FLOODLIGHTING & ELECTRICAL ARDAL SOUTHERN
MATCH DAY 12, 2024/25
11th & 12th October 2024
Match Day 12 now and all our teams are in action this weekend with 16 league games. Two are being played on Friday evening with Goytre taking on Brecon Corries and Abergavenny Town facing Caldicot Town both games in the South East.
Goytre will be looking to put the shock defeat by Tredegar Town well and truly to bed as Brecon visit Plough Road, in a 12th place against 3rd place contest. They lost 1-0 in the middle of September, Tredegar scoring a 33rd minute winner. Last Saturday they produced a polished performance to beat Abergavenny Town at home in the Dragon Signs FAW Trophy, a goal after just 13 minutes helping them on their way as Daniel Barnard scored from a Connor Hanford assist. A second goal on 64 minutes by Alfie Young put the game out of the visitors reach as he knocked home an assist by Ben Williams to earn an away tie at Risca United. Brecon meanwhile won last time out two weeks ago in the league 2-1 at Abercarn United. Despite going a goal down after just 4 minutes, Brecon came storming back to equalise on 59 minutes Craig Evans finding the net from a Joel Evans assist. While on 70 minutes Craig Evans scored again, this time assisted by Jordan Baker. This put an end to a two game losing streak against Canton and Risca United. Brecon even had the luxury to miss a penalty in the final minute, captain Dale Evans missing from the spot.
Abergavenny Town host Caldicot Town, 5th against 8th place in the league. The home club have yet to win in the league since the end of August and will be eager to put behind them a four game winless streak, including three in the league. Last Saturday Abergavenny travelled to Goytre in the Trophy and lost 2-0 , a goal after just 13 minutes and a second goal on 64 minutes to put the game out of reach. The week before they ground out an exciting 2-2 draw home to Chepstow Town, going a goal behind after 23 minutes. Rhys Tandy equalised on 41 minutes but a minute later Abergavenny were 2-1 down. However a goal from Mason Keepin-Davies, his fifth of the season in just 8 league games on 52 minutes earned the home side a share of the spoils. Caldicot will be looking to extend their inbeaten league run to three games after a draw last weekend with Blaenavon Blues and a win the week before at Treharris. Despite going a goal down last Saturday, Caldicot battled back to equalise thanks to a goal from Ben Donoghue, thanks to an assist by Jake Davies. Against Treharris Sam Swann from the penalty spot on 30 minutes and Ben Donoghue on 63 minutes proved to be the heroes, Donoghue scoring the winner after great work from Niro Gowran.
Onto Saturday and Abertillery Bluebirds take on Undy, in a 4th v 14th contest at Cwm Nant Y Groes. The Bluebirds have yet to win since the first week in September, having a winless streak of four games. Last Saturday they lost 3-2 at home to Abercarn in the FAW Trophy. Despite going a goal up thanks to an effort from Ben Taylor Junior after an assit by Rakesh Patel on 8 minutes, the visitors equalised on the stroke of half time. Michael Wagg restored the lead for the Bluebirds on 50 minutes, however a 66th minute penalty and 90th minute effort sealed an early exit for Abertillery, ending hopes of an extended run in this competition. The week before the Bluebirds had lost 2-1 at leaders Treowen Stars Ben Taylor Junior equalising for the Bluebirds after the home side had taken a 7th minute lead from the penalty spot. However a goal on 51 minutes proved to be conclusive for Treowen, with the Bluebirds losing ground on the leaders. Undy meanwhile have recovered some form over the last two league games with a draw at Croesyceiliog and a win at home to Blaenavon Blues. Last weekends game proved to be an epic, as Undy drew 4-4 at Woodland Road. They had a great start, taking the lead on 3 minutes through Harris Thomas, assisted by Oliver Smith and extending it further on 28 minutes, Captain James Barnes scoring after great work from Harris Thomas. However Croesyceiliog pulled a goal back on 49 minutes, before scoring twice in the 65th and 67th minutes and then went further ahead on 77 minutes to look certain to cap a magnificent comeback with three points. However Undy were not finished yet veteran striker Gareth Cullimore striking on 78 minutes and 89 minutes after great build up play by Barnes and Thomas respectively to earn Undy an unlikely share of the points having been 4-2 down with 12 minutes remaining.
