Monday 12th May 08 :- Reserves fail at final hurdle

Friday 9th May 08 :- Reserves aim to finish with a cup!

Monday 5th May 08:- Blues second best!!

Blaenavon Blues produced a lacklustre display on Saturday in front of a large crowd at Abergavenny Thursdays Pen-y-Pound stadium. The Blues just didn’t turn up and Govilon were deserved winners of the Amateur cup.

The Blues started the game the brighter of the sides and had a couple of chances early on, but an injury to left back Lee Wathen inside the opening five minutes and then to front man Darren Harris after twenty minutes added to the already injured Neil Cox and Craig Williams as well as the unavailable Ryan Huish meant the Blues were always going to struggling, when missing five quality and experienced players.  

Govilon to the lead mid way through the first half when the Blues failed to deal with the long ball over the top and Blues keeper Jones got stranded. Govilon soon doubled their lead when again the long ball over the top was not dealt with and again Jones was caught off his line. The Blues were unlucky not to pull one back before half time when Lee Challengers free kick was tipped over the bar by the Govilon keeper.

The Blues started the second half with a bit more purpose and showed a bit more pride but were unable to break down the solid Govilon defence. The Blues started to push more numbers forward which left them open at the back, when the Blues failed to clear a Govilon attack the ball broke to Govilon front Richard McCarthy who fired home to complete his hat trick, and sealed the cup final win.

The Blues were far from their best Saturday and the best side won, congratulations to Govilon. The Blues will need to act fast to install a new manager, with only a few weeks down time between pre-season training, the club needs to get things in motion, and ensure that players stay with the club for next season.

The Blues reserves are in the final of the Open Cup, which is being played this Saturday at Goytre’s Plough Road ground, kick off 2:30pm.

Saturday 3rd May 08:- Reserves win shoot out.

Blaenavon Blues reserves last night sneaked into the final of the Gwent Central Open Cup thanks to some coolly taken penalties.

After a tense first half the Blues finally broke the dead lock 15 minutes into the second half, a great through ball from Nathan Mapstone found his strike partner Grant ‘Vinny’ Evans who expertly took the ball around the advancing Fairfield ‘keeper to fire home.  The Blues then allowed Fairfield back into the game, the Blues failed to deal with a series of Fairfield corners and the big centre half finally made the Blues pay with a great header. Five minutes later and the Blues were down to ten men when left back Jonny Arthur received a red card after descent towards to the referee’s assistant. This should have been the advantage that Fairfield required to go on to win the game, but the Blues had a much younger and fitter squad than Fairfield, the extra man never really counted as an advantage to Fairfield, even when the game went into extra time. The Blues defended really well with Grant Evans, Nathan Priest and Josef Ward all outstanding at the back. Both sides had chances to win the game the best of which fell to Fairfield in the dying minutes of extra time but Blues ‘keeper Lee Jones kept Fairfield out to take the game into a shoot out. The Blues produced some great penalties and Jones made some good saves, and when former Blues man Marcus Williams stepped up for Fairfield knowing that he must score to keep his side in it, he his side foot shot slid past the post and sent the Blues into the final. After having a great season finishing as runners up in the league the reserves can look forward to the cup final and enjoy the days. Well Done lads!

The Blues will play either Clydach Wasps or Trevethin in the final on Saturday 10^th May at Goytre’s Plough Road ground.  

Wednesday 30th April 08 :- Amateur CUp final preview

Gwent County first division Blaenavon Blues will face local rivals and division three club Govilon this Saturday in the final of the John Payne Barber Amateur cup final at Abergavenny Thursdays Pen-y-Pound Stadium (Kick Off 2.30pm).

Both clubs are looking for a little bit of history has neither side has ever won the Gwent FA’s showpiece trophy. While the Blues have a great history in local and Welsh league football the club has never won a senior cup. The closest the club has come was in 2003 under the guidance of Mike Hall when the Blues lost heavily in the final of County Motors league cup to Aberbargoed Buds at Newport Stadium.

Blaenavon have had a poor season in the league and have finished in their lowest position since they gained promotion to the top flight in 2004. The club has sadly lost its first team manager during the past weeks and the club has flirted with relegation, only wins against local rivals Mardy and Panteg in the final weeks of the season has ensured that the Blues will be playing first division football next season.

The Blues have had an interesting run to the final of the cup having disposed of Crickhowell in the first round 5-1 at the Co-op Field. Then they had the long running saga of the Panteg game in the second round when the game was postponed twice due to the adverse weather and a third time due to a referee shortage. At the fourth time of asking the game was abandoned due to a serious injury to a Panteg player. The Blues finally beat Panteg 3-1 at the fifth attempt. The third round was played at the first attempt but a game that should never had gone ahead in atrocious conditions the Blues beat a plucky Villo Dino/Christchurch side 1-0 at Lliswerry.

The quarterfinals saw the Blues paired with Gwent County league leaders Newport Civil Service crucially the Blues had home advantage against a side that had beat them 7-3 earlier in the season. But on the day of the game a heavy over night frost meant that the Co-op field was unfit and the Blues had to travel to Bettws to take on Civil Service. A solid team performance ensured the Blues won the game 3-1 to the surprise of a number of people outside the club. 

The semi-final was another fixture that was jinxed by the weather as the game was twice postponed, finally the Gwent FA managed to get the fixture played in mid week towards the end of the season. The Blues travelled to Undy to play second in the league Chepstow Town without a manager and struggling in the league. But another great team performance and a battling spirit ensured the Blues upset the odds with a 1-0 win thanks to a Mike Waite header. The cup run proves that the Blues have the quality but they have been far too inconsistent over the season, a massive team performance is required if the Blues are to over come the third division champions who have scored over 100 league goals this season.

The Blues reserves are also in cup action this week when they face fellow division one club and near neighbours Fairfield united in the semi-final of the Gwent Central’s Open cup. Kick off Friday evening at Pilc’s FC is 6:15pm. 

Wednesday 30th April 08 :- Harris at the double

Blaenavon Blues finished their league campaign with a 2-1 away win against mid-table Coed Eva Athletic thanks to two goals from Darren Harris. Harris who only got back in the country the morning of the game after a three week holiday in Australia played through the jet lag to give the Blues a cutting edge up front which has being lacking in his and Grant ‘Vinny’ Evans absents. Harris’s return is a timely one has with the Blues getting geared up for the season finale this Saturday in the shape of the Amateur Cup final against third division champions Govilon.

Sunday 20th April 08:- Blues Safe!

After a season, which has seen many lows, the last week for Blaenavon Blues proved to be a real high. With the club without a first team manager, the duties have fallen to senior players Neil Cox, Lee Wathen and captain Steve White along with help from reserve team manager Rob Browning. The Committee set out a target at the beginning of the week to pick up six league points to ensure safety and another season in the Gwent County first division.

Last Tuesday the Blues disposed of a plucky Mardy side 2-0 with goals from Lee Challenger and captain White. Then only two days later the Blues travelled to Undy to face Chepstow Town in the semi-final of the Amateur cup. The game was played and some what spoiled by a strong wind. But it was that strong wind which helped the Blues to score the vital goal a Mike Waite header, which beat the Town keeper from 40 yards. The semi-final win was a massive game for the Blues against a good Chepstow Town side who are currently sat second in the league table.

Saturday saw Panteg visit the Co-op field and in atrocious conditions the Blues ran out 3-1 winners with two great goals from Grant Vinny Evans and an own goal. The Blues pitch cut up badly in the April rain and with another three fixtures due to take place on it during the next week, the surface is going to be pushed to its limit. The three points picked up against Panteg ensures that the Blues will be playing Gwent County Division One football next season, and leaves Panteg in the bottom two places.  

• The Blues will face local rivals Govilon in the final of the John Payne Barber Amateur Cup, the game will be played at Abergavenny Thursdays Pen-y-Pound Stadium on Saturday 3^rd May kick off 2:30pm.  

