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GROUNDBLOG - 2012
07/01/2012

The editor's blog covers travels watching Welsh football. Latest entries always at the top. If you enjoy reading this site, do please consider taking out a subscription to the printed magazine to help us cover costs.

SATURDAY 4TH FEBRUARY.... no blog entry today, every match within reach fell victim to the freezing conditions, though a few games did survive in north Wales.

SATURDAY 28tH JANUARY: Richmond Park. Bright and cold.
CARMARTHEN TOWN 3 AFC PORTH 1 after extra time (WELSH CUP ROUND 4)

The Welsh Cup “round of sixteen” takes centre stage and I’ve been weighing up my options for a couple of days: Flint v Neath was attractive, but in the end with the weather an unknown quantity , and not fancying the early start and late return, I ruled it out. Then there was The New Saints v Newport County (Reserves): easier to get to, a decent fixture if Newport hadn’t sent their entire first team squad to Gateshead, so too one-sided. Which led me to Carmarthen v Porth, the Welsh League’s last survivors in this year’s cup travelling to the Welsh Premier’s bottom side. On paper a possible upset.

The journey west beyond Swansea is always a delight, along the coast opposite north Gower, and then round Carmarthen Bay; and today’s in the bright winter sunshine, it’s particularly pleasant on a quiet Arriva lunchtime train which gets me to Carmarthen station with plenty of time before kick off. Time for a pint and a wander round the town centre, which is far less lively than I remember from past visits. Not a good sign - this seems to be one town that people aren’t really shopping in any more. Nothing to detain me here, so I stroll on up to Richmond Park, entering via the big car park entrance.

As I cross the car park behind the main stand, it’s so quiet that for an awful moment I wonder if the match is off. But no need to worry, there’s just no tannoy in operation and nobody inside the ground yet – sensibly everyone’s in the pubs and bars on a cold winter afternoon, probably watching Liverpool v Man U.

The ground is a little changed from my last visit a couple of seasons ago: the club shop has moved from behind the goal to where the office was. The clubhouse is now over the changing rooms, finally replacing the pub behind the Priory Road goal, which was closed a few years back and is now only a memory.

The excellent Carmarthen programme fills the short interval before kick off: not that it’s a lavish production, indeed it’s very short on photos, but it’s strong on words, with several entertaining articles that are a big improvement on the predictable and repetitive “notes” stuff most clubs use.

The teams emerge, Carmarthen in their gold and black, Porth in maroon and blue, and the attendance has swelled enough to create a little bit of atmosphere. Porth seem to have brought a fair following up from the Rhondda and they are even daring to make a bit of noise, which the locals certainly aren’t inclined to do.

The visiting fans are making even more noise after eight scrappy minutes play, when a ball from the Porth left wing misses its target in the middle and runs on to Robbie Thomas, who cuts inside and fires a fine shot high into the net. 0-1 to the underdogs, just that start the game needed.

Unfortunately, whereas this could have been a cue for Porth to reduce the frenetic pace of the game and play with confidence, instead the early pattern continues: rushed aimless clearances, no time on the ball, no shape from either side. As the half progresses, Porth’s lead starts to look precarious, as Town force a succession of corners and draw some fine saves from visiting keeper Steven Hall. So it’s really no great surprise when Town equalise just before half-time, Nick Harrhy given time to place his header wide of Hall.

So once again, looking optimistically forward, this goal could be a platform for a more assured performance by Carmarthen after the break. But it isn’t. The game continues the same way, with Porth full of running, quick to clear danger with power but no direction; their lone striker Adam Wright, small of stature, getting little joy against the much taller Town defence, though he’s one of several visiting players who win free-kicks and need treatment after they run straight at the defenders and into trouble; while at the other end Town create plenty of possession in the final third, but fail to put it to good use. Hall’s antics become ever more vital to Porth’s survival, a series of flying saves and brave blocks thwarting Town’s efforts as the clock ticks inevitably towards extra time. Even the introduction of the burly Julian Alsop doesn’t change Town’s fortunes in front of goal, it just gives man-of-the-match Hall someone else to make saves from. A couple of open goals are missed, one with Hall on the ground, as stoppage time slips away and the extra 30 minutes becomes a reality.

The pace is slowing now as the teams tire, yet nothing else changes. Hall continues to stand firm, Town continue to dominate possession, and Porth may now be holding out for penalties… they have almost made it to the mid-point in extra time when a more unwelcome penalty intervenes after an infringement on the edge of their box. Tim Hicks slots it wide of Hall and Town have finally laboured into the lead after 105 minutes. Porth don’t really have an equaliser in them, but hardly deserve to be on the wrong end of a 3-1 scoreline, Alsop scoring three minutes from the end to flatter the home side, who have made really hard work of this win. Porth leave with credit, they couldn’t have worked harder and might even have snatched a result with a bit of luck.

Coming back (on a far less quiet train after Swansea) I have plenty of time to ponder something that's been puzzling me all day: Alan Smith in the Telegraph today says "Carrick impressed in the quarterback role against Arsenal". A quarterback ? we don't have those in association football. We used to have full backs, who played deep in defence; and half-backs, who played defensive midfield. Is a quarterback an even less defensive player than a half-back ? Or is another term imported from the USA that doesn't belong in our game. My vote is for the latter option.

SATURDAY 21ST JANUARY: Ynys Park. Windy.
TON & GELLI BOYS’ & GIRLS’ CLUB 2 SWANSEA DOCKERS 0 (FAW Trophy)
For the second week running Plan A is to head up the Rhondda Valley for Ton & Gelli’s FAof Wales Trophy tie, but again I’m half-expecting to have to look for alternatives, because the promised dry weekend hasn’t materialised. Instead we’ve had a night and morning of heavy showers in Cardiff so the notorious Ynys Park pitch alongside the Rhondda river is bound to be at risk of waterlogging.

However, by mid morning the news comes through that it’s on and within the hour I’m setting off for LLandaf station for the train – setting off in heavy rain in fact, still fearing a postponement. But the weather is on the change – to strong, blustery winds – the change from rain so quick that before I can take my umbrella down the wind has blown it inside-out. Across the other side of the park there’s a junior football match in progress, Cardiff Council therefore deeming their pitches playable, despite pools of water alongside the path I’m on.

After an otherwise uneventful journey I arrive at Ton Pentre half an hour before the 1.30 kick off and in a few minutes I’m crossing the little bridge over the fast-flowing river that leads into Ynys Park’s car park. At the turnstile block I pay my £2 entrance, but unlike Sully, there’s no programme this week; hardly anyone here either, no refreshments on sale (the social club outside the ground isn’t open until 3pm !) and no public address, but I do manage to obtain the line-ups from the welcoming home officials. So what’s the pitch like then ? Well, obviously soft, because I hear the visitors being told they’ll have to warm up in the public park on the far side of the ground, to protect the goalmouth. But it is certainly playable. The Dockers wouldn’t have been too sorry if it had been otherwise, with their two strikers and three other first choice players out, and the prospect of an enforced venue reversal after two attempts, but they will have to deal with conditions as they are today.

At 1.30 the teams are ready, but we have a delay of five minutes while one of the nets is secured to the crossbar with tape, so kick off is late. The early action confirms that the surface is difficult, as players struggle to get decent ball control and passes are wayward. Neither side looks particularly comfortable but it’s fairly even, if error-strewn. On the fixture list it may look ill-matched – Boys and Girls against Dockers – but I’m expecting the contest will be close, and hoping it will be entertaining too, though I’m already starting to have doubts on that score.

After twelve minutes of effort but little skill, a goal arrives: a Ton cross from the left, poorly defended by a static defence, and a close range finish. This confirms the feeling that the home side are getting the upper hand, and as the half continues that becomes more apparent: the Dockers, playing into a strong westerly wind, are struggling to get telling balls forward, and their style of play is ill-suited to conditions: their intricate short-passing moves in midfield are not working, and the home side aren’t giving them enough time on the ball to play that way, marking close and quick into the tackle. When the Dockers try to match this by diving in equally quickly, the referee penalises them every time. They carve out a few shooting opportunities – on the rare occasions they aren’t caught by a well-organised offside trap – but they don’t test home keeper Ryan Betteney.
So it’s not much of a surprise when Ton double their lead after 35 minutes, from another attack down the left and a ball sent into the box: this time a catastrophic mis-kick by a defender laves a Ton striker with only keeper Sparkes to beat, and he places the ball neatly in the corner. 2-0, and so it stays to the break, a fair reflection of the half.

A longish interval (well it seems long with no refreshments etc.) is extended by another repair job on the net so the second half kicks off nearly ten minutes late. The visitors really need something quickly to give them hope, but nothing much has changed. They do get a rare free-kick within range, but it’s chipped tamely over the wall into Betteney’s hands. Ton & Gelli’s fast breaks orchestrated by Jarrad Hill continue to threaten more goals, though they fail to materialise. The Dockers see a bit more of the ball, but don’t create any real danger.

With twenty minutes left Dockers’ keeper Sparkes, defending the river end goal where the surface is worst, comes out to collect an over-hit through ball and turns his ankle on the mud. He has to be helped off and substituted, and after this incident the Dockers somehow look a beaten side: they start complaining, frustrated at each other, as well as the unsympathetic referee, and they way the afternoon has turned out. As a result they pick up a few yellow cards in the closing stages as the match draws to a low-key ending.

An unsatisfactory game, scrappy and short on quality or excitement, a complete contrast with last week’s game on and off the pitch. Maybe there’s a lesson here: the game in this round I’d been looking forward to for weeks (today’s) is a disappointment, but the one I chose at the last minute (Sully v Newport YMCA) exceeded all expectations.

SATURDAY 14TH JANUARY: South Road, Swanbridge: a sunny cold day
SULLY SPORTS 2 NEWPORT YMCA 1 (FAW TROPHY)
A couple of dry days after weeks of rain, and the threat of waterlogged pitches recedes… to be replaced by the threat of frozen pitches.

The news early this morning of the postponement of my chosen Trophy tie today (Ton & Gelli v Swansea Dockers) did at least leave me a couple of hours to find an alternative, and with three other ties within reach, and not as high up in the valleys as Ynys Park, it hardly seems like a cause for despair.

An hour later, after a series of fruitless and conflicting calls fails to clarify whether Abercarn v Rhayader is on or not, my frustration level is rising. With the best information available (from the visitors en route, not the home club !) that the game is said to be 50/50, I give up on that option. So Sully Sports v Newport YMCA becomes the obvious choice (right by the seas, so less likely to be frozen, and a slightly shorter travelling time).

Cardiff Buses’ “Day to go” ticket offers me travel all the way out to Sully and back for £3.20, and after having to leave ample time for buses not running to timetable as they negotiate Cardiff’s absurd circular route through the city centre, I do still get to Sully an hour before kick off. Programmes already on sale at the gate, match very much on, pitch in superb condition and a fine sunny afternoon: the morning’s stresses now a distant memory. My mood is lifted even further after a swift but relaxing pint just round the corner in the delightful shore-side pub The Captain’s Wife.

Back in the Sports Ground in time for kick off, it’s pleasing to see the home side have made a real effort to make this a proper cup match-day: not just issuing programmes, but setting up a portable PA system to announce the teams, and providing a squad of ball-boys. It’s appreciated, and absolutely right at this advanced stage of the national competition. A crowd of around 50 gives a little bit of atmosphere too.

And so to the match itself: Sully Sports are in good form, their league position in the S Wales Senior League having improved recently, but their visitors are two leagues higher and enjoying a good season themselves. In the opening ten minutes, there could be no question which is the higher-graded side, as YM put the home team under pressure and look far more assured on the ball. None of which counts for anything in the thirteenth minute when a breakaway attack by Sully brings a well-judged through ball, which is then calmly lofted over the advancing keeper.

The goal gives Sully confidence, and a different pattern emerges: YM still maybe having a little more possession, but not really turning it into a scoring threat; Sully meanwhile enthusiastic in every challenge and visibly beginning to believe they can win. At half time, they spurn the warmth of the changing room, staying out on the pitch, while YM retreat with the officials.

No real change in the second half, with YM still searching for the inspiration that would bring a goal, while Sully’s more direct and speedy breakout game looks more suited to cup football. And indeed, with well over half an hour left, they once again find themselves clear, outnumbering defenders, as lanky Gareth Hemmens advances to slot the ball past the keeper. 2-0 and YM have a mountain to climb, until a minute later a rash challenge on the edge of the box gifts them a penalty, which is calmly converted.

