Undy AFC vs Treowen Stars AFC - Saturday 21st October

UNDY AFC Matchday Programme - £2 (also available online)

Undy AFC vs Treowen Stars AFC - Ardal South East League

Saturday 21st October at 2.30pm

Welcome to the Causeway

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Ground: The Causeway, Undy, Monmouthshire, NP26 3EW Telephone: 01633 881352 Website: www.undyafc.co.uk/ Facebook: Undy AFC Twitter: @UndyAFC Club Shop: https://www.totalteamwearuk.com/clientshops/undyafc/ Club Chairman: Jim Roberts First Team Manager: Lewis Thomas

Secretary: Matt Elliot - seniorsfixturessecretary@undyafc.co.uk

Main Club Sponsor

Junior Football Contact: Karl Luton - karlluton@undyafc.co.uk

A Message from the Boardroom Dave O'Shaughnessy - Vice Chairman at Undy AFC Good afternoon and welcome to The Causeway, the home of Undy AFC. Today, we invite our Vice-Chair, Dave O’Shaughnessy, to give us an update on off-field progress and plans for the rest of the season and beyond.

Tell us a bit about your background and your involvement with Undy AFC? I’ve been involved with Undy since 2017 when the girls’ section was started up, moving from parent-helper, to coaching 2 or 3 teams and onto the Juniors’ Secretary role, before becoming Vice-Chair in June of this year. Away from the club, I’ve lived in Undy for 20 years after being posted to MoD Abbeywood whilst I was serving in the Royal Navy. We really liked living in the village and decided to stay and bring up our young family. I left the Navy in 2012 and I now work for Amey, leading a technical team that maintains and upgrades buildings across the UK. My wife Sam runs the FAW’s Huddle programme here at Undy, and both of my daughters play for the club too. Finally, I’m a football man, I’ve played all over the world with the Navy, but the seeds were sown at a grassroots football club back in Manchester that was very similar to Undy.

It’s fair to say that I feel at home here!

What has been the main focus of your role since becoming Vice-Chair?

We took over with the club in a good position, so the focus since has been around building on that strong foundation and looking to the future. We have engaged with the FAW’s regional football club development officer to help us maximise any grant funding available from the FAW and other funds.We have also retained our FAW Platinum Club status, which helps us demonstrate our good governance and makes it easier to work with external bodies. Any grant applications need to reflect the diversity in our community, which is a key part of the FAW’s inclusion goals, so it is really pleasing to see our senior Women’s team now established in the league, and recent initiatives like our inaugural Autism-

friendly football sessions come into the football offering here at the club. On the environmental front, we recently benefitted from a comprehensive energy survey, conducted by Amey as part of their social value campaign, which has already seen significant costsavings in how the club consumes energy and utilities, with more to come.

It looks like there is a lot going on behind the scenes, how would you like all this effort to come to fruition?

The simple answer is that we’d like to enable as many members of our community as possible to continue to play, watch and enjoy sport here at the club, supported by an efficient and sustainable clubhouse with a vibrant social programme. The refurbishment of the Causeway Bar over the summer, largely completed by volunteer members, was a key 1st step and we are now embarking on the next phase to include options to upgrade the toilets and changing rooms, amongst other requirements. Our environmental, social and governance efforts will all come together in our club development plan and hopefully build more good foundations for the future growth of the Club.

What are your hopes for the rest of the season?

I hope we can have a really successful season, on and off the pitch, at all levels across the club and continue to progress our longerterm plans. We have a fantastic team of volunteers that drive this club forward, many of whom you will see in our match day team today. As long as they all continue to enjoy what they do, and we continue to work well together, we will be in a great position to provide for success on the pitch. As our Chairman said in his first set of programme notes, we have a lot to be positive about!

Dave

Undy AFC - Our Club History

Gareth Cullimore, James Barnes and Dan Jarman, all in action during the 2022/23 season.

Undy A.F.C. was formed in 1947 by Joe Champion, Lambert Bird, Harry Hodges and others. The changing facilities were in Undy Church Hall, using a tin bath for washing. During the period between 1947 and 1962 the Argus Shield was won three times. Unfortunately in 1962 the club was disbanded, due to lack of support.

