Third Welsh League test for "Doer"
Cwmffrwdoer entertained their third Welsh League opposition in a week in the shape of Treowen Stars. The stars came with a squad of around 20 - 25 players. The "Doer" had to to make vast improvement following Wednesday's result at Goytre, and the coaching staff deciding to remain with the same formation, they did ring the changes in the starting line up, bringing in Sam Morris at goalkeeper, Johnny Arthur and Robbie Peake into the back four, and Ross Peake, Alex Bayliss and Scott Taylor, in the midfield, and these new players did not disappoint.
The stars went into a 2 - 0 lead in the first half, but again it was the the"Doer" who competed in all sections of the park and created numerous chances of their own, but were met by good goalkeeping and defending by the away defence. The "Doer" youngsters began to take the game to the stars, who dealt with the threat with some late challenges, to the annoyance of some of their team mates. Just on the half time marks the stars took a 3 - 0 lead. The second period saw the "Doer" play their best football of the game, with them getting a well taken individual goal by Ben "Stooge" Walker, moments later fullback Ricky Malson saw his effort smash against the stars crossbar and out to safety. The "Doer" players made a massive improvement on their last display, and regained a great deal of confidence from this outing.
"Doer" battle against Welsh League opposition:
With Cwmffrwdoer firsts travelling to Welsh League side Goytre, and the seconds entertaining their Welsh Leauge reserve side, both of the Cwmffrwdoer sides came up against, well organised, disciplined, fit and in some cases more experienced players, all the "Doer" players will have gained invaulable experience from the games, with the first going down 9 - 3 and the seconds losing a closely fought game 3 - 2.
The first eleven effectively did not perform to expectations but created enough chances to certainly cause Goytre problems, with the Goytre playing fast fluent football under a new management structure they have the potential for promotion this season. The seconds also met with a strong well organised, skillfull side who went 3 - 0 up in the first 20 minutes. The "Doer" then began to play the ball on the table and took the game to Goytre, responding with goals from ex. Goytre player Daffyd Hennesy, and a 25 yard scorcher from ex. PILCS player Alex Bayliss, who had an exceptional game in the middle of the park. With another nine new signings at the "Doer" this week, competition for places in both side are at a premiun.
"Doer" battle against Welsh League opposition:
Saturday saw the "Doer" entertain 2nd Division Welsh League opposition in the shape of Abertillery Bluebirds. The Bluebirds have recently gained back to back promotions, and only lost four league games last season. As expected it was the visitors who set the early pace playing neat neat controlled football, which left a few of the inexperienced "Doer " players being caught out of position. On the fifteen minute mark following a long throw into the "Doer" box, the throw was met by Bluebirds centre half who headed into the net 0 - 1. This seemed to to spur the "Doer" into action who immediately went up a gear and began to compete in all areas on the park, keeping the visitors on the backfoot with the back four of Ricky Malson, Kevin Lewis, Ossie Osland, and 17 year old Lee Jones (who didn't waste a ball all afternoon) defending superbly when called upon to do so. This in turn allowed the "Doer" to create four or five chances of their own, and if truth be told they should have gone in at the interval in front.
The second half commenced as the first half ended with both sides playing excellant football at a good tempo. Some excellant goalkeeping by Marcus "Cod" Lear kept the "Doer" in contention, with Richard "Rab" Wakeling and Christian Howells, causing the Bluebirds defence problems all afternoon. With both sides making wholesale changes in the last ten minutes, it was the Bluebirds who showed why they are such a consistant outfit by scoring another two well taken goals late into the the game. The "Doer" can take a lot of positives and credit from this performance, which will certainly put them in a good frame of mind when they travel to another Welsh League opponent, Goytre in midweek.
The "Doer" must take positives from defeat:
The 'Doer' went to Monmouth to play Rockfield Rovers, who have recently been promoted to the Gwent County 2nd Division, for their opening friendly of the 2010 - 2011 campain. Billed as a first team fixture, only four recognised first team players, travelled in a party of ten, none of which being a goalkeeper, this made an already difficult task almost impossible. With coach Darren Pugh reluctantly putting on his boots to swell the numbers, the home side loaned the 'Doer' a local under 16's goalkeeper, who gave his best, but found the experience a little to much to deal with.