At Coronation Park, Newport Corinthians host Risca United 15th place against 9th in an eagerly awaiting contest between two teams lying just 9 mile apart on the M4 corridor. The sides faced each other last Saturday in the FAW Trophy at CCB Centre for Sporting Excellence in Ystrad Mynach, the home side coming out 3-1 winners. After a goal less first half, Newport actually took the lead on 50 minutes, but Risca came storming back to strike three times on 61 minutes, 76 and 79 minutes through Cole Greenhaf, Jayden Bowgen and Lloyd Oliver. The week before Newport had lost 3-2 at home to Canton, going behind to a 30th minute goal before equalising on 43 minutes through Luke White after an assist by Kris Leek. However the visitors regained their advantage on 53 minutes before extending it to 3-1 on 75 minutes. The Corinthians scored a consolation deep into injury time through Sam Beckett but it proved to be too little too late. Two weeks ago Rosca had earned three points at home to Blaenavon Blues, two goals in the first 7 minutes earning the points thanks to a two goal effort by Callum Hutton, assisted by Alfie Hutton and Lloyd Oliver. On form Newport Corinthians face a tough challenge, but how often do we see a team lose to an opponent and then bounce back in the return game, although a further game will take place later in the season between the sides at the CCB.
At the Woodland Road Croesyceiliog face Chepstow Town 11th v 6th place in the South East. Last Saturday Croesyceiliog drew 4-4 with Undy at home, going a goal behind on just 3 minutes and finding themselves 2-0 down on 28 minutes. However Croesyceiliog pulled a goal back on 49 minutes, substitute Jack Sainsbury scoring after a Tom Hodge assist before scoring twice more in the 65th and 67th minutes, through a Lewis Green double after good work from Owen Llewellyn and Jordan Hill. They then went further ahead on 77 minutes, Green completing his hattrick, Josh Hall setting him up to Croesyceiliog a 4-2 lead. However Undy were not finished yet striking on 78 minutes and 89 minutes to earn a point. The week before it had been worse, losing 5-0 at home to Treowen Stars. Chepstow are also on a poor run of form, failing to record a win in their last four league and cup games. Last week they lost in the league 1-0 at Tredegar Town and the week before drew 2-2 at Abergavenny Town, going a goal up after 23 minutes thanks to Adam Wakley assisted by Jack Pearson-Brown. Abergavenny found an equaliser though on 41 minutes but Chepstow regained the lead on 62 minutes, Mallachi Graham setting up Josh Parsons to make it 2-0. However Abergavenny Town came storming back to equalise on 52 minutes and this is how the game remained.
Abercarn United play Blaenavon Blues at Abercarn Welafre Ground, 7th v 13th in the league, with the home side achieving a morale boosting 3-2 win last Saturday at Abertillery Bluebirds. They won in the Trophy tie 3-2 despite going a goal down on 8 minutes, equalising on the stroke of half time through Drew Davies, assisted by Josh Evans. The Bluebirds though restored the lead on 50 minutes, however a 66th minute penalty from Jack Banton and a 90th minute effort from Joel Witcombe sealed an away tie in the next round for Abercarn at Penydarren BGC. However the week before they had gone down to a 2-1 home defeat to Brecon Corries, despite taking a 4th minute lead through Callum Mitchell and assisted by Alex Adams. The Corries though responded through goals on 59 minutes and 70 minutes to steal the points. Blaenavon Blues have been on a miserable run of games themselves, not winning 7 league and cup games. Their last win was way back in the middle of August against Tredegar Town in the league, while last Saturday, they drew at home 1-1 with Caldicot Town. Despite taking a 60th minute lead though Bailey Perry, assisted by Illtyd Caddick, Caldicot equalised on 62 minutes to leave the game ending in stalemate. Prior to this they had suffered two disappointing losses to Risca United and Undy, with new manager Ryan Keen still looking for his first win in the hot seat. Can he break his duck this weekend ?
