WEEKEND ROUND-UP

30 October 2006

CALDICOT Town have accused MacWhirter Welsh League, Division Two side Garden Village of unsporting behaviour towards the end of their 3-3 draw on Saturday.

But Croesyceiliog were celebrating “one of the biggest wins” for the club in the first division as they took the scalp of champions, Goytre United.

The row between Caldicot and Garden Village involved a late incident where a Town player went down injured. The referee stopped the match so he could receive treatment and, on the re-start, expected Garden Village to give the ball up to the opposition.

However, with the scores level at 2-2 and five minutes to go, the ball was thumped into the back of the Caldicot net to give the Villagers a 3-2 lead.

Caldicot manager Jason Pritchard said: “I think it is the worst thing I’ve seen and I’ve been in football for a long time. After this, the referee, who I thought handled the situation very well because he didn’t really know what was going on, said you have to let them score but they didn’t. Finally, Jason Thorn scored to equalise by smashing it in from 20 yards, but the whole thing left a very bitter taste in my mouth.

“It was mayhem for five minutes because our players were livid, I was livid, and it didn’t help that the boy celebrated the goal. It didn’t help with their manager, either, who didn’t do anything. At the end of the game the player showed no remorse.

“If football is going that way, I’d rather get out of it. The referee, fair play, was good. He said it taught him a lesson but it really was sad. If they had won the game from it I dread to think what would have happened. We have got a point but we feel we dropped two. That’s our third 3-3 draw on the trot.”

To try to salvage the situation Garden Village were told by the official to let Caldicot score, but Pritchard fumed: “They tried to say they gave us three chances to score but they had players tackling our man on each occasion. Their manager then said, ‘that’s it, get on with it now’.

“The manager didn’t, at any stage, tell them to get out of the way and let us score. If you want to win like that, there is something wrong. The referee asked if he was going to kick it back to the ’keeper twice and the player said ‘yes’ twice, but still blasted it into our net.”

It marred a match where Richard Sharrott and Mark Williams scored second-half goals to put Caldicot 2-1 in front before they conceded a 20-yarder.

Croesyceiliog, on the other hand, could not have been more happy.

Their 2-1 win over Goytre through second-half goals from wing-back Chris Pritchard and centre-half Michael Dewar has continued their run as Gwent’s top side in the league, just ahead of Caerleon in the table.

Manager Chris Evans was overjoyed by Croesy’s performance, saying: “We made a few changes, and Pat O’Hagan was back in goal after a broken leg and a ten- month lay-off.

“We stuck youngster Danny Clouth, who has been excellent recently, in midfield. They were the champions last year and we haven’t been scoring goals but we had a good shake down the middle.

“Gareth Pattimore was outstanding as well. We got in front, and myself and my joint manager told them before the game if we get in front, we won’t get beaten.

“That was one of our biggest- ever wins, to be honest. Overall in 90 minutes we deserved it. It has pushed us up to halfway and hopefully now we can build on it.

“They have now played two of the better sides in Pontypridd and Goytre and there is not that much of a gap between us in skill terms. That has given us all a massive lift. We have stuck at it and I cannot praise them enough. The attitude was superb from all the players.”

Meanwhile, Newport YMCA face their biggest game of the season so far when they play Connah’s Quay Nomads in the Welsh Cup next weekend.

And if they can produce a performance like they did in the first half of their first-division clash at Pontypridd Town, there may well be an upset in the making.

However, the consequence of YM’s 3-1 defeat at high-flying Pontypridd is that they are still down among the relegation candidates in the table.

Assistant manager Darren Bidgood explained: “We played very well first-half. We took the lead after 25 minutes with Faris getting the goal after a knock-down by Lewis Summers and we competed very well.

“We should have gone 2-0 up, but Aaron Stewart hit the post and the ball rebounded across the goal. We really battled well and closed their space down.

“But five minutes before half- time they had a header and it was level and, in the second half, they stamped their authority on the match and we let two goals from set plays.

“It is disappointing but there is a lot to take from it. There were a lot of positives. We ran out of puff a bit. And Aaron looked as though he is on fire again in the first half, given that it is only his third game back.”

As for next week, Bidgood said: “If they can play like they did in the first half, there should be nothing to fear for us against Connah’s Quay.”

Caerleon have a Welsh Cup date as well next weekend when they take on fellow first-division outfit Ely Rangers at home, and they warmed up for it with a 2-1 away win over Grange Harlequins.

Manager Brendan Dowd said: “It was not pretty and the weather didn’t help. It was a case of getting in front and staying in front. Second-half they cut down on the mistakes. Everyone played well again, the same as last week.

