BMATCH REPORTS

Neath and District League Reserve Division 1 Cup Final

Sunnybank 2-2 Bryn Rovers Afc (Bryn won 5-3 AET)

Bryn Rovers won the reserve division 1 cup for the first time against Bank, making it a clean sweep of all 4 reserve division cups in the clubs history. Sunnybank started the strongest as yet again Bryn abandoned their usual style of play and settled into a long ball game that gave the front pairing of Eifion Rogers and Del Patel no chance against the strong aerial presence of Bank. The tactics for Bryn before the game were to play the ball wide to utilize the great pace possessed by Kieran Twomey and Chris Marland, unfortunately it took the best part of an hour to implement these tactics much to the annoyance of the Bryn supporters. Bryn took the lead 16 minutes into the game when a Rogers corner was buried into the net by the impressive Chris Marland. The lead almost lasted until half time but it was cut short when a well worked corner eluded Bryn and Bank equalized. Bank then seized the initiative when an uncharacteristic Jason Williams error allowed the forward to ghost through and an even bigger error by Richard Lloyd allowed the forward to score. Bryn were not behind for long though as Carwyn Sheldon threaded a ball through for Marland who finished to score his second goal of the match to tie the game at 2-2. The match was to go to extra time with Bryn remaining very much on top and it wasn't long before Chris Marland scored one of the goals of the season when he volleyed the ball in from the touchline past the struggling keeper

Mark Trotman had to be carried from the field for Bryn after being controversially fouled which should have led to a sending off, however the yellow card was leniently shown, this was to be one of the decisions that would incense Bryn on the day as the referee failed to award several key decisions in Bryn's favor. Eric Doherty entered the fray to take his place, and it was he who found himself clean through and 1 on 1 against the keeper in the last minute, as he played the ball around the keeper he was set to score in an empty net. At the last second the goal keeper rugby tackled Doherty and foiled his run. There could only be one decision here with the goal keeper being sent from the field. Yet again though Bryn were angered when the referee didn't even book the keeper. Chris Marland stepped up and curled a fantastic free kick for Bryn around the wall and into the top corner to give Bryn a 4-2 lead. Bank were given a life line when Rob Richards dithered on a clearance and allowed the forward a chance to score to bring the game back to 4-3. Eric Doherty was not to be denied though and after another trademark surging run he finished past the keeper to win the cup for Bryn 5-3.

Chris Marland was man of the match for Bryn with a sensational display taking his tally in finals to 6 in 2 games for the seconds, followed closely by Jason Williams who was outstanding in leading the Bryn back four. Karl Jones, Rob Richards and Dan Richards worked efficiently as a team to shut down the Bank forwards and Richard Lloyd had a comfortable game in goals producing 2 unbelievable saves. Mark Trotman, Carwyn Sheldon and Kieran Twomey worked tirelessly in Midifeld for Bryn and Del Patel, Christian Jones, Mike Roberts and Eric Doherty had great games.

A great night for Bryn

Neath and district league reserve division 1 cup semi final
Glynneath 2-2 Bryn Rovers (Bryn win 3-2 AET)

In what can only be described as a fiercely contested cup tie Bryn came out the winners after a massive effort by everyone. With two of their contenders for the player of the year award ruled out Christian Jones and Richard Jones Bryn knew they would have to provide a huge effort to overcome their adversaries. The punt and rush tactics of Glynneath caught Bryn off guard a little as they struggled to deal with the aerial play, which left the Bryn players with stiff necks. The home team took the initiative and scored the opener as the Bryn defence was carved open as the winger took on 4 players and scored a great goal. This early set back seemed to galvanize Bryn as they started to get their game going and chances were soon created. Del Patel grabbed the equalizer after springing the off side trap and finishing past the keeper, and it was soon 2-1 to Bryn as Patel scored a spectacular 35 yard free kick which the keeper didn't even see. The second half was a drab affair as neither team exactly set the tone for the encounter, Glynneath did however manage an equalizer and the match went to extra time. With an eye firmly on the final Bryn stole the show in extra time with a Rob Richards goal and it could have been more if Dan Richard's great header didn't hit the post. There were sterling performances from Bryn with Jason Williams and Mark Trotman having great games and man of the match Del Patel was in top form. Bryn will travel to Ynysmeudw to play Sunnybank in the cup final, in what should be a well contested match.

