2019/20 Season

 

Season Summary

Final League Position - 3rd

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

Top Goalscorer - Craig Jones

Player of the Year - Keiran Tann

Player Player - Keiran Tann

Player/Manager - Tom Lewis

End of Season Stats

18 Games (14 League + 4 Cup)

11 Wins (9 League + 2 Cup)

54 Goals Scored (44 League + 10 Cup)

Clean Sheets (3 League + 2 Cup)

30 Players Used

 

 

A global pandemic brought the 19/20 season to an abrupt end meaning all football within Wales was decided on a points per game bases, the knock of effect of Covid 19 also saw no football played for the 20/21 season

 

We opened the season in positive fashion with a comfortable 7-2 win away from home but was quickly brought back down to earth in our first home game when suffering one of the clubs heaviest defeats to the eventual league winners. We then went on a 6 game winning streak scoring 28 goals in the process in league and cup however with 2 of the sides we played shortly after dropping out of the league our efforts counted for nothing along with a game where we led 5-1 at half time being abandoned and the game needing to be replayed so only picked up 6 points.

Two poor league defeats and an away cup loss in our 5 games before Christmas ended any hope of a league challenge and brought our Senior Cup run to an end however a better run in the New Year for our final 5 games of the season (and what would be 16 months) saw us win 3 out of our 4 league games but miss out on the Lucania Cup Final (which didn’t take place after) following a penalty shoot out defeat

 

With the final 3 games of the season not being played due to the pandemic the season was curtailed and saw us finish in 3rd once the points per game calculation was done

 

Season Stats

Games Played 18

Games Won 11 (61.1%)

Average Goals Scored per game 3.3

Average Goals Against 2.1

 

Final League Table

 

Results

Date Day Home       Away  
24-Aug Sat THE BAGLAN FC 2 - 7 STANLEYTOWN FC League
31-Aug Sat STANLEYTOWN FC 1 - 8 TREHERBERT BGC League
07-Sep Sat STANLEYTOWN FC 6 - 3 YSTRAD RFC League
14-Sep Sat TREORCHY BGC SENIORS 4 - 5 STANLEYTOWN FC League
28-Sep Sat NEW INN FC 1 - 7 STANLEYTOWN FC League
05-Oct Sat STANLEYTOWN FC 3 - 0 PORTH HARLEQUINS League
19-Oct Sat St Josephs's OB 0 - 2 STANLEYTOWN FC S.CUP R2
02-Nov Sat STANLEYTOWN FC 5 abn - 1 HT PENYRENGLYN League
09-Nov Sat PORTH HARLEQUINS 4 - 3 STANLEYTOWN FC League
16-Nov Sat CWRT RAWLIN 3 - 1 STANLEYTOWN FC S.CUP R3
30-Nov Sat STANLEYTOWN FC 5 - 0 PENYRENGLYN L.CUP R2
07-Dec Sat STANLEYTOWN FC 1 - 2 TREORCHY BGC SENIORS League
28-Dec Sat STANLEYTOWN FC 2 - 0 PENYRENGLYN League
04-Jan Sat STANLEYTOWN FC 2 - 1 PENYGRAIG UTD League
11-Jan Sat PENYRENGLYN 0 - 3 STANLEYTOWN FC League
25-Jan Sat STANLEYTOWN FC 2 - 5 CWM RHONDDA AFC League
01-Feb Sat STANLEYTOWN FC 2 (2-4)
pens
2 PENYGRAIG UTD L.CUP SF
08-Feb Sat PENYGRAIG UTD 1 - 2 STANLEYTOWN FC League
Not Played STANLEYTOWN FC   v   THE BAGLAN FC League
Not Played CWM RHONDDA AFC   v   STANLEYTOWN FC League
Not Played TREHERBERT BGC   v   STANLEYTOWN FC League

 

Player Stats

  Games Played Goals MOM
Alex Thomas 4 1 0
Ashley Carbis 2 0 0
Barrie Jones 11 1 0
Brad Lewis 1 0 0
Carl Semmens 7 0 0
Craig Jones 16 21 4
Craig Williams 6 1 0
Daniel Evans 10 2 0
Daniel Rees 13 0 0
Ethan White 1 0 0
Gareth Polston 3 0 0
Gareth Smith 4 0 0
John Williams 16 2 0
Jordan Maiden 2 0 0
Jordan Westcott 14 1 0
Keaton Taylor 2 1 0
Keelan Rees 5 2 0
Keiran Tann 17 12 10
Kieron Riddiford 14 0 0
Lee Bolderson 9 0 0
Leon Jones 2 1 0
Martin Jones 15 1 0
Matthew Bishop 8 0 0
Mickey Davies 1 0 0
Morgan Hall 4 1 0
Nathan Oliver 13 1 0
Nathan P Williams 10 0 0
Ricky Rossiter 12 0 0
Shay Rees 6 5 1
Tom Lewis 16 1 1

 

Match Reports

Saturday 8th February 2020

For the second consecutive week we played Penygraig Utd, this time away in the league. We had two changes from last week's cup game with first starts of the season for Ashley Carbis in the back and Alex Thomas up front. Also this game marked the 200th appearance for Town player manager Tom Lewis.

