Pontyclun Football Club
'The Clun' - Est. 1896 'Gorau Chwarae Chwarae Cyd'
Pontyclun FC -Macwhirter Welsh League
Back Row (left to right): Tyrone Pope, Gareth Morgan, Phil Preene, Ross Youlden, Chris Bowen (capt), Joel Woodington, Eliot Davey, Matthew Evans, Dave Bevan, Matthew James, Jon Rees, Tom Pascoe, Barry Quinn
Front Row (left to right): Tom Haley, Nathan White, Phil Watson, Craig Williams, Shaun Williams, Mark Day, Ceiron Beer, Kris Saunders, John Jenkins (physio)
LATEST news
Sat 27th Sept - Briton Ferry 0 Pontyclun 1
Pontyclun got back to winning ways, with a good 1-0 away win at Briton Ferry, who started the day 2nd in the division. Matt James netted the winner after a fine move. For the full match report, click HERE.
Sat 20th Sept - Pontyclun 3 Llantwit Fardre 6
After an excellent performance against Bridgend Town, Pontyclun were unrecognisable from a week ago. Even though the Clun got off to a perfect start, the performance against Llantwit Fardre was one of the poorest seen at the Ivor Park for years. All credit to Llantwit Fardre, who fully deserved their victory on the day and showed more desire to win. The only consolation for the home team was that there were not any league points on offer. - For the full match report, click HERE.
Sat 13th Sept - Pontyclun 0 Bridgend Town 0 (after extra time, Bridgend win 3-1 on pens)
The lottery of a penalty shoot out was to decide the outcome of this FAW Welsh Cup Tie, after both sides had served up a thrilling game. The Clun were more than a match for the expensively assembled Bridgend outfit and could well have won the match before it went to pens. Best of luck to Bridgend in the next round. For the match report, click HERE.
Sat 30th August - Risca Utd 2 Pontyclun 3
The 'Clun took all three points from their trip to Gwent, as goals from Woodington, White and Payne secure a good win. For the full match report, click HERE.
Sat 23rd August - Pontyclun 2 AFC Porth 3
Pontyclun slipped to a disappointing defeat against AFC Porth, putting in a lacklustre display, which allowed the visitors to leave with three points. For the full match report, click HERE.
Tues 19th Aug - Llantwit Fardre match postponed
Unfortunately, this eagerly awaited local derby had to be postponed at approximately 5pm, after referee Mark Davies' pitch inspection, the pitch was deemed unplayable. The vast majority of the pitch was perfect, with the exception of one problematic area, which had some standing water. This would have made it impossible to play in that area and the game will now have to be re-scheduled for later in the season.
Everyone at the club would like to thank Groundsman Paul Cale for all his efforts to get the water shifted and the game played, but it wasnt to be.
Attention now shifts to this Saturday 23rd August, when Pontyclun take on big-spending AFC Porth in a 1.30pm kick off at the Ivor Park, which is part of the Annual 'Groundhop Weekend'. The Club look forward to welcoming approximately 200 'Groundhoppers' for this fixture and lets just hope the weather holds out and we get an entertaining game.
Saturday 16th August, FAW Welsh Cup
MERTHYR SAINTS 0 - PONTYCLUN 9
Pontyclun got their season off to be best possible start with a fantastic display away to Merthyr Saints. The 'Clun signalled their intent in the first minute when Shaun Williams was played in after a great passing move and was denied at the death. However, it wasnt long before the goals arrived, with Matthew 'Masher' James opening the scoring early in the game. After that, the goals flew in at regular intervals, with Craig 'Baros' Williams grabbing a hat-trick, 'Billy' Joel Woodington notching two, along with Mark 'Deco' Day's brace and Jon 'JR' Rees completing the scoring. The Clun's large travelling support were treated to a great display of pacy, attacking football and despite the persistent rain, were there supporting the team until the end. For the full match report, Click HERE.
Next game is the 1st League game of the season, at home to neighbours Llantwit Fardre this Tuesday 19th August, 6.30pm ko.
