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Stand-in Graig FC keeper holds back Brynna attack

GRAIG FC continued their recent run of good form with this away win. John Mann, the visitors' manager, had a selection problem before the game, when regular goalkeeper Tom Roberts wasn't well enough to play. So it was club stalwart Mathew Ellis who instead ended up wearing the jersey and playing his first ever game in goal.

Graig dominated the early play but, apart from a Ryan Parry header that went just over the bar, there were no clear-cut chances. Then, on 20 minutes, Brynna took the lead when the referee penalised Graig's Steve Agnew for a tackle in the box - and Ellis had no chance against the well-placed spot kick.

The second half started in much the same fashion with Graig controlling the game. After a succession of corners they got the goal they deserved when a Brynna defender, under pressure from David Rogers, headed into his own net to make the game all square. Five minutes later the Graig went into the lead when another corner from Dean Jones fell kindly to Agnew, who made no mistake with his close-range shot.

Brynna didn't give up the fight but, 20 minutes from full-time, the away team guaranteed the three points when Steve Binding was brought down in the box for a penalty kick, duly scored by Dean Jones. Graig FC's next home game kicks off at 2pm on Saturday, January 30, when the opponents are Ferndale BGC.

Training Times

Graig FC will be training at The Maratime Astro Turf 7.30pm - 8.30pm until end of season.

Graig FC was formed in 1980 and started their fledgling career as Maesycoed Vics under the chairmanship of Mikey Moore who has stayed Chairman until the present day. Alwyn Wilcox overseen the secretarial work and ran the side as a player manager in those days, and the early days were a bit of a struggle. The junior teams then elevated a lot of young players to the senior team, John Mann, Steve Binding, Jonathan Glass,Mark Hopkins, Huw Barrett, Stephen Davies and Ashley Jones to name a few were bled alongside Derek and Wayne Gooch, Gynta Kosteira, Jeff Evans, Mikey Hunt and Mikey Hughes. The Graig then brought in their own Roman Abramovich in the form of Gerald Selby and the name changed to Graig Metals. From here the Metals started to become noticed. A Ponty league division 2 title in 1992 and a cup final loss to Rhydyfelin put the Graig on the footballing map.

A first Pontypridd league title (unbeaten) in 1995 under the stewardship of 'The Gull' Terry Jones and the rock that is Alwyn Wilcox lofted the Metals into the dizzy heights of the South Wales senior league. A couple of barren seasons saw the Metals relegated back to the Pontypridd league. From here the club went from strength to strength. Clive Mansell had taken over the reigns and a new era was about to begin. The youngsters from yesteryear were now experienced footballers and along with a bit more experience in Neil Morgan, Matthew Ellis and Carl Harris, coupled with the signings of a few more youngsters in Anthony Solly, Chris Solly and Dewi Frelford ensured that The Metals completed an unprecedented Millenium Treble. League title (again unbeaten) The Horniman Bowl and The Greyhound Cup. Scoring 226 goals in aseason and conceding only 30 was the catalyst for this success. This pushed the Graig into the South Wales Amateur League.

Early days in the Amateur league were good for Graig FC. Finishing 4th in their first two season in Division 2, after leading the league both times after Christmas. But, as the legs got older and the younger players failed to develop the club suffered again. A merger with local team the 'Castle Ivor' changed the name to 'Graig Castle Ivor' but the relationship failed to blossom. Abramovich (Gerald Selby) had gone and the side were about to struggle. Two poor seasons came and went and the Graig Castle Ivor merged again. Graig FC who were under the stewardship of Shane Leyshon and John Mann took over the reigns and along with a handful of players from Graig Castle Ivor formed the team that will be competing for honours for the current season. With fantastic facilities, an excellent backroom set-up and a lot of young blood within the ranks. With a new secretary in Mike Evans and manager Neil Morgan, Graig FC are looking to get back to, and better the glory days of yesteryear.