With the previous meetings against Penygraig being entertaining games the first half was far from it this time as both sides were well off the pace with scrappy play and passes going wayward. Mid way through the half we thought we had taken the lead when a quick thinking Matthew Bishop hit a free kick from the half way line straight into the back of the net but for some reason the referee ordered a re-take. 35 minutes in and against the run of play the home side took the lead when from our corner they broke on the counter attack and a long ball up field saw their striker get to the ball before the oncoming Town keeper to take it past him and slot the ball into the back of the net. Half Time 1 - 0

A few words of encouragement at half time seen us start the second half much sharper and that was immediately rewarded with an equaliser when our front three of Keiran Tann, Craig Jones and Alex Thomas combined well working the ball between the three of them with it eventually coming to Tann just inside the box who fired low passed the keeper into the back of the net. 5 minutes later we took the lead when the front three combined again, Tann’s cross to the back post was headed back across goal by Thomas who found Jones in the centre of the goal who slotted passed the keeper. With the game starting to come to life it was soon cut short by the referee who produced two harsh red cards within the space of 5 minutes which saw us play the final 25 minutes with 9 men. As expected the rest of the game was one way traffic with the home side taking advantage of the two extra men but to our credit we defended superbly with the make shift centre back pairing of Lee Bolderson and John Williams marshalling the back line. Despite all the pressure from the home side their chances were few and far between with any on target not troubling the Town keeper as we saw the game out to take away the 3 points. Full Time 1 - 2

A poor first half but a very good second from all the players who up against everything today battled well and showed the desire and commitment to come away with the win. Next week we play our final home league game of the season as we host The Baglan

 

 

Saturday 1st February 2020

Lucania Cup Semi Final this week as we hosted last year's runners up Penygraig Utd. We had 3 changes from last week's league game with Dan Rees starting at full back and returns to the midfield for Lee Bolderson and Kieron Riddiford.

As with our league game a month ago the game was a tight affair with two evenly matched teams, the early chances fell our way the best of which coming from a corner that saw the ball scrambled goalwards only to be cleared off the line. The visitors had a spell of possession but the solid centre half pairing of Jordan Westcott and Barrie Jones meant their chances at goal were limited, their best chance came with a ball pulled back 8 yards out but the strike was tipped over by Tom Lewis in the Town goal. Not long before the break we had another effort cleared off the line in similar fashion to the one early in the half as we couldn't quite force the ball over the line. Half Time 0 - 0

We started the second half well and had a good chance early on when John Williams was played through the middle but his shot was saved by the Penygraig keeper. The game was a very competitive affair with strong challenges from both sides and play going from end to end with chances for both looking to break the deadlock; it took a while to come and was eventually broken 15 minutes from time. As we looked to play out from the back play broke down just inside the opposition half and a quick ball by the Penygraig midfielder over the top of our back line found their winger who cut in and drove the ball past the Town keeper to put them a goal in front. We dug deep and didn't give up and drew level 5 minutes later when a long pass from the back from Westcott sent Craig Jones through down the centre and as the keeper coming out to meet him he rolls the ball past him into the corner to net his 20th goal of the season. With neither side settling for extra time both went looking for the winner and the best of the chances fell to us as Keiran Tann cut inside from the right to work himself into a great shooting opportunity only to see his effort go just wide of the target. Full Time 1 - 1

Into extra time we went and the game continued with the same tempo as the first 90 and the visitors came close to re-taking the lead 5 minutes in when on the rare occasion our back line was broken their striker rounded the keeper and from the bye line pulled the ball across the 6 yard box where there were two players waiting to tap in but somehow the ball evaded them both and thankfully for us went out for a throw-in. Just before the end of the first period of extra time we took the lead when the impressive substitute Nathan Oliver picked the ball up 25 yards out drove forward and from the edge of the box hit the ball low across the keeper into the far corner to register his first goal for the Town, in the aftermath of the goal saw the visitors keeper see red to reduce them to 10 men. HT Extra Time 2 - 1

With Penygraig pushing for an equaliser it allowed us space to hit them on the break and early into the second half we had a golden chance to secure the game when Tann broke through to go one on one with the stand in keeper but lifted his shot too high as it went over the bar. Midway through the half the sides were levelled up as we had a man sent off ourselves as soon after the scores became level when a low shot from the edge of the box was saved by the Town keeper but it was the Penygraig striker who was first to the rebound and slotted in from just outside the 6 yard box. We had chances again to win the game in the closing minutes with Tann having two great chances, his first going just wide of the mark and the second hitting the woodwork which then meant the game was going to penalties. FT Extra Time 2 - 2

We missed our first 2 penalties in the shootout and with Penygraig scoring all 4 of theirs it saw us exit the cup with a 2 - 4 defeat.

This was a proper cup tie but a cruel way to go out of the competition losing from the lottery that is a penalty shootout but credit due all round as everyone put a shift in to make a great spectacle for the supporters watching on the sidelines. We go again next week as we play Penygraig Utd again away in the league this time

 

 

Saturday 25th January 2020

3rd v 2nd going into this game today as we hosted Cwm Rhondda with just goal difference separating us and for the first time this season we had an unchanged eleven from our last game a fortnight ago.

