CHAIRMAN
Good evening and welcome to this top of the table clash versus Trethomas Bluebirds, who are having an outstanding season so far.
Tonight’s spectacle should be on paper, one of the best games of the season along with a bubbling atmosphere.
I take this opportunity to welcome the players, management, committee and supporters of our opponents this evening
Tonight’s game shows how far we have come as a club but tonight’s game doesn’t win us promotion back into the top flight, the Cymru Premier. The whole season will determine that, so win, draw or lose, we still have a long way to go.
The morale around our club, our committee, our management team and especially our players bursts through and we haven’t felt this for a long time. I know that everyone works so hard for our club and our town and hopefully, tonight’s result will be a reward to all those involved with our club.
We also see the installation of our new digital scoreboard with thanks to Shaun at Emerge Advertising and our commercial manager, Jordan Fox for getting this deal done With the installation of WIFI provided by Wifinity and this new scoreboard, the club have invested in the region of £35000 into Stebonheath Park, demonstrating our commitment to taking on the lease and developing the ground at the earliest opportunity. Hopefully, a decision will be made at the next town council meeting in early February and we can start to work with the councillors and the Football Association of Wales in upgrading and improving this wonderful facility in our town
It’s that time of year again and the club Licencing is upon us. As usual, we are ahead of schedule and finalising the final detail for our Tier 1 application, which will be completed very soon. Thank you to everyone at the club in supporting the application process including those volunteers, who provide a vitol role.
Now back to the match and sit back, sip a beverage or two and enjoy the game
OURHISTORY
The game of Association Football was introduced to the town’s people of Llanelly when workers from the Staffordshire area of England migrated to the town to work in the ‘newest’ of the town industries - the Pottery works from 1892 to 1920 The club initially played in the Swansea & District League playing their first matches at Cae Blake, Furnace, then the Peoples Park before moving to Tunnel Road and then at Penyfan Fields
In 1912-13 the club decided to become fully professional and applied for membership of both the Southern and Welsh League They also moved to a new ground, Halfway Park, a former Cycle Stadium, which was situated two miles from the town centre Their first season 1912-13 was an immediate success finishing in sixth position in the Southern League and third in the Welsh League The following season they entered into the Welsh Cup and reached the final at their first attempt before losing to Wrexham in a replay at Oswestry after the team had initially drawn 0-0 at Swansea Town Vetch Field.
After the First World War the club continued to participate in the Southern League and in the Welsh League with moderate success. They had ambitions of reaching the Football League and as a first step they moved to a new ground in Stebonheath in 1922 Tottenham Hotspur were the FA Cup winners of the previous season were invited to make the occasion of opening the new ground by playing the local team and the Londoners were given a rude awakening when they lost 2-1 on the day For the next three years Llanelli built up a reputation of being one of the leading non-league clubs in the country, and in 1925 become the only club to contest every round in the FA Cup from Preliminary to Qualifying rounds and on to the equivalent Third Round of today when they met Fulham at Craven Cottage before losing by the odd goal in a highly emotional game
At the end of World War II with league football returning back to normality, Llanelly AFC in common with other Welsh clubs returned to the Welsh League fold and again gained a place in the Southern League succeeding Colchester United who had gained a place in the Football League. This was another venture into a league blessed with exFootball League players coming to the end of their careers The manager of the time long servant Jack Goldsborough who had been a fixture in Stebo circles since 1923 as a player, trainer, coach, groundsman and secretary/manager assembled a team blessed in the main by ex Scottish League players including one John (Jock) Stein who was to find fame with Glasgow Celtic and Scotland in a managerial capacity after his playing days were over, but had made history in the FA Cup with the Reds in 50-51, before the club lost to Bristol Rovers after a 2nd replay at Ninian Park.
Even he and a succession of worthy managers could not prevent the indifferent seasons the club suffered which meant a lack of people through the turnstiles and by 1958 they had to seek re-election to both Southern and Welsh Leagues. They were granted a stay in the Southern League whilst had to be relegated in the Welsh League Division II (West) But worse was to follow when the Welsh FA refused to sanction their stay in the Southern League Llanelli were left in limbo with an all time low for their future for the 1958-59 season
GAFFERSGAFF
First and foremost, the Reds have had a very busy start to the new year, how would you reflect on the wins against Lido, Llantwit and most recently Newport City?
