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Blaenau Amateurs FC first two pre season friendlies were of a huge learning curve to the team according to their new manager Brian Vaughan after they tasted two close defeats at sides that play in a higher level of Welsh football. The first game was at Llandudno on Thursday evening. The home side were full of confidence after beating Welsh Premier side Porthmadog 4-0 in their previious match but it took two late goals in the 89 and 91st minutes to beat a determined Amateurs side that could have caused a major upset as they missed a penalty taken by Geraint Owen in the first half when they were the better team. The home team changed the side greatly but the visitors only had a few changes that they could make.The same was the case at Conwy United on Saturday with the home side playing a staggering 21 players during the match. Conwy who finished 4th in last season's Pentraeth Honda Leaguemore of the play in the first half hour without really troubling Geraint Hughes in the visitors goal. This was due the fine defensive play of the visitors with Neil Reynolds and Euron Roberts commanding everything that came their way. However the home side managed a break through on 32 minutes when Oliver Walters scored from close range. That lead was shortlived as Llion Roberts pounced onto a through ball and coolly slotted the ball home. The home side were awarded a penalty but the spot kick hit the post and was cleared. Conwy made wholesale changes to their line up after the break and they had Blaenau defending for long periods again without much effort on goal. Indeed the Amateurs should have been in front as they were awarded a penalty but Keiron Ellis blasted the ball high and not that handsome over the bar. With time running out the referee again pointed to the spot for a handball in the area and Conwy's Walters showed how a penalty should be taken slotting the ball low into the corner of the net to give the home a 2-1 win which was a bit harsh on the visitors. Blaenau have another tough encounter on Saturday away at Bethesda and some have felt that maybe a less tougher opposition would have been more beneficial, time will tell on that one. One thing is certian the Quarrymen must get their penalty takers sorted out before the Gwynedd League gets under way on August 9th home to Rhiwlas.

Meirion Ellis