MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Dale Randall
(Gilfach Goch)
Assistants: Mark Cockram
(Barry)
& Vasilica Ciuplea
(Cardiff)
Acve & Passive Safety Technology Proud Sponsors Of The Match Day Programme Prinng
CWMBRAN CELTIC
Home Squad
Iwan Hooper (GK)
Andrew Larcombe ©
Joshua Rippon
Harrison Lewis
Callum Hodges
Lewis Iles
Tyler Broom
Kian Bodenham
Lewis McCauley
Joshua Hinwood
Dominic Connor
Charlie Taylor
Shaun Moss
Alex Bonthron
Thomas Meechan
Alex McDowell
Cole Doolan
Adrian Maguire
Callum Wakeham
Lewis Watkins (GK)
Manager: James Kinsella
Assistant: Conor James
Coach: Matthew Williams
GK Coach: Sam Lewis
First Aider: Conor James
Colours: Yellow Blue Yellow
ABERGAVENNY TOWN
Away Squad
Josh Winstone (GK)
Logan Bowkett
Jack Sage
Joseph Cashman
Aaryn Campbell
Cameron Mackie
Alex Holmes
Zak Mitchell (C)
Rhys Schwank
Lewis Ellaway
Dillan Campbell
Kai Wint
Mckenzie Thompson
Zach Duke
Jamie Summers
Keane Flage-Donovan
Jack Brunnock
Henry Young
William Jones
Jackson Thomas
Oliver Evans
Jack Williams
Nicky Potts (GK)
Ethan Ross (GK)
Manager: Darren Brown
Assistant: Jamie Summer
Coach: Thomas Bradley
Kit Manager: Chris Wildy
First Aider: Sian Rees
Colours: Blue Blue Blue
CWMBRAN CELTIC FC
www.cwmbranceltic.com
Season 2023/24 Official Match Day Programme £1
TODAY’S SPONSORS
CWMBRAN CELTIC v ABERGAVENNY TOWN
Saturday 13th April 2024 K.O. 2:30pm
AVONDALE MOTOR PARK ARENA
2
LEAGUE TABLE 2023/24
CWMBRAN CELTIC
HOME/AWAY
P W D L F A
+/-
Pts
HOME
12 5 3 4 24 22 2 18
AWAY
15 4 3 8 32 40 -8 15
TOTAL
27 9 6 12 56 62 -6 33
RESERVE (SOUTH EAST)
P W D L F A GD Pts
1 Undy
20 12 0 8 46 33 13 36
2 Risca United 15 11 1 3 48 27 21 34
3 Lliswerry 18 10 3 5 52 39 13 33
4 Cwmbran Celtic 18 10 1 7 51 42 9 31
5 Caldicot Town 17 9 1 7 52 44 8 28
6 Tredegar Town 15 9 1 5 38 30 8 28
7 Blaenavon Blues 14 7 3 4 34 28 6 24
8 Abercarn United 17 6 4 7 36 40 -4 22
9 Abertillery Bluebirds 18 6 1 11 38 43 -5 19
11 Abergavenny Town 16 5 3 8 33 39 -6 18
12 Chepstow Town 14 3 3 8 23 34 -11 12
13 Goytre 16 3 2 11 20 43 -23 11
14 Treowen Stars 10 1 1 8 12 41 -29 4
JD CYMRU SOUTH
P W D L F A GD Pts
1 Briton Ferry Llansawel
29 22 2 5 82 37 45 68
2 Llanelli Town 29 20 4 5 78 35 43 64
3 Ammanford 28 15 6 7 50 41 9 51
4 Carmarthen Town 29 12 11 6 50 36 14 47
5 Cambrian and Clydach 28 13 7 8 57 37 20 46
6 Afan Lido 29 13 4 12 63 54 9 43
7 Goytre United 28 12 6 10 55 54 1 42
8 Baglan Dragons 29 11 8 10 45 39 6 41
9 Caerau Ely 27 12 4 11 61 55 6 40
10 Trefelin BGC 28 10 7 11 46 59 -13 37
11 Cwmbran Celtic 27 9 6 12 56 62 -6 33
12 Taffs Well 29 8 8 13 43 46 -3 32
13 Llantwit Major 28 8 7 13 39 52 -13 31
14 Pontardawe Town 27 7 8 12 49 63 -14 29
15 Abertillery Bluebirds 27 3 6 18 29 77 -48 15
16 Abergavenny Town 28 2 2 24 19 75 -56 8
3
WELCOME TO CELTIC PARK
We welcome our Gwent neighbours Abergavenny Town to Celc Park this aernoon.
