The Corner Flag is the home of Mardy Tigers MATCH REPORTS: -

2009 - 2010 Season: -

Sun. 15th November = S.W.G.L. - Mardy Tigers U.14's 11 v 1 Caerphilly Castle U.14's - Considering the terrible weather conditions around it was remarkable that this game was given the go ahead yet saying that both teams produced some cracking stuff in the wet conditions. The finishing of the tigers was the difference between the 2 sides with some first class goals from the tigers, 5 in the first half and 6 in the second. 2 chips from Briana and Shauna were certainly 2 to purr at from the "Superkatz". A milestone was reached when Alice Morgan scored the seventh because it was also Mardy Tigers 3000th goal since formation in 2003. Caerphilly to be fair never threw in the towel but good defending from Megan, Sian, Kelsey, Talia and Catherine, a dominent midfield of Shauna, Sammy, Alana and Briana allowed strikers Katie, Alice and Jemma to put away the chances at regular intervals. Players Of The Match were Jemma & Sammy who made it 8 out of 8 in league games this season. Just when we thought we'd missed the rain a torrential downpour 5 minutes from time sent the tigers home soaking yet it couldn't put a dampener on another fine performance. 

Sun. 8th November: - U.16's Girls WELSH CUP Round 2 - Llangyfelach U.16's 2 v 5 Mardy Tigers U.16's        S.W.G.League Cup Round 1 Group Match - Llanyrafon U.14's 0 v 26 Mardy Tigers U.14's - A special day for Mardy Tigers F.C. with their first ever match in the Welsh U.16's Cup. It couldn't have been a tougher draw having to travel to Swansea to face the "Best From The West" Llangyfelach with both clubs having tasted Tesco Cup success over the past 2 seasons. The game itself turned out to be a credit to both the S.W.G.L. and the West Wales Girls League with both sides giving everything in a classy encounter. Llangyfelach began the stronger putting the tigers on the back foot for the first 5 minutes but they held firm defensively and slowly got to grips in midfield. The first goal was going to be crucial and when it came after 10 minutes what a goal it was with a sweeping move from defence through the tiger midfield and out to Kate on the right who drove in a pinpoint cross to find Zoe at the back post to knee home. This settled the "Superkatz" down and they dominated the half from this point. With again no representatives from the FAW present tiger striker Amy Thrupp again turned in a superb performance and surely sometime must get some recognition. Amy scored the second goal just before the break and when captain Jade headed home from a corner at the start of the second period the tie was won. A slip at the back allowed Llangyfelach back in with 15 minutes to go though Ellie Leek soon restored the 3 goal cushion. To their enormous credit Llangyfelach came again making it 4 v 2 before a second for Amy with minutes remaining gave the tigers a comfortable victory against the best side we've played this season by far. Our U.14's coasted to a 26 v 0 win at Llanyrafon and this with just 9 players against 10. Jemma & Shauna collected players Of The Match although special mention to our goalkeeper Megan Stark who played out in the second half and scored 5 goals. Something tells me we'll never hear the end of that one. With katie Webb given the freedom to play in midfield instead of her usual defensive role showed what a talent she is with 6 goals to her name. All in all a good cup day for Mardy Tigers F.C. but they all know it's only the start of hopefully a long campaign this season.

  Sun. 25th October: - S.W.G.L. - Sully Sports U.16's 0 v 2 Mardy Tigers U.16's     Mardy Tigers U.14's 23 v 0 Llanyrafon U.14's - Our U.16's travelled to Sully for the first time ever and were greeted by a howling gale which was always going to make a difficult game to start with even harder. At least the sun was shining and the tide was out at the very picturesque ground. Playing against the wind in the first half this was always going to be a case of damage limitation and to get to the break at 0 v 0 took a superb defensive effort by the tigers. Having said that they also created a couple of good chances at the other end. A couple of positional changes at the interval and the wind at their backs the tigers took control of the match but still took a long time to get the breakthrough. When it came it was deserved and a corner from Kate was only cleared to the edge of the box where left back and newly capped Wales U.16's tiger Rhian hit a superb shot low past the despairing keeper to send the "Superkatz" and the travelling "Barmy Army" wild. Sully came back strongly and we knew a second goal might be needed. It came with 5 minutes remaining again from a Jeremiah corner Ellie managed to get to the ball first to poke home the goal which meant a nerve free ending to what considering the conditions was a fantastic advert for The South Wales Girls' League. It also sent Mardy Tigers U.16's to the summit of the league at the end of October. Our U.14's were weakened by half-term absentees and with our visitors also missing players this turned into a 9 a side game with the tigers generously matching their opponents lack of numbers. However the tigers proved far too strong for Llanyrafon in all areas of the pitch and strolled to a comfortable club record 23 v 0 victory. Sammy picked up a "MAGNIFICENT 7th" player of the match award with 8 goals on the day. Young Jemma scored 7 whilst Alice & Alana both got hat-tricks. Lola nd our other player of the match Shauna completed the scoring with 1 each. This also sees the U.14's sitting proudly on top of the league. 

