LI/9WZ RjSCa_United_(Balck/White)

Connor Cronin

Ibrahim Cordle Callum Hodges Leigh Sharp Tom Berry Killian Kingston Jordan Rathbone

Callum Porter Liam Shaw Joshua Clayton Jason Gardner David Hurley Lewis Ellis

Seb Haggett Rhys James Brad Baker Alfie Jones Connah Hughes

Manager—Simon Berry

Coach— Ricky Malson Referee,

Fitness Coach—Ian Williams Assistants—Mr Graham Evans, Hen Lewis, Pengam Cwmbran Celtic

Lewis Watkins - Goalkeeper Tom Chorley - Goalkeeper

Rakesh Patel - Defender Richard Crees - Defender Niall Yeates - Defender Rhys Williams (Capt) - Defender Lee Cheshire - Defender

Lloyd Kinsella-Midfield Owen Cook- Midfield Lee Challenger- Midfield Jordan Islip- Midfield Dominic Connor - Midfield Lee Penry- Midfield James Young - Midfield Jamie Thuillier - Midfield

Andrew Larcombe - Forward Josh Bull - Forward Michael Baugh - Forwad Adrian Maguire - Forward

Manager: Dean Morris

Asst Manager: Matthew Williams

Coach: Rakesh Patel goed & Mr Paul Cwmbran Celtic History

Cwmbran Celtic football club was formed in 1925. In the early years the club was known as CYM5 (Catholic Young Men's Society). After the immediate success of winning the Newport & District Division 2 Section A title in 1925/6 there was then a 25 year gap before the next trophy, the Premier Division title in 1950/1. The club disbanded in the late 1950's largely as a consequence of national service call-ups but a large influx of junior and youth players brought about the reforming of the club in 1964 under the new name of Cwmbran Catholics. In 1970/1 Celtic won the Gwent Senior Cup. In 1972/3 with playing membership open to all denominations the club dropped the catholic title and re-named as Cwmbran Celtic duly winning the Gwent Amateur Cup and finishing runners-up in the Gwent Premier League.

In 1979 the club bought its own premises at Oak Street, Old Cwmbran, the club's present headquarters. The club's ground was in Cwmbran Park but around 1995 they moved to the grounds outside Cwmbran Stadium which were shared with Cwmbran Cricket club. The cricket club later moved to Caerleon and Celtic obtained the lease from Torfaen Council.

In 2004/5 under new player-manager Mickey Copeman, the club were runners-up to Clydach Wasps who applied for membership of the but their ground was adjudged not to be of the required standard. Celtic applied instead. Their ground outside Cwmbran Stadium was also not up to standard but Celtic were able to share Cwmbran Stadium with Cwmbran Town and so the Welsh League accepted the club's application.

In their first season in the WFL, 2005/6, Celtic struggled near the bottom of the 3rd division all season. In April 2006 Celtic travelled to Chepstow Town needing a win to stay in the league. They went 1-0 down. With minutes of normal time remaining substitute Jason Price equalised but a draw was not enough. In the 9th minute of time added on player manager Mickey Copeman went up for a corner. The ball was cleared off the goal-line by a Chepstow defender, it hit Copeman on the back and rebounded into the net. Celtic had achieved a last gasp win and, by winning their final match against Seven Sisters, Celtic escaped relegation on goal difference.

The following season, 2006/7, Celtic now back at their upgraded and newly named ground, Celtic Park, were transformed. They only lost 2 games all season and enjoyed a 24 match unbeaten run. They went to Risca for their last match already promoted but needed to win to secure the Championship ahead of Llanwern. With 3 minutes left Celtic were 1-0 down playing with 10 men after a red card for Kevin Payne. Then Sammy Winter equalised with a speculative long range shot and in the last minute a Risca clearance found full back Ben Graham outside the box. He hit a perfect looping volley over the goalkeeper's head and into the net. Celtic were champions.

In Division 2 Celtic consolidated their position in seasons 2007/8 and 2008/9 during which they introduced a number of players from their new partnership with Fairwater High School Football Academy in Cwmbran managed by Celtic coach Delia Cheedy. In 2009/10 Celtic were front runners destined to win the Championship. However they lost two key defenders who transferred to Aberaman Athletic at a crucial time and vital points were dropped. Nevertheless Celtic still finished their games in 1st place and would win the title if Penrhiwceiber failed to win at Newcastle Emlyn. The home side was 2-0 up at one stage but Ceiber clawed their way back to win 3-2 and deny Celtic the championship. At the end of the season Mickey Copeman stood down after 7 years in the role during which he secured 3 promotions for the club from the Gwent County League to the top division of the Welsh League.