A lively start to the game saw neither side holding back with strong tackles going in from both sides and chances at both ends, Keiran Tann with a long range effort being saved the best of ours and a chance from 8 yards out being blazed over by the visitors inside the opening 10 minutes. With both sides suffering injuries soon after saw forced substitutions from both benches which took the pace out of the game slightly but it was the visitors who had the better chances and only a goal line clearance from Matthew Bishop kept the scores level getting his body in the way of the ball from a effort 6 yards out. Half hour into the game and the deadlock was broken with the visitors taking the lead when we failed to clear a corner that went across the 6 yard box and allowed their centre half a free header to put them one up. The remainder of the half remained a competitive affair with chances at both ends but the best again falling to Cwm but a one on one save by Town keeper Tom Lewis and another goal line clearance from Bishop meant they only went in at the break a goal in front. Half Time 0 - 1

A poor spell at the start of the 2nd half from us saw us concede two goals, first of which was a mistake from us which gifted their striker an easy finish before their other striker was played through one on one who lifted the ball over the Town keeper. After the hour mark we got a goal back from a long range Keiran Tann free kick finding the bottom corner, however the away side soon after restored their 3 goal lead with a deflected effort from the edge of the box finding the back of the net. 15 minutes from time saw the 6th and best goal of the game but unfortunately for us it came from the visitors when their winger cut in from the left and his shot curled into the station of the far corner. We continued to push looking to get back into the game and we did get a goal back when Tann played in Alex Thomas who went through one on one and slotted around the keeper to register his first goal this season. Final Score 2 - 5

No arguments on where the 3 points went today with the visitors taking their chances early in the second half to put the game to bed. We dust ourselves off now and our attentions turn to next week as we host Penygraig Utd in the semi final of the Lucania cup 

 

 

Saturday 11th January 2020

Our first away game in two months saw us make the long trip to Blaenrhondda to face Penyrenglyn. We had just the one change from last week's victory with Carl Semmens coming into centre midfield.

In wet and windy conditions we started well and took the game to the hosts and had plenty of chances to open the scoring but a few chances went just wide of the mark along with two very good saves from the Penyrenglyn keeper, one from an effort from Craig Jones before denying Keiran Tann by tipping his shot wide. 25 minutes in we did eventually break the deadlock when a long pass from John Williams found Craig Jones in the box who brought it down, turned and fired into the back of the net to give us the lead. We continued to push and create chances and 10 minutes later we doubled our lead when an in-swinging corner from Daniel Evans found its way into the back of the net. On the stroke of half time we got the important 3rd goal with a good move from back to front, Ricky Rossiter started it with brining the ball out from the back playing Tann in down the right whose cross field pass found Barrie Jones on the left who had the keeper committed before laying the ball back to John Williams who from 25 yards out looped the ball over the retreating keeper into the back of the net to register his 2nd goal of the season. Half Time 0 - 3

We looked to start the second half as we finished the first and had a couple of chances early on but all were straight at the home keeper. As the half went on the game became a scrappier affair with play going from end to end but without any meaningful chances at the end of them. Penyrenglyn's best chance came from a free kick on the edge of the box but their effort not troubling the Town keeper as the ball went just over the bar. We continued looking for a 4th goal stretching the opposition and getting balls into the box but our chances going just wide of the mark or their keeper saving well, Nathan Oliver being one denied with his long range effort going straight into the keepers arms. Final Score 0 - 3

A good first half performance not replicated in the second but enough done to secure the 3 points to move us up to 2nd place in the table. A week off next week with no fixture before we host Cwm Rhondda at the end of the month

 

 

Saturday 4th January 2020

Our first game of the New Year saw us host last season's league champions Penygraig Utd, we had the one change from last week's victory with Kieron Riddiford returning from injury back into the midfield.

A first half of good football and two evenly match teams made for a entertaining game with neither side holding back and play going from end to end. Overall we looked the more dangerous on the attack getting in behind their back line on a few occasions but our chances going just wide of the mark and not really testing the visitors’ keeper. An injury half hour into the game for Matthew Bishop saw the return of Carl Semmens from the substitute bench and he was involved in the action straight away clearing the ball off the line with his first touch. This was a start of a poor spell for us where we lost our shape and discipline but despite this we limited the visitors’ chances but they did manage to hit the post with a back heel effort from a tight angle. We manage to regain our composure for the remainder of the half and went in level at the break. Half Time 0 - 0

Penygraig started the second half the better and were putting us under pressure but we were still looking a threat on the counter attack but again our chances failed to put the away keeper under any real pressure. As the half went on the sense was that one goal could win this game and it could go either way and it was Penygraig who came closest to opening the scoring but a free kick was tipped onto the bar by Tom Lewis in the Town goal. 15 minutes from time and the deadlock was eventually broken when Craig Jones broke down the right hand side of the box and his cross to the far post was met by substitute Morgan Hall to volley in from 6 yards out to get his first Town goal and put us in front. Penygraig came straight back at us looking for an equaliser and came close almost immediately hitting the woodwork on two occasions before drawing level 10 minutes from the end when a corner into the box wasn't fully cleared and a few headers back and forth eventually saw the ball drop to the back post for the Penygraig player to head in. With the game nearing its conclusion both sides were going for the win and there were chances at both ends, first the Penygraig player broke the offside line to go through one on one but from a tight angle it was Town keeper who came out on top saving well to push the ball away for a corner before Keiran Tann almost caught the visitors keeper out with a long range effort just going wide of the post. As the game was approaching injury time it was Tann who dispossessed the Penygraig full back and drove forward with the ball then playing it through for Craig Jones who got there just before the visitors keeper to slide the ball under him and into the back of the net to grab his 18th goal of the season and get us the 3 points. The away side threw all they could at us in the final minutes but our back line held firm to see the game through. Final Score 2 - 1

A good game of football between two evenly match sides that could have gone either way in the end and thankfully for us we came away with the victory with a good hard fought performance from the whole team to move us up to 3rd in the league. We must now build on this result for the rest of the season starting next week away to Penyrenglyn

 

 

Saturday 28th December 2019

After a fortnight of washout games we were finally back in action for our final game of 2019 as we hosted Penyrenglyn. We had the 3 changes from our defeat 3 weeks ago with Jordan Westcott and John Williams returning to the back four and Nathan Oliver starting in midfield.

