Haverfordwest County vs Aberystwyth Town
Tuesday 13th April, 7.45pm KO JD Cymru Premier MATCH BEHIND CLOSED DOORS Aberystwyth Town’s JD Cymru Premier Phase Two continues tonight in Pembrokeshire as Gavin Allen’s men travel south to face Haverfordwest County. The Black & Greens are still in with a chance of the coveted 7th spot, currently occupied by Tuesday’s hosts, despite Friday’s last-minute defeat to Mid Wales rivals Newtown. 8 points separate Aber from the all-important final playoff place, with 9 games still to play. Haverfordwest, led by former ATFC Assistant Manager Wayne Jones, have had an excellent first season back in the Cymru Premier. They came extremely close to gaining a place in the top six following the first phase, losing out on the final matchday before the split and many would agree that is a shame that licencing criteria will prevent them from competing in the playoffs should they finish in 7th place. Like Aber, The Bluebirds will be looking to bounce back from a last-minute defeat last weekend (away to Cefn Druids) and in Danny Williams and Jack Wilson they have two of the biggest threats in the league. Williams has hit 9 goals this season, whilst Wilson has 8. Ben Fawcett has added an additional 5. For the Seasiders, the games keep coming thick and fast after this one, with Flint Town United next up at Park Avenue on Friday evening followed by a trip to Cefn Druids a week tonight, before the visit of Cardiff Met Uni to Ceredigion on Friday 23rd. It should prove to be an exciting few weeks for the Black & Green Army! Twelve years ago this week, Aber Town recorded one of the most famous results in the club’s history at tonight’s venue, in the Semi-Final of the 2009 Welsh Cup. A Geoff Kellaway double and a header from Aneurin Thomas in extra time against Carmarthen Town sent the Seasiders into the Welsh Cup Final for the first time in 109 years. Tonight’s match may not carry the same importance as that famous afternoon, but if it starts off a run that propels the Black & Greens into the playoffs it could well be another night that is talked about in years to come! As per all games so far this season, no supporters will be admitted into Bridge Meadow for this evening’s match, but you can keep up to date with all the action on our Twitter feed @AberystwythTown. Jordan Evans’ 93rd minute winner dented Aber’s hopes of earning the coveted 7th spot in the Playoff Conference as the Robins left Mid Wales with the bragging rights and the share of the spoils. The first game in Phase Two looked to be heading towards a 1-1 draw following goals from Marc Williams and Tyrone Ofori apiece until substitute Evans intercepted the ball in midfield and rifled the ball past Alex Pennock in the home goal. The game was preceded with a minute silence in honour of the Duke of Edinburgh who’d died earlier that afternoon. When the game got going, there were two changes in the starting XI from last week and both were forced from suspension. Pennock started between the sticks in place of Connor Roberts who was red carded late on during last week's victory against Druids whilst there was a return for skipper Marc Williams in place of Jamie Veale who missed out as a result of yellow cards accumulation. With a famous Aberystwyth sunset forming a sumptuous spring backdrop for the evening’s entertainment, both teams started the contest well and the game. The first chance of the night fell to Aber winger Owain Jones, who cut inside his man but could only drag his shot wide whilst at the other end, Callum Roberts forced a smart stop from Pennock, making his first appearance since late November. The visitors enjoyed the majority of the ball whilst Aber’s midfield of Jack Thorn, Harry Franklin and Marc Williams were industrious with their work rate in the middle. They disrupted the flow of the visitors game and helped Aber look dangerous on the counter attack but they couldn't quite muster that final ball in the attacking third. After half an hour, the visitors had the best opportunity of the half. Former Seasider Craig Williams’ cross from the right hand side was met by a glancing header from Nick Rushton but thankfully, the experienced JD Cymru Premier talisman was unable to get his effort low enough as the ball landed narrowly over the bar. With just seconds left to play in the first period, Aber took the lead. Matthew Jones’ corner from the left hand side was met superbly by Williams who powered his header into the far corner of the goal. If Chris Hughes’ side were feeling sorry for themselves at going in behind at the interval, it didn’t show as they came out after half time in a calm and