FC CEFN (The Muga)

I was fortunate today, as we enter the dying embers of the season, that there was a 'local' game for me to head to that had something riding on it. Cefn Mawr based FC Cefn were taking on Corwen, in the Welsh National (Wrexham Area),  and a point was all they needed to secure the championship.

This is the fourth ground i've visited to watch teams with Cefn in their name, which is amazing for such a small geographical area. Both Cefn Druids grounds (Plaskynyston Lane & The Rock) are two and Cefn United, who existed from 1999-2008, and played at The Dell, being the other. FC Cefn's ground, The Muga, is in the shadow of a supermarket that was built on the site of Druids old ground, Plaskynyston Lane.

FC Cefn were founded in 2006 and the following extract is taken from their website

"F.C.Cefn were founded in 2006 by Mr Billy Evans, Mr Bill Kempster,Steven Davies and Mark 'Jusso' Jones. The team joined the Welsh National League division 3 for the 2007/2008 season playing home fixtures at Ty-Mawr Park.That season F.C.Cefn won the div 3 title by one point from Gwersyllt. They were promoted straight to div 1, once again winning the title from Gwersyllt, this time by nine points, also winning the Div 1 league cup making it a splendid league and cup double. F.C. Cefn were promoted to the premier division.During this season they also changed their home ground and moved to The Muga Plaskynaston Lane. In their first season in the premier they finished a respectable 11th place and lost to venture 3-2 in the league cup final. F.C.Cefn's next ambition is to compete in the Cymru Alliance League"

That ambition may be a while off yet as, despite being certainties to clinch the title, promotion has already been declined. This could have something to do with ground as it is very basic to say the least. The ground is just a railed of pitch with no stands, cover or facillties...not good if you need to go to the toilet, or as today, take cover from the burning sunshine! Also, for all you paperchasers out there, no programme was issued either. However, I would say the elevated standing offered a great view of the match and no admission was charged.

As mentioned, at the start of play FC Cefn only needed a point to secure the Welsh National (Wrexham Area) championship, but managed to claim all three despite a very sluggish performance. Visitors Corwen clearly came with the intention of spoling the party and were the better side for large periods of the game.

It was no surprise when they took the lead after 30 minutes, a loose ball allowed Andy Roberts to race through on goal before slotting past in the Cefn goal. The homesters were very fortunate to go in at the break level when, after 39 minutes, Oli Davies sidefooted home Darren Williams' knock down.

Cefn seemed to drift back into their slumber at the beginning of the second period as Corwen had 5 great chances in an opening 4 minute blitz. The first four went begging but on 49 minutes a glorious lob from Dave Roberts restored Corwen's lead.

Prompted by ex-Welsh Premier League player Paul Mazzarella (left), FC Cefn worked themselves back into the game. Oli Davies thought he'd levelled for a second time but his effort was ruled offside. However minutes later they did level, Nick Williams latching onto a long clearance to fire home (63).



Nick Williams scores from the penalty spot



The momentum at this point swung towards Cefn and with 10 minutes remaining they took the lead for the first time, Nick Williams scoring his second goal from the penalty spot. The game was finally put to bed after 83 minutes when Lee Jones scored a fourth for Cefn. The mark of true Champions - when you don't play well, but can still grind out the result.

The party could well and truly start. Corwens misery was completed when Will Roberts was sent off for what I could only assume to be foul and abusive language.

The trophy was presented at the end of the game as another chapter in Cefn's short history came to a very happy conclusion.

 

 

 

 

Saturday 12th May 2012
Welsh National League (Wrexham Area)
FC Cefn 4-2 Corwen
Attendance: 140 (h/c)

BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION (AMEX Stadium)

For the second weekend in succession I watched Wrexham in action, though today it was a break from the league as they travelled south to Brighton for an FA Cup 3rd Round tie.

When the draw was made back in December, this game was a real no-brainer as far as I was concerned. I needed a visit to Brighton to re-complete my visits to all 92 Premier and Football League grounds and, combined with cheap transport and easily obtainable tickets, it meant I was on my way to Sussex.

After 12 years, The Seagulls finally have a ground they can call home. The clubs' troubles have been well documented and, after the controversial sale of the Goldstone Ground, they ground-shared at Gillingham before moving back to Brighton to play at the Withdean Stadium. The Falmer Stadium (or American Express Community Stadium, to give it's sponsored title) was officially opened last July with a game against Spurs. It currently has a capacity of around 22,000 but there is plenty of scope to increase this as and when necessary.

The club were able to celebrate their new home with promotion to the Championship, where, after a good start, their results have now started to level out. Wrexham, who after experiencing similar difficulties with owners, are enjoying a good season where they are currently top of the Conference Premier. Its these shared problems that led to a common bond between the fans, as both helped each other in their respective hours of need. Indeed Wrexham fans made a presentation prior to game as a thank you to their Brighton counterparts.



