Connah's Quay Nomads vs Aberystwyth Town
JD Cymru Premier Friday 20th August Antonio Corbisiero’s team will look to continue their promising start to the season on Friday night, as they visit the reigning Cymru Premier Champions, Connah's Quay Nomads. It has been an exciting start to the season at Park Avenue, with a dramatic penalty shootout win over Penybont in the Nathaniel MG Cup followed by last weekends last minute win over Barry Town United, thanks to Mathew Jones excellent free kick. The Seasiders will now take to the road for the first time this season and face a tough challenge in the form of Andy Morrison’s Nomads. Connah's Quay have started their season with back to back 2-0 victories; against Llandudno in the Nathaniel MG Cup and then Cefn Druids in their first league match last Friday. They also experienced two European ties in July, with both home legs played at Aberystwyth University Park Avenue; losing narrowly over two legs to both Alashkert in the UEFA Champions League and then FC Prishtina in the Europa Conference League. The Nomads have made a number of additions to the squad that retained the title last season. Jamie Mullan and Ryan Harrington have both joined from The New Saints, experienced striker Byron Harrison joins having most recently played for Altrincham, whilst highly rated left sided player Harrison Webster has signed having come through Hartlepool’s youth system whilst Nomads’ Director of Football Craig Harrison was at the club. Jordan Davies and Thomas Bibby have also returned to the club, having previously featured for Nomad’s Academy, whilst most of last season’s title winning squad remain – bar legendary Cyrmu Premier striker Michael Wilde, who has moved on to pastures new with Flint Town United. Last season, this fixture ended in a 2-0 home win, whilst the reverse fixture saw Nomads run out 3-1 victors after Aber were reduced to ten men after an hour. This will be Connah's Quay’s first league match in front of fans as Cymru Premier Champions, so it is guaranteed to be a memorable occasion at Deeside Stadium. The postcode for the stadium is CH5 4BR and kick-off is at 7.45pm – although if you can’t make it to the match our Twitter feed @AberystwythTown will bring you all the action as always! 0Aberystwyth Town FC can confirm the dates of their two home Cup ties in September, as follows:
JD Welsh Cup Second Round Saturday 4th September (ko 2.00pm) Aberystwyth Town v Aber Valley Nathaniel Cup Third Round Tuesday 21st September (ko 8pm) Aberystwyth Town v Cardiff Met The Black and Greens' next home game will be played on Tuesday 31st August, versus Bala Town, with a further League fixture at home to Cardiff Met to follow. JD Cymru Premier
Saturday 14th August Aberystwyth Town 2 Barry Town 1 Matty Jones’ superb 90th minute goal, scored direct from a free kick, earned the Black and Greens a hugely positive result on their JD Cymru debut for 2021/22. Visitors Barry Town had taken the lead through Marcus Day, but Sam Phillips got Town back in it just before the break and after a proactive performance Aber were good value for the three points by the end. A Saturday afternoon match at the height of holiday season brought clouds, rain and sunshine, a large crowd of 401 and a terrific atmosphere, in large part thanks to a sizeable Barry travelling support who sung from first minute till last. A number of Town’s young Academy players and their parents also guested in the crowd, and were intrigued to see the home debut of newly signed keeper Gregor Zabret, who was soon into action, pulling off a great save to his left to deny Nat Jarvis’ header. Despite the big match atmosphere there were few big chances early on, though Jack Rimmer and Matthew Jones were both putting searching balls into the visitors’ box. Rimmer it was who set up Phillips for Aber’s first chance, but he was denied by onetime Seasider Mike Lewis in Barry’s goal. Lewis then gathered Matty Jones’ corner just before Rhys Davies could nod in an opener, then down the other end a ball into the box broke for Marcus Day to score for Barry in the 23rd minute. Barry went on to enjoy plenty of possession, and Aber battled well to stay in there, with captain Jack Thorn not giving an inch in central midfield. The impressive Lewis had to save Barry for a third time when Jamie Veale’s free kick was recycled to Phillips at the back post, with Aber playing well and creating all the chances. Lee Jenkins headed wide from Veale’s corner, then finally justice was done a minute before the break when Matty Jones’ superb deep cross found Phillips at the back post, and he tapped home an equaliser which Aber more than deserved. An even start to the second half preceded a couple of chances. Zabret gathered Luke Cooper’s header from a corner, then for Aber Harry Franklin snuck