Three very difficult games that have all been tight affairs Most importantly we ' ve managed to take 9 points from 9 and only conceded 1 goal, so I’ve got to be happy with the return, especially when we ' ve had so many injuries to deal with involving players.
Four new additions to the squad ahead of the business end of the season, how are they all settling in?
All really positive signings for different reasons - great lads coming into a fantastic group. Strinati and Eason are a different breed mentally - big characters who've added so much positivity already It's great to have Louis back and Cole is a top young man with a big future ahead of him.
Are there any updates on injuries?
Friday is probably a game too early for Theo but we are hoping to have Ethan back in the squad. Louis, Danny and Liam should be fine after coming off injured on Friday at Newport. Dylan Austin is close to returning to training and James Parry is working hard to be back by the end of the season after his ACL operation, which would be a huge boost to the squad.
We of course welcome Trethomas to Stebonheath Park this Friday, how do you view their campaign so far?
What a job their management team has done so far; to be joint top after 21 games in their first year at this level is incredible, especially when you consider they've achieved that with basically the same group as last season. They have quality players in Edwards, Gameson, Tedstone, plus experience with Saddler, Vincent and Young so we all should've expected them to be challenging and competitive.
Both sides are level on points at the top of the table, what are you expecting from the Bluebirds this Friday?
The toughest game of the season. Trethomas are strong, fast and powerful up top with a very aggressive press, a robust midfield with quality and experience at the back. They've been top all season for a very good reason, they've been the best team to date on a consistent basis It’s a huge match for us, but then again what game isn’t at this stage. We'll give them the utmost respect but we also fully believe in ourselves
Hope you enjoy the game
All the best
TODAYS OPPONENTS TRETHOMAS BLUEBIRDS
Formed in 1903, football began when a piece of land in the village was bought by a group of local miners. Workers at the Bedwas Colliery purchased land and Llanbafon Drive Playing Field was developed for recreation, including organised sport. This was to become the home of Trethomas Football for over 100 years.
The first records of Trethomas were in 1925-26 when the club played in Division 2 Section A of the Welsh League, finishing 11th with 12 wins and 6 draws out of 30 league games Notable present-day local rivals also competed that season, Aberbargoed, Treharris and Abergavenny. The club continued to compete in this division, their best season in 1934-35, when Trethomas finished 3rd winning the Lady Lewis Cup and the Caerphilly Miners Hospital Cup
Football resumed in Trethomas after the Second World War, with the club competing again in Division 2 Eastern Section in 1945-46 However, in 1947-48, the club struggled winning only 2 games out of 34 and conceded 157 goals, dropping out of the Welsh League, only to return in 2016.
In the intervening years, the club played local league football in the Monmouthshire League in the 1960s. However, by the year 2000 the club now known as Trethomas Bluebirds after club members looked for inspiration from Cardiff City, were playing in the Gwent County League.
Despite relegation to Division Three in 2002-03, the club bounced back to win promotion as Gwent County Division Three Champions in 2005-06. Promotion to Division One followed and the club were unlucky to finish as runners up in the 2012/13 season. The Bluebirds would not have to wait long though to return to Welsh League status as 3 years later the club were promoted to the Welsh Football League in 2015/16, as Gwent County Division One Champions
The Welsh League return of Trethomas brought a 11th place finish with 11 wins in 30 league games The club were now playing at Bedwas Rugby Club, having had to move to meet Welsh League criteria, before a move to the Centre of Sporting Excellence in Ystrad Mynach.
The club were now well placed for future promotion and this also resulted in the Bluebirds finishing 3rd in the newly named Welsh League Division Two, before the restructuring into the Ardal Leagues, where the Bluebirds played in the South East Division of Ardal Southern.
