YOUNG CROWS MAINTAIN FORM

30 November 2006

Cwmbran Town increased their lead at the top of the MacWhirter Welsh League, Youth Division (East) with a 2-1 home win over Barry Town last night, writes Ray Parker.

The young Crows have a perfect record from eight games.

Cwmbran were went ahead when Lee Newman scored with a volley and the prolific Joe Carless increased their lead.

Barry pulled a goal back with a little help from Cwmbran when a shot from outside the area took a deflection off Michael Traynor’s head as he attempted to clear.

Newport YMCA made it a Gwent double with a 3-2 victory at Pontypridd. Lee Morris put YM ahead but they then conceded two goals.

Alex Jenkins got the equaliser and Craig Ford secured the points with the winner.

WEATHER HITS HARD AS GWENT SIDES FALTER

27 November 2006

Bad weather ruined the Welsh League programme, with only four Gwent clubs out of 11 able to play – and there wasn’t a winner among them.

Croesyceiliog travelled to Neath Athletic buoyed by the previous Saturday’s 1-0 win at Ton Pentre, a result regarded by most as the best in the club’s history.

But there was to be no successful follow-up for manager Chris Evans’ side, who slipped to a 2-1 defeat as Neath moved above big-spending ENTO Aberaman to go top of the Division One table.

Evans was naturally disappointed by the outcome and reserved his frustration for home skipper Andy Hill, who many believed should have been  sent off before he was eventually red-carded for a dangerous tackle on Gareth Pattimore.

“I’m gutted for the lads because they played really well and deserved something from the match,” said Evans, whose side remain in 13th place.

“However, I have to mention the antics of their captain, Andy Hill. First he’s flattened Mike Dewar, then he’s elbowed Jamie Jenkins, who had blurred vision for a while.

“Hill should have been off the field by the time he went straight through the back of Gareth Pattimore.

“Gareth was carried off, took no further part in the match and could be out for a few weeks now.

“The annoying thing is we couldn’t make the extra man count because Neath played very well after they’d gone down to ten men.

“But we did dominate and if you’d heard their celebrations in their dressing-room afterwards, you’d have thought they’d just won the league.”

Former Barry Town ace Jenkins put Croesyceiliog ahead when he headed home from inside the six-yard box on 25 minutes before Neath levelled matters ten minutes from the interval through Jarrod Price.

And just five minutes later that man Hill scored from the penalty spot to condemn Croesyceiliog to their eighth defeat in 13 league outings.

Croesyceiliog are next in action on Friday, when they travel to face former Welsh Premier League club Afan Lido, kick-off 7.30pm.

Division Two outfit Tredegar Town travelled to Merthyr Tydfil to face local side Troedyrhiw, who were red-hot favourites to land all three points as section leaders.

However, despite being without five regulars, four suspended and one, goalkeeper Daniel Evans, unavailable, the Gwent side earned great credibility in grinding out a point from a 0-0 draw.

“Make no mistake about it, this was a thoroughly deserved result for us,” said Tredegar secretary Riley Gray.

“We missed the game’s best chance and even Phillip Blackmore will agree he should have scored before giving the goalkeeper a chance to make a save.

“We held our own until the final ten minutes, when they got on top, but stand-in goalkeeper Chris Morris wasn’t all that busy making genuine saves.”

In Division Three second-placed Llanwern missed a golden opportunity to secure another home win when they were held 2-2 at Newport Stadium by Newcastle Emlyn.

Llanwern went one down on 25 minutes before Richard Shier levelled matters with just two minutes of the first period remaining when he converted a cross from Slovakian Evan Poncak.

A superb 25-yard volley from Marcus Power put Llanwern ahead and that goal looked likely to give the Gwent side a tenth win from 13 league matches.

However, their win column remained at nine after the visitors secured a point with a penalty, the result enabling them to go above Cwmbran Celtic into fourth position.

“We were poor in the first half and were absolutely delighted to go in level,” said Llanwern boss Laurence Owen.

“But we played much better after the interval and perhaps we could have secured the win had we not missed several good chances.

“However, when you consider we were without four regulars in Steve Perszewskio, Carl Bough, Matthew Currie and Paul Tanner, then we did OK.”

The result means Llanwern are now three points behind leaders Pentwyn Dynamo, who defeated under-strength Goytre 5-0 at home.

For Goytre, the day was nothing short of disastrous. They had to travel to the capital with defender Chris Perry in goal because of the unavailability of stopper Marc Porter.

And to cap it all, Goytre struck a post, through Richard Minor, and the crossbar, through Andy Walsh, even before the leaders killed off the game by scoring three times in seven minutes before the break.