inside his defender and shot just wide from a narrow angle. A swift and exciting Aber breakaway lead to Matty Jones feeding Rimmer, with his shot tipped over by Lewis, and Lewis yet again denied Rhys Davies’ header from the resulting corner. Zabret gathered a lofted effort from Theo Wharton, and at the other end that man Lewis was at it again to tip Owain Jones’ effort wide. Luke Cummings then went close for Barry with an effort which swept past the near post, and with Clayton Green heading over for Barry, and Kayne McLaggon also denied by Zabret, the visitors were threatening a winner. Back once again came resilient Aber though, and once again their fitness brought a strong finish. Jon Owen strode through down the right and touched the ball under Lewis only to agonizingly wide, but then with 60 seconds left on the clock the outstanding Rimmer went on one final swashbuckling run down the right, and touched inside for Veale who was dumped on the floor. A tense Park Avenue held its’ breath with a free kick awarded in a promising position … and then up stepped Matty Jones to curl a consummate left footer into the right corner of the net, bringing scenes of delirium to Ceredigion! With the sun coming out to celebrate Aber’s goal, the hosts survived one final almighty goalmouth scramble in injury time, and when sub Jordan Cotterill fired wide the game was up, and Antonio Corbisiero’s men had a perfect start to 2021/22. Having created the lion’s share of the chances the young Black and Greens will feel they fully deserved this win which bodes well for the forthcoming campaign, and having thrilled the home crowd at Park Avenue Corbisiero’s men now hit the road next weekend, with another toughie away to League Champions Connah’s Quay Nomads on Friday evening with a 7.45pm kick off. Can the Seasiders continue their perfect start? Stick with us to find out! Aberystwyth Town vs Barry Town United
Saturday 14th August – 2.30pm KO JD Cymru Premier The moment has finally arrived when JD Cymru Premier football returns to Ceredigion infront of a crowd at Aberystwyth University Park Avenue! Barry Town United will be the visitors for the Seasiders first league game in front of fans in 17 months. Of course, fans were already welcomed back into the famous old Park Avenue ground last week when Penybont visited for a Nathaniel MG Cup tie – and those who were present were treated to a dramatic penalty shootout win when fittingly it was local lad Alex Pennock who was the hero during the spot kicks. It is a more settled Aberystwyth Town side that begins the season than in recent years, with Antonio Corbisiero retaining the majority of last seasons squad whilst adding four new faces in Sam Phillips, Alex Darlington, Owen Orford and Gregor Zabret – who arrived this week having spent six and half years at Swansea City. Barry Town United also have four new faces in Marcus Day, Aron Davies, Kelland Absalom and Brandon Griffiths, and similar to ATFC they have retained the majority of last season’s squad, including the prolific Kayne McLaggon, the impressive Theo Wharton and former Seasider Mike Lewis – who begins his 6th successive campaign with the club. Gavin Chesterfield’s side finished in 5th position last season, but suffered heartbreak in the European Playoffs against Caernarfon Town, as Jake Bickerstaff’s 95th minute goal confirmed a 3-1 win for the North Walians, who progressed to the Final. They started their season win a 5-0 win over Llanelli Town last week in the Nathaniel MG cup. Marcus Day (2), Luke Cooper, Kayne McLaggon & Theo Wharton were the men on target infront of over 500 spectators at Jenner Park. The corresponding fixture last year was an eventful one, with Aber taking the lead early in the second half through Steff Davies, before Barry were reduced to ten men on the hour through the sending off of Clayton Green. Despite their numerical advantage, the visitors came back to earn a 2-1 victory thanks to goals from Kayne McLaggon and Jordan Cotterill. They would also win the return fixture at Jenner Park – Nat Jarvis’ late winner sealing a 1-0 win just after play restarted in March. Kick-off is at 2.30pm, although we would encourage supporters to arrive for 2.15pm at the latest, to fill out the required Covid Medical Questionnaire. To save yourself time, you are able to print and complete the form ahead of time to simply hand in at the gate – available HERE. Tickets are priced at £7 for Adults / £4 for Concessions / Under 16’s free. JD Cymru Premier football is finally back!! Aberystwyth Town are delighted to announce the signing of ex-Swansea City Academy goalkeeper Gregor Zabret ahead of the 2021/22 JD Cymru Premier season, pending international clearance. The 25-year-old Slovenian international joins Town after six-and-a-half years with the Swans.