As the sun starts to go down, the temperature drops. If the game weren’t so entertaining, and if the ever-changing seascape across the Bristol Channel weren’t so pleasing, it could become uncomfortable. As it is, the remaining time – plus a generous period of stoppage time added - passes quickly with no further scoring, and with well-organised Sully holding their lead very competently. They deservedly go through to the national draw for the quarter-finals and as I return home on the bus I reflect that the day has really turned out well; and I can still see the Ton & Gelli game next Saturday, weather permitting….

SATURDAY 7TH JANUARY. The Willows. Sunny but a chilly wind picking up.
BRIDGEND STREET 3 CAMBRIAN & CLYDACH BGC 5 (Nathaniel Car Sales Cup)
The first Saturday of 2012 and most leagues emerge from their hibernation – true certainly of the Welsh League, which has scheduled its League Cup quarter-finals for today. After a week of virtually incessant storms, it’s a relief to find that The Mission are confident of staging their big game as it saves me a morning of monitoring postponements and calling around.

This is to be my fifth visit to The Willows this season, and let’s get that aspect out of the way first. I can imagine the reaction of the hard-line groundhopping fraternity – five visits to one venue in a season – what a waste ! But for me it’s never just been all about ‘collecting’ new ground visits, much as I enjoy the thrill of travelling somewhere new. My choices of games are often based on the match I want to see, and a cup quarter final between two successful sides, two divisions apart, ticks important boxes. So that’s why I’m making the very familiar journey into Splott and Tremorfa in the sunshine, and across the puddle-strewn school car park. Slightly disappointed to find that no programme has been issued for such a big game, and equally surprised – with a crowd of around 150, the takings could have been further boosted through programme sales.

So, can Bridgend Street bridge the two-division gap against unbeaten Division One leaders Cambrian ? Manager Gary Proctor says before the game that they’ll certainly give it a go. Street have had to move quickly in the last 24 hours to sign a replacement keeper, Lee Kendall having suddenly departed yesterday back to Neath, but they start in positive frame of mind and it is obvious from the outset that we have in prospect a full-blooded cup-tie on a tricky surface. What we can’t have anticipated is the remarkable eleven minutes of action that unfolds in the middle of the first half.

After initially struggling to cope with Cambrian’s fast-moving football, Bridgend Street take the lead in the 20th minute, Cambrian’s keeper stranded as the ball is headed past him from some distance. The lead lasts only four minutes, a classy move down the left bringing a neat finish from Cambrian’s number 10. Virtually from the restart, another shot from the left is flying well wide until it’s met near the far post and headed into the net (my first reaction is that the scorer must be offside, but apparently not). And then, remarkably, before Street can hit back, Cambrian are awarded a penalty for a foul out on the edge of the box and their third goal in three minutes is lashed home from the spot.

Bridgend Street’s heads do not drop despite the setback: just two minutes later Cambrian’s defence is breached again, poor marking in the box allowing a tap-in, but the fightback is stifled after only two more minutes (in the 30th minute) when from a corner, a harmless situation suddenly brings a skilful goal, a hooked over-the-shoulder shot dropping into the net. The score now 2-4, and the home side need to hit back again to keep the tie alive. After the goal flurry, it now takes over fifteen minutes for the next, and it does go to Bridgend Street, a stoppage time corner headed into the box and scrambled over the line. Only one goal in it at half time, and the consensus is that there must be more goals to come after the break…

But the second half is different: just as it starts to get really quite cold, suddenly we haven’t got a torrent of goals to distract us. Ten minutes into the half Street think they’ve equalised, but an offside flag is raised. They show total commitment, with substitute Chris Summers now involved up front as they try to find a way through the stubborn Cambrian defence. But despite dominating the half, the Rhondda side hold firm, and could have extended their lead but for a superb stop from a free-kick.

We’re about to enter stoppage time, with Street making their final push for an equaliser that will bring extra time, when they are caught at the back and Cambrian take an unassailable 5-3 lead, a scoreline rather unjust to the home side. Game over really, but there’s still time for the referee to dismiss a Cambrian player for a second yellow card offence. The visitors are in the semi-finals and have avoided the upset, but I’ll bet they know they’ve been in a game tonight.

MONDAY 2ND JANUARY: The Gnoll. Turning very wet.
NEATH 2 LLANELLI 0 (Corbett Sports Welsh Premier League)
Bank Holiday Monday and the last day of the extended festive season. Before we embark on the return to normal routine, just one last diversion, and it’s a top four clash in the Welsh Premier, with Llanelli needing to do better on their visit to The Gnoll than they did in the first part of this local fixture a week ago, while Neath, under Kris O’Leary, bid to keep the new manager’s unbeaten run going.

A crowd of over 500 has gathered on a dark, showery but relatively calm afternoon. However, the gloom of this midwinter afternoon is soon dispelled when Lee Trundle scores a peach of a goal after eight minutes, his dipping volley creeping under the Llanelli crossbar. For most of the half this is Neath’s only reward for dominance, their passing and movement making Llanelli look pedestrian and ordinary. Just before half time a second goal arrives courtesy of a penalty, Llanelli keeper Ashley Morris dismissed for the foul. To me, from the other end of the pitch, it looks harsh, but those better placed feel the referee had no choice. The penalty is converted and Neath take a comfortable 2-0 lead into the interval.

Llanelli need something early in the second half to turn their afternoon round. What they really don’t need is a massive rainstorm the intensity of which frankly overshadows the action for the rest of the match. Neath play possession football, not really threatening to increase their lead, which seems odd, as goal difference could be important later in the season. The match ends just as the storm is abating, and Neath’s strong run continues – they could even catch Llanelli in third place of they win their two outstanding first phase fixtures. Llanelli have a few weeks to regain the form that they seem to have lost recently. For the rest of us, it’s the end of the holidays, and back to work.

GROUNDBLOG - AUTUMN - WINTER 2011
02/10/2011

The editor's travels in Welsh football continue. This blog displays the latest entry first...

BOXING DAY 26th DECEMBER: The GenQuip Stadium; chilly and damp.
PORT TALBOT TOWN 2 AFAN LIDO 2 (Corbett Sports Welsh Premier League)
Unexpectedly, the blog squeezes another match in before the end of December: having seen this fixture changed to Tuesday 27th on the Welsh Premier’s own website, and the newspapers it supplies, I’d written off my chances of seeing a Christmas match. But a phone call in the morning asking if I’m going sows the seed of possibility, which becomes a firm plan when in an outbreak of festive goodwill, transport is offered (no trains on Boxing Day!).

So we arrive at the GenQuip on a drizzly, murky Boxing day afternoon, the exceptionally mild Christmas weather contrasting with last year’s frozen conditions. Considering this is the first league derby for years between the two nearest neighbours in south Wales, the attendance (later given as 520) is disappointing on a day with little else in the way of live entertainment. Possibly the confusion over the date of the match may have contributed ? Or maybe it’s just the league’s low profile and the Welsh public’s continuing apathy.

Nevertheless, for those who are here, it’s an interestingly poised game: Afan Lido come here on the strength of a good run of results, including a cup win here recently, while Port Talbot have gone almost two months without a win. And the opening minutes illustrate how confidence is everything in sport, with the home side enjoying possession but lacking the belief to make it count. Players hurry to get rid of the ball, opt out of anything vaguely enterprising such as having a shot or even running off the ball. Afan Lido’s body language is different: when they do get the opportunity, they stride confidently into the Town half. After 14 minutes one such surge leads to a parried shot and Jon Hood is on hand to snap up the half chance.

Town desperately need a goal now, and a glimmer of hope appears when Martin Rose receives the ball from a throw on the right and advances with surprising ease round the left side of the Lido defence and sends a shot just wide of the target. After 26 minutes, the same gap in the visitors’ defence is exploited when Rose, unmarked, receives a ball played across the penalty box and fires it in off the near post. The relief is evident in the goal celebrations with the home band at the north end of the Gerald McCreesh stand – celebrations which earn Rose a booking.

The goal does wonders for the home side’s confidence and Lido’s are no longer having things their own way for the rest of the half, now played out in heavier rain. The interval comes with the score at 1-1 and everything still to play for.

Whereas Lido had started the first half more confidently, this time Town look the more positive, and their ability to get behind the Lido full backs promises chances. The visitors seem to have plugged the gap in their left side, but now they are vulnerable on the right. Town are shading the game at this stage, but can still be caught on the break – Hood squanders a gilt-edged chance to restore Lido’s lead when set up with the goal at his mercy, but the shot trickles wide. Lido pay for this in the 57th minute when yet another attack gets to the goal-line and is floated back to Brooks, his chip sailing into the net over a ball-watching Lido defence.

At this stage Town seem likely to push on for that longed for win, but somehow lose their momentum at this critical point. Lido are far from out of the game, with the influential Leon Jeanne coming back into the game as they push forward. Hood and Jones in the attack come to life again after a quiet spell, and it’s Hood who receives Jeanne’s nicely weighted lay-off the fire a 20 yard shot through the Town defence and in off the post, with 67 minutes played.
With the scores level, both sides are torn between pushing on for the win, and avoiding risking defeat. In the end caution seems to win out, as chances are relatively few in the last twenty minutes, meaning I end 2011 with an unusual sequence of 2-2 draws. No complaints though, this one was every bit as entertaining as those at Grange Albion and Bridgend Street in the past couple of weeks, and the stay-away football fans of south Wales missed a treat here today.

SATURDAY 17TH DECEMBER: The Willows. Cold, stormy.
BRIDGEND STREET 2 PONTYPRIDD TOWN 2 (MacWhirter Welsh League Division 3)
The shortest, darkest Saturday of the football season, transport clogged with Christmas shoppers – no day for a long journey. And, as luck would have it, here in Cardiff we have the Welsh League’s match of the day, the long awaited clash between arguably the best two sides in Division Three. I had this game pencilled in ages ago, and there’s been no need to consider changing my mind.

The biggest risk this week has been the weather: violent storms, hail, lightning, reports of snow in many parts – and a forecast of any icy start to Saturday. In fact, the frost wasn’t as hard as feared in Cardiff, and with the rain having mostly relented for 36 hours, the big game has survived, though many Welsh League games haven’t.

On the walk out from Queen Street, it strikes me that the mid-day sunshine is far better than we’ve any right to expect on this deep midwinter day. A few minutes later the sun disappears and a shower replaces it, but on arrival at The Willows it’s dry again and fairly pleasant; pleasant enough for a pitch-side chat with assembled friends and acquaintances from the local football circuit. The talk is of a surprising partial colour clash, both sides wearing black shorts and socks. But this is soon forgotten as the match kicks off in bright, but increasingly windy conditions.

The early pace is frenetic, with committed challenges. The wind, blowing down the pitch towards the steelworks end, is carrying any ball sent over shoulder height, and Ponty keeper Leighton James sees some of his place kicks swirl back on themselves. He is the busier keeper, and although Ponty threaten with a long throw, the early action belongs to the home side. A floated shot rebounds from the crossbar after 11 minutes, and then within a minute Paul Carro has steered a fine low shot round James and into the net. It’s 2-0 after 23 minutes, Ross Powell’s curling free-kick eluding James.
Maybe the turn of events displeased the gods, because soon after the second goal the weather changes dramatically. The spectators are sent scurrying into the stand as high wind and torrential rain sweep in, relenting only slightly for the rest of the first half.

The storm certainly affects the pitch, which is now cutting up, and it seems to have affected Bridgend Street too. Ponty are coming back into the game and scramble a goal back on the half hour, a free-kick headed into the box and netted at close range. The home side have lost their mojo – not for the first time they seem to lose their way after doing the hard work of establishing a lead; Ponty look hungrier now and a much more even contest is developing.

The half time break brings less hostile weather, the rain turning to light showers, but it’s 3pm now and the wind is getting colder as dusk approaches. The pattern of the game has not really changed, Ponty still chasing the equaliser, but being denied by Street’s defence, marshalled by the impressive Lee Kendall. At the other end, Bridgend Street have chances on the break to regain the two goal cushion, but they squander every such opportunity.

