Newport YMCA A.F.C.
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| Newport YMCA | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Full name | Newport YMCA Association Football Club |
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| Founded | 1973 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ground | The YMCA Ground Mendalgief Road, Newport (Capacity n/a) |
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| Chairman | Viv Edwards | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Manager | Mark Coldrick | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| League | Welsh Football League First Division | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2007-08 | Welsh Football League First Division, 7th (of 18) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Newport YMCA are a football team based in the city of Newport. They currently play in the Welsh Football League First Division.
They were founded in 1973 with the merging of the Newport Central YMCA and Newport Pill YMCA sides and were elected to the Welsh Football League in 1978.
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[edit] Welsh Cup giant-killing
Saturday November 3, 2007 will go down as one of the greatest days in the club's short history, when they defeated Welsh Cup holders Carmarthen Town in a third round giant-killing at Mendalgief Road. Faraz Yafai gave the home side a shock 8th-minute lead, before Liam Hancock equalised midway through the first half for the Welsh Premier outfit. Newport were dealt a massive blow shortly after the hour-mark when goalkeeper Gareth Wesson was sent-off for abusive language, striker Lewis Sommers putting on the gloves. The hosts showed great determination to keep their top-flight opponents at bay, and they were rewarded when a late penalty from Gareth Lynch gave the home side a 2-1 lead going into the last five minutes. The full-time whistle sparked wild celebrations amongst YMCA players and supporters and signalled a place in the 4th round for the first time in the club's 34-year history.
After that game, YMCA manager Mark Coldrick told the South Wales Argus: "Chatting to the chairman and committee men afterwards, we said it was the greatest result in the club's history."
YMCA went one better in the next round by beating another top-division team, Llangefni Town, 4-3 on penalties. They then went on to beat a third top-division team Welshpool Town, 3-2 after coming back from 2-0 down in the quarter-final on March 1. YMCA finished 7th in the league.
[edit] Honours
- Welsh Football League Second Division Champions 1979 – Promoted to Division 1
- Welsh Football League First Division 3rd place 1981 - Promoted to Welsh League Premier Division
- Welsh Football League Premier Division 3rd place 1983 (Highest ever finish)
- Welsh Football League Third Division Champions 2002 – Promoted to Second Division
- Welsh Football League Second Division Runners-up 2005 – Promoted to Division 1
- Welsh Football League Reserve Division Cup Winners 2005
- Monmouthshire/Gwent Senior Cup winners 1975, 1976, 1978; runners-up 1977, 2004
[edit] External links
[edit] Directions
Leave M4 motorway at junction 28 and take A48 signposted Newport. Tredegar Park will be on your left-hand side and at the next roundabout, which is the entrance to that park, take the second exit - signposted Docks and Industrial Area (A48).
Follow that road through the next roundabout until you come to another roundabout with Woolworth's superstore in front of you.
Take the first exit off the roundabout - signed South Dock (North Side) and Maesglas Industrial Area. Woolworth's will be on your right-hand side as you follow the road. KFC, Comet and a large gasometer will all be on your right-hand side. You will then pass under a railway bridge and come to another small roundabout. Go straight through this roundabout and on to the next road junction, where Halford's will be on your left-hand side.
At the junction turn right into Mendalgief Road and the clubhouse is approximately 100 yards along this road on the right-hand side. There is limited parking within the ground but plenty of unrestricted off-street parking.
[edit] Players
- Gareth Yeoman
Another product of the club’s youth team. He is big lad with surprisingly good reflexes.
- Louis Walsh
Louis is in his second spell at the club having played in the Welsh League several seasons ago before leaving to play Gwent County football. He is a hard tackling full back that likes to get forward at every opportunity.
- Declan Rhode
Declan moved to Newport from Swansea last year and has become a huge and vital part of YM's defence. He's a big player with plenty of skill.
- Gareth Lynch
Gareth rejoined the club during the close season after taking a year out to play rugby. He is strong in the tackle, good in the air and has good distribution skills.
- Darren Porretta
Darren is the Player/Coach and brings an air of stability to the defence. He can count Newport County amongst his former clubs and he has been one of the cornerstones of the YM defence since signing four years ago.
- Craig Anderton
Craig is a huge shot-stopper, signed from Barry Town this May.
- Shaun Pearce
Shaun is a skillful player who likes to get forward and create opportunities for his team-mates An unfortunate injury ruled him out for all of last season but he is back in training and looking forward to staking a claim for regular inclusion.
- Robbie Painter
Robbie is 34 years of age and is in his second season with the club. He has a wealth of experience and an ability to play anywhere in the back line. Robbie’s versatility is a major asset to the club.
- Craig James
Club captain for the past few years but forced to sit out all of last season with a serious knee injury. Craig’s on field presence has been greatly missed by the rest of the side and his return to fitness is a big boost to the squad.
- Daniel Lewis
Formerly of Cardiff City Youth, Daniel is a small striker with a handful of goals behind him.
- Daniel Heath
Daniel is a centre back with surprisingly good ball skills. Daniel got his first team chance last season and has improved with every game. He is now an important part of the first team set up.
- Craig Ford
Craig joined the club midway through last season from Newport County’s Academy side and has quickly settled in. He is a strong tackling player with a good engine. He can play in defence or midfield and enjoys being in the thick of the action.
- Kristian Avery
Kristian is in his third season with the club. This versatile 28 year old can play full back, midfield or up front and always gives a wholehearted performance.
- Stephen Edwards
Steve was voted ‘Players Player of the Year’ during season 2004 – 2005 but work commitments prevented him from playing regularly last season. He is 24 years old and is now in his fourth season at the club.
- John Pardue
This 23 year old is in his 4th season with the club after signing from Gwent County football. He is was captain of the side last season and led by example.
- Leon Spargo
Leon has played wing back and midfield in recent seasons. He is a tough tackling player that is always prepared to shoot on sight.
- Faraz Yafai
Faraz is in his second spell at the club. He broke into the first side last season as a right wing back and has been a regular member of the squad ever since. He is equally at home in defence or attack.
- Aaron Stewart
Aaron has been the clubs top scorer for the past five years. He is in his seventh season at the club and is a quick forward with an eye for goal.
- Lewis Sommers
Lewis rejoined the club this summer after a season at Merthyr Tydfil. He suffered an injury towards the end of last season whilst on loan to Cwmbran Town but has thankfully recovered and will be looking to get back on the goal trail. He scored 20 times in 40 appearances during his last season with us.
- Daniel Cueto
Daniel is a product of the clubs youth team. He came into the side last season and quickly made himself a regular member of the first team squad. He is good in the air and has plenty of pace.
