WELSH PREMIER TIMES 2014-15 Issue 32/Rhif 32 20/01/15 Jack Frost hits Phase One endgame With everything geared up to an exciting climax of the first phase of the Welsh Premier League season it was a massive disappointment when the weather intervened. Four of Sunday’s five matches were called off, including two of the three crucial 6th place deciders, by either snow or frost or both. The matches have now been re-arranged (see column right) and the Phase Two fixtures being provisionally released. The ’seeding’ has been arranged using the table as it stood on Sunday evening. Once the matches involving Carmarthen and Newtown have been completed the full fixture list will be released on Wednesday morning. A Welsh Premier Times special listing the new fixtures and confirmed dates will be sent out as soon as possible. RE-ARRANGED MATCHES Following the postponements on Sunday, the postponed matches have been re-scheduled as follows: Tuesday 20th January gap Connah’s Quay v Newtown AFC The New Saints v Carmarthen Town Rhyl FC v Airbus UK Broughton Saturday 24th January Cefn Druids v Bangor City If any of Tuesday’s matches are called off then they will, bar the TNS match, be played on Saturday Are synthetic pitches the way forward? A view by blogger Mark Pitman Recently the Corbett Sports Welsh Premier League defied its seasonal expectancy by serving-up a highly-entertaining fixture between Newtown and Rhyl in the early weeks of January. A time of year notorious for barely playable pitches and inevitable postponements, the match not only went ahead, but proved to be a great advert for the quality of football that the domestic top-flight can produce when the conditions are right. Despite the lack of freak clement weather, January did little to interfere with the ability of the players performing infront of the live S4/C cameras, and all that was different in this fixture compared to many others at this time of year was the fact that it was played on Newtown’s superb new 3G surface. In fact, the surface played a crucial role in allowing Neil Mitchell to score the only goal of the game to hand Newtown a much-needed three points in their push for a top-six place at the time of the mid-season split, and his well-taken strike is already a serious contender for one of the goals of the Welsh Premier League season. The installation of artificial surfaces in the Welsh Premier League has been a topic of debate since the champions and current league leaders The New Saints moved to Park Hall in 2007. Despite being criticised by purists at the time, there has been a growing acceptance that installing and utilising an artificial surface is the only way for clubs in the national league to run as viable businesses, and last summer both Newtown and Airbus UK Broughton followed suit. Go to page 4 Official Newsletter of the Corbett Sports Welsh Premier League Cylchgrawn Swyddogol Uwchgynghrair Corbett Sports Cymru THIS WEEK’S LEAGUE FIXTURES Tuesday 20th January Rhyl FC v Airbus UK Broughton 20:00 Last six encounters 25/11/06 4 0 28/09/07 04/04/09 26/01/10 14/09/13 17/02/14 2 1 2 2 2 1 0 1 2 0 Andy Moran 38' Lee Hunt 63' Mark Phillips 70'(og) Dave Cameron 79' Andy Moran 7' 84'(p) Matty Williams 38' Matty Williams 36'(p) Rob Turner 78' Jason Oswell 26' Ryan Astles 72' Danny Hughes 84' Paul McManus 86'(p) - 411 James McIntosh 38' Ryan Edwards 22'(p) Glenn Rule 7' Lewis Short 45' - 504 426 284 469 579 Away wins 0 Draws 2 Goal aggregate 16 – 5 Home Team DLWLDLDDDD Away Team DWWLDDLLLW Assistants: L R Edwards & P Thomas 4th Official: I Griffith (TBC) Home wins 6 CURRENT FORM Referee: B.J James gap Connah’s Quay v Newtown AFC 19:45 Last six encounters 07/09/07 1 1 Tom Baker 61' 29/11/08 3 3 05/12/09 16/11/12 20/04/13 3 2 0 1 1 2 Peter Doran 14' 25' Adam Dickenson 79' Mike Hayes 25' Chris Herbert 64' Stuart Scheuber 75' Robert Jones 49' Rhys Healy 61' - 08/11/13 0 4 - Home wins 8 CURRENT FORM Referee: S L Evans Away wins Home Team Assistants: Craig Moses 68' Mark Griffiths 1' Gavin Cadwallader 4' Craig Williams 89'(p) 203 Obi Anoruo 27' Luke Boundford 7' Matthew Hearsey 14' Craig Williams 26' Matthew Hearsey 23' Jeff White 55' Andy Jones 68' Craig Williams 81' 145 196 327 128 176 8 Draws 5 Goal aggregate 31 – 35 DLLLLDWWDLL Away Team WLDDDLDWLL P Roszkowski & G Vaughan 4th Official: M Petch The New Saints v Carmarthen Town ` 19:45 Last six encounters 11/09/10 7 0 08/10/11 24/11/12 4 0 0 3 30/03/13 28/09/13 3 6 0 0 15/03/14 4 0 Alex Darlington 19'57' Scott Ruscoe 26'52' Matty Williams 12' Dale Griffiths 24'(og) Matt Berkeley 66' Matty Williams 8' 55' Greg Draper 45' Chris Seargeant 69' Scott Ruscoe 36' Michael Wilde 64' 74' Chris Jones 7' Sam Finley 13' 14' 17' Matthew Williams 36' Greg Draper 78' Mike Wilde 4' Matthew Williams 25' Sam Finley 30' Greg Draper 90'+1 - 289 Paul Fowler 3' Nicky Palmer 18' Liam Thomas 74' - 223 227 - 