Mold Alex v Briton Ferry Llansawel

CLUB OFFICIALS

Chairperson Sarah Cunningham

Vice Chair Dewi Hughes Senior Secretary Chris Parry

Junior Secretary Paula Ellis

Commercial Manager John Griffiths

Director of Football Mike Cunningham

Director Of Junior Football Andy Fleming Safeguarding Officer Clare Hodgson Events Manager Steve Hickey

Community Development Officer Trevor Claydon Media Officer Huw Claydon Programme Designer Chris Parry Club Photographer Alun Roberts Equality Champion Jayne Barnes

Ground Staff Dennis Parry, Dick North, Tommy Wynne, Pete Roberts

Committee Members / Matchday Volunteers Barry Couchman, Andy Griffiths, Alec Owen, Phil Ellis, Sian Jones

CLUB HONOURS

Mold Alexandra Football Club. Founded 1929

North Wales Coast F.A. Junior Cup Winners 1930/1931

Flintshire Amateur League Champions 1931/1932

Flintshire Amateur League Challenge Cup. – Winners 1931/1932

Welsh National League, Wrexham Area, (‘WNL’) Division One Cup Winners 1950/51

North Wales Coast F.A. Challenge Cup. Winners 1985/1986, `1989/1990

Arthur Barritt Cup. Winners 1988/1989, 1989/1990

North East Wales F A Challenge Cup Winners 1985/1986, 1986/1987, 1987/1988, 2014/2015

WNL Premier Division. – Champions 1985/1986, 1986/1987, 1989/1990, 2001/2002, 2013/2014

. (Also promoted 2007/2008 having reached second position in that league)

President’s Cup. Winners 2008, 2014

Cymru Alliance founder member 1990/1991

Konica League of Wales’ founder member 1992/1993

WNL Premier Division Cup – Winners 1985/1986, 2000/2001, 2001/2002

WNL Division 2 (Reserves) Champions 1980/1981

WNL Reserves Division Champions 2011/2012, 2015/2016, 2019/2020

WNL Reserves Division Cup Winners 2018/2019

WNL Reserves and Colts Division Champions 2014/2015

FAW Amateur Trophy – Winners 2021/2022

Lock Stock Ardal North West League Champions 2021/2022

OUR HISTORY

*Mold Alexandra adopted its name and blue and white kit colours in 1929, a report at the time suggesting a decision to play matches on or very near the present ground of ‘Alyn Park’. The Alex joined the Welsh National League, Wrexham Area (WNL) in 1947. Alex player Joe Allen played for the Wales national team during this period.

*In 1979 a grand dinner celebrated the club’s fiftieth year, with guest Joe Mercer. In an exciting 1980’s period for the Alex they won two League Championships, a League Cup and two regional trophies. These successes resulted in Mold Alex being invited to join the newly created Cymru Alliance league for season 1990 91. This meant playing in the top division for north and mid Wales’ competitive football

*In 1992 a first nation wide league was formed (‘the League of Wales’) with Mold Alex being delighted to become one of its founder members. The Alex enjoyed competition in the League of Wales for three seasons, more distant opponents including Inter Cardiff, Barry Town, Llanelli and Ebbw Vale

*In 1995 Mold Alex played once more in the Cymru Alliance, but following relegation after three seasons the club had to fight for admission back to the Welsh National League. The then rules dictated that of the two teams looking to rejoin the WNL there would only be a place for one of them The Alex refused to join a different league system choosing to play in a division of mainly WNL reserve teams. This gamble played off and the Alex was promoted up to the renamed WNL Premier Division at the end of one season.

*Between 2002 and 2010 the club had two successful spells in the Cymru Alliance, but in 2010 an FAW change to the number of clubs in the League of Wales also affected the size of the Cymru Alliance. A restructuring drama resulted in Mold Alex in thirteenth place losing its status as a Cymru Alliance member of seventeen clubs.

*In 2014 Mold was promoted once more up to the Cymru Alliance after winning the Championship of the WNL Premier Division on a cliff hanging and thrilling final day of the season The following season the first team won the President’s Cup and North East Wales Cup In 2019 The Alex was successful in reaching the final of the Premier Division Cup.

*Mold Alex reserve teams have been very successful in recent years, winning their Division Championship Cup on three occasions and a Division Cup. A Mold Alex Reserves and Colts team won their Championship Division Cup in 2015

*Children’s football is provided at Mold Alex from the age of six, managed by a large team of volunteers. Several match trophies have been won by the older football groups.

*The club’s volunteers host the annual Mold bonfire and firework display for charities. In the summer annual six a side veteran men’s and women’s competitions have also supported good causes as has the club’s annual Christmas Appeal.

*With the return of football and restructuring of the Wales’ football system from 2021, the Alex reserve team has competed well amongst teams representing high ranking clubs and was runner up in the final 2022 Horace Wynne Cup competition. Supported by the Alex strong management and coaching team and against very competitive opposition last season, the Alex first team became Champions of the Lock Stock Ardal North West League, FAW Trophy winners and were runners up in the Ardal Northern League Cup final.

Compiled by Mr Trevor Claydon

OUR VISITORS

BritonFerryLlansawelwasbornoutofthemergeroftwoclubs,butalthoughourhistoryinourcurrentguiseonlydatestothe2009both BritonFerryandLlansawelFootballClubsrespectivelybothretainadistinguishedalbeitcontrastinghistory.

