Monday 07th Dec 09 :- Blues out of Trophy
Blaenavon Blues crashed out of the FAW Welsh Trophy on Saturday after a hard fought battle in the mud against South Wales Amateur league side Ton & Gelli BGC.
The first half was something to forget as a spectacle as both sides looked rusty after being without a game for a month, and the conditions didn’t help matters either. Both sides went in at half time level without either side having a shot on goal.
The second half was a far better game for the forty or so spectators who braved the early December weather, including FAW representative John Deakin. The Blues worked hard playing some attractive football in the Co-op field mud, but found the Ton keeper in outstanding form; he made one save from Blues from man Richard Wakeling that was outstanding. The Blues had numerous corners and free kicks and while the Blues looked dangerous were unable to find a way fast the Ton keeper. With ten minutes of normal time left the Blues were reduced to ten men when Ryan Huish was dismissed for a second book able offence and in such bad conditions the in-experienced referee could have and should have used some common sense.
In the energy sapping mud and down to ten men the Blues were always going to be up against it and Ton took the lead early in the first half of extra time when their big central defender fired home with a bullet header. The Rhondda valley side soon doubled their lead and the Blues dug deep and had a real go at them in the second half of extra time, Blues captain Darren Harris got one back for the Blues and the final ten minutes were frantic as the Blues looked for the equaliser, and with only a minute left Harris had an header ten yards from goal which just went over the bar.
Monday 30th Nov 09 :- Blues hope to play some football
The Blues will try for the third time of asking this weekend to get their FAW Welsh Trophy fourth round tie against South Wales Amateur league club Ton & Gelli BGC done and dusted! Both clubs have not been able to kick a ball in anger for over three weeks, firstly due to the FAW making the bizarre decision to call all games off in Wales on November 14th, for Wales to play a meaningless friendly, which was then followed by the inevitable November rain, which has caused the game to be postponed for the past two weeks!
Our game against Ton is the only game left outstanding in the fourth round with clubs managing to play over the past fortnight even with the heavy rain. The main problem that we have had is that the local council deems it fair to call all games off in the Borough, after inspecting one pitch in Cwmbran. And then some clubs in Torfaen have still played using council pitches!
Lets hope for a drier week and the chance to play some football. Congratulations to our local rivals Clydach Wasps who have progressed to the quarter final after over coming Mid Wales based Hay St Mary’s.
Llanberis 2 - 2 Rhydymwyn (aet) (3-1 pens)
Llandudno Jctn 1 - 3 Glan Conwy
Ragged School 0 - 3 Sully Sports
Clydach Wasps 4 - 2 Hay St. Mary's
Overton Rec. 1 - 3 Venture Community
Rhos Aelwyd 5 - 3 Penmaenmawr Phoenix
Llanharry 2 - 2 South Gower (aet) (8-7 pens)
Sunday 15th Nov 09 ;- Blues in cup action this weekend
For the third consecutive year Blaenavon Blues are Gwent’s standard bearers in the FAW Welsh Trophy. This weekend the Blues along side near neighbours Clydach Wasps go into the fourth round action of the FAW Trophy hoping to progress to the quarter finals of Wales’s second national football competition, for the second year running.
The Blues have had the luxury of a home draw for the third time this season, after receiving a bye in the first round the Blues then saw off mid Wales opposition in the form Llandrindod Wells 4-1, before beating South Wales Senior league side Cadoxton Barry with a 3-2 victory.
This weekend the Blues welcome Ton & Gelli BGC of the South Wales Amateur league to the Co-op field for a 2pm kick off. In a game that Blues manager Neil Reed sees as vital to the progression of the Blues season. The Blues will be without the suspended pair of Johnny Arthur and club veteran and talisman Steve White, both serving their final game of two and three game bans respectively.
The club are urging the local community to come and support the club on Saturday, in one of the biggest games in the clubs history, admission is free, and the clubs official match programme will be on sale priced at £1.
Monday 9th Nov 09 :- Blues win easy!
Manager Neil Reed rested seven first team regulars on Saturday and gave fringe players an opportunity to show their quality at the higher level. The game started with the Blues taking the game to Crickhowell and the gap in the quality of both teams was evident. Build up play from the back was good but finishing let the Blues down, the Blues went in at half time four nil up after totally dominating the opening half. With Lee Wathen sweeping and Craig Williams right back working hard and playing some nice football from the back they linked well with the midfield.
Mikey Waite worked tirelessly in midfield alongside Davies, Evans and Parfitt. Captain for the day Wakeling worked hard along with Craig Harris and his replacement brother Dazza. With the introduction of Darren Pugh at the heart of defence alongside Wathen at sweeper there was a good understanding with both players comfortable on the ball and organising qualities. Another plus for Reed was the introduction of youngsters Brenton and Tanner in defence who both gave good accounts of themselves. With so much quality in the club this gives Reed a nice problem to have for the future.
This week see a rest for both sides as Wales take on Scotland in Cardiff, so no football can be played inside a 50-mile radius of Cardiff. The following week sees the Blues welcome South Wales Amateur league club Ton & Gelli BGC to Blaenavon for a fourth round tie of the FAW Welsh Trophy, kick off 2pm.
While the Blues first team scored six on Saturday the reserve team shared six goals against PILCS in an end-to-end league encounter. With the side disrupted from the previous week due to players being called in to the first team, the Blues started the brighter but soon took their foot off the gas and allowed a very young PILCS side to have time and space to pick their passes. The Blues battled hard all afternoon but found the referee inconsistent with his decisions around the tackle area. The Blues scored three excellent goals one by Ryan Keen and the other two by Blues man of the match Josh Bull.
Tuesday 3rd Nov 09 :- Blues unlucky to lose out!
The Blues welcomed in form Abercarn United to the co-op field last Saturday for this first division Gwent county league clash. From the start Abercarn showed that they were well organised and had the best of the opening ten minutes. The Blues then got back into the game and started to dominate play, it was not long before Mikey Waite picked up the ball on the edge of Abercarn’s area, and skipping between two defenders inside of the box, virtually had the shirt ripped off his back, by the stranded full back, but with the referee not in the greatest of positions it was also going to difficult for the man in black to point to the spot. Within a short period of time it became apparent that the Blues were up against twelve men, when numerous decisions were given against Blues, and un-penalised challenges, on Blues players, including a blatant stamp on Mike Waite, whilst on the floor in the centre of the field, left many supporters, including retired experienced referees dumbfounded.
Abercarn to their credit took the game to the Blues, and came close on two or three occasions, one effort being tipped over the bar by keeper Ben Smith. With skipper Darren Pugh at the heart of the defence, and leading by example, it was frustrating to see him receiving a yellow card, for decent for questioning one free kick as skipper, a foul which he had not even committed, at a time, when the Abercarn right back had continually challenged decisions, and committed a catalogue of fouls and yet went unpunished, unfortunately inconsistency, and the inability to communicate with the referee, became a feature of this game.
At 0-0 the Blues took to the field in the second half, confident they could get a result on the day, and sure enough, the half time team talk by Reed and Browning, did not fall on deaf ears, with the Blues playing some excellent football in the second period. Ten minutes into the second half, Abercarn broke into the Blues area, during the challenge for the ball, Blues fullback Johnny Arthur was pushed to the floor, with no free kick given the game went on with Arthur on the floor, a strike at goal was pushed into the path of a striker for Abercarn to take a 1-0 lead. Arthur had time to get to his feet and walk out of the area, to be met by the referee who was now running into this vicinity of the field, Arthur remonstrated with the ref and was immediately given a red card.
