Welsh Cup, Sgorio and Safe Hands.

In my first blog of the present season I referred to the opening month of the campaign as being akin to riding a rollercoaster, with plenty of ups and downs and thrills and spills having already been successfully negotiated and lots more to look forward to. Thankfully, there have been many more ups than downs so far, and in fact the next three matches Caernarfon played following the last blog have been an accurate reflection of the first half of the season.

Caernarfon Town supporters will be only too aware that we have a rather poor record in the Welsh Cup, especially in recent years, and although we’ve had very strong sides at certain periods over the past quarter of a century or so, we have rarely been in the running to capture the nation’s premier knockout competition. I know that our manager, Iwan Williams, is still seething at having lost to Goytre in the third round last year (in fact, he’s probably still having sleepless nights about it!) and so it’s safe to say that he must have been looking forward to our third round tie with Carmarthen more than most.  

In my opinion, the match should have been broadcast live as it was the standout tie of the round but the powers that be at ‘Sgorio’ decided that Ton Pentre hosting Bangor was a better bet. I don’t want to knock them for making that decision but, trying to look at things in a purely footballing sense, a tie between the Cymru Alliance League champions and a Welsh Premier League side must surely have been a  more attractive prospect than the match they decided on? Anyway, safe to say whoever made that decision may have been doubting their wisdom twenty four hours after we beat Carmarthen when the television company’s ‘showcase tie’ was postponed due to a frosty pitch.

Breesey scores his second against Carmarthen. 

Our match with the Old Gold was a real thriller, one of those old-style cup-ties where both teams played it hard, no quarter given, and it was through a combination of heart and talent that the Cofis were victorious at the final whistle. The encounter had begun in typically cagey fashion, and whilst Caernarfon probably edged proceedings up to the break I thought the goalless scoreline at half-time was just about right. The second period was very different, however, and it seemed to me that Iwan had taken the shackles off his players during his team talk at the break because we really put  Carmarthen on the back foot immediately after the restart. Once Jamie Breese put us ahead the signs were there that we’d be in the hat for the third round and what impressed me most was the players’ belief and confidence to regain the lead after Carmarthen had got back on level terms. They obviously saw the equaliser as a temporary setback as it made no difference to the team’s attacking intent and whereas the opener had been a real poacher’s goal, Jamie’s second netfinder and then Messi’s strike, were top quality finishes to prove, as if we didn’t already know, that the side is more than capable of causing havoc to any defence in the Welsh pyramid system.

I was second best this time around!

As I hung around after the match to interview Iwan and Jamie Breese, the excitement amongst the players and coaching staff was obvious and who could blame them? Unfortunately, it seemed that the presence of the tv cameras at the ground (to show highlights in the weekly Sgorio show) seemed to confuse Iwan somewhat as he prioritised an interview with them over our weekly post-match efforts! On the downside this meant I was later than usual getting back home, but I can’t really complain because it also meant I didn’t have to sit through yet another offering of Strictly Dancing. On a more serious note, I think it’s fair to allow Iwan his oversight on this occasion, considering his side's impressive victory!

I happened across a number of comments on social media and certain reading outlets that Town’s victory was a shock and whilst I acknowledge that Carmarthen were slight favourites beforehand, I can’t think that the result was too much of a surprise when considering the side’s impressive record against Welsh Premier League sides under Iwan Williams. It should also be remembered that were it not for our off the field shortcomings last season the side would have taken its place at the top table  this year.

It was a superb performance from the team and I doubt that anyone at the ground would disagree that the Cofis deserved victory. It was good to hear Carmarthen manager Mark Aizlewood later state that the best team won and I wonder if Iwan was right when he hinted that the visitors may have underestimated his side? I’m not convinced they did but, following this excellent performance, Rhyl won’t be doing so when they visit the Oval in late January in the next round!

Gareth  Edwards goes close to putting us ahead against Buckley.

A return to league action beckoned seven days later and a trip to Buckley. This latest of our seemingly endless runs on the A55 was made easier by the prospect of visiting another of my favourite away destinations. Globe Way is a decent ground (though impossibly hard to find first time around!) and whilst a lot of it is quite spartan they have two decent stands and a very good canteen! However what makes our visits to Buckley stand out is the warm welcome always afforded to visiting supporters from club officials. There’s always a smile at the turnstiles, and it’s always good to see their secretary, Mike Williams, who always has time for a chat. I was particularly pleased to see Mike because he had originally planned to step down at the end of last season due to a lack of support behind the scenes but things are a bit easier for him these days following an influx of a few new faces.  

Jay Gibbs.

The match did not start well for Caernarfon as James Rumsey put the hosts ahead in the first minute but the Cofis responded well and Kevin Lloyd scored a belter to put us back on level terms, finishing impressively with the outside of his right foot from twenty yards out. Gareth Edwards went close to putting us ahead with a header soon after and Jamie Breese found the net in the seventeenth minute with a great finish, reaching a Darren Thomas cross at the far post to bullet the ball past Adam McGee in the hosts’ goal. The match was played at a frantic pace early on and there were some tasty challenges all over the pitch.  When Danny Sullivan got cautioned around the half-hour mark, and followed it up moments later with an interesting looking discussion with the referee, Iwan showed good sense to take the former Buckley captain off and replace him with Jay Gibbs. This is no slight at all on Danny, who is proving just as good as I thought he would be, but in a time when officials seem to love brandishing cards out for the slightest of things, it made perfect sense to make the change. Readers of this blog will already know how highly I rate Jay and it was great to see him back in the yellow shirt. I think we’re a better side when Jay’s playing well and in our engine room and I have to say he was outstanding after he entered the fray. He soon got back to his old ways with a stunning free kick that put us two goals ahead and, whilst it was frustrating we couldn’t score in the second period, any away victory in the Cymru Alliance League is a good result and I for one was more than happy that another three points were in the bag. 

