Home of AFAN LIDO Football Club
SEASON 2022-23
Friday February 16th 2023
WELCOME TO THE MARSTON’S STADIUM
AFAN LIDO v Cwmbran Celtic
Founded 1967
Ground: Marston’s Stadium, Princess Margaret Way, Aberavon Beach, Port Talbot.
Club Telephone Number: 01639 892960
E-mail: afanlido67@btconnect.com
Website: www.afanlido.com
President Phil Robinson
General Manager
Mark Robinson
Chief Executive Alan Howells
Team Manager
Reserve Team Manager
Programme Editor
Web Master
Photographer
Life Members
Paul Evans
Carl Hughes
Peter Reynolds
Peter Reynolds
Gareth Elms
Steve Cook, David Dale, Alfred Haas, Mark Hanbury, Michael Holmes, Alan Howells, Phil Isaac, Brunhilda Knaur, Harry Leonhardt, Alun Rees, Peter Reynolds, Lynda Robinson, Phil Robinson, Helmut Solowy, Glyn Thomas, Brian Williams, Steve Wood.
Vice President
Brian Flynn
AFAN LIDO FOOTBALL CLUB HONOURS
UEFA Cup Preliminary Round One 1995-96
FAW Welsh Cup Runners Up
Qualification for FAW Premier Cup 2002-03, 2003-04
League of Wales Runners Up 1994-95
League of Wales Cup Winners 1992-93, 1993-94, 2011-12
Welsh League Premier Division Champions 1987-88, 1988-89
Welsh League Cup Winners
Welsh League Division One Runners Up
Welsh Intermediate Cup Winners 1986-87
2008-09
1997-98,2010-11
Welsh League Reserve Division Winners 2001-02, 2003-04, 2004-05, 2010-11
Welsh League Reserve Division Runners Up 1995-96, 1999-2000, 2002-03
Welsh League Reserve Cup Winners
Welsh League Reserve Cup Finalists
FAW Youth Cup Finalists
Welsh League Youth Division Winners
Welsh League Youth Division Runners Up
Welsh League Youth Cup Winners
Welsh League Youth Cup Runners Up
2016-17
2003-04
2017-18
2004-05, 2015-16
2006-07
2006-07,
1984-85,
2002-03,
2010-11
1980-81
2015-16,
1991-92,
1996-97,1997-98,2016-17
1980-81
Youth Cup Finalists 1982-83 South
Winners 2008-09 South
Cup Finalists 2008-09
Talbot
Winners 1968-69,
Winners 2016-17,2017-18
2018-19 SWFA Youth Cup Winners
SWFA
Wales Youth League
Wales Youth League
Port
League Knockout Cup
2014-15 Port Talbot League Reserve Division
2017-18
Port Talbot League Reserve Cup Winners
Runners
1997-98
Winners 1997-98
Port Talbot Sunday League Division 1
Up
Port Talbot Sunday League Cup
Welcome
On behalf of the club, I’d like to welcome the officials, players and supporters of Cwmbran Celtic Football Club to the Marstons Stadium for this evening’s Cymru South League match.
I’d also like to welcome our three officials and hope you enjoy the game.
Head to Head
We won 4-1 at Celtic Park on November 10th , Ben Keen opened the scoring with Jay Thomas, Josh Webber and Liam Griffiths adding the others.
Previous Games (Tier 2)
Thanks to Elite Groundcare who have kindly sponsored Sean Hanbury’s kit this season. .
P W D L F A Pts At the Marston’s Stadium 6 4 2 0 20 4 14 At Celtic Park 6 4 1 1 17 13 13
Club History
Cwmbran Celtic football club was formed in 1925. In the early years the club was known as CYMS (Catholic Young Men's Society). After the immediate success of winning the Newport & District Division 2 Section A title in 1925/6 there was then a 25 year gap before the next trophy, the Premier Division title in 1950/1. The club disbanded in the late 1950’s largely as a consequence of national service call-ups but a large influx of junior and youth players brought about the reforming of the club in 1964 under the new name of Cwmbran Catholics. In 1970/1 Celtic won the Gwent Senior Cup. In 1972/3 with playing membership open to all denominations the club dropped the catholic title and renamed as Cwmbran Celtic winning the Gwent Amateur Cup and finishing runners-up in the Gwent Premier League.
In 1979 the club bought its own premises at Oak Street, Old Cwmbran, the club's present headquarters. The club's ground was in Cwmbran Park but around 1995 they moved to the grounds outside Cwmbran Stadium which were shared with Cwmbran Cricket club. The cricket club later moved to Caerleon and Celtic obtained the lease from Torfaen Council.
