MATCH PREVIEWS
Dragon Signs FAW Amateur Trophy Final 2024
Penrhyncoch v Newport City
Saturday 20th April 2024, Latham Park, Newtown. Kick Off 12.30pm
Referee: Alex Livesey; Assistant Referees: Jordan Christopher & Connor Thomas; Fourth Official: Jordan Harman
This week one of our Ardal Southern clubs, Newport City make history by playing in the FAW Amateur Trophy Final for the first time, aiming to emulate the feat of last season’s winners Trethomas Bluebirds. Newport face Penrhyncoch at Latham Park, Newtown, in what should be a tight contest with Newport sitting in 3rd place in the Floodlighting & Electrical Ardal Southern, South East League, unbeaten for 23 games, including 21 wins, while Penrhyncoch play in the Lock Stock Ardal Northern Ardal, North East League, unbeaten for 24 games, including 20 wins and sit top of the table.
The FAW Amateur Trophy is one of the World’s oldest competitions, first run in 1890-91, when Wrexham Victoria beat Flint Town 4-1. It started off known as the Welsh Junior Cup, before having several guises such as the Welsh Amateur Cup, FAW Intermediate Cup, and now FAW Amateur Trophy. Dragon Signs are the current sponsors of the competition. Cardiff Corinthians have won the Cup the most times, five occasions while nine times the cup has left Wales, residing with the likes of Oswestry United Reserves, Coppenhall (Staffordshire), Wellington St Georges United (Shropshire) and Northern Nomads (Manchester). This will be the 122nd Final, with several competitions lost to the two World Wars. The record score in a final is 6-0, when Caernarfon beat Kilvey Ford in 2013, ironically at Latham Park.
Newport City were formed in 1963 as Spencer Works, joining the Welsh Football league in 1972. In the early 80s the club gained a reputation as a giant killing side, playing Swansea City on three occasions, holding them to a 1-1 in one of the games. In 1988 the club became known as Llanwern and reached Welsh league Division 1 (now Cymru South) in 1993. In 2016 the club rebranded again to become known as Newport City, with Manager Sam Houldsworth taking the reins. While Penrhyncoch were formed in 1965 and have played at their Cae Baker Ground since their formation. They were very successful in their early years winning the Aberystwyth and District league five times in the 70’s before gaining promotion to the Cymru Alliance. The club is managed by Gari Lewis.
Both clubs have had long routes to the final, Newport City beating Brecon Corries (6-1), Garden Village (5-2), AFC Llwydcoed (4-1), Rhyl (2-1), CPD Llanefydd (4-1) and Cefn Cribwr (4-3). While Penrhyncoch have beaten Nantlle Vale (Penalties 4-3, after a 1-1 draw), Connahs Quay Town (3-1), Goodwick United (3-1), Penrhiwceiber Rangers (3-0), Seven Sisters Onllwyn (4-1) and Trethomas Bluebirds (2-1).
Here we gain an insight into both camps, with profiles on both the players and management of Newport City and Penrhyncoch.
Newport City – Management and Playing Squad
Sam Houldsworth – Manager. 7th season in charge at Newport City FC and has been Chairman, Owner, Secretary…you name it and he has done it at the club, even played in goal.
Tom Hooper – Assistant Manager – known as “Hoops” and joined the club this season after managing local rivals Lliswerry. An excellent playing career which included clubs such as Newport County and Merthyr, loves a mid-season holiday.
Geraint Passmore – Coach – also known as “Gez”. A fantastic playing career in the Welsh Prem of which he captained Carmarthen and dominated the midfield, the Welsh Kevin De Bruyne some say. His second stint at the club where he joins up with Sam as they also had a stint working together at Pontypridd Town.
Peter Francombe – Coach – aka Wayne Lineker. With his first Welsh Cap to his name this season to add to his impressive football CV, Pete has been at the club now for 5 years and this season we have seen him less than ever before. Too many public appearances required of the famous silver fox.
Cohen Riella – Goalkeeper – a CM turned GK who has proven to be a great signing this season, some fantastic saves and is like Pirlo with the ball at his feet. Some say strawberry blonde, others say straight up Ed Sheeran.
