JD Welsh Premier League
Friday 31st August
Aberystwyth Town 3 Llanelli 1
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Aberystwyth Town earned themselves a crucial 3 points as they came from behind to beat Llanelli Town 3-1 at Park Avenue in the JD Welsh Premier League on Friday night. The visitors took a deserved first half lead through James Loveridge's 17th minute strike, but a second half fightback sparked by substitute Rio Ahmadi, meant Aber took all three points. The Aber number 9 equalised on 62 minutes before wingman Geoff Kellaway gave the hosts the lead on 64 minutes, and victory was sealed by substitute Joe Phillips on 77 minutes. 

There were two debutants in the Aber starting eleven on Friday evening as Alan Goodall slotted in at left back in place of Steff Edwards and new signing Ashley Ruane started as the lone striker up front. Visitors Llanelli started the game the brighter, edging the early stages with some tidy possession but no clear cut chances. Aber struggled to get into their usual Park Avenue rhythm, and were punished on 17 minutes as James Loveridge snuck in behind Town's defence before slotting the ball beyond the reach of Aber 'keeper Terry McCormick to make it 0-1. Soon after, the Reds very nearly doubled their lead as former seaside Mark Jones rounded McCormick before seeing his goal bound effort cleared off the line by Ryan Wollacott. Then, on 32 minutes, the visitors missed another golden opportunity as Loveridge was denied by an excellent McCormick save before Aber finally registered their first attempt on target as Goodall strode forward before unleashing a vicious left-footed strike that was tipped over by Llanelli 'keeper Davies. The hosts appeared to be edging their way back into the game on the stroke of the half, but in added time they had McCormick to thank once more as he produced a brilliant stop to deny Loveridge and Aber went in to the break somewhat fortunately only losing by one goal. 

Aber striker Rio Ahmadi was introduced from the bench at half time in place of Paulo Mendes, as Aber changed formation with Ahmadi providing added support to Ruane up front. There was an instant change in tempo and momentum as the black and greens began to up their game. On 54 minutes, Geoff Kellaway fired over the crossbar before Ruane went close with a half volley from long range. Then, on 62 minutes Aber found the equaliser as Ahmadi was first to reach a looping cross into the box before directing a fantastic header into the corner of the net to make it 1-1. Suddenly the hosts were well and truly on the front foot, and just two minutes later they took the lead as Geoff Kellaway latched on to a loose ball at the back post before cheating down and half volleying before Llanelli 'keeper Davies to make it 2-1. The home supporters found their voices as they urged the seasiders to keep pushing forward. On 68 minutes Chris Jones was denied by McCormick before goalscoring hero Kellaway was replaced by Joe Phillips. On 77 minutes, substitute Phillips had a near instant impact as he got the last touch on a goalmouth scramble to make it 3-1 and all but seal the three points. The hosts did well to weather a late storm from Llanelli and very nearly made it four in added time as Ruane raced through on goal before being denied by a fantastic save, but it was to be another crucial victory for the hosts as they climbed into the league's top six positions. 

Aber now have 10 days to recover from Friday night's encounter prior to their next league fixture away to The New Saints on Tuesday September 11th, but they will be delighted to have registered their second league victory of the season as they lie in the league's top six positions after four games so far this season. 

​Er Cof Am John Emyr James (Tachwedd 1946-Awst 2018)
 
Ganed John Emyr James ym mis Tachwedd 1946, ac roedd yn wreiddiol o blwy Ffostrasol. Roedd Emyr yn falch o'i filltir sgwar ac fe gadwodd cysylltiadau agos a'r ardal drwy ei fywyd, er enghraifft gan fynnu i fws y Clwb Peldroed gymryd dwr yn nhafarn y Ffostrasol Arms bob amser byddent yn dychwelyd o Dde Cymru!
 