Goytre battled manfully during the second period, but suffered another blow when defender Darren Haines turned the ball into his own net at a corner before the home side grabbed the fifth close to time.

“We really have to sort out this goalkeeping problem because that’s the third time this season that Marc Porter has been unable to play because of work commitments and in those matches we’ve conceded 13 goals,” said Goytre assistant manager Paul Greenhalgh.

Games off: Division One – Newport YMCA v Ton Pentre. Division Two – Caldicot Town v Treharris Athletic. Division Three – Aberbargoed Buds v Porthcawl Town; Abertillery Excelsiors v Llangeinor; Chepstow Town v Seven Sisters; Ystradgynlais v Risca United. Caerleon were without a scheduled match. 

CORNERING THE RECORD

24 November 2006

HOTSHOT Andrew Edwards may well have kicked his way into the world record books with one of the most amazing feats ever seen on a football pitch, writes Ray Parker.

The 25-year-old Caldicot player, who lives in Newport, scored a hat-trick - the three goals all direct from corners - in a MacWhirter Welsh League, Reserve Division (East) win over Risca.

And not even the Association of Football Statisticians have heard of anyone managing such an achievement before.

Edwards' staggering efforts earned him a first-team call and he came off the substitutes' bench to score a third goal for Caldicot in their 3-0 away win over Briton Ferry in the Second Division.

Edwards said: "I have never scored direct from a corner before. But on this occasion they were all from inswingers - two with my right foot and the third from the left. The opening goal was in the first half with the wind against me and the two remaining goals were in the second-half with the wind going for me."

A modest Edwards added: "I was very pleased - but more pleased that we won. I didn't play too badly which I was more pleased about."

A spokesman for the Association of Football Statisticians, said: "I have never heard of that happening and I doubt if it has happened. I think it is unique."

Now that the AFS have been informed they will be circulating their members of the achievement to see if there is a recording of such a feat.

And fiance Jacqui wasn't going to miss out on the action. "He couldn't have achieved it without me washing his kit every week!"

Bookmakers William Hill said they would have offered odds of 10,000-1 on Andrew's incredible treble.

DOUBLE BLOW ON THE LEFT FOR CROESYCEILIOG

24 November 2006

Croesyceiliog have suffered a double blow ahead of their away game with Neath in the First Division of the MacWhirter Welsh League.

They go into the match missing two left-sided players – left back Danny Jenkins  serving a one-match ban after collecting five bookings and midfielder Chris Pritchard must sit out one match after being dismissed in the second-half of their stunning win at Ton Pentre last week.

Pritchard’s brother Andy, also a left-sided player, has been brought into the squad along with 18-year-old Chris Mills who has been showing outstanding form in the reserves, scoring seven goals in four games.

Mark Alcock, out for three weeks with a back injury, will have a run with the reserves in their home game against Llantwit Fardre.

Chris Evans, Croesyceiliog manager, said: “Neath is a big game for us but we got three points at Ton Pentre last week and hopefully we can cause a bit of a shock.”

Newport YMCA, in a run of home games, entertain Ton Pentre with manager Mark Coldrick looking for at least nine points from the quartet of matches. They have already got three in the bag from last week’s win over Ely Rangers.

The Bulldogs will prove a different proposition but YM will gain heart from Croesyceiliog’s success at Ynys Park. Coldrick said: “We don’t fear anyone but we know it will be tough.”

YM will be without John Pardue who was sent off against Ely, a decision Coldrick believes was on the harsh side. Steve Edwards will take his place while Faris Yafai, recovering from a hamstring injury, will be in the squad.

Llanwern, second in Division Three, have five players receiving treatment ahead of tomorrow’s home game with Newcastle Emlyn.

Tony Shier (ankle) and Michael Vaux (knee) were both injured in the 2-0 win at Abertillery last Saturday while Matthew Currie missed the game with a thigh injury.

Defender Paul Tanner came off the bench at Abertillery but his hamstring injury is not completely healed and he missed training while Carl Baugh has a calf injury.

Llanwern, unbeaten in their last five league games, are a point behind top team Pentwyn Dynamo who are at home to Goytre.

YOUTH ROUND-UP

24 November 2006

Cwmbran Town strengthened their position at the top of the MacWhirter Welsh League, Youth Division (East) with an overwhelming victory at home to Pontypridd last night.

The young Crows emerged 10-2 winners, rocking Pontypridd with a second-half blast, scoring six goals in a 15-minute spell.

