WELSH LEAGUE ROUND-UP

28 November 2005

LLANWERN moved into second place in the Macron Welsh League Third Division on Saturday when they took advantage of being involved in the only game played in the division to grab a 2-0 win away to Gwent rivals Cwmbran Celtic. 

Llanwern, beaten just once in 11 league games this season, controlled most of the game but might have struggled to hang on to all three points had Celtic not missed a second-half penalty and had a goal disallowed.

Nevertheless, Celtic secretary Malcolm Jarrett acknowledged: “Llanwern were probably the best side we’ve played this season. They were in charge in the first half but I thought it was even-stevens in the second half.” 

Llanwern manager Laurence Owen commented: “I don’t think Cwmbran created anything in the first half and though they tried to play football we were always in control.” 

“The penalty could have got them back into it, but we created a lot more chances and I was very pleased ahead of some tough matches coming up.”

Striker Steve Perszewski, a recent signing from Newport side Christchurch, scored his second goal in two starts to put Llanwern ahead after 15 minutes. 

Matthew Curry beat two players and crossed and when Perszewski’s header came back to him off a defender he volleyed home.  erszewski also played a role in Llanwern’s second ten minutes later, crossing for central midfielder Richard Shier to lose his marker at the far post and volley into the corner. 

Celtic hit back in the second half and when Llanwern centre back Graham Poyner conceded a 70th-minute penalty Mark Parfitt should have reduced the arrears, but blasted high and wide. 

After that it was fairly even, though young Celtic goalkeeper Rob Watkins, a recent signing from the Cwmbran Academy, had to make the more important saves. 

Llanwern were without injured Carl Baugh and Paul Foster, who was at a wedding in Scotland, but in the absence of the first-choice centre backs, Poyner and skipper Greg Taylor were superb.

Two games were played in Division two and Croesyceiliog got back to form with a 4-0 home win over struggling Cardiff Corinthians to move from sixth to third on goal difference behind second-placed Pontypridd, with Caldicot still top. 

Croesy were without suspended trio Chris Watkins, their top scorer, Jody Jenkins and Gareth Wilmott, who will all be back next week, and had to change formation, but were never in danger.“Although we had quality players out, the win will make them sit up and realise they have got to get their act together,” said manager Chris Evans. 

“We ended with nine men at Garw the previous week and could have won had all 11 players stayed on the pitch.” 

Adi Pearce put Croesy ahead after seven minutes when he headed in a long throw from Jamie Jenkins, and Croesy went two up after 35 minutes when James Stokes beat the full back and sent a right-foot shot into the corner. 

Pearce grabbed his second on the hour, heading in a Jenkins free kick before substitute Michael Dewar buttoned things up after 75 minutes when he poked in from a goalmouth scramble. 

The Croesy pitch was commended by the referee for the excellent condition it was in, testimony to pre-season drainage work.

Croesy face two important games in the next fortnight, against bottom club Pontyclun and second-placed title chasers Pontypridd, when further victories will cement their promotion challenge.

But against Pontypridd (December 10) they will be without four players on a stag weekend. 

Caerleon remain three from bottom in Division One after a 2-0 home defeat by runaway table-toppers Neath Athletic, but there was nothing between the sides to suggest such a gulf in league position. 

“It was the usual story,” said Caerleon assistant manager Brendon Dowd. “We were not dominated but made two mistakes and conceded two goals while we did not take the chances which fell our way.”

Neath took the lead after 55 minutes after Caerleon lost possession, and 15 minutes later a defensive error cost them a second, though Dowd admitted, “they were two good finishes”.

Caerleon might have equalised immediately after Neath had scored their first, for they went straight up the other end of the pitch, only for Chris Pearce’s lob to hit the bar. 

The games postponed involving Gwent clubs because of snow or frost-bound pitches were: Division One – Bridgend Town v Newport YMCA; Division Two – Ammanford v Caldicot Town, Morriston Town v Abertillery; Tredegar Town v Pontyclun; Division Three – Blaenrhondda v Goytre, Newcastle Emlyn v Chepstow Town, Risca United v Seven Sisters, Treowen v Cwmamman United. 

WELSH LEAGUE PREVIEW

25 November 2005

Caerleon look to improve on a run of four games without a win – two of them drawn – against table-toppers Neath Athletic in the Macron Welsh League First Division at their Cold Bath Road ground tomorrow afternoon. 

