LLANSTEFFAN v Pontlliw (04/09/2010)

Llansteffan dominated this encounter but were never in a position to relax as the visitors pressed and twice came from behind to level.  A starting line up of Niki Bowen, Barry Coles, Jamie Fleig (c), Ian Barat, Jason Deschoolmeister, John Jones, Martin Maloi, Sean Pemberton, Darren Thomas, Richard Whalley and Danyy Brooks were looking to get the previous games reverse against Tumble well and truly out of their system.  The Seasiders started brightly and were dominant early on.  Sean Pembs was causing all sorts of problems in midfield, whilst Thomas provided the necessary cover as holding midfielder.

Richard whalley seemed back to his usual self once again, shooting constantly and holding off his markers superbly.  While Brooks seemed far more relaxed and his play showed this with some neat touches and hold up play.

The first goal came on 20 minutes, Whalley turning his marker before shooting low past the Pontlliw keeper.  1-0 and it could have been more as the home side were dominant.  Had it not been for sloppy play at the back, Pontlliw would not have had a chance.  But they did, and Bowen was powerless to prevent the equaliser. 

Llansteffan did not let this get them down however and continued to play neat, attractive football which pleased the majority of the large crowd.  The pressure was to much for Pontlliw to handle and the excellent Sean Pembs punished static defending to score with his right foot.  Just rewards for an excellent first half performence which was so sadly lacking at Tumble.

2-1 at half time and Bernie Lewis and Carl Wislon were happy with what they were seeing.  However, Llan never really got going early on in the second half and this was demonstrated in the 55th minute.  A long clearence up field was missed by Fleig and Coles and the Lliw striker dinked the ball over Bowen and into the net.  Another sloppy goal to give away.

The game by now was very tense and Llansteffan were not creating much.  However, in the 74th minute, Sean Pembs went down in the penalty area after a great run.  Penalty to Llansteffan which Whalley converted with confidence.  3-2 and a win was on the cards.

The home side held on to record the first 3 points of the season.

Subs: Rhodri Thomas (Thomas 80)Rory  Smith (Maloi 83) Rhys Jones (John Jones 85)

Tumble v LLANSTEFFAN (01/09/10)

Llansteffan came back town to earth with a bump on their return to Division One as the home side scored four.  Only a late consolation goal from Rhodri Thomas prevented an even bigger margin.

the Seasiders started brightly and seemed to be in control and would have entered half time level had it not been for the referee awarding Tumble a penalty late in the half after Jason Deschoolmeister pushed an opponent to the floor in the box.  With heads down, Llansteffan conceded again after giving away a sloppy free kick which eventually led to a second for the home side.

A 2-0 deficit at half time was slightly harsh on Llan as they had been fairly comfatble for most of the game.  A further 2 goals in the second half made the game safe for Tumble.  Llansteffan could not creat any clear cut chances and were punished for some sloppy play.

A dissappointing start to life in their new division.

Team: Durbridge, Thomas (Rhodri), Fleig (c), Barat, Deschoolmeister, Maloi, Jones (John), Thomas (Darren), Jones (Rhys), Whally, Brookie.

Subs: Smith, John, Bowen

LLANSTEFFAN v S V V Sheveningen – Friendly (29/05/10)

Even the mayor turned out for this one!!  An historic day for Llansteffan F C on Saturday as they played host to their first ever foreign opponents in a friendly against Dutch visitors S V V Sheveningen.  A large crowd gathered despite the damp weather to witness a fantastic game of football, with both sides showing plenty of quality. 

Sheveningen, sitting  just outside the Hague in Holland, is a world apart from Llansteffan.  Having over 1000 members and hosting 26 teams from junior to senior level S V V had come fully prepared with a 52 seater coach carrying a 15 man playing squad, a physio, their main sponsor and some hardy followers.

Llansteffan, starting with a strong line up of Jon Durbridge in goal, Rhodri Thomas, Jamie Fleig, Rory Smith and Darren Thomas along the back four, Martin Maloi, Rhys Jones, Sean Pemberton, and Dafydd Harris in the middle and Rihard Whalley up front along with Jody Thomas were intent on not only enjoying the occasion but to show that promotion to divison one this season was truly deserved.