The middle of the half brings several heavy challenges and consequent yellow cards. Ponty’s Lloyd Toghill gets a second yellow for one of these and is dismissed, but shortly afterwards a worse, two-footed challenge brings only another yellow; had the referee not just sent off a Ponty player, his team-mate might have got a straight red.

Reduced to ten men, Ponty keep battling for the breakthrough and Street keep holding out, Kendall masterfully doing everything possible within the rules to run the clock down. As fill time approaches, Street needlessly concede a free-kick out on the right, and this leads to a series of corners as Ponty camp at the steelworks end. We’re in stoppage time when one of these corners is perfectly delivered by Daniel Hooper and a bullet header flashes past Kendall into the net. 2-2 and a point improbably salvaged by the league leaders.

An entertaining 2-2 draw on the playing fields of Cardiff for the second week running; again a result that means both sides go into 2012 very much in the title race. Pontypridd, strong, direct and resolute, appear to have the ability to continue their 2011 form into the New Year. They aren’t pretty but they are good enough to go up. As for Bridgend Street, we know they have the quality, and their football can excite, but their habit of losing concentration and failing to make matches safe needs to be addressed if they are to avoid a scrap for the minor promotion spots.

SATURDAY 10TH DECEMBER: Coronation Park. Sunny but cold
GRANGE ALBION 2 AFC BUTETOWN 2 (S. Wales Senior League Div 1)
The second Saturday of December brings the first frost of the winter and that means postponements are a possibility. Having formed a plan to visit AFC Porth, flying high in the Welsh League, a mid-morning phone call scuppers that, with the game “50/50” and depending on the match referee’s decision at 1pm. Other early postponements in the valleys mean staying close to the coast is the best option, and when I get confirmation that Grange Albion’s local derby clash with leaders AFC Butetown is definitely on, that’s the new plan sorted.

Any easy one-train outing then, round to Ninian Park and along Sloper Road, where the midweek storm has clearly battered the flag and shirt tributes to Gary Speed on the railings in front of City’s stadium. Just along the road, past the bus garage, Coronation Park is tucked away behind houses, a small crowd assembled but nothing like last week’s big match atmosphere at Merthyr, even though this is a derby and a vital game at the top of the league. No admission is charged, and no programme issued. The pitch is soft despite the chilly temperature, the frost long since thawed by the sun.

The opening minutes of the match are dominated by stoppages – one within 30 seconds of kick off, and soon afterwards another when the home keeper takes an accidental kick on the head. Once a pattern starts to emerge, the blue-clad visitors take the eye with some fast and skilful breaks, but it is still a tight and entertaining affair with chances at both ends. Albion’s best spell of the half brings four corners in quick succession, the third rebounding from the crossbar. Either side of this Butetown carve out some good chances but just fail to convert, despite good work upfront from Riccardo McKenzie on the left and striker Andre Phillips. At half time the game is still goal-less and quite evenly matched.

But the second half soon brings a change as Butetown take command: yet another good fast break on the right wing brings a teasing cross into the six yard box, but the man in the middle fails to connect; the ball drifts over to the left, but is played back in and Phillips reacts quickest to force it home. The visitors have their tails up now and add a second after a fine run and cross to Phillips twenty yards out – his first effort is saved but he manages to scramble the rebound into the net for 0-2.

At this stage the momentum is with Butetown and they look able to increase the lead; indeed, they have opportunities to do so in the next fifteen minutes. But, with around a quarter of an hour left, an Albion attack on the left brings a handling offence right on the edge of the area and the home side is thrown a lifeline – the penalty slotted in to set up a tense finish.

Initially, Albion’s attempts to find an equaliser founder on wayward shooting, but as the launch attack after attack, a header down is finally met by the sort of finish they’ve been lacking all afternoon, a rising volley into the top right corner. Suddenly it’s 2-2 and with a few minutes left, remarkably Butetown are now hanging on.

The closing stages are played at a high tempo. Immediately after their equaliser, Grange are the more likely to go on and win, and a series of corners and free-kicks brings heavy pressure on the visitors’ goal. But after weathering this storm, Butetown come back strongly, with their flowing moves again carving out chances. The very best of these comes deep in stoppage time, as three strikers bear down with the goal at their mercy: but the square pass and finish are rushed, the ball is scrambled off the line and the Albion keeper finally gathers it. At which point the referee blows the final whistle.
Great entertainment for the neutral, and a result that keeps the Senior League title race wide open.

It may not have been my Plan A for today, but as alternatives go, this worked out just fine.

SATURDAY 3RD DECEMBER: The ICI Rifle Fields. Wintry sunshine, chilly wind
MERTHYR SAINTS 0 BALA TOWN 6 (Welsh Cup, Round 3)

The draw for the Third Round of the Welsh Cup threw up some intriguing ties, but with several of those moved away from the Saturday slot, the choice of where to go proved less difficult than expected: the most unlikely pairing of the round, South Wales Amateur Division Two minnows Merthyr Saints against Bala Town, riding high in the Welsh Premier. A mis-match on paper, but the visitors will be mindful of their Welsh Cup trip south to UWIC last year, when they came off distinctly second-best in another apparently favourable draw.

The ICI Rifle Fields is not a venue I often put high on my list to visit: some way out of Merthyr itself, high and exposed on the very edge of the Brecon Beacons, it’s neither particularly accessible nor hospitable in winter. Nor have the home side done anything, until this season, that would draw the neutral up here. In fact, it’s easier to get to than one might expect – train or bus to Merthyr, then a bus that runs every 15 minutes to Pant. The bus takes an indirect route through the run down streets of Dowlais and then up beyond Pant to the bleak terraces of Caeracca, before running back to Pant cemetery, just along the road from the Saints’ home. As I surmount the hill leading up from the bus stop, a blast of cold wind meets me head on: it’s going to be a blowy afternoon.

The ground, which still meets Welsh League standards, hasn’t changed from my last visit years back, and with a large crowd (351) assembling, there’s a bit of an atmosphere. The home side are staging their big day admirably, with a good quality programme on sale and refreshments on sale in the upstairs bar above the changing rooms. Before kick off, as at all games today, we are to observe a minute’s silence for Gary Speed, and the teams assemble around the centre circle. They stand for a speech several minutes long, then the minute silence, and then break to warm up and get the game underway.

The opening minutes are hectic: the home side are giving everything in the tackle, hoping to compensate for the five division gulf in standard with effort and commitment. For six minutes it works well enough, until Bala put on some pressure and from a parried effort, Mark Connolly fires them into the lead. More of the same follows, and after 10 minutes Stephen Brown is on hand to score with another rebound into an open goal when a lob has caught the Saints out. Game over, really, but to reinforce the point Connolly curls in an exquisite free kick five minutes later for the third Bala goal.

The Merthyr defence is showing signs of panic after this battering, but they do hold out for over twenty minutes, thanks partly to some profligate finishing by Bala. Eventually Brown adds his second in the 38th minute with a persistent run into the box, and to round the half off Bala again outnumber Saints defenders in the box as Steff Edwards fires in their fifth goal.

0-5 at the break and talk is not of giant-killing now, but whether we’ll see double figures. Some feel Bala are going to keep going to prove their point, but it’s rare for a team not to relax a bit. And indeed the game proves to be a bit of a non-event in the strange light of a remarkably early dusk (3.15). It’s not until the 67th minute that Mark Connolly completes his hat-trick, beating the home keeper to a high ball to head home from distance, and after that everyone seems to lose concentration as the game is played out to the full ninety minutes.

A mismatch on paper, and in practice, but not a humiliation for Merthyr Saints, who gave it everything and were a credit to the South Wales Amateur League both on and off the pitch. An enjoyable afternoon in the winter sun, but it’s still nice to get on the bus out of the wind.

SATURDAY 26TH NOVEMBER: Larkfield Park. Windy.
CHEPSTOW TOWN 2 CWMBRAN TOWN 1 (Gwent County League Div 1)
It wasn’t until Friday that it dawned on me, as I scanned the fixtures once again hoping for inspiration, that this is a top of the table match of some significance; and with the added bonus of not being too difficult to get to, on a Saturday when I’m a bit short of time. So the itinerary involves a lunchtime train out of Cardiff Central, bound for Birmingham, and after twenty five minutes I am starting the steep climb up out of Chepstow to the Larkfield Park ground.
The venue hasn’t changed much from Town’s Welsh League days, although the clubhouse may have grown. There’s still an unseated stand on the near touchline, with an ash path along that side but grass on the other three. On the far side, where the perimeter fence is close to the pitch, evergreen trees overhang the playing area. There is no admission charged at the gate, and no programmes on sale, though I do later track down a couple on the bar – again no charge. In fact, at no point during the whole afternoon am I asked to part with any money, for admission, programmes or anything else, e.g. raffle. Somehow Chepstow seem to be missing a trick, especially as Cwmbran have brought a small group of fans, a legacy of their days far higher up the Welsh pyramid. One of them recognises me and says he didn’t know I “went this low” . Oh, I can go much lower than this…
With Chepstow leading the league by six points, the Crows really need a result here: at this point of the season it’s an exaggeration to call it a ‘must win’ game, but nine points would be a serious lead, three much more manageable. However, it looks as though the elements will have a say in the outcome, with a soft pitch and a blustery wind to contend with.
During the first half, both sides strive to gain control, Cwmbran seeking to disrupt Chepstow’s rhythm by closing their men down and getting their tackles in. The referee is busy, penalising the visitors mainly, and dealing with their vocal complaints. Chepstow Town’s forward line looks capable of posing a real threat, but when they do get close, Cwmbran have a secret weapon in veteran keeper Pat O’Hagan, who is clearly not going to be easily beaten.
With no clear outcome yet to the battle for control, suddenly the balance of the game changes on 23 minutes, when a ball through the inside right channel finds Thomas for Cwmbran and he beats the Chepstow keeper to the ball, nicking it past him into the top corner for a priceless lead. Now the game consists of Cwmbran trying everything to preserve that lead, including some vintage time-wasting by the experienced O’Hagan, who seems to have perfected the art of slow walking to retrieve the ball. One way or another, the Crows reach the interval 1-0 up and actually looking quite good value for their lead.
The second half – which starts in gathering gloom at only 3pm - is another matter: Chepstow attack Cwmbran from the off, and O’Hagan is by far the busiest man on the pitch. He has to be sharp to snatch a couple of nasty high balls, and then saves bravely in a one-on-one situation. The pressure is pretty relentless, as Cwmbran prove unable to assert the control they had in the first half, but the longer they go on holding on, the more it seems they are going to take the points. Then, on 73 minutes, another free-kick is conceded in their own half, O’Hagan has to punch it clear, and it is fired back into the crowded box, deflecting in off bodies around the six yard box: 1-1.
Only another seven minutes elapse before a Chepstow break on the left delivers a second goal – the ball across the box missed by a couple of forwards but met well by the third who fires home crisply. The Cwmbran contingent in the stand take on a resigned air, for during their slide down the leagues they have become all too familiar with disappointment and dashed hopes.
With ten minutes left the result isn’t in doubt now: Chepstow play out the remaining time quite comfortably, spending it mostly deep in Cwmbran territory. Indeed, deep in stoppage time that’s where the action is, way down at the furthest corner from the clubhouse, when a scuffle breaks out after a rash challenge. Cwmbran’s Ben Evans sees a red card and the match is held up as trudges the length of the pitch to the dressing room door. After this interruption, the referee allows a couple more minutes play in the gloom before blowing his whistle. Chepstow Town lead the table by nine points and a return to the Welsh League is looking a real possibility.

