Archive - 2007 - 2008 Season

Roll of Honour

MacWhirter Welsh League

Seniors

Division 3 - 5th Position

Youth Division West

11th Position

Aberdare Valley Football League

Seniors

League - Runners-Up

Under 16

League - Champions

League Cup - Champions

Under 12

League - Runners-Up

League Cup - Runners-Up

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Senior Presentation Night 2008

Photos to Follow

Welsh League Team Player of the Year - Michael Oliver ~ Top Scorers - David Airey ~ Ross Williams

AVFL Team Player of the Year - Chris Banfield ~ Top Scorer - Chris Banfield

Welsh League Youth Team Player of the Year - Sean Woodford ~ Top Scorer - C Boyce

Clubman of the Year - Alun Hoare

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MacWhirter Welsh League

Division 3

Final League Table - 2007 ~ 2008 Season

Youth Division West

Final League Table - 2007 ~ 2008 Season

Aberdare Valley Football League

Premier Division

As at Saturday, 31st May 2008

Under 16 Division

As at Sunday, 30th March 2008

Under 12 Division

Final League Table - 2007 ~ 2008 Season

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Fixtures

MacWhirter Welsh League

Division 3

MacWhirter Youth League - West

Aberdare Valley Football League

Premier Division

Under 16

Under 12

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       Match Reports    

17th April 2008 (Welsh League)

AFC Llwydcoed 3 Cwmaman Institute FC 1

5th April 2008 (Welsh League)

Cwmaman made the short journey to neighbours Llwydcoed for this local derby. They had the perfect start when David Airey scored after 5 minutes, after good work by young Daniel Johnson. They contained the Coed attack who were using Richard Dennis as the target man. Matthew Cable was prominent in defence for Cwmaman, after the early promising start Cwmaman handed the initiative back to Llwydcoed with a comical goal, this gave the home team confidents to cause Cwm problems in midfield.

Half time came with the scores level, Scott Carson came on at the start of the second half to add a bit more bite into the midfield area. Cwmaman were finding it difficult to get their passing game going and Coed continued dominating the danger areas, the home team went in front from another defensive mistake, this allowed the Coed striker to beat Truelove at the near post.

Cwmaman pushed forward in search of the equalizer but could not find that all important goal. Llwydcoed hit Cwmaman on the break to finalised the scoring with number three.

Cwmaman will need to regroup because promotion is still on the cards if we can back get back to winning ways.

Llantwit Fardre 3 Cwmaman Institute FC 1

29th March 2008 (Welsh League)

Cwmaman’s promotion challenge is in danger of falling apart, as they lost consecutive games for the first time this season. Again this was a game they should not have lost, but individual errors cost them dear.

The game was due to have been played at Cwmaman, but with Canolfan waterlogged; it was switched to Llantwit at the last minute.

Cwmaman opened strongly and had several chances to go ahead, but could not find the final touch. They might have had a penalty when Matthew Cable was impeded but the ref waved play on before Llantwit took advantage by opening the scoring on the half-hour.

 Alun Griffiths fired in a shot, which Jonathan Truelove seemed to have covered, but the ball took a deflection off a defender to leave him stranded, and that proved to be the only goal of the first half.

 After the interval, Cwmaman pressed for an equaliser and were rewarded on the hour when Leighton Price curled in a twenty-yard free kick.

 Cwmaman’s joy was short lived as within 5 minutes the referee awarded a penalty to the home side when Tim Owen was adjudged to have deliberately handled. It looked harsh but Ryan Prosser netted from the spot to restore Llantwit’s lead.

 It looked a hard task for Cwmaman at this stage, and more poor defending allowed Gareth Owen to net a third and seal the win for the home side.

Aberbargoed Buds 4 Cwmaman Institute FC 1

22nd March 2008 (Welsh League)

Everything that could go wrong did go wrong as Cwm suffered a dent to their promotion ambitions.

 In arctic conditions on a poor playing surface Cwm struggled to get to grip with things and were grateful to keeper Jonathan Truelove for several early saves.

 When they did finally click into some sort of form, Cwm were continuously denied by poor finishing and some mystifying decisions. A goalless first half saw them denied a penalty when Ross Williams appeared to be fouled but the referee gave a goal kick. Surely it should have been at least a corner if the official was right in his opinion that the tackler had played the ball? David Airey and Mike Oliver were both unable to do better with other chances, but at 0-0 the game was evenly poised at the break.

 When play restarted it became more and more likely that whoever scored first would win the game. That proved to be both right and wrong, as it was a Cwmaman player who scored the first goal, but at the wrong end!

 With 70 minutes gone, Damian Jones, trying to clear under pressure ended up heading the ball into his own net to put Buds ahead. When Craig Lewis thundered in a superb equaliser five minutes later, it looked as if Cwm would settle for a point.

 However, in an attempt to chase all three points they pushed forward, leaving gaps at the back, and Chris Griffiths restored Aber’s when he punished more sloppy defending with ten minutes left. Only the full back would know if the strike was intended as a shot, but there was no doubt when the same player netted again following more poor Cwmaman defending five minutes later. The game now appeared beyond the visitors but they were thrown a lifeline when a defender handled in the box.

 There was further frustration for Cwm as Leighton Price saw his penalty saved by the under-worked home keeper, before insult was added to injury with Nathan Edwards making it 4-1 when the home side were award a penalty of their own in the last minute.

 A bad day at the office then, and Cwm will need to forget this one immediately if they are to revive their promotion hopes when Llantwit Fardre come calling Saturday.

Cwmaman Institute FC 2 Newcastle Emlyn 2

23rd February 2008 (Welsh League)

Cwmaman narrowly failed to make it six wins in a row, as their West Wales visitors fought back to snatch a deserved point with a last minute penalty.

 It was Cwmaman who opened the scoring with a penalty of their own after 12 minutes. The referee spotted a defender use a hand to clear the ball as David Airey threatened, and Leighton Price neatly converted the spot kick.

 Despite plenty of possession, NE were unable to threaten the Cwmaman goal in a closely contested first half.

 In the second half the game followed a familiar pattern but again it was the hosts who managed to increase their lead when David Airey drove home from close range after Ross Williams mishit his own shot.

 Still Newcastle Emlyn were in the game although Michael Oliver and David Airey went close to making the game safe for Cwmaman. With the game entering its final quarter, the visitors were thrown a lifeline when player-manager, Matthew Price, hit a speculative shot, which caught on the strong breeze and left keeper Jonathan Truelove stranded.

 A good shot from David Airey brought the best out of the visiting keeper, before the last minute drama unfolded. Tim Owens was, somewhat harshly, adjudged to have fouled an attacker as he pursued the ball, and captain Sean Jones calmly netted from the spot. There was still time for Ross Williams to come close to a winner, but his header came back off a post to leave both sides happy with a point.

