MATCH DAY 24, 2024/25

Match Day 24 and we have a full program of 16 league matches this weekend as we start 2025, the first at the Ron Jones Stadium on Friday evening, a South West game as AFC Llwydcoed take on Cefn Cribwr. The home side will be looking to pull themselves away from the relegation zone in 2025, as they currently sit in 15th place, though they have only played 11 league games. They had a disappointing end to 2024 with a 4-1 defeat at Pontyclun, an own goal by the home side providing the consolation, in a game where 3 second half goals proved to be the difference. Cefn Cribwr ended 2024 in 3rd place in the table having arrested a 3 game losing streak with a goalless draw at home to Evans & Williams. Despite having Arron Weaver sent off after 77 minutes for a second caution, meaning he will sit out this game having played all but 1 game this season in the league, they managed to keep a clean sheet as the game played out.

Saturday sees seven games in the South West, starting at Parc Ynysderw as inform Pontardawe look to make it six wins on the bounce against Ynysygerwn in a local derby, after ending 2024 in style with a 4-0 win at Clydach last Saturday, moving them into 2nd place in the table. Ben Scannell gave Ponty a dream start after just 6 minutes, before second half goals from Arnold Ncube (72), 17 year old substitute Jack Smith (89) and a last minute penalty from Roman Legavec sealed the points. The visitors are currently in 11th place, having last played 3 weeks ago, an excellent 5-1 in at Bridgend Street, thanks to a hattrick from Bradley Crooks and a double from captain Joe Humphries. Alex Williams set up two of the goals, along with an assist from Charlie Farrell. Manager Maxx Williams, supported by Nicky Maggs and Paul Burrows will be hoping for more goals from Bradley Crookes in 2025 who now has scored 43 goals in 98 games on the South West.

Another local derby sees Clydach take on Morriston Town at Coed Gwillym Park, 13th position taking on 5th in the table. The home side will be glad to see the back of December after a four game winless run, which included last Saturday’s 4-0 home defeat to Pontardawe Town. Their last point was a 1-1 draw at home to Ynyshir Albions three weeks ago. They had a dream start after just 7 minutes when Gavin Challacombe opened the scoring after great work from Cai Thomas, however the Albions came back to equalise through an own goal after the interval by Dan Swinford. Morriston however finished 2024 with an excellent 2-0 home win against Seven Sisters Onllwyn. Charlie Coates opened the scoring after 49 minutes after good work from Samm Harrison and Coates had a chance to put the game safe on 67 minutes but failed from the penalty spot. However substitutes Josh Howarth and Mark Jones combined 5 minutes from time, the latter finding the net for his 4th goal in 8 games in the league this season.

At Baglan Field, Treherbert BGC face Swansea University, the home side sitting in 10th spot and the visitors in 6th place. Treherbert ended 2024 with a 3-2 defeat away at South Gower, despite taking the lead after just 7 minutes through Deacon Greening. An own goal levelled the scores on 18 minutes through from Jake Thomas but South Gower took the lead just before half time. It looked like South Gower had made the game safe 5 minutes after the restart, but another goal from Greening gave Treherbert hope of salvaging a point on 74 minutes, but South Gower stood firm to take the points. Swansea University ended 2024 with a place in the quarter finals of the Ardal Southern Cup, the holders beating Caldicot Town 3-0. Casey Coughlin opened the scoring after 6 minutes assisted by Noah Osborne and the game remained delicately posed until the final stages. First McCauley Power scored from the spot before an injury time goal from the same player sealed the win assisted by Josh Cole.
Seven Sisters Onllwyn take on Cardiff Corinthians at the Welfare Ground, 12th place against 7th place. The home side ended 2024 with a 2-0 defeat at Morriston Town and have to go back to early November for their last win, a 4-0 triumph at Treherbert BGC thanks to two goals from Leon Herdman, and efforts from Nathan Jones and Iestyn Clement. Lewis Taylor, Nath Jones, Ethan Taylor and Jacob Sadler providing the assists. Cardiff Corinthians haven’t played for two weeks after postponements against AFC Llwydcoed and Ynyshir Albions. Their last game was a comprehensive 5-1 win against Evans & Williams, Aron Davies taking his total to 19 league goals in just 11 league games, with a hattrick. It was Thierry Otu who opened the scoring though, the first of two assists from Ryan Hamitouche, one of three French signings recently, who are studying in Wales. Mackenzie Biggs was also on the scoresheet as Otu also provided 3 assists.

League leaders Cardiff Draconians take on South Gower at Lydstep Park, with the visitors in 9th place in the division. The Dracs are still undefeated in 13 league games and ended 2024 with a hard fought 2-1 win at Bridgend Street. After a goalless first half which saw Conor Cook miss a penalty for Bridgend Street, the Dracs took the lead after 56 minutes, Dylan Amin assisting Owain Edwards to open the scoring. The home side equalised though on 58 minutes but a minute later Edwards assisted Luke Davies to restore the Dracs lead and this is how the scoreline finished after a tense final 30 minutes. South Gower ended 2024 with a 3-2 home win over Treherbert BGC, coming back from a 5th minute goal to equalise through an own goal on 18 minutes. Jefferson Pinheiro-Brown put South Gower ahead just before half time, and his second on 58 minutes after good work from Owen Evans looked to have sealed the points. But Treherbert gave the home side a few scares after pulling a goal back on 74 minutes, but South Gower held out.