We started well and had chances to take the lead early on, best of which fell to Matthew Bishop when first he found the ball at his feet 10 yards our only to see his shot saved before a corner shortly after he got his head to that was cleared off the line. 10 minutes in and we did take the lead when a pin point pass from John Williams beat all defenders to find Keiran Tann who calmly lifted the ball over the keeper into the back of the net. Despite the early goal we failed to build on it and it was the visitors who took control of the game as we seemed to lose our composure but we stilled looked dangerous on the counter attack. Although Penyrenglyn were on the front foot we defended well and limited their chances, the closest they came was with a free kick on the edge of the area that went just over the bar. Half Time 1 - 0

Our play at the start of the second half was an improvement on the first as we went in search of a second goal but our final ball was letting us down as we didn't really test the opposition keeper and couldn't take control of the game as play was flowing from end to end. 25 minutes from time we got that all important second goal which started with a throw in deep into our own half, as the ball came into play we moved the ball from right to left with Daniel Evans, Bishop and Tann combining wide right which resulted in Bishop crossing which was met brilliantly by Craig Jones who rose above the keeper to head into the back of the net. With a two goal cushion it was important for us to see the result through and make sure of the 3 points but on occasions we allowed the visitors time and space but credit to the centre half pairing of Westcott and Ricky Rossiter who defended well for the full 90 to restrict Penyrenglyn chances at goal, the one time they did break through the shot was hit straight at Tom Lewis in the Town goal. The last action of the game was a final chance for the visitors but the long range effort was comfortably pushed wide by the Town keeper. Final Score 2 - 0

Not one of our better performances football wise but the right attitude was shown as we dug deep in a tough battle with determined opposition to come away with the 3 points to end the year with a win. Our first game of 2020 next week is at home again as we host last years champions Penygraig Utd

 

 

Saturday 7th December 2019

Back to league action as we welcomed Treorchy, we had just the two changes from our cup victory last week with Tom Lewis returning in goals and Lee Bolderson starting in the centre of defence.

We started well and took the game to the visitors but unfortunately found ourselves a goal down 5 minutes in when poor marking at a corner saw the ball drop to their player at the back post who had time to drill his shot into the back of the net. Despite this early set back we continued on the front foot and dominated play playing some good football in the process and creating numerous chances but a mix of good goalkeeping and poor finishing meant we couldn't draw level. Our best chances of the half came through Martin Jones who went through one on one with their keeper saving well before the keeper denied us again this time saving low into the corner from a Craig Jones header. Jones then went close again when the ball was squared back across the area but his shot from the centre of goals went just over the bar. Keiran Tann was causing problems all half for the Treorchy back line and 10 minutes before the break as he was dribbling clear towards goal he was brought down on the edge of the area which resulted in the defender seeing red to reduce the visitors to 10 men. Half Time 0 - 1

We came out for the second half and picked up where we left off in the first and came close early on when Dan Rees broke down the left and his low cross across the face of goal went narrowly wide of the far post. Just after the hour we finally got a deserved goal to draw level through a Keiran Tann free kick 20 yards out, his left footed strike beating the Treorchy keeper into the far corner. After drawing level we failed to push on and allowed the visitors into the game which became open flowing from end to end and 20 minutes from time the away side were gifted a second goal to put them back in front when a back pass to the Town keeper bobbled as he went to clear coming off the side of his shin right into the path of the Treorchy player who slotted the ball into the empty net. For the remainder of the game we threw all we could at the visitors to get back on level terms but the longer it went we started to rush things and lacked composure in the final 3rd and despite chances from the returning Mickey Davies, Tann and Jones Treorchy defended well and kept us out. Final Score 1 - 2

A hard result to take as on another day we could have been out of sight at half time but it just wasn't happening for us in front of goal and then to concede poor goals summed up our day. Despite the score there are positives to take from the performance and we must build on this next week as we travel to Penygraig United

 

 

Saturday 30th November 2019

Lucania Cup Quarter Final

Lucania cup quarter final for us this week as we hosted Penyrenglyn, we had 4 changes in personnel from the Senior Cup defeat a fortnight ago with Matthew Bishop making his long awaited return to the Town along with Dan Rees in the back four, Barrie Jones came into midfield and Martin Jones also returned to make his 100th appearance for the club.