Neath and district reserve division 1
Caewern 2-4 Bryn Rovers

Bryn notched an impressive 12 wins in a row against a stubborn Caewern team, in fairness the game was spoilt by the condition of the pitch with Bryn unable to get their passing game going. Caewern were off the mark with a thumping 35 yard drive that came from nothing.The away team levelled after Eifion Rogers scored directly from a corner to the surprise of the keeper, and it was soon 2-0 after Rogers finished from close in. Caewern were gifted a soft goal after a hickup in the Bryn defence which presented an easy chance. Eric Doherty also got on the score sheet after a typical brainstorming run and Chris Marland scored a fine individual effort for Bryn in the second half. A good 3 points for Bryn in a match that could have been a potential banana skin.

Neath and district league Reserve Division 1 cup quarter final
Bryn Rovers 9-1 Ynysmeudw

Bryn obliterated Meudw for the second time in 7 days in another one sided affair, with the home side leading 5-0 after only 20 minutes. The first goal was scored withing 3 minutes when an Eifion Rogers corner caught the keeper off guard as it sailed into the net. It was soon 2-0 nil as the Meudw centre halves resembled the red sea as they parted to allow Rogers to grab his second. Kieran Twomey who was playing his first game for a long time scored the third goal with a thumping 40 yard free kick from the touch line, and Richard Jones grabbed a brace including a 25 yard curling effort that hit the side of the net. Rob Richards had a fine game for Bryn and also got on the score sheet with a sublime effort after a good run. Rogers completed his hat trick just before half time after a super ball by Jason Williams was picked up out wide before rounding the defender and finishing well. The second half saw more of the same as Bryn grabbed a further 2 goals including a thumping Dan Richards header and a Richard Jones penalty which sealed his hat trick. Richard Lloyd hat a quiet game in the Bryn goal and had little to do. The Bryn defense was marshaled brilliantly by Jason Williams, alongside him Dan Richards and Dave Harding gave accomplished displays. Paul Lane, Mark Troman, Richard Jones and Kieran Twomey dominated the midfield throughout and Christian Jones produced a man of the match display up front as he continues his late push towards the player of the year award which could go to a few Bryn players who are on top form. Karl Jones came off the bench to score from a free kick way out on the touchline to add the finishing touches to a barnstorming display by Bryn.

 
BMATCH REPORTS

Neath and district Reserve division 1
Pontardawe 1-3 Bryn Rovers

Bryn dominated the clash against the current cup champions with an accomplished display albeit with several regulars missing including Del Patel, Kieran Twomey, Richard Lloyd and Mathew Bowden. Josh Jones came in from the wilderness and did an excellent job in his first game for a while. Richard Jones picked up an injury for Bryn midway through the first half and eventually had to go off leaving a huge hole in the Bryn midifield. Bryn took the lead after an Eifion Rogers corner which was aimed at a free Mark Trotman at the back post sailed directly into the roof of the net. In all fairness Ponty didn't cause Bryn any problems during the first half as the defense had little to do. It was soon 2-0 when a free kick on the touchline was driven into the back post for Paul Lane, who majestically dummied the ball and allowed the cross to sail in much to the dismay of the keeper. Ponty did manage a goal in the second half after some confusion involving Lyn and Jones allowed the forward an easy chance. It wasn't to last though as Rogers completed his hat trick after a defensive howler at the othewr end. Mark Trotman, Carwyn Sheldon and man of the match Christian Jones was in exhilarating form for Bryn.

Ynysmeudw 1-5 Bryn Rovers

A much changed Bryn side visited Ynys for the first time in a few season and came away with an easy win, which in fairness could easily have been 15-1 had the chances been converted. With 6 influential players missing for Bryn a stern test was anticipated, however it was the away team that ran the show leading the game 2-1 at half time with the impressive Christian Jones and Neil Evans netting. Mike Roberts was rushed into an early second team debut after only signing last week and adapted easily to the style of play incorporated by Bryn, and also managed to get on the score sheet. Eric Doherty had a very good game in the centre of mid field forging an usefull partnership with Mathew Westlife Bowden. Del Patel scored his first goal since his recent comeback and also got a much needed run out. The final goal came from the penalty spot as Dan Richards netted and Richard Lloyd saved a penalty at the other end. A good win for Bryn who will welcome Ynys to Cae Criced next week for a cup game with Bryn hoping to be at full strength next week to add to their impressive run of ten wins out of the last ten games.