Spending his youth career primarily with Domžale in his native Slovenia, Ljubljana-born Gregor joined Michael Laudrup’s Swansea City in July 2013 at 17 years old and featured on the bench for several Premier League matches. Progressing through the ranks in South Wales from then on, Gregor featured during the Swans’ 2016/17 double-winning season alongside stars such as Connor Roberts, Joe Rodon and Oli McBurnie. A six-month spell at League 2 Oldham Athletic between July and December 2019 followed before Gregor decided to leave the Swans in February 2020. Between 2010 to 2016, Gregor made 25 appearances for his country from age groups U16-U21. Manager Antonio Corbisiero commented: “We’re very excited to secure Gregor’s signature. He’s a guy with bags of experience having come through the ranks at Swansea. We’ve spoken to many people who have praised Gregor very highly though he was unlucky with the keepers ahead of him at Swansea. We’re looking forward to getting him in for training on Tuesday before we welcome Barry Town on Saturday. A big welcome to Gregor from everybody at Aberystwyth Town!” Gregor told us: “My first impressions of the club are very positive. I spoke with a few people from the club and everyone was very welcoming, so I'm looking forward to getting started. I'm familiar with the league and I think clubs are getting stronger every year, so it will be a good challenge for me. I spoke with plenty of people to get information about the club and all I heard was good things. The gaffer and a couple players seemed excited to work with me, so it just felt right to make this move. As for my past experiences, I’ve worked with some top coaches and had great training at a high level. I've also had some hard times in football so that will add to my hunger to do well. I think combining the two I can add some good qualities to the team. We haven't spoke yet about the team goals for the season, but I think it's important not to worry too much in the future and just focus on each game as it comes. For me personally, I just want to get as many games as possible and help the team out with some clean sheets.” Croeso i Goedlan y Parc / Welcome to Park Avenue, Gregor! Nathaniel MG Cup Second Round
Friday 6th August Aberystwyth Town 1 Penybont 1 (Aber Town win 5-4 on penalties) Aber Town kicked off their 2021/22 season in perfect style last night, beating Top 4 side Penybont on penalties in their first competitive match in front of spectators for over 500 days. Sam Snaith gave the visitors an early lead but a spirited second half comeback was capped by Mathew Jones’ late penalty, and Owain Jones scored the winning penalty to end a night of high drama. On a pleasant but breezy August evening, a crowd of 224 returned to Park Avenue for their first view of competitive football since February 2020. New signings Sam Phillips and Alex Darlington made home debuts, added to the core of the side who finished last season strongly. However the visitors started better, with the unmarked Snaith nodding home Kane Owen’s corner on 5 minutes to gain an early lead. Harry Franklin almost got on the end of Matty Jones’ deep cross in response, but couldn’t quite finish, and at the other end Nathan Wood almost grabbed a second for the Blues but the ball bounced wide. Darlington dinked a lovely ball through for the effervescent Franklin, who was denied by Ashley Morris, and then Alex Pennock was called upon to save Lewis Clutton’s low drive, and a half of few chances ended with the visitors ahead on points and goals by 1-0. Nathan Wood was denied by Pennock early in the second half, Clutton headed wide from Owen’s deep cross, and James Waite curled just wide, and it was clear that the next goal would be huge. Much to their credit Aber showed excellent fitness and finished the game strongly. Sam Phillips showed some nice trickery out on the right but his effort was blocked, and he then picked out Franklin unmarked in the box, but the Hereford man’s goalbound effort somehow was blocked by Morris. Penybont sub Ryan Reynolds clipped the crossbar, then back came Aber with Franklin setting up Owain Jones for a sidefooted effort which was again saved by Morris. With eight minutes to go, the impeccable Franklin embarked on his umpteenth goalbound dribble, and was fouled in the box, leading to a penalty which was confidently put away by Matty Jones. In an exciting ending Phillips could have won it for the Black and Greens, but once again Morris was to the rescue, Owain Jones had a shot deflected, Franklin’s shot was saved and Snaith lobbed over the bar from distance, and for the fifth time in seven meetings between the sides Aber v Penybont ended 1-1. Without extra time the match headed straight for penalties, with Owen and Snaith, and Matty Jones and Jack Rimmer scoring confidently. James Waite then sent his penalty over the bar, and Jack Thorn confirmed Aber’s advantage. Mael Davies, Jonathan Evans and Ashley Evans also scored, but man of the match Franklin saw his penalty saved, and the shoot out entered sudden death! Dan Jefferies’s effort brought a superb diving save from Alex Pernnock to his right, but then Rhys Davies was also denied, but when Lewis Harling missed Penybont’s seventh penalty, Owain Jones was not to be denied and confirmed Aber’s win with an effort which just crept under Ashley Morris’ despairing dive. This was a thrilling ending to an enthralling match, and Aber’s young side must take huge credit for a really positive start to the new season. Antonio Corbisiero’s men will contest the Nathaniel Cup Third Round (last 16) on 21st September, but before that Barry Town will visit Park Avenue for the JD Cymru Premier opener next Saturday, 14th August with a 2.30pm kick off. Put it in your diary! |
Gem Nesaf
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Ebost / Email: AberTownFC@live.co.uk
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© 2023 Aberystwyth Town Football Club. All Rights Reserved
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Cyfeiriad / Address: ATFC Ltd, Park Avenue, Aberystwyth, SY23 1PG.
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