MATCH REPORTS

Mon 20th April 09 HALKYN CUP SEMI FINAL
MELIDEN 1 v’ MOSTYN DRAGONS 0
A game of immense passions was settled by a moment of brilliance from Meliden’s Dion Waller, who volleyed in a thunderous shot from 25 yards to score the only goal of the game, after just seven minutes. Both teams displayed strength in midfield and defence which were tested to the limits by two very good footballing sides, which included Mostyn Dragons already crowned the worthy champions of Clwyd League 2.
Meliden had a host of chances to wrap up the tie in the first half but failed to capitalise. The Dragons had the majority of possession in the second half, but were unable to turn the pressure into an equaliser, although they did have a goal disallowed for a blatant handball late on in the game. Ben Edwards came inches from sealing the tie, with a thunderous header hitting the underside of the bar on a rare Meliden attack after seventy six minutes.
There was great support for both teams at the re-arranged venue. Meliden were worthy victors and are excited at the prospect of meeting current cup holders Aston Park Rangers in the final on Friday 1st May 09

MELIDEN FC - HALKYN CUP FINALISTS

11/04/09 Mochdre Sports v Llansannan

A sniffer Knowles hat trick killed of Sannan, Mochdre started lively
passing the ball about but getting nowhere, stand in centre half Dave
Baker kept sannan at bay, i think the team were jet lagged in sympathy
with the Jennings brothers plus all the injuries, Fred "flintstone" was
rested with a shoulder injury, second half was better with some nice
passes from the wings from Ray and Adam, all in all we played rubbish
and a came out with three points i just hope we can get a full team for
the game of the season against gele on wed.

24/03/09 Mochdre Sports v Prestatyn Town Res.
From the kick off the high winds affected the game, Prestatyn used it
to their advantage controlling much of the first half but they could
not get past Mochdre's solid defense. Mochdre broke on the break a
couple of time's and should have gone in at half time 1-0 up but for a goal
line scramble to clear the ball.
Second half Mochdre bossed the game with some good passes to Tom and
Robby but the "sports" goal came on 55mins with a long well judged ball
for Joey to slip his marker and then turn and hit a cracking shot into
the top right corner with towns keeper having no chance to save it.
Mochdre continued to control the game looking for a second goal to kill
it of, Robby had a golden chance to put Mochdre 2 up but a deflection
saw it go over the bar, a double red for Prestatyn killed it of as
Mochdre were never trouble in defense for the rest the game, the
closest town came to scoring was from free kicks which proved to be
Mochdre's down fall, in the dying seconds town were given a free kick
which hit the back of the net with Carlo rooted to the ground, on the
whole town did not deserve a point and Mochdre are still top of the
Premier, carry on winning lads and we will win promotion.

REM Jones Cup Quarter Final
CPD Y Glannau 3-2 Aston Park Rangers Res.
By Shaun Holden


A determined Glannau needed extra-time to ensure they took their place in the semi-finals of the REM Jones Cup after beating Aston Park Rangers Res. 3-2 at Stad Glan Clwyd.

After last weekend’s victory over high-flying Shotton Steel, Moi Parri’s side went into the game full of confidence, but it was never going to be easy against an Aston Park side that beat Y Glannau only two weeks ago.

And so it proved as twice the away side took the lead before the Welsh speaking outfit finally clinched the win thanks to Meirion Edwards’ clinical finish with only five minutes of extra-time remaining.

Parri made two changes to the side that beat Shotton last Saturday, with Shaun Holden and Rhys Davies returning to the side with the latter scoring the first of Y Glannau’s equalisers with a neat turn and finish from 10 yards out to notch his first strike of the season.

A minute prior to the home side’s equaliser, Aston took the lead. A route-one routine, following a powerful goal-kick, was not dealt with by the Glannau defence and Dave Bayliss was on hand to slot past Dave Mawr.

It was vital Parri’s men hit back immediately and Davies will be delighted with his finish. A cross from the left found the makeshift right winger free in the area and he skilfully opened his right foot to slot the ball into the top corner with the away keeper stranded.

Y Glannau’s willpower was tested again six minutes into the second half when Aston again took the lead following a mix-up in the home defence with Mattie Conway firing across keeper Mawr and into the far corner.

Many will have expected the welsh-speaking outfit to have crumbled, but their new found determination brought them back into the contest and it was the in-form Meirion Edwards who fired a first time volley past the Aston stopper following Gareth Hughes’ pinpoint cross.

