Match Report

The opening weekend of the 2024-25 JD Cymru South season saw us travel to Penrhiwceiber Rangers.

Penrhiwceiber joined the second tier of Welsh football after winning the Ardal South-West league last season and, having played against Penrhiwceiber in the 2022-23 season, we knew the style and quality of football that they would have on show.

In a hot and humid day in July, our first team saw large swathes of possession in the first half against a physical and committed Ceiber side.  New signing Artiom Legavec came close to opening the scoring in the first 10 minutes, after a diagonal ball from Dylan Thomas found Artiom 15 years out but his header came back off the post with the Ceiber keeper stranded.

Although Baglan enjoyed the majority of possession (61% in the first half), Ceiber were well organised and limited Baglan's opportunities, while looking to create chances on the break themselves, with Ceibers '10 Jaymie Wearn holding the ball up very well. 

In the lead-up to half time, a shot / cross from Dylan Thomas from the edge of the Ceiber box was nearly finished off by Craig Wilcox but he couldn't quite get on the end of it.

Half time 0-0

The second half was a far more uncomfortable affair with centre halves Lewis Holmes and Luke Evans called into action on numerous occasions with great blocks to keep Ceiber at bay.  Ceiber grew into the game in the second half and looked more likely to take the 3 points but some excellent defending and the post kept Ceiber out.  

Tom Davies came close to opening the scoring late on but his shot was well saved by Jacob Ireland after some great work from Jay Thomas.

Full time 0-0

Mathew Stanton (GK), Josh Evans, Jack Fleming, Lewis Holmes (C), Luke Evans, Jonny Davies, Craig Wilcox (Jay Thomas 80), Dylan Thomas, Tom Davies, Tom Randall, Artiom Legavec (Josh Williams 75)