MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Kris Hames
(Aberdare)
Assistants: Ryan Tudor
(Pentre)
& Jack Moore
(Aberdare)
Acve & Passive Safety Technology Proud Sponsors Of The Match Day Programme Prinng
CWMBRAN CELTIC
Home Squad
Lewis Watkins (GK)
Iwan Hooper (GK)
Andrew Larcombe ©
Joshua Rippon
Harrison Lewis
Callum Hodges
Lewis Iles
Tyler Broom
Kian Bodenham
Joshua Hinwood
Dominic Connor
Charlie Taylor
Shaun Moss
Alex Bonthron
Thomas Meechan
Alex McDowell
Cole Doolan
Adrian Maguire
Lewis McCauley
Callum Wakeham
Manager: James Kinsella
Assistant: Conor James
Coach: Matthew Williams
GK Coach: Sam Lewis
First Aider: Conor James
Colours: Yellow Blue Yellow
AFAN LIDO
Away Squad
Exauce Dimonekene (GK)
Sean Hanbury
Cai Owens
Matthew Beynon
Jackson Hall
Sacha Walters
Liam McCreesh
Ben Keen
Liam Griffiths ©
Christopher Jones
Ieuan Owen
Coby Rogers
Ioan Evans
John Hall
Gareth Couch (GK)
Steven Cann (GK)
Michael McCalmon
Bradley Flay
Daniel Rees
Babucar Sauane
Luke McDonald
Cory Woods
Manager: Paul Evans
Coaches: Carl Hughes; Gareth Couch;
Mark Robinson; Gary Isaac
Kit Manager: Carl Edwards
First Aider: Leighton Jones
Colours: Red Red Red
CWMBRAN CELTIC FC
www.cwmbranceltic.com
Season 2023/24 Official Match Day Programme £1
TODAY’S SPONSORS
CWMBRAN CELTIC v AFAN LIDO
Saturday 17th February 2024 K.O. 2:00pm
AVONDALE MOTOR PARK ARENA
2
LEAGUE TABLE 2023/24
CWMBRAN CELTIC
HOME/AWAY
P W D L F A
+/-
Pts
HOME
8 3 2 3 16 16 0 11
AWAY
11 4 1 6 26 30 -4 13
TOTAL
19 7 3 9 42 46 -4 24
RESERVE (SOUTH EAST)
P W D L F A GD Pts
1 Risca United
12 10 1 1 42 20 22 31
2 Cwmbran Celtic 14 9 0 5 45 32 13 27
3 Lliswerry 13 8 1 4 36 25 11 25
4 Undy 16 8 0 8 32 29 3 24
5 Blaenavon Blues 11 6 2 3 25 21 4 20
6 Caldicot Town 11 6 1 4 35 30 5 19
7 Tredegar Town 11 5 1 5 24 23 1 16
8 Abertillery Bluebirds 12 5 0 7 25 25 0 15
9 Abercarn United 13 4 3 6 28 35 -7 15
11 Chepstow Town 10 3 1 6 19 25 -6 10
12 Abergavenny Town 10 3 0 7 21 26 -5 9
13 Goytre 12 3 0 9 18 38 -20 9
14 Treowen Stars 7 1 0 6 10 31 -21 3
JD CYMRU SOUTH
P W D L F A GD Pts
1 Briton Ferry Llansawel
20 15 1 4 60 27 33 46
2 Llanelli Town 19 12 4 3 55 23 32 40
3 Carmarthen Town 22 10 8 4 41 29 12 38
4 Afan Lido 21 11 4 6 46 34 12 37
5 Ammanford 19 11 4 4 38 26 12 37
6 Baglan Dragons 22 10 4 8 37 30 7 34
7 Cambrian and Clydach 20 8 5 7 34 29 5 29
8 Caerau Ely 20 9 1 10 48 41 7 28
9 Trefelin BGC 20 8 4 8 34 45 -11 28
10 Taffs Well 19 6 7 6 32 29 3 25
11 Goytre United 19 7 4 8 31 38 -7 25
12 Cwmbran Celtic 19 7 3 9 42 46 -4 24
13 Pontardawe Town 19 6 3 10 37 47 -10 21
14 Llantwit Major 20 6 3 11 28 45 -17 21
15 Abertillery Bluebirds 21 2 5 14 20 59 -39 11
16 Abergavenny Town 22 2 2 18 19 54 -35 8
3
WELCOME TO CELTIC PARK
We welcome Afan Lido to Celc Park this aernoon. Lido have an outstanding record against
Celc over the past 3 seasons having won the last 6 encounters and scoring 23 goals.
Celc have played Afan Lido 17 mes in Welsh/Cymru Leagues & cups. In 2010/11, Celc’s 1
st
season in Division 1, we drew 1-1 at Afan Lido, Craig Cheedy scoring a 2
nd
half equaliser. We lost
1-2 at Celc Park, Joey Carless scoring Celc’s consolaon goal. In 2016-7, under the Marston
Stadium floodlights Afan Lido easily won 4-0 courtesy of a hat-trick from winger Chris Hartland.
Lido arrived at Celc Park the following March on the back of a run of 10 games with just one
win two draws & seven defeats and Celc added to their misery with a 6-0 thrashing. Josh Bull
scored a hat-trick. Callum Wakeham, Lee Penry & Dominic Connor added the other goals in Lee
Challenger’s first game as permanent manager following the departure of Dean Morris.
In 2017-8 it was Celc’s turn to take a beang, a 5-0 thrashing in the away game with striker
Mark Jones scoring a hat-trick during a 5 goal mid-game blitz in 37 minutes. The Celc match
report stated this was Celc’s worst display for many a season. In the return at Celc Park Lido
completed the double with a 2-1 win. Chris Ham scored Celc’s goal, his 6
th
in successive games.
