2018/19 Season

Final League Position - 4th

Cups - Lucania Cup Semi Final, Senior Cup 3rd Round

Top Goalscorer - Craig Jones

Player of the Year - Craig Jones

Player Player - Craig Jones

Player/Manager - Nathan Williams

Season Stats

Games Played 23

Games Won 12 (52.2%)

Average Goals Scored per game 2.8

Average Goals Against 2.1

Most Frequent Starting XI

Wednesday 10th April 2019

Our final game of the season saw us travel to title contenders Penygraig Utd for this mid week fixture. We had two changes from the weekend win with Ricky Rossiter and Barrie Jones returning to the starting 11.

With the home side having everything to play for they started on the front and wasn't long before they opened the scoring with a simple ball straight down the middle somehow found it's way through everyone and put their striker through in space and he placed his shot into the far corner. 10 minutes later the hosts doubled their lead with a well worked goal, a ball down the right got them in behind our back line and the cross was met on the volley by their striker as his effort found the top corner from 10 yards. We had a few efforts ourselves to get back into the game midway through the half; firstly Craig Williams broke through but saw his effort go just wide of the mark before Craig Jones had his effort ruled out for offside. Before the break the home side increased their lead further by adding another two goals, their first was again a ball over the top and their striker lifted the ball over the oncoming Town keeper before a long range volley was drilled into the back of the net. Half Time 4 - 0

Three changes at half time saw the introduction of Nathan Williams, Alex Thomas and Mickey Davies as we looked for a way back into the game, with a fourth substitution following soon after with John Williams taking to the field. With the home side starting to drop deeper it did allow a more competitive half and again we had chances to get on the score sheet, our closest effort came from Alex Thomas getting on the end of a John Williams ball into the box and he managed to fire past the keeper from close range only for another tight offside call ruling it out. Mickey Davies had the best of the other chances for us in the half but his diving header from 12 yards out from a cross from the right wing went just over the bar. With us looking to push more and more it was allowing Penygraig to hit us on the counter attack and 15 minutes from time they did just that when a through ball put their striker clear and his first time low effort beat the Town keeper to finish the game off. Final Score 5 - 0

An overall poor performance from us and a disappointing way for our season to end but can have no complaints about the results tonight. With still games to play in the league we keep an eye out for other results and hope they go our way and we hold onto 4th spot in the table.

Subs

Mickey Davies

Alex Thomas

John Williams

Nathan Williams

GOAL
 

MAN OF THE MATCH

JORDAN WESTCOTT

Saturday 6th April 2019

Our final home game of the season was the Rhondda Fach derby as we hosted Ferndale BC who we had beat 3 - 1 earlier in the season in a tough battle. We had two changes from last week's victory with Leon Jones making his first senior start and Martin Jones returned to midfield. Today's game also saw player manager Nathan Williams make is 150th club appearance.

Unlike other weeks we started quick out of the blocks and went on the front foot and 5 minutes in we took the lead when Craig Williams broke down the left and his low pass across the box found strike partner Craig Jones at the far post to fire in. 10 minutes later the visitors drew level when a slight lack of concentration from us at a free kick out wide saw the ball played across the box and found their striker unmarked at the back post who headed in. We were always looking dangerous on the attack with the visitors playing a high line allowed our attackers in behind but we were adjudged to have been offside on a few occasions until Craig Williams timed one perfectly to get on the end of a Martin Jones through ball to go one on one and calmly slot the ball past the oncoming keeper. Soon after Keiran Tann was bundled to the ground inside the box from a corner and we were awarded a penalty, Craig Jones stepped up and slotted home to put us 3 - 1 up. On the stroke of half time Ferndale almost got a goal back when their striker got onto the end of a ball over the top but his low shot was well defended by Nathan Williams which saw the effort strike the foot of the post. Half Time 3 - 1

We came out for the second half with high tempo and continued on the front foot moving the ball around quickly and wasn't long before we increased our lead with Craig Williams netting his 2nd of the game with a low drive past the keeper, shortly after Tann added the 5th with a low shot from 10 yards finding its way through the keepers legs. After the hour a few substitutions saw the introduction of Mickey Davies, Alex Thomas and Garry Edwards and wasn't long before Davies was involved scoring with a low drive to the far corner before a strike from 35 yards beating the keeper to put us 7 - 1 up. Craig Jones then completed his hat trick getting on the end of a through ball and striking well beyond the keeper to put us 7 goals clear and that was quickly followed by his 4th of the game and 20th of the season with a header from a yard out. As we entered the last 10 minutes we kept the pressure on and Tann was unlucky not to increase our lead further when a strike from just inside the visitors half hit the crossbar, minutes later we did get our 10th goal when Davies completed his hat trick breaking through the middle and sliding the ball under the keeper. The scoring was completed inside the final 5 minutes with a well worked goal from back to front, Edwards brought the ball out passed into midfield to Martin Jones who beat a couple of players and then found Edwards who continued his run to break the offside line and go clean through one on one get his 2nd goal of the season. Final Score 11 - 1

A performance today that we have been threatening all season and showed what we are capable of when we play with this intensity and the clinical finishing in front of goal giving us our biggest victory in recent history. Next up is our final game of the season as we travel to 2nd placed and league challengers Penygraig Utd on Wednesday

Subs

Mickey Davies

Alex Thomas

Garry Edwards

Huw Evans

GOALS

CRAIG JONES x4 (1pen)

CRAIG WILLIAMS x2

KEIRAN TANN
MICKEY DAVIES x3
GARRY EDWARDS

 

MAN OF THE MATCH

MARTIN JONES

Saturday 30th March 2019

Two weeks since our last game and we were back at home again to Treorchy looking for an improved performance and result. We had 3 changes to the starting 11 with Dan Rees coming into the back four, new signing Keiran Tann making his 2nd Town debut in midfield and Craig Williams returning up front.

