ISSUE 122

AUGUST 23rd 2015

Inside This Issue

 Results

 2015-16 Fixtures

 Reserve team fixtures

 U19 Fixtures

 League tables

 History of the

 U15 match reports

 League tables

2 RESULTS & REPORTS

DRUIDS 2 HOLYWELL 1 HUWS GRAY ALLIANCE Caernarfon 2-4 As in last week’s game, Druids were Caersws 0-2 quick out the blocks against much fancied Holywell Town, and were one Cefn Druids 2-1 Holywell up in under 5 minutes through Mike Conwy Borough 0-2 Mold Alex Pritchard, firing home after a flick on by Flint Town 1-0 Adam Hesp from a throw in by Max Guilsfield 2-1 Gresford Penk. Druids continued to put Holywell Llanfair Utd 0-3 Denbigh under the cosh and it was no surprise 2-2 Buckley when they doubled their lead after 15 minutes. Dave Forbes gained possession out on the right and despite being under WNL Reserves Division considerable pressure hammered home (Tuesday 18/8) an unstoppable shot from 18 yards wide Castell AC 0-5 Mold Alex to the right of the Holywell keeper. Gresford 3-0 Llay Welfare Druids had further chances to put the Penycae 3-5 Coedpoeth game to bed but failed to capitalise on their superiority. Town 2-1 Hawarden (Wednesday 19/8) The second half was a different story as Chirk AAA 1-1 Llangollen Holywell put the Druids under severe Corwen 2-1 Cefn Druids pressure and only a fine save by Adam McGee kept the lead in tact. However Holywell 2-4 FC Nomads Holywell did pull a goal back and (Saturday 22/8) looked like they might add another but Corwen 0-2 Ruthin Town resolute defending by Robbie James Gresford 0-5 Mold Alex and Adam Hesp helped the Druids to Holywell 2-1 Cefn Druids retain the lead till the final whistle and Queens Park 2-3 Chirk AAA maintain Druids 100% start to the season. HOLYWELL RES 2 DRUIDS RES 1 NEXT WEEK HUWS GRAY ALLIANCE For the 3rd match in a row, Druids Reserves fell to an odd goal defeat, Denbigh v Caernarfon frustratingly going down to an 87th Cefn Druids v Rhayader minute winner from Holywell. Druids Buckley v Caersws goal was scored by Owain ap Gareth. Conwy Borough v Holywell Flint Town v Guilsfield NEXT WEEK’S FIXTURE Holyhead v Gresford Friday 28th Porthmadog v Mold Alex Druids v Rhayader (The Rock 8.00 ko) Prestatyn v Llanfair Utd

2 FIXTURES & RESULTS 3

WELSH NATIONAL LEAGUE RESERVES Qualifying Round 1 Results P W D L F A GD Pts Brymbo 4-1 Halkyn United Gresford Athletic 3 2 0 1 6 5 1 6 Mold Alex 3 3 0 0 11 0 11 9 Caerwys 1-3 Castell AC FC Nomads of CQ 2 2 0 0 9 5 4 6 Cefn Albion 5-2 Llanuwchllyn Chirk AAA 3 2 1 0 9 3 6 7 Lex Glyndwr 3-2 Ewloe Spartans Holywell Town 3 2 0 1 8 5 3 6 Queens Park 2 1 0 1 4 3 1 3 Greenfield 2-1 Overton Corwen 2 1 0 1 2 3 -1 3 Llangollen Town 9-1 Llay Welfare Ruthin Town 2 2 0 0 4 1 3 6 Penley 4-3 Brickfield Rangers Coedpoeth Utd 2 1 0 1 5 8 -3 3 Llangollen 2 0 1 1 1 5 -4 1 Penyffordd 8-0 Coedpoeth Utd Hawarden Rangers 1 0 0 1 1 2 -1 0 Rhostyllen 6-0 Brynford Cefn Druids 3 0 0 3 2 5 -3 0 Saltney Town 1-4 Queens Park Penycae 2 0 0 2 3 7 -4 0 Llay Welfare 2 0 0 2 3 8 -5 0 Sychdyn 2-1 Argoed United Castell AC 2 0 0 2 0 8 -8 0 SOME RESULTS NOT TO HAND