League leaders Treowen Stars play host to Tredegar Town, in a 1st v 10th match at Bush Park. Treowen are in a great run of form, winning their last 5 league and cup games and last Saturday progressed to the next round of the Trophy with an emphatic 10-0 win over Premier Financial Services North Gwent League side Newbridge Town, where they will now play Cardiff Corinthians in the next round. Ex Penydarren star Chris Colvin opened the scoring after 11 minutes, set up by Jordan Needs and added a second on 19 minutes this time Gavin Meacham providing the assist. An own goal on 21 minutes made it 3-0, with Daniel Liu the unlucky player, while Corey Jenkins set up Callum Chivers on 23 minutes to make it 4-0. The second half saw more goals, as Corey Jenkins got on the scoresheet on 48 minutes, Needs providing the assist, while Callum Chivers joined him on 51 minutes to make it 6-0 Aaron Thomas setting up the goal. The same players provided for substitute Darcie Sims to make it 7-0 on 71 minutes, before ex Cardiff City player Chris Hartland made it 8-0 on 77 minutes, adding a second three minutes later. The icing on the cake came in the 82nd minutes, Christian Davies setting up Hartland for his hattrick to make the final score 10-0. Tredegar however have won their last two league games and hope to put up a competitive display after winning 1-0 the last two weeks against Chepstow and Goytre respectively. Oliver Bruton was the hero against Chepstow, scoring after 77 minutes after an assist by goalkeeper Cael Jones. While the week before Tom Lynch clinched the win, firing home after being provided a perfect chance by Dafydd Jones.
The final game this weekend in the South East, sees Treharris Athletic Western host Canton at Parc Taf Bargoed 16th v 2nd in the table. Treharris suffered Trophy turmoil last Saturday losing on penalties to Cardiff Corinthians after putting up a great fight with a 2-2 draw. They let the Corries off the hook after 23 minutes when Saul Tanhai missed a penalty and the Corries made them pay by taking the lead on 41 minutes. However the Treharris equalised on the stroke of half time, manager Dale raven finding the net to leave it 1-1 at the interval. Treharris then went 2-1 up after 53 minutes, Saul Tanhai making up for his penalty miss but the Corries bounced back and equalised on 71 minutes. This is how it remained and despite Saul Tanhai, Matthew Sellick, Iestyn Thomas, Harrison Morse and Nick Simcock scoring their penalties, unfortunately Gavin Robins missed his kick to leave the final score 6-5. Canton meanwhile are on a 7 match unbeaten league and cup streak and last Saturday dispatched of AFC Wattstown of the Highadmit Projects, South Wales Premier league 2, in enterprising fashion with a 4-1 in the FAW Trophy. Jordan Carey opened the scoring after 14 minutes, assisted by Andre Phillips and five minutes later Phillips scored himself the first of a hattrick, assisted by Brian Camilleri. Wattstown pulled a goal back after 25 minutes, and missed the chance to equalise from the spot on 28 minutes. However Phillips was showing no mercy and added his second of the afternoon on 34 minutes assisted by Tyrell Webbe and completed his hattrick on 68 minutes to take away the match ball.
In the South West Cardiff Draconians host Pontardawe Town at Lydstep Park, with 2nd place taking on 11th place. The inform Dracs will be looking to keep their inbeaten league run going as they look to cement their place in second with three games in hand on league leaders Cefn Cribwr. Last Saturday Nana Baah and his side were in Dragon Signs FAW Trophy action, where they pulled off a 2-1 victory against AFC Llwydcoed. Losing 1-0 at the interval the Dracs equalised on 57 minutes when Sam Crawley scored and after good work by Nathan Mathias, substitute Daniel Lewis found the winner to send the Dracs into the next round on 80 minutes, where they have drawn Brickfield Rangers at home. The visitors suffered a disappointing defeat last Saturday going down 3-2 at home to Giants Grave in the Trophy. Despite going 1-0 up thanks to Staffan Pryce after an assist by Rhys Dix, two quick goals just before the interval gave the visitors a half time lead. Giants Grave held onto the lead until injury time when they scored a third to seal the game and a goal from substitute Ernest Armoo proved to be just a consolation for Pontardawe.