Highlights of the afternoon were seeing Nathan receiving his League Player of the Month award for October from Iwan (right), the manager’s face when I asked him to step into the ladies’ toilets with me for a post-match interview (are you sure we should be doing this, Paul?), committee member Terry Roberts getting hit in the head by a rogue football, Caernarfon president John Watkins’ face at half-time as we stood next to the Buckley announcer when he pronounced Penrhyncoch as Penrhyn Cock  and finally the excellent home-made mince pies that Buckley officials were handing out throughout the match! All in all, another very enjoyable away day with the Cofis!

At the forefront of everyone’s minds for the next few days was our upcoming match at Prestatyn. The Seasiders had not only defeated us convincingly at the start of the season but have also done the same to nearly every other side on the way to a commanding lead at the top of the table. Whereas the Canaries have played very well in patches this season, there have also been one or two blips (Llanfair Utd, Caersws) and this had given our title rivals a six point advantage going into the match at Bastion Gardens. I had only ever been to the ground once before and so already knew they have an excellent set-up, with a hub at the entrance that includes the dressing rooms, canteen and clubhouse. Very impressive! I took the club’s advise to park at the nearby Nove Centre and am glad I did because it gave me an opportunity to see the ground from afar, and it looked pretty decent!

Bastion Gardens.

In the media, there had been a big build up to the match and that favourite old saying, ‘six pointer’ was bandied about more often than you’ll hear Gary Neville saying ‘when I was at United’. In truth though, it was a huge match and one the Cofis certainly didn’t want to lose. Unfortunately, despite a promising start where we looked quite comfortable around the pitch and tested Prestatyn keeper Carl Jones enough to suggest we could get the win we wanted, an unfortunate slip by Keighan Jones resulted in the hosts going ahead and if I’m being totally honest at that point I would have gladly settled for a point. There was nothing between the sides, but the Cofis couldn’t quite get back on level terms and when Prestatyn doubled their lead after the break I am sure that most teams would  have crumbled (indeed, most have this season!) but Iwan encouraged his side on and Jay Gibbs scored one of the best goals I’ve ever seen to get us back into it. The midfielder had already done well to steal the ball off an opponent on the halfway line to gain possession and I doubt that anyone in the ground would have expected his next move, as he looked up and nonchalantly struck the ball over the home keeper and into his net! An outstanding goal and one that Sky Sports (or even Sgorio for that matter) would have been repeating all night had they been there. Alas, this was as good as it got for Caernarfon supporters as the hosts soon regained their two goal lead and, despite Jamie Breese finding the net late on, we couldn’t find a way to equalise, although Leigh Craven went close in the dying seconds.

Not our day at Prestatyn.

So, a disappointing result for the Canaries but if there’s any consolation, it had been an excellent match, and probably one of the best I’ve seen in the Welsh Pyramid. I was obviously not the only one to think this as social media was full of people’s comments on the quality of the football on show and I was mightily proud of the players for their efforts. There can be no doubt that the best two teams in the league were on show that day and I would say that both sides would more than hold our own in the Welsh Prem.

And, for the second time in two weeks I was left wondering why Sgorio had not decided to break with formula and either broadcast the match, or at least send cameras to capture and share the highlights. It probably seems that I’m criticising the Welsh television company but really it’s more about questioning the way they’re covering Welsh football. I mentioned this on Twitter this week and ‘Sgorio’ presenter Dylan Ebenezer replied that it would be difficult to cover matches in a regional league at the expense of the national league. I totally understand and accept this, however I’m sure there could be a way they can widen their net a bit and include occasional live matches or highlights from the remainder of the Pyramid system? I think their coverage of the Welsh Premier League is excellent but, much like the top tier itself, the public must be fed up with watching the same teams playing against each other every week? Would it not have made more sense to show our match with Prestatyn live than the latest victory stroll by The New Saints? I may be completely wrong and viewing figures might be strong for their live WPL matches but, if the trend is anything like match attendances across the top tier then it can’t be a good thing.

Iwan during the post match interview at Prestatyn.

Anyway, this a subject I’ll be returning to in a future blog and so I’ll finish off this time with a word about our manager. I mentioned earlier that he had ignored me at the expense of the Sgorio cameras after the Carmarthen match but my words were said in jest of course and in reality I think his willingness to carry out our post-match interviews, win or lose, is a huge credit to him. It’s easy to discuss things when the team has won but Iwan will always stand up and talk after we’ve lost and, from what supporters have told me, it is very much appreciated. As a supporter myself I’m always gutted when we lose and it helps to hear what the manager has to say and to know that he feels the same as we do! Having said this, though, I was having doubts about approaching him after the Prestatyn match and, whilst I am sure he didn’t particularly want to discuss it with me, he still did so and, if you look at the video again after reading this (it’s on the club’s twitter and facebook feeds) you’ll see how much he was hurting. This is why I remain extremely optimistic about this season, it’s also one of the reasons why I know we’re in safe hands, and that the club’s goals will be achieved! I’ll be covering the final two matches of the year in the next blog, which includes the Christmas Cracker against Porthmadog when 1247 spectators came to watch the Gwynedd Derby.

Until then, Happy New Year and thanks for reading in 2016!

  

It’s Everything I Expected. An Interview with Our Assistant Manager, Richard Owain Davies.

“When one of the biggest clubs in Welsh football gives you an opportunity to join them you have to take it…..”

When Iwan Williams told the Caernarfon Town Board during the summer that he was bringing in Richard Davies to further strengthen his management team I was both happy and surprised in equal measures. I knew of Richard due to his excellent record as manager of Penrhyndeudraeth so he definitely ticked all the right boxes but was surprised that one of our fellow clubs in the Cymru Alliance League had not decided to get him in as their manager. His achievements at Maes y Parc are very impressive and so my opinion then, and now, is that it’s a real coup for us as a club that he decided to join. 

