A big thank you to all the volunteers who came to help clear out both the Jim Owen and Woodland after snowmageddon. Both clubhouses and changing rooms took a battering thanks to the weather. The cleanup is well underway thanks to the guys heading up after work to try and return the facilities to normal.
Declan Bull has joined the ranks of Abertillery Excelsiors, as it can exclusively revealed that he has committed the rest of his 2017/18 season to the Tigers.
The defender will join an already strong squad, deep with talent and options, and brings his experience across several playing levels including Welsh League. Declan formed part of Abergavenny Town’s FAW Trophy winning squad and also helped the team gain promotion status in the process. Not only that but the Abertillery-born youngster can also boast a period with Newport County.
As the season ramps up, Declan will no doubt feature in some big games for the club, who chase promotion after being in contention for much of the season.
Blaenau Gwent is awash with fantastic sports clubs. From football teams to rugby clubs, bowls teams to cricket clubs. Competition is fierce and talent abounds, with many of these grassroots institutions reliant on the hard work of unsung heroes who give of their time and commitment selflessly to help continue a rich tradition and heritage, whilst providing a community hub and social experience for generations past and present.
It is our honour and privilege to be awarded with the title of Blaenau Gwent Club of the Year Award at the Aneurin Leisure Sports Awards this evening at Bedwellty House in Tredegar.
It is a testament to the hard work and desire of those who play for our club, those who help the running of the club and those who support the club. After an incredibly difficult 2017, this accolade means perhaps more than many will ever truly know.
In the wake of suddenly losing both Chris Barnett and Keith Williams within mere weeks of one another, our club was an example of what community and the wider footballing family were capable of and our message of ‘one town’ is still one that has deep meaning. This award is in many ways: for Barney and Keith.
We’d like to extend our thanks to those who nominated us and to the public who voted for us, as we continue to aspire to inspire and create an approachable, inclusive and community-focused sports club that everyone associated with it can be proud of.
Our very own Jordan Harford has had his hard work and dedication commended by picking up the Young Ambassador of the Year Award at the Aneurin Leisure Sports Awards tonight.
Jordan, who has featured for the First Team after a breakout year with Abergavenny Town F.C. in the Welsh League, will also receive the Platinum Young Ambassador title in recognition of his fantastic efforts over the past year.
The young striker beat very worthy competition as ‘an individual from the Ambassador programme who has been a shining example and role model to others’ to gain the coveted award.
He’ll no doubt go from strength to strength both on the pitch and in his day job working in both a centre-based and outreach sports and community worker for the Aneurin Leisure Trust throughout Blaenau Gwent. Congratulations from all at the club.
A huge congratulations to Rhys Morgan from everyone at the club, as he was tonight awarded with the prestigious Sports Leader of the Year Award at the Aneurin Leisure Sports Awards at Bedwellty House, Tredegar.
Rob Guy was on hand to present him with the award, which is presented to those enrolled in the Sports Leaders UK programme who ‘devoted their time to support and develop sport in their school or community’.
Rhys continues his family’s proud tradition of involvement with the Excelsiors, with his work with the youth set-up, adult teams and club activities proving invaluable as well as his place on the pitch for the Under 16s.
For his hard work, effort and dedication to everything football – well done Rhys. Rhys will no doubt be inspiring once again this weekend, when the Under 16s face Cwmcarn Athletic F.C. at home.
There are retirements and farewell tours.
And then, there’s the comeback gig.
We’re beyond excited to announce that Dean Morgan has polished off his goal-scoring boots for one last run, as he officially signs for Abertillery Excelsiors.
Despite wear and tear and a season-ending injury, Dean made his final appearance on the pitch (likely against doctors orders) in May 2016, scoring in a 1-2 win against Welsh League mainstays Treharris Athletic Western.
He returns to a team already littered with great, raw talent and ability and will no doubt show he’s still got what it takes to hang tough with the young guns and help make positive steps forward for the club as we head into the final months of the season.
Welcome to the Excelsiors Deano.