In their first season in the 1st division, 2010/11 under new manager Ben Graham, Celtic struggled during the first half of the season and were firmly planted in the relegation zone but a superb run-in during which they won 7 and drew 3 of 14 games earned them 12th place out of 16. In 2011/12 a good start was made under Alan Dibble who stepped down in September with the team in 5th place, to be replaced by Gareth Morgan. Either side of Christmas, Celtic were 2nd but they had a dismal end of season run and again finished 12th. In 2012/13 with head coach Delia Cheedy at the helm, Celtic started brightly with some fine performances including a 4-2 win versus reigning champions Cambrian & Clydach but they lost their way in the new year and at one stage were in last place. However, with characteristic determination they dragged themselves up the table and sealed another season in the top division with a resounding 5-1 win against Haverfordwest County. Under Steve Morgan in 2013/14 Celtic underperformed finishing 4th from bottom and with Afan Lido relegated from the Welsh Premier League, Celtic were relegated despite appealing to an FAW arbitration. With Delia Cheedy back as manager in 2014/15 Celtic finished 7th in Division 2. In 2015/16 Nicky Church started as manager but he resigned abruptly mid-season. Ex Ton Pentre boss Dean Morris took over, won two manager of the month awards, and guided Celtic to the runners-up position and promotion on the back of 10 straight wins. Risca United History

The club came into being in 1946 when a few local sides UNITED to form the new club, they played at Ty-lsaf Park in the Monmouthshire Senior League, where after early success they joined the Welsh Football League in the 1951/52 season playing in the 2nd. Division East until 1961 before having to drop back into County Football due to financial reasons. Their highest position during those 10 years was 5th in the 2nd. Division. The club have always been known as "The Cuckoos", in keeping with the legend of the Risca Cuckoo. In the summer of 1965 Risca United almost folded due to a lack of funds/committee members but were "taken over" at the llth. hour by Fernlea A.F.C; a Risca based, Newport & District League side, who actually shared Ty-lsaf Park with Risca United. For a few seasons the "new" club struggled in the lower reaches of Division One of the Mon. Senior League but always managed to avoid relegation. Gradually they strengthened on and off the field and Risca United began its "Golden Era" in the early 7CTs. During that decade "The Cuckoos" strung together an incredible thirteen honours including three consecutive League and Cup doubles, three championships, and were Challenge Cup Winners for five consecutive seasons. The three consecutive League & Cup doubles had never been achieved previously and was recognized by the Mon. Senior League in presenting the club with a one off trophy that still proudly sits in the trophy cabinet. The "Golden Era" continued into the '8CTs as more silverware was added including the Gwent Senior Cup, the Gwent Amateur Cup and yet another League and Cup double in 1988/89, besides twice being League runners-up and runners up twice in the Gwent Amateur Cup. Following these achievements the club wanted to fulfil its motto, "Progress" and re-joined the Welsh Football League in 1990/91, they were Division 3 runners-up in that first season and then spent three seasons in the 2nd Division before winning promotion in 1994/95 to the Welsh League 1st. Division. Risca United had two seasons in the top flight of the League before slipping back down through the divisions. Their highest placing in Division 1 being llth. in 1995/96, In 1995 The Cuckoos reached the 4th round of the and played at Ninian Park against a full strength Cardiff City in front of 1,200 spectators For an hour the score remained 0-0 but eventually the "Bluebirds" ran out 4-0 winners. In 2001 the club took part in a two hour BBC TV football drama, "Score". Filming lasted a week at Ty-lsaf Park where some TV stars, including. Sue Johnston (Brookside & The Royale Family), Eve Tyler (Belonging & Torchwood) rubbed shoulders with "The Cuckoos". Some of the clubs players even took part in filming at Elland Road in front of 40,000 Leeds United fans! Later that year the club amalgamated with local junior club Gelli United to ensure a strong youth policy was in place, the two clubs have now evolved into one and the club has now reverted back to its original name. In 2003/2004 Risca United were again on BBC Wales TV who filmed their historic 2-1 defeat of Barry Town at Jenner Park in the Welsh Cup. At the time Barry Town were the Welsh Cup Holders and reigning Champions of the Welsh Premier League. The "Cuckoos" are a very ambitious club and are one of the few clubs in the Welsh Football League that actually lease their ground (Ty Isaf Park), being six years into an 20 year lease from Caerphilly County Borough Council. Under the guidance of Player/Manager Paul Michael a 3rd. place finish in 2013/14 secured promotion to the 2nd. Division after a spell of 13 seasons in the 3rd. Division. That was followed last season with a second successive promotion when 3rd. place in Division 2 was achieved on the last day of the season with a 5-1 hammering of A.F.C. Llwydcoed, the last game in an incredible 13 match unbeaten run. Last season the club set up an Academy for young players between 11 and 16 years and straight away became an F.A.W. Accredited Academy. It was a huge success at all age levels but pride of place went to our under 12's who completed their F.A.W. Academy League (South) Fixtures unbeaten and finished top. In the All Wales Play Off held at Latham Park, Newtown we beat Bala Town 5-1 to become Welsh Champions in their very first season. All of that augers well for the future. Risca United in one way, have become the victim of it's own success, the consecutive promotions now sees the Cuckoos back in the top flight of the Welsh Football League after 18 years but with the F.A.W. determined that all clubs in the 1st. Division will have Grounds that qualify for a Tier Two Licence by the end of 2017, it means the Cuckoos have had to move from their humble surroundings in Risca to the new Council owned, Centre for Sporting Excellence at Ystrad Mynach. Therefore 1st. Division games will be played there whilst the Cuckoos will continue to use Ty-lsaf Park for it's Reserve and Welsh League Under 19's Youth games. Caerphilly Borough Council have given Risca United elite status and although the facility at Ystrad Mynach is shared with Aberbargoed Buds it is the Cuckoos who have priority use. The club's Academy made the stadium it's home last season and this season will see them joined not only by the 1st. Team but also the by the club's new Under 19's side who will compete in the new Welsh Premier Development (South) League. The pitch at Ystrad Mynach is of a high 3G standard and the facilities are second to none so it will be interesting to see how we manage at our new surroundings and at the 2nd. level of Welsh Domestic football. We know it will be tough but will aim to consolidate after two very exciting seasons.

