Barry Town United vs Aberystwyth Town
JD Cymru Premier Saturday 13th March – 2.30pm KO MATCH BEHIND CLOSED DOORS Aberystwyth Town will look to build on the positive momentum created by Tuesday’s dramatic 2-1 win over Haverfordwest County, as they travel to South Wales to take on Barry Town United at Jenner Park. Lee Jenkins 94th minute winner was the second crucial stoppage time goal in two games, after Jamie Veale’s excellent free kick gained a point at Caernarfon on Saturday, and these goals really emphasise the team sprit that is now so evident amongst the team since the re-start. Both Jenkins and Veale have contributed a goal and an assist each in the last two games, and with January recruits Jon Owen and Jamie Reed both finding the net also, things are really starting to look up for Aber, as the last two results mean that the team have now climbed out of the bottom two in the Cymru Premier. The new look coaching team will be hoping the team can continue their good form at a Barry Town side who currently sit in 5th place with 27 points from 18 games. Since the restart, they have beaten Cefn Druids 1-0 away from home last Saturday and were defeated 1-0 at home by Penybont on Tuesday. Tuesday aside, their form at home has been superb this season, having only lost once in the previous 8 home games in the league – that defeat coming on the opening weekend of the season to The New Saints. Manager Gavin Chesterfield made three signings during the winter hiatus, with Rhys Kavanagh, Jamie Bird and experienced shot-shopper Lee Idzi all arriving at Jenner Park. Idzi will provide competition for popular former Aber keeper Mike Lewis, who is now in his fifth season with the club after leaving Park Avenue in 2016. Barry’s dangerman this season is once again the ever-reliable Kayne McLaggon, who has scored 8 times in 14 outings this season. Jordan Cotterill has also netted four times, whilst Nathaniel Jarvis and David Cotterill have three goals each. The reverse fixture in October saw Barry take all three points at Park Avenue. Aber had led early in the second half thanks to a strike from Steff Davies but the visitors (who had earlier seen Clayton Green sent off) earned the three points thanks to goals from Kayne McLaggon and Jordan Cotterill. Assistant Manager Antonio Corbisiero commented ahead of the game “Psychologically getting off the bottom is a massive boost. We are not going to take anything for granted though, with a tough game coming up at Barry. We’re going to go with the same attitude as we have done, we’re still underdogs wherever we go and we’re just going to keep fighting for the league position”. Once again, the Black & Green Army will not be able to attend in person, but you can follow all the action on our Twitter feed @AberystwythTown. Keep getting behind the lads, your support is essential as we look to continue our climb up the table! Aberystwyth Town 2-1 Haverfordwest County
JD Cymru Premier Aberystwyth University Stadium Park Avenue Aberystwyth Town collected a vital three points on Tuesday evening against Haverfordwest County thanks to goals from Jamie Reed and Lee Jenkins. The win lifts Town out of the relegation zone for the time being and ends a long win drought for the Seasiders. Despite the continued absence of fans at Cymru Premier games, the excitement was palpable pre-match for the home side’s return to Park Avenue after three long months away. An unchanged side was named from Aber’s last-gasp draw at The Oval, testament to the Black & Green performance in North Wales. From the first whistle, Aber looked the stronger team with confident spells of possession and chances created, but it was the visitors who threatened the nets first as Danny Williams’ effort from a pull back was finely blocked by Lee Jenkins on 11 minutes. Aber quickly responded with two chances of their, namely for Jamie Reed whose driven shot was fired marginally wide of the County goal. It wasn’t until 30 minutes that the game’s next chance arose, again to Jamie Reed who was set free through the middle by a perfect pass from skipper Marc Williams, but County’s last man did well to stick with the veteran and give his keeper a chance to save well. On the stroke of half-time, Jamie Veale lofted a precise ball to the backpost where Lee Jenkins was able to half-volley across goal, but the ball wouldn’t drop in time for two on-rushing Town attackers to convert before the break. With that, the interval was called with the score 0-0 but it was the home side who had shown the initiative to get in front most often. Town picked up where they left off in the 2nd half, firstly with another 1-on-1 opportunity well defended before the deadlock was broken on 55 minutes. A long throw by the energetic Jack Thorn was bravely flicked on by Lee Jenkins to the swinging left foot of Jamie Reed who volleyed it to the top corner. This being Jamie’s 3rd home debut in Black & Green, how fitting it was for him to be the one to finally find the net, making it a hattrick, a brace, and a lone goal in three consecutive debuts over a 14-year span! Town made two changes before the 80th minute, with the impressive duo of Franklin and Owen replaced by Owain Jones and Jonathan Evans. This period saw Haverfordwest find their feet in attack and some sustained pressure on the Aber half but little of great concern to Connor Roberts, until the 82nd minute. A cross from County was poorly cleared by a defender across his own box to the feet of a