“Martin Houston got the first goal on 25 minutes, then they equalised and Andy Gay got the next on 40 minutes. Then it was a question of getting the ball far forward and stopping them from having chances. It was comfortable, but we knew that if we made the odd mistake they would nick one towards the end, which is the way it has been going recently.

“But people put their bodies on the line and made sure it didn’t happen.

“Our season started last Saturday and now it’s a question of applying ourselves in picking up the points and climbing up the table. I have so many players coming back from injury that they are all fighting for places now, although I still have two or three injuries due to come back.”

So about next week, Dowd said: “We fancy our chances against anyone at the moment. We have that and another cup game the week after so we will know, by the end of the fortnight, where we are in the league as other teams have games in hand on us. We have played 11 now and there are a few on eight and nine.”

Back in the second division, Tredegar Town went to leaders Cambrian and Clydach and left with a point under their belts thanks to a 2-2 verdict.

And Town scored two cracking goals, with 19-year-old winger Sam Hartree getting the first after 25 minutes and Richard Langley scoring after a move involving four players.

Llanwern are four points clear at the top of the third division after beating Ystradgynlais 5-1 away, although the management and players were disappointed not to keep a clean sheet.

Ivan Poncak got the first with an amazing goal where he beat four players from the touchline, got to the byline and smashed it into the bottom corner after five minutes.

Carl Baugh got the second before half-time, before two by Marcus Power and a Michael Vaux header put Llanwern completely at ease.

The only blot on the copybook was that they let a late goal in, but manager Laurence Owen said: “It was a real workmanlike performance on not a really good surface. It was 5-0 and the boys were disappointed because it ended up 5-1.”

Meanwhile, Aberbargoed Buds produced a 2-1 victory over high-flying Risca United in their local derby, with Wayne Antoniazzi scoring the only goal of the first period, coming after two minutes.

Michael Bond got the second for the Buds, before frontman Rhys Iles got one back for Risca. The Buds had to survive the late rally of United in a bid to get a point, but they held on for the win.

Chepstow Town secured a 2-1 victory over Gwynfi United, while Cwmbran Celtic drew 3-3 with Llansawel, but Goytre had a day to forget with a 6-2 beating at Porthcawl Town.

WEEKEND PREVIEW

27 October 2006  

Paul Bielski, who guided Coed Eva to victory in the Welsh Autoparts Gwent County League County Motors Cup final last season against holders Llanhilleth at Abergavenny, is poised to make his Croesyceiliog home debut tomorrow against MacWhirter Welsh League champions Goytre United (kick-off 2.30pm).

Defender Bielski – player manager at Coed Eva – made his debut two weeks ago for the reserves and was a substitute against Pontypridd last week.

Goalkeeper Pat O’Hagan is on his way back to first-team action after three reserve games – which have all been won – and he is in contention for a place. Central defender John Rees is hoping to have a reserve run-out in a couple of weeks time.

Mark Alcock misses the game, serving the last of a three-match ban while Adi Pearce is unavailable. Midfield player Daniel Clouth, with good reserve displays, could have forced himself into a squad place.

Newport YMCA go to promoted Pontypridd who have designs on being the next Welsh League club moving into the Principality Building Society Welsh Premier League while Caerleon make the short trip to Cardiff where they face Grange Quins.

Cwmbran Celtic play their last home game in Division Three before embarking on a run of four away matches, entertaining newcomers Llansawel, the side they face away in the next round of the Shamrock Travel League Cup during next month.

Striker Joe Carless, in his first season with Celtic, after a spell with Gwent neighbours Goytre and a product of the Cwmbran academy, has proved a key figure in their success this season.

He has scored 13 goals in a dozen league and cup games, Celtic failing to score only once so far, a 1-0 defeat at Llantwit Fardre. Celtic have slipped to seventh place, losing to Llanwern, now in top spot, and engaged in a delayed Welsh Cup tie at the weekend.

Llanwern, travelling to Ystradgynlais, look to hold their one-point lead and manager Laurence Owen has a full-strength squad at his disposal.

LLANWERN ARE ON TOP

23 October 2006

LLANWERN are on top of the MacWhirter Welsh League third division ahead of Llangeinor by one point, and the two clubs have got a handy lead over the rest of the division approaching one-third through the campaign.

But only Caerleon managed to get any profit from the weekend in division one as Newport YMCA dropped into the relegation places as Barry Town collected their first win of the season.

Llanwern manager Laurence Owen said he would have taken a point from Pentwyn Dynamo before the match on Saturday as his side were beaten badly there last season.

A point is what they got with a 1-1 draw, but the Gwent side were disappointed not to have gained all three, given the chances they had to score a second.

Richard Sheir’s fifth-minute volley put Llanwern in front before skipper Greg Taylor had the misfortune to scuff the ball off his boot in defence and watch it fly into his own net to give Pentwyn their equaliser.