I had not met him before he came to the Oval and I believe the only time we may have crossed paths would be during Penrhyn’s victory over the Cofis in a Mawddach Cup Semi-Final during the 2012/13 season. Although the tie was eventually won by Penrhyn on penalties after a 1-1 draw, if I’m totally honest they deserved to go through after an excellent performance, during which our former striker Matty Hughes had been almost unplayable. That defeat cost us a clean sweep of all the winnable cup competitions we had entered (Welsh Cup not included) in our treble season and was a massive disappointment at the time.

We obviously don’t get much opportunity to talk on match days and so, six months after he arrived I still didn’t know too much about our assistant manager. With this in mind I thought it would be nice to get together with Richard away from the Oval and ask him a few questions about his footballing background, experiences in the game and how he sees his first few months with Caernarfon Town. Luckily he was happy to take part in an interview for the blog, and I’m delighted to share it with you here.

OW: Can you give us a breakdown of your background in the game. Which teams did you play for?

Richard: “To be honest I haven't got much of a playing background, well not one that’s worth a mention anyway. I’m sure the lads will second this as I’ve got a season ticket for being in the middle of the circle in our warm-up! My previous clubs include Porthmadog, Nantlle Vale and Penrhyndeudraeth.”

OW: When did you decide that a managing career would suit you, and at which clubs have you managed?

Richard: “I started managing at the age of eighteen with Porthmadog Juniors. I began with the Under 14's and progressed with the same group to the Under sixteens and really enjoyed the experience. I was then offered an opportunity to join the Academy at Port and to also manage the Under sixteens. This gave me an insight into the more professional side of the game when compared to club football and from there I knew I wanted a future in the coaching side of the game. After a successful spell with the Academy which included winning the Welsh Academy trophy, I was given an opportunity to join Penrhyndeudraeth as assistant manager which I did for two years before making the step up to take the hot seat at Maes y Parc.”

OW: Who was the biggest footballing influence on you whilst growing up, and in what way?

Richard: “My biggest footballing influence whilst growing up would be my Dad. He gave me no choice in who I wanted to support and had me in an Everton kit before I could walk, and I wouldn't have it any other way! I was fortunate that there were a few of my mates around the same age that also had no choice and we were lucky enough that our dads would take us to Goodison Park once we were old enough.”

OW: Which team do you support, and who was your favourite player, both whilst growing up and now, and why?

Richard: “I support the pride of Merseyside, Everton! It's tough to pick just one favourite player when I was growing up but Big Duncan Ferguson and Neville Southall would be up there. Currently my best player would have to be Seamus Coleman for Everton and Gareth Bale for giving me an amazing time in France watching the Euros last summer.”

OW: I believe most followers of local football will know, or be aware of you, from your success at Penrhyn so can you tell us about your time there?

Richard: “I initially joined Penrhyndeudraeth as a player in Aug 2009 before becoming assistant manager to Gareth Piercy towards the end of the 2009/10 season and continued in that role throughout 2010/11.I took over as manager for the 2011/12 season and we achieved a lot together. In my first season at the helm we won the Gwynedd League, Gwynedd Safeflue Shield and Bob Owen Memorial Shield and followed that up a year later by winning the Take Stock Van Hire Cup. We were Welsh Alliance League Division Two champions, Take Stock Van Hire cup finalists and FAW trophy semi-finalists in 2013/14 and managed to reach the final of the FAW a tear later. Last season, we won the Mawddach Cup again.”

OW: Having enjoyed such a successful time with Penrhyn, what made you decide to join Caernarfon Town, and how did the move come about?

Richard: “The move came about when I received a phone call from Iwan asking if I fancied joining him and his coaching team as Gareth Parry had work commitments in Cardiff and would struggle to attend training sessions and some of the matches. I decided to take him up on the offer as it was a chance for me to step up to the Cymru Alliance and test myself. Although I was really happy at Penrhyndeudreath and had just won the Mawddach Cup, when one of the biggest clubs in Welsh football gives you an opportunity to join them you have to take it.”

OW: What knowledge did you have of the club and did you know any of the coaching staff and players?

Richard: “I knew Iwan and Gareth from the coaching staff and also some of the local players. I knew a lot about the club due to Iwan being manager and as we are good mates we regularly had chats on Sundays, asking how each others matches had gone. I have also had interest in the club from when Steven Smith (Psycho) was manager a few years ago. I know a lot of the supporters through following the Welsh national team away so whenever Penrhyndeudraeth didn't have a match I would sometimes drive to watch Caernarfon if they were at home.”

OW: What were your first impressions of the club when you joined, and has the club reached the  expectations you may have had?

Richard: “My first impression was everything I would expect from a club of Caernarfon’s size. The fan base is huge, probably one of, if not the biggest in the Welsh pyramid, and the professionalism shown by the lads in training and Iwan's preparation shows in the clubs success.”

OW: Was it hard to join the management team, bearing in mind last season’s success, and how have you adapted to being assistant manager after being in the manager’s seat with Penrhyn for so long?

Richard: “It was a bit daunting at start because of all the success last season but everyone within the club made me feel welcome from day one, for which I was grateful. Going from Manager to assistant was strange at first but I'm getting to know the league and I’m learning from Iwan so I’m really enjoying my time here and hope I can help the team emulate last season’s success.”

OW: Playing wise, is there a big gap between the Welsh Alliance and Cymru Alliance Leagues?

Richard: “Yes there is most definitely a gap playing wise, especially in the top half of the Cymru Alliance. I think the quality of the players is on a higher level and the fitness levels also but this is to be expected. I also think there’s a gap again between the best teams in the Welsh Premier League and some of the Cymru Alliance sides.”

OW: You’ve already mentioned you were aware of the club and players before you joined us and I was wondering if the quality in the squad matches what you had expected?

Richard: “I knew the quality in the squad was high but working with the lads on a weekly basis you get to see a bit more and they try things maybe they wouldn't in a game. I think what impressed me most was the accuracy of the long balls, the technique in striking the ball and bringing it under control.”

