Bala Town vs Barry Town Matchday Programme

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THE OFFICIAL MATCHDAY PROGRAMME OF BALA TOWN FOOTBALL CLUB

@?J?? RMU L

SATURDAY 23RD APRIL 2021

VS BARRY TOWN

NIGEL’S NOTES The roller coaster of a season continues to inflict a mixture of pleasure and pain on all of us in Bala and this was again emphasised by our last 2 results which produced a myriad of sensations to the few people lucky enough to witness the matches.

We were hugely disappointing in the first half of last Saturdays fixture against Caernarfon but then turned round a half time deficit to send our visitors away with their tails between their legs.

Then on Tuesday, in what is always the toughest of matches we battled tremendously well for 86 minutes to keep a clean sheet only to have our hopes of sharing the points dashed by 2 very late goals. However our overall performances should give us a good deal of confidence as we head towards this crucial fixture at Maes Tegid this afternoon. We are hosts to our closest rivals for that

crucial 3rd place and a win today would cement the prospects of another return to European football. That is certainly easier said than done as we face a team who battered us to our worst defeat of the season only a month ago in Barry. I am confident that there will be no repeat of that performance but we will have to be at our very best to secure the invaluable points on offer today. It is certainly crunch time in this very demanding season and at the end of a year which we all would never want to see again. As I repeatedly say it is a very challenging time for all involved with the Club and all would wish for a serious break between this season and next to help to recharge the batteries which are definitely running on empty!

Let us hope for the return soon of spectators, that the onerous Covid protocols can be banished to the bin and a semblance of normality can return.

Nigel Aykroyd, Chief Executive

GWASANAETH PÊL-DROED DIGURO UNBEATABLE ON WELSH FOOTBALL CYNGHRAIR Y CENHEDLOEDD UEFA 2020 UEFA NATIONS LEAGUE 2020 CYMRU PREMIER JD CWPAN CYMRU JD JD WELSH CUP CWPAN NATHANIEL MG NATHANIEL MG CUP UWCH GYNGHRAIR MERCHED CYMRU WELSH PREMIER WOMEN’S LEAGUE

O F F I C I A L

B A L L

S U P P L I E R

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OPPONENT - BARRY TOWN EST. 1912 HOME: JENNER PARK ABOUT BARRY TOWN Barry Town United Football Club is a team based in Barry, Wales. They are known for representing Wales in Europe as winners of the Cymru Premier and Welsh Cup during the 1990s and early 2000s and have also competed in England's Southern League and FA Cup. The team, which has contained more than 50 full internationals, is now run by supporters. They play at their traditional home of Jenner Park, Barry, which holds 3,500 spectators.

Barry Town United AFC’s storied history dates back to 1892 when an association football team named Barry and Cadoxton District was formed in the area. During the early years, this side endured many upheavals, playing on five different grounds under various identities, including Barry Unionist Athletic, Barry United Athletic and Barry District.

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Welsh League for a year, before Players who featured during these years included Ted Vizard and Billy Jennings; who would each go on to play in the ‘White Horse’ FA Cup Final.

On 7 May 2013, mere weeks after their heroic Welsh Cup exit, Stuart Lovering moved to withdraw the senior team from the Welsh League, against the will of the BTSC, players and supporters; who were ready, willing and able to fulfill the remaining two league fixtures (both against Ton Pentre).

Rejecting this perceived act of sabotage, those running the football outlined their intentions to continue as they were, adopting the United suffix to help symbolise their continuing unity and endeavour.

However, a meeting of the FAW Council in Betws-y-Coed determined the team would have to play “recreational football” instead; a declaration that was met with widespread outcry.

In the years that followed this landmark struggle, Barry would go and win two consecutive Welsh League titles, reclaiming their rightful place in the second tier and continuing to develop as a club, both on and off the pitch; adopting new youth, academy, female and pan-disability sections.

Then, in April 2017, the club secured its return to the JD Welsh Premier League as Welsh League Division One champions.

