JD Welsh Cup: Third Round 
Saturday 2nd December (2:30p.m Kick Off)
Aberystwyth Town v Bala Town
 
Aberystwyth Town begin their JD Welsh Cup campaign on Saturday afternoon as they host current Welsh Cup holders Bala Town in what is a huge cup-tie at Park Avenue. Aber have enjoyed some success in the competition in recent years, having reached the final under Brian Coyne in 2009 as well as reaching the 2014 final under manager Ian Hughes. Town will again be looking for a magical cup run this season as they aim to overcome a massive hurdle by beating current champions Bala Town at Park Avenue this weekend. Aber enter the game with momentum, after a convincing 3-0 victory over Newtown last Friday night, and will be looking to avenge their recent 2-1 league defeat to the lakesiders just two weeks ago.
 
Manager Nev Powell outlined the importance and significance of the Welsh Cup not only for himself, but for the club and supporters ahead of Saturday’s game. In an interview with Aber Town’s Youtube channel after last weekend’s victory over Newtown, Powell stated; “Saturday’s game is a huge one for us, and the Welsh Cup means a lot to me as well as the club”.  Indeed, the competition certainly holds a special place in Powell’s heart, with Aber’s manager having won the trophy on three consecutive occasions with Bangor City between 2008 and 2010 (including a 2-0 victory over Aber in the 2009 final).  The black and green faithful will certainly be hopeful of witnessing some of that magical cup fever this season.
 
Town will hope to field a fully fit squad for Saturday’s game, with John Owen and Luke Borrelli likely to be back in contention having missed last weekend’s victory over Newtown. Striker Craig Hobson will again be pushing for a place in the starting line-up after his impressive brace against Newtown. Having struggled with injuries earlier in the season, “Hobbo” now believes he’s starting to reach full fitness and hit peak form. In an interview with Aber Town’s Youtube channel after last weekend’s victory, Hobson stated; “Hopefully the injuries are behind me now and I’m looking to kick on and score more goals and help the team this season”. With such an array of attacking options, manager Nev Powell may be left with a selection headache, albeit a good one, going into Saturday’s match.
 
Vistors Bala Town are the current Welsh Cup holders, having claimed a memorable 2-1 victory over The New Saints in last season’s final, and will certainly be looking to defend their title this season. They travel to Park Avenue on the back of a 5-0 league defeat away at Bangor City last weekend, but having beaten Aber at Park Avenue just two weeks ago.
 
In what promises to be a memorable cup-tie, kick off at Park Avenue is at 2:30p.m on Saturday, and admission costs £7 for adults, £4 concessions and £1 for children. Come on down and get a feel for that Welsh Cup fever that Park Avenue never fails to produce. 
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Park Avenue, home of Aberystwyth Town, has been chosen as the host venue for this season’s Nathaniel MG Cup final between Cardiff Met and The New Saints of Oswestry Town.

The final, traditionally the first of the Welsh football season, will be played on Saturday 20th January at 5.15pm, and will be shown live on S4C’s Sgorio.

The ground has a long tradition of hosting major Welsh finals, and this will be the thirteenth time that Aber have hosted the final of this competition. Their last final was four seasons ago, when Carmarthen Town defeated Bala Town on penalties.

Andrew Howard, FAW Head of Competitions, said: “We’re pleased to be taking this season’s final to Aberystwyth. Park Avenue has a good track record of hosting FAW cup finals, from this competition to Welsh Cup and FAW Trophy. We’re expecting a good game between two of the top sides in this season’s JD Welsh Premier League, and we’re hopeful that Met fans, Saints fans and neutrals alike will come out and support Welsh football’s first major final of the season.”

Thomas Crockett, Marketing Director at Aberystwyth Town, said: “We’re delighted and honoured to be asked to host this prestigious cup final. We have a close relationship with both Cardiff Met and The New Saints, and therefore we’re excited to host this event. We’ll do everything we can to make sure it is a wonderful occasion and a celebration of Welsh football.”

Ticketing information will be released in due course.

JD Welsh Premier League
Friday 24th November
Aberystwyth Town 3-0 Newtown 

Aberystwyth Town striker Craig Hobson netted a second half brace as Nev Powell's men ran out comfortable 3-0 victors against Newtown at Park Avenue on Friday evening. Aber opened the scoring on 30 minutes as John McKenna prodded home Matthew Jones' header back across goal, before Craig Hobson headed home Ryan Wade's cross on 52 minutes and then converted Joe Phillips' excellent pass to make it 3-0 on 72 minutes. The win lifts Town up to 10th place in the JD Welsh Premier League, and leaves them now just 5 points off a spot in the league's top 6.