The Blues although now down to ten men, continued to take the game to Abercarn, who continued to cause problems of their own, and defend very well. With 20 minutes to go a well-worked move resulted in them taking a 2-0 lead. Skipper Pugh and Striker Darren Harris as a result of knocks, were replaced, within a short time a through ball was latched onto by Ritchie Wakeling who saw his left foot shot very well saved by the Abercarn keeper with his left foot. The Blues had other chances to score, but did not shoot when opportunity arose. On the day, all credit to Abercarn who proved they are a very passionate, and difficult side to break down.
This weekend the Blues welcome Crickhowell to the Co-op field for a first round tie in the Gwent FA’s showpiece cup the Amateur Cup. The Blues dismissed Crickhowell at the same stage of the competition two years ago also at the Co-op field. That season the Blues went on to the final at Abergavenny Thursdays Penny Pound Stadium, before losing out to local rivals Govilon. Kick off on Satuday is 1:45pm
Last weekend the Blues reserves travelled over the mountain to Abergavenny and face old foes Mardy, the Blues reserves welcomed Neil Cox into the fold after three months out though injury and Neil added some much needed experience to the youthful reserve team. The Blues ran out 1-6 winners with central defender Darryl Brenton scoring two, one of which was a thirty yarder. With youngsters James Cox and Josh Bull also both scoring a brace. Marc Browning again put in a man of the match performance in the centre of midfield with his enthusiasm and sheer hard work, and will be pushing for a first team starting place on the evidence of Saturdays performance.
Sunday 24th Oct 09 :- Blues building up momentum
On Saturday Blaenavon Blues won five out of their last six games having traveled to the wind swept Abertillery Excelsior’s Woodland field, for this 1st division Gwent county encounter, full of confidence in their own ability, and in the knowledge that as a squad, they are physically fit and playing football at a pace, which their opponents are now finding it difficult to compete with. The Ex's had experience in the shape of playmaker Leigh Bull, goalkeeper Rob Arnold, and a wealth of youth known to the Blues management who could cause problems.
Starting with an unfamiliar 4-5-1 formation the Blues were in the ascendancy from the start, although it would be fair to say the Ex's gave as good as they got in the first 10 minutes. With inspirational captain Darren Pugh, returning from injury, commanding the back four, the introduction of James Parfitt, and Grant "Vinny" Evans, on the flanks, and with front running unsung workhorse Darren "Pierro" Harris, too hot to handle, it took the Blues seventeen minutes to break the Ex's defence. From a Mikey Waite pinpoint corner, 6' 1" central defender Matt Cox's header, smashed into the back of the Ex's net, leaving keeper
The Blues were now in the mood to play football and the Ex's were finding it difficult to contain their fast flowing, free running, passing game with Mike Waite and Liam Powell controlling the game, against a gale force wind and driving rain. The back four in the shape of Pugh, Johnny Arthur, Josef Ward and Cox, were dealing with all that came their way, leaving keeper Ben "Boom" Smith with very little to deal with. On forty five minutes, a free kick awarded to the Blues on the edge of the 18 yard line, floated in by Powell was again met by Cox, who showed his overall ability, by being first to the ball, and placing the ball past the right side of the keeper to make it 2-0 to the Blues at the interval.
The Blues continued the second period again as they have done most weeks, on the attack, keeping their opponents on the back foot. Ten minutes into the second half, with Darren Harris having run himself into the ground, the Blues opted for a 4-4-2 formation, bringing on Ritchie Wakeling to play alongside Harris, in the belief they could kill off the game, and that the Ex’s were causing very little threat. With the wind behind them, Blues keeper Ben "Boom" Smith launched the ball the full length of the field, with had Ex's keeper Arnold backtracking, only for the ball to bounce inches over the bar. With twenty minutes to go, a fast taken free kick, from the edge of the area, eluded the Blues defence, but not Smith in goal who's full length fingertip save, made certain of a clean sheet on the day. Wakeling showed exceptional turns of pace and vision, narrowly missing with four attempts on goal two of which were very well saved by the Ex's keeper. The Blues are now beginning to pick up the pace, and are already looking forward to their next Gwent County League home encounter against Abercarn United.
Monday 19th Oct 09 :- Blues HOME again in Trophy
The Blues have been drawn at home in the 4th round of the FAW Welsh Trophy, after recieving a bye in the first round the club has had three home draws. The Blues will face South Wales Amateur league side Ton & Gelli BGC, on Saturday 21st Novemeber, kick 2pm. This is the third season the Blues have entered the competition and the third year they have reached the fourth round stage, and the management team of Neil Read and Rob Browning will be looking for the club to at the very least equal last seasons achivement of reaching the quarter-final.
The full fourth round draw.
North
| Home Club | v | Away Club | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Llanberis FC | v | Rhydymwyn FC | |
| Llandudno Junction FC | v | Glan Conwy FC | |
| Overton Recreational FC | v | Venture Community FC | |
| Rhos Aelwyd FC | v | Penmaenmawr Phoenix FC |
South
| Home Club | v | Away Club | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blaenavon Blues FC | v | Ton & Gelli BC | |
| Clydach Wasps FC | v | Hay St Mary's FC | |
| Llanharry FC | v | South Gower FC | |
| Ragged School FC | v | Sully Sports FC |
Monday 19th Oct 09 :- Blues hold on for the win!
Blaenavon Blues progressed to the fourth round of the FAW Welsh Trophy for the third consecutive season with a fine 3-2 victory over Cadoxton Barry of the South Wales senior league.
The Vale of Glamorgan club arrived at the Co-op field full of confidence after an unbeaten start to their season, but found the Blues in a confidant mood themselves, and it was the Blues who took the lead when Mike Waite produced some superb close control in the corner to beat three men and put a pin point cross into the box for the Waite’s midfield partner Liam Powell to score with a deft header.
The game ebbed and flowed with both sides attacking at will and giving the three-figure crowd something exciting to watch. Cadoxton Barry were soon back on level terms when the Blues lost the ball in midfield a hopeful ball down the right channel and the visitors front man took one touch and hammered the ball in the bottom corner leaving the Blues keeper Smith no chance.
The Blues started the second half in a slow manner and allowed Cadoxton Barry to dominate the open fifteen minutes, but without creating too much the closest the visitors came was when a cross come shot grazed the Blues cross bar. The Blues started to come back into the game with Darren Harris getting his foot on the ball and causing the visitors defence problems every time he attacked them. It was on one of the attack’s that Harris beat two defenders and took the ball around the advancing keeper and got his shot in as the keeper took the big striker down, the shot come back off the post and Harris was first to react and beat the two retreating defenders and put the Blues 2-1 up.
The Blues were soon 3-1 up when a blatant handball in the box was seen by the referee who had not hesitation in pointing to the spot. Powell who had missed a penalty last week again stepped up and this week scored with ease.
The game should have been sown up by the Blues but all credit to Cadoxton Barry who came back at the Blues and scored through a goal mouth scramble with a goal that was hotly disputed if the ball had crossed the line at all, that was with seven minutes left on the clock. And in the last few minutes of the game Blues keeper Smith was beaten to a ball over the top by the advancing striker who lobed the keeper only for defender Matt Cox to clear the ball against the cross bar and then into the safety of the stand. The Cadoxton Barry supporters were adamant that the ball crossed the line but with the referee so far up field there was no way he could make that decision.
The Blues will be happy with a solid performance even though they were far from their best on the day, this weekend the Blues travel to Abertillery Excelsior’s for a 3pm kick off, if any supporters would like to travel with the club to the game meet at market street for 1:30pm.
The Blues reserves enjoyed a great away day victory of local rival Fairfield United, the Blues running out 3-1 winners, youngster Jamie Brankely scoring a screamer, but man of the match went to Marc ‘Archie’ Browning who put in a superb performance in the centre of midfield.
Sunday 11th Oct 09 :- Early errors cost Blues!
