FLOODLIGHTING & ELECTRICAL ARDAL SOUTHERN
MATCH DAY 27, 2024/25
24th & 25th January 2025
Match Day 27 and we have a program of 10 league matches this weekend and our 4 Ardal Southern Cup quarter-finals. Starting on Friday we have 2 league games in the South East. Firstly Goytre host Caldicot Town, with 8th place taking on 5th place in the table. Goytre are on a winning streak, although they have only played these 3 game since the end of November. Last Saturday they produced a fantastic display to defeat Penydarren BGC 4-3 in the FAW Trophy. After failing a goal behind in the 24th minute, Goytre equalised on 40 minutes, Captain Dan Barnard assisting Jamie Bird to leave the score all level at the interval. Goytre had a flying start to the second half, Chris Ham scoring after 47 minutes after an assist by Bird, and Lewis Green making it 3-1 after 49 minutes after Jon Evans had set up the chance. Penydarren were not beaten yet and pulled a goal back on the hour, but Chris Ham looked to have sealed a quarter final spot when he made it 4-2 on 82 minutes after Green had assisted. Penydarren did score again in injury time but Goytre held out for the win and a trip to Llanrwst United in the next round. Caldicot Town were at home last Saturday and produced a hard fought 1-0 win over Treharris Athletic Western at Jubilee Way Ben Donoghue setting up the only goal of the game for Laurent Ngunjoh after 42 minutes. Laurent scored 12 goals in 28 games last season for Caldicot before a summer move to Risca United, but he was back by the end of August and now has 4 goals in 10 games since his return and 5 in 15 games in total in the league this season.
The other fixture on Friday sees Abergavenny Town play host to Tredegar Town at Pen Y Pound Stadium, 9th v 14th in the South East. Last Saturday Abergavenny went down 2-2 to high flying Chepstow Town at Larkfield Park, finding themselves 2-0 down at half time when the home side scored after just 5 minutes and 35 minutes. It wasn’t until deep into injury time that Abergavenny pulled a goal back when 16 year old substitute Harrison Reynolds, set up fellow substitute 18 year old Zach Duke to find the net for his first ever first team goal. It was too little too late though for Abergavenny and they have to go back to late November for their last win, a 1-0 home win over Newport Corinthians. Tredegar Town meanwhile have yet to play in 2025 will be looking to make amends to their disappointing end to 2024, a 3-0 defeat at Newport Corinthians. Their last win was an excellent 3-0 triumph at Blaenavon Blues in mid-December. 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 to seal the points. They will be hoping captain Tomas Lynch can add more goals the rest of the season to the 32 goals he already has in 62 games.
Onto Saturday and we have four quarter final games in the Ardal Southern Cup. Starting at the Ron Jones Stadium, AFC Llwydcoed take on Chepstow Town in the only West v East fixture. The home side are currently 15th in the table but had an excellent 1-0 win over South Gower last Saturday at Taffs Well. Leon Jacka set up the all important goal, scored by Dewi Abbruzzese after 28 minutes and this is how the scoreline remained to give AFC Llwydcoed only their third win of the season as they look to play catch up having only played 13 league games and move away from the relegation zone. Chepstow Town are riding highly in the South East, tope of the table after last Saturdays 2-1 home win over Abergavenny Town. Mallachi Graham set up both the goals, firstly for Republic of Ireland born forward Christian O’Donnell in the 5th minute and then Captain Adam Wakley in the 35th minute. Abergavenny Town pulled a goal back deep into injury time but it wasn’t enough to stop Chepstow going top of the table on goal difference with rivals Treowen Stars playing in the FAW Trophy. It was Chepstow’s 9th league win in the last 10 games and they are now unbeaten since the start of October.
