DIVISION 1 CWMBRAN CELTIC THE NEW SAINTS League Form Guide: DLWWWWDWLLWL League Form Guide: WLWWWWDLWWWDLLWD
Home Squad Away Squad
Lewis Watkins (GK) 1 Paul Harrison (GK) Alex McDowell 2 Simon Spender Dominic Connor 3 Chris Marriott Luke Jones 4 Tom Holland Niall Yeates 5 Ben Cabango Rhys Williams © 6 Jon Routledge Louis Feeley 7 Christian Seargeant Lewis Ellis 8 Ryan Brobbel Rakesh Patel 9 Greg Draper Josh Bull 10 Danny Redmond Chris Ham 11 Adrian Cieslewicz Kazeem Kareem 12 Blaine Hudson Tom Haggett 14 Jamie Mullan Callum Wakeham 17 Dean Ebbe Isaac Powell 18 Josh Hmami Josh Hinwood 19 Ben Clark Andrew Larcombe 20 Joash Nembhard Rhys Picton (GK) 21 Kurtis Byrne 22 Kane Lewis 25 Connor Roberts (GK)
Manager: Lee Challenger Manager: Scott Ruscoe Assistant: Nana Baah Assistant: Steve Evans Coach/First Aider: Michael Davies Coach: Ed Harper Therapist: Wayne Peter Colours: Yellow Blue Yellow Colours: White/Green Hoops MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Gavin Townsend Assistants: Ashley Davis & Ewan Reed 4th Official: Alex McInch
Ac ve & Passive Safety Technology Proud Sponsors Of The Match Day Programme Prin ng WELSH FOOTBALL LEAGUE TABLES WELCOME TO CELTIC PARK Today Cwmbran Cel c play The New Saints in the biggest day in the club’s history. TNS, as DIVISION ONE P W D L F A GD Pts they are popularly known, are the current Welsh Premier League champions, a tle which 1 Afan Lido 13 8 2 3 26 18 8 26 they have won for the past 7 successive years. In the Welsh Cup TNS have won 4 mes 2 Penybont 9 8 1 0 26 9 17 25 including 3 successive victories between 2014 and 2016. TNS are a full- me ou it based in 3 Haverfordwest County 10 7 0 3 28 11 17 21 Oswestry in Shropshire. 4 Cambrian & Clydach 11 6 2 3 15 11 4 20 5 Cwmbran Celtic 12 6 2 4 21 18 3 20 6 Cwmamman United 9 6 1 2 17 12 5 19 7 Goytre United 12 4 4 4 18 13 5 16 8 Llantwit Major 11 4 3 4 12 12 0 15 9 Briton Ferry Llansawel 9 4 2 3 13 13 0 14 10 Undy Athletic 9 3 4 2 22 16 6 13 11 Goytre 12 4 1 7 13 19 -6 13 12 Ammanford 11 3 3 5 19 21 -2 12 TNS v WELSH LEAGUE SIDES IN WELSH CUP & WELSH LEAGUE CUP - LAST 10 SEASONS 13 Ton Pentre 12 2 2 8 10 28 -18 8 TNS had a 100% record in cup games in the last 10 season against Welsh League opposi on 14 Port Talbot Town 11 1 4 6 10 20 -10 7 with 7 wins un l last month when they lost 1-2 in extra me to Cambrian & Clydach in the 15 Pontypridd Town 10 2 1 7 12 27 -15 7 Welsh League cup semi-final. 16 Taffs Well 11 1 2 8 9 23 -14 5 RESERVE (EAST) P W D L F A GD Pts 1 Cwmbran Celtic 10 7 1 2 29 14 15 22 2 Croesyceiliog 10 7 1 2 24 12 12 22 3 Bridgend Street 10 7 0 3 23 10 13 21 4 Pontyclun 8 6 0 2 28 15 13 18 5 Dinas Powys 8 5 0 3 22 20 2 15 6 Abergavenny Town 8 4 2 2 18 13 5 14 7 Caldicot Town 7 4 1 2 14 14 0 13 8 Panteg 9 4 0 5 21 22 -1 12 Louis Feeley is the only current Cel c player who has appeared against TNS in the cups. He 9 Undy Athletic 7 2 1 4 13 17 -4 7 played for Barry Town United in their 2015/16 5-2 defeat.
hea n 10 Goytre 9 2 1 6 17 22 -5 7 CWMBRAN CELTIC v WELSH PREMIER SIDES IN WELSH CUP 11 Treharris Athletic 7 1 1 5 14 20 -6 4 This is Cel c’s 4 th Welsh Cup game against Welsh Premier opposi on. Last season we lost to 12 Risca United 10 1 1 8 17 45 -28 4 Connah’s Quay Nomads who beat TNS 2-1 in the Quarter finals and won the final 4-1 versus 13 Chepstow Town 7 0 1 6 8 24 -16 1 Aberystwyth Town. A BIG THANKYOU TO TODAY’S SPONSORS Match Sponsor: AVONDALE MOTOR PARK Ball Sponsor: TORFAEN GLASS Officials Sponsor: ACE ELECTRICAL
2 3 A BRIEF HISTORY OF TNS TNS PEN PICTURES 2018/19 The New Saints of Oswestry Town play in the Welsh specialist owned by entrepreneur Mike Harris. The Tom Holland: Central midfielder Holland Middlesbrough Academy. He played for York Premier League, the na onal football league of Wales. partnership was working – in 1999/00 the club finally joined TNS in the summer of 2017, from City and Hartlepool United before his move to reached the pinnacle of Welsh Football when, in an The club is the product of a merger between English Premier League side, Swansea City. A the WPL and can play on either wing or as a Llansan fraid and Oswestry Town football clubs and exci ng finale, TNS beat Barry Town to the league tle immortalised on Sky TV, when presenter Jeff Stelling and qualified for the European Cup. More success Yorkshireman by birth, he spent me at number ten behind the striker. commented: “They’ll be dancing in the streets of Total followed, with qualifica on in European compe on Bradford City, then Leeds United before a five Chris an Seargeant: Chris is a former Everton Network Solu ons tonight!” becoming an annual event, including glamour es with -year spell at Manchester City. He made his JD Academy player who has converted himself About Oswestry Town: Founded in 1860, making them Manchester City (2002/03) and Liverpool (2004/05). In Welsh Premier League debut in August 2017 into a deep lying playmaker. Seargeant joined 2003 the club’s phenomenal success meant the ground one of the world’s oldest football clubs, Oswestry at Park Hall in the game against Bala Town. TNS in 2009 having spent me at fellow WPL Town FC were also founder members of the Football at Llansan fraid was no longer fit for purpose and Associa on of Wales in 1876 – a rare achievement for there were no other suitable sites in the village that Jon Routledge: Born in Liverpool, the 26-year- rivals Connah’s Quay Nomads and Bangor an English club. In their long history, they’ve competed would sustain a full- me football club. The Chairman old featured in the Barclays Premier League City. He is the son of former Everton player in the Northern Premier League, Cheshire League and was forced to look for an alterna ve site to develop for Wigan Athle c against Portsmouth back in Steve Seargeant. Cymru Alliance. Despite several successes including the club facili es. 2009, having began his football career at Josh Hmami: Beginning his career as a Merger: On 7 June 2003, it was announced that reaching the FA Cup first round and winning the Liverpool’s famous academy. In 2010, he youngster with Bolton Wanderers’ Academy, Cheshire League, the club went into financial decline. Oswestry Town was to merge with Total Network In the late 1980s, Oswestry Town were forced to sell Solu ons, with the aim of playing