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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, 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 21
Newtown report Club News NLP Paper Mark Pitman
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
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NODIADAU NIGEL’S NOTES The last match played at Maes Tegid between these two teams this afternoon was certainly one which had more dramatic tension and ended in huge disappointment for the home side in a penalty shoot out loss.
a side who have once again demonstrated their capability to challenge for the top honours in the JD Cymru League and we should have the prospect of a fascinating and competitive encounter.
are so grateful to you all!
Financial commitments are always difficult and the support from the Sponsors is the lifeblood of our Club. We are always in need of any further sponsorship offers and Our newly formed Reserve Team would love to talk to anyone have had a magnificent start to who would consider any level of sponsorship. their season and must be Our disappointment was complimented on the unbeaten Welcome to all who have made however a moment of historical run in the League after 6 the long trip from Cardiff and achievement for our visitors matches. The team spirit which sincere thanks to everyone for today as they secured their first has been created under Adam their attendance this European qualification. There is Galdo is exemplary and the afternoon. Please enjoy the clearly nothing so significant at standard of football is so well afternoon's entertainment. stake in todays fixture but it is worth a watch! They are away Nigel nevertheless a fixture of the today in Saltney and are at utmost importance with regard home next Saturday against Nathaniel Cars League Cup to the League positions of both Cefn with a 2.30pm kick off at the teams. The Lakesiders will host either Maes Tegid. This match will Bangor City or The New Saints follow our WPL home fixture on We were extremely in Round 3 on Tuesday, 8th Friday evening against disappointed with the result in October with kickoff at 7.45p.m. Aberystwyth so there is a feast Newtown last Saturday which of entertainment at Maes Tegid followed a brilliant performance Match and ball sponsorship is next weekend. away in Penybont the previous available for this Cup tie week. We will certainly have to I must also take this opportunity please contact Arwel Lloyd improve our performance if we Jones via armarno9@ to thank our Club Sponsors for are to secure the points against all their generous support. We btinternet.com
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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CARDIFF MET UNI
MEET THE VISITORS...
Cardiff Metropolitan University was formed in1951 as Cardiff Training College, playing in the local leagues. In 1964 the club took advantage of the reorganisation of the Welsh Football League to win a place in the bottom division. Under the gifted leadership of Stuart Griffiths, they became a nursery for future caps at amateur level, while Dai Davies and David Williams went on to win international honours at the highest level. In 1975 they won promotion to Division One and the following season they were champions and promoted to the Premier Division. The students had
gained a reputation for playing attractive football, but already the strains of playing outside academic terms were obvious and they were relegated in 1979. In 1990, the whims of academia demanded that they change their name again, this time to Cardiff Institute of Higher Education, but two years later the club found itself back in the bottom division. Fortunately, Norman Dawkins, a former student and Welsh amateur cap, joined the staff and virtually single-handed he pulled the club together on and of the field. In 1996 the institute changed its name to University of Wales Institute, Cardiff, and this time a change of fortune was evident as within two seasons they were back in the
top division, winning the Welsh League Cup in 1999. The club, quietly shedding the ‘Inter Cardiff’ appendage, enjoyed some successful years in the Welsh League’s top tier and in 2003-04 reached the Welsh Cup quarter-finals. But a student team always suffers from an annual turnover of its playing squad and in 2007 UWIC were relegated to the second division. In 2009, UWIC appointed exWelsh international Christian Edwards. In 2011 UWIC formally ended its association with the University of Wales and became Cardiff Metropolitan University, and in turn the club changed its name to Cardiff Metropolitan University FC.
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
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ACADEMI BALA TOWN ACADEMY Bala Town Academy have a new structure this season.
Msc in Exercise Rehabilitation.
Gary Gallagher and Ian Evans will be with our Under 14's next season. Gary has been A number of new coaches impressive have joined the Academy since coming for the 2019-2020. into the Academy, and We are delighted that Guy will be on the Handscombe has agreed to return to the Academy. Guy, who UEFA B course this season. is currently an A licence coach Ian will assist and currently working with the Gary, FAW trust, was previously the combined with Academy director of the Academy and has now returned the role at Corwen FC. Ian is a fantastic coach and a well in a coaching role at the respected coach across Wales academy. We look forward to and we are delighted Ian is in Guy working with the squads the Academy. and using his experience to assist our coaches. Ifan Thomas and Matthew Digwood are new coaches of Harri Lloyd has joined as our the under 16s this season. Ifan Goalkeeper Coach. Harri is a last season was with Bangor Goalkeepers FAW B Licence City and is a UEFA B Licence holder & was at Cardiff holder. Met last season. This is the first season we have a Head of Coaching and we’re delighted to bring in a new GK coach, development support coach and Sport scientist to our Academy.
Jeorgia Rowbotham joins as our Sport Scientist & First Aid officer and will work with our Club medical officer. Jeorgia is a student at Bangor University, has a Bsc in Sport Health & Exercise science and currently studying a
Mathew Digwood joins from Llanfyllin, where he plays a big part in the youth grassroots football of the area. Alan Greaves will join our under 19s from Morecambe development squad. Previously with Tranmere Rovers,
Alan will join Andy Kelly for the 2019-2020 season with our Under 19's. Liam Charlton joins the U8's, he’s also part of the newly formed Dyffryn Juniors football club. Julian Jeffrey joins as U8's head coach. Jiw has experience coaching various age groups and has senior football experience as previously been Penrhyndeudraeth manager. Gavin Parry joins our under 12s age group, joining us from Bangor City where Gavin took the under 12s last season.
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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AIL DIM - RESERVES An evenly contested game ends with a point each. Another draw see's the Reserves keep their unbeaten start to the league campaign. With 5 games gone for Bala, they sit on 7 points with a couple of teams around them with a couple of games in hand due to cancellations. However an unbeaten start to the campaign is nothing to shy away from, with the team starting to find their feet and performances are starting to improve week in- and chips it into the net! 1-0 to Bala! week out. Bala then had another chance, An evenly contested start saw as Tom tried an acrobatic effort the Visitors pick up the first from a cross, but his effort was chance, after 6 minutes on the put wide. clock they put a ball in from a free kick, which is headed just over the bar.
Dion was again put into action, which saw him land badly after a challenge from the visiting forward, he got up and got right back into his goal.
Bala then obtained their first chance on goal, as AJ Galdo put a perfect ball over the top, which Joe Ephraim latched onto, On the stroke of half time, a great cross into the box saw Rhydymwyn got right back into Tom Lloyd narrowly miss the ball. the game, as a cross was put in from the left hand side, and Rhydymwyn had the ball in the Andrew Mark Jones was there to net on 14 minutes, however the head the ball into the net, with referee deemed it offside. Dion having no chance of saving it. 1-1 right before the Dion Jones in goal was called half time whistle. into action, as he punches the ball away for a corner, after A frustrating end to the half, saw the visiting forward was the Visitors peg themselfs right through on goal. back into the game. Bala had Again Dion was in the thick of it, the majority of the chances of as the Visitors were put through the first half, and kept the ball well, but a great ball into the again, however Dion was quick box, and a simple header saw off his line, and bravely put his all of Bala's work undone. body down low to deny the forward of a chance on goal. It took until the 28 minutes for the deadlock to be broken, as AJ timed a perfect challenge on the visiting defender, and puts Cai Aykroyd in on goal, who calmly goes around the keeper
The second half started with Rhydymwyn with a glorious chance on goal, but the forward put the ball over the bar, after being clear on goal.
in the first couple of minutes. The visitors seemed to have most of the ball for a good chunk of the second half, but couldn't turn it into a goal. A quiet second half saw the first big chance land to Joe on 86 minutes! A corner was put in, with Joe narrowly heading the ball over from close range, so agonisingly close. Then 0n 90 minutes, Joe came close again as Darrell Johns pinged a ball right over the top of the Rhydymwyn defence, though Joe's attempt was put just over the bar! A quiet second half saw the game end in a 1-1 stalemate. A decent point to gain, although a frustrating game with Bala having most of the chances in the first half, and hardly any in the second, however onward and upwards. Saturday, 28th September Bala Town v Cefn Albion 2.30p.m. Reserves & Colts League Cup Saturday 5th, October Bala Town Reserves v Connah’s Quay – 2.30p.m.
Rhydymwyn then went and hit Saturday, 12th October the post, with Bala looking shaky Airbus UK v Bala Town - 2.30p.m.
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EAT SLEEP FOOTBALL REPEAT Startlet Brennan Johnson loving life in the Wales international set up He made his debut for Wales Under 21s last week, scored the winner, has forced his way into the Nottingham Forest first team, and, if reports are to be believed, is currently the subject of a tug of war between England and Wales. 18-year-old Brennan Johnson is living his best life right now having been drafted from the Wales Under 19s to the U21s to play against Belgium in their opening Euro 2021 qualifier at the Racecourse Ground. “The manager there has been so good with me. He helps me and getting my Championship debut on the first day of the season and playing a few times in the cup, I couldn’t ask “I think I didn’t really know about for more. So now I’ve just got Wales too early, like, Under 15s to keep going, got to keep Under 21s manager Paul Bodin is 14s age, so I went to a few working hard in training and a big fan and in the aftermath camps when I was younger. hopefully get more of the victory in Wrexham, the opportunities.” “I got the call to go to Wales former defender said: “He had a Under 19s which was a year up Johnson, who is the son of campaign with the U19s last year last season. I was so happy to former Ipswich star David so I got to know him well. get the call up and playing for Johnson, is one of a number of “He’s a really exciting player. the Under 21s this season which players eligible for more than [Nottingham] Forest love him to is a few years up as well. one national team in the bits and they think he’s a real Wales set up. “I just want to play at the best prospect for their club.” Another classic example is level I can and playing in the For Johnson, it’s all the more Cole DaSilva, who was on the Under 21s European remarkable he’s adapted so bench for last Friday’s qualifier Championships is like the top quickly as, unlike the rest of the against Belgium. DaSilva has level I can play at.” team, he was actually playing been part of the Wales age international age-grade football Bodin was in charge of Wales grade system since Under 16s Under 19s when Brennan got across Offa’s Dyke for England level, having been signed by that call up. Between that and not too long ago. Chelsea at the age of 13 along making his Forest debut, it’s with his brothers Jay and Rio. The Nottingham Forest forward been a pretty good year for the Some years ago the has played under 16s and 17s for youngster. FAW expanded their scouting the Three Lions but is also network to start identifying eligible for Wales and Jamaica. “It’s been really good so far [with Nottingham Forest],” more players with hidden Right now, he’s very happy added Johnson. Welsh roots. where he is. A crowd of little more than 300 had the pleasure of seeing him bury a volley from close range to put the young Dragons ahead. It was a lead they would not let go and, in fact, could’ve made it two or three more.
“I played for England straight away because there was a few of us at Forest who got picked up by England really early on,” said Johnson.
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Ampadu was highlighted to the English FA at an early age but was apparently rejected for taking ‘too few touches’. He did spend some time in the English age-grade system but chose Wales instead.
The philosophy at the FAW is, in many ways, very simple support, guidance and development. But if a player shows signs they want to see what another country’s set up is about they are actively encouraged to do so. It’s a bold call when your noisy neighbours are England and they have the resources and facilities most football associations can only dream of. But this approach has seen the likes of Ethan Ampadu, Ben Woodburn and Dan James come through the ranks, while David Brooks won player of the tournament for England in Toulon before switching to Wales and since going on to make his senior debut. Where Wales differs from most other countries is the effort they put into including new players and showing them what it means to be Welsh; showing them an identity and the ‘Wales Way’. There are plenty who are against what they see as blatant opportunism by Wales who turn players’ heads by blooding them at higher age grades earlier to make them feel special and lock them in. The other side to that is that Wales has a small pool of players to choose from and its domestic league isn’t strong enough to develop from within. So it makes sense to scour English teams’ academies to see who is eligible and who may not be up to England’s standard.
"But we've got to look after ourselves. It's still in our hands if we win every game. It's a big ask because you've seen how tightly contested it is.
"It's all about what team turns up on the day or on the night. England’s loss was Wales’ gain, You never know what the So why shouldn’t players explore result is going to be, home or away in this group. all international options open to them? "We just need to look after ourselves. This year we've had As for Johnson, he could still four home wins so now we switch again as players can change allegiances up until they need to pick up points away from home too." win their first senior cap. Right now, though, he’s busy learning Wales have put some Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau to get in momentum together ahead touch with his Welsh roots. of their trip to Trnava to face “[I’ve got] probably about 75 per Slovakia after securing backto-back wins over Azerbaijan cent of it. It is tough but I’m still and Belarus. working on it,” said Johnson.
Ryan Giggs says Wales’ focus will be on themselves after Monday’s results left their Euro 2020 qualifying group wide open. Ahead of their 1-0 friendly win over Belarus, Wales were boosted by the news that World Cup finalists Croatia had been held to a 1-1 draw against Azerbaijan in Group E. While Slovakia secured a 2-1 win over Hungary, which has left the group wide open. Wales sit fourth and trail leaders Croatia by four points, although Giggs’ side have a game in hand over the rest of the teams in their group. But despite the results elsewhere, Giggs insisted Wales’ full focus will be on themselves as they gear up for next month’s qualifying double-header against Slovakia and Croatia. "I don't think they're the worst results in the world,” said Giggs.
Daniel James struck the winner against Belarus in front of a crowd of 7,666 at the Cardiff City Stadium and Giggs said he was pleased with his side’s display. “It was a much better performance tonight but I was happy with Friday,” added Giggs. “There are no teams that are just going to roll over and let you win. I was happy with the three points which have got us back into this group. I wanted momentum going into October. Just like the fans, I didn’t think that [performance against Azerbaijan] was good enough but you have to put it into perspective - it’s a tight group. “You never know what the results are going to be in any of these games in the group. You’ve seen that already.”
James has managed four goals in six games this season and Giggs backed “It was a difficult one with the Manchester United Hungary and Slovakia. We definitely didn't want a Hungary winger to continue his impressive start. win because they would have gone to 12 points. Croatia would “To do what he's done at the have also gone to 12 points. It's start of the season is not too bad. amazing,” said Giggs.
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PENYBONT 1, BALA TOWN 6 Sensational six for the Lakesiders! Saturday was a day when everything from a Town perspective went their way and their excellent team performance saw them deservedly take away all three points from the KYMCO Stadium. With only one change to the line-up that saw Henry Jones come in for Lee Molyneux, it was a perfect start to the game with Henry making an instant impact after two minutes of play. A ball came forward from Anthony Stephens into the path of Chris Venables which allowed got themselves back into the him to find Jones who fired low into the bottom left hand corner game as they broke down the right and Luke Borrelli from edge of the box. fired in after Bala failed to Bala saw plenty of the ball in the clear the attack. early stages as they applied This didn’t stop Town however pressure onto Penybont with who were still pressing forward Jones shooting over following and looking to add more a corner and then placing the goals to their tally. ball wide after the next passage of play.. A fourth goal came on 39 With nine minutes played, Town minutes when Louis Robles nudged the ball in from close were awarded a penalty as Burns was tumbled in the box by range which creeped under Warlow. Chris Venables stepped Wilson’s body. up and blasted the ball into the roof of the net doubling Town’s advantage. Town continued to dominate with Nathan Burke narrowly missing the target from 25 yards with Jones then seeing his effort saved by the goalkeeper. Bala added a third on 26 minutes when Stuart Jones was at the backpost and headed the goal across the face of goal that saw Mendes get a crucial touch to turn the ball in over the line. However from the restart Bont
goalbound header cleared by the Bont defence. Smith, Horwood and Molyneux were introduced as Town cranked up the pressure. Down the other end of the pitch, Penybont had a couple of half chances but didn’t test goalkeeper Ashley Morris who had a quiet afternoon in the Bala net.
A strike by Kieran Smith on the left was driven into the side netting before Bala had their 6th Before the interval, another goal of the afternoon. came to take the total up to five The 73rd minute saw a fantastic as Jones this time was tripped set piece on the edge of the in the box for the referee to area brought into the area and point to the spot for a second met an umarked Stuart Jones time. Venables put himself at the backpost who bulleted forward once more and the ball home with a duly dispatched the ball powerful header. down the left hand side making it 5-1 at the break. With the game now out of sight, Town were carving the home Even with their comfortable side open and keeping lead, Town continued with their possession brilliantly as they pressing throughout the second were seeing the game out. half and could’ve gone further ahead when Henry Jones’ A comprehensive afternoon for teasing cross rattled the the Lakesiders who will be woodwork prior to Venables’ delighted with their efforts.
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NEWTOWN 1, BALA TOWN 0 Lacklustre Lakesiders lose at Newtown. In the glorious September sunshine, it was a below par afternoon for the Lakesiders who lacked the killer touch infront of goal at Latham Park. Town started brightest from the outset and almost went ahead after three minutes of play when Steve Leslie’s 35 yard low drive went through Jones’ hands and was creeping towards goal but he was able to recover to push it out of play. Henry Jones headed wide from Burns’ cross from the right prior to Ashley Morris keeping out Kenton's effort down the other end. Neither team took a hold of the half with the game lacking quality with Robles driving into the area but placing the ball inches wide before Steve Leslie’s freekick was blasted straight into the wall from the edge of the box.
Before the interval, Leslie’s opportunity was cleared by Newtown and then Venables’ follow-up was saved with a Newtown chance flashing across the face of goal a minute later.
Town looked to be building some pressure. The visitors had a handball shout waved away by the referee as the Town management brought Smith, Horwood and Molyneux as they tried to take the lead.
The second half was an improvement on the first but again, chances A fantastic opportunity for Venables was hacked away by were few and the Newtown defence with far between. Molyneux also going near Burns’ cross when he picked up the ball narrowly on the left and struck the ball missed the wide of the post. head of an However with six minutes left to unmarked play, the Robins went ahead. Venables but George Harry capitalised on Barnes and mistake at the back which Mills-Evans allowed him to tuck the made it a ball into an empty net. difficult afternoon In the closing stages, the game for Bala’s became frantic as Newtown forward line. tried to keep hold of their lead and Bala looked for a reply but Nathan Burke was next to test it came to no avail. when his half A disappointing afternoon for volley flew wide the Lakesiders but one they will of the post as be eager to bounce back from.
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Jan.
Dec.
Nov.
Oct.
Sept
Aug.
9 16 23 26 30 7 14 21 27 4 8 12 19 25 1 8 15 30 14 20 26 30 12 17
Date
[WC = Welsh Cup]
LC2 CP CP CP CP CP CP CP CP CP LC3 CP CP CP CP CP CP CP CP CP CP CP CP CP
7-0 1-2 3-1 2-2 0-1 1-6 1-0 2.30pm 7.45pm 8.00pm 7.45pm 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 4 3 5
-3 6 7 7 10 10 Tibbetts Tibbetts Tibbetts Tibbetts Morris Morris Morris
Burns Burns Burns Burns Burns Burns Burns Jones Jones Jones Jones Jones Jones Jones Burke Burke Burke Burke Burke Burke Burke
Goalscorers in Red
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 / TNS 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]
Molyneux Molyneux Molyneux Molyneux Molyneux Jones Jones
Leslie Leslie Leslie Leslie Leslie Leslie Leslie
Robles 3 Mendes Robles Mendes Robles Mendes Robles Mendes Robles Mendes Robles Mendes Robles Mendes Stephens Stephens Stephens Stephens Stephens Stephens Stephens
Venables Venables 2 Venables 2 Venables Venables Venables 2 Venables
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
LATEST FROM MAES TEGID Bala Town Academy are delighted to announce that Jeorgia Rowbotham has joined the Academy as Academy Sport Scientist. Jeorgia is a student at Bangor University, has a Bsc in Sport Health & Exercise Science and is currently studying a Msc in Exercise Rehabilitation. She has joined as the Academy Sport scientist and will work closely with the Academy Medical Officer.
An all new session from 6.00p.m. until 7.00p.m. will be for Goalkeepers in the local area and for goalkeepers within the Academy. These sessions will be £2 a session. Dont forget, we also have our 6 a side League from 7.00p.m until 9.00p.m. on a Monday evening. For more information, please contact community@ balatownfc.co.uk
The Lakesiders are extremely pleased to Bala Town in the Community announce that they have added another two players have announced their new to their ranks. Monday Night Community sessions at Maes Tegid. Firstly joining us at Maes Tegid is twenty one year old Thomas Stephens who is a strong and confident central defender and also the younger brother Our first is our Girls Only sessions of current Lakesider which will run from 5.00p.m. Anthony Stephens. until 6.00p.m. and will be £2 Thomas has had spells at per session for Girls aged Skelmersdale and more recently 7-16 years old. Congleton Town, where he At 6.00p.m. until 7.00p.m. our made 34 appearances for The successful Over 35's Football will Bears last season before joining be taking place instead of a the Lakesiders during preThursday evening and will be season where he impressed the £2.50 per week. Town management. The new sessions caters for people of all ages. Everyone is welcome!
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Also putting pen to paper with the Lakesiders is Sion Sullivan who has been promoted from the Academy. Sully was named Managers Player of the Year in the Under 16's age group last season and has been training with the 1st Team squad throughout preseason and done extremely well which has earnt him a contract for this season. From Dolwyddelan, Sion has been in the Bala Town Academy for many years as well as playing for Blaenau Amateurs.
The Reserves are pleased to announce their home kit sponsor for the 19-20 season. As a club we are pleased to announce that Bala Star Kebab House will sponsor the Reserves' home kit for the forthcoming season. We thank Bala Star Kebab House for their continued support, as they already have sponsored previous academy age groups, and also have a advertisement board around the ground at Maes Tegid.
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 Nov. 15th Dec. 14th Dec. 30th Jan. 17th
Carmarthen Town Barry Town United Newtown Airbus Penybont Caernarfon Town 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
Plas yn Dre, Bala – www.plasyndre.co.uk
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.
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NON LEAGUE PAPER The demise of Bury should be the turning point for football regulation across all levels in the country. The Football Supporters’ Association met with the Alliance Committee – the National League, Northern Premier League, Southern League and Isthmian League to put forward proposals on how to protect football clubs. organisation in towns and cities The FSA are also calling for the up and down the land. Owners’ and Directors’ Test to be strengthened with a more “Some football clubs sit on very stringent process put in place. healthy assets, pieces of land that their ground has been built “The provisions within the on and have been in the club’s Owners’ and Directors’ Test we ownership for generations. That believe to be inadequate,” said is quite an attraction to some Walsh, referencing the speculators. Those assets ownership of Steve Dale at The FSA believes The Football deserve some protection. Bury and Bolton’s Ken Anderson. Association should be the The FA can provide that. “Those tests clearly need to overall regulatory body The FA would deter speculators be strengthened. following the failure of clubs and chancers from taking self-regulating under their “We also believe there should over our football clubs. respective leagues. be greater scrutiny of “You can’t expect clubs to spending at football clubs to It would eradicate conflicts of regulate themselves. You need ensure they are being run in a interest in the way that rules some independence in the sustainable manner. and regulations are set and regulation. We believe the most administered by the leagues, appropriate regulator is The FA. “Stewart Day, who owned Bury and especially where some of before he sold to Steve Dale, the decisions on the conduct of “The leagues are privately racked up millions of pounds owners and directors of clubs owned entities owned by the worth of debts incurred are taken by the owners and football clubs themselves and because of over spending. directors of other clubs. they are going to be less likely to No action was taken by the vote for stronger regulation. Football League or The FA. “We will be emphasising the need for reform of the “Self-regulation in the EFL has “There needs to be a review of regulations around ownership of been shown to have failed the finances in the game. We clubs because we want to and it’s now time for The FA to would argue there needs to be protect clubs and protect step in and apply that a fairer distribution of wealth football’s assets from regulatory structure. but that should be done within speculators and chancers “If The FA doesn’t step in then it a regulatory framework coming into the game,” Andy Walsh of the FSA told The NLP in should be government because because we equally do not football clubs are not just like want to see owners such as the the wake of Bury’s expulsion any other businesses, they are Oystons, who took advantage from the EFL. cultural and community assets of their stewardship of Blackpool to enrich themselves. “Football clubs in this country still in their local towns and cities One thing is for certain, we represent the biggest expression and therefore they deserve a greater level of protection.” cannot stand still.” of community identity of any The FSA’s proposals – which they believe should apply to all levels of football including Steps 1-4 in Non-League – have two key principles: the community significance of football clubs and avoiding conflicts of interest in regulation.
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NODDWYR - SPONSORS Huge thank you to our sponsors for their support this afternoon! Diolch am eich cefnogaeth heno.
Match Sponsor:
Badell Aur Restaurant 35 High Street, Bala 01678 520310 JD CYMRU TABLE Latest standings (as of 17th September)
Team
1. Barry Town United 2. The New Saints 3. Connah’s Quay 4. Cardiff Met Uni. 5. Bala Town 6. Caernarfon Town 7. Newtown 8. Cefn Druids 9. Aberystwyth Town 10. Carmarthen Town 11. Airbus UK 12. Penybont
P 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6
W 4 4 3 3 3 2 2 1 2 0 1 0
18
D 2 1 3 3 1 3 2 3 0 3 0 1
L
0 1 0 0 2 1 2 2 4 3 5 5
F
9 17 8 9 13 7 5 8 9 9 6 7
A
4 7 3 5 7 6 5 8 22 12 11 17
Points 14 13 12 12 10 9 8 6 6 3 3 1
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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.
20
MARK PITMAN Bale cut a confident figure as he addressed each and every question. Ranging from the psychological effects of been frozen out of the team to ‘the golfer’ nickname, Wales’ all-time leading goalscorer Selected as the team captain by was unmoved. manager Ryan Giggs in the It seemed as if he had been absence of Ashley Williams, waiting for this opportunity to Bale willingly performed the pre- set the record straight, and after match duty of meeting the clarifying how little attention he press the day before the match, pays to what is said about him, and was more than happy to he emphasised that nobody answer questions on his really knows the full story about turbulent summer. what went on in the Spanish
Gareth Bale made a rare appearance in front of the media on the eve of Wales’ crucial UEFA EURO 2020 qualifier against Azerbaijan in Cardiff last week.
desire he still has to represent Wales. Playing for Wales is not considered to be a job for Bale, but it seems that playing for Real Madrid has become just that. It is understandable that he would fall out of love with the game when every action comes under such intense scrutiny, in a country where the truth rarely gets in the way of a good story.
Having had his say on the matter, Bale walked out at the Cardiff City Stadium the following evening wearing the capital over the last few months. His future has been the main captains armband. It was topic of conversation across the It was clear that he would not another proud moment for him Spanish media for months, but expand on the detail of exactly representing his country, and having re-established himself in what happened, but said while the team performance has Zinedine Zidane’s plans at the enough to show people that been criticised in some corners, Santiago Bernabeu, it was now there were certainly two sides to it was the victory that counted time for Bale to have his say on this particular story, and that more than anything else. what has been one of the Bale felt that he had acted toughest periods of his career, appropriately and professionally Azerbaijan made it difficult for both on and off the field. Wales and certainly showed in the circumstances. that there are no easy games in Professional was a international football. As they term used quite did against Croatia at the start frequently, of the campaign, they defended especially when deep and hit Wales on the the questioning counter-attack. turned to his time on the golf course. Giggs had warned against their Used as a stick to approach in his own press conference the day before, and beat him with in the Spanish press, while his players were more than Bale emphasised aware of the danger, they could not prevent the visitors from that golf is his equalising in exactly that way. hobby, and that football is his However, the night would belong profession. to Bale, and like he has many It was an appropriate comment, but it also felt cold when reflecting on the passion he had for the game in his younger years, and the
21
times before, he rescued Wales with a late winning goal. It was similar to the 2-1 victory over Andorra back in September 2014 that kick-started the EURO 2016 qualifying campaign, and the same effect will be required if Wales are to make this campaign just as successful.
It was scrappy in places, but the result was ultimately all that mattered following the two defeats against Croatia and Hungary in the summer. Giggs was openly critical of the collective team performance following the match, but was also quick to highlight some of the good work that his young side produced, which included the character shown to win the game in the manner that they did. And leading that character was Bale himself. His pre-match press conference had clearly allowed him to vent some frustration about his recent experiences in Madrid, and it seemed a weight had been lifted as he took to the field on
Friday night. A shadow of his former self in the previous two international fixtures, events at his club were certainly affecting his performances for his country. Having his say on the eve of the match appeared to have played a key part in his performance, while his frustration at club level has heightened his passion for playing for his country. Wales need Bale at his best if qualification for EURO 2020 is to be achieved, and keeping him mentally fit could be the difference between success and failure.
RESERVES & COLTS LEAGUE TABLE Team
Latest standings (as of 17th September)
1. Cefn Mawr Rangers 2. Mynydd Isa 3. Airbus UK 4. Connah's Quay 5. Rhydymwyn 6. Bala Town 7. Brymbo 8. Cefn Albion 9. Llay Welfare Colts 10. Overton 11. Llangollen Town 12. Ruthin Town 13. Johnstown YFC 14. Coedpoeth Utd 15. Saltney Town
P 6 7 7 4 4 6 6 5 7 5 7 6 5 6 5
W 6 5 4 4 3 2 2 3 2 1 1 1 1 0 0
22
D 0 1 1 0 1 4 3 0 0 1 1 0 0 2 2
L
0 1 2 0 0 0 1 2 5 3 5 5 4 4 3
F
15 20 25 22 17 13 18 18 11 8 5 12 7 7 7
A
5 9 9 3 6 9 10 13 20 16 24 25 23 14 19
Points 18 16 13 12 10 10 9 9 6 4 4 3 3 2 2
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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 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 TOM STEPHENS 22 SION SULLIVAN 25 CHRIS VENABLES
CARDIFF MET UNI MANAGER: CHRISTIAN EDWARDS 1 WILL FULLER 2 DYLAN REES 3 KYLE MCCARTHY 4 BRADLEY WOOLRIDGE 5 EMLYN LEWIS 6 MAEL DAVIES 7 ELIOT EVANS 8 CHRIS BAKER 9 WILL EVANS 10 CHARLIE CORSBY 11 JORDAN LAM 14 JOEL EDWARDS 15 JOE EVANS 17 OWEN TAYLOR 18 RHYDIAN MORGAN 25 ALEX LANG 27 DAVID THOMAS 30 DAN EVANS 34 DION PHILLIPS 38 LIAM WARMAN
Y DYFARNWYR / MATCH OFFICIALS Bala Town would like to extend a warm welcome to our match officials this afternoon: Richard Harrington, Lewiss Edwards, Andy Harms & John Andrew Jones
NODDWYR / SPONSORS Match Sponsor: Badell Aur Restaurant 35 High Street, Bala 01678 520310
GEMAU NESAF / NEXT FIXTURES Bala Town v Aberystwyth Town Gwener / Friday 27 Medi / Sept Maes Tegid 7.45p.m. - JD Cymru Premier
Cefn Druids v Bala Town Gwener / Friday 4 Hydref / October The Rock 7.45p.m. - JD Cymru Premier
Bala Town v Carmarthen Town Sadwrn / Saturday 12 Hydref / October Maes Tegid 2.30p.m. - JD Cymru Premier