RESERVE & U19 FIXTURES August Sat 15 Mold Alex The Rock L 1-0 Wed 19 Corwen A L 2-1 Roberts Sat 22 Holywell A L 2-1 Owain ap Gareth Sat 29 Castell AC A September Sat 5 Gresford MUGA

Welsh Premier U19 Development League (North) 2015/16 Goal scorers Sunday 23/08/2015 1 V Cefn Druids L 3-0 Sunday 30/08/2015 2 Cefn Druids V Bala Sunday 13/09/2015 3 Newtown V Llandudno Sunday 20/09/2015 4 Cefn Druids V Prestatyn Sunday 27/09/2015 5 Newtown V Cefn Druids Sunday 04/10/2015 6 Cefn Druids V Conwy B Sunday 18/10/2015 7 Cefn Druids V Bangor Sunday 25/10/2015 8 The New Saints V Cefn Druids Sunday 01/11/2015 9 Gap C Quay V Cefn Druids Sunday 15/11/2015 10 Cefn Druids V Airbus Sunday 22/11/2015 11 Flint V Cefn Druids Sunday 29/11/2015 12 Bala V Cefn Druids Sunday 06/12/2015 13 Cefn Druids V Rhyl Sunday 10/01/2016 14 Prestatyn V Cefn Druids Sunday 17/01/2016 15 Cefn Druids V Newtown Sunday 31/01/2016 16 Conwy B V Cefn Druids Sunday 07/02/2016 17 Cefn Druids V Llandudno Sunday 21/01/2016 18 Bangor V Cefn Druids Sunday 28/02/2016 19 Cefn Druids V The New Saints Sunday 06/03/2016 20 Cefn Druids V Gap C Quay Sunday 13/03/2016 21 Airbus V Cefn Druids Sunday 20/03/2016 22 Cefn Druids V Flint 3 4

PETER VALENTINE

The club are sad to announce the passing of former Cefn Albion player and manager Peter Valentine. Affectionally known as “Rabbit”, Peter (66) formerly worked at Air Products in Acrefair and played for Albion before the amalgamation and went on to manage the highly successful Albion side of the late 70’s who won the Welsh National League Division 2 title unbeaten in 1977-78. They also won the Horace Wynne Cup in 1976-77, were runners up in the Welsh National League Division 1 in 1978-79 and added the North East Cup the same year and followed up by winning the league the following year in 1979-80. I am proud to have known him personally and to have played under him during these successful years.

Our condolences go out to his wife Janet, his sons Mark, Neil and Ross, and their families. The funeral will be at Rhosymedre Church on Wednesday 26th August at 2.30pm.

Contact Us

Postal Address:-

Cefn Druids FC, The Rock Stadium, Rock Road, Rhosymedre, Wrexham. LL14 3YF

01978 810287

Email:- [email protected]

Website:- www.cefndruidsafc.co.uk

4 5 HISTORY OF THE HUWS GRAY ALLIANCE Prior to February 1990, there had been attempts by various bodies in North and Mid Wales at forming a joint League covering their area. Progress was impeded by arguments and disagreements and was about to come to nothing when the FAW intervened by formulating a plan it initialise a fully national League by the 1992-93 season. As an interim measure and part of a structured pyramid system the formation of a North & Mid-Wales prem- ier league was essential and a meeting of interested clubs was arranged on Sunday 12th February at Flint. FAW Secretary Alun Evans outlined the proposals and stated that “there WILL be a equivalent to the in the South next season”. Mr Evans continued “Some leagues will be ruffled by what is going to happen but soccer in this region has been stagnating for too long. It is a bold step forward which is being imposed which I being imposed on those who could not previously agree” Welsh Alliance secretary Trefor Lloyd Hughes added “I am wholeheartedly behind this plan and I say that as secretary of a League that is likely to lose most clubs”. Mr Hughes was also active within the FAW in support of the plan. Sixteen of the eighteen clubs present indicated strong interest to join from what would be the new league’s feeder leagues in the proposed pyramid system – the Welsh Alliance, Central Wales League and the Welsh National League (Wrexham Area). The setting up of the new League was administered by the FAW– under the control of Mr Evans and application forms were circulated to all clubs that voiced interest. Twenty-two clubs eventually applied to join the new league and prior to selection were asked to complete a questionnaire before the final sixteen chosen by the FAW. Clubs had to satisfy the governing body that they recognised the responsibility of membership as being part of the creation of a National League in two year’s time and aimed at criteria that would fall in line with that proposal. The sixteen selected were: Caersws FC, Carno FC, CPD Penrhyncoch, Llanidloes Town, Welshpool AFC from the Central Wales League Bethesda Athletic, Connah’s Quay Nomads, Conwy United, CPD Porthmadog, Flint Town United, Holywell Town and Nantlle Vale FC from the Welsh Alliance, & Brymbo Steelworks, Gresford Athletic and Mold Alexandra from the Welsh National League (Wrexham Area). Elfed Ellis became the League’s chairman with John Eifion Lloyd – Vice- Chairman and J.O.Hughes taking the Treasurer’s role. Terrence Hewitt was released from his duties with the WNL (Wrexham Area) to become League Secretary. Since then the Cymru Alliance has established itself as the second tier of the pyramid in the North with regular promotion and relegation between it and the Welsh Alliance and WNL (Wrexham Area) leagues