at a new stadium in joined Sco sh Premier League side Hamilton Josh Hmami crossed the Pennines where he their Victoria Road ground to pay moun ng debts and Oswestry from 2005/06. The troubled Oswestry Town Academical on loan, before signing a spent a season with Barnsley FC’s Under-16 the club folded completely. The re-formed club opted was saved from Bankruptcy by Mike Harris, who permanent deal with The Accies, a er squad. Then it was back to Lancashire, where for Welsh football and played in the Cymru Alliance/ cleared the debts of Oswestry Town, financed the impressing at New Douglas Park. A short spell a two-year scholarship with Accrington merger and made both teams part of his plan for Welsh Premier from 1995/6 to 2003. A er being at Stockport County followed before a move Stanley saw Josh go on to become the captain ini ally refused entry to the League of Wales on Welsh football domina on. Both sides brought ground criteria, Oswestry moved to the Park Hall something unique to the newly formed club. back to Hamilton six months later where he of the U-18s at The Club That Wouldn’t Die. athle cs stadium and considerable improvements Llansan fraid’s success in Wales and its reputa on for once again linked up with current Norwich Training regularly with the first team and were carried out to reach Welsh Premier standards, playing in European compe on and Oswestry Town’s City manager Alex Neil. In July 2015, featuring in several behind-closed-doors although the ground was s ll a long way from mee ng rich history both in England and Wales. Oswestry’s Routledge signed a one-year contract with friendlies, Hmami’s big break came in 2017. A Park Hall ground could be redeveloped into a facility the modern standards of the Welsh Premier. Sco sh Championship side Dumbarton and belated Christmas present saw the then was a recipe for further success for Chairman Mike About Llansan fraid: From the small Welsh village of went onto make 38 appearances for The seventeen-year-old make his senior debut on Llansan fraid, and nicknamed the ‘Saints’, the Harris and his vision for the future of the united team. unassuming team began life playing in the The newly-formed team con nued to play in both the Sons, before signing for TNS in May 2016. December 30 against Grimsby Town. While Montgomeryshire Amateur League in 1959. Here it green of Llansan fraid and the blue of Oswestry Town Danny Redmond: Danny Redmond was the with Accrington he scored the only the only achieved considerable success, winning numerous and retain both club names on the shirt. first signing of the 2018-2019 season, joining goal of the game, as his side beat Rochdale 1- honours. The Montgomeryshire League Championship A New Name: Following the sale of Total Network The Saints on a free transfer from Sco sh 0 in the FA Youth Cup. (1969, 1970, 1971, 1983, 1987) and the Solu ons to BT in 2006, the club changed its name to Montgomeryshire Cup compe on six mes between The New Saints FC. The new name captured the spirit side Hamilton Academical. The 27-year-old Ben Clark: A product of the TNS Academy 1963 and 1976. In addi on, Llansan fraid were Village of both clubs – including Saint Oswald and Saint Ffraid. Liverpudlian began his career in the Everton system, teenager Clark put pen-to-paper in Cup winners seven mes, up to the nine es. In The club’s new crest featured the Welsh dragon and Academy, before moving to Wigan Athle c in the summer of 2017, a er impressing in last 1989/90 the club was saved from the brink of closure, English lion present in the clubs’ previous badges. 2009. Two years later, in January 2011, he season’s U16 squad. He has already featured with ac on which saw them climb through the Welsh A New Ground: The dream was realised in 2007 when made his debut for The La cs, coming on as a in the first team and shows great poten al for pyramid system into the Mid-Wales League. In TNS played their first game at Park Hall Stadium, 1990/91 Llansan fraid were promoted to the Cymru totally unrecognisable from the ground that Oswestry subs tute in the FA Cup win at Hull City. the future. Alliance, where they finished second and missed out had used in their later years. Redeveloped at a cost of Before leaving the club in 2014, he played a Aeron Edwards: Aeron signed for TNS in 2009 on entry into the newly-formed League of Wales. more than £3 million, Park Hall has a state-of-the-art number of mes, including games against AFC and has become a mainstay in the side in Determined to progress, the club raced to the 3G pitch and planning permission for 3,000 seats. It Bournemouth and Manchester City. Fans of recent seasons. Having played for Buckley Championship just 12 months later and 1992/93 also features a major leisure development known as the game in England may be familiar with the Town and Caersws, the energe c midfielder season saw Llansan fraid finish top and take their The Venue, with changing rooms, match officials’ place in the League of Wales for the 1993/94 season. rooms, func on rooms, a 10 pin bowling alley, bar and name Steve Redmond – who is Danny’s father has represented The Saints in European They were the first club to climb three rungs of the catering facili es, an indoor children’s so play area – who in his own career featured in 200 plus compe on against the likes of Legia pyramid to reach the top division. and a gym. The facili es benefit the whole of the games for the la er. Warsaw, Slovan Bra slava, B36 Torshavn, Total Network Solu ons: In the 1997/98 season community in its wider context crea ng a family Ryan Brobbel: Ryan joined The Saints in Videoton and FC Midtjylland. Fluent in Welsh, Llansanffraid changed their name to Total Network entertainment facility in the heart of Oswestry which January 2016 and is a Northern Ireland under- Aeron has also gone on to li every major Solu ons (TNS), following a lucra ve sponsorship deal caters for all ages and abili es. 21 interna onal that came through the Welsh trophy during his me at Park Hall. with an Oswestry-based computer networking 4 5 TNS PEN PICTURES 2018/19 (con nued) TNS PEN PICTURES 2018/19 (con nued) Chris Marrio : Chris joined TNS in 2009 and the Man Of The Match award on his debut Jamie Mullan: Jamie joined TNS in 2013 and joining The Saints, Harrison