llanwern), Ian Morris (Tredegar Town), Mark Morris (Croesyceiliog), Lewys Nash (Aberbargoed Buds), Sam Oakley (Caerleon), Ashley Palmer (Chepstow Town), Stephen Parfitt (Treowen Stars), Rakesh Patel (Cwmbran Celtic), Marcus Power (Undy Athletic), Simon Prangley (Chepstow Town), James Price (Tredegar Town), Anthony Richards (Croesyceiliog), Leigh Sharp (Risca United), Richie Shire (Lliswerry), Jack Sinderby (Croesyceiliog), Mitchell Slape (Caldicot Town), Alex Stewart (Newport YMCA), Lewis Sweetland (Newport Civil Service), Kieron Thomas (Aberbargoed Buds), Simon Truman (Goytre), Alex Waters (Caerleon), Jake Wainright (Goytre), Ben Watson (Caerleon), Jon Williams (Panteg), Steve Wilson (Caldicot Town), Ben Wotton (Caerleon), Joel Worgan (Tredegar Town). CLEAN-SHEETS: 6 - Caldicot Town. 4 - Aberbargoed Buds; Goytre; Tredegar Town. 3 - Chepstow Town; Lliswerry; Monmouth Town; Panteg. 2 - Caerleon; Croesyceiliog; Newport Civil Service. 1 – Cwmbran Celtic; Llanwern; Newport YMCA; Risca United; Undy Athletic.
GWENT WEEKEND PREVIEW 19 December 2014 from Terry Daley FOOTBALL clubs throughout the county are to observe a minutes silence this weekend in memory of Cwmbran Town secretary and Gwent County FA referee instructor Ian Greaney, who passed away earlier this week. Friday Nathaniel Cars Welsh League (7.30pm kick off). Division One: (figures in brackets relate to table positions of 16). Stafford Common, Kingsbridge: Garden Village (14) v Monmouth Town (7). Monmouth need to return to winning ways if they are to eventually retain their top-tier title and gain promotion to the Welsh Premier League. Only four points from the last 15 on offer has dented The Kingfishers' ambitions, although they are just seven behind leaders Cardiff Metropolitan University and with a match in hand. It's not often over recent years that Monmouth have fired blanks, but they did do when drawing 0-0 with Garden Village at home back in late September. That point is one of only of 10 gained in 14 league outings and here they will be bidding to avoid a sixth consecutive defeat. Form guide: Garden Village: W L L L L L Monmouth Town: W L W L D L Saturday (all 2.00pm kick offs). Division One: (figures in brackets relate to table positions of 16). Plough Road: Goytre (9) v Cambrian & Clydach (5). Four wins from the last five has placed Goytre eight points off the top and here they are seeking a third consecutive clean-sheet. Recent recruit Josh Bull has made a fine start since joining from Monmouth, the former Cwmbran Celtic and Abertillery Bluebirds striker scoring three times in his two outings. Player-boss Carl Evans' men have put a depressing run of five without a win firmly behind them and will want to better the 1-1 draw gained at Cambrian & Clydach in late August. C&C returned to winning ways with 4-1 home success over Ton Pentre, an outcome which was their first win in four league fixtures. Form guide: Goytre: L W W L W W Cambrian& Clydach: W W L D L W Division Two (figures in brackets relate to table positions of 16). Recreation Ground: Aberbargoed Buds (3) v Risca United (6). Aberbargoed's form has not dipped as much as many believe because 13 points from the last 18 on offer is still enough to keep them only two points off second spot - and with as many games in hand. Striker Tom McCarthy took his campaign tally to 12 with a hat-trick in a 5-2 away win over AFC Llwydcoed and his team's total of 35 is the highest in the division. Risca must recover from something of a surprise 2-1 home defeat at the hands of Cwmbran Celtic, their second loss in four days following on from a 1-0 League Cup reverse at Tredegar Town. Player-boss Paul Michael's men, though, have played only 11 league games to date and have enough in hand to eventually become genuine promotion contenders. Form guide: Aberbargoed Buds: W W D L W W Risca United: W W D D W L Jubilee Way: Caldicot Town (2) v AFC Llwydcoed (8). This fixture marks the start of the second half of Caldicot's 30-strong programme and if they repeat their form in the first, then there's little doubt they will return to the top flight after a four-season absence. With unbeaten leaders Barry Town United going so well, it maybe player-manager Mark Williams' side will have to settle for second or third place to go up. That, however, won't be of any concern to Caldicot and although they've played more games than most, are in high spirits having lost only once in eight. The visitors sit in mid-table, but lost three of their previous four league matches and conceded 10 goals in their last two - 5-1 at Cwmbran Celtic and 5-2 at home to Aberbargoed. Form guide: Caldicot Town: L D W W W W AFC Llwydcoed: W W L W L L Celtic Park: Cwmbran Celtic (14) v Caerleon (11). This is another chance for Celtic to continue their reasonable start to their season following a belated entry and only one defeat in six suggests they are good enough to eventually join the promotion pack. They are 17 points off third spot with seven matches in hand and were in action last weekend, when they travelled home 2-1 victors over hosts Risca United. As far as wins are concerned, Caerleon have struggled somewhat in only gaining four from 13 - although they're unbeaten in their last two. If you take Celtic out of the equation, the 25 goals conceded by Caerleon is the lowest total among the rest of the bottom six and certainly a draw can not be ruled out. Form guide: Cwmbran Celtic: D D W W L W Caerleon: W L L L W D The Murch: Dinas Powys (15) v Undy Athletic (9). Undy must start putting together a lengthy unbeaten run if they are to re-join those clubs who are seeking Division One football. For various reasons, manager Mark Crook's side has played only 11 fixtures and have matches in hand over every one of the eight clubs above them. So a win here is an absolute must and with so many decent players in their squad, it seem extremely likely they will soon fine the form which gained them five consecutive wins earlier in the season. Dinas led hosts Llanwern at Newport Stadium last Saturday before falling to a 3-1 defeat and they have much to do in to avoid being relegated to the third tier. Form guide: Dinas Powys: D L D L L L Undy Athletic: W W L D L L Newport Stadium: Llanwern (7) v West End (Swansea) (5). It would be silly to rule out of promotion when it's only 11 points off third spot and still has 51 to play for, so success here would certainly maintain Llanwern's interest. Like most other clubs, they are short of a recognised striker in the true sense - although Matthew Hibbs has done reasonably well to score six times. Defeated visiting Dinas Powys 3-1 last time out and may give defender Ben Burns a full debut after he appeared as a substitute in that game following his transfer from Division One outfit Caerau (Ely). The west Wales visitors are right up three with the leading teams, although they have already played 17 games and have only 13 remaining in which to clinch a first-time return to the top flight. Form guide: Llanwern: L D W W L W West End: L W L W W L Glasbrook Field: Penrhiwceiber Rangers (13) v Chepstow Town (4). Unbeaten-in-four Chepstow are knocking hard on the door marked promotion, having won seven and drawn four of their 14 league outings. The problem is they don't appear to have anyone able to keep pace with 10-goal Leo Ross and if they did manage that, then there's no reason why manager Dave Livermore's men can't go up. Drew 2-2 at Croesyceiliog last weekend and here will be seeking to complete a campaign double over the hosts, who they beat 3-0 at home in late August. Rangers are embroiled in the relegation battle and have won only twice in their last 10 outings, although they did draw 1-1 at Caerleon last weekend. Form guide: Penrhiwceiber Rangers: W L W L L D Chepstow Town: L L W W W D Sports Ground, Margam: Tata Steel (16) v Croesyceiliog (10). With only one defeat from five, Croesyceiliog have appeared to have found the consistency to move away from the drop zone and victory here could see them break into the top eight. After a hat-trick in a 4-0 win at Ely Rangers took his season's tally to 12, striker Zac Osbourne has not netted in the club's last three league and cup outings. However Croesyceiliog scored seven times in those games, which suggests they are no longer relying on one player to get their goals - as they did for many previous seasons. Tata, with only two wins and a draw from 13, are in deep trouble at the very foot of the table and appear on course to suffer a second successive relegation. Form guide: Tata Steel: L L W L L L Croesyceiliog: L W W W L D Division Three (figures in brackets relate to table positions of 19). Recreation Ground: Ammanford (8) v Panteg (7). Panteg have played just 10 league games under manager Mark Taylor, whose team are eight points adrift of third-placed Tredegar Town - but with five matches in hand. Have won seven of those outings and here will seek a fourth consecutive triumph as well as a third clean-sheet on the trot. However this is a real big ask for Panteg to gain a positive result, although they can not be ruled out of becoming the first side to take anything off the hosts. Ammanford have scored 33 times in winning won all seven of their fixtures in 2014-15 and they've their sights firmly fixed on a first-time return to the second tier following demotion. Form guide: Ammanford: W W W W W W Panteg: W W L W W W Athletic Ground: Caerau (15) v Newport Civil Service (18). Nothing seems to go right for NCS and an horrendous run of nine successive losses means they have only Cardiff Grange Harlequins below them. Goalkeeping problems and the departure of leading scorer Derice McLean have been the two major problems since they won their opening couple of fixtures. Not so very long ago, this may have been a clash NCS would have felt fairly comfortable in gaining a positive result from. However the hosts have won three of their last five league outings, including a 5-3 success over visiting Treowen Stars. Form guide: Caerau: L W L L W W Newport Civil Service: L L L L L L Mendalgief Road: Newport YMCA (11) v Treowen Stars (14). This is a derby clash between two clubs which are desperate to put a tick in the win column following a poor run of form. YMCA were going well in winning five on the trot, but have since slipped up and here seek to avoid a fourth successive defeat. Treowen have won only twice in their last nine matches, although they are capable to playing far better than their recent results suggest. Because it's crucial neither side suffers another loss, a draw would suit both - although YMCA have not achieved one in any of their 15 league fixtures. Form guide: Newport YMCA: W W W L L L Treowen Stars: W L L L D L Athletic Ground: Treharris Athletic Western (17) v Lliswerry (2). Lliswerry are fast heading towards playing in Division Two for the first time, but they will have to recover from a 3-2 away defeat at the hands of promotion rivals Cwmamman United. Manager Adam Corfield has assembled a strong squad with striker Josh Brown netting 17 league goals to date and Dale Clark eight in Lliswerry's tally of 46 in only 14 matches. On the down side, the 21 conceded is the highest in the top four, although they will be clear favourites here to pick up their 11th victory against the struggling hosts. Treharris are facing a season-long fight against relegation and have gained only six points out of 39 and are 11 without a win. Form guide: Treharris Athletic Western: L L L D L L Lliswerry: W L W W W L
TON PENTRE APPOINT PHILLIPS AS FIRST TEAM MANAGER 18 December 2014 from Ton Pentre FC Ton Pentre Football Club is pleased to announce that Lee Phillips has been appointed as First Team Manager. Phillips has enjoyed a very successful career that has seen him play professional football for Cardiff City and Barry Town. He has also enjoyed spells with Forest Green Rovers, Newport County, Llanelli and Carmarthen Town. Having made his debut for Cardiff City at 17 years of age, the new Bulldogs Manager was also capped for Wales at various levels including U18 and U21. As a player, Phillips won four Welsh Premier League titles, lifted the FAW Welsh Cup on three occasions and has made 13 appearances in UEFA club competitions. One of his career highlights includes scoring a goal against FC Porto in Barry Town’s 3-1 win against the Portuguese champions in the UEFA Champions League. Phillips began his managerial career in 2011 with Aberdare Town and last season reached the Quarter Finals of the FAW Welsh Cup with the Cynon Valley club. A spokesperson for the Bulldogs said: “The quality of applicants for this role was outstanding and Ton Pentre is delighted to welcome Lee Phillips to Ynys Park. “Lee brings to the Bulldogs significant experience in the game and we look forward to his leadership in helping us take the Club to a new level. “The Bulldogs have huge ambition to return to the pillar of Welsh League football and the appointment of Lee Phillips is a major step in the right direction.” Phillips will be in the stands at Ynys Park for Saturday’s Welsh League Division One match against Goytre United, as the new Bulldogs Manager eagerly awaits the challenge ahead. For more information on Ton Pentre AFC please visit: www.tonpentreafc.com
GWENT WEDNESDAY ROUND-UP 18 December 2014 from Terry Daley Cardiff Grange Harlequins 0 Tredegar Town 4 TREDEGAR moved into third place in the Division Three table with a solid performance at the International Sports Stadium in the capital. The win moves player-boss Gareth Harbord's men up above Cwmamman United and Rhoose and they are now on the same 30-point total as second-placed Lliswerry and seven adrift of table-topping Llanelli Town. Tredegar's win was their third on the trot and although they've played more games than any other club in the top nine, they now have the points in the bag. Goals from last season's leading scorer Tomas Lynch and Chris Quinlan before the interval earned Tredegar a 2-0 advantage as the pair took their campaign tallies to five and four respectively. Lynch scored again after the break when he beat three defenders before firing home with 17-year-old Josh Ball coming off the bench to round off the scoring. Tredegar, now unbeaten in four, are not in action on Saturday and must wait until December 27 to entertain Cwmamman in what has now become a genuine promotion clash. However the defeat means the 'Quins remain rooted to the very bottom of the 19-strong division and the game was their last of 2014, their next fixture being on January 3, 2015, when they visit fellow strugglers Newport Civil Service.
IAN GREANEY (UPDATED) 16 December 2014 It is with regret that the death is reported of Ian Greaney, Secretary of former Welsh League club Cwmbran Town, former Welsh League Referee and Gwent County FA Referees' Instructor. The funeral will be held at the Gwent Crematorium, Cwmbran at 12.00 noon on Monday 5 January 2015 and afterwards at Cwmbran Town FC. With condolences to Ian's family at this sad time.
GWENT WEDNESDAY PREVIEW 16 December 2014 from Terry Daley Division Three (figures in brackets relate to table positions of 16) - kick off 7.30pm. International Sports Stadium, Leckwith Road: Cardiff Grange Harlequins (19) v Tredegar Town (5). TREDEGAR Town will move into third place in the Welsh League Division Three table if they can defeat hosts Cardiff Grange Harlequins on Wednesday night (7.30pm). Their current healthy form is in stark contrast to previous years when Tredegar were perennial relegation battlers after dropping down from Division Two at the end of the 2009-10 campaign. Over the next three seasons, they finished 14th (of 18), 12th (15) and 13th (16), but matters took a change for the better following the appointment of midfielder Gareth Harbord as player-manager during 2013-14. He quickly appointed former Cardiff City forward Cohen Griffith as his assistant and the pair transformed the playing standards enough for the team to finish eighth of 19. Harbord's men have continued to improve and will start against the bottom-placed 'Quins in fifth position with eight wins and three draws from 13 league outings. They also reached the last eight of the League Cup with a recent 1-0 home win over Division Two side Risca United and success in Cardiff will put them third on goal difference only behind Lliswerry. Tredegar are unbeaten in three and defeated visiting Newport YMCA 4-2 last Saturday with Ian Pettit being their top scorer with seven of his team's 32-goal league tally. Work commitments are expected to force Tredegar to make changes to their starting line-up with last season's leading marksman, Tomas Lynch, possibly beginning the match following his substitute appearance against YMCA. The hosts, who were beaten 5-2 at Ammanford last weekend, are struggling with just one win and a couple of draws in 15 and defeat for them will help Newport Civil Service, who are the team immediately above them. Following Wednesday's clash, Tredegar don't have a fixture on Saturday and will be next in action on December 27 when they are scheduled to play visiting promotion rivals Cwmamman United. Form guide: Cardiff Grange Harlequins: L L L L D L Tredegar: W W L D W W
JOHN JARVIS (FURTHER UPDATED) 14 December 2014 It is with regret that the death is reported of John Jarvis, former Secretary of Caerau (Ely) at the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff on Tuesday 9 December 2014, aged 68. The funeral service will take place on Tuesday 30 December 2014 at St Francis Church, Ely, Cardiff at 11.00am and afterwards at Thornhill Crematorium. With condolences to John's wife and family at this sad time.
GWENT SATURDAY PREVIEW 12 December 2014 from Terry Daley FIVE local derbies are the feature of Saturday's Nathaniel Cars Welsh League fixture programme, including the clash between extremely-close Division Two rivals between Undy Athletic and Caldicot Town. Nathaniel Cars Welsh League (all 2.00pm kick offs). Division One: (figures in brackets relate to table positions of 16). Marston's Stadium, Aberavon: Afan Lido (13) v Goytre (10). Following s poor run of five without a win, player-boss Carl Evans has led Goytre to four consecutive league victories. The sequence means should they win the three matches they have in hand over Cardiff Metropolitan University, then they would trail the leaders by only two points. Craig Moses is their leading goal-getter with seven and with new signing Josh Bull scoring twice on his debut during last Saturday's 4-0 win over visiting AFC Porth, further Goytre improvement is expected. The hosts were relegated from the Welsh Premier League last season and start here fourth from bottom having picked up just seven points from the last 27 on offer. Form guide: Afan Lido: D L W D L L Goytre: L L W W W W Division Two (figures in brackets relate to table positions of 16). Merthyr Road: AFC Llwydcoed (7) v Aberbargoed Buds (3). With eight wins and a draw from 12 outings, Aberbargoed appear equipped to remain in contention for first-time promotion back to the top flight. Perhaps with leaders Barry Town United going so well, manager Adrian Needs' side may eventually have to settle for either second or third spot. However along with Caldicot Town, they are the joint highest goalscorers in the section with 30 and here they will seek a double having won 2-1 at home against Llwydcoed in late August. The home side will have to bounce back from Saturday's 5-1 mauling at Cwmbran Celtic, although it has to be pointed out they had their goalkeeper sent off in the first minute and that they won the second period 1-0. Form guide: AFC Llwydcoed: L W W L W L Aberbargoed Buds: L W W D L W Cold Bath Road: Caerleon (11) v Penrhiwceiber Rangers (13). Caerleon were 4-1 away winners over Margam-based Tata Steel in their last league outing on November 29, when the outcome ended a run of three successive defeats. The goal took their tally to 19 in 12 matches - the figure being the lowest in the division's top 13 and only the bottom three have scored fewer. Nonetheless Caerleon will target this clash as winnable, although they will certainly be aware they lost 3-1 at Penrhiwceiber on August 23. That win was one of only three achieved in a dozen matches for the visitors, who lost 2-1 at home to Risca United last Saturday. Form guide: Caerleon: L W L L L W Penrhiwceiber Rangers: D W L W L L Woodland Road: Croesyceiliog (9) v Chepstow Town (4). Croesyceiliog's bid for stretch their winning run to a fourth match came unstuck when losing 2-0 at Llwydcoed a couple of weeks ago. However manager Mark Waddon's men have definitely improved since ending a sequence of only one victory from their first nine league matches of the season. Chepstow moved up two places on Wednesday night, when a goal from central defender Gareth Bennett earned them a 1-0 win over Cwmbran Celtic at Newport Stadium. It was their third consecutive league victory and puts them right back into promotion contention under boss Dave Livermore, who is in his first season in charge after being upgraded from the club's reserve set-up. Form guide: Croesyceiliog: L L W W W L Chepstow Town: D L L W W W Newport Stadium: Llanwern (10) v Dinas Powys (15). Llanwern were disappointing when slipping to a 1-0 home defeat by county rivals Undy Athletic last weekend and manager Gareth Morgan will want an all-round improvement here against one of his former clubs. The division is very tight and while Llanwern are just six points ahead of the drop zone, they are only 11 off a top-three spot. They lost 1-0 at Dinas Powys in their third game of the season back in August, but given the visitors' recent run of poor form they'll be clear favourites to clinch a fifth win of the campaign. Bottom-but-one Dinas have not won in eight and were 3-1 losers at home against unbeaten leaders Barry Town United last time out. Form guide: Llanwern: L L D W W L Dinas Powys: D L D L L L Ty-Isaf Park: Risca United (6) v Cwmbran Celtic (14). These clubs were in mid-week action and both lost 1-0, Celtic to visiting Chepstow Town at Newport Stadium and Risca at Tredegar Town in a League Cup, round-three tie. It was Celtic's first league defeat in five games since they belatedly began their fixtures and in all honesty, they will have to improve on that display if they are to gain a positive result here. Unbeaten-in-six league outings Risca fielded an under strength line-up at Tredegar and are hoping to begin this clash with top-scorer Tony Wallis and wide forward Dave Hurley in their starting X1 after their recent substitute appearances following returns injuries. A draw would probably suit the visitors far more than the home side, which is just a couple of points off third place with two fixtures in hand. Form guide: Risca United: W W W D D W Cwmbran Celtic: D D W W L The Causeway: Undy Athletic (8) v Caldicot Town (2). This is a very-close proximity derby which always attracts a large crowd and it gives Caldicot the chance of securing a win double having defeated Undy 2-1 at home in August. Undy's recent form is not good and begin with no wins in their last six league and cup encounters, although they have played well in patches and were unlucky on a couple of occasions not to gain something positive. Caldicot, on the other hand, are flying high towards promotion and although five of their six closest rivals have played fewer games, it's manager Mark Williams' side which has the points in the bag. They are bidding for a fifth win on the trot and with only one reverse in their previous nine league fixtures, the smart money will be on Caldicot - although not is ever as clear as that in this particular match-up. Form guide: Undy Athletic: W W L D L L Caldicot Town: L D W W W W Division Three (figures in brackets relate to table positions of 19). Athletic Ground: Caerau (15) v Treowen Stars (13). Treowen's inconsistency has cost them a place in mid table - although in a tightly-contested division, they find themselves only 12 points off third position. Will take heart from their battling display in their last outing, which produced a 1-1 draw at Tredegar Town in late November. Manager Simon Evans' men will doubtless view this affair as a reasonable opportunity to win a league game for the first time since they defeated visiting Cardiff Grange Harlequins on October 4. The hosts are fighting against dropping out of the league, although two wins from their last four games has lifted them out of the drop zone. Form guide: Caerau: L L W L L W Treowen Stars: W L W L L D Shannon Close, Bettws: Newport Civil Service (18) v Lliswerry (2). NCS slipped into the relegation zone for the first time as a result of last Saturday's 4-0 home defeat at the hands of high-flying Tredegar Town. So the visit of a team in an even better table position is certainly a tough ask and NCS will be seeking to avoid a season's losing double having lost 2-0 on Lliswerry's 3G surface in late September. Lliswerry are enjoying a fine season under boss Adam Corfield, although they were 3-2 losers at promotion rivals Cwmamman United last time out. Josh Brown is top of list for those players appearing for Gwent clubs with 17 while Dale Cook has eight and the Lliswerry's total of 46 is the joint highest with leaders Llanelli Town in the entire 51-strong league. Form guide: Newport Civil Service: L L L L L L Lliswerry: W L W W W L Sports Complex: Tredegar Town (5) v Newport YMCA (10). Tredegar defeated visiting Division Two side Risca United 1-0 in a League Cup tie on Wednesday, when Steve Hughes scored to take them into the last eight. Are just a couple of points off a promotion spot and given they've lost only once in their last eight league fixtures, will be firm favourites to land the three points here. YMCA have lost successive games since a run of five wins on the trot and they have scored less and conceded more than any other side in the first 12. However this is no 'given' for the hosts and having not yet gained parity from any of their 14 league outings, YMCA will almost certainly be involved in a draw sooner or later. Form guide: Tredegar: W W W L D W Newport YMCA: W W W W L L
GWENT WEDNESDAY ROUND-UP 11 December 2014 from Terry Daley Division Two. Cwmbran Celtic 0 Chepstow Town 1 (played at Newport Stadium). CHEPSTOW had an unlikely match winner in the shape of central defender Gareth Bennett, whose 21st-minute goal not only moved his side up to fourth place in the Division Two table but it also ended Celtic's four-match unbeaten run. Chepstow are now just one point adrift of third-placed Aberbargoed Buds and six behind second-positioned Caldicot Town, who they have two matches in hand over. Manager Dave Livermore's men posted a third league win on the trot and they are on the road again on Saturday, when they visits Croesyceiliog. Celtic remain 14th of 16, although this was only their fifth match of the season, and this encounter was the first of five successive county derbies - the second of which is Saturday's trip to face Risca United. Celtic gave a second club debut to goalkeeper Giles Cutlan, who has re-joined them from Southern League outfit Merthyr Town, while Chepstow included to ex-Celtic players Simon Prangley and Stephen Peel. It was Prangley who made the first impression when he fired a long-range free kick wide before Celtic's Owen Cook drive passed the visitors' goal. Cutlan was soon brought into action for the first time when he kicked away an effort from Chepstow top-scorer Leo Ross before Celtic penalty appeals were denied after a clash between Luke Lewis and Ashley Palmer. Celtic striker Luke Thomas was the next player to be off target with Chepstow quickly moving up the field to take a deserved the lead. A long throw-in from Palmer was flicked on and when the ball arrived at the back post, there was former Newport Civil Service defender Bennett with space and time to set himself before firing a shot past an exposed Cutlan. Thomas again missed the goal with his next effort with Mark Dunn wasting a fair chance by shooting straight at Cutlan, who saved down low. Soon Thomas passed over what was to prove to be Celtic's best goalscoring opportunity, clipping the ball past a post after accepting a Connor assist inside the penalty area. Ross had a shot deflected for a corner just after the start of the second period before Chepstow goalkeeper and skipper Gareth Wesson was forced to make his first serious save as he palmed away Luke Jones' pile-driver to safety. Wesson soon saved from Thomas with Cutlan next in action when he gathered one-handed an ambitious wide, 45-yarder from Ross before he stopped a Prangley shot from increasing the scoreline. It was the final incident of a game which never really burst into life at any stage and the bottom line is this was a worthy win for Chepstow, who won the shot-count 17-8. A word also for match referee Graham Evans, who used common sense to interpret the laws of the game – a method which meant no player picked up a booking. Cwmbran Celtic: Giles Cutlan, Rakesh Patel, Richard Cress (captain), Luke Jones, Ben Luck, Owen Cook (Michael Baugh, 48), Rhys Williams, Andrew Larcombe (Luke Lewis, 68), Luke Thomas, Owen Llewellyn, Dominic Connor (Lewis Grant, 74). Subs not used: Curtis Patel, Rhys Hodges. Chepstow Town: Gareth Wesson (captain), Ashley Palmer, Stephen Peel, Sam Rushworth, James Munday, Lewis Feeley (Richard Lloyd, 85), Simon Prangley, Leo Ross, Craig Lewis (Nicky Potts, 75), Mark Dunn. Subs not used: David Harvey, Jermaine Poole, Matthew Board. Goal: Bennett (21). Referee: Graham Evans. Assistants: John Jenkins and Chris Parnell. Nathaniel Cars League Cup, round three. Tredegar Town 1 Risca United 0. Division Three outfit Tredegar bridged a section gap to progress to the last eight of the League Cup thanks to a goal from Steve Hughes against the county neighbours. The home team dominated the first 45 minutes against the understrength visitors, who eventually came into the game around the hour mark. Tredegar, though, did enough defensively to end deserving winners
GWENT WEDNESDAY PREVIEW 9 December 2014 from Terry Daley Nathaniel Cars Welsh League Division Two - KO 7.00pm (figures in brackets relate to table positions of 16). Newport Stadium: Cwmbran Celtic (14) v Chepstow Town (6). CWMBRAN Celtic have re-signed former goalkeeper Giles Cutlan from Merthyr Town, are to loan him back to the Southern League club after he has played in the next two Welsh League matches - and will re-engage him on a permanent basis in the January transfer window. The unusual scenario has surfaced because Celtic want Cutlan to play in the Division Two derbies against Chepstow Town at Newport Stadium tonight and at Risca United on Saturday. The 22-year-old has been understudying Abertillery-based Tom Bradley at table-topping Merthyr, but the former Motherwell and Aberdare Town stopper was sent off during a 2-1 away win over Tiverton Town last weekend. However because his one-match suspension doesn't kick in until December 20, by which time Cutlan will returned to Penydarren Park to take over the gloves for a SL South & West Division match at Wimbourne. Cutlan, also 22, began with Celtic before joining Cwmbran Town in 2011 and has also been on the books of Llanwern and Newcastle Emlyn, for whom he appeared while a west Wales-based student. He started last season as first-choice at Merthyr, but now finds himself as number-one with Celtic over Lewis Watkin with the club's other goalkeeper and Nicky Church taking a sabbatical from the game. Victory for manager Della Cheedy's side won't move them up any higher than their current 14th position, but it will stretch their unbeaten league run since they began fixtures to five. They will start on the back of last Saturday's fine, 5-1 home triumph over AFC Llwydcoed, which means they have won two and drawn the same number. Chepstow, however, will be keen to secure a third successive divisional victory and should they achieve it, then manager Dave Livermore's men will move above Risca and West End into fourth spot - and to just one point adrift of third-placed Aberbargoed Buds. In their squad is former Celtic player Simon Prangley and they will begin following last weekend's 3-2 win at Tata Steel and previous to that, they were 4-2 away victors over Dinas Powys. Prangley's fellow-Wales Futsal international Rico Zulkarnain missed last Saturday's match, but Chepstow hope he will be available for this derby Leo Ross bagged a brace in that win over Tata Steel to take his season's league tally to nine while Celtic's leading marksman is Dominic Connor, who has scored three of his side's eight goals - although, of course, they've played only four games so far. This is the second of four matches at Newport Stadium. The first ended in a 1-0 success over Undy Athletic and the third and fourth are scheduled to take place on January 7, 2015, against Penrhiwceiber Rangers and two weeks later against Tata Steel respectively. Form guide: Cwmbran Celtic: D D W W Chepstow Town: W D L L W W Nathaniel Cars Welsh League Cup, round three - KO 7.00pm and to be played to a conclusion. Sports Complex: Tredegar Town v Risca United. This is a tie which has been brought forward from January 10, 2015 because Risca wish to free up a Saturday in order they catch up on their Division Two fixtures. Player-boss Paul Michael's side is are currently in sixth position and have the same amount of games in hand over the team immediately above them, West End, who are only three points clear. They received a double boost last weekend when long-term injured striker Tony Wallis made an appearance from the bench as did left-sided forward Dave Hurley following a foot problem. They helped Risca to a 2-1 triumph at Penrhiwceiber to take their unbeaten league run to a seventh game and they reached this stage after winning 4-2 after extra time at Bridgend Street in round one and 3-2 at Cardiff Grange Harlequins in round two. Tredegar, whose player-manager is Gareth Harbord, are also enjoying a good season so far and sit fifth in the Division Three table with seven wins, three draws and the same amount of defeats from their 13 outings. That all means they are just a couple points off the third promotion spot held by Cwmamman United Were convincing 4-0 away winners against struggling Newport Civil Service last Saturday and after being handed a round-one bye, they progressed to this far thanks to 3-1 home success over Newport YMCA in round two. The winners of this tie will qualify for the last eight
GWENT SATURDAY ROUND-UP AND GWENT GOALSCORERS (LEAGUE ONLY) 8 December 2014 from Terry Daley WHILE Goytre plugged a five-week gap of Welsh League inactivity with a fine home win, top-flight rivals Monmouth Town's bid to defend their championship title was dented with a defeat in the capital. In Division Two, Caldicot Town and Aberbargoed Buds remain second and third thanks to home derby wins with Tredegar Town now just a couple of points off a lower-level, top-three spot following an away success. Monmouth suffered a Welsh Cup hangover in the capital, where they failed to get over the previous weekend's 5-3 loss at Welsh Premier League outfit Gap Connah's Quay - after leading 3-0. This time, and despite an 11th league goal of the campaign from Dan MacDonald, it was a 3-1 defeat against hosts Cardiff Metropolitan University, although The Kingfishers stay fifth. Player-boss Carl Evans saw his Goytre side ease to a 4-0 home victory over bottom-placed AFC Porth with debutant Josh Bull opening his goal account with a brace while others came from Jordan Harding and Craig Moses. Former Abertillery Bluebirds and Cwmbran Celtic striker Bull was making his club bow following a recent move from Monmouth with Moses taking his season's goal tally to seven. Promotion-seeking Caldicot visited Llanwern at Newport Stadium, where an uninspiring game was decided by a 21st-minute, long-range effort from midfielder David Lloyd to earn his team a fourth successive league triumph. In all honesty, both teams will want to forget this particular encounter and will doubtless hope to improve on their respective under-performances in their next games. Goals from Liam Shaw, Wayne Antoniazzi and Jordan Maisey, the latter with a 40-yard effort, gave Aberbargoed a routine 3-0 win over visiting county rivals Undy Athletic, whose suffered after having Chris Parry sent off when they were still in contention. Risca United are five points off a promotion place with a couple of matches in hand following a 2-1 away victory at Penrhiwceiber Rangers. The home club went ahead before Risca's Kyle Williams equalised on 17 minutes when he tapped in from close range after Jonathan Payne had headed down at a set-piece. Risca then were unlucky enough to hit the woodwork twice in a minute, but they soon got a break when Rangers' goalkeeper was sent off after bringing down Williams when he was in the act of scoring. Player-manager Paul Michael scored the resulting penalty to put his team 2-1 ahead and there were a couple of more pluses for Risca when returning-from-injury duo Dave Hurley and Tony Wallis were introduced as substitutes. Chepstow Town remain in sixth position thanks to a 3-2 win at Margam-based Tata Steel, a Leo Ross double making it 11 league goals for the pre-season recruit with Craig Lewis also on the mark for boss Dave Livermore's men. However the best results for any local club fell to Cwmbran Celtic, who stretched their unbeaten Division Two run since their began fixtures to five with a 5-1 home thrashing of AFC Llwydcoed. Indeed Celtic will feel a little disappointed their actually lost the second period 1-0 after goals from Luke Thomas (2), Rakesh Patel (penalty), Dom Connor and Andrew Larcombe had put them in total control at 5-0 up at the interval. The match began in pulsating fashion with Celtic's Andrew Larcombe being brought down in the opening minute by visiting goalkeeper Brett Davies, who was promptly sent off match referee Robert Rosen. Llwydcoed put midfielder Tomas Morris in goal and he was immediately beaten by Rakesh Patel's resulting spot kick with worse, much worse to follow for the visitors. After only 14 minutes, it was 2-0 as Luke Thomas drilled home and just 12 later, Dominic Connor finished off a Larcombe cross for number three. Llwydcoed were looking battered and bewildered as Connor repaid the compliment for Larcombe to head home the fourth and, amazingly, shortly before the interval Thomas grabbed his second to make it 5-0. The visitors made a crucial change at the start of the second period, skipper Morris handing over to 6ft-plus central defender Ryan Barry. Indeed much credit must to to Llwydcoed, who had by far the better of the play after the break with Ryan keeping a clean-sheet and Morris scored the only goal of the final 45 minutes. The success means Celtic have moved up two places off the bottom of the 16-strong table and they return to action on Wednesday, when they entertain Chepstow at Newport Stadium. Second-placed Lliswerry were without a Division Three fixture and were looking for city neighbours Newport YMCA to do them a favour at table-topping Llanelli Town, but the home club made no mistake with a 4-0 triumph. Tredegar continued their fine form by winning 4-0 at Newport Civil Service, whose defeat means they have now dropped into the relegation zone for the first time. Liam Macan, Ian Pettit, James Price and Steven Hughes were Tredegar's scorers and they rise one spot to fifth - two points behind third-placed Cwmamman United having played a game more. They make a quick-fire return to action on Wednesday, when they host Risca United in a League Cup, round-three tie brought forward from January 10, 2015 - the winners gaining a place in the last eight. Another team to move up one position were Panteg, whose 1-0 home success over Pontypridd Town means they are now seventh and with enough matches in hand to gain entry to a top-three place. Kirk Hicks was Panteg's scorer and the outcome means manager Mark Taylor's outfit has now conceded only four goals in its last eight league encounters. In a League Cup, round-two clash, Treowen Stars failed to bridge a two-section gap in losing 2-0 at home against Division One strugglers Garden Village. Wednesday fixtures (both 7.00pm kick offs). Division Two (at Newport Stadium): Cwmbran Celtic v Chepstow Town. Nathaniel Cars League Cup, round three: Tredegar Town v Risca United (to be played to a conclusion). Gwent goalscorers (League only). CHEPSTOW Town's Leo Ross was the highest-placed scorer on Saturday, when he netted twice in a 3-2 win at Tata Steel to move onto nine for the campaign, Gwent goalscorers (League only). 17 - Josh Brown (Lliswerry). 12 - Zac Osbourne (Croesyceiliog) 11 - Dan MacDonald (Monmouth Town), Jason Thorn (Caldicot Town). 9 - Tom McCarthy (Aberbargoed Buds), Leo Ross (Chepstow Town). 8 – Dale Cook (Lliswerry). 7 - Gareth Cullimore (Undy Athletic), Craig Moses (Goytre), Ian Pettit (Tredegar Town). 6 - Scott Armitage (Aberbargoed Buds), Olly Beckett (Undy Athletic), Luke Dyke (Panteg, including one for Croesyceiliog), Nick Harrhy (Monmouth Town), Derice McLean (Newport Civil Service), Richard Sharratt (Caldicot Town). 5 - Daniel Battle (Tredegar Town), Jon Butcher (Panteg), Matthew Hibbs (Llanwern), Dave Hurley (Risca United), Niall Simmons (Newport YMCA) Dan Stoneman (Lliswerry), James Young (Goytre). 4 - Josh Bull (including two for Monmouth Town), Josh Collier (Risca United)Aaron Colwill (Risca United), Jamie Davies (Caerleon), Dan Hooper (Llanwern), Nic Hooper (Llanwern), Joe Howells (Lliswerry), Steven Hughes (Tredegar Town), Hishi Lama (Chepstow Town, including three for Croesyceiliog), Tomas Lynch (Tredegar Town), Craig Price (Treowen Stars), Dan Saunders (Caldicot Town), Tony Willis (Risca United). 3 - Ricky Amos (Treowen Stars), Dominic Connor (Cwmbran Celtic), Luke Cueto (Caerleon), Dan Edwards (Lliswerry), Eliot Evans (Monmouth Town), Max Fessey (Lliswerry), Elliott Ford (Monmouth Town), Chris Ham (Monmouth Town), Nathan Hardwick (Newport YMCA), Ryan Hayward (Croesyceiliog), Liam Head (Caerleon), Kirk Hicks (Panteg), Jordan Jones (Llanwern), Rhys Luffman (Lliswerry), Tre Marrett (Newport YMCA), Paul Michael (Risca United), Matt Prosser (Goytre), Sam Rushworth (Chepstow Town), Jordan Ryan (Panteg), Liam Shaw (Aberbargoed Buds), , Kyle Williams (Risca United). 2 - Wayne Antoniazzi (Aberbargoed Buds), Lewis Coote (Treowen Stars), Marc Curtis (Llanwern), Ben Davies (Undy Athletic), Mark Dunn (Chepstow Town), James Francis (Caerleon), Jordan Harding (Goytre), Chris Jones (Treowen Stars), Rhys Jones (Aberbargoed Buds), Craig Lewis (Chepstow Town), Lee Mason (Panteg), Gavin Meacham (Aberbargoed Buds), Joe O'Brien (Newport YMCA), Craig Price (Treowen Stars), Nick Potts (Chepstow Town), Chris Quinlan (Tredegar Town), Dean Randall (Treowen Stars), Ben Taylor (Panteg), Luke Thomas (Cwmbran Celtic), Gyles Thompson (Undy Athletic), Ben Wotton (Caerleon). 1 - Jack Alderdice (Monmouth Town), Adam Alkysi (Tredegar Town), Gareth Appleby (Panteg), James Barnes (Undy Athletic), Joe Bidgood (Newport YMCA), Michael Bishop (Llanwern), Steven Boucher (Lliswerry), Paul Clayton (Undy Athletic), Gareth Cleverly (Newport Civil Service), Jacob Cross (Aberbargoed Buds), Aysa El-Doory (Newport Civil Service), Yousif El-Doori (Caerleon), Alex Evans (Goytre), Jack Evans (Treowen Stars), Josh Evans (Treowen Stars), Jack Harvey (Chepstow Town), Luke Harris (Treowen Stars), Mo Hassan (Newport YMCA), Tom Hooper (Undy Athletic), Matt James (Caldicot Town), Alex Jenkins (Newport YMCA), Ashley Johnson (Lliswerry), Grant Jones (Treowen Stars), Jason Lewis (Newport YMCA), Luke Lewis (Cwmbran Celtic), David Lloyd (Caldicot Town), Will McConnell (Caldicot Town), Craig McDonnell (Aberbargoed Buds), Liam Macan (Tredegar Town), Steffan Marchant (Croesyceiliog), Jordan Maisey (Aberbargoed Buds), James Martin (Newport YMCA), Dave Mellon (Newport Civil Service), Adam Meredith (Tredegar Town), Gavin Millar (Panteg), Dale Morris (Llanwern), Mark Morris (Croesyceiliog), Lewys Nash (Aberbargoed Buds), Sam Oakley (Caerleon), Ashley Palmer (Chepstow Town), Stephen Parfitt (Treowen Stars), Rakesh Patel (Cwmbran Celtic), Marcus Power (Undy Athletic), Simon Prangley (Chepstow Town), James Price (Tredegar Town), Anthony Richards (Croesyceiliog), Leigh Sharp (Risca United), Richie Shire (Lliswerry), Mitchell Slape (Caldicot Town), Alex Stewart (Newport YMCA), Lewis Sweetland (Newport Civil Service), Kieron Thomas (Aberbargoed Buds), Simon Truman (Goytre), Alex Waters (Caerleon), Jake Wainright (Goytre), Ben Watson (Caerleon), Jon Williams (Panteg), Steve Wilson (Caldicot Town), Ben Wotton (Caerleon), Joel Worgan (Tredegar Town). CLEAN-SHEETS: 4 - Aberbargoed Buds; Caldicot Town; Tredegar Town. 3 - Lliswerry; Monmouth Town; Panteg. 2 - Caerleon; Chepstow Town; Croesyceiliog; Goytre; Newport Civil Service. 1 - Cwmbran Celtic; Llanwern; Newport YMCA; Risca United; Undy Athletic.
GWENT SATURDAY PREVIEW 5 December 2014 from Terry Daley WHILE the majority of clubs return to their respective promotion and relegation issues, Division Three outfit Treowen Stars host top-tier opposition with a view to joining Goytre, Llanwern, Monmouth Town, Risca United and Tredegar Town in the last 16 of the League Cup. Saturday Nathaniel Cars League Cup, round two (kick off 1.30pm and to be played to a conclusion). Bush Park: Treowen Stars v Garden Village. This may well look like a tough task for Treowen to bridge a two-division gap, but that's exactly what they managed when defeating Cardiff Metropolitan 2-1 University in the last round. They will also begin in good spirits have gained an excellent point from an away 1-1 draw against county rivals Tredegar last Friday. Manager Simon Evans' men may well be placed 12th of 19 in Division Three, but they'll fancy their chances here against a side struggling to avoid the drop. The visitors have won only twice in 13 outings and are currently second from bottom, although they did win a Welsh Cup tie 2-1 at Risca last month. Nathaniel Cars Welsh League (all 2.00pm kick offs). Division One: (figures in brackets relate to table positions of 16). Cyncoed Campus: Cardiff Metropolitan University (4) v Monmouth Town (5). These sides start here with highly different emotions following Welsh Cup ties against Corbett Welsh Premier League opposition. Monmouth squandered a 3-0 lead in losing 5-3 at Gap Connah's Quay while the students defeated visiting 2013 winners Prestatyn 4-1 on their 3G playing surface. That result signifies this will prove to be a difficult hurdle for The Kingfishers towards their attempt to go one better than the 1-1 home draw produced when these teams met on the opening day of the season. CMU are just one point ahead and have lost just twice in 12 league outings, although their 24-goal tally is the lowest in the division's top six. Form guide: Cardiff Met. University: L D W L W W Monmouth Town: W W L W W D Plough Road: Goytre (11) v AFC Porth (16). Goytre return to league action for the first time since losing 3-0 at Cardiff Metropolitan University five weeks ago and are expected to give a club debut to striker Josh Bull, who signed from Monmouth Town earlier in the week. The 21-year-old was ineligible for the Gwent FA Senior Cup quarter-final clash against former club Cwmbran Celtic on Wednesday, when Goytre won 3-1. Craig Moses (2, including a penalty) and an own goal accounted for Goytre's total and they now face Division Three side Panteg in the last four. This game marks the half-way point of the visitors' 30-fixture programme and they appear to be favourites to be relegated having gained only one point from a possible 42 on offer. Form guide: Goytre: D L L W W L AFC Porth: L L L L D L Division Two (figures in brackets relate to table positions of 16). Recreation Ground: Aberbargoed Buds (3) v Undy Athletic (8). This county derby is a crucial one for both sides who have each slipped up recently in terms of a lack of league points gained. Aberbargoed have picked up just one from their last six while Undy are without a win in three outings - although both played well in defeat last weekend. The home side were unlucky to lose 2-1 at table-topping Barry Town United while the visitors held a same-scoreline lead against visiting Carmarthen Town before going down 4-2 in a Welsh Cup tie. Although a point is always better than nothing, this is clash both need to win if they are to ultimately gain promotion to Division One in 2015-16. Form guide: Aberbargoed Buds: L L W W D L Undy Athletic: W W W L D L Celtic Park: Cwmbran Celtic (16) v AFC Llwydcoed (7). Celtic are unbeaten in three league games, although they slipped to a second cup defeat in just four days when being beaten 3-1 by Goytre in a Gwent FA Senior Cup quarter final at Abergavenny on Wednesday. They scored through Michael Baugh, but later had both Rhys Hodges and Craig Cheedy sent off - the outcome following on from a 3-2 League Cup loss at Llanelli Town last weekend. Nonetheless a Celtic victory could give them the satisfaction of moving off the bottom and they start here seven points from 13th-placed Penrhiwceiber with no less than eight matches in hand. Llwydcoed are among a number of teams chasing the promotion pack and begin here following a 2-0 home success over Croesyceiliog last time out. Form guide: Cwmbran Celtic: D D W AFC Llwydcoed: L L W W L W Newport Stadium: Llanwern (10) v Caldicot Town (2). Llanwern's recent form improvement needs to be continued if they are to join the promotion race, although they are currently only eight points off third spot. Goals have not been easy to come by and their total of 20 is the lowest in the top 10, but they've conceded only four in as many unbeaten league and cup outings. Caldicot's 2-1 home win over Margam-based Tata Steel on Tuesday was their third on the bounce, Jason Thorn and Dan Saunders both scoring for the third successive game. The success means they are now just a single point adrift of leaders Barry Town United and this match is the half-way point in the campaign for manager Mark Williams' side. Form guide: Llanwern: W L L D W W Caldicot Town: W L D W W W Glasbrook Field: Penrhiwceiber Rangers (13) v Risca United (5). Unbeaten-in-five Risca have played only nine league games so far and have enough in hand to become genuine promotion contenders should they win them. Marksman Tony Wallis remains sidelined through illness and while wide-forward Dave Hurley returns following a foot injury, skipper Leigh Sharp and central defender Chris Thomas are both suspended. These sides met on their opening fixture of the campaign at Risca's Ty-Isaf Park on August 16, when a late penalty earned Rangers a point from a 2-2 draw. The visitors have won only twice in their last eight league fixtures and have not played a Division Two match since being beaten 2-0 at Swansea-based West End on November 1. Form guide: Penrhiwceiber Rangers: L D W L W L Risca United: L W W W D D Tata Steel Sports Ground, Margam: Tata Steel (15) v Chepstow Town (6). Chepstow boss Dave Livermore saw his side gain a much-needed first win in four last time out in defeating hosts Dinas Powys 4-2. Their mini slump cost them a top-three spot, although they are just four points adrift of that particular position going into this clash. Leo Ross is their leading marksman with nine of their 22-goal league tally but another player needs to keep pace with him if Chepstow are to become serious promotion challenges. Tata seem destined for a season-long fight against a second consecutive relegation and were defeated 4-1 at home by Caerleon last Saturday. Form guide: Tata Steel: L L L L W L Chepstow Town: D W D L L W Division Three (figures in brackets relate to table positions of 19). Stebonheath Park: Llanelli Town (1) v Newport YMCA (9). Facing unbeaten divisional leaders on their own patch following a home loss is often a challenge which some sides can rise. However YMCA will have to play much, much better than they did in going down 3-1 to Ammanford, although that outcome denied them a sixth successive league victory. They must also address the problem of not having a regular goalkeeper and if they can manage to do that before this clash, then don't rule them out of gaining a positive result. Llanelli Town were 3-2 home League Cup victors over Division Two Cwmbran Celtic last weekend and have dropped only two of 33 points on offer and have a plus 31 goal difference from those 11 games. Form guide: Llanelli: W W W W W W Newport YMCA: W W W W W L Shannon Close, Bettws: Newport Civil Service (16) v Tredegar Town (6). It's imperative third-from-the-bottom NCS arrest an alarming slump and losing nine-goal striker Derice McLean to Newport & District League side Villa Dino Christchurch won't help. Unless they can quickly replace the talented forward, NCS could well find it very difficult to climb away from the relegation zone - although they do have a couple of games in hand over most of their rivals. After putting together a brilliant run of five consecutive league victories, Tredegar have picked up only one point from the last six. However they will be overwhelming favourites here to return to winning ways and they will begin only four points behind third-placed Cwmamman United. Form guide: Newport Civil Service: L L L L L L Tredegar: W W W W L D Panteg House, Griffithstown: Panteg (8) v Pontypridd Town (10). Interesting match-up this between two teams who perhaps have some way to go before being considered as genuine contenders to go up. Having explained that, Panteg do have matches in hand to join the race to go up and another win here will keep the leading runners in their sights. Luke Dyke and Jon Butcher have both scored five goals for the club and if the pair can maintain that form, then there is every chance Panteg can indeed be playing Division Two football next season. Inconsistency has been hold the visitors up now for several seasons and they've won only five of their 13 league matches this season. Form guide: Panteg: W W W L W W Pontypridd Town: L W L L L W
ABERDARE TOWN ANNOUNCEMENT 3 December 2014 Aberdare Town would like to welcome Mathew (Matt) Driscoll as first team Assistant Manager and Gareth (Gags) Price as first team Coach. Both are well known on the Welsh League circuit and will bring a wealth of experience to work alongside current fist team Manager Lee Williams. Together they form a formidable management team to take us through this transitional period. GWENT WEDNESDAY ROUND-UP 3 December 2014 from Terry Daley HOLDERS Goytre secured a Gwent FA Senior Cup semi-final clash with Panteg by defeating Cwmbran Celtic 3-1 at Pen-Y-Pound Stadium in Abergavenny. Celtic actually went ahead on 33 minutes when Michael Baugh scored to earn them an interval lead, although it all fell apart after it. Goytre levelled via when a Jordan Knott corner went in off Celtic goalkeeper Nicky Church just four minutes into the second period and soon Celtic had Rhys Hodges sent off - with Craig Moses scoring to make it 2-1 from the penalty spot. Worse was to follow for Celtic when midfielder Craig Cheedy also saw red with a third goal following from Moses to confirm Goytre's place in the last four. Gwent FA Senior Cup, first-round full results. Chepstow Town 1 Cwmbran Celtic 2. Risca United 2 Monmouth Town 2 (after extra time - Monmouth won 6-5 on penalties). Goytre 1 Aberbargoed Buds 0. Croesyceiliog 4 Newport Civil Service 1. Newport YMCA 0 Caerleon 4. Panteg 3 Treowen Stars 0. Tredegar Town 1 Caldicot Town 0. Lliswerry 1 Undy Athletic 2. Quarter-final results. Tredegar Town 1 Caerleon 0. Undy Athletic 0 Monmouth Town 10. Croesyceiliog 0 Panteg 1. Cwmbran Celtic 1 Goytre 3. Semi-final draw Panteg v Goytre. Caerleon v Monmouth Town.
