Aberystwyth Town Ladies team head into their second season in the Welsh Women’s Premier League with renewed optimism. Following a difficult season last time around where the side had just two weeks to prepare for the leap up in class, the largely inexperienced side were on the end of a number of shattering defeats. However, despite the troubles they faced, the ladies performed admirably, played with smiles on their faces and continued to battle every week thanks in part to an immovable team spirit within the camp, something that the side continues to have in abundance ahead of this terms campaign. “They proved they wanted to be in this league from their performances every week and after Christmas last season, we looked a new side completely. We had a few ins and outs that balanced us quite well, so it took time but they started to gel really well. The spirit in camp is something that really makes me proud to be involved with this squad and club.” Assistant manager Bryn McGilligan Oliver told atfc.org.uk. The season ended on a positive note with the club picking up some richly deserved silverware. “We won the CWFA Ladies cup and had to beat strong teams along the way, and they deserved that.” But there was no time for the club to rest on their laurels as preparation for this years assault on the Welsh Premier League began immediately following the final whistle. This season sees three teams relegated from the division and it’s crucial that the Black and Greens don’t find themselves in that band of teams. “Us as staff didn't really get much of a break after we won the CWFA Cup at the end of May. Prep was being made throughout June/July and we started training at the end of July. We brought in the new players straight away and they seem to have clicked with the current players which helped us massively going into the friendlies” The ladies are pleased to welcome twelve new faces to the squad. Amongst them are Lowri Walker from Aston Villa, Melanie Pons who joins after moving from France, Amy Hill, a winger from Llanidloes who has just been selected for Wales U17s. Katie Christopher and Rhiannon Towns, a young Goalkeeper and full back respectively from Llandrindod Wells and both were recent inclusion in the Central Wales Under 17’s set up, Lowri Morgan from Penrhyncoch and Josie Pugh a tall strong centre half from Llanidloes amongst others. The successful and extensive recruitment drive has seen Town increase their squad size to 26 ahead of next week's opener which is something that has pleased the coaching staff. “Everyone we have signed has been a great addition to the squad. I believe we have signed the right players for this season.” These new faces join a squad that is already packed with talent and spirit. Captain Ffiona Evans returns again alongside vice captain Stephanie Land. Despite being young, the both have amassed invaluable experience in Black and Green which in turn is beneficial to their teammates. “They are brilliant for us because they help bond the team together and players look up to them. Even players such as Amy Jenkins, who is only 19 now, is classed as a senior head with us, do to her experience over her playing history.“ This summer also saw a huge rise in the popularity of the women’s game both here in Wales and around the UK mainly in thanks to the success of ‘The Lionesses’ in the World Cup. With this in mind, the onus is on the Welsh League to build and continue the momentum generated with interest at an all time high. McGilligan Oliver stated, “I believe every home nation now has to push this as a legacy for Womens and Girls football, and get more coverage on games. As you may have seen the FA Womens Super League gets coverage of at least 2 games a week now on TV, which is great. Attendance for Womens games is at its highest ever. It would be great if we could get that kind of exposure here in Wales. Attendance would grow, more grassroots players would sign up and more girls would be playing football everywhere in Wales” As for the season ahead, a lot is riding on the upcoming campaign. Aber take their place in the league alongside Cardiff City, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cwmbran Celtic, Cyncoed, Llandudno, Newcastle Emlyn, PICLS, Rhyl & Prestatyn ladies, Swansea City and Wrexham. This year will have an extra competitive element added to the equation, as three teams will drop out of the division for the first time. “It's going to be the most competitive season yet. Newcastle Emlyn, are our local rivals and rivals for position in the league alongside newly promoted Cyncoed Ladies. Rhyl & Prestatyn and Llandudno Ladies are all going to be battling around our area of the league I believe, so it will be an interesting one. Cardiff Met are always a very strong side and most seasons compete in the Champions League. But they just tipped Swansea City to the league title last season on goal difference.” As for the league favourites, the coaching staff have tipped Swansea to overturn last season’s disappointment. “Swansea were definitely the best side we played against, some of their football is phenomenal. So I would have to say Swansea City Ladies are my favourites to win it this season.