Having gained entry to the Gwent County League, the Gwent County Motors Cup was won in 2004, and with a continual improvement of our first team, we became an established Gwent County Division one side, before beginning to set our sights on a place in the Welsh League.

1970 saw a reformation, the driving force behind this, amongst others, were John King, Percy Pope,Malcolm Pope, our president Mr. J.Smith, and the tote organiser Bob Scrivens, the tote keeping the club on a firm financial setting for more than 10 years.

In 2010/2011, under the management team of Mark Crook and Jason Davies, we fulfilled our ambition by being crowned Division one Champions and gaining promotion into the Welsh Football League. Our time in The Welsh League has been a successful one, with us winning the Third Division in our first season, and gaining promotion to Division two.

From 1970 to 1981 Undy Football Club operated without any team managers, a selection committee picked the teams every week. The first manager taken on by the club, in 1981 was Dave Segal. During the mideighties Undy United F.C. took over the management of the Playing Fields from Undy Playing Fields Association, changing our name from Undy United to Undy A.F.C. In 1992, the football club poured its first pint of beer in its new clubhouse, by obtaining its licence to sell alcohol. 1996 saw the project to extend the clubhouse, providing us with new changing facilities, and more recently in 2005 the development of our new pitch. Our colours changed during this period to the Red that the whole club wears today.

In 2015/16, now under the management of Laurence Owen, with Crook as Director of football, we achieved our objective, and gained promotion to the top tier of Welsh League football.

Our stay in the Cymru South division came to an end after relegation in the 2021/22 season. We finished the 2022/23 season in the Ardal South East league in third position, just five points behind Abertillery Bluebirds AFC. First Team Honours: Gwent County League Division One: 2010–11, Welsh Football League Division Three: 2011–12

Your Undy AFC Squad 2023/24

Photos by Jason Anderson

Sam Burden

Tom Wright

Brad Hanbury

Kane Jellyman

James Barnes

Harris Thomas

Paul Clayton

Sam Broadribb

Ollie Smith

Dan Jarman

Chris Parry

Tyrone Tucker-Dixon

James Gidney

Alex Jarman

Dan Tozer

Other First Teamers: Ryan Hudson Sam Thomas Elliot George Frank Kobina Barnard Gwion Lloyd-Jones Jack Roberts

Our Visitors - Treowen Stars AFC Treowen Stars were formed in 1926 in the village of Treowen, near Newbridge, and played most of their early football in the Abertillery & District and West Monmouthshire Leagues.

It was in the early 70’s under the chairmanship of Archie Davies that Treowen by now in the Monmouthshire Senior League planted the seeds of success. In 1973, new changing rooms were erected just below the field, at Bush Park, largely paid for with proceeds of a very successful Tote, run by the Committee at the time. It wasn’t until 1984 that the club was given licence to sell alcohol on the premises. It didn’t take long though to reconstruct the inside of the building, since a very strong social element had been very instrumental in keeping the club going financially.

In 1980 the Gwent County League had been formed from a merger of the Monmouthshire Senior League and the Gwent Premier League. In 1985-86, Treowen Stars won promotion from Division 3 of the Gwent County League and started the climb up the ladder. In 1990-91, Treowen gained promotion from Division 2 and a year later clinched the Division 1 title at the first attempt. This was at the time of the introduction of the Pyramid system and Treowen were offered a place in the Welsh League. Within weeks the required ground improvements were completed and Treowen entered the Welsh League.

the club also suffered relegation consecutively in 2000-01 and 2001-02.

Three seasons of top 10 finishes followed in Division 3 before Treowen Stars were relegated from the Welsh League at the end of 2005-06 to the Gwent County, losing out by just a point to Cwmbran Celtic and Llantwit Fardre. However, the club bounced back in 2009-10 winning Gwent County Division 1 with a return to the Welsh League Division 3 the reward.

This is where the club remained until the pyramid restructuring in 2019-20, saw Treowen Stars compete in the final season of Welsh League Division 2, where they finished in 13th place on the points per game average due to the pandemic.