BritonFerryFootballClub

BritonFerryEx-Schoolboys(Foundingname)beingtheelderclubwereformedin1925/26andbecamemembersoftheWelshLeagueinthe early1930's.Theteamwasre-namedBritonFerryAthleticA.F.C.in1926whenplayingintheSwanseaandDistrictFootballLeague. PromotionwasgainedtotheseconddivisionoftheWelshLeaguein1932.AftertheSecondWorldWar"TheFerrygainedpromotiontothe firstdivisionoftheWelshLeaguein1947,albeitforoneseasononly.

DespitetheClub'smixedfortunesinthe1950'sand1960'sitbuiltupafinesportingtraditionandproducedthreefullWelshInternationalsin RoyJohn,HaroldWilliamsandCarlHarris.In1987Mr.GrahamJenkins,nowalifepresidentwhoplayedfortheteambetween1951and1955 andwhosegrand-father,Mr.JamesTaylor,wasafoundermemberoftheclubbecameChairmanoftheClubandbetween1995and1997he undertooktherebuildingoftheclubhouse,dressing-rooms,thevisitors'lounge,andtheinstallationoffloodlights.

Thereisnodoubtthattheclub'sfinefacilitieswereafactorwhenMr.CarlHarris,theformerLeedsUnitedwingerandwinneroftwenty-four fullWelshCapsacceptedthepositionofplayer-manager.TheclubenjoyedconsiderablesuccessunderCarl'sleadershipculminatinginthe team'spromotionasrunners-uptothenewLeagueofWales.However,thestayintheLeaguewastobeashortonewhenrelegation followedattheendofthe1993-94season.

AlthoughtheclubpreserveditsstatushasoneofthemostestablishedteamsintheWelshleaguebyretainingtheirfirstdivisionstatusfor manyyears,theywereneverabletoreachtheheightsarchivedintheirglorydaysandasuccessionofpoorseasonsculminatedintheir relegationin2008/2009tothethirddivisionoftheWelshFootballLeague.

LlansawelFootballClub

ComparativeyoungsterscomparedtotheircounterpartsattheOldRoad,LlansawelFootballClubwereonlyformedin1985byagroupof fatherswhosechildrenwereplayingjuniorfootballforGiant'sGraveBoysClub.Overaperiodof20yearssincetheyenteredthethenold DivisionFiveoftheNeathandDistrictSeniorLeaguetheclubsuccessfullyrosethroughtheranksculminatingin2005/2006bybecomingthe firstteaminthe75-yearhistoryoftheNeathLeaguetocompletethetrebletwice. 2005/2006provedtobealandmarkseasonwhichsawtheclubwin6trophiesincludingthePremierLeague,PremierCup,OpenCup, BoroughCup,RoseBowlandNeathLeague75thAnniversaryTrophy.AgreatseasonwascappedwithLlansawelgainingpromotionintothe WelshFootballLeague.LlansawelspentthreeseasonsintheWelshLeaguebeforethedecisionwasmadetoamalgamatewithBritonFerry FC.

TheMerger

Afterextensivediscussionsinthesummerof2009,itwasagreedthatBritonFerryandLlansawelFootballClubswouldmergetoformBriton FerryLlansawelAFC.Ithasbeenevidentduringthepastfewyearsthateveryoneassociatedwiththenewclubisdeterminedtograspthe opportunitiesthismergerprovidesandmaximizeitspotentialensuringthatthenewinfrastructureprovidesafoundationforcontrolled growthensuringabrightfutureforeveryoneassociatedwithBritonFerryLlansawelAFC.The2011/2012seasonprovedtobethenewclub’s mostsuccessfulseasonwithbothseniorteamshavingsuccessfulcampaigns.ThefirstteamguidedbyCarlShawwithMartinParkerandPaul EvansfinishedthirdintheleaguegainingpromotiontotheWelshLeagueSecondDivision.OurReserveteammanagedbyDeanTristramand MartinWilliamsaddedtothesuccessbywinningtheclubsfirsttrophysincethemergerwhentheywontheReserveLeagueCupwhich followeduptheirrunners-uppositionintheleague.

2012/2013wasanexcitingseasonbothonandoffthefieldwithbothourseniorteamslookingtocapitaliseonthesuccesstheyenjoyedthe previousseason.OurcommitmenttodeveloptheOldRoadgroundcontinueswithmajordevelopmentsincludingabrand-newbar,new officialandawayteamchangingroomsbeingattheforefrontofrecentimprovements.Sincethemergergreatstrideshavebeentakentolay thefoundationforevengreatersuccessonandoffthefield.Thejourneycontinues…

2013/2014

TheclubhadanexcellentfirstseasoninDivisionOnefinishinginthetophalfwhilealsocontinuingtoinvestintheinfrastructurewithour developmentteamsandladiesallfinishinginthetopthreeoftheirrespectiveleagues.