Cwmbran, at home to Barry next Wednesday, led 2-1 at the break with goals from Rakesh Patel and Lee Newman who both completed hat-tricks. Cwmbran’s other goals came from Ben Evans, Owen Llewellyn, Lee Challenger (penalty) and Luke Sallis. Cwmbran have won seven games and lead the table from Caerau (Ely) who have 16 points from the same number of games.

ANOTHER AWAY DAY FOR LLANWERN

22 November 2006

Llanwern, bidding for promotion from Division Three of the MacWhirter Welsh League, face another away trip in the Shamrock Travel Cup, the third round draw made last night. 

Llanwern stunned First Division Pontardawe with a 3-0 away win in the previous round and they face a shorter trip taking on Second Division Caerau (Ely).        

Caldicot travel to league new boys Llansawel while Tredegar beating First Division Caerleon in the previous round have another home tie, Ystradgynlais the opposition.        

Third round (to be played December 9, kick-off 1.30pm): Goytre United v Cambrian and Clydach, Caerau (Ely) v Llanwern, Ammanford v Bridgend, Tredegar v Ystradgynlais, Llansawel v Caldicot, Neath v Morriston, Bettws v ENTO Aberaman, Afan Lido v Maesteg Park.

Harris Printers Reserve Shield, second round (selected ties, dates to be arranged): Chepstow v Port Talbot, Porthcawl v Risca, Croesyceiliog v Ely Rangers, Newport YMCA  v Ammanford. 

Striker Martin Houston and defender Jamie Hillier, both working, miss Caerleon’s First Division game at  Bryntirion tonight (kick-off 730pm).

Caerleon, although suffering cup defeats in two successive matches, have won their last three league games, Houston scoring in all of them. Houston’s place will be filled by Gafin Griffiths and Ryan Cueto is also called into the squad.

CROESY ARE ECSTATIC

20 November 2006

UP-AND-COMING Croesyceiliog celebrated their best league result in their history on Saturday when they recorded a superb 1-0 MacWhirter Welsh League Division One away success at Ton Pentre.

The Rhondda Valley outfit has fairly dominated the WL since financial problems forced them to withdraw from the Welsh Premier League at the end of the 1996-97 campaign.

Ton, who appeared in Europe in the IntertToto Cup while in the WPL, lifted the WL championship title in the next four seasons and again in 2004-05, and only three weeks ago beat former WPL kings Rhyl to reach the last 16 of the Welsh Cup.

“Without doubt this was our best-ever result and we’re all delighted,” said Croesyceiliog secretary Martin Jones.

“We thought it was good to beat Goytre United 2-1 recently, but to win on the ground of such a well-known club as Ton Pentre is fantastic.”

Manager Chris Evans was equally ecstatic and believes the win was thoroughly deserved: “It wasn’t a case of us pinching a goal and sitting back, we stuck to it and could have had a few more,” said Evans.

“Without doubt this was a team performance and we’ve settled into a system of play which suits us.

“We’ve two difficult away games coming up, against Neath Athletic and Afan Lido, but then we’ve eight successive matches at home.”

Croesyceiliog’s goal-scorer was Chris Watkins, whose penalty after just 38 seconds proved to be the match- winner, although goalkeeper Pat O’Hagan made several excellent saves to deny the home side.

Watkins and O’Hagan are former Cwmbran Town team-mates, and the pair’s experience of playing at Ton’s compact Ynys Park ground proved invaluable on the day.

Others to shine were the midfield trio of Dale Evans, Gareth Pattimore and 17-year-old Daniel Clouth, but Jones stressed that this was a 100 per cent team display.

Caerleon also grabbed a victory, a 4-2 home success over Dinas Powys at Cold Bath Lane.

Caerleon stormed into a 3-0 lead, through goals from midfielder Ben Davies (2) and striker Stuart Houston. Although the visitors reduced the arrears, a penalty by striker Andy Gay made it 4-1.

However, Caerleon once again conceded a late goal to round off the scoring.

“We did well and for once we’ve got among the goals,” said Caerleon boss Brendan Down. “It was a pity we couldn’t keep a clean sheet, but the most important thing was getting a win because we certainly needed it.”

Caerleon are soon back in action, travelling to face Bryntirion Athletic on Wednesday.

Newport YMCA made it a hat trick of Division One victories by overcoming visiting Ely Rangers 1-0.

Indeed, the win prevented the Cardiff-based side completing a trio of successes in Gwent in as many weeks.

Ely won at a Welsh Cup third-round tie 4-2 on penalties after extra time at Caerleon on November 4 and a league game 2-1 at Croesyceiliog a week later.

Third-from-the-bottom YMCA got the winner on 20 minutes when giant striker Lewis Sommers used his height to head in a cross from Leon Spargo.