They face a Neath side who have suffered one defeat in their last 14 league matches and who top the table by nine points from Rhondda club Ton Pentre. 

Caerleon go into the game without central midfield player Paul Shepherd, who is serving a one-match ban, and central defender Michael Binning, who remains with Cwmbran. 

Brendan Dowd, Caerleon assistant manager, said: “If we can cut out the individual errors which are costing us dear, we can get back to the goalless draws and maybe then sneak a few wins.

“We are sitting down and analysing where we are going wrong – and we will get there, even if it does takes us a little bit more time.” 

Newport YMCA are going through a similar tough time, one point from their last four league games, and travel to Bridgend looking to bring an end to the bleak run.  

Caldicot, Division Two leaders, look to maintain their one-point lead at the top, away to Ammanford, with manager Jason Pritchard just a little concerned about their away form. 

They’ve lost once on their travels – at Croesyceiliog – but have drawn the last three. Pritchard said: “The away form is lacking a little but I think that is down to the fact that we have a young side and have been a little naive at times. 

“When the season began we never expected to be where we are now. If we can reach Christmas still in this position it would be an unbelievable achievement.” 

And a small word of warning for Caldicot – Ammanford have won their last two league games, something they had not previously achieved this season.

Caldicot are missing the experienced Wayne Morley, recovering from a fractured shoulder, an injury suffered in training, and former Newport County player Lloyd Stone who has missed the last four league games with a knee injury.

Risca, who gave a good account of themselves away to Newport County in the Gwent Senior Cup on Wednesday, seek to continue their Third Division climb at the expense of visitors Seven Sisters who are immediately above them on goal difference, both teams locked on 16 points. 

Risca, who went down 4-2 against County after pulling back a two-goal deficit, have played only four of their dozen league matches at home, losing only to Treharris (beaten 5-2). Michael Colcombe, Risca player-manager, said: “This is a game we need to win.” 

Llanwern make the short journey to local rivals Cwmbran Celtic. Llanwern, after toppling leaders Newcastle Emlyn last week, are without three players. Carl Baugh, who limped off, still has not recovered from a calf strain and Ivan Poncak is still struggling with a toe injury  and has been unable to train while Baugh’s replacement at centre-half, Paul Foster, is attending a wedding in Scotland. 

Laurence Owen, Llanwern manager, said: “Once again it gives me the chance to fully utilise my squad for what will be a very tough game.”

WELSH LEAGUE ROUND-UP

21 November 2005

David Lloyd came to Caldicot Town’s rescue in their home game against Morriston in the Macron Welsh League, Division Two on Saturday, scoring a last-gasp winner which took them into top position.

Caldicot took over from unbeaten Pontypridd Town, who were held to a home draw by ENTO Aberaman. 

But it’s tight at the top, with one point covering the top three – Caldicot on 24 points, with Pontypridd and Garw breathing down their neck.  

And for good measure, Caldicot rule the roost in the Reserve Division (East), leading by seven points from Newport YMCA. Caldicot won 4-0 at Dinas Powys on Saturday. 

Jason Pritchard, Caldicot manager, said: “It was a poor game, neither side deserving to win. It was probably the worst we have played this season and we would have settled for a point.

“But I have to admit everything is hunky-dory at the moment, but to get three points was daylight robbery and we will play better and get nothing.” 

The crucial goal was created by substitute Paul Harris, who beat a couple of players on the right and pulled the ball back for Lloyd to score. 

Pritchard added: “Assistant manager Simon Wetter played very well at centre-half and explains why we kept our first clean sheet for quite a few games.”

Croesyceiliog, beaten 2-1 at Garw, have slipped to sixth place, five points separating the top seven teams. But Croesyceiliog finished with nine men following the dismissals of Gareth Wilmott and Chris Watkins, and to make matters worse Garw hit the winner in the closing seconds of the match. 

Croesyceiliog fell behind, but Jamie Jenkins equalised with a stunning free kick, making the score 1-1 at the break. 

Tredegar Town scored a vital away win over fellow Division Two strugglers Cardiff Corries, and manager Rob Ellis said: “It was a very good win and it was nice to get three points. This was a big result for us.” It ended a run of five league games without a victory. 

