JD Welsh Premier League
Friday 2nd November (7:45p.m Kick Off)
Aberystwyth Town v The New Saints 

Aberystwyth Town will look to continue their recent fine run of form as they welcome JD Welsh Premier League Champions The New Saints to Park Avenue on Friday evening. Aber have collected seven points from their last three league games, conceding just once in that time, and will look to continue their push for a top six place under the Friday night lights at Park Avenue.

Manager Nev Powell admitted his delight at the seven days his side enjoyed last week, picking up two crucial away victories at Llandudno and Llanelli. After Friday’s win at Stebonheath, Powell commented; “We probably would have taken four points from our last two fixtures in all honesty, so for us to pick up six points, I’m absolutely over the moon”.
Those two victories, along with a spirited performance at home to Caernarfon three weeks ago have given the black and greens a real platform to push on during the second half of this first phase of the season, as they target a top six finish when the league splits in January.

A big part of that push will be continued strong home form this season, with Aber already beating Europa League contenders Bala Town in a classic encounter at home earlier this season. They’ll be keen to make Park Avenue an intimidating place once more as they face their toughest challenge on home turf so far this season with the visit of the league champions. The black and greens welcome back Rio Ahmadi for Friday night’s clash after suspension but lose Paulo Mendes for the game after his red card at Llanelli last week.

Friday’s visitors The New Saints travel to Park Avenue sitting at the top of the JD Welsh Premier League, but by perhaps a narrower margin than most would have expected at this point in the season. The Saints have already been beaten twice away from home this season – at Connah’s Quay and Cardiff Met and snatched a point away at Newtown last weekend with a late penalty. Nevertheless, Scott Ruscoe’s full-time outfit will undoubtedly provide Aber with their sternest test of the season thus far at Park Avenue, having convincingly beaten the seasiders 6-0 at Park Hall in the reverse fixture back in September.

In what promises to be another classic encounter under the Friday night lights, Aber will again be calling on their Green Army of supporters to get behind them as they continue to chase a top six finish in the league. Kick off at Park Avenue is at 7:45p.m, and admission costs £8 adults, £5 concessions and £2 for u16’s. Friday’s game will also mark the 50-year celebration of the Aberystwyth Junior League, so be sure to come down to Park Avenue and soak up the atmosphere! 

Welsh Women's League
Sunday 21st October 2018
Penybont Ladies 0 Aberystwyth Town Ladies 2

Aber remained top of the Welsh Womens's League as second half goals from Caroline Cooper and Tania Wylde were enough to earn the Black and Greens a fourth consecutive victory writes Steven Brookes.

After an impressive win against Merthyr Town in the FAW Women's Cup, a trip to Penybont was next up for Town as full attention turned back to the league. The visitors started the better of the two sides: Caroline Cooper's curling left footed strike was comfortably saved whilst Aber's top-scorer Tania Wylde saw her effort go wide of the post. The best chance of the half fell to Naomi Evans. The forward managed to get behind Penybont's back line but her shot went narrowly wide of the far post. Cooper then came agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock, Evans pulling the ball back to the midfielder on the edge of the area, and her first time strike beat the goalkeeper but bounced back off the crossbar.

Aber were looking even stronger in the second half and eventually found the breakthough. After Tania Wylde was tripped, the visitors were awarded a free kick and up stepped Cooper who was able to find the top corner with yet another excellent strike. The Black and Greens were then awarded a penalty just two minutes later when a Penybont defender was deemed to have handled the ball inside the box and Wylde confidently converted to score her ninth goal in just six matches. Cooper nearly grabbed her second of the match after an excellent pass by Tania Wylde, the ex-Cardiff City player was one-on-one with the goalkeeper who came out quickly, and Cooper fired over the bar.  The away side were dominating and despite one good save by Aber's Ffion Ashman, it was the team in green that came closest to scoring the game's third goal: Kelly Thomas had a header cleared off the line whilst Charlotte Bowden hit the side netting after doing well to dribble through the defence.

As well as a fourth victory in a row, the result meant Aber have now scored an impressive ten goals in those four games and conceded none. Next up is a trip to the capital on Sunday 4th November to face Cardiff-based side Willows Ladies.

JD Welsh Premier League
Friday 26th October 
Llanelli Town 1-3 Aberystwyth Town

Aberystwyth Town picked up their second away JD Welsh Premier League victory in the space of a week as they ran out deserved 3-1 winners against Llanelli Town at Stebonheath on Friday evening. First half goals from Paulo Mendes (3) and Ryan Wollacott (41) were enough to give the seasiders a slender half time lead after the hosts had equalised, before Geoff Kellaway's (90) late strike ensured all three points would be heading back to Aber on Friday evening.

