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Wednesday 1 April 2015

Llanelli Town 4, Newport Civil Service 0

from Alan Evans, Llanelli Town FC

Four goals to the good going into the second half, the Reds appeared to be on course to rack up a substantial final tally against their relegation-threatened opponents.

However, events did not go according to plan, as despite creating numerous chances a combination of unsure finishing and some desperate defending by the visitors resulted in the final scoreline remaining as it was.

It took the home side just eight minutes to go ahead when a poor kick out by goalkeeper Chris Jones led to Anthony Owens gaining possession before sending his finish into an empty net.

The visitors almost conceded another when a cross by Richard Lewis was headed across his own goal by Stephen Muir and narrowly wide of the far post.

On 13 minutes the Reds doubled the lead through Robert Thomas who was found in acres of space on the right by a superb ball from Lewis, and he made ground to the edge of the box before rifling a fierce drive into the bottom corner.

Jones in the Civil Service goal was being kept fully occupied, just managing to block a Lee Bevan header from a Declan John free kick, before sprinting off his line to win the race to the ball from Owens after a clearance over the top.

The Reds struck again on the half hour when a suicidal ball towards his own goal by Luke Williams fell kindly into the path of Luke Jones, and he gratefully accepted the gift by rounding the keeper before slotting it home.

A minute from the interval, Steve Stone sent Lewis clear with another great assist down the left, and he finished in style, hammering the chance across Jones into the far corner.

An early second half attempt from distance from Ross Jones just cleared the bar, while the Reds made a couple of changes with Rhys Powell and Tom Bauza replacing Stone and Jamie Evans.

They still continued to bombard the Civil Service goal, with Jones being forced to parry a Luke Jones effort but only as far as Owens, and his attempt ran across the face of goal before being scrambled clear.

Owens had another near post shot turned around by the keeper when Thomas set up the chance, while the latter might have done better when Ross Jones sent him clear, but he drove his finish against the keeper and had the rebound blocked.

John also saw Jones keep out his strike on target, and when the loose ball was lofted goalwards it was headed off the line.

An easy win for the Reds which extends their lead at the top of the table to eight points, although second placed Ammanford have three games in hand.

Llanelli Town: Richards; Napieralla; Lewis; Stone (Bauza, 52); Evans (Powell, 52); Bevan ©; Thomas; R Jones; L Jones (Martin, 66); John; Owens. Subs not used: Forkuoh; Scammell (GK).

Newport Civil Service: Jones; Porter (Evans, 56); Muir; C Hodges ©; Burrows; Woodcock; Williams; T Hodges (Bailey, 67); Berry; Morgan (Smith, 14); Cleverly. Sub not used: Griffiths.

Scorers: Llanelli Town – Owens, 8; Thomas, 13; L Jones, 30; Lewis, 44.

Referee: David Badger (Pembroke).

Attendance: 151.

 Llanelli Town's Lee Bevan and Robert Thomas (both right) strong in defence

Llanelli Town's Steve Stone takes on Luke Williams in midfield

Llanelli Town's Luke Jones rounds 'keeper Chris Jones for 3-0

Llanelli Town's Leon Martin holds off a Newport CS defender

Pictures (c) 2015, keithphoto2003@yahoo.co.uk

 

Saturday 28 March 2015

Goytre 1, Briton Ferry Llansawel 2

from Stuart Williams, Briton Ferry Llansawel FC

Carl Shaw ticked off his team’s first objective for the season by guaranteeing Briton Ferry Llansawel another season in Division One with a tough 2-1 win at Plough road against Goytre.

With survival the first aim for the club they will now be looking to finish as strongly as possible and as close to the top as possible, lying currently joint sixth with Monmouth slightly edging it on goal difference.

Shaw stuck with the same 11 that impressively saw off Haverfordwest at the Old Road last week, while welcoming back Dan Kingdom to the squad with Steff Rogers, Ross Hudson and Scott Kenyon getting some much needed game time with the reserves and strikers Sam Baker and Gareth Jones completing the squad.

A blustery wind welcomed the teams to the pitch with captain Gavin Jones winning the toss and  elected to play with the wind, referee Gavin Townsend starting proceedings.

It was a dominant start from the Reds with a few early Ian Hillier long throws testing the Goytre defence and goalkeeper Nicky Thomas.

The early stages also saw Ferry left back Josh Pike enjoying a lot of possession and his run and cross on 12 minutes culminated in a Warren Hudson effort clearing the crossbar.

On 15 minutes a Steve Davey curling free kick went just wide of the post, then less than 10 minutes later a great Ferry move between Lee John and Gavin Jones released Pike who fed Warren Hudson, his right foot shot was well saved by Thomas and Dean Hudson's effort was then deflected over for a corner.

On 28 minutes full back Josh Pike was again the thorn in Goytre's side with a beautiful 30-yard switch from Josh Cockings releasing the young full back, Pike unleashed a superb drive that saw Thomas tip well around his left post.

From the resulting corner by Pike, centre half Cockings made no mistake with a colossal header for a well deserved 1-0 lead.

The hosts hadn’t learned from the earlier chance however and Pike was to punish them again minutes later, this time his 30-yard drive nestled into the top right corner with a goal worthy for 'match of the day' and a 2-0 lead for the men in red.

Goytre finally woke up after half hour with their direct approach into the wind counting on physical duo Matthew Prosser and Craig Moses to try and cause problems.

Prosser's frustration saw the striker getting a yellow on 35 minutes for simulation under a challenge from Cockings to sum up a highly frustrating first half for the hosts. 

The game was nearly put to bed on 55 minutes with great play from captain Gavin Jones releasing Steve Davey but his lob just cleared the crossbar.

Huge credit to Carl Evan's team though as they fought their way back into the game after this with the impressive midfielder James Young at the helm of most their attacks and striker Prosser linking up well with his team mates.

There was to be a huge blow for the Ferry on 75 minutes with an innocuous looking challenge near the home dugout seeing Gavin Jones picking up his second yellow of the game from referee Townsend.

This prompted Shaw to make some changes with Dan Kingdom and Gareth Jones replacing Ryan Griffiths and Warren Hudson to form a tighter midfield four with Jones alone up front.

In fairness the tactic seemed to work with the visitors coping well with some intense Goytre pressure, but with two minutes remaining they did pull one back, Josh Cockings fouling in the box and allowing the Goytre substitute Josh Bull to score from the spot.

In injury time Sam Baker replaced Steve Davey who had put in a tireless display and the Ferry striker nearly scored with his first but the games last touch, his shot skewing wide of the post.

All in all much a game of two halves with Pike's strike the highlight of a hard earned win. 

Next up for Briton Ferry Llansawel is the game on Saturday 4th April at home against Cambrian & Clydach, kick off is at 2.30pm.

Ferry: Probert, D Hudson, Pike, Cockings, Hillier, Healey, John, W Hudson, Davey, Griffiths, Gavin Jones. Subs: Kingdom, Baker, Gareth Jones.

Man of the match - Josh Pike - pivotal in the first half with the goal alone worthy of the award.

 

Saturday 28 March 2015

Dinas Powys 4, Caerleon 1

by Peter King, Dinas Powys FC

Today's match ball kindly donated by Brookman Plastering

Dinas were in confident mood going into this match after their fine win over Caldicot Town the previous week and they knew a win was imperative to keep their hopes of Division Two football alive for next season.

Both sides had long range efforts from 25 yards in the opening minutes, Nathan Donnelly for Dinas, which was off target and a free kick for Caerleon which James Curtin gathered comfortably.

A cross from the right caused some problems in the Dinas six-yard box but they eventually cleared the danger at the expense of an unproductive corner.

A flowing move by Dinas involving  Atif Bashir, King Junior Mwedzo and Ben Ah-Mun ended with a good cross by Ah-Mun but no one was at the far post to get a shot away. A Nicky Bruce free kick then reached Donnelly but he was adjudged to have handled the ball when well placed.

It was Donnelly again who headed the ball on to Sam Johnson but his shot didn't trouble Gareth Wesson who gathered it comfortably.

Caerleon's Ross Oakley was then booked for a foul on Mwedzo.

The game was end to end at this stage in difficult conditions with the pitch heavy after overnight rain and a swirling wind but both sides were producing some attractive football at times.

It was the visitors who opened the scoring in the 23rd minute when, from a corner from the left, Liam Head volleyed the ball home.

Dinas began to press for the equaliser, a long throw-in by Steve Provis fizzed across the six-yard box but again, no Dinas player was at the far post and the danger was cleared. However, it only took Dinas five minutes to equalise when, from a Bruce free kick a goalmouth scramble ensued, the ball was half cleared to 16-year-old Mwedzo who picked his spot to drive the ball through a crowded area to beat Wesson from 15 yards for a fine goal.

Dinas keeper Curtin was then called into action when a Caerleon cross from the right was deflected but he got down smartly at his near post to grab the ball.

Donnelly was having a fine game and after shrugging off a couple of tackles where he was driven wide on the right, he got in a good cross to Johnson but he couldn't control the ball and the chance was gone.

The home side did get the ball in the net again just after this but Bashir was adjudged to have handled the ball as he headed it past Wesson. However, they were not to be denied and an excellent through ball by Provis reached Donnelly who slid it past Wesson and into the corner of the net for a superb goal in the last minute of the half and Dinas were worth their interval lead on chances created.

Caerleon came out with more purpose for the second half but the Dinas defence of Bashir, Connor Caton, Provis and Bruce were on fine form with Caton in particular winning everything in the air. The visitors did manage to get an early shot on target by Yousif Al-Doori but Curtin was in his usual fine form and gathered the ball.

With 10 minutes gone Dinas replaced Bashir with James Bloxham as the visitors were pressing hard but then came the goal of the game, Donnelly played the ball to Mwedzo who was closely marked but he somehow flicked the ball into the path of Johnson who coolly lobbed Wesson from just inside the box for a goal that would grace any standard of football.

The Villagers then made another substitution, James Alloway being replaced by Luke Swaffield.

Dinas were back in control now except for the odd Caerleon attack, from one of these Mike Walters got a shot away but it didn't trouble Curtin.

Bloxham then conceded an unnecessary penalty when he tripped a player who was running away from goal but, just when the Dinas management team thought it was going to be a tight last 30 minutes, Curtin made a brilliant penalty save from Jamie Davies to keep their two goal lead intact. 

The home side then made their final change, Jamie Bagnall replacing Mwedzo. Hard working Dinas midfield man Keiron James then made one of his surging runs which ended in him winning a corner which was cleared.

With five minutes remaining Dinas made it 4-1, Bagnall playing a superb ball into the path of Donnelly who charged into the box and again slid the ball past Wesson for another superb finish. The win taking Dinas off the bottom of the table but there is a lot of work to do in the remaining games if they are to retain Division Two status.

Dinas: 1 James Curtin, 2 Atif Bashir, 3 Nicky Bruce, 4 Steve Provis (c), 5 Connor Caton, 6 Keiron James, 7 King Junior Mwedzo (1), 8 Ben Ah-Mun, 9 Nathan Donnelly (2), 10 James Alloway, 11 Sam Johnson (1), 12 James Bloxham, 14 Luke Swaffield, 15 Jamie Bagnall, 16 Joe Briscombe.

Next Saturday, April 4, Dinas travel East down the M4 to take on Undy Athletic, 2.30pm ko.

 

Saturday 28 March 2015

Llanelli Town 4, Pontypridd Town 1

from Alan Evans, Llanelli Town FC

With their opponents arriving at Stebonheath buoyed by a moral-boosting midweek away defeat of Tredegar Town, the Reds might have been expecting they were in for an uncomfortable afternoon.

As it transpired, the eventual outcome was achieved reasonably comfortably with the visitors seldom offering any real goal threat, while the home side were in control of the game and might well have added to the final tally.

Despite still missing their talisman, Bruno Forkuoh through injury, the Reds took only four minutes to go in front when a through ball sent Luke Jones clear, and he crossed into the near post where Anthony Owens was on hand to turn the ball past keeper Ryan Griffiths.

Griffiths then had to be alert to come off his line to just win the race for the ball in the box from Robert Thomas from a Ross Jones pass, before Pontypridd went close to an equaliser following a clearance which found Geraint Passmore seemingly well offside, but referee James Sheils allowed play to continue, and with Craig Richards in the home goal on the edge of his area in an attempt to snuff out the danger, Passmore lofted the ball over him but saw his attempt rebound off the top of the bar and over.

This near miss seemed to jolt the visitors into action, and when Richard Lewis lost possession in midfield, the ball was transferred by Javi Garcia into the path of James Hill whose strike on target was diverted away by Richards only as far as Tom Rutherford, but his attempted cross into the middle was cut out and the danger eventually cleared.

Four minutes from the break, Luke Jones won a tussle with Dominic Broad which enabled him to make ground into the box where Griffiths threw himself at his feet and seemed to make a legitimate save before Jones tumbled over him, but referee Sheils adjudged it to be worthy of a penalty.

Steve Stone stepped up to take the kick before sending it low past Griffiths into the bottom corner.

The Pontypridd keeper was then called into early second half action, turning over at full stretch a well struck Steve Berry free kick which was destined for the top corner, before Rutherford, who had earlier been cautioned was fortunate not to be shown a red card for a kick at Lee Bevan on the ground following a challenge between the two, the referee deciding no further punishment was warranted.

The Reds were well in control of proceedings, and Griffiths did well to divert a Luke Jones effort around the upright when Owens set up the shooting chance.

However, from the resultant corner they increased the lead on 62 minutes when Lewis sent a vicious inswing delivery into the goalmouth where it was met by Stone for a point blank header into the net.

Within two minutes of this, the visitors reduced the deficit following a free kick which resulted in Nathan Thompson sending over a far post cross to the head of Rutherford who glanced it past Richards.

Undeterred by this, the home side went close to another goal with Luke Jones curling a near post diving header from a Lewis delivery just wide, but they were fortunate not to concede again when Jamie Evans was caught in possession by Hill, and it took the outstretched foot of Richards to keep out his goal bound attempt.

The Reds still continued to create chances, with Owens sending a close range ball from Matthew Hughes over the top, but in stoppage time he did atone when he latched on to a clearance over the Pontypridd rearguard before beating Griffiths to seal a relatively comfortable home win.

Llanelli Town: Richards; Napieralla; Lewis; Berry; Evans; Bevan ©; Thomas (John, 89); R Jones (Bauza, 84); L Jones; Stone (Hughes, 76); Owens. Subs not used: Jenkins; Powell.

Pontypridd Town: Griffiths; Iheancho (Escott, 75); Broad; Doumas; Thompson; Bird ©; Rutherford (Graves, 80); J. Garcia (C. Garcia, 64); Gullick; Passmore; Hill. Subs not used: Williams; Thomas.

Scorers: Llanelli Town – Owens, 4, 90+2; Stone, 41 (P), 62. Pontypridd Town – Rutherford, 64.

Yellow cards: Llanelli Town – R. Jones. Pontypridd Town – Rutherford; Thompson; Iheancho.

Referee: James Sheils (Swansea).

Attendance: 130.

The Reds play their penultimate home game of the season next Wednesday when Newport Civil Service provide the opposition, kick off 7.45pm before embarking on a run of five successive away matches beginning with a trip to Treharris Athletic Western next Saturday, kick off 2.30pm. They follow that with a visit to Llantwit Major on Wednesday, 8th April, kick off 6.30pm.

Llanelli Town's Luke Jones (9) clashes with Dominic Broad

Llanelli Town's Robert Thomas (centre) contests in mid-field

Llanelli Town's Steve Stone (10) heads his club's third goal

Llanelli Town's Anthony Owens scores his club's fourth goal

Pictures (c) 2015, keithphoto2003@yahoo.co.uk

 

Saturday 21 March 2015

Briton Ferry Llansawel 2, Haverfordwest County 0

from Robert Nisbet, Haverfordwest County FC

The pitch was hard and the bounce was high but that does not fully explain a lack-lustre Bluebirds performance which saw them surrender the three points to a Briton Ferry Llansawel side which was keen and enterprising but by no means outstanding.

During the first quarter of an hour there were a few signs that the Blues midfield might get a real grip on the game as Chris O’Sullivan and Sean Pemberton were able to collect balls in midfield and work them through inside the full backs for Luke Borelli and Steffan Williams to dart down the wings. But there was little real threat to the home side’s goal until the 25th minute when Williams was tripped in the penalty area. Borelli’s spot kick was parried on to the post by the keeper who was then able to grab the rebound as the Blues striker charged in.

As so often happens, it was the side who’d had the reprieve who seemed to come back the stronger and a few attacking flurries by the Old Road side culminated in a 35th minute goal when their big centre back Ian Hillier took a long throw from out on the left and when the ball was cleared from the Bluebirds area he was able to move in and blast his shot past Craig Morris.

The Blues managed one better attack just before half-time when Borelli’s shot forced a point-blank save and Kieran Howard’s effort hit the post from the rebound, but they couldn’t really have begrudged the Ferrymen their half-time lead.     

That single-goal half-time deficit was certainly not what the Blues would have wanted but matters were made much worse in the 54th minute when Steve Davey’s free kick from fully 30 yards sailed straight over Morris’s head and into the net.

There was the briefest of recoveries when Jordan Follows was introduced shortly afterwards but after he had wriggled into a few defensive gaps and prodded one short-range effort at the keeper the Bluebirds were never really able to make any further impact. Steffan Davies did battle away to try to knock balls down to his co-forwards but the whole side seemed to be relying far too much on the single tactic of the ball over the top and, apart from one powerful and promising shot from Walters which cannoned off a defender they were unable to produce any really telling strike on goal.

Goytre United’s big win over AFC Porth pushed them past the Blues into third spot. Next Saturday the Blues are away to Aberdare Town.

Haverfordwest County: Craig Morris; Greg Walters; Antonio Facciuto (Matthew D’Ivry, 75); Sam Rodon; Dale Griffiths; Sean Pemberton; Chris O’Sullivan; Kieran Howard (Jordan Follows, 55); Steffan Davies; Luke Borelli; Steffan Williams (Owen Thomas, 65)     

Sub not used: Dan Evans (g/k)

 

Saturday 21 March 2015

Briton Ferry Llansawel 2, Haverfordwest County 0

from Stuart Williams, Briton Ferry Llansawel FC

A perfect day for football at the Old Road saw Carl Shaw and his squad show everyone how far they have come in 2015 with a well earned three points against one of the divisions best teams.

Everyone at the club can be delighted with another clean sheet, two good goals and the return of the club's all time leading Welsh League goalscorer Gareth Jones.

Shaw stuck with the same eleven that were narrowly defeated at Monmouth last week with everyone buoyed with the return of Jones on the bench along with goalkeeper Steff Rogers.

Wayne Jones' bluebirds who are looking to return to the Welsh Premier next season still have lots of work to do after going through a sticky patch of late with this result adding to their woes.

The visitors were without their suspended captain Nicky Palmer and continued with Luke Borelli and Steffan Davies in attack with experienced striker Jordan Follows on the bench.

Brian James got the match under way with neither team able to get their passing game going early doors due to a high work rate from all the players, the visitors settling slightly better however and came close on seven minutes with a free kick from left back Antonio Facciuto flicking off Ferry midfielder Warren Hudson and glanced off the post for a corner.

A huge turning point came on 25 minutes with Haverfordwest having a chance to take the lead from the penalty mark after a definite foul just inside the box. Ferry goalkeeper Luke Probert turned from villain last week to hero this with a world class penalty save low down to his right, tipping the ball onto the post and then reacting quickest to beat taker Luke Borelli to the rebound and claim the ball safely in his hands.

This seemed to spur the Ferry on and started taking the game to their opponents, the first warning came on the half hour mark with a Josh Pike shot just going wide of Craig Morris' post.

Then came the breakthrough for Shaw's team on 36 minutes, a cross from wide was initially cleared  but centre back Ian Hillier rifled the shot back in from outside the box to beat Morris with a very slight deflection off a defender.

Three minutes later home keeper Probert was called upon again, this time reacting excellently to save well from another Borelli shot.

The last chance of a frantic first half fell to captain Gavin Jones, the winger looking for his third goal from outside the box at home in the last three games, but on this occasion his long drive just went wide.

The growing confidence for the Ferry was plain for all to see after the break, this coupled with an ever increasing work ethic from every player in red showing just why they have had such a successful debut season in division one under Shaw and his staff.

It was to be another individual piece of genius from Steve Davey though that was to give the hosts some breathing space on 52 minutes, with a free kick from nearly 40 yards and everyone expecting a delivery into the box the winger had other ideas striking the ball perfectly over the head of stumbling keeper Morris into the roof of the net for a superb solo effort.

Surprisingly the hosts dealt comfortably for much of the second half with all that Haverfordwest could throw at them, the rock solid defence marshalled by the immense Ian Hillier with players and fans alike hoping that the season changing signing from Goytre United has a few more seasons in him yet, also the wealth of experience of Lee John in the anchor role was evident with the player-coach picking up endless scraps and never going a minute without being heard by his team mates.

The biggest cheer of the day though was to come on 80 minutes with talisman Gareth Jones returning to the pitch after his terrible back injury he suffered at Caerau (Ely) before Christmas.

It has been a credit how well the squad have dealt with his absence but there is no doubt they will be much stronger for the remainder of the season with the massive presence of the Ferry number 10.

It was nearly a dream return with Jones' first touch allowing him a clear shot at goal but his drive cleared the bar.

The final whistle saw a thoroughly deserved win for the men in red and they left the field with nothing more they could give.

The Ferry now travel to Monmouthshire-based Goytre next week before hosting Cambrian & Clydach on April 4th.

Ferry: Probert, D Hudson, Pike, Cockings, Hillier, Healey, John, W Hudson, Davey, Griffiths, Gavin Jones. Subs: Rogers, R Hudson, Kenyon, Baker, Gareth Jones.

Man of the match - Lee John - Lots of contenders but John narrowly beat Ian Hillier to the award with an awesome all round midfield display.

 

Saturday 21 March 2015

Monmouth Town 2, Ton Pentre 0

from Ton Pentre FC

Ton Pentre are fully aware that they now have to fight for survival in Division One of the Nathaniel Cars Welsh League, as this defeat against Monmouth Town, and results elsewhere, sunk the Bulldogs into the bottom three.

It’s not all doom and gloom however, as Ton Pentre have multiple games in hand on every team in the League but Bulldogs manager Lee Phillips’ preference would be to have the points already on the board.

Ton Pentre fell behind in this match after just 11 minutes, when from a Monmouth corner, Ben Evans was allowed a free header inside the box to put the ball through goalkeeper Ryan Wookey.

As the first half progressed, Ton Pentre looked dangerous at times and on the half hour mark, Lewis Hitchcock brought the ball forward before playing Andre Griffiths into the Monmouth box out on the right. Griffiths set-up Shane Davies for a strike but the Bulldogs midfielder saw his effort deflected wide by a defender.

Four minutes later Griffiths was provider again when he gave Hitchcock the opportunity to shoot. Unfortunately for the Bulldogs, a deflection got the better of a strike once again and Hitchcock’s effort went over the bar.

Neither team really got a grasp on the game in the second half but with 15 minutes left on the clock, the Bulldogs really should have equalised when Leon Jacka attacked the goal line and squared a ball for the players in support. With the ball completely eluding goalkeeper Matthew Johns, it appeared to be met by Hitchcock who struck his shot against the post.

Shortly after Ton Pentre then found themselves 2-0 down as Eliot Evans went unchallenged as he got on the end of a cross from the right to ensure that the Kingfishers picked up all three points.

The next match for the Bulldogs is on Friday, 27 March away to Penybont. The game kicks off at 7.30pm. Ton Pentre will then welcome Caerau (Ely) to Ynys Park on Tuesday, 31 March at 7.30pm.

Ton Pentre: 1. Ryan Wookey; 2. Adam Lewis; 3. Tom Mouncher; 4. Ryan Morgan; 5. Thomas Davies; 6. Adam Raymond; 7. Andre Griffiths; 8. Lewis Hitchcock; 9. Ryan Jenkins; 10. Shane Davies; 11. Leon Jacka. Subs: 12. Jaymie Wearn (for 6 on 71); 14. Samuel Danby (for 3 on 87); 15. James Dury

Caution: Lewis 59

 

Friday 20 March 2015

Ely Rangers 2, AFC Llwydcoed 3

from AFC Llwydcoed

Llwydcoed gained a third consecutive victory thanks to a second half goal blitz with Christopher Vardon (2) and Garin Withers scoring the goals.

AFC Llwydcoed Manager Jarrod Price named the same team as last week's match. Both teams knew the importance of this match, Rangers more so to help them in their relegation battle.

Rangers attacked Llwydcoed on their right side giving the visitors some anxious opening minutes. The movement of the Rangers players became evident. Llwydcoed's players gradually began to build some moves with Lewis Bansal and Scott Walters moving out of defence. Rangers players were covering and stopping the Llwydcoed moves at this stage of the match and Rangers almost opened the scoring from one of their attacks, but Llwydcoed's defender Lewis Bansal cleared the ball off the line. 

Llwydcoed then began to create and build some dangerous attacks with Garin Withers, Tomos Morris and Jarrod Price linking up, the pressure was on the Rangers defence and they should have opened the scoring after Rangers goalkeeper Richie Morgan saved well, another chance was created for Llwydcoed's Joe Jenkins who looked certain to score with an open goal at his mercy but a miss connection saw the chance missed. More good play by Llwydcoed's players saw them gain more possession. Rangers defenders were the ones under pressure from Llwydcoed's attacks with Christopher Vardon linking up with Jarrod Price. 

Both teams had chances at this part of the game, the visitors had the better ones. Rangers won possession from Llwydcoed's goalkeeper Brett Davies kick out and Richard Greaves shot trying to catch out the Llwydcoed player off his line but he responded with a brilliant tip over. 

The match had plenty of effort but lacked quality. The result was more important and Rangers opened the scoring when a cross ball into the Llwydcoed defence was not dealt with and Rangers' Dominic Pates scored, a poor defensive goal by Llwydcoed to concede. The half time whistle blew with Rangers having the one goal advantage.

The opening minute of the second half saw both teams trying to gain the initiative. Rangers then created the first of a few second half attacks, they won a corner from one of these and Andrew Muscatt scored with a near post header, Rangers were in charge with two goals in the bank. 

Llwydcoed's captain Tomos Morris rallied his players and the response was positive. Christopher Vardon and Garin Withers linked up the play building up the attacks and Llwydcoed's players were rewarded for their response after Garin Withers set up Christopher Vardon to score from close range response.  

Llwydcoed were now in the ascendency, the introduction of substitute Connor Wickham replacing the injured Jarrod Price gave Christopher Vardon the opportunity to move further forward. After a series of attacks by Llwydcoed they won a penalty after Tomos Morris was fouled after more brilliant attacking play, Garin Withers scored the penalty shooting into the top corner, a top penalty. 

Rangers had been punished by Llwydcoed's attacking pedigree and a third goal soon followed. More brilliant play by Tomos Morris, Joe Jenkins and Garin Withers saw Christopher Vardon show his goal prowess to score his second goal, Llwydcoed's third. 

Rangers responded immediately, they found too much space in Llwydcoed's right side but no Rangers players anticipated this chance, Rangers Craig Kavanagh and Dan Griffiths then created some more anxious defensive situations for Llwydcoed that were cleared. 

The introduction of Jordan Ellis replacing Leon Bansal saw Llwydcoed see out the game to seal the points, a second half three goal burst sealing the victory.

   

Saturday 21 March 2015

Dinas Powys 2, Caldicot Town 1

by Peter King, Dinas Powys FC

It had to happen sooner or later, Dinas have been playing some delightful football recently without getting any luck when it comes to scoring goals but at last they got their rewards for all the hard work put in at training and this victory against high flying Caldicot was no fluke and was well deserved as the Caldicot management team acknowledged after the game.

A special mention must be made for three recent signings, Keiron James, Connor Caton and Nathan Donnelly who have all made the step up from lower league football and have adapted superbly and made a big difference to the squad.

Both sides took a few minutes to settle but it was the visitors who had the first half chance, a free kick wide on the right taken by David Lloyd which was well cleared by Nicky Bruce.

Dinas began to get their neat passing game going with Ben Ah-Mun, Keiron James and King Junior Mwedzo linking up well but Mwedzo was dispossessed before they could exert any pressure on the opponents goal. However is was the hosts who forced the first corner of the game, taken by Nicky Bruce which the visiting defence dealt with. Sam Johnson then got a shot away which was just wide of Caldicot goalkeeper Ben Davidson's left upright.

Johnson was then fouled out wide on the left, Bruce took the 25-yard kick which reached Caton at the far post, he slammed the ball home but was adjudged offside so the goal did not stand.

The visitors then exerted some pressure on the Dinas goal and in the 17th minute they got their noses in front when Dinas failed to clear the danger and Dan Saunders beat James Curtin from eight yards to open the scoring. David Lloyd then hit a 25-yard free kick well over the bar for the visitors.

At the other end James Alloway was fouled just outside the penalty area, Bruce taking the kick which resulted in a corner which again Bruce took finding the head of Donnelly to plant the ball just under the cross bar for a fine well deserved equaliser on 25 minutes.

Dinas were taking the game to their high flying opponents but Caldicot were dangerous on the break and Lloyd broke through for a one on one with Curtin but screwed his shot wide from 15 yards.

Both sides forced further unproductive corners and in the last couple of minutes of the half, Mitchell Slape looked as if he must score when he beat the Dinas defence but Curtin came rushing off his line and Slape hit a poor finish wide so it was honours even at the interval. 

Just three minutes into the second half Alloway was tripped in the area, the referee pointing straight to the penalty spot, Alloway dusted himself down to take the kick, beating Davidson to give Dinas the lead.

Dinas had a golden opportunity to increase their lead when Ah-Mun latched onto a through ball to lob Davidson but the Caldicot shot stopper just got fingertips to it and the ball just cleared the cross bar when perhaps a hard low shot would have been more productive.

Caldicot were getting desperate and made two substitutions but it was Dinas calling the shots most of the time. Keiron James then made one of his mazy runs for Dinas, gliding past several tackles before he was fouled just outside the box. Bruce took the kick but the Caldicot defence cleared it.

Dinas manager Lee Saunders then introduced fresh legs, Joe Briscombe replacing Alloway. They were still getting the lion's share of possession and, from a throw-in on the left, Sam Johnson powered into the box and got a good shot away which Davidson got a slight touch to and the ball cannoned off the cross bar and went over for yet another unproductive corner.

Dinas captain Steve Provis was then fouled but was able to continue after some lengthy treatment. He then found himself with space through the middle but was still feeling the effects of the tackle and although he got a shot away he was off balance and his effort went wide.

The visitors then resorted to pumping long balls down the middle but the Dinas defence of Atif Bashir, Caton, Provis and Bruce were in no mood to relinquish their lead and dealt with everything Caldicot tried.

Further Dinas subs were introduced with six minutes remaining, Ah-Mun was replaced by James Bloxham and Johnson made way for Mamadu Banguraso. Dinas mounted one last promising attack with great inter-play between all the midfield men culminating in a shot by Mwedzo which didn't trouble the Caldicot keeper and despite the referee playing four minutes injury time Dinas never looked like conceding and they deserved to take all three points at the final whistle.

Dinas: 1 James Curtin, 2 Atif Bashir, 3 Nicky Bruce, 4 Connor Caton, 5 Steve Provis (c), 6 Keiron James, 7 Sam Johnson, 8 King Junior Mwedzo, 9 Nathan Donnelly (1), 10 James Alloway (1), 11 Ben Ah-Mun, 12 Joe Briscombe, 14 Lewis Marsh, 15 Mamadu Banguraso, 16, James Bloxham, 17 James Bagnall.

On Saturday, March 28 Dinas are home again when Caerleon visit the Murch, 2.30pm ko.

 

Saturday 21 March 2015

Newport Civil Service 1, Llanelli Town 4

from Alan Evans, Llanelli Town FC

The absence of Bruno Forkuoh with an abdominal strain is proving to be a major handicap as the Reds tackle opponents in the lower reaches of the table.

While they have talented players in their ranks, Forkuoh gives them that certain extra quality with his elusive running and skills, and if he had been available for this latest game and that against Treowen Stars in the previous match, he would undoubtedly have had a field day against their opponents.

As it was, the laboured win against Treowen was compounded by a less than convincing display against a home side who now find themselves ensconced at the foot of the table, following the withdrawal of Cardiff Grange Harlequins from the league.

The first half in particular was not great for the Reds, who barely tested goalkeeper Chris Jones, while their opponents took the lead on 21 minutes when some sloppy defending let in Tom Berry for a run on goal before finishing past Craig Richards

In fact, they could have found themselves chasing the game even further with their opponents failing to capitalise on some admittedly half-chances, mostly from set-pieces, with their limited attacking options ending with one attempt by Ross Jones who shot off target following a build up involving Richard Lewis, Luke Jones and Anton Owens.   

However, after the shock of conceding the opening goal, they were back on level terms within two minutes, although it did have an element of good fortune with a Steve Berry free kick driven into the area flicking off the head of a defender and past a helpless Jones.

The bobbly playing surface was not conducive to a passing game, and route one was the preferred method of choice, but the home side seemed the most likely to score, and Berry might have done better when challenging Richards to a driven ball into the goalmouth by Jac Hardman, failing to make a clean contact with the keeper able to block and gather.

In first half stoppage time, Civil Service were reduced to 10 men when David Mellon was red carded by referee Gary Mobley for a second caution, and when the second period got underway, the Reds had reorganised the side with Steve Stone replacing Luke Jones, Richard Thomas occupying a wide position on the right and Owens pushed up front.

These changes proved to be effective, with Thomas putting them ahead within two minutes after being found by Mark Napieralla, and his cross to the far post deceived Jones and ended up in the net.

He was then involved in turning provider with a cross into the middle to the head of Owens which was just over the bar, while Thomas himself shot narrowly wide after making space on the edge of the box.

With the game now firmly in their control, the visitors were given another opportunity of extending the lead with the award of a penalty when Owens was clattered by a combination of Jones and Gareth Wysome when he pursued a ball into the area, with the latter becoming the second home player to be dismissed on 56 minutes.

Lewis took the kick only for Jones to keep it out, but the rebound fell kindly to Thomas who made no mistake for his brace.

Now comfortably ahead, the visitors could well have added to their tally on a number of occasions, with Stone seeing his header from a Thomas delivery come back off the post, but he got his reward in the 65th minute, forcing the ball home from close in after Napieralla had his initial attempt blocked.

The Reds made a couple of changes before the close, with Rhys Powell and Kellan Jenkins replacing Lewis and Owens respectively, and they did create some further opportunities but could not cash in on them, but they will be happy with the result if not perhaps with their overall display.

Next Saturday, Pontypridd Town are the visitors to Stebonheath with a 2.30pm kick off, while on Wednesday, 1st April, they will host today's opponents, Newport Civil Service, kick off: 7.45pm.

Newport Civil Service: Jones; Porter (Cleverly, 78); Woodcock; Palmer ©; Hodges; Wysome; Gunter (Hardman, 25); Hodge; Berry; Mellon; Williams (Franklyn, 69). Subs not used: Smith; Burrows.

Llanelli Town: Richards; Bevan ©; Lewis (Powell, 69); Berry; Evans; Napieralla; Owens (Jenkins, 75); R Jones; L Jones (Stone, 46); Thomas; Hughes. Subs not used: Bauza; Martin.

Scorers: Newport Civil Service -  Berry, 21. Llanelli Town - OG, 23; Thomas, 47, 56; Stone, 65.

Yellow cards: Newport Civil Service - Berry; Woodcock; Wysome (2); Mellon (2); Cleverly. Llanelli Town - Thomas.

Red cards: Newport Civil Service - Mellon; Wysome.

Referee: Gary Mobley (Chepstow).

Llanelli Town's Anthon Owens (7) is fouled by Gareth Wysome (left) for a penalty

Llanelli Town's Richard Tomas (10) glides past Tom Hodge in midfield

Llanelli Town's Steve Stone (centre)  is congratulated on scoring Llanelli Town's fourth goal

Llanelli Town's Kellan Jenkins (16) takes on Newport Civil Service's keeper Chris Jones

Pictures (c) 2015, keithphoto2003@yahoo.co.uk

 

Saturday 14 March 2015

Monmouth Town 1, Briton Ferry Llansawel 0

from Stuart Williams, Briton Ferry Llansawel FC

A trip to Pen-y-pound to face defending champions Monmouth awaited Carl Shaw and his squad on Saturday afternoon and they returned extremely frustrated after losing narrowly in a very even affair in Welsh League Division One.  

After a 4-2 loss early on in the season for the Ferry against their opponents the club travelled much more experienced from their debut season and with only goal difference separating the teams before the game it was always going to be a close encounter.

Shaw was without defender Dan Kingdom so welcomed back Josh Pike at left back along with Scott Kenyon returning to take his place on the bench.

On a very large home pitch Ferry winger Ryan Griffiths found himself with the first good chance of the match on 10 minutes, after reacting quickest to a Josh Cockings long ball  the youngster's drive from the edge of the box cleared home keeper Kieran Blackburn's crossbar.

Griffiths was again involved on 17 minutes this time feeding striker Steve Davey but his skewed shot ended up well wide of the goal.

The visitors had started much more brightly than their opponents and another good move on 22 minutes involving Josh Pike and Gavin Jones allowed Griffiths another shot which again failed to test Blackburn.

The hosts finally started to settle after half hour and had a good spell of pressure that saw striker Dan MacDonald have their first shot at goal on 27 minutes that went wide of the post.

Another long range effort from the dangerous Elliot Evans shortly before half time also failed to test Ferry keeper Luke Probert to see the teams leave the field with the game goalless.

The Ferry started the second half shaky conceding possession on numerous occasions and nearly paid dearly for it on 50 minutes, winger Elliot Evans with a rocket from 15 yards that somehow saw keeper Luke Probert get his fingertips to it and the ball rebounded off the bar to safety.

After the scare Shaw’s men again got hold of the game and nearly took the lead themselves 10 minutes later, a superb individual effort from Ryan Griffiths seeing him leave four Monmouth players for dead from the half way line, his left foot shot culminating in a superb save from keeper Blackburn.

Both teams defences had been impressive with experienced Jack Alderdice standing out for Monmouth and the game was either going to be won with a well worked goal or an individual mistake. 

Unfortunately for the Ferry and goalkeeper Luke Probert the latter turned out to be the story of the day, with five minutes remaining busy striker Nick Harrhy unleashed a drive from 25 yards and the ball squirmed through the Ferry number one's hands into the net for a goal advantage for Monmouth.

The visitors still kept pushing though and a Lee John free kick found Ryan Griffiths who just volleyed wide on the stroke of full time, then deep into injury time the Ferry came even closer to getting a deserved equaliser and a point but Ian Hiller's header rebounded back off the crossbar from a corner allowing Monmouth to celebrate maximum points and consolidate sixth place in the league.

Attention now turns to the visit of league contenders Haverfordwest County to the Old Road this Saturday with a 2.30pm kick off.

Ferry: Probert, D Hudson, Pike, Cockings, Hillier, Healey, John, W Hudson, Davey, Griffiths, Jones. Subs: R Hudson, Kenyon, Baker.

Man of the match - Dean Hudson - Resilient in defence and didn’t deserve to be on the losing team.

 

Saturday 14 March 2015

AFC Llwydcoed 2, Dinas Powys 1

from AFC Llwydcoed

Llwydcoed welcomed Dinas to the Welfare Ground and won a hard earned victory.  The visitors although in the relegation zone played with conviction and gave everything for the cause.

AFC Llwydcoed Manager Jarrod Price was without the services of Brett Davies and Jonathan Mason so Bryan Forbes and Christopher Vardon slotted in.

The opening quarter saw Llwydcoed in total charge with Lewis Bansal, Jarrod Price and Garin Withers moving brilliantly into space setting up Joe Jenkins whose shot seemed destined for the bottom corner but Dinas' defender Mamadu Banguraso had other ideas throwing himself at the shot to clear. 

More good attacking play by Llwydcoed saw Christopher Vardon almost scoring from a Tomos Morris shot that the Dinas goalkeeper James Curtin saved but he was offside.  Dinas were under constant pressure, their goalkeeper James Curtin was their saviour, he saved brilliantly from Jarrod Price and Tomos Morris. 

The opening goal seemed only a matter of time before Llwydcoed would score but they failed to punish Dinas whose Mamadu Banguraso seemed to be everywhere covering in defence and then attacking bringing James Alloway and King Mwedzo into space.  Dinas had survived a torrid opening but it was Llwydcoed's defence who came under pressure because the Dinas' midfield were allowed too much room by Llwydcoed's midfield. 

Some of Llwydcoed's players composure was questionable, during this period of play Dinas' James Alloway struck the crossbar, the warning signs were there for Llwydcoed.  More good play by Llwydcoed's Scott Walters, Joe Jenkins, Christopher Vardon and Leon Bansal saw the Dinas goalkeeper James Curtin save Garin Withers' point blank shot.

Dinas were still on level terms but with Steve Miller and Atif Bashir creating attacking situations, the match was wide open.  The defensive coaching manual was redundant Llwydcoed had lots of goal scoring chances but no goals when Dinas reminded them they would punish them and try to open the scoring.  Llwydcoed created another attack and this time they won a free kick that Jarrod Price took, his shot crashed against the crossbar. The half time whistle blew with the score unbelievably goalless. 

The second half started and Dinas were alert to this situation.  Llwydcoed could not find the space they were allowed in the first half.  Dinas' Steve Provis won possession and played a ball into the Llwydcoed penalty area that was headed clear to the unmarked Dinas' player James Alloway who hit a screamer into the top corner. 

So, Llwydcoed had been punished for missing all the chances in the first half. This was a wake up call for Llwydcoed players. Gradually they began to build attack after attack but still no goals. They kept their belief building through Tomos Morris and Leon Bansal playing Christopher Vardon into space, whose shot flashed wide and then finally the breakthrough, Joe Jenkins danced across the Dinas' defenders to score a quality goal shooting past the Dinas goalkeeper James Curtin. 

Llwydcoed had regained the ascendancy; more good play saw Jarrod Price move into space after being set up by his midfield he unselfishly played Garin Withers into space to score. 

Dinas were not finished, their belief and commitment tested the Llwydcoed defence, who just about survived.  Dinas had one last big chance that was missed. 

Llwydcoed introduced substitutes Michael Davies and Connor Wickham and saw out the game to gain a hard earned but deserved victory.  Dinas had played their part in a game of missed opportunities.

 

Saturday 14 March 2015

Pontardawe Town 0, Aberdare Town 3

from Gary Thomas, Pontardawe Town FC

Pontardawe were undone in around three minutes early on in the second half despite competing well in an entertaining match at the Recreation Ground. The home side brought in young Scott Williams up front whilst Alex Wild dropped from midfield to right back to cover the absent Daryl Jeffries. Ryan Samuel also returned from injury.

The first half was a pretty even affair with both sides playing good attacking football. The visitors were looking dangerous with Nathan Jenkins leading the line supported by the busy Joseph Yaxley. Meanwhile for the home side full backs Alex Wild and Rhodri Dykes were already showing great intent to get forward and support the front guys. In terms of chances both sides were unable to convert any until the 38th minute when Aberdare’s Richard Ingram scored from a corner. The home side thought it should have been a goal kick.

The first five minutes of the second half were a nightmare for the home side as Aberdare Town extended their lead by a further two goals. The first was scored by Nathan Jenkins who broke through and lobbed keeper Steven Reeve as the home side's defence appealed for an offside which wasn't given. Just minutes later Joseph Yaxley broke through and shot from just inside the box to make it 3-0.

For the remainder of the game Pontardawe Town gave everything but were unable to convert the few chances they created. Meanwhile, with the home side stretched, Aberdare Town nearly took advantage but were thwarted by keeper Reeve, the crossbar, the post and some wayward shooting. Late in the game Niall Thomas of Pontardawe Town was sent off for a foul about 30 yards out despite two other covering defenders.

Pontardawe remain 10 points off safety but will never give up and with 24 points to play for and the team working hard all they need is the rub of the green and a bit of luck and who knows!

 

Saturday 14 March 2015

Llanelli Town 3, Treowen Stars 1

from Alan Evans, Llanelli Town FC

After the Lord Mayor’s  show – following on from their stunning midweek defeat of championship rivals Ammanford, the Reds made heavy weather of seeing off opponents who were there for the taking, failing to capitalise on innumerable chances to boost their goals for tally.

When Luke Jones fired them ahead as early as the third minute, it appeared to be a case of how many more would be accrued, but it transpired it would not be that clear cut, with a combination of, at times, desperate defending by the visitors allied with a number of glaring misses keeping the final score down to reasonable proportions.

Jones took his goal brilliantly, latching on to a free kick and making space before firing beyond keeper Asa Kirkwood, while Anton Owens might well have doubled the lead within minutes, but fired wide of the target when he met a driven cross from Richard Lewis.

Kirkwood was being kept fully occupied, blocking in quick succession efforts by Robert Thomas and Matthew Hughes, while a surging run from Lewis culminated in a shot which rebounded off the upright with the keeper beaten.

There were strong appeals for a Reds penalty following a run by Owens which took him around Kirkwood before his delivery into the middle was driven goalwards where it appeared to be handled by a Treowen defender, but referee Ben Williams waved play on.

A cross into the goalmouth by Steve Berry fractionally failed to find the head of Owens, but four minutes from the break the home side deservedly went further ahead when a fine run by Ross Jones led to a cross to the far post which Hughes met with a header which was parried by Kirkwood but who could not prevent it crossing the line.

Comfortably ahead going into the second half, the Reds went close again early after the restart, with Luke Jones sending his finish just the wrong side of the near post, but just eight minutes into the play they extended the advantage further with Owens converting from close range another ball from Ross Jones following some positive approach work.

The visitors had barely offered a credible threat, their best offer stemming from a ball by Chris Jones across the goalmouth which failed to pick out a colleague.

The Reds were looking to increase their advantage, with Owens narrowly failing to connect with a Lewis delivery to the far post, but completely against the run of play their opponents somehow managed to reduce the deficit after 62 minutes following a rare attack which forced Craig Richards in the home goal to effect a block from Ricky Amos, but who then managed to square the loose ball into the path of Stephen Parfitt for an easy tap-in.

Despite this unexpected setback, the home side were still well on top and could well have added to their tally with Kellan Jenkins playing in Owens but whose finish was off target, while Kirkwood cut out a Hughes attempt at his near post with home players in more advantageous positions in the middle.

The contest ended with another valuable three points for the hosts despite their laboured efforts in achieving them, and they travel to meet Newport Civil Service next Saturday hoping to extend their advantage at the top of the table. Kick off is at 2.30pm.

Llanelli Town: Richards; Napieralla; Lewis; Berry (Bauza, 84); Evans; Bevan ©; Owens; R Jones; L Jones (Jenkins, 64); Thomas (John, 74); Hughes. Subs not used: Powell; Scammell (GK).

Treowen Stars: Kirkwood; Parfitt ©; Dando (Thomas, 6); James; Harris; Randall; Coote; Brewer; Amos; Jones; Golding (Blake, 78). Sub not used: Evans.

Scorers: Llanelli Town – L Jones, 3; Hughes, 41; Owens, 53. Treowen Stars – Parfitt, 62.

Yellow cards: Treowen Stars – James; Parfitt; Harris; Brewer; Jones.

Referee: Ben Williams (Milford Haven).

Attendance: 84.

Llanelli Town's captain Lee Bevan shoots at goal

Llanelli Town's Steve Berry eases past Lewys Golding

Llanelli Town's Robert Thomas lines up a shot at goal

Llanelli Town's Bartome Bauza (left) contests a mid-field tackle

Pictures (c) 2015, keithphoto2003@yahoo.co.uk

 

Wednesday 11 March 2015

Llanelli Town 2, Ammanford 0

from Alan Evans, Llanelli Town FC

The indication of a decent side is one which can quickly bounce back from a lacklustre performance to deliver one which cannot be faulted.

Following on from their horror show at Lliswerry the previous Saturday, the Reds really turned on the style against their nearest rivals for the league title and ran out worthy winners – and, in truth, the final scoreline could easily have been bettered.

A large crowd witnessed goals by Jamie Evans in the first half and Anthony Owens in the second extend the home side's points advantage at the top of the table over their opponents to eight, and at this stage of the season points in the bag outweigh games in hand.

The visitors were outplayed for the majority of the game, their only serious attempts on goal stemming from Euros Griffiths when he met a Matthew Fisher free kick, but his well directed header was safely grasped by keeper Craig Richards, while Alex Squires curled an attempt across the face of goal and narrowly wide of the far upright.

Apart from these chances, the home side were well in control with the defence dealing easily with the Ammanford attack, and it was the visitors goal which was under threat, with Luke Jones seeing his driven near post effort scrambled clear, while Bruno Forkuoh just failed to connect with a Robert Thomas cross into the goalmouth.

Forkuoh was involved again following a Richard Lewis free kick which was headed down into his path by Lee Bevan, but his final connection lacked power and resulted instead in a corner from which the Reds opened the scoring on 25 minutes.

It was taken by Lewis whose delivery into the middle was met by Evans with a firm header past Jamie Rano in the Ammanford goal.

Luke Jones then directed his headed effort just over the bar when Lewis drove in another set piece, while Thomas also went close from a cross to the far post.

Rano did well to deny Owens with a good block when Lewis set up the chance, and excelled himself further just before the break, turning over at full stretch a deflected attempt by Thomas.

The visitors' keeper was replaced for the start of the second half by James Kirkwood, and Ammanford were the first to threaten when Squires went close after Brett Enoch found him in space.

Squires then might have done better other than spoon his finish over the top of an inviting target, but the home side went close to extending the lead with Forkuoh driving a ball across goal where it took a deflection away from Owens who would otherwise have had a tap-in.

Kirkwood was forced to make a sprawling save at his near post following a quickly taken free kick, which allowed Forkuoh to home in on the loose ball, but again his delivery into the middle just failed to pick out Luke Jones.

The home side were in complete control, and deservedly went further ahead after 80 minutes when Ross Jones and Lewis combined before setting up Owens for a decisive finish past Kirkwood.

Owens could well have struck again before the close, directing his header inches over when Lewis found him with another superb cross.

A thoroughly deserved win for the Reds who have now completed the double over their nearest championship contenders.

Llanelli Town: Richards; Napieralla; Lewis; R Jones; Evans; Bevan ©; Forkuoh (Hughes, 81); Berry; L Jones (John, 84); Thomas; Owens. Subs not used: Jenkins; Powell; Stone.

Ammanford: Rano (Kirkwood, 46); Selvage; Davies; Griffiths; Owen ©; Soal; Squires; Morgan; Frater (Richards, 74); Fisher; Enoch (Morris, 66). Subs not used: M Jones; J Jones.

Scorers: Llanelli Town – Evans, 25; Owens, 80.

Yellow cards: Llanelli Town – Owens. Ammanford – Soal; Squires.

Referee: Steve Jones (Swansea).

Attendance: 323.

Llanelli Town's Richard Lewis shoots under pressure

Llanelli Town's Bruno Forkuoh (left) was a threat throughout the game

Llanelli Town's goalscorer, Anthony Owens breaks through in attack

Llanelli Town's Ross Jones battles in mid-field

Pictures (c) 2015, keithphoto2003@yahoo.co.uk

 

Saturday 7 March 2015

Ton Pentre 0, Monmouth Town 2

from Ton Pentre FC

Leon Young’s 56th minute sending off for the Bulldogs was the game changer in this Nathaniel Cars Welsh League Division One match against Monmouth Town at Ynys Park.

The Ton Pentre midfielder saw red after receiving two yellow cards and as a result, the home team’s dominance against the reigning champions subsided, allowing Monmouth to pile pressure on the Bulldogs goal.

Prior to this, and with Ton Pentre on top, Young appeared to be harshly booked in the 13th minute of play for a seemingly well-timed and executed tackle in the middle of the park.

During the 21st minute of play, the ball was cleared from the Monmouth defence to the centre circle where Thomas Davies volleyed it back towards goal. Monmouth goalkeeper Keiron Blackburn, scrambled back towards his line and was relieved to see the ball edge just over his crossbar.

Moments later Shane Davies did well to head a through ball on for Jaymie Wearn. The Bulldogs striker had beaten the defence but was unable to beat Blackburn, who watched his shot go high and wide of the goal.

Despite being on the back foot, Monmouth were always a dangerous prospect and from a 34th minute corner, the Kingfishers nearly took the lead but Mark Crutch cleared the ball off the line.

Two minutes later Crutch saved the Bulldogs once again with another clearance off the line following a Monmouth free kick that was drifted into the box.

The action was flowing and when Ton Pentre went on the attack, Tom Mouncher ran onto an under-hit back pass between the defence and the goalkeeper. From a tight angle, Mouncher struck his shot across the front of an unattended goalmouth.

With just moments to go before half-time, Ton Pentre had a superb chance to take the lead when they hit Monmouth on the break. Lewis Hitchcock was presented with an opportunity to score with just Blackburn to beat. The Bulldogs winger had the whole goal to aim at but sent his shot directly into Blackburn’s hands.

Just 11 minutes of the second half had been played when Young was shown a red card after receiving his second caution. The referee had judged that his challenge when going up for a header was unlawful.

Ton Pentre’s grip on this match began to slip and Monmouth fully capitalised on the one man advantage when they made the pressure count in the 72nd minute as Elliot Evans found the back of the net.

The Bulldogs threw everything that they could muster at Monmouth in the remainder of the match and the Kingfishers were having to withstand some heavy pressure themselves with Shane Davies and Ryan Morgan both being denied by some wonderful goalkeeping from Blackburn.

With two minutes of added on time having been played, Evans scored a second for Monmouth in controversial circumstances as the striker appeared to be flagged offside but the goal was allowed to stand by the referee, who overruled his assistant. This made the final score 2-0 to Monmouth Town.

Next up for the Bulldogs is a must win Rhondda Derby against bottom of the table AFC Porth at Ynys Park on Friday, 13 March. The game kicks off at 7.30pm.

Ton Pentre: 1. Ryan Wookey; 2. Adam Lewis; 3. Tom Mouncher; 4. Ryan Morgan; 5. Thomas Davies; 6. Mark Crutch; 7. Leon Young; 8. Leon Jacka: 9. Jaymie Wearn; 10. Shane Davies; 11. Lewis Hitchcock. Subs: 12. Andre Griffiths (for 9 on 78); 14. Adam Raymond; 15. Nathan Phillips; 16. Connor Berry (for 3 on 78); 17. Ryan Jenkins

Cautions: Mouncher 53, T Davies 68

Sent off: Young 56

 

Saturday 7 March 2015

Croesyceiliog 0, AFC Llwydcoed 1

from AFC Llwydcoed

Llwydcoed's Welsh League Players prevented a third successive defeat with a hard earned victory thanks to a quality goal from player/manger Jarrod Price just before half time.  AFC Llwydcoed's manager Jarrod Price was without the services of Leigh Phillips, Carl Jenkins and Christopher Vardon plus other injured players, so Scott Walters, Matthew Doherty and Jarrod Price were called on.  Croesyceiliog were also missing several players.

Llwydcoed settled early and gained an early corner that was cleared. The Croesyceiliog defence was under pressure from the start with Llwydcoed's Leon Bansal in midfield combining with Garin Withers, more good play by Scott Walters saw Joseph Jenkins create problems for Croesyceiliog.

Llwydcoed were controlling the match with the excellent Lewis Bansal linking up with Tomos Morris, they brought Garin Withers and Jonathan Mason into attacking situations. The Croesyceiliog defence just about stopped a goal being scored against them. Croesyceiliog were not attacking as Llwydcoed were at this stage but they did threaten through Lewis Clare's through ball and Nathan William' pace, they won a few corners that Llwydcoed defended properly. 

Llwydcoed regained the ascendency and came very close to opening the scoring, a Tomos Morris free kick forced Croesyceiliog's goalkeeper Lee Waddon into a save. Llwydcoed's play was rewarded for creating a lot of goal chances after Joe Jenkins almost broke though from a brilliant out of hand kick by Llwydcoed's goalkeeper Brett Davies, Joe Jenkins then raced onto a pass from Garin Withers and crossed perfectly to Jarrod Price who scored with a quality header just before the half time whistle.

Llwydcoed had controlled most of the good football in the first half but just had the one goal in the bank. They began to gain possession into the second half but then all the  Croesyceiliog's players began to up their game and it was Llwydcoed's defence who came under pressure with Croesyceiliog’s  Nathan Williams and Cameron Fielden combining. 

Croesyceiliog were gaining more possession because Llwydcoed were unable to maintain possession in attacking areas, not like the first half. 

Croesyceiliog were on top and it took a superb save by Llwydcoed's goalkeeper Brett Davies to stop Croesyceiliog’s Jamie Arnold from scoring, a turning point in the match. More good play by Croesyceiliog saw them win a free kick that sailed over the bar.

Llwydcoed introduced substitute Michael Davies replacing Jarrod Price. Llwydcoed had survived this very difficult period and should have eased the pressure when Garin Withers and Joe Jenkins both had superb chances that were missed. 

Llwydcoed used their full quota of substitutes when Tyler Hollidge and Jordan Ellis entered the play. The remaining 10 to 15 minutes were played out with all the Llwydcoed players defending as one to achieve a much needed victory to stop the losing run.

 

Saturday 7 March 2015

Dinas Powys 1, West End 2

by Peter King, Dinas Powys FC

(Today's match ball kindly sponsored by Vale Food Services)

Apart from a goal in the first and last minute of the match by the visitors, this game was, on the whole, dominated by Dinas and they can consider themselves very unlucky not to have taken something from the game.

With the first attack of the game Luc Blackmore got a cross in from the right to Delano Tortortella who headed on for Rob Shannon to slot the ball home from close range for the opener for the visitors.

It took Dinas a while to get their passing game going after this setback but they gradually began to dominate possession and they had a good chance to level things when a deep cross from Nicky Bruce was met at the far post by Carlos Indjai but his effort skewed across the six yard box and was cleared.

A free kick for West End was cleared by Indjai and Dinas began to look the better team as Bruce sent Indjai scampering down the left wing, he beat the full back and got a cross in but the visitors keeper Harding got to the ball first to gather.

Ben Ah-Mun and Keiron James then linked up well to give the latter a shot at goal but his effort was off target. They then attacked down the right, Atif Bashir finding Sam Johnson who spun and got a fine shot on target which Harding had to take at full stretch.

West End were having few attacking chances at this stage although they did have a free kick taken by Jon Eames but it was wide of James Curtin's left post and at the other end Ah-Mun took a free kick from 22 yards which curled just wide.

Dinas forced two corners with around five minutes of the half remaining but couldn't capitalise on either of them and Ah-Mun had another half chance when he took a long range shot from 40 yards which wasn't far off target. James Alloway then sustained a head injury but was ok to continue and the half ended with the visitors still hanging onto their one goal lead.

If anything Dinas were even more dominant in the second half and took the game to West End from the first whistle with Alloway just failing to get on the end of a cross from the left in the first five minutes. Despite all the pressure they couldn't convert it into goals so manager Lee Saunders rang the changes with 25 minutes of the half gone, bringing on Charlie Baister and Luke Swaffield for Alloway and King Junior Mwedzo.

Swaffield was soon in the action getting in a good cross from the right which Sam Johnson hooked goalwards but his effort was blocked before it could trouble Harding.

All the pressure was coming from Dinas now except for the odd breakaway where Curtin had to come off his line smartly to smother the danger. A Bruce free kick from 35 yards took everyone by surprise when he hit it hard and low on target which Harding spilled but his defence reacted quickest to clear the danger. Another Bruce free kick bounced in the six yard box but evaded everyone and cleared the cross-bar. However, with just two minutes remaining yet another Bruce free kick got through to Indjai to head home for a well deserved equaliser.

Dinas must have switched off as straight from the restart West End found Tortortella who made room for a good shot to beat Curtin and undo all the good work from the Dinas side and there was hardly time to restart the game with the visitors going home with all three points.

Saturday March 14 sees Dinas travel to Llwydcoed for a 2.30pm kick off.

Dinas: 1 James Curtin, 2 Atif Bashir, 3 Nicky Bruce, 4 James Bloxham (c), 5 Steve Provis, 6 Keiron James, 7 King Junior Mwedzo, 8 Ben Ah-Mun, 9 Sam Johnson, 10 James Alloway, 11 Carlos Indjai (1), 12 Charlie Baister, 14 Luke Swaffield.

 

Saturday 7 March 2015

Lliswerry 3, Llanelli Town 1

from Alan Evans, Llanelli Town FC

It was Harold Wilson who coined the phrase “a week is a long time in politics”, and equally the same can be applied to the beautiful game – just ask Llanelli Town.

A week ago, they were in seventh heaven having won their home game against Tredegar Town, whilst the majority of their nearest rivals were dropping points and falling further behind in the promotion race.

Fast forward seven days and it's become tense again, following a poor display at Spytty Park which led to their third away defeat of the season, while second placed Ammanford were thumping Cardiff Grange Harlequins 5-1 on their home patch and Cardiff Corinthians were inflicting a similar scoreline at Treharris Athletic Western, only Cwmamman United dropping points with a 1-1 draw versus Bridgend Street.

With Ammanford also racking up a 3-1 win at Lliswerry in midweek, the gap between them and the Reds has now been reduced to five points and they still have three games in hand.

The meeting between the sides at Stebonheath on Wednesday is now a massive fixture for both teams, and could well have a crucial bearing on the ultimate destination of the league title.

The Lizards were reduced to eight players during their clash with Ammanford following three red cards, and the Reds might have taken heart from this, but instead failed to display any flair or imagination in their overall play and can have few complaints at the final outcome.

They barely tested Ross Davies in the home goal, their only success stemming from the penalty spot in the second half.

By that stage they were already three down, with the first home goal arriving after just eight minutes when a far post cross by Dan Edwards found an unmarked Joe Gibson who directed his header past keeper Craig Richards.

Seven minutes later the lead was doubled following a crossfield ball which was not dealt with by the visitors defence and found its way into the path of Edwards, and he unleashed a 30-yard rocket into the bottom corner.

Little had been seen of the Reds as an attacking force, their nearest effort stemming from captain and central defender, Lee Bevan, whose shot from distance rebounded off the crossbar.

Luke Jones saw his effort off a home defender deflect for a corner when Mark Napieralla found him in the box, before Lliswerry stretched the lead further six minutes from the break when Joe Howells did well to keep the ball alive before crossing into the middle where some more slack marking allowed Safian Skupinski a free header beyond Richards.

In an attempt to inject some urgency into their play, the visitors introduced Rhys Powell and Bartome Bauza in place of Napieralla and Ross Jones at the start of the second half, and there were signs of improvement with Robert Thomas just failing to connect with an Anthony Owens delivery across the goalmouth.

When the Lizards countered, Kazeem Kareen might have done better when put clear by Howells but directed his finish off target.

The Reds did manage to reduce the deficit on 62 minutes through the award of a penalty when Owens was pulled back in the area, and it was duly converted by Richard Lewis.

At the other end, Howells somehow contrived to strike the underside of the bar when it seemed easier to score, while Richards did well to push clear a strike on goal by Skupinski.

This was about the end of any further meaningful action by either side, but the Reds well be bitterly disappointed with this lacklustre performance, and will certainly have to pull out all the stops for the crucial visit of Ammanford on Wednesday evening, kick off 7.45pm.

Next Saturday, Treowen Stars are their opponents at Stebonheath with a 2.30pm kick off.

