Aberystwyth Town are delighted to announce the signing of 20-year-old central midfielder Harry Arnison from Queensland National Premier League side Sunshine Coast Wanderers! 

Son of former Football League professional Paul Arnison, Harry is a former Queensland Regional Youth Team representative and Brisbane Roar Youth captain who led his side to a National Youth League title in 2019.

In 2020, Harry joined Sunshine Coast Wanderers of the Queensland National Premier League where he made over 60 appearances and was an NPL All-Star Selection in 2021.

A dual UK-Australian citizen, Harry returned to the UK in June 2022 and now joins Town to further his experiences in the senior game.

Harry told us:
"I’ve made this move back to the UK to pursue my goal of becoming a professional footballer as there are greater opportunities for young players.

I didn't know much about the league nor the club beforehand but the lads have been great in helping me settle in. I know that our goal as a club is to reach that Top 6 after the first half of the season, so I'm excited to get working toward our goal"

On his playstyle:
"I’m a central midfielder whose best qualities are my passing range and vision as well as my defensive qualities."

On his talks with the Gaffer:
"Taff has been in touch with me since I landed about 6 weeks ago and I finally came in for a session last week. We had a good chat at the end where he outlined my role in the squad and how he thinks I’ll fit in, so I'm delighted to join the club and contribute best I can for the season ahead."

Taff commented:
"I've kept a close eye on Harry's development out in Australia as I played with his dad at both Hartlepool and Carlisle. He's spent the last two seasons playing senior football where he's gained valuable experience.

Harry trained with us last week and showed an excellent range of passing and determination off the ball. He will be an excellent addition to the squad and provide further competition in the midfield area."

Croeso i Gymru, Harry! 

Aberystwyth Town vs Cardiff Metropolitan University
JD Cymru Premier
Saturday 20th August
5.45pm KO
​LIVE on Sgorio
 
JD Cymru Premier football returns to Ceredigion this Saturday, with Cardiff Met the visitors for ATFC’s first home league match of the 2022/23 campaign.
 
The Seasiders come into this game on the back of a superb opening day win last Friday when, on a blisteringly hot evening, Anthony Williams’ Black and Greens secured a 2-1 victory away to Airbus thanks to Alex Darlington’s 76th minute winner, volleyed home with his first touch.
 
“Taff” remains unbeaten in all matches since taking the reigns at Aberystwyth University Park Avenue and faces his former club for the second time in quick succession, following a 1-0 pre-season win on 23rd July.
 
Both sides will be very familiar with each other by now, having also faced off no less than 6 times last season. Met were victorious on 4 occasions with Aber winning one and the other resulting in a draw. Ryan Jenkins has since taken over in the dugout for Met, following former Aber defender Christian Edwards’ decision to step down during the summer.
 
Jenkins squad remains largely the same as the one he inherited from Edwards, with familiar names such as Kyle McCarthy, Emlyn Lewis and former ATFC loanee Tom Price all still with the club. Club stalwart Eliot Evans remains a key player on the pitch, but his influence now stretches to the dugout also following his appointment as Player / Coach.
 
The small batch of new signings at Cyncoed Campus includes former Haverfordwest defender Alaric Jones, former Swansea City academy prospect Cian Williams and Lewis Rees, who has joined on a permanent basis after a couple of previous loan spells.
 
The Archers have started their season in strong fashion, knocking European entrants Newtown out of the Nathaniel MG Cup two weeks ago, before beating Connahs Quay 2-0 last weekend in the league.
 
Saturday’s match will be broadcast live on S4C and Sgorio’s online platforms, with coverage starting at 5.30pm and English language commentary available.
 
Admission prices at Aberystwyth University Park Avenue Stadium this season are £8 for Adults, £5 for Concessions / Students, £2 for Secondary School age children and free entry for Primary School age children. We are in the process of implementing contactless payments at the gate - however, for the time being, please bring cash!
 