But the Newport side were left to play the final 15 minutes with only 10 men after central midfielder John Pardue was sent off for picking up a second yellow card.

In Division Two, Cwmbran Celtic moved up to fourth place thanks to a 1-0 away win over Goytre.

Striker Shane Williamson grabbed the all-important goal shortly before the break when he headed home a cross from player-manager Mickey Copeman.

“We did well in what was an unusual local derby,” said Celtic assistant manager Della Cheedy.

“They are normally blood-and- guts sort of games, but both teams tried to get the ball down and play the game properly.

“We’re looking a bit more organised these days and we look to have a good balance about us.”

Caldicot were also away victors, scoring goals through Kel Stevens, Richard Sharratt and Andy Edwards to win 3-0 at Briton Ferry Athletic.

Tredegar Town emerged 2-1 home winners over Cardiff Corries, with striker Chris Jones’ 25th-minute goal being cancelled out before the interval by the visitors’ equaliser.

But up popped skipper Ian Morris 12 minutes from time to grab the winner to ensure his side’s fourth win in 11 league starts.

In Division Three, Llanwern remain second after goals from Troy Quarterly and midfield colleague Marcus Power, his a fine 30-yard effort, earned them a 2-0 away win over Abertillery Excelsiors.

“We were beaten by the better side, who made too good a start for us,” said Abertillery boss Colin Preece. “But it was pleasing to see us do well in the second period and we must build on that.”

Seventh-placed Risca United lost 2-1 at home to top-of-the-table Pentwyn Dynamos.

“We matched them for the better part of the game and played well enough to have won,” commented Risca manager Mike Colcombe.

Central defender Dai Palmer gave Risca a seventh-minute lead, but two goals in 10 minutes by the visitors after the break proved the Gwent side’s undoing.

Although substitute Chris Lilygreen scored both Chepstow Town’s goals at Seven Sisters, the Gwent side still slipped to a crushing 6-2 defeat.

“We must pick ourselves up now because we’ve become embroiled in a relegation battle,” lamented Chepstow boss Ian Davies.

YM LOOKING TO CLIMB

17 November 2006

Newport YMCA, anxious to end a losing run, look to prevent Cardiff raiders Ely Rangers from  completing a Gwent hat-trick in as many weeks when they meet at Mendalgief Road tomorrow afternoon in the MacWhirter Welsh League, Division One (kick-off 2pm).

The capital-based side have won at Croesyceiliog in the league and beaten Caerleon in a Shamrock Travel Cup penalty shoot-out.

YM’s position is worrying – at the moment nothing more. They are third from bottom but have games in hand over all their fellow strugglers, including bottom side Barry Town who went down to Pontypridd in midweek.

Mark Coldrick, YM manager, hands a first team debut to goalkeeper Scott James who steps in for the unavailable Julian Phillips.

Coldrick said: “Scott played for Cardiff City as a youngster but has not played for a season. He’s spent a time in local Sunday football but in training and playing for the seconds and youth team, I have received good reports from both managers.” Striker Faris Yafai is out with a hamstring injury.

Caerleon are just keeping their nose out of trouble and will be looking for a third successive league win when they entertain Dinas Powys. Caerleon have lost two successive cup ties – both in extra time – but won their last two league games, Martin Houston scoring in both.

Croesyceiliog, facing a tough away game with Ton Pentre, are just above Caerleon on goal difference, both teams on 12 points from 11 games. Mark Morris, carried off in the defeat at Barry a month ago, is back having played for the reserves last week. Michael Dewar returns after a one-match ban and recent signing Paul Bielski is back, missing out last week when his wife gave birth.

Risca are poised to give Brazilian Jorge Luiz Rodrigues Pinheiro his debut, probably in the reserves at Porthcawl, the seniors at home to Third Division top team Pentwyn. The 38-year-old central defender has received international clearance and his nine-year-old son Jefferson has been directed to Pontymister Boys and Girls Club who have a sound junior set up.

Cwmbran Celtic’s young goalkeeper Nicky Church is training with Hereford United but has not yet played in a competitive match.

Celtic, away to Gwent neighbours Goytre, are still missing injured trio Ben Graham, Kieran Porter and Niki Villars. Rhys Dalgleish is sidelined for another week but Liam Kidman, cup-tied for the Shamrock Travel Cup tie at Llansawel last week, returns.

Second-place Llanwern, a point adrift of Pentwyn but with a game in hand, are away to Abertillery Excelsior, still smarting from a Welsh Cup loss at Spytty Park. Llanwern have a concern over midfielder Matthew Currie who suffered a thigh strain in training, while Ivan Poncak and player-coach Matthew Smith return.