In 2018/19 Celc travelled to the Marston Stadium the week aer Lido’s shock 3-2 Welsh Cup
defeat at Cwmbran Town but Lido raised their game and easily beat a very poor Celc side 4-0
with Chris Hartland scoring 2 goals as a 2
nd
half substute. To add to Celc’s woes Lewis Ellis was
sent off. In the return at Celc Park the teams fought out a barnstorming game. Lido held a 3-0
interval lead but Celc fought back in the 2
nd
half to lead 4-3 before Lido snatched a point with a
late penalty.
In 2019/20 a new-look Celc under Nicky Morgan registered a superb 1-0 win at Lido in the first
round of the Nathaniel MG Cup, their first ever win at the Marston, Zac Osborne scoring on his
debut. The away league game in October resulted in a 1-1 draw, Chris Ham scoring for Celc.
In 2021/22 Celc got off to a great start to their campaign with a 3-0 win in the 1
st
round of the
MG League Cup. All the goals came in the 1
st
half through Tom Meachen 2 and Lewis Iles. Afan
Lido got their revenge in the league at the Marston with an emphac 5-2 win, Lewis Iles scoring
both Celc goals. In the return at Celc Park Lido thrashed Celc 5-0. In 2022/23 in the MG Cup
at the Marston Lido notched another 5 goals winning 5-2, Alex McDowell and Iles scoring for
Celc. Lido did the double in the league winning 4-1 at Celc Park, Alex Bonthron scoring for
Celc, and coming from behind to a Tom Meechan goal to win 2-1 at the Marston. This season
Lido again came from behind at the Marston to win 2-1, Alex Bonthron scoring Celc’s goal.
4
Cwmbran Celc football club was formed in
1925. In the early years the club was known as
CYMS (Catholic Young Men's Society). Aer the
immediate success of winning the Newport &
District Division 2 Secon A tle in 1925/6 there
was then a 25 year gap before the next trophy,
the Premier Division tle in 1950/1. The club
disbanded in the late 1950’s largely as a
consequence of naonal service call-ups but a
large influx of junior and youth players brought
about the reforming of the club in 1964 under
the new name of Cwmbran Catholics. In 1970/1
Celc won the Gwent Senior Cup. In 1972/3
with playing membership open to all
denominaons the club dropped the catholic
tle and re-named as Cwmbran Celc winning
the Gwent Amateur Cup and finishing runners-
up in the Gwent Premier League.
In 1979 the club bought its own premises at
Oak Street, Old Cwmbran, the club's present
headquarters. The club's ground was in
Cwmbran Park but around 1995 they moved to
the grounds outside Cwmbran Stadium which
were shared with Cwmbran Cricket club. The
cricket club later moved to Caerleon and Celc
obtained the lease from Torfaen Council.
Celc played in the Gwent County League in the
1980s and 1990s and aer gaining promoon as
champions of Division 2 in 1986/7 remained in
the 1st division for the next 10 seasons.
However a disastrous slide found the club
languishing in the 3rd division when Paul
"Dishy" Richardson became manager in 1999.
He transformed the side bringing in
experienced ex-Cwmbran Town stalwarts
Mickey Copeman and Kevin Payne alongside
teenage striker Shane Williamson who for a
dozen seasons was top scorer. The side was
later bolstered by the return of ex-professionals
Ben Graham and Mark Parfi who had started
their careers with Celc as juniors. There were
successive promoons from the 3rd to 1st
division between 1999 and 2001 and in
1999/2000 Celc won the Gwent County league
cup.
In 2004/5 under new player-manager Mickey
Copeman, the club were runners-up to Clydach
Wasps who applied for membership of the
Welsh Football League but their ground was
adjudged to be not of the required standard.
Celc applied instead. Their ground was also
not up to standard but they were able to share
Cwmbran Stadium with Cwmbran Town and the
Welsh League accepted the club's applicaon.
In their first season in the WFL, 2005/6, Celc
struggled near the boom of the 3rd division all
season. In April Celc travelled to Chepstow
Town needing a win to stay in the league. They
went 1-0 down. With minutes of normal me
remaining substute Jason Price equalised but
a draw was not enough. In the 9th minute of
me added on player manager Mickey
Copeman went up for a corner. The ball was
cleared off the goal-line by a Chepstow
defender, it hit Copeman on the back and
rebounded into the net. Celc had achieved a
last gasp win and, by winning their final match
against Seven Sisters, Celc escaped relegaon
on goal difference.
The following season, 2006/7, Celc now back
at their upgraded and newly named ground,
Celc Park, were transformed. They only lost 2
games and enjoyed a 24 match unbeaten run.
They went to Risca for their last match already
promoted but needed to win to secure the
Championship ahead of Llanwern. With 3
minutes leCelc were 1-0 down playing with
10 men aer a red card for Kevin Payne. Then
Sammy Winter equalised with a speculave
long range shot and in the last minute a Risca
clearance found full back Ben Graham outside
the box.
He hit a perfect looping volley over the
goalkeeper's head and into the net. Celc were
champions.
In Division 2 Celc consolidated their posion in
2007/8 and 2008/9 during which they
introduced a number of players from their new
partnership with Fairwater High School Football
Academy in Cwmbran managed by Celc coach
Della Cheedy.
A BRIEF HISTORY OF CWMBRAN CELTIC 1925-2023
5
A BRIEF HISTORY OF CWMBRAN CELTIC 1925-2023 (connued)
In 2009/10 Celc were front runners desned
to win the Championship. However they lost
two key defenders at a crucial me and vital
points were dropped. Nevertheless Celc
finished their games in 1st place and would win
the tle if Penrhiwceiber failed to win at
Newcastle Emlyn. The home side was 2-0 up at
one stage but Ceiber clawed their way back to
win 3-2 and deny Celc the championship. At
the end of the season Mickey Copeman stood
down aer 7 years during which he secured 3
promoons which took the club from Gwent
County League to the top division of the Welsh
League.
In their first season in the 1st division, 2010/11
under new manager Ben Graham, Celc
struggled for much of the season and were
firmly planted in the relegaon zone but a
superb run-in during which they won 7 and
drew 3 of 14 games earned them 12th place out
of 16. In 2011/12 a good start was made under
Alan Dibble who stepped down in September
with the team in 5th place, to be replaced by
Gareth Morgan. Either side of Christmas, Celc
were 2nd but they had a dismal end of season
run and again finished 12th.