Lliswerry: Davies; Gibson (Luffman, 57); Johnson; Shier ©; Colledge; Morgan; Kareen (Freeman, 75); Fessey;  Skupinski; Howells; Edwards (Morgan, 79). Sub not used: Corfield.

Llanelli Town: Richards; Napieralla (Powell, 46); Lewis; R Jones (Bauza, 46); Evans; Bevan ©; Forkuoh; Thomas; L Jones (Hughes, 60); John; Owens. Subs not used: Stone; Jenkins.

Scorers: Lliswerry - Gibson, 8; Edwards, 15; Skupinski, 39. Llanelli Town - Lewis (P), 62.

Yellow cards: Lliswerry – Skupinski; Howells. Llanelli Town – John.

Referee: Graham Evans (Ystrad Mynach).

Llanelli Town's Bartome Bauza runs between two defenders in midfield

Llanelli Town's Ross Jones (4) and Lliswerry's Ricci Morgan (6) compete for the ball

Llanelli Town's Jamie Evans wins a defensive header

Llanelli Town's Anthony Owens attacks  Lliswerry's Ashley Johnson (3)

Pictures (c) 2015, keithphoto2003@yahoo.co.uk

 

Friday 6 March 2015

Briton Ferry Llansawel 3, Garden Village 0

from Stuart Williams, Briton Ferry Llansawel FC

Another good Friday night attendance of over 250 witnessed a thoroughly deserved 3-0 victory for Carl Shaw's team against local rivals Garden Village at the Old Road in Welsh League Division One.

With Scott Kenyon away Shaw drafted in recent signing Ellis Harris while he also welcomed back Josh Pike after a few weeks away, both taking their place on the bench.

Midfielder Lee John passed a late fitness test to take is place in the centre of midfield with Steve Davey filling the centre forward role for the Reds.

With both teams playing a high pressure game the match started without much fluency with neither side getting much time on the ball to settle.

Many of the hosts goals have come from set pieces this season and this was to be the case again on nine minutes, a Steve Davey corner eluding goalkeeper Chris Curtis to see defender Ian Hillier finish well at the back post for a 1-0 lead.

Although there were no real clear cut opportunities for the hosts in the remainder of the half the defence is looking more resolute week on week with the experience of Dean Hudson and Ian Hillier being complimented well by the in form Dan Kingdom and Josh Cockings and the four coped superbly with the dangerous duo of Chris Allen and Sam Brown all evening.

The visitors started the second half brightly with Josh Doyle having a chance on 55 minutes but his shot was driven way over the bar.

The highlight of the night came on the hour mark for the Ferry with skipper Gavin Jones again producing a contender for goal of the season, a long throw on the left flank from Hillier was initially headed clear, but Jones produced a perfectly timed half volley from 20 yards that nestled into the top corner giving keeper Curtis no chance.

On 73 minutes it was another set piece that was to produce goal number three for the Reds, an inch perfect Daniel Kingdom corner being met by the head of right back Dean Hudson who made no mistake for his fourth goal of the season.

With the hard work done a clean sheet was now the priority and Luke Probert played a big part in keeping one on 82 minutes when he did excellently to save with his legs when the Village winger was through on goal.

The night turned from bad to worse for Steve Price's men on 85 minutes when Jordan Vicks was given his marching orders for his second yellow of the night.

With full time approaching lively substitute Sam Baker nearly scored the Ferry's fourth with a well executed header from a corner being cleared off the goal line by a Village defender.

An excellent three points for Shaw's men that sends them back to sixth place before they travel to Pen-y-pound to face Monmouth next Saturday who themselves are contending for a top six finish.

Ferry: Probert, D Hudson, Kingdom, Cockings, Hillier, Healey, John, W Hudson, Davey, Griffiths, Jones. Subs: Rogers, R Hudson, Pike, Harris, Baker.

Man of the match: Rory Healey (chosen by Picseli web design). Another gutsy performance in the middle of the park, some big tackles and ever improving distribution.

 

Saturday 28 February 2015

AFC Llwydcoed 4, Chepstow Town 5

from AFC Llwydcoed

Llwydcoed's fourth game in succession ended with another home defeat and for the second time in three weeks they lost a nine goal thriller. They played their part in a pulsating match but Chepstow's Leo Ross punished them with a hat trick.

AFC Llwydcoed Manager Jarrod Price made four changes in the starting line up with Christopher Vardon, Jonathan Mason, Carl Jenkins and new signing Leigh Phillips starting.

The Town started confidently with Leo Ross flying past Llwydcoed's tackles, this brought a good opening spell by Chepstow and they were rewarded with an early goal after Llwydcoed conceded a free kick.  Louis Feeley whipped the ball in taking a slight deflection and Leo Ross scored, another disastrous  start for Llwydcoed. 

Town kept gaining possession in the early minutes before Llwydcoed started to build from defence and midfield with Tomos Morris and Joe  Jenkins linking up play. The Town responded through Matty Board trying to get the better of Lewis Bansal.  The match then swung towards Llwydcoed with Tomos Morris, Christopher Vardon, Garin Withers and Jonathan Mason combining, another good move saw Joe Jenkins jinking his way past the Town defence but shooting wide. 

The deserved equaliser arrived after another excellent Llwydcoed move, Garin Withers scored, more good play by Llwydcoed put the Town defence under pressure, it was the Town defence who were the busier. They gradually moved out of defence and won a free kick again in the Llwydcoed half that was taken by Louis Feeley and yes Leo Ross scored again for the Town, a horrible goal for Llwydcoed to concede from a free header. 

Llwydcoed were then forced into a substitution with Leigh Philips injured. Llwydcoed responded and began to threaten but it was Town who almost scored goal number three, only a brilliant save by Llwydcoed's goalkeeper Brett Davies and a goal line cleared by Luke Davies stopped goal number three. 

Llwydcoed started the second half hoping to draw level, that idea disappeared within the first minute. Llwydcoed lost possession and Chepstow's Mark Organ  took full advantage in acres of space to score.  The Town players had punished Llwydcoed for switching off. Worse was to follow for Llwydcoed. The Town launched another attack that Llwydcoed failed to clear and Louis Feeley scored a screamer. 

Llwydcoed's players had not learned from other games, conceding too many goals but what they cannot be criticised for is their commitment. They reduced the score line when Garin Withers scored his second goal from a Jonathan Mason and Leon Bansal assists. Llwydcoed's players had responded brilliantly and reduced the Town advantage who in turn came very close to scoring with Matty Board missing a free header. 

The Town defence although under some pressure were solid winning the aerial battle. Llwydcoed's players began to build more gradual attacks, but Town scored number five through Leo Ross. 

The Town were in the driving seat, back came Llwydcoed showing brilliant desire with Garin Withers bringing Tomos Morris into the play and Christopher Vardon scored to reduce the deficit.  Llwydcoed were the team threatening, they won a series of corners and free kicks that failed to bring a goal, they should have but they were not to be denied.  More good play by Leon Bansal and then Lewis Bansal saw Christopher Vardon score, his second. 

Llwydcoed introduced substitute Michael Davies and kept threatening the Town defence until the final whistle, but no equaliser so the Town gained the victory.

 

Saturday 28 February 2015

Llanelli Town 1, Tredegar Town 0

from Alan Evans, Llanelli Town FC

Prior to the weekend fixtures, the Reds` dream scenario would have envisaged a home win against their highly placed visitors – tick – nearest rivals Ammanford and Lliswerry – also promotion contenders, drawing – tick – and, most unlikely  of all, Cwmamman United going down at Cwm Welfare – tick.

Their expectations were realised as these results duly emerged – the only successful side in the top three being Cardiff Corinthians with an emphatic 5-1 win over Newport YMCA.

With their lead at the top of the table now extended to 11 points over Ammanford, they will be confident of going on to secure the championship title, although there are still a few tricky obstacles in the way in the shape of away matches at Lliswerry and Tredegar, while the home local derby with Ammanford could also prove crucial.

A scrappy, niggly game did not throw up much in the way of goalmouth action, with neither goalkeeper being seriously tested throughout.

The only direct effort on goal came in the opening couple of minutes when the home side attacked through Luke Jones whose infield pass picked out Robert Thomas, but his strike forced a sprawling save by goalkeeper Kris Morris at the expense of a corner.

As the home side, the Reds were the more dominant, but their opponents were content to sit back and absorb the pressure, resulting in few clear cut chances.

In fact, it was the visitors who went closest to establishing the lead when Reds' keeper, Craig Richards, made a hash of an attempted clearance, allowing Tomos Lynch to win possession before directing an effort across the face of goal before it was scrambled clear.

When the home side countered, a deep cross by Mark Napieralla found Steve Berry positioned on the edge of the area, and his first time volley flashed across the net and just wide of the far post.

A Richard Lewis corner found Luke Jones, but a defensive block denied him, but the best opportunity for the Reds to open their account came when some great wide play down the right by Bruno Forkuoh found Thomas in space, but he directed his finish wide from 20 yards.

On the stroke of half time, Lynch did find the home net only for the effort to be ruled out for offside, but within a minute of the restart the Reds took the lead through Forkuoh with an exquisite back heel past Morris following some excellent build-up play from Anthony Owens.

Buoyed by this success, they came agonisingly close to extending the advantage with a Lewis free kick being met with a Lee Bevan header at the far post which rebounded off the underside of the crossbar before being cleared.

When the visitors were awarded a set piece, it was quickly taken by Morris who drove it down the middle where it deflected off Jamie Evans into the path of Lynch, but he took too long over his intended finish, and Evans was able to affect a clearance.

Most of the chances coming the way of Tredegar stemmed from ineptitude by their opponents, typified when a poor back pass by Napieralla was seized upon  by Lynch, forcing Richards out of his goal to close down the threat.

A speculative attempt from Christopher Quinlan forced Richards to turn it over, while at the other end, persistence by Luke Jones forced Morris into a hurried clearance which only found Forkuoh, and he despatched a strike on target only for Gareth Stevens to intervene and prevent a certain goal.

Berry sent a first time attempt narrowly wide of the visitors` goal, but in stoppage time, they could well have levelled matters when another error, this time by Bevan, afforded Ian Pettit the chance, but again the finish was indecisive and Richards was able to gather safely.

A less than convincing win for the home side, but who nevertheless will be satisfied with the three points, and now face a potential tricky away game at Lliswerry on Saturday, kick off 2.30pm, before the visit of Ammanford to Stebonheath on Wednesday, 11th March, with a 7.45pm kick off.

Llanelli Town: Richards; Napieralla; Lewis; Berry; Evans; Bevan ©; Forkuoh; R Jones; L Jones (John, 83); Thomas; Owens. Subs not used: Powell; Jenkins; Wilson; Scammell (GK).

Tredegar Town: K Morris; Farmer (Caniff, 72); Jones; Stevens ©; Price; Hewitt; Pettit; Quinlan; Lynch; I Morris (Meredith, 80); Hughes. Sub not used: Harbord.

Scorer: Llanelli Town – Forkuoh, 46.

Yellow cards: Tredegar Town – Hewitt; Hughes.

Referee: Mark Howells (Llanelli).

Attendance: 130.

Llanelli Town's Luke Jones runs at the Tredegar defence

Llanelli Town's Ross Jones breaks out of mid-field

Llanelli Town's Mark Napieralla evades a tackle by Christopher Quinlan

Llanelli Town's Robert Thomas takes on Gareth Stevens in mid-field

Pictures (c) 2015, keithphoto2003@yahoo.co.uk

 

Friday 27 February 2015

Ton Pentre 2, Taffs Well 1

from Ton Pentre FC

Ton Pentre came from behind in this match with a resonating second half performance that steered the Bulldogs to victory with goals from Jaymie Wearn and Shane Davies.

The Bulldogs did however, suffer a blow when goalkeeper Neil Collins was sent off in the 76th minute after his retaliation to a dangerous challenge on him from a Taffs Well player, who also saw red.

It was a strong start from the Wellmen who found themselves 1-0 up with just 10 minutes on the clock when a run down the left saw the attacker cut inside Adam Lewis to square a pass to Laurent Mondo, who side footed the ball into the goal.

The same thing nearly happened again eight minutes later when a similar move saw Mondo go one-on-one with Neil Collins. Taffs Well looked certain to score a second goal but Collins executed a brilliant save to deny the striker and to keep the Bulldogs in the game.

Despite being a goal down at half-time, this was a much improved performance in contrast to the one against Aberdare Town the previous week, however, the Bulldogs still appeared to lack the gumption to find an equaliser during the first half.

Whatever Bulldogs manager Lee Phillips told his players during the interval certainly worked, as Ton Pentre returned to the pitch with character and passion in the second half.

They were deserving of their equaliser when it came during the 64th minute from a Leon Jacka corner. Jacka’s in-swinging ball was dangerous and the Taffs Well defence failed to deal with it, allowing Jaymie Wearn to make it 1-1 from six yards out.

The goal really invigorated the Bulldogs, who were looking more confident as each minute ticked by. Both the players and the home crowd could sense that another goal was on the way and it came in the 72nd minute.

Midfielder Shane Davies attached himself to a loose ball out on the left and proceeded to take on several players and trick his way into the penalty area. His chances of scoring seemed impossible due to the tight angle that he had to shoot from but he fired it powerfully across Taffs Well goalkeeper Steve Hall and inside the far post. It was now 2-1 to the Bulldogs.

Four minutes later a through ball was released for Mondo but it was over hit. As Collins comfortably went to ground to collect the ball, Mondo dangerously lunged at him with an outstretched leg catching the Ton Pentre goalkeeper in his midriff. Collins reacted angrily and in his retaliation pushed Mondo. A mass confrontation then occurred with one Taffs Well player apparently throwing punches that went unpunished by the officials with Mondo and Collins being the only players to see red.

Despite both teams being down to 10 men, it was Ton Pentre who had the biggest disadvantage as defender Thomas Davies took over goalkeeping duties for the remainder of the match.

The Bulldogs aimed for the corners to run the clock down, however, Taffs Well applied some considerable pressure but the Ton Pentre defence and some plucky goalkeeping from Thomas Davies, saw the Bulldogs hold on for an incredibly valuable three points.

Ton Pentre: 1. Neil Collins, 2. Adam Lewis, 3. Tom Mouncher, 4. Ryan Morgan, 5. Thomas Davies, 6. Mark Crutch, 7. Leon Young, 8. Leon Jacka, 9. Jaymie Wearn, 10. Shane Davies, 11. Lewis Hitchcock. Subs: 12. Andre Griffiths, 14. Adam Raymond, 15. James Dury, 16. Connor Berry, 17. Andrew Hughes

Goals: Wearn 64, S Davies 72

Cautions: Lewis 38, Jacka 51, Young 67, Mouncher 90+2

 

Saturday 21 February 2015

Ton Pentre 1, Aberdare Town 4

from Ton Pentre FC

Aberdare Town shocked the Bulldogs at Ynys Park with a 4-1 hammering that lifted themselves out of the Nathaniel Cars Welsh League Division One relegation zone, leaving Ton Pentre just above the bottom three on goal difference.

It was an all round bad performance for Ton Pentre who came up against an Aberdare Town team that were highly motivated for the Rhondda Cynon Taf derby match. The Bulldogs are now without a win in three league matches.

Ton Pentre have played less games than any other team in Division One and have five in hand over Garden Village, the team directly below the Bulldogs in the league table.

It was a disastrous start for Ton Pentre in this match when after just four minutes the Bulldogs defence failed to deal with Aberdare’s pressure that resulted in the ball hitting the back of the net.

Jaymie Wearn nearly equalised during the 11th minute of play when he headed Leon Jacka’s cross towards goal. It was a good effort but Ellis Nash produced a fine save to deny the striker.

Moments after Neil Collins was forced into pulling off a fine save, he was beaten for a second time when Aberdare were allowed clear into the box and shot across Collins to nestle the ball inside the far post.

The Bulldogs got themselves back into the match before half-time when Wearn received the ball on the edge of the penalty area and chipped his shot over Nash and into goal for 2-1. It was a lovely finish.

At the start of the second half, Ton Pentre looked to apply pressure on the Aberdare defence and they nearly levelled matters when Jacka unleashed a powerful effort from outside the box. The shot looked goal bound until Nash diverted it on to the post and behind for a fruitless corner kick.

Ton Pentre’s hopes of getting back into the match were completely dashed in the space of two minutes when against the run of play Aberdare made it 3-1 in the 58th minute before ripping the Bulldogs apart to score their fourth on the hour mark.

The Bulldogs seemed void of any fight back and whimpered their way to the end of the match, avoiding additional humiliation due to the saves of Collins during the final five minutes of play.

While the Aberdare players were elated at the final whistle, the mood of the Bulldogs players was in complete contrast.

Ton Pentre will be eager for their next match in order to bounce back from this disappointing defeat, however, it will not be easy to do so as they come up against Taffs Well at Ynys Park on Friday,  27 February at 7.30pm.

Ton Pentre’s position in the League is concerning and must make their games in hand count in order to pull away from the bottom.

Ton Pentre: 1. Neil Collins, 2. Adam Lewis, 3. Leon Young, 4. Tom Mouncher, 5. Thomas Davies, 6. Mark Crutch, 7. Andre Griffiths, 8. Leon Jacka, 9. Jaymie Wearn, 10. Shane Davies, 11. Connor Berry. Substitutes: 12. Ryan Jenkins (for Griffiths 66), 14. Adam Raymond, 15. James Dury, 16. Andrew Hughes (for Berry 66)

Goal: Wearn 42 

Caution: Lewis 38

 

Saturday 21 February 2015

AFC Llwydcoed 0, Caerleon 4

from AFC Llwydcoed

Caerleon gained a valuable three points in their relegation battle with goals from Mark Dunn (2),  Jamie Davies and Scott Lewis.  This meant Llwydcoed crashed to their eleventh defeat of the season, what a difference a week makes.

AFC Llwydcoed's manager Jarrod Price was unavailable due to work commitments so Ian Doherty stepped up to the manager's position.  Carl Jenkins was also unavailable due to work commitments and Jonathan Mason through injury so Chad Rombach and Tyler Hollidge received the call.

Caerleon started brightly through Jamie Davies and Sam Oakley attacking the Llwydcoed defence, Llwydcoed worked their way out of defence with Leon Bansal linking up with Joe Jenkins.  Caerleon stopped the threat and they threatened the Llwydcoed defence because of loss of possession when in attacking positions. 

After a scrappy opening Llwydcoed began to build a series of attacks, they almost scored the opening goal from a corner, Caerleon's goalkeeper Gareth Wesson saving a point blank effort, a goal for Llwydcoed at this stage would have been important. More good play by Llwydcoed saw them gain the impetus. Caerleon were still an attacking force because of Llwydcoed's carelessness in their distribution, Jamie Francis did well finding space and played a superb ball through the Llwydcoed defence but his Caerleon strikers failed to connect. Llwydcoed's defender Luke Davies was a tower of strength in the Llwydcoed defence as Caerleon threatened.  Llwydcoed had opportunities with Joe Jenkins shooting past the post  when through on goal  also Tyler Hollidge after a move involving Connor Wickham, Lewis Bansal and Garin Withers. Llwydcoed finished the half on top but no goals.

Llwydcoed started the second half with Scott Walters entering the play. Caerleon had the same line up and pressured the Llwydcoed defence and were rewarded for this spell of play with Mark Dunn intercepted Leon Bansal's pass and it flew off him to open the scoring.  Caerleon were on top, Llwydcoed's team spirit and belief was under scrutiny. 

Llwydcoed tried to build some attacks and Caerleon's Gareth Bennett kept his defenders together stopping the danger. Caerleon almost doubled their advantage only for some brilliant goalkeeping by Llwydcoed's Brett Davies stopped them together with the crossbar but they were not to be denied. Llwydcoed lost possession in midfield and Mark Dunn took full advantage of this and scored, when it looked as if Tomos Morris had it sorted.

Llwydcoed introduced substitute Christopher Vardon as an attacking threat hoping to reduce the scoreline but it was Caerleon who were on top and only some brilliant goalkeeping by Llwydcoed's Brett Davies prevented Caerleon from scoring, but they were not to be denied, a diagonal shot from Caerleon's Jamie Francis struck the crossbar  and Jamie Davies scored goal number three for his team.

The introduction of Llwydcoed's third substitute Jonathan Mason gave them fresh impetus. Llwydcoed kept trying to reduce the scoreline with Garin Withers and Michael Davies linking up play but the Caerleon defence was not to be breached.  It was Caerleon who looked more likely to score with Liam Head crashing a shot again the crossbar. Llwydcoed were punished again as they pushed forward and Caerleon's Scott Lewis scored his team's fourth goal to inflict a heavy defeat on Llwydcoed.

The anticipation before kick off was evident but Caerleon wanted it more as a team and grew in confidence after scoring the opening goal.

 

Saturday 21 February 2015

Pontardawe Town 1, Taffs Well 2

from Gary Thomas, Pontardawe Town FC

As Town reached 20 games for the league season, two thirds of the season over, the gap to Division One security lengthened to seven points after a narrow defeat to Taffs Well. Town took the field with a very young side due to injuries and absence with youngsters Matthew Coley and Corey Young starting up front.

Town started poorly and allowed Taffs Well to dominate the opening exchanges and they took full advantage when Marcus Jones scored with a fine shot after five minutes. In that early period, which was around 15 minutes, Town looked off the pace and the Wellmen could easily have added to their lead. To their credit the young Town side started to settle and the game became more of an equal contest. Town's key chance of the first half fell to Liam Griffiths but he lost his footing when the goal was at his mercy. Meanwhile at the other end Tyrone Topper and Sam Small for the Wellmen were causing no end of worry for the home defence but still Town came back at them with Coley, Young and Rhodri Dykes showing well but they lacked that final finish to get the goal they deserved.

The second half was a similar affair with both teams showing great attacking intent. The stand out player was Topper and with his close up skills, speed and vision the Wellmen had some real opportunities but through bravery, determination, and a fair bit of luck, the Town defence kept him out... until the 75th minute when, with a strong suggestion of offside, he picked the ball up in the area and shot powerfully giving Steve Reeve in Town's goal no chance.

Town just don't give up nowadays and on 87 minutes they were awarded a penalty which captain Luke Harris put away. Town then went all out for the equaliser and The Wellmen were looking very shaky but the goal didn't come and the visitors took the three points home while Town stay in 15th place.

A special mention again for the officials and especially referee Phil Thomas who was superb.

Photos Courtesy of Gareth Williams

 

Saturday 21 February 2015

Cwm Welfare 1, Llanelli Town 6

from Alan Evans, Llanelli Town FC

When the teams met at Stebonheath just after Christmas, the Reds recorded a thumping 7-0 win, and in the return at Mount Pleasant Park, they repeated the effort, with Luke Jones getting a hat trick, Anthony Owens weighing in with a brace, while Richard Lewis smashed in a penalty.

With nearest rivals Ammanford going down to a 4-1 defeat at Bridgend Street following a midweek 6-3 loss  at the hands of Pontypridd Town, they have now lost three games on the bounce, allowing the Reds to stretch their points advantage at the top of the table to nine, although their near- neighbours still have four games in hand.

Not surprisingly after the epic 5-3 win at Ammanford the previous week, the visitors named the same starting line-up, the only changes being on the bench with Rhys Powell returning after a one match suspension, while Steve Stone was also included.

On a heavy pitch, two decent early chances fell to the home side, but both Craig Roberts and Rhys Williams failed to take advantage.

They were made to pay for these lapses when their opponents struck twice within a four minute spell, the first coming courtesy of a Mark Napieralla clearance which was misjudged by a Cwm defender, allowing Owens to gain possession before beating keeper Gavin Rees inside his near post in the 14th minute.

Luke Jones then got his first four minutes later, doing well to win a tussle for the ball to stab his attempt goalwards where it took a deflection off Lewis Bowden on its way past Rees.

The visitors were well in control, and Rees did well to deny Owens with a good block in the box when Steve Berry set up the opportunity.

Cwm were struggling to get a foothold in proceedings, although Peter Scammell in the Reds' goal was called upon to keep out at full stretch a free kick by Thomas Holder from just outside the box when Williams was fouled.

When the Reds countered, Owens was thwarted again, this time by Joshua Sweeney with a saving tackle as he was about to pull the trigger.

On the stroke of half time, the home goal survived another scare with Lee Bevan seeing his effort scrambled clear when he connected with a Lewis free kick into the goalmouth.

The same scenario continued when the second half commenced, with Rees called into early action by saving at the feet of Owens when he pursued a ball into the area from Robert Thomas, but he was beaten for a third time after 53 minutes when Bruno Forkuoh was brought down in the box by Ashley Hollingshead, and Lewis stepped up to duly drive the spot kick emphatically past the keeper.

At the other end, Berry was well positioned to cut out a potentially dangerous cross by Williams when the home side pushed forward, but a three goal burst within seven minutes by the Reds put the contest well and truly out of the reach of their opponents.

Luke Jones took full advantage of some sloppy defending to win the ball before lofting it over a helpless Rees into a vacant goal on 61 minutes, and completed his hat trick four minutes later when Lewis laid on the chance which he finished off in some style.

With the game virtually won, the visitors made a couple of changes with Jamie Evans and Ross Jones being replaced by Powell and Bartdome Bauza, and within two minutes of this they struck again, with Jones turning provider by finding Owens who made no mistake after 68 minutes.

A rare moment of action came the way of Scammell when he was forced off his line to block Williams when he pursued a through ball by David Cachia.

Rees did well to keep out a snap near post shot by Forkuoh, before on the stroke of time Cwm were reduced to 10 men following the dismissal of Holder for a second yellow card.

With referee Mark Hulbert adding on what seemed to be an inordinate amount of stoppage time, Williams missed an open goal when he shot wide with only Scammell to beat, before finally getting a consolation reward in the fifth minute of added time when he found the bottom corner.

An easy win for the Reds who will have far tougher assignments than this before the end of the season, and they will be hoping to maintain the winning sequence with the visit on Saturday to Stebonheath of Tredegar Town. Kick off: 2.00pm.

Cwm Welfare: Rees; Hollingshead (B Jenkins, 60); J Jenkins (Cachia, 23); Sweeney; Bowden ©; Alford (Collins, 63); Holder; L Jenkins; Roberts; Williams; Lloyd.

Llanelli Town:  Scammell; Napieralla; Lewis; Berry; Evans (Powell, 66); Bevan ©; Forkuoh; R Jones (Bauza, 66); L Jones (Jenkins, 74); Thomas; Owens. Subs not used: Wilson; Stone.

Scorers: Cwm Welfare – Williams, 90+5. Llanelli Town – Owens, 14, 68; L Jones, 18, 61, 65; Lewis, 53 (P).

Yellow cards: Cwm Welfare – Lloyd; Bowden; Holder (2). Llanelli Town – Berry; Bevan.

Red card: Cwm Welfare – Holder.

Referee: Mark Hulbert (Merthyr).

Llanelli Town's Steve Berry (right) and Cwm Welfare's Gareth Lloyd (centre) battle in mid-field

Llanelli Town's captain, Lee Bevan, stands strong in defence

Llanelli Town's Anthony Owens avoids a tackle

Llanelli Town's Luke Jones scores his hat-trick goal

Pictures (c) 2015, keithphoto2003@yahoo.co.uk

 

Saturday 14 February 2015

Briton Ferry Llansawel 1, Goytre 1

from Stuart Williams, Briton Ferry Llansawel FC

A last gasp equaliser from captain Gavin Jones salvaged a deserved point for Carl Shaw's team against Goytre in Welsh League Division One on Saturday afternoon at the Old Road.

Shaw brought back Ian Hillier into the team with Dan Kingdom shifting to left back in Josh Pike's absence, Scott Kenyon was also given his first start for a while in place of player/coach Lee John.

The hosts dominated possession early doors and had a good chance to take the lead after only five minutes when a lovely lofted through ball by Steve Davey gave centre forward Ryan Griffiths a clear opportunity but his scuffed shot was easily held by keeper Nick Thomas.

Everyone in the ground thought the Ferry did have the lead on 17 minutes when a Steve Davey free kick resulted in defender Ian Hillier rising highest to head past Thomas, but the celebrations were short lived with the referees assistant raising his flag for offside.

The well organised back four of Hudson, Cockings, Hillier and Kingdom looked to be dealing well with the physicality of Goytre forwards Matthew Prosser and Craig Moses but the Ferry seemed to just lack ideas in the final third for the remainder of a goalless half.

The visitors seemed more sprightly in their game play at the start of the second half with forward Josh Bull going close with a long range drive on 59 minutes and started asking more questions of the Ferry defence although only one good Luke Probert save was needed during their spell of pressure.

However the deadlock was broken on 71 minutes and it was from the penalty spot with a definite Ian Hillier foul in the box punished by striker Craig Moses who made no mistake from 12 yards for a 1-0 lead.

Shaw threw on John and attackers Tim Stephens and Sam Baker to try and find a way through a spirited Goytre team and it took a moment of magic from Gavin Jones to finally beat keeper Thomas.

A corner was cleared to the edge of the box deep in injury time and with one touch to settle the ball the Ferry skipper unleashed an unstoppable left foot drive into the top right hand corner for a well deserved point for the men in red.

Ferry: Probert, D Hudson, Kingdom, Cockings, Hillier, Healey, W Hudson, Kenyon, Davey, Griffiths, Jones. Subs: John, Stephens, Baker, Thomas.

Man of the match - Gavin Jones - Back to his best form looked the most likely to create a chance and found a piece of magic to gain a point.

Next up for the Ferry is the visit to league leaders Cardiff Met on Saturday, kick off 2.00pm.

 

Saturday 14 February 2015

AFC Llwydcoed 5, Risca United 0

from AFC Llwydcoed

Llwydcoed regained  their winning habits with a high scoring victory, Garin Withers scoring a superb hat trick, the match could have been closer if Risca had taken their early brilliant chances.

AFC Llwydcoed Manager Jarrod Price included new signings Leon Bansal, Lewis Bansal in the starting line up and Christopher Vardon on the substitutes bench replacing Matthew Doherty (suspended) Ricky Carter and Ryan Barry (injured) and Sebastian Haggett (vacation) so Carl Jenkins received a call up after injury as well.

Risca settled quickly and began to create attacks, they had a glorious opportunity to open the scoring after a mix up in  the Llwydcoed's defence but David Hurley shot wide of an open goal, what a let off for Llwydcoed.

Llwydcoed's early play came through Leon Bansal and Michael Davies trying to create space, Risca responded through Aaron Colwill and David Hurley, they got behind Llwydcoed's midfield and defence and it took some top defending by Luke Davies and Tomos Morris who cleared the danger. Another chance for Risca saw Tomos Morris clear off the goal line. 

Risca should have been in the lead but Llwydcoed took full advantage of this,  Garin Withers, Lewis Bansal and Joe Jenkins began to move the ball into the space left by Risca so the warning signs were there and the opening goal arrived after Connor Wickham and Garin Withers played Jonathan Mason into space, he flew past the Risca defender and picked out Carl Jenkins to score a fine goal. 

Llwydcoed's movement began to become more evident and a second goal soon followed and again Jonathan Mason raced clear from a Luke Davies pass out of defence to cross and found Joe Jenkins to score.  Shortly after this Jonathan Mason pulled his hamstring, Christopher Vardon replaced him.  Llwydcoed's players' work rate was superb, they had moved up a gear and could have scored more goals in the first half.

Risca started  the second half pressing the Llwydcoed defence with Matthew Thomas and Tony Wallis forcing the Llwydcoed goalkeeper Brett Davies into a good  save Llwydcoed  responded after the defence and midfield were as one working and covering the Risca threat. 

Michael Davies was beginning to create more opportunities and it took a good save by Risca's goalkeeper Leigh Sharp to stop him from scoring. The goals were not long arriving, clever play by Connor Wickham and Joe Jenkins saw Garin Withers score his second shooting low past the Risca goalkeeper Leigh Sharp.  

The match was end to end when Risca attacked Llwydcoed's defenders Leon Bansal, Tomos Morris, Luke Davies, Lewis Bansal and goalkeeper Brett Davies were superb.

Llwydcoed then began to dominate possession and Garin Withers scored his second and completed his hat trick from the penalty spot after Michael Davies  was fouled. 

Both teams used their substitutes with Tyler Hollidge coming on for Llwydcoed.  Risca kept trying to open their goal account with some attacking threats but it was Llwydcoed who recorded a brilliant team victory based on total commitment, skill and playing for the badge.

 

Saturday 14 February 2015

Taffs Well 1, Ton Pentre 0

Nathaniel Cars Welsh League Cup Round Four

from Ton Pentre FC

Ton Pentre suffered Nathaniel Cars League Cup disappointment at Taffs Well after the Bulldogs were eliminated from the competition following an eighth minute goal. The Rhondda club were also dealt a cruel blow in the 90th minute when their equalising goal was ruled out for offside.

It was a decent display of football from Ton Pentre, who matched a Taffs Well team that has been enjoying a good run of late, and the Bulldogs didn’t deserve to go out in the manner that they did.

With just eight minutes on the clock, a Taffs Well cross from the left wing provided an opportunity for an attacker to strike the ball at Neil Collins and the Bulldogs goalkeeper appeared to be set for a routine save. The ball however, took an awkward bounce and Collins spilled possession directly into the path of a Taffs Well player who was left with an easy finish to make it 1-0 to the Wellmen. It was uncharacteristic mistake from Collins, who is an exceptional goalkeeper.

Ton Pentre’s best chance to equalise in the first half came from a 21st minute corner when Thomas Davies headed the ball on at the far post to Ryan Jenkins, whose overhead kick had Steve Hall worried until it went wide of the left post.

On the hour mark, Leon Jacka was having some joy up the right and when he opened up space by dummying his way around a defender, he crossed for Jenkins. The former Barry Town player then chipped a little cross in the direction of strike partner Jaymie Wearn, who headed wide of the right post.

During the 62nd minute of play a corner kick nearly brought Ton Pentre an equaliser when Mark Crutch saw his diving header cleared off the line and behind for what the Bulldogs thought was another corner, however, the match officials somehow decided that it should be a goal kick.

The Bulldogs deserved at least an equaliser in this match and in the 90th minute they thought they’d scored it following some pressure in and around the Taffs Well box.

When the ball was crossed into the box, Leon Young knew he wasn’t in a position to score it and so headed it square across the six-yard box where Shane Davies pounced to head the ball into the back of the net.

As Ton Pentre celebrated, the goal was soon ruled out by the assistant referee’s decision to raise his flag for offside. The Bulldogs argued that the ball had not moved forward but sideways, however, the decision had been made and Ton Pentre were out of the League Cup.

Overall, Bulldogs manager Lee Phillips, will be happy with his team’s display and will look forward to facing his former club as Aberdare Town visit Ynys Park on Saturday, 21 February 2015 at 2.00pm.

Ton Pentre: 1. Neil Collins, 2. Leon Young, 3. Connor Berry, 4. Tom Mouncher, 5. Thomas Davies, 6. Mark Crutch, 7. Andre Griffiths, 8. Leon Jacka, 9. Ryan Jenkins (Andrew Hughes 79), 10. Shane Davies, 11. Jaymie Wearn.

 

Saturday 14 February 2015

Ammanford 3, Llanelli Town 5

from Alan Evans, Llanelli Town FC

The pre-match hype surrounding the clash between the two top sides in the division proved to be fully justified, as an exhilarating contest produced a hat full of goals as well as fully committed performances from both sides, with the visitors finally bringing to an end Ammanford's incredible 15 match unbeaten run, but perhaps more importantly, placing a little more light between themselves and the chasing pack.

Referee Luke Gregory also played his part in overseeing the game between the near-neighbours, which at times became feisty but never threatened to get out of control.

The Reds welcomed back two key players into the starting line-up – Luke Jones after his four match suspension and Jamie Evans following a long-term injury, and the former, despite notching up the opening goal could well have gone on to score more, but each time seemed to freeze at the vital moment.

The visitors were on the front foot from the outset, with Richard Lewis having his free kick blocked by the defensive wall, while Steve Berry curled another set piece narrowly over the Ammanford goal.

Luke Jones then had his first chance after accepting a through ball, but delayed his shot when well placed and was eventually crowded out and the opportunity lost.

Another well struck shot by Lewis from distance forced keeper James Kirkwood to parry and then gratefully gather it at head height, before the Reds took the lead on 19 minutes with Lewis again involved, making a run down the left before crossing for Luke Jones to connect and steer the ball beyond Kirkwood.

The home side were being pegged back in their own half, and were fortunate not to fall further behind when a Lewis free kick rebounded off the post with the keeper beaten.

Against the run of play, the hosts got back on level terms following a rare sortie into their opponents' half when a speculative shot on target led to Peter Scammell in the Reds' goal parrying the effort but was unable to grasp it cleanly, allowing Matthew Fisher a simple tap-in from point blank range in the 23rd minute.

Stung by this unexpected reverse, the Reds countered and regained the initiative six minutes later through Berry who curled a superb free kick from 25 yards into the top corner with Kirkwood helpless.

They should then have gone further ahead when Lee Bevan hoisted a clearance into the box which fell to Luke Jones a few yards from goal, but he failed to make a clean connection and the keeper was able to smother at his feet.

This miss was exemplified when on the stroke of half time Ammanford equalised for a second time through prolific striker, Craig Frater, although Scammell should have done better with his free kick from 30 yards which soared over the wall but went at a nice height for the keeper, but he was unable to keep it out.

All square at the break, the second half commenced with the hosts showing far more dominance than in the first period, although an initial chance fell to the Reds with Kirkwood blocking a Bruno Forkuoh attempt low at his near post.

A quickly taken home set-piece led to Scammell coming off his line to block, but on the hour mark, the Reds found themselves trailing for the first time when Berry clipped the heels of Fisher in the box leading to the award of a penalty, which Frater despatched down the middle.

Despite this setback, the visitors were still creating chances with most of them falling to the luckless Luke Jones, with him again failing to finish when Berry found him close to goal, allowing Kirkwood to gather, and when the keeper scuffed an attempted clearance, it fell into the path of Jones, but this time his effort was just deflected for a corner.

They had better luck after 71 minutes when Declan John, who had earlier replaced Robert Thomas, delivered a corner to the near post which appeared to be met by Bevan, although the final touch which took it past Kirkwood could well have come off a home player.

This success gave the Reds a timely boost, and they were again on top, regaining the lead on 77 minutes when Lewis after a strong run into the box was adjudged to have been fouled, and he took the spot kick himself, blasting it into the bottom corner.

Prior to this, the visitors had made a couple of changes with Sam Wilson replacing Forkuoh and Kellan Jenkins coming on for Luke Jones, but there was concern when Ross Jones was floored by a heavy challenge from Kurtis Morgan, but thankfully recovered after treatment.

With the clock running down, the contest was still in the melting pot, and Reds' supporters hearts were in their mouths when the home team pushed forward, with them going close to yet another equaliser when Scammell pushed out a cross into the goalmouth which was then driven back into the danger area, but somehow a number of strikes were scrambled off the line.

In stoppage time, the visitors finally put the result beyond doubt following some good initial play by John assisted by Wilson, which allowed the former to win possession before beating Kirkwood from close range.

A pulsating game for which both sides must take great credit, but the Reds will be hoping for a somewhat easier ride when they travel to meet Cwm Welfare next Saturday. Kick off 2.00pm.

Ammanford: Kirkwood; Salvage; Davies; Griffiths; R Fisher ©; N Jones; Squires; Enoch (Morgan, 78); Frater; M Fisher; Morris (Richards, 85). Subs not used: M Jones; Fayres; Rano.

Llanelli Town: Scammell; Napieralla; Lewis; Berry; Evans; Bevan ©; Forkuoh (Wilson, 72); R Jones; L Jones (Jenkins, 73); Thomas (John, 62); Owens. Subs not used: Bauza; Hughes.  

Scorers: Ammanford – M Fisher, 23; Frater, 45, 60 (P). Llanelli Town – L Jones, 19; Berry, 29; Bevan, 71; Lewis, 77 (P); John, 90+3.

Yellow cards: Ammanford – Squires; Morris; Morgan. Llanelli Town – R Jones; Bevan.

Referee: Luke Gregory (Swansea).

Llanelli Town's Luke Jones celebrates his goal with the travelling supporters

Llanelli Town's Anthony Owens (right) gets past a defender

Llanelli Town's  Sam WILSON (left) runs at Rhys FISHER

Llanelli Town's Manager, Bob Jeffrey, congratulates his players

Pictures (c) 2015, keithphoto2003@yahoo.co.uk

 

Saturday 7 February 2015

AFC Llwydcoed 4, Tata Steel 5

from AFC Llwydcoed

Llwydcoed's players brave attempt to secure a point after being reduced to 10 players after 20 minutes and then losing defender Ryan Barry to injury also in the first half was dealt a cruel blow when Tata's substitute Daniel Williams scored to steal the points for the Port Talbot-based Club in their relegation battle.

AFC Llwydcoed Manager Jarrod Price recalled Ricky Carter and Michael Davies to the starting line up.

The playing surface was in superb condition inviting football. Tata started the brighter full of belief with Gavin Williams who picked out Tom Phillips who shot wide, they pressured Llwydcoed's defence time and again early doors.

Llwydcoed's players were not working hard enough to stop the Tata players building from defence through to attack. Tata were winning free kicks taken by Connor Harris, his delivery just needed a touch to open the scoring and then after such a poor start by Llwydcoed they broke from defence, Joe Jenkins hit a first time pass across to Ricky Carter who raced clear to score a quality goal. 

Tata responded and equalised when Tom Phillips headed home a superb cross from Connor Harris after Llwydcoed had given away possession. Worse was to follow for Llwydcoed when Matthew Doherty was dismissed. Llwydcoed's indiscipline  is something that has to improve. So, for the second week they were down to 10 players, Michael Davies was withdrawn for tactical reasons, defender Luke Davies replacing him. 

Tata kept the grip on the match working harder as a team.  Gradually Llwydcoed began  to create attacks through Garin Withers, Jonathan Mason and Joe Jenkins bringing Ricky Carter into space, he raced clear but this time the Tata defence cleared the danger.  Tata regained the advantage when Tom Phillips scored taking full advantage of a Llwydcoed mistake.  As the half time whistle approached Llwydcoed almost equalised when Jonathan Mason's free kick crashed against the bar, then they lost defender Ryan Barry through injury, Jarrod Price replaced him.

Llwydcoed's players knew they  had to increase the work rate in the second half to have any chance of building a challenge. Tata threatened through Connor Harris, and then Llwydcoed's Connor Wickham and Jarrod Price who began to pressure the Tata defence, something they did not do in the fist half. More good play by Llwydcoed when Tomos Morris made a superb run through the middle that was just cleared but Tata had other ideas and they took full advantage of the space they were given, Tom Phillips played an undefendable cross through the Llwydcoed defence and Christopher Parfitt scored the third Tata goal.  

Llwydcoed rallied and after a spell of pressure Ricky Carter reduced the score line. Worse was to follow, a similar move by Tata who took full advantage of Llwydcoed's poor defending on the left side, Llwydcoed's goalkeeper Brett Davies pulled off an outstanding save, Tom Phillips scored after the ball broke after the save.  Llwydcoed had been punished for some poor defending but the  spirit and belief they showed for the remainder of the game shows what they can do, they reduced the deficit when they won a penalty that Ricky Carter scored from and then a move of real quality involving Jonathan Mason, Carl Jenkins and Ricky Carter saw Garin Withers equalise. 

So from 3-1 down and 4-2 down Llwydcoed had drawn level with 10 players. Tata were the team under pressure, they could have taken the lead but Ricky Carter was adjudged  offside, a big decision by the Assistant Referee. 

Llwydcoed had used their three substitutes with Carl Jenkins replacing Connor Wickham, Tata had a chance to win the game through Thomas Edwards his shot sailing over the bar. Tata used their full compliment of substitutes, the match was still there to be one by either team. Llwydcoed had chances and then as the match entered injury time Tata's Daniel Williams found space in the Llwydcoed defence and scored to win the game for Tata.

A pulsating match Llwydcoed's 10 players had given everything but when you score four goals and lose that tells the tale of a cruel ending.

 

Saturday 7 February 2015

Pontardawe Town 0, Garden Village 1

from Gary Thomas, Pontardawe Town FC

After overnight frost there was doubt right up until an hour before kick off as to whether the game would go ahead but the officials arrived and confirmed all was good to go. Town made two changes to the team with captain Luke Harris coming in as centre half for Niall Thomas and Marc Jones replacing Steve Hughes. Village arrived with lots of familiar faces both on the pitch and in the dugout.

The first half was a feisty one with lots of on and off the ball incidents and a few meaty tackles. In terms of play it was pretty equal with Josh Dorward, Liam Griffiths and Mark Jones linking up well for Town and Garry Taylor and Sam Brown showing for the visitors. It was Dorward who nearly made the breakthrough as he scrambled to win the ball on the right hand side of the area but from his cross Alex Wild was unable to get any power on his shot and Luke Fleming in the visitor's goal save down to his left. Not long after that Sam Brown, who earlier could have been the first to be given his marching orders for an apparent two-footed lunge, put the visitors ahead with a precision low shot after poor marking by Town from a cross. Town continued to attack but were unable to get the equaliser and the game went into half time with the visitors ahead.

The second half was a calmer affair and as a result it was a more entertaining game of football. Town were solid at the back and this gave Rhodri Dykes and Cameron Harris more licence to go forward and, as a result, it seemed that Town were going to get the equaliser their play deserved. Town though lacked that quality finish so despite the excellent build up there just wasn't the end product to get the ball over the line and into the net. Meanwhile, Village were starting to benefit from Town's push forward and the odd chance was coming their way but they also failed to find the net.

The only real incident of the second half was a lunge by Town's Mark Jones which saw him get a red card although it is fair to say that it did not appear to be any worse than a similar incident in the first half. Even with 10 men Town probably ended the game the better side and Rhodri Dykes was putting in a man of the match performance up and down the pitch. The final chance came to substitute Matthew Coley who neatly skipped past a few defenders in the box but his cross cum shot eluded the approaching Dykes and a massive equalising chance went begging.

Village ended the game the victors and moved seven points clear of Town who remain in 15th place.

 

Photos Courtesy of Gareth Williams (gawills@hotmail.co.uk)

 

Saturday 7 February 2015

Caerau 3, Llanelli Town 1

from Alan Evans, Llanelli Town FC

Refereeing at any level of the game is a thankless task and the further down the football pyramid the more difficult is becomes, particularly if you are the sole official.

Aylwin Jones in charge of this clash did not endear himself to the visitors with some of his decisions, when he waved away their objections to at least two of the home goals which appeared to be achieved from offside positions, while he also dismissed Reds' central defender Rhys Powell for hauling back Caerau's Ryan Jones who seemed to be standing offside when the offence was committed.

Having said that, the visitors, while being incensed with decisions, must learn to discipline themselves even when they go against them or are seemingly wrong.

Peter Scammell took over in the visitors' goal following the red card shown to Craig Richards in the previous match at Cardiff Corinthians, while Bartidome Bauza was included for his first full start.

A shapeless 20 minutes on a heavy playing surface produced little by either side in the way of creative moves, the nearest effort stemming from a Bauza finish which he screwed just off target.

When the home side pushed forward, a slip by Richard Lewis allowed Jones a run on goal, but his control let him down and the ball ran harmlessly out of play for a goal kick.

Jones was then involved for the hosts' opener after 29 minutes, when with the visitors appealing for an offside decision, he made ground before squaring a pass inside for Chay Davies who fired low past Scammell.

Despite this setback, the Reds continued to enjoy plenty of possession, but as so often, the final ball lacked quality with Bruno Forkuoh driving over the top with players waiting for a cross, before they went close from a Lewis corner to the far post which led to Powell challenging keeper Matthew Rees for possession, but eventually the danger was scrambled clear.

The second period began with Rees going down at the feet of Bauza in the box to grab the ball as it was about to slip from his grasp, while he was called into action again, this time keeping out a well struck shot by Lee Bevan.

Four minutes into the half, the visitors were reduced to 10 men for the second successive game with the dismissal of Powell, with Bauza being sacrificed by being brought off with Steve Berry taking his place in the back four.

A Lewis corner was headed just over by Robert Thomas, but Caerau could well have added to the lead when Scammell scuffed a clearance when he lost his footing allowing Jones a free run on goal, but his finish was hopelessly off target.

The home striker did go slightly nearer shortly after when he picked up a defensive clearance in space, but again he failed to find the net with his final effort.

At the other end, Anthony Owen who had replace Matthew Hughes, headed into the arms of Rees from close range following a Mark Napieralla delivery, while Lewis saw his attempt blocked by the keeper in the area.

The Reds were on top but just could not find the killer blow to unlock their opponents, with Thomas directing a header against the bar from another cross by Napieralla.

Finally the pressure brought its reward with an equaliser arriving on 74 minutes with Lewis again involved, this time driving a ball across the six yard line for Owen to turn it home.

Caerau retaliated, and Scammell was called upon to turn around a well struck shot by Robbie Walters, before the same player put his side back into the lead, albeit again looking well offside, slotting past Scammell after 77 minutes.

Rees did well to save at full stretch a fiercely struck free Lewis free kick, but in stoppage time the Reds` fate was sealed when their opponents notched up a third following a scramble on the goal line which culminated in the loose ball being met by Joshua Roach to drive it home.

After two successive defeats, and with only three points separating themselves from second placed Ammanford who have five games in hand, the Reds' clash with their near neighbours at the Recreation Ground on Saturday could well prove to be a crucial turning point in the season for both teams. Kick off is at 2.00pm.

Caerau: Rees; R James; Davis; Mizen; Roach; Sam James; Davies (Walters, 42); Shaun James (Hicks, 84); Jones; Price ©; Page. Subs not used: Jenkins; Shearan; Hughes.

Llanelli Town: Scammell; Napieralla; Lewis; R Jones; Powell; Bevan ©; Forkuoh; Thomas; Wilson; Bauza (Berry, 50); Hughes (Owen, 61). Subs not used: Jenkins; Martin.

Scorers: Caerau:  Davies, 29; Walters, 77; Roach, 90+2. Llanelli Town: Owen, 74.

Yellow cards: Caerau: R James; Shaun James; Mizen. Llanelli Town: R Jones.

Red card: Llanelli Town: Powell.

Referee: Aylwin Jones (Resolven).

Matthew Hughes is foiled by Caerau's 'keeper, Matthew Rees

Llanelli Town's Bruno Forkuoh (left) "in-flight" on the wing

Llanelli Town put pressure on Caerau's goal

Llanelli Town's Mark Napieralla puts in a cross

Pictures (c) 2015, keithphoto2003@yahoo.co.uk

 

Friday 30 January 2015

Briton Ferry Llansawel 1, Pontardawe Town 1

from Stuart Williams, Briton Ferry Llansawel FC

A good crowd braved the freezing conditions at the Old Road on Friday evening to see a below par Briton Ferry Llansawel being held to a draw against plucky Pontardawe Town.

Manager Carl Shaw kept faith with the eleven that showed great character to gain a point at Caerau Ely the week previous with defender Ian Hillier returning to the bench after injury and young winger Johnny Davies also joining the squad.

The visitors saw the return of exciting prospect Joshua Dorward who has missed many of their games due to work commitments this season.

Referee Mark Whitby blew his whistle with nearly 200 supporters hoping for another three points to keep the Ferry on the tails of the leading pack, and the hosts did start the brighter enjoying most of the early possession with a few early corners, a Josh Cockings header just over the bar being the best chance.

Some good play from Rory Healey on 18 minutes in the centre of midfield released Ryan Griffiths, the young winger's cut back found Warren Hudson, his well hit drive just went wide of keeper Steve Reeves post.

The visitors had their best chance on 20 minutes when Liam Griffiths looping header saw Ferry skipper Gavin Jones executing a superb goal line clearance.

Only a minute later Jones did the damage at the other end of the pitch when a shot was blocked and cleared and he volleyed the ball from outside the box back into the bottom right hand corner for a great goal and a 1-0 lead.

The breakthrough for the hosts was probably the highlight of the game as after the goal it was probably the most subdued performance to date with a lack of intent and workmanship that has been the team's forte so far this season.

Liam Griffiths had another effort for the visitors on half hour but his shot cleared the crossbar, before an excellent speculative drive from Gavin Jones from 40 yards nearly caught visiting keeper Reeve out.

Pontardawe were growing with belief with a good first 10 minutes after the interval and had another effort cleared off the line from a corner on 53 minutes, then at the other end minutes later Ryan Griffiths wormed his way past two defenders in the box before his cut back went just behind Dean Hudson yards from goal.

The Ferry seemed to be going through the motions and were punished on 68 minutes with a superb bit of solo play from Dorward, the young winger twisting and turning past his marker before curling an effort into the top right corner with keeper Luke Probert helpless.

The biggest highlight of the second half was a 10 minute delay with a floodlight problem that goes to show how disappointing a performance it had been. However the Ferry should have found an unjust winner on 87 minutes when Ryan Griffiths again did well out wide before cutting back the ball to Steve Davey, with the goal at his mercy from four yards he skewed his shot way over the bar.

A draw being a fair result on the night with the visitors showing plenty of signs of not giving up their fight for division one football just yet.

Next up for the Ferry is a trip to Ton Pentre on Saturday in the league before the visit of Monmouthshire-based Goytre a week later.

Ferry: Probert, D Hudson, Pike, Cockings, Kingdom, Healey, John, W Hudson, Davey, Griffiths, Jones. Subs: R Hudson, Hillier, Kenyon, Davies, Thomas.

Ferry Man of the match - Gavin Jones - busy all night with a great goal, getting back to his best form.

 

Saturday 31 January 2015

Undy Athletic 1, AFC Llwydcoed 3

from AFC Llwydcoed

Llwydcoed travelled home to the Cynon Valley with a much needed victory a deserved one after four consecutive defeats.

AFC Llwydcoed Manager Jarrod Price made two changes after last week's heavy defeat with Tyler Hollidge and Joe Jenkins receiving the call.

Llwydcoed settled early looking to prevent a disastrous  start like last week. They made things harder by giving possession to Undy who threatened the Llwydcoed defence with Martyn Phillips and Ben Davies accepting possession trying to bring Gareth Cullimore and Ollie Beckett into attacking space. The Llwydcoed defenders were under pressure at this early stage.  Undy were looking to make the breakthrough from this pressure, Llwydcoed's goalkeeper Brett Davies had to be alert from these attacks.

Llwydcoed gradually began to clear the danger and build from midfield with Tomos Morris, Connor Wickham and Joe Jenkins combining.  Undy returned to the attack and they scored the opening goal after a hopeful shot was deflected into the path of Ollie Beckett who took full advantage and scored with a cool finish, a cruel goal for Llwydcoed to concede after a resolute opening.

Undy were looking to add to their total but Llwydcoed's Connor Wickham had other ideas, he picked up a loose ball in midfield and hit a screamer from 35 yards, what a goal.  The match swung towards Llwydcoed  as they began to threaten through Tomos Morris, Garin Withers and Joe Jenkins finding Sebastian Haggett, the Undy defence were under pressure. 

Llwydcoed came desperately close to scoring goal number two with Sebastian Haggett flying through the Undy defence, more good play by Jonathan Mason and Connor Wickham saw Tomos Morris flying in the penalty area but no penalty.  Undy were the team under pressure but from a rare attack Llwydcoed were awarded a free kick for a late tackle by an Undy player and Llwydcoed's Jordan Ellis responded with a tackle and received a red card. So from being in the ascendency  Llwydcoed were reduced to 10 players and under pressure, another superb effort from Connor Wickham nearly gave him a second goal just before half time.

Llwydcoed's Captain Tomos Morris remained in defence after the red card organising his defence and midfield to hopefully stop the Undy threat. They received a superb boost at the start of the second half, that player again, Connor Wickham hit a wonderful pass over the Undy defence for Joe Jenkins to move onto to score with an equally brilliant finish. What a start to the second half for Llwydcoed.  Their football and work ethic was gaining more  confidence. They were the team playing all the football with a player less. Undy had to respond and when they did Llwydcoed players defended as one with Ryan Barry, Tyler Hollidge superb.

Llwydcoed could have added to their goal total with Joe Jenkins and Sebastian Haggett almost scoring, Undy goalkeeper James Smallcombe saving well from both players.

Llwydcoed introduced Ricky Carter looking for fresh impetus.  Undy began to push players forward, Llwydcoed's defence and goalkeeper Brett Davies stopped the attacks winning the aerial challenge with some tremendous brave headers. 

Another Llwydcoed substitution saw Chad Rombach enter the play as the match entered the final quarter Undy were reduced to 10 players.

Llwydcoed's defence and midfield supported each other and covering the space they were rewarded for their teamwork when Ricky Carter and Garin Withers played Connor Wickham into space and he finished with class to secure a deserved victory.  The victory was a superb team effort.

 

Saturday 31 January 2015

Cardiff Corinthians 3, Llanelli Town 0

from Alan Evans, Llanelli Town FC

Perhaps more pertinent than the loss of the Reds' unbeaten league record was the manner in which it was achieved, with the visitors toothless in attack and, as a consequence, rarely threatening their opponents' goal.

Their only notable efforts were from a Bruno Forkuoh shot which struck an upright, and a Lee Bevan header which was diverted for a corner by Corries' keeper Ian Loveless.

The dismissal of goalkeeper Craig Richards after 58 minutes for a retaliatory kick on Andre Phillips, who seemed to commit the original offence, also did nothing to enhance their cause, and with Michael Hughes taking over the goalkeeping duties, he was unfortunately responsible for the opening goal.

An eminently forgettable opening 20 minutes only led to one half chance for either side when the hosts' Jonathan Jeffries just failed to connect with a Kofi Rowe cross into the box.

As for the Reds, they were displaying plenty of willingness but without any end product, with Loveless seldom being tested to any great extent.

Richards got down to grasp at full stretch a ball driven across the six-yard area by Rowe, but overall the standard of play never rose above the mediocre.

The only meaningful move of the half by either side arose when Forkuoh did well to evade a number of challenges before unleashing a shot which came back off the base of the post, and when Robert Thomas met the rebound, Ben Matthews was positioned on the line to clear.

This near miss seemed to give the visitors some much needed impetus, and just before the break a move up the right flank involving Mark Napieralla led to him finding Forkuoh, and he in turn played in Thomas, but his finish deflected off a defender and over the top.

An early second half opportunity fell to Forkuoh when he dispossessed Alasdair Gurney, but having got into the box, his intended pass failed to pick out a colleague, and the Corries were able to clear the danger.

Loveless was finally called into action, pushing clear a Richard Lewis free kick delivered into the goalmouth, while the same player saw his snap shot diverted around by the home keeper.

The Reds were at last looking the more likely of the sides to break the deadlock, with Loveless again being forced to push away another Lewis cross which then fell to Hughes, but he was unable to take advantage.

With the contest apparently swinging in their favour, the visitors were then hugely disrupted by the sending-off of Richards, and their opponents gradually began to make their numerical superiority count, with Hughes being called into action by diverting the ball clear and forcing Phillips wide when he bore down on goal.

It was perhaps inevitable that the stand-in keeper would be finally tested, and when this occurred it led to the opening Corries goal in the 70th minute after Rowe made a run up the right before sending over a head high cross which Hughes could only help into the net.

Hughes redeemed himself somewhat by keeping out at his near post an attempt by substitute Dan Omoregie with almost his first touch. Before the lead was extended on 79 minutes following a run to the goal line by Dean Clifford who hoisted a ball to the far post for Phillips to head home.

The visitors then survived going even further behind when a poor kick out by Hughes fell into the path of Clifford, and from fully 35 yards, he despatched an attempt towards the vacant goal, but the ball rebounded off the bar and into the grateful arms of Hughes who had made ground towards the intended target.

At the other end, Loveless did well to deny Bevan when he directed his header from a Napieralla free kick goalwards, but in stoppage time the Reds' fate was finally sealed when a quick counter up the middle culminated in Omoregie finding the bottom corner with a well-placed finish.

A disappointing end to a great unbeaten run by the visitors, and they will have to swiftly regroup for another test next Saturday when they travel to meet Caerau. Kick off 2.00pm.

Cardiff Corinthians: Loveless; Matthews (Clifford, 46); Finn; Noyes; Johnson; Greenslade ©; Rowe; Jeffries; Brain (Omoregie, 79); Phillips; Gurney. Sub not used; Hallett.

Llanelli Town: Richards; Bevan; Lewis; R Jones; Powell; Napieralla (Jenkins, 90+2); Forkuoh; Berry (Wilson, 85); Owen; Thomas; Hughes. Sub not used; Martin.

Scorers: Cardiff Corinthians – Rowe, 70; Phillips, 79; Omoregie, 90+1.

Yellow cards: Cardiff Corinthians – Matthews; Greenslade; Phillips; Rowe. Llanelli Town – Owen; Bevan.

Red card: Llanelli Town – Richards.

Referee: Dan Pearce (Cardiff).

         

Llanelli Town's Anthony Owen (9) and Matthew Hughes battle in midfield

Llanelli Town's Rhys Powell (5) makes a well-timed tackle

 

Llanelli Town's Mark Napieralla (far left) contests a tackle in defence

  

Llanelli Town's  stand-in 'keeper, Matthew Hughes saves at the feet of Dean Clifford

Pictures (c) 2015, keithphoto2003@yahoo.co.uk

 

Friday 30 January 2015

Briton Ferry Llansawel 1, Pontardawe Town 1

from Gary Thomas, Pontardawe Town FC

On a cold night at Old Road both teams served up a cracker of a local derby which ended up with honours even. Town welcomed back Josh Dorward for a rare appearance due to his work commitments and the back four were changed to counter the BFL pace with Darryl Jeffries moving central to join Niall Thomas with Cameron Harris and Rhodri Dykes at right and left back respectively.

The home side started the better and with Ryan Griffiths and Steven Davey up top it was immediately obvious that the tactic was to get the ball up to them and turn the defence. After a period of difficulty Town gradually got to grips and the system began to work with a few scares along the way though as BFL went close on occasions. Town had been limited to a couple of long range shots by this time but then they had a corner and a Liam Griffiths header across goal seemed to go in but Assistant Referee Phil Johns was having none of it and no goal was given.

Typical Pontardawe Town luck as then Ferry took the lead within minutes when Town failed to clear and Gavin Jones hit a shot from the edge of the box which gave keeper Steve Reeve no chance. Town rallied but could not create anything and the game went into half time with the home side in the lead.

The second half was a much better affair and it was one that Town pretty much dominated. The pace of Ryan Samuel and Dorward began to cause concern in the home side's defence and with Thomas and Jeffries winning everything at the back it looked like an equaliser was on the cards. Town came close with a lob by Steve Hughes but he was given offside and then there was another goal line technology moment but opposite Assistant Wayne Neal waved Town appeals away. Town got the reward though at around 70 minutes when Dorward showed how much he has been missed with a terrific strike to level the scores at 1-1.

A few minutes later BFL the floodlights went off so for a period of about 10 minutes but after this still Town were on top. The game then got a bit feisty for a time but it was all well controlled by referee Mark Whitby. BFL missed a clear chance at the end when the attacker scooped the ball over the net when it was easier to score and then the game ended as a draw which left the Town lads disappointed somewhat as they felt they probably deserved all three points overall.

A great night, despite the cold, and a great advert for Welsh League football.

 

Saturday 24 January 2015

AFC Llwydcoed 2, Llanwern 6

from AFC Llwydcoed

Llwydcoed returned to League action after a long lay off giving new Manager Jarrod Price is first game in charge.

The match scoreline shows Llanwern won convincingly with goals from Matthew Hibbs (2), Gareth Delve (2), plus brothers Nic and Dan Hooper.