After an even early exchange, Llansteffan slowly started to use home advantage well.  After some sustained pressure, two quick fire goals from Sean Pemberton and Jody Thomas gave the Seasiders a 2-0 lead at half time.

Sheveningen were obviously a team with skill and experience as they passed the ball with quality and confidence.  However it was Llansteffan who again scored two more goals in the second half through Rhys Jones and Richard Whalley to lead 4-0 before a consolation goal made it 4-1. 

The scoreline however made no difference on a day where friends were made and a strong link bonded between two very different clubs.  Llansteffan have been invited to play the ‘return leg’ next Summer with members of the Dutch touring party expressing their gratitude for a very warm welcome received.

West End UTD v LLANSTEFFAN (17/04/10)

A fantastic season ended on a sour note for the Seasiders as a 2-0  defeat by champions West End brings the curtain down on 2009-10.  Llansteffan started brightly were finding the home sides long ball game difficult to deal with.  The back four of Rhys Jones, Jamie Fleig, Danny Shortt, and Jason Deschoolmeister seemed on edge on a dry pitch in the Llanelli sunshine.

The first half ended goaless without real incident.

The breakthrough came for the home side courtey of a free kick from their number 9.  A curling effort in to the top corner deserved to take the lead in any game.  This proved to be a huge blow to Llan as they set about guarenteeing their own promotion party.

Jody Thomas and Keith Davies, playing up front for Llan, were working hard to create an opening.  Martin Malloi and John Hones were working extremely hard on the flanks to provide such chances but nothing came of it as a solid back four held firm for the home side.

The nail was delivered directly into the coffin on the hour mark.  A dreadful mistake by Fleig, failing to clear his lines when given the opportunity, presented West End to strike at goal.  With Durbridge already off his line having previously come to block the strike, Danny Shortt was the unlucky man as he instinctively handled  on the line.  The imminent sending off and second goal killed off the game.  2-0 to the home side.

With 15 minutes remaining Llansteffan were reduced to 9 men as the excellent Seb Lewis was sent from the field after what seemed a strong 50-50 challenge.

A disappointing day indeed, however an excellent season for the Seasiders.  Division One here we come.

LLANSTEFFAN v Abergwili (3/4/10)

This eagerly awaited derby game did not dissapoint as Llansteffan and Abergwili produced a fantastic game, especially in the second half which was watched by a decent crowd, most of whom had come to support the home side in their final home game of the season.

Knowing that 3 points would more or less guarentee First Division football next season, the Seasiders seemed tense in the opening stages.  The usual flowing passing was not evident as Abergwili scrapped for every loose ball and put their bodies on the line for the cause.

After 15 minutes and a sustained period of pressure, the deadlock was broken as Richard Whalley swivelled and shot low into the bottom corner.  Still, this did not seem to settle the Llansteffan players down and as the half wore on Abergwili sensed their opportunity.  After failing to clear the ball, Llansteffan were punished as Steve Plumb equalised for Gwili.

The visitors nearly took the lead minutes later.  Jon Durbridge prodcing a quality reaction save to deny Kerri Price.

1-1 half time.

Llansteffan emerged from their huddle a totally refreshed side in the second half.  Seb Lewis and Sean Pemberton were dominating the midfield as Daf Harries and Martin Malloi started to get at the visiting full backs.  On a weaving run into the penalty box in the 55th minute, Keith Davies was brought down by Steven Carmody.  From the resulting spot kick, malloi made it 2-1 to the home side.

The home support drew a huge sigh of relief as did the players.  Taking the lead for the second time, Llansteffan now started playing with more confidence and soon got their deserved third through Richard Whally.  Rhys Jones providing an excellent cross from a  free kick for the striker to power home his second with his head.  Sporting a new haircut, Whally enjoyed the pre planned celebration with Pemberton.

Another sound performence from a back four of Jason Deschoolmeister, Jamie Fleig (Capt), Danny Shortt and Rhys Jones enabled the home side to continue to push forward and search for more goals.  The fourth goal arrived from the impressive Malloi.  Cutting in from the left flank, and slotting home from a tight angle.