Both sides struggled to get an early foothold in the game, as both defences looked solid with neither side able to create any clear-cut chances throughout the opening stages. Aber were dealt a blow on 13 minutes as captain Jonny Spittle was forced off with a groin injury, with young starlet Jack Rimmer coming on as his replacement. Twenty-five minutes passed without either goalkeeper having to make a notable save, but Aber began to up the tempo in search of the opening goal. On 30 minutes they were rewarded for their endeavour, as Ashley Young sent a corner kick towards the back post, where Matthew Jones rose highest to head back across goal for John McKenna to prod the ball into the net from five yards out and make it 1-0. Soon after, McKenna almost doubled his tally for the evening as he dragged Matthew Jones’ brilliant cross narrowly wide of the post. Newtown searched for a way back into the game, and on 38 minutes Nick Rushton saw his header comfortably saved by Chrs Mullock, before Kieran Mills-Evans headed over from a corner kick.  As the half-time whistle approached and the hail came down, Aber had time for one more attack as midfield maestro Malcolm Melvin drove forward but saw his shot go narrowly over the crossbar, and it was to remain 1-0 at the break.
 
As the sleet and hail eased up, the second half started in much brighter fashion than the first, with Geoff Kellaway coming on as a substitute for the injured Jack Rimmer. Newtown upped the tempo as they searched for an equaliser, and Chris Mullock was called into action on 51 minutes after a dangerous low shot from Luke Boundford. However, on 52 minutes Aber doubled their lead with their first meaningful attack of the second half. Ryan Wade brought the ball down brilliantly on the right flank, before turning his marker inside-out and sending a delightful cross to the back post where Craig Hobson was on hand to hammer home a powerful header and make it 2-0. The Aber striker was evidently ecstatic as he sprinted towards the bench to celebrate with manager Nev Powell. The hosts suddenly had momentum as John McKenna again went close after Newtown goalie Dave Jones saved his downwards header. In a final throw of the dice, former Aber talisman Jamie Reed was introduced from the visitors’ bench to try and salvage a point, but Aber were defending resolutely and pressing Newtown players all over the park with speed and intensity.  
On 72 minutes, Aber well and truly put the game to bed as Joe Phillips went on a weaving run down the left flank and put in a fantastic delivery for Hobson to convert at the front post and make it 3-0, much to the delight of the home supports who had braved the cold to come out and watch. Rather than sit back and defend their lead, Aber continued to attack with pace and played some wonderful passing football in the closing stages. On 77 minutes, Ryan Wade went close to getting the goal his performance deserved, as he fired a shot narrowly over the crossbar, before Hobson almost grabbed his hat-trick as he swivelled and shot into the side-netting. Newtown appeared to be well beaten, as the hosts continued to push forwards, with Wade again going close on 88 minutes as he pounced on an error by Ryan Sears and rounded the goalkeeper, only for the angle to become too tight for a shot. Rising star Harri Horwood replaced the excellent Joe Phillips on 89 minutes for his JD Welsh Premier League debut as Aber saw the game out to earn a vital three points.
 
Another excellent and balanced team performance from Nev Powell’s men, who climb to 10th place in the JD Welsh Premier League after last night’s victory. More importantly, Aber now lie just five points off a top 6 place as they enter their final run-in of seven league games before the league splits in January. Firstly, Town now turn their attention to next Saturday’s Welsh Cup clash with Bala Town at Park Avenue. 
 

JD Welsh Premier League
Friday 24th November (8p.m Kick Off)
Aberystwyth Town v Newtown
 
Aberystwyth Town face their second home JD Welsh Premier League fixture in seven days as they host Mid-Wales rivals Newtown at Park Avenue on Friday evening. Town come into Friday’s game on the back of consecutive defeats, most recently at the hands of Bala Town, after a brace from Mike Hayes gave the lakesiders all three points last weekend. Aber’s form has picked up in recent weeks however, after picking up eleven points from their six league games prior to their defeat away at Bangor on November 7th. Town will now look to get back on track with a positive result against a resurgent Newtown side on Friday evening at Park Avenue.
 