GWENT WEDNESDAY PREVIEW 3 December 2014 from Terry Daley CWMBRAN Celtic and holders Goytre compete at Pen-Y-Pound Stadium at Abergavenny tonight seeking a place in the semi finals of the Gwent FA Senior Cup. The winners of the tie, which will kick off at 7.00pm and be played to a conclusion, will face Panteg in the last four. Gwent FA Senior Cup, first-round full results. Chepstow Town 1 Cwmbran Celtic 2. Risca United 2 Monmouth Town 2 (after extra time - Monmouth won 6-5 on penalties). Goytre 1 Aberbargoed Buds 0. Croesyceiliog 4 Newport Civil Service 1. Newport YMCA 0 Caerleon 4. Panteg 3 Treowen Stars 0. Tredegar Town 1 Caldicot Town 0. Lliswerry 1 Undy Athletic 2. Quarter-final results. Tredegar Town 1 Caerleon 0. Undy Athletic 0 Monmouth Town 10. Croesyceiliog 0 Panteg 1. Cwmbran Celtic v Goytre (holders). Semi-final draw Panteg v Cwmbran Celtic or Goytre. Caerleon v Monmouth Town.
GWENT WEEKEND ROUND-UP AND GWENT GOALSCORERS (LEAGUE ONLY) 1 December 2014 from Terry Daley PLUCKY Undy Athletic followed Monmouth Town out of the Welsh Cup exit door on Sunday, when they were defeated 4-2 at home by Carmarthen Town. In Division Two, Caldicot Town took over from Aberbargoed Buds in second place while Lliswerry remain behind leaders Llanelli Town despite losing 2-0 at Cwmamman United. In front of a record-breaking crowd at The Causeway, Undy held a deserved 2-1 interval lead given to the by goals from Gareth Cullimore and Tom Hooper with Chris Harling replying for the west Walians. At that stage, Undy goalkeeper James Smallcombe had produced two fine stops to deny Paul Fowler and Harling as the visitors pressed for an equaliser. However there was controversy when a visiting defender was adjudged to have brought down Undy forward Marcus Power outside the area - when it appeared to most that the offence happened inside it. What made matters worse was the player who fouled Power was shown a yellow card only when he was clearly the last line of defence and prevented the Undy man with a clear goal-scoring opportunity. Cullimore missed a glorious opportunity to put Undy 3-1 up when he blazed wide of open target and that moment proved to be the turning point. Soon, central defender Cortez Belle had slotted home the leveller from the penalty spot and as they came more and more into the tie, Carmarthen went onto score twice more via Chris Hartland and Jeff White. Undy can be justifiably proud of their effort against Corbett Welsh Premier League opposition and can certainly take great heart going into their Division Two promotion campaign. Monmouth also faced CWPL opponents and would have completed the return leg of a 226-mile round trip from north Wales in despondent mood after throwing away a three-goal lead in losing 5-3 at Gap Connah's Quay. The Welsh League champions roared away in the opening 25 minutes as goals from Eliot Evans, Dan MacDonald, with his 19th league and cup effort, and Jack Alderdice appeared to put them well on their way into the last 16. However the hosts pulled one back just before the break through George Horan and ran the show after it in scoring four more times via Sean Miller (2)Gary O'Toole and Gary Roberts, who was sent off in stoppage time. It was a brave effort from manager Andrew Smith's men, who can now return to defending their title in a bid to join Connah's Quay in next season's CWPL. Division Two outfit Cwmbran Celtic switched their League Cup tie to the Stebonheath Park home ground of opponents Llanelli Town in a bid to protect their own playing surface. Unfortunately, and despite goals from Lewis Lewis and Rakesh Patel (penalty), Celtic exited the competition as a result of a 3-2 defeat at the hands of their Division Three hosts, who had Luke Jones red-carded on 75 minutes. Celtic were seeking to repeat their home Welsh Cup win over The Reds earlier this season, but fell behind when Roberts Thomas gave the west Walians a 1-0 lead. Lewis Grant, though, managed to equalise, although it was the hosts who again gained the advantage before the interval via a Luke Jones goal. Celtic made it all square for a second time through a Rakesh Patel penalty, but Llanelli Town progressed to the last 16 and a home tie against Division Two side Llanwern thanks to a Lee Bevan strike on 67 minutes - although shortly after, Jones was sent off. On Friday, Caldicot moved above Aberbargoed into second spot in the Division Two table thanks to a 2-1 away victory over Ely Rangers with goals coming from Jason Thorn, his 10th of the campaign, and Dan Saunders - although player-boss Mark Williams' side missed a whole series of chances to have won far more convincingly. But Aberbargoed failed to return to the runners-up position on Saturday, when they had only a Tom McCarthy goal, his ninth of the season, to show for a 2-1 defeat by table-topping Barry Town at Jenner Park. TJ Nagi opened the scoring for the home team with McCarthy levelling matters before the break only for Tom Dixon secured Barry's ninth from 10 league starts. However lowly Caerleon did manage to claim three points as a result of a fine 4-1 success at Dinas Powys, where Jamie Davies scored all of the goals with long-range efforts. They were Davies' first of the campaign and the victory, Caerleon's fourth in 12 league starts, moved then up two rungs to 11th of 16 while there was also a club debut for 16-year-old Lewis Teague as a substitute. In Division Three, second-positioned Lliswerry could have returned to the top had they won at promotion rivals Cwmamman United. But a 3-2 reverse means they remain behind Llanelli Town, although striker Josh Brown scored both goals and he now has 17 to remain top of the goalscorer's charts for those players who appear for Gwent clubs. Tredegar Town missed the chance to go fourth overnight when drawing 1-1 at home with county rivals Treowen Stars on Friday. Ian Pettit, with a 40-yard cross-shot to put the home side ahead, and substitute Dean Randall, via a pass from Lloyd Dando, were the respective the scorers. The following day, Panteg produced a great display in winning 1-0 at third-placed Cardiff Corinthians to move up a couple of rungs to eighth in the 19-strong section - Luke Dyke their match-winner to take his league tally to six. However there was to be no sixth consecutive win for Newport YMCA, who slid to a 3-1 home defeat at the hands of unbeaten Ammanford at Mendalgief Road. It was an incident-packed affair following visiting striker Ashley Richards' 19-second opener with both sides having a player sent off. Ben Soal made it 2-0 on 21 minutes and after the break, Craig Frater made it 3-0 to Ammanford, who have now won all four of their league fixtures. Soon, however, the visitors were reduced to 10 men when Alex Squires picked up a second caution with YMCA taking advantage to pull one back when Ammanford defender Rhys Owen headed past his own goalkeeper. But just as YMCA were pressing for a second, skipper Alex Jenkins emulated Squires' unwanted feat of being twice shown yellow cards. On a better day, YMCA may have scored a couple of more times, witness Owen's off-the-line goal-saver, although Ammanford were more than worthy winners and looked a very good side, particularly going forward. Mid-week fixtures. Tuesday (7.00pm). Division Two: Caldicot Town v Tata Steel. Wednesday (7.30pm, to be played to a conclusion). Gwent FA Senior Cup, round two: At Pen-Y-Pound Stadium, Abergavenny. Cwmbran Celtic v Goytre (holders) - (winners away to Panteg in semi finals). Gwent goalscorers (League only). LLISWERRY'S Josh Brown took his campaign tally to 17 and increased his lead at the top of the chart by scoring both goals in a 3-2 defeat at Cwmamman United. However Caerleon's Jamie Davies was the day's top scorer with all of four in a 4-1 win at Tata Steel - his first goals of the season. 17- Josh Brown (Lliswerry). 12 - Zac Osbourne (Croesyceiliog) 10 - Dan MacDonald (Monmouth Town), Jason Thorn (Caldicot Town). 9 - Tom McCarthy (Aberbargoed Buds), Leo Ross (Chepstow Town). 8 – Dale Cook (Lliswerry). 7 - Gareth Cullimore (Undy Athletic). 6 - Scott Armitage (Aberbargoed Buds), Olly Beckett (Undy Athletic), Luke Dyke (Panteg, including one for Croesyceiliog), Nick Harrhy (Monmouth Town), Derice McLean (Newport Civil Service), Craig Moses (Goytre), Ian Pettit (Tredegar Town), Richard Sharratt (Caldicot Town). 5 - Daniel Battle (Tredegar Town), Jon Butcher (Panteg), Matthew Hibbs (Llanwern), Dave Hurley (Risca United), Niall Simmons (Newport YMCA), Dan Stoneman (Lliswerry), James Young (Goytre). 4 - Josh Collier (Risca United), Aaron Colwill (Risca United), Jamie Davies (Caerleon), Dan Hooper (Llanwern), Nic Hooper (Llanwern), Joe Howells (Lliswerry), Hishi Lama (Chepstow Town, including three for Croesyceiliog), Tomas Lynch (Tredegar Town), Craig Price (Treowen Stars), Tony Willis (Risca United). 3 - Ricky Amos (Treowen Stars), Luke Cueto (Caerleon), Dan Edwards (Lliswerry), Eliot Evans (Monmouth Town), Max Fessey (Lliswerry), Elliott Ford (Monmouth Town), Chris Ham (Monmouth Town), Nathan Hardwick (Newport YMCA), Ryan Hayward (Croesyceiliog), Liam Head (Caerleon), Kirk Hicks (Panteg), Steven Hughes (Tredegar Town), Jordan Jones (Llanwern), Rhys Luffman (Lliswerry), Tre Marrett (Newport YMCA), Matt Prosser (Goytre), Sam Rushworth (Chepstow Town), Jordan Ryan (Panteg), Dan Saunders (Caldicot Town). 2 - Josh Bull (Monmouth Town), Dominic Connor (Cwmbran Celtic), Lewis Coote (Treowen Stars), Marc Curtis (Llanwern), Ben Davies (Undy Athletic), Mark Dunn (Chepstow Town), James Francis (Caerleon), Chris Jones (Treowen Stars), Rhys Jones (Aberbargoed Buds), Lee Mason (Panteg), Gavin Meacham (Aberbargoed Buds), Paul Michael (Risca United), Joe O'Brien (Newport YMCA), Craig Price (Treowen Stars), Nick Potts (Chepstow Town), Chris Quinlan (Tredegar Town), Dean Randall (Treowen Stars), Liam Shaw (Aberbargoed Buds), Ben Taylor (Panteg), Gyles Thompson (Undy Athletic), Kyle Williams (Risca United), Ben Wotton (Caerleon). 1 - Jack Alderdice (Monmouth Town), Adam Alkysi (Tredegar Town), Wayne Antoniazzi (Aberbargoed Buds), Gareth Appleby (Panteg), James Barnes (Undy Athletic), Joe Bidgood (Newport YMCA), Michael Bishop (Llanwern), Steven Boucher (Lliswerry), Paul Clayton (Undy Athletic), Gareth Cleverly (Newport Civil Service), Jacob Cross (Aberbargoed Buds), Aysa El-Doory (Newport Civil Service), Yousif El-Doori (Caerleon), Alex Evans (Goytre), Jack Evans (Treowen Stars), Josh Evans (Treowen Stars), Jordan Harding (Goytre), Jack Harvey (Chepstow Town), Luke Harris (Treowen Stars), Mo Hassan (Newport YMCA), Tom Hooper (Undy Athletic), Matt James (Caldicot Town), Alex Jenkins (Newport YMCA), Ashley Johnson (Lliswerry), Grant Jones (Treowen Stars), Craig Lewis (Chepstow Town), Jason Lewis (Newport YMCA), Luke Lewis (Cwmbran Celtic), David Lloyd (Caldicot Town)Will McConnell (Caldicot Town), Craig McDonnell (Aberbargoed Buds), Steffan Marchant (Croesyceiliog), James Martin (Newport YMCA), Dave Mellon (Newport Civil Service), Adam Meredith (Tredegar Town), Gavin Millar (Panteg), Dale Morris (Llanwern), Mark Morris (Croesyceiliog), Lewys Nash (Aberbargoed Buds), Sam Oakley (Caerleon), Ashley Palmer (Chepstow Town), Stephen Parfitt (Treowen Stars), Marcus Power (Undy Athletic), Simon Prangley (Chepstow Town), Anthony Richards (Croesyceiliog), Leigh Sharp (Risca United), Richie Shire (Lliswerry), Mitchell Slape (Caldicot Town), Alex Stewart (Newport YMCA), Lewis Sweetland (Newport Civil Service), Kieron Thomas (Aberbargoed Buds), Simon Truman (Goytre), Alex Waters (Caerleon), Jake Wainright (Goytre), Ben Watson (Caerleon), Jon Williams (Panteg), Steve Wilson (Caldicot Town), Ben Wotton (Caerleon), Joel Worgan (Tredegar Town). CLEAN-SHEETS: 3 - Aberbargoed Buds; Caldicot Town; Lliswerry; Monmouth Town; Tredegar Town 2 - Caerleon; Chepstow Town; Croesyceiliog; Newport Civil Service; Panteg. 1 – Cwmbran Celtic; Goytre; Llanwern; Newport YMCA; Risca United; Undy Athletic.
GWENT WEEKEND PREVIEW 28 November 2014 from Terry Daley LOCAL clubs are involved in three different competitions over as many days this weekend - starting on Friday and ending with Undy Athletic's eagerly-awaited home Welsh Cup tie against Welsh Premier League outfit Carmarthen Town on Sunday afternoon. The visitors are managed by former Wales cap Mark Aizlewood. However he is unavailable for the tie and another ex-Cwmbran Town and Newport County defender, Neil Smothers, will be in charge of dug-out duties. Friday. Nathaniel Cars Welsh League. Division Two (figures in brackets relate to table positions of 16). Station Road, Wenvoe: Ely Rangers (11) v Caldicot Town (3) - kick off 7.30pm. By hook or by crook, Caldicot remain in the final promotion spot and are currently trail leaders Barry Town United and Aberbargoed Buds by only four and one point respectively. However boss Mark Williams' side has played more games than any other in the top five and are only three points ahead of fourth-placed Risca United, who have as many fixtures in hand. Nonetheless, Caldicot are capable to beating anyone on their day and this represents a fair opportunity for them to gain a seventh win in 13 starts. Ely have won just once in their last nine league outings, although they did gain a good point when drawing 1-1 at second-placed Aberbargoed Buds last weekend. Form guide: Ely Rangers: L L L W L D Caldicot Town: W W W L D W Division Three (figures in brackets relate to table positions of 19). Sports Complex: Tredegar Town (6) v Treowen Stars (12) - kick off 7.00pm. Derby match-up of which the home side will be hot favourites to win to maintain their bid to keep in touch with the promotion pack. Indeed a success will lift them up into fourth position overnight and just a single point adrift of third-placed Cardiff Corinthians. Treowen, on the other hand, have not won since seeing off visiting Cardiff Grange Harlequins on October 4 and have conceded 13 goals in losing their last three league outings. But manager Steve Evans' men can often play well enough to put in a performance to defeat a higher-placed side and this is certainly no foregone conclusion. Form guide: Tredegar: W W W W W L Treowen Stars: W L W L L L Saturday Tenovus Welsh Cup, round three (kick off 1.30pm and to be played to a conclusion). Deeside Stadium: Gap Connah's Quay v Monmouth Town. Long trip north for Welsh League champions Monmouth, although the tie does offer them a chance to perhaps have a peek into the future. The Kingfishers are seeking eventual promotion to the top-tier Corbett Welsh Premier League, in which the hosts are currently sitting eighth of 12. Manager Andrew Smith's side will fancy their chances here, mainly because they have several players who can unlock the best of defences - although they are without the Fords, Ashley (suspended) and Elliott (unavailable). This playing surface can often become heavy and the open-sided nature of three quarters of the ground can produce very windy conditions, and the outcome here could well depend on which team adapts best to the surroundings. Nathaniel Cars League Cup, round two (kick off 2.00pm and to be played to a conclusion). Stebonheath Park: Llanelli Town v Cwmbran Celtic. This tie has been switched with a view to protecting Celtic's own pitch and given the amount of games they have to catch up on, it seems a very sensible decision. Celtic, though, were denied a chance of a mid-week warm-up when their scheduled Division Two game at Ely Rangers was postponed on Tuesday night because of inclement weather. They have, however, already beaten Llanelli Town this season when winning a home Welsh Cup tie 2-1 at Celtic Park in early October. Llanelli Town were in action on Wednesday, when they returned to Division Three's summit with a 4-2 home success over Caerau and they've scored 41 goals in winning all nine of their home league and cup fixtures. Nathaniel Cars Welsh League (all 2.00pm kick offs). Division Two (figures in brackets relate to table positions of 16). Merthyr Road: AFC Llwydcoed (8) v Croesyceiliog (9). Should in-form Croesyceiliog post a fourth win on the trot here, then it will put them on to the shirt-tails of the promotion pack. That would be a far cry from the position they were in only a month or so ago before victories over Caerleon (3-2), Swansea-based West End (2-0), Ely Rangers (4-0). But they must, however, recover from last week's shock 3-2 home League Cup defeat at the hands of Division Three side Cwmamman United. Llwydcoed themselves were on a mini run of two consecutive victories - until they were hammered 5-1 last Saturday by hosts West End. Form guide: AFC Llwydcoed: W L L W W L Croesyceiliog: D L L W W W Jenner Park: Barry Town United (1) v Aberbargoed Buds (2). Top-of-the-table clash which will cement the promotion ambitions of any would-be winner and an Aberbargoed success will take them back to the summit. However they will start having dropped a couple of points in a disappointing 1-1 home draw with 11th-positioned Ely Rangers. Pre-season signing Tom McCarthy leads the way with eight league goals to his name in Aberbargoed's total of 26, a tally which makes them the joint top scorers in the division with the hosts. This is a very tough task as Barry have avoided defeat in all of their nine games and were last in league action on November 1, when they got the better of visiting Chepstow Town 4-2. Form guide: Barry: W W W W W W Aberbargoed Buds: W L L W W D Margam Sports Ground: Tata Steel (15) v Caerleon (13). Caerleon are heading towards the half-way point of their 30-fixture campaign and a win here would do their prospects of avoiding the drop a power of good. However with four defeats from their last five league outings, confidence will be a little low and most certainly a point will not be the end of the world. Along with Dinas Powys, they are the lowest scorers outside of the bottom two with just 15 - Luke Cueto and Liam Head their leading goal-getters with three each. Having explained that, Tata are in even worse trouble and have lost all on their previous eight league outings and were relegated from the top flight at the end of the 2013-14 season. Form guide: Tata Steel: L L L L L L Caerleon: W L W L L L Division Three (figures in brackets relate to table positions of 19). Riverside Ground, Radyr: Cardiff Corinthians (3) v Panteg (9). Panteg have enough matches in hand to actually head the table if they won them all, although they have not played since defeating visiting Treowen Stars 4-1 on November 1. You have to go back even further to see when they were last in away league action - October 11, when they travelled back from Newport Civil Service as 3-1 victors. Jon Butcher and Luke Dyke are their leading scorers with five each, although one of the former's was scored while playing for Division Two side Croesyceiliog. This is a tough ask for Panteg, although there is hope because the home side has lost its last two games - 3-1 at Lliswerry and 2-0 at Ammanford. Form guide: Cardiff Corinthians: W L W W L L Panteg: L W W W L W Grenig Park: Cwmamman United (4) v Lliswerry (2). Lliswerry were knocked off the top of the table on Wednesday because of Llanelli Town's 4-2 home success over lowly Caerau. Nonetheless, boss Adam Corfield's side is full of confidence having won 10 of their 13 league outings with Josh Brown leading the county's goal scoring chart with 15. Lliswerry lead Cwmamman by eight points having played three more fixtures and if last season's results are anything to go by, there could be goals galore - both teams won their home matches with no fewer than 16 being scored. Cwmamman are unbeaten in their last eight starts and they won their two most recent league games without conceding - 4-0 at Caerau and 5-0 at Newport Civil Service. Form guide: Cwmamman United: D W W W W W Lliswerry: W W L W W W Mendalgief Road, Pill: Newport YMCA (8) v Ammanford (13). First game for YMCA boss Stevie McCarthy-Campbell since he received the often dreaded manager-of-the-month award for October. Five consecutive victories have transformed his side's fortunes and another here and favourable results elsewhere, could take it into the top six. However YMCA will begin on the back of last weekend's 3-1 away League Cup reverse at the hands of hosts Tredegar Town. Like Cwmbran Celtic, Ammanford had to wait months before they could begin their fixtures because of an appeal over demotion - but have won all three matches, including Tuesday's 5-2 home success over Rhoose. Form guide: Newport YMCA: L W W W W W Ammanford: W W W Sunday. Tenovus Welsh Cup, round three - kick off 1.30pm and to be played to a conclusion. The Causeway: Undy Athletic v Carmarthen Town. Division Two promotion hopefuls Undy have had precious little on their mind since this draw was made and boss Mark Crook is expected to recall his big guns for this clash against the Corbett Welsh Premier League visitors. Rhys Aherne, Gareth Cullimore, Ben Roberts, Gyles Thompson were on the bench while Ollie Beckett, Martyn Phillips and David Sinden were rested from the squad which lost 3-1 at Llanwern in a League Cup tie last weekend. Most of those will return here to the starting line-up and this is certainly no 'gimme' for the visitors, who lost 2-0 at Port Talbot Town on Sunday. They have several players who are very familiar to football followers in these parts - such as Cortez Belle, Kyle Bassett, Steve James and Luke Prosser - and a record-breaking crowd is expected at the venue.
UNDY CUP TIE COULD ATTRACT RECORD-BREAKING CROWD ON SUNDAY 27 November 2014 from Terry Daley TENOVUS WELSH Cup hopefuls Undy Athletic are gearing up for the biggest attendance figure at The Causeway for the visiting of Mark Aizlewood's Carmarthen Town on Sunday - kick off 1.30pm and to be played to a conclusion. The round-three clash against the Corbett Welsh Premier League outfit has attracted much interest from far and wide, including a ground hoppers national website, and while club officials are not speculating, it's believed more than 500 could turn up. That would be twice the size of Undy's current record home mark, set in a Welsh League fixture with local rivals Caldicot Town and a pre-season friendly game against a Newport County X1. “There is a view that the day we won promotion to the Welsh League is the biggest game in our history and you couldn’t argue with that,” explained Undy director of football Mark Cox. “It decided our future as a Welsh League club and that as brought us many rewards, which we are still reaping. This is a one-off game, however, and there is no question Carmarthen Town are by far the highest-ranked team we have played a competitive match. “We are expecting our attendance record to be broken on Sunday and the fact that apart from Monmouth Town, we are Gwent’s only remaining representatives, is developing a lot of interest locally. “The game is being advertised throughout the area, and there is quite a buzz, and an air of expectancy throughout the village. “There is great excitement at the club as we genuinely believe we can progress, and we have the opportunity to demonstrate our excellent facilities to one of the largest clubs in Welsh football. “So regardless of whether it is the biggest game in our history, we will savour the moment, and look to do ourselves justice on and off the field.” Undy boss Mark Crook and coach Laurence Owen have guided the club to seventh place in the 16-strong Division Two while Carmarthen currently sit in the same position of 12 in the CWPL table. Former 39-times capped Wales star Aizlewood is unavailable for the tie and his assistant Neil Smothers, who like also appeared for Cwmbran Town and Newport County, will be in charge in the visitors' dug-out.
UNDY ATHLETIC V CARMARTHEN TOWN WELSH CUP TIE ON SUNDAY 25 November 2014 Undy Athletic entertain Carmarthen Town of the Welsh Premier League in round three of the Tenovus Welsh Cup on Sunday 30 November at The Causeway, Undy NP26 3EN, 1.30pm ko. Admission: £5.00.
GWENT SATURDAY ROUND-UP AND GWENT GOALSCORERS (LEAGUE ONLY) 24 November 2014 from Terry Daley A CRAIG Moses hat-trick help Goytre recover from a 3-0 deficit to progress to the last 16 of the Nathaniel Cars Welsh League Cup and there were also round-two home wins for Monmouth Town and Llanwern. In Nathaniel Cars Welsh League games, Aberbargoed Buds and Caldicot Town maintained their Division Two promotion bids while Lliswerry's 3-1 home derby success over Tredegar Town lifted them back to the top of Division Three. While Monmouth and Llanwern were never headed by in beating Cardiff Corinthians and Undy Athletic 5-1 and 3-1 respectively, top-flight outfit Goytre completed a remarkable turnaround in their home tie against Penrhiwceiber Rangers. Division Two side Rangers strode into that three-goal advantage with goals from Warren Jones (2) and Jason Hatch at Plough Road. Moses, though, managed to reduce the arrears shortly before the break while the visitors soon had a man sent off. Moses fired home his second soon after the start of the second period with colleague James Young levelling matters at 3-3. It was all Goytre now as Moses completed his treble to send his side through to a an away tie against Division One rivals Ton Pentre in the new year. League champions Monmouth entertained Division Three promotion candidates Corries at their Pen-Y-Pound Stadium home in Abergavenny and were never in any serious danger of not going through as goals flowed from Nick Harrhy (2), Dan MacDonald (penalty), Eliot Evans and Elliott Ford. Llanwern hosted second-tier rivals Undy at Newport Stadium, where the tie was eventually settled by a wonderful, 60-yard goal from Dan Hooper after he has spotted visiting goalkeeper James Smallcombe off his line. Hooper's piece of brilliance made it 3-1 and clinched his team a worthy victory against an Undy side, which had a make-shift look about it as it lined up for the kick off. Undy player-boss Mark Crook was obviously resting first-choice players ahead of next weekend's home Welsh Cup tie against Corbett Welsh Premier League outfit Carmarthen Town, whose manager Mark Aizlewood watched the game. At that stage, Llanwern had just about deserved a 1-0 lead given to them by Jordan Jones, who'd fired home from close range on 25 minutes. As the game entered its final 10 minutes, it appeared Jones' effort was going to settle the encounter - until headed goals within seconds of each other by home forward Matthew Hibbs and visiting marksman Gareth Cullimore suddenly made it 2-1. However Hooper's quick appreciation of the situation in stoppage time earned Llanwern a trip to face either manager Gareth Morgan's former club, Cwmbran Celtic or Llanelli Town. Risca United and Tredegar had already booked their places in round three and they have been drawn against each other at the former's Sports Complex home ground while Treowen Stars, Caerleon and Celtic have yet to play their round-two ties. Second-placed Aberbargoed are making a solid fist at an attempt to gain first-time promotion back to the top flight, but were held to a 1-1 home draw by Ely Rangers with Tom McCarthy scoring his eighth league goal. Caldicot cemented third position by winning 3-0 at home against sixth-placed West End thanks to goals from Jason Thorn, whose tally now stands at nine, Dan Saunders and Steve Wilson. Aberbargoed and Caldicot are now just three and four points adrift of Barry Town United respectively, although the table-toppers have games in hand over both. Lliswerry received Tredegar on their 3G pitch at Spytty Park, where the visitors were seeking to post an unprecedented sixth consecutive league triumph. However despite taking the lead via a Daniel Battle penalty after home defender Ricci Morgan has been sent off for deliberate handball, Tredegar had no answer to the goal-power of striker Josh Brown. He rattled in a well-taken hat-trick to take his league total to 15 and put himself at the top of the goalscorers' list for those players who appear for Gwent clubs. The success moves Lliswerry over Llanelli Town at the lower-level summit and although manager Adam Corfield's men have played more matches than any of their rivals, they are eight points clear of fourth-positioned Cwmamman United. TUESDAY FIXTURE * Cwmbran Celtic continued their catch-up league fixture programme on Tuesday night, when they visit Ely Rangers - kick off 7.30pm. Manager Della Cheedy's side is unbeaten in three Division Two outings, a win and two draws, but will start on the back of a 2-1 home Welsh Cup defeat at the hands of Division One title-chasing Caerau (Ely). Success will take Celtic up a couple of places to 14 in the 16-strong table and with up to nine games in hand over some rivals. Gwent goalscorers (League only). LLISWERRY'S Josh Brown scored all his side's goal in a 3-1 home win over Tredegar Town to move clear of Croesyceiliog's Zac Osbourne at the top of the list. Gwent goalscorers (League only). 15 - Josh Brown (Lliswerry). 12 - Zac Osbourne (Croesyceiliog) 10 - Dan MacDonald (Monmouth Town). 9 - Leo Ross (Chepstow Town), Jason Thorn (Caldicot Town). 8 – Dale Cook (Lliswerry), Tom McCarthy (Aberbargoed Buds). 7 - Gareth Cullimore (Undy Athletic). 6 - Scott Armitage (Aberbargoed Buds), Olly Beckett (Undy Athletic), Nick Harrhy (Monmouth Town), Derice McLean (Newport Civil Service), Craig Moses (Goytre), Richard Sharratt (Caldicot Town). 5 - Daniel Battle (Tredegar Town), Jon Butcher (Panteg), Luke Dyke (Panteg, including one for Croesyceiliog), Matthew Hibbs (Llanwern), Dave Hurley (Risca United), Ian Pettit (Tredegar Town), Niall Simmons (Newport YMCA), Dan Stoneman (Lliswerry), James Young (Goytre). 4 - Josh Collier (Risca United), Aaron Colwill (Risca United), Dan Hooper (Llanwern), Nic Hooper (Llanwern), Joe Howells (Lliswerry), Hishi Lama (Chepstow Town, including three for Croesyceiliog), Tomas Lynch (Tredegar Town), Craig Price (Treowen Stars), Tony Willis (Risca United). 3 - Ricky Amos (Treowen Stars), Luke Cueto (Caerleon), Dan Edwards (Lliswerry), Eliot Evans (Monmouth Town), Max Fessey (Lliswerry), Elliott Ford (Monmouth Town), Chris Ham (Monmouth Town), Nathan Hardwick (Newport YMCA), Ryan Hayward (Croesyceiliog), Liam Head (Caerleon), Kirk Hicks (Panteg), Steven Hughes (Tredegar Town), Jordan Jones (Llanwern), Rhys Luffman (Lliswerry), Tre Marrett (Newport YMCA), Matt Prosser (Goytre), Sam Rushworth (Chepstow Town), Jordan Ryan (Panteg). 2 - Josh Bull (Monmouth Town), Dominic Connor (Cwmbran Celtic), Lewis Coote (Treowen Stars), Marc Curtis (Llanwern), Ben Davies (Undy Athletic), Mark Dunn (Chepstow Town), James Francis (Caerleon), Chris Jones (Treowen Stars), Rhys Jones (Aberbargoed Buds), Lee Mason (Panteg), Gavin Meacham (Aberbargoed Buds), Paul Michael (Risca United), Joe O'Brien (Newport YMCA), Craig Price (Treowen Stars), Nick Potts (Chepstow Town), Chris Quinlan (Tredegar Town), Dan Saunders (Caldicot Town), Liam Shaw (Aberbargoed Buds), Ben Taylor (Panteg), Gyles Thompson (Undy Athletic), Kyle Williams (Risca United), Ben Wotton (Caerleon). 1 - Jack Alderdice (Monmouth Town), Adam Alkysi (Tredegar Town), Wayne Antoniazzi (Aberbargoed Buds), Gareth Appleby (Panteg), James Barnes (Undy Athletic), Joe Bidgood (Newport YMCA), Michael Bishop (Llanwern), Steven Boucher (Lliswerry), Paul Clayton (Undy Athletic), Gareth Cleverly (Newport Civil Service), Jacob Cross (Aberbargoed Buds), Aysa El-Doory (Newport Civil Service), Yousif El-Doori (Caerleon), Alex Evans (Goytre), Jack Evans (Treowen Stars), Josh Evans (Treowen Stars), Jordan Harding (Goytre), Jack Harvey (Chepstow Town), Luke Harris (Treowen Stars), Mo Hassan (Newport YMCA), Tom Hooper (Undy Athletic), Matt James (Caldicot Town), Alex Jenkins (Newport YMCA), Ashley Johnson (Lliswerry), Grant Jones (Treowen Stars), Craig Lewis (Chepstow Town), Jason Lewis (Newport YMCA), Luke Lewis (Cwmbran Celtic), David Lloyd (Caldicot Town)Will McConnell (Caldicot Town), Craig McDonnell (Aberbargoed Buds), Steffan Marchant (Croesyceiliog), James Martin (Newport YMCA), Dave Mellon (Newport Civil Service), Adam Meredith (Tredegar Town), Gavin Millar (Panteg), Dale Morris (Llanwern), Mark Morris (Croesyceiliog), Lewys Nash (Aberbargoed Buds), Sam Oakley (Caerleon), Ashley Palmer (Chepstow Town), Stephen Parfitt (Treowen Stars), Marcus Power (Undy Athletic), Simon Prangley (Chepstow Town),, Dean Randall (Treowen Stars), Anthony Richards (Croesyceiliog), Leigh Sharp (Risca United), Richie Shire (Lliswerry), Mitchell Slape (Caldicot Town), Alex Stewart (Newport YMCA), Lewis Sweetland (Newport Civil Service), Kieron Thomas (Aberbargoed Buds), Simon Truman (Goytre), Alex Waters (Caerleon), Jake Wainright (Goytre), Ben Watson (Caerleon), Jon Williams (Panteg), Steve Wilson (Caldicot Town), Ben Wotton (Caerleon), Joel Worgan (Tredegar Town). CLEAN-SHEETS: 3 - Aberbargoed Buds; Caldicot Town; Lliswerry; Monmouth Town; Tredegar Town 2 - Caerleon; Chepstow Town; Croesyceiliog; Newport Civil Service. 1 – Cwmbran Celtic; Goytre; Llanwern; Newport YMCA; Panteg; Risca United; Undy Athletic.
OCTOBER MANAGER OF THE MONTH AWARD 22 November 2014
Stevie McCarthy-Campbell, Manager of Newport YMCA FC is presented with the October Nathaniel Car Sales Manager of the Month Award by Mr Ken Tucker, Secretary, The Welsh Football League, this afternoon. During the month Newport YMCA achieved four victories in four Division Three matches, scoring nine goals and conceding five. Congratulations Stevie!
SEPTEMBER MANAGER OF THE MONTH AWARD 17 November 2014
Wayne Jones, Manager of Haverfordwest County FC is presented with the September Nathaniel Car Sales Manager of the Month Award by Mr Alf Germain, Chairman, The Welsh Football League, prior to Haverfordwest County's Division One match at Cardiff Metropolitan University on Saturday. During the month Haverfordwest County achieved four victories in four matches, scoring 12 goals and conceding two. Congratulations Wayne!
GWENT SATURDAY ROUND-UP AND GWENT GOALSCORERS (LEAGUE ONLY) 17 November 2014 from Terry Daley MONMOUTH Town and Undy Athletic both secured places in the last 32 of the Tenovus Welsh Cup, but Cwmbran Celtic, Risca United and non-league Albion Rovers all made exits. In Nathaniel Cars Welsh League Cup ties, only Tredegar Town managed to progress while there were Division Two wins for Chepstow Town and Llanwern. WL champions Monmouth hosted Division One rivals Penybont at Pen-Y-Pound Stadium in Abergavenny and goals from Dan MacDonald, Elliot Evans and Chris Ham gave manager Andrew Smith's men a 3-1 victory. The outcome earned The Kingfishers the right to travel north Wales to face Corbett Welsh Premier League outfit Gap Connah's Quay on Saturday, November 29. On the same day, Division Two promotion contenders Undy will be entertaining CWLP side Carmarthen Town, who are managed by former Newport County and Wales defender Mark Aizlewood. Undy set up the meeting by defeating Gwent County League club Albion Rovers 2-0 at home after the tie had been switched to The Causeway because of an unfit playing surface at Albion's Kimberley Park HQ in Malpas. On target for Undy were Tom Hooper and Ben Davies and while it was a deserved success, Albion did come close to scoring on a couple of occasions and also had two penalty appeals turned down in the final 20 minutes. Celtic's 2-0 home reverse at the hands of top-tier side Caerau (Ely) ended their seven-match unbeaten league and cup run, the visitors goals coming from Huw Corne and Jamal Roberts in each half. Even though there was a section gap between the teams, Celtic were actually on top during the second period only for Roberts' late goal to wrap up the win. It was also Division One versus Two at Ty-Isaf Park, where Risca eventually went down 2-1 against visiting Garden Village - although the home side finished the game with just nine men. Risca's luck was out on 25 minutes when they lost midfield player-boss Paul Michael to illness, but they went ahead when Steve Edwards scored from the penalty spot following a foul on Aaron Colwill. The visitors, however, managed to level before the break via Nehemias Barria before Risca were reduced to 10 men when central defender Chris Thomas was sent off for lashing out at an opponent with 15 minutes remaining. It was nine as skipper Leigh Sharp also saw red after picking up a second caution in conceding a penalty, although goalkeeper Tom Chorley saved the subsequent spot-kick. But just as the tie seemed to be heading into extra time, up popped Barria with only two minutes left to score his second goal to settle the issue. In the League Cup, two penalties from Daniel Battle and a goal by Steve Hughes gave Tredegar a 3-1 home success over Newport YMCA. Caldicot were beaten 3-1 at home by Ton Pentre, for whom goalkeeper Neil Collins enjoyed an excellent game with a series of fine saves, after skipper Richard Sharratt had equalised shortly after the hour mark. This was a match-up which Caldicot should have won with ease as they wasted a double-figure number of goal chances with leading scorer Jason Thorn for once leaving his shooting boots at home. Croesyceiliog had a divisional advantage when they hosted bottom-level outfit Cwmamman United and despite and own goal and an effort from Lewis Clare, slipped to a 3-2 loss. Goytre's home tie with Penrhiwceiber Rangers was postponed and will now take place at Plough Road on Saturday while Aberbargoed Buds went down 2-0 at Pontardawe Town. In Division Two, Chepstow won 4-2 at Dinas Powys thanks to goal from Leo Ross (2), Ashley Palmer and Craig Lewis - the result elevating them up to fourth place and behind the final promotion spot held by Caldicot on goal difference only. Llanwern received county rivals Caerleon at Newport Stadium just two weeks after they'd beaten them 2-0 at Cold Bath Road. This time Caerleon did manage a goal, scored by substitute Yousif Al-Doori, but it was only a consolation as Llanwern moved up two places to 10th in stretching their unbeaten league run to a third game. It was 0-0 at the interval, but only after Nick Hooper had struck the bar with a header and then Matthew Hibbs has put a similar effort wide when it appeared easier to score. Caerleon had done their fair share of attacking at the interval, but had lacked penetration and when goal from Hibbs and Hooper (2) made it 3-0 by the 65th minutes, it looked likely the home side would go onto complete a far bigger win. However Al-Doori's goal gave his side hope, although a fine save from Llanwern goalkeeper Chris Golton from Liam Head maintained the 3-1 scoreline with substitute Marc Curtis wrapping matters up with Llanwern's fourth with just six minutes left. There are no mid-week games. Gwent goalscorers (League only). CHEPSTOW Town's Leo Ross scored twice in a 4-2 win at Ely Rangers to take his campaign tally to nine – just three behind Lliswerry's Josh Brown and Croesyceiliog's Zac Osbourne. 12 – Josh Brown (Lliswerry); Zac Osbourne (Croesyceiliog) 10 - Dan MacDonald (Monmouth Town). 9 - Leo Ross (Chepstow Town). 8 – Dale Cook (Lliswerry); Jason Thorn (Caldicot Town). 7 - Gareth Cullimore (Undy Athletic), Tom McCarthy (Aberbargoed Buds). 6 - Scott Armitage (Aberbargoed Buds), Olly Beckett (Undy Athletic), Nick Harrhy (Monmouth Town), Derice McLean (Newport Civil Service), Craig Moses (Goytre), Richard Sharratt (Caldicot Town). 5 - Jon Butcher (Panteg), Luke Dyke (Panteg, including one for Croesyceiliog), Matthew Hibbs (Llanwern), Dave Hurley (Risca United), Ian Pettit (Tredegar Town), Niall Simmons (Newport YMCA), Dan Stoneman (Lliswerry), James Young (Goytre). 4 - Daniel Battle (Tredegar Town), Josh Collier (Risca United), Aaron Colwill (Risca United), Dan Hooper (Llanwern), Nic Hooper (Llanwern), Joe Howells (Lliswerry), Hishi Lama (Chepstow Town, including three for Croesyceiliog), Tomas Lynch (Tredegar Town), Craig Price (Treowen Stars), Tony Wallis (Risca United). 3 - Ricky Amos (Treowen Stars), Luke Cueto (Caerleon), Dan Edwards (Lliswerry), Eliot Evans (Monmouth Town), Max Fessey (Lliswerry), Elliott Ford (Monmouth Town), Chris Ham (Monmouth Town), Nathan Hardwick (Newport YMCA), Ryan Hayward (Croesyceiliog), Liam Head (Caerleon), Kirk Hicks (Panteg), Steven Hughes (Tredegar Town), Jordan Jones (Llanwern), Rhys Luffman (Lliswerry), Tre Marrett (Newport YMCA), Matt Prosser (Goytre), Sam Rushworth (Chepstow Town), Jordan Ryan (Panteg). 2 - Josh Bull (Monmouth Town), Dominic Connor (Cwmbran Celtic), Lewis Coote (Treowen Stars), Marc Curtis (Llanwern), Ben Davies (Undy Athletic), Mark Dunn (Chepstow Town), James Francis (Caerleon), Chris Jones (Treowen Stars), Rhys Jones (Aberbargoed Buds), Lee Mason (Panteg), Gavin Meacham (Aberbargoed Buds), Paul Michael (Risca United), Joe O'Brien (Newport YMCA), Craig Price (Treowen Stars), Nick Potts (Chepstow Town), Chris Quinlan (Tredegar Town), Liam Shaw (Aberbargoed Buds), Ben Taylor (Panteg), Gyles Thompson (Undy Athletic), Kyle Williams (Risca United), Ben Wotton (Caerleon). 1 - Jack Alderdice (Monmouth Town), Adam Alkysi (Tredegar Town), Wayne Antoniazzi (Aberbargoed Buds), Gareth Appleby (Panteg), James Barnes (Undy Athletic), Joe Bidgood (Newport YMCA), Michael Bishop (Llanwern), Steven Boucher (Lliswerry), Paul Clayton (Undy Athletic), Gareth Cleverly (Newport Civil Service), Jacob Cross (Aberbargoed Buds), Aysa El-Doory (Newport Civil Service), Yousif El-Doori (Caerleon), Alex Evans (Goytre), Jack Evans (Treowen Stars), Josh Evans (Treowen Stars), Jordan Harding (Goytre), Jack Harvey (Chepstow Town), Luke Harris (Treowen Stars), Mo Hassan (Newport YMCA), Tom Hooper (Undy Athletic), Matt James (Caldicot Town), Alex Jenkins (Newport YMCA), Ashley Johnson (Lliswerry), Grant Jones (Treowen Stars), Craig Lewis (Chepstow Town), Jason Lewis (Newport YMCA), Luke Lewis (Cwmbran Celtic), David Lloyd (Caldicot Town)Will McConnell (Caldicot Town), Craig McDonnell (Aberbargoed Buds), Steffan Marchant (Croesyceiliog), James Martin (Newport YMCA), Dave Mellon (Newport Civil Service), Adam Meredith (Tredegar Town), Gavin Millar (Panteg), Dale Morris (Llanwern), Mark Morris (Croesyceiliog), Lewys Nash (Aberbargoed Buds), Sam Oakley (Caerleon), Ashley Palmer (Chepstow Town), Stephen Parfitt (Treowen Stars), Marcus Power (Undy Athletic), Simon Prangley (Chepstow Town),, Dean Randall (Treowen Stars), Anthony Richards (Croesyceiliog), Dan Saunders (Caldicot Town), Leigh Sharp (Risca United), Richie Shire (Lliswerry), Mitchell Slape (Caldicot Town), Alex Stewart (Newport YMCA), Lewis Sweetland (Newport Civil Service), Kieron Thomas (Aberbargoed Buds), Simon Truman (Goytre), Alex Waters (Caerleon), Jake Wainright (Goytre), Ben Watson (Caerleon), Jon Williams (Panteg), Ben Wotton (Caerleon), Joel Worgan (Tredegar Town). CLEAN-SHEETS: 3 - Aberbargoed Buds; Lliswerry; Monmouth Town; Tredegar Town 2 - Caerleon; Caldicot Town; Chepstow Town; Croesyceiliog; Newport Civil Service. 1 – Cwmbran Celtic; Goytre; Llanwern; Newport YMCA; Panteg; Risca United; Undy Athletic.