Brian Fear, one of the best known and respected figures in Welsh soccer, has quit as ENTO Aberaman secretary, ending a life-long connection with the club.

The decision has come as a big shock at a time when the club, playing in Aberdare, once boasting a Football League club, are applying for promotion to the Principality Building Society Welsh Premier League should they achieve a top two finish in Division One.

But high on the priority list is finding a home which meets the criteria. Their current home at Aberaman Park is not up to scratch and they are looking at the Michael Sobell Sports Centre with the long-term aim of developing their current ground.

YOUTH ROUND-UP

16 November 2006

Cwmbran Town maintained their perfect record in the MacWhirter Welsh League, Youth Division (East) with a 1-0 win at Newport YMCA on Sunday.

The Crows crucial goal was scored in the first-half by Lee Newman who reacted quickly to score from a tight angle after Owen Llewellyn’s shot had been blocked by YM keeper, 16-year-old Scott Anderson.

Cwmbran have maximum points from six games and hold a two-point lead over Cardiff side Caerau (Ely).

Risca were hit by an equaliser by former player Lebogang Chuene who moved to Newport County’s academy this season.

LLANWERN SPIES MAKE VITAL CHANGES

13 November 2006

A MID-WEEK spying mission helped Llanwern produce the best Gwent result in Saturday’s third round of the Shamrock Travel League Cup.

Laurence Owen and Ian Burman, manager and assistant of the Division Three side, took a look at opponents Pontardawe in MacWhirter Welsh League Division One action against Maesteg Park Athletic on Wednesday.

Owen saw enough to convince himself to make sweeping changes for the cup game.

“We were beaten 1-0 by Llantwit Fardre in the league the previous week and I said heads will roll,” revealed Owen.

“And after watching Pontardawe I made six changes, and we went there with a game plan – which obviously worked.

“In fairness, we controlled the game and were worthy three-goal winners and I’m delighted for the lads.”

Midfielder Troy Quarterly opened the scoring on 20 minutes, with Marcus Power providing the cross for Steve Perszewski to double the advantage before the break.

Pontardawe even missed a penalty after the interval with Power wrapping up the scoring after accepting a pass from Tony Shier on the hour mark.

Division Two Caldicot Town also upset the form book by winning 4-2 at Division One outfit Pontypridd Town.

Midfielder David Lloyd did most of the damage by scoring twice, with Caldicot’s other goals coming from Gareth Cullimore and substitute striker Jason Thorn.

Another giantkilling act came at Tredegar Town, where the Division Two hosts defeated Division One outfit Caerleon 2-1 after extra time.

Following 90 minutes of stalemate, all the scoring came in a hectic last-six-minutes spell.

First wide midfielder Steve Blackmore put the home side ahead on 114 minutes, beating a couple of players before cutting inside to fire into the bottom of the net, only for visiting central defender Steve James to level matters with just two minutes remaining.

But almost immediately right back Daniel Morris fed midfielder and skipper Ian Morris, who made no mistake to score a dramatic winner.

The ending was yet another chapter in the continuing story of Caerleon conceding late goals.

“That’s six matches now this season in which we’ve let in goals close to time and it’s becoming very frustrating,” said Caerleon boss Brendan Dowd.

“After we equalised the referee said to us, ‘get your penalty-takers ready’.

“We were that close to drawing. We wanted to win the game, but I still made nine changes and the lads worked hard.”

Abertillery Excelsiors also lost in extra time, almost bridging a two-division gap before losing 4-3 to top-flight side Maesteg Park Athletic at home.

The Excelsiors took the lead three times, only for the visitors to peg them back on each occasion before grabbing the winner in the second period of extra time.

For the home team, Dai Smith, with a 25-yard free kick, Shaun Smith and striker Chris Penny were the goal-scorers.

“We were by far the better side and they knew it,” said Excelsiors manager Colin Preece.

“Our players worked very hard and deserved something from this game, but that’s cup football for you.”   

Division Three side Cwmbran Celtic had much the better of the exchanges at Llansawel, but it was the home side who emerged 2-0 winners.

“We missed out and should have been out of sight by the break,” lamented Celtic boss Mickey Copeman.

“We played well enough to have won and it was pleasing to see the youngsters I brought in doing well.”

In the MacWhirter Welsh League, Croesyceiliog failed to make home advantage count when losing their Division One clash 2-1 against Ely Rangers.

All the damage was done before the interval, by which time the capital side had taken a 2-0 lead.