Premier division

Cwm Wanderers 1-4 Bryn Rovers Phil Eady 2, Mark James 1, Mark Trotman 1
Giants Grave 3-1 Bryn Rovers Mark Griffiths 1

Reserve division 3 cup

Cwmaman United 4-2 Bryn Rovers Adam Campbell 2

Reserve division 3

Cwmaman United 3-3 Bryn Rovers Andrew Twomey 1, Josh Jones 1, Nathan Phillips 1

Neath and district league Reserve division 1
Bryn Rovers 3-1 Cwm Wanderers

Having thrown away a 3 goal lead in the first fixture up in Cwmtwrch Bryn made no mistake this time as they swept Cwm aside. With only one wide midfield player available Bryn shuffled the pack and opted to play 3 strikers. Christian Jones picked up an injury early on for Bryn which eventually resulted in him being replaced after struggling to get through a half. Bryn took the lead midway through the first half when Mark Trotman, who is playing full of form at the moment went to the buyline and cut the ball back to Eifion Rogers who finished from 10 yards. There were no further goals in the first half with both defenses standing firm. The second half saw Bryn score their second, after Del Patel cut in from the left and was felled right on the edge of the area, the resulting free kick was scored by Rogers. Bryn's final goal came after Cwm had a player sent off for handling on the line, Rogers scored the penalty for his third. The midfield trio of Richard Jones, Matthew Bowden and Carwyn Sheldon had fines games for Bryn.

Bryn Rovers 2-1 Sunnybank

Sunnybank have been the only side to beat Bryn this season in a match that was crammed with controversial decisions. Bryn got their own back on Saturday when they restricted the lackluster Sunnybank side to one attempt on target. With the match being dominated by Bryn it was only matter of time before they scored, Del Patel received the ball from a short corner and crossed for Christian Jones who headed the ball in past the rooted keeper. Mark Trotman had a great chance to add to Bryn's lead but was thwarted by the keeper. For the second game in a row Bryn led 1-0 at the half. They scored the second after great work by Trotman out wide saw his cross hit the bar and fall kindly for Kieran Twomey to cap a good performance with a tap in. Carwyn Sheldon also had a goal disallowed and Jones came close to getting his second as he came within a foot of scoring. Bank scored their goal with their only attempt on target when a header was steered above Richard Lloyd.

Neath and district Reserve division 1 cup qualifying round
Resolven 1-7 Bryn Rovers

With many of the weekends matches being postponed due to the overnight freeze, Bryn were surprised that their cup match was on. For the second time this season Bryn easily dispatched of Resolven, winning the match 7-1. Kieran Twomey opened the scoring for Bryn after running from his own box then playing a 1-2 with Eifion Rogers before firing past the keeper. It was soon 2-0 when Mark Trotman switched the play with a pass to Rogers whose cross was headed into the net by Rob Richards to take Bryn into the half with a healthy lead. In fairness it could have been many more with Kieran Twomey having 2 efforts cleared off the line after a well worked corner, and Rogers missing a penalty. Resolven got back in the game 5 minutes into the second half when a free kick from the half way line was met by the unmarked Carl Day for an easy goal, which exposed Bryn defensively. If anything this seemed to bring Bryn to life and they were soon 3-1 up after a Rogers free kick evaded the keeper and then moments later Richard Jones played Rogers through for his second goal to make it 4-1. Christian Jones capped another fine performance with a good finish after a Trotman through ball, and Rob Richards scored his second of the match. The goal of the game was reserved for Richard Jones, after Christian Jones chased down a lost cause, fed the ball back to Trotman who found Jones 25 yards from goal, his strike arrowed into the top corner to seal the Bryn win and their safe passage into the next round.