Ian Morris headed Tredegar in front from Sam Goulding’s corner, and 15 minutes from the end substitute Ashley Ford replaced Goulding and headed a second, giving Tredegar a two-point advantage over the Radyr-based club.

Abertillery, one win in ten league games, went down 3-0, trailing by one goal at the break, at home to Penrhiwceiber, and remain one place off the bottom, a place held by Pontyclun. 

Newport YMCA ended a run of three First Division defeats by figuring in a goalless home draw against Dinas Powys, and manager Mark Coldrick was more than happy. He explained: “We stopped the rot and hopefully we can build on that.

“We have conceded too many goals and we had to get back to basics. The defence was solid and that’s something I haven’t said on too many occasions this season.” 

YM gave a full debut to Luke Ash, a signing made from Albion Rovers. Coldrick added: “He has been out with an ankle injury but hopefully he is over it, and although he missed a couple of chances I was pleased with his performance. We have been missing up front since Lewis Sommers made the move to Merthyr.

“I was disappointed not to have got the three points because our ’keeper didn’t have a save to make, and although we’ve lost five games we are not far off the top six.” 

Caerleon went down 4-1 – after striker Chris Pearce had ended his goal drought, putting them in front. Brendan Dowd, assistant manager, said: “They were not four goals better and we were well on top after scoring.

“But individual errors, two in each half, cost us, and that was the difference between the two sides.” 

Llanwern toppled Third Division leaders Newcastle Emlyn 3-0, and manager Laurence Owen declared: “It was an excellent win. I changed things around a little after losing the previous week and we played much better.”

Llanwern were lifted by a fifth-minute goal from Marcus Power, who displayed clinical finishing, but a couple of minutes later Llanwern suffered a blow when central defender Carl Baugh limped off and Paul Foster took his place and turned in an excellent performance. 

Alex Lee (wide right) and Matthew Currie on the opposite flank caused all sorts of problems for the visitors and Llanwern made an excellent start to the second period, Matt Smith put them two ahead. Richard Shier scored Llanwern’s third from the penalty spot after substitute Keiron Porter had been fouled three minutes from the end.

Risca’s leading scorer, Rhys Iles, struck in time added on to give his side a 3-2 away victory over Llantwit Fardre. And the match-winner was set up by player-manager Mike Colcombe. He came on as a substitute for the injured Russell Scott, who suffered a cut shin. From Colcombe’s throw-in on the left, Lee Phillips

headed on at the near post for 18-year-old Iles to finish off.  And it was Iles who gave Risca a flying start, scoring after eight minutes, and Andy Gay, recently returned from injury, scored a second. However, Risca lost their way, allowing the home side right back into the game, Iles coming to the rescue with his late, late close-range header.

Shane Williamson was a player in form, scoring a 26-minute hat trick which paved the way for Cwmbran Celtic to score a 4-1 away win over Seven Sisters, their third successive league win, lifting them into sixth place. Rhys Dalgleish completed the success.

Malcolm Jarrett, Celtic secretary, said: “The run came just at the right time because we were hovering just above the relegation area.” 

Chepstow’s home game with Treharris was called off because of fog, and Chris Lilygreen, Chepstow manager, said: “The referee held on for a while to see if the visibility improved but his move to call it off was a good decision – although it was good enough for us to hold a training session.”  

Goals from 17-year-old Lee Mason and Nathan Beer gave Croesyceiliog a 2-0 home win over Caerau (Ely) in the Reserve Division (East). In-form Mason scored four times two weeks ago against Ely Rangers.

WELSH LEAGUE PREVIEW

18 November 2005

Newport YMCA, looking to end a run of three First Division defeats by the odd goal, could lose Martin Phillips who may be the latest player taking the well-worn path to rebuilding Cwmbran Town.

YM, who have conceded nine goals in those three matches, are at home to Dinas Powys who lost 2-0 at Ton Pentre in midweek. 

Caerleon, who journey to the Rhondda for a meeting with Ton Pentre, would probably give good money for a goal. They’ve only scored once in their last five league outings and in the abandoned game with Pontardawe – the curtain came down after 43 minutes – they were also goalless. 

Brendan Dowd, Caerleon assistant manager, said: “We are defending soundly and the defensive side of our midfield play is good – but we need to improve in attack.  

