CWMBRAN CELTIC FC www.cwmbranceltic.com DIVISION 1 CWMBRAN CELTIC TON PENTRE League Form Guide: League Form Guide:
Home Squad Away Squad Division 1
Lewis Watkins Ryan Griffiths Jordan Dibble Andre Griffiths Rakesh Patel Phil Clarke Richard Crees Josh Hardy Andrew Larcombe Gavin Morris Rhys Williams (Capt) Corey Shephard James Young Leon Jacka Iolo Jones Nathan Facey Lee Penry Sam Small Lloyd Kinsella Josh Toomey Owen Cook Thomas Davies Dominic Connor Adam Lewis Josh Bull Scott Hayward Adrian Maguire James Dury Michael Baugh Kurt Hodges Callum Wakeham Matthew Smith Lee Challenger Huw Bowtell Steve Williams
WELSH LEAGUE DIVISION 1
Manager: Lee Challenger Manager: Lee Phillips CWMBRAN CELTIC v TON PENTRE Player/Coach: Rakesh Patel Player/Coach: Steve Williams Saturday 12th August 2017 K.O. 2:30pm GK Coach/FirstAider: James Kinsella GK Coach/FirstAider: At CELTIC PARK Colours: Yellow Blue Yellow Colours: Red/Black Black Red TODAY’S SPONSORS
MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Kris Hames (Aberdare) Referee’s Assistants: Lewiss Edwards (Aberdare) & Andrew Wilkins (Blackwood)
Programme Printed By Randomz CCYP Glyndwr Road Cwmbran Torfaen NP44 1QS WELSH FOOTBALL LEAGUE TABLES 2016/17 WELCOME TO CELTIC PARK Cel c have played Ton Pentre 8 mes in the won the return 3-1, current manager Lee Pos DIVISION ONE P W D L F A GD Pts Welsh League, all in the 1 st Division. Challenger scoring a penalty and Connor was 1 Barry Town United 30 20 6 4 69 18 51 66 In 2011/12 at Cel c Park, newly promoted red carded for a last man offence – a Ton, managed by ex-Cel c manager Dean collector’s piece considering gentleman Dom 2 Penybont 30 19 4 7 73 41 32 61 Morris, took the lead but Cel c rallied to go must be the cleanest player in the Welsh Goytre 3 30 18 4 8 80 49 31 58 3-1 up at half- me with goals from Owen League. In 2013/14 there was another draw 4 Haverfordwest County 30 16 6 8 55 47 8 54 hea n Llewellyn, Dominic Connor and a 35 yard pile at Cel c Park, 1-1, Jake Edwards scoring for Caerau (ELY) -driver by Tommy James. The visitors the home side. Cel c won the return 4-0, 5 30 13 9 8 57 50 7 48 st stormed back a er the break to score three their best ever away win in the 1 Division at 6 Cwmbran Celtic 30 14 3 13 60 50 10 45 to win a thrilling match 4-3. Luke Sallis was the me to end a run of 6 successive defeats. Undy Athletic 7 30 13 2 15 53 53 0 41 sent off for Cel c. In the return in January at Rakesh Patel, then playing midfield, scored 8 Afan Lido 30 13 5 12 46 49 -3 41 Ynys Park Cel c won 1-0 with a superbly 2, Josh Bull and Owen Llewellyn completed th 9 Taffs Well 30 12 4 14 40 48 -8 40 worked goal in the 80 minute. Owen the scoring with 18 year old Lloyd Kinsella Llewellyn’s tenacity nicked the ball in laying on 3 of the goals. 10 Goytre United 30 10 9 11 44 37 7 39 midfield from a Ton player’s foot. The ball Last season, 2016/17, Cel c manager Dean Cambrian & Clydach st 11 30 10 7 13 41 49 -8 37 fell to Rakesh Patel who swung a glorious Morris took his team, unbeaten in 1 place 12 Ton Pentre 30 10 6 14 51 61 -10 36 cross-field pass into the path of Dominic in the league, to his old stomping ground at 13 Port Talbot Town 30 10 5 15 41 57 -16 35 Connor who hit a screamer into the top le Ynys Park, but they were well beaten 0-2 corner of the net. The goal can be found on through goals by Sam Small and Leon Jacka. 14 Monmouth Town 30 9 6 15 49 74 -25 33 You Tube. That was Cel c’s 5 th successive Cel c sneaked a hard-earned win 1-0 in the 15 Caldicot Town 30 7 2 21 36 65 -29 23 league win under manager Gareth Morgan return, Owen Cook, back from suspension 16 Risca United 30 6 2 22 38 85 -47 20 and at the me they were riding high in 2 nd and captain in the absence of Rhys Williams, place in the league table. scored the only goal. This was Cel c’s first th In 2012/13 a goalless draw at Cel c Park was clean sheet for 17 games and Ton’s 6 Pos RESERVE (EAST) P W D L F A GD Pts Cel c’s 1 st clean sheet for 30 games. Ton successive defeat. 1 Cwmbran Celtic 18 13 2 3 55 30 25 41 2 Croesyceiliog 18 12 0 6 56 30 26 36 3 Caldicot Town 18 9 4 5 37 25 12 31 4 Risca United 18 10 1 7 52 45 7 31 5 Undy Athletic 18 8 2 8 34 35 -1 26 6 Goytre 18 8 1 9 48 40 8 25 7 Monmouth Town 18 8 1 9 45 61 -16 25 8 Chepstow Town 18 5 3 10 34 49 -15 18 9 Panteg 18 4 4 10 30 51 -21 16 10 Caerleon 18 3 2 13 30 55 -25 11
CELTIC HOME/AWAY P W D L F A +/- Pts HOME 15 10 1 4 41 23 18 31 AWAY 15 4 2 9 19 27 -8 14 TOTAL 30 14 3 13 60 50 10 45
2 3 A BRIEF HISTORY OF TON PENTRE TON PENTRE PEN PICTURES 2017/18 A er suffering their first ever relega on at the Pontypridd, Porth and Aberaman disappeared Ryan Griffiths: Goalkeeper - Experienced keeper. experience with South Wales Alliance League end of the 2010/2011 Season, Ton Pentre under financial stress. Ton Pentre were able to Spent the past several seasons with Pontypridd Premier Division team Merthyr Saints. bounced straightback to Welsh Football con nue but only at the expense of leaving Town and can also count Merthyr Town amongst Thomas Davies: Defender (Captain) - Tom Twizer League Division One a er li ing the Division Southern League football for more localised his former clubs. Davies is establishing himself as a legend at Ton Two tle by finishing the League season Welsh League football. Andre Griffiths: Midfield - Griffiths has become a Pentre, now entering his eighth consecu ve season with the Club. He is quite simply the best defender unbeaten. Ton Pentre’s present day set-up dates from vital member of Ton Pentre star ng XI a er breaking through as an exci ng young player during in the Welsh League and joined the Bulldogs from 1935 since which the Bulldogs established The Rhondda Valleys based club were the 2013/14 season. He is the engine of the team in Cinderford Town in the 2009/10 season. Club themselves as a potent force, however, demoted due to the re-organisa on of midfield and gives 100% commitment in every player of the 2015/16 season and Players player of although invited to par cipate