Pre Season Friendly
Saturday 16th July
Aberystwyth Town 3 Guilsfield 3

Aber Town and Cymru North front runners Guilsfield fought out an entertaining six goal draw on a balmy summer’s afternoon at Park Avenue, as Anthony Williams’ pre season preparations continued apace. The Black and Greens started on top form with a stunner from Charley Edge (15 mins) and a strike from Sam Phillips (23 minutes) putting them in control. However two penalties from Iwan Matthews (41 and 63 mins), and a 75th minute lob from Jamie Hyne seemed to have snatched a win for the visitors, only for Niall Flint to snaffle up a debut equaliser with six minutes to go. This also means that all five of Aber’s pre season goals to date have been scored by players signed from Cefn Druids! 

New signing Flint came straight into midfield, with Jon Owen returning to the front line, and Town dominated the early stages with a confident display of attacking football. Phillips had an early shot saved, and then sent a free kick off target, before Edge fired over. Phillips then crossed for Sam Litchfield to head over, Trialist B volleyed wide from close range, before Owen played a cheeky one two but couldn’t keep his shot on target. The hosts then took the lead when Trialist B found Edge in space 25 yards out, and he turned and volleyed into the top far corner with a sumptuous goal, alas not caught on camera. Phillips then had two attempts saved, Owen had an attempt parried and with the Black and Greens playing at a great tempo, Flint crossed from the right and Phillips scored at the near post for a thoroughly deserved two goal lead. Soon afterwards Edge picked out Phillips with a beautiful pass but his shot was off target. Towards the end of the half the visitors came into the game: Joe Haycock had a shot deflected for a corner, Jojo Harries had an attempt saved and then Guilsfield were awarded a penalty for a push in the back of Iwan Matthews, and he stepped up to score. Jake Cook then saw a header saved, Hyne volleyed over, and an entertaining half ended with Aber 2-1 up.

In the first action of the second half influential Iwan Lewis went on a swashbuckling run down the left and into the box but was denied at the last by keeper Robbie Williams, then Harry Horwood had a shot deflected to safety and Charley Edge clipped an effort just over, but Guils also looked dangerous with Hyne twice volleying over the bar. They then gained a slightly fortuitous second penalty, with Matthews again doing the business from the spot to equalise. Steff Davies went on up front on the hour, and Flint released him down the right channel, only for his low shot to skew just wide of the far post. Then at the other end Hyne beat the offside trap down the right and lobbed the keeper for a 2-3 lead. Chris Cathrall had a shot punched to safety, but then back came Aber with Jack Thorn picking out Flint down the right, and he surged into the box before smashing the ball high into the net for an equaliser. There was still time for plenty of goalmouth action at both ends: Matthews shot over the bar, Haycock hit the crossbar and Callum Bromley had an effort cleared off the line for the visitors, while Aber’s Lewis was denied by Williams, Alex Darlington’s free kick was blocked to safety and sub Cameron Allen lobbed just over, and the game ended all square.

Aber’s performance for the first 35 minutes was extremely promising and bodes well for the forthcoming season, however their redoubtable visitors came back into the contest and Guilsfield’s strong recovery ensured that Anthony Williams’ side was given a valuable challenge in their pre season schedule. In the end a draw was probably a fair reflection and everyone at Park Avenue wishes the Guils well for the forthcoming season. The Seasiders' pre season preparations continue with the visit of Cardiff Met next Saturday, with a 2pm kick off. Football + sunshine = great times! 

Aberystwyth Town are delighted to announce the signing of Niall Flint for the upcoming 2022/23 season. Formerly of Newtown and Cefn Druids, the dynamic attacking midfielder joins Anthony Williams' squad ahead of tomorrow afternoon's pre-season clash with Guilsfield FC.

A graduate of Shrewsbury Town Academy, 24-year-old Shropshire-born Niall is a familiar face to JD Cymru Premier fans having joined Newtown in the summer of 2019 before spending the 2020/21 and 2021/22 seasons with The Ancients. Since joining the league, Niall has racked up 74 league appearances and notched 12 goals - one of which during last season's thrilling 3-3 draw against the Black & Greens at The Rock to put the home side 3-1 ahead on 80 minutes before Town struck twice late on to rescue a point.

