Welsh Premier Times 2015/16

WELSH PREMIER TIMES
2015
Haf/Summer # 7
14/06/15
Proud week for Dafabet
WPL clubs in Europe
A wonderful hat-trick from Mike Wilde and a Matty Williams goal
secured 4-1 victory for TNS over B36 in the UEFA Champions
League first qualifying round second leg at Park Hall Stadium.
On what was a memorable night at TNS, the four goals added to
the two scored last week in Torshavn to ensure a 6-2 aggregate
victory over the side Faroese side.
Hat-trick scorer Mike Wilde told BBC Radio Wales Sport:
"First and foremost the performance was what we wanted and the
goals were a bonus. Even to grab one in the Champions' League is
delightful but to get three is something special.
"We started really well. We had a plan, we had a remit and the lads
stuck to it and got the reward - and now we go on to the next
phase.
"I hope [I get to keep the ball] so I'm going to have to ask someone
to grab for that for us - it would be good to keep that as a
memento.
"We've had big occasions before against Liverpool and Man City
and I was involved in those with TNS and this is up there with that
because you don't just get the occasion but we get the victory and
we get the taste for it."
Newtown pulled off a double as they repeated their 2-1 home leg
win in Malta to go through 4-2 on aggregate against full-time
Valletta FC. Newtown boss Chris Hughes told BBC Wales Sport
"This team keeps making history. Last season we got to the
[Welsh] Cup final for the first time in 118 years,"
He believes they "deserve" to face FC København who finished
second in the 2014-15 Danish Superliga.
"The players deserve that - that's what you work so hard for," said
Hughes.
"I'm made up. They're a big, big name in European football with a
fantastic history and tradition."
Hughes says his players "were excellent" in Malta and he was "so
proud to call myself their manager".
"It's unbelievable really. Everyone's looking at each other on the
bus thinking 'what have we just done'," added Hughes. "And it's a
fantastic achievement for everyone. I'm so proud of the players, the
staff - everyone who's contributed tonight.
"To win two games against full-time opposition and fully deserve
it as well, over two legs we were the better team.
"It's an historic night for our club and our supporters who... paid
out of their own pockets to support the boys - they were fantastic
as well."
More on page 2
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S4C to show The New
Saints Live
S4C will broadcast The New Saints’ Champions
League qualifier against Hungarian Champions
Videoton live on Tuesday, 14 July.
S4C’s Sgorio will be at Park Hall, Oswestry for the
second round first leg qualifier, with coverage
starting at 6.45pm, kick off 7.00pm.
The coverage will be provided with English
commentary on the red button service and will also
offer English subtitles.
The Welsh Premier League champions made it to the
second round after beating Faroe Islands’ champions,
B36 Torshavn 6-2 on aggregate over two legs.
Sue Butler, S4C Head of Sports Rights said, "We are
delighted to be able to broadcast this qualifier. The
New Saints’ performance in this tournament thus far
shows the development of the Welsh Premier League.
The coverage reflects our commitment at S4C to
showing Welsh football, including highlights of
Wales’ Euro 16 qualifiers and live weekly coverage
of the Dafabet Welsh Premier League.”
S4C recently announced that Sgorio will broadcast
live Dafa Bet WPL matches on Saturday evenings,
with coverage starting at 4.45pm and kick off at
5.15pm.
The first televised match will be Llandudno Town FC
v Aberystwyth Town in Llandudno’s first-ever topflight fixture on Saturday, August 22.
Sgorio, produced by Rondo Media, also has a
highlights show on Monday evenings which includes
WPL action.
S4C is available on S4C is available on: Sky 104 in
Wales, Freeview 4 in Wales, Virgin TV 166 in Wales
Freesat 104 in Wales, Sky 134 in England, Scotland
and Northern Ireland
Freesat 120 in England, Scotland and Northern
Ireland
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FIXTURES 2015-16
UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
Tuesday July 14th
THE NEW SAINTS v FC VIDEOTON
At Park Hall Stadium, Oswestry
Kick-off 19:00
EUROPA LEAGUE
Thursday July 16th
FC København v Newtown AFC
At Teilia Parken Stadium, København
Kick-off 18:45
Proud week for Dafabet WPL clubs in Europe from page 1
Airbus UK bowed out of the Europa League at the first stage for the third successive season despite a valiant display
at Lokomotiva Zagreb reports the Daily Post’s John Bridgewater
Trailing 3-1 from the first leg, the Wingmakers threatened a fightback in the return in Croatia as they went ahead
through Chris Budrys a minute after the break.
However, Zagreb scored twice to effectively seal their place in the second qualifying round, before Andy Jones
earned a deserved draw for Andy Preece’s side who had late chances to have won it.
Airbus were on the front foot in the first half with Ryan Wignall going close after a mistake from keeper Oliver
Zelenika while Wayne Riley twice fired over.