 Other results saw the sides remain second and third behind leaders Pentwyn Dynamos, with Penrhiwceiber Rangers in fourth place as the promotion battle hots up. Next Saturday, Cwmaman Institute visits Cwmamman Utd who drew 2-2 at Llwydcoed last weekend.

Llansawel 1 Cwmaman Institute FC 2

23rd February 2008 (Welsh League)

Cwmaman travelled to the Swansea valley in confident mood after 4 consecutive victories, they were minus the suspended Lee Williams and Matthew Cable was unavailable, Scott Carson came into the team for his first start since last August through injury and Kyle Hancock also started his second game for the club.

Llansawel played with 2 big strikers who caused Cwmaman problems but Owen and Hancock was more than a match for them. Cwmaman soaked up the pressure and started to control the game, Airey was put through only for the keeper to save well, and a free kick taken by Leighton Price was flicked into the net at the near post by Matthew Saunders to put Cwmaman into the lead.

The Home team pushed forward but they found Truelove in great form in goal for Cwmaman, but he had no chance when Llansawel were awarded a penalty which was duly converted to bring the scores level.

 Cwmaman were looking very dangerous when they attacked the home defence, Ross Williams beat the offside trap to put Cwmaman back in front with a great goal from just inside the box. Half time came with Cwmaman still in the lead.

 Cwmaman dug deep at the start of the second half as the home team threw players forward in search of the equaliser, but it was Cwmaman who scored next to increase their lead. Mike Oliver found the Llansawel keeper off his line and from fully 40 yards lobbed the ball into the net. The home side push forward and pulled a goal back, but it was not enough as Cwmaman gained there fifth consecutive win. Cwmaman entertain Newcastle Emlyn next Saturday kick off 2:30.

Cwmaman Institute FC 2 Monmouth Town 1

16th February 2008 (Welsh League)

Cwmaman made it four wins in a row, as their early Spring recovery gained further momentum, and once again they showed great character to recover after falling a goal behind to a decent Monmouth outfit.

 There was little to choose between the teams as the first half-hour failed to break the deadlock, but the visitors it was who were to provide the breakthrough after 32 minutes.

 There seemed little serious danger as Monmouth made decent headway down their right flank, but Cwmaman failed to take one of three reasonable opportunities to clear the danger, and ended up paying the ultimate price when Sam Palmer swept the ball in off the bar to edge the visitors ahead, albeit slightly ahead the run of play.

 Despite several close calls, Monmouth look at as if they would retain the lead until half time, but Cwm struck to level as the interval beckoned. Mike Oliver looked to be heading away from goal until he was needlessly upended illegally. Leighton Price duly tucked away the obvious penalty award to send the teams into half time at 1-1.

 Cwmaman were clearly relieved to restart level, and took full advantage to storm ahead straight from the restart. Substitute Matt Saunders found space to force a superb reflex save from the Monmouth keeper, only for the ball to balloon upwards, land on top of the crossbar, and drop invitingly for David Airey to score what was to prove to be a second consecutive headed winner from close range.

 Cwmaman had turned a one-goal deficit into a one-goal lead within less than sixty seconds of actual playing time, and incredibly could have made it 3-1 within a further sixty seconds, but saw Mike Oliver’s near post effort sail inches over.

 Cwmaman then lost Lee Williams to a red card following an innocuous challenge, and were forced to call on on all their defensive qualities to hang on to three precious points which they did with no serious alarms. In fact they did so in some style with David Airey coming close to increasing the advantage.

Porthcawl Town 1 Cwmaman Institute FC 3

9th February 2008 (Welsh League)

Already hit by withdrawals and unavailability, Cwmaman recovered from conceding an early goal to produce arguably their finest TEAM performance of the season, with everyone pulling together to record a memorable win.

Porthcawl were awarded an early free kick, and took the lead. It looked a soft award but the home side took full advantage. Ian McIntosh fired the ball goalwards, and it seemed to deceive Jonathan Truelove before cannoning in at the far post with Mal Mohammed, possibly getting the final touch.

Cwmaman were rattled by this setback and had to dig deep to gain a foothold in the game against an uncompromising Porthcawl side, intent on playing the long-ball game.

Tim Owens was a colossus at the heart of Cwmaman’s defence, repelling everything thrown at him, as well as nursing rookie defender Kyle Hancock through his full senior debut.

Gradually, Cwmaman came more into things and Mike Oliver had the goalkeeper scrambling as he came close to an equaliser and Cwmaman’s persistence finally paid off as they levelled on the stroke of half time through Leighton Price. His pinpoint cross had the keeper, under pressure from Ross Williams, misjudge the ball which ended up in the net. It was a worthy goal as Cwmaman had played most of what football was on offer on the heavy surface.

Steve Atkinson had been at the heart of what Porthcawl had produced, but his influence waned in the second period as Mike Oliver gradually took the game by the scruff of its neck.

It was fitting that he should put Cwmaman ahead after receiving a pass from Matthew Saunders, showing superb control, and firing a left foot shot into the corner.

Cwmaman was now in control, but still had to stay alert to the constant threat from the long ball, but the defenders coped admirably with everything that came their way, and captain David Airey sealed victory with an injury time header.

Cwmaman Institute FC 2 Seven Sisters AFC 0

2nd February 2008 (Welsh League)

Cwmaman continued their recent improvement with this hard earned win over Seven Sisters. It wasn’t pretty, but it was pretty effective with a goal in each half clinching the points.

 David Airey almost gave Cwm the lead, but after a good turn, the keeper blocked his shot. Shortly after that, the keeper was in action again, blocking an effort from Michael Oliver, then seeing Ross Williams just wide from the rebound.

 The breakthrough finally came when Cwm released Lee Williams and the full back showed how it should be done, smashing the ball high into the net with defenders appealing in vain for offside.

 Half time duly arrived with Cwm retaining the one goal lead without any alarms.

 The second half began with Cwmaman regaining the momentum, and they doubled their lead soon after the restart. David Airey rediscovered his goal touch, judging the gusting wind to perfection and netting with a sublime lob.

 That effectively sealed the points with Seven Sisters unable to make any headway against the Cwmaman back four. They protected the goal so well, that keeper Jonathan Truelove only had one save to make in the entire game.

 Cwmaman will hope that their mid-season nightmare is now behind them and they will look to maintain their promotion challenge knowing there are some tough games to come.

Ystradgynlais 1 Cwmaman Institute FC 3

26th January 2008 (Welsh League)

It’s been a long winter for Cwmaman, but with the days now getting longer they got back to winning ways with this convincing victory in the Swansea valley. It was their first win of 2008 and put the team back into the promotion places.

