PRE-SEASON
GARW ............................. 2 LLANGYNWYD RANGERS ...................... 3
LLANGYNWYD Rangers produced a sting in the tail to down Garw during this well-contested derby clash on the Pencoed College astroturf, writes Tony Poole.
In a topsy-turvy clash that could have gone either way, the Llan Siro boys opened up a twogoal buffer by half-time – and seemed to be steaming to victory.
But back came the Blandy boys to make it level-pegging only for Llan to carve out a dramatic 85thminute winner.
Llan were out of the starting blocks much quicker and Jack Thomas twice got the measure of Tom Lewis in the Garw goal.
His strikes separated the sides during the intermission, but a fresh influx of blood led to the Blandy boys squaring matters.
An arcing free-kick from ex-Betws star Damian Bernard threw Garw a lifeline, and a firmly struck Will Rowlands header dragged the score back to 2-2.
But with just five minutes to go, a deft Ricardo James free kick from 30 metres flew past Owain Lloyd, son of Garw hack Deri.
Llan boss Jenkins was purring after fine displays from eight players under the age of 19 years.
In central midfield, Lloyd Howe and Lewis Miles stood out as did wide operators Callum Thomas and Ioan Jones.
Lloyd Webb seldom put a foot wrong at the back alongside Shaun White and Aaron John.
And up top, Boys Club of Wales international dancing Danny Woolfenden completed a string of impressive performances from the Highadmit South Wales Alliance Premier team.
Meanwhile, Garw last week unveiled a fourth major overseas signing with the arrival of Cian Johns from Carn Rovers.
Great things are expected of him along with the block-busting trio of Will Jones (Llangeinor) and Bertorelli brothers – Giovanni and Louis.
Manager Blanche is hoping Bridgend postman Giovanni Bertorelli can deliver first-class crosses into boxes
“Last season was an undoubted success and we are now looking to build on it,” said Nicola Clarke, schools liaison officer and Bryntirion AJFC events co-ordinator.
“The ladies section was grown substantially in recent times, but any players who enjoy football and building friendships would be made most welcome.’’
Further details are available from either club secretary Peter Goodwin on 07867 646782 or Paul Jones 07824 303215.