Despite staring on top our play was sloppy inside the opening 10 minutes with passes going astray and failing to get any rhythm going and shots not testing the visiting keeper. A slight lack of concentration at the back allowed Penyrenglyn to break clear just after the 10 minute mark but a superb recovery from Ricky Rossiter to make a last ditch challenge prevented their striker getting a clear shot at goal. Soon after we broke up the other end and after some neat passing between the front players the ball came to the feet of Craig Jones who from the edge of the 18 yard box fired the ball into the opposite corner of the net to put us 1 up inside 14 minutes. We continued to play on the front foot and comfortably in control of the game but our passing was still short as we seemed to find their players more than ours but did create chances to increase our lead but none testing the keeper enough, our best chance fell to Kieron Riddiford who was first to react to the keeper spilling the ball but his shot from 8 yards went just over the bar. Just before the break we did eventually double our lead when Keiran Tann picked the ball up on the right broke into the box and his thunderous strike gave the keeper no chance as he found the top corner. Half Time 2 - 0

We started the 2nd half well and 10 minutes in Craig Jones doubled his tally when he broke the offside trap to out jump the visitors keeper to get his head onto a high cross from Barrie Jones to put us 3 goals up. We were well on top now and kept pushing to get more goals but done well on the defensive side as well as the back four played well to restrict the visitors to very few efforts and the only one they got on target was easily saved by Nathan Oliver in the Town goal. 15 minutes from time Daniel Evans picked the ball up just inside their half and dribbled at their back line, beat their player and got his shot away only for the keeper to save but Craig Jones was on hand and first to the rebound to completed his 4th hat-trick of the season and put us 4 goals ahead. A substitution inside the last 10 minutes saw player manager Tom Lewis put an outfield shirt on for the first time in over 2 years and was soon involved in the action, a cross from the left was flicked on by Craig Jones to Martin Jones and his touch on the edge of the area set it up perfectly for Lewis to drive the ball low into the corner of the net for our 5th goal of the game. In a game full of some cracking strikes there was almost one more in the final minutes when the ball dropped to the edge of the box onto the right foot of Tann to volley towards goal only for the keeper to pull off a great save and push it wide. Final Score 5 - 0

An improved performance and attitude all round see us progress to the Semi Final of the Lucania Cup for the 3rd consecutive season. Back to league action next week as we are at home again as we welcome Treorchy who we narrowly beat by the odd goal in 9 earlier in the season

 

 

Saturday 16th November 2019

South Wales FA Senior Cup Round 3

 

Match Report to Follow

 

 

 

Saturday 9th November 2019

After our half game last weekend we were away today to 3rd place Porth Harlequins, we had just the one change from the side that started last week with Nathan Oliver replacing the injured Carl Seemens in the back four.

We got off to the worst possible start when the home side were awarded a generous penalty for handball inside the first 2 minutes which they converted to put them one up.  Things didn't get better for the first 15 minutes and we were all over the place and looked nothing like the team we have been in previous weeks and were fortunate just to be the one goal behind. We did manage to draw level midway through the half when Kieron Riddiford picked the ball up in the centre of midfield and drove at the home defence riding a couple of challenges along the way before playing the ball through to Craig Jones whose left footed low effort found the bottom corner. This goal gave us a lift and we did start to become the better side creating a few half chances but none that really troubled the home keeper until 10 minutes before the break when a thunderous 20 yard effort from Keiran Tann found the back of the net to put us in front. Just before the half time whistle the home side drew level when their striker was allowed time and space to bring the ball down inside the area, turn and get his shot away which rolled into the bottom corner. Half Time 2 - 2

The hosts started the second half the better side and were on the front foot as we again struggled to get going and inside the opening 10 minutes they re-took the lead when a shot from the edge of the area was pushed wide but their player was the quickest to react to pull the ball back across goal to find their striker 8 yards out to put the ball into the back of the net. Despite our poor start to the half we hit back immediately when Tann went on a run down the left and despite the best efforts of the home defence to bring him down he got his cross in to the far post where he found substitute Daniel Evans who controlled the ball and drilled it into the back of the net to make it 3 – 3 on his official 2nd Town debut. The game was now a lot more open with chances at both ends, our best efforts saw several balls across the face of goal but somehow we were unable to get the ball over the line, we also had one long range effort well tipped over by the home keeper. With the match entering the final 15 minutes the 7th goal came and it was the home side who got it with a direct ball over the top caught the Town keeper in no mans land as the striker took the ball around him to the bye line and squared the ball back across the 6 yard box to the oncoming Porth player to put them 4 - 3 in front. As we looked to push for an equaliser the task was made a bit harder as we were reduced to 10 men in the 80th minute but despite this we kept going but just couldn't breakthrough to get a 4th goal. Final Score 4 - 3

A disappointing and not the result we wanted but our overall performance today just wasn't good enough as we suffered our 2nd defeat of the season which we must learn from and improve on going forward. We back to cup action next weekend as we travel to Caerphilly in the 3rd round of the Senior cup to face Cwrt Rawlin who currently sit 4th in the TERV League

 

 

Saturday 2nd November 2019

After the rain causing our game last week to be called off we were against the weather again this week as we hosted Penyrenglyn but the pitch held up against the rain for the game to have the ok to start. We had the two changes from our cup game a fortnight ago with Carl Semmens coming into the back four and Craig Jones returning up front.

