MATCH DAY 37, 2024/25

Match Day 37 and we have a program of 15 league matches this weekend, 7 in the South East and 8 in the South West. Starting in the South East, Caldicot Town host Abercarn United at Jubilee Way, 3rd v 14th in the table. It’s the first game for Caldicot since the retirement of inspirational captain Richard Sharratt who played his last game last weekend in the 3-1 win over Brecon Corries. Shaz has played over 450 games over 20 years after progressing from Caldicot Juniors. He has made the ultimate sacrifice and is about to donate a kidney to his daughter and will be missed on the pitch. He went on with a bang setting up Ben Donoghue for the opener after just 4 minutes. Donoghue then scored they second for the home side on 17 minutes, assisted by Laurent Ngunjoh, before Donoghue returned the favour for Ngunjoh to score the 3rd on 39 minutes. Brecon reduced the arrears from the penalty spot on 47 minutes, but that was the last goal as Sharratt left the field to a standing ovation by all in injury time. Abercarn meanwhile lost 2-0 last Saturday at Canton, but the week before pulled off a vital 1-0 win at relegation rivals Tredegar Town. Sam Thomas laid on the only goal of the game, scored by Calum Gwillim on 23 minutes as they played the game out for a priceless 3 points for Manager Rhys Iles. This will produce an exciting game with both sides desperate for the 3 points for different reasons.

Undy take on Newport Corinthians at the Causeway, 11th v 12th in the table. Undy had a fantastic 3-0 win last weekend at home over Risca United to make up for the previous weeks 1-0 defeat at Treharris Athletic Western. Dam Jarman opened the scoring after just 4 minutes after an assist by Oliver Smith, before Gareth Cullimore added the second on 28 minutes, assisted by Louis Lawrence. Bradley Hanbury completed the scoring just before half time, when he was set up by Scott Rodway. Newport Corinthians will be looking to get back on form after hitting the rails over the last two games, losing 3-0 at home to Goytre last weekend and 6-0 at Blaenavon Blues the previous week. Their last win was 2-1 at Tredegar Town 3 weeks ago. The home side struck first at the Leisure Centre and that is how it remained at the interval. But the second half saw Newport Corinthians take the 3 points after goals on 52 minutes from Jordan Poole assisted by Kris Leek and then a winner from Lewis Brown on 58 minutes assisted by Sam Beckett.

Risca United play Treharris Athletic Western at the CCB Centre for Sporting Excellence 9th v 16th in the table, It’s a massive game for the visitors as Treharris Atletic Western look to safeguard their long standing status at this level. They have it all to do, 6 points adrift of safety with 5 games to go with last weekends 2-0 home defeat to Chepstow Town not helping the situation. However if they can find the form they had at the start of march with a 4-1 win at Brecon Corries and 1-0 at home to undy, the great escape is still on. Risca will be looking for 3 points for themselves though after a 3-0 defeat at Undy last weekend and a 1-0 defeat at Canton the previous week. They last won they won 4-1 at Caldicot Town 3 weeks ago despite going a goal down after 21 minutes. They equalised on 41 minutes Callum Hutton finding the net, before taking the lead on 56 minutes Hutton assisting Lloyd Oliver to put Risca ahead. Hutton then scored his second of the game on 74 minutes before he provided an assist for 18 year old brother and substitute Alfie Hutton to make it 4-1.

Blaenavon Blues host Brecon Corries at the Memorial Ground, 7th v 5th in the table. Blaenavon Blues are in a great run of form, only losing 1 of their last 7 games, yielding 6 wins. Their latest 3 points came last weekend when they won 6-0 at home to Newport Corinthians, Craig Tanner opening the scoring after 13 minutes. It was 2-0 on the half hour as Jude Bull set up Matthew Burns, before Bull found the net himself after 42 minutes. An own goal by Conor Crowley made it 4-0 at the interval, before a penalty by Alex Berrow on 47 minutes and another strike from him on 57 minutes made it 6-0 to the Blues, to build on their 2-0 win the week before at Canton as they finish the season strongly. Brecon meanwhile will be looking to find a win to end their dismal run of form of late with 4 defeats in their last 5 games. The latest was a 3-1 defeat last weekend at Caldicot Town, a penalty from Dale Evans, all they had to show for their afternoon, as goals on 4, 17 and 39 minutes gave the home side the 3 points.