Celtic played in the Gwent County League in the 1980s and 1990s and after gaining promotion as champions of Division 2 in 1986/7 remained in the 1st division for the next 10 seasons. However a disastrous slide found the club languishing in the 3rd division when Paul "Dishy" Richardson became manager in 1999. He transformed the side bringing in experienced ex-Cwmbran Town stalwarts Mickey Copeman and Kevin Payne alongside teenage striker Shane Williamson who for a dozen seasons was top scorer. The side was later bolstered by the return of ex-professionals Ben Graham and Mark Parfitt who had started their careers with Celtic as juniors. There were successive promotions from the 3rd to 1st division between 1999 and 2001 and in 1999/2000 Celtic won the Gwent County league cup.
In 2004/5 under new player-manager Mickey Copeman, the club were runners-up to Clydach Wasps who applied for membership of the Welsh Football League but their ground was adjudged to be not of the required standard. Celtic applied instead. Their ground was also not up to standard but they were able to share Cwmbran Stadium with Cwmbran Town and the Welsh League accepted the club's application.
In their first season in the WFL, 2005/6, Celtic struggled near the bottom of the 3rd division all season. In April Celtic travelled to Chepstow Town needing a win to stay in the league. They went 1-0 down. With minutes of normal time remaining substitute Jason Price equalised but a draw was not enough. In the 9th minute of time added on player manager Mickey Copeman went up for a corner. The ball was cleared off the goal-line by a Chepstow defender, it hit Copeman on the back and rebounded into the net. Celtic had achieved a last gasp win and, by winning their final match against Seven Sisters, Celtic escaped relegation on goal difference.
The following season, 2006/7, Celtic now back at their upgraded and newly named ground, Celtic Park, were transformed. They only lost 2 games and enjoyed a 24 match unbeaten run. They went to Risca for their last match already promoted but needed to win to secure the Championship ahead of Llanwern. With 3 minutes left Celtic were 1-0 down playing with 10 men after a red card for Kevin Payne. Then Sammy Winter equalised with a speculative long range shot and in the last minute a Risca clearance found full back Ben Graham outside the box. He hit a perfect looping volley over the goalkeeper's head and into the net. Celtic were champions.
In division 2 Celtic consolidated their position in 2007/8 and 2008/9 during which they introduced a number of players from their new partnership with Fairwater High School Football Academy in Cwmbran managed by Celtic coach Della Cheedy.
In 2009/10 Celtic were front runners destined to win the Championship. However they lost two key defenders at a crucial time and vital points were dropped. Nevertheless Celtic finished their games in 1st place and would win the title if Penrhiwceiber failed to win at Newcastle Emlyn. The home side was 2-0 up at one stage but Ceiber clawed their way back to win 3-2 and deny Celtic the championship. At the end of the season Mickey Copeman stood down after 7 years during which he secured 3 promotions which took the club from Gwent County League to the top division of the Welsh League.
Club History (Cont)
In their first season in the 1st division, 2010/11 under new manager Ben Graham, Celtic struggled for much of the season and were firmly planted in the relegation zone but a superb run-in during which they won 7 and drew 3 of 14 games earned them 12th place out of 16. In 2011/12 a good start was made under Alan Dibble who stepped down in September with the team in 5th place, to be replaced by Gareth Morgan. Either side of Christmas, Celtic were 2nd but they had a dismal end of season run and again finished 12th.
In 2012/13 with head coach Della Cheedy at the helm, Celtic started brightly with some fine performances including a 4-2 win versus reigning champions Cambrian & Clydach but they lost their way in the New year and at one stage were in last place. However, with characteristic determination they dragged themselves up the table and sealed another season in the top division with a resounding 5-1 win against Haverfordwest County. Under Steve Morgan in 2013/14 Celtic underperformed finishing 4th from bottom and with Afan Lido relegated from the Welsh Premier League, Celtic were relegated despite appealing to an FAW arbitration. With Della Cheedy back as manager in 2014/15 Celtic finished 7th in Division 2.
In 2009/10 Celtic were front runners destined to win the Championship. However they lost two key defenders at a crucial time and vital points were dropped. Nevertheless Celtic finished their games in 1st place and would win the title if Penrhiwceiber failed to win at Newcastle Emlyn. The home side was 2-0 up at one stage but Ceiber clawed their way back to win 3-2 and deny Celtic the championship. At the end of the season Mickey Copeman stood down after 7 years during which he secured 3 promotions which took the club from Gwent County League to the top division of the Welsh League.