In the closing stages, Abergwili were awarded their own penalty as the referee saw a shirt pull on Rowlands.  Aled Davies stepped up but fired over the bar.

Llansteffan now have a week off and finish the campaign at West End Utd on the 17th April.

Match Report: LLANSTEFFAN v Penyfan (27/03/10)

Llansteffan produced one of their most commanding performances on Saturday by hammering visiting Penyfan 8-0.  Having to make several changes to the side from last week, assistant manager Bernie Lewis re shuffled his pack to cope with the physical presence of Penyfan.  Starting brightly, The Seasiders took the lead within 15 minutes through the ever impressive Richard Whalley.  This seemed to settle any nerves and if there were any left they were eased further when Shaun Pemberton netted a quality second from a tight angle. 
 
The returning James Yarnton, impressing with his work rate, missed a guilt edged chance on the half hour mark to make the scoreline even more comftable.  However, just before referee Anthony Powell blew for the interval, Yarnton made amends by heading home.  3-0 at half-time.
 
The second half started much the same way.  The midfield of Seb Lewis, Martin Maloi, Daf Harries and Pemberton were dominant and causing Penyfan all sorts of problems.  On the hour, the home side deservedly notched their fourth.  Richard Whally hammering home for his second.  Not to be out done, Yarnton netted his second and Llansteffan’s fifth with a looping header.
 
With both strikers now on hat-tricks, it seemed only a matter of time before Llan got more goals.  A solid defence of Rory Smith, Jamie Fleig (Capt), Danny Shortt and Jason Deschoolmeester was the platform for an attacking display which had Lewis beaming from ear to ear.  Yarnton and then Whally deservedly got their hat-tricks, both scoring after being put through one on one with the Penyfan goal keeper.  The impressive Harries got in on the act in the last 5 minutes, sneacking in at the far post.
 
Llansteffan now welcome Abergwili next Sat for their last home game of the season (2.30 k.o.).  Tea and Coffee will be on sale at the ground for a large crowd is expected.  A BBQ will also be on hand, weather permitting!

Match Report: Llan Rads v LLANSTEFFAN 20/03/10)

An emotional day at penagaer fields as Manager Wayne Price took charge of his final game before returning to the USA. He was treated to a convincing win and performance from his players in a repeat result of the home game earlier on in the season. Missing some key players the pack had to be shuffled and an un-familiar back 4 of Rhys Jones, Rory Smith, Jason Deschoolmeester and new signing Jody Thomas. Seb Lewis returned in midfield alongside Martin Malloy and Daf Harries with the familiar front 3 of John Jones, Keith Davies and stand in captain WRichard Whalley.

Llan were in front as early as the 15th minute when John Jones finished superbly after being put through by the impressive Whalley. Keith Davies hit the bar as did Whalley, Malloy went close all before Seb Lewis scored the 2nd. A long hanging corner was only half cleared when it found Lewis who hit a superb volley from 20 yards. 2-0 at half time and the Seasiders hadnt got out of 2nd gear. The next goal after the re-start was always going to be the important one and Llan took less than 10 seconds to score after the re-start. A mistake in the Radicals box allowed Whalley to score his 12th goal in 11 games. James Yarnton was introduced for the veteran Keith Davies and created some decent openings for himself and others. Seb Lewis, who had run the game from the start, scored his 2nd of the day after a fine individual run. A delighted Price, whos cameo sub performance will be remembered for many a year in Llanelli, said’ Things couldnt have gone any better and im proud of every player who has played for me this season. I can return to the USA with the club having 1 foot in Division 1. There are 3 games to go and I think 1 win will be enough. The lads have a great chance to get that result next Saturday at home to Penafan, they deserve it. Nicky Bowen hasnt had a save to make today. Rhys Jones plays wherever hes told and gets on with the job. Rory Smith can play Welsh League if he keeps his feet on the ground and keeps improving. Jody Thomas has been brought in for the final 4 games on a short term deal and his performance today showed his quality. Deschoolmeester and Seb Lewis owed me a performance and I had it off them 10 fold, Lewis in particular. It really is a squad effort down here. Nobody has moaned about being on the bench. People understand my reasons and give me everything when they get on. When Daf Harries decides to turn up like he did today hes different class. Richard Whalley is too good for this level and John Jones is a different player this year. With experienced players like Keith Davies and myself to chip in we got a good mix. We didnt break a sweat today and made our football enjoyable. These lads have won 8 out of their last 9 league games and are almost there. Its a cracking little club, the chairman, secreatary, commitee members and players really deserve Division 1 football next season’