In 2012/13 with head coach Della Cheedy at the
helm, Celc started brightly with some fine
performances including a 4-2 win versus
reigning champions Cambrian & Clydach but
they lost their way in the New year and at one
stage were in last place. However, with
characterisc determinaon they dragged
themselves up the table and sealed another
season in the top division with a resounding 5
-1 win against Haverfordwest County. Under
Steve Morgan in 2013/14 Celc
underperformed finishing 4th from boom and
with Afan Lido relegated from the Welsh
Premier League, Celc were relegated despite
appealing to an FAW arbitraon. With Della
Cheedy back as manager in 2014/15 Celc
finished 7th in Division 2.
In 2015/16 Nicky Church started as manager
but he resigned mid-season. Ex Ton Pentre boss
Dean Morris took over, won two manager of
the month awards, and guided Celc to the
runners-up posion and promoon on the back
of 10 straight wins. The club also reached the
quarter finals of the Welsh Cup, going down 2-1
aer a brave fight at home to WPL side Port
Talbot. Josh Bull was the Welsh League’s top
scorer with 32 league goals.
In 2016/17, back in the 1st Division, Celc went
top of the league early in the season. Dean
Morris resigned in March 2017 and first teamer
Lee Challenger took over, winning his first 5
games in charge as the team ended in 6th
place, their best posion in 5 seasons in the top
er.
In 2017/18 Celc finished 8th in the league and
enjoyed their best ever league cup run,
reaching the semi-final before losing to Llanelli
Town3-0. Chris Ham was Welsh Division1 player
of the season and top scorer with 28 league
goals.
In 2018/19 Celc finished a disappoinng 10th
in the League with Lee Challenger resigning in
March 2019.
In 2019/20, for the inaugural season of the
Cymru League South, Celc installed Nicky
Morgan and Simon Truman as the management
team. With 9 new signings there was a lot of
opmism for a successful season but the team
never got going and aer a 6-1 drubbing at
Pontypridd in January the club regreully
dismissed the management duo.
Development team manager James Kinsella
took over with Mahew Williams as assistant,
the team finishing 13th in a curtailed season
due to the pandemic.
In 2020/21 only one game was played, in
December 2020/21, a 2-0 defeat at Pontypridd
Town in the Nathaniel MG League cup.
In 2021/22 having lost key players, Celc were
involved in a basement bale to avoid
relegaon. Four successive wins late on took
them out of the boom 3 and in the final
analysis an equaliser in me added on by
Andrew Hewi saved Celc and took
opponents Risca United down into the Ardal
League. Last season Celtic finished a creditable
8th in the table.
6
The club was formed shortly aer the opening of the Lido Sports Centre in Aberavon and entered the local Port Talbot and
District League for season 1967-68.
In 1971-72, the club was accepted into the Welsh Football League reaching the Naonal Division in 1989-90.
We were invited to become founder members of the League of Wales for the inaugural 1992-93 season. A healthy mid-
table posion was achieved in this first season, finishing 12th overall. However, success in the League Cup, beang Caersws
on penales provided a superb end to the season.
This was not the club’s first major cup success however in 1986-87 we had won the Welsh Intermediate Cup beang Taffs
Well 1-0 in a replay at Briton Ferry. Our cup exploits connued in 1993-94 when in a thrilling final at Aberystwyth we
retained the League Cup by beang a rampant Bangor City side that had just clinched the League tle by 1-0.
At the end of the 1994-95 season, we finished in second place and earned an UEFA Cup spot.
Defeat in the UEFA Cup at the hands of RAF Riga of Latvia was a bier pill to swallow, a 2-1 defeat at home gave us a
mountain to climb away but we baled hard and deserved our nil-nil draw. We were one of the first League of Wales sides
to avoid defeat on foreign soil. Sadly, we failed to build on this performance and we were relegated at the end of the 1995-
96 season.
Our first season back in the Welsh league saw us consolidate by finishing in sixth posion.
We won promoon back to the League of Wales at the end of the 1997-98 season.
A number of ground improvements had taken place, including a 400 seated stand and a new clubhouse. Consolidaon was
again the aim and we finished in 14th place in our first season back. In season 1999-2000 we finished tenth.
Season 2001-2002 we finished 5th and we qualified for the FAW Premier cup. Topping the group and qualifying for the
knockout stages against Wrexham at home. Wrexham fielded a full first team and ran out 4-0 winners.
In 2003-04 we were again in the FAW Premier cup, our league form was disappoinng and we finished in 14th place with
only 32 points from 32 matches.
2004-05 was again a huge disappointment, our best results of the season were two wins against newly promoted Airbus
UK, a 4-1 away win followed by a
4-0 home win. Unfortunately in the 4-0 win one player was serving a ban picked up while playing for another side. We
were unaware of this as the football authories hadn’t informed us and it was to cost us dearly. We were found guilty of
playing an ineligible player and were deducted 3 points. An appeal fell on deaf ears and we returned to the Welsh League
for the first me since 1997-98.
We ended the 2005-06 in seventh place with 47 points and in 2006-07 we reached the finals of both the Welsh Cup and
the Welsh League Cup in both cases for the first me. We were unlucky to lose 2-3 against Carmarthen in the Welsh Cup
at Llanelli. We finished the season on a high defeang Goytre United by the only goal in the final of the Welsh League Cup
at Port Talbot. Inevitably our cup success affected our league performances but we sll managed a respectable fih place.
2007-8 was the Club’s foreth anniversary. We ended the season in 7th place with 62 points.
2008-09 we won the Welsh League Cup for a second me beang Penrhiwceiber on penales and we finished the league
campaign in seventh place with 54 points.