The match facts do not show how many chances Llwydcoed missed but that does not take anything away from their defending as a team and Llanwern for punishing them. 

Llanwern scored in the first minutes through Matthew Hibbs and at regular intervals.  In between Llwydcoed had some superb opportunities to score through Ricky Carter and Jonathan Mason, that was the story of the first half, Llanwern scoring at will and Llwydcoed failing to defend as a team and missing chances. Llanwern finished the first half scoring five, Llwydcoed finally scoring one through Ricky Carter.

AFC Llwydcoed Manger Jarrod Price made a second half substitution replacing Jordan Ellis with Michael Davies, this allowed Tomos Morris to move back into defence.

The match became more balanced with Llwydcoed gaining the ascendancy through midfield attacking and defending with a more solid look. It was the Llanwern defence who were being pressured but they kept their shape and covered the movement of Llwydcoed's players and when Llwydcoed did break through the Llanwern defence goalkeeper Chris Golton saved brilliantly from Sebastian Haggett. 

Llwydcoed were rewarded for their work rate and belief when Sebastian Haggett scored turning and shooting low past Llanwern goalkeeper Chris Golton.  Llwydcoed's players had recovered from the first half nightmare. They threatened to score again but Llanwern's defence survived and made sure not to concede and as the match neared the finish Llanwern threatened  again and finalised the scoring to record a high scoring victory.

AFC Llwydcoed midfielder Jonathan Mason (11) shoots wide from a brilliant move

AFC Llwydcoed's Connor Wickham and Jordan Ellis combine to stop another Llanwern attack

Llanwern's Matthew Hibbs opens the scoring with his first of his two goals

AFC Llwydcoed's Garin Withers and Sebastian Haggett try to create an attacking opening

MATCH PHOTOGRAPHER MR MICHAEL WILLIAMS

 

Port Talbot Town entertained AFC Llwydcoed in the South Wales FA under-14 Cup and started the game the stronger of the two sides with plenty of possession and some good passing football, only excellent defending from Llwydcoed denying the home side the opening goal.

Llwydcoed were awarded a penalty after 15 minutes when Liam Price was fouled in the box. Jake Salmon scoring from the spot. Liam Price put Llwydcoed two up after 25 minutes with a controlled finish.

Port Talbot came straight back scoring within two minutes from a corner.

The second half saw Llwydcoed take control of the game with some great attacking football. A second half hat trick by their captain Matthew Jones pushed the visitors 5-1 clear and in total control.

A late consolation goal from Port Talbot finished the score 5-2.

An excellent game of football by two footballing sides, Llwydcoed running out deserved winners with a great team performance.

Llwydcoed's man of the match was all 14 players involved. They now face Pontyclun in the quarter final on Saturday 7th February.


 

Saturday 24 January 2015

Caerau (Ely) 2, Briton Ferry Llansawel 2

from Stuart Williams, Briton Ferry Llansawel FC

It was to be a day of high drama on and off the field for Carl Shaw and his team on Saturday afternoon for their trip to Cwrt-yr-Ala to face high flying Caerau (Ely).

With the team departing the Old Road ground at 12.00 noon due to a major accident on the M4 they were to be two and a half hours getting to the game therefore delaying kick off by 35 minutes, not an ideal start to a very important game for Shaw's team.

A quick change and warm up later the game started with an identical line up from last week's win at Penybont apart from defender Daniel Kingdom replacing the injured Ian Hillier at the heart of defence, the bench also saw the return of ex-Briton Ferry centre forward Leyton Thomas who had recently signed for the club.

Nana Baah's young guns started the game in fourth place on the back of a superb 2-0 win at league leaders Cardiff Met last Saturday and were to provide a stern test for the Ferry.

The game got under way at 2.35pm on a very testing looking surface that seemed to get worse as the game went on.

Referee Ryan Stewart had his first big call of the game on six minutes when a Dan Kingdom pass released speedster Ryan Griffiths, his quick feet saw him getting clear of his marker but he was deliberately fouled, Stewart showing the defender a yellow when he could easily have been deemed to be the last defender.

A determined looking Ferry had their first chance on 10 minutes with a Steve Davey set piece delivery falling at the feet of Josh Cockings, but his goal bound drive was well blocked by a defender and cleared to safety.

A physical looking Caerau (Ely) side were themselves struggling to get a passing game together on the surface but they did get the first goal on 13 minutes. A long throw from the left hand side was flicked on and forward Callum Sainty reacted quickest to the second ball to fire home past Luke Probert.

The hosts then had a good 20 minute spell but the visitors defence looked resolute in dealing with most of their attacks, a good chance for Sainty on 20 minutes dragged wide being their best chance.

Another big call from the referee on 35 minutes saw Griffiths again at the centre of it, when he created space by twisting and turning on the box he appeared to be upended by a defender but Stewart booked the Ferry winger for simulation much to the dismay of the good travelling support.

The disappointment was not to last for long though as the equaliser arrived only three minutes later with a great individual goal from the prolific Steve Davey, receiving the ball on the left flank he turned and edged the ball past the Caerau (Ely) defenders then opened up his legs to outstrip them and calmly slotted the ball past the keeper for a great goal for 1-1.

With half time approaching the Ferry were growing in confidence and should have took the lead on 42 minutes, some good football releasing Griffiths again but with acres of room and maybe too much time he had a poor touch that allowed the young guns' keeper a chance to get to the ball.

There was to be a cruel blow for Shaw and his team though on the stroke of half time, against the run of play another ball into the box saw midfielder Lewis Hydes reacting quickest to a second ball again to finish for a 2-1 half time lead.

Both teams returned unchanged but the visitors looked like they truly believed that they could get something from the game, midfielder Warren Hudson showing their intentions early on with a great run and drive blocked by a defender.

Captain and winger Gavin Jones seemed to be getting much more of the ball on the right flank and looked the most likely to break down the hosts on the counter attack.

With the surface now becoming virtually impossible in the middle of the park Shaw replaced Lee John with the energetic legs of Scott Kenyon who instantly give the team the lift they needed when looking like they were starting to tire.

Time was ticking away with 10 minutes to play when Shaw made his last throw of the dice introducing powerhouse Leyton Thomas to ruffle the feathers of the home defenders. 

The tactic seemed to work with Thomas winning his first aerial duel and giving his markers something different to think about, also creating more space for Davey, Jones and Griffiths.

The Ferry pushed for their goal with continuous corners and set pieces looking like being the answer, then in stoppage time Griffiths was brought down just on the edge of the 18-yard box, Shaw sent everyone forward for surely the last chance of the game.

Josh Pike stepped up to deliver under intense pressure and whipped in a beautiful left footed cross, with Leyton Thomas and Dean Hudson challenges caused mayhem in the box the ball dropped to defender Daniel Kingdom and his shot found the top corner much to the delight of everyone involved with the Ferry.

A well deserved point seeing the team getting four points out of six on the road against three of the top four sides in recent weeks.

Next up is the Friday night home derby against Pontardawe Town this week with a 7.30pm kick off.

Ferry: Probert, D Hudson, Pike, Cockings, Kingdom, Healey, John, W Hudson, Davey, Griffiths, Jones. Subs: R Hudson, Kenyon, Thomas.

Ferry Man of the match - Daniel Kingdom - coming into the team he swept up superbly all day and also got the all important equaliser.

 

Saturday 24 January 2015

Ton Pentre 1, Goytre 0 – after extra time

Nathaniel Cars Welsh League Cup Round Three

from Ton Pentre FC

New Ton Pentre Manager Lee Phillips got off to a fantastic start in the Ynys Park hot seat after youth team product Callum Berry scored the winning goal against Goytre in the 119th minute of extra-time in the Nathaniel Cars Welsh League Cup.

Phillips was without several first team regulars in Leon Young, Jaymie Wearn, Chris Jones, Ryan Jenkins, Andre Griffiths and Adam Lewis for various reasons, however, the Bulldogs put in a solid display to set up a Quarter-Final tie away at Taffs Well.

Amongst the best of the early exchanges, a Simon Truman shot from 20-yards looked good for Goytre but Neil Collins was alert to the strike and the Bulldogs goalkeeper dived to his right to push the ball away for a fantastic save.

Before half-time, a move that involved Nathan Phillips, Leon Jacka and Shane Davies saw the ball wide to Adam Raymond. The latters cross into the box found Berry, who directed his shot just over the bar.

Ton Pentre notched up several good opportunities to score in the second half. One of them was a free kick from Shane Davies that was headed by Mark Crutch. The power and direction was present from Crutchs effort but the ball was deflected wide. The resulting corner was swung in towards the back post where it appeared to be going straight into the goal until it was headed off the line.

With neither team taking their chances, this League Cup match entered extra-time and within the first five minutes they were dealt a huge blow when Ryan Morgan was shown a red card for serious foul play.

The one man advantage only lasted four minutes as an injured Goytre player was forced to leave the pitch without a player to replace him after all available substitutes had already been used.

During the second period of extra-time, Goytre had Brad Dowling sent off for receiving a second yellow card after taking a quick free kick, against the Referee's instruction, whilst the Bulldogs were making a substitution.

With the game approaching the 120th minute, Goytres nine men thought theyd done enough to take the match to penalties, however, some great work from Shane Davies played Berry through in the box. Berry, who has netted 14 times for the Youth Team this season, scored his first senior team goal with a confident and powerful strike past Goytre goalkeeper Nick Thomas.

Phillips will be pleased with the victory and will now hopefully have a selection headache ahead of the visit to Cardiff Metropolitan University on Saturday, 31 January with the return of the absent first team players. The Nathaniel Cars Welsh League Division One match against the Students kicks off at 2.00pm.

Meanwhile, Ton Pentre Youth have the biggest game of their season on Sunday, 1 February when they play Bala Town in the FAW Youth Cup Quarter-Finals. The game at Ynys Park kicks off at 2:00pm. Please note that there will be a £2 entry for this game, while 16 years old and under are free.

Ton Pentre: 1. Neil Collins, 2. Tom Mouncher, 3. Nathan Phillips, 4. Thomas Davies, 5. Ryan Morgan, 6. Mark Crutch (Captain), 7. Adam Raymond, 8. James Dury, 9. Leon Jacka, 10. Shane Davies, 11. Connor Berry. Substitutes: 12. Callum Emms (for Phillips 75), 14. Andrew Hughes (for Emms 112)

Goal: Berry 119

Cautioned: Berry 110

Sent off: Morgan 94

 

Saturday 24 January 2015

Panteg 0, Llanelli Town 2

from Alan Evans, Llanelli Town FC

Having become the only side to date to have deprived the Reds of maximum points by drawing at Stebonheath when the sides met the previous Saturday, the hosts were well and truly put in their place in the rematch and could well have gone down to a far heavier defeat but for the heroics of keeper Dan Wise.

He pulled off a string of important saves, although he was extremely fortunate not to have been dismissed after 23 minutes for bringing down Bruno Forkuoh in the box when the visiting player got past him and appeared to be denied a clear goal-scoring opportunity.

Referee Graham Lewis however decided the offence was worthy of only a yellow card but did award a penalty, but Richard Lewis who had scored from the spot in the first meeting, this time drove his kick wide, only to make amends later in the half by opening the Reds' account.

The visitors did not have the best of preparation on their journey to the Cwmbran Stadium where the game was played, as a serious accident on the M4 delayed the team coach, with the kick off being delayed by 20 minutes or so.

The visitors' bench included another new face with Anthony Owens joining from Haverfordwest County, and the on-route disruption did not seem to have any undue effect as they were quickly out of the blocks and continued in a high maintenance vein throughout the contest.

Lewis drove a free kick just off target after Forkuoh had been fouled just outside the area, and when Robert Thomas nipped in ahead of Wise to deny him access to the ball, it took a saving clearance by a home defender to lash it over his own bar to relieve the danger.

Jon Williams did well to block a fiercely struck attempt by Thomas when Forkuoh set up the chance, while Lewis again was fractionally wide with another set-piece.

Forkuoh was causing the Panteg defence all sorts of problems, and when he played in Mark Napieralla his finish flashed high across the face of the home goal.

Then came the penalty incident which Lewis was unable to make count, but despite this setback the visitors continued to bombard their opponents goal, with Wise keeping out a Thomas shot, and when the rebound was driven back in, he turned it around for a corner.

When this came across courtesy of Lewis, it was met by the head of Lee Bevan, but again Wise was able to deny the Reds' captain.

Matthew Hughes drove an attempt across the Panteg box and just wide of the far post, while Wise excelled himself further with probably his best save, somehow pushing clear a close range effort by Thomas when he met a driven ball from Forkuoh.

Despite their overall superiority it seemed as if the Reds were not destined to score, but a minute from the interval Lewis atoned for his earlier gaffe, collecting a pass from Forkuoh before turning sharply and despatching a well struck ground shot past Wise.

After completely dominating the first period, the visitors continued in the same vein after the restart, with Forkuoh going close after being picked out by a great crossfield ball by Napieralla, while Wise got down to push clear a Steve Berry strike, and Bevan headed narrowly wide of the near post from a Declan John corner.

The relentless pressure eventually paid off when the Reds got their second goal in the 64th minute, with Thomas seizing on a long clearance from Lewis before rounding the oncoming figure of the keeper and finding the net just inside the far upright

With the contest virtually won, the visitors introduced their new recruits, with Owens replacing Hughes and Spanish player, Bartdome Bauza, making his debut in place of John, and despite their limited time on the field, they displayed some nice touches which bodes well for the future.

A well earned three points which keeps the visitors at the head of the league table with a lead of twelve points over their nearest rivals Ammanford, who are on a great unbeaten run of twelve matches.

When the two teams meet at the Recreation Ground on Saturday, 14th February, it should turn out to be a cracker.

In the meantime the Reds travel to meet Cardiff Corinthians next Saturday at Radyr, kick off 2.00pm.

Panteg: D Wise; R Williams; Dunne (Roberts, 76); Gabbidon; J Williams; M James (Cartwright, 65); Taylor; T Wise ©; Butcher; Hicks (White, 65); Dyke.

Llanelli Town: Richards; Napieralla; Lewis; Berry; Powell; Bevan ©; Forkuoh (Williams, 89); R Jones; Thomas; John (Bauza, 83); Hughes (Owens, 79); Subs not used: Shannon; Wilson.

Scorers: Llanelli Town – Lewis, 44; Thomas, 64.

Yellow cards: Panteg – D Wise; R Williams; Hicks. Llanelli Town – Thomas; Bevan.

Referee: Graham Lewis (Monmouth).

Rival captains, Llanelli Town's Lee Bevan and Panteg's Tom Wise (left) go head-to-head

Llanelli Town's Richard Lewis opens scoring, having previously missed a penalty

Llanelli Town's Robert Thomas rounds Panteg's keeper Dan Wise to make it 2-0

Bartdome Bauza (15, right) came off bench to make his debut for Llanelli Town

Pictures (c) 2015, keithphoto2003@yahoo.co.uk

 

Saturday 17 January 2015

Penybont 0, Briton Ferry Llansawel 3

from Stuart Williams, Briton Ferry Llansawel FC

Carl Shaw and his squad returned from Bryntirion Park with maximum points in a surprisingly comfortable 3-0 victory against Francis Ford's team.

Penybont had been on a good run of form taking them into the top three of the division while in contrast Shaw's young team had been having a difficult period with only one victory in their last four games.

Shaw kept faith in the same 11 that lost last week at Haverfordwest but went back to his preferred system of 4-5-1 with Ryan Griffiths given the task of filling injured forward Gareth Jones' boots up front.

Lee John started in his more familiar role of centre midfield with Scott Kenyon returning on the bench.

The hosts saw the return of last season’s club top scorer Jonathan Hood on the wing with one of Shaw's ex-team mates Richard French spearheading their attack.

Referee Gavin Townsend started the game on the impressive 3g surface and the Reds were quickest out of the blocks enjoying some good early possession and settling well with some quick short passing.

Ford's Blues looked like they would be applying a more direct approach with early balls into striker French being well marshalled by defenders Hillier and Cockings in the early stages.

On 12 minutes a back pass to Ferry keeper Luke Probert saw the keeper adjudged to have double handed the ball therefore giving away a free kick just inside the box.

However the resulting free kick was struck well over the bar much to Probert's relief.

Shaw was to be dealt a huge blow on 20 minutes with in form defender Ian Hillier limping off with a groin strain, Daniel Kingdom his replacement.

The substitution didn't unsettle the Ferry though as they took the lead only minutes later, a good move was initially dealt with by Penybont but a rushed back pass to Chris Curtis saw his attempted clearance falling straight to Ryan Griffiths, the young striker finished with aplomb to give his team a deserved 1-0 lead.

The game saw the visitors growing in confidence with the midfield trio of Healey, Warren Hudson and John winning every second ball and moving the ball with much more intent than their counterparts, skipper Gavin Jones was also enjoying a lot of the ball on the right wing and looks like he is getting back to full fitness after a lengthy lay off.

The hosts had an attempt on goal on 36 minutes with a header drifting over the bar after some good work on their right flank.

Penybont goalkeeper Curtis made up for his earlier mistake on 38 minutes pulling off two fantastic saves in quick succession, firstly from a Ryan Griffiths drive then a long range shot from right back Dean Hudson was tipped around the post to keep the scores at 1-0.

On 42 minutes a Luke Probert clearance fell straight to an opposing midfielder but his long range lob dropped on the top of the net.

The visitors were to deal Ford's men a huge blow on the stroke of half time though, another lightning counter attack saw Ryan Griffiths away on the left, he did superbly to hold on to the ball until he could deliver an inch perfect cross to Steve Davey arriving on the penalty spot, his clinical finish giving Curtis no chance for a 2-0 interval lead.

Penybont returned after what must have been some harsh half time words and started the second half much brighter, Richard French tested Probert with a curling shot on 53 minutes and a long range drive from a Blues midfielder minutes later just went wide of the post.

The Ferry settled after a testing 10 minutes though and started to get their passing game going again with Ryan Griffiths relishing playing on the last defender and always looking a threat on the counter.

Shaw was forced to make another change on 72 minutes this time centre half Josh Cockings who again had been immense at the heart of defence limping off, Ross Hudson took to the field at right back with Dean Hudson forming a partnership in the centre with Kingdom.

Shaw also introduced midfielder Scott Kenyon in place of the impressive Warren Hudson on 77 minutes.

In all fairness to the Ferry defence they looked determined not to concede a goal even with the reshuffle and it was the Ferry who were to have the final say, left back Josh Pike who also had a great game keeping winger Hood quiet played a beautiful ball into the left channel for Ryan Griffiths, his shot was saved by Curtis but midfielder Rory Healey was on hand to finish from close range for 3-0.

An excellent performance by the whole squad who thoroughly deserved their win to take them back into the top six of Division One.

They now make another tough trip next week, this time to face fourth-placed Caerau (Ely) who themselves beat top of the table Cardiff Met on Saturday by 2-0.

Ferry: Probert, Dean Hudson, Pike, Hiller, Cockings, John, Warren Hudson, Healey, Davey, Griffiths, Gavin Jones. Subs- Ross Hudson, Kingdom, Kenyon

Man of the match: Ryan Griffiths - led the line superbly not giving their defence a minutes rest all game, also scored one and created one.

 

Saturday 17 January 2015

Llanelli Town 1, Panteg 1

from Alan Evans, Llanelli Town FC

Facing the daunting prospect of five successive away games, the Reds would ideally have hoped to sign off their clash with Panteg with a win, but a poor all-round performance yielded just a solitary point and dent their perfect home league record.

There was a distinct lack of cutting edge to their play, and despite creating numerous chances the final ball was not decisive, and it was only the award of a second half penalty which ultimately brought them a reward.

Perhaps even more worrying, was the accumulation of yet another six cautions to add to the four in their previous match against Llanwern, and at this rate the squad will be decimated as the season progresses with players serving suspensions.

The home side began brightly enough with Declan John going down in the area under a challenge, but referee Garwyn Davies was not interested, while a Richard Lewis corner flashed across the Panteg goalmouth and just past the far post.

Rhys Powell sent Bruno Forkuoh clear up the right, but his final touch in the box was just too heavy and resulted in a corner, and when this came across, Steve Berry's header was narrowly off target.

Another Lewis set-piece led to the ball being diverted goalwards before the visitors' central defender Jon Williams cleared off the line.

Panteg had barely crossed the halfway line before they were gifted the lead in the 24th minute when the normally dependable Craig Richards in the home goal rushed his clearance which fell into the path of Kirk Hicks, and he in turn took full advantage by playing in Jon Butcher who homed in on goal before slotting past Richards.

When the hosts pushed forward, a shot by Robert Thomas deflected off Kyle Edwards and just off target with keeper Dan Wise flat-footed.

Lee Bevan got on the end of a Lewis free kick but his header was safely held by Wise, and the Reds' skipper repeated his effort early in the second period, heading just over the top from a corner by Lewis.

Mark Napieralla brought off a timely tackle on Butcher to prevent the visitors' striker from unleashing a strike in the box, prior to the Reds drawing level after 59 minutes when Forkuoh was upended in the area by David Gabbidon.

Lewis took the spot kick to drive it low beyond Wise, and this success certainly seemed to stimulate the home side who at last began to find some positive aspects to their play, and Berry might have done better when he met a Lewis corner but directed his header over the bar from a decent position.

Nevertheless, they still had to be alert when their opponents countered, with Ben Taylor gaining possession, although looking offside, before Powell blocked his strike and the rebound back to him ended up in the grateful arms of Richards.

The Reds' keeper was called into action again, this time to divert around a well struck effort from Kirk Dyke, before the home side had a great chance of clinching all three points when a searching ball low to the far post by Thomas was met by a diving header by Berry, but he failed to find the net from point blank range.

Wise then did well to turn over a goal-bound header by Bevan from yet another Lewis corner, but at the final whistle the hosts were left to reflect on a below par display which ultimately cost them maximum points.

The two sides meet each other again on Saturday when the Reds travel to Gwent for the return. Kick off 2.00pm.

Llanelli Town: Richards; Napieralla; Lewis; R Jones; Powell; Bevan ©; John (Wilson, 71); Berry; Hughes; Thomas; Forkuoh. Subs. not used; Bauza; Williams; Shannon; Scammell (GK).

Panteg: D Wise; R Williams; Hughes; Gabbidon; J Williams; Page (Edwards, 17); Taylor; T Wise ©; Butcher; Hicks (White, 75); Dyke. Subs. not used; Dunne; Mayers.

Scorers: Llanelli Town – Lewis (P), 59. Panteg – Butcher, 24.

Yellow cards: Llanelli Town – Napieralla; Thomas; Hughes; R. Jones; Bevan; Forkuoh. Panteg – Edwards; T Wise; Dyke; Hughes.

Referee: Garwyn Davies (Morriston).

Attendance: 111.

Llanelli Town's Bruno Forkuoh takes on Tim Hughes (3)

Llanelli Town's new signings (L-R) Bartdome Bauza, Matthew Williams, Kellan Jenkins

Llanelli Town's Richard Lewis scores from the penalty spot

Llanelli Town's Steve Berry has a shot on goal

Pictures (c) 2015, keithphoto2003@yahoo.co.uk

 

Saturday 10 January 2015

Haverfordwest County 2, Briton Ferry Llansawel 0

from Stuart Williams, Briton Ferry Llansawel FC

Carl Shaw and his squad made the difficult trip to Bridge Meadow to face League contenders Haverfordwest on Saturday afternoon in Welsh League Division One. 

With top scorer Gareth Jones still missing and the late withdrawal of midfielder Scott Kenyon, Shaw drafted in youth player Josh Davies and Ross Hudson who has resigned from Afan Lido along with returning defender Daniel Kingdom. 

This meant a first start in months for club captain Gavin Jones who slotted into a new system that saw Steve Davey playing in the hole behind stand in striker Lee John.  

The hosts who boast an array of talent from all over West Wales started the game much more confident and dominant in possession that saw them take an early lead after only five minutes. 

Former Swansea City youngster Kieron Howard who recently signed from Afan Lido looked in the mood from the first whistle and his early corner saw the ball bouncing to former Llanelli and Aberystwyth striker Jordan Follows whose exquisite overhead kick give Ferry keeper Luke Probert no chance. 

Probert reacted well however on 16 minutes when another strike from a Bluebirds corner saw him fisting the ball away to safety. 

With the visitors struggling to retain any ball Luke Borrelli dragged a shot wide on 28 minutes when put through again by the impressive Howard. 

The Ferry did create their first real chance on 35 minutes when some good play out wide saw Ryan Griffiths in on goal but his effort was well saved by ex-Neath keeper Craig Morris, Griffiths' second effort was then deflected wide for a corner. 

The teams left the Bridge Meadow field with the blues holding a deserved 1-0 half time lead. 

The Ferry started the second half with Lee John playing in a deeper midfield role and winger Ryan Griffiths more central with Shaw desperate to find an answer to their striking problems in recent weeks. 

However the pattern of play remained much the same for the second half with Haverfordwest centre halves Sam Rodon and Dale Griffiths having no real aerial threat against them all game. 

The Ferry did have their best spell of possession for the first 15 minutes of the second half but the Haverfordwest midfield duo of Howard and ex-Carmarthen Town captain Nicky Palmer were soon to take the game by the scruff of the neck again with the Ferry midfielders tiring due to the lack of time with the ball and spending most of the game chasing it. 

Shaw introduced Ross Hudson and Daniel Kingdom to freshen things up with 20 minutes to go but it wasn’t to be enough with the Bluebirds scoring the killer goal shortly before full time albeit with a bit of controversy when defender Josh Pike seemed to have been grappled in the build up, the goal came when a long ball from Palmer fell to striker Borrelli who cut inside and unleashed a powerful left foot drive that squirmed under keeper Probert and trickled just over the line much to the hosts delight. 

The win takes Haverfordwest into second place with the Ferry remaining mid-table an they now travelling to play third placed Penybont this coming Saturday. 

Ferry: Probert, D Hudson, Pike, Hillier, Cockings, Healey, W Hudson, Davey, Jones, John, Griffiths. Subs: Davies, Kingdom, R Hudson. 

Man of the match: Josh Cockings - another colossal performance from the no-nonsense centre half, not putting a foot wrong all game. 

 

Saturday 10 January 2015

Llanelli Town 0, Llanwern 1

Nathaniel Car Sales League Cup, Round Three

from Alan Evans, Llanelli Town FC

Llanwern secured their place in the last eight of the Nathaniel Car Sales League Cup courtesy of a 26th minute strike by Gareth Delve and inflict on their opponents only their second defeat of the season – both in cup competitions.

With promotion their main priority, the Reds can now concentrate fully on that aim, but will certainly have to address their appalling disciplinary record with a further four yellow cards in this game together with a red.

At this rate, they will have players missing for many of the matches will lie ahead – a scenario they can ill-afford if they hope to achieve their ultimate aim of higher echelon football.

They were already without the services of influential defender Richard Lewis who was serving a one match ban, while new recruit Sam Wilson was cup-tied having previously turned out for Haverfordwest County.

The opening stages produced little by either side in the way of any constructive moves, before the first chance of the tie fell to the Reds' Luke Jones who took advantage of a miskick by Michael Bishop to unleash a shot on target, only for keeper Chris Golton to pull off a fine save to divert it for a corner

A further chance for the home side arose when a Lee Bevan header flew off target from a Mark Napieralla free kick, and Golton did well to just get his fingertips to a Declan John corner which was destined for the head of Bevan.

The visitors had barely troubled Peter Scammell in the Reds goal, before he was forced to grab a near post effort from Matthew Hibbs when he turned sharply on the goal line, before they took the lead when a burst up the right by Nic Hooper culminated with a driven cross into the goalmouth being met by Delve who forced it home from point blank range.

Llanwern should have increased the advantage when Ross Jones gave away possession in midfield, allowing Hooper to thread a pass into the path of Hibbs, but with only Scammell to beat, the keeper got the faintest of touches to concede a fruitless corner.

Matthew Hughes did well to head clear a dangerous high cross to the far post from the home goal, before the Reds best chance prior to the break arose when Jak Shannon found Bruno Forkuoh who in turn squared the ball infield to Luke Jones, but Bishop brought off an important block to deny him a shot on target.

Twelve minutes into the second half, the home side were reduced to 10 men following the dismissal of Luke Jones who was brought down on the edge of the penalty box leading to a free kick, but referee Tom Bevan's attention was drawn by the upraised flag of his assistant, Gareth Elliott, and after a brief consultation Bevan produced a red card, presumably for inappropriate language.

Scammell was called upon to push away a shot by Hibbs, and then brought off a great block to deny the same player when he was found in space by a pass from Delve.

As the tie reached its closing stages, the Reds upped the tempo and became much more assertive, with Steve Berry striking the outside of the upright following some good approach work up the left involving Forkuoh and Hughes.

Golton had to react quickly to push over a well directed cross by John which was drifting into the top corner, and Shannon could well have forced extra time when he met a Robert Thomas delivery at the far post, but could only direct his header at the keeper who was able to push it around for a corner.

On the basis of the overall play, the second division outfit just about deserved the win, but the Reds can now get on with the job in hand and focus on the league programme with the visit of Panteg to Stebonheath next Saturday. Kick off 2.00pm.

Llanelli Town: Scammell; Napieralla (Berry, 60); Hughes; R Jones (Williams, 67); Powell; Bevan ©; Forkuoh; Shannon; L Jones; John; Thomas. Subs not used: Holmes; Martin; Richards (GK).

Llanwern: Golton; Barry; James; Bishop; Dwyer; Jones (Curtis, 90+1); Hartrey © (Whiskey, 68); N Hooper; Hibbs; D Hooper; Delve. Subs not used: Fordham; G Morgan; R Morgan (GK).

Scorer: Llanwern – Delve, 26.

Yellow cards: Llanelli Town – Powell; R Jones; Thomas; Berry. Llanwern – Whiskey.

Red card: Llanelli Town – L Jones.

Referee: Tom Bevan (Clarbeston Road).

Attendance: 108.

 

Saturday 3 January 2015

Llanelli Town 5, Bridgend Street 2

from Alan Evans, Llanelli Town FC

With fixtures in Divisions Two and Three falling foul of the weather, the Reds were the sole survivors of the conditions and duly extended their lead at the top of the table to eleven points from Lliswerry, although the win was not as convincing as the scoreline might suggest.

A nine minute burst in the second half which yielded three goals proved to be the turning point for the home side, who up until then had found it difficult to penetrate stubborn opponents who defended well.

An early third minute chance fell to the Reds when Ross Jones found Bruno Forkuoh whose cross was met by Luke Jones, but his effort on goal was cleared off the line by Luke Winter.

When the visitors countered, it took a timely interception by Rhys Powell to divert a ball driven into the middle by Robert Fowler for a corner, while the same player directed another attempt into the hands of Craig Richards in the home goal.

Richard Lewis fired just over the top of the Street from a short corner, while Luke Jones just failed to connect with a Mark Napieralla delivery to the near post.

Ross Jones was forced to leave the field with an injury on 25 minutes, being replaced by Declan John, and when the Reds pushed forward into the penalty box, Luke Jones was denied when his effort on target was kept out by a great defensive block.

A nasty challenge by Mark Dunford on Powell only merited a yellow card by referee Mike Bullock when it seemed a more severe penalty was called for, before the Reds eventually got the breakthrough on 40 minutes following a Lewis free kick driven into the middle was met by a thumping header by Steve Berry which rocketed past goalkeeper Damien Lack.

Narrowly ahead going into the second half, the Reds were stunned when their opponents, who had not really threatened to any great extent, hauled themselves level following a corner which was not cleared effectively, allowing Jack Kane to rifle home a superb finish into the top corner in the 54th minute.

Taken aback by this unexpected reverse, the home side replied in the best possible manner by scoring again within two minutes, with Lewis and Luke Jones involved in the initial build up which culminated in Matthew Hughes finding the net just inside the far post.

Six minutes later, came the goal of the afternoon, when Lewis burst forward and almost lost possession before regaining it, and unleashing from fully 35 yards a screamer into the roof of the net.

Just three further minutes had elapsed when the Reds struck again, when a ball by Robert Thomas for Forkuoh saw him get to the edge of the box, and when Lack elected to come off his line in an effort to close him down, Forkuoh dribbled around him before slotting home into an empty net.

At the other end, a rare attack by the visitors led to Richards keeping out an effort by King with an outstretched foot when Fowler set up the chance, but they went further behind on 75 minutes when the home side struck again with Forkuoh getting his second, sending his finish bobbling past Lack into the bottom corner.

To their credit, Street were still not finished, and reduced the deficit within three minutes with Kane repeating his earlier success with another crisp effort beyond Richards.

This completed the scoring, and although the Reds will be satisfied with the final outcome they were far from being at their best, and will certainly have to up their efforts for the visit to Stebonheath next Saturday of Llanwern in the third round of the Nathaniel Car Sales League Cup. Kick off is at 2.00 pm.

Llanelli Town: Richards; Napieralla; Lewis; R Jones (John, 25); Powell; Bevan ©; Forkuoh; Berry; L Jones (Holmes, 82); Thomas; Hughes.  Subs not used: Shannon; Martin; Scammell (GK).

Bridgend Street: Lack; Winter; Jeremy; Lee-Mason; Penikett ©; Carro (Crocker, 73); McLaggon (Venables, 61); McCarthy (Dawes, 53); Kane; Dunford; Fowler.

Scorers: Llanelli Town:  Berry, 40; Hughes, 56; Lewis, 62; Forkuoh, 65, 75. Bridgend Street: Kane, 54, 78.

Yellow cards: Llanelli Town: L Jones. Bridgend Street: Dunford.

Referee: Mike Bullock (Birchgrove).

Attendance: 163.

Llanelli Town's captain, Lee Bevan wins a header

Llanelli Town's Luke Jones muscles past two defenders

Llanelli Town's Bruno Forkuoh (right) enjoys his second goal

Llanelli Town's Nick Holmes breaks past the visitors' defence

Pictures (c) 2015, keithphoto2003@yahoo.co.uk

 

Friday 26 December 2014

Afan Lido 2, Briton Ferry Llansawel 1

from Stuart Williams, Briton Ferry Llansawel FC

It was a day to forget for Carl Shaw and his Briton Ferry Llansawel team as they went down to a 2-1 defeat at local rivals Afan Lido on Boxing Day.

The team was the same as Shaw fielded against AFC Porth in their previous win but the performance couldn’t have been more different with their opposition looking more up for the battle from the first whistle.

The only excuse that could be used was the atrocious conditions at the Marston stadium that resembled Aberavon Beach by the end of the game with standing water making it impossible for either team to pass the ball freely.

However it was the same for both teams and the Lido adapted better to the conditions and thoroughly deserved their first three points in a while.

The game started in the driving rain with supporters cowering in both stands and Ferry keeper Luke Probert was called upon within five minutes with a great long range drive from Alex Gammond that he did well to parry away.

The Ferry tested Lido keeper Rory McCreesh for the first time on 13 minutes when a good passing move resulted with a Steve Davey curler being held comfortably.

With conditions worsening by the minute tackles had to be timed perfectly and midfielder Rory Healey was the first into referee Daniel Beckett's book on 20 minutes after a mistimed challenge.

The best effort from the visitors was a superb effort from Scott Kenyon on 25 minutes that McCreesh athletically tipped over the crossbar.

Recent Lido signing Kieran Cullen was a tiredless worker up top and his chipped effort was tipped over the bar by Probert only for the referee to give a goal kick for the Ferry.

Lido captain Stephen Cox left the field shortly after with injury so Josh Webber replaced him, Adam James slotted back to centre half with midfielder Elliott Thomas taking a more advanced role.

With the Ferry trying to play their passing game they looked like their own worse enemies on times, giving the ball away in dangerous positions and were punished for it on 30 minutes, when unable to clear their lines the ball was cut back and Elliott Thomas drove home on the volley for a goal advantage.

Lido's Arwel Rees and the Ferry's Warren Hudson were both carded minutes apart before a Lido goal was disallowed when Alex Gammond's free kick was flicked on by Callan Bowden, Kieran Cullen found the net only for assistant David Powell's flag to be raised for offside.

The teams gratefully left the field at half time with the hosts deservedly holding the goal advantage.

Some choice words at half time from Shaw gave the Ferry the jolt they needed and the second half started brighter but still they were struggling with a plan B as their natural passing game was never to get going in the worsening rain, their better effort did produce an equaliser though on the hour when a counter-attack released Ryan Griffiths who crossed in for Steve Davey to direct a header past McCreesh.

Midfielder Gavin Jones was brought on by Shaw in place of cautioned midfielder Rory Healey with Lee John taking up a deeper role in the middle of the park.

The higher tempo and workmanship was enough to finally look like the visitors may be able to grind out a result and the lead looked certain five minutes later when Lee John tried the spectacular from 35 yards but his rocket rebounded off the bar, captain Dean Hudson picked up the ball with the goal at his mercy, but with it getting stuck in the mud his readjustment gave McCreesh time to save his effort on the line.

With the game starting to look at threat with the standing water it seemed like the next goal was going to be the winner and that premonition came true but unfortunately for the Ferry it was to be scored by the hosts.

After the warnings earlier in the game the disappointment was that the lessons hadn’t been learnt with the ball being tamely given away on a few occasions before Alex Gammond released Elliott Thomas, the impressive midfielder skipped past two challenges before curling the ball from outside the box past the outstretched Probert for the winning goal. 

One thing for certain is that everyone involved with the club will be itching for Saturday's home game against Cambrian & Clydach to try and put things right after probably their worse performance of so far a very good season.

Ferry: Probert, Dean Hudson (c), Pike, Cockings, Hillier, Healey, Warren Hudson, Kenyon, Davey, John, Griffiths. Subs: Gavin Jones, Jonny Davies, Michael, Clement, Shaw.

Man of the Match: Joshua Cockings - not many candidates but Cockings and his defensive partner Ian Hillier were both superb with the ever improving centre half just edging it.

 

Saturday 27 December 2014

Llanelli Town 7, Cwm Welfare 0

from Alan Evans, Llanelli Town FC

A satisfying and positive ending to 2014 ensured the Reds would go into the New Year top of the table leading nearest rivals, Lliswerry, by eight points with a game in hand.

In truth, the final tally could well have been greater as the visitors were outclassed from the outset with some early ominous signs arriving with Robert Thomas just failing to convert a Bruno Forkuoh assist into the middle, while Gavin Rees in the Cwm goal did well to turn over a well directed header by Lee Bevan from a Richard Lewis corner.

Another potential chance was spurned after Luke Jones drove a ball across the face of goal which failed to find a recipient, but when the breakthrough came in the ninth minute courtesy of a bizarre own goal by Lewis Jenkins who, under no particular pressure, sent his header past a bemused Rees after Ross Jones had crossed into the box.

Despite this setback, the visitors did stage an attack which led to Rhys Williams gaining possession before making inroads towards goal, forcing keeper Craig Richards off his line to make an important block on the edge of the penalty box.

Rees did well to divert around the upright a shot by Thomas which could well have crept into the net, but he was beaten again on 23 minutes when Steve Berry was brought down in the area, and Berry himself took the spot kick which gave the Cwm keeper no chance.

The visitors were then forced into a change with Daniel Collins replacing Williams on 26 minutes, but they still posed the occasional problem for the hosts with Richards again called into action, this time saving at the feet of Gareth Lloyd when he pursued a ball into the area.

On the half hour mark, the Reds surged further ahead following a cross by Luke Jones which was met by Thomas from close range to steer past Rees, and six minutes later Thomas got his second, heading in a Lewis delivery via the underside of the bar.

Just three minutes had elapsed before the Reds struck again with Thomas on this occasion turning provider, lofting a pass over the Cwm defence which found Forkuoh, and he finished in style with a shot just inside the near post.

Comfortably ahead at the break and completely in charge of proceedings, the hosts took only three minutes into the second half to increase their lead with Matthew Hughes turning home a ball into the goalmouth by Luke Jones while Jones himself went close when a rebound off Rees came back to him but he was just off target.

Lewis drilled his finish narrowly past the far post when Luke Jones played the ball into his path, and when Thomas broke down the right flank his cross was met by Ross Jones only for Rees to push it over the top.

The Reds did eventually get a seventh success in the 56th minute following a Lewis free kick which Rees failed to gather cleanly, allowing Forkuoh to slot home the loose ball from point blank range.

The visitors were then forced to replace the keeper who had been struggling since receiving a first half injury, captain Lewis  Bowden taking over the goalkeeping duties, but surprisingly, the home side did not seriously test him to any great extent for the remainder of the contest, and were unable to add to the lead.

Actually, Cwm could well have snatched a consolation goal, but substitute Matthew Owen sent his attempt wide from 10 yards when the ball deflected to him off Bevan.

At the close the Reds were comfortable winners and now look forward to the visit to Stebonheath next Saturday of Bridgend Street, hoping to increase their advantage at the top of the table. Kick off is at 2.00pm.

Llanelli Town: Richards; Napieralla; Lewis; Berry (Davies, 65); Powell; Bevan ©; Hughes; R Jones (Martin, 78); L Jones (Shannon, 65); Thomas; Forkuoh. Sub not used: Scammell (GK).

Cwm Welfare: Rees (Owen, 57); Lloyd; J Jenkins (Cochia, 43); Sweeney; Bowden ©; Alford; Holder; L Jenkins; Williams (Collins, 26); Roberts; Adams. Sub not used: Searle.

Scorers: Llanelli Town – L Jenkins (OG), 9; Berry (P), 23; Thomas, 30, 36; Forkuoh, 39, 56; Hughes, 48.

Yellow cards: Llanelli Town – L Jones; Bevan; Lewis. Cwm Welfare – Holder.

Referee: Luke Gregory (Swansea).

Attendance: 231.

 

Saturday 20 December 2014

Caldicot Town 2, AFC Llwydcoed 0

from AFC Llwydcoed

Llwydcoed‘s final game of 2014 finished with defeat against promotion Candidates Caldicot Town.  AFC Llwydcoed Manager Leighton Price welcomed back Brett Davies, Matthew Doherty and Garin Withers into the squad but he was without Scott Walters, Sebastian Haggett and Joe Jenkins so Tyler Hollidge and Chad Rombach received the call to the starting XI.

Town threatened  from the opening minute pushing Llwydcoed back in the defensive with Jason Thorn and Richard Sharratt moving onto the ball from their defence.  Thankfully, the final ball was off target.

The heavy playing surface did not help, more pressure by Town saw a similar outcome, Llwydcoed’s defence was being threatened on both sides. Llwydcoed’s goalkeeper Brett Davies was alert to everything as was his defenders, Matthew Doherty, Tomos Morris, Jordan Ellis and Tyler Hollidge.

The visitors moved from this difficult opening and began to build from midfield with Carl Jenkins and Michael Davies combining, Town were not to be denied for all their opening attacks when Llwydcoed’s defence was breached and Jason Thorn scored. 

Shortly afterwards Llwydcoed’s defender Jordan Ellis was forced to leave the field through injury. Jarrod Price entered the play with Matthew Doherty joining  Tomos Morris in central defence. Llwydcoed’s players rallied after this difficult start and almost equalised when Chad Rombach just failed to head on Matthew Doherty’s cross  More excellent play by Llwydcoed’s midfield with Connor Wickham and Jonathan Mason creating attacking moves but the Town defence withstood the attacks. Llwydcoed were equal to the Town after going behind early doors and it was the Town defence who were under pressure.  Ricky Carter found space, broke through and Michael Davies just failed to find the target. Llwydcoed finished the half in confident mood hoping to draw level in the second half.

Llwydcoed were forced into an early second half substitution with Garin Withers replacing injured Jonathan Mason.  Worse was to follow when Town’s Andrew Wenzel was allowed too much room to cross and striker Richard Sharratt headed his team’s second goal. The Town had been rewarded for their speed of thought. The Town were two goals clear and expected to add to their total. 

The response from the Llwydcoed players was superb. They galvanised themselves and pressured the Town defence through Connor Wickham and Carl Jenkins. Llwydcoed were gaining more and more possession. 

The Town were beginning to give away a series of free kicks, when the Town did attack Llwydcoed’s Tomos Morris and Matthew Doherty cleared the danger.  More good play by Llwydcoed’s Tyler Hollidge and Michael Davies saw the Town under more pressure, but as hard as Llwydcoed tried and they tried to the end they could not score the goals their football deserved. 

Their second half display shows the New Year will be rewarding, they need to move away from the relegation area.

 

Saturday 20 December 2014

Briton Ferry Llansawel 3, AFC Porth 0

from Stuart Williams, Briton Ferry Llansawel FC

Briton Ferry Llansawel gained probably their most comfortable three points of the season against division one strugglers AFC Porth on Saturday afternoon at the Old Road.

The win for Carl Shaw's men earned an impressive 10th game unbeaten in the League going back as far as the end of August, after losing their first three in their new surroundings of Division One.

Shaw was again forced to make changes from the last game at Caerau (Ely) with the well publicised injury to striker and club talisman Gareth Jones.

Shaw opted with the experience of Lee John to lead the line, the midfield is taking a familiar look with the young trio of Healey, Kenyon and Warren Hudson coupled with speedsters Ryan Griffiths and Steve Davey on the wings. The defence saw Dean Hudson returning at right back with Josh Pike on the opposite flank and the central defensive pairing of Josh Cockings and Ian Hillier completing the line in front of goalkeeper Luke Probert.

The visitors bad luck this season continued pre-match when goalkeeper Dale Pritchard sprained his wrist in the warm up and was forced to start in central defence with defender James Billington donning the goalkeeper's gloves instead.

Referee David Badger started proceedings and the men in red started the game with good possession and tested stand-in keeper Billington on nine minutes, a Josh Pike corner delivery saw efforts from Josh Cockings and Warren Hudson both blocked close to the line.

There was a big penalty shout a minute later when Warren Hudson appeared to be fouled in the box but referee Badger adjudged it to be a fair tackle. 

The ball found the net past Billington on 13 minutes when a Steve Davey cross was slotted in by Lee John but referee's assistant's flag was raised for offside.

Another fluent move from the Ferry between Davey, Hudson and Griffiths saw the young wingers shot well saved by Billington.

On 22 minutes Griffiths again found himself in on goal after a beautiful pass from Scott Kenyon but he dragged his left foot shot wide of the post.

Finally the breakthrough did come for the hosts on the half hour mark when some excellent play from Lee John out wide ended with him picking out Griffiths, this time he made no mistake for 1-0.

Two minutes later Billington was picking the ball out of the net again, and it was the same two players involved with Lee John' cross laid off for Griffiths to thrash home again for his second of the game.

With the breakthrough now made it did look like a matter of how many with goalkeeper Luke Probert barely a spectator for the majority of the half.

Ian Hillier had a shot blocked from a corner on 40 minutes but the third for the Ferry came on 42 minutes when Griffiths' shot was saved Scott Kenyon showed great composure to finish the rebound for a 3-0 half time lead.

All credit to AFC Porth they came out second half with an excellent attitude, with young winger James Gronow prominent in all their efforts to try and get on the score sheet.

And he gave Probert his first bit of work of the game when his shot was excellently saved by the keeper to keep the scoreline at 3-0 on 55 minutes.

Shaw made an early double substitution shortly after with Daniel Kingdom and Gavin Jones replacing Rory Healey and Josh Pike.

The biggest question in the coming weeks will be if anyone can step up to replace Gareth Jones' goals and Shaw tried a few different options in the last half hour, with Ryan Griffiths given a go leading the line and Lee John slotting back into centre midfield, club captain Gavin Jones slotting into his familiar left wing position.

One thing for sure is that the chances will be created with the Ferry playing with confidence and a fluency in their football beyond the years of Shaw's young team.

A Daniel Kingdom cross on the hour was headed down by Josh Cockings into the path of Warren Hudson but his shot sailed over the bar.

Again Ryan Griffiths was involved on 62 minutes with a typical burst from his own half ending with him picking out Steve Davey but his right foot drive again went narrowly wide of the far post.

Winger Gavin Jones was now seeing plenty of the ball and he showed some lovely trickery on the left flank before picking out Hudson again, this time the young midfielder's curler rebounded back off the wood work and to safety.

Moments later Steve Davey whipped in a beautiful cross with Ryan Griffiths arriving his header just went wide when his hat rick looked certain from six yards.

Another Griffiths header on 80 minutes went over the bar from some more good wing play from Gavin Jones.

On 85 minutes AFC Porth had only their second shot at goal with midfielder Owen Davies driving over the bar from outside the box.

Even though more goals would have been the icing on the cake, it was a good display of football with a clean sheet and three points important on the day for the Ferry before they travel for a sterner test in their Boxing day derby at Afan Lido.

Ferry: Probert, Dean Hudson, Pike, Hillier, Cockings, Healey, Warren Hudson, Kenyon, Davey, John, Griffiths. Subs: Kingdom, Jones, Shaw.

Man of the match (chosen by Tint Wizard Wales): Ryan Griffiths- starting to show consistency and if not creating chances finding the net himself.

 

Saturday 20 December 2014

Dinas Powys 2, Undy Athletic 4

by Peter King, Dinas Powys FC

Today's match ball kindly sponsored by Pemberton Tippers

There was to be no early Christmas present for Dinas as they slipped to their fifth consecutive defeat and manager Lee Saunders will be looking to strengthen the squad in the coming weeks.

After young striker King Junior Mwedzo won a corner for Dinas in the first 30 seconds, Undy broke away down the right and a square pass found Gareth Cullimore to slot the ball home with barely a minute played.

The pitch was very heavy making changing direction difficult but Dinas midfielder Keiron James had a half chance in the third minute but his shot was comfortably saved by Undy keeper Smallcombe.

Dinas began to settle after the early setback with Atif Bashir threading some good passes forward.

At the other end new signing Lewis Marsh made a good recovery tackle after his initial pass went astray. But it was the visitors who looked dangerous on the break and a throw in from the left was driven goalward by Martin Phillips bringing a good save from Dinas keeper Alex Hales.

On the 15 minute mark Luke Swaffield got to the goal line to put in a good cross for Dinas but it was just too high for Carlos Indjai who was well placed. Mwedzo was causing some problems for Undy with his skillful runs and he was fouled some 25 yards from goal, Nicky Bruce putting a good ball into the box and Bashir getting in a downward header which was just off target.

Dinas were guilty of not being tight enough in defence, giving their opponents far too much room and time on the ball and a through ball found Cullimore who again brought a good save from Hales.

With 25 minutes gone Mwedzo again danced his way into the box but was tripped from behind, the referee pointing straight to the penalty spot. Nicky Bruce stepped up for the second match running to slot the ball home for the equaliser.

However, despite keeping the pressure on for a minute or two Dinas lost possession and a great cross from the right wing was fired home on the 30 minute mark by Ben Davies to give Undy the lead again. Dinas thought they had been handed a lifeline just after this when Davies was given his marching orders for a second yellow card after a clumsy tackle on Rhodri Foote who was able to continue after treatment.

Any thought of a comeback were dispelled two minutes from the interval however, when the impressive Cullimore drove into the box and hit a superb left foot shot into the top corner of the net for 3-1. Right on half-time Keiron James won a corner for Dinas but, unusually, Bruce miss hit it behind the goal and at the break Undy were worth the lead.

Dinas came out determined to make their man advantage tell, Bruce and Indjai combining to feed Bashir but his effort was off target from well outside the box. They thought they had pulled a goal back when a cross from Swaffield was volleyed hard and low by Indjai but Smallcombe pulled off a superb diving one handed save, pushing the ball round the post for a corner. They kept up the pressure, Bashir pulling off a spectacular bicycle kick on target but again Smallcombe saved it to keep their two goal advantage intact.

With 20 minutes of the half gone the 10 men made the game safe when Dinas failed to clear a corner, the ball eventually coming to Paul Clayton who drove it home just inside the right hand post for 4-1. 

Dinas then rang the changes with King, Indjai and Bruce being replaced by Ben Ah-Mun, James Alloway and Sam Johnson. Ah-Mun was soon in the action winning an unproductive corner and he followed this with a good pass to Bashir with his back to goal but he spun and got a shot away which was just the wrong side of the left post.

The hosts were having the lion's share of possession at this stage with Undy not needing to chase the game but Dinas couldn't seem to create many goal-scoring opportunities. 

Undy then used all their subs to shore things up but Dinas finally got a consolation second goal in the last minute of the game, Keiron James slotting the ball just inside the left post for a final 4-2 scoreline to the visitors.

Dinas: 1 Alex Hales, 2 Luke Swaffield, 3 Nicky Bruce (1), 4 Atif Bashir, 5 James Bloxham (c), 6 Lewis Marsh, 7 James Marr, 8 Keiron James (1), 9 King Junior Mwedzo, 10 Rhodri Foote, 11 Carlos Indjai, 12 Ben Ah-Mun, 14 Sam Johnson, 15 James Alloway.

Dinas are next in action on January 3rd when Risca United visit the Murch, 2.00pm ko.

 

Saturday 20 December 2014

Ton Pentre 0, Goytre United 1

from Ton Pentre FC

The Bulldogs slumped to a 1-0 defeat in their final game of 2014 against Goytre United at Ynys Park, where a second half goal from Darren Griffiths was enough to separate the teams.

New Ton Pentre Manager Lee Phillips looked on from the stands and will be in full control of First Team affairs when the Bulldogs next play on Saturday 3 January 2015 at Ynys Park against Caerau Ely.

The first half of this festive fixture between Ton Pentre and Goytre United was quite drab with very few chances. However, the Goyts did come close with a well hit free kick early on the match and Jaymie Wearn nearly scored from a tight angle when he breached the defence. 

A long ball forward from Lewis Hydes to Shane Davies saw the Bulldogs midfielder beat goalkeeper Luke Martin to the ball but his header was directed wide of the post.

During the open exchanges of the second half, Liam Williams was forced into making a terrific save when a Goytre United shot from outside of the box looked destined for the back of the net. Demonstrating agility and awareness, the 17-year-old goalkeeper leaped to tip the ball over the crossbar.

Moments later Ryan Morgan and Williams combined to deny another Goytre United effort as they closed down an attacker to tackle and smother the ball.

The Bulldogs were now soaking up quite a bit of pressure and Williams was forced into making another great save when he spread his body to deny a point-blank shot.

A goal for Goytre United seemed inevitable and it came on 70 minutes when Griffiths had space to shoot from the edge of the box. His powerful effort eluded the reach of Williams and Goytre United were now 1-0 up.

Ton Pentre battled hard for an equaliser in the remaining 20 minutes of the match but they were unable to find the goal they desired. 

The Bulldogs are next in action on Saturday 3 January 2015, when a Caerau (Ely) team managed by former player Nana Baah visits Ynys Park. Kick off for this Nathaniel Cars Welsh League Division One match is at 2:00pm.

Ton Pentre: 1. Liam Williams, 2. Adam Lewis (Captain), 3. Lewis Hydes, 4. Ryan Morgan, 5. Thomas Davies, 6. James Dury, 7. Leon Jacka, 8. Andre Griffiths, 9. Chris Jones, 10. Shane Davies, 11. Jaymie Wearn. Subs: 12. Connor Berry, 14. Ryan Jenkins (for C Jones 87), 15. Adam Raymond (for Dury 78), 16. Leon Young (for S Davies 75), 17. Neil Collins

Cautions: T Davies 33, Lewis 33, Young 90, Griffiths 90, Raymond 90

 

Saturday 20 December 2014

Cwmamman United 1, Llanelli Town 1

from Alan Evans, Llanelli Town FC

A typical blood-and-thunder derby clash ended in somewhat controversial fashion with referee Wayne Neal blowing the final whistle as the ball was nestling in the home net courtesy of a Richard Lewis strike.

Checks on a number of timepieces in the ground seemed to suggest the official had called proceedings to a halt prematurely, taking into account the time allowed for substitutions, a number of stoppages through injury, while the ball was out of play on numerous occasions before being returned.

There were also two red cards shown – one on each side – and Mr Neal did not endear himself to the away team with many of his decisions.

The visitors made a number of changes to their starting line-up, with Steve Stone starting following his return to the club from Seaside alongside Steve Berry and Matthew Hughes, while Rhys Powell, Declan John, Jak Shannon, Sam Wilson and Leon Martin were on the bench.

A feisty opening led to chances at both ends, with hesitation on the part of the Reds' Luke Jones costing a potential scoring chance with Bruno Forkuoh waiting in the middle, while a break up the left flank by the home side culminated in Andrew Bonomi firing into the side netting from a decent position.

Craig Richards in the visitors goal did well to block an effort from the edge of the box by Bonomi following a ball through the middle, before Cwm were reduced to 10 men after just eight minutes following the dismissal of Neil Phillips for a foul on Ross Jones.

Despite this early numerical advantage, the Reds did not really press it home to any great extent, coming nearest to a goal when a great far post cross by Lewis was just diverted away from Forkuoh in the nick of time by Jordan Evans.

In fact, it was the home side who opened the scoring on 23 minutes following a corner on the right by Liam Soroka delivered to the near post which was met by a bullet-like header from David Brown which flew past Richards.

Despite this setback, the Reds continued to enjoy plenty of possession but the quality of the final ball lacked precision and Mark Snell in the home goal was not severely tested.

However, 10 minutes from the break they did manage to level matters when an initial effort by Stone across the face of goal was collected by Luke Jones, and he in turn found Forkuoh who was able to steer the chance home from close range.    

In first half stoppage time, Stone was forced off with a knee injury being replaced by John, and an early second period chance fell to the visitors when Forkuoh played in Luke Jones, but his shot on target was blocked by Ashley Johns.

When the hosts pushed forward, Richards brought off a great save to divert a well struck effort from 25 yards by Steven Hughes which was destined for the top corner against the upright, while his counterpart in the Cwm goal did equally as well to deny with his legs a Luke Jones attempt, and when the loose ball was met by Robert Thomas, his strike was blocked by a defender.

There was a heart-stopping moment for the visitors when Richards elected to come off his line in an effort to clear a downfield kick by Snell but was beaten to it by Soroka, but his finish drifted just wide of the vacant goal.

Luke Jones was then forced to come off with a knock on 73 minutes, Wilson taking his place, but he lasted a mere five minutes before becoming the second player to be red-carded, presumably for remarks directed at Mr Neal following a challenge.

With numbers now even, Richards came to the rescue again, diving at the feet of Soroka to claim possession when he was put through on goal by Bonomi, before the Reds went close when Snell, who had an excellent game, for once failed to cleanly gather a Lewis free kick, and the spill was met by Hughes but Johns hacked his effort off the line to prevent a certain goal.

With the contest in its final minute, there was controversy when Lewis buried his finish into the bottom corner of the home net only for the referee to blow his whistle as the ball crossed the line and rule out the score.

Despite failing to maintain their winning sequence, the visitors will probably settle for a point on a quagmire of a pitch, and with nearest rivals Lliswerry surprisingly going down to defeat at Treharris Athletic Western, they now lead the table by eight points with a game in hand.

The Reds will be hoping to extend their advantage with two home games scheduled for Stebonheath, starting on Saturday with the visit of Cwm Welfare. Kick off is at 2.00pm.

Cwmamman United:  Snell; Johns; Evans (Jack Medwin, 62); Josh Medwin; McNeil ©; Spring; Brown; Hughes; Bonomi; Phillips; Soroka (Roberts, 87). Subs not used: Lloyd; Finselbach; Jones.     

Llanelli Town: Richards; Napieralla; Lewis; Stone (John, 45+2); Berry; Bevan ©; Forkuoh; R Jones; L Jones (Wilson, 73); Thomas; Hughes. Subs not used: Powell; Shannon; Martin.

Scorers: Cwmamman United – Brown, 23. Llanelli Town – Forkuoh, 35.

Yellow cards: Cwmamman United – Bonomi. Llanelli Town – Lewis; Napieralla; Hughes.

Red cards: Cwmamman United – Phillips. Llanelli Town – Wilson.

Referee: Wayne Neal (Garnant).

 

Saturday 13 December 2014

AFC Llwydcoed 2, Aberbargoed Buds 5

from AFC Llwydcoed

Aberbargoed gained a deserved victory in a pulsating game. Llwydcoed had played their part but as in previous games they made too many defensive mistakes, the home playing surface was in pristine condition inviting football to be played.

AFC Llwydcoed Manager Leighton Price made five changes, recalling Jarrod Price, Connor Wickham, Carl Jenkins, Sebastian Haggett and Bryan Forbes replacing Brett Davies (suspended).

The Buds settled early and began to attack, the Llwydcoed defence through Rhys Jones and Craig MacDonald. Llwydcoed’s new look defence cleared the danger. The match was wide open, the Buds' attacking formation saw to that. 

Llwydcoed then attacked the Buds' defence through Jonathan Mason and Connor Wickham bringing Sebastian Haggett into play.  More attacking play by Llwydcoed’s Scott Walters saw him combine with Michael Davies and raced clear. The Buds defence cleared the attack back into the space that the Llwydcoed’s attacking movement had left to find Wayne Antoniazzi in space, he was allowed to shoot low past Llwydcoed’s goalkeeper Bryan Forbes to score. 

Llwydcoed’s defence was under pressure at this early stage. They nearly caught out the Buds' defence when Tomos Morris hit a superb ball out of defence over the Buds defence that Ricky Carter tried to hold but the physical Buds' defence cleared.  Worse was to follow for Llwydcoed, the Buds were forced into a substitution with Tom McCarthy entering the game, he took full advantage of Llwydcoed not clearing the danger, he raced through and picked out Craig MacDonald to double their score. The Buds came very close to scoring number three only a top save by Llwydcoed’s goalkeeper Bryan Forbes prevented it.

The Buds front three attacking players were a constant threat to Llwydcoed’s defence. The opening quarter had provided Buds with two goals. Llwydcoed had their attacking moments as well with Sebastian Haggett combining with Jonathan Mason, his cross invited a Llwydcoed player to attack it but no one had attacked the far post. Llwydcoed’s players had responded brilliantly to going two goals in arrears and the Buds defence were the ones under pressure and that spell of pressure saw Llwydcoed win a penalty for a hand ball offence. 

Up stepped Jarrod Price to score brilliantly shooting past the Buds goalkeeper David Burnett. Llwydcoed were the team in charge and a deserved equaliser arrived when Jonathan Mason hit a screamer from 25 yards, the Buds defence could not handle the movement of Llwydcoed. 

Both teams’ defences had been breached and the Buds gave away another penalty from Llwydcoed’s pressure but this time the Buds' goalkeeper David Burnett read Jarrod Price’s approach and saved well. Llwydcoed had wasted the chance to gain the advantage. They had another brilliant chance to score a third but Ricky Carter’s effort was saved by Buds' goalkeeper David Burnett. Llwydcoed finished the first half on top.  Would the missed penalty come back to haunt them?

Llwydcoed’s players started the second half looking to build on after recovering from two goals in arrears. The Buds soon put that idea to bed. Llwydcoed failed to clear a basic piece of defensive play and substitute Tom McCarthy accepted the gift with a shocking  start to the second half. 

The Buds had recovered their composure early in the second half with Craig McDonald and Anthony Rees forcing Llwydcoed’s goalkeeper Bryan Forbes into a string of top saves. The Llwydcoed defence were under pressure. The Buds were winning the midfield and creating attack after attack. Llwydcoed survived this difficult opening and began to attack he Buds' shape with Connor Wickham and Carl Jenkins linking up play with Michael Davies and Scott Walters. The Buds defence covered the movement and kept the scores in their favour.

The match was full of attacking football. Llwydcoed introduced substitute Chad Rombach looking for a physical approach in midfield. The Buds almost scored a fourth goal, the goal bound chance being cleared by Llwydcoed’s defender Scott Walters.