The Blues travelled to unbeaten league leaders Treowen Stars for this Gwent County Division one league fixture, fully expecting to get a result following their recent good form.
On arrival at the ground it became apparent that the playing surface was better suited for pub Sunday football, being uncut and with the referee taking a brush to the one goalmouth sweeping out pools of water.
Prior to the kick off the Blues opted for a 4-1-4-1 formation, the pre match talk emphasised the need not to concede early, and if the Blues could turn around at the interval with in striking distance of Treowen, they would be beaten. Within five minutes the Treowen centre half came cynically through Darren Harris from behind, which only resulted in a yellow card. Treowen were first out of the blocks, and they were two up with in 10 minutes, following slack, poor defending by the Blues, they increased this to 3-0 with in 15 minutes when the Treowen attacker tapped in from six inches, following an obvious foul on the Blues keeper Ben Smith, having been dumped onto his backside with the ball safely in his hands.
Blues reverted to a 4-4-2 formation and within a matter minutes took the game to Treowen, with Darren Harris pushing forward, it was he who ran inside the Stars right back and sent the ball in the back of the net. Five minutes later with the midfield of captain Steve White, Mikey Waite Liam Powell and Lee Wathen, dominating play, it came as no surprise that the Blue's got their second when, following three shots at the Stars goal the latter hitting the post, the rebound being dispatched into the Stars net by Lee Wathen.
Treowen had no answer to the Blues attacking play and started to loose their discipline which resulted in a further two of their players being booked for clumsy challenges. The Blues continued to totally outplay the Stars, and with ten minutes to go in the first half, it was Liam Powell with his back to goal on the Stars 18 yard line, who flicked the ball over his head between two defenders, turning he hit a goal bound shot into the top corner, only to see a defender with his arm in the air, hit the ball over the bar, the only person not to see the penalty was the referee who cannot be everywhere.
Half time could not come quick enough for the Stars, when it did the Blues knew they were in with more than a chance of beating the Stars. The second half started as the first ended with the Blues at the Stars from the off within 15 minutes it was that man Harris again who found himself wide on the left. Turning one defender, he ran inside another only to be brought down in the box. Penalty taker, Liam Powell wearing rubber studs slipped as he went to strike the ball, on the sodden muddy surface, the Stars keeper gratefully accepting what can only be described as a back pass, the referee had obviously not done a very good job of the sweeping up.
Not phased the far fitter Blues continued to out run and outplay the Stars, who basically had nothing left to give, a Steve White shot from the edge of the area was cleared off the line, and with six minutes to go, Stars supporters were asking for the referee to blow for time, and their players being told to take the ball into the corner. The Blues can take a great deal of credit for a gutsy, hard fought performance, with every player playing their part, the midfield of White, Powell, Waite and Wathen were outstanding. The Blues look forward to giving the Stars a warm welcome in Blaenavon on the
20th of February. This Saturday the Blues face South Wales Senior league side Cadoxton Barry in the third round of the FAW Welsh Trophy, kick off at the Co-op Field 2pm. Entry is free and a match programme is available at £1.
Blaenavon Blues management of Reed and Browning have again shown their pre-season intentions to strengthen their squad, and are pleased to announce the new signing of 25-year-old Ross Peake from Gwent County side Tranch AFC. Ross also has previous experience at Gwent County level with Cwmffrwdoer AFC. Manager Neil Reed stated that he has had an excellent response from Ross, in respect of the challenge in front of him, what was required of him and what he could expect from the Blues in return. Reed has every belief in Peake’s ability to deliver 25 goals plus, as proven in recent seasons at Gwent County level.
Reed stated, " Ross has exceptional goal scoring technique, lightening pace, wonderful feet, balance vision, and the unique ability to turn a game around in a split second, in addition he is a wonderful lad. I know a number of excellent managers in the 2nd and 1st divisions who would of scooped him up, had they known he was available. With the abundance of talent we have at the Blues at the moment, playing alongside Ross, the pace we are now striving to play at, and with the best coach and mentor in this league, in the shape of Robbie Browning, I have no fear in saying that we can make Ross a more complete, mature, and competitive player if he has the desire to put in the work, there is absolutely no question about his ability. Knowing Ross's pedigree he will relish this challenge, this in turn will obviously reap rewards for us, but most importantly for Ross.
Thursday 8th Oct 09 :- Blues travel to the summit!
Blaenavon Blues face the acid test this weekend when they make the journey to Newbridge to take on Treowen Stars, the Stars are one of two sides in the first division who are currently unbeaten and in fact have won all seven of their open fixtures and have scored goals for fun. The other unbeaten side being Clydach Wasps who we narrowly lost too a couple weeks ago at the Co-op field, even though we dominated large periods of the game.
Last weekend an under strength Blues side disposed of Sebastopol in the second round of the County Motors league cup with a 2-0 victory at the Co-op field while Treowen also beat third division opposition in Lucas Cwmbran 5-0 at Bush Park. Treowen have scored 28 league goals so far this season, and their last league outing beat Albion Rovers 2-1 at home. While the Stars have been firing in goals from everywhere the Blues have struggled to get to double figures this season, but last time out scored four away to Cwmffrwdoer, lately the Blues seemed to have cured their defensive problems after a poor start when the club was conceded on average three goals a game.
The Blues should be going in tot Saturdays game full of confidence but will know that Treowen is a tough place to get any points last season, the Newbridge based side raced in to a 5-1 lead, only for the Blues the score three times in the final five minutes and had a chance to equalise before the final whistle which would have been a massive injustice.
The Blues management team of Reed and Browning will have a few tough choices to make this weekend with so many players missing last week, due to other commitments, and with a win under their belt, decisions will have to be made.
The Blues reserves welcome old foes and local rivals Govilon to the Co-op field for a Benevolent Cup first round tie. Blues manager Nathan Priest will be looking for a positive reaction from his young players after only coming away from Abergavenny Thursdays with a point last time out.
Sunday 4th Oct 09 :- Blues in the hat for third round draw.
On Saturday the Blues welcomed third division Gwent county side Sebastopol to the Co-op field in the 2nd round of the County Motors cup. On the morning of the game the Blues management struggled to raise a side and were left with no less than eleven players to call on, inclusive of injured players, and thankfully under 18 players who are a credit to the club. With players pulling out on the morning of the game, through injury or illness, others going away and not informing the manager, and others who for reasons only known to themselves, preferred to be at a pop concert, questions have to be asked of certain individuals, "What do you want". At a time when the Blues are on the ascendancy, and with big games just around the corner, (Treowen and Cadaxton Barry) the management are at a loss to understand, why sometimes they bother, but more importantly it's the fact that certain players are letting their team mates down.
The game itself was not a spectacle, as the wind on the day, did not permit both sides to play attractive football, but as expected the Blues took the game to Sebastopol in the first half, with the wind behind their backs. With the ball running away from them, the final finishing of the Blues left a lot to be desired, and in fact it was Sebastopol who had the earlier chances, with Jamie Belly coming near with a shot that was dealt with superbly by the ever-reliable Ben Smith in goal. On the 40-minute mark, it was under 18's marksman James Cox, who opened the scoring for the Blues, having run onto a through ball, he coolly slotted the ball under the advancing keeper Pask.
Managers Reed and Browning felt that playing against the wind in the second half would suit the Blues, and tactically this proved to be the case, with the home side dominant in the second period, having to keep the ball on the table. With ten minutes to go goal scorer Cox became provider to another young player, recently promoted to the senior side in the shape of Ben Penry, and it was he who met a superb cross on the end of the box, to steer a header past the outstretched Pask, leaving him with no chance.
All in all it was a good team performance from all the Blues players, and all credit has to be given to the Sebastopol lads, who on the day played with a lot of pride and commitment. This weekend the Blues travel to Newbridge to take on to date unbeaten Treowen Stars, kick off at Bush Park 3pm.
