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IN THIS ISSUE RHIFYN YMA BALA TOWN
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FOOTBALL CLUB Maes Tegid, Castle Street, Bala, Gwynedd, LL23 7UU Rhif Cyswllt / Contact No.: 07818 404516
www.balatownfc.co.uk CYFARWYDDWYR / DIRECTORS
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Nigel Aykroyd, Ruth Crump, Arwel Roberts.
SWYDDOGION / OFFICIALS Rheolwr / Manager: Colin Caton Tim Hyfforddi / Coaching Staff: Stephen Fisher & Ryan Valentine Ffisio / Physio: Ffiona Evans Pennaeth yr Academi / Head of Academy: Carwyn Edwards carwyn.edwards@balatownfc.co.uk Cyfarwyddwr Academi / Academy Administrator: Andy Kelly Llywydd / President: Joe Roberts Llywydd Oes / Honorary Life President: Ted Edwards Cadeirydd / Chairman: Arwel Roberts Is-gadeirydd / Vice Chairman: Ken Edwards Prif Weithredwr / Chief Executive: Nigel Aykroyd Ysgrifennydd Cyffredinol, Cyfarwyddwr Cyllidol a Swyddog Trwyddedu / General Secretary, Finance Director & Licensing Officer: Ruth Crump Penaethiaid Diogelwch / Heads of Security: Sion & John Roberts Cyfarwyddwr Masnachol a Cyhoeddwr / Commercial Director & Announcer: Arwel Lloyd Jones Swyddog Diogelu Plant / Child Protection Officer: Dewi Wyn Evans Ffotograffydd y Clwb / Club Photographer: Naomi Jones Swyddog y Wasg a Swyddog y Cefnogwyr / Media Officer and Fans Rep: Hannah Gwenllian hannah.gwenllian@balatownfc.co.uk
#Lakesiders www.balatownfc.co.uk
04 Chief Executive 08 Met report 05 Meet the Visitors 17 Mark Pitman 07 Player Q&A 20 Team Lineups Maes Tegid 3G Pitch Hire We are taking bookings for the use of the 3G for full, 2/3’s and 1/3’s hire of the pitch during 2020. The following prices include VAT and are on a per hour basis: Full pitch – £60, 2/3 – £45, 1/3 – £25. Matchday packages are also available, including use of home and away changing rooms and hospitality. To discuss block booking prices, matchday packages, general enquiries or to book the 3G please email community@balatownfc.co.uk
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NODIADAU NIGEL’S NOTES of the season. The fluke 92nd minute winner from Met on Saturday is certainly worth a view and already 16k views of Welcome all for the final match the goal have been looked at before the League split and to a on Sgorio's twitter feed!! It was match which is hugely the cruellest of defeats! important to both sides. Our We have made some exciting visitors tonight still maintain an signings already in the January opportunity to reach the top 6 but only a victory here will allow transfer window and the that chance whilst we ourselves strength and depth of the are desperate for the 3 points to squad is probably at its strongest ever. This strength in hang onto the shirt tails of the depth will hopefully allow us to top 2. make a serious challenge Last Saturday’s massively against a top 6 which is disappointing defeat in annually increasing its windswept Cardiff was a big standards of football excellence blow to our challenge but we and providing conclusive must now bounce back to evidence that the JD Cymru ensure our challenge is Premier has greatly benefited maintained for the second half
"Saturday night at the Movies", no, Saturday night at Maes Tegid!
football in Wales! The downside of the season split is that we are unable to give our supporters or sponsors an indication of when our next home fixture will be played but that will all be revealed early next week and the next 5 home matches certainly promise something special for you all at Maes Tegid. Unfortunately I will not be personally present this evening but will be following as closely as possible to our social media reporting from far off China. Xin nian kuai le.
Nigel
Our Commercial Director Arwel Lloyd Jones, would be delighted to discuss our sponsorship opportunities with you. Please get in touch with him via armarno9@btinternet.com or 07796 692846.
Smithy Garage of Dyffryn Ardudwy
Bala Town are proud and delighted to announce that Smithy Garage of Dyffryn Ardudwy are continuing their support/sponsorship for the club. We wish to thank them for the vital boost they are giving to this season’s JD Cymru Premier campaign.