However, the Buds were not to be denied, they added a fourth goal and then to add to Llwydcoed’s misery and to the Buds joy a fifth.  Tom McCarthy completed his hat trick. 

Llwydcoed had been punished for defensive mistakes again, a missed penalty, so it doesn’t add up to a Happy Football Christmas.

 

Saturday 13 December 2014

Llanelli Town 4, Llantwit Major 0

from Alan Evans, Llanelli Town FC

Despite the apparently comfortable final scoreline this was far from being the Reds' most convincing performance, and for a talented side, the route one approach must be kept to a minimum with a passing game surely the best tactic which will undo the majority of opponents.

Fielding probably their full strength starting line-up with a strong bench, Luke Jones returned from a one match ban but his presence seemed to be the catalyst for hopeful long balls forward in the hope he might take advantage, but despite early domination of proceedings, clear cut chances for the hosts were few and far between.

Barry Whitelam in the visitors' goal had to be alert by just beating Sam Wilson to a ball in the box following a neat build up involving Robert Thomas and Jones, and with Llantwit being pegged back in their own territory they finally conceded the opener on 14 minutes when another well worked move culminated in Thomas receiving a pass, and he turned sharply before striking a crisp shot which arrowed into the bottom corner.

When the visitors' countered, Maxwell Morgan made ground up the right before forcing keeper Craig Richards to divert clear his effort on target, while a Reds' free kick from Richard Lewis was partially cleared as far as Jak Shannon whose first time volley from 30 yards flew just wide of its intended target.

Whitelam caught at full stretch a Jones header under the bar when Lewis delivered in a cross, and at the other end a long throw by Glynne Davies was not collected cleanly by Richards but Lewis was on hand to hack it clear.

The Reds' left back was involved again, sending a corner across the goalmouth towards the far post where it was kept out with some difficulty by David Bevan positioned on the line.

A mazy run by Wilson saw him ghost past three defenders before Whitelam diverted away his final effort for a corner, and early in the second half Wilson turned provider, sending a pass into the path of Shannon but his finish was blasted high over the top.

Having dominated the first period, the Reds allowed their opponents far more latitude in the second and their goal came under increasing pressure with another strong run by Morgan who accepted a crossfield ball forcing Richards to keep out his strike, and Lewis was again on hand to affect a clearance when the ball ran loose.

Stewart Lindsay delivered a well struck effort goalwards which forced Richards into another save, and at this stage of proceedings the home side were struggling to contain the visitors while failing to put together any telling passages of play of their own.

In an effort to freshen up matters, Declan John came on as a replacement for Shannon, and his introduction almost led to a second goal when his corner was met by a Lee Bevan header only for Andrew Shaw to clear off the line with Whitelam beaten.

With just a quarter of an hour remaining the Reds desperately needed another goal to probably put the issue beyond doubt, and just like the proverbial bus, three more arrived within the space of seven minutes.

Lewis was involved in two of them, his corner into the goalmouth leading to an almighty scramble with Jones being accredited with the final touch, although Thomas was also on hand to ensure the ball crossed the line in the 75th minute, and five minutes later, Bruno Forkuoh was found in the box by a Lewis delivery, and guided his header past Whitelam.

A further two minutes down the line Jones set up the Reds` fourth with a delightful through ball for John in space to slot past the Llantwit keeper.

With the visitors visibly wilting, there were opportunities for further goals, with Matthew Hughes, who had earlier replaced Wilson, narrowly failing to connect with a ball driven across the face of goal by Jones, while the latter saw his attempt kept out by the outstretched foot of the keeper.

With Lliswerry having their game at Newport Civil Service called off, the Reds now lead their Gwent rivals by seven points with a game in hand at the top of the table, but will certainly have to up their game next Saturday when they face a stiff test in their local derby at third placed Cwmamman United, kick off 2.00pm.

Llanelli Town: Richards; Napieralla; Lewis; R Jones; Powell (Berry, 35); Bevan ©; Forkuoh; Shannon (John, 56); L Jones; Thomas; Wilson (Hughes, 75). Subs not used: Stone; Scammell (GK).

Llantwit Major: Whitelam; Shaw; L James; Bevan; Gould; Davies; Lindsay; Butler ©; Morgan; Jones (Faux, 82); D. James (Farmer, 61). Sub not used: Jennings.

Scorers: Llanelli Town – Thomas, 14; Jones, 75; Forkuoh, 80; John, 82.

Yellow cards: Llanelli Town – Shannon; Thomas. Llantwit Major – Morgan; Davies; Bevan.

Referee: Jonathan Twigg (Haverfordwest).

Attendance: 139.

Llanelli Town's Bruno Forkuoh wins a mid-field challenge

Robert Thomas scores his first of two goals

Jak Shannon breaks through mid-field

Llanelli Town's Sam Wilson in control

Pictures (c) 2014, keithphoto2003@yahoo.co.uk

 

Saturday 13 December 2014

Llanwern 3, Dinas Powys 1

by Peter King, Dinas Powys FC

Dinas could well have taken something from this game but a poor second half performance saw them throw away a one goal lead at half time and concede three times.

Llanwern started brightly, keeping the ball well and spraying passes around on what was an excellent surface considering all the rain on the previous days.

They had an early free kick taken by Daniel Hooper which Dinas keeper Alex Hales took comfortably but the hosts were quicker to the ball at this stage and forced the first corner of the game after 10 minutes which led to a spectacular overhead kick by Jordan Jones which was well over the Dinas cross-bar. The hosts continued to press and a cross from Robbie James was side-footed goalward by Nic Hooper but was wide of the target.

Dinas began to get into the game and good work from Carlos Indjai forced a corner taken by Nicky Bruce which the defence dealt with easily. They followed this up with some excellent play by young King Junior Mwedzo wide on the right, he played the ball in to Keiron James who made room for a shot from just inside the box, the ball just going the wrong side of ex-Dinas keeper Chris Golton's right post. Dinas were playing well at this stage and a cross from Luke Swaffield was headed goalward by Indjai but his effort was cleared off the line.

At the other end Hales had to make a double save from close range before Dinas broke away again and as Sam Johnson drove into the box he was tripped, the referee pointing straight to the penalty spot. Full back Nicky Bruce stepped up and drove the ball hard and low into the net giving Golton no chance to give Dinas the lead on 25 minutes.

The visitors continued to press, a cross by Johnson found Ben Ah-Mun at the far post who got his header on target but it didn't have enough power to trouble Golton and another cross from Indjai was met by Ah-Mun but his effort was well over the bar under pressure.

At the other end Hales pulled off an excellent save from Matthew Hibbs and the hosts began to press again, a cross from the right was headed just over the bar by Nic Hooper and in the last minute of the half Nic Hooper laid the ball off to his brother Daniel but his effort was off target and Dinas went into the interval with their lead intact.

Llanwern came out firing on all cylinders for the second half and Dinas were thankful to Swaffield who blocked an early effort from close range but, just three minutes into the half they were awarded a free kick just outside the box which Nic Hooper took getting it up and over the wall and beating Hales for the equaliser.

Tempers began to flare at this stage and the referee stopped the game for some time showing yellow cards to several players after consulting with his linesman.

Things settled down again but Dinas just didn't seem up for it any more and it was the hosts who looked the best side for most of the second half. They forced two corners which Dinas managed to clear but 20 minutes into the half they got their noses in front, a cross from the right was headed home by Michael Bishop at the far post.

Dinas manager Lee Saunders then rang the chances, Ben Ah-Mun was replaced by Mamadu Banguraso followed 10 minutes later by Bruce who was replaced by James Alloway with 10 minutes remaining. The nearest Dinas came to getting back on terms was a shot from Banguraso which Golton had to push round the upright for a corner.

This spurred Dinas on and they did rally for the last 10 minutes forcing a goalmouth scramble which looked as though they must equalise but somehow the Llanwern defence eventually cleared it and Dinas were made to pay with a couple of minutes left when James Marr was dispossessed by Hibbs to slot home for 3-1 and in the last minute Indjai did get in a deep cross which Golton collected and at the final whistle Llanwern were worth the three points.

Dinas squad: 1 Alex Hales, 2 Luke Swaffield, 3 Nicky Bruce (1), 4 James Marr, 5 Steve Provis (c), 6 Keiron James, 7 Sam Johnson, 8 Atif Bashir, 9 Carlos Indjai, 10 King Junior Mwedzo, 11 Ben Ah-Mun, 12 James Alloway, 14 Mamadu Banguraso, 15 James Bloxham.

On Saturday 20th December Dinas host Undy Athletic  at the Murch with a 2.00pm kick off where they will be looking for a much better all-round performance.

 

Friday 12 December 2014

Cambrian & Clydach Vale 4, Ton Pentre 1

from Ton Pentre FC

It was a dismal Rhondda Derby for Ton Pentre after they suffered a 4-1 defeat at Cambrian & Clydach Vale.

The Bulldogs were confident going into this match on the back of two victories, while Cambrian & Clydach had been without a League win in four games. 

For the first 20 minutes of the match, Ton Pentre bossed the play and enjoyed the best of the chances.  

It therefore came as a surprise for the Bulldogs when they found themselves 1-0 down after 25 minutes when a cross from Cambrian’s right wing was turned into the net underneath the dive of Neil Collins. 

From this point on the Bulldogs were disappointing for the remainder of the match as they were unable to muster a response to Cambrian taking the lead.

It was 2-0 on 34 minutes after Cambrian hit Ton Pentre on the break when they failed to keep hold of possession. 

Ton Pentre thought that they’d found a way back into the match on 52 minutes when a devastating attack upfield resulted in Ryan Jenkins squaring the ball for Jaymie Wearn to place in the back of the net for 2-1.

When Cambrian forced a corner in the 61st minute, they restored their two-goal lead when the ball was crossed to the centre of the box where a glancing header made it 3-1.

Moments later the home team nearly increased their lead further but were denied by a super save from Collins who pushed the ball over the goal.

Cambrian however, were to score a fourth and it came in the 78th minute as they compounded Ton Pentre to a miserable Rhondda Derby defeat. 

Ton Pentre’s next match is at Ynys Park on Saturday, 20 December against Goytre United. The match kicks off at 2:00pm.

Ton Pentre: 1. Neil Collins, 2. Leon Jacka, 3. Adam Lewis, 4. Ryan Morgan, 5. Thomas Davies, 6. Adam Raymond, 7. Leon Young (Captain), 8. Andre Griffiths, 9. Chris Jones, 10. Ryan Jenkins, 11. Jaymie Wearn. Subs: 12. James Dury (on for Raymond), 14. Shane Davies (on for Jenkins), 15. Alyn Jones, 16. Connor Berry (on for C Jones), 17. Callum Emms.

Goal: Wearn 52

Cautions: Griffiths 20, Jacka 64, Davies 90

 

Saturday 6 December 2014

Ton Pentre 3, Afan Lido 0

from Ton Pentre FC

Ton Pentre dominated the majority of the match against Afan Lido with an excellent display of football at Ynys Park. The Bulldogs fully deserved their win and Afan Lido were fortunate not to have conceded more than three goals.

For this game, Ton Pentre were without the services of Leon Young, who was serving a one match suspension, and goalkeeper Neil Collins was unavailable with youth team product Liam Williams coming in to deputise. The Bulldogs also welcomed Leon Jacka and James Dury into the squad following their transfers from Ton & Gelli Boys' Club.

Ton Pentre took the lead after 15 minutes of the match when Adam Raymond’s cross into the box was headed into the back of the net by an Afan Lido defender.

An Adam Lewis cross also caused the Afan Lido defence problems later in the half when he found Leon Jacka at the far post. The midfielder powerfully shot across the goal but his effort went wide.

Before half time, the Bulldogs hit the post from a free kick and really should have been in a more comfortable position at the interval.

In the 57th minute Jaymie Wearn was set through on goal and looked likely to double Ton Pentre’s lead, however, the striker missed the target, much to Afan Lido’s relief.

Afan Lido were hoping to make Ton Pentre rue their missed chances and they nearly did just that in the 63rd minute. A well hit strike from 18 yards forced Williams into making an excellent save for the Bulldogs by diving low to his left in order to tip the ball around the post.

Chris Jones in attack for the Bulldogs was having a splendid game and his desire saw him get to the ball wide left at the Afan Lido goal line. He crossed to strike partner Wearn, who opened up space to shoot but once again his effort was directed wide.

Ton Pentre’s second goal finally came in the 83rd minute when Wearn showed exceptional drive and desire to get to the ball and run past the Afan Lido defenders. He made no mistake with his shot and fired into the net to give the Bulldogs a 2-0 lead.

It was soon 3-0 when Wearn turned provider for Jacka, whose powerful strike rippled the net to round off an excellent afternoon for the Bulldogs at Ynys Park.

With two consecutive victories, the Bulldogs will go into their Rhondda derby match at Cambrian & Clydach on Friday (12 December) full of confidence. The match at the King George V New Field will kick off at 7.30pm.

Ton Pentre: 1. Liam Williams, 2. Adam Lewis (Captain), 3. Lewis Hydes, 4. Ryan Morgan, 5. Thomas Davies, 6. Leon Jacka, 7. Adam Raymond, 8. Andre Griffiths, 9. Christopher Jones, 10. Ryan Jenkins, 11. Jaymie Wearn. Subs: 12. Connor Berry (for Wearn 87), 14. James Dury (for Raymond 77), 15. Alyn Jones (for C Jones 87), 16. Andrew Hughes

Goals: Own goal 15, Wearn 83, Jacka 87 

Cautions: Jacka 47, Morgan 58 

Referee: Kris Hames (Aberdare)

 

Saturday 6 December 2014

Cwmbran Celtic 5, AFC Llwydcoed 1

from AFC Llwydcoed

Llwydcoed arrived at Celtic Park full of confidence.  AFC Llwydcoed's Manager Leighton Price was without the services of Jarrod Price, Gavin Withers and Connor Wickham.  In stepped Jordan Ellis,  Michael Davies and Tomos Morris. 

The pre-match preparation was  blown away in the opening two minutes after Llwydcoed’s goalkeeper Brett Davies was dismissed for a foul when trying to clear a back pass he lost possession and Celtic were awarded a penalty. Matthew Doherty took over the goalkeeping duties. Celtic’s Rakesh Patel opened the scoring from the penalty spot.

Llwydcoed then decided to give the goalkeeping duties to captain Tomos Morris with Matthew Doherty moving back into defence. 

Cwmbran Celtic's Luke Thomas then accepted a gift shooting into an almost empty goal. 

What a shocking opening but Llwydcoed’s players responded, showed their attacking threat with Jonathan Mason shooting just past the Celtic goal. 

Llwydcoed's players showed good composure after this unbelievable opening with Michael Davies, Tyler Hollidge and Scott Walters combining. 

Celtic's players started to give away a few free kicks as Llwydcoed built from midfield but Llwydcoed were punished yet gain.  Celtic’s Lloyd Kinsella was allowed too much room, he broke through on the left and he picked out Dominic Connor to score.  Llwydcoed had been punished yet again although they had a player less, their football was neat but when Celtic broke out they punished Llwydcoed too easily.  Further goals followed for Celtic’s Andrew Larcombe and Luke Thomas.  The half time whistle could not come soon enough for Llwydcoed. 

AFC Llwydcoed's manager Leighton Price decided to start Ryan Barry in goal at the start of the second half with Tomos Morris playing in the defensive position.  The match changed towards Llwydcoed, their defence and midfield began to control the Celtic dominance of the first half. The belief and work rate of Llwydcoed's players could not be praised enough with Scott Walters, Michael Davies and Matthew Doherty playing for the badge. 

Celtic were being contained by Llwydcoed’s 10 who introduced substitutes Sebastian Haggett, Joseph Jenkins and Carl Jenkins.  It was Celtic's defence who were under pressure and Llwydcoed were rewarded for their superb belief and work rate when Tomos Morris scored from a flowing move out of defence.  Llwydcoed were in the driving seat, the Celtic defence had to defend for long periods in the second half.

The match finished with Celtic gaining the victory. Llwydcoed’s second half display needs to be repeated from the start of next week’s game and every game, and hopefully they will not have any more embarrassing defeats.

Cwmbran Celtic's Andrew Larcombe crashes to the ground to win the early penalty

AFC Llwydcoed's Michael Davies wins possession to build an attack

AFC Llwydcoed's Tomos Morris and stand-in keeper Matthew Doherty try to prevent another goal being conceded

Cwmbran Celtic's Dominic Connor scores with a header from a pass from Lloyd Kinsella

The above pictures are courtesy of Steve Roberts, Cwmbran Celtic FC

 

AFC Llwydcoed's 2014-15 Reserve Division West squad

 

* AFC Llwydcoed are looking for games for their under-7s. Please contact David Evans, Secretary on 07986 938429.

 

Saturday 6 December 2014

Llanelli Town 4, Newport YMCA 0

from Alan Evans, Llanelli Town FC

Having already come away with a 2-0 win when the sides met in September, the Reds duly completed the double with some ease, and it was only a combination of some fine goalkeeping by Mark Drew and a spate of glaring misses by the home attack which prevented the final scoreline reaching double figures.

With striker Luke Jones serving a one match suspension, the home side introduced new signing Sam Wilson, an acquisition from Haverfordwest County, and on the evidence of his initial outing he should prove to be an asset to the squad, while Declan John was named on the bench having missed the last game due to work commitments.

A scrappy opening 20 or so minutes did little to enthuse the spectators although the Reds were completely dominant, with their opponents seemingly opting for damage limitation from the outset.

It took 23 minutes for the hosts to find their way through a packed defence with the breakthrough arriving when Bruno Forkuoh was found in the box close to goal, and he turned sharply before slotting the chance past Drew.

This signalled the onset of a spate of home attacks with Drew being kept fully occupied, beating clear a well struck effort by Richard Lewis when he linked up with Wilson, while a further move up the right instigated by a ball from Mark Napieralla sent Forkuoh clear, and his driven cross infield was met by Matthew Hughes but Drew brought off a great save to divert it for a corner.

When Wilson delivered a cross to the back post, the keeper just managed to push it over at full stretch, and he came to the rescue again, this time denying Hughes when he directed a powerful header goalwards from a Robert Thomas centre.

Despite the keeper's heroics, he was beaten again for a second time in the 34th minute when a superb defence-splitting pass from Wilson sent Forkuoh clear up the middle, and he outpaced two defenders before firing beyond the advancing figure of Drew.

Forkuoh went close again, but this time his header rebounded off the top of the bar and over, while just before the break Thomas had a golden opportunity of extending the lead when Napieralla set up the chance, but with Drew off his line he drove the ball across the face of the vacant net and wide of the far post.

The visitors threw caution to the wind at the start of the second half, introducing all three substitutes with Eliot Owen, Nicholas Medhurst and Jack Pewtner replacing Marc Greenfield, Nathan Hardwick and Ben Lawrence, and they were slightly more prominent than in the  first period, with Owen just failing to connect with a ball across the home net.

Craig Richards, who had been a virtual spectator in the Reds goal was called into a rare piece of action, grasping safely a free kick which rebounded off the wall and looped high into the air, but it was at the other end where most of the play was taking place, with Drew again coming to the rescue, keeping out with an outstretched leg another Hughes effort.

Still dictating matters and well on top, the Reds got their third goal on 66 minutes which ironically, despite his best efforts, stemmed from an error by Drew when his poor kick out only found Forkuoh who immediately transferred a pass to Hughes and he in turn took it around the keeper before finding the net.

A driven cross by Wilson just failed to pick out Hughes in front of goal, and he was foiled again by Drew who kept out his attempt from a Forkuoh assist with an outstretched leg.

Thomas then somehow contrived to fire wide of an unguarded net when it seemed easier to score after Forkuoh saw his initial attempt rebound off Drew, while there appeared to be a blatant hand ball by a visiting player in the box, but referee Alan Jenkins was unmoved.

A Lewis free kick destined for the top corner was somehow kept out by the keeper, but on the stroke of full time the home defender had better luck, finding the target from inside the area after his initial corner was met by Steve Berry who then played him in.

The win extends the Reds` lead at the top of the table to four points from their nearest rivals, Lliswerry, with two games in hand, and they will be hoping to keep up the momentum with the visit of Llantwit Major to Stebonheath next Saturday, kick off 2.00pm.

Llanelli Town: Richards; Napieralla (Berry, 68); Lewis; R Jones (John, 75)Powell; Bevan ©; Forkuoh; Shannon; Hughes; Thomas; Wilson. Subs not used: Davies; Martin; Scammell (GK).

Newport YMCA: Drew; Hassan; Greenfield (Owen, 46); Stewart ©; Hardwick (Medhurst, 46); Lewis; Lawrence (Pewtner, 46); Ford; Simmonds; Pardue; Martin. Sub not used: Parks.

Scorers: Llanelli Town – Forkuoh, 23, 34; Hughes, 66; Lewis, 90.

Yellow cards: Newport YMCA – Martin; Owen; Simmonds; Hassan; Stewart.

Referee: Alan Jenkins (Abergwili).

Attendance: 118.     

 

Saturday 6 December 2014

Dinas Powys 1, Barry Town 3

by Peter King, Dinas Powys FC

Today's match ball kindly sponsored by The Royal India

Dinas Powys FC give support to the campaign to end Violence Against Women

Despite the visitors being top of the Division Two table it was Dinas who took the game to Barry and had them camped in their own half for much of the first 20 minutes.

A cross from Luke Swaffield in the first couple of minutes was gathered by Barry's keeper Dan Bradley and this was followed in the sixth minute by Keiron James dispossessing a defender and laying the ball off to King Junior Mwedzo whose shot from an acute angle hit the side netting.

Barry had a half-chance when, from a throw in striker Anthony Nagi got a shot away which Dinas keeper Alex Hales gathered but it was Dinas at this stage keeping the ball better and they forced three corners on the trot before Barry finally cleared the danger to break away down the right wing with Theo Richards, Rhys James and Jamie Bradford all involved but in the end Hales managed to grab the ball.

A further chance came Barry's way, Bradford playing Nagi in but his effort was well wide of the left upright.

However, despite the early dominance by Dinas it was Barry who opened the scoring when Hales came to gather a free kick by Paul McClean and didn't get anywhere near it leaving Ryan Evans to head into an empty net for the opener on 20 minutes.

Dinas kept plugging away and a good cross from Ben Ah-Mun found Carlos Indjai in a one on one situation with Bradley who rushed off his line to smother the danger as Indjai was about to lob him. Keiron James (who was having a fine game) then got a shot away which hit a defender and went out for another Dinas corner which Barry eventually managed to clear after some determined pressure by the home side.

The hosts were then awarded a free kick from 30 yards which Nicky Bruce took hard and low the ball going straight through to Bradley to collect.

Hales was then called into action after a clearance by James Marr was intercepted by Nagi bring a good save from the Dinas keeper.

BenAh-Mun was then put through one on one with Bradley but again the experienced Barry keeper just got to the ball first. Mwedzo was then fouled close to the right touch line, Bruce putting the free kick onto the head of Atif Bashir but his effort was off target and right on half-time Dinas were made to pay for not taking any of their chances when Rhys James played Nagi in, his first shot cannoned back to him off the left post but he made no mistake the second time to give Barry a somewhat flattering 2-0 lead at the interval.

The visitors forced a couple of early corners which the Dinas defence dealt with and, with just four minutes of the second period gone, Dinas pulled a goal back, Ben Ah-Mun was played in out wide on the left, he beat his marker and fired in a low curling shot which hit the inside of the far post and went in to give the home side a life-line.

Barry were beginning to look dangerous again and Nagi put in an excellent cross which was over Hales head but Nicky Bruce swept the ball out for a corner as the Barry front men closed in.

The game was end to end at this stage and Indjai whipped in a cross which Ben Ah-Mun got his head to but his effort was just wide of the post.

From a Barry corner the ball came out to Evans but, despite hitting a powerful effort it was just over the bar.

A sweeping move from Dinas involving Luke Swaffield, Sam Johnson and Indjai produced a corner which was unproductive and a speculative shot from 30 yards by Ah-Mun was off target although Dinas were still matching their high-flying opponents with the only difference being Barry are more clinical in front of goal. A cross by Johnson ended with a looping header by Indjai which Bradley took at full stretch under his cross-bar.

Then disaster struck for Dinas with just five minutes remaining when Swaffield was adjudged, somewhat harshly the Dinas contingent felt, to have brought a Barry player down in the box, the referee pointing to the spot. Rhys James took the penalty and tucked it just inside the post despite Hales guessing the right way to make it 3-1.

Dinas then brought on three subs with Mamadu Banguraso, Rhodri Foote and James Alloway replacing Ah-Mun, Swaffield and Mwedzo but time ran out and, despite the scoreline, manager Lee Saunders was proud of his young side who put in a gutsy performance.

Dinas squad: 1 Alex Hales, 2 Luke Swaffield, 3 Nicky Bruce, 4 James Marr, 5 Steve Provis (c), 6 Atif Bashir, 7 Keiron James, 8 Sam Johnson, 9 King Junior Mwedzo, 10 Ben Ah-Mun (1), 11, Carlos Indjai, 12 Mamadu Banguraso, 14 Rhodri Foote, 15 James Alloway.

On Saturday 13th December Dinas travel to take on Llanwern with a 2.00pm kick off.

 

Saturday 29 November 2014

Conwy Borough 4, Briton Ferry Llansawel 3

Tenovus Welsh Cup Round Three

from Stuart Williams, Briton Ferry Llansawel FC

Carl Shaw and his squad made the long trip to North Wales to face Cymru Alliance team Conwy Borough in the third round of the Welsh Cup, and did everyone associated with the club proud, despite being on the wrong end of an enthralling 4-3 win for the hosts.

The squad, committee and supporters made the journey on Friday evening staying overnight in Chirk, before travelling to Y-Morfa lunchtime Saturday.

Preparations were excellent and the atmosphere was good despite the loss of defenders Dean Hudson, Daniel Kingdom and midfielder Michael Chaves prior to the game.

Shaw welcomed to the squad former Trefelin defender Jonathan Michael along with to youth team players Josh Davies and Rhylan Harris.

Centre half Josh Cockings replaced Dean Hudson in the heart of defence, otherwise the team was unchanged from the excellent win at Garden Village in midweek.

Conwy Borough who recently appointed manager Aden Shannon as manager and are unbeaten in six since he took the reigns, boasted no fewer than a dozen former pros in their squad, including recent signing Aaron Rey who finished last season Hednesford Town's top scorer in Conference North.

A good crowd of loyal followers welcomed the Reds to the impressive Y-Morfa before referee Roberts started proceedings at 2.00pm.

It was a very even start with the Ferry giving a good account of themselves and they got a deserved first goal on 12 minutes when a burst of speed on the left from Steve Davey saw his cross being chested home by talisman Gareth Jones much to the delight of the visitors.

Then on 16 minutes a near identical run from Davey this time saw Jones' prod going just wide, although the linesman later raised his flag for offside.

Keeper Luke Probert had barely had a touch with 20 minutes gone but he was picking the ball out of his net on 22 minutes when a few unlucky deflections found the ball falling to former Bala Town midfielder Michael Thompson, his shot deflecting off a last minute lunge from Rory Healey to find its way into the bottom left corner.

Conwy were struggling with the width and pace of wingers Davey and Griffiths, and there were two shouts for penalties for the visitors on 24 and 28 minutes after excellent direct runs from Griffiths saw him twice ending up on the floor in the box.

The visitors did deservedly take the lead again on 40 minutes though, a throw from the left saw the Conwy defence somehow appealing for offside, Gareth Jones was switched on though and turned home captain Gareth Sudlow before cutting the ball back for midfielder Warren Hudson, his lovely left foot finish eluding keeper Louis Makin for 2-1.

The hosts had a shot from full back Andrew Brown on 43 minutes but keeper Probert watched it drift wide.

The highlight of an excellent first half though came on 44 minutes, another great set piece delivery from Josh Pikes left foot was flicked on by Gareth Jones, and Ryan Griffiths arrived on the far post to show great technique and volley home with his right foot for a two goal lead.

Conwy could count themselves lucky on the stroke of half time when midfielder Chris Li went high in a 50/50 on tenacious Ferry midfielder Rory Healey, but referee Roberts only showed the yellow.

The teams returned unchanged and the Ferry started the second half quicker, on 55 minutes more great link up play from centre forward Jones playing in Davey, this time his driven shot went wide of Makin's post.

On 59 minutes a Josh Pike free kick was deflected over before Steve Davey's resulting corner was headed just over by the towering jump of Josh Cockings.

The away team introduced experienced Welsh premier duo Phil Clarke and Phil Doran and changed formation and found the breakthrough on 64 minutes, after a few attempted clearances from the Ferry the Conwy winger managed to cross and impressive forward Aaron Rey finished for 3-2.

Then at the other end two minutes later a Griffiths dribble and cross saw a Conwy defender deflect the ball straight into the hands of the relieved Makin.

With the game now taking a typical pattern of an end to end cup tie the hosts got the equaliser on 70 minutes, a free kick coming back off the cross bar only to see former Cardiff City player and Conwy captain Gareth Sudlow volley straight back into the net for 3-3.

With the game now opening up and a few tired legs in the visitors ranks forward Aaron Rey was finding more time to punish with his tricks now starting to come off, and it was to be the number nine who got what turned out to be the winner on 75 minutes, collecting the ball in the right channel he produced a few step-overs before cutting in and unleashing a left foot drive past keeper Probert.

Winger Gavin Jones was introduced by Shaw after the goal to try and add some potency for an equaliser, and his cross on 86 minutes saw centre half Ian Hillier rising highest, but his header was tipped around the post by Makin.

From the corner Hillier again headed the ball towards goal but it was blocked just before the line and cleared by a Tangerines' defender.

With the Ferry throwing everything at their opponents for the equaliser, the last chance saw sub Jones cut in and shoot well over before the referee blew up to put Conwy in the hat for the last 16.

It was ecstasy for Conwy who made a great comeback but Shaw and his men had the right to feel devastated after putting in an excellent display with some of the players leaving the field in tears after giving their all.

Next up now for the club is the Nathaniel Cars League Cup game at Caerau (Ely) this Saturday.

Ferry: Probert, John, Pike, Hillier, Cockings, Healey, W Hudson, Kenyon, Davey, Gareth Jones, Griffiths. Subs: Clement, Michael, Davies, Harris, Gavin Jones.

Match highlights can be watched at -

http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/conwyunitedfc/videos/conwy-borough-vs-briton-ferry-61864.html

 

Saturday 29 November 2014

Cwmbran Celtic 2, Llanelli Town 3

Nathaniel Car Sales League Cup Round Two

at Llanelli Town FC

from Alan Evans, Llanelli Town FC

On a mission to avenge their only defeat of the season to date – a 2-1 Welsh Cup reverse to their opponents in October – the Reds achieved that aim when the sides met again, this time in the Nathaniel Car Sales League Cup, to clinch a home third round tie against Llanwern on Saturday, 10th January.

Following the midweek win over Caerau, the hosts made a number of changes to their starting line-up with Peter Scammell taking over in goal from Craig Richards while both Matthew Hughes and Jak Shannon were promoted from the bench, which was occupied by three youth team players, Nick Holmes, Will Davies and Leon Martin, along with Richards and Steve Berry.

Just two minutes had elapsed before the Reds took the lead when a move up the left culminated in a cross field ball to Robert Thomas, who finished with a crisply struck shot past Celtic keeper Nicky Church inside his near post.

Scammell had to react quickly to block when a loose ball close to goal was met by Andrew Larcombe, while he was called into action again, this time turning away a well directed free kick from Michael Baugh.

Church recovered in the nick of time to grab at the second attempt a ball hoisted into the goalmouth by Thomas with Luke Jones hovering to seize on any error, before the visitors levelled matters on 24 minutes.

Baugh was again involved, lofting another set piece to the far post where it was met by an unmarked Lewis Grant who directed a downward header past Scammell just inside the upright.

When the Reds retaliated, Church did well to keep out a powerfully struck free kick by Richard Lewis, but he was beaten again in the 33rd minute when a Lewis corner was directed back into the danger area from the far post where Jones was on hand to head home from close range.

Just before the break, Scammell had to react sharply to beat clear an effort from Luke Thomas when a clearance fell to him inside the box, while Church did equally as well at the other end early in the second half to deny Jones another success.

The visitors were then afforded a golden opportunity to draw level again with the award of a penalty following a push by Lee Bevan on Larcombe, and duly accepted the gift, with Rakesh Patel beating Scammell from the spot on the hour mark.

Nine minutes later, Bevan atoned for his lapse by regaining the initiative for the Reds with a towering header past Church from a Lewis corner, but despite this boost events took a downward turn when they were reduced to 10 men in the 77th minute with the dismissal of Jones for a second yellow card, but despite the numerical disadvantage managed to cling on relatively untroubled for the remainder of the contest to clinch their place in the third round of the competition.

The Reds return to league action on Saturday with the visit of Newport YMCA to Stebonheath with a 2.00 pm kick off.

Cwmbran Celtic:  Church; R Patel; Crees ©; C. Patel; Luck; Jones (Llewellyn, 46); Baugh; Williams (Hodges, 79); Larcombe; Grant; Thomas. Subs. not used: Cheedy; Connor; Feeley.

Llanelli Town: Scammell; Napieralla; Lewis; R Jones; Powell; Bevan ©; Hughes (Berry, 74); Shannon; L Jones; Thomas; Forkuoh. Subs. not used: Holmes; Davies; Martin; Richards (GK).

Scorers: Cwmbran Celtic – Grant, 24; R Patel (P), 60.Llanelli Town – Thomas, 2; L Jones, 33; Bevan, 69.

Yellow cards: Llanelli Town – Bevan; L. Jones (2); R. Jones.

Red card: Llanelli Town – L Jones.

Referee: Teifion Cook (Swansea).

Attendance: 93.

Llanelli Town's keeper, Peter Scammell saves from Lewis Grant

Llanelli Town's Matthew Hughes is foiled by Cwmbran Celtic's keeper Nicky Church

Llanelli Town's Luke Jones holds off a challenge by Owen Llewellyn

Llanelli Town's Bruno Forkuoh gets between two defenders

Pictures (c) 2014, keithphoto2003@yahoo.co.uk

 

Saturday 29 November 2014

Aberdare Town 0, Ton Pentre 2

from Ton Pentre FC

This was a committed and passionate performance from Ton Pentre, as goals from Leon Young and Jaymie Wearn secured all three points in a 2-0 win at Aberdare Town.

Coming into this match, neither team had won in three Nathaniel Cars Welsh League Division One matches. It was therefore, of paramount importance to both that they won this match.

The Bulldogs were boosted by the return of Thomas Davies to their defence, which allowed Leon Young to play in his favoured attacking midfield position.

The Bulldogs limited their opponents to very few goal scoring chances and although Ton Pentre always looked the more dangerous going forward, they struggled to force efforts on target.

However, this all changed in the second half and Ton Pentre wanted to make sure that they did not rue having the upper-hand in this match by taking a 48th minute lead.

Andre Griffiths started the move that resulted in a Ton Pentre goal when he sent a long grounded pass from outside the Bulldogs box up to Chris Jones (who has re-joined the Club from Treowen Stars) just inside the Aberdare half of the pitch.  

Jones applied a wonderful flick to put Leon Young in behind the defence with an incredible run. Young maintained composure to strike the ball into the net whilst holding off two defenders in the process. It was a magnificently worked move.

The Bulldogs could have scored another just minutes later when Jones was involved once again by playing a lovely ball over the top of the defence for Jaymie Wearn to run on to. Wearn was stopped from running directly at goal by two defenders, however, he maintained possession and was able to cross for Ryan Jenkins, who had run clear of his markers at the far post. Unfortunately for Jenkins, the cross was too high for him to make a connection.

An injury to Griffiths in the 66th minute forced his substitution moments later with youth team product Connor Berry coming on the replace him.

Berry was soon in the action when he followed up from Wearn’s strike that was blocked in the box. Berry looked as though he’d scored with his effort but his shot was somehow stopped on the line and the ball trickled around the post for a corner kick.

From the corner however, the Bulldogs did find their second. Adam Raymond sent a wonderful ball to the back post where Young headed it down to Wearn, who struck the back of the net to make it 2-0.

Ton Pentre nearly increased their lead further in added time when Wearn created an opportunity for Jones to strike. His effort was powerful but the Aberdare Town goalkeeper was able to get his body behind the ball to take the force away and deny the Bulldogs striker.

With the way in which the Division One table is shaping up, this was probably a must win game for Ton Pentre and the team will be happy that this was mission accomplished in an impressive display.

Ton Pentre return to Ynys Park on Saturday, 6 December when they welcome Afan Lido for a 2:00pm kick off.

Ton Pentre: 1. Neil Collins, 2. Adam Lewis, 3. Nathan Phillips, 4. Ryan Morgan, 5. Thomas Davies, 6. Leon Young, 7. Adam Raymond, 8. Andre Griffiths, 9. Chris Jones, 10. Ryan Jenkins, 11. Jaymie Wearn. Subs: 12. Connor Berry, 14. Alyn Jones, 15. Andrew Hughes

Goals: Young 48, Wearn 83

Caution: A Jones 90+7

 

Wednesday 26 November 2014

Llanelli Town 4, Caerau 2

from Alan Evans, Llanelli Town FC

Without a game for over three weeks, a ring-rusty home side took a while to get into their stride and were in fact trailing their opponents after a 12th minute strike before finally finding their feet and notching up three successes prior to the break.

One downside to the eventual win was a serious injury sustained to the Reds top scorer, Liam Samuel, who was stretchered off with a suspected broken leg in the first half following an accidental collision with Caerau keeper Matthew Rees, and will certainly be out of action for some considerable time.

The visitors took a shock lead when a kick out by Rees found Robert Walters, and he took the chance well, accelerating past Lee Bevan before firing beyond Craig Richards in the home goal.

Stung by this reverse, the Reds hit back and went close on a number of occasions but the final ball lacked accuracy, with Robert Thomas seeing his attempt diverted for a corner, and when Luke Jones also forced a set piece, this was driven across the face of goal by Richard Lewis without any connection being made.

Jones then shot narrowly wide after a clever turn, before they levelled matters on 27 minutes with a stunning goal by Lewis who picked up possession from a Caerau corner and covered almost the length of the pitch before finishing with a great strike into the bottom corner.

Five minutes later they were ahead when a run by Samuel culminated in him picking out Bruno Forkuoh in space who fired past Rees.

A mere two further minutes had elapsed when Jones got on the end of a cross by Lewis to direct a looping header over the visiting keeper to establish a two goal cushion.

Samuel then sustained his unfortunate injury when he pursued a ball into the box, being replaced by Mathew Hughes, but despite the disruption the Reds continued to create chances with Jones slow to react when Hughes played him in with the goal gaping invitingly, while Forkuoh blasted wildly over from a decent scoring position.

The hosts began the second half again on the front foot with Rees making a good save to divert an attempt by Hughes for a corner, and when this came across it was met by Bevan whose header was somehow kept out by the Caerau keeper.

A rare attack by the visitors should have led to a second goal but this time Walters shot off target with only Richards to beat.

The Reds were then given an opportunity to further extend their lead with the award of a penalty when Thomas was brought down, but the normally reliable Declan John had his kick kept out by Rees, and when the rebound fell to Hughes, he fired over from point blank range.

They had better luck on the hour mark when they netted a fourth goal with Thomas slotting home from the edge of the box with Rees off his line in an attempt to close him down.

Forkuoh had a well directed effort beaten away by Rees, but the visitors had the last word when they won a penalty after Richards clattered into Jack Page in the area, and Dale Price netted easily after 82 minutes to complete the scoring.

The win sends the Reds back to the top of the table, and with two home matches at the start of December they will be hoping to consolidate their position still further.

Llanelli Town: Richards; Napieralla; Lewis; R. Jones; Powell; Bevan ©; Samuel (Hughes, 40); Thomas; L. Jones (Martin, 76); John (Shannon, 70); Forkuoh. Subs. not used; Davies; Scammell (GK).

Caerau: Rees; Mizen (Sam James, 46); Roach; R James; Jenkins; Shaun James; Davies (C Lewis, 68); R Lewis (Page, 56); Walters; Price ©; Davis. Subs. not used: Shearan; Jones.

Llanelli Town – Lewis, 27; Forkuoh, 32; L. Jones, 34; Thomas, 60. Caerau – Walters, 12; Price (P) 82.

Yellow cards: Llanelli Town – L. Jones; Richards. Caerau – Walters; R James.

Referee: Paul Meredith (Penllergaer).

Attendance: 96.

 

Wednesday 26 November 2014

Garden Village 0, Briton Ferry Llansawel 4

from Stuart Williams, Briton Ferry Llansawel FC

Briton Ferry Llansawel travelled the short distance to face west Wales rivals Garden Village in Welsh League Division One on Wednesday evening.

Carl Shaw named the same team that impressively saw off Aberdare Town by 5-1 in the Welsh Cup last time out.

It was the first time both teams had met since 'that game' at the end of last season that sealed both teams place in division one.

The early breakthrough came for the visitors on four minutes, Ferry goalkeeper Luke Probert delivering a superb assist to find Steve Davey with the winger outstripping the Village defence and send the keeper the wrong way with his finish.

Minutes later referee Eddie King had a big decision to make when the Village goalkeeper deliberately handled the ball outside the box, he was given a yellow card much to his relief.

On 15 minutes Probert was called into action for the first time, making a superb save one on one with the Garden Village winger.

A pretty scrappy affair was put to bed in a scintillating 10 minutes before half time from the Ferry, on 38 minutes a Josh Pike corner saw centre half Dean Hudson power home a header for 2-0.

Then another corner two minutes later found Hudson again but this time his header rebounded off the cross bar only for his defensive partner Ian Hillier to rifle in a left foot half volley from just inside the box for his second goal in two games.

On the stroke of half time with the Ferry awarded a free kick, Steve Davey delivered and Hudson again was involved flicking the ball on for Ryan Griffiths to arrive and volley in at the far post for 4-0  much to the disbelief of the good home crowd.

The main talking point of a scrappy second half was the descending fog at Stafford Common and for a moment it looked like it was going to be a 'get out of jail card' for the hosts, but thankfully for the Ferry it lifted and the game was good to continue.

Sam Brown had a few chances for the hosts but the Ferry never really looked at threat with the impressive looking defence in a no-nonsense mood.

The second half saw substitutes Daniel Kingdom, Josh Cockings and Gavin Jones introduced to manage out an impressive three points for Shaw and his men.

A special mention to centre forward Gareth Jones who drove from Derby for the game and caused all sorts of problems for the Village defence before driving back straight after the game.

So another win making it 10 games undefeated in all competitions and moving the team into the top six, only four points off leaders Haverfordwest.

Attention now turns to the trip to Conwy Borough in the third round of the Welsh Cup on Saturday, the team certainly will be travelling with confidence and looking to give their North Wales opponents a stern test.

Ferry: Probert, John, Pike, D Hudson, Hillier, Healey, W Hudson, Kenyon, Davey, Gareth Jones, Griffiths. Subs: Clement, Davies, Cockings, Kingdom, Gavin Jones.

Man of the match: Scott Kenyon - bustling performance in the centre of midfield.

 

Friday 21 November 2014

Taffs Well 4, Ton Pentre 1

from Ton Pentre FC 

The match against Taffs Well was Ton Pentre’s first since the departure of manager Dean Morris. For the visit to Rhiw Dda’r, Andrew Hughes was in charge of the Bulldogs team, which had been patched together due to suspension and injuries.

With gaps to fill it provided an excellent opportunity for Hughes to call up Callum Emms and Nathan Phillips from the Bulldogs youth team.

There was a frantic opening to this match, encouraged by the wet playing surface and Taffs Well very quickly began to take the initiative.

With the pressure building, Neil Collins was forced into making a superb save to deny the best chance of the match in the 28th minute when Taffs Well broke through Ton Pentre’s makeshift defence.

There was nothing Collins could do on the half hour mark when Marcus Jones opened up space in the box to fire the ball into the top right-hand corner of the goal to make it 1-0.

Ton Pentre’s heads were down and two minutes later it was 2-0 after a speedy attack down Taffs Well’s left, resulted in Chris Hugh sneaking the ball into the net with a shot past Collins at his right-hand post.

The Bulldogs hit back with a goal in the 56th minute when a cross from Lewis Hydes on the left found its way to Emms. Following his pass, Andre Griffiths back-heeled the ball to Shane Davies whose strike from close range past Steve Hall made it 2-1.

Despite applying pressure on the Taffs Well defence, Ton Pentre’s hopes of a comeback were short-lived when Tyrone Topper cut inside before striking inside the right post for 3-1 on 69 minutes.

Three minutes later Taffs Well made it 4-1 when the Bulldogs defence was caught out once again by Topper, who scored his second of the match after seeing his first effort saved by Collins but converted the rebound.

Ton Pentre’s next match is on Saturday, 29 November away at Aberdare Town. Kick off for match is at 2:00pm.

Ton Pentre: 1. Neil Collins, 2. Adam Lewis, 3. Lewis Hydes, 4. Adam Raymond, 5. Ryan Morgan, 6. Leon Young, 7. Callum Emms, 8. Andre Griffiths, 9. Ryan Jenkins, 10. Shane Davies, 11. Jaymie Wearn. Subs: 12. Ryan Shugar, 14. Nathan Phillips (for Adam Lewis 83), 15. Andrew Hughes (for Emms 78).

Goal: S Davies 56

Caution: Young 77

 

Saturday 15 November 2014

Briton Ferry Llansawel 5, Aberdare Town 1

Tenovus Welsh Cup Round Two

from Stuart Williams, Briton Ferry Llansawel FC

Briton Ferry Llansawel earned a place in the last 32 of the Welsh Cup with an excellent 5-1 win against Aberdare Town at the Old Road on Saturday afternoon.

Once against manager Carl Shaw was forced to make changes with regular centre back pairing Josh Cockings and Daniel Kingdom unavailable, however the strength of depth was evident with experienced former Welsh Premier duo Lee John and Ian Hillier their replacements in defence.

Top scorer Gareth Jones was also welcomed back to the starting line up after a few weeks unavailable.

The visitors are in a period of transition after losing their manager and a few players since the teams last saw out a 1-1 draw in the League at the Old Road in September.

After a lot of rainfall during the week conditions were perfect for football with the sun shining in time for referee Ian Bird to get the game under way.

With confidence high and on a nine game unbeaten run the Ferry started nervy with lots of misplaced passes giving the visitors the upper hand in the opening stages.

Aberdare also were winning all the early second balls and took a deserved lead on 14 minutes when a free kick saw Sam O'Sullivan reacting quickest to finish past Luke Probert from his second attempt.

The Ferry finally woke up after 20  minutes and tested young visiting keeper Ellis Nash for the first time with a long range Scott Kenyon effort that he did well to hold on to.

A few minutes later from a set piece centre half Dean Hudson rifled in a shot but it was well blocked by an Aberdare defender.

With the hosts now cranking up the pressure on their opponents they nearly got an equaliser on the half hour mark when a Josh Pike corner saw centre half Ian Hillier rising highest but his header was cleared off the line by an Aberdare defender.

However a carbon copy delivery on 39 minutes again saw Hillier out jump everyone, this time the ball finding the top corner for his first goal in Ferry colours.

With the Ferry now in the ascendency they managed to take the lead minutes before half time with live wire winger Ryan Griffiths doing well on the right before delivering into the box, a perfectly timed run by Scott Kenyon ended with the midfielder's shot giving Nash no chance for a 2-1 lead at the break.

Both teams returned unchanged to the field but it wasn’t long before the scoreline was 3-1 to the hosts, a sublime goal by Steve Davey seeing him cutting inside on the left hand side and unleashing a 30-yard curler into Nash's left top corner.

On 57 minutes the game was more or less over after another bit of elusive play from winger Griffiths saw his driven cross finished by Davey at the far post for 4-1.

Griffiths nearly got on the score sheet himself two minutes later after a lovely passing move saw the winger's scissor-kick flying over the bar from a Lee John cross.

Midfield duo Michael Chaves and Gavin Jones were introduced in place of Warren Hudson and Gareth Jones with 20 minutes remaining and Chaves got the fifth goal on 80 minutes, again Josh Pike providing the assist resulting with Chaves' flick creeping over the line at the far post.

Another plus for the club in the last 10 minutes was youth product Josh Davies taking his place at full back instead of Pike and giving another good account of himself in his step up to senior football.

So next in the club's journey is a trip North to Conwy Borough in two weeks time for probably one of the biggest game in the club's short history and a place in the last 16 awaiting the winners.

The club face Caerau Ely away in the League Cup this Saturday before their trip North followed by Taffs Well at the Old Road on Saturday December 6th in the League.

Ferry: Probert, John, Pike, D Hudson, Hillier, Healey, Hudson, Kenyon, Davey, Gareth Jones, Griffiths. Subs: Davies, Chaves, Gavin Jones.

Man of the match: Ian Hillier with a commanding performance in the heart of defence and dangerous from set pieces, also his first goal for the club.

 

Saturday 15 November 2014

Caldicot Town 1, Ton Pentre 3

Nathaniel Car Sales League Cup Round Two

from Ton Pentre FC 

Ton Pentre overcame a stern test from Caldicot Town in the Nathaniel Car Sales League Cup at Jubilee Way, where the Bulldogs could quite easily have been several goals behind by half-time. However, Ton Pentre took their goalscoring chances when presented with them and it was enough to take them through to Round Three.

In the previous round, Caldicot Town had defeated Haverfordwest County and so the Gwent outfit were confident of causing another upset.

Caldicot’s confidence seemed well founded as they enjoyed much possession in this match and created a plethora of goal scoring opportunities that should have seen them comfortably in the lead, however, Bulldogs goalkeeper Neil Collins, produced a string of superb saves to deny the Division Two club. 

With a makeshift defence, the Bulldogs were caught out several times by the Caldicot attack with Collins protecting his goal through a series of one-on-one saves. Caldicot really should have scored with the chances that they had created.

Ton Pentre’s best chance of the first half occurred in the 17th minute when Ryan Jenkins and Dan Richards combined to allow Shane Davies an opportunity to shoot. The midfielder came close with his strike but the ball edged wide of the righthand post.

Caldicot created another good chance early in the second half when they went one-on-one with Collins once again. Despite looking odds on to score, Collins somehow produced another fantastic save to deny a goal.

Moments later the Bulldogs mustered an attack and when Davies linked with Richards, it allowed the latter to dribble his way into the box. After hitting the ball low across the face of the goal, a Caldicot defender was unable to get out of its way and gave the Bulldogs a 1-0 lead by scoring an own goal.

Caldicot however, soon equalised when a cross from the right was met with a header that rippled the back of the net. The home team certainly deserved to score the goal following the amount of attempts that they’d had throughout the match.

With 17 minutes of the game remaining, Richards made way for Andrew Hughes in attack and the fresh legs spurred the Bulldogs on to victory.

When Hughes chested the ball down for Andre Griffiths, the midfielder picked out an excellent pass to Jaymie Wearn, who scored to regain the lead the for the Bulldogs.  

Ton Pentre’s progress in the League Cup was confirmed in added time when Davies broke the defence down to put Wearn through on goal. Showing great composure, Wearn confidently found the back of the net to make it 3-1.

You can listen to post match reaction from Neil Collins and Jaymie Wearn on RadioTon: http://bit.ly/1A2IxdS

Ton Pentre will play Taffs Well at their Rhiw Dda’r home on Friday, 21 November 2014 at 7.30pm.

Ton Pentre: 1. Neil Collins, 2. Ryan Shugar, 3. Alyn Jones, 4. Ryan Morgan, 5. Leon Young, 6. Andre Griffiths, 7. Shane Davies, 8. Adam Raymond, 9. Jaymie Wearn, 10. Dan Richards, 11. Ryan Jenkins.     Sub: 12. Andrew Hughes on for Dan Richards 73

Goals: Own Goal 52, Wearn 84, 90+1

Caution: Young 89

 

Saturday 15 November 2014

Dinas Powys 2, Chepstow Town 4

by Peter King, Dinas Powys FC

Today's match ball kindly sponsored by Lyndon Scaffolding PLC.

This was the proverbial game of two halves with Chepstow totally dominating the first half and looked to have got the game sewn up with a 3-0 advantage after 20 minutes.

Chepstow went straight on the attack from the first whistle and an early chance came for Rico Zulkarnain which he screwed wide of the post.

The impressive looking Louis Feeley then forced two successive corners which the Dinas defence managed to clear. Dinas keeper Jack Perks was then forced into making a good save from Lee Ross.

Dinas were trying to get themselves into the game and Atif Bashir fed Keiron James out wide, he put in a good cross which was just too high for Carlos Indjai and the ball ran out for a throw-in.

Chepstow were soon on the score sheet however, a free kick by Feeley found the head of Ashley Palmer at the far post to head home powerfully with 10 minutes gone. Just two minutes later they doubled their advantage when a cross from Feeley was bundled home at close range by Ross for 2-0 with Dinas not in the game at this stage.

Gradually the home side began to get some possession, Bashir and Indjai combining to force a corner taken by Nicky Bruce but the Chepstow defence managed to clear their lines.

At the other end Perks had to be alert when that man Feeley played Mark Dunn in but Perks rushed off his line to grab the ball.

Dinas did manage to force two more corners, Sam Johnson doing well down the left but they were both unproductive and with just 20 minutes gone Chepstow added a third goal, a cross from the right was headed home by Johnson with the Dinas defence not tight enough. The visitors continued to dominate played and almost made it 4-0 when Feeley dispossessed Luke Swaffield but his shot just scraped past the wrong side of the Dinas upright.

Two Chepstow corners were cleared and after some determined play by Johnson and Ben Ah-Mun James was put through on goal but his shot was off target when he should really have at least hit the target and Dinas were glad to get in at half-time to sort things out.

Dinas came out in much more determined mood with a change in formation and personnel seeming to do the trick, Ryan Garland replacing Indjai and King Junior Mwedzo coming on for Johnson. They began to dominate play forcing an early corner and pressing the visitors back in their own half. A free kick by Garland was floated into the six yard box but no-one could get on the end of it. Then Bashir picked up the ball in midfield and hit a thunderbolt of a shot from the edge of the box which was just over the bar, and Bashir then played Ah-Mun in, he hit a good shot which was too far out to trouble Wesson in the Chepstow goal who took it comfortably.

Dinas then made their final substitution, Jasper Morgan replacing Nicky Bruce with 22 minutes of the half gone and just three minutes later they pulled one back, Garland feeding Ah-Mun who tucked the ball home from 12 yards for 3-1.

It was Chepstow's turn to hang on and an excellent corner from Garland reached Swaffield at the far post to slam it home for 3-2 with just six minutes remaining. Dinas began to think they could get something from the game after all and right on time a square ball reached Garland who hit a curling shot just over the bar. Deep in injury time and against the run of play Chepstow substitute Craig Lewis found himself one on one with Perks and he made no mistake to make the final score a somewhat flattering 4-2 to Chepstow.

Dinas squad: 1 Jack Perks, 2 Luke Swaffield (1), 3 Nicky Bruce, 4 James Marr, 5 James Bloxham (c), 6 Steve Provis, 7 Carlos Indjai, 8 Atif Bashir, 9 Sam Johnson, 10 Ben Ah-Mun (1), 11 Keiron James, 12 King Junior Mwedzo, 14 Ryan Garland, 15 Jasper Morgan.

On Saturday 22nd November Tata Steel are the visitors to the Murch. Please note this is an early kick off time of 1.00pm.

 

Saturday 15 November 2014

Pontardawe Town 2, Aberbargoed Buds 0

Nathanial Car Sales League Cup Round Two

from Gary Thomas, Pontardawe Town FC

On a surprisingly lovely day in Pontardawe we had a pitch which was in pretty good shape considering the amount of rain we had seen during a very wet week and also overnight on Friday. Buds arrived in excellent form with only two defeats in nine league games and sitting in second place in Division Two... a speedy return to the Division One is looking on the cards.

The game was an excellent one to watch with both sides giving everything. Buds had the better of the first 20 minutes which saw Town keeper Steve Reeve pulling off a cracking save down to his left from a header. Town then lost Cameron Harris to injury when he was fouled and he was replaced by Trystan Edwards. It was end to end stuff but it was the visitors who looked the sharpest throughout the first half which ended at 0-0.

Town started better in the second half although the Buds were still looking dangerous. They just couldn't find the finish that would have got them a goal they probably deserved. Meanwhile with Matt Ellis, Ian Jones and Alex Wild starting to get on top in midfield Town were beginning to put some good moves together. One of these led to Matt Ellis breaking down the right on 66 minutes and his shot took a critical deflection which beat the Buds keeper to put Town 1-0 up.

Town were now slightly in the ascendency but Buds were still causing problems as well. As the game was deep in the final quarter they were awarded a free kick but the shot was saved well under the bar by Reeve.

At 84 minutes Buds midfielder Rhys Jones, and probably best player, committed a nasty scissors tackle on Town's Ryan Samuel who had earlier hit the bar with a cracking strike. This tackle, in fairness, was not in the spirit of the rest of the game but nevertheless the player had to go and was given a straight red by referee Kevin Bowen who was having a belter of a game as the man in the middle. A couple of minutes later Town effectively killed off the game when Ryan Samuel hit a free kick which was met with a cracking header from centre half Elliot Thomas which gave the keeper no chance and Town a 2-0 lead.

The game was played out with the Buds giving everything but they weren't able to test Reeve any further and it is Town who go into the hat for Round Three. A cracking game and a big hand to the officials who were excellent on the day.

Afterwards Centre Half Darryl Jeffries was voted Man of The Match by the Town players, managers and committee.

 

Saturday 1 November 2014

Briton Ferry Llansawel 3, Ton Pentre 0

from Stuart Williams, Briton Ferry Llansawel FC

Briton Ferry Llansawel produced one of their best displays of the season to emphatically see off Ton Pentre by 3-0 at the old road on Saturday afternoon in Welsh League Division One.

Even more impressive was that manager Carl Shaw was without top scorer Gareth Jones and club captain Gavin Jones was only on the bench after returning from injury.

This shows the strength in depth that Shaw and his staff now have at their disposal and the growing confidence of the players in an ever improving season.

Shaw went with ex-Port Talbot player Lee John to fill Jones' boots with the rest of the team unchanged from the win against Penybont previously.

The Ferry had the best possible start when John was adjudged to have been fouled in the box after only two minutes, up stepped ever dependable Steve Davey to slot it past Ton keeper Neil Collins for the lead.

For the majority of the first half the Ferry played some excellent football with the centre midfield trio of Healey, Hudson and Kenyon dictating the pace of the game.

Not only were the reds dominating possession but are looking stronger defensively with centre halves Daniel Kingdom and Josh Cockings starting to form an impressive partnership in between full backs Dean Hudson and Josh Pike. 

Keeper Collins was probably the visitors best player in the first half making some excellent saves to keep the deficit to the single goal at half time.

The visitors had their best spell of the game after half time and in the 55th minute a long throw from James Gronow found its way to Dan Richards, whose glancing header had Luke Probert beaten, however the ball hit the post and rebounded straight back into the keeper’s hands.

The Ferry again took control of the game though and got a well deserved second goal after a corner was not cleared properly by the Ton defence and midfielder Warren Hudson sent the ball straight back into the net from the edge of the box for 2-0.

Then the highlight of the match came eight minutes later when the Ferry were awarded a free kick from 25 yards, up stepped Davey again to curl the ball up and over the wall into the top left hand corner to give keeper Collins no chance.

An impressive bench of Ian Hillier, Michael Chaves and Gavin Jones all had game time in the second half to help see out the remainder of the game with a clean sheet and a comfortable win for the men in red.

So another impressive display from Shaw's team seeing them now sit at sixth in the table only three points behind Monmouth in third with a game in hand.

Next up is the second round of the Welsh Cup against Aberdare Town at the Old Road on Saturday.

Ferry: Probert, D Hudson, Pike, Kingdom, Cockings, Healey, W Hudson, Kenyon, Davey, John, Griffiths. Subs - Hillier, Chaves, Jones.

Man of the match: Rory Healey - Endless running coupled with an ever improving passing game giving Rory a deserved man of the match performance.

 

Saturday 1 November 2014

Dinas Powys 1, Cwmbran Celtic 1

from Rob Bloxham, Dinas Powys FC 

Today's match ball was sponsored by The Murch Post Office

After a slow start by both sides Cwmbran began to take control of midfield and had three shots which were all off target in the first 10 minutes.

After 15 minutes Cwmbran’s number 11 Owen Llewellyn shot at goal was superbly blocked by Dinas centre half James Marr, this was the first clear chance of the game.

Dinas Powys started to dominate possession and after 25 minutes Ben Ah-Mun, picked up the ball on the left side of the penalty area, cut inside and shot towards goal which was well saved by Cwmbran keeper Lewis Watkins, Dinas were unable to capitalise on the rebound and the ball was cleared.

Leading up to half time the game was end to end, with both defences playing well then in time added on a lapse on concentration by Dinas full back Luke Swaffield, Cwmbran centre forward Luke Lewis found himself unmarked in the box and struck the ball against the underside of the crossbar and in beyond Dinas Keeper Jack Perks.

Five minutes after the break Dinas centre forward, Ah-Mun intercepted a pass between the two Cwmbran centre halves and attempted to lift the ball over the advancing keeper, the ball spun off the keepers arm towards the goal but bounced against the post away from the forward and was cleared by Ben Luck.

Both teams made substitutions and with Dinas pressing for the equaliser gaps started to appear for the Cwmbran forwards and after 70 minutes Luke Lewis slipped the off-side trap and advanced on goal. Dinas captain James Bloxham managed to get back and made a challenge on the edge of the area, winning the ball to save a certain goal scoring opportunity.

Dinas continued to press and Cwmbran’s keeper had to be at his best to save Nicky Bruce's swerving half volley

In 89th minute Cwmbran gave away a free kick and Dinas sent everyone forward. Nicky Bruce's precise free kick found Atif Bashir who powerfully headed the ball into the roof of the net for a well-deserved equaliser.

There was just enough time left for Dinas to have one more chance and substitute Sam Johnson stuck a ferocious 20-yard shot which was parried by Watkins and eventually cleared  

The final whistle saw the end of an equally contested game and although the draw was a good point for the home side, Dinas probably felt they deserved all three.

 

Saturday 1 November 2014

Tata Steel 1, AFC Llwydcoed 2

from AFC Llwydcoed

Llwydcoed gained another brilliant victory thanks to two pieces of quality play late in the second half thanks to Matthew Doherty and Scott Walters who supplied the passes to Ricky Carter and Jonathan Mason who returned the compliment with two quality goals.

AFC Llwydcoed Manager Leighton Price selected the same team after last week’s superb 2-0 result at home to Undy Athletic.

Tata as you expect being the home team were the first to attack, building through Sam Baker and David Brennan. Llwydcoed’s defence were under early pressure and through the organisation of captain Tomos Morris they dealt with the attacks, they broke from defence with Matthew Doherty moving into space linking with Chad Rombach.

The early stages saw Tata move forward with Luke Llewellyn combining with Sam Baker and then Llwydcoed attacked through Connor Wickham, Joe Jenkins and Sebastian Haggett.  They won an early free kick after Michael Davies was fouled which Ricky Carter took and Tata cleared easily.

Both teams had attacking ideas, Tata through Sam Baker and Ross Davies and Llwydcoed through Chad Rombach and Michael Davies.  Llwydcoed’s defence had to be tuned in because of the Tata players’ pressure and movement and when they were allowed to play on after an offside flag Llwydcoed’s Tomos Morris made a goal saving tackle and Llwydcoed’s goalkeeper Brett Davies made a superb low save from Tata’s Lee McLachlan from the corner after the resulting attack. 