Midfielder Ricky Coffe reduced the arrears with some 15 minutes remaining, but it proved insufficient.

Later, Croesyceiliog manager Chris Evans explained just what a frustrating afternoon it had been for his side.

“We hit the crossbar three times, twice through Jamie Jenkins free kicks, while we’ve also missed a late headed chance,” said Evans.

“We’ve dominated the match, but we simply can’t find someone to stick the ball away on a regular basis.”

However, there was a chink of light for Evans in the form of defender Dale Evans, who was making his club debut just days after his transfer from Welsh Premier League club Cwmbran Town.

“Dale (Evans) started out at right back and ended in the centre of defence and did very well,” concluded Evans.

“We’re a bit thin on the ground because of injuries and we’re delighted to have snapped up Dale.”

In Division Three, Aberbargoed Buds remain fifth after going down 3-2 at home to Seven Sisters.

The Buds’ goals came from Wayne Antoniazzi and Leon Young.

In a Division Three derby at the Larkfield Ground, veteran striker Chris Lillygreen was among the scorers as Chepstow Town grabbed a last-minute goal to draw 2-2 with Goytre.

The visitors went 2-0 up on 60 minutes before former Newport AFC cult-hero Lillygreen came off the substitutes’ bench to reduce the arrears with a header. And when Swift provided another ball into Goytre’s penalty area, former Notts County, Cwmbran and Tredegar Town marksman Mark Dunn netted with only 20 seconds left.

EVANS JOINS CROESY

11 November 2006

Cwmbran Town’s Dale Evans has joined neighbours Croesyceiliog and makes his debut in this afternoon’s home MacWhirter Welsh League, Division One, game against Ely Rangers (kick-off 2.00pm).

The 19-year-old defender or midfield player, has appeared in four Crows’ matches this season – all in the Loosemores League Cup – began his career with Bristol City as an academy player.

Evans, from Caerphilly, made a total of 24 league and cup appearances – 11 as substitute – for Newport County’s senior side.

Chris Evans, Croesyceiliog manager, said: “He has a good pedigree, especially for a player at our level of football. We are well pleased with his signing. If he has played that amount of games for County there cannot be a lot wrong with him.

CROESY AIMING TO ADD TO THEIR SQUAD

10 November 2006

Croesyceiliog are hoping to parade another new signing for their home MacWhirter Welsh League, Division One game against Ely Rangers tomorrow (kick-off 2.00pm).

They gave a debut to Paul Bielski, former Coed Eva player-manager in their home win over Goytre United and now they are adding to their squad.

Manager Chris Evans, keeping the player under wraps until the signature is complete, said: “Paul went in at right back and did very well – he had a steady debut.”

Croesyceiliog are certainly giving youth a fling – 19-year-old Chris Pritchard scoring the other goal against Goytre while included in the line-up were teenagers Daniel Clouth, Lee Mason and Jamie Franklin, all likely to be facing Ely who are through to the last 16 of the Welsh Cup after their penalty shoot-out success against Caerleon. Also back in the Croesyceiliog team is goalkeeper Pat O’Hagan, another crucial piece in Evans’s jigsaw.

And competition for places is hotting up with the second team doing so well, including a 3-2 win over Reserve Division (East) leaders Caldicot, moving up to fourth place.

Michael Dewar, who got the winner in the 2-1 success over Goytre, sits out the match having received a one-match ban after collecting five cautions.

Caerleon have a tricky trip to Tredegar Town in the second round of the Shamrock Travel Cup and manager Brendan Dowd is set to ring the changes. He said: “It is a chance for a number of players to stake a claim for a first-team place.”

Included in the squad for the first time will be midfield player James Kent who will be hoping to making his first team debut.

Newport YMCA are without a match.

Llanwern, top of Division Three, face an even tougher time, drawn away to First Division Pontardawe who won at Maesteg Park in a midweek league match.

Laurence Owen, Llanwern manager, watched his cup opponents and will be making changes after the shock home defeat by Llantwit Fardre last week with a performance which he bluntly described as “grim.”

Central defender Michael Binning returns to the squad as does Darren Poultney, sidelined with a serious knee injury. Matthew Currie and Steve Perszewski, rested for the Llantwit Fardre game, both return.

Owen added: “We are hoping to put on a good show. We gave a good performance at Neath (another Division One side) in the Welsh Cup.

Second Division Caldicot face an equally tough time, travelling to First Division Pontypridd.

CUP AND LEAGUE ROUND-UP

6 November 2006 

CAERLEON’S habit of conceding late goals continued at Cold Bath Lane, where they were just seconds from a place in the last 16 of the Welsh Cup.