Croesyceiliog take on Abergavenny Town at Woodland Road, 8th v 13th in the table. Croesyceiliog have won their last 2 league games, the latest a 2-1 win at Goytre in midweek to follow their 2-1 at home to the same team 3 weeks ago. Croesyceiliog fell a goal behind at Plough Road, after just 2 minutes to open the scoring. Jamie Hill soon found the equaliser though after 12 minutes, before Owen Llewellyn assisted Luke Dyke to score the winner after 35 minutes. The previous game with Goytre saw Croesyceiliog again go a goal behind, before Owen Llewellyn set up Rhys Brown after 78 minutes for the equaliser, before Michael Passmore slotted home a penalty for the winner deep into injury time. Abergavenny Town will be looking to emulate their performance a month ago when they won 1-0 at Canton, Harrison Reynolds finding the net. Last weekend they suffered a 3-0 loss at Tredegar Town, despite picking up a point the previous week with a goalless draw at Abertillery Bluebirds. Only one win in 12 games has seen them plumet into the relegation fight but with the experience of ex Welsh Premier keeper Ashley Morris in goal, their talented youngsters should not be written off just yet, with 16 year old Harrison Reynolds, the pick of the bunch, as well as the experience of former AFC Llwydcoed Player-Manager Jordan Coles. This game will see Croesceiliog host a past players day.

Treowen Stars host Chepstow Town at Bush Park as the leaders look for another 3 points towards the title against their closest rivals in 2nd place. It’s only 2 weeks since the sides met at Larkfield Park, Treowen coming from 2-0 down to win 3-2. Josh Parson struck the first goal from an Adam Wakley assist after just 6 minutes, before Wakley himself found the net on 39 minutes after being teed up by Mallachi Graham. However Ben Murphy fired up his Stars at the interval and they came storming back, with a quick fire double from Carter Campbell on 47 & 49 minutes levelling the scores. Just when it looked like both sides would share the spoils, up popped substitute Chris Colvin to score the winner after good work from Kyle Williams on 88 minutes. Treowen saw the game out despite being reduced to 10 men when Jordan Needs received a second caution on 90 minutes. Chepstow bounced back last weekend though with a 2-0 win at Treharris Athletic Western, Nathan Rose scoring the first on the verge of half time after an assist from Mallachi Graham. The points were sealed just after the interval when Ryan Wheeler proved the assist for Adam Wakley to find the net. Treowen were also clinching 3 points at Abertillery Bluebirds, Chris Colvin setting up the only goal of the game for Macsen Evans on 81 minutes.

Sunday sees Canton host Goytre at the House of Sport in Leckwith, 4th v 6th in the table. Canton have won their last 2 games, 1-0 2 weeks ago home to Risca United and 2-0 home to Abercarn United last Saturday. Norton Ferreira scored the goal against Risca, assisted by Rameer Outlaw after 67 minutes, while last week Outlaw opened the scoring after 27 minutes assisted by John Clarke, before Clarke scored the second after great work from Elliot Humphries on the hour. Goytre meanwhile suffered a 2-1 defeat at home to Croesyceiliog last weekend, despite taking the lead through Thomas Meechan after being set up by Chris Ham after just 2 minutes. However Croesyceiliog came back strongly, equalising on 12 minutes when Jamie Hill found the net and clinched the winner on 35 minutes Luke Dyke scoring from an Owen Llewellyn assist. Hill later saw red with a second caution on 63 minute. The week before though Goytre had won 3-0 at Newport Corinthians, Chris Ham (43), Daniel Paul (64) and Alan Young (89) on the scoresheet after assists from new signing from Abergavenny Town Mason Keepin-Davies, Thomas Meechan and Lewis Green respectively.