“ Dreams of league championships and champions league football may be beyond the realms of possibility for this year but this doesn’t stop the camp being quietly optimistic ahead of the season. “Our main goal is to finish above that bottom 3. I really believe we can do that, so if we finish above that bottom section and stay in the league, it will be successful.” But despite this, the ladies side embodies the reason why people play the game. “All the staff have a good relationship with each other and with the players. Right now, I couldn't wish for a better set up to be honest. Massive support from the fans, the staff, the players and especially the club” All at atfc.org.uk would like to wish the Ladies side every success for the season. We will be covering the side as much as possible over the season. For those who would like to support the side in their season opener at Cyncoed this Sunday 13th September, there’s a bus leaving the club at 9.30am prompt. There is no cost to this trip. Tuesday 8th September Word Cup First Round Aberystwyth Town 5 Goytre United 1 Aber Town earned a morale boosting 5-1 win over Welsh League high fliers Goytre United at Park Avenue this evening, ensuring progress to the last sixteen of the Word Cup, which is to be played on Tuesday 29th September. Goals from Chris Venables (16 minutes), Darren Thomas (30), Geoff Kellaway (43), Cledan Davies (69) and Craig Williams' 89th minute penalty capped an inspiring performance by the Black and Greens, while Goytre United's response came from Adam Orme (48 minutes). Visibly stung by last Friday’s poor result Aber threw themselves into the game with aplomb, showing a good tempo and dominating proceedings. An early searching cross from Antonio Corbisiero just eluded Darren Thomas, and then Jack Rimmer, who made a very composed first ever start in a Black and Green shirt, had a shot blocked and a penalty shout denied. Darren Thomas then made a trademark burst down the left wing, creating space to deliver a back pass straight into the path of Chris Venables – and he doesn’t miss from ten yards, so Town had a sixteenth minute lead, and Venables’ father Stuart had the Golden Goal. Cledan Davies then came to prominence down the left wing, first firing just wide after a great move, then seeing a header saved by visiting keeper Luke Martin, before hitting the post with a cross cum shot just minutes later. Goytre United’s Jake Parry brought a save out of Mike Lewis with a free kick, but then normal service resumed as Venables’ shot was palmed to safety by a defender – and then palmed to safety by Martin from the resultant 27th minute penalty. The reprieve last just three minutes however as Darren Thomas again ghosted past the home defence, cutting in from the left and finding the bottom corner with a right footed finish for a goal to break his Park Avenue duck. Luke Morgan fired over for Goytre, but then back came Aber as Stuart Jones had a shot saved and Thomas missed by inches from a good position. The returning Geoff Kellaway was providing a great outlet for Aber and he crowned his return in the 43rd minute by sending in a snapshot from the edge of the area which snuggled into the bottom corner for a fully deserved 3-0 lead at the break. Goytre had won five games out of five coming into this game so it was inevitable that they would enjoy a period of pressure, and once Kellaway had been denied at point black range by Martin, that period came soon after the break. Michael Waters, who once played for Town under Brian Coyne, fired over from the edge of the area, before Adam Orme got a 48th minute goal back for the visitors, finding the bottom corner from the edge of the area with a cool finish. Waters had another shot saved by Lewis, but then in the 69th minute yet another burst from Kellaway allowed him to send in a dangerous cross which caused consternation at the back and allowed Davies to nip in to side foot home for a 4-1 lead. Chris Allen had a shot parried by Lewis and then Liam Jaques and Tom Jones both