WELSH LEAGUE ROUND-UP

31 October 2005

NEWPORT YMCA and Caerleon both lost and were both scoreless in the Macron Welsh League, Division One, on Saturday. 

YMCA, beaten 1-0 at home by Afan Lido gave a debut to keeper Craig Margetts and he suffered the misfortune of conceding a goal when a shot rebounded from a post, hit him on the back, and went in.

YMCA struggled for the first 30 minutes after a break the week before, but had a penalty appeal turned down when the referee claimed he was unsighted.

In the second half YM captain Martin Phillips was sent off for a second bookable offence and they never threatened after that. 

Caerleon were beaten 2-0 at second-placed Bryntirion, conceding goals in the 80th and 90th minutes, claiming the first one should have been disallowed. 

Caerleon felt they were the better side throughout but failed to convert a few chances, one effort by Jon Seymour disallowed.

Division Two leaders Croesyceiliog won 1-0 at Troedyrhiw to maintain their one point advantage over Pontypridd at the top of the table. 

After two 0-0 scorelines between the sides last season in the Third Division Croesy finally broke the duck when Mark Allcock scored a cracking individual goal after an hour with a 20-yard shot after cutting inside. 

Troedyrhiw had a man sent off after 40 minutes for using an elbow, but with five minutes left Croesy striker Jody Jenkins was dismissed for the third time this season, for showing dissent. 

They now face Welsh  Premier club Caersws away in the Welsh Cup next week in the biggest game in their history without their leading scorer.

Third placed Caldicot drew 2-2 at Gwent rivals Abertillery Excelsior who led 1-0 at the break through a goal by Lee Bull, hitting home from close in, then Caldicot went 2-1 up, both goals scored by right midfielder Gareth Cullimore in five minutes.

The first came from a left cross and the second after confusion in the home goalmouth.

But Abertillery drew level ten minutes from the end, with Bull scoring again from close range, making it four goals in the last two games, but Caldicot ‘keeper James Smallcombe kept the visitors at bay with a string of fine saves. 

Tredegar drew 2-2 at Garden Village in a cracking game. Tredegar went a goal down straight from the kick off, though claiming offside, and the score remained 1-0 at the interval. 

But 17-year-old Paul Reed equalised with a 25-yard screamer, then with just over a minute left Garden Village regained the lead only for Tredegar to draw level seconds later when substitute Ashley Ford, another teenager, scored, also from long range. 

In Division Three unbeaten Llanwern won 4-2 at AFCPorth to move into fourth with games in hand over those above them in the table.Llanwern were without five players, Marcus Power and Kieran Porter, both with Cwmbran, Matthew Currie and Graham Poyner both injured and Ivan Poncak, unavailable. 

Llanwern trailed at the interval, and it could have been more, but a half-time team talk did the trick and a minute into the second half Richard Shier scored from the penalty spot and three more followed in 18 minutes. 

Alex Lee got the second, Mattie Smith hit a 20-yarder for the second and Darren Poultney scored the fourth with another fine shot. 

Chepstow won 2-1 at Blaenrhondda after trailing at the interval. Then Daniel Bailey headed home to equalise and the winner came from a 35-yard shot by Paul Light. 

Treowen drew 1-1 with Ystradgynlais in a basement battle after going a goal behind against the run of play just before the interval, punished for slackness. 

But with a few minutes left Treowen gained a vital equaliser when heavy pressure resulted Dai Stevenson scored from close range.

Risca United gained an outstanding fine 1-0 victory at Newcastle Emlyn, who were leaders going into the match. 

Risca mastered the howling wind and driving rain better. They got their goal after 25 minutes into the wind when Rhys Iles finished off a six-man move hitting home a Rhys Griffiths cross though he had his back to the goal 12 yards out. 

Risca were delighted with 16-year-old youth team goalkeeper Lee Jones who made some great saves when he didn’t know he was playing until the morning of the match when three others cried off. 

Goytre were pipped 2-1 at home by Pentwyn and Cwmbran Celtic lost 1-0 at Cambrian & Clydach.

WELSH LEAGUE PREVIEW

28 October 2005

Caerleon bid to end their dreary away form in the top flight of the Macron Welsh League – and extend their unbeaten Division One run to three games when they visit Bryntirion tomorrow.

Caerleon stand on ten points – all gained at home – and assistant manager Brendan Dowd said: “Hopefully we can build on last week’s excellent performance at home to Dinas Powys (Caerleon drew 0-0 to the second-placed team), everything clicked.”