2014/2015

TheclubhadtheirbestfinishinDivisionOnefinishingseventhandourladieswerepromotedtotheWWPLafterwinningtheWestWales League.OurYouthhadagreatseasonintheWestWalesLeaguewinningthecupandrunnersupintheleague

OUR VISITORS

2015/16

AdifficultseasonsawtheRedsfinishfourfrombottominDivisionOneonjointpointswithfourteamswhofinishedwithbettergoaldifference abovethem.WithPortTalbotfailingtheirdomesticlicencetheclubweresubsequentlyrelegatedbytheFAW.

Aturbulentsummerhasseenmanynewfacesinthesquadalongwithchangesinthemanagementsetup.

Offthefieldanew175-seatergrandstand,disabledbay,pressareaand13-mandugoutshaveseentheclubfurtherimprovetheOldRoad hopefullyfortheclubsreturntoDivisionOne.Ourreserveteamwillbeusedthisseasonasaplatformfordevelopmentforsomeofourunder 19'swhowillbelookingtomakethemoveintoseniorfootball,withourunder19'salsocompetinginYouthDivisionWest. OurladieswillalsocompeteforthefirsttimeintheWomen'sWelshPremierLeague.

2016/17

ItwasacaseofmissionaccomplishedforourfirstteamwithaswiftreturntoTier2ofWelshFootballfinishingrunnersuptounbeatenleague championsLlanelli.ManagerCarlShawwillbehopingtoconsolidateagaininthedivisionwhiletheclubwillalsostrivetocontinuetoimprove facilitiesattheOldRoadtoachievetheTier2licenseforseason18/19.Ourdevelopmentteamwillseeanumberoflastseasonsunder19’s makethestepupintoseniorfootballunderthewatchfuleyeofLaytonThomasandwillprovideaplatformforamixoffirstteamfringeplayers andyouth.Theywilllooktogoonebetterthisseasonafteragainfinishingrunnersupinbothleagueandcup.

OuryouthteamwillbecompetingintheWestWalesYouthLeagueaftermanagerMikeRutherfordheldanumberofsuccessfultrialstoform hissquad,thedropdownfromWelshLeagueispartofhislong-termvisiontoseeasustainableyouthsystemattheOldRoad.

OurladiesteamputupabravefightintheirfirstseasonintheWelshWomen’sPremierLeagueanddespiteanexcellentlaterunofresultsthey wererelegated.ThisseasontheywillbepartofthenewlyformedTier2Women’sLeagueandwillbehighlycompetitivewiththeiraimtoreturn totheWWPL.

2017/18

ItwasamissionaccomplishedasManagerCarlShawsecuredourplaceinWelshLeagueDivisionOnewithseveralgamestospare. Itwasadifficultseasonforourdevelopmentsidewhofoundthemselvesfinishingatthefootofthetableafterfourteamswithdrewlateinthe season.Ouryouthandladies’teamsbothprovedtoostrongfortheirrespectiveleagueswithbothteamsbeingcrownedchampionsoftheir respectivedivisions.OuryouthteamwillbecompetingintheWelshYouthLeaguein2018/19aftermanagerMikeRutherfordledthemtothe WestWalesYouthLeaguetitle.OurladiesclinchedanimmediatereturntotheWomen‘sWelshPremierLeagueafterclinchingtheleaguetitle onthelastdayoftheseasonawaytoBarryTown.OurLadiesreserveswentfromstrengthtostrengthafteraverygoodseasonprovidingmuch neededsupporttothefirstteam.OurLadiesyouthteamshowedthereareplentyofFutureredsreadytomakethestepupaftercomfortably clinchingthetitle.

2018/19

ConfirmationofourTier2licensethissummerwasarewardforallthehardworkcarriedoutoverthelastfewyearsbyeveryoneattheclub. ContinueddevelopmentonandoffthefieldthisSummerwillhopefullyhelpusconsolidateourpositioninDivisionOnepriortotherestructure ofWelshLeaguein2019/20.It’sfittingthatallthefirstteamplayerswhofinishedlastseasonsignedonforthenewcampaign.CarlShawalso addedsomesignificantnewsigningswiththeaimtofinishashighuptheleaguetableaspossible.CarlretainedtheservicesofbothRay Pennock(AssistantManager)andGaryElsey(Goalkeepingcoach)butaddedMarkNapieralla(FirstTeamCoach)andSaraGray(Sports Therapist)tolastyear’smanagementteam.OurDevelopmentTeamwillbemanagedbyJonathanDaviesandhewillbeassistedbyRoss Howells.Lastseason’sWestWalesyouthchampionsagainmanagedbyMikeRutherfordwillmaketheirdebutintheWelshYouthleague.Ross Norgrove,SimonPowellandJackMidwinterwillonceagaintakechargeofBritonFerryLlansawelLadiesastheymakeanimmediatereturnto theWomen’sWelshPremierLeagueafterwinningpromotionafterbeingrelegatedin2017.Ourladiesreserveteamwillbemanagedby RichardChurchill,TomKnightandTashaTrottman.Finally,ourladiesyouthteamwillbemanagedbyRobBrownandAlanTopper.