In their first season in the 1st division, 2010/11 under new manager Ben Graham, Celtic struggled for much of the season and were firmly planted in the relegation zone but a superb run-in during which they won 7 and drew 3 of 14 games earned them 12th place out of 16. In 2011/12 a good start was made under Alan Dibble who stepped down in September with the team in 5th place, to be replaced by Gareth Morgan. Either side of Christmas, Celtic were 2nd but they had a dismal end of season run and again finished 12th.
In 2012/13 with head coach Della Cheedy at the helm, Celtic started brightly with some fine performances including a 4-2 win versus reigning champions Cambrian & Clydach but they lost their way in the New year and at one stage were in last place. However, with characteristic determination they dragged themselves up the table and sealed another season in the top division with a resounding 5-1 win against Haverfordwest County. Under Steve Morgan in 2013/14 Celtic underperformed finishing 4th from bottom and with Afan Lido relegated from the Welsh Premier League, Celtic were relegated despite appealing to an FAW arbitration. With Della Cheedy back as manager in 2014/15 Celtic finished 7th in Division 2.
In 2015/16 Nicky Church started as manager but he resigned mid-season. Ex Ton Pentre boss Dean Morris took over, won two manager of the month awards, and guided Celtic to the runners-up position and promotion on the back of 10 straight wins. The club also reached the quarter finals of the Welsh Cup, going down 2-1 after a brave fight at home to WPL side Port Talbot. Josh Bull was the Welsh League’s top scorer with 32 league goals.
In 2016/17, back in the 1st Division, Celtic went top of the league early in the season. Dean Morris resigned in March 2017 and first teamer Lee Challenger took over, winning his first 5 games in charge as the team ended in 6th place, their best position in 5 seasons in the top tier.
In 2017/18 Celtic finished 8th in the league and enjoyed their best ever league cup run, reaching the semi-final before losing to Llanelli Town3-0. Chris Ham was Welsh Division1 player of the season and top scorer with 28 league goals.
In 2018/19 Celtic finished a disappointing 10th in the League with Lee Challenger resigning in March 2019.
In 2019/20, for the inaugural season of the Cymru League South, Celtic installed Nicky Morgan and Simon Truman as the management team. With 9 new signings there was a lot of optimism for a successful season but the team never got going and after a 6-1 drubbing at Pontypridd in January the club regretfully dismissed the management duo. Development team manager James Kinsella took over with Matthew Williams as assistant, the team finishing 13th in a curtailed season due to the pandemic.
In 2020/21 only one game was played, in December 2020/21, a 2-0 defeat at Pontypridd Town in the Nathaniel MG League cup.
First Team Results & Scorers
Mon Jul 25 Briton Ferry/Llansawel * A 2-3 Edwards, McCreesh (P) Fri Jul 29 Llanelli A 1-3 Hanbury Tue Aug 2 Barry Town Utd H 1-4 McCreesh (P) Fri Aug 5 Cwmbran Celtic * H 5-2 Jones C (2), Webber (2), Indjai Fri Aug 12 Taffs Well H 1-1 Jones C Fri Aug 19 Llantwit Major H 2-2 Jones C (P), Indjai Fri Aug 26 Swansea University H 7-1 Webber (3), Keen (2), Griffiths, Jones C Mon Aug 29 Briton Ferry/Llansawel A 1-1 Jones C (P) Sat Sep 3 Pontardawe # H 4-0 McCreesh (P), Keen, Evans , Hanbury Sat Sep 17 Hakin Utd @ H 0-1 Tue Sep 20 Pontypridd * H 2-0 Griffiths, Walters Fri Sep 23 Ammanford H 2-1 Jones C (P), Griffiths Sat Oct 1 Carmarthen Town A 3-0 Keen, Griffiths, Evans Sat Oct 15 Ynyshir Albions # A 0-7 Tue Oct 18 Taffs Well * A 1-2 Keen Sat Oct 22 Goytre United H 2-0 Webber (2) Fri Oct 28 Abergavenny Town A 1-1 McCreesh Sat Nov 5 Pontardawe Town H 3-3 Hanbury (2), Webber Sat Nov 19 Cwmbran Celtic A 4-1 Keen, Thomas, Flay, Owen Sat Nov 26 Briton Ferry/Llansawel H 3-2 Griffiths (2), Webber Tue Dec 6 Ynyshir Albions H 1-0 Griffiths Tue Dec 27 Trefelin H 3-1 Webber, Griffiths, Thomas J Mon Jan 2 Trefelin A 2-2 Webber, Hanbury Sat Jan 7 Abergavenny Town H 1-1 Jones M Fri Jan 13 Cambrian H 1-1 McCreesh (P) Fri Jan 27 Goytre Utd A 5-2 McCreesh (P), Griffiths (2), Nagle, Webber Fri Feb 2 Carmarthen Town H 3-0 Webber, McCreesh (P), Griffiths Sat Feb 11 Pontardawe Town A 2-1 Owen Jones C Fri Feb 17 Cwmbran Celtic H Sat Feb 25 Barry Town Utd A Fri Mar 3 Llanelli H Fri Mar 17 Swansea University A Sat Mar 11 Taffs Well A Sat Mar 25 Llantwit Major A Fri Mar 31 Ammanford A Fri Apr 7 Cambrian A Mon Apr 10 Ynyshir Albions A
Cymru South Division
Scorers
League Cup Total Pens .