The club was formed in 2014 when Govilon FC changed its name to Abergavenny
Town. This followed the sad demise of Abergavenny Thursday, formerly 4 mes
champions of the Welsh Naonal League who had sunk to the 3
rd
Division of the
Gwent County League. There was immediate success for the newly formed club,
winning the Gwent County 1
st
Division to gain entry into the Welsh League
whereupon they gained promoon the following season to Welsh League Division 2,
and, as 2021-22 champions of the new Ardal League South-East, they joined the
Cymru South last season finishing one place above the drop zone in 13
th
place.
In last season’s games Celc won all 6 points in the Christmas double header. At Pen-
y-pound Celc were convincing 3-0 winners in a game played in awful rain sodden
condions. Celc scorers were Alex Bonthron, Tom Meechan and Dominic Connor. In
the return at Celc Park, Town took the lead on 50 minutes but Celc equalised in
the 64
th
minute through a Lewis Iles header and they snatched the points in me
added o in me added on through Lewis McCauley aer a franc goalmouth
scramble.
This season at Pen-y-Pound it was Town’s turn to score a last gasp winner aer being
behind at the interval. Celc took an early lead through Lewis Iles but Paolo
Marenghi equalised and Rhys Schwank scored the winner in me added on from the
penalty spot. This was Town’s first points of the season ending a run of 5 successive
defeats. It is one of only 2 wins boom-placed Town have achieved this season.
Ironically have again lost their last 5 league games – is this an omen for this
aernoon?
In goal for Town is a familiar face, Josh Winstone, former Celc Academy player who
made 7 appearances for Celc last season and who joined Town in January from
Merthyr Academy.
4
Cwmbran Celc football club was formed in
1925. In the early years the club was known as
CYMS (Catholic Young Men's Society). Aer the
immediate success of winning the Newport &
District Division 2 Secon 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 naonal 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
Celc won the Gwent Senior Cup. In 1972/3
with playing membership open to all
denominaons the club dropped the catholic
tle and re-named as Cwmbran Celc 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 Celc
obtained the lease from Torfaen Council.
Celc played in the Gwent County League in the
1980s and 1990s and aer gaining promoon 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 Celc as juniors. There were
successive promoons from the 3rd to 1st
division between 1999 and 2001 and in
1999/2000 Celc 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.
Celc 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 applicaon.
In their first season in the WFL, 2005/6, Celc
struggled near the boom of the 3rd division all
season. In April Celc travelled to Chepstow
Town needing a win to stay in the league. They
went 1-0 down. With minutes of normal me
remaining substute 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. Celc had achieved a
last gasp win and, by winning their final match
against Seven Sisters, Celc escaped relegaon
on goal difference.
The following season, 2006/7, Celc now back
at their upgraded and newly named ground,
Celc 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 le Celc were 1-0 down playing with
10 men aer a red card for Kevin Payne. Then
Sammy Winter equalised with a speculave
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. Celc were
champions.
In Division 2 Celc consolidated their posion 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 Celc coach
Della Cheedy.
A BRIEF HISTORY OF CWMBRAN CELTIC 1925-2023
5
A BRIEF HISTORY OF CWMBRAN CELTIC 1925-2023 (connued)
In 2009/10 Celc were front runners desned
to win the Championship. However they lost
two key defenders at a crucial me and vital
points were dropped. Nevertheless Celc
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 Celc the championship. At
the end of the season Mickey Copeman stood
down aer 7 years during which he secured 3
promoons 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, Celc
struggled for much of the season and were
firmly planted in the relegaon 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, Celc
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, Celc 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
characterisc determinaon 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 Celc
underperformed finishing 4th from boom and
with Afan Lido relegated from the Welsh
Premier League, Celc were relegated despite
appealing to an FAW arbitraon. With Della
Cheedy back as manager in 2014/15 Celc
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 Celc to the
runners-up posion and promoon on the back
of 10 straight wins. The club also reached the
quarter finals of the Welsh Cup, going down 2-1
aer 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, Celc 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 posion in 5 seasons in the top
er.
In 2017/18 Celc 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 Celc finished a disappoinng 10th
in the League with Lee Challenger resigning in
March 2019.
In 2019/20, for the inaugural season of the
Cymru League South, Celc installed Nicky
Morgan and Simon Truman as the management
team. With 9 new signings there was a lot of
opmism for a successful season but the team
never got going and aer a 6-1 drubbing at
Pontypridd in January the club regreully
dismissed the management duo.