Niall told us:
"When coming up against Aberystwyth in the past, not only was it from the players on the pitch did the togetherness and "never say die" attitude stand out, but also from the stands and the dugout. Those attributes will more than continue going into the new season for sure, and to reunite with a few lads I’ve previously played with just adds to the chemistry for a successful season."

On his play style:
I enjoy to close and hunt down the opposition to win the ball back for the team in high positions on the pitch. I thrive off attacking with pace and getting in behind defences to get in on goal and will always leave everything I’ve got out on the pitch. 

On his talks with Taff and ambition for the season:
"The manager set out what he expects from us players from day one. We all have to buy into it and trust it to be successful and get to where we want to be. Aberystwyth is a fantastic club and I can’t wait to get out there under the lights at Park Avenue!

As players we all have personal ambitions and targets every season, I’m no different. But I enjoy going into every game like it’s my last, knowing I’ve given everything. 
Aberystwyth has had some fantastic players in the past for the fans to watch and enjoy, hopefully I can impress them and make the club proud!" 

Manager Anthony "Taff" Williams commented:
​"Niall is a very experienced player in the league whose performances have always impressed me. He's familiar with many of the lads in the squad and will be a very welcome addition to our team"

​Croeso, Niall!

Aberystwyth Town are delighted to announce the return of Welsh Schools U18 International Jamie Jones and the promotion of Dan Owen from the club's U19 Development side for the upcoming 2022/23 season!

​18-year-old Jamie has been an ever-present in Town's U19s Development team over recent times and collected his first senior minutes last season with an appearance from the bench in November's 1-0 victory over Champions-to-be TNS before a 30 minute stint in Town's 6-0 victory over Cefn Druids in April.

Jamie received a call-up to the Welsh Schools U18 International squad in May, alongside fellow Seasider Cameron Allen, to travel to Italy for the Roma Caput Mundi tournament to represent Wales on the international stage. A tenacious and fast-footed full-back, Jamie heads into the upcoming season with great momentum behind him!

19-year-old Dan is another to represent the club's youth team over recent times, as well as being a renowned figure in district leagues thanks to his outstanding goal record.

A pacey and skilful attacker, formerly of Bow Street and most recently Tregaron Turfs, Dan notched an impressive 17 goals in 22 games for Town's Development side last term, as well as 33 goals in 24 games across all competitions for the Turfs - including seven in one game!

First Team Manager Anthony Williams commented:
"Both Jamie and Dan are exciting talents who have shown a great desire and commitment already in pre-season, so I'm looking forward to watching their progression over the next weeks and months."

Croeso nol, Jamie! / Llongyfarchiadau, Dan!

Pre-Season Friendly
Aberystwyth Town vs Guilsfield
Aberystwyth University Park Avenue Stadium
16th July 2022
KO 14:30 
 
Aber step up their preparations for the 2022/23 JD Cymru Premier season this weekend with the visit of JD Cymru North side Guilsfield. 
 
Following last week’s 2-0 victory over newly promoted Porthmadog, Anthony Williams’ side will come up against a side who were the surprise package of last year’s second tier.  
 
The men from Clos Mytton finished third in the JD Cymru North last season, behind champions Airbus and recent European representatives Llandudno. Founded in 1957, the first thirty years of their existence were largely uneventful however, the past two decades has seen an evolution in the village football club both on and off the field. 
 
The team today includes legendary Cymru Premier striker Greg Draper, who leads the The New Saints’ all time Cymru Premier scoring charts and the ground looks unrecognisable to the club founded all those years ago.  
 
Draper’s former teammate, Alex Darlington, notched a brace in last weekend’s comfortable victory over Porthmadog. Despite making a raft of changes throughout the game, boss Anthony Williams was pleased to get his first view of his charges ahead of the new campaign. This weekend will see him get another look at his side including new signing Charley Edge, Sam Litchfield and Iwan Lewis. There will be added interest in this fixture as Litchfield and Lewis will line up against their former side.
 
In a slight change from last week’s fixture, kick off is at 14:30 on Saturday. However, prices remain the same as last week with adult prices being £5 and concessions are £3. Entry is cash only on the day.

A warm welcome awaits!

Pre Season Friendly
Saturday 9th July
Aberystwyth Town 2 Porthmadog 0

New Aber Town Manager Anthony Williams saw his side gain a victory against Cymru North Play Off Champions Porthmadog in their first pre season friendly of 2022, and it was Williams’ ex team mate Alex Darlington who made the difference with two clinical goals, both scored from close range. On a beautiful summer’s afternoon Aber’s confident performance fully deserved the win and Williams and his side can reflect on a job well done.

