MAY-9

Under 12's squads for their up coming games

The squad for Saturday's national 5 a side in Manchester is:
Luke Armstrong, Joseph Jones, Connor Prosser, Connor O'Callaghan, Jordan Doyle, Sam Tucker, Cassius Hunt, Kane Devonald.

The squad for next Tuesday's BGCW final is:
Luke Armstrong, Joseph Jones, Connor Prosser, Connor O'Callaghan, Jordan Doyle, Sam Tucker, Cassius Hunt, Kane Devonald, Joshua Evans, Calum Beynon, Jordan Harris, Sam Glover, Thomas Elward, Jacob Flynn, Luke Keogh.

Good luck to both squads in the upcoming sets of games.

Tony

MAY-08

Two important dates for our U12's

The under 12's face a busy week with 2 important dates coming up.

Firstly this Saturday our young guns travel up to Manchester to take part in national 5 a side championships.

And then next week they take part in the final of the under 12's BGCW final where they play Georgetown. The final takes place at the Dingle, the home of Morriston Town on Tuesday night with a 6:30 kick off.

We wish them well in both encounters. 

Tony

APR 24

Dancing daps Doley provides the spark to ignite Lido's fire

We started off with a roaring pace and Kane threatened early in the game only to be denied by the GK.
Llangy tried to hit us on the counter attack but JJ's well marshalled defence consisting of Cassius Hunt, Calum Beynon, and Conor Prosser snuffed out any threat.
Luke Armstrong was a demon in goal racing off his line every time an attack was threatening.

It was like a game of chess to an extent as both sides waited to see what the other had to offer after the opening 15minutes. Conor O' Callaghan swapped sides with Sam Tucker on both wings to share the load of attacking.
Both players were threatening on both wings. They obviously caused a threat to Llangy as the coach subsequently swapped his players also. JJ brought a brilliant save from the GK When he danced through two challenges in the box.

Jordan Doyle was inspirational in midfield and when he picked the ball up just inside their half and went on a wild run which looked to take him up a blind alley.
Doyley had other ideas and delivered a cross to Kane on the edge of the 18yard box where Kane hit it early giving the GK no chance.
For the remainder of the half Luke Keogh had to orchestrate the side from the midfield.
Thomas Elward linked up well with the all the midfielders but didn't have a perfect opportunity to get a strike away.

Second half saw us make a few changes and brought Jacob Flynn on for Luke Keogh.
Joshua Evans on for Conor O' Callaghan. Jordan Harris for Kane Devonald. Macaulay Ley and Sam Glover on for Thomas Elward and Calum Beynon. We had more opportunities to extend the lead but took wrong options.

Nevertheless the boys are through to their THIRD Cup Final against Georgetown venue and date TBA.

The boys have excelled themselves when asked upon this season and have been a credit to themselves.
They now must realise that it is a team game and that a squad wins trophies not individuals.
Every player has played some part in all of the trophies we have won this season and no player
should feel inadequate that they are sub for an individual game. It is inevitable that a player
sooner or later is going to find themselves on the bench as a sub.
The answer is not to be despondent and grasp the opportunity when it arises to enjoy.
As a coach and on behalf of all the parents we are extremely proud of the boys this season as even on what we have achieved already is a feat in itself. WELL DONE BOYS.

Phil Holmes

APR 22

U12's defeat Baglan in league finale

With the wind on our backs it took us 20 mins to break the deadlock when Callum Beynon lofted a pass up front for Kane
Devonald to race onto and lob the oncoming GK 1-0.

The second goal came when their GK could only clear his goal kick to Kane. Kane turned provider. He perfected a header into the path of Jordan Doyle who slammed home from 12 yards giving the GK no chance 2-0.
Considering it took so long for us to get our scoring boots on the goals came thick and fast. Jacob Flynn provided a bit of magic for the third when he bobbed and weaved through several challenges down the left and found himself on the by-line to cross to Sam Tucker at the far post 3-0.

During second half Luke Armstrong got called into action on several occasions to thwart Baglan.
The fourth goal came courtesy of Jordan Doyle again. He beat the off-side trap and out muscled a defender to again hammer home his second of the game. He deserved a hat-trick for all his hard work over the last couple of weeks but it wasn't to be.