in the inaugural domes c Welsh football during the 2009/2010 match. Such a ributes make him a firm favourite at the season jointly with Leon Jacka. Season, which saw the Division One relega on season of the League of Wales, they declined Ynys Park. Adam Lewis: Defender – Adam enters his tenth preferring to jus fy their inclusion by gaining zone increased from three to five places. The Phil Clarke: Defender - Phil returned last season for season with the Bulldogs. The only gap in that promo on as a right in the 1993/1994 Season. period saw the experienced defender spend several Bulldogs suffered heartbreak as they dropped his second spell at Ynys Park having spent several seasons with Aberdare town. months with Aberdare Town at the start of 2014/15 into the fi h spot during the final 20-minutes Ton Pentre’s stay in the League of Wales saw Josh Hardy: Defender - Signed this season from Ton season before returning to Ynys Park. A consistent of their last game of the season. It therefore the club finish a credible third place in each of & Gelli Alliance League. Former bulldog Youth performer who was Vice Captain for the 2015/16 seemed fi ng that they return to Division One their first two seasons and in 1995 they Captain. Has been outstanding in preseason. season. Manager’s player of the season 2016-17. as undefeated champions. became the first Welsh par cipants in the Gavin Morris: Defender - Signed last season from Sco Hayward: Defender - Sco made a welcomed Having li ed the Division Two trophy, Ton UEFA Intertoto Cup compe on. Ton & Gelli Alliance league side. Strong tackling return to Ynys Park last season a er several Pentre are looking to build upon their already Unfortunately, the European experience defender with good skills especially when coming seasons with Cambrian. A strong tackling defender rich history by consolida ng their posi on in proved to be an expensive one for the forward to link with a ack. who plays on the right or central defence. Also Division One. Bulldogs and their European ‘hangover’ Corey Shephard: Midfield - An exci ng young talent makes some good forward runs when required. resulted in a drain on resources and a er signed last season from Newport County. A local lad James Dury: Midfield/Defender - Signed last season It is accepted that the first compe ve being dragged to the brink of insolvency the has lots of skill and will be a great asset to our from Ton & Gelli South Wales Alliance League side. matches in Ton Pentre were underway in 1896 midfield and also has an eye for goal. Kurt Hodges: Forward Signed from Alliance League and the Ynys Park club have represented the Rhondda club were forced to resign from the League of Wales and return to the Welsh Leon Jacka: Striker - Leon returns a er a brief spell Ton & Gelli. Former Bulldog Youth player. Can play soccer loving fans of the Rhondda ever since. in defence or a ack. Football League. at Cambrian last season. Signed in the 2014-15 The Bulldogs were members of the Southern season from Ton and Gelli Alliance League. He was Ma hew Smith: Forward Former Youth Player. League from 1909 to 1915 and again a er the Ton Pentre won Welsh League Division One 2015-16 manager’s Player of the season winner, Broke into the senior squad last season. First World War which saw Ton Pentre playing five mes in consecu ve seasons between Supporters Player of the season and players choice Huw Bowtell: Striker - Signed this season from against opposi on such as Luton Town, 1997/1998 and 2001/2002, which equalled the jointly with Tom Davies. He was also top scorer for Cambrian &Clydach BGC. Southend United, Cardiff City, Aberdare, Stoke, league record held by Barry Town. Ton Pentre the season. Lee Phillips: Manager - Phillips took to the Ynys Coventry City, Portsmouth and Swansea Town. were again crowned Welsh League Champions Nathan Facey: Forward - Joined from Merthyr Park hot seat in January 2015 and the Bulldogs Saints. However, the winger spent five seasons with manager has been eager to assemble his squad for In 1919 Ton Pentre were involved in a in the 2004/2005 season for an incredible sixth me in eight seasons. Cardiff Met University, with whom he won the the 2015/16 season. He is a former professional preliminary round match of the FA Cup when league prior to their promo on to the Welsh footballer who made his debut for Cardiff City in a 3 over 20,000 people watched the Bulldogs beat The Bulldogs are situated at the heart of their Premier League. He was also part of the Archers -2 win over Hartlepool United in February 1997. Mid Rhondda at Tonypandy. It is thought to be community and many believe that with the team that produced a shock result to dump then Phillips was also on a professional contract with the biggest crowd to have ever gathered in right kind of support and financial backing, Ton Welsh Cup holders Prestatyn Town out of the Barry Town between 2000 and 2004, for whom he the Rhondda. Pentre is a club capable of gracing the top level compe on back in November 2014. He also got on scored a goal against FC Porto in a 3-1 UEFA Ton Pentre made their one and only Welsh of Welsh football once again. the scoresheet in the 4-1 victory. Champions League win. The Bulldogs boss also captained Llanelli to the Welsh Premier League tle Cup Final appearance on 4th May 1922 at In June of 2016 the club converted to a Sam Small: Striker - This is Sam’s third season at Ynys Park . Missed the last few games of last season and he has won the FAW Welsh Cup on three Pontypridd where they played Cardiff City. Community Benefit Society.with support and because of injury. Last season’s top scorer with 21 occasions. He began his managerial career at The Bulldogs lost the match 2-0 with Len assistance from Supporters Direct. goals. Voted player’s player of the season. Prolific Aberdare Town before being appointed Ton Pentre Davies and Jimmy Gill ne ng Cardiff’s goals. Ton Pentre is now in a gowing band of Goal scorer with an excep onal work rate Previous manager.