Friday 18th April 08:- Waitey comes up with a winner!

Blaenavon Blues produced a great team performance last night to knock Chepstow Town out of the Gwent FA John Payne Barber Amateur cup.

 The Blues played the first half with a very strong wind behind their backs but at times struggled to get the ball down and more often than not the long ball over the top carried to far in the strong wind. But it was a long kick up field by Blues keeper Jones which was headed on by Mike Waite from 40 yards and the wind caught the ball and beat the Town keeper to go into the top corner after bouncing in front of the keeper.  This gave the Blues a great confidence boost but they still struggled playing with such a strong wind behind them. Chepstow control the ball for long periods but failed to make Jones produce a save. Half time arrived and 1-0 to the Blues.

The Blues started the second half with a real vigour and every player battled hard, the Blues got the ball down and attacked the Town back four. Chepstow had no answer coming forward they aimlessly fired long ball forward which Blues central defenders Huish and Cox dealt with or Jones collected in the Blues goal.  Chepstow never really troubled the Blues even though they dominated possession for long periods, the Blues never gave their opponents any time on the ball and they made some hard and telling tackles.  The Blues were then awarded a penalty for a foul in the Town box, up stepped captain White and after a long delay due to an injury to the Town keeper White hit his penalty wide. This should have given Chepstow a lift but the Blues were sharper and stronger in every aspect of the game and defended the game out.  Every player was outstanding so it would be unfair to nominate a man of the match.  This Saturday the Blues face Panteg in another massive game, three points should see the Blues reach safety. Kick off Saturday at the Co-op Field, Blaenavon 3pm.

The Gwent FA Amateur Cup final date is set for Saturday 3^rd May at Pen-y-Pound Stadium, Abergavenny, where the Blues will face local rivals Govilon.

Wednesday 16th April 08:- Blues get the vital points and make a point!

Blaenavon Blues last night picked up a valuable three points with a hard fought win against local rivals Mardy. The Blues who lost their manager on the weekend reverted to a 4-4-2 formation with captain White moving up front to partner the ever improving youngster Grant ‘Vinny’ Evans. The Blues started the game well and played some good football passing and moving and making the Mardy defenders work hard.

Half time arrived and the Blues had failed to take any of the numerous chances that they had created, but the players never panicked and get their patience and continued to play some good football. Mardy to their credit came back into the game early in the second half as the game opened up. The Blues then lost influential defender Lee Wathen with an ankle injury. The Blues reshuffled their defensive line with the hard working Craig Williams moving from left to right back and Lee Challenger taking up the right-sided defensive position. With 25 minutes remaining Mikey Waite who had one of his best games in a Blues shirt for a long time battled through a glut of Mardy defenders in the box his shot was blocked and Challenger followed up and fired the Blues in to a deserved lead.

Shortly after it was that man Waite again causing trouble in the Mardy defence this time club captain White benefiting and firing the Blues in to a two goal lead. Mardy came back at the Blues and were awarded a penalty, when Blues keeper Jones pulled back Mardy attacked Davies. But the big keeper made up for his error with a superb penalty save. Shortly before that he also made a save of the highest quality from a Mardy strike of 20 yards which Jones tipped over the bar with great skill. The Blues defended the game out and took a massive step towards safety in the first division of the Gwent County league.

Credit must go to a young Mardy side who battled hard all game, but they came up against a Blues side who upped their game and played for each other something which has been lacking for a long time. The committee were very pleased with the sides performance and the great character that they showed every man gave 100%. But man of the match was Josef Ward who has not played a game first team football this season, he won every challenge every header and played some great balls. A great addition to the first team.

Tuesday 15th April 08:- Character required!

Sunday 13th April 08:- Blues in a bit of trouble!

Blaenavon Blues find themselves right in the middle of a relegation battle after taking only two points from a possible 12 in the last week. Saturday saw the Blues lose to Spencer Youth & Boys who are now level with the Blues on 19 points; The Blues only staying out of the relegation zone on goal difference.

After a culmination of poor performance, Saturdays was the final straw for Blues manager Paul Challenger, who informed club chairman Mike Hall that he would be stepping down as manager with immediate effect. The Blues who drew with table toppers Newport Civil Service just over a week ago only picked up a single point in two home games, that against Coed Eva last Thursday, and were duly thrashed by local rivals Cwmffrwdoer two days earlier.

Saturday’s performance from a lacklustre Blues side signalled the end of Challenger’s short reign as manager. The club needs to pick its self up and dust it’s self down for a massive week of football.  Tuesday evening local rival Mardy visit the Co-op field (kick off 6:15), and on Saturday bottom of the table Panteg visit (kick off 3pm) two vital six pointers. And sandwiched in-between is the Gwent FA Amateur cup semi-final with Chepstow Town kick off at Undy Athletics Causeway ground on Thursday 19^th April is 6:15pm.

To keep Gwent County first division football in Blaenavon everyone associated with the club needs to get behind the team, and help the club get out of the mess they find themselves in. So get behind the club and support us over the next two weeks, to help us avoid relegation.

Sunday 13th April 08:- Lyndsey in Wales Squad

Blaenavon Blues ladies Lyndsey Davies has been selected in the Welsh ladies under 19 squad to play in Sofia against Bulgaria later this month, in two friendlies matches in preparation for the European Championships, which will be hosted in Sweden in September. Everyone involved with the club would like to congratulate Lyndsey on this massive achivement, and wish her a successful time with the national squad.

Sunday 6th April 08:- Blues work hard for a point!!

Gwent County league division Blaenavon Blues twice came back from a goal down to take a valuable point at top of the table Newport Civil Service on Saturday afternoon.

Newport showed why they are top of the table dominating the first half against a Blues side who struggled to cope with the passing of Civil. After twenty minutes Civil took the lead when a back pass to Blues keeper Jones was blocked as the big keeper tried to clear the ball and a goalmouth scramble ensued and the Civil front man coolly slotted the ball home. Civil dominated large periods of the game put some solid defending kept the city side at bay. And just before half time Blues stand in captain Darren Harris beat his man and fired his shot goal bound giving the Civil keeper no chance. The Blues were starting to find their feet and playing some good football when the referee blew for half time.

The second half was very similar to the first but the Blues defended better from the front back with more vigour and Darryl Brenton made some superb hard tackles in the middle of the park. Civil went back into the lead when the Blues lost the ball up front and Civil counter attacked and a miss hit shot by a Civil wide man beat Blues keeper Jones at the near post.

The Blues never gave up and battled hard against a side that have only lost twice in the league this season and when a Mike Waite left foot shot rattled the home cross bar the ball rebounded into play and Civil failed to deal with it and the ball was handled by a Civil defender. The referee didn’t hesitate in pointing to the spot and up stepped right back Lee Challenger who coolly placed the ball in the bottom corner of the net.  The Blues defended the game out well and could very well have won it right at the end when Leigh Carrick was through on goal, but he failed to take the opportunity that came his way.

Two days before the Blues failed to take anything from Chepstow Town when visiting their Larkfield Park ground. The Blues went one down but soon equalised through Darren Harris. But in the second half Chepstow dominated the game and deservedly won the game with two-second half goals.

This week the Blues are in action Tuesday evening against Cwmffrwdoer, and Thursday against Coed Eva both at home kick off 6:15pm. And Saturday they travel to Newport again to take on Spencer Youth and Boys in the proverbial six pointer.  

Saturday saw the reserves reach the semi-final of the Gwent Central Amateur cup with a fine 4-0 win against Abergavenny Thursdays. Two goals from Leon Catley, and one apiece from Nathan Mapstone and that man Grant Vinny Evans ensured the Blues reserves had a safe passage into the semi-final draw. This week the Blues take on Abergavenny Thursday again this time in the league kick off at the Co-op field Wednesday evening is 6:15pm, while on Saturday they travel to former manager John McCarthy’s Govilon kick off 3pm.