Sun. 18th October: - S.W.G.L. - Thornhill Athletic U.14's 1 v 3 Mardy Tigers U.14's - This was always going to be the toughest game of the season to date for the young "Superkatz" from Abergavenny and so it proved. They did all the damage in the first half with all 3 goals in a superb display of total football leaving their opponents shell shocked. However the second half saw the tiger's defence soak up lots of pressure from Thornhill who never gave up the game at any stage. Having said that only a fantastic display from their keeper kept the score down to a respectable total with 1 save from Jemma's goal bound header standing out from a string of other super stops. Sammy again shone for the tigers gaining her sixth player of the match award joined by Alana. Sammy scored a brace with lone striker Jemma getting the other. It maintains the youngsters 100% start to the season but at this club the girls will all keep their feet on the ground with many tough games to come.

 Sun. 11th October: - S.W.G.L. - Mardy Tigers U.14's 15 v 0 Porthcawl Athletic U.14's   &   Cambrian & Clydach U.16's 3 v 7 Mardy Tigers U.16's - Our U.14's squad continued their fine start to the season with another emphatic victory against the seasiders from Porthcawl. The most remarkable note to this game was that Sammy Quayle gained her fifth player of the match award from 5 games to date just 2 days after receiving a letter releasing her from the FAW Regional Squad training set up. What an absolute joke, why don't they come and watch these girls play matches? Shauna was also chosen as a player of the match with a fine hat-trick yet right winger Alana went 1 better getting 4 on the day. A remarkable hat-trick of OWN GOALS added to the tigers total. The Tiger's defence was put under pressure at times but held firm with keeper Megan celebrating her call up to the Welsh Regional Squad Training Day with another clean sheet. Over the valley in Tonypandy our U.16's squad were looking to put last week's defeat behind them when they took on Cambrian & Clydach U.16's on a real bog of a pitch. In the conditions it was always going to be a nightmare for defenders and 4 goals within 10 minutes 2 v 2 proved the point. The tigers it must be said adapted better and took a 4 v 2 lead in at half-time. Our opponents never threw in the towel and scored again 10 minutes into the second period - GAME ON. However a superb header from Jade after a Kate corner settled the nerves, Zoe completed her hat-trick and a fine strike from classy Amy gave the scoreline a more reallistic appearance to it at the end. Carys & Kate also got a goal each. Players Of The Match as awarded by the opposition went to Jade Edwards & Rhian Cleverly. In the changing room after the match the girls all wished Rhian the very best of luck as she joins up with the Wales U.16's squad in Cardiff for 2 friendly games against Finland. 

Sun. 4th October: -S.W.G.L. - Mardy Tigers U.16's 1 v 3 Cardiff City U.16's - The tigers suffered their first defeat of the season on Sunday but were left wondering why they hadn't put this game to bed by half-time. The tigers took the game to their BIG CITY rivals from the start and their quick passing game was at times too much for them to handle. With not 1 but THREE FAW coaches watching and HOPEFULLY taking notes the tigers attacked at every opportunity with only the long ball upfield to be aware of from the opposition. Some strong refereeing was also needed with 2 bookings for Cardiff players. It was only a matter of time before the tigers scored and when it came what a superb goal it was. Some good work down the left from Zoe and Ellie created the opening and when the cross found Kate in the box she spun and hit a left foot volley past the Cardiff keeper to give us a 1 v 0 lead at the break. To say that half-time came at the wrong time for us is an understatement because a slow start to the second half cost us the game with 2 goals from Cardiff in the first 10 minutes knocking the tigers confidence. However the girls were never going to roll over and they fought to the end in a much more evenly contested second half. A free kick from Kate went inches wide and several other chances went begging with Amy Thrupp a constant threat in her attacking midfield role. A late third from Cardiff with the tigers pushing forward gave the scoreline a comfortable look but the bluebirds certainly knew they'd had a game by the end. Amy and Kate took the players of the match award deservedly. You'll go a very long way to see a better game of U.16's girls football this season. Whilst the result went against us for the first time in 5 games against Cardiff City Ladies the tigers will take a lot from the game and continue their philosophy of playing football the way it's meant to be played.  

