July 2011 Archives

COLWYN BAY put up a spirited and determined display to chalk up a morale-boosting 2-0 victory over a youthful Wigan Athletic Xl at Llanelian Road.
A goal in each half gave them the win which pleased manager Dave Challinor ahead of his side's debut season in the Blue Square North.
"There are still a few things we need to work on, particularly in our attacking play, but but we've now got four big training nights over the next two weeks to concentrate on that.
"Today was a good workout against a team of young full-time pros and it is nice to get a win against opposition like that with the new season only two weeks away.
"I am hoping to bring in another couple of players before then, but I feel confident about the season with the squad we've got."
Although the Bay were without the services of Danny Grannon and Joe McMahon, both on holiday, and Fraser McLaughlan was also unavailable today, an entertaining first half saw them ahead at half-time with Jon Newby's low cross from the right setting up the chance for Karl Noon to sidefoot a shot past Wigan keeper Calvin Hare after 28 minutes.
Wigan did most of the pressing with Noah Dicko a big threat at times, but Colwyn Bay defended well with Luke Denson outstanding as a stand-in centre back in that first half and Liam Benson also doingh well at right back.
Trialist keeper Simon Williams (ex-TNS) turned a Ryan Watson shot round the post for one four Wigan corners, and then he deflected a shot from Tim Chow onto a post before safely collecting the rebound.
Colwyn Bay played some nice approach play without really testing Hare, although Rob Hopley should have done better than head wide after excellent play and cross from the left by Danny Lloyd-McGoldrick had set up the chance.
The home side were forced to defend for much of the second half against constant Wigan pressure, but they showed great determination to keep Wigan out and look to hit their opponents on the break.
That brought them their second goal on 63 minutes when Sean Doherty, who had just come on as one of several second half substitutions, ran onto a through ball, beat his full-back and fired a tremendfous left foot shot past Hare and high into the net.
Denson reverted to his normal right back role in the second half with Danny Meadowcroft coming onto play alongside Rod McDonald, while Benson moved into midfield.
Williams made a good diving save to turn a shot from Jordan Mustor for a corner and then stood up well to block a shot from Wigan substitute Sheego Abubakar in a one-on-one situation.
Colwyn Bay went on to finish the game well with a spell of good possession football.
Hare comfortably saved a Meadowcroft header after Doherty had headed a Lee Davey cross back into the middle, and in the last minute Noon failed to release a pass that would have found Davey unmarked inside the area and in a great position to add a third Bay goal.
Simon Williams suffered a slight thigh injury which meant he couldn't take goalkicks in the second half, but overall he did very well and Dave Challinoir said he could well be in goal for next Saturday's game against Barrow.
Chris Sanna is continuing to have treatment on a knee injury but the manager said: "I am hopeful he will be okay for the opening league game. I am not too bothered if does not play or train for the next two weeks, the target is to get him ready for Bishop's Stortford if we can."
Colwyn Bay: Williams, Benson (Sheehan 75mins), Lea (King 61mins), Denson, McDonald, Sheehan (Meadowcroft 45mins), Noon (Evans 45mins), Allen, Hopley (Davey 61mins), Newby (Noon 75mins), Lloyd-McGoldrick (Doherty 62mins).
Attendance: 429

COLWYN BAY captain Damien Allen is interesting Luton Town and could possibly be playing his final game for the Seagulls in Saturday's friendly against a Wigan Athletic XI at Llanelian Road (3pm).
Allen, a product of Manchester United's academy and a contracted player at the Bay, had his full-time career at Stockport and Bury interrupted by injury, but has been invited for a week's trials by The Hatters.
"Damo will be going down next week and will play in their friendly against Parma on Tuesday," reported manager Dave Challinor.
"He wants to get back into full-time football and this is an excellent opportunity for him. Although he would have preferred it to be a League club, Luton are the next best thing (they are among the favourites to win promotion back to League Two next season).
"Obviously we would love to keep him if it doesn't work out because he is our most talented player, but if he gets the chance to go full-time then we couldn't stand in his way."
Apparently Luton were interested in 24-year-old Damien last season and were further impressed by him in the recent friendly they played at Llanelian Road.
I have also heard on the grapevine that another club will be watching Damien on Saturday after showing an interest in him.
Colwyn Bay have Danny Grannon and Fraser McLaughlan unavailable for Saturday's game due to holidays and work, but the manager says he will field as near as possible the side he expects to play in the opening Blue Square North game at Bishop's Stortford in two weeks time.
As Wigan's senior squad have only just returned from a successful pre-season tour to Austria, the Premiership club's first team coaches Graham Barrow and Dennis Lawrence are expected to bring a squad of young professionals and youth team players to Llanelian Road.
This will be the Wigan reserve squad's third pre-season game, having lost the previous two 2-1 at Blue Square clubs Boston United and Barrow.