The next tie sees Cardiff Corinthians take on Treherbert BGC in one of three all South West fixtures. The Riverside plays host to 6th place Corries against the 10th place newcomers from Treherbert. The sides met in the seasons opener at Baglan Field, the game ending 2-2, with Thierry Otu on the mark twice for the Corries with Brandon Thomas and Harry Jones the Treherbert marksmen. Last Friday at Afan Lido the Corries drew 1-1 with Morriston Town, opening the score as half time approached through Captain David Biggs, assisted by Ryan Hamitouche, minutes after they had been reduced to 10 men when goalkeeper Alex Walker was sent off. They almost held on for the win only to concede deep into stoppage time and had to settle for a point in the end. Treherbert gained an excellent result last Saturday with a 3-3 draw away to inform Pontardawe Town and will be disappointed for to have won the game as well. The home side had won their previous 7 league games, but fell behind when Deacon Greening put Treherbert ahead after 28 minutes from the penalty spot. After the interval Matthew Smith played his part in setting up Brandon Thomas to make it 2-0. Pontardawe Town pulled a goal back on 64 minutes but scored his second of the game to put Treherbert 3-1 ahead thanks to good work from Joe Eason. However Pontardawe came storming back to score twice in the last 10 minutes to salvage a point as Liam Thomas saw red for the visitors.
Scurlage, is the venue of another of our exciting cup ties. The home of South Gower sitting in 9th position, this sees a rematch of a couple of weeks ago when Evans & Williams currently occupying 4th place in the South West, visited and came away with a 2-2 draw. Player-Manager Richard Lewis gave the visitors a dream start finishing off a great move from Steffan Vincent after just 2 minutes, but South Gower were back on level terms shortly after the interval having missed a first half penalty to equalise through Louis Jackson after 35 minutes. Alexander Arnold provided the assist for 16 year old Finlay Harris, who only made his senior debut a month ago after graduating from the clubs Under 16 team to find the net and level the scores. Evans & Williams were back in the lead though on 51 minutes, Chris Ferrier, scoring his first goal at this level since his Newcastle Emlyn days, finishing off a move set up by Rhys Watson. However a minute from time South Gower salvaged a point, this time making no mistake from the penalty spot through Owen Evans. Last Saturday South Gower went down to a 1-0 defeat at AFC Llwydcoed, the game being played at Taffs Well and will be looking to bounce back from this set back this weekend. Evans Williams fared much better when they came from 2-0 down to beat Swansea University 3-2 at Stebonheath Park. After failing behind to goals after 2 and 29 minutes Evans & Williams stormed back to score three times in quick succession Sion Williams scoring from a Steff Vincent assist on 31 minutes and five minutes later the same pair combined with Vincent again setting up Williams for his second of the game. The goal of the game was scored by Chris Ferrier on 39 minutes and proved to be the winner, with Ferrier striking an unstoppable long range effort.
The last cup tie of the weekend see Swansea University in 7th place host Pontardawe Town in 2nd place, with both clubs looking to bounce back from mixed results last weekend. Swansea University suffered a defeat at Evans & Williams after being 2-0. McCauley Power gave the students a dream start after just 2 minutes and on 29 minutes Captain Jordan Hughes assisted Casey Coughlin to score the second of the afternoon for Swansea University. However the home side came firing back with gaols after 31, 36 and 39 minutes to earn the points and condemn the visitors to their 3rd league defeat in 4 games. The Pontardawe Town express slowed down last Saturday when they drew 3-3 with visiting Treherbert BGC after they had won their previous 7 league games. A goal down after 28 minutes and the 2-0 down after 50 minutes, Pontardawe pulled a goal back on 64 minutes Josh Dorward setting up Alfie Brown to reduce the deficit. However it looked all over on 78 minutes when Treherbert took a 3-1 lead. Pontardawe were not finished yet though and Roman Legavec gave hope of salvaging a point when he scored from the spot on 80 minutes. With a minute on the clock, Kyle Cockings set up substitute Steffan Pryce to keep the Pontardawe unbeaten run intact, which now stretches to 8 games.
