JD Welsh Premier League
Saturday 22nd September
Carmarthen Town 2-2 Aberystwyth Town 

Aberystwyth Town earned a valuable point on their travels as they clawed back a two goal deficit to draw 2-2 with Carmarthen Town at Richmond Park on Saturday afternoon. In a miserable first half, goals from Luke Bowen (10) and Liam Thomas (38) put the hosts in firm control, but a spirited second half performance saw the black and greens claw their way back thanks to goals from Ash Ruane (64) and Declan Walker (78) to earn a valuable JD Welsh Premier League point on the road. 

Aber named an unchanged side from the one which beat Bala Town at Park Avenue last weekend, but they got off to a slow start at Richmond Park as Declan Carroll fired an early warning sign within the opening five minutes with an effort over the bar. Soon after, Carmarthen were in behind Aber's defence as Luke Bowen was brought down outside the area by Leigh Jenkins, resulting in a booking and Sean Hanbury's free kick going over the bar once more. The visitors failed to heed the early warnings and Carmarthen took the lead on 10 minutes as Luke Bowen pounced on a defensive error to slide the ball beyond Jenkins and make it 1-0. The black and greens tried to find a way into the game, but continued to struggle, with Ryan Edwards and Geoff Kellaway seeing their efforts drift wide of either post. Meanwhile Carmarthen continued to threaten, with Leigh Jenkins producing a good save from Tyrrell Webbe's long range strike, before young centre half Lee Jenkins produced an outstanding block to deny Bowen another goal. Then, on 38 minutes, the hosts doubled their lead as Liam Thomas collected a loose ball on the edge of the area before firing a half volley over Jenkins and into the top corner for 2-0. Half time approached with the visitors somewhat fortunate to be two goals behind in an utterly disappointing first half. 

Aber's first half performance merited a double substitution at half time, with Rio Ahmadi and Paulo Mendes being introduced in place of Geoff Kellaway and Lee Jenkins as the seasiders searched for a way back into the game. There was a marked improvement as soon as the second half started, with Aber playing at a higher tempo and forcing the hosts deeper into their own half. On 50 minutes, wingman Joe Phillips went close with a half volley before dragging a left footed effort just wide from a corner kick moment later. On 64 minutes, after a sustained period of pressure, Aber found their way back into the game as Ryan Edwards produced a pinpoint cross for Ashley Ruane to flick a header into the net at the back post and make it 2-1. Suddenly the seasiders were a different side, and sensed it was time to push for the equaliser. On 68 minutes they went close once more as Mathew Jones darted into the penalty area only to see his right footed strike go narrowly wide of the post. Then, on 78 minutes came the moment the Aber fans had been sensing as the visitors took a quick free kick, and Declan Walker picked up the ball on the right flank before cutting inside and unleashing a left footed effort into the bottom corner to make it 2-2. Hosts Carmarthen dropped deeper and deeper into their own half as the black and greens suddenly saw all three points there for the taking. On 82 minutes, Walker cut inside once more before firing over the crossbar, before Wes Baynes drilled his free kick narrowly over the bar. The visitors continued to push for the victory into the dying moments, but were unable to find that third goal as they were forced to settle for a hard earned away point. 

It was a tale of two halves for the seasiders, who to their credit showed great desire and character to get themselves back into the game from such a daunting position at half time. Director of Football, Nev Powell and Assistant Manager Gavin Allen will be delighted with Town's work over the past week - picking up four points from two difficult games and currently lying in 7th place in the league table. Town's attentions now turn to Tuesday evening's Nathaniel MG Cup tie away at Cambrian & Clydach, before welcoming Barry Town to Park Avenue in the JD Welsh Premier League next Saturday. 

Teams:
Carmarthen Town: Idzi, Davies, Knott, Surman, Hanbury (70), Webbe (81), Morgan, Carroll, Walters, Thomas, Bowen. Subs: Hanford (70), Vickers (81), Vincent, Woodford, Cummings

Aberystwyth Town: Leigh Jenkins, Baynes, Wollacott, Lee Jenkins (45), Steff Edwards, Ryan Edwards, Jones, Walker, Phillips (76), Kellaway (45), Ruane. Subs: Rowe, Morgan, Blake (76), Mendes (45), Ahmadi (45)

Aberystwyth Town FC's Ladies team are currently searching for a new manager, assistant manager and/or coach with the relevant coaching qualifications.