Greg Lewis and Chris Williams were guilty of missing clear-cut chances to give Y Glannau victory before the end of the game, but both could only steer their headers past the post.

Both sides went for the victory in extra-time and after Dave Mawr had made a great stop at the feet of an Aston attacker, Y Glannau took the lead for the first time and it would prove to be the winner.

The ball was slotted through for Edwards to run onto, the Aston defence stopped and appealed for offside, but their shouts were in vein and the hard-working forward raced through and calmly passed the ball into the net to send the home team and support wild.

Saturday 7th March 2009
Brynford United v Penmaenmawr Phoenix

A hard fought 3 points for Brynford United who defended valinatly during the first 45 minutes battleing against heavy winds and soaking up Pens pressure for most of the half mustering only a handful of chances, Against all odds the scores were level at half time. It took Brynford United less than a minute to use the wind to their advantage taking the lead through 17 year old Will Lloyd who scored his first goal for the 1st Team however to the credit of Pen they struck back against the wind hitting Brynford on the counter attack. Pen had chances in the second period but were denied by two excellent saves from Man of the match Danny Roberts but it was Brynford who were the stronger side Will Lloyd was denied his second of the game by the crossbar, Lewis Dakin and Danny Beal fired wide when clean through. Brynford finally took the lead with 20 minutes remaining through Chris Bedford who continues his good goal scoring record. Brynford seem to be finally getting their act together in the Premier Division taking 10 points from 15 as they continue their climb away from the drop zone.

MATCH REPORT 7/3/09 Mochdre Sports v Greenfield

Mochdre's march on the title continues, todays game was a midfield
battle for both teams, few chances were had by both teams 0-0 half
time, second half was played much the same until the last 15mins when
Mochdre deciced to play football, on 87mins Dave Baker slipped past the
Greenfield defence then whipping the ball over for Adam Ashe to tap it
in,two mins later Pat Jennings beat the offside trap and as the
Greenfield keeper came out to challenge pat cooly chipped the ball over
the keeper to make it 2-0. Greenfield then had a free kick just outside
the box, beating the wall and the unsighted keeper Greenfield pulled
one back but it was a case of to little to late for them.

Y Glannau 2 Shotton Steel 1 - Clwyd League Division One

Saturday 28th February 2009

Match report by Shaun Holden

Y Glannau caused a major upset in the title race as they deservedly beat high flying Shotton Steel in an exciting match at Stad Glan Clwyd. The visitors went to the home of Welsh language football having won 14 of their 18 matches this season and were widely expected to add another victory to their tally against Moi Parri's Glannau.

But the home side, who are vying for a top 10 finish, ripped the script to pieces and the margin of victory could have been greater had the Welsh speaking team finished off the chances that they had failed to create at second from bottom Aston Park Rangers last weekend.

Parri was ruthless in his team selection, dropping youngsters Rhys Davies and Shaun Holden for a more experienced side, which saw veterans Medwyn Lewis and Danny Parsons drop into the backline. There was also a return to the starting eleven for attacking midfielders Dewi Roberts and Dafydd Bailey, the latter lighting up the game with some neat touches and turns.

The first half had been very even, but it was Steel who got the lead that they perhaps were expecting. A corner from the right hand side found the head of Lewis Weatherly who was left completely unmarked in the Glannau area; his effort rocketed past Mawr and Lewis on the near post to give the away side the advantage with 25 minutes on the clock.

The crowd were left to think that it was going to be the same old story for Y Glannau - plenty of endeavour but a lack of quality. But a rallying war cry at the interval from captain Alun Jones saw the home side come out after the break with a point to prove and they were good to the words of the skipper as they took the game to Steel and were deservedly back on level terms 10 minutes before the hour mark.

After receiving the ball on the left wing, Dewi Roberts ran into the area before his leg was clipped by a Steel defender. Referee Chris Smith, in his final year as an official, had no hesitation in giving the penalty. Meirion Edwards did what he does best and fired the ball to the bottom right of the Shotton stopper to bring Y Glannau back into the game.

With time running out and the home side pressing for a winner, Parri brought Gareth A. Hughes on for the goalscorer Edwards who had run tirelessly at the top end of the pitch.
On a rare second half break, Shotton nearly won the contest when their right winger fired a thunderous shot over keeper Dave Mawr only to see it fire off the far post and to safety.