While the Blues reserve team who like the first team were stretched to the limit for player resources due to unavailable players and call ups to the first team, came away from Pen-y-Pound stadium with a point, after playing out a goal less draw, the Blues dominating large periods of the game but lacked the killer instinct in front of goal.
Thursday 1st Oct 09 :- Blues in league cup action
The Committee and players of Blaenavon Blues would like to offer a warm welcome to today’s visitors to the Co-op Field Sebastopol, for this second round tie of the County Motors challenge cup.
Sebastopol have only traveled the short distance up the valley from Pontypool, and will be looking to cause an upset and get themselves in the hat for the third round draw.
The two clubs met in the Gwent County Amateur cup three seasons ago when the Blues eventually ran out 2-1 winners in a tight affair. Sebastopol have an habit of producing good performances if not always getting the right result in the cup competitions and the Blues are expecting a tough afternoon, on the Co-op Field.
The Blues go in to the fixture having won four from their last five fixtures, and will be full of confidence after scoring eight goals in their last two outings. Front man Richard Wakeling is in fine form finding the net seven times in his last three outings.
Sebastopol have made an average start to their division three campaign winning two, drawing two and losing three of their opening seven fixtures, but their goal difference column is showing minus nine, after only scoring nine goals while they have conceded eighteen. But as we know from last season, a third division club can also turn over a first division club in a cup competition. The Blues were humiliated 5-0 at home last season at the same stage of this competition against RTB Llanwern, so no body at the club will be taking this game lightly.
Sunday 27th Sept 09 :- Blues win on the road!
Blaenavon Blues made it four wins from their past five games on Saturday with a resounding win against local rivals Cwmffrwdoer Sports, the final score of 2-4 flattered the home side some what. The ‘Doer’ goalkeeper Craig Williams made seven or eight outstanding saves when a goal looked the most likely out come.
The Blues started this league game in dominant form playing with confidence after scoring four last week against Llandrindod Wells in the FAW Trophy. The Blues took the lead when Richard Wakeling coolly finished past the ‘Doer’ keeper. The Blues doubled their lead inside the opening twenty minutes when some superb one touch football created space for Liam Powell to finish with a superb header.
The Blues continued to dominate the first half and should really have scored more than their two goals the ‘Doer’ keeper denying central defender Matthew Cox with an excellent header from a Mike Waite corner. The ‘Doer’ came back into the game with ten minutes remaining in the first half but was unable to break down the Blues defence.
The Blues started the second half in spectacular fashion, and killed the game of within the opening five minutes when Ritchie Wakeling scored his second of the day and his seventh in his last three outings. That was soon followed by the fourth of the afternoon when Darren Harris who worked tirelessly all afternoon on the left flank beat several men before his shot come cross was met by Mike Waite who’s head towards goal was saved by the keeper only for Waite to fire home the follow up.
After an hour’s play on a boiling September afternoon, the Blues took their foot off the gas, which allowed the ‘Doer’ a glimmer of light, when Gaz Priest scored for the home club, when the Blues defenders were appealing for what looked a certain off side. With ten minutes remaining the ‘Doer’ were given the chance to further reduce the arrears when the Referee awarded them a soft penalty, which was duly converted.
The final score was Cwmffrwdoer 2-4 Blues, this week sees the Blues welcome third division outfit Sebastapol to the Co-op field in the second round of the County Motors challenge cup kick off 2:30pm.
The Blues reserves also had a 4-2 win on Saturday when the beat New Inn, Ryan Keen the pick of the Blues players on his return after three years out of the game, the striker getting two goals.
Friday 25th Sept 09:- Derby day for all
Blaenavon Blues travel the short distance down Cwmavon Road on Saturday afternoon to face old foes Cwmffrwdoer Sports. The Blues will be buoyed by last weekends impressive win against Llandrindod Wells in the second round of the FAW Welsh Trophy.
The Blues have made a mixed started to the league campaign winning two, drawing one and losing three of their opening fixtures, only one of those games have been away from home, the opening day’s draw to Govilon. S the Blues will have to get back into the grove of playing away from the Co-op field. The ‘Doer’ themselves have made a mixed start under the new management of former Cardiff City and Cheltenham Town player Chris Townsend. Last weekend the ‘Doer’ running out 2-1 winners against Cefn Fforest but their shock result will be the 1-6 hammering at the hands of Clydach Wasps, in monsoon conditions at the bottom of the Gorge. Something I’m sure the ‘Doer’ players are still trying to get out of their system.
Last season resulted in a win apiece in this fixture, as the ‘Doer’ ran out comfortable winners at the Sports ground last September after the original game was postponed when the referee failed to arrive, and in the return fixture back in February the Blues ran out 2-1 winners at Blaenavon.
The Blues reserves welcome New Inn Reserves to the Co-op field for a 2:30pm kick off, the young Blues reserves will be looking to get a run of wins going after coming from behind to beat Race Utd last time out.
While the U18’s are also home this weekend, also at the Co-op field, when they face local rivals Goytre FC, kick off on Sunday afternoon is 2:15pm, where the Blues will look to make it four games without defeat.
Sunday 20th Sept 09 :- Blues in the hat for 3rd round
Blaenavon Blues welcomed Mid Wales South league club Llandrindod Wells to the Co-op field on a Saturday for an FAW Trophy round two fixture.
The Blues started the brighter of the two sides and played some good football, and soon found them selves one up when Ritchie Wakeling exploited some poor defending by the visitors before superbly finishing. The Blues could have been two up inside the opening 15 minutes when Mikey Waite was denied when his brilliant first time volley was superbly saved by the away keeper. After the opening 15 minutes the Blues took their foot off the gas and allow Llandrindod back into the game, as the Mid Wales club dominated the remainder of the half and created numerous chances, Ben Smith in the Blues goal making one outstanding save.
Llandrindod soon got their reward for their half hour of domination when a long ball was collected by the centre forward who played an excellent pass to his strike partner leaving Smith with no chance in the Blues goal.
A positive half time team talk by the Blues management of Reed and Browning gave the players the confidence to go out in the second and produce a dominating second half performance. The Blues controlled the entire second half and were deserved winners in the end Wakeling took the Blues into the lead when he closed down the Wells defence and finished with a exquisite lob. The Blues then went 3-1 up when 18 year old Brad Jones playing in an unfamiliar position of right midfield scored with a cross come shot which left the away keeper rooted to the spot! Jones produced an excellent disciplined display on the right side of midfield and will be a Blues first team player for many years to come.
The Blues sealed the game with 15 minutes remaining when that man Wakeling completed his hat trick with another superb strike. Wakeling is now starting to find his feet at this level of football and has now scored five goals in his last two games.
The Blues gave a first team debut to under eighteen player Craig Tanner at left back and the youngster put in a top notch display and didn’t put a foot wrong all game. This week the Blues visit local rivals Cwmffrwdoer Sports and back to the bread and butter of league football for a 3pm kick off
Tuesday 15th Sept 09 :- FAW Trophy Preview
Llandrindod Wells is a town situated within mid Wales and the large county of Powys; it has a similar population to Blaenavon their population is around the 5000 mark while Blaenavon is around 6000. Llandrindod was once a Mecca for the Victorians when thousands of people descend on the area to ‘take the water’ of the spa town. A famous face from the town is Welsh international footballer Carl Fletcher.
As for the football club Llandrindod Wells FC they compete in the Mid Wales South league and the draw for the FAW Welsh Trophy could have been a lot worse for the mid Walians, as a trip to North Gwent is far better than a trip to Swansea or the capital, and they should face a nice easy journey down though the Powys roads to Abergavenny before ascending up over the mountain to the heritage town of Blaenavon.