But it was all Llanwern after that. Owen said: “I told the lads that it would be our toughest away game. We changed our formation and went 4-5-1 and I packed the midfield.

“It was quite an even first half. They didn’t create chances but the second half we have battered them. Carl Boss hit the bar and also dragged a shot wide, Troy Quarterly struck two balls from 30 yards that the ’keeper fingertipped over and Marcus Power struck and hit the body.

“Their ’keeper scrambled about ten chances away. Last year we had an absolute thumping but in those conditions it was very good. We have played seven of our nine games away so it bodes well for after Christmas when the grounds are heavy and we are at home. It was a very pleasing point, but disappointing we didn’t take all three.”

Aberbargoed Buds also maintained their third division challenge by beating Gwynfi United 2-0 away. Both goals came in the first half through winger Matthew Hughes and centre forward Ross Fowler in atrocious weather conditions. But it was another clean sheet for the Buds and keeps them in the promotion hunt.

And Goytre came away with a tremendous victory over AFC Porth to boost their position in the division with a 5-3 verdict. Andy Walsh hit a hat trick to boot but Goytre should have had a hatful in the first 20 minutes.

Had Goytre taken their chances in that period, it could have been a cricket score but, nevertheless, it was a second successive win.

Porth equalised twice after centre forward and captain Walsh had headed home the opener and converted a penalty for the next. Lee Grimes chipped the ’keeper from 25 yards and was also on hand to force a mistake that allowed Rob Surtees to sidefoot home.

But Porth made it 4-3 with five minutes to go, although Mark Porter, Goytre’s six-foot-three-inch ’keeper, could not be faulted for the goals before Walsh finished it off with his third just before full-time.

Abertillery Excelsiors, though, were on the wrong side of a 3-2 scoreline which continues their losing streak. Lee Coburn put them 1-0 up but they conceded three by the break. Sean Smith gave Abertillery hope just into the second half with the second, but they just could not get the third despite numerous chances.

Chepstow Town, meanwhile, were left with a bit to think about before facing Gwynfi United next weekend after a 6-2 beating at Llansawel.

Steve Griffiths got one of Chepstow’s goals but they let in two before the break and, despite getting one back, pushed forward for goals but left the defence short and conceded more.

Risca United were also beaten on Saturday, 2-0 at home to Porthcawl Town, and did not really look like hitting the net.

Secretary Stuart Luckwell said: “We were not up to it really. Overall, I thought we were way off par. We hit the bar when it was nil-nil but it was a speculative effort and it was looking like a nil-nil draw throughout before they scored. It was a bad day at the office.”

Up in the first division, YMCA went down 3-2 at home to Barry Town, who have now moved off the bottom of the table to be replaced by UWIC. The YM are now only two points ahead of the former League of Wales club and were two goals down before they realised it. The match was an uphill struggle from then, but the

Newport team managed to claw their way back to 2-2, with Lewis Summers getting one of them, and battled hard for the winner.

But it did not come and the visitors got that vital third goal two minutes from time.

A frustrated Darren Bidgood, YM’s assistant manager who was in charge while boss Mark Coldrick recovers from recent surgery, said: “We were two down in 18 minutes. They were well fired up and we weren’t, basically. Lewis Summers got a header just before half-time which made it 2-1. We came out, Faris got the second and they were all guilty of missing hatfuls of chances. Aaron Stewart missed a couple of sitters, as did Summers.

“They kept battling but it was all us. We had enough chances to win two games. We are just not scoring at the moment. We are just making silly errors at the back. It is not that the defence are playing badly. It is not all doom and gloom. They have to drag themselves up.”

Meanwhile, in an overview of YM’s current plight, Coldrick said: “Nothing starts taking shape until the 12-game mark in the season, really. We were in this position last season near enough to the point. You tend to pick up injuries but every side will have a run where they are struggling for players. We have had a chat and when you have two or three players missing you will struggle because you are playing decent sides week in and week out.

“The boys are up for a battle and we hope someone is on the end of a thrashing sooner rather than later. We are up against it but it is a game of two sides on the park. At the moment we are a second-half team this season and once you give them two goals’ start it is difficult.

“But we will try and play that first half out of us in training on Thursdays in future so that we start matches ready to go.”

As is said, a 1-0 win is as good as 5-0, and that solitary goal victory is what Caerleon achieved against bottom-placed UWIC at Cold Bath Road thanks to a late strike from centre forward Martin Houston.

However, ’keeper Andrew Delve was also a hero by saving a penalty just before his team-mate got the winner.

Manager Brendan Dowd said: “We deserved it. We should have been two or three up but missed loads of chances. We are in the situation where our season actually started on Saturday.