MEANWHILE, the handover of Colwyn Bay FC by TBMT Ltd was finally completed late this afternoon (Friday) and new acting chairman Bob Paton says moves are already under way to secure the club's immediate future.
First on the agenda is the completion of a deal with a new sponsor.
"We hope to get that done next week. It is quite a big thing and will be a first for a club in the British Isles," he commented.

WREXHAM have called off tonight's game at Colwyn Bay at very short notice due to "internal issues".
They have sent an apology to the Llanelian Road club and all supporters for the late decision.
I an led to understand this follows a meeting between the Wrexham players and manager Dean Saunders this morning amidst rumours that they have not been paid.
It is more frustration for Dave Challinor in his preparations for the new season as it is the second time this week they have had a game cancelled by the opposition (Airbus UK pulled out of a game scheduled for Wednesday).
The Bay's next scheduled game is at home to a Wigan Athletic XI on Saturday (3pm).

THE long drawn out saga of Colwyn Bay FC's handover should finally be completed this week.
Acting chairman Bob Paton has spoken of his concern at the delay which has left the club's administration in limbo with just over two weeks to go to the start of the Blue Square North season.
But in response TBMT Ltd, who have been running the club since 2007 prior to the Cartwright family's shock resignation from the board in early June, have issued a short statement which reads: "The handover is expected to be completed this week as we have had to wait for the auditors and our legal team to complete their work."
The current board will be hoping that is the case.
Former chairman Bob Paton, who was asked to take charge following the Cartwright's decision to quit the club, has been increasingly frustrated by the delay.
"I have been here five weeks and have not been able to do anything because TBMT have still not handed over financial control. I need to know what income the club has had since May 1st and what funds are available, but they haven't answered my calls or agreed to meet me.
"I need to set out a financial programme for the new season but I can't do that until I know what the situation is.
"We also have a major sponsor waiting to come on board (in addition to main sponsors Co-operative Food who have two years to run on their existing agreement), but again we can't progress with that until we have complete control."
At the moment we have next to no income, no access to funds and don't even have a new kit with just over two weeks to the new season.
"I have a responsibility to the shareholders who have asked me to take charge and are relying on me.
"They are living a dream at the moment after back-to-back promotions to the Blue Square North and they want to know what is happening. At the moment I simply can't tell them anything - we are in limbo until the handover (which Mr Paton says should have been made nearly two weeks ago) is completed.
"I have spoken to Dave Challinor and most of the players and they are fine with things at the moment, but clearly the present situation has to be resolved urgently."
However the statement from TBMT Ltd this week will hopefully see matters finally brought to a close and the club allowed to move forward.