The club now have an active junior section with teams from Under 8’s to youth level, both boys and girls and are currently fundraising to improve facilities at Bush Park, one of the most characteristic grounds in Wales with 54 steps up to the pitch. They now take their place in Ardal Southern League, South East Division having gained Tier 3 criteria for 2021-22 under manager Dean Randall.

In 1992-93, the clubs first season in the Welsh League, the Stars won Division 3 by March, winning 21 and drawing 4 of the 26 league games. The following year Treowen won promotion again, this time finishing runners-up, losing out on goal difference to Taffs Well. In the same season, 199394 they also finished runners-up in the Welsh League Cup losing to Barry Town at Coychurch Road, Bridgend.

The next four seasons from 1994 to 1998 would see Treowen Stars become an established top six Welsh League Division 1 side, finishing in 6th, 5th, 4th & 4th positions respectively. The club also won the Welsh League Cup in 1998, 4-3 after extra time against BP Llandarcy once again in Bridgend. While between 1997 and 2003 the club would reach the last 32 of the Welsh Cup on 4 occasions. However,

Bush Park - the home of Treowen Stars AFC

A Word from the Dugout Lewis Thomas

We return to action this weekend We are starting to welcome back some following the disappointment of losing of our long term injured players to Aberbargoed last Friday. This was the including Dan Tozer , Dan Jarman and third game in a row that we have Giancarlo Gabbiadini - with these . reinforcing our already strong starting conceded very late goals and this is something that we need to put right as eleven and we will look to build another our performances warrant much better strong run and hopefully have results than we have been getting something to show for our lately. performances with more points on the board.

We were very disappointed to come away from Aberbargoed with nothing following On that note - we look forward to another dominant performance with all welcoming our visitors Treowen Stars three of their goals coming from our own today. We had some close games making. We need to ensure that we against them last season with a win become more ruthless when on top in apiece for each side. Ironically it was games and convert more of the Tyrone (Tucker-Dixon) who scored the opportunities that we are creating as well winner when he was playing for as maintaining our focus in the later stages Treowen when they visited the in games.

Causeway in January.

Notable performances in that game were Tyrone Tucker-Dixon who led the front line well, Harris Thomas who scored 2 goals from Left wing and Bradley Hanbury who made some great opportunities when he came off the bench.

Our opponents sit just two places behind us in the league, so we know we are in for another close game - but we know a win will be really important. Only three points on Saturday will do!

Thank you for you support.

Lewis

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UNDY BUILDING & TIMBER SUPPLIES

WEST END FARM, UNDY, CALDICOT, NP26 3EN

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Player Interview - Dan Tozer

The newly refurbished Causeway Bar opened its doors to the public on Friday (11th) night.

It was a fantastic atmosphere and we enjoyed live music from singer Chris Lee. Come on down and sample the atmosphere in the new-look bar!

Check out our a new wine list and our usual brands at great prices.

Dan in action during the 2021/22 season

Before last month’s Severnside Derby against Caldicot Town, the last Undy fans saw of Dan Tozer was during the final game of the 2021/22 Cymru South season.

Since then, he has had a frustrating spell in the treatment room with a lengthy injury – but he is now back amongst the first team, having started in the last two games and making significant contributions in the two prior to that as a sub.

Commenting on the injury, he said: “The physio was always very honest with me about the severity of the damage I’d done, and the amount of time that would mean on the sidelines. It was very hard to accept initially.

“Inevitably there were setbacks during the 17 months, and sometimes the end didn’t feel like it was getting any closer. I tried to not get too high with the highs or too low with the lows.

“Talking to the other lads like Gian, Sam and Jarm who were also out at the same time with long term injuries was really helpful for me.

They understood the difficulties and frustrations I was feeling.”

Talking about his return to action, he said he was “over the moon” to be back and contributing, which included a stunning strike away to Goytre. “It’s a great feeling pulling the shirt on and I certainly won’t be taking it for granted,” Dan added.

Previewing today’s game against Treowen, he commented: “We’ll be going out there with the intention of winning, like every other week.