“Apart from Croesyceiliog, the sides we have played have been at the top. We have Grange Quins next week and the minimum we want is a point. The next three or four weeks are important to us.

“You can already see the league splitting into two, which it does. I think 16 points is the tenth place and then it is 13 down one.

It would have been a poor result if we had got nothing out of the match.

“They had a player sent off after 75 minutes for a second bookable offence. It has been coming for a while, where this little bit of luck is what we needed just to turn the game. Hopefully we can kick on.”

Croesyceiliog, though, also went down to defeat as Pontypridd Town travelled to Gwent and left with a 2-0 verdict.

Caldicot Town are one of those sides looking for promotion to the top flight and they added another point to that push up the second division with a 3-3 home draw with Pontyclun. Tredegar Town, meanwhile, stuttered by losing at home to Ammanford 3-2.

WEEKEND PREVIEW

20 October 2006

Gwent’s three teams in the top flight of the MacWhirter Welsh League are all at home tomorrow and in need of points to climb away from First Division trouble.

Newport YMCA, third from the foot of the table, take on bottom side Barry Town who are without a point from eight games. Barry lost to Croesyceiliog last week, a game described by manager Chris Evans as a “must win” match. The same must apply to YM boss Mark Coldrick.

But he stressed: “We are not sending out any panic signals, I cannot emphasise that too much. It would be nice to get a couple of wins as a confidence boost ahead of our home Welsh Cup tie with Connah’s Quay Nomads next month – the club’s biggest game since I have been connected with them.”

Striker Aaron Stewart, recovered from a knee injury and scorer of a hat-trick for the second string in a 5-1 home win over Afan Lido in the Harris Printers (Reserve Division) Shield last week, will go straight back into the senior side.

Caerleon, a point and a place better off than YM, are at home to UWIC who are second from bottom with one point from eight games.

And manager Brendan Dowd has targeted the game as one his side should be capable of winning.

He has already borrowed Wayne Jepson and Martin Houston from Cwmbran and Dowd is planning another call to Crows boss Sean Wharton to try to borrow more players.

Croesyceiliog entertain Pontypridd – the two teams promoted last season – and although they have home advantage will do well to take something from the game.

It is already developing into a tight scrap at the top of Division Two, three points covering the top five clubs which include Caldicot who are at home to strugglers Pontyclun.

Third Division Cwmbran Celtic have an attractive home fixture in the Welsh Cup, at home to First Division Maesteg Park who were awarded their previous round match with Cardiff Corries who fielded an ineligible player.

Sam Winter, sent off in the midweek league defeat at Llanwern, is under suspension while new signing Liam Kidman, who made his debut in the Spytty Park clash, is cup tied. Ben Graham and Keiron Porter both miss the tie through injury but Celtic are hoping Niki Villars will be fit.

Llanwern, level on points with leaders Llangeinor after beating Celtic, travel to third-place Pentwyn Dynamo, boosted by the availability of Michael Vaux and player-coach Mattie Smith, their bans now completed. 

STRIKER MARCUS POWER WAS THE MAJOR DIFFERENCE

19 October 2006

Striker Marcus Power was the major difference between the two sides at Spytty Park last night in the top MacWhirter Welsh League, Division Three clash.

Power, a product of Newport County’s academy, such a threat on either flank or in a central position, scored twice and won possession on the right to set up Llanwern’s second goal for partner Steve Perszewski in the 62nd minute – all after Celtic had taken the lead in the first half.

But it all went wrong for the visitors when Sam Winter was shown a red card, protesting far too strongly when the second goal was scored. It changed the complexion of the game as Power, who equalised on the stroke of half-time with a glorious finish, struck again three minutes after Llanwern went ahead.

Llanwern made their numerical advantage count by simply keeping possession, forcing Celtic to chase shadows. And if they had been a little more clinical the score could have been doubled.

Power hit the post with a breathtaking shot from the left flank and substitute Radovan Nemkicky brought an excellent save from Celtic keeper Nicky Church, who pushed the ball on to a post.

Celtic had gone ahead after 15 minutes with a Joe Carless penalty after Dayna Thorpe had been brought down by Gregg Taylor in a highly entertaining game. 

CROESY AIM HIGH

16 October 2006

CROESYCEILIOG have lofty ambitions to be the top Gwent side of the future in all competitions which, in the MacWhirter Welsh League, they are at the moment.

And the queue is forming at the top of the third division as Risca United head a group of four teams all with a fighting chance of making a run for promotion.

Years ago Barry Town were the biggest Welsh club of them all, but have now found themselves parachuting down the domestic table to rock bottom of the Welsh League first division at present with only two goals to their name.