Sun. 27th Sept. - S.W.G.L. - Pontypridd Town U.14's 0 v 12 Mardy Tigers U.14's    /    Margam Y.C. U.16's 0 v 7 Mardy Tigers U.16's   &   SEPTEMBER REVIEW: -  Sunday saw both age groups on their travels looking to maintain their fine start to the league campaign. Our U.14's cruised past Pontypridd Town on a narrow pitch with goals coming at regular intervals. Young Alice Morgan grabbed a fine hat-trick to cap a good display whilst Shauna & Sammy grabbed 2 each. Right back Kelsey Francis was switched upfront in the second half and also score twice. Briana, Lola & Alana scored 1 each to help maintain their 100% winning record and their place at the top of the table. Sammy won her fourth player of the match award and with Shauna rightly getting the other. Margam have always been keen rivals for Mardy Tigers over the years and so a difficult away trip was expected for our U.16's. So it proved especially in the first period with our opponents proving difficult to breakdown. However a much more comfortable second half saw the tigers hit top form and in the end an emphatic win also maintained their 100% winning start to the season. Kate Jeremiah's 2 goals gave her entry to the 300 Club joining Amy Thrupp in the exclusive club. Amy got 2 herself giving her 323 goals now in a tiger shirt. Zoe, Rhian & an own goal completed the scoring. Captain Jade Edwards and Zoe Simmonds gained the players of the match awards.

September has seen a quite remarkable start to the S.W.G.L. campaign for Mardy Tigers F.C. Both the U.14's & U.16's teams have still got 100% winning records after 4 league games each. Having said that the girls at this club keep their feet firmly on the ground and know full well it's a very long season and much tougher tasks lay ahead. September has also seen Welsh recognition for defender Rhian Cleverly with her call up to the Wales U.16's squad to face Finland next month. The Junior Academy is also in full swing with girls aged 6 - 11 training weekly. 12 tigers have also begun their training with Cardiff City Deveopment Centre and are looking forward to some tasty matches this season.

Sun. 20th Sept. - S.W.G.L. - Mardy Tigers U.14's 9 v 1 Penydarren B.G.C. - A glorious sunny September afternoon at the tiger's "Theatre Of Dreams" and a performance to match from our young tiger "Superkatz". This was by far their toughest game of the campaign to date the tigers settled quickly and gave a fine display of attacking football. Having said that though the defence coped superbly with a busy opposition attack with right back Kelsey in dominating form. Jemma grabbed another fine hat-trick whilst there were 2 for Sammy and 1 each for Alice, Alana, Shauna & Katie. Players of the match were again named as Sammy & Alice giving them a hat-trick of awards to start the season in fine style. Katie's goal late on meant she joins the tiger's 50 club. The U.14's now travel to Pontypridd next Sunday looking to maintain their 100% winning start to the season. 

Wed. 16th Sept. - S.W.G.L. - Cascade U.16's 0 v 22 Mardy Tigers U.16's - Against a newly formed side this was never really going to be a fair contest and although Cascade never threw in the towel and even with the tigers switching positions in the second half it was one way traffic throughout. Ellie Leek scored 5 goals giving her an amazing 10 in just 3 games so far this season whilst Kate got 4, Rhiannon, Zoe & Amy all got hat-tricks. New Wales U.16's squad member Rhian Cleverly grabbed a rare brace with Lisa and goalkeeper Sophie getting 1 each. Whilst captain Jade & Rhian were chosen as players of the match by the oposition it was generally agreed that Rhiannon "Jonesy" Jones was the outstanding tiger on the night for a fine display of wing play. A large group of youths watched thw game and a nice touch at the end when the tigers left the ground the youths all stood and applauded them for their display of total football.  