Not for the first time this season we were slow starting which saw sloppy play all round and inside 10 minutes we found ourselves a goal down when a simple long ball over the top undone our back line and an early strike from just outside the area found to corner of the net. Going behind made us switch on and we had a good spell in the half and went on the front foot with some dangerous balls into the box causing problems and in the 20th minute we drew level through a well struck Keiran Tann free kick 25 yards out beating the keeper. Our confidence was up now and we were looking for the next goal but with 10 minutes remaining it was the visitors who got the 3rd goal of the game when an early 35 yard looping effort caught the Town keeper out as the ball went over his head into the back of the net. Half Time 1 - 2

We came out for the second half knowing we needed to step up another gear if we wanted something from this game and the match became a competitive battle all over the field. 15 minutes into the half and the visitors looked to have increased their lead further as their striker broke clear of our back line to go one on one and squared the ball to his team mate to tap into an empty net but fortunately for us he was adjudged to have strayed offside. On 70 minutes our task of getting a result was made harder when we were reduced to 10 men after Ricky Rossiter picked up his second booking of the game, this forced us into a tactical change and saw the introduction of Mickey Davies and Leon Jones as we looked to push for an equaliser, however this was leaving space for the visitors to hit us on the break. The final 10 minutes was the most entertaining of the game and saw 4 goals, firstly it was the visitors who increased their lead and seemingly securing all 3 points when their striker beat 3 of our players and hit a well struck left footed effort into the far corner. Within a minute we hit back when Tann cut in from the right and shot across goal with his effort taking a couple of deflections and ended up at the feet of Davies at the back post to fire in his 4th goal of the season, then within 5 minutes we drew level when man of the match Kieron Riddiford beat a few of the visitors players to break into the box and drill the ball low past the Treorchy keeper. With the momentum with us now we kept pushing looking for the winner and as we entered injury time Lee Bolderson hit a 40 yard effort which wrong footed the keeper and netted his 3rd goal of the season and put us 4-3 up. The closing minutes saw Treorchy pile the pressure on but we held firm and kept them out to hold onto what seemed in unlikely win just 15 minutes beforehand. Final Score 4 - 3

A good 3 points in the end but again we gave the opposition a start and left it late to start playing but showed good character in the final 10 minutes to come from 3-1 down to win 4-3. Next week we have our final home game of the season as we host Ferndale BC

Subs

Mickey Davies

Leon Jones

Huw Evans

GOALS

KEIRAN TANN
MICKEY DAVIES
KIERON RIDDIFORD
LEE BOLDERSON
 

MAN OF THE MATCH

KIERON RIDDIFORD

Saturday 9th March 2019

After a fortnight rest since our last game we were at home again to The Baglan, with almost as many players missing as we had available it meant changes to side from the victory over Penygraig, John Williams came into the back three, Alex Thomas started out wide and Jordan Westcott made his 2nd Town debut after signing in the week to play his first game for the club in 4 years.

Our attitude starting this game was poor and we never got out of the car park let alone the changing rooms and allowed the away side to control the game early on, however despite their pressure chances were few and far between in what was a poor half of football. The visitors did take the lead after half hour when we allowed their winger time and space down the right to get a cross into their box and found their striker whose header hit the cross bar and bounced out to their player all on his own and his low hit shot was to strong for the Town keeper to keep out. We did come close to equalising 5 minutes before the break when a corner was cleared outside of the box which found Kieron Riddiford whose low shot from 25 yards hit the inside of the post with the re-bound falling to Craig Jones who tapped into the net but was adjudged to have been offside. Half Time 0 - 1

With the message at half time that our attitude needed to improve 100% if we were to get anything from this game seemingly to go in one ear and out the other we found ourselves 3 goals down inside the opening 10 minutes. The first goal coming from a simple long ball over the top to their striker whose powerful left foot strike across goal found the far corner and then minutes later the same striker cut in from the right got a shot away which was saved but the Town keeper could only push it into the path of the awaiting Baglan player to tap into an empty net. Just after the hour we did get a goal back when an off the ball incident from a corner saw us awarded a penalty, Craig Jones stepped up and scored his 16th goal of the season. 15 minutes from time the visitors restored their three goal lead when a ball over the top was misjudged by the Town keeper on the edge of the area which saw the ball run through to the Baglan forward who slotted the ball into the empty net. Inside the final 5 minutes we did get a late consultation goal when the ball broke to Jordan Westcott inside the area and from 8 yards he marked his first game with a goal firing into the back of the net. Final Score 2 - 4

A disappointing performance and attitude all round from us today and the result was nothing more than we deserved and if this is the way we are going to approach our remaining games this season then we are going to struggle to pick up any more points. Next week we travel to title challengers Penygraig Utd who narrowly beat us in the cup a month ago

Subs

Jordan Maiden

Dan Rees

Huw Evans

GOALS

CRAIG JONES (pen)

JORDAN WESTCOTT

MAN OF THE MATCH

CRAIG JONES

Saturday 16th February 2019

A return to league action this week as we were home to Penygraig BCG, we had 5 changes from last week's cup game with Nathan Williams and Dale Pugh coming into the back 3, Keaton Taylor and Matthew Davies starting on the wings and a full Town debut for Kieron Riddiford in the centre of midfield.

With the away side only starting with 10 players it was a game we were expected to control and one we did in the early stages with Penygraig happy to leave us have the ball and pass around. Despite our dominance of possession we were finding it hard to break through a stubborn back line and it took a set piece for us to take the lead 10 minutes in when an in-swinging corner from Lee Bolderson went straight in at the far post. It took us a while but 25 minutes in we doubled our lead when some neat passing play between our front players saw Craig Jones break into the box and his well struck shot found the top corner. Soon after Jones doubled his tally and increased our lead when again good passing unlocked the visitors back line and a good finish put us three up. We were now well on top and controlling the game and before the break we added two more goals, Martin Jones got the first with a run into the box and finished well into the far corner, then in the closing minutes of the half Craig Jones completed his second hat-trick of the season after getting on the end of a pass from Nathan Williams. Half Time 5 - 0.

We started the second half slow but soon took back control of the game and had plenty of possession, but as in the first half we failed to show that killer instinct and didn't put the visitor keeper under any real pressure. A handful of changes early in the second half included a Senior Town debut for former u16 & 18s captain Leon Jones as he came into the marshal the back three. We did eventually increase our lead 15 minutes from time when a scramble in the box saw the ball fall to the feet of Lee Bolderson who from 6 yards out got his second goal of the game. We continued to push and put the pressure on the visitors in the final minutes of the match but we were unable to meaningfully test the opposition keeper and failed to increase our lead. Final Score 6 - 0

A very good result on paper but disappointingly didn't really get out of first gear, especially the second half, and the score line could have been much greater if we did in a game we controlled from start to finish. Nevertheless an important 3 points which sees us move up to 3rd in the table with 4 games remaining. A two week break now before our next game when we are home again to The Baglan

Subs

Leon Jones

Evan Major

Mickey Davies

Dan Rees

Huw Evans

GOALS

LEE BOLDERSON x2

CRAIG JONES x3

MARTIN JONES

MAN OF THE MATCH

CRAIG JONES

Saturday 9th February 2019

Our defence of Lucania Cup continued this week as we played unbeaten league leaders Penygraig Utd in the semi final, with the bad weather throughout the week the game was switched to a neutral venue, Cambrian 3G. There were 3 changes to our starting eleven with Garry Edwards returning to the back four and Lee Bolderson and Alex Thomas starting in midfield.

