Gaffers Korner

Croesyceiliog League Prog's edition

Today is a repeat of our last home fixture of a fortnight ago when we met in the Welsh cup 2nd round. On that occasion we came out with the right result a 3-1 win and now progress to play Gap Queens Park from Wrexham for a place in round four.

Those of you who were there that day would realise that today’s encounter is going to be a difficult one , we were trailing in that game and showed some good character to come from behind with a brace from Andrew Pearson and a late Steve Davies goal.

Some of the football played that day from both sides was excellent as was the spirit it was played in, also a mention to the officials who played their part in letting the game flow and communicated well with both sets of players.

On Monday night we travelled to play Taffs Well in what was only our 5th league game of the season. On the night we had to make a few changes from the cup game due to work commitments and injury. However we did travel with a strong squad and one which I felt was capable of returning with all 3 points.

We started the game well and initially looked sharp and caused them some concern, however as the half went on they gradually got on top and deservedly took the lead just on half time. It was a case of us giving the ball away to cheaply in that first half that enabled them to gain confidence and we were grateful for half time. We improved slightly in the second period but were still not dominant, chances game and went at both ends some brave defending and poor finishing looked like the game was slipping away from us, the equaliser game through probably the only bit of quality in the game, substitute and debutant Dale Lambrick played a quality thru ball into the path of in form Andrew Pearson who applied an excellent finish. 

There were some nervy moments at each end and also one superb save from another debutant keeper Gareth Couch. Overall not the best performance very few pluses but again still undefeated in the league, now we need to turn one points into three to start climbing up the table. I would also like to congratulate Ceri Cook who also made his Debut on Monday night, Ceri is only 16 and has a bright future in front of him and showed some of his qualities when he came on, he is part of an exciting band of youngsters we have coming thru the youth set up and hopefully they will all continue under the guidance of our youth team coaches.

The youth of the club is looking bright and this week has seen the club receive a massive boost, the return of experienced players who will also add quality to the squad, Namely Paul Evans, Greg Hurley and Shaun these guys have a wealth of experience to take the club and its young players forward. I am sure you will welcome the boys back personally as we have done and look forward to an entertaining game today with a positive outcome, once again thank you for your support and see you in the bar later to cheer England on in the rugby !!!!!!!!

Enjoy the game

Mark