came on for their Aber Town debuts and like Rimmer, both contributed to an effervesvent victory. In fact Jaques it was who went on a great run into the area, only to be tripped for an 89th minute penalty, dispatched confidently by Craig Williams, who had a super game at left back. Jaques brought yet another save from Martin, and the game was done. This game was an entertaining and fast paced Cup Tie, and on a night of Word Cup shocks Aber showed all the qualities which earned the Black and Greens a Top Four place last season, and will play their part in the last sixteen in three weeks time. If Town can repeat Tuesday’s performance on Saturday afternoon in the Dafabet WPL against visitors Airbus UK Broughton, home supporters will not be disappointed. Kick-off is at 2.30pm. Tuesday 8th September (ko 7.30pm)
Word Cup First Round Aberystwyth Town v Goytre United Cup Football returns to Park Avenue tomorrow evening as Aber Town host a Word Cup First Round tie against Welsh League Division One High Fliers Goytre United. Visitors Goytre are currently second in the Welsh League having won four games out of four to date, and they beat the Black and Greens in a friendly the last time the two sides met at Park Avenue three years ago, so anyone looking for an easy tie had better look elsewhere. The good news for Town is that Geoff Kellaway returns to the Squad following a 3 match ban, and that Rhys Griffiths is rapidly recovering from a torn calf muscle injury. However, having seen his squad pick up a few injuries in last Friday night's game at Port Talbot, Manager Ian Hughes may need to make full use of his squad - and this may give younger players such as Jack Rimmer, Liam Lewis, Tom Jones and Liam Jaques a chance to shine. An intriguing tie beckons at Park Avenue tomorrow therefore - and the match will be played to a conclusion, necessitating extra time and penalties if required. Kick off is at 7.30pm, and admission will cost £6 for Adults, £4 Concessions and £1 for Children. Consider yourself invited! Despite scoring two first half goals, Town still ended up on the wrong side of a 4-2 scoreline on Friday evening, writes Matthew Wallace. Lee Surman and Jamie Reed had helped Aber recover from a calamitous start, conceding with the game just 10 seconds old, but further goals from Martin Rose, Kaid Mohamed and Jonathan Hood ensured that the Seasiders would return to Mid Wales empty handed and the manner of the defeat was disappointing for the Club’s Assistant Manager Wyn Thomas.
“There weren’t many positives at all to be fair. We came back to lead but this is Welsh Premier League. You’ve got to work hard. If you’re not willing to put that hard work in you’ll get results like this. I thought Port Talbot deserved the win and they did very well.” Thomas told atfc.org.uk. “It’s a massive disappointment. The boys weren’t at it at all. They know that and they’re disappointed but we need a reaction again. We thought we’d sorted it after Llandudno but we’re at the same position again. we’ve got a game Tuesday so hopefully we can bounce back with a win. Consistency is massive for us and its something that’s obviously not there at the moment which is something we need to address and quickly.“ Despite a grim evening for all concerned with the club, Thomas is sure the dressing room is fully equipped for the challenges ahead. “You can’t tell me there isn’t enough quality in that dressing room. There’s loads of ability in there and we need to get back to doing what we’re good at. We’ve spoken about it and they know about it so we can move on.” The club’s next chance to move on comes on Tuesday evening against Goytre in the Word Cup which gives a number of players an opportunity to stake a claim for a first team birth. “We’ll regroup, Hughsey and I will have a chat over the weekend about how we play it. Geoff Kellaway is back and Rhys Griffiths is looking stronger by the day. We haven’t got that big a squad to change around but a few youngsters will get 90 minutes under their belts which will be a good learning curve for them.” Watch the full interview on Aber Town's Youtube Channel here. Dafabet Welsh Premier League