Wrth weithio fel Ymgynghorydd Ariannol a Swyddog Datblygu Busnes Undeb Amaethwyr Cymru, teithiodd Emyr a'i wraig annwyl Dulcie ledled Cymru, gan sicrhau ei fod yn gymeriad adnabyddus hyd yn oed tu allan i'r byd peldroed. Roedd wrth ei fodd yn ymweld a'r Eisteddfod Genedlaethol yn ei het wellt, ond fwy iddo gerdded am 10 munud heb gael ei gyfarch gan hen ffrind neu chwsmer o'r gorffennol. Roedd yr Eisteddfod hefyd yn gyfle i Emyr mynegi ei falchder o’i Gymreictod, ac fe arhosodd yn gefnogwr mawr o'r Iaith Gymraeg drwy ei fywyd. 
 
Ymunodd ef a Phwyllgor Clwb Peldroed Tref Aberystwyth ym 1989, gan fynd ymlaen i helpu sefydlu Bwrdd Cyfarwyddwyr Cyntaf y Clwb yn 2000. Daeth yn Drysorydd ac yn Ysgrifennydd i'r Clwb, rol canolog oedd yn golygu mae fe oedd pwynt cysswllt y clwb i swyddogion clybiau eraill, gweinyddwyr a'r rhan helaeth o waith papur y Clwb. Fel gwyneb cyhoeddus Clwb Peldroed Tref Aberystwyth adnabyddwyd Emyr fel ffigwr hoffus ac adnabyddus ym myd peldroed Cymru, ac roedd ei bersonoliaeth cyeillgar a'i tafod chwim wedi dwyn ffrindiau iddo ledled y wlad. Mae'r Clwb eisoes wedi derbyn nifer sylweddol o negeseuon o gydymdeimlad sydd yn profi'r pwynt.
 
Mae'n werth nodi fod pawb tu fewn i'r Clwb yn trafod Emyr fel ffrind yn hyrtrach na chydweithiwr ac roedd yn drafodwr o fri, oedd yn hapus i gnoi cil a phawb, boed iddo gytuno a hwy neu beidio. Roedd yn ddyn hael a synnwyd llawer wrth i'r Cardi pybur agor ei walet i brynu rownd os oedd y tim wedi colli. Roedd ei natur siriol yn aml yn codi calonnau cefnogwyr a chwaraewyr wedi'r gem, naill ai yn y bws ar y siwrne hir ar ol gemau oddi cartref, neu nol yn Lolfa John Charles ar ol gemau ar Goedlan y Parc.
 
Byddwn ni i gyd yn Nghlwb Peldroed Tref Aberystwyth yn gweld eisiau Emyr yn ofnadwy, ac anfonwn cydymdeimlad twymgalon at Dulcie, Lowri, Gwion a'r teulu llawn oedd yn gaffaeliad cadarn i Emyr at y diwedd.
 
Fe fydd yr angladd yn cael ei gynnal yng Nghapel Seion, Stryd y Popty, ddydd Sadwrn 1af o Fedi am 11:00yb, i'w ddilyn gan oedfa yn ol y Clwb yn ei hoff Lolfa John Charles. Croeso cynnes i bawb. Dim blodau ond cyfraniadau i Uned Cemotherapi Ysbysty Bronglais os ddymunir.
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John Emyr James RIP (November 1946- August 2018)
 
John Emyr James was born in November 1946 and originally hailed from Ffostrasol, an area he retained close friendships and links to throughout his life, insisting for example that the Football Club Team Bus invariably stopped off for refreshments at the Ffostrasol Arms after trips to South Wales!
 
His work as a Financial Consultant and Business Development Officer with the Farmers Union of Wales took him and his beloved wife Dulcie around Wales, ensuring that he was a well-known character nationally outside of football. One of Emyr's favourite yearly events was attending the National Eisteddfod in his straw hat, where he was unable to go for 10 minutes without being hailed by an old friend or customer. This was also an expression of the fervent Welsh patriot, and proud advocate for the Welsh language which Emyr remained throughout his life.
 
He joined Aberystwyth Town Football Club's matchday commitee in 1989, going on to become a founding member of the new Board of Directors in 2000. His roles included Club Treasurer, and Club Secretary, a focal role which made him the point of contact for visiting clubs, officials and most if not all correspondence. As the public face of Aberystwyth Town FC Emyr was loved as a legendary character throughout Welsh football, his amiable personality and witty tongue endeared him to supporters and Club officials the length and breadth of the country. The Club has already received an astounding number of messages of condolence which bear this out.
 
