Cwmbran Celtic FC
Celtic Park
Henllys Way
Cwmbran
NP44 3FS
01633 774019
Ground Number: 1147
Saturday 4th February 2023
Cwmbran Celtic 1-3 The New Saints
Welsh Cup Quarter Final
Saturday 4th February 2023
Cwmbran Celtic 1-3 The New Saints
Welsh Cup Quarter Final
CWMBRAN CELTIC FC - A BRIEF HISTORY
The club was formed in 1925 as CYMS (Catholic Young Men's Society). Initially, the club played in the Newport & District League, winning the Division 2 Section A title in 1926. Between 1930 and 1939 the club played in the Gwent Church League. After the war they were back in the Newport & District League, winning the Premier Division title in 1951. A few years later the seniors disbanded and only junior sides were run, however, in the early 1960s the club was reformed under the new name of Cwmbran Catholics. In 1972 they were renamed Cwmbran Celtic. In season 1973 Celtic were runners-up in the Gwent Premier League. Cwmbran Celtic played in the Gwent County League throughout the 1980s and 1990s and after gaining promotion as champions of Division 2 in 1986–87 they were comfortably placed in the First Division for the next dozen or so seasons. The side gained successive promotions from the 3rd to the 1st division between 1999 and 2001. After finishing as runners-up to Clydach Wasps in 2005, they joined the Welsh League Division 3. The title was won after two seasons and then in 2010, Cwmbran Celtic finished as runners-up to Penrhiwceiber Rangers to win promotion to Division 1. The club struggled at the higher level and were relegated back in 2014. Two more seasons were spent in Division 2 before they finished as runners-up to Caldicot Town to win promotion. The 2016-17 season saw a club record finish - 6th in Division 1, which is the second tier in Wales. This has since been absorbed into the Cymru South where Cwmbran Celtic still ply their trade.
MY VISIT
This match had been suggested by myself when we were on the way back from Buckland Athletic last week. Originally Dan was keen on sending me and Richard to Droitwich Spa whilst he and Colin went to Bromsgrove Sporting. I was less keen on this, as Droitwich was fairly simple to do in midweek by car, one of a limited number that fitted the bill in that respect. We'd originally been intending to go to Cwmbran Town on January 7th, only to see the game pulled due to visitors Wattsville progressing in the cup. As with that occasion, both Cwmbran teams were at home on this Saturday. It was a shame that the two teams couldn't stagger kick-offs with the grounds next door to each other, but this just doesn't seem the done thing unless it is an organised groundhop. In any case, the players and volunteers are the ones that have to come first as they are the ones that turn up week in, week out.
Since my last game on Tuesday, I'd had three rest days. I'd have loved to have seen a game, but there was only really something on unless I fancied another long trek to Wales on Friday night. I spent the time catching up with things and making future plans. I was glad to be a passenger for once as I pretty much always have to drive. It may be costing me more than I think too, as the MPG on my trip computer was not tallying up with the spreadsheet I keep. On average I get 39.5 miles a gallon with a high of 48.5 (mainly motorway driving) and a low of 30.5 (when I was just going to work. The figures are pretty disappointing, but I am still happy with my car overall. After a hard working week, I was glad to have a few ciders and unwind on Friday night, though I'd have preferred a football game. I was happy to receive my copy of Welsh Football magazine in the week leading up to the game. It reminded me how great Welsh Football is and how, at just over 40 Welsh Grounds, I've only just scratched the surface. They noted that TNS has the title sewn up, which is pretty sad in a competitive sense. Aside from them and whipping boys Airbus, the Cymru Premier was pretty competitive. Personally, I'd like to see TNS maybe try themselves in the English Leagues and expand the Welsh top tier to 20 teams. As with most countries though, the real gems are in the lower leagues and aside from Newtown, I've found the top tier disappointing in comparison.