Match Report: LLANSTEFFAN v Caerbryn 13/03/10

Llansteffan might just have put Caerbryns season to bed down by the seaside on Saturday afternoon. It was a must win game for both teams for different reasons. For Llan it was to go 9 points clear of their 3rd place rivals and for Bryn to keep in the promotion hunt. After a back to back cup and league defeat to West End, Llan got their promotion charge well and truly back on track. Changes were made and the supporters were treated with a dominant performance. There were re-calls for Nicky Bowen in goal, Rory Smith and Danny Short at full-back and John Jones on the left as manager Wayne Price rung the changes after 2 defeats. With Jamie Fleig and Matthew Morris-Jones re-uniting at centre half Price and Pemberton formed a new midfield partnership alongside Rhys Jones. Richard Whalley and Keith Davies remained up front.
 
Llan started the game at a frantic pace with the ball hardly leaving the Caerbryn half. A period of sustained pressure saw the seasiders hit the bar and post no less than 3 times before opening the scoring. John Jones and Pemberton twice so effots hit the woodwork before Whalley opened the scoring. A strong run from Price found John Jones whos inch perfect cross found Whalley who only had to tap in. 1-0. The killer goal came on the stroke of half time when the Bryn defence backed off from Pemberton who cooly sloted home from 20 yards giving the keeper no chance. 2-0 half time and coasting. More of the same was the shout at half time and Whalley duly obliged by heading a third after Llan really should have had a penalty for hand ball. A deligthted Manager said,’After 2 defeats on the bounce this was a test of character and the lads didnt fail to deliver. We had to make some late changes and the boys who came in have given themselves a great chance of playing for the rest of the season. Nicky Bowen kept a clean sheet, Rory Smith is making it difficult to leave him out although we have tried not to over use him but this really was a team effort. We dominated from start to finish and im not being harsh in saying it could have been 6 or 7. Theres 4 games to go and we can see the finishing line. We are still top and want to remain there as long as possible. A win at Llan Rads next week will really put pressure on other teams to win their games.’

Match Report: LLANSTEFFAN v West End UTD

West End gained a vital victory in their quest for the division 2 title as they performed a vital smash and grab victory away to Llansteffan. Both teams fielded their strongest teams as players returned from injury and suspension and it was West End who opened the scoring direct from a corner. A right footed inswinger eluded everyone in the penalty area to nestle in the top far corner. The goal, slightly against the run of play, brought a good reaction from the Seasiders who started a pro-longed period of pressure which resulted in the equaliser. A superb passing move involving Martin Malloy, Seb Lewis and Keith Davies found Sean Pemberton, making his home debut, clean through. After an away defender got a foot to the ball the keeper illegally handled the ball resulting in an in-direct free kick just 5 yards from goal. Richard Whalley took the set piece which found the slightest of deflections on its way in to hand Llan a deserved goal. Llan should really of doubled their lead before half time with Whalley & Pemberton both going close. Missed chances that would cost them dear later in the game. 1-1 half time.