2019/20

ThisyearseestheclubtakepartintheinauguralseasonfortheFAWJDCYMRUCHAMPIONSHIPSOUTHunderthereignsofmanagerCarl Shaw,assistedbyRayPennock,MarkNapierella,IanHillierandGarethJones.ShawhasalsoaddedexperiencedgoalkeepercoachLeighDavid tohisstaffandSportsTherapistSaraGraycontinuesherrole.MajorsigningsinCwmammanUtdplaymakerColinHarrisandlastseason’s WelshLeagueDivisionOnetopscorerMarkJonesalongwithyoungwidemanDeclanHorgan-EvansfromPontardaweandex-AfanLidowinger CraigJonesseesqualitynewfacescoupledwithretainingthemajorityoflastseason’ssquadbodeswellfortheseasonahead. OurDevelopmentsquadhadasuperbseasonlastyeardirectedbyJonathanDaviesbutamajoraccidentforBushyseeshimsitoutthestartof thecampaignandWynEvanstakesonthecaretakerroleaidedbyMichaelWalshuntilJoniisbackinthedugout,everyoneattheclubwishes himwellinhisrecovery.OurLadiessectionconsolidatedthemselvesintheWWPLlastseasonandwillbelookingagaintocompetewellinboth theleagueandcupwiththeiryoungsquadundertheguidanceofRossNorgrove,SimonPowellandJackMidwinter.

TheLadiessectioncontinuestogrowwiththeirDevelopmentsquadandjuniorsectionandmostlastseasonsUnder16ssquadhavenow madethestepuptoseniorfootball.OurYouthteamseesDanielTaylorandJoshWilliamsinchargeofthe19sandanewlyformedWWYLteam hasbeenformedwithGarryFishlocktakingcontroloftheteam.MikeRutherfordheadsournewlyformedYouthDevelopmentprogramme withagesfrom10srightthroughto18swithmorenewstofollowsoonaftermonthsofworkbehindthescenes.

OUR VISITORS

2020/21

ThisseasonwillgoonrecordforbeinglikenootherduetotheglobalpandemicofCovid-19. DespitethistheclubhascontinueditsthemeofimprovementyearonyearandmajorappointmentshaveseenAndyDyertakeontheroleof clubSportingDirector.FirstteammanagerCarlShawisnowenteringhistenthyearsincehisappointmentandwillbelookingagaintoimprove ontheclubshighesteverfinishofthirdlastseasonintheJDCymruSouthsincethemergerin2012.

CarlisassistedbyMarkNapierellawithex-playersIanHillerandGarethJones,withnewgoalkeepercoachAshleyRobertsjoiningShaw’s coachingteam.AnothernewrecruitmentisHenryFensomeasHeadSportsTherapistfromLlanelliafterthedepartureofSaraGraywhohas joinedSwanseaCity.

DyeralsooverseestheclubsDevelopmentprogrammeassistedbyGavinGuywiththeteamduetocompeteintheFAWReserveLeague. WearedelightedtohavebeenacceptedtoparticipateintheCymruPremierDevelopmentLeagueandourHeadofYouthAnthonyWright bringsavastamountofexperience,hewillbeassistedbySteveHutinandMarkNicholls.

TherehasalsobeenafantasticappointmentasHeadofCoachingwithAndyHilloverseeingourAcademysetupthatnowhasteamsfrom Under8’sthroughtoUnder19’ssomethingtheclubisextremelyproudofwith‘InvestmentinOurFuture’thekeyfocusintheforeseeable future.

OurLadiessectionalsocontinuestogrowwithjuniorteams,anewlyformedUnder19’saswellasareserveandfirstteamandwillbelooking foraswiftreturntotheWPWL.LadiesGeneralManagerRossNorgroveandSimonPowellhavebothsteppedasideandappointedFAWA LicensecandidateIsaacBerryasnewfirstteammanager.Berryhasappointedseveralexcellentyoungambitiousstaffmembersandtheladies willbelookingforapositivestartthisseason.

OffthefieldchairmanWynEvansandthecommitteehaverecruitedStevePocketttotheboardandtheclubsmainfocusthisseasonisto achievetheTier1LicensewithanumberofprojectsandimprovementsunderwayattheOldRoadtobringthegroundandinfrastructureupto thedesiredlevel,thisincludes300extraseats,pitchextensionwork,floodlightsupgradeaswellasnewdugoutswiththeplantomaketheOld Roadagroundeveryonecanbeproudofcallinghome.

2021/22

Ultimatelythe21/22seasonwillgodownasdisappointingonthefieldwitha3rdplacefinishafull17pointsbehindwinnersLlantwitMajorbut withsuccessoffthefieldsecuringourTier1licenceforthefirsttimeintheclub’shistory.Itwillalsoayearwhentheclubpartedcompanywith longtimestandingManagerCarlShawwhooversawsomuchoftheclub’ssuccessina10-yeartenureattheclub,hiscontributiontothe footballclubwillalwaysbefondlyremembered.FormerAcademyHeadofCoachingAndyHillwasbroughtintooverseefirstteammatters. OurCymruDevelopmentsidehadaterrificseasonfinishingrunnersuptoTaffsWell.TheU16Academyteamfinishedrunnersupinthe AcademysouthleaguewiththeU12winningtheirsection–unfortunatelybothteamswereeliminatedinthesemi-finalsofthenational competition.OurWomenfinishedsecondintheAdranSoutheventhoughtheyweretheonlyteamtotakepointsandnotlosetoeventual championsAbergavenny.TheU16girlsteamwontheirleagueandnarrowlymissedoutonthecupbeingdefeatedinthefinal.