The post-war coal boom collapsed in 1923 and community fan owned clubs than include clubs include Barry Town and Aberdare. Steve Williams: Player/Coach - Signed mid-way Merthyr Town, Newport County and valley teams such as Mid Rhondda, Josh Toomey: Striker - The 19-year old comes to through last season from Merthyr town Wrexham. Ynys Park from Merthyr Town where he came Experienced defender/midfield. through the youth ranks. Josh has also gained 4 5 WELSH LEAGUE 1 ST DIVISION FIXTURES 2017/18 REVIEW OF CELTIC’S PRE-SEASON FRIENDLIES Cel c manager Lee Challenger organised an Williams, the player whose place he took in such enterprising list of pre-season fixtures with the fine style last season a er Rhys was out injured. help of James Kinsella’s contacts with English clubs. On the last Saturday in July Cel c travelled to the Six games were organised. Wantage Town deligh ully situated Malvern Town who play in the withdrew from the one arranged home game but West Midlands (Regional) League Premier Division we were able to fill the vacancy with a game ( er 10 in England) which I would say is the against Gwent County 2 nd Division Ynysddu equivalent of the FAW 2 nd er Welsh League 1 st Welfare. New players in the squad were teenage Division. Cel c went down 1-2 but had their schoolboys, goalkeeper Jordan Dibble and centre opportuni es to win. A er a sluggish start during midfield Iolo Jones. Not returning this season were which Town took the lead, Cel c had chances to goalkeeper Tom Chorley, defender Niall Yeates and equalise but Josh Bull missed his 4 th pre-season midfielder Jamie Thuillier. penalty out of 5 and Cel c went into the break s ll First up was a visit to Welsh League 2 nd Division one down. In the 2 nd half Dominic Connor fastened Pontardawe Town which Cel c won 3-2 with goals onto a pass from Callum Wakeham to equalise but from Josh Bull 2 and Owen Cook. Jones and Dibble Town came back to score the winner late in the both integrated themselves into the side game. excellently. Club captain Rhys Williams had a great In a midweek fixture at Blaenavon Blues Cel c game at centre back in his first game back a er last beat the Gwent County 1 st Division side 2-1. Spike season’s opera on and Spike Baugh impressed on Baugh gave Cel c the lead. The Blues pulled a goal his return a er a long lay off. Cel c played some back to make the half me score 1-1 but Spike won fine football and were disappointed to relinquish a the game for Cel c with a 2 nd half penalty. Cel c 3 goal lead late on with some loose defending. included Reserve team regulars Cur s Meaney and Next was a home game against Ynysddu Welfare. David Davies in their squad and Lee Penry was sent With the new stand structure in place the off – an unusual occurrence in a friendly. backdrop was a picture. In an entertaining game Last Saturday Cel c travelled to Berkshire side Cel c had loads of chances but the ball wasn’t Didcot Town for their toughest pre-season running for them and they only had a Josh Bull goal assignment. Didcot are in er 8 of the English and an own goal by the interval. Bully also missed a pyramid and play in South & West division of the penalty. Dominic Connor scored soon a er the th break and Cel c controlled the game therea er, Southern League. Cel c took the lead in the 26 never looking in trouble defensively. The clean minute when Kinsella played Callum Wakeham sheet was a plus for Cel c but credit to Ynysddu through a huge gap in the home central defence to who gave a really good account of themselves run in on goal and score his first pre-season goal. considering the difference in divisions. Town equalised with a close range goal following nd Cel c then travelled to 2 Division Risca United their 1 st corner and they took the lead shortly who were relegated from the 1 st Division last before half me courtesy of a mis-kick by Cel c season. Cel c dominated the game from start to finish. James Young gave Cel c an interval 1-0 lead, keeper Dibble which went straight to the Town Josh Bull again missed a penalty but he atoned for a acker who found the net. A er the break Cel c this by conver ng a second spot kick a er the went further behind with an own goal off Lee break and Young sealed the 3-0 win with his 2 nd Penry from a free-kick and Town scored their 4 th goal. James, playing on the right, had a great game goal when a Rhys Williams mistake was punished. causing constant problems with his direct running. Despite the size of the defeat Cel c competed well Cel c were pleased with a second successive clean for 75 minutes. Kinsella and Baugh both spurned sheet founded on a superb one handed save by second half keeper Lewis Watkins and a solid back great opportuni es to score and the basic four performance from Patel, Larcombe, Williams defensive errors which led to 2 of the Didcot goals and Crees. Larcs fi ed in well alongside Rhys were the kind that would happen once a season.
