Pen-y-ffordd Seniors Football Club held their end of season presentation evening at The Red Lion Pen-y-ffordd on Sunday 6^th May.

The evening was well attended by; players, committee and their growing band of supporters.

Club Secretary Steve McHugh was Master of Ceremonies for the evening and took time to congratulate both teams on their respective performances. Steve also took this opportunity to thank both the village community & all the club sponsors for their generosity in both time & finance which had been invaluable in ensuring the club were able to move grounds and establish their new home at The Castle Ground.

Steve recorded that the first team had held their own during their inaugural season in the Premier Division and put in some great performances during the year, at one stage climbing to 5^th in the league and ensuring the team were seen as a team to be reckoned with.

The Reserves took their deserved applause as they were presented with the League Cup and each player was called forward to claim their winner’s medals. Their fantastic endeavours during the Cup Final at Airbus Ground on 24^th April shall stay long in the memory of all that were there. It is of note PFC Reserves were the only side during the season to beat Mold Alex Reserves a fantastic feat that many outside Pen-y-ffordd did not foresee.

A special moment of recognition was given to victorious team captain Ryan (Razzy) McHugh who was presented with a commemorative salver to mark his fabulous achievement of 10 years with the club. A superb achievement from this great ambassador for the club.

2011~2012 Season Roll of Honour

Pen-y-ffordd Seniors FC Res        Reserves & Colts Division League Cup Winners

First Team Players Player of the Year: Jordan Baxter & Chris Lavery (joint)

First Team Manager’s Player of the Year                      Mark Gallagher

First Team Top Goal Scorer                                             Sam Richardson     

First Team Sam Cookson Trophy Winner                    Richard Chapman

Reserve Team Player’s Player of the Year                   Gavin Mathias

Reserve Team Manager’s Player of the Year               Gavin Mathias

Reserve Team Top Goal Scorer                                      Gareth Lloyd

Reserve Team Sam Cookson Trophy Winner            Jonathan Jones      

Ryan McHugh 10 Year Recognition

1st Team Players Player J Baxter & C Lavery

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1st Team Manager Player of the year Mark Gallagher

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1st Team Top Scorer Sam Richardson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1st Team Sam Cookson Award Richard Chapman

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Res Players Player & Manager's Player Gavin Mathias

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Res Team Top Scorer Gareth LloydRes Team Sam Cookson Award Jonathan Jones

 

 

Team Captains Nathan Lavender & Ryan McHugh thank the team management

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On a warm and dry evening the playing conditions were perfect for Pen-y-ffordd and Mold Alex to entertain a large crowd who came to support their club in the last game of the season for both teams.
Mold Alex were looking to complete a league and cup double in their first season having not lost a single game all season which is a credit to their players and management.
Within the first 5 minutes Mold were stunned to find themselves 1 – 0 down as a well rehearsed corner on the right by Gaz Evans was not cleared and Gavin Matthias was on hand to drill the ball home from close range.
For the first 30 minutes Pen-y-ffordd were the better side and did not allow Mold any time on the ball. However from set pieces and crosses Pen-y-ffordd looked vulnerable and on 35 minutes a cross from the left by Graham Long found the head of the unmarked Phil Smith who powered the ball home to draw level.
It was all Mold now and they were looking for their second goal which did come in the final minutes of the half.
A shot on the edge of the area by Dan Mapp Jones saw a good save by Rob Arrowsmith but he could not hold on to the ball and the rebound fell to Graham Long who tucked the ball away.

Half time: Mold 2 Pen-y-ffordd 1

Pen-y-ffordd knew they had to be strong in the second half and keeping possession was the key to frustrating Mold who at this time were playing the long ball which was easily dealt with by Owen and Carden at the back.
On 60 minutes Pen-y-ffordd were back in the game after some fine work on the left by Richard Chapman, his pass found Marcus Davies who’s first shot was blocked but he picked up the rebound and fired passed the stranded keeper.
At 2 – 2 both teams did not want to give anything away and although both had chances to score the game ended 2 – 2 on 90 minutes.

Extra Time

Pen-y-ffordd were more organised and determined to get the next goal and settle the nerves. It was no wonder that within the first 10 minutes the goal came. The ball was crossed deep into the Mold box and a poor clearance from the keeper fell to the feet of substitute Ashley Salisbury who blasted the ball high into the net.
Pen-y-ffordd had to re-organise their midfield and defence due to a double substitution being forced upon them but Tim Owens and Danny Nicholson were magnificent when they came on and they kept Mold at bay.
Fitness was now a major factor for both teams as cramp was affecting most players but Pen-y-ffordd hung on to record a well-deserved victory against the best team in this league.

Managers comment:
This was a magnificent cup win for the lads who were the better side on the night and they thoroughly deserved the success. Mold are no pushovers having not lost a single league game all season so well done to them for that achievement But the night belonged to Pen-y-ffordd Res FC, looking forward to next season after a well – earned rest!

Nightingale House Hospice provides specialist palliative care services, completely free of charge, to people across Wrexham, Flintshire, East Denbighshire, the A494 corridor to Barmouth, and the borders, including Oswestry, Ellesmere, Wem and Whitchurch.

In 2012 it will cost £2.54 million to run the Hospice – this equates to nearly £7000 per day. Only 19% of this comes from the Local Health Board, which is only enough funding to support the Hospice for 69 days, we therefore greatly rely on the generosity of the communities we serve to raise the additional funding for the remaining 296 days of the year.

Gresford V Pen-y-ffordd Image Gallery

A spooked Pen-y-ffordd had to gather themselves and dig deep to find the equaliser. This duly arrived via a corner from the left; it was Ryan “Crouchy” Ankers who out jumped everyone to head the ball home.

Half time 1 – 1
Following the break Pen-y-ffordd displayed the form that got them their place in this year’s League Cup Final and so it wasn’t long before they took the lead when Arthur Doo was first to react following up on a spilled Gareth Lloyd shot.
The pressure continued to increase and it was only a matter of time before the floodgates opened. A well struck Richard Chapman volley increased the lead to 3 – 1. Gareth Lloyd joined the scorers with a strike into the corner after great work from Gavin Matthias.
Chapman got his second thanks to Ashley Salisbury who supplied the perfect pass for his team mate.
At 5 – 1 and with only 5 minutes remaining, Captain Ryan McHugh picked the ball up just inside the area and fired in a low shot that left the hapless Borras keeper picking the ball from the back of the net for the sixth time of the afternoon.

Final Score 1 – 6
Managers Comment:
A poor first half display but back to our best in the second half with good team work and determination.
It was good to see goals coming from midfield.