“We had three good scoring chances in the last 15 minutes or so against Briton Ferry (goalless draw) last Saturday. And probably, with a little more confidence, we could have scored with one of them. The good thing is that we were attacking in the final 15 minutes whereas we were usually defending.”

Paul Shepherd, midfield player, and defender Glen Willis are both absent while Michael Binning is, once again, expected to be with Cwmbran. 

Caldicot, second in Division Two and beaten once in 11 outings, bid to keep the pressure on leaders Pontypridd, by getting the better of Morriston at home. And just a point behind Caldicot are Croesyceiliog, with two games in hand, and they face a tough challenge, away to Garw who are just behind them on goal difference. Garw, after a decidedly shaky start to the season, have won their last six league matches. 

Llanwern, after losing their first league match last week, beaten at Treharris, take on Division Three leaders Newcastle Emlyn. 

Caldicot Town have four players in the Gwent County squad to meet Guernsey at Tredegar Town ground tomorrow afternoon (kick-off 2.0pm) in the South West Counties Youth Championship. The quartet are goalkeeper Craig Brimble along with Ben Miles, Mathew Addis and Joseph Martin. 

This is Gwent’s second game in the competition, losing 4-0 in the opening match away to Berks and Bucks. Their next game will be against Somerset at Clevedon on December 1. 

Gwent: Craig Brimble (Caldicot Town), Lee Jones (Risca United), Chris Fortescue (Undy Athletic), Daniel Baugh (Clydach Wasps), Joe Heard and Lewis Clark (Abertillery Bluebirds), Michael Cleaves (Monmouth Town), Geraint Glastonbury (Abercarn United), Thomas Lowndes (Undy Athletic), Matthew Haile (Abertillery), Craig Ford (Newport County), James Price (Tredegar Town), Ben Miles, Joseph Martin and Matthew Addis (Caldicot Town), Aaron Davies (Mardy). 

Fixture, Tonight Macron Welsh League, Division One: Afan Lido v Bridgend Town (kick-off 7.15pm).

WELSH LEAGUE ROUND-UP

14 November 2005

TREOWEN Stars took pride of place among the Gwent sides in the Macron Welsh League this weekend with a thrilling 2-1 home win over Pentwyn Dynamo in Division Three.

Treowen began the game three off the bottom with just two wins from ten games while their opponents were second on goal difference.

But Treowen triumphed through goals by Dave Stephenson and Dean Randall, though the former’s claiming both as the second went in off his backside.

“We played really, really well,” said manager Richard Davies.  “We have been playing quite a few youth team players and though it was felt they were not really ready at the start we are reaping the benefits now.”

Two of them, striker Luke Evans and defender Chris Osment, were superb.

Treowen had to overcome the loss of last-minute absentee goalkeeper Lee Williams, defender Mark Lewis, who had not played for a couple of seasons, volunteering for the position.

He made one superb point-blank save early in the second half – “one I’d have been proud of in my prime,” praised Davies.

Treowen trailed 1-0 after ten minutes but striker Stephenson equalised after 25 minutes before the winner five minutes later.

In the same division Llanwern suffered their first league defeat and only their second defeat in eleven league and cup games with a 2-0 loss at Treharris, but remain fourth to Treharris’ fifth.

“It’s a postage stamp of a pitch and though we should have been able to adapt, we didn’t,” said manager Laurence Owen.

Llanwern were without injured Graham Poyner and star Slovakian Ivan Poncak, working, but Owen felt Poncak would not have found the pitch suitable.

“They scored a good goal after five minutes, an angled shot across goal from the edge of the box, and the second from a weak back pass from us,” said Owen.

“We didn’t create enough chances but perhaps it’s the wake-up call we need ahead of our game against (leaders) Newcastle Emlyn next week.”

Risca did well only to lose 2-1 at second-placed Cambrian and Clydach, beaten by a disputed penalty for a shirt tug only the referee saw two minutes from time.

Risca trailed 1-0 at half time (it might have been two or three) when joint manager Michael Colcombe sent on defender Rhys Redman to pick up the home team’s surging runs from midfield.

The move worked as Risca looked sharper and midfielder Neil Jones, who did well along with Russell Scott, equalised after a fine build up, firing Lee Phillips’ lay-off into the top corner.But then came the penalty sickener.

Cwmbran Celtic followed up their 3-0 win over Risca with another important win, 1-0 at home to Llantwit Fardre which moved them up to eighth spot.