Development team manager James Kinsella
took over with Mahew 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, Celc were
involved in a basement bale to avoid
relegaon. Four successive wins late on took
them out of the boom 3 and in the final
analysis an equaliser in me added on by
Andrew Hewi saved Celc and took
opponents Risca United down into the Ardal
League. Last season Celtic finished a creditable
8th in the table.
6
A BRIEF HISTORY OF ABERGAVENNY TOWN
Without doubt the most famous Football Club in Abergavenny was Abergavenny Thursdays whose
history can be traced back to the early days of the 20
th
C. Thursday was early closing day for shop
workers in Abergavenny and that was when they were able to play football, compeng in the
Hereford & District Thursday League. Games in the early days were played on the sports fields to
the rear of St Michaels RC Church (where St Michaels Rd is now), players changed in the Butcher’s
Arms Public House (now demolished), this probably is where one of the Clubs’ nicknames “The
Butchers” comes from.
Post WW2, Thursdays played in Bailey Park to large crowds, and joined the Welsh Football League.
The need for a permanent Football Stadium was recognized and the Clubs Directors set about
developing Pen-y-Pound Stadium, opening in 1953, the playing surface was one of the largest in
Wales. Oen referred to as the “Welsh Wembley”. Abergavenny Thursdays were Welsh League
champions in 1958/59, 1959/60, 1990/91 and 1991/92.
1992 saw them become founder members of the Konica League of Wales (now JD Cymru Premier
League). However, this was only short lived and they were relegated back to the Welsh League aer
just one season, unfortunately the good mes never returned to Pen-y-Pound and aer falling into
the Gwent County League (Div3), Thursdays withdrew in August 2013, cing a lack of players as the
reason, and subsequently folded, although Abergavenny Thursdays Trust sll remains administering
Pen-y-Pound Stadium.
Most village communies around Abergavenny also host local football teams and Govilon AFC
began over 100yrs ago. Playing mainly at District level throughout that me, they won the Gwent
Central League gaining admiance to the Gwent County League in 2007/08.They climbed rapidly
through the divisions to Div1 winning both the Gwent Amateur Cup and Gwent County Challenge
Cup on the way. Difficules with the local Community Council and unable to progress further up the
Welsh Pyramid system at their village ground, Govilon took the decision to move into Pen-y-Pound
for 2013/14 following the Thursdays demise. Finishing that season in a creditable 5
th
place. For
2014/15 the club changed its name to Abergavenny Town FC, quickly building an excellent fan base
by producing an outstanding standard of football winning the Gwent County League Div1 aer
dropping only two league points all season and reaching the Semi-final stage of the FAW Trophy.
Gaining entrance to the Nathaniel Cars Welsh League for 2015/16 season, Town connued to
progress and aer a hard fought promoon bale between Pontypridd Town (winners),
Abergavenny Town and Bridgend Street FC which went right down to the final week of the season,
Town ended in 2
nd
place, gaining further promoon to Div2 for 2016/17. Town also went one beer
and aer defeang Sully Sports 1-0 in the final played at Dragon Park Newport, won the FAW
Trophy to complete another memorable season.
In conjuncon with the Thursdays Trust, “Town” connues to improve and revitalize Pen-y-Pound
Stadium bringing the Old Lady” as some affeconately call the ground, back to the standards of old.
In recent years we have made major improvements to the changing rooms, installed 280 seats,
carried out refurbishments to the club house and are looking to reinstate the spectator toilet
facilies. Plans are in place to bring the iconic grandstand back up to standard in the near future.
Having achieved FAW Tier3 status, “Town” were proud to be founder members of the new Ardal
Leagues and looked to connue to progress within the FAW Pyramid system. Following the
temporary cessaon of organized football due to Covid 19 shutdown, “ Town” finished season
2021/22 as Ardal Southeast League Champions and with the awarding of an FAW Tier2 grading to
Pen-y-Pound Stadium, were promoted to the JD Cymru South League for 2022/23 season.
The Club presently field sides in JD Cymru, FAW Reserve, FAW Youth and also an Under 16’s team.
Plans are to introduce junior teams from U6 up to U16’s. It is hoped that a youth Academy will be
formed in the near future.
7
ABERGAVENNY TOWN PEN PICTURES 2023/24
Jamie Summer
(Assistant Manager)
Rhys Schwank
(Player)
Zac Duke
(Player)
Josh Winstone
(Goal Keeper)
8
MATCH REPORT: CWMBRAN CELTIC 2 - 4 BRITON FERRY LLANSAWEL (23-Mar)
Celc went into this game at Celc Park with high hopes of re-
producing a shock result against 2
nd
placed Ferry to match their recent
triumph against leaders Llanelli Town & they were on course at half-
me having taken the lead on 45 minutes when Alex Bonthron was on
the end of a Iwan Hooper clearance to lob Celc into a half-me lead.