But they will be missing Craig Joliffe who suffered the recurrence of a left knee injury – but now the problems are at the back of the joint. Dowd added: “He was fine in the first-half but came off early in the second, thinking that it may have been cramp. Perhaps he may have come back too early.”

Central defender Michael Binnings has gone to help Cwmbran Town who are at home to fellow strugglers Caersws in the Welsh Premier League, both teams on nine points, the Crows having a slightly better goal difference.

Newport YMCA, a point better off than Caerleon, take on Afan Lido who are looking to regain their place in the Welsh Premier League following relegation. And after last week’s inactivity the YM can’t wait to get back into action.

Manager Mark Coldrick said: “It was a major kick in the pants losing at AFC Llwydcoed two weeks ago. The boys are champing at the bit, they can’t wait to get back. They were certainly a little over-exuberant in training this week!

“We know it is going to be a test for us, but it is a game we are looking forward to after the 5-4 defeat at Llwydcoed.”

YM have John Pardue and Kristian Avery back in the squad but Darren Beckett, after recently returning from a long-term groin injury, has now suffered an ankle injury.

Chepstow striker Nicky Vassallo is sidelined with a broken thumb and could be out of action for a further two weeks. Vassallo apart, player-manager Chris Lilygreen has a full squad from which to select his side for the trip to Blaenrhondda.

Treowen are immediately above Chepstow, the two clubs having identical records with the former having a marginally better goal difference.

Treowen, who have won two of their last three league matches, entertain bottom team Ystradgynlais, one of two teams in the three divisions without a victory (Pontyclun being the other).

Matthew Hughes has recently returned to the Treowen side after a long-term lay-off with a shoulder injury, missing all of last season and ten games at the end of the previous campaign. Richard Davies, Treowen manager, said: “It will take him a few games to get back into the swing of things.”

Treowen, looking for their first home points, have Dean Randall back in their ranks after moving to Aberbargoed Buds and goalkeeper Anthony Williams has also joined from the Gwent County League outfit.

Llanwern, the only unbeaten side in Division Three, look to make it seven unbeaten games when they travel to AFC Porth. 

Llanwern, Gwent’s lone representative remaining in the league’s Shamrock Travel Cup, have been drawn away to Merthyr Saints in the third round, ties to be be played on January 28. 

Third round (kick-off 1.30pm): Bettws v Pontardawe or Ammanford, Garden Village v Caerau (Ely), Goytre United v UWIC, Maesteg Park v Taffs Well, Merthyr Saints v Llanwern, Morriston v Troedyrhiw, Neath Athletic v Ton Pentre, Penrhiwceiber v Llantwit Fardre. 

Cwmbran Town and Ely Rangers shared the points in a midweek 1-1 draw in the Youth Division (East) while Goytre United defeated Pontypridd 3-0 in the second round of the Shamrock Travel Cup, the tie postponed last Friday because of a waterlogged pitch.

WELSH LEAGUE ROUND-UP

24 October 2005

Llanwern manager Laurence Owen was over the moon after his Macron Welsh League Division Three outfit pulled off a stunning 3-2 win at Division Two table-toppers Croesyceiliog in the second round of the Shamrock Travel Cup.

Croesy, who have lost just once at home before Saturday in just shy of three years, were stunned by a superb performance from Llanwern, who fielded an under-strength side, yet still dominated.

Croesyceiliog took the lead in the first half after a scramble in the Llanwern box, striker Jamie Jenkins tapping home from close range.

However, the Croesy lead didn’t last long before striker Marcus Power, playing alongside recalled target man Gareth Southern, equalised for the visitors.

Llanwern visibly drew in confidence after getting back on level terms, and just minutes later they were ahead on the half-hour mark.

The goal came after great work on the flank from Slovakian winger Ivan Pancak, who beat three players before crossing deep for Power, who rifled home a superb first-time volley that would have made Paulo Di Canio proud.

Buoyed by the goal, Llanwern went in search of a third, but as so often happens they were hit by a sucker-punch on the break, Jenkins again tapping home after a scramble to make it 2-2.

The battle was now on to get a decisive third, and it was that man Power who again did the business for Llanwern, sealing his hat trick a minute before the interval.

Surprisingly, it was Llanwern who looked the most likely to score in the second half, but in the end they settled for 3-2.

Manager Owen said: “It was a brilliant result for us considering that we picked quite a few players who don’t play very often, because I didn’t think we’d get anything from the game.