The Gwent outfit were 1-0 up through an 80th-minute Ben Davies goal when Ely’s Gareth West scored at a corner two minutes into injury time to take the tie into extra time.

And it didn’t get any better for manager Brendan Dowd’s men after 30 minutes of extra stalemate when the Cardiff side went through 4-2 on penalties.

“Of course we’re all disappointed because we’re only seconds from going through,” said Dowd.

“We’ve conceded a corner and it’s been hit low, and it’s one of those where everyone leaves it to each other and suddenly the lad has side-footed it home from close range.

“We’ve created a couple of half-chances in extra time, but nothing to write home about, and all of a sudden it’s down to penalties.”     .  

After Todd Quarterly had missed the first for Caerleon, Andy Gay and Lee Relish were successful with their spot kick.

By now the visitors had scored all four of their penalties, and when Dave Houden failed to convert his, the Gwent side’s interest in a competition which has a place in the UEFA Cup awaiting its winner was ended.

“That’s five games now in which we’ve conceded late goals to deny us victory or a draw and it’s happening too often.

“And it’s yet another set-play that we’ve been undone on, and it’s really frustrating to know we should have done better so far this season had it not been for all these late goals.

“But I suppose if I’m going to take a positive out of this, it’s that we did create chances because when you’re not then it’s time to worry.”

In Division Two of the MacWhirter Welsh League there were defeats for both Caldicot Town and Tredegar Town.

Caldicot slipped to only their third reverse in 11 league outings in going down 2-1 at home to Bettws, while Tredegar lost 1-0 at Merthyr Saints.

“We were the better side before the interval, when we missed several good chances,” said Tredegar chairman Rob Schofield.

“We started the second period brightly, but they took control after they’d opened the scoring some ten minutes after half-time.”

There was further bad luck for Tredegar when striker Lee Brooker was sent off after retaliating when his shirt was held by a home defender.

There was a big shock in Division Three when leaders Llanwern were beaten for only the second time in 11 league games.

They lost 1-0 at home to Llantwit Fardre, who started the match fourth from the bottom in 14th position – although Llanwern still head the division.

There was a remarkable comeback by Risca United, who recovered from being 2-1 to win 3-2 at home to Gwent rivals Chepstow Town – despite having goalkeeper Matthew Long sent off for picking up two bookings.

Russell Scott opened the scoring for the home side before visiting striker Paul Light levelled matters.

However, after Scott’s brother, Brendan, took over between the sticks following Long’s early departure, new signing Simon Lewis scored the resulting penalty to put Chepstow into the lead.

However, Risca battled bravely and after central defender Dai Palmer had equalised at a free kick, striker Rhys Isles became a hero to home fans by snatching an unlikely winner ten minutes from time.

“We deserved it in the end and I’m thoroughly proud of my players,” said Risca boss Mike Colcombe.

While obviously disappointed at the outcome, opposite number Ian Davies was honest in his appraisal of the game.

“To be fair to Risca, they showed more spirit than we did and the result was right,” said Davies.

Abertillery Excelsiors are eighth after enjoying a comfortable 3-0 home success over second-from-the-bottom Cwmamman United, goals coming from striker Steven Broom, right back Lee Bull and midfielder David Smith, who scored after a 60-yard solo run.

A hat trick from Joey Carless and two from co-marksman Shane Williamson gave Cwmbran Celtic a 5-0 away win at Gwynfi United.

The victory moves Cwmbran Celtic up to sixth place and they now only trail leaders Llanwern by seven points with a match in hand.

There was a 1-1 draw between hosts Goytre and Aberbargoed Buds.

HEARTBREAK FOR YM

6 November 2006

Newport YMCA 1 Connah's Quay 3  

NOMADS edged into the last 16 of the Welsh Cup at Mendalgief Road, where the art of finishing proved the difference between the two sides.

In ace striker Tommy Mutton, the visitors possessed the player who simply had too much quality inside the penalty area for the Welsh League Division One outfit.

Mutton has scored 101 goals in 185 full and 35 substitute appearances for a number of Welsh Premier League clubs, and again showed why he's been such a thorn in the side of every Gwent club he has played against.

The 28-year-old has now scored goals against Cwmbran Town, Ebbw Vale, Newport County and Newport YMCA, although the latter could have spoilt his day had they shown more composure in front of goal.

While the Nomads also twice struck woodwork, the YM squandered enough chances to have run the visitors much, much closer.

On a better day, striker Aaron Stewart might have had a hat trick and was denied one at the death when match referee Simon Jones blew for time as the ball was on its way into the back of the net from his volley.