GWENT SATURDAY PREVIEW 14 November 2014 from Terry Daley LOCAL clubs are involved in three competitions on Saturday, when the newly-sponsored Tenovus Welsh Cup again takes centre stage following a host of postponements last weekend. Gwent County League Albion Rovers are the lowest-ranked side while Welsh League champions Monmouth Town are the highest and both have home advantage to progress. There are also Nathaniel Cars League and League Cup fixtures and all cup ties must be played to a conclusion. Welsh Cup, round two (all 2.00pm kick offs). Pen-Y-Pound Stadium: Monmouth Town v Penybont. Striker Nick Harrhy would have missed this tie had it been played last weekend, but the former Newport County man could well return following a spell on the sidelines with injury. Boss Andrew Smith will definitely welcome back Jack Alderdice, Danny Clare and Elliot Ford, but Ashley Ford remains suspended. This will doubtless prove to be a tough assignment for The Kingfishers, who will have to travel to north Wales to face Welsh Premier League outfit Gap Connah's Quay in two weeks time if they win here. Penybont have won two on a trot to end a winless five-match sequence and don't be surprised if this tie goes all the way to a penalty shoot-out. Celtic Park: Cwmbran Celtic v Caerau (Ely). Another re-arranged game from last Saturday, since when the round-three draw has given the victors an away tie against Cymru Alliance side Penrhyncoch. Warmed up for the this tie by defeating Undy Athletic 1-0 at Newport Stadium in mid-week thanks to a stoppage-time headed goal from Dom Connor. They remain unbeaten in seven and defeated a good Llanelli Town side 2-1 in the last round, but this is an extremely stiff test of their credentials as the visitors have only leaders Haverfordwest County above them in Division One. They are managed by Nana Baah, who had a brief spell with Celtic four seasons ago, and his side will begin having won seven of its last eight league and cup matches. Kimberley Park, Malpas: Albion Rovers v Undy Athletic. Second time of asking with these two sides now playing for the right to host Welsh Premier League club Carmarthen Town on the weekend of November 28-30. Albion will rely on recently-signed former Llanwern striker John Lillygreen to produce the fire-power, although they do have several players who have played at Welsh League level - including marksman Chris Pearce. A late goal condemned Undy to a 1-0 Division Two defeat by Cwmbran Celtic at Newport Stadium on Wednesday, when they were minus influential forward Marcus Power. His return could prove crucial here and Undy also have other fine goalscorers such as Gareth Cullimore, Olly Beckett and a very good goalkeeper in James Smallcombe. *Overnight rain could mean a 9.00am pitch inspection and if unsuccessful, then this tie will be switched to Undy's home ground. Ty-Isaf Park: Risca United v Garden Village. This represents a fair opportunity for Risca to reach round three and if they do, face an arduous, 346-mile round trip to face WPL team Bangor City - who’ve won this competition three times since 2008. Have lost only once in nine Division Two outings and although prolific scorer Tony Wallis remains absent, Dave Hurley has five goals while Josh Collier and Aaron Colwill each have four. Were in Nathaniel League Cup, round-two action on Wednesday at Cardiff Grange Harlequins, goals from Steve Edwards, Josh McLaughlin and Kyle Williams earning them a 3-2 victory. Garden Village are struggling somewhat just outside the Division One relegation zone and lost all of their last three league matches. Nathaniel Cars League Cup, round two (all 1.30pm kick offs, unless stated) Jubilee Way: Caldicot Town v Ton Pentre - 2.30pm kick off. Caldicot may be a bit rusty as they've not played since drawing a Division Two away game 1-1 at Cwmbran Celtic on October 25. However should they repeat their form in defeating visiting Division One table-toppers Haverfordwest County in the last round a week previously, then manager Mark Williams men may well gain another top-tier scalp here. Marksman Jason Thorn is overdue to add to his eight-goal tally while skipper Richard Sharratt has seven league and cup efforts to his name. Ton are in 12th position in Division One with four wins, a draw and four defeats and they last crossed the white line two Saturdays ago, when they went down 3-0 at Briton Ferry Llansawel. Woodland Road: Croesyceiliog v Cwmamman United. Croesyceiliog's resurgence under player-boss Mark Waddon was stretched to a third successive Division Two victory last time out, 4-0 at Ely Rangers. Therefore this is a very good opportunity for them to reach the last 16 of a competition they won in 2009-10 with a final victory over Goytre United at the Brewery Field in Bridgend. Zac Osbourne is the county's joint top scorer alongside Lliswerry's Josh Brown on 12 while Ryan Hayward has also been chipping in recently. Cwmamman are sixth of 19 in the lower-level table with six wins and a draw in nine starts and they were last in this neck of the woods on November 1, when they won 5-0 at Newport Civil Service. Plough Road: Goytre v Penrhiwceiber Rangers. On the face of it, this would normally be a really good opportunity for Goytre to progress as they stand 17 places above the visitors in the Welsh League. However by their fine standards, Division One outfit Goytre have slipped recently with only two wins from their last eight league outings. There is a real worry that they could well turn out to be victims of a giant-killing act and they will have to step up to the mark here if they want to gain round-three entry. Rangers themselves have only three wins from 11 Division Two fixtures - although two of those have come in the last four matches. Recreation Ground: Pontardawe Town v Aberbargoed Buds. Fair old trip for Aberbargoed, who appear to have recovered from a form blip to confirm their Division Two promotion credentials. Were runners-up to Goytre in this cup in 2010-11, when they lost out in the final played at Bryntirion and there was also a losing semi-final appearance not so long ago. Manager Adrian Needs' men have won seven of nine league matches and were 1-0 victors at Division Three Llantwit Major in round one. Pontardawe lost their opening eight top-tier games, but finally posted their first win of the campaign 3-2 at Garden Village in their last match. Leisure Centre Complex: Tredegar Town v Newport YMCA. The first of a couple meetings in a month for the teams, who are scheduled to face each other in a Division Three game on December 13, 2014. Are among the most in-form clubs with the home side sitting in fifth place and the visitors in seventh - both having recently secured a fifth successive league triumph. Each of their last two victories were achieved without conceding any goals, although it's highly unlikely this clash will be finish as a no-score draw. The odds, however, are stacked in favour of parity, extra time and then a penalty shoot-out being required to separate these two county rivals. Nathaniel Cars Welsh League (all 2.00pm kick offs). Division Two. The Murch, Sunnycroft Lane: Dinas Powys (14) v Chepstow Town (6). Just four points from the last nine has blunted Chepstow's promotion plan, although a 4-2 defeat at table-topping Barry Town United ended a brilliant run of nine league games without a loss. Need to score some more goals as 18 is the lowest in the entire top nine - a massive surprise considering they have so much fire-power in their ranks. Victory could see Chepstow climb as high as third position, although the margin of victory would have to be by an highly-unlikely nine goals. The hosts have only secured eight of 30 points and defeat for them here would benefit the two clubs immediately above them, Caerleon and Llanwern. Form guide: Dinas Powys: W L L D L D Chepstow Town: D W W D W L Newport Stadium: Llanwern (12) v Caerleon (13). Lower-table derby between two teams who have struggled to put any sort of decent run together, although it's the home team which has showed the most recent improvement. A draw 2-2 at Risca United was followed up with a 2-0 success at Caerleon just two Saturday's ago gives Llanwern the chance of securing a quick-fire double over the visitors. Caerleon's form guide proves they are consistent at being inconsistent and they've not drawn any of nine league outings since being held 3-3 by visiting Croesyceiliog on the opening day on the season. Llanwern will begin favourites to land the three points and while Caerleon will doubtless start having the same ambition, a point will probably suit them better. Form guide: Llanwern: D L L L W W L L D W Caerleon: D L L L W W L W L L Division Three. Shannon Close, Bettws: Newport Civil Service (15) v Treharris Athletic Western (18). Eight consecutive defeats have plunged NCS down the table and they must soon begin to pick up positive results of they are to stay out of the relegation zone. Manager Ben Burrows, however, has been busy trying to sign some new recruits and several may even be on board for this particular game. Six-goal striker Derice McLean recently returned too soon from injury and his continued absence remains a worry, especially as NCS have scored only 10 in nine league fixtures. The visitors have won and drawn once in 10 outings and their only success was way back on August 20, when they defeated visiting Tredegar Town 3-1. Form guide: Newport Civil Service: L L L L L L Treharris Athletic Western: L L L L L L Panteg House, Griffithstown: Panteg (8) v Lliswerry (2). Panteg have enough fixtures in hand to gain a top-three place and will start on the back of a fine 4-1 home success over county rivals Treowen Stars two weeks ago. However it was a Jekyll and Hyde performance because they played very well before the break to build up a 4-0 advantage - before a poor display after it allowed their opponents to win the second session 1-0. Lliswerry are fresh from last Saturday's 3-1 home triumph over promotion rivals Cardiff Corinthians and have nine wins from 12 league starts. Striker Josh Brown scored twice in that win to take his season's league tally to 12 and level at the top of the goalscorers' charts with Croesyceiliog's Zac Osbourne with those players attached to Gwent clubs Form guide: Panteg: L W W W L W Lliswerry: L W W L W W
GWENT WEDNESDAY ROUND-UP 13 November 2014 from Terry Daley Cwmbran Celtic 1 (Dom Connor) Undy Athletic 0. CWMBRAN Celtic left it very late at Newport Stadium to secure their first Division Two win of the campaign, the outcome stretching their unbeaten league and cup run to seventh game. Dom Connor was the scoring hero on a night when his team struck the woodwork three times as well as forcing a couple of good saves out of visiting goalkeeper James Smallcombe. Undy began the game on the front foot and also hit the frame of the goal, but they simply couldn't do enough to warrant a win which would have moved them up a couple of places to fifth in the 16-strong table. While Undy held the upper hand early on, it was Celtic who were the dominant side in the last 15 minutes when they laid siege to their opponents' goal. They had gone close to clinching the three points several times during the closing minutes, notably when striker Luke Thomas skimmed the crossbar with a long-range effort and then when Smallcombe stretched to tip a deflected shot from substitute Andrew Larcombe over the bar. However they were eventually rewarded for the efforts when Connor rose at the far post to head home his fifth league and cup goal of the campaign. It gave Celtic success at the third attempt following 1-1 draws against Caldicot Town and Dinas Powys while Undy slipped to a fourth reverse in 10 starts. Prolific scorer Gareth Cullimore was guilty of missing two good headed opportunities before the break from crosses by Gyles Thompson and then Tom Hooper before Daniel Jarman fired wide of the intended target. Cullimore tried a cheeky near 40-yard snap-shot which flew straight at Celtic goalkeeper Nicky Church, but as Celtic gained a foothold, striker Luke Thomas passed over a fair chance. Thomas so nearly made up for that his next effort hit an upright with the ball rolling right across the goal-mouth without any colleagues being able to get to it. Undy were unlucky not to go ahead when their best player on the night, Thompson, smacked a fierce shot from a Tom Hooper cross against Celtic's crossbar and soon the latter put in an effort which Church comfortably dealt with. Church saved well from Cullimore before a bad clearance from Smallcombe fell to Thomas and his 35-yarder skimmed the crossbar. Celtic's Owen Llewellyn was the next to see an effort hit the bar, a header from a corner from substitute Michael Baugh before finally the only goal of the game arrived. Connor's free kick was headed back into the danger area by Baugh and when the ball was only partially cleared by Undy, Baugh gained possession, drove into space and promptly placed an inviting cross to the far post. There was Connor to nod home his fifth league and cup goal of the campaign, much to the delight of their bench and followers in the stand, who made up an attendance figure nearly twice the size of the crowd they usually get at their Celtic Park base. This result will boost Celtic's confidence ahead of Saturday's home Welsh Cup tie against Division One high-flyers Caerau (Ely) while in the same competition, Undy visit non-league Albion Rovers – both ties kicking off at 2.00pm. Cwmbran Celtic: 1 - Nicky Church; 2 - Rakesh Patel; 3 - Richard Crees (captain); 4 - Curtis Patel; 5 - Luke Jones; 6 - Dom Connor; 7 - Lloyd Kinsella (Michael Baugh, 73); 8 - Craig Cheedy; 9 - Luke Thomas (Lewis Grant, 85); 10 - Owen Llewellyn; 11 - Sean Feeley (Andrew Larcombe, 62). Subs not used: Rhys Williams; Ben Luck. Booked: Cheedy (80). Goal: Connor (90). Undy Athletic: 1 - James Smallcombe; 2 - Tom Hooper (Olly Smith, 75); 3 - Gyles Thompson; 4 - Ben Roberts (captain); 5 - Paul Clayton; 6 - Rhys Aherne (Martyn Phillips, 63); 7 - Daniel Jarman; 8 - Ben Davies; 9 - James Barnes; 10 - Gareth Cullimore; 11 - Ollie Beckett (James Gidney, 61). Subs not used: Michael Binning; Mark Crook. Booked: Aherne (56); Roberts (90); Phillips (90). Referee: Michael Martin. Assistants: John Jenkins & Shaun Knox. * Division Two Risca United made a section gap count when they defeated hosts Cardiff Grange Harlequins 3-2 to become the first team to reach the last 16 of the Nathaniel Cars Welsh League Cup. Risca were never behind and they scored via Steve Edwards, Josh McLaughlin and Kyle Williams ahead of Saturday's Welsh Cup tie against visiting Division One outfit Garden Village.
BRITON FERRY LLANSAWEL - FREE CAR PARKING FOR ALL FIRST TEAM MATCHES
12 November 2014
Briton Ferry Llansawel are pleased to confirm that after a great deal of hard work, free car parking has been secured at Cwrt Sart School (opposite the ground) for all first team matches.
This is great news for spectators that have experienced difficulties in parking in the past.
GWENT SATURDAY ROUND-UP AND GWENT GOALSCORERS (LEAGUE ONLY) 10 November 2014 from Terry Daley IN the only Welsh League game of the weekend to escape the big downpour, Lliswerry confirmed their status a genuine promotion contenders with a a ninth win in 12 Division Three starts. Lliswerry entertained Cardiff Corinthians on their 3G pitch at Spytty Stadium in a second v third promotion battle and their 3-1 victory gives them a seven-point advantage over fourth-placed Rhoose, who have three matches in hand. A defensive mistake on the edge of the Lliswerry penalty area eventually led to the Corries going ahead, but Dale Cook levelled on the half hour mark with his eighth goal of the campaign after good work from Ashley Johnson and Josh Brown. Just five minutes after the break, Brown scored a fine individual goal to make it 2-1 - although a hotly-disputed, last-minute penalty gave the visitors an opportunity to pinch a point. But the Corries spot-kick taker smashed the ball against the crossbar with Brown going on to clinch the three points with his second of the game. The brace took Brown to 12 league goals for the season and level with Croesyceiliog's Zac Osbourne at the top of the scorers' list for those players attached to Gwent clubs. * Caldicot Town's Division Two game against visiting Margam-based Tata Steel was one of the final fixtures to be called off after a monsoon-like downpour flooded the Jubilee Way playing surface. It was the second successive match to be called off at the venue in nine days. The clash against Aberbargoed Buds on October 31 was postponed because of a power failure in the dressing rooms. It meant no club debut for left-sided defender/midfielder Jack Harvey, who has been signed from divisional rivals Chepstow Town last week. Harvey, whose twin brother David remains at Chepstow, will be expected to make his bow against Swansea-based West End on Saturday, when Caldicot are also hoping for the return of injured striker Mitchell Slape. * Division Three strugglers Newport Civil Service have moved to arrest a run of eight consecutive Division Three defeats by signing a couple of previously-unattached midfield/defenders. Former Cardiff Corinthians player Sion Evans and Alex Holdaway, who has appeared for Newport YMCA, have put pen to paper and will be available for selection for Saturday's visit of one-from-the-bottom Treharris Athletic Western. Wednesday fixture (kick off 7.30pm) - at Newport Stadium. Division Two: Cwmbran Celtic v Undy Athletic.
Gwent goalscorers (League only). LLISWERRY'S Josh Brown scored twice in a 3-1 home win over Cardiff Corinthians to draw level with Croesyceiliog's Zac Osbourne at the top. 12 – Josh Brown (Lliswerry); Zac Osbourne (Croesyceiliog) 10 - Dan MacDonald (Monmouth Town). 8 – Dale Cook (Lliswerry); Jason Thorn (Caldicot Town). 7 - Gareth Cullimore (Undy Athletic), Tom McCarthy (Aberbargoed Buds), Leo Ross (Chepstow Town). 6 - Scott Armitage (Aberbargoed Buds), Olly Beckett (Undy Athletic), Nick Harrhy (Monmouth Town), Derice McLean (Newport Civil Service), Craig Moses (Goytre), Richard Sharratt (Caldicot Town). 5 - Jon Butcher (Panteg), Luke Dyke (Panteg, including one for Croesyceiliog), Dave Hurley (Risca United), Ian Pettit (Tredegar Town), Niall Simmons (Newport YMCA), Dan Stoneman (Lliswerry), James Young (Goytre). 4 - Daniel Battle (Tredegar Town), Josh Collier (Risca United), Aaron Colwill (Risca United), Dan Hooper (Llanwern), Joe Howells (Lliswerry), Hishi Lama (Chepstow Town, including three for Croesyceiliog), Tomas Lynch (Tredegar Town), Craig Price (Treowen Stars), Tony Wallis (Risca United). 3 - Ricky Amos (Treowen Stars), Luke Cueto (Caerleon), Dan Edwards (Lliswerry), Eliot Evans (Monmouth Town), Max Fessey (Lliswerry), Elliott Ford (Monmouth Town), Chris Ham (Monmouth Town), Nathan Hardwick (Newport YMCA), Ryan Hayward (Croesyceiliog), Liam Head (Caerleon), Kirk Hicks (Panteg), Steven Hughes (Tredegar Town), Jordan Jones (Llanwern), Rhys Luffman (Lliswerry), Tre Marrett (Newport YMCA), Matt Prosser (Goytre), Sam Rushworth (Chepstow Town), Jordan Ryan (Panteg). 2 - Josh Bull (Monmouth Town), Lewis Coote (Treowen Stars), Ben Davies (Undy Athletic), Mark Dunn (Chepstow Town), James Francis (Caerleon), Nic Hooper (Llanwern), Chris Jones (Treowen Stars), Rhys Jones (Aberbargoed Buds), Lee Mason (Panteg), Gavin Meacham (Aberbargoed Buds), Paul Michael (Risca United), Joe O'Brien (Newport YMCA), Craig Price (Treowen Stars), Nick Potts (Chepstow Town), Chris Quinlan (Tredegar Town), Liam Shaw (Aberbargoed Buds), Ben Taylor (Panteg), Gyles Thompson (Undy Athletic), Kyle Williams (Risca United), Ben Wotton (Caerleon). 1 - Jack Alderdice (Monmouth Town), Adam Alkysi (Tredegar Town), Wayne Antoniazzi (Aberbargoed Buds), Gareth Appleby (Panteg), James Barnes (Undy Athletic), Joe Bidgood (Newport YMCA), Michael Bishop (Llanwern), Steven Boucher (Lliswerry), Paul Clayton (Undy Athletic), Gareth Cleverly (Newport Civil Service), Marc Curtis (Llanwern), Jacob Cross (Aberbargoed Buds), Aysa El-Doory (Newport Civil Service), Alex Evans (Goytre), Jack Evans (Treowen Stars), Josh Evans (Treowen Stars), Jordan Harding (Goytre), Jack Harvey (Chepstow Town), Luke Harris (Treowen Stars), Mo Hassan (Newport YMCA), Tom Hooper (Undy Athletic), Matt James (Caldicot Town), Alex Jenkins (Newport YMCA), Ashley Johnson (Lliswerry), Grant Jones (Treowen Stars), Jason Lewis (Newport YMCA), Luke Lewis (Cwmbran Celtic), David Lloyd (Caldicot Town), Will McConnell (Caldicot Town), Craig McDonnell (Aberbargoed Buds), Steffan Marchant (Croesyceiliog), James Martin (Newport YMCA), Dave Mellon (Newport Civil Service), Adam Meredith (Tredegar Town), Gavin Millar (Panteg), Dale Morris (Llanwern), Mark Morris (Croesyceiliog), Lewys Nash (Aberbargoed Buds), Sam Oakley (Caerleon), Stephen Parfitt (Treowen Stars), Marcus Power (Undy Athletic), Simon Prangley (Chepstow Town),, Dean Randall (Treowen Stars), Anthony Richards (Croesyceiliog), Dan Saunders (Caldicot Town), Leigh Sharp (Risca United), Richie Shire (Lliswerry), Mitchell Slape (Caldicot Town), Alex Stewart (Newport YMCA), Lewis Sweetland (Newport Civil Service), Kieron Thomas (Aberbargoed Buds), Simon Truman (Goytre), Alex Waters (Caerleon), Jake Wainright (Goytre), Ben Watson (Caerleon), Jon Williams (Panteg), Ben Wotton (Caerleon), Joel Worgan (Tredegar Town). CLEAN-SHEETS: 3 - Aberbargoed Buds; Lliswerry; Monmouth Town; Tredegar Town 2 - Caerleon; Caldicot Town; Chepstow Town; Croesyceiliog; Newport Civil Service. 1 - Goytre; Llanwern; Newport YMCA; Panteg; Risca United; Undy Athletic.
GWENT WEEKEND PREVIEW 7 November 2014 from Terry Daley THE Welsh Cup, round-two spotlight will fall in a couple of Gwent County League clubs this weekend, when they will attempt to reach the competition's last 32. Marshfield are first in action on Friday night with a trip to face Nathaniel Cars Welsh League Division One side Afan Lido while Albion Rovers are gearing up for a county derby against second-tier outfit Undy Athletic. All cup ties must be played to a conclusion. Welsh Cup, round two. Friday (Kick off 7.45pm). Marston's Stadium, Port Talbot: Afan Lido v Marshfield. Marshfield have already defeated much two higher-placed teams in Welsh League Division Two pair Croesyceiliog and Margam-based Tata Steel. This, though, looks like an even tougher ask against a WL top-level club which was playing Corbett Welsh Premier League football last season. Nonetheless, Marshfield, eighth of 16 in the GCL Division One table, will certainly have no fear in facing a club 49 rungs above them in the pyramid system. The hosts beat visiting Chepstow Town 4-0 in the last round and will start here with only one defeat in their last nine league and cup outings. Saturday (all cup ties and league games kick off at 2.00pm). Celtic Park: Cwmbran Celtic v Caerau (Ely). Cwmbran Celtic's moral will be very high as they are actually unbeaten in six league and cup games and defeated a very good Llanelli Town side 2-1 at home in the last round. This, though, is an extremely stiff test of their credentials as the visitors have only leaders Haverfordwest County above them in Division One. They are managed by Nana Baah, who had a brief spell with Celtic four seasons ago, and his side will begin having won seven of its last eight league and cup matches. There is, however, a bit of hope for Celtic because their opponents have conceded 27 goals in 12 league fixtures, the highest total in their section's top eight. Pen-Y-Pound Stadium: Monmouth Town v Penybont. Before firing blanks against Cambrian & Clydach (lost 3-0) and Goytre United (0-0) in their last couple of games, Welsh League champions Monmouth had actually scored 21 goals in just four league and cup fixtures. I can't recall the last time The Kingfishers failed to score in successive matches and maybe someone is in for a backlash and often a cup tie can provide such a scenario. Monmouth chief Andrew Smith is without Ashley Ford and Nick Harrhy, but welcomes back Jack Alderdice, Danny Clare and Elliot Ford against the visitors, who are managed by ex-Cwmbran Town striker Francis Ford. Penybont have won two on a trot to end a winless five-match sequence and don't be surprised if this tie goes all the way to a penalty shoot-out. Kimberley Park, Malpas: Albion Rovers v Undy Athletic. Albion are regarding this bid to reach the third round as being the biggest game in their history since they were formed by Scottish coalminers, who moved to Newport for work in 1937. Have a batch of players who have all appeared at Welsh League level over very recent seasons - including striker John Lillygreen, who has made a very good impact since joining from Llanwern earlier in the campaign. Undy, fifth in Division Two of the WL after drawing 2-2 at home against Risca United, will doubtless be firm favourites here. Have several good goalscorers such as Gareth Cullimore, Olly Beckett and Marcus Power and its interesting to note they've kept three clean-sheets in their last five league and cup games Ty-Isaf Park: Risca United v Garden Village. Without doubt, Risca will fancy their chances here of progressing - even thought they must plug a divisional gap against the top-tier visitors. A concern though is the continuing absence of leading scorer Ton Wallis, who began the season in fine form in scoring in each of his first four league games. But it's been a while now since he appeared for The Cuckoos, although Dave Hurley has five goals to his name while Josh Collier and Aaron Colwill each have four. Garden Village are struggling somewhat just outside the Division One relegation zone and lost all of their last three league matches. Nathaniel Cars Welsh League. Division Two (figures in brackets indicate table positions of 16). Recreation Ground: Aberbargoed Buds (2) v Dinas Powys (14). The Buds remain on course for first-time promotion under boss 'Bambi' Needs and here will begin as red-hot favourites to land a third-consecutive league success. Marksman Tom McCarthy is in good form with seven league goals to his name while team-mate Scott Armitage is only one behind. Have only Barry Town United above them while immediately below are five local rivals, Caldicot Town, Risca United, Chepstow Town and fast-improving Croesyceiliog. The visitors are struggling at the wrong end of the table with just two wins from 10 starts and were last in action when drawing 1-1 at home against Cwmbran Celtic. Form guide: Aberbargoed Buds: W W L L W W Dinas Powys: W L L D L D Cold Bath Road: Caerleon (13) v AFC Llwydcoed (9). While not quite yet in the 'desperate' category for a win, Caerleon are at the stage where by three points would certainly calm the nerves. That's because three defeats in the last four has seen them slip down to just above the drop zone with a third of their season now having been completed. Only the bottom three, Dinas Powys, Margam-based Tata Steel and Cwmbran Celtic, have scored less goals than Caerleon's 14 in 10 games - although the latter has played only two games. Llwydcoed were also in a lowly position until successive wins over Tata Steel (2-1) and Undy Athletic (2-0) elevated them to a spot just below mid-table. Form guide: Caerleon: W W L W L L AFC Llwydcoed: L W L L W W Jubilee Way: Caldicot Town (3) v Tata Steel (15). Caldicot are in the final promotion position, but have played more games than most of the trailing pack and here seek to end a mini-run of two without a win. Drew 1-1 last time out at Cwmbran Celtic, where a lack of numbers forced player-boss Mark Williams to have a rare outing as a late substitute - although the signing of talented defender/midfielder Jack Harvey from Chepstow Town will help considerably. Will hope to have eight-goal striker Jason Thorn available while long-term injured fellow-marksman Mitchell Slape's absence has also been felt and it's hoped he will soon return to training. The visitors have struggled in their first campaign following Division One relegation and have suffered seven defeats on the trot - although five of those were by the odd goal only. Form guide: Caldicot Town: L W W W L D Tata Steel: L L L L L L Larkfield Ground: Chepstow Town (6) v Llanwern (12). Just four points from the last nine has blunted Chepstow's promotion plan, although a 4-2 defeat at table-topping Barry Town United ended a brilliant run of nine league games without a loss. Need to score some more goals as 18 is the lowest in the entire top nine - a massive surprise considering they have so much fire-power in their ranks. Llanwern have improved enough of late to go two undefeated and appear to gradually be finding some of the form which gained them promotion at the end of 2013-14. Are the bottom five's top goalscorers, Dan Hooper leads the way with four of the 16 netted in 10 league outings, and this has parity written all over it. Form guide: Chepstow Town: D W W D W L Llanwern: W W L L D W Woodland Road: Croesyceiliog (7) v Barry Town United (1). From being relegation candidates, player-boss Mark Waddon has suddenly taken Croesyceiliog within touching distance of the promotion pack with a trio of successive wins. The accolades have gone to leading scorer Zac Osbourne, who is now the county's' leading marksman with 12, and he has been backed up recently by Ryan Hayward. However every man has played his part in the resurgence, although they will be very much aware that only a top performance will suffice here against the leaders. Barry look nailed on to return to Division One, are unbeaten in 10 league outings, are the section's top scorers with 26 goals and only second-placed Aberbargoed have conceded less - eight as opposed to nine. Form guide: Croesyceiliog: D L L W W W Barry: W W W W W W Division Three (figures in brackets indicate table positions of 19). Grenig Park: Cwmamman United (6) v Newport YMCA (7). This is a clash of two very in-form sides, who between them have won nine consecutive league fixtures to transform their seasons. YMCA are actually seeking their seventh, all-competition win on the trot and here will bid to secure a third successive league clean-sheet. They've played more games than any other club in the top nine, have scored the fewest and conceded the most - yet confidence is extremely high and doubtless they will not be fearing any opponents at this time. Cwmamman, though, have scored 13 goals in their last three league fixtures - including winning 5-0 at Newport Civil Service last weekend. Form guide: Cwmamman United: W D W W W W Newport YMCA: L W W W W W Spytty Park: Lliswerry (2) v Cardiff Corinthians (3). Manager Adam Corfield's team finished fifth in their inaugural campaign in 2013-14 and are set fair to improve on that second time around. And when the season ends and the analysis of each of these teams is looked at, the result of this particular game could well prove to be crucial. Lliswerry are joint top scorers with leaders Llanelli Town with 38 and their leading marksmen are Josh Brown (10), Dale Clark (7) and Dan Stoneman (5). This is a difficult match to predict the outcome of and a clue may be because only Lliswerry have drawn a match this season, these two may have to settle for a point each here. Form guide: Lliswerry: W L W W L W Cardiff Corinthians: W W L W W L Shannon Close, Newport: Newport Civil Service (15) v Pontypridd Town (10). NCS simply must soon start to gain some positive match outcomes. They've experienced some awful results of late in losing eight straight league games and the two main features have been the lack of a regular goalkeeper and the absence of leading scorer Derice McLean. You get the feeling if both matters can be addressed sooner rather than later, then there is enough about NCS to begin to climb the table. The visitors are also on a bad run of form of only two wins from eight and maybe this could be the game from which the hosts can finally get three much-needed points. Form guide: Newport Civil Service: L L L L L L Pontypridd Town: W L W L L L Jenner Park: Rhoose (4) v Panteg (8). Panteg have enough fixtures in hand to gain a top-three place and will start on the back of a fine 4-1 home success over county rivals Treowen Stars. If Panteg play as they did before the break, when they led 4-0, then they will do well here. But if they play as they did after it, when they lost the second session 1-0, then the may well struggle. Boss Mark Taylor has them playing some decent attacking football and with both Jon Butcher and Luke Dyke each having scored five league goals, the platform is there for Panteg to progress up the table. Rhoose were having matters very much their own way until a 5-0 hammering at Llanelli Town, a score which will either deflate confidence or act as a 'wounded animal' scenario - the result will reveal all. Form guide: Rhoose: W W W W W L Panteg: L W W W L W Leisure Complex: Tredegar Town (5) v Llanelli Town (1). Am beginning to run out of ways to describe Tredegar's form which has taken them up to their highest league position at this stage in many a season. But this, without doubt, is the stiffest examination of their promotion credentials as the west Wales visitors currently appear unstoppable towards their bid for Division Two football. However Tredegar are most certainly good enough to accept the challenge of becoming the first club in 11 to down the colours of the table-toppers. Much here will depend of regular scorers Ian Pettit and Tomas Lynch, who have netted five and four league goals respectively. Form guide: Tredegar: L W W W W W Llanelli: W W W W W W Bush Park: Treowen Stars (11) v Llantwit Major (9). Treowen are due a win following three successive defeats, although they are the lowest scorers, 18, in the division's top 11. Redeemed themselves somewhat after shipping four goals in the space of 14 minutes before the turnaround against host Panteg last Saturday to win then second period 1-0. More of that positive attitude would probably help them gain them something from this match-up which is the first league meeting of these two clubs. The visitors arrive with confidence gained from consecutive victories over Pontypridd and Caerau, outcomes which allows them to sit in a comfortable mid-table spot. Form guide: Treowen Stars: W L W L L L Llantwit Major: W W D L W W
CARDIFF CORINTHIANS ANNOUNCEMENT 4 November 2014 Mr Paul Evans, First Team Manager, has stepped down from his role due to personal reasons with immediate affect. He leaves the Club third in Division Three having had our best start to a season in many a year. We would like to thank Paul for his commitment and dedication to the role which has been superb and we wish him every success in the future. Assistant Manager Adrian Jones will take over as First Team Manager and we wish him well in his new role.
GWENT WEEKEND ROUND-UP AND GWENT GOALSCORERS (LEAGUE ONLY) 3 November 2014 from Terry Daley DEFENDING champions Monmouth Town fired a second successive blank and also had Ashley Ford sent off as they again failed to close in on Division One leaders Haverfordwest County. Top-flight rivals Goytre were beaten 3-0, the only Division Two club to secure three points was Llanwern while in the lower tier, Lliswerry returned to second place and revitalised Newport YMCA won for the fifth consecutive league game. Monmouth travelled to Port Talbot to face mid-table Goytre United as the division's third-placed club and with the knowledge Haverfordwest had dropped two points in being held 1-1 at home by Afan Lido on Friday night. However The Kingfishers followed up the previous week's 3-0 away defeat at Cambrian & Clydach by gaining only a point from a 0-0 draw to remain four off the top and having played a game more than the west Walians. This was no bore-draw as the woodwork was struck no fewer than six times and perhaps Monmouth will believe it was a point gained because they were minus regulars Jack Alderdice, Dan Clare, Elliott Ford and Nick Harrhy. Ford was sent off after an hour and he will now miss Saturday's home Welsh Cup, round-two clash with divisional rivals Penybont through suspension. Goytre were in the capital facing the students of Cardiff Metropolitan University and although they played well in parts, a 3-0 reverse means they slip a position to 10th in the 16-strong table. The Division Two derby between hosts Caldicot Town and Aberbargoed Buds on Friday was postponed because of a power failure to the Jubilee Way ground's dressing rooms. No new date has yet been announced for the game. However the teams remain third and second respectively while while the next couple of sides, Risca United and Undy Athletic, finished all squad at the former's The Causeway home ground. Risca appeared to be on their way to victory after two goals from Aaron Colwill, playing up front instead of the injured Tony Wallis, put them in command, but Undy fought back to grab a point thanks to efforts by Gareth Cullimore and Ben Davies. Colwill put Risca ahead with a near-post header at a 40th-minute corner and after his side three times went close to adding more goals, he eventually made it 2-0 on the hour when he accepted a pass from skipper Leigh Sharp before scoring. Risca missed a couple of more chances to put the issue beyond doubt, but credit to Undy for sticking with and eventually pulling one back through Cullimore. The home side were reduced to 10 men on 70 minutes when Sharp picked up a second caution and was promptly send off which allowed Undy to come much more into the game. Davies levelled matters and the hosts so nearly snatched the three points only for Marcus Power to be denied a shooting opportunity by Risca's Jon Payne. Despite a 4-2 away defeat at the hands of table-topping Barry Town United, Chepstow Town are still sixth - and actually led twice at Jenner Park through Leo Ross and Mark Dunn while goalkeeper Gareth Wesson saved a late penalty. Croesyceiliog stay seventh after maintaining their recent revival with a fine 4-0 success at Ely Rangers on Friday night, striker Zac Osbourne struck a hat-trick and is now the county's leading goalscorer with 12 while team-mate Ryan Hayward also netted. Caerleon and Llanwern began their derby at Cold Bath Road 12th and 13th respectively and swapped places after the visitors had Matthew Bishop and Jordan Jones on target in a 2-0 triumph. Cwmbran Celtic were in the outskirts of Cardiff in taking on hosts Dinas Powys and looked odds-on to win as they led 1-0 via goal from Luke Lewis in the final minute of the first period. But Celtic, playing only their second league fixture of the campaign, let a couple of points slip as Atif Bashir scored a goal two minutes into stoppage time to force a 1-1 draw. Besides Lliswerry and YMCA, there were also Division Three wins for Panteg and Tredegar Town - but defeats for Treowen and Newport Civil Service. Lliswerry took advantage of Cardiff Corinthians' 2-0 defeat at lowly Ammanford by going above them into second position thanks to beating visiting Cwm Welfare 4-1 at Spytty Park. Dan Edwards scored twice with Rhys Luffman and Josh Brown, his 10th of 2014-15, getting one each as manager Adam Corfield's men moved behind leaders Llanelli Town. Panteg moved up a rung to eight of 19 with a 4-1 home success over county rivals Treowen, although had they maintained the fine form they showed before the interval - when the led 4-0 - then they could well have reached double figures. But they didn't and much credit must go to 11th-placed Treowen because there were times after the break when they were the better side. All five goals were quality affairs and after Jon Butcher had put Panteg 1-0 up on 20 minutes, team-mate Luke Dyke struck a 14-minute hat-trick to effectively end the clash as a contest. Treowen, though, certainly made a first of it in the second 45 minutes and could quite easily have scored before Craig Price eventually headed in what turned out only to be a consolation goal. Tredegar won for the fifth league match on the trot in winning 1-0 against visitors Bridgend Street with their goal coming from Chris Quinlan. YMCA emulated Tredegar's run of wins in being 3-0 victors at Bridgend-based Bettws with Nial Simmons (2) and Tre Marrett scoring, but the luck eluding Newport Civil Service surfaced before and during their 5-0 home reverse at the hands of Cwmamman United. Without goalkeeper Chris Jones and Jordan Cullen, NCS signed young stopper Josh Griffiths from Gwent County League side Rogerstone. However he was injured in a mid-week training session and NCS eventually played outfield player Gareth Cleverly in goal - even through he has a broken hand. Three late goals made the scoreline look far worse then NCS deserved and they really do need to start putting a positive run together. There are no mid-week games. Gwent goalscorers (League only). CROESYCEILIOG'S Zac Osbourne scored his first hat-trick of the season in a 4-0 win at Ely Rangers to take his campaign tally to 12 to head Monmouth Town's Dan MacDonald and Lliswerry's Josh Brown. Gwent goalscorers (League only). 12 - Zac Osbourne (Croesyceiliog) 10 - Josh Brown (Lliswerry); Dan MacDonald (Monmouth Town). 8 - Jason Thorn (Caldicot Town). 7 - Dale Cook (Lliswerry), Gareth Cullimore (Undy Athletic), Tom McCarthy (Aberbargoed Buds), Leo Ross (Chepstow Town). 6 - Scott Armitage (Aberbargoed Buds), Olly Beckett (Undy Athletic), Nick Harrhy (Monmouth Town), Derice McLean (Newport Civil Service), Craig Moses (Goytre), Richard Sharratt (Caldicot Town). 5 - Jon Butcher (Panteg), Luke Dyke (Panteg, including one for Croesyceiliog), Dave Hurley (Risca United), Ian Pettit (Tredegar Town), Niall Simmons (Newport YMCA), Dan Stoneman (Lliswerry), James Young (Goytre). 4 - Daniel Battle (Tredegar Town), Josh Collier (Risca United), Aaron Colwill (Risca United), Dan Hooper (Llanwern), Joe Howells (Lliswerry), Hishi Lama (Chepstow Town, including three for Croesyceiliog), Tomas Lynch (Tredegar Town), Craig Price (Treowen Stars), Tony Willis (Risca United). 3 - Ricky Amos (Treowen Stars), Luke Cueto (Caerleon), Dan Edwards (Lliswerry), Eliot Evans (Monmouth Town), Max Fessey (Lliswerry), Elliott Ford (Monmouth Town), Chris Ham (Monmouth Town), Nathan Hardwick (Newport YMCA), Ryan Hayward (Croesyceiliog), Liam Head (Caerleon), Matthew Hibbs (Llanwern), Kirk Hicks (Panteg), Steven Hughes (Tredegar Town), Jordan Jones (Llanwern), Rhys Luffman (Lliswerry), Tre Marrett (Newport YMCA), Matt Prosser (Goytre), Sam Rushworth (Chepstow Town), Jordan Ryan (Panteg). 2 - Josh Bull (Monmouth Town), Lewis Coote (Treowen Stars), Ben Davies (Undy Athletic), Mark Dunn (Chepstow Town), James Francis (Caerleon), Nic Hooper (Llanwern), Chris Jones (Treowen Stars), Rhys Jones (Aberbargoed Buds), Lee Mason (Panteg), Gavin Meacham (Aberbargoed Buds), Paul Michael (Risca United), Joe O'Brien (Newport YMCA), Craig Price (Treowen Stars), Nick Potts (Chepstow Town)Chris Quinlan (Tredegar Town), Liam Shaw (Aberbargoed Buds), Ben Taylor (Panteg), Gyles Thompson (Undy Athletic), Kyle Williams (Risca United), Ben Wotton (Caerleon). 1 - Jack Alderdice (Monmouth Town), Adam Alkysi (Tredegar Town), Wayne Antoniazzi (Aberbargoed Buds), Gareth Appleby (Panteg), James Barnes (Undy Athletic), Joe Bidgood (Newport YMCA), Michael Bishop (Llanwern), Steven Boucher (Lliswerry), Paul Clayton (Undy Athletic), Gareth Cleverly (Newport Civil Service), Marc Curtis (Llanwern), Jacob Cross (Aberbargoed Buds), Aysa El-Doory (Newport Civil Service), Alex Evans (Goytre), Jack Evans (Treowen Stars), Josh Evans (Treowen Stars), Jordan Harding (Goytre), Jack Harvey (Chepstow Town), Luke Harris (Treowen Stars), Mo Hassan (Newport YMCA), Tom Hooper (Undy Athletic), Matt James (Caldicot Town), Alex Jenkins (Newport YMCA), Ashley Johnson (Lliswerry), Grant Jones (Treowen Stars), Jason Lewis (Newport YMCA), Luke Lewis (Cwmbran Celtic), David Lloyd (Caldicot Town), Will McConnell (Caldicot Town), Craig McDonnell (Aberbargoed Buds), Steffan Marchant (Croesyceiliog), James Martin (Newport YMCA), Dave Mellon (Newport Civil Service), Adam Meredith (Tredegar Town), Gavin Millar (Panteg), Dale Morris (Llanwern), Mark Morris (Croesyceiliog), Lewys Nash (Aberbargoed Buds), Sam Oakley (Caerleon), Stephen Parfitt (Treowen Stars), Marcus Power (Undy Athletic), Simon Prangley (Chepstow Town),, Dean Randall (Treowen Stars), Anthony Richards (Croesyceiliog), Dan Saunders (Caldicot Town), Leigh Sharp (Risca United), Richie Shire (Lliswerry), Mitchell Slape (Caldicot Town), Alex Stewart (Newport YMCA), Lewis Sweetland (Newport Civil Service), Kieron Thomas (Aberbargoed Buds), Simon Truman (Goytre), Alex Waters (Caerleon), Jake Wainright (Goytre), Ben Watson (Caerleon), Jon Williams (Panteg), Ben Wotton (Caerleon), Joel Worgan (Tredegar Town). CLEAN-SHEETS: 4 - Monmouth Town; Tredegar Town. 3 - Aberbargoed Buds; Lliswerry; Tredegar Town 2 - Caerleon; Caldicot Town; Chepstow Town; Croesyceiliog; Goytre; Llanwern; Newport Civil Service; Newport YMCA. 1 - Panteg; Risca United; Undy Athletic.
GWENT WEEKEND PREVIEW 31 October 2014 from Terry Daley THERE are a couple of games on Friday tonight to open the weekend's Welsh League fixture programme, including a top-three Division Two derby between a couple of promotion hopefuls. Friday (7.30pm kick offs). Division Two (figures in brackets indicate table positions of 16). Jubilee Way: Caldicot Town (3) v Aberbargoed Buds (2). This is a promotion clash of which the outcome could go a long way in determining if one or both of these clubs can clinch a spot in the top flight for 2015-16. Caldicot earned a 1-1 draw at Cwmbran Celtic at the weekend and their only defeat in the last five league and cup matches was a 2-0 away loss at the hands of leaders Barry Town United. Aberbargoed have recently posted two wins on the trot to get back on track to regain the Division One place they lost at the end of last season. A draw would not be the end of the world for either club here although while Caldicot have earned parity three times, Aberbargoed have yet to end any match all square. Form guide: Caldicot Town: L W W W L D Aberbargoed Buds: W W L L W W Station Road, Wenvoe: Ely Rangers (8) v Croesyceiliog (7). Fair chance for Croesyceiliog to increase their winning run to a third game - after only previously gaining victory in one of their first nine matches. There seems to be no stopping striker Zac Osbourne, who has netted nine league goals so far and needs just another eight to equal his total for the entire last campaign. Those triumphs for Croesyceiliog have taken them to just six points off a promotion spot, although this is a task made more harder because of the result of Ely's last game. They ended an extremely poor run of eight successive league and cup defeats at the weekend by surprisingly beating hosts Chepstow Town 4-1. Form guide: Ely Rangers: L L L L L W Croesyceiliog: L D L L W W Saturday (all 2.00pm kick offs). Division One (figures in brackets indicate table positions of 16). Cyncoed Campus, Cyncoed Road: Cardiff Metropolitan University (5) v Goytre (8). Goytre recovered from a form dip to register successive divisional wins, although they haven't played a league game since September 27 because of a cup tie and a postponement. Nonetheless they were able to maintain eighth place and here will start 10 points off the top and with a match in hand over the leaders two over Caerau (Ely) and Monmouth Town - who they trail by eight and six points respectively. Player-boss Carl Evans' side has missed the scoring ability of former striker Luke Prosser, who is now with Welsh Premier League side Port Talbot Town, although six-goal Craig Moses is capable of ending on 20-plus. The students have made a favourable impression in their first season back in the top flight, but have won only two of their last seven league fixtures. Form guide: Goytre: L D L L W W Cardiff Metropolitan University: W D L D W L Glenhafod Park: Goytre United (4) v Monmouth Town (3). Promotion-seeking Monmouth fired a rare blank in slipping to a 3-0 defeat on Cambrian & Clydach's 3G pitch to drop down a place behind leaders Haverfordwest County and Caerau (Ely). The loss for the defending champions means they are only three points ahead of the visitors, who have a couple of matches in hand over player-manager Andrew Smith's side. It's crucial The Kingfishers get something out of this game and should they achieve that, then they can build on it with three of their next four matches being at home (Pen-Y-Pound Stadium, Abergavenny). United were league champions last in 2009-10, but now appear have re-grouped well following a four seasons of mid-table and below finishes. Form guide: Goytre United: L D W W L W Monmouth Town: W W W L W W Division Two (figures in brackets indicate table positions of 16). Jenner Park: Barry Town United (1) v Chepstow Town (6). Chepstow are hanging on the shirt-tails of the promotion pack, although this is an extremely tough task as the leaders are unbeaten in eight league outings. And certainly Chepstow will have to defend much better than they did during last Saturday's 4-1 home reverse at the hands of an Ely Rangers side which has lost it's six previous league fixtures. Nonetheless, boss Dave Livermore will doubtless have his troops up for battle and a positive result here could well prove to be the catalyst for much better things. Barry will start fresh because their away game at Caerleon was washed out and they were last in league action on October 11, when they won 4-3 at AFC Llwydcoed. Form guide: Barry: D W W W W W Chepstow Town: W W D W D L Cold Bath Road: Caerleon (12) v Llanwern (13). Inconsistency has meant both teams have struggled to get away from the wrong end of the table and this seems like a meeting destined to end all square. Previous to their home game with Barry being postponed, Caerleon lost 3-2 at Croesyceiliog but had defeated visiting Swansea-based West End 4-0. Llanwern finished 2-2 with hosts Risca United last time out, but that outcome ended a run of successive defeats against Undy Athletic (6-2) and Barry (5-1). Dan Hooper is Llanwern's leading scorer with four, but Caerleon's top marksman, three-goal Luke Cueto misses out because of the last of a three-game suspension. Form guide: Caerleon: L W W L W L Llanwern: L W W L L D The Murch, Sunnycroft Lane: Dinas Powys (14) v Cwmbran Celtic (16). Celtic's first away league game of the season follows on from a 1-1 home draw with county rivals Caldicot Town and they'll certainly feel all the better for finally getting 90 minutes of league action under their belts. Because the vast majority of their squad played regular Division One football over the past three or four seasons, Celtic will start as firm favourites for most games they will be involved in. The down side, though, is they will be seen as being a 'scalp' for every opponent they face and this clash will doubtless see the home side highly motivated. Having said that, it has to because it has gone four without a win and their only positive result in those fixture was a 1-1 draw at Caldicot. Form guide: Dinas Powys: L W L L D L Cwmbran Celtic: D The Causeway: Undy Athletic (5) v Risca United (4). Derby clash between in-form clubs seeking promotion to the top flight, although Undy do start on the back of a 2-0 away reverse at the hands of Llwydcoed. That outcome prevented them from posting a sixth consecutive win and it was the first time in 11 outings they failed to find the back of the net. On the same day Risca were held 2-2 at home by Llanwern, but they will have regular goalkeeper Tom Chorley available again after he sat it out through a one-match ban. Would parity make both camps happy? Possibly because not losing has long been a priority at any level of football, although Undy have yet to draw this campaign in nine starts. Form guide: Undy Athletic: W W W W W L Risca United: W L W W W D Division Three (figures in brackets indicate table positions of 19). North Site, Bettws Road: Bettws (Bridgend) (15) v Newport YMCA (7). In-form YMCA posted a fifth consecutive league and cup win on Wednesday night, when goals from Tre Marrett, Nathan Hardwick and Niall Simmons earned them a 3-2 success at Cardiff Grange Harlequins. It elevated them up four places and now they are now only six points off a promotion spot - a far cry from from a couple of months ago when they appeared to be odds-on to be involved in a season-long relegation battle. Rookie boss Steve Campbell has certainly made his mark with the Mendalgief Road club, which will be favourites to secure yet another victory here. A word of warning though, Bettws ended a seven-game run without a win since the season's start by emerging 5-2 victors at home against Treowen Stars last time out. Form guide: Bettws: L D L L L W Newport YMCA: L L W W W W Spytty Park: Lliswerry (3) v Cwm Welfare (13). Lliswerry are in the final promotion spot, but they do start on the back of a 4-3 away defeat at second-placed Cardiff Corinthians. That was their third reverse in their last six outings and if they are to remain in situ, then they must begin to be far more consistent. This, though, does represent a good opportunity to return to winning ways and pocket three points for the first time since beating visiting Cardiff Grange Harlequins 5-3. The visitors have struggled somewhat in their debut campaign, winning only twice in nine outings and here will bid to avoid a fourth loss on the trot. Form guide: Lliswerry: L W L W W L Cwm Welfare: D D W L L L Shannon Close, Bettws: Newport Civil Service (14) v Cwmamman United (6). NCS will want to redeem themselves for last Saturday's 11-0 thrashing at the hands of Ammanford and will certainly hope goalkeeper Chris Jones is fit again, after he went off injured when the score was just 2-0. They will definitely be minus suspended central defender Lewis Coldrick, who was sent off shortly after Jones' departure, as they attempt to end a depressing run of seven straight defeats. This clash will be a test of NCS' character, although they may well have chosen a team other than one of the division's most in-form to face. Cwmamman lost their first two fixtures of the season, but have now gone six unbeaten and last week edged out visiting Caerau in a nine-goal thriller. Form guide: Newport Civil Service: L L L L L L Cwmamman United: W W D W W W Panteg House: Panteg (9) v Treowen Stars (10). Second successive derby for Panteg, who lost 1-0 at Newport YMCA - an outcome which prevented them chalking up a fourth consecutive win. Have settled in reasonably well in their return under boss Mark Taylor following a lengthy spell in the Gwent County League, but need a win to stay on the edge of the promotion pack. Treowen crashed 5-2 at Bridgend-based Bettws and they, too, need a victory if they are not to drop any further down the division. It's worth noting both of these teams have scored 17 goals, although Panteg have played three games less, and that fact could well be pointing to parity being achieved here. Form guide: Panteg: D W L W W W L Treowen Stars: W L W L W L L
SRTRC FORTNIGHT OF ACTION AT GOYTRE UNITED 28 October 2014 Goytre United entertain Monmouth Town next Saturday November 1st at Glenhafod Stadium, Goytre, Port Talbot. Kick off 2.00pm. Goytre United welcome Champions Monmouth Town to Glenhafod Stadium next Saturday in a Nathaniel Cars Welsh League Division One Match.
