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