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 Eat Sleep Blog 18

Airbus round-up Club News Mark Pitman NL Paper

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 Maes Tegid hosts its first WPL home fixture for 201920 season and we are delighted to welcome the Champions for as many years as most can remember back to Bala.

achieved in this match tonight! TNS have had a long and arduous European campaign but returned to normal service last weekend with an opening day win.

In contrast Bala have had a reasonable rest in close season Our success rate in League following their failure to qualify matches against our visitors for Europe and started the new today can best be described as campaign with a fine away win dismal as we await to record at newly promoted Airbus. The our first win either home or Wingmakers will provide stiff away but the sweet success of opposition on their own patch our incredible Welsh Cup Final and we should gain confidence victory is still a vivid memory from this excellent result. and one which gives us belief The Club are hopeful of a that the 3 point haul has to be

successful season ahead with new signings already putting in some fine performances and combined with the strength of our established squad we would hope to seriously challenge a top 6 spot. Tonight will be a good barometer of the progress made and we are all looking forward to the fixture with a high degree of anticipation and excitement. Let’s hope the anticipation will result in a satisfactory return! Enjoy Maes Tegid on this summers evening! Nigel

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/

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

THE NEW SAINTS

MEET THE VISITORS...

Jon Routledge - Born in Liverpool, the 26-year-old featured for Wigan Athletic against Portsmouth back in 2009, having began his football career at Liverpool’s famous academy. In 2010, he joined Scottish Premier League side Hamilton Academical on loan, before a short spell at Stockport. In July 2015, Routledge signed a one-year contract with Dumbarton before signing for TNS in May 2016.

on either wing or as a number ten behind the striker. Josh Hmami - Beginning his career as a youngster with Bolton Wanderers’ Academy, A two-year scholarship with Accrington Stanley saw Josh go on to become the captain of the U18’s. He scored the only the only goal of the game, as his side beat Rochdale 1-0 in the FA Youth Cup.

established himself as the first choice left back at the club. Having graduated through the Wrexham Academy, the 2013 Manager’s Player of the Year has won six WPL titles and four FAW Welsh Cups.

Simon Spender - Simon Spender joined The New Saints from Barrow in 2011 and has established himself as a key figure in the team. The TNS number two has helped The Ben Clark - A product of the TNS Saints win four WPL titles in a row Academy system, teenager Danny Redmond - The 27-yearalong with three FAW Welsh Clark put pen-to-paper in the old Liverpudlian began his summer of 2017, after impressing Cups and Two League Cups. career in the Everton Academy, Blaine Hudson - A towering 6’ 4” before moving to Wigan Athletic in last season’s U16 squad. centre half, he began his career in 2009. Before leaving the club Aeron Edwards - Aeron signed in 2014, he played a number of for TNS in 2009 and has become with Norwich City. Following a times, including games against a mainstay in the side in recent move to Cambridge United he then switched to the borders, AFC Bournemouth and seasons. Having played for Manchester City. Buckley Town and Caersws, the where he first played for Wrexham and then Chester. energetic midfielder has Ryan Brobbel - Ryan Brobbel represented The Saints in joined The Saints in January 2016 Joash Nembhard - Twenty-yearEuropean competition against and is a Northern Ireland U21 old Joash joined The New Saints the likes of Legia Warsaw, Slovan international that came through from Evo-Stik League South side, Bratislava, B36 Torshavn, the Middlesbrough Academy. Staines Town FC. Prior to joining Videoton and FC Midtjylland. He played for York City and Staines Town in July 2017, he Hartlepool United before his Chris Marriott - Chris Marriott spent time at Hendon FC and move to the WPL and can play joined TNS in 2009 and has Chesham United.

Kane Lewis - Described as versatile, Kane Lewis can play anywhere across the back, with the ability to slot in at either centre-half or right-back, thus bringing flexibility into the set-up at Park Hall. Greg Draper - Greg Draper joined TNS in 2011 and in his first season at the club helped his side to win the WPL by being top scorer. Having made his senior international debut for New Zealand in 2008 in a FIFA World Cup qualifier against Fiji. Before joining The Saints, Draper played for Canterbury United, Wellington Phoenix, Melbourne Knights and Team Wellington. Adrian Cieslewicz - Adrian joined The New Saints in 2014. Born in Poland, Adrian was part of Manchester City’s Academy before signing for Wrexham. The wide man is known for his electric pace and has helped TNS win a domestic treble during his first year at the club. Jamie Mullan - Jamie Mullan joined TNS in 2013 and has gone on to become a key player for The Saints. The tricky winger spent time with Manchester United as a youngster before playing for the likes of Northwich Victoria, Rochdale, Fleetwood and Alfreton. Dean Ebbe - Born in Dublin, Ebbe is a 23-year-old striker who began his career at Shamrock Rovers. Playing for a number of teams in his native Ireland – Longford Town, Athlone Town, Cabinteely and Bluebell United – the 6′ 2″ striker then moved across the water to Inverness Caledonian Thistle in 2017. Kurtis Byrne - Dublin-born striker, Kurtis Byrne, began his youth career in England, with Norwich City, before moving north of the border to Scotland. The 28-year-old held permanent contracts at both Hibernian and Ross County, combined with loan deals at East Fife, Alloa Athletic and Brechin City, before another move took him back to his native Ireland and Dundalk.

Paul Harrison - Having come through the Liverpool Academy, ‘H’ managed to get himself on the bench for his boyhood club but never made an appearance for the Reds. Since joining The Saints, Harrison has been an integral part of the side and has picked up Five Championship winning medals along with three Welsh Cups.

Park, where he spent 10 years until the age of 16, Adam went on to play for the likes of Cammell Laird, Marine and Warrington. In addition, he played in the National League North for Vauxhall Motors.

Ryan Harrington - Born in Wales, twenty-year-old Harrington has represented his country through a number Connor Roberts - Twenty-five of age groups up to the U19s. year old Wrexham-born stopper, Beginning his football career Connor Roberts, began his with Wrexham’s Academy, he professional career with Everton then crossed the border to in 2011. Following a couple of Everton. From there it was loan moves he switched to another cross-country move, Cheltenham Town a year later, as he signed for Aberdeen. where he spent two seasons Liam Parry - Born in Liverpool, with the Gloucestershire club. Liam joined The New Saints A year with Chester was FC’s Academy with the U15 followed by a move into top age group and has been at flight Welsh football, when he the club ever since, moved to Bangor City. progressing through the ranks Harry Bower - The Shrewsbury- to the point of signing his first born forward joined The New professional contract at the Saints FC’s Academy U13s at the start of the 2019-20 season. start of the 2013-14 season.Harry Lewis Dutton - The young has represented England Colleges during the 2017-18 and goalkeeper has been with The New Saints since the age of 12. 2018-19 seasons, having both captained the side and scored He played for Wales’ U18s for two seasons on the bounce on a number of occasions. and first trained with the Billy Whitehouse - The senior squad at Park Hall at Mexborough-born wide-man the age of 16. During 2018-19, began his career at Doncaster Dutton spent considerable Rovers before moving to time on the bench, aged 17, Yorkshire giants, Leeds United, gathering valuable first team for an undisclosed sum. Signing experience. for The New Saints on deadline He also captained the Underday in the January 2019 transfer 19s in 2018-19, and led the team window, Whitehouse made his to the FAW Youth Cup final, debut coming off the bench a where they lost out to few days later, in a 5-0 victory Swansea City. against Newtown. CJ Craven - Signing his first Keston Davies - 22-year-old professional contract at the Keston signed for the Swansea start of the 2019-20 season, City Academy at the age of 8. the talented youngster, who His Swansea City career can play in both defence and included playing for the Under- midfield, made his debut for 23s at the age of 15 and The New Saints against captaining the Under-19s to two Bangor City at the age of 17. FAW Youth Cups. In addition, he Coming through the Academy was an integral part of the system at Park Hall, Craven former’s 2016-17 doublehas represented Wales at U16 winning season, where he and U18 level, having made his featured in 39 games. debut against Ireland, then Adam Hughes - Having started going on to play against his football career at Prenton Gibraltar.

AIL DIM - RESERVES A goal fest for the Reserves' blocked and goes out for a corner. AJ Galdo then comes first home league game! The Reserves' first home league game on Tuesday night (13th) saw 6 goals which included some great strikes on goal, however the last was pivotal in how the game panned out. A fast start by our Reserves was needed, to try and progress on what they achieved in their previous league game against Brymbo last Saturday and this is exactly what happened for the first 15 minutes, as Cai Aykroyd had a good chance on goal, after Darrell Johns sliped a through ball between the visiting center backs into the path of Cai, but the keeper was quick off his line as Cai tried to curl the ball around him, however it went just went wide of the post. A dominant start by Bala saw their work undone in the 17th minute as a free kick for hand ball was given on the edge of the box to Llangollen, and a right footed bullet into the top right hand corner by Kristian Jones saw them take a 1-0 lead. Dom Walker in goal had no chance of saving it with little time to react to the strike. Bala look to bounce back within 3 minutes but an attempt on goal by Cai is blocked well by the visiting defender. However on 31 minutes, Cai took his chance with a sublime finish as he runs in on goal, and curls the ball into the top right hand corner of the net! Bala much the better team, and a well deserved goal to bring them back level! Joe Ephraim came close just before the break with an attempt on goal, which is

close from the resulting corner, but his header just goes wide.

minutes for another piece of action, however it was Llangollen who pulled a goal back to make it a nervy last 15 minutes, as a scramble in the box leaves Dom Walker in goal attempting to claw the ball from the net, after Joseph Morris taps it into the goal.

The referee blows for half time with Bala much the better side, although being level at the break. 2 great goals by both individuals leave the game level at half time with both team The last 10 minutes got quite searching for their first 3 points scrappy with Bala doing most of the league campaign. of the defending, as they try to clear the ball out, in doing Bala started the second with the that, giving the ball back to same intensity as the first, with their opponents. Cai again coming close and Darrell Johns getting a chance As the game approached on goal from long range, but his added time, Jarvis unfortunshot clips the top of the net and ately picked up a second out for a goal kick yellow and Bala went down to 10 men with 2 minutes left. A few substitutions were made as Tom Lloyd came on for AJ The free kick resulting from Galdo and Harri Watkin on for Jack's tackle was quite far out, Gethin Edwards. however not too far out for Llangollen's Kristian Jones, as It only took Harri Watkin 6 he hits a sweet ball over Dom minutes to make a huge impact and into the top right hand on the game, as he dribbles corner of the net... 3-3 after Bala through a few of the visiting dominating most of the game. defenders and has space to curl With the last kick of the game, a perfect shot into the far left Llangollen snatch a point hand corner! Bala ahead at 2-1! which leaves Bala with 2 points Bala in complete control of the out of 2 games. game, and it shows again, as A frustrating end to the game, Cai grabs his second goal of the however a lot of positives to game! A brilliantly worked goal take out of it, as Bala dominby him, as he dribbles through 3 ated most of the game, but visiting defenders and slots the could not close the game out. ball into the far left hand side of the goal! Bala 3-1 up and in total control of the game. A few questionable challenges were being put in by both teams that the referee waved play on. It took until 75

EAT SLEEP FOOTBALL REPEAT Wales Watch: Wilson off the mark and Bale to stay at Real We are now headlong into the season and already getting a feel for who’s in and out of form and Wales Watch has been keeping a beady eye on our international prospects. This week - Harry Wilson, Gareth Bale and Joe Allen. Harry Wilson We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again and again and again and ag-oh you get the idea.. The King of Corwen DOES NOT DO TAP INS. As the ball dropped to him outside the area in Bournemouth’s 2-1 win over newly-promoted Aston Villa everyone, literally everyone knew what was going to happen next. Okay, yes, it took a bit of a deflection on its way through, but so what? The fact is this is what Wilson does week-in, week-out. He scores screamers and Premier League defenders are going to have to think very carefully about giving away free kicks any around the area this season because Wilson will punish them.

Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe with Dai Brooks sidelined at the moment. Imagine the prospects when they’re both fit and rampaging forward! What we care about most though is that he’s on form and feeling confident for the next Euro qualifier against Azerbaijan. Gareth Bale We wondered in a previous last Wales Watch whether the ice was melting and Bale was being welcomed back in from the cold at Real Madrid. Now we have our answer.

"He [Bale] is going to stay," Zidane told the press after It’s a great start for the Liverpool Madrid beat Celta Vigo in their loanee who is already justifying opening La Liga match, with his decision to join the Cherries Bale laying on the opening and mystifying some on goal for Karim Benzema. Merseyside who think he could force his way into Jurgen Klopp’s "Everyone we have helps us side. And the Reds manager was to think positively. suitably impressed with Wilson’s "You have to focus on the performance, even sending him season, nothing more. [Eden] a selfie with the message "Well Hazard's injury was bad luck for done - we're all delighted for us, but it didn't change the you." via WhatsApp. idea we had with Bale starting the game. It’s also a welcome relief for

"Gareth, James (Rodriguez)... Everyone here is going to defend the shirt the way it deserves to be." Which is lovely to hear, but is also a remarkable turnaround from Zidane’s ‘it would be better for everyone if he left’ line from earlier in pre-season. Spanish football, and in particular Madrid, is a massive soap opera with all sorts of twists and sub-plots happening behind the scenes and then played out in the public eye. Bale has kept his trap shut, kept his head down and got on with the job of being a Madrid player while all this has been swirling around him. Yes, there was the big money move to China but Florentino Perez torpedoed, and there have been plenty of rumours around Bale being a makeweight in a move for Neymar at Paris St Germain. But while all this has been going on you haven’t heard a peep out of him. He just wants

It hurt more because it’s wee Joe. Things like that aren’t supposed to happen to him. We think it’s that club doing it to him. Stop it. Just stop it Stoke. We need him in form. Honourable mentions this week also for Aaron Ramsey, who made his debut for Juventus in a friendly game ahead of the start of the Serie A season in Italy. We’ll be honest, he looks damn fine in that black and white strip.

to play football for Madrid and with the weekend win under his belt we can only hope it’s a big confidence booster ahead of the upcoming Euro qualifying games. Bale arguably has been in form at international level since 2016. So keep everything crossed he’s on his way back. Joe Allen Sorry Joe, normally, whenever we feature you it’s because of

And it looks like Ashley Williams could be back with a club after his contract another fine performance either expired at Everton. He’s in a Wales shirt or battling been linked with Reading against the tide at Stoke City. and Wigan recently but it We still cannot understand how looks like Bristol City are the a player of your calibre is still favourites to snap up the there and not playing in the 35-year-old centre back. highest league. And we think it’s This could be a huge boost beginning to have an effect! for the Wales skipper as In Stoke’s 2-2 draw with Derby we firmly believe he’s still County Allen had the simplest of got something to offer tap ins to level things up after Ryan Giggs with some County had taken the lead at crucial international the Bet365 Stadium. But oh dear… games to come.

JD CYMRU TABLE Team

Latest standings (as of 20th August)

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

P 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

W 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

D 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1

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

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

Points 3 3 3 3 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0

BALA TOWN 7, GRESFORD ATH 0 New Lakesiders shine in first game of the season! The Lakesiders kicked off the 2019-20 season in spectacular fashion with a superb team display in the 2nd Round of the Nathaniel MG Cars Cup against Gresford Athletic. From the outset, Town set the standard and immediately applied pressure with some high intensity pressing which caught our opponents off guard and caused them problems. The first chance fell to Louis Robles who pulled a shot wide from 18 yards prior to Steve Leslie firing an opportunity straight at goalkeeper Ben Jones. Town’s early pressure paid off as 22 minutes in, Bala took the lead. The high press caused wasn’t dealt with by the visitors and Steve Leslie collected the ball and fired low in the bottom corner of the net from around the edge of the area. Bala doubled their lead five minutes later when Sean Smith started a break down the left hand side and Gresford’s failure to clear saw the ball fall to Robles who rocketed the ball past Jones. Molyneux, Mendes, Venables and Leslie were linking up brilliantly and with Town keeping hold of the majority of possession, Gresford were having to defend hard as they tried to play out from the back much to their credit. Before the break, Athletic had a dangerous chance as a cross from the right switched over to the left wing to be delivered into the area but Anthony Stephens cleared the threat.

The second half couldn’t have started any better than it did for the Lakesiders who scored immediately from the restart when Robles added his second of the night when he buried his effort from the edge of the box to make it 3-0.

when he powered the ball in from 13 yards to notch the Lakesiders’ 5th of the night. A minute later it was 6-0 when Lee Molyneux found the ball arrive to his feet 35 yards out and bulleted a low drive into the bottom corner.

It got even better for Town after 50 minutes when it was 4-0 as Venables smashed in from around 12 yards after more counter attacking play from Bala.

Gresford weren’t done however as they had a superb chance to get a goal back as they caught Town on the break and Jake Eyre hit the base of the post.

Even in the blustery conditions, both sides were looking to play across the floor with Town taking more of a hold of the game as it continued.

Following Leslie’s disallowed strike with 15 left on the clock, Bala earned their seventh as substitute Henry Jones was brought down in the box for a penalty which he dispatched brilliantly into the top corner.

Stephens had a strike pushed away, Jones’ header from a corner was collected before Burns and Molyneux also saw their opportunities go over the bar.

A fantastic performance by the Lakesiders who cruised to victory in the second half and thoroughly deserve their place in the 3rd Round draw.

In the 65th minute, a debut hatrick for Robles was secured

The 3rd Round draw hadn’t been conducted before this programme was finished.

AIRBUS 1, BALA TOWN 2 Venables hits a double as Town start league campaign with a win. The 2019-20 began on Friday evening away at Broughton as the Lakesiders took on newly promoted outfit Airbus in the season opener of the new JD Cymru League season. As expected the game started at full pace with both sides testing in the opening minutes. Former Lakesider Jordan Evans saw his spectacular effort fizzle over the crossbar meanwhile down the other end, Lassana Mendes pulled a strike wide of the post. Town had a fantastic first half that saw them dominate the opening 45 minutes as they caused problems for Airbus and had plenty of attempts on goal.

looking a danger on the counter goalbound effort over the attack with Molyneux and crossbar only minutes into Robles putting further efforts the half. wide of the uprights. The Wingmakers halved the Down the other end, Josh scoreline on 58 minutes when Lee Molyneux saw an initial Curtis Strong unleashed a rocket effort saved by Roberts prior to Tibbetts was called into action of a strike into the top right Venables sending the follow-up when he saved Andy Owens hand corner from the edge of chance wide of the left post with strike in a rare Airbus first half chance. the area to make it 1-2. Molyneux again in the mix minutes later as his edge of the Before the interval, Molyneux Airbus were playing some good box strike went inches wide. almost added a second when football with Bala having to his daisycutter rattled the base defend strongly at the back to Bala were mounting the of the post following a fantastic keep them from a leveller with pressure with Burns making a passage of play. Tibbetts making three brilliant break on the wing and exeptional stops to deny them. picking out Mendes but his In injury time, a second was header was denied by the scored when a corner was Town had the ball in the net goalkeeper with Town looking delivered into the area, flicked through Robles in the final ten a threat on each attack. onwards by Stephens and minutes but saw it ruled out for pounced upon by Venables who offside as Bala had to dig Midway through the half, Town beat the offside trap and buried deep to keep Airbus' threat were awarded a penalty when the ball into the net for Town to at bay which they managed Roberts fouled Robles in the take a 2-0 lead into the break. area and the referee pointing to do thankfully. straight to the spot. Chris The second half was a Overall a good start for the Venables stepped up and completely different half to the Lakesiders who did very well in confidently nestled the ball into first with Airbus putting on the the first half but have things to the net giving the Lakesiders pressure and making things work on after a testing second the lead on 24 minutes. difficult for the Lakesiders. half performance from an The Lakesiders continued to Goalkeeper Tibbetts was forced Airbus side who will be no threaten with Robles and Leslie into action as he tipped over a pushovers this season.

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

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

Goalscorers in Red

Subs.

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7-0 --- --- Tibbetts Burns S Smith Jones Burke Molyneux Leslie Robles 3 Mendes Stephens Venables Spittle, Hayes, Jones, Kelly 1-2 2 3 Tibbetts Burns S Smith Jones Burke Molyneux Leslie Robles Mendes Stephens Venables 2 Horwood, Smith, Hayes, Kelly, Jones 7.45pm 2.30pm 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

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 The FAW Trust in partnership with Bala Town are running four weeks of FREE football sessions at Maes Tegid. Our brand new sessions is an introduction to football for any boys and girls aged between 711 years old. On Wednesday, 25th of September, 2nd, 9th and 16th of October from 5.00p.m. until 6.00p.m. we have 20 spaces up for grabs. You need to register using https://www.fawtrust.cymru/gras sroots/fun-football/funfootball charterscheme/free-sessions and choose ‘Bala Town FC’ and your confirmation will be confirmed.

Fixtures for the Under 19's Development League have been announced by the FAW. Town will start the season at Rhyl on September 8th and finish on 19th April away at Airbus.

Sunday, 15th September - Bala Town v Connah's Quay Sunday, 22nd September Caernarfon v Bala Town Sunday, 29th September - Bala Town v The New Saints Sunday, 20th October Prestatyn v Bala Town Sunday 27th October Bala Town v Cefn Druids Sunday, 10th November Free Weekend

Bala Town v Newtown Sunday, 19th April Airbus v Bala Town

FAW Youth Cup

Sunday, 17th November Bala Town v Llandudno

The draw for the FAW Youth Cup has been conducted in Cardiff.

Sunday, 1st December Newtown v Bala Town

In Round 1, Bala Town have been handed an away tie at Llangefni Town with the game to be played on Sunday, 6th October.

Sunday, 8th December Bala Town v Airbus Sunday, 15th December Flint Town United v Bala Town Sunday, 12th January Bala Town v Flint Town United

The fixtures are as follows:

Sunday, 19th January Bala Town v Rhyl

Sunday, 8th September Rhyl v Bala Town

Sunday, 26th January Connah's Quay v Bala Town Sunday, 9th February Bala Town v Caernarfon Sunday, 16th February The New Saints v Bala Town Sunday, 23rd February - Bala Town v Prestatyn Sunday, 1st March Cefn Druids v Bala Town Sunday, 15th March Free Weekend Sunday, 22nd March Llandudno v Bala Town Sunday, 5th April -

Reserves Fixtures Saturday, 24th August Mynydd Isa Spartans v Bala Town Reserves – 2.30p.m. Welsh Cup Reserves & Colts division: 1st Round: Saturday 31st of August Bala Town Reserves v Rhydymwyn - 2.30p.m. Saturday, 7th Sept. – Bala Town Reserves v Cefn Mawr Rangers – 2.30p.m. Saturday, 14th Sept. Welsh Trophy R2 – TBC Saturday, 21st Sept. Saltney Town v Bala Town Reserves – 2.30p.m. Reserves & Colts League Cup Saturday 5th of October Bala Town Reserves v Connah’s Quay – 2.30p.m. Saturday, 12th Oct. Airbus UK v Bala Town Reserves

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

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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 Tom Lawrence started the new Championship season in spectacular style as his impressive brace of goals claimed three points for Derby County and the man of the match award. The former Manchester United youngster turned 25 at the start of the year, but for many he his still seen as one for the future, rather than the present. A nomadic club career has seen the versatile forward play for six different clubs on-loan, but it seems his permanent switch to Derby will be the making of him.

opportunities for him along the way, none more-so than the ankle ligament injury that ruled him out of the UEFA EURO 2016 finals in France. Again, he recovered both physically and mentally, and he is now playing like an established senior figure in this Derby County side as he begins what could be a pivotal season in his career. And as much as Derby County will need him in their latest attempt at Premier League promotion, so Giggs and Wales will need Lawrence to reinvigorate their troubled EURO 2020 qualifying campaign. Lawrence has more reason than most to ensure Wales qualify for the finals for a second time, and he could be a key player in the remaining games.

But Lawrence was making a similar impression this time last season, scoring in Frank Lampard’s opening couple of games as Derby boss, and it ensuring that he would be a firm Lawrence has recently spoken part of Wales manager Ryan Giggs’ plans ahead of the UEFA about the injury setback that denied him that dream summer, Nations League in the process. and while it remains a Giggs was already more than significant low point as he was aware of Lawrence’s talent forced to watch Wales reach having handed him his senior the semi-finals as a fan, it also Manchester United debut in serves as a motivation to make May 2014. As caretaker-manager sure the opportunity presents following the dismissal of David itself again in the near future. Moyes, Giggs introduced Old Trafford to Lawrence in the 3-1 But while he inevitably benefited victory over Hull City. from working under Lampard at Pride Park last season, it seems Although that solitary new manager Phillip Cocu has appearance marked the start handed another level of and end of his Manchester responsibility to Lawrence from United career, Lawrence has shown a maturity in his game to the very start. It could prove to be a shrewd move from the adapt to the various different Dutchman, especially as it is surroundings he later found already reaping rewards. himself in. It takes a lot for a young player to make the right impression on-loan, and it is credit to Lawrence’s character that he embraced every opportunity in the way he did. Injuries have restricted certain

entrusted him with between the midfield and forward line. The freedom has clearly allowed him to show his ability to read the game, and it is a tactical switch that Giggs will take note of ahead of the match against Azerbaijan next month. With David Brooks ruled out of action for the opening three months of the season, Harry Wilson still open to loan offers, and Gareth Bale remaining on the sidelines at Real Madrid, there is clearly an opening for Lawrence to shine for his country in the same way he currently is for his club.

The young players that Giggs has introduced since his appointment have largely defined his managerial career with Wales to date. However, it is the man he gave a Manchester United debut to back in 2014 that Collecting his man of the match could yet prove to be the most influential figure in the current award following the 2-1 victory qualifying campaign. over Huddersfield Town on Monday evening, Lawrence was quick to make reference to the For more of Mark’s blogs please free role that Cocu has visit www.markpitman1.com

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NON LEAGUE PAPER While the excitement for the brand new season was building up to unprecedented levels this summer, I was alerted to a truly remarkable story, which serves as a constant reminder of the preciousness of life. The journey that Travis Munn has been on over the last few months is one that has pushed him to the very limits of human courage, bravery and strength. Diagnosed with the degenerative disease Scleroderma in 2016, the former Mansfield Town and Boston United defender was later presented with the crushing news that his condition had become terminal. “It just hits you like a ton of bricks, it is absolutely impossible to process” said Munn.

However, it was after dipping his toes into Non-League football with Boston United that he started to pick up on a number of concerning signs.

possibly have until you are basically at death’s door.

“They then put the stem cells back and hopefully it works. It is hugely risky and there is a very “I had always been blessed with real chance that you might die a good level of fitness, which during the treatment. had been my biggest attribute “I kind of said goodbye to as a player” added Munn. people because I thought to “All of a sudden I was the least fit myself if it somehow works then player at the club. I couldn’t great but I would rather die understand it. I was doing extra trying to do something about sessions but I would wake up this than just lying there and the next morning in absolute letting it kill me, which it was. bits. I would be tearing up and thinking that I couldn’t carry on “That was about seven months ago and to have come out of with it. the other side is incredible. Just “I spoke with my dad and he thinking about it brings a tear to was asking me ‘why is it that you my eye”. can’t do your running anymore?’ Having left hospital just before He was asking if I was having the turn of the year, Munn has troubles in my personal life or undergone a truly remarkable whether I was getting into return to strength and after alcohol. battling against all the odds, he made an extraordinary return to “Even my manager started to football this pre-season with wonder if I was taking drugs. It was becoming unbearable and East Midland Counties League side Borrowash Victoria. it was at that point that I needed to find out why I was “I simply can’t describe what I feeling like this”. was feeling when I stepped

“I sat there and asked how long I had left. The doctor said ‘it is impossible to say whether it will be as little as three months or as long as three years’. “How do you break that to your family? How do you tell your As the devastating disease took parents or your partner that you its hold, Munn was forced to put won’t be here for much longer? aside any thoughts of football and come to terms with the Coming through the ranks at Mansfield, Munn soon earned a unthinkable prospect of leaving behind his young family. reputation as an all energy defender, capable of competing However, one evening as he sat with the very best. at home, a speculative search of the internet presented the former Boston defender with a potential miracle.

back onto the pitch” said the inspirational defender. “I managed to play for 80 minutes in the first game, my whole family was there and when I came off my mum was crying, that nearly got me going but I just about managed to hold it together.

“To have been in a position where just a short time ago my next step was death, I have He said, “I was just on the learned to cherish every single computer when a story came up moment that I get. about someone who had, had a So, as we all attend another stem cell transplant. round of tantalising fixtures this “What they do is they blast you week, win, lose or draw, let’s with the most amount just be thankful for all that life chemotherapy that you can has to offer.

PLAYER SPONSORSHIPS

JOSH TIBBETTS

ANDY BURNS

SEAN SMITH

STUART JONES

Sponsorship Available

Emma Whitehouse

Nigel P Cooke

Sponsorship Available

JONNY SPITTLE

LEE MOLYNEUX

NATHAN BURKE

MIKE HAYES

Sponsorship Available

HENRY JONES

KIERAN SMITH

EVAN HORWOOD

STEVE LESLIE

Cigydd Bala Butcher www.balabutcher.co.uk

Barry Yates

Sponsorship Available

DANNY GOSSET

LOUIS ROBLES

SHAUN KELLY

LASSANA MENDES

Sponsorship Available

ANTHONY STEPHENS

CHRIS VENABLES

COLIN CATON

STEPHEN FISHER

Sponsorship Available

Sion and John Roberts

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.

RYAN VALENTINE

FFIONA EVANS

Sponsorship Available

Details regarding sponsorship for our Reserves and Under 19’s players will be released in due course.

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

12 CHWARAWR ALLWEDDOL wylio yn yr Uwch Gynghrair ar ôl gyfnod ar fenthyg gyda’r Cofis y tymor arbennig i Airbus yn tymor diwethaf, ac er ei fod ond Nghynghrair Gogledd Cymru. yn 21 mlwydd oed mae’n chwarae gydag aeddfedrwydd Bu’r cefnwr chwith yn yng nghanol cae, yn greadigol arddangos ei gyflymder a’i pan bo angen, ac yn sicr ddim ffitrwydd yn gwibio i fyny a lawr Aberystwyth – Marc Williams yn ofn tacl. yr asgell y tymor diwethaf yn Mae Aberystwyth wedi enwi’r creu llond trol o goliau gyda Roedd Smith yn siomedig o chwaraewr creadigol Marc chroesiadau i’r blaenwyr. beidio cael mwy o gyfle gyda Williams fel eu capten ar gyfer y Wrecsam, ond bydd ei dalent yn tymor newydd. Mae’n deg dweud bod y cefnwr, bendant yn cael ei werthfawrogi ddaeth drwy academi Stoke, Bellach yn ei 30au, mae cynar yr Oval y tymor yma. wedi serennu llynedd, ac roedd ymosodwr Wrecsam a Chymru hi’n amlwg y dylai fod yn Cei Connah – Jamie Insall dan21 wedi profi ei dalent yn chwarae ar safon llawer uwch. Cawson ni flas o beth i’w Uwch Gynghrair Cymru pan ddisgwyl gan Jamie Insall ar enillodd wobr ‘Chwaraewr y Caerfyrddin – Chris Jones ddiwedd y tymor diwethaf, ac Tymor’ yn 2015-16 ar ôl sgorio Ar ôl syrthio o’r gynghrair gyda mae’r ymosodwr tanllyd yn 16 o goliau ac arwain Llanelli y tymor diwethaf, mae’r awyddus i ddod a mwy o Llandudno i Ewrop. asgellwr Chris Jones wedi lwyddiant i Lannau Dyfrdwy. arwyddo i’r Hen Aur – ei 6ed Wedi ambell i dymor tawelach clwb yn y Cymru Premier. Mae’r blaenwr wedi gorfod gyda Llandudno ac yna Bangor, dysgu gwers galed ar ôl cael efallai bydd y cyfrifoldeb o Dechreuodd ei yrfa gyda ei wahardd o chwarae pêlwisgo band y capten yn Abertawe ac aeth ymlaen i droed ‘nôl yn 2017 am fethu ysgogiad i Williams ailennill pencampwriaeth UG prawf cyffuriau. ddarganfod y brwdfrydedd, Cymru ddwywaith gyda’r awch a’r angerdd oedd yn ei Seintiau Newydd yn ogystal âg Ond ar ôl haf i’w chofio yn osod ar lefel uwch na’i ennill gwobr ‘Chwaraewr Ifanc y Ewrop, bydd Insall yn ysu i blesio gyd-chwaraewyr mewn Tymor’ yn 2010-11. Andy Morrison y tymor yma, a tymhorau a fu. gyda’r blaenwr profiadol Yn llawn sgiliau, mae Jones yn Michael Wilde bron yn 36 Airbus UK – Curtis Strong dal i fod yn ei ugeiniau, ac fe all mlwydd oed erbyn hyn, ac Bydd Strong yn sicr yn un i’w fod yn allweddol lawr yr asgell Andy Owens wedi gadael am ar Barc Waun Airbus, efallai mae Insall yw’r Dew yn bwydo’r gŵr i gasglu’r goliau i Gei blaenwyr Luke Connah eleni. Bowen a Liam Thomas y tymor Derwyddon Cefn – yma. Dean Rittenberg Roedd hi’n dymor digon diflas i’r Caernarfon – Derwyddon y tymor diwethaf ar Leo Smith ôl gorffen dim ond un safle Wedi iddo gael uwchben y cwymp gan sgorio ei ryddhau gan cyfartaledd o 1.3 gôl y gêm. Wrecsam dros yr haf, bydd Leo Daeth Rittenberg drwy academi Smith yn Blackburn gan gynrychioli benderfynol o Lloegr dan18 cyn sgorio osod ei farc ar goliau godidog i Fangor yn Uwch Uwch Gynghrair Cymru. Gynghrair Dyw’r blaenwr 23 mlwydd oed Cymru. heb danio cymaint ers cyrraedd Treuliodd y Graig ond pe bae’n cael y

Golwg sydyn ar y chwaraewyr dylanwadol sydd am fod yn allweddol i’r 12 clwb yn y Cymru Premier JD y tymor hwn.

Hwyrach nad ydi ei gyfraniad yn cael ei amlygu cymaint ac eraill, ond roedd chwarae graenog Green yn allweddol i lwyddiant tîm Gavin Chesterfield, ac roedd y gŵr ifanc Robbie Patten yn elwa’n fawr o chwarae wrth ei ochr ar Barc Jenner. Y Drenewydd – Lifumpa Mwandwe Mae’r ymosodwr ifanc wedi ymuno ar fenthyg o’r Amwythig ac yn barod wedi creu argraff drwy sgorio yng Nghwpan Nathaniel MG yn ei gêm gyntaf i’r Drenewydd. gwasanaeth gan ei gydchwaraewyr eleni fe ddylai basio ei gyfanswm o wyth gôl y sgoriodd y tymor diwethaf yn hawdd.

Roedd hefyd yn cynrychioli Prifysgol De Cymru ble enillodd y gynghrair a’r gwpan, ac mae’n edrych ymlaen at yr her sydd yn disgwyl yn JD Cymru Premier.

Met Caerdydd – Will Fuller Llwyddodd Met Caerdydd i sicrhau pêl-droed Ewropeaidd am y tro cyntaf yn eu hanes y tymor diwethaf yn ogystal â chodi Cwpan Nathaniel MG am y tro cyntaf.

Y Bala – Louis Robles Mae gan Louis Robles esgidiau mawr i’w llenwi ar Faes Tegid yn dilyn ymadawiad Steven Tames, ond ar ôl sgorio hatric yn ei gêm gystadleuol i’r Bala yn erbyn Gresffordd mae’n edrych yn addawol i’r blaenwr ifanc.

Wedi dweud hynny byddai’r rheolwr Christian Edwards wedi gobeithio gorffen yn uwch na’r 7fed safle, ac efallai byddai hynny wedi bod yn bosib pe bae’r golwr dylanwadol Will Fuller heb golli y rhan fwyaf o’r tymor yn dilyn llawdriniaeth.

Ymunodd â Bangor yn Ionawr 2017, ond gadawodd yn syth ar ôl sgorio ddwywaith yn ei gêm gyntaf vs Llandudno (4-0) yng Nghwpan Cymru.

Mae sawl clwb o UG Cymru wedi manteisio ar arwyddo chwaraewr proffesiynol ar fenthyg yn y tymhorau diwethaf ac fe all Mwnadwe fod y nesaf ar y rhestr sydd yn mynd ymlaen i gael gyrfa lewyrchus ar ôl magu profiad ar y lefel yma. Ar ôl arwyddo cytundeb newydd gyda’r Amwythig ym mis Mai 2019, bydd eu rheolwr Sam Ricketts yn cadw llygad ar ei ddatblygiad ar Barc Latham.

Y Seintiau Newydd – Chris Marriott Un o arwyr tawel y pencampwyr yw un o’r chwaraewyr mwyaf medalog yn Uwch Gynghrair Cymru ac un sydd wedi dangos Chwaraeodd yn y drydedd haen yn Sbaen a threulio cyfnod safon cyson dros y degawd diwethaf gyda’r Seintiau Daeth drwy academi Ipswich, byr gyda Grimsby Town cyn Newydd. ac ar ôl treulio’r wyth blynedd ymuno â’r Bala yn haf 2019 a diwethaf yn datblygu perthynas bydd yn anelu i arwain Y Bala yn Yn gefnwr di-ffws mae Marriott gryf gydag amddiffynwyr Met, ôl i Ewrop eleni. wedi bod yn un o’r enwau cyntaf Bradley Woolridge ac Emlyn yn nhîm y Seintiau ers ymuno yn Y Barri – Clayton Green Lewis mae ei brofiad yn gosod haf 2009 ac fe ddangosodd ei Gorffennodd Y Barri yn y tri sail gadarn o’r cefn i’r myfyrwyr. werth y tymor diwethaf, yn uchaf y tymor diwethaf a llenwi’r bwlch fel amddiffynnwr Pen-y-bont – Kane Owen dychwelyd i Ewrop ar ôl 16 canol pan oedd angen, a Mae gan y cefnwr chwith blynedd o absenoldeb a bu gwneud hynny yn hynod brofiad o chwarae yn Uwch canmoliaeth mawr i’r effeithiol wrth i’r pencampwyr Gynghrair Cymru gydag ymosodwyr Momodou Touray, gadw 20 llechen lân mewn 32 o Aberystwyth a Lido Afan, ond Kayne McLaggon a Jonathan gemau. mae Owen wedi datblygu’n Hood am eu perfformiadau ar eithriadol fel chwaraewr ers hyd y daith. Mae’n rhaid edmygu safon ymuno â Phen-y-bont. Ond rhwng y goliau cofiadwy a’r pasio Marriott – y pwysau cywir ar y bas bob amser ac honno i Yn hynod beryglus o giciau sgiliau deiniadol roedd yna gosod, fe sgoriodd Owen naw gythral ffyrnig yng nghanol cae lwybr ei gyd-chwaraewr sydd byth yn gorfod oedi ei gam, ac gôl ac ennill gwobr ‘Chwaraewr yn gwneud y gwaith caib a y Tymor’ i’w glwb wrth i Ben-yrhaw ac yn torri ymosodiadau’r mae ymosodiadau llyfn a sydyn y Seintiau yn deillio bont fynd trwy’r tymor cyfan heb gwrthwynebwyr, a Clayton oherwydd hynny. golli gêm gynghrair yn 2018-19. Green oedd hwnnw.

Bontddu, Dolgellau, Gwynedd, LL40 2UA

01341 422420 parts@cmfactors.co.uk

www.cmfactors.co.uk

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.

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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 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

THE NEW SAINTS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 16 18 19 20 23 32

MANAGER: SCOTT RUSCOE PAUL HARRISON SIMON SPENDER CHRIS MARRIOTT KESTON DAVIES ADAM HUGHES JON ROUTLEDGE DEAN EBBE RYAN BROBBEL GREG DRAPER DANNY REDMOND ADRIAN CIESLEWICZ BLAINE HUDSON JAMIE MULLAN HARRY BOWER CJ CRAVEN JOSH HMAMI BEN CLARK JOASH NEMBHARD AERON EDWARDS BILLY WHITEHOUSE

Y DYFARNWYR / MATCH OFFICIALS Bala Town would like to extend a warm welcome to our match officials this evening: Gareth Jones, Connor Fowler, Lee Evans & Arthur Smallman

NODDWYR / SPONSORS Match Sponsor: John Clwyd Ball Sponsor: Y Cyfnod Cafe & Bistro, Bala www.cyfnod.com

GEMAU NESAF / NEXT FIXTURES Barry Town United v Bala Town Llun / Monday, 26 Awst / August Jenner Park 2.30p.m. - JD Cymru Premier

Bala Town v Connahâ€™s Quay Gwener / Friday, 30 Awst / August Maes Tegid 7.45p.m. - JD Cymru Premier Penybont v Bala Town Sadwrn / Saturday 7 Medi / Sept KYMCO Stadium 2.30p.m. - JD Cymru Premier