6 7 Cwmbran Cel c 1st Team Sta s cs Welsh League P W D L F A Pts Posi on 2005/06 Div 3 34 11 3 20 43 60 36 15th (18) 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) 2008/09 Div 2 34 17 7 10 69 51 58 6th (18) 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) 2011/12 Div 1 30 12 2 16 32 54 38 12th (16) 2012/13 Div 1 28 9 5 14 41 52 32 12th (15) 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) 2015/16 Div 2 30 24 0 6 89 33 72 2nd (16) Promoted 2016/17 Div 1 30 14 3 13 60 50 45 6th (16) Total 376 168 70 138 667 567 574 8 9 MEET THE PLAYERS – 15. CALLUM WAKEHAM Con nuing our regular feature on the club’s first team squad, this week we feature Callum Wakeham. Callum forced his way into the first team a er Christmas last sea- son at the tender age of eighteen and retained his place on the back of some strong performances as Josh Bull’s strike partner. He finished with 4 goals from 14 games. Callum played for Cel c as a junior and moved on to Bristol Rovers and Newport County from whom he scored 36 goals in 36 games before returning to Cel c, playing for the Under 18s and the Reserves for whom his 6 goals in 8 games last season be- fore his promo on to the 1 st team helped them win the Welsh League East Reserve League tle.
CALLUM ON HIMSELF Occupa on: Factory worker Posi on: Striker Time at club: Joined as a junior. Childhood footballing hero: Thierry Henry Football team you support: Arsenal Takeaway choice: Indian Favourite superhero: Superman Favourite TV series: Friends Favourite TV show as a kid: Spongebob Favourite sport other than football: Golf Other than Cel c Park, favourite ground in Welsh League: Bridge Meadow, Haverfordwest Favourite Cel c moment: 1 st goal for club v Un- dy Athle c in 2-0 win February 2017
HIS TEAM MATES ON CALLUM Fair play to him, he wanted it and went for it. During the Christmas period last year, we arranged a friendly match and Callum messaged the first team management ask- ing to be part of the squad. Callum played very well and ever since that night he's be a first team player, and fi ed in straight away. We could count on one hand the training sessions he's missed since. Always wan ng to learn, taking informa on on board and most importantly the determina on to want to be be er. On the pitch, Callum quickly adapted to the pace of WL1, forming a very good part- nership with Josh Bull, but it was the other side of his game that impressed his team mates, his work rate was superb and played a huge part in us finishing the season so well. Off the field Callum also fits in well with the team even though he gets some s ck be- cause his girlfriend (Jess Williams, a Wales under 19 interna onal) is be er at football than him. Callum is also an intelligent guy, who wears his socks in the ice bath coz he doesn't like his toes ge ng cold, great think Cal. 10 11 All Sawn Timber, Treated, Graded etc./Sheet Material, Ply, MDF etc./Planed Timber, & Mouldings/Fencing & Landscap- ing Timber/Garden Decking & Buildings/Roof Trusses & Structural Beams/Hardwoods/Flooring/Timber Packaging
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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
12 13 A BRIEF HISTORY OF CWMBRAN CELTIC 1925-2017 A BRIEF HISTORY OF CWMBRAN CELTIC 1925-2017 (continued) Cwmbran Cel c football club was formed in Graham and Mark Parfi who had started The following season, 2006/7, Cel c now place out of 16. In 2011/12 a good start was 1925. In the early years the club was known their careers with Cel c as juniors. There back at their upgraded and newly named made under Alan Dibble who stepped down as CYMS (Catholic Young Men's Society). were successive promo ons from the 3rd to ground, Cel c Park, were transformed. They in September with the team in 5th place, to A er the immediate success of winning the 1st division between 1999 and 2001 and in only lost 2 games and enjoyed a 24 match be replaced by Gareth Morgan. Either side Newport & District Division 2 Sec on A tle 1999/2000 Cel c won the Gwent County unbeaten run. They went to Risca for their of Christmas, Cel c were 2nd but they had a in 1925/6 there was then a 25 year gap league cup. last match already promoted but needed to dismal end of season run and again finished before the next trophy, the Premier Division In 2004/5 under new player-manager win to secure the Championship ahead of 12th. tle in 1950/1. The club disbanded in the Mickey Copeman, the club were runners-up Llanwern. With 3 minutes le Cel c were 1- In 2012/13 with head coach Della Cheedy at late 1950’s largely as a consequence of to Clydach Wasps who applied for 0 down playing with 10 men a er a red card the helm, Cel c started brightly with some na onal service call-ups but a large influx of membership of the Welsh Football League for Kevin Payne. Then Sammy Winter fine performances including a 4-2 win versus junior and youth players brought about the but their ground was adjudged to be not of equalised with a specula ve long range shot reigning champions Cambrian & Clydach but reforming of the club in 1964 under the new the required standard. Cel c applied and in the last minute a Risca clearance they lost their way in the New year and at name of Cwmbran Catholics. In 1970/1 instead. Their ground was also not up to found full back Ben Graham outside the box. one stage were in last place. However, with Cel c won the Gwent Senior Cup. In 1972/3 standard but they were able to share He hit a perfect looping volley over the characteris c determina on they dragged with playing membership open to all Cwmbran Stadium with Cwmbran Town and goalkeeper's head and into the net. Cel c themselves up the table and sealed another denomina ons the club dropped the the Welsh League accepted the club's were champions. season in the top division with a resounding catholic tle and re-named as Cwmbran applica