“However, the lads who came in did superbly, and it gives me a major selection headache for next week, but it’s a nice problem. I certainly can’t forget about these lads now, not after they’ve won at fortress Croesy!”

Treowen were beaten 4-2 by Bettws, although manager Richard Davies was certain as to what cost his side victory – the referee.

A fortunate rebounded free kick had given Bettws the lead on the stroke of half-time after Treowen had dominated, but despite dominating the opening exchanges of the second half, Treowen fell further behind after a hotly disputed penalty.

Manager Davies explains: “Their player went clean through, even though he was offside, before trying to round the ’keeper.

“The linesman gave a corner after the goalkeeper got a touch, but the referee, who was a fair way back, gave a penalty.

“I asked him to speak to his linesman, which he did, and the linesman told him it wasn’t a penalty. The referee came over and told me what the linesman said, but still awarded a penalty even though he didn’t think that our goalie had brought him down. It was utter madness.”

Bettws then stretched their lead to 3-0 before a late rally saw Treowen pull back two goals from Peter Thomas and Gary Evans before Bettws wrapped the game up late on with a fourth.

The other Gwent outfit in cup action were Caldicot, who were well beaten 4-1 at Llantwit Fardre.

In Macron League Division One, Caerleon produced an improved performance to hold Dinas Powys to a 0-0 draw, though manager David Griffiths admits his side need to start winning games.

He explained: “We did really well and produced our best performance for a number of weeks. We were better organised and our goalie only had one save to make.

“We carved out three or four clear chances ourselves and would have loved to have won the game, but at the moment we just can’t score. We do need a win, but for now I’m happy that we are a battling side who pull our socks up when things aren’t going our way.”

In Division Two, Tredegar Town were beaten 3-1 at Garw and manager Rob Ellis admits that his side face a tough battle to stay in the division.

His side took an early lead through Ian Morris, but the experienced campaigner had to go off after 15 minutes with a hamstring injury, and that seemed to change the game.

A defensive error from Tredegar made it 1-1 before they conceded a penalty for 2-1, and Sam Goulding put through his own net for 3-1.

Ellis said: “It looks like a struggle at the moment to stay up, we aren’t the strongest of sides and our confidence is dented.

“However, we are not in the bottom three yet, so if we can get a couple of new faces in then we can improve.”

Ellis is boosted by the return of assistant manager Dave Hill, who is set to re-join the club after a spell abroad.

In the only game in Division Three, Cwmbran Celtic were beaten 2-1 at home by Newcastle Emlyn.

WELSH LEAGUE PREVIEW

21 October 2005

Croesyceiliog bid for their sixth cup success of the season when they entertain Gwent rivals Llanwern in the second round of the Macron Welsh League’s Shamrock Travel Cup tomorrow afternoon.

With a 2-0 midweek win over Goytre they reached the semi-finals of the Gwent Senior Cup, joining Cwmbran, Abertillery Excelsior and the winners of the delayed Risca-Newport tie, abandoned during extra time because of bad light with the teams locked at 2-2.

Michael Pattimore put Croesyceiliog ahead with a stunning 35-yard effort before the break and James Stokes wrapped up the win with a second goal as Croesyceiliog made seven changes from the side surprisingly beaten at home by ENTO Aberaman last week, ending a run of nine straight league and cup wins. However, they still hold top spot with Caldicot, Pontypridd and Aberaman all breathing down their neck, one point behind.

Caldicot go to Third Division Llantwit Fardre in the cup still missing Andrew Wenzel while Will Vers is serving the second of a three-match ban following his dismissal against Garden Village. Caldicot have lost three matches out of 13 – but two have been against Welsh Premier outfit Cwmbran.  And there has been no shortage of goals, failing to hit the net only once and with 25 goals they are joint top scorers in three divisions, alongside Newcastle Emlyn.

Caldicot’s reserves are determined not to be left behind, scoring 23 goals in six league games, topping the Reserve Division (East) following their 3-0 home win over Risca a week ago, Tyrone Tucker (2) and Paul Harris scoring the goals.

Leading the scorers is Wayne Morley who played for Spurs as a junior and Wales at Under-16 level. He has hit the net 11 times, including three penalties and missed out in the Welsh Cup tie with Cwmbran when Neil Windsor took a spot-kick, Morley having been substituted.

Caldicot’s policy of giving local talent a chance is paying off and of their first team squad only Lloyd Stone, a former Newport County player, is a traveller.  John Burrows, secretary, said: “He is from Blackwood and probably travels further than the rest of the squad put together.”