composed manner. The visitors were comfortable with the ball which they enjoyed for huge sums of the second stanza and pressured the Aber goal throughout the half. Ofori, Roberts and Alex Fletcher all went close for the visitors but could not get the goal they were so desperately seeking thanks to staunch defensive work from the home side, marshalled impressively by Louis Bradford and Lee Jenkins. Aber’s main attacking threat was coming through long balls and with the experience of Shane Sutton and Kieran Mills-Evans to contend with, Jonathan Evans did well to continue to ensure Gavin Allen’s men still had some sort of chance at doubling the lead. In fact, the Seasiders’ best chance of the second half fell to the former Penrhyncoch man but he could only curl his shot wide. With the game progressing into the final quarter of an hour, the Robins’ pressure finally relented when Ofori, who’d been busy throughout, beat Pennock with a close finish to level the contest. A draw suited neither side and both sides were desperate for three points to keep the pressure on Haverfordwest County in 7th and both sides had chances to get the victory. Pennock tipped a Jamie Breeze header superbly onto his crossbar, Thorn heroically blocked an Evans shot to keep the scores level. For Aber, a freekick was pumped into the box but the visitors were able to deal with the set piece well. But with seconds to go, the Robins earned the three points and the bragging rights. A slack pass inside the Aber half was pounced upon by Evans. He drove at the Black and Greens defence before unleashing a powerful drive into the back of the net; sparking jubilant scenes from the men in red around Park Avenue. A first home defeat since mid-December will be tough to stomach for the Seasiders but with a trip on Tuesday to 7th place County to come on Tuesday and a home tie against Flint Town United next Friday, there are plenty of opportunities to build another run in the relentless pursuit of a 7th place finish. Aberystwyth Town vs Newtown
JD Cymru Premier Friday 9th April – 7.45pm KO MATCH BEHIND CLOSED DOORS The second phase of Cymru Premier fixtures kicks off on Friday with Newtown making a quick return to Ceredigion, having visited only three weeks ago in the first phase. On that occasion, Harry Franklin’s excellent solo goal was enough to win both the game in question, and March’s Goal of the Month competition, although Aber also had Connor Roberts to thank late on as he saved Alex Fletcher’s penalty to secure the three points. Roberts is unfortunately facing a suspension ahead of this match, following his dismissal against Cefn Druids last weekend. Local lad Alex Pennock will once again be called upon, and he has already shown what he is capable of at home this season, with an excellent performance when deputising against The New Saints back in October. Newtown were one of the form sides following the restart in early March, with three wins in their first four matches and despite losing their last three, they have managed to pull well clear of the lower places in the league during this period. Currently in 9th position with 20 points, they will no doubt be eyeing up a late charge for 7th place and a shot at a European place through the playoffs. The same can be said for Gavin Allen’s Seasiders, who have been superb since play restarted last month. Losing only once in six games, the Black & Greens have remained unbeaten at home during this time and have taken 11 points from these matches – more than doubling their tally for the season. In the last five league outings, only top of the table Connah’s Quay Nomads can better Aber’s return of 10 points. This upturn in form means that Aber finish the first phase in 8th place, with 21 points from 22 games. The fixtures for the second phase have been released and all Cymru Premier teams face a busy six weeks, with the league scheduled to finish in mid-May. All of Aber’s matches in April will be played on Friday and Tuesday evenings, with two away Saturday fixtures, including a final day trip to Latham Park to face this Friday’s opponents to finish the season. Government guidance still means that no spectators can be admitted into Park Avenue to watch the match, but as always, your support is greatly appreciated by the players and Aberystwyth Town FC cannot wait for the day that fans are allowed back into the ground. For the time being, you can follow all the action on our Twitter @AberystwythTown. Come on you Black & Greens! The fixtures for Phase Two of the 2020/21 JD Cymru Season have been announced this afternoon ahead of the commencement of the Playoff Conference next weekend.