It was a good solid performance which should stand us in good stead for the visit of Llangyfelach in the Semi-Final of BGCW Cup on Wednesday 6.30 KO. Each player is worthy of a starting place but unfortunately only 11 can start. The whole season has been a squad affair and we wouldn't have achieved anything if it wasn't for every single player.

PH

APR 19

U12's put 4 past Cwmavon

Today our under 12 double champions has a easy game putting 4 past Cwmavon, more on the game to follow

Tony

APR 17

Tucks & Devs dived & ducked to win cup final

It was Porthcawl Utd’s first ever Cup Final and a new kit could’ve inspired them to a win. They deserved something out of the game as they plagued the Lido defence only to be denied by perfectly timed tackles from Conor Prosser, Sam Glover, Callum Beynon and Captain Luke Keogh.

We came close on two occasions only to be denied by the Assistant Referee for offside with Jordan Harris and Kane Devonald coming close. We threatened on a number of occasions from Conor O’ Callaghan’s great deliveries into the box.

On the stroke of half-time Conor delivered a perfect timed cross for Sam Tucker to meet at the far post and direct a perfectly executed shot with the outside of his right foot leaving the GK stranded 1-0.

At half time the emphasis was on not to make mistakes. Thankfully for us Porthcawl didn’t find a way through our resolute defence otherwise it would’ve certainly been a different outcome.

After 5minutes of the second half Porthcawl had a fantastic 5min spell where every Lido parent (and coach) was on tenterhooks. They knocked and knocked the Lido defence but couldn’t find a way through.

Kane Devonald came close again after his FOURTH attempt and to hit the top of the cross bar. On his fifth attempt he scored with a powerful shot which was too strong for the defender 2-0.

To a neutral it was a perfect Cup Final as both sets of players and supporters enjoyed the occasion.

It could’ve gone either way. All credit to Helen, Andy & Tony the players did them proud and I hope that they continue their role as coaches next season.

I think as coaches we must realise that after being under so much pressure in school throughout the day that when these players come to training they release a lot of energy. Unfortunately, that energy is not directed towards the coach’s intentions and ill-discipline creeps in.

We have achieved a lot in our first season of 11-a-side and I’m proud of the way the players have made the transition form mini football to 11-a-side. Every player wants to win medals (even though they end up in the attic in a black bag) so as far as this season goes, their black bag could end up a big one ha ha.

GOOD LUCK TO BOTH SETS OF PLAYERS FOR THE FUTURE. 

APR 13

U12's secure league title with victory over Baglan

Our young under 12's secured the league with yesterdays 3-1 win over Baglan.

They cannot now be caught by Porthcawl Utd who are 5 points behind with only one game to play, we achieved the title with still 3 games to play.

Our scorers in the 3-1 win over Baglan were Kane Devonald, Thomas Elward & Calum Beynon.

Winning the title could only be the start of trophies the side can win this month, on Wednesday they meet Porthcawl Utd in the final of the league cup at Goytre kicking off at 6:30.

Then a week later they face Llangyfelach in the semi-final of the Boys and Girls cup to be played at the Marston, but no kick off time for that as yet.

MAR 31

U12's set to meet Llangyfelach Colts in Fed cup semi-final

Our under 12's will meet Llangyfelach Colts in the Fed Cup semi-final, a venue & date are yet to be approved.

In the other semi-final Bryntirion face Georgetown, no date or venue set for that game either yet.

full results so far.

Preliminary Round

Round 1

Round 2

Semi Final

League cup final

Also for the under 12's their league cup final against Porthcawl Utd will take place at Goytre's Glenhafod Park Stadium.

The game will be played on April  16th with a 6:30 kick off

MAR 30

U12's comfortable against United

It was a game of top against 2nd when Porthcawl Utd made their trip to face our under 12's, and Holmsey's charges had a fairly comfortable 5-1 to extend their lead over their opponents to 5 points with 2 games in hand.

Our scorers were: Kane Devonald 2, Sam Tucker, Jordan Harris, Jacob Flynn.

It is now 12 league games played and still unbeaten for the 12's their only blemish was against Porthcawl Utd last month which ended in a 1-1 draw.

View table

MAR 16

U12's show Porthcawl no mercy

Won 10-1. Porthcawl scored when we were 3-0 up to make it 3-1 half time.