2022/23

AfewnewfaceshavebeenbroughtintotheOldRoadtohelpstrengthentheclubinalldepartments.FormerLlantwitMajormanagerKarl LewishasbeenrecruitedbyManagerAndyHillaswellasGoalkeepercoachJakeFitzpatrickwhowillbecombininghisdaydutieswithSwansea City.GethinXXXXXXhasalsobeenbroughtinasHeadAnalystandwillcombinehiscollegelecturingdutiestosupportalltheclub’steams. NewplayershavealsobeenbroughtintohelpwiththequesttoreachthePremierLeaguenamelyTomWalters,CullenKinsella,DafyddOwen, KrisEvans,NathanJones,ConnorGoldsworthy(AllLlantwitMajor),RhysWilson(Penybont)andRioDyer(HullCity).

today's quiz

Name the trophies...

Possibly, an easier quiz than last weeks edition that covered winners and losing finalists in the Welsh Cup. Can you name them all?

From The Archives

Mold Alex v Briton Ferry Athletic Saturday 26th September 1992

From The Archiv

The Alex In The Welsh Cup

January 1986, when Mold Alex played Cardiff City at Ninian Park in the Welsh Cup.

The following is an account from a sound recording given by Dave Hughes, Mold Alex manager at the time. Dave has kindly agreed to allow his account to be published in The Club Report.

‘In the December (1985) we drew Cardiff at Cardiff. Cardiff at the time were playing in the second division and managed by Alan Durban. We (the team) were on the coach and it absolutely threw it down. We were staying in Cardiff that night, we were all booked into the hotel and everyone was excited.By the time we got to Cardiff I had a phone call to say could I go down to the ground. The referee would be there and Alan Durban and we’d have a pitch inspection.

hen I got to the ground it was water everywhere. The ball wouldn’t roll, but they promised us the game would be played the next night. Cardiff, Ninian Park, the drainage was very good and they knew we were staying in a hotel that night. The fans were on their way down. We left at 8.00 and the fans were leaving late morning. It turned to snow, so the fans’ coach only got as far as Birmingham and it had to come back.

That night I said to the players: ”Look we’re going to Jacksons night club. We’ll make an occasion out of this. I don’t care how much you drink. You drink one pint or ten pints. But we will train in the morning and if any of you are sick then you won’t be playing. It’s as simple as that.”

At the game the following day we were losing 2-0 at half time. In the changing room I’d said to the lads: ”Listen we may as well go out and attack ‘em. We’ve sat back and we’re getting beat here. I don’t care if we get beat by ten, it doesn’t matter. It’s 2-0 at half time and that’s still a major credit to you all.”

So we went out and pulled a goal back. It (The Alex) was a good side. They were all good players. I think we scored in about the 68th minute and we were absolutely murdering Cardiff. Our tails were up. Five minutes to go and we got a corner. The corner comes over, we have a header and it just misses the goal.They get a goal kick. It comes down to a winger.

Nigel Vaughan his name was, he was a Welsh international. He hits the ball from just inside his own half. Our keeper lost it in the lights, tried to stop it with one hand, it hit him on the shoulder and rolled into the net. We went 3-1 down. It was like as if we had been injected by cramp because all our players had been playing on adrenalin. Then they scored another with a minute to go, so we lost 4-1. But we got a standing ovation when we came off the pitch from the Cardiff fans.

We were in the boardroom after and they were convinced that they were going to come to Mold for a replay because we were absolutely battering them. Alan Durban said to me: “I believe you were out in Jacksons night club the night before?” I said: “You’re absolutely right! This was an occasion for us and we weren’t expecting to win.”

That’s what happened on the Cardiff trip. I’d say one of the greatest days for Mold Alex when I’ve been with them. I think we played Rhostyllen the following game and absolutely murdered them’

Researched by Trevor Claydon. Narrated by Dave Hughes on 25 September 2022.

(Dave also played for the Alex. A team photo which includes him can be seen in the café)

results Saturday 5th November league table

JoeOrmrodtappinginhisgoalvsConwyBorough

Mold Alexandra FC is proud to announce that Cygnet Health Care have extended sponsorship of the 1st Team for a further 2 years, covering the 2022/23 and 2023/24 seasons, which will take the partnership between Cygnet and Mold Alex to 8years.

Rowan Marriott, Cygnet’s Head of Resourcing, said, “At Cygnet Health Care we understand the positive effect that sport and fitness has on mental health and wellbeing. That is why Cygnet is committed to supporting community partnerships in this way For us, this ongoing sponsorship is about developing relationships in the wider community and using football to help break down barriers."

"A big part of this is about supporting the communities in which our services sit and in doing so, build the strong relationships that make it easier for us to help the people we care for access the local community and become an active part of it."

We are really proud to be sponsoring Mold Alexandra FC for the 7th year and look forward to seeing the club build on its successes from last season. We wish the club all the best for the upcoming season.”

CYGNET HEALTH CARE -

CLUB STATEMENT

The news comes as Mold start back in the 2nd Tier of Welsh football (JD Cymru League North) following a hugely successful 2021/22 season in they which gained promotion, won trophies and collected a number off field accolades too.