The early pressure came from Penygraig and a couple of early chances went just wide of the target as we took our time to get into the game. Once we found our feet the game was a competitive contest with both sides looking to play football, however 20 minutes in it was Penygraig who got the breakthrough when a good passing move down the left saw the ball pulled back to the edge of the D and their unmarked midfielder was able to place the ball into the corner out of the reach of the Town keeper. Penygraig came close to doubling their lead not long after when a high ball from deep was brought down by their striker on the edge of the area but his shot was well saved by Tom Lewis in the Town goal. From almost being out of the game we knew we had to step up a gear and to our credit we did and were almost level inside 5 minutes when Craig Williams was fouled in the box and we were awarded a penalty, Craig Jones stepped up but his effort was well saved by the keeper and the follow up effort from Martin Jones went into the side netting. We continued to put pressure on the league leaders and 10 minutes before the break we were rewarded as we drew level when Williams found the ball at his feet on the edge of the area and his left footed strike took a deflection and looped over the Penygraig keeper. We finished the half on top but despite our pressure we couldn't manage a second goal as we went into the break all square. Half Time 1 - 1

The second half continued in the same competitive manner as the first with both sides continuing to play football with neither side really taking control of the game, chances were also few and far between at both ends. 65 minutes in and Penygraig re-took the lead when a ball over the top found their striker who went through one on one and rounded the Town keeper and slotted the ball in just out of the reach of Garry Edwards's outstretched leg on the goal line. We went a bit flat for a period after the goal and Penygraig took a hold of the game but then in the final 15 minutes we started to push more and more looking for an equaliser and put the pressure on and brought the Penygraig keeper into action on a couple of occasions. With time running out and the more we were going forward it allowed a lot of space for Penygraig to hit us on the counter attack, but despite a few breakaways they didn't manage a meaningful effort on goal. Our best chance to equalise came in the final minutes after a series of corners were causing problems in the box with the final one dropping to the feet of Martin Jones inside the box but his effort went just wide of the post. Final Score 2 - 1

Not the result we wanted but can't fault the effort of everyone as we battled well in a tough game and on another day the result could have been different. We turn our attentions back to the league now and with just the 5 games remaining, starting next week at home to Penygraig BGC, we look to end the season on a positive note and aim to finish as high up in the table as possible

Subs

Jordan Maiden

Kieron Riddiford

Mickey Davies

Keaton Taylor

Matthew Davies

GOALS

CRAIG WILLIAMS

MAN OF THE MATCH

LEE BOLDERSON

Saturday 26th January 2019

Our first home game since the cup tie in November saw us welcome Porth Harlequins who were level on points with us in the table; we had just the one change from last week's victory with Jordan Maiden returning to the back four.

It was an open start to the game with different styles of play from both teams; we were moving the ball around well and getting plenty of space out wide whereas the visitors went for the more direct approach. There were chances at both ends inside the first 10 minutes when first a long range effort from Martin Jones was pushed over by the Porth keeper before a low shot from the edge of the box by the visitors was tipped around the post by Tom Lewis in the Town goal. Quarter of an hour in Porth took the lead when we failed to deal with a ball into the box and their player finished well into the bottom corner. Not long after they doubled their lead when a corner was cleared to the edge of the box and found their midfielder unmarked whose well struck volley through bodies of players found the corner of net. We continued to play the better football in the remainder of the half and kept putting pressure on the visitors but our play in the final third just didn't seem to be working for us with any chances we created going straight at their keeper or wide of the target. Half Time 0 - 2

With the rain getting heavier and the pitch starting to hold water the second half was going to be a tough battle, and within 5 minutes it wasn't made any easier as we got off to a nightmare start when a well struck shot from 25 yards beat the Town keeper to put the visitors three up, soon after the away side sealed the game with a penalty that was powerfully struck past the Town keeper to make it 4-0. It took us a while to gather ourselves and a few substitutions helped and we started competing again but knew it was going to be up hill battle to get anything from the game, we did get a consolation goal 70 minutes in when Martin Jones played a ball through for Craig Jones to finish well past the keeper. Jones went close again soon after with a shot from the edge of the area but was dragged wide of the post before the visitors went up the other end and brought a point blank save from Lewis with a shot from 8 yards that was tipped wide of the post. With the rain continuing to fall and most of the pitch now covered in water the ref brought an end to the game 10 minutes early, final score 1 - 4

A disappointing result and one that majority of our performance didn't deserve with a three goal advantage flattering the visitors, but a bad start to the second half along with the conditions knocked the fight out of us and just wasn't to be our day. We need to put this behind us quickly now as we turn our attentions to our defence of the Lucania Cup next week as we travel to League leaders Penygraig Utd for the semi final.

Subs

Nathan Williams

Kieron Riddiford

Mickey Davies

Alex Thomas

Dale Pugh

GOALS

CRAIG JONES

MAN OF THE MATCH

TOM LEWIS

Saturday 19th January 2019

For the 3rd week running we were on our travels again, this time to Cwm Rhondda who sat two places behind us in the table with just a point to separate us. We had 4 changes from last week's victory with John Williams, Ricky Rossiter and Craig Williams starting in a back 4 and Keaton Taylor making his full Town debut on the wing.

The home side got off to the better start and put us under early pressure and inside the first 10 minutes took the lead with a cracking strike from the edge of the area that gave the Town keeper no chance. Going a goal down woke us up and we finally started to play and we were putting some dangerous crosses into the box to put the home side under pressure and after 25 minutes in it paid off when a corner from the right was only partially cleared to the edge of the box to find Martin Jones waiting and his right footed effort took a slight deflection and found the corner of the net to make it 1 - 1. The remainder of the half remained very competitive with neither side holding back however the better chances to take the lead fell to us with Craig Jones coming the closest with his chipped shot from the edge of the box hitting the top of the cross bar. Half Time 1 - 1

The second half continued in the same evenly contested manner as the first with play flowing from end to end and good battles being fought all over the field. There were also chances for both sides but we just had the better of them with Craig Jones coming close on a couple of occasions with headers going just wide of the mark, the home side's best chance also came from a header 8 yards out but was well tipped over by Tom Lewis in the Town goal. The longer the game went on the more we were pushing forward but some good defending and last minute blocks from the Cwm defence was making it difficult for us to break through. Our efforts were rewarded as we entered the final 15 minutes when a low cross from the right went across the 6 yard box and found Keaton Taylor unmarked at the far post who then calmly fired the ball into the back of the net to put us 2 - 1 up. The final minutes of the match saw another Town debut as Evan Major came on to tighten up the defence and see the game out. Final Score 1 - 2

A very hard fought 3 points today against a solid Cwm Rhondda side to extend our run of good form which has seen us lose just the once in our last 8 games. We finally return home next week for the first time in the league since the end of September as we host Porth Harlequins in another tough  game as they sit just behind us in the table on goal difference

Subs

Nathan Williams

Kieron Riddiford

Mickey Davies

Evan Major

GOALS

MARTIN JONES

KEATON TAYLOR

MAN OF THE MATCH

RICKY ROSSITER

Saturday 12th January 2019

We were away again this week as we travelled to Ferndale for the first derby of the season, there were 4 changes from last week's victory with Garry Edwards and Dale Pugh coming into the back three, Dan Rees at wing back and Shay Rees staring up front.