OW: It’s been a very good first half of the season for the team, what have been your highlights thus far?

Richard: “Highlight of the season so far, for me, is the victory at Porthmadog. It was a nice win as we hadn't really been playing well and had suffered a late equaliser against Denbigh followed by a home defeat to Prestatyn, so it was nice to get back to winning ways. And it’s great to have bragging rights at home! Flint away was a great victory also, to score six at such a tough place was a good day at the office. I think the most memorable win for myself would have to be the Holywell away game, to come back from 1-0 down at half time and show so much determination, character and desire to get back and win the game with only ten men was very satisfying to say the least.”

OW: Have there been any real ‘disappointments’ in your time at the club thus far?

Richard: “I was very disappointed when we were held to a draw in Denbigh especially to concede an equaliser in the ninety seventh minute after being in complete control on ninety minutes with a two goal lead. It was just one of them freak things in football. Then the next match was even worse as we lost to Prestatyn, so that was a tough two weeks. The only other real disappointment that stands out is the defeat to Rhyl in the Cup put I'm confident we can put that right in the Welsh Cup.”

OW: What do you think of the club’s supporters, and how much does it help the staff and players that there is such a strong following at both home and away matches? 

Richard: “The supporters at Caernarfon in my opinion are the best in the Welsh pyramid. I knew the team had a good following after watching them a few times last season but to be a part of the club and witness it home and away every week is quality and I know that the players and us coaching staff appreciate the support. I would also like to give the Clwb Caneris (Canaries Club) a mention and thank them for the hard work they put in behind the scenes. It is evident how much Caernarfon Town means to them.”

OW: Iwan has brought the ‘Un Clwb’ ethos to the club, do you think that everyone at Caernarfon Town is pulling in the same direction?

Richard: “Yes I definitely think that everyone is pulling in the same direction.  There is a certain buzz around the club from the Academy all the way to the first team and this includes the ladies teams, who are flying at the moment. I think that everyone working together is a credit to Iwan as he has everybody believing in him and his ‘Un Clwb’ ethos which isn’t an easy task to achieve. It takes a lot of hard work, long hours and determination to do this but with the effort being put in by everyone at the club from the Academy to the  groundsman, canteen staff, fans and the Board everyone wants the same thing as Iwan and that is to get Caernarfon town back where we belong, in the Welsh Premier League.”

OW: Who’s the biggest joker in the dressing room?

Richard: “There are a few jokers and characters in the dressing room but the top three for me would be Kev Bach, Gas and Joe Williams.”

OW: Who’s got the worst musical preferences in the dressing room?

Richard: “We have a playlist on Iwan's phone for which everybody had to choose a song for pre match, but I'm not sure who chose what sorry.”

OW: If you were manager of our current squad would you give Iwan a game?

Richard: “If I was the manager would I give Iwan a game? Ha, ha that’s a good question! He could certainly do a job and has played in a few positions over his career so would be a decent versatile player to have in the Squad. Iwan in his prime would get into my team but currently I think he would be on the bench. Sorry Gaffer!”

OW: Going forward, what do you think is a realistic target for the team this season?

Richard: “I think a realistic target for the season is to retain both the League and the League cup and get a good run in the Welsh Cup, which I know the fans would love.”

OW: Do you have a message for the Cofi  Army?

Richard: “My message to the Cofi Army would be keep up the great support and remember it’s a marathon not a sprint. Un Clwb.”

A massive thank you to Richard for taking the time to answer all the questions and especially for being so honest when asked about whether or not Iwan would get into his team! On a more serious note though, as a Town supporter I know that we’re in the fortunate position of having a very vibrant and dynamic management team and what excites me is the prospect of where they can take us.

It’s early days for Richard at the club but he has already proved to be another great signing by the manager!

Un Clwb.  

Pep Talks, Man Flu and Pantomime Villains

I’m sure we all have football grounds that we enjoy visiting more than others and one of my favourite destinations as a Caernarfon Town supporter is Holywell’s Halkyn Road.

My first visit to the ground was in the late seventies when I attended a Cup tie with my grandfather, who was chairman of our village side, Mountain Rangers. I can vaguely recall a cold Saturday afternoon watching my Taid’s team, in their black and white striped shirts, against what I perceived back then to be an English side. I now know they’re not, but back then, a trip up the A55 past Conwy may well have been, such was the rarity of travelling too far from Rhosgadfan. I don’t recall too much about the match itself but am sure it ended in a draw.

In more recent times, of course, my visits have been in support of the Canaries, and matches have included League of Wales encounters, the infamous Battle of Halkyn Road during our treble campaign of 2012/13, and last season’s opening day stalemate.

To use a rather boring footballing idiom, last year’s encounter had been a match of two halves, where Caernarfon bossed the first period before the hosts turned the tables in the second, although the match remained goalless and the points were shared. Our latest visit to the home of the Wellmen was very similar, with the difference this time being that, unlike Holywell’s efforts last year,  Caernarfon’s second half performance was good enough to clinch all three points as the team, and our frontmen especially, ran riot following a half-time pep talk from Iwan! 

Clive Williams and Danny Sullivan. 