has been an has established himself as the first choice le against Burgess Hill Town. The man at the has gone on to become a key player for The integral part of the side and has picked up Five back at the club. Having graduated through back, who lists central defender as his chosen Saints. The tricky winger spent me with Championship winning medals along with the Wrexham Academy, the 2013 Manager’s posi on, then went on to score from the Manchester United as a youngster before three Welsh Cups. Harrison also Captained The Player of the Year has won six WPL tles and penalty spot against Wealdstone FC. The goal playing for the likes of Northwich Victoria, Saints during their UEFA Champions League four FAW Welsh Cups. Marriot was voted sent the Swans through to the final of the Rochdale, Fleetwood Town and Alfreton Town. victories against Faroese ou it, B36 Torshavn Player’s Player of the Year 2014/15. Middlesex Cup. Prior to joining Staines Town Mullan has already won three WPL and Hungarian ou it Videoton. He also Simon Spender: Simon joined The New Saints in July 2017, he spent me at Hendon FC and Championship Medals, two FAW Welsh Cups currently holds the record for the most from Barrow in 2011 and has established Chesham United. and a Welsh League Cup during his me at consecu ve Welsh Premier League starts himself as a key figure in the team. The TNS Kane Lewis: Described as versa le, Kane can Park Hall Stadium. da ng back to 2007. number two has helped The Saints win four play anywhere across the back, with the Dean Ebbe: Born in Dublin, Ebbe is a 23-year- Connor Roberts: Twenty-five year old WPL tles in a row along with three FAW ability to slot in at either centre-half or right- old striker who began his career at Shamrock Wrexham-born stopper, Connor Roberts, Welsh Cups and Two League Cups. The back, thus bringing flexibility into the set-up Rovers. Playing for a number of teams in his began his professional career with Everton in energe c right back spent seven seasons at here at Park Hall. While at Bren ord FC’s na ve Ireland – Longford Town, Athlone Town, 2011. Following a couple of loan moves he Wrexham, playing in League One, League Two Academy, Kane a racted a en on from the Cabinteely and Bluebell United – the 6′ 2″ switched to Cheltenham Town a year later, and the Na onal Conference. likes of Brighton and Hove Albion and striker then moved across the water to where he spent two seasons with the Inverness Caledonian Thistle in 2017. It was Gloucestershire club. A year with Chester was Ben Cabango: Ben signed for The New Saints Norwich City. However, with Liverpool joining while playing for Bluebell United – where he followed by a move into top flight Welsh on a loan deal un l January 2019, from the race for the defender, he opted for a scored all four goals in a 4-0 victory – that the football, when he moved to Bangor City. A er English Championship side Swansea City. Born move north. Impressing Jürgen Klopp, the Inverness coaching representa on at the game establishing himself in the side he now moves in Cardiff, the 18-year-old began the journey then teenager signed a professional contract liked what they saw and signed him. While to Park Hall. On the interna onal stage, to professional football at Newport County, with the Merseyside giants, becoming a with the Sco sh side, and playing for the Roberts has represented Wales at u19s level where he played in the U13s through to the regular in the Reds’ Academy. The Liverpool reserves, he scored in nine consecu ve games. four mes with six appearances for the U21s. U15s. From there he moved along the south manager was quoted as being impressed with Kur s Byrne: Dublin-born striker, Kur s Byrne, In 2014 he received a call-up to the senior Wales coast, joining Swansea City, who were his “posi onal play and aerial ability”, while began his youth career in England, with squad for the friendly against the Netherlands. then in the English Premier League. From the “his reading of the game is excellent”. Norwich City, before moving north of the As well as joining the first team, Connor will Academy he signed on a scholarship deal. Greg Draper: Greg Draper joined TNS in 2011 border to Scotland. The 28-year-old held also take up the role of Head Of Academy Featuring a number of mes last season for and in his first season at the club helped his permanent contracts at both Hibernian and Goalkeeping. The role involves looking a er the U23s, Ben’s experience developed as he side to win the WPL by being top scorer. Ross County, combined with loan deals at East our young up-and-coming keepers at the club. Having made his senior interna onal debut faced the likes of Arsenal, Aston Villa and Fife, Alloa Athle c and Brechin City, before Sco Ruscoe: Team Manager. Holder of the all for New Zealand in 2008 in a FIFA World Cup Newcastle United. His career to date with the another move took him back to his na ve - me appearances record during his playing qualifier against Fiji, Greg also represented Swans includes reaching the final of the Ireland and Dundalk. Finding the net career for The New Saints FC, Sco is a club the All Whites in the 2007 Under-20 World Premier League Cup, finishing fourth in the numerous mes – including twice in the UEFA and JD Welsh Premier League legend. A er U23s Premier League, fi h place in the U18s Cup. Before joining The Saints, Draper played Champions League – he then played for hanging up his boots, he held the posi on of League and reaching the last 16 of the FA for Canterbury United, Wellington Phoenix, Bohemians and St Patrick’s Athle c, where he first team Assistant Manager as well as Head Youth Cup. Melbourne Knights and Team Wellington. scored seventeen and twelve mes of Youth. Blaine Hudson: A towering 6’ 4” centre half, Adrian Cieslewicz: Adrian joined The New respec vely. Another move north of the Steve Evans: Assistant Manager. Evo is one of he began his career with Norwich City. Saints in 2014 a er a brief spell with border, this me the Irish one, saw him switch the most prominent and most successful Following a move to Cambridge United he Kidderminster Harriers. Born in Poland, to Linfield last season. His strike rate at The players in the Welsh Premier League, a full then switched to the borders, where he first Adrian was part of Manchester City’s Blues was one-in-three, as eighteen Welsh interna onal professional footballer played for Wrexham and then Chester. Academy before signing for Wrexham. The appearances resulted in six goals. who has played for The New Saints of Joash Nembhard: Twenty-year-old Joash joins wide man is known for his electric pace and Paul Harrison: Having come through the Oswestry Town for 13 years as well as making The New Saints from Evo-S k League South has helped TNS win a domes c treble during Liverpool Academy, ‘H’ managed to get a total of seven appearances for his country. side, Staines Town FC. Joash had a strong his first year at the club. himself on the bench for his boyhood club but He was inducted into the Welsh Premier season with the step three team, receiving never made an appearance for the Reds. Since League Hall of Fame in 2013. 