Onto the South East now and there are 4 games on Saturday. Starting at the CCB Centre for Sporting Excellence in Ystrad Mynach, Risca United in 13th place host Undy a place above them in 12th. Last Saturday Risca suffered a disappointing 3-0 defeat at Blaenavon Blues. The previous week Risca had lost 2-1 to Canton at home. Two goals shortly before the interval by Canton proved to be their downfall, after they had opened the scoring after just 13 minutes thanks to 16 year old Dylan John, his first league goal at this level after 11 league starts, after previously playing for the clubs Under 12 side in 2019-20. Undy meanwhile drew 0-0 at home last Saturday to Croesyceiliog. Their previous game to that was two weeks previous when they lost 3-2 at home to Treowen Stars. They had a great start, Jacob Osborne and Bradley Hanbury, assisting 17 year old James Griffiths-Harrop to score twice in only his second start at this level after three cameo appearances yielding 1, 7 and 4 minutes. He scored on his first ever start against Undy at the end of 2024 and scored 2 more here in the 21st and 25th minutes to give Undy a 2-0 lead at the break. However the Stars pulled a goal back on 47 minutes and two late goals after 87 and deep into injury time broke Undy hearts and a winning start to 2025.
Croesyceiliog in 7th place host Abertillery Bluebirds in 6th place at Woodland Road. Last Saturday Croesyceiliog ground out a goalless draw away at Undy. Their previous game prior to last week was a 4-4 draw at home to Treharris Athletic Western in December. They 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. The Bluebirds haven’t played since the end of 2024, when 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.
Coronation Park plays host to Newport Corinthians in 14th place against Blaenavon Blues in 11th place. Two weeks ago the Corinthians produced one of their best performances of the season to beat Brecon Corries 4-0. After a goalless first half, Kushal Phuyal set up Lewis Brown for the opener on 68 minutes and two minutes later, it was 2-0 when substitute Sam Beckett assisted Phuyal for his first league goal in four games for the Corinthians. Two minutes from time, Sam Broadribb was on hand to assist substitute Jake Dymond to all but seal the win for the home side, and deep into injury time Dymond scored his second to make it 4-0 finishing off a move set up by Max Holley. Blaenavon Blues also had an excellent result in their last game, 3-0 against Risca United last Saturday. Illtyd Caddick opened the scoring on 28 minutes at the Memorial Ground, before Matthew Burns helped set up a chance for Jacob Bull who made no mistake to make it 2-0. The points were sealed when Bull returned the favour for Burns to make the final score 3-0.
Abercarn United take on Canton in the final game on Saturday in the South East, 10th v 3rd. Last Saturday Abercarn suffered a 4-1 defeat at Brecon Corries, Calum Gwillim scoring a consolation for the visitors after he had been assisted by Callum Mitchell. Brecon scored after 41, 45+1, 90 and 90+3 for a comprehensive victory. Abercarn had last played at the end of 2024, losing in disappointing fashion at home to Chepstow Town, a 3-0 defeat. Their last win was the previous week, a 2-0 win 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. Canton meanwhile were on FAW Trophy duty with a long trip up to Brickfield Rangers. After a goalless 90 minutes, the game went to a penalty shootout, Brickfield winning 4-1 after Bo Cardle and Joe Davies had failed from the spot, despite Shane Hill being successful. Canton had previously won 2-1 at Risca United the week before, thanks firstly to an equalising goal, just before half time from Elliot Humphries, assisted by Ahmed Almansour after Canton had gone behind in the 13th minute. The second came in first half injury time, David Trace finding the net after an assist by Jack Wheten. Elliot Humphries, the clubs top scorer now has 8 goals in 18 league games this season.
There are 3 games on Saturday in the South West, starting at Ivor Park, where Pontyclun in 14th place take on Morriston Town in 8th place. Pontyclun now under the management of Glyndwr Davies and assisted by Ross Youlden and Steve Wallace will be looking for their third win of the season after winning 2 of their last 3 league games, with their latest win a 3-0 triumph at Clydach last Saturday. George Shewring put the visitors ahead after 62 minutes and he scored his second on 72 minutes, Arjen Matthews assisting. The points were wrapped up deep into injury time, Iestyn Stone setting up Daniel Roderick for a vital three points. With 8 games remaining, Pontyclun will have to win at least 5 to give themselves a chance of surviving the drop to Tier 4, but with this new found belief, anything is possible. Morriston Town meanwhile will be looking to build on their 1-1 with Cardiff Corinthians last Friday at Afan Lido, after they had gone a goal behind minutes after the Corries had been reduced to 10 men when their goalkeeper was sent off. Morriston though despite leaving it late managed to salvage a point deep into stoppage time when Ben Taylor found the net.