The Black and Greens impressed in 2017-18, going unbeaten in the league all season, reaching the Semi-Final of the League Cup, the Final of the Central Wales Cup and winning the SWWGL Alun Evans Cup.

The Team currently plays in the South Wales Women's & Girls League (SWWGL) Women's Welsh League (Tier 2)and their aim is to return and maintain their status in the Women's Welsh Premier League.

The positions involve the co-ordination, organisation and delivery of well structured and professional coaching sessions on training nights & match days.

If you are interested then please contact Ray Hughes (Interim Manager) on 07974 008380. 

JD Welsh Premier League 
Saturday 22nd September (2:30p.m Kick Off)
​Carmarthen Town v Aberystwyth Town 

Aberystwyth Town will look to build on last weekend's brilliant victory over Bala Town as they travel south to face Carmarthen Town in the JD Welsh Premier League on Saturday afternoon. Goals from Geoff Kellaway, Rio Ahmadi and Ashley Ruane were enough to see Town to victory over the lakesiders last weekend, and the black and greens will be keen to continue their push towards a top six position as they travel to Richmond Park on Saturday afternoon. 

Director of Football, Nev Powell, was quick to heap praise on to his players after last Saturday's victory, and was delighted with the way the side bounced back from their heavy defeat against league champions The New Saints just four days before the victory over Bala. In his post-match interview, Powell stated; "We're over the moon with that victory, our performance had a bit of everything - we showed guts, a lot of character, played some good football, scored some great goals and defended properly when we needed to. The players deserve full credit because we came under pressure for a spell in that second half, but we found a way to deal with that pressure and win the game". Aber's Director of Football will be thrilled with the type of performance he saw from the side on Saturday evening, perhaps epitomised by local youngsters Lee Jenkins and Mathew Jones, along with striker Ashley Ruane - who's made a significant impact since joining the club. 

Powell went on to comment; "I'm pleased for Ash (Ruane) because he got the goal he deserved at the end, and he was my man of the match tonight". The striker, who joined from Cowlyn Bay last month notched his debut goal for the seasiders last weekend, but perhaps what was more impressive was his industrious and energetic performance which caused the Bala back line problems all evening. Speaking after the game, Ruane commented; "It's always nice to get on the score sheet, but more important than that is that the team wins games, and everyone worked really hard from defence to attack, to get the victory tonight. There's a really good team spirit here, and hopefully we can get another three points against Carmarthen which will help us kick on this season". 

In what is sure to be another challenging test for Aber this weekend, they will rely on that spirit and determination once more to get past a dogged Carmarthen side who are always strong at Richmond Park. The Old Gold finished in the bottom two of the JD Welsh Premier League last season, surviving another season in the league thanks to Bangor's demotion to the Cymru Alliance. In five meetings between the sides last year, Carmarthen were twice victorious over the Christmas period before two draws in the second phase, with Aber advancing to the Welsh Cup semi-finals thanks to a 3-1 win at Richmond Park between those draws. Neil Smothers' squad contains a number of former seasiders, including Lee Surman, Greg Walters, Declan Carroll and Luke Bowen. They'll also rely on the guile and experience of Welsh Premier league stalwarts like Craig Hanford as they look for their third home league victory of the season against the black and greens on Saturday.

In what is sure to be another fiery clash between the sides, kick off at Richmond Park on Saturday is at 2:30p.m, and Carmarthen Town's address is listed as Richmond Park, Priory Street, Carmarthen, SA31 1LR. Come on down and cheer on the black and greens to the result they need as they look to climb back into the league's top six! 

Welsh Women's League (WWL)
Sunday 16th September 2018
Aberystwyth Town Ladies 2 Barry Town United Ladies 3

On a rainy day at Park Avenue, Aber fell to their first Welsh Women's League defeat  since joining the league in 2017. Despite two second half goals from Tania Wylde, it was the visitors and fellow promotion hopefuls who left Ceredigion with all three points, writes Steven Brookes.