Thursday 3rd April 08:- Let the fixtures begin

Sunday 30th March 08:- Fixtures mount up!

Blaenavon Blues go into the last month of the season with a major fixture backlog, and Saturday’s postponement of their Gwent FA Amateur cup semi-final with Chepstow Town has just added to the frustration for the valley’s club.

The early Saturday morning fine weather disappeared along with any chance of playing Saturdays cup fixture with the torrential rain that followed. This has added to the backlog of fixtures that the club must fit in before Saturday 3^rd May. The Blues start to eat into those fixtures ironically against Chepstow Town on Thursday evening kick off at Chepstow 6pm. It is also a possibility that the cup semi-final with Chepstow will be played on Saturday afternoon. Log on to the clubs website www.freewebs.com/blaenavonbluesafc for confirmation of the fixture and at what neutral venue the game will be played at.

A list of the clubs remaining fixtures: -

Thurs 3^rd April Chepstow away 6pm

Sat 5th Newport Civil Away 3pm (Subject to cup)

Tues 8th Cwmffrwdoer Home 6.15pm

Sat 12th Spencer Away 3pm

Tues 15th Mardy Home 6.30pm

Thurs 17th Coed Eva Home 6.30pm

Sat 19th Panteg Home 3pm

Tues 22nd Treowen Home 6.30pm

Thurs 24th Undy Home 6.30pm

Sat 26th Albion Home 3pm

Tues 29th Coed Eva Away 6.30

While first team’s game was called off, so was the reserve teams game with local rival Abergavenny Thursdays, the Blues Co-op field failed its second pitch inspection of the morning at around 11:45pm resulting a lot of frustrated footballers in Blaenavon Saturday afternoon. This weekend the Blues reserves are in action against the Thursdays in the Open cup kick off at the Co-op field is 2:30pm.

Thursday 27th March 08:- Blues face a hard test!

Blaenavon Blues travel the sort distance to Pontypool College on Saturday to face league rivals and high fliers Chepstow Town in the semi-final of the John Payne Barber Amateur cup. This is Chepstow’s first season in the Gwent County league following last seasons relegation from the Welsh league, and the border town club are looking to move straight back up to the higher league, after having a great season so far they are currently occupying second place in the league.

The two clubs met at the beginning of March with Chepstow running out 5-3 winners. The Blues will be looking to put that match behind them and knock Chepstow out of the cup. With a mouth-watering final in prospect against either Coed Eva of Govilon the Blues will be striving to ensure that they have some silverware to play for at the end of the season. The clubs are also due to meet on April 3^rd at Chepstow in the return league fixture.

The Blues welcome back experienced defenders Ryan Huish and Lee Wathen after both were unavailable last weekend, also returning is youngster Darryl Brenton who was also unavailable last Saturday. But the Blues will be missing midfielders Marc Creese who has a nasty gash to his hand, while club captain White is suspended serving the third of a five game ban. 

Blues manager Paul Challenger has a good squad to choose from for this vital fixture for the club, which he hasn’t had for the last few games. After Saturday’s fixture the Blues must make a start on their fixture backlog starting with a trip to Chepstow on Thursday evening. And then Newport Civil on Saturday, two vital fixtures for all three clubs as the Blues look for points to avoid the dreaded drop, while Civil and Chepstow are fighting it out for the one promotion place to the Welsh league. After that the Blues have mid-week fixtures for the whole of April with two mid-week fixtures in some weeks, so it’s going to be a time for a big squad. Kick off Saturday at Pontypool College is 2:30pm

The reserves this weekend face Abergavenny Thursday’s in a rehearsal of their cup quarterfinal which is due to take place within the next few weeks. Kick off at the Co-op field is 3pm.

Sunday 23rd March 08:- Blues and Wasps play out a draw!

Blaenavon Blues shuffled their pack Saturday for their visit to local rivals Clydach Wasps. The Blues were missing experienced defenders Ryan Huish and Lee Wathen both unavailable and club captain Steve White serving his second game of a five match ban, so the Blues travelled the short distance with only 12 players. Midfielder Mike Waite was forced in to action as a striker along side Johnson, and captain for the day Darren Harris filled in at central defence.

Clydach started the livelier of the two sides and were unlucky not to score on a number of occasions early on. The early possession and territory that Clydach had finally told when some slack marking on the Blues far post allowed the Clydach attacker to ghost between two Blues defenders finish past Blues keeper Jones.

This gave the Blues a kick start and they tried to get their front men into the game, finally some good work by Johnson to beat two defenders and put a great cross to the far post where Waite was unmarked and the make shift striker finished with ease. The Blues were in the ascendancy by this point and when the Clydach keeper dropped a cross a goalmouth scramble resulted in Waite firing the ball in the back of the net, only for the Referee to disallow it for foul play.

The second half was an even affair; very similar to the first both sides did their best to play football on an uneven pitch, but both sides failed to take advantage of any opportunities that came their way, Clydach always looked dangerous on set pieces and had a number of headers blocked or saved by Blues keeper Jones. But at the other end the Blues had their chances and a couple of penalty shouts turned down. Blues manager Paul Challenger will be happy with a well-gained point against a side that put five past the Blues at home back in November.

Make shift striker Mike Waite and his partner Andrew Johnson had good games up front and worked hard for the side, but stand in skipper and centre half Darren Harris was the Blues man of the match.

This Saturday the Blues travel the short distance to Pontypool College home of Race AFC for their Gwent FA Amateur Cup semi-final with league rival Chepstow Town, kick off 2:30pm It would be nice to see a good crowd support the club in what is a massive cup game for the club.

Thursday 13th March 08:- Defence could be key!

Blaenavon Blues go into Saturdays John Payne Barber Amateur Cup semi-final against division one rivals Chepstow Town missing two key players in the suspended club captain Steve White and influential defender Ryan Huish, who has work commitments. The Blues team are lacking in experience, and will miss both players, as they are vastly experienced and two of the clubs senior players. The rest of the Blues senior players will need to put there hands up and be counted on Saturday.

One of those players; Lee Wathen returns to the squad after three weeks out with a rib injury, his return to the squad is a massive plus to a defence that conceded five goals to Chepstow only two weeks ago. Also returning is keeper Lee Jones who had a run out with the reserves last week, and his presence between the sticks is another plus sign for the Blues defenders. Darryl Brenton looks to continue his run in the side at left back, after a number of excellent performances from the youngster.

Midfield is where Blues manager Paul Challenger will have the most difficult choices to make. Neil Cox will start in the centre of Midfield but it is a question of who plays along side the Blues most senior player. Mikey Waite had an excellent game on the left wing last week, but could move inside while right back Lee Challenger could move to the central midfield role. If Marc Creese is available then he will usually start along side Cox.

Striker Harris only lasted 15 minutes last Saturday after tweaking his hamstring, but should be fully recovered to partner Andrew Johnson in attack. Two weeks ago the Blues scored three against there opponents Chepstow Town, and will be looking to do the same again but without conceding five in return. Looking at the league table Chepstow have a great scoring record but also tend to concede a few goals too, so Saturday encounter could very well be an entertaining end to end game.

Lets hope a few people make the effort to support the club, kick off is 2:30pm at Treowen’s Bush Park, so you will all be able to get back to the club to watch the rugby which kicks off at 5pm. If anyone wants directions Email Matt at blaenavonbluesafc@yahoo.co.uk.

Sunday 9th March 08:- Cefn Fforest 1 - 3 Blues

Saturday afternoon saw Blaenavon Blues pick up three valuable points in their bid to avoid the drop. On a wind swept afternoon with heavy showers the Blues beat Cefn Fforest 3-1. The Blues started the game well and took an early lead when defender Matthew Cox scrambled the ball over the line from a James Parfitt corner. Cefn Fforest came back into the game and were unlucky not to score on a few occasions the Blues defence and keeper kept just about keeping there hosts at bay.