Pontyclun host Cardiff Corinthians at Ivor Park in a 14th v 9th contest. The Corries have dropped off the pace in recent weeks with consecutive league defeats against Morriston Town and Seven Sisters Onllwyn, but earned a morale boosting penalty shoot out win against Treharris Athletic Western last week in the FAW Trophy, winning 6-5 on penalties after a 2-2 draw. They had a let off after 23 minutes though when the visitors missed a penalty, the Corries taking the lead on 41 minutes when Mo Djalo benefited from a Chris Worsely assist. However the visitors equalised on the stroke of half time, leaving it 1-1 at the interval. They then went 2-1 up after 53 minutes but the Corries dug in and equalised on 71 minutes through Mo Abdulah, assisted by Aron Davies. This is how it remained and penalties by Chris Worsely, Aron Davies, Chris Hajgato, Mo Djalo, Thierry Out and Alex Bould sorry the Corries home where they will now travel to face South East league leaders Treowen Stars in the next round. Pontyclun meanwhile are still without a win in the league this season, losing 5 and drawing 6 of their league games to date. Last week they travelled to Morriston Town and suffered a 2-0 defeat against the side they had beaten 5-1 in the Ardal Southern League Cup.
Down at Baglan, there promises to be an intriguing game against two league newcomers Treherbert BGC and Evans & Williams 5th place playing 3rd place. Last Saturday, Treherbert produced a masterclass performance to beat South Gower 4-0, their second clean sheet in succession at home. The first half looked like it would be a stalemate though before Christen Bethell set up Brandon Thomas for the opener. Bethell himself would soon be on the scoresheet, scoring after 54 minutes after good work from Deacon Greening. He added a second on 66 minutes, this time Mackenzie Smith providing the assist, before 18 year old substitute Keane Hagerty, made it 4-0 on 86 minutes, Smith again providing the assist. Meanwhile Evans & Williams will be looking to regain some confidence after suffering two successive league defeats against South Gower and Swansea University. Manager Richard Lewis, will be hoping last weekend’s open fixture has given his side the chance to regroup and look to regain some of their early season form. Still missing long term absentees Luke Jones and Ace Lloyd, they will be looking for an least a point with is proving to be a difficult venue for teams as Treherbert look to turn the ground into a fortress.
The Jewson Stadium hosts league leaders Cefn Cribwr as they face Morriston Town in a 1st v 4th place battle. Manager Scott Dryden will have been pleased with their 3-1 win last week at Clydach, Rhys Morgan scoring the opener after 40 minutes assisted by Kal Mere. Captain Jonathan Tiffin put the visitors 2-0 up on 64 minutes, set up by Shaun Williams and despite the home side pulled a goal back after 75 minutes, Rhys Morgan put the game to bed three minutes later, finding the net after good work from Rhys Alden. Cefn Cribwr are now three games unbeaten in the league as they look to make up for last season’s play off disappointment. It will be a tough game though with Morriston Town in excellent form, on a four game winning streak, three in the Ardal League. Last Saturday they won 2-0 at home to Pontyclun, thanks to two goals from half time substitute Mark Jones the ex-Cardiff City striker who has a wealth of Welsh Premier experience. Jones scored after 52 minutes and 61 minutes, both goals assisted by Charlie Coates. This game has a draw all over it but it promises to be a thriller for any neutral this weekend, as these games rarely turn out as predicted. Can Cefn Cribwr extend their stay at the top or can Morriston close the game on them to two points, this game is a real six pointer.
Ynysygerwn take on AFC Llwydcoed at Landarcy Park with both teams looking to get over their FAW Trophy exits last weekend. Ynysgerwn fought out a battle with West End, the game ending 2-2 after 90 minutes, Ynysygerwn came back from 2-0 down on 65 minutes to draw 2-2 thanks to two goals from substitute Jac Jones on 78 minutes and from the penalty spot on 82 minutes. Bradley Crookes scored first in the penalty shoot-out, but Allister Davies missed, before Dan Nagle gave Ynysygerwn renewed hope. However Callum Wright missed to allow the visitors to score and win 4-2 on penalties. AFC Llwydcoed also went out of the Trophy losing 2-1 at Cardiff Draconians. Despite winning 1-0 at the interval, thanks to a goal from Gabriele Viazzani, assisted by Dewi Abbruzzuese on 34 minutes, the Dracs equalised on 57 minutes and found the winner on 80 minutes. League form has been poor for both teams and Ynysygerwn currently sit in 12th place while AFC Llwydcoed are 15th. Ynysgerwn haven’t won in the league since mid-August, when they beat Bridgend Street, but have only played two league games since then, while AFC Llwydcoed have a similar record going back to early August since they last won in the league against Seven Sisters Onllwyn, both teams having won just the one league game this season.