DAVE CHALLINOR admitted he could take no positives out of pretty dire Colwyn Bay performance as they lost 4-2 at home to North West Counties Premier Division side Runcorn Linnets.
A number of players who played so well against Luton were rested, but some of those that played today after a horrendous journey along the A55, showed little enthusiasm for the Bay's fourth game in nine days (that should be taken into account before being too critical), while Runcorn were far more up for it and finished deserving winners.
The only good news for Bay fans is that Jon Newby, who scored both Bay goals, came through 45 minutes well after his calf strain and the manager was also able to report encouraging progress on sidelined keeper Chris Sanna.
'We think we have diagnosed the problem and hopefully a course of treatment over the next couple of weeks will do the trick," he said.
Kyle Clancy was given another game in goal today, but to be fair to him he got little protection from a defence that was ripped open far too easily at times by Runcorn's pace.
The visitors were 2-0 up after only eight minutes with Rob White breaking clear to fire past Clancy and then added a second with an unchallenged header from a corner.
White had a further chance which he fired over the bar and Clancy did well to turn another goalbound effort over the top for a corner.
It was 26 minutes before the Bay got in their first effort at goal which Fraser McLaughlan, back after missing the last couple of games due to work commitments, fired over the bar.
But two goals in four minutes by Newby got the Seagulls back on terms before half-time.
He cut in from the left to score with an angled shot into the far corner of the net on 30 minutes, and then converted a penalty after a reckless tackle on Gareth Evans.
Rob Hopley should have given Colwyn Bay the lead early in the second half, but headed wide from a gift chance set up by Sean Doherty's cross following a quickly taken free kick.
The Bay, however, were always struggling against Runcorn's pace and the visitors quickly restored their two goal lead.
Paul Prescott was left in acres of space to run on and drill a shot past Clancy into the bottom corner of the net on 56 minutes and seven minutes later Jack Webb was left unmarked to head his side's fourth goal from a left wing cross.
Colwyn Bay showed little constructive play going forward, with too many aimless long balls, yet still had chances to get back in the game.
Second half substitute Danny Lloyd shot wide from a very good opportunity and, with five minutes left, he was tripped from behind after a strong run into the area - only to scuff the penalty kick wide of the target to rather sum up Bay's day.
In the last minute Lloyd put in a good shot which hit the far post and Anthony Sheehan blazed the rebound high over the bar.
Colwyn Bay have now arranged a game at home to Wrexham on Thursday (July 28th, 7.15pm) and the manager will certainly be looking for better from some of the fringe players.
"I am starting to lose my patience with one or two of them," he warned. "It is up to them. They are playing for their places now and need to start showing something better."
Colwyn Bay: Clancy, Benson, King, Challinor (McDonald 45mins), McLaughlan (Noon 73mins), Evans (Sheehan 60mins), trialist (Fields 45mins), Hopley, Newby (Davey 45mins), Doherty (Lloyd 60mins).

COLWYN BAY gave an encouraging and very committed performance against full-timers Luton Town tonight, and in the end were a bit unlucky to lose 1-0.
They had the better chances in a very good first half and should have been in front at half-time with Danny Lloyd and Lee Davey both firing shots into the side-netting from really good scoring opportunities.
Luton keeper Kevin Pilkington also made a full length diving save from Gareth Evans and Karl Noon hit an angled shot just wide of the far of the post.
The Seagulls had another new face in goal in place of injured Chris Sanna. Zak Jones was with Forest Green last season and has been training with Barrow while looking for a club - and he had an outstanding second half.
He did not have a great deal to do in the first half, with Bay's defence playing very well, but he did make a good one-handed save from Mathew Barnes-Homer just before the break, while Luton's Christian Tavernier saw a header bounce on top of the bar.
The Bay made five changes in the second half and lost a little bit of their edge, but Gareth Evans was really unlucky not to score early on when his shot beat the keeper but rebounded to safety off the inside of a post.
Luton made the most of that escape by going down the other end and scoring the only goal of the game on 49 minutes when Barnes-Homer found himself in space to coolly chip the keeper.
Zak Jones then made three outstanding saves to prevent Luton scoring again in a 15 minute purple patch for the Hatters, before Colwyn Bay finished the game strongly and also forced the Luton keeper into three good saves to deny them an equaliser.
He dived low to his right to save from Lee Davey, did really well to turn a goalbound shot from Noon round the post for a corner and then leapt to tip a Sean Doherty shot over the bar.
Colwyn Bay should also have had a penalty for a blatant push in the back on Noon which the referee ignored, even though the Bay player would certainly have got in an effort on goal from a right wing cross had he not been fouled.
Doherty put another effort narrowly over the bar and Damien Allen miscued his shot wide after a good run.
"Although results don't really matter at this stage I don't think we deserved to lose," said manager Dave Challinor.
"Like Tranmere is was a really good workout and I was very pleased with the commitment we showed and some of the football we played.
"With three games in five days we have to manage the players carefully and that is why we made the changes in the second half, but we finished the game strongly which shows our fitness levels are getting near where we want them to be."
As well Sanna's knee problem (the player is hoping to get an assessment in the next couple of days and will probably also miss Saturday's home game against Runcorn), Jon Newby (slight calf strain) and Rob Hopley (back injury) were not risked tonight. Fraser McLaughaln is away with his work at the moment and Danny Grannon is on holiday.
Alex Titchiner has rejected a new offer and is looking to find regular football elsewhere, while Tom McCready, who the manager was keen to keep, has been offered the chance of a scholarship in America.
"We are close to knowing our final squad now and am looking to perhaps try and bring in one more midfielder," added the manager.
"Unlike last year I am aiming to have 16 really strong players who can give us competition for places and it will be up to them to fight for their places in the team."
On the keeper situation he added: "We have to wait and see what the situation is with Chris's knee and I am trying to get somebody from Tranmere to have a look at him, but Zak Jones did well very tonight and he is certainly somebody we might consider bringing in. He is looking for a club, but the main problem is that he lives near Blackburn which is a lot of travelling."
Colwyn Bay: Jones, Denson, Lea (King 60mins), McDonald, Meadowcroft (McMahon 45mins), Sheehan (Benson 60mins), Evans (Fields 60mins), Allen, Noon, Davey, Lloyd (Doherty 45mins). Sub not used: Metcalf.