Steel were made to pay, not only had they been reduced to ten men when one of their players was given a straight red card for elbowing substitute Hughes, they would also end up losing the match and it was that man Hughes who had the last laugh. A through ball in the 82nd minute confused the Steel defence and after one of their own players collided with the keeper, Hughes was on hand to tap the ball in and send the home support and players in raptures.

The final minutes were tense, but Y Glannau held on for a massive victory and one which see's them rise to ninth in Clwyd League Division One.

Mochdre Sports v Halkyn United Res. 14/02/09 - Clwyd Premier Division
Mochdre started the game with an under strength team due to injuries
to several key players, pressure was put on Halkyn from the start,
shots from Tom Wills, Rob(sniffer) Knowles and the evergreen Adam Ashe
tested the Halkyn keeper until Rob put Mochdre one up, Halkyn's keeper
made some fine saves to keep it to 1-0 till half time.
A gentle pep talk at half time by the manager Martin did the trick as
Mochdre came out guns blazing, so much pressure was put on Halkyn
causing them to score an own goal, Mochdre's midfield duo Pat and Mike
Jennings bossed the game and layed some great passes to the forwards
Tom (dynamo) Williams, Rob Knowles and Joe Jennings, from then on it
was one way traffic two thunder bolts hit the Halkyn cross bar, on
80mins Adam (lightening) Lavender came and scored with his first touch
of the game, with Adam's pace not lasting he reverted to right back,
two more goals from Rob Wills and Pat Jennings sealed an 8-0 win for
the Sports, Mochdre's extra training is paying off and hitting good
form just when we needed it, all the fitness train running up the orme
has done wonders for them.

Abergele Rovers v Mochdre Sports 07/02/2009

Clwyd Premier Division

From the kick off it was a fast paced game, both sides had chances, with mochdre taking the lead on 20mins they held on until nearly half time when aber scored on the break but for Abergele's keeper Mochdre should have been 3-1 up at the break.
Second half was much the same end to end football and allthough playing up hill second half Mochdre got a second goal, all Mochdre
players gave 100% but the outstanding player was ex abergele winger Daz Evans who scored the first goal he never stopped running. In defence Mochdre coped with everything Abergele threw at them, Fred (flintstone) has to get a mention as he defended well under pressure.

Clwyd Division 1.
Saturday 1st November 2008.

Shotton Steel FC 7 - Aston Park Rangers Reserves 1

It was 'Derby Day' once again, and a rare home match for the Steelmen. After a very disappointing performance away at Cerrigydrudion last week, manager Marc Edwards was determined to get a huge improvement from his young team. Three changes were made and a different system employed.

Shotton started brightly and Tom Robinson calmly finished a Pierce through ball in the third minute. So far this season, if Shotton have scored a goal they have gone on to win the game and this was no different. On 20 minutes Josh Tanton picked the ball up in the left back position and carried it forwards. With no one offering anything that resembled a challenge he soon found himself within shooting distance and his trusted left peg didn't let him down. Shotton's third came four minutes later. Tanton involved once more whipping in a great corner to find captain Zac Bell at the back post.

It wasn't until Aston were 3-0 down when they began to play some good football. They moved the ball well and began to stretch the Shotton defence. They forced a corner, a nasty bobble saw the ball strike captain Bell on the hand and referee Lawrence Jones duly awarded the away side with a penalty. Keeper Daniel Davies didn't stand a chance as Matty Conway powerfully guided the ball into the bottom right hand corner. This fuelled Aston's confidence and they continued to fight right up to the half time whistle.

Half time instructions included a little tinkering with the set up and an emphasis in the importance of the next goal. Luckily for Shotton it was the home side that fought the hardest for that vital goal. Some great work by Robinson created an opening for Pierce to score his 15th of the season. Confidence was flowing now and in the 64th minute Shotton scored what could well have been their best goal of the season so far. Michael Edwards won the ball in the right back and played Butler inside. The midfield and defence continued to keep the ball between them, knocking it around in beautiful fashion, Shotton kept the ball well as they moved forwards with over 20 passes before Tanton presented Pierce with his 16th of the season and the icing on the cake.