There was a terrific climax to 2009-10 season with any one of three sides able to win the league. We met Goytre United at
home and a win would guarantee second place and possible promoon to the Premier League. We took the lead with 8
minutes to go only for Goytre to level in added on me. In going for a winner we got caught and conceded a second which
gave the visitors the league tle with Cambrian winning their final games we finished in third place.
2010-11. A tremendous run from January 2011 saw us cement 2nd place in the Welsh League. Together with our successful
applicaon for the Domesc Licence, Afan Lido ensured their return to the Welsh Premier League for 2011-12. We finished
a creditable 10th and won the League Cup for a third me beang Newtown in the final. We returned to Welsh League at
the end of the 2013-2014 season. 2014-15 was a difficult season we ended the season in thirteenth place five points clear
of the boom three. However, 2015-16 saw us finish in eighth place and reaching round 4 of the Welsh Cup. Our youth
side completed the double, winning the Youth Division West on goal difference and beang Monmouth 3-0 to win the
Welsh League Youth Cup. 2016-17 saw us finish in eighth place, we also were awarded the team and manager of the
month for November but the manager of the month ‘curse’ kicked in and we didn’t win again unl February 18th. 2017-18
saw the first team finish in fih place, our youth side won the youth league by an impressive 11 points and our Port Talbot
league side completed a league and cup double. We ended the 2018-19 season in fourth place winning 10 matches away
but only 5 at home. The Youth finished as runners up to Taffs Well only losing the tle on goal difference. 2019-20 was
abandoned due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Our final match which ended in a 2-0 defeat was at Ammanford on February
29th
.
saw us finish in tenth place. Our Youth suffered by a number of final year players finish but the youngsters who came
in didn’t let themselves down. We also ran a number of female sides, the seniors topped their league but on PPG ended in
second place. However, they were sll promoted. 2021-22 saw virtually the whole first team squad leave, we recruited
reasonably well but struggled to be consistent. The January window again saw several players come and go. We flirted with
relegaon but won our last three matches to eventually end the season in a respectable tenth posion.
2022-23 was a strange season, we lost our first two league games before going on a twenty match unbeaten league run
only to lose seven of our last eight matched to finish in sixth place.
A BRIEF HISTORY OF AFAN LIDO
7
AFAN LIDO PEN PICTURES 2023/24
Steven Cann: Signed from Briton Ferry Llansawel in October 2017. Signed for them from
then Welsh Premier team Port Talbot Town for season 2016/17. South African born he
grew up in Briton Ferry and boasts Derby County, Rotherham Utd, Aberystwyth,
Carmarthen and Port Talbot as his ex-clubs. Missed season 2018-19 but re-signed ahead of
2019-20. Le in July 2020 but re-signed in June 2022.
Jackson Hall: Played half a dozen games for the club in the Welsh Premier league before
leaving. Re-signed in Jully 2021 from Port Talbot Town before joining Trefelin in January
2022. Re-signed a second me in July 2022.
Bradley Flay: Signed in August 2019. Had spells with the Cardiff City, Newport County and
Nike Academies. As a senior player has played for Wrexham, Penybont, Monmouth and
Cardiff Met. Has a Welsh Schools cap, represented Welsh Universies and been on the
bench in a Europa League e. Also trialed at Ross County. Is a Masters student in sports
coaching and holds a UEFA B licence. Signed for Goytre Utd in July 2020 before re-signing
for the club in August 2022.
Ben Keen: Ben joined us in September 2020 signing from Penybont. Also played for
Porthcawl. Signed for Llantwit Major in August 2021 before re-signing in January 2022.
Liam McCreesh: Liam came in as assistant manager a couple of seasons ago before taking
over as Team Manager in October 2016. Has a wealth of experience at both Welsh Premier
and Welsh League levels. Made his debut for the club in 2002/03 and has made over 190
League appearances for us scoring 27 goals. Has also played at Port Talbot and Carmarthen
in the Welsh Premier. Signed for Briton Ferry June 2020 before returning in June 2022.
Sean Hanbury: Sean progressed through the junior sides within the club before joining
Swansea City Academy. Was released at the end of the 2016-17 season and signed for the
club in August 2017. Made his debut off the bench at Caerau Ely, made 24 starts scoring 5
goals. Signed for WPL Carmarthen Town in June 2018 before re-signing in June 2019. Le in
August 2020 for Trefelin but re-signed again in January 2022.
Chris Jones: Played for Swansea City, Grimsby Town, Neath, TNS, Gloucester City, Port
Talbot, and also played for Wales at Under 17,19,21 and semi -pro level. Signed during the
2016-17 season playing a handful of games before joining Carmarthen Town. Re-signed for
the club in January 2020. Le July 2020 before re-signing in January 2022.
Ioan Evans: Signed in September 2020 from Cardiff Met; has also played for AFC Llwydcoed.
Managers player of the year for season 2021-22.
Liam Griffiths: Joined us in August 2021 from Goytre United. Scored on his debut against
Briton Ferry. Previous clubs include Pontardawe Town and Carmarthen Town. Won Players
player and Supporters player of the year for 2021-22.
Luke McDonald: Youth player who was involved with the first team before football was
suspended. Has represented the Boys and Girls Clubs of Wales.
Travis James: Signed in July 2022. Previous clubs include Cwmamman United, Llanelli and
Pontardawe Town.
Ieuan Owen: Signed in September 2022. Previous clubs include Porthcawl Town and
Bews.
