Principality Welsh Premier League

Saturday, 12th September 2009

at Stebonheath Park, Llanelli

Llanelli 3-2 Newtown

Goalscorers

Llanelli

Rhys Griffiths (45)

Craig Moses (51)

Jason Bowen (61)

Newtown

Obi Anoruo (35)

Neil Mitchell (59)

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Llanelli

Team - Ashley Morris, Steve Jenkins, Andy Legg, Chris Venables, Stuart Jones, Wyn Thomas, Jason Bowen, Antonio Corbisiero, Rhys Griffiths, Craig Moses, Owain Warlow

Subs - Andrew Mumford (Unused), Craig Jones (rep Bowen - 76), Chris Holloway (rep Corbisiero - 76), Ryan Batley (rep Thomas - 28), Craig Frater (Unused)

Yellow Cards - Owain Warlow (11), Jason Bowen (37), Chris Venables (56) Red Cards - None

Goalscorers - Rhys Griffiths (45), Craig Moses (51), Jason Bowen (61)

Newtown

Team - David Maguire, Craig Williams, Damien Daniels, Robbie James, Gavin Cadwallader, Andrew Thomas, Neil Mitchell, Dylan Blain, Obi Anoruo, Nicky Ward, Ross Stephens

Subs - Jack Hughes (Unused), Adam Worton (rep Daniels - 55), Gareth Jones (rep Thomas - 83), Jamie Breeze (rep James - 76), Tom Jones (Unused)

Yellow Cards - Craig Williams (40), Robbie James (45), Adam Worton (60), Neil Mitchell (62),

David Maguire (63) Red Cards - Adam Worton (84)

Goalscorers - Obi Anoruo (35), Neil Mitchell (59)

Attendance - 266

Referee - Mr Dean John

Influential Llanelli defender Wyn Thomas returned to the starting line-up after a recent injury for this Principality Welsh Premier League match but would only last 28 minutes of the entertaining encounter. Llanelli retained possession well in the opening exchanges but were limited in creating chances due to a poor final ball although Owain Warlow was a constant problem for Newtown with his pace on the left of midfield. On-loan Wrexham striker Obi Anoruo was a problem for the Llanelli defence at the other end and the withdrawal of Thomas through injury on 28 minutes allowed Newtown the space to score the opening goal as Anoruo caught Stuart Jones in possession, made a run past the Llanelli defence and finished in style to hand his side the lead. Llanelli upped the pressure on the visitors but struggled to create many clear chances as Newtown defended well but allowed Llanelli back into the match just before half-time when goalkeeper David Maguire failed to hold onto a free-kick and Rhys Griffiths was on hand to score from close range. Within minutes of the re-start Llanelli took the lead as Craig Moses strong run was rewarded with a goal. A substitution for Newtown allowed impressive Llanelli front-man Moses to came into his own against his former club. Adam Worton replaced Damien Daniels at left-back and Moses was able to shine against Worton and his lack of pace, earn the substitute an early booking and an eventual red card. Newtown remained dangerous on the attack however and on 59 minutes some excellent work from Dylan Blain was rewarded as Neil Mitchell equalised for the visitors from close range. Llanelli caught Newtown on the break just after the re-start however as Jason Bowen restored the advantage for the home side with a well-taken goal. Newtown remained confident in their play despite the setback however and came close to equalising and played the better football for the remainder of the match. Llanelli held on however and could have extended their lead but Rhys Griffiths 89th minute strike was ruled out for offside.

13th September 2009 - Wales on Sunday

Match Report

Llanelli maintained their unbeaten record but had to come from behind to get the better of the lively Robins in a five-goal scorcher. The glorious weather at Stebonheath Park matched the quality of entertainment on view as both sides settled to play a wide, passing game. Newtown took the lead after 35 minutes when young Obi Anoruo picked up possession from Stuart Jones on the right hand side before cutting inside and finding the back of the net. Llanelli got back on terms when Andy Legg took a free kick and, in his usual threatening style, it proved too hot for the keeper to handle, the ball rebounding into the path of Rhys Griffiths who tapped the ball home. Llanelli increased the tempo at the start of the second half and went in front again six minutes after the start. The Newtown defence lost possession to former Robin Craig Moses and he was on hand to confidently shoot past David McGuire in the visitors' goal. Moses almost scored again but his shot cannoned off the bar with the 'keeper beaten. Llanelli still could not afford to rest on their laurels and paid the price midway through the second half when substitute Adam Worton drove a low free kick into the box. His effort took a big deflection for Neil Mitchell to drive the ball past Ashley Morris from just a couple of yards out. The Reds were forced to show their battling qualities and rose again to the challenge as Jason Bowen collected a long ball and struck a superb shot from the edge of the area to score. Both sides had chances to score at either end with both keepers kept busy. Newtown lost Worton to a second yellow card a few minutes from time to compound their disappointment.