Risca Utd AFC

(May 2016) Risca Utd Pen Pics

Connor Cronin Goalkeeper. Great stature and commanding for a young keeper. An excellent prospect. Signed from Cwmbran Celtic this season

Alfie Jones Wing Back Winger: 18 year old Alfie who joined us at the start of 2014-2015 from junior football in Newport. Started in our Youth side and stood out enough to be capped for Wales Boys Clubs. Caught the eye as an out and out, quick left '• winger. Was blooded for the 1st. team in Cup matches and cemented his place in the squad during our run in at the end of last season. Will be a great addition to this seasons' squad where he will look to build on a great start last season.

David Hurley Winger: 29 year old "Dai" is a lightening quick, tricky left winger who came through the clubs youth system. Now a vastly experienced Welsh League player, previous managers failed to get the best out of Dai and he left for spells at Treowen Stars and Pontypridd Town before returning in January 2013. A very important member of the squad who excites, as he gets bums off seats when on the ball. Can and does score some spectacular goals as well as finishing simple tap ins. An important player in our two consecutive promotions.

Kyle Williams Striker: 19 yr. old. quiet lad from Ebbw Vale who joined us during the 2013-14 season and found it difficult to break into the side, but last season became an ever present in our promotion year. A very quick wide player who knows how to finish, scored some very important goals last term and is looking forward to the challenge of top flight Welsh League football. This young man compliments the older Tony Wallis up front. He was at Swansea City for a spell before being released and is a great asset to us.

Ibrahim Cordle 19 year old defender and native of Cardiff. Signed October 2016. Has previously played for Caerau Ely and Afan Lido will strengthen our squad, a good talker on the pitch.

Jason Gardiner Jason is another teenager who has stepped up to play senior football whilst still eligible to play at Under 19's. Signed from Aberbargoed Buds a couple of months into this season. One of the plyers in our side who has pace to burn and is an exciting player on the ball.