Of all the matches I’ve seen between the sides, I am yet to witness anything less than a fiercely contested affair and this recent tussle proved no different. Iwan changed his starting line-up quite drastically for this one with Danny Sullivan forming a new centre-half partnership with Clive Williams, Tom Quinn in at left-back, and debuts for Jamie Roberts and goalkeeper Alex Ramsay. The make-up of the side was very different to what we’ve been used to recently and, to be honest, I feared the worst when the hosts went into an early lead. Holywell started really well and took advantage of Caernarfon’s disjointed performance before the break, although I did fell that, despite not being at their best, the Canaries had enjoyed plenty of possession and, with only a goal separating the sides, the match was still there to be won. The Caernarfon side that re-emerged for the second half was much sharper and seemed rejuvenated, as they set about getting back on level terms. Kevin Lloyd came up trumps with two goals in quick succession to put us ahead and Danny Brookwell sealed the victory with a superb individual goal, finished off with a celebration with the Cofi Army! It all sounds quite simple, but turning the tables on the Wellmen in their own backyard is anything but straightforward and there was a period when we were 2-1 up that a victory was all but secured when Rob Jones was sent off and the hosts were then awarded a penalty. Thankfully, Ramsay pulled off a fine save to keep out the spot kick and, rather than just hanging on, Town still managed to create a number of opportunities to increase the lead before a very late own goal by our new keeper made the score look closer than it could have been.

Alex Ramsay.

Followers of the game outside the top tier in Wales will know that Holywell are a very competitive side and have been for a few years so to manage the win at their ground under the circumstances was a very good result. The Wellmen always seem to play in a similar fashion, with quick strikers up front and an in your face attitude running through the team, and so to get anything more than a few bumps and bruises from them is a good return. I’ve mentioned their manager in the blog on more than occasion in the past and so will refrain from saying much this time around except to say that if the Cymru Alliance League was a pantomime, the Holy Dean of Hasselwell would surely be cast as the villain. Good for a bit of banter and full of theatricals, he’s the perfect fit.

I met Holywell’s chairman, Sean Elliott, for the first time before the match and enjoyed hearing about the club’s plans for Halkyn Road. Having recently built a clubhouse at the ground, there’s more work on its way, including a stand behind one of the goals and it was interesting to hear how they as a club are also looking to become a part of the community, much as we are trying to do.

Joe going topless....

Before moving on, I must mention Joe Williams, who was forced off with an injury midway through the second half. The Cofi Cafu came over to watch most of the remaining minutes with the supporters behind the goal, and it’s not something we generally see with players, but it said a lot to me that he was as passionate as every single member of the Cofi Army when Danny Brookwell scored to wrap up the victory! Iwan mentions his One Club ethos a lot and Joe’s actions proved that the players believe it every bit as much as we do. However, I must have a word with Joe soon about taking unnecessary risks with his health by removing his shirt as he walked off the pitch and to the dressing room 

The Cofi Cafu joins us to cheer the team on.

after his injury. 

Whilst everyone else in the round were well wrapped up against the elements, Joe decided to go topless, and he paid for it in the next few says by suffering from the dreaded ‘Manflu’. Thankfully, I’ve found out that Boots chemists have come up with a new way of combating this serious illness and I’ve already put in a decent sized order with them for the new concoction, called ‘Manflu SoupaHero’ (see below). I would, however, still advise Joe to keep his shirt on!   

One the way!

The victory would have given the players a huge lift so soon after the home defeat to Llanfair United a fortnight earlier and I hoped that the next match, at home to Mold, would not be a case of ‘after the lord mayor’s show’. Despite playing well, it looked as if this may well prove to be the case as the visitors frustrated us for eighty five minutes of that match, successfully frustrating Town with a rearguard action reminiscent of John Wayne and his gang in the Alamo film. They seemed to have succeeded where Big John failed right up to the final minutes when Kevin Lloyd popped up with the winner, racing before his marker to a Jamie Breese cross and flicking the ball past Mike Jones at the near post. It was a great finish and Kev fully deserved the praise heaped on him by Iwan in the post-match interview we carried out. I hope Kev won’t mind me saying this but I remember him telling me last summer that he wasn’t sure if he would be able to commit the time to getting himself fit enough for this league and, if he didn’t know it then, he surely does now! What an impact he’s had since coming back to us from Llanrug!

Although Mold showed little desire to take us on and played as defensively as if they’d been coached all week by Jose Mourinho, I can’t blame them for that and they very nearly succeeded in their attempt to get something from the match.  This has become a theme in recent times at the Oval and whilst I’m not a big fan of such a pragmatic approach, the only problem I have with it is more to do with the match officials, who always seem to turn a blind eye to the players’ time wasting. This was indeed the case during the Mold match and it’s something that the FAW should look at and try to combat. 

Sky Sports would have us all believe that teams using such tactics are ‘cute’ and like to dress it all up as ‘match management’ but I prefer to watch football matches with the ball in play and not in the keeper’s hands, or awaiting a defender to fetch it for a restart. In fact, one of the referees' assistants did decide to stamp one thing out on the day, this being Darren Thomas' overhead 'goal' that would have lit up an otherwise dour opening half. I think the official flagged for offside and I was in no position to say if he got it right or not, but it was an incredible finish by 'Messi' which deserved to count just for the skill he showed.

Messi's disallowed goal against Mold. What a finish!

After the match, I carried out a joint interview with Iwan and Kev Lloyd, and another one with our recent signing, Jamie Roberts. I remember Jamie playing against us last year for Holyhead and thought he was a very good player, so was pleased to hear that Iwan had brought him to the Oval.

Jamie Roberts.

Having played for the reserves in their victory over their counterparts from Llandudno Junction Jamie made his first team debut for us in Holywell and was outstanding.  From what I’ve seen of him, he is quick, has great control and movement and in fact looks ideal for the way Iwan wants the team to play. Just as importantly, he is also a really nice guy and I’m sure Jamie will prove to be another massive coup for the manager and the club.

I had originally planned on including the Carmarthen and Buckley victories in this blog but have decided against it as I suspect it’s already overlong as it is. Therefore, I’ll be looking at those encounters, and the return of Leigh Craven and one of my favourite players, Jay Gibbs, next time around. With a bit of luck I may also be able to publish an interview with a member of Iwan’s first team background staff….

Old MacDonald, Sully and Quinn.

When I last put pen to paper, or fingers to keyboard, the Cofis were flying, having won nine of the previous eleven matches, losing just the once, and to Welsh Premier League opposition at that.