Despite suffering defeat in last weekend’s home clash with Bala, manager Nev Powell insisted his side could have claimed at least one point from the game, stating; “I felt the performance was quite good and we’ve rattled the crossbar a few times and been unlucky”. In addition, Powell outlined the importance of maintaining the togetherness within his squad as they enter Friday night’s crucial Mid-Wales derby, stating; “There’s good players and a good squad in there as well as a great spirit so as long as that continues we’ll win more games than we lose”. Indeed, as Aber enter their most important period of the season to date, they remain hopeful of grabbing a top 6 finish when the league splits in late January and will be reliant upon a strong run of results at Park Avenue.
 
Friday’s visitors Newtown come into the game on the back of consecutive JD Welsh Premier League victories against Carmarthen Town and Barry Town, having lost 1-0 in the semi final of the Nathaniel MG Cup to Cardiff Met in between those two fixtures. They currently lie in 9th place in the league table. In the reverse fixture earlier this campaign, Aber fell to their heaviest defeat of the season as Newtown ran out 4-0 winners at Latham Park largely thanks to a second half brace from Joe Kenton. Aber will be looking to avenge that defeat this time around as they aim to make home advantage tell on Friday evening.
 
In what is sure to be another fiery Mid-Wales derby, both teams will be looking to secure a big three points in their bid to make the top 6. Come on down in what is likely to be another big turnout at Park Avenue and cheer on the boys to get the result they want. Kick off is at 8p.m and admission costs £7 for adults, £4 concessions and £1 for children.
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Aberystwyth Town FC lend support to Stonewall's Rainbow Laces campaign this weekend.
Bydd CPD Tref Aberystwyth yn cenfogi ymgyrch Careiau’r Enfys yr wythnos yma.

The campaign aims to make sport everyone’s game by creating an environment that’s inclusive for LGBT fans and players. Every year Stonewall ask sports organisations to help raise awareness of anti-LGBT abuse, by asking clubs to show their support for the LGBT community. Research carried out last year found that 72% of football fans have heard anti-LGBT remarks at games over the last five years.

The Football Association of Wales (FAW), JD Welsh Premier League (WPL) and Orchard Welsh Premier Women’s League (WPWL) will all be supporting the campaign, which runs from 24th November to 3rd December.

The FAW will be promoting the campaign ahead of and during Wales’ Women’s World Cup Qualifier at home to Kazakhstan on Friday 24th November at the Cardiff City Stadium. Jayne Ludlow’s squad will wear rainbow laces during the game and promotional messages will be included in the match programme and around the stadium.

The WPL will be supporting the campaign during MD15 over the weekend of 24th-26th November. The WPWL will be supporting the campaign during their League Cup quarter-finals on the 3rd December, and on a couple of league fixtures scheduled for the campaign week, including a top of the table clash between Swansea City and Cardiff Met on Sunday 26th. Clubs in both leagues and below are also being encouraged to show their support for the campaign throughout the action week.

Jonathan Ford, Chief Executive of the FAW, said, “We are delighted to be joining forces with Stonewall Cymru on this year’s Rainbow Laces campaign. Sport brings us together. We celebrate together, we commiserate together. As Wales’ most popular sport, football has the power to bring people together like no other game, and our game is for everyone. That is why we are backing the campaign. There is no place for discrimination anywhere in sport and we hope that our support for Rainbow Laces will firmly reiterate that message.”

Andrew White, Director of Stonewall Cymru, said: ‘So many people make sport happen, not just the players or the managers – it’s everyone who attends a match, everyone who cheers on their team. To truly make sport everyone’s game, everyone needs to be involved and we’re thrilled to see Welsh football step up and show their support. Leadership like this makes it easier for others to stand up, speak out and be a proud ally to lesbian, gay, bi and trans people.’

Bydd Pêl-droed Cymru’n cefnogi ymgyrch ‘Careiau Enfys’ Stonewall yn ddiweddarach y mis yma. Bwriad yr ymgyrch yw creu naws cynhwysol ar gyfer chwaraewyr a chefnogwyr LGBT. 

Yn flynyddol, mae Stonewall yn gofyn i gyrff gweinyddol godi ymwybyddiaeth am gamdriniaeth LGBT drwy ofyn i glybiau ddangos eu cefnogaeth yn gyhoeddus i’r gymuned LGBT. Mae ymchwil diweddar yn cadarnhau bod 72% o gefnogwyr pêl-droed wedi clywed sylwadau gwrth-LGBT mewn gemau yn ystod y pum mlynedd ddiwethaf.
Bydd Cymdeithas Bêl-droed Cymru, Uwch Gynghrair Cymru JD ac Uwch Gynghrair Merched Cymru Orchard yn cefnogi’r ymgyrch fydd yn digwydd rhwng Tachwedd y 24ain a’r 3ydd o Ragfyr.