So it would have been a bad day at the office had Croesy not come away from their trip to the Vale of Glamorgan with a win. They duly obliged with a 2-0 victory, although Barry, watched by a healthy crowd, turned in a decent performance.

But it was a relief for Croesyceiliog to get the victory, as manager Chris Evans explained. He said: “We have had a torrid run over the last seven games. To be honest, we have started off really well in our first year in the first division and then, with a few injuries, we have been finding it hard. We are such a thin squad at the moment and I gave them a few harsh words before they went out against Barry and they have played really well.

“We stuck youngster Lee Mason up front and he caused them a few problems. We have kept a clean sheet at half-time and, in the second half, we have gone out for Mark Jones (centre forward) to put us in front on 48mins. Chris Watkins, our captain, scored the second goal on the hour.

“The players looked as if we wanted to win the game from the start. As a club, we are not used to losing. We have played seven games away out of nine so far and it is a good league. There are a lot of teams looking to get into the Premier League but we are recognised as a decent team.

 “We don’t want to be in a dogfight at the end of the season and we are striving to take over as the top Welsh club from Cwmbran.”

Newport YMCA will be hoping they can turn things around in the next couple of weeks of action before facing top outfit Connah’s Quay Nomads in the Welsh Cup.

The YM went down 3-1 at mid-table Bridgend Town and have now only won a single league game out of seven this season, although they do have two matches in hand on the other basement strugglers.

Lewis Summers grabbed their goal just before half-time to equalise, but a sucker punch seconds after the referee restarted the match and a third later in the period spelt another dismal afternoon.

Manager Mark Coldrick was recovering from surgery so missed the game, but first team coach Dave Murphy said the result was not a real reflection.

Murphy said: “Basically the boys are disappointed because, although it was 3-1, it was not truly how it was. Although Bridgend started brightly, we controlled the game. “We got an equaliser on half-time with a great movement down the line and turned in by Lewis Summers. We felt confident but  they managed to scramble a goal into the corner. Basically, we rallied around and we were on top but we fell to a counter-attack.

“And the goal which sunk us was blatantly offside. The lad who scored it admitted it was as well but said ‘that’s football’.

Bridgend had a player sent off and then defended deep to see out the game. We dominated in long spells but we just didn’t get the result.”

It leaves them in trouble down the bottom, although Caerleon are facing a similar situation as they are only one place ahead of their Gwent neighbours.

The next three weeks are important as well for Caerleon, said their manager Brendan Dowd, as they went down to a 2-0 away defeat to second-placed ENTO Aberaman Athletic.

Dowd was struggling for numbers, with injuries and people working, but Caerleon knuckled down to the task and, despite losing, put in a good display.

The manager said: “I think we were the better side and we had the better of the chances. I had so many out with people working. I’ve never known anything like it. I have had seven or eight injured.

“It was nil-nil at half-time but we should possibly have gone in 2-1 ahead. It was just a couple of mistakes and they scored two goals. The next fortnight and three weeks is important to us. We need to get six points and stay in the cup.”

Caldicot Town are chasing one of those places in the top tier next season, and added another point to the tally after a six-goal outing to second-placed Troedyrhiw via a 3-3 draw that puts them into third place.

Tredegar Town were due to be playing at Garw Athletic but the match was postponed. A vast number of injuries, a bereavement on the morning of the match for one of the team and players working all hit the club at the same time.

Secretary Riley Gray said that the club were missing the fantastic influence of manager Rob Ellis, who suffered a massive personal tragedy nearly two months ago. “I think it was a sad thing which happened to Rob and it has gone down a bit here.”

Aberbargoed Buds have acquitted themselves well in the third division this season and added another victory to their list by beating Llansawel 4-0 at home on Saturday.

Centre forward Ross Fowler grabbed a couple of his side’s goals as they led 2-0 at the break. Left wing Nathan Edwards also slotted another, while sub Michael Bond, who was making his debut since signing and, ironically, replaced Fowler, put home another.

It was all satisfying for assistant manager John Randall, who beamed: “We are up around the top of the pack and more than holding our own." Meanwhile, Risca United scored another good victory as they went to AFC Porth and beat the home side 2-1.

The 3-0 scoreline that saw Abertillery Excelsior lose to Pentwyn Dynamo was not a fair reflection of the match. Abertillery could have had half a dozen goals if they had taken their chances but, instead, went down to defeat.

Chepstow Town were unlucky to finish Saturday afternoon without a point as they went down 1-0 at home to Llangeinor, who scored with only five minutes to go.

Goytre got a good 2-0 win away at Seven Sisters as centre forward Andy Walsh struck home a penalty after 20 minutes before, five minutes later, his shot was parried by the home ’keeper, leaving Rob Surtees to follow up and knock home the rebound.