Notably, The Alex won the FAW Amateur trophy, won the Ardal league North West and finished runners up in the Ardal North League Cup, Manager, Mike Cunningham, was named Ardal North West league Manager of the year and player, Danny Warren, was named Ardal North West Player of the year

As well as the successes of the 1st team, The reserves team won the Horace Wynne Cup, there were successes amongst the junior teams and the club was presented with the Mold Mayor’s Award 2022.

The partnership between Mold Alex and Cygnet began in 2015 and has continued strongly ever since, providing not only financial support for the club but also opportunities for patients at Cygnet’s Delfryn House in Mold to get involved with club activities.

Chairperson for Mold Alex, Sarah Cunningham said, “We are immensely proud to be sponsored by Cygnet Health Care, the work they do for people suffering with their mental health is outstanding and we are pleased to be able to offer the chance for patients to take part in club activities where the opportunities arise . The latest sponsorship agreement marks 8 years of unbroken sponsorship, which is truly amazing and everyone at Mold Alex would like to thank Cygnet Health Care for their continued support and look forward to working with them for another 2 years."

FROM THE GAFFERMIKE CUNNINGHAM

Saturday's feel so much better with a win don't they! A much needed win last weekend has hopefully boosted confidence going into an important run of games.

Today's game is one, as a club, we can really look forward to . It will no doubt be a difficult game with our visitors currently unbeaten and riding high in the Cymru South table and a team full of Welsh Premier experience BUT this is the Welsh Cup and this is Alyn Park and we know we have the ability to cause an upset and progress.

It was great to see the fantastic support last week in horrible conditions and it really helped get us over the line .

Enjoy the match!

Mold Alex vs Conwy Borough

The Alex were hoping to get back to winning ways after a rotten run of results. Mold had recently placed the teams third and second in the league back to back. The latest of these was a tough away encounter with Holywell where the Alex were defeated 2 0.

Conwy themselves had also had a struggle at the start of the season but were starting to improve under new boss Andy Weaver. Weaver was no stranger to Mold, having managed Rhydymwyn last season against Mold in both matches. The Alex recorded a 8-2 home win and a 5-0 away win against Weavers old team. So perhaps it was time for some revenge for the Conwy boss.

Six minutes had gone int the match and Mold had started the brighter of the two teams. The Alex were controlling possession but Conwy looked threatening Elliot Quinlan was called into early action to make a great save from a Conwy corner. Just a minute later and the Alex had a freekick on the edge of the area. Cian Evans picking up the first yellow card of the match The freekick was straight at the wall but a rebound effort landed into the gloves of the Conwy keeper at the second attempt. Ten minutes gone and there were plenty of fireworks already in the game

Steve Watkins diving at a header but couldn’t quite divert it on target to put Mold one goal up. Within the same minute the rain suddenly decided to lash down making conditions difficult for the players. The rain certainly didn’t help the condition of the pitch which was already suffering from a lot of heavy rainfall and play recently

CONWY BOROUGHFROM THE SIDELINES HUW CLAYDON MEDIA OFFICER

Fifteen minutes in and Conwy were beginning to get into the game a bit more. A freekick outside the 18 yard box just struck over for the away team. At this point it looked like the game was evening up.

Eighteen minutes in saw the first goal scored. Something the Alex fans will be used to seeing. A Danny Warren corner beautifully crossed into Steve Watkins who out muscled his opponent to head home Mold Alex 1 0 Conwy Borough

The action continued with plenty of good chances. Some great link up play from R Nash, Hickey and Ormrod lead to another good Alex effort This one straight into the hands of the keeper though. Twenty seven minutes gone and the Alex picked up a yellow card and conceded a 18 yard freekick. Alex Smith the man to pick up a yellow card on this occasion.

Twenty nine minutes in and from the freekick Conwy scored The ball came into the box and cannoned off a few players. A couple of efforts were blocked from very close range to the defender before the ball span out to Craig Wheelan on the left Wheelan tucked the ball inside the near post to draw the game level. Mold Alex 1 1 Conwy Borough.

Thirty eight minutes in and Mold nearly regained their lead. A great long ball by Quinlan to Dom Doherty in acres of space on the right eventually lead to Dom putting Danny through. Warrens first touch was good, but the on rushing keeper fractionally got to the ball first to save Conwy Half time Mold Alex 1 1 Conwy Borough

Mold were not waiting around to get back into action. From the off Dom Doherty was charged down by the keeper. A touch from Doherty inside the area would more than likely lead to a goal. Minutes later, Warren beat the keeper with some good footwork. However, Danny was pushed out wide and couldn’t ajust his feet to strike an effort. With the angle well against Warren, he chose to slide the ball into to the area with R Nash a fraction away from getting contact. More misfortune for Mold.

Fifty-four minutes had gone, and it had been all Mold in the early stages of the second half. Conwy had just cleared an effort off the line and Mold were left wondering if the second goal was going to arrive. One minute later saw a major blow for Conwy. Goal scorer Craig Wheelan was sent off for Conwy for violent conduct after an appeared stamp on and Alex man. The referee saw this and didn’t hesitate to dismiss the Borough man- cerdyn coch Conwy.