GWENT SATURDAY ROUND-UP AND GWENT GOALSCORERS (LEAGUE ONLY) 27 October 2014 from Terry Daley CWMBRAN Celtic shrugged off five months of inactivity from Nathaniel Cars Welsh League action to gain a point from a 1-1 home Division Two draw against Caldicot Town. In the same section, Aberbargoed Buds won again to continue their bid for first time promotion back to the top flight - although champions Monmouth Town lost ground in their bid to land a second successive Division One title. Spare a thought, though, for Division Three side Newport Civil Service, who were thrashed 11-0 at home by visiting Ammanford, who like Celtic, lost a protracted row about Welsh League demotion. Celtic entertained Caldicot having played, and won, just four cup ties this season and with up to 10 games in hand over some of their second-tier rivals. There were times when you could see the lack of match fitness hampering what Celtic were trying to do and they were thankful Caldicot substitute Stephen Wilson fired a marvellous late chance wide. The visitors went closest to scoring more times than the hosts, but credit to Celtic for sticking to their task and there's little doubt they will soon start to climb the 16-strong table. They took a 33rd-minute lead when Dominic Connor kept his nerve to maintain control of the ball and fire past Caldicot goalkeeper Matthew Sandiford after Owen Cook had headed into his path. As Caldicot improved, they eventually levelled matters as central defender Matt James headed home at the far post after Celtic goalkeeper Lewis Watkins had misjudged a David Lloyd corner. Celtic obviously remain bottom while Caldicot, who were minus five regulars including strikers Jason Thorn and Mitchell Slape, remain third behind Aberbargoed and leaders Barry Town United - whose scheduled game at Caerleon was washed out. Second-placed Aberbargoed moved three points closer to Barry as goals from Tom McCarthy and Scott Armitage earned them a 2-1 home success over Margam-based Tata Steel while Risca stay fourth following an incident-packed 2-2 draw against visiting Llanwern. Risca, who gave a debut to 17-year-old youth-team goalkeeper Sam Hill, went 1-0 down to a Nic Hooper penalty before home player-boss Paul Michael equalised direct from a free kick. Michael was then innocently involved in a tackle with Llanwern's Liam Palmer, who was taken to hospital with a broken ankle - although the match was held up for 25 minutes because he couldn't be moved. The home side, minus suspended goalkeeper Tom Chorley and injured duo Tony Wallis and Dave Hurley, were reduced to 10 men when Josh Hales was sent off before team-mate Josh Collier struck the crossbar at a goal-mouth scramble. The numerical disadvantage failed to upset Risca, who took the lead at 2-1 through Aaron Colwill and that appeared to have settled the issue. However as the game went into stoppage time, Liam Whiskey's low cross from the right enabled Marc Curtis to score at the far post to give lowly Llanwern a dramatic late point which moves them up two places to 13th. There was no luck for Undy Athletic in losing 2-0 at AFC Llwydcoed, where they hit the woodwork three times - including a Gyles Thompson effort which appeared to cross the line as it dropped down from the crossbar. Chepstow's promotion plans were thrown out of gear as they had only a Nick Potts goal to show for in a surprise 4-1 home reverse at the hands of Ely Rangers, who had lost all six of their previous league fixtures. But there was another welcome triumph for Croesyceiliog, who elevated themselves up a couple of rungs to seventh as goals from Ryan Hayward and Zac Osbourne, his ninth of the campaign, saw off visiting Swansea-based West End 2-0. In Division Three, there were victories for Tredegar Town and fast-improving Newport YMCA, but defeats for high-flying Lliswerry, Treowen and NCS. Lliswerry dropped one spot to third as they lost out in seven-goal thriller against hosts Cardiff Corries, who are now second, with their goals coming from Max Fessey, Dan Edwards and Dan Stoneman. Tredegar are up to sixth position following a fine, 2-0 away success at Bridgend Street, where Ian Pettit and Tomas Lynch were both on the mark to take their respective goal tallies to five and four. YMCA continued their climb up the 19-strong section with a third consecutive league win, this time an only goal of their home clash with Panteg, who stay eighth, by Tre Marrett enough to clinch the three points. Panteg, though, will count themselves a tad unlucky when hitting the frame of the goal twice while Jon Butcher was guilty of missing a penalty. Chris Jones and Josh Evans each netted in ninth-placed Treowen's 5-2 loss at Bridgend-based Bettws, but NCS has an afternoon to forget against Ammanford. It was already 2-0 when they lost goalkeeper Chris Jones (hamstring strain) and then central defender Lewis Coldrick (sent off) before the west Wales visitors went on to take full advantage. Jordan Cullen, who has goalkeeping experience, took over between the sticks, but could do little to prevent Ammanford reach double figures - with six of their 11 goals coming in the game's final 15 minutes. In the top division, Monmouth are down one to third because of a 3-0 at Cambrian & Clydach while Goytre's home game against table-toppers Haverfordwest County was postponed. Wednesday fixture (7.45pm). Division Three: Cardiff Grange Harlequins v Newport YMCA.
Gwent goalscorers (League only). CROESYCEILIOG'S Zac Osbourne scored once in a 2-0 home Division Two win over West End at Woodland Road to take his campaign tally to nine, just one behind Monmouth Town's Dan MacDonald. 10 - Dan MacDonald (Monmouth Town). 9 - Josh Brown (Lliswerry), Zac Osbourne (Croesyceiliog). 8 - Jason Thorn (Caldicot Town). 7 - Dale Cook (Lliswerry), Tom McCarthy (Aberbargoed Buds). 6 - Scott Armitage (Aberbargoed Buds), Olly Beckett (Undy Athletic), Gareth Cullimore (Undy Athletic), Nick Harrhy (Monmouth Town), Derice McLean (Newport Civil Service), Craig Moses (Goytre), Leo Ross (Chepstow Town), Richard Sharratt (Caldicot Town). 5 - Dave Hurley (Risca United), Ian Pettit (Tredegar Town), Dan Stoneman (Lliswerry), James Young (Goytre). 4 - Daniel Battle (Tredegar Town), Jon Butcher (Panteg), Josh Collier (Risca United), Dan Hooper (Llanwern), Joe Howells (Lliswerry), Hishi Lama (Chepstow Town, including three for Croesyceiliog), Tomas Lynch (Tredegar Town), Tony Willis (Risca United). 3 - Ricky Amos (Treowen Stars), Luke Cueto (Caerleon), Eliot Evans (Monmouth Town), Max Fessey (Lliswerry), Elliott Ford (Monmouth Town), Chris Ham (Monmouth Town), Liam Head (Caerleon), Kirk Hick (Panteg), Steven Hughes (Tredegar Town), Craig Price (Treowen Stars), Matt Prosser (Goytre), Sam Rushworth (Chepstow Town), Jordan Ryan (Panteg). 2 - Josh Bull (Monmouth Town), Lewis Coote (Treowen Stars), Aaron Colwill (Risca United), Luke Dyke (Panteg, including one for Croesyceiliog), James Francis (Caerleon), Nathan Hardwick (Newport YMCA), Ryan Hayward (Croesyceiliog), Matthew Hibbs (Llanwern), Nic Hooper (Llanwern), Chris Jones (Treowen Stars), Jordan Jones (Llanwern), Rhys Jones (Aberbargoed Buds), Rhys Luffman (Lliswerry), Lee Mason (Panteg), Gavin Meacham (Aberbargoed Buds), Paul Michael (Risca United), Joe O'Brien (Newport YMCA), Craig Price (Treowen Stars), Nick Potts (Chepstow Town), Liam Shaw (Aberbargoed Buds), Nial Simmons (Newport YMCA), Ben Taylor (Panteg), Gyles Thompson (Undy Athletic), Kyle Williams (Risca United), Ben Wotton (Caerleon). 1 - Jack Alderdice (Monmouth Town), Adam Alkysi (Tredegar Town), Wayne Antoniazzi (Aberbargoed Buds), Gareth Appleby (Panteg), James Barnes (Undy Athletic), Joe Bidgood (Newport YMCA), Michael Bishop (Llanwern), Steven Boucher (Lliswerry), Paul Clayton (Undy Athletic), Gareth Cleverly (Newport Civil Service), Marc Curtis (Llanwern), Jacob Cross (Aberbargoed Buds), Ben Davies (Undy Athletic), Mark Dunn (Chepstow Town), Dan Edwards (Lliswerry), Aysa El-Doory (Newport Civil Service), Alex Evans (Goytre), Jack Evans (Treowen Stars), Josh Evans (Treowen Stars), Jordan Harding (Goytre), Jack Harvey (Chepstow Town), Luke Harris (Treowen Stars), Mo Hassan (Newport YMCA), Tom Hooper (Undy Athletic), Matt James (Caldicot Town), Alex Jenkins (Newport YMCA), Ashley Johnson (Lliswerry), Grant Jones (Treowen Stars), Jason Lewis (Newport YMCA), David Lloyd (Caldicot Town), Will McConnell (Caldicot Town), Craig McDonnell (Aberbargoed Buds), Steffan Marchant (Croesyceiliog), Tre Marrett (Newport YMCA), James Martin (Newport YMCA), Dave Mellon (Newport Civil Service), Adam Meredith (Tredegar Town), Gavin Millar (Panteg), Dale Morris (Llanwern), Mark Morris (Croesyceiliog), Lewys Nash (Aberbargoed Buds), Sam Oakley (Caerleon), Stephen Parfitt (Treowen Stars), Marcus Power (Undy Athletic), Simon Prangley (Chepstow Town), Chris Quinlan (Tredegar Town), Dean Randall (Treowen Stars), Anthony Richards (Croesyceiliog), Dan Saunders (Caldicot Town), Leigh Sharp (Risca United), Richie Shire (Lliswerry), Mitchell Slape (Caldicot Town), Alex Stewart (Newport YMCA), Lewis Sweetland (Newport Civil Service), Kieron Thomas (Aberbargoed Buds), Simon Truman (Goytre), Alex Waters (Caerleon), Jake Wainright (Goytre), Ben Watson (Caerleon), Jon Williams (Panteg), Ben Wotton (Caerleon), Joel Worgan (Tredegar Town). CLEAN-SHEETS: 3 - Aberbargoed Buds; Lliswerry; Monmouth Town; Tredegar Town 2 - Caerleon; Caldicot Town; Chepstow Town; Newport Civil Service. 1 – Croesyceiliog; Goytre; Llanwern; Newport YMCA; Panteg; Risca United; Undy Athletic.
GARDEN VILLAGE PAST AND PRESENT EVENING 24 October 2014 Garden Village AFC are holding a past and present players evening on Saturday December 6th 2014. The event is aimed at bringing together past and present players who have represented Garden Village AFC over the years to commemorate past successes and also will be an opportunity to see some old faces at the club. Starting time will be 4.00pm. For more information, please contact David Rimmer 07896 297258 or Nick Elias 07930 825123.
GINA HERMAN MEMORIAL NIGHT 24 October 2014 Tata Steel proudly present Gina Herman memorial night featuring brilliant male vocalist Martin Broad. at Tata Steel Social Club on Saturday 1st November, 7.30pm till Late. Admission £3 Please contact: Steve Lewis 07766 716741 or Les Redwood 07846 475940.
GWENT SATURDAY PREVIEW 24 October 2014 from Terry Daley IT'S arguably the longest pre-season in football history, 23 weeks, and now there are only 25 remaining of the 2014-15 campaign for Cwmbran Celtic to cram in 30 Nathaniel Cars Welsh League Division Two games - plus at least two cup fixtures. Their unsuccessful appeals against demotion from the top flight means tomorrow's home game against Caldicot Town is their first league match since the visit of Monmouth Town on May 17. Division One (16 teams). King George V New Field: Cambrian & Clydach (11) v Monmouth Town (2). Champions Monmouth will hope to wear the same shooting boots which fired 10 past Undy Athletic without reply in a Gwent FA Senior Cup quarter-final tie on Tuesday. Leading marksman Dan MacDonald (3), Eliot Evans (2), Elliott Ford (2), Josh Bull, Jacob Guy and Joe Loftus were their scorers in the tie played at Llanwern High School. Have lost only one of their last nine league fixtures and here will begin four points adrift of leaders Haverfordwest County with each club having 20 games remaining. Inconsistent C&C went three without a win before a 5-1 home victory over Aberdare Town was followed up by last Saturday's 4-0 League Cup success against visiting lower-tier side Pontypridd Town. Form guide: Cambrian& Clydach: D W D L L W Monmouth Town: D W W W L W Plough Road: Goytre (8) v Haverfordwest County (1). Any game against league leaders is always going to be difficult, although Goytre have won back-to-back fixtures since a run of five-without-a-win. However because of a postponement and cup weekends, player-boss Carl Evans' side not played a league game since September 27. Then, they saw off the challenge of visiting Caerau (Ely) 4-1 and their leading goalscorers are Craig Moses with six and James Young, who has five. This is the second successive Saturday the visitors have played in the county and doubtless they will want to redeem themselves for the 2-1 League Cup defeat at Division Two Caldicot Town. Form guide: Goytre: L D L L W W Haverfordwest County: W L W W W W Division Two (16 teams). Merthyr Road: AFC Llwydcoed (12) v Undy Athletic (5). Manager Mark Crook and coach Lawrence Owen will have their work cut out to rebuild moral after Tuesday's 10-0 Gwent FA Senior Cup, quarter-final defeat by Monmouth. They were minus 10 members of their squad, but most certainly nobody saw that result coming and only victory here will be enough to maintain their promotion push. The outcome was in sharp contrast to a full-strength side's 1-0 League Cup win at Division One Penybont last Saturday and here they seek a sixth league win on the trot. Llwydcoed are just a point off the drop zone having won only two of eight and were dumped out of the League Cup by Division Three hosts Cwmamman United last weekend. Form guide: AFC Llwydcoed: W D L W L L Undy Athletic: L W W W W W Recreation Ground: Aberbargoed Buds (2) v Tata Steel (Margam) (14). The mini collapse of two consecutive league defeats seems now seems to be behind Aberbargoed, who are seeking first-time promotion back to Division One. They maintained their table position place with a thumping 6-0 away victory at Penrhiwceiber Rangers before securing a second clean-sheet in a row thanks to a 1-0 away League Cup win at Llantwit Major. That win at Penrhiwceiber took their league goal tally to 23, the highest in the division while the seven conceded is the joint lowest alongside leaders Barry Town United. Tata were also relegated from the top section at the end of 2013-14 and have not made the best of starts in accumulating only eight points from 24 on offer. Form guide: Aberbargoed Buds: W W W L L W Tata Steel: W L L L L L Cold Bath Road: Caerleon (8) v Barry Town United (1). Caerleon will relish a crack at the unbeaten table-toppers, although they will certainly be hugely disappointed to gave lost 3-2 at Croesyceiliog last Saturday. Not least because Liam Head missed a penalty and Luke Cueto was sent off and the pacy forward must now sit this game out through suspension. They'll doubtless miss Cueto, who is the club's joint top scorer alongside Head with three goals while James Francis has two. Even though they've played just eight games, Barry already look to be hot favourites to return to the top flight and start here following Tuesday's 2-0 home success over Caldicot Town. Form guide: Caerleon: L W W L W L Barry: W D W W W W W Larkfield Ground: Chepstow Town (6) v Ely Rangers (10). Chepstow are in the back of a 3-2 League Cup defeat at Caerau (Ely), although manager Dave Livermore's men are unbeaten in their last seven divisional matches. The fine form means they are only four points off the top of the table, but their 15-goal total is, surprisingly given the amount forwards they have, the lowest in the top half dozen. Nonetheless, pre-season signing Leo Ross has managed to score six times and it's also worth noting only the top two, Barry and Aberbargoed (both 7), have let in less goals than Caldicot (8). Ely need to start putting some decent results together if they are to avoid becoming involved in a relegation battle following three wins from their first four league games. Form guide: Chepstow Town: L W D W W D W D Ely Rangers: W W L W L L L L L L Woodland Road: Croesyceiliog (9) v West End (7). Croesyceiliog halted a four-game run without success with a hard-earned 3-2 home victory over Caerleon with leading scorer Zac Osbourne scoring once to take his campaign total to eight. Including this clash, three of Croesyceiliog's next four league fixtures are at home, with Barry and local rivals Undy still to visit, and maximum points would go a long way to ensuring divisional survival. Indeed if they managed that, then it would mean they will actually be in contention to return to the top flight they left seven seasons ago. The west Wales visitors are in their first campaign out of relegation and they lost both their two previous visits to the county, 4-3 at Undy last month and 4-0 at Caerleon a couple of weeks ago. Form guide: Croesyceiliog: D L D L W L D L L W West End: L D D W L D L W L L Celtic Park: Cwmbran Celtic (16) v Caldicot Town (3). Finally! Celtic's extremely protracted appeals against Welsh League relegation means they are up to 10 fixtures behind some rivals and trail the final promotion spot currently held by Caldicot by 17 points. That's some challenge to regain their top-level status, although not impossible and doubtless Celtic will want to re-produce their 100 per cent four-game cup form (Welsh (2), League and Gwent FA Senior) into their league programme. Caldicot were beaten 2-0 at Barry on Tuesday, an outcome which prevented them going top and from securing a fourth consecutive second-tier triumph. Striker Jason Thorn is their leading league goal-getter with eight while skipper Richard Sharratt has six and their team total of 21 is bettered only by leaders Barry and second-placed Aberbargoed (both 23). Form guide: Celtic: Caldicot Town: W L W W W L Ty-Isaf Park: Risca United (4) v Llanwern (15). This is an important clash as the outcome could well shape the rest of the season for both clubs, even though we are not yet in November. Risca have settled in the better of the two following promotion from Division Three with Llanwern having only games-less Cwmbran Celtic below them. The home club has lost only once in seven league outings while the visitors find themselves at the opposite end of the scales with just two wins in eight starts. Those kind of form stats, however, rarely mean much to anyone before or during a local derby and don't be too surprised if party ensues here. Form guide: Risca United: W W L W W W Llanwern: L L W W L L Division Three (19 teams). North Site, Bettws Road: Bettws (18) v Treowen Stars (9). Treowen's league form is a classic example of inconsistency, although they will be firm favourites to continue the sequence and put a W in their positive-result column. Produced the best win of any county side last Saturday, when defeating high-flying Division One hosts Cardiff Metropolitan University 2-1 in an away League Cup tie. The only downside of their play is the lack of goals scored with their total of 15 being the lowest in the division's entire top 10. The visitors are struggling at the wrong end of the table having gained only two draws from seven league matches and are just two points ahead of bottom-placed Ammanford, who have 10 matches in hand. Form guide: Bettws: D L D L L L Treowen Stars: W L W L W L Willows High School, Tremorfa: Bridgend Street (11) v Tredegar Town (6) With three-goal Tomas Lynch now fully reintegrated into the Tredegar set-up following his recent return, this is a match the visitors will have targetted to continue their fine run. With four wins and two draws in eight, player-manager Gareth Harbord and assistant Cohen Griffith have assembled a squad which is close to being considered genuine promotion contenders. However the top-three promotion spots are currently occupied by three in-form teams, Llanelli Town, Lliswerry and Cardiff Corinthians, and it's crucial Tredegar hang onto their shirt-tails. The capital-based hosts improved enough recently to climb the table thanks to successive away victories Treharris Athletic Western (3-0) and Cwm Welfare (3-2). Form guide: Bridgend Street: L D W L W W Tredegar: W D L W W W Riverside Ground, Radyr: Cardiff Corinthians (3) v Lliswerry (2). This is a vital top-three encounter for Lliswerry, who are only a point off table-topping Llanelli Town - although they have played a game more than the west Walians. Manager Adam Corfield's team finds no problem in scoring goals and their tally of 31 is the joint best along with Llanelli in the entire 51-strong league. Josh Brown (9) and Dale Cook (7) lead the way and they are followed by Joe Howells and Dan Stoneman, who both have four. The home side won it's first eight outings before losing successive league and Welsh Cup games 3-1 against Gwent County League side Albion Rovers and Llanelli Town respectively, although they thumped visiting Cwm Welfare 4-1 last time out. Form guide: Cardiff Corinthians: W W W W L W Lliswerry: W L W L W W Shannon Close, Bettws: Newport Civil Service (14) v Ammanford (19). These are tough days for NCS, who last picked up three points from a league win on August 20, when they won their second consecutive from the season's start - 2-1 at home against Treowen. Nothing has gone right since, including back-to-back Welsh and League Cup exits by non-leaguers Dynamo Aber and Newport YMCA (3-0 last Saturday). Were without leading scorer Derice McLean against YMCA through injury and it's clear the absence of the six-goal striker contributed to the below-par display. Like Cwmbran Celtic, Ammanford are here starting their league fixtures after losing out on a demotion appeal and this is certainly a genuine opportunity for Civil to return to winning ways. Form guide: Newport Civil Service: L L L L L L Ammanford: Mendalgief Road: Newport YMCA (13) v Panteg (8). Not so very long ago anyone predicting YMCA would be in the position of playing for a fourth successive league and cup win would have been ridiculed. But that's exactly what they will attempt here following league victories over Bettws and Pontypridd plus a 3-0 away League Cup triumph against city rivals Newport Civil Service. This won't be easy though as Panteg have had their colours downed only once in half a dozen fixtures and their last league outing saw them win 3-1 at NCS. Under the management of Mark Taylor, they have enough matches in hand to break into the top five in their first season back in the league. Form guide: Newport YMCA: L L W L L L W W Panteg: D W L W W W
Gwent FA Senior Cup Undy Athletic 0 Monmouth Town 10 (at Llanwern High School). WELSH League champions Monmouth Town joined Panteg and Tredegar Town into the Gwent Senior Cup semi finals with a thumping 10-0 win over under strength Undy Athletic. The Kingfishers scored five before and after the interval via Dan MacDonald (3), Elliott Evans (2), Elliott Ford (2), Josh Bull, Jacob Guy, Joe Loftus as Undy failed to cope without 10 unavailable players. Gwent FA Senior Cup, first-round full results. Chepstow Town 1 Cwmbran Celtic 2. Risca United 2 Monmouth Town 2 (after extra time - Monmouth won 6-5 on penalties). Goytre 1 Aberbargoed Buds 0. Croesyceiliog 4 Newport Civil Service 1. Newport YMCA 0 Caerleon 4. Panteg 3 Treowen Stars 0. Tredegar Town 1 Caldicot Town 0. Lliswerry 1 Undy Athletic 2. Quarter-final draw/results. Tredegar Town 1 Caerleon 0. Undy Athletic 0 Monmouth Town 10. Croesyceiliog 0 Panteg 1. Cwmbran Celtic v Goytre (holders). * Quarter-final ties to be played to a conclusion on or before December 31.
GWENT WEEKEND ROUND-UP AND GWENT GOALSCORERS (LEAGUE ONLY) 20 October 2014 from Terry Daley TREOWEN Stars produced the best Welsh League Cup win among local clubs by plugging a two-divisional gap in beating top-tier hosts Cardiff Metropolitan University 2-1. There were also victories over higher-placed opposition for Division Two trio Caldicot Town, Cwmbran Celtic and Undy Athletic while Aberbargoed Buds, Monmouth Town, Newport YMCA and Risca United also progressed. In league matches, Croesyceiliog moved up six places in the Division Two table by posting a much-needed home success over rivals Caerleon while Tredegar Town secured third-successive lower-level triumph. Division Three Treowen travelled to the capital to take on the students, who are placed fourth in the Division One table and have applied for domestic licence a pre-requisite for promotion to the Corbett Sports Welsh Premier League. However those two facts plus falling 1-0 behind against a home team which had lost only two of its 10 league outings, failed to daunt manager Simon Evans' side. In a disciplined display, first Chris Jones levelled matters after being set up by Ricky Amos - who clinched an unlikely win by scoring in the very last minute. Caldicot also started as underdogs when entertaining Division One table-toppers Haverfordwest County, but the second-tier hosts went one ahead via skipper Richard Sharratt and although the west Walians equalised, Dan Saunders grabbed the winner with some 15 minutes remaining. Cwmbran Celtic, who last week lost their appeal against demoted to Division Two, won 4-1 at AFC Porth - although it was only a last-gasp penalty from Rakesh Patel which took the game into extra time. Celtic, though, were simply too good for their hosts in those final 30 minutes with with Dominic Connor netting a fine hat-trick to put them in round two. Undy Athletic, also of Division Two, visited Penybont and won their third consecutive cup tie in different competitions on a 3G surface - Gareth Cullimore netting the tie's only goal. Division One champions Monmouth made no mistake when hosting Swansea-based West End as goals from Dan MacDonald (2), Jacob Guy, Elliott Evans and Josh Bull earned them a 5-0 success with Aberbargoed scoring through Tom McCarthy in a 1-0 win at Llantwit Major. It was Division Three v Two as Cardiff-based Bridgend Street received Risca, who booked their passage with a 4-2 - although they certainly didn't have things all their own way. Playing with six regulars missing and with four youth-team players on duty, Risca fell 2-0 behind before from player-boss Paul Michael (penalty) and Josh McLaughlin made it all square. But eight minutes from time Risca lost goalkeeper Tom Chorley to a red card for handling outside the box, although Michael slotted home his second spot kick in extra time to put finally his team in the lead. The outcome of the bruising battle outcome was still in the balance until McLaughlin scored his second after good work by Kyle Williams. In the capital, Caerau (Ely) saw off visiting Chepstow Town 3-2 while there was a cross-city Division Three derby at Shannon Close, Bettws, where visiting Newport YMCA proved to powerful in front of goals against divisional hosts Newport Civil Service. The home side didn't really create a lot and after Tom Lawrence had fired in a brilliant, left-footed 20-yarder, the game was effectively over when Nial Simmons headed in from close range shortly before the interval. NCS huffed and puffed during the period, but failed to reduce the arrears before substitute Joe O'Brien wrapped up a 3-0 win for YMCA with a late effort. Lower-tier outfit Panteg got the cup fixtures underway on Friday night when they travelled to Stebonheath Park to take on Division Three leaders Llanelli Town. However after drawing level through Luke Dyke, Panteg went onto lose 4-2 after central defender David Gabbidon was sent off just 30 seconds into the second period following a second yellow card. It was the turning point of the game and although Dyke grabbed a second, it was Llanelli Town who gained a place in the next round which is scheduled to be played on November 15. There was, however, a 5-1 away defeat for Lliswerry at Afan Lido, where Josh Brown out them ahead before team-mate Ricky Morgan was sent off. Croesyceiliog began against visiting Caerleon one from the bottom of the 16-strong Division Two table with just one win from 10 starts, but a 3-2 win elevated them up to ninth position. Ryan Hayward scored first for the home club at Woodland Road, Liam Head equalised but he then fired a penalty wide before team-mate Luke Cueto was sent off. Croesyceiliog regained the lead through Zac Osbourne's eighth league goal of the campaign and even though Dan Stoneman made it 2-2, manager Mark Waddon's side gained a precious three points when Steffan Marchant grabbed the clinching goal. In-form Tredegar are now sixth of 19 thanks to seeing off visiting Caerau 2-0 with goals being scored by substitute Tomas Lynch and Ian Pettit – but they had Thomas Jones red-carded with seven minutes left. Change of date. Newport YMCA's away Division Three clash with Cardiff Grange Harlequins has been brought forward from Saturday, November 1 to Wednesday, October 28 - kick off 7.45pm. Tuesday fixtures. Division Two: Barry Town United v Caldicot Town (7.45pm). Gwent FA Senior Cup, quarter final: Undy Athletic v Monmouth Town (at Llanwern High School) (7.30pm). Gwent goalscorers (League only). CROESYCEILIOG'S Zac Osbourne scored once in a 3-2 home Division Two win over county rivals Caerleon at Woodland Road to take his campaign tally to eight, just two behind Monmouth Town's Dan MacDonald. 10 - Dan MacDonald (Monmouth Town). 9 - Josh Brown (Lliswerry). 8 - Zac Osbourne (Croesyceiliog), Jason Thorn (Caldicot Town). 7 - Dale Cook (Lliswerry). 6 - Olly Beckett (Undy Athletic), Gareth Cullimore (Undy Athletic), Nick Harrhy (Monmouth Town), Tom McCarthy (Aberbargoed Buds), Derice McLean (Newport Civil Service), Craig Moses (Goytre), Leo Ross (Chepstow Town), Richard Sharratt (Caldicot Town). 5 - Scott Armitage (Aberbargoed Buds), Dave Hurley (Risca United), James Young (Goytre). 4 - Daniel Battle (Tredegar Town), Jon Butcher (Panteg), Josh Collier (Risca United), Dan Hooper (Llanwern), Joe Howells (Lliswerry), Hishi Lama (Chepstow Town, including three for Croesyceiliog), Ian Pettit (Tredegar Town), Dan Stoneman (Lliswerry), Tony Willis (Risca United). 3 - Ricky Amos (Treowen Stars), Luke Cueto (Caerleon), Elliott Evans (Monmouth Town), Elliott Ford (Monmouth Town), Chris Ham (Monmouth Town), Liam Head (Caerleon), Kirk Hick (Panteg), Steven Hughes (Tredegar Town), Tomas Lynch (Tredegar Town), Craig Price (Treowen Stars), Matt Prosser (Goytre), Sam Rushworth (Chepstow Town), Jordan Ryan (Panteg). 2 - Josh Bull (Monmouth Town), Lewis Coote (Treowen Stars), Luke Dyke (Panteg, including one for Croesyceiliog), Max Fessey (Lliswerry), James Francis (Caerleon), Nathan Hardwick (Newport YMCA), Matthew Hibbs (Llanwern), Jordan Jones (Llanwern), Rhys Jones (Aberbargoed Buds), Rhys Luffman (Lliswerry), Lee Mason (Panteg), Gavin Meacham (Aberbargoed Buds), Joe O'Brien (Newport YMCA), Craig Price (Treowen Stars), Liam Shaw (Aberbargoed Buds), Nial Simmons (Newport YMCA), Ben Taylor (Panteg), Gyles Thompson (Undy Athletic), , Kyle Williams (Risca United). 1 - Jack Alderdice (Monmouth Town), Adam Alkysi (Tredegar Town), Wayne Antoniazzi (Aberbargoed Buds), Gareth Appleby (Panteg), James Barnes (Undy Athletic), Joe Bidgood (Newport YMCA), Michael Bishop (Llanwern), Steven Boucher (Lliswerry), Paul Clayton (Undy Athletic), Gareth Cleverly (Newport Civil Service), Aaron Colwill (Risca United); Jacob Cross (Aberbargoed Buds), Ben Davies (Undy Athletic), Mark Dunn (Chepstow Town), Aysa El-Doory (Newport Civil Service), Alex Evans (Goytre), Jack Evans (Treowen Stars), Jordan Harding (Goytre), Jack Harvey (Chepstow Town), Luke Harris (Treowen Stars), Mo Hassan (Newport YMCA), Ryan Hayward (Croesyceiliog), Nic Hooper (Llanwern), Tom Hooper (Undy Athletic), Matt James (Caldicot Town), Alex Jenkins (Newport YMCA), Ashley Johnson (Lliswerry), Chris Jones (Treowen Stars), Grant Jones (Treowen Stars), Jason Lewis (Newport YMCA), David Lloyd (Caldicot Town)Will McConnell (Caldicot Town), Craig McDonnell (Aberbargoed Buds), Steffan Marchant (Croesyceiliog), James Martin (Newport YMCA), Dave Mellon (Newport Civil Service), Adam Meredith (Tredegar Town), Paul Michael (Risca United), Gavin Millar (Panteg), Dale Morris (Llanwern), Mark Morris (Croesyceiliog), Lewys Nash (Aberbargoed Buds), Sam Oakley (Caerleon), Stephen Parfitt (Treowen Stars), Nick Potts (Chepstow Town), Marcus Power (Undy Athletic), Simon Prangley (Chepstow Town), Chris Quinlan (Tredegar Town), Dean Randall (Treowen Stars), Anthony Richards (Croesyceiliog), Dan Saunders (Caldicot Town), Leigh Sharp (Risca United), Richie Shire (Lliswerry), Mitchell Slape (Caldicot Town), Alex Stewart (Newport YMCA), Lewis Sweetland (Newport Civil Service), Kieron Thomas (Aberbargoed Buds), Simon Truman (Goytre), Alex Waters (Caerleon), Jake Wainright (Goytre), Ben Watson (Caerleon), Jon Williams (Panteg), Ben Wotton (Caerleon), Joel Worgan (Tredegar Town). CLEAN-SHEETS: 3 - Aberbargoed Buds; Lliswerry; Monmouth Town. 2 - Caerleon; Caldicot Town; Chepstow Town; Newport Civil Service; Tredegar Town. 1 - Goytre; Llanwern; Panteg; Risca United; Undy Athletic.
KINGFISHERS LAND ENGLISH “SPY” TO HEAD ACADEMY 17 October 2014 from Monmouth Town FC David Gough, who leads the English FAs ‘International Opposition Analysis’ for its Women’s World Cup qualifiers is the new Director of Football at Monmouth Town. Gough, 33, was one of the youngest ever coaches awarded his UEFA A license and also takes on the job leading the Club’s FAW academy and is insisting that the club can continue to build the reputation of the Academy to be force in the region. “I’m impressed by what I’ve seen so far, the coaches are first class, the players have bags of potential and the parents here seem incredibly interested and supportive. Anyone who knows anything about Welsh Football can’t have failed to have been impressed by what the club has achieved over the past six or seven years and five minutes with the Chairman (Lee Robson) convinced me that the ambition, passion and desire to succeed are real and I wanted to play a part in the success story. We have to be realistic as we are not a professional club so our Academy aims to recruit ‘the best of the rest’ so to speak but we’ll get players playing so that can have a chance to play at Welsh Premier level and above. There is no reason why we can’t get some players in Wales’s age group squads in time and we’ve nominated one or two to go for trials at the end of the month. Below pro clubs’ real academies we want this to be club of choice for parents and players who want to succeed. Watch us fly.” “Goughy”, who has previously managed Welsh League Division One club Aberdare and was Cardiff City’s youth team coach for three years wasted no time in building the strength of the Academy as University of South Wales team coach Tim Jones becomes under-16s coach, joining goalkeeping coach James Long, Cardiff City ADC and under-14s coach Lewis Thomas and Newport County coach Albert Chidembo who coaches the under-12s team. Academy Training is at HMSG Monmouth, Hereford Rd, Monmouth NP25 5XT on Thursdays at 6.00pm for unattached players (boys) who want to try out.
GWENT WEEKEND PREVIEW 17 October 2014 from Terry Daley WELSH League Cup round-one ties over the weekend includes a city derby between Newport Civil Service and Newport YMCA, although Panteg are first in action on Friday night tonight against hosts Llanelli Town. All Saturday cup games kick off at 2.00pm, unless stated, and be played to a conclusion while league matches will begin at 2.30pm. Welsh League Cup, round one. (Caerleon, Croesyceiliog, Goytre, Llanwern and Tredegar Town all received byes to round two). Friday - kick off 8.00pm. Stebonheath Park: Llanelli Town v Panteg. Panteg have been playing well of late to fancy their chances here against their divisional rivals and are expected to hand a club debut full back Rhys Williams, who this week signed from top-level outfit Goytre. However manager Mark Taylor has revealed he will be giving many first-team regulars a rest and will instead be fielding around half a dozen youngsters. The west Wales hosts top the Division Three table because of an unbeaten eight-match run, but were recent 2-1 Welsh Cup losers at Cwmbran Celtic. Saturday. Marston's Stadium, Port Talbot: Afan Lido v Lliswerry. While there's little doubt Lliswerry go into this clash as the underdogs, their current form does offer them a reasonable hope of springing a surprise. They are second in Division Three with seven wins from nine games and while marksman Josh Brown needs one more league goal to take his campaign total to 10, team-mate Dale Cook is on seven. Lido have dropped down from the Welsh Premier League and have taken time to settle back into life in the lower level and have won only once in the last six fixtures. Dinas Park: AFC Porth v Cwmbran Celtic. Because of well-documented reasons, this is only Celtic's fourth competitive game of the season. The good news, though, is they won their three previous outings - all cup ties - and here they will begin as red-hot favourites to go make progress to round two. Porth have lost all 10 of their league and cup fixtures, conceding 42 goals in the process, and currently sit rock bottom of the Division One table. Willows High School, Tremorfa: Bridgend Street (Cardiff) v Risca United. Five wins in six will ensure Risca begin here in good spirits and they'll hope leading scorer Tony Wallis has recovered from a niggling injury. He scored a goal in each of his first four league outings, but has since been overtaken by Dave Hurley, who has five, with Josh Collier also on four. The capital hosts are 11th of 19 in the bottom section with three wins and a couple of draws from seven and they have successive victories under their belts over Caerau and Cwm Welfare. Cwrt yr Ala: Caerau (Ely) v Chepstow Town. This is a Division One v Two match-up and the challenge of gaining a top-flight scalp will be one which Chepstow will meet head on and indeed relish. However this is the only knock-out competition left for them to make a mark in following Gwent Senior Cup and Welsh Cup exits at the hands of Cwmbran Celtic and Afan Lido respectively. The hosts have accumulated 16 points from the last 21 on offer and their only defeat in seven games was a 4-1 away loss to Goytre on September 27. Jubilee Way: Caldicot Town v Haverfordwest County - kick off 2.30pm. If promotion contenders Caldicot maintain their decent start to their season and the visitors fail to go up to the Welsh Premier League, then this could well be a Division One clash in 2015-16. Only Aberbargoed, with 23 as opposed to 21, have scored more Division Two goals to date with striker Jason Thorn proving the club correct to re-sign him by netting eight of them. Haverfordwest head the Division One table thanks to eight wins from 10 outings, are joint top scorers (28) with Monmouth and have conceded less goals (9) in the entire division. Cyncoed Campus: Cardiff Metropolitan University v Treowen Stars. This tie is arguably the hardest task for any of our local clubs and Division Three side Treowen go into it on the back of highly inconsistent league form. Their last six fixtures have been W-L-W-L-W-L and if the sequence is to contain another W, then the Bush Park outfit will have to bring their A-game to the capital. The students are fifth in the Division One table under the management of former Wales, Swansea City and Nottingham Forest defender Christian Edwards. Windmill Ground: Llantwit Major v Aberbargoed Buds. Division Two promotion seekers Aberbargoed returned to winning ways last weekend following a trio of defeats when they thrashed hosts Penrhiwceiber Rangers 6-0. Pre-season signing from AFC Porth, Tom McCarthy, took his campaign league tally to six with a brace while recent recruit from Llanwern, Jonny Dunn, was on target to open his club account. The hosts sit in a mid-table spot in the Division Three table and their only defeat in their last seven league games was 4-3 at home against Tredegar Town two weeks ago. Pen-Y-Pound Stadium, Abergavenny: Monmouth Town v West End Difficult to make a case against a home success because champions Monmouth are second in Division One while the west Wales visitors are in a mid-table spot in the second-tier table. However The Kingfishers, who've won four of their last five league fixtures, will be very much aware stranger things have happened in cup ties. Monmouth have scored in 10 of their 12 league and cup games this season and certainly it would appear they may have far too much fire-power to end up as victims of giant-killing. Shannon Close, Bettws: Newport Civil Service v Newport YMCA. These cross-city rivals met in a Division Three encounter on August 23, when YMCA won 3-2 at their Mendalgief Road home ground. Not much has gone right since for NCS as the result marked was the first of six successive league defeats and here they start following a recent 3-1 home reverse at the hands of county rivals Panteg. Back-to-back victories have helped YMCA climb away from the relegation zone and that will probably mean they are slight favourites to progress - although this tie could quite easily go all the way to a penalty shoot-out. Bryntirion Park: Penybont v Undy Athletic. This is Undy's third successive away cup tie on a 3G surface in as many different competitions - and so far it's good news with two wins. A 2-1 Gwent Senior Cup success over lower-level side Lliswerry at Spytty Park was followed by a fine, 2-0 Welsh Cup victory against top-tier Cambrian & Clydach. Here they face a another Division One host team which failed to win any of its last five league matches, including a recent 4-3 reverse at Goytre. Welsh League. Division Two (figures in brackets relate to table positions of 16). Woodland Road: Croesyceiliog (15) v Caerleon (8). While it's still relatively early to form opinion about promotion and relegation in many cases, this is a county derby the struggling home side can not afford to lose. Have managed just one win in nine league fixtures and start here following on from last Saturday's 4-0 home defeat at the hands of Caldicot Town. Caerleon, on the other hand, have posted three wins in four league outings and that fine form sees them sitting in a comfortable mid-table spot. Were 4-0 home winners over Swansea-based West End last time out, although success here will move them up only one place. Form guide: Croesyceiliog: L W L D L L Caerleon: L L W W L W Division Three (figures in brackets relate to table positions of 19). Leisure Complex: Tredegar Town (10) v Caerau (17). Tredegar enjoyed a good run of form to eventually end 2013-14 in seventh place and if they gain a third successive victory here, will move into a top-six position. This is a quick return as the clubs only met last on September 27, when Tredegar emerged 5-2 victors with a hat-trick from Ian Pettit and a brace by Steve Hughes. Now have last season's 25-goal top scorer Tomas Lynch back from a brief stay in the US and he has already netted three in league and cup outings. The visitors seem set for a second consecutive battle against relegation following last season's horrendous Division Two campaign and are winless in nine league outings Form guide: Tredegar: L W D L W W Caerau: D D L L L L
Gwent FA Senior Cup, quarter-final date set The third quarter final will take place on Tuesday, October 21, when Undy Athletic will play their home tie against Monmouth Town on the 3G surface at Llanwern High School - kick off 7.45pm. Gwent FA Senior Cup, first-round full results. Chepstow Town 1 Cwmbran Celtic 2. Risca United 2 Monmouth Town 2 (after extra time - Monmouth won 6-5 on penalties). Goytre 1 Aberbargoed Buds 0. Croesyceiliog 4 Newport Civil Service 1. Newport YMCA 0 Caerleon 4. Panteg 3 Treowen Stars 0. Tredegar Town 1 Caldicot Town 0. Lliswerry 1 Undy Athletic 2. Quarter-final draw/results. Croesyceiliog 0 Panteg 1. Tredegar Town 1 Caerleon 0. Undy Athletic v Monmouth Town. Cwmbran Celtic v Goytre (holders). * Quarter-final ties to be played to a conclusion on or before December 31.
CRAIG BELLAMY - GUEST SPEAKER AT TATA STEEL 17 October 2014 Tata Steel FC are pleased to announce that former Wales international, Liverpool, Cardiff City and Celtic player Craig Bellamy will be the after-dinner guest at the Aberavon Beach Hotel, Port Talbot on Thursday 11 December, commencing at 7.00pm. Tickets priced at £35 each are available by contacting Les Redwood on 07846 475940 or e-mail at tatasteelfc@hotmail.co.uk
ABERDARE TOWN'S NEW MANAGER 15 October 2014 Aberdare Town are pleased to announce the appointment of Lee Williams as the new First Team Manager. Local boy Lee has served the club as a player, coach and assistant manager in the last few years and steps into the manager's seat due to the resignation of outgoing manager Lee Phillips.