203 312 234 Home wins 14 Away wins 4 Draws 2 Goal aggregate 62 – 21 CURRENT FORM Home Team WWWDWDDWWW Away Team DLLWWWLWLD Referee: B Markham-Jones Assistants: J Bryant & L Edwards 4th Official: R Jenkins Saturday 24th January Cefn Druids v Bangor City 14:30 Last six encounters 24/09/04 0 4 - 18/11/05 06/02/07 22/01/08 31/03/09 28/08/09 2 0 1 1 0 2 3 6 0 1 Ian Andrews 10' Mark Hobson 18' Geraint Lewis 52' Kevin Holsgrove 47' - Home wins 2 CURRENT FORM Referee: K Hames Paul Roberts 23' 73' Owain Jones 13' Clayton Blackmore 68' Carl Lamb 5' Paul Roberts 24' Ashley Stott 45' Steve Wynne 69' Mark Smyth 79' Ashlet Stott 9' 18' 33' 66' Chris Seargeant 29' Les Davies 40' Jamie Reed 76' Away wins 8 Draws 1 Goal aggregate 11 – 32 Home Team LWLLDWLWLL Away Team LDLLWLLLW Assistants: D M Beckett & E J King 4th Official: R J Stewart 272 154 153 198 149 252 Sunday 25th January Match Officials: Referee: M S Whitby Assistants: D H Morgan & P Roszkowski 4th Official: M Petch Wednesday 28th January Bala Town v gap Connah’s Quay 19:45 Last six encounters 05/04/10 02/02/13 2 3 2 6 Ross Jefferies 11' Ben Alston 64'(og) Lewis Codling 24' Lee Hunt 71'(p) Stuart Jones 90'+2 27/04/13 13/12/13 1 7 0 0 14/03/14 2 0 Mark Connolly 89' Ryan Valentine 39' Mark Connolly 48' 54' Ian Sheridan 57' 66' Kieran Smith 65' Lewis Codling 89' Mark Connolly 18' 31' Mike Hayes 62' Sam McNutt 70' Ben Collins 18'(og) Ryan Edwards 41' Mike Hayes 48' 63' 69' 82' - Away wins Home Team 1 Draws DWLLWWWW 1 Goal aggregate 15 – 8 Away Team LLDDWWDLDL Welsh Premier Womens League Cup Friday 23rd January Sunday 25th January Port Talbot Town v PILCS FC Swansea City v Cardiff Metropolitan Welsh Premier Development League Tuesday 20th January Wednesday 21st January Sunday 25th January gap Connah’s Quay v Conwy Borough Rhyl FC v Llandudno FC Aberystwyth Town v Cefn Druids Bangor City v Conwy Borough Airbus UK Broughton v Flint Town United gap Connah’s Quay v The New Saints P-P Bala Town v Prestatyn Town Llandudno FC v Newtown AFC SUSPENSIONS Player None since last issue Club 177 236 161 Only five WPL meetings between the clubs Home wins 3 CURRENT FORM Referee: es 252 209 Suspended for from Synthetic pitches the way forward? – from front page A quarter of the clubs competing in the twelve-club league now play on artificial surfaces, and with the support of the Football Association of Wales, it is likely that the figure will increase to as many as six clubs in the next couple of years. There are a number of challenges associated in making the change, one of the most significant for most part-time clubs is adapting to the demands of running a full-time business, but with sponsorship money and public support in short supply, there is increasingly little alternative but to ditch the traditions of grass in the grass-roots game. But Newtown (below) showed the rest of the country last weekend that it should no longer be considered to be a negative switch. The match was an excellent advert for the national league and for the broadcasters it proved to be an inspired choice for the time of year. The quality of the league is rarely mentioned in a positive light by those on the outside looking in via S4/C on a Sunday afternoon, but Newtown’s latest victory did little harm in helping to buck that particular trend. Playing surfaces have been a major headache for players and managers in the Welsh Premier League since 1992, but the opportunity to showcase individual ability is growing as the number of artificial surfaces increases. In addition, there are improving playing surface standards at clubs that continue to play on grass, and while Bangor City’s results this season remain an overwhelming disappointment, they can boast one of the best grass pitches in the top-flight. The Welsh Premier League has to contend with regular negativity from both the Welsh football public and press, but perceptions are changing, and it is crucial for all those involved in the league to work together and collectively market the league in a positive light. Refereeing standards and the current fixture format remain issues of frustration for fans, players and managers, but significant time and money is invested into improving the first of these concerns, and it is widely-hoped that a solution can soon be found to fixture repetition through a change to a more traditional and increased league format. The current financial climate has naturally made things difficult for the competing clubs, and it seems increasingly inevitable that grass surfaces will eventually be in the minority as more and more clubs in the feeder leagues also look at the opportunities that a 3G pitch can provide. In the meantime, S4/C have a responsibility to ensure that the best product possible is showcased for the mutual benefit of all stakeholders concerned. Last weekend proved that fixtures at Newtown, Airbus UK Broughton