The Blues took a two-goal lead when Neil Cox made a great run into the box but was upended by a defender and the referee pointed to the spot. Parfitt stepped up and fired the ball straight at the keeper, but the referee ordered a retake and Parfitt again missed with his spot kick a good save by the keeper, but Parfitt followed it up and scored with the rebound.

The second half was dominated by the home side in very poor conditions the pitch cut up and resembled a field of mud, with very little grass left on it. Cefn got a goal back with a well-taken free kick, but the Blues defended well and for all Cefn’s possession they couldn’t get the equaliser. In the dying minutes Mikey Waite collected the ball from a clearance by the Cefn keeper and lobbed the ball into the empty net from 35 yards, to complete a good away victory for the Blues.

This result should give the Blues a confidence boost going into Saturdays big game; the Gwent FA Amateur Cup semi final against Chepstow Town kick off 2:30pm at Treowen’s Bush Park. Come along and support the club.

Friday 7th March 08:-Big weekend!

The Blues this week travel to Blackwood to take on village side Cefn Fforest, in what is a must win game. Cefn have done well in there first season in the top flight of the Gwent County league, and should be safe from relegation. When the clubs met earlier in the season the Blues won that game 4-1, which flattered the home side, somewhat. In that Game Blues defender Lee Wathen was dismissed for what the referee deemed violent behaviour, a decision that the Blues were very disappointed with at the time. Wathen will miss the return fixture this weekend with a rib injury and is struggling to get him self-fit for next weeks cup semi-final with Chepstow. Also missing for the Blues is club captain Steve White who starts a two-match ban and then a three-match ban on top of that for getting himself dismissed last week against Chepstow. And full back Lewis Warrilow is working. This gives Blues manager Challenger a limited squad to choose from, on the plus side experienced defender Ryan Huish returns after missing out last week due to work commitments.

The reserve team welcomes old rivals Clydach Wasps to the Co-op field in a top of the table clash. The winners are sure to be in the driving seat for the remainder of the season, with Clydach unbeaten in the league and a far superior goal difference; the Blues need a win if they are to maintain their challenge for league honours. And with home advantage the Blues need to make it count. Mick Brenton will have his solid rear guard of Ward, Priest and Williams to call on, with a number of options at left back. Ward has been in outstanding form for the reserve team this season, and is surely a great option to have with the first team. A number of other reserve team players are pushing for first team honours this season and with the first team stuttering to gain any kind of form or consistently, the likes of Ward, Liam Powell, Vinny Evans, and Craig Williams, could very well get the nod to turn things around in the first team.

The Blues first team haven’t been outside the bottom three in the league since September, and if things don’t pick up very soon the Blues could find themselves slipping down a division and a lot of hard work in previous seasons gone to waste. Both Spencer’s and Panteg have picked up valuable wins in recent weeks while the Blues have lost four league fixtures on the bounce and the alarm bells should be ringing in the ears of players, managers, officials and supporters.

Monday 3rd March 08 :- Blues struggle with changes

Blaenavon Blues made six changes, one of them positional for the visit of Chepstow Town on Saturday but this failed to galvanise the side in to a performance good enough for victory against a side trying to return to the Welsh league at the first attempt.

With Blaenavon playing against the strong wind in the first half they played some good football. Chepstow dominated the opening ten minutes but the Blues found their feet and took the lead through Darren Harris, two defensive errors by the Blues allowed Chepstow back in to the game before captain White converted a Blues spot kick to make the half time score two all.

Chepstow came out for the second half fired up and playing in to the wind got the ball down and attacked Blaenavon firstly through the middle of the park and then by getting their wide men into the game. Captain White was adjudged to have handled the ball in the box and the impressive Chepstow midfielder scored from the spot. The Blues then lost their most experienced player as club captain White saw red. The Blues then equalised through a James Parfitt strike from 18 yards and the Blues thought they had a chance of sneaking something out of the game. A Blues substitution saw Neil Cox replaced by Andrew Johnson and Mikey Waite moving into the central midfield position, with their backs against the wall the Blues allowed Chepstow in on two occasions and take a deserved three points back to the border town. With the two clubs due to meet on March 15^th at Treowen’s Bush Park in the semi-final of the Amateur cup the Blues need to improve immensely if they have any chance of making the final for the first time in their history.

The Blues reserves were knocked out of the Gwent Central Langdon cup on Saturday as Pontypool Town ran out 3-1 winners. Nathan Mapstone with the Blues goal. Next weekend the reserves face local rivals Clydach Wasps in a top of the table clash at the Co-op field

Thursday 28th Feb 08:- First of three!

High flyers Chepstow Town visit the Co-op field this weekend in a rehearsal of our Gwent FA Amateur cup semi-final tie, which is due to be played Saturday 15^th March at Treowen’s Bush Park, kick off 2:30pm. The Blues could well shake things up after too many disappointing performances of late, a good win is followed by a few bad defeats and with the Blues caught in a relegation battle, a number of places could be up for grabs. If manager Challenger decides to spice things up it will give a great opportunity to some of the youthful reserve team players to put their hand up for a regular place in the first team.

With Chepstow Town concentrating on the league and trying to regain their position back in the Welsh league, Saturdays encounter will be a hard game, as the Blues have been so inconsistent of the late, its difficult to tell which Blues side will turn up. After great wins away from home against Newport Civil Service in the cup and Abertillery Bluebirds in the league, the Blues have then struggled against Abercarn, Treowen and Cwmffrwdoer. This is Chepstow’s third visit in three league fixtures up to the Valleys firstly losing to Abertillery Bluebirds 3-0 and then last weekend beating our local rivals Clydach Wasps 4 – 2. Saturdays fixture is vital for both clubs in the fact that Chepstow need the points to keep the pressure on Newport Civil who beat Abertillery last weekend, and the Blues need the points to avoid dropping down to the second tier of the Gwent County.

Monday 25th Feb 08:- Blues lose again!

Blaenavon Blues inconsistency continued on Saturday with a 4-2 loss to local rivals Cwmffrwdoer Sports. After last weeks fine away win over table topper Newport Civil Service in the quarter-final of the Gwent FA Amateur cup Blues manager Paul Challenger will be bitterly disappointed with his sides lack of consistency, and this will be a real concern, as the Blues find themselves on the edge of relegation back in to the second tier of the Gwent County league. And with Chepstow Town due to visit the Co-op Field this Saturday in a rehearsal of their Amateur Cup semi-final (15^th March at Treowen Stars) the Blues need to find some bite in their side, and pull themselves clear of the two strong relegation zone. The cup should be put on the back burner as the club find themselves in a real scrap with local rival Panteg and Mardy along with Spencer Youth and Boys to avoid finishing the season in the bottom two.

On Saturday the Blues started the game in spectacular fashion rushing in to a two-goal lead within five minutes with goals from Johnny Arthur straight from the kick off and then an own goal to make it 2-0 to the Blues. But that was were it ended for the Blues as Cwmffrwdoer came back into the game and made the Blues pay. Even losing two key players in Matthew Shearman and Lea Crimes the ‘Doer’ still had too much fire power for the Blues and were deserved winners on the day.

While the first team threw away a two goal lead the Reserves came back from two goals down to knock Premier Division Pandy out of the Gwent Central Open Cup. The Blues reserves found themselves two down inside twenty minutes, a change of formation to 4-4-2 and the Blues were flying again and at half time had pulled the score back to two all. After the break the young Blues side dominated the game and took the lead through full back Grant Evans who curled a free kick into the top corner for his second spectacular goal of the afternoon. But the Blues failed to take any of the numerous chances created in the second half and when full Craig Williams was adjudged to have fouled a Pandy player in the box Referee Neil Reed pointed to the spot. And the spot kick was duly converted.