But from then on it was a one horse race.

Scorers : Kane Devonald 1,Sam Tucker 2, Josh Evans 3, Jordan Doyle 2, Sam Glover 1,Conor O’Callaghan 1.

SQUAD: LUKE ARMSTRONG, JOSH EVANS, SAM TUCKER, CONOR PROSSER, LUKE KEOGH, CALLUM BEYNON, CONOR O’CALLAGHAN, JORDAN DOYLE, JORDAN HARRIS, THOMAS ELWARD, GAVIN THOMAS, KANE DEVONALD, SAM GLOVER, JACOB FLYNN.

MAR 14

U12's action for the weekend

Saturday the 12’s are away to Porthcawl BGC at Locks Lane in a top against bottom clash, though last meeting in the league was a close encounter with Lido just edging it 3-2. 10.30 KO.

Sunday we were due to play Porthcawl BGC at Vivian Park in BGCW Cup but now been cancelled.

Tony

MAR 7

U12's make light work of Cwmavon 

The young Lido lads ran out 10-0 winners to extend their lead in the table to 10 points over 2nd placed Porthcawl Utd.

Our scorers were Gavin Thomas (6) Thomas Elward (3) Jordan Doyle (1).

In other under 12 news, Jack Curry has left Afan Lido U12's and has joined Baglan U12's. The club and U12's management would like to thank young Jack for all his efforts and contributions he has made over the last few years, and wish him well for the future.

MAR-1

U12's Baglan cup semi final report

AFAN LIDO           4 V 1          BAGLAN

SEMI FINAL KNOCKOUT CUP

Considering we’d only played each other 3 days earlier it was the same story. Lido playing creative attacking Football and Baglan trying to capitalise on mistakes made by the Lido defence.

Conor o’ Callaghan was instrumental on the right hand side of midfield and produced a great cross only for the GK to catch the high ball.

On 15mins Conor O’ Callghan picked the ball up in the Baglan half and progressed into the 18yard box. He cut inside to drive a low shot into the corner of the goal giving the previous MOM no chance 1-0.

The attacking continued on behalf of Lido and again Baglan were reduced to limited attacks only to be snuffed out by Joseph Jones & Connor Prosser.

Our 2^nd goal was a perfectly created piece of catching the opposition off their guard. A quick FK by JJ across field to Luke Keogh (in a new role of Right Back (rotation of players)), Keogh produced a long ball into their LB area. From their throw-in we pinched the ball early and yet again Josh Evans (who is proving to be thorn in Baglan’s side) hit early and lobbed their GK 2-0.

In the 2^nd half substitutes were made and Baglan were rewarded for their perseverance. A cross into the box resulted in a Lido player pushing a Baglan player and them scoring from the resulting PK 2-1.

This didn’t hinder Lido as we stepped up through the gears and produced opportunity after opportunity. They were opportunities to create something as oppose to chances. When the chance did come it fell to sub Thomas Elward. Another cross from Jordan Doyle to Connor O and he layed a perfectly timed pass to Tom. Tom showed brilliant technique and thundered a shot beyond the reach of the GK 3-1.

More subs were introduced and within minutes we were awarded a PK for hand ball. JJ stepped up and hit it straight at the GK who tipped it round the post.

Jordan Doyle produced so much energy he had the supporters gasping for breath.

The fourth goal was an attacking move down the right which was a carbon copy of the first. Again it was Connor O who got the goal and he drilled it into the far post again making it 4-1 and putting us through to yet another Final.

Allegedly we didn’t create many chances but on the day we scored 4 and the GK made another 5 saves. On the other hand Baglan were rewarded with a penalty for their endeavour.

It amazes me sometimes whether I’m watching the same game as other people who insist on making comments. In future these comments should be kept to themselves as (1) they are insulting the players (b) they are making fools of themselves when they think out loud and (3) they cannot be watching the same game as everyone else.

Well done to The Under 12’s on reaching another Final in their first year of 11-a-side.

Phil Holmes

FEB 25

Super sub Josh comes to the rescue  

Ex Baglan player Joshua Evans snatched the winning goal just inside the 2^nd half of extra time in the Final of the Challenge Cup.