FRIDAY EVENING FOOTBALL 15 October 2014 Two round one fixtures in the Nathaniel Car Sales League Cup are scheduled for Friday evening, 17 October 2014 as follows:- Ely Rangers v Penrhiwceiber Rangers (7.30pm ko) Llanelli Town v Panteg (8.00pm ko)
GWENT SATURDAY ROUND-UP AND GWENT GOALSCORERS (LEAGUE ONLY) 13 October 2014 from Terry Daley WHILE eight local clubs posted Welsh League victories, one of the most important was Newport YMCA's 2-1 home Division Three triumph over Pontypridd Town. Not so very long ago they were thrashed 10-0 on Lliswerry's 3G surface at Spytty Park and at that stage, there were real fears the Mendalgief Road outfit were set for long, hard slog against relegation out of the league. However the win, thanks to spectacular long-range efforts from Nial Simmons and skipper Alex Jenkins, was YMCA'S second on the trot and their third in 10 games under fledgling manager Steve Campbell. The success followed up a 3-2 win over visiting Bridgend-based Bettws and although they moved up only one spot, they have now put a bit of day light between themselves and their fellow strugglers. This was indeed an excellent victory because promotion-seeking Pontypridd remain fifth of 19 and although a draw may have been a fairer outcome, it's goals which count. And YMCA arguably produced the game's only two pieces of real quality when scoring. If Simmons' 25-yard effort, which left visiting goalkeeper Alex Blake routed to the spot, was good then a similar-distance one from Jenkins was even better as it was hit on the run and with venomous power. In between, Pontypridd had levelled through Tom Rutherford at a corner with home goalkeeper Mark Drew forced to make a couple of late saves as YMCA hung on. In the same division, Lliswerry won again to consolidate second spot, Panteg were 3-1 victors at struggling Newport Civil Service - but there was a 4-0 home defeat for Treowen Stars at the hands of Rhoose. Lliswerry entertained lowly Cardiff Grange Harlequins, who must have thought they were on the road to a surprise win when they led 3-1 - and all this after home manager Adam Corfield has been belatedly awarded the division's manager of the month trophy for August. However Lliswerry powered back to complete a 5-3 success with substitute Dale Cook making his mark with a hat-trick and they had Richard Shier plus leading scorer Josh Brown also netting. They remain second behind table-topping Llanelli Town while Panteg's goals in a 3-1 victory at NCS where all scored by Kirk Hicks with Aysa El-Doory getting the home side's consolation. Panteg are up a couple of rungs to seventh and if the league's management committee this week decides to award them three points from a recently abandoned home 1-0 result against Rhoose, then they will rise another two places - NCS stay in 13th position. In Division One, Chris Ham, Nick Harrhy and Elliott Evans were champions Monmouth Town's scorers in a 3-1 away win at winless AFC Porth as they maintained second place, but Goytre slipped two to eighth after their game at Pontardawe was washed out. Harrhy's goal took his season's league tally to six while Ham, who also hit the bar twice, now has three following his pre-season move from Cwmbran Celtic, whose independent arbitration hearing against relegation from Division One is scheduled to take place on Tuesday. It was Monmouth's sixth win in 10 league starts and there was further good news later when it was discovered the team immediately below them, Cardiff Metropolitan University, had lost 2-1 at Caerau (Ely). In the second tier, second-placed Aberbargoed Buds and fellow promotion-seekers Undy Athletic both won by scoring six goals while Caldicot Town, Risca United and Caerleon also gained full points with Chepstow drawing at home - but Llanwern and Croesyceiliog losing. Aberbargoed thrashed hosts Penrhiwceiber Rangers 6-0 thanks to efforts from Tom McCarthy (2), Jonny Dunn, Craig McDonnell. Scott Armitage and Rhys Jones while Undy's marksmen in a 6-2 home success over local rivals Llanwern were Gareth Cullimore (3), Olly Beckett (2) and Tom Hooper. Second-from-the-bottom Llanwern were 4-0 down at one stage, but hit back through Matthew Hibbs and recent signing from Taffs Well, Dale Morris before Undy scored twice more. Caldicot are still third after Jason Thorn (2), skipper Richard Sharratt and David Lloyd accounted for their goals in a 4-0 win at bottom-but-one Croesyceiliog while fifth-placed Risca's goal-getters in a 2-1 triumph over Ely Rangers were Kyle Williams and Dave Hurley. Goalkeeper Tom Chorley made a double save at an Ely penalty, although the visitors did manage to convert a second spot-kick while Risca were again minus leading goalscorer Tony Wallis because of a niggling injury Chepstow were indebted to a 20-yard goal from Leo Ross for securing a point from a 1-1 scoreline against visiting Dinas Powys, who had taken the lead, while there were fun and games at Cold Bath Road as visiting Swansea-based West End had three players sent off. Hosts Caerleon taking full advantage to record a their third win in eight league outings, 4-0 win to move up four positions to mid-table eighth. James Francis and Liam Head made it 2-0 before the first red card appeared during the first period and when another two visiting players were dismissed after the interval, Francis hit his second with substitute Sam Oakley rounding off the scoring. There are no mid-week games while the vast majority of local clubs will be involved in League Cup, first-round action on Saturday. Gwent goalscorers (League only). LLISWERRY'S John Brown now trails Monmouth Town's Dan MacDonald by just one goal following his effort in a 5-3 home win over Cardiff Grange Harlequins - against whom team-mate Dale Cook scored his second hat-trick of the season to move onto seven. There were also trebles for Undy Athletic's Gareth Cullimore, in a 5-3 home success over Llanwern, and Panteg's Kirk Hicks in his side's 3-1 away victory over Newport Civil Service. 10 - Dan MacDonald (Monmouth Town). 9 - Josh Brown (Lliswerry). 8 - Jason Thorn (Caldicot Town). 7 - Dale Cook (Lliswerry), Zac Osbourne (Croesyceiliog). 6 - Olly Beckett (Undy Athletic), Gareth Cullimore (Undy Athletic), Nick Harrhy (Monmouth Town), Tom McCarthy (Aberbargoed Buds), Derice McLean (Newport Civil Service), Craig Moses (Goytre), Leo Ross (Chepstow Town), Richard Sharratt (Caldicot Town). 5 - Scott Armitage (Aberbargoed Buds), Dave Hurley (Risca United), James Young (Goytre). 4 - Daniel Battle (Tredegar Town), Jon Butcher (Panteg), Josh Collier (Risca United), Dan Hooper (Llanwern), Joe Howells (Lliswerry), Hishi Lama (Chepstow Town, including three for Croesyceiliog), Dan Stoneman (Lliswerry), Tony Willis (Risca United). 3 - Ricky Amos (Treowen Stars), Luke Cueto (Caerleon), Elliott Evans (Monmouth Town), Elliott Ford (Monmouth Town), Chris Ham (Monmouth Town), Kirk Hick (Panteg), Steven Hughes (Tredegar Town), Ian Pettit (Tredegar Town), Craig Price (Treowen Stars), Matt Prosser (Goytre), Sam Rushworth (Chepstow Town), Jordan Ryan (Panteg). 2 - Josh Bull (Monmouth Town), Lewis Coote (Treowen Stars), Luke Dyke (Panteg, including one for Croesyceiliog), Max Fessey (Lliswerry), James Francis (Caerleon), Nathan Hardwick (Newport YMCA), Liam Head (Caerleon), Matthew Hibbs (Llanwern), Jordan Jones (Llanwern), Rhys Jones (Aberbargoed Buds), Rhys Luffman (Lliswerry), Tomas Lynch (Tredegar Town), Lee Mason (Panteg), Gavin Meacham (Aberbargoed Buds), Joe O'Brien (Newport YMCA), Craig Price (Treowen Stars), Liam Shaw (Aberbargoed Buds), Nial Simmons (Newport YMCA), Ben Taylor (Panteg), Gyles Thompson (Undy Athletic), , Kyle Williams (Risca United). 1 - Jack Alderdice (Monmouth Town), Adam Alkysi (Tredegar Town), Wayne Antoniazzi (Aberbargoed Buds), Gareth Appleby (Panteg), James Barnes (Undy Athletic), Joe Bidgood (Newport YMCA), Michael Bishop (Llanwern), Steven Boucher (Lliswerry), Paul Clayton (Undy Athletic), Gareth Cleverly (Newport Civil Service), Aaron Colwill (Risca United); Jacob Cross (Aberbargoed Buds), Ben Davies (Undy Athletic), Mark Dunn (Chepstow Town), Jonny Dunn (Aberbargoed Buds), Aysa El-Doory (Newport Civil Service), Alex Evans (Goytre), Jack Evans (Treowen Stars), Jordan Harding (Goytre), Jack Harvey (Chepstow Town), Luke Harris (Treowen Stars), Mo Hassan (Newport YMCA), Nic Hooper (Llanwern), Tom Hooper (Undy Athletic), Matt James (Caldicot Town), Alex Jenkins (Newport YMCA), Ashley Johnson (Lliswerry), Chris Jones (Treowen Stars), Grant Jones (Treowen Stars), Jason Lewis (Newport YMCA), David Lloyd (Caldicot Town)Will McConnell (Caldicot Town), Craig McDonnell (Aberbargoed Buds), James Martin (Newport YMCA), Dave Mellon (Newport Civil Service), Adam Meredith (Tredegar Town), Paul Michael (Risca United), Gavin Millar (Panteg), Dale Morris (Llanwern), Mark Morris (Croesyceiliog), Lewys Nash (Aberbargoed Buds), Sam Oakley (Caerleon), Stephen Parfitt (Treowen Stars), Nick Potts (Chepstow Town), Marcus Power (Undy Athletic), Simon Prangley (Chepstow Town), Chris Quinlan (Tredegar Town), Dean Randall (Treowen Stars), Anthony Richards (Croesyceiliog), Dan Saunders (Caldicot Town), Leigh Sharp (Risca United), Richie Shire (Lliswerry), Mitchell Slape (Caldicot Town), Alex Stewart (Newport YMCA), Lewis Sweetland (Newport Civil Service), Kieron Thomas (Aberbargoed Buds), Simon Truman (Goytre), Alex Waters (Caerleon), Jake Wainright (Goytre), Jon Williams (Panteg), Ben Wotton (Caerleon), Joel Worgan (Tredegar Town). CLEAN-SHEETS: 3 - Aberbargoed Buds; Lliswerry; Monmouth Town. 2 - Caerleon; Caldicot Town; Chepstow Town; Newport Civil Service. 1 - Goytre; Llanwern; Panteg; Risca United; Tredegar Town; Undy Athletic.
ABERDARE TOWN ANNOUNCEMENT 12 October 2014 Due to the resignation of Aberdare Town's first team manager, Lee Phillips, the club have appointed Assistant Manager Lee Williams as caretaker Manager for the immediate future. Further update soon. The club would sincerely like to thank Lee for the commitment he has shown to the club in the time he has been with us and wish him all the best for the future.
AUGUST MANAGER OF THE MONTH AWARD 11 October 2014
Adam Corfield, Manager of Lliswerry FC is presented with the August Nathaniel Car Sales Manager of the Month Award by Mr Alf Germain, Chairman, The Welsh Football League, prior to Lliswerry's Division Three match at home to Cardiff Grange Harlequins today. During the month Lliswerry achieved four victories in four matches, scoring 19 goals and conceding two. Congratulations Adam!
GWENT SATURDAY PREVIEW 10 October 2014 from Terry Daley LOCAL clubs return to Welsh League action on Saturday following cup ties with the fixture list throwing up a couple of Division Two derbies - Croesyceiliog v Caldicot Town and Undy Athletic v Llanwern - plus Newport Civil Service v Panteg in Division Three. All games kick off at 2.30pm. Division One (figures in brackets indicate table position of 16). Dinas Park: AFC Porth (16) v Monmouth Town (2). Monmouth's unbeaten six-game league run came to an end last time out when they slipped to a 2-0 home defeat against leaders Haverfordwest County. But they have since returned to winning ways in the shape of a comfortable 3-0 home Welsh Cup, first-round win over divisional rivals Ton Pentre. Start here four points off Haverfordwest and with the west Walians facing a difficult game against at Ton Pentre, victory for Monmouth could take them back to the top of the table. The Kingfishers will feel confident of success as the hosts have lost all eight of their league matches and were 9-0 losers against fellow top-tier side Garden Village in last weekend's Welsh Cup tie. Form guide: Porth: L L L L L L Monmouth Town: W D W W W L Recreation Ground: Pontardawe Town (15) v Goytre (6). Goytre must recover from a 4-0 Welsh Cup home defeat at the hands of namesakes Goytre United, although the 10th-minute dismissal of key defender Rhys Williams undoubtedly contributed to the result. Are seeking a third consecutive league win and scored four goals in each of their last two wins, 4-1 against Caerau (Ely) and 4-3 against Penybont - both at home. This match is a very good opportunity for player-boss Carl Evans' men to keep in the title hunt as like AFC Porth, the hosts are enduring a quite horrific time of it. They have also been beaten in all eight league games, have scored only six goals while conceding 24 and were dumped out of the Welsh Cup last Saturday - beaten 1-0 at non-league Cornelly United. Form guide: Pontardawe Town: L L L L L L Goytre: L D L L W W Division Two (figures in brackets indicate table positions of 16). Cold Bath Road: Caerleon (8) v West End (12). Caerleon's mini revival of two consecutive wins came to an abrupt end with a 3-0 home defeat by county rivals Caldicot Town. Those victories, at Aberbargoed Buds and Ely Rangers, are their only three-pointers and the main problem is not enough goals with just eight being scored in seven matches. However had the team taken far more of the large amount of goal opportunities it has created, then it would now be sitting just outside the promotion pack. This, though, is a reasonable chance to gain a third win of the campaign against a side still trying to find its feet following relegation from the top flight. Form guide: Caerleon: L L L W W L West End: W L D L W L Larkfield Road: Chepstow Town (4) v Dinas Powys (15). Chepstow's race towards Division One has been built on a six-game unbeaten run since a 1-0 opening-day defeat at the hands of visiting Margam-based Tata Steel. However they were well beaten 4-0 away against Division One outfit Afan Lido in a Welsh Cup tie last time out and they will be minus Ashley Palmer, who was sent off in the tie. Have already beaten Caerleon (3-0), Penrhiwceiber Rangers (3-0) and Aberbargoed Buds (3-2) plus drawn with Croesyceiliog (2-2) at this venue, so will start as favourites against the struggling visitors. Dinas have won only two of seven starts and their last league fixture in late September produced a 2-1 away defeat by Risca United. Form guide: Chepstow Town: W D W W D W Dinas Powys: L W L W L L Woodland Road: Croesyceiliog (14) v Caldicot Town (3). With only one win from eight league games, this county derby against in-form county rivals represents a big task for Croesyceiliog. Start here on the back of a 3-1 away reverse at the hands of Swansea-based West End and the only bright spot was striker Zac Osbourne taking his season's goal tally to seven. Caldicot are flying high and were in home action last in defeating Ely Rangers 4-1 and along with Aberbargoed, are the division's top scorers with 17. Goal-getter Jason Thorn netted a hat-trick in that success over Ely to double his tally to six for the campaign while skipper Richard Sharratt has five. Form guide: Croesyceiliog: D L W L D L Caldicot Town: W D W L W W Glasbrook Field: Penrhiwceiber Rangers (8) v Aberbargoed Buds (2). Aberbargoed's recent form is poor with successive defeats against county rivals Caerleon and Chepstow following a five-game 100 per cent start to their campaign. There was also a 4-1 away Welsh Cup reverse at Briton Ferry Llansawel and a win here is imperative if they are to regain some lost confidence. Their fine start means they remain joint top goalscorers with Caldicot (17) with Scott Armitage and Tom McCarthy leading with way with four each. Mid-table Rangers blow hot and cold as 6-1 and 6-0 defeats against AFC Llwydcoed and Caldicot respectively plus a 6-0 home win over Tata Steel clearly proves. Form guide: Penrhiwceiber Rangers: W L L L D W Aberbargoed Buds: W W W W L L Ty-Isaf Park: Risca United (5) v Ely Rangers (9). In-form Risca have settled in well following promotion and with games in hand over the three of the four teams above them. The also made Welsh Cup progress with a 2-1 away victory over non-leaguers Canton Liberal, although top scorer Tony Wallis has been absent recently from action because of sickness. However they could do with keeping a few more clean-sheets with only one recorded in 10 league and cup outings, that in 3-0 win at Caldicot on September 20. Ely began well with three wins from their first four matches, but here seek to end a worrying sequence of five back-to-back defeats - including 4-1 at Caldicot last weekend. Form guide: Risca United: D W W L W W Ely Rangers: W L L L L L The Causeway: Undy Athletic (6) v Llanwern (11). Undy are another in-form side seeking elevation to the top flight and will begin boasting a run of seven successive league and cup victories. Recently showed they are capable to defeating higher-ranked opponents in winning a Welsh Cup tie 2-0 at Division One Cambrian & Clydach. By their own high standards of results, it's been a disappointing season so far for Llanwern with only two wins from seven league outings. Appeared to be over a sticky patch with to successive victories, but slipped up badly losing 5-1 against visiting Barry Town United recently. Form guide: Undy Athletic: L L W W W W Llanwern: L L L W W L Division Three (figures in brackets indicate table position of 19): Spytty Park: Lliswerry (2) v Cardiff Grange Quins (16). The form guides of both clubs points to Lliswerry maintaining their promotion push and here they will be bidding to extend their 100 per cent home-win league record to five. They will also be seeking a campaign double having won 4-1 in the capital in their second fixture of the season on August 23. Goals are not a problem because their total of 26 is the third highest in the entire 51-strong league behind Division Three leaders Llanelli Town (28) and Division One table-toppers Haverfordwest County (27). The 'Quins have won only once, 3-1 at Newport YMCA last month, in eight starts and have leaked more goals - 32 - than any other Welsh League club. Form guide: Lliswerry: W W L W L W Cardiff Grange Harlequins: L L L L W L Shannon Close, Bettws: Newport Civil Service (13) v Panteg (9). NCS are on the crest of a slump at the moment and will be flat out to avoid a sixth defeat on the trot, their last win being 2-1 at home against county rivals Treowen Stars back on August 20. Are the lowest scorers (9 in 6 games) among the division's top 16, although talented young striker Derice McLean has netted six of them. Panteg still wait on a decision on whether they are to receive three points from their home game against Rhoose last Saturday, when it was abandoned with a little over two minutes remaining when they led 1-0. If they are awarded the win, then they would move up three positions to sixth and with matches in hand to actually gain a place in the top-three promotion zone. Form guide: Newport Civil Service: W L L L L L Panteg: D W L W W - Mendalgief Road, Pill: Newport YMCA (14) v Pontypridd Town (5). YMCA will be armed by a confidence-boosting 3-2 home success over Bridgend-based Bettws, a result which earned them only a second win from eight league matches. Remain in a position of re-grouping following relegation and gaining positive results from home fixtures will very much prove to be the key to their league survival. A draw would certainly not be the end of the world for YMCA, although they failed to earn parity in any of the 16 league games they have played since a 2-2 home result against Penrhiwceiber on March 24 this year. The promotion-seeking visitors returned to winning ways by seeing off struggling visitors Caerau and have four wins and three defeats from nine league outings. Form guide: Newport YMCA: L W L L L W Pontypridd Town: D L L W L W Bush Park: Treowen Stars (6) v Rhoose (4). Hate to point it out, but the form sequence for Treowen suggests they are due to lose this encounter - although thankfully they remain more than capable of winning here. Were 4-3 home victors over struggling Cardiff Grange Harlequins in their last match and the quartet of goals scored was something of a surprise as they had managed only 11 in their previous seven games. Indeed their tally of 15 is the lowest among the top eight while the 16 conceded is the highest total in the first nine clubs - yet they are only five points from a promotion spot. Rhoose have yet to lose a league game this campaign, although a decision on whether the 1-0 abandoned-match scoreline in favour of hosts Panteg has yet to be made. Form guide: Treowen Stars: D W L W L W Rhoose: W D D W W W
CAMBRIAN & CLYDACH MANAGERIAL CHANGE 7 October 2014 Following the resignation of first team manager Dave Haggett, Cambrian have appointed assistant Shaun Fackrell as manager. Former captain Lee Matthews rejoins the club as Shaun's assistant and they take over immediately. Also leaving the club is coach Tom Ramasut and the club would like to thank Dave and Tom and wish them all the best for the future.
GWENT SATURDAY ROUND-UP AND GWENT GOALSCORERS (LEAGUE ONLY) 6 October 2014 from Terry Daley MINNOWS Albion Rovers and Marshfield rightly take giant-killing honours after dumping higher-level teams out of the first round of the Welsh Cup. There were safe passages for Monmouth Town, Cwmbran Celtic, Undy Athletic and Risca United, but exits for Goytre, Aberbargoed Buds and Chepstow Town. In Division Two, a win for Caldicot Town moved them up to third while Panteg must wait on a decision on whether a 1-0 scoreline against visiting Rhoose is allowed to stand after the game was abandoned because of a serious injury to a visiting player with under three minutes remaining. Gwent County League Division One sides Albion and Marshfield were both handed tough tasks to get past Welsh League opposition in the shape of third-tier side Cardiff Corinthians and second-level outfit Margam-based Tata Steel. However both posted famous wins to progress and certainly neither club will fear anyone in today's second-round draw. Albion entertained the capital-based Corries, who began with a 100 per cent record from six league fixtures, but were not phased in the least as goals from Mark Millinship (2) and Chris Pearce earned them a brilliant 3-1 success. Marshfield, though, had to go all the way before they were able to secure their victory after Michael Godwin had scored for them in 1-1 after-extra-time draw. In the resulting penalty shoot-out, successful spot kicks by Jamie Harris, Paul Regan and Andrew Goodwin were supplemented by three saves by goalkeeper Joseph Sharpe as Marshfield ran out 3-1 victors. Welsh League champions Monmouth saw off visiting Division One rivals Ton Pentre 3-0 thanks to efforts from Chris Ham, Dan MacDonald and Nick Harrhy while Marcus Power and James Barnes gave a 2-0 top-tier scalp for second-level Undy over hosts Cambrian & Clydach. Celtic hosted Division Three leaders Llanelli Town in a tie which proved to be extremely incident-packed with no less than nine yellows and two reds brandished. Each side were reduced to 10 men with Celtic's Owen Cook and Llanelli Town's Ross Jones both dismissed after receiving second cautions, the latter on 62 minutes and the former five from the end. Llanelli Town started the better and struck both a post and the crossbar before Celtic gained a foothold when Andrew Larcombe headed in a Richard Crees cross after only seven minutes. Larcombe received treatment to a head injury before the match was re-started and he was eventually forced off after a similar knock with just two minutes of the first period remaining. On came substitute Shaun Feeley at a resulting corner and after just three seconds, he turned to ball home to post one of the fastest goals scored by a replacement player. Llanelli Town rarely threatened until the final few minutes when Celtic goalkeeper Nicky Church was forced to make three important stops, including one which prevented Crees from scoring an own goal. Unfortunately, Cress eventually beat him before Church denied the visitors extra time with a fine save with an outstretched foot in the very last play. Undoubtedly the sending off of defender Rhys Williams as early as the 10th minute contributed to Goytre's 4-0 home defeat by Division One namesakes Goytre United while Aberbargoed had only a Tom McCarthy goal to show for in a 4-1 reverse at Briton Ferry Llansawel. Risca made sure there were no slip-ups when they visited South Wales Amateur League Canton Liberal, where goals by Steve Edwards and substitute Kyle Williams made them 2-1 victors. Edwards headed home a Leigh Sharp cross on 20 minutes to give Risca an interval lead before the non-league hosts levelled around the hour mark. Risca, who had several regulars on the bench including player-boss Paul Michael, sent on Williams and it was his scuffed shot from six yards which earned them a place in round two. Division Two Chepstow Town got the weekend's action underway on Friday night when they travelled to Port Talbot to face top-tier outfit Afan Lido. The former Welsh Premier side had much the better of the early play in going 2-0 up, but Chepstow so nearly got back into contention when Ashley Palmer struck the hosts' crossbar. There were other chances too for manager Dave Livermore's team, but it was the home side which continued to prove to be far more clinical in front of goal as they secured a 4-0 interval advantage with Chepstow's woes compounded on 40 minutes when Palmer was sent off. In Division Two, Caldicot triumphed 4-1 at home against Ely Rangers with Jason Thorn (2), and own goal and Richard Sharratt, who also missed a penalty, making up their total with Zac Osbourne netting for Croesyceiliog in a 3-1 defeat at Swansea-based West End. Treowen and Tredegar are sixth and seventh respectively in the Division Three table after both came out on top in seven-goal thrillers - the former at home against Cardiff Grange Harlequins and the latter at Llantwit Major. Scoring for Treowen were Craig Price (2), Ricky Amos and Grant Jones while both Daniel Battle (two penalties) and Tomas Lynch scored twice as Tredegar gained a last-minute success. Recent signing from Croesyceiliog, Luke Dyke, scored for Panteg against Rhoose and they must now wait to see if they are to be granted the three points after the game was called off with only two minutes and 30 seconds left. There are no scheduled mid-week games. Gwent goalscorers (League only). CROESYCEILIOG'S Zac Osbourne was the highest-placed scorer on Saturday, when his goal in a 3-1 defeat at West End took his season's tally to seven - three adrift of Monmouth Town's Dan MacDonald. 10 - Dan MacDonald (Monmouth Town). 8 - Josh Brown (Lliswerry). 7 - Zac Osbourne (Croesyceiliog). 6 - Derice McLean (Newport Civil Service), Craig Moses (Goytre), Jason Thorn (Caldicot Town). 5 - Nick Harrhy (Monmouth Town), Leo Ross (Chepstow Town), Richard Sharratt (Caldicot Town), James Young (Goytre). 4 - Scott Armitage (Aberbargoed Buds), Daniel Battle (Tredegar Town), Olly Beckett (Undy Athletic), Jon Butcher (Panteg), Josh Collier (Risca United), Dale Cook (Lliswerry), Dan Hooper (Llanwern), Joe Howells (Lliswerry), Dave Hurley (Risca United), Hishi Lama (Chepstow Town, including three for Croesyceiliog), Tom McCarthy (Aberbargoed Buds), Dan Stoneman (Lliswerry), Tony Willis (Risca United). 3 - Ricky Amos (Treowen Stars), Luke Cueto (Caerleon), Gareth Cullimore (Undy Athletic), Elliott Ford (Monmouth Town), Steven Hughes (Tredegar Town), Ian Pettit (Tredegar Town), Craig Price (Treowen Stars), Matt Prosser (Goytre), Sam Rushworth (Chepstow Town), Jordan Ryan (Panteg). 2 - Josh Bull (Monmouth Town), Lewis Coote (Treowen Stars), Luke Dyke (Panteg, including one for Croesyceiliog), Elliott Evans (Monmouth Town), Max Fessey (Lliswerry), Chris Ham (Monmouth Town), Nathan Hardwick (Newport YMCA), Jordan Jones (Llanwern), Rhys Luffman (Lliswerry), Tomas Lynch (Tredegar Town), Lee Mason (Panteg), Gavin Meacham (Aberbargoed Buds), Joe O'Brien (Newport YMCA), Craig Price (Treown Stars), Liam Shaw (Aberbargoed Buds), Ben Taylor (Panteg), Gyles Thompson (Undy Athletic). 1 - Jack Alderdice (Monmouth Town), Adam Alkysi (Tredegar Town), Wayne Antoniazzi (Aberbargoed Buds), Gareth Appleby (Panteg), James Barnes (Undy Athletic), Joe Bidgood (Newport YMCA), Michael Bishop (Llanwern), Steven Boucher (Lliswerry), Gareth Cleverly (Newport Civil Service), Aaron Colwill (Risca United); Jacob Cross (Aberbargoed Buds), Ben Davies (Undy Athletic), Mark Dunn (Chepstow Town), Alex Evans (Goytre), Jack Evans (Treowen Stars), Jordan Harding (Goytre), Jack Harvey (Chepstow Town), Luke Harris (Treowen Stars), Mo Hassan (Newport YMCA), Liam Head (Caerleon), Matthew Hibbs (Llanwern), Nic Hooper (Llanwern), Matt James (Caldicot Town), Ashley Johnson (Lliswerry), Chris Jones (Treowen Stars), Grant Jones (Treowen Stars), Rhys Jones (Aberbargoed Buds), Jason Lewis (Newport YMCA), Will McConnell (Caldicot Town), James Martin (Newport YMCA), Dave Mellon (Newport Civil Service), Adam Meredith (Tredegar Town), Paul Michael (Risca United), Gavin Millar (Panteg), Mark Morris (Croesyceiliog), Lewys Nash (Aberbargoed Buds), Stephen Parfitt (Treowen Stars), Nick Potts (Chepstow Town), Marcus Power (Undy Athletic), Simon Prangley (Chepstow Town), Chris Quinlan (Tredegar Town), Dean Randall (Treowen Stars), Anthony Richards (Croesyceiliog), Dan Saunders (Caldicot Town), Leigh Sharp (Risca United), Nial Simmons (Newport YMCA), Mitchell Slape (Caldicot Town), Alex Stewart (Newport YMCA), Lewis Sweetland (Newport Civil Service), Kieron Thomas (Aberbargoed Buds), Simon Truman (Goytre), Alex Waters (Caerleon), Jake Wainright (Goytre), Jon Williams (Panteg), Kyle Williams (Risca United), Ben Wotton (Caerleon), Joel Worgan (Tredegar Town). CLEAN-SHEETS: 3 - Lliswerry; Monmouth Town. 2 - Aberbargoed Buds; Chepstow Town; Newport Civil Service. 1 - Caerleon; Caldicot Town; Goytre; Llanwern; Panteg; Risca United; Tredegar Town; Undy Athletic.
GWENT SATURDAY PREVIEW 3 October 2014 from Terry Daley GOYTRE have a quick-fire chance to avenge a recent home defeat by Goytre United when they host their Division One namesakes in a Welsh Cup, round-one tie on Saturday. Seven local clubs are seeking to make WC progress while half-a-dozen others will bid for Welsh League points with another four, Llanwern, Caerleon, Newport Civil Service and Lliswerry all not in action. Welsh Cup, round one – all ties kick off at 2.00pm and to be played to a conclusion. Marston's Stadium, Port Talbot: Afan Lido v Chepstow Town. Chepstow have made a very good start to their bid to gain promotion to Division One after missing out on goal difference at the end of last season. The stats of 18 goals in nine league and cup outings suggests they are far from being prolific goalscorers, but because they have an abundance of attacking talent, they can score from virtually anywhere. The hosts were relegated from the Welsh Premier and having drawn half of their eight league matches, the feeling is this tie could well go all the way to a penalty shoot-out. Old Road: Briton Ferry Llansawel v Aberbargoed Buds. These clubs swapped divisions at the conclusion of the last campaign with Aberbargoed currently in second spot in the second section. However following five successive wins which put them top, they then slipped to back-to-back defeats against county rivals Caerleon and Chepstow. BFL are 10th of 16 in the top tier with an equal record of 3, 3, 3 with as many as 36 goals being scored in the nine league fixtures - 17 for and 19 against. King George V New Field: Cambrian & Clydach v Undy Athletic. It's quite an amazing fact this clash is the second of three different cup competitions Division Two Undy must play on a 3G surface, with the first producing a victory. That was 2-1 Gwent Senior Cup against Lliswerry at Spytty Park and they travel to face Penybont in the Welsh League Cup on October 18. Here they face Penybont's Division One rivals C&C, who are struggling in the third-from-bottom position with just two wins from eight games. Cardiff International Sports Stadium: Canton Liberal v Risca United. A trip into the unknown in terms of the opposition for in-form Division Two Risca, although the surroundings are familiar as the venue is also used by lower-tier side Cardiff Grange Harlequins. Will obviously start as favourites to progress against the minnows and will begin the tie having won three consecutive league and cup games. Canton play in Division Two of the South Wales Amateur League and have scored 25 goals and conceded 11 in gaining an unbeaten playing record of three wins and two draws. Celtic Park: Cwmbran Celtic v Llanelli Town. Because of continuing issues about what division they must play in, this is only the second competitive game of the campaign for Celtic. Their first was in this competition on September 18, when they won 2-0 away against Gwent County League Division One side Blaenavon Blues. Here they face a visiting team which recently thrashed visiting Treharris Athletic Western 10-1 to maintain the leadership of Division Three. Plough Road: Goytre v Goytre United. Re-match of a Division One clash at the same venue only three Saturdays ago, when the visitors emerged 2-1 winners. Since, however, Goytre have won successive league games with Craig Moses and James Young both scoring twice in those victories. That scoreline is a familiar one for United, who followed up that win at Goytre by defeating Cardiff Metropolitan University by the same score - before losing 2-1 to Briton Ferry Llansawel. Pen-Y-Pound Stadium, Abergavenny: Monmouth Town v Ton Pentre. All-Division One tie which title-chasing Monmouth will want to use to get over a 2-0 home league defeat at the hands of leaders Haverfordwest County. That reverse was something of a shock to the system for free-scoring Monmouth, who had netted 25 times in eight previous league games. Ton were 4-1 victors over one-from-the-bottom Pontardawe Town last time out and it's interesting to note they are only four points adrift of The Kingfishers with a couple of matches in hand. Nathaniel Cars Welsh League – all 2.30pm kick offs. Division Two (figures in brackets indicate league positions of 16). Jubilee Way: Caldicot Town (6) v Ely Rangers (8). Manager Mark Williams will be very much aware a win by three clear goals will see Caldicot move up to third place in the table. However at this stage of the campaign, the only immediate target is a victory and certainly Caldicot will start in good spirits following a 3-0 success at Caerleon. Striker Jason Thorn scored all the goals, including a brilliant 60-yard effort, to take his total to four and if he can get 20-plus, then Caldicot will be there or thereabouts at the end of the season. The visitors began fairly well, but here they must stop a run of four successive defeats - which includes last weekend's 2-1 away reverse against Risca United. Form guide: Caldicot Town: L W D W L W Ely Rangers: L W L L L L Pri Deri Park, Mayhill, Swansea: West End (7) v Croesyceiliog (14). Long trip down the M4 for Croesyceiliog, who have won only once in seven league outings - 2-1 at home against Margam-based Tata Steel. Marksman Zac Osbourne is their leading scorer with six and their team total of 13 in seven fixtures is the best in the bottom five and only three less then table-topping Barry Town United. So if they can manage to tighten up at the back, then there is no reason whatsoever why Croesyceiliog can't get away from the wrong end of the table. West End were relegated from the top flight in 2013-14 and their mid-table position has them just three points ahead of the visitors, having played a game more. Form guide: West End: D W L D L W Croesyceiliog: L D L W L D Division Three (figures in brackets indicate league positions of 19). The Windmill Ground: Llantwit Major (8) v Tredegar Town (10). Tredegar received a massive boost this week with the return from a brief stay in the US of last season's top scorer Tomas Lynch, who netted 25 league goals in 2013-2014. And he quickly delivered on Wednesday night, when he came off the substitute's bench to grab the only goal in a Gwent Senior Cup, quarter-final victory over visiting Division Two side Caerleon. Tomas' presence is sure have a positive affect on the team which was last in league action in defeating hosts Caerau 5-2 last Saturday. The unbeaten-in-five hosts are fresh off a 2-2 home draw with Cwmamman United and one of the most recent wins was 3-1 against visiting Newport Civil Service. Form guide: Llantwit Major: L D D W W D Tredegar: D L W D L W Mendalgief Road: Newport YMCA (16) v Bettws (Bridgend) (18). This is yet another opportunity for YMCA to gain a home win over fellow strugglers, although they lost 3-1 at this venue against Cardiff Grange Harlequins last weekend. The outcome saw the capital side to leap-frog YMCA and should they lose again here, then the same will happen to the city outfit. With six defeats in seven games, it's difficult to build up YMCA's chances of success - although they have scored more goals, seven, among the bottom three. Bettws have just two draws from six starts with only three goals scored and YMCA simply have to gain a positive result here. Form guide: Newport YMCA: L L W L L L Bettws: L D L D L L Panteg House, Griffithstown: Panteg (6) v Rhoose (4). Manager Mark Taylor's Panteg side is hunting a third consecutive triumph after settling in very well in their return to the league. Their pitch is not the easiest to reach from the dressing rooms and perhaps because of that, it has lent itself to there being a sense of togetherness about the squad - and that can often lead to success. Jon Butcher heads their scoring list with four while Lee Mason has three and with games in hand over every team above them, Panteg have the armoury to continue to progress. Rhoose are one of only three teams who remain unbeaten, the other being leaders Llanelli Town and third-placed Cardiff Corinthians, although their 16-goal tally is the lowest in the top five. Form guide: Panteg: D W L W W Rhoose: D D W W W W Bush Park: Treowen Stars (7) v Cardiff Grange Harlequins (15). Treowen are one of the divisions' most inconsistent teams, but if you go by the sequence of recent games, then they are scheduled to win here. That might actually be the case because the 'Quins' 3-1 away triumph at Newport YMCA last weekend was their only success in seven league fixtures. Have three players - Ricky Amos, Lewis Coote and Craig Price - sharing top billing with two goals each and here the trio have a reasonable chance to improve on those totals. The capital side has conceded 28 goals in their seven league fixtures which is the second highest in the entire 51-strong league. Form guide: Treowen Stars: L D W L W L Cardiff Grange Harlequins: L L L L L W
Gwent Wednesday result Tredegar Town 1, Caerleon 0 A GOAL after the interval from substitute Tomas Lynch earned Tredegar a narrow win and a place in the semi finals of the Gwent FA Cup. Lynch was making his first appearance following a brief stay in the US and started where he left off last season when he netted 25 Welsh League goals. They now join Division Three rivals Panteg in the competition's last four with the remaining quarter-final ties - Undy Athletic v Monmouth Town and Cwmbran Celtic v Goytre (holders) - yet to be allocated dates. Gwent FA Senior Cup, first-round full results. Chepstow Town 1 Cwmbran Celtic 2. Risca United 2 Monmouth Town 2 (after extra time - Monmouth won 6-5 on penalties). Goytre 1 Aberbargoed Buds 0. Croesyceiliog 4 Newport Civil Service 1. Newport YMCA 0 Caerleon 4. Panteg 3 Treowen Stars 0. Tredegar Town 1 Caldicot Town 0. Lliswerry 1 Undy Athletic 2. Quarter-final draw/results. Tredegar Town 1 Caerleon 0. Undy Athletic v Monmouth Town. Croesyceiliog 0 Panteg 1. Cwmbran Celtic v Goytre (holders). * Quarter-final ties to be played to a conclusion on or before December 31.
GWENT WEDNESDAY PREVIEW 1 October 2014 from Terry Daley Gwent FA Senior Cup, Quarter-final Wednesday 1 October 2014 - Tredegar Town v Caerleon - kick off: 7.00pm THE return of prolific teenage goalscorer Thomas Lynch will make Tredegar Town favourites to defeat visiting Caerleon and reach the semi finals of the Gwent FA Senior Cup this evening. The 19-year-old made a sensational impact during 2013-14, when he ran riot among Division Three defences to net 25 league goals in helping Tredegar to a seventh-placed finish. Now back following a brief stay in the US, Lynch's return is a massive boost to Tredegar, who are fresh from last Saturday's 5-2 league win at Caerau - where Ian Pettit scored a hat-trick and Steve Hughes a goal double. The win moved Tredegar up to 10th of 19 while on the same day, Caerleon were defeated 3-0 at home by second-tier rivals Caldicot Town and they currently lie 12th in the 16-strong table. To reach the quarter-final stage of the invitational competition, Tredegar were 1-0 home victors over Caldicot while Caerleon were too strong for hosts Newport YMCA in winning 4-0 at Mendalgief Road. Division Three outfit Panteg are already through to the last four following a 1-0 at Croesyceiliog while the other quarter-final ties are Undy Athletic v Monmouth Town and Cwmbran Celtic v Goytre (holders) on dates yet to be announced. All ties must be played to a conclusion on or before December 31. Gwent FA Senior Cup, first-round full results. Chepstow Town 1 Cwmbran Celtic 2. Risca United 2 Monmouth Town 2 (after extra time - Monmouth won 6-5 on penalties). Goytre 1 Aberbargoed Buds 0. Croesyceiliog 4 Newport Civil Service 1. Newport YMCA 0 Caerleon 4. Panteg 3 Treowen Stars 0. Tredegar Town 1 Caldicot Town 0. Lliswerry 1 Undy Athletic 2. Quarter-final draw/result. Tredegar Town v Caerleon (Wednesday, October 1). Undy Athletic v Monmouth Town. Croesyceiliog 0 Panteg 1. Cwmbran Celtic v Goytre (holders).
GWENT SATURDAY ROUND-UP AND GWENT GOALSCORERS (LEAGUE ONLY) 29 September 2014 from Terry Daley WHILE Division One champions Monmouth Town were losing ground at the top, Goytre's form improvement continued with a second successive top-flight win. In the Division Two, local clubs occupy positions two through to six while Lliswerry continued their bid for promotion from the lower tier with another victory. Second-placed Monmouth entertained leaders Haverfordwest County having scored no fewer than 17 goals in their last three outings with Dan MacDonald heading the list with 10. However both drew blanks on this occasion as the west Wales visitors emerged 2-0 victors to stretch their points advantage over The Kingfishers to four with both clubs having played nine matches. The scoreline was blank at the break and after Monmouth's Nick Harrhy and Elliot Evans shot wide and had an effort cleared off the line respectively, Haverfordwest wrapped up the points with goals from brothers Darren and Dale Griffiths. Goytre pair Craig Moses and James Young both scored twice in the previous Saturday's 4-3 home success over Penybont and repeated the feat as their side defeated high-flying visitors Caerau (Ely) 4-1. It took Goytre, who are only seven points off the top, up three places to sixth of 16 with Moses' season league goal total now standing at six and Young's five. Because of Saturday's Welsh Cup, first-round ties, there will be no Division One games with Monmouth and Goytre next in action on October 11 when they are scheduled to visit bottom two clubs AFC Porth and Pontardawe Town respectively. Five consecutive victories had Aberbargoed Buds heading the Division Two table, but their second consecutive defeat cost them the leadership, this time they were beaten 3-2 at Chepstow Town. The hosts led 3-0 at the break thanks to goals from Hishi Lama, Mark Dunn and Leo Ross, but Aberbargoed did manage to claw themselves back into contention with Gavin Meecham and Liam Shaw netting. Chepstow are still third behind the duo, although the two clubs immediately below them, Risca United and Undy Athletic, will both overtake them should they win their match in hand. Risca had leading scorer Tony Wallis as an unused substitute after he returned to the squad following an illness and he watched on as The Cuckoos edged out visiting Dinas Powys 2-1. They trailed 1-0 at the interval, but two goals in a five-minute spell around the hour mark from Dave Hurley and Kyle Williams clinched Risca's success. Undy were also at home and like Risca, they too were 1-0 adrift before Ben Davies and an own goal earned them a same-scoreline success over Ely Rangers. Caldicot Town elevated themselves up a couple of rungs to sixth with a 3-0 win at Caerleon, where Jason Thorn scored a fine hat-trick - including a brilliant 60-yard lob. Caerleon drop one to 11 and Llanwern two slots to 12th as a results of a 5-1 home reverse at the hands of Barry Town United - although the straight-red-card sending off of Liam Screen certainly contributed the outcome. After Screen's dismissal, Dan Hooper reduced the deficit to 2-1 before the visitors, who leap-frogged Aberbargoed as a result of their win, pulled away. In Division Three, Lliswerry consolidated second position behind Llanelli Town by seeing off visiting Newport Civil Service at Spytty Park. Lliswerry scored via Josh Brown, his eighth league goal of the campaign, and Dale Cook, who now has four, while the loss for NCS pushed them down two slots to 12th in the 19-strong table. Eight points and half a dozen places behind Lliswerry are league returnees Panteg, who won for the second Saturday running - this time 2-0 at Treowen Stars. Panteg, who have three games in hand over Lliswerry, netted through Jon Butcher and Lee Mason and gave a debut to Luke Dyke, their recent signing from Division Two Croesyceiliog. Treowen dropped one to seventh, but up four to 10th are Tredegar whose 5-2 success at Caerau included a hat-trick from Ian Pettit and a goal double by Steve Hughes. Newport YMCA entertained fellow-strugglers Cardiff Grange Harlequins in the hope of securing a second win in seven starts, but they eventually fell to a 3-1 defeat with Nathan Hardwick scoring their consolation. *Wednesday fixture (7.00pm). Gwent Senior Cup, quarter final: Tredegar Town v Caerleon. Gwent goalscorers (League only). LLISWERRY'S John Brown scored a in his side's 2-0 home victory over visiting Newport Civil Service at Spytty Park to take his season's tally to eight - two adrift of Monmouth Town's Dan MacDonald. Highest scorers in Saturday's games were Chepstow Town's Jason Thorn and Tredegar Town's Ian Pettit, who both netted hat-tricks. 10 - Dan MacDonald (Monmouth Town). 8 - Josh Brown (Lliswerry). 6 - Derice McLean (Newport Civil Service), Craig Moses (Goytre), Zac Osbourne (Croesyceiliog). 5 - Nick Harrhy (Monmouth Town), Leo Ross (Chepstow Town), James Young (Goytre). 4 - Scott Armitage (Aberbargoed Buds), Olly Beckett (Undy Athletic), Jon Butcher (Panteg), Josh Collier (Risca United), Dale Cook (Lliswerry), Dan Hooper (Llanwern), Joe Howells (Lliswerry), Dave Hurley (Risca United), Hishi Lama (Chepstow Town, including three for Croesyceiliog), Tom McCarthy (Aberbargoed Buds), Dan Stoneman (Lliswerry), Jason Thorn (Caldicot Town), Tony Wallis (Risca United). 3 - Luke Cueto (Caerleon), Gareth Cullimore (Undy Athletic), Elliott Ford (Monmouth Town), Steven Hughes (Tredegar Town), Ian Pettit (Tredegar Town), Matt Prosser (Goytre), Sam Rushworth (Chepstow Town), Jordan Ryan (Panteg), Richard Sharratt (Caldicot Town). 2 - Ricky Amos (Treowen Stars), Daniel Battle (Tredegar Town), Josh Bull (Monmouth Town), Lewis Coote (Tredegar Town), Elliott Evans (Monmouth Town), Max Fessey (Lliswerry), Chris Ham (Monmouth Town), Nathan Hardwick (Newport YMCA), Jordan Jones (Llanwern), Rhys Luffman (Lliswerry), Lee Mason (Panteg), Gavin Meacham (Aberbargoed Buds), Joe O'Brien (Newport YMCA), Liam Shaw (Aberbargoed Buds), Ben Taylor (Panteg), Gyles Thompson (Undy Athletic). 1 - Jack Alderdice (Monmouth Town), Adam Alkysi (Tredegar Town), Wayne Antoniazzi (Aberbargoed Buds), Gareth Appleby (Panteg), James Barnes (Undy Athletic), Joe Bidgood (Newport YMCA), Michael Bishop (Llanwern), Steven Boucher (Lliswerry), Gareth Cleverly (Newport Civil Service), Aaron Colwill (Risca United); Jacob Cross (Aberbargoed Buds), Ben Davies (Undy Athletic), Mark Dunn (Chepstow Town), Luke Dyke (Croesyceiliog), Alex Evans (Goytre), Jack Evans (Treowen Stars), Jordan Harding (Goytre), Jack Harvey (Chepstow Town), Luke Harris (Treowen Stars), Mo Hassan (Newport YMCA), Liam Head (Caerleon), Matthew Hibbs (Llanwern), Nic Hooper (Llanwern), Matt James (Caldicot Town), Ashley Johnson (Lliswerry), Chris Jones (Treowen Stars), Rhys Jones (Aberbargoed Buds), Will McConnell (Caldicot Town), Dave Mellon (Newport Civil Service), Adam Meredith (Tredegar Town), Paul Michael (Risca United), Gavin Millar (Panteg), Mark Morris (Croesyceiliog), Lewys Nash (Aberbargoed Buds), Stephen Parfitt (Treowen Stars), Nick Potts (Chepstow Town), Marcus Power (Undy Athletic), Simon Prangley (Chepstow Town), Craig Price (Treowen Stars), Chris Quinlan (Tredegar Town), Dean Randall (Treowen Stars), Anthony Richards (Croesyceiliog), Dan Saunders (Caldicot Town), Leigh Sharp (Risca United), Nial Simmons (Newport YMCA), Mitchell Slape (Caldicot Town), Lewis Sweetland (Newport Civil Service), Kieron Thomas (Aberbargoed Buds), Simon Truman (Goytre), Alex Waters (Caerleon), Jake Wainright (Goytre), Jon Williams (Panteg), Kyle Williams (Risca United), Ben Wotton (Caerleon), Joel Worgan (Tredegar Town). CLEAN-SHEETS: 3 - Lliswerry; Monmouth Town. 2 - Aberbargoed Buds; Chepstow Town; Newport Civil Service. 1 - Caerleon; Caldicot Town; Goytre; Llanwern; Panteg; Risca United; Tredegar Town; Undy Athletic.