8
CWMBRAN CELTIC 2023/24 PLAYERS STATISTICS
9
John Stockwell, FQSi
W
E
J.W. Stockwell Limited
Quantity Surveyor
Construction Consultant
Tel: 07968 869071
E-mail: jw.stockwell@btinternet.com
10 Rusper Green
County View
Luton
Bedfordshire
LU2 8RS
10
CWMBRAN CELTIC PLAYER SPONSORS
Being a player sponsor for Cwmbran Celc First Team will see you receive the below:
* Included in matchday programme both digital and hard copy
* Promoted on Social Media
* Free Complimentary Tickets to a game of your choice
Other sponsorship opportunies are also available please contact
CWMBRAN CELTIC PLAYER SPONSORS
11
Being a player sponsor for Cwmbran Celc First Team will see you receive the below:
* Included in matchday programme both digital and hard copy
* Free Complimentary Tickets to a game of your choice
Other sponsorship opportunies are also available please contact
12
Your chance to win big AND support Cwmbran Celc Football Club. Follow the link below to
enter into the weekly draw by seng up your weekly direct debit. You must be in it to win
it! WWW.CWMBRANCELTIC.COM/LOTTO
For just £8 a month – all players get 2 chances every week to Win the Jackpot – all players
will get 4 free weeks over the year!! Enter 4 numbers – match those 4 against the first 3
numbers out of the naonal loery main draw on a Saturday to win.
MUST BE WON WEEKS!
A must-be-won week will be triggered when the Jackpot reaches a predetermined amount.
The player or players that week who match 2 numbers (not 3) that week will win or share
that jackpot. If no players match 2 numbers, the Must-be-Won week will roll-over to the
next week and so on.
Winning Numbers On 10th February 2024
19 - 53 - 24
THIS WEEK: NO WINNERS NEXT WEEK PRIZE: £1,380
CWMBRAN CELTIC SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS
Keep up to date with all the news and acon at Cwmbran Celc football club.
CLUB WEBSITE: cwmbrancelc.com
Contains the latest news and dedicated secons for each of the club’s teams containing
current and past facts and figures. There is also a gallery featuring photos of the club’s
current and past games and social acvies.
TWITTER: Men: @CwmbranCelc1; Women: @CwmbranCeltLFC
Instant access to all the news, chat and banter as it happens.
FACEBOOK: CWMBRAN CELTIC FC MEDIABOX:
Maintained by club photographer Steve Roberts. Mainly photographs, but access to news,
chat and banter for those who prefer Facebook.
OTHER FOOTBALL LINKS OF INTEREST
Unofficial Welsh League Message Board: hp://welshleague.proboards.com/posts/
Welsh League website: hps://wfleague.co.uk
All Wales fixtures, results, tables: hp://www.allwalessport.co.uk/football
13
JD CYMRU SOUTH FIXTURES (16-Feb & 17-Feb)
14
CWMBRAN CELTIC PLAYER SPONSORS
15
16
Ages are at 21-Jul-23
Goalkeepers
Lewis Watkins: goalkeeper, age 31. Celtic’s longest serving player. Joined from Newport
County youth.. No 2 keeper during his early years but has shown great dedication &
continuous improvement to see off all previous incumbents between the sticks. Captain in
2021/22. Debut: Caldicot Town Aug 10. Sponsor: Crossfords (Mark Hurford).
Iwan Hooper: goalkeeper, age 21. Joined this season from Wesields. Previously with
Hereford FC, Cheltenham Town, Chippenham Town. Sponsor: Central Group Roofing.
Defenders
Sam Powell: right back, age 26. Came through Celtic juniors. Son of former Cwmbran Town
player & Celtic youth coach John Powell, elder brother of midfielder Isaac. Joint club vice
captain. Debut: Cwmmaman U Aug 19. Sponsor: M2 Flooring.
Tyler Broom: right back, age 25. Product of Torfaen Academy. Played for Fairfield juniors &
seniors, Cwmffrwdoer seniors, Monmouth & Risca Academies. Gwent County U16 cap
2014. Son of U19 Development manager, Mark Broom. Debut Ammanford Aug 21. Sponsor:
Total Body Defence.
Joshua Rippon: defender, age 19. Former Celtic junior, Cardiff City Academy/U23s. Debut
Taffs Well Jul 22.
Dominic Connor: left wing back, age 36. Signed from Caldicot Town in 2011/12. Formerly
with Garden City juniors, Chepstow Town. Top scorer in 2014/15 with 14 goals. Debut AFC
Porth Oct 11 scoring the only goal. Sponsor: Ziko Chan.
Andrew Larcombe: centre back, age 35. Joined 2014/15. Can also play midfield & striker.
Stand-in goalkeeper. Previously with Eveswell juniors, Newport YM youth, Liswerry Gwent
County, Welsh League for Llanwern (2010-13) & Undy Athletic (2013-14). Supporter’s Player
of Season 2021/22. Club Captain. Debut: Blaenavon Blues Sep 14. Sponsor: Crossfords
(Kenny Hurford).
Kian Bodenham: right back, age 18. Joined this season from Barry Town United. Formerly
with Goytre. Brother Jack plays professional for South Shields. Father Paul played for Celtic
Juniors & 1
st
team Gwent County. Debut Cambrian & Clydach Aug 22. Sponsor: Hornbeam
Workplace Wellbeing & Cymru Glass.
Callum Hodges: centre back, age 25. Recently back from playing in a title winning season in
Australia. Previous clubs in Wales include Risca, Croesyceiliog, Panteg and Monmouth.
Josh Hinwood: left wing back, age 25. Product of Celtic juniors. Debut: Briton Ferry Apr
2018. Also played for Cwmbran Town & youth football at Lucas Girling, Croesyceiliog,
Panteg. Sponsor: NU Staff.
Harrison Lewis: centre back, age 19. Recently joined from Pontypridd Town. Sponsor:
Magdek Ltd.
Midfielders
Elliot Jones: midfield, age 22. Product of Torfaen Academy. Played for Griffithstown juniors,
Panteg seniors Debut Pontypridd Town Dec 20. Sponsor: MIPA Carpentry.
Alex McDowell: midfield, age 26. Product of Celtic juniors & Academy Graduated from
Leeds Beckett University where he was captain in final year. Futsal for Cardiff University &
Wales. Debut Caerau (Ely) Mar 14 age 17. Sponsor: Construction Law Consultant - J.W.
Stockwell.