The 2nd half started much the same as the 1st ended with Llan applying early pressure. Full backs Deschoolmeester and Morris-Jones using their long throws to good effect with the West End rear guard and keeper equal to the task. Fleig and Price at the back were in no apparent danger but always had to be aware of Alex Days presence up top. The turning point of this game was in the 70th minute. A wayward West End shot was adjuged to have been put behind when Keeper John Durbridge insisted that he hadnt touched the ball. Corner given, identical goal the outcome. Llan, not learning from their mistakes, failed to clear another Alex Day in-swinger for the forward to tap in from a yard out. Despite playing all the football and creating many chances the Seasiders were now chasing the game at 2-1 down. Time went on, subs appeared in the form of John Jones, unlucky to lose his place, for Deschoolmeester. Daf Harries appeared for Rhys Jones and James Yarnton for Morris-Jones as Llan utilised all their attacking options. Surely a goal would come. Pemberton thought he had when an inch perfect Price cross found his head only to see his header skim the top of the bar. This wasnt to be Llans day. West End broke away to score their 3rd and Llan replied in the last kick of the game with a great John Jones finish but it was too little too late. Manager Price said, ‘ It was a great advert for the league. 1st v 2nd. Plenty of drama. Im not dissapointed with the way we played as we could of been out of sight at half time. But you have to take your chances and full credit to West End they dug in and made it difficult. I thought their keeper was superb. They probably felt if they could get to half time they would have half a chance of nicking a result and thats exactly what they did. Classic smash and grab so hats off to them. They will go on and win this league now and good luck to them. What we have to make sure is that we finish in 2nd place behind them to make sure we play them again next season. Our inability to defend set pieces especailly corners has cost us the game today. Im not happy cause we have worked on it in training. The culprits were told after the game and they know they need to improve. We have to dust ourselves down and next weeks home game against Caerbryn cant come soon enough for me. They dropped points again today so the pressure is on them to come to us and get a result. We have to be equal and then better that challenge. Its set up nicely.’

Match Report:LLANSTEFFAN rvs V Drefach rvs

Llansteffan Make History Double

Llansteffan reserves re-wrote the history books this weekend with an astonguising game against Drefach.

Without 5 regular key players for the side with Steven John and Rory Smith who had been called up to the first team due to a majority of their players being cup tied and Adam Butler, Jason Davies and Kiel Davies out injured, the seasiders had to make a few changes.

Dafydd Harries, Richard Whalley and Matthew Morris-Jones stepping in.

Llan had beaten Drefach 3-2 earlier in the season and were hoping to capitalise on their 7 game unbeaten run to close the gap on top spot.

The game started of at a furious pace with some good passing leading to top goalscorer Dan Thomas to score his 1 2 th of the season in the opening minutes with his 1st touch of the ball. Right Back Richard Wiggins then added a second and Llan were 2-0 up after just 10 minutes. Goals from Daf Harries, Adam Morris, Thomas again striking twice to claim his hatrick, two coming from the penalty spot, and Whalley adding another 4 put the seasiders 10-0 up at half time! Captain for the day Morris-Jones kept the team in line with some good advice at half time a s Llan looked to reduce the 1 4 goal difference with top of the league Wellfield.

The second half started where the 1st had left off. Some solid performances in the back from A.Morris, Morris-Jones and Wiggins who were steady throughout and keeper Christian Rowlands who was rarely tested kept the Drefach strikers at bay with Nick Carter playing well in midfield allowing Paul Evans, Harries and wingers Steffan Hughes and Andrew Raistrick to play some good crosses into the box. Raistrick himself had a few chances to add to the game 1 of which saw him cut into the box and being brought down by Drefachs centre half, Thomas again stepping up to finish a hatrick of penalties making it 4 goals for the striker taking his season tally to 15.

Just a few moments later makeshift centre back A.Morris crossed the ball into the box only for Drefach’s defender to divert into his own net, and moments later a back pass to the keeper who miskicked it put Llan 13-0 up with almost half an hour to go.

Jamie Evans was introduced for Thomas with 20 mins remaining as Llan looked to add yet more goals.

Whalley added yet another 3 goals to make it 7 goals and a club record for most goals scored by one player in a match. Wingers Nicky Howells and Watcyn Jones were introduced late on for Raistrick and Hughes, and P.Evans who had a few chances well saved early on went on to get his hatrick, ending a perfect game at 19-0, another club record.

Manager Steve Hodge said ” I’m absolutely delighted with the game, everyone played 100% for 90 minutes, the lads were outstanding, and organised. We were hoping to close the gap at the top and push for promotion and today we showed we mean business”