and The New Saints are without doubt the best options during January and February, while Bangor City should provide a suitable surface in the latter stages of the calendar year. In less than a fortnight, the final of theWord Cup will take place at Newtown as The New Saints take on Bala Town, and it will be the first major final in Wales to be played on an artificial surface. Both teams have the players that can impress when the conditions are right, and with the playing surface already assured, the match could prove to be yet another positive step forward for the profile of the Welsh Premier League. The Daily Post journalist Dave Jones commented on the matter on his blog: An increase 3G pitches at Welsh football grounds has sparked many an interesting debate. Traditionalists say football has always been played on grass and always should be. Supporters of artificial surfaces believe they are the future – a permanent solution to the problem of muddy pitches and endless postponements. Personally, I have always been on the side of the former argument. Whatever the winter months throw at us, we always get through. Playing on different types of surfaces over an August to May campaign tests teams to the full and ensures worthy champions are crowned. I have also had too many conversations with footballers, amateur and professional, who claim plastic pitches can shorten careers as they are bad for the joints. Mel Thomas, WPT editor, added: “Clearly there are arguments for both sides. The traditionalists will point to the frost implications for both surfaces as witnessed on Sunday. However the perhaps subtle differences are that when Park Hall and The Airfield defrost play will be possible. Will it be true for Deeside Stadium on Tuesday when the snow and ice melts? Will it leave a waterlogged pitch? Will further rain compound that? “In my (humble) opinion artificial pitches have to be the way forward. Anything that allows matches to go on in prime surface conditions in the current and foreseeable Welsh climate must be taken on board. Playing on quagmires will not improve playing standards, the reputation of the League….or club finances!” CLUB NEWS ABERYSTWYTH TOWN www.atfc.org.uk Job completed by an "Outstanding group of players" For the first time since the league format changed, Aberystwyth Town find themselves in the Top Six after amassing 42 points from their 22 games to date this term. With this term’s first target met, manager Ian Hughes was quick to heap praise on the special group of players that he has at his disposal in the dressing room. “I’m extremely proud of the players. If you’d have asked me at the start of the season if we’d have 42 points on the board at this stage I’d have said no. Our target was 1.5 points a game, which would have given us 33 points and guaranteed us top six. They’ve been outstanding, I can’t speak highly enough of them. People have played when they shouldn’t have. People have played with niggling injuries. We went to Carmarthen a couple of weeks ago and four of them had the flu and they still played and won the game and this is testament to them. The togetherness we’ve got in the dressing room is important to us. They don’t want to let themselves down or their teammates down and that makes us stronger. The players we’ve got put a shift in week, week out and I can’t fault that.” Town finished the first phase of the league with a 3-1 victory over Prestatyn on Saturday with goals from Craig Williams, Geoff Kellaway and European Golden Boot winner Chris Venables in front of a home crowd of 549. “It was a bit of a strange game really. We went 1-0 down through a sloppy goal, we worked our way back into the game and created a couple of chances before they went down to 10 men. Chris Venables has scored a good goal to bring it back to 1-1 by half time. I always thought we’d have too much for them second half and that’s what happened” Venables has been touting the attention of national and international press after his goal scoring exploits were honoured this week but Hughes is pleased that he has marksmen all over the park as shown by having three different scorers on the charts. “Craig Williams got the goal he deserved, Venables scored again and Geoff Kellaway chipped in with a goal even though he reckons he tried it but I’m not too sure. The more goal scorers you’ve got on the pitch, the more unpredictable you are to the opposition and we have goals all over the pitch.” The Seasiders now face a gap before their next fixture as they wait for their rivals to complete their fixtures with just a Welsh Cup game away at Holywell marked in at the moment. Hughes is looking to use this time to refine the work of his side before the assault on second place begins in earnest. “We’ll train in the meantime to make sure we’re right and obviously I’ll be busy on the phone to other