2.30 pm Monday 3rd May 2010
Welsh League Division Three
Garw SBGC v Aberbargoed Buds
Attendance: 63 (h/c)
Attendance: 63 (h/c)
An excellent game at the quite awesome Blandy Park. The general set up of the ground, the stand being a lofty 40ft above the pitch and built into the side of the hill, and the stunning views that surround immediately place this ground "up there" as one of the best i've visited in Wales. Garw Seniors, Boys and Girls Club (in case you were wondering) are based in Pontycymer (near Bridgend) and play in the 3rd Division of the Welsh League and are, at present, firmly rooted to the bottom of the table. The club has plunged through the divisions in the last few years, being in the top league as recently as 2008, and are now facing certain relegation into either the South Wales Senior or Amateur League (such is the politics of South Wales football). Aberbargoed Buds on the other hand appear to be going the other, handily placed in the promotion pack, with plenty of games in hand (due to the bad winter weather this league runs until May 22 - watch this space!).
Garw (playing in their away strip of blue) caught the Buds cold after 4 minutes when David Broome fired home. The Buds dominated the game but squandered several chances to add to the one they did score, Ross Fowler levelling after27 minutes. Garw then found themselves going into the interval 2-1 up, when Rhys Surringer scored. These two attempts were their only shots on target!
Garw made a double substitution at half time and this seemed to inject a little more urgency in their attack but once Benny Breeze scored Buds' second equaliser(49), there was only going to be one winner. Playing on the counter attack, the game became the Ross Fowler show as he scored on 65, 67 and 72 minutes, the latter being a penalty. Garw scored a late goal through Steve Woods to add a bit more gloss to the score. All in all a great game at a great little ground!
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| The house on the left is actually the changing rooms |
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| Ross Fowler scores The Buds fifth, and his fourth, from the penalty spot. |
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| Stocks at the side of the stand... are these for players who have had a particularly bad game? |
It was then back into the car for a dart up to the Midlands and...
7.45pm Monday 3rd May 2010West Midlands Regional League Premier
Bewdley Town v Gornal Athletic
Bewdley Town v Gornal Athletic
Attendance: 25 (h/c)
From one spectacular ground to another and Ribbesford Meadow, the home of Bewdley town, situated on the banks of the River Severn and the edge of the Wyre Forest. In keeping with its surroundings the main stand and the changing rooms are made of wood and blended in nicely amongst the trees.
This game had a real end of season feel to it, both sides having nothing to play for but pride, and it was not the greatest of first halves but Bewdley did have the best of the few chances that were created. The took the lead thanks to a bizarre oggie by 'keeper Lee Jukes. Adam Hazeldine's cross shot was initially saved but the ball squirmed under his body before the 'keeper appeared to roll over the line with the ball!
The second half was a different story as Gornal came out all guns blazing and turned the game around, thanks to goals by Tom Piggott (56) and Sam Robbins (64), to lead 2-1. Jukes made up for his earlier error by producing some fine saves as Bewdley searched in vain for the equaliser.
From one spectacular ground to another and Ribbesford Meadow, the home of Bewdley town, situated on the banks of the River Severn and the edge of the Wyre Forest. In keeping with its surroundings the main stand and the changing rooms are made of wood and blended in nicely amongst the trees.
This game had a real end of season feel to it, both sides having nothing to play for but pride, and it was not the greatest of first halves but Bewdley did have the best of the few chances that were created. The took the lead thanks to a bizarre oggie by 'keeper Lee Jukes. Adam Hazeldine's cross shot was initially saved but the ball squirmed under his body before the 'keeper appeared to roll over the line with the ball!
The second half was a different story as Gornal came out all guns blazing and turned the game around, thanks to goals by Tom Piggott (56) and Sam Robbins (64), to lead 2-1. Jukes made up for his earlier error by producing some fine saves as Bewdley searched in vain for the equaliser.