 The win was thoroughly deserved and could have been even more convincing but for some wayward finishing and some eccentric refereeing. The game, at times, resembled a basketball match with the official seemingly unaware of the law regarding hand-ball.

 Mike Oliver got Cwm off to a flier after only five minutes. He smashed a sensational left foot volley from 30 yards. The keeper did well to get a fingertip on the ball and deflect it onto the crossbar, but then run out of luck as the ball rebounded off him into the net. Technically it was an own goal but Cwmaman are giving the credit to the midfielder despite what the “dubious goals committee” may say.

 Midway through the first half, Matthew Saunders, who went on to enjoy his best Cwmaman performance, finished off a flowing move with another well taken left foot strike, giving Cwm a lead which they easily retained at half time.

 In fact, the interval lead could easily have been greater, but both Cwm strikers, David Airey and Ross Williams were out of luck. Ystrad had chances too, but none as clear cut as Cwmaman’s, although the home side did force Jonathan Truelove into a couple of impressive saves.

 The second half started as the first had, with Cwm scoring within 5 minutes of the restart. Ross Williams was the beneficiary of some hesitant defending and he scored emphatically from ten yards.

 Cwm continued to create and waste chances before Ystrad managed to pull a goal back after the ref managed to miss a blatant push by a home player who went on to net what proved to be only a consolation.

 Chances continue to come and go for Cwmaman to increase the lead, but in the end, the win was satisfactory to get the season back on track. On chances, a 12-4 win for Cwm would have been a more realistic scoreline. Next up is a visit from Seven Sisters, who will be bouyant following a 1-0 win against AFC Llwydcoed.

Abertillery Excelsiors 2 Cwmaman Institute FC 2

12th January 2008 (Welsh League)

Cwmaman’s mid-season slump continued with this disappointing draw which saw them drop two more points against the league’s bottom club.

 Abertillery, beaten 7-0 at Llwydcoed a week earlier, had their already low confidence knocked further when they fell behind to an early own goal. A good Cwmaman move saw Lewis Jones released, and although his first touch took him wide, his pull back was turned into his own net by John Morgan.

 David Airey had already been denied by a fine save, and looked a good bet at this stage to record an overdue win. However, it was not to be and the visitors found themselves 2-1 down at the interval.

There was an element of luck about the equaliser. Lee Bull did well to create a shooting chance for a colleague, but the mishit shot was heading towards the corner flag when David Smith smashed it into the net.

A few minutes later, Abertillery went ahead when Lee Bull was allowed to run unchallenged before firing a fine shot into the top corner.

There must have been some harsh words spoken at half time as Cwmaman emerged to completely dominate the second period with Craig Lewis coming agonisingly close to an equaliser soon after the restart.

Cwmaman continued to dominate with a personal duel developing between Anthony Waters and home keeper Mike Price. Time and again Price kept his side ahead until, with barely ten minutes left, he misjudged a Waters pile-driver and could only help the ball into the net – harsh on the keeper, but a reward for the striker’s persistence.

A point each then, but Cwmaman would have hoped for more from this fixture and now need to restore shattered confidence before entertaining leaders Pentwyn Dynamos in their next fixture.

Cwmaman Institute FC 4 Penrhiwceiber Rangers 5

5th January 2008 (Welsh League)

Just like the atrocious weather, Cwmaman is going from bad to worse and 2008 brought no joy as Ceiber recovered from being two goals down to record an impressive win.

 The game could hardly have started worse for the visitors as David Airey smashed Cwmaman ahead after only 40 seconds. Cwmaman’s captain sent a sensation 25-yard volley past Daniel Fields in the Ceiber goal.

 Anthony Waters then sliced a shot wide before Chris Vardon doubled Cwm’s advantage with less than seven minutes played. David Airey released Anthony Waters down the right and his pinpoint cross was turned into the net from close in.

 Daniel Fields produced a magnificent save to deny a superb David Airey header, before Cwmaman lost player-manager Leighton Price with a leg injury immediately after. Those two incidents changed the game as Ceiber took control from that point with Garon Davies and Ryan Buckman combining to bring the visitors into the game.

 Between them they reduced the deficit and only a couple of smart Jonathan Truelove saves preserved Cwm’s lead into the interval.

 So it continued after half time with it looking increasingly that whichever team scored the fourth goal would win the game. So it proved, but there was much more to it than that as the drama unfolded.

 Ceiber duly equalised, but Anthony Waters restored Cwm’s lead within 30 seconds of the restart. Back came Ceiber, and scored three times in fairly quick succession to lead 5-3.

 Chris Vardon, with an excellent finish from another Anthony Waters cross reduced the deficit, but Ceiber were not to be denied and even managed to have a “goal” disallowed for pushing.

 Cwmaman’s excellent early season form is a distant memory, and the points gained should keep them in the Welsh League in their first season. They do need to re-discover the winning touch, though, and soon. Where better to start than Abertillery Excelsiors next Saturday? They are currently bottom and were thrashed at Llwydcoed last weekend.

Goytre 2 Cwmaman Institute FC 2

22nd December 2007 (Welsh League)

Cwmaman dropped from first place to fourth as a result of the two points dropped here. If early season hopes of promotion are to bear fruit, games like this have to be won, and this was a match which should have been won comfortably but missed chances cost Cwm dearly.

 The signs were ominous before Mike Oliver set Cwmaman on their way, as two very good chances were wasted before the ball was only half cleared and Cwm’s midfield dynamo sent a 30 yarder into the keeper’s top right corner.

 Goytre equalised ten minutes before half time when their first attempt on goal took a wicked deflection and left Jonathan Truelove helpless. The scores were still level at the break and Cwmaman knew they should have been out of sight.

 The second half was more even, although Cwmaman remained in control and regained the lead when Anthony Waters blasted a penalty low into the net.

 Still Cwmaman could not put the game to bed and more chance came and went before Joe Carless claimed his second goal after being released by a Goytre substitute.

 After that the game drifted to its close with each side taking a point. Goytre were jubilant, Cwmaman were gutted because the players knew it should have been three points not one.

Cwmaman Institute FC 1 AFC Llwydcoed 2

15th December 2007 (Welsh League)

On a bitterly cold day at Canolfan, it was possibly no surprise that the Cwmaman players froze, in front of a bumper pre-Christmas crowd. Make no mistake about it, Coed were well worth the points, and probably should have won far more convincingly.

 Coed took the game by the scruff of the neck, and never lost the initiative after taking a 3^rd minute lead following a corner. Cwm could possibly claim that the goalkeeper was impeded, but the visitors should have scored at least two more before half time.

 Coed continued in the ascendancy after the interval and it came as no surprise when they eventually doubled the lead. Another corner was headed back from beyond the far post, and swept into the net to put the game beyond Cwmaman.