players and other managers because ideally we need another couple of players in. I’ll speak to the chairman to see if there’s any movement there”” AIRBUS UK BROUGHTON www.airbusfc.com THREE players from the Airbus UK Broughton academy have been called-up for a training camp by the Wales Under-18 Academies Representative Squad. Goalkeeper Keighan Jones, who has already made a substitute appearance in the FAW Welsh Cup, is joined by Eddie Speed, son of late Wales manager Gary, and George Rathbone. "The call-ups are well-deserved for the hard work they have put in since they arrived at the club," says academy director Lee Starkey. "It is a great achievement for the club as we would probably have had four players named but for an injury to Rhys Jones. "It follows on from last year's success when we had Zyaac and Noah Edwards, Myles Hart and Aaron Hassall in the squad and hopefully these three players will also earn a call-up when the final squad is named." This article is courtesy of www.airbus fc.com, the Airbus UK Broughton FC website. BALA TOWN www.balatownfc.co.uk Dan Dascalu and Cai Parry called up to Wales U18 Academy Squad! It has been announced that Bala´s Dan Dascalu and Cai Parry have both been called up to attend a Training Camp for Welsh U18´s Academy Representative Squad. The camp will take place on 7th and 8th February, 2015 with two international fixtures taking place very soon. This follows both players being called up to the training camp in December. Congratulations to Cai and Dan on their call-ups! Llongyfarchiadau hogiau! Hannah Gwenllian BANGOR CITY No news this week www.bangorcity.com CARMARTHEN TOWN www.carmarthentownafc.com Carmathen Town manager, Mark Aizlewood, speaking prior to the last round of Welsh Premier League matches before the mid-season split conceded that his players could not have achieved more having obtained thirty-one points with one game left. "Everybody knows we will get nothing at our away fixture against The New Saints and we will finish with those points. "It is impossible for any Welsh Premier League team to win at Park Hall for a variety of reasons: They have the best players, they have the biggest budget and they have the best manager. Aizlewood added: "My players have been magnificent throughout the first phase of the season and have definitely overachieved to date. Our thirty-one points,which every year has been enough for top six qualification, won't be enough this time around. My target from the Chairman for this season was to "keep the team in the league" following last season's problems with the pitch which resulted in us losing seven players and absorbing a substantial budget cut for this year whilst the club attempts to re-build finances. “I fully expect Port Talbot Town and Newtown to get the required results on Sunday and would like to congratulate them on achieving a top six place which is the golden ticket to guaranteed play-off participation that everybody strives to achieve." CEFN DRUIDS www.cefndruidsafc.co.uk No news this week gap CONNAH’S QUAY www.the-nomads.co.uk The Nomads are pleased to announce the signing of 22 year old midfielder Jamie Crowther. Crowther arrives at Deeside Stadium from Vanarama Conference North side, Barrow AFC. Jamie began his career with home town club, Wrexham, and although he picked up Wales U18 honours, never made a first team appearance for the side before moving to Cefn Druids, Stalybridge Celtic and Bangor City. Whilst at Bangor, Jamie featured in their Europa League squad in 2012 before joining Colwyn Bay before joining Barrow in May 2014. Jamie joins The Nomads following international clearance and will be available for Sunday’s clash with Newtown, where he will be wearing the number four shirt. On Crowther’s arrival, Assistant Manager Jay Catton said “Jay is a 22 year old box to box midfielder. He has fantastic energy and enthusiasm for the game and will be a major signing for ourselves. At such a young age, he has already achieved so much, being Player of the Season at Colwyn Bay in the Conference North before earning a move to Barrow where we have signed him from.” Catton continued “After meeting him last week, he shared our vision and ideas with regards to training and play which was great. When his first question is ‘Can I do extra sessions with the scholarship players in the week as well as train with the first team?’ you know you have a good signing with drive and desire which fits the mould of player we are after.” The Nomads are pleased to confirm that Ryan Fraughan has joined the Club on loan until the end of the season. The 23-year-old midfielder joins The Nomads from TNS, where he has made 49(+15) appearances, scoring 12 goals in the process. Fraughan joined NS from Stockport County in 2012, having had previous experience at Yeovil Town, Tranmere Rovers and Aberystwyth Town. Jay Catton