COLWYN BAY made it three consecutive draws with Lee Davey getting another late equaliser for his fourth goal in four games in tonight's 1-1 draw at Rhyl.
But an injury scare surrounding first choice keeper Chris Sanna was the main concern after the game.
Sanna, making his first appearance after returning from holiday last weekend, had to be replaced by Andy Metcalf after just 37 minutes and a recurrence of a knee problem he had at the end of last season.
"He is going to see somebody tomorrow and we'll have to wait and see what the diagnosis is," reported manager Dave Challinor afterwards.
It seems unlikely at this stage that Sanna will play against Luton Town on Thursday night with Metcalf again in the frame - although the manager said he may possibly give Kyle Clancy, who played against Tranmere on Friday night, another chance as the search for a second keeper continues.
Meanwhile, ex-Southport winger Danny Lloyd is set to become the latest signing after the 20-year-old agreed terms, and Challinor said the majority of the 18 players on duty tonight would now form the nucleus of his squad for the start of the new season.
One absentee tonight was Joe McMahon who was working but he is expected to be available for Thursday night.
After a poor first half performance, the Seagulls improved after the interval and in the end might have won the game but for a couple of missed chances.
The manager admitted the first half was poor and commented: "It may only be a friendly but I still expect the players to do more than just go through the motions. If they perform like that when the league starts then we will be dead and buried by half-time!"
Rhyl, who included ex-Bay players Danny Jarrett and Ryan Williams, were the better side for much of that first half with the Bay managing just two attempts at goal to seven by the home side.
Forwards Mike Pritchard and Tom Rowlands were both a real threat when they ran at the Bay defence and both went close to scoring before Rowlands put the home side ahead on 26 minutes following a good run down the left, when his dipping cross dropped over Sanna and into the far corner of the net.
Paul Mooney shot just wide and Danny Jarrett's header was saved by Sanna before the keeper was replaced by Metcalf, who immediately got down well to make a fine one-handed save from Pritchard.
Bay's only attempts at goal both came from outside the area, with Denson's mishit 25-yard shot deflected goalwards off Rob Hopley, but easily saved by Stefan Holden, and Damien Allen shooting just wide from a similar distance.
The referee ordered Karl Noon to be replaced (with Lee Davey coming on for him) just before half-time after taking exception to something the Bay player said after being ticked off for tripping Rowlands as the Rhyl winger was on another threatening run.
"It was just a bit of banter which he took the wrong way," explained Karl, who was allowed to return to the action from the bench later in the second half.
After a number of changes by both sides at half-time the Seagulls were much better in the second half and had most of the play, forcing a number of corners, and with Lloyd starting to threaten down the left.
Lloyd, in fact should have equalised on 70 minutes but lifted his shot over the bar after breaking clear inside the area, and after Gareth Evans had brought a diving save from the Rhyl keeper, Karl Noon, having been allowed back on the field, spooned another chance over the bar.
But the equaliser came on 79 minutes after a good run and low cross from Lloyd which Davey sidefooted home from close range.
"Lee is certainly on a good scoring run at the moment - although I think even I would have scored that one," smiled the manager.
Colwyn Bay's starting line-up was: Sanna (Metcalf after 37mins), Denson, Lea, Meadowcroft, Grannon, Sheehan, King, Allen, Hopley, Noon, Doherty.
Davey, Evans, McCready, Lloyd, McDonald and Fields all came on in the second half.