We started the game in a very lacklustre manner and wrong attitude and it was the home side that were on the front foot and came close to opening the scoring inside the first 5 minutes with a header going just wide of the post. As the half went on we started to create chances of our own the first of which saw Shay Rees go through one on one but his shot was well saved by the home keeper. Neither side could really take control with it becoming a scrappy game of football with stray passes and silly fouls being made by both sides, with this it did leave to chances at both ends, the home side having a shot from the edge of the area which went straight at Tom Lewis in the Town goal with Shay Rees coming close again for us when he got his head onto a cross from the right but went just over, Craig Jones also came close to opening the scoring for the Town with his free kick from the edge of the area going just over the bar. Half Time 0 - 0

With a reality check at half time we knew we had to come out in the second half with a much improved performance and attitude if we wanted to come away with the right result, two changes at the break saw John Williams come on along with a Town debut for Keaton Taylor, this seemed give us a lift and we started the second half much better and was more on an attacking foot putting the home side under pressure. Inside 10 minutes our pressure paid off and we took the lead, a Lee Bolderson corner into the middle of the 6 yard box saw a goalmouth scramble and Barrie Jones was on hand to fire into the roof of the net. Despite our better start to the half and the early goal we failed to build on it and eased off which allowed the home side to get on top and they pushed looking for an equaliser and after an hour they got it with a free kick from the edge of area which was hit low into the bottom corner of the Town net. This gave us another wake up call and a few changes saw another Town debut with Kieron Riddiford taking to the field as we looked to push for a second goal and with 15 minutes remaining we got the 3rd goal of the game from another corner, this time Martin Jones swinging it in from the left which was met by the head of Craig Jones to score for the 6th game running. We made sure of the points inside the final 5 minutes when John Williams cut in from the left and from just inside the box lifted the ball over the home keeper into the back of the net. Final Score 1 - 3

It wasn't the best of performances from us today and not the most enjoyable game to watch from the side but most importantly we came away with the 3 points and for the first time since 2016 we have won 3 consecutive league games to move us up to 4th in the league table. Another tough test next week as we are on the road again as we travel to Cwm Rhondda who currently sit just a point behind us in the table

Subs

John Williams

Keaton Taylor

Kieron Riddiford

Mickey Davies

Ricky Rossiter

GOALS

BARRIE JONES

CRAIG JONES

JOHN WILLIAMS

MAN OF THE MATCH

LEE BOLDERSON

Saturday 5th January 2019

Our first game of 2019 saw us away to The Baglan in what was our first league game since the end of October. For the first time this season we had an unchanged 11 from our cup victory just before the Christmas break.

The early stages of the game was played in the manner expected from two teams who hadn't played for a few weeks with some wayward passes and heavy touches with neither side getting a foothold in the game and play flowing from end to end but very few clear cut chances. 20 minutes in and we took the lead when Alex Thomas was played through to go one on one with the keeper and calmly slotted the ball to the side of the keeper and into the back of the net. A slight tactical change saw us take more control of the game and we were more on the front foot and broke through on a couple of occasions but our finishing was still a but rusty and didn't test the home keeper. 5 minutes before the break we did eventually get our second goal of the game when a cross from the left was met by Craig Williams whose looping header beat the keeper. Half Time 0 - 2

The home side started the second half the better and put us under pressure early on, however we were always looking dangerous on the break looking for 3rd goal to kill the game off. The 3rd goal of the game came just before the hour mark and it was the home side who got it when an error in the back saw the ball at the feet of the Baglan striker inside the box and he put his shot between the legs of the Town keeper into the back of the net. This gave the home side a lift and they kept the pressure on as they looked for an equaliser but it also gave us a wake up call and we raised our game knowing the next goal would be vital and it wasn't long in coming. Dale Pugh brought the ball out from the back and played the ball down the right for Shay Rees whose cross to the far post was met by the head of Craig Williams to get his second goal of the game and restore our two goal advantage. 10 minutes later we increased our lead further when Williams completed his hat-trick of headers this time getting on the end of a Dan Rees cross from the left to find the far corner. For the remainder of the game we kept the pressure on looking for a 5th goal and inside the final 10 minutes it did eventually come when Craig Jones broke through from just inside the Baglan half to carry the ball 30 yards before firing past the keeper to get his 10th goal of the season. Full Time 1 - 5

A good 3 points to start the new year with and a good performance all round to move us up the table as we look to build on this result for the rest of season starting next week as we are away again to Ferndale

Subs

John Williams

Dan Rees

Dale Pugh

Shay Rees

Nathan Williams

GOALS

ALEX THOMAS

CRAIG WILLIAMS x 3

CRAIG JONES

MAN OF THE MATCH

CRAIG WILLIAMS

Saturday 15th December 2018

With almost a full month passing since our last game we finally got to play the quarter final tie of the Lucania Cup at the 3rd attempt with the tie being switched to Treherbert’s 3G field. We had 5 changes to the starting 11 from our last game, Tom Lewis returned in goals, Ricky Rossiter to be back 3 with Alex Thomas, Martin Jones and Barrie Jones returning in midfield.