Caerleon, lifted by a win over fellow strugglers Ely Rangers last week, bid for a second successive Division One win at the expense of visitors Dinas Powys, looking to turn the tables after losing 2-0 at the Murch Field.

Gwent play their opening game in the South West Counties Youth (Under-18) Championship tomorrow, away to Berks and Bucks at Abingdon United (kick-off 2.0pm). 

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

Tonight’s games

Macron Welsh League, Shamrock Travel Cup, second round: Goytre United v Pontypridd (7.30pm).  Welsh League, Division One: Briton Ferry v Bryntirion (7.15pm).

WELSH LEAGUE ROUND-UP

17 October 2005

CAERLEON ended a winless run of seven league and cup games and climbed out of the Macron Welsh League First Division bottom two with a vital 2-1 home win over bottom side Ely Rangers on Saturday, writes Paul Tully.

It wasn’t a great game, as might be expected with both teams desperate for points, but Caerleon were thrilled with their success. 

Midfielder Steve Arthur gave them the lead after eight minutes with a 20-yard volley after the ball had been cleared to him following a goalmouth scramble.

The game remained evenly matched until the interval, but Caerleon had the better of the second half after Troy Quarterley gave them breathing space with the second after 47 minutes, curling in a 35-yard free kick which evaded everyone.

The Ely goalkeeper made a fine save from Chris Pearce, and Jamie Hillier was unlucky before Ely replied three minutes from time.

In the same division, Newport YMCA are kicking themselves after surrendering  a 4-1 lead early in the second half to lose 5-4 away to AFC Llwydcoed, slipping from fourth to tenth in a very tight table.

Phil Tranter gave YMCA an early lead with a tap-in from Phil Painter’s cross and made it 2-0 after 25 minutes with a penalty after Chris Egitto had been brought down.

Llwydcoed pulled one back on the half-hour, but YMCA restored their two-goal lead when Egitto skinned a defender to slot home.

Within five minutes of the restart Egitto made it 4-1 and it looked plain sailing, but defensive errors cost YMCA dearly as they took their feet off the throttle, the home side scoring three quick goals to level before hitting a 25-yard winner with five minutes left.

In Division Two Croesyceiliog remain leaders despite suffering their first defeat in ten league and cup games, 2-1, at home to ENTO Aberaman.

Second-placed Caldicot moved within one point of Croesyceiliog with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Garden Village despite having Will Verse sent off 15 minutes from time for kicking an opponent.

Tredegar Town slumped to a crushing 5-0 home defeat by Troedyrhiw, but Abertillery climbed off the bottom with their first league win, a 5-1 success away to bottom-but-one Gwynfi United.

Midfielder Lee Bull struck two 30-yard first-half goals all along the ground, with David Smith grabbing one in between.

Philip Blackmore struck the fourth before the home side replied, and Abertillery wrapped things up when a home defender headed an own goal from a whipped-in cross.

Simon Lewis was strong at the back for Abertillery, who had been playing well despite results and hope to kick on from Saturday.

Treowen won the Division Three Gwent derby away to Chepstow Town, hitting back from a 2-0 deficit inside 15 minutes for a 3-2 win, their second of the campaign.

“I thought our young side showed a lot of character,” said Treowen manager Richard Davies.

Risca twice hit back for first-half equalisers at home to fourth-placed Treharris before losing 5-2.

Rhys Iles scored the first with an 18-yard shot across the ’keeper, and added the second when he latched on to a route one ball and lobbed the goalminder.

But within minutes of the second equaliser Risca conceded a third when a Treharris player struck a punched clearance straight back into the net, and two more goals after the interval sealed Risca’s fate against physical opponents.

WELSH LEAGUE ROUND-UP

10 October 2005

CROESYCEILIOG made it nine straight victories in league and cup and strengthened their position at the top of Macron Welsh League Division Two with a 2-1 win at Porthcawl on Saturday despite a below-par display.

It could so easily have been two points lost, but Jamie Jenkins turned from villain to hero to ensure all three.

Croesy took the lead against the run of play after five minutes when Chris Watkins pounced on a defensive mistake to score.

But a mistake by Jenkins allowed Porthcawl in for the equaliser and the game remained deadlocked until long into overtime, when Jenkins scored his first goal of the season with a spectacular 30-yard free kick.

Croesy missed a lot of chances before Jenkins’ winner, and had to show all their battling qualities to maintain their run, which has put them four points clear at the top of the table.