What a travesty this could have been if Tata had scored. Llwydcoed were having a bigger share of possession after this difficult opening. Their defenders of Jordan Ellis, Scott Walters, Tomos Morris and Matthew Doherty had stood firm and they started to build several attacks with Ricky Carter and Sebastian Haggett combining. Tata’s defence cleared the danger, back came Llwydcoed with Chad Rombach just missing Ricky Carter’s cross-pass, chances came for Llwydcoed who were now on top with Joe Jenkins having a header cleared. Tata’s defence responded and they cleared the danger.  The half time whistle blew with the scores level.

Llwydcoed had finished the first half in charge. Both defences had kept the scores goalless. Llwydcoed settled early and began to build again through Matthew Doherty and Chad Rombach trying to break the Tata defensive shape who remained solid stopping the Llwydcoed attacks.

Tata were spending most of their time defending, relying on the odd breakaway. Llwydcoed’s defensive organisation was the platform to build on, they kept attacking Tata with Connor Wickham and Michael Davies moving forward.  Llwydcoed were awarded and won a free kick after Michael Davies was fouled, the Tata’s defence cleared again.

Both defences were keeping the scores goalless but against the run of play Tata opened the scoring, they found space on Llwydcoed’s left flank and Gavin Williams scored with a snap shot beating Llwydcoed’s goalkeeper Brett Davies.

Llwydcoed were level within a minute, a superb run by Matthew Doherty helped by Chad Rombach and he picked out Ricky Carter who scored brilliantly to equalise.

Both teams used their substitutes with Llwydcoed introducing Jonathan Mason and Garin Withers. They began to regain their composure, the match was there to be won but could Llwydcoed find that piece of quality play.  

Tata were the team dong the majority of the defending, when they did attack Llwydcoed’s defence stood firm and attacked again and that piece of quality play they were looking for arrived. Scott Walters broke forward with a superb  defence breaking pass to Jonathan Mason who raced into space to score with a brilliant finish.  Two pieces of quality play had given Llwydcoed the advantage and the final whistle blew with Llwydcoed the victors.

A hard earned deserved team victory.

 

Saturday 1 November 2014

Treharris Athletic Western 2, Caerau 3

from Mark Abraham, Treharris Athletic FC

One must look at the recent run of results for Treharris and ask the question: "when will it end?"

 

Certainly, Treharris' situation has been mired in negativity in recent weeks, with Treharris being unable to secure a much-needed yet constantly elusive victory, but for more than one moment this weekend, it appeared as though they were about to snap the streak.

 

Caerau came out all guns blazing and brought a consistency to their attack that posed some problems for the defensive line of Treharris in the first half of play. More than once, they were able to catch players on the turn, break free and fire just wide of target, keeping substitute goalkeeper Matthew Sellick on his toes. Indeed, it was also a game in which a few niggling injuries helped to change the complexion of the on-pitch personnel, as Alun Thomas had to relinquish his spot to Ashley Hollingshead. Thomas' hamstring appeared to give the left-back continuous problems and as a precaution, his game was cut short.

 

The goalscoring opened in favour of the visiting side when a throw in found its target in the box and after a short scuffle, was headed in over the line by Jack Page, much to the chagrin of players and fans alike.

 

Treharris' luck would go from bad to worse once more, as a two-pronged dose of bad news was swiftly delivered on an already hurt team. Aarran Caffell would leave the field in favour of Sam Wills (who made his first, impressive first team appearance of the 2014-15 season), as the young attacker became the second player to feel the uneasy sting of a hamstring injury, and shortly after Caerau would score their second of the afternoon. A clear, concise cross shot across the mouth of the goal, only to be met with the foot of Jack Page, who found the target and sent it careening into the back of the net to earn his second goal of the game.

 

However, always the sticklers for drama, Treharris found themselves on the comeback when Bleddyn House delivered a picture perfect, wonderfully finished goal shortly before half time, to end proceedings at 2-1 to Caerau after 45 minutes.

 

As the second half opened in earnest, Sam Wills found his spot nicely and made a few notably nice runs at goal, with a hungry Treharris team in tow, earning a fair share of 'ooohs' and 'ahhhs' from the crowd in attendance. Eventually, Wills struck right and true, burying the ball into the opposition goal and seemingly grinding the streak to a halt.

 

At 2-2, a reinvigorated Treharris side took their opportunities as often as they could, with the returning Brett Morgan even attempting a long-range free kick effort that just skimmed the post and Bleddyn House and Christian Davies making a few daring runs and strikes at Caerau's defense. In all due respect to the opposition however, Caerau's defensive line held up well and managed to withstand the Treharris onslaught.

 

In the end, the soothing light at the end of the tunnel just so happened to be a Caerau-driven freight train, as they scored a deathly, heartbreaking free-kick, courtesy of Dale Price, that rippled the back of the net to end the game 3-2 to Caerau, sucking the air out of The Athletic and crushing the near-realisation of the end of the unfortunate losing streak.

 

With the referee's whistle blowing, Treharris' win-loss record is once again edging away from laughs and smiles but if there was some consolation, it's that for those in attendance, it appeared to be a more threatening Treharris team than has taken to the pitch in weeks.

For all the latest with Treharris Athletic Western FC: follow us on Twitter @TreharrisAthFC and LIKE us on Facebook. Visit our website: www.clubwebsite.co.uk/treharrisathleticwestern

 

Saturday 1 November 2014

Llanelli Town 5, Rhoose 0

from Alan Evans, Llanelli Town FC

The visitors arrived at Stebonheath with an unbeaten league record, a miserly four goals conceded to date as well as being the only side to have taken points off their opponents following a 1-1 draw at Jenner Park in August.

A couple of hours later, two of these accomplishments had been well and truly laid to rest courtesy of a scintillating display by the hosts which tore Rhoose apart, and in truth the final outcome could easily have been greater.

The Reds on the day were simply too good for the visitors who were put to the sword in no uncertain manner, and to add to their woes they failed to convert a penalty and also ended the contest with nine men following two red cards. All in all, they have had better days.

It took the home side just eight minutes to establish the lead when a superb ball by Mark Napieralla into the box was collected by Bruno Forkuoh who brought it under control before sweeping his finish past goalkeeper Russell Stark.

Forkuoh was then denied another potential success by a last ditch interception at the far post when Liam Samuel delivered in the cross.

Reds keeper, Craig Richards, was called into action to punch clear an inswinging corner by Jacob Daly, before Samuel struck the outside of a post following a run up the right flank.

Nathan White headed wide of the home goal following a Daly free kick, before the Reds were forced into a change with Rhys Powell, who had earlier gone down injured, being replaced by Ross Jones on 25 minutes.

This did little to disrupt the smooth workings of the home side who continued to take the game to Rhoose with Richard Lewis blasting his finish over the top, and when Forkuoh was found by a ball from Samuel in front of goal he just failed to get in a clean strike but instead played in Declan John, but he dragged his attempt off target.

Stark was being kept fully occupied, diving low at his near post to smother a Lewis cross before sprinting off his line to head clear outside his area and deny Samuel when Napieralla set up the chance.

However, he had no chance of preventing the second Reds goal five minutes from the interval when John found Luke Jones who in turn laid the ball back into the path of Samuel, and his delightful finish curled past the helpless keeper.

Comfortably ahead, and in complete control of the contest, the host were put under a little pressure early in the second period when a rare sortie by their opponents led to Drew Fahiya diverting a ball by White narrowly wide, before Rhoose found themselves in even deeper trouble just two minutes after the restart when Forkuoh had his legs whipped from under him by Gianluca Palladino, leading to the award of a penalty which was duly smashed into the roof of the net by John.

A Lewis free kick driven low across the face of goal failed to pick out a home player, but it was the visitors who were thrown a lifleline on 55 minutes following the award of a penalty when Richards was adjudged to have made unfair contact with Martyn Giles in the box.

Fahiya stepped up to take it, but his kick lacked both power and direction allowing Richards to get down and  make a comfortable save with a minimum of fuss.

If this had been successful the game could well have become more competitive, but the failure only had the effect of spurring on the Reds with Luke Jones seeing his goal bound attempt being turned over by Stark, before the lead was extended further on the hour mark.

A corner by John was met by Lee Bevan at the far post who directed his header goalwards where it was hacked away, but referee Ian Williams was perfectly placed to signal the ball had in fact crossed the line and awarded the goal.

Another potential home success was avoided when another corner by John evaded Stark but was headed clear by Jonathan Carpentier, and when Luke Jones won a race for the ball with the Rhoose keeper, his finish was just the wrong side of the upright.

An afternoon of hard graft finally paid off for the Reds` striker when he got his reward in the 73rd minute after being found in the area, and he displayed some great skill by diverting the ball over his marker before firing past Stark.

The shell-shocked visitors were in for further heartache when they were reduced to 10 men following the dismissal of James Easter for a second yellow card on 75 minutes, while they almost conceded again with Matthew Phillips clearing out of the goalmouth from yet another Luke Jones effort.   

Four minutes from time, a thoroughly miserable afternoon for Rhoose was compounded by yet another red card when White was sent off with a second yellow card for dissent, and by then they were a well beaten and demoralised outfit.

If the Reds can continue in this vein their ultimate aim of promotion to a higher standard is eminently achievable, and they continue this quest with a visit to Tredegar Town on Saturday, kick off 2.00pm.

Llanelli Town: Richards; Napieralla; Lewis; Berry; Powell (R Jones, 25); Bevan ©; Samuel; Thomas; L Jones (Martin, 88); John (Shannon, 71); Forkuoh. Subs not used: Hughes; Scammell (GK).

Rhoose: Stark; Palladino; Searle; Giles; Phillips; Easter; Daly (R Allen, 74); Carpentier; White; Fahiya ©; Davison (L Allen, 50); Subs not used: Lewis; Hinam; Simpson.

Scorers: Llanelli Town – Forkuoh, 8; Samuel, 40; John (P), 47; Bevan, 60; L Jones, 73.

Yellow cards: Llanelli Town – Berry; Napieralla. Rhoose – Easter (2); Searle; White (2).

Red cards: Rhoose – Easter; White.

Referee: Ian Williams (Pontypool).

Attendance: 111.

Llanelli Town's Liam Samuel ( red) avoids a tackle from Curtis Searle

Llanelli Town's Robert Thomas evades a tackle by Martyn Giles

Llanelli Town's Craig Richards saved this penalty by Drew Fahia (right)

Llanelli Town's Luke Jones strikes Llanelli Town's fifth goal

Pictures (c) 2014, keithphoto2003@yahoo.co.uk

 

Saturday, 1 November 2014

Briton Ferry Llansawel 3, Ton Pentre 0

from Ton Pentre FC

The Bulldogs had been without a game for two weeks before coming into this fixture against Briton Ferry Llansawel and it showed, as Ton Pentre looked rusty in parts throughout the match.

There was certainly glimpses of Ton Pentre’s quality throughout the match but this quality was somewhat hindered by the Bulldogs not getting the rub of the green from the match officials.

Just two minutes of the match had been played before Ferry were awarded a penalty kick, following what the Referee deemed to be a foul in the Ton Pentre box. Neil Collins was sent the wrong way from the spot and Ferry took an early 1-0 lead at Old Road.

On two occasions throughout the first half, Ton Pentre breached the Briton Ferry defence with some nice passing and movement, however, on both instances the Bulldogs were flagged offside despite some well timed runs.

On 32 minutes a cross into the Ton Pentre box from open play looked set to leave the Bulldogs further behind when a free header looked goal bound. However, Collins leaped across his goalmouth to deny the header with an excellent save.

Moments before the half-time whistle, another useful looking Ton Pentre move saw Richards run past a Ferry defender in order to run at goal. However, with the defender beaten for pace, he clearly pulled Richards back preventing him from running in on goal.

The Bulldogs were left astonished that no free kick was awarded and their sense of injustice was nearly compounded when Ferry counter-attacked and went one-on-one with Collins. The home team really should have scored but the Ton Pentre goalkeeper performed an excellent block.

In the 55th minute a long throw from James Gronow found its way to Richards, whose glancing header had the Ferry goalkeeper beaten, however, the ball hit the left post and rebounded straight into the keeper’s hands.

During the 66th minute of play, Ferry scored their second of the game when the ball broke from a corner kick to the edge of the box. From there, the ball was drilled into the back of the net for 2-0.

Eight minutes later Ferry were fortunate to be awarded a free kick some 25-yards out from goal after one of their players appeared to run straight into Ton Pentre’s Shane Davies, who didn’t see him coming.

It was a fantastic strike from the free kick that saw the ball go up and over the wall before dipping into the top lefthand corner of the net. Collins had absolutely no chance of stopping the ball.

The Bulldogs will need to put the disappointment of the defeat behind them as quickly as they can because their next match is a Rhondda derby encounter with Cambrian & Clydach Vale at Ynys Park on Friday, 7 November 2014. Kick off is at 7.30pm.

Ton Pentre: 1. Neil Collins, 2. Leon Young (Captain), 3. Lewis Hydes, 4. Mark Crutch, 5. Ryan Morgan, 6. Adam Lewis, 7. Shane Davies, 8. Ryan Shugar, 9. Jaymie Wearn, 10. Dan Richards, 11. Andre Griffiths. Substitutes: 12. Adam Raymond (for Shane Davies 74), 14. James Gronow (for Andre Griffiths 45), 15. Andrew Hughes (for Dan Richards 74).

Caution: Young 57

 

Saturday 25 October 2014

AFC Llwydcoed 2, Undy Athletic 0

from AFC Llwydcoed

Llwydcoed gained a much needed victory after a four match losing run thanks to two goals from Ricky Carter.

AFC Llwydcoed Manager Leighton Price was able to call on new signings Connor Wickham, Sebastian Haggett and Brett Davies into his starting line up.

The opening exchanges saw Llwydcoed’s captain Tomos Morris settling into his new defensive position along side Jordan Ellis, Matthew Doherty and Scott Walters.  Undy showed why they are in the top four of the Division, the movement of Gareth Cullimore and Marcus Power was evident so early with Chris Parry linking up the play. Llwydcoed had to be on red alert as Undy began to control the play. They gradually started to settle down through Chad Rombach and Connor Wickham trying to bring Ricky Carter and Sebastian Haggett into attacking positions. The Undy defenders Ben Roberts and Mike Binning won the aerial threat and cleared the danger.

Undy were moving the ball, trying to find space into Llwydcoed’s formation, who responded by defending the threat and when Undy did find space a long range shot crashed against the cross bar, a let off for Llwydcoed. 

Undy had started the just about the better of the two teams, but Llwydcoed then began to create attacks through Joseph Jenkins and Michael Davies pushing Undy’s defence back. 

The match was full of excellent football both teams had their game plan and tried to gain the ascendancy. Undy had come closest to scoring but Llwydcoed did open the scoring in this excellent spell with Chad Rombach and Michael Davies creating the opening and they won a penalty when an Undy defender stopped a goal scoring opportunity.  Up stepped Llwydcoed’s goal machine Ricky Carter to open the scoring from the penalty spot. 

Undy responded through James Barnes with some excellent cross balls, one of these found an Undy player who struck the post, another attack by Undy saw Llwydcoed’s goalkeeper Brett Davies make a top reflex save to stop Undy from equalising. Undy ended the half one goal in arrears.

Undy were on the attack from the start of the second half. Llwydcoed’s defence was again up to the task and it was Llwydcoed who began to build several attacks but the Undy defence remained rock solid stopping the threat of Llwydcoed, Undy moved the ball from defence into attack with confidence trying to break open the Llwydcoed defence who regained their composure with Chad Rombach opening the Undy defence with some superb through balls but no finished product. 

He also had a great chance to score moving inside to hit the post with the Undy goalkeeper James Smallcombe beaten but shot wide from the rebound, he deserved to score. 

Back came Undy the threat of Marcus Power, Gareth Cullimore and James Barnes was still keeping Llwydcoed’s defence on red alert.  Undy then began to build attack after attack. They wasted good attacking positions, the final ball being over hit but when they did  find the penalty area Llwydcoed’s Captain Tomos Morris galvanised his defence winning some incredible headers. 

Undy came desperately close to equalising but the chances came and went.  Llwydcoed’s defender Scott Walters was using all his stature to win some vital headed clearances helping his team through this difficult period.

Both teams used their substitutions looking to gain fresh impetus. Undy were still in the game, could they find an equaliser or could Llwydcoed score a second.  Undy began to push players forward but that worked against them being caught offside several times. 

Llwydcoed almost added to their total with Jonathan Mason and Garin Withers dancing their way through the Undy defence. The match was so intriguing to watch. Undy kept attacking looking for the equaliser whereas Llwydcoed also looked to score a second goal.

It looked as if Llwydcoed’s one goal advantage would be enough but thankfully Llwydcoed’s Ricky Carter found space in the Undy defence and chipped the ball over the Undy goalkeeper to score and settle the Llwydcoed supporters nerves.

Undy had done enough in the match to gain a result, but it was Llwydcoed who had scored the goals to gain a superb victory.

 

Saturday 25 October 2014

Pontypridd Town 1, Llanelli Town 2

from Alan Evans, Llanelli Town FC

Two goals to the good after 15 minutes and dominating play, the visitors appeared to be in for a relatively comfortable afternoon at Ynysangharad Park, but as the game developed, the Dragons fought back and hauled themselves into the contest prior to the break courtesy of a superb strike from Matthew Flynn, and proved to be a far greater threat in the second period.

Showing just one change from the starting line-up which had accounted for Panteg in the League Cup with Liam Samuel replacing Jak Shannon, the Reds were quickly into their stride and almost snatched a very early lead when a short corner between Richard Lewis and Samuel culminated in the former crossing to Luke Jones in the area, and his header rebounded off a post with goalkeeper Ryan Griffiths beaten.

This proved to be just a respite, as on five minutes they did go ahead following a clearance upfield through the middle which led to Bruno Forkuoh giving chase, and he held off the attentions of a couple of defenders before guiding the ball beyond Griffiths.

Buoyed by this early breakthrough, the visitors enjoyed by far the greater possession, forcing their opponents on to the back foot and created numerous chances with Steve Berry electing to play in Jones who was in an offside position when he might have taken on the shot himself.

However, the lead was increased in the 15th minutes following a surging run up the right flank by Samuel led to his ball into the middle being met by Robert Thomas whose finish deflected off Griffiths and a post before nestling in the net.

A Berry free kick flew just over the Pontypridd bar, while Griffiths got down well to smother another set piece by Samuel on the line.

Little had been seen of the home side as an attacking force, but seven minutes from the break they stunned their opponents by halving the deficit.

There seemed to be little danger when a crossfield ball arrived at the feet of Flynn, but he unleashed a great strike which rattled the underside of the bar before cannoning past keeper Craig Richards to set up an interesting second period.

The Dragons were far more assertive than they had been in the first half, although they could well have found themselves further in arrears as Jones shot against Griffiths when Samuel sent him clear, and a Lewis free kick driven low into the goalmouth was only parried by the keeper and ran loose, but a last ditch clearance from Lewis Bansal relieved the danger.

Another Berry set-piece led to Griffiths keeping it out at full stretch, while Lewis also went close with an attempt which flew just past its intended target.

When the Dragons countered, Mark Napieralla scrambled the ball out of the goalmouth following a driven cross into the danger area,  while the Reds were under pressure to clear their lines on a number of occasions without any real damage being inflicted by their opponents.

Ross Jones came on as a Reds replacement for Declan John and was almost immediately involved in the action with a burst into the box which saw him go down under a challenge, but referee Martin New was unmoved.

At the other end, Richards did well to keep out with some difficulty a well struck volley by Tomas Rutherford, before his counterpart in the home goal came to the rescue by blocking a Matthew Hughes effort when Napieralla set up the chance.

The match ended with a hard-earned win for the Reds another welcome three points, and they now face a visit from Rhoose to Stebonheath next Saturday – the only side to have taken points off them to date - and with both boasting unbeaten records, this should prove to be a cracker. Kick off is at the now earlier time of 2.00pm.

Pontypridd Town:  Griffiths; Leon Bansal; Escott; Thomas; Thompson; Lewis Bansal; Rutherford ©; Flynn (Coleman, 81); Varden (Hill, 81); Passmore; Gullick (Carew, 81).  Subs not used; Iheanacho; Blake.

Llanelli Town: Richards; Napieralla; Lewis; Berry; Powell; Bevan ©; Samuel (Shannon, 90+1); Thomas; L. Jones (Hughes, 71); John (R. Jones, 79); Forkuoh. Subs. not used; Martin; Scammell (GK).

Scorers: Pontypridd Town – Flynn, 38. Llanelli Town – Forkuoh, 5; Thomas, 15.

Yellow cards: Pontypridd Town – Lewis Bansal; Rutherford; Leon Bansal. Llanelli Town – Thomas.

Referee: Martin New (Llantwit Major).

 

Saturday 25 October 2014

Penrhiwceiber Rangers 3, Dinas Powys 1

by Peter King, Dinas Powys FC

This was a lack-lustre performance by Dinas, whose concentration seemed poor and never really looked like winning the game. In their defence they were without influential Pakistan International Atif Bashir who was unavailable and goalkeeper James Curtin was rooted to his goal-line for all of the second half after a heavy collision with an opponent in the second minute of the second half where he sustained a leg injury.

Ceiber tried a shot straight from the kick off which Curtin gathered and Dinas had a brief good spell of possession without creating anything. Ceiber were then awarded a free kick from 25 yards which the Dinas defence dealt with and the first real chance came when the hosts' Warren Jones got his head to a cross from the right but his effort was just wide. However, in the 10th minute it was Jones again, reacting quickly to a cross from the left for a simple tap-in for 1-0. 

A minute later Dinas had a half chance Keiron James setting Ryan Garland up but his shot was off target. 

Penrhiwceiber looked dangerous going forward and some neat inter-play between Leigh Smith, Decland Hansonspur and Alex Jones forced a corner which came to nothing.

At the other end a through ball reached Ben Ah-Mun, he was forced out wide on the left but got a shot away which keeper Kit Sawyer could only parry and Jon Dakin following in side footed the ball home for the equaliser with 20 minutes gone.

After a couple of free kicks for both sides which came to nothing a good through ball from Dakin played Ah-Mun in one on one with the keeper but he was adjudged marginally offside.

Ceiber's centre-half Ross Leeke was winning most of the high balls into their area and it was he who played a ball straight through the middle to striker Ryan Buchmann who tried to lob Curtin but his shot was just over the bar. Buchmann was booked soon after this for a foul on James Marr and then appeared to substitute himself, Nathan King taking his place.

A good run by Luke Swaffield produced a corner for Dinas which was unproductive and it was Penrhiwceiber always looking the more dangerous and came very close to taking the lead again when Smith lobbed Curtin, the ball hitting the cross-bar and Curtin dropping on it with the Ceiber forwards closing in and they kept up the pressure for the last five minutes of the half, Smith getting another shot away from an acute angle which hit the side netting but Dinas hung on to keep the score level at the break.

Curtin needed extensive treatment at the start of the second half after the collision but he soldiered on hobbling around unable to take goal kicks or goal clearances, having to throw the ball out to his full-backs. Ceiber sensed it was their chance to press the game and they forced an early corner, dealt with by the Dinas defence and at the other end Dinas had a half chance when Nicky Bruce found Ah-Mun with a good ball, he in turn managed to get a corner from his persistence, Bruce took the corner and James Marr headed goalward but his effort was over the bar.

Dinas then rang the changes, bringing on their young striker King Junior Mwedzo in place of Ryan Garland with just 12 minutes of the half gone. Despite Mwedzo chasing everything, it was still the home side doing most of the pressing with Smith finding King with a cross, he shot wide but they did get the ball in the net when a free kick was fired deep into the box, Smith bundling it home but the linesman's flag went up for offside.

Dinas then made their second substitution, Swaffield making way for Jasper Morgan with 20 minutes remaining. Dinas managed to rally for a while Bruce forcing two consecutive corners and from the second one Mike Lazarou got a header in but it was over the bar. Dinas defence started pushing up catching Ceiber offside on numerous occasions but eventually they took the lead, Dean Brown lobbing the injured Curtin for 2-1 with 10 minutes remaining.

Dinas tried to get back in the game, James feeding Mwedzo who was adjudged offside and James then put in a storming run down the left but was eventually crowded out and with five minutes remaining Penrhiwceiber made the game safe when a free kick by Warren Jones was fired home by Smith from eight yards with Curtin unable to get across his box to attempt a save. At the end of the day the hosts deserved the win.

Dinas: 1 James Curtin, 2 Luke Swaffield, 3 Nicky Bruce, 4 James Bloxham (c), 5 James Marr, 6 Mike Lazarou, 7 Ryan Garland, 8 Steve Provis, 9 Ben Ah-Mun, 10 Jon Dakin (1), 11 Keiron James, 12 Jasper Morgan, 14 King Junior Mwedzo.

Cwmbran Celtic are the visitors to the Murch on Saturday November 1 when kick off times revert to 2.00pm.

 

Saturday 18 October 2014

Monmouth Town 5, West End 0

Nathaniel Car Sales League Cup Round One

from Monmouth Town FC

That Monmouth Town fans were bemoaning ‘poor finishing‘ after this game, says pretty much everything you need to know about the scale and ease of this Nathaniel Cars League Cup win.  

Smith made seven changes to the team that so comfortably beat AFC Porth in the last outing handing season first starts to Joe Loftus and Luke Cleaves playing Sam Palmer and Ashley Ford in unfamiliar central midfield roles and resting a number of first choices and initially it showed as West End went close in the very first attack. But Town, sponsored for the match by Physio Six, soon found some rhythm and passed the ball with ease essentially on the pretext of finding some gaps and working space but more often than not just for the fun of it. Or so it seemed. Perhaps lulled by the monotony of possession the Kingfishers enjoyed it appeared something of a shock when Josh Bull (pictured) finally burst through on goal on 20 minutes and his finish was exceptional. It took another four minutes to double the lead this time goal machine Dan MacDonald latching on to a loose ball and striking across the keeper from range into the bottom corner.

The first 15 minutes of the second half were a blur of attacking intent with Town able to create chances at will and miss them with equal competence. Ham smashed a few over, Bull did likewise, headers were missed and crosses flashed across goal waiting for the all important touch while the visiting keeper also pulled off some good stops. Finally, as if fed up with the profligacy of his team mates MacDonald took matters in hand first of all blasting across the keeper again leaving Jacob Guy a simple touch to claim his first goal of the season then leaping higher to head down and beyond for his second of the match. There was still lots of time for Eliot Evans, on for Ford, to make it five, Ham to hit a post and even Cleaves almost got some action but his strike was well saved. At times it was exhibition stuff with Ham showing the full range of his beguiling skills and MacDonald’s vision and range of pass at its height.  

On the rare occasions the Swansea-based outfit did get clear they were a bit more no nonsense and Blackburn pulled off a couple of good saves.

Town will now play two tough way games at resurgent Cambrian and Clydach and fourth-placed Goytre before returning to Penypound for Welsh Cup second round home game against Division One rivals Penybont on 8th November.   

 

Saturday 18 October 2014

Dinas Powys 0, Tata Steel 2

Nathaniel Car Sales League Cup Round One

by Peter King, Dinas Powys FC

(Today's match ball kindly sponsored by Masons Moving Group)

This game was always going to be difficult for Dinas with no less than seven players who would normally be in the squad, unavailable for various reasons.

The visitors started in determined mood forcing an early corner, this produced another corner which was floated to the far post, the ball headed back into the six yard box where Lee McLachlan got in a firm header to beat Dinas keeper Jack Perks with just eight minutes gone.

Tata then had a free kick awarded on the edge of the Dinas box, Andrew Pearson screwing his effort well wide. Dinas, with several youngsters in the side, were struggling to compete with a strong physical Tata outfit but they gradually got themselves into the game with determined play by Ben Ah-Mun forcing a corner taken by Jasper Morgan but the defence cleared the danger.

Tata were then awarded another free kick on 22 yards, this time Pearson got his effort on target but Perks took it comfortably.

Dinas thought they had equalised when a through ball reached young striker Luke Swain who, with two defenders and the goalkeeper tackling him, somehow toe-poked the ball past them all and towards the open goal but a defender just managed to hook it off the line and the chance was gone.

This gave the home side encouragement and Ah-Mun forced another corner, Morgan found Ah-Mun who got a shot on target but it deflected off a defender for another corner which was unproductive.

The game got a bit heated and after a Tata cross was punched clear by Perks to Rhodri Foote he was fouled and unfortunately retaliated to find himself red carded and Dinas knew it was really going to be a hard task to get back into the game.

Neither management teams were pleased with some of the referee's decisions. Jasper Morgan was then fouled with Connor Harris receiving a yellow card for Tata.

Things settled down again and with Atif Bashir and Keiron James battling away in midfield Dinas began to get more possession, their persistence earning them a free kick just outside the box, Joe Briscombe took the kick but hit the wall and eventually a goal kick was the decision.

Morgan was still feeling the effects of the foul on him and had to leave the field on 38 minutes, Mike Lazarou his replacement.

Things went from bad to worse for Dinas when Swain pulled up with a hamstring injury just a minute before half-time, Jack Cole taking his place.

Dinas started the second half brightly and as Ah-Mun drove into the box he was fouled, the referee pointing to the spot. He brushed himself down and took the kick himself but Gareth Scantlebury guessed the right way and made the save.

The home side kept up the pressure, Luke Garland crossing to Ah-Mun who fired in a looping shot but Scantlebury was equal to it. Keiron James then put in a determined run down the right flank, he squared the ball but it was just too near Scantlebury who gathered it with the Dinas forwards closing in.

At the other end after Perks sliced a clearance into the path of Mathew Herman, he ran past the Dinas keeper and with defender James Bloxham scrambling to get on the goal-line only to see Herman put his effort over the bar with 15 minutes of the half gone.

However, just three minutes later a half cleared ball again fell to Herman and this time he made no mistake, lobbing Perks from 15 yards to make it 2-0 to the visitors.

Tata then made their substitutions, David Brennan and Chris Parfitt replacing Pearson and Gavin Williams. The visitors then forced a couple of corners but James Bloxham and James Marr were their usual dependable selves heading clear time and time again.

James was tireless in the Dinas midfield, driving into the box time and time again but it wasn't to be Dinas' day. A deep cross from Lazarou reached Ah-Mun who controlled it superbly to get a left foot shot in across the keeper but it was just the wrong side of the upright.

Dinas made their final substitution with 15 minutes remaining, Marc Bloxham replacing young Luke Garland.

A deflection played the ball into the path of Tata's Ross Davies who hit his effort on target but Perks made a good save at full stretch.

Dinas rallied for the last 10 minutes despite being a man down and they had their opponents camped in their own half for some time, forcing three corners on the trot but they could not get the breakthrough and play switched to the other end for the final couple of minutes, a cross reaching Brennan who put a firm header goalward but Perks plucked it out of the air and another attack from the visitors ended when Lee Lewis brought a fine save from Perks to keep the scoreline respectable.

Dinas :1 Jack Perks, 2 Jasper Morgan, 3 Luke Garland, 4 James Marr, 5 James Bloxham (c), 6 Joe Briscombe, 7 Rhodri Foote, 8 Atif Bashir, 9 Luke Swain, 10 Ben Ah-Mun, 11 Keiron James, 12 James Curtin, 14 Mike Lazarou, 15 Marc Bloxham, 16 King Junior Mwedzo, 17 Jack Cole.

On Saturday 25th October Dinas travel to play Penrhiwceiber Rangers when the management team hope to have a full squad to select from, kick off 2.30pm.

 

Saturday 18 October 2014

Llanelli Town 4, Panteg 2

Nathaniel Car Sales League Cup Round One

from Alan Evans, Llanelli Town FC

Having to contend with appalling conditions with torrential rain sweeping across Stebonheath throughout, both teams deserve immense credit in contributing to an enjoyable first round Nathaniel Cars League Cup tie, with the home side being pushed all the way against lively opponents who they have never previously met in any competition.

The Reds changed their starting line-up with Peter Scammell replacing Craig Richards in goal and who took his place on the bench along with Liam Samuel, Luke and Ross Jones and  Leon Martin.

Matthew Hughes was deployed up front with Bruno Forkuoh and the two combined to set up the opening goal for the former after just three minutes with Richard Lewis initially involved, before his pass found Forkuoh who in turn played it into the path of Hughes whose finish beat Daniel Wise in the visitors` goal.

Panteg retaliated with Chris Erasmus giving chase to a downfield clearance which forced Scammell off his line to allay the danger from outside the area.

Lewis sent a strike just over the Panteg bar, and when Jak Shannon set up Forkuoh he beat Wise to the ball before finding Declan John, but his effort was inches the wrong side of the near post.

Having survived these scares, the visitors hauled themselves level in the 18th minute with Luke Dyke taking advantage of some slack defending before rounding Scammell and walking the ball into a vacant net.

Lee Bevan went close to restoring home advantage with a strike at the far post from a free kick which flashed across the face of the net without any success.

Panteg then had a great chance of going ahead when Jon Butcher was found in acres of space and allowed a free run on goal, but he sliced his finish horribly off target.

With the contest level at the break, there was drama in the first minute of the second period when David Gabbidon, who had been cautioned in the first half, was sent off for bringing down Forkuoh, leaving the visitors with an uphill battle for the remainder of the tie.

Hughes volleyed over when he met a ball into the box from Lewis, and when Wise fumbled a high ball into the goalmouth it was directed towards the net but headed off the line.

Both teams were creating chances, with Jordan Ryan finding Dyke whose shot was just wide of the far upright, before the Reds struck again on the hour mark when a Steve Berry free kick driven low to the near post was parried by Wise but ran only as far as Bevan who found the back of the net.

The numerical advantage together with the weather conditions were beginning to take their toll on the visitors who were looking leg-weary, and after Robert Thomas had seen his goal bound effort deflect for a corner, it came as little surprise when the hosts went further ahead on 76 minutes with Forkuoh supplying a cross into the middle which John volleyed crisply past Wise from the edge of the box.

Forkuoh himself went close with an attempt which rebounded off the bar following a surging run by John, and five minutes from time the Reds were awarded a penalty when Berry was floored in the area, picking himself up to take the kick and smashing it past the keeper.

Seemingly comfortably home, the hosts were rattled again as within a minute their opponents pulled one back with Dyke getting his brace with a finish past Scammell off the inside of the post on 86 minutes.

The Reds closed out the remainder of the contest without any more setbacks, but they were given a tough time by the league newcomers who on this evidence should do well for the remainder of the campaign – and of course, they still have to meet each other in the league fixtures.

The Reds are on the road next Saturday when they travel to meet Pontypridd Town with a 2.30pm kick off.

Llanelli Town:  Scammell; Napieralla; Lewis (R Jones, 81); Berry; Powell; Bevan ©; Thomas; Shannon; Hughes; John; Forkuoh.  Subs not used; Samuel; L Jones; Martin; Richards (GK).

Panteg: Wise; R Williams; Hulme (James, 68); Gabbidon; J Williams ©; Erasmus; Butcher (Miller, 61); Hicks; Mason (Taylor, 79); Ryan; Dyke. Subs not used; Dunne; Fears.

Scorers: Llanelli Town – Hughes, 3; Bevan, 60; John, 76; Berry (P), 85. Panteg – Dyke, 18, 86.

Yellow cards: Llanelli Town – John; Hughes; Lewis; Bevan. Panteg – Gabbidon (2); Erasmus; Hicks; Taylor.

Red card: Panteg – Gabbidon.

Referee: Tom Bevan (Clarbeston Road).

Attendance: 148.  

 

Saturday 11 October 2014

Treharris Athletic Western 1, Cwmamman United 2

from Mark Abraham, Treharris Athletic Western FC

It seemed that after a few weeks of failing to 'do-the-job', Treharris would finally end their run of losses in a closely-contested battle against Cwmamman United. However, the fates had other ideas and the lads would once again come up just short, failing to snap the streak. What did come from the encounter at The Athletic though was a positive performance, gutsy determination and belief that it may just be about weathering the current storm.

 

The first half was a close-race, with both teams creating chances for themselves on the attack and managing to fortify themselves at the back when playing defensively. It looked certain that the first 45 minutes of play would see 0-0 hold true, but a well-aimed strike managed to slip past the returning Rob Jones as a gamble paid off for Liam Soroka to end the half 1-0 to the visitors.

 

As the second half got itself underway Treharris' confidence was knocked furthermore, as a penalty was awarded to Cwmamman and slotted in past the keeper, courtesy of David Brown. But ironically, a penalty would also see Treharris earn a goal, as Chris Clingo slammed home a goal to the approval of the Treharris' faithful and ignited a fire in the team some may argue hasn't been seen in some time.

 

What happened next was nothing short of inspiring, as Treharris mounted a gallant effort to get something from the game, with several high tempo runs from David Shallis and Aarran Caffell putting increasing pressure on the Cwmamman defence. Add in to the mix that striker Christian Davies and the midfield contingent all wanted a share of goal and Cwmamman could very easily have seen a goal fly past their own goalkeeper.

 

Two substitutions would occur at The Athletic, as Matthew Sellick entered the fray to replace Aarran Caffell (who left the pitch on the side of caution with a dead leg and a possible calf injury) and Josh Coomber would play his final game in a Treharris kit, replacing Liam Davies, who was also forced to the sidelines following a nasty knock to the knee.

 

With the clock winding down, Treharris' fire was stoked further as they mounted a full-force comeback worthy of an action film, with departing Josh Coomber nearly having a story tale ending, as he looked certain to equalise but was ultimately denied.

 

The referee also held his own as tensions and emotions began to flare, giving a yellow card to a Cwmamman player for delaying a throw-in and then mere moments later, sending another off for use of foul language directed his way.

 

After blowing his whistle on an at-times exciting game, the scoreline may have reflected another loss for Treharris but it was certainly not all 'doom and gloom'. The belief is most certainly there, the will-to-win has returned and one must simply accept now that it is only a matter of time before the squad fire on all cylinders and gain that seemingly elusive win.

For all the latest with Treharris Athletic Western FC: follow us on Twitter @TreharrisAthFC and LIKE us on Facebook. Visit our website: www.clubwebsite.co.uk/treharrisathleticwestern

 

Saturday 11 October 2014

AFC Llwydcoed 3, Barry Town United 4

from AFC Llwydcoed

Llwydcoed welcomed League leaders Barry to the Welfare Ground.  The playing surface was in pristine condition inviting good football to be played.

AFC Llwydcoed Manager Leighton Price recalled Tyler Hollidge, Chad Rombach and Michael Davies to the starting line up after last week’s Welsh Cup embarrassment.

Barry were the first team to attack with James Saddler and Ryan Dorian threatening the ball through to Curtis Hutson who found space in Llwydcoed’s defence, the warning signs were there. 

Barry had threatened to score the opening goal but Llwydcoed did and what a brilliant goal it was, Ricky Carter collected a through  ball and played Chad Rombach into a space and he scored with a brilliant shot past Barry’s goalkeeper Damon Searle. 

Barry were not behind for long, they found space again in Llwydcoed’s shape and James Dixon equalised shooting low past Llwydcoed’s goalkeeper Grant Hopkins. 

Both teams looked to gain possession.  Barry attacked through Rhys James and Curtis Hutson and then Llwydcoed attacked through Jonathan Mason and Tyler Hollidge. Llwydcoed were holding their own at this stage after a difficult opening with Jarrod Price winning possession and setting up Chad Rombach who was doing well keeping possession when Barry attacked through Rhys James, Llwydcoed’s defender Scott Walters just got back in time to clear. More good play by Jordan Ellis and Matthew Doherty saw Llwydcoed build from defence allowing Tomos Morris and Michael Davies to create chances. 

It was Barry’s defence who came under pressure towards the latter stages of the first half with Tyler Hollidge, Ricky Carter and Chad Rombach doing brilliantly.  As half time approached Llwydcoed almost scored a second goal. They won a corner that was cleared and Michael Davies hit a screamer from 30 yards that the Barry goalkeeper Damon Searle just tipped over.

Barry started the second half looking dangerous as they did in the first. Llwydcoed’s Matthew Doherty and Jordan Ellis cleared the danger and captain Tomos Morris organised his players through this passage of play.

Llwydcoed began to gain momentum building through Jarrod Price, Jonathan Mason and Ricky Carter and it was through this spell of pressure the second goal arrived. Jonathan Mason racing clear to score after some brilliant build up play. 

Llwydcoed were in the lead but again not for long.  Barry won a throw-in and Barry’s Rhys James scored reacting quicker than Llwydcoed’s defence. Barry had pulled back twice showing quality finishing.  Llwydcoed’s players responded creating and working for each other and they took the lead for the third time. Tyler Hollidge and Chad Rombach doing excellent work but it was Michael Davies who burst through Barry’s defence weaving through tackle after tackle to score a memorable goal. 

What a goal, what a game and then disaster happened for Llwydcoed when Jarrod Price was sent off for an off the ball incident. Llwydcoed still looked comfortable; they came desperately close to scoring number three, Ricky Carter just off target.  The sending off and the missed chance would play a major part in the result. 

Llwydcoed’s 10 players had defended heroically with Tomos Morris and Matthew Doherty leading by example but Barry found the space off another set piece and Rhys James equalised for Barry for the third time.

Llwydcoed had introduced substitutes Joseph Jenkins and Carl Jenkins looking to regain their grip on the game but the match swung towards Barry. They broke clear of Llwydcoed’s midfield and only a top headed clearance by Scott Walters kept Barry from scoring goal number four. Llwydcoed’s defence had survived but a cruel turn of fate then happened.

Barry were awarded a penalty, Bobby Briers stepped up to score from the spot. Llwydcoed tried to pull the goal back just as Barry had done three times earlier, but they could not equalise and lost a match they at least deserved a draw from.  A cruel end to a brilliant match.

 

Saturday 11 October 2014

Briton Ferry Llansawel 4, Penybont 2

from Stuart Williams, Briton Ferry Llansawel FC

Carl Shaw and his Briton Ferry Llansawel team continue to send shock-waves throughout division one with an emphatic 4-2 win against Francis Ford's Penybont at the Old road on Saturday afternoon.

Shaw lost Matthew Lewis, Ross Davies and Sam Baker to neighbours Tata in midweek and was also without injured duo Richard Cleverley and club captain Gavin Jones, but he welcomed back midfielder Michael Chaves and new signing from Goytre United defender Ian Hillier to the squad.

Josh Cockings was reinstated to defence with Dean Hudson shifting to right back, otherwise the team was unchanged from their Welsh Cup win last week.

Although there was lots of rainfall during the week the Old Road pitch was perfectly playable and the sun started shining just in time for kick off creating perfect playing conditions before referee David Morgan started proceedings.

Morgan had is first big call to make after only two minutes when a long kick out from Ferry keeper Luke Probert cleared the attempted flick on from Gareth Jones but Steve Davey's anticipation found him through on goal, he went down in the box under a clumsy challenge but the referee deemed the tackle fair.

The visitors nearly found themselves in front on four minutes with a 25-yard free kick from midfielder Nathan Jones cleared the wall and beat Probert but rebounded off the post to safety.

The Blues main threat looked to come from their bullish centre forward Robbie Walters who was winning his early aerial duels and looking a real handful for defenders Cockings and Kingdom.

The Ferry settled quickly though driven by the impressive midfield trio of Rory Healey, Scott Kenyon and Warren Hudson who were winning all the second balls and allowing wingers Davey and Griffiths chances to create.

A Steve Davey free kick whipped in from the left just eluded Gareth Jones on seven minutes, then on 19 minutes the breakthrough did come for the hosts this time from a Davey corner, centre half Josh Cockings arriving late at the far post to nudge the ball home for a deserved lead.

The next 25 minutes will probably go down as some of the best football seen played under Shaw's tenure, some scintillating football coupled with clinical finishing seeing the Ferry 3-0 up after only 25 minutes.

The second goal coming after some great football with the ball played into striker Gareth Jones feet and his first time lay off allowing Steve Davey to lift the ball over advancing goalkeeper Chris Curtis on 22 minutes.

The third then arrived only two minutes later, a throw in again finding  Jones' feet in the box then with the defender tight to his back he turned him and rocketed a left foot shot into the top corner for goal number 12 of the season for the Ferry number 10.

A superb first half performance from Shaw's men seeing them returning to the dressing room with a 3-0 interval lead.

Unchanged the men in red started as they finished and should have had number four on 49 minutes, a blistering Ryan Griffiths break starting the attack, then aided by Gareth Jones and Rory Healey , Steve Davey was one on one with the keeper but he shot wide from only 10 yards.

Penybont though are a quality team and they had a good 10-minute spell, firstly on 56 minutes midfielder Callum Kinsella pulled his shot wide, then they pulled a goal back three minutes later. A quick counter attack allowing forward Walters to finish to reduce the deficit to two goals.

They did have chances to pull another back, firstly a header from Walters going over then a better headed chance from winger Jack Delve going wide.

Lee John was introduced in place of Warren Hudson and he was involved within a few minutes playing in Gareth Jones who fed Ryan Griffiths, but the young winger sliced his shot wide.

The killer blow did arrive from Griffiths though on 70 minutes, again Gareth Jones assisting the winger but this time his shot rifled past Curtis' near post into the net for a 4-1 lead. 

Chaves and new signing Hillier took to the field with 15 minutes to play in place of Ryan Griffiths and Josh Cockings respectively.

Chaves nearly provided an assist on 83 minutes but Gareth Jones' shot was excellently saved by Curtis.

A neat finish from a cross from Penybont's Anthony Rawlings on 87 minutes was little consolation for them, as on the day they had found their opponents in great form and deserved winners.

The win now see's Briton Ferry Llansawel move up to sixth in the table and their unbeaten run is now extended to eight games.

With a bye in the Nathaniel Car Sales League Cup next week their next game is away at Pontardawe on Saturday October 25th before welcoming Ton Pentre to the old road a week later. 

Man of the match - Gareth Jones - again the Ferry number 10 takes the award with some excellent all round play and another goal to his impressive tally.

Ferry: Probert, D Hudson, Pike, Cockings, Kingdom, Healey, W Hudson, Kenyon, Davey, Jones, Griffiths. Subs: Hillier, John, Chaves, Shaw.

 

Saturday 11 October 2014

Llanelli Town 3, Cardiff Corinthians 1

from Alan Evans, Llanelli Town FC

Hosting opponents unbeaten in their opening six league matches, the Reds brought that run to an end with some ease, outplaying the visitors for the majority of the time with some flowing football with every player contributing.

Admittedly, the Corries cause was not helped by the dismissal of Stuart Brock their goalscorer in first half stoppage time for a second caution following a wild lunge on Jamie Evans, but even prior to that the home side were well in control and looking comfortable.

They created numerous chances from the off, when a ball over the top by Evans afforded Robert Thomas a run on goal, and when he was challenged by Corries keeper Ian Loveless, it led to a collision between the two with Loveless coming off the worse with an apparent shoulder injury which continued to cause him problems throughout, before he was finally replaced by David Jenkins late in the contest.

Luke Jones did well to win possession before making tracks into the visitors' area, but his finish was fractionally the wrong side of the far post.

Loveless managed to get down to block another Jones attempt when Mark Napieralla set up the chance, before completely against the run of play the Corries took an unexpected lead with almost their first foray into Reds' territory when a ball driven low into the goalmouth led to Craig Richards in the home goal diving full length to cut it out, but it slipped from his grasp, allowing Brock to roll it into the net from almost on the line after 12 minutes.

Stung by this reverse, the hosts were back on level terms within four minutes when Jones met a cross by Declan John to side foot it past Loveless just inside the upright.

Brock and Reds captain, Lee Bevan, were both cautioned by referee Gareth Elliott following an altercation, while Jones saw another goal-bound header pushed over by the Corries keeper from a Napieralla cross, and from the resulting corner, Bevan was also denied when his header was smothered on the line by Loveless.

A rare attack by the visitors gave Nathan Sims a glimmer of a chance before the move came to an end with Jonathan Jeffries firing into the side netting.

Richards was forced to race off his line to deny Brock with a clearance when he pursued a ball through the middle, but overall the Reds were still in control although the final ball was often not good enough following some decent build-up play.

Bruno Forkuoh saw two efforts fly just off target as the half drew to a close, before the Corries were reduced to ten men with the dismissal of Brock in stoppage time.

All square at the break, the Reds continued to dictate matters after the restart with John failing fractionally to connect with a driven low centre by Liam Samuel across the face of goal.

Richard Lewis delivered a ball into the middle which was initially headed down by Samuel and then found its way to the head of Jones, but he directed his effort over the top.

Samuel fired a well struck free kick narrowly wide, before the Reds deservedly got their reward with a second goal on 58 minutes following a corner by John which was met by Bevan at the far post with a bullet-like header which rocketed past Loveless.

Following this success, the game developed into a somewhat scrappy period with neither side seemingly capable of retaining possession for any length of time, but the outcome was virtually sealed in the Reds' favour on 73 minutes when they struck again with Samuel sending John clear down the left, and his cross into the box was firstly met by Steve Berry who failed to make a clean connection before Jones seized the chance to rifle home into the bottom corner.

Loveless was then finally replaced by Jenkins on 77 minutes, but he was not unduly troubled up to the final whistle, the nearest attempts coming from John whose effort soared over the bar, while the same player just failed to meet a Matthew Hughes cross into the goalmouth.

A surprisingly comfortable win for the Reds who were probably expecting a far more difficult afternoon from their high-flying opponents, but the win keeps their momentum going and augurs well for the visit of Panteg on Friday evening to Stebonheath in the first round of the Nathaniel Cars League Cup. Kick off is at 7.45pm.

Llanelli Town: Richards; Napieralla (Powell, 78); Lewis; Berry; Evans; Bevan ©; Samuel; Thomas (Shannon, 75); L. Jones (Hughes, 75); John; Forkuoh. Subs not used; Martin; Scammell (GK).

Cardiff Corinthians: Loveless (Jenkins, 77); R. Noyes; D. Noyes (Finn, 77)Greenslade ©; Tanner; Radford; Jeffries; Clifford; Sims; Brock; Phillips (Matthews, 62).  Sub not used; Gurney.

Scorers: Llanelli Town – L. Jones, 16, 73; Bevan, 58. Cardiff Corinthians – Brock, 12.

Yellow cards: Llanelli Town – Bevan; Shannon. Cardiff Corinthians – Jeffries; Brock (2); Tanner.

Red card: Cardiff Corinthians – Brock.

Referee: Gareth Elliott (Haverfordwest).

Attendance:  170.

 

Saturday 11 October 2014

Chepstow Town 1, Dinas Powys 1

by Peter King, Dinas Powys FC

Dinas finally got something from a game that their improved form of late deserved and they more than matched Chepstow in all departments and but for a good save from their keeper Wesson, might have taken all three points.

The game commenced in pouring rain and a strong wind which continued throughout the first half.

The visitors soon got into their passing game well and a strong run by striker Ben Ah-Mun looked promising but he was dispossessed before he could get a shot away.

At the other end a deep cross by McCarthy found the head of Dunn but Dinas keeper James Curtin saved his effort at the expense of a corner which was taken short, Prangley feeding Lama but his shot sailed over the bar.

Dinas came close to opening the scoring, Ah-Mun crossing for Atif Bashir to send a header crashing off the post. However they kept the pressure on and, from a Nicky Bruce corner, Ah-Mun headed high into the net to give Dinas the lead on 10 minutes.

Chepstow began to press for the equaliser, Peel squared the ball to Wigsome but his effort was well wide and after a further spell of possession Ross got a shot away, but again it was off target.

After a good run by Ah-Mun ended when he was fouled on the edge of the box, Nicky Bruce put in a good delivery but no-one managed to get a touch and it ran out for a goal kick. Rhodri Foote was having a great game for Dinas, probing and playing good balls to feet for the front pairing of Ah-Mun and the skilful young striker King Junior Mwedzo.

Late in the half Dinas keeper Curtin needed some treatment after he made a brave save from a corner. This resulted in three further corners in the last two minutes before the last one went out for a goal kick and Dinas retained their lead into the interval.

Clear blue sky greeted the players as they came out for the second half. Chepstow had the first half chance when Ross headed wide from a free kick wide on the left.

Dinas were playing some lovely build-up play at times with Bruce, Keiron James, Bashir, Ryan Garland, Joe Briscombe, Mwedzo and Ah-Mun all prominent and from one of these, Mwedzo twisted and turned his marker to get a good cross in for Ah-Mun to chest down but he was tackled before he could turn and shoot. Mwedzo's skills then earned Dinas a corner but again the final touch was missing.

The hosts then began to press again but the Dinas central pairing of James Bloxham and James Marr don't miss much in the air and looked in control most of the time. However Chepstow did level the scores when a looping header by Prangley was just too high for Curtin who got finger-tips to it but couldn't prevent it going in with 25 minutes remaining.

This only made Dinas more determined and excellent work down the left ended when Mwedzo appeared to be fouled in possession but the referee waved play on.

Most of Chepstow's attacks were down the left wing with the occasional switch to the right and from one of these Dunn hit a hard low shot but it was well wide.

With 10 minutes remaining, Dinas introduced fresh legs, Foote being replaced by Jasper Morgan for his first game at this level. Dinas upped the work rate and further pressure ended when the ball broke to Mwedzo  who beat his marker to hit a fine shot just inside the post but Wesson made an excellent diving save to deny the youngster.

The visitors certainly had the better of the last 10 minutes with another mazy run from  Mwedzo ended when he ran the ball out for a goal kick and a fine shot from Ah-Mun just fizzed the wrong side of the upright. The final chance came when Ah-Mun was fouled on the edge of the box, free kick expert Ryan Garland stepping up to take it but this time it was too near Wesson who gathered comfortably and time ran out so the points were shared. If Dinas show this kind of commitment and team spirit every week there is no reason why they cannot climb the league table.

Dinas: 1 James Curtin, 2 Rhodri Foote, 3 Nicky Bruce, 4 Joe Briscombe, 5 James Bloxham (c), 6 James Marr, 7 Ryan Garland, 8 Keiron James, 9 Ben Ah-Mun (1), 10 King Junior Mwedzo, 11 Atif Bashir, 12 Mike Lazarou, 14 Jasper Morgan, 15 Luke Garland, 16 Marc Bloxham, 17 Jack Perks.

On Saturday 18th October Tata Steel visit the Murch for a first round tie of the Nathaniel Car Sales League Cup with a 2.00pm kick off.

 

Saturday 4 October 2014

Monmouth Town 3, Ton Pentre 0

FAW Welsh Cup Round One

from Ton Pentre FC

For Ton Pentre, the dream is over for another year after the Bulldogs were sent crashing from FAW Welsh Cup in the First Round at Monmouth Town.

Injuries appear to be taking their toll on Ton Pentre with defender Ross Porter out for the rest of the season with cruciate ligament damage, while Mark Crutch and Dan Richards looked uncomfortable during the pre-match warm-up with niggling injuries.

The Bulldogs made a comfortable start to this game but the good work was undone after 10 minutes when the Ton Pentre defence stood off a Monmouth attack that allowed Chris Ham ample space to fire a shot into the net off the lefthand post.

Monmouth then proceeded to dominate the first half of the match and should have scored several more goals before half-time.

In the 35th minute, an under-hit back-pass provided Monmouth with possession but somehow Bulldogs goalkeeper Neil Collins managed to produce two fine saves to deny the Kingfishers.

Shortly before the interval, Ton Pentre produced their best move of the match when James Gronow played Leon Young up the right on the edge of the 18-yard box. Young sent an excellent swinging cross towards the edge of the six-yard box but Wearn was unable to connect for a chance to equalise.

Ton Pentre were better in the second half and were quick to get themselves on top and following a poor clearance in the 48th minute, Gronow set Adam Raymond up for a shot. From 25-yards Raymond struck well but Kieran Blackburn, the Monmouth goalkeeper, watched the shot go wide of his left post.

In the 56th minute some superb defending from Thomas Davies saw him make a well executed sliding tackle deep inside the penalty area when Monmouth broke through. It was an exquisite piece of defending that prevented the Kingfishers from increasing their lead.

Moments later the action reached the other end of the pitch where the Bulldogs won themselves a corner. The ball was sent to the back post and Crutch headed towards goal but his effort nestled on top of the net.

Frustratingly for the Bulldogs Monmouth scored their second goal against the run of play. Following some scrappy build-up in the 58th minute Dan MacDonald was lurking around the penalty area and when the ball broke to him the former Aston Villa man slotted it into the net for 2-0.

It became 3-0 in the 81st minute after Monmouth were allowed to access the box from the right before a centered pass to Nicky Harrhy allowed the striker to safely secure the Kingfishers deserved passage into the Second Round of the FAW Welsh Cup.

It’s back to Welsh League Division One action for the Bulldogs on Saturday, 11 October 2014 as Ton Pentre welcome top of the table Haverfordwest County to Ynys Park for a 2:30pm kick off.

Ton Pentre: 1. Neil Collins, 2. Ryan Shugar, 3. Lewis Hydes, 4. Mark Crutch, 5. Thomas Davies, 6. Leon Young (Captain), 7. Shane Davies, 8. Andre Griffiths, 9. Jaymie Wearn, 10. Adam Raymond, 11. James Gronow. Substitutes: 12. Ryan Jenkins (for Shane Davies 70), 14. Dan Richards (for Adam Raymond 66), 15. Andrew Hughes, 16. Alyn Jones (for Mark Crutch 88)

Cautions: Hydes 26, Raymond 54.

 

Saturday 4 October 2014

AFC Llwydcoed report and pictures

from AFC Llwydcoed

AFC Llwydcoed first and reserves teams season has hit a  low, low note after another two defeats again this weekend.

AFC Llwydcoed Welsh League Division Two squad travelled to Welsh League Division One Cardiff Metropolitan University outfit for their FAW Welsh Cup round one fixture.  The students winning 9-0.  AFC Llwydcoed's players have seven days to regain their belief, composure, confidence and team spirit before they welcome Barry Town United to Llwydcoed on Saturday 11 October, 2.30 pm ko.

AFC Llwydcoed Welsh League Reserve Squad welcomed Cambrian & Clydach to the Welfare Ground and after taking an early lead the young  Cambrian & Clydach side took full advantage of AFC Llwydcoed's lack of stamina and fitness to gain a 3-1 away victory.  AFC Llwydcoed reserves are away on Saturday 11 October to Penybont, 2.30pm ko.

AFC Llwydcoed's first and reserves players need to realise what is needed and respond and move through this difficult period.

AFC Llwydcoed's Jonathan Piontecki clears a Cambrian attack

AFC Llwydcoed's Matthew Reynolds tries to maintain possession

AFC Llwydcoed's Sam Tegeltija tries to open the scoring

AFC Llwydcoed's Craig Boulton and Sam Tegeltija try to win possession

AFC Llwydcoed and Cambrian Clydach players tussle for possession

Pictures from AFC Llwydcoed's reserves fixture versus Cambrian & Clydach by Mr Michael Williams

 

Saturday 4 October 2014

Treharris Athletic Western 0, Bridgend Street 3

from Mark Abraham, Treharris Athletic Western FC

The term 'stuck in a rut' may be the most applicable saying of them all to describe the fortunes of Treharris at the moment. Coming fresh off of a decidedly all-out assault from Llanelli Town last weekend, Treharris seemed focused and poised to redeem themselves somewhat in a home encounter with Bridgend Street. But the best laid plans...

 

Bridgend Street were in full-effect, with a barrage of recent signings bolstering their squad and providing management with lots of creative options to choose from. That is by no means to say that Treharris didn't have 'the goods' in terms of it's on-the-pitch talent. The returning Christian Davies teamed with Aarran Caffell up top, creating an ever-dangerous and potential-laden partnership, with several free kicks and storming strikes being on the cards throughout the game, and Matthew Cushing appeared to find his groove with a show of guts and determination when he would be brought into the fray.

 

With the scoreline at 1-0 to Bridgend Street at half-time (courtesy of Dave Penikett), the task was surely not insurmountable to get something from the game but even with a tactical change and some fresh faces (as Ashley Hollingshead and Callum Tandy were replaced by Josh Coomber and Matthew Cushing), it wasn't enough to prevent a second opposition goal from finding it's home in the back of the net.

 

The goal itself came as the result of a free kick that whipped over the wall, hit the bar and before the defence could scramble for a clearance, the foot of Alex North was placed on it and it was scruffily put over the line. The last substitution, Geraint Corkrey, would replace Alun Thomas soon after, as the squad attempted to nullify the proceedings and claw back much-needed goals.

 

Unfortunately, it wouldn't come to pass, as a third goal (Liam Jeremy) ratcheted a clear 'W' on the scoresheet for Bridgend Street. The attack wasn't precise or calculating and a sloppy tap from outside the edge of the box rolled happily past goalkeeper Matthew Evans, much to chagrin of players and fans alike. As the losing streak begins to mount (with this being their fifth consecutive loss - including a Welsh Cup exit), the players, fans and club as a whole have no other choice but to dig deep, keep battling and prove doubters wrong in the coming fixtures.

For all the latest with Treharris Athletic Western FC: follow us on Twitter @TreharrisAthFC and LIKE us on Facebook. Visit our website: www.clubwebsite.co.uk/treharrisathleticwestern

 

Saturday 4 October 2014

Cwmbran Celtic 2, Llanelli Town 1

FAW Welsh Cup Round One

from Alan Evans, Llanelli Town FC

Facing a home side who have still to begin their league programme with this Welsh Cup first round tie being just their third competitive game to date, the Reds might have been of the impression that their opponents could be a little ring-rusty.

Any such hopes were quickly dispelled as they were subjected to their toughest task to date with the final result fully justified as Celtic on the day were clearly the better team.

Following two early Luke Jones half chances both from corners which were scrambled clear of the home goalmouth, the hosts took only seven minutes to establish the lead when a quickly taken free kick by Owen Cook gave Richard Crees the opportunity of crossing to the near post where Andrew Larcombe made no mistake with a close range header.

The visitors countered, and went close to an equaliser when a Liam Samuel attempt struck a post when he met a Richard Lewis corner, while Lewis himself delivered a free kick which thundered against the underside of the crossbar before rebounding out.

Apart from these near misses, the Reds were being fully extended by their opponents who looked menacing going forward, and it took a timely tackle by Rhys Powell on Larcombe to prevent another potential goal chance.

Set pieces were again proving to be the visitors' weakness, with Owen Llewellyn heading wide completely unmarked from a Lewis Grant corner, and when the home side were awarded a free kick on the edge of the box, Luke Lewis drove it directly at keeper Craig Richards.

Lewis caught the Reds napping again when he met a Rakesh Patel free kick, but again his header was just off target.

There was some concern when Larcombe appeared to be knocked unconscious when he was unintentionally caught in the face by the boot of Lee Bevan as he attempted a low header in the box, but thankfully he recovered after lengthy treatment but had to leave the field to be replaced by Sean Feeley.

And having literally been on for just a few seconds, with his first touch Feeley got the second Celtic goal when a corner was headed down to him by Craig Cheedy in the 44th minute and he shot beyond Richards.

Clearly second best in the first period, the Reds made an early change after the restart with Jamie Evans replacing Matthew Hughes to give support to Luke Jones, and an early chance arose when Lewis crossed into the box but both Declan John and Jones failed to make contact.

Celtic might then have gone further ahead when a far post ball by Cook found Llewellyn, but with an open goal to aim at he somehow contrived to lift the chance over the bar.

Referee Darren Adie then became a busy man, having earlier cautioned Cook the home player was sent off after 62 minutes for a second yellow card following a scuffle with Evans who also received a caution.