commented on Fraughan's arrival, saying "Ryan is an unbelievably talented player who, on the ball, is exciting and has fantastic quality. He is a proven winner at TNS, being a big part of them winning the league over last few seasons. After an injury at the start of season he has struggled to regain his place in the side and when the opportunity came to bring him in, we grabbed it with both hands. He will continue to train full time with TNS as well as ourselves which along with Steve Evans gives us another full time professional in the ranks. After meeting Ryan this week, he is really keen to be with ourselves and chose us over number of other Welsh Premier clubs. We wish Ryan all the best during his time with us and he will be in the squad Sunday against Newtown." Ryan will wear the number 16 shirt during his time at Deeside. NEWTOWN AFC www.newtownafc.co.uk The Welsh Cup tie involving Newtown's trip to The Recreation Ground, Caersws was mouth-watering for local football supporters with the two sides having been kept apart since the Welsh Premier League re-structured a few years ago. Always intense, but very friendly local derbies, the games have always attracted excellent crowds. Last week, the FAW announced that the S4C broadcaster had chosen the tie to be its feature of the 4th round games, and will now switch to the Sunday for a 12.45pm KO. The FAW advised Newtown officials that Caersws FC have reported several changes they have made to fixtures to ensure the match has the best possible chance to go ahead on Sunday 8th February. Its Cymru Alliance game scheduled for 31st January has been brought forward to the Tuesday before, and three Reserve team games have been postponed. The pitch will clearly be a major factor with Newtown renowned for playing the ball on the floor and liking a quality playing surface. Hats off to Caersws FC officials for making the effort to ensure the match gets the best chance. At Latham Park, the focus will be on last year's defeat against Holywell Town where the pitch was a huge factor in affecting the performance of the Robins. That will have to be put to one side now, and Manager, Chris Hughes was upbeat when he heard today's news, saying, "The players will have their focus moved away from pitch conditions and shifted onto their normal pre-match preparation. We know this is a big game for both clubs, as we know from our league performances against the top WPL clubs we can progress in this competition. The match is expected to produce a hefty crowd, with 1000+ a possibility, although perhaps the Sunday factor and the live TV coverage might reduce attendance slightly. Newtown heroes lately, Neil Mitchell and Dave Jones, both of whom had earlier spells with The Robins, were both signed from Caersws and will expect a noisy reception from the local supporters. Ex-Robin, Steve Blenkinsop is in free scoring form for the Bluebirds and will be sure to be a threat on the day.. PORT TALBOT TOWN www.porttalbottown.co.uk Port Talbot Town can confirm that Huw Lloyd has been appointed as the club’s new assistant manager to Bernard McNally. Huw Lloyd returns to the GenQuip Stadium as assistant manager for a second spell, formerly serving during ex-manager Wayne Davies’ tenure at the club. Lloyd, who was also formerly the club’s Academy Director, is a well-respected A-Licence coach having also worked within the Swansea City development set-up and as a coaching mentor for the Welsh Football Trust. Speaking on his appointment, Bernard McNally believes Huw Lloyd’s arrival is a major boost to the club. “I’m delighted that we’ve got Huw Lloyd on board as my assistant,” he said. “He’s someone to fill that gap regarding that A-Licence badge as well as myself as a Pro-Licence coach, but more than that Huw has a lot of history with the club and is very well-known in the locality as well as his time with Swansea City. “He more than ticks the box – I met him for the first time on Wednesday night and I think that Huw will have a crucial part to play on Sunday and for the rest of the season.” Huw Lloyd will take to the dugout for the first time in Sunday’s decisive game against Bala Town. PRESTATYN TOWN www.ptfconline.co.uk Town boss Neil Gibson again praised his young side’s performance at Aberystwyth “The lads were absolutely superb - they worked their socks off for the first thirty minutes with eleven v eleven we were the better team we deservedly to be in the lead. “At one nil thought we had done the hard work and laid the foundations playing into the wind to go in at half time one nil up and then come out in the second half with the wind behind us I could only see one winner really. “Then we have the decision of Jordan being sent off has had a hard impact on the game for us and the lads continued to work just as hard after that, but unfortunately it was not quite our day and we deserved