SATURDAY 19TH NOVEMBER: Ty Isaf Park. Mild but overcast.
RISCA UNITED 3 PENLAN CLUB 0 (FAW TROPHY)
With several interesting ties in the seven southern third round trophy ties, all within easy travelling distance of Cardiff, I finally decide on Friday that the game at Risca is the most intriguing: in last year’s competition I saw Swansea Dockers win 5-2 here and now another table-topping Swansea Senior League outfit are visiting the Welsh League Third Division club. I know little about Penlan Club, but they are not to be under-estimated – unbeaten leaders of a league containing Swansea Dockers and Ragged School should be formidable opposition for anyone.
Risca’s an easy journey and even a 1.30 kick off poses no problems. I’m at Ty Isaf Park about half an hour before kick off, which is just as well as it turns out – there are only about six programmes on sale – a rare occasion when the “problem with the printer” story is obviously true, as they’ve done their best to issue what they can. And it’s not a bad issue either, with notes reflecting on that 2-5 game last year, but striking a hopeful note with few players remaining from the Risca side that day, and a belief that they are stronger now.
Penlan seem to have brought a fair number of supporters, easily identified as most are wearing tops in the vivid yellow club colours. A home official is overheard welcoming one: “sorry about the music; and the programmes ; oh, and the pitch….” Actually the pitch is not too bad considering the rain in recent weeks.
The opening minutes seem to confirm that Risca are a much more competitive side now than that I remember from last season, although their modest league position belies this somewhat. Penlan look a typical Swansea side, a formidable mix of aggression and talent: as expected, they’ve got a couple of tricky front runners in Luke Campbell and Gaz Morrell, but in midfield they look likely to take few prisoners. Several early challenges are penalised by the Gwent referee who has the unenviable job of controlling this tie alone (a national cup, last 32, and only one official ?) One or two early decisions are open to question – notably his interpretation of the advantage rule – just how long is it reasonable to wait to ensure advantage has accrued ? Surely if you keep possession, but then waste it, you’ve had your advantage and shouldn’t get the free-kick too ?
Penlan Club start to impress: first their club linesman gets praise from the referee and home players for giving a very borderline throw in against one of his own strikers. Then the team get on top, with a snapshot following a free kick tipped over and leading to a series of corners; then a free-kick on the edge of the box, an opportunity not seized. It seems only a matter of time before they score, with several of their number willing to run at Risca. Their number 2, Yates, sets off on one such foray, but loses the ball and goes to ground claiming, rather hopefully, a foul. He’s not getting anything and as he gets up and runs back, he ensures he charges straight at his opponent, taking out his frustration. It’s a straight red offence and a remarkably stupid one too, as it changes the balance of the game. For the rest of the first half, Penlan look a lot less dominant. Risca have a few chances themselves, and one challenge by Greg Haines on Penlan keeper Martin enrages the visitors. He gets yellow, which is understandable as the challenge was more reckless than violent, and this time the ball was involved.
Half time arrives with no score. It’s undeniably a lively cup-tie, though the refereeing is perhaps too fussy, and there is an unmistakeable underlying ugliness to the atmosphere. Penlan can have reason for satisfaction: they are the better side – but concern too : one man down and failing to convert possession into goals, especially good positions on the wings let down repeatedly by poor balls into the box. But they start the second half positively and once again it’s hard to deny they’re on top.
In the 57th minute, disaster strikes for the visitors as they concede a soft penalty: one of those tricky decisions for the referee (who is getting plenty of criticism); there’s contact, but the forward can be said to have “bought” the foul. It’s converted and Risca lead. Again the balance of the game hinges on a key incident, for now Risca have the upper hand, dominating and coming close to doubling the lead. The extra man seems to be counting, with Penlan maybe tiring.
But on 73 minutes, Penlan’s Campbell makes one of his tantalising runs to the goal line and goes down under a challenge: the ref, no doubt aware he’s given a rather soft one at the other end, is quick to award the penalty, and Campbell picks himself up to convert it. Now given his silky ball skills, I’d expect him to place the kick, but he opts for power, striking it low and central. Home keeper Long blocks and the chance has gone.
Unfortunately the game’s undercurrents of frustration and aggression now come to the surface: altercations break out and Penlan sub Craig Connochie, on the sidelines, gets involved in verbals with Risca players and spectators, even venturing the opinion that women shouldn’t watch football as “it’s a man’s game”. He’s so wound up that I’m surprised to hear his manager tell him to warm up, though in fact when he comes on several minutes later he seems to have got his head straight and does nothing untoward.
Penlan keep battling, playing the ball out of defence, trying to find a way through, but it’s not their day. As the game enters stoppage time, they leave a gap at the back and Risca take advantage to score a second. Off the field things kick off when a substituted Risca player, Greg Haines, is confronted on the path to the changing rooms by a young Penlan spectator ready for a fight. The referee delays the restart and marches off to deal with the incident. After several minutes things have calmed down again, and six minutes into stoppage time a deep Risca cross is met by a volleyed scissor-kick at the far post to make it 3-0, a scoreline that says very little about the game. Penlan Club can maybe count themselves unlucky, but really their own indiscipline has cost them as much as bad luck today.

SATURDAY 12TH NOVEMBER: The Memorial Sports Ground: dry and mild
RUTHIN TOWN 2 BUCKLEY TOWN 2 (Huws Gray Alliance)
A very encouraging weather forecast means I’ve been able to plan a trip to north Wales with reasonable confidence, and indeed after a Friday deluge in the south, Saturday dawns calm and mild, an unusually pleasant November day.

So a four hour train and bus trip to deepest Denbighshire begins stress-free, and indeed continues so. On the on-time and relatively uncrowded train from Cardiff to Wrexham, with the autumn sun breaking through the mist over the lovely mid Wales border countryside, the journey almost seems to be going too well: without something to worry about, I am uneasy…. Surely something random will go wrong soon to spoil this – signal problems, lineside metal thefts, unspecified “incidents”, they can all intervene. They don’t, in fact, but at least remembering the possibility added that frisson of tension I was perversely missing.

At Wrexham, still on time, it’s a mere five minute stroll to the town’s excellent bus station to catch the X50 bus to Ruthin, claimed by some to be the loveliest small town in Wales. The 45 minute journey is certainly scenic – the stretch of country between the hinterland of Wrexham (Coedpoeth) and Ruthin not an area I have ever travelled through before and the beauty of the Clwydian Hills surprises me – as does the fact that Gwynfryn, en route, has signs announcing it is the highest village in Wales (I’d have bet that would be somewhere in Gwynedd).

Ruthin itself doesn’t disappoint: the hilltop town square with fine old buildings, surrounded by shopping streets leading down hill, their independent shops and restaurants housed in quaint period architecture. After exploring and refuelling, I set off down Prior Street for the Memorial Playing Fields, first turning the wrong way on Park Road and having to retrace my steps. As I approach the ground thinking I have 25 minutes to spare, it’s clear the match is already underway, though thankfully only just: the 2.30 kick off on all websites must have been wrong, and as there are no floodlights here it is understandable, on reflection. My late arrival has one consequence far worse than missing the minute’s silence and a few minutes of play: the programmes have sold out and I haven’t had a chance to check the team line-ups. The gateman kindly offers to track down a spare programme.

The Memorial Ground is attractively located but not impressive: if I thought Penycae was barely up to Tier 2 standard, then this venue proves it’s not alone. There’s one area of cover with a couple of rows of rough bench seats, oddly sited behind the goal-line close to a corner flag, and near the changing rooms. Behind this goal and along the far side is a narrow concrete path, with the away dugout the only building. Otherwise, flat grass standing. One side adjoins the cricket square and even the home dugout is on wheels. The crowd looks to be under 100.

Having briefly taken in the surroundings, attention turns to the game: Ruthin, in blue and white, entertain second-placed Buckley and form suggests the home side are there for the taking after a truly awful run of results – twelve goals conceded in two games. But Ruthin have a new manager, Steve Crompton, who is apparently shaking things up and making changes, while Buckley have a few injuries. Indeed, during the first half they lose another to an ankle injury. Halfway through the half, the Bucks take a lead they just about deserve, the home keeper getting to a low shot but not diverting it wide. Ruthin are not lying down though, and continue to battle, getting their reward just before half time when two forwards outnumber the Buckley defence and are able to work an equaliser.

At half time, the gateman finds a programme for me, and conversations with a couple f home committee men suggest things are going much better today on the pitch; although they do note that the worst recently has tended to come in the second half. Not so today, as after a long interval, Ruthin come out at 3.10 and immediately begin to look the more competitive side. Buckley fans are bemoaning their side’s attitude – an assumption this was an easy three points – and the visitors are starting to show signs of frustration. From one stoppage, they even fail to obey convention and return the ball to the home keeper, ending up winning a corner, to the disgust of Steve Crompton. Thankfully they fail to score from this.

About half way through the second half, a break down the Ruthin right wing brings a tackle and tumble on the edge of the box and the referee points to the spot. I’m not in a good position to judge, but opinions are clearly divided whether there was indeed a push or an elbow. Buckley go ballistic, their keeper Jamie Hulse earning a yellow card and continuing to mouth off – escaping a red when the officials turn a deaf ear. His team-mates continue to delay the kick and this probably puts pressure on the taker, as he scuffs the shot, Hulse falling to his right to push the ball wide.

From being a neutral, I’ve now taken sides: Buckley’s attitude has made me hope that Ruthin can at least hold on to the draw, and maybe get the winner from somewhere. With about ten minutes left, they do, a long shot skimming along the grass and past Hulse into the corner. They should now shut up shop and hold the ball, but naively continue to press forward. In stoppage time, after a cross is headed against the Buckley bar, the visitors break and equalise. It finishes 2-2, an exciting game for the neutral as well as the supporters, and a point gained for Ruthin despite the late equaliser.

Inevitably, the homeward journey is less punctual than the outward one, but it’s of less importance and can’t take the shine off one of those groundhopping days that make this hobby worthwhile.

SATURDAY 5TH NOVEMBER: The Marstons Stadium: dry, sunny.
AFAN LIDO 0 BANGOR CITY 0 (Corbett Sports Welsh Premier League)
Second visit of the season to the Marstons stadium, to check up on how Afan Lido are adapting to Welsh Premier life. After the rain of this week, it’s nice to have a sunny, dry afternoon and I use a spare ten minutes before the game to watch the waves rolling in on Aberavon Beach, a stone’s throw from the ground.

Few Bangor fans have made the long trip down (apparently those that are here have come by train) and there’s a modest attendance for a fixture that maybe doesn’t promise a goal feast: Lido’s scoring record is remarkably poor (two at home so far, and less than 0-5 per game) while Bangor have a striker shortage today. But Lido come into this game on the back of successive draws against top teams so confidence should be high.

Unfortunately the opening stages are memorable only for errors and stoppages. Lido are lucky to escape after a few careless defensive lapses create half chances, but as the game develops they create a few chances of their own. Bangor concede a very large number of free-kicks for holding, pushing and other niggly offences. Neither side really comes close to scoring in a frenetic but poor first half. After the interval both keepers have to make smart stops and the better chances fall to Lido. One golden chance on the break is squandered, while another goalmouth scramble passes with the ball not forced over the line.

In the end this proves to be the scoreless draw that all pre-match portents suggested. Both sides will have their own reasons to be content with the point, but really they should both be viewing this as two points dropped.

FRIDAY 4TH NOVEMBER: The Riverside Hardware Brewery Field ; damp but mild
BRIDGEND TOWN 5 TATA STEEL 3 AET (WELSH CUP)
Repeated deluges over two days might have put tonight’s match in doubt, so before leaving work I try to check: a visit to Town’s website brings up no message either way so I try to ring the Brewery Field and enter automated phone hell: numerous options, mostly commercial, but one says “for Bridgend Town Football Club press 6”….. I do, and the message is “visit the website”. Remarkably unhelpful, technology leaving us worse off than the days of trying to catch someone on the phone.

Actually there was no need to worry. Underneath its lush covering of grass (rugby length) the field is not waterlogged and the game will be on. Before then Nev Southall is addressing a function in the suite above the stand, and I assume the sparse crowd will be swelled when he finishes. In fact the crowd remains sparse and kick off time arrives with no real atmosphere building – no PA announcements of teams, no music and a few groups of people in the main stand.

The match kicks off with a sudden accompaniment of noise – fireworks displays. It’s a damp and increasingly misty night after the rain, and the surface is clearly tricky with players losing their footing. After a hesitant start, Tata Steel in yellow begin to look the livelier side and take a deserved first half lead with a break on the right leading to an unmarked finish in the box.

The second half brings an improvement in visibility as the mist lifts, and it’s noisier now, with the bangs and whizzes of fireworks joined by an insistent thumping of bass from the disco behind the stand. The football seems incidental here tonight, reinforcing my dislike of Friday night games as opposed to traditional Saturday afternoons.