With heavy rain and strong winds contributing to the flow of the game it was the home side who used it to their advantage putting us under pressure in the early stages, however we defended well to limit any clear cut chances to the home side, one brilliant sliding tackle from Jordan Maiden on the edge of the box being a stand out moment. The closest the home side came to scoring was 20 minutes in when a low shot across goal was tipped onto the post by Lewis in the Town goal. Not long before the break the hosts did mange to break through our back line and their striker went through one on one but his shot went just wide of the post. Despite the home side having majority of the play during the half we were still looking dangerous on the break and got in around the back on a couple of occasions with Matthew Davies and Alex Thomas causing them problems on the wings. Half Time 0 - 0

After the first half of soaking up pressure we came out for the second half with the wind now in our favour and it was a much more evenly matched half of football, Martin Jones having the first of our chances with a long range effort bringing a save from the Treherbert keeper. The match was flowing from end to end but chances at both ends did not test either keeper, inside the last 15 minutes the deadlock was finally broken when our striking partnership of Craig Williams and Craig Jones combined with Williams playing the ball through to Jones who from yards inside the box fired a left footed strike past the keeper and into the back of the net. As expected the final minutes saw the home side pile on the pressure looking for an equaliser but it was us who came the closest to scoring when Mickey Davies broke through but his shot went just wide. Final Score 0 - 1

A very tough game in very difficult conditions today but a fully deserved result to put us into the Semi Final for a second year running with every player putting in a performance to be proud of. This was our final game of 2018 with a two week break now before we return to league action in the New Year when we are away again against The Baglan

Subs

John Williams

Dan Rees

Mickey Davies

Nathan Williams

GOALS

CRAIG JONES

MAN OF THE MATCH

CRAIG WILLIAMS

Saturday 17th November 2018

Third round of the Senior Cup this week as we hosted Alliance League Premier Division side Garw, who were the final team we played in the Senior League back in 2015. We had 4 changes from our cup victory a fortnight ago with Garry Edwards deputising in goals, Jordan Maiden coming into the back three with John Williams and Lee Bolderson also returning.

An action packed first half saw 5 goals scored, the away side took an early lead before Matthew Davies equalised after 15 minutes. We then took the lead just after the half hour mark through a quality finish from Craig Jones. Garw had a strong finish to the half where they scored twice in the final 10 minutes. Half Time 2 - 3

The second half saw a Town debut for Karl Pugh as we continued to play on the front foot looking for an equaliser, but despite our best efforts we were unable to get a 3rd goal. With 5 minutes remaining Garw made sure of their place in the next round getting the 6th goal of the game. Final Score 2 – 4

A scoreline that maybe flattered the visitors and a good performance from us against higher league opposition which we need to take into every game. Back to league action next week as we make the short trip to Ferndale looking for back to back league victories for the first time this season

Subs

Karl Pugh

Carl Semmens

Dan Rees

Nathan Williams

Shay Rees

GOALS

MATTHEW DAVIES

CRAIG JONES

MAN OF THE MATCH

C

Saturday 3rd November 2018

Our defence of the Lucania Cup started this week with a first round tie away to Cwm Rhondda, with an injury hit squad there were 6 changes from last week's victory, Ricky Rossiter returned to the back three with Matthew Davies and Dan Rees coming in at wing backs, a completely changed midfield three saw Barrie Jones and Dale Pugh returning along with first start of the season for Nathan Williams who answered the late call to help out.

It was a slow start to the game with neither side taking control, we had chances ourselves but failed to test the home keeper before the host took the lead 15 minutes in, a free kick from out wide played deep into the box caught the Town keeper in no man's land as the Cwm player had a free header at the far post to put them one up. We continued to cause the home side problems in the back and with better composure and finishing in the final third we should have found ourselves level, however it was the host who got the next goal with a moment the Town keeper will want to forget as a softly struck shot from the edge of the area rolled under his diving body and into the back of the net. Half Time 2 - 0

With encouraging words at half time we came out for the second half like a different team and immediately went on the front foot looking to get back into the game and we had a fair amount of chances before Barrie Jones was brought down inside the area for a penalty 15 minutes into the half, Craig Jones stepped up and fired home to put us back in the game. We were now well on top and looking for a second goal but it was the home side that came close to getting the next goal when a shot from just inside the area was pushed onto the post by Tom Lewis in the Town goal. Inside the final 15 minutes we did get a deserved second goal when substitute Mickey Davies crossed from the left and was met by the head of Craig Jones who guided the ball into the bottom corner. In the final minutes of normal time both sides were going for the win, the home keeper pulled off a couple of good saves at one end before Cwm hit the post at the other, the hosts were then reduced to 10 men just before the final whistle. Full Time 2 - 2

With the man advantage for extra time we continued where we left off in normal time and stayed on the front foot and within 5 minutes took the lead when a long range effort by Nathan Williams was only parried by the home keeper and the ball dropped to Craig Williams who finished from inside 6 yards. Minutes later we gave ourselves breathing space when we extended our lead, Craig Williams beat the full back out wide and his low cross into the box found his strike partner Craig Jones who from 10 yards completed his hat trick by firing past the keeper into the back of the net. The second half of extra time saw us keep control of the game but the home side still looked to push to get back into the game but our back line held firm and didn't allow them and clear cut chances as we saw the game out. Final Score 2 - 4

A good performance in the end to see us come from two goals behind to win this cup tie and set up a quarter final against league leaders Treherbert on the 1st December. A week off next week before we host Alliance Premier League side Garw in the 3rd round of the Senior Cup on the 17th November.

Subs

Mickey Davies

Nathan Williams

GOALS

CRAIG JONES x 3 (1pen)

CRAIG WILLIAMS

MAN OF THE MATCH

CRAIG JONES

Saturday 27th October 2018

We were back to league action this week as we travelled to second placed Penyrenglyn who had beaten us 3-2 earlier in the season. With several absentees the squad was fully stretched and saw 5 changes from last week's cup victory, Garry Edwards came into the back three with John Williams and Kai Hollingsworth starting at wing backs, Lee Bolderson and Carl Semmens also returned to the centre of midfield.

We started the brightest and looked to take the game to the hosts but despite the early pressure chances on goal were few and far between. As the half went on the game became a more evenly matched affair with play flowing from end to end and on 25 minutes we got the breakthrough when some neat passing play down the left opened up the home defence and then a ball played inside to find John Williams on the edge of the area and his looping strike was just out of the reach of the Penyrenglyn keeper to put us one up. Within 10 minutes the home side drew level when we failed to fully clear a corner and the ball fell to their centre midfielder 20 yards out and his great strike beat the Town keeper and found the bottom corner. Just before the break we re-took the lead when Craig Jones worked hard to close down the home defence and was rewarded for his efforts as the ball dropped into his path as he rounded the keeper to slot home from 10 yards out. Half Time 1 - 2

The home side started the second half on the front foot and put us under pressure but our back line done well to hold firm limiting their chances, however 10 minutes in they did come close to levelling the score when a headed effort to the bottom corner was pushed away by Tom Lewis in the Town goal. Not long after we increased our lead when substitute Ricky Rossiter went on a bursting run down the right hand side and crossed the ball inside to find Craig Jones who beat the defender and from inside 10 yards fired the ball into the back of the net to get his second goal of the game. Penyrenglyn continued to press and kept up the pressure on looking for the next goal but it was ourselves who came closest to getting the 5th goal when John Williams cut inside from the right and his left footed shot from the edge of the area hit the top of the cross bar. The final 15 minutes saw wave after wave of pressure from the home side and our job was made more difficult when we were reduced to 10 men, however despite all the home side's efforts Lewis was only required to make one meaningful save as he pushed a low driven shot out for a corner. Penyrenglyn continued to throw everything at us up until the final whistle but we defended well and soaked up the pressure to see the game out. Final Score 1 - 3

A very good 3 points and a performance that deserved the win and again we showed good character to dig deep in the end to see the result through and it's this type of performance and attitude we must take into every game. It's back to cup action next week as our defence of the Lucania Cup begins as we travel to Cwm Rhondda in the first round.