Last season Llandrindod Wells finished fifth in the Mid Wales South league, and this season have made a superb start to the season currently sat on top of the league losing one and drawing one of their opening eight league fixtures.
This is the third season that the Blues have entered the FAW Welsh Trophy, last year the club reached the quarter-finals before losing out to Wrexham based Penycae 3-1 in north Wales, Penycae then went on to the final before losing out to Ragged School of Swansea, who just so happened to be the conquers of the Blues the previous season, when the Swansea based side ran out 5-2 winners in the Fourth round on a wet November afternoon. While our visitors this afternoon got to the third round of the Welsh Trophy last season and were knocked out by our local rivals Clydach Wasps 1-2 in mid Wales.
Tuesday 15th Sept 09 :- Should reserve team football change?
The luck for our reserves finally changed on Monday night when what can only be described as Race Utd first team went in to a 2-0 half time lead only for the young Blues side to show superior fitness and skill to win the game 2-3, U18 Jim Cox scoring two while fellow youngster Ben Penry scored with an excellent far post header. Blues man of the match was Alex Bull who continues to thrive and show maturity beyond his 17 years of age. On Saturday the Blues travelled to face Clydach Wasps reserves and frustratingly lost out to the league leaders 1-0 when the Wasps scored in the last minute of the game. The Blues had played a large chunk of the game with only ten men after having Leon Catley sent off. Craig Tanner proved to be the pick of the bunch for the Blues reserves against their local rivals. Clydach had previously scored goals for fun, but found the Blues a tough nut to crack. Something which proved that the Gwent Central league is crying out for a restructure. The Blues reserves have already come up against clubs who have felt the need to field near or full first teams in Gwent Central league games, some of these clubs are even failing to raise sides for a Saturday afternoon and then fielding first teams in mid week, which is providing a false league. It’s a shame that clubs are struggling to field sides on a Saturday, but if there are not the players available then maybe a restructure of reserve team football in Gwent is required. The Premier division only has seven clubs, while the first division is not strong enough as clubs are continuing to struggle to raise sides, while the second division only has seven clubs. Maybe a merger with the North Gwent league would provide a better standard of Reserve team football for the clubs in the Gwent Central league.
Monday 14th Sept 09 :- Blues lucky not to take a point!
Blaenavon Blues entertained unbeaten Gwent County Division one leaders Clydach Wasps on Saturday in warm sunshine. The Blues were in a buoyant mood having won their two previous fixtures against strong opposition. Two hours before the game leading scorer Ritchie Wakeling withdrew due to illness, this allowed skipper Darren Pugh, returning from injury, into the strike force alongside Darren Harris. The Wasps were gifted a goal in the first 60 seconds when the Blues failed to clear their lines, a similar schoolboy error 15 minutes later, made it 2-0 to the Wasps, these errors coupled with numerous decisions made by the referee, left the Blues management thinking the worst.
On the other hand that’s basically where the game started for the Blues, instead of burying their heads in the sand, they came back at the Wasps and produced excellent football, the strong defence of the Wasps repelling all that was thrown at them. The half time team talk was more of praise than criticism, with the management believing that the game was still there to be won.
The Blues started the second half where they finished the first with total domination, the Wasps were on the back foot for all of the second half, and were mere spectators for the first ten minutes. Unable to get the ball, and when they did they were immediately stopped in their tracks. The Blues midfield of Liam Powell, Steve White, Mikey Waite and Josef Ward relentlessly ran the ball through the Wasps midfield with short sharp swift passing movements. Again their defence did enough to cancel out all goal scoring opportunities. With fifteen minutes to go, right back Lee Wathen who was having an excellent game, picked up the ball on the edge of the Wasps 18 yard area and ran past one defender, before being brought down by the keeper. Liam Powell duly obliged with the spotkick making it 2-1 to the Wasps.
For the last 15 minutes the fitter Blues side laid siege to the Wasps goal but could not get the goal they deserved. The Wasps were limited to one shot on goal in the second half, by prolific scorer Jordon Jones in the 80th minute, who was being marked out of the game by Johnny Arthur, the shot was easily dealt with by keeper Ben Smith. The Blues can build on this excellent performance, with even the Wasps management to their credit,
stating the Blues deserved something from the game and that the Wasps were fortunate to win on the day on the day.
An excellent all round team performance for the Blues, which puts them in an excellent frame of mind, for next weeks FAW Welsh Trophy game against Llandrindod wells, kick off at the Co-op Field 2:30pm
Thursday 10th Sept 09 :- Blues win two on the Bounce
Blaenavon Blues welcomed in form Newbridge based Pentwynmawr to the Co-op field on Wednesday for this re-arranged fixture. The Mawr were in high spirits following their recent league form and their cup win over Albion Rovers on the weekend, the Blues management of Reed and Browning, had identified the potential threat that the Mawr individual players would pose and put a strategy in place to deal with the threat.
The opposition settled quicker than the Blues, and it was the home side who had it all to do with relentless attacks from the Mawr. With 15 minutes gone, the visitors keeper took it upon himself to try and beat Ritchie Wakeling for speed, when he hesitated to clear the ball, Wakeling not needing a second invitation, easily took the ball off the keeper, and calmly slotted the ball in the opponents net, 1-0 to the Blues.
Not long after, some good work by the other Blues forward, Darren Harris, allowed him to release Wakeling into space on the right, the rampant Blues forward left the visitors defence rooted to the spot with his pace, before smashing the ball into the roof of the net, 2-0 to the Blues.
The Mawr to their credit were the better side in the first half, and it was only top drawer keeping by Ben 'BOOM' Smith, who produced three first class saves low to his feet, that kept the Mawr attackers at bay. Deservedly the Mawr scored from a corner with an excellent back post header, 2-1. Just before half time Wakeling who was a nuisance all night, hit the visitors upright, denying him his first half hat- trick.
The second half started a lot better for the Blues, with a change of formation, and they produced some excellent football. The Mawr continued to work hard and produced good passages of football themselves. With both sides going for the win, it was the Blues who took the points with a positive second half performance. For the Blues, Michael Davies, Johnny Arthur, Richard Wakeling, and Ben 'BOOM' Smith were outstanding, also Grant ‘Vinny’ Evans produced one of his best performances in a Blues shirt, and has seem to have matured into a first team player over the past 4 months.
This weekend the Blues welcome unbeaten in the league local rivals Clydach Wasps to the Co-op for a 3pm kick off. Last time out Clydach had a shock loss to their other near neighbors away to Mardy, in the First round of the County Motors league cup. Last season Clydach did the double over the Blues winning 0-2 at the Co-op field early in the season, and then won 3-1 at the Clydach Rec during an April mid week game.
Monday 7th Sept 09 :- Blues welcome Pentwynmawr to Blaenavon
Blaenavon Blues enjoyed a free weekend last time out due to receiving a bye in the first round of the County Motors Challenge cup, but due to last Wednesdays postponement due to the torrential rain the Blues senior side will be in action this Wednesday against Pentwynmawr Athletic kick off 6pm. Blues manager Neil Reed with his new assistant Rob Browning will be very pleased with the Blues performance last time out against Lliswerry AFC and will be looking for a repeat performance against a side that beat the Blues 2-5 at the Co-op on the final day of last season.
The Blues then welcome local Rivals Clydach Wasps to the Co-op Field this Saturday for 3pm kick off in the Gwent County league Division One. The Blues neighbours Clydach have made an impressive start to the new season and remain on 100% points in the league after the opening four games with an impressive 6-1 victory over Cwmffrwdoer and a 0-3 win against Albion Rovers to their name.
The second round draw for the FAW Welsh Trophy has been drawn and the Blues have received a home tie against Mid Wales club Llandrindod Wells FC, the game is 2:30pm kick off on Saturday 19th September at the Co-op Field.
