Aberdare Town are weathering the storm and climbing the Welsh League Division Three title.
They faced a snow blizzard in their latest home match against Risca United, but the teams battled on in terrible conditions and Aberdare won 4-2.
Their new manager, Caerphilly-born Wayne Powell, is working to lift Aberdare Town out of the Welsh League doldrums.
Former Bristol Rovers, Hereford United and Merthyr striker Powell is Aberdare’s new manager and they are third from bottom in Division Two.
He was manager of Clevedon Town and had a spell in charge at Leamington FC, but has now taken on the Aberdare challenge.
“Everybody knows how big a job it is, but we will be giving it everything we have to turn things around,” said Powell when he became manager in mid-November.
“I said to the players that as a team we got the club into this mess and now need to get them out if it.
“Everybody must give 100 per cent to achieve that. We need to cut out errors and get a positive vibe into the squad. Winning is a habit, but so is losing.”
Powell, who has the Uefa coaching A qualification, was successful in his role as head of youth development at Swansea City before joining Clevedon.
He has had a big impact over his first three fixtures and Aberdare have earned a 4-4 draw against Llantwit Major plus back-to-back wins. They defeated Aberbargoed Buds 2-1 and Risca United 4-2.
The next match for Aberdare is at home to Pontypridd Town this Saturday (2pm).
Cynon Valley club Aberdare have signed a number of players including versatile former Ton Pentre and Cambrian midfield player Jordan Coles and Phil Clarke from Rhondda club Ton.
In their latest match Aberdare won 4-2 against Risca even though they played the last 40 minutes with 10 players.
It was a performance full of grit and determination. Josh Powell and Levi Jones returned after suspension, while former Carmarthen and Port Talbot goalkeeper Wyn Walters made his debut.
Man of the match Ross Daniels, Seb Haggett, Richard Ingram and Luke Jones.
Risca lost goalkeeper Tom Chorley to an injury with Angela Roberetti taking over, while Aberdare had Levin Jones sent off.
The score was 2-2 when Jones was dismissed, but even with 10 men, though, Aberdare had the commitment to take control and
The defensive display of Aberdare’s Matthew Glassey, Powell, Rhys Williams and Phillips, moving back to central defence after the dismissal of Jones, were immense
Lewis Holder again displayed captain’s qualities, while the awareness of Ingram blunted many Risca midfield moves.
In Division One, leaders Haverfordwest County stayed top following a 2-2 draw against Port Talbot Town at home.
Closest rivals Llanelli Town won 3-1 at Taffs Well, while third-placed Penybont were 4-2 winners at Monmouth Town.
Lee Trundle (2) and Joe Clarke scored for the Reds, completing their first League double of the season.
Goalkeeper Scott Coughlan had to make a number of quality saves to maintain Llanelli’s grip.
Briton Ferry Llansawel are visitors to Llanelli’s Stebonheath this Friday evening (7.30 pm).
Taffs Well: Gould, Hodge (capt), Mohsin, Burridge, Selway, O’Sullivan, Matthews, W Jones, Johnson, M Jones, Jacka (Driscoll 67),
Subs not used: Griffiths, Emanuel, Harris.
Llanelli Town: Coughlan, Samuel, Facciuto, R Thomas, C Thomas, Bevan, C Jones (March 82), Davies (Morgan 90+1), Clarke (capt), Trundle, Follows (L Jones 79). Subs not used: Graves, Morris (gk).
Referee: Jordan Harman (Newbridge).
Nathaniel Cars Welsh League:
Results:
Division One: Caerau Ely v Goytre, postponed; Cambrian and Clydach v Undy, postponed; Haverfordwest County 2, Port Talbot Town 2; Monmouth Town 2, Penybont 4; Ton Pentre v Cwmbran Celtic, postponed; Briton Ferry Llansawel v Cwmamman United, postponed; Goytre United 3, Afan Lido 1; Taffs Well 1, Llanelli AFC 3.
Division Two: Ammanford v Aberbargoed Buds, Caldicot Town 0, Garden Village 2; Dinas Powys 1, Croesyceiliog 2; Pontardawe Town v Llwydcoed, postponed; STM Sports 1, Llantwit Major 1; West End 2, Abergavenny 1; Aberdare Town 4, Risca United 2.
Division Three: Chepstow Town v Ynysygerwn, postponed; Neuadd Wenn v Bridgend Street, postponed; Newport City v Treowen Stars, postponed; Penrhiwceiber Rangers v Panteg, postponed; Swansea City 0, Pontyclun 0; Tredegar Town v Ely Rangers, postponed.
Fixtures:
Division One:
Friday: Llanelli Town v Briton Ferry Llansawel, 7.30pm; Port Talbot Town v Goytre United, 7.30pm.
Saturday: Afan Lido v Caerau, 2pm; Cwmamman United v Cambrian and Clydach, 2pm; Cwmbran Celtic v Haverfordwest County, 2pm; Goytre United v Taffs Well, 2pm; Monmouth Town v Ton Pentre, 2pm; Undy Athletic v Penybont, 2pm.
Division Two:
Friday: Garden Village v Llantit Major, 7.30pm; Risca United v Ammanford, 7.45pm.
Saturday: Aberbargoed Buds v West End, 7pm; Aberdare Town v Pontyclun, 2pm; Abergavenny Town v Dinas Powys, 2pm; Llwydcoed v Caldicot Town, 2pm; AFC Porth v STM Sports, 2pm; Croesyrceiliog v Pontardawe, 2pm.
Division Three:
Friday: Ynysygerwn v Trethomas Bluebirds (7.30pm).
Saturday: Bridgend Street v Treharris Athletic Western, 2pm; Ely Rangers v Chepstow Town, 2pm; Panteg v Pontyclun, 2pm; Swansea University v Newport City, 2pm; Trefelin BGC v Tredegar Town, 2pm; Treowen Stars v Tredegar Town, 2pm.