It was a battling display rather than a pretty win, Mark Haynes grabbing the only goal after 70 minutes. It came from a fine move, however, Nicky Villars laying the ball off to Shane Williamson whose cross was tapped in from six yards by Haynes.

Both Chepstow Town’s scheduled game at Penrhiwfer and Goytre’s game at Cwmamman United were postponed because of waterlogged pitches.

In Division One Caerleon missed the opportunity to move up a few places from their current 15th spot by being held to a 0-0 draw at home by bottom-but-one Briton Ferry.

It was the fourth time in their last five completed league games they had failed to score, something they must remedy if they are to climb away from the relegation zone.

“We are going in the right direction. We have lost only one of our last four games and are not conceding goals,” said assistant manager Brendan Dowd, “but we can’t buy a goal at the moment. We created three good chances at the death but didn’t take them.”

Newport YMCA remain 13th after a 3-2 loss away to UWIC, now fifth.

YM, who did not play the previous week, were a bit rusty at the start and fell behind after twenty minutes from a corner, perhaps distracted by Greg Blewitt dislocating his shoulder seconds earlier.

Aaron Stewart equalised just before half time but YM trailed again when their goalkeeper missed a cross and UWIC headed in at the far post.

YM gambled by making changes and throwing a third player up front and were rewarded when Chris Egitto wrong-footed the goalkeeper to score at the near post after 75 minutes.

But four minutes later UWIC grabbed the winner after YM failed to take several opportunities to clear.

In Division Two, Caldicot slipped off the top into second place as a result of their 1-1 draw at mid-table Penrhiwceiber, Pontypridd going above them after their 1-0 win at Porthcawl.

Caldicot trailed 1-0 at the interval, but striker Mark Williams equalised before Jason Thorne was unlucky when his shot came back off the inside of a post.

Caldicot were without ex Bristol Rovers striker Paul Harris, who had scored the previous week, and former Spurs apprentice Wayne Morley, scorer of eleven goals, who chipped a bone in his shoulder in training.

Tredegar remain two off the bottom after suffering a 3-1 home defeat against  Garw, who moved up to fourth. Manager Rob Ellis felt they deserved a draw after they had led until just before the interval through a Paul Reed goal.

They were the better side in the second half and had a shot cleared off the line which would have put them 2-1 ahead, only for Garw to break straight upfield to themselves lead 2-1 before clinching it with a goal five minutes from time.

The game between Garden Village and second-placed Croesyceiliog was postponed.

WELSH LEAGUE PREVIEW

11 November 2005

Caerleon’s Craig Joliffe visits a specialist on Monday to try to establish the extent of the knee injury which is keeping him on the sidelines. 

David Griffiths, Caerleon manager, said: “It is the same leg which he broke and it seems that fluid is building on the knee.”

Caerleon are at home to Briton Ferry on Saturday and Griffiths added: “I know it’s an old cliché but even at this stage of the season it is a six-pointer because the sides below us have games in hand.” 

Caerleon, who have failed to score in three of their last four completed Macron Welsh League, Division One, matches, are missing Joliffe’s skills and Griffiths added: “Our last two and a half performances (last week’s match at Pontardawe was abandoned just before half-time) have been encouraging and we seem to have settled down. The side is playing well but we have to start scoring goals.” 

Striker Chris Pearce, after a bright and breezy start to the season, is going through a lean time, although he was on the mark for Cwmbran’s under-21 team in their midweek draw with Rhayader.

Central defender Michael Binning could be with Cwmbran Town, giving them a helping hand in their hour of need. Griffiths added: “He is likely to be on the bench with us so it would be more beneficial if he were playing with Cwmbran.” 

Newport YMCA, away to UWIC, are looking for a return to winning ways after suffering two successive league defeats before last week’s game at Bettws was called off. 

Croesyceiliog, level on 21 points with Division Two leaders Caldicot who have a much better goal difference, make the long trek west to Garden Village and face a test of character after their Welsh Cup defeat against Welsh Premier League club Caersws.

Jody Jenkins, serving the second of a three-match ban, remains out of the reckoning but defender Michael Pattimore, who also missed the Caersws match because of work, is expected to be available.

Chris Evans, Croesyceiliog joint manager, said: “I think if both had been available it would have made all the difference to us, but the team did very well and deserve to put us back on track tomorrow.” 