The continuation of our celebration of Barney’s life will take place on Bank Holiday Sunday, May 6th at the West Mon Golf Club thanks to the hard work of Brett Williams.
Brett proposed the first annual Christopher Barnett Memorial Golf Day in the latter part of 2017 as a way to keep Barney’s memory alive year-on-year. All proceeds from what will no doubt be a very special day will go to Barney’s family: his wife Lesley and son Aaron.
Entry will cost £20 per person and will be based on a team of 4 competing. There’ll be shotgun start at 9am, meaning that everyone will not only start at the same time but hopefully finish around the same time too. A trophy will be presented to the winning team of the day, with prizes also awarded for the ‘closest to the pin’ and ‘longest drive’.
For those entering, appropriate golfing attire must be worn and is a requirement of the club. Non-players are of course welcome to join us in the bar following the game for a few drinks and to watch live Premier League football scheduled for that day. The entry fee of £20 also includes a bacon roll and tea/coffee before the round. Any additional food will be available at your own cost.
For further information or to enter a team, contact Brett Williams on 07880891934
Nearly 9.5K in the bank ready for this weekend! It could be all yours for 4 correct numbers and £1!
Today was for Barney.
Today was for Keith.
In the shadow of the Severn Bridge, Thornwell FC fell just short of the finish line as the 1st Team grabbed a 2-3 win on the road to punch a ticket to the Amateur Cup Final.
The opening minutes of the game saw both teams locked in a battle of cat and mouse, with Thornwell’s defence holding strong against a rabid Excelsiors attack. A few free kicks, including one from Lewis Jones, came to nothing as time after time, Thornwell were able to deflect the danger in front of goal.
Thornwell, undefeated thus far this season, were able to hold their own and stuck to a gameplan, killing off the attacking trifecta of Shaun Smith, Dafydd Phillips and Jamie Laurent. The solid defender Rhys Whiteman broke free of the pack on a daring attempt to gain ground but again, his effort was stopped short thanks to Thornwell’s 3-on-1 defensive tactic. As halftime approached, 0-0 seemed a fair scoreline for both teams, who despite their best efforts were unable to score.
The second ‘45 minutes opened auspiciously with a penalty scored deep in the bottom corner by Jamie Laurent, as the referee blew for the home team’s goalkeeper taking down Dafydd Phillips, to break the deadlock at 0-1. Minutes later Thornwell seemed destined to get back in the game but their goal was disallowed for an offside, much to the chagrin of the home supporters.
A freekick opportunity again landed in the lap of Lewis Jones, who fired off and scored a second for the lads, creating a clear cut lead and pushing momentum forward. His cousin however would put the nail in the coffin for the hosts, as Tyla Preece found the back of the net to make it 0-3, as Thornwell’s defence showed serious cracks.
As the final 10 minutes came into focus, things appeared to be clear cut for the travelling Tigers, as the Excelsiors held a firm lead. However, some drama was still assured, as Thornwell picked off the Excelsiors defence to break through the line and pick up a consolation goal against Dan Parsons, who had little to do for much of the game.
Things again took a turn when Thornwell scored off a freekick to make it 2-3 and as nervous fans continued to chant for Excelsiors players from the side, it looked like Thornwell could come back from worlds end and level things out with Abertillery, spoiling their cup journey in the dying embers of the match.
However time was not on the side of the home team and the referee’s whistle signalled the progression to the final for the Excelsiors. Set for early May, the lads will head down to Risca in their quest to raise Amateur Cup silverware for the first time in 18 years.
FT:
Thornwell FC 2 vs 3 Abertillery Excelsiors
Scorers:
Jamie Laurent
Lewis Jones
Tyla Preece
Everyone at the club, from players and managers to committee members and volunteers, would like to extend our warmest Christmas wishes to you all.
We’d like to thank everyone for their continued support throughout what has already been one of our most successful, yet emotionally challenging seasons to date and hope you have a fantastic Christmas Day, joining us for our bumper Boxing Day celebrations and into 2018.