Extra time and the Blues continued to dominate and finally found their scoring boots with Vinny Evans scoring a great hat-trick, with a goal apiece from Leon Catley and a penalty kick by Liam Powell all in the first ten minutes of extra time. A great win for the Blues reserves. The club would like to wish Reserve team manager Rob Browning all the best after his operation and we hope to see him back at the club very soon.

Thursday 21st Feb 08:- Best wishes to Rob!

The Committee and players would like to wish reserve team manager Rob Browning all the best with his operation and hope that he makes a speedy recovery, the club look forward to his return to help guide the reserves through the final weeks of the season.

During Robs absents his assistant Mick Brenton will take control of team affairs, the committee stress to all players that they treat Mick with the same respect that they have shown Rob during the season. The next month will be a defining point in the season for both the first team and the reserve, with the reserves playing two big cup games and three massive league fixtures against sides around them in the table. While the first team need to start picking up league points and pull themselves clear of the relegation zone, while March 15^th will prove to be a vital day, when they take on Chepstow Town in the semi final of Gwent FA Amateur cup, a game that is due to be played at Treowen Stars ground.

Wednesday 20th Feb 08:- Back to bread and butter

Blaenavon Blues this week get back to the bread and butter of league football with a visit to local rival Cwmffrwdoer. The Blues have been inconstant over the past month, firstly beating Abertillery Bluebirds 3-0 away, and in doing so inflicting there first home defeat in two and half years. The following two weeks saw the Blues lose at home to Abercarn then away to Treowen, and then last Saturday the Blues disposed of high flyers Newport Civil Service in the Quarterfinal of the Amateur Cup 3-1 at Shannon Road.

The Blues visit the ‘Doer’ this Saturday with confidence high after beating Gwent County League leader Newport Civil Service last Saturday, Defender Ryan Huish will be the only absentee from that win as he his working, other wise the Blues will be at full strength. Neil Cox will either return to the first team squad after missing the last two fixtures or will have a run out with the reserves, defender Matthew Cox will have a run out with the reserves after missing two months with a broken foot. The local derbies against Cwmffrwdoer are always great games to play in as they are full of passion and aggression, but are not always great games to watch. The Blues will be desperate to pick up three points that will allow them to make a march away from the relegation zone. The Blues currently find themselves just outside the relegation zone on goal difference, and need to be more consistent in the league and get some points in the bag.

The reserves welcome Pandy AFC to the Co-op field in an Open Cup fixture that has been postponed three times since October for varying reasons. The reserves ran out 5-1 winners in their last outing against Crickhowell and are currently sat on top the Gwent Central League table with Clydach Wasps and Fairfield playing catch up. The reserves are looking at the Open Cup for a good cup run and getting some silverware into the club.

The Club would like to congratulate club secretary and player Craig Williams and his girl friend Abi on the birth of their son recently. No doubt Craig will have young Ollie on the football field as soon as he can walk!

The club would also like to congratulate club Captain Steve White, keeper Lee Jones and defender Lee Wathen on their inclusion in the Gwent County league squad to face the South Wales Amateur league on Tuesday 26^th Feb at Bryntirion Athletic kick off 7:30pm. If you can make to watch the boys I’m sure they would appreciate the support.

Sunday 17th Feb 08:- Blues make semi's

After an early morning pitch inspection the Co-op field was deemed unfit and dangerous after a hard over night frost, so Blaenavon Blues were made to travel to Newport to take on their league rivals Newport Civil Service in this Gwent Amateur cup quarterfinal tie.

The Blues started the game well playing some great football on one of the best playing surfaces in the Gwent County. The Blues dominated the early exchanges and never gave the City side any time on the ball, Civil Service who are sat on top of the Gwent County division one league table having only lost 2 games this season, found the physical side of the game hard to cope with as the Blues players were first to most challenges. After dominating possession and territory during the first half the Blues failed to create many clear-cut chances, only two great headers by Mikey Waite were goal bound efforts, and these were well saved by the home keeper.

Newport Civil started the second half with more urgency, and soon found themselves one up when a great ball was whipped into the box from the right and was well finished at the far post, as the Blues defenders switched off. Civil them had their tails up and for twenty minutes completely dominated the game, but a Darren Harris goal bound shot was deflected past the Civil keeper and the Blues were level. This gave the Blues a lift and they came back into the game, some quick thinking by Marc Creese with a quick throw in allowed Darren Harris to get in behind the back four and lob the ball over the advancing keeper. The Blues were now in full control of the game, but a lapse in concentration at the back almost let the City side back into the game when defender Lee Wathen made a gaol line clearance and then a Civil striker fired over the bar from six yards. But the game was destined for a Blues win and when substitute Johnny Arthur picked up the ball on the half way line he beat three players and shot from 35 yards and beat the Civil keeper or was stood on the edge of his 6 yard box, the game was all over and a well deserved Blues win, which goes to prove that they are capable of beating anyone on their day. A mention must go to two youngsters who preformed really well, striker Andrew Johnson worked hard all game and left back Darryl Brenton had an excellent game.

Wednesday 13th Feb 08:- Make or Break for Blues

This weekend sees the visit of Gwent County league champions Newport Civil service to the Co-op field. The inconsistent Blues face a tough task to make it through to the semi-final of the John Payne Barber sponsored Gwent FA Amateur cup, Newport Civil are currently sitting pretty at the top the league table, and have already beaten the Blues 7-3 at the Co-op field this season. Blues manager Paul Challenger has stated that this is a make or break game in the season for the Blues, with the Blues already out of the two other cups and fighting relegation in the league the Amateur cup is the sole piece of silverware left to play for this season.

The Blues need to improve on their last two outings when they were just plain bad against Abercarn United in losing 3-1 at home and then losing 2-1 away from home to Treowen, when the Blues failed to convert possession and territory into goals. This weekend the Blues should see the return of defenders Lee Wathen and Matthew Cox to the squad, along with goal keeper Lee Jones who was unavailable last weekend, but midfielder Neil Cox is unavailable as he his on holiday. Manager Paul Challenger will have plenty of players to choose from as the reserve team are bizarrely without a fixture, for the second time in three weeks. 

Last weekend saw the Blues reserves maintain their position at the summit of the Gwent Central league table after an emphatic 5-1 win at home to lowly Crickhowell. The Blues who were missing keeper Lee Freeman who was away in Scotland along with, defenders Johnny Arthur and Darryl Brenton, and wide man Vinny Evans who were all called up to the first team squad. Goals from Craig Williams, captain Nathan Priest, Liam Powell, Leon Catley and Marc Harris ensured that the Blues reserves keep there pressure on their rivals Clydach Wasps who didn’t play Saturday and Fairfield United who lost at home to Govilon.

Sunday 3rd Feb 08:- Blues come to earth with a bump!

Blaenavon Blues of the Gwent County league produced a lacklustre display on Saturday against an average Abercarn side. The Blues have been inconsistent all season and the last two weekends proves that more than any other time during the season. Saturday the Blues the lost 3-1 at home to mid-table Abercarn and the previous weekend beat top three side Abertillery Bluebirds in their own back yard 3-0.

Blaenavon started the game slow on Saturday, and never really got going their counterparts for Abercarn were sharper and made some hard tackles, the Blues were second to most of the loose ball. Abercarn scored their first five minutes before half time when a well placed free kick was headed home, sixty seconds later the Blues found themselves two down when a break down the left flank caught the Blues defence out, and a good ball placed into the box was inadvertently directed goal bound by Blues left back Grant Evans. 