In the same division second-placed Caldicot were involved in an amazing game with Gwynfi United, winning 8-3 with goals from Wayne Morley (2), Gareth Cullimore, Mark Williams, Andrew Edwards, Ross Lewis, Jason Thorne and an own goal.

Caldicot went 2-0 up before Gwynfi had a player sent off, and immediately after half- time Caldicot scored three in five minutes to lead 5-0.

Amazingly, they then surrendered three quick goals to leave it 5-3 on the hour before an own goal settled their nerves and they went on to score two more (“it should have been ten more,” said manager Jason Pritchard).

Tredegar Town crashed 5-0 away to ENTO Aberaman, but bottom club Abertillery Excelsior’s bad luck continued as they lost 3-2 at home to Caerau Ely despite two headed goals from Richard Langley.

Langley put them ahead after 15 minutes before a deflection enabled Caerau to equalise. They then took the lead after 35 minutes before Langley equalised five minutes later.

Abertillery, with skipper and midfielder Ryan Durham having to play in goal and doing well, were the better team after the interval, boosted by a good win over Tredegar in the Gwent Senior Cup in midweek, but they missed chances and were caught out when they conceded a third with ten minutes to go.

In the First Division Newport YMCA played their best football for weeks to score a 2-1 home win over Taffs Well and jump to fourth in the table with goals by Aaron Stewart and Gregg Blewett.

Stewart scored with a 20-yard strike after a good build-up in the 43rd minute, with Blewett heading in the second half.

Steve Jones then clipped the bar and James Rowberry’s shot hit a post before Taffs Well capitalised on a defensive error with a few minutes to go to set the nerves jangling.

One-from-bottom Caerleon are beginning to wonder where their next win is coming from after losing 1-0 away to Barry, bottom at the start of the day, to make it six league and cup games without a win.

“We had a few players back and expected a point,” said manager David Griffiths, “and were unfortunate not to get one. We hit the bar and missed a couple of chances.”

Barry scored midway through the first half and goalkeeper Fitzroy Hutchinson made a couple of great saves to keep Caerleon in it before a few opportunities flashed across goal in the final ten minutes.

In Division Three Cwmbran Celtic slumped 3-0 at Treharris, but Goytre won 2-1 at home to Ystradgynlais while Llanwern maintained their unbeaten record and jumped into third spot by winning 1-0 with a last-minute goal at Treowen.

“It was a good game,” said Treowen manager Richard Davies, “with few chances and not a lot between the teams. We are a young side and it’s hard to take such a loss when you have played well, but I feel we are getting there.”

Chepstow gained only their second win of the season, but what a good win it was with a 5-2 triumph away to Cwmaman Utd, despite missing a penalty and other chances.

Central midfielder Dan Bailey grabbed a hat trick, the other goals coming from Rory Prettyjohn and player-manager Chris Lilygreen, who came off the bench to score.

Risca United trailed 2-0 against the run of play at half-time at Penrhiwfer when sloppy play, including missing a penalty, cost them.

But they made amends after the interval, with David Hurley pulling a goal back before Rhys Iles equalised from the penalty spot and Rhys Redman headed the winner from a corner.

WELSH LEAGUE PREVIEW

7 October 2005

Croesyceiliog, leading the way in Division Two of the Macron Welsh League, bid for straight win number nine in league and cup matches when they take on Porthcawl tomorrow afternoon. 

Croesyceiliog, promoted last season, took care of previously unbeaten Swansea newcomers West End last week in the Welsh Cup and have been rewarded with a trip to Welsh Premier League club Caersws – their first away tie of the season after four home matches in varying cup competitions.

Their next cup tie is against Goytre in the quarter-finals of the Gwent Senior Cup, a match arranged for Cwmbran Stadium on October 19 (kick-off 7.0pm).

Jody Jenkins is still missing from the Croesyceiliog squad, serving a two-match ban while James Stokes, a late call-up for back injury victim Michael Dewar, will be hoping to keep his place. Michael Pattimore, recovering from a knee injury, played in the reserves who won 2-1 at Treowen with goals from Gareth Jeffries and Andrew Pritchard.

Croesyceiliog have boosted their squad with the signing of defender Paul Brown from Caerleon but he was cup-tied for the West End game.

Croesyceiliog are already looking for a Boxing Day fixture. Secretary Martyn Jones, who is waiting for a reply from Gwent neighbours Tredegar, said: “We played Risca last year on Boxing Day and although we lost over there it was a big success financially for them. If Tredegar don’t agree I won’t give up looking.” 