Tom Field then struck a free kick against the bar, but the breakthrough came a minute into the second half when
Wignall crossed for Budrys to head home
Stung by the goal, Zagreb upped their game, with Ivan Fiolic going close before making no mistake on 65 minutes
while sub Marko Kolar was denied by the upright.
Damir Sovsic then put the hosts in front with a strike from the edge of the box, but Airbus showed their resilience
with Jones nodding in a long throw from Matty McGinn moments later.
Budrys, Wignall and sub Ryan Wade almost won it late on for Airbus who can stake plenty of credit for their
display.
Bala Town’s Hannah Gwenllian reports on a devastating end to their tie against FC Differdange ’03.
Heartbreak in closing seconds ruins dream of second round Europa League tie.
It was heartbreak and devastation for the Lakesiders as they fell to an injury time goal twenty seconds from time
against FC Differdange.
Even though it was a win on the night which keeps our 100% unbeaten home record in Europe it was a devastating
controversial 95th minute goal that dashed Bala’s dreams of a Trabzonspor tie.
Bala from the outset were much better than they were last week out in Luxembourg, with two changes from the team
last week with Thompson and Davies replacing Bell and Artell in the starting line-up. The work-rate and effort was
faultless and the possession this time round was kept much more!
Both sides started brightly, Caron testing for the visitors and Sheridan going close for Town after forcing a mistake
out of Bukvic.
It was a heartening first half performance, Smith almost picked up Sheridan in a dangerous area, and Sheds’ having
another opportunity after pressing the Differdange defence.
Influencial Er Rafik beat his man but luckily for us curled his chance narrowly wide of Morris’ goal in one of
Differdange’s rare chances.
Caron curled wide and Ribeiro blasted a half volley comfortably over the crossbar.
Town were playing tidy football with Kieran and Thompson linking well nearly allowing Sheridan to give Town the
lead but not managing to turn his foot around the ball.
A golden opportunity fell to Bala when Weber completely missed his punch from a Town corner but a black and
white shirt took a total airkick for the chance to be cleared away.
The Lakesiders were finishing the half strongly, with four consecutive corners only just cleared away.
The second period couldn’t have started any better for Bala. Kieran Smith weaved through two men and was bundled
over on the edge of the box for the ref to award a freekick. Stephens’ delivery took a wicked deflection off the wall
for Conall Murtagh to head home with the softest of headers at the far post to give Bala a deserved 1-0 lead.
Bala took strength from the goal, Valentine blasted wide after Pearson and Jones’ great buildup in the centre of
midfield prior to Smith firing over the woodwork with a halfvolley.
Connolly’s pulled back chance from Thompson’s cross was blocked out for a corner before Differdange put a little
pressure on Town with Davies and Stephens defending and clearing well.
A spectacular 40 yard lob by Connolly was only just pushed out by Weber in the Differdange net with 10 minutes
left to play.
Bala doubled their lead on 83 minutes when Kieran Smith’s shot was initially blocked before Sheridan followed up
to slot the ball in which meant Town were currently going through into the second round.
The pressure from Differdange cranked up with them constantly pushing forward until the 90th minute. The 4th
official showed 4 minutes of injury time with all Town needing to do was hold on.
With four minutes done and already a minute over it was sheer heartbreak for Bala when Er Rafik got on the end of a
flick on (which looked offside to many) to knock the ball in the cruelest of endings.
Credit must be given to the Bala players tonight – superb from start to finish and should be so proud of themselves
on their performance.
Thank you to Rhyl for hosting our European challenge again this season.
Many thanks to all the Town supporters who came to support the club, and also to the hundreds who have contacted
us via social media with their messages of support.
NEWS
ABERYSTWYTH TOWN
Sponsors Week on atfc.org.uk
Atfc.org.uk is dedicating the next ten days to promoting our Club Sponsors.
Club Chairman Tony Bates said: "Income from sponsorship represents the biggest single revenue stream for
Aberystwyth Town FC, so we are dedicated to strengthening and celebrating the links we have with our fantastic
Local and National businesses."
Each local business which renews its current Sponsorship Deal for next season over the next ten days will be
featured on atfc.org.uk, our twitter stream and Facebook page, ensuring a reach of over 7000 supporters of the Club.
Sponsors wishing to benefit from this new service can renew by contacting Club Marketing Director Thomas
Crockett on 07717 470301 or by email to [email protected].
AIRBUS UK BROUGHTON
AIRBUS UK bowed out of the Europa League at the first stage for the third successive season but produced a
valiant display in Zagreb to draw 2-2 with Lokomotiva.
Trailing 3-1 from the first leg, the Wingmakers threatened an unlikely fightback in the return in Croatia.