LEE DAVEY scored an 85th equaliser for his third goal in three games as Colwyn Bay drew 3-3 with League One Tranmere Rovers at Llanelian Road tonight.
The Seagulls led 1-0 at half-time with a headed goal from Danny Meadowcroft, following a corner, against a Tranmere side including five first team squad players and four trialists - one of whom, Edson Al Faro, had a goalbound effort cleared off the line just before the break.
Rovers striker Andy Robinson, who had an oustanding game, then scored twice, in the 52nd and 73rd minutes, to put Les Parry's side 2-1 up before Bay trialist Danny Lloyd levelled the scores on 78 minutes.
Joss Labadie looked to have won it for Tranmere with an 83rd minute goal from long range, only for Davey to grab an equaliser two minutes later and secure a creditable draw for Dave Challinor's side.
The manager was delighted with the workout, particularly from a fitness point of view.
"It was a fantastic workout for the lads because the game was played at really high tempo from the start," he commented afterwards.
"After playing really well for the first half-hour we got a bit sloppy to put ourselves under a bit of pressure for the last 10 to 15 minutes before half-time and the lads had to work their socks off to keep us in front at the interval - and from a fitness level point of view that was good.
"In the second half I was a bit disappointed that we conceded two goals from long range, but if you give the ball away in the middle of the park against strong opposition you can get punished like that, which is a lesson we must learn.
"But once again the lads showed great character to come from behind so late on and get a draw which says a lot about them.
"Everybody who had a run out did well and we are pretty close to finalising the squad now. We have agreed deals with pretty much everybody we would like to keep and it is just a question of getting the paperwork done," added Challinor.
A new face in goal against Tranmere was Kyle Clancy, who was at Burton Albion last year and is currently looking for a club.
"We agreed to have a look at him, but he was sat on the bench at Burton for much of last season and really needs to be playing regular football next season which we can't offer him at the moment," explained the manager.
Former TNS keeper Simon Williams again cried off due to illness and Dave Challinor admitted he may now have to look elsewhere for a permanent number two keeper to Chris Sanna.
Sanna returns from holiday this weekend and is expected to play a part in Tuesday night's game at Rhyl.

TRANMERE ROVERS are set to give a number of first team members a full 90 minutes in tonight's friendly at Colwyn Bay (July 15th, 7.30pm kick off).
The League One club report that goalkeeper Andy Coughlin, Danny Holmes, Joss Labadie, former Leeds United midfielder Andy Robinson and striker Lucas Atkins are all likely to play tonight along with a number of trialists, while other first team players will be kept back for tomorrow's game at Prestatyn Town.
Ash Taylor and Max Power, who have both had loan spells at Colwyn Bay, are said to be fit but at the moment there is no news on whether or not they will play tonight.
Colwyn Bay manager Daver Challinor says he will play a strong side with the majority of his first choice players involved, along with prospective new signings Rob McDonald and Sean Doherty.
With Chris Sanna still away, Simon Williams, who was with TNS last season, could make an apperarance in goal depending on how he has recovered from illness.

COLWYN BAY manager Dave Challinor is hoping an appeal to the FA of Wales will lead to a Welsh Cup reprieve and allow the Seagulls to join Wrexham and Newport County in the forthcoming season's competition.
A Welsh Cup ban on clubs playing in the English pyramid has been lifted for the 2011/12 season, but because of the administrative upheaval caused by the shock resignations of the Cartwright family, I understand that Colwyn Bay missed the registration deadline.
Challinor is unhappy that the FA of Wales realeased a statement saying Colwyn Bay had "rejected an invitation to take part".
"That is not the case," he said. "As I understand it, we did not receive an official invitation and because of that and the current situation at boardroom level we missed the registration deadline.
"I am disappointed about that because it is a competition we would like to be in. We have lodged an appeal, although I am not sure what chance we have.
"I know the draw for the first round has already been made, but we wouldn't come into the competition until the latter rounds so hopefully that would make our inclusion a possibility. We'll have to wait and see."