PRe-season friendlies
The 2008-09 Season kicks off this Saturday, with a Welsh Cup tie away to Merthyr Saints, kick off is at 2.30pm. The Clun go into the game on the back of a fantastic midweek attacking display against 1st Division Ton Pentre. At times, the Clun tore the Rhondda club's defence to shreds and created enough clear-cut chances to have scored 8 or 9 goals on the night. The display hopefully shows a glimpse of what is to come this season and the club will be going all out to hit the ground running at the start of the season.
Manager Phil Preene will pick from a squad consisting of:
M Evans, R Davies, R Youlden, G Morgan, D Bevan, P Watson, C Bowen (capt), M Day, C Williams, R Youlden, T Pascoe, J Rees, S Williams, M James, J Woodington, R Richards, C Beer, T Haley, A Kante
Saturday August 2nd
Pontyclun 4 Aber Valley YMCA 3
Pontyclun continued their pre-season preparations with another win at home to Aber Valley from the 1st Division of the South Wales Amateur League. The 'Clun were dominant from the kick off, controlling possession for long periods, with the visitors intent to sit on the edge of their box and defend from there. Craig Roberts seeing one effort hit the bar and bounce over. It seemed only a matter of time before Pontyclun opened the scoring, after a few near misses. As it was, it took until just after half time when Pontyclun scored two in quick succession from Craig Roberts and Nathan White. At this point, the Clun were cruising and should have scored 2 or 3 more. Manager Phil Preene then made a series of changes to look at at some more potential players. At this point, Aber Valley got themselves back in the game on two occasions, at one point with the game level at 3-3. Two well struck efforts from Dean Lewis ensured that Pontyclun saw off the challenge of the visitors. Pontyclun hope to finalise their new signings before next Saturday's away game at Grange Albion. (hopefully will be 1pm kick off as Cardiff City are playing home at Ninan Park. This will be confirmed on here asap)
Saturday July 26th
Pontyclun 3 Pontardawe 0
Pontyclun cruised to a comfortable 3-0 victory over a team which will start the season two divisions higher than the 'Clun. Three well taken goals from Dean Lewis, Joel Woodington and Jason Bertorelli accounted for the visitors from West Glamorgan. The visitors had their chance to get on the scoresheet from the penalty spot, when Gareth Morgan was penalised in the box, but returning keeper Rhys Davies made sure of a clean sheet, with good save down low to his right. Mattie Evans also kept a clean sheet during his 45 mins of play. The 'Clun included several trialists from now defunct Grange Quins who all did very well and some new signings should follow.
Next up for the Clun is another home match, when they play host to Taunton based Bishop's Lydeard on Saturday August 2nd, with kick off at 3pm at the Ivor Park.
Pontyclun 0 Afan Lido 1
This proved to be a very useful exercise for the Clun, not only to blow away the pre-season cobwebs against Welsh League1st division opposition, but also for Manager Phil Preene to have a look at several potential new players, who were all given a good run-out. The only goal of the game came in farcical circumstances as Chris Bowen put in an excellent challenge, clearing the ball for a corner. With the Lido players looking to get set for a corner, the referee (Mr Hollyoake) pointed to the penalty spot. The spot kick was converted by Lido's Ian Jones, who was as suprised as anyone to be presented with the opportunity. Prior to this, Pontyclun had carved out several excellent chances, including a Woodington penalty which was well saved by Lido keeper Rory Mcreesh. Overall, a draw would probably have been a fair result but the performance was still very pleasing.
Next up for the Clun, is another Welsh League 1st division team, when Pontardawe visit the Ivor Park on Saturday 26th July. The Clun have around 11 players missing from the squad which took on Afan Lido last night. So there will be a chance for the club to have a look at some more players in the fixture. Kick off is at 3pm.
training
Senior Teams' training now takes place from 8 until 9.30pm on Wednesday evenings at Y Pant Comprehensive School. Players are welcome to turn up earlier than 8pm, to make use of the multigym facilities before the foobtall training starts.
For any queries on training, new players etc, all the phone numbers are on the 'Contact Us' page.
Latest News:
Club Sec Peter Shilton honoured by the Welsh League
Peter Shilton receives his Merit Award at the Welsh League AGM on Sat 21st June 2008. Congratulations Shilts, well deserved!!!