 When Cwmaman did finally produce a flowing move, Ross Williams scored with a neat header, but by then, there was less than 5 minutes remaining, and Llwydcoed easily held out to register an impressive win.

 Despite this defeat, Cwm retain leadership of the league, but only lead by goal difference from Newcastle Emlyn, who have a game in hand, and Pentwyn Dynamo. Coed move into fourth after the win.

Risca United 1 Cwmaman Institute FC 5

24th November 2007 (Welsh League)

Cwmaman Institute travelled to the Gwent town of Risca for this Welsh League Division Three game, minus the suspended Lee Williams and the injured Matthew Smart. Anthony Waters started the game after injury, with player/manager Leighton Price coming in at full back.

 Risca were put on the back foot from the first whistle by the pace of the Cwmaman attacks, Mike Oliver put Chris Vardon in only for the striker to shoot wide from an acute angle, the same player missed a similar chance, before Captain David Airey fired Cwmaman into the lead after 16 minutes. A half cleared corner was meet by Airey on the edge of the box, he made on mistake from 20 yards A second goal followed on the half hour mark, a move down the right involving Waters and Price gave the chance to Ross Williams at the far post. The big defenders of Risca were finding it difficult to cope with the Cwm strikers’, who were having good service from the midfield of Craig Lewis and Mike Oliver. Before half time Cwm extended their advantage when Ross Williams scored his second of the game.

 A down pour greeted the players at the start of the second half, but this didn’t stop Cwmaman creating several chances to increase their lead. They forced several corners and it was from one of these that David Airey scored his second and Cwmaman’s fourth. The home team changed their formation and had a period of possession, they hit the cross bar and forced several corners but Truelove  the Cwmaman keeper was not troubled to make a save.

 With the game into the last 5 mins Craig (Modgy) Lewis capped a man of the match performance with the fifth goal when he burst into the area to score a fine individual goal. Risca scored a consolation goal in the final minute.

Cwmaman Institute entertain Aberbargoed Buds next Saturday; kick off 2:00pm.

Cwmaman Institute FC 4 Cwmamman United 3

10th November 2007 (Welsh League)

This first ever clash between the Welsh League’s two Cwmam(m)ans turned out to be a classic “game of two halves” with the home side holding out for the narrowest of wins, having the game seemingly secure at half time.

 In fact it was the visitors who enjoyed the brighter start, with Kevin Bartley looking particularly lively. However, Institute soon settled and opened the scoring when Ross Williams volleyed into the top corner with ten minutes gone.

 If that was against the run of play, then Utd could scarcely believe it when Chris Vardon danced through to double the lead with less than a quarter of the game played.

 The home side now began to dominate, and looked like scoring at will, as the visitors wilted in the early winter sunshine.

 It came as no surprise when Ross Williams set up Chris Vardon to make it three at about the half-hour mark. When Chris Vardon made it 4-0, the game looked over, but Cwmamman managed to reach half time and regroup.

 A number of changes at, and just after half time, appeared to disrupt the home team’s rhythm, but Chris Vardon almost made it five from the restart. That was as close as the home side came as the visitors began to control possession.

 A close range header from Bartley narrowed the gap as the game entered its final quarter, and things got interesting when the referee ruled that the ball crossed the line from a corner, to make it 4-2.

 Home fingers really started to get chewed when Bartley scored his second with less than ten minutes left, to set up a grandstand finish.

 Despite a brave effort, the visitors could make no further impression and Cwmaman held on to win a thriller which was witnessed by curious spectators from Cardiff, London, and places closer to home.

Newcastle Emlyn 2 Cwmaman Institute FC 0

3rd November 2007 (Welsh League)

The long trek west took its toll on Cwmaman, as they meekly surrendered their 100% away record, conceding a goal in each half.

 It had looked promising for Cwm, who opened strongly, but fell away after being unable to capitalise. David Airey almost gave the visitors the lead, but was unlucky to see his effort beat the keeper but just clear the crossbar after he had won the chase for the ball after an attempted back-pass fell short.

 A goal-line block also denied Richard Morgan, as Cwmaman continued to press.

 Just as the first half appeared to end goalless, Emlyn went ahead on the stroke of half-time. It was a terrible goal to concede, as Cwm made a hash of a defensive throw-in. The hosts took possession and fed the ball to Mike Preddy, who gave Jonathan Truelove no chance with an accomplished finish.

 After the break Cwmaman, who were already without the injured Anthony Waters also lost Craig Lewis, replaced by recent signing Shaun Chappell.

 Again the visitors opened strongly without manufacturing any worthwhile chances, and the hosts strengthened their grip with a second goal, Matthew Price lashing the ball in after a goalmouth scramble.

 There was no way back after that, although David Airey was unlucky again when his header hit a post. The defeat could have been worse but for the efforts of goalkeeper Jonathan Truelove, and centre-backs Richard Morgan and Tim Owens.

Cwmaman Institute FC 1 Llansawel 1

27th October 2007 (Welsh League)

Cwmaman’s reign at the top was brief and they drop back to second as a result of this result, their first draw of the season. As it turned out, a draw was a fair reflection as Llansawel belied their lowly position and shook Cwmaman by taking the lead with the first attack of the game. A quick throw in caught out the Cwmaman defence and Craig Catterson scored with a low shot. The goal was timed at 23 seconds….and Cwmaman had kicked off!

Things became worse for Cwmaman when Anthony Waters was carried off with an ankle injury.

Llansawel then got a penalty two minutes before the interval, after Jonathan Truelove was adjudged to have committed a foul. However Cwm’s keeper made amends by producing a fine save to keep Cwmaman in the game.

They made the most of the let-off when Chris Vardon marked his debut with a superb equaliser from a twenty-five yard free kick, to send the teams in level, 1-1 at half time.

After the break, Cwmaman seemed to take control for a while, but the never hit top form and Llansawel rallied to earn a deserved point. Cwmaman nearly pinched it right at the end but were denied by a fine save and then a goal line clearance.

Monmouth Town 2 Cwmaman Institute FC 3

20th October 2007 (Welsh League)

Cwmaman went to the top of the Welsh league Division Three with this hard earned win against lowly Monmouth Town.

The home team dominated play for long periods, with Cwmaman having to rely on Keeper Jonathan Truelove to keep them in the game. He made 3 first class saves in the first half, but it was Cwmaman who went in at the interval 2-0 in the lead. The first came after 8 minutes scored by David Airey After good work by Ashley Trowe, The second was the goal of the game, the scorer Michael Oliver hit a shot from 20 yards into the top corner of the net.