Shotton refused to take their foot off the pedal, in the 81st minute Zac Bell converted an identical opportunity to his first at the back post. Finally winger Shaun Hughes' afternoon of hard work was rewarded with a goal of his own when Edwards found him in acres of space and a calm finish resulted in the Steelmen walking off with a much needed 7-1 victory.

Man of the Match
The Steelmen: Zac Bell
Aston Park: Kyle Gleave

REM Jones Cup Round 1.
Saturday 25th October 2008.

Cerrigydrudion 4 - Shotton Steel FC 0

It was a disappointing day all round for Shotton. The day started with an early meet followed by a tedious hour long drive through the valleys to Cerrigydrudion. The Steelmen were lucky to collect 3 points earlier here in a league match and knew they would have a fight on their hands if they wanted to be included in round 2 of the league cup draw.

The only change from last Saturday's starting line-up saw the re-introduction of Graeme Reynolds who had been missing for 2 matches due to the red card he picked up during the Llandudno Junction game. Reynolds replaced Simon Butler in midfield, who couldn't make the game due to work restrictions!

Appalling weather conditions were expected to have a considerable effect upon the match and whoever won the toss would surely take advantage of the horrendous wind and rain.

Unfortunately Shotton, who lost the toss, never really turned up today and found themselves 1-0 once again with an early strike from Huw Williams. Matters went from bad to worse when Dane Mason exquisitely headed the ball past his own keeper on 18 minutes. Put a donk on that son! The home side continued to take full advantage of the wind and ran the Shotton defence ragged. The wind was so strong, Shotton's goal kicks were ending up as shots on target at their own goal. Shotton were lucky to go in at the break only 2-0 down.

The away side were hoping to take advantage of the wind in the second half, and during the break planned a full scale attack on the home sides back four. However, with the pitch was cutting up fast a good pair of wellies would have been classed as suitable footwear and Shotton's desire was soon dampened when Reynolds lost his footing and Sior Williams put Cerrig three goals in front. By the time Huw Jones slotted Cerrig's fourth goal home all 22 players were more then ready for a warm in the shower.

A terrible day for Shotton. Cerrigydrudion coped better with the weather conditions and definitely deserved the comprehensive victory. The highlight of the day for Shotton was the fantastic post match hospitality at The White Lion, where the roaring log fire was the best sight of the day and lovely lady behind the bar sorted out the paned o de.

One for the Shotton boys to put behind them and think of themselves lucky that it wasn't in the league!

Man of the Match
Cerrigydrudion: Calvin Ellis (good solid all-rounder in a great team performance).
The Steelmen: Zac Bell (tried to play in the awful conditions).
Special mention: The supporters who braved appalling weather to give non-stop support for their team.

Betws-yn-Rhos 4 Shotton Steel 5 - Clwyd League Division One - Saturday 18th October 2008

Shotton regained the Division 1 Top Spot earlier today after earning a very hard fought 3 points away at Betws-Yn-Rhos.

Manager Edwards was happy with an almost full squad to choose from and opted for an unchanged side to the one that produced a 6-1 win seven days ago at Caerwys.

With Reynolds sitting out his final game of his suspension, the back line included Tanton, Weatherley, Bagshaw and Quinn who was preferred to regular Michael Edwards. A midfield three saw Butler, Mason and captain Bell together once again, with Shaun Hughes and Manager Marc Edwards providing the support for the division's top scorer Owen Pierce up top.

Shotton found it difficult to get started, with Betws enjoying the best of the early play, and after only a quarter of an hour a mistake at the back resulted in the referee awarding the home side with a penalty. Matthew Cripps looked composed as he stroked the ball neatly into the bottom corner.

The home side continued to push hard and managed to extinguish the threat from Shotton's front three. In the 25th minute Shotton finally made a breakthrough after a quick throw by Edwards found Pierce in space who in turn created an opportunity for Hughes to find the back of the net. Now back level Shotton started to move the ball as they can do and six minutes before half time Pierce was able to score himself for the 14th time this season.

The second half proved to be a somewhat exciting affair and the home side came out determined to get something from the game. They disposed of their long ball antics of the first half and really got the ball down and started to play. Their hard work paid of with Chris Thompson putting the icing on an excellent move with a sweet effort to draw the teams back level. Betws now had renewed energy and it wasn't long before Addean Ap-Garth showed great strength and determination to put the home team back in front.