While the Blues first team had their feet up on Saturday the Reserve team travelled to Pontypool to take on a very strong Sebastopol side in the Gwent Central league and ran out 2-1 winners. While the Under 18’s produced an impressive performance against Lucus Cwmbran winning 0-4, with the boys who have senior experience producing very good performances, Craig Tanner the pick of the bunch with a excellent game in the middle of the defence along side the his captain Alex Bull.
The Blues are running a new feature on the clubs website ‘Blues Legends’ if you would like to contribute or suggest a ‘Blues Legend’ please email the clubs Web Editor Matthew Cox on blaenavonbluesafc@yahoo.co.uk
Sunday 30th Aug 09 :- A good weekend for the Blues!
Blaenavon Blues secured their first win of the new campaign at home against Newport based Lliswerry AFC on Saturday. Newly promoted Lliswerry were in a confident mood having started with a win and a draw, and were up for the challenge.
The Blues were straight out of the blocks, and were playing attractive football with a lot of commitment, shown by all players. Lliswerry gave as good as they got, and were unlucky not to take the lead in the first half, when their busy strikers hit the post and the bar. At the other end, it was only exceptional goal keeping by the Lliswerry keeper that kept the strike force of Richard Wakeling and Darren Harris at bay.
The second half was very evenly fought out, with both sides playing attractive football, and looking for an opening. On the hour with the Lliswerry striker clear of his marker, the Blues keeper Ben 'BOOM' Smith pulled off a fantastic one handed save low down to his left, to keep Blues in the game. With all the Blues players giving 100% and with 10 minutes to go full back Lee Wathen found himself in space on the left, selling a dummy to the stranded Lliswerry right back, he fired in a low cross
which was met on the end of the 18 yard box, by Darren Harris, who smashed the
ball into the back of the Lliswerry net, leaving the keeper with no chance.
The Blues midfield of Darren Pugh, Mikey Waite, Steve White and Craig Harris were
relentless in their work rate as were the two strikers. The back four of Lee Wathen, Matt Cox, Mike Davies, and Josef Ward were excellent as was keeper Ben Smith. Under 18's player Brad Jones gave a good account of himself coming on for the injured Pugh in the 75th minute. With the new appointment of Assistant Manager Robbie Browning, coupled with this display, the Blues can now press forward with the rest of the season.
The reserves made the short trip over the mountain to play Govilon in a local derby on a very warm sunny afternoon. The blues were at a disadvantage as they only managed to field 11 players and knew it would be hard going with no substitutes on a large pitch together with the warm weather. The Blues however started brightly playing with the wind and created several chances but could not convert their possession into goals. They finally took the lead midway through the first half when a long ball was played over the top of the defence by Daryll 'Dibble' Brenton for Leigh Carrick to run on to and brilliantly lob the keeper for a deserved lead. The score remained at 1-0 to the Blues at half time.
The second half was more difficult playing against the wind and after giving so much in the first half some of the energy levels were sapping and after a corner that was not cleared their right winger smashed an unstoppable shot into the top corner giving Lee Freeman in goal no chance to make the score 1-1. To their credit however the Blues did not give up and after a through ball was played to Leigh Carrick whose pace and work rate worried the Govilon defence all afternoon, he was crudely brought down from behind just outside the box for a free kick. The young Govilon player was duly sent off. From the resulting free kick Dibble smashed an unstoppable shot into the top right hand corner to give the Blues their second goal and thus the win 2-1.
Credit must go to every Blues player after their performance and manager Nathan Priest must be pleased with this and hope to take this into their next game at home to Mardy on Thursday 3 September. It was also nice to see Jeff Morgan on the sidelines helping out Nathan Priest with instructions to the team.
Blaenavon Blues pass their best wishes on to the Govilon player who was stretchered off with a suspected broken ankle after an innocuous tackle with Ben Penry. We all hope he recovers soon.
The Blues first league game was on the previous Thursday away to Cwmffordoer and after dominating the first hour or so and scoring two very good goals from Grant Vinny Evans and Steve Lips White to go 2-0 in front, we let the hosts back into the game and they scored two late goals to make the final score line 2-2. It was however an encouraging start for the Blues which manager Nathan Priest must be pleased with and hopeful of another successful season with the young Blues.
Thursday 28th Aug 09 :- Blues Woeful
Following last weeks sub standard performance against Albion Rovers, Blaenavon Blues manager Neil Reed was confident of a change in fortunes when entertaining Cefn Fforest as a result of seven first team players returning to the squad for selection.
Reed made his feelings known in his pre match talk, and emphasised the need for commitment, passion and simple direct football. From the off it was Blaenavon who were again on the back foot, second best to everything, allowing the opposition to control the flow of the game. It came as no surprise that at half time the Blue's were two down to a side who respectively were just more determined on the night to fight for the three points.
Reed's halftime team talk fell on deaf ears, with the Blues continuing to play 20 and 30 yard balls on a wet pitch, when the Blues should of been playing to their strength of short quick passing. A good run from Darren Harris led to him being cut down in the Cefn Fforest box; Liam Powell duely dispatched the penalty.
Within a matter of minutes Fforest were themselves awarded a penalty, which sealed the fate for the lackluster Blues. With frustration setting in indiscipline was another downfall for the Blues, again the indiscipline shown by some players who should set an example was totally unnecessary, and this further played into the hands of the Cefn FForest side, who thoroughly deserved the victory on the night.
From this showing the whipping boys in the league are standing out with their lack of commitment and indiscipline, Reed now has a lot of work to do, in order to quickly rectify the situation, before the Blue's press the self-destruct button so early on in the season.
Reed has moved quickly to help halt the decline and has appointed a Blaenavon Blues old boy as his assistant. The club can confirm that Reed has appointed Rob Browning as the clubs assistant first team manager with immediate effect. Rob has been out of the game for six months since he resigned as the clubs reserve team manager, but has kept a close eye on proceedings at the club and attending most first and reserve team games since he stood down.
Reed said that Browning brings with him a wealth of experience at this level having been the clubs former reserve team manager, and also the first team manager and first team assistant manager, to Mr. Blaenavon Blues Mike Hall.
Tuesday 25th Aug 09 :- Blues to welcome Cefn Fforest
After taking a well earned and hard fought point against newly promoted Govilon last Wednesday night in front of a superb crowd of 140 at the village clubs home ground. An under strength Blues side then failed to turn up on Saturday and lost 0-3 at home to last seasons County runners up Albion Rovers, who themselves where missing key personnel.
Blues manager Neil Reed will be looking for a much-improved performance from his charges on Wednesday evening when the Blues welcome Cefn Fforest to the Co-op field for a 6:15pm kick off. Neil felt the side didn’t do themselves justice against a well organised Albion side, and wants to see his players getting the ball back on the floor and playing the football that was shown during pre-season.
The Blues welcome back into the squad Josef Ward, Mike Waite, Craig Harris, Ben Smith, Liam Powell and Matthew Cox, who all missed out on Saturdays visit of Albion Rovers. The Blues will be without Lee Challenger who will be out of action for a good time while he recovers from a broken arm.
Thursday 20th Aug 09:- Blues make a point at Govilon
Blaenavon Blues commenced their first game of the season; in the Gwent County first division at newly promoted and local rivals Govilon.
In front of a large crowd in warm sunshine, it was Govilon who were first out of the blocks playing some attractive football. For the first twenty minutes the Blues struggled to keep up with Govilon, but to their credit they defended superbly to cancel out any threat on goal.
The Blues should of taken the lead shortly after 20 minutes when a Ritchie Wakeling strike from a Liam Powell cross hit the post, then on the half hour mark, it was Govilon old boy Michael Davies, who scrambled the ball over the line to put the Blues 1-0 up at halftime.