We turned up in our new away strip of luminous yellow (which drew some strange responses from both spectators). The kit at first was 20 sizes too big but once the boys got to grip with the drawstring on the shorts they started to look presentable.

It was a game that could’ve been a different story inside the first 10minutes if it wasn’t for the Man of the Match and Baglan Goalkeeper Macaulay Carrol. He denied Kane Devonald 3time in the first 10mins.

Sam Tucker had a chance but shot wide from a crossfield pass from Luke Keogh.

Due to Baglans’ resolute defence we were limited to long distance shots which fell straight to the GK. Whenever we did have a clear cut chance it was aimed again straight at the GK.

On many occasions he denied Jordan Harris, Jordan Doyle, Luke Keogh, Jacob Flynn, Kane Devonald and Joseph Jones from a FK.

Conor O’Callaghan was introduced early into the second half of normal time and provided us with more width. Jordan Doyle eluded a number of challenges (where Didier Drogba would have gone for a penalty) to shoot straight at the GK. At the end of the half Jordan Doyle hit the post and the rebound fell straight to him but he shot narrowly wide into the side netting.

Baglan were reduced to counter attacks which was difficult by playing a lone striker. The only time they caught us out was after a mistake by JJ on the half way line and their CF went through to shoot wide (much to the relief of JJ).

When Joshua was introduced midway through the second half for Jordan Harris he was quickly involved in the action. He was commanding in midfield winning several headers and providing balls to our CF’s.

He’s been making a habit of scoring after coming on sub in the last couple of weeks and he had no hesitation in hitting his first opportunity over the GK into the top of the goal from 25yards 1-0 on 72mins. He was naturally mobbed by the whole team and deservedly so as he did what no other player were capable of during the game.

Throughout the game Baglan didn’t have one corner as oppose to us having 11. Baglan never gave up even when Lido had chance upon chance and their GK kept them within a whisker of snatching a win.

When the final whistle was blown the whole team were mobbed by 50 odd supporters and congrats were directed to Joshua.

The presentation was held in the Goytre clubhouse and JJ held the Cup aloft Proud as Punch when called upon.

It proves how much attacking football the Lido played when the opposition GK deservedly collects the MOM award. Maybe on another day the story could’ve been so different.

All in all the players thoroughly enjoyed the occasion. It was both teams’ first ever Final and they did both clubs very proud. On behalf of myself and the Baglan coaches we are extremely proud of the players and the endeavour and commitment they showed throughout the game.

We meet again on Saturday in the Semi Final of the Knockout Cup at Vivian Park 10.30amKO. (to be honest we would prefer to reverse the fixture and play on Evans Bevans as it is a much nicer surface)

P Holmes

FEB 25

U12's squad for Wednesdays cup final  

The squad is: 

LUKE ARMSTRONG, CONOR O’CALLAGHAN, CALUM BEYNON, JACOB FLYNN, JOSH EVANS, SAM GLOVER, CASSIUS WALKER HUNT, SAM TUCKER, JORDAN DOYLE, KANE DEVONALD, JORDAN HARRIS, JOSEPH JONES, CONOR PROSSER, LUKE KEOGH.

REPORT AT GOYTRE @ 4.45PM FOR A 6PM KO.

FEB 24

U12's drop first league points to Porthcawl Utd

Afan Lido 1-1 Porthcawl Utd.

It was a game that involved a lot of changes for today's game. Rested for the game were Luke Keogh, Calum Beynon, Jordan Doyle, Sam Glover, Jacob Flynn and Jordan Harris.

It was backs against the wall for most of the first half and Porthcawl felt they should’ve been a few goals up. They put several crosses in and the ball thankfully ran across the goalmouth.

We spent most of the first half defending and at times Porthcawl had us against the ropes.

They must have felt hard done by when we scored from our first corner of the game after they had had five down our end, which was totally against the run of play.

Sam Tobin crossed to the near post and Porthcawl cleared, only to Josh Evans. He knocked the ball out of his feet and lobbed the GK from 20 yards 1-0.

At half-time it was explained to the players that they needed to realise that they were playing for places for the oncoming Final on Wednesday.

Porthcawl got their deserved goal when Ollie Banham scored with a thunderous shot from 25 yards out after not being closed down quick enough 1-1.

Overall we didn’t play well enough to win but taking nothing away from Porthcawl Utd. they thoroughly deserved the draw and on another day they could’ve won it.