Riccardo McKenzie – Centre Back – known as “Cardo”, signed at last from Goytre, he should have been with us from the start of the season but soon realised he had to be with his bestie Billy. The man mountain in the back line who can also ping a sweet switch with that left foot.
Martyn Mickiewicz – Centre Back – has made over 100 caps for the club and as he will tell you, is wasted at the back. Went from CM to CB but if you get an hour spare make sure to buy him a beer and hear about some of his worldie strikes, especially the overhead kick.
Richard Noyes – Centre Back – aka “Noyes” or “No Shower”. If the laws didn’t prevent players from wearing a cap he certainly would, however, what a player. Takes corners with both feet, why, just because he can.
James Bloom – Defender / Midfield – aka “Bloomy”. Solid…absolutely solid. a 7 out of 10 every game yet we can never find him the right shirt number, he is often the first into the kit bag looking for a shirt that isn’t a snug fit.
Jordan Francombe – Defender – aka “franco”. Another of our 100+ cap players who loves a big tackle, most of the time he is as late for these as he is for games and training. Part of the committee and part of the furniture at the club.
Corey Hallett – Defender – a body of a Greek God and one made for the gym. Yet to see anyone push him off the ball, also yet to see him available for back to back games. Possibly the nicest kid you will ever meet and has been unfortunate this season not to play more.
Cole Jarvis (photograph) – Centre Midfield – aka “Starboy”. Not enough words to say about this lad, he’s a dream to manage and has had a fantastic season. Not only does he bring a huge amount on the pitch, he brings a great facebook following!
Freddie Stevens (photograph) – Right Back – an absolute player…on and off the pitch. An engine up and down with the delivery of either Beckham or Antony, a lad who always leaves everything out on the pitch.
Louis Carmella-Gerrard – Centre Midfield – Our captain. Signed from Llanelli and has won every game since joining. He has already played in nearly every position and has definitely moaned about every fine he has received to date. Still not seen him buy a drink after a game either.
Solomon St Clair – Centre Midfield – aka “Billy”. The most eccentric in the team, in his own words, yet plays like Pirlo. His 2nd stint at the club after he walked out on the club, soon realised you can’t play like Pirlo unless you have the right pitch to play on…back where he belongs.
Lewis Ellis – Centre Midfield – aka “Lew”. Our most recent signing, he made the switch from Risca and has slotted in nicely. Quickly found himself in the thick of the action clinging onto goalscorer Cuddihy for a celebratory picture from Mac, well played.
Owen Cuddihy – Left Wing – aka “Cuds”. At only 18 he is currently leading the assist stats for the league, the kid always delivers. Still yet to be confirmed if he is faster than Hudson, either way what we do know is we are still waiting for a picture without the t-rex hands
Rhyse Hudson (photograph) – Right Wing – aka “Huds”. Recently he moved back home after finishing university, well that’s the reason he gave us, but really it was to be closer to the new girlfriend. A solid hairband for an awful haircut, the boy loves to score goals and has been exceptional for us since joining last season.
Kofi Rowe – Striker – aka “Kof”. One of the most well-known players in South Wales due to how busy he is on social media. This kid is nonstop and can tell you anything, about anyone who plays in the league. Loves a left footed strike, gives you everything and is a gem in the changing room.
Calum Bateman (pictured) – Striker – aka “Bates”. Joined from Llanelli with Louis and has won every game since joining also. 13 goals in 10 games, he has picked up the number 9 shirt and quickly made it his own. The bagsman may not score on a Sunday but he loves scoring on a Saturday. Always available to cut your grans hair as well, a top hairdresser.
Adam Kaplan – Striker – aka “Kaps”. A local lad who has scored some crucial goals. When watching him you won’t know what he will do next, nor does he, but what he can do is exceptional. Loves a calm celebration when on an away day to Rhyl.
JJ – Striker – aka “JJ”. Not an ounce of fat / muscle on him yet seems to have the strength of an ox when the ball is at his feet. Not once paid a fine yet must have racked up over £100 worth since being back with us, and that is just for being on his phone.