The Blues started the second half with a bit more urgency but failed to break down the Abercarn defence. Blues strikers Leigh Carrick and Andrew Johnson worked hard for the team but often found themselves out muscled by the bigger Abercarn defenders, and without the big front man Darren Harris who missed the game with a hamstring strain the Blues struggle to hold the ball up.

Abercarn soon found themselves three up after more sloppy defending at a set piece allowed them to header home. James Parfitt got a goal back soon after with a good strike to make it two goals in two games for the wide man. But the Blues failed to get anything else out of the game and at times look devoid of ideas.

It was difficult to pick a man of the match for the Blues; Grant Evans worked hard at left back as did Darryl Brenton at right back the two front men Johnson and Carrick chased everything and gave there all. But central defender Ryan Huish made some telling tackles and won some good headers and was probably the Blues best player on the day, so Ryan gets the man of the match award. This was real disappointing display from the Blues and manager Paul Challenger will want to see a big improvement next weekend and with Newport Civil Service waiting in the wings for our Amateur Cup Quarterfinal tie on Saturday 16^th Feb players need to prove they are worthy of their starting place.

Wednesday 30th Jan 08:- Abercarn visit the Co-op field!

Blaenavon Blues would like to offer a warm welcome to our visitors Abercarn United, and their supporters to the Co-op Field today. Firstly we would like invite you back to our base, Forge Side RFC, Broad Street after the match for a drink and a bite to eat and maybe to take in some rugby on the big screen.

In this fixture last season Abercarn ran out 4-2 winners on a wet and miserable late August afternoon, we then played out a drab 1-1 draw in Abercarn in the return fixture. We have already met once this season in the league despite the Blues only having played 11 league fixtures. The game in Abercarn in September ended goalless, and allowed the Blues to pick up their first clean sheet of the season, and with it a valuable point away from home.

This weekend the Blues are missing a few senior players through injury, striker Darren Harris has a hamstring strain which he picked up last weekend in that great 3-0 win over high fliers Abertillery Bluebirds. Sweeper Lee Wathan is ruled out having taken a nasty knock to his shin also against Abertillery, and Matthew Cox is still ruled out with a broken foot, which was sustained in the Amateur cup win over Panteg at the end of December.

The Reserve team are frustratingly with out a fixture this Saturday, after getting back to winning ways with a fine 2-1 win over Pilcs in the league, a win that keeps the Reserves at the summit of the Gwent Central league division one table, and with Fairfield Utd dropping points last weekend after drawing at home with Mardy the Blues will be encouraged that they can go the rest of the season in that top spot, its far better to be in pole position and let the others try to play catch up.  

Sunday 27th Jan 08:-  Reserves get back to winning ways!

Match Report submitted by Lee Freeman.

Blaenavon Blues 2 - PILCS 1

After a disappointing loss in the Benevolent Cup, Blaenavon were looking to restore some pride and get back to winning ways against fifth from bottom PILCS.

There were several changes to the starting XI due to players stepping up to the firsts and absentees.  Ben Penry stepped in at left back and Marc Harris played alongside Liam Powell in central midfield. The changes to personnel took a while to gel together and PILCS were first out of the blocks.

PILCS pressed hard in the opening twenty minutes and their pressure finally produced a goal.  PILCS striker managed to find himself free in the penalty area and slotted the ball home passed keeper Lee Freeman.  PILCS continued to press after the goal and hit the post with a shot later on in the first half.

The half time talk by manager Robbie Browning spurred the Blues into action and the second half became a totally different affair. Marc Browning came on in the centre of midfield and the Blues gained more possession.  The Blues produced attack after attack with wingers Grant 'Vinny' Evans and Leon Catley causing the PILCS defence problems.

The Blues reply came from an in-swinging corner from Lee Carrick. The cross-deceived everyone, including the PILCS keeper, and curled into the far corner.  This lifted the whole team and the PILCS man of the match goalkeeper kept them in the game right up to the end.

The match was looking like ending in a draw but some great attacking play from Vinny allowed him to cross into the box for substitute Jamie Brankley to scramble home the winner.

This win keeps the Blues top of the Gwent Central League Division One.
Man of the match for Blaenavon Blues was scorer of the first goal, striker Lee Carrick.

Saturday 26th Jan 08:- Bluebirds have wings clipped

Gwent County league division One side Blaenavon Blues, who have not played a league fixture since November 17^th, put promotion hopefuls Abertillery Bluebirds to the sword on Saturday. The Bluebirds who are in a slump of form recently having been eliminated from both the County Motors challenge cup and the Gwent FA Amateur Cup in recent weeks.

The Blues travelled to Abertillery having won their last two outings both in the Amateur Cup, and were looking to produce some momentum for their quarter-final tie on Saturday 16^th Feb. against Gwent County champions Newport Civil Service. The Blues started the livelier of the sides and soon found themselves in front when a clearance from the keeper found left-winger Mikey Waite who slotted into the empty net from 20 yards. After taking the lead the Blues found themselves under the cosh as their valley counterparts piled forward, only to find the post and cross bar was against them on four occasions, and along with the Blues keeper Lee Jones who was in outstanding form, Abertillery must have thought it was not going to be their day.

The Blues went in at half time thanking their lucky stars that Abertillery had not equalised. Just before the break central defender Lee Wathan had to be substituted and just after the break front man Darren Harris was forced to leave the field with a hamstring strain. After the distraction of two enforced changes the Bluebirds should have put more pressure on Blaenavon, but any pressure that they applied was duly dispersed by Ryan Huish and Neil Cox at the heart of the Blues, and Jones in the Blues goal.

With the Blues forced to play with a lone front due to injuries, they invited pressure on to themselves, but with the hard working Johnson as that lone front man the Blues could attack Abertillery on the counter, on one of those attacks right winger James Parfitt, forced the home keeper in to a mistake and fired home. Andrew Johnson wrapped up the win for Blaenavon when Darryl Brenton who replaced Darren Harris and was excellent in midfield played a good through ball, Johnson pulled the ball out the air and fired home a volley from the edge of the box and left the keeper embarrassed.

This was an outstanding win for the inconsistent Blues who are sponsored by T&C Plumbing against a side who will be pushing for league honours this season. A special mention to Brenton who tackled hard in midfield along with skipper White, Striker Johnson worked hard for his side sometimes as the lone front man, but man of the match has to go to Lee Jones in the Blues goal for keeping his side in the game in the first half and his distribution through out the game was excellent.

Friday 25th Jan 08: Blues travel to the top

After two weeks of inactivity and three months without a league fixture, Blaenavon Blues travel the short distance to promotion hopefuls Abertillery Bluebirds. The two clubs met earlier in the season at the Co-op field, Blaenavon, when a Chris Rogers header in stoppage time gave the Bluebirds an likely three points, in a game the Blues should really have won. Abertillery have been eliminated from both the County Motors challenge cup and the Gwent FA Amateur Cup in the past two weekends, Cups that they are the holders of. The Bluebirds only have the league left to play for this season, and with it promotion to the Welsh league, which we all know at Blaenavon is the be all and end all. The Abertillery club whose ground should meet the criteria set out by the Welsh league, may even swap places with their town rival Abertillery Excelsiors who are having a difficult season in the third tier of the Welsh league, only time will tell.

The Blues reserves welcome Pilcs to the Co-op field for the third meeting of the season. Manager Rob Browning will be hopping his young side can put behind them the one nil defeat to Clydach Wasps ‘B’ in their last outing!

Thursday 17th Jan 08:- Derby Day all round!

Monday 14th Jan 08:- Wasps sting Blues

Blaenavon Blues reserves crashed out of the Gwent Central’s Benevolent cup on Saturday afternoon, after a penalty shoot out. The Blues went in to the changing rooms at half time one goal to the good thanks to outstanding full back Craig Williams, turn and left foot strike. But the Blues youthful reserve side failed to take any of the numerous chances that they created in the second half, and credit must go to the Clydach goal keeper who kept his side in the game, with a number of great saves.