Phil Holmes

FEB 22

Devonald demolishes Morriston  

Our under 12's comfortably beat Morriston in the under 12's Fed Cup game at the Marston Stadium last night, and the goal scoring hero was young Kane Devonald who scored 4 of Lido's 6 goals.

The final score was 6-1 to Afan Lido with Kane Devonald scoring 4 and our other scorers were Cassius Walker-Hunt & Jordan Doyle.

The win sets us up for the 2nd round with another home tie this time against Porthcawl.

Well done to Phil Holmes and the lads on a comprehensive victory last night.

And no rest for the wicked, as Gaffer Holmsey heads down to London on Saturday with son Lew who's playing for Cardiff City u12's against Fulham on Sunday.

FEB 18

U12's Fed cup draw  

Our under 12's are due to play Morriston this Thursday at home with a 7:30 kick off. The full draw is:

Preliminary Round

Round One

Round Two

Tony

FEB 16

U12's see off Baglan winning 5-1 

It was our first visit to Evans Bevans this season and what a day it was. The sun was out and not a cloud in the sky. The surface was magnificent (all credit to the grounds man) so ideal conditions for a game of Junior football.

There was a slight breeze so JJ decided to play with the wind for the first half.

From a Baglan KO we soon claimed the ball back with Jordan Doyle claiming possession early. With Jordan being influential as ever in the middle he played a delightful ball to Sam Tucker who shot narrowly wide.

It was a free kick where our first goal came from. The referee decided the GK had handled the ball outside the box whilst kicking it from his hands. In a position like this and the size of the goals compared to the GK a goal is inevitable (that’s why we should play ¾ goals instead of full size). Kane Devonald laid the ball off to Joseph Jones who lobbed the GK from 20yards away.1-0.

We didn’t capitalise on more chances and Baglan caught us cold. From a throw-in on our right back they found a player who was unmarked, he unleashed a shot from outside the box which looped over Luke Armstrong 1-1.

It wasn’t level for long when JJ took a quick FK deep inside our own half. He found Calum Beynon. In a flowing move he passed to Sam Tucker to Kane Devonald  who laid it off to Jordan Harris. Jordan scored from the edge of the area 2-1.

Second half we came close twice from 6yards out which Kane Devonald should’ve scored.

The 3^rd goal came courtesy of Jordan Harris again. We caught Baglan on a counter attack which Jordan Harris picked the ball up just inside our own half. He raced all of 50yards unopposed in to their 18yard box and struck a sweet shot early into the corner of the net. He showed coolness as he had a lot of time to mess things up 3-1.

It was sub Macaulay Evans who scored his first ever 11-a-side goal for the club. Josh Evans laid the ball to Cassius Hunt who chipped ever so delicately over the defence and Macaulay Evans lobbed it over the on suing GK from 10yards 4-1.

Sam Tucker came more into the game towards the end and sent a series of 3 consecutive crosses into the box. The first was met by Jordan Doyle who laid it off to Josh Evans who unleashed a thunder bolt of a shot which the GK saved to his right  and held onto.

The second of his crosses found Josh Evans but instead of repaying the favour to Doyley decided to unleash another thunderbolt to score a superb goal to round off the day to a well earned win.

WE HAVE BEEN INFORMED THAT WE HAVE TO PLAY THE LEAGUE CUP FINAL ON WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 27^th  AT GOYTRE 6PM KO.

This Final was supposed to be played at Christmas time and we hoped that they would delay it a little further by two weeks but unfortunately the powers to be have decided otherwise.

The players now have a responsibility in attending and behaving themselves in training as a place for the final is now up for grabs.

Phil Holmes

FEB 15

U12's Baglan game change of venue 

The under 12's have a change of venue for tomorrow's game with Baglan.

The game will now be played at Evans Bevans and not Western Avenue.

If any one has any problems please phone Phil, or if anyone is going straight to Evans Bevan please let Phil know.

The squad for the Baglan is:

Luke Armstrong, Sam Glover, Macaulay Evans, Macauley Ley, Joseph Jones, Calum Beynon, Conor Prosser,
Sam Tucker, Cassius Walker-Hunt, Jordan Doyle, Josh Evans, Kane Devonald, Jordan Harris, Luke Keogh. 