CAERLEON FORCED TO SCRAP TEAM

14 October 2006

CAERLEON, the First Division MacWhirter Welsh League club, have been forced to scrap their under-19 team playing in the Youth Division (East), writes Ray Parker.

The move largely comes because of the one player-one club ruling being operated by the Gwent County FA, jumping the gun a year ahead of the nationwide ruling coming into force.

Three associations in Wales introduced the ruling this season - not a popular move - and  the effects are already being felt with Morriston’s youth side falling by the wayside in West Wales and now Caerleon.

David Griffiths, former player-manager with Caerleon and now chairman, said: “It is really disappointing and a great shame that it has happened.

“We have a good under-16 side and those players will be looking to progress and if we don’t resurrect our under-19 team they could be lost to the club.

 “Last season our reserves finished runners-up in the reserve division and many of the squad  were players from the under-19 team.”

But it is not all down to the one player-one club ruling as Griffiths pointed out. He added: “It is disappointing to take such a decision but it is also a sign of the times when players say they are coming and just don’t turn up.

“You cannot expect anyone to put up with that situation.

“We held a meeting at the club between officials and players. We had about eight or so names but over half were involved in Gwent County League sides on a Saturday.

“However, they were not always playing every Saturday, but with the ruling by the Gwent FA they couldn’t play and we had to make a decision.

 “I have written to the league expressing both my surprise and annoyance over the ludicrous ruling.”

EVANS WARNS HIS TEAM: WE MUST GET THE WIN

13 October 2006

When Croesyceiliog manager Chris Evans delivers his dressing room oration ahead of tomorrow’s MacWhirter Welsh League, First Division game at Barry Town, it will be straight to the point and leaving no room for misunderstanding, writes Ray Parker.

He said: “It is a win at all costs game but I am totally confident whatever side goes out.

“We have got to win to get back on track. We have had a miserable time after a good start.”

Barry, once the kings of domestic Welsh soccer, are propping up the table, point-less from seven games and scoring twice.

Croesyceiliog, in the top flight for the first time, won  their first two league games but since have lost seven league and cup outings.

Experienced goalkeeper Pat O’Hagan is back on the recovery road after ten months on the sidelines with a broken ankle.

He made his comeback in the reserve game with Pontyclun and is expected to line-up against Bryntirion tomorrow.

Evans, who has not had the best of luck when trying to bring in new faces, added: “It is a huge bonus for us to have him back in action.”

Central defender John Rees, renowned for his long throw-ins, started light training this week after being out of action with a knee ligament injury.

He too has been sorely missed, absent for the last five games.

Gwent’s three top flight sides – all in the wrong half of the table – are away with Newport YMCA at Bridgend and Caerleon travelling to ENTO Aberaman.

YM’s central defender Craig James and central midfield player Steve Edwards are both unavailable while Robert Wigmore has recovered from a back injury

Llanwern’s home Third Division game with Cwmbran Celtic – beaten once in ten league and cup games – has been postponed until Wednesday (kick-off 6.30pm) because of Newport County’s home FA Cup tie with Bishop’s Cleeve.

SALLIS RESCUES CWMBRAN

12 October 2006

CWMBRAN Town are one of three clubs with a maximum nine points from three matches in the MacWhirter Welsh League, Youth Division (East).

But the young Crows had a close call, winning 3-2 at Pentwyn Dynamo who led 2-1 with four minutes remaining.

Ian Watkins gave Cwmbran the lead but the home side scored twice before the interval. Cwmbran made late positional switches which paid off handsomely.  Luke Sallis moving from a central defensive role to midfield and obliging with two goals in the space of a minute.

Risca are still looking for their first win of the season following a draw at Dinas Powys while below-par Newport YMCA went down 2-0 at Penrhiwceiber.  But YM’s cause was not helped when they lost influential central midfield player and skipper Alex Jenkins during the first-half.

CLUB IN BID TO SAVE U-19S

3 October 2006        

CAERLEON are desperately trying to save their Under-19 soccer team and are holding a SOS meeting tomorrow night at the clubhouse, writes Ray Parker.

The Cold Bath Road club, competing in the MacWhirter Welsh League, Youth Division (East), had to withdraw from the Welsh Youth Cup on Sunday handing opponents Dinas Powys an easy passage into the next round.

David Griffiths, Caerleon’s former manager and now chairman, said: “It would be really tragic if they have to pack in because we have a good Under-16 side and they will have nowhere to play.

“When training started the manager (Keith Davies) had around 20 players, but week on week he lost them. I can fully understand the manager’s position because he should not have to go around begging.

“We are holding a meeting tomorrow night to try to sort things out. The league is a decent standard and I am sure there are lads who want to play. Hopefully, we can turn things around. Everything is going well in the club and we don’t want to lose this team.”