Some sloppy defending from the Blues, when they failed to clear the ball allowed a Clydach midfielder to play a great ball in to the box, and as the striker turned the ball flew up and hit Williams on the hand. Referee John Priest made no hesitation in pointing to the penalty spot. Up stepped the Wasps striker who dispatched the penalty past Blues keeper Freeman. The Blues still had chances to win the game, young striker Leigh Carrick failed with a glorious chance in the final few minutes when he shot straight at the advancing keeper. The game ended 1-1, and extra time was a bit of a stalemate as neither side wanted to lose the game and that ended 1-1 also.

During the Penalty shoot out the Blues three senior players on the pitch captain Nathan Priest, front man Nathan Mapstone and defender Williams all failed with their penalties, the Wasps keeper didn’t have to make a save. Blues keeper Freeman made a good penalty save and will be disappointed he didn’t save at least another one. Final score 5-6 to Clydach. The Blues reserve manager Rob Browning will be happy with some of the good football his side played in particular, central midfielder Powell, 17 year old Jamie Brankley, and Grant ‘Vinny’ Evans, my man of the match had to be Craig Williams, but a point of concern will be the lack of goals in relation to chances. A well done to Clydach Wasps ‘B’ and Blaenavon Blues would like to wish them well in the next round.

Friday 11th Jan 08:- Spot light on reserves

With the Blues first team without a fixture due to their being an odd number of sides in the Gwent County league division one, the spot light this weekend falls on the clubs youthful reserve side. The reserve side is having a great season only losing one game to date against Fairfield Utd. The Reserve side are still fighting in all four Gwent Central competitions, the league, and the three cup competition, and it is one of those cup competitions that the Blues reserves compete in this weekend.

The opponents for the second tie of the Benevolent cup are Clydach Wasps ‘B’. The Wasp’s ‘B’ team competes in the Gwent Central division two, and this will be the second time this season our reserves have met with Clydach’s third string set up. The side previous encounter took place in mid October when the Blues ran out 1-0 winners in the first round of the Langdon Cup, at Clydach with a Leigh Carrick strike.

Manager Rob Browning will have a full squad to choose from, and will be hoping Grant ‘Vinny’ Evans continues in his great goal scoring form, and adds to his 16 league goals, all of which have been scored from a wide midfield role. Lee Freeman looks set to continue in goal after a number of solid games and a few clean sheets. The Blues are looking strong defensively with Josef Ward and the experienced Nathan Priest forming a great defensive partnership, and with the addition of Craig Williams at right back the Blues experience at the back will be valuable. Nathan Mapstone adds the experience up top. With some many youngsters in the squad such as Jamie Brankley, Ben Penry, Leigh Carrick, Belli, and Vinny the club looks set for the future. With a greater coaching set up within the club these are the players that will take Blaenavon Blues back to the Welsh League, within five years.

Kick off for tomorrows game is 2pm subject to a pitch inspection at 10am tomorrow morning.

Sunday 6th Jan 08:- Blues progress JUST!

Blaenavon Blues progressed to the quarterfinal stage of the Gwent FA Amateur cup on Saturday afternoon thanks to a well-taken goal by striker Darren Harris.

 After Friday afternoon’s downpour, and the heavy showers just before kick off the game should have never have started, there were pools of water all over the pitch, and after ten minutes of play the pitch was more suitable for pigs rather than a game of football. But all credit to both sets of players they had a go at playing some football and got stuck in to some hard graft on an energy-sapping surface.

The Blues started the stronger and thought they had scored early on only for the referee to disallow it, moment’s later striker Harris should have scored but a good save by the keeper denied the big striker. The Blues worked hard for each other with skipper Steve White leading by example in the middle of the park. James Parfitt had a few good runs down the right flank and made the keeper make a good save at his near post.

The second half started much the same as the first with the Blues trying to play football and pass there was through the mud, when they got the ball wide to the driest parts of the pitch the Blues found plenty of space, and at times attacked at will, but they could not find the killer touch in front of goal. With fifteen minutes of the game remaining and the prospect of extra time looming Harris found the back of the net with a great chip over the advancing keeper. The Blues defended the rest of the game, and Blues keeper Jones was never called to make a save. The Blues are happy to have made it through to the quarterfinal stage, but could have easily come unstuck on a pitch which was a real leveller.

While the first team battled it out in the mud in Newport the Reserves were doing the same in Pontypool against lowly Sebastapol, again it’s a mystery that the game ever started considering the conditions, but the Blues continued their great run of form recently with a fine 7-0 victory. With Ben Penry adding 2 goals to the tally, and keeper Lee Freeman and his back four keeping another clean sheet. With Clydach Wasps beating Fairfield 2-1 at home the Blues move in to top spot in the table on goal difference.

Friday 4th Jan 08:- Quarter Final place at Stake

Blaenavon Blues first team travel to Newport this weekend for a Amateur Cup 3^rd round tie, against recently merged Villa Dino/Christchurch. Last weekend the Blues disposed of a plucky Panteg side in the 2^nd round, and will be looking to do the same this weekend. The Amateur cup the Blues sole chance of silver this season, and a quarter-final place is the reward for Saturdays winners.

The Blues have met Christchurch in Gwent County cup competitions in the past, when the Newport based side won a 2^nd round reply 5-1 at the Co-op field in season 2001 –02, after the Blues had fought out a 1-1 draw in the Newport mud. The last time the sides met was in the Blues Gwent County league 2^nd Division promotion season of 2003-04, when make shift striker James Parfitt grabbed a hat-trick in a 5-1 win in the city. This week the Blues travel after only playing one game since their FAW trophy exit back on the 24^th November, and an abandonment of 70 minutes against Panteg on the Saturday before Christmas. The Blues are missing Central defender Matthew Cox after he picked up a foot injury last weekend but other than that they should be at full strength with the return of Ryan Huish after his unavailability last time out. Craig Williams could also be pushing for a recall after a number of games with the reserves has helped his recovery from a calf injury.

The reserve team travel to Pontypool to take on Gwent Central strugglers Sebastapol, Manager Rob Browning will be expecting his young squad to continue the great form they have shown this season, having only lost one game to date in all competitions.

Sunday 30th December :- Blues into next round!

Blaenavon Blues finally got their second round Amateur Cup tie with local rivals Panteg played and completed at the fifth attempt. The fixture had been postponed due to the bad weather twice, a third time due to no match official, and the fourth attempt was abandoned due to a serious injury to a Panteg player. At the fifth time of trying the game was played but due to Friday’s bad weather the game was in doubt until an early morning pitch inspection allowed the game to ahead.

The Blues started the game at a great pace and should have scored within two minutes. The Blues dominated the early exchanges and soon found themselves a goal up after front man Darren Harris fired home. This should have inspired the Blues to push on but they sat back an allowed the youthful Panteg side back into the game, and when goal keeper Lee Jones was adjudged to have fouled a Panteg attacker five meters outside the box, the resultant free kick was expertly curled in to the bottom corner. The remainder of the first half was played out in a competitive spirit with tackles flying in from everywhere, and the half time score was one apiece.

After a few stern words from manager Paul Challenger at half time, the Blues got the ball down and played some good football in very windy and wet conditions. The Blues took the lead soon after the restart when right back Lee Challenger played a great ball to the far post for striker Neil Cox to head home. Cox then turned provider when some slick passing created space for Cox down the left hand side his pin point cross to Harris in the box allowed the big striker to score his second of the game. The Blues should have scored more if it were not for some sloppy finishing and some great saves by the Panteg keeper. Wide man James Parfitt, and strikers Harris and Cox all guilty of failing to make this game a lot more one sided than the score line suggests.

Next week both the first team and the reserve team travel away, the first team travel to Newport to take on Villo Dino/Christchurch in the next round of the Amateur Cup, while the reserves are in league action against Sebastapol.