6 7 MATCH REPORT: CWMBRAN CELTIC 3-1 HAVERFORDWEST COUNTY (17th Nov) Cwmbran Cel c produced their best but the ball went straight to Josh Bull on display of the season, convincingly the penalty spot who quickly and bea ng 2 nd placed Haverfordwest unselfishly squared the ball to Rakesh County at Cel c Park 3-1. This was a Patel, a great first touch to draw Hall and welcome return to form a er two his second touch found the back of the disappoin ng defeats in the league at net to the le of the keeper. Afan Lido and Goytre. The win keeps With the game won Cel c took their foot Cel c in 3 rd place on goal difference. off the gas and County finished the Cel c were at full strength apart from stronger. Lewis Watkins saved from a missing the suspended Louis Feeley. In header by captain Sean Pemberton and the first half defences were on top in the 90 th minute Ellio Thomas scored although Cel c had the ball in the net on a consola on goal for the visitors for 35 minutes through Rakesh Patel only whom this was only their 2 nd defeat of for the referee to rule the ‘goal’ out for the season in 15 league and cup games. offside. Full me: Cel c 3 Haverfordwest 1 Half me: Cel c 0 Haverfordwest 0 County have proved to be one of Cel c’s Cel c came out for the 2 nd half all guns bogey sides but Cel c were not to be blazing and took the lead in the 50 th denied here, the win being only their 2 nd minute. Owen Cook drove forward and in 11 games against County over the played the ball to Josh Bull on the le . years. Big credit to the defence who kept Josh produced one of his typical mazy County’s star twin spearheads, young dribbles to sweep past the defender and Dan Williams and old head Lee Trundle hit a shot on the angle past keeper scoreless. Not for the first me these Steven Hall but it hit the bar. However past 3 seasons Cel c demonstrated that the ball fell to Simon Prangley following on their day they can beat any team in up who tapped it home from close the league. Next week they travel to range. unbeaten league leaders Penybont, Minutes later, on 52 minutes, Cel c another side whom Cel c have found were two up. Chris Ham made a great hard to beat. run from out wide in pursuit of a ball Subs tutes played: Kazeem Kareem, into the box. He collided with keeper Andrew Larcombe , Tom Hagge . Hall and the loose ball fell nicely to Bull Subs not used: Rhys Picton, Callum to slot home past the covering defender Wakeham. th for his 7 goal of the season. On 61 Man of the match: There were plenty of minutes the lead was 3-0. Good inter good performances to choose from. Josh passing on the le let Alex McDowell in Bull had a hand in all 3 goals but Simon to drive into the box. He was just about Prangley won the day with a great to let loose a shot on goal when a display in the middle of the park. defender slid in to block the a empt, Referee: Teifion Cook 8 9 A BRIEF HISTORY OF CWMBRAN CELTIC 1925-2018 A BRIEF HISTORY OF CWMBRAN CELTIC 1925-2018 (con nued) Cwmbran Cel c football club was formed in who had started their careers with Cel c as He hit a perfect looping volley over the themselves up the table and sealed another 1925. In the early years the club was known juniors. There were successive promo ons goalkeeper's head and into the net. Cel c season in the top division with a resounding as CYMS (Catholic Young Men's Society). from the 3rd to 1st division between 1999 were champions. 5-1 win against Haverfordwest County. A er the immediate success of winning the and 2001 and in 1999/2000 Cel c won the In Division 2 Cel c consolidated their Under Steve Morgan in 2013/14 Cel c Newport & District Division 2 Sec on A tle Gwent County league cup. posi on in 2007/8 and 2008/9 during which underperformed finishing 4th from bo om in 1925/6 there was then a 25 year gap In 2004/5 under new player-manager Mickey they introduced a number of players from and with Afan Lido relegated from the Welsh before the next trophy, the Premier Division Copeman, the club were runners-up to their new partnership with Fairwater High Premier League, Cel c were relegated tle in 1950/1. The club disbanded in the Clydach Wasps who applied for membership School Football Academy in Cwmbran despite appealing to an FAW arbitra on. late 1950’s largely as a consequence of of the Welsh Football League but their managed by Cel c coach Della Cheedy. In With Della Cheedy back as manager in na onal service call-ups but a large influx of ground was adjudged to be not of the 2009/10 Cel c were front runners des ned 2014/15 Cel c finished 7th in Division 2. junior and youth players brought about the required standard. Cel c applied instead. to win the Championship. However they lost In 2015/16 Nicky Church started as manager reforming of the club in 1964 under the new Their ground was also not up to standard but two key defenders at a crucial me and vital but he resigned mid-season. Ex Ton Pentre name of Cwmbran Catholics. In 1970/1 Cel c they were able to share Cwmbran Stadium points were dropped. Nevertheless Cel c boss Dean Morris took over, won two won the Gwent Senior Cup. In 1972/3 with with Cwmbran Town and the Welsh League finished their games in 1st place and would manager of the month awards, and guided playing membership open to all accepted the club's applica on. win the tle if Penrhiwceiber failed to win at Cel c to the runners-up posi on and denomina ons the club