Friday 4th September Port Talbot Town 4 Aberystwyth Town 2 Aberystwyth Town lost a topsy turvy game at the Genquip Stadium this evening, as first half goals from Lee Surman and Jamie Reed were overturned by a second half fightback by the Steelmen. The Black and Greens suffered the worst possible start, conceding possibly the fastest goal in the history of the WPL, timed at 10.11 seconds. Kaid Mohammed hit a post in Port Talbot's first attack, and the ball fell kindly for Martin Rose to slot home from close range. The visitors' response however was superb, and for the majority of the first half they played some great football which could have seen them out of sight. Aber equalised in the fourth minute, when Antonio Corbisiero's free kick was headed back across goal by Stuart Jones for Surman to nod home into the corner, and with Darren Thomas floating past defenders like a butterfly, and Reed working his socks off up front there were chances galore. Reed had a shot blocked before Thomas ghosted into the penalty area, only to be denied by Steve Cann at close range. The hosts were looking vulnerable to crosses, and the Black and Greens took an eighteenth minute lead when Cledan Davies' cross was flicked on by Craig Williams to Reed, and he made no mistake from 10 yards out. Reed then set up Chris Venables with a deft flick, and the WPL Golden Boot holder's shot was deflected just past the post. The hosts came back into things just before the break, though: Jonathan Hood brought a great right handed save from Mike Lewis, and then he sent in a long throw which was flicked on to Mohammed at the back post, and with four minutes of the half remaining the scores were tied once again. Stuart Jones headed Williams' corner just wide for Aber, and a half time score of 2-2 was scant reward for the Black and Greens, who had dominated proceedings to that point A quieter second half ensued, with chances falling to both sides, though the hosts created a few more in truth. Lewis parried Mohammed's free kick to safety, and at the other end Stuart Jones again headed for goal, only to be denied by Steve Cann. Hood, Liam McCreesh and Chris Jones all flashed wide from good positions, and despite Aber's best efforts, the opportunities they created so easily in the first half, would not come in the second. Two very similar goals in the last ten minutes won the game for Talbot, and gave their super signing supporters reason to cheer. Chris Jones sent a cross across the box from the left flank, and Hood headed home at the far post on 80 minutes, and then six minutes later Jones repeated the trick, surging down the left wing and crossing deep, with Hood again the far post beneficiary, to give the scoreline a slightly flattering appearance. Darren Thomas had grazed the cross bar with a header in between the goals, Cledan Davies had a shot blocked and Williams put the ball over from the edge of the area, before Lewis denied Hood a hat trick, palming a 30 yard effort over the bar, and the game was done. After a very promising first half, there is no doubt that Aber's second half performance was disappointing, and Manager Ian Hughes will be glad to have two home games in quick succession to rectify things. Your next dose of Black and Green Action comes on Tuesday evening, when Goytre United are the visitors to Park Avenue for a Word Cup First Round tie, which kicks off at 7.30pm. See you then. Dafabet Welsh Premier League Friday 4th September (ko 7.45pm) Port Talbot Town v Aberystwyth Town After a hugely positive performance and result at Park Avenue last Friday night, Aberystwyth Town are looking confident going into this Friday night's Dafabet Welsh Premier League toughie at the Genquip Stadium, Port Talbot (ko 7.45pm). Two debut goals from Jamie Reed and a stunner from Luke Sherbon earned Ian Hughes' men a 3-1 win last weekend, but in two days time Town travel down South to face opponents who have proved already in their two WPL games that they are not to be sniffed at either. The Steelmen's Manager Andy Dyer has recruited cannily over the summer and has gradually developed a talented squad, in which the talents of players such as Kaid Mohammed, Martin Rose, Steve Cann and Luke Bowen can be expected to shine in 2015/6. Port Talbot drew 0-0 with Bala in their home opener and beat Bangor 2-1 at the Bangor University Stadium last Saturday. Ian Hughes has no additional injury worries after the Rhyl game. Geoff Kellaway will serve the last of his 3 match suspension, but Town this week bolstered their First Team squad by signing youngster Liam Jaques from Bow Street - and he will wear the number 19 shirt. Aber have a fairly good record of late at the Genquip, winning both games 2-1 last season. Black and Green Supporters buoyed by last week's events will be delighted to hear that the Coach leaves Park Avenue at 4pm, and a return fare to the Genquip will cost the customary £10. Friday Nights are made for Dabafet WPL Matches - don't miss out! |
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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