Dafabet Welsh Premier League
Friday 30th October
Aberystwyth Town 1 MBi Llandudno 4

Aberystwyth Town suffered a Halloween horroshow at home to Cymru Alliance Champions Llandudno as they fell to a 4-1 home defeat, on a night when the visitors certainly deserved a handsome win. First half goals for Lee Thomas (18 minutes) and Danny Hughes (40 minutes), allied to a deflected own goal off Lee Surman (25 minutes) put Aber right up against it. The Black and Greens threatened a comeback when Chris Venables got a 56th minute goal back from the penalty spot, but Lewis Buckley settled the outcome with a 71st minute fourth for Llandudno.

The visitors, cheered on by an excellent away support, started as if their lives depended on it and dictated a swift tempo which demanded an instant reaction from the home side. Darren Thomas picked out Ross Stephens in the area, who volleyed wide, while at the other end the impressive Marc Williams had a shot deflected over, and Lewis Buckley hit the post. Llandudno then gained a rather fortuitous opener as Aber keeper Chris Mullock was challenged in the air while trying to collect a right wing cross, and with the home supporters expecting a whistle, Thomas tapped home the opener. The Black and Greens were still going however, and Jamie Reed saw a shot blocked before Craig Williams skimmed the crossbar with a cross cum shot. Another right wing cross from Llandudno then earned a second lucky goal as Lee Surman deflected it past Mullock in his own goal. Despite the manner of both goals the visitors certainly deserved to be ahead. Marc Williams headed wide from a superb position in front of goal and Aber almost got back into it with Reed firing over then bringing a save out of Dave Roberts, but Town could not convert the numerous dangerous crosses put in by Craig Williams, and then disaster struck five minutes before the break when Hughes intercepted the ball on the edge of the area and slotted past Mullock to complete a nightmare first half for Ian Hughes' men.

The hosts did come out firing in the second half, with Llandudno happy to sit back and threaten on the break. Stephens headed an early chance wide, and Thomas fired just wide for the visitors before Aber gained a lifeline as Danny Shaw brought down Reed in the box for an obvious penalty, which Venables dispatched with customary aplomb, though Roberts made a good attempt to stop it. With the home supporters sensing a comeback the next goal would now be crucial and Aber grew in confidence as Antonio Corbisiero flashed a shot just past the post, ebfore Stuart Jones headed over the bar. Darren Thomas slipped in Venables and with the Dias Stand screaming for a penalty Cledan Davies sent a venomous shot zooming over the bar. Thomas and Venables combined to set up Reed, but his shot was gathered by Roberts at the second attempt and then at the other end Buckley defused all hope of a miraculous recovery by bursting through the middle to score Llandudno's fourth. Reed shot wide and brought yet another save from Roberts, and Liam Dawson went close for the visitors, but with the Steam Railway Trains tooting across the road Aber had run out of puff, and Alan Morgan's men gained a win which even the most one eyed home supporter would have to admit they deserved on the night.

On this form Llandudno look a certainty for the Top Six, but after two disappointing results Aber will need to recover quickly to get their season back on track. The Black and Greens' away form has been superb this season with 13 of their 18 points coming on the road, so they may not be disappointed to face an away game at Rhyl next Friday night (ko 7.45pm). The Coach will leave Park Avenue at 3.30pm.  

Dafabet Welsh Premier League
Friday 30th October
Aberystwyth Town v MBi Llandudno

Top Four Dafabet WPL Action returns to Park Avenue this Friday as Ian Hughes' fourth placed Black and Greens take on third placed Llandudno, on an evening showcased by the Black and Green Halloween Promotion.

Aber were besieged by injuries and unavailability last Friday night as a Student Promotion attracted a season high attendance of 644 for the home defeat to The New Saints, and this is still a factor ahead of Friday's crucial clash. On loan Jamie Reed and Chris Mullock return to the Squad after being ineligible to face their parent club last week, and a few of Town's other injured Players have a chance of recovering in time for the game. Geoff Kellaway and Craig Williams are however both out having visited Bronglais Hospital last weekend. Williams has a badly swollen ankle while Kellaway has ligament damage in his right knee which will enforce a lengthy lay off on the Felinfach Flyer - and all at Park Avenue wish both Players a speedy recovery.