And then we lost at home to Llanfair United and all the talk outside of the club was of how the team had lost its way, and were a spent force. After one lacklustre performance and defeat. Keyboard warriors were out in force, the usual suspects were sniping away and suddenly it seemed that the wheels had come off the champions’ wagon.  Sounds ridiculous doesn’t it, and yet here we are, facing another year in the doldrums if you believe everything you read on social media.

I don’t believe it, and I’m sure that most people who know the players and management team will feel the same. There’s no denying that the team was not at its best against Llanfair and, judging from what I saw after the match, no one knew it more that the players themselves. The truth is, after going a goal up early on the team did not take advantage of their superiority in the opening twenty minutes and the visitors made them pay with an excellent performance thereafter. It would be easy to blame the defeat on a few things during the match that may have had an effect on the result, Chris Williams’ early exit after injury being one, missed opportunities and Danny Brookwell’s sending off another two, but these things happen from time to time and on the day I felt Llanfair deserved the victory.

I’ve been carrying out post-match interviews with the manager this season and, to be perfectly honest, I had thought of heading straight home after the final whistle as I’m sure that answering my questions was the last thing Iwan would have wanted after the defeat. However, I braved the possible consequences and am glad that I did because I think it epitomises our manager and his standards. If you’ve seen the video (available on the club’s twitter and facebook feeds) and, having looked through my ever present book of idioms I believe the one that best reflects his approach to my questions is that he “pulled no punches’. 

Grahame Austin.

I decided against an interview with any of the players who had played and took the opportunity instead to ask Grahame Austin for an update on his injury. The club captain has been out of action all season due to a back problem and it was good to hear Aussie saying that he still hasn’t given up hope of playing again this season. Incidentally, we had to pause the interview at one stage because, just as we were about to start, the Llanfair United players appeared from the dressing rooms, loud, proud and all clad in fancy dress! It was the last things I wanted to see after such a disappointing result but, to be fair, some of the outfits were pretty good (there was a bear and a Indian chief if I recall correctly) and really, it just about summed up the day.

The next match could not come quickly enough and seven days later the team travelled over the Britannia Bridge for a Welsh Cup tie with Llangefni, and what an encounter it turned out to be!

The sides had played at Cae Bob Parry in a pre-season friendly that the Canaries had won quite comfortably, although by just a solitary goal but this clash was a very different affair as we were treated to eight goals, a penalty shoot-out and some fine chanting by the home crowd!

When Jamie Breese put us ahead in the second minute I hoped it would signal a stress-free afternoon but the hosts had other ideas and it ended up being one of the best matches I’ve seen for a number of years. I think it’s fair to say that Caernarfon bossed possession for long periods of the match and certainly played the better football but, by failing to add a second goal they allowed Llangefni to keep themselves in the match and, once the hosts levelled before the break, the match  was very much one of those blood and thunder cup ties that the older generation would have us believe only happened in the good old days. Each time Caernarfon got back in front, Cefni would find a way to peg us back and it came as no surprise when they forced a penalty shoot-out in the last minute of extra time.

Tom Quinn celebrates his goal against Llangefni
(he's somewhere at the bottom of this pile-up!). 

I’m not a supporter of penalties deciding cup ties and would much prefer replays but thankfully on this occasion Town’s spot-kick takers had the edge on their opponents and managed to put the club into the hat for the third round. I was pleased that both Tom Quinn and Danny Sullivan scored their penalties (Tom had scored during the match also) because they’ve had a difficult start to their time at Caernarfon and I hope that the influence they had on the match will give them the confidence to push on now because they’re both excellent players, and nice guys too.  

Many people have mentioned how much character and determination Cefni showed to get back on level terms on four occasions during the match and I agree, but it's interesting that not many have said the same thing about Caernarfon, who also had to roll up their sleeves and react positively having been pegged back so many times. Both sides deserve lots of credit for their efforts.  

A quick mention also to Cory Williams, who I thought was excellent and easily the man of the match.  His goal from twenty five yards was very much worth the price of admission alone and I know there’s more of the same to come from him. Cory has been in and out of the side this season but had his best match for the club in Llangefni and I firmly believe he has the tools to make a massive impact on the team this season. Cory has great quality, on and off the pitch.         

It had been a heartpounder of a tie and was proof enough that the country’s premier cup competition still means a lot to the clubs and true football supporters. In fact, I would go so far as to say that the FAW should consider giving the cup more backing and maybe consider pushing the competition as much as they do the Welsh Premier League. Likewise those in charge of television coverage of Welsh football. Would supporters and casual followers of the game in Wales prefer watching a cup tie between sides they don’t normally see or witness yet another encounter involving The New Saints, Bangor or Rhyl? I understand that they need to push the WPL but at the moment it seems that everything is taking a backseat to the top tier, and I can’t imagine that it does too much good for the grass roots game.

Was the segregation barrier really required?

Anyway, back to our afternoon in Llangefni and just a few things I must mention before moving on. Firstly, upon entering the ground I was surprised to see that there was segregation in place. Seeing the barriers behind the goals was a reminder of ugly days of the past when such things were the norm at football matches (who could ever forget the awful red cage we had at the Oval for away supporters in the eighties?). I found it quite insulting to everyone attending the tie and was puzzled that the Caernarfon Town Board had not been informed beforehand. I believe the local police had asked for the segregation and if this is so, then both clubs should have been informed so as to tell the supporters. I’m not blaming Llangefni at all, but the police should have told us.

I don’t think the segregation was warranted and what made it even more questionable is that supporters of both teams were allowed into the supporters club before, during and after the match for a beer. And, having frequented the bar, I can confirm that there was no segregation barrier in sight!

The PYS Supporters Stand.

I mentioned earlier that the home supporters were in fine voice and I think they’ve already won the best, and most amusing, chant of the season for their excellent rendition of Old MacDonald which rang around the ground as two of the local constabularies’ finest walked towards the PYS Supporters Stand. All good fun and yet another throwback to the old days, although a much funnier one than the barriers!