Ynyshir Albions take on Pontyclun at the neutral venue of Cambrian, due to doubts on the availability of their pitch after the recent bad weather. Its 8th v 14th in the table, with the Albions not having played for 3 weeks due to postponements. Their last game was a 1-1 draw at Clydach, a Dan Swinford own goal giving Ynyshir a valuable point. Their last win was in mid-November a 1-0 success against Evans & Williams, Joseff Haig scoring the winner on 81 minutes after an assist from Logan Perris. Pontyclun had a morale boosting 4-1 home win at Ivor Park last Saturday over AFC Llwydcoed to give them hope of beating the relegation trap door in what was their first win of the season at the 20th time of asking. A run of wins can save their season though and this win will give them the confidence they can gain enough points, with still 30 to play for. Daniel Roderick gave Pontyclun an early lead after 5 minutes, but an own goal on 33 minutes levelled the scoring. The second half though saw Roderick set up captain Matt Jacka on 51 minutes, with Iestyn Stone assisting Arjen Matthews on 73 minutes, before good work from Roderick sealed the vital 3 points a minute later, with Stone applying the finishing touch.

The final game in the South West, sees Evans & Williams host Bridgend Street at Stebonheath Park. Evans & Williams ended 2024 with a goalless draw at Cefn Cribwr to finish the year in 4th place, with Bridgend Street currently in 16th place, but with a number of games in hand over their rivals near the bottom. Evans & Williams Player-Manager Richard Lewis played only his second 90 minutes this season last Saturday and while a clean sheet was much needed after they had lost 5-1 at Cardiff Corinthians the week before, they will rue not capitalising on playing a Cribwr side who played out the last 13 minutes with 10 men. Bridgend Street were unlucky to lose 2-1 at home to leaders Cardiff Draconians last Saturday. After a goalless first half which saw Conor Cook miss a penalty for Bridgend Street, the Dracs took the lead after 56 minutes to open the scoring. The home side equalised though on 58 minutes, Jeff White setting up Jacob Dublin to find the equaliser. However a minute the Dracs restored their lead and this is how the scoreline finished.

Onto the South East and first up is Undy against Treowen Stars, 13th verses 1st place. Undy ended 2024 with a hard fought 1-1 draw at high flying Canton, coming back from a goal down after just 6 minutes to equalise on 23 minutes, Jacob Osborne, assisting 17 year old James Griffiths-Harrop for the equaliser on his first ever league start. Undy have now drawn their last two games, as they look for their first win mid-October and avenge a 1-0 defeat to the Stars in September. Treowen Stars finished 2024 on a high with a 2-1 victory at Abergavenny Town. Chris Colvin gave the Stars the lead on 29 minutes, but the home side soon equalised 2 minutes later to make it all square at the interval. However Tommy James was the Treowen hero on 79 minutes, finding the net to give the Stars a priceless 3 points. They are bow unbeaten in 6 games and in the last 16 of the FAW Trophy, where a trip to FC Cwmaman awaits in two weeks’ time.

Croesyceiliog take on Abergavenny Town at Woodland Road, 8th v 9th in the table respectively. The home side last played out a 4-4 draw at home to Treharris Athletic Western two weeks ago. Croesyceiliog took the lead after 23 minutes Luke Dyke setting up 18 year old Hari Holtham for his second goal at this level. However Treharris bounced back with goals after 28 and 37 minutes to lead at the interval. Dyke was on hand again after the break to set up Owen Llewellyn to equalise and Llewellyn then set up 18 year old substitute Nathan Watts for the first of two goals on 72, the other scored after 77 to give the home side a 4-2 lead. However goals on 78 minutes and deep into injury time earned Treharris a share of the spoils. Abergavenny Town finished 2024 with a 2-1 defeat at home to Treowen Stars. The Stars took the lead on 29 minutes, but Abergavenny soon equalised 2 minutes later, Harrison Reynolds scoring, after an assist by Jack Evans to make it all square at the interval. However Treowen scored the winner on 79 minutes to give the visitors the 3 points.

The Rich Field sees Brecon Corries host Risca United, 4th v 12th in the table. Brecon are on the back of a 3 game unbeaten streak, their last game a 6-0 win three weeks ago at home to Undy. Joel Evans was the star of the show, netting five times on 12, 17, 44, 60 and 61 minutes along with a goal from Craig Evans after 40 minutes. On the assist list was Jordan Baker, Joel Evans himself, Matthew Tong and Corey Evans, with Joel Evans setting up two of his goals himself. Risca have also not played for 3 weeks, their last game a 3-2 home defeat to Chepstow Town. Risca took the lead through Finley Skiverton after 13 minutes assisted by Lloyd Oliver, with Skiverton returning the favour to Oliver who found the net on 23 minutes. Chepstow pulled a goal back though on 26 minutes and the second half saw them score an equaliser on 50 minutes and break Risca hearts in the final minute with a winner.