Tyrelle Webbe – Striker – aka “T”. Mr Futsal, and don’t we know it. Welsh International. Controls the ball with the studs and off he goes, a player with great experience and so much skill. Challenging Corey for being one of the nicest blokes around, if you can guess his age we will give you a tenner.
Robbie Atkinson – Winger – aka “Rob”. One of the biggest pains you will ever meet, and also one of the funniest. 100% the class clown, you can’t help but love him. If only he knew his talent…what a player, what a first touch and what fantastic curly hair (all natural).
Penrhyncoch – Management and Playing Squad
Gari Lewis – Manager. If you don’t hear from him in the dugout, you will most probably see him stretching on the sidelines. Lover of shorts and new trainers.
Aneurin Thomas – Assistant. Freddie – Another who has opted to the easy life of working for Medra. A man mountain with calves like Arnold Schwarzenneger. Likes to bully Sion James at any given chance!
Iwan Roberts – Coach. Silver Fox who also works for Medra. Great cricketer and an avid supporter of Man City since the Sheikhs took over!
Leigh Jenkins (photograph) – Goalkeeper – Penrhyn boy born and bred and son of the late legend Bones. Back after a spell with Aber. One of quite a few from the squad and management team who works with Medra. Jobs for the boys!
Elian Evans – Left Back – The Ceredigion Benjamin Button. Like a fine wine. Gets better with age. Also the loudest man in the changing room. Can’t shut him up!
Tom Evans – Right Back – The new captain and the drunkest fittest football plyer you will ever meet. Hasn’t missed a Friday night out since 2021!
Sion James – Defender – 44 going on 21. Caretaker in the Council e.g gets paid to do nothing! Loves Liverpool, white wine and his beloved dog Frankie. Great tan as well!
Owain James – Defender – Ex captain and longest serving player (a brief spell with local rivals Bow Street in between) Big fan of wearing vests! Third best shearer in the Penbanc household Always committed (When not banned!) and missing his best mate’s wedding (Dean Evans – Bow Street Coach) where he is best man to play in the final! Passion!
Cledan Davies – Centre Back – who loves drinking John Smiths. Getting on a bit and hasn’t played in months due to sciatica! Time to hang the boots up!
Harri Horwood (photograph) – Left Back – Local Teacher who has more holidays than working days. Left back and a dead ball specialist. Better scoring from outside the box than from 12 yards though!
Rhys Jenkins – Midfield – Ginge who has recently joined us and brother of Haverfordwest player Lee Jenkins. Engine like a Duracell bunny and a throw in to match Rory Delap!
Isaac Pridmore – Midfield – Another signing poached from rivals Aberystwyth under 19’s. Tall young defender who can play centre back or midfield. One of a few in the team with an IQ higher than 56!
Niall Coleridge – Centre Midfield – Sells hot tubs for livings. Been playing with one knee for the last few years. The tee-total centre mid is quiet off the pitch and a looney on the pitch. The Penrhyncoch’s Roy Keane. Great club-man.
Christy Gale (photograph) – Midfield – New signing from Lampeter Town and club DJ. Gets a lot of stick for his poor music choice. Stays a long time in the shower as well.
Taylor Watts – Left Midfield – Essex born and bred who has moved to the area. Left foot like Saka fitness like Neil Ruddock!
Zac Davies – Midfield – Youngster who has broken in to the first team. Shy at first but a loose cannon once you get to know him. Loves a neat whisky on a night out. Respect!
Courtney Perkins – Midfield – Ex TNS youth (Must’ve told everyone at least 100 times!) and one of the skillful players in the club. Fixes trains for a living. Also never been to Alton Towers because he is too small for the rides. Speedy on the wings and round Bow Street corners!
Dion Phillips – Striker – Ffostrasol native and another teacher in the squad who doesn’t work much. A teacher pet of manager Gari and loves a swig on the weekends. Scores plenty on the pitch but not much off the pitch. One of the jokers of the team.
Dan Owen – Striker – The Tregaron Messi. Last seen on whatsapp last week! Another, who loves a drink on the weekends. Terrible tipster, and gets his mum to cut his hair.
Cameron Allen (photograph) – Striker – New signing from Carmarthen Town. The fox in the box. Like his father, not much work rate but knows where the back of the net is. Poised to join Love Island in Summer 2024.