far more from that game than we got.” On Friday 23rd Of January we will be playing a Wrexham Xi at Bastion Gardens kick off is 7.30pm Tony O’Reilly RHYL FC www.rhylfc.co.uk On loan from Wrexham, Former Peterborough United and Wolves youth forward Regan Carthey joins the Lilywhites on loan from Wrexham for the rest of the season. Manager Strong is still in talks with other new players who will add strength to the team for the remainder of the season. Greg Stones Interview Setting records and holding silverware aloft became synonymous of Greg Stones when at Rhyl FC - a history-maker who has battled for Rhyl on foreign soil in countries such as Latvia, Norway Lithuania and Serbia. The summer of 2005 proved the most poignant of them all, as the Lilywhites became only the second ever Welsh Premier League side to win a European tie by defeating FK Atlantas 2-1 at Belle Vue. In the second leg Stones scored Rhyl's firstever goal outside of Great Britain as John Hulse's men advanced to the UEFA Cup 2nd qualifying round, where Roy Hodgson's Viking FK awaited. Signing permanently from Prestatyn Town, Stones is striving for further success in his third-spell with Rhyl FC, a reunion that delights the 32 year-old: “A few things are happening at Prestatyn, it is a club full of genuine honest lads and I wish them well for the future. I've been in contact with Strongy (Greg Strong) ever since we played together so it was a banker of a move to come to Rhyl.” Sandwiched in-between his departure in 2010 and return in 2014, all aspects of Rhyl Football Club has undergone major transition. Yet the club has maintained its ardent vociferous fan base as Stones appreciates the Lilywhites faithful: “I'm at a different stage of my career now but Rhyl remains a superb club with fantastic fans. I recognise a lot of faces but there is now a young crop of fans which is great to see." Despite enjoying fruitful years in a Rhyl shirt, Stones is now playing in a different environment. A trying campaign that has conjured up just two home wins in all competitions against Bangor City and Goytre United. Greg Strong and his players are consigned to the bottom six in the Welsh Premier League as Stones, formerly of FC United of Manchester, is confident that the team can have a prosperous climax to the season: “I echo everyone's frustrations about our lack of goals but in recent weeks we have created lots of opportunities, if we weren't I'd be worried. “As a team we need to be more clinical. But I think with our capabilities we can finish in seventh place and contest for the Europa League play-offs, on top of that we're aiming for a good cup run in the Welsh Cup.” Silky and assured in possession Stones is a reference point in midfield orchestrating attacks with a variety of passing as his young team-mates hone in on his experience: “I've spoken to Strongy, and Brewie (Jamie Brewerton) about pushing the team upwards. We all know how this league works and what it takes to win matches. The sooner we convert draws into wins the better. But I am always on hand to guide the younger lads and use my experience to help out.” Following a two year absence from Welsh football, Stones signed for Prestatyn Town in the summer of 2012 to participate in the clubs most successful era. Seven years on from Rhyl's Welsh Cup Final victory over Bangor City Stones repeated the feat at the same venue against the same opponent to claim Prestatyn's first-ever Welsh Cup. “A Europa League berth followed as Town overcame Liepajas Metalurgs of Latvia 4-3 on penalties on their European debut, before being resoundingly beaten in the next round 8-0 on aggregate against Croatian side HNK Rijeka. While Stones is proud of his accomplishments with Prestatyn, they differed to what he achieved with Rhyl: “Both triumphs were very special but at Rhyl there is that expectancy to win trophies whereas historically Prestatyn have never been competing at the top end of the table for trophies and making regular European appearances. So to see it through their eyes was something interesting and nice as well, it offers another perspective.” When pressed to determine what his greatest highlight in a Rhyl FC shirt is the six foot four inch defender nostalgically mentions plentiful of noteworthy memories: “Winning the Welsh Cup Final (2006) against Bangor at Wrexham and, being a part of the team that won the 2009 Welsh Premier League. Our European ties like playing against Partizan Belgrade, winning out in Lithuania and the sight of 300 armed guards surrounding the pitch as their fans begin to invade the pitch. I've lots of happy memories with Rhyl, I've been very successful here and I want to be even more successful with the club again.” Judging Greg Stones CV do not be surprised if his winning streak helps churn out another honour with Rhyl FC. Interview by Nick Bollen THE NEW SAINTS FC