Bridgend begin to mount a few attacks and with their second shot on target they draw level when Tata Steel pay the price for not clearing their lines effectively. This doesn’t affect the dynamic of the game much, and it’s no injustice when the visitors break away to score again. But a free-kick is converted soon after to bring Town level, and the game heads for extra time.
Unfortunately train times dictate my departure – Town go on to win 5-3 after I’ve left.

SATURDAY 29TH OCTOBER: The Greenhous Stadium; wet and windy.
SHREWSBURY TOWN 0 AFC WIMBLEDON 0 (League 2)
Well, I wasn’t going to post a blog report this week as I had derelicted my duty and gone to watch an English game. But on reflection, what’s the harm ? Shrewsbury, after all, is practically in Wales anyway…
Last week I noted a £7 entrance charge at Merthyr. Today: £17 (advance price) but we are five divisions higher up the English system, so Merthyr’s price still looks the steeper.
I’m here supporting the Dons as they bid to end a confidence-shredding poor run of results, but also curious to visit the Shrews’ edge of town home. Once the stadium is reached, impressions are very positive. But getting there is a challenge -parking arrangements are odd (no parking at the ground even though it’s way out of town) and require a perilous walk from the hotel and garage car parks that fill the gap, along and across busy A roads. It’s a nice four sided stadium, with excellent viewing from every seat, clear loudspeaker and adequate spectator facilities.
After a pre-match helicopter landing (launch of the local poppy appeal) the League Two encounter gets off to a lively start with the Dons’ Ricky Wellard sending in a shot that rebounds from the crossbar. That proves to be the closest either side can come to a goal, but that doesn’t mean the match lacks entertainment. Shrewsbury, unbeaten at home and on a good run, dominate as expected and if matches were decided on corners, the content would be over by half-time. The Shrews seem to have a weifgt and height advantage in some areas too, with Jermaine Grandison in particular able to knock opponents off the ball at will (but not always fairly). But in keeping with their underdog status on this occasion, the visitors defend with commitment, and frustrate the home side, especially after the interval, when they are able to launch a few threatening attacks of their own. Amid an increasingly bad-tempered end to the game, both goals remain unbreached and the Dons celebrate a very hard-won point, something to use as a base for rebuilding confidence.

SATURDAY 22ND OCTOBER: Penydarren Park. Fine but a chilly wind.
MERTHYR TOWN 3 SHERBORNE TOWN 0 (Toolstation Western League)
After an absence of 18 months, it’s time to re-visit one of my favourite Welsh grounds, Penydarren Park in Merthyr. I last came here in the last days of Merthyr Tydfil FC in 2009-10. The club was wound up and Merthyr Town was born, exiled from home for their first season, but now back where they belong and competing in the Western League Premier Division after breezing through the lower division in their first season.
Getting to Merthyr shouldn’t be a problem, but train disruption and inconclusive online information makes me decide on the express bus option, supposedly every 15 minutes from Cardiff; but when I’ve waited 35 minutes on Manor Way I’m about to give up and go and watch Cardiff Corries, when the bus appears. Even with the delay, I’m in Merthyr half an hour before kick off. Merthyr itself hasn’t changed, always several degrees colder than Cardiff, always rather uncared-for, the steep walk up from the civic centre past the litter-strewn ravine, then the route up to Penydarren Park via Park Terrace still seeming a long way round compared with the long blocked-off flight of steps. I pay my £7 (unbelievably pricey for the standard of football) and enter Penydarren Park; the old ground is much the same as ever, with the obvious problem of Strikers bar falling into dereliction. The rest of the ground is in fair condition, recently painted, though on closer inspection the pitch is the worst I’ve ever seen it at this time of year, uneven and bare in places.
The match programme (£1.50 but much better value than the admission charge) reveals a club coming to terms with a tougher task this season and just maybe seeking to mollify a restive fan-base. An article makes a fair job of putting a positive spin on current form, despite stats that say Town have won only one in eight: many were cup games, many were draws on the road… in the league table, they’ve got loads of games in hand, false position etc. Nevertheless, against lowly Sherborne, only a convincing win will restore faith in Merthyr’s promotion credentials.
The opening exchanges however are not encouraging: although Merthyr waste a golden chance in the first minute, after this there is little excitement for a while and both sides look out of sorts, with no quality and no pattern emerging. Passes are misplaced, moves break down. Compared with last season’s confident Merthyr side, something seems to be missing. However, confidence does start to grow in the home side as the limitations of their Dorset visitors begin to show - Sherborne really are very poor. It takes Merthyr 24 minutes to score, Kris Leek getting a deflected shot through the visitors’ defence. Leek, by far the busiest man on the pitch, deserved the goal more than anyone.
Merthyr continue to push forward, without exactly putting the Dorset side to the sword. Sherborne do pose a threat from set pieces, but also concede many free kicks for holding, tugging, blocking etc. and it strikes me as ironic that a team from a posh Dorset market town is resorting to rough stuff to thwart the footballing ambitions of a team from poverty-stricken, post-industrial Wales.
Five minutes before the break a throw on the left starts a quick move, finished with a neat strike from Jason Welsh, who has recently converted to striker. 2-0 up, Merthyr look to have the game in the bag at the interval.
But after the break they fail to put the game to bed. Sherborne force corners and long throws, which continue to cause a bit of trouble for the home side. They don’t have the ability to punish Merthyr for lapses that do occur, and eventually a crisp header from Welsh puts the game way beyond them with 20 minutes remaining. Merthyr still fail to build on the lead, and as the home fans file out I hear mutterings of “it should have been six”. Indeed it should, even if the comment might have been meant as testimony to Merthyr’s superiority. A 3-0 win over the bottom side doesn’t necessarily mean everything is back on track, but it’s a solid enough start to a crucial run of league games that should see the Martyrs join the leading group.

SATURDAY 15TH OCTOBER – The Causeway; dry and mild.
UNDY ATHLETIC 1 BRIDGEND STREET 2 (MacWhirter Welsh League Div 3)

A visit to Undy Athletic has been high on my priorities for this season, and with the weather favourable for venturing to the exposed Gwent levels and the added bonus of Bridgend Street as the visitors today, there won’t be a better opportunity. Despite the inconvenience of the dispersing thousands of rugby fans (World Cup semi-final on big screen in the stadium), I opt for the simplest travel route, a train to Severn Tunnel Junction, though it is certainly possible to get to Undy by bus and avoid the walk. It’s less than two miles and flat, but not the easiest as the main road along the coast here is busy and lacks pavements, so I’m constantly forced onto the rough grass verges to avoid traffic. Even so, I arrive at the Causeway 25 minutes before kick off. Teams are on the pitch, the clubhouse is full (Liverpool v Man U on the screen) but no admission taken and no programmes on sale as I stroll into the ground.

As kick off approaches, enquiries reveal that there are programmes, but not actively being sold yet. After two weeks of programme ‘no-shows’, I fear a third and find myself becoming tetchy. Why no club official at the gate ? The answer: “A busy day”. Team line-ups are obtained from the team-sheets, loaned by the young female referee, and then fifteen minutes into the game a club official walks round the pitch taking admission from those who proffer it (a mere £2 including a nicely produced programme) but I can’t help feeling the club could be doing more to maximise its match-day takings.

I last visited the Causeway ground several years ago and to meet Welsh League criteria a minimal section of cover has been erected on the far side, a shallow Arena structure with four steps of terracing. In the winter this will afford little protection from the wind and rain off the Severn estuary. However, the clubhouse behind the near goal now has a pitch-side canopy which would be more of a haven.

I’m expecting a close, top of the table contest (Street won the reverse fixture 4-3) and so it proves. This looks a tricky assignment for young Ms Huxtable the sole official, this is a match where decisions may be significant and without linesmen she’s got to make most decisions herself. But at least these are two footballing teams not prone to thuggery. The first half brings very few chances at either end, Undy coming close with a dropping shot, but Bridgend Street just shading possession and looking more dangerous in their approach play. But the interval arrives with the score 0-0, Street’s lively attackers having been well marshalled by the home defence, and their somewhat leaky defence having avoided conceding. The worst the referee has had to cope with is a few tough offside decisions and without linesmen this is always a bit of a lottery.

The second half is only a couple of minutes old when Marcus Jones puts Street ahead, getting free of markers following a move from the right. And indeed, for the next twenty minutes Undy struggle to contain Jones, Borg and White as the visitors get on top. Undy bring on Lunt as a sub, and with his first touch he almost scores at the near post. But at the other end Borg is denied by a goal-line block, then White is pulled back for an offside call when he’d actually timed his run well. But moments later he gets free again, his first effort is blocked and he somehow hooks the rebound in from close range whilst grounded. At 2-0, Street look safe, but then Undy pull a goal back and spend the closing minutes striving to find an equaliser. They don’t manage it, and despite defending deep, Street continue to dominate possession while hanging onto their lead. A vital 2-1 win for the leaders, but Undy have played their part in this excellent Welsh League match and should take the positives from their performance.

It also has to be said that Ms Huxtable played her part too: apart from a few dodgy offsides, she showed firmness when needed and in return received more obedience than many male colleagues I’ve seen. There does seem to be a difference in players’ and managers’ behaviour towards a female official, less aggressive and I’m sure far less profane, and this can only benefit the game.

A convenient bus enables me to avoid the walk back to Severn Tunnel Junction (a bargain at 90 pence) and I’m back in Cardiff by 5.20, having enjoyed a fine afternoon’s entertainment in the gentle autumn weather.

SATURDAY 8TH OCTOBER: The Willows. Sunny, windy.
BRIDGEND STREET 3 NEWPORT YMCA 1 (Nathaniel Car Sales Cup)
Time at a premium today, so it has to be a local fixture, a Bridgend Street’s league cup tie against higher league opposition appeals. I head to Cardiff for the usual walk out through the planet and metal-themed streets of Adamsdown and Splott. Although I am in town in the middle of the day, in a way it’s a calm between two storms : the city will have been buzzing early with bars open for the World Cup rugby from New Zealand; and this afternoon a very different crowd will flood into the city for the Michael Jackson memorial concert.
The Willows Ground is in good condition for an interesting cup tie in a competition either club could do well in. In recent years Second and Third Division clubs have had a lot of success in the Welsh League cup, with Third Division Goytre the current holders. Both clubs are doing well in the league, Street unbeaten in Division Three and YM lying second in Division Two. So confidence should be high in both camps. YM’s confidence is even higher after two minutes when Street fail to mark their men from the visitors’ first attack and a cross from the right is met by an unchallenged looping header. 0-1 already.
The wind down here on the Channel coast is making life difficult for both sides, but Street proceed to stage a recovery from the early setback, and begin to mount attack after attack. As the half progresses, it’s hard to argue that they’re getting on top, but the goal won’t come initially. When it does, it’s a bit special, Tony Borg striking a superb volley just before the half hour. Jeff White is denied by the keeper before half time but at the interval it is finely poised.
The second half starts as the first did, with a goal. From Street’s first attack, Jeff White is denied by a fine save, but moments later comes a cross from the right, Borg meets it, and executes a remarkable shot which loops up and drops into the net. Probably not what he intended at all, but it counts just the same. After this, with Street still on top, the game seems to lose its way for a while. Newport YMCA begin to push Street back, and whatever the home side do they find the visitors coming back at them, although chances are few and far between.
Just when it looks as though YM might force an equaliser, it all goes wrong for them. Their full back gets a straight red for a push as Marcus Jones cuts inside him on the edge of the area, then the man advantage is made to count as Borg feeds Jones, who squares for Jeff White to slot home a third killer goal. There’s no way back from this for the ten men and Bridgend Street play out the remaining ten minutes quite comfortably to progress into the last sixteen.