Bluebird who was presented the goal in front of him. Having almost thrown away a lead late on vs Caernarfon mere days previously, it looked a painful case of déjà vu for Town where a deserved three points became one and risked being zero. However, different to previous games of the ilk, Town rallied late on and looked the stronger side once more heading into the game’s close. On 85 minutes, loud penalty shouts from factions of the Green Army perched on vans, sat in buses, or stood on ladders where waved away by the referee after what looked to be a compelling case for handball in the area. A final change was made as Steven Hewitt replaced the impressive Veale before heading into four minutes of added time, two of which passed uneventfully. With 90+3 on the clock, a cross from the right was lofted towards the head of Jonny Evans who looped a top corner-bound header, only for the County shot stopper to tip over the bar, giving Aber a corner with mere moments of the game to go. Under the shadow of the Emyr James Lounge, Mathew Jones stepped up and floated a delightful ball towards the six-yard area where TNS loanee Louis Bradford was flying towards goal, connecting with a powerful header that keeper and post-guarder managed to deflect, only for Lee Jenkins to head home unimpeded from 3 yards. A collective joyous roar rang around Park Avenue from players, staff, and on-lookers as Town had snatched victory from the jaws of a draw with the final action of the game, and who better to claim it than the Cymru Premier’s James Collins! The victory puts an end to a torrid winless streak and lifts Aber to 10th thanks to losses to both Flint and Cefn Druids, but the work has only just begun. Next up is a notoriously difficult away trip to Barry Town on Saturday afternoon, but this win against a strong opposition in Haverfordwest County can only boost the Seasiders’ confidence to travel to Jenner Park with hopes of getting another result in the books. As always, we will be there to provide updates over at @AberystwythTown on Twitter! Diolch enfawr i’r Dorf Werdd! / Thank you, Green Army! Aberystwyth Town vs Haverfordwest County
JD Cymru Premier Tuesday 9th March – 7.45pm KO MATCH BEHIND CLOSED DOORS It has been a long wait, but after nearly three months Cymru Premier football finally returns to Ceredigion tomorrow night as Haverfordwest County visit Park Avenue. This match, originally scheduled for Boxing Day, will be Aberystwyth Town’s first outing on home soil since the 2-1 reverse to last Saturday’s opponents, Caernarfon Town, on 15th December. Saturday’s return to action in Gwynedd was certainly not short of action, with three goals in the final five minutes giving a final score line of 2-2, after Aber had led for much of the game. The quality of Aber’s goals will live long in the memory, with Jon Owen’s excellent volley added to by Jamie Veale’s superb last gasp free-kick, which brought the scores back to 2-2 after Caernarfon had scored in the 85th and 87th minutes. The spirit shown by the players to come back from the disappointment of conceding the two late goals should give optimism to both management and supporters alike ahead of tomorrow nights match, and the run of fixtures to come. Haverfordwest County have had an excellent start to their first season back in the Cyrmu Premier and currently sit in 6th place, having only lost once in their last five games. They picked up three points in their own return to action on Saturday, with a Danny Williams penalty enough to secure the win against Cardiff Met. Williams is the Bluebirds’ joint top scorer this season with 8 goals from 16 games, along with Jack Wilson who has 8 from 14. Ben Fawcett has also contributed 4 goals in 16 games. There will be a reunion with a number of familiar faces tomorrow night. Both Elliot Scotcher and Ricky Watts had brief spells in Black & Green in the 2016/17 season under Matthew Bishop; whilst current Haverfordwest manager Wayne “Wolvesy” Jones was a popular figure at the club during his two years as Assistant Manager from 2016-2018. Wayne joined the Black and Greens as Assistant Manager to Matthew Bishop in June 2016 and lead the Club to safety in the Welsh Premier League after Bishop's resignation in March 2017, initially alone and then with Tony Pennock. He then continued as Assistant to Neville Powell during the 2017/18 season, which ended in a Welsh Cup Final, and he will be assured of a warm welcome from all at Park Avenue tomorrow night. Haverfordwest have hit the headlines in recent days, with Welsh International Jazz Richards signing for the club. Richards has had spells at both Cardiff & Swansea, as well as being part of Wales’ incredible Euro 2016 campaign in France. It was announced today that he will be eligible to make his debut at Park Avenue tomorrow night, and his signing is not only a boost for our visitors but the Cymru Premier in general. Tomorrow’s match is the first of a run of 4 in 5 matches at home, with only Saturday’s trip to Barry Town United being away from Park Avenue. Following the visit of Haverfordwest tomorrow, the Black & Greens face Newtown (20th March), Penybont (27th March) and Cefn Druids (2nd April) all at home before the league splits. Assistant Manager Antonio Corbisiero gave his thoughts to the club’s media team ahead of tomorrow nights encounter. “We’re looking forward to it. The boys are looking forward to it – its great to be back! They’re gutted that we had a little blip for four or five minutes (on Saturday) but the reaction from them was spot on and I’m hoping that we’re going to start Tuesday night as we finished on Saturday”. We’re back to Tuesday nights under the lights at Park Avenue, but unfortunately supporters still cannot be admitted due to Covid-19 guidelines. Our Twitter feed @AberystwythTown will once again provide in depth coverage of the game however, and whilst we await the return of the Black & Green Army to Park Avenue, we can assure you that all at the club do very much appreciate your continued support. Caernarfon Town 2-2 Aberystwyth Town