CWMBRAN CELTIC PEN PICTURES 2023/2024 CWMBRAN CELTIC PEN PICTURES 2023/2024 (connued)
17
Lewis Watkins Sam Powell Tyler Broom
Dominic Connor
Elliot Jones
Andrew Larcombe
Alex McDowell
Kian Bodenham Harrison Lewis Josh Hinwood
Iwan Hooper
Joshua Rippon
Callum Hodges
18
Red
Card
Yellow
Card
Subs Not
Used
Man of the
Match *
KEY:
19
FIXTURES, RESULTS & TEAM INFORMATION 2023/2024
20
CWMBRAN CELTIC PEN PICTURES 2023/2024 (connued)
Lewis McCauley Jack Marn
Shaun Moss Lewis Iles
James Kinsella Mahew Williams Conor James
Tom Meechan
Sam Lewis
Adrian Maguire
Alex Bonthron
Charlie Taylor
Adrian Maguire, forward, age 31. Back in 1st team squad after 4 seasons absence. Previous
club Panteg Debut Risca United Aug 12. Sponsor: Tredegar Torpedoes.
Lewis McCauley: midfield, age 18. Product of Celtic juniors & Celtic Academy, formerly with
Cwmbran Town juniors. Celtic’s youngest ever outfield player age 16 years 99 days. Debut:
Afan Lido Jul 22. Young player of Season 2021/22. Sponsor: LM Carpentry.
Jack Martin: midfield. age 21. Signed last season from Goytre. Played youth football for
Albion Rovers. Debut Penydarren Aug 21. Sponsor: SRK Scaffolding.
Charlie Taylor: midfield, age 20: Joined in the transfer window from Llantwit Major;
previously with Penybont Development.
Shaun Moss: midfield, age 30. signed this season from Pontyclun. Debut Taffs Well Jul 22
Sponsor: Cian Willis.
Forwards
Tom Meechan: striker, age 32. Joined Jan 20 from Merthyr Town. Prolific scorer in Eastern
Counties football scoring 106 goals in 4 seasons before moving at age 25 from St Neots
Town to Newport County on professional contract where he made 3 appearances for 1
st
team. Debut Undy Jan 20. Sponsor: RWR Recuritment.
Lewis Iles: striker, age 27. Can also play central defence. Missed 2019/20 season with
serious ligament injury, Formerly with Celtic juniors & Panteg. Left club last season in
transfer window for Pontypridd Town but returned this season. Debut Cambrian & Clydach
Mar 18. Played half a season 2021/22 at Pontypridd Town. Returned last season and was
top scorer with 22 goals. Sponsor: CLIC.
Alex Bonthron: striker, age 28. Joined last season from Gwent County Wattsville for whom
he scored over 200 goals with a best season of 55 goals in 2014/15. Ex- Newport County
juniors & Cardiff City Academy. Also played for Abergavenny Town & Croesyceiliog. Debut:
Afan Lido Feb 2022. Played at Merthyr Town 2022/23 but returns to Celc this season.
Sponsor: MIPA Carpentry.
Management Team Sponsor: Avondale Storage.
James Kinsella: Manager, age 29. Stepped up from Development team manager in Jan 2020
age 26 for 5 matches before pandemic halted season. Product of Celtic juniors. Former
youth manager at Lucas Cwmbran & Croesyceiliog, goalkeeper coach at Celtic. Had spell
coaching in USA. Won Welsh League Reserve East title 2017/18 in first season as manager.
Debut Ton Pentre Apr 18 in goal.
Matthew Williams: Assistant manager. Club vice chairman. Joined club from Girlings
1999/2000 playing centre back in promoted teams in Gwent County Divisions 3 & 2.
Assistant manager of Newport & District sides which won 3 league titles & the Senior Cup in
6 seasons. This is his 3rd spell as 1st team assistant having previously worked with Della
Cheedy & Dean Morris.
Conor James: Physio, age 22. Ex Celtic junior & youth. USW student. Celtic Academy coach.
Sam (The Trucker) Lewis: GK Coach, age 29. Product of Newport & District football. Debut
Goytre U Aug 22.
21
CWMBRAN CELTIC PEN PICTURES 2023/2024 (connued)
22
CYMRU LEAGUE SOUTH FIXTURES & RESULTS 2023/2024
23
CYMRU LEAGUE SOUTH FIXTURES & RESULTS 2023/2024
24
CWMBRAN CELTIC FIXTURES & RESULTS 2023/2024
25
26 27
MATCH REPORT: CWMBRAN CELTIC 1 - 2 ABERTILLERY BLUEBIRDS (20-Jan)
MATCH REPORT: TAFFS WELL 6 - 2 CWMBRAN CELTIC (03-Feb)
Cwmbran Celc went down to their heaviest defeat of the season in a 6-2 drubbing
by Taffs Well at Rhiw Dda’r. It was a fing tribute from the hosts to secretary Nor-
ma Samuel who recently passed away but for Celc it was their heaviest defeat of
the season & their 7
th
loss out of their last 9 league games. Celc made a great start
when, on 6 minutes, Tom Meechan pounced on a defensive error and passed to
Alex McDowell who delayed his shot to enable keeper King to parry the ball, but
Tom was quickest to the loose ball to stab the ball home. The Wellmen fought back
and skipper Fowler scored twice, both from poorly defended corners, the first a
free header, the second an opportunist goal aer the cross eluded Lewis Watkins &
bounced off the far goalpost.
Celc came back and in the 36
th
minute they were awarded a penalty for a pull
back on Andrew Larcombe. Alex Bonthron converted from the spot to level the
scores at half-me – his 17
th
goal of the season to put December’s Cymru South
player of the month him outright in front in the league scoring chart. In the 52
nd
minute Sam Powell received a 2
nd
yellow card and was sent off – it was a harsh de-
cision as it was a missed tackle, the player kept his feet & crossed the ball. This inci-
dent was a game changer because from thereon Celc capitulated, conceding 4
goals in the last half hour. Two of the goals were from very poor defensive marking.
Celc drop to 12
th
place just 6 points from the drop zone. The mid-table is very
ght with just 4 points separang the 6 teams from 7
th
to 12
th
but Celc badly need
a confidence boosng win to steady the ship.