Aber finished Phase One in great form, finishing in eight position after a run of 3 wins, two draws and a solitary defeat in the six games following the resumption of top flight football in Wales. Gavin Allen’s side begin their charge towards 7th with a home tie against Mid Wales rivals Newtown next Friday night (19:45 KO). Aber’s first away trip follows the Tuesday afterwards with another derby game; this time in the West against Haverfordwest County . The Seasiders complete a busy week with a home fixture against Flint Town United on Friday 17th April. The Black and Greens’ final home game comes against the Pembrokeshire based Bluebirds on Tuesday 4th May followed by two away trips to complete the campaign. First to Deeside to take on Flint Town United on Saturday 8th May before finishing the second phase with a visit to Latham Park as they take on Newtown on Saturday 15th May. Fixtures Friday 9th April 2021 Aberystwyth Town vs Newtown AFC – 19:45 KO Tuesday 13th April 2021 Haverfordwest County vs Aberystwyth Town – 19:45KO Friday 16th April 2021 Aberystwyth Town vs Flint Town United – 19:45KO Tuesday 20th April 2021 Cefn Druids vs Aberystwyth Town – 19:45KO Friday 23rd April 2021 Aberystwyth Town vs Cardiff Met Uni – 19:45KO Tuesday 27th April 2021 Aberystwyth Town vs Cefn Druids – 19:45KO Friday 30th April 2021 Cardiff Met Uni. vs Aberystwyth Town – 19:45KO Tuesday 4th May 2021 Aberystwyth Town vs Haverfordwest County - 19:45KO Saturday 8th May 2021 Flint Town United vs Aberystwyth Town – 14:30KO Saturday 15th May 2021 Newtown AFC vs Aberystwyth Town – KO TBC Aberystwyth Town saw out the first part of the JD Cymru Premier Season in style with a 3-1 victory against bottom side Cefn Druids.
A scintillating first half performance which saw Gavin Allen’s side score three goals put the Seasiders firmly in command of the tie. Despite an Alex Darlington’s penalty and the hosts getting keeper Connor Roberts sent off in the second half, they held firm to earn their third home win since the resumption of top flight football in Wales. With Marc Williams suspended and former Ancients marksman Jamie Reed carrying a knock, Allen made two changes to his starting charges. Jon Owen and Jonathan Evans came into the starting line up in their places. On a beautiful April evening in which Park Avenue was bathed in glorious sunshine, the home side made the perfect start to the contest as they took the lead with the game just three minutes old. A long throw from Jack Thorn was flicked on by Lee Jenkins. The header found Owen in the centre of the goal who lashed home a volley into the roof of the net to bag his second goal since returning to Aber in January. Things got worse for the visitors just five minutes later when Harry Franklin was felled in the area with Nick Pratt showing no hesitation pointing to the spot. Matthew Jones was at hand to double the black and green's advantage, sending the keeper the wrong way in the process. Aber were dominant in the opening stanza and were enjoying themselves going forward with the front three of Owen, Evans and Owain Jones causing problems throughout the first half. Owen and Evans both had good chances to increase the advantage further but the former Llandudno man’s shot was saved well by Jones whilst a glanced Evans header landed narrowly over the bar. But Aber didn’t have to wait long until they did increase the advantage and it came from an unusual source. A freekick from the right hand side was whipped into the box, Evans’ initial shot struck the post but the rebound landed kindly to Louis Bradford who just rolled the ball into the bottom corner of the net. Despite Niall Flint nearly reducing the arrears with a low shot late in the half for the visitors, there was still time for a golden chance for the hosts. The ever dangerous Evans broke down the left, cut inside but his goal-bound curling shot was superbly stopped by Michael Jones in the Druids goal. To their credit, Jayson Starkey’s men came out rejuvenated after the break and a much more even contest ensued for the second 45 minutes. The men in red had the majority of the ball but in a similar vain to last week’s game, Aber’s defence were strong in repelling the waves of attacking pressure. Aber born Druids sub Charley Edge was lively for the visitors and it was through him that the Ancients had their best opportunity. The winger cut inside from the left hand side and his goal bound strike was smartly stopped by Roberts at his near post. At the