GWENT SATURDAY PREVIEW 26 September 2014 from Terry Daley ALTHOUGH there are no fewer than five Welsh League local derbies on Saturday, the stand-out fixture is the top-of-the-table Division One clash between champions Monmouth Town and leaders Haverfordwest County. Along with Cardiff Metropolitan University, both clubs have applied for the FAW's domestic licence and must finish in the top two in Division One to be considered for promotion to the top-tier Welsh Premier League. Division One (figures in brackets indicate league positions of 16). Plough Road: Goytre (8) v Caerau (Ely) (3). Goytre ended a poor run of results by returning to winning ways with a 4-3 home success over Penybont, both Craig Moses and James Young scoring twice. The duo have scored four and three respectively and while Moses is capable to getting up to 20 before the end of the season, it's crucial someone else be capable of supplementing his eventual total if Goytre are to be successful. Player-boss Carl Evans will also be well aware the 13 goals conceded in eight games is far too high for a team which has its eyes on a first title success. The visitors have made a good start to their campaign and have lost only twice in eight starts, although they've actually leaked four more goals than Goytre. Form guide: Goytre: D L D L L W Caerau (Ely): L W W D W W Pen-Y-Pound Stadium, Abergavenny: Monmouth Town (2) v Haverfordwest County (1). This much-anticipated game could well turn out to be something of a classic because both clubs have scored 25 goals in their eight league fixtures. Having scored 10 in his only three appearances, Monmouth's Dan MacDonald is sure to be a marked man here - although The Kingfishers have several other players who know where the back of the net is. Not unsurprisingly Monmouth have won all three of the games in which MacDonald has played and a fourth consecutive victory will see them return to the top of the table. The visitors won 5-0 at bottom-placed Pontardawe Town last time out, although it's a fact their two defeats were in away fixtures - 4-3 at Penybont and 2-0 at Caerau (Ely). Form guide: Monmouth Town: W W D W W W Haverfordwest County: W W W L W W Division Two (figures in brackets indicate league positions of 16). Cold Bath Road: Caerleon (11) v Caldicot Town (8). Caerleon gave themselves a massive confidence boost by securing their second successive away win of the campaign when they defeated leaders Aberbargoed Buds 1-0 last weekend. They have scored only eight goals in six league matches, but that clean-sheet means the 11 goals conceded is the lowest total in the bottom five. Caldicot's inconsistency means they sit in mid-table, although it must be pointed out the side has let in three goals less than the hosts. They start here having lost two consecutive cup games and will be slight underdogs, although this particular match-up could quite easily end up as a draw. Form guide: Caerleon: D L L L W W Caldicot Town: D L W D W L Larkfield Ground: Chepstow Town (3) v Aberbargoed Buds (1). Chepstow have made a good start in manager Dave Livermore's first season in charge and here they have an opportunity to further cement their tag as promotion candidates. Have a talented front three of Simon Prangley, Leo Ross and Hishi Lama and if the trio can continue to gel, then promotion could well be on the cards for Chepstow, who missed out last season on goal difference only. Aberbargoed boss Adrian Needs will most certainly want a positive reaction to a 1-0 home defeat at then hands of then bottom-placed Caerleon. Compared to the previous displays which produced successive league wins, it was a very sluggish performance by the table-toppers and a draw here would probably suit both clubs at this stage. Form guide: Chepstow Town: L W D W W D Aberbargoed Buds: W W W W W L Newport Stadium: Llanwern (9) v Barry Town United (2). Big test this for Llanwern, who are beginning to re-produce the kind of results which helped them gain promotion from Division Three behind Barry. Manager Gareth Morgan team selection was hampered by injuries and unavailability in the early matches and it has probably helped the walking wounded that Llanwern have only played one game in the last 21 days. That was a 2-0 away win over Ely Rangers on September 16, the team's first clean-sheet of the season in seven league and cup outings. Barry are the only unbeaten side in the top two divisions, although they are far from being prolific goalscorers and have managed only 11 in five league fixtures. Form guide: Llanwern: D L L L W W Barry: W W D W W Ty-Isaf Park: Risca United (4) v Dinas Powys (13). Three wins from their last four matches has taken Risca to the very edge of the promotion zone and here they will be hoping for the availability of top goalscorer Tony Wallis, who missed last weekend's 3-0 win at Caldicot. Wallis has scored a goal in each of the four league games he has played to follow on from last season's total of 32, the highest of any player associated with a Gwent club. Victory here and a win from their match in hand could see Risca top the division as they continue to improve under player-manager Paul Michael. The visitors last four games have been win, lose, win, lose, but it would something of a huge upset if they were to continue that sequence here. Form guide: Risca United: D W W L W Dinas Powys: L L W L W L The Causeway: Undy Athletic (5) v Ely Rangers (6). In-form Undy are seeking a sixth successive league and cup triumph, the latest being 5-1 at Swansea-based West End last Saturday. Their main goalscorers are Olly Beckett and Gareth Cullimore, who have netted four and three league goals respectively, while the recent defensive record is only three conceded in the last five matches. If the pair can continue scoring on a regular basis, then there is no reason why Undy can't progress to becoming genuine promotion contenders from within a top-three spot. The visitors are just a place and a point adrift of Undy, but all clubs below them have a game in hand and their last outings saw them lose 2-0 at home to Llanwern on September 16. Form guide: Undy Athletic: L L W W W Ely Rangers: W W L W L L L Division Three: (figures in brackets indicate league positions of 19). Athletic Ground: Caerau (15) v Tredegar Town (13). Tredegar were unlucky not to gain a point from last Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Panteg, where the home side clinched the victory with a last-minute goal. However I understand the club could be on the verge of re-signing a proven goalscorer, who could become available in time for this clash. They most certainly need such a player because they missed enough chances at Panteg to have won several fixtures. The hosts are again struggling following relegation and their most recent outing on September 16 produced a 7-0 defeat at promotion-seeking Rhoose Form guide: Caerau: L D L D D L Tredegar: D L W D L Spytty Park: Lliswerry (2) v Newport Civil Service (10). Two defeats in their past three league outings has stunted Lliswerry's march towards promotion to the second tier and here they will seek to maintain their unbeaten home league record. Have found goals fairly easy to come by with Josh Brown leading the way with seven while Joe Howells and Dan Stoneman have each netted four times. NCS have gone off the boil following a two-game winning start and here will want to gain their first points in four outings - although they were without a regular goalkeeper during last weekend's 2-1 defeat at Llantwit Fardre. They have a fine young goalscorer in Derice McLean, who has six to his credit, and as many clubs can testify, writing off NCS' chances is something they thrive on. Form guide: Lliswerry: W W W W L W L Newport Civil Service: W W L L L Mendalgief Road: Newport YMCA (16) v Cardiff Grange Harlequins (18). If YMCA are to climb away from the relegation zone, then they simply must gain points when playing fellow strugglers - especially at home. Apart from a 3-2 success over visiting city rivals Newport Civil Service, there has not been many highlights this season for YMCA, who dropped down to this level at the end of the 2013-2014 campaign. This, however, does offer them with the opportunity to claim their second victory and it will be interesting to see how they perform while being favourites. The visitors have shipped 27 goals in only six league fixtures and their only point came from a 2-2 draw at Tredegar on the opening day of the season in mid August. Form guide: Newport YMCA: L L W L L L Cardiff Grange Harlequins: D L L L L L Bush Park: Treowen Stars (6) v Panteg (8). Treowen have gradually improved enough to hold a top-six spot under manager Simon Evans and assistant Richard Molyneux. Were 2-1 home winners over Treharris Athletic Western last time out and there always seems to be goals around when they play as an even spread of 22 have been scored in their half a dozen league fixtures. Panteg are one of the biggest teams around in so much as they fielded at least seven, six-foot plus players in last Saturday's 2-1 home win over Tredegar last Saturday. Manager Mark Taylor has assembled a very useful squad and this is one of those match-ups which could quite easily end all square. Form guide: Treowen Stars: W L D W L W Panteg: D W L W Gwent FA Senior Cup - update TREDEGAR Town will host the second Gwent Senior Cup quarter final on Wednesday, October 1, when Caerleon will be the visitors - kick off 7.00pm. Panteg are already through to the semi finals Gwent FA Senior Cup, first-round full results. Chepstow Town 1 Cwmbran Celtic 2. Risca United 2 Monmouth Town 2 (after extra time - Monmouth won 6-5 on penalties). Goytre 1 Aberbargoed Buds 0. Croesyceiliog 4 Newport Civil Service 1. Newport YMCA 0 Caerleon 4. Panteg 3 Treowen Stars 0. Tredegar Town 1 Caldicot Town 0. Lliswerry 1 Undy Athletic 2. Quarter-final draw/result. Tredegar Town v Caerleon (Wednesday, October 1). Lliswerry v Monmouth Town. Croesyceiliog 0 Panteg 1. Cwmbran Celtic v Goytre (holders). * Quarter-final ties to be played to a conclusion on or before December 31.
BRITON FERRY LLANSAWEL - FREE CAR PARKING
24 September 2014
Briton Ferry Llansawel are pleased to confirm that after a great deal of hard work, free car parking has been secured at Cwrt Sart School (opposite the ground) for all Friday evening matches from 6.00pm to 10.00pm.
This is great news for spectators that have experienced difficulties in parking in the past.
GWENT WEEKEND ROUND-UP AND GWENT GOALSCORERS (LEAGUE ONLY) 22 September 2014 from Terry Daley DAN MacDonald's prolific goal scoring run continued with four in champions Monmouth Town's 5-2 home Division One win over Taffs Well to take his total to an amazing 10 from just three games. Top-flight rivals Goytre returned to winning ways, but second-tier leaders Aberbargoed Buds lost their 100 per cent record in falling to county rivals Caerleon while Lliswerry's loss at Llanelli Town cost them the leadership of Division Three. Monmouth and Aberbargoed started the weekend's action with home Friday night fixtures with many wondering if MacDonald could emulate the successive hat-tricks he netted from following his recent return from Merthyr Town. He went one better with Elliott Evans also scoring as The Kingfishers, minus key players Jack Alderdice, Nick Harrhy and Chris Ham, saw off the challenge of the side they pipped to the title last season – with one of Taffs Well scorers being former Cwmbran Town and Newport County forward Tyrone Topper. The victory put Monmouth top, although they were disposed the next afternoon by Haverfordwest County's 5-0 triumph at struggling Pontardawe Town. Now, however, Monmouth have a quick-fire chance to return to the summit because their next opponents are Haverfordwest, who visit Pen-Y-Pound Stadium, Abergavenny, on Saturday. The clash has been keenly anticipated as both clubs, along with Cardiff Metropolitan University, have applied to be considered for promotion to the Welsh Premier League. Goytre hosted Penybont at their Plough Road HQ seeking to arrest a form dip which had produced just two points from a possible 15 and they achieved it by gaining a deserved win in a seven-goal thriller. Leading scorer Craig Moses and James Young both scored twice as their side climbed up a couple of places to eighth of 16 and like Monmouth, Goytre are also in home action again at the weekend when they will receive in-form Caerau (Ely). Aberbargoed were gunning for a sixth consecutive Division Two success, but came unstuck against a determined Caerleon side, which belied its bottom-of-the-table status to eventually win 1-0. The hosts didn't help themselves by missing a penalty before the break, Tom McCarthy wasting the opportunity by firing wide, while the final 10 minutes saw them miss several good chances – with a header from Tyla Preece at a corner appearing to bounce over the line after it came down from the crossbar. In-between, Caerleon were the better side and just six minutes after McCarthy's spot-kick miss, James Francis powered past a couple of defenders before planting a firm, left-foot shot beyond home goalkeeper Asa Kirkwood. Despite the defeat, Aberbargoed remain top while Caerleon's second win in half a dozen starts takes them up four positions to 11th and above Croesyceiliog, who had Zac Osbourne scoring his sixth league goal in a 1-1 draw at Penrhiwceiber Rangers. Risca United and Undy Athletic both gained comfortable away victories to go fourth and fifth respectively, although the former won at the expense of mid-table hosts Caldicot Town by 3-0. On target for The Cuckoos, who were minus leading scorer Tony Wallis, was Dave Hurley, Aaron Colwill and Josh Collier while Undy's marksmen were Gyles Thompson (2), Marcus Power, Gareth Cullimore and Olly Beckett. Both now will use this week to prepare for home game on Saturday, Risca against Dinas Powys and Undy versus Ely Rangers In Division Three, Lliswerry and Llanelli Town swapped places as a result of the west Walians' 3-1 success with Dan Stoneman on target for the losers. Panteg celebrated hosting a Welsh League game for the first time in 15 seasons in beating visiting county rivals Tredegar Town 2-1, there was a same-scoreline win for Treowen Stars over Treharris Athletic Western - although there were defeats for city duo Newport Civil Service and Newport YMCA. Tredegar will consider themselves very unlucky to travel home from Panteg with nothing to show for their efforts as they missed several good goal scoring opportunities to have done better. The hosts, though, can also claim with justification that they also squandered several fine chances in front of goal with Tredegar goalkeeper Kris Morris the busier of the two in terms of shot-stopping. It was 1-0 after just five minutes when home striker Adam Alkysi got his head to a throw-in to open the scoring only for Jordan Ryan to level before the interval when his cross-shot sailed over home goalkeeper Dan Wise. Both teams had their share of possession and domination during the second period, but it was left to Panteg's Gavin Millar to apply the finishing touch from close-range to earn his side a stoppage-time winner. Panteg are now eighth and Tredegar 13th while Treowen remain in sixth place despite that victory over Treharris - Luke Harris and Dean Randall, the latter with a curling shot into the top corner, netting the goals. NCS slipped a trio of places after losing for a third successive time, 3-1 at Llantwit Major where Derice McLean scored from the penalty spot, with YMCA down one to 16th after they had only a Nial Simmons goal to show for in a 2-1 reverse against visiting Cardiff Corinthians. * There are no mid-week games. Gwent goalscorers (League only). MONMOUTH'S Town Dan MacDonald's four-goal haul in the 5-2 win over Taffs Well on Friday night took him to the top of the list while the next highest-placed scorer is Lliswerry's Josh Brown on seven, followed by Newport Civil Service's Derice McLean and Croesyceiliog's Zac Osbourne, both scored once to take their totals to six. 10 - Dan MacDonald (Monmouth Town) 7 - Josh Brown (Lliswerry). 6 - Derice McLean (Newport Civil Service), Zac Osbourne (Croesyceiliog). 5 - Nick Harrhy (Monmouth Town). 4 - Scott Armitage (Aberbargoed Buds), Olly Beckett (Undy Athletic), Josh Collier (Risca United), Joe Howells (Lliswerry), Tom McCarthy (Aberbargoed Buds), Craig Moses (Goytre), Leo Ross (Chepstow Town), Dan Stoneman (Lliswerry), Tony Willis (Risca United). 3 - Jon Butcher (Panteg), Dale Cook (Lliswerry), Luke Cueto (Caerleon), Elliott Ford (Monmouth Town), Gareth Cullimore (Undy Athletic), Dan Hooper (Llanwern), Dave Hurley (Risca United), Hishi Lama (Croesyceiliog), Matt Prosser (Goytre), Sam Rushworth (Chepstow Town), Jordan Ryan (Panteg), Richard Sharratt (Caldicot Town), James Young (Goytre). 2 - Ricky Amos (Treowen Stars), Daniel Battle (Tredegar Town), Josh Bull (Monmouth Town), Lewis Coote (Tredegar Town), Elliott Evans (Monmouth Town), Max Fessey (Lliswerry), Chris Ham (Monmouth Town), Jordan Jones (Llanwern), Rhys Luffman (Lliswerry), Joe O'Brien (Newport YMCA), Ben Taylor (Panteg), Gyles Thompson (Undy Athletic). 1 – Jack Alderdice (Monmouth Town), Adam Alkysi (Tredegar Town), Wayne Antoniazzi (Aberbargoed Buds), Gareth Appleby (Panteg), James Barnes (Undy Athletic), Joe Bidgood (Newport YMCA), Michael Bishop (Llanwern), Steven Boucher (Lliswerry), Gareth Cleverly (Newport Civil Service), Aaron Colwill (Risca United); Jacob Cross (Aberbargoed Buds), Luke Dyke (Croesyceiliog), Alex Evans (Goytre), Jack Evans (Treowen Stars), Jordan Harding (Goytre), Nathan Hardwick (Newport YMCA), Jack Harvey (Chepstow Town), Luke Harris (Treowen Stars), Mo Hassan (Newport YMCA), Liam Head (Caerleon), Matthew Hibbs (Llanwern), Nic Hooper (Llanwern), Steven Hughes (Tredegar Town), Matt James (Caldicot Town), Ashley Johnson (Lliswerry), Chris Jones (Treowen Stars), Rhys Jones (Aberbargoed Buds), Will McConnell (Caldicot Town), Lee Mason (Panteg), Dave Mellon (Newport Civil Service), Adam Meredith (Tredegar Town), Paul Michael (Risca United), Gavin Millar (Panteg), Mark Morris (Croesyceiliog), Lewys Nash (Aberbargoed Buds), Stephen Parfitt (Treowen Stars), Nick Potts (Chepstow Town), Marcus Power (Undy Athletic), Simon Prangley (Chepstow Town), Craig Price (Treowen Stars), Chris Quinlan (Tredegar Town), Dean Randall (Treowen Stars), Anthony Richards (Croesyceiliog), Dan Saunders (Caldicot Town), Leigh Sharp (Risca United), Liam Shaw (Aberbargoed Buds), Nial Simmons (Newport YMCA), Mitchell Slape (Caldicot Town), Lewis Sweetland (Newport Civil Service), Kieron Thomas (Aberbargoed Buds), Simon Truman (Goytre), Alex Waters (Caerleon), Jake Wainright (Goytre), Jon Williams (Panteg), Ben Wotton (Caerleon), Joel Worgan (Tredegar Town). CLEAN-SHEETS: 3 - Monmouth Town. 2 - Aberbargoed Buds; Chepstow Town; Lliswerry; Newport Civil Service. 1 - Caerleon; Goytre; Llanwern; Risca United; Tredegar Town; Undy Athletic.
GWENT WEEKEND PREVIEW 19 September 2014 from Terry Daley MONMOUTH Town and Aberbargoed Buds start the weekend's action on Friday, when victory for the pair will mean a local side sitting at the top of all three divisions of the Welsh League. On Saturday, Lliswerry will hope to maintain the leadership of Division Three at Llanelli Town while league returnees Panteg play at home at this level for the first time in 15 years. Friday (7.30pm kick off). Division One (figures in brackets indicate league positions of 16). Pen-Y-Pound Stadium, Abergavenny: Monmouth Town (2) v Taffs Well (12). This is a battle between the champions and the side they pipped to the title in 2013-14, although currently it's only the hosts who are showing the same kind of form. After losing their opening game, The Kingfishers are five unbeaten and will begin here on the back of an 8-1 win at Aberdare Town - where both Elliott Ford and Dan MacDonald hit hat-tricks. It's now six goals in two games for MacDonald since his return from Merthyr Town while at the back, Monmouth have the joint second-best defensive record in the section. Taffs Well are here seeking to avoid a fifth successive defeat, a hugely surprising fact given how the side has done over recent seasons. Form guide: Monmouth Town: L W W D W W Taffs Well: W W L L L L Division Two (figures in brackets indicate league positions of 16). Recreation Ground: Aberbargoed Buds (1) v Caerleon (15). Everything is going Aberbargoed's way as they attempt first-time promotion and not only do they have a 100 per cent record, they are also the division's highest goalscorers - 15 in five matches. Scott Armitage and Tom McCarthy have both scored four times while manager Adrian Needs has seen his team concede only three goals. This is an extremely tough task for Caerleon, who have again gone with something of a youthful squad, although they go into this game having won their last game. A 2-1 success at Ely Rangers was their first three-pointer of the season and they'll be aware the need to match that form if they are to gain anything positive here. Form guide: Aberbargoed Buds: W W W W W Caerleon: D L L L W Saturday (2.30pm kick offs). Division One (figures in brackets indicate league positions of 16). Plough Road: Goytre (10) v Penybont (5). A two-match winning start to the season has is fast fading from the memory and a five-game-without-success sequence has seen Goytre slip nine places from the top. A couple of missed penalties cost them four points, but all that is history now and they simply must return to winning ways - and soon. This is the third of four consecutive home league fixtures for player-boss Carl Evans' side, who end the run by entertaining Caerau (Ely) on September 27. The visitors, managed by former Cwmbran Town striker Francis Ford, are unbeaten in their six outings and are the division's third-highest scorers with 18. Form guide: Goytre: W D L D L L Penybont: W D W W D D Division Two (figures in brackets indicate league positions of 16). Jubilee Way: Caldicot Town (5) v Risca United (6). Interesting-looking derby clash between two clubs who have the ability, on and off the field, to progress to the top level and both could well be genuine promotion contenders. Caldicot's last league encounter produced a 6-0 away triumph over Penrhiwceiber Rangers, although they have since slipped out of both the Gwent FA Senior Cup and Welsh Cup. Risca are a point behind having played a match less and although they lost their last league game, 2-1 at Barry Town United, they defeated visiting Treowen Stars 5-1 in the Welsh Cup last weekend. Striker Tony Wallis has scored a goal in each of his side's four league fixtures while Caldicot skipper Richard Sharratt is their leading league marksman with three. Form guide: Caldicot Town: D L W D W Risca United: D W W L Glasbrook Field: Penrhiwceiber Rangers (14) v Croesyceiliog (13). Even though it early in the campaign, this is the type of clash which Croesyceiliog must pick up points from if they are to start to climb the table. Inconsistency has dogged their play over recent seasons and while striker Zac Osbourne has made a fine start with five goals already, their second-highest scorer, Hishi Lama, has joined divisional rivals Chepstow Town. Moral could be a problem as Croesyceiliog were dumped out of the Welsh Cup by non-leaguers Marshfield last Saturday, although the visitors have their own problems. They have conceded more goals than any other club, 20 in only half-a-dozen games, including 6-0 at home to Caldicot last time out. Form guide: Penrhiwceiber Rangers: D D W L L L Croesyceiliog: D L D L W L Pri Deri Park, Mayhill: West End (10) v Undy Athletic (9). Undy have made a reasonable start and have won their last four league and cup games under manager Mark Crook and assistant Laurence Owen. An 8-1 home Welsh Cup win over Gwent County League side Malpas United was followed up by a 2-1 away Gwent FA Senior Cup first-round victory at Lliswerry on Wednesday - when Tom Hooper and Olly Beckett netted. If they were to win their two matches in hand, then Undy will be placed in the top three and they are another one of those clubs who are well equipped to play top-flight football. The west Wales hosts were relegated from Division One last season and because they have won only once in six league outings, the jury is out on their prospects of a quick-fire return. Form guide: West End: L D D W L D Undy Athletic: L L W W Division Three (figures in brackets indicate league positions of 19). Stebonheath Park: Llanelli Town (2) v Lliswerry (1). This is a top-of-the-table clash between sides expected to be there or thereabouts when the end-of-season promotion positions are finalised. Lliswerry, though, must recover from Wednesday's 2-1 home Gwent FA Senior Cup, first-round defeat at the hands of Undy at Spytty Stadium - a late goal from Dale Cooke proving to be insufficient. Previous to that, they defeated visiting Panteg 4-1 and if striker Josh Brown can re-produce the form which has helped him score seven league goals already, then Lliswerry are capable to earning something here. The unbeaten hosts beat Division Two Caldicot 2-0 at home in a Welsh Cup tie last weekend and will start favourites, although they will be aware Lliswerry have let in only five goals in their six league fixtures. Form guide: Llanelli: W W D W W Lliswerry: W W W W L W Windmill Ground: Llantwit Major (10) v Newport Civil Service (7). NCS need a decent result just to get back on track following three consecutive league and cup defeats which all came following a two-match winning start to the season. It appears they need a second goalscorer to supplement those being netted by talented striker Derice McLean, who has five to his name from four league fixtures. There's not a great deal to worry about at the moment because NCS are only six points adrift of the promotion pack and a win here would boost moral ahead of forthcoming county derbies against Lliswerry and Panteg. The hosts are a point behind having played a game more and were 4-1 winners at Pontypridd Town when last in league action. Form guide: Llantwit Major: L L D D W Newport Civil Service: W W L L Mendalgief Road: Newport YMCA (15) v Cardiff Corinthians (3). On the face of it, it would appear it may be a long, hard slog for YMCA to stabilise matters following relegation from the second-tier. Already only a point above the drop-zone and out of two cup competitions, at least they now have only league fixtures on which to focus. The only inspirational moment so far was a 3-2 triumph over close rivals Newport Civil Service and you would believe a re-production of that kind of display is needed here. The visitors came down with YMCA, but seem to have sorted out their problems and start here having won all four of their league matches - including a recent 3-1 win at Treowen Stars. Form guide: Newport YMCA: L L W L L Cardiff Corinthians: W W W W Panteg House, Griffithstown: Panteg (13) v Tredegar Town (11). This is a much-anticipated derby clash for all concerned with Panteg, who host a Welsh League game for the first time since being relegated at the end of the 1998-99 campaign. Long-serving defender David Gabbidon is the only playing member still with Panteg from that time and he actually joined the club in 1992! Tredegar will undoubtedly want to spoil the homecoming, although they crashed out of the Welsh Cup last Saturday when they lost 1-0 at home to non-leaguers AFC Butetown. This is a difficult one to call and given the teams have drawn three league fixtures between them in seven games, then parity may well rule. Form guide: Panteg: D W L Tredegar: D L W D Bush Park: Treowen Stars (6) v Treharris Athletic Western (12). Treowen lost their unbeaten home record when losing 3-1 against Cardiff Corinthians - after being much the better side for the first 20 minutes. They have since been bundled out of the Welsh Cup, beaten 5-1 at Risca, and it's important they gain a positive result here. Manager Simon Evans' side play some attractive football, but he will be very aware it must become much more clinical in front of goal. Treharris have won only one of five and were beaten 4-1 at home by non-league side STM Sports in a Welsh Cup tie on Saturday. Form guide: Treowen Stars: W L D W L Treharris Athletic Western: L W D D L
GWENT WEDNESDAY REPORT 18 September 2014 from Terry Daley Gwent FA Senior Cup, round one. Lliswerry 1 Undy Athletic 2 A LATE goal from Lliswerry's Dale Cooke and the sending off of Undy substitute Sam Munday meant an edgy last five minutes for the visitors before visiting they were finally able to book a quarter-final home tie with Welsh League champions Monmouth Town. Cook reduced the deficit by firing past goalkeeper James Smallcombe and when Munday received a second yellow from referee James Williams, suddenly what appeared a safe passage to the last eight looked very vulnerable. However Undy hung on to progress via a deserved victory and indeed had it not been for seven noteworthy saves from Lliswerry goalkeeper Gavin Lee, then the margin of success would have been far greater. Lliswerry fell behind on 21 minutes when Tom Hooper's long-range effort found the back of the home net and when Olly Beckett doubled the advantage with just two minutes remaining of the first period, it appeared the home side were on the ropes. But they rallied well in the second period, although they never did enough to seriously test Smallcombe – with both sides striking the woodwork. The outcome means Undy passing the first of a trio of 3G tests in away cup ties - they travel to face Cambrian & Clydach on the weekend of October 3-5 for a Welsh Cup clash before visiting Penybont in the Nathaniel Sales League Cup on October 18. Division Three leaders Lliswerry next visit second-placed Llanelli Town on Saturday, when Undy will also be in west Wales facing West End in a Division Two clash. Gwent FA Senior Cup, first-round full results. Chepstow Town 1 Cwmbran Celtic 2. Risca United 2 Monmouth Town 2 (after extra time - Monmouth won 6-5 on penalties). Goytre 1 Aberbargoed Buds 0. Croesyceiliog 4 Newport Civil Service 1. Newport YMCA 0 Caerleon 4. Panteg 3 Treowen Stars 0. Tredegar Town 1 Caldicot Town 0. Lliswerry 1 Undy Athletic 2. Quarter-final draw. Tredegar Town v Caerleon. Undy Athletic v Monmouth Town. Croesyceiliog 0 Panteg 1. Cwmbran Celtic v Goytre (holders). * Quarter-final ties to be played to a conclusion on or before December 31.
GWENT TUESDAY REPORT AND WEDNESDAY PREVIEW 17 September 2014 from Terry Daley Tuesday result. Ely Rangers 0 Llanwern 2 GOALS from Dan Hooper and Jordan Jones earned Llanwern a first away league win and clean-sheet of the season to move them up six places to eight in the Division Two table. Hooper and Jones took their goal tally to three and two respectively as Llanwern won for the second successive game to follow on from a 5-2 home win over AFC Llwydcoed. Llanwern do not have a match this weekend and are next in action on Saturday, September 27, when they host unbeaten Barry Town United at Newport Stadium. Wednesday preview. Gwent FA Senior Cup, round one - 7.30pm. Spytty Park: Lliswerry v Undy Athletic. Lliswerry will feel confident of being able to bridge a one-section gap having regained the lead of Division Three with a 4-1 home success over county rivals Panteg last Saturday. Undy, though, are also on from and their 8-1 home Welsh Cup win over non-leaguers Malpas United on the same day gave them a third victory in their last four league and cup outings. This is the final first-round tie of the competition and the reward for the victors is a home quarter-final clash with Division One champions Monmouth Town.
GWENT SATURDAY ROUND-UP AND GWENT GOALSCORERS (LEAGUE ONLY) 15 September 2014 from Terry Daley A SECOND successive hat-trick by Dan MacDonald helped Division One champions Monmouth Town to a club record 8-1 Welsh League win victory at Aberdare Town while Undy Athletic had two treble goalscorers in emulating that scoreline in the Welsh Cup. Also making cup progress were Aberbargoed Buds, Chepstow Town, Cwmbran Celtic, Risca United plus Gwent County League outfit Albion Rovers, but Croesyceiliog, Newport YMCA and Tredegar Town were all victims of giant-killing acts by non-league clubs. MacDonald scored three times the previous Saturday on his third Monmouth debut after re-joining from Southern League side Merthyr Town and repeated the feat in their crushing success at Welsh League rivals Aberdare - who had a player sent off with 20 minutes remaining. The Kingfishers, minus the suspended Chris Ham, also had Elliott Ford netting a hat-trick while Josh Bull and Elliott Evans were also on the mark as their side moved up two places to second - just one point adrift of leaders Haverfordwest County. Monmouth's next game is at their new home at Pen-Y-Pound Stadium in Abergavenny on Friday, when they entertain the side they pipped to the title in 2013-14, Taffs Well, kick off 7.30pm. There wasn't such good news, however, for Goytre, who dropped one to ninth as a result of a 2-1 home defeat at the hands of namesakes Goytre United. Craig Moses put Goytre ahead on the stroke of the interval when tapping in from close range after James Young had struck a post, but two goals after it, including the winner four minutes into stoppage time from Richard French, earned the visitors the three points. The only other league game involving local sides saw Lliswerry go back to the top of the Division Three table with a 4-1 home success over league returnees Panteg. Joe Howells (2), Dan Stoneman and Rhys Luffman were on target for the home side with Jon Butcher getting a consolation for 13th-placed Panteg, who were losing for the first time this season. In qualifying round two of the Welsh Cup, Cwmbran Celtic played their first competitive game of the campaign in travelling to face Gwent County League side Blaenavon Blues. Celtic are still waiting to hear what division they are to play in this season following an appeal against relegation from the top flight. They got in 90 minutes of extremely useful match practice in winning 2-0 with goals coming from Owen Llewellyn and Luke Thomas. Undy hosted GCL side Malpas United, who had previously knocked out another Division Two club, Llanwern, 3-2 at home. But Undy were in no mood to be Malpas' second higher-level victims as hat-tricks from Marcus Power (including a penalty) and substitute Olly Beckett were supplemented by goals from Gareth Cullimore and Martyn Phillips - the latter with a noteworthy 25-yarder. Aberbargoed recently won 5-1 at Ely Rangers in a Division Two clash and nearly repeated the feat in securing a 5-3 victory at the same venue thanks to efforts from Scott Armitage (2), Lewis Jones, Craig McDonnell and Kieran Thomas. In a second versus third divisional clash at Ty-Isaf Park, it was 5-1 to hosts Risca United against Treowen Stars - although many would agree it was something of a flattering scoreline for the victors. It was still locked at 1-1 and anyone's tie with 23 minutes remaining, but the home club pulled away to score four more times through Aaron Colwill, with a fierce long-range effort, player-boss Paul Michael (penalty), substitute Lewis Golding and Kyle Williams. Treowen had actually opened the scoring in the 10th minute via Dean Randall at a Scott Jones corner, but Williams netted the equaliser from the penalty spot - at the second attempt. His first 12-yard effort struck the bar and flew over only for referee Tudor Lewis to order a re-take with this time Williams confidently side-footing home and it really was a case of Risca being far more clinical in front of goal. Hishi Lama, Leo Ross and Simon Prangley scored as Chepstow made a divisional gap count by beating lower-tier side Bridgend Street 3-0 with Albion Rovers emerging 3-2 victors over visiting Pontyclun, of Division One of the South Wales Amateur League - Chris Pearce, Warren Archer and Mark Millinship with the goals as they recovered from a 2-1 deficit. Caldicot travelled home from Llanelli Town as 2-0 losers while Caerleon officials agreed their 4-0 home defeat at the hand of Dinas Powys was by far their worst display of the season. James Martin scored as YMCA were beaten 3-1 by SWAL Division Two hosts Dynamo Aber, who had knocked out Newport Civil Service in the previous round, Croesyceiliog went down 3-0 away against GCL side Marshfield while Tredegar Town seemingly made too many changes to a winning team in losing 1-0 at home to SWAL club AFC Butetown. Mid-week fixtures (both 7.30pm). Tuesday. Division Two: Ely Rangers v Llanwern. Wednesday. Gwent FA Senior Cup, round one (to be played to a conclusion): Lliswerry v Undy Athletic (winners to host Monmouth Town in quarter finals). Gwent goalscorers (League only). Dan MacDonald's second successive hat-trick for Monmouth Town, this time in an 8-1 win at Aberdare Town, puts him only one goal behind Lliswerry's Josh Brown. 7 - Josh Brown (Lliswerry). 6 - Dan MacDonald (Monmouth Town) 5 - Nick Harrhy (Monmouth Town), Derice McLean (Newport Civil Service), Zac Osbourne (Croesyceiliog). 4 - Scott Armitage (Aberbargoed Buds), Joe Howells (Lliswerry), Tom McCarthy (Aberbargoed Buds), Leo Ross (Chepstow Town), Tony Willis (Risca United). 3 - Olly Beckett (Undy Athletic), Jon Butcher (Panteg), Dale Cook (Lliswerry), Luke Cueto (Caerleon), Elliott Ford (Monmouth Town), Hishi Lama (Croesyceiliog), Matt Prosser (Goytre), Sam Rushworth (Chepstow Town), Richard Sharratt (Caldicot Town), Dan Stoneman (Lliswerry). 2 - Ricky Amos (Treowen Stars), Daniel Battle (Tredegar Town), Josh Bull (Monmouth Town), Josh Collier (Risca United), Lewis Coote (Tredegar Town), Gareth Cullimore (Undy Athletic), Max Fessey (Lliswerry), Chris Ham (Monmouth Town), Dan Hooper (Llanwern), Dave Hurley (Risca United), Rhys Luffman (Lliswerry), Craig Moses (Goytre), Joe O'Brien (Newport YMCA), Jordan Ryan (Panteg), Ben Taylor (Panteg). 1 – Jack Alderdice (Monmouth Town), Wayne Antoniazzi (Aberbargoed Buds), Gareth Appleby (Panteg), James Barnes (Undy Athletic), Joe Bidgood (Newport YMCA), Michael Bishop (Llanwern), Steven Boucher (Lliswerry), Gareth Cleverly (Newport Civil Service), Jacob Cross (Aberbargoed Buds), Luke Dyke (Croesyceiliog), Alex Evans (Goytre), Elliott Evans (Monmouth Town), Jack Evans (Treowen Stars), Jordan Harding (Goytre), Nathan Hardwick (Newport YMCA), Jack Harvey (Chepstow Town), Mo Hassan (Newport YMCA), Liam Head (Caerleon), Matthew Hibbs (Llanwern), Nic Hooper (Llanwern), Steven Hughes (Tredegar Town), Matt James (Caldicot Town), Ashley Johnson (Lliswerry), Chris Jones (Treowen Stars), Jordan Jones (Llanwern), Rhys Jones (Aberbargoed Buds), Will McConnell (Caldicot Town), Dave Mellon (Newport Civil Service), Adam Meredith (Tredegar Town), Paul Michael (Risca United), Mark Morris (Croesyceiliog), Lewys Nash (Aberbargoed Buds), Stephen Parfitt (Treowen Stars), Nick Potts (Chepstow Town), Simon Prangley (Chepstow Town), Craig Price (Treowen Stars), Chris Quinlan (Tredegar Town), Anthony Richards (Croesyceiliog), Dan Saunders (Caldicot Town), Leigh Sharp (Risca United), Liam Shaw (Aberbargoed Buds), Mitchell Slape (Caldicot Town), Lewis Sweetland (Newport Civil Service), Kieron Thomas (Aberbargoed Buds), Simon Truman (Goytre), Alex Waters (Caerleon), Jake Wainright (Goytre), Ben Wotton (Caerleon), Joel Worgan (Tredegar Town), James Young (Goytre). CLEAN-SHEETS: 3 - Monmouth Town. 2 - Aberbargoed Buds; Chepstow Town; Lliswerry; Newport Civil Service. 1 - Goytre; Tredegar Town.
RISCA UNITED GAIN ACADEMY STATUS 13 September 2014 from Terry Daley THE Football Association of Wales has confirmed its Premier Academy League will this season include ambitious Welsh League outfit Risca United. The governing body's decision to accept Risca means their academy side will rub shoulders with Welsh Premier League clubs plus others such as WL champions Monmouth Town, and Merthyr Town, whose senior team plays in the English pyramid system. “This is an incredible achievement for this club because we only started setting up our academy in May of this year and we already have over 100 players signed and FAW/UEFA-qualified coaches installed at each age group,” revealed Risca director-of-football Andy Honey-Jones. “Our academy had an extensive pre-season programme with friendlies against sides such as Arsenal Schools, Cardiff City Development, Clevedon Town, Bath City and others. “The under-12s and under-16s finished winners and runners up at the JPL Tournament beating Exeter City, Rushden & Diamonds and Reading along the way. “With assistance from Caerphilly Schools and Caerphilly County Borough Council's Sport and Leisure department, we have secured the fantastic Centre for Sporting Excellence in Ystrad Mynach. “Training and academy fixtures will all take place there and the club will be representing Caerphilly in the Welsh and English Schools competitions.” Honey-Jones continued by explaining academy status offers a marvellous opportunity for the young people of the area because before this season, there was a large geographical gap for players to play at a higher level with many travelling to Monmouth, Merthyr Tydfil and Afan Lido to get academy football experience. “This will give those young people the opportunity to develop as footballers in a high-quality environment. Three players have already moved onto professional clubs (Newport County and Bristol Rovers) and we hope many more will continue to develop. As a club, we have big ambitions and setting up the academy is the next stage in the process of applying for our FAW Domestic Licence. “This will also ensure the best talent from our area will hopefully remain here and thus help Risca United achieve our long-term ambitions.” Risca will play in the 11-strong southern section of the FAW Premier Academy League alongside Aberystwyth Town, Haverfordwest County, Carmarthen Town, Afan Lido, Port Talbot Town, Pontardawe Town, Penybont, Cambrian & Clydach, Merthyr Town and Monmouth Town. Their opening game is against visiting Cambrian & Clydach on September 14 and the top four teams from each group will progress to form the quarter finals.
GWENT SATURDAY PREVIEW 12 September 2014 from Terry Daley WHILE Division One side Goytre and Monmouth Town are in league action, the majority of other local clubs cross the white line seeking Welsh Cup progress. Champions Monmouth could go top if they win and other clubs slip up while Goytre are four without a victory following a good start to the campaign. All league games kick off at 2.30pm, but start times for cup ties vary and spectators are advised to check with host clubs. Ties to be played to a conclusion. Division One (figures in brackets indicate league positions of 16): Aberaman Park: Aberdare Town (9) v Monmouth Town (4). The champions here seek to stretch their unbeaten league record to a fifth game following on from a fine 4-0 success at Afan Lido - where the returning Dan MacDonald netted a hat-trick. The Kingfishers, though, have never been a 'one-trick pony' and possesses other players who are well capable of winning games in their own right. Another plus side is that result at Afan Lido was the third successive clean-sheet for goalkeeper Keiron Blackburn and the last goal he conceded was in the 87th minute of the 4-2 win at Briton Ferry Llansawel on August 23. Aberdare are also in fairly decent nick and a 2-2 home draw with Goytre United denied them a third consecutive league victory. Form guide: Aberdare Town: D L W W D Monmouth Town: D L W W D W Plough Road: Goytre (7) v Goytre United (8). It could be argued this shouldn't be a mid-table clash because Goytre had the misfortune to fluff penalties in each of their two last games. Had striker Craig Moses managed to score the spot-kicks, then Goytre would have gained four more points and be sitting in second place behind leaders Haverfordwest County. However missed penalties remain part and parcel of the job and because Moses is a good goalscorer, the smart money is most definitely on him getting at least 15 before now and the end of the season. Goytre's Port Talbot-based namesakes have always proved a difficult side to overcome down the years and this particular clash is expected to be no different. Form guide: Goytre: W W D L D L Goytre United: W D W L D Division Three (figures in brackets indicate league placings of 19): Spytty Park: Lliswerry (2) v Panteg (12). Lliswerry lost their 100 per cent record recently in losing 2-0 at Cardiff-based Bridgend Street and will certainly want to return to winning ways on their 3G surface. They are bidding for a third successive victory on it having defeated Treharris Athletic Western and Newport YMCA 3-1 and 2-0 respectively. Because of a delay to their start date, Panteg have played only two league matches - drawing 4-4 at Cwm Welfare and winning 5-3 at Caerau. They were in mid-week action, however, when substitute Gavin Millar grabbed the only goal in a Gwent Senior Cup quarter-final triumph at Division Two outfit Croesyceiliog on Tuesday. Form guide: Lliswerry: W W W W L Panteg: D W Welsh Cup, qualifying round two. Memorial Ground: Blaenavon Blues v Cwmbran Celtic. This is only the second competitive game for Celtic, who have been waiting to discover which division they are to play in following a move to relegate them from the top flight. Their only outing was a 2-1 away Gwent Senior Cup success at Division Two outfit Chepstow Town exactly a month ago and a lack of match fitness certainly won't help. Blaenavon are fourth in Division One of the Gwent County League having won three of their four fixtures and reached this stage due to a 1-0 success at Ynysddu Welfare in the last round. Cold Bath Road: Caerleon v Dinas Powys. Caerleon will start here boosted by gaining their first league win, 2-1 at Ely Rangers, although the outcome eventually failed to lift them off the bottom of the Division Two table. However it's far too early to be too despondent about that and the positive thinking is the are only six points adrift of a promotion spot. The visitors are five places better off and their only two league wins have come against Caerleon's near neighbours Llanwern and Croesyceiliog, who they defeated 1-0 and 2-1 respectively. Larkfield Ground: Chepstow Town v Bridgend Street. In-form Chepstow will obviously start as favourites here, although there is only one Welsh League division between these two teams. However it's Chepstow who are on more of a roll and a 6-0 away win over Penrhiwceiber Rangers means they are now in second position. The capital visitors may have won only one of their four Division Three fixtures, but proved they are a decent side by ending then-leaders Lliswerry's 100 per cent record in beating them 1-0 at home. Morgan Jones Park, Caerphilly: Dynamo Aber v Newport YMCA. When you are struggling again following relegation, it's a tie such as this one which you certainly don't want and YMCA will have to up their game to progress. It's ironic the only team YMCA have beaten in five Division Three matches is Newport Civil Service, who Dynamo Aber knocked out of this competition only last Saturday. The South Wales Amateur League Division Two side were 4-0 up before NCS rallied to lose 4-3 and although they've played only a couple of league matches, they did win both. Station Road, Wenvoe: Ely Rangers v Aberbargoed Buds. Two weeks ago, Aberbargoed travelled to face Ely for a Division Two clash - and returned home all smiles thanks to a brilliant 5-1 success and now have a 100 per cent record from five league games. No two matches will ever be alike, but table-topping Aberbargoed will feel ultra confident of reaching the next round - but this being football, things are never that cut and dried. Since that defeat, Ely have also lost at home, 2-1 against Caerleon, but they have won three league games to date and might actually be highly motivated by that large defeat to gain revenge. Stebonheath Park: Llanelli Town v Caldicot Town. Full back Dean Palmer is poised to make his full Caldicot debut after being a substitute in Tuesday's 1-0 Gwent Senior Cup defeat at Tredegar Town following his move from Monmouth Town the previous day. However Caldicot report they will be minus regulars Mitchell Slape, Andrew Wenzel and Luke Harris for what is expected to be an extremely tough test against the west Walians. Llanelli are among the firm favourites to gain promotion from Division Three and the the current leaders ahead of Lliswerry having won four and drawn one. Village Hall Ground: Marshfield v Croesyceiliog. Division Two Croesyceiliog slipped out of the Gwent Senior Cup on Tuesday, when visiting lower-tier side Panteg grabbed a 1-0 win at Woodland Road. It's true to say they are not currently firing on all cylinders and without doubt this will prove to be a very tricky task to progress for them. Unbeaten Marshfield are placed fourth in Division One of the Gwent County League with three wins and a draw from four outings and won 4-3 at RTB Ebbw Vale in the previous round. The Causeway: Undy Athletic v Malpas United. Had this been a qualifying-round one clash, then there's little doubt Undy would be red-hot favourites to defeat the Gwent County League Division Two visitors. However Malpas got to this stage by winning 3-2 at home against Undy's Welsh League Division Two rivals Llanwern and because of that, matters are now not so easy to predict. Undy begin having won their last two league fixtures to move up to eighth while Malpas were last in action in losing 2-1 at home to Tredegar Athletic. Ty-Isaf Park: Risca United v Treowen Stars. Risca striker Tony Wallis is in excellent form and has scored a goal in each of the five league and cup games he has played and clearly is a massive danger to the visitors' hopes of progressing. However if Division Three Treowen can repeat the fine form of the opening 20 minutes of last weekend's 3-1 home defeat by Cardiff Corinthians, then perhaps a cup upset could be on the cards here. There is a divisional gap between these sides and Risca will fancy their chances of seeing off the underdogs, but will also be fully aware form and favouritism count for nothing in cup ties. Sports Complex: Tredegar Town v AFC Butetown. Tredegar have made a reasonable start to their Division Three campaign with a win and two draws from four games and are currently 10th of 19. This tie would appear to represent a good chance to secure a second competition triumph in as many weeks, having beaten visiting Gwent County League side Cefn Fforest 2-0 in the last round. There could well be plenty of goals scored here as there have been 32 produced in Butetown's four league and cup fixtures this season - 14 for and 18 against.
BRIDGEND STREET ANNOUNCEMENT 11 September 2014 Bridgend Street are delighted to announce the appointment of Keith Williams as Assistant Manager. Keith is a UEFA B Licensed Coach and will work alongside current manager Lee Moore and First Team Coach Matthew Boyd Anderson. Keith has experience of being manager of Dinas Powys in Division Two and he will bring experience to the position and further enhance our Management Team. We welcome Keith to the club and wish him well.