We got off to a flyer and took the lead inside the first minute when Shay Rees broke down the right and his cross to the far post was met by the head of Keiran Tann to find the back of the net. Rees and Tann combined again minutes later to double our lead when a low cross this time by Rees found Tann who fired low past the keeper into the bottom corner. 10 minutes in and Tann completed his hat-trick this time Craig Jones played him through the middle to go one on one and Tann calmly slotted the ball past the visitors keeper. We kept the pressure on and went looking for more goals and Craig Jones came close when he turned inside the box to get his shot away only to see his effort hit the bar but then after 20 minutes Jones got his goal with a well driven shot giving the keeper no chance putting us 4 goals up. Despite us being well in control of the game we went through a sloppy spell where our passing was wayward and we allowed the visitors chances, one of which they took 15 minutes before the break with a simple ball through the middle to put their striker in one on one who finished past the Town keeper. After this we got our composure back and immediately restored our 4 goal lead with the front three combining to put Shay Rees through who from just inside the box lifted the ball over the oncoming keeper to find the back of the net. 10 minutes before half time an injury to Carl Semmens saw him replaced by Matthew Bishop who returns to the club after 5 years away. Half Time 5 - 1

With both sides out for the second half and a substitution by us to see another returning player in Daniel Evans ready to kick a ball again for the Town after 7 years the referee, to everyone's amazement, deemed the field no longer playable and abandoned the game. We now await the leagues decision as to whether this result will stand or if the fixture will need to be replayed.

Next week we are away to Porth Harlequins who we played 5 weeks ago in what was also our last fully completed league game

 

 

Saturday 19th October 2019

South Wales FA Senior Cup Round 2

At the second attempt after last week's washout we travelled to Port Talbot in the 2nd Round of the SWFA Senior Cup to face St Joseph's Old Boys who sat 3rd in their division. We had just the two changes from our last game with Nathan Oliver returning to the back four and Keelan Rees making his full Town debut up front.

The first half was a scrappy contest with neither side taking control of the game and chances in front of goal we few and far between, the home side came the closest 20 minutes in but their effort from a corner was cleared off the line by John Williams. Inside the final 8 minutes of the half both sides were awarded penalties, the home side got the first one which was saved by Tom Lewis in the Town goal before minutes later Shay Rees was brought down inside the box but their keeper done well to save Keiran Tann's effort from the spot. Half Time 0 - 0

We started the second half a bit better than the first as we tried to stretch the home side as we searched for the first goal. 15 minutes in and we got the breakthrough when a Jordan Westcott diagonal free kick from just inside the opposition half found Shay Rees and the back of the box and his first time pass back across the goal found his younger brother in the centre of the of the box for Keelan to place the ball under the keeper from 8 yards out. With the home side chasing the game they looked to push more men forward but the defensive pairing of Westcott and Craig Williams at the heart of the back four didn't give them any room and they rarely troubled the Town keeper. With the home side pushing for an equaliser it was leaving space for us to break into and inside the last 15 minutes we got the second goal when Tann, who was causing them problems all game, broke down the right and cut in from the bye line and his low cross was deflected past the home keeper. The hosts almost got a goal back with 5 minutes remaining but John Williams was on the line again this time heading the ball away to keep our clean sheet intact. Final Score 0 - 2

Not one of our most convincing all round performances but a deserved win in the end to see us through to the 3rd round of the cup where we will be away again against TERV Premier division side Cwrt Rawlin. We back to league action next week as we host last year's league champions Penygraig United

 

 

Saturday 5th October 2019

We hosted Porth Harlequins this week who sat 3 points above us in the table in what was expected to be a tough contest. We had 3 changes in personnel from last week's victory with Jordan Westcott and John Williams returning to the back four with Martin Jones coming back into the midfield.

We started the game well and looked to put the visitors under pressure and a few dangerous balls into the box caused problems early on and 7 minutes in we took the lead when Keiran Tann's deep cross to the far post was headed back across goal by Shay Rees into the path of the oncoming Barrie Jones whose right foot strike had too much power for the Porth keeper. Both sides looked to play on the front foot and play was going end to end in an evenly contested opening 20 minutes and then the goal of the game came as we got that important second when the ball got played into Martin Jones's feet 25 yards out and his "Bergkampesk" touch to flick the ball around the defender to set him through one on one and his low drive into the bottom corner gave the keeper no chance. Porth's best chance of the half came 10 minutes before the break when a slight lapse in concentration from us saw their winger get in behind but his pull back to the penalty spot was blazed over the bar by his team mate. Half Time 2 - 0

The visitors started the 2nd half the sharpest as they looked to get the next goal but we held firm and despite their early pressure Tom Lewis was rarely tested in the Town goal. Once we settled and got a foot back in the game the match was as evenly contested as the first half with both sides aware that the next goal would be key and neither side was holding back. 65 minutes in that next goal came and it was us who got it to put that win within touching distance when Craig Jones leapt well inside the box to rise above all others to get his head to the ball to net his 12th goal of the season. Credit to the visitors who never gave up and continued to push and piled on the pressure and inside the last 20 minutes almost got on the score sheet as their quick forward took the ball around the Town keeper only to be denied by Jordan Westcott who covered his keeper well to clear the ball off the line. We defended solidly in the last quarter of the game to keep the away side at bay as the more they pushed it allowed our attacking players the space to break on the counter attack as we could have added to our score tally in the remaining minutes. Final Score 3 - 0

A very good performance all round from us and a deserved 3 points plus a first clean sheet of the season to go with it. We take a break from league action next week as we travel to Port Talbot in the 2nd round of the South Wales Senior Cup to face St Joseph's Old Boys

 

 

Saturday 28th September 2019

After the enforced break last week we travelled to the New Inn Fc for our 5th game of the season, we had 5 changes from our last game with Nathan Williams, Craig Williams and Ricky Rossiter coming into the back four with Carl Semmens and Barrie Jones starting in midfield.

