Dafabet Welsh Premier League
Friday 10th March (ko 8pm) Aberystwyth Town v Newtown Fab Fridays return to Park Avenue tomorrow after an absence of three and a half months with Aberystwyth Town in good heart ahead of a mid Wales Derby at home to Newtown, after a positive performance in difficult conditions at Rhyl last weekend. Goals from Geoff Kellaway and Mark Jones put Aber in the driving seat before a late free kick from Toby Jones salvaged a draw for the hosts late on. Their opponents on Friday Newtown were the only team in the Play Off Conference to win last weekend and as a result they now sit top of the pile, four points ahead of the Black and Greens with a superior goal difference. A good result for Matthew Bishop's men is therefore a must if they are to challenge the Robins for a UEFA Europa League Play Off spot come May. With five goals scored in their last two games Aber have started to look much more of a force going forward, and Pip Baker's signing should shore things up at the back to give Town a solid platform to attack from. The good news for Town's Manager is that barring a few niggles he has a fully fit squad to pick from and they are raring to go after an encouraging training session last night. Aber took four points off Newtown over Christmas time, with late goals earning Town a 1-0 win at Park Avenue on Boxing Day, and a 2-2 draw at Latham Park on New Year's Eve. However Robins Manager Chris Hughes has masterminded a spectacular recovery since those matches as Newtown went on to draw with TNS before winning all four of their Play Off Conference matches to date. The Black and Greens will be hoping to emulate this form in order to ensure a positive end of season bounce. Kick off at Park Avenue is at the slightly later time of 8pm, with admission set at £6 for Adults, £4 Concessions and £1 for Kids. Black and Greens fans who also love the oval ball will be pleased to hear that the Wales v Ireland Rugby International will be shown in its entirety in the John Charles Lounge, with Carling on Offer at £2.50 from 7pm. The main intrigue however will be on the field of play, with Town's chase for a Euro Play Off Spot right on the agenda. Fab Fridays: it's an Aber thing! Welsh Premier Development League (South)
Sunday 5th March Aberystwyth Town U19s 2 Penybont U19s 4 After a few weeks of postponed fixtures, Aber’s U19s finally got back to action as they hosted Penybont at Park Avenue on Sunday, writes Gwion ap Dafydd. The first big chance of the game fell to Harri Horwood when he was sent through on goal from a long ball, but Penybont’s keeper was quick off his line and managed to block Horwood’s effort with his chest. Horwood had another chance a few minutes later, which he took by rounding the keeper and slotting the ball into the empty net, after latching on to Tomos Evans’ through ball. Aber’s lead only lasted 5 minutes, when a loose pass was picked up by a Penybont midfielder, and he drove towards the box before squaring the ball to Matt Symons who finished calmly. Penybont doubled their lead 4 minutes later as Symons tapped in a cross from the right hand side. The visitors doubled their lead before half time with a carbon copy of their second goal which sealed striker Symons' hattrick. Aber started the second half on the front foot and managed to pull a goal back in the 51st minute as Carwyn Morgan played the ball up towards Alex Davies, and he passed the ball to Siôn Ewart who cut inside and hit a left footed effort which squeezed underneath the goalkeeper. The hosts kept pushing for an equaliser throughout the second half and had a great chance towards the end of the match, but Jack Rimmer’s placed effort flew inches past the post. Penybont scored their fourth in stoppage time with Jamie Appleby's curling shot from the edge of the box. Team: Oliver Farebrother, Tomos Evans, Dafydd Morgan, Daniel Hopton, Carwyn Morgan, Siôn Ewart, Harri Horwood, Alex Davies, Jack Rimmer, Ryan Evans, Josh Crowl. Subs: Liam Doherty, Ianto ap Dafydd, Tega Emeseh and Gethin ap Dafydd (unused). Siôn Ewart on the ball. Photo by Colin Ewart. After their impressive performances in the last tournament in January Aber Stars travelled to Llandeilo on the 19th February full of confidence and belief and it turned out to be a fantastic day for Aber Stars Disability team.