But in all honesty the Nomads just about deserved this success which eventually earned them a fourth-round home tie against fellow North Walians Llandudno Town in February.

After a pretty even opening 14 minutes, Nomads put their foot on the gas to score three times in 18 minutes and at that stage it looked like being a rout.

But credit must go to the YM for plugging away, and their efforts were rewarded before the interval when although Leon Spargo's appeared to have gone straight in, Faris Yafai was later accredited with the goal.

Disappointed YM assistant manager Darren Bidgood pointed out that while the first quarter of an hour was promising, Newport soon shot themselves in the foot.

"We had a couple of half-decent chances early on, but then you simply can't give a side of their calibre 3-0 head-starts.

"From our point of view defensively they were poor goals, set pieces again which have been plaguing us this season.

"But in the second half we came out and were the better side overall, I thought. We managed to get one back just before half-time and of course we were hoping to do the same after the break.

"We geed the boys up at half-time and we certainly tried and put in a lot of effort, but we couldn't quite get there."

The YM now head back to league action and their bid to climb clear of the drop zone starts with a home game against Cwmbran Celtic on Saturday, when, ironically, the Nomads return to Gwent to face Cwmbran Town.

Newport YMCA: J Phillips, L Spargo (K Avery 68), L Walsh (S Pearce 68), R Painter, D Heath, C James, A Stewart, R Wigmore, L Sommers, J Pardue, F Yafai (D Cueto 60). Booked: James (9), Wigmore (26), Walsh (52), Cueto (84). Goal: Yafai (42).

Connah's Quay Nomads: P Smith, D Swannick, G Lovell, C Hutchinson, C Williams, C Taylor, M Limbert (c), C Garside, T Mutton, P Molyneux (C McGinn 75), A Dickinson (G Pinch). Sub not used: C Sergent. Booked: Taylor (8), Dickinson (26), Lovell (28), Garside (86). Goals: Mutton (14 and 32), Taylor (23).

Referee: S Jones (Sketty).

WEEKEND PREVIEW

3 November 2006

Newport YMCA are through to the third round of the Welsh Cup for the fourth time in their history – but they have never got to the fourth round.

And standing in their way on this occasion are Connah’s Quay Nomads from the Principality Building Society Welsh Premier League who are the visitors to Mendalgief Road tomorrow (kick-off 2pm).

A week tomorrow Nomads are again in South Wales, visiting Cwmbran Town for a league match and Crows boss Sean Wharton, without a league game at the weekend, is expected to take a look at the opposition.

Those with a good memory will be hoping that YM, although having home advantage, can upset the form book and erase the memory of a Welsh Intermediate Cup final defeat against the Nomads from over 25 years ago, YM losing 1-0 to the Nomads in the 1980-81 final at Aberystwyth.

YM will be missing youth team players Craig Ford and Joe O’Brien, both sent off in last Sunday’s home Welsh Youth Cup defeat. 

Central defender Ford played in last week’s MacWhirter Welsh League, Division One, game at Pontypridd while O’Brien was on the bench. Mark Coldrick YM manager, said: “It was a double disappointment to learn they had been sent off. They are good players and I’ve had them taken away from me.

“We are pretty keen to leave our league form behind us. We had a sly look at the results last week and noticed they lost 3-1. I hope that our big day out doesn’t affect the players.

“With Newport County and Cwmbran without a game we hopeful that people will come along to our game and we can put the YM on the map.”

Caerleon face fellow First Division rivals Ely Rangers, drawn at home for the third successive time (kick-off 2.pm) – but Brendan Dowd’s improving side had better be on their guard.

Ely’s away form will certainly give them encouragement, two of their three league successes gained on the road – at Dinas Powys and Barry last Saturday where they came back from a 3-0 deficit to win 4-3. They also won at Troedyrhiw in the first round of the Welsh Cup.

On league form there is very little to separate the two teams – Caerleon a point better off but they’ve played a game more. It’s a game which may well go all the way to a penalty shoot-out – and that’s how Ely overcame Caerau (Ely) in the last round.

Manager Dowd, without the injured Lee Stanton and striker Nicky Vassallo and Steve James attending a wedding, meets up with his former Barry Town teammate Wayne Matthews, now player-manager at Ely Rangers, the pair still coming head to head in baseball.

Junior Borg faces a late fitness test.

Striker Martin Houston, on loan from Cwmbran, has proved a hit since his arrival and he could be just the player to unlock Ely – while the experienced Andy Gay may prove influential in the tie.

Llanwern, holding a four-point lead at the top of Division Three, should maintain their winning ways at home to Llantwit Fardre who are in the bottom half of the table.