Reserve Division 1
Bryn Rovers 7-2 Pontardawe

Bryn picked up their 6th win from 9 games with the demolition of Ponty on Saturday, the away team were somewhat fortunate to score both their goals with there being a suspicion of off side. And it was Ponty who took the lead after the Bryn defense stopped thinking the player was off side only for the goal to be awarded. Bryn were soon back in the game after a typical surging run by Kieran Twomey was unfairly brought down in the area and a penalty was awarded. Eifion Rogers stepped up and converted the penalty to tie the game. Mathew Bowden then gave Bryn the lead with a sublime 25 yard strike that went in off the underside of the bar, before Ponty again equalised with another disputed goal. With Ponty seemingly back in the game Bryn again took the lead after the free kick was awarded for a hand ball Eifion Rogers stepped up and fired home into the corner of the net. With Kieran Twomey having a great game out wide for Bryn his cross again found a Bryn player in the box and Mark Trotman set up Rogers to make it 4-2 going in to half time. The second half saw more of the same as Bryn scored a further 3 goals, Mathew Bowden scored another screamer from outside the box with a great strike to make it 5-2 and Rogers rounded the keeper to score his fourth after an assist by Richard Jones. With 30 minutes left in the game Bryn brought on veteran Deadly Del Patel for his first game in nearly 3 seasons who will be a massive player for the club in the second half of the season. Griffiths returns to the club for the first time since the under 16s team, and it will be interesting to see if he can recapture his past form. Ashley Griffiths also came off the bench for his first game in over 4 years and it was him and Patel who combined for the final goal which saw Grifiths score a volley from 10 yards out. Great display by Bryn with Dan Richards, Richard Lloyd, Dan Macmahon and Jack Skoczen and Rob Richards working well as a unit in defence. Christian Jones, Mark Trotman, Kieran Twomey and Richard Jones again covered every blade of grass on the field as their industry proved too much for many of the Ponty players.

Neath and district reserve division 1
Bryn Rovers 3-0 Caerwern

After an enforced two week lay off due to the adverse weather conditions Bryn soon got back to winning ways with a comfortable win against Caerwern. With all the early pressure aimed at the visitors goal Bryn signaled their intent, Kieran Twomey cut back inside from a corner and saw his shot spilled by the keeper straight to the feet of Carwyn Sheldon who tapped in the opener. Sheldon soon got his second goal of the match from 5 yards out after a well timed run and finish passed the helpless keeper. Richard Lloyds was kept quiet for the majority of the half, he did however produce a great save when faced one on one with the Caerwern attacker. The second half saw more of the same for Bryn as they dictated the play, Mathew Bowden scored his 6th goal of the season, a personal best for over 10 years with a good finish when he was given the freedom of the field. Bowden had another few good chances and was unlucky not to add to his tally. Christian Jones again led the line up front for Bryn with a sterling performance full of energy and running and was unlucky not to get on the score sheet in the first half following a Rob Richards cross.

Neath and district reserve division 1
Resolven 1-7 Bryn Rovers

Bryn have started to put some decent results together recently and this trend continued on Saturday when they hammered Resolven away from home. Mark Trotman scored two goals for Bryn to take his season tally to 7, while the returning Leeroy Gregory got another goal. Christian Jones was man of the match for Bryn and he capped a fine display with a goal. The other scorers were Jack Skozen, Steff Conibeer and an own goal. Bryn climbed to 3rd in the table with this win, with a game in hand that would take them second. After playing their share of away games recently Bryn look forward to 4 home games in November. Everyone at the club would like to wish Andrew Twomey a speedy recovery from an ankle injury sustained on Saturday.

Neath and district reserve division 1
Bryn Rovers 6-1 Ynysmeudw

Bryn welcomed meudw to Cae Criced for only their second home match of the season, and with the away team only managing one attempt on target this was a walk in the park for Bryn. The first half saw many chances come Bryn's way and after Eifion Rogers turn and shot was saved Neil Evans tapped in from 5 yards to give them the lead going into half time. Richard Jones, Christian Jones, Carwyn Sheldon all scored good team goals to make the game safe before man of the match Neil Evans scored a great second goal. Ynysmeudw got a consolation with a header into the top corner before they scored an own goal. Easy win for Bryn, against a team struggling after promotion. Defensively Bryn have looked far more solid in recent weeks as they continue to climb the table.

Neath and district - Reserve division 1
Cilfrew Rovers 1-3 Bryn Rovers

A very good result for Bryn, in a season where they are very much in transition since the loss of 6 players from last seasons squad. Bryn have been playing very well in parts recently but a combination of not taking chances and several defensive mishaps have yielded few points. The away side led at half time 2-0 through Mathew Bowden's superb 25 yard strike that shot in off the post following a slight deflection, and Christian Jones saw his shot fumbled into the net by the keeper. The second half saw more of the same as Bryn put increasing pressure on the Cilfrew goal, and it was totally against the run of play that Cilfrew scored directly from a free kick after a stupid foul. Mathew Bowden gave Bryn some breathing space with ten minutes left as he scored following a corner. Kieran Martin impressed for Bryn in his first start in a while, and captain Richard Jones again kept the Bryn side ticking throughout. Chrisitian Jones continued his good recent form with another good display.

