FLOODLIGHTING & ELECTRICAL ARDAL SOUTHERN
MATCH DAY TWO, 2024/25
What a start we had last week as we kicked off our fourth season of Ardal Southern Football. 23 goals in the West, 36 in the East. Two players, Aron Davies of Cardiff Corinthians and Adam Walkey of Chepstow Town had four goal hauls and Curtis Methven a hatrick for Abertillery Bluebirds, as they made early running for the prestigious Golden Boots on offer to the top scorer in the East and West. Chris Ham, twice a Golden Boot winner in the East, scored on his return to Goytre and is now just nine goals away from becoming the first player to score 100 Ardal Southern League Goals. We forgot to mention Clydach last week as one of the clubs making their Ardal Southern debut and they certainly let us know, producing one of the shocks of the opening games, beating League Cup winners Swansea University 3-1. Let’s us now take a look at what happened in the opening games and also in the JD Welsh Cup at the weekend, as we focus on Round 2 of our League programme.
Tuesday night sees an almost full program with just one game in the West on Wednesday.
Pontardawe Town will be looking to bounce back against AFC Llwydcoed after their 1-0 defeat to new boys Evans & Williams last week. Again they will be at home on Tuesday, they didn’t play at the weekend having received a bye in the JD Welsh Cup, due to their Tier 2 status last season. Look out for the creativity of new signing Tom Dix from Port Talbot, while 33 year old Captain Craig Davies is one to watch at this level, having lifted the title for Pontardawe Town in 2021-22. Both sides will be looking for their first points of the season after AFC Llwydcoed lost away 3-0 to Cardiff Draconians last week, but bounced back last Friday in the JD Welsh Cup with a 3-0 win over Tier 5 side AFC Penrhiwceiber. Last season’s joint top scorer in the West, Ricky Carter made his first start of the season as goals from Liam Jones, Cian Cable and 18 year old Ellis Williams saw them comfortably through to the next round.
Another home game for Bridgend Street and they come just as tough as last weeks opener, when Cefn Cribwr arrive in the capital. Last week Bridgend Street suffered a 6-2 defeat against one of the early favorites for promotion, Cardiff Corinthians, Callum Gunstone scored one of the Street goals on his debut after signing from Aber Valley and he will be looking to establish a partnership with Jeff White, with the other goalscorer Jacob Dublin also showing promise at just 19 after his move from Cambrian. A decent crowd of 186 at the Willows and Bridgend Street will be looking to bounce back from their shock JD Welsh Cup defeat at Holton Road in Barry. The visitors Cefn Cribwr, did well to come back in their opener against Pontyclun, the first ever competitive game on their revamped home of Cae Gof, sponsored by Jewsons. 2-0 down after 19 minutes, Cefn Cribwr staged a comeback with goals from Shaun Williams (44) and Rhys Alden (49) salvaging a point. The visitors had a day off in the JD Welsh Cup when their game with Cwrt Y Vil was postponed.
A historic evening at Stebonheath Park in Llanelli, sees Evans & Williams play their first ever home game against Ynyshir Albions, on their ground sharing home with Llanelli Town. A Liam Samuel penalty after 65 minutes made it a special evening last Tuesday, despite missing player-manager Richard Lewis who was watching his son in the Cymru Cup in Wrexham. He was back at the weekend as Llantwit Fardre made the trip to Llanelli 27 years after their youth team lost 11-7 to Evans & Williams. Dylan Ashford put Evans & Williams ahead but a Josh Sweeney goal sent the game to penalties, with Evans and Williams winning 4-3 thanks to goals from Liam Samuel, Rhys Watson, Jack Walters and Richard Lewis. Ynyshir will provide a good yard stick for the home side after their 5th place finish last season in the West. Craig Hopkins teams are always competitive and they were don’t concede many, drawing their opener at Treherbert BGC last week 0-0, while they fought a close JD Welsh Cup game at on Saturday, unlucky to lose 2-1 to Cardiff Draconians. Leon Anstee gave them the lead at Ynyshir Oval, but the Dracs came from behind to lead at the interval and hold on for the win in the second half. This will be the Buns second game at Stebonheath after they were unlucky to lose a hard fought Cymru South encounter two years ago against Llanelli Town.