P W D L F A W D L F A PTS Barry Town Utd 20 9 0 1 28 8 8 1 1 19 8 52 Briton Ferry 21 7 4 0 33 6 6 1 3 25 19 44 Llanelli 19 7 2 2 21 10 6 1 1 18 9 42 Afan Lido 21 7 5 1 30 17 4 3 1 19 11 41 Cambrian 21 6 0 5 25 25 4 4 2 21 15 34 Carmarthen 21 4 2 4 24 20 6 0 5 22 17 32 Llantwit Major 19 5 1 4 17 11 3 1 5 13 17 26 Cwmbran Celtic 18 3 2 3 24 19 4 1 5 20 18 24 Taffs Well 20 4 1 4 17 13 2 5 4 21 25 24 Trefelin 20 3 1 5 19 22 4 1 6 21 23 23 Goytre Utd 20 4 3 5 22 29 2 1 5 8 19 22 Ammanford 18 5 1 4 18 23 0 3 5 9 16 19 Abergavenny 21 2 3 4 12 15 3 1 8 15 34 19 Swansea University 21 2 2 6 11 19 3 2 6 13 30 19 Pontardawe 20 2 0 6 12 18 4 1 7 18 39 19 Ynyshir Albions 18 1 1 5 10 19 1 2 8 11 23 9 Josh Webber 12 2 14 0 Liam Griffiths 10 1 11 0 Chris Jones 7 2 8 3 Liam McCreesh 5 2 7 6 Ben Keen 4 2 6 0 Sean Hanbury 4 1 5 0 Ioan Evans 1 1 2 0 Carlos Indjai 1 1 2 0 Jay Thomas 2 0 2 0 Jordan Edwards 0 1 1 0 Mark Jones 1 0 1 0 Daniel Nagle 1 0 1 0 Ieaun Owen 1 0 1 0 Sacha Walters 0 1 1 0 TOTAL 49 14 63 9
Pen Pictures
Aaron Jones
Represented the Boys Clubs of Wales at all age groups. Played youth football here for a season, also played at Penybont, Cefn Cribwr, Porthcawl Town Athletic and Cornelly United. Re-signed for us in January 2022 from Cefn Cribwr.
Steve Cann
Signed from Briton Ferry Llansawel in October 2017. Signed for them from then Welsh Premier team Port Talbot Town for season 2016/17. South African born he grew up in Briton Ferry and boasts Derby County, Rotherham Utd, Aberystwyth, Carmarthen and Port Talbot as his exclubs. Missed season 2018-19 but re-signed ahead of 2019-20. Left in July 2020 but re-signed in June 2022
Carlos Indjai
Carlos signed for the club ahead of the 2015-16 season from Llantwit Major, also played for Dinas Powys. Is a Wales LD International. Although a winger, he filled in with great success as a full back towards the end of 2017-18 and is now operating as a centre back. Signed for then Welsh Premier Llanelli in July 2018 before re-signing for us in December 2018. Left and joined Newport City before re-signing for the club in January 2022.
Sean Hanbury
Sean progressed through the junior sides within the club before joining Swansea City Academy. Was released at the end of the 2016-17 season and signed for the club in August 2017. Made his debut off the bench at Caerau Ely, made 24 starts scoring 5 goals. Signed for WPL Carmarthen Town in June 2018 before re-signing in June 2019. Left in August 2020 for Trefelin but re-signed again in January 2022.