The second half was fairly evenly contested with the Blues working harder as a team, it was as a result of good work on the right hand side by Ritchie Wakeling, using his speed he cut inside the defender and smashed the ball into the roof of the net leaving the Govilon keeper with no chance, putting the Blues two up. This silenced the home crowd, but to the credit of Govilon as true champions, not long after scrambled a similar goal to the Blues first to make it 1-2, then with ten minutes to go Govilon scored the equalizer to make the final score 2-2.
It was a fair result and a very entertaining game. Every Blues squad member can take credit for this hard earned point; the support given to the Blues by the traveling supporters was very much appreciated, as was the assistance of the experienced Robbie Browning on the touchline.
Next up for the Blues is last seasons Gwent County league runners up Albion Rover, kick off at the Co-op Field is 3pm, Saturday 22nd August.
Monday 17th Aug 09 :- Blues look to build on positive pre-season
After a very positive pre-season, Blaenavon Blues are looking forward to getting their league campaign off to a good start when they visit division one new boys Govilon.
The Blues appointed Neil Reed as their new first team manager in June, Reed wasted no time in bringing a few new faces to the club. In came Gwent Central prolific strikers Dwain Hunt and Richie Wakling, Lee Challenger returned to his hometown club from Cwmbran Celtic, former Blues youth product Michael Davies also returned to the Blues. And finally former Tranch, Pontypool Town and English system semi pro player Darren Pugh arrived at the club as player coach.
The Blues embarked on a tough but enjoyable pre-season, where the emphasis was on ball work, as well as improving stamina and fitness. The Blues played six friendlies, winning all six, four at home and two on the road.
First up was Nelson Cavaliers, which the Blues ran out 7-1 winners at the Co-op field. The Blues then entertained Welsh league new boys Abertillery Bluebirds and won that encounter 3-0 regaining some respectability after last seasons hammering at the hands of the Gwent County Champions the following Saturday Aber Valley YMCA arrived at Blaenavon and the Blues won a thriller of a game 6-5.
For the Blues final home game of pre-season, a hastily arranged game was played out against Welsh league club Pentwyn Dynamos, which the Blues eventually won 4-3. Two days later and the Blues travelled to face Carnetown BGC the third year running that the clubs have done battle in pre-season, again the Blues won a close encounter this time 2-3. For the Blues final game of pre-season a visit to New Inn saw the Blues run out 6-0 winners.
Wednesday night sees the Blues travel over the Mountain to face local rivals Govilon for a 6:15pm kick off. Quickly followed by three home games. On Saturday 22nd Albion Rovers visit Blaenavon (kick off 3pm) Wednesday 26th Cefn Fforest arrive at the Co-op Field (kick off 6:15pm) and then on Saturday 29th August the Blues welcome the other new boys in the division Newport based Lliswerry FC (kick off 3pm) The club urges the local community to support the Blues over what will be their last year at the historic Co-op Field. The club will be producing match programmes for all home games priced at a very reasonable £1. For further information visit www.freewebs.com/blaenavonbluesafc
Wednesday 12th Aug 09 :- Blues end Pre-season unbeaten
Blaenavon Blues Gwent County squad finished their pre season friendlies in style at New Inn on Tuesday the 11th August, winning 6-0. With a small squad to choose from due to injuries and holidays the Blues played some good football in the first half, against a determined New Inn side.
Excellent play on the right by Liam Powell led to his cross being met at the far post by Neil Cox who powered the ball home with his head. This was followed shortly by a corner taken by Lee Challenger, who found Powell at the near post who's subsequent flick on, was met by Richard Wakeling to place the ball past the New Inn keeper. Not long before the break it was skipper Darren Pugh who pierced the New Inn defence with a pin point pass, which found Dwain Hunt, who in turn placed the ball into the path of the oncoming Challenger to stroke the ball home.
With Darren Harris and Matt Cox coming on for Joseph Ward and under 18's player, Alex Bull, (an outstanding prospect and a future club captain), the Blues cut loose and spread the ball to all corners of the field. New Inn continued to dig in and played good entertaining football, but they found it hard to contain the rampant Blues.
A corner kick delivered by Challenger was met by a powerful header from centre half general, Matt Cox, who has been outstanding pre-season. He continued his commitment to the cause when his delivery found Wakeling on the edge of the area, in turn, he found Hunt, who gave the keeper no chance with a low strike in the corner.
With ten minutes to go the Blues kept the ball, and it was Challenger, who floated a ball over the midfield for Hunt to run onto, before smashing the ball in the back of the New Inn net 6-0. Keeper Ben Smith kept a clean sheet, while right back Johnny Arthur and sweeper Mikey Davies were again solid in defence. The Blues have shown pre-season that they can compete with the best, they have delivered, due to fitness, ability, passion and superb squad spirit, that been shown by all players inclusive of the reserve and under 18 teams.
Sunday 9th Aug 09 :- Under strength Blues win!
On Saturday the 8th August, a depleted Blaenavon Blues side travelled to Division one South Wales Amateur league side Carnetown, in good spirits from their excellent midweek victory over Pentwyn Dynamos of the welsh league. In very warm sunshine, the game was played at a slow pace with neither side getting a hold on the game. Carnetown were very comfortable with route one football, by passing the more constructive Blues midfield, relying solely on their forwards to latch onto hopeful balls into the box.
It was as a result of this tactic they took the lead just before half time, leaving the Blues 1-0 at the break. With no personnel to juggle with, the system of play for the Blues was changed, putting pressure on the Carnetown back four, and as a result within 15 minutes of the turn around Darren Harris, placed the ball past the Town keeper.
Blues immediately went on the attack and within a short time, sheer determination from Ritchie Wakeling, gave him a well-deserved goal. With the game in the balance, from six yards a point blank shot at keeper Ben Smith was superbly tipped onto the bar, only to see the rebound falling to an attacker to place in the Blues net. With two minutes to go and both sides looking at the draw, it was the workhorse Wakeling who ran at the Town defence, sending into the box an inviting cross, which Mikey Waite accepted gratefully with a powerful header, placing himself before the keeper and two defenders. Joseph Ward, Johnny Arthur, Mikey Davies, and Matt Cox were excellent on the day.
The Blues reserves also travelled with the first team to play Carnetown on a glorious Saturday afternoon and right from the off were in the ascendancy against their opposition dominating the early exchanges on a small pitch with long grass which did not help our passing game. After numerous chances we took the lead with a fine cross field pass by Grant Evans into the path of Jim Cox who turned their defender and put over a fine cross to the far post where Jamie Brankley volleyed home. We then seemed to let them back into the game and after a mix-up in the defence their midfielder calmly slotted into the far corner giving stand in keeper Leigh Carrick no chance. The scores remained level at 1-1 until half time.
After a good team talk by manager Nathan Priest the blues again started the 2nd half like the first but failing to take their chances. A substitution was then made with Andrew Johnson coming on and after some good play down the left Leigh Carrick (who was replaced in goal by Jamie Brankley at half time) had a chance which was well saved by their keeper but the ball rebounded to Andy Johnson who calmly slotted home. 2-1 to the Blues. We then had further chances to increase our lead but whilst it was only 2-1 Carnetown were still in the game. After another flowing move Steve 'Lips' White put a sublime ball through to young Jim Cox who cleverly slotted past the keeper into the far corner to make it 3-1. Further changes were made with Richard Williams and young Alex Jones coming on and after a cross was put into the box by Leigh Carrick this was put into his own goal by a Carnetown defender to make the final score 4-1.
It was a good display by the young blues and will please manager Nathan Priest with the display and performances put in by the blues and hopefully they can carry this on into their remaining friendlies and then into the league campaign which will start in end of August early September
Friday 7th Aug 09 :- Blues win four out of four in warm up games!