Sun. 13th Sept. - S.W.G.L. - Mardy Tigers U.16's 7 v 2 Georgetown U.16's - Following all the nonsense that has gone on this week following last Sunday's game the tigers were inevitably a liitle flat this afternoon and were without star striker Amy due to illness but were still too strong for a spirited Georgetown side. Playing their home games on the superb Pilcs F.C. ground in Pontypool this season the tigers began strongly and an early goal from Kate settled early nerves. Two more before half-time from Zoe & Ellie settled the outcome of the match. The second period was a little disjointed with Georgetown never throwing in the towel. The tigers won the game without really getting out of first gear. Zoe grabbed a hat-trick whilst Ellie and Jade completed the scoring. Players of the match today went to Jade & Ellie. A good start to the league campaign with tougher games ahead.

Sun. 13th Sept. - S.W.G.L. - Margam U.14's 0 v 10 Mardy Tigers U.14's - For the second week running the tigers won 10 v 0 with another superb team performance with goals scored throughout the side. A hat-trick from striker Jemma, two each from Sammy & Shauna plus one each for Alana, Briana & Alice leaves the side sitting proudly on top of the table at this early stage of the season. Players of the match were Sammy & Alice for dominating performances in midfield. Defensively the girls were solid and made it 2 hours without letting in a goal. 

Sun. 6th Sept. - S.W.G.L. - Crickhowell U.16's 1 v 7 Mardy Tigers U.16's - The tiger "Superkatz" kicked off the new season in some style with a thumping victory over their arch rivals, and didn't they enjoy it. With very little team talk needed, just a few gentle reminders the tigers put in a near purr!!!fect first half display leaving their opponents shell shocked - and we were playing UPHILL. I think it's fair to say Young Ellie Leek has found her shooting boots with a fine first half hat-trick whilst top scorer Amy Thrupp and a superb free kick from Kate Jeremiah gave the tigers an awesome 5 v 0 lead at the interval - Game Over. Changes at half-time was bound to disrupt the tigers flow giving Crickhowell more posession and an error at the back gifted them a consolation. Amy scored another and a late own goal sent the tigers and their travelling "Barmy Army", who again outnumbered the home fans, home VERY HAPPY. Players Of The Match as judged by the opposition manager were Zoe Simmonds & Amy Thrupp. Overall this was a terrific team performance and will give the girls a lot of confidence for the long hard season to come - WELL DONE TIGERS!!!. Following on from the game we all had a chuckle on Tuesday when we received a complaint for APPARENTLY playing an overage player - WHAT A JOKE!!! This complaint has subsequently been dropped and a public apology received and accepted by Mardy Tigers Football Club. An interesting start to the new campaign but at least it's wound the girls up which isn't a bad thing is it? 

Wed. 2nd Sept. - S.W.G.L.  -  Mardy Tigers U.14's 10 v 0 Villa Dino Christchurch - The tigers kicked off the new season in some style on Wednesday evening with an emphatic 10 v 0 victory against a spirited Villa Dino side from Newport. Despite the dreadful weather conditions the girls played some good football and considering the majority of the team were playing their first competitive 11 a side fixture you'd certainly never of guessed it. The tigers scored at regular intervals with right winger Alana "Smurf" Murphy scoring a hat-trick. There was a brace each for Jemma Davies & Alice Morgan whilst Katie Webb, Sammy Quayle and an own goal made up the rest. Players of the match as nominated by the opposing team manager were Alice & Sammy. The defence played very well under the guidance of keeper Megan Stark. The final whistle saw a soaking wet but happy band of tigers journey home for a warm with the rather premature sound of "We are top of the league" echoing around the Lower Meadow "Theatre Of Dreams".

Mardy Tigers F.C. - 2008 - 09 Season Review.

When we look back at the 2008 - 09 season @ Mardy Tigers F.C. it will be with some pride that our youngsters have achieved so much, on the field, despite the best efforts of some people, off the field, to stop them from enjoying the beautiful game. We knew that running U.12's, U.14's & U.16's teams would be a challenge but despite everything we've made it to the end of the season and YES we have used U.12's to keep our U.14's going and YES we have used U.14's to keep our U.16's going. We just wish that certain people from certain clubs would look after their own affairs and not OURS. You won't find trophies in our cabinet won by playing over age players!!! Several players from our club have also been envolved with the Cardiff City F.C. Academy and played against Blackburn Rovers and West Ham United. It has to be said that it's good to see girls in the area given the opportunity to play at the next level and Mardy Tigers F.C. will continue to support the club next season. 