THE 1ST SEASON 1990-91

The main talking point surrounded Flint town United, who initially did not take their place in the Cymru Alliance, when the FAW rejected their application to join the North-West Counties League. Despite the outfit stating that they wouldn't join the new league even if their application to play in England was denied, Flint eventually took their place for the inaugural season. So the first term commenced with Caersws, Carno, Llanidloes Town, Penrhyncoch, Welshpool (all from the Mid Wales League), Gresford Athletic, Lex XI, Mold Alexandra (from the Welsh National - Wrexham Area) Connahs Quay Nomads, Conwy United, Flint Town Utd, Holywell Town and Porthmadog (Welsh Alliance) and from the Clwyd League. The irony of Flint’s decision would not be lost on the rest of the league at the end of the 1990/91 campaign. They were locked in a battle for the championship with Caersws for most of the season, until they visited the Recreation Ground in the last month and prevailed 4-2. Victory at Conwy, in their next fixture, clinched the inaugural title, whilst Caersws had to settle for runners-up spot. Connahs Quay edged out Lex XI for third place after losing to the Deeside outfit in their final league fixture. The Stansty Park club made up for this disappointment by lifting the League Cup with a 2-1 victory over Caersws and claimed the N.E. Wales Cup beating Wrexham Reserves 3-2. Lex also managed to reach the last 16 of the Welsh Cup, before bowing out 4-1 at Bangor City. The top half of the table was completed by Conwy, Porthmadog and Welshpool, who finished comfortably ahead of the rest. Penrhyncoch had the dubious honour of claiming the first wooden spoon, when the Cae Baker club ended 3 points adrift of Gresford Athletic. Caersws were not to be left empty-handed, as they beat former Mid Wales League rivals Morda United in the CWFA Challenge Cup final. Mostyn reached the Welsh Intermediate Cup final, before losing 2-0 to Welsh League champions Abergavenny Thursdays, their run including a 2-1 victory at the champions in the fourth round. Flint Town United went on to claim a treble, beating Northern Premier League Caernarfon Town in the NWCFA Challenge Cup final and became the first champions of Wales when they overcame Abergavenny at their former Holywell Road ground in a play-off match between the winners of the two leading domestic leagues

5 6

HUWS GRAY ALLIANCE

P W D L F A GD Pts Prestatyn Town 2 2 0 0 6 3 3 6 Guilsfield 2 2 0 0 5 2 3 6 Cefn Druids 2 2 0 0 4 2 2 6 Rhayader Town 2 1 1 0 3 2 1 4 Denbigh Town 2 1 0 1 4 3 1 3 Mold Alex 2 1 0 1 3 2 1 3 Porthmadog 2 1 0 1 2 1 1 3 Llanfair United 2 1 0 1 5 5 0 3 Flint Town United 2 1 0 1 2 2 0 3 Holyhead Hotspur 2 1 0 1 1 1 0 3 Conwy Borough 2 1 0 1 2 3 -1 3 Holywell Town 2 0 1 1 1 2 -1 1 MIKE PRITCHARD OPENS THE SCORING Caernarfon Town 2 0 1 1 2 4 -2 1 Buckley Town 2 0 1 1 4 7 -3 1 Gresford Athletic 2 0 0 2 0 3 -3 0 Caersws 2 0 0 2 0 3 -3 0