Bridgend Street take on Clydach at the Willows just a week after beating another Clydach Wasps in the Dragon Signs FAW Trophy. They could not be further apart though Clydach coming from West Wales and Clydach Wasps from the Autocentre Gwent Premier League. After a goalless first half last Saturday Bridgend Street took the lead from the penalty spot after 69 minutes, returning legend Paul Fowler scoring just months after hanging up his boots. On 73 minutes it was 2-0 as Dan Noyes set up Harry Cuddihy as Bridgend Street looked to have sealed the win. However on 89 minutes Conor Cusack was sent off and the visitors scored an injury time goal from the penalty spot to leave Bridgend Street see out the final minutes to earn a tie at home to Penygraig United. Meanwhile Clydach were going down to a 3-1 home defeat to Cefn Cribwr at Coed Gwilym Park. The visitors opened the scoring after 40 minutes and went 2-0 up on 64 minutes. However Clydach pulled a goal back after 75 minutes, Ryan Thomas assisting Cai Thomas to reduce the scoreline but Cefn Cribwr put the game to bed three minutes later, to break Clydach hearts.
Inform Swansea University take on Ynyshir Albions at the University Sports Centre, having won seven of their last eight games, although two of these were penalty wins. Manager Jon Beale will be happy at the turn in fortunes for his young side, unbeaten in the league since early August as they seek their sixth league win on the bounce. Only a point separates the two sides, as the Uni sit in 6th place and the Albions 7th place. Two weeks ago Swansea Uni beat Evans & Williams 3-1 at home, taking the lead after 16 minutes through Harry Huddart after an assist by Ollie Roberts. Despite the visitors equalizing on 35 minutes, the Uni regained the lead from the spot on 79 minutes, Dylan Williams scoring against a side containing his brother Sion. On 61 minutes it was 3-1 as last seasons joint Golden Boot winner Josh Cole scored his 5th league goal in 8 games and there was no way back for Evans & Williams from there. Ynyshir are also on a good run, only losing 1 of their last 10 league and cup games. Last Saturday they had a scare though, needing penalties to beat South Wales Premier league 2 side Tata Steel United after a 1-1 draw at Tata Steel Sports Ground. A goal down after 73 minutes, Ynyshir came back to equalise deep into injury time through Alex Rees and won 4-2 on penalties, despite seeing their first penalty saved from Jacob Matthews. However penalties from Liam Thomas, Scott Jones, Jago Norton and Alex Rees saw the Albions home, as keeper Harry Webber saved one and saw Tata miss the other one. The week before Ynyshir produced a polished display to beat Bridgend Street 3-1 away, so will be confident of getting a result away from home this weekend.
Finally South Gower take on Seven Sisters Onllwyn, with 8th place taking on 10th as these two former West Wales Premier League clubs do battle. South Gower will be looking to bounce back after last weeks disappointing 4-0 defeat at Treherbert BGC, but will be confident after their two previous wins against AFC Llwydcoed and Evans & Williams. South Gower took a 13th minute lead against AFC Llwydcoed, Nathaniel James scoring after an assist by Ricky Martin. It was 2-0 on 22 minutes Jefferson Brown-Pinheiro scoring after being assisted by Macsen Llewellyn. The visitors pulled a goal back on 27 minutes, but Llewellyn himself made it 3-1 after 43 minutes. Despite the visitors pulled another goal back after 58 minutes, the win was all be sealed on 67 minutes Llewellyn setting up Jack Jones to make it 4-2. AFC Llwydcoed scored a consolation deep into injury time but South Gower held on for a vital three points. Seven Sisters Onllwyn are on a four game unbeaten run, winning two and drawing two. With a free Saturday last weekend, two weeks ago they drew 0-0 away at league leaders Cefn Cribwr, while the week before they had drawn 1-1 at struggling Pontyclun. Previously they had produced two outstanding wins away at Cardiff Corinthians and home to Evans & Williams, both high flying in the table at the time. This promises to be a hard fought tie with the winners aiming to enter the promotion chase as we approach almost a third of the season.