Caldicot are also on the road and their trip to Penrhiwceiber could be equally demanding. 

Llanwern, unbeaten in Division Three, face their most searching test of the season – away to Treharris who just missed the promotion boat last season. Llanwern have lost once in ten league and cup ties – to top flight Goytre United in the Welsh Cup. 

Llanwern’s recent arrival, Graham Poyner, may be missing with a groin strain, the Newport side finishing with ten men in the 4-0 home win over Penrhiwfer last week. 

Laurence Owen, Llanwern manager, explained: “We had used our three substitutes when Graham had to go off and he could be out for a week or two.” 

Llanwern are awaiting a decision from flu victim Richard Shier while Ivan Poncak could be working. 

Risca face an equally demanding task, travelling to new arrivals Cambrian and Clydach who occupy third place.

WELSH LEAGUE/WELSH CUP ROUND-UP

7 November 2005

Brave Croesyceiliog were sunk by Welsh Premier League club Caersws in the last ten minutes of their Welsh Cup third-round tie. 

Croesyceiliog, the Macron Welsh League Division Two side, went down 3-1 – but not before they had rocked the Mid Wales outfit by taking the lead through James Stokes, an advantage they held at half-time. 

Pat O’Hagan, the Croesyceiliog goalkeeper with European experience, was outstanding as he tried to help the visitors gain a shock success. 

Martyn Jones, Croesyceiliog secretary, said: “Caersws deserved their win but we did not disgrace ourselves – and that was important to us. We were disappointed to have lost but overall the best team won.” 

Ambitious Croesyceiliog, who have ultimate designs on a place in the Welsh Premier League, were impressed with the facilities and hospitality at Caersws, and Jones added: “When we saw their facilities it made us realise just how far we have to go. We are nowhere near their standards but we will keep plugging away. We are learning all the time.” 

Abertillery Excelsior were on the right road for victory – that was until Andrew Davies got his marching orders for striking out an opponent just before the interval when his side led through a David Smith goal. 

Abertillery lost their way in the second half as visitors Garden Village made the extra player count, travelling home with a 3-1 Division Two victory. 

Jason Morgan, Abertillery manager, said: “We looked comfortable with a 1-0 lead but in the second half the extra man made all the difference.” 

Abertillery have only Pontyclun below them in Division Two, while at the other end of the table are Caldicot Town, on 21 points with Croesyceiliog but holding a much better goal difference. Caldicot had a 3-2 home win over Merthyr Saints but it should have been much more comfortable. 

Caldicot took a two-goal lead and manager Jason Pritchard said: “We played very well in the first half and should have held a four-goal lead at the break and really no-one would have argued.

“They pulled it back to 2-1 but we made it 3-1 and then conceded a silly second goal. We then had to defend for our lives and were lucky – but it would have been daylight robbery had we lost. If anyone had offered us top place in the table after ten games we would have snapped their hands off.” 

Caldicot’s goals came from midfield player Ross Lewis, Paul Harris and Gareth Cullimore. 

Llanwern maintained their unbeaten Division Three record with a 4-0 home win over Penrhiwfer. Fourth-placed Llanwern are two points adrift of top two Newcastle Emlyn and Pentwyn Dynamo with four games in hand, and a point behind Cambrian and Clydach with two games in hand. 

Gareth Southan gave them an early lead and soon Richard Shier added a second with a header from Alex Lee’s corner and then Lee got the third before the break with a left-foot shot. Lee made way for new signing Steve Perszewski, from Welsh Autoparts Gwent County League club Christchurch Hamdden, who crowned his debut by finishing off a perfect through ball from Matthew Currie. 

Laurence Owen, Llanwern manager, said: “Steve did well in his first game and he was lively up front, but we created numerous chances throughout the game and their ’keeper was outstanding.

“But while we are well placed in the table we have to keep our feet on the ground. We have a tough month ahead with matches against Treharris, Newcastle Emlyn, Cwmbran Celtic and Risca.” 

Cwmbran Celtic gained a 3-0 home win over Risca, all the goals scored in the final ten minutes, Rhys Dalgleish scoring twice, with one from Mark Haynes. Risca were caught out when chasing an equaliser, and secretary Stuart Luckwell said: “I think they were flattered by the three-goal win. A draw would have been fair.” 