Airbus were on the front foot in the first half with Ryan Wignall going close after keeper Oliver Zelenika had
dropped the ball while Wayne Riley twice fired over.
Tom Field then rattled the home crossbar with a free kick, but the breakthrough came a minute into the second half
when Wignall crossed for Chris Budrys to head home.
Just as in the first leg, Lokomotiva were stirred into action by going behind and upped their game, with Ivan Fiolic
going close before making no mistake on 65 minutes while sub Marko Kolar was denied as James Coates superbly
pushed his shot onto the upright.
Damir Sovsic, who made the difference in both legs, then put the hosts in front with a strike from the edge of the
box, but Airbus showed their resilience when Andy Jones nodded in a long throw from Matty McGinn moments
later.
Budrys, Wignall and sub Ryan Wade almost won it late on for the Wingmakers who can take plenty of credit for
their display.
This article is courtesy of www.airbusfc.com the Airbus UK Broughton FC website.
Andy Jones nods in the equaliser –
Photo: Andrew Lincoln
BALA TOWN
Photos of Bala’s match v Differdange last Thursday. Courtesy of Naomi Jones
Connall Murtagh’s header finds the back of the net – Bala 1-0 up
Ian Sheridan’s shot glides in to put Bala 2-0 up
The 95th minute goal by Differdange’s Moroccan striker Er Raffik that lost Bala the tie.
Bala Town are looking for a preseason opponent
Bala Town are seeking a friendly match on Saturday, August 1st - home or away.
If any Club is interested, please contact us as soon as possible via our website or social media accounts.
Differdange Match Programmes
Bala Town have a few of last Thursday evening´s Europa match programmes against Differdange still
available. They are on sale for £3.00 each. Please send a 2nd class stamped A5 envelope to:
Bala Town Football Club, Unit 17, Bala Enterprise Park, Bala LL23 7NJ
Further to this we also have the match tickets and team-sheets available to collectors - please contact us
via: http://www.balatownfc.co.uk/club/contact for more information.
Anyone looking to buy any programmes please make your cheques out to ´Bala Town Football Club´. We
also accept cash. Please specify your quantity when you send in your order and provide your full name and
address.
If you have any other enquiries please follow the contact details on the website.
BANGOR CITY
Full-List of Pre-Season Fixtures for Bangor City
Wednesday 15th July
Colwyn Bay
Saturday 18th July
Litherland Remyca FC
Tuesday 21st July
Tranmere Rovers
Saturday 25th July
Guilsfield
Tuesday 28th July
Wrexham AFC
Saturday 1st August
CPD Porthmadog
Tuesday 4th August
Llangefni Town
Friday 7th August
Holywell Town
(A) 7.30pm KO
(H) 2.30pm KO
(H) 7pm KO
(H) 2.30pm KO
(H) 7.15pm KO
(H) 2.30pm KO
(A) 7.45pm KO
(A) 7.30pm KO
It has been confirmed that our
home Dafabet WPL match against
Airbus UK will now be played on
Sunday 15th November with a
2.30pm KO
CARMARTHEN TOWN
Carmarthen Town manager, Mark Aizlewood, has recently signed three new players for the coming season.
Returning to the club after a short spell at Port Talbot Town is former captain Carl
Evans who will add considerable strength to the defence now that Paul Fowler has
moved on.
Another player making a welcome return is 24 year old defender Daniel Sheehan. As
a youngster he went through the Swansea City Academy system and was even
offered a professional contract. However, he was released after just one season and
joined Carmarthen after which he played for Afan Lido and Port Talbot Town.
Daniel then spent time in Australia making a number of appearances for Melbourne
based team Moreland City.
Striker Mark Jones, left, is the third player to join the Old Gold.
He came through the Afan Lido and Cardiff City Academy teams before joining Llanelli in 2007.
He has since played for Port Talbot Town and Aberystwyth Town.
"I am very pleased to have made these signings," said Aizlewood. "If I'm honest, they are probably my best preseason gains since I returned to the club three and a half years ago." He also added: "The further good news is that
Neil Smothers is able to return as Assistant Manager following his new arrangement with his College employers."
Meanwhile, the Carmarthen Town Reserve team are sitting out the coming new season. A decision by the
Carmarthenshire League not to promote reserve sides has led to a player exodus which has meant that manager
Steve Jones has had to put the team on hold. However, the Carmarthen Stars are still in the league but playing at a
lower level.
Following a restructuring of the Old Gold coaching set up Academy Manager Kieran Davies has now taken on the
added responsibility of being the new Director of Football.
Finally, following Carmarthen Town's first-team pre-season friendly match against East Riding League club
Walkington on Friday 31 August, an informal function will be held in the Clubhouse. Former Wales defender Terry
Yorath will hold a question and answer session and also present will be Mark Aizlewood and visiting manager Dean
Windass, the former Hull City player.