Onto the South West and Saturday sees all teams take part in 8 exciting matches. AFC Llwydcoed take on Swansea University 16th v 7th in the table at Rhiw Dda’r in Taffs Well, venue of the Ardal Southern Cup Final on the 16th May. AFC Llwydcoed suffered a 2-0 defeat last weekend at Cefn Cribwr as the home side scored after 49 and 54 minutes. The previous week though AFC Llwydcoed picked up a priceless point in their bid to beat the drop, drawing 1-1 against Bridgend Street. After going a goal behind on 8 minutes AFC Llwydcoed came back to equalise from a penalty from Leon Jacka on 24 minutes. The game saw 3 red cards, Bridgend Street losing a player for receiving a second caution on 45 minutes, while Ross Daniels saw red for AFC Llwydcoed on 88 minutes along with Coach Jonathon Price. Swansea University suffered a 1-0 defeat last time out in the semi-final of the Ardal Southern Cup, going down 1-0 at Cardiff Corinthians to a 9th minute goal at Taffs Well. Two weeks ago they won 3-1 in the league at Seven Sisters Onllwyn, taking the lead in the first minute through Casey Coughlin. It wasn’t until the 8th minute that the next goal was scored, Josh Cole putting the students further ahead from an assist from substitute Lewis Brooks, before the home side pulled a goal back on 87 minutes from the penalty spot. It was left to Brooks though to seal the win, scoring in the last minute from a Morgan Wright assist.

In Cardiff, the Riverside Ground sees Cardiff Corinthians take on Bridgend Street 8th v 13th in the table. Last weekend the Corries suffered a 1-0 defeat to Pontardawe Town falling to a goal in the 32nd minute. The previous game though had seen Corries reach the Ardal Southern Cup Final, top scorer and Captain Aron Davies scoring his 35th goal of the season against Cup Holders Swanesa University, assisted by James Hill in the 9th minute. Aron has 24 league goals and 11 cup goals. Bridgend Street suffered a 2-0 defeat at Morriston Town last weekend, but the previous week had drawn 1-1 against AFC Llwydcoed, Jeff White setting up Conor Cook after just 8 minutes. AFC Llwydcoed equalised though from the penalty spot on 24 minutes, but despite Conor Cusack seeing red for a second caution on the stroke of half time, Street hung on for an important point.

South Gower host Cefn Cribwr at Scurlage, 9th v 6th in the table. South Gower have lost their last 3 games, the latest a 1-0 home defeat to promotion hopefuls Ynyshir Albions last Saturday. The previous week they had lost 1-0 to Cardiff Draconians also at home while 3 weeks ago they lost 2-0 at the Albions. Cefn Cribwr had a 2-0 home win last weekend at the Jewson Stadium against AFC Llwydcoed, Matthew Symons opening the scoring just after the interval after an assist from Jonathan Tiffin. Ross Hopper set up the second on 54 minutes for Mark Evans as they made up for a 2-0 defeat the previous week at Cardiff Corinthians.

Ynyshir Albions host Pontardawe Town at the Ynyshor Oval, 2nd v 5th place in the table. The Albions are in a run of good form, winning their last 4 league games as they aim to secure at least a play off place, which they won in 2022. Last Saturday they won 1-0 at South Gower, Joseff Haig scoring after just 7 minutes assisted by Keane Thomas. The previous week they had won 1-0 in a local derby against their closest rivals Treherbert BGC, Jorrie-Blue Griffiths finding the net on the half hour. Pontardawe Town also won last weekend 1-0 against Cardiff Corinthians. Josh Dorward scored the only goal after 32 minutes. The previous week Pontardawe had produced a 2-0 win at Morriston Town, 19 year old Dafydd Hyett opening the scoring after 31 minutes with his first ever Ardal Southern goal assisted by Alfie Brown, before 17 year old William Thomas scored the second 42 minutes when Arnold Ncube set the chance up.