ALEX RAMSAY

ANDREW BURNS

SEAN SMITH

NATHAN PEATE

ANTHONY STEPHENS

JONNY SPITTLE

RYAN PRYCE

WILL EVANS

HENRY JONES

KIERAN SMITH

STEVE LESLIE

DANIEL GOSSET

JACK MACKRETH

SHAUN KELLY

LASSANA MENDES

CHRIS VENABLES

OLIVER SHANNON

RAUL CORREIA

LIAM DAVIES

HARRI LLOYD

ANTONY KAY

PREVIOUS FIXTURE Two late goals hands us defeat in Deeside.

CONNAH’S QUAY NOMADS 2 BALA TOWN 0

After the remarkable comeback on the weekend against Gwynedd Rivals Caernarfon Town, we'd head out on the road again this mid-week, with a trip to the Champions on Tuesday Night (20/04/21).

The Nomads are currently level on points with The New Saints at the top of the pile, with The New Saints on top on goal difference, as they have a much greater goal difference than the Nomads, therefore it was a must win for the hosts! On the other hand, we also have our mission of securing European Football for another year, by holding on to third place in the league table, as Barry Town and Penybont are right behind us, therefore there's no room for error!

The match got underway with a changed defensive line, as Jonny Spittle slotted in at right back, and Nathan Peate returning to the starting line up, partnering up with Anthony Stephens as the center pack pairing.

Henry Jones curled in a dangerous ball from a free kick early on, but his ball towards the back post was headed out by the Nomads defence.

On 23 minutes the hosts came very close to taking the lead. Danns got on the end of a ball into the box, with plenty of room to head the ball into the net, he headed the ball into the floor and managed to see his effort bounce over the bar.

A mistake by Alex Ramsay saw Chris Venables spare his blushes, as the Captain cleared the ball off the line and out for a corner.

Henry Jones appealed for a penalty after he looked to have been brought down inside the box, but the referee waved play on.

As we entered into added time, the hosts almost took the lead, as a shot from the edge of the box from Poole just missed the post and went out for a goal kick.

The whistle went to bring a dull first half to an end. Both teams created little chances throughout the first half, despite the hosts having a few chances to go into the lead.

All to play for in the second half!

The second half got underway, and the Nomads' intentions were clear, as they hoofed the ball into the box, hoping for a flick on, but luckily for us Ramsay came out to punch the ball away from danger.

We had another shout for a penalty as Jonny Spittle was brought down in the box, but the referee waved away the appeals again.

It was a much better start to the second half, with Bala posing a more attacking threat, especially down the right hand side, however we struggled to have a clear cut opportunity at goal.

Raul Correia tried the spectacular with an overhead kick, but his effort was sliced out and the hosts cleared the ball.

On 66 minutes the hosts had a great chance to take the lead, as Horan got on the end of a corner, yet his header went wide of the post.

Henry Jones did well to win the ball back in his own half, and made his way down the wing until Callum Morris took him out to concede a free kick, which won the Nomads number 8 a yellow card.

Aeron Edwards also received a yellow card minutes later for a foul on Kieran Smith.

Alex Ramsay had to be on his toes to keep out two efforts from both Wilde and Insall in the space of two minute, with just 10 minutes to go.

The hosts had us camped in our own half for the remaining minutes of the game, and all their pressure lead to a goal. Declan Poole hit a tame shot from outside the box which evaded all bodies inside the box and headed into the bottom left corner passed Ramsay. A poor goal to concede, after holding out for so long to concede to a tame effort from outside the area.

Only five minutes later and the Nomads wrapped the game up, as a cross from the left hand side was swung in towards Horan, who had an easy task of heading passed Ramsay, after he lost his marker. 2-0 to the hosts, going into added time.

The final whistle came to signal a disappointing night for the Lakesiders, as two late goals cost us dearly. A tough game against the Champions, especially at their ground as well which made things that little more harder for us. However we stayed eight points clear of Barry Town, as they were held to a 3-3 draw at Jenner Park against Penybont, which keeps us in a good position coming into Saturday's crunch game against Barry Town at Maes Tegid!

PREVIOUS FIXTURE

CONNAH’S QUAY NOMADS 2 BALA TOWN 0

Yellow Cards: Raul Correia (27), Sean Smith (81) Substitutions: Steven Leslie (79), Danny Gosset (90+1), Ryan Pryce (90+1), Andrew Burns (90+2)

#1

CHRIS VENABLES 24 APPS 21 GOALS 2 ASSIST

#2

WILL EVANS 25 APPS 13 GOALS 3 ASSISTS

#3

STEVE LESLIE 13 APPS 4 GOALS 6 ASSISTS

#4

LASSANA MENDES 16 APPS 2 GOALS 7 ASSISTS

16

FIXTURES

CHAMPIONS CONFERENCE FIXTURES SAT 10 APR TUES 13 APR SAT 17 APR TUES 20 APR SAT 24 APR WED 28 APR SAT 01 MAY TUES 04 MAY SAT 08 MAY SAT 18 MAY

THE NEW SAINTS PENYBONT FC CAERNARFON CQ NOMADS BARRY TOWN CQ NOMADS BARRY TOWN CAERNARFON PENYBONT FC THE NEW SAINTS

0-1 L 2-3 W 5-2 W 0-2 L H H A A H A

SPONSORS

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SMITHY GARAGE Bala Town are so grateful for the tremendous support which Smithy Garage of Dyffryn Ardudwy have given the Club over so many years. We are delighted that they continue to sponsor the Club's playing shorts and last year went a huge step further when they kindly agreed to sponsor our Academy's Head of Coaching car.

This is so important for the development of our youth players and for the roll which he provides to our Community programmes.

Smithy Garage offers a whole range of vehicle services and we would be delighted if our supporters could look them up whenever there is any vehicular requirements. Car/Van sales, MOT's, Servicing, Body Repair etc!

Thank you most sincerely on behalf of us all at Maes Tegid.

Long may our relationship together continue!

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PLAYER SPONSORS Player Sponsorship is on a first come first served basis.

First team players £75.00 and at the end of the season, you will receive their match-worn shirt (home or away).

Higher bids or offers will be accepted. Once the money has been paid, the sponsorship is sold and no further offers will be accepted.

Andrew Burns – Emma Whitehouse Raul Correia – Gwyn & Jackie Penucha Colin Caton – Ado Vogt & Gee Gi, Liechtenstein Ffiona Evans – Arwel, Michelle, Hannah & Naomi Will Evans – Sion and John Roberts Stephen Fisher – Ado Vogt & Gee Gi, Liechtenstein Danny Gosset – Brian and Teresa Whitehouse

Henry Jones – Cigydd Bala Butcher – www.balabutcher.co.uk Steve Leslie – Evan Horwood Harri Lloyd – Felix Ospelt, Vaduz Lassana Mendes – Lee, George, Chris & Foxy Lee Molyneux – Ado Vogt & Gee Gi, Liechtenstein Nathan Peate – Kevin Swire Alex Ramsay – Cigydd Bala Butcher – www.balabutcher.co.uk Ollie Shannon – Ado Vogt & Gee Gi, Liechtenstein Kieran Smith – Jonah Armstrong Sean Smith – Peter Spitzmaul Jonny Spittle – Ado Vogt & Gee Gi, Liechtenstein Anthony Stephens – Katie & Matthew Spitzmaul Ryan Valentine – Top Personalised Gifts – www.toppersonalisedgifts.co.uk Chris Venables – Barry Yates & Stewart Venables Llyr Morris – Clwyd Williams, Family Butchers Llandyrnog Liam Davies – TBC Shaun Kelly – TBC Antony Kay – Marianne Taft

THANK YOU

CHRIS GUNTER

COLUMN BY MACKENZIE THOMAS TWITTER: @MACCAJAC03

The Cymru Centurion

Last month, Chris Gunter made Welsh footballing history by becoming the first Welshman to win 100 caps for Wales.

The 31-year-old captained his country to a 1-0 win over

Mexico in a tragic empty Cardiff City Stadium as his side recorded their first ever victory over the Mexican’s.

Newport-born Gunter started his club career with Cardiff City before moves to Tottenham Hotspur, Nottingham Forest and Reading. Now he is still going strong with Charlton Athletic in Sky Bet League One. A cult hero within the Red Wall, Gunter became Wales’ most capped player in November 2018. He captained Wales for the second time in surpassing Neville Southall’s 92-cap mark in an International friendly against Albania.

It’s fair to say that his connection and passion with the welsh supporters is something but incredible, despite overcoming the biggest of hurdles and enjoying the

highest of heights in his current 14-year reign with the National Team. From 6-1 defeats to Serbia, lack of qualification for major tournaments, Gunter has always been a stalwart figure, being there when his country has always called upon him.

Known as Mr consistent, Gunter was a 17-year-old at Cardiff City when he made his Wales debut against New Zealand in May 2007. Gunter played the first half of a 2-2 friendly draw at Wrexham, which also marked the debut of record goalkeeper cap holder Wayne Hennessey. Current national team manager Ryan Giggs also started that game in his penultimate Wales appearance.

Now he joins some of the most iconic figures in Welsh football including the likes of John Charles, Gareth Bale and Ian Rush to ever grace the historic Welsh jersey.

Gunter’s composure and experience played a vital part in Wales qualifying for Euro 2016, the country’s first major tournament for 58 years. He played right wing-back as manager Chris Coleman opted for a three-man central defence as Wales reached the semi-finals.

Before that, he made a remarkable 63 consecutive appearances for Wales between February 2011 and September 2018, including featuring in every qualifier and finals match in Euro 2016.

As well as being the first men’s player to 100 caps, Gunter will always go down in Welsh footballing history for his two memorable moments at Euro 2016.

Firstly, for Wales fans his iconic "chin up" gesture to the Red Wall supporters after their Euro 2016 group stage defeat to Gareth Southgate’s England. In what was just a normal gesture to give supporters believe following the downpour of emotions, became a memorable gesture for Wales’ historic success just weeks later.

And of course, not to forget his magical assist in the quarter-finals against Belgium. His pinpoint cross finding the head of the on-running Sam Vokes to seal a place in the semi- finals of the European Championships.

In what was arguably Wales’ greatest-ever victory in Lille that night, Gunter’s legacy over the years will live long in the memory of welsh football.

Wales’ men record cap holders: 99 - Chris Gunter 94 - Wayne Hennessey 92 - Neville Southall 88 - Gareth Bale 86 - Ashley Williams

COLUMN BY MACKENZIE THOMAS TWITTER: @MACCAJAC03

@?J?? RMU L @?PPWW RMU L VENUE: MAES TEGID BALA KICK OFF: 14.30PM REFEREE: JOHN ANDREW JONES LINESMEN: ANDY HARMS & CONNOR EOIN FOWLER FOURTH OFFICIAL: CHERYL FOSTER MATCH OBSERVER: NATHAN JAMES BREARLEY

MANAGER: COLIN CATON MANAGER: GAVIN CHESTERFIELD ALEX RAMSAY ANDREW BURNS SEAN SMITH NATHAN PEATE ANTHONY STEPHENS JONNY SPITTLE LEE MOLYNEUX WILL EVANS HENRY JONES KIERAN SMITH STEVE LESLIE DANIEL GOSSET KEL SHAUN KELLY LASSANA MENDES CHRIS VENABLES OLIVER SHANNON HARRI LLOYD LIAM DAVIES RYAN PRYCE JACK MACKRETH

MIKE LEWIS LEE IDZI CHRIS HUGH LUKE COOPER LUKE CUMMINGS CURTIS MCDONALD RHYS ABBRUZZESE KYLE PATTEN EVAN PRESS CALLUM SAINTY ROBBIE PATTEN TROY GREENING COTTERIL JORDAN COTTERILL THEO WHARTON MIKEY GEORGE CLAYTON GREEN JAMIE BIRD KAYNE MCLAGGON NATHANIEL JARVIS CURTIS HUTSON KEYON REFELL RHYS KAVANAGH JOSH GRAHAM

@?J?? RMU L SATURDAY 23RD APRIL 2021

VS BARRY TOWN