Ross Jones then became another player to earn the displeasure of the official, while an attack by the Reds culminated in Lewis blasting a free kick over the top.

Steve Stone and Bruno Forkuoh came on as replacements for Powell and Mark Napieralla respectively. Luke Jones was the next to go in the book along with Llewellyn for the home side when he became involved in a pushing match with Ross Jones who was then red-carded with just five minutes remaining.

An extraordinary header by Crees who for some inexplicable reason headed it towards the home goal forced keeper Nicky Church to push it over at full stretch, but in stoppage time he repeated the act and this time left Church helpless as the ball nestled in the net to give the Reds some hope of at least forcing extra time.

With literally the last kick of the game they came agonisingly close to doing so when Bevan directed the ball goalwards following a melee, but an instinctive reaction by Church to stick out an outstretched leg diverted it clear and bring the contest to a close.

The Reds will be disappointed to have failed to progress in the competition, but league success is paramount and the visit of unbeaten Cardiff Corinthians to Stebonheath next Saturday will prove to be a tough test. Kick off is at 2.30pm.

Cwmbran Celtic:  Church; R Patel; Crees ©; C Patel; Hodges; Cook; Grant (Connor, 87); Cheedy; Lewis (Baugh, 70); Llewellyn; Larcombe (Feeley, 43). Subs not used: Kinsella; Luck.

Llanelli Town: Richards; Napieralla (Forkuoh, 76); Lewis; R Jones; Powell (Stone, 60); Bevan ©; Samuel; Berry; L Jones; John; Hughes (Evans, 49). Subs. not used; Shannon; Thomas.

Scorers: Cwmbran Celtic – Larcombe, 7; Feeley, 43. Llanelli Town – Crees (OG), 90+2.

Yellow cards: Cwmbran Celtic – Cook (2); Llewellyn. Llanelli Town – Lewis; R Jones (2); L Jones; Evans; Berry.

Red cards: Cwmbran Celtic – Cook. Llanelli Town – R Jones.

Referee: Darren Adie (Caldicot).

Llanelli Town's Liam Samuel runs hard in mid-field

Llanelli Town's Steve Berry went close with this effort

Llanelli Town's Lee Bevan almost takes the game to extra time

Llanelli Town's Bruno Forkuoh (right) takes on Dominic Conner

Pictures (c) 2014, keithphoto2003@yahoo.co.uk

    

Saturday 4 October 2014

Dinas Powys 0, Penybont 1 (aet)

FAW Welsh Cup Round One

by Peter King, Dinas Powys FC

Today's match ball kindly sponsored by Matt Benson, Cymraeg Decorating

After a stern team talk before the game from the management team of Lee Saunders and Richie Garland, Dinas gave their all in this game and proved they can more than match most teams in the Welsh League.

The game commenced with a session of head tennis for the first minute and it was clear that the visitors were very strong in the air.

A fast tempo game then ensued with Dinas battling for every ball in midfield. They had an early scare when Penybont played the ball out to Jack Delve and Dinas keeper Jack Perks came charging off his line but Delve got his shot away which was just wide.

Dinas settled into their passing game Atif Bashir feeding Ryan Garland out wide, he put in a good cross but the visitors' defence cleared the danger.

Another slip from Perks wasn't punished when he dropped an easy catch but Anthony Rawlings skewed his effort wide from five yards. Dinas began to gain the ascendancy and good work by Ben Ah-Mun forced a couple of corners, the second of which saw James Marr head just over the bar. The hosts kept the pressure on and a superb jinking run and cross from their young striker King Junior Mwedzo reached Sam Johnson who hit a glancing header just wide.

This was to be Johnson's last action as a minute later he pulled up with a hamstring injury and was replaced by Carlos Indjai with 25 minutes gone. He soon got into the action playing a ball through the channel to Ah-Mun but he was crowded out before he could shoot. The game was nip and tuck at this stage with entertaining end to end play without many scoring opportunities.

Dinas midfielder Keiron James then found overlapping Nicky Bruce who got a shot away but it was straight at the Penybont keeper Rhys Wilson who gathered easily. The last five minutes of the half was still end to end with the visitors forcing an unproductive corner and in the last minute Dinas forced a corner taken by Bruce which Wilson fumbled and dropped the ball but somehow the Penybont defence scrambled it away and the half ended goalless with Dinas more than matching their Division One opponents.

Dinas started the second half well forcing an early corner which was half cleared to Bashir, he played it square to Garland who hit his effort off target. They continued to keep possession well playing some fine one touch football at times. However Penybont were dangerous when they did have possession and  a good cross by Robbie Walters was headed over the bar by Rawlings with eight minutes of the half gone and a free kick reached Walters who headed on target but the Dinas defence cleared the ball before it reached Perks. The visitors did get the ball in the net, Rawlings the marksman but he was adjudged offside.

It was end to end again and a cross by Bruce was met by Ah-Mun with a left foot effort which had Wilson scrambling to save.

Some good link up play down the right with Indjai and King involved forced a corner with no end product and Walters had a half chance for the visitors after a strong run took him wide and his shot missed the target from an acute angle.

Another mazy run by King forced a corner for Dinas which produced a goalmouth melee but the visitors defence eventually got it away.

Perks had to make a smart save at full stretch from Cullen Kinsella but the half ended goalless to bring extra-time into play.

Dinas had the best chance of the tie early in the first period, Ah-Mun playing Garland in, he hit a sweet shot which beat Wilson but cannoned off the left upright and the chance had gone. This proved costly for Dinas as Walters finally got the only goal of the tie, slotting home a pass from the right to beat Perks from six yards just before the end of the first period. To add insult to injury Indjai was then red carded for Dinas for something said to the referee's assistant giving Dinas a mountain to climb in the final 15 minutes.

Dinas then rang the changes, Rhodri Foote and Bashir making way for Steve Provis and Joe Briscombe.

Although they tried their hardest Dinas couldn't get the equaliser as the tie ended but they can hold their heads high in defeat with their best performance of the season.

Dinas squad: 1 Jack Perks, 2 Ben Ah-Mun, 3 Nicky Bruce, 4 Rhodri Foote, 5 James Bloxham (c) 6 James Marr, 7 Ryan Garland, 8 Sam Johnson, 9 King Junior Mwedzo, 10 Atif Bashir, 11 Keiron James, 12 Carlos Indjai, 14 Joe Briscombe, 15 Steve Provis, 16 Mike Lazarou, 17 James Curtin.

It's back to league action on Saturday 11th October when Dinas travel to play Chepstow Town with a 2.30pm kick off.

 

Saturday 4 October 2014

Briton Ferry Llansawel 4, Aberbargoed Buds 1

FAW Welsh Cup Round One

from Stuart Williams, Briton Ferry Llansawel FC

Briton Ferry Llansawel are in the draw for the second round of the Welsh Cup after a hard fought victory against division two team Aberbargoed Buds.

Manager Carl Shaw continued with the 11 that have gained maximum points from their last two league games with fit again Lee John continuing on the bench along with the returning Josh Cockings, skipper Gavin Jones the only player now unavailable due to injury.

Aberbargoed Buds have started their league campaign well with only division two favourites Barry Town United ahead of them in the league.

Referee Mark Whitby got the game under way on a beautiful autumn's day at the Old road and it was the visitors who got an early grip on the game, looking way more up for the task than the hosts, in particular striker Craig McDonnell who was going to be a handful for the Ferry defence all afternoon.

After their lively start the men in blue got a deserved early lead on seven minutes with a header won in midfield dropping in the path of winger Tom McCarthy and he rocketed his shot past keeper Luke Probert for 1-0.

The visitors nearly went two up on 11 minutes when again McDonnell created a chance for midfielder Rhys Jones but his low drive was well saved by Probert.

Carl Shaw's team looked shadows of themselves for the first quarter and only got their first effort on goal on 17 minutes, a short free kick from Steve Davey allowed Josh Pike to clip the ball into the far post but a Buds defender did well to head away.

On 24 minutes another misplaced pass in midfield by the Ferry allowed tricky winger Scott Armitage to create enough space to test Probert again but the keeper held on well.

A few minutes later a tame Josh Pike free kick went wide of the post then at the other end Buds full back Tyla Preece volleyed over from a corner.

Huge credit to the visitors for an excellent first half display, winning all their battles in particular centre half Lee Hartshorn who had kept prolific marksman Gareth Jones quiet for the majority of the opening 45. 

Shaw allowed the team to make up for their dire first half display by not making any changes at the interval and they repaid is faith on 52 minutes, a lovely one-two between Gareth Jones and Ryan Griffiths allowing the in form winger to fire past Asa Kirkwood for the equaliser.

Finally the Ferry had realised that they had to play with the same tempo and willingness of the last few weeks and they nearly found the net again minutes later, a superb solo run from midfielder Warren Hudson ending with Kirkwood doing well to hold on to his shot.

The lead however did arrive on 65 minutes for the Ferry, set piece maverick Josh Pike delivering a beautiful delivery into the box and as they say 'you cant keep a good man down' it was that man Gareth Jones again arriving to head home for goal number 10 of the season.

Shaw made his first change of the game on 67 minutes with Lee John replacing Richard Cleverley at full back.

The killer goal arrived on 71 minutes and it was created by Pike's left foot again, a near identical delivery this time Scott Kenyon benefiting at the far post nodding home for his first goal of the season. 

Shaw then introduced Josh Cockings and Sam Baker in place of Pike and Griffiths, but it was Gareth Jones who was to have the last say, again his movement allowing him space to head home this time from a Steve Davey corner for his brace and the man of the match award. 

An excellent second half display from Shaw's troops seeing off useful opponents and putting the club in the draw for round two.

The club now welcome Penybont to the Old Rroad next Saturday in the league with a 2.30pm kick off.

Ferry - Probert, Cleverley, Pike, D Hudson, Kingdom, Healey, W Hudson, Kenyon, Davey, Jones, Griffiths. Subs - Lewis, Cockings, Davies, John, Baker.

Man of the match - Gareth Jones - chosen by Bar Red - prolific again with two goals and a never say die attitude.

 

Saturday 27 September 2014

AFC Llwydcoed 1, West End 2

from AFC Llwydcoed

West End inflicted  defeat number three on Llwydcoed thanks to two first half goals scored by Ryan Thomas and Rob Shannon. 

AFC Llwydcoed Manager Leighton Price welcomed back Rhys Welch and Tyler Hollidge into the starting line up replacing Tomos Morris and Jarrod Price.

West End punished Llwydcoed for some very poor anticipation and communication scoring in the opening minutes through Ryan Thomas after Connor Cullen and Scott Smith combined. West End were the team in the ascendancy, they came desperately close to adding to their score.

Llwydcoed tried to gain some possession through Scott Walters and Tyler Hollidge looking to bring Ricky Carter and Jonathan Mason into attacking positions. More pressure by West End on Llwydcoed’s defence saw them clear the danger only for the West End defence to win the aerial challenge and put the pressure back on Llwydcoed’s defence who were giving away possession on a regular basis. 

Llwydcoed’s centre midfield of Garin Withers and Luke Spencer gradually began to build some attacks on the West End defence with Michael Davies linking up the play brilliantly. The West End defenders Gareth Howard and Arigis Poutachidis dealt with the attacks stopping the threat. Llwydcoed were having a good spell of sustained pressure, the brilliant Garin Withers creating the opening for Ricky Carter who shot wide under pressure from a West End defender. As half time approached it was West End who scored goal number two through Rob Shannon punishing Llwydcoed for some very poor defending.

AFC Llwydcoed Manger Leighton Price reacted to some below par first half displays and the injury to defender Rhys Welch with Shaun Chappell and Joe Jenkins entering the play. The substitutes made an immediate effect with Jonathan Mason scoring, beating West End goalkeeper Luke Blackmore. 

The match had swung towards Llwydcoed, they began to attack at will through Garin Withers and Michael Davies. The West End defence were beginning to give away a lot of free kicks that Llwydcoed wasted. The hosts needed to score at this stage of the game because of the amount of pressure they were creating, they thought they had equalised after Scott Walters, Ricky Carter and Shaun Chappell had created the opportunity but the Referee disallowed the goal for offside. 

Another chance came and went with Jonathan Mason racing clear but the chance was wasted. West End had defended for most of the second half but they had one brilliant chance that Aaron Richards missed. 

West End defenders Gareth Howard and Elliott Gowan were still stopping the Llwydcoed attacks and that’s how the match finished. West End had punished Llwydcoed for some poor defensive team play, whereas Llwydcoed could not punish West End when they were on top in the second half.

 

Saturday 27 September 2014

Ton Pentre 4, Pontardawe Town 1

from Ton Pentre FC

Ton Pentre bounced back from their humiliating defeat against Caerau (Ely) the week previous, with a dominating 4-1 win over Pontardawe Town at Ynys Park. Bulldogs striker Jaymie Wearn achieved an excellent hat-trick as Ton Pentre got back to their winning ways.

It was nearly a disastrous start for Ton Pentre however, when after 10 minutes Arwel Rees broke free for Pontardawe Town and looked set to give the west Wales outfit the lead but he sent his shot wide of Neil Collins’ left-hand post. 

Ton Pentre’s response to this scare came four minutes later when Jaymie Wearn ran the ball up a left-hand channel, and after cutting inside, the striker sent a simple pass into the path of Lewis Hydes. With a powerful shot, Hydes gave the Bulldogs a 1-0 lead as he beat Steve Reeve in the Pontardawe goals.

A few moments later Hydes set-up Shane Davies for a shot on the edge of the box and the midfielder looked likely to score but Reeve managed to palm the ball around his right-hand post.

The Bulldogs were dealt a blow in 38th minute when defender Ross Porter awkwardly twisted his knee and collapsed to the ground. Ton Pentre were already looking a little thin in defence due to injuries and absentees and it was impossible for Porter to carry on. He was replaced by striker Dan Richards with Ryan Shugar dropping back from midfield into defence. The experienced campaigner did well in role.

When the first half ticked over into added on time, Adam Raymond played the ball up to Richards in attack. After holding the ball up and resisting the challenges of the Pontardawe defence, Richards provided Wearn with possession who proceeded to beautifully strike the ball into the top left-hand corner of the goal making it 2-0 to the Bulldogs.

Early in the second half, Richards was involved again as he unselfishly laid the ball off for Wearn to score his second and Ton Pentre’s third goal of the game. It was splendid linkup up play as the strikers worked in tandem.

After conceding the third goal, Pontardawe refused to give up and started producing some useful chances to score. On 61 minutes they hit the post and forced Neil Collins into making a good save with the follow up shot. 

Shortly after Shane Davies was fouled in midfield after playing the ball out wide to Hydes on the left wing. The Referee played some excellent advantage allowing Hydes to attack the box. Just before entering the box a Pontardawe defender had a failed attempt to bring him down before he was eventually completely bundled over in the area by another defender, who made no connection with the ball whatsoever. Hydes was left amazed as he sat on the ground with no penalty award from the Referee after the Pontardawe defender had robbed him of a chance to score his second of the game.

In the 71st minute of play the Pontardawe defence was being tormented by Richards once again as he breached their last line of defence. The striker demonstrated his awareness as he passed the ball into Wearn’s run for him to complete his hat-trick. It was now 4-0 to the Bulldogs.

Five minutes later Pontardawe were awarded a penalty following an untidy challenge in the Ton Pentre box. Arwel Rees took the spot kick and sent Collins the wrong way as he hit the ball high into the right side of the goal.

Moments later, Ton Pentre thought they’d scored a fifth goal when with three defenders around him, Wearn brought the ball down and managed to fit in a shot on target. The effort went under the goalkeeper but Reeve comically saved the strike by sitting on top of the ball.

Following the match, midfielder Adam Raymond told RadioTon: “Last week was a disaster, all the boys hurt… and it was all about character and bouncing back and Jaymie took his goals really well.”

Jaymie Wearn added: “It was good to get the three goals but more importantly the win was the main thing after last week’s performance. We’ve got to kick on from that and go next week for the [FAW Welsh] Cup game against Monmouth, which will be a tough game.” 

Ton Pentre take a break from Welsh League action next week as they play Monmouth Town in Round One of the FAW Welsh Cup. The game on Saturday, 4 October takes place at Pen-Y-Pound Stadium in Abergavenny with a 2:00pm kick off.

Ton Pentre: 1. Neil Collins, 2. Leon Young (Captain), 3. Lewis Hydes, 4. Mark Crutch, 5. Ross Porter, 6. Ryan Shugar, 7. Adam Raymond, 8. Andre Griffiths, 9. Jaymie Wearn, 10. Shane Davies, 11. James Gronow. Substitutes: 12. Dan Richards, 14. Alyn Jones, 15. Ryan Jenkins

Goals: Hydes 14; Wearn 45+1, 54, 71 

Cautions: Griffiths 57; S Davies 80, Wearn 90

Referee: Jonathan Bryant

 

Saturday 27 September 2014

Llanelli Town 10, Treharris Athletic Western 1

from Alan Evans, Llanelli Town FC

Overwhelmed from the outset, the visitors were steamrollered into submission by opponents who are growing in stature with every game, and they simply could not cope with the constant stream of attacks with four goals arriving in the opening 24 minutes – including a hat-trick by Liam Samuel who was outstanding throughout.

A further six successes in the second period completed a comprehensive win to add credence, even at this early stage of the season, of a determination to be in the promotion stakes  at the end of the current campaign.

Facing a Treharris side who had narrowly escaped relegation last season, the Reds were ruthless, and if all the other numerous chances which came their way had been converted the eventual scoreline would have been even greater.

As it was, they were ahead within just five minutes following a run by Samuel into the box where his far post cross was prodded home by Ross Jones.

Seven minutes later, Samuel himself was the recipient when a ball by Rhys Powell found Richard Lewis wide on the left and his delivery into the middle was only partially cleared as far as the diminutive striker, and his shot deflected off a Treharris player leaving keeper Matthew Evans helpless.

Matthew Hughes struck the visitors' far post when he despatched an effort towards goal and the loose ball was backheeled by Luke Jones against the same post.

This proved to be just a brief respite, as the home side struck again on 21 minutes following a superb clearance by keeper Craig Richards which picked out Samuel, and he left his marker, Ashley Holingshead, for dead before firing across Evans into the far corner.

With the Reds completely dominating proceedings, they came close to adding to their tally with Declan John smashing a long range effort against an upright following a Lewis corner, but did have better luck when they notched up their fourth goal on 24 minutes with Hughes and Lewis combining before a cross into the area led to Samuel completing his treble by heading beyond Evans.

Treharris had barely crossed the halfway line up to then, but somehow pulled one back in the 31st minute through Liam Davies who took advantage of some inept defending following a run and low cross into the goalmouth by David Shallis to beat Richards from close range.

Stung by this reverse, the Reds were quickly back on the offensive with Evans pushing over a well struck long range shot from Lewis.

Comfortably ahead at the break, it took only two minutes of the restart for the hosts to increase  the lead with Luke Jones being played through before rounding the keeper to find the vacant net.

John then got in on the act, with a delightful lob over the Treharris keeper when he was found in space on the edge of the box on 49 minutes, and when Samuel was put through on goal, Evans managed to keep out his initial attempt and when the ball was delivered back goalwards, Jamie Rees headed off the line.

Bruno Forkuoh was brought on to replace Hughes and almost immediately got a reward but fired wide from point blank range when he met a cross by Mark Napieralla.

The visitors were being run ragged, with the wide open spaces of the lush Stebonheath playing surface in stark contrast to their own cramped ground, and it came as little surprise when they conceded again in the 66th minute with Samuel getting his fourth, lofting superbly over Evans when Napieralla set up the chance.

Luke Jones was replaced by Robert Thomas and who should have hit the target when a move involving Samuel and Forkuoh afforded him the chance, but he shot wide, and then repeated the error shortly after, this time lofting over the top when Samuel played him in.

On 74 minutes, the Reds struck again when John met a Napieralla cross to drive it low into the bottom corner, and he then turned provider when he set up Forkuoh at the far post to steer the ball past Evans after 83 minutes.

Four minutes from time, the rout was completed when Thomas finally got his reward, volleying home  from close range from yet another pass by Samuel.

A comprehensive win for the Reds who will take the result into their first round Welsh Cup tie at  Cwmbran Celtic next Saturday brimming with confidence. Kick off is at 2.00pm.

Llanelli Town:  Richards; Napieralla; Lewis; R Jones; Powell; Bevan ©; Samuel; Berry (Shannon, 50); L Jones (Thomas, 68); John; Hughes (Forkuoh, 54). Subs not used: Stone; Evans.

Treharris Athletic Western:   Evans; Tandy (Cushing, 54); Thomas; Clingo; Jago ©; Rees; Shallis; (Caffel, 48); Holingshead;  Coomber (Corkery, 66); Davies; Sellick. Sub not used: Lee.

Scorers – Llanelli Town – R Jones, 5; Samuel, 12, 21, 24, 66; L Jones, 47; John, 49, 74; Forkuoh, 83; Thomas, 86. Treharris Athletic Western – Davies, 31.

Yellow cards - Llanelli Town – Hughes. Treharris Athletic Western – Rees.

Referee: Ben Kathrens (Pembrey).

Attendance: 152.       

Llanelli Town's Liam Samuel beats Treharris' Matthew Evans on way to a first half hat-trick

Llanelli Town's Luke Jones shoots for goal, under pressure from Chris Clingo

Llanelli Town's Richard Lewis threads a pass in midfield

Llanelli Town's Bruno Forkuoh got onto the score-sheet with this late goal

Pictures (c) 2014, keithphoto2003@yahoo.co.uk

 

Saturday 27 September 2014

Llanelli Town 10, Treharris Athletic Western 1

from Mark Abraham, Treharris Athletic Western FC

There are one or two every season, where a team puts on a 'clinic' with devastating results for the opposition. Unfortunately, Treharris were on the receiving end of that clinic when they travelled down to Stebonheath Park to face against Llanelli Town in an unrelenting flurry of offensive football.

 

From the outset, it was clear that it would be a tough fixture, but Llanelli's assault was focused and unwavering, resulting in four goals in the first 20 minutes of play alone. Ross Jones would put the first goal in, followed soon after by a knock-in from Liam Samuel. It seemed as though the bar and post of the Treharris goal would prove to be a 12th man for the Treharris' defence, as the Reds took attempt-after-attempt but were denied, initially at least. The third goal (also from Liam Samuel) was exceptionally precise, with a clear-cut, tight cross across the box nailing the side netting of the goal, leaving Treharris' goalkeeper Matthew Evans helpless. Samuel would then grab his hat-trick with another fantastic finish to leave Treharris reeling at 4-0.

 

The lone goal for Treharris came from former Merthyr Academy player Liam Davies, as he broke free of opposition in the box, capitalised on a mistake from the goalkeeper and managed to provide a small measure of consolation. As the first half drew to a close, Treharris were wounded but stranger things had happened, with hope that potentially they could mount some sort of comeback.

 

However, when a fifth goal (from Luke Jones) found it's mark whilst the second half was in it's infancy, it became an exercise in damage limitation for the Lilywhites. Shortly after, rapid-runner David Shallis would need to leave the field, with an apparent pulled muscle, only to be replaced by the more-than-worthy Aarran Caffell. Declan John would then split the already open wound with a sixth goal for Llanelli.

 

Matthew Cushing once again laced his boots as a substitute for Callum Tandy, who held his ground at the back, despite a thunderous series of driving attacks from the Reds, one from Llanelli star-player Liam Samuel managing to break from the pack and make it 7-1. Geraint Corkrey returned to the squad after a brief hiatus due to a pulled groin, taking Josh Coomber's place in midfield. The Reds once again went through the motions and Declan John was able to find his second goal to bring it to 8-1. More collateral damage would ensue however, with Treharris being given no room to breathe, despite briefly losing defender Chris Clingo to a very nasty knock, as Bruno Forkuoh hit the Reds' ninth goal. 

 

Mercifully, the referee finally blew his whistle with the scoreline standing at 10-1 (the final Llanelli goal coming from Rob Thomas), leaving the Treharris understandably frustrated with a sub-par performance against an accomplished enemy.

 

Treharris return home to The Athletic next Saturday for their first October fixture, as they host Bridgend Street, hoping to extinguish the memory of a devastating loss, or at least seek some sort of retribution for it.

For all the latest with Treharris Athletic Western FC - follow us on Twitter @TreharrisAthFC and LIKE us on Facebook. Visit our website: www.clubwebsite.co.uk/treharrisathleticwestern

 

Saturday 27 September 2014

Risca United 2, Dinas Powys 1

by Peter King, Dinas Powys FC

Once again Dinas lose a game by the odd goal, a fact that has happened in all but one of the opening league games they have lost.

However,  despite scoring first, if it wasn't for an outstanding performance by their goalkeeper James Curtin, the scoreline could have been a lot wider. Also they had to change their starting personnel when striker Ben Ah-Mun was found to have a groin problem in the warm-up.

On a good playing surface Risca started well, Josh Collier getting in an early shot which was just wide and Dinas seemed a bit tentative. A Risca free kick by Paul Michael was cleared by Keiron James and a mis-placed pass let in Aaron Colwill but he was dispossessed by the well-organised Dinas defence.

The visitors gradually got themselves into the game, Atif Bashir playing the ball out to Luke Swaffield who got a cross in but couldn't find a Dinas player. It was then Swaffield's turn to feed Bashir but he was adjudged to have fouled as he attempted to get a shot away.

Risca then forced a couple of corners which the Dinas defence dealt with and as they broke away, good build-up play involving Swaffield and Ryan Garland, he played James in on goal but he was adjudged offside.

Play was then halted after Rhodri Foote was injured by a late tackle but he was ok to continue after treatment. Risca were dangerous on the break and on the 25 minute mark Colwill found David Hurley who drove into the Dinas box but his shot was over Curtin's cross bar. Hurley's pace down the left flank was causing problems for Dinas and after they forced another corner the ball was half cleared to full back Matthew Russell who put in a lob which was just over the bar.

At the other end an excellent threaded ball from Garland put Carlos Indjai in on goal but he was crowded out before he could shoot. Risca then forced several corners but the Dinas central defenders James Marr and James Bloxham were in fine form.

Somewhat against the run of play Dinas bagged the opener just five minutes before half time, Nicky Bruce finding Garland, he cut inside and drove a fine shot into the corner of the net giving Tom Chorley no chance to make a save. This gave Dinas more confidence and they weathered the pressure well and looked good going forward, holding onto their lead until the interval.

Dinas made two changes at the start of the second half, Foote and Mike Lazarou being replaced by Sam Johnson and Steve Provis.

The hosts came out of the blocks in determined mood catching Dinas cold and Curtin made a superb double save from point blank range. Then Colwill was played through but again Curtin made another superb save. The first 10 minutes was all pressure as the hosts strived to get back on terms and a low ball in by Hurley had Curtin diving to gather it.

Dinas made another change to try and stop the onslaught, Jack Coles replacing the hard-working Keiron James. Dinas rallied for a while, Johnson shielding a ball from Garland well and spinning to get a curling shot in but Chorley took it comfortably. 

Risca began to feed their right wing man Kyle Williams with a succession of balls and he put in some excellent crosses, one of which found the classy looking Paul Michael but again Curtin was equal to it. However the pressure finally told when a ball from midfield found Michael and he drove it home for the equaliser with 20 minutes of the half gone.

Garland then played Johnson in again but his shot wasn't hard enough to trouble Chorley. 

The home side finally got their noses in front  with 17 minutes left when a deep free kick by their towering centre-half Chris Thomas was driven home by Hurley for 2-1. The final 15 minutes was pretty much all Risca's, Williams putting in another cross which Colwill drove in low but Curtin made another fantastic save.

Dinas came back into the game late on, a long diagonal ball from Provis reached Indjai who shot from the edge of the box, the ball just going wide of Chorley's left upright. Dinas had a scare when influential skipper Bloxham injured his arm but continued after the 'magic sponge' did its work! However at the final whistle Risca deserved the win and Dinas had their keeper to thank for a superb performance to keep the scoreline respectable.

Dinas:1 James Curtin, 2 Mike Lazarou, 3 James Bloxham (c), 4 James Marr, 5 Luke Swaffield, 6 Carlos Indjai, 7 Ryan Garland (1), 8 Keiron James, 9 Nicky Bruce, 10 Atif Bashir, 11 Rhodri Foote, 12 Jack Coles, 14 Steve Provis, 15 Ben Ah-Mun, 16 Sam Johnson, 17 Jack Perks.

On October 4 Dinas are in Welsh Cup Round One action when they entertain Division One side Penybont at the Murch with a 2.00pm kick off.

Pictures from Mark D Bennett

 

Friday 26 September 2014

Briton Ferry Llansawel 2, Goytre United 1

from Stuart Williams, Briton Ferry Llansawel FC

This Friday night derby was billed as a battle of managers with ex-Neath team mates Carl Shaw and Andy Hill facing each other for the first time, and it was Briton Ferry Llansawel manager Shaw that  delivered the knock out blow, taking his team's unbeaten run to six games and getting back to back wins for the first time in Division One.

Shaw named an unchanged team after a great win at Cambrian & Clydach the previous Saturday,  Matthew Lewis and Sam Baker returned to the bench with Josh Cockings unavailable.

Goytre United started with another ex-Neath player Craig Steins up front while ex-Ferry players Darius Waters and Jordan Edwards also took their place in the team.

Another excellent crowd of 288 saw referee Teifion Cook start proceedings and it was the Ferry who started much the brighter, with visiting keeper Luke Martyn called into action for the first time on three minutes, holding on well to a Josh Pike free kick from distance.

Midfielder Warren Hudson pulled a shot wide minutes later after some good build up play but the game was to have a 10 minute delay after Goytre United striker Craig Steins slumped to the floor in agony with no defender near him, the striker was treated on the pitch before being stretchered off and later taken to hospital with a suspected dislocated knee cap.

Shortly after the restart the hosts got their deserved breakthrough, an attack on the right saw referee Cook playing a great advantage before the ball fell to in-form striker Gareth Jones who sent an unstoppable left foot volley past Martyn for a 1-0 lead.

The Ferry were not finished there and three minutes later they extended their lead, a beautiful set piece delivery from left back Josh Pike was met by the rising Jones to nod past Martyn for the second time in three minutes, the goal taking his tally to an impressive nine in nine games.

On 27 minutes Jones nearly turned provider, an exquisite turn and through ball releasing Ryan Griffiths but this time keeper Martyn did well to thwart the winger before he could shoot.

An excellent first half hour from the Ferry with the visitors first real shot on 29 minutes with midfielder Ross Jones firing over.

However as seen already this season the opposition are far more clinical in division one and the visitors did pull a goal back on 32 minutes, elusive substitute Sam Wade did well to pull the ball back for Jordan Edwards to finish from close range.

Goytre United manager Hill introduced marksman Richard Ryan to the game early in the second half to try and find the equaliser, and the goal nearly came for the visitors on 57 minutes with midfielder Timothy Hicks rising well only to see his header go inches wide of Luke Probert's near post.

With the visitors now getting more of the ball they went close again minutes later but Rory Healey did well to clear from the line.

On the hour mark Shaw made his first change bringing on assistant coach Lee John to try and settle things down in the middle of the park and John was involved in a great move on 70 minutes, a 10-pass attack ending with winger Steve Davey rifling over.

Goytre United substitute Luke Morgan tested Probert on 77 minutes but the keeper held on safely to his shot before Gareth Jones was inches from his hat-trick on 84 minutes, the striker throwing himself at a driven Davey cross only to see his effort skew wide.

Five minutes from time Probert did well again to tip a deflected shot around the post before Davey again went on a mazy run at the other end before his effort cleared the bar.

A very even second half contested by two good teams was ended by Cook's whistle moments later, a win that moves the team up to seventh on 12 points before going into Welsh Cup action next week.

Briton Ferry Llansawel face division two leaders Aberbargoed Buds at the Old Road next Saturday before returning to League action also at home to Penybont a week later.

Man of the match: Gareth Jones chosen by Macron Store, Neath – Tireless running and prolific finishing taking his tally to nine in nine.

Ferry: Probert, Cleverley, Pike, D Hudson, Kingdom, Healey, W Hudson, Kenyon, Davey, Jones, Griffiths. Subs: Lewis, Davies, John, Jones, Baker.

 

Saturday 20 September 2014

Dinas Powys 2, AFC Llwydcoed 3

from AFC Llwydcoed

Llwydcoed gained a deserved victory against Dinas who made them sweat and work until the final whistle for the victory.

Dinas burst into an attacking mode and Llwydcoed players were chasing shadows as Luke Swaffield and Atif Bashir raced through the Llwydcoed shape, Dinas should have scored at this stage. 

Llwydcoed had survived a torrid opening. Dinas still looked dangerous through Carlos Indjai and Luke Swaffield, but gradually Llwydcoed’s players got the defensive shape together and against the run of play broke clear and Garin Withers scored with a superb low shot. Llwydcoed had taken control of the game with Matthew Doherty, Luke Davies, Jarrod Price and Scott Walters organising their defence laying the foundation for their midfield to put the Dinas whose defence under pressure. It was Llwydcoed  who almost scored a second with Jonathan Mason testing the Dinas goalkeeper James Curtin. 

The match then swung back towards Dinas after Carlos Indjai hit a long cross into the Llwydcoed penalty area, 'Coed's goalkeeper Grant Hopkins misjudged and Dinas equalised through Swaffield. Both the opening goals were against the run of play. 

Llwydcoed regained their composure and the work rate of Michael Davies, Luke Spencer, Tomos Morris and Garin Withers gave them a platform. More good play by Jarrod Price brought Ricky Carter and Jonathan Mason into attacking positions. Llwydcoed regained their advantage, Michael Davies found Ricky Carter whose power header crashed against the cross bar and Tomos Morris smashed home the ball in spectacular style. The half finished with Llwydcoed in charge.

Llwydcoed started the second half as they finished the first in control. Jarrod Price was able to pick out Jonathan Mason and Ricky Carter and build several attacks, chances came and went. Lots of pressure on the Dinas defence saw Llwydcoed almost increase their advantage with Garin Withers, Ricky Carter and Jonathan Mason almost scoring, they were then rewarded for this excellent passage of play. Dinas lost possession and Llwydcoed’s Ricky Carter did brilliantly playing Jonathan Mason into space to score. Llwydcoed were in the comfort zone. 

They introduced substitute Shaun Chappell and began to attack the Dinas defence who were under pressure for most of the second half but they showed belief and desire. Their substitutes gave them more attacking threat with Ryan Garland and James Bloxham threatening and then Dinas reduced their match score when Ben Ah-Mun shot low from 20 yards through a melee of players to score. 

So game on. Dinas had gained the ascendency, Llwydcoed’s goalkeeper Grant Hopkins tipped a shot over and then the crossbar saved Llwydcoed when Dinas’ Ben Ah-Mun header struck the woodwork. Llwydcoed’s defence was under siege, the missed chances from earlier in the game could cost them the victory. 

Dinas attacked throwing everything at Llwydcoed’s defence up to the final whistle. Dinas had another brilliant chance but the final whistle blew with Llwydcoed gaining the victory.

 

Saturday 20 September 2014

Caerau (Ely) 8, Ton Pentre 2

from Ton Pentre FC

Two of the early season form teams went toe to toe at Cwrt-yr-Ala as the Bulldogs travelled to the capital to play this Division One encounter; though in truth only one of the sides lived up to the billing with the hosts coasting to victory during a traumatic afternoon for Ton. 

Ton Pentre made three changes to the team that were held by Penybont eight days earlier, with Brewer, Raymond and Wearne replacing Davies, Hutchinson and Richards through the spine of the team.

With just three minutes on the clock, all seemed well for the Bulldogs as Shane Davies added to his repertoire of spectacular early season goals when he fired the visitors ahead with a stupendous strike from 25 yards. Davies hit a Caerau (Ely) clearance clean with a right footed volley first time and the keeper had no chance as the ball punctured the net.

Though the early goal buoyed the Bulldogs, it was the hosts who were on the front foot. Caerau (Ely) forced a succession of corners and their physicality and height advantage caused the Ton defence significant discomfort when balls were placed into the mixer – this was to be a feature of the afternoon for a beleaguered Ton Pentre rearguard.

Despite being under the cosh, Ton nearly extended the lead on 10 minutes when a clever through ball released Jenkins, but the keeper bravely grasped the loose ball from the feet of the advancing striker.  Shane Davies nearly struck again on 13 when his dipping corner kick nearly went directly into the goal but for a clearing header on the goal line from an alert Caerau (Ely) defender.

Caerau (Ely) equalised on 15 minutes when the Bulldogs were undone down the right flank, from which their striker glanced the ball home from a free header.  Within minutes the hosts nearly edged in front but on this occasion the striker pulled his shot narrowly wide following a neat interchange on the edge of the box; another free header swiftly followed but thankfully for the Bulldogs the opportunity narrowly cleared the crossbar.

The home side finally broke the Ton resistance with another headed effort, on this occasion directly from a corner on 24 minutes with the Bulldogs too static in defending the set piece. Caerau (Ely) were now oozing confidence and on 34 minutes, Raymond was caught napping in possession and the Caerau (Ely) number nine scampered clear of the Ton defence to latch on to a slide rule through ball and slotted home beyond a hapless Neil Collins.

Even though clearly second best, Ton nearly halved the deficit on 41 when a low Davies shot squirmed narrowly wide of the target following a minor deflection from a defender. Alas Ton’s revival was checked once again three minutes later when Caerau (Ely) scored their third headed goal of the half when they effectively sealed the win when an advancing midfielder connected to a long ball with a looped header over Collins.  This ended a miserable half of football for Ton Pentre and the mountain left to climb in the second half was surely insurmountable.

Caerau (Ely) dominated the early stages of the second half and had a number of good openings to extend their lead.  It was rather inevitable when the Ton defence got caught flat footed as the Caerau (Ely) strike partnership combined to make it 5-1 on the hour.  Less than a minute later the half dozen was notched up when Crutch was penalised for a foul in the box – the striker made no mistake from the spot as he fired down the middle of the goal.

On 74 minutes the pain continued for the Bulldogs as the seventh goal was slotted home as Caerau (Ely) reacted quicker when Collins spilled a free kick, with the rebound being converted with ease.  Crutch pulled a goal back when he converted for the Bulldogs with a bullet header from a corner on 77 minutes.

The Bulldogs catastrophe in Cardiff was completed on the 90th minute when a miscued clearance by Crutch landed in the path of Caerau Ely striker who had the simplest of tasks to square to his teammate who placed the ball into the empty net to complete a staggering 8-2 scoreline on the day.

This is Ton Pentre’s heaviest defeat for some time and all associated with the Club will be looking for a positive reaction when  Pontardawe Town visit Ynys Park next Saturday, when wounded pride will hopefully be repaired.

 

Saturday 20 September 2014

Llanelli Town 3, Lliswerry 1

from Alan Evans, Llanelli Town FC

The Reds regained pole position in the league table after defeating previous incumbents, Lliswerry, at Stebonheath and are now a point ahead of their latest opponents and Cardiff Corinthians, although the latter have a game in hand.

A feisty, and at times, bad-tempered encounter still provided a decent contest between two sides who on this evidence will be challenging for honours at the end of the season, with the home side establishing a two goal interval lead only to concede a sloppy reply by their opponents within a couple of minutes of the restart, causing them some anxious moments for a considerable portion of the second half before a late third goal finally settled the outcome.

The Reds welcomed back Richard Lewis after injury while new signing, Robert Thomas, took his place on the bench, and an early chance was created when a Steve Stone cross found Lee Bevan whose glancing header flew just off target.

When the visitors countered, a run by Dan Stoneman down the right culminated in a delivery into the box which seemed to strike the arm of a home defender, but referee Jeff Bailey waved play on.

Both sides were getting stuck-in with players ending up in head-to-head confrontations, but the nearest the deadlock came to be broken arose from a Rhys Powell free kick delivered sideways into the path of Lewis who from fully 40 yards despatched a ferocious strike which cannoned against the Lliswerry bar with keeper Ross Davies beaten.

Another chance fell to the hosts when a long ball by Steve Berry found Liam Samuel, and with Davies off his line he directed it goalwards, but Joe Gibson was positioned to affect a clearance.

The visitors survived another close call when a Ross Jones cross into the goalmouth eluded Davies and was met by Stone at the far post, but his goal bound effort was hacked off the line by Ricci Morgan.

Despite dictating play, the Reds just could not find a breakthrough with Samuel firing over the top when a corner by Lewis was headed across goal by Bevan before falling into the path of the striker.

With half time approaching, it appeared as if the contest would remain scoreless, but two goals in as many minutes for the Reds changed the whole complexion of the game.

On 40 minutes, a move up the right flank led to Luke Jones finding Matthew Hughes infield, and he swivelled before rifling a superb finish past Davies into the top corner.

Two minutes later he repeated the feat, when a clearance from Lewis led to the Lliswerry keeper, Gibson and Luke Jones converging on the ball, resulting in all three colliding and leaving Gibson pole-axed on the ground, but play was allowed to continue with Hughes collecting the loose ball before finding the vacant net.

After some lengthy treatment, Gibson was forced to leave the field looking decidedly groggy, being replaced by Tony Shier.

Two goals to the good at the start of the second period and seemingly well in control, the home side were hit with a real sucker punch within two minutes of the restart when Powell was harried by Joe Howells on the edge of the box and who gained possession before sending his attempt goalwards where it clipped the base of the upright and rolled into the path of Stoneman who scrambled it over the line despite the frantic attempts of keeper Craig Richards.

This unexpected success certainly spurred on the visitors who raised their game considerably, putting the home side under pressure with their goal surviving some scary moments, typified by a ball driven low into the area by Rhys Luckman which could have gone anywhere but deflected  fortuitously into the hands of Richards, and the Reds keeper was involved again when he raced out of his area to attempt to snuff out a ball though the middle by Joe Howells which set up Josh Brown for a run on  goal, and he made contact with the visitors claiming he had handled, and although referee Bailey awarded a free kick and yellow carded Richards, no further action was taken.

The Reds were being penned back for most of the time, although one move involving Luke Jones gave him the opportunity of finding Samuel in space with he chance of a shot on goal, but his final ball was poor and the chance was lost.

Lliswerry went close to levelling matters following a sprawling save by Richards from an attempt by Howells, and when the ball ran loose, it was met by Brown whose finish rattled the bar.

A melee then occurred on the touchline with players on both sides involved, before the referee finally cautioned Berry and Morgan.

The visitors were still looking by far the more likely to get the vital next goal with Max Fessey driving his delivery across the face of the net but failing to pick out a colleague.

Gradually, however, the Reds began to assert more authority with Bevan directing a header off target from close range from a Declan John corner, while Luke Jones had his shot charged down when Thomas provided the cross.

Thirteen minutes from time, they finally got their reward following a Samuel free kick which initially deflected off the wall and fell to Luke Jones who finished well with a shot on the turn over Davies into the roof of the net.

Just before the close, John missed a great chance of adding a fourth set up by Samuel following a surging run, but with a gaping goal to aim at he somehow contrived to strike a post when it appeared easier to score.

A hard earned win for the Reds against opponents who will almost certainly be in contention for honours at  the end of the current campaign.

Llanelli Town: Richards; Napierella; Lewis; R Jones; Bevan ©; Powell; Samuel; Berry; L Jones; Stone (John, 54); Hughes (Thomas, 70). Subs. not used: Shannon; Forkhuo; Scammell (GK).

Lliswerry: Davies; Luckman (Edwards, 82); Gibson (Shier, 45+1); Buckley; Golledge; Morgan; Johnson; Fessey; Brown; Howells ©; Stoneman. Subs. not used; Stephens; Cooke.

Scorers: Llanelli Town – Hughes; 40, 42; L. Jones, 77. Lliswerry -  Stoneman, 47.

Yellow cards: Llanelli Town – Richards; Berry; Bevan. Lliswerry – Brown; Howells; Morgan.

Referee: Jeff Bailey (Port Talbot).

Attendance: 128.

The Reds entertain Treharris Athletic Western at Stebonheath on Saturday, kick off 2.30pm.

Llanelli Town's skipper, Lee Bevan adds weight to a Reds attack.

Llanelli Town's Liam Samuel (left) takes on Lliswerry's goalkeeper, Ross Davies.

Llanelli Town's Matthew Hughes celebrates his second goal.

Llanelli Town's debutant (left), Rob Thomas puts in a cross.

Pictures (c) 2014, keithphoto2003@yahoo.co.uk

 

Saturday 20 September 2014

Dinas Powys 2, AFC Llwydcoed 3

by Peter King, Dinas Powys FC

(Today's match ball kindly sponsored by Head to Head)

Despite dominating the first 15 minutes and the last 15 of this game Dinas were made to pay for three mistakes which cost them dearly but they are mainly a talented young side and lessons will be learned and mistakes rectified as the season progresses.

Llwydcoed forced an early corner which was taken short but the Dinas defence cleared the danger and after an even five minutes the hosts got into their passing rhythm and began to dominate matters. Carlos Indjai put in a cross which reached Luke Swaffield at the far post but he sliced his shot wide. It was then Rhodri Foote's turn to send Indjai powering down the left wing, he forced a corner which came to nothing.

At the other end a speculative effort from distance by Tomas Morris didn't trouble Dinas keeper James Curtin. But then disaster struck, against the run of play a miss-placed pass let in Garin Withers and he drove the ball low past Curtin for the opener on 16 minutes.

This unsettled Dinas for a while and the visitors forced a corner taken by Morris which Curtin took under pressure on his goal line but he was adjudged to have been fouled and Dinas had a free kick.

Dinas began to settle again and good work by Ben Ah-Mun drew a free kick which captain James Bloxham took but it was too near the Llwydcoed keeper Grant Hopkins who gathered the ball.

Dinas finally levelled the score on 25 minutes, a high cross from Indjai was taken at full stretch by Hopkins but he dropped the ball as he fell over and Swaffield was there for a simple tap-in.

The hosts were back on top now and a ball threaded down the channel by Foote reached Sam Johnson, he took it wide and put in a hard low cross right across the six-yard box but no-one could get a touch. Atif Bashir then won the ball in midfield, he played it wide to Swaffield, his cross forced a corner which Dinas didn't make the most of and they were made to pay when a deep cross from Michael Dawes was hammered against the Dinas cross bar by Morris, the rebound falling straight back to him and before he could be closed down he slotted it home to give the visitors the lead again with five minutes of the half remaining. They kept the pressure on and Dinas were glad when the half-time whistle went so they could re-group.

Dinas started the second half well, Swaffield finding Ah-Mun whose cross was just behind Johnson when he was well placed and a slide-rule pass from Bashir put Ah-Mun through but he was crowded out and lost possession.

Dinas had a let off when a quick break by Llwydcoed ended when Morris found their powerful striker Jonathan Mason but he tried to bend his shot in and it went wide.

After further half chances for both teams Dinas made a substitution, Steve Provis replacing Mike Lazarou in the Dinas defence with 12 minutes gone. Unfortunately for Provis he was caught in possession just two minutes later and Mason was played in for a simple tap-in to give the visitors a two goal cushion.

This proved the wake-up call for Dinas and they began to pin the visitors in their own half for long spells, Ryan Garland getting in a good effort which hit a defender and was deflected out for a corner. Jack Coles was then introduced for Dinas, replacing the hard-working Foote.

Dinas continued to press, Ah-Mun crossing to Johnson but he was adjudged to have fouled a defender and the chance was gone. The pressure drew a yellow card for Morris after a late tackle on Ah-Mun.

The visitors were still dangerous on the break and Mason hit a powerful shot which Curtin could only parry back in his path but his second shot was straight at the Dinas keeper who gathered it.

Dinas came close to pulling one back when, from a Swaffield corner, Ah-Mun got in a good header just under the cross-bar but Hopkins got finger tips to it to push it over. The pressure eventually told with 20 minutes remaining Coles laid the ball square to Ah-Mun who hit a hard, low shot through a mass of players and Morris could not stop it going under his body for a fine goal to make it 3-2 to the visitors.

At the other end James Marr had to head a dangerous looking cross out for a corner which the visitors wasted.

Dinas thought they had equalised when Bashir headed a Swaffield corner, the ball clipping the under-side of the bar and bouncing down at an angle very close to crossing the line but, despite Dinas protests the referee adjudged it hadn't crossed the line.

The hosts then made their final substitution, Luke Garland replacing Swaffield with 10 minutes remaining. In the dying seconds Bashir sprayed a fine ball wide to Ah-Mun, he was barged over on the edge of the box, Ryan Garland firing in a superb free kick over the wall and on target but Hopkins managed to push it over the bar and time ran out for the home side.

Dinas: 1 James Curtin, 2 Luke Swaffield (1), 3 Carlos Indjai, 4 James Marr, 5 James Bloxham (c), 6 Mike Lazarou, 7 Ryan Garland, 8 Rhodri Foote, 9 Ben Ah-Mun (1), 10 Atif Bashir, 11 Sam Johnson, 12 Steve Provis, 14 Jack Coles, 15 Luke Garland, 16 Jack Perks.

Dinas must put this disappointment behind them on Saturday, 27th September when they travel to play Risca United with a 2.30pm kick off.

 

Saturday 20 September 2014

Cambrian & Clydach 0, Briton Ferry Llansawel 1

from Stuart Williams, Briton Ferry Llansawel FC

If ever three points were won from sheer hard work and determination it was here at King George V new field for Carl Shaw's team.

The hurt of the last two games were clear for all to see as every one of the 14 players played their part in a superb three points for the men in red.

Shaw made only one change from midweek with Warren Hudson replacing Lee John in the centre of the park.

A superb 3G surface has now replaced the troubled pitch at the ground, this coupled with a beautiful day left no excuses for either team as the game got under way.

The sky blues had the first shot at goal on four minutes with lively striker Marcus Griffiths shooting over from a narrow angle.

With skipper Gavin Jones still not 100% fit Ryan Griffiths has shone this season on the flank creating numerous assists and problems for the opposition defenders, and this was the case again on 10 minutes, a ball clipped over the defence saw Griffiths outpace defender Kieron Coles and the winger just nipped the ball away from advancing keeper and namesake Ryan Griffiths before falling to the ground for a definite penalty. Steve Davey stepped up and Griffiths made a good save to his right only for the rebound to fall again to Davey who this time made no mistake for a 1-0 lead.

The Ferry were now in the ascendency and on 17 minutes a quick Richard Cleverley throw give Rory Healey the chance to put in a cross but Griffiths could only head over at the far post.

A high energy pressing game from Shaw's team had definitely ruffled the feathers of the hosts and on 21 minutes Healey himself had a long range effort that just flew over.

Liam Reed had a shot that went wide for the hosts on 26 minutes again from an acute angle but the first half hour had with no doubt seen the Ferry on top and they had the best chance to extend their lead on 28 minutes, some superb play from full back Cleverley released Steve Davey and his cross picked out striker Gareth Jones, the number 10 did superbly to kill the ball before shooting low only for keeper Griffiths to pull off an outstanding save.

With 10 minutes left of an excellent first half for the visitors playmaker Connor Wickham was starting to see more of the ball for Cambrian and he was involved before a cross was met by the head of Liam Reed, goalkeeper Luke Probert diving high to his right to make his first real save of the half.

A last ditch tackle from centre half Daniel Kingdom on 44 minutes and a selfless block from Scott Kenyon on the stroke of half time summed up the work ethic of Shaw's team with the whistle blowing for a deserved lead at the break.

Cambrian made the only change at half time with centre half Dan Lever replacing Kieron Coles to try and shackle Ferry striker Jones who had created lots of problems in the first 45.

The sky blues started much brighter and had a shot deflected over from long range from Jordan Coles on 55 minutes.

Outstanding Ferry defender Daniel Kingdom made another superb last ditch tackle a few moments later with the hosts now looking threatening.

On 60 minutes keeper Probert made his second outstanding save of the game from striker Marcus Griffiths.

The hosts were now finding more time on the ball with midfielder Wickham dictating from a deeper role and Shaw made his first change on 70 minutes, skipper Gavin Jones introduced in place of Scott Kenyon who had put in a great shift in the centre of midfield.

Cambrian striker Huw Bowtell headed wide on 72 minutes and no nonsense defender Josh Cockings was introduced to defence minutes later in place of Josh Pike.

The fresh legs seemed to make the visitors find second wind they needed and Steve Davey had a great chance on 82 minutes but his lob just cleared the cross bar after beating the advancing keeper.

Midfield terrier Ross Davies then entered the fray on 83 minutes in place of centre forward Gareth Jones, Steve Davey moving up front in his place.

Gavin Jones unleashed a powerful long range shot on 85 minutes with keeper Griffiths acrobatically tipping it around the post.

On 87 minutes a lung bursting run from Ryan Griffiths saw the winger cut the ball back for the advancing Steve Davey but his shot flew wide.

So with Shaw's men conceding injury time equalisers in their last two games against Afan Lido and Aberdare it was a nerve jangling time for the travelling supporters hoping that they could see out the win, and with the final whistle blowing the relief was evident for everyone involved.

An excellent win for newly promoted Briton Ferry Llansawel at a very difficult ground to visit, also mentally a huge result for Shaw and his men proving that they can hold on to a lead and more than compete in the division.

Next up now is a huge local derby at the Old Road against Goytre United, kick off is at 7.30pm this Friday September 26th.

Man of the match - Daniel Kingdom - excellent defensive display with important last ditch tackles and blocks to aid the clean sheet.

Ferry: 1.Probert 2.Cleverley 3.Pike 4.D Hudson 5.Kingdom 6.Healey 7.W Hudson 8.Kenyon 9.Davey 10.Jones 11.Griffiths. Subs - Cockings, Davies, John, Jones.

 

Saturday 20 September 2014

Treowen Stars 2, Treharris Athletic Western 1

from Mark Abraham, Treharris Athletic Western FC

Coming off a confidence-knocking exit from the Welsh Cup last weekend, Treharris looked to improve their league standing with a visit to Treowen, in their second and final League meeting for this season at least.

 

With a few personnel changes littering the starting line-up and bench, Treharris seemed to show flair and fight in the first 45 minutes, keeping good control of the ball and deflecting the few chances that Treowen were able to create, returning the favour with several exciting opportunities of their own, thanks in part to the outstanding pace of Aarran Caffell and Josh Coomber's lone-attacks on Treowen's goal.

 

As halftime arrived, both teams were drawn at 0-0, with it all to play for, until Josh Coomber was able to get a handle on the ball and deliver a perfectly aimed 40-yard strike that blasted into the top corner, opening the scoring and putting Treharris into a 1-0 lead.

 

However, the celebrations were to be short lived as Treowen would grind the Treharris defence time-and-again with a series of piercing corner kicks that allowed Treowen's Luke Harris to execute an equalising goal from a header. The former Abertillery Bluebirds' player proved a worthy adversary at the back of Treowen's defence for a majority of the game, using his size and physical ability to try and overpower the attacking runs of Aarran Caffell and David Shallis, the latter of whom replaced Ashley Hollingshead in the second half.

 

The Stars were not to allow Treharris breathing room however, forcing forward a second punishing goal that would act as the deciding shot of the game. With a free-kick being lost on the half-way line, Treowen notched the scoreline to 2-1 thanks to a mercilessly driving shot from Dean Randall, that saw goalkeeper Matthew Evans simply look in dismay as a potential point-draw seemed to slip away.

 

Treharris battled against time with a series of compelling free-kicks and corners, with one nearly acting as an assist for a Richard Jago header that rattled the crossbar (and the keeper) but failed to cross the goal-line. David Mitchell (who replaced Josh Coomber) and Rhys Tandy (the substitute for Aarran Caffell) would both attempt to push the pace and increase likelihood of a goal, though neither were able to capitalise on any chances, with one of the nearer efforts coming from a failed header courtesy of David Shallis, that sailed high over the keeper.

 

Ultimately, today's game was an example of a situation whereby guts, determination and effort were all in full-effect for Treharris. The team showed a familiar ability to control a game and make things work in their favour on more than one occasion, but the fates weren't shining down on the Treharris and despite being on-top for a majority of the 90 minutes, two goals put a dampener on the weekend and snatched three valuable points away from the squad.

For all the latest with Treharris Athletic Western FC: follow us on Twitter @TreharrisAthFC and LIKE us on Facebook. Visit our website: www.clubwebsite.co.uk/treharrisathleticwestern

 

Tuesday 16 September 2014

Briton Ferry Llansawel 1, Aberdare Town 1

from Stuart Williams, Briton Ferry Llansawel FC

It was a cruel case of déjà vu for Carl Shaw's team after conceding another injury time equaliser.

The Ferry welcomed Aberdare after already losing to them away in the league this season and also closely falling to them in last year's Welsh Cup.

Welcomed back to the squad were keeper Luke Probert along with skipper Gavin Jones who took his place on the bench. Shaw reshuffled the midfield trio with Rory Healey and Scott Kenyon supporting Lee John, also Daniel Kingdom started at centre half due to the late arrival from work of Josh Cockings.

A promising performance previous at home to Afan Lido was blemished with a late equaliser even though it took the team's unbeaten run to three games.

Eddie King got the game under way and with a good crowd of 138 in support the Ferry started with promise and intent, and got their first shot on target after five minutes, a Luke Probert clearance was flicked on by Gareth Jones and good anticipation from Ryan Griffiths allowed him to test visiting keeper Ellis Nash who did well to save.

An even better chance came on 12 minutes, a beautiful lofted pass from Steve Davey putting Gareth Jones through on goal but the striker could only blast over from 10 yards.

The midfield trio of John, Healey and Kenyon were starting to dominate through their sheer hard work and the defence marshalled by the outstanding Dean Hudson looked to be coping well with experienced striker Richard French in the early stages.

Another good chance went by on 17 minutes with a lovely long-range pass from Healey finding Steve Davey who played in full back Josh Pike on the overlap, his whipped cross just eluded striker Jones at full stretch.

Aberdare's main threat seemed to be right full back Adam Lewis who looked dangerous on the counter and he was involved in the build up to the visitors first good chance on 35 minutes, midfielder Aaron Jewel beating the offside trap and his shot was superbly saved by Probert.

With half time approaching the Ferry did get the deserved breakthrough on 42 minutes, a lovely run and assist by the in form Ryan Griffiths putting it on a plate for Gareth Jones to finish from close range to make it seven goals in seven games for the centre forward.

Aberdare started the second half with more purpose and had a penalty appeal turned down on 50 minutes.

Midfielder Scott Kenyon had a good long range effort deflected just over on 66 minutes after again some good work from winger Davey.

The game had been played in good spirit but referee King made his first big decision on 72 minutes showing Aberdare full back Adam Lewis his second yellow for persistent foul play after a foul on Griffiths.

The question on everyone’s lips was could the hosts kill the game off against the 10 men after what had happened against Afan Lido, they certainly had the chances to do so with the best falling to Gareth Jones on 74 after being played through by Healey he found Nash in the way again.

A long range shot from Healey just went wide of the post on 76 minutes and Aberdare had a good chance for the equaliser after a slip at the back allowed Jamie Bradford to shoot but he rifled over.

Skipper Gavin Jones was welcomed back on 85 minutes in place of the excellent Steve Davey, on 88 another great chance to put the game to bed fell to Griffiths after another flick on from Gareth Jones, but yet again his shot was saved by Ellis Nash.

With 90 minutes up Scott Kenyon released Gavin Jones and his low shot finally beat Nash only to see the ball rebound of the post to safety.

We all know football can be a cruel game and this was definitely the case with the hosts having enough chances to win two games the visitors countered a Ferry attack on 93 minutes, a long ball out of defence found influential winger Lewis Hitchcock and his cross found Richard French on the penalty spot, the striker expertly turned his defender and unleashed a left foot shot past Probert to give his team a point and leave the hosts distraught.

The feeling was certainly two points dropped again for Shaw and his men but it now extends the teams unbeaten run to four before travelling to Cambrian & Clydach this Saturday.

Man of the match - Dean Hudson - chosen by Briton Ferry Construction - He marshalled the defence superbly and deserved a clean sheet for the team's best defensive display of the season.

Ferry: 1.Probert 2.Cleverley 3.Pike 4.D Hudson 5.Kingdom 6.Healey 7.John 8.Kenyon 9.Davey 10.Jones 11.Griffiths. Subs - Cockings, Davies, W Hudson, Jones, Baker.

Attendance- 138

 

Friday 12 September 2014

Briton Ferry Llansawel 3, Afan Lido 3

from Stuart Williams, Briton Ferry Llansawel FC

A crowd of over 300 turned up to watch division one rivals Briton Ferry Llansawel and Afan Lido play out a 3-3 thriller at the Old road on Friday evening.

Carl Shaw's team gained promotion from Division Two last season with neighbours Afan Lido dropping out of the Welsh Premier so it was always going to be an intriguing game.

Shaw faced the worse possible build up with keeper Lloyd Clement failing a late fitness test on his ankle and also was still without Luke Probert who still is out with a finger injury, youth team keeper Stephen Mordaunt was unavailable so it was Shaw himself who found himself donning the gloves and number one jersey.

Otherwise the team was unchanged from the Caerau Ely draw with Dan Kingdom and Rory Healey returning to take their place on a strong looking bench.

Afan Lido welcomed back Darren Mills up front and also included ex-Ferry defender Ross Hudson on the bench.

Referee Kevin Bowen started proceedings with the hosts starting much sharper than their opposition, and they created the first chance after only three minutes, a neat interchange between Ryan Griffiths and Gareth Jones resulting in Rory McCreesh tipping over Jones' rifled shot.

The Ferry were rewarded for their lively start on 10 minutes when Griffiths' burst into the box saw him pushed by Lido captain Steven Cox for a penalty to be awarded, up stepped Stephen Davey to beat keeper McCreesh to his right even though he did well to get a hand to it for a 1-0 lead.

A dominating first 25 minutes saw winger Griffiths creating more problems with his cross evading everyone on 20 minutes when all it needed was a touch for goal number two.

The visitors tested Shaw for the first time on 27 minutes with pre-season Ferry trialist Darren Mills capitalising on a mistake in defence only to shoot straight at the keeper from the edge of the box.

Lido were slowly finding their way and impressive midfielder Owen Williams went on a great mazy run only to again shoot straight at Shaw on 35 minutes.

The Ferry thought that they had extended their lead three minutes later when a great bit of skill and cross from Warren Hudson found the head of striker Gareth Jones to head home only for assistant Alan Gray to raise his flag for offside.

Then two minutes later it was Lido's turn to have a goal ruled out, centre half Steven Cox heading home but again the offside flag was raised.

The last big talking point of an entertaining first half was a moment of madness from visiting keeper McCreesh on the stroke of half time, the young keeper shoving Ryan Griffiths in the face right in front of referee Bowen leaving him with no option but to show the red card.

Then from the free kick being quickly taken, Griffiths pulled his shot wide with a great chance to go in at half time with a two goal cushion.

The Ferry started the second half just as they started the first and did extend their lead four minutes into it with a clearance from centre half Josh Cockings putting in striker Jones who did brilliantly to lob substitute keeper Gareth Couch and add another goal to his impressive start to the season.

On 57 minutes a lovely cross from Josh Pike saw Griffiths volley over before another Ferry effort was disallowed for offside shortly later.

On 66 minutes the Lido got their first breakthrough from skipper Cox, nodding home from close range.

However the hosts got what looked like the killer goal on 75 minutes, great play and an inch perfect through ball from player-coach Lee John, finished coolly again by that man Jones for goal number six of the season.

A huge credit to the visitors though who kept giving with 10 men and again they narrowed the deficit two minutes later, a lovely set piece delivery from Kieran Howard again finding skipper Cox with the header to give Shaw no chance.

