Issuu

IN THIS ISSUE RHIFYN YMA BALA TOWN

FOOTBALL CLUB Maes Tegid, Castle Street, Bala, Gwynedd, LL23 7UU Rhif Cyswllt / Contact No.: 07818 404516

www.balatownfc.co.uk CYFARWYDDWYR / DIRECTORS

Nigel Aykroyd, Ruth Crump, Arwel Roberts, Arwel Jones, Hannah Jones.

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 11 05 Meet the Visitors 14 07 Reserves 16 08 ESFR Blog 18

Barry round-up Club News Mark Pitman David Collins

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 2019. 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

NODIADAU NIGEL’S NOTES Early doors as the saying goes but it is a pleasure to write the programme notes with the club sitting on the top of the League with 3 matches played.

optimism and the draw at Barry on Monday was a reminder that every fixture offers a different challenge in the JD Cymru Premier if we are to maintain that progress.

Saying that it was certainly a challenge for the Clubs that had to make the extra long journeys on a Bank Holiday weekend and heat and traffic certainly had a part to play.

Of course tonight will present another huge challenge. Our visitors performed magnificently over their summer European campaign and put the League on the map with their excellent victory over SPL Kilmarnock.

Results however to date have been extremely positive and the first League win over TNS was in itself a huge boost to the confidence of all the squad and management. We must therefore ensure that we build on these green shoots of

Their sluggish yet unbeaten start to this campaign could well reflect the strain of the European adventure but this weariness will soon be refreshed and we can expect the usual significantly difficult

task ahead of us tonight. A really tough fixture but one which will again give us a good indication of how strong our challenge could be this season. I must thank all of you who made the effort to travel to Barry on Monday. It is a long trek at the best of times but a heatwave Bank Holiday trip certainly tests the resolve and demonstrates the commitment to the Club. Diolch Pawb! Optimism, Anticipation and excitement are the ingredients for you all to enjoy this evening. Thanks to everyone for their attendance this evening.

Bala Town F.C. are looking for volunteers to help on Reserves and Under 19’s matchdays at Maes Tegid. If you can help us by going on the canteen van, on the turnstiles or be able to open or close the 3G our please contact Hannah Gwenllian via: hannah.gwenllian@balatownfc.co.uk

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

Nigel

CONNAHâ€™S QUAY

MEET THE VISITORS...

Lewis Brass - Born in Newcastleupon-Tyne, Brass spent time at Darlington's Academy before moving to Carlisle United and then on to Workington and Gateshead. Brass went on to spend two years in America representing East Central College in Missouri, playing in the National Junior College Athletic Association.

from Bostik League South Central Division side, Hayes and Yeading United in January 2019. Having previously played for Bishop's Stortford, Hitchin Town and Billericay Town.

George Horan - Horan returned to the Deeside Stadium in 2014, having left in 2005 to join Rhyl where he played until 2010 before moving on to Chester FC John Disney - Disney joined The where he was the club captain, Nomads from Conference North making 138 appearances for the side, Hednesford Town in newly formed club following the January 2016 having had demise of Chester City. previous spells at Chester, Telford, Northwich and Stockport Danny Harrison - Harrison is a product of the Tranmere Rovers County. Disney left Deeside in May 2017 to join Altrincham Town. youth system, having joined the side as a 13 year old, he made Disney returned to the Cymru his first team debut in 2001 at Premier in January 2018 with Bala Town before re-signing with home against Wigan Athletic. He went on to make 125 The Nomads in June 2018. appearances for Tranmere Callum Roberts - Roberts joined before joining Rotherham United The Nomads ahead of the 2018- in 2007 where he made an 19 campaign having previously additional 188 Football League played for Newtown and The appearances. New Saints. Michael Bakare - Michael Priestley Farquharson Bakare joined The Nomads in Farquharson joined The Nomads August 2017 following a lengthy

career which has seen him perform in the National League, League Two and FA Cup, playing for teams including Macclesfield Town, Southport, Braintree Town, Wrexham and most recently Warrington Town. Bakare was named as the JD Welsh Premier League Player of the Season at the end of the 2018-19 season. Callum Morris - Morris, is a rightsided midfielder who came up through the ranks at Wigan Athletic, where he spent four years as a professional without managing to break into the Latics first-team. After a spell at Tranmere Rovers, Callum spent the 2014-15 season at Bangor City before joining The Nomads in June 2015. Michael Wilde - During his time at TNS, Wilde scored 151 goals in his 214 appearances. Wilde originally joined TNS (then known as Total Network Solutions) in 2002 from Poulton Victoria. He was the Oswestry-based side's supporter's player of the season in the 2004-05 and 2005-06

seasons. Wilde joined Fleetwood Town in January 2009 before moving to Halifax Town and Chester where he netted 36 goals in 43 games before returning to TNS in June 2012, and was voted as the Welsh Premier League Player of The Season in the 2012-13 season. Wilde made his competitive debut for The Nomads in the Club's first ever UEFA Europa League match against Norwegian side, StabĂŚk Fotball in June 2016. Wilde went on to make a total of 20 competitive starts for The Nomads in 2016-17 campaign, scoring on six occasions.

and Nantwich Town. Poole made his competitive debut for The Nomads in the side's Nathaniel MG Cup Semi Final defeat to TNS, however Poole was to have more luck against TNS later in the same season, as he struck a match winning volley, which also earned him the Welsh Premier League Goal of the Month award for March.

and represented Wales at Under-17 level. Jay then moved to Barrow where he made 95 appearances in the Conference and was capped by the Wales Under-23 semi-pros.

Ryan Wignall - Wignall joined The Nomads in January 2017. A product of the Liverpool Academy system, Wignall won the FA Youth Cup twice Conor Harwood - Harwood made his competitive debut for with the Merseyside giants and was a regular in the The Nomads when he started reserve side before being against Denbigh Town in the released. He then went on to 2016 Nathaniel MG Cup. Harwood then went on to make play for AFC Liverpool, Cymru Premier history as he was Cammell Laird, Wimborne the first Millenium-born player to Town, Burscough and Conwy Jamie Insall - Insall joined The United whilst also having a play in the league. Nomads in April 2019 having full-time spell with Belgian Danny Holmes Holmes joined spent a good portion of his side Royal Racing FC The Nomads in May 2018 on the Montegnee. During his time career in Scotland, plying his trade at Hibernian and East Fife back of a successful season in with The Wingmakers, the JD Welsh Premier League at Wignall made 39 starts along - Insall originally joined Hibs Bangor City. Holmes made 33 from Stourbridge in 2015 having with seven substitute also played for Littleton earlier in appearances in the 2017-18 appearances, scoring 11 goals campaign for the Citizens, his career. in the process. scoring on one ocassion. Prior to Nathan Woolfe - Woolfe joined his time at Bangor, Holmes had Tom Weir - Weir was The Nomads in January 2016 two spells at Tranmere Rovers promoted to the first team having started his career at spanning a combined six squad from the Academy Bolton Wanderers. In 2008, seasons. In between, he spent ahead of the 2019-20 season Woolfe joined Wrexham on loan tim at Southport and The New and was named in the for a brief spell, before heading Saints, and before joining Europa League squad for the to Spanish Division B side, Jerez Bangor last season, Holmes has games against Kilmarnock Industrial where he scored 2 played for Fleetwood Town, and FK Partizan. goals in 10 appearances. Since Newport County, AFC Fylde and Eric Merner - Merner was then, Woolfe spent a successful York City. called up to the first team spell an Northwich Victoria. In Jay Owen - Jay arrived at squad from the club's May 2014, Woolfe then joined Deeside Stadium in May 2016 academy ahead of the Stockport County, making 20 and prior to his arrival, made 70 2018-19 season and was a starts in the Conference North. appearances for Airbus regular on the bench Declan Poole - Poole joined The between 2013 and 2016. Jay throughout the league originally started his career with campaign. Eric represented Nomads in November 2016 Chester where he made seven having previously played at Wales Schools U18 against Football League appearances Everton U18s, Wigan Athletic Australia in early 2019.

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 seasonâ€™s matchday programmes please use the link: http://www.balatownfc.co.uk/programmes/

AIL DIM - RESERVES A brilliant performance capped off with 3 points!

no interest in the challenge.

The Reserves bagged their first 3 points of the league campaign with a brilliant performance after defeating Overton Reserves 4-2 last Saturday.

Although Bala were dominant throughout the first half, Overton went on to make it 2-0 on 38 minutes, as a ball was slipped in through the Bala defence to an Overton attacker who had plenty of time to make his decision. His first shot was saved by Josh but the rebound went in, despite calls for offside again, the goal stood and it was 2-0 to Overton!

Bala started well during the first 10 minutes, earning themselfs 3 corners, however nothing came of any of them. Harri Watkin had the first attempt on goal, unfortunately his shot was sliced wide. Tom Lloyd came close a couple of minutes later, as he was slipped through, behind the defence, however his shot was saved well by the Overton keeper and out for a corner. Another chance for Bala as Cai Aykroyd was given the ball on the edge of the box by Harri, but after Cai finished the ball nicely, the ref deemed Cai offside and ruled the goal out. The breakthrough was made on 17 minutes, and despite Bala’s good start, it was Overton who got the first goal. A long range shot goes over Josh in goal, who was off his line and into the net. Very unlucky for Bala, after a decent start, their work was undone. Overton were made to take off their keeper through injury after a collision in the box. For majority of the half, Overton struggled to even get out of their own half with the ball, although Bala still could not find the equaliser. Bala had a penalty shout waved away on 37 minutes after Dan Lindsay looked to have been shoved in the back, and went down, but the referee showed

on the edge of the visitors box, after beating 4 defenders, his shot blazed over the bar.

Josh was called into action, as he denied the visiting forward an attempt on goal as he was It only took Bala 3 minutes to get quick off his line to block any a goal back, as they were given further trouble. a free kick on the edge of the box, which Joe took and rifled it It took until 71 minutes for a Bala attack to come into fruition, as into the top right hand corner! Tommy Redgrift pinged a ball Right back into it at 2-1! over the Overton defence, into Still 4 minutes left of the half, and Joe Ephraim, who took a what an action packed couple wonderful touch to set him up of minutes! Harri was first to try for the volley… and what a and level the scores, however finish! A left footed rocket into his shot hit the side netting! Then the top left hand corner put a handball from the Overton Bala in the lead, and defender inside the box was deservedly so! waved away! And then finally… Then on 80 minutes, Cai on the stroke of half time, Cai Aykroyd all but sealed the Aykroyd receives the ball inside victory for Bala, as he picked the box and smashes the ball the ball up in the midfield and into the net! 2-2 and nothing dribbled past a number of more than Bala deserved! Overton players and calmly placed the ball into the A very promising first half performance, even though Bala bottom right hand corner! Brilliant finish and what a went down 2-0, but the desire and heart went into getting the brilliant game by Bala! 2 goals back before half time. Little happened in the final 10 The second half started with minutes of the game, which Bala on the front foot again, saw the final whistle go, and with Tom Lloyd coming close saw Bala pick up a 4-2 victory with a header, after Dave in their 3rd league game! Yates put a driven cross into A solid performance by the the box, but Tom’s header just lads, which see them now went over the bar! on 5 points out of 3 games Good footwork by Joe Ephraim in the league.

EAT SLEEP FOOTBALL REPEAT Wales Watch: Top goals from James and Wilson while Joniesta shines at Charlton

Harry Wilson

We’re getting closer to that allimportant Euro 2020 qualifier against Azerbaijan next month so, like Ryan Giggs, we’re pouring over the detail to see who’s on fire more than the Amazon rain forest (which, incidentally, we would like very much to not be on fire as we like breathing). Anyway…

You can’t tell us this guy can’t cut it at the highest level? If a Man City player had scored that in their 3-1 win at Bournemouth at the weekend the London media would’ve been losing their proverbial over it.

Daniel James One reporter owes young Dan an apology after taking an unnamed national broad caster’s (rhymes with Live Five) word for it when he was booked for diving in United’s 2-1 defeat at home to Crystal Palace.

Yes, I know, he was in WW last week. But just look at this goal! LOOK AT IT!!

Top class stuff from the King of Corwen, but a question - Who should be the main free kick taker for Wales next month? Jonny Williams There are a couple of reasons Joniesta makes this week’s WW; not least this from former Wales international Danny Gabbidon after last week’s offering:

‘this is serious’ down in League One.

Tom Bradshaw. Remember him? Was floating around the At the time I said that, and the Wales squad a while ago and And he’s got a point. Williams previous booking in the Wolves then it all went quiet. Well, he has been quietly getting on with game, was something he popped up to pop one in for the job of being awesome at needed to cut out sharpish else Millwall in their 1-1 draw at newly-promoted Charlton this he be tainted in the Premier Middlesbrough. Can’t have season, winning MoM awards League. The replay shows it was done his chances of catching and, more importantly, games a clear foul and the ref needs to Giggs’ eye any harm the Addicks sit third in the have a little word with himself. although, right now, it’s not Championship table and are still Still, two yellow cards for diving as if we’re struggling for unbeaten in the league after in the two games, are referees attacking options. beating Brentford 1-0. already jumping to the wrong He’s back in the Wales squad, Joe Rodon was Laurence conclusion? arguably this time on his own Mora’s pick to partner Chris Thankfully James didn’t let that merit after Ryan Giggs revealed Mepham in the centre of daft decision slow him down as he took advice from senior defence against Azerbaijan he picked himself up, picked the players before including the next month. And the young ball up on the edge of the area Welsh midfielder last time. If Welshman looked quality as and slotted a peach of a shot Giggs picks on form, Joniesta the Swans continued their into the top corner to level the has got to be in with a shout. impressive start to the game late on. season with a 3-0 hammering Honourable mentions T’was all in vain though as of Birmingham City at the Palace snatched a winner in Ben Woodburn opened his Liberty Stadium. Azerbaijan is injury time. To be honest, at account on loan at Oxford a team we should beat and ESFR Towers we don’t really United with a goal in their 3-1 which shouldn’t give us too care about the result. We just defeat at Bristol Rovers. Not many problems up front. It care the James is cutting it great but it looks like Woodburn may be just the game to give at United and looks bang in is settling in after a friendly him the international form for Wales. warning from a team mate that experience he needs.

NODDWYR - SPONSORS Huge thank you to our sponsors for their support this evening! Diolch am eich cefnogaeth heno.

Match Sponsor:

R F Jones Eric Green Ball Sponsor:

JD CYMRU TABLE Latest standings (as of 28th August)

Team

1. Bala Town 2. Barry Town Utd 3. Cardiff Met 4. The New Saints 5. Cefn Druids 6. Newtown 7. Connahâ€™s Quay 8. Aberystwyth Town 9. Caernarfon Town 10. Carmarthen Town 11. Penybont 12. Airbus UK

P 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

W 2 2 2 2 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0

D 1 1 1 0 2 2 3 0 2 1 1 0

0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 1 2 2 3

7 7 5 12 4 3 2 5 1 4 3 2

4 4 2 4 2 2 2 15 2 6 6 6

Points 7 7 7 6 5 5 3 3 2 1 1 0

BALA TOWN 3, THE NEW SAINTS 1 Thirty nine meetings but Town finally win against The New Saints! It was a historic night at Maes Tegid as Town notched their first ever win against last season's league winners The New Saints. Town's performance was fantastic from start to finish as all the lads dug deep and put in one of the best displays seen at Maes Tegid for a long time! Bala started very well and could've taken the lead after three minutes as Chris Venables rattled the crossbar with a header. Venables and Robles to hit the crossbar once again with a header late on in the half. pressure the Saints back four who were looking Trailing at the break it was a shaky at the back. superb second half display by Another effort by Robles was the Lakesiders to take the tipped over by Harrison with deserved victory. Bala looking a danger on the It was the visitors who broke Stu Jones had a powerful attack. the deadlock as Dean Ebbe header tipped over the bundled in a header at the The New Saints brought on crossbar with Mendes who backpost after a deep Cieslewicz, Whitehouse and delievred a man of the cross from the left found Draper as they looked for a match display let fire also him unmarked. reply but the Bala back four over the woodwork. were resilient and kept Before the interval, the visitors On the 50 minute mark, Bala them at bay. started to crank up the pressure were back on level terms as a but weren't able to capitalise on corner was taken and headed Draper put a header against their possession. on by Stephens into the six yard the bar before Town added a third with only four minutes box which Venables swung his Venables had another massive left to play. opportunity to equalise when he foot around to blast home. A freekick was delivered into the Three minutes later, Town area and Venables put his foot took the lead when Louis around the ball and smashed Robles capitalised on a it into the roof of the net goalmouth scramble and making it 3-1 and sending the prodded the ball in from 2 yards out and sending the crowd into sheer disbelief! Bala supporters into A worthy win for the Lakesiders massive celebrations. who should be extremely proud of their performance and The Lakesiders were growing in confidence with workrate this evening. Finally we can say we have a win Mendes, Leslie and Burke against The New Saints at working extremely hard in midfield to allow Molyneux, the 39th time of asking! Both teams had early opportunities but nothing of huge significance with Hudson forced to clear a Bala effort and Dean Ebbe heading wide of the far upright.

BARRY TN UTD 2, BALA TOWN 2 Point on the board for the Lakesiders but could it have been three? In the basking Jenner Park heat, we had a bright start to the game but no significant chances in the opening ten minutes for either side.

A halfway line wonderstrike by Mendes flew narrowly wide of the post as he spotted the goalkeeper off his goalline but it wasn’t the Lakesiders who went ahead first.

Two minutes before the interval, Barry capitalised on a messy Town clearance with Fahiya Chris Venables picked out Louis lobbing Tibbetts from the edge Robles who was running into the of the box with Burns tracking box but the ball ran away from back but just missing the ball to him before two excellent clear off the line. chances for both sides when Venables’ header was saved by With six minutes of injury time added, Town were awarded a Radcliffe who quickly released freekick but Molyneux’s top Barry into a counter attack corner bound strike was pushed which saw Nathan Burke hack out by Radcliffe. the ball off the line. Town goalkeeper Josh Tibbetts took a heavy knock to the shoulder on 20 minutes which saw him continue until halftime until he was replaced by Ashley Morris. An attack started by Mendes fed Robles but the goalkeeper saved his chance before Venables’ header was flicked on to Robles who released Molyneux but his low shot was inches wide of the near post midway through the half.

Town started the second half very well with Molyneux also being found by Robles’ cross, a freekick by Leslie saved by the keeper and then a Bala corner taken by Burke narrowly missing Venables incoming header. On the 53rd minute, Town were on level terms when Sean Smith made a run down the left wing and perfectly set up the unmarked Lassana Mendes who cooly slotted into the net.

followed by Robles’ 25 yard strike being saved. With 67 minutes on the clock, Barry were back ahead when Morris made a superb body length save to his right but the rebound was smashed in at close range by Kayne McLaggon. They almost added a third after the restart but Sean Smith made a match changing goal line clearance to deny McLaggon. From the clearance, Bala seemed to grow in confidence with Henry Jones and Kieran Smith’s fresh legs helping Town as they broke forward. Robles’ delivery was headed inches wide by Jones but quarter of an hour to go, Bala dug deep and showed tremendous character to get back on level terms. A bullet header from 12 yards by centre half Stuart Jones found the back of the net making it 2-2 with Bala now with their tails up and looking for the winner.

Town had two wonderful chances in the final minutes to The game was opening up with snatch the win when Kieran the tired legs from both teams Barry were looking dangerous Smith headed over the crossbar becoming a factor with on the attack themselves with after a peach of a cross into the opportunities for the home side area before in added time, a McLaggon and Fahiya causing problems for the Town back four. and visitors. freekick in a dangerous area by Morris made a Town was volleyed over the bar cracking strong by Smith. save to keep The lads might be disappointed out a Barry not to have earned all three freekick on the points but they must be hour before applauded for their excellent down the other workrate and character to end, Smith come from behind twice in crossed the ball draining heat. It’s been a superb to Henry Jones Bank Holiday for the Lakesiders but he blazed who currently sit top of the table over the after picking up seven points in crossbar their first three games.

Jan.

Dec.

Nov.

Oct.

Sept

Aug.

9 16 23 26 30 7 14 21 27 4 12 19 25 1 8 15 30 14 20 26 30 12 17

Date

[WC = Welsh Cup]

LC = League Cup]

LC2 CP CP CP CP CP CP CP CP CP CP CP CP CP CP CP CP CP CP CP CP CP CP

7-0 1-2 3-1 2-2 7.45pm 2.30pm 2.30pm 2.30pm 7.45pm 8.00pm 2.30pm 2.30pm 7.45pm 7.45pm 8.00pm 7.45pm 2.30pm 2.30pm 7.45pm 2.30pm 7.45pm 2.30pm 7.45pm

--2 1 1

--3 6 7

Goalscorers in Red

Subs.

Smith, Horwood, Jones, Hayes, Morris, Sullivan

Morris, Jones, Smith, Hayes, Horwood

Tibbetts Burns S Smith Jones Burke Molyneux Leslie Robles Mendes Stephens Venables 2 Tibbetts Burns S Smith Jones Burke Molyneux Leslie Robles Mendes Stephens Venables

Tibbetts Burns S Smith Jones Burke Molyneux Leslie Robles Mendes Stephens Venables 2 Horwood, Smith, Hayes, Kelly, Jones

Tibbetts Burns S Smith Jones Burke Molyneux Leslie Robles 3 Mendes Stephens Venables Spittle, Hayes, Jones, Kelly

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 Carmarthen Tn Barry Town Utd The New Saints Newtown Aberystwyth Airbus Carmarthen Tn Penybont Connah’s Quay Caernarfon Tn Caernarfon Tn Cardiff Met Cefn Druids

Opposition

Key: [Away Matches in Red]

BALA TOWN 2019-20 FIXTURES

LATEST FROM MAES TEGID Bala Town F.C. in the Community have added two more dates to their Holiday Camps.

broadcast online and on Sgorio’s facebook page with kickoff now moved to 8.00p.m.

Then on Friday, 8th November They will be on Monday 2nd and our away fixture at Aberystwyth will be shown live on S4C with Tuesday 3rd of September. kickoff at 8.00p.m. The camp is for girls and boys aged 5-11 years old and will take The 3rd Round of the Nathaniel MG League Cup place from 10.00a.m. – 3.00p.m. The cost will be £10.00 per day, £7 draw has been conducted. for Academy players and will be The Lakesiders will face the on the Maes Tegid 3G. winner of Conwy Borough or Drop offs from 9.00a.m with Bangor City or The New Saints breakfast also included. Please at Maes Tegid. provide your child with a packed lunch, drinks and warm clothing. A date will be confirmed in due course. The sessions will be led by Head The Academy Under 12's, of Coaching Carwyn Edwards and UEFA A Licence candidate 14's and 16's have received Andy Kelly. their Phase 1 fixtures. To register your child for the camp please contact community@balatownfc.co.uk

Town chosen for two TV fixtures The next round of live televised Sgorio fixtures has been announced by the FAW. Firstly, Town’s away visit to The Rock to face Cefn Druids on Friday, 4th October will be

Sunday, 27th October Prestatyn Town v Bala Town Kickoffs for the home games are as follows: The New Saints - U12's: 10.00a.m.; U14's: 11.30a.m. & U16's: 4.30p.m. Cefn Druids - U12's: 10.30a.m.; U14's: 12.00p.m. & U16's: 2.00p.m. Newtown - U12's: 10.30a.m.; U14's: 12.00p.m. & U16's: 2.00p.m.

Following the success of our Thursday night Over 35's sessions, Bala Town have organised a fixture for the Vets team. The Lakesiders will host Denbigh Town Vets on Saturday, 31st August at Maes Tegid with kickoff at 11.30a.m. Why not come and show your support!

The Lakesiders have been put in Group 1 with Cefn Druids, Flint Upcoming Fixtures Town United, Newtown, at Maes Tegid Prestatyn and The New Saints. Saturday, 7th September – Sunday, 15th September Bala Town Reserves v Cefn Bala Town v The New Saints Mawr Rangers – 2.30p.m. Sunday, 22nd September Saturday, 14th September – Bala Town v Cefn Druids Bala Town v Ruthin Town Sunday, 6th October Development – 2.30p.m. Flint Town United v Bala Town Sunday, 20th October Sunday, 15th September – Bala Town v Newtown Bala Town U19’s v Connah’s Quay U19’s Sunday, 29th September – Bala Town U19’s v The New Saints U19’s Saturday, 5th October – Bala Town Reserves v Connah’s Quay Nomads – 2.30p.m. Sunday 27th October – Bala Town U19’s v Cefn Druids U19’s Sunday, 17th November – Bala Town U19’s v Llandudno U19’s

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 Oct. 12th Oct. 19th Nov. 1st Nov. 15th Dec. 14th Dec. 30th Jan. 17th

The New Saints Connah’s Quay Cardiff Met Aberystwyth Town Carmarthen Town Barry Town United Newtown Airbus Penybont Caernarfon Town Cefn Druids

John Clwyd R. F. Jones

NODDWYR Y BEL / BALL SPONSORS Aug. 23rd Aug. 30th Sept. 21st Sept. 27th Oct. 12th Oct. 19th Nov. 1st Nov. 15th Dec. 14th Dec. 30th Jan. 17th

The New Saints Connah’s Quay Cardiff Met Aberystwyth Town Carmarthen Town Barry Town United Newtown Airbus Penybont Caernarfon Town Cefn Druids

Y Cyfnod Cafe & Bistro - www.cyfnod.com

Eric Green

Daniel Jones, Llandyrnog

We have an array of corporate opportunities available that will suit all budgets. Our Commercial Director Arwel Lloyd Jones, would be delighted to discuss your requirements. Get in touch with him via armarno9@btinternet.com or 01678 540220 or 07796 692846.

MARK PITMAN The European journey of champions The New Saints came to an end at the Racecourse, as Bulgarian giants Ludogorets cruised to a 9-0 aggregate victory in the UEFA Europa League.

victories to end the Saints’ European involvement for another season.

But the problem is not with the performances of the clubs that qualified for Europe, but with the overall level of the domestic In the previous round of the game. This is not a competition, Connah’s Quay criticism of the standard of Nomads saw their European the JD Cymru Premier, but campaign come to a close in a realisation that the level Belgrade as Serbian outfit of our domestic game will directly 2021-22 season as UEFA introduces Partizan showed their class to win reflect upon our European results. Europa League 2, a competition 3-0 on the night and 4-0 on designed to offer teams from For our clubs to progress even aggregate. There was certainly lower ranked countries the further in Europe, our national no disgrace in either defeat, and opportunity to play more there were plenty of positives for league will need to move into a European football. It is an new professional era, and that both teams to take from their interesting development for the will require major investment and Welsh game, and while the respective summers of support. The New Saints and competitive football. chance of making progress in this Connah’s Quay Nomads have new competition will be However, the defeats also pushed the boundaries by welcomed. highlighted that Welsh clubs becoming full-time teams, and can only compete to a certain Although it has been viewed this has brought deserved point, and the dream of reaching rewards for both clubs. sceptically by those that still the group stages appears to be harbour ambitions of reaching However, this level of investment the groups stages of the slipping further away. has enabled both teams to build Champions League or the Europa Joined in European competition their current squads of players, this season by Barry Town United but taking their game to the next League, it could prove to be the competition that finally allows our and Cardiff Met, all four teams level in Europe will require a clubs to enjoy long and lucrative gained valuable co-efficient higher calibre of player. As it points with their results, although stands, this will not be possible, as European campaigns, as opposed to the current block of Gavin Chesterfield and Christian the restrictions of the domestic Edwards’ sides were eliminated in game mean that such players will summer weeks that mark the start and end of our involvement. the opening round. not be attracted purely on the European results continue to Meanwhile, Connah’s Quay made promise of European football. define the quality of the JD Cymru national headlines with their It would take a brave decision for incredible victory over Kilmarnock a club to overspend on players in Premier to those looking in from the outside. Internally, we have a to knock the Scottish Premier order to gamble on the chance of domestic game to proud of, and League side out of the Europa reaching the group stages of European progress should be League, but the challenge of either competition, and the risks celebrated by everyone with a Partizan in the next round was attached would see that player vested interest. one step too far. The New Saints demand a significant salary to progressed against Kosovo What also seems likely in the near commit to a club in the Welsh champions Feronikeli, but their future is a switch to summer pyramid system. progress in the premier football, and should it coincide And so, European football for our with the introduction of this new competition was denied by clubs appears likely to finish in Copenhagen. UEFA competition, the stars may the middle of August for a few finally align in favour of our clubs Dropping into the Europa League, more seasons to come. as they prepare to take on the Ludogorets took no chances as rest of Europe. There will also be changes from they stormed to 5-0 and 4-0

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WELSH FOOTBALL MAGAZINE S4C Need Not Fear Spanish Competition

interesting to know whether the audience for the domestic opener was reduced by this clash.

Exposure like this grows the league's profile. Some clubs and supporters have, admittedly, The news that ITV will be moaned about the scheduling showing Spanish La Liga demands of live TV, moving Certainly, anyone who opted for matches free to air this season games to evening or Sunday the Spanish action would have has probably delighted many slots and creating travel armchair football fans in the UK, missed an absolute cracker: a headaches for the clubs' regular local derby, Penybont's debut in and that includes Wales. fans. And with weather the top flight, three goals, a However, it seems that such conditions so bad last Friday, it's wonder-strike by Jonathan matches may well clash with possible that a few opted for the S4C's excellent live coverage of Hood, two red cards and all easy option of watching from taking place in the fierce wind football from the JD Cymru home rather than brave a Welsh and rain up at the Kymco Premier this season, so maybe hilltop for an 8pm kick-off. A Stadium in Bridgend. Proper it's not quite such a cause for balance has to be struck, but football, no VAR, no millionaires, celebration. the league is right to ensure that just non-stop action. the broadcaster generally gets It's inevitable that the Spanish the live action when and where There is no doubt that the action will draw big audiences from armchair football fans and quality of the regular coverage it wants it. by Rondo Media for S4C has especially gamblers. They are It appears that not all live La been one factor in the growing one audience - and stay-atLiga matches will be on the respect and interest in the home punters can get Bethard same day, so hopefully the JD bonus codes here - but what will domestic game in Wales. Not Cymru Premier's live Friday night every match can be as the true football fan choose to slot won't often be gatedramatic as Barry's win on watch? crashed by the giants of Friday night, nor as entertaining, Spanish football. But even when Athletic Bilbao's 1-0 win over but the coverage is engaging it is, don't assume the better Barcelona was shown last and people both in Wales and entertainment will be on ITV. Friday night, live on ITV4 and the further afield have come to online ITV Hub, going head to appreciate that there is some Welsh Football magazine's head with Sgorio's opening JD very entertaining football being annual Guide to Football in Cymru Premier screening of the played in the JD Cymru Premier. Wales (issue 215) is season, Penybont v Barry Town It has even attracted some to available to order. United. Viewing figures aren't go along to their local clubs to available, but it would be sample the atmosphere live. - The Welsh domestic pyramid described in words and charts - Pyramid restructuring explained - Club by club preview of JD CYMRU PREMIER season - Full previews of JD Cymru North and JD Cymru South - 4 pages of previews of Tier 3 and 4 leagues - Tier 5 previews by region - Centre spread on Island Games Football Tournament - Welsh clubs in UEFA Competitions - Women's Football preview Email us at info@welshfootball.net for order and payment instructions.

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GOLWG360.CYMRU Pel-droedwyr ifanc ddim yn “Rydych chi’n gweld gyda rhai James yn y tîm cyn symud i o’r timau ry’n ni’n chwarae yn eu Manchester United. chwarae digon o gemau – herbyn nhw beth maen nhw Ryan Giggs Mae Declan John a Ben wedi bod drwyddo,” meddai. Dydy pêl-droedwyr ifainc sy’n chwarae mewn academïau yng “Mae ganddyn nhw gadernid a ngwledydd Prydain ddim yn munudau y tu ôl iddyn nhw. chwarae digon o gemau, yn ôl “Mae gyda ni’r system Ryan Giggs, rheolwr tîm Cymru. academi, pêl-droed dan 23, a Mae’n dweud bod y drefn dydy chwaraewyr ddim yn bresennol yn amddifadu chwarae digon o gemau. chwaraewyr ifainc o gyfleoedd i ddatblygu, gan eu bod nhw ond “Pan o’n i’n 16, ro’n i’n chwarae yn erbyn dynion – am 3 o’r gloch ar yn chwarae yn erbyn ddydd Sadwrn yn erbyn Everton chwaraewyr o’r un oedran yn i’r ail dîm yn Old Trafford. hytrach nag yn erbyn dynion. “Ro’n i’n erbyn pobol fel Dave Chwaraeodd Ryan Giggs i Watson [capten Everton] a Manchester United yn 17 oed, dyma’r math o beth nad yw gan fynd yn ei flaen i osod chwaraewyr ifainc yn ei record drwy chwarae 963 o gael erbyn hyn.” weithiau i’r clwb dros gyfnod o 24 o flynyddoedd. “Mae pawb eisiau Ond mae chwaraewyr cyfoes ymhell ar eu hôl hi o’u cymharu â chwaraewyr ar y cyfandir, meddai.

gweld bois o’r Academi’n torri trwodd” Mae Steve Cooper, rheolwr tîm pêl-droed Abertawe, yn dweud ei bod yn bwysig i’r cefnogwyr weld chwaraewyr lleol a Chymreig yn torri trwodd i’r tîm cyntaf o’r Academi. Mae Connor Roberts o Gastell-nedd a Joe Rodon o ardal Llangyfelach yn Abertawe ymhlith y chwaraewyr sy’n chwarae i’r Elyrch yn rheolaidd, ac roedd Daniel

Cabango hefyd wedi ymddangos yn y tîm cyntaf y tymor hwn. “Mae pawb eisiau gweld bois o’r Academi yn torri trwodd,” meddai wrth golwg360 ar drothwy’r gêm yn erbyn Birmingham yn Stadiwm Liberty ddydd Sul. “Maen nhw’n cael eu derbyn ychydig yn gynt, on’d ydyn nhw? Ac maen nhw’n cael cryn dipyn o gefnogaeth, sy’n beth cwbl naturiol. “Mae pob clwb pêl-droed yr un fath. “Ry’n ni’n amlwg wedi cael cryn dipyn o brofiadau da dros y blynyddoedd diwethaf wrth i chwaraewyr sydd wedi gwneud yn dda i’r Academi dorri trwodd a llwyddo ar y llwyfan mawr. “Dw i jest yn credu bod hynny’n beth positif i bawb. Mae’r ffans yn hoffi hynny, mae’n wych i’r chwaraewyr eu hunain, ac yna mae elfennau ychwanegol fel ysgogi’r chwaraewyr yn yr Academi. “Mae pawb ar eu hennill wedyn.” Y Bencampwriaeth yn haws na’r Uwch Gynghrair? Yn ystod cyfnod yr Elyrch, yn enwedig dros y tymhorau diwethaf, prin iawn oedd y cyfleoedd i chwaraewyr o Gymru ac yn dilyn ymadawiad Neil Taylor ym mis Ionawr 2017, doedd dim un Cymro yn y tîm cyntaf am gryn amser. Ers cwympo i’r Bencampwriaeth ac yn sgil trafferthion ariannol y clwb, mae nifer o chwaraewyr ifainc yr Elyrch wedi cael

eto. Ond rhaid i ni ennill yr hawl i fod yno gyda pherfformiad a chanlyniad da.”

Paul Dummett yn troi ei gefn ar Gymru… ac am Newcastle Mae’n ymddangos bod gyrfa ryngwladol Paul Dummett, amddiffynnwr Cymru, ar ben ar ôl iddo ddewis Newcastle dros y tîm cenedlaethol. Mae Ryan Giggs, rheolwr Cymru, wedi datgelu bod y chwaraewr 27 oed, sydd wedi ennill pum cap, wedi rhoi gwybod iddo na fyddai ar gael i gynrychioli ei wlad yn erbyn Azerbaijan fis nesaf. cyfleoedd i chwarae yn y gynghrair ac yn y gwpan.

tymor hwn, ac maen nhw’n sicr wedi plesio hyd yn hyn.

Ond mae Steve Cooper yn wfftio’r awgrym mai dim ond oherwydd y gwymp i’r Bencampwriaeth mae’r chwaraewyr iau yn cael cyfle erbyn hyn.

Mae’r Elyrch yn un o bedwar tîm yn unig yn y Bencampwriaeth sy’n dal yn ddi-guro y tymor hwn.

“Dydy hi ddim yn hawdd yn y Bencampwriaeth chwaith, cofiwch! “Mae’n rhaid eich bod chi wedi cyrraedd lefel arbennig fel chwaraewr i ymdopi â’r gofynion. “Ond fe fyddwn ni’n cynhyrchu chwaraewyr sydd wedi cyrraedd lefel arbennig, dw i’n sicr o hynny. “Pan ddaw’r amser cywir i gynnig cyfleoedd, fe fydda i’n ymroi i hynny a gobeithio y bydd y chwaraewyr yn cadw eu pennau i lawr ac yn parhau i weithio’n galed pan ddaw’r cyfle, a’u bod nhw’n barod i roi o’u gorau. “Ond yn nhermau cynhyrchu chwaraewyr, nid dim ond cyfrifoldeb yr Academi yw e – rhaid i ni weithio gyda nhw bob dydd hefyd a’u helpu nhw i dyfu a datblygu.”

Wrth orffwys y prif chwaraewyr ar gyfer gemau’r gwpan, mae sawl chwaraewr ifanc wedi dod i’r golwg ac wedi disgleirio, gan gynnwys Ben Cabango, y Cymro Cymraeg o Gaerdydd. Ac mae’n debygol y byddan nhw’n allweddol wrth barhau â rhediad di-guro o 13 o gemau, sy’n ymestyn i’r cyfnod cyn i Steve Cooper gael ei benodi’n olynydd i Graham Potter. “Mae’n record dda,” meddai Steve Cooper. “Mae’r chwaraewyr yn hyderus ac mae’r cefnogwyr yn llwyr gefnogi’r tîm. “Ond dyw e ddim yn fater o droi i fyny yn y Liberty a chredu ein bod ni’n mynd i ennill gêm bêl-droed dim ond achos ein bod ni yno. “Rhaid i ni wneud iddo fe ddigwydd bob gêm, a dyna’r ydyn ni wedi ei wneud yn y 13 gêm diwethaf. “Byddwn ni’n canolbwyntio ar hynny er mwyn sicrhau bod gyda ni’r meddylfryd cywir.

“Dw i’n credu mai dyna ni,” meddai’r rheolwr wrth gyhoeddi’r garfan ar gyfer gêm ragbrofol Ewro 2020 yng Nghaerdydd ar Fedi 6. “Fe wnes i siarad â Paul ac mae e jest eisiau canolbwyntio ar chwarae pêl-droed i’w glwb. Roedd yn teimlo ei fod e wedi cael llawer o broblemau â llinyn y gâr. “Roedd wedi cael problemau â llinyn y gâr yn gynharach y tymor hwn a jest yn teimlo ei fod e eisiau sicrhau ei fod e’n ffit i Newcastle.” Cap cyntaf Enillodd ei gap cyntaf dros Gymru yn erbyn yr Iseldiroedd yn 2014, ond fe gafodd e ffrae â’r cyn-reolwr Chris Coleman, gan ddweud na fyddai ar gael i Gymru ar ôl mis Mai 2017. Ond fe ddychwelodd e i’r garfan fis Ionawr y llynedd ar ôl i Ryan Giggs gael ei benodi’n rheolwr, ac fe chwaraeodd e yn erbyn Denmarc a Trinidad & Tobago. Mae Ryan Giggs yn dweud ei fod e’n “parchu” ei benderfyniad, gan ddweud bod ganddo fe “opsiynau” yn yr amddiffyn.

Er bod Ashley Williams wedi cael ei hepgor, mae gan Gymru Boed trwy ddewis neu Chris Mepham, Ethan Ampadu, reidrwydd, mae Steve Cooper yn “Ry’n ni’n mwynhau bod gartref, James Lawrence, Tom Lockyer a dibynnu ar y chwaraewyr iau y ac yn edrych ymlaen at fod yno Joe Rodon. Ieuenctid yn talu ar ei ganfed

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BALA TOWN RHEOLWR / MANAGER: COLIN CATON 1 JOSH TIBBETTS 2 ANDREW BURNS 3 SEAN SMITH 4 STUART JONES 6 JONNY SPITTLE 7 LEE MOLYNEUX 8 NATHAN BURKE 9 MIKE HAYES 10 HENRY JONES 11 KIERAN SMITH 12 EVAN HORWOOD 14 ASHLEY MORRIS 15 STEVE LESLIE 16 RYAN VALENTINE 17 DANIEL GOSSET 18 LOUIS ROBLES 19 SHAUN KELLY 20 LASSANA MENDES 21 ANTHONY STEPHENS 22 SION SULLIVAN 25 CHRIS VENABLES

CONNAHâ€™S QUAY MANAGER: ANDY MORRISON 1 LEWIS BRASS 2 JOHN DISNEY 3 CALLUM ROBERTS 4 PRIESTLEY FARQUHARSON 5 GEORGE HORAN 6 DANNY HARRISON 7 MICHAEL BAKARE 8 CALLUM MORRIS 9 MICHAEL WILDE 10 JAMIE INSALL 11 NATHAN WOOLFE 12 DECLAN POOLE 14 CONOR HARWOOD 15 DANNY HOLMES 16 JAY OWEN 17 KRIS OWENS 18 RYAN WIGNALL 21 TOM WEIR 23 ERIC MERNER

Y DYFARNWYR / MATCH OFFICIALS Bala Town would like to extend a warm welcome to our match officials this evening: Iwan Griffith, Andy Harms Sion Davies & Aaron Wyn Jones

NODDWYR / SPONSORS Match Sponsor: R. F. Jones Ball Sponsor: Eric Green

GEMAU NESAF / NEXT FIXTURES Penybont v Bala Town Sadwrn / Saturday 7 Medi / Sept KYMCO Stadium 2.30p.m. - JD Cymru Premier

Newtown v Bala Town Sadwrn / Saturday, 14 Medi / Sept Latham Park 2.30p.m. - JD Cymru Premier

Bala Town v Cardiff Met Sadwrn / Saturday, 21 Medi / Sept Maes Tegid 2.30p.m. - JD Cymru Premier