Something else that made an impression on me was the music played at the ground, which consisted of Neil Diamond, Neil Diamond and more Neil Diamond. In fact, at times it seemed as if we were at one of the Solitary Man’s concerts, his voice filling the rather cold air with classics such as Red, Red Wine and I’m a Believer, both of which fitted my mood as Sully’s winning penalty hit the onion bag to send us through to the next round!

There's only one Messi!

Our reward for winning in Llangefni is a tough but very exciting home draw with Carmarthen Town. The last time we faced top tier opposition in the Welsh Cup was the televised tie against The New Saints in November 2014. On that day, we gave the Welsh champions a real run for their money, the wall collapsed and Darren Thomas proved that there’s only one Messi, and he works at the Oval! 

The tie is certainly something to look forward to but before then the side has two tough fixtures to play, beginning with a trip to Halkyn Road to take on Holywell Town. There’s really no need for me to say much more about this much-anticipated match, as past fixtures between the sides, over a number of years, have proved there is a strong possibility it will be a real cracker!

Come on the Town!  

Interviews, Nemo, Four Victories, One Club.

We’ve had four weekends and four victories since the last blog and, having finished off last time with a look at the side’s frustrating home draw with Caersws, I’m delighted to say that this latest entry is pretty much a frustration-free zone.

Although the draw against the Bluebirds could probably be seen as two points lost in our attempt to retain the Cymru Alliance title, I think the team showed lots of character to claim a point on an afternoon when the players found it hard to click into gear. On a positive note, the league’s early pacesetters, Prestatyn Town, failed to take advantage because they  also drew on the day and therefore the gap between the sides remained just two points, with the Seasiders also having a match in hand.

There was a timely break from league action for the next two weeks as Iwan and the players switched their attentions to cup action, firstly with a short trip up the A55 to Comwy for a Welsh  Cup tie. I always enjoy visiting the Morfa because it’s a proper ground, with stands and terraces, and it also helps that the Canaries always seem to do well there!

Borough had announced a change in management in the days leading up to the match, and Will Ryder was their latest pick to try to return the Tangerines to former glories. A change in the hot seat  can usually go one of two ways, the new man can either immediately re-invigorate a struggling side as players try to impress him, or his new charges may take a long time to understand and adopt his new

Messi. 

ideas. I’m not too sure how the change affected Conwy though, as Caernarfon were outstanding on the night, and comfortably booked a berth in the second round courtesy of a 5-1 victory. Leading the way for the Cofis was our talisman, Darren Thomas, who ran the show from his position just behind Jamie Breese, and chipped in with two goals. Prior to the match, there had been much talk of the possible influx of new players to the hosts line-up but this did not materialise and whilst I have no idea how their new manager saw the match, I do know that our gaffer was delighted with the result! Iwan is desperate for a good run in the competition, and I know that he’s still disappointed by last season’s exit at the hands of Goytre so when I interviewed him after the match, he was in great spirits.

Talking of the post-match interviews we’ve introduced this season, they seem to be quite popular, judging by the number of views received on facebook and twitter. The feedback has been positive thus far and whilst I appreciate that I’m no Michael Parkinson I hope that, together with Iwan and the players, we’re able to provide supporters with a useful addition to the match reports.

Before moving on from the Conwy tie, I must admit that a most enjoyable Friday evening watching Town win under the floodlights did have one worrying moment when a Caernarfon supporter shared with me his secret of keeping warm at football matches. Expecting a tip that I could possibly use myself during the coming months I was somewhat taken aback when he told me that his secret weapon against the elements are his wife’s tights, which he was wearing at the time. It was a rather awkward moment when he blurted out the words, and I’m sure he immediately regretted imparting the information so, for fear of embarrassing him, and just in case his wife doesn’t know he borrowed her undergarments, I’ll keep his identity to myself, however tempting it is not to!  

The following week saw us travel to Powys as the team began its defence of the league cup with a tricky looking tie at Caersws. It seemed strange playing them again just fourteen days after the 1-1 draw at the Oval and I think everyone expected another tough, and close encounter with Graham Evans’ side and whilst they certainly played to the same level again, Town were much better this time around and were worthy 3-0 victors.

Kev Lloyd, playing better than ever.

It was an entertaining match with both sides creating goalscoring opportunities and it was due only to the expertise of the two goalkeepers that the score was kept relatively low. Both Keighan Jones and Luke Evans pulled off some fines saves and, whilst Caersws could count themselves unlucky to concede two own goals, Caernarfon’s three goal winning margin seemed a fair reflection of the difference between the sides on the day. Incidentally, Town’s third goal was very well taken by Kevin Lloyd who, in my opinion, is playing better than ever since he returned to the club earlier this season. When I spoke with Kev during the summer he told me he had been surprised to still be playing at this level but I hope he doesn’t feel like that now, because he’s been brilliant during the past two months. During the somewhat arduous trip to the match I had decided that if the team won I’d ask the goalscorer(s) for a photo together but, bearing in mind the two own goals, I thought better of it!

Gaz Edwards carrying out his new second job as our 
woodwork strength tester.

It was another good away performance from the team and whilst this latest visit to one of my favourite away grounds was a most enjoyable one I feel I need to point out that the match officials did not have the most consistent of afternoons. I know that the referee and his assistants have a thankless task and that one of the teams and their supporters will always disagree with every decision they make but on this occasion, I thought the standards dipped below the acceptable levels. For those who may not have been to the Recreation Ground, the home dugout is situated nearer the corner flag than the halfway line and therefore the Caersws management team and substitutes sit directly behind the linesman running that touchline. This means the official is put under immense  pressure by the hosts’ management whenever there is a decision to be made, or not, and I’m afraid that during this match it seemed that their constant appealing may have swayed the assistant’s decision making on occasion. I’m not criticising Caersws because they’re obviously trying to gain any advantage they can but the proximity of the dugouts to the linesman is something I believe the Cymru Alliance League should look at.