Killian Kingston Killian is a 20 year old native of Ireland who was with Cambrian & Clydach last season. A right sided defender who only signed for us in October 2016 has already made his debut in the 1st. team and will look to make the full back spot is own.

ConnahHughes 18 year old striker who transferred to us in October 2016 from Goytre United. Previously with Cambrian & Clydach and now itching to make his 1st. team debut. A good addition to the squad.

Rhys James Rhys is a quiet 21yr.old mid-fielder/striker who has just re-joined us from Barry Town United. He was previously with Newport County Academy and initially joined us from there a few seasons ago and helped us achieve our rise back up through the league. Left a couple of seasons ago to play his football at Jenner Park where he wasn't able to command a regular start. Rhys will hopefully show us his undoubted ability and is a great addition to our 2016/17 squad,

Jordan Rathbone Jordan has signed this week from Undy Athletic. A sound defender who was previously with Newport County Academy. A very welcome addition to our side and will hopefully make his debut against Afan Lido. Leigh Sharp Full Back/Centre Back: Team Captain. Still only 21 years old and a fixture in the side. Leigh was capped at Wales Boys Clubs level and has matured into a strong defender who loves a tackle. He's quick about the park, another who loves getting forward and very good on the ball. An ever present as we climbed from 3rd. to 1st. Division.

Gavin Meacham Midfield: Great left-sided player who can also play at the back and in a more forward role. Signed from Aberbargoed Buds this season.

Liam Shaw Midfield: Liam looks to be another great signing from Aberbargoed, very good all-round rnidfield skills of passing, ball winning and goal-scoring.

Josh Clayton Mid Fielder: 24 year old quiet young man who has been with us for past 4/5 seasons. Local boy "Clayts" has a great engine and is work rate is second to none. Has been a fixture in the side for our two consecutive promotion seasons and inks well with Daniel Battle in the middle of the park where they play the role in midfield that doesn't always catch the eye but is ultra important to the side. Another great clubman.

Tom Berry Mid Field/Striker: Transferred from Newport Civil Service in late November 2015. An 18 year old Mid-Felder who also plays in the excellent Monmouth Town Youth team. Tom lives in Newport and is making the step up from the 3rd. Division to the top flight. Will be a great addition to our squad once he settles down, Hopefully made easier by the fact that his father, Simon has also joined us as Assistant Coach.

Callum Porter Midfield : Great composure and maturity for a young player. Has the ability to play in lots of positions and can score goals. Signed from Monmouth Town this season.

Seb Haggett Striker: Seb makes up the trio signed from the Buds. Very strong, mobile and scores goals. Another great addition to our squad.

Callum Hodges Defender: ISyr.old Callum played last season for title winning Monmouth Town Youth and Croesyceiliog seniors. A big and powerful youngster, strong in the air and tackle.

Brad Baker Striker: 18 year old Striker who signed in the summer of 2016. Played at Senior level for Gwent County side Cwmffrwdoer last season and was an important member of the successful Monmouth Town Youth team. A prolific scorer who will now look to maintain his goal scoring achievements at a higher level. Cwmbran Celtic Pen Pics

Lewis Watkins Goalkeeper: Aged 24. Joined Celtic from Newport County Youth in 2010/11. Has shown great dedication and improvement over the years to finally to establish himself in the 1st team squad.

Rakesh Patel Right back: Aged 28. Newly appointed coach this season. Skilful attacker who delivers great cross ball into box. Ex-Academy, broke into side in 2007/8 & has been regular ever since. Has great self-effacing personality. Player's player, Supporters player, clubman award 2015/16.

Richard Cress Left back: Aged 30. Attacking full back, quick and strong in tackle. "Billy" joined in 2010/11 from TredegarTown. Very popular throughout club. His extreme commitment has caused a number of niggling injuries over the years. Formerly with Cardiff City (U16), Llanhilleth, Abertillery Bluebirds & Abertillery Excelsiors.

Lee Challenger Right back/holding midfield: Aged 28. Versatile player, penalty taker. "Charlie" played junior football at Blaenavon before joining Academy, made debut for 1st team 2007/8. Had two seasons away at Blaenavon Blues 2009/10 and Goytre 2013/14. Club record 20 consecutive penalty goal 2011-2016

Owen Cook Centre midfield: Aged 24. Talented creative player, loves to get forward.Ex-Academy, 1st team debut 2009/10. Played for Fairfield in Gwent County League 2012/13. Manager's player of the year 2015/16

Dominic Connor Left wing: Aged 30. Attacking midfielder with knack of arriving in the box at the right time to score important goals.Formerly with Chepstow Town & Caldicot Town. Top scorer last season with 14 goals.