Cup success in the inaugural Ardal Leagues Southern Cup 2021/22 was followed by Amateur Trophy success in the 2023/2024 season. The momentum continued into the 2023/24 season which saw the club promoted as Champions and entry into Cymru South for the 2024/25 season, the second tier of Welsh football.
THOMAS GAMESON
POS NATION AGE SHIRT NO CM
27 08
GAMESON HAS BEEN ANOTHER STAR IN TRETHOMAS SUCCESS IN RECENT YEARS.
HE PROVIDED A KEY ASSIST IN THE AMATEUR TROPHY FINAL WIN OVER DENBIGH YOWN RESULTING IN A 2-1 WIN
HIS ADAPTABILITY ALLOWS HIM TO EXCEL IN VARIOUS MIDFIELD ROLES CONTRIBUTING DEFENSIVELY AND OFFENSIVELY MAKING HIM A VALUABLE ASSET TO THE TEAM
ETHAN EDWARDS GARETH TEDSTONE
THE FAST AND SKILLFULL ATTACKER JOINED THE BLUEBIRDS IN 2022 FROM RISCA UNITED.
WITH IMPRESSIVE PERFORMANCES
INCLUDING FIVE GOALS EARNED HIM A NOMINATION FOR CYMRU SOUTH PLAYER OF THE MONTH IN SEPTEMBER.
A KEY PLAYER IN THEIR TITLE RACE.
THROUGHOUT HIS TENURE WITH THE BLUEBIRDS, TEDSTONE HAS BEEN A CONSISTENT GOAL SCORER.
HIS PLAYING STYLE CHARACTERISED BY HIS STRENGTH AND SPEED OFTEN SHOWCASING IMPRESSIVE SOLO RUNS THAT HIGHLIGHT HIS PHYSICALITY AND AGILITY ON THE FIELD
IN 17 APPEARANCES THIS SEASON HE HAS SCORED 12 GOALS.
GOALKEEPER
SCOTTCOUGHLAN
S&HCOUGHLAN&SONS CONSTRUCTION
MIDFIELDER
GOALKEEPER MIDFIELDER
AVAILABLE TO SPONSOR AVAILABLE TO SPONSOR
THE RED COW, LLANELLI TOWN
THE PHIL BENNETT, FELINFOEL
THE WHITE LION INN, FELINFOEL
THE COLLIERS ARMS, PWLL
SHIP AGROUND INN, PEMBREY
PEMBERTON ARMS, BURRY PORT
THE WHITSTABLE INN, NEW DOCK ROAD
THE HILLTOP, BRYN
THE BELL, BYNEA WHITE LION, PEMBERTON
LIAMEASON
First and foremost, welcome once again to the Reds Liam! How are you settling in at the club so far?
The boys and staff have been awesome with me right from the start, Welcomed me with open arms which was massive for me.
Having recently joined us in the January window, what made you want to come and join the club?
In all honesty I’ve always wanted to play for the club ever since playing at stebo the first time, I just a good feeling about the place. I spoke to a few of my mates who know the club and they couldn’t speak highly enough of it so it was as a no brainer for me.
You’ve contributed to 4 goals already since joining the Reds, two assists (against Lido and Llantwit) and then your first two goals for the club against Newport. How does it feel being consistently involved in those crucial moments?
Well Camillo might have something to say about the assist against Llantwit. It’s a decent start but I always want more that’s just my personality but to get two on Friday was big for me.
You represented Wales at the 2025 Regions Cup back in September, what was that experience like?
Absolutely unreal experience and it couldn’t have been with a better group. Wasn’t the way we wanted it to go on the pitch but it was something im proud of.
Finally, a big game awaits at Stebonheath Park this Friday as we welcome Trethomas Bluebirds, how do you view the game and are you looking forward to the encounter?
It’s just a game you want to play in e why I love playing football - games l simple really and it’s up to us as a sq happen!
LADIESGAFFER
As the ladies team approach the midway point of the season, it’s fair to say the results haven’t reflected the hard work and effort the team has been putting in While being at the bottom of the table is never easy, there’s no doubt that we are making progress. Each week, the players continue to grow in confidence, improve their understanding of each other and the game, and show their commitment to turning things around.