...and Smith must score!

The game itself had all the makings of a potential upset, especially after The Dragons beat League One Brentford in round two and with Brighton making six changes from their last league outings there was always the chance.

Brighton nearly scored inside the first minute but, after that, the first half soon settled down and was a pretty even encounter. Both sides had half chances to take the lead, but nothing that seriously tested either goalkeeper. The best of said chances probably fell to Wrexham when a last gasp intervention prevented Joe Clarke from prodding home, with the goal at his mercy.

Brighton took the lead within 90 seconds of the re-start when Kazenka LuaLua crossed for Jake Forster-Caskey to shoot home. Brighton started to dominate the play but Wrexham kept their shape, and kept playing their game, and were rewarded on 62 minutes when Adrian Cieslewicz picked the ball up just inside the Brighton half went on a mazy run, beat a couple of defenders before firing home, via a deflection, to level the tie and send the 2029 travelling fans into rapture.



The Beast on the attack for Wrexham

The homesters had more possession in the final quarter of the game but the Wrexham defence, marshalled superbly by Mark Creighton and skipper Nat Knight-Percival, held firm. They did ride their luck at times, especially with Joslain Mayebi in goal, who seemed to spill and flap a lot of efforts and didn't fill me with any confidence. 

Indeed in the last minute Wrexham could have snatched a dramatic winner but Peter Brezovan parried Jamie Tolley's shot and then Jake Speight couldn't get the rebound in. Though it was an excellent performance from Wrexham, a draw was a fair result and both teams will try again at The Racecourse on 18th January.

As new stadiums go, I was mightily impressed with the Amex Stadium and it just goes to show what can be done with a new build if just a little thought went into it.

Everything got the thumbs up from me. The design of the stadium was imaginative compared to the normal bland new build you see. The seats were cushioned (though most of the game was spent stood up!) and there was ample leg room (ideal if you are 6ft plus!). The stewarding was also very relaxed and, finally, most importantly food and drink. The chicken balti pie was the best I'd ever had at a league ground (if a bit pricey) and they had Harvey Sussex Bitter on sale, plus a Welsh guest (Brains SA) just for the Wrexham fans! 

Overall, a great day out but I'm looking forward to getting back to the non-league scene next weekend!



West Stand





North Stand





East Stand





South Stand, where the Wrexham fans were housed



The Wrexham players acknowledge their supporters at the end of the game

Saturday 7th January 2012

FA Cup 3rd Round Proper

Brighton and Hove Albion 1-1 Wrexham

Attendance: 18,573



WREXHAM (The Racecourse)

I was not intending to go anywhere today but, with the need to get some air in the lungs after some New Year drinks, and with very little to choose from (the Conference leagues being the only games on) there was only one real option open and that was a re-visit to The Racecourse, the home of Wrexham.

It has been a while since I payed a visit to The Racecourse to see Wrexham, but I have been in the recently for some Crusaders rugby league games. The biggest crowd of the season saw The Robins The Dragons run out easy 4-0 winners and complete a festive double over the Bucks.

After an even opening half hour, in which Telford matched their hosts, Wrexham took the lead after 34 minutes when a Neil ashton cross was turned into his own net by Shane Killock, under pressure from Mathias Pogba, who may try and claim the goal. Within two minutes Wrexham doubled their advantage when Mark Creighton headed home.

The result was never in doubt after this and Wrexham could've extended their lead further before the break but it wasn't until the 74th minute that the 3rd goal finally arrived, Jake Speight tapping home at the far post. Adrian Cieslewicz completed the scoring in the 86th minute when a shot was parried into his path for a simple tap in.

The result means Wrexham start 2012 where they ended 2011, sat at the top of the league.



Shane Killock, under pressure from Mathias Pogba, turns the ball
into his own net.



The Mold Road stand. I first sat in here in 2002, when Wrexham played Everton
in a League Cup game. The blues won 3-0 and Wayne Rooney scored his first
ever goals. I don't know what became of him after he left Everton!

The Eric Roberts stand, which is the away end. I first sat in here at a League
Cup in 1990 when Everton won 5-0. Tony Cottee bagged a hat-trick.

The Yale stand. Today was the first time i'd ever been in here.
A good old fashioned, proper stand, in my opinion...ie plenty of obstructed views!

The dis-used kop. I stood on here for the last time in 2007 when Wales
drew 2-2 with New Zealand, Craig Bellamy scoring twice.

Sunday 1st January 2012

Conference Premier

Wrexham 4-0 AFC Telford United

Attendance: 5, 821