dropped the catholic In their first season in the WFL, 2005/6, Newcastle Emlyn. The home side was 2-0 up promo on on the back of 10 straight wins. tle and re-named as Cwmbran Cel c Cel c struggled near the bo om of the 3rd at one stage but Ceiber clawed their way The club also reached the quarter finals of winning the Gwent Amateur Cup and division all season. In April Cel c travelled to back to win 3-2 and deny Cel c the the Welsh Cup, going down 2-1 a er a brave finishing runners-up in the Gwent Premier Chepstow Town needing a win to stay in the championship. At the end of the season fight at home to WPL side Port Talbot. Josh League. league. They went 1-0 down. With minutes Mickey Copeman stood down a er 7 years Bull was the Welsh League’s top scorer with In 1979 the club bought its own premises at of normal me remaining subs tute Jason during which he secured 3 promo ons which 32 league goals. Oak Street, Old Cwmbran, the club's present Price equalised but a draw was not enough. took the club from Gwent County League to In 2016/17, back in the 1st Division, Cel c headquarters. The club's ground was in In the 9th minute of me added on player the top division of the Welsh League. went top of the league early in the season. Cwmbran Park but around 1995 they moved manager Mickey Copeman went up for a In their first season in the 1st division, Dean Morris resigned in March 2017 and to the grounds outside Cwmbran Stadium corner. The ball was cleared off the goal-line 2010/11 under new manager Ben Graham, first teamer Lee Challenger took over, which were shared with Cwmbran Cricket by a Chepstow defender, it hit Copeman on Cel c struggled for much of the season and winning his first 5 games in charge as the club. The cricket club later moved to the back and rebounded into the net. Cel c were firmly planted in the relega on zone team ended in 6th place, their best posi on Caerleon and Cel c obtained the lease from had achieved a last gasp win and, by winning but a superb run-in during which they won 7 in 5 seasons in the top er. Torfaen Council. their final match against Seven Sisters, Cel c and drew 3 of 14 games earned them 12th In 2017/18 Cel c finished 8th in the league Cel c played in the Gwent County League in escaped relega on on goal difference. place out of 16. In 2011/12 a good start was and enjoyed their best ever league cup run, the 1980s and 1990s and a er gaining The following season, 2006/7, Cel c now made under Alan Dibble who stepped down reaching the semi-final before losing to promo on as champions of Division 2 in back at their upgraded and newly named in September with the team in 5th place, to Llanelli Town3-0. Chris Ham was Welsh 1986/7 remained in the 1st division for the ground, Cel c Park, were transformed. They be replaced by Gareth Morgan. Either side of Division1 player of the season and top scorer next 10 seasons. However a disastrous slide only lost 2 games and enjoyed a 24 match Christmas, Cel c were 2nd but they had a with 28 league goals. found the club languishing in the 3rd division unbeaten run. They went to Risca for their dismal end of season run and again finished when Paul "Dishy" Richardson became last match already promoted but needed to 12th. manager in 1999. He transformed the side win to secure the Championship ahead of In 2012/13 with head coach Della Cheedy at bringing in experienced ex-Cwmbran Town Llanwern. With 3 minutes le Cel c were 1-0 the helm, Cel c started brightly with some stalwarts Mickey Copeman and Kevin Payne down playing with 10 men a er a red card fine performances including a 4-2 win versus alongside teenage striker Shane Williamson for Kevin Payne. Then Sammy Winter reigning champions Cambrian & Clydach but who for a dozen seasons was top scorer. The equalised with a specula ve long range shot they lost their way in the New year and at side was later bolstered by the return of ex- and in the last minute a Risca clearance one stage were in last place. However, with professionals Ben Graham and Mark Parfi found full back Ben Graham outside the box. characteris c determina on they dragged 10 11 Cwmbran Cel c 1st Team Sta s cs Welsh League P W D L F A Pts Posi on ZF 2005/06 Div 3 34 11 3 20 43 60 36 15th (18) Ac ve & 2006/07 Div 3 32 20 10 2 68 35 70 1st (17) Champions 2007/08 Div 2 34 12 8 14 52 60 44 9th (18) Passive 2008/09 Div 2 34 17 7 10 69 51 58 6th (18) Safety 2009/10 Div 2 34 21 6 7 75 33 69 2nd (18) Promoted 2010/11 Div 1 30 10 7 13 45 50 37 12th (16) Technology 2011/12 Div 1 30 12 2 16 32 54 38 12th (16) Proud 2012/13 Div 1 28 9 5 14 41 52 32 12th (15) Sponsors 2013/14 Div 1 30 7 5 18 40 58 26 13th (16) Relegated 2014/15 Div 2 30 11 14 5 53 31 47 7th (16) Of The 2015/16 Div 2 30 24 0 6 89 33 72 2nd (16) Promoted Match Day 2016/17 Div 1 30 14 3 13 60 50 45 6th (16) 2017/18 Div 1 30 14 4 12 67 51 46 8th (16) Programme 2018/19 Div 1 12 6 2 4 21 18 20 5th (16) Prin ng Total 418 188 76 154 755 636 640 12 13 CWMBRAN CELTIC SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS Keep up to date with all the news and ac on at Cwmbran Cel c football club. CLUB WEBSITE: cwmbrancel c.com Contains the latest news and dedicated sec ons for each of the club’s teams containing current and past facts and figures. There is also a gallery featuring photos of the club’s current and past games and social ac vi es. TWITTER: Men: @CwmbranCel c1; Women: @CwmbranCeltLFC Instant access to all the news, chat and banter as it happens. FACEBOOK: CWMBRAN CELTIC FC MEDIABOX: Maintained by club photographer Steve Roberts. Mainly photographs, but access to news, chat and banter for those who prefer Facebook. WIKIPEDIA: h ps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cwmbran_Cel c_F.C. History, Honours, Club officials, Current 1st team squad.
OTHER FOOTBALL LINKS OF INTEREST Unofficial Welsh League Message Board: h p://welshleague.proboards.com/posts/ Welsh League website: h ps://wfleague.co.uk All Wales fixtures, results, tables : http://www.allwalessport.co.uk/football
14 15 Match-Day Programme Adver sing We sell in excess of 1,000 programmes each season to our supporters and those of visi ng clubs. These are also made available in our Social Club/WEB Site for all our members to read. This can, therefore, be a very effec ve way of adver sing.