 The home team must have felt they had been mugged, after dominating play and forcing several corners. The second half was much the same with Monmouth dictating play and forcing Cwmaman to defend. But once again Cwmaman scored their Third goal, a move down the left and a cross by Ross Williams gave David Airey the chance to score with a far post header. The home team came back to pull a goal back from a free kick after 60 minutes. Monmouth had their player/manager sent off for 2 bookable offences.

Cwmaman continued to defend but were hitting the home team on the break. Monmouth scored again after 85 minutes to make the last few minutes very nervous for Cwmaman.

Cwmaman Institute FC 7 Porthcawl Town 1

13th October 2007 (Welsh League)

The game started at a furious pace,  with Cwmaman creating several good chances in the first 10 mins. They took the lead after 15 mins when Matthew Smart put Ross Williams through and he made no mistake from 15 yards. Within 5mins Mike Oliver made it 2 nil with a shot from the edge of the penalty box. Cwmaman continued to dominate the game with Porthcawl having no answer to the pace of the Cwmaman attacks. Before the interval Anthony Waters made it 3 nil from close range.

 With only 6 mins of the second period gone Cwmaman had scored 3 times, Ross Williams scored twice to complete his hat trick and Mike Oliver scored his second of the match. In between Cwmaman hit the woodwork 3 times and were denied a stone wall penalty claim.

 With the game lost Porthcawl started to push players forward and pull a goal back after 70 mins, but it was the home team who had the final say with Captain David Airey scoring the seventh goal.

 This was a very good display by Cwmaman who will go to Monmouth next Saturday in good heart.

Cwmaman Institute FC 0 ENTO Aberaman Athletic 3

6th October 2007 (FAW Welsh Cup)

This Welsh Cup Round 2 match saw Cwm fail to score for the first time this season, and emphasised the gulf between Divisions 1 and 3 of the MacWhirter Welsh League.

 ENTO took an early lead, and went on to dominate the match, leaving Cwmaman with no excuses despite a brave performance.

 ENTO took a 13^th minute lead with a superb strike from local boy John Phillips, and rarely looked like relinquishing the advantage as Cwm struggled to gain a foothold in front of a large crowd.

 Cwmaman never gave up, but Aber comfortably kept the home side at bay to reach the interval a goal to the good.

 So it continued after the break, with Cwmaman striving manfully to get into the game until ENTO effectively put the game out of reach with a second goal midway through the half. A corner, which had caused Cwm problems throughout, was nodded home by John Phillips to put the visitors in complete control.

 Cwmaman’s best efforts were long range shots from David Airey and Craig Lewis, but they were comfortably repelled, before a superb move ended with Chris Summers firing home Aberaman’s third with about ten minutes left.

 To their credit, Cwmaman continued to battle, but on the day they had no answer to Aber’s superiority, and bowed out of cup football for the season. Cwm will now need to regroup, and look to establish themselves in their first season at this level.

Cwmaman Institute FC 5 Ystradgynlais AFC 2

29th September 2007 (Welsh League)

A tepid first half, gave no clues to the entertainment which was to follow. Poor play from both sides saw the game goal-less at the break.

 The game exploded into life after the half time pep talk, with Cwmaman seizing the initiative from the start. Within two minutes, they had opened the scoring, with Ross Williams showing good control to produce a fine finish after being released by Matthew Smart.

 Two minutes later Cwm were 2 ahead with Ross Williams heading in a pinpoint Lewis Jones free kick. Incredibly, just eight minutes later, Cwmaman scored again. This time Lewis Jones claimed the goal with the aid of a slight deflection.

 Cwm then switched off, allowing Ystradgynlais back into it, after a hotly contested free kick had been awarded to the visitors by the Ref.

 Cwmaman regained control and made it 4-1, when Craig Lewis sent a low twenty-five yarder into the bottom corner of the net. A comfortable win now seemed on the cards, but the Ystrad centre forward was allowed to charge feet first through Jonathan Truelove, allowing a colleague to tap in to make it 4-2.

 With the game well into its final quarter, Michael Oliver drove in Cwm’s fifth, after being sent through by another sublime Matthew Smart pass. That effectively ended the visitors’ challenge, but there was still time for Craig Lewis to come agonisingly close to making it six with a last minute shot which hit a post.

Goytre United 4 Cwmaman Institute FC 3

22ndSeptember 2007 (Welsh League Cup)

Cwmaman, in their first season as a Welsh League club, could hardly have drawn a more difficult tie for their first entry into the Welsh League Cup, currently sponsored by Nathaniel Cars.

 In the event, although beaten, the players did the club proud.

 Goytre took an 6^th minute lead, when full back John Meacock was allowed to run unchallenged before unleashing a tremendous left foot shot which gave Cwm keeper Jonathan Truelove no chance.

 After such an early setback against quality opposition, Cwm more than held their own – thanks to two superb Truelove saves – until Richard Ryan doubled home advantage just after the half hour mark.

 Incredibly, Cwm found themselves level soon after, scoring twice inside three minutes to tie things up. They were given a lifeline when Lewis Jones sent a looping header beyond the home keeper. Ninety seconds later, they were level via a Matthew Smart free kick which took a slight deflection on its way into the net, making the score 2-2 at the interval.

 The second half opened with Division One leaders Goytre looking to reassert an element of control. Cwmaman though had not read the script, and continued to give as good as they were getting.

 With Goytre becoming increasingly frustrated, it would have become really interesting had Cwm been able to get their noses in front, but it was not to be.

 With the match wee into its final quarter, Richard Ryan, with his second goal, regained the lead for Goytre, and with barely five minutes left, Paul Wiseman got Goytre’s fourth to apparently put the Cwmaman upstarts in their place.

 Not a bit of it! A sensational David Airey volley from 35 yards, just as the game was entering injury time, brought Cwm back to 4-3 ensuring that Goytre finger tips, already well chewed, got even shorter.

Cwmaman Institute FC 4 Llangeinor AFC 2 (aet)

15th September 2007 (FAW Welsh Cup)

It was an afternoon of high drama, and superb entertainment at Canolfan, as the two most recent Champion clubs of the South Wales Amateur League, clashed in the First Round of the Welsh Cup. With UEFA Cup qualification the reward for the winners of this competition, nobody was exactly dreaming of a trip to the Bernabeu as the game kicked off in Spanish-like weather.

 When Llangeinor took a twentieth minute lead, it woke the crowd out of its slumber. A mishit cross from Ryan Jones found Lloyd Pederson, who sent a sensational twenty five yards volley past a bewildered Jonathan Truelove.

 After that, Cwmaman strove manfully to get back into it, but the usual free-flowing football was missing, but their efforts were finally rewarded when the gained parity five minutes before the interval. Anthony Waters escaped the offside trap, drew the keeper, and slotted home to make it 1-1 at half time.