With Barry and Aber being two of the big promotion hopefuls and drawing both league games last season it was clear from the off that this was going to be a tough game to win. The two sides came into this match with 100% records so far after winning their opening two games and both were eager to try and get that opening goal. Although neither side were able to create many clear-cut chances early on, Ffiona Evans and a Caroline Cooper free kick were well saved by the away keeper. At the other end of the pitch it was Barry who had the first clear chance of the match when Chelsea Deacon beat the offside trap, but her low shot was well saved by Ffion Ashman. Aber finished the half the stronger of the two teams but both sides were still struggling to break the deadlock.

The Second half though, was a completely different story! Four minutes in and the Black and Greens were ahead. Tania Wylde used her strength well to get to the edge of the area before calmly slotting the ball into the net. Ashman was then called into action again producing another good one-on-one save. But the visitors did eventually find the equaliser with a very well-worked goal and after some good build up play, Daisy Evan-Watkins' cross was turned in at the back post by Chelsea Deacon. Ashman yet again made another good one-on-one save but unfortunately for the home side, defender Josie Pugh blocked the powerful follow-up shot with her hand on the goal line. As well as a penalty being awarded the Black and Greens were reduced to 10 players when Pugh was shown a red card for the handball. Charlotte Preen converted the resulting penalty. Despite the red card, Aber were not going to give up hope and were soon level thanks to an outstanding strike from Tania Wylde, her sixth goal in just two matches, the long range, powerful strike hitting the underside of the crossbar before crossing the line. Both teams searched for the winner but it was the away team who found it when Sian Rees managed to beat the defender inside the Aber box before finding the net from a tight angle. This was to be the winning goal in an entertaining match that many have described as a brilliant advert for Women's football.

On another day Aber may have extended their unbeaten run, but there is no doubt that they should be very proud of going unbeaten in league football for as long as they did. Town will continue their hunt for promotion at Dafen Welfare on Sunday 30th September.

For match highlights, please click the highlights button below.

Aberystwyth Town Disability Team training will return to Park Avenue on Friday 21st September between 6-7pm.
If you're interested in joining or have any other questions then please contact the team.

For more information please see the Disability section of Aber Town's website. 

JD Welsh Premier League 
Saturday 15th September
Aberystwyth Town 3-2 Bala Town 

Aberystwyth Town secured a massive victory over JD Welsh Premier League contenders Bala Town in a thrilling game in front of the Sgorio cameras at Park Avenue on Saturday evening. Geoff Kellaway (23) had given Aber the lead only for Mike Hayes (68) to equalise midway through the second half, before Aber landed a late double blow as substitute Rio Ahmadi (76) and Ashley Ruane (87) secured all three points despite Henry Jones' (90) last minute penalty kick. 

Aber made two changes to the side defeated by The New Saints on Tuesday evening, with Geoff Kellaway and Joe Phillips replacing Alan Goodall and Rio Ahmadi. The hosts made the brighter start to the game, with Ashley Ruane threatening early on, before Wes Baynes fired an effort well wide of the post. On 12 minutes, Aber missed their first clear opportunity of the game as Steff Edwards strode forward before putting a low cross into the six yard area where Ruane was inches away from converting. Visitors Bala struggled to get into the game, but did create an opening on 16 minutes when Steven Tames crossed for Ian Sheridan who was unable to convert, before Aber were forced to defend a succession of corners from the lakesiders. On 23 minutes came the game's opening goal, as Geoff Kellaway controlled Wes Baynes' throw in on his chest before swivelling and delivering a teasing left footed cross into the penalty area, where Ash Ruane did enough to fool goalkeeper Morris, which allowed the ball to bounce into the far corner of the net for 1-0. It was a lead that Aber's early play just about deserved, as goalscorer Kellaway continued to cause bedlam in the visitors defence with his pacey runs and inviting crosses. Bala continued to struggle to find any rhythm, often bypassing the midfield and opting for the more direct route to goal with aerial balls towards lone striker Tames. Meanwhile, Aber did their best to get the ball down and play, and on 36 minutes very nearly doubled their lead as the energetic Joe Phillips cut inside before sending a right footed effort inches wide of the post. On 43 minutes, the visitors registered their first effort on goal as Henry Jones unleashed a powerful strike that was excellently tipped over by Leigh Jenkins, before Joe Phillips again went close at the other end with a long range effort, but Aber would take a slender one goal advantage in to the break. 