JAN 28

Penygraig 2-3 Afan Lido

FLYNN FIRES REDS INTO NEXT ROUND OF CUP.

This was our first ever encounter in this competition and it was a baptism of fire being sent to Penygraig. The players thought that if we went any further they would fall off the edge of the earth. Having said that and had a little laugh we had a fantastic welcome from them.

The game was played with a high tempo throughout and we could and should have taken the lead after Jordan Harris out muscled the defender only to hit the side netting. This wasn't Jordan's only chance of the game as he was a continuous threat all game. Luke Keogh took a quick free kick and Sam Tucker provided another delivery into the box for Jordan. The chances came quickly for him and on another day he'd be carrying the match ball home having gained a hat-trick. We did break the deadlock after 15mins when Kane Devonald shot into the roof of the net from close range. This was Kane's second chance after missing a chance 5mins before by hitting it straight at the GK.

Penygraig we threatening us from dead ball situations where they had a defender who could strike the ball a considerable distance. This caught us out early on but when JJ and Conor Prosser along with Calum Beynon and Sam Glover came to terms with it they coped admirably.

Still chance after chance came but we couldn't increase our lead. As the game went on without us scoring Penygraig were growing in confidence and that's when the inevitable happened. Their MOM went into the box and was just about to unleash a shot when JJ slid in from behind to nick the ball. However, the referee decided that it was a Penalty in which they converted 1-1.

Half time was called and the players seemed a little deflated. They needed a confidence booster which JJ as captain provided. Second half brought Conor Callaghan into the game at the expense of Luke Keogh – who didn't have breakfast in the morning - to assist the ever tenacious Jordan Doyle – who incidentally covered every blade of grass on the pitch………………..twice-.

Penygraig started to get on top of us in the second half and every player had to pull on all their reserves to get something out of the game. We had a corner in the right wing which Calum Beynon swung out, Penygraig cleared it but only as far as JJ on the edge of the box. He swivelled to unleash a thunderous shot from 20 yards which sailed over the GK 2-1.

This silenced the village crowd, however not for long as they realised that there was still time to get an equaliser. The home supporters were very enthusiastic in their support and this could have been a little intimidating for another side but we blanked it out and continued to create chances.

Penygraig's endeavour paid off when a mistake from our players allowed the CF to lob it over the oncoming Luke Armstrong 2-2.

Jacob Flynn was brought on at the expense of Kane Devonald. His pace and tenacity was to bring a new dimension to the game and he caused the defenders all sorts of problems. When he picked the ball up just inside their half and raced into the penalty area with three defenders breathing down his neck and an oncoming GK time seemed to stand still. Everyone thought he had spurned his chance when he rounded the GK and a defender got his foot to the ball. However, the defender got the ball tangled up in his legs and Jacob ended up tapping the ball home into an empty net 2-3.

The last 10 minutes were frantic stuff and Sam Tucker produced some tackles that Vinny Jones would have been proud off- for those who don't know him, Google him-.

Cassius Hunt still went looking for the fourth goal and had to be shackled to defend the lead. It was backs against the wall and everyone thought Penygraig were going to get an equaliser but Luke Armstrong had other ideas. He raced out off his line to smother the ball from the CF feet in the dying seconds. Both players went down injured and the referee decided it was full-time.

The players produced a performance that every travelling parent was proud of. They were asked for 100% but they actually provided 150%. They had many chances to collapse and surrender but believed in themselves right up to the final whistle. It showed a lot of character within the team which surprised a lot of people including players themselves.

This provides us with a home tie V Morriston TBA. 

Report by Phil Holmes

DEC 16

U12's win cup final rehearsal

Gavin Thomas threatening as he followed on the GK. Conor O’ Callaghan along with the ever present Jordan Doyle were instrumental in midfield again. As Conor is predominantly Rugby bias when he puts a Football kit on it’s like he knows only one sport.

Jordan deserved a goal in the 17^{th minute when he danced through a number of places only to be thwarted by the GK.}

Macaulay Evans hit the post with a fierce shot when a we put together a fantastic bit of play together involving Jacob Flynn, Sam Glover and Kane Devonald.