 The second half started in disappointing fashion for Cwmaman, when a free kick from near the corner flag found its way into the net, to restore Llangeinor’s lead.

 Cwmaman made all of the running after that, and the visitors, mainly via the efforts of keeper Stephen John, managed to preserve their lead, until, with barely five minutes remaining, David Airey latched onto a superb pass from Craig Lewis, to volley the equaliser. Llangeinor were visibly deflated and Cwm entered extra time in the ascendancy.

 There were no goals during the first period of extra time, but Cwmaman continued to make most of the running and finally forged ahead when Anthony Waters produced an assured finish to put his side ahead for the first time.

 With only five minutes remaining, Cwmaman now looked the more likely winners, and with virtually the last kick of the game, Ashley Trow lashed in number four after superb play from David Airey created the chance.

Pentwyn Dynamos 1 Cwmaman Institute FC 7

1st September 2007 (Welsh League)

It was an away day heaven for a rampant Cwmaman team, which tore their hosts to shreds, despite conceding an early goal. There was no sign of what was to come as Pentwyn controlled the opening quarter, taking an early lead with a well struck shot by David Goldar.

 Gradually, Cwmaman’s midfield, with Craig Lewis and Mike Oliver prominent, began to assert themselves, and just before the 30-minute mark, Anthony Waters netted a spectacular equaliser. On the right hand corner of Pentwyn’s penalty area, he unleashed a screamer with the outside of his right foot and saw the ball find the keeper’s top left corner.

Rarely can a single strike have had such a devastating effect on a team, as Pentwyn completely went to pieces after that.

As for the poor keeper, he was the only one present who never saw the shot. Cwmaman was now well in the game and it came as no surprise when Waters, again, gave the a half time lead when he pounced on a rebound off the shell-shocked keeper, to net from close range.

 The second half started with Cwmaman confidently knocking the ball around, looking to extend a lead, which rarely seemed threatened. The third goal duly arrived on the hour. The home keeper inexplicably called for a defender to leave the ball, allowing Chris Pedrick to nip in and confidently tuck away the clinching third goal.

 Unfortunately, Cwm’s teenage striker was forced out of the action with a leg injury shortly after, but that only allowed Leighton Price to take over, and he soon clipped in a fourth, with the help of a deflection, before the Williams boys combined to make it 5-1. Right back, Lee sent in a superb right wing cross, which was met with a bullet header by namesake Ross, who duly opened his Cwmaman account.

 Aided and abetted by Anthony Waters, player-manager Leighton Price netted number six, leaving both those players on a hat trick. In the event, neither managed to net again, and it was left to Lee Williams to get the seventh and banish memories of a recent penalty miss. He cut in from the right and drilled a shot into the net to complete the scoring.

 It would be wrong to overlook the performance of Pontypridd referee Lloyd Edwards, who put in a good show, quietly and effectively controlling the game without ever looking to take the limelight.

Cwmaman Institute FC 3 Abertillery Excelsiors 2

25th August 2007 (Welsh League)

On one of the hottest days of the year, Cwmaman entertained Abertillery in this Welsh league Div 3 game.

 It was the visitors that started the brighter of the two teams, keeping possession and frustrating the home team. David Airey had the first chance of the match but put his shot wide of the post with only the keeper to beat. Other chances fell to Airey but again the shot failed to hit the target, Abertillery were enjoying loads of possession but could not break down the home defence with Tim Owen outstanding.

 A break from defence enabled Mike Oliver to win the ball in midfield, he run 60 yards with the ball beating several defenders to score with a curling shot into the corner. Cwmaman settled down and put Abertillery under pressure, but a speculative shot from all of 25yds enabled the visitors to equalise.

 They scored a second 10 mins into the second half with a similar shot which stunned the home team. Player Manager Leighton Price brought himself into play and Cwm started to dominate the game. They were awarded a penalty but Lee Williams shot was saved by the keeper, it was only a matter of time before Cwm levelled matters. It duly came when Price scored from the penalty spot, the winning goal arrived when Anthony Waters scored from close range following a corner.

 Cwmaman’s next home game is the first round of the Welsh Cup against Llangeinor on Saturday 15^th September, kick off 2:00.

Cwmaman Institute FC 2 Morriston Town 0

22nd August 2007 (Welsh League)

A swift return match between these two sides, and happily it was a much calmer affair than the previous meeting, just seven days earlier. The game itself though followed a remarkably similar pattern to the first clash, with Cwmaman again leading by the only goal at the break, before clinching victory with a very late second.

 A major difference was that the referee for this one did seem familiar with some of the laws of the game.

 Cwmaman started the game without two casualties of the first clash, Scott Carson and Anthony Waters, who were both present to support their colleagues. The holidaying Matthew Smart was also an absentee, but the return of Matthew Cable and Craig Lewis boosted Cwm’s squad.

 Cwmaman made most of the early running, and went close to opening the scoring on a number of occasions. Ashley Trow came closest with what would have been an early candidate for Goal of the Season, but after beating several would-be challengers with a mazy dribble, he saw his shot rebound off an upright with the goalkeeper beaten. Ross Williams also hit the frame when the ball took a bobble as he was about to shoot, and the ball looped up against the cross bar. Cwmaman did make the breakthrough when Chris Pedrick his released fellow striker, David Airey, and he fired a low left foot drive into the net to put Cwm 1-0 in front at half time – just as he had done a week earlier.

 Cwmaman dropped a couple of gears after the break, surrendering too much possession. Morriston, however, were incapable of taking advantage, due mainly to the sterling efforts of Cwm centre backs, Tim Owens and Richard Morgan, who were outstanding under pressure. On the odd occasion he was required, goalkeeper Jonathan Truelove handled superbly to record his second shutout in three league games.

 With Morriston toiling in the late summer sunshine (honestly!), it seemed that a second Cwmaman goal would confirm victory. Indeed it did, but Cwm left it very late before clinching it with a classic.

 Lee Williams sent in a free kick from the right. Matthew Cable met it with a towering header at the far post sending the ball back across goal, where Michael Oliver, who rarely seems to score an “ordinary” goal, dived in to send a header, at full stretch, into the corner of the net.

Cwmaman Institute FC 6 Cwmffrwdoer Sports 1

18th August 2007 (WFA Welsh Cup)

After opening their league account in midweek, Cwmaman turned their attention to the Welsh Cup, and made it to Round 1 Proper after a fine preliminary round performance. How nice it was to see two sides wanting to play the beautiful game, instead of wanting to kick everything and everyone who moved.

 To their credit, Cwmffrwdoer did the Gwent County League proud, despite being on the wrong end of a heavy defeat. In fact in the opening fifteen minutes or so, they could claim to have been the better side, but once Cwmaman went ahead, their higher quality shone through the rain.