This aer Callum Hodges had to withdraw having collapsed with a nas-
ty leg injury when making a clearance.
Ferry equalised in the 63
rd
minute when a cross from the right a head-
ed across goal for defender Kris Evans to score. And then, on 74
minutes, Ferry took the lead in controversial circumstances. Andrew
Larcombe & a Ferry aacker both went down in a clash on the edge of
the penalty box – a clear 50/50 but the referee gave a penalty which
Luke Bowen converted. Celc pressed for the equaliser and were re-
warded on 90+1 when Lewis Iles forced the ball home at the near post
from Josh Hinwood’s first me cross from the le. Ferry were not go-
ing to surrender however and they scored twice in the closing minutes
through Walters and Demery to keep their challenge for the tle on
course. JOHN STOCKWELL
9
CWMBRAN CELTIC 2023/24 PLAYERS STATISTICS
10
CWMBRAN CELTIC PLAYER SPONSORS
Being a player sponsor for Cwmbran Celc 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 opportunies are also available please contact
CWMBRAN CELTIC PLAYER SPONSORS
11
Being a player sponsor for Cwmbran Celc 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 opportunies are also available please contact
12
Your chance to win big AND support Cwmbran Celc Football Club. Follow the link below to
enter into the weekly draw by seng 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 naonal loery 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 6th April 2024
14 - 10 - 29
THIS WEEK: NO WINNERS NEXT WEEK PRIZE: £2,000
CWMBRAN CELTIC SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS
Keep up to date with all the news and acon at Cwmbran Celc football club.
CLUB WEBSITE: cwmbrancelc.com
Contains the latest news and dedicated secons 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 acvies.
TWITTER: Men: @CwmbranCelc1; 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: hp://welshleague.proboards.com/posts/
Welsh League website: hps://wfleague.co.uk
All Wales fixtures, results, tables: hp://www.allwalessport.co.uk/football
13
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
14
JD CYMRU SOUTH FIXTURES (13-Apr)
Aberllery Bluebirds v Ammanford
Caerau Ely v Pontardawe Town
Cwmbran Celc v Abergavenny Town
Goytre United v Llantwit Major
Llanelli Town v Briton Ferry Llansawel
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 Wesields. Previously with
Hereford FC, Cheltenham Town, Chippenham Town. Sponsor: Central Group Roofing.
Defenders
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
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 (connued)
17
Lewis Watkins Tyler Broom
Dominic Connor
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 (connued)
Lewis McCauley
Shaun Moss Lewis Iles
James Kinsella Mahew 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.
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 Celc 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 (connued)
22
CYMRU LEAGUE SOUTH FIXTURES & RESULTS 2023/2024
23
CYMRU LEAGUE SOUTH FIXTURES & RESULTS 2023/2024
24
CWMBRAN CELTIC PLAYER SPONSORS
25
CWMBRAN CELTIC FIXTURES & RESULTS 2023/2024
26
CWMBRAN CELTIC REVIE W EASTER WEEK ENDING 01-Apr
The 1
st
team played 2 away games over the Easter weekend. On Good Friday
we were well beaten 3-0 at Carmarthen Town. Celc were missing captain
Larcombe & top scorer Bonthron, both suspended for 5 bookings & we failed to
score ending a run of 23 successive games in which we had scored in the
league. Ironically the last team to prevent us scoring in the league was Carmar-
then at Celc Park last August. Rory Coleman made his debut from the bench.
On Monday Celc’s 1
st
team drew 3-3 at Pontardawe Town. Celc were twice
behind but came back to lead 3-2 through goals by Tom Meechan, Josh Hin-
wood & Alex Bonthron. Alex had a chance to seal the win in the 85th minute
but he screwed his penalty wide & Town snatched the equaliser 2 minutes lat-
er. Celc need 3 points from their last 3 home games to avoid the drop.
On Saturday the Reserves drew 4-4 at home to Liswerry. Jack Prosser scored a
hat-trick for Celc to put them 3-2 ahead. The visitors scored 2 goals to lead
going into me added on but Tom Barre scored the equaliser. Celc slip to 4
th
in the table. The 3
rd
team won 4-0 at home to Ponthir. Scorers: Damien Brean,
Ryan Nicklin, Peter Arno, David Smallman.