BALA TOWN CLUB PARTNERS H. & E. J. Roberts & Sons Smithy Garage, Dyffryn Ardudwy, Gwynedd LL44 2EN
http://www.dyffryn.mitsubishi-cars.co.uk
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CEFN DRUIDS
MEET THE VISITORS...
In 1872 Plasmadoc Football Club, founded three years earlier, became Druids when the various colliery and quarry teams in the hills around Ruabon and Cefn Mawr were brought together under one banner. Six Druids players were in the first Welsh international side which played Scotland on 25 March 1876 – the most from a single club ever to play for Wales – whilst the first secretary of the Welsh FA, Llewelyn Kenrick, was also an ex-Druid.
Final in 1877-78. Druids were finalists in the first six years of the competition and became the First club to win it three times in succession by lift ing the trophy from 1880-1882. In all Druids have won the Welsh Cup eight times. The club joined the first Welsh League in 1890 and rose again towards the end of the nineteenth century with more silverware.
In 1920 the club left Wynnstay Park to combine with Rhosymedre to become Rhosymedre Druids, playing at In 1876 Druids entered the English Church Field. They merged with FA Cup, the first Welsh club to do Acrefair United in 1923, becoming so, and in 1882-83 they defeated Druids United, but were Bolton Wanderers in the fourth perennial strugglers in the Welsh round, losing to eventual winners National League (North) until Blackburn Olympic in the stepping down to the Wrexham quarter finals. & District League in 1930, moving to yet another new ground, this Druids played in the very first time in Acrefair. Welsh Cup game at Newtown on 13 October 1877, just a week League form improved during after playing Scottish giants the 1950s and, in 1957, Druids Queens Park at Hampden Park, United reached the Welsh and ended up as runners-up to Amateur Cup final, losing to Wrexham in the first Welsh Cup
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Porthmadog in a replay at Bangor. In that same season the club won the first of two consecutive Welsh Youth Cups. Profit from the Amateur Cup run enabled the club to fund the layout of a new ground on derelict land in the centre of Cefn Mawr, which became the club’s home for over 50 years. A young George Best was part of a Manchester United XI that provided the opposition for the first match there. But enthusiasm at Druids had waned by the 1980s when Druids were being outstripped by arch rivals Cefn Albion, who were formed in 1967. Albion played initially at The Bont, then at Rhostyllen, Ty Mawr and Church Fields before settling back at Ty Mawr, scooping numerous pieces of silverware as they climbed the Welsh National League (Wrexham Area). A merger between the two clubs was resisted until former Chester manager Ken Roberts
intervened to convince the rival factions that an amalgamation was in the best interests of everyone. Thus, in 1992, Cefn Druids FC was born, playing at Plaskynaston and carrying the white and black colours of the original Plas Madoc club.
When the inevitable relegation happened Druids returned to Rhosymedre in 2010 when the new stadium, The Rock, was completed.
The 2011-12 season saw the club reach the Welsh Cup Final for the first time in 108 years after claiming the scalps of The club steadily consolidated Premier League sides Prestatyn in the Cymru Alliance, helped by Town, Aberystwyth Town and a renewed youth policy, Airbus UK Broughton. A 2-0 and under Gareth Powell, reversal by The New Saints strolled to the 1998-99 Cymru ended the club’s fairytale story Alliance championship, scoring but, as the winners had also over 100 goals in the process. won the Welsh Premier League, The club marked its arrival in the Cefn Druids reached Europe for the first ever time. League of Wales with a 1-0 win at Inter Cardiff, the previous In addition the Welsh Cup run, year’s runners-up, in its very first Druids won their first trophy game and, in 2001-02, reached since 1999 after a 4-0 win the semi-finals of the Welsh Cup. over Ruthin Town at Wrexham’s Racecourse Stadium gave the A succession of managers were club the North East Wales unable to prevent the Ancients FA Challenge Cup. from finishing in the second relegation spot at the end of the 2004-05 season but with only one team from the feeder leagues being promoted, Druids survived the drop.