 The first goal was the result of a flowing move, started by Mike Oliver, and ended by Ashley Trow. The second followed about fifteen minutes later, confidently hammered low into the corner by the impressive Chris Pedrick.

 Any thoughts of a comeback ended when Cwmaman scored two more in quick succession just before half time. Mike Oliver hit the third with a 25-yard screamer, before Matthew Smart almost immediately made it 4-0 at half time.

 With the game seemingly over, the visitors were thrown an unlikely lifeline early in the second period, when they were awarded a stonewall penalty which was comfortably converted by Matthew Shearman.

 A comeback remained unlikely though, and a superb through ball by Ashley Trow released Chris Pedrick, who never looked like missing as he superbly tucked the ball past the stranded keeper to make it 5-1.

 Already without Anthony Waters and Scott Carson, both wounded in action at Morriston, Cwmaman suffered a further loss, losing Matthew Smart to a groin strain near the end, but not until he had completed the scoring with his own second and Cwmaman’s sixth.

 Cwmaman now face old friends when Llangeinor travel to Canolfan in Round 1 on 15^th September.

Morriston Town 0 Cwmaman Institute FC 2

15th August 2007 (Welsh League)

A bruising encounter, controlled (?) by a very poor referee, saw Cwmaman open their account for the season, following the false start against Merthyr Saints.

 Once again, the opposition had a player dismissed, although the two yellow cards collected by the player concerned were hardly x-rated compared to some, which were allowed to pass unpunished.

 The opening stages were disjointed, but eventually, some sort of pattern began to develop, with Morriston enjoying much of the possession, without being able to penetrate Cwmaman’s well organised defence. On the other hand, Cwmaman always looked dangerous when they attacked.

 The stalemate was broken just on half time when Michael Oliver’s good work on the right was converted at the far post by David Airey, making a welcome return after missing the first game due to a wedding.

 The second half was, more or less, similar with Morriston becoming increasingly frustrated by their collective inability to break down a dominant Cwmaman rearguard. The frustration boiled over when Scott Carson was the victim of a brutal two-footed assault, which ended up with him being taken to hospital. The perpetrator, somehow, escaped with just a yellow card.

 Spurred on by this injustice, the Cwmaman defence became even more determined, resisting all Morriston’s best efforts. With just a couple of minutes to go, Matthew Smart ran at the defence, and after being kicked about five times, the referee finally awarded a free kick (probably on the law of averages).

 Smarty got up, dusted himself down and extracted the best possible revenge by curling a beauty into the top corner. The keeper got a hand to it, but could only help it into the net. That was it. Job done, a clean sheet and three points to get Cwm off the mark.

Cwmaman Institute FC 1 Merthyr Saints 2

11th August 2007 (Welsh League)

After a reasonably successful pre-season, the Cwmaman side was brought to earth with a bump against a Merthyr outfit who had been unluckily relegated last term.

 The first half was quite comfortable for Cwmaman, who impressed in spells, although Saints always looked lively, particularly down the flanks.

 After a goalless half-hour, it was Cwmaman who drew first blood, with Leighton Price netting their first ever goal at this level. After a good move, the ball broke kindly for the player-manager to fire home from ten yards.

 Saints rallied but were unlucky to see a header hit a post and rebound to safety, before the players trooped into the welcoming shade of the dressing rooms with Cwm one up at the break.

 The expected home onslaught never materialised after the break, and Saints took control, equalising on the hour mark. They were unlucky not to take the lead, seeing another effort crash back off a post.

 With Cwmaman now only rarely threatening, it came as no surprise when the Merthyr side forged ahead ten minutes from the end.

 Cwmaman’s efforts to get back into the game were becoming increasingly desperate, and despite having a player sent off near the end, the Saints held on for a deserved victory.

Cwmaman Institute FC 0 Neath 2

4th August 2007 (Friendly)

A bumper crowd turned out to see Cwmaman’s final pre-season friendly against the Welsh League Champions and newly elected Welsh Premiership outfit. As friendlies go it was fairly competitive and Neath paid Cwm the respect of fielding a near full strength side.

 The Premiership side opened strongly and too a tenth minute lead although the goal had an element of luck. Lee Williams attempted clearance struck colleague Richard Morgan and the ball rebounded invitingly to an attacker who slotted past the stranded Jonathan Truelove from point-blank range.

 Neath continued to make most of the running, but Cwm were by no means out of it and came close to equalising on several occasion, noticeably through Matthew Smart, Leighton Price, and Ross Williams, who all suffered near misses.

 The closest Cwm came to a first half score was when the keeper pulled off a last ditch effort to keep out a speculative Lee Williams cross cum shot, which seemed destined for the top corner.

 Half time arrived with Neath still leading by the only goal.

 The second half started as the first had, with Neath again scoring an early goal. The impressive Richard French beat Jonathan Truelove in a race for the ball and clipped a superb right-foot shot into the net to double the advantage.

 Minutes later, the same two players were in action again, but this time Truelove was the winner making a brilliant one handed save to deny the striker.

 The action continued from end to end with Neath always looking in control although Cwm threatened on occasions.

 There was a scare when former colleague Lee Williams and Jarrod Price were injured in an innocent clash of heads, but luckily both were able to continue after treatment. The game lost a little flow, as the inevitable substitutions saw several changes, and despite Cwm’s best efforts, Neath were able to keep their goal intact and run out deserved winners.

 For their part, the Cwmaman players can be satisfied with their efforts, and take some comfort from knowing that they won’t be meeting opposition of this calibre every week.

Cwmaman Institute FC 3 Llangeinor 0

4th August 2007 (Friendly)

After suffering a narrow 2-1 defeat against Welsh League Division 1 outfit, Bridgend Town, Cwmaman made this step down to take on long standing foes Llangeinor, who achieved promotion from Division 3 at their first attempt last term.

 Their last visit to Canolfan had seen Llangeinor win the Amateur League title in 2005. Cwmaman, of course, equalled that achievement at the end of last season.

 This clash, between two clubs who have enjoyed a long friendship, carried the extra incentive to win, being between the last two champion clubs of the Amateur League. It promised to be a close affair and so it proved during a goalless first half, which had seen Leighton Price being denied by Llangeinor’s keeper.

 The second period, at least from Cwmaman’s viewpoint, was much better, with Anthony Waters being denied by an upright, before the same player opened the scoring just after the hour mark. Cwm produced a smart move to release Waters who stroked the ball beyond the helpless keeper.

 Cwmaman were now clearly the dominant side and it was no surprise when Anthony Waters took advantage of a defensive misjudgement, to lob his, and Cwmaman’s second.

 The game now looked over with Llangeinor only dangerous on the occasional sortie forward, but with evergreen Matthew Cable and keeper Jonathan Truelove in commanding form; Cwmaman never looked in serious trouble.