Neath and district Premier division
Bryn Rovers 3-2 St Ives

Newly promoted St Ives certainly made Bryn fight hard for their 3 points as they lost 3-2 at Cae Criced. Eric Doherty wrote his way into Bryn Rovers folklore as he scored a goal within 8 seconds to make him the first teams quickest ever goal scorer. St Ives hit back after 10 minutes with a 35 yard effort that thundered into the Bryn net. Mark Griffiths continued his recent good form with a goal after an assist by Jason Harries to make it 2-1. Before a defensive howler allowed Ives to equalize and make it 2-2. Man of the match for Bryn Mark James capped a fine performance with a goal from the penalty spot which gave Bryn the much needed 3 points.

Neath and district reserve division 1
Glynneath 4-4 Bryn Rovers

The first half was dominated by Bryn as they peppered the home teams goal with shot after shot, however it was Glynneath who took the lead with a goal that looked suspiciously off side. Bryn were soon back in the contest after sterling work by Kieran Twomey resulted in a penalty which Dan Richards stroked home. Bryn then took the lead after another great run by Twomey resulted in another which Dan Richards missed but then redeemed himself by scoring an over head volley from the corner. Bryn's defensive frailties were all too evident as the home side scored from a corner them selves to cling on to a 2-2 draw going into half time. In the first half Bryn had 14 shots and Glynneath managed only 3 but they took their chances well. The second half saw Bryn dictating the play and were soon ahead when a Andrew Twomey corner found Mathew Westlife Bowden who headed into the goal, showing how dangerous he is in the box. The game was soon 3-3 after terrible marking allowing the forward to score from close range. Mark Trotman scored Bryn's fourth after another good corner by Twomey, and yet again Glynneath equalised in controversial circumstances as their forward was acres off side and the goal was allowed by the official. Bryn need to improve on this showing.

Neath and District League Premier Division
Bryn Rovers 2-1 Ystradgynlais

Bryn couldnt really have had a harder first game of the season against former Welsh league team and potential champions Ystrad. Rovers gave a good account of themselves and could really have had something from the game, but it wasnt meant to be on the day as Ystrad pulled off the win. Neil Evans had a good game for Bryn and Mark James scored the goal.

Bryn Rovers 5-0 Pontardawe

Having recovered from the loss against a good Ystard side Bryn put the sword to Pontardawe in sensational style with Phil Eady getting off the mark with a superb hat trick including one goal a la Paul Gascoigne against Scotland which drew applause from everyone. Ex Pontardawe favourite Peter Windsor also got a brace of goals, and was denied a third goal when he chested the ball down swivelled and shot into the far corner of the net, after a freekick for handball was given against him.. Great defensive effort by Bryn also who didnt even allow Ponty a shot at goal, led by Mike Eady.

Park Rangers 5-0 Bryn Rovers

With Park having merged recently with fellow Skewen outfit Lon Las Bryn were in for a tough game especially with Park having beaten league champions Giants Grave away from home. Park took the early lead after a Mike Eady own goal another own goal followed from manager Jason Harries and a deflected strike also added to Bryn's misery. A disputed penalty resulting from a foul 22 yards out summed up Bryn's day as they went on to concede a fifth. Mark James and Chris Marland had good chances for Bryn against a team who surely now have pushed into the title picture having previously not been mentioned.

Neath and District League Reserve Division 1
Bryn Rovers 3-1 Cilfrew Rovers

With Bryn missing a few players not having a recognised striker on the field they knew that patience would be required, as they continually attacked the Cilfrew goal. Leif Thoberoe missed a few good chances in the first half and Carwyn Sheldon also went close as the score remained 0-0. In the second half Bryn scored immediately from the kick off afer a crunching tackle in midfield set up Leif Thoberoe who finished well. Bryn had the chance to go 2-0 up but the keeper made a save from a Mike Young penalty. Cilfrew pulled themselves back into the game when a ball was not cleared in the box and a shot cannoned off the cross bar and hit Bryn keeper Richard LLoyd on the back and went in the goal. A scrambled own goal moved Bryn ahead for the second time in the match before a Leeroy Gregory wonder goal from the edge of the area sealed the win. The home team will have wondered how they only scored 3 goals in a game they dominated.

Copyright Bryn Rovers AFC 2010