Looking ahead to next weekend, the clubhouse are organising a mini bus to Pontypridd (27th August). Contact the Club to book your seat or put your name down in the clubhouse during the Cardiff Met match. Seats will cost £15, and we require a £10 deposit with the remaining balance due on the day

JD Cymru Premier
Friday 12th August
Airbus UK Broughton 1 Aberystwyth Town 2

On a blisteringly hot evening, Anthony Williams’ Black and Greens earned a huge opening day victory away to Airbus thanks to super sub Alex Darlington’s 76th minute winner, volleyed home with his first touch. Aber had earlier taken the lead through Joseph Palmer’s own goal (39 mins), and the Wingmakers equalised through George Peers with 19 minutes to go.

Aber took the field roared on by a superb following, with well over thirty travelling supporters covering huge distances to make the game, however it is fair to say the hosts started the game the better. Jake Phillips sent a low effort wide, before Jake Eyre drew the first save of the night from Lewis Webb in the Aber goal. Webb then saved dramatically to prevent Steve Tomassen from scoring at the back post, and make another important stop from Eyre minutes later, as the excellent on loan netminder kept the visitors in the game. Town survived a barrage of crosses and long throws, primarily from Phillips, and then did come back into it when Ben Erickson sent an effort flashing past the post, but the water break came on 25 minutes with Airbus ahead on points, though thankfully not on goals scored. The Black and Greens made a marked improvement after the stoppage: Harri Horwood sent a volley wide and then swashbuckling Niall Flint went on a superb run before crossing for Steff Davies, who swivelled and tested home keeper Lewis Dutton. Then Iwan Lewis earned a corner down the right, and Charley Edge’s set piece was headed into his own net by the unfortunate Palmer, to give Aber the lead. Peers glanced wide for Airbus but then Aber ended the half very strongly: Davies blasted over, then Flint went on another run before tapping the ball past Dutton, but his cheeky effort rebounded off the post to safety, agonisingly! Peers volleyed over for Airbus and Lewis did the same for Aber, and to the backdrop of a mercifully setting sun the visitors went in a goal to the good.

Town started the second half better: Lewis crossed for Davies to knock the ball down, resulting in an unsuccessful penalty shout for handball. Webb stopped Phillips’ low free kick, and then Phil Perry covered brilliantly to prevent Eyre equalising. Jack Rimmer then sent an audacious 50 yard free kick inches over the crossbar, then Lewis volleyed an effort over the bar after great work by the indefatigable Jack Thorn. Edge was next to shoot wide for the Black and Greens, and Sam Phillips came on to freshen up the Seasiders’ front line. Disaster struck as a right wing cross from Phillips fell nicely for Peers to glance home an equaliser, but from this point the visitors got better and better. Darlington came on as a sub for hard working Jonathan Evans, and make an impact within two minutes as he connected with Thorn’s long throw beautifully from the edge of the area with a sweet volley, leading to a lead and huge celebrations on the bench, and in the stands. Aber saw the game out defending stoutly and attacking superbly on the break. Phillips in particular was a great outlet – he had one shot blocked, then rounded the goalkeeper only to see his shot from a narrow angle headed miraculously off the line, and nearly scored again from Darlington’s sumptuous reverse pass in injury time. The visitors repelled one final long throw from Phillips, and a huge step for the season was completed, with a crucial away win gained in their first fixture.

After a slow start the Black and Greens definitely played well enough, and made enough chances to deserve their win at the Airfield last night. Their celebrations with the travelling supporters at the final whistle showed a great unity within the Club, and Manager Anthony Williams has done really well to create a winning culture within the squad through pre season and into the competitive season. Town’s next challenge is a televised match at home to Cardiff Met next Saturday 20th August: please note the kick off time of 5.45pm. Teatime football it is. See you there!

​Photo courtesy of Callum Binner

Airbus UK Broughton vs Aberystwyth Town
Friday 12th August
JD Cymru Premier
7.45pm KO
 
The JD Cymru Premier celebrates its 30th anniversary this weekend as the 2022/23 season gets underway!
 
Aberystwyth Town are proud to be one of only two clubs to have competed in every single season, along with Mid-Wales neighbours Newtown, having been in action on the very first matchday - 15th August 1992 – when Tomi Morgan led the team to a 3-2 victory over Caersws.
 
The first season would be a successful one for the Black & Greens, as the club challenged for the inaugural title, eventually finishing in 3rd place as Cwmbran Town, led by the legendary Tony Wilcox, claimed the honours.
 