on. In Division 2 Cel c consolidated their 5-1 win against Haverfordwest County. Cel c winning the Gwent Amateur Cup and In their first season in the WFL, 2005/6, posi on in 2007/8 and 2008/9 during which Under Steve Morgan in 2013/14 Cel c finishing runners-up in the Gwent Premier Cel c struggled near the bo om of the 3rd they introduced a number of players from underperformed finishing 4th from bo om League. division all season. In April Cel c travelled to their new partnership with Fairwater High and with Afan Lido relegated from the In 1979 the club bought its own premises at Chepstow Town needing a win to stay in the School Football Academy in Cwmbran Welsh Premier League, Cel c were Oak Street, Old Cwmbran, the club's present league. They went 1-0 down. With minutes managed by Cel c coach Della Cheedy. In relegated despite appealing to an FAW headquarters. The club's ground was in of normal me remaining subs tute Jason 2009/10 Cel c were front runners des ned arbitra on. With Della Cheedy back as Cwmbran Park but around 1995 they moved Price equalised but a draw was not enough. to win the Championship. However they lost manager in 2014/15 Cel c finished 7th in to the grounds outside Cwmbran Stadium In the 9th minute of me added on player two key defenders at a crucial me and vital Division 2. which were shared with Cwmbran Cricket manager Mickey Copeman went up for a points were dropped. Nevertheless Cel c In 2015/16 Nicky Church started as manager club. The cricket club later moved to corner. The ball was cleared off the goal-line finished their games in 1st place and would but he resigned mid-season. Ex Ton Pentre Caerleon and Cel c obtained the lease from by a Chepstow defender, it hit Copeman on win the tle if Penrhiwceiber failed to win at boss Dean Morris took over, won two Torfaen Council. the back and rebounded into the net. Cel c Newcastle Emlyn. The home side was 2-0 up manager of the month awards, and guided Cel c played in the Gwent County League in had achieved a last gasp win and, by winning at one stage but Ceiber clawed their way Cel c to the runners-up posi on and the 1980s and 1990s and a er gaining their final match against Seven Sisters, Cel c back to win 3-2 and deny Cel c the promo on on the back of 10 straight wins. promo on as champions of Division 2 in escaped relega on on goal difference . championship. At the end of the season The club also reached the quarter finals of 1986/7 remained in the 1st division for the Mickey Copeman stood down a er 7 years the Welsh Cup, going down 2-1 a er a brave next 10 seasons. However a disastrous slide during which he secured 3 promo ons fight at home to WPL side Port Talbot. Josh found the club languishing in the 3rd which took the club from Gwent County Bull was the Welsh League’s top scorer with division when Paul "Dishy" Richardson League to the top division of the Welsh 32 league goals. became manager in 1999. He transformed League. In 2016/17, back in the 1st Division, Cel c the side bringing in experienced ex- In their first season in the 1st division, went top of the league early in the season. Cwmbran Town stalwarts Mickey Copeman 2010/11 under new manager Ben Graham, Dean Morris resigned in March 2017 and and Kevin Payne alongside teenage striker Cel c struggled for much of the season and first teamer Lee Challenger took over, Shane Williamson who for a dozen seasons were firmly planted in the relega on zone winning his first 5 games in charge as the was top scorer. The side was later bolstered but a superb run-in during which they won 7 team ended in 6th place, their best posi on by the return of ex-professionals Ben and drew 3 of 14 games earned them 12th in 5 seasons in the top er. 14 15 CELTIC NEWS THE NEW STAND Today the new stand will be opened, appropriately, by it longest serving member, Honorary Vice President Terry Cunningham. Terry, who stepped down from the Presidency of the club earlier this year. has played, managed and supported the club for nigh on 60 years. Terry was a skilful inside le who played for the club at youth and senior level. He was good enough to earn a trial with No s Forest. Later he became 1 st team manager and he took the club back into the Gwent County 1 st Division at a me when it was much stronger than nowadays, the majority of the sides then playing in the County League now play in the Welsh League.
The fact that the club has this splendid stand is primarily down to another Honorary Vice President, Malcolm Jarre , who secured the grant monies to finance a good propor on of the cost of the stand, and who arranged the construc on of the stand and the associated works on which he was assisted par cularly by groundstaff Patrick Murphy and Steve Roberts. It was Malcolm who, in his days as Secretary, renewed the club’s vision for the club to be in the Welsh League. This had been an ambi on since the late 1970’s. At the me there were so many knock-backs that it was difficult to see the club ever gaining admission. But into the new millennium, with the club now resident at Cel c Park, Malcolm spearheaded a renewed effort to get the club into the Welsh League and we eventually secured admission in 2005-6. Under the latest FAW regula ons, without the new stand the club would be forced to step down into Division 2 of the Welsh League which would have been a crying shame a er the tremendous hard work the players and officials have put in over the past decade to get the team into the 1 st Division. The hard work has not come without a cost. The club has to find £15,000 to complete the financing of the project. A large propor on of this has been raised thanks par cularly to the fund-raising efforts again of Malcolm Jarre and present and past chairmen Tyrone Bourke, Barrie Desmond and Bob Smith, not forge ng other club contributors and the club’s many loyal sponsors.