Carmarthen Town entertain Cardiff City on Saturday (2.30pm) in the first of their home pre-season friendly matches
of the season.
Already the Old Gold have three away matches under their belt, the latest being an impressive 9-0 whitewash of
Welsh League club St.Mellons Sports.
"I have been very pleased with our performances so far," said manager Mark Aizlewood. "We have yet to get all of
our first team squad together due to holidays and injuries but I am hoping to put out a nearly first choice starting line
up on Saturday."
Aizlewood's plans have suffered a setback with the news that returning defender and former club captain Carl Evans
had suffered an injury at work which will delay his start to pre-season training.
"Cardiff's assistant manager, Scott Young, has told me that the Bluebird's first-team squad will be split in half for
their two matches this weekend. Half will play in their match against Shrewsbury Town while the other half will
come to Richmond Park."
Aizlewood added: "We have been fortunate in also having a number of impressive trialists join us for early season
training and I am very likely going to sign on another goalkeeper and at least two defenders."
"I have been most impressed with the enthusiasm shown by my players and it has left me with a good feeling for the
current campaign."
Friendlies:
07/07/15
Chepstow Town 2 (Ahum 73, Board 80) Carmarthen Town 1 (White 75)
11/07/15
St Mellons Sports 0
Carmarthen Town 9
(Prosser 9, Jones 34, Bassett 36,41, L.Thomas 67, Morgan 74, Ham 83, 84, Harling 88)
gap CONNAH’S QUAY
Friendly:
11/07/15 Barnton FC 1-4 gap Connah’s Quay
The Nomads are very pleased to announce that Roger
Speed has been appointed Honorary Club Patron.
Roger, the father of former Wales, Everton and Leeds
star Gary Speed, was announced as The Nomads' new
Patron at Tuesday's Gary Speed Memorial Golf Day
held at Carden Park Hotel. The announcement was
made in front of a crowd which included names such
as Michael Owen, Robbie Savage, Kevin Davies and
Jussi Jaaskelainen, as former teammates of Gary's
paid tribute to the former Wales Manager, raising a
great deal of money in aid of the Gary Speed Trust
Fund, which pumps it's money back in to grass roots
football. Roger attended a number of The Nomads'
games during the 2014-15 season, presenting Sean Miller with a Man of the Match award following the televised
match against Prestatyn Town in November last year (pictured above).
No doubt you will see more of Roger down at Deeside Stadium this season, and we as a Club would like to welcome
Roger to The Nomads' family!
Work on The Quay 3G to start this month
The Nomads, alongside partners Flintshire County Council and Connah's Quay High School, are pleased to
announce that work on the brand new 3G pitch, The Quay 3G, in Connah's Quay will begin on Monday 27th July.
This is major news for the community and sport in Flintshire following two years work from all parties to ensure
this project gets the green light. The project is anticipated to be completed by early October 2015.
The half a million pound facility has been funded via £350,000 from the Football Association of Wales via gap
Connah's Quay Nomads alongside a £150,000 investment from gap Personnel the owners of gap Connah's Quay
Nomads Football Club.
The new 3G will replace the old synthetic carpet currently at Connah's Quay High School and as well as a new full
size 11v11 3G, the facility will also get new fencing, flood lights and will have three full size 7 a side pitch
markings with 6 goals for use, as well as netting going across all pitches for team or recreation use.
The pitch to include home and away dug outs as well as a small stand for parents and spectators to enjoy training
and games for juniors and senior players. This will allow not only training for sides but also competitive and non
competitive fixtures.
The facility will be used Monday to Friday for all of PE curriculum for Connah's Quay High School from nine to
five. Along with football the pitch is able to host rugby and hockey among other sports due to the multi use 3G type
of surface which has been purchased. This will ensure all pupils in years 7-13 at Connah's Quay High School will be
able to follow the PE curriculum and represent the school in a number of sports on a top class facility of which they
can be proud. The pitch can also be used by local children in half terms for multi use sports camps which is to be run
by the Football Club .
The pitch will be managed by gap Connah's Quay Nomads Monday to Friday from the hours of 17:00-22:00 making
it available to all of the local Connah's Quay/Deeside clubs including Connah's Quay Tigers, Deeside Phoenix,
Deeside Dragons, gap Northop Hall Girls, Ewloe Harriers and Aston Park Rangers who have already committed to
bookings on the facility. As well as this there are available time slots Saturdays and Sundays offering opportunities
for junior and senior fixtures to be played.
There are still available booking slots for any local Flintshire junior or senior teams. Any clubs interested are asked
to contact gap Connah's Quay Nomads Academy Director/1st Team Assistant Manager Jay Catton on
[email protected] to confirm a booking.