We’re also delighted to have welcomed an additional coach, Conor McAuley, to the team Conor has been providing excellent analysis to the players, and his input, alongside the extra support in training, is already proving to be a success. His expertise is helping the ladies refine their performances and has brought a new dynamic to our preparation.
The next six games are crucial for us, and we see them as a real opportunity to pick up points and climb the table The focus remains on maintaining belief, working hard in training, and delivering consistent performances on matchdays.
I want to thank everyone for their continued support it makes a huge difference to the players and staff. We’re all in this together, there is no room for negativity, so with the right attitude and determination, I’m confident we’ll see results improve in the coming weeks
We face Swansea University on Sunday, who are a team that can’t be taken lightly, but we are excited to be back on home turf and have our supporters behind us!
On another note, as Head Of Ladies Football here at Llanelli Town AFC, I am absolutely delighted to announce the formation of Llanelli Town Ladies U19’s This is an exciting step forward in our commitment to the development of women’s football in Llanelli and beyond. This new team not only provides a platform for young female players to grow and excel but also reinforces our vision of creating a strong pathway from youth to senior football within our club.
We are passionate about nurturing local talent and fostering a sense of pride in wearing the Llanelli shirt The future of women’s football here is incredibly bright, and I can’t wait to see these young players thrive and inspire the next generation of athletes
Together, we are building something special!
OURVETERANS
Our veterans continue to grow from strength to strength and this week saw another stellar new signing, following international clearance, in the shape of Angel Rangel, who joins former Swansea City stars Lee Trundle and Leon Britton in an impressive over 40s squad.
Last weekend saw 3 of our 5 veterans teams in action with all games played away from home.
Our over 40s B side continued their unbeaten run at Pontyclun and came away with a share of the spoils as they let a 2 goal lead slip as injuries took their toll late on the game.
Goalscorers were Curtis Roberts and Steven Andrews.
Our over 45s maintained top spot in the Welsh Veterans League with a strong performance at Briton Ferry Llansawel running out 6-1 winners with no arguments over man of the match as ‘magic daps’ Lee Trundle put in a virtuoso display with 4 goals and 2 assists in an unplayable performance on the day. Further goals came from Kev Bartley and Paul Davey.
Arguably the team performance of the day came from our 50s who faced The Continental in a cup quarter final in Cardiff, which saw them come away victorious in a 5-1 win with every player playing their part in a real team performance as they chase a third successive cup final. The reds scorers on the day were Neil Williams and Simon Rocke with a brace apiece and one from Kevin Thomas. It could have been a different story had goal keeper Neil Bryant not kept out Chris Summers in the first half with a fantastic stop from close range.
This Sunday our over 50s travel to Penydarren Park to face Merthyr Tydfil (2.30pm) as the leagues strongest sides go head to head in a mouth watering contest which could well decide the destination of the 50s league title this year.
Entrance to vets football is always free so why not come along and support the reds and see some top class football.
We would also like to thank everyone that showed support for John Frater last weekend after his heart attack. Since then he has had a stent put in and is recovering with his loved one’s around him.
THE TEAMS
LLANELLI TOWN TRETHOMAS
Manager: Lee John
Scott Coughlan
John Chesters
James Lester
Taylor Jones
Sean Cronin
James Parry
Cole Gibbings
Kurtis Rees
Theo Wharton
Joe Hopkins
Joe Lloyd
Danny Williams
Ethan Cann
Alex Giardelli
Henry Jones
Dylan Austin
Bradley Gibbings
Evan Powell
Scott Tancock
Josh Joda
Louis Gerrard
Liam Eason
Camillo Strinati
Mark Dunford
Harry Irving Ryan Bolter
Harvey Selway
Will Bevan
Alfie Jones
Dave Vincent
Lee Baldock
James Young
Tom Gameson
Ethan Edwards
Jack Jones
Leon Thomas
Kallum Thomas
Gareth Tedstone
Andrew Evans
James Saddler
Callum Huggins
Harry Noaks
Joseph Shepard
Noah Barry
Referee: Officials: Aaron Paskell | Tom Bateman
Kris Hames
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