Thursday the 6th of Aug and the Blues entertained Cardiff based Pentwyn Dynamos from the Welsh League. It did not come as to much of a shock to Blues manager Neil Reed that this was going to be the Blues strongest test to date, but one, which he felt the Blues were capable of overcoming. As expected the Dynamos were very well organised, physically strong, and very confident. They came out of the blocks a little quicker than the Blues, and played decent football, with the Blues soaking up all the pressure at the back in the shape of Johnny Arthur, Matt Cox, Lee Wathen, Under 18's centre half Alex Bull, and Mikey Davies, who were both outstanding on the night. After 15 minutes the Blues opened the scoring through Richie Wakeling, with a well-taken goal, followed shortly after by another trademark header from skipper Darren Pugh.
Dynamos continued to press and were repaid with their first goal of the evening, the initial strike being dealt with superbly by keeper Ben Smith only to see the rebound falling to the feet of an attacker. Their second closely followed making the half time score 2-2. As in previous games numerous changes took place with the Blues taking the game to their opponents, who were becoming frustrated with the sheer pace and agility of the attack in the shape of Dwain Hunt and Wakeling. It came as no surprise when following some excellent interchange play by Mikey Waite and Lee Challenger it was Challenger an absolute steal from Cwmbran Celtic who side footed the ball from the penalty spot past the outstretched arm of the Dynamo keeper.
With both sides going for the win the tempo of the game picked up which made a good spectacle for the decent crowd. A well-taken goal by the Dynamo strike force made it 3-3 with 15 minutes to go. The Blues, who have shown superb fitness this term, played some fast flowing, easy on the eye football, laying siege on the Dynamos goal, with only resilient defending kept the Blues at bay. With five minutes to go the Blues continued their fine run of wins against welsh league opposition when Neil Cox and Liam Powell linked to feed Hunt who sent over the sweetest of crosses for Waite to head in to the Dynamos net. With the Blues running out 4-3 winners against very strong opposition, the Blues can look forward to there trip to Carnetown from the South Wales Amateur league this Saturday.
Thursday 6th Aug 09 :- Blues travel to Govilon in league opener
The opening round of Gwent County league fixtures have been released with Blaenavon Blues faced with a trip over the mountain to face the division new boys and local rivals Govilon, on Wednesday 19th August. Govilon are the most inform club in Gwent over the past three seasons winning three promotions on the bounce. Only three years ago the village club were preparing to face our reserves in the Gwent Central league, Govilon won the league and with it promotion to the Gwent County league, were they then won the third division title and the Gwent FA Amateur cup, were they beat the Blues 3-0 at a packed Penn-y-Pound Stadium in the final. Last year Govilon made it three promotions in three years and also won the league cup.
The Blues then face last season’s division one runners up Albion Rovers at the Co-op field on Saturday 22nd August, followed by Cefn Fforest on Wednesday 26th August and then the other new boys in the division Lliswery FC all at home. It’s a tough start for the Blues in what will be a very competitive league this season, and with the prospect of up to five Gwent clubs being relegated back into the Gwent County league from the Welsh league, finishing as high as possible in the league has got to be the priority of all clubs in the league.
Sunday 2nd Aug 09 :- Blues come though in the end!
Saturday 1st August saw the Blues playing their third friendly of the season against South Wales Amateur league opponents, Aber Valley YMCA. The Aber side were
identified as being strong opponents, and a potential banana skin, having recently had, excellent results against Welsh league opposition, and they did not disappoint the Blues. The Blues started off strongly but all their decent football did not pay dividends against a well-organised Aber defence. Within ten minutes Aber were awarded a free kick 35yds out, which was duly dispatched into the Blues net, leaving under 18's keeper Alex Bull with little chance. Very soon after following some good work Aber Valley were rewarded with a second goal. The Blues although having lots of possession were not punishing their opponents, although they were rewarded with a free kick just outside the opponents area, which striker Dwaine Hunt placed into the Aber net leaving their keeper rooted to the spot. Almost immediately the Blues were punished again when Aber got their third following a breakaway, followed very shortly with their forth goal, leaving the Blues 1-4 down at half time.
Following several changes at half time, the emphasis from the manager was for the Blues to show some character, and not to panic, as the Blues had shown, in the first half that they were capable of taking the game to their opponents, and the game was there to be won. From the start the Blues took the game to Aber who were finding it more difficult to contain their hosts. Twenty minutes into the second half some excellent work by Hunt and Mikey Waite down the left side resulted in the latter pinpointing a corner kick onto the head of skipper Darren Pugh, who guided the ball into the Aber net, 2-4.
Relentless pressure from the Blues pegged Aber into their half for most of the second period, and following another corner taken by Lee Challenger, pressure from the Blues in the Aber box resulted in the ball going directly in the net, 3-4. With the Blues on the ascendancy it was just a matter of time before Aber Valley conceded again. With Liam Powell playing his first game of the season, excellent work from him, and Richie Wakeling on the right produced another corner, the delivery of which from Challenger allowed Pugh to power another header past the Aber keeper 4-4.
With little to do, for long periods of time by the Blues in defence, it came as no real surprise that Aber to their credit kept going and with ten minutes to go got a fifth, 4-5. Still the Blueattacked and following a push in the box on Hunt the subsequent penalty was sent home by Challenger 5-5. With five minutes to go the Blues battered the Aber goalmouth, and it was
the sheer determination and superior fitness of the Blues that allowed Wakeling to place the ball past the opponents keeper from six yards 6-5. This result has shown the resolve and the self belief in the Blues squad, which will put them in the right frame of mind when they travel to New Inn on Tues
4th Aug kick off 6.30pm.
Thursday 30th July 09 :- Aber Valley YMCA visit Blaenavon
After two pre-season wins on the bounce against South Wales senior league side Nelson Cavaliers and Welsh league side Abertillery Bluebirds, Blaenavon Blues welcome South Wales Amateur league division one club Aber Valley YMCA to the Co-op field, for a 2:30pm kick off on Saturday 1st August.
The Blues will be looking to keep the momentum going into Saturday’s fixture, while a win is not the be all and end all, a continuation of the great team performance is a must for the new Blues manager Neil Reed.
Aber Valley finished last season in 7th place in the Amateur league after a poor start to the season, the Caerphilly based side had a great second half to the season, and will no doubt be pushing for a top five place this season in the strong Amateur league. Other clubs that we have played over the past few season from the Amateur league include Carnetown who we will again be playing next week, Ynysddu Crusaders, and second division clubs Hirwaun Welfare and Ferndale Boys club both of which we met in last seasons FAW Trophy competition.
Thursday 30th July 09 :- Blues entertain new Welsh league club
Blaenavon Blues entertained Gwent County division one champions Abertillery Bluebirds at the co-op field on wed 29 July and produced some excellent football in inclement weather, deservedly winning the encounter 3-0. The Blues opting for a 3-5-2 formation to counteract the strong Bluebirds midfield, the game was contested in every department. With strikers Dwain Hunt and Ritchie Wakeling constantly badgering the valley side’s defence.
Inevitably, they were forced into making a fatal error, gifting Hunt with a free passage towards goal, which he willingly accepted, stroking the ball past the stranded keeper. Not long after a sweeping move from the Blues down the right side involving Darren Harris, Lee Wathen and captain Darren Pugh allowed the latter to put a searching ball into the Bluebirds area, which crept under the keepers body and into the net. At the turnaround the Blues interchanged a number of players, which involved playing several players out of their favored positions, but all did themselves no harm, for selection in the coming games.
Abertillery Bluebirds like true champions they are, continued to play attractive football, and came back strongly in the second period, only to see there efforts being thwarted, by a Blues team who are showing true team spirit.