Subs

Ricky Rossiter

Matthew Davies

Rio Smith

Nathan Williams

GOALS

JOHN WILLIAMS

CRAIG JONES x 2

MAN OF THE MATCH

CRAIG JONES

Saturday 20th October 2018

It was the second round of the South Wales Senior Cup for us this week as we travelled to fellow Rhondda League side The Baglan. There were 6 changes to the side from our last game, Ricky Rossiter, Huw Evans and Jordan Maiden made up a new back three, Alex Thomas and Dale Pugh came into the midfield and Craig Williams returned up front.

We looked to start the game on the front foot and put the home side under pressure; we had our fair share of possession in the early stages but failed to create clear cut chances. The longer the half went on we did start to create better chances but poor finishing along with saves from the home keeper kept the scores level. Just after the half hour mark we did get a deserved opening goal when the front two of Craig Jones and Williams combined well with Jones playing the ball through to Williams and his shot across the keeper found the far corner to grab his first goal this season. We had further chances in the remainder of the half to increase our lead but again we were struggling to find the target to test the opposition keeper. Half Time 0 - 1

We started to sit back a little at the start of the second and invited the home side on to us but we done well to soak up the pressure and limited their chances with none really testing the Town keeper. In similar fashion to the first half we had our fair amount of chances to double our lead but some unorthodox goalkeeping from The Baglan keeper kept them in the game. The longer the game went on and with the home side pushing for an equaliser the game became more stretched and 15 minutes from time we did eventually get our second goal of the game, a long ball up field was flicked on by Craig Jones into the path of substitute Micky Davies who went through one on one and fired past the keeper. The home side continued to push in the final minutes and hit the post on one occasion before getting a late goal inside the last 5 minutes when a low ball across the box found an unmarked player at the back post to finish from 6 yards out to set up a tight finish to the game. Despite the home side's best efforts to get back on level terms our back line held well to keep them out and see us through to the next round of the cup. Final Score 1 - 2

A close score line in the end but in truth we should have made sure of the win much earlier which would have taken the pressure off at the end, however we did show good character throughout and battled well in the end to see the result out whereas in the past we would have seen these games end all square. We are back in league action next week when we travel to Penyrenglyn who narrowly beat us 3 - 2 earlier in the season with a last minute goal.

Subs

John Williams

Matthew Davies

Mickey Davies

Nathan Williams

GOALS

CRAIG WILLIAMS

MICKY DAVIES

MAN OF THE MATCH

HUW EVANS

Saturday 6th October 2018

This week we were away to league leaders Treherbert who narrowly beat us 4-3 in the reverse fixture earlier in the season. We had 3 changes from last week's defeat, Nathan Williams started in the back line with Nathan Parry and Martin Jones returning in midfield.

Possession in the early stages was dominated by the home side but despite this there was no real threat on our goal. 20 minutes in the home side did get the opening goal when a simple through ball set their striker away who got to the ball before the Town keeper to round him and slot the ball into the back of the net. Within the next 15 minutes the home side added a further two goals, both in very similar fashion, their players given time and space to pick their pass and come straight through the middle to finish from just inside the area one on one. Our best chance of the half came inside the final 10 minutes when Shay Rees done well to close down the Treherbert defender and the ball dropped into the path of Matthew Davies but his shot from the edge of the box went just wide of the post into the side netting. Half Time 3 - 0

We came out for the second half knowing a much improved performance was needed if we were to get anything from the game, and to our credit that is what we did and took the game to the hosts. Just after the hour our efforts were rewarded when Shay Rees was brought down in the box and we were awarded a penalty, up stepped Craig Jones who calmly finished getting his first goal for the club. With us looking to push more the home side looked to catch us on the break and did go close to getting a 4th goal when their striker broke our back line and his chipped shot from just outside the area hit the top of the cross bar. Inside the final 15 minutes the home side came close again when a low cross from the left found their striker unmarked 10 yards out but his shot was well saved by Tom Lewis in the Town goal. Shortly after Craig Jones got his and our deserved 2nd goal of the game with a powerful driven shot from the edge of the box to set up another tense finish to the game, however despite our best efforts we were unable to get a late equaliser. Final Score 3 - 2

The story of our season continues as we play like two different teams in each half of the game, again giving a team a 3 goal start before we start playing. If we are able to put in a consistent 90 minute performance of the level we have shown we can play at then these defeats by the one goal will start to turn around and we will start picking up wins on a more regular basis. We take a break from league action next week as we play The Baglan away in the 2^nd round of the South Wales Senior Cup

Subs

John Williams

Huw Evans

Mickey Davies

Ricky Rossiter

GOALS

CRAIG JONES x2 (1pen)

MAN OF THE MATCH

CRAIG JONES

Saturday 29th September 2018

We were back at home this week as we welcomed Cwm Rhondda looking to build on last week's victory. With almost a full strength squad to choose from there were 3 changes from last week, Carl Semmens returned to the back four, Barrie Jones in midfield and Mickey Davies got his first start of the season on the  wing.

Despite us starting poorly and not getting out of first gear we found ourselves 3 - 0 up inside 20 minutes with goals two goals from Shay Rees and a Carl Semmens strike from the half way line. The away side were then awarded a penalty which was saved by the Town keeper before a well struck free kick from the edge of the box reduced the deficit. Straight after we restored our 3 goal lead when Mickey Davies scored his second goal in the 3 games. Then 5 minutes before the break we hit the self destruct button and lost all shape and composure and allowed the visitors back into the game with an easy finish on the stroke of half time.

At half time with us to busy arguing amongst ourselves and thinking the game was won we went out for the second half with completely the wrong attitude and inside the first 15 minutes our complacency got the better of us. 2 sloppy goals and one fantastic strike put the visitors 5 - 4 up which totally took the wind out of our sails. We had chances ourselves in the second half to equalise and even win the game but our end product in the final 3rd let us down. Final Score 4 - 5

A very disappointing result today as you can't give away a 3 goal lead like we did but credit to the away side who never gave up. We must learn from this and goes to show there are no easy games in this league so we can't afford to be stuck in first gear all game and expect to get anything from it. We look to put things right next week as we travel to Treherbert who we narrowly lost 3 - 4 to a few weeks ago knowing we need a 100% improvement on today's performance.