Whilst Conwy had to work harder it didn’t change the play. Mold only benefited from this and sixty-three minutes in, Mold finally grabbed that second goal they were desperate for. It was that man again! Dom Doherty put in a delicious cross to Steve Watkins who towered above the keeper to head in and give his and Molds second goal.

Mold Alex 2-1 Conwy Borough

Conwy battled well for a phase and saw efforts from John Littlemore and Iolo Hughes strike with the shots going wide and straight into Moley’s gloves. Seventy-two minutes gone and space seemed to be opening up a lot more now, with Conwy pushing for an equaliser. Warren saw another effort from outside the area wide. Not long after Conwy cleared another shot off the line. R Nash doing outstanding work to sprint the length of the pitch, beating three men on his way. He cut inside the box only for the resulting shot to be blocked for a corner. Two corners later and Molds Tommy Edwards headed just over directly from a corner.

Eighty one minutes gone and the game was about to break out into a period of madness. Doherty broke away winning the ball off Rob Jones high up the pitch. He played it to Warren who unselfishly played it across goal to Joe Ormrod for a tap in.

Mold Alex 3-1 Conwy Borough

Eighty three minutes gone and two minutes later Mold grabbed yet another goal. This time Tommy Edwards receiving an easy tap in, with Ormrod turning provider and putting in a low cross for the Alex full back.

Mold Alex 4-1 Conwy Borough

Only three minutes later and Conwy had grabbed a goal back. On the counter and against run of play, John Littlemore’s shot was well hit but doubtful it was going in. The unfortunate Tommy Edwards who had just scored for Mold put past his own keeper leaving Moley wrong footed and not quite able to get a glove to the heavily deflected effort.

Mold Alex 4-2 Conwy Borough

Two minutes until the ninety and the game had completely opened up. Substitute Jimmy Elina forced a good save from the Conwy goalie at close range. Two minutes into injury time and Mold bucketed their fifth and final goal. Conwy failed to clear their lines and the ball eventually ended up with another Mold sub-Shaun Tinsley. The keeper was nowhere to be seen but Shaun had plenty of work to go with a man closely putting pressure on him and a man in orange on the goal line. Tinsley turned and sent the ball into the roof of the net.

The game ended with the Alex emphatically ending the rot of bad results. An excellent result for the Alex and a good confidence booster for their next game.

Full time Mold Alex 5-2 Conwy Borough

A tough tie awaits Mold next Saturday in the Welsh cup with high flying Cymru South side Briton Ferry Llansawel AFC traveling the long distance to Alyn Park for round 3 of the Welsh cup.

We look forward to the game and hope the supporters enjoy visiting the Town of Mold

In The SpotlightAndy Fleming

In 1990, Graham Smith (Youth Development Officer at Everton) made contact via my dad to invite me along to be involved in pre-season training with the youth set up with a possible option of signing a 2 year YTS contract with the club Whilst at Everton I had the opportunity to be involved in a few training sessions with Neville Southall. Unfortunately, my time at Everton was cut short very early on due to a knee injury sustained in a match versus Rotherham. Following that I had a 12 month spell at Rhyl followed by Rhydymwyn and then back home to Mold Alex.

3 What roles do you currently have at the club?

I am currently the director of junior football, head goal keeping coach for team and part of the coaching team with the under 14’s

To begin this new segment in the match day programme we will be focussing on club stalwart, Andy Fleming.

1. You have been involved with the club since an early age. What got you into football?

My dad was the main reason for my love of football from an early age. He was heavily involved in local football being a founder member of the Deeside Sunday league. He followed Mold Alexandra and was a massive Evertonian.

2. Tell us a bit more about your playing days.

I started out as a striker at the age of 8 but quickly decided that the position wasn’t for me. I then decided to try out in goal and got excited about the prospect of stopping goals rather than scoring them. I started off with Mold Alex under 12’s and progressed through the age groups whilst also representing Deeside/Flintshire schoolboys and also having age group trials for Wales.

4. The current junior set up has over 400 playing members and countless volunteers. What is the most rewarding thing about being involved with a junior team?

The most rewarding aspect is seeing the children progressing and gaining confidence in their football ability. There is a great team spirit and strong togetherness across all age groups and we are lucky to have a fantastic selection of volunteer coaches at the club who are committed to bringing the players through the junior ranks.

5. As a local lad, what is like to be part of the first team set up?

I am immensely proud to be involved with the first team squad. I enjoy the coaching side of things and being involved with such a great bunch of lads. Mike gave me the opportunity to get involved a few seasons back and I am very grateful.

AndyandhissonLewiswiththeFAWandArdalNorthWest trophies

In The SpotlightAndy Fleming

8 Who is favourite Mold Alex footballer of all time? and why?

Danny Collins. He played left back in the same first team as me for around 12 months back in the late 90’s. He was very humble and had tremendous footballing ability who then went onto to become a professional with Sunderland and represented Wales at international level.

A bit of fun......

1. 2 3. 4. 5. 6

Tea or Coffee? Coffee Lager or Cider? Lager Sausage Bap or Bacon Bap? Bacon Bap Everton or Liverpool? Everton Wrexham or Chester? Wrexham Who is a better GK? You or Moley?

6. What is the best thing about being involved in local/grass roots football?

I suppose passing on my experiences (good and bad) to the players that I am involved with is very important and it is a privilege to work alongside some fantastic players and coaches who are passionate about their football.