Cefn Cribwr are home at the Jewson Stadium to Clydach, with the home side in 3rd place and the visitors in 13th in the table. Cefn Cribwr are back in home after a difficult patch in late November and have now won their last 2 games, the last a 2-1 win at Seven Sisters Onllwyn last Saturday. After a goalless first half, Cefn Cribwr took the lead on 50 minutes, Jon Tiffin setting up Jack Teisar to open the scoring. However the home side were soon back on level terms, equalising from the spot on 54 minutes. With the game looking like it would end in stalemate, Arron Weaver had other ideas, assisting fellow substitute Matthew Symons who scored the winner and keep their promotion challenge on course. The only blemish on their day was Iestyn Clement being sent off in injury time for a second bookable offence. Clydach will be looking to arrest some worrying form which has seen them go six games without a win. Last Saturday they lost 3-0 at home to relegation rivals Pontyclun. The previous week Clydach were unlucky to lose 3-2 at Cardiff Corinthians after leading 2-0. Arwel Rees had put them ahead from the penalty spot in the 9th minute and Cody Tinker-Key set up Keelan Robb-Gregory to make it 2-0 on 72 minutes. However two penalties from the Corries on 74 and 82 minutes levelled the scores before they found the winner in injury time to steal the points.
The final game in the South West on Saturday sees Bridgend Street in 16th place host Seven Sisters Onllwyn in 12th at Willows Avenue. Last Saturday Bridgend Street were unlucky to lose 1-0 at Ynyshir Albions. The week before Bridgend Street produced an excellent 2-1 win over AFC Llwydcoed at Willows Avenue. Mike Murphy gave the home side a dream start after 4 minutes, netting from a Conor Jones assist however the visitors equalised after 40 minutes to leave it all square at the break. Bridgend Street found a winner on 74 minutes though Jones again assisting with Jeff White finding the net for a winner, his 6th goal of the season. Seven Sisters Onllwyn lost 2-1 at home to Cefn Cribwr last Saturday. After a goalless first half, Cefn Cribwr took the lead on 50 minutes, but Seven Sisters Onllwyn were soon back on level terms, Shay Isaac equalising from the spot on 54 minutes. With the game looking like it would end in stalemate though Cefn Cribwr found the winner in the 84th minute to spoil what would have been a hard earned point for Seven Sisters Onllwyn.
One more game for us this weekend, sees Treharris Athletic Western host Brecon Corries on Sunday at Parc Taf Bargoed, with the home side 16th place and the visitors in 4th place in the table. Treharris were unlucky to lose by a single goal last Saturday at Caldicot Town, scored in the 42nd minute. Their previous game was at the start of January a 3-1 loss at Chepstow Town. Despite taking the lead through Bina Ibrahim Sani after 24 minutes, a lead Treharris held onto until the 72nd minute it was the home side who would finish strongly equalising on 72 minutes and sealing the 3 points with goals on 82 and 85 minutes. Brecon Corries were back on form last weekend after a disastrous 4-0 defeat at Newport Corinthians the previous week. Abercarn United were the visitors to the Rich Field, with Brecon taking the lead as half time approached, Craig Evans setting up Matthew Tong to find the net. It was 2-0 at the interval, Craig Evans again assisting this time Joel Evans, who made no mistake for his 11th goal of the season in 17 games. The second half saw Abercarn have hope of a comeback, when they netted on 68 minutes, but Brecon sealed the points in the final minutes, Liam McAnally assisting Joe Cooper to score the third and Joel Evans returning the favour for Craig Evans to give Brecon the points with a 4-1 win deep into injury time.