COST: £50 PER SEASON-FULL PAGE £25 PER SEASON-HALF PAGE
John Stockwell, FQSi
W E
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16 17 CWMBRAN CELTIC PEN PICTURES 2018/2019 CWMBRAN CELTIC PEN PICTURES 2018/2019 (con nued) Goalkeepers Defenders (con nued) Lewis Watkins: goalkeeper, aged 26. Joined Cel c from Luke Jones: centre back, aged 26. Former Academy player & Newport County Youth 2010/11. Cel c debut v Aberaman U19 captain. A solid no-nonsense defender with powerful Athle c April 2011. Has shown great dedica on & le foot & prodigious long throw. Played for Cel c junior & improvement over the years to see off all previous youth, made 1st team debut aged 17 at end of 2009/10. challengers for the gloves. Luke is a boxer who has quickly made a name for himself in the Welsh Amateur ranks. Played briefly for Aberbargoed Rhys Picton: goalkeeper, aged 19. Product of St Albans Buds & Croesyceiliog 2016 and 2017. school. Trials for Cardiff City, Newport County and Bristol Rovers. Youth football with Barry Town, Bridgend Street Niall Yeates: d efender, aged 27. Returns to club from and Trethomas. Senior football at Llanrumney United. Fairfield a er a season off. Powerful le sided plater who can play midfield & striker. Played Welsh League for Defenders Chepstow Town. Rakesh Patel: right back, aged 30. Skilful a acker who delivers great cross ball into box. Played as Junior for Penygarn & Trevethin Griffithstown, New Inn. Ex-Academy, Rhys Williams: centre back, captain, aged 30. Resolute broke into side in 2007/8 & has been regular ever since. Has uncompromising defender. Good talker. Signed in 2015/16 great self-effacing personality. Manager’s player of year and from Goytre. Played for Blaenavon as junior; Swansea City Cel c’s Clubman of year 2016/17. Player/coach 2015-18. youth, Cwmbran Town (Welsh Premier), Bryn rion (WL Holds club record for WL appearances – 352. Champions) & Taffs Well (League Cup Winners).
Andrew Larcombe: u lity player, aged 30. Joined Cel c Midfielders close season 2014/15 having previously played Welsh Iolo Jones: midfield, full back: aged 18. Son of ex-Cel c League for Llanwern (2010-13) & Undy Athle c (2013-14). senior Neil ‘Jimbo’ Jones & grandson of former Cel c Before that he played as a Junior for Eveswell & then youth chairman Alan Jones, started his playing career with Cel c football for Newport YM & Gwent County for Liswerry. Can in mini football but was quickly snapped up by Bristol play up front in the holding role or in middle of the Rovers. He later moved to Newport County and then to park where his tenaciousness makes him compete for every ball. Forest Green Rovers. A Croesyceiliog School pupil, Iolo won Supporter’s player of year 2016/17. Welsh Schools cap in last two seasons. Alex McDowell: full back/midfield, aged 21. Another ex- Academy player. A midfielder playing out of posi on. Played Louis Feeley: winger, aged 23. Signed this season. Very for Cel c junior & youth. Made 1 st team debut aged 17 in quick with a good shot. Former clubs: Newport County, 2013/14. Returns to club from Leeds Becke University Hereford, Clevedon, Weston Super Mare, Barry Town where he was captain in his final year. United, Taffs Well, Cinderford Town, Chepstow Town.
18 19 KEY: Red Yellow Subs Not Man of the Card Card Used Match * FIXTURES, RESULTS & TEAM INFORMATION 2018/19
20 21 CWMBRAN CELTIC PEN PICTURES 2018/2019 (con nued) CWMBRAN CELTIC PEN PICTURES 2018/2019 (con nued) Midfielders (con nued) Midfielders (con nued) Owen Cook: centre midfield, aged 26. Talented crea ve Kazeem Kareem: midfield/defender, aged 30. Born in Lagos, player, loves to get forward. Ex-Academy, 1 st team debut Nigeria. Played for Fulham Reserves, and then played 92 2009/10. Played for Fairfield in Gwent County League games as a professional in Portugal before moving to Wales 2012/13. Manager’s player of year 2015/16. where he played for Liswerry and Monmouth Town.
Callum Wakeham: midfield, aged 19. Joined Celtic as a Dominic Connor: le wing/le back, aged 32. A acking Junior, moved on to Bristol Rovers and then Newport midfielder with knack of arriving in the box at right me to County where he scored 36 goals in 36 games over two score important goals. Formerly with Chepstow Town & seasons at U14 and U16. Returned to Celtic playing for the Caldicot Town. Top scorer in 2014/15 with 14 goals. Started Under 18s & Reserves. Promoted to the 1st team in January with Garden City juniors. 2017 & has been converted into very powerful midfielder Chris Ham: winger, aged 26. Played for club as Junior & for Josh Hinwood: midfield/fullback, aged 21. A speedy direct Academy. Debut 2009/10 aged 16. Player of round in Welsh player. Played for Celtic juniors who made his 1 st team debut Cup 2015/16 as scorer of finest goal ever seen at Cel c Park last season. v Goytre. Played for Cwmbran Town 2012/13, Monmouth Town & Carmarthen Town (Welsh Premier) 2014/15 & Lewis Ellis: midfield, aged 26. Joined this season from Taffs Wes ields (English Midland League) 2016/17. Welsh League Well having previously played for Penybont and Cinderford 1st Division player of season 2017/18 as top scorer. Manager’s and Player’s Town. Spent 4 years in USA studying psychology. Played for Player of Year & Club Golden Boot winner last season with tally of 31 league Universi es of Memphis and Southern Illinois. Also played a & cup goals. season at Bodens BK Sweden. Forwards Josh Bull: striker, aged 25. Cultured speedy & nippy le Isaac Powell: midfield, aged 18. A current player with footed player. Played as Junior at Blaenavon Blues in same Fairwater High School Academy. Very promising player who side as Lee Penry. Had brief spells at Aberystwyth and made Cel c debut last season. Merthyr Town 2016/17. Came through Academy. Played for Aber llery Bluebirds 2011/12 scoring superb hat-trick to Daniel Ba le: centre midfield, aged 26. An Ebbw Vale boy, knock champions Bryn rion out of league cup, & later for formerly with Tredegar Town, Risca United and RTB Ebbw Blaenavon Blues in Gwent County League. 1st team debut for Cel c Vale. He was also a trainee at Swansea City for 4 years. He 2012/13. Played 2014/15 for Monmouth Town & Goytre but rejoined Cel c is a comba ve player who can score goals and his signing in 2015/16 & was top scorer in Welsh League with 32 goals.
will boost Cel c’s midfield. Tom Hagge : striker, aged 26. Powerful leader of the line who filled in well last season when Josh Bull was injured. Made Cel c debut 2012/13.
