Reds Face Cardiff Test At Stebo

Llanelli Town’s impressive pre-season programme turns to home next week, when the Cardiff City Development side visit Stebonheath Park. To date the Reds have been on their travels and beaten Barry Town United and Briton Ferry Llansawel, drawn with Penrhyncoch and lost narrowly to Haverfordwest.

Last Saturday the Reds ventured north to the Cae Barker ground of Cymru Alliance outfit Penrhyncoch and despite missing Craig Richards, Liam Samuel, Ross Jones and Steve Berry, were unlucky not to come away with another impressive scalp, after an enthralling 3-3 draw.

The Reds had a dream start after Declan John had slotted home from the penalty spot after an explosive burst of speed from Bruno Forkuoh saw him brought down in the penalty area. The Reds then had chances to take the lead again though, as Jamie Evans, Steve Stone and Lee Bevan all went close, however shortly before half time, the home side equalised, firing home a long range effort past trialist Peter Scammell in the Llanelli goal.

The second half began as the first ended, with Llanelli dominating possession, however Penrhyncoch took a shock lead against the run of play, with the impressive Reds defence of Mark Napierella, Lee Bevan, Rhys Powell and Richard Lewis caught out for once pressing forward. Llanelli were soon level though as Declan John added his second of the game, firing home a crisp shot from the edge of the box into the far corner of the Penrhyncoch net. With Bruno Forkouh, causing havoc to the home defence, the Reds then regained the lead after impressive link up play from Richard Lewis, Will Davies and Jak Shannon saw Forkuoh finish off from close range.

The last word was to be with Penrhyncoch though as they equalised in the final minutes, player manager Gari Lewis heading home from a rare corner. However it was a good performance from Llanelli, as they look to accelerate their rise back to the upper echelons of Welsh Football this coming season. Ex-Bwlch Rangers midfielder Matthew Lloyd made his Reds debut and looked impressive on saturday, while the Reds new signings have strengthened the squad and have gelled well in Bob Jeffrey’s new look set up.

Goalkeeper Craig Richards has returned from Welsh Premier spells at Port Talbot and Afan Lido, former Pontardawe Town Mark full back Napierella looks a good addition to the Reds defence, alongside Lee Bevan, the former Neath, Carmarthen, Haverfordwest and Goytre United central defender. Ex-Seaside winger Bruno Forkuoh will add pace to the squad, while Richard Lewis has bags of experience to bring down the Reds left hand side this season.

Another ex Bwlch Rangers player, Matthew Hughes has also joined from Cwmamman United, while Luke Jones has made the step up from Trallwm and was a revelation against Barry Town United, scoring a hat trick as the Reds won 3-2 to retain The Gary Lloyd Cup.

Llanelli finish their pre-season programme over the next week with a visit to Carmarthenshire League side Kidwelly Town on Saturday, kick off 3pm, before the Cardiff City Development side visit Stebonheath Park on Tuesday 12th August, kick off 7pm. Admission is £4 adults, £2 OAP’s and Children Under 16 free.