We put the pressure on the host early keeping them in their own half but they were always looking dangerous on the break and had the best of the opening chances putting a couple of shots just off target. 10 minutes in and our pressure paid off when Craig Jones and Keiran Tann linked up to see Tann cut inside and his shot from the corner of the box found the far corner. Inside the next 10 minutes we doubled our lead when a cross field ball found Shay Rees who brought the ball down and finished into the bottom corner. The home side continued to play football looking to work the ball to their forwards who created chances between them but didn't trouble the Town keeper. Before the break we added a further 2 goals with Craig Jones netting both of them, the first getting on the end of a through ball to fire past the keeper before he got his head onto a Carl Semmens free kick deep into the box to put us comfortably in front at the break. Half Time 0 - 4

Knowing the next goal to be key the intent was to go out quick in the second half but we took a while to get going and allowed the host to much time and space and their were allowed a few opportunities in front of goal only for Tom Lewis in the Town goal to keep them at bay. The 5th goal of the game eventually came with Keiran Tann getting his 2nd with a free kick from wide causing confusion in the box and the ball going straight into the back of the net. With the game seemingly won we took our foot off the gas and the home side had a few chances themselves, firstly a free kick from the edge of box was pushed wide by Lewis before a low drive from former Town u18 player Brandon Coombes found the bottom corner to pull a goal back, Coombes came close to doubling his tally shortly after bringing a good save from Lewis who tipped the ball over. A few substitutions for us saw Town debuts for Ethan White and Keelan Rees and it was Rees who got the next goal when Craig Jones broke down the left and cut the ball inside to find Rees who showed great composure on the ball to fire past the New Inn keeper. Craig Jones completed the scoring and his hat-trick in the final minute as he broke clear of the back line to go through one on one and put the ball past the home keeper into the bottom corner. Final Score 1 - 7

Not quite the 9 goal thriller of previous weeks but a very good win and a deserved 3 points to go with it to make it 4 wins from 5. We face a tough test next week as we host Porth Harlequins who currently sit 3 points above us in the table

 

 

Saturday 14th September 2019

We were on the road this week as we travelled to Treorchy as we looked to build on last week's victory, we had 3 changes to the starting 11 with Jordan Westcott and Dan Rees coming into the back 4 and Shay Rees starting up front.

We started the game well looking to control play and had the best of the opening chances but none that really tested the home keeper. However 25 minutes in it was the hosts who took the lead as slack defending saw the drop to the strikers feet inside the box who had time and space to find the bottom corner to make in 1 - 0. 5 minutes later and Treorchy doubled their lead when again mistakes from us gifted the ball to their winger who low cross along the 6 yard box found his teammate to tap in. We pulled a goal back almost immediately when Keiran Tann cut into the box and was brought down and a penalty awarded, Craig Jones stepped up and sent the keeper the wrong way to score his 8th goal of the season. For the remainder of the half we kept the pressure on looking for an equaliser and had several chances with both Jones and Tann going close, on the stroke of half time we got the deserved 2nd goal when a Tann free kick from out wide caused havoc in the penalty area and beat everyone into the back of net. Half Time 2 - 2

We came out for the second half with the momentum and picked up where we left off at the end of the first with our front 3 causing problems for the home defence and inside 10 minutes we took the lead when Tann played the ball through to Shay Rees who rounded the keeper and fired into the net. Soon after we increased our lead when Jones broke down the right and his cross found Rees in the box whose header from 12 yards gave the keeper no chance. We were well on top now and controlling the game and 75 minutes in Shay Rees completed his perfect hat-trick when Alex Thomas slid the ball through and from just inside the box his left footed drive beat the keeper at his near post to give us a comfortable 3 goal. However a nervy final 5 minutes almost saw us throw away the 3 points as Treorchy scored 2 goals in quick succession, the first a simple through ball caught us flat footed as their striker went through and the 2 minutes before the end a cross into the box was headed in at the far post but we did managed to hold firm for the final minutes to see the game through. Final Score 4 - 5

Another 9 goal game for us but a closer score line than it should have been as we made hard work of the result in the end but got the deserved 3 points which is the main thing that matters. We are back at home next week as we welcome currently unbeaten Cwm Rhondda.

Also a special mention to our very own Barrie Jones who tonight became the new BKB Champion

 

 

Saturday 7th September 2019

Our 3rd game of the season saw us host last year's Championship League winners Ystrad Rugby FC as we looked to put right last week's performance. We had 3 changes to the starting 11 with Craig Willimas returning and full Town debuts for Gareth Polston and Nathan Oliver.

With the visitors only starting the game with 9 men they done their best to slow play down and sat behind the ball making it difficult for us to break them down. 10 minutes in we took the lead after a through ball down the middle saw their keeper handle outside the box to give us a free kick, Craig Jones stepped up and drove the ball low and past the keeper. The visitors were then up to their full complement of players which opened the game up and saw both sides attacking with chances at both ends. 25 minutes in and Ystrad drew level when we failed to clear our lines and the ball fell to their player in the box who from 12 yards found the back of the net. We re-took the lead immediately when Kieron Riddiford broke down the right to beat a couple of their defenders then squared the ball to Craig Jones who finished from 6 yards. We took control of the game for the next 15 minutes and increased our lead further with Jones completing his second hat-trick in 3 games finishing from inside the box before a Craig Williams header from a Keiran Tann corner put us 4 - 1 up. Just before half time the visitors got a goal back when a ball over the top allowed their striker to go through who found the bottom corner of the net from just inside the area. Half Time 4 - 2