Chris Jones
Played for Swansea City, Grimsby Town, Neath, TNS, Gloucester City, Port Talbot, and also played for Wales at Under 17,19,21 and semi -pro level. Signed during the 2016-17 season playing a handful of games before joining Carmarthen Town. Re-signed for the club in January 2020. Left July 2020 before re-signing in January 2022
Sacha Walters
Sacha first signed for the club in 2001-02 while we were in the Welsh Premier and made 56 starts scoring 27 goals in a 4 year spell. After the club was relegated he left and played for several Welsh Premier clubs before re-signing in August 2016. Brings a wealth of experience to the side. Joined Briton Ferry/Llansawel in 2021 before moving on to Trefelin. Re-signed for the Lido in August 2022.
Daniel Dima
Signd in July 2022 , previous clubs include Newport City and Llanrumny United.
Daniel Nagel
Signd in September 2022 from Ynysygerwn, has also played for Goytre United.
Sam Baker
Signed in January 2022 from Briton Ferry Llansawel for whom he played for many seasons. Also played for Tata Steel, Giants Grave, Port Talbot and Ton Pentre. Signed for Goytre United in August 2022. Re-signed for the club in January 2023.
Ben Keen
Pen Pictures (Cont)
Ben joined us in September 2020 signing from Penybont. Also played for Porthcawl. Signed for Llantwit Major in August 2021 before re-signing in January 2022.
Josh Webber
Signed in 2014, previous clubs include Pontardawe and Neath. In 2014-15 Josh represented the Wales under 18’s semi-professional side against the Republic of Ireland. He has also represented the Boys Clubs of Wales, was the outfield player in a tournament in Germany.
Owen Williams
Owen signed for the club in 2013 from Tata Steel. Made his full debut at Bala in the Welsh Premier League. Transferred away early in 2017-18 but re-signed in February 2018. Joined Port Talbot in November 2018. Re-signed for the club in August 20021.
Ioan Evans
Signed in September 2020 from Cardiff Met; has also played for AFC Llwydcoed. Managers player of the year for season 2021-22.
Liam Griffiths
Joined us in August 2021 from Goytre United. Scored on his debut against Briton Ferry. Previous clubs include Pontardawe Town and Carmarthen Town. Won Players player and Supporters player of the year for 2021-22.
Bradley Flay
Signed in August 2019. Had spells with the Cardiff City, Newport County and Nike Academies. As a senior player has played for Wrexham, Penybont, Monmouth and Cardiff Met. Has a Welsh Schools cap, represented Welsh Universities and been on the bench in a Europa League tie. Also trialled at Ross County. Is a Masters student in sports coaching and holds a UEFA B licence. Signed for Goytre Utd in July 2020 before re-signing for the club in August 2022.
Ieuan Owen
Signed in September 2022. Previous clubs include Porthcawl Town and Bettws.
Travis James
Signed in July 2022. Previous clubs include Cwmamman United, Llanelli and Pontardawe Town.
Connor Harris
Played a handful of games in the Welsh Premier League before leaving. Played for a number of local sides before re-signing in July 2021 from Port Talbot.
AFAN LIDO v Cwmbran Celtic
AARON JONES LEWIS WATKINS
STEVE CANN KIAN BODENHAM
SAM BAKER DOMINIC CONNOR
DANNY DINA ANDREW HEWITT
IOAN EVANS JORDAN MEANEY
BRAD FLAY JOSHUA RIPPON
LIAM GRIFFITHS SHAUN MOSS
JACKSON HALL ANDREW LARCOMBE
JOHN HALL LEWIS ISLES
SEAN HANBURY THOMAS MEECHAM
TRAVIS JAMES ALEX MCDOWELL
CHRIS JONES JOSHUA WINSTONE
BEN KEEN TYLER BROOM
LIAM MCCREESH HARRISON LEWIS
DANIEL NAGLE COLIN DOOLAN
IEUAN OWEN ADRIAN MAGUIRE
SACHA WALTERS
JOSH WEBBER
MANAGER MANAGER
PAUL EVANS JAMES KINSELLA
ASSISTANT MANAGER ASSISTANT MANAGER
PAUL REID MATTHEW WILLIAMS
PLAYER COACH COACH
CHRIS JONES SAM LEWIS
PHYSIO FIRST AID
LEIGHTON JONES CONOR JAMES
Referee – Jack Stuckey
Assistants – James Olyott and Cilan Thomas
Next games — Barry Town United Saturday February 25th at 2.30 pm
Llanelli Town Friday March 3rd at 7.30 pm