The 2012-13 season started with the Europa League First Qualifying Round tie against Finnish side MyPa-47, who had previously faced Liverpool in European competition. A For several years the possibility creditable goalless draw in the of a new stadium for the club was touted as the Plaskynaston first leg at the Racecourse Stadium was followed by a 5-0 land was earmarked for a defeat in Finland. Domestically, supermarket and the existing despite a mid-season stadium was showing signs of its wobble, the club finished age. But delays to the start of second in the Huws Gray construction to the new ground Alliance and achieved the FAW meant the club was going to struggle to meet the criteria for Domestic Licence. the revamped 12-club Welsh The 2013-14 season saw Cefn Premier League. The club cut Druids storm to the Huws Gray its cloth accordingly as Alliance title, losing just one relegation appeared certain match in the process. And, with with the club battling at the the Domestic Licence again wrong end of the table. awarded, promotion to the
Welsh Premier League was achieved. In addition the NEWFA Cup was again secured with a 2-0 victory over Ruthin Town in a repeat of the 2012 final, and ensured Druids repeated the double of 1999. The club’s return to the Welsh Premier League was shortlived, however, as an 11th placed finish saw the club relegated back to the Huws Gray Alliance after just the one season back in Wales’ top flight. The club duly returned to the highest echelons of Welsh football and the 2017-2018 season saw them achieve their highest ever top flight finish as they ended the season in 5th place. This allowed them to play on the UEFA Europa League play-offs in which they beat Cardiff Met in the final at The Rock by a solitary goal.After an excellent draw against Lithuanian side Trakai in the home leg they lost by a solitary goal in the away leg. Last season The Druids finished in tenth position in the league but where 17 points above Llandudno and 23 points above Llanelli Town - the relegated clubs.
Bala Town are currently trialling digital match programmes for the 2019/20 season. The programmes are on https://issuu.com/balatownfc you can read them on a desktop and also download the app from the app store to read on a mobile or tablet. To read this season’s matchday programmes please use the link: http://www.balatownfc.co.uk/programmes/
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MEET THE PLAYER: ANTHONY STEPHENS Full Name: Anthony Stephens Date of Birth: 21/01/94 Position: Centre Back Occupation: Repair Specialist Team you Support? Liverpool Your biggest influence in football and why? My Dad, always pushed me to do more Which player do you / did you look-up to? Steven Gerrard Best player played against? Your dream car? Range Rover Steven Gerrard What was your initiation song? Build me up buttercup Fave TV show? Power Ronaldo or Messi? Ronaldo Night in or Night out? Night Out
One city you want to visit? Paris
Your go-to takeaway order? Salt & pepper chicken and fried rice
Celebrity crush? Last minute winner or match Kate Beckinsdale winning tackle? Perfect concert line-up? Match winning tackle Lewis Capaldi You’re in a 5 a side team and Which teammate is the need 4 other players, most intelligent? who is in your team? Shaun Kelly Allison, Van Dijk, Messi, De Bruyne Which teammate is the funniest? Chris Venables Which teammate is the angriest? Stuart Jones Which teammate is the best looking? N/A Which teammate spends the most time in the shower? Lassana Mendes
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CARDIFF MET 1, BALA TOWN 0 92nd minute freak finish defeats the Lakesiders. As far as games go, Saturday’s will probably go down as one of the worst games of football in a very long time. The major factor and man of the match (!) was the wind which caused havoc throughout the match and was instrumental in Cardiff Met’s winning goal in added time. With the wind with them for the first half, Bala had a couple of decent early opportunities with Fuller denying Robles chance and then Burns’ 25 yard effort soared over the crossbar from distance.
woodwork prior to Jones and Smith playing a tidy one-two to delivery into Venables but Fuller saved.
Met had a chance to go ahead when Davies capitalised on Bala Towards the end of the half, losing possession, drove forward Bala had a series of corners but and attempted a strike from 35 they weren’t able to capitalise yards which flew out of play. on meaning play was level at Bala were having a comfortable the break. spell of pressure with an attack The second half was very down the left leading to Leslie uneventful with neither team floating a cross over the
testing their respective goalkeepers and the majority of play being played in the middle third. A cross from the right saw a Met chance flash across the face of goal before Tibbetts made a comfortable save from Evans’ effort. Anthony Stephens’ delivery into the area was met by an unmarked Venables at the backpost but is lacked power and was collected by Fuller. Bala did have the ball in the net in the 85th minute but it was denied for an alleged foul on the keeper. As two minutes of injury time was about to end, Bala were dealt a massive blow as Will Evans’s cross into the box which was going out of play was caught in a gust of wind, deceived Town goalkeeper Josh Tibbetts and curled into the far post to give the Archers a valuable three points. An absolute sicker for the Lakesiders in a game which neither team deserved to win in difficult playing conditions.