This cost of the facility has come in line with Flintshire County Council prices and will be just £25 for a third of the
facility per hour again making it one of the most competitively priced 3G facilities in Wales ensuring accessibility
for all sides.
Following the great news Catton had the following to say:
"Following two years of hard work by people at the Club and Flintshire Council we are at a fantastic stage.
Construction can now finally begin on this outstanding project which is a testament to everyone’s hard work. I have
no doubt that this half a million pound facility in Deeside and Flintshire with football alone will be the most used
facility in Wales. As well as the fantastic use by Connah's Quay High School students, there will be opportunities
for girls, women, boys and mens’ sides to play regularly without cancellations due to water- logged pitch etc all
locally which is superb."
"Huge thanks, firstly, has to go to John and Roma Gray at the club who really kept this project together and ensured
our bid for the FAW funding was successful.
Club owner Gary Dewhurst has again showed his unbelievable moral & financial support and backing for football in
the area and in Wales with a huge addition of funding to complete the half a million pound project. Thank you also
to our partners at Flintshire County Council and at Connah's Quay High School who are massive supporters of the
new 3G."
Council Leader Aaron Shotton said: "I am delighted that despite the current austerity measures, Flintshire County
Council has been able to assist our local partners to deliver an exciting new 3G pitch development. This will benefit
the local community and Connah's Quay High School pupils."
Councillor Kevin Jones, Cabinet Member for Waste Strategy, Public Protection and Leisure added: "This is the
culmination of a great team effort by the club, the school and the Council and I look forward to seeing local teams in
action on the new pitch. This is a great investment in sporting facilities in the area and I wish all those who have
been involved in its development every success in the future,"
"
NEWTOWN AFC
The return leg against FC København will be at Latham Park on Thursday the 23rd of July 1845hrs.
Tickets will be on sale from this Tuesday.
Photos of the match in Malta from Kevin Hughes
Top left:
Players salute the
travelling fans
Top right:
Craig Williams
congratulates Matty
Owen after his winning
goal
Right:
Neil Mitchell cruises
past the Valletta
defence
PORT TALBOT TOWN
Manager Andy Dyer was pleased with the response of his first-team squad as they prepared for their first pre-season
friendly of the forthcoming season against Newport County on Saturday.
After returning to training, the Steelmen took to the field for the first time at the weekend as they entertained Terry
Butcher’s Newport County at the GenQuip Stadium. The visitors won 3-1 but the League 2 side provided Port
Talbot with a difficult early test but Dyer believes that the match gives his side the ideal opportunity to prepare for
the new Dafabet Welsh Premier League campaign.
“It’s the first pre-season game of the season, and given the fact we’re playing against a Football League team, means
that it is just about the boys getting out and trying to get them to keep a little bit of shape and obviously use the
match as a fitness exercise,” he said. “The players here have worked really hard and we’re looking forward to
getting going.”
The match should see recent arrivals Joe Clarke and Paul Fowler line up for Port Talbot for the first time while
former Blue Craig Jones has also returned and is likely to feature.
Dyer meanwhile is still hopeful of adding to his squad in time for the first game of the season against Bala Town on
August 22nd.
“The boys have had a good pre-season, the squad is coming together nicely and we’re still looking to make one or
two new signings and add to the group over these next three or four weeks.”
Left: Jonathan Hood clears against Newport County
Below:
Action in the County goalmouth
Photos by Mike Greenslade
RHYL FC
Lilywhites boss Gareth Owen has
announced his 6th signing of the summer in
former Wrexham captain Dean Keates.
Keates was a key part in Wrexham's historic
FA Trophy win in 2013 and captained the
side to a second final in March 2015. He
joins the Lilywhites with over 10 years of
Football League experience with Walsall,
Hull City, Kidderminster Harriers, Lincoln
City,
Peterborough
and
Wycombe
Wanderers.
This signing comes days after the club
confirmed Phil Clarke had joined. The 26year-old full back or wing back joined
Caernarfon Town from Vauxhall Motors in
January 2008.
He
then
followed
manager
Steve
O'Shaughnessy to Gap Connah's Quay in
July the same year. After a season on
Deeside he joined Welshpool Town in July 2009, moving to New Zealand outfit Hawkes Bay the following
October.
Clarke returned to join Airbus UK Broughton in the summer of 2010 but was
released at the end of the following campaign and signed for Hednesford Town.
In an exciting week for Rhyl FC, Gareth Owen has announced the signing of
Portuguese midfielder Marcos Fortuna. (right)
Fortuna joins an experienced midfield and adds an attacking threat to the
Lilywhites. He has previously played for Droylsden and Olimpico do Montijo in
Portugal, while also having two caps at Under-17 level for the national side.
Rhyl lost their opening pre-season match 0-3 at Belle Vue to Caernarfon Town.