Kevin Morrison was top scorer in that very first season, hitting 20 goals, whilst Michael Davies hit 17 as the club finished with 25 wins from 38 games.
 
To date, this is the clubs highest placed finish in the league, although 4th place finishes have occurred on no less than five occasions; with European football coming to Park Avenue in 1999, 2004 & 2014.
 
15 different managers have led the Seasiders during the Cymru Premier era, with some having more than one spell at the helm. Anthony Williams will join this distinguished list on Friday, as he leads his team out for the first time in the league away to newly promoted Airbus UK Broughton.
 
“Taff” has already hit the ground running since his arrival this summer, with an unbeaten pre-season and a safe passage through to the 3rd round of the Nathaniel MG Cup already under his belt following last weekends 2-1 victory over Llanidloes Town at Park Avenue.
 
The visit to the Hollingsworth Group Stadium will prove to be a tough test for ATFC however, as the Wingmakers romped to the JD Cymru North title last season, finishing 9 points ahead of their nearest rivals, Llandudno. They return to the JD Cymru Premier after a two-year absence following their demotion in 2020, when the league was decided on a points per game basis because of the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic.
 
Manager Steve O'Shaughnessy is no stranger to the league having led Oswestry Town, Cefn Druids, Caernarfon Town and Connahs Quay prior to his present role and he has added some Cymru Premier experience to his squad this summer with the arrivals of Jake Phillips & Dan Roberts from Flint Town United, with goalkeeper Mike Jones also joining from Guilsfield during the close season.
 
There are a couple of familiar faces in Airbus’s ranks this season. Jamie Crowther, now Player / Coach, had a brief spell at Park Avenue in 2017 whilst Adam Davies spent a year in Ceredigion between 2020 and 2021. Adam is currently recovering from a serious leg injury sustained last season and everyone at Aberystwyth Town wishes him well with his rehabilitation and will look forward to seeing him back on the pitch as the season progresses.
 
The Hollingsworth Group Stadium can be found with postcode CH4 0DR and tickets are priced at £8 for Adults and £4 for Concessions. Join us at the Airfield – a large travelling army is already assembling itself as the 2022/23 league season takes off!

Nathaniel Cup Second Round
Saturday 6th August
Aberystwyth Town 2 Llanidloes Town 1

On a beautiful summer’s day on the Ceredigion Coast The Black and Greens kicked off their 2022/3 season with a 2-1 win over Llanidloes Town which took them through to the last sixteen of the Nathaniel Cup, to be played in September. The visitors played well and took the lead through Andy Evans on 36 minutes, but Steff Davies equalised for Aber within a minute, and Phil Perry found a winner with a lofted effort from the left wing with twenty minutes to go.

Newly signed Centre Back Ben Erickson came into Aber’s starting line up, but Sam Litchfield had to be replaced by Harri Horwood minutes before kick off in a late reshuffle, and Horwood was straight into the action with Aber’s first effort on goal, saved by Luke Evans. George Clarke then spooned a good chance wide for Llani, and Mason Jones tested Lewis Webb in the home goal, but the Swansea shotstopper held firm. At the other end Niall Flint had an attempt blocked, then in a breakaway Andy Evans volleyed a super effort just over the bar. Steff Davies then earned a free kick and headed Jack Rimmer’s set piece at the keeper, Horwood shot wide again and Perry’s long range effort was gathered by Evans. Aber enjoyed a further spell of pressure and a number of corners, and Flint’s excellent run and shot was just cleared over the bar. For Llani the dangerous Andy Evans got in again and skimmed just over, but he was not to be denied and when Luke Boundford crossed from the right, Evans headed home to put the visitors in front. The lead however was short lived and in the very next move Aber worked the ball to Steff Davies up front who smashed the ball home decisively from close range, and a deserved equaliser. Elliot Jones sent a free kick straight at Webb, then at the other end Horwood played in hard working Sam Phillips, and his flick was saved for a corner. An exciting half ended level, which on the balance of play was probably fair.