CELTIC ANNOUNCE MAJOR SPONSORSHIP DEAL The club is pleased to announce an extension to its current sponsorship deal with Cwmbran firm Avondale Vehicle Hire. Under the extended 3 year deal Avondale will con nue to provide mini buses for use by the club for away trips outside the cons tuency boundaries. The club is extremely grateful to Avondale proprietor Tony Crees for his con nued support.
16 17 CWMBRAN CELTIC PEN PICTURES 2017/2018 CWMBRAN CELTIC PEN PICTURES 2017/2018 (continued) Goalkeepers Andrew Larcombe: Defender, aged 29. Joined Cel c in close Jordan Dibble: goalkeeper, aged 18. Newly signed this season of 2014/15 having previously played in Welsh season. A pupil at Hartridge School Newport. He was a League for Llanwern (2010-13) and Undy Athle c (2013-14). junior at Torfaen club Henllys FC before moving to Newport Before that he played as a Junior for Eveswell and then County. Signed Cel c youth forms a couple of seasons back youth football for Newport YM and Gwent County for but sustained a wrist injury which cost him the opportunity Liswerry. Andrew can play up front in the holding role or in to win a Welsh Schools cap. Cel c are delighted to get him the middle of the park where his tenaciousness makes him compete for back in the senior squad. every ball. Supporter’s player of year 2016/17.
Lewis Watkins: goalkeeper, aged 25. Joined Cel c from Newport County Youth in 2010/11. Cel c debut v Aberaman Midfielders Owen Cook: centre midfield, aged 25. Talented crea ve Athle c in April 2011. Has shown great dedica on and st improvement over the years to see off 3 previous player, loves to get forward.Ex-Academy, 1 team debut challengers for the gloves. 2009/10. Played for Fairfield in Gwent County League 2012/13. Manager’s player of the year 2015/16.
Defenders Lloyd Kinsella: le midfield, aged 22. Ex Cel c junior, Rhys Williams: centre back, captain, aged 29. Resolute Newport Academy & Cel c Academy. Made his debut aged uncompromising defender. Good talker. Signed in 2015/16 17 in 2013/14 and is now a permanent fixture on either from Goytre. Played for Blaenavon as junior; Swansea City wing. Very skilful, great crosser of a ball and has scored youth, then Cwmbran Town (Welsh Premier), Bryn rion some spectacular goals with his powerful le foot. (WL Champions) & Taffs Well (League Cup Winners). Lee Penry: midfield, age 24. Skilful centre midfield, joined Richard Crees: le back, aged 31. A acking full back, quick club in February 2016. Played as Junior for Blaenavon Blues. and strong in tackle. “Billy” joined in 2010/11 from Trials with Southampton as junior, Newport County youth, Tredegar Town. Very popular throughout club. His extreme played briefly for Croesyceiliog and later Blaenavon Blues. commitment has caused a number of niggling injuries over the years. Formerly with Cardiff City as a junior (U11 to 16), Dominic Connor: le wing, aged 31. A acking midfielder Llanhilleth, Aber llery Bluebirds & Aber llery Excelsiors. with knack of arriving in the box at the right me to score Rakesh Patel: player/coach, aged 28. Skilful a acker who important goals. Formerly with Chepstow Town & Caldicot delivers great cross ball into box. Played as Junior for Town. Top scorer in 2014/15 with 14 goals. Started with Penygarn & Trevethin Griffithstown and New Inn. Ex- Garden City juniors. Academy, broke into side in 2007/8 & has been regular ever since. Has great self-effacing personality. Manager’s player of year 2016/17.
18 19 KEY: Red Yellow Subs Not Man of the FIXTURES, RESULTS & TEAM INFORMATION 2016/17 Card Card Used Match *
20 21 CWMBRAN CELTIC PEN PICTURES 2017/2018 (continued) CWMBRAN CELTIC PEN PICTURES 2017/2018 (continued) Midfielders (con nued) Josh Bull: striker, aged 24. Cultured speedy & nippy le James Young: midfield, aged 23. Joined Cel c in 2016/17 footed player. Played as Junior at Blaenavon Blues in same from Goytre. Very quick and versa le, can play wide or in side as Lee Penry. Had brief spells last season at the centre of midfield. Played as Junior for Cwmcarn. Aberystwyth and Merthyr Town. Came through Academy. Previously with Fleur de Lys. Scored both goals and man of Played for Aber llery Bluebirds 2011/12 scoring superb hat- the match for Goytre, Gwent senior cup winners v Undy trick to knock champions Bryn rion out of league cup, and 2013/14. Player’s player of year 2016/17. later for Blaenavon Blues in Gwent County League. 1st team debut for Cel c Michael Baugh: Midfield/forward, aged 23. Spike returns to 2012/13. Played 2014/15 for Monmouth Town and Goytre but rejoined Cel c late last season a er a season at Croesyceiliog. Also Cel c last season in which he was top scorer in the Welsh League with 32 had short spell at Waunfelin Bluebirds. Made his debut for goals. Cel c aged 17 in 2010/11 at full back. Can play all over the Management Team park, even in goal. Spike spent his whole junior career with Lee Challenger: Manager, aged 29. Appointed team Cel c during which he was on Cardiff City’s books. manager last season. Was versa le right back/holding Iolo Jones: centre midfield, aged 17. Newly signed this midfielder 2007/8 to 2016/17. “Charlie” played junior season. The son of ex-Cel c senior Neil ‘Jimbo’ Jones and football at Blaenavon in the same side as Rhys Williams grandson of former Cel c chairman Alan Jones, started his before joining Academy. made debut for 1 st team 2007/8. playing career with Cel c in mini football but was quickly Had two seasons away at Blaenavon Blues 2009/10 and snapped up by Bristol Rovers. He later moved to Newport Goytre 2013/14. Club record 20 consecu ve penalty goal 2011-2016. County and then to Forest Green Rovers. A Croesyceiliog James Kinsella: Goalkeeping assistant, first aider, aged 23. School pupil, Iolo won a Welsh Schools cap last season. Played ou ield for Cel c mini and junior teams and in goal Forwards for Reserves. Had a spell coaching in USA. Has managed Adrian Maguire: striker, aged 25. Joined club in 2012/13. Lucas Cwmbran and Croesyceiliog Youth teams. Brother of Powerfully built, strong runner. Played as Junior for Lloyd and son of vice chairman Sco . Midlands clubs Studley and Kingfisher and then Llanyravon. 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 2015/16 but returned to Cel c and is now back in the 1st team squad.
