Life On Campus (The Prelude)

Like @Dan has said, I like the "fans'" view on things, it's an added bonus to an already top career. KIU.

@Dan @Shedender Cheers lads! Think the social feed is a great gimmick this year on FM and also gives a lot more narrative to stories.
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I tell you, we have no problem finding the net. Another top home performance from our boys. Gwion ap Dafydd coming back from suspension to terrorise their midfield, and also among the goals.



Granted Cefn Druids were playing kamikaze football for the last half hour, so it was unsurprising we were so dominant.





Fans singing GaD's praise. Simon Bradshaw being a sweetheart.

Corners, bloody corners. Always an Achilles heel for us. Made to pay for another one which grabbed them the equaliser. Switched off at the start of the second half and couldn't muster up a response. Bad end to the calendar year.



If Harry didn't pick up a knock in this game, it could have been so different. Thankfully, nothing serious.





Extinguishing the Christmas cheer with some grim opinions from our support.





Still seventh at the end of 2016, despite a fairly good month for us. Caught up with the likes of Llandudno and Airbus until that Boxing Day defeat which is a bit of a setback. Let's hope 2017 will be one to remember as we aim to stay up.

PAUL FOWLER - free transfer from Bridgend Street

Entering into the student grounds, experienced central midfielder Paul Fowler. With lack of central options accompanied by a glowing report card, it was hard to say no. Although his stats don't jump off the page, the majority range in the 8s and 9s. Good vision could be key as we pass into space a lot.

Another subpar display against Airbus UK, creating virtually nothing of note, only notes we took related on how to patch our sketchy defense.





Seemed that the fans got behind Fowler on his debut. In fairness it's harsh to criticise Owen when there was no supply to him.

Sigh, caved in under the pressure of being 3-1 ahead. Cruel, cruel ending. Dents our chances of making the top half once the split comes into effect after our next game....at home to TNS....





Lee Seagar and Jason McElmeel are making me nervous, relegation dogfight should be at the back of our minds for now.

It was too good to be true when we went 2-0 ahead, but it is gutting that we almost pulled off an incredible result against the only properly professional team in Wales. Wes Fletcher arrowing into the bottom right corner to break Archer hearts. Devastated but still an absolutely phenomenal result.





Complaining about a draw...IT WAS THE NEW BLOODY SAINTS!

What does this mean?





It wouldn't have mattered if we had won or not, Llandudno drew with Aberystwyth meaning they'd still be 6th. Now that we're in the split, lots of crucial six pointers and continuously looking over our shoulders.

Yet again we concede another late goal. Can't be affording draws at this stage.





Paul Mayer will be refused a season ticket next season. Gwion ap Dafydd among the centre of attention once more.

Out of the Welsh Cup, rotated a little bit as we had a league match during the week. The scoreline does not reflect the performance, we didn't deserve to lose this and we were in control for many spells but Airbus took their chances on the day.





Not many positive views of both debutant striker Liam Fawcett and left winger Ellis Giles.

Foolishly tried to change the current system as results had been slipping away, boy was I a right plonker for doing so. Three down after 11 minutes, torn apart in every department. Shambolic.





Lot of pressure on my shoulders and fans were quick to point the finger at my tactical f*ckup.

Looked a lot more organised and threatening against Rhyl, however a blunder from Fuller gifted them an equaliser.



Also, if you're watching SI, please sort the goalkeepers out. Seen this happen far too often.





A vibe of nervousness among the fans and they know we should probably have come away with three points.





Far more compact going into February and lie only four points above the drop. Seriously need to get back to winning ways.







Despite our woeful recent form, it was a sterling month for ap Dafydd, coming runner up in Player of the Month and making his way into the best XI of the month.

Sweet baby Jesus, we can't even buy a win at the moment. Thought we'd sneak a victory when down to ten men (GaD again surprise, surprise) but no, cynical foul by Wyn Thomas supplied them to equalise from the spot. 5 draws in our last 6 league games is not good enough.



Three red cards this season, discipline is not his strong point despite being a key player in midfield. Big loss for us.





People are delighted with the result, but they must realise we haven't won since mid December. Greening did score a belter but nothing else eye catching with his performance.