Pontyclun will be looking to build on their 2-2 draw at Cefn Criber last week when they face South Gower at Ivor Park. Goals from Jackson Acreman and Michael Jones were enough to earn a point in Cefn Cribwr. They are also in the hat so to speak for the next round of the JD Welsh Cup after goals from Lennie Norris, Iestyn Stone with a penalty and Jackson Acreman, gave them a 3-2 win over Penycraig United. South Gower will be looking for a bit of luck on their side after a disappointing start to the season. They could have been 1-0 up against Morriston last Tuesday when visiting goalkeeper Steve Cann looked like handling outside the area but it was not given as deliberate and a couple of minutes later Morriston had scored a winner. While last Saturday in the JD Welsh Cup Cwrt Rawlin were the visitors. South Gower will be kicking themselves for not winning in what ended as an exciting 3-3 draw after 90 minutes. Ricky Martin put South Gower in front before they received a setback with keeper Dion Carroll red carded and the visitors equalised. The Caerphilly based team then found themselves 2-1 and 3-2 up before Jefferson Brown-Pinheiro and then Bruno Martin equalising for South Gower. However penalties saw Cwrt Rawlin win 4-2, with Louis Jackson standing in as the South Gower keeper unable to prevent a shock, for the team who reached the last 16 last season.
Cardiff Draconians play their second home game of the season on Tuesday at Lydstep Park against Seven Sisters Onllwyn, after two wins to date against AFC Llwydcoed and Ynyshir Albions. AFC Llwydcoed were beaten 3-0 last Tuesday, Sam Crawley, Sam Roberts and Nathan Mathias on the scoresheet. While last Saturday in the JD Welsh Cup goals from Dylan Amin and Sam Crawley gave the Dracs a 2-1 win after the home side had taken the lead. After finishing last season strongly in 3rd place, Nana Baah’s side are slowly gaining momentum and could be one of the early pace setters this season in the West. However with Simon Isaac now back in the Seven Sisters Onllwyn hotseat, last season’s FAW Trophy Quarter Finalists will be looking to make their mark in the West after a fixture backlog last season almost caught them cold. They will be stronger for the experience and have had a good start to the season with a 1-1 draw at Ynysgerwyn last Wednesday in the Ardal Southern, a Stephen Morris own goal giving them an early lead and what proved to be a point as the home side equalised. While on Saturday in the JD Welsh Cup Risca Town were soundly beaten 2-0, Iestyn Clement and 18 year old Cieran Williams finding the net for Seven Sisters Onllwyn.
Another great game that could be on the cards this week is Swansea University hosting Cardiff Corinthians. Jon Beale’s Uni side did not get off to the best of starts at Clydach last Tuesday, losing 3-1, with two second half goals the difference after Josh Cole, who shared last seasons Golden Boot in the West with 19 goals, had equalised shortly after the break. Swansea were missing a few key players but it was still thought they had enough to comfortably win the game, which goes to show there are no easy games at this level. On Saturday in the JD Welsh, AFC Wattstown, reversed the tie and it was to prove a tough game for the Uni, winning 5-1, but the scoreline failed to tell the story. An early goal from Josh Cole, the only goal of the first half put Swansea in front. The visitors however equalised just after the break, before an own goal put the Uni back in front. It was not until three late goals from substitutes, 17 year old Jake Ferguson with a double and Harry Huddart, before Swansea University were sure of being in the next round. Cardiff Corinthians had opened their account last Tuesday with an emphatic 6-2 win at new comers Bridgend Street in a Cardiff Derby. Returning Aron Davies from Goytre scored four on his Corries comeback, while Mo Djalo and Thierry Otu also scored on their club debuts after arriving from Llantwit Major and Canton respectively. On Saturday the club received a bye against Ferndale BGC in the JD Welsh Cup, so will be looking to hit the goal trail again on Tuesday after their weekend off.