GWENT TUESDAY ROUND-UP 10 September 2014 from Terry Daley Gwent FA Senior Cup. First round: Tredegar Town 1 Caldicot Town 0. Division Three outfit Tredegar substitute Adam Kaysal grabbed the only game of this first-round tie at the Sports Complex to set up another home tie against another Division Two side, Caerleon. After a scrappy first 45 minutes, Kaysal eventually grabbed the game's only goal to put his team into the quarter finals. Quarter final: Croesyceiliog 0 Panteg 1 (Gavin Millar). A FINE half-volley from Panteg substitute Gavin Millar earned Panteg a deserved win at Woodland Road and a place in the competitions' semi finals. Millar struck with 16 minutes remaining of a tie which looked likely to be heading for a 0-0 stalemate, although both side has come close to scoring on several occasions. The nearest anyone did before Millar's clincher came when former Croesyceiliog player Lee Mason struck the home crossbar with a header at a corner. Division Three side Panteg will now host another Division Two club, Caerleon, on a date yet to be announced. First-round results. Chepstow Town 1 Cwmbran Celtic 2. Risca United 2 Monmouth Town 2 (after extra time - Monmouth won 6-5 on penalties). Goytre 1 Aberbargoed Buds 0. Croesyceiliog 4 Newport Civil Service 1. Newport YMCA 0 Caerleon 4. Panteg 3 Treowen Stars 0. Tredegar Town 1 Caldicot Town 0. Remaining first-round tie. Lliswerry v Undy Athletic - Wednesday, September 17, kick off 7.30pm. Quarter-final draw. Tredegar Town v Caerleon. Lliswerry or Undy Athletic v Monmouth Town. Croesyceiliog 0 Panteg 1. Cwmbran Celtic v Goytre (holders)
DINAS POWYS VACANCY 10 September 2014 Dinas Powys FC are delighted to announce that Dinas Powys have a new Chairman. Rob Bloxham has taken over from Keith Williams who has stood in for the last 18 months or so until a new Chairman could be appointed. Rob is a local lad who played for the club many years ago, and saw the club rise from local leagues into the South Wales Amateur League. Rob's Father is a former Chairman of the club and Rob has two sons who play for the club. Dinas Powys are looking for someone to work alongside Chris Hooper to run the Welsh League Reserve side. The team have got off to a flying start topping the reserve league. The club is looking for someone to work alongside Chris with training, working to raise the standards of players and to assist with match day responsibilities. It’s exciting times at Dinas Powys as the structure of the club has changed. We now have a very proactive committee and newly installed Chairman in Rob Bloxham. Rob brings plenty of experience to club following in his father’s footsteps. If this appeals to you please get in touch - Richie Garland, Secretary, Dinas Powys FC, Mobile; 07718 808245, Club email: dinaspowysfc@gmail.com
GWENT WEEKEND ROUND-UP AND GWENT GOALSCORERS (LEAGUE ONLY) 8 September 2014 from Terry Daley PROLIFIC goalscorer Dan MacDonald marked his return to champions Monmouth Town colours with a hat-trick in a 4-0 away Division One win over previously-unbeaten Afan Lido. In the second tier, Caldicot Town hit six of the best on the road, but Lliswerry lost their 100 per cent Division Three record in slipping to an away defeat. MacDonald hit 81 goals in two and a half seasons for The Kingfishers, but joined Southern League Merthyr Town for the start of the current campaign. However when MacDonald and Merthyr recently decided to part company, Monmouth boss Andrew Smith quickly snapped him up and he instantly re-produced the form which helped them lift their first top-tier title in 2013-14. His treble against Lido, who lost for the first time in five outings, was supplemented with a goal from Jack Alderdice as Monmouth climbed to fourth of 16. But there was a downside as Chris Ham is now suspended after being sent off and there was bad news also for Goytre, who were defeated 3-2 at home by Ton Pentre - with striker Craig Moses missing a last-minute penalty. Ton sped into a 2-0 advantage within 10 minutes and although James Young and Moses drew Goytre level, the visitors eventually grabbed a winner. It was the second consecutive league game in which Moses failed to score from the spot following on from his miss in the 1-1 draw at Cambrian & Clydach the previous Saturday. In Division Two, Caldicot thrashed hosts Penrhiwceiber Rangers 6-0 while there were first wins of the campaign for both Caerleon and Llanwern. Caldicot have now lost just once in five fixtures with skipper Richard Sharratt (2), Dan Saunders, Jason Thorn, Will McConnell and own goal accounting for their total. Chepstow remain second behind not-in-action Aberbargoed Buds thanks to a 1-1 away draw with Swansea-based West End, where Jack Harvey headed home a Simon Prangley corner to earn the points, but Croesyceiliog had only a goal from Zac Osbourne to show for in a 2-1 defeat at Dinas Powys. Risca United lost by the same score against Barry Town United at Jenner Park, where striker Tony Wallis scored a single goal for the fourth consecutive league match. Wallis put Risca ahead and although they trailed 2-1 at the break, they missed enough chances to have gained victory - and matters weren't helped by the sending off of Ian Turner with still 20 minutes remaining. Undy Athletic triumphed 2-0 at Margam-based Tata Steel and their second successive win moves them up to eighth position, James Barnes and a long-range effort from Paul Clayton making sure of the three points. Caerleon got the weekend's action underway on Friday night, when they travelled to face third-placed Ely Rangers seeking their first win at the fifth attempt. They achieved it by earning a 2-1 victory with an own goal and a strike after the interval from from Andrew Cooke while Llanwern slammed visiting AFC Llwydcoed 5-2 at Newport Stadium. On target were Dan Hooper (2), Matthew Hibbs, Nic Hooper, and Jordan Jones, although both Caerleon and Llanwern remain at the lower end of the table. Lliswerry not only lost 2-0 at Bridgend Street, but also their status as Division Three leaders to Llanelli Town, who won 2-0 at Newport YMCA, while Treowen's 100 per cent home record went as a result of a 3-1 defeat by Cardiff Corinthians. There was, however, a five-star display from Panteg in the capital - although Newport Civil Service were victims of a Welsh Cup giant-killing act. Treowen played some excellent football against the Corries at Bush Park during the opening 20 minutes, but had only a goal from striker Craig Price to show for the efforts. The visitors gradually settled into the game and were level at the break after Andre Phillips volleyed home and they had the edge during the second period in adding further goals through David Williams and Nathan Sims. The latter's last-minute goal, however, should not have been allowed to stand as Sims broke enough football laws to have earned a second yellow before he struck. His first misdemeanour was using a highly-offensive expletive when getting involved in a row with someone in his own dug-out and his second came when he removed his shirt as he walked towards the touchline to be substituted - while the game was still in play. That wasn't then end of bizarre sequence because he then stepped off the pitch without permission and because the substitution failed to take place, he promptly put his shirt back on and re-entered the fray - again without permission. This all happened when the ball was at the other end of the pitch and because Division Three matches do not have linesmen, little blame can be attached to the referee for missing the incidents. Newport Civil Service entertained South Wales Amateur League side Dynamo Aber from Caerphilly in a postponed Welsh Cup, qualifying-round one tie. The visitors were clearly the better team in going into 4-0 lead, although NCS did safe some pride in battling back to score via Derice McLean, Aysa Eldoori and Dave Mellon in a 4-3 reverse. Dynamo Aber now host Newport YMCA in the next round on Saturday. * Mid-week Gwent FA Senior Cup fixtures. Tuesday. Second round: Tredegar Town v Caldicot Town (7.15pm), winners home to Caerleon in last eight). Quarter final: Croesyceiliog v Panteg (6.00pm). Gwent goalscorers (League only). DAN McDonald celebrated his return to Monmouth Town's colours by striking a hat-trick in his side's 4-0 at Afan Lido while Croesyceiliog's Zac Osbourne was the highest-placed player to score - his fifth of the season coming in a 2-1 defeat at Dinas Powys. The Clean-Sheet kept by Monmouth puts them clear at the top of that list. 7 - Josh Brown (Lliswerry). 5 - Nick Harrhy (Monmouth Town), Derice McLean (Newport Civil Service), Zac Osbourne (Croesyceiliog). 4 - Scott Armitage (Aberbargoed Buds), Tom McCarthy (Aberbargoed Buds)Leo Ross (Chepstow Town), Tony Wallis (Risca United). 3 - Olly Beckett (Undy Athletic), Dale Cook (Lliswerry), Luke Cueto (Caerleon), Hishi Lama (Croesyceiliog), Dan MacDonald (Monmouth Town), Matt Prosser (Goytre), Sam Rushworth (Chepstow Town), Richard Sharratt (Caldicot Town). 2 - Ricky Amos (Treowen Stars), Daniel Battle (Tredegar Town), Jon Butcher (Panteg), Josh Collier (Risca United), Lewis Coote (Tredegar Town), Gareth Cullimore (Undy Athletic), Max Fessey (Lliswerry), Chris Ham (Monmouth Town), Dan Hooper (Llanwern), Joe Howells (Lliswerry), Dave Hurley (Risca United), Joe O'Brien (Newport YMCA), Jordan Ryan (Panteg), Dan Stoneman (Lliswerry), Ben Taylor (Panteg). 1 – Jack Alderdice (Monmouth Town), Wayne Antoniazzi (Aberbargoed Buds), Gareth Appleby (Panteg), James Barnes (Undy Athletic), Joe Bidgood (Newport YMCA), Michael Bishop (Llanwern), Steven Boucher (Lliswerry), Josh Bull (Monmouth Town), Gareth Cleverly (Newport Civil Service), Jacob Cross (Aberbargoed Buds), Luke Dyke (Croesyceiliog), Alex Evans (Goytre), Jack Evans (Treowen Stars), Jordan Harding (Goytre), Nathan Hardwick (Newport YMCA), Jack Harvey (Chepstow Town), Mo Hassan (Newport YMCA), Liam Head (Caerleon), Matthew Hibbs (Llanwern), Nic Hooper (Llanwern), Steven Hughes (Tredegar Town), Matt James (Caldicot Town), Ashley Johnson (Lliswerry), Chris Jones (Treowen Stars), Jordan Jones (Llanwern), Rhys Jones (Aberbargoed Buds), Will McConnell (Caldicot Town), Dave Mellon (Newport Civil Service), Adam Meredith (Tredegar Town), Paul Michael (Risca United), Mark Morris (Croesyceiliog), Craig Moses (Goytre), Lewys Nash (Aberbargoed Buds), Stephen Parfitt (Treowen Stars), Nick Potts (Chepstow Town), Simon Prangley (Chepstow Town), Craig Price (Treowen Stars), Chris Quinlan (Tredegar Town), Anthony Richards (Croesyceiliog), Dan Saunders (Caldicot Town), Leigh Sharp (Risca United), Liam Shaw (Aberbargoed Buds), Mitchell Slape (Caldicot Town), Lewis Sweetland (Newport Civil Service), Kieron Thomas (Aberbargoed Buds), Simon Truman (Goytre), Alex Waters (Caerleon), Jake Wainright (Goytre), Ben Wotton (Caerleon), Joel Worgan (Tredegar Town), James Young (Goytre). CLEAN-SHEETS: 3 - Monmouth Town. 2 - Aberbargoed Buds; Chepstow Town; Lliswerry; Newport Civil Service. 1 - Goytre; Tredegar Town.
MERTHYR TYDFIL REFEREES' SOCIETY GENTLEMEN'S EVENING 6 September 2014 Merthyr Referees’ Society are holding a Gentlemen’s Evening on Thursday 18 September 2014 at the Merthyr Labour Club. The guest speaker is former Liverpool and England footballer Phil Neal, supported by a comedian. Tickets priced £25 each, which includes a two-course dinner, are available by contacting Steve Type on 07426 836635.
GWENT WEEKEND PREVIEW 5 September 2014 from Terry Daley CAERLEON get the weekend's action underway on Friday night, when they will bid to climb away from the wrong end of the Division Two table while Lliswerry are also in the capital's suburbs on Saturday to try and stretch their 100 per cent record to a fifth game. Friday (7.30pm). Division Two (figures in brackets indicate league positions of 16): Station Road, Wenvoe: Ely Rangers (3) v Caerleon (14). Caerleon are seeking a first win at the fifth attempt and although it's still relatively very early, bad starts can often be a difficult to recover from. They will look to experienced forward Luke Cueto to again be their attacking spearhead and will hope he can add to his three-goal total. Much depends on how Caerleon react to having to play under floodlights, although Ely certainly didn't gain any advantage when they hosted leaders Aberbargoed last Friday night. The table-toppers romped to a 5-1 victory and given Ely have conceded 12 goals in their five fixtures, there is a good chance Caerleon may be able to gain a positive results here. Form guide: Ely Rangers: W W L W L Caerleon: D L L L Saturday (all games league kick off at 2.30pm). Division One (figures in brackets indicate league positions of 16): Marston's Stadium, Port Talbot: Afan Lido (7) v Monmouth Town (6). Monmouth's top scorer for the last three seasons, Dan MacDonald, makes his debut second time around here having re-joined from Southern League outfit Merthyr Town. Also available for the champions is striker Nick Harrhy, who missed last weekend's 0-0 draw against Garden Village after previously scoring five goals in the opening four matches. The outcome meant a second successive clean-sheet for The Kingfishers, who are unbeaten in their three fixtures at their new home. The home side, relegated from the Welsh Premier League last season, is also unbeaten - although their last two have both ended in 1-1 draws - including at Goytre a couple of weeks ago. Form guide: Afan Lido: W D W D Monmouth Town: D L W W D Plough Road: Goytre (5) v Ton Pentre (10). After a winning start, Goytre have not gained three points in any of their last trio of outings and have slipped four places from top. But there's not a lot wrong in all honesty and had striker Craig Moses not missed a penalty, then last Saturday's 1-1 draw at Cambrian & Clydach would have produced a third win in five. However if home advantage counts for anything at the level, then Goytre are in a good position as this game marks the start of five of the next six at Plough Road. This, though, looks a stern test because after Ton lost their opening game 1-0 at Afan Lido, have since scored for fun in winning 6-1 and 4-1 at AFC Porth and Goytre United respectively. Form guide: Goytre: W W D L D Ton Pentre: L W W Division Two (figures in brackets indicate league positions of 16): Jenner Park: Barry Town United (4) v Risca United (5). Intriguing contest of which the outcome could give an early insight into the prospects of Risca being involved in a second-consecutive promotion campaign. Both came up from Division Three, the hosts as champions and the visitors in third place, and each start here unbeaten and sharing no less than 25 goals in games played. Striker Tony Wallis enjoyed a fine 2013-14 campaign in netting 32 league goals and he's again in-form having scored one in each of his side's three outings. Barry head Risca on goal difference only and although home advantage means they are firm favourites here, the visitors certainly won't feel daunted in any way about their task. Form guide: Barry: W W D Risca United: D W W The Murch: Dinas Powys (13) v Croesyceiliog (9). Croesyceiliog gained a first win in defeating visiting Margam-based Tata Steel 2-1, but have since seen three-goal Hishi Lama leave to join county and divisional rivals Chepstow Town. There's always goals on show then they play and their five league fixtures have produced a remarkable 24 goals with Lee Waddon having recently decided to be considered for selection as a goalkeeper and not a defender. He has played well since donning the gloves firstly as a stand-in custodian, although a clean-sheet wouldn't go amiss for the former Caerleon, Cwmbran Town and Risca United player. The home side has also won only one game, although that was 1-0 at home against Llanwern, and this match-up represents a fair chance for Croesyceiliog to follow that success up with another positive result. Form guide: Dinas Powys: L L W L Croesyceiliog: D L D L W Newport Stadium: Llanwern (15) v AFC Llwydcoed (7). Out-of-form Llanwern slipped to a third successive league defeat on Wednesday, when visiting table-topping Aberbargoed Buds stretched their 100 per cent record to five with a 3-1 success. On target for bottom-placed Llanwern at Newport Stadium was Jonny Dunn while Aberbargoed scored via Wayne Antoniazzi, Scott Armitage and Kieron Thomas. Llanwern boss Gareth Morgan will hope several previously unavailable and injured players will be ready to take their place in the match-day squad and a victory has already become a must for his side. Llwydcoed are in-form as their last two games, both at home, saw them thrash Penrhiwceiber Rangers 6-1 and draw 1-1 against Caldicot Town. Form guide: Llanwern: D L L L AFC Llwydcoed: D L W D Glasbrook Field: Penrhiwceiber Rangers (11) v Caldicot Town (8). Caldicot are one of those sides which could well be involved in the promotion race, but would have to become far more consistent in terms of picking up more points to do so. Have only lost one of four games, but would now be in third position had they won they two matches they drew - 1-1 at home and away against Llanwern and Llwydcoed respectively. Striker Jason Thorn makes a squad return after missing three games through injury while manager Mark Williams is in the process of signing a full back from a Division One club – although it's unlikely to go through in time for the game. Rangers may be a bit low on moral because after being unbeaten in three opening fixtures, have since lost 6-1 at Llwydcoed and 3-0 at Chepstow. Form guide: Caldicot Town: D L W D Penrhiwceiber Rangers: D D W L L Sports Ground, Margam: Tata Steel (6) v Undy Athletic (12). Undy left it extremely late in securing a 4-3 home success over West End last time out, striker Gareth Cullimore scoring in the 89th and 92nd minutes. It did, however, bring them a first victory after they had suffered narrow defeats against Aberbargoed (1-0 at home) and Caldicot (2-1 away). On their day, Undy are capable to seeing off the stiffest of challenges and the trick now is to become more consistent as they continue to bid for a place in the top flight for the first time. Tata are seeking first-time promotion back to Division One and played in Gwent last weekend, when they drew level with Croesyceiliog before slipping to a 2-1 defeat. Form guide: Tata Steel: W D W L L Undy Athletic: L L W Pri Deri Park, Mayhill: West End (10) v Chepstow Town (2). It's been a good start for Chepstow, who have recovered well since losing 1-0 at home to Tata Steel on the opening day last month. There's a good balance of youth and experience about manager Dave Livermore's squad and he's added to its goal-power by snapping up attacking midfielder Hishi Lama from divisional rivals Croesyceiliog. Start here on the back of a fine 3-0 home triumph over Penrhiwceiber Rangers against whom pre-season signing from Pill, Leo Ross, scored all the goals to take his tally to four. West End were relegated from Division One at the end of 2013-14 and begin here having lost out to Undy in a seven-goal thriller last Saturday. Form guide: Chepstow Town: L W D W W West End: L D D W L Division Three (figures in brackets indicate league positions of 19): Willows High School, Tremorfa: Bridgend Street (12) v Lliswerry (1). Four games, four wins, 19 goals for an only two against all means Lliswerry have made the perfect start to their bid to get out of the division at the second attempt. Manager Adam Corfield has witnessed striker Josh Brown hit seven league goals, the highest total by a player appearing for a Gwent club, with Dale Cook on three. This will be Lliswerry's first league game since beating visiting Newport YMCA 2-0 on August 27, but they must recover here from a 2-1 home, Welsh Cup defeat at the hands of Division Two side Risca. The capital hosts are seeking a first success, although they do start here on the back of a 5-4 penalty shoot-out Welsh Cup victory over non-league Llantwit Fardre following a 4-4 after-extra-time draw. Form guide: Bridgend Street: D L D Lliswerry: W W W W International Sports Stadium: Cardiff Grange Harlequins (17) v Panteg (16). Panteg's only league outings was a 4-4 draw against fellow-promotees Cwm Welfare and here they start fresh from a mid-week Gwent FA Senior Cup, first-round triumph. A Peter Thomas own goal plus strikes from Tom Wise and Gavin Miller helped them defeat visiting Treowen Stars and set up an away quarter-final clash with Division Two outfit Croesyceiliog next Tuesday. If they can re-produce that sort of form here, then they will go a long way to clinching their first three-point haul since returning to this level following a 15-season absence. The home side have struggled to date and they've leaked 10 goals in their last two league fixtures - including a 6-0 away thrashing at the hands of Llanelli Town. Form guide: Cardiff Grange Harlequins: D L L L Panteg: D Mendalgief Road: Newport YMCA (11) v Llanelli Town (2). The arrival of several recruits, including the return of a few experienced former players, looks to have stabilised YMCA following a very difficult start. Gained their first win by seeing off city rivals Newport Civil Service 3-2 and gained Welsh Cup progress at the expense of Gwent County League hosts FC Tredegar 2-0. However sandwiched in between was a 2-0 defeat on Lliswerry's 3G surface and this clash against the west Wales visitors promises to rest YMCA's new-found resolve. Unbeaten-in-four Llanelli have targeted promotion and the only 'blot' on their copybook is a 1-1 away draw against Rhoose a fortnight ago. Form guide: Newport YMCA: L L W L Llanelli: W W D W Bush Park: Treowen Stars (5) v Cardiff Corinthians (3). Treowen have made a fairly decent start to the league programme, although they were beaten 3-0 at Panteg in mid-week in a Gwent FA Senior Cup tie. That disappointing result came just four days after a fine 5-1 home Welsh Cup win over non-leaguers Trethomas Bluebirds at their Bush Park HQ Here, boss Simon Evans' team will seek to stretch its unbeaten league run to a third game, although they face capital visitors who have a 100 per cent record. The Corries have conceded just one goal in three outings and although it's very early to begin to predict matters, it does appear they have what it takes to earn first-time promotion back to the second level. Form guide: Treowen Stars: W L D W Cardiff Corinthians: W W W Welsh Cup, first qualifying round (2.00pm kick and to be played to a conclusion). Shannon Close, Bettws: Newport Civil Service v Dynamo Aber. This clash was postponed on compassionate grounds last Saturday and now NCS will play to join Newport YMCA, Risca United, Tredegar Town and Treowen Stars in the second qualifying round. NCS' have won and drawn twice and are sixth in Division Three, striker Derice McLean in fine form to date with five league goals to his name. Little is known of the visitors, although they have won both of their South Wales Amateur League Division Two fixtures - scoring seven goals and conceding one. * Tredegar Town will now host South Wales Amateur League side AFC Butetown in a Welsh Cup, second-qualifying round clash on Saturday, September 13. Butetown had originally been drawn at home, but ground-share with SWAL rivals Tiger Bay FC, who will entertain Cwm Rhondda on the same day.
GWENT WEDNESDAY ROUND-UP AND GWENT GOALSCORERS (LEAGUE ONLY) 4 September 2014 from Terry Daley Division Two: Llanwern 1, Aberbargoed Buds 3. ABERBARGOED ignored the over-head sounds of helicopters and aircraft which marked Barack Obama's arrival in Newport to continue their march towards a quick return to Division One. They were worthy winners at Newport Stadium, which is being used as a holding post for hundreds of personnel and transport associated with the near-by NATO summit, where they took their 100 per cent league record to a fifth game. It was another disappointing display from Llanwern, who were forced to name manager Gareth Morgan and his brother and physio Rhodri as substitutes. While sympathising with Llanwern's chronic injury and unavailability list, they still had enough talent in their starting line-up to have done far better. Aberbargoed, on the other hand, were rarely troubled after home forward Jonny Dunn showed a tremendous turn of pace to fire last goalkeeper Asa Kirkwood to reduce the arrears to 2-1. In the end, Aberbargoed could and perhaps should have scored on at least another two occasions, although manager 'Bambi' Needs will only be concerned that his side are another three points closer to promotion. He lost striker Tom McCarthy to a head injury as early as the 35th minute, although he has plenty of time to recover as his side's next League game is not until the home visit on Caerleon on the 20th of this month. Bottom-placed Llanwern have a quick-fire chance to win at the fifth attempt and to rectify this display on Saturday, when they entertain AFC Llwydcoed. Morgan gave a debut to goalkeeper Mike Neish, who was brought in because of the suspended Ben Fletcher – although he was picking the ball out of the back of the net just two minutes into the game. Poor defensive work allowed Wayne Antoniazzi to fire the visitors into the lead and just 10 minutes later, Gavin Meacham set up Scott Armitage with the chance to drill home a 20-yarder to double to advantage. Dunn's speed and clinical finish gave Llanwern some sort of hope at the break. But the feeling was that the match had ended as a contest when Kieron Thomas headed in a Meacham corner just seven minutes into the second period. Llanwern did their best to get back into the game without troubling Kirkwood again while Antoniazzi passed over a great opportunity to make if 4-1 when he headed wide from close range. The clash was well refereed by Stanislav Havel, an English Language student form the Czech Republic. Llanwern: Mike Neish, Jermaine Poole, Liam Screen, Michael Bishop, Dominic Harvie, Matthew Hibbs, Sam Hartrey, Jordan Jones, John Lillygreen, Dan Hooper, Jonny Dunn (Alex North, 83). Subs not used: Marc Curtis, Peter Fordham, Gareth Morgan, Rhodri Morgan. Goal: Dunn (24). Aberbargoed Buds: Asa Kirkwood, Lee Hartshorn, Shane Dawe, Kieron Thomas, Tyla Preece, Rhys Jones, Lewis Jones (Jacob Cross, 54), Wayne Antoniazzi (Liam Vaughan, 80), Tom McCarthy (Craig McDonnell, 35), Gavin Meacham, Scott Armitage. Subs not used: Lewys Nash, Ross Fowler. Booked: Hartshorn (22). Goals: Antoniazzi (2), Armitage (12), Thomas (52). Referee: Stanislav Havel. Assistants: Gary Lucas and Mike Martin. Gwent FA Cup, first round: Panteg 3 Treowen Stars 0. An own goal and efforts from Tom Wise and Gavin Miller meant Panteg were full value for this win, which earns them an way quarter-final next week against Croesyceiliog in the quarter finals. First-round results. Chepstow Town 1 Cwmbran Celtic 2. Risca United 2 Monmouth Town 2 (after extra time - Monmouth won 6-5 on penalties). Goytre 1 Aberbargoed Buds 0. Croesyceiliog 4 Newport Civil Service 1. Panteg 3 Treowen Stars 0. Remaining first-round ties - dates and kick offs. Tredegar Town v Caldicot Town - Tuesday, September 9, kick off 7.15pm. Lliswerry v Undy Athletic - Wednesday, September 17, kick off 7.30pm. Quarter-final draw. Tredegar Town or Caldicot Town v Caerleon. Lliswerry or Undy Athletic v Monmouth Town. Croesyceiliog v Panteg (Tuesday, September 9, kick off 6.15pm). Cwmbran Celtic v Goytre (holders). Gwent goalscorers (League only). ABERBARGOED Buds' Scott Armitage scored in his side's 3-1 win against Llanwern at Newport Stadium on Wednesday to take his season's league tally to four. 7 - Josh Brown (Lliswerry). 5 - Nick Harrhy (Monmouth Town), Derice McLean (Newport Civil Service). 4 - Scott Armitage (Aberbargoed Buds), Tom McCarthy (Aberbargoed Buds), Zac Osbourne (Croesyceiliog), Leo Ross (Chepstow Town) 3 - Olly Beckett (Undy Athletic), Dale Cook (Lliswerry), Luke Cueto (Caerleon), Hishi Lama (Croesyceiliog), Matt Prosser (Goytre), Sam Rushworth (Chepstow Town), Tony Willis (Risca United). 2 - Ricky Amos (Treowen Stars), Daniel Battle (Tredegar Town), Jon Butcher (Panteg), Josh Collier (Risca United), Lewis Coote (Tredegar Town), Gareth Cullimore (Undy Athletic), Max Fessey (Lliswerry), Chris Ham (Monmouth Town), Joe Howells (Lliswerry), Dave Hurley (Risca United), Joe O'Brien (Newport YMCA), Richard Sharratt (Caldicot Town), Dan Stoneman (Lliswerry). 1 – Wayne Antoniazzi (Aberbargoed Buds), Gareth Appleby (Panteg), Joe Bidgood (Newport YMCA), Michael Bishop (Llanwern), Steven Boucher (Lliswerry), Josh Bull (Monmouth Town), Gareth Cleverly (Newport Civil Service), Jacob Cross (Aberbargoed Buds), Luke Dyke (Croesyceiliog), Alex Evans (Goytre), Jack Evans (Treowen Stars), Jordan Harding (Goytre), Nathan Hardwick (Newport YMCA), Mo Hassan (Newport YMCA), Liam Head (Caerleon), Steven Hughes (Tredegar Town), Matt James (Caldicot Town), Ashley Johnson (Lliswerry), Chris Jones (Treowen Stars), Rhys Jones (Aberbargoed Buds), Dave Mellon (Newport Civil Service), Adam Meredith (Tredegar Town), Paul Michael (Risca United), Mark Morris (Croesyceiliog), Lewys Nash (Aberbargoed Buds), Stephen Parfitt (Treowen Stars), Nick Potts (Chepstow Town), Simon Prangley (Chepstow Town), Craig Price (Treowen Stars), Chris Quinlan (Tredegar Town), Anthony Richards (Croesyceiliog), Leigh Sharp (Risca United), Liam Shaw (Aberbargoed Buds), Mitchell Slape (Caldicot Town), Lewis Sweetland (Newport Civil Service), Kieron Thomas (Aberbargoed Buds), Simon Truman (Goytre), Jake Wainright (Goytre), Ben Wotton (Caerleon), Joel Worgan (Tredegar Town). CLEAN-SHEETS: 2 - Aberbargoed Buds; Chepstow Town; Lliswerry; Monmouth Town; Newport Civil Service. 1 - Goytre; Tredegar Town.
CHAMPIONS RE-SIGN LEADING SCORER MACDONALD 4 September 2014 from Terry Daley MONMOUTH Town's hopes the re-signing of prolific goalscorer Dan MacDonald can lead to a place at the top table of Welsh domestic football. The former Aston Villa trainee and England age-level ace scored 81 goals in the last two and a half seasons for The Kingfishers as they swept through the divisions to land last season's Welsh League championship title. Monmouth immediately targeted a place in the top-tier Welsh Premier League. However unable to upgrade their own ground, the club subsequently moved to Pen-Y-Pound Stadium in Abergavenny - where work is already well underway to ensure it passes any WPL criteria inspection. MacDonald, though, had by then followed Monmouth manager and ex-Wales and Newport County defender Steve Jenkins in linking up with Southern League outfit Merthyr Town. But after starting their opening league game against visiting Wimbourne on August 9, MacDonald was only used off the bench in each of their subsequent three games. His last appearance was in the 2-0 defeat at Cinderford Town two weeks later after he and Merthyr decided to go their separate ways. Monmouth won the Division Three title in 2011-12 with MacDonald scoring no fewer than 37 league goals and although he missed a large chunk of the following season when he joined WPL side Carmarthen Town on loan, he still managed 17 league goals. And his 27-goal total helped Monmouth clinch their first Division One championship trophy in 2013-14, when they edged out Taffs Well by just a couple of points. An obviously pleased Monmouth manager Adrian Smith told of his belief MacDonald is the best player in the Welsh League. “I'm amazed he (MacDonald) hasn't kicked on at a higher level and his return will, hopefully, fire us into the Welsh Premier League, where he can really show people what he is all about. “We've a talented and honest bunch of players here who are as delighted as I am to have him back.” MacDonald was not signed in time for last Saturday's home game against Garden Village, when Monmouth were without current top scorer Nick Harrhy. It was of little surprise the game finished 0-0 and now Monmouth will want both to be available on Saturday, when they Afan Lido. * The Football Association of Wales has confirmed Monmouth, plus Cardiff Metropolitan University and Haverfordwest County, have applied for the Domestic Licence which is one of the criterion required to gain promotion to the Welsh Premier League for 2015-16.
RISCA UNITED STALWART NOMINATED 4 September 2014 from Terry Daley LONG-SERVING Risca United official Stuart Luckwell has been short-listed for the prestigious Welsh Football Trust's People's Award in it's Volunteer of the Year category. Luckwell will represent the Gwent FA area and is in the running with other nominees from the Central Wales FA, North East Wales FA, North Wales Coast FA, South Wales FA and West Wales FA. The citation for Luckwell reads: “Stuart (Luckwell) has been involved with Risca United for over 40 years, taking on every type of role at the club - from player to chairman to groundsman. “He is the heartbeat behind Risca United and without his work and effort, the club would simply not be in existence today. “It is a seven days a week commitment for Stuart, who has helped hundreds of young people get involved in the game. “Stuart is extremely well respected and held in very high regard by the local community for all the dedication he has shown to the club. “At a time of his life where he could consider slowing down, Stuart is more active in the running of the club than ever before. His work as a volunteer is simply unrivalled. “His roles include secretary, groundsman, programme editor, linesman not to mention previous roles of player and manager.” The WFT's CEO, Neil Ward remarked: “The Welsh Community Football Awards, presented by McDonald’s, were designed to celebrate and thank the hundreds of volunteers who give up their spare time to help grassroots football grow and flourish across Wales. “Without the energy, enthusiasm and continued dedication of these unsung heroes, grassroots football in so many communities would not be possible. “The People’s Award gives the general public the chance to have their say on who they feel deserves this special recognition in their community and I would urge everyone vote for their chosen nominee.” The voting window for the People’s Award on the Football Association of Wales' website runs until midnight on Wednesday, September 17 at midnight. The nominee with the most votes will be named the national winner at the National Awards Ceremony on Monday, October 13, at the Cardiff City Stadium ahead of Wales’ EURO 2016 qualifying match against Cyprus.
GWENT WEDNESDAY PREVIEW 3 September 2014 from Terry Daley IT'S a Welsh League Division Two bottom-against-top clash on Wednesday night, when struggling Llanwern entertain leaders Aberbargoed Buds. The Newport Stadium fixture comes just four days after under strength Llanwern were bundled out of the Welsh Cup by non-leaguers Malpas United 3-2. Already minus nine squad members, Llanwern saw goalkeeper Ben Fletcher controversially sent off while midfielder Nic Hooper and defender Adrian Harvie picked up injuries. Fletcher now faces suspension and because the club's other custodian, Chris Golton, is unavailable until October, Llanwern boss Gareth Morgan has acted swiftly to bring in former Goytre United goalkeeper Mike Neish from Division One outfit Caerau (Ely). While Llanwern have drawn one and lost two league games, Aberbargoed have won all of their four of games and start here having scored 12 times and conceded just twice. However Aberbargoed also report they have a lengthy unavailable and injury list - including Liam Shaw, who is banned after being sent off in last Friday's 5-1 away win over Ely Rangers. Elsewhere, Panteg, whose only Division Three game ended in a 4-4 draw at fellow-promotees Cwm Welfare, entertain section rivals Treowen Stars in a Gwent FA Senior Cup, first-round tie. The winners are scheduled to travel to face Croesyceiliog in the quarter finals. Wednesday fixtures. Division Two: Llanwern v Aberbargoed Buds (7.15pm). Gwent FA Cup, first round: Panteg v Treowen Stars (6.15pm, to be played to a conclusion).
FAW WELSH CUP QUALIFYING ROUND TWO SOUTHERN DRAW 1 September 2014 To be played on Saturday 13 September 2014, 2.00pm ko
GWENT WEEKEND ROUND-UP AND GWENT GOALSCORERS (LEAGUE ONLY) 1 September 2014 from Terry Daley WHILE top-flight sides Goytre and Monmouth Town were both held to draws, Aberbargoed's five-star display maintained their 100 per cent start to their Division Two campaign. In the first qualifying round of the Welsh Cup, non-league Malpas United caused the upset of the day in defeating Division Two Llanwern - but there were safe passages through for Newport YMCA, Risca United, Tredegar Town and Treowen Stars. Aberbargoed got the weekend's action underway on Friday night, when they travelled to face Ely Rangers for a much-anticipated top-of-the-table clash. However in terms of the result, it ended in a bit of a mis-match as leaders Aberbargoed won for the fourth successive time since the start of the 2014-15 season. Tom McCarthy and Sam Armitage both scored twice to take their respective league tallies to four and three with Gavin Meacham also netting. However Aberbargoed has Liam Shaw sent off in a clash which also saw a home player red-carded while Ely also missed a penalty. Aberbargoed boss 'Bambi' Needs takes his charges on the road again on Wednesday, when they travel to face Llanwern at Newport Stadium. Elsewhere in the same division, there were wins for Chepstow Town, Croesyceiliog and Undy Athletic plus a point for Caldicot Town. Chepstow moved second of 16 and gained a third win in five league outings in seeing off visiting Penrhiwceiber Rangers 3-0 thanks to an outstanding hat-trick from Leo Ross after his team led 1-0 at the break. Matters weren't quite as cut and dried for Croesyceiliog, who gained their first win at the fifth attempt in edging out visiting Tata Steel 2-1 at their Woodland Road HQ. After striker Zac Osbourne has put them ahead when a visiting defender should have cleared his shot off the line instead of missing it completely, the Margam-based visitors drew level when Chris Parfitt headed home from close range. However, Croesyceiliog, whose player Lee Waddon now wishes to be considered for selection as a goalkeeper on a permanent basis and no longer as a central defender, eventually clinched the success when Osbourne turned in a Chris Watkins cross shortly after the hour mark. The win moved them up to ninth and one place below Caldicot, who were held 1-1 by hosts AFC Llwydcoed - skipper Richard Sharratt getting their goal. Undy moved off the bottom and up four rungs as a result of earning their first win of the campaign, a 4-3 home triumph over Swansea-based West End - both Gareth Cullimore and Olly Beckett netting twice. However Cullimore's brace came extremely late to enable Undy to pinch the points, his equaliser being scored in the 89th minute and his winner not finding the back of the net until two minutes into stoppage time at The Causeway. In the Welsh Cup, Llanwern travelled across the city to visit Newport High School in Bettws to face Gwent County League Division Two side Malpas. And when the visitors went 2-0 up early on through goals from John Lillygreen and Jonny Dunn, it appeared they were well on their way to victory. However the tide began to turn when Llanwern had goalkeeper Ben Fletcher sent off on 22 minutes and although Malpas missed the resulting penalty, they went onto recover to win 3-2 with goals coming from Jake Jones (2) and Mason Sully. Besides now being minus the suspended Fletcher for Wednesday's visit of Aberbargoed to Newport Stadium Llanwern's lengthy injury list now includes Nic Hooper and Adrian Harvie - who are both doubtful for the clash. Visiting Division Two club Risca United made a section gap count by winning 2-1 at lower-tier leaders Lliswerry on their 3G surface at Spytty Park. Tony Wallis and Kyle Williams made it 2-0 to Risca at the interval and although Lliswerry struck the woodwork four times, they only had a Josh Brown goal to show for their efforts during the second period. Treowen Stars were the biggest cup winners in beating GCL outfit Trethomas Bluebirds 5-1 at home. Craig Price smacked in a treble for the Bush Park side with a brace from Lloyd Dando making up their total. Both Tredegar Town and Newport YMCA won ties by 2-0, the former having Chris Quinlan and Joel Worgan on target against visiting GCL club Cefn Fforest and the latter Neil Simmons and Craig Ford netting at another GCL outfit Tredegar Athletic. In Division One, champions Monmouth, minus leading scorer Nick Harrhy, played out a 0-0 home stalemate with Garden Village and are now sixth while Goytre are the team immediately above them following a 1-1 draw at Cambrian & Clydach - Matthew Prosser scoring, but Craig Moses missing a penalty. * Newport Civil Service's home Welsh Cup tie against South Wales Amateur side Dynamo Aber was postponed on compassionate grounds and the tie has now been re-arranged to take place at the same venue on Saturday - kick off 2.00pm. Gwent goalscorers (League only). CHEPSTOW Town's Leo Ross was the highest scorer over the weekend, his hat-trick in a 3-0 home success over Penrhiwceiber Rangers taking him onto four goals for the season - three adrift of Lliswerry's Josh Brown 7 - Josh Brown (Lliswerry). 5 - Nick Harrhy (Monmouth Town), Derice McLean (Newport Civil Service). 4 - Tom McCarthy (Aberbargoed Buds), Zac Osbourne (Croesyceiliog), Leo Ross (Chepstow Town) 3 - Scott Armitage (Aberbargoed Buds), Olly Beckett (Undy Athletic), Dale Cook (Lliswerry), Luke Cueto (Caerleon), Hishi Lama (Croesyceiliog), Matt Prosser (Goytre), Sam Rushworth (Chepstow Town), Tony Willis (Risca United). 2 - Ricky Amos (Treowen Stars), Daniel Battle (Tredegar Town), Jon Butcher (Panteg), Josh Collier (Risca United), Lewis Coote (Tredegar Town), Gareth Cullimore (Undy Athletic), Max Fessey (Lliswerry), Chris Ham (Monmouth Town), Joe Howells (Lliswerry), Dave Hurley (Risca United), Joe O'Brien (Newport YMCA), Richard Sharratt (Caldicot Town), Dan Stoneman (Lliswerry). 1 - Gareth Appleby (Panteg), Joe Bidgood (Newport YMCA), Michael Bishop (Llanwern), Steven Boucher (Lliswerry), Josh Bull (Monmouth Town), Gareth Cleverly (Newport Civil Service), Jacob Cross (Aberbargoed Buds), Luke Dyke (Croesyceiliog), Alex Evans (Goytre), Jack Evans (Treowen Stars), Jordan Harding (Goytre), Nathan Hardwick (Newport YMCA), Mo Hassan (Newport YMCA), Liam Head (Caerleon), Steven Hughes (Tredegar Town), Matt James (Caldicot Town), Ashley Johnson (Lliswerry), Chris Jones (Treowen Stars), Rhys Jones (Aberbargoed Buds), Dave Mellon (Newport Civil Service), Adam Meredith (Tredegar Town), Paul Michael (Risca United), Mark Morris (Croesyceiliog), Lewys Nash (Aberbargoed Buds), Stephen Parfitt (Treowen Stars), Nick Potts (Chepstow Town), Simon Prangley (Chepstow Town), Craig Price (Treowen Stars), Chris Quinlan (Tredegar Town), Anthony Richards (Croesyceiliog), Leigh Sharp (Risca United), Liam Shaw (Aberbargoed Buds), Mitchell Slape (Caldicot Town), Lewis Sweetland (Newport Civil Service), Simon Truman (Goytre), Jake Wainright (Goytre), Ben Wotton (Caerleon), Joel Worgan (Tredegar Town). CLEAN-SHEETS: 2 - Aberbargoed Buds; Chepstow Town; Lliswerry; Monmouth Town; Newport Civil Service. 1 - Goytre; Tredegar Town.
URGENT - AFC PORTH YOUTH REQUIRE OPPOSITION FOR A HOME FRIENDLY ON SUNDAY - FIXTURE NO LONGER AVAILABLE 29 August 2014 Due to a late cancellation, AFC Porth under-19s are looking for opponents this Sunday 31 August at Dinas Park, 2.30 pm kick off. Please contact Secretary, Huw Jones 07974 252940 or Manager, Dilwyn Jenkins 07595 971533.
GWENT WEEKEND PREVIEW 29 August 2014 from Terry Daley DIVISION Two leaders Aberbargoed Buds could be involved in a match-of-the-weekend on Friday, when they visit second-placed Ely Rangers seeking to extend their 100 per cent record to a fourth game. There are no Division Three fixtures as all clubs are involved in Welsh Cup first-round ties, which kick off at 2.00pm and are to be played to a conclusion - league matches kick off at 2.30pm. * Newport Civil Service's home Welsh Cup tie against South Wales Amateur side Dynamo Aber has been postponed on compassionate grounds and the tie has now been re-arranged to take place at the same venue on Saturday, September 6 - kick off 2.00pm. Friday (7.30pm kick off). Division Two (figures in brackets indicate league positions of 16): Station Road, Wenvoe: Ely Rangers (2) v Aberbargoed Buds (1). Aberbargoed have made a brilliant start to their ambition of regaining Division One status at the first attempt and they will start here having won all three of their league games. Wins have come against Undy Athletic (1-0 away), Llanwern (4-0 at home) and Llwydcoed (2-1, also at home) as under newly-appointed boss Adrian 'Bambi' Needs. Without doubt, however, this looks, on paper at least, to be their sternest challenge to date as the home side sit directly beneath them. Their latest win came in mid-week, when they edged out visiting Dinas Powys in a seven-goal thriller, and this really does have the makings of an excellent contest. Form guide: Ely: W W L W Buds: W W W Saturday. Division One (figures in brackets indicate league positions of 16): King George V New Field: Cambrian & Clydach (12) v Goytre (6). After two consecutive wins, a 1-1 home draw against Afan Lido and a 2-0 defeat at Monmouth Town has pushed Goytre down five places to sixth. Besides the loss of three points, there was also another price to play for Wednesday's defeat against The Kingfishers at Abergavenny's Pen-Y-Pound Stadium. Former Newport County favourite Nathan Davies was sent off and now faces suspension, although Goytre start this game against a side aiming to avoid a third successive defeat. C&C open up with a 1-0 home victory over Pontardawe Town, but have subsequently lost twice to Caerau (Ely) - 4-2 away and 2-1 at home. Form guide: Cambrian & Clydach: W L L Goytre: W W D L Pen-Y-Pound, Abergavenny: Monmouth Town (5) v Garden Village (13). When champions Monmouth lost prolific marksman Dan MacDonald to English pyramid side Merthyr Town in the summer, many believe they wouldn't be the same force. However his absence appears to have made way for Nick Harrhy to step into the limelight and his goal in the 2-0 mid-week success over Goytre took his tally to five in the first four outings. Chris Ham, a pre-season recruit from Cwmbran Celtic, was The Kingfishers' other goal scorer, his second of the campaign, and here they face a host side seeking a first triumph. They picked up a point from a 3-3 home draw with Aberdare Town, but it's been all downhill with defeats against Haverfordwest County (6-0 and 2-1) and Taffs Well (3-2). Form guide: Monmouth Town: D L W W Garden Village: D L L L Division Two (figures in brackets indicate league positions of 16): Merthyr Road: AFC Llwydcoed (9) v Caldicot Town (10). Caldicot recovered form a sticky start of only one point from the first six on offer by earning deserved 2-1 home win over nearest rivals Undy Athletic last weekend. Player-boss Mark Williams will have been far happier with his side's performance after a dodgy opening 20 minutes or so and the basics are there for a solid season. There were visible signs that much work on their Jubilee Way ground has taken place in the summer, including the unveiling of memorial gates to long-serving clubman Dai Coles, who passed away earlier this year. Llwydcoed also gained their first win at the third attempt and Caldicot will be aware that the hosts gained it by thrashing visiting Penrhiwceiber Rangers in mid-week. Form guide: AFC Llwydcoed: D L W Caldicot Town: D L W Larkfield Ground: Chepstow Town (5) v Penrhiwceiber Rangers (8). Chepstow manager Dave Livermore has got his first-team managerial career off to a reasonable start and Wednesday's 2-1 win at Caerleon was his second in four outings. Simon Prangley and Nick Potts each got their first goals since the summer arrivals from Taffs Well and Newport YMCA respectively with Ben Wooton, who signed for Caerleon from Newport Civil Service at the same time, scoring his side's consolation. Livermore's squad certainly appears to have the right mix of youth and experience and the betting is they will win more than they lose in 2014-15. Form guide: Chepstow Town: L W D W Penrhiwceiber Rangers: D D W L Woodland Road: Croesyceiliog (12) v Tata Steel (Margam) (6). If nothing else, it's definitely entertaining watch yet-to-win Croesyceiliog whose opening four games have produced now fewer than 21 goals. However it's vital unwell goalkeeper James Peckham returns soon, although stand-in Lee Waddon, usually a central defender, was not at fault with any of the goals in Wednesday's 3-2 home reverse at the hand of Risca United. A strike from Zac Osbourne and an own goal from visiting defender Leigh Sharp made up Croesyceiliog's total and here they a visiting side bidding for first-time promotion back to the top flight. Tata began very well with a three-game unbeaten run, but that came to an end when they lost 1-0 to Swansea-based West End. Form guide: Croesyceiliog: D L D L Tata Steel: W D W L The Causeway: Undy Athletic (16) v West End (Swansea) (7). It's been far from an ideal start for Undy, who sit bottom of the pile following a couple of successive defeats – although there doesn't appear to be too much wrong. They were 1-0 losers at Aberbargoed on the opening day before going down 2-1 against fierce local rivals Caldicot last Saturday. I watched that clash and had Undy been able to maintain the fine form they displayed in the first 20 minutes or so, then they would have undoubtedly ran out comfortable victors. However the didn't and now they seek to clinch a first success against a relegated side which achieved that at the fourth time of asking in mid-week via a 1-0 home win over Margam-based Tata Steel. Form guide: Undy Athletic: L L West End: L D D W Welsh Cup, first qualifying round. Ebbw Sports Centre, Lime Avenue: Tredegar Athletic v Newport YMCA. This tie will be played on a 3G surface and has been switched from Tredegar Sports Complex, which is being used to host the clash between Tredegar Town and Cefn Fforest. Tredegar Athletic play in Division Two of the Gwent County League and have played two matches, winning 2-1 at home against Blackrock Rovers and drawing 3-3 at Llanhilleth Athletic. YMCA remain in 11th place in Division Three of the Welsh League, despite a 2-0 defeat at Spytty Park against table-topping Lliswerry on Wednesday. Spytty Park: Lliswerry v Risca United. This is a tie which is expected to be very close as both sides are in good form, the hosts having a 100 per cent record at the summit of the lower tier while the visitors are fourth in Division Two. Lliswerry's Josh Brown now has seven goals after scoring in a 2-0 home, mid-week win over Newport YMCA, with Joe Howells also netting. At the same time, Risca were winning 3-2 at Croesyceiliog where their goalscorers were Dave Hurley, player-manager Paul Michael and Tony Wallis. Newport High School, Bettws: Malpas United v Llanwern. Llanwern are desperately under strength for this game and I understand they will name some coaching staff in an attempt to plug the gaps. Because of the problems, their Division Two campaign has began poorly with only one point from a possible nine and here they face a club which operates in the second tier of the Gwent County League. They have, though, won both their games to date, winning 3-1 at Mathern Athletic and 2-1 against visiting Ynysddu Welfare. Leisure Complex: Tredegar Town v Cefn Fforest. The hosts will be favourites to progress to the next round, but will doubtless have to work hard for any reward they may get against the Gwent County League visitors. Tredegar's latest match ended in a 3-3 home draw against Treharris Athletic Western in mid-week, when an own goal plus strikes from Adam Meredith and Steven Hughes counted to put them 10th. Cefn Fforest missed out on promotion to Division One of the GCL by only three points last season and have drawn one and lost another this time around. Bush Park: Treowen Stars v Trethomas Bluebirds. Treowen have made a reasonable start to their Division Three campaign and sit sixth with two wins and a draw from a quartet of outings. They were in action on Wednesday, when goals from Lewis Coote, Stephen Parfitt and Chris Jones earned them a 3-2 home success over Newport Civil Service. Trethomas, on the other hand, have won only once in three Gwent County League Division One matches and were 2-1 losers at Blaenavon Blues in mid-week.