Finding ourselves four down at ahlf time, the 'Doer' were then assisted by the Monmouth Town reserve goalkeeper, who replaced the young lad in goals. The second half resulted in a 1 - 1 draw with Darren Pugh taking a well taken goal for the 'Doer'. On a positive note, the players who represented the 'Doer' stuck to the task, and got a creditable result in the second half aginst a well organised side who will do well in the gwent County 2nd Division this season. Andrew "Mouth" Davies worked hard in the centre of the park, and club debutant Gavin "Buck" Rogers gave an excellant account of himself, and proved what an assest he can be to the club. Next up for the "Doer" are the recently promoted Welsh League Division 2 outfit Abertillery Bluebirds, with a number of first team players back for this fixture, it will give everyone the opportunity to pit thier wits against arguably one of the best amateur teams in Gwent at the moment.
On Saturday 10 th July, the firsts travel to Monmouth to play Rockfield Rovers AFC, who have just won promotion to Gwent County Division 2.
On Saturday 17th July, a mouth watering fixture against Abertillery Bluebirds AFC recently promoted to the Welsh League 2nd Division, as they travel to play the first team - 2.00 pm kick off.
On Wednesday 21st July, the firsts play away at another Welsh League outfit in the shape of Goytre AFC whilst the second eleven entertain Goytre AFC 2nd's at home.
On Saturday 31st July, the firsts play Sebastopol at home - 2.00 pm kick off and the seconds play PILCS AFC at home - 3.00 pm kick off.
On Wednesday 4th August, the firsts entertain Gwent County 2nd Division Llanhilleth AFC.
On Saturday 7th August, the firsts travel to nearby Panteg AFC, whilst the seconds entertain Panteg 2nds at home.
On Wednesday 11th August, the seconds entertain Newport & District Premier League Ponthir AFC.
On Saturday 14th August, a final trial game has been arranged at Cwmffrwdoer, following this game, all players will be provided with a meal and refreshments in the clubhouse, and they will have the opportunity to meet the new team management/coaches and discuss the season ahead.
All Saturday matches will kick off at 3.00 pm, and midweek matches will kick off at 6.30 pm, unless stated.
Cwmffrwdoer Sports club are delighted to have reappointed manager Chris Townsend who did a excellent job under difficult circumstances last season, together with Kevin Baylis who joins the Doer from PILCS AFC, as 1st Division Gwent County Managers.
Ex Doer stalwarts Lyn Davies and Steve "Archie" Howells, will take over the managerial reigns of the Gwent Central side.
On the coaching side they have secured the expertise of 31 yr old Darren Pugh who has semi-pro experience, as a player, and comes with excellent coaching credentials, in addition 31 yr old Adam Holbrook who for many years, as a player served Portsmouth AFC and Preston North End with distinction, has accepted the invitation to share his vast expertise, Adam is also keen to extend his footballing career at the club. Kevin Baylis will also provide personal expertise as fitness coach, conditioning the players.
Chairman Malcolm Richards stated, "We as a committee are delighted with the appointments, and as a club are showing our intentions to progress up the footballing ladder, we know have a managerial/coaching team in place, we believe will provide stability and a competitiveness to achieve. Pre-season we have transformed our ground with heavy machinary, by taking the railway banking away and installing new dugouts and a refreshment facility, in addition we are enhancing the playing surface, any team would be proud to play on. On a personal note, from everyone at the club, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Shaun Crowley who is standing down as second team manager after three seasons, for his committment to the club and we hope Shaun remains at the club in some capacity.
Pre-season training commences at the Doer on Saturday the 10th of July at 2.30 pm. Pre-season friendlies have been arranged against quality opposition, all players wishing to play for one of the most progressive clubs in Gwent will be made to feel very welcome.