Saturday 6th March 2021 Aber Town were back in Cymru Premier action in Gwynedd this afternoon and it turned out to be an eventful return for the Black & Greens, with three late goals ensuring the points were shared after Aber had led for much of the game. Pre-match preparations were disrupted as the team coach was delayed on its journey to The Oval, with some of the team only arriving 40 minutes before kick-off. It is to their credit, and the credit of the management team, that this did not seem to affect their start in the game, or the overall performance. The Aber coaching team, boosted by the arrival of club legend Gari Lewis, gave a debut to Harry Franklin in midfield whilst in attack Jon Owen and Jamie Reed were also making their first appearances since returning to the club. Connor Roberts and Louis Bradford also started, having had their loan spells extended from parent club The New Saints during the enforced break. Chances were few and far between for both sides in the opening half hour; Jamie Reed and Harry Franklin coming closest for Aber whilst former Seasider Darren Thomas was a threat from set-pieces for the hosts. The game really sprang into life on the 38th minute, as Marc Williams did well to hold off a defender on the right flank before bursting into the box. His cross was cleared, but only to Jamie Veale, who took a touch to set himself before delivering a delicious ball into the box which was met by Jon Owen with a superb volley to make it 1-0 to Aber! The visitors had to withstand some heavy pressure as Caernarfon looked to get back on level terms before the break, but the defence coped well with the physical presence of Jack Kenny and the experienced Mike Hayes, and Owen’s goal proved to the difference at the interval. The hosts continued to push for the equaliser early in the second half, but Harry Franklin looked to hit them on the break and after carrying the ball almost the length of the pitch, he found Matty Jones who crossed to Jamie Reed, but Caernarfon goalkeeper Tibbetts did well to claim the ball. Franklin was impressing in the midfield, as part of a hard-working midfield three alongside Jack Thorn and Jamie Veale, whilst the front three of Reed, Williams and Owen ran themselves into the ground in order to not only provide a threat going forward, but also to offer additional support in their own half. It was the defence who were really starting to shine in the second half however, as Caernarfon continued to up the pressure on the young Aber back line of Rimmer, Jenkins, Bradford and Mathew Jones. The combination of Jenkins and Bradford in particular coming in for special praise from Assistant Manager Antonio Corbisiero after the match, as they continued to deal with all Caernarfon had to throw at them. Connor Roberts was his usual reliable self in goal, denying former Seasiders Mendes and Thomas with a couple of good saves as the half progressed. It was not all one-way traffic however, and Jon Owen did well to win a corner for Aber, from which Williams had a shot saved before Lee Jenkins follow up was cleared. Jamie Veale also hit a free-kick just wide of Tibbetts right hand post, firing a warning of his capabilities from set-pieces! As the game entered its final five minutes, Aber’s strong rear-guard was finally breached, as a long ball found Wrexham loanee Jake Bickerstaff who got inbetween Bradford and Jenkins before firing under Connor Roberts to get the hosts back on level terms. Two minutes later, a throw in was flicked on by Telor Williams to Sion Bradley, who struck the ball past Roberts from a tight angle to put Caernarfon 2-1 ahead. The home side could have been forgiven for thinking they had done enough to win the game, with little time remaining, but Aber rallied and looked to push for an equaliser, as Owain Jones replaced Jack Rimmer in an attacking substitution. With four minutes of the five added played, Marc Williams drove towards the Caernarfon box and was fouled. Jamie Veale set the ball around 25 yards from goal, and then stepped up and struck a sublime free kick past Tibbets to make it 2-2! It was a real quality strike which nestled right in the bottom corner of the goal, and was every bit deserving of the jubilant celebrations that followed. There was just enough time for Lee Jenkins to head a Caernarfon attack clear from his own goal-line before the final whistle sounded. A point was the least that the men in Black & Green deserved for their efforts and this performance will surely give both the management team and supporters reasons to be optimistic moving forward. Assistant Manager Antonio Corbisiero spoke to the club’s media team after the game and commented “I was more than happy with the performance. The performance was spot on to be fair. The players executed everything that we asked of them. The reaction from the boys, to go and get a draw having just been kicked in the teeth conceding those two quick goals, to finish with a goal like that is incredible”. Aber stay in twelfth position, but a point closer to leaving the bottom two. Next up for the Black & Greens is a home tie against Haverfordwest County on Tuesday night, as the games start to come thick and fast again! Cymru Premier football is back! Caernarfon Town vs Aberystwyth Town