No news this week. www.tnsfc.co.uk SCORECARD League 14/01/2015 Bala Town Bangor City 3 0 Lee Hunt 12' 75' Ian Sheridan 60' - Bala Town 1. Ashley Morris, 2. Ryan Valentine, 3. Sean Smith, 15. Will Bell, 6. Conall Murtagh, 7. Mark Connolly, 8. Mark Jones (17. Stephen Brown 72'), 14. Rob Pearson, 10. Ian Sheridan (19. Cai Parry 72'), 9. Mike Hayes (11. Kieran Smith 57'), 18. Lee Hunt Subs not used: 23. Craig Vernon (gk), 28. Wade Muscart, 16. Tony Davies, 24. Kyle Parle Red Cards: None Yellow Cards: None Attendance: 152 Referee: Bangor City 27. Connor Roberts, 2. Declan Walker, 17. Sam Hart, 3. Chris Roberts, 6. Anthony Miley, 20. Ryan Edwards (4. Michael Johnston 77'), 18. Lee Healey, 15. Callum Morris, 9. Les Davies, 8. Liam Caddick (10. Jamie Petrie 65'), 11. Sion Edwards Subs not used: 13. Gethin Roberts, 25. Shaun Cavanagh, 16. Sam Faulkner, 7. Chris Jones, 24. Phil Warrington Red Cards: None Yellow Cards: Morris 69' Iwan Griffith 17/01/2015 Aberystwyth Town Prestatyn Town Chris Venables 34' Craig Williams 63' Geoff Kellaway 69’ Michael Pritchard 7' 3 1 Aberystwyth Town 1. Mike Lewis, 2. Chris Davies, 18. Ryan Batley, 5. Stuart Jones, 12. Sion James, 4. Antonio Corbisiero (3. Cledan Davies 46'), 7. Geoff Kellaway, 8. Luke Sherbon, 9. Mark Jones, 10. Chris Venables, 11. Craig Williams Subs not used: 13. Philip Draper (gk), 16. Wyn Thomas Red Cards: Yellow Cards: None Williams 41' Kellaway 66' Venables 86' Attendance: 549 Referee: Prestatyn Town 26. Scott Williams, 4. Dave Hayes, 5. Ross Weaver, 3. Jack Lewis, 7. Michael Parker, 14. Dale Lee (19. Zyaac Edwards 55'), 12 . James Stead (2. Tom Kemp 61'), 16. Michael Pritchard, 18. Jordan Davies, 9. Andy Parkinson, 11. Ross Stephens Subs not used: 27. Ben Maher, 24. Ryan Dean, 28. Noah Edwards, 4. Connor Shackleton, 15. Rhys Lewis Red Cards: Davies 27' Pritchard 90'+1 Yellow Cards: Davies 17' & 27' Z.Edwards 57' Lee Evans 18/01/2015 Cefn Druids Bangor City gap Connah’s Quay Newtown AFC Port Talbot Town Bala Town P P P P 4 3 Match postponed due to frost Now Saturday 24th at 14:30 Match postponed due to snow Now Tuesday 20th at 19:45 Martin Rose 2' 82' Chad Bond 53' Corey Thomas 80' Lee Hunt 67' Mark Connolly 79' Mark Jones 88' Port Talbot Town 13. Steven Cann, 2. Corey Thomas, 3. James Parry, 4. Ashley Evans, 22. Daniel Sheehan, 6. Lee Surman, 18. Chad Bond, 10. Luke Bowen, 8. Liam McCreesh, 9. Martin Rose, 7. Chris Jones (16. Casey Thomas 86') Subs not used: 1. Conah McFenton (gk), 12. Leigh De Vulgt, 26. Rhys Griffiths, 14. Kieran Lewis, 20. Keiran Williams, 17. Kostya Georgievsky Red Cards: None Yellow Cards: Evans 37' Bowen 90' Attendance: 287 Referee: Rhyl FC Airbus UK Broughton The New Saints FC Carmarthen Town Bala Town 1. Ashley Morris, 2. Ryan Valentine, 3. Sean Smith, 5. David Artell (8. Mark Jones 62'), 15. Will Bell, 6. Conall Murtagh, 7. Mark Connolly, 14. Rob Pearson, 10. Ian Sheridan, 11. Kieran Smith, 18. Lee Hunt Subs not used: 23. Craig Vernon (gk), 17. Stephen Brown, 9. Mike Hayes Red Cards: None Yellow Cards: Artell 37' K.Smith 53' Nick Pratt P P P P Match postponed due to snow New date to be arranged Match postponed due to frost Now Tuesday 20th at 19:45 WELSH PREMIER LEAGUE TABLE P W D Home L F A W D Away L F A Pts G.Diff The New Saints FC 21 7 3 0 25 5 9 2 0 36 11 53 45 Aberystwyth Town 22 7 3 1 26 15 5 3 3 23 20 42 14 Bala Town 21 7 1 2 30 11 6 1 4 17 16 41 20 Airbus UK Broughton 21 8 1 2 28 11 3 3 4 11 10 37 18 Port Talbot Town 22 8 1 2 25 12 2 2 7 15 21 33 7 Carmarthen Town 21 5 2 4 15 15 4 2 4 16 22 31 -6 Newtown AFC 21 6 1 4 25 20 2 4 4 12 16 29 1 Rhyl FC 21 1 6 3 12 16 4 1 6 10 18 22 -12 Cefn Druids 21 3 1 6 10 21 3 2 6 17 24 21 -18 gap Connah’s Quay 20 2 3 5 11 20 2 4 4 12 17 19 -14 Bangor City 21 1 3 7 10 24 2 1 7 11 22 13 -25 Prestatyn Town 22 3 2 6 16 25 0 2 9 15 36 13 -30 Clubs in green have qualified for the Championship Conference; Clubs in red will be in the Play-off Conference Welsh Premier Womens League 18/01/2015 Cardiff Metropolitan Newcastle Emlyn Cwmbran Celtic Aberystwyth Town Llandudno FC Port Talbot Town Swansea City Cardiff City Wrexham FC Rhyl & Prestatyn FC Match postponed Match postponed due to waterlogged pitch 0 1 0 1 Sian Scannell 46' Alicia Davies 14' Match postponed due to frost Welsh Premier Womens League Table Cardiff Metropolitan PILCS Cardiff City Swansea City Cwmbran Celtic Wrexham FC Port Talbot Town Llandudno FC Rhyl & Prestatyn FC Newcastle Emlyn Aberystwyth Town P W D Home L F A W 12 11 13 11 11 10 12 13 11 12 12 5 6 4 5 3 3 2 3 2 3 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 1 2 0 1 5 4 3 5 30 30 28 25 13 11 11 12 10 16 2 0 4 12 5 7 4 6 16 13 13 23 6 3 4 2 2 2 2 1 2 0 0 D 1 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 Away L 0 2 1 1 3 4 5 4 3 6 7 F 30 12 11 8 18 5 4 6 5 2 2 A 5 12 9 5 19 17 16 11 21 26 47 Pts 34 27 25 23 16 16 14 12 12 9 0 G.Diff 55 26 18 23 5 -5 -7 -9 -19 -21 -66 Welsh Premier Development League 18/01/2015 Conwy Borough Bala Town Flint Town United Aberystwyth Town Prestatyn Town Bangor City The New Saints FC Airbus UK Broughton Match postponed 4 2 1 2 Jamie Hayes 15' Lewis Jones 50' Alex Peters 85' Jake Murphy 89' Jamie Butler 81' Josh Price 87' Ben Cawley 89' Rhys Cooper 45' Liam Walker 83' Match postponed due to frost Welsh Premier Development League table The New Saints FC Airbus UK Broughton Bala Town gap Connahs Quay Rhyl FC Bangor City Conwy Borough Llandudno FC Prestatyn Town Cefn Druids Flint Town United Newtown AFC Aberystwyth Town P W D Home L F A 12 11 12 12 11 14 12 10 14 12 13 12 13 6 5 5 3 3 3 3 2 3 2 2 3 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 3 0 1 0 1 1 3 3 4 5 2 4 4 3 41 27 25 26 15 28 11 21 18 12 20 23 11 4 6 3 7 12 12 12 18 21 13 23 33 16 W 5 4 3 5 4 4 1 2 1 1 1 0 0 D 1 1 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 Away L 0 0 2 2 2 4 3 2 5 5 5 5 6 F 21 21 19 24 18 20 9 11 10 6 6 6 9 A 10 5 14 12 21 13 27 16 30 24 33 33 40 Pts 34 28 26 25 22 21 14 12 12 11 10 9 6 G.Diff 48 37 27 31 0 23 -19 -2 -23 -19 -30 -37 -36 THE LAST WORD by Gwyn Derfel This week has begun with a mixture of disappointment, pride and gratitude. Sunday was supposed to be a fantastic showcase for the Corbett Sports WPL with three teams trying to claim the final two top six spots simultaneously. The S4C cameras and satellites were all in place at Port Talbot, Connah’s Quay and Park Hall but unfortunately the weather gods decided to intervene. I really felt sorry for all of the clubs and supporters involved because there’s nothing like that feeling you get in the pit of your stomach on the morning of a big match-day and to have those games postponed is hugely frustrating. The match at the GenQuip went ahead of course and for the second week running the standard of football was something that all clubs in our league should be proud of. Port Talbot claimed their place in the top half of the table in this seven goal thriller but Bala must also take great credit for the part that they played in this memorable match. One of the few drawbacks of our league structure is the relative lack of flexibility that it offers when it comes to concluding the first phase of the season. When the adverse weather coincides with the final week of the opening phase then options are limited when it comes to re-arranging matches. I would like to openly thank the club officials who co-operated to ensure that the key postponed matches were re-arranged to be played within 48 hours. Not everyone was happy with the arrangements or the decision – but the manner things were discussed and ultimately accepted was a credit to those individuals and their clubs. Let’s hope that Sunday’s Word Cup Final is another good advert for Welsh Football. On the evidence of the recent live matches served up on S4C – I have a feeling that we’re in for another treat. Y GAIR OLAF gan Gwyn Derfel Mae’r wythnos hon wedi dechrau’n gymysg oll i gyd o siom, balchder a diolch. ‘Roedd ddydd Sul i fod yn gyfle gwych i hyrwyddo’n Cynghrair ymhellach wrth i dri thîm frwydro am y ddau safle olaf yn y chwech uchaf. ‘Roedd camerau Sgorio’n barod i ddarlledu’n fyw o’r tri maes perthnasol ond yn anffodus ‘roedd gan y duwiau tywydd gynlluniau eraill. ‘Ro’n i’n teimlo i’r byw dros y clybiau a’u cefnogwyr oedd wedi edrych ymlaen at y gemau allweddol hyn. ‘Does yna ddim unrhyw deimlad fel y cyffro yng ngwaelod eich stumog ar fore gêm fawr ac mae hwnnw’n cael ei gipio gennych pan fo’ch gêm yn cael ei gohirio. Chwaraewyd yr ornest ar y GenQuip wrth gwrs ac mae’n rhaid llongyfarch Port Talbot – nid yn unig am hawlio’u lle yn y chwech uchaf – ond am safon eu perfformiad hefyd. Am yr ail wythnos o’r bron cafodd gwylwyr S4C wledd o adloniant o’n Cynghrair Cenedlaethol ac mae’n rhaid i’r Bala gymryd talp sylweddol o glod am eu rhan yn y gêm hynod gofiadwy hon. Un o ychydig ddiffygion system ein Cynghrair yw’r diffyg hyblygrwydd pan ddaw hi at wythnos olaf y cyfnod cyntaf. Pan fydd y tywydd yn amharu ar y gemau mae’r opsiynau’n brin pan ddaw hi’n fater o aildrefnu. Hoffwn ddiolch yn agored a diffuant i swyddogion y clybiau hynny a effeithiwyd dros y Sul. Gyda’u cydweithrediad ‘rydym wedi llwyddo sicrhau bod y gemau allweddol yma’n digwydd o fewn 48 awr. Nid yw pawb yn hapus gyda’r trefniadau wrth gwrs, sy’n ddealladwy ond mae’r modd y trafodwyd y sefyllfa yn glod arbennig i’r unigolion hynny a’u clybiau. Mae Rownd Derfynol Cwpan Word y Sul yma wrth gwrs. Os bydd hi gystal ậ’r gemau byw diweddar ar S4C yna mae tipyn o wledd yn ein haros.. Compiled by Mel Thomas at Soccerfile Wales [email protected] Tel/Fax: 01766 830805 Distributed by e-mail only from WPL, 11 / 12 Neptune Court, Cardiff CF24 5PJ Contact: Lucy Kelly via [email protected] or 02920 435 847
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