Callum Wakeham: striker, aged 18. Joined Cel c as a Junior, moved on to Bristol Rovers and then Newport County where he scored 36 goals in 36 games over two seasons at U14 and U16. Returned to Cel c playing for the Under 18s and Reserves. Promoted to the 1st team in January 2017.
22 23 CWMBRAN CELTIC FIXTURES & RESULTS 2016/2017 MESSAGE FROM THE GAFFER Good a ernoon Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls. I'd like to take this opportunity to welcome you all to the new look Cel c Park. As you can all see by the new surroundings, the club has shown a great deal of ambi on with the new stand erected and the ever con nuous ground and facility improvements. All is set off the pitch, a en on now turns to the new season and ma ers on the pitch. As I have already spoken about the ambi on off the field, it's now me for the players to show their ambi ons on the pitch, with a posi ve start against what I expect to be a well organised, hard working Ton Pentre side, who in my opinion, have a good blend of youth and experience within their ranks. Our pre-season has been decent, we’ve added a few players to our squad who will improve us and make us stronger as a collec ve unit. The players have applied themselves well over in the pre-season games schedule and with the right mindset.... coupled with their ability and work ethic, everyone involved with the first team is hoping to give you all an entertaining and most importantly.... successful season.
Thank you for your con nued support, enjoy the game.
Best wishes, Lee Challenger. CWMBRAN CELTIC OTHER TEAMS – PROSPECTS FOR 2017/18 The Reserves , again managed by the evergreen Rhys Dalgleish, will be hoping to retain their Welsh Reserve League East tle. They have lost Dan Davies back to Cwmbran Town which will be a blow in the striking department and put more pressure on Tommy Hagge to bag the goals. However in defence they will be strengthened by the return of Morgan Whi aker and Jordan Meaney. Morgan starts the season with a 4 match ban. Here’s hoping that, as he approaches the dreaded 30 and with a recently engaged fiance to calm him down, once he has served his ban, we will see more of him on the pitch than on the sidelines. To date the Reserves have played two friendlies, both away to Gwent County opposi on. They lost 2-3 at Aber llery Bluebirds and drew 1-1 at Lucas Cwmbran. The 3rd team , once more under the stewardship of Neil Gilmore and Dean Maguire will also be hoping to emulate its performance of last season when they finished runners up in the Newport League Premier Y Division. They have notched two wins to date in their friendlies: 5-2 away to Newport Corries and 6-1 at home to Glan Rovers. The Women’s reward for finishing runners-up in the South Wales League 1 st Division is promo on to the top er. Manager Vicki Randall has lost two key players from last season: veteran striker Sandra Stavrou has returned to Australia and midfield starlet Jess Williams has been ordered by the FAW to play Welsh Premier football if she wishes to retain her place in the Wales Youth set-up. Returning to the team a er their travels abroad are the Meaney sisters Ella and Lydia. Also returning to the club is goalkeeper Bethan Percival who has been at university in the USA whilst long- me Cel c supporter Morgan Hurdley makes her senior debut. The Women have played 3 friendlies to date. They beat Tredegar 5-0 at home with a hat-trick from Melissa James plus further goals by Vicki Randall and Laura Bradley. Last Sunday they beat Dafen Ladies away 7-1, the scorers Fiona Anthony 4, Jody Challenger, Laura Bradley and Melissa James. On Tuesday they won at Caerphilly Castle 1-0, Melissa James scoring for the 3 rd game running. This season Cel c are running a Veterans side. They will play in the Wales Veterans Football Associa on over 45 age group. In their opening friendly they scored an impressive 7-1 win at Newport, the scorers Mark Walker (3), Mike Pinch (2), Alan Seddon and Dale Price. On Friday 18 th August the Veterans are hosts to the Wales na onal squad at Cel c Park. 24 25 CARS Avondale Road, Cwmbran, VAN South Wales NP44 1TT MINIBUSES Tel: 01633 483612
Email: info@[email protected]
26 27 Match-Day Programme Adver sing We sell in excess of 1,000 programmes each season to our supporters and those of visi ng