Chris Ham Right wing: Aged 24. Played for club as Junior and for Academy. Debut 2009/10 aged 16. Played for Cwmbran Town 2012/13, Monmouth Town & Carmarthen Town (Welsh Premier) in 2014/15. Won Welsh Cup goal of the round last season with a superb volley v Goytre

Josh Bull Striker: Aged 23. Cultured speedy & nippy left footed player. Came through Academy. Played for Abertillery Bluebirds 2011/12 scoring superb hat-trick to knock champions Bryntirion out of league cup, and later for Blaenavon Blues in Gwent County League. 1st team debut for Celtic 2012/13. Played 2014/15 for Monmouth Town and Goytre but rejoined Celtic last season in which he was top scorer in the Welsh League with 32 goals.

Lee Cheshire Left back: Aged 18. A cultured performer, good passer. Has been with Celtic as a junior from age 5. A member of Celtic Gwent Tesco Under 14 Cup winning side. Now in his 2nd year as a Youth player. Cousin of Chris Ham

Lloyd Kinsella Left midfield: Aged 21. Ex Celtic junior, Newport Academy & Celtic Academy. Lloyd forced his way into the squad last season with some excellent performances and is now a permanent fixture on the right flank. Very skilful, great crosser of a ball. Can also play at left back

Rhys Williams Centre back (capt): Aged 28. Resolute uncompromising defender. Good talker. Signed last season from Goytre. Played for Blaenavon as junior; Swansea City youth, then Cwmbran Town (Welsh Premier), Bryntirion (WL champions) & Taffs Well Andrew Larcombe Striker/Midfield: Aged 28. Joined Celtic in close season of 2014/15 having previously played in Welsh League for Llanwern (2010-13) and Undy Athletic (2013-14). Before that he played Youth football for Newport YFvl and Gwent County for Liswerry. Andrew can play up front in the holding role or in the middle of the park where his tenaciousness makes him compete for every ball

Lee Penry Midfield: Age 23. Skilful centre midfield, joined club in February 2016. Trials with Southampton as junior, Newport County youth, played briefly for Croesyceiliog and later Blaenavon Blues

Adrian Maguire Striker: Aged 24. Joined club in 2012/13. Powerfully built, strong runner. Former Fairwater Comprehensive student. Was a regular in the side in 2012/13 but later sustained a broken leg and ligament damage playing indoor football. Had a short spell at Panteg in 201S/16 but returned to Celtic and is now back in the 1st team squad

Niall Yeates Central Defender: Aged 26. Joins Celtic this season, having formerly played at Newport YMCA, Fairfield United and ChepstowTown. A powerful no-nonsense defender with a dependable left foot. Niall is a Torfaen boy.

Tom Chorley Goalkeeper: Aged 28. Newly signed this season from Croesyceiliog. Youngest of 3 goalkeeping brothers. Very good shot stopper, brave with a great physique and a long and accurate kick. Previously with Bridgend Street and Risca United. Last season he scored a goal from a kick-out for Croesyceiliog against Llanwern. Tom serves in the RAF in which his duties have taken him to the Falkland Islands.

James Young Midfield: Aged 22. Joins Celtic this season from Goytre, Very quick and versatile, can play wide or in the centre of midfield. Previously with Fleur de Lys. Scored both goals and man of the match for Goytre, Gwent senior cup winners v Undy 2013/14

Jamie Thuillier Midfield: Age 21. A student at Singapore International School and then Loughborough University. Currently on a year's placement with the Welsh Rugby Union. Played last season for Quorn (Leicestershire) in the Midland Football League.

Michael Baugh Midfield/Forward: Aged 22. Spike returns to Celtic after a year at Croesyceiliog. Made his debut for Celtic aged 17 in 2010/11 at full back. Can play all over the park, even in goal. Spike spent his whole junior career with Celtic during which he was on Cardiff City's books.

Jordan Islip Midfield: Aged 19. Newly signed, lives in Abertillery. A former Celtic junior player, he joined Swansea City as a youngster at aged 16, then moved to Forest Green Rovers where he played for their Under 19 side last season.