McGEE KEEPS DRUIDS IN THE GAME

DAVE FORBES ADDS THE SECOND

HOLYWELL PULL ONE BACK

PICTURES COURTESY OF MIKE PLUNKETT HESP GOES CLOSE 6 7 TRAVELLING DISTANCES ACADEMY NEWS The chart below shows the travelling 2 games to report from our under 15s games, distances incurred by the team for away games. Although there are a few large Newtown 0 Cefn Druids 6 distances, the average is only 41½ miles. Our 15s played their first competitive game of the new development season coming away 6-0 TEAM MILES winners. Goals from Tyler Wilkinson (2), Leighton Kendrick (2), Chris Craven and Cole Lambert ensured the victory. Gresford Athletic 10 Rhyl 2 Cefn Druids 2 Buckley Town 17 A very tight and competitive game was played Mold Alex 18 at Rhyl. Druids found themselves 2-0 down against a very good Rhyl side, but credit must Guilsfield 24 be given to our boys for their second half fight back. A Leighton Kendrick double saw the Flint Town 24 game end all square at 2-2

Denbigh Town 30 Coaches Phil Bathers and Josh Millington said, we’re playing to a new system of play and Holywell Town 32 philosophy at the academy this season and our Llanfair United 32 players are adapting to it well. Playing on the 3G at Newtown suited our formation and we Prestatyn Town 38 played some excellent football there but found it difficult at times at Rhyl, but overall a pleasing Caersws 45 start to our development year.

Porthmadog 56 ACADEMY TO PLAY SHREWSBURY TOWN Conwy Borough 61 The Academy have arranged friendly fixtures against Rhayader Town 67 Football League side Shrewsbury Town. The U13’s will play the Shrews at the Rock under the lights on Caernarfon Town 77 Wednesday 16th August with a 7.00pm kick off and the U15’s will face them on Wednesday October Holyhead Hotspur 92 14th with a 7.30pm kick off. There will be a small charge on the gate. Average 41½ miles

EVERY MONDAY NIGHT IS BINGO NIGHT IN THE SOCIAL CLUB. THERE ARE 12 HOUSES INCLUDING FLIERS, all with cash prizes . ADMISSION IS FREE AND PRIZES RANGE FROM £3 TO £85+. THERE IS ALSO “OPEN THE BOX” WITH A GUARANTEED CASH PRIZE WHICH COULD BE WORTH IN EXCESS OF £100. FULL BAR FACILITIES. TEA AND COFFEE ALSO AVAILABLE 7 8 August 14 Fri Gresford Athletic A 6.45 W 2-1 22 Sat Holywell Town H 2.30 W 2-1 28 Fri Rhayader Town H 8.00 September 2 Wed Prestatyn A 7.30 5 Sat Porthmadog H 2.30 8 Tue Airbus (Word Cup) H 7.30 12 Sat Conwy Borough (LC) H 2.30 19 Sat Caernarfon Town A 2.30 25 Fri Denbigh Town H 7.30 October 3 Welsh Cup (Rnd 1) 7 Wed Buckley H 7.30 10 Sat Caersws H 2.30 17 Sat Holyhead Hotspur A 2.30 24 Sat Guilsfield H 2.30 November 7 Sat Conwy (Also Welsh Cup 2) H 2.30 14 Sat Mold Alexandra A 2.00 21 Sat Llanfair United H 2.30 28 Sat Flint Town Utd (Also W Cup 3) A 2.30 December 4 Fri Gresford Athletic H 7.30 12 Sat Holywell Town A 2.30 19 Sat Rhayader Town A 2.30 28 Mon Prestatyn H 2.30 January 9 Sat Porthmadog A 2.30 16 Sat Caernarfon Town H 2.30 22 Fri Denbigh Town A 7.30 30 Sat Buckley A 2.30 February 6 Sat Caersws A 2.30 13 Sat Holyhead Hotspur H 2.30 20 Sat Guilsfield A 2.30 27 Sat Conwy Borough A 2.30 March 5 Sat Mold Alexandra H 2.30 12 Sat Llanfair United A 2.30 19 Sat Flint Town United H 2.30

ALL FIXTURES SUBJECT TO CHANGE

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