What. A. Win. So badly needed, though you could almost predict it as we've beaten Carmarthen three times from three this season. Kiwanda finally turns up on the left hand side to provide magic, along with a third from Owen. Carmarthen knocked on the door a lot in the last twenty minutes but shutting up shop was the best course of action.



Shout out for 'keeper Idzi for palming it in.





The fans are feeling a lot more positive after that victory.

You wait nine games for a win and two turn up at once. Vital in the battle to stay up, Aberystwyth were no great shakes. Harry Owen bagging his 19th of the season.





Terry Barrow speaking as if he left his tap on in the house, cheer up you mong.





Makes for better reading as we're nine points above the dotted line. Can't see us blowing this.





Kiwanda finally getting a bit of recognition, entering in the February WPL best XI.

Wow, I royally screwed this one up. Once they were down to ten men I took complacency to a new level and attacked them, bit me on the arse in the final minute of the game. On a better note, Gwion ap Dafydd back in the team and back on the scoresheet.





Think a shade of disappointment is laced in those tweets.

This baffled me. Rhyl started with a central defender up front in Gareth Edwards, that's right a CENTRAL DEFENDER. AND HE SCORED AGAINST US. It didn't matter as Owen made it past the magical 20 goals for the season, well 21 since he scored against CQ. Six unbeaten now, but not quite safe as yet.





Generally a draw was probably the right result according to our fans.





Despite us being in the bottom half, two of our players (Harry Owen & Gwion ap Dafydd) were shortlisted in the Player of the Year voting. TNS dominating the rest along with one or two from Bala.

Carmarthen must be sick of playing us, four meetings with four defeats and ensuring survival this season! Pretty one sided match in truth with Harry Owen once again finding the back of the net.



A pass crafted by angels and carved into Chris Thomas' right foot. Pirlo would have been proud of that.





Who pissed in Chris Doyle's pint? 22 goals this season and thinks people are naive to overreact to his performances.

Finishing the season off with a very convincing win over already relegated Newtown. Harry Owen reaching 20 league goals for the season.





Ah, they were openly critical about McCarthy not too long ago and now a change of heart.







Man, if only we got into the top half we'd be ahead of Llandudno in 6th. Still a brilliant finish for us in 7th, especially since we were tipped to go down. Newtown and Connahs Quay filled that quota whereas no surprise TNS clinched the title. Bit of money may help us become semi-pro very soon.

Pretty good campaign in the end, @DNZY. Some fine results.

@r96Skinner Cheers lad!

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HOLD UP. Our season isn't over just yet. We have a possibility to get ourselves to Europe, starting off with Llandudno.

Oh, interesting! Best of luck against Llandudno!

Somebody hold me, that was two rollercoasters worth of emotion in 120 minutes plus a penalty shoot-out. Harry Owen is made of magic, absolutely outstanding performance with some ice cool finishes. 27 goals for this season, the boy is special. Llandudno hit us, but our boys would just not lie down. Defensively woeful, midfield were full of terrific passes, and up front brilliant. Semi finals here we come!



Next test will be a lot trickier, Bangor City are a side we've yet to beat but with Harry Owen in this kind of form it could be a huge advantage.






Callum and Lola are not longer welcome to see us play. Some absolute melts online.

Love how your save with Cardiff Met Uni is playing out i'm sitting at 6th right now with 2 matches left and made it to the Welsh Cup Final and theWorld Cup Final.

The fairytale is over for the season, only three days to prepare and fitness caused us great difficulties against Bangor City in a 3-1 defeat. We started to believe with a first minute goal by Paul Fowler followed by great efforts on goal to potentially stretch that lead. If you can't take your chances, the opposition will and came back to ensure no European dream for the students this year. Harry Owen completely isolated.





Xu Zhongqing, one of the armchair elite complaining. Thea pointing the finger at me, though she probably doesn't even know what the offside rule is.

Harry Owen finished only three goals behind a TNS player which shows how good a season he had but amazingly didn't get into the team of the season. Gwion ap Dafydd though represented our boys in midfield.



A lot tighter than I thought, but Owen certainly won our fