Llanfair United v Llanrhaeadr Programme 2019

Llanfair United v Llanrhaeadr

Saturday 23rd November 2019 2.00pm

JD Cymru North Matchday 17

MATCH SPONSOR

Mount Field, Llanfair Caereinion, SY21 0AT COMMITTEE OFFICIALS President: Mark Bowen Chairman: Huw Ellis Vice-Chairman: Aled Haynes Treasurer: Glyn Lewis Minutes Secretary: Mark Bowen Fixtures Secretary: Rhys Stephens Media Officer: Jonathan Richards Groundsmen: Glyn Lewis & Daryl Griffiths Youth Development: Craig Griffiths Safeguarding Officer: Craig Griffiths General Manager: Huw Ellis Finance Officer: James Davies 1st Team Manager: Rhys Stephens Assistant Manager: Luke Gethin Physio: Michael Brown Ladies: Richard Evans & Karl Seliaerts Youths: Andy McVeagh & Mark Bowen Reserves: Chris Humphreys & Bryn Lewis Life Vice Presidents: Andrew Watkin, David Edwards, Ieuan Thomas, John Ellis, Ifor Owen, Richard Argument, Richard Edwards, Elwyn Owen, Huw Ellis, Gary Laflain, Mark Bowen, Aled Haynes & Roy Human

CHAIRMAN’S WELCOME 03 MANAGER’S NOTES 04 INTRODUCING LLANRHAEADR YM MOCHNANT 05 FAW NEWS 09 LEAGUE TABLE 11 SEASON STATISTICS 12 MATT BUMFORD INTERVIEW 14 LLANFAIR UNITED SQUAD PROFILES 17 LLANFAIR UNITED CLUB HISTORY 20 SQUAD LISTS 24

LLANRHAEADR… P 05

MATT BUMFORD… P14

FAW NEWS… P09

Website: www.pitchero.com/clubs/llanfairutd Twitter: @LlanfairUtd Facebook: Llanfair-United FC Instagram: llanfair_united_fc 2

Jv

A warm welcome to you all to Mount Field this afternoon for one of our most eagerly anticipated games of the season. A special welcome to the Committee, players and supporters many of whom we know well and are good friends. We hope you enjoy your afternoon on Mount Field and look forward to catching up over a cuppa at half time.

As I was reflecting on what to put in my notes today – my mind was taken back to my own playing days and the games I played against Llanrhaeadr in the Montgomeryshire Amateur League for Llanfyllin and Llanfechain. It was always a tough game and if you were ever going to get anything out of the game you knew you were going to have to fight for everything you got.

I then remembered my first season as a player at the tender age of 17 – and it was actually playing for Llan - I have very fond memories of playing with Mei Plas, Billy Morgan, Tubby, Keith Davies, Henry and

many more – they looked after me and I have very fond memories of that season in a really colourful orange kit!!

In respect to Llanrhaeadr Football Club, my experiences as a player are still true today around 35 years later – even though they are now competing successfully in the 2nd Tier of Welsh Football – they are still very tough to play against and the Club is still made up of great people.

However, much I admire all that Llan have achieved – we still want the 3 points today and know that we need the points more than they do. Adjusting to the JD Cymru North this season has proven to be frustrating and difficult for us, but we also know that one win will make a big difference to our confidence and outlook. C’mon Lads!!

Let’s hope that you all enjoy the game – Mwynhewch y gȇm!

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I would like to welcome the players, supporters, committee and management of Llanrhaeadr to Mount Field today.

feeling than winning games, which is what we’ll be trying to do today.

Llanrhaeadr have had a great start to the season and are proving themselves to be a good side at this level. We must start picking up wins and a local derby is a great way to hopefully kick start our season. The players are still upbeat which shows the group of boys we have but there is no better

I hope you all have an entertaining afternoon of football and wish you all a safe journey home.

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Llanrhaeadr Y.M Football Club was formed on 21st August 1882.

Apart from breaks during the 1st & 2nd World Wars Llanrhaeadr FC has regularly played in various leagues including: Eastern Division of the Recreation Associations League, North Shropshire League, Oswestry and District League and the Montgomeryshire Amateur League.

In the year 2000, for the first time in the club’s long history, Llanrhaeadr YM FC joined a senior league for the first time in their long history when they were promoted into the Spar Mid Wales League. The club acquitted themselves well. They were regularly towards the top end of the league, while in 2003/04 the club made it to a National Final.

They reached the final of the FAW Trophy and were narrowly beaten by Penycae 3-2 at Llansantffraid. The following season they were league runners up, being pipped by Penrhyncoch to the title. This spurred the side on and the following year they were crowned champions after beating Aberystwyth Reserves to the title. Unfortunately pitch dimensions meant the club were unable to make the step up to the Cymru Alliance.

There followed a couple of were tough for the club as it had to re-build but they were soon to the fore again. Mario Iaquinta was appointed manager and new faces meant the club were Mid Wales League Champions once again in 2010/11. This time the club ensured that facilities were up to scratch and they were able to take their place in the Huws Gray Cymru Alliance.

A couple of years of consolidation followed with Marc Griffiths and Graham Evans at the helm. They slowly built a squad which got stronger over time which culminated in a squad being assembled in 2017/18 which easily won the Spar Mid Wales League by 20 points. This was a notable season for the club as the went on an excellent Welsh Cup run too. They beat Cymru Alliance sides FC Queens Park and Caersws in the early rounds. They then hosted League of Wales side Cefn Druids in the last 32 and despite falling behind twice they prevailed 3-2, an outstanding result. In the last 16 Llan hosted League of Wales giant Bangor City. Over 600 people turned up at the Recreation Ground and witnessed an excellent performance from Llan, but they were just beaten 3-2. Unfortunately, the facilities at Llan weren’t up to the required standard and the club took the difficult decision to play their league games at Treflan, Llansantffraid in order to accept promotion.

The 2018/19 season was always going to be a challenge with home matches being played ‘away’, but the tone was set with the first game of the season when highly fancied Rhyl were beaten 1-0 at Llansantffraid.

Results were gained throughout the season and with a game to spare Llan’s status was secure in Tier 2.

Whilst games were being played at Llansantffraid, work was being carried out at the Recreation Ground in Llan to ensure that the ground would meet the league criteria. With the help of an army of helpers, the club ensured that Tier 2 football could once again be played back at Llan. To make it an even more special season, the young reserve side won the 2nd Division of the JT Hughes Amateur League – yet another great achievement.

The season 2019/20 will be an exciting one and another tough The following years were a challenge for Llan. Despite this, the club challenge, but it is certainly a great feeling to be back home! maintained their place in the league for three years. However, the budgets of the other sides in the league meant that Llan ended bottom of the league in 2013/14, and relegation followed to the Spar Mid Wales League.

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£25 per person .

• Free entry into the game; • Pre-match and half-time refreshments; • Meal after the game at a local pub; • Name in matchday programme; • Name on Social Media – Facebook, Twitter, Website.

Contact a committee member or ring 07968702133 if you are interested in sponsoring a game

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Jimmy Hayns Jimmy joined the club last season and made an instant impact. He is a commanding figure who talks well to his defence. Last season Jimmy was awarded the player of the month award in the Huws Gray Cymru Alliance.

Connor Lee A product of the club's youth system, Connor has worked hard on his skills and has developed into a very accomplished keeper. A confident keeper who talks well to his defence.

Harri Lloyd A local boy from Llansilin, Harry joined from Cardiff Met following graduating from Uni. A young boy with great potential and lots of great experiences while in amongst the first team in the Welsh Premier League.

Joe Makinson Joe has returned to the club this season after a spell at Llansantffraid Village. He is good on the ball and has the ability to play in a variety of positions.

Dan Hindley Dan has just joined the club from Llansantffraid Village. Dan is a young boy with plenty of natural ability and speed. Another good addition to the squad.

Chris Aitken Chris has a very good technique and has very good feet. He enjoys to take on defenders and has the uncanny knack of scoring very important goals.

Khyam Wytton Khyam joined the club last season and has come a very important part of the side. He scores his fair share of goals and is strong in the air.

Khyam scored the all important goal in the Montgomeryshire Cup win.

Matthew Evans A product of the club's youth system. Matt is a strong disciplined defender who likes a tackle. Matt also likes to push forward and take the game to the opponents.

Iwan Matthews A product of the club's youth system. Iwan returned to the club after a Tom Gale short spell with Guilsfield. He has great feet and scores plenty of goals.

Tom has joined the club from Llansantffraid Village this season. He is composed on the ball and is strong in the tackle. A good addition to the Kieran Evans squad.

Kieran is the old head of the midfield. He has great technique and enjoys the physical aspect of the game.

Tom Bailey A product of the club's youth system. Tom is a big strong defender who Joe Vaughan is good in the air. He has developed in confidence and is now a good A product of the club's youth system. Joe is the club captain. He is organiser at the back. strong in the air and covers every blade of grass when he plays. A great member of our midfield.

Dan Kelly A product of the club's youth system. Dan is a naturally talented footballer who reads the game well. Dan has great speed and is strong in the air.

Tom Evans A product of the club's youth system. Tom has great feet and is an important member of the midfield. Tom is clever on the ball and has an incredible workrate.

Lee Green Lee is the player manager. He joined the club mid way through last season from Allscott FC. Lee is good on the ball and can read the game well.

Iain Edmunds Iain has League of Wales experience with Newtown. Eddy has an excellent left foot and can play anywhere down the left.

Sam Thomas Sam joined mid way through last season and made an instant impact.

He has an excellent range of passes and anchors the midfield. A quiet member of the squad

Marc Griffiths Marc is an experienced campaigner who has an eye for goal. He has clever feet and is good in the air. He has an uncanny knack of scoring important goals.

Dan Graham Dan is an experienced campaigner who has an eye for a goal. Has the uncanny knack of being in the right place at the right time. Dan has joined the club's coaching setup.

Dan Weaver Dan joined the club from Llansantffraid Village. He is a combative player who is good on the ball. He can play in a variety of positions.

Gus Harris Gus has just returned from a coaching stint in China. Gus has good technique and rarely gives the ball away. It will be good to have him back in the ranks.

Mattie Jones Mattie joined part way through last season and has plenty of pace and ability. He is strong on the ball and has an eye for goal.

Mattie Williams Mattie joins us from Wrexham area side Queens Park. He is a naturally talented footballer who has good feet and has an eye for a pass.

Another good addition to the squad.

UEFA EURO 2020 - CYMRU ARE ON THE WAY Aaron Ramsey fired Cymru into the UEFA EURO 2020 finals as he scored a goal in each half to beat Hungary 2-0 and take second spot in the qualifying group.

Ryan Giggs made two changes to the side that beat Azerbaijan 2-0 on Saturday, with Aaron Ramsey and Joe Allen replacing Harry Wilson and Ethan Ampadu.

Cymru’s first chance of the game arrived on the twelfth minute. A surging run by Dan James from his own half saw the ball fed through the feet of Ramsey towards Gareth Bale but his tame shot was no issue for goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi.

Minutes later, it was joy for Cymru. A superb ball in from Bale met the head of Ramsey who, on his first international start for more than a year, made no mistake in giving Cymru the lead.

Following the goal, the match settled with seldom chances for neither side, as the back line of Tom Lockyer and Chris Mepham nullified any Hungarian threat. Kieffer Moore could have doubled the lead, but the striker’s header glanced wide after a counterattack which started in the Cymru box.

Wayne Hennessey became a hero for Cymru fans just after the half hour mark, denying Hungary an almost certain equalizer. If a superb reactive save from Sallai’s strike wasn’t enough, the Cymru keeper sprang into action yet again and denied Szoboszlai at the far post on the rebound.

Cymru started the second half with a bang. A free kick won by Moore deep in the Hungary half was delivered in by Ben Davies, causing carnage in the box. The ball eventually landed to the feet of Ramsey,

who made no mistake in scoring his second of the match in front of the red wall.

Moore proved to be an even further nuisance moments after the second, winning a free kick right on the edge of the box for Giggs’ side. With the threat of both Bale and Ramsey looming over the ball, the keeper was left shell shocked as Bale’s attempt glanced inches over the crossbar.

With Hungary chasing goals, the game opened up, causing gaps for Cymru to try and exploit. A chance for a third soon came. Allen found Dan James on the left hand side, with the winger cutting in and seeing his curling effort go narrowly wide of the far post.

With Cymru fifteen minutes away from qualification, Ramsey almost made it a hat-trick to put the game out of contention. A superb run from Dan James saw his deflected cross fall to Ramsey, but a superb save from the foot of Gulacsi prevented the icing on the cake for the Juventus midfielder.

UEFA EURO 2020 – TICKET INFORMATION Following qualification to UEFA EURO 2020, the following ticketing information has been made available.

The Red Wall members will be sent an access code to apply for tickets through the Wales fans’ portal.

Tickets available through this portal will be sold by UEFA on a first come first served basis. The FAW will not have an allocation to sell to fans.

The FAW will stagger the distribution of access codes based on how many loyalty points supporters have -(the exact dates supporters can expect to receive their access codes will be confirmed in the next few days.

The points system implemented by the FAW considers memberships, tournament/campaign tickets, and away matches across the 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign, the 2019 UEFA Nations League, and the Euro 2020 qualifying campaign.

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LLANFAIR UNITED AND DYFFRYN BANW FC DINNER DANCE Rhaglen Arwerthiant Tawel – Silent Auction Programme 23.11.19 – TONIGHT! Lot 1 – West End Show - 2 Tickets to see Steffan Harri performing in “Girl from the North Country” at the Gielgud Theatre, London - courtesy of Steffan Harri (10th Dec 2019 – 2nd Feb 2020) Lot 2 – 3 course Meal for 10 people at the Dyffryn Restaurant, to include Mini Bus pick up and drop off (courtesy of Elwyn Griffiths) and Wine Lot 3 – Signed Welsh Football Shirt by current European Qualifying Team Lot 4 – Match Day Hospitality at Llanfair Utd v Buckley Town on 22nd Feb 2020 for up to 10 people to include – entry, pre match and half time drinks and nibbles, post match meal in local pub Lot 5 – Afternoon Tea for 2 at the Lion Quays, Oswestry Lot 6 – 18 Holes of Golf for 4 at Welshpool Golf Club to include Bacon Butties and refreshments Lot 7 – Framed Picture – Liverpool Captains (Eight of the Greatest) Lot 8 – Bottle of Port

PLEASE LET US KNOW IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN PLACING A BID! Facebook/Twitter/07968702133/Committee Member

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DATE 3/8 10/8 17/8 28/8 31/8 7/9 11/9 14/9 21/9 28/9 5/10 12/10 2/11 9/11 12/11 16/11 23/11 30/11 21/12 28/12 1/1 11/1 18/1 8/2 15/2 22/2 7/3 14/3 21/3 28/3 11/4 18/4 25/4 TBC TBC

FIXTURE LLANGEFNI (LC1) AIRBUS (LC2) RUTHIN TOWN PENRHYNCOCH GUILSFIELD CORWEN GRESFORD RHYL COLWYN BAY CONWY BOROUGH BUCKLEY TOWN PORTHMADOG MYNYDD ISA (WC) LLANDUDNO (WC) MAESYRHANDIR (MC) PRESTATYN LLANRHAEADR RUTHIN TOWN PENRHYNCOCH GUILSFIELD CORWEN GRESFORD RHYL COLWYN BAY CONWY BOROUGH BUCKLEY TOWN PORTHMADOG BANGOR CITY FLINT TOWN UTD LLANGEFNI LLANDUDNO PRESTATYN LLANRHAEADR LLANGEFNI FLINT TOWN UTD

BLUE = HOME

RESULT 3-1 W 0-4 L 1-1 D 0-1 L 1-6 L 2-2 D 0-2 L 2-3 L 2-4 L 1-3 L 1-2 l 1-3 L 5-3 W 1-4 L 7-0 W 0-7 L

BLACK = AWAY

1 D.FOULKES D.FOULKES M.RICHARDS M.RICHARDS M.RICHARDS M.RICHARDS M.RICHARDS M.RICHARDS M.RICHARDS M.RICHARDS M.RICHARDS M.RICHARDS D.FOULKES M.RICHARDS M.RICHARDS D.FOULKES

BOLD = SCORED

2 M.BUMFORD R.STEPHENS R.STEPHENS R.STEPHENS ALUN HUGHES M.BUMFORD ALUN HUGHES ALUN HUGHES ALUN HUGHES M.BUMFORD ALUN HUGHES ALUN HUGHES ALUN HUGHES R.STEPHENS ALUN HUGHES (1) R.STEPHENS

3 ANDREW HUGHES T.GREGORY ANDREW HUGHES T.GREGORY T.GREGORY T.GREGORY ANDREW HUGHES ANDREW HUGHES M.SPENCER M.SPENCER M.SPENCER T.GREGORY ANDREW HUGHES (1) ANDREW HUGHES (1) ANDREW HUGHES (1) ANDREW HUGHES

YELLOW = YELLOW CARD

4 P.GRIFFITHS P.GRIFFITHS P.GRIFFITHS R.MCVEAGH R.MCVEAGH R.MCVEAGH P.GRIFFITHS P.GRIFFITHS (C) (2) P.GRIFFITHS (C) P.GRIFFITHS (1) T.EVANS P.GRIFFITHS (C) P.GRIFFITHS (1) P.GRIFFITHS P.GRIFFITHS P.GRIFFITHS

5 T.GREGORY G.STEPHENS G.STEPHENS (1) G.STEPHENS G.STEPHENS R.STEPHENS R.STEPHENS R.STEPHENS R.STEPHENS R.STEPHENS R.STEPHENS R.STEPHENS M.SPENCER M.SPENCER R.STEPHENS M.SPENCER

6 G.JONES G.JONES G.JONES G.JONES G.JONES G.JONES G.JONES G.JONES G.STEPHENS G.STEPHENS G.STEPHENS G.STEPHENS G.STEPHENS G.STEPHENS G.STEPHENS G.STEPHENS

RED = RED CARD

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7 B.JONES (C) B.JONES (C) B.JONES (C) B.JONES (C) B.JONES (C) B.JONES (C) B.JONES (C) R.EVANS R.BUMFORD B.JONES (C) B.JONES (C) M.BUMFORD B.JONES (C) B.JONES (C) B.JONES (C) (1) B.JONES (C)

8 R.BUMFORD M.BUMFORD M.BUMFORD M.BUMFORD R.STEPHENS R.EVANS M.BUMFORD M.BUMFORD M.BUMFORD R.BUMFORD R.BUMFORD R.BUMFORD R.BUMFORD R.BUMFORD R.EVANS M.BUMFORD

9 J.ASTLEY (1) J.ASTLEY J.ASTLEY J.ASTLEY J.ASTLEY J.ASTLEY R.MCVEAGH R.MCVEAGH G.JONES (2) G.JONES G.JONES G.JONES G.JONES (3) ALUN HUGHES T.EVANS (2) G.JONES

LC = NATHANIEL MG LEAGUE CUP

10 K.SELIAERTS (1) T.EVANS K.SELIAERTS K.SELIAERTS K.SELIAERTS K.SELIAERTS (1) K.SELIAERTS K.SELIAERTS R.MCVEAGH R.MCVEAGH R.MCVEAGH T.EVANS (1) R.MCVEAGH R.MCVEAGH A.JAMES R.MCVEAGH

11 R.McVEAGH R.McVEAGH ALUN HUGHES ALUN HUGHES ANDREW HUGHES (1) T.EVANS (1) T.EVANS T.EVANS ANDREW HUGHES A.JAMES ANDREW HUGHES (1) A.JAMES T.EVANS T.EVANS M.BUMFORD (1) ALUN HUGHES

WC = WELSH CUP

SUB USED R.EVANS R.EVANS R.BUMFORD T.EVANS R.EVANS A.JAMES R.BUMFORD T.GREGORY R.EVANS T.GREGORY A.JAMES R.MCVEAGH R.STEPHENS T.GREGORY R.MCVEAGH (1) T.GREGORY

CWC = CENTRAL WALES CUP

SUB USED A.DAVIES (1) A.DAVIES R.MCVEAGH A.DAVIES M.SPENCER A.JAMES A.JAMES A.DAVIES A.DAVIES M.BUMFORD A.JAMES D.FOULKES A.JAMES

SUB USED C.HUMPHREYS C.HUMPHREYS A.JAMES T.GREGORY A.DAVIES A.JAMES R.EVANS J.ASTLEY R.EVANS

MC = MONTGOMERYSHIRE CUP

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Matt has made his way through the ranks at Llanfair, having played for the juniors, youths, reserves and now the first team. Despite a spell at Berriew, where he was able to gain valuable senior league experience, Matt has been an important part of every Llanfair side he has played in during the past 10 years.

Have you always played as a midfielder?

Where did you play as a junior or youth footballer?

My friends were my biggest influence as they got me into the sport and are the people I still play with.

I played for Llanfair Tigers for two seasons at under 13s and under 14s until they stopped playing, then I moved to Berriew under 15s for one season and then spent a season at Newtown academy.

As a senior player, have you played for anyone other than Llanfair?

I played for Llanfair Reserves and youths when I turned 16 and played there for four years. I then joined Berriew for one season before returning to play for the Llanfair first team.

Who was your favourite team/ favourite footballer whilst growing up?

I supported Liverpool whilst growing up and my favourite players were Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher.

Mainly played anywhere along the back four but have played on both wings and now centre midfield, also played one game in goal once!

Who has had the biggest influence on your footballing career?

What have been your biggest highlights whilst playing for Llanfair?

My biggest highlight would be winning the Emyrs Morgan Cup final whilst playing for the reserves, also wining the Md Wales League with Llanfair first team was pretty special too.

What is your opinion on the season so far/outlook for the rest of the season ahead?

This season we have had a very tough start and little mistakes are costing us in this league, we will have to learn fast and work hard in order to stay in the league where we want to play.

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Mark Richards (Goalkeeper) Mark is a one club player. Played for both firsts and reserves over the years and has now cemented his place as number one after a great season in the Mid Wales League last time out. Has previous ‘Cymru Alliance’ experience, ending the 2015/16 as number one.

Danny Foulkes (Goalkeeper) Danny re-signs for the club after a spell at Abermule last season. Danny was in goal when the Youths won the Mid Wales League, Mid Wales League Cup and the Central Wales Youth Cup treble in 2017. Has also played for Berriew in the Mid Wales League.

Alun Hughes (Defender) Alun signed from Caersws in 2015 after starting out senior football at local side Meifod. Alun played for Llanfair as a junior and is now one of the most consistent players in the squad, becoming a very reliable full back. Rarely missed a Cymru Alliance game between 2015 and 2017. Alun was named supporter’s player and players’ player of the year for 2018/19.

Andrew Hughes (Defender) Andrew played for Llanfair as a junior before signing for his hometown side Meifod at 16. Andrew signed for Llanfair in 2011 and played in most of the Cymru Alliance games between 2015 and 2017. He possesses a strong left foot which gets him goals and creates chances. Also plays further forward but proved to be a great full back last season.

Rhys Stephens (Defender) Rhys re-signs after 3 years at Berriew in the Mid Wales League. Rhys started out in the reserves as a youngster before signing for Bettws in 2012. Rhys returned to play in the first team in 2013 and gained Cymru Alliance experience in the 2015/16 season. A solid defender who can also play in midfield.

Gethin Stephens (Defender) Gethin began senior football at Abermule but always played for our youth side and was part of the 2017 treble winning side. Since signing from Abermule in 2017, Gethin has become an important member of the team. A solid, pacey defender who also gets on the score sheet.

Matthew Spencer (Defender) Matt started out as a junior at TNS and has played for Llanfair since we joined the Mid Wales League in 2010. Matt has bags of pace and has become a versatile defender who is also able to play as a winger. Was a consistent player during the Cymru Alliance last time out.

Tom Gregory (Defender) Tom signed from Berriew in November 2016 as a 17-year-old and really impressed for the reserves before stepping up into the first team last season. Tom was part of the 2017 youth side that won the treble. He is a very reliable defender, good in the air and has a strong left foot.

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Gethin Jones (Midfielder) Gethin has signed from Tregaron Turfs for the season ahead having also played for Rhayader Town and Aberystywth Town in the past. Gethin gained Cymru Alliance experience at Rhayader and is a versatile player who can play as a full back, midfielder or forward. Gethin is the only member of the squad not to have played for a Llanfair team before this season.

Matthew Bumford (Midfielder) Matt signed for Llanfair at 16 and became a consistent reserve team player before stepping up to the first team.

Experienced a few Cymru Alliance games before joining Berriew in 2016. Re-signed in 2018 and has become a very useful and versatile midfielder who can also play anywhere across the back four.

Rob Bumford (Midfielder) Rob signed for the club at the age of 16 at the beginning of our first season in the Mid Wales League in 2010. Since then Rob has been an adaptable member of the squad, playing in a number of positions and can be relied on to do a job anywhere. Had a season at Llanidloes for the 2016/17 season but re-signed in 2017.

Ben Jones (Midfielder) Ben played for Llanfair and TNS as a junior and signed as a 16-year-old in 2012. Made it into the first team and gained valuable Cymru Alliance experience either side of a spell at Carno. A talented, box to box midfielder who keeps the team ticking. Ben is the club captain and won supporter’s player of the year alongside Alun Hughes for the 2018/19 season.

Paul Griffiths (Midfielder) Paul has played for Llanfair since turning 16, representing the club in the amateur league before we joined the Mid Wales League in 2010. Had a brief spell at Caersws in 2014 before returning to the club a few months later. A playmaker with an eye for goal, Paul has been an important part of the team for years, especially during our last North Wales league venture.

Ryan Evans (Midfielder) Ryan signs after two years out with a cruciate knee ligament injury. A talented young midfielder who is strong in the tackle and keeps hold of the ball well. Ryan signed from Abermule in the summer of 2017 before getting injured in the first league game of the season that year. Ryan was another member of the 2017 treble winning youth side.

Ryan McVeagh (Midfielder) Ryan signed from TNS and impressed in his first year in senior football last season as an exciting, skilful winger. Ryan grabbed a number of goals and he creates numerous chances for his teammates. Ryan also played for Llanfair as a junior and has a bright future at the club.

Chris Humphreys (Midfielder) Chris played for Llanfair juniors and has been a versatile member of the squad since signing as a 16-year-old. Chris can play at the centre of defence, midfield and can also play in goal. Chris was a very useful squad player last season and will 18 be useful when called upon again this season.

Karl Seliaerts (Midfielder) Karl has experienced Cymru Alliance and Welsh Premier League football. Karl has previously played for Newtown, Caersws, Bow Street, Aberystwyth, Llanidloes and Berriew. Karl signed in 2018 and quickly became an important member of the team, scoring and creating a number of goals. Karl is also player/coach, assisting Rhys since the start of last season.

Aron James (Forward) Aron has signed for the club from amateur league side Newtown Wanderers. Aron is an exciting young forward player who is pacey and has a good eye for goal. Aron was part of the 2017 treble winning youth side.

Josh Astley (Forward) Josh signed as a 16-year-old and has gone from strength to strength, ending as top goal scorer for the club last season with 40 goals. Josh played for Shrewsbury Town as a youngster. He is a strong forward who has a great eye for goal form all ranges. Josh was also a member of the 2017 youth side that won the treble. Manager’s Player of the Year for 2018/19.

Ashley Davies (Forward) Ash has been at Llanfair since 2011 having previously played for Dyffryn Banw and Waterloo Rovers. Ash has been an important member of the reserve side but has proved to be a useful member of the first team when called upon. Pacey with a number of goals to his name.

Rhys Stephens (Manager) Arrived back at the club for his second spell as manager in 2011, after a spell at Newtown as assistant manager. Since then, he has guided the club to 3 title winning promotions as well as the Central Wales Cup and Montgomeryshire Cup titles, all of which the club had never won before. Named Mid Wales League Manager of the Season for 2018/19.

Luke Gethin (Assistant Manager) Luke has been a one club player since signing for the club as a 16-year-old and now fulfils a role as coach after a knee ligament injury in 2017. Luke took over as temporary manager to end the 2017/18 season and is now joint assistant manager with Karl Seliaerts.

Michael Brown (Physio/Coach) Michael adds valuable experience to the coaching team having played in the League of Wales. Michael also famously won the Welsh Cup with his home side Llansantffraid in 1996 and played in Europe the following season.

The first record found regarding Llanfair Caereinion Football Club was that of a football dinner report in 1896 which outlined that the club had played 9 games, winning 5, drawing 2 and losing 2. Then, on Wednesday September 23rd, 1896 a meeting was held to form Llanfair Football club as a league team. Although it was agreed that Llanfair should enter a league team, they only played friendlies for a few more years and didn’t actually play their first Welshpool and District game until 18th November 1905 when they beat Powis Castle. On 13th February 1897, a match report details a game between Llanfair and the Welshpool Excelsiors. Despite having only 10 men for the whole game, Llanfair won 13-0. There is an early photo from 1906 with a few special sub plots to the story. Of the 11 players who played that day, 10 had the surname Astley and Ifan Astley, who played, was offered first team terms with Everton but turned them down.

In the late 1930’s, just before the war, Llanfair narrowly missed out on the Montgomeryshire league title in 1937 when they lost in a play-off against Caersws. They were also runners up a year later in 1938, again to Caersws.