Geoff Kellaway – Striker – The local legend. Banned for the final unfortunately for fighting. Will be a big miss. Great guy (Just don’t give him vodka!)
Dyl James – Striker – Brother of Sion James and a long suffering Arsenal fan. Funniest guy in the team with his whitty comebacks and gifs. Another who can’t go to Alton Towers due to his height. Also has a great party trick “Stretch”.
Jac Horwood – Striker – Captain Jac. Brother of Harri and a fitness fanatic. Another Gooner. But a great guy and super sub. Another of Gari’s Teacher Pets.
Jack Rimmer – Striker – Another of the Medra workers. Last seen September 2022. Loves to shop on Saturdays!
A big thanks to Mac Morgan for providing the Newport City Photos and Sean Fitzpatrick for providing the Penrhyncoch photographs.
We now speak to the management of both camps, first from Sam Houldsworth First Team Manager of Newport City and then Gari Lewis, First Team Manager of Penrhyncoch. Starting with Sam Houldsworth, here he takes time out to tell us about his role and background at the club and how preparations have gone for Saturday.
“I was playing Senior Football at 15 and absolutely loved it.”
My football career wasn’t one to be shouting about. I started in Devon, I am from Barnstaple and as a youngster played for them, before moving to a team called St. Minver in Cornwall. I was playing Senior Football at 15 and I absolutely loved it. My family moved to Monmouth when I was 18 and I quickly signed for Monmouth Town when they were in the Gwent County Leagues playing for them for a few seasons before I went to University at Cardiff Met. When in University I joined Taffs Well Youth and also played for their Reserves before then moving to Risca United where I played under Jeff Eckhart for a season. This was a huge learning experience and my last proper season before my first major injury where I did my ACL.”
“I then started my coaching career in senior football at Cardiff Corries, where I continued to play where and when I could, but ended up in goal for a stint before doing my other ACL. My playing career was pretty much over. From then I just played for the teams I was coaching or managing and playing any position. I gave myself 15 minutes when at Pontypridd in our all-star game and missed a sitter from 6 yards. This season I have found myself putting on the boots after 6 years of no outfield football for our Reserves. A goal and assist in 14 minutes against Caldicot Town Reserves at Jubilee Way was enough for me to retire officially.”
“I started coaching with Heath Park Rangers Under 12s”
“Looking back I have been coaching since the age of 19, as I started with Heath Park Rangers Under 12s and also took on an Under 19 team in Cardiff. I love coaching, I am very passionate about football and I always have been. My job with Inspiresport allowed me to travel to some of the biggest clubs in the world as we took children on sports tours to live the life of a professional football. My main clubs included Chelsea, Valencia, Villiarreal, Feyenoord and Real Madrid. The experience of being around and watching these coaches in action was incredible for me at such a young age. I built strong relationships with some of these teams, especially Valencia, where I found myself becoming part of a close-knit team with the academy coaches. I can remember taking in everything and watching managers like Rafa Benitiez, Unai Emery and Pellegrini to name a few, who all had their own styles. It made me realise that no coach is perfect and that there is no right or wrong way to coach as long as you believe in your way. I started taking coaching badges early but then stopped and moved from Youth Team Football into Senior Football at Cardiff Corinthians. It was here with their Reserves that I started senior football coaching and from here found myself at Pontypridd, as firstly a Coach and then Assistant Manager. I had a good stint at Pontypridd where I worked with some fantastic players at a time, when the club was desperate to stay in the Welsh League. I feel that my coaching career to this point was successful and enjoyable”.
“The City of Newport has unbelievable potential in a sporting and non-sporting capacity.”