Iwan Williams, manager and magician.

Iwan was in a rush to get off after the match but still had time to carry out his customary trick of fitting a coach load of gear in the back of his car before setting off! (see photo). 

The Cofis were back in league action seven days later when Conwy Borough were the visitors. This match had originally been scheduled to be played at the Morfa but, due to groundwork being carried out there, the clubs agreed to a switch of venue and I hoped that the players could find a way of replicating their away form on home turf as they seem to have been playing better on their travels this season.

The match started well and we were dominating possession but, having failed to find the target early on, the Tangerines took advantage and went into a surprise lead which they soon doubled. As blasé as it might sound now I didn’t feel overly concerned at two goals down because the players had opened up Conwy’s defence on plenty of occasions during the first match and opening half an hour of this encounter to suggest they could bounce back and take at least a point and, from the moment Kev Lloyd pulled a goal back, it seemed almost inevitable that the Cofis would go on to win the match. Danny Brookwell hit the target to ensure that the teams were level at half-time and the Cofis put on a powerful display after the break to find the net on three more occasions, through Nathan  Craig, Cory Williams and Gareth Edwards. 

Cory Williams made an instant impact against Conwy.

A special mention here to Cory, who came on off the bench and scored with his first contribution, cutting inside from the right flank before beating his marker and curling an effort into the bottom far corner of the net. An excellent strike from him that shows the quality he has and I’m sure we’ll see plenty more of the same from him in the future.

As has become the norm of late, I carried out a post-match interview on video with Iwan and he was as forthright as ever in his comments. This time, however, he was under the added pressure of having been challenged by his players and coaching staff to include the word ‘mushroom’ in his interview, which he just about managed, although I’m not sure how was able to carry on after getting his word in! Cory was also given a challenge in his interview and came up trumps and whilst I’m not convinced it’s the best idea they’ve had (thinking mainly of making my job harder!) it’s a great sign that there’s a good craic in the squad.

I felt that the manner of the victory over Conwy might prove a turning point in the side’s form at home and there couldn’t be many tougher opportunities to test the theory than the visit of Guilsfield to the Oval on Saturday.

Anyone who has even a passing interest in the Cymru Alliance League will know that he Guils are a very strong side and have been for a number of years. The squad may change slightly from time to time but one thing you can be sure of when playing Danny Barton’s side is a real challenge, both  physically and mentally. They are a very tough side to break down and can muscle most teams out of matches, as proved when they beat us at the Oval last term. That defeat still rankles with Iwan and I know he was even more desperate than usual for his side to gain victory this time around. The players did not let him down as they put on a superb performance to win by five goals to one in what I feel was the best home performance of the season thus far.

Dany Brookwell opened the scoring against Guilsfield.

There were many strong performances on the day but it was Darren Thomas who stole the show with a virtuoso showing, running the match from his free role on the park. Guilsfield had no answer to Town’s frontline as Messi prompted Kev Lloyd, Jamie Breese and Danny Brookwell 

with his clever runs and interplay. Following Darren and Danny’s early goals, Nathan Craig got a brace to give him eleven goals in as many matches this term whilst it was great to see Breesy finding the net again after looking slightly frustrated in the last two matches. Jamie has been the league’s top scorer for the last two seasons and whilst I believe he is the best striker in the league there’s much more to his game than scoring goals. His work ethic is second to none and I would love to see the distance he covers in matches. Three words that describe Jamie to me are: Striker. Team. Player. 

Recent signing Danny Sullivan. 

I’m sure that one or two teams would have been looking at our match with Guilsfield with interest, and maybe expecting us to drop points, so to beat such a strong side by five goals to one was some statement by the team although, typically of Iwan, he was still not totally satisfied, and gave the side a seven out of ten for the performance! Oh, and just in case you’re wondering, the word of the day for the manager was Nemo (I kid you not!) whilst Nathan had to find a way to get washing basket into his post-match interview! I’m not sure where all this silly word nonsense will end, but I’ll be trying my best to keep it clean!

Despite being on such a great run of form the manager has strengthened his squad even further in recent weeks with the addition of two quality signings, Danny Sullivan from Flint and Charley Robertson, who had to wait an astonishing thirty one days for international clearance to don the yellow shirt. Both have made their debuts for us now and I'm sure they'll be looking to get into the side as soon as possible. Competition in the squad is healthy and we've got it in spades!   

Saturday was a special day for the club as a whole because we had been invited by the Royal Welch Fusiliers Museum in Caernarfon to lay poppy crosses in the Garden of Remembrance at the Castle. To be given such an opportunity to pay our respects to those who gave their lives for us in wartime was an honour and privilege for the club and the time we had at the Castle is one of my proudest as a supporter. We had representatives from the first team, the ladies team and the Academy and it was very emotional to be there together.

Finally, I’ve been busier than usual on Press Officer duty recently and couldn’t be happier about it! In the past week or so the club has been

able to announce a car deal with B & K Williams Garages and we are also putting something together about the huge contribution the Canaries club have made to the club in recent months. Everyone who lives locally will know that co-owner of B & K Garages. Kevin Williams, is a keen fan of the club and so it’s great that he’s been able to help us secure a great deal for a car that will enable Nathan Craig to carry out his duties as the Head of the Football in the Community project. As for the Canaries, I can say from personal experience that their support has been critical to the club in the last eighteen months, and especially so over the course of the last six months. They are putting money and time into the maintenance of the Oval and I think we’d have been struggling without them during this transitional period for the club’s Board. They have three seats on the new Board and I’m sure we’ll keep on working together to improve all aspects of the club.        

Iwan has brought the One Club motto to Caernarfon Town and whilst there may still be a way to go before we fully reach that point, I’m more confident than ever that we will get there.

Come on Town!