A two junction derby to finish the games in the West on Tuesday, when Morriston travel two junctions down the M4 to face Ynysygerwn at Landarcy Park. The home side started the season with a 1-1 draw with Seven Sisters Onllwyn, Charlie Farrell scoring the equaliser in just the 6th minute after an own goal after gifted the visitors the lead after 4 minutes. While last Saturday in the JD Welsh Cup Ynysygerwn had a comfortable win against Pontarddulais Town, thanks to an Allister Davies hatrick and a goal from substitute Adam Rees, five minutes from time. A new signing on the eve of this game as well with goalkeeper Sam L’Homme returning to Ynysygerwn from Pontyclun, to battle with another new signing Jac Jones for the number one spot. Morriston have had a winning start to the season, new signing Luke Harris scoring on his debut at South Gower to earn a 1-0 win. While in the JD Welsh Cup last Saturday, Morriston cantered to a 4-1 win over Swansea League side Clase Social. After going a goal down on 12 minutes, Morriston came back with 2 goals from Solomon Minty-Walker, as well as Sam Harrison and 17 year old Cameron Lewis-Clarke.
The only game we have this week on Wednesday is Treherbert Boys & Girls Club against fellow new comers Clydach. The home side earned a 0-0 draw on their Ardal Southern debuts last Wednesday in front of a large crowd at the Baglan Field in Treorchy against fellow Rhondda side Ynyshir Albions. A great start for Liam Goatson, as his side were up against an established club at this level and one which was in the Cymru South two seasons ago. While last Saturday in the JD Welsh Cup, Treherbert had a result to remember, travelling to Ardal Southern East side Abergavenny Town and winning a thriller 5-3. Treherbert found themselves a goal down after just 4 minutes, but equalised from the spot on 17 minutes thanks to Deacon Greening. However they found themselves down to 10 men on 38 minutes when Jake Thomas saw Red, with Abergavenny soon taking the lead again. The second half though saw Christen Bethell equalise, before Greening put Treherbert ahead and ex-Ynyshir Albions star Joe Eason then scored their fourth. On 69 minutes Bethell put the game to bed with a fifth for Treherbert, before an injury time consolation from Jacob Osborne for the home side. Clydach meanwhile kicked off their Ardal Southern campaign with a shock, beating Swansea University 3-1 at Coed Gwillym Park last Tuesday in front of a crowd of 320, thanks to goals from Stephen Hughes and a double from 18 year old substitute Cody Tinkler-Key. There is certainly goals in this Clydach team as they continued their excellent start to the season with an 8-3 JD Welsh Cup win over Tregaron Turfs on Saturday, Ryan Thomas (2), Nathan Jones (2), Cai Thomas, Evan Daley and 16 year old substitute Rhys John also scoring twice in his 37 minute cameo. The chances of another 0-0 this week seem remote.
We turn our attentions to the East now, as Undy host Tredegar Town at the Causeway. Undy will be looking to kick start their season, after two shock defeats to open their account, for the team that finished last season in 8th place. They could not have wished for a better start last week though against Chepstow Town, as Gareth Cullimore scored twice in the opening 7 minutes. However just 12 minutes later Chepstow were 4-2 ahead and on 32 minutes both teams were reduced to ten men. Chepstow then went on a goal rampage, scoring a further 7 goals, to make the final score Undy 2 Chepstow Town 11. If Undy thought the visit of Tier 4 West Wales side Penlan was going to be easier in the JD Welsh Cup, they were also in for a shock as they found themselves 3-0 down at the interval. Despite a goal from James Gidney on the hour, Penlan were in the next round, 5-1 winners at the final whistle. Tredegar Town meanwhile have had a poor start as well, losing their Ardal opener 7-3 at Abertillery Bluebirds, Dafydd Jones scoring from a penalty and a double from Tom Spruce including a penalty after Dafydd Jones had been substituted. While at the weekend Tredegar suffered a shock 3-2 home defeat to New Inn, despite goals from Tye Duggan and Sam Evans, the visitors scoring the winner after 81 minutes.