“I took a huge leap of faith in Newport City. We had beaten Newport City 7-0 in the opening game of the season for Ponty, but I decided to join them as First Team Joint Manager as I saw the potential the club had. Quickly I became Manager and haven’t looked back in what is now my 7th season. I think I am the longest serving manager in the Division. I wouldn’t say my time at Newport City has been a complete success, however, I am very proud of the work I have done to help keep this club in Tier 3 of the Welsh Pyramid. With finances on a shoestring and myself running the club as well as a lot of other things, I can hold my head up and say I have given everything I could to this club. When I joined Newport City, at the time I knew a few players and the Chairman was a guy called Crawford Chalmers. He didn’t have any experience in Welsh Football and it was clear he needed some help quickly as the team was in a relegation fight in the old Welsh League Division 2. My first impressions of the club were positive in the sense it has the best facility in the league and the City of Newport has unbelievable potential in a sporting and non-sporting capacity. I did quickly realise how much trouble the club was in. I instantly knew the size of the job at hand. We are now owned by NexGen an academy for the best players in Gwent to showcase their talents and receive some of the best coaching in the region. The project for NexGen is one to be admired and we are excited to have their owner Mike Shrubshall and his wife Lea involved with the club. Since coming in we have been able to have more people behind the scenes chipping in with work to progress the club, clear visions in place and accountability to help get us to where we want to be. Having our mini and junior section has been great, we have children wearing the Newport City badge around the city, this is what helps us grow within the community. We also now have the best young players coming through wanting to come and be part of this, we need the club to have a sustainable model, we all agree that to do this we need the best players from Newport coming through and using our club as a stepping stone (for now) onto bigger and better clubs in the professional game.”
“My coaching team is an outstanding group, one I’m very proud of”
“With me this season is Tom Hooper (Assistant Manager), Geraint Passmore (Coach) and Pete Francombe (Coach). Tom joined after managing Lliswerry last season and has been a great addition, his knowledge of the game is brilliant and his style of management compliments mine, he’s very calm and has great tactical knowledge. His playing career was a successful one and he has played some games for us this season, he didn’t look out of place one bit and I’m sure will play again at some point this season. We also added Geraint Passmore to the team as he returned to Wales from Singapore. I have known Gez for years, going back to our days together at Ponty, and I know how well he builds confidence in players around him. A fantastic player himself with Welsh prem pedigree he has had a Stella career playing and offers a huge amount of knowledge to the squad. Liked by everyone, it says it all, he’s a top bloke and has been a great addition to the club, I’m hoping he can get on the pitch before the end of the season as well as he can still play at this level. And last, but certainly not least, Pete Francombe who has been with us for nearly 5 years continues to add his wealth of experience to the squad. A huge sounding board for myself personally, he is a much valued part of the team and offers huge value as the players only have good things to say about Pete, they fully respect him, as they do the whole coaching team. My coaching team is an outstanding group, one I’m very proud to have pulled together – we all get on really well!”
“To score straight from kick off was one of the best feelings I have had in football.”
“Our squad is one that is performing very well right now. Given our lineup is totally different compared to our team in September I am amazed at how well we have gelled and come together to hit exceptional form. When losing some players I have always been wary that it could cause disruption, however, it’s been anything but. New players have come in and fitted in with ease, players have stepped up with the competition for places and it’s taken us from strength to strength. These players have done the club proud so far, I hope we get promoted as I feel they deserve it, the run we are on is incredible at any level of football. It was a tricky start, we hadn’t recruited the right players in pre-season and looking back I can’t quite believe what we managed to get in terms of results. We have improved with new signings, for me we have always improved with our signings, this may not always be down to better players but more players that have fitted the style of play and what we want at the club. The dressing room is excellent right now and the levels in training reflect the results. It’s been a really positive season, especially since January, winning every game so far in 2024 is something else, we just need to gain promotion to top off the hard work. During our cup run the standout for me is Rhyl away. To be in control of the game and concede with a minute to go was gut wrenching, I thought we had blown it. But what a finish, to score straight from kick off was one of the best feelings I have had in football. That was a game where I realised we had a group of players who were mentally strong and had that never give up approach. Incredible. We also can’t look past the semi-finals against Cefn Cribwr, they are a great club and what a semi-final. We were not at our best and it took us time to find our feet, but to go and win 4-3 was brilliant, one for the neutral more than us in the dugout. We also beat Brecon Corries (6-1), Garden Village (5-2), AFC Llwydcoed (4-1) and CPD Llanefydd (4-1) during our run.