Abertillery Bluebirds take on Goytre at Cwm Nant y Groes, sitting in 6th place as opposed to the visitors in 7th place. Last Saturday they produced a tremendous 4-3 win at Treharris Athletic Western, taking the lead through Ben Taylor Jnr on 29 minutes assisted by Ryan Meredith. Treharris equalised on 39 minutes though to make it 1-1 at the interval. They then took the lead on 61 minutes, before Ben Taylor Jnr scored his second of the game to equalise on 69 minutes, Meredith again the provider. Taylor the turned provided for Meredith to put the Bluebirds 3-2 up after 73 minutes and 18 year old Ieuan Schwank made it 4-2 on 78 minutes after an assist from 16 year old substitute Lewis Pullinger. Treharris scored their third goal deep into injury time, but it was too little too late to effect the final result. Goytre haven’t played for 3 weeks, their last game a 1-0 win over Abergavenny Town thanks to a goal from Paul Daniel, assisted by Jamie Bird on 18 minutes. Striker Chris Ham is still 4 goals short of his 100 Ardal Southern goals and will be looking to reach this landmark early in 2025.

Caldicot Town face Newport Corinthians at Jubilee Way, in a contest that sees 5th place take on 15th. The home side will be looking to get their 3-0 cup loss at Swansea University last Saturday out of their system, but they have been in excellent form of late in the league, unbeaten in 8 games and winning their last 4 league games, their most recent a 3-0 win two weeks ago at home to Blaenavon Blues. Captain Mathew James opened the scoring after just 8 minutes after good work from Matthew Swann, before an own on 80 minutes and a goal set up by Ben Donoghue for Jake Davies on 89 minutes sealed the three points. The Corinthians will be looking to take their excellent win last Saturday into 2025, which arrested a 6 game losing streak in the league. They beat Tredegar Town 3-0 at Coronation Park, opening the scoring after 17 minutes Lewis Brown assisted by Sam Broadribb. Two minutes later it was 2-0 Broadribb again assisting this time Jake Clark, and seconds later Clark was at hand to help Broadribb make it 3-0 and seal a priceless 3 points for the league newcomers.

At Larkhill Park, Chepstow Town face Treharris Athletic Western with the home side sitting in 2nd place and the visitors 16th place. Chepstow are in an great run of form, unbeaten in 9 games, including 7 league wins in that period. Last Saturday they produced a 3-0 win at Abercarn United. Ryan Wheeler set up Jack Pearson-Brown on 41 minutes to open the scoring and second half goals from Christian O’Connell on 68 minutes set up by Nathan Rose, and then Rose himself on 78 minutes assisted by Mallachi Graham clinched the points for Chepstow. Treharris meanwhile ended 2024 with an 4-3 defeat at home to Abertillery Bluebirds. The Bluebirds took the lead on 29 minutes but Treharris equalised on 39 minutes though to make it 1-1 at the interval Nick Simcock assisted by Gavin Robins. Treharris then took the lead on 61 minutes through 16 year old Regan Hawkins, his 5th goal in 192 Ardal minutes since making his debut 3 games ago, before the Bluebirds equalised on 69 minutes. The Bluebirds then went 3-2 up after 73 minutes and it was soon 4-2 on 78 minutes. Treharris scored their third goal deep into injury time through player-manager Sharief Nassaro, but it was to no avail.

Tredegar Town host Abercarn United at the Leisure Centre, 14th place against 10th. Tredegar will be looking to make amends last Saturday’s disappointing 3-0 defeat at Newport Corinthians and get back to winning ways, their last win an excellent 3-0 triumph at Blaenavon Blues three weeks ago. They went into an unassailable 3-0 lead with goals on 3, 15 and 20 minutes, Tye Duggan scoring the first and third with Dafydd Jones scoring from the penalty spot in-between Duggan’s efforts. They will be hoping captain Tomas Lynch can add more goals as well in 2025 to the 32 goals he already has in 62 games. Abercarn finished 2024 in disappointing fashion with a 3-0 defeat at home to Chepstow Town, but won their previous league game 2-0 at Abertillery Bluebirds. Calwyn Fry set up David Griffiths for the first goal after 15 minutes, while Griffiths helped seal a crucial three points setting up the second goal for Calum Gwillym on 78 minutes.

Our final game this weekend is on Sunday at the House of Sport in Cardiff as 3rd place Canton face Blaenavon Blues who sit in 11th position. Canton ended 2024 with a 1-1 home draw against Undy last Sunday, Jordan Carey opening the scoring after just 6 minutes, assisted by Elliot Humphries, but on 23 minutes Undy were level. They will be looking to improve on their home form which has seen just 1 win since they began playing on Sundays, 1-0 against Croesyceiliog in mid-November, Elliot Humphries the match winner. Blaenavon Blues will be looking to arrest two 3-0 defeats over the last three weeks against Tredegar Town and Caldicot Town respectively, after their last game of 2024 was victim to the weather last Saturday at home to Brecon Corries. Their last win was at the end of November a 3-0 home win against Abertillery Bluebirds, thanks to goals from Alex Berrow, Bailey Perry and Brandon Williams.