Subs

Jordan Maiden

John Williams

Alex Thomas

Ricky Rossiter

Huw Evans

GOALS

SHAY REES x2

CARL SEMMENS

MICKEY DAVIES

MAN OF THE MATCH

CRAIG JONES

Saturday 22nd September 2018

We were on our travels this week away to Treorchy with our squad being stretched to the limits. Despite missing 9 players we still put a strong 11 on the pitch which saw 5 changes from last week, Huw Evans, Kai Hollingsworth and Dan Rees came into the back four, Martin Jones returned from suspension in the middle of midfield and new signing Craig Jones started up front.

With the weather and parts of the pitch covered in water this was always going to be a closely contested game and that's the way it started with both sides having their fair share of possession but chances for both sides were few and far between, our best chances came from Matthew Davies who went through one on one only for the keeper to make a good save and then the home keeper was called into action again pulling off another good save from a Craig Williams effort. Half Time 0 - 0

As the second went on we did start to take control of the game and looked the team the most likely to score but the home side were always a threat on the break, however the best chance to open the scoring fell to us after a cross from the right was headed just over by Craig Jones. As time was pushing on and both sides still going for the win we finally broke the deadlock inside the last 10 minutes when a good passing move down the left saw Dan Rees break into the box and with the outside of his foot drilled the ball into the far corner. Minutes later we came close to doubling our lead when Craig Williams's thunderous strike from 35 yards hit the inside of the post and bounced clear. The final action of the game saw the home side awarded a free kick in a dangerous position which was drilled towards goal but was well saved by Tom Lewis in the Town goal. Final Score 0 - 1

A very good performance all round today and a well deserved 3 points and it's these types of performances and attitude we need to take into every game, starting next week when we are back at home as we host Cwm Rhondda

Subs

Jordan Maiden

Rio Smith

GOALS

DAN REES

MAN OF THE MATCH

SHAY REES

Saturday 15th September 2018

Our 3rd home game in a row saw us host Penygraig Utd who had won both their opening games this season. There were 5 changes from last week's narrow defeat with Tom Lewis returning in goals, John Williams to the back line, captain Carl Semmens in midfield with Matthew Davies and Craig Williams starting up front.

It was an even start to the game with both sides looking to play football and playing on the front foot. The visitors came closest to opening the scoring when a free kick 25 yards out hit the post, they then had a few half chances but unable to hit the target before we took the lead when a long ball forward caused confusion between their defender and keeper which saw Matthew Davies take full advantage and nip in to put the ball into the back of the empty net. Penygraig then almost levelled the scores immediately when a shot from the edge of the area and hit the underside of the bar and came down on the line, minutes later they did level when we failed to fully clear a corner and the ball found it's way to the back post to their player in acres of space with time to pick his spot as he fired underneath the Town keeper. After 35 minutes we had a spell to forget when first a powerful strike from just inside the area somehow found it's way past Lewis and then a good passing move by the visitors carved us open ending with their striker tapping in from 5 yards. Half Time 1 - 3

After some strong words at half time we came out for the second half looking to improve on the first half performance and take the game to the visitors. The game was still a well contested affair but with chances limited for both sides, the longer the game went on there more open it became as we pushed for a goal we started allowing space in the back, their best chance coming from a strike 15 yards out that was brilliantly headed off the line and over the bar by Lee Bolderson. Inside the last 15 minutes our pressure finally paid off when a break down the right and the ball was played across to box for substitute Mickey Davies to tap in at the far post to open his Town account. With our tails up we pushed again to get the equaliser but did allow the away side space up front as they looked to catch us on the break and with 5 minutes remaining they almost sealed the points when their striker broke into the box but his low shot was saved by Lewis to push the ball wide. Deep into injury time we finally got a 3rd goal and a well earned equaliser when Shay Rees's cross to the back post was met by the head of Craig Williams to get his first goal of the season. Final Score 3 - 3

Again for the 3rd week running our second half performance was better than our first but again we gave the opposition a two goal start which is always hard to come back from. If we can start games with the character and attitude we show at the end of games then the narrow defeats and draws will start turning into wins, and that is how we need to start our next game as we travel to Treorchy

Subs

Dan Rees

Huw Evans

Kai Hollingsworth

Rio Smith

Mickey Davies

GOALS

MATTHEW DAVIES

MICKEY DAVIES

CRAIG WILLIAMS

MAN OF THE MATCH

SHAY REES

Saturday 8th September 2018

This week we welcomed Penyrenglyn, who were looking to build on a strong start to the season. There were several changes from the previous game with Huw Evans, Dan Rees, Jordan Maiden and Barrie Jones all returning to the starting 11.

The game started scrappy with neither team creating any clear cut chances. The home team got the best of the chances when Nathan Parry was sent through 1 v 1, but failed to send the ball past the out rushing keeper. It was the away team who opened the scoring when the striker received the ball out on the touchline and was able to cut inside 2 defenders and send the ball over the Stanleytown keeper who was picking dandelions on the penalty spot. The away team soon doubled their lead when a corner was headed out but fell straight to the opposing player who smashed the ball in the bottom corner. Half time Stanleytown 0 -2 Penyrenglyn.

The second half started with the home team pushing to get back into the game, and their resilience finally paid off when a dangerous ball was put in the box by Martin Jones, the ball seemed to miss several players, including the opposition keeper and nestled in the far corner. Final touch being claimed by Ricky Bootbag Rossiter. Soon after the home team drew level when Nathan Parry made a sprint to the front post off a corner and slid the ball in to the bottom corner, 2-2 comeback looking good. However 10 minutes remaining, the plan went all wrong when a free kick on the half way was floated in to the box by Penyrenglyn, going straight to the Stanleytown keeper Huw Evans, who has hands like a digital clock, who missed the catch and the ball somehow fell nicely to the Penyrenglyn striker who nodded the ball home 3-2 to the visitors. With Stanleytown pushing for an equaliser and with tempers flaring, 2 Stanleytown players saw red and the home team finished with 9 players. Final score Stanleytown 2-3 Penyrenglyn.

Similar to last week, giving teams a head start before turning up to the game and playing football. Not the result we wanted or maybe deserved but no arguments. We look to get back on track next week at home to Penygraig United.