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10
Jan.
Dec.
Nov.
Oct.
Sept
Aug.
9 16 23 26 30 7 14 21 27 4 8 12 19 25 29 1 8 15 23 30 7 17 20 26 30 11 18
Date
[WC = Welsh Cup]
CP WC CP CP CP CP CP CP
LCSF
LC2 CP CP CP CP CP CP CP CP CP LC3 CP CP CP LC4 CP CP CP
7-0 1-2 3-1 2-2 0-1 1-6 1-0 1-2 2-0 0-3 1-1 2-1 1-1 1-0 1-2 4-0 0-5 1-0 2-0 0-3 2-0 4-0 2-1 1-2 3-0 1-0 5.15pm
-2 1 1 4 3 5 6 6 5 -3 4 5 -4 3 4 -3 -3 4 3 3 3
-3 6 7 7 10 10 10 13 16 -19 20 20 -23 26 29 -32 -35 35 38 41 41 Tibbetts Tibbetts Tibbetts Tibbetts Morris Morris Morris Morris Morris Morris Morris Morris Morris Morris Tibbetts Tibbetts Tibbetts Tibbetts Tibbetts Tibbetts Tibbetts Tibbetts Tibbetts Tibbetts Tibbetts Tibbetts Burns Burns Burns Burns Burns Burns Burns Burns Burns Burns Burns Burns Burns Burns Burns Burns Burns Burns Burns Burns Burns Burns Burns Burns Burns Burns
Jones Jones Jones Jones Jones Jones Jones Jones Kelly Kelly Spittle Spittle Kelly Kelly Spittle Kelly Spittle Spittle Spittle Spittle Spittle Spittle Spittle Spittle Spittle Spittle Burke Burke Burke Burke Burke Burke Burke Burke Burke Burke Leslie Kelly Burke Burke Burke Burke Burke Burke Leslie Burke Burke Burke Burke Burke Burke Burke
Goalscorers in Red
Smith Smith Smith Smith Smith Smith Smith Smith Smith Smith Smith Smith Smith Smith Smith Smith Smith Smith Smith Smith Smith Smith Smith Smith Smith Smith
LC = League Cup]
Com. KO/Res. Pos / Pts Starting XI
[CP = Cymru Premier
Gresford Ath. Airbus UK The New Saints Barry Town Utd Connah’s Quay Penybont Newtown Cardiff Met Aberystwyth Cefn Druids Bangor City Carmarthen Tn Barry Town Utd The New Saints Prestatyn Town Newtown Aberystwyth Airbus Connah’s Quay Carmarthen Tn Flint Town Utd Penybont Connah’s Quay Caernarfon Tn Caernarfon Tn Cardiff Met Cefn Druids
Opposition
Key: [Away Matches in Red]
Molyneux Molyneux Molyneux Molyneux Molyneux H Jones H Jones H Jones H Jones H Jones Horwood H Jones H Jones H Jones H Jones H Jones H Jones H Jones H Jones H Jones 2 H Jones H Jones Leslie H Jones H Jones H Jones
Leslie Leslie Leslie Leslie Leslie Leslie Leslie Smith Smith Smith Jones Burke Smith Smith Smith Smith Smith Smith Smith Smith Leslie Smith Smith Smith Leslie Leslie
Robles 3 Mendes Robles Mendes Robles Mendes Robles Mendes Robles Mendes Robles Mendes Robles Mendes Robles Mendes Robles Mendes Robles Mendes Robles Mendes Robles Mendes Robles Mendes Robles Mendes Robles Mendes Robles 3 Mendes Robles 2 Leslie Robles Mendes Robles Mendes Robles Mendes Robles Mendes Hayes Mendes Robles Mendes Robles Mendes Robles Mendes Robles Mendes Stephens Stephens Stephens Stephens Stephens Stephens Stephens Stephens Stephens Stephens Molyneux K Smith Stephens Stephens Stephens Stephens Stephens Stephens Stephens Stephens Stephens Stephens Stephens Stephens Stephens Stephens
Venables Venables 2 Venables 2 Venables Venables Venables 2 Venables Venables Venables 2 Venables Stephens Venables Venables Leslie Venables Venables Venables 2 Venables Venables Venables Venables Venables 2 Venables 2 Venables Venables Venables
Molyneux, Smith, Hayes, Kelly, Shannon
Hayes, Jones, Molyneux, Kelly, Morris, Sullivan
Leslie, Hayes, Morris, Jones, Molyneux, Sulliva
Hayes, H Jones, Morris, S Jones, Molyneux
Leslie, Molyneux, Jones, Robles, Sullivan
Kelly, Hayes, Molyneux, Jones, Stephens
Leslie, Hayes, Jones, Kelly, Stephens
Molyneux, Hayes, Jones, Morris, Stephens
Hayes, Leslie, Jones, Molyneux, Horwood
Molyneux, Horwood, Hayes, Jones, Morris
Leslie, Molyneux, Jones, Spittle, Hayes, Sulliva
Jones, Molyneux, Leslie, Horwood, Stephens
Molyneux, Horwood, Spittle, Jones, Stephens
Spittle, Molyneux, Leslie, Horwood
Stephens, Leslie, Molyneux, Jones, Horwood
Burke, Venables, Sullivan, Smith, Stephens
Hayes, Leslie, Molyneux, Horwood, Spittle
Hayes, Leslie, Horwood, Molyneux, Stephens
Hayes, Stephens, Leslie, Horwood, Sullivan
Molyneux, Smith, Horwood, Hayes. Stephens
Horwood, Molyneux, Smith, Stephens
Jones, Smith, Horwood, Hayes, Kelly, Sullivan
Morris, Jones, Smith, Hayes, Horwood
Smith, Horwood, Jones, Hayes, Morris, Sullivan
Horwood, Smith, Hayes, Kelly, Jones
Spittle, Hayes, Jones, Kelly
Subs.
BALA TOWN 2019-20 FIXTURES
NODDWYR / SPONSORS Diolch i’n noddwyr teyrngar am eu cefnogaeth y tymor hwn. Thank you to our loyal sponsors for their support this seaon. NODDWYR Y GEM / MATCH SPONSORS Aug. 23rd Aug. 30th Sept. 21st Sept. 27th
The New Saints Connah’s Quay Cardiff Met Aberystwyth Town
Oct. 12th Oct. 19th Nov. 1st
Carmarthen Town Barry Town United Newtown
Nov. 15th
Airbus
Dec. 17th Dec. 30th
Penybont Caernarfon Town
Jan. 18th
Cefn Druids
John Clwyd R. F. Jones Badell Aur Restaurant – 01678 520310 FUW Insurance Services www.fuwinsurance.co.uk Williams Homes – williams-homes.co.uk Ado Vogt & Gee Gi, Liechtenstein Clogau Motors, Bontddu www.clogaumotors.co.uk Cigydd Bala Butcher www.balabutcher.co.uk Plas yn Dre, Bala – www.plasyndre.co.uk I & A & A.W Griffiths, Farming & Agriculture Contractors and White Horse, Hendrerwydd
NODDWYR Y BEL / BALL SPONSORS Aug. 23rd Aug. 30th Oct. 12th Oct. 19th Nov. 1st
The New Saints Connah’s Quay Carmarthen Town Barry Town United Newtown
Nov. 15th Dec. 17th
Airbus Penybont
Dec. 30th
Caernarfon Town
Jan. 18th
Cefn Druids
Y Cyfnod Cafe & Bistro - www.cyfnod.com Eric Green Hereford Civil Service F.C. Jonah Armstrong Clogau Motors, Bontddu www.clogaumotors.co.uk Emma Whitehouse Eleanor Davies Optometrist, Dolgellau www.edopt.cymru I & A & A.W Griffiths Farming & Agriculture Contractors & Clwyd Williams Family Butchers, Llandyrnog - 01824 790300
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TEIARS
NANT CONWY TYRES
CARS ATV 4x4 TRUCKS AGRICULTURE Iard y Stesion, Station Road, Llanrwst, Conwy LL26 0EH Tel: 01492 641858
Fax: 01492 641241
PLAYER SPONSORSHIPS
JOSH TIBBETTS
ANDY BURNS
SEAN SMITH
STUART JONES
Chris Robinson
Emma Whitehouse
Nigel P Cooke
Peter Spitzmaul, Hereford
JONNY SPITTLE
LEE MOLYNEUX
NATHAN BURKE
MIKE HAYES
Sponsorship Available
Sponsorship Available
Katie & Matthew Spitzmaul
Sponsorship Available
HENRY JONES
KIERAN SMITH
ASHLEY MORRIS
STEVE LESLIE
Cigydd Bala Butcher www.balabutcher.co.uk
Barry Yates
Iwan Bishop
Sponsorship Available
youtube.com/c/RockinRobbo
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DANNY GOSSET
LOUIS ROBLES
SHAUN KELLY
LASSANA MENDES
Sponsorship Available
Tilly and Iago Galdo
Sponsorship Available
Lee, George, Chris & Foxy
ANTHONY STEPHENS
CHRIS VENABLES
SION SULLIVAN
TOM STEPHENS
Sponsorship Available
Sion and John Roberts
Sponsorship Available
Sponsorship Available
FFIONA EVANS
COLIN CATON
STEPHEN FISHER
RYAN VALENTINE
Sponsorship Available
Sponsorship Available
Sponsorship Available
Sponsorship Available
Player Sponsorship is on a first come first served basis. First Team players sponsorship is £75.00 and at the end of the season, you will receive their shirt (home or away) autographed. Details regarding sponsorship for our Reserves and Under 19’s players will be released in due course.