22 23 CWMBRAN CELTIC PEN PICTURES 2018/2019 (con nued) Forwards (con nued) Lewis Iles: striker, aged 22. recently returned to club from Panteg. Scored 6 goals in 12 games for Cel c last season. A former Cel c junior, he played for Sebastopol in Gwent County League and then Panteg
Management Team Lee Challenger: Manager, aged 30. Appointed team manager last season. Was versa le right back/holding midfielder 2007/8 to 2016/17. “Charlie” played junior football at Blaenavon in the same side as Rhys Williams before joining Academy. made debut for 1 st team 2007/8. Had two seasons away at Blaenavon Blues 2009/10 and Goytre 2013/14. Club record 20 consecu ve penalty goal 2011-2016. Nana Baah: Assistant manager, aged 37. Vastly experienced old fashioned striker, played for Cel c in 2011/12 before joining Caerau (Ely) as manager where he achieved promo on from the 2nd Division and the league tle in 2015/16. Played in England for Kingstonian, Dulwich Hamlet, Egham Town, Aldershot, Clevedon Town, and had trials with Luton Town. Moving to Wales he played for UWIC, Grange Quins, Barry Town, Bridgend, Bryn rion, Dinas Powis, Caerau Ely, Ton Pentre. Joins Cel c a er a brief spell as manager at Taffs Well. Michael Davies: Coach/First Aider, aged 30. Has recently joined his friend Lee Challenger in the dugout. Formerly with Cwmbran Town Academy. Played for Cel c Reserves before moving on to Fairfield United and Pontypool Town.
24 25 CARS Avondale Road, Cwmbran, VAN South Wales NP44 1TT MINIBUSES Tel: 01633 483612 All Sawn Timber, Treated, Graded etc./Sheet Material, Ply, MDF etc./Planed Timber, & Mouldings/Fencing & Landscap- Email: info@[email protected] ing Timber/Garden Decking & Buildings/Roof Trusses & Structural Beams/Hardwoods/Flooring/Timber Packaging
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26 27 28 29 30 31 CLUB OFFICIALS SEASON 2018/19
President John Stockwell Chairman Scott Kinsella Vice Chair Matthew Williams Secretary Tony Strange Treasurer Sue Perrett Honorary Life Vice Presidents Terry Cunningham; Brian Stanley; Malcolm Jarrett Junior Secretary David Cook Safeguarding Officer Karen Robinson Newport & District Secretary Ian Jones Media Officer Neil Jones First Team Manager Lee Challenger First Team Assistant Manager Nana Baah First Team Coaches Rakesh Patel; Michael Davies Second Team Manager James Kinsella Second Team Assistant Manager Curtis Patel Third Team Manager Barry Desmond Third Team Assistant Manager Alex Pritchard Women’s Team Manager Vicki Randall Women’s Assistant Managers Su Young Ground Manager Mike Baugh Ground Maintenance Squad Patrick Murphy; Malcolm Jarrett; Steve Roberts Programme Editors John Stockwell; Tony Strange Club Photographer Steve Roberts Kit Co -ordinator Sue Perrett Match Day Shop Sue Perrett; Stephen Perkins; Tony Strange Match Day Catering Kate Harvey, Rose Woodhouse
Club Kit Information Colours Yellow shirts, blue shorts & socks Alternative Colours Green with white hoops shirts, green with white trimmed shorts & socks
Cwmbran Celtic FC Headquarters Cwmbran Celtic Sports & Social Club Oak Street Cwmbran Torfaen NP44 3LT Tel;: 01633 774019
Cwmbran Celtic Ground Celtic Park Henllys Way Cwmbran Torfaen NP44 3YS
Affiliations Football Association of Wales Ltd. and Gwent County Football Association
32 33 CWMBRAN CELTIC HONOURS CWMBRAN CELTIC FIXTURES & RESULTS 2018/2019 Welsh League: Division 2 Runners -up (2) 2009/10, 2015/16 Division 3 Winners 2006/7 Reserve Division (East) Winners (3) 2009/10, 2010/11, 2016/17; Runners up 2012/13, 2017/2018 Gwent County: Division 1 Runners -up 2004/5 Division 2 Winners 1986/7; Runners -up 2000/1 Division 3 Runners -up 1999/2000 Premier League Runners -up 1972/3 Senior Cup Winners 1970/1; Runners -up (2) 2007/8, 2008/9 Amateur Cup Winners 1972/3 Challenge Cup Winners 2000/1 Newport & District League: Premier Division Winners (6) Premier 1950/1, Premier A 1969/70, Premier Y 2000/1, 2006/7, 2009/10, 2010/11 Runners -up (3) Premier 1956/7, Premier Y 2005/6, 2016/17 Premier B Winners 1968/9; Runners -up (2) 1972/3, 1979/80 Division 1R & 3 Winners 2000/1 Division 2 Winners Section A 1925/6 Division 2B Winners 1969/70; Runners -up (2) 1972/3, 1979/80 Senior Bowl Winners 2005/6; Runners -up (2) 1968/9, 2010/11 Junior Bowl Winners 1950/1; Runners -up 2005/6 3rd Division Cup Winners 1956/7 Welsh Youth League: Youth Division (East) U19 Winners (4): 2007/8, 2008/9, 2009/10, 2010/11; Runners up (2) 2012/13, 2013/14 Youth League Cup: Runners up 2014/15 Newport Youth League : Under 16 Division Winners 1970/1, Cup Winners 1970/1; Runners -up 1966/7 Under 18 Division Winners 1967/8 Gwent County: Under 14 Cup Winners 2011/12; Runners up 2012/13 Under 16 Division Winners (3) 1990/1, 1994/5, 1998/9; Runners -up 2000/1 Under 16 Cup Winners (4) 1993/4*, 1994/5, 1998/9, 2000/1 (*U15 team) Under 18 Division Winners 2013/14, 2014/15; Runners -up (6) 1999/2000, 2000/1, 2004/5, 2007/8 (Div 2), 2009/10, 2010/11 Under 18 Cup Winners (2) 1967/8 (Mon Youth cup) 1990/1, Runners -up 1991/2 Under 19 Cup Runners -up 1973/4 (Mon Youth Cup) 1989/90 Cwmbran Junior League: Under 12 Division Runners -up 1973/4 Under 13 Division Winners (2) 1967/8, 1968/9; Runners -up 1966/7 Under 13 Cup Winners (3) 1966/7, 1967/8, 1968/9 Under 15 Cup Winners (2) 1968/9, 1970/1 Torfaen Junior & Youth League: Under 10 Division Winners (4) 1984/5, 1988/9, 1989/90, 1990/1; Runners -up (2) 1987/8, 1992/3 Under 10 Cup