Subs

Craig Williams

John Williams

Kai Hollingsworth

Rio Smith

Mickey Davies

GOALS

RICKY ROSSITER

NATHAN PARRY

MAN OF THE MATCH

DALE PUGH

Saturday 1st September 2018

Our first home game of the season saw us host last year's Division One champions Treherbert BGC. With a shake up of the side from last week's poor performance saw several changes in personnel and formation, player/manager Nathan Williams and Ricky Rossiter made their first starts in the back line along with Garry Edwards returning from injury to form a back 5 with Alex Thomas and Craig Williams dropping back. Dale Pugh also made his first appearance of the season in the middle of midfield and Nathan Parry started up front.

The first 20 minutes saw a very competitive and evenly matched contest with both sides battling hard, the best of the early chances fell to us with a shot from the edge of the area going just over. However it was the visitors who took the lead midway through the half with a dubious goal that could have quite easily been given as offside when a through ball put their striker through one on one who knocked the ball past Tom Lewis in the Town goal into the far corner. Inside the next 10 minutes Treherbert doubled their lead with yet again another goal that was suspiciously offside, this knocked our confidence and took our edge and bite out of the game and for the remainder of the half we were a different team to the one that started and conceded a third goal 5 minutes before the break when we allowed their player time a space on the edge of the area and his shot found the bottom corner. Half Time 0 - 3

A change at half time saw Jordan Maiden replace Nathan Williams in the back line as we looked to dust ourselves off from some disappointing decisions in the first half and start the second as we did the first. From the early stages we went more on an attacking front looking to get ourselves back in the game and started to put the visitors on the back foot but they were always looking dangerous on the break and did go through on a couple of occasions only to be denied by the "coffin dodger" in the Town goal. Dan Rees replaced Rossiter 10 minutes into the half as we changed to a more attacking formation. As we continued to push for a goal Treherbert did eventually break through and increase their lead with a fourth goal as their winger got in behind to go one on one and slot the ball into the far corner. With the game all but over it would have been easy for us to just give up and potentially collapse and ship more goals as we have done in previous seasons but the side showed real character and fight and we didn't give up and stilled looked to attack and soon after our efforts were rewarded when a shot from just outside the box was blocked by the defenders arm and the ref awarded us a penalty, up stepped Parry and fired into the corner out of the reach of the keeper. Just after 70 minutes we got a second when Edwards brought the ball out from the back and hit a diagonal ball into the box to Parry who hit a first time volley pass back across the face of the goal which was met by substitute Matthew Davies who bravely got his body on the ball before the on rushing keeper to put the ball over the line. Inside the last 10 minutes we got back to within a goal when a free kick from out wide was lifted into the box and at the far post Edwards out jumped all others to head the ball into the top corner to set up a tense finish to the game. The final minutes saw us pile on the pressure looking for a 4th goal but unfortunately for us we ran out of time before we could get what would have been a deserved equaliser. Final Score 3 - 4

Not the result our performance deserved but plenty of positives to take from this game and we need to take the character shown in the second half into every game and we will start to see the benefits in the results. Next week we are home again in another tough test as we host Penyrenglyn who have won both their opening games.

Subs

Dan Rees

Jordan Maiden

John Williams

Ashley Carbis

Matthew Davies

GOALS

NATHAN PARRY (pen)

MATTHEW DAVIES

GARRY EDWARDS

MAN OF THE MATCH

GARRY EDWARDS

Saturday 25th August 2018

Our second game of the season saw us travel to another of the promoted sides Porth Harlequins looking to build on last week's win. There were two changes to the starting 11 with Jordan Maiden making his full Town debut and Huw Evans coming into the back four.

It was the home side who started the brightest with ourselves being all over the place for the first 15 minutes struggling to get into the game, however despite the host early dominance they failed to create any chances. We did eventually settle and the game became more of an open affair flowing from end to end but chances at both ends were limited, the best chance of the half falling to the Porth winger who broke through one on one bringing a good save from Tom Lewis in the Town goal. Half Time 0 - 0

Changes at the break saw a Nathan Parry make his return to the Town in place of Huw Evans and Ricky Rossiter replaced the injured Carl Semmens. The second half continued in the same scrappy fashion as the first with neither side able to create clear goal scoring opportunities. After 70 minutes Shay Rees broke down the right and into the box only to be pulled back by the Porth full back but unfortunately the referee didn't see it the same way and turned down our penalty appeal. Inside the final 15 minutes the deadlock was broken when the hosts had a free kick on the edge of the area which was knocked deep to the far post and headed back across the goal to be headed in from 2 yards out. This did eventually kick us into gear and we pressed hard in the final 10 minutes but was to little to late and our only really effort came in the final minute when Lee Bolderson's free kick was met by the head of Barrie Jones which brought a good save from the Porth keeper to turn the ball behind. Final Score 1 - 0

A disappointing result but our attitude and performance didn't deserve anything more. As a team we need to learn quickly from this result and look to put things right next week when we play our first home of the season against the 3rd of the promoted teams and many people's favourites for the league Treherbert BGC

Subs

Nathan Parry

Ricky Rossiter

Nathan Williams

Ashley Carbis

Matthew Davies

GOALS

MAN OF THE MATCH

SHAY REES

Saturday 18th August 2018

We started the new season with an away trip to newly promoted Penygraig BGC, with new management in place and a good pre-season spirits in the squad were high going into the game. There were new faces amongst the squad but it was a familiar 11 who took to the field at the start of the match.

We started on the front foot and attacked the hosts from the first whistle and our early pressure was rewarded inside 10 minutes when Alex Thomas's well struck shot from outside the box found the bottom corner. Despite our early dominance we failed to create any clear cut chances and allowed the home team back into the game but they rarely tested our back line, then after 35 minutes they were reduced to 10 men after their midfielder picked up two yellows in quick succession. Half Time 0 - 1

We came out for the 2nd half and stepped up a gear in the early parts looking to make the extra man count and wasn't long before we doubled our lead when Shay Rees broke down the right hand side and crossed into the box and found Alex Thomas who fired in to grab his 2nd of the game. We continued to push and were comfortably in control of the game but lacked that bit of creativity and composure in the final third and didn't test the home goalkeeper. Several substitutions during the 2nd half saw Town debuts for Jordan Maiden and Matthew Davies who almost opened his Town account when his sliding effort at the far post went just wide. Final Score 0 - 2

A solid performance today and 3 points to start the season and now we must build on this next week when we travel to another newly promoted team Porth Harlequins

Subs

Kai Hollingsworth

Ricky Rossiter

Jordan Maiden

Matthew Davies

Huw Evans

GOALS

ALEX THOMAS x2

MAN OF THE MATCH

LEE BOLDERSON