Bydd CBDC yn hyrwyddo’r ymgyrch cyn, ac yn ystod gêm Ragbrofol y Merched ar gyfer Cwpan y Byd yn erbyn Casachstan yn Stadiwm Dinas Caerdydd ar y 24ain o Dachwedd. Bydd carfan Jayne Ludlow yn gwisgo careiau lliwiau’r enfys yn ystod yr ornest a bydd negeseuon o gefnogaeth i’r ymgyrch yn cael eu cynnwys yn y rhaglen swyddogol ac o amgylch y stadiwm.

Bydd clybiau Uwch Gynghrair Cymru JD yn dangos eu cefnogaeth dros benwythnos Tachwedd y 24ain-26ain. Bydd Uwch Gynghrair y Merched yn neilltuo penwythnos y 3ydd o Ragfyr i ddangos eu cefnogaeth nhw yn ystod eu gemau yng Nghwpan y Cynghrair. Yn ogystal bydd y gornestau yn y Cynghrair fydd yn cael eu chwarae ddydd Sul y 26ain o Dachwedd yn ymuno yn yr ymgyrch, gan gynnwys y frwydr ar y brig rhwng Abertawe a Met Caerdydd.

Dywedodd Jonathan Ford, Prif Weithredwr CBDC: ‘’Rydym yn hynod falch ein bod yn cydweithio gyda Stonewall Cymru gydag ymgyrch Careiau’r Enfys eleni. Mae chwaraeon yn gallu dylanwadu’n gadarnhaol ar bobl mewn gorfoledd ac wrth golli ac fel camp mwyaf poblogaidd Cymru, mae gan bêl-droed y gallu i ddod  phawb at ei gilydd. Mae’r gamp ar gael i un ac oll a dyna pam yr ydym yn cefnogi’r ymgyrch yma.’Does dim lle i wahaniaethu yn erbyn gwahanol bobl ym myd chwaraeon ac ‘rydym yn gobeithio y bydd y ffaith ein bod yn cefnogi’r ymgyrch hon yn cadarnhau’r neges honno."

Dywedodd Andrew White, Cyfarwyddwr Stonewall Cymru: “Mae cymaint o bobl yn ymwneud ’r byd chwaraeon - boed hynny’n gefnogwyr, chwaraewyr neu reolwyr. Er mwyn sicrhau bod chwaraeon ar gael i bawb, mae’n rhaid gweithredu’n gadarnhaol. ‘Rydym fel mudiad, wrth ein bodd bod y Gymdeithas Bêl-droed ar flaen y gd gyda’i chefnogaeth. Mae arweiniad fel hyn yn rhoi hyder i bobl hoyw, lesbaidd, deurywiol a thrawsrywiol”.

Sunday 19th November 2017
SWWGL Women’s Alun Evans Cup Group Stage
Aberystwyth Town Ladies 1 Cardiff Met Development 1
 
A second half equaliser for the away side meant Aber Town Ladies started their League Cup campaign with a hard-fought draw after Helen Evans gave the home side the lead from the penalty spot, writes Steven Brookes.

After a good run of results recently, Aber looked full of confidence and started the better of the two teams. Most of the play was inside the opposition’s half but unfortunately the home side couldn’t create many clear-cut opportunities. With just over half an hour gone Town were awarded a penalty when Naomi Evans was fouled inside the box. Helen Evans was the player to take the penalty and confidently put the ball into the bottom left corner to give the home side a deserved lead. 

The away team looked like a completely different side in the second half and dominated the early stages. Within the opening ten minutes Cardiff Met levelled the scores. A low diagonal ball into the box found Sophie Griffiths and her effort beat Ffion Ashman and ended up in the back of the net. Met then thought they’d taken the lead after an excellent strike at the back post but the referee disallowed the goal for offside. The Black and Greens did improve and created a few chances of their own, but the away side were looking very dangerous on the counter attack. Deep into added time Cardiff Met very nearly won the match, but a header inside the box ended up on the roof of the net and the match ended all square.
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Aberystwyth travel to Barry next week for their second match in this competition and will hope they can continue this good form.