Chances for the Ferry on 86 and 88 minutes for Griffiths and Davey could have buried the game, then visiting striker Mills nearly equalised on 90 but found Shaw in the way.

The final say of an enthralling encounter was with nearly with the last action of the game and it was Cox's centre half partner Callan Bowden who finished again from a set piece for a share of the points to leave the hosts bitterly disappointed and the Lido ecstatic to be going back to the Marston with a point.

Shaw's team now hope to extend their unbeaten run to four games when they host Aberdare Town on Tuesday evening, kick off 7.30pm.

Man of the match chosen by Macron Store Neath - Gareth Jones - proving that he can do it at the higher level with two excellent finishes and caused problems for the Lido defence all evening.

Briton Ferry Llansawel: Shaw, Cleverley, Pike, D Hudson, Cockings, Davies, John, W Hudson, Davey, Jones, Griffiths. Subs: Kingdom, Lewis, Kenyon, Healey, Baker.

Goals- Davey 10 (pen), Jones 49, 75.

For latest news, etc., visit Briton Ferry Llansawel's new web site at http://www.britonferryllansawelafc.com/

 

Saturday 13 September 2014

West End 3, AFC Llwydcoed 5 (after extra time 3-3 at full time)

FAW Welsh Cup Qualifying Round Two

from AFC Llwydcoed

Llwydcoed advanced into Round One of the Welsh Cup after an extra time victory thanks to four from goal machine Ricky Carter and one from Jonathan Mason on his return from injury.

West End threatened the Llwydcoed defence as early as the first few minutes after losing possession when Tom Harris broke away, only a brilliant stop by Llwydcoed’s defender Luke Davies stopped the threat, unfortunately he was injured in the tackle. The West End players were enjoying an early spell of pressure. Llwydcoed’s Scott Walters was on top form winning the battle on his side. 

Llwydcoed’s first real attack came when Michael Davies combined with Tomos Morris and Garin Withers, he raced clear only to be fouled in his tracks.  West End punished Llwydcoed for switching off, they won a free kick and Drew Smitham took full advantage to score as the Llwydcoed players stood still. 

Llwydcoed were forced into an early substitution with Luke Davies leaving the play with an injury, Jarrod Price replaced him.  West End had been rewarded for the early pressure. Llwydcoed gradually gained some good possession with Garin Withers and Tomos Morris bringing Michael Davies and Tyler Hollidge into play. Both teams had spells of attacks and Llwydcoed evened things up with Ricky Carter equalising after a good build up with Chad Rombach doing well. 

West End responded and they won possession raced clear into Llwydcoed’s half advanced into Llwydcoed’s penalty area and won a penalty.  John Eames scored from the spot.

West End had a player dismissed for a foul on a Llwydcoed player during this period of play. The first half ended with Llwydcoed looking to improve.

Llwydcoed almost equalised in their very first second half attack when Chad Rombach shot struck the cross bar. The equaliser soon arrived when they won a corner taken by Michael Davies and Ricky Carter headed home the equaliser.  A third soon followed Tyler Hollidge danced his way through the West End defence to pick out Ricky Carter who scored goal number three.

Llwydcoed were in the driving seat but West End’s 10 men showed desire, they played their way back into the game and equalised, so the match went into extra time.

West End were the team who were doing the attacking. The Llwydcoed defence just about survived.  The introduction of substitutes Jonathan Mason and Luke Spencer saw them find their rhythm, the excellent Scott Walters and Tyler Hollidge unlocked the West End defence and Ricky Carter scored his fourth. 

West End had a few more attacks but the final goal came from Llwydcoed. Jonathan Mason stepped inside and unleashed a rocked shot into the top corner to finalise the scoring.

 

Saturday 13 September 2014

Treharris Athletic Western 1, STM Sports 4

FAW Welsh Cup Qualifying Round Two

from Mark Abraham, Treharris Athletic Western FC

The FAW Welsh Cup dream is over for Treharris... for this season at least.

 

Following a 2-1 win over Aberfan, Treharris looked to notch another win and progress in the competition by defeating STM Sports at home on the Athletic. Contrary to misconceptions, it was no walk in the park and the Llanrumney-based side did nothing if not take opportunities and make them count.

 

After a strong start from the Treharris, STM broke down the Treharris defence and a well-aimed strike opened the scoring for the visiting side after 30 minutes of play. A second mistake would also prove costly as STM's driving attackers chipped the ball just high enough to exceed goalkeeper Matthew Evans' reach, extending the scoreline to 2-0 to STM.

 

Soon after, Geraint Corkrey would be replaced in the middle of the pitch by Jamie Rees, as the midfielder left the game with a suspected groin injury. Fortune favoured the bold further still as STM closed the first 45 minutes of play with a third goal, as the Treharris defense was overwhelmed, allowing a straight path towards the mouth of goal.

 

With Thomas Harris coming on for Keiron Jones during the halftime break, Treharris seemed rejuvenated and determined as the referee blew his whistle to signal the start of the second half, but after losing the ball in midfield within the opening seconds of the half, STM sent their fourth (and final) goal careening into the net.

 

James Lee would find some sort of consolation for Treharris with a goal born out of a scramble in the opposition box to make it 4-1 to STM but the damage had already been done. Lee was later substituted for Josh Coomber and although Coomber and David Mitchell both struck well and true, the post, bar and goalkeeper all proved enough to stop the ball going in over the line.

 

As the game drew to a close, tempers flared both on and off the ball, but a hard, uncomfortable sounding and looking tackle would define the latter moments of the match, as Thomas Harris was stretchered off the pitch with ligament damage, in amongst a throng of chaos that the referee seemingly found difficult to contain. After a corner kick that resulted in nothing for Treharris, the official finally called time and Treharris watched their Welsh Cup ambitions in ruin, but with resolve and ambition to now attack their league fixtures head-on.

For all the latest with Treharris Athletic Western FC: follow us on Twitter @TreharrisAthFC and LIKE us on Facebook. Visit our website: www.clubwebsite.co.uk/treharrisathleticwestern

 

Friday 12 September 2014

Ton Pentre 1, Penybont 1

from Ton Pentre FC

An enthralling match between Ton Pentre and Penybont at Ynys Park finished a goal apiece as both teams demonstrated that they are capable of challenging at the top end of the Nathaniel Cars Welsh League Division One table.

Bulldogs midfielder Andre Griffiths cancelled out a first-half Penybont goal in order to get a point out of the encounter for Ton Pentre.

There was a fast pace to this game and both teams looked very capable when going forward but it was Ton Pentre who should have taken the lead in the 10th minute when Ryan Jenkins started a superb passage of play by spreading the ball to Shane Davies. The Bulldogs midfielder cut through the Penybont defence before picking out a pass to Leon Young. The Ton Pentre captain was now free on goal but he saw his shot saved well by Chris Curtis, the Penybont goalkeeper.

Moments later Penybont had possession out wide on the left and an excellent cross towards the far post should have resulted in a goal, however, the two players running into the box both missed their opportunities to hit the back of the net.

It was 1-0 to Penybont after 26 minutes when an uncanny error from Thomas Davies saw the defender giveaway possession on the edge of the box following a botched clearance. There was nothing goalkeeper Neil Collins could do to deny the goal when he was left one-on-one with the Penybont's Jack Delve.

It nearly got worse for the Bulldogs on the half-hour mark when a Penybont free kick was blocked by Young on the edge of the box and the follow-up shot was sent just wide of the goalpost.

Early pressure in the second half probably should have resulted in a penalty kick for Ton Pentre when there was a clear handball in the box by a Penybont defender. Despite the player’s arm being in an unnatural position, the Referee was unwilling to listen to Ton Pentre’s appeals.

Afterwards, Lewis Hydes assisted Dan Richards to a goal scoring chance after the winger played the ball up towards the Bulldogs striker. Richards sneaked in between two defenders but he sent his shot just over the crossbar.

A truly stunning sliding tackle from Thomas Davies just inside the Ton Pentre 18-yard box prevented a Penybont striker from going one-on-one with Collins in the 57th minute and from scoring an almost certain goal.

Penybont were now applying some considerable pressure on Ton Pentre and following a cross from the left the visitors had several chances to score, which culminated in Sean Williams missing the target from around 10 yards after the ball fell to him in space.

Ton Pentre withstood the pressure and began to go up through the gears as Shane Davies ran the ball up the left wing and despite Scott Hillman’s efforts to bring him down, the Bulldogs man kept his feet with the Referee playing some superb advantage. His cross from the edge of the 18-yard box worked its way through to Andre Griffiths at the back post. Although being under some considerable pressure from Penybont’s Williams, Griffiths prodded the ball over the goal line for an equaliser.

Shortly after, Shane Davies was crossing into the box from right and found Jenkins at the penalty spot. The former Barry Town striker had time to shoot but the ball was directed off target and wide of the post. 

Ton Pentre were maintaining the pressure on their opponents and Dan Richards was played through on 75 minutes but Chris Curtis saved well in the one-on-one situation.

With ten minutes remaining, Jaymie Wearn was introduced into the game off the bench in the place of the Jenkins.

With 90 minutes played and the game having entered into added on time, Wearn was set free inside the Penybont box. He appeared to lose a little balance as he was running on to the ball but a Penybont defender seemed to make certain that he hit the ground with a discreet ankle tap. One again Ton Pentre’s appeals for a penalty were turned down by the Referee.

This game demonstrated the quality within Welsh League Division One and for Ton Pentre, they have now gone four games without defeat.

Ton Pentre’s next match is away to Caerau (Ely) on Saturday, 20 September 2014. Kick off is at 2:30pm.

Ton Pentre: 1. Neil Collins; 2.Leon Young (Captain); 3. Lewis Hydes; 4. Mark Crutch; 5. Ross Porter; 6. Thomas Davies; 7. Liam Hutchinson; 8. Andre Griffiths, 9. Ryan Jenkins, 10. Shane Davies, 11. Dan Richards. Substitutes: 12. Adam Raymond; 14. James Gronow (on for Richards 87); 15. Jamie Wearn (on for Jenkins 75); 16. Ryan Shugar; 17. Dafydd Brewer.

Goal: Griffiths 65

Cautions: Hydes 13; Griffiths 82

Referee: S Williams (Abergavenny)

 

Saturday 13 September 2014

Caerleon 0, Dinas Powys 4

FAW Welsh Cup Qualifying Round Two

by Peter King, Dinas Powys FC 

Dinas didn't have the best of starts to this game when two of the selected starting 11 had to be dropped to the bench after the warm-up found them to be carrying injuries, so Nicky Bruce and King Junior Mwedzo were replaced by Sam Johnson and Joe Briscombe.

Dinas quickly got into their stride, Sam Johnson firing in a shot from 25 yards which Caerleon keeper Richard Lancaster took comfortably and Atif Bashir fed Johnson who in turn found Ben Ah-Mun but he was tackled before he could get a shot away.

This was followed by some determined play by Bashir who, despite having to ride three tackles came away with the ball to lay it off to Luke Swaffield down the right wing, his determination led to a corner which Swaffield took but Lancaster gathered.

Caerleon began to get their act together and a shot from Scott Lewis wide on the left was on target but Dinas keeper Perks collected comfortably.

On the 22 minute mark Dinas took the lead, a strong run down the left flank by Joe Briscombe, he beat the full back and put in a great cross to Johnson at the far post to volley the ball home from six yards for the opener.

Dinas were well on top and a further chance came when Swaffield powered down the right wing and crossed to Johnson but his header was blocked by a defender and cleared.

At the other end Caerleon were mainly only able to hit shots from distance, Dan Bailey playing in a cross cum shot into the Dinas box from 35 yards but Perks took the ball high under his crossbar and the Dinas defence were rarely troubled with Bloxham, Marr and Lazarou all in fine form.

A half chance did come Caerleon's way, Scott Lewis finding Liam Head in a dangerous position but skipper Bloxham was there to once again clear the Dinas lines.

Johnson was making some excellent runs for Dinas and he almost got on the end of another cross from Swaffield but the towering Lancaster just beat him to it. On the half-hour mark persistence by Ah-Mun won Dinas another corner but again it was unproductive.

There was a bit of a scare for Dinas as a scramble ensued in front of their goal but Caerleon couldn't get a shot away and Perks eventually grabbed the ball. A further half chance came their way when Liam Head found Dan Bailey who got a shot away but it was well wide and when they forced a corner, Head sliced it behind the Dinas goal.

The nearest Caerleon got to scoring was when a cross from the right reached Jamie Davies, he shot low and just inside the post but Perks dived to his left to make a fine save.

Caerleon's Matt Compton then sustained an injury and had to be replaced by Kade McConville.

Dinas kept pressing and the second goal came with just seconds of the half remaining, Briscombe was again the provider with another good run and cross which Johnson buried in the back of the net to bag his brace and as the half-time whistle went Dinas were well worth the lead.

Caerleon started the second half with a bit more purpose, Jamie Davies getting an early shot in which was wide and their passing was good but the final ball was missing and Dinas began to get on top again with Bashir, Rhodri Foote and Keiron James battling away in midfield and James causing problems for the hosts with his strong jinking runs into the area.

Some excellent passing by Dinas culminated with Johnson and Ah-Mun combining to find Swaffield and he put in a dangerous cross but it was cleared and Johnson and Ah-Mun combined again a couple of minutes later to put James in on goal but his first touch was too strong and a defender cleared the danger before he could get a shot away.

Next it was James' turn to put in a good cross after some excellent link-up play, he found Johnson but he was dispossessed by the overworked Caerleon defence. The hosts then made a change, Liam Head being replaced by Ben Wooten.

The pressure continued with Rhodri Foote threading a ball through to James who was fouled on the edge of the box. The free kick taken by Briscombe hit the wall and the chance was gone. With 20 minutes remaining Dinas rang the changes, Briscombe being replaced by Khalid Inyang.

McConville didn't make the most of a chance he had for the hosts when James slipped and he got a powerful shot away which was straight at Perks who took it easily. Dan Bailey was then booked for a high tackle.

Jack Coles then entered the fray for Dinas, replacing Foote with 10 minutes remaining. The writing was really on the wall then for the hosts after Bailey received his marching orders for a second bookable offence for a foul on Bashir.

Dinas soon made their man advantage tell, Johnson chipping the ball through to Ah-Mun who hit a great shot for 3-0. And just a couple of minutes later Jack Coles threaded the ball  in to Ah-Mun who then laid it off to Johnson to grab his hat-trick and give Dinas a 4-0 lead.

They kept the ball well for the final five minutes to progress into Round One.

This was a superb all round team performance which managers Lee Saunders and Richie Garland were delighted with.

Dinas squad. 1 Jack Perks, 2 Luke Swaffield, 3 Sam Johnson (3), 4 James Bloxham (c), 5 James Marr, 6 Mike Lazarou, 7 Joe Briscombe, 8 Keiron James, 9 Ben Ah-Mun (1), 10 Atif Bashir, 11 Rhodri Foote, 12 Jack Coles, 14 Khalid Inyang, 15 Nicky Bruce, 16 King Junior Mwedzo, 17 James Curtin.

It's back to league action on Saturday, 20th September when AFC Llwydcoed are the visitors to the Murch, kick off 2.30pm.

 

Saturday 13 September 2014

Llanelli Town 2, Caldicot Town 0

FAW Welsh Cup Qualifying Round Two

from Alan Evans, Llanelli Town FC

Hosting opponents from Division Two of the Welsh League, the Reds proved they are more than a match for any side, and the final scoreline does not truly reflect their overall dominance over visitors who failed abysmally to offer any serious attacking threat.

The home side were able to field a full-strength squad after the return from injury and holidays, with Liam Samuel starting and Bruno Forkuoh and Richard Lewis named on the bench, and an early chance fell to Luke Jones after a downfield clearance by Mark Napierella fell into his path, but goalkeeper Matt Sandiford got down quickly to keep out his strike.

Jones then turned provider, finding Steve Stone on the edge of the box, but his chip into the goalmouth was safely gathered by the Caldicot keeper.

Rhys Powell brought off a timely interception to snuff out a potential  threat on the home goal when Caldicot broke, but as the half progressed the overall standard of play from both sides was well below par with little to enthuse over by way of any constructive movement, and chances were at a premium.

The nearest either team came to scoring was a shot to the Reds’ near post by Jason Thorn when he was found by Matt Trottman and was kept out by goalkeeper Craig Richards.

Caldicot central defender Matt Jones made a timely challenge to just nick the ball away from Samuel as he was about to collect a pass from Jones which would have afforded him a clear run on goal, and just prior to the break Sandiford got down to grasp an attempt from Steve Berry after Samuel set up the chance.

A less than inspiring first half drew to a close with neither side seemingly able to conjure up any potential scoring opportunities, although the visitors did have an early chance in the second period when David Lloyd threaded a ball through to Thorn in the box, but his attempt deflected for a fruitless corner.

However, as the half progressed it seemed evident that whatever had been said in the confines of the home dressing room at the interval was having the desired effect, as the Reds were far more positive in their approach play, forcing their opponents onto the back foot for much of the time.

The pressure eventually paid off after 63 minutes when they took the lead following an initial throw in by Steve Stone which found Jones who then laid it back for Stone to deliver a cross into the area where Lee Bevan rose to power an unstoppable header past Sandiford.

Declan John came on as a replacement for Stone five minutes after the goal, and almost immediately went close to doubling the advantage when he met a ball from Matthew Hughes, but his finish went across goal and just wide of the far post.

Sandiford brought off a great save to fingertip over a goal bound free kick by Samuel, before the home side survived a scare when a miskick by Bevan afforded Alex Watkins a strike on goal, but Richards got down to divert it clear.

Eight minutes from time, the tie was put to bed when the Reds struck again following a good build up involving Jones and Hughes which led to the latter laying a pass infield to Samuel who struck a crisp finish beyond Sandiford.

Forkuoh missed a chance of further increasing the lead when he failed to find the target from close range after Ross Jones set it up, but the Reds ran out comfortable and worthy winners and progress to the first round proper of the competition.

Llanelli Town: Richards; Napierella; Bonnell; Berry (Shannon, 84); Bevan ©; Powell; Samuel; R. Jones; L. Jones (Forkuoh, 84); Stone (John, 68); Hughes. Subs. not used; Lewis; Scammell (GK).

Caldicot Town: Sandiford; Lloyd (McConnell); Palmer; Lawry; James (Crook, 58); Biggs ©; Jenkins; Sharratt; Sanders; Thorn; Trottman (Watkins, 64).

Scorers: Llanelli Town;  Bevan, 63; Samuel, 82.

Yellow cards: Llanelli Town; Berry; L. Jones; R. Jones. Caldicot Town: Thorn; Palmer.

Referee: Luke Gregory (Swansea).

Attendance: 130.

The Reds welcome league leaders Lliswerry to Stebonheath next Saturday for the clash between the two top sides. Kick off is at 2.30pm.

 

Saturday 13 September 2014

Haverfordwest County 2, Taffs Well 1

from Robert Nisbet, Haverfordwest County FC

The Bluebirds saw off a good Taff’s Well side with a combination of some quickfire passing, solid defence and a lovely brace of goals from the quicksilver Jordan Follows.

The Blues gave a début to ex-Aberdare midfielder Lewis Holder, who made a solid start, with other pleasing performances from Antonio Facciuto, Jack Britton, Nicky Palmer and the ever-reliable Sam Rodon.

Taff’s Well had languished in the lower half of the table before this game, but their form from the start suggested that they will be right up among the pace-setters again this season. For over half an hour the sides exchanged attacks with no one clear chance. The visitors were prepared to shoot from 20 and 30 yards, while the Blues tried to build quick and often intricate attacks through the middle. The Wellmen’s Clayton Green shot well over and was then flagged offside before Sam Small shot wide when he might have done better. Rico Zulkairnan missed a chance but then in the 35th minute came a real threat when Rodon did superbly to head a corner out from beneath the bar. Then Darren Griffiths twice threatened, first of all forcing his way through before shooting wide and then beating two defenders and feeding Ricky Watts before getting into the area and having his header from Watts’ cross scooped off the line.

The Taff’s Well goal, in first-half injury time, was almost an anti-climax as a poor back pass left Craig Morris floundering and left Small with the chance to jink past him for the goal.

With that goal to pull back the Blues pushed forward in the second half, and it was the Wellman who tended now to attack on the break. It was as well that Rodon, Dale Griffiths and their defence were alert since the Taff’s Well attack is a fluent one. Then, as the tension built, the visitors were hit by an equaliser in the 72nd minute. Declan Carroll dribbled into the area and set up a real pressure-cooker situation. Passes whipped back and fore across Rob Bloor’s goal until Carroll finally slipped it wide for Follows to curl an exquisite shot past the keeper. Within four minutes Follows had poached the winner when Watts’ break moved the ball on to Nicky Palmer and Follows shot in from Palmer’s fine pass.

As the Wellmen rushed forward in a desperate search for an equaliser, the Blues defence held solid and Morris capped another fine display with a lovely tip-over under pressure in the very last minute.

With Penybont and Cardiff Met both held to draws, the Bluebirds consolidated their spot at the top of the table. Next Saturday they travel to play Pontardawe.

The programme sponsor was Mr Lawrence Hourahane of Tenby. The match ball sponsor was Mr Ben Childs of Caldey Island Estates, Tenby.

Haverfordwest County: Craig Morris; Ricky Watts; Antonio Facciuto; Sam Rodon; Dale Griffiths; Nicky Palmer; Jack Britton; Lewis Holder (Greg Walters, 68); Declan Carroll (Liam Fawcett, 88); Jordan Follows; Darren Griffiths (Sam Wilson, 80). Subs not used: Spencer Williams, Dan Evans (gk).

 

Saturday 6 September 2014

Llanwern 6, AFC Llwydcoed 2

from AFC Llwydcoed

Llanwern gained the victory with four of the goals scored from three throw-ins and a free kick. 

AFC Llwydcoed Manager Leighton Price was without the services of goalkeeper Grant Hopkins so the ever reliable Bryan Forbes stepped in. There was also a recall for Michael Davies replacing Shaun Chappell. 

The Llanwern playing surface was as good as you get. superb.  Llanwern were the first to threaten through Jonny Dunn, he broke through the Llwydcoed shape, his cross was cleared as it came across the goal. 

The hosts kept trying to open the Llwydcoed defence with diagonal balls. The visitors defenders Jordan Ellis and Luke Davies cleared the situation. Llwydcoed responded  with Tomos Morris, Jordan Ellis and Michael Davies opening the Llanwern defence. 

It was Llanwern’s turn to attack, Llwydcoed lost possession and Llanwern threatened.  Both teams were giving away possession during this early stage and then from a Llanwern attack they won a throw in into the six-yard box, Llwydcoed’s defence failed to clear it and Matthew Hibbs pounced to score 

Llwydcoed returned to the attack and they equalised with a quality goal, first Tyler Hollidge spread a cross ball to Michael Davies who found Tomos Morris, he combined with Jordan Ellis, they set up Chad Rombach who did brilliantly to set up Ricky Carter and he scored with a superb finish. 

More good attacking play by Llwydcoed showed promise. Llanwern responded and they won another throw in. Liam Palmer unleashed another missile throw-in and this time Daniel Hooper scored. What followed was almost identical. Llwydcoed striker Ricky Carter found space in Llanwern’s defence and scored with another top finish. 

Could Llwydcoed learn from the previous two goals conceded? Llanwern won a free kick that Llwydcoed’s defence failed to clear and Nic Hooper scored. Could Llwydcoed equalise? They won a free kick that Ricky Carter took and it hit the cross bar. Llanwern also hit the cross bar before half time. 

The opening part of the second half promised so much for Llwydcoed. They began to find space with Tomos Morris combining with Garin Withers bringing Chad Rombach into play. Llanwern’s defence held firm. More good play by Llwydcoed saw them open up the Llanwern defence with Chad Rombach, Ricky Carter and Garin Withers having chances but no equaliser. 

Llanwern were the team who were doing most of the defending with Mike Bishop and Dominic Dwyer keeping the shape. 

Llwydcoed introduced substitute Carl Jenkins into the match looking to freshen things up, but it was Llanwern who scored against the run of play. They were awarded a free kick out wide that Llwydcoed failed to clear and Llanwern’s Daniel Hooper scored his second. 

Llwydcoed tried to reduce the score line, they had some good chances but no more goals only for Llanwern - their player Jonny Dunn moved through the Llwydcoed wide defence and found Jordan Jones to finalise the scoring. 

What a miserable Match Day for Llwydcoed.

 

Saturday 6 September 2014

Briton Ferry Llansawel 4, Caerau (Ely) 4

from Stuart Williams, Briton Ferry Llansawel FC

On national non-league football day there can't have been a much better game than this 4-4 thriller played out at the Old Road.

If ever  the quote "a game of two halves" was going to be used it would have been for this one.

Carl Shaw was forced again to make changes with Ross Hudson departing, new signing from Garden Village Richard Cleverley filled his boots at right back, Josh Pike, Dean Hudson and Josh Cockings completed the back four.

Injured goalkeeper Luke Probert was replaced by Lloyd Clement and with Rory Healey at a wedding and skipper Gavin Jones still injured Shaw started with the returning Ross Davies in the middle of the park with Warren Hudson and Lee John, Ryan Griffiths also made another start on the wing along with Steve Davey and stand in skipper Gareth Jones making up the attacking trio.

Caerau (Ely) were welcomed after a superb 2-0 win against league favourites Haverfordwest last week and within 20 minutes showed everyone why that result wasn’t a fluke, finding themselves 3-0 up while playing some breathtaking attacking football to leave their hosts stunned.

The first goal came on 13 minutes with a neat flick from Andrew Smith let in impressive full back Jerome Maynard to score past Clement.

It was Maynard again the tormentor only three minutes later being adjudged to have been fouled by Ryan Griffiths in the box to allow striker Jamal Roberts to score from the spot.

Keeper Clement then found himself picking the ball out of the net again with only 19 minutes gone after some lovely play from Caerau (Ely) left back Kieran Joseph ended in a beautiful pass to Andrew Smith who himself showed great composure to finish.

With everyone at the ground stunned the only question being asked was how many, it took 23 minutes before the Ferry had their first shot at goal, a tame Steve Davey effort going wide.

A better effort from Lee John on 27 minutes forced the visiting keeper Nicky King to make his first real save of the game.

Jamal Roberts had a few more chances for the young guns before the home crowd had their first chance to celebrate a few minutes before half time, Ryan Griffiths making up for his foul by getting fouled himself in the box for last season's top scorer Steve Davey to convert from the spot into the bottom left corner to give a flattering half time scoreline of 3-1 for Shaw's dishevelled team.

Manager Shaw certainly had a few "quiet words" to say to his men in his half time team talk and whatever he said seemed to work, only three minutes into the restart the deficit was reduced after a lovely ball from Lee John released Ryan Griffiths who perfectly teed up defender Dean Hudson to finish from close range.

The hosts now were finally showing their true colours and started asking questions of the Caerau (Ely) defence, especially wingers Davey and Griffiths whose pace and directness were the highlight of a superb second half performance.

A good chance by visiting left back Kieran Joseph was followed by an even better chance from home left back Josh Pike who nodded over from a corner from three yards.

It was Nana Baah's team who had the next goal however on 57 minutes, a shot saved well by Lloyd Clement saw lively midfielder Lloyd Toghill react quickest to put in the rebound to give his team another two goal cushion.

The last half hour of the game will definitely give Shaw's men much confidence and belief going into their next game against Afan Lido, some scintillating football played at pace and with purpose rewarded on the hour mark with Griffiths again the creator, this time laying on a plate for current top scorer Gareth Jones to finish for his fourth of the season.

Substitute Scott Kenyon then replaced Warren Hudson to try and provide some more support going forward, the equaliser nearly arrived on 70 minutes with a Josh Pike cross seeing Jones head over.

Then the deserved fourth did arrive on 75 minutes, again that man Griffiths cutting through and keeper King could only parry the shot to leave Steve Davey with an easy finish.

With the crowd of over a hundred now sensing a winning goal, Steve Davey had a shot tipped over on 83 minutes and also a Gareth Jones header from a corner went just wide moments later.

A few tense minutes at the end with some set pieces for the visitors saw some frantic defence from the men in red to see out a superb point against a very good visiting side.

BFL now host local rivals Afan Lido this coming Friday with a 7.30pm kick off.

Ferry: Clement, Cleverley, Pike, D Hudson, Cockings, Davies, John, W Hudson, Davey, Jones, Griffiths. Subs: Evans, Lewis, Kenyon, Baker, Shaw.

Man of the match: Ryan Griffiths - electric pace and direct wing play providing the penalty and an assist for every goal.

 

Saturday 6 September 2014

Goytre 2, Ton Pentre 3

from Ton Pentre FC

Ton Pentre notched up their third consecutive win following a tough challenge at Plough Road against Goytre, where the home team came back from being 2-0 down before the Bulldogs secured all three points with a Mark Crutch goal.

From the moment this match kicked off it was an open affair and following a second minute corner, Ton Pentre goalkeeper Neil Collins was forced into making a great save just as Goytre were ready to celebrate taking the lead.

The save from Collins allowed Ton Pentre to attack and when Dan Richards received the ball on the halfway line, the Bulldogs striker set off on an incredible run that saw him dribble in and out of the Goytre midfield and defence. From the edge of the box Richards unleashed a pile-driver the resulted in the ball smashing the top left-hand corner of the net. It was an exceptional run and incredible goal.

Ton Pentre struck again in the fifth minute after the Bulldogs were awarded a throw-in deep inside the Goytre half of the pitch. Leon Young’s throw to Ryan Jenkins was returned, which allowed the Bulldogs captain to run infield before passing to Shane Davies. From approximately 30-yards out from goal, Davies stunned everyone inside Plough Road with a powerfully hit shot that went into the goal off the inside of the left post. There was nothing any Goytre defender or the goalkeeper could do about it. The score was now 2-0 to the Bulldogs.

Despite the two-goal sucker punch, Goytre continued to show their usefulness in attack and after 10 minutes they forced Collins into making two consecutive saves to protect Ton Pentre’s two-goal lead.

Goytre were piling the pressure on Ton Pentre and were beginning to play much better football. The home team thought they’d scored in the 17th minute when their striker looked to place the ball in the top right-hand corner. Collins looked beaten but the effort went just wide.

Five minutes later, Goytre did finally hit the back of the net when more pressure from the home team managed to open up space on the edge of the box for a lovely strike to be expertly placed into bottom left-hand corner of the goal to make it 2-1.

Mark Crutch nearly restored Ton Pentre’s two-goal cushion in the 28th minute from a Bulldogs corner. With the ball swung in towards the back post, Crutch was the first to jump and his clean header looked destined for the net but unfortunately for the defender his effort went painstakingly wide of the right post.

The second half was much the same as the first and there was great desire from both teams to win this match.

In the 54th minute Shane Davies ploughed forward from midfield and the Bulldogs soon found themselves with three on two in the Goytre defence. Ton Pentre looked odds on to score when Davies played Jenkins free on the edge of the penalty area. Jenkins spotted the goalkeeper approaching him off his line and delightfully clipped the ball over him and towards the goal. It looked certain that the striker was going to score but the ball seemed to bend wide of the right-hand post at the very last moment. The strong shadow of the ball as it passed the goalpost taunted the Bulldogs.

With 59 minutes of the game now having been played, Goytre were awarded a soft free kick deep inside their own half of the pitch. Despite taking the free kick with the ball still rolling, the referee allowed it. The free kick provided Goytre with a one-on-one opportunity after it was sent long up the field and the home team made no mistake by taking their chance to draw level.

Moments later Goytre could have taken the lead when they were through on goal once again, however, a superb sliding tackle from Thomas Davies inside the box denied the opportunity for the striker to go one-on-one with Collins.

Young thought he was going to regain Ton Pentre’s lead in the 72nd minute when he cut inside from the right wing to strike with power from 20-yards. His good effort was saved well however, by the dive of the Goytre goalkeeper.

During the 79th minute of play, Richards set off on a mazy run once again but on this occasion he was upended by a Goytre defender and the Bulldogs were awarded a free kick. Liam Hutchinson superbly delivered the ball into the box and a diving header from Mark Crutch found its way into the back of the net to make it 3-2 to the Bulldogs.

The drama was not over in this match as the referee stopped play in the 88th minute when Ton Pentre were on the attack in the Goytre half of the pitch. After Crutch had cleared the ball up field to set-up the attack, his challenger appeared to make a stamping action whilst the Bulldogs defender was on the ground. Crutch appeared to push the player away from him and soon several players ran in to hustle and argue. Play was eventually restarted with a free kick bizarrely being awarded to Goytre right on the edge of the Ton Pentre box. The Bulldogs survived this danger but there was more drama to come. 

The game was now deep into injury time and Goytre were applying pressure to the Ton Pentre defence. With a man running into the box at the goal line he fiercely struck the ball, which was blocked at close range by a Bulldogs player. It all looked legitimate but the referee awarded a controversial penalty for handball.

Goytre looked set to equalise from the spot kick but it was smashed high over the crossbar, providing the Bulldogs with a sense of justice. It also secured victory for Ton Pentre and three excellent away points. 

Ton Pentre play home for the first time this season at Ynys Park in their next Welsh League Division One fixture against Penybont, who have made an excellent start to the season. The match takes place on Friday, 12 September 2014 with a 7:30pm kick off.

Ton Pentre: 1. Neil Collins; 2. Leon Young; 3. Lewis Hydes; 4. Mark Crutch; 5. Ross Porter; 6. Thomas Davies; 7. Shane Davies; 8. Liam Hutchinson; 9. Ryan Jenkins; 10. Dan Richards; 11. Andre Griffiths. Substitutes: 12. Adam Raymond for Jenkins 73; 14. Andrew Hughes for Hutchinson 80.

Goals: Richards 3; S Davies 5; Crutch 79

Cautions: Young 11; Crutch 88, T Davies 89, Griffiths 90+4

Referee: Teifion Cook

 

Saturday 6 September 2014

Dinas Powys 2, Croesyceiliog 1

by Peter King, Dinas Powys FC.

(Today's match ball kindly donated by Dinas Vets)

This was an entertaining hard fought game which either side could have won but Dinas showed their determination to come back from conceding a penalty to bag two well-taken goals to take the points.

Dinas were able to field a stronger team than in previous games, including new signing Atif Bashir the experienced Pakistan International who was very influential in the midfield.

The home side started brightly with Luke Swaffield and Ryan Garland linking up well down the right flank but Croesy soon got into their stride and looked dangerous at times forcing a free kick from 25 yards which was blocked and finally went out for a goal kick and when Keiron James lost possession just outside the Dinas box Ryan Hayward fired in a shot which was just wide.

Dinas began to press the visitors back and from a free kick after James was fouled, Garland and Swaffield again made progress down the right, Garland put in a good cross to Nicky Bruce, who put in a looping header on target which Lee Waddon gathered just under his cross bar.

The play was very even, flowing from end to end but the Dinas rearguard were well organised with skipper James Bloxham and James Marr winning all the high balls pumped into their area.

Bruce found Ben Ah-Mun with an excellent pass, he in turn played it out wide to James but his cross was too near Waddon who grabbed the ball with the Dinas front men bearing down on him. Another chance came Dinas' way when a Bruce free kick hit a defender and went out for an unproductive corner and just when it looked as though the pressure would tell, Croesy broke out, played a ball into the Dinas box which hit a defender's hand, the referee pointing to the penalty spot. Zac Osborne hit it hard and low and although Jack Perks guessed the right way the pace of the shot beat him to give Croesy the lead on 33 minutes.

Dinas upped the work rate to try and get on terms striker Ah-Mun pressed hard forcing a corner, taken by Bruce which was headed up in the air by a defender and Waddon raced off his line to thwart the danger and gather the ball.

However, just a minute from the interval Dinas levelled, a long free kick from Bruce found Ryan Garland, he chested in down and jinked past a defender to drive the ball past Waddon for a fine goal.

In the dying seconds of the half with Bashir's composure on the ball making a difference, setting up defender Bloxham for a powerful shot from an acute angle forcing a good save from Waddon.

The second half continued in similar fashion, both sides having half chances early on and when Bashir was adjudged to have fouled on the edge of the Dinas penalty area, Ben Evans hit a shot on target but Bruce belted it away. Croesy were beginning to get on top for a while with Dinas struggling to clear their lines forcing another corner which reached central defender Jack Wellington but his header was well over the bar.

Bashir battled hard to win the ball in midfield and swept the ball out to Swaffield who was having a superb game, overlapping time and again down the right and putting in some excellent crosses, he put another one in but the Croesy defence cleared the danger.

The visitors did get the ball in the net twice within a couple of minutes but the referee's whistle had already gone for off-side on both occasions.

Dinas were flagging a bit so managers Lee Saunders and Richie Garland rang the changes, Khalid Inyang and Garland being replaced by Jack Cole and King Junior Mwedzo with 20 minutes still to play.

Both sides had chances, probably the best for Croesy came from Osborne, latching onto a cross from the right he spun and shot but his effort sailed over the cross-bar and at the other end Ah-Mun put in a good cross from the left which reached Swaffield but he hit his left foot shot straight at the keeper.

Dinas made their final substitution with 10 minutes remaining, Zach Cleary replacing Ah-Mun.

They finally got the winner with three minutes remaining, a raking free kick from Bruce reached Swaffield at the far post, he put in a hard low ball across the six-yard box which reached Bloxham who volleyed it home for another well worked goal.

Croesy made two late substitutions, Dan Clouth and Kevin Payne replacing Aaron Harris and Wellington and with the referee playing around four minutes added on time, Dinas managed to survive a late corner scare to earn three hard-fought for points.

Dinas squad: 1 Jack Perks, 2 Luke Swaffield, 3 Nicky Bruce, 4 Mike Lazarou, 5 James Marr, 6 James Bloxham (c) (1), 7 Ryan Garland (1), 8 Keiron James, 9 Khalid Inyang, 10 Ben Ah-Mun, 11 Atif Bashir, 12 Zach Cleary, 14 Jack Cole, 15 King Junior Mwedzo, 16 James Curtin.

On Saturday, 13th September Dinas travel to Caerleon for the Second Qualifying Round of the Welsh Cup, kick off 2.00pm. 

 

Saturday 6 September 2014

Newport YMCA 0, Llanelli Town 2

from Alan Evans, Llanelli Town FC

An unbeaten run of  five matches has hoisted the Reds to the top of the third division of the Welsh League, replacing the previous incumbents, Lliswerry, who went down to defeat at Bridgend Street by the same scoreline.

Goals in either half by Matthew Hughes saw the visitors through to a well-earned win against opponents who occasionally caused them a few problems, without offering any serious goal threat.

Injuries and non-availability forced the Reds into a few changes with Hughes named in the starting line-up, while there were welcome returns on the bench for both Declan John and Steve Berry after injury and surgery respectively, but they were without Liam Samuel, Bruno Forkuoh and Richard Lewis.

They did not take long to make their mark, forging into a third minute lead following a long Steve Stone throw into the goalmouth which found its way through to Hughes positioned at the far post, and he rifled his finish into the roof of the net from close range.

The home side responded with an attempt from distance by Nathan Hardwick curling just off target, while at the other end, Lee Bevan sent Luke Jones clear up the right and he in turn found Jamie Evans, but his near post effort was scrambled over for a corner.

A break by the hosts led to Niall Simmons gaining possession, albeit from a suspiciously looking offside position, but he was allowed to continue before scuffing his finish across goal and wide of the far upright.

Another Stone long throw found Jones who again set up Evans, but this time goalkeeper Mark Drew just managed to keep out the finish at his near post.

A corner to the home side by Alex Jenkins was swung into the goalmouth, but Stone was well positioned to head it clear of danger and relieve the situation.

An early second half opportunity fell to Hughes when he latched on to a long clearance by Mark Napierella, but this time his first time strike was well off target.

They were then forced to make an early change with John replacing Evans on 49 minutes, but the game had become something of a stalemate with neither side able to cobble together any worthwhile meaningful moves.

Joe O'Brien did square a ball low across the Reds` box but nobody was up to take advantage, while the nearest the visitors came was when a Jak Shannon corner found Rhys Powell but his effort went wide.

A Jones cross was just too high for the head of Napierella who had made a run into the area, but when they forced a corner on the left, it subsequently led to their second goal.

The original kick was partially cleared by the  home defence but only found its way to Hughes wide on the right and some 30 yards out, and he struck a venomous first time shot which arrowed past Drew before he had time to react after 65 minutes.

Craig Richards in the Reds goal had enjoyed a relatively peaceful afternoon, but was called into action to divert at full stretch and then safely gather a header by Hardwick from a Lee Morris free kick, and then did well to come off his line to deny O'Brien by just managing to push the ball clear as the home player was bearing down on the target.

Both keepers then did well to safely grasp attempts by Berry on the home goal from a free kick, while another set piece by Jenkins was dealt with by Richards.

Not a classic by any means, but another welcome three points for the Reds who are becoming stronger with each successive game, and with players still to return to further boost the squad, are becoming a force to be reckoned with whatever the strength of the opposition.

Newport YMCA:  M. Drew; Greenfield (Hassan, 52); Morris; Stewart; Medhurst; Jenkins ©; O'Brien; Hardwick; Simmons (Ford, 70); Lewis; Martin (Yafai, 80). Sub. not used: L. Drew.

Llanelli Town: Richards; Napierella; Bonnell; R. Jones; Bevan ©; Powell; L. Jones (Jenkins, 85); Shannon; Evans (John, 49); Stone (Berry, 72); Hughes. Subs. not used; Martin; Scammell (GK).

Scorer: Llanelli Town – Hughes; 3, 65.

Yellow card: Newport YMCA – Ford.

Referee: Michael Martin (Cwmbran).           

The Reds are in cup action on Saturday at Stebonheath when they welcome Caldicot Town in the second qualifying round of the Welsh Cup. Kick off is at 2.00pm.

 

Saturday 6 September 2014

Treharris Athletic Western 0, Rhoose 3

from Mark Abraham, Treharris Athletic Western FC

On a wet afternoon the weather was a fair reflection of the kind of afternoon that the Treharris were having, as they suffered their second defeat of the season.

 

There was nothing to be ashamed of in losing to the Vale of Glamorgan-based team, they came to take points and put a stamp on the game and it's certainly what they ended up doing.

 

A solid header from Rhoose that skimmed past the post was followed up with a pretty lazy strike that managed to evade the hands of goalkeeper Matthew Evans to open the scoring up for the opposition side. Despite Treharris' best efforts, and a free-kick that went just a little too high, Rhoose would end up scoring a second before the end of the first 45 minutes of play, bursting the bubble for Treharris and their fans on an already damp and miserable day in the Valleys.

 

As the second half begun, Richard Jago would see a yellow card from the referee shortly before Rhoose put the third nail in Treharris’ coffin, with a superb finish that shot well into the goal from a strike that saw the ball fly across the box, escaping the defenders and keeper.

 

Treharris would also attempt to re-jig the line-up, using three substitutes in quick succession, as a returning David Mitchell (coming back from a brief stint at Ton Pentre), Josh Coomber and James Lee (making his debut for Treharris) all found their way onto the field to replace Liam Davies, Jamie Rees and David Shallis respectively.

 

Despite an offensive flurry from the Lilywhites in the final 10 to 15 minutes of play, where a much more focused attack was the order of the day, Treharris were unable to get goals on the score sheet. Ashley Hollingshead and Thomas Harris' shots went just wide of the mark and Brett Morgan made a daring break from the back but found nothing for his efforts.

 

As the game drew to a close, a highly controversial tackle saw Christian Davies pick up a red card with just one minute left on the clock and as the referee called time, Rhoose walked away with three points from their trip up the A470.

 

Saturday 6 September 2014

Haverfordwest County 3, AFC Porth 1

from Robert Nisbet, Haverfordwest County FC

The Bluebirds moved to the top of the table after a game in which they were not always able to translate a marked supremacy into goals but clinched the win with a well-taken hat-trick from Jordan Follows.

The Rhondda side are at the foot of the table and it looked from the start as if the Blues would be able to spread their own brand of passing football fluently across the width of the Conygar Bridge Meadow. But just as home fans were settling to this prospect, they were hit a by a seventh minute Porth goal, after the visitors’ first real sortie into the Blues’ defence. The rearguard seemed to be caught dreaming as Porth’s burly striker Chris Bullock found himself in space and crashed the ball into the roof of Craig Morris’ net.

For nearly 20 minutes, the Blues’ midfield and attack went in search of an equaliser but were making little headway. But some threat was coming from the dead-ball play of Chris O’Sullivan and in the 25th minute, when one of his corners was beaten out to the Blues’ left wing, Sam Rodon was able to play the ball back in to Follows for him to wriggle past a defender and drive in from close range.

The Bluebirds’ finishing in the rest of the first half was rather poor, as Sam Wilson drew one good save from keeper Pritchard and a couple of chances fell to Elliot Thomas, who rather rushed his shots.

In the first minute of the second half, the Blues  took the lead with a goal similar in nature to Porth’s opener, as Follows took advantage of a sluggish defence and darted in to clip a low ball past Pritchard.

The pressure for a third goal started to build now and although there were a few poor finishes, it was sometimes more a matter of luck smiling on the Rhondda team. The Blues pressed down the flanks, on the right through the increasingly assertive Ricky Watts and later through the nimble Liam Fawcett. Down the left Spencer Williams and sub Antonio Facciuto were also combining well. Pritchard did well to tip away a dangerous cross from Sam Wilson. Dale Griffiths met an O’Sullivan corner with a header that might have taken the net off its moorings if it had been on target, and Greg Walters, who can be a very direct player going forward from midfield, met a Fawcett cross with a thunderous belt which drew a fine point-blank reflex block from the keeper. Facciuto drove one chance straight at the keeper before, for a couple of seconds, the game seemed to be veering towards a 2-2 scoreline when Porth sub Cory Fisher let loose a dipping 30-yard shot which Morris did very well to tip over.

Matters were clinched by a fine goal in the 79th minute, when O’Sullivan swung a lovely ball behind the full back for Watts to make ground and direct his cross to the waiting Follows, who finished matters off at the far post.

The programme sponsor was Mr John Hughes, of Letterston. The match ball sponsor was Mr Adrian Harries, accountant, of Victoria Place.

Next Saturday the Blues are at home to Taff’s Well, kick-off 2.30.

Haverfordwest County: Craig Morris; Ricky Watts; Spencer Williams; Sam Rodon; Dale Griffiths; Sean Pemberton (Greg Walters, 52); Chris O’Sullivan; Jack Britton; Elliot Thomas (Antonio Facciuto, 45); Jordan Follows; Sam Wilson (Liam Fawcett, 65). Sub not used: Dan Evans (gk)

 

Saturday 30 August 2014

Goytre United 1, Ton Pentre 4

from Ton Pentre FC

Ton Pentre produced a fantastic all round team performance on their visit to Goytre United, who were undefeated coming into this Nathaniel Cars Welsh League Division One match. 

The Bulldogs were expecting a tough test at Glenhafod Park Stadium but they were full of confidence following a 6-1 midweek victory over Rhondda rivals AFC Porth.  

This confidence was evident straight from kick off when after just 27 seconds of the match, Ton Pentre took the lead. The Bulldogs went straight on the offensive from the Referee’s whistle and when the ball was played up to Ryan Jenkins he tickled it around a Goytre United defender to put Dan Richards through on goal. With just the goalkeeper to beat, Richards slotted the ball into the net out of Luke Martin’s reach. 

The Bulldogs continued to attack and six minutes later Shane Davies tried his luck from outside the box with a useful looking effort but Goytre United were relieved to see the ball go wide of the post.  

Not even 10 minutes had been played before Ton Pentre had another excellent chance to increase their lead when Jenkins and Richards combined again for the latter to go through one-on-one with Martin. On this occasion the goalkeeper came out on top with a fine save to deny Richards. 

Goytre United were creating very little in front of goal due to the exceptional teamwork of the Bulldogs defence from goalkeeper Neil Collins to Mark Crutch, Ross Porter and Thomas Davies. As a result, Ton Pentre had a pretty stress free first half protecting their 1-0 lead well. 

For the opening five minutes in the second half, Goytre United attempted to pressurise the Ton Pentre defence, but after some panic the Bulldogs settled well and signalled their intentions in the 53rd minute. 

Shane Davies gained possession of the ball deep inside the Goytre United half of the pitch and the midfielder’s instinct was to go on the attack alone. Davies ran through four defenders but despite the harrying of the players around him, the midfielder entered the 18-yard box and fired the ball past Martin to make it 2-0. It was a superb goal. 

During the 63rd minute of play the Bulldogs found themselves 3-0 up with another wonderful goal when Shane Davies provided Richards with a pass that allowed the striker to bypass a defender into space and strike the ball into the top right-hand corner of the goal from the edge of the box. 

Goytre United were now completely shell-shocked and Ton Pentre took full advantage when they scored a fourth goal in the 65th minute. 

After Richards reacted quickly to tap a loose ball around a Goytre United defender, the striker slid the ball to Jenkins, who applied a neat finish sending the ball into the net off the inside of the left-hand post.  

With the score now 4-0, Ton Pentre were desperate to achieve a clean sheet but it was not to be as Goytre United were awarded a penalty kick in the 85th minute after an attacker was felled in the box by Porter.  

Moments later, a one-two between Adam Raymond and Liam Hutchinson nearly increased Ton Pentre’s lead further but the latter’s shot, whilst one-on-one, was saved well by the Goytre United goalkeeper who spread his body to block the shot. 

This was an excellent win for the Bulldogs as Goytre United is never an easy place to visit and many would not have expected such an emphatic win. Ton Pentre’s team performance was the key to their success as the hard work put in by the players saw Goytre United run out of ideas in the match. 

Ton Pentre have now scored 10 goals in two matches and will look forward for their trip to Goytre on Saturday, 6 September 2014 in their next match. Kick off is at 2:30pm. Meanwhile, Ton Pentre Youth begin the Ivy Court Cottages Welsh League Youth Division East season at Ynys Park on Monday, 8 September against Barry Town United Youth.

Ton Pentre: 1. Neil Collins; 2. Leon Young (Captain); 3. Lewis Hydes; 4. Mark Crutch; 5. Ross Porter; 6. Thomas Davies; 7. Liam Hutchinson; 8. Andre Griffiths; 9. Ryan Jenkins 10. Shane Davies; 11. Dan Richards (12. Adam Raymond 71) 

Goals: Richards 1, 63; S Davies 53; Jenkins 65

Cautions: Griffiths 42; Crutch 52; T Davies 77 

Referee: Phil Thomas (Tonypandy)

 

Saturday 30 August 2014

AFC Llwydcoed 1, Caldicot Town 1

from AFC Llwydcoed

Llwydcoed and Caldicot served up a pulsating draw for both sets of supporters.  Caldicot controlled the majority of possession but they could not break open the Llwydcoed defence with goalkeeper Grant Hopkins brave as a lion followed by his defenders Luke Davies and Scott Walters who were outstanding. 

Caldicot were the first team to attack with Luke Harris setting up Dan Saunders who headed wide, more good play this time with Richard Sharratt heading wide. 

Llwydcoed’s defence was under pressure, Caldicot were winning the midfield battle attacking at every opportunity. When Llwydcoed had possession Caldicot stopped them and they lost possession.  Caldicot kept moving the ball attacking Llwydcoed’s defence whose defenders Ryan Barry, Luke Davies, Scott Walters and Matthew Doherty all rose to the challenge.  It was from one of these attacks that Llwydcoed had to replace defender Ryan Barry after he had put his body in front of a Caldicot player’s power shot, Rhys Welch replaced him. 

Llwydcoed then had a good period of attacks. Shaun Chappell began to prise open the Caldicot defence with the excellent Tyler Hollidge causing problems combining with Ricky Carter, the Caldicot goalkeeper Matt Sandiford had been brought into action, this time Ricky Carter broke through but his final pass was cleared.  More good play Caldicot’s Luke Harris saw Richard Sharratt miss another chance.  Caldicot had a glorious chance to open the scoring but the chance was missed.  Llwydcoed finished the first half with lots to do.

Llwydcoed’s  players started the second half looking to raise the game. Tyler Hollidge and Garin Withers began to create openings, the Caldicot defence remained solid winning the aerial battle.  Llwydcoed introduced the second of their substitutes with Chad Rombach replacing Shaun Chappell, Tomos Morris moved back into midfield. 

The match was goalless both defences deserved credit for this. Llwydcoed had began to create space with Garin Withers, Tomos Morris and Chad Rombach combining, the latter played a top pass to Tyler Hollidge whose left touch opened the scoring. 

Caldicot responded typically attacking with purpose. Llwydcoed’s defence held firm with young Jordan Ellis and Tyler Hollidge tackling and supporting their defence.  Llwydcoed’s players were having a good period of play, another flowing move saw Chad Rombach strike a post, so close to a second. 

The match entered the final quarter. Caldicot regained their composure and attacked the Llwydcoed defence. Llwydcoed had used their final substitution with Michael Davies entering the game replacing the brilliant Tyler Hollidge. 

Caldicot must have been wondering if they were ever going to score. Another chance and this time a free header by Dan Saunders sailed over the bar, the pressure was on Llwydcoed’s defence. 

They had withstood everything but that changed. Caldicot won a dubious free kick that hit the wall and rebounded to Richard Sharratt who struck his shot through a mêlée of players to equalise. Caldicot were now sensing victory, another attack because they were allowed too much room on Llwydcoed’s wide midfield saw an incredible end to the game.  Caldicot’s aerial presence saw them hit the crossbar, the ball was not cleared, Llwydcoed’s Luke Davies cleared off the line, another shot came in from Caldicot this time Llwydcoed’s goalkeeper Grant Hopkins dived on the ball to save the day. 

What a climax to a pulsating game. Llwydcoed had showed superb character and belief against a physical, mobile and experienced Caldicot outfit.

 

Saturday 30 August 2014

Newcastle Emlyn 1, Llanelli Town 2

FAW Welsh Cup Qualifying Round One

from Alan Evans, Llanelli Town FC

When the two sides met at the start of last season at the same stage of the competition, the visitors with a side cobbled together virtually over a matter of days, not surprisingly sank to a 4-1 defeat.

This time, with the home side having been relegated and now playing in the Ceredigion League, the Reds were in a far stronger position, but still made very heavy weather of achieving the final result, the winner eventually arriving in the final minute.

After their excellent mid-week 6-0 thrashing of Cardiff Grange Harlequins, they made just one change to that side with Peter Scammell replacing Craig Richards in goal, and in the opening stages he was the busier of the two keepers with Emlyn making the early running.

Despite some early pressure, it was the visitors who had a great chance of taking the lead after just 10 minutes when Luke Jones was fouled in the area, and he took the kick himself only for Ian Hamilton in the home goal to bring off a good stop to keep it out.

Bruno Forkuoh did get the ball into the net but was ruled offside when Jones set up the chance, and further opportunities presented themselves with Liam Samuel squaring his effort into the goalmouth which eluded Hamilton but was hacked off the line by Steven Hicks.

Forkuoh was then found in front of goal but dwelt too long on the ball and was eventually crowded out, and the visitors were made to pay for these lapses when their opponents took the lead in the 20th minute.

A free kick by Oliver Evans found the head of Jake Harris who directed it goalwards, and although Scammell got both hands to the ball, he inexplicably allowed it to drop into the net.

Following this reverse, the Reds hit back with Lee Bevan directing a header on to the bar and over from a Samuel corner, and when the latter combined with Jones, his final effort deflected off a home player and looped over the goal.

Jak Shannon fired just wide from distance when the visitors pushed forward, and they continued to dictate matters after the break, but some slack finishing was costing them dear and somehow the Emlyn goal remained intact.

Hamilton blocked a Samuel effort from the edge of the box and when the ball ran loose, Steve Stone fired wide from almost point blank range, before Samuel was forced off with a slight pull, being replaced by Rhys Powell who took his place in central defence with Jamie Evans being deployed up front after 51 minutes.

The hosts were reduced to 10 men in the 58th minute following the dismissal of Joe Rees for a lunging tackle on Bevan, and this did nothing to help their cause in attempting to keep their opponents at bay.

A Jones shot deflected for a corner, and when this came across Hamilton somehow managed to keep out a fiercely struck attempt by Bevan, and then pushed over a header by Jones when he met a Stone free kick.  

Stone then failed to find the target from a decent scoring position, before he finally made amends by drawing his side level following the award of a second penalty when Jones was hauled back in the box, and this time he made no mistake, beating Hamilton with ease on 70 minutes.

Referee Nigel Hill was being kept busy with a spate of cards, the latest for Hamilton when he clattered into Forkuoh on the edge of the area as he pursued a ball over the top, and the Emlyn goal survived another close call with Evans seeing his header rebound off the inside of a post from a corner by Stone.

Christian Bonnell with a run down the left did all the hard work but again the finish was awry from close in, but finally, on the stroke of full time the Reds eventually got the winner when Jones laid the ball into the path of Forkuoh who turned before directing a well struck shot beyond Hamilton.

There was still time left for the hosts to have another player dismissed with Hicks receiving a second yellow card and then a red in stoppage time, but the visitors hung on for a hard-earned win and can now look forward to progression in the competition.

Newcastle Emlyn:  Hamilton; Stevens (Harries, 90+1); Stedman; Bluett; Evans (Valentine, 85); Harris; Hicks; Rees; Price; Furney ©; Almond; Subs. not used:  Barry; Harrison; Buck.

Llanelli Town: Scammell; Bevan ©; Bonnell; R. Jones; Napriella; Evans; Samuel (Powell, 51); Shannon; L. Jones; Stone; Forkuoh; Subs. not used: Jenkins; Martin; Davies.

Scorers: Newcastle Emlyn – Harris, 20. Llanelli Town – Stone, 70 (P); Forkuoh, 90.

Yellow cards: Newcastle Emlyn – Stedman; Hicks (2); Hamilton; Almond. Llanelli Town – Stone; Napriella; Bonnell.

Red cards: Newcastle Emlyn – Rees; Hicks.

Referee: Nigel Hill (Swansea).

Next Saturday, the Reds travel to meet Newport YMCA with a 2.30 p.m. kick off.

 

Saturday 30 August 2014

Penrhiwfer AFC 1, Dinas Powys 1

FAW Welsh Cup Qualifying Round One

(Dinas won on penalties 3-1 after extra-time, 1-1 at full time)

by Peter King, Dinas Powys FC

Dinas Powys squad and management pictured above with coach provided by AG Travel Limited for the trip to Penrhiwfer

Dinas travelled to Penrhiwfer for this Welsh Cup First Qualifying Round tie by coach with a good number of supporters making the trip.

The first half was almost entirely dominated by Dinas, playing some lovely football to feet and keeping the ball well.

As early as the second minute Ben Ah-Mun chipped the ball into the path of King Junior Mwedzo but his shot cleared the bar. Then a deep cross by Nicky Bruce was just too high for Ah-Mun to head when well placed. The pressure continued with a through ball to Ah-Mun who spun and beat his marker but his shot from the edge of the box was just wide.

The hosts had the occasional foray into the Dinas area, Craig Davies trying his luck from 25 yards which was wide.

On the 15 minute mark Nicky Bruce made progress down the left and then released Ryan Garland who beat the full back to hit a curling shot but the angle was too acute and it hit the side netting.

Dinas skipper James Bloxham had to be alert when Paul Gregory put in a dangerous looking cross from the left but Bloxham cleared the danger.

The visitors were still dominating the game and Nicky Bruce almost opened the scoring when he hit the post with a superb free kick from 25 yards. They finally got the breakthrough on 25 minutes after a deep free kick from Steve Provis forced a corner which Bruce took finding Khalid Inyang at the far post to head home giving Steve Taylor no chance of making a save.

The hosts rallied for a while then trying to get on terms and they forced two corners, the second of which reached striker John Edwards but his shot didn't trouble Dinas keeper Jack Perks and sailed over the bar. It was Edwards again a couple of minutes later who was played through but the Dinas defence forced him wide to shoot with his left and Perks gathered the ball comfortably.

The hosts were getting more of the ball in the last few minutes of the half and after a free kick was floated into the Dinas box a goalmouth scramble ensued but Dinas finally cleared it and at the other end Keiron James had a half-chance when he hit a powerful shot which was on target but hit a defender and went out for an unproductive corner and as the half-time whistle blew Dinas were well worth their slender lead.

The second half was completely different with the hosts looking more dangerous and the young Dinas side seemed to lose their composure. Penrhiwfer adopted the ploy of playing balls out wide to the right touchline where they found Craig Cook time and time again and he was getting the better of Nicky Bruce to put in a succession of good crosses.

This was when Dinas keeper Perks came into his own often dashing off his line to clear the ball, sometimes heading it if he was just outside his area, impressing the Dinas management team of Lee Saunders and Richie Garland, especially as it was his first outing at this level.

Dinas had a golden chance to increase their lead when Bruce put Ah-Mun through one on one with the keeper but his shot was too central and Taylor scrambled it away.

The visitors were trying to get their possession football going again and some fine one touch football by Bruce, Inyang and Ah-Mun was finally broken down by a determined Penrhiwfer midfield and Dinas had a narrow escape when yet another cross from Cook reached Gregory at the far post, he laid it on for  Edwards to hit a powerful shot which cannoned off the crossbar and was cleared.

Dinas then rang the changes with 20 minutes gone, Jack Preston replacing Mwedzo and just a minute after this Penrhiwfer got on level terms, a superb free kick by Davies from 30 yards rifled into the top corner of the net for 1-1.

The hosts had the bit between their teeth now and Edwards found Cook out wide who hit a swerving shot but Perks made a superb save.

With 20 minutes still to play Dinas brought on the skilful Zach Cleary for Inyang and they rallied for a while, a Bruce free kick was headed just over the bar by Ah-Mun and then Ah-Mun turned provider feeding Preston but his effort hit the side netting.

Dinas kept up the pressure with a Garland free kick looking on target but clipped a man in the wall and went out for a corner and some silky skills by Cleary gave him room to get a shot away from just outside the box but it went wide and in the last minute Cleary played Ah-Mun through on goal but he was adjudged offside and the game went into extra-time.

Penrhiwfer had a free kick taken by Davies early in the first period but no one could get on the end of it and Dinas had some good build up play involving Akmol Ali and Ah-Mun but the final ball was missing. They did, however, get the ball in the net when Bruce and Cleary combined to put Preston in on goal, he beat Taylor but the goal was disallowed for a dubious offside. 

Dinas had Luke Swaffield to thank at the other end when it looked as if James Tuemeath must score but he made a superb tackle and Perks was able to gather the ball.

In the second period a deep cross by Provis gave Taylor some problems but he gathered it at the second attempt. Dinas probably having the better of the last few minutes with a good lay-off from Cleary to Garland who forced Taylor into making a good save and time ran out meaning the tie must be settled by penalties.

This was when Perks came into his own and earning the Dinas man-of-the match award

Ben Ah-Mun despatched the first one giving Taylor no chance. Perks saved from Davies, Jack Preston had his saved by Taylor. Substitute Justin Carr was the only Penrhiwfer taker to beat Perks and Bruce along with Garland both netted successfully for Dinas with Morrissey and Daniels unable to beat Perks, meaning Dinas won the penalty shoot-out by 3-1 to progress to the next round.

Dinas squad: 1 Jack Perks, 2 Luke Swaffield, 3 Nicky Bruce, 4 Steve Provis, 5 James Bloxham (c), 6 Akmol Ali, 7 Ryan Garland, 8 Khalid Inyang (1), 9 Ben Ah-Mun, 10 King Junior Mwedzo, 11 Keiron James, 12 Jack Preston, 14 Rizwan Ahmed, 15 Zach Cleary, 16 Carlos Indjai.