THE NEW SAINTS
Responding to S4/Cs live coverage of the ECL match against Videoton, The New Saints Chief Operating Officer Ian
Williams was equally pleased with the announcement and added
“Domestic football in Wales has received a real boost over the past couple of weeks with some outstanding
performances from all four clubs that have competed in UEFA club competitions.
“We are pleased that S4C have recognised those achievments and will be broadcasting our game ‘live’ against the
Hungarians Videoton FC next Tuesday evening”
Anyone wanting to watch the away leg of the Videoton FC v The New Saints tie in the UEFA Champions League
Second Qualifying will need to get in touch with Graeme Kirkham to organise travel and ticket arrangements.
TNS fans can contact Graeme on 07745507703 or ring The Venue on 01691684840.
The provisional plans are to fly out to Budapest on Tuesday the 21st of July and return on Thursday the 23rd of July.
Flights will be booked on Sunday so make sure you register your interest as soon as possible.
Price: £200-£300 flights, hotel, match tickets* and transfers*. £150 deposit needed.
*dependant on numbers/cost.’
Matt Burgess on why TNS can win against Videoton
Wilde hat-trick
TNS exited the Champions League at this stage last year after a 3-0 aggregate defeat to Slovan Bratislava. A slender
1-0 first leg defeat in the Slovakian capital saw TNS return home with the tie very much achievable but what cost
the Saints was their lack of firepower. Fast forward 12 months and TNS’s form paints a very different picture with
Wilde amongst the goals netting four across both legs including a hat-trick in the return leg at Park Hall. With Wilde
looking sharp and confident, TNS should pose more threat in front of goal this summer.
Fitness
Although TNS have had to compete from the first qualifying round this summer, in avoiding elimination against
B36 they have been able to benefit from two thorough workouts. Both ties against B36 will have done more the
squad in terms of fitness and match sharpness than any of the fixtures in the club’s taylor-made pre-European
schedule. Craig Harrison will have a fitter squad at his disposal than this time last summer.
Home leg first
There is no denying that TNS will be the underdogs against Videoton but playing the first-leg at home could prove
to be a bonus. Playing their first game in Oswestry will allow the side to focus solely on the first-leg and not have to
worry about logistics and going into the unknown. At Park Hall, TNS will be in a familiar environment where they
can hopefully find a platform and gain a foothold into the tie to put them in good stead for the away leg.
Super Cup defeat
The Hungarian league, like the WPL, suffers from playing the early stages of their European campaign out of
season. Videoton have been in competitive and friendly action however and competed in the Hungarian Super Cup
last weekend and then played a midweek friendly on Wednesday. Results so far have not been kind to ‘Vidi’, as they
are known, and they were on the receiving end of a 3-0 defeat in the Super Cup to Ferencvarosi. They didn’t fare
much better in their following fixture when they were held to a goalless draw. Clearly it is difficult to read too much
into these results but it does at least show the Videoton are perhaps showing a little bit of ring rust which will be
something TNS would look to exploit.
Familiarity
It’s struck me that all the Welsh clubs competing in Europe this summer have been reluctant to reinforce their
squads too heavily and TNS are no exception to that trend. With the exception of Sam Finley, who’s returned to the
fold after completing a loan spell at Wrexham, the squad remains the same as it was on the final day of last season.
This group of players are close-knit, in a settled changing room and are aware of each other’s strengths and
limitations. Recipe for success?
LLANDUDNO FC
No news this week
HAVERFORDWEST COUNTY
The club are disappointed in having to announce that, because of the high demands of the WPL and his heavy work
commitments, STEFFAN DAVIES has decided not to sign for Haverfordwest County next season.
Steffan is such an honest and hardworking player and he played an important part in last season's success. Our loss
is certainly his next club's gain. I'm sure that I speak for all at our club when thanking him for his valued service and
we all wish him good luck in his future career. Diolch Yn Fawr Steffan.
The Haverfordwest County Development Squad will be playing in the Welsh Premier Development League next
season. The team was formerly known as the Under 19 team but administrative changes by the FAW mean that we
will now be allowed to have 5 players over the age of 19 in our squad. Up to 3 over age players may be on the pitch
at any one time. This is an exciting time for the club as we feel it will give some of our talented young players an
opportunity to make a smoother transition into the first team.
Our first game will be a big one against Aberystwyth Town away on the 30th August.
A full fixture list will be published very shortly.
Here is an update on Haverfordwest County's WPL signings for season 2015/16:Goalkeeper: Scott James
Defenders :
Ricky Watts, Ryan Batley, Sam Rodon, Dale Griffiths, Richard Hughes
Midfielders: Sean Pemberton, Nicky Palmer, Greg Walters, Alex Gammond, Kieran Howard,
Declan Carroll
Strikers:
Luke Borrelli, Jordan Follows, Steffan Williams, Jack Christopher, John Roberts, Craig Moses
There are a few more signings in the pipeline so expect a further update in the next few days.