After the Second World War, Llanfair Caereinion started up again and became a flourishing side. During the late 1940’s they won their first league title, the Montgomeryshire Amateur League in both 1947 and 1948 and finished runners up in 1949. In 1950 they continued their successful spell by winning the Montgomeryshire Amateur League Cup. Also, during the 1940’s, a centre half by the name of Trefor Owen made a name for himself by captaining the Welsh Youth team whilst playing for Llanfair Caereinion. He went on to earn 6 Youth caps and 18 Amateur International caps and he also ended up playing for Leyton Orient in the 1960’s.

Throughout the 1950’s and 1960’s, it was a case of being the ‘nearly men’, finishing runners-up in the league on three occasions in ’51, ’54 and ’63.

In 1952/53, Llanfair played in the Welsh Cup for the first time, losing 6-0 to Newtown. They also lost in the final of the Montgomeryshire Cup in 1951, losing 3-1 to Welshpool.

Interestingly, in 1962-1963, the league was scrapped due to the delay caused by severe floods. As it would not be possible to complete all matches, the League was divided into four zones, the winners of each group then played a semi-final and final. Llanfair won their group and beat Newtown Arms 3-2 in the semi-final. Unfortunately, though, they lost in the final to Forden, 2-0.

In 1966, another Llanfair Caereinion player represented his country and signed professional papers. Fifteen-year-old Kingsley Whiffen, a goalkeeper at Llanfair since the age of 13, was spotted playing for Montgomeryshire Schoolboys and was asked to sign as an apprentice professional for First Division club Chelsea FC, after only one trial game for their youth team. Whiffen was spotted by local scout Stan Berry who also spotted Trefor Owen.

Earlier that year, Whiffen represented Wales Schoolboys at Wrexham against Scotland.

In 1969, Llanfair were relegated to Division 2 but immediately came back up again. After finishing league runners up in 1971 and Amateur League Cup winners in 1972, Llanfair pulled off a magnificent treble in 1972/1973. Firstly, they won the Montgomeryshire Amateur League First Division for the first time in 25 years. They then won the Montgomeryshire Village Cup by beating Llanfechain 2-1 before beating Llanfyllin 3-2 to win the Amateur League Cup. They went on to win the league again in 1975 and were promoted into the Mid Wales League, where they stayed and competed well for the next 5 years. In 1980 though, through choice, they returned to the Montgomeryshire Amateur League.

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When Llanfair joined the Mid Wales League in 1975, they formed a Reserve side that competed in the Amateur league until 1980. They also had a successful few years winning Division 2 in 1979 and probably most notably, they won the popular J.Emrys Morgan Cup in 1978, beating Tregaron 2-1 in the final after a replay. Also, in a sign of things to come, Llanfair Youths won the Mid Wales Youth Cup in 1979.

Like the 70’s, the 1980’s was a very successful time for Llanfair Caereinion Football Club. In 1984, they won the Emrys Morgan Cup for the second time, beating Builth Wells in the final. In 1985 and 1986 they won back to back Montgomeryshire League titles and in 1986 they won the Emrys Morgan Cup again, this time beating Llanfyllin after a replay. Llanfair then did another back to back win when they lifted the Montgomeryshire League trophy in 1989 and 1990 taking the clubs total to 8 Amateur League Titles.

In the nineties, they came so close to continuing their success but finished runners up in the league in 1991, 1992 and 1993. However, they were successful in cup competitions. In 1990 and 1993 they won the Town Cup having taken part in the Village Cup in previous years. In 1991 they won the Amateur League Cup along with a record 4th Emrys Morgan Cup win, which Llanfair still proudly hold the record of today. They defeated Vale of Arrow in the final.

The 1993 Town Cup was a special one for the Town as it was played between two Llanfair teams. In 1989/1990, Llanfair Wanderers formed as a club so that a fresh batch of youngsters could play Amateur League football. In only their second season they finished second in Division 2 on goal difference and then played in Division 1 alongside ‘Llanfair Caereinion’ until 1996 when they were relegated back into the 2nd Division. The 1993 final was won 3-0 by Llanfair Caereinion.

The late 1990’s was a barren spell for Llanfair with neither side winning any notable silverware. In 1998, Llanfair Caereinion actually finished bottom of Division 1 with only 9 points but somehow avoided relegation.

In the 2001/2002 season, Llanfair United FC was created when both Llanfair Caereinon and Llanfair Wanderers merged to form one side. In their first season they finished a very respectable 3rd and won the Tanners Town Cup for the 3rd time in the town’s history. In 2004, Llanfair United Reserves were formed.

In the 2010/2011 season, the club took the decision of joining the newly formed Spar Mid Wales Division 2. It was the first time the club had played in the Mid Wales League set up since 1980, 31 years ago. In their first season, they finished a valiant 6th place. After going 10 years without winning a trophy, it was the Reserves who gained the next piece of silverware. After finishing predominantly near the bottom of Division 2 since their creation, the Reserves went from 2nd bottom in 2011 to being champions in 2012. Also in 2012, the first team narrowly missed out on promotion to the 1st Division by 1 point but did win the ER Jenkins Division 2 Cup. Not disheartened by their narrow failure, they went on to win Division 2 in 2013 having only lost one game and retained the ER Jenkins cup by beating Machynlleth after extra time in a thrilling cup final.