The second half began at a more frantic pace than the first, with Bala evidently having had some harsh words said to them by manager Colin Caton at the break. On 49 minutes, Steven Tames got his head on the end of Andrew Burns' cross only to be denied by an outstanding reaction save by Leigh Jenkins. Aber's keeper was called into action once more just seconds later as he got a strong palm on Henry Jones' curling free kick, as the hosts were forced to weather the Bala storm. The visitors went close once more on 53 minutes as Stuart J Jones missed a guilt-edged chance from 3 yards out when it appeared easier to score, but as the second half wore on Aber began to get a grip of the game once more. On 67 minutes, Alan Goodall replaced Joe Phillips in midfield, but just seconds later the visitors equalised as Mike Hayes latched on to Sean Smith's header before finishing brilliantly over Leigh Jenkins to make it 1-1. Despite that setback, Aber appeared to grow in confidence and began to play some of their best football all evening. Wing man Ryan Edwards continued to threaten down the left flank, and very nearly contributed to Aber re-taking the lead on 72 minutes as he played in Goodall, who flicked the ball through for Kellaway only for goalkeeper Morris to smother the ball at his feet. Soon after, Kellaway was replaced by Rio Ahmadi, and within minutes of his entrance into the game, the Aber number 9 put the hosts back in front; Ryan Edwards provided a deft back-heel for Mathew Jones on the left flank, who then delivered an inch-perfect cross with his weaker right foot for Ahmadi to chest the ball down and drill the ball into the bottom corner to make it 2-1. It was evident how much the goal meant to Rio himself, as well as Director of Football Nev Powell who jumped for joy into the arms of Aber assistant Gavin Allen! But the hosts weren't done there, as on 87 minutes Ahmadi turned provider when he cut in from the right flank and delivered a sublime cross for Ashley Ruane to control, swivel and slam the ball into the roof of the net and make it 3-1 with his first goal for the black and greens. It was a goal Ruane had thoroughly deserved after an industrious and energetic performance up front. Visitors Bala continued to search for a way back into the game, with Henry Jones seeing plenty of the ball, but he was afforded little space to try a mind-blowing rabona, as Sgorio's Man of the Match - 19 year old Aber native Mathew Jones, bossed the midfield. As the game entered stoppage time, Henry was adjudged to have thrown himself to the ground too easily by the referee, before the linesman's intervention resulted in the awarding of a penalty kick for the visitors. Jones stepped up and converted to make it 2-3, but it proved insignificant as Aber saw out the final minutes for what was a massive victory at Park Avenue. 

It was a fantastic night for Aber under the Park Avenue lights, and an especially emotional evening for many associated with Aberystwyth Town and the Welsh Premier League, as the club unveiled the opening of Lolfa Emyr James before kick off. It was a touching moment as Emyr's family and close friends were on hand to officially unveil the opening in Emyr's name, and it was fitting that Aber produced such a spirited and determined performance in honour of a great man who did so much for the club. 
Aber climb to 7th place in the JD Welsh Premier League table, and will be keen to continue their push for a top six position as they face Carmarthen Town at Richmond Park in the JD Welsh Premier League next Saturday afternoon. 

Teams:
Aberystwyth Town: Leigh Jenkins, Baynes, Wollacott, Lee Jenkins, Steff Edwards, Ryan Edwards, M Jones, Walker, Kellaway (73), Phillips (67), Ruane. Subs: Rimmer, Blake, Goodall (67), Berner, Rowe, Ahmadi (73)

Bala Town: Morris, Burns, Stuart J Jones, Miley, S Smith, Burke, Pearson, Gossett (64), Sheridan, Tames, H Jones. Subs: Hayes (64), Stuart Jones, Valentine, K Smith, Charles, J Jones, Edwards.