“I think they’ll look to make the game into a physical battle and prevent us from playing the type of football we’d like to, which a lot of teams tend to do when coming to us.

“The Abercarn game in particular has shown if we’re poor and don’t turn up, teams will come and turn us over, so we need to be at it. Regardless of that, it’s a perfect chance for us to start righting the wrongs of the past few weeks and getting back to the levels we know we’re capable of as a squad.”

Undy go into today’s game off the back of two defeats. Dan said the league position wasn’t good enough. He said however: “The great thing about this league is a few positive results can fire you up the table, so we’ll be looking to put the last few results behind us and climb back up the table.”

Match Report - Severnside Derby Undy AFC 4 vs 2 Caldicot Town AFC - Saturday 16th September 2023 Two late goals, one from Harris Thomas and a spectacular strike from Tom Wright gave Undy the bragging rights over Caldicot Town in an enthralling Severnside Derby.

With the game heading for a draw, Thomas grabbed his second and his team’s third on eighty six minutes and Wright who was brilliant throughout, rounded off what was a well-deserved win with a goal in injury time.

The home side were ahead after only six minutes when Thomas seized on some hesitation by Harvey Cochrane, and after taking a few touches, his shot took a deflection and passed Matthew Sandiford.

Even though they weren’t carving out too many chances, Undy were looking sharper and getting the better of their opponents, especially in the middle of the park.

As half time approached though, their hard work was unfortunately undone when James Barnes put a Lyes Mihoubi cross through his own net.

Manager Lewis Thomas decided to change it up at the break with Alex Jarman coming on for defender Sam Thomas and midfielder Ollie Smith moving to the left of the back five.

The first chance of the second forty five fell to Caldicot – striker Laurent Ngunjoh saw his low shot go just the wrong side of the post.

Minutes later, Jarman who was returning to the squad following an injury against Brecon, ran at the visitors’ defence and was brought down by Mathew James. Referee Jack Stuckey had no option but to award a penalty.

Barnes stepped up and hit the spot kick straight down the middle – and despite Sandiford getting a hand to it, the power he struck it with saw Undy go ahead. It was the 35-year-old’s sixth goal in seven league games.

He was then involved in some neat play when he played it out to Kane Jellyman on the right flank. The wing back’s cross was an inviting one and Brad Hanbury was just inches away from connecting to make it three.

Like the first period, they were unable to hold their lead. Some below par defending found Ngunjoh through on goal and in space and he did the rest to make it all square.

Undy made the mistake again only a few minutes later, but this time he was unable to beat Sam Burden, who made a strong save with his hands and parry it away.

Just prior to that, Dan Jarman and Dan Tozer were brought on, both of whom were returning to the team after lengthy spells on the sidelines through injury. For the latter, it was his first league appearance at the Causeway in over a year.

It was arguably their introductions, along with Jarman (Alex) earlier on, who helped turn the game back in Undy’s favour again as they found a new momentum. This time they made it count.

First Tozer linked up with Jarman (Alex), who played it across to Thomas. Sandiford denied him from close range with the first attempt, but he was quick to react and followed it up to score and make it three.

They weren’t finished there and added their fourth in stoppage time. They saved the best to last, when from distance Wright curled in a strike into the top corner of the net. It was the icing on the cake and sent the fans into raptures.

.

Undy AFC: Burden, Jellyman, Thomas (Jarman), Barnes, Parry, George (Tozer), Wright, Smith, Gidney (Lloyd Jones), H Thomas (Gabbiadini), Hanbury (D Jarman) 2019

2022

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Your Welsh Sports Roundup Some of the latest sport stories around Wales

GATLAND: HEAD COACH AIMS TO LEAD WALES THROUGH TO 2027 WORLD CUP (BBC WALES) Head coach Warren Gatland says he wants to take Wales through to the 2027 World Cup in Australia.

Gatland led Wales to a fourth quarter-final at this year's World Cup, where they lost to Argentina in Marseille. Gatland indicated he was keen to carry on immediately after the Argentina defeat, but he was more definitive at a press conference in Wales on Wednesday.

