Central Whales

21st March 2015

Llandrindod Wells v Penycrae, Cymru Alliance

Friday night was an opportunity to clear the new stand at Molineux so Wolves v Derby, which was shit so we left at half time as 8 new guide pubs in Shrewsbury was more attractive.

Next morning was the 0900 Shrewsbury – Llandrindod which was a very pleasant surprise to see a class 150/2 produce vice the booked class 153, meaning my 153 mileage for 2015 is still none.

This was a novel sign at the traffic lights.  I don't remember seeing it in the highway code.

Down the Central Wales line, in the footsteps of Offa.

Into Llandrindod Wells.  The town rose to prominance in the mid-18th century as a spa town, with the 'healing qualities' of the local spring waters attracted visitors to the area resulting in an economic boom.  This saw the construction of some splendid civic buildings.  The tourist aspect was further boosted by the arrival of the railway in the mid 19th century.

My companions today were Mike and Mad Dai.  Just to state, they aren't an item, although I'd never realised Dai was so tactile until going back through these photos.  See if you can guess which one has been sectioned, for turning up at a Cardiff v Orient game in a suit made of green baize, demanding to talk to Barry Hearn regarding a potential career as a professional darts player.

Conversation centred on his new phone cover, which I’m sure you will agree, is a treat.

In Sixty years time, there will be one of these celebrating the visit of Mad Dai.

Mike was more interested in getting details of the Dolly Parton tribute act.

We cleared the two guide pubs, unfortunately the second of these was not only the local Conservative club, it was also full of people watching the rugby. 

Llandrindod Wells 3 v Penycrae 2, Cymru Alliance

Llandrindod Wells were formed in 1883, but seem very shy about what they did for 130 years.  By 2013, they were in the second division of the mid-Wales league, finishing second and gaining promotion.  The next season saw them win their first 16 games and storm to the League 1 title, and promotion to the Cymru Alliance which is the feeder league for Central and Mid Wales, into the Welsh Premier.

Manager’s notes bemoaned that the keeper had gone AWOL earlier in the week, so he was having to play in goal. Great use of the phrase ‘recognised glovesman’. Player profile was refreshingly honest “Best Trainer – I don’t know because I don’t bother going”.

Pen-y-Cae is a village just outside Wrexham.  Penycae FC were founded in 1982 and have competed mainly in the Welsh National league, which is centred on Wrexham.  They finally won the league in 2011, and were promoted to the Cymru Alliance, where they have stayed since.

The Lant Avenue Broadway  ground sits in a bowl in the middle of a council estate.  There were supposed ground improvements in order for them to be promoted to the Alliance, but you are a better man than I am if you can spot them.

The main feature was the wonderful wooden stand in the corner, which has benefited from a recent lick of paint, though still retained its historic charm.

The fact that I have to state it twice in one report makes it doubt it myself, but these two are not an item.

More made up road signs, though one whose sentiment I wholeheartedly agree with.  Now just to devise one that says 'and take your inconsiderate, fuckwit owners with you'.

Finally a picture of these two when not in embrace.  90% of Dai's wardrobe is Bruce Springstein hooded tops.

Llandrindod were second from bottom of the Cymru Alliance, with Penycae one place above them.  Llandrindod scored in the first minute, then it went 1-1, 2-2 and finally 3-2 for the first home win of the season.

After the game, stopped off at the town centre deli for the compulsory local cheese for the journey home.  Dissapointingly, they only had Caws Cenarth. Opted for Perl Las (blue pearl), Perl Wen (White pearl) and a Sussex Charmer which is a farmhouse cheddar/parmesan hybrid.

Got to the station only to find that the train to Swansea was a 153......

.....so forewent the dogbox action for the T4 Traws Cymru, 3.5 hour bus ride to Cardiff, which was a much more agreeable Optare Tempo.

These have leather seats, wi-fi and tables, like a non-league players coach. A feast fit for a king was had on the bus. The phone cover sits proudly in the back ground.

A twenty minute layover gave the opportunity to grab a photo of the sun setting over Merthyr bus station. Why UNESCO piss around with Machu Picchu when this is at risk, I’ll never know. Out of site is a bloke on crutches having a violent argument with a supermarket trolley.

Train back from Cardiff gave me the opportunity to re-affirm why I detest rugby union so much as a load of Birmingham fans argued with Welsh fans about nothing.

2016 Postscript

By the end of the season, both clubs finished exactly where they were at the time, which meant both were relegated.  They remain in the leagues they departed from, Llandrindod in the Mid-Wales, and Penycrae the Welsh National, though both seemed to have stabilised in those leagues.