7. What is your favourite Mold Alex football memory?

There are a few, but the main ones are: (i) Winning the league and FAW trophy double last season (2022)

(ii) Making my debut for the club in the League of Wales.

(iii) Smashing in a left foot, 30-yard volley in the charity game!

Well, I asked a Mold Alex supporter who has watched the club for more than 30 years and their response was; “Moley is a fantastic keeper but he’s no Andy Fleming!”

AyoungAndyreadyforanothermatch.

Questions by Dewi Wyn Hughes

WelshCup

During the 1960s, the competition gained new interest when the winner was handed a place in the qualifying rounds of the European Cup Winners' Cup. This gave amateur Welsh league sides and the Welsh sides playing in the lower levels of the Football League the chance to compete in European competitions and the tournament was subsequently dominated by the fully professional Football League sides Cardiff City, Swansea City and Wrexham who were keen on reaching the Cup Winners' Cup for lucrative ties against European sides.

English sides who won the tournament were barred from claiming the European place due to their location so the spot would be handed to the highest placed finishing Welsh sides in their stead. In 1995, the six Welsh clubs playing within the English football league system, Cardiff City, Colwyn Bay, Merthyr Tydfil, Newport County, Swansea City and Wrexham were barred from entering the competition by the FAW after pressure from governing body UEFA, after rejecting a transfer into the newly formed League of Wales.

The Welsh Cup was founded by the Football Association of Wales in 1877, staging the first competition for the 1877–88 season. The first final was played on 30 March 1878 and was won by Wrexham who defeated Druids 1–0, Jas Davies scoring the first Welsh Cup final goal for the Dragons. Despite their defeat, amateur side Druids, who had become the first Welsh side to enter the English FA Cup the year before only to withdraw without playing a match, dominated the early stagings of the competition, featuring in eight of the first ten finals, winning five.However, the dawn of fully professional football clubs eventually proved too strong for the side who reached their last final in 1901.

Although the competition was introduced for Welsh clubs, English clubs close to the border were also allowed to enter and Shropshire based Oswestry Town and Cheshire based Northwich Victoria both participated in the inaugural season in 1877–88,the final for the 1878–79 tournament the following year also being held in Oswestry

In its early stages, the competition was dominated by teams from the northern area of Wales with Wrexham, Druids, Chirk and Newtown White Stars claiming multiple titles each by the turn of the century as well as other northern based sides Bangor and Aberystywth Town also claiming victories.

It was not until 1903 that a Welsh side from the south of the country reached the final, by which time the competition had even been won on four occasions by English sides, when Aberaman Athletic reached the final but suffered an 8–0 defeat to Wrexham, a result that still stands as the biggest victory in a Welsh Cup final. It would take a further 9 years for a southern side to win the cup, Cardiff City claiming the title after defeating Pontypridd 3–0 in a replay in 1912. The tie was also the first time that the final had been played in the south of Wales.

In 2012, the six clubs were invited back into the competition, although only Merthyr, Newport and Wrexham accepted the invitation and competed in the 2011–12 season. In order to attract the other three teams into the competition, the FAW hoped to allow the sides to be eligible for European competition again but UEFA rules only allow teams to qualify for European tournaments via the competitions of one national association, requiring the sides to not enter the FA Cup or EFL Cup. However, the appeal was rejected by UEFA and the following season the six clubs were not invited to enter the Welsh Cup.

As of 2016, the record for the most wins is held by Wrexham, who have won the competition on 23 occasions, their last victory coming in 1995. Apart from Wrexham, only Cardiff City and Swansea City have won the competition on 10 or more occasions, having won 22 and 10 respectively. Shrewsbury Town hold the record for the most times an English team has won the Cup, having claimed victory on six occasions. The last English winner of the Welsh Cup was Hereford United in 1990.

TheWrexhamteamwhichwonthefirstWelshCupin1878.Theteamare picturedwithoutthetrophy,asitwasnotreadyuntilayearlater.

today's match sponsor Thank You

today's quiz answers

Name the trophies....

1. Lock Stock Ardal North West trophy.

2. The Welsh FA Challenge cup.

3. The Welsh National League (Wrexham Area) Premier Division Championship.

4. The North East Wales FA Challenge cup.

5. The FAW Amateur Trophy.

6. The Nathaniel MG cup

7. The JD Premier League Championship cup.

First Team Manager - Mike Cunningham

Team Manager - Steve Monk

First Team Coach - Jayson Starkey

First Team GK Coach - Andy Fleming First Aid - Andy Fleming

TEAMS

Rhys Wilson

Tyler Evans

Jay Stephens

Dan Alfei

Declan Horgan-Evans

Dafydd Owen

Kristian Evans

Alex Gammond

Keiran Williams

Connor Goldsworthy

Luis Bates McCauley Power

Nathan Jones

Callum Saunders

Cullen Kinsella

Cam Berry Mitchell Bates

Cory Woods

Josh Jones

Rio Dyer

Tom Walters

Luke Bowen

Tyler Brock

Jasper Payne

Andy Hill Karl Lewis

Mark Napieralla Ray Pennock

Jake Fitzpatrick Henry Fensome Rob Jones