SATURDAY 1ST OCTOBER. Afoneitha. Hot and sunny.
PENYCAE 1 FC CEFN 2 (Welsh Cup 1st Round)
After I moaned last week about a succession of rainy Saturdays, today we have a contrast: to say this was the first non-rainy Saturday of the season would be only half the story, for in fact we have an unexpected autumn heatwave. With no risk of postponements, and plenty of ties to choose from in the Welsh Cup, I head north by train, enjoying the mid Wales scenery in the sunshine, then the spectacular stretch of line between Chirk and Ruabon. I make a point of looking out as we pass through Cefn Mawr, to see FC Cefn’s ground, even though it’s just a railed pitch with a windowless container building. But looking out for grounds from trains is a lifelong habit and one I’m not really likely to give up.
After an unusually pleasant journey, I arrive in bright and sunny Ruabon at mid-day. I like Ruabon. I’ve passed through it so many times en route to games, but the charm of its old buildings in Church Street endures, as does the appeal of the elegant Wynnstay Arms. Time for a relaxing drink here before setting off for Penycae, which is in fact only just over a mile to the west. On the way I pass Ruabon football field – a junior game in progress here – and head on along the country road, relieved to find there’s some form of footpath most of the way.
Penycae FC’s Afoneitha ground sits at the bottom of the estate of that name, just off the road up to Rhosllanerchrugog. It is approached down an unmade lane, leading to a small car park and a bowls pavilion building housing the changing rooms. Beyond is the ground, enclosed by a high metal railing. At the gate, the notice says admission £3, programmes £1 – but there are no programmes. The old “problem with the printer” story, which in these days of printer/copiers in most homes and many shops, doesn’t really excuse not producing anything. Does it matter ? Well, yes it does, for a match with an attendance of around 100 in our most venerable competition – this isn’t “recreational level football” whereas the Trophy arguably is – and if Swansea Dockers could issue for a crowd in single figures for that, anyone can. Plus not issuing violates Welsh Cup rules !
Once inside Afoneitha, entering behind one goal, I can see the club have erected two small Arena stands just this side of the half way line, one seated and one terraced, to meet league requirements for promotion to the Huws Gray Alliance. There’s also a new-looking concrete path which only manages to go about two-thirds of the way round the pitch. No floodlights and no permanent buildings on site apart from the adjacent bowls pavilion. The pitch looks in good condition but has a pronounced slope down to the far corner.
Visitors FC Cefn have brought plenty of support on their short journey from Cefn Mawr, and indeed the club regards this as one of the most important games in their short history. Not because they’re playing Penycae, who they have met in Wrexham Area League games for several years, but because of the prospect of a really big game in the next round, plus financial rewards for progressing. And, with Penycae having made the worst imaginable start to their Huws Gray Alliance campaign after winning promotion (8 straight defeats) Cefn know they are in with a chance.
Early exchanges are energetic and committed, but fairly even. Cefn, playing in green up the slope, have the benefit of confidence and do seem more of a unit than Penycae, but even Cefn are guilty of dwelling on the ball and careless passing. They do begin to sense that the home side need not be feared, and push forward with more regularity, young centre-forward Josh Foulkes looking especially threatening. After 18 minutes a move down the right seems to come to a standstill on the edge of the box, a Cefn forward on the ball in a stand-off with home defenders. After considering his options, he sends a low pass across the six-yard box which Josh Foulkes hammers home. With so long to prepare, it’s odd that Penycae didn’t have him marked.
Although Penycae force the visiting keeper into a couple of really fine stops, it looks as though Cefn will take their slender lead into the half-time break, but with the last move of the half they press the wobbly Penycae defence once again and striker Williams shoots goalwards. I can’t tell whether a deflection is to blame, but the ball bobbles along into the corner of the net. 0-2 and only just time to restart before the interval.
Cefn are out early for the second half but waiting around for Penycae to join them seems to affect their concentration: in the first minute of the half the defence is not switched on to recognise danger and concedes a soft goal that gives Penycae hope and a bit of momentum. Cefn’s superiority from the first half is gone and the match becomes closer, but also attritional and ugly. Tackles have been hard and not always fair from the beginning, but things do seem to be turning ugly. Both sides are guilty, but Penycae more so. Territorially, Penycae seem to have a slight edge, but their moves are relying heavily on hopeful long balls, producing corners but few good chances. They only need one to force extra time, and I’m half-expecting this, as it so often happens when a one-goal lead is defended in a cup tie. In the final minute of stoppage time they get the ball in the net but the scorer is adjudged offside, to loud protests, and the game is lost. Cefn just about deserved the win, but in truth this has been an ill-tempered and mediocre cup-tie. Cefn now await the draw with excitement – they could draw Wrexham or Cefn Druids for instance – but Penycae can concentrate 100 percent on finding a way to record their first league points.

THE BLOG IS BACK !
14/08/2011

Season 2011-12 is underway and the editor's 'Groundblog' is back with a match-by-match account of his groundhopping travels watching Welsh football. Latest report appears at the top, so you might want to read from the bottom of the page upwards:

SATURDAY 24TH SEPTEMBER. Ashlands – wet and gloomy.
SWANSEA DOCKERS 3 COED EVA ATHLETIC 1 (FAW Trophy Round 1)
Another Saturday with rain the forecast – it’s rained every Saturday of the season so far. But the day starts deceptively warm and sunny in Cardiff, so much so that as I’m on the point of setting off on a tortuous journey to Swansea via train and shuttle bus (the main line being out of action), my better half offers to drive – we can take advantage of the fine day with a walk on the prom….
An hour later, entering Swansea in driving rain, she’s already regretting the rash offer and wishing she’s stayed home and left me to battle with public transport. Plans for a walk are abandoned and the couple of hours before kick off at Ashlands are whiled away in pub and museum. The rain is actually relenting as we drive back east through Port Tennant seeking out the Ashlands Community Centre, venue for today’s delayed FAW Trophy tie. Though not well signposted, it is where I expected it to be, alongside Fabian Way at the very eastern edge of the city. Dockyard cranes are visible beyond the main road, while Kilvey Hill looms to the north. The Ashlands ground has a changing room block at the entrance end, some distance behind one goal. No spectator facilities (this is normal in the Swansea Senior League) but the home side has commendably complied with competition rules and issued a programme. Apart from the two ‘benches’, at kick off I seem to be the only spectator, though later in the first half the attendance is swelled by three more men and a dog.
With the Dockers having reached the quarter finals last season, and already topping the Senior League this term, they have to start firm favourites against their Gwent visitors who’ve lost all six Gwent County Div 1 games to date. The home side, in navy, do indeed look the more accomplished early on, their tricky forward line giving the visiting defenders problems. After ten minutes, they come agonisingly close to taking the lead, a defender heading the goalbound shot onto the bar, but from the clearance Coed Eva break and score.
The goal brings confidence and Coed Eva show total commitment to making the most of this stroke of good fortune. In midfield and defence they are tackling solidly, and closing men down quickly, especially the skilful Kyle Morgan who they have clearly recognised as the danger man. The Dockers don’t exactly panic at going a goal down, but as the half progresses with them still trailing, they are guilty of trying too hard to force an equaliser, rather than playing their natural game. Eventually, though, their defensive weakness is exposed in the 35th minute when Morgan wins a chase with two defenders for a ball he had no right to win, and finishes crisply.
The Dockers now relax a little and begin to play some nice passing football either side of the extremely brief interval. Seven minutes into the second half, with light rain now falling again, Morgan jinks through the Coed Eva defence and is felled in the box. He makes no mistake with the spot-kick, and I now hope to see the home side play the way we know they can. But actually the game now drifts into a scrappy affair, with Coed Eva by no means overrun. In fact, they force keeper Sparkes into a couple of excellent saves. The victory is made safe with a Price goal at the far post on 77 minutes, and though it’s too much to expect Coed Eva to recover from a two-goal deficit, they actually finish strongly, and might feel unlucky not to pull a goal back.
3-1 at the final whistle, Swansea Dockers have earned their place in Round 2, so they will face the trip east to another Cwmbran-based outfit, Lucas Cwmbran. My homeward journey east begins now, and not a minute too soon for the driver, still rueing her idea of a day out in Swansea.

SATURDAY 17TH SEPTEMBER. Trebanog Football Field. Showery.
ELY VALLEY 0 BAGLAN DRAGONS 4 (FAW TROPHY)
It’s yet another Saturday with a dodgy weather forecast – thundery showers – but I can’t always choose games on the basis of shelter from the rain. Today is the first round of the FAW Trophy, offering plenty of intriguing ties on grounds with minimal facilities, so I just have to prepare for the worst the elements can throw at us.
Choosing a match has been tricky, partly because of limited info on where some of these games actually are: Cathays Tenants ? Turns out they’re on Blackweir parks pitches, not very inspiring. Creigiau ? a possibility, but Llanidloes should be far too strong for a Cardiff parks team. In the end I choose Ely Valley, the newest name in the competition, and based, I discover, at Trebanog. I had a slight doubt when I wondered if this was just a renaming of Trebanog Rangers, a team I remember watching once at Fochriw in their brief Senior League spell. I also remember thinking that, having endured 90 minutes in the company of this club, I would avoid ever doing so again at all costs. It’s reassuring to find that Ely Valley have no connection.
I’m fortunate to get a lift to the ground (more fortunate than I realised at the time, as we shall see), so with half an hour until the scheduled 2pm kick off I wander round the village. The most striking thing is the scenery: this is a mountain-top village, with fine views west over the valley, and the imposing craggy bulk of Mynydd y Cymmer to its north west. The football field is just above the main road on the east side, exposed but with commanding views. It has a modern changing room block, and a grassy bank with a few benches on the far side where the ground rises. On the near side a railing extends about two-thirds of the pitch length, but there are no other railings or tapes. No dugouts either. A high mesh fence separates the near side from the car park and houses, and prevents frequent ball losses.
Ely Valley, I am told, are brand new to senior football, having evolved from a junior team and joined the Rhondda & District Saturday League. Indeed, their shirts all still bear the name “Ely Valley JFC”. The visitors are Baglan Dragons from the Amateur League Division Two, technically just one pyramid level higher, but it’s quite a large step from district league recreational football to the better organised South Wales Amateur and Senior Leagues.
On arriving at the ground, it appears there is confusion ovder the kick off. The clubs and the referee have been given different information, Baglan believing it’s 2.30. They agree to split the difference and start at 2.15. Despite the changeable weather conditions, the light isn’t really going to be an issue today.
Baglan, in red, immediately look the more assured on the ball and begin to dominate, without actually scoring. Ely Valley keep them at bay for a quarter of an hour, their own occasional efforts well off target, but their luck runs out on 17 minutes when a deflection sends a shot from inside the box into the bottom corner. This doesn’t signal a landslide, with Baglan labouring to add to the lead and Ely Valley beginning to play a bit themselves. It’s slightly cruel when the Baglan centre forward gets the second before half time, sliding the ball home after evading a couple of challenges.
The second half brings more of the same: Ely Valley creating chances and good possession, not outclassed, but lacking the finishing touch. Any hopes of a revival are dashed on 65 minutes, in the middle of a fierce shower, when a well-placed header finds the net for Baglan’s third. They get a fourth in stoppage time too, the pick of the goals, a fine volley by their number 6. 4-0 is a reasonable outcome, Baglan were several goals better, but Ely weren’t disgraced on the national debut and deserved a goal for their efforts.
The match ends in a brief sunny interlude and I set off for Porth, discovering quickly how steep is the descent, and realising how lucky I was not to have to climb up here a couple of hours ago.

SATURDAY 10TH SEPTEMBER: Old Road. Showers
BRITON FERRY LLANSAWEL 7 MONMOUTH TOWN 2 (Nathaniel Car Sales Cup)
Yet another Saturday when it looks wise to head for a ground with some shelter, and this fixture between two of the Welsh League’s in form teams gets the nod. So it’s westward on the train, and then the long walk back from Neath (Briton Ferry has a station but it’s of very little use as trains rarely stop there).

Before walking out to Old Road, I tarry a while in Neath, where there is a street market going on. Now this isn’t a street market like those I’ve been to in Cardiff and Caerphilly recently – all designer food stalls and arty crafts. This is the lower end of the market, if you’ll excuse the pun: thirty or so stalls all either selling different forms of tat or unhealthy-looking food. Nothing to detain me long here. As I leave the area there is a pall of acrid smoke spewing upwards – a bin fire behind the shops, as it happens.
It’s a long time since I’ve been to Old Road, and even longer since I walked from Neath. The route hasn’t changed much, though shop names have and pedestrian routes have become a little more convoluted. The hill between Neath and the Ferry ground is steeper than I remember – well, I’m older than I was back in the late eighties when I did this walk a few times, so it just seems steeper. Mental note: avoid this on the way back.
The ground isn’t much changed from Ferry’s League of Wales days, though some people say it has been smartened up recently, maybe since the merger, after going into decline. The peculiar long shelter still runs the length of the pitch, still encumbered by the ground level seats incongruously installed to meet LoW criteria. It was better when this was a standing enclosure. Doesn’t really matter, only ten people in the ground 15 minutes before kick off, swollen to all of 35 by the time the match gets underway.
My chief interest in the game is Monmouth Town, who have made a great start to life in Division Two of the Welsh League. Ferry have started well too, in Division Three, but I’m expecting Town to be too strong for them and I’m interested to see how good the Kingfishers are.