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BALA TOWN RESERVES Bala Town Reserves 5-1 Johnstown Reserves Maes Tegid saw our Reserves pick up a massive 3 points, with 5 goals in just over an hour! Bala got off to a very quick start with only 5 minutes gone before taking the lead! Tom Lloyd finishes gets the ball on a plate, as he gets on the end of a Joe Ephraim cross at the back post and hits it past the keeper, onto the post and in! 1-0 Bala! A solid start to the game by Bala saw them hold on to most of the possesion, just a little slack with their passes. halftime, the visitors were Joe had an attempt on goal not awarded a penalty, after a long after, but saw his effort collision in the box between a drag wide. Johnstown player and a Bala defender. Johnstown converted Bala were forced into an early the spot kick to make it 3-1 going sub, as Tom Lloyd hobbled off after 20 minutes, and saw Darrell into half time. Johns take his place. A half time substitution was It took until 35 minutes for the next goal, and it went Bala’s way! Joe Ephraim turns from provider to goalscorer, as Jack Jarvis whips a beauty of a cross into the box, where Joe is waiting, and he heads it past the keeper to make it 2-0!
made, as Dave Yates took Andy Kelly’s place. A call of Deja Vu was called after a minute of the second half… Sully made it 4-1 to Bala! With an identical look for his first goal, a cross in by Darrell to the back post, which saw Sully nod the ball in past the keeper! 4-1 Bala!
The remainder of the game was slow, with hardly any chances on goal, which saw Bala finish with 5 goals in the bag, and a big 3 points going into the last month of the year. --Do you fancy becoming a referee? For the adults’ game fees start at £25, going higher the higher the league you officiate in.
The North East Wales Football Association (NEWFA) are holding a number of face to face meetings at Brymbo Sports Club. The course as is stands is an Bala dominating the ball for online course and costs £80, this majority of the half, as they put On 57 minutes Johnstowns were includes the online course, a full a beautiful attacking awarded a penalty, for a reason matchday referee’s kit with combination together, but no one knew, but they stepped accessories, ie, flags, whistle, unfortunately as Jack pulled the up to take the kick… AND DION ball back to Cai on the edge of SAVED IT! A great save down low note book and cards. the box, his shot was saved well to his left to keep Johnstown NEWFA are looking at holding by the keeper. from getting their 2nd! Still 4-1 these introduction evenings on Bala! Thursday, 16th Jan, Thursday, Only took a couple more 30th Jan and Thursday, 13th minutes until Bala made it 3! A Steve Jones then got in on the February 2020 at 7.30p.m. cross from the near side by act! A few minutes later Steve Darrell is met by Sully who heads made it 5! Lovely build up play If you’re interested and want to the ball in from the back post, to again by Bala, and Cai’s shot look at the course before give Bala a healthy lead going originally was saved which attending one of our meeting into half time! rebounded to Steve who poked please visit: home for 5! www.becomearef.wales Although, a minute before
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DECEMBER FAIR PLAY TABLE Teams The New Saints Caernarfon Tn Carmarthen Tn Newtown AFC Cardiff Met Uni. Bala Town Aberystwyth Tn Barry Town Utd Connah's Quay Penybont FC Cefn Druids FC Airbus UK Totals
Sending Off 34 33 34 35 35 36 40 38 47 46 42 39 459
Cautions 0 1 1 1 1 1 0 3 2 1 3 5 19
Points 136 142 152 152 160 162 164 186 220 222 226 226 2,146
JD CYMRU PREMIER TABLE Latest standings (as of 13th January)
Team
1. The New Saints 2. Connah's Quay 3. Bala Town 4. Barry Town United 5. Caernarfon Town 6. Newtown 7. Cardiff Met Uni. 8. Cefn Druids 9. Aberystwyth Town 10. Penybont 11. Carmarthen Town 12. Airbus UK
P
21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21
W 15 13 13 11 10 9 7 8 5 3 2 3
16
D 2 7 2 4 4 4 7 4 5 6 6 3
L
4 1 6 6 7 8 7 9 11 12 13 15
F
63 38 45 25 31 21 24 30 27 25 23 19
A
20 15 16 24 28 24 25 33 46 45 38 57
Points
47 46 41 37 34 31 28 28 20 15 12 12