On Sunday Celc Youth lost 4-3 at league leaders Risca United. The hosts went
2 up but Jesse Jenkins scored twice to level the scores. Gabriel Howells put
Celc in front & a shock result was on the cards but Risca fought back to equal-
ise and it looked odds on a draw unl Risca scored the winner deep into me
added on. Celc remain 3
rd
in the table.
The Women’s 1
st
team ended their season against champions Briton Ferry
Llansawel who arrived at Celc Park with a 100% record. Celc gave the visitors
a run for their money and when Eloise Meaney equalised from the penalty spot
on 61 minutes Celc’s tails were up as they strove for the winner. However, the
league’s top scorer Alison Wis scored the winner on 87 minutes. Celc finish
the season a creditable 3
rd
in the table.
The Women’s Development team won an excing top of the table clash 2-1 at
home to league leaders Tranch Ladies. Celc went ahead with a Teagan Eley
penalty, Tranch equalised but Dominque Laida scored the winner on 88 minutes
to li Celc to 3
rd
place in the league. There are sll 7 games to go but Celc are
only 3 points behind Tranch with 3 games in hand and a much superior goal
difference. It was good to see former 1
st
team keeper Megan Davies in goal dur-
ing her vacaon & Georgina Cridland on the side helping out as she recovers
from her serious injury.
The Vets 40s were 2-1 up in the Shield going into stoppage me through goals
by Rob Surtees and Symon Bailey but Pentyrch Rangers scored in me added on
to snatch a 2-2 draw. JOHN STOCKWELL
27
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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 Posion
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) 27 9 6 12 56 62 33 11th (16)
Total 545 227 102 216 973 908 783
29
MATCH REPORT: CARMARTHEN TOWN 3 – 0 CWMBRAN CELTIC (29-Mar)
Celc were without captain Andrew Larcombe and top striker Alex Bonthron for
this Good Friday clash at Carmarthen, both being suspended having picked up 5
yellow cards and they were swept aside by a 3-goal spell in 21 minutes either side
of half-me. Earlier in the 1
st
half Iwan Hooper saved a penalty from Rickard aer
Hooper had brought an aacker down in the penalty area. However Town went
ahead on 40 minutes when Gavin Jones fastened on to a ball down the le by Par-
sons to slot the ball home. Town increased their lead on 54 minutes when Tobias
Jones scored and Gibbins wrapped up the points in the 61
st
minute from a ball
down the middle of the box.
Celc’s failure to score ended a run of scoring in 23 successive games since August
when, coincidentally, Carmarthen were the last team to deny them a goal. Rory
Coleman came off the bench to make his Celc debut. JOHN STOCKWELL
MATCH REPORT: PONTARDAWE 3 - 3 CWMBRAN CELTIC (01-Apr)
Both teams were badly in need of points from this Easter Monday fixture at Pon-
tardawe and it was the hosts who drew first blood on 9 minutes when a clearance
from the keeper bounced over the heads of Celc’s stac back three & allowed
Morris to score. Celc equalised in the 38
th
minute with a superb piece of oppor-
tunism by Alex Bonthron. He dispossessed a Town defender and then rode the
crude sliding challenge of the same player before homing in on goal & placing the
ball into the path of Tom Meechan to score.
On 47 minutes Town re-took the lead when Celc again failed to deal with the
bounce from a long clearance from which a Town aacker hit the post. The ball
sped across the goal for Morris to score at the far post. Celc equalised on 73
minutes when Josh Hinwood med his run perfectly to head in from a corner by
Meechan. Celc then took the lead on 82 minutes when another Meechan corner
was half cleared into the air where Alex Bonthron reacted quickest to nod the ball
into the net. Alex had a chance to seal the points in the 85
th
minute from a penalty
awarded for a trip on Meechan but he screwed his shot past the post. Celc were
made to pay two minutes later when Dorward skipped into the box to poke the ball
past the keeper for the equaliser.
This hard-earned point puts Celc in a good place to avoid the boom three in the
run-in. We have 3 home games from which we need one win to reach 36 points to
ensure safety. As things stand Taffs Well look to be favourites for the drop as their
maximum points are 35 although Pontardawe are sll very much in the mix one
point behind the Wellmen but with 2 games in hand. JOHN STOCKWELL
CARS Avondale Road, Cwmbran,
VAN South Wales NP44 1TT
MINIBUSES Tel: 01633 483612
Email: info@avondale-hire.co.uk
30
CYMRU LEAGUES’ HER GAME TOO
31
32
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
34
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, Winners 2023/24
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
Veterans Wales Veterans Over 50 Cup winners 2018/19
35