So it’s a bit of a surprise when Ferry take a twelfth minute lead, their striker easily in behind the defence. Monmouth have a few attacks after this, but concede again on 22 minutes, poor marking from a cross from the left. And again on 32 minutes, a neat turn inside the full-back and a tidy finish. 3-0 is a big enough lead to confirm this match is not going in the expected direction. It continues relentlessly, 4-0 on 37 minutes, 5-0 on 43 minutes – the latter goal created by another fine ball inside the full back. Half time arrives and time to take stock.

The comment I hear most among the home fans is that they are as surprised as anyone. Monmouth have been hugely disappointing, with no real clue how to stop the rout, but Ferry have looked rampant and too good for the third division.
After the break, the game is less interesting. Nothing much happens for a quarter of an hour, until the visitors are given a penalty and reduce the arrears. Six minutes later, they get a second from a free-kick, nicely struck through the defensive wall, and the unthinkable is thought… but there isn’t going to be a fight-back, because on 72 minutes Ferry get a sixth. Late in the game they add a seventh, and a desperate save and scramble prevents an eighth. 7-2 the final score, a real shock but a fair reflection of an extraordinary match. Suitably entertained, I stroll back to Neath – taking the main road, which is flat all the way.

On reflection, what to make of this Monmouth performance ? Surely “one of those days”, they must be better than this. The match programme contained a history of the club, including the legend of the Monmouth kingfishers, and how a deflated football saved one pair of the river Monnow’s population from a devastating flood. It wasn’t a flood that annihilated the Kingfishers today though, it was a Ferry.

TUESDAY 6TH SEPTEMBER: Newbridge Fields. Windy and wet
BRACKLA 3 GARW SBGC 1 (South Wales Senior League Div 2)
The Senior League has squeezed in another round of midweek games despite the shortening evenings as we go into September. Their gamble on a fine, light evening has not paid off, indeed the torrential rains of the last 24 hours have caused two games to be postponed. But not Brackla’s fixture, and with the rains relenting during the afternoon, I stick to my plan to check out this (for me) new venue and new club after work. Brackla, newly promoted from Bridgend football, have been using various grounds so far but the league website shows this as taking place on Newbridge Fields, the large park in Bridgend town centre. Having failed in all attempts to contact the club by all listed means – email, landline and mobile – I’m really not 100 percent certain whether this match is going ahead, and if so exactly where.
On entering Newbridge Fields in Bridgend at five past six, there’s no sign of football; rugby practice on the pitch nearest the leisure centre; I walk on, not optimistic, cross the river bridge to a further vast expanse of playing fields, still no football pitches marked out for a match. I’m about to turn back and give up when my attention is drawn to some shouts way over in the far corner, and on scanning the horizon I can just see some sort of railed pitch half-hidden behind a pavilion. As I approach, it’s clear this is the match I’m seeking – Brackla in their white and red strip – and it has already started, though it’s not yet 6.15. I have a distant view of Brackla scoring when I’m still 50 yards away from the pitch.
On arrival, my assessment of this pitch, which really is tucked away in a corner of the park, is that it’s in no way a Senior League venue: a railing down one side, two chipboard portable dugouts, but in all other respects a parks pitch. Discussion with knowledgeable local fans reveals this is not a permanent ground, just an expedient while some issues with changing rooms at Brackla Rec. are resolved.
As the half progresses, Brackla dominate against a poor Garw side, apparently continuing their slide down the pyramid. Two well struck, but deflected, shots extend Brackla’s lead to 3-0 at the break and it’s a fair reflection. At the end of the half, the weather takes a turn for the worse again and together with a few other neutrals I seek shelter under the trees at the far end.
The second half, starts quickly at 6.55 with fears of bad light clearly on the referee’s mind. The old “game of two halves” cliché applies, as the teams seem to have been transformed at half time. Indeed, had they not all stayed in view throughout the interval, you might think they’d swapped shirts. Garw now play with more confidence and look the better side, Brackla having lost their momentum. Garw pull one back, and create enough chances to salvage something, but squander them. A late penalty is even hit straight at the keeper. In the fading light, Brackla hold out and the visitors remain pointless and bottom of the league. In heavy, blustery showers, the crowd disperses to find out how Wales get on against England at Wembley, essentially the same game, but a world away from this grassroots experience in a public park.

SATURDAY 3RD SEPTEMBER. Ynys Park. Drizzle turning to rain.
TON PENTRE 0 BRYNTIRION ATHLETIC 1 (MacWhirter Welsh League Div 1)
Sometimes everything seems to be more difficult than it should: first, plans for today were disrupted by the weather forecast – Welsh Cup games at open uncovered grounds given a wide berth, so Ton Pentre v Bryntirion becomes Plan A. Then it becomes clear during Saturday morning that Arriva Trains’ Valley Lines have ground to a halt – I begin to doubt if I can get to Ton. Alternatives are few, but at one point I relent and consider the easy local option of STM Sports in the Welsh Cup – until I discover they’re not issuing a programme. In the end, with Arriva’s network still seemingly paralysed three hours after a single train broke down, I decide to risk it, setting off for Llandaf station (no sign of any rain yet either); surely they will be running trains by the time I get there ? Information is contradictory – the ticket seller thinks things are getting back to normal coming out of Cardiff, but all the trains are in the wrong places; the train indicator display says my train is “On Time” – but I know this is no reliable guide. As departure time arrives, “On Time” changes to “Cancelled”. I consider Plan B – get the Merthyr train – but while I’m resigning myself to that, the Rhondda train turns up anyway. You couldn’t make it up.
In the end, despite the journey being delayed by all the trains being out of sync, I arrive at Ynys Park twenty minutes before kick off, with the first spots of rain beginning to fall. By kick off time it’s a steady fine drizzle, so at least my decision to avoid uncovered grounds is vindicated. Ynys Park has had a minor facelift, fresh red paint on the covered terrace and the little stand, which now has seats in it. The side opposite the stand is still bare, the only trace of its old main stand being marks on the high perimeter wall where it was joined.
The game itself pits the Welsh League’s champions Bryntirion against the Second Division champions Ton Pentre. Bryn’ have made a winning start to their title defence but Ton are struggling after the step up, so on form it looks like an away win. Early exchanges – provide little evidence of these sides’ exploits last season, for the quality is poor – poorer than some of the lower level games I watched last weekend. Miskicks, hoofed balls, misplaced passes, we’ve got them all. There’s no pattern emerging, it’s all disjointed, every pass seemingly blocked or hit into touch. Even from dead balls the ball is going out – with Ton keeper Howe a major culprit, his kicks lacking range and accuracy. And the refereeing isn’t any more impressive than the play. A couple of shots on target do cause problems: at the Ton end, Howe lets one squirm out of his hands for a corner, while at the other end Blain does well to tip over a goalbound effort from Jordan Branch. But at half time it is 0-0 with neither side deserving to be ahead.
A few minutes into the second half, and just before the heavy rain arrives, the deadlock is broken: a deep cross from the right and Bryntirion’s Ian Turner is at the far post to slot it in. This does have the effect of enlivening the game, with Ton now showing more sense of purpose. Unfortunately Bryntirion seem content with their work, and adopt a defensive formation, while taking their time over everything. This means the rest of the game sees Ton enjoy possession in the visitors’ half, but having to guard against breakaways. Ton lack the penetration to capitalise on this possession, and despite winning a number of corners and free-kicks, they fail to break Bryntirion down. In the closing stages a desperate goal-line clearance is the nearest they come, and at the end the Bulldogs are left still seeking their first win of the season, while the champions continue their unbeaten start to the campaign.
On the journey home, the Arriva Trains network is still struggling to get back to timetabled services, seven hours after a train broke down at Treforest. Just like this afternoon’s two teams, I think they ought to be capable of better.

MONDAY 29TH AUGUST
Treflan. Blustery and cold.
LLANSANTFFRAID VILLAGE 1 WELSHPOOL 1 (Spar Mid Wales League Div 1)
The final day of the Groundhop starts at another ex-League of Wales venue, Treflan the former home of TNS, now occupied by the revived village club. No shortage of cover here for the 245 crowd, but it’s not rain we’re dodging today, rather a bitter wind. The clubhouse is ever so welcome before the game and at half time.
Oddly enough, the visitors are former LoW giants too. Welshpool, fallen on very hard times, relegated twice and only just in business at all. A new squad has been hastily assembled but I’m rather expecting a rout here. Indeed, early action is one-way traffic, Village creating chance after chance. But they’re not scoring, at least not for 20 minutes, until a blatant handball gifts them a penalty which is converted. But still the floodgates won’t open, and Welshpool defend everything thrown at them and even push forward with something approaching confidence. Admiration stirs. On the stroke of half time a cross is met at close range and they equalise.
The second half story is one of spirited resistance by Welshpool. The longer it goes on, the more we want them to succeed. In keeper Gary Foster, they have my unofficial Man of the Hop. And they do hold out for a precious point, hard won and well deserved.
The Kings Head Ground. Dry, not so cold.
MEIFOD 3 FOUR CROSSES 8 (Spar Mid Wales Div 2)
A short journey further into the Montgomeryshire countryside takes the Hop to little Meifod, with its quaintly bucolic ground behind the pub. The stand is a trailer on wheels; alongside it is an ancient tractor. On the far side, close to the touchline, is a row of runner beans.
The match has not been anticipated with relish, for hoppers still talk of 2010’s game between these sides at Four Crosses: a dour 0-0 that seemed to last an eternity. But if defences prevailed then, today they are not stopping much. Meifod take an early lead but then their defence is exposed in a devastating half hour period when Crosses run riot, their number ten Chris Bishop scoring the first two and then clearly deciding he’s going to get his hat-trick come what may. He repeatedly shoots rather than pass, and has the cheek to berate team-mates who don’t set him up to score. However, his third on 37 minutes brings relief for him, and in fact he goes on to add another as Crosses take a 6-1 lead into the break.
The second half brings more goals, though not as many as there might have been. Meifod, whose heads had dropped in the first half, have pulled themselves together and actually draw the half 2-2, leaving the final score 3-8. In the closing minutes, they miss a golden chance to make it 4-8 and then Crosses miss a penalty. Just the eleven goals then.
Maes y Dre. A milder evening. The forecast improvement has come later than we hoped…
WATERLOO ROVERS 2 MONTGOMERY TOWN 4 (Spar Mid Wales Div 1)
The final leg of this year’s Hop takes place at Waterloo Rovers’ recently improved venue in Welshpool, the concrete barely dry around the new changing rooms and hard-standing. One building has been pressed into service to dispense hot food, pies and faggots and peas much appreciated by the hungry and weary travellers in the big crowd of 333.
They appreciate the football too, both sides battling hard – but fairly – in a close fought match. Montgomery open up a 2-0 lead, waterloo fight back and then Montgomery restore their two goal lead in the end. They do look the better side overall, indeed they look very impressive indeed and may challenge the likes of Llanidloes for honours.
Ten games in four days: tiring, enjoyable, entertaining. And next August we’re going gto do it all over again at ten more Mid Wales grounds !

