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Club Media Assistant Matthew Wallace has produced an excellent video giving a real flavour of last Friday's Student Night at Park Avenue, which is available to view on Aberystwyth Town's Youtube account.
Although the result was not the one the Black and Greens were hoping for, the atmosphere on Friday night was superb for a game which drew Town's largest home attendance of the season so far of 644. Pre Match Queues round the block, Cheerleaders, free Hot Dogs, DIGS Teams and many other highlights are featured. Let us know if you can spot yourself and watch the full Matchcam here. Town are hoping for a similar atmosphere this Friday night for their Black and Green Halloween night against MBi Llandudno (ko 7.45pm), when those in Fancy Dress will be admitted for free! Dafabet Welsh Premier League
Friday 23rd October Aberystwyth Town 0 The New Saints 4 The 644 strong crowd, 200 of which were students, were treated to plenty of goals albeit for the wrong side as league leaders The New Saints put four goals past an injury hit Aberystwyth side. The home side started well, pressing high up the field and limiting the Saints to shots from range, Matthew Williams smashing the ball well over the crossbar. Aber's pressure almost payed off when Geoff Kellaway nicked the ball, turned and ran at the back four but was unable to produce a shot. TNS, unnerved by the pressure they were under, became more determined to assert their authority and came close to scoring through Alex Darlington and Chris Marriott but the Black and Greens held out. However, after 39 minutes, TNS broke the resistance, Scott Quiqley firing the Saints into the lead with a left footed drive from outside the box. The visitors started quickly in the second half, Alex Darlington doubling their lead on 49 minutes. With the crowd behind them, Aberystwyth started to fight back, building the pressure and testing the 9 time champions on several occasions. Their best chance came when Wyn Thomas picked up the ball on the edge of the box following a corner but his effort curled away from the far post. Liam Jaques then picked out Cledan Davies but his left foot drive only found the back of the Dias Stand. The New Saints quelled any thoughts of a fightback as Adrian Czieslewicz and Scott Quigley put in goals three and four respectively. Aberystwyth continued to fight, Luke Sherbon forcing a good save from point blank range, the rebound falling to Lee Surman who couldn't find the target. The Saints performance was marred by Scott Quigley's red card for kicking out at Luke Sherbon late on. Both Craig Williams and Geoff Kellaway were taken to hospital after tonight's game and the Club wishes them a speedy recovery. Aberystwyth ended the game with eight players injured or unavailable, but will now prepare for the visit of Llandudno next Friday evening for our ever popular Black and Green Halloween, when Supporters in Fancy Dress will be admitted for half price (ko 7.45pm). Report by Tomos Ings  Dafabet Welsh Premier League
Friday 23rd October Aberystwyth Town v The New Saints Excitement is mounting ahead of Aber's Titanic Top Three Tussle with Dafabet Welsh Premier League Leaders The New Saints on Friday, which also showcases Park Avenue's annual Student Promotion Night. Friday night games guarantee a superb atmosphere anyway at Park Avenue, but this week's encounter will really whet the appetite for a number of different reasons. Aberystwyth University Students will be admitted for half price - a mere £2 - and Admission will include a free hot dog in the Clubhouse. A team of Cheerleaders will also encourage the team during the game, and University DIGS League Teams will be strongly represented on the night. Aber and TNS are third and top both of the WPL overall and form tables, having earned twelve and sixteen points respectively from their last six games. The Black and Greens go into the game on the back of a an excellent run of results which has featured away wins at Carmarthen, Bangor, Bala and Connah's Quay. Captain Stuart Jones is likely to start his 300th WPL Match on Friday, and with Mike Lewis recently passing the 150 appearances milestone Manager Ian Hughes was quick to praise his side's defensive resolve after last weekend's win: “The defence has been the backbone of this side over the past three or four weeks. We know that we’ve got the capability to score goals with the talent we’ve got in this side. We’ve got goals in this team but we're making sure we keep things tight at the back and the players have been working hard at that. There’s a new found mentality in our team now not concede goals and that all eleven players need to do that ” On loan players Chris Mullock and Jamie Reed will be unavailable for Aber on Friday, and with Antonio Corbisiero and Rhys Griffiths both likely to be sidelined through injury, Hughes will be looking to use his full Squad of Players for a Big Challenge against a TNS side who impressed in the UEFA Champions League Qualifiers over the summer months. Having run TNS very close over the past two years in the Welsh Cup Final and a number of League encounters, Manager Ian Hughes will feel that his side is now in a good state of mind to start converting those draws into wins, and a victory on Friday would ensure a unforgettable night's entertainment at Park Avenue. He told atfc.org.uk this week: "We fully respect the management and players of TNS and know we’re in for a tough game but we know we can do it. It was great to hear the crowd that travelled with us today getting behind us and supporting the team, especially near the end. That bit of support gives us that bit of a boost you need sometimes in games. Hopefully we can get people down, get the students in, make a bit of a noise which could help us win the game.” Kick off at Park Avenue on Friday is at 7.45pm and Admission will cost £6 for Adults, £4 Concessions, £2 for Students and £1 for Children. It's the only place to be on Friday the 23rd!!  Aberystwyth Town FC are proud to support Show Racism the Red Card’s Fortnight of Action, which takes place in Wales from 16th – 31st October, 2015.