Conor O’ Callaghan picked up a free kick on our left wing close to the touchline approximately 30yards out. He curled a delightful shot which was goal bound for far post but Kane Devonald had other ideas and glanced a header into the far post giving the GK no chance 1-0..

Baglan absorbed a lot of pressure throughout the whole game but could have got a goal on the counter attack had it not been for the ever alert Luke Armstrong in the Lido goal.

For all the possession we acquired we couldn’t turn it into goals.

We started even brighter 2nd half even from the KO as Kane Devonald was first to react to a lay off form a Baglan KO. Sam Tucker was prominent in our attacks early in the 2nd half and form his crosses we should have capitalised. On our other wing was Jacob Flynn and again as he is a massive Rugby player for the Quins he showed his class in Soccer. If Sam Tucker wasn’t involved down our right hand side then it was Jacob down the left.

Jack Dacey and Joseph Jones were solid in defence and Sam Glover was also forming a defence hard to break down.

When Jacob Flynn scurried down the left wing and found Josh Evans in the box he unleashed a shot (that even excited Gary Keogh) and looped of the GK 2-0.

The 2nd goal was scored late on and the game just run it’s course.

It was an ideal way to finish 2007 as far as the league is concerned even though there are only five teams in it.

The Cup Final hasn’t been announced yet but is usually around Christmas time, the time where players have new boots.

What these players must understand is even more so with another 3 new players joining and maybe more to join, a competition for places is going to be difficult and there are going to be a lot of players unfortunately disappointed.

Report by Phil Holmes

DEC 8

Lido U12's squad for today's Cwmavon game 

In: Luke Armstrong, Macaulay Evans, Sam Glover, Joseph Jones, Luke Keogh, Josh Evans, Sam Tucker, Jacob Flynn, Jack Dacey, Conor O' Callaghan, Gavin Thomas, Jonathan Thomas, Jordan Doyle, Jack Curry.

Out : Kane Devonald, Jordan Harris, Dylan Mountjoy, Sam Tobin, Cassius Walker-Hunt.

New Signings : We welcome 3 new signings to the u12 squad, they are Conor Prosser, Macaulay Ley, Calum Beynon.

Tony

NOV-27

Lido U12's have comfortable win over Port Talbot 

The game was probably the talk of every playground in the town as both sets of players are in schools together. The game should have been played in a light manner but I felt some players were put under intense pressure from their coach, therefore could not express themselves to their full potential.

We had option of playing the younger players of the under 13’s as Academy rules allow our age group to play boys born in 1995. We applied this rule and brought in three players within our 15 who were Jack Lewis, Sean Griffiths & Jack Underwood – who, incidentally is one month older than the oldest boy of the Under 12’s.Although looking at him you’d think he was Under 8 ha ha. This is a good rule as it gives players form different age groups to experience football with different coaches. This can only stand them in good stead for the future when being selected for representative sides as they’ll be playing with different players and coaches.

It was a game that we dominated for long periods and could have gone ahead quite early if Kane Devonald was wearing the boots he’d been wearing the last 3 weeks. He had several shots in which their GK did superbly well to thwart. The first time we had a lapse of concentration Port Talbot punished us with a tremendous drive from outside the box. A free kick was awarded which Joseph Jones headed only as far as a PT player; he unleashed a shot giving our Luke Armstrong no chance 1-0 down.

Heads didn’t drop and Sam Tucker was having a fantastic battle with Taylor Golding on our right wing. Our goal did come through Jordan Harris in which he lobbed the oncoming GK and it bounced into the roof of the net 1-1.

We had the impetus at this stage and put PT under pressure. Connor Prosser in the PT defence soaked it up and marshalled his players superbly along with the GK.

Unfortunately for PT we scored through Kane Devonald – who found his boots in the bottom of his bag- when he smashed home a shot into the corner of the net 2-1 aeof 1/3.

The second third we played with the wind at our backs. This caused us problems as stray balls ran away from our players through to their GK. With Calum Beynon long goal kicks this was putting us pressure. Jack Underwood managed to race onto a perfectly timed pass from Jordan Doyle which beat the PT defence. Jack Coolly slotted the ball passed the GK 3-1.

As soon as PT kicked off Luke Armstrong found himself in possession from a stray pass. He punted the ball up field which totally eluded a PT defender and Jack was first to slide another shot into the corner 4-1.

