Excelsiors vs Machen Ends in a Knock Down, Drag Out Abandonment

Chaos reigns at the Jim Owen, as the first game after Barney’s passing ended unceremoniously with the referee abandoning play as the boys were 2-0 up against the visitors.

Following a minutes applause for our fallen comrades, a quick one-two punch of Tom Calver and Luke Lewis got the Excelsiors into a comfortable lead against a very game AFC Machen, who were all guns blazing right from the off. With tensions flaring and tackles flying with little hesitation, things erupted into an all out brawl on our home turf and despite the substitution of Excelsiors Captain, Brett Morgan, Machen would not be denied their fight as they again pursued a scrap and bitter-fuelled tackles.

With the referee losing control of the game, Machen decided enough was enough and left the pitch, even though the 1sts attempted to continue play. The official then decided to call time on the game at just over 70 minutes played, with the outcome now being up in the air until the referee and the league decide what ruling shall stand.

Lottery Numbers 16/09/17

This past Saturday, during our memorial afternoon for Barney, we held our first lottery following last week’s monumental win. There weren’t any winners so it rolls over one more time. Strap in once again!

One Week On…

We’d like to extend our heartfelt and sincere thank you to every single person who came to the New Bridgend Inn this past Saturday, September 16th to celebrate the life of Christopher Barnett.

The decision was made in the immediate aftermath of our tragic loss to postpone both training and games for one week, something that was supported wholeheartedly by all involved. Throughout the past week we’ve continued to garner the unprecedented support of players, clubs and community members through messages of love and support, one minute silences at games and on Saturday, Barney took over Twitter as countless Tweeters changed their profile photo to the local legend in a show of respect.

It was also announced that on September 28th, there’ll be a special Evening With Razor Ruddock, the former Liverpool FC and Welsh warrior, at the Llanhilleth Institute to raise even more money for Barney’s fund, which on the GoFundMe page alone, now sits staggeringly at over £7,000.

It was an emotional rollercoaster of a day but one where we were surrounded by love and support, as we have done every moment of the last week. It means so much to us as a club and even more as a wider community.

To see Abertillery Excelsiors and Bluebirds side by side, irrelevant of badge, bravado or historic battles truly was a special moment that will forever be etched into the sporting soul of this wonderful town.

Barney would be impressed, in awe and elated beyond words that his legacy will always be one of friendliness, sharing in a common passion and a community that some towns and can only dream of having.

Seeing representatives of other clubs, close friends reunited and families all come together for a common cause is what it was all about. There may never be another day like it – but we’ll have always had this day.

Thank you.

RIP Barney

It is with overwhelming sadness that we announce the passing of Christopher Barnett this morning.

Barney was a true club legend and character for so many of us and we were better for having him in our lives. It is a tragic void we will never be able to fill.

We’d like to extend our heartfelt condolences to Lesley and Aaron, his family and friends at this time, whilst also thanking the countless football clubs and individuals who sent messages of love, strength and support over the past 48 hours. It has been nothing short of inspiring and incredible.

Football is much more than results and rivalries. Barney would be proud.

We Have A Winner…

We finally have a winner! After weeks of rollovers and disappointment, the grand prize total of nearly 9K (£8,939 to be exact) has been snapped up by ONE lucky winner!