With many of Aber's players facing lengthy travel delays on their way down to Stebonheath Friday afternoon, kick off was delayed until 7:55p.m - preparation that was far from ideal for Nev Powell's side ahead of the game. Nevertheless, Town came out of the blocks with a flying start as midfield man Paulo Mendes collected the ball on the edge of the penalty area before rounding Llanelli 'keeper Oliver Davies and sliding the ball into the empty net after just 3 minutes and make it 0-1. It was a dream start for the black and greens, but just two minutes later the hosts were level as Terry McCormick came to collect a corner kick through a crowded penalty area, only to see the ball ricochet into the net for 1-1. It was a frantic start to the game, but the visitors slowly got to grips with things despite Mendes going into the book for a cynical pull back on Jordan Davies. On 20 minutes Aber created an opening as Declan Walker earned a free kick on the edge of the box, where Mathew Jones stepped up and hit his first attempt into the wall, but curled his second effort inches over as the ball clipped the crossbar on it's way out for a goal kick. Soon after, Town missed another good opportunity when Walker was inches away from connecting with Jones' corner kick inside the six yard area. Aber looked dangerous with every attack, and on 40 minutes they were handed a fantastic opportunity to go ahead once more as Ryan Edwards was tripped in the box by Anthony Nelson, with referee Nick Pratt pointing to the spot. Captain Declan Walker stepped up to take the penalty, but slipped on his approach and 'keeper Oliver Davies was able to make the save. But just 90 seconds later, Aber did re-take the lead as Mathew Jones whipped a corner kick into the penalty area where Ryan Wollacott was on hand to head the ball into the bottom corner and make it 1-2. It was a lead the visitors deserved as they went into the break on the front foot, backed by Aber's excellent vocal support. 

The black and greens started the second half with an added confidence to their play, but were dealt a major blow on 52 minutes when Paulo Mendes slid in a fraction too late and received a second yellow card and his marching orders from referee Pratt. It looked as though it could become a 'backs to the wall' job for the seasiders with 35 minutes of the half still remaining, but on 58 minutes they very nearly extended their lead when Joe Phillips knocked the ball back for Ash Ruane, who's shot was blocked at the last second by Dan Alfei. On 63 minutes, any hopes the hosts had of using the extra man to their advantage disappeared as Anthony Finselbach slid in on Joe Phillips and received his second yellow of the night, with Llanelli also being reduced to 10 men. From then on, Aber took control of the game and could have extended their lead on 68 minutes when Joe Phillips stung the palms of Davies, before he made way for substitute Geoff Kellaway. On 80 minutes, Ash Ruane was played through on goal by Walker only to be denied by Davies' outstretched hand at the last second, and on 82 minutes Walker's shot was somehow blocked on the goal line by defender Carlos Indja and the visitors still weren't able to put the game to bed. The Town supporters in the stand began to bite their fingernails, wondering whether their team would see the win through, but as the game entered stoppage time Geoff Kellaway was played through by Walker and he slotted the ball clinically beyond the reach of Davies to secure all three points and make it 1-3. 

Aber's players, management and supporters celebrated victory together at full time on what was another great night for the black and greens, happy in the fact that they had moved into the league's top six positions - with 17 points on the board after 12 games. Town will now be keen to extend their 3 game unbeaten run as they enter a tough run of fixtures, starting at home against league champions The New Saints at Park Avenue next Friday evening. 

Teams:
Llanelli Town: O Davies, Nelson (70), Alfei, Indja, C Jones, J Davies, Evans, Owen, Follows (85), Loveridge. Subs: Khaton (85), Jenkins (70), Rees

Aberystwyth Town: McCormick, Baynes, Wollacott, Goodall (90), S Edwards, Walker, Jones, Mendes, Phillips (70), R Edwards, Ruane. Subs: Rimmer (90), Kellaway (70), Blake, Rowe, Coleridge, Jenkins, Morgan

JD Welsh Premier League
Friday 26th October (7:45p.m) 
Llanelli Town v Aberystwyth Town 

Aberystwyth Town face their second away JD Welsh Premier League fixture in six days as they travel South to face Llanelli Town in another crunch clash under the Friday night lights at Stebonheath. The seasiders picked up a vital three points on the road at Llandudno last Saturday, thanks to Declan Walker's late penalty, and Nev Powell's side now have the opportunity to climb into the league's top six with victory on Friday evening. 

Aber have kept two clean sheets in their last two JD Welsh Premier League fixtures, and conceded just two goals in their last four league games, an aspect that has pleased manager Neville Powell greatly. "Having Alan Goodall back in the side has helped massively with our defensive organisation, we've worked on our shape a lot in training recently and having Alan's experience in there next to Ryan Wollacott is fantastic. We've got a very good back four, and having the experience of Terry McCormick behind them has also benefitted us". 

Along with the back five, the black and greens have looked far more solid in midfield of late, with Mathew Jones and Paulo Mendes providing the base for Town's attackers to play with an added freedom in the final third. Powell added; "If we can keep teams out and continue to maintain a clean sheet, then more often than not we're going to pinch a goal at the other end with players like Ryan Edwards, Ash Ruane and Rio Ahmadi, who can hurt teams". 