Another local derby sees Clydach host Morriston Town at Coed Gwillym Park, 14th v 3rd in the table. Clydach have hit a run of form at the right time after losing 5 out of their first 6 games in 2025. They have won the last couple of games, winning 3-1 at Seven Sisters Onllwyn last Saturday. After going a goal down on 25 minutes, Clydach came storming back to equalise just before half time, Cameron Jones scoring from a Ryan Thomas assist. Ryan Thomas added a second on 48 minutes with Cameron Jones returning the favour, before Cameron clinched the vital 3 pointes with the third for Clydach in the 59th minute. The previous week Clydach beat Cardiff Corinthians at home, Gavin Challacombe scoring the all important goal on the hour. Morriston meanwhile made up for a 2-0 home loss to Pontardawe Town 2 weeks ago when they won 2-0 at home to Bridgend Street last weekend, Charlie Coates opening the scoring from the penalty spot on 26 minutes and he clinched the points with the second on 78 minutes.

Pontyclun take on Seven Sisters Onllwyn at Ivor Park, 15th v 12th in the table. A defeat for Pontyclun will see them relegated after 4 seasons in the Ardal Southern, the first two of which they were one of the favourites for promotion, finishing 3rd in both seasons. They have only picked up 1 point in their last 3 games though, last weekend a 1-1 draw at Treherbert BGC. Michael Jones set up the Pontyclun goal for George Shewring after just 5 minutes, but Treherbert came back to equalise on 71 minutes after Pontyclun had gone down to 10 men with Gareth Welsh receiving a second caution on 58 minutes. Seven Sisters Onllwyn however have lost their last 3 league games, the latest a 3-1 defeat at home to Clydach last weekend. They have won 3 games and lost 9 in their last 12 and will need to pick up at least a couple of wins in their last 5 games to safe guard their status for another season. Their last win was 4 games ago, a 3-0 win over Morriston Town, Leon Herdman, Iestyn Clement and Evans Williams the goalscorers.

Treherbert BGC play host to Cardiff Draconians at Baglan Field, 10th v 1st in the table. The Dracs need a maximum of 10 points in their remaining 6 games to clinch the title, with a thrilling derby against rivals Cardiff Corinthians looming on the 22nd April. Last weekend the Dracs suffered a disappointing 1-0 defeat against Evans & Williams, losing to a goal scored after 58 minutes and losing Clayton Farrah on 85 minutes to a red card. However the week before they had won 1-0 at South Gower Luke Bridgeman scoring the goal deep in injury time after an assist from Luke Davies. The home side Saturday Treherbert, drew 1-1 last weekend at home to Pontylcun, coming back from a goal down after 5 minutes to earn a share of the points with a goal from Brandon Thomas on 71 minutes after an assist from Joe Eason. They lost the previous week 1-0 to Ynyshir Albions but 3 weeks ago they won a thriller 3-2 against Ynysygerwn, thanks to a Brandon Thomas hattrick, with goals on 4, 57 and 90+2.

The final game this weekend in the South West sees Ynysgerwn host Evans & Williams at Llandarcy Park 11th v 4th in the table. With this game being reversed due to Wales Women’s U19s playing Serbia at Stebonheath Park, Ynysygerwn will be looking for the 3 points after the teams drew 2 weeks ago in Llanelli. Joe Humpries opened the scoring for Ynysygerwn but Evans & Williams came back to equalise, Player-Coach Richard Lewis scoring from the penalty spot after 34 minutes. Chris Ferrier saw red on 71 minutes for a second caution as the game ended in a stalemate. This point for Ynysgerwyn arrested a 4 game losing streak, with saw defeats against, Treherbert BGC, Swansea University, Cefn Cribwr and South Gower. Evans & Williams won 1-0 last weekend against league leaders Cardiff Draconians at Stebonheath Park, Dylan Ashford scoring the only goal of the game after 58 minutes, as the Dracs ended with 10 men after a red card 5 minutes from time.