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30 31 32 33 CLUB OFFICIALS SEASON 2017/18 CWMBRAN CELTIC HONOURS Welsh League: President John Stockwell Division 2 Runners -up (2) 2009/10, 2015/16 Chairman Tyrone Bourke Division 3 Winners 2006/7 Vice Chairman Scott Kinsella Reserve Division (East) Winners (3) 2009/10, 2010/11, 2016/17; Runners up 2012/13 Secretary Tony Strange Gwent County: Treasurer Jackie Coombes Division 1 Runners -up 2004/5 Honorary Life Vice Presidents Terry Cunningham; Brian Stanley; Malcolm Jarrett Division 2 Winners 1986/7; Runners -up 2000/1 Disciplinary/Liaison Officer Tyrone Bourke Division 3 Runners -up 1999/2000 Junior Chairman Paul Robinson Premier League Runners -up 1972/3 Junior Secretary David Cook Senior Cup Winners 1970/1; Runners -up (2) 2007/8, 2008/9 Safeguarding Officer Vicki Randall Amateur Cup Winners 1972/3 Newport & District Secretary Ian Jones Challenge Cup Winners 2000/1 First Team Manager Lee Challenger Newport & District League: First Team Coach Rakesh Patel Premier Division Winners (6) Premier 1950/1, Premier A 1969/70, Premier Y 2000/1, 2006/7, 2009/10, 2010/11 Second Team Manager Rhys Dalgleish Runners -up (3) Premier 1956/7, Premier Y 2005/6, 2016/17 Second Team Assistant Manager Rhys Parry Premier B Winners 1968/9; Runners -up (2) 1972/3, 1979/80 Third Team Manager Neil Gilmore Division 1R & 3 Winners 2000/1 Third Team Assistant Manager Dean McGuire Division 2 Winners Section A 1925/6 Women’s Team Manager Vicki Randall Division 2B Winners 1969/70; Runners -up (2) 1972/3, 1979/80 Women’s Assistant Managers Su Young; Mark Munday Senior Bowl Winners 2005/6; Runners -up (2) 1968/9, 2010/11 Grants Officer Tom James Junior Bowl Winners 1950/1; Runners -up 2005/6 3rd Division Cup Winners 1956/7 Ground Manager Mike Baugh Welsh Youth League: Ground Maintenance Squad Malcolm Jarrett; Pat Murphy; Steve Roberts; Andy McDowell Youth Division (East) U19 Winners (4): 2007/8, 2008/9, 2009/10, 2010/11; Runners up (2) 2012/13, 2013/14 Programme Editors John Stockwell/Tony Strange Youth League Cup: Runners up 2014/15 Club Photographer Steve Roberts Newport Youth League : Kit Co -ordinator Tyrone Bourke Under 16 Division Winners 1970/1, Cup Winners 1970/1; Runners -up 1966/7 Match Day Shop Sue Perrett; Stephen Perkins; Tony Strange Under 18 Division Winners 1967/8
Gwent County:
Under 14 Cup Winners 2011/12; Runners up 2012/13 Club Kit Information Under 16 Division Winners (3) 1990/1, 1994/5, 1998/9; Runners -up 2000/1 Colours Yellow shirts, blue shorts & socks Under 16 Cup Winners (4) 1993/4*, 1994/5, 1998/9, 2000/1 (*U15 team) Alternative Colours Green with white hoops shirts, green with white trimmed shorts & socks 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 Cwmbran Celtic FC Headquarters Under 19 Cup Runners -up 1973/4 (Mon Youth Cup) 1989/90 Cwmbran Celtic Sports & Social Club Cwmbran Junior League: Oak Street Under 12 Division Runners -up 1973/4 Cwmbran Under 13 Division Winners (2) 1967/8, 1968/9; Runners -up 1966/7 Torfaen NP44 3LT Under 13 Cup Winners (3) 1966/7, 1967/8, 1968/9 Tel;: 01633 774019 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 Cwmbran Celtic Ground Under 10 Cup Winners (4) 1984/5, 1988/9, 1989/90, 1990/1 Celtic Park Under 12 Division Winners (12) 1986/7, 1987/8, 1989/90, 1990/1, 1991/2, 1992/3, 1994/5, Henllys Way 2003/4, 2004/5, 2005/6, 2007/8, 2008/9 Cwmbran Runners -up (4) 1990/1*, 2000/2, 2009/10, 2010/11 (*U11 team) Torfaen NP44 3YS 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 Affiliations Under 14 Division Winners (10) 1976/7, 1988/9, 1992/3, 1996/7, 2003/4, 2005/6, 2009/10, 2010/11, Football Association of Wales Ltd. and Gwent County Football Association 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 A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL OUR SPONSORS CWMBRAN CELTIC FIXTURES & RESULTS 2017/2018 Date Team Venue F - A Scorers 12-Aug Ton Pentre Home 19-Aug Haverfordwest County Away Monmouth Town/Penrhiwceiber 23-Aug (League Cup R2) Away 26-Aug Goytre United Home 09-Sep Afan Lido Away 16-Sep Port Talbot Town Home 23-Sep Caerau (ELY) Away 30-Sep Monmouth Town Away 07-Oct FAW Welsh Cup (R1) 14-Oct Undy Athle c Home 21-Oct Cwmamman United Away 28-Oct Llanelli Town Home 03-Nov Goytre Away 11-Nov Taffs Well Home 18-Nov Briton Ferry Llansawel Away 25-Nov Cambrian & Clydach Home heating 02-Dec Penybont Away 09-Dec Ton Pentre Away 16-Dec Haverfordwest County Home 30-Dec Afan Lido Home 06-Jan Port Talbot Town Away 13-Jan Caerau (ELY) Home 20-Jan Monmouth Town Home 27-Jan Undy Athle c Away 03-Feb Cwmamman United Home 10-Feb Llanelli Town Away 17-Feb Goytre Home 24-Feb Taffs Well Away 03-Mar Briton Ferry Llansawel Home 10-Mar Cambrian & Clydach Away 17-Mar Penybont Home 31-Mar Goytre United Away 36 37 CWMBRAN CELTIC 2016/17 PLAYERS STATISTICS Welsh league 2017/18 Division 1
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