MARK PITMAN Wales reached the semifinals of EURO 2016 under the guidance of Chris Coleman, but there will be a very different look to the side when Ryan Giggs leads his country into the finals next summer. Despite the relatively short space of time between the two tournaments, and the promise from Coleman that there was much more to come from his team following their elimination, a lot has changed since his successor was appointed. Giggs has not been afraid to make big decisions since taking the job in January 2018, but some of the biggest decisions of his tenure will be made ahead of the opening match of the tournament in June. While the likes of Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey, Joe Allen and Ben Davies are assured of their places, other heroes of EURO 2016 are much less likely to be involved. Players such as Chris Gunter and Sam Vokes have struggled for minutes during the last qualifying campaign, but the biggest call will be on the international future of captain Ashley Williams. Omitted from the squad prior to his move to Bristol City, Williams was accepting of that particular situation, but the mood turned when his subsequent performances for his new club failed to restore him to the Wales starting line-up. As captain, and one of the most senior figures in the squad, Giggs would have expected the right reaction from Williams despite his personal frustration.
Since his appointment, the manager has shown incredible faith in the next generation, to the extent that they have already become the current generation.
international game ahead of the finals. The striker is in fine form for West Bromwich Albion in the Championship, and there is no doubt that he would be a valuable addition to the squad.
Even in the central defensive positions where experience can be so crucial, Joe Rodon and Tom Lockyer have been entrusted with the responsibilities of the role, and have justified their selection with composed and mature displays.
It would be a big call from Giggs to bring Robson-Kanu back into the squad at the expense of someone actually involved in the qualifying campaign, and it will be interesting to see which way Giggs approaches the situation.
If Williams is be selected in the final squad, Giggs will expect the right attitude from his captain, but if he is likely to remain on the sidelines it is difficult to imagine that he will even make the final cut.
There was controversy earlier in the campaign with the selection of Tom Lawrence. While the circumstances are well-documented, it showed another side to Giggs’ management.
While he has been criticised for certain decisions, and has confessed to not getting them all right, he has shown a clearly bravery in his decision making, and stays very true to what he believes. Making controversial While the future of Williams and calls will not bother him in the Vokes is now very much in the slightest, and his justification balance, Robson-Kanu has will be in the results that follow. hinted at reversing his decision That was his attitude to step down from the One of the defining games of EURO 2016 was the quarter-final victory over Belgium. Williams, Hal Robson-Kanu and Vokes were on the scoresheet in the memorable 3-1 win.
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throughout the course of the successful qualifying campaign, and he has earned the right to make the big calls unchallenged. It seems that Williams and Robson-Kanu will be two crucial decisions when it comes to selecting his squad. Supported by a wealth of young talent that has emerged through the pathway system in recent years, Giggs has found himself in the right place at the right time with Wales. It is clear that the values ingrained in him at Old Trafford However, while it would have have been transferred into this been easy to stay with the senior players that made such Wales team, with an emphasis on attacking with pace and an impression at EURO 2016, this is Giggs’ team, and he has showing faith in youth reminiscent of his early days as been keen from the start to a player at Manchester United. build it in his own vision.
Coleman is still regarded as Wales’ greatest manager for what he achieved in 2016, but there is an evolution under Giggs that suggests there is much more to come, and his success will depend on getting the big decisions right.