"I'm excited about what we can start doing as a group going into 2027," said Gatland.

When asked whether he wanted to go through until 2027, the New Zealander added: "That's the plan.

"When you look at it, we've got such a small playing base we've got to look at how we bring these youngsters on and develop the likes of Sam Costelow, Taine Plumtree and Jac Morgan, we've got some exciting second-rows and backs coming through.

"We've got an opportunity to bring some youngsters in and build on the cycle to 2027 with players having 50, 60, 70 caps behind them."

"When you look at the potential we've got as a nucleus, and some in their 20s as well, we can be excited [about] what we can achieve over the next three or four years."

WORLD RALLY : ELFYN EVANS MAINTAINS PRESSURE ON LEADER ROVANPERA (BBC WALES) Welshman Elfyn Evans maintained the pressure on World Rally Championship leader Kalle Rovanpera by finishing a place above him at Rally Chile.

Evans stays second in the table, 31 points behind Finland's Rovanpera, after the pair finished third and fourth respectively.

Estonia's Ott Tanak won, while a crash for Finland's Teemu Suninen ensured Evans' podium.

League Table First Round Games

Results - 13th/14th October P

W

D

L

Pts

Aberbargoed Buds FC 3 1

9

Trethomas Bluebirds AFC

9

0

0

27

Undy AFC 2

2

10

Caldicot Town FC

6

1

3

19

Goytre AFC 0 Newport City 5

3

10

Goytre AFC

6

1

3

19

Lliswerry AFC 4 4

10

Risca United AFC

5

2

3

17

Blaenavon Blues 0

5

10

Tredegar Town FC

5

1

4

16

Tredegar Town AFC 2 Caldicot Town FC 0

6

8

Newport City FC

5

0

3

15

Treowen Stars 0

7

10

Aberbargoed Buds FC

5

0

5

15

8

10

Undy AFC

4

1

5

13

1

4

13

1

5

10

Risca United AFC 2

21st October Blaenavon Blues FC vs

9

9

Brecon Corries AFC

4

10

9

Treowen Stars AFC

3

Hay St Marys FC Chepstow Town FC vs Goytre AFC

11

10

Lliswerry AFC

3

1

6

10

Caldicot Town FC vs

12

10

Blaenavon Blues

3

0

7

9

Lliswerry AFC Newport City FC

13

14

7

7

Chepstow Town FC

2

Abercarn United FC

2

2

3

8

vs Abercarn United FC

2

3

8

Brecon Corries vs

15

8

Treharris Athletic Western FC

2

0

6

6

Aberbargoed Buds FC Undy AFC

16

7

Hay St Marys FC

1

1

5

4

vs Treowen Stars AFC

Undy AFC vs Treowen Stars AFC from the Causeway Red Shirts, Black Shorts and Red Socks

Blue Shirts, Blue Shorts and Blue socks

Cael Jones Sam Burden Henry Mollard Jamal Roberts Tom Wright Tye Duggan Brad Hanbury Ross Jolliffe Kane Jellyman Craig McDonnell Tyrone Tucker-Dixon Ellis Hibbert James Barnes Corey Jenkins Harris Thomas Simon Prangley Paul Clayton Morgan Evans Sam Broadribb Ryan Hudson Jacob James Dan Tozer Elliot Williams Ollie Smith Brooklyn Frayne Dan Jarman Darcie Sims Sam Thomas Owen Davies Chris Parry Peter Thomas James Gidney Benjamin Jones Elliot George Aaron Thomas Frank Kobina Barnard Show Racism the Red Card Tommy James Gwion Lloyd-Jones Alex Jarman Christian Davies Jack Roberts Shane Brewer Referee: Joseph Gibson Giancalo Gabbiadini Carter Campbell Linesman: Gary Webber and Leigh Carrick Thomas Barraclough Lewis Coote First Team Manager: Lewis Thomas First Team Manager : D Randall Assistant Manager: Steve Lowndes Assistant Manager: M Hughes Mark Crook

Next at the Causeway

Saturday 11th November Lliswerry AFC

Saturday 25th November Blaenavon Blues FC