“Our prep started last week for the final as we used our fixture verses Hay St. Mary to work on our shape for this game, we were lucky in that we could also manage the squad and protect players in readiness for this big fixture. This week at training we have good numbers, but to be fair we have had great commitment all season which is why we find ourselves in the position we are in. Everyone involved in the club has dedicated their time to make sure we deliver the best results, the players have been superb in their training efforts. We have the mindset of enjoying this week and heading into Saturday in great form, we are going to do all we can to bring that trophy back to South Wales. To be honest I don’t known a lot about Penrhyncoch, other than they must be an excellent team given they are ahead of our unbeaten run and beat Trethomas in the semifinals. Add to that their win against Penrhynceiber Rangers which shows they have great strength, not many have beaten both of those teams this season. I have some footage and also been told about their threats, but it’s a cup final, on the day the team that turns up and performs the best is likely to win, it’s a big day for both clubs and they will be looking forward to it as much as we will.”
“The club and those working within have the set up and passion to progress as high as possible.”
“In reflection of my ambitions for Newport City, the last time this was asked I think we were fighting relegation last season. How far we have come is incredible really, for myself the ambition is for this club to grow within the community and for us to provide a top tier team in the Welsh Pyramid for the people of Newport to be proud of. The club and those working within have the set up and passion to progress as high as possible, we are a long way from the top but our aspirations are high. Our club has gone from strength to strength, but we have a lot of work to do to improve. We are constantly growing, with this comes problems and complications which are at times out of our hands, but that’s football. Running a football club is not easy, even at this level, therefore I hope to see this club at the top of the Welsh pyramid one day.”
“Two people I would like to mention through from our past is Dai Jones (pictured scoring for Mansfield Town in 1969) and Alan Watkins, who kept the club going over many many years. These two have been the heartbeat of the club since the Spencer Works and Llanwern days. I can’t speak highly enough of these men, they have dedicated so much time to the club and it means so much to them. I think they play good cop bad cop with me, Alan can always find a negative, he’s still managing to now even though we haven’t lost since September, but then Dai provides that positivity even when things are low. Last season he kept saying to me “chin up, go and enjoy some time with your family, and smile”. For me they have stood by me through the bad times and always supported everything I do, I can’t fault them and appreciate them more than I probably tell them. Dai is an inspiration given his playing career, the guy has played at the top of our sport, the highlight playing in front of 48,000 at Elland Road for Mansfield Town against Leeds and marked by the legend of Jack Charlton. You would never know it, he’s the most humble guy you could meet. I hope we can win this trophy for them, they fully deserve it given the difficulties we have faced at the club for many seasons.”
In the other dugout Saturday will be Gari Lewis (pictured), and here he talks to us about Saturday and how the future looks for the Mid Wales club.
“I was Captain of the team who played in the Intertoto cup against Maltese side Floriana.”
“I am born and bred in Penrhyncoch and played for Penrhyncoch making the first team at 16. I was then approached by Aberystwyth Town when I was 18 in 1986. So I left for Aberystwyth and stayed playing for them until aged 32. I had some great times. I was Captain of the team who played in the Intertoto cup against Maltese side Floriana. We drew the first leg 2-2 at home but we lost 1-2 in Malta but what a great experience. At the age of 32 I was persuaded to play rugby and played with some great friends of mine. I enjoyed every moment of it. I then returned to football and joined Caersws to help them stay in the league. We did and enjoyed my time at a very good club in Caersws. I ended up playing 429 games for Aberystwyth between 1992 and 2007 scoring 19 goals.”
“I was Player-Manager alongside Kevin (Bones) Jenkins.”
“I first started coaching when Gavin Allen approached me as a player to come back to Penrhyncoch after I had left Caersws as a player and coach. Sadly he resigned during the season and this then left myself as a Player-Manager alongside Kevin (Bones) Jenkins. This led to more coaching, but I had actually started when I was 28 while I had a knee injury. I began my coaching career in Aberystwyth FC with the academy. This led to senior coaching. From the age 28 I started my badges and completed my C Licence when I was 29, moved onto B Licence in Denbigh at 35. I finally took the plunge for my A Licence at age 40. Coaching and managing for me is about improving and managing players and getting the best out of them.”