And off the field, Croesyceiliog have repainted their stand and carried out repairs where vandals have struck.

Jones added: “We are more than pleased with the way things are going – so far so good but, as they say, there is a long way to go. Off the field things are going well and that it is half the battle.

Caerleon have now gone five league and cup games without a win and they will have no better chance of ending their poor run, although they are away to Barry who have fallen on hard times. The former kings of the domestic scene, playing regularly on the European stage, are bottom of the table, playing in exile from the town, and could follow in Abergavenny’s footsteps by spiralling down the pyramid system.

Llanwern bid to extend their unbeaten Division Three record at the expense of home side Treowen Stars who gained their first success of the season last week, winning 1-0 at Seven Sisters and so ending a run of seven league and cup losses and a draw.

In fact, Treowen’s four points have all been gained away from home so perhaps home success is overdue. Llanwern, you have been warned.

Llanwern are still without the injured midfield player Ivan Poncak, recovering from a toe injury received against Goytre two weeks ago. Also absent are midfield player Adrian Evans but returning to the squad are striker Marcus Power, left back Darren Poultney and Graham Poyner, central defender, who has been out of the game for 18 months following a groin operation.

FAW WELSH CUP AND WELSH LEAGUE ROUND-UP

3 October 2005

Welsh League Division One outfit Croesyceiliog are through to the last 32 of the Welsh Cup after a superb 3-2 victory over West End on Saturday. Despite a first-half volley from James Stoke the Gwent outfit were still trailing 2-1 at the break. But two goals in the last 15 minutes from Ricky Coff and Chris Watkins sent them through to round three for the first time in their history.

There wasn’t such good fortune for Newport YMCA, who were beaten 3-2 at Welsh Premier League outfit Port Talbot.

YM looked to be heading for an upset after Phil Tranter put them ahead. But just before the break Port Talbot equalised to send the side into half-time with scores level.

The Gwent side then went back in front through Aaron Stewart. But with 30 minutes to go Louis Walsh was sent off for using foul and abusive language towards the linesman, and Port Talbot took advantage of the extra man scoring two late goals to go through.

Risca were comprehensively beaten at full-time Premier outfit Llanelli, losing 8-2 to the West Walians.

They were 4-0 down at the break, but David Palmer and substitute Chris Watson gave them some hope before fitness told and Llanelli put the game to bed.

In Welsh League Division One, Caerleon were soundly beaten 6-1 at Neath. And to make a bad day worse the team’s minibus broke down on the way home, meaning the players had to hitch a lift home while the management waited for the recovery truck to arrive.

The scores had been level at one stage, with Craig Jollisse scoring for the Gwent side, but with several players missing, Neath soon took control of the game to record a comprehensive victory.

In Welsh League Division Two Merthyr Saints beat Gwent side Abertillery 5-1. Keith Williams described the performance as “flat in all departments”, and a “stark contrast from last week’s cup victory against Newport YMCA”. David Smith scored a consolation goal for his side, with ’keeper Mark Barnett man of the match despite his side’s defeat.

Tredegar recorded a fine victory over Porthcawl, winning 3-0, with goals coming from Ashley Ford and second-half strikes through Lloyd Davies and an Ian Morris penalty.

In Welsh League Division Three, Chepstow suffered a disappointing defeat against fellow Gwent side Goytre. Chris Lilygreen admitted his side made too many mistakes and paid the price.

Lee Grimes made it 1-0 to Goytre, with Daniel Bailey equalising. But Adam Roberts made it 2-1 and again Chepstow equalised, this time through Jack Swift. However, with 15 minutes to go goals from Graham Mason and Kevin Berry gave Goytre all three points.

Cwmbran Celtic recorded a comprehensive victory against Penrhiwfer.  Two first-half headers from Ben Graham and Matthew Caldwell gave them a comfortable lead at the break, and a second-half free kick from Shane Williamson secured all three points.

Llanwern came from 1-0 down to win 2-1. They conceded a first-half penalty, but after a half-time rollicking from manager Lawrence Owen, came out for the second half with all guns blazing.

Richard Shire got them back into the game, lobbing the ’keeper with a header, and then with 20 minutes to go Alex Lee curled a 20-yard free kick into the back of the net via the crossbar. Llanwern remain unbeaten this season.

Treowen travelled to Seven Sisters and came away with a deserved 1-0 victory thanks to a 75th-minute  Peter Owen penalty.