Any player interested can attend training tomorrow night at 6.00pm or telephone David Griffiths on 07778204020.

Morriston and AFC Llwydcoed dropped out of the same league before a  ball was kicked.

Morriston pointed the finger at the one player-one club rule already implemented by the West Wales FA a season before it will be law throughout Welsh football.

Cwmbran Town inflicted Cogan Coronation’s first defeat of the season with a 3-0 away win in the first round of the Welsh Youth Cup, Joe Carless giving the young Crows a flying start with a first-minute goal.

Luke Sallis gave Cwmbran - whose goalkeeper Robert Watkins made a number of excellent saves - a two-goal interval lead and substitute Lee Newman scored a third close to full time.

Newport YMCA moved into the next round with a 6-1 home win against Llandrindod Wells, goals scored by Lewis Owen, Joe O’Brien (2), Lee Morris, Craig Ford and substitute Rico Zarkarnian.    

THERE'S ROOM AT THE TOP FOR CALDICOT TOWN

2 October 2006

CALDICOT TOWN have moved within striking distance of top spot in the MacWhirter Welsh League Second Division after securing a 2-1 victory over Briton Ferry on Saturday.

It started pretty well for Caldicot, too, as Jason Thorne grabbed the first goal within the opening five minutes of the match, and Town settled it when David Lloyd put home a penalty after a Briton Ferry defender deliberately handled the ball in the box and was sent off for his trouble.

And Tredegar have climbed the ladder as well into a good position after beating Penrhiwceiber away by 1-0. Lee Brooker, at centre forward, got the all-important goal, but Town could have been further ahead had they taken their chances.

One hero, though, was goalkeeper Sean Seaward, who kept Tredegar in the match with a string of five saves. Secretary Riley Gray said: “He was outstanding. They could have won it but he pulled off some excellent saves.”

Tredegar had four players missing through injury and other matters but should have a full squad for their trip to Garw in a fortnight, plus one or two new signings to strengthen the squad. In the top flight, though, Croesyceiliog are in the wrong half of the table after going down 2-1 to Maesteg Park at home.

Cwmbran Celtic gained an excellent 1-1 draw at Aberbargoed Buds in Division Three, the home team going ahead before Celtic hit back with a goal just after the interval from Shane Williamson.

Cwmbran secretary Malcolm Jarrett explained: “It was a typical local derby. We probably shaded the first half. We went in a goal down against the run of play. A couple of minutes into the restart, Shane Williamson scored. I think a draw was a fair result. It is a tough place to go and get a result.

“I don’t think many sides will come away from Aberbargoed (They caned Llanwern the previous week) with a result. It is the sort of game we would have lost last year.”

With no matches next week because of Wales’ international, Celtic may be playing their Welsh Cup game in a fortnight when they were due to play Llanwern in the Third Division, but hope to have it earlier in the week.

Jarrett added: “I have spoken to Alan Watkins (Llanwern secretary) and offered to play us on the 11th under lights. If we can play on a Monday night, we would.

“As soon as we knew the cup game was postponed, I rang the league fixtures secretary and asked if there were any teams we could play and Aberbargoed had a free Saturday so we arranged to play them.

“What we didn’t want was to have no game this week and next with the Welsh Cup game coming up.”

Chepstow Town produced a 2-1 away result at Abertillery Excelsiors, with Dai Smith getting the goal for the home side.

Secretary Keith Williams said: “We got what we deserved, which was a defeat. We beat them 4-0 on their patch and some of our boys thought it was turn up and that was it. We hit the post and crossbar in the second half and then they got a penalty in a freak incident where one of our boys misheard the referee and handled the ball.

“But we were not worth more than a point on that display. We lacked endeavour, really.”

Risca United put in a solid display at home to Seven Sisters and came away with a 3-0 victory. And, said Risca secretary Stuart Luckwell, it was as comfortable as it sounds.

They were 2-0 up at half-time, with captain Brendan Scott and his brother, Russell, getting the early strikes before Rhys Iles netted the third.

Luckwell said: “It was 2-0 after seven minutes. It was a poor Seven Sisters. We could have come from there six-, seven- or eight-nil.”

YM'S GUNS BLAZING

2 October 2006

JUST two Gwent sides are certainly through to the Welsh Cup third round this season after Saturday’s matches – although there could be one more soon.

Caerleon and Newport YMCA both had to go into extra time before beating their opponents, both getting 2-1 results. However, Llanwern’s cup run came to a halt as they went down 2-0 at Neath Athletic.

Midfielder Luke Cueto got the winner for Caerleon after they let their 1-0 lead slip in the last five minutes of normal time against the students of UWIC at home.