We started to take the foot off the gas. This was silly when you look at the quality players they possess. In the form of Calvin Wellingtons’ athleticism  Taylor Golding's speed,  Joe Gage’s strength and determination and Conor Prosser’s reading of the game they are capable of conjuring a up a bit of magic form nothing. This is what happened and it soon became 4-2.

This still didn’t panic the Under 12’s and they continued to play some exhilarating football. Jordan Doyle was instrumental –or was it mental- in midfield and was pulling a lot of strings. Cassius Walker- Hunt showed his strength on several occasions. Joseph Jones – who hadn’t been to school all week due to a chest infection – was totally dominating and was rewarded for his performance with a sublime FK on the corner of the 18 yard box. A direct FK was awarded and JJ stepped up to curl a shot into the top corner which the PT GK nearly got a hand to 5-2 ateo 2^nd 1/3.

We were against the wind in the final 1/3 – even though we agreed to play 4 ¼’s! – And it was at this stage we played some of our best football. The intricate passing and reading of situations was impressive on the eye for all the supporters.

When Kane Devonald provided a cross for one of the MOM Sam Tucker to volley home a left foot shot to make it 6-2 everyone thought that was it.

Sam had other ideas when Conor O’Callaghan linked up well with Jordan Harris, Sean Griffiths and Macaulay Evans to produce a passage of football that would’ve made any coach proud. Sam found himself at the far post and unleashed carbon copy of the previous goal 7-2.

The result brought delight to the Lido players. All Lido personnel were full of admiration for the players and Coach Dave Prosser.

At the end of the game you could see that the players were the winners as all the players know each other personally and they enjoyed the game as the result didn’t matter.

To introduce animosity at this level is totally unacceptable. Players work with each other on a daily basis in school and for them not to even be allowed to address their peers is wrong. People are spending a great deal of time building bridges between these two successful clubs to make the town a success. For coaches to demand hatred from their players between the two clubs is wrong and any coach found doing so should not be allowed to coach at any level.

These under 12’s are not professionals or robots they are still babies and should not be brought up in an environment of hatred towards their opponents. THIS IS WRONG. The coaches who encourage this vile act need to take a stern look at themselves and act accordingly…………quickly.

Football is a beautiful game……..don’t ruin it.

            Phil Holmes Afan Lido BGC Welfare Officer.

            Under 12’s Coach

Report by Phil Holmes

NOV-12

Afan Lido 3-1 Porthcawl

Lido was cautious of Porthcawl especially after what happened after the first 5mins last week. Captain Joseph Jones decided to play against the wind after winning the toss from the official Ryan Thomas – who incidentally was the same ref as the previous week.

Kane Devonald threatened the Porthcawl GK and hit the post for shooting from the edge of the area. There were better displays from last week and Lido did not want to concede early to a quick Porthcawl side.

Kane Devonald got the all important first goal for Lido when Sam Tucker delicately lobbed the on-coming centre half for the ball to land perfectly at the feet of Kane Devonald. Kane still had a lot to do as he raced into the 18 yard box and coolly slotted the ball into the corner of the net 1-0.

Cassius Hunt was involved in a lot of Lido pressure down the left wing along with Sam Glover supporting him.

Our second goal came form a Cassius through ball where Kane played a one two with Gavin Thomas and Kane hammered the ball into the back of the net 2-0

Jordan Doyle and Kane were instrumental in midfield and were involved in a lot of defensive duties.

Unfortunately we got caught dwelling on the ball down our left and they broke away and slotted the ball passed Luke Armstrong 2-1.

The third goal was perfectly executed as the ball was picked up just inside our half with Kane. Kane waited for support from Sam Glover and Sam played a long pass into Gavin Thomas, Kane then turned and supported Gavin in which Gavin layed the ball off to Kane. By this time we had advanced into the final third of the pitch. Kane slotted a perfectly timed pass to Jordan Harris – who was making his debut- and Jordan passed the ball into the corner of the goal giving the GK no chance 3-1  

We still threatened when Kane showed a superb technique when volleying the ball form the edge of the box. The GK looked to have no chance but pulled a save right out of the bag to thwart Kane form getting a hat-trick.

The second half didn’t produce as much excitement as the first but defensively Lido were on top and all credit goes to Jordan Doyle.

For being