It's back to league action on Saturday 6th September for Dinas when Croesyceiliog are the visitors to The Murch, ko 2.30pm.

 

Saturday 30 August 2014

AFC Porth 0, Briton Ferry Llansawel 2

from Stuart Williams, Briton Ferry Llansawel FC

After three losses in their first three games from both teams this game already had a lot on it so early in the season.

Again Carl Shaw was forced to change his squad due to missing players with Ross Hudson departing, he was also without Gareth Evans, Scott Kenyon and Gavin Jones.

Ross Davies was welcomed back to the squad after a holiday with Josh Cockings getting his first start in the centre of defence, Daniel Kingdom moved to right back with the returning Ryan Griffiths starting on the left wing.

On a huge pitch a goalless first half saw most of the possession going to the visitors but a resolute Porth defence stood up to the challenge, while themselves looked dangerous on the break.

The first real drama came on the hour with keeper Luke Probert dislocating a few fingers and manager Carl Shaw replacing him in goal with the game still goalless.

The introduction of substitute Sam Baker changed the game with the extra striker giving the Porth defence much more to think about, and it was Baker who got the all important breakthrough ten minutes from time from a pinpoint Steve Davey cross.

Stand in skipper Gareth Jones then had the final say at the death with his third goal in four games, nodding home from a Lee John cross to show that he can cut it at the higher level.

A special mention to a solid defensive display with man of the match Cockings at the heart of it.

The team now welcome Caerau (Ely) on Saturday 6th September who themselves had a great 2-0 win against title favourites Haverfordwest County.

 

Wednesday 27 August 2014

AFC Llwydcoed 6, Penrhiwceiber Rangers 1

from AFC Llwydcoed

Llwydcoed welcomed the Rangers to the Welfare Ground for the return fixture and gained their first victory of the season thanks to goals by Ricky Carter (2), Tomos Morris (2), Tyler Hollidge and Garin Withers.

Llwydcoed were able to call on a full strength squad for the first time apart from top scorer Jonathan Mason, Grant Hopkins and Kirk Sexton, so Tomos Morris, Jordan Ellis received the call.

Rangers were quickly into their stride attacking the Llwydcoed 4-5-1 formation.  They worked the ball confidently from defence through Gavin Keepings and Daniel Trampelli, more good play by Rangers players Dean Brown and Craig Hewitt saw Llwydcoed defenders Ryan Barry, Scott Walters, Luke Davies and Matthew Doherty put to the test. Llwydcoed’s goalkeeper Bryan Forbes was also alert to the situation. 

Llwydcoed’s Tomos Morris was organising his players and attacking and winning the battle.  After an excellent Rangers opening Llwydcoed opened the scoring with a fine opportunist goal by Ricky Carter, another soon followed with Shaun Chappell finding Ricky Carter with an awesome pass and he found Tyler Hollidge to run in and score.   

Rangers had been pushed back on the defensive.  Llwydcoed punished them again Shaun Chappell stroked another superb pass through to Ricky Carter and he finished brilliantly, more good play by Llwydcoed saw Rangers goalkeeper Kurt Sawyer saving brilliantly several times from Tyler Hollidge. 

Rangers were then given a life line they won a free kick out wide and Dean Brown’s free kick eluded Llwydcoed’s goalkeeper Bryan Forbes

Rangers started the second half as the first half attacking with confidence and belief.  The Llwydcoed defence/midfield kept their shape and withstood  the pressure, both teams used their substitutions.  Llwydcoed had defended the pressure and regained their composure.  The next goal would be vital and Llwydcoed’s Tomos Morris scored. 

Rangers attacked trying to reduce the score but it was Llwydcoed who added to their total with Garin Withers and Tomos Morris finalising the scoring to record a brilliant victory.

 

Wednesday 27 August 2014

Garden Village 1, Haverfordwest County 2

from Robert Nisbet. Haverfordwest County FC

Fine opportunist strikes by Jack Britton and Sam Wilson gave the Bluebirds a very good win in very difficult conditions and against a side who kept pushing them to the end.

This match was always going to be a very different affair from the 6-0 win against Garden Village on the Meadow, but it was exactly the kind of difficult away win which will need to be dug out from time to time by any side with title aspirations.

The Gowerton side bustled hard for the first quarter of an hour but there seemed to be a turning point from the time, in the 14th minute, first when ex-Bluebird Anthony Finselbach picked up a yellow card for a wild challenge on Chris O’Sullivan and then when O’Sullivan sent the free kick whistling just wide. ‘Sully’, who had another very fine game, then linked with Jordan Follows to put Britton into a dangerous position, and Darren Griffiths twice went close before Sean Pemberton pulled off a fine block at the other end. A good four-man move put Nicky Palmer through but his shot did not have the strength to trouble the keeper.

The Blues had had rather more of the first half but just before half-time the Village got the one goal of the half when a cross was not cleared and broke to another ex-Bluebird Ashley Curtis. Curtis, who has had two good games against his former club, was able to drive in high from a narrow angle.

The visitors had to withdraw Sam Rodon at half-time after a knock, but they were well able to weather the loss of so influential a player, as Pemberton slotted in at centre half and Wilson came on upfield. The Blues then equalised within a minute of the re-start when Britton pounced on a loose ball and darted through to crack in his second of the season.

A couple more of O’Sullivan’s free kicks menaced as the half wore on and one Griffiths cross just evaded Follows, but the home side were making a real fight of it. Their finishing though was rather wayward and it was sub Wilson who showed them the way in the 85th minute, picking up a loose ball before swerving in and across the defence and hammering in a fine low shot.

The win had been grafted out and thoroughly deserved.

Haverfordwest County: Craig Morris; Ricky Watts; Antonio Facciuto; Sam Rodon (Sam Wilson, 45); Dale Griffiths; Jack Britton; Chris O’Sullivan; Sean Pemberton; Nicky Palmer; Jordan Follows (Liam Fawcett, 81); Darren Griffiths. Subs not used: Spencer Williams, Dan Evans (g/k).

 

Wednesday 27 August 2014

Llanelli Town 6, Cardiff Grange Harlequins 0

from Alan Evans, Llanelli Town FC

A superb team performance by the home side tore their opponents to shreds, and had it not been for the heroics of Gareth Nott in the visitors` goal, the final tally would have reached double figures.

As it was, a brace apiece for Richard Lewis and Liam Samuel and contributions by Bruno Forkuoh and Jak Shannon made for a comprehensive win, one which elevates the Reds to second in the table behind early pacesetters, Lliswerry.

The Quins had no answer to the flowing football of the hosts, with Samuel in particular causing them all sorts of problems with his incisive runs and pace, and he had gone close in the opening stages prior to laying on the first goal on 18 minutes with a brilliant ball which played in Lewis who finished coolly, sidestepping Nott before finding the vacant net.

Nine minutes later when Ryan Shugar dwelt too long on the ball in the Quins` box he had it whipped away from him by Samuel whose strike nestled in the bottom corner.

Nott brought off a great save at full stretch to divert around the upright an effort by Samuel which was destined for the top corner following a superb build-up, but he was beaten again six minutes from the break following a Steve Stone short corner to Samuel who in turn laid it into the path of Lewis, and he made no mistake with his well directed finish.

Just after this, Lewis pulled up in full flight with appeared to be a hamstring problem, and the Reds will be hoping it will be a short term lay-off as he has become a key player.

The visitors did make a better fist of things in the second period, having more possession without ever posing a significant threat on the home goal, and in fact went further behind after 57 minutes with Samuel getting his second, latching on to a long clearance over the Quins` rearguard by keeper Craig Richards before showing a clean pair of heels leaving defenders trailing in his wake before rounding a helpless Nott to slot home.

Two minutes later, Samuel turned provider, crossing into the middle where Forkuoh was positioned to guide the ball past the keeper from close range.

Samuel then clipped the bar with a curling effort and forced Nott into another good stop to keep out a well directed free kick.

Seven minutes from time the Reds notched up their sixth after Nott had managed to divert clear an initial attempt on target, but it was met by Shannon who drilled it low back into the net.

The Quins` keeper did well again to deny Samuel from another set piece, and just before the final whistle the striker could well have notched his hat trick from arguably the easiest chance of the contest, but blasted high over the goal.

Nobody will begrudge him this solitary lapse as he was outstanding throughout, as were the rest of the Reds side who are gelling nicely into a strong, competent outfit.

Llanelli Town:  Richards; Napriella; Lewis (Bonnell, 43); R. Jones; Bevan ©; Evans (Jenkins, 78); Samuel; Shannon; L. Jones; Stone; Forkuoh (Hughes, 71). Subs. not used: Powell; Davies.

Cardiff Grange Harlequins: Nott; Shugar; Essa; Burns; Richards ©; Coll (Maxwell, 46); Java (Rodrigues, 72); Beddis; Scotto (Rai, 81); Ahmed; Dunne. Subs. not used: Akhtar; Islam.

Scorers: Llanelli Town – Lewis; 18, 39; Samuel; 27, 57; Forkuoh, 59; Shannon, 83.

Yellow cards: Llanelli Town – Stone. Cardiff Grange Harlequins – Essa; Richards.

Referee: Matthew Hughes (Skewen).

Attendance: 89.    

 

Wednesday 27 August 2014

Ely Rangers 4, Dinas Powys 3

by Peter King, Dinas Powys FC

This was a local derby that had everything. Seven goals, a missed penalty, a sending off and the game played in pouring rain!

Unfortunately for Dinas they let a comfortable half-time lead slip from their grasp to leave Station Road with nothing to show from an entertaining game.

The first couple of minutes both sides were feeling each other out but it was the impressive Joshua Allen who got the early breakthrough for Rangers, smashing home a superb shot from 15 yards after just five minutes.

And it was Rangers who continued to call the shots, after a free kick out wide by the left corner flag which was cleared, some fine inter passing opened the way for Nicky Gardener to hit a low shot which fizzed just past the post.

As the driving rain intensified it was Dinas who seemed to adapt better and some sharp passing to feet by Nicky Bruce and Keiron James played young striker King Junior Mwedzo in on goal but a defender just got a block in as he was about to pull the trigger.

At the other end Allen was again threatening but he was forced wide and his shot hit the side netting. Dinas began to assert some good pressure, Keiron James' persistence forcing an unproductive corner but they forced another corner, taken by Nicky Bruce, and this time Carlos Indjai got a fine glancing header in to beat Ely keeper Ashley Hart for 1-1 on 15 minutes. They were well on top at this stage and after some further pressure down the left involving Bruce, Indjai and James, the ball reached Ryan Garland who put in a low cross and Indjai reacted quickest to clip it home from six yards to give Dinas the lead with just 20 minutes gone.

The wet surface was making for a fast end to end game and just three minutes after taking the lead the visitors made it 3-1 when excellent pressure by Mwedzo led to a half clearance by a desperate defender, and Ryan Garland following up slotted the ball past Hart and in off the post.

Dinas had to fight hard now as Rangers stepped up their game, Jordan Cotterill getting the better of Joe Briscombe to fire just wide and Allen bringing a good save from Dinas keeper Alex Hales. After further pressure by Mwedzo, who was giving the Ely defence a torrid time, he was again dispossessed but Garland, following up hit a sweet shot which clipped a defender and out for a corner.

Then the inevitable happened, as Mwedzo weaved his way into the box he was chopped down for a penalty, young Ronan Scott was asked to take it, he struck it well but Hart guessed the right way and made a good save which was too prove very costly for Dinas.

Mwedzo was chopped down again, this time just outside the penalty area, Ryan Garland stepped up and bent a superb shot round the wall but it clipped the cross-bar and went over much to Hart's relief.

The last five minutes of the half was end to end, Ely forcing two corners which the Dinas defence dealt with and Nicky Bruce forcing Hart to make a save in the last minute, the visitors well worth their lead as the half-time whistle went.

The rain stopped as the players came out for the second half, Dinas having to make a substitution, Sam Johnson replacing Marc Bloxham who had taken a knock.

Rangers started with a lot more purpose and they pulled a goal back after just seven minutes, a smart back heel by one of their strikers after a scramble in the six yard box found the net for 3-2.

Things went from bad to worse then for Dinas with Indjai sustaining an injury and had to be replaced by Dimitri Fallas with 30 minutes still to play.

However, Jordan Cotterill then received his marching orders for a second bookable offence but this only seemed to make Rangers more determined and they began peppering the Dinas box with deep crosses from both flanks. Dinas seemed to be weathering the storm as skipper Bloxham organised his troops. But Ely were not to be denied, James Cotterill netting the equaliser.

Dinas rang the changes replacing Mwedzo with James Alloway but they couldn't compete with the powerful Ely side who grabbed the winner with a minute or so left leaving Dinas deflated.

They must now pick themselves up for their Welsh Cup Qualifying Round One game on Saturday 30th, when they travel by coach to take on Penrhiwfer with a 2.30pm kick off.

Dinas squad: 1 Alex Hales, 2 Ronan Scott, 3 Nicky Bruce, 4 James Bloxham (c), 5 Marc Bloxham, 6 Kieron James, 7 Ryan Garland (1), 8 James Marr, 9 Carlos Indjai (2), 10 King Junior Mwedzo, 11 Joe Briscombe, 12 James Alloway, 14 Dimitri Fallas, 15 Sam Johnson, 16 Akmol Ali.

 

Wednesday 27 August 2014

Aberdare Town 3, Briton Ferry Llansawel 0

from Stuart Williams, Briton Ferry Llansawel FC

Briton Ferry Llansawel still remain without a point in Division One after a 3-0 loss at Aberaman Park against Aberdare Town on Wednesday evening.

However the scoreline was slightly flattering for the hosts with the majority of chances on the night falling to the men in red.

Carl Shaw was without captain Gavin Jones and pacey forward Ryan Griffiths as both remained injured after limping off injured on Saturday against Monmouth.

Good news however was the inclusion of Josh Pike who is back after a coaching break in America, also given his first start was Daniel Kingdom on the left wing.

Loyal forward Gareth Jones was handed the captain's armband by Shaw and
the team was welcomed to the field by a good away following.

It was an awful night for football as a blustery wind and constant rain but the visitors starting much better than they had in their previous two games, dominating possession they had their first real chance on five minutes with Josh Pike swinging in a left foot cross that just eluded the Ferry forwards and cleared the back post by inches.

An even better chance followed on 15 minutes when again Pike delivered and striker Jones' flick just went wide of the same post.

Although the visitors had started better than their opponents, Aberdare looked dangerous on the break led up front by ex-Neath player Richard French.

As in previous games it was to take a mistake from the Ferry that gifted the home side the lead, on the half hour mark Luke Probert's goal kick did not quite clear the defence and with Gareth Evans unable to control the clearance the visitors broke quickly, then with Evans trying to make up ground and clear the danger he was adjudged to have fouled the Aberdare forward in the box for a penalty. Up stepped impressive midfielder Richard Ingram to make no mistake for a 1-0 lead.

The goal give the hosts more belief and they were starting to look more confident on the ball but the Ferry responded well to the setback with Dan Kingdom nearly ending up on a Steve Davey cross and also a long range effort from Ross Hudson just deflected wide shortly before the break.

No substitutions from either team at half time but the Ferry started the second half in a 4-4-2 formation with Steve Davey alongside Gareth Jones and Lee John out on the right wing.

It was John who nearly made the breakthrough for the visitors after a raking long ball from defence by Dean Hudson found him but some excellent goalkeeping from Elis Nash denied John a shot on goal.

Scott Kenyon entered the field on the hour in place of the cautioned Rory Healey and instantly made an impact with a defence splitting through pass putting Gareth Jones through on goal, rounding Nash it looked like the equaliser had finally arrived but somehow the young keeper got a hand to the ball just as Jones was about to finish and the ball went agonisingly wide.

This was to be the turning point of the evening as only a minute later Aberdare were handed a free kick from 30 yards, a well worked free kick saw French send a low drive in that was well saved by Probert, but midfielder Ingram was the quickest to react to the rebound and finished from close range for the killer second goal.

Shaw introduced Matthew Lewis and Sam Baker and still the best chances fell to the Ferry with Kenyon, Warren Hudson and Josh Pike all coming close.

The highlight of the game however came on 82 minutes with a contender already for goal of the season by Aberdare defender Jamie Bradford, a clearance by the Ferry was volleyed back from close to the half way line over the head of Probert for goal number three and all three points for the hosts.

Late on Gareth Jones hit the stanchion and again Pike forced a save from the impressive Nash but it was not to be for Shaw's men.

The team now travel to AFC Porth on Saturday before the visit of Caerau (Ely) the following Saturday.

 

Wednesday 27 August 2014

AFC Porth 1, Ton Pentre 6

from Ton Pentre FC

Rhondda Derby matches are normally tight affairs but on this occasion Ton Pentre ran riot at AFC Porth hammering their rivals 6-1 with six different goal scorers. 

The Bulldogs could have netted many more goals in what was a very dominant performance but it was AFC Porth who were the first to come close to taking the lead in this Rhondda Derby encounter.

With just four minutes played, Chris Bullock was set free by a long ball forward and the striker’s effort drew a great save from Neil Collins, who denied the effort with a dive to his left.

Ton Pentre broke the deadlock on 17 minutes when Andre Griffiths won possession of the ball in midfield and played in Jaymie Wearn down the left wing. Wearn’s cross found strike partner Dan Richards but he was unable to get in a strong enough strike. As the ball broke for Shane Davies, the midfielder poked the it through into Leon Young’s run. The Bulldogs captain then fired the ball past Dale Pritchard in the Porth goal.

A second goal nearly came in the 23rd minute when Pritchard spilled the ball following a shot from Davies. Just as the ball was about to be hit by a Ton Pentre player on the follow-up, Pritchard managed to push it out of the way.

Two minutes later, some lovely close ball skills saw Richards dribble into the Porth penalty area where he squared to Wearn. With just the goalkeeper to beat and looking odds on to score Ton Pentre’s second, Wearn somehow managed to blaze the ball over the crossbar from close range. 

On the half-hour, Wearn sent a perfectly weighted cross into the box for Richards to shoot, but the striker’s effort was desperately saved by the outstretched legs of Pritchard. 

During the 32nd minute of play, Richards was presented with another chance after running on to a through ball but on this occasion the angle was too tight and he fired into the side-netting.  

A second goal finally came in the 37th minute when some magic from Davies out wide on the right saw him completely lose his marker to open up space and perfectly time his cross towards the back post. Davies had picked out Lewis Hydes with precision, who in turn finished confidently to make it 2-0.

An assured Richards dribbled the ball past several defenders in the 47th minute before turning the last man on the edge of the six-yard box, only to be pulled back off the ball as he was about to shoot. Although a penalty was awarded the defender evaded a red card for denying an obvious goalscoring opportunity. Davies stepped up to take the penalty but he blazed his kick over the crossbar.

In the 53rd minute the Bulldogs were awarded a free kick 25 yards out from goal. Liam Hutchinson stood over the ball before hitting a shot on target. It appeared as though Pritchard had collected the ball but on the slippery surface the Porth goalkeeper allowed the ball to slip through his arms and into the net for 3-0.

Ton Pentre’s fourth goal came on the hour mark when Richards picked up possession on the right before demonstrating some scintillating skills to take two defenders out of the game. This manoeuvre opened up the space that allowed him the opportunity to smash the ball into the bottom right-hand corner.

The Bulldogs fifth goal was the result of some similar skill from Richards but on this occasion the striker unselfishly squared the ball for Wearn to hit the back of the net in the 63rd minute.

Dean Morris then made a triple substitution with Wearn, Young and Hutchinson making way for Adam Raymond, Dafydd Brewer and Ryan Jenkins.

Richards notched up another assist in the 69th minute after cutting in from the right to supply Jenkins with the ball to score Ton Pentre’s sixth from close range.

With plenty of time left on the clock it could have got much worse for Porth when in the 77th minute a foul on Jenkins resulted a free kick 20 yards away from goal. Raymond hit a sweet free kick and with Pritchard sprawling across his goalmouth, the ball painstakingly went centimetres wide of the right post.

Five minutes later Porth were themselves awarded a free kick deep inside the Ton Pentre half of the pitch. Having launched the ball into the Bulldogs box, Collins jumped to collect it. He appeared to have the ball in his grasp when a Porth player leaped to head the ball and while Ton Pentre waited for the Referee’s whistle to signal a foul, the goal was awarded making it 6-1.

Raymond had another chance to further increase Ton Pentre’s lead in the 86th minute with a powerful boot from 25-yards, however, with Pritchard beaten the ball hit the goalpost. 

This was a fantastic result for Ton Pentre who must now turn their attentions to Goytre United who the Bulldogs visit on Saturday 30 August 2014 at 2:30pm. 

Ton Pentre: 1. Neil Collins; 2. Leon Young (Captain); 3. Lewis Hydes; 4. Mark Crutch, 5. Ross Porter, 6. Thomas Davies, 7. Liam Hutchinson, 8. Andre Griffiths, 9. Jaymie Wearn, 10. Shane Davies, 11. Dan Richards. Substitutes: 12. Ryan Jenkins (for Wearn 63), 14. Dafydd Brewer (for Hutchinson 63), 15. Adam Raymond (for Young 63), 16. Ryan Morgan, 17. David Mitchell

Goals: Young 17, S Davies 37, Hutchinson 53, Richards 60, Wearn 65, Jenkins 69.

Cautions: Young 26, Hutchinson 39, Hydes 35.

Referee: James Williams (Newport).

 

Saturday 23 August 2014

Briton Ferry Llansawel 2, Monmouth Town 4

from Stuart Williams, Briton Ferry Llansawel FC

The Old road welcomed last season's champions Monmouth Town for the first home game of Briton Ferry Llansawel's debut in Division One.

Manager Carl Shaw was without last year's top scorer Steve Davey so gave a start to Ryan Griffiths in his place, also Warren Hudson started in place of Scott Kenyon who was a late arrival due to work commitments.

As they did at Taffs Well last week the hosts looked nervy at the start and were punished by the Kingfishers after only three minutes, a defensive lapse leaving in Josh Bull who made no mistake slotting past Luke Probert for a 1-0 lead.

The visitors were showing early doors that they were going to be a constant threat in attack with winger Chris Ham looking positively in the mood on the left wing.

For the hosts Ryan Griffiths was starting to get into the game and was causing some problems on the flank, however it was another defensive mistake that was to give the visitors a second goal when some nervous passing at the back resulted in a back pass to keeper Probert who himself was caught in possession producing an open goal for Monmouth striker Nick Harrhy to finish easily.

Finally BFL woke up after an awful opening 20 minutes and had their first real chance from a Gavin Jones corner with defender Dean Hudson heading just over.

The home team were dealt another cruel blow shortly after when skipper Jones was brought down in the centre circle resulting in him limping off with an ankle injury, Dan Kingdom his replacement.

Shaw's men responded well though and on the half hour mark Ryan Griffiths was brought down in the box after another pacy break and with regular taker Davey missing up stepped ever dependable Gareth Jones to narrow the deficit.

Luke Probert did well to tip an Elliott Evans shot around the post on 38 minutes, then opposite keeper Kieron Blackburn did well to save from Dan Kingdom after some lovely play from forward Jones put him through on goal to keep his team ahead at half time.

Monmouth started brighter in the second half and missed a great opportunity to extend their lead on 53 minutes when a corner fell to the feet of centre half Danny Clark but he somehow smashed over from only six yards.

Already evident in the step up in division is the clinical finishing of the opposition and this was shown on 56 minutes when striker Nick Harrhy superbly thrashed home from an acute angle into the roof of the net to give his team another two goal advantage.

Carl Shaw then introduced Josh Cockings in place of the injured Ryan Griffiths and Scott Kenyon for Warren Hudson.

The outstanding Nick Harrhy then completed his hat rick nodding home from a set piece on 76 minutes to surely give all three points to his team.

Shaw and his staff will take a lot of positives from the last quarter of a hour with some superb football being played, on 80 minutes Lee John had space out wide and he cut back to Dean Hudson on the edge of the box who curled a beautiful goal into the top corner for his first goal in club colours.

Then with minutes remaining the best move of the game saw Rory Healey break from midfield and he spread the ball wide to John who picked out a lovely cross to the advancing Scott Kenyon but his header rebounded off the crossbar to safety.

Ferry now travel to Aberdare on Wednesday before the trip to AFC Porth on Saturday.

 

Saturday 23 August 2014

Aberbargoed Buds 2. AFC Llwydcoed 1

from AFC Llwydcoed

AFC Llwydcoed Welsh League Squad 2014-15 Season

Kit Sponsor: Glebern Sports

Coed's young and depleted squad returned to action with a visit to the Recreation Ground after their disappointment of dropping two points from a comfortable position in midweek against local rivals Penrhiwceiber Rangers.

The team practically picked itself due to players being unavailable for various reasons, mostly injury, so in came Jordan Ellis, Luke Spencer and Matthew Reynolds, for Ryan Barry, Garin Withers and Jonathan Mason respectively.

The first half kicked off and it was a tight affair with both teams finding it hard to keep possession of the football, due to the tenacity of the opposing players fighting tooth and nail to win back the ball for their team.  Luke Spencer stood out in this respect for the Coed in midfield, as he chased and harried and closed down his opponents at every opportunity.

The Coed defence stood firm for most of the half, as they had the wind in their faces and repelled most attacks, until the home team stole the ball in midfield and played around the Coed shape and crossed in for their forward to open the scoring to go 1-0 up in the game. The young Coed team not having learned the lesson from midweek, which was to look after possession of the ball better.

Nothing much changed in the remainder of the first half and both teams went into the break having cancelled each other out in the battle for supremacy.

The slight breeze was now in the favour of the visiting team for the second half, and they used this to their advantage putting the home defence under a lot of pressure with some long and high balls being played by young Coed goalkeeper Grant Hopkins.  One such attack saw the home team fail to clear their lines, the ball being picked up on the edge of the box, firing in a low hard shot that beat the keeper all ends up, but not the post, but Luke Spencer was there to fire in the rebound to make it level at 1-1l.  Spencer and Coed deserved their equaliser and with their tails now up set about looking to get the winner.

However, it was the home team that scored the next goal, with Coed again gifting their opponents the ball and whipping in a cross from the right, which Grant Hopkins could only parry to the on rushing Buds forward to slot the ball into the net.

At the same time, Grant Hopkins taking a whack on the back of the head which saw him depart the game with 20 minutes to go.  Up stepped central defender Luke Davies to don the gloves for the remainder of the game while Grant Hopkins was replaced by Tyler Hollidge who entered the game on the left wing.

Tyler Hollidge gave his defending opponent a torrid time for the remainder of the game twisting and turning him inside out, but the final ball in the opponents box not quite good enough.  Matthew Reynolds had run himself into the ground so he was exchanged for Jarrod Price for the final few minutes of the game.  Jarrod appealing for a penalty when in his opinion he was upended in the box, however the referee saw it only as a coming together.

The home team decided that they had done enough, and resorted to taking the ball to the corner flag for the remainder of the game.  Time ran out for the visitors and the final whistle blew to keep Aberbargoed their 100% record winning start to the season.  The young Coed side could not have given any more in terms of effort, and if they show this desire for the remainder of the season they should be ok.

Next up sees the return game at home against local rivals Penrhiwceiber Rangers, on Wednesday 27 August, kick off 6.30pm.

 

Thursday 21 August 2014

AFC Llwydcoed 3, West End 3

Reserve Division West

from AFC Llwydcoed

Llwydcoed gained a creditable point after a brilliant recovery with two late goals by Matthew Reynolds and Lewis Marsh.

West End started the match better than Llwydcoed, they raced into a two goal advantage punishing Llwydcoed for some poor team play. Llwydcoed’s best play came from young Andrew Ellis bursting through with skill.  West End were controlling the match. Llwydcoed could not build any constructive play at this stage, but they finally created an opening through Andrew Ellis, he found Matthew Reynolds who played Craig Bluck through to score brilliantly.  The match had swung more towards Llwydcoed but no more goals in the first half.

West End were still the team more likely to score and add to their total.  Llwydcoed made a few substitutions with Matthew Flynn, Sam Tegeltija and Tom Nethell entering the game.

West End added a third goal.  Llwydcoed’s players responded and showed superb belief and courage.  They reduced the score when Matthew Reynolds netted after good play by Joel Healy and Craig Bluck.

The match had swung towards Llwydcoed.  The three substitutes had helped to create movement and a deserved equaliser arrived, Lewis Marsh had moved forward out of defence and scored a screamer from a difficult angle. 

West End responded, they won a corner that Llwydcoed cleared and almost won it from this attack just before the final whistle.

 

Wednesday 20 August 2014

Penrhiwceiber Rangers 2, AFC Llwydcoed 2

from AFC Llwydcoed

Llwydcoed’s opening match of the season ended in a draw with Rangers scoring an equaliser in injury time through Dean Brown.

Llwydcoed welcomed back Jonathan Mason after he had sustained a pre-season training injury and new signings Shaun Chappell and Ricky Carter.

Rangers were the first to threaten looking to score an early goal through Jason Hatch and Alex Jones finding space in Llwydcoed’s midfield. Llwydcoed’s defence

clearing the danger. When Llwydcoed were in possession they lacked composure at this early stage. 

Rangers had other opportunities with Ryan Buchmann eluding Llwydcoed’s tackles, they were the team who looked more likely to score breaking from midfield, chances come and went. 

Llwydcoed settled after this period and they began to look to score with Garin Withers and Ricky Carter combining and setting up Scott Walters whose shot went wide, Jonathan Mason found space and his shot struck the post. 

Rangers broke from defence and Craig Hewitt was just off target as was Jason Hatch, only a last ditch tackle by Matthew Doherty prevented Ryan Buchmann from scoring.  The match was full of attacking football, back came Llwydcoed through Scott Walters bringing Jonathan Mason into play, his cross picked out Ricky Carter whose majestic header struck the cross bar. 

Rangers had another brilliant chance from a corner, Ryan Buchmann  heading just wide with a free header, the warning signs were there for Llwydcoed’s defence. The first half finished goal-less, it could have been three goals each. 

The second half started and Llwydcoed’s Garin Withers broke clear but Rangers robbed him of possession and they had another brilliant opportunity to open the scoring.  Llwydcoed’s goalkeeper Grant Hopkins was their saviour, saving brilliantly and then Llwydcoed threatened with Ricky Carter doing well and then Shaun Chappell spotted the Rangers keeper Kirk Sawyer off his line and hit a screamer from 30 yards to open the scoring. Llwydcoed had opened the scoring, it could quite easily have been Rangers. 

The visitors began to control the match. Jonathan Mason almost doubled the advantage, his shot crashing against the cross bar. Llwydcoed did double their advantage and Matthew Doherty was picked out by Garin Withers and scored out wide.  

Both teams began to use their substitutions. Llwydcoed almost increased their advantage, back came Rangers and Llwydcoed’s goalkeeper pulled off a top save from a Craig Hewitt pile driver. 

As the match entered the latter stages Rangers were given a lifeline reducing the score line to just a one goal advantage.  Rangers attacked looking for the equaliser.  Llwydcoed had chances to make the game safe but the Rangers defence held out. 

The final minutes of normal time saw Llwydcoed defending the Rangers attacks and then in injury time Rangers Craig Hewitt played a cross into the Llwydcoed defence where the Rangers player Dean Brown found space to score.

So the points were shared it could so easily have been a far higher score draw.

 

Saturday 23 August 2014

Dinas Powys 1, Llanwern AFC 0

by Peter King, Dinas Powys FC

(Today's match ball kindly sponsored by JDW Landscapers)

Dinas registered their first win of the season with a gutsy display by their young squad against a strong Llanwern outfit.

The home side started brightly, Carlos Indjai making a strong run down the left. Keeping the pressure on, Jack Coles headed the ball into King Junior Mwedzo's path but Llanwern keeper Ben Fletcher just got to the ball first. Nicky Bruce then overlapped down the left, his persistence forcing a corner which the visitors managed to clear. It was all Dinas at this stage with Coles linking up well with Mwedzo and Ben Ah-Mun, Coles hitting a shot from distance that was just wide.

At the other end Llanwern finally got an attack going, Nick Hooper and Alex North combining but Dinas captain James Bloxham was in fine form as always and cleared the danger, the ball reached Indjai who threaded it into Mwedzo's path, the 16-year-old striker evaded a challenge to slot the ball home to give Dinas the lead on the 20 minute mark.

Llanwern began to press but were mainly restricted to shots from distance, Hooper trying his luck from 30 yards which was on target but James Curtin gathered it comfortably. However Hooper was persistent and a couple of minutes later he jinked his way through and got a shot away but it was off target.

Dinas got back on top and when Indjai got the better of a Llanwern defender his lobbed shot from 20 yards forced Fletcher into making a save at full stretch under his cross-bar. In the last five minutes of the half the visitors stepped up the work rate forcing a corner which reached Michael Bishop but his headed effort sailed over the bar and overall the Dinas defence were coping well and as the half-time whistle blew Dinas were well worth their lead.

Dinas made a substitution at the start of the second half, Nicky Bruce being replaced by Akmol Ali. The visitors started with more purpose, Liam Whiskey hitting a powerful cross cum shot from the touch line which Curtin took and they then came close with a free kick by Dan Hooper which had Curtin scurrying across his goal-line but the shot was just wide.

Mwedzo was then chopped down by Liam Palmer, resulting in a booking, Joe Briscombe took the kick and James Bloxham challenged Fletcher in the air but was adjudged to have fouled him and the chance was gone.

Jack Coles then put in a strong run with the ball for Dinas, he got a shot away but Fletcher dived on the ball with the Dinas strikers baring down on him.

From a Llanwern corner, a goalmouth scramble ensued but Dinas were in no mood to concede their slender lead and managed to clear the danger.

Young Mwedzo was still causing problems for Llanwern and he made progress down the left, squared the ball to Ah-Mun but his shot was off target.

Dinas then rang the changes, James Alloway replacing Jack Coles with 20 minutes still to play. He soon made his mark on the game, Mwedzo playing him in and he was fouled just as he was about to shoot. The free kick came to nothing.

Llanwern were on top at this stage, a deep cross reached Jonathan Dunn who headed just wide.

Dinas then made their final substitution with 10 minutes remaining, Sam Johnson replacing Mwedzo, who left the field to a lot of clapping and slaps on the back from the Dinas supporters after a fine debut at this level.

Despite the visitors pressing hard for the last few minutes, Dinas stood firm and well organised to keep their lead intact, and the management team of Lee Saunders and Richie Garland were delighted with their young squad's performance.

Dinas squad: 1 James Curtin, 2 Ronan Scott, 3 Nicky Bruce, 4 Marc Bloxham, 5 James Bloxham (c), 6 Rhodri Foote, 7 Jack Coles, 8 Ben Ah-Mun, 9 Joe Briscombe, 10 King Junior Mwedzo (1), 11 Carlos Indjai, 12 James Alloway, 14 Sam Johnson, 15 Akmol Ali, 16 Danny Bruce.

Dinas are in action again on Wednesday, 27th August when they travel the short distance to Station Road, Wenvoe to play Ely Rangers, ko 6.30, and on Saturday 30th they are away to Penrhiwfer in the First Preliminary Round of the Welsh Cup, ko 2.30pm.

 

Saturday 23 August 2014

Rhoose 1, Llanelli Town 1

from Alan Evans, Llanelli Town FC

Despite fielding an under-strength side due to injury and unavailability, the visitors came away from Jenner Park with a creditable point and maintain their encouraging start to the season with a total of seven points from the opening three matches.

Lee Bevan, Ross Jones and Declan John were missing from the Reds starting line-up, while on paper their opponents posed a formidable obstacle with the likes of ex-Llanelli player Martyn Giles, Jamal Easter and Drew Fahiya in their ranks.

To their credit, the visitors were more than equal to the challenge which presented itself and made most of the early running, with a Steve Stone free kick finding Richard Lewis who drove it goalwards before it was blocked, and Jamie Evans sent the rebound just wide.

Evans was involved further, sending his glancing header from another Lewis set piece narrowly off target, while a further Lewis free kick was met by Luke Jones whose attempt was scrambled over for a corner.

When this came across, a melee ensued in front of the Rhoose goal with the home defence desperately keeping at bay a couple of efforts on target, and when this culminated in another corner this time it was cleared effectively to relieve the danger.

Little had been seen of the home side as an attacking force, but they showed what they were capable of with a quick break up the right which led to Fahiya crossing into the goalmouth, and it took a great save by Craig Richards in the Reds goal to somehow keep out the close range connection by Nathan White.

At the other end, a Jak Shannon free kick drifted across the box and just past the goal with nobody able to get a decisive touch.

Somewhat against the run of play, it was the hosts who opened the scoring on 33 minutes following a speculative near post attempt by Jacob Daly which Richards appeared to have covered, but somehow he allowed it to slip from his grasp for the softest of goals.

Giles was cautioned for a crunching tackle from behind on Jones, and from there on continued to walk the proverbial tightrope, before the inevitable occurred in the second half when he was sent off for another yellow card.

Before that, the Reds had come agonisingly close to an  equaliser with Liam Samuel seeing his free kick from the edge of the area beat goalkeeper Cohen Riella only for it to rebound to safety via the inside of the upright.

Just before the Giles dismissal, Samuel did draw his side level with yet another well executed set piece from almost the same spot as his first, but this time Riella was left powerless to stop a thunderous shot from crashing into the roof of the net after 61 minutes.

Protests to referee Robert Rosen led to Riella being cautioned and then Giles which led to his red card on 62 minutes, but despite their numerical advantage the Reds failed to exploit it to any great extent for the remainder of the match, with them only managing a Michael Hughes header when he met a Lewis corner.

In fact, Rhoose might well have grabbed a somewhat undeserved winner after White got in behind Rhys Powell, but Richards more than made up for his earlier gaffe with a marvellous save to divert his effort away from goal for a corner, and when this was taken, Samuel was positioned at the far post to head off the line when the ball came across.

A good and well-deserved point for the Reds, and there will not be too many teams to emerge from Jenner Park with a result with Rhoose seemingly more than capable of mounting a challenge for one of the top spots at the conclusion of the campaign.

Rhoose:   Riella; Osbourne; Dalton; Giles; Phillips; Easter; Daly; Hinds; White; Fahiya ©; Davison; Subs. not used; Anstee; Palladino; Lewis; L Allen; R Allen.

Llanelli Town:  Richards; Napriella; Lewis ©; Stone; Bonnell (Powell, 73); Evans; Shannon; Samuel; Jones; Hughes; Forkuoh; Subs. not used; Jenkins; Martin; Davies; Scammell (GK).

Scorers:  Rhoose: Daly, 33. Llanelli Town: Samuel, 61.

Yellow cards:  Rhoose: Riella, Giles (2); Osbourne; White. Llanelli Town: Lewis.

Red card: Rhoose: Giles.

Referee: Robert Rosen (Newport).

Llanelli Town's Luke Jones (9) wins a header against Martyn Giles

Llanelli Town's Liam Samuel's free-kick hits the Rhoose cross-bar

Llanelli Town's Liam Samuel takes on Rhoose captain, Drew Fahiya

Pictures (c) 2014, keithphoto2003@yahoo.co.uk

 

Wednesday 20 August 2014

Dinas Powys 1, Ely Rangers 2

by Peter King, Dinas Powys FC

(Match ball for this game kindly sponsored by T H & L Jones Ltd, Dispensing Chemists)

This was the proverbial game of two halves, Ely having the best of the first period but Dinas, despite again being unable to field their strongest 11, came back strongly in the second half and should really have got something from the game.

The visitors went on the attack from the off with Sam Phillips and Nicholas Gardner pressing down the right wing forcing two corners. From the second of these Gardner got a shot away but it was well over James Curtin's cross-bar.

At the other end a ball threaded through the channel from Ali Akmol reached Ben Ah-Mun but he scuffed his shot when well placed.

Another Dinas half-chance came when Rhodri Foote played Keiron James in, he squared the ball but the Rangers defence cleared the danger.

The game was end to end with the visitors looking the more likely to score and after the powerful Jordan Cotterill had spun and shot just wide, they finally got the breakthrough on 18 minutes when Sam Newing controlled a diagonal cross from the right, evaded a tackle and coolly slotted home for 1-0 to the visitors.

Just four minutes later they added a second, Jordan Cotterill getting the better of the Dinas defence to give Curtin no chance.

The hosts had a chance from a set piece when Rangers keeper Ashley Hart stepped outside the box with the ball in his hands, Ryan Garland taking the free kick which was too close to Hart who gathered comfortably. Dinas began to press hard and get more possession and a strong run and cross by Carlos Indjai reached Jack Preston but his shot hit a defender and went out for a non-productive corner. As Dinas began to assert pressure the visitors were conceding a few free kicks and from one of these, after a strong run by James ended in him being tripped, Joe Briscombe played the ball into the box but no-one could get on the end of it and the ball went out for a goal kick and Dinas continued to press for the last five minutes of the half with no reward.

Dinas made three substitutions at the start of the second period, with Mamadu Banguraso, Briscombe and Preston being replaced by Ronan Scott, James Alloway and Sam Johnson.

It was Dinas in the ascendancy now, forcing an early corner which was cleared and a free kick from 30 yards by Alloway which Hart gathered comfortably.

Rangers were still dangerous on the break and some neat inter-passing led to a chance for striker Josh Cotterill but Curtin was quick to come off his line and smother the ball.

A further chance came Dinas' way when Ah-Mun fluffed an excellent chance from six yards but they finally pulled one back that all their pressure deserved, a free kick wide on the right by Alloway was met with a looping header by Ah-Mun at the far post into the top of the net for 2-1 with 20 minutes remaining.

It was then Garland's chance to level for the hosts but after a fine run, his shot was just wide of the upright. Ely came back into the game in the last few minutes and Dinas had Curtin to thank, saving a close range shot by Jacob Howell with an outstretched leg to keep the score at 2-1. A much improved second half from Dinas and they feel confident that when all the squad is available, they will start to get some positive results.

Dinas squad: 1 James Curtin, 2 Ali Akmol, 3 Mamadu Banguraso, 4 James Bloxham (c), 5 Rhodri Foote, 6 Joe Briscombe, 7 Ryan Garland, 8 Keiron James, 9 Ben Ah-Mun (1), 10 Jack Preston, 11 Carlos Indjai, 12 Ronan Scott, 14 James Alloway, 15 Jack Coles, 16 Sam Johnson, 17 Alex Hales.

On Saturday August 23rd Llanwern are the visitors to the Murch, 2.30pm ko, and next Wednesday, August 27th Dinas lock horns again with Ely Rangers at their Station Road Ground, 6.30pm ko.

 

Wednesday 20 August 2014

Cardiff Grange Harlequins 1, Llanelli Town 2

from Alan Evans, Llanelli Town FC

Two matches, two wins and six points have got the Reds off to a perfect start, but once again they must learn to be more ruthless in front of goal as they spurned a glut of chances which, if taken, would have sealed matters by the interval.

 

As it was, goals by Liam Samuel and a Luke Jones penalty gave them a half time lead, but they were wasteful when other chances presented themselves with Bruno Forkuoh having a close range effort kept out by the outstretched leg of goalkeeper Gareth Nott, while there were loud appeals for a penalty when Forkuoh was upended by Ryan Shugar, but referee Mike Ford waved play on.

 

The visitors were dominating proceedings with the Quins rarely crossing the halfway line, and Nott again came to the aid of his side, parrying clear a Ross Jones attempt when his namesake, Luke, played him in.

 

They did eventually get the breakthrough on 31 minutes with Nott keeping out an initial effort which Forkuoh immediately despatched back into the danger area where it was met by Steve Stone, and when his strike rebounded out to Samuel, he struck a powerful 25-yard ground shot into the bottom corner.

    

Six minutes later the lead was doubled when Luke Jones was adjudged to have been fouled in the area, and he took the spot kick himself, driving it past Nott.

 

The same player then had a header pushed over at full stretch by the home keeper, while Stone directed his headed attempt on to the roof of the net from a Richard Lewis delivery.

 

As the second half progressed, the Quins were far more prominent and were pegging back their opponents, and a nervy last 20 minutes lay ahead for the visitors when the home side pulled a goal back on 70 minutes with Josh Beddis directing a well struck free kick low beyond goalkeeper Craig Richards.

 

Stone had a chance of settling matters, but delayed his shot when the chance presented itself and was eventually crowded out, and Michael Hughes just failed to connect with a Lewis cross into the middle from close range.

 

The Reds hung on to the final whistle, but will need to convert their chances with far more accuracy or at some time they will be made to pay for their profligacy.

 

Cardiff Grange Harlequins: Nott; Shugar; Hassan; Fitzgerald ©; Reed (Avares, 60); Richards; Cowley (Burns, 60); Beddis; Yip; Dunne; Jama (Rai, 66); Subs. not used: Britton; Essa.

 

Llanelli Town: Richards; Napierella; Lewis; R Jones; Evans; Bevan ©; Samuel; Shannon; L Jones (Hughes, 77); Stone (Lloyd, 85); Forkuoh; Subs. not used; Bonnell; Davies, Martin.

 

Scorers: Cardiff Grange Harlequins – Beddis, 70. Llanelli Town – Samuel, 31; L Jones, 37 (P).

 

Yellow cards: Cardiff Grange Harlequins - Fitzgerald; Richards. Llanelli Town – Forkuoh.

 

Referee: Mike Ford (Pontypridd).            

  

 

Tuesday 19 August 2014

Haverfordwest County 6, Garden Village 0

from Robert Nisbet, Haverfordwest County FC

Wayne Jones’ stress this season on a sharp passing game played through the channels paid off emphatically in a game in which a good Garden Village side was really swept away.

The Gorseinon side, who have recruited heavily from recent West End and Pontardawe teams and who may yet be a force in Division One, started brightly, seeming to enjoy the Meadow’s wide spaces, and their winger James East put in a few good runs. But it was the Bluebirds who forced the real early chances, with Jordan Follows and Darren Griffiths going close.

As the home team increasingly began to find openings, Nicky Palmer hit the first goal in the 23rd minute, wriggling through a tackle 40 yards out, swerving past two defenders and lashing in a shot which gave little chance to the Village’s very good goalkeeper Liam Matthews.

A second goal came just before half-time when Follows darted quickly on to a through ball and lobbed Matthews.

The Village got a little more pressure on early in the second half, with ex-Bluebird Ashley Curtis playing well on the wing. But the Blues defence, which had had its lapses in the game at Penybont, was quite solid, with Sam Rodon again a real rock in the centre. As the Bluebirds re-asserted themselves, the Swansea side were hit by a double blow. Their midfielder Gary Taylor, who had picked up a yellow card for a rash challenge on Ricky Watts in the first half, executed a similar challenge on Declan Carroll and got his marching orders. Within a few minutes Watts had raced down the left wing onto a deep ball and crossed beautifully for Griffiths to drive in goal number three.

Garden Village never gave up the fight but the Blues were rampant now and, as they had in the game against Lido, scored three goals in the last quarter of an hour. Follows scored the fourth after a neat triangle with Griffiths and Palmer. Jack Britton made a fine interception before darting on to score.

In the five minutes left, Palmer missed one chance to score, and a smart combination between subs Sam Wilson and Liam Fawcett saw Wilson’s shot just parried, but in the last minute, Griffiths scored his second and the Bluebirds’ sixth to round off a really emphatic win.

The programme sponsor was Mr. Des Shanklin. The match ball sponsor was Victoria Bookshop, Bridge Street. 

Haverfordwest County: Craig Morris; Ricky Watts; Antonio Facciuto (Spencer Williams, 45); Sam Rodon; Sean Pemberton; Jack Britton; Chris O’Sullivan; Nicky Palmer; Jordan Follows (Liam Fawcett, 80); Declan Carroll (Sam Wilson, 75); Darren Griffiths. Sub not used: Dan Evans (g/k)

 

Saturday 16 August 2014

Taffs Well 3, Briton Ferry Llansawel 2

from Taffs Well FC

This was always going to be a tricky opening game for the Wellmen and so it proved. Taffs started the game strongly and for the first 20 minutes were dominating possession with the away team looking slightly nervous.

Taffs got into some great positions but rarely threatened the Ferry goal. Taffs then started to become sloppy with missed placed passes which enabled the away team to grow in confidence and become more of a threat as the half progressed.

The half came to an end with the scores all square in what was especially the last 20 minutes a pretty even affair.

Taffs started the second half strongly and took the lead after some great work down the left flank by Chris Hugh who put an inch perfect cross which allowed Sam Small to coolly slot home on his debut.

This settled the home side as they looked to add to their lead, and nearly did so when a point-blank header from Small was superbly saved by the Ferry keeper. Credit must go to Carl Shaw’s men who instead of wilting under pressure rolled up  their sleeves and dug in and scored a superb equaliser after Taffs lost the ball in the middle of the park it found it's way to the Ferry winger who turned inside Robbie Thomas and unleashed an unstoppable shot from 25 yards.

Ferry grew in confidence and 10 minutes later took the lead after some sloppy defending, they scored from a goalmouth scramble when the Taffs keeper kicked the ball against the ferry striker.

Ferry were now in line for a shock win at the home of the Wellmen. With 12 minutes remaining though Sam Small had other ideas as he turned and drilled a left foot shot into the corner of the net to make it 2-2.

This gave Taffs a huge boost to go on and win the game, Josh Bell had a great chance to give the home side the lead but drilled his shot narrowly wide, but the Wellmen were not to be denied after a great move down the right the ball fell kindly to winger Tyrone Topper who finished superbly to give Taffs the lead.

The three points seemed to be in the bag, but again with minutes remaining Ferry should of equalised but for a superb block on the goal line from Luke Cooper, that block secured all three points for the Wellmen. 

Credit to both sides on producing a fine game of football. Also to Carl Shaw’s side for showing they have what it takes to be a good Welsh League Division One side that play some lovely football with some exciting players. We wish them luck for the rest of the season. 

For Taffs lessons must be learnt from this victory surely they will as the season progresses.

 

Saturday 16 August 2014

West End 1, AFC Llwydcoed 4

Reserve Division West

from AFC Llwydcoed

Llwydcoed Reserve Team opened their season with a deserved victory against a youthful West End outfit at their Pri-Deri Park Ground.

Llwydcoed settled the better and controlled the midfield with Chad Rombach, Craig Boulton, Michael Davies and Joel Healy combining. 

They were rewarded for this positive spell with Michael Davies breaking clear, this time he picked out Matthew Phillips who scored with a class finish. 

More good football saw the West End defence under pressure.  West End responded and they threatened the Llwydcoed defence through Tom Brown and Lee Brain, both defences were losing their shape allowing goal-scoring opportunities. 

Llwydcoed’s goalkeeper Grant Hopkins was called into action after some poor defensive play by Llwydcoed who looked excellent attacking but leaving too much space when defending.  A second goal was not too far away and Callum Watkins created it, his brilliant pass out of defence found Chad Rombach and he scored brilliantly, his shot beating West End stand-in goalkeeper Jordan Norman. 

Back came West End they almost scored after Llwydcoed’s team lost their shape but they survived.  Llwydcoed regained their composure, Chad Rombach and Craig Boulton were involved again this time Michael Davies raced clear to score.  Both teams were testing out each other and West End punished Llwydcoed for not clearing the danger and scored through Tom Brown.

West End had the better of the opening part of the second half, Llwydcoed’s midfield and defence were not covering each other in wide positions allowing West End to attack thankfully Llwydcoed’s Lewis Marsh and Gabriel Williams were switched on in defence. 

Llwydcoed were finding it difficult maintain possession.  The West End players were covering the Llwydcoed movement and they were the ones who were attacking out of defence when they did Llwydcoed midfield cleared the danger Llwydcoed regained their composure and began to threaten the West End defence. 

They won a series of free kicks that were wasted.  The introduction of substitute James Joseph made immediate dividends, he picked out Chad Rombach, he in turn hit a great cross into the West End defence and Craig Bluck scored a fine opportunist goal to finalise the scoring.  Both teams deserve credit for their attacking prowess.  Llwydcoed’s experience providing their young players the belief and support for victory.

 

Saturday 16 August 2014

Barry Town United 4, Dinas Powys 0

from Peter King, Dinas Powys FC

This was always going to be a difficult season opener for Dinas and was certainly not helped by having a number of experienced squad members unavailable for various reasons, conceding an early penalty and losing a key defender with concussion plus having a player red carded with an hour still to play made the Dinas management team of Lee Saunders and Keith Williams realise it was not going to be their day. 

The first five minutes was fairly even but Dinas defender Joe Briscombe took a knock to the head after seven minutes and Barry pressed hard, Dale Howarth forcing a finger tip save by James Curtin, the resulting corner was cleared and the Villagers began to settle until disaster struck in the 10th minute when they conceded a penalty for a trip in the box which James Dixon smashed into the roof of the net giving Curtin no chance.

At the other end Jack Preston found Carlos Indjai but his effort was over the bar.

Briscombe was still feeling the effects of his earlier knock and had to be replaced by Mamadu Banguraso with just 20 minutes gone.

Dinas did manage to get the ball in the net, Ryan Garland latching onto a through ball but he was adjudged offside.

Barry were looking strong and confident and they doubled their tally just two minutes later, Dale Howarth finding Rhys James on the edge of the six-yard box for an easy tap-in.

Curtin was called into action again making a fantastic save from Dixon. This was followed by a goalmouth scramble but the Dinas rearguard eventually cleared the danger.

On the half-hour mark Dinas were awarded a free kick on the edge of the Barry box, Ryan Garland forcing Barry keeper Dan Bradley to make a one handed save, pushing the ball around his left post. The corner was unproductive but Dinas were beginning to get more possession, Indjai making progress down the left wing and getting in a good cross which the Barry defence got to first.

Then came the controversial sending off. Luke Swaffield was red carded, very harshly was the general consensus, for a high tackle and Dinas knew it was going to be very hard to get back into the game with 10 men.

Barry had a couple more corners before the break but couldn't add to their score.

Dinas set up their formation to frustrate Barry and it worked well for most of the half, the Villagers having more possession than they did in the first period, however, with 12 minutes of the half played, the hosts made the game safe when a through ball somehow evaded all the Dinas defence to reach Troy Greening to smash it home for 3-0.

Dinas are not the sort of team to drop their heads though and a determined run and cross by Ben Ah-Mun found Preston at the far post and his volley cannoned off the left upright with Bradley beaten and was cleared.

With 20 minutes remaining Dinas introduced fresh legs, Sam Johnson replacing Preston, and they rallied for a while, forcing a corner which went out for a throw in and a further chance came when Indjai found Johnson but his effort was wide of the upright. 

Curtin then showed why he is so highly thought of by the Dinas management team, making a superb reaction save from Howarth followed by another finger-tip save from Greening with five minutes remaining. However in injury time Howarth made it 4-0, driving in from the right to hit a superb shot high into the net, which somewhat flattered the Barry side, who deserved the win but Dinas are confident that when all the squad are available, they will be able to match most teams in this division.

Dinas squad: 1 James Curtin, 2 Ali Akmol, 3 Luke Swaffield, 4 James Bloxham (c), 5 Joseph Briscombe, 6 Rhodri Foote, 7 Ryan Garland, 8 Keiron James, 9 Ben Ah-Mun, 10 Jack Preston, 11 Carlos Indjai, 12 Mamadu Banguraso, 14 Jack Coles, 15 Samuel Johnson, 16 Alex Hales.

Dinas host Ely Rangers on Wednesday, 20th August, 6.30pm ko and Llanwern are the visitors to the Murch on Saturday 23rd August, 2.30pm ko.

 

Saturday 16 August 2014

Afan Lido 1, Ton Pentre 0

from Ton Pentre FC

It was disappointment for Ton Pentre on the opening day of the 2014-15 Nathaniel Cars Welsh League Division One season after the Bulldogs fell to a 1-0 defeat against Afan Lido.

For large portions of this game, Ton Pentre were completely dominant but they failed to cancel out Darren Mills’ 12th minute goal as Afan Lido’s defence managed to withstand the Bulldogs onslaught.

The home team had the better of the opening 10 minutes in this match, without really threatening, but as Ton Pentre were just beginning to find their way, they conceded from a corner kick.

After the corner was swung into the box, Neil Collins was forced into making a save but it was not possible for the Bulldogs goalkeeper to hold on to the ball. Mills was the first to react and with a scruffy finish, Afan Lido’s new striker had provided the home club with a 1-0 lead.

After going behind, Ton Pentre began to ramp up the pressure on their hosts and a foul a few yards outside the Afan Lido box provided the Bulldogs with an excellent opportunity from a free kick.

Both Adam Raymond and Liam Hutchinson were stood over the ball but it was the latter who took the strike and it was hit sweetly. Hutchinson’s shot was on target and goalkeeper Rory McCreesh struggled to hold on to it. The ball slipped through his hands but fortunately for Afan Lido, a corner was conceded rather than a goal.

The resulting corner kick provided Dafydd Brewer with an opportunity at the far post but the defender’s free header was directed just over the crossbar.

Another corner in the 39th minute presented a similar chance at the far post, but on this occasion the ball fell to Hutchinson, who was able to strike with his foot. The shot looked good enough to equalise with McCreesh beaten but the ball continued to rise and it scraped over the bar.

For the first 25 minutes of the second half it was completely one-way traffic as the Bulldogs set up camp in the Afan Lido half of the pitch.

During the 49th minute of play Jaymie Wearn did well to catch up with a loose ball that appeared to be going out play. He crossed for Leon Young who was running into the box from the right wing. Young drilled his shot back across goal but the effort went painstakingly wide of the left post.

Moments later McCreesh was forced into tipping the ball over the bar following a free kick that was swung in from the right. Despite Afan Lido’s creaking defence, the home team were somehow keeping Ton Pentre out.

As the game ticked over into the 75th minute, the Bulldogs were beginning to get desperately frustrated and in piling players forward they were beginning to leave gaps at the back, which allowed Afan Lido several chances to increase their lead.

Having had absolutely nothing to do thus far in the second half, Collins maintained concentration when a loose ball deep inside the Ton Pentre half of the pitch was pounced upon by Afan Lido. The home team attacker lobbed the ball over the Bulldogs goalkeeper but somehow Collins managed to tip the effort over his crossbar for a fine save.

Two minutes later Mills was one-on-one with Collins and after rounding the goalkeeper he somehow sent his shot completely wide of the open goal.

With the action now progressing to the other end of the pitch, Shane Davies took a touch on the edge of the box and began to progress into the 18-yard area. As he did so, the Ton Pentre midfielder was upended on the line of box by an Afan Lido defender. There was no doubt that a foul had been committed but the Referee awarded a free kick instead of what the Bulldogs felt should have been a penalty. The resulting free kick was wasted when it was sent high over the crossbar.

Deep into injury time, Ton Pentre had one final chance to equalise when a ball crossed to the back post found a completely unmarked Ryan Jenkins, who headed towards goal but was unable to keep it on target.

Speaking after the match, manager Dean Morris told RadioTon: “It was very disappointing, we had some good possession and some really good half chances that we didn’t take.”

Captain Leon Young added: “We know we’re good enough to beat teams and we’ve dominated the game today.”

Ton Pentre’s next match is on Wednesday, 27 August 2014 away at AFC Porth. The Rhondda derby match kicks off at 6:30pm.

Ton Pentre - Starting XI: 1. Neil Collins; 2.Leon Young (Captain); 3. Lewis Hydes; 4. Mark Crutch; 5. Ross Porter; 6. Dafydd Brewer; 7. Shane Davies; 8. Thomas Davies; 9. Jaymie Wearn; 10. Liam Hutchinson; 11. Adam Raymond.

Ton Pentre - Substitutes: 12. Ryan Jenkins (for Raymond 77); 14. Ryan Morgan; 15. Leigh Smith; 16. Andre Griffiths (for T Davies 63); 17. Dan Richards (for Hydes 66).

Goals: None

Cautions: Brewer 23; Hutchinson 33

Referee: Daniel Beckett (Llanelli)

 

Saturday 16 August 2014

Llanelli Town 4, Cwmamman United 1

from Alan Evans, Llanelli Town FC

Being tipped by many as potential promotion candidates, the home side made the best possible start with an emphatic win against opponents who themselves narrowly failed to achieve a top three finish at the conclusion of the 2013-14 campaign.

The Reds controlled matters for the entire first half and keeper Craig Richards was barely tested, with Liam Samuel posing an early threat on the visitors goal when he accepted a pass before making ground towards the target but skewed his finish inches wide of the far post.

Another sortie by the hosts saw Ross Jones finding Steve Stone, but this time Mark Snell in the visitors goal was quickly down to smother his effort.

Samuel was causing the Cwmamman defence all sorts of problems with his mazy runs, and when he broke up the right his cross into the goalmouth was diverted clear by Snell but only as far as Richard Lewis, and from his pin-point delivery into the middle, Stone was found unmarked to power a diving header into the net on 20 minutes.

Eight minutes later, the lead was doubled following some great build-up play involving Jones, Samuel and Declan John, and when the latter had his initial shot parried by the keeper, he was on hand to steer home the rebound.

Snell was being kept fully occupied, denying Samuel when John set up the chance, but he had his defence to thank shortly after when a Lewis free kick into the goalmouth eluded him but was hacked off the line.

Another promising move involving Jones and Mark Napierella led to a near post cross which found Bruno Farkuoh, but his connection flashed just off target.

With their two goal interval cushion, the Reds continued to call the shots after the resumption, with Stone sending Farkuoh clear into the box, but Snell did well to close him down and prevent another potential success.

Nathan McNeil had to react quickly to divert a Lewis cross into the area over his own bar with Stone hovering, but when John was forced off injured after 64 minutes to be replaced by Matthew Lloyd, the Reds lost their edge in midfield, allowing their opponents a much greater influence on proceedings.

And the visitors hauled themselves back into contention on 73 minutes when the old Reds failing of poor defending at set pieces manifested itself again when Andrew Bonomi was allowed to meet unchallenged a near post corner from Jack Medwin and glance his header into the net.

This success spurred on Cwmamman, and what had appeared to be a relatively comfortable afternoon became more fraught for the home side who had lost their earlier composure.

However, six minutes from time a Lewis free kick delivered to the edge of the area led to Jamie Evans powering a header back infield where it was met by Lloyd to drive a sweetly struck shot past Snell from 25 yards.

Despite this setback, the visitors retaliated with Richards pulling off a great save to divert for a corner a well directed effort by Mark Lloyd, and when this came across, Jones was in the right place to scramble it off the line.

Having survived this near miss, the Reds finally wrapped up matters on the stroke of full time when Lewis was brought down just outside the box, and Samuel crowned an outstanding individual display by rifling the free kick superbly into the top corner to seal the win and get his side off to a flying start.

Llanelli Town:   Richards; Napierella; Lewis; Jones; Bevan ©;  Evans; Samuel; Shannon; Stone; John (Matthews, 64); Farkuoh; Subs. not used; Bonnell; Martin; Davies.

Cwmamman United: Snell; John (Joshua Medwin, 69); Lloyd-Evans (Jack Medwin, 57); McNeil ©; Stokes; Brown; Spring; Hughes; Bonomi; Shannon (Lloyd, 57); Soroka; Subs. not used; O'Brien; Griffiths.

Scorers: Llanelli Town - Stone, 20; John, 28; Lloyd, 84; Samuel, 90. Cwmamman United - Bonomi, 73.

Yellow cards: Llanelli Town - Lewis; Bevan. Cwmamman United - Shannon; McNeil; Stokes.

Referee: James Shiels (Swansea).

Attendance: 171

 

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