Aber will need to show their defensive mettle and organisation once more on Friday evening as they face a stern test against a Llanelli side who currently lie bottom of the JD Welsh Premier League. Andy Hill's side have taken just seven points from their opening eleven league games, but are still just one point from safety in the league table. The reds are missing several key players through suspension for Friday's clash, including former seasiders Joe Clarke and Kurtis March, as well as defensive pairing Chris Thomas and Scott Tancock. Aber striker Rio Ahmadi is also missing through suspension.  In the reverse fixture earlier this season, Aber came from behind at half time to win 3-1 with second half goals from Rio Ahmadi, Geoff Kellaway and Joe Phillips. 

In what is sure to be thrilling game, kick off at Stebonheath is at 7:45p.m and Llanelli's postcode is listed as SA15 1EY. Aber's vocal Green Army of supporters look set to be in full voice as they aim to cheer on the black and greens to another positive result away from home! 

Mathew Jones, the first recipient of the new Aberystwyth University and Aber Town Football Club scholarship, helped to secure a victory for Aberystwyth University Football Team in its first home match of the season. The British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) fixture against Cardiff University Thirds on 17 October 2018 ended in a 3-2 victory for the home team.

Scholarship holder Mathew Jones from Aberystwyth, started an undergraduate degree programme in Sport and Exercise Science at the University’s Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS) in September 2018. Mathew said: “I’m enjoying my first term in university. It’s challenging but I’m working hard and, as it’s different to anything I’ve done before, it’s an exciting time!”. Fellow IBERS student and Aber Town FC first team player Nashawn Blake, scored the first goal of the game, giving Aberystwyth University the lead after just six minutes.

Aberystwyth Town FC Chairman, Donald Kane, who was at Park Avenue to watch the match commented: “As a former Aber Uni student, it gave me great pleasure seeing Mathew and Nashawn playing their hearts out for the University, and it was great to see Nashawn score the opening goal of the game. I hope and truly believe this is the start of a great partnership between the Football Club and the University.”

The Aber Town FC scholarship was established earlier this year as part of the University’s sponsorship of Aberystwyth Town FC for the 2018/19 season. Jointly funded by the University and Aberystwyth Town FC, the scholarship is for gifted football players who play for Aber Town’s first team squad as well as representing the University’s team, whilst studying for their University course.

Additional benefits of the scholarship include Platinum membership of the University Sports Centre, football coaching development opportunities, medical insurance, access to physiotherapy, match and training kits.
Scholarship Applications

Applications for next year’s Aberystwyth University and Aberystwyth Town Football Club scholarship are now open until 31 January 2019. Successful candidates will play for Aberystwyth Town Football Club in the Welsh Premier League and also the Aberystwyth University BUCS football team when appropriate.

The scholarship is supported by the University’s Aber Fund which receives donations from alumni all over the world. Further details are available on the University’s website: https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/undergrad/scholarships.

FAW Women's Cup 1st Round
Sunday 14th October
Aberystwyth Town Ladies 5 Merthyr Town Women 0
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Aber Town Ladies will travel to Welsh Premier League side Llandudno in the next round of the Welsh Cup after an excellent victory and performance against fellow Welsh Women's League outfit Merthyr Town. Aber's goalscorers were Tania Wylde (2), Naomi Evans, Lisa Cowdy and Kelly Thomas writes Steven Brookes.

On a sunny day at Park Avenue, the Black and Greens got their Welsh Cup campaign off to a perfect start. Scoring twice in the opening ten minutes. Tania Wylde was the player first to get on the scoresheet. After being put through on goal by Naomi Evans, Wylde kept her composure to complete an excellent counter-attack. Naomi Evans then went from provider to goalscorer. A clever first touch taking the ball past the defender was followed by and impressive strike into the top corner. Both teams came close to scoring the games third goal. Aber goalkeeper Ffion Ashman produced an impressive save from a free kick whilst at the other end Lisa Cowdy came very close on three seperate occasions. There was eventually a third goal though and it was Cowdy who deservedly scored it, firing the ball into the top corner from just inside the box.

The away side improved in the second half but it was the team in green that still looked the more threatening going forward and once again they found the back of the net when set piece specialist Caroline Cooper's corner was headed in by Kelly Thomas from close range, a third goal in as many games for the in form midfielder. Cowdy was still causing the Merthyr defence so many problems with her pace and the youngster came close again to scoring, this time though she was denied by a fine save. Aber still had time to increase their lead  further and did so through Tania Wylde. A first time cross by Thomas was volleyed in from just outside the six-yard box for Wylde's second of the game and Aber's fifth.

This was an outstanding performance from the Black and Greens against good opposition which will surely give the players a lot of confidence ahead of their second round tie against top-tier side Llandudno next month. Until then though Aber's focus will return back to the league as they continue their push for promotion.

For match highlights please click here,