Winners (4) 1984/5, 1988/9, 1989/90, 1990/1 Under 12 Division Winners (12) 1986/7, 1987/8, 1989/90, 1990/1, 1991/2, 1992/3, 1994/5, 2003/4, 2004/5, 2005/6, 2007/8, 2008/9 Runners -up (4) 1990/1*, 2000/2, 2009/10, 2010/11 (*U11 team) Under 12 Cup Winners (9) 1986/7, 1989/90, 1991/2, 1992/3, 1994/5, 1996/7, 2001/2, 2008/9, 2015/16 Runners -up (6) 1987/8, 1990/1, 2000/1, 2003/4, 2004/5, 2010/11 Under 14 Division Winners (10) 1976/7, 1988/9, 1992/3, 1996/7, 2003/4, 2005/6, 2009/10, 2010/11, 2011/12, 2012/13 Runners -up (3) 1989/90, 2004/5, 2006/7 Under 14 Cup Winners (8) 1976/7, 1983/4 , 1992/3, 1996/7, 1998/9, 2006/7, 2010/11, 2012/13 Runners -up (1) 2004/5 Under 16 Division Winners (13) 1976/7, 1978/9, 1990/1, 1993/4, 1998/9, 2000/1, 2001/2, 2007/8, 2008/9, 2009/10, 2011/12, 2012/13 2014/15 Runners -up 2010/11 Under 16 Cup Winners (9) 1979/80, 1985/6, 1990/1, 1993/4, 1998/9, 2000/1, 2001/2, 2007/8, 2008/9 Runners -up (7) 1994/5, 2000/1*, 2002/3, 2006/7*, 2007/8* (*U15 team), 2013/14, 2014/15 Womens South Wales Women's League Winners 2013/14; Runners up (2) 2012/13, 2016/17 34 League Cup winners 2012/13; League Plate Winners 2016/17 35 CWMBRANA BIG THANK CELTIC YOU 2018/19 TO ALL PLAYERS OUR SPONSORS STATISTICS MATCH REPORT: PENYBONT 3-1 CWMBRAN CELTIC (24th Nov) Penybont started the game with real intent and eventually headed off the line by a defender. in the first minute Luke Borelli skipped past Luke However, another defensive lapse by Cel c then Jones only to see his shot rebound of a post. A allowed the hosts to increase their lead. A long couple of minutes later they had the ball in the ball forward by Kane Owen found Luke Borelli in net, but the effort was ruled out for offside. space between our back three and although our Cel c fought back and Josh Bull weaved his way defenders recovered to put him under pressure, past a couple of defenders in the box and then he was allowed to turn and hit a low shot which looked to be brought down. However, the beat Lewis Watkins on his right-hand post. referee ruled he had dived and gave him a Andrew Larcombe then replaced Callum yellow card! Dom Connor then produced a great Wakeham who was struggling for fitness on his cross from the le which narrowly evaded Alex first game back at the club. Cel c were having McDowell before being cleared by a defender. marginally the be er of the game now and Josh A er 20 minutes Penypont did get on the Bull twisted and turned in the box and hit a low scoresheet. A whipped corner from the le by shot which Rhys Wilson was grateful to hold on Kane Owen was met at the far post by Rhys to at the second a empt. Following a corner, Griffiths and he jumped unopposed to head into the ball then fell to Rakesh Patel, but his shot the net. A minute later the lead was doubled. sailed well over the bar. Luke Jones was then Rakesh Patel played a careless ball 35 yards out booked. On 85 minutes, a shot from Dan Ba le leaving Cur s Hutson with a clear run on goal had Wilson scrambling across his goal but the and his firm low shot was too good for Lewis ball went narrowly wide of his le -hand post. Watkins. A er 25 minutes Cel c made two The last ac on saw Chris Ham hit a great shot quick subs tu ons. Firstly, Dan Ba le replaced from 30 yards which looked to have goal wri en Kazeem Kareen and then Simon Prangley made all over it, but it went narrowly over the angle of way for Callum Wakeham. Another corner from bar and post. heating the le by Kane Owen caused problems but FULL TIME: Penybont 3 Cel c 1 Lewis Watkins was able to palm it away for a SUMMARY corner. Two more Cel c players then went into Cel c started this game very slowly and looked the book. Firstly, Dan Ba le and then Rhys nothing like the side that had comprehensively Williams for challenges the referee deemed to beaten Haverfordwest County the previous be too strong. Six minutes later, Rhys fouled Saturday. They could so easily have been 4 or 5 Luke Borelli off the ball in the penalty area and goals down a er half an hour. However, to their was sent off a er receiving a second yellow credit, the lads fought their way back into the card. From the ensuing penalty, taken by Kane game and were marginally the be er side in the Owen, Lewis Watkins made a fantas c save second half. Penybont are an excellent side and diving to his le and then was able to smother it is difficult to see them dropping many points the follow-up shot to keep the score at 2-0. this season, par cularly on their home ground. On 42 minutes, Penypont were also down to 10 MAN OF THE MATCH men when Kieran Howard was given his There were a few contenders. Dom Connor had marching orders for a two-footed tackle on another good game and Lewis Ellis probably had Chris Ham. Chris then picked himself up and hit his best game since joining the club. However, in a glorious free kick over the wall and into the far the end the award went to Alex McDowell for corner of the net leaving Rhys Wilson in the an excellent all-round display. home goal stranded. REF WATCH HALF TIME: Penybont 2 Cel c 1 Young Jordan Harman controlled the game well It was Cel c who started the second period on and really had no op on with the sendings off the a ack and a free kick from Dom Connor and bookings. went through a crowd of players and was 36 37 Welsh league 2018/19 CWMBRAN CELTIC 2018/19 PLAYERS STATISTICS Division 1
These sta s cs include abandoned game at Goytre
38 39