 Another excellent Cwmaman move led to teenager Christopher Pedrick netting the clincher with a calmly taken third goal near the end. With Welsh Premiership newcomers Neath to come, Cwmaman’s pre-season is looking good, but no-one at the club is getting carried away.

Bridgend 2 Cwmaman Institute FC 1

31st July 2007 (Friendly)

Following their impressive opening friendly win against Troedyrhiw, Cwmaman stepped up their preparations for the new season with this tough fixture against the Welsh League First Division outfit, and although beaten, they were by no means disgraced.

 As expected, Bridgend opened strongly and their movement caused problems for Cwmaman’s rearguard, but the defence remained calm under the pressure and gradually the game evened out with both sides creating half chances on the artificial surface at the University of Glamorgan, Treforest.

 Former Cardiff City star, Cohen Griffith is at the helm for Bridgend these days, and he was delighted to see his side forge ahead midway through the first half. It was a good move leading to a corner, but the marking, which allowed Bridgend to break through, will disappoint Cwmaman.

 Despite the setback, Cwmaman came storming back, and David Airey, following his hat-trick at Troedyrhiw, was unlucky to see his downward header bounce over the crossbar with the keeper beaten.

 The same player was again close when the keeper managed to smother his close range effort, after a quick break. He finally got his reward with a neat deflected header from Ian Water’s corner, but by that time, Bridgend had doubled their lead with another header from a corner.

 Those two goals, scored within a minute of each other, ended a very entertaining first half with Bridgend leading 2-1 at the break.

 Half time saw a raft of changes for both sides, and the game lost some of its flow after the restart, with Bridgend looking to regain their two-goal advantage, and Cwmaman striving for an equaliser.

 In the event, neither were successful, and the second half remained goalless, leaving both sides to reflect on an enjoyable workout, played in terrific spirit.

Troedyrhiw 1 Cwmaman Institute FC 4

28th July 2007 (Friendly)

Cwmaman began preparations for their first season in the Welsh League with this impressive win in Merthyr. Cwmaman, having won the South Wales Amateur League last season, followed that by victory over Senior League Champions, Sully Sports, to clinch promotion into Division 3 of the Welsh League.

 Having finished 7^th in Division 2 last term, Troedyrhiw were always likely to provide the newcomers with a stiff workout, and so it proved in the opening exchanges, with Troedyrhiw controlling the first quarter of the game.

 The home side capitalised on their good start and opened the scoring in the tenth minute, but gradually, Cwmaman began to assert themselves, forcing the home keeper into several saves before David Airey equalised from close range on the half hour, and 1-1 was the score at half time.

 FAW Councillor, Mike Casey, was amongst the assembled crowd, and he seemed impressed by what he had sees in the first 45 minutes.

 Things got even better for Cwmaman after the break, and just before the hour mark, Dai Airey, after good work by strike partner, Anthony Waters, thundered a shot into the top corner for his and Cwm’s second.

 Shortly after that, the referee, who could best be described as eccentric, awarded a penalty against Cwmaman after adjudging Mike Oliver’s challenge illegal. Even Troedyrhiw players seemed amused and embarrassed by the decision, but Cwmaman needn’t have worried. Young keeper, Dai Parfitt, making his debut as a second half substitute plunged to his left to keep out the spot-kick and preserve Cwmaman’s lead.

 That proved to be Troedyrhiw’s final worthwhile opportunity as Cwmaman completely dominated the last half-hour clinching an impressive win courtesy of Dai Airey’s hat-trick goal and a superb curler from Craig Lewis

-oOo-.

     Youth Match Reports  

Cwmaman Institute FC 2 Pontardawe Town 3

16th September 2007 (League)

This was a very good clash against a very experienced Pontadawe side. After a good end to end half Cwmaman were shocked to seeing them going into the second half trailing by  3 goals, this was not deserved by far. The second half Cwmaman came flying out of the traps and straight away started to create good chances that went begging. As Cwm pressed and pressed they got what they deserved with two goals from "the ferret" Christian Boyce and tiny winger Anthony Hatch coming in quick concession. More chances went both ways but Cwm had left it to much to do in the second half and failed to get the equalizer which they thoroughly deserved.

Cwmaman Institute FC 1 Pontardawe Town 2

23rd September 2007 (MacWhirter Youth Cup) 

Cwmaman welcomed Carmarthen town to the Canolfan in the cup, which was a much anticipated cup draw which both sides were determined to win. Both sides started well and looked dangerous. After a very good break by Cwm which saw a chance go a waste, Carmarthen pushed Cwm back to find the net and saw Cwmaman trailing 1-0. The first half Cwm saw themselves entering the second half trailing. This was soon turned around as Cwmaman found the net through a dynamic turn and strike by Scott Woodford, whose brother was sitting in the centre of midfield (baby wood) playing very well. After Cwm looked to go on and steal the game Carmarthen scored late in the second half to see their team go on and progress into the next round.

Cwmaman Institute FC 2 Cambrian and Clydach 1

16th August 2007 (Friendly)

Thursday, 16^th August 2007 saw Cwmaman entertained Cambrian and Clydach at home. This side won their division last season. The game started off with Cambrian starting the livelier side with a little bit of nerves still in our system. But it didn't take long for Cwmaman to settle and start playing football. On ten minutes a dangerous cross by Josh was met by Christopher Pedrick with his header just going wide?

 Soon Cwmaman were finding there way and a great corner by Anthony Hatch was headed just wide by Cieber boy Plum. On 35 minutes a gamble in behind the defence by Christopher Pedrick saw him being brought down, giving the home side a penalty with himself calmly netting the resulting kick.

 Both sides were playing some good football. Cambrian were moving well but Cwmaman's defence was holding strong with Woody and Alex in the middle, Trampy another Cieber boy and Griffy either side. Just before the half Cwmaman hit again with another of our strikers finding the target, Boicey getting on the end of a defensive mistake, showing his pace and Henry like finish going across the keeper.

The second half was a little of the same with chances at either end, before a great strike by Cambrian from 35yards giving Dai Parfit who was playing very well  at the time, no chance. The final score Cwmaman 2-1 Cambrian and Clydach.

-oOo-

Club Goal Scorers

The MacWhirter Welsh League Division 3

D Airey
				17
R Williams				17
M Oliver				14
L Price				8
L Jones				6
C Vardon				6
M Smart				4
C Lewis				3
M Cable				2
M Saunders				2
L Williams				2
M Cable				1
OG				1
Aberdare Valley Football League - Seniors
C Banfield				19
M Steedman				11
M Davies				10
M Cable				7
D Airey				6
A Cable				6
N Edwards				4
K Boggis