Thursday 27th December :- Fifth time lucky?

Blaenavon Blues first team must try for the fifth time this weekend to play their Gwent FA Amateur cup second round tie with Pontypool based Panteg. After having two postponements due to the bad weather, and a third due to there not being a referee available. The game finally got played at the fourth attempt last weekend, but with twenty minutes left on the clock the game was abandoned due to a serious to a Panteg player. With light fading fast and no sign of the ambulance the referee had no choice but to abandon the game and replay it next weekend. Both clubs are desperate to play the fixture as it is having a serious impact on the league program, with the Blues having played the least number of games in the whole of the Gwent County, at only ten games. While it also has an impact on the Blues Reserve team, who’s home game with Tranch must be postponed as the senior side takes priority.

The Reserves last weekend had a great 6-1 win away at Race, with Grant 'Vinny' Evans bagging a hat trick for the Blues.

Tuesday 18th December :- Blues try to defeat the weather!

This Saturday see the Blues first team try for the fourth time to play their 2^nd round Amateur cup-tie against local rivals Panteg. The game has been postponed twice due to the bad weather and for a third time last weekend due to their not being a referee available for the game. This weekend looks like the Blues could well be battling the weather again, as the current cold snap looks set to continue into Saturday with the possibility of a frozen pitch. The Blues should be at full strength for the visit of Panteg this weekend but with a number Christmas work’s Do’s on Friday a few players may not be feeling 100%!

While the first team were left kicking their heels on Saturday the Reserve team got back into league action against Crickhowell Reserves, and ran out easy winners 5-0. In truth the score should have been a lot more, but the reserves like the first team have not played in a number of weeks and the rustiness showed at times. In the end it’s a win which keeps the reserves in contention at the summit of the Gwent Central Division One Table. This weekend the Reserves travel to Pontypool college to take on the Race.

Wednesday 18th November :- Panteg visit for Amateur Cup!

The Committee of Blaenavon Blues would like to offer a warm welcome to our visitors today to the Co-op field Panteg and our referee for today’s game. This will be the second meeting of the clubs this season, with Blues winning the early season encounter 2-0 at Panteg House. At the end of last season we played out a two all draw at Panteg, which ensured that Panteg avoided the dreaded drop down a division. Panteg like ourselves have had a difficult start to the season, they have failed to record a win in their opening twelve league games. They have also had a change in management with striker Mark Taylor stepping up from managing the Reserves to taking up the top job with the first team. Taylor got off to a winning start in his first game with a 2-5 away victory over Newport and District side Ship and Pilot in the Amateur cup, his side then lost 3-1 away to Undy, last weekend they didn’t have a fixture.

The Blues should be back to a full strength this weekend with Neil Cox available after missing last weekend due to a holiday. Lee Wathen has completed his harsh four-match ban, and will certainly be vying for a starting place. Lee Jones should have recovered from his bout of MAN FLU, which kept him out last weeks FAW Trophy fixture, which in turn allows Ryan Huish to step out from the sticks to compete for a place in the starting eleven. Craig Williams and Leon Catley who had outstanding games for the Reserves last week against New Inn, will also be pushing for a starting place. With the Blues losing their last three fixtures conceding 14 goals and only scoring 3, then manager Paul Challenger must be looking to sort things out this weekend, in a vital cup game. The Amateur cup is the only trophy left for both sides to play for this season, and could very well be a nice break from what looks like a long relegation battle in the Gwent County league.

The players need to start to play like they want to win every game, and not pick and choose, when they want to ‘turn up’. As a player myself I don’t want to be losing every week, we need to re group as a CLUB and start to play with a bit of desire and passion. It starts this Saturday!

Monday 26th November :- Welsh football magazine's David Collins review of Saturdays fixture

SATURDAY 24TH NOVEMBER
RAGGED SCHOOL 5 BLAENAVON BLUES 2 (FAW TROPHY)
I've had this tie pencilled in ever since Ragged School's impressive win at Nelson in the last round, especially so since the Swansea side are now playing on a ground I haven't visited before.

I know in advance the weather isn't going to be conducive to watching football at a Swansea Senior League venue (a parks pitch), but there's no changing the plan now. Setting off early to avoid the worst of the travel disruption caused by yet another rugby game in Cardiff, I'm in Swansea almost two hours before kick off, but with a cold wind and incessant driving rain, I delay the journey out to the university playing fields.

Electing to walk (a bad decision in hindsight), I pass the Vetch Field, still there but neglected behind locked gates, and later St. Helen's, no longer as impressive since the demolition of that huge old stand. I'm surpised how much further I have to walk past this point, and only arrive at Sketty Lane 15 minutes before kick-off. Late for me, but just as well since there is as expected no way of sheltering from the driving rain.

The match starts and Blaenavon take the game to Ragged, scoring a well-taken early goal. Ragged level with an exquisite header by Chris Morris, but when the Ragged keeper picks up a back-pass, the twice-taken free-kick leads to Blaenavon's second goal. Soon this too is cancelled out by a penalty at the other end, and then Colin Breen scores two goals before half time to make it 4-2 to Ragged. If the game hadn't been so entertaining, the miserable conditions would have mattered much more, but in any event the rain relents before half time.

The second half is not as frenetic as the first. Blaenavon do their best, but the two-goal cushion is enough for Ragged to defend, and late in the game Breen breaks away to complete his hat-trick. Ragged are into the last eight, confirming my impressions of them: a lethal strike force, but not as solid at the back as they would wish. But they have a couple of months to put that right before the quarter-finals.

Sunday 25th November:- Mistakes cost Blues dear!!

Blaenavon Blues of the Gwent County League crashed out of the FAW Trophy on Saturday at Swansea Senior League side Ragged School. The Blues travelled west, with only a squad of twelve players and without a recognised goalkeeper, so defender Ryan Huish stepped up to the challenge. The Blues arrived in Swansea expecting a good set-up, but found themselves playing football on nothing more than a parks pitch, which had already seen a game that morning, and a changing rooms that could not be locked. This meant that all players’ belongings had to be stored in cars during the game, and sadly one of the Blues players had his car broken in to and all his belongings along with another two players were stolen.

The game started well for the Blues, with a Darren Harris strike after five minutes, the Blues played the ball around and for the first 15 minutes had Ragged chasing everything. The Blues then gave away a sloppy goal when the wide man was not closed down which gave him time to get a pin point cross into the box and the striker finished well. The Blues then went in front again through an unlikely source in right back Grant Evans when the ball came out to Evans on the edge of the box, he hit the ball as sweetly as you like and it flew into the top corner. The Blues again allowed Ragged School back into the game when defender Matthew Cox dived in on an attacker in the box and took him down, and the attacker fired home the resulting penalty with ease. This gave Ragged School a lift and the Blues allowed them into the game playing the ball around, and Ragged School soon found themselves going at half time 4-2, after some sloppy defending.

With the Blues playing up the slope and against the wind in the second half, it was always going to be a difficult task to get back in the game, but the Blues had a real go at their Swansea opponents in the second half and played some real good football, the passing and movement at times was excellent on a clue pot of a pitch. The Blues changed to a 3-4-3 formation with twenty minutes remaining and this allowed Ragged to tie up the game with a well-taken fifth goal. The Blues had their chances and the game was lot closer than the 5-2 score line suggests, The Blues will need to pick themselves up for next weekends visit of local rivals Panteg in the Gwent FA Amateur Cup, kick off at the Co-op Field, Blaenavon is 1.45pm.

Wednesday 21st November:-Saturday's info!

Our opponents on Saturday Ragged School will be very kindly putting on after match refreshments at their headquarters. Cribbins has informed Ragged School that the players, officals and supporters will be making the effort to visit their club house after the game, and that the after match refreshments will be more than appreciated on our behalf. Kick