NEW FAW BLOG LAUNCHED
The new FAW Blog will feature information, updates and comments from
across the Association's departments.
A new FAW Blog has been launched at blog.faw.cymru that will provide
information, updates and individual opinions from across the Association's
departments.
Amongst the aims of the new FAW Blog is to provide more information
from the individual departments to fans and clubs, for example.
Over the coming months, the FAW Blog will provide information such as
updates from the Discipline Team in the Compliance Department, along
with interesting insights and opinions into the work of the Association from its staff.
One of the first blog posts to be featured is from the FAW's Head of Competitions, Andrew Howard, who expressed his
belief that tangible progress has been shown by the Dafabet Welsh Premier League clubs in European competitions this
season.
In his FAW Blog post, Howard wrote: 'From our eight UEFA matches to date, we have won 5, drawn 1 and lost two. To
put that into context, last season we drew one and lost seven.'
You can read Andrew Howard's full post below. For more go to http://blog.faw.cymru/ .
The last fortnight has seen tangible progress for the Dafabet Welsh Premier League.
From our 8 UEFA matches to date, we have won 5, drawn 1 and lost two. To put that into context, last season we drew
one and lost seven!
The New Saints won both of their Champions League legs against the Faroe Islands champions and now face Hungarian
champions Videoton next week (Tuesday, 14 July).
Newtown won 2-1, both home and away against Valetta of Malta, progressing to the Europa League 2nd Qualifying
Round.
Airbus UK Broughton had the toughest draw against a strong Croatian team, Lokomotiva Zagreb, and lost 3-1 last week.
However, they gained an excellent 2-2 draw away as they were knocked out.
Bala Town won 2-1 on Thursday night (9 July) but a last kick of the game goal by Differdange saw Bala crash out in
heartbreaking fashion 4-3, where away goals would have seen Bala through.
TNS and Newtown both sold out their matches to 1,150 and 1,400 capacity. Bala had over 1,000 for their match. The
financial rewards for the clubs to date are:
TNS – €750,000
Newtown – €410,000
Bala and Airbus – €200,000
We have also gained 1.375 coefficient points this season, which helps our club UEFA rankings. The highest in my 13
seasons involved was 0.825.
So with all the excellent news with Euro Qualifiers, top ten rankings, Champions League Final; we are also experiencing
some great highs on the domestic front too. Long may it all continue!
SCORECARD
UEFA Champions League – First Qualifying round – Second leg
The New Saints FC
B36 Tørshavn
4
1
Michael Wilde 15′ 26′ 47′ Matty Williams 89’
Lukas Cieslewicz 90’
The New Saints:
1. Paul Harrison, 2. Simon Spender, 6. Kai Edwards, 16. Connell
Rawlinson, 3. Chris Marriott, 7. Chris Seargeant, 8. Sam Finley, 22.
Scott Quigley, 23. Aeron Edwards (10. Matty Williams 83′), 21.
Adrian Cieslewicz (14. Jamie Mullan 65′), 18. Michael Wilde (9.
Greg Draper 76′)
Subs not used: 25. Chris Mullock, 4. Phil Baker, 20. Alex
Darlington, 19. Jamie Reed
Red cards:
None
Yellow Cards:
None
Attendance: 1,148
B36 Tørshavn:
1. Tordur Thomsen, 2. Andrias Eriksen, 5. Odmar Faero (17. Alex
Mellemgard 37′), 6. Eli Nielsen, 7. Hans Samuelsen, 10. Roaldur
Jackobsen (4. Bjarni Petersen 86′), 11. Lukas Cieslewicz, 13. Gestur
Dam (16. Paetur Petersen 78′), 18. Benjamin Heinesen, 20. Hogni
Eysturoy, 24. Hanus Thorleifsson
Subs not used: 8. Hordur Askham, 9. Jakup Borg, 23. Hannes
Agnarsson, 25. Trygvi Askham
Red cards:
None
Yellow cards:
Cieslewicz 8′ Nielsen 29′ Samuelsen 75′
Referee: Ville Nevalainen (FIN)
The New Saits win 6-2 on aggregate
UEFA Europa League – First Qualifying Round – Second leg
NK Lokomotiva Zagreb
Airbus UK Broughton
2
2
Ivan Fiolic 65’ Damir Sovsic 73’
Chris Budrys 46’ Andy Jones 75’
NK Lokomotiva Zagreb
1. Oliver Zelenika, 2. Karlo Bartolec, 5. Tomislav Mrcela, 31. Luka
Capan, 3. Petar Mamic, 8. Luka Begonja, 7. Damir Sovsic (10. Jakov
Puljic 90’), 24. Franko Andrijasevic, 20. Petar Misic (22. Marko
Kolar 46’), 9. Mirko Maric, 14. Ivan Fiolic (30. Sime Grzan 69’)
Subs not used: 13. Muhamed Alghoul, 6. Eduard Husinec, 12.