Treharris Athletic Western, will be looking at adding to their shock opening win of the season against Risca United, when Abercarn United come visiting to Parc Taf Bargoed. Munyaradzi Mabwe was the hero, with the winner after 43 minutes against a team which has finished in the top three in each of the last two seasons. Last Saturday Treharris travelled to fellow Ardal East side Blaenavon Blues and after a respectable 2-2 draw, had the travesty of losing on penalties, 5-4. Goals from Thamsanqa Nyathi and Aladje Sani, had put Treharris 2-0 ahead, but second half goals from the home side including a 90th minute equaliser, put a dampener on what had been a great start, given that Treharris were almost relegated last season. Abercarn meanwhile had a share of the spoils last Tuesday against Ardal newcomers Newport Corinthians in front of a crowd of over 300 at Abercarn Welfare Ground. Despite going a goal down, Abercarn came back strongly in the second half to equalise from the penalty spot through Alex Adams and had chances to win the game as they look to make sure they don’t end up in the bottom three after last season’s reprieve. However last Saturday in the JD Welsh Cup, they lost 2-1 at home to fellow Ardal East side Canton. A Sean Davies own goal put Canton ahead, but a Aaryn Campbell equaliser on 64 minutes brought Abercarn back into the game before an 88th minute penalty broke Abercarn hearts.
Chepstow could not have wished for a better start to the season last week and Marc Ingles men will be looking to add to their 11-2 opening win at Undy when rivals Caldicot Town visit. Despite going 2-0 down, Chepstow were soon 4-2 up and went on to win 11-2, Adam Wakley the hero with a 4 goal haul along with goals from Matthew Board (penalty), Mallachi Graham, Josh Parsons, Oliver Melling (2), Charlie Powell and Jack Pearson. While on Saturday, they travelled to Vale United in the JD Welsh Cup and came away with a hard fought 3-2 victory at the Corntown Pavilion. Adam Wakley was again on target, while the other goals were scored by Ryan Wheeler and Christian O’Donnell. Caldicot meanwhile will be looking at a sustained promotion push this season after much promise over the last three seasons has faded away towards the end, after 3rd, 5th and 6th place finishes. They started the season last week with a 5-0 shock defeat at promoted Croesyceiliog, but went some way to making amends with a 5-1 JD Welsh Cup win over Swansea League side Blaenymaes at the weekend. It was not an easy win though as Caldicot went 1-0 down when substitute Sam Watkins scored own goal on 53 minutes. However a Blaenymaes own goal soon brought the scores level. Goals from Caldicot’s other substitutes, Ben Donoghue (2), Ben Smith and Gethin Foster, finally saw Caldicot take their place in the next round.
Goytre take on Newport Corinthians at Plough Road looking to build on their opening win of the season, 2-1 against Blaenavon Blues. Sporting a new club badge, the home side came back from a goal down to win, thanks to goals from Rob Jones and Chris Ham, scoring on his return to Goytre against the team he left for last season. Football is full of ironies sometimes. While last Saturday Goytre travelled to Cwmbach Royal Stars and came away with a professional 2-0 win at Cwmbach Recreation Ground. Joel Richards and George Jones were the Goytre scorers. New Captain Dan Barnard, the former Llanelli Town and Swansea University defender, will be looking at another clean sheet this week, to continue Goytre’s positive start to the season. Newport Corinthians will be playing their second ever game at this level after last weeks 1-1 draw at Abercarn, while Lewis Brown scored their first ever goal and this earned them a point to get them up and running this season in a tight game at Abercarn Welfare Ground. Last Saturday, they were on the goal trail scoring 4 at Sifil at the Y Sifil Sports Ground in Newport as they came back from 2-0 down to win 4-2. Lewis Brown was again on the scoresheet, along with the other goals scored by Joe Beckett (penalty), Harrison Shelley and Calam Waters.
Abertillery will look for another convincing win this week when Brecon Corries come visiting to Cwm Nant Y Groes. However despite last weeks 7-3 win over Tredegar Town, they will find the Chisels no push overs as Damien Daniels produced a hard working side last season who finished in 7th position. The Bluebirds didn’t have it all their own way in the first half, only leading 2-1 at the interval, thanks to 2 goals from Curtis Methven. However after completing his hatrick on 52 minutes, Abertillery went 5-2 ahead with 2 goals from Iwan John. Tredegar scored to make it 5-3, before the result was put to bed with substitute Tom Beynon completing the scoring with another double, one from the spot. Abertillery had a bye in the 1st qualifying Round of the JD Welsh Cup. Brecon meanwhile opened their league campaign with a an excellent 2-0 win over Treowen Stars. Joel Evans opened the scoring after 79 minutes before Craig Evans made sure of the points deep into injury time. While last Saturday in the JD Welsh Cup, Brecon travelled to old foes Builth Wells and despite Jack Biggs equalising for Brecon, it was not to be as Builth won 4-2 on penalties at Lant Fields. Incidentally in the Builth Wells side was Lyndon Jones, who scored the first ever Ardal Southern goal for Monmouth Town, what turned out to be the winner after 10 minutes at Newport City exactly three years ago.