Aber’s new look eleven included one trialist, new signings Sam Litchfield, Harri Horwood, Iwan Lewis and Charlie Edge as well as stalwarts Jamie Jones, Jack Rimmer, Jack Thorn, Alex Darlington, Jonathan Evans and Sam Phillips. The Black and Greens, wearing yellow for the day, started well and Phillips tested the palms of visiting keeper Morgan Jones with an early shot. Then in the fifth minute the hosts took the lead as Edge’s corner was nodded home by Darlington at the near post. Lewis then volleyed over before Josh Banks had a shot saved for Port. Twice Jonathan Evans was fed into a goalscoring positions, but was denied first by the keeper, then by the linesman’s offside flag, and Aber were looking fit and well in control, showing nice movement and good crisp passing. Lewis touched wide for Aber before Meilir Williams volleyed over for the visitors in a let off for Town. Ten minutes before the break another Edge corner was nodded on by Litchfield, and Darlington was on the spot to tap the ball home at the back post and double the lead. Captain Thorn then glanced Edge’s free kick past the post, and the hosts ended the half two goals to the good.

Subs Cameron Allen and Steff Davies came on at the break, but Williams again went close for Port, shooting wide from a great near post position. Stuart Rogers was next to threaten as the visitors came into the game more, but Aber’s dominance from set pieces continued with Litchfield again heading wide from Edge’s corner. Cameron Allen then played himself into a great position but the ball rolled out to Steff Davies who smashed the ball low against the post. Leigh Jenkins then came on in goal and saved an attempt from Port’s Cai Henshaw, and subs Owain Evans and Charlie Mann, plus a second trialist also came on for Town. Finally in injury time the prominent Litchfield headed over, then wide from Sam Phillips corners, and Aber had worked hard to gain a deserved win after a composed performance.

Town supporters will have been pleased by the level of performance showed by Aber today, and they will have to play just as well if not better next week to defeat Guilsfield, who finished fourth in the Cymru North’s 2021/22 iteration. See you back at Park Avenue next Saturday!

Aberystwyth Town are delighted to announce the appointment of Guy Handscombe as Assistant Manager, joining new man Anthony Williams in the dugout for the upcoming 2022/23 JD Cymru Premier campaign!

Hailing from North Wales, 37-year-old Guy is no stranger to those within Welsh football having began his coaching career at just 16-years-old while still chasing a career on the pitch. His conversion into coaching came soon after on a part-time basis, where he worked with Carl Darlington at Cefn Druids while earning his coaching badges. Spells as Academy Director and Reserve Team Manager followed at The Rock, before Guy joined Wrexham AFC working with their community programmes.

Guy then joined Bala Town in similar roles, learning under Colin Caton, Steve Fisher and Steve Compton at Maes Tegid.

For the past 10 years, Guy has worked with the Football Association of Wales initially as a Club Development Officer before moving into Coach Education, where has worked for the past 7 years. Alongside his responsibilities with the FAW, Guy has held roles with Porthmadog, Ruthin Town, Llandudno and Corwen, as well as working with the Welsh U15s Girls team on the international stage.

Most recently, Guy led the Cymru North XI to the UEFA Regions Cup in May 2022 with a dramatic 4-2 come-from-behind win vs Cymru South XI. The team will represent Wales at the Intermediate Tournament in Northern Ireland this Autumn where they will face Sweden, the Czech Republic and the hosts.

Guy told us:
"Before joining Aberystwyth Town, I was well aware of what a fantastic club it is with great facilities, a passionate fan base and superb volunteers who give up countless hours each week - and I have already seen first-hand in the short time I have been involved how much the club means to people in the community.

After speaking to my family and Taff, I immediately knew this was a fantastic opportunity to challenge myself and learn from Taff while aiming to support the players as much as possible. I know many of them already which has helped me settle in and I have enjoyed getting to know the rest of the group. 

The new season will bring its challenges, but that is expected within a very competitive league which improves year on year. I am looking forward to assisting Taff as we build our squad and principles over the coming weeks. I am especially looking forward to our first competitive game at home under the lights on a Friday night with my family watching and supporting the team."

Croeso i Goedlan y Parc, Guy!