Darijan Radelic-Zarkov, 16. Josip Coric
Red cards:
None
Yellow cards:
Mrcela 86’ Bartolec 90’
Attendance: 1,000
1
2
Attendance: 1,914
2
1
Newtown win 4-2 on aggregate
Conall Murtagh 49', Ian Sheridan 83'
Omar Er Rafik 90+5'
Bala Town
1. Ashley Morris, 2. Ryan Valentine, 3 Anthony Stephens, 6. Conall
Murtagh (C), 7. Mark Connolly, 8. Mark Jones (Kenny Lunt 90+2),
10. Ian Sheridan, 11. Kieran Smith, 14. Rob Pearson, 16. Tony
Davies, 27. David Thompson
Subs not used: 23. Craig Vernon, 4. Stuart Jones, 5. David Artell, 15.
Will Bell, 17. Stephen Brown, 21. Stephen Fisher.
None
Murtagh 65'
Referee:
Lokomotiva win 5-3 on aggregate
Newtown AFC
1. David Jones, 6. Shane Sutton, 5. Kieran Mills-Evans, 3. Steff
Edwards, 7. Matthew Hearsey (8. Matthew Cook 68’), 19. Craig
Williams, 20. Tom Goodwin, 11. Neil Mitchell (14. Gareth Partridge
87’), 4. Matty Owen (15. Jamie Price 89’), 10. Jason Oswell, 9. Luke
Boundford
Subs not used: 13. Jack Perry, 16. Gavin Cadwallader, 18. Sean
Evans, 2. Craig Harris
Red Cards:
Cook 87’
Yellow Cards: Boundford 39’ Mills-Evans 57’ Jones 81’
Cook 84’ & 87’ Price 90’+5
Referee: Mihaly Fabian (HUN)
Bala Town
FC Differdange 03
None
Budrys 30’ Owen 84’
Thierry Fidjeu-Tazemeta 46’
Jason Oswell 7’ Matty Owen 86’
Valletta FC
28. Nicholas Vella, 5. Ryan Camilleri, 15. Juan Cruz Gill, 2.
Jonathan Caruana, 10. Roderick Briffa, 14. Jhonnattann, 13. Claudio
Pani, 21. Llywelyn Cremona, 6. Dyson Falzon, 30. Abdelkarim Nafti
(8. Uchenna Calistus Umeh 86’), 9. Thierry Fidjeu-Tazemeta (17.
Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza 62’)
Subs not used: 26. Manuel Bartolo, 11. Luke Montebello, 20. Daniel
Camilleri, 23. Nicholas Pulis, 29. Maxim Focsa
Red Cards:
Camilleri 74’
Yellow Cards: Nafti 67’ Gill 83’ Briffa 84’
Attendance: 1,049
Red cards:
Yellow cards:
Referee: Manuel Schuettengruber (AUT)
Valletta FC
Newtown AFC
Red Cards:
Yellow Cards:
Airbus UK Broughton
21. James Coates, 26. Lee Owens, 4. Mike Pearson, 22. Matty
McGinn, 6. Tom Field (12. Jordan Barrow 66’), 7. Andy Jones, 18.
James Owen, 11. Tony Gray (8. Ryan Wade 73’), 16. Ryan Wignall,
10. Wayne Riley (19. Jonny Spittle 90’), 9. Chris Budrys
Subs not used: 13. Keighan Jones, 15. Ellis Healing, 24. Ricky Evans
Jens Maae (DEN)
FC Differdange 03
30. Julien Weber (GK), 4. Andre Rodrigues, 5. Tom Siebenaler, 8.
Pedro Ribeiro (10. Dejvid Sinani 72'), 9. Omar Errafik, 11. Gauthier
Caron, 15. Ante Bukvic, 17. Jordan Yeye (31. Goncalo Almedia
69'), 21. Mathias Janisch, 22. Philippe Lebresne (C) (29. Antonio
Luisi 85'), 25. Geoffrey Franzoni.
Subs not used: 1. Arnaud Schaab, 3. Mehdi Martin, 20. Gilles
Bettmer, 24. Jeremie Meligner
Red Cards:
None
Yellow Cards:
Sibenaler 83', Errafik 87' Lebrense 90+6
Differdange win 4-3 on aggregate
Compiled by Mel Thomas at Soccerfile Wales
[email protected] Tel/Fax: 01766 830805
Distributed by e-mail only from WPL, 11 / 12 Neptune Court, Cardiff CF24 5PJ
Contact: Lucy Kelly via [email protected] or 02920 435 847