Centre forward Martin Houston, who was signed by Caerleon from Cwmbran Celtic, got the first goal for the Gwent side after half an hour and they looked on course for victory until giving away a sloppy equaliser just before the end.

Manager Brendan Dowd, though, was pleased with the way his side played, saying: “It was one of those games where we could have been 5-0 up at half-time and they came at us and they could have scored a few. Overall, I thought we deserved it and we got

something out of the game this time. A couple of signings I’ve made have acquitted themselves well. I’m happy for them.”

It gives Caerleon a reasonably good third- round tie at home to fellow MacWhirter Welsh League outfit Ely Rangers, who themselves had to go to extra time and also penalties before turning over Caerau Ely in their Cardiff derby.

Dowd added: “It is a nice home draw, which is the main thing. It is important for us that we are in the third round now.”

And the YMCA have landed a great home draw against Principality Building Society Welsh Premier League side Connah’s Quay Nomads in the next round after getting past Ammanford.

Lewis Sommers put them ahead around the 20-minute mark when the six-feet-four-inch forward headed home. However, Ammanford hit back on the half-hour and had a couple of further chances to snatch the lead but, thankfully for the YM, goalkeeper Julian Phillips was in fine form.

Phillips was blamed for pulling one of the opposition players down in the penalty area but made amends for that error by producing a fine save from the spot.

And just before the end of normal time he turned a far-post header around the corner to keep his team’s hopes alive.

YM snatched the victory in extra time when Sommers sent over a cross from the wing for Danny Cueto to tap into the net. Now it is all guns blazing, and the distant dream of a UEFA Cup place next season for the city team is still alive, as manager Mark Coldrick joked on Saturday night.

Coldrick laughed: “We want to get into Europe now. I mentioned it to our treasurer and he nearly had kittens!”

He added: “We were looking for a nice draw against a Welsh Premier League side and we got it. We just about deserved the win, although they gave us a big fright.”

And he sees no reason why YM can’t become giant-killers, saying: “I don’t know where they are in their league but form goes out of the window in the cup.”

Llanwern may have gone out 2-0 at Neath Athletic, but they earned rich praise from their manager, Lawrence Owen, and the Neath fans as well.

The Gwent team battled for over an hour with just ten men after player-coach Matthew Smith was sent off for a second bookable offence on 30 minutes.

But, with television all around the ground because of a rare afternoon where all the officials were from the same family, Llanwern put on a great show for the cameras.

Owen said: “After last week’s debacle at Aberbargoed it was very good. Neath are the best side in the Welsh league. It was exactly what I was looking for.

“Sky Sports News were up there as the referee and two linesmen were father and his two sons, so I came off the bus like Jose Mourinho, with cameras everywhere.

“And it was a really impressive display from us. A number of their supporters said afterwards how well we played. They said we did our league credit, coming from the third division.”

Neath scored after 25 minutes but did not get their second in the 2-0 victory until Llanwern tried chasing the game for an equaliser.

Cwmbran Celtic are likely to discover on Tuesday night whether they will still be playing Cardiff Corninthians or will have to take on Maesteg Park at home in the second round. The clash with the Corinthians was postponed over a dispute surrounding an ineligible player who turned out for the Cardiff team in the first round.

Cwmbran Celtic secretary Malcolm Jarrett said: “Our guess is we will have to play on  October 14.”

Welsh Cup, second round: Barry Town 0 Afan Lido 4, Bridgend Town 5 Garden Village 2, Caerleon 2 UWIC 1 (after extra time), Cwmbran Town 1 Carmarthen 7, Dinas Powys 3 Morriston Town 0, Ely Rangers 2 Caerau Ely 2 (aet. Ely win 4-2 on penalties), Llanelli 5 Bettws 0, Neath Athletic 2 Llanwern 0, Newport YMCA 2 Ammanford 1 (aet), Pontardawe 1 Pontypridd 2 (aet), Ton Pentre 6 Llangeinor 0. 

Third Round draw (MacWhirter Welsh League clubs in capitals. Matches to be played on Saturday, November 4): AFAN LIDO v Bodedem, BRIDGEND v Airbus UK, Carmarthen Town v WEST END, CAERLEON v ELY RANGERS, Caersws v Buckley Town, CWMBRAN CELTIC or CARDIFF CORINTHIANS v Llandudno, Holyhead Hotspurs v Presteigne St Andrews, NEATH v Brymbo, Newtown v DINAS POWYS, NEWPORT YMCA v Connah’s Quay Nomads, Penrhyncoch v Llanelli, CPD Porthmadog v Bangor City, Port Talbot Town v Bala Town, Pwllheli v The New Saints, Welshpool Town v PONTYPRIDD, TON PENTRE v Rhyl.