Excelsiors vanquish Ponthir in cup match replay

The 1-0 lead last week meant little today as both teams kicked off at the Jim Owen, with Ponthir AFC visiting for a second time in as many weeks due to the original fixture’s cancellation ten minutes in due to an injury to the opposition’s player.

Instead of Excelsiors steamrolling offence that that seen them start so strongly against the visitors, the tables were emphatically turned, as Ponthir drew first blood early on, taking full advantage of a loose pass. Rattled by the early nudge, Tom Calver and Luke Lewis seemed desperate to nail a return effort but both came up short.

Ponthir then rattled the cage again, with a wicked strike that looked certain to score bouncing off the post and past a relieved Dan Parsons. However, the visitors from Division 3 would not be denied, with their second goal coming off a header thanks to a slick corner kick.

It fell to Jonny Morgan to gain some ground, with the midfielder finding the target in a one-on-one with the ‘keeper to bring things to 1-2, and Excelsiors within reach of equal footing. That

draw was cemented with the rocket-like ricochet finish of Luke Lewis, who looked certain to score again thanks to a great cross from Jordan Harford.

In a fantastic comeback, Rhys Whiteman fired off a scorching strike to pull the lads ahead as the first half went to bed with the Excelsiors claiming a one goal lead.

In a second lot of 45 minutes that proved equally as exciting as the first, Ponthir held firm for much of the second half, causing problems for Abertillery’s persistent attack. Despite the ball finding Shaun Smith several times, the striker couldn’t put the ball in the net, thanks in large part to the tenacity of the opposition’s defenders, who refused to allow any build up of momentum.

Both Zak Kelly and Lewis Jones saw their arsenals exhausted and disabled, despite some solid efforts, with the same to be said for regular workhorse Jamie Laurent, who battled hard from whistle to whistle. As goalkeeper Dan Parsons laid it all on the line in an all-or-nothing save, the Excelsiors ground out a hard-fought win that proved that regardless of leagues and divisions, cup matches really do bring out the best in teams.

Abertillery Excelsiors 3 – 2 Ponthir AFC

Goals:
Jonny Morgan
Luke Lewis
Rhys Whiteman

‘Tis (Nearly) the season to be jolly…

‪We’re back at Llanhilleth Institute on December 2nd for our Christmas Party!

It’s just £10 a ticket (including food) and entertainment from two comedians, Nick Hiscott & Mike Reed, and music from the awesome Blackhouse, who will be there to add some rock and roll to Christmas!

There’ll be a raffle and auction for Barney’s Fund as well, as we continue to remember our fallen club legends.

Contact Matthew Thomas on 07805 162953 for more info and to get your tickets!

RIP David Padfield

Today we remember the life of David Padfield, who passed away this morning.

Dai was a former player, committee member and sponsor of the club for many years. Dai’s playing heyday was during the 1970s and ‘80s, playing in the North Gwent and West Gwent leagues, when he made a name for himself with Cwmtillery Excelsiors before the amalgamation with Abertillery Town.

Miracle Information Services also remains a sponsor for the club at the time of David’s passing. Other than his love of football and successful business ventures, Dai was also known for his love of and involvement with racing pigeons, as highlighted by this article by Racing Pigeon Media

His family has played a pivotal role in the history of Abertillery Excelsiors, with his father Albert (who played during the 1940s for the Cwmtillery Excelsiors) being instrumental in reforming the club in 1965 with an Under 11s side after a decline in interest in favour of rugby in the post-war years.

We’d like to extend our condolences and thoughts to Dai’s family and friends at this time, along with our most sincere thanks for helping to shape and grow our club over his many loyal years with us.

Lest We Forget

“They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.”

“In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.”