Llandudno have had a cracking start to the season, kicked off by an opening day 3-2 win over Aber at Maesdu Park and have matched the Seasiders' 18 points tally to date - though they did falter last week at home to Carmarthen. Managed by ex Aber Manager Alan Morgan last year's Promoted Cymru Alliance Champions feature onetime Town keeper Dave Roberts in goal, ex Bangor Centre Back Michael Johnstone and former Wrexham striker Marc Williams, so there is no danger of Aber doing soft on them come Friday evening.

In honour of the Black and Green Halloween, the Club is offering half price entry for anyone who dares to come in fancy dress, and the best costume will win free entry for 5 future league home games at Park Avenue. Free 'Blood' Soup will be available for all supporters in the John Charles Lounge, which will be decorated on the evening and will also be offering drinks promotions from 6.15pm until the final whistle. 
   
For those supporters dressed sensibly Admission will cost £6 for Adults, £4 Concessions and £1 for Kids - which offers spooktacular value for money considering the tricks and treats served up at Park Avenue so far this season. The queues were round the block running up to kick off time last week so make sure you arrive in good time for the 7.45pm start - if you dare!

Congratulations from everyone at the Club to onetime Goalkeeper and current Kit Manufacturer Richard Morgan, who recently achieved a lifetime ambition by being capped twice for Wales' Futsal side.

Richard told atfc.org.uk: "After being involved with the squad over the last few years, it was my great honour and privilege to play a double header against Holland (top 20 international team in the world Futsal rankings) at the Velodrome in Newport. The results did not go our way, 7-3 to Holland and the second game was a lot closer but in the end the Dutch won 5-3. The games were a great experience and have prepared the squad well for the upcoming World Cup Qualifiers against the Old enemy England, Denmark and the hosts Israel."

Morgan was also a Squad Member for Wales in the 2016 FIFA Futsal World Cup Qualifiers last week, in which they lost to Denmark and England but beat Israel.

Richard, who runs Club Sponsors RM Teamwear in Cardiff, also played for Carmarthen and Penrhyncoch amongst other Clubs in an illustrious career. He retired from Senior Football to concentrate on his Futsal Career last year, and all at the Club are delighted to hear of his achievement. 

Welsh Womens Premier League
Sunday 25th October
Aberystwyth Town Ladies 2 Llandudno Ladies 1

Putting the disappointment of a Welsh Cup exit last week behind them, Aber Ladies faced Llandudno Ladies in the League and hoped to add to their points tally, writes Aber Town Ladies Correspondant Ffiona Evans. They knew it was going to be a tough game, coming up against a physical side, but this did not seem to faze the team.

With a last minute change to centre mid, Steph Land came in for the injured Amy Jenkins and Mared Jones started at left back. Aber started the game better, pressing high on to the Llandudno defence. Gabi Hughes closed down and worked hard up front and did not give the opposition much time on the ball. It did not take long for Aber to get their first of the day. A penalty was awarded after the Llandudno keeper brought down Ffiona Evans in the box. Hannah Miles coolly stepped up and sent the ball into the back of the net on 18 minutes. The lead was doubled in the 32nd minute when Jones crossed the ball into the feet of Emily Thomas to strike the ball past the keeper. Llandudno though did have a couple of long range chances but solid defending from Nia Witts, Tania Wylde and Land placed important blocks in.

The away side started stronger in the second half in search of a comeback. Josie Pugh, Witts, Wylde and Jones had to be vigilant, but the back four dealt with everything as well as Chelsea Maiklem showing strong safe hands in goal. Hughes could have added to the lead, apart from a last ditch tackle from Llandudno’s skipper. Another chance soon after saw Land thread the ball through to Evans, only to be denied by the near post. In the 69th minute Llandudno was awarded a penalty when Wylde brought down a player in the box, which Stacey Tradewell converted. The clock ticked down and Aber managed to hold on to the lead and now have 7 points out of the last 3 games.

After receiving a bye in the League Cup Aber Town Ladies earn a week off next week, then they face league leaders Cardiff Met away the following week in what will be the toughest game this season so far.

Photo courtesy of Chris Howells