Show Racism the Red Card is the UK’s leading anti-racism educational charity. The organisation utilises the high-profile status of football and football players to help tackle racism in society. The campaign delivers educational workshops to young people and adults in their schools, workplaces and at events held in stadiums. Last weekend saw all clubs in the Dafabet Welsh Premier League support the Fortnight of Action 15. Teams were wearing anti-racism T-shirts prior to kick off to show their support for Show Racism the Red Card and its anti-racism work. The Fortnight of Action 15 forms part of the FARE Football People action weeks and is supported by the Football Association of Wales. This year’s Fortnight of Action will see 56 clubs, featuring over 1000 players across 8 leagues all unite to challenge discrimination and celebrate the contribution we all make to football, wherever we live, whatever our connection to the game and whatever our background. What started as a minor campaign in nine countries in 2001 has now become the largest series of anti-discrimination activities in sport. In 2014, over 2,000 activities took place in 59 countries, with some of Europe’s top stars lending support to the campaign. All UEFA Europa League, Champions League and EURO 2016 Qualifying matches took part in the campaign, reaching fans directly at the matches and millions more through television. In 2014, 24 leagues participated in the Action Weeks and 18 European FAs actively supported the initiative. The support from the Welsh clubs has helped SRtRC progress their work in Wales. Last season the campaign worked with over 20,000 young people and held 28 educational events at stadiums across the country supported by professional players. Once again this season the campaign will be delivering Educational Events at all Welsh Premier league clubs. Football is a sport that is followed by all, and should be an enjoyable experience for all, whatever their background. We hope you enjoy the games this weekend and ask you to support the player’s action before kick-off. Follow Show Racism the Red Card on Social media: Twitter: @theredcardwales Facebook: /theredcardwales YouTube: /theredcardwales Instagram: theredcardwales To be kept up to date with this seasons Fortnight of Action follow the hashtag #SRtRCFOA15 If you see or hear racism at any level of football, please report it to the nearest steward or club official. For more information on how to report racism visit www.theredcard.org/ReportITWales Further details about the campaign and the Fortnight of Action can be found at www.theredcardwales.org or by contacting: Tel: 02920 351 616 Email: [email protected] Ian Hughes was full of praise and admiration for the way his side ground out a result on Deeside on Saturday, writes Club Media Assistant Matthew Wallace. Having gone behind to a Les Davies strike early on, Aber fought back with goals from skipper Stuart Jones and last year’s top scorer Chris Venables ensuring that the three points would be returning to the Cambrian coast with Town. Although Town conceded their first league goal in three matches, the defensive performance from all in the squad made it a memorable trip for everyone involved.