With us starting the second half slowly in the previous two games we needed to ensure we broke the trend this week as we looked to get the next goal and inside the first 10 minutes a wonder strike from John Williams did just that as he picked the ball up just inside the opposition half and allowed to carry it forward and from 35 yards drove the ball high into the back of the net. A couple of substitutions saw the introduction of Shay Rees and Jordan Westcott and within minutes of coming on Westcott almost increased our lead when he was on the end of a good passing movement and the ball came to him just inside the box but his shot went just wide of the far post. The visitors had a good spell midway through the half where they were piling on the pressure and did eventually get a goal back when a poor clearance from the Town keeper saw the ball fall to the feet of their midfielder who with time struck the ball from 25 yards over the keepers head into the top corner. With the momentum with the away side they continued to push forward but this was allowing us chances on the counter attack as the back line soaked up the pressure coming from Ystrad and inside the last 10 minutes we made sure of the 3 points as we broke and Craig Jones got into the area and squared the ball for the oncoming Shay Rees who from 6 yards found the back of the net to open his account for the season. Final Score 6 - 3

A better performance than last week and a deserved 3 points to go with it but still have room for improvement in our overall play. We look to build on this result now starting with an away trip next Saturday as we travel to Treorchy BGC

 

 

Saturday 31st August 2019

Our first home game of the season saw us host last years runners up Treherbert, we had the one change from last weeks victory with Jordan Westcott returning to the side after his transfer in the week.

We started slowly allowing the visitors too much time and space with the ball but we managed to soak up the pressure early on. 20 minutes in we conceded a poor goal when a corner was partially cleared to the penalty spot but their player was allowed time to bring it down, pick his spot and fire into the back of the net. Within 5 minutes we drew level when a deep hanging free kick from Ricky Rossiter was met by the head of Craig Jones who rose above the visitors keeper to equalise. The remainder of the half became a competitive affair with both sides battling but just before the break Treherbert re-took the lead in almost an identical fashion to their first goal when again a corner only partially cleared and dropped to their player who again had time and drilled the ball into the back of the net. Half Time 1 - 2

As we did last week we didn't get going in the second half but this time we were punished when their winger had time and space to pick a cross and their striker fired in. From then on in it was a total shambles from us and we may as well have just called it a day and hand the 3 points to the visitors, which is more or less what we did as we stopped working and gave up as Treherbert got their 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th goals (and they probably should have hit double figures). Final score 1 - 8

A totally embarrassing result for us today and an equally and if not more an embarrassing performance. We are at home again next week against newly promoted Ystrad RFC

 

 

Saturday 24th August 2019

We kicked off the 2019/20 season with an away trip against the Baglan as we looked to start the campaign on a positive note in what is expected to be a very tough league this year.

We got off to the perfect start as we looked to play on the front foot from the first whistle and 5 minutes in we took the lead when last season's top goalscorer Craig Jones got on the end of a through ball to lift the ball over the keeper to open his account for the season. Soon after we doubled our lead after some good football between young Kieron Riddiford and Jones saw the ball fall to Keiran Tann just inside the area who finished into the back of the net. Whether it was the heat or complacency started to set in but we took our foot off the gas for 15 minutes and although we were still well on top and creating chance we seemed to lack the edge that saw us start the game so well. After the water break we restarted as we started the half and upped in a gear and wasn't long before we increased our lead with the goal of the game from Keaton Taylor, from a Baglan corner we broke quickly as Taylor picked the ball up on the half way line and dribbled at their back line beating 3 of them before cutting in from the right and finishing superbly into the far corner of the net. In the 40th minutes we got our 4th goal of the game with Craig Jones doubling his tally with a well struck shot giving the keeper no chance. The last kick of the half saw The Baglan get a goal back when the ball went out wide and seemingly to cross the line for a throw-in but with no flag from the linesman they got a cross into the box and with us stopped and switched off allowed their striker space to turn the ball into the back of the net. Half Time 1 - 4

Despite the focus of the half time team talk being one that we need to start the second half as we did the first we went out and done the opposite and couldn't really get a hold of the game and allowed the home side time and space to put us under pressure but we did manage to withstand it and restricted them to long range efforts which didn't trouble the Town keeper. With the home side pushing forward it was allowing us space in behind and although we weren't on the top of our game we were still causing them problems and had chances to increase our lead but failed to make them count. With players picking up knocks we were forced into a few changes in personnel and formation which did inadvertently work in our favour as we got the 6th goal of the game  in the 65th minute when Tann turned on the edge of the area and his low left footed strike found the bottom corner. The home side hit back straight away when lack marking at a corner allowed their centre half to head into the back of the net to make it 2 - 5. This gave us a wake up call and we switched back on and finished the game strongly and got back on top for the final 15 minutes to create a number of chances. We soon restored our 4 goal lead when substitute Leon Jones picked the ball up on the edge of the area and calmly slotted the ball around the defender into the corner of the net to get his first senior goal for the Town. The final action of the game saw us get our 7th goal and Craig Jones pick up the match ball when he broke into the box and fire past the home keeper to complete his hat-trick. Final Score 2 - 7

A very good result to start the season and a lot of positives to take from the performance but also some lessons to be learnt and build on for the rest of the season. We face a tough test next week in our first home game as we host last season's league runners up Treherbert BGC