Mardy Tigers U.12's: -

Our youngest age group are yet to find out their final finishing position in the league due to ,it has to be said, a shambolic end to the U.12's league campaign with clubs apparently dropping out with 1 or 2 league games left to play, but whether it's a second or third place finish it will be one to be proud of in what has been a very competitive league this season. A cup final place was also a fantastic reward for the girls and a 1 v 0 defeat to Cardiff City with their keeper getting player of the match shows how close the tigers came. The league campaign hinged on 2 defeats to the champions and worthy winners Georgetown, both 1 v 0. Just 4 defeats in 24 league outings was a superb effort. 3 of the squad: - Shauna, Katie & Alana have made the Welsh regional squad in 2009 whilst our keeper Megan is in the S.W.G.L. representative squad. Highlights of the season were the tigers 2 v 0 defeat of Port Talbot in the league plus their victory against champions Georgetown in the cup whilst Katie's last minute header against Thornhill to enable the tigers to reach the league cup final will live long in the memory. The U.12's squad also competed in the Brecon Easter tournament and only lost in a penalty shoot out against Thornhill in the final. To sum up the squad of 10 tigers can look back with pride at the season and but for that little bit of luck at crucial moments what a season it could have been. Their first summer tournament saw them finally taste deserved success with a fine victory in the Hereford Lads Club 7 a side tournament with captain Alana scoring the only goal in the final against the host club. They quickly followed this up with a superb cup win in the Gloucester City 6 a side tournament winning all 6 games and not letting in a single goal and then moved on to Caerphilly reaching the semi-finals before losing out to eventual winners Georgetown. 

Mardy Tigers U.14's: -

Our U.14's have had a fantastic season winning the Gwent league with a superb 12 game 100% winning record. But for an injury to star midfielder Sammy Quayle in February the girls I'm sure would have been hopeful of more success in both cup competitions. This takes nothing away from deserved Tesco Cup winners Abertysswg Angels who beat us 4 v 3 in a nail biting final in Newport. We lost in the semi-final of the league cup on a bog of a pitch. League Champions and deserved Champions for the style of play and respect for some new teams just starting out we gave. It has to be said that the impressive administration from start to finish from the Gwent League was top notch and thank them for that. Sophie Foote, Rhian Cleverley, Ellie Leek, Sammy Quayle, Alice Morgan & Zoe Simmonds are all Welsh Regional Squad members - WELL DONE TIGERS!!! As mentioned before some of the U.14's have also helped to keep our U.16's squad going throughout the long season and stone me I don't believe we're the only club to be doing so. The squad travelled to Gloucester in June and despit a penalty shoot out defeat in the semi-finals can be proud of the Fair Play award they received at the presentation. At Caerphilly the tigers went even closer to tasting victory. On a marathon Sunday of football the U.14's played 10 matches winning 7 and drawing 3. Again it was the dreaded penalty shoot-out which cost them, this time in the final against Margam Y.C. 

Mardy Tigers U.16's: -

Against all the odds our U.16's have made it to the end of the season but wasn't it a bumpy ride folks. Losing players early on to: - Bristol Academy, Injury, Hockey & Senior Football left us short of numbers and if it wasn't for some of our U.14's squad helping us out we wouldn't have made it. Using our U.14's seemed to upset some, SHAME!!!. Just 2 games were lost in the league though our defeat @ Crickhowell was with a weakened team and revenge in the TESCO CUP final was sweet. We're also the only team in the country to have beaten Cardiff City U.16's and we did it twice. Both these victories plus the Tesco Cup Final win were the highlights of the season though, off the field, winning our appeal at the S.W.F.A. is a good memory. All the off the field nonsense and moaning, especially from 1 club who were caught cheating in their last league outing, brought the SUPERKATZ squad closer together and captain Jade Edwards led by example. Jade & Carys represented the S.W.G.L. whilst Kate, Amy & Jade also played for the Cardiff City Girls Academy. Third place in the league with an U.15's squad, apart from Paige, was a remarkable achievement. The girls are already looking forward to next season - BRING IT ON!!! Summer tournaments saw the SUPERKATZ reach the semi-finals @ Gloucester City before a superb performance @ Caerphilly Castle saw them lift the trophy with a record of: - Played - 7 Won - 7 Goals For - 26 Goals against - 0.