“It wasn’t the prettiest of games but we’ve done extremely well! The defence has been the backbone of this side over the past three or four weeks. We know that we’ve got the capability to score goals with the talent we’ve got in this side. We’ve got goals in this team but we're making sure we keep things tight at the back and the players have been working hard at that. “ “There’s a new found mentality in our team now not concede goals and that all eleven players need to do that. Ross Stephens, Luke Sherbon and Chris Venables were excellent in midfield and the way Venables burst into the box to score that goal shows the desire and belief the squad has. One minute he’s defending then he’s up the other end getting on the end of a cross.” Despite the victory, Hughes was full of praise for his opposite number and the squad at his disposal. “We had to change things after 20 minutes. GAP Connahs Quay were excellent and they controlled things. They were unfortunate to lose the game. We’ve been somewhat fortunate to get our points against them. We snatched a late goal at home and they’ve played well today and still lost the game. They’re a good side but we’re pleased to have taken four points off a side that’s going to be competitive as well as taking four points off Bala recently.” Town have had to reshuffle the pack somewhat over recent weeks. With an increasingly demanding fixture list to fulfill and a number of injuries being sustained, a real squad mentality has developed within the camp. A sense of togetherness and unity has helped the Seasiders pick up crucial points despite being up against the odds. “Cledan Davies and Darren Thomas, who was carrying a knock, came on and did very well for us and of course Liam Jaques who made his first team debut in the league for the last few minutes. It’s great that I’ve got that in my squad where I can rely on each and every player to come on and do a job when needed. Sion James is a centre half but right now he looks like he’s playing right back all his career and the same with Craig Williams.” This Friday night now sees Aber host current leaders and reigning champions TNS in a student promotion evening. Students at the Town’s university can receive discounted entry to the game. “They haven’t lost all season! A number of teams have tried but failed to beat them so that’s a challenge for us right there. We’re not an easy side to play against at home. We’re full of confidence. We fully respect the management and players of TNS and know we’re in for a tough game but we know we can do it. It was great to hear the crowd that travelled with us today getting behind us and supporting the team, especially near the end. That bit of support gives us that bit of a boost you need sometimes in games. Hopefully we can get people down, get the students in, make a bit of a noise which could help us win the game.” Aberystwyth Town host League Leaders The New Sainst thos Friday evening with a 7.45pm kick off. A full preview will follow tomorrow. Dafabet Welsh Premier League Saturday 17th October Gap Connah's Quay 1 Aberystwyth Town 2 Goals from Stuart Jones and Chris Venables were the highlights of a redoubtable performance by the Black and Greens at Connah's Quay on Saturday, and they earned Aber a fourth away win in five which takes them up to third place in the Dafabet WPL ahead of Friday night's huge home clash with leaders TNS. On a cloudy day the match started rather untidily, with both sides struggling to create any real chances of note. Visiting keeper Mike Lewis gathered a half hearted early Les Davies effort, and he also had to catch a Quay free kick which deflected off Venables’ head. Aber’s best early chance also came from an opposition header, when Ross Stephens corner was deflected goalwards by a home defender, drawing a super save from Quay stopper Jon Danby. Truth be told, Town started poorly, and after a period of pressure the Nomads took a 30th minute lead when Wes Baynes’ corner fell at the feet of Davies in the Aber six yard area, and he buried the chance for 1-0. Davies then headed Sean Miller’s cross over, and then the visitors started at least to exert some pressure, and two minutes before the break Craig Williams’ excellent driven free kick was headed home by Stuart Jones, who scored at the Deeside Stadium for the second year running. Aber were out of jail and once Lewis had gathered a Baynes cross, and Venables saw a goal bound effort blocked, the half time whistle blew with the Black and Greens glad to be level at 1-1. The quality of the game did not markedly increase in the second half, with Quay’s best chance coming from the boot of Sion James, who did well to deflect a dangerous cross to safety via his own crossbar. Miller also headed over while at the other end Sub Darren Thomas, who had replaced the injured Rhys Griffiths at half time, showed a super flash of skill skipping between three home defenders into a shooting position, before seeing his dangerous shot blocked. Chris Rimmer headed wide for Quay but it was starting to look like two strong sides had nullified each others’ threats, when a calamitous slip by Rimmer allowed the ever predatory Jamie Reed to skip to the touchline, and his brilliant cross was buried by Venables from close range for a priceless second goal on 74 minutes. Aber now had to hang on in the face of incessant pressure and a torrent of identical Baynes corners, but Jones and Lee Surman were imperious in the air, Lewis confident in goals, and with other defensive players Craig Williams, Sion James, Luke Sherbon and Ross Stephens also excelling at the necessary dog work, Quay were kept at bay. Cledan Davies almost snatched a third with a header just over the bar from Thomas’s right wing cross, but Town did not need it and with their ex-Student Supporters' songs of encouragement ringing in their ears, Ian Hughes' men held on for a very hard earned three points. This was probably a day to talk about the result rather than the performance, and with Aber now on a brilliant run of form and into the European Places, home supporters must be excited by the prospect of two consecutive home games against the League Leaders, and fourth placed Llandudno. Champions The New Saints are the next side to take on the Black and Greens, for a Titanic Top Three Tussle at Park Avenue on Friday at 7.45pm. Exciting times at Aber Town! |
Gem Nesaf
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