With the rain coming down and the pitch starting to cut up, the away side refused to give up and kept producing wave after wave of attack. Mistakes were becoming common as it became uncomfortable under foot. A rare mistake in the Betws defence resulted in Shotton being awarded a penalty of their own. Zac Bell calmly stepped up to slot the ball home and bring the teams level once more. Shortly after Matthew Cripps was very unfortunate to receive a red card for bringing down Shaun Hughes after a free-kick had been awarded in the home sides favour. Down to ten men, Betws couldn't do much about the quick fire attack and goals from Simon Butler and debutant Billy Donovan put Shotton 5-3 up. However Betws were determined that the game wasn't over and Daniel Watson grabbed an 88th minute consolation.

An unbelievably exciting game for the neutral spectator, a draw could have possibly been regarded as a fair result although Shotton will be glad to have another 3 points to add to their tally. Spectacularly Captain Zac Bell collected his 8th MOM award in 10 games.

Mochdre Sports FC was presented with there new kit from SEQUOIA
LANDSCAPERS just before tonights kick off against pen, final score 4-2
in mochdres favour, cruising 3-0 at half time pen got back into the
game pulling two goals back but pen got caught on the break and mochdre
scored a 4th, carlo was man of the match keeping mochdre ahead with
some great saves and also saving a penalty which would have pulled pen
level 3-3.

Denbigh Town Res. 2 Ruthin Town Res. 2

Denbigh and Ruthin Towns Reserves played out a full blooded 2-2 draw at Central Park , writes Peter Glynn.
Both teams were looking to play quality football - and the spectators were rewarded with some fine goals. The visitors took a lead on only the 4th minutes , with Gwydion Jones capitalising on hesitancy in the Denbigh back line and firing past a rooted Jamie Roberts. But Denbigh refused to lie down and Brett Jones played in a lovely ball for Dean Billingsley to swivel on a sixpence and volley home on 35 minutes.
Ruthin's Stuart Drake next did excellent work at full back to deny Ben Stanway an opportunity , whilst at the other end Sam Cartwright tricked his way through the Denbigh midfield and his cross fell to Elfed Roberts who struck a beauty that rattled the bar.
Then just before halftime , Cartwright conjured up a ball for the willing Gwydion Jones to thump home a header to give Ruthin a 2-1 lead into the break
The second stanza dished up more goodies , and a great little goal earned Denbigh an equaliser and ultimately a share of the bragging rights. Excellent play from Jac Glover and Jamie Evans presented an opportunity for Matt Toole in the box. He neated clipped the ball over for Billingsley to plant a header into the onion bag from 8 yards. Billingsley's partnership with Michael Hind looks exciting , whilst at the back Paul Williams put in a great 90 minutes for the Central Park mob.
James Drury almost made an immediate impression for Denbigh , coming on as sub and striking wood with his first attempt at goal , but then Ruthin might have pinched it when Gwydion Jones fired just wide when looking certain to complete a hat trick.

Denbigh Town Res.

Denbigh Town Reserves first outing of the season resulted in a 2-1 defeat against a strong Johnstown YFC outfit , writes Peter Glynn.
Central Park provided a superb playing surface and allowed both sides to employ a flowing game. Reserves were a young team , but matched their more seasoned opponents for long periods of the game.
A blank first stanza , with Jamie Roberts again impressing between the Town sticks , was deservedly shared in terms of possession. Paul Williams looked very solid at the back and both he and Danny MacDonald had to withstand some tough tactics from the visitors. Dean Moss up front for the Vale side looked very useful on this showing , with a good first touch and some neat interplay with veteran Steve Jones. Jamie Evans and Jac Glover did well on the flanks, driving at the heart of the Wrexham area club.
Johnstown took a lead on 50 minutes following superb play from the classy Chris Bradley who latched onto a ball , noted a moment's hesitancy in the Denbigh defence and swept the ball home despite the best attempts by Roberts.
Town responded with relish. Brett Jones forced a free kick wide on the right and the little play maker swung a great ball over which was met beautifully by Chris 'Golden' Brown who rose highest to bullet a header past a despairing YFC custodian.
Ultimately though , it was YFC who snatched the spoils - with Bradley grabbing a second when cutting in from the right and finishing with some style past a back pedalling Denbigh defence.
Ben Stanway , the pick of Denbigh's team , struck the bar as the game swung from end to end , and then Jamie Clayton did well to stop Bradley gaining his hat trick with a brave block when a goal seemed imminent.