other end, Owen forced Jones into a good stop. The game was meandering towards a low-key conclusion when Flint was brought down in the box. Just like the first half, Pratt pointed to the spot to offer Druids a glimmer of hope. Although Roberts stopped Darlington's initial spot kick, the rebound fell kindly to the seven-time league winner to deny the men from Ceredigion a clean sheet for their afternoon's work. Things got worse for Aber seconds later when Roberts was dismissed for allegedly speaking out of turn to the referee. Reserve keeper Alex Pennock made his way onto the field in place of Evans to plug the gap left by the red card and was called upon in the final minute. Darlington nearly doubled his tally for the afternoon but was denied by the young stopper with a fine stop down low in what transpired to be the final kick of the afternoon. The win marks the Seasiders’ third win out of four at home since the restart and maintains our unbeaten run in Ceredigion in the process. Aber enter the second phase of the season in 8th position and 8 points behind Haverfordwest County in 7th place; a remarkable turnaround for a side who were bottom of the league less than a month ago. News of our next round of fixtures will be available within the next 48 hours. Keep an eye on our website and social media pages over the coming days! Aberystwyth Town vs Cefn Druids
JD Cymru Premier Friday 2nd April – 5pm KO MATCH BEHIND CLOSED DOORS Phase One of the Cymru Premier draws to a close this Friday evening, as Cefn Druids visit Park Avenue. Kick off is at the unusual time of 5pm, as all six fixtures kick off at the same time. It has been a mixed first phase for the Seasiders and can be clearly split into three separate sectors. The first set of fixtures ahead of the firebreak lockdown in late October saw plenty of early promise and some impressive results; a 4-0 win away to Friday’s visitors perhaps the standout result, although the 2-2 draw at home to The New Saints was worthy of plenty of praise also. The second period; between the firebreak lockdown and the third lockdown from late December was a more difficult period, and the Black & Greens did not pick up any wins from these fixtures, although four of these games were against teams currently in the top six, with the other three being away from home. Since football restarted in early March, Aber’s form has been excellent and the team have picked up no less than 8 points from 5 matches, including being unbeaten at home during the month, and this has led to Gavin Allen deservedly being nominated for Manager of the Month. In addition to this, goals from Jamie Veale, Jamie Reed and Harry Franklin have been nominated for Sgorio’s Gol y Mis, and arguably some of the squad can consider themselves unlucky not to have been nominated for Player of the Month also, given their recent form. Friday’s visitors have struggled since the restart and are without a win since December. They will have gained some confidence from holding Cardiff Met to a 0-0 draw in their last outing however, and are well capable of winning away from home, with 2 out of their 3 victories so far this season coming on the road. Druids have a former Seasider in their squad in Steff Edwards, who spent 2010-11 at Park Avenue under Alan Morgan and then returned for an 18-month spell in Summer 2018 before departing for The Rock in January 2020. Current Seasider Jamie Reed will also be coming up against the team that he departed in December, and the club whose academy he coaches in. The reverse fixture in October saw Aber record a comprehensive 4-0 victory, with goals from Jonathan Evans, Marc Williams, Steff Davies & Jack Thorn on an emotional night for everyone involved at Aber Town following the passing of club stalwart Tony Payne earlier in the day. Supporters cannot be admitted into the ground to watch the game, but as always, your support and encouragement online is appreciated by the players and will no doubt have played its own part in the recent upturn in form. Our Twitter account will bring you all the coverage from the match as usual @AberystwythTown. Keep getting behind the lads and thank you for your fantastic support! / Diolch i chi gyd am eich cefnogaeth! |
Gem Nesaf
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Ebost / Email: AberTownFC@live.co.uk
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Cyfeiriad / Address: ATFC Ltd, Park Avenue, Aberystwyth, SY23 1PG.
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