JOHN STOCKWELL
This was an unexpected defeat at home against boom side Aberllery Bluebirds.
Celc were caught out twice within 5 minutes in the 1
st
half by long balls. The first, a
big boot clearance out of defence by Tunley eluded Dominic Connor, Meredith ran
through & beat the outrushing Hooper to the ball & walked it into the empty net. The
second was a punt by ex-Celc favourite Richard Crees which sailed over Kean Bo-
denham’s head for Meredith to score his 2
nd
goal Tom Meechan’s goal in the 69
th
minute came from a long ball into the box which was headed on by Lewis Iles. Celc
pressed for an equaliser but the Bluebirds held out to register only their 2
nd
win of
the season which moved them off the boom of the table.
The Bluebirds & boom side Abergavenny Town have only registered a total of 4
wins between them this season and 2 of these have been against Celc. Of more con-
cern was 14
th
placed Llantwit Major’s 3
rd
successive win which closes the gap be-
tween 9
th
placed Celc & the relegaon zone to just 6 points.
JOHN STOCKWELL
28
Match-Day Programme Advertising
We sell in excess of 1,000 programmes each
season to our supporters and those of visiting
clubs. These are also made available in our
Social Club/WEB Site for all our members to
read. This can, therefore, be a very effective
way of advertising.
COST: £50 PER SEASON-FULL PAGE
£25 PER SEASON-HALF PAGE
CWMBRAN CELTIC 1st TEAM STATISTICS
League P W D L F A Pts Posion
2005/06 Div 3 34 11 3 20 43 60 36 15th (18)
2006/07 Div 3 32 20 10 2 68 35 70 1st (17) Champions
2007/08 Div 2 34 12 8 14 52 60 44 9th (18)
2008/09 Div 2 34 17 7 10 69 51 58 6th (18)
2009/10 Div 2 34 21 6 7 75 33 69 2nd (18) Promoted
2010/11 Div 1 30 10 7 13 45 50 37 12th (16)
2011/12 Div 1 30 12 2 16 32 54 38 12th (16)
2012/13 Div 1 28 9 5 14 41 52 32 12th (15)
2013/14 Div 1 30 7 5 18 40 58 26 13th (16) Relegated
2014/15 Div 2 30 11 14 5 53 31 47 7th (16)
2015/16 Div 2 30 24 0 6 89 33 72 2nd (16) Promoted
2016/17 Div 1 30 14 3 13 60 50 45 6th (16)
2017/18 Div 1 30 14 4 12 67 51 46 8th (16)
2018/19 Div 1 30 10 6 14 49 57 36 10th (16)
2019/20 Cymru (S) 22 6 4 12 29 44 22 13th (16)
2021/22 Cymru (S) 30 10 4 16 43 74 34 13th (16)
2022/23 Cymru (S) 30 10 8 12 62 53 38 8th (16)
2023/24 Cymru (S) 19 7 3 9 42 46 24 12th (16)
Total 537 225 99 213 959 892 774
29
07946 759 145
shedyourpooch@gmail.com
30
CWMBRAN CELTIC REVIEW FOR WEEK ENDING 11-Feb
The sodden pitches meant a blank Saturday but there were 3 Celc games
on Sunday.
The Womens 1
st
team travelled to Ystrad Mynach for the 2
nd
week running
to play Cascade YC who had put them out of the SWFA cup last weekend
on penales. It looked like another defeat when ex-Celc player Lauren
Boyd put 2
nd
placed Cascade ahead in the 68
th
minute but Jade Cros
came to the rescue with a last gasp goal on 90 +6 to salvage a point which
keeps Celc in 3
rd
place in the table.
Jade’s 12
th
goal of the season was her 8
th
in successive games. For the rec-
ord last season she scored in 11 consecuve games on her way to 55 goals
in the season for Cardiff Wanderers.
The Women now don’t play for 4 weeks & only have 3 games le, finishing
the season on 24 March because the league ludicrously only has 7 teams –
how does this promote er 2 football in Wales? At least they could have
the teams playing each other 3 mes which would give 18 league games
for the season instead of a meagre 12. Briton Ferry have won the league.
Celc, much improved & unbeaten in their last 5 league games will relish
the chance to avenge their 10-0 & 6-0 early season defeats when they play
the champions at Celc Park next month.
The Youth team won 3-2 at Aberbagoed Buds. Sam Smith gave Celc a 1
st
half lead which was increased by goals aer the break from Jack Prosser
and Shay Jones. The Buds came back with 2 late goals but Celc held out
for the win which keeps them in 3
rd
place in the league.
The Girls U12s won 6-2 at Undy. They are 6
th
out of 9 teams in the league.