JD Cymru Premier Saturday 6th March MATCH BEHIND CLOSED DOORS The JD Cymru Premier returns this weekend after an 11-week hiatus brought about by the ongoing Coronavirus crisis. After action was suspended in late December, the National Sport Group reinstated the JD Cymru Premier’s ‘Elite Status’ on 23rd February, which has paved the way for fixtures to resume as of this week. First up for Aberystwyth Town following the restart is a trip to Gwynedd to take on Caernarfon Town. Although the Black & Greens’ form before the break was disappointing, there is a sense of optimism around the club following the arrival of several new faces, and the return of a few of familiar ones! Jon Owen was first to arrive; the forward returning to Park Avenue for a second spell following 18 months at the club from January 2017, during which he appeared in the 2018 Welsh Cup Final. Academy Product and local lad Harri Horwood then re-joined following spells at Cardiff Met & Briton Ferry Llansawel and experienced centre half Ian Kearney was added to the ranks having most recently represented City of Liverpool FC, although he will be best remembered for his spell at Airbus UK Broughton where he captained the club in their European adventures. Next up, 6”4 centre forward Dan Cockerline arrived after six months with FC United of Manchester, having previously hit 22 goals in just 26 games for AFC Liverpool in 2019/20. He was then joined by talented midfielder Harry Franklin from Evesham United, who has previous experience with Hereford and Redditch. The Seasiders recruitment was finalised with the return of iconic striker Jamie Reed, who signs for his third spell at the club having previously appeared on loan in both 2007 and 2015. Jamie’s first home debut against The New Saints has of course gone down in club folklore, as he hit a hat-trick as Aber triumphed 5-1 against the reigning champions! To add to the above, the club are delighted that both Connor Roberts and Louis Bradford have had their loans from The New Saints extended until the end of the season. The new signings will hope to get their first taste of action against the Cofis, who have also made a few additions during the enforced break. The most eye-catching move is the return of set piece specialist Nathan Craig, who returns to The Oval following a short spell at Flint Town United, having previously made over 200 appearances for the club across three previous spells. Huw Griffiths has also added two youngsters to his squad on loan from Wrexham: Max Cleworth and Jake Bickerstaff. Caernarfon made a solid start to their Cymru Premier campaign and going into the lockdown they had 22 points from 17 games and sat well placed to qualify for the Championship Conference in 5th. They had won 3 of their previous 5 games, including the reverse fixture at Park Avenue, where goals from Jack Kenny and former Seasider Darren Thomas gave them all three points. Mike Hayes is the Cofis’ top scorer this season, with 5 goals from 14 appearances; whilst Cai Jones has 4 from 16. In addition to Darren Thomas, who had a brief spell at Park Avenue in 2015, both Jamie Crowther and Paulo Mendes have also pulled on the Black & Green. Crowther made a handful of appearances in 2017 whilst Mendes was one of Aber’s most influential players of recent years, spending two years at the club and becoming a real fans favourite during that time, before moving on to tomorrows hosts last summer. Last season’s meeting at The Oval saw one of Aber’s most impressive performances of 2019/20, with Captain Marc Williams netting all three goals in a 3-0 win, roared on by a fantastic backing from the travelling Black & Green Army. Fans are still not permitted to attend matches in the Cymru Premier and it will not be the same without you there tomorrow, but our media team will be on hand to keep you up to date with all the action on our Twitter page @AberystwythTown. Thank you for your fantastic continued support! In December 2020, Gavin Allen offered Aberystwyth Town FC his resignation as First Team Manager, which the Club initially accepted. In January 2021 the Club made it clear that Gavin would remain in position until the resumption of Cymru Premier fixtures.
Those fixtures recommence for the Black and Greens tomorrow and Club Chairman Donald Kane explains: "Since December the club has been working hard to strengthen its playing squad and Management Team. Given the extraordinary circumstances we find ourselves in with relation to the Covid-19 pandemic, we have reassessed the situation and agreed with Gavin that he will remain in place as First Team Manager of Aberystwyth Town FC. We thank him for his cooperation in this matter." Statement Ends |
Gem Nesaf
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Ebost / Email: AberTownFC@live.co.uk
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© 2024 Aberystwyth Town Football Club. All Rights Reserved
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Cyfeiriad / Address: ATFC Ltd, Park Avenue, Aberystwyth, SY23 1PG.
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