It is notable that within the Club everyone refers to Emyr as a friend rather than a colleague as he was a fantastic and engaging conversationalist who was happy to get along with anyone, notwithstanding small differences of opinion. Generous to a fault, he’d be sure to open his wallet to buy a round of drinks if the team had lost, and his good nature often helped to cheer supporters and players alike, whether on the long bus journeys home after away games, or back in the John Charles Lounge after a home game.  
 
Everyone at Aberystwyth Town Football Club will miss Emyr terribly and our heartfelt condolences go out to Dulcie, Lowri, Gwion and his extended family who were such a wonderful support to him at the end of his life. 
 
For those wishing to attend, the funeral service will take place at Seion Chapel, Baker St on Saturday, September 1st at 11am, followed by a reception at Emyr's beloved John Charles Lounge at the Football Club. A warm welcome is extended to all. No flowers but donations will be gratefully accepted to the Chemotherapy Unit at Bronglais Hospital.

JD Welsh Premier League 
Friday 31st August (7:45p.m Kick Off)
Aberystwyth Town v Llanelli Town 

Aberystwyth Town will look to build on Tuesday night's Nathaniel MG Cup victory away at Welshpool Town as they return to JD Welsh Premier League action at home to Llanelli Town on Friday evening. A brace from Geoff Kellaway and a Joe Phillips strike were enough to see Aber to victory at Maesydre on Tuesday evening, and the seasiders will be keen to get their JD Welsh Premier League campaign back on track Friday evening after back to back defeats in their last two league games. 

In their last league outing a week ago, Aber fell to a narrow defeat away at the hands of league leaders Connah's Quay Nomads, but it was a spirited performance that highlighted a number of positive aspects to build on as Town enter a crucial few weeks in the JD Welsh Premier League. After hosting Llanelli on Friday evening, Aber will face The New Saints and Bala Town - two of last year's top four teams, and will hope to turn Park Avenue into somewhat of a fortress as they were able to do last season. 

Director of Football, Nev Powell, insisted that the black and greens were in a good position despite last Friday night's defeat at the Nomads, commenting; "The lads have been putting a great shift in, and I can't ask any more of the players at the moment. We pushed a full-time outfit all the way tonight, which shows that our fitness levels are really good. We've just got to keep their heads up and get ready for a big game against Llanelli on Friday night". 

Former football league defender Alan Goodall will be in contention to make his Aber debut at Park Avenue on Friday evening, whilst Geoff Kellaway will also be pushing for a place in the starting eleven after his midweek brace at Welshpool. Goalkeeper Leigh Jenkins is also hopeful of being fit to play after getting some valuable game time under his belt during Tuesday's Nathaniel MG Cup victory. 

Friday's visitors Llanelli Town have experienced a tumultuous return to the JD Welsh Premier League so far, picking up four points in their last two games having been thumped 7-0 on the opening day by Connah's Quay Nomads. The Reds have a number of familiar faces in their squad, with former seasiders Mark Jones, Joe Clarke, Kurtis March and Chris Jones all now playing their football at Stebonheath. The last league meeting between the sides came way back in April 2013, as Aber ran out 2-1 victors at Park Avenue with goals from Chris Venables and Cledan Davies. 

Fixtures between the seasiders and the reds usually produce goals, and Friday night's encounter is sure to be another thriller! Kick off at Park Avenue on Friday is at 7:45p.m, and admission costs £8 adults, £5 concessions and £2 for u16's. It's always a special occasion under the Friday night lights at Park Avenue, come and show your superb support once more and cheer on Town to a positive result! 

Aberystwyth Town Football Club are delighted to announce the signing of prolific striker Ashley Ruane from Colwyn Bay. Known for his goalscoring ability in the Welsh Premier League, Ashley has spent time at Rhyl, Connah's Quay Nomads and Cefn Druids as well as Warrington Town and Colwyn Bay. 