On the day of the game, I awoke just after 6, following an early night. I watched YouTube for a bit before getting up and getting ready before having breakfast. I left at 7.40 and picked up Colin on the way, drove up to ASDA and parked up. We met Dan and Richard at the crazily early time of 8.05. Though as he was driving, it was up to him for times and prices, £25 was a lot cheaper and more convenient than public transport. We were in Cwmbran by 10.15 and headed to Morrisons. I stocked up on Black Dragon before going over to The John Fielding, my 247th Wetherspoons. A pint of Black Dragon for £3.49 was decent. Private John Fielding died in Cwmbran in 1932 and was awarded the Victoria Cross at the defence of Rourke's Drift, back in 1879. His story was immortalised in the 1961 film 'Zulu' starring Stanley Baker and Michael Caine. It was around a 40-minute walk to the Bush Inn, a great pub in the middle of a residential area. A functional town gives way to lots of hills and a nice backdrop. I notice Coed Eva Athletic FC, where a junior match has just finished. I later found that they'd beaten local side Croesyceiliog 1-0 in the U14 league. Such obscure results are covered by the Cymru Football app and its search function. The ground itself looks worth a visit. I get to the Bush Inn at 12.15, initially planning a couple. However, only Hallets Blindfold is on display but this was my main target with it being Welsh. It is also very nice, as are the people at the deserted pub. I'm the only person in, yet Google Maps says it is busier than usual. It's lovely and peaceful, the only downside is the patchy mobile signal, though password-protected WiFi is available. A short walk later and I got the bus into town, a well-priced £1.80 and the announcement of stops had a Welsh accent. It was a wonderful part of the world and I was in a good mood. It was then to Mr Chippy for Faggots, peas and gravy for £5.80. This was decent and then it was to the ground for the game with me arriving at 1.50.
Cwmbran Celtic had got this far by beating Llantwit Major on penalties following a 2-2 draw, followed by an exciting 4-3 win over Carmarthen Town. They then won by the same scoreline at Penydarren BGC to set up today's tie. The hosts' were mid table in the Cymru South whilst The New Saints were sitting pretty at the top of the Cymru Premier. The New Saints had beaten Chirk AAA on penalties before beating Caernarfon Town 2-1. They'd then thumped Newtown 7-0 to get through to this game. They'd start as clear favourites for the tie. TNS took the lead on 13 minutes, Ryan Brobel converting from close range. It was all going according to plan, but less expected was the Cwmbran Celtic equaliser a minute later. A ball was played in from the left and Josh Rippon finished from around 8 yards. The hosts were doing themselves proud and on 35 minutes they turned the ball home to lead, only to have the goal disallowed. The visitors had the better of the opening stages of the second round and they took the lead on 58 minutes, a penalty converted by Brobbel. They hit the bar soon after. Brobbel completed his hat trick on 65 minutes, a back header flicked over the keeper.
TNS take the lead, deserved TBH pic.twitter.com/7bqYpn1jHu
— ⚽Russell Cox💙 (@RussWWFC) February 4, 2023
Both sides had chances to add to the scoresheet, but it was not to be. The New Saints deserved their win but Cwmbran Celtic had done themselves proud. It was nice to see Dale, a Shrewsbury fan in attendance and good to briefly chat. There was 359 in attendance, but with all the freeloaders outside, it was probably 400. We left just after 4 and I watched the Wycombe game on my tablet with us comfortably beating Port Vale, much to ire of the home commentary team. I was watching on my tablet but when we got further east, the signal was too patchy to be of any use. With legroom in the back of Dan's car pretty tight, it resembled the away end at Kenilworth Road. Therefore, I decided to wait until I got home to finish my blog. We were back at 6.15 and had got a couple of minutes away when Colin realised he'd left his coat in Dan's car. Back around we had to turn and luckily Dan was still there as Richard had gone to get a drink from the shop. It turned out he had also left a load of pasta on Dan's car floor which Dan wasn't happy about. I'm forever clearing his rubbish out of my car, so I wasn't shocked. I dropped my passenger off at home before heading back to mine. I was in around 7 and spent the rest of the evening typing my blog and watching football highlights, along with a few drinks.
THE GROUND
CELTIC PARK is a decent ground with a couple of covered stands, one seated, one standing. The rest of the ground is open. The facilities at the ground are pretty poor, a blocked, overflowing toilet was the only facility for relief. There was no bar, but basic food and drink. The club was lovely though and only charging £5 and £3 entry. That didn't stop people from perching themselves on various vantage points around the ground to avoid paying though. Most odd. The town was 20 minutes away and offered a nice range. There's a decent bus service up to the Bush Inn in Upper Cwmbran, an excellent pub. Car parking at the ground is plentiful and it is also well connected to bus routes.
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