15 players attended the tournament for Aber Stars, their joint highest number of the season. Three of the players joined a Championship level team. These players were Meilyr Llwyd, Peter Williams and Dave Baker. All three of the players seemed to enjoy the day and they’re already looking forward to our next tournament. Our Premier League team was captained by James Vaughan. They impressed in their opening match winning 3-0. They lost 3-1 in their second match against the 1st of two Swansea teams. Then they managed a great 2-1 victory in their third match. Unfortunately, the day ended with a second defeat to the second Swansea side 3-0. The Prem team can be very proud of their performances including a good performance in goal from Gwyn Morgan and multiple goals from Alex Evans and Dawid Mrowczynski. The Champions League team usually struggle in their opening matches but this was not the case this time and won 2-0 against Bridgend. Their second match was very entertaining and ended in a 2-2 draw against the first of two Swansea sides. Aber’s performance in their third match was up there with one of their best this season. The team managed a 9-1 victory over Cleddau. Their toughest match was expected to be Swansea’s second team but Aber put in yet another fantastic performance and ended the day with a brilliant 4-2 victory. There is no doubt this was the Champions League team’s best tournament for quite a while. If there was a league table Aber would have finished on the top of it. Every outfield player for the Champions League team were on the scoresheet. Paul-Luke scored the most whilst captain Sean Anderson and Defender Joe Easton scored their first ever goals at this level. The two DJ’s both pulled out their DJ Celebration to celebrate their rare goals. Derfel Reynolds, Iestyn Jones and Steven Brookes also scored for the Stars in Llandeilo. Player-Manager, Steven Brookes said “The whole squad have been working so hard in training and we all went into the tournament with belief that we could do well and the Championship, Prem League and Champions League teams all impressed and should all be very happy”. Captain Sean Anderson said the day went “extremely well” and the team “can be proud of how we played”. Sean was very happy to get on the scoresheet for the first time. “It was superb to get my first goal for the club and the team build up for the goal was amazing”. Iestyn Jones was on the scoresheet four times and wanted to dedicate his goals to his sister Ellen who sadly passed away recently. Pictured Below - 7 of the 15 players that played for Aber Stars in Llandeilo on Sunday the 19th February Dafabet Welsh Premier League
Friday 3rd March Rhyl 2 Aberystwyth Town 2 Aberystwyth Town overcame a nightmare four hour journey last night to return from Rhyl with a valuable point which was the least they deserved after a positive performance at Belle Vue. Josh Davies' fifth minute opener for the hosts was cancelled out by a penalty from Mark Jones (15 minutes) and a low strike from Geoff Kellaway (27), but Toby Jones' 83rd minute free kick evened things up again, ensuring the points were shared in a match Aber could not afford to lose. The Black and Greens' Coach was delayed for 90 minutes by an accident near Bala, and the team arrived just five minutes before the regulation kick off, meaning the start was delayed by half an hour. Phil Baker, signed on loan from TNS the day before, came straight into the Centre of defence along with Sam Rodon, and Mark Jones once again lead the line. The visitors however made an excellent start with Kellaway bringing an early save from Dan Lavercombe, before firing over seconds later. Despite a positive start Aber got caught on the break and Davies turned before firing low into Chris Mullock's lead to give Rhyl the lead. Notwithstanding this setback Aber bossed the first half and responded brilliantly. Effervescant Macolm Melvin curled a shot which tested Lavercombe again, Dan Alfei fired over and Luke Borelli's left wing cross lead to a powerful Melvin header which was blocked. Next Baker aimed a free kick into the area and Jones was fouled in the area, only to pick himself up and blast home the equaliser from the penalty spot. Before long Aber had the lead they so richly deserved, as a Baker free kick once again caused consternation and Kellaway pounced to volley home Aber's second through a crowd of players. Rhyl won a free kick in a dangerous area which Zyaac Edwards fired straight at Mullock, but then normal service was resumed as Melvin and Jones down the right set up Kellaway who brought another save from Lavercombe. Despite Aber's dominance of possession and chances Steve Lewis did have a shot cleared off the line by Alfei right at the end, but home supporters could not complain about Matthew Bishop's men leading after a dominant first 45 minutes. Rhyl were losing a must win game and of course they responded after the break, dominating the first five minutes without creating any meaningful opportunities. Then Sam Rodon headed back for Kellaway to fire another goalbound salvo which was blocked, and minutes later Kellaway was again denied by a terrific save in a one on one down the right. With Baker and Rodon fronted by Sherbon and Crowther at the back dealing well with the inevitable arial barrage Aber were still a threat going forward with sub Lee Healey firing in a terrific ball across the goal which evaded everyone. Healey was then released down the right to set up Alfei but the Swansea based right back couldn't quite finish the chance. As the game deteriorated into a stop start affair it seemed that only set pieces could threaten Aber's lead and so it was, as a free kick conceded in a central area gave Jones the chance to curl a brilliant free kick into Mullock's net for an equaliser which was very harsh on the visitors. With Aber tiring after a very long day, the game entered injury time at 10pm and Cledan Davies' free kick almost dropped in at the far post, before a Rhyl corner with 20 seconds of injury time to go caused palpitations which proved to be unfounded, as an enjoyable game ended all square. Given last night's circumstances the Black and Greens must be complimented on putting on a stirring attacking performance, and although the win was not there for the Seasiders on this occasion, further similar performances in Aber's last six matches will bring greater rewards for sure. Their next opponents are Mid Wales rivals Newtown next Friday night at Park Avenue, with entertainment guaranteed. Atfc.org.uk apologises for the delay in producing this match report. It was a late night! Friday 3rd Match (ko 7.45pm)
Dafabet Welsh Premier League Play Off Conference Rhyl v Aberystwyth Town Aberystwyth Town look to get their European quest back on the road with a Friday night face off in Denbighshire against Rhyl FC. A heartbreaking 4-3 defeat at home to Llandudno after an absolute classic of a game at Park Avenue eleven days ago was scant consolation for an Aber side which contributed so much going forward in that game. Even Llandudno Manager Alan Morgan admitted that either side could have won the game, with new signing Mark Jones giving Town a real focal point going forward. Clearly Aber Manager Matthew Bishop will have been disappointed to concede four goals at home and his side will need to improve their defensive performance if they are to get anything on Friday night. However the biggest plus for the Manager against Llandudno was his side’s incessant onslaught on the visitors goal late on. Even after Luke Sherbon had a late penalty saved Town had more chances to notch a sensational equaliser: “We kept going all the way to the end, which we’ll need to do every week. We didn’t give in, and we’ll need everyone to get together now, fans and Players for the rest of the season. We stand together, win or lose.” Opponents Rhyl have had an inconsistent season but on their day can beat most sides at home, as witnessed when they beat a confident Aber side 3-1 back in August, having conceded first. They also beat Bala at home in January so the Black and Greens know they will need to be at their best to get anything up on the North Wales Coast. Kick off up at Belle Vue is at 7.45pm and Supporters should be at Park Avenue by 3.45pm if they wish to make the Coach. A return trip will cost £10 and your support would be greatly appreciated. We Stand Together! |
Gem Nesaf
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Ebost / Email: AberTownFC@live.co.uk
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