Ashley joins the black and greens having spent the start of this season playing for Colwyn Bay, scoring twice in their recent away victory at Atherton Collieries. He first moved to the Welsh Premier League in 2015 when he joined Rhyl from Warrington Town, before transferring to Connah's Quay Nomads in July 2015. After spending a loan period with Cefn Druids, Ashley made the permanent move to The Rock in January 2017, and spent last season playing for Huw Griffiths' side - producing notable performances against the black and greens.

He's scored a total of 33 goals in the Welsh Premier League, making over 100 appearances - and brings a wealth of experience to Park Avenue that's sure to bolster Town's strike force and provide an added element of pace and physicality up front. He will wear the shirt number 24 and goes straight into the squad for tomorrow's clash with Llanelli Town. 

Everyone at the club is excited to welcome Ashley to Park Avenue, and look forward to seeing him make his JD Welsh Premier League debut for the black and greens at home against Llanelli on Friday evening. 

This Sunday, Aber Town Ladies face an away trip to Llangyfelach in their opening league match of the season.
The club's aim is a return to the Welsh Premier Women's League after unfortunately narrowly missing out on promotion last season despite an impressive campaign and going the whole season unbeaten in the league.

If you would like to join the team as a player or coach please get in contact. More information can be found on Aber Town Ladies's social media pages and on the images below.

Nathaniel MG Cup
Tuesday 28th August
Welshpool Town 1 Aberystwyth Town 3

Two goals from Geoff Kellaway and another from Joe Phillips were enough to see Aber Town into the Nathaniel MG Cup Second Round with a victory at Mid Wales League side Welshpool Town last night. The hosts had taken the lead with Ricky Litchfield's 47th minute lob from distance, but back came Aber as Phillips (53 minutes) and Kellaway (59 and 88) secured their passage to Round Two.

On a pleasant evening the game quickly fell into a pattern with the hosts sitting right back and Aber controlling possession and creating chances. With Declan Walker prominent Aber spent a lot of time in Welshpool's third but couldn't quite find the cutting edge. Walker headed wide from Wes Baynes' cross, before cutting back for Phillips to shoot over the bar. Baynes then curled an attempt over the bar, Walker found the side netting after a mazy dribble before Paolo Mendes brought the first save of the game from Dave Littleford with a cute attempt towards the far corner. Welshpool pressed on the break with left back Sam Bowers doing his best to get some balls in but attempts from Jake Mann and James Clewlow were high and wide respectively, and the half ended goalless.

Both sides must have changed into their shooting boots at the break as an unexpected goal fest ensued! Welshpool took the lead when Litchfield's 35 yard lob fooled Leigh Jenkins in Aber's goal, but the introduction of Geoff Kellaway down the wing gave Aber added impetus going forward, and when his shot was deflected for a corner the visitors equalised. Baynes' corner was flicked on by Ahamdi and the industrious Phillips nicked in at the back post to tap home. Walker curled a free kick over the area and then minutes later a deep cross from Baynes found Kellaway at the back post, and he showed a poacher's instinct to give Aber the lead from close range. Clewlow curled an effort wide for Welshpool but then back down the hill came Aber with Kellaway twice denied from close range. With Aber now seemingly in control sub Alec Williams was denied by a last ditch tackle, Nashawn Blake headed a cross wide, and Williams then Kellaway were again denied. Leigh Jenkins was replaced by Terry McCormick after a recurrence of his injury, and then finally with two minutes to go the hard working Blake raced to the by line and his cut back was laid off by Williams for Kellaway to score Aber's third with a low drive and put the game to bed.

Without ever reaching their very best at Maesydre Aber were good enough to progress last night and with a potential banana skin out of the way it was a case of job done. The MG Nathaniel Cup Second Round will be held on Tuesday 25th September and the draw will be made tomorrow - please watch the Welsh Premier League's official channels for more details. 

Welshpool Town: Littleford, S Jones, Bowers (Jenkins 89), S Evans, MacLoed, R Evans, Mann, Litchfield, Clewlow (Morgan 70), Probert, Baker (J Jones 68).  
Aber Town: Leigh Jenkins (McCormick 77), Baynes, Edwards, Rimmer, Mendes (Kellaway HT), Ahmadi (Williams 60), Walker, Lee Jenkins, Jones, Blake, Phillips.