Chepstow Town suffered another home defeat, beaten 2-1 by AFC Porth, Dominic Connor scoring for the home side. Chris Lilygreen, Chepstow manager, said: “I felt we were the better side and should have been ahead in the first half. But we made silly mistakes and were punished. However, we are a young side and are still learning, sometimes the hard way.” 

Goytre came back from a two-goal deficit to gain a 2-2 home draw against Cambrian and Clydach, whose Kevin Kelland pounced on a third-minute error and Rob Taylor added a second for the visitors.

Goytre staged a second-half recovery, Lee Grimes sparking a revival, and 15 minutes from time Steve Collett equalised from a free kick. 

Before Goytre scored goalkeeper Richard Minor, replacing the suspended Ryan Mackerness, made two excellent saves which gave Goytre hope of salvaging something from the game. 

In Division One, Newport YMCA’s game at Bettws was postponed because of a waterlogged pitch, while Caerleon’s match at Pontardawe was abandoned at the break, the game goalless.

Caldicot also lead in the Reserve Division (East), despite losing 3-2 at Caerleon with goals from Tyrone Tucker and Will Vers. It was Caldicot’s first setback as James Bubella struck the winner after goals by Tyrone Gibbs and Dave Reynolds. 

Chris Wilson scored twice and Matthew Noble once as Risca defeated Grange Quins 3-2. 

Cwmbran Town and Risca were due to meet yesterday in the second round of the Welsh Youth Cup but, as in the previous week, the match fell victim to the weather.

WELSH LEAGUE/WELSH CUP PREVIEW

4 November 2005

Sean Wharton, new Cwmbran Town manager, has given neighbours Croesyceiliog a helping hand in their quest for Welsh Cup glory tomorrow.

The table-topping Macron Welsh League, Division Two team travel to Welsh Premier League outfit Caersws who drew with the Crows last week, and Wharton has given Croesyceiliog the lowdown on the mid-Wales club. 

Chris Evans, Croesyceiliog’s joint manager, is dancing with delight at the help he has received as his club prepare for the biggest game in their history. 

However, Croesyceiliog go into the tie without potent front-runner Jody Jenkins following his third dismissal of the season last week, sent packing after getting two cautions in the impressive league win at Troedyrhiw, resulting in a three-match ban. 

Evans said: “Sean has given me a run down on the Caersws side so hopefully we can take on board what he has said. We will enjoy the occasion but we will also give it everything we have got. 

“If we can get things right we will give them a really good game. We have a side with a blend of experience – players who have appeared on the European stage with Cwmbran and Barry Town – and youngsters we have brought into the team. But they are all well known local players which helps us with support. 

“We will show them respect but with our record I think they will show us a little bit of respect.” 

Croesyceiliog top Division Two, a point ahead of unbeaten Pontypridd. They have lost one cup tie, a surprise home defeat by Third Division Llanwern in the Shamrock Travel Cup. 

Ambitious Croesyceiliog have a dream of achieving Welsh Premier League status and Evans added: “That is our aim and if it were not then certain players would not be with us and if you do not have standards to achieve then you are in danger of falling backwards. 

“We get good crowds and we want to be the best side in Gwent. If you do not have ambition, then what do you do? It is our aim to improve facilities, in fact everything we can to improve the club. You have to keep planning.”

Michael Binning returns from Cwmbran – playing in the Welsh Cup – to Caerleon for their difficult First Division game at Pontardawe. Binning cannot play for the Crows because he is cup-tied. 

David Griffiths, Caerleon manager, back from a holiday, said: “Brendan (Dowd) and Lee (Relish) said the performances while I’ve been away were really encouraging and we have to build on that.”  

Newport YMCA are also on the road, travelling to Neath, the two Gwent sides looking to recover from defeats suffered last week.

Caldicot, third in Division Two, can take over at the top – if they overcome visitors Merthyr Saints. That would be cause for a small celebration because their second string are top of the Reserve Division (East) and look to keep their unbeaten record at the expense of home team Caerleon.

Tonight’s fixtures.

FA Cup, first round: Merthyr Tydfil v Walsall (kick-off 7.45pm). 

Welsh Cup, third round: Port Talbot v Bryntirion. 

Macron Welsh League, Division One: Taffs Well v Bridgend Town (kick-off 7.15pm).