In the 2012/2013 season, Llanfair United formed a Ladies team for the first time in their history. They were previously known as Meifod Ladies but made the switch to be part of the town’s footballing community. In the same season, Llanfair once again started a Youth team.

The 2013/2014 season will go down as one of the best in the club's history. The club ended the season with 5 trophies which included the Central Wales Cup (First Team), Montgomeryshire Amateur League (Reserves), North Powys Ladies League and League Cup (Ladies) and the Mid Wales Youth League (Youths). In the Central Wales Cup final, Llanfair defeated Berriew 2-0 at Latham Park, watched by a bumper crowd from the town.

The 2014/2015 season proved to be very historic indeed. Llanfair Football Club were crowned Spar Mid Wales League champions for the first time in the club's history and went on to win the Montgomeryshire Cup for the first time with a 2-0 win over Carno in the final. Along the way, the first team

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also narrowly lost 3-2 to Caersws AET in the Central Wales cup and lost in the semi-final of the Spar League Cup. The Youths also won the league, retaining their title whilst the Ladies and Reserves finished 3rd and 5th respectively.

In 2015/16, the Reserves managed to win the prestigious Emrys Morgan Cup for a fifth time for the club. They won 2-0 against Llandysul in a thrilling final at Penrhyncoch. Toby Evans getting both of the goals in the 44th and 93rd minute. Chris Humphreys made an important penalty save in the 91st minute at 1-0 in a tense and dramatic final. The Reserves also went on to win the league title. The first team found their first season in the Cymru Alliance difficult and ended the season in 15th place but avoided relegation. They went on to win the Montgomeryshire Cup though for the second time by beating Carno 3-1 in the final. James Davies, Matt Spencer and Paul Griffiths got the goals. The Ladies finished 6th in their league and runners up in the Central Wales Cup whilst the Youths lost in their league semi-final play off.

In 2016/17, the first team continued their Huws Gray Alliance adventure, but it unfortunately came to an end being relegated even though the club finished 13th (4th from bottom). The club reached the quarter finals of the Welsh Cup after a memorable cup run, beating Welsh premier side Cefn Druids along the way before losing to Caernarfon. The first team finished on a high though winning the Montgomeryshire Cup for the third time in a row, with a 3-1 win over Llanrhaeadr at Llanfyllin. Goals from James Davies(2) and Andrew Hughes sealed the win. The Youth team had a memorable season, winning all three trophies at their disposal. They won the league with a 4-0 win over Caersws. They had already by that time won the League Cup with a 3-1 over Welshpool and the Central Wales Youth Cup with a 4-1 win over Caersws. The Ladies had a good season too, finishing 2nd in the league but narrowly losing out in the Central Wales Cup final to Aberystwyth, 2-1 and in the semi-final of the league cup. The Reserves finished 8th and runners-up in the League Cup after losing 3-1 in the final to Caersws.

The 2017/18 season was a quiet one on the trophy front. The first team finished a very respectable 4th whilst the Ladies finished brilliantly in 2nd place. The Reserves finished 5th whilst the Youths didn’t make the play-offs to challenge for the title.

Last season, the first team won their 2nd Mid Wales League Championship after a gruelling season against a number of top opponents. They sealed t on the last day of the season in dramatic fashion at Kerry. The Ladies also had a brilliant season, completing an amazing treble. They shared the league title with Bethel whilst beating their title rivals twice to win the NEWFA Cup and the North Wales League Cup. The Reserves finished 7th whilst the youth team failed to make the play-offs.

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LLANFAIR UNITED MARK RICHARDS DANNY FOULKES ALUNG HUGHES ANDREW HUGHES RHYS STEPHENS GETHIN STEPHENS MATT SPENCER TOM GREGORY GETHIN JONES MATTHEW BUMFORD ROB BUMFORD BEN JONES PAUL GRIFFITHS RYAN EVANS KARL SELIAERTS RYAN McVEAGH CHRIS HUMPHREYS AARON JAMES JOSH ASTLEY ASHLEY DAVIES TOBY EVANS DAN KENYON

LLANRHAEADR JIMMY HAYNS THOMAS GALE DAN KELLY SAM THOMAS KYAM WYTON MATTHEW EVANS MATTHEW WILLIAMS JOE VAUGHAN IWAN MATTHEWS TOM EVANS IAIN EDMUNDS HARRI LLOYD DAN HINDLEY JOE MAKINSON TOM BAILEY DAN GRAHAM MARC GRIFFITHS LEE GREEN DAN WEAVER GARY MEREDITH GUS HARRIS MATTHEW JONES

MATCH OFFICIALS REFEREE ARTHUR SMALLMAN (WREXHAM) ASSISTANT REFEREES STEVEN ROBERTS (HOLYWELL) CONNAH SEARS (NEWTOWN)