GWENT WEDNESDAY ROUND-UP AND GWENT GOALSCORERS (LEAGUE ONLY) 27 August 2014 from Terry Daley Croesyceiliog 2 Risca United 3 RISCA United's leading goalscorer Tony Wallis was at it again at Woodland Road, where his 73rd-minute effort was enough to settle this Division Two county derby. In a second period played out in heavy rain, Wallis evaded a would-be tackler before lashing the ball past stand-in Croesyceiliog goalkeeper Lee Waddon. The former Risca defender donned the goalkeeper gloves for the third successive game while regular number-one James Peckham recovers from illness. But in fairness, to Waddon, whose brother Mark heads the club's managerial team, he had little or no chance with any of the goals and indeed played well against a side which completed a quick-fire double. Risca arrived on the back of the previous week's 4-2 home success over Croesyceiliog and began by taking a second-minute lead via wideman Dave Hurley, who back-heeled home at a Paul Michael corner. Josh Hales nearly made it 2-0 when heading wide before home left back Josh Hall was forced to scoop the ball over his own crossbar from a Hurley cross. Croesyceiliog marksman Zac Osbourne was next to go close in firing just over while team-mate Jamie Arnold's goal-bound effort was deflected for a corner. Soon, however, the home side were level as a Sean Matthews corner was headed towards goals by central defender Michael Dewer to enable Osbourne to volley home. And Croesyceiliog took an interval advantage by scoring a second goal within a minute when Risca defender Leigh Sharp fired a Luke Dyke through ball into his own net. It took Risca just 13 minutes to equalise after the break, Michael slamming in a low, 25-yard free kick past Waddon before Wallis grabbed his third league goal of the new season. Substitute Brendon Scott and Hurley later both hit the post while Croesyceiliog came close to snatching a point when Osbourne saw his effort cleared off the line by Ian Turner. On a better night, Croesyceiliog may have managed a point - although Risca appeared to have done enough to earn the full compliment. Croesyceiliog are again in home action against Tata Steel on Saturday, when Risca visit Division Three leaders Lliswerry for a Welsh Cup, first-round tie. Croesyceiliog: Lee Waddon, Mark Morris (capt) (Ryan Hayward, 79), Josh Hall (Jack Wellington, 65), Joel Griffin, Michael Dewar, Sean Matthews (Anthony Richards, 59), Jamie Arnold, Aaron Harris, Luke Dyke, Hishi Lama, Zac Osbourne. Subs not used: Gareth Willis, Chris Watkins. Booked: Morris (37), Dyke (38), Richards (60). Goals: Osbourne (33), Leigh Sharp (own goal, 34). Risca United: Tom Chorely, Leigh Sharp, Dave Hurley, Jon Payne, Josh Hales, Josh Collier, Kyle Williams (Steve Edwards, 89), Paul Michael, Tony Wallis, Aaron Colwill (Brendon Scott, 78), Ian Turner. Subs not used: Josh Clayton, Matthew Russell. Booked: Colwill (36). Goals: Hurley (2), Michael (58), Wallis (73). Referee: Darren Adie Assistants: Phil Bates and Paul Morgan. DIVISION ONE: Monmouth Town 2 (Nick Harrhy; Chris Ham) Goytre 0. DIVISION TWO: Caerleon 1 (Ben Wootton) Chepstow Town 2 (Simon Prangley; Nicky Potts). Croesyceiliog 2 (own goal; Zac Osbourne) Risca United 3 (Dave Hurley; Paul Michael; Tony Wallis). DIVISION THREE: Lliswerry (Joe Howells; Josh Brown) Newport YMCA 0. Tredegar Town 3 (Adam Meredith; Steven Hughes; and an own goal) Treharris Athletic Western 3. Treowen Stars 3 (Lewis Coote; Stephen Parfitt; Chris Jones) Newport Civil Service (Derice McLean; Gareth Cleverly). Gwent goalscorers (League only). The three leading marksmen, Lliswerry's Josh Brown, Monmouth Town's Nick Harrhy and Newport Civil Service's Derice McLean all scored a goal for their clubs in Wednesday fixtures. 7 - Josh Brown (Lliswerry). 5 - Nick Harrhy (Monmouth Town), Derice McLean (Newport Civil Service). 3 - Dale Cook (Lliswerry), Luke Cueto (Caerleon), Hishi Lama (Croesyceiliog), Sam Rushworth (Chepstow Town), Tony Wallis (Risca United). 2 - Ricky Amos (Treowen Stars), Daniel Battle (Tredegar Town), Jon Butcher (Panteg), Josh Collier (Risca United), Lewis Coote (Tredegar Town), Max Fessey (Lliswerry), Chris Ham (Monmouth Town), Joe Howells (Lliswerry), Dave Hurley (Risca United), Tom McCarthy (Aberbargoed Buds), Joe O'Brien (Newport YMCA), Zac Osbourne (Croesyceiliog), Matt Prosser (Goytre), Dan Stoneman (Lliswerry). 1 – Gareth Appleby (Panteg), Scott Armitage (Aberbargoed Buds), Olly Beckett (Undy Athletic), Joe Bidgood (Newport YMCA), Michael Bishop (Llanwern), Steven Boucher (Lliswerry), Josh Bull (Monmouth Town), Gareth Cleverly (Newport Civil Service), Jacob Cross (Aberbargoed Buds), Luke Dyke (Croesyceiliog), Alex Evans (Goytre), Jack Evans (Treowen Stars), Jordan Harding (Goytre), Nathan Hardwick (Newport YMCA), Mo Hassan (Newport YMCA), Liam Head (Caerleon), Steven Hughes (Tredegar Town), Matt James (Caldicot Town), Ashley Johnson (Lliswerry), Chris Jones (Treowen Stars), Rhys Jones (Aberbargoed Buds), Dave Mellon (Newport Civil Service), Adam Meredith (Tredegar Town), Paul Michael (Risca United), Mark Morris (Croesyceiliog), Lewys Nash (Aberbargoed Buds), Stephen Parfitt (Treowen Stars), Nick Potts (Chepstow Town), Simon Prangley (Chepstow Town), Craig Price (Treowen Stars), Chris Quinlan (Tredegar Town), Anthony Richards (Croesyceiliog), Leo Ross (Chepstow Town), Leigh Sharp (Risca United), Richard Sharratt (Caldicot Town), Liam Shaw (Aberbargoed Buds), Mitchell Slape (Caldicot Town), Lewis Sweetland (Newport Civil Service), Simon Truman (Goytre), Jake Wainright (Goytre), Ben Wotton (Caerleon), Joel Worgan (Tredegar Town). CLEAN-SHEETS: 2 - Aberbargoed Buds; Lliswerry; Newport Civil Service. 1 - Chepstow Town; Goytre; Monmouth Town, Tredegar Town.
GWENT WEDNESDAY PREVIEW 27 August 2014 from Terry Daley WELSH League champions Monmouth Town and county rivals Goytre clash at Abergavenny's Pen-Y-Pound Stadium tonight, when the visitors will seek to stretch their unbeaten Division One run to a fourth game. Player-boss Carl Evans' side had gone top of the 16-strong table following successive wins over AFC Porth (4-0) and Monmouth (2-1). but slipped to second after being held 1-1 by visiting Afan Lido last weekend. The Kingfishers began with a 1-1 home draw with Cardiff Met. University, lost that clash at Goytre before posting their first victory of the campaign – 4-2 at Briton Ferry Llansawel on Saturday. Altogether there are five county derbies spread across all three divisions. Included is Division Three leaders Lliswerry's home encounter with city rivals Newport YMCA. The home side have a 100 per cent record from three games while the visitors will seek to build on a 3-2 success against Newport Civil Service at their Mendalgief Road HQ. Wednesday fixtures (6.30pm kick offs, unless stated). DIVISION ONE: Monmouth Town v Goytre. DIVISION TWO: Caerleon v Chepstow Town. Croesyceiliog v Risca United. DIVISION THREE: Lliswerry v Newport YMCA (7.30pm). Tredegar Town v Treharris Athletic Western (6.45pm). Treowen Stars v Newport Civil Service.
MONMOUTH'S GROUND AMBITIONS 25 August 2014 from Terry Daley MONMOUTH Town have revealed ambitious plans to ensure Pen-Y-Pound Stadium in Abergavenny is fit for purpose to match their drive towards Welsh Premier League football. The Welsh League champions have been forced to up sticks some 18 miles from their move spiritual Sportsground HQ in Monmouth because they were unable to upgrade the existing facilities. After passing a recent Welsh League ground-criteria inspection, Pen-Y-Pound Stadium, the former home of now-defunct Abergavenny Thursdays, was used for the first time by Monmouth in a 1-1 draw against visiting Cardiff Metropolitan University on the opening day of the new season. Already in evidence was building work to switch the dug-outs from the dressing-room side to in front of the disused grandstand while the age-old grass banking next to it has been flattened. Kingfishers chairman Lee Robson and several of his club's hard-working committee have been with the clubs since it rise from the lower levels of the Gwent County League and the relief on his face was there for all to see as the game got under way. "This match marks the end of an extremely long period of hard work by many people, but it also signifies the start of what will become an even longer stint to make sure this ground will be able to host Welsh Premier League football, remarked Robson. "The idea is to completely refurbish the grandstand, which, although is not fit for use, is structurally sound and part of it is currently used by a local rifle-shooting club. "The area next to it has been flattened and the plan is to put down a 3G pitch which could be used for training and match-day warm-up purposes. “We want to put around 250 seats in the grandstand and about 100 immediately in front of it plus 150 in the existing terracing behind the goals situated at the dressing-room end of the ground. “We also need to upgrade the floodlights and install a television gantry while elsewhere, we will obviously make improvement to the clubhouse and possibly the dressing-room area. “We need an office, so that has to come onto the 'must-do' list and this is an exciting time for this club. We have already stated our aim is to play at the very top of the Welsh pyramid and, unfortunately, we couldn't achieve that had we stayed playing in Monmouth. "In truth our ground in Monmouth never will be upgraded because of its village-green status and the fact we share it with rugby and cricket and, dare I say, even bowls and tennis. "But we do intend to retain all existing rights at Monmouth and will remain members of the Sports Association to ensure that our existing facilities there are used for the development and enjoyment of football in the town under the banner of Monmouth Town FC. Pen-Y-Pound Stadium is controlled by Abergavenny Thursdays Trust Ltd. and is used by both Monmouth and Gwent County League side Abergavenny Town (formerly Govilon).
GWENT SATURDAY ROUND-UP AND GWENT GOALSCORERS (LEAGUE ONLY) 25 August 2014 from Terry Daley IT'S not often a Division Three result trumps any from the top two tiers, but Newport YMCA's 3-2 home success over city rivals Newport Civil Service most certainly does. The clash came just three days after YMCA were thrashed 10-0 at home by another local rival, Lliswerry, and the game was a big test for newly-appointed manager Steven Campbell. He was already in the dug-out last season as assistant to boss Mike Fowler, but was thrust into the hot-seat following the resignation of the ex-Cwmbran Town and Newport County midfielder. Aided by the recruitment of several former players, including goalkeeper Scott Anderson, Lee Morris, Marc Greenfield, Craig Ford and Leon Spargo, YMCA hosted an NCS side which arrived at Mendalgief Road seeking a third successive league win. And 90 minutes later, YMCA had regained some lost pride by ending a run of consecutive defeats to move up no fewer than eight places from bottom of the 19-strong table. Joe O'Brien put the home side ahead, but two goals from striker Derice McLean gave the visitors the edge seven minutes into the second period. However O'Brien struck again, this time from the penalty spot, to level matters with Mo Hassan's 78th-minute goal proving to be the winner. Hassan must have got great satisfaction because he played as a stand-in goalkeeer in that heavy defeat against Lliswerry last week. YMCA now get the chance to see just how far their revival can stretch and of gaining some sort of revenge because they now face a trip to face Lliswerry at Spytty Park on Wednesday. Doubtless NCS will be disappointed by the outcome, but they have a quick opportunity to rectify matters when they tackle hosts Treowen Stars on the same night. Lliswerry maintained the leadership of Division Three and their 100 per cent record with a sound 4-1 on-the-road victory at Cardiff Grange Harlequins, Dan Stoneman (2), Steven Boucher and Joe Howells their scorers. Tredegar Town were indebted to Joel Worgan for netting in a 1-0 triumph at Cwmamman United while the entire league's highest-scoring game involved league returnees Panteg, who've had to wait a week to make their re-entrance. They were plugging a 15-year gap in travelling to face another promoted side, Cwm Welfare, and had Gareth Appleby to thank for grabbing a late equaliser in an exciting 4-4 draw - Jon Butcher (2, including a penalty) and Jon Williams also on the mark. It was a great result for Panteg, who led 2-1 early on, given they were minus five players because of incorrect delivery of registration forms to the League. Treowen will begin on the back of gaining a point from a 1-1 away draw against Treharris Athletic Western, where Lewis Coote scored their goal with a well-struck free kick. In Division One, Goytre slipped a place to second as a result of being held 1-1 by visiting Afan Lido while Monmouth Town boss Adrian Smith got his first win as The Kingfishers prevailed 4-2 at Briton Ferry Llansawel. Scoring for Goytre was Jake Wainright while Nick Harrhy slotted home a hat-trick with Josh Bull also netting and these clubs now meet at Pen-Y-Pound Stadium in Abergavenny on Wednesday. Aberbargoed Buds have made a great start to their bid to regain top-flight status at the first attempt and had Tom McCarthy and Liam Shaw scoring in a 2-1 home success over AFC Llwydcoed, their third win on the trot to remain top of Division Two. Caldicot Town took on nearest rivals Undy Athletic at their Jubilee Way HQ, but found themselves 1-0 down after being outplayed for the majority of the first 20 minutes - when the visitors could well have been further in front. However at the interval, the game was level at 1-1 after home skipper Richard Sharratt had scored from the penalty spot, although a referee's assistant appeared to be the only one to see a foul on Luke Harris, to cancel out Olly Beckett's headed opener. Caldicot enjoyed the better of the play after the break and eventually grabbed the winner some 10 minutes from time when defender Matthew James struck powerfully at a corner to spark some wild celebrations. Llanwern were again under strength when going down 1-0 at Dinas Powys, but Chepstow Town and Croesyceiliog earned a point apiece from a 2-2 stalemate. On target for the home club were Leo Ross and Sam Rushworth with Hishi Lama and Zac Osbourne replying for the visitors. Caerleon travelled to take on Penrhiwceiber Rangers, but went down to a 2-1 reverse - Luke Cueto scoring, but Greg Anthony and Ben Siggins picking up injuries. * Caldicot can break into the top three if they defeat second-placed Barry Town United at Jenner Park on Tuesday night - kick off 7.45pm. Other mid-week fixtures (6.30pm kick offs, unless stated). Wednesday. Division One: Monmouth Town v Goytre. Division Two: Caerleon v Chepstow Town. Croesyceiliog v Risca United. Division Three: Lliswerry v Newport YMCA (7.30pm). Tredegar Town v Treharris Athletic Western (6.45pm). Treowen Stars v Newport Civil Service. Gwent goalscorers (League only). MONMOUTH Town's Nick Harrhy and Newport Civil Service Derice McLean scored a hat-trick and two goals respectively on Saturday to move behind Lliswerry's Josh Brown. 6 - Josh Brown (Lliswerry). 4 – Nick Harrhy (Monmouth Town), Derice McLean (Newport Civil Service). 3 - Dale Cook (Lliswerry), Luke Cueto (Caerleon), Hishi Lama (Croesyceiliog), Sam Rushworth (Chepstow Town). 2 - Ricky Amos (Treowen Stars), Daniel Battle (Tredegar Town), Jon Butcher (Panteg), Josh Collier (Risca United), Max Fessey (Lliswerry), Tom McCarthy (Aberbargoed Buds), Joe O'Brien (Newport YMCA), Matt Prosser (Goytre), Dan Stoneman (Lliswerry), Tony Willis (Risca United). 1 – Gareth Appleby (Panteg), Scott Armitage (Aberbargoed Buds), Olly Beckett (Undy Athletic), Joe Bidgood (Newport YMCA), Michael Bishop (Llanwern), Steven Boucher (Lliswerry), Josh Bull (Monmouth Town), Lewis Coote (Tredegar Town), Jacob Cross (Aberbargoed Buds), Luke Dyke (Croesyceiliog), Alex Evans (Goytre), Jack Evans (Treowen Stars), Chris Ham (Monmouth Town), Jordan Harding (Goytre), Nathan Hardwick (Newport YMCA), Mo Hassan (Newport YMCA), Liam Head (Caerleon), Dave Hurley (Risca United), Joe Howells (Lliswerry), Matt James (Caldicot Town), Ashley Johnson (Lliswerry), Rhys Jones (Aberbargoed Buds), Dave Mellon (Newport Civil Service), Mark Morris (Croesyceiliog), Lewys Nash (Aberbargoed Buds)Zac Osbourne (Croesyceiliog), Craig Price (Treowen Stars), Chris Quinlan (Tredegar Town), Anthony Richards (Croesyceiliog), Leo Ross (Chepstow Town), Leigh Sharp (Risca United), Richard Sharratt (Caldicot Town), Liam Shaw (Aberbargoed Buds), Mitchell Slape (Caldicot Town), Lewis Sweetland (Newport Civil Service), Simon Truman (Goytre), Jake Wainright (Goytre), Joel Worgan (Tredegar Town). CLEAN-SHEETS: 2 - Aberbargoed Buds; Newport Civil Service. 1 - Chepstow Town; Goytre; Lliswerry; Tredegar Town.
GWENT SATURDAY PREVIEW 22 August 2014 from Terry Daley PANTEG bridge a 15-season gap from Welsh League action on Saturday by travelling to face Cwm Welfare, who have also been promoted to Division Three. Elsewhere, top-flight leaders Goytre seek a third successive league win, as do Aberbargoed Buds in the second tier and both table-topping Lliswerry and Newport Civil Service in Division Three. All games are 2.30pm kick offs. DIVISION ONE (figures in brackets indicate table position of 16): Old Road: Briton Ferry Llansawel (13) v Monmouth Town (11). Monmouth slipped to a first defeat in their second fixture of the new campaign on Wednesday, when they had only a goal from newcomer Chris Ham to show for in a 2-1 loss at Goytre. That followed on from an opening-day 1-1 draw with visiting Cardiff Met. University and suddenly this is already a 'must-not-lose' affair for The Kingfishers. It's imperative teams get off to good starts and given they are the defending champions, Monmouth must begin to return to winning days sooner rather than later. This won't be an easy task as the hosts looked good in gaining promotion as runners-up to CMU and here they will seek to open their win account following a 3-2 away defeat at the hands of Taffs Well last weekend. Form guide: BFL: L Monmouth: D L Plough Road: Goytre (1) v Afan Lido (6). Because they added to a 4-0 away win over AFC Porth by seeing off visiting Monmouth 2-1 in mid-week, when Jake Wainright and player-coach Simon Truman (penalty) were the scorers, Goytre sit proudly at the very top of the league. However player-boss Carl Evans will be very much aware they don't hand out winners' medals in August and those results will count for little if his side fail to make it three successive victories here. Following this game, Goytre have two potentially difficult tasks to gain positive results from in making trips to face Monmouth (at Abergavenny) and Cambrian & Clydach. However should they remain unbeaten, then they will then be considered serious, early-season title contenders. Here the relegated visitors will target a second consecutive win after they won 1-0 at home against Ton Pentre. Form guide: Goytre: W W Afan Lido: W DIVISION TWO (Figures in brackets indicate table position of 16): Recreation Ground: Aberbargoed Buds (2) v AFC Llwydcoed (8). The Buds have made a perfect start towards their battle for first-time promotion under new manager 'Bambi' Needs, who has seen his charges win both of their opening games. Firstly a Jacob Cross goal was enough to earn a 1-0 win at Undy Athletic before Wednesday's 4-0 home triumph over promoted outfit Llanwern. Goals were scored by Rhys Jones (45 minutes), Lewys Nash (70), Tom McCarthy (77) and substitute Scott Armitage (88) with goalkeeper Asa Kirkwood and his defence keeping a second successive clean-sheet. The visitors have played only once, a 2-2 away draw against Penrhiwceiber Rangers - and that result just about confirms the reputation they have of being a difficult side to defeat. Form guide: Buds: W W Llwydcoed: D Jubilee Way: Caldicot Town (11) v Undy Athletic (15). It's a third consecutive home fixture for Caldicot, who drew 1-1 against Llanwern before being beaten 3-0 by promotion favourites Barry Town United. Undy, in contrast, have made just one league appearance, losing 1-0 at home to Aberbargoed Buds, and they will hope their pre-season signings will gel quickly. This county derby has always been a fiercely-contested affair and there is no reason to suggest this clash won't be the same. In terms of the low mileage which separates the two clubs, this is one of the league's closest match-up and don't be surprised if that's reflected in just one goal being enough to decide its outcome. Form guide: Caldicot: D L Undy: L Larkfield Ground: Chepstow Town (6) v Croesyceiliog (9). Chepstow are another club about to embark on a third successive game at their home ground, the first being a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Margam-based Tata Steel. However they recovered well enough to see saw off visiting Caerleon 3-0 thanks to efforts from Sam Rushworth (2) and a Ben Siggins own goal. Croesyceiliog have been involved in a couple of high-scoring affairs to date beginning with a 3-3 home draw with Caerleon last weekend. On Wednesday, they visited newly-promoted Risca United, where despite goals from Luke Dyke and Anthony Richards, they went down to a 4-2 reverse. Form guide: Chepstow: L W Croesyceiliog: D L The Murch: Dinas Powys (16) v Llanwern (13). It's been something of a disappointing start for Llanwern, who are at this level following a second-place finish in last season's Division Three table. Being minus nine players didn't help in gaining only a 1-1 draw at Caldicot and while some returned for a trip to tackle Aberbargoed, the overall display in losing 4-0 was simply below standard. Indeed they failed to register an on-target shot and that is most certainly extremely rare for Llanwern, who scored 112 goals in 30 league fixtures in 2013-14. The hosts are also struggling to gain a first win having opened with a 4-0 defeat at Barry Town United before going down to a 2-1 reverse at the hands of visiting Ely Rangers. Form guide: Dinas Powys: L L Llanwern: D L Glasbrook Field: Penrhiwceiber Rangers (7) v Caerleon (12). Caerleon are bidding for their first three-point haul and here face hosts, who are in actually the same situation – the clubs having drawn three of the four games they have completed. The visitors threw away an early three-goal advantage in settling for a 3-3 home scoreline against Croesyceiliog and next lost 3-0 and next lost 3-0 at Chepstow. Their squad is again made up mainly of younger local players with the potential to develop and improve the club's standing and this offers an opportunity to gain a positive result. Rangers have gained parity with both hosts Risca (2-2) and visiting Llwydcoed (1-1) and the odds are this could well end up all-square. Form guide: Rangers: D D Caerleon: D L DIVISION THREE (Figures in brackets indicate finishing position of 19): International Sports Stadium: Cardiff Grange Harlequins (10) v Lliswerry (1). Lliswerry have began their second league campaign in magnificent form in winning successive fixtures to top the lower-level section. First to be defeated by a 3-1 scoreline were Treharris Athletic Western before Lliswerry put county rivals Newport YMCA to the sword in gaining a 10-0 away success on Wednesday. Striker Josh Brown repeated the hat-trick feat he achieved against Treharris while Dale Cook also scored a treble with Max Fessey (2), Ashley Johnson and Rhys Luffman making up the total. The capital hosts began well by winning 2-0 at Bridgend-based Bettws, but slipped up in mid-week when they lost 2-1 at home to promotion favourites Llanelli Town. Form guide: 'Quins: D L Lliswerry: W W Mount Pleasant Park: Cwm Welfare (9) v Panteg (16). Panteg are minus long-serving defender Daniel Gabbidon, who signed for the club 20 years ago but misses out on this opener because he has a more pressing engagement at his own wedding. However boss Mark Taylor looks likely to give club debuts to pre-season signings, striker Ben Taylor (Cwmffrwdoer Sports), midfielder Chris Erasmus (Treowen Stars) and goalkeeper Dan Wise (Cwmbran Town). The trio have added to an already talented squad and it's expected Taylor and his crew will progress to enjoy a successful first campaign back after a 15-year absence Cwm were last season's South Wales FA Senior League champions and gained promotion via a 2-1 play-off win over South Wales Amateur League title victors Trefelin. Form guide: Cwm: W L Panteg: Debut Grenig Park, Glanaman: Cwmamman United (17) v Tredegar Town (12). Tredegar have began in much the same vein as they did last season, when a brilliant recovery actually had them flirting with the promotion pack. Drew 2-2 with visiting Cardiff Grange Harlequins last weekend, but went down to a 3-2 defeat at Treharris on Wednesday when Chris Quinlan grabbed their only goal. Much has been made of the departure to the USA on a multi-year scholarship of top scorer Tomas Lynch, but Tredegar have never been a club to reply on any one player and his absence will not be dwelt upon. Cwmamman missed out to Risca for promotion by just two points and are expected again to challenge, although they got off to a losing start by going down 4-1 at Llanelli Town. Form guide: Cwmamman: L Tredegar: D L Mendalgief Road: Newport YMCA (19) v Newport Civil Service (4). Although the 2014-15 campaign not yet two weeks old, these are already worrying times for struggling YMCA. Their season actually began with a 4-0 home Gwent FA Senior Cup loss to visiting Caerleon and since, they've gone down 3-2 at Treowen Stars and by no less than 10-0 at home against Lliswerry. Here they could face more agony as their county rivals have got their fixtures off to the perfect start - six points from six from successive home triumphs. Maesteg-based Caerau were 2-0 losers on the opening day before NCS striker Derice McLean scored both goals in a 2-1 win over Treowen. Form guide: YMCA: L L NCS: W W Athletic Ground: Treharris Athletic Western (7) v Treowen Stars (8). Treowen's 11th-placed finish last season owed as much to the club's togetherness as it did by match results and more of the same is expected this time around. Started well by outscoring Newport YMCA 3-2, but lost three points in mid-week travelling back from Newport Civil Service 2-1 losers. Manager Simon Evans say Ricky Amos net his second goal of the season via the penalty spot and how successful Treowen will be could depend on how many the former Cwmbran Town and Llanwern ace can manage to score. Treharris went down 3-1 at Spytty Park against hosts Lliswerry, but put that disappointment to the back of their minds in winning by the same score against visiting Tredegar Town. Form guide: Treharris: L W Treowen: W L
GWENT WEDNESDAY ROUND-UP AND GWENT GOALSCORERS (LEAGUE ONLY) 21 August 2014 from Terry Daley TOP scorers in Division Two on Wednesday night were Aberbargoed Buds, who looked impressive in seeing off visiting promoted outfit Llanwern. After Llanwern goalkeeper Ben Fletcher had saved well from Gareth Meacham and Tom McCarthy had placed a good chance wide with a header, the Buds took a 45th-minute lead through Rhys Jones, whose low shot beat Fletcher. The second period belonged almost exclusively to the home side, whose goalkeeper Asa Kirkwood didn't have a single shot to save during the whole 90 minutes. Llanwern are still expecting up to six or seven players to recover from injury. However not withstanding that, this was a poor display by their own standards which was good enough to gain promotion at the end of last season. Again Fletcher produced an important shot shortly after the interval and soon after, it appeared as though Llanwern were getting back into the game – especially when Buds' Shane Dawe cleared one attack off the line. But when a magnificently struck, long-range effort from Lewys Nash nestled in the top left-hand corner of Fletcher's goal, it really knocked all the stuffing out of the visitors – even though there was still 20 minutes remaining. Just seven minutes later and it was 3-0 as McCarthy finished off a fine move at the far post with substitute Scott Armitage rounding off the scoring from close range two minutes from time. The scoreline most certainly did not flatter manager Adrian 'Bambi' Needs, whose side is now second in the table and will prepare for another home game on Saturday - when AFC Llwydcoed visit the Recreation Ground. As for Llanwern, well they will quickly want to banish the memory of this display and without doubt boss Gareth Morgan has some hard thinking ahead of him before he takes his team to Dinas Powys on the same day. Aberbargoed Buds: Asa Kirkwood, Lewys Nash, Shane Dawe, Kieran Thomas, Tyla Preece, Liam Shaw, Lewis Jones (Wayne Antoniazzi, 65), Rhys Jones (Liam Vaughan, 81), Tom McCarthy, Gareth Meacham (Scott Armitage, 79), Craig McDonnell. Sub not used: Daniel Thomas. Booked: Preece (79), Shaw (82). Goals: Rhys Jones (45), Nash (70), McCarthy (77), Armitage (88). Llanwern: Ben Fletcher, Jermaine Poole (Adrian Harvie, 37), Liam Screen, Mike Bishop, Dominic Dwyer, Matthew Hibbs, Sam Hartrey (capt), Jordan Jones (Alex North, 69), Jonathan Dunn, John Lillygreen. Subs not used: Marc Curtis, Jordan Francombe, Rhodri Morgan. Referee: Lee Walters. Assistants: Darren Reeby and Chris Parnell. DIVISION ONE: Goytre 2 (Jake Wainright; Simon Truman, penalty) 2 Monmouth Town 1 (Chris Ham). DIVISION TWO: Aberbargoed Buds 4 (Rhys Jones; Lewys Nash; Tom McCarthy; Scott Armitage) Llanwern 0. Caldicot Town 0 Barry Town 2. Chepstow Town 3 (Sam Rushworth 2; Ben Siggins own goal) Caerleon 0. Cwmbran Celtic P - P Undy Athletic. Risca United 4 (Josh Collier, 2; Tony Wallis; Leigh Sharp) Croesyceiliog 2 (Luke Dyke; Anthony Richards). DIVISION THREE: Newport Civil Service 2 (Derice McLean 2) Treowen Stars (Ricky Amos, penalty). Newport YMCA 0 Lliswerry 10 (Josh Brown 3; Dale Cook 3; Max Fessey 2; Ashley Johnson; Rhys Luffman). Treharris Athletic Western 3 Tredegar Town 1 (Chris Quinlan). Gwent goalscorers list (League only) LLISWERRY'S Josh Brown scored his second successive hat-trick in his side's 10-0 away thrashing of Newport YMCA on Wednesday to increase his lead at the top of the list. 6 - Josh Brown (Lliswerry). 3 – Dale Cook (Lliswerry). 2 - Ricky Amos (Treowen Stars), Daniel Battle (Tredegar Town), Josh Collier (Risca United), Luke Cueto (Caerleon), Max Fessey (Lliswerry); Hishi Lama (Croesyceiliog), Derice McLean (Newport Civil Service), Matt Prosser (Goytre), Sam Rushworth (Chepstow Town), Tony Willis (Risca United). 1 – Scott Armitage (Aberbargoed Buds), Joe Bidgood (Newport YMCA), Michael Bishop (Llanwern), Jacob Cross (Aberbargoed Buds), Luke Dyke (Croesyceiliog), Alex Evans (Goytre), Jack Evans (Treowen Stars), Chris Ham (Monmouth Town), Jordan Harding (Goytre), Nathan Hardwick (Newport YMCA), Nick Harrhy (Monmouth Town), Liam Head (Caerleon), Dave Hurley (Risca United), Ashley Johnson (Lliswerry), Rhys Jones (Aberbargoed Buds)Tom McCarthy (Aberbargoed Buds), Dave Mellon (Newport Civil Service), Mark Morris (Croesyceiliog), Lewys Nash (Aberbargoed Buds), Craig Price (Treowen Stars), Chris Quinlan (Tredegar Town), Anthony Richards (Croesyceiliog), Leigh Sharp (Risca United), Mitchell Slape (Caldicot Town), Lewis Sweetland (Newport Civil Service), Simon Truman (Goytre), Jake Wainright (Goytre). CLEAN-SHEETS: 2 - Aberbargoed Buds; Newport Civil Service. 1 – Chepstow Town; Goytre; Lliswerry.
ABERDARE TOWN YOUTH REQUIRE A HOME FRIENDLY 18 August 2014 Aberdare Town Youth are looking to play a friendly match on this Friday 22 August on our home field Aberaman Park. Kick off at 7.00pm. Any interested clubs please contact Gareth Davies, Secretary, on 07702 052486 or garethdavies50@aol.com
GWENT SATURDAY ROUND-UP 18 August 2014 from Terry Daley THE picturesque surroundings of their new Pen-Y-Pound Stadium home in Abergavenny failed to inspire Welsh League champions Monmouth Town to an opening-day win. However county rivals Goytre are the season's first Division One table-toppers thanks to a handsome away success while there were victories in the second tier for Aberbargoed Buds plus Lliswerry, Newport Civil Service and Treowen Stars in the lower level. Monmouth hosted last season's Division Two title winners, Cardiff Metropolitan University, at the former HQ of now-defunct Abergavenny Thursdays. Returning to The Kingfishers' dug-out for a second stint in charge was Adrian 'Smudger' Smith, who gave first league starts to former Birmingham City professional Adam Newbury in midfield and ex-Cwmbran Celtic ace Chris Ham in a wide, forward role. Smith was delighted to watch on as his side took a 13th-minute lead through a Nick Harrhy penalty, awarded after Elliott Ford has been fouled by CMU defender Matt Hudson, with visiting skipper Bradley Wooldridge soon heading a Ham effort off the line. Harrhy also headed a half chance over - only for the students to draw level on 33 minutes when a home defensive wall acted like a sieve at a 20-yard free kick to enable Elliot Scotcher's low shot to beat diving goalkeeper Keiron Blackburn. Before the break, Ford shot wide and Harrhy had a goal-bound effort well saved by Will Fuller, who continued to be the far busier goalkeeper throughout the second period - although team-mate Emlyn Lewis did strike Monmouth's crossbar with a header. Monmouth missed the better of the goal chances and probably did enough to earn the three points. However the students look likely to win more than they will lose, so a point against decent opposition should never be too much of a disappointment. On Wednesday, Monmouth travel to face county rivals Goytre, who were in fine scoring form at AFC Porth. Matthew Prosser (2), Jordan Harding and Alex Evans were on target in 4-0 triumph, although there was a downside because of an injury to skipper Callum Miles. In Division Two, Jacob Cross' first goal for Aberbargoed as early as the ninth minute was enough to secure his side a 1-0 win over hosts Undy Athletic, Chepstow Town were beaten 1-0 at home by Tata Steel while the five other county clubs in this section all drew. Chepstow had Dave Livermore in charge for the first time in the dug-out following his promotion from the reserves and he watched on in pure frustration as his side missed almost a double figures of clear-cut chances. Leo Ross also twice hit the woodwork for Chepstow, who lost Ashley Palmer to a head injury as early as the 20th minute and he is now doubtful for Wednesday's visit of Caerleon to Larkfield Ground. At Cold Bath Road, visiting Croesyceiliog were 3-0 down some five minutes into the second period as goals from Luke Cueto (2) and Liam Head put local rivals Caerleon in control. However league debutant Hishi Lama (2, including a penalty) and skipper Mark Morris earned Croesyceiliog a point from a highly-entertaining affair. Caldicot Town welcomed newly-promoted Llanwern to their Jubilee Way ground, where striker Mitchell Slape fired the home side ahead in the first minute. But a 46th-minute leveller from central defender Michael Bishop earned parity at 1-1, with Llanwern now hoping some or most of their seven unavailable players will soon return. Like Llanwern, Risca have also returned to the second tier and began at the new level by finishing 2-2 with visiting Penrhiwceiber Rangers at their Ty-Isaf Park HQ. Following a goal-less first 45 minutes, the visitors took the lead through Dean Brown only for Risca to equalise when Dave Hurley's low cross was sliced into his own net by Rangers defender Ross Leeke. His day got even worse some five minutes later when he was sent off after fouling Risca's Tony Wallis while the striker was in the act of shooting. Wallis fired home the resulting spot-kick to put his side 2-1 up with some 25 minutes remaining, although that was enough time left for 10-man Rangers to level matters via a penalty of their own - awarded when Risca central defender and skipper Chris Thomas conceded for Dean Brown to score from 12 yards. In Division Three, relegated Newport YMCA travelled to face Treowen Stars and looked to have done more than enough to gave secured a point. However a last minute goal from Jack Evans spelt heartache for YMCA and a 3-2 success for Treowen, whose other efforts came from Ricky Amos and Craig Price with Nathan Hardwick and Joe Bidgood scoring for the visitors Lliswerry also scored three times to clinch a first-day home victory while also gaining maximum points, as well as keeping a clean-sheet against visiting opposition, were Newport Civil Service. On the mark for Lliswerry on their 3G pitch at Spytty Park against Treharris Athletic Western was striker Josh Brown, who grabbed a well-taken hat-trick after the interval with Lewis Sweetland (penalty) and Dave Mellon being the NCS' scorers in a well-deserved 2-0 win over Caerau at Shannon Close in Bettws. Last season was Tredegar's best for quite a number of years in finishing seventh of 19 and given the fact they were under strength due to injuries and unavailability, they'll be fairly pleased with a 2-2 home draw against Cardiff Grange Harlequins. Daniel Battle was Tredegar's goal scoring hero with a couple of well-taken efforts while Tredegar also had another couple of efforts disallowed. Gwent goal scorers (League only). LLISWERRY'S Josh Brown's hat-trick in a 3-1 home win over Treharris Athletic Western makes him the first leader of this season's goal-scorers' list. 3 - Josh Brown (Lliswerry). 2 – Daniel Battle (Tredegar Town), Luke Cueto (Caerleon), Hishi Lama (Croesyceiliog), Matt Prosser (Goytre). 1 - Ricky Amos (Treowen Stars), Joe Bidgood (Newport YMCA), Michael Bishop (Llanwern), Jacob Cross (Aberbargoed Buds), Alex Evans (Goytre), Jack Evans (Treowen Stars), Jordan Harding (Goytre), Nathan Hardwick (Newport YMCA), Nick Harrhy (Monmouth Town), Liam Head (Caerleon), Dave Hurley (Risca United), Dave Mellon (Newport Civil Service), Mark Morris (Croesyceiliog), Craig Price (Treowen Stars), Mitchell Slape (Caldicot Town), Lewis Sweetland (Newport Civil Service), Tony Willis (Risca United). CLEAN-SHEETS: 1 – Aberbargoed Buds; Goytre; Newport Civil Service.
VANDALISM AT AFC LLWYDCOED 15 August 2014
AFC Llwydcoed's football stand has yet again been cursed by vandalism. The most recent damage occurred just as the Club prepared to improve the stand structure thanks to a grant from the WGI. This facility will enclose the stand with shutters being closed after every game. Hopefully, this will in time allow the Club to have a seated area in the stand. In the meantime the Club hopes no other damage occurs to make extra expense in these difficult times. Photographer Mr Michael Williams
GWENT SATURDAY PREVIEW 15 August 2014 from Terry Daley THERE'S a new home and a new manager for Nathaniel Cars Welsh League Division One champions Monmouth Town, who are now based at Pen-y-Pound Stadium in Abergavenny under the guidance of Andrew Smith. He was previously in charge of The Kingfishers when they rose from Division Three of the Gwent County League and he takes over from former Wales cap Steve Jenkins, who has joined home-town club Merthyr Town. The only local sides not in action are Cwmbran Celtic, whose first four fixtures have been postponed because their appeal against relegation from Division One is not scheduled to be heard until August 26, and newly-promoted Division Three side Panteg, who begin their fixtures at Cwm Welfare on August 23. ALL 2.30PM KICK OFFS. DIVISION ONE: Dinas Park: AFC Porth v Goytre. Despite ending their debut, top-flight campaign in fifth place, there was something of a sense of frustration for player-manager Carl Evans and his men because another two points would have secured third position. Striker Craig Steins scored 22 league goals, but their leading marksman over several seasons, Luke Prosser, is on his way to Welsh Premier League outfit Port Talbot Town when he recovers from a shoulder strain. However the arrival of former Newport County midfielder Nathan Davies can offset that disappointment for Goytre, who have named ex-Caerleon boss Lee Relish as joint assistant manager alongside Mike Colcombe. League Cup winners Porth accumulated 15 point less than Goytre and have turned to Richard Haig as manager to replace departed Adrian Needs, now in charge of Aberbargoed Buds. Last season's placings: Porth: 10 Goytre: 5 Pen-y-Pound Stadium, Abergavenny: Monmouth Town v Cardiff Metropolitan University. It'll be interesting to see how Monmouth fare without regular goalscorer Dan MacDonald, who alongside Adam Davies and Corey Jenkins, has departed for Merthyr Town. MacDonald scored 81 league goals in the last two and a half seasons with The Kingfishers, but Smith has brought in, among others, striker Josh Bull and wide midfielder Chris Ham from Cwmbran Celtic. Bull and Ashley Ford were on target in a 2-2 after-extra-time Gwent FA Senior Cup, first-round tie at Risca United last Saturday, when a couple of penalty shoot-out saves from goalkeeper Kieron Blackburn put them through 6-5 on spot-kicks. With some players from last season having since left the university, newly-promoted CMU are generally regarded as an unknown quantity at this stage and early season is generally considered a good time to play them. Last season's placings: Monmouth: champions CMU: promoted as Division Two champions. DIVISION TWO: Cold Bath Road: Caerleon v Croesyceiliog. I fear the ground's dug-outs may not be big enough as both club's now have THREE joint managers – Nicky Davies, Brendan Dowd and David Griffiths for the home side with John Bailey and Pat O'Hagan now installed to work alongside Mark Waddon for the visitors. In as coaches for Caerleon are Paul Coldrick and Dave Murphy while on the playing front, Jamie Bailey and Jamie Wotton (from Newport Civil Service), Dan Bailey (Spencer Boys' Club), Ben Siggins (Lliswerry), Tom Mahoney (Ponthir) plus Jamie Proctor and Ryan Diaper all arrive. Croesyceiliog, who lost leading scorer Jody Jenkins to retirement, have also been busy in recruiting Sean Matthews, Joel Griffin, James Vernall, Lee Waddon and Kevin Payne (all from Cwmbran Town), Ruari Donkin (River Usk), Luke Dyke (Chesptow Town), Hishi Lama (unattached), Luke Kennedy (Llanyrafon) plus Liam Hanson and Anthony 'Junior' Richards (both New Inn). Both were in Gwent FA Senior Cup action in mid-week, Lama (3) and Zac Osbourne scoring for Croesyceiliog in a 4-1 home win over Newport Civil Service while efforts from Sam Oakley (2), Jamie Davies and an own goal earned Caerleon a 4-0 away win over Newport YMCA. Last season's placings. Caerleon: 10 Croesyceiliog: 8 Jubilee Way: Caldicot Town v Llanwern. Caldicot flirted with the promotion pack last season, eventually falling 11 points short of a top-three spot under manager Mark Williams and assistant Jason Pritchard. Leaving the club are Zaki Misbah and Ricardo McKenzie, but former leading scorer Jason Thorn has returned as have Andrew Wenzel, and Luke Harris while fresh faces include Josh Bolton, Lewys Dowler, Lewis Cutajar plus brothers Will and Christian McConnell. Llanwern return to this level having finished second to Barry Town United in Division Three and manager Gareth Morgan's side is being tipped by many to again enjoy a good campaign - although the club report a lengthy current injury list. They've lost central defender Ben Luck (returned to Cwmbran Celtic) and goalkeeper Chris Golton (in the USA until October), but recruited are Jordan Jones (Goytre), Zaki Misbah (Caldicot), Adrian Harvie (Bridgend Street) and Jordan Francombe (Cardiff Corinthians). Last season's placings. Caldicot 5 Llanwern: promoted as Division Three runners-up Larkfield Ground: Chepstow Town v Tata Steel. One more point in 2013-14 would have meant top-flight football for Chepstow, who are now under the leadership of long-serving clubman Dave Livermore. He has made what seem to be a very good signing in former Cwmbran Celtic ace Simon Prangley, who has scored Division One goals on a regular basis for both Bryntirion Athletic (now Penybont) and Taffs Well. Prangley, though, made his debut in central midfield in a 2-1 home Gwent FA Senior Cup defeat at the hands of Celtic recently while other newcomers include Nicky Potts (Newport YMCA), Stephen Peel (Cwmbran Celtic) plus Gareth Bennett and Gareth Wysome (both Newport Civil Service). Chepstow will start as favourites to get their campaign off to a positive start, although the visitors will be keen to put the memory of last season's relegation firmly behind them. Last season's placings: Chepstow: 4 Tata: Relegated from Division One. Ty-Isaf Park: Risca United v Penrhiwceiber Rangers. Striker Tony Willis scored 32 league goals last time out, but he is currently injured, left back James Parry has joined Welsh Premier League outfit Port Talbot Town, namesake Rhys James has gone to Rhoose while striker Rob Aldridge has retired. However Risca have brought in Aaron Caldwell and Steve Edwards (both Chepstow Town) while Warren Derraven has returned to the fold following a couple of seasons with Gwent County League side AC Pontymister. Regular scorer Brendon Scott netted both goals in a 2-2 home Gwent FA Senior Cup draw against Welsh League champions Monmouth Town, who progressed to the last eight 6-5 on penalties. Rangers always prove to be tough nuts to crack and this is certainly no 'gimme' for Risca, who are again led by player-boss Paul Michael. Last season's placings. Risca: promoted from Division Three Rangers: 9 The Causeway: Undy Athletic v Aberbargoed Buds. If togetherness counts for anything, then Undy will again do well as they still retain 12 players from the squad which won the Division Three title in May, 2012. Out is Andrew Larcombe (Cwmbran Celtic) while in are forwards Kristian Hanbury, who has been in the armed forces after previously being with Cwmbran Town, Caerleon and Llanwern, and Olly Beckett, back for a second spell from Newport YMCA. New Aberbargoed manager Adrian 'Bambi' Needs guided AFC Porth to last season's Nathaniel Cars Welsh League Cup and will settle for nothing less than a straight return to the top flight following relegation. Needs has brought striker Tom McCarthy and central defender Lee Hartshorn with him from Porth and has also added Scott Armatage and midfielder Jacob Cross (Bath University) while departed are the three Brewer brothers, Shane and Dafydd (both returning to Ton Pentre) plus Jason, at this stage unattached, with Dan Richards also signing for Ton Pentre and Dean Randall linking up with Treowen Stars. Last season's placings. Undy: 5 Aberbargoed: Relegated from Division One. DIVISION THREE: Spytty Park: Lliswerry v Treharris Athletic Western. Lliswerry, under boss Adam Corfield, made a favourable impression in their debut campaign, but must do without striker Chris Pearce, who has returned to Albion Rovers, and Ben Siggins, now with Caerleon. But he has been busy in bringing in the returning Josh Brown from Monmouth Town, Declan Flanagan, Dan Stoneman, Steven Buckley (all from Pill), Daniel Compton (Goytre), Leighton Golledge, Nick Aherne, Dale Cooke, John Heard and Gavin Pryce. Only bad habit Corfield's men picked up last season was drawing too many games, indeed their total of 11 was the joint highest alongside Division One side Ton Pentre in the entire 51-strong league. Treharris have struggled somewhat over recent campaigns and finished above relegated Abertillery Bluebirds on goal difference only. Last season's placings. Lliswerry: 5 Treharris: 16 Shannon Close, Bettws: Newport Civil Service v Caerau. NCS rallied well enough to clinch a 10th-place finish of 19 in Division Three in 2013-14, although they have lost two of their most leading marksman in Phil Tranter and Mark Millinship - who've retired and joined Gwent County League side Albion Rovers respectively. A couple of experienced defenders, Gareth Wysome and Gareth Bennett, have both signed for Division Two outfit Chepstow Town while others to have left are Ben Wootton (Caerleon) plus Jack Buckley and Conor Kearney (both Villa Dino Christchurch). However they've managed to sign Chris Thomas and Luke Hughes (both from Malpas United), Bradley Collins (unattached), Lewis Sweetland (Albion Rovers), Jordan Cullen (Docks Cons.), Lee Morgan (Newport Corinthians) and Joseph Knorz (unattached). Caerau won many friends last season, when the crisis-hit club decided to carry on instead of folding. However it tells its own story that the team conceded no fewer than 215 goals in just 30 league outings. Last season's placings. NCS: 10 Caerau: Relegated from Division Two. Sports Complex: Tredegar Town v Cardiff Grange Harlequins. Under manager Gareth Harbord and assistant Cohen Griffith, Tredegar enjoyed their best campaign for a number of years in 2013-14. However 25-goal teenager Tomas Lynch has now left the club to complete a multi-year sports scholarship in the USA, although I understand there are several young players at the club with the potential to do as well. They have signed midfielders Aaron Farmer and Christopher Quinland, full back Bleddyn House and central defender Daniel Jones - although the club report several players are unavailable for the first few fixtures. The capital visitors have always held a reputation of being difficult to beat and doubtless this will again prove to be the case this season. Last season's placings. Tredegar 7 CGQ: 8 Bush Park: Treowen Stars v Newport YMCA. A revival meant Treowen just missing on a top-10 finish to Newport Civil Service on goal difference only following a season in an around the relegation area. Have lost central midfielder Chris Erasmus to newcomers Panteg, but are expected to do well under boss Steve Evans and assistant Richard Molyneux. YMCA endured a torrid last campaign when just four wins from 30 outings meant only hapless Caerau finished below them in second-tier table. However relegation often gives clubs the opportunity to re-group and it's hoped a season at a lower level will help YMCA bounce straight back up. Last season's placings. Treowen 11 YMCA: Relegated from Division Two. * League returnees Panteg, who open their fixtures by visiting newcomers Cwm Welfare on Saturday, August 23, have announced a 6.15pm kick off for their home Gwent FA Senior Cup, first-round clash with Division Three rivals Treowen Stars on Wednesday, September 3.
ELY RANGERS ANNOUNCEMENT 15 August 2014 First Team Manager The Board would like to thank Wayne Matthews who due to work commitments has stepped down this season. He still remains a board member and his support for the club over the past 10 plus years and for the years ahead remain unchanged. Please send all applications to jasonjones1972@btinternet.com Please send current CV to jasonjones1972@btinternet.com
GWENT FA SENIOR CUP, FIRST-ROUND - LATEST RESULT 15 August 2014 from Terry Daley Newport YMCA 0 Caerleon 4 EFFORTS from Sam Oakley (2) and Jamie Davies plus and own goal from home defender Nathan Hardwick earned visiting Caerleon a comfortable victory at over YMCA at Mendalgief Road on Wednesday night. The success earns Caerleon an away quarter-final tie at either Tredegar Town or Caldicot Town, who meet next month. Other first-round results. Chepstow Town 1 Cwmbran Celtic 2. Risca United 2 Monmouth Town 2 (after extra time - Monmouth won 6-5 on penalties). Goytre 1 Aberbargoed Buds 0. Croesyceiliog 4 Newport Civil Service 1. Remaining first-round ties - dates and kick offs. Panteg v Treowen Stars - Wednesday, September 3 - kick off tba. Tredegar Town v Caldicot Town - Tuesday, September 9, kick off 7.15pm. Lliswerry v Undy Athletic - Wednesday, September 17, kick off 7.30pm. Quarter-final draw. Tredegar Town or Caldicot Town v Caerleon. Lliswerry or Undy Athletic v Monmouth Town. Croesyceiliog v Panteg or Treowen Stars. Cwmbran Celtic v Goytre (holders). |
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