JOHN STOCKWELL
31
32
CARS Avondale Road, Cwmbran,
VAN South Wales NP44 1TT
MINIBUSES Tel: 01633 483612
Email: info@avondale-hire.co.uk
President John Stockwell
Chairman Barrie Desmond
Director of Football Micky Copeman
Vice Chair Matthew Williams
General Secretary Karen Robinson
Football Secretary Tony Strange
Treasurer Sue Perrett
Honorary Life Vice Presidents Brian Stanley; Malcolm Jarrett
Safeguarding Officer Karen Robinson
Newport & District Secretary Matthew Hewkins
Media Officer Neil Jones
First Team Manager James Kinsella
First Team Assistant Manager Matthew Williams
Second Team Manager Neil Jones
Third Team Manager Barrie Desmond
Third Team Assistant Managers Alex Pritchard; Matthew Hewkins
Women’s Team Manager Andrew Meaney
Women’s Coach James Kinsella/Jordan Davies
Women’s Secretary Lydia Meaney
Fund Raising Co-Ordinator Justine Desmond
Transport Manager Tony Strange
Ground Maintenance Squad Patrick Murphy; Malcolm Jarrett; Steve Roberts; Tony Strange
Programme Editors John Stockwell; Tony Strange
Club Photographers Steve Roberts; Jaide Enea
Kit Co-ordinator Sue Perrett
Match Day Announcer Malcolm Jarrett
Match Day Shop Karen Robinson; Stephen Perkins; Tony Strange
Match Day Catering Karen Robinson
Match Day Gateman Andrew Bown
Match Reporter Spencer Taylor/John Stockwell
Club Kit Information
Colours Yellow shirts, blue shorts & yellow socks
Alternative Colours Green shirts, green shorts & green socks
Cwmbran Celtic FC Headquarters
Cwmbran Celtic Sports & Social Club
Oak Street
Cwmbran
Torfaen NP44 3LT
Tel;: 01633 774019
Cwmbran Celtic Ground
Celtic Park
Henllys Way
Cwmbran
Torfaen NP44 3FS
Affiliations
Football Association of Wales Limited, Gwent County Football
Association & South Wales Football Association
33
CLUB OFFICIALS SEASON 2023/2024
CWMBRAN CELTIC HONOURS
Welsh League:
Division 2 Runners-up (2) 2009/10, 2015/16
Division 3 Winners 2006/7
Reserve Division (East) Winners (3) 2009/10, 2010/11, 2016/17, 2018/19; Runners up 2012/13, 2017/2018
Gwent County:
Division 1 Runners-up 2004/5
Division 2 Winners 1986/7; Runners-up 2000/1
Division 3 Runners-up 1999/2000
Premier League Runners-up 1972/3
Senior Cup Winners 1970/1; Runners-up (2) 2007/8, 2008/9
Amateur Cup Winners 1972/3
Challenge Cup Winners 2000/1
Newport & District League:
Premier Division Winners (6) Premier 1950/1, Premier A 1969/70, Premier Y 2000/1, 2006/7, 2009/10, 2010/11
2022/23; Runners-up (3) Premier 1956/7, Premier Y 2005/6, 2016/17
Premier B Winners 1968/9; Runners-up (2) 1972/3, 1979/80
Division 1R & 3 Winners 2000/1
Division 2 Winners Section A 1925/6
Division 2B Winners 1969/70; Runners-up (2) 1972/3, 1979/80
Senior Bowl Winners 2005/6; Runners-up (2) 1968/9, 2010/11, 2021/22
Junior Bowl Winners 1950/1; Runners-up 2005/6 3rd Division Cup Winners 1956/7
Welsh Youth League:
Youth Division (East) U19 Winners (4): 2007/8, 2008/9, 2009/10, 2010/11; Runners up (2) 2012/13, 2013/14
Youth League Cup: Runners up 2014/15
Newport Youth League:
Under 16 Division Winners 1970/1, Cup Winners 1970/1; Runners-up 1966/7
Under 18 Division Winners 1967/8
Gwent County:
Under 14 Cup Winners 2011/12; Runners up 2012/13
Under 16 Division Winners (3) 1990/1, 1994/5, 1998/9; Runners-up 2000/1
Under 16 Cup Winners (4) 1993/4*, 1994/5, 1998/9, 2000/1 (*U15 team)
Under 18 Division Winners 2013/14, 2014/15; Runners-up (6) 1999/2000, 2000/1, 2004/5, 2007/8
(Div 2), 2009/10, 2010/11
Under 18 Cup Winners (2) 1967/8 (Mon Youth cup) 1990/1, Runners-up 1991/2
Under 19 Cup Runners-up 1973/4 (Mon Youth Cup) 1989/90
Cwmbran Junior League:
Under 12 Division Runners-up 1973/4
Under 13 Division Winners (2) 1967/8, 1968/9; Runners-up 1966/7
Under 13 Cup Winners (3) 1966/7, 1967/8, 1968/9
Under 15 Cup Winners (2) 1968/9, 1970/1
Torfaen Junior & Youth League:
Under 10 Division Winners (4) 1984/5, 1988/9, 1989/90, 1990/1; Runners-up (2) 1987/8, 1992/3
Under 10 Cup Winners (4) 1984/5, 1988/9, 1989/90, 1990/1
Under 12 Division Winners (12) 1986/7, 1987/8, 1989/90, 1990/1, 1991/2, 1992/3, 1994/5,
2003/4, 2004/5, 2005/6, 2007/8, 2008/9
Runners-up (4) 1990/1*, 2000/2, 2009/10, 2010/11 (*U11 team)
Under 12 Cup Winners (9) 1986/7, 1989/90, 1991/2, 1992/3, 1994/5, 1996/7, 2001/2, 2008/9, 2015/16
Runners-up (6) 1987/8, 1990/1, 2000/1, 2003/4, 2004/5, 2010/11, 2021/22
Under 13 Division Winners (2) 2021/22, 2022/23
Under 14 Division Winners (10) 1976/7, 1988/9, 1992/3, 1996/7, 2003/4, 2005/6, 2009/10, 2010/11,
2011/12, 2012/13
Runners-up (3) 1989/90, 2004/5, 2006/7
Under 14 Cup Winners (9) 1976/7, 1983/4 , 1992/3, 1996/7, 1998/9, 2006/7, 2010/11, 2012/13, 2022/23
Runners-up (1) 2004/5
Under 15 Division Runners-up (1) 2021/22
Under 16 Division Winners (14) 1976/7, 1978/9, 1990/1, 1993/4, 1998/9, 2000/1, 2001/2,
2007/8, 2008/9, 2009/10, 2011/12, 2012/13 2014/15, 2022/23
Runners-up 2010/11
Under 16 Cup Winners (10) 1979/80, 1985/6, 1990/1, 1993/4, 1998/9, 2000/1, 2001/2, 2007/8, 2008/9, 2022/3
Runners-up (7) 1994/5, 2000/1*, 2002/3, 2006/7*, 2007/8* (*U15 team), 2013/14, 2014/15
Womens South Wales Women's League Winners 2013/14; Runners up (2) 2012/13, 2016/17, 2022/23
South Wale FA Cup Runners-up 2022/23
League Cup winners 2012/13, 2021/22; League Plate Winners 2016/17, 2022/23
34 35