“The work we have done wouldn’t have been possible without Freddie, Iwan and Siôn”
“I have an excellent Coaching Team at Penrhyncoch. My Assistant Manager is Aneurin Thomas (pictured), known to most as Freddie. We grew up together in Penrhyncoch and played for Penrhyncoch and Aberystwyth together. In my opinion he should have been a professional player but chose his career in Bricklaying. He could definitely been a pro. We get on brilliantly, and been close mates all my life. He is one of my ushers in my wedding in July and a guy I can turn to for anything. One of my coaches is Iwan Roberts, we went to the same school and are the same age. He is one of the best signings this year apart from the players on the pitch. A very professional and well respected with the players. Apart from being a great football player for Penrhyncoch and Aberystwyth he is an outstanding cricket player and played for South Wales and Aberystwyth. Also another usher for my wedding. The work we have done wouldn’t have been possible without Freddie, Iwan and Siôn, my other coach, Siôn James, another Penrhyncoch boy. Sion is a great team man and superbly fit, always ready to fill in if any injuries etc. Incredible attitude and very popular. An important member of the coaching staff and playing squad. He gets on well with everyone. The best thing about Siôn is he is everybody’s friend, but if something needs to be said he would say it and he doesn’t care who it is.”
“We are happy to see the smiles on their faces with our current success.”
“Looking towards the final we have seen footage of Newport City games. They are very impressive and have lots of attacking threats. They are big and powerful, and play a lovely brand of football. Hopefully we can negate some of that and show our own dangers moving forward. We have trained well and hard on Tuesday and had the rest of the week off. We have kept everything we do all the same. We are having an outstanding season. We recruited 5 new additions and all have made a massive contribution – Christy Gale, Cameron Allen, Isaac Pridmore, Rhys Jenkins and Dion Phillips. The rest of the loyal squad we are proud to say are local players and have stayed with the club through thick and thin. They have stayed with us and we are happy to see the smiles on their faces with our current success. The only downside is, we will be missing Geoff Kellaway (suspension), Owain James (wedding) and Cledan Davies and Niall Coleridge through injuries. Geoff has had an amazing career, playing in the Welsh Premier for Aberystwyth, Llanelli and Carmarthen. These are huge losses. These are the most experienced players in our team and have been instrumental for our success this season. However this will give their replacements a chance to make a name for themselves in the club history books. We had a difficult start to the season with a couple of losses and draws. We were out of 3 cups in a month. But our win in Llangollen changes everything and it’s been incredible since that day and we are on a run. The new players have gelled and we found a new style of play which has suited us perfectly. It was almost over before it started with out 1-1 draw against Nantlle Vale, but we managed to get through on penalties, very nerve wracking. We then had good wins against Connahs Quay Town (3-1), Goodwick (3-1), Penrhiwceiber (3-0), Seven Sisters Onllwyn (4-1) Trethomas Bluebirds (2-1).”
“The job to keep on producing. We have a huge support base.”
“My ambitions at Penrhyncoch is to get the club back to Tier 2 which would be incredible for the size of our club. All staff happy to compete at that level again. We are a growing club. We have looked to make the club more popular and inclusive and we have done that, we are very proud. I would like to keep producing good players and make better people. We always have to produce our own due to limited funds. The job to keep on producing. We have a huge support base – some have been supporting since the club began in 1965. This season, a lot of the fans to be fair to them have been travelling to most away games and they’ve spurred the boys on in the rain and wind all over North East Wales. We did not even know if our game would be on against Seven Sisters Onllwyn in the quarter finals, but our supporters jumped in their cars when they heard the fixture had been moved down the road to another pitch and did us proud, outnumbering the home support. The boys will be doing it for them on Saturday and we as a club have lost important members in the last few years like Bones (pictured) and Jack and they are always in our thoughts. Bones’ son, Leigh, will be in goals for us in the Final. We hope for a great day and even a better night for the supporters and the club and we can do it for everyone connected to the club and in memory of those good friends of ours no longer with us.”
A special thanks to Sam, Gari and Sarah Thomas Secretary of Penrhyncoch for providing all the information.