Croesyceiliog face Canton this week at Woodland Road and certainly came back with a bang last week with a convincing 5-0 win over Caldicot. Veteran striker Owen Llewellyn scored twice along with a double from Lewis Green and Jack Sainsbury and they will look to make sure they don’t end up in relegation trouble on their return this season after an absence of just one season. While last Saturday in the JD Welsh Cup they hit the goal trail again, this time 6-1 at Pentwynmawr Athletic at Islwyn High. Owen Llewellyn was again amongst the goals with a double along with Jordan Hill, Luke Dyke, Jack Sainsbury and Lewis Clare. While Canton are still adapting to life in the East Division after last seasons 9th place finish in the West. They opened their account at Abergavenny last week, with the game finishing in a goalless draw at the Pen-Y-Pound Stadium, where John Lennon landed in a Helicopter in 1963. While last Saturday they travelled to Abercarn United in the JD Welsh Cup, where they won 2-1 thanks to an own goal from Sean Davies and an 88th minute winner from the penalty spot from Isaac Wigley. An important player for Canton this season is vastly experienced, Wales Futsal International Tyrrell Webbe, who has returned from Newport City.
Treowen Stars, now managed by Ben Murphy who knows how to win the title in this division after his success at Abertillery Bluebirds, will be looking to kick start their season when Blaenavon Blues visit Bush Park. They have started the season with two defeats, the first 2-0 at home to Brecon Corries last week. While on Saturday they produced an even more surprising performance, losing 5-2 at Llangeinor in the JD Welsh Cup at Lewistown. Both Treowen goals were scored by substitutes Chris Colvin and Brooklyn Frayne. A lot will rest on Colwin, a prolific scorer at Penydarren BGC over the last few years, while Carter Campbell, who scored 9 Ardal goals last season is also expected to start scoring for the Stars once the chances start flowing. Treowen also have the experience of former Goytre, Llanelli and Merthyr forward Corey Jenkins to call on so Murphy has plenty of ammunition to fire his side forward. Blaenavon Blues meanwhile had an disappointing start to the Ardal Southern season, losing 2-1 at Goytre, where ex player Chris Ham scored the winner after Ben Williams had given hope of at least a share of the spoils. However last Saturday in the JD Welsh Cup, the Blues hosted Treharris at the Memorial Ground, where goals from substitute Michael Baugh and a 90th minute equaliser from Captain Craig Tanner, at least gave the home side hope from the penalty shootout, with the Blues holding their nerve to win the shoot out 5-4 and take their place in this week’s draw.
Our last featured match in Match Day 2 of the Ardal Southern East Division is our only later kick off 7.45 at Pen-Y-Pound Stadium where Abergavenny Town host Risca United. Abergavenny started the season with a 0-0 draw at home to Canton, while last Saturday in the JD Welsh Cup suffered a shock 5-3 home defeat to newcomers Treherbert BGC. Mason Keepin-Davies put Abergavenny ahead after just 4 minutes, and despite Treherbert equalising after 17 minutes from the spot, Keepin-Davies was again on hand to restore the lead on 39 minutes. However 4 second half goals from the visitors gave them a shock 5-2 lead, before a consolation goal from Jacob Osborne deep into injury time could not raise spirits too much. Expect it to be a rare occurrence this season though, Abergavenny conceding so many goals as they have a safe pair of hands in goal, in ex Wales Semi pro and experienced Welsh Premier keeper Ashley Morris between the posts. Risca will also be looking for a better start to the season after losing their opener 1-0 at Treharris last Tuesday. They faired better at the weekend though with a 4-2 win in the JD Welsh Cup at Marshfield, doubles from 17 year old Logan Oldridge and Laurent Ngunjoh, making sure Risca are in the draw later this week.