SUNDAY 28th AUGUST
The Weirglodd. Still showery.
RHAYADER TOWN 2 CARNO 3 (Spar Mid Wales Div 1)
South Powys is the focus today, with former League of Wales venue the Weirglodd hosting the opening game in front of 281 spectators. I have high hopes of this encounter between two sides who have proved strong in recent seasons, but it doesn’t quite live up to expectations. A number of crunching challenges go relatively unpunished, and this disrupts the flow. Rhayader look a little disjointed, with too little quality running off the ball. Carno take a deserved lead and look like holding it to half time, but a horrendous fumble by their keeper allows a free-kick to level the scores just before the break.
Stalemate ensues until fifteen minutes from time, when Carno restore their lead with a header from a cross, then extend it from a corner. It seems all over, but three minutes from time Rhayader score and sense a point is there for them. With literally the last kick of the game, a cross comes over from the right, a home player is at the far post – but he holds back instead of flinging himself at it, the ball goes past and the whistle blows.
Thomas Lant Playing Fields. Drier, a more pleasant afternoon.
BUILTH WELLS 1 DYFFRYN BANW 0 (Spar Mid Wales Div 1)
Just down the A470, the Hop arrives at the delightful tree-lined home of Builth Wells, with its picturesque old stand and a much newer wooden refreshment hut alongside. Before the game, the main activity is behind this building, where refreshments are on sale under a canopy. At one end the usual burgers and hot dogs, but walk round to the back and it seems you have wandered onto the set of the Great British Bake Off, for here the ladies of Builth are displaying all manner of cakes from Welsh cakes and Bara Brith to cup cakes, Victoria sponge and butterfly cakes. Never have so many varieties of cake been seen on a Welsh football ground ! Needless to say trade is brisk.
Unfortunately the football doesn’t hit the same heights. Builth dominate the first half against a fairly limited Banw outfit. Rather than excitement, the atmosphere is peaceful, almost idyllic, in keeping with a sunny Sunday afternoon. The appearance of a baby rabbit on a lead at half time is somehow equally in keeping with the gentle mood. As the game progresses, it threatens to bring the Hop’s first 0-0, but eighteen minutes from time Tom Rowlands nods in the winner.
King George V Playing Fields. Sunny evening.
TALGARTH TOWN 2 RHOSGOCH RANGERS 2 (Spar Mid Wales Div 2)
The crowd at our most southerly venue is swelled to 314 by locals who’ve come for an evening that’s about more than the football. There’s live music and fireworks after the game, and the beer is flowing freely in the big pavilion, which leads to some drunken accompaniment to the match.
The match itself is a local derby, the reverse of the game that ended 10-0 a year ago on the 2010 Hop. Talgarth however have turned up this year and it’s a more even affair. Twice Rhosgoch take the lead, twice Town draw level, and the points are shared.

SATURDAY AUGUST 27TH Tregaron School. Wet and chilly.
TREGARON TURFS 4 MACHYNLLETH 2 (Spar Mid Wales Div 2)
The big red coach and the fleet of cars conveying the visiting hoppers are on the road early to head west to Cardiganshire for one of the League’s more modest venues and an 11.30 kick off. The Turfs have erected a marquee for refreshments and memorabilia stalls and this comes in very handy as shelter from the frequent heavy showers. At least the game is on, the pitch in fine condition. Just down the road the Welsh Harness Racing Classic has been called off – no doubt at great cost to the local economy. We do our best to compensate through purchases of food, badges, programmes and raffle tickets, not to mention the ticket and gate money from the crowd of 231.
Machynlleth, promoted this summer, give as good as they get initially and it’s 1-1 at the break, but the Turfs open up a 4-1 lead in an entertaining game, Machynlleth pulling one back at the death.

Pantyfedwen Park. Still wet and blustery.
BONT 2 LLANFAIR UNITED 3 (Spar Mid Wales Div 2)
A few miles up the road to Pontrhydfendigaid or Bont for short, for the next match, where Llanfair United from distant Montgomeryshire are the visitors. The heavy showers haven’t abated, and the tiny stand on the half-way line provides cover for only a small proportion of the 244 crowd.
Fortunately the match is good enough to distract attention from the weather, as Llanfair impress with ba solid all-round performance against a Bont side that again disappoints, despite its big name manager (Appy) and players with higher league experience. Llanfair are never behind, though twice Bont manage to halve a two-goal deficit. They push for an equaliser after their second on 73 minutes, but United hold out for the win.

Cae Piod. Showers less frequent.
BOW STREET 1 TYWYN BRYNCRUG 2 (Spar Mid Wales Div 1)
Back up the Cardigan Bay coast, and back up to the First Division, for the Hop’s Saturday evening fare: 285 fans are present at Bow Street’s attractive and well-appointed Cae Piod ground for a match that proves to be a competitive and close affair. Tywyn seem to have a slight edge, and finally take the lead on 40 minutes with a long shot, but after the break Bow Street pile forward seeking the equaliser. A glorious chance is spurned on 50 minutes, but the goal does eventually come after 76 minutes, a low shot coming through a crowded box. No sooner are the Magpies level, than they’ve thrown it away, a defensive mix up allowing Tywyn to go 2-1 up, and that’s how it finishes. Fine entertainment to round off an enjoyable day on the west coast.


FRIDAY AUGUST 26TH. The Talbot Field. Damp and cool.
BERRIEW 1 LLANIDLOES TOWN 3 (Spar Mid Wales League Div 1)
It’s August Bank Holiday and the eagerly awaited Welsh Groundhop is here ! Ten games to come over the weekend, hordes of groundhoppers descending on sleepy Mid Wales by coach and car for the second year running. Disappointing weather for this opening game, but the spirits are high – the forecast is for improvement in the days to come.
An official attendance of 291 at Berriew’s much improved Talbot Field ground is pleased to see the rain ease off as kick off approaches and the match gets underway in the best conditions seen all day.
Berriew, recently relegated from the Cymru Alliance, and LLanidloes, unfortunate not to have replaced them, are two of the Spar League’s top clubs and a match of real quality ensues. As the first half progresses, it becomes apparent that Llani are very slightly superior in all departments. The notable difference between the sides is Jamie Breeze, whose fine turn and shot opens the scoring. He duly doubles his tally and when the Daffs go 3-0 up after 60 minutes the match is over. A late consolation is no more than Berriew deserve.

WEDS. AUGUST 17TH & SAT AUGUST 20TH - Weather mild and dry.
BRIDGEND STREET 8 CARDIFF GRANGE HARLEQUINS 3
BRIDGEND STREET 4 PONTYCLUN 2 (both MacWhirter Welsh League Div 3)
Coincidentally I visit the Willows ground twice in a matter of four days for The Mission’s first two home fixtures after their promotion to the Welsh League. A good crowd has assembled on the Wednesday night for a Cardiff derby between two clubs who a few years ago were many divisions apart. Possibly a stiff first test for the home side, but they have recruited well over the summer with Chris Summers, a proven goalscorer at Welsh Premier level, and Jeff White, younger but equally prolific in local football.
Street make a tentative start and look ill at ease: it seems initially that the Quins have control of the game and it’s not a surprise when they go ahead after being presented with a virtually open goal only a few minutes into the match. It takes Bridgend Street another 20 minutes to draw level, growing confidence enabling their forward line to see more of the ball. A cross planted on Chris Summers’s head leads inevitably to the ball being buried in the Quins net. Two minutes later they cut the Quins defence open and Jeff White slots home unchallenged. Quins appeal for a foul in the build up and their number 3 jostles the referee. He’s distraught at being red-carded but you can’t blame the official. Shame though, as he’d been outstanding for the 25 minutes he played.
Before half time White makes it 3-1 with the Quins defence appealing for offside (wrongly, the ball was played back). After the break the goals start to come quickly: Tony Borg gets on the scoresheet twice, Summers adds another with an exquisite chip, and it’s soon 7-1. Quins pull a goal back, Street extend their lead again and the visitors have the final word with a fine volley. A remarkably decisive win, with Borg and Summers both with claims to the match ball after notching hat-tricks.
The following Saturday morning dawns wet and my plans need revision. Today I will be accompanied to a match, by wife and sister who “aren’t going to get wet standing in a muddy field”. So Bridgend Street’s home game v Pontyclun is a natural choice, with cover, hardstanding, refreshments…. In the end of course the rain stops at lunchtime but the die is cast by then. Again it takes Street 25 minutes to get off the mark, but on this occasion it was just a matter of when they would score. It’s Jeff White who taps in after a parried shot, then as on Wednesday the second goal comes within a couple of minutes – White again, put clear. Just after half time it’s 3-1, Summers feeding White for his hat-trick, but then Street are guilty of letting Pontyclun off the hook and the game goes quiet. The visitors pull a goal back on 68 minutes, before White restores the three goal advantage. But with eight minutes left messy defending allows Pontyclun to reduce the deficit again and they have a dangerous free-kick immediately after this; had it gone in, we’d have seen a tense final few minutes, but Street hold on fairly comfortably for the win.

SATURDAY 13TH AUGUST: The Marstons Stadium. Cloudy with light showers.
AFAN LIDO 0 PRESTATYN TOWN 1 (Corbetts Welsh Premier League)
Here we go again: the usual mid-August start for the domestic football season, the usual miserable weather and, in my case at least, the usual mixed feelings that the close season is over. The first round of competitive fixtures is the first of several milestones signalling the end of summer, a road that leads inexorably to the dark, cold days of winter. Hardly cause for celebration, although I know football addicts who can’t wait for the this day and the return of ‘proper’ football. In a few weeks the momentum of the season will have swept me along and I’ll be as enthusiastic as anyone.
After studying today’s Welsh Cup fixtures, I have unusually opted for a Welsh Premier game, Afan Lido’s first game back in the top flight. What should be a straightforward journey to Aberavon is complicated by the Wales v England rugby match in Cardiff, which means train travel across the capital is an ordeal. Everything is delayed, Central station is awash with stewards blocking normal access routes, and a sense of chaotic muddling through reigns. The train and station staff watch thousands of rugby-bound fans slowly filing off delayed trains, with none of them able to tell me which of two delayed westbound trains will leave first. Eventually I opt for the FGW service and I’m on my way. ‘Only’ a quarter of an hour late.
Nothing much seems to have changed at Aberavon Beach since my last visit two seasons ago. The Marstons Stadium may have acquired a couple of extra portakabins, but nothing of real significance. Next door the derelict Lido pool building still awaits rebuilding. This should be a big occasion, the local club’s triumphant and overdue return to the top flight, but the atmosphere is fairly subdued. Maybe the showery weather and the unfortunate clash with a rugby international don’t help, but a sub-200 crowd really is disappointing. What will they get in the depths of winter ?
Lido have a number of new faces, including ex-Neath manager Andy Dyer at the helm, and his most intriguing signing to date, the long-term problem child of south Wales Leon Jeanne. Lido face opponents who were last season’s surprise success - my last WPL game of 2010-11 saw them visit Neath for the Europa League play-off final, and they looked sharp that day. However, after a nightmare six-hour journey today, which caused them to arrive later than planned, they look less well-prepared today and for the first half hour they look very ordinary indeed. For Lido, Jeanne takes the eye as he switches between the wings ; he looks fit and willing to work hard, in addition to the skill he’s always possessed. Lido do get the ball in the net, but it’s correctly ruled out for offside. Eventually Prestatyn begin to wake up and on 30 minutes Ross Stephens is set free with a golden opportunity – but fires wide with only Curtis to beat. A couple more chances duly come, and I wonder if Lido’s best chance to win this might have passed them by. I can envisage the visitors nicking the points with a second half goal as I start to make my way round the pitch to the clubhouse end for half-time. And, while I’m doing that, in first half stoppage time, Dan Evans turns on a ball in the Lido box at the far end and his shot gives Town a lead they barely deserve.
The second half brings more frequent showers but also brings renewed urgency from Lido. The first half had been entertainingly end-to-end, and the second is even more so, although now the ball is repeatedly swept upfield by Lido’s pacey midfield and forward line. Jeanne is still prominent, a couple of fine runs being let down by poor finishes. The balance continues to swing in Lido’s favour, with Prestatyn reduced to ten men when Beattie receives a second yellow and is dismissed. Although somewhat harsh, this was on the cards as they’d been picking up yellows all afternoon; with twenty minutes to go, Lido’s pressure forces a penalty for a trip in the box – disputed by the visitors. Jeanne steps up but his low shot is parried by Roberts in the Town goal and the rebound is wasted.
But this only serves to intensify the Lido dominance. The introduction of Tyrone Toppar adds further pace and energy to the left wing and he quickly looks the outstanding player on the pitch. Sadly though, even he can’t find a way through the visiting defence, which is riding its luck and holding out. And so the match ends, with Town escaping with the points. It would be lazy to end with thoughts that this was a reality check for Lido, or that Town were a bit too experienced for them. I don’t think such clichés are true: Lido were the better side and can take much encouragement from the game. Why didn’t they win ? Just bad luck and weak finishing, nothing deeper than that.

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