The pattern of play continued into the second half. The impeccable Webb in goal twice did very well to deny Boundford, while for Aber Phillips had a shot blocked and Edge sent an effort over the bar. Webb saved a free kick from Ed Clarke, then did brilliantly to tip a lob from Andy Evans over the bar to keep Aber in it. Horwood saw another shot saved by the keeper and then Flint went on a breathtaking run but was blocked at the last. Then the impressive Perry went on a swashbuckling run down the left flank and sent in a cross-shot which drifted over the goalkeeper and nestled into the top corner, to gain Aber a crucial lead. On came Aber with Edge setting up sub Jon Owen to touch wide, but home nerves were still in place as Mason Jones sent in a great left wing cross for Boundford, but the ex Aber striker missed the target. Manager Anthony Williams was forced into yet another reshuffle as Erickson hobbled off, and Jonathan Evans almost settled the tie with an effort from the by line, again saved by the goalie. Boundford shot over the bar from close range as four minutes of injury time flashed up, but to be fair Aber managed injury time well and emerged as victors in a thrilling cup tie.

Aber showed glimpses of quick and dangerous attacking play on Saturday, however Llanidloes were also a constant threat and deserve great credit for their efforts. The Black and Greens seem to have picked up a nice habit of winning tight games, and Perry’s moment of glory lit up the afternoon for home supporters. The Seasiders  progress to the Southern Section of the Nathaniel Cup Third Round draw with Afan Lido, Haverfordwest, Ammanford, Pontypridd Utd, Taffs Well, Cardiff Met and Penybont, to be played on Tuesday September 20th. Before that however comes the big Cymru Premier kick off, with Williams’ men visiting Airbus UK Broughton this Friday evening (12th August), for a 7.45pm kick off. Join us at the Airfield – a large travelling army is already assembling itself!

Aberystwyth Town vs Llanidloes Town
Nathaniel MG Cup
Saturday 6th August
2.30pm KO
 
Anthony Williams' first competitive match as Manager of Aberystwyth Town takes place this coming Saturday at Aberystwyth University Park Avenue Stadium, with Mid-Wales neighbours Llanidloes Town the visitors for a 2nd Round Nathaniel MG Cup tie.
 
The new man in the hotseat has presided over an unbeaten pre-season campaign, with Aber victorious in three out of the four pre-season friendlies. He has refreshed and reinvigorated the squad that he inherited, with former Swansea City and Wales U17 international Ben Erickson the latest to check in.
 
The 2nd Round of this competition was a memorable occasion last season, with Penybont the visitors to Park Avenue. The match ended 1-1 after 90 minutes – a late Mathew Jones penalty cancelling out Sam Snaith’s opener – and goalkeeper Alex Pennock proved to be the Black & Green hero in the resulting penalty shootout on a night of high drama!
 
Saturday's vistors, Llanidloes Town, are already two matches into their JD Cymru North season. They were defeated 3-2 on the opening day at home to Porthmadog, thanks to a late Callum Parry goal for the visitors, before losing 4-0 at Mold Alexandra on Tuesday night. They did however dispatch Pontardawe Town in the first round of the Nathaniel MG, winning 2-1 away from home.
 
Given that this month marks 30 years since the first match was played in the Cymru Premier (then League of Wales) it is fitting that Llanidloes Town and ATFC should face each other once again as both were founding members of the league back in 1992. They finished 12th in the Cymru North last season under the guidance of Chris Davies, who leads the team once again this season.
 
There will be a couple of familiar faces in the visitors ranks with weekend, with former Seasiders Luke Boundford and Adam Worton involved at Victoria Park these days. Boundford spent the 2019/20 season at Park Avenue, making 14 appearances and scoring two goals before the season was curtailed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, whilst Worton had a spell at Park Avenue back in 2012 under Alan Morgan’s stewardship.
 
Seasiders fans may also recognise Jamie Breese and Tom Goodwin from their spells in the Cymru Premier, most notably at Newtown, whilst Drew Reynolds is the son of League of Wales legend Colin Reynolds, who had a season at Park Avenue in 2008/09, making a substitute appearance in the Welsh Cup Final of 2009.
 
Admission prices at Aberystwyth University Park Avenue Stadium this season are £8 for Adults, £5 for Concessions / Students, £2 for Secondary School age children and free entry for Primary School age children. Please note that admission at the gate is CASH ONLY. Another season on the ATFC rollercoaster starts here!

​Green Army … co ni off! / here we go!