Bala Town F.C. are looking for parents to help out with the Media of the Academy. If you can help us our please contact our media officer Hannah Gwenllian via: hannah.gwenllian@balatownfc.co.uk
RESERVES & COLTS LEAGUE TABLE Team
Latest standings (as of 13th January)
1. Airbus UK 2. Connah's Quay 3. Cefn Mawr Rangers 4. Brymbo 5. Saltney Town 6. Mynydd Isa 7. Rhydymwyn 8. Bala Town 9. Cefn Albion 10. Ruthin Town 11. Llay Welfare Colts 12. Overton 13. Coedpoeth Utd 14. Llangollen Town 15. Johnstown YFC *
P
17 15 13 14 12 10 10 13 11 13 14 11 12 13 10
W 13 13 9 7 6 6 5 4 4 5 4 3 2 2 1
18
D 1 0 1 4 2 1 2 4 1 0 0 1 2 1 0
L
3 2 3 3 4 3 3 5 6 8 10 7 8 10 9
F
77 64 34 51 35 37 34 27 31 31 23 18 19 13 10
A
24 20 27 29 29 17 25 29 32 37 40 46 32 48 69
Points
40 39 28 25 20 19 17 16 13 12 12 10 8 7 0
Bontddu, Dolgellau, Gwynedd, LL40 2UA
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North Wales' Premier Used Car, Van & 4x4 Center
Clogau Motors is a small family run business situated between the picturesque town of Dolgellau and the popular sea side resort of Barmouth in North Wales. We take pride in ensuring our vehicles are thoroughly checked over, serviced and cleaned to the best possible standard.
Our aim is to provide good quality cars at the best possible price. Finance Available subject to status Part Exchange welcome Opening Hours: Mon - Fri: 8.30am - 5.30pm Saturdays by appointment Closed Sundays Please call for out of hours appointments
www.clogaumotors.co.uk
BALA TOWN RHEOLWR / MANAGER: COLIN CATON 1 JOSH TIBBETTS 2 ANDREW BURNS 3 SEAN SMITH 4 STUART JONES 5 ANTHONY STEPHENS 6 JONNY SPITTLE 7 LEE MOLYNEUX 8 NATHAN BURKE 9 MIKE HAYES 10 HENRY JONES 11 KIERAN SMITH 15 STEVE LESLIE 16 RYAN VALENTINE 17 DANIEL GOSSET 18 LOUIS ROBLES 19 SHAUN KELLY 20 LASSANA MENDES 22 SION SULLIVAN 23 OLIVER SHANNON 24 LOUIS KONDJO 25 CHRIS VENABLES 30 HARRI LLOYD
CEFN DRUIDS 1 3 6 7 9 10 11 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 27 30 32 39
MANAGER: HUW GRIFFITHS MICHAEL JONES NAIM ARSAN NATHAN PEATE MATTHEW OWEN TYRONE OFORI DEAN RITTENBERG JAMES DAVIES NIK BULMER RYAN KERSHAW AARON SIMPSON IWAN CARTWRIGHT RAMIREZ HOWARTH THOMAS REILLY CODY RUBERTO JONNY TAYLOR JOSEF FAUX JOASH NEMBHARD JAYSON STARKEY NEIL JOHN ASHTON CHARLEY EDGE
Y DYFARNWYR / MATCH OFFICIALS Bala Town would like to extend a warm welcome to our match officials this evening: Tom Owen, Andy Harms Martin Roberts & Nick Pratt
GEMAU NESAF / NEXT FIXTURES NO JD CYMRU PREMIER FIXTURES Bala Town U19’s v Cefn Druids U19’s Sul / Sunday 19 Ionawr / January Maes Tegid 2.00p.m. - Cymru Premier Development
Cefn Mawr Rangers v Bala Town Reserves Sadwrn / Sat. 25 Ionawr / January 2.00p.m. - Wrexham Area Reserves League
Connah’s Quay U19’s v Bala Town U19’s Sul / Sunday 26 Ionawr / January Deeside Stadium 2.00p.m. - Cymru Premier Development
Overton Recreation v Bala Town Reserves Sadwrn / Sat. 1 Chwefror / February 2.00p.m. - Wrexham Area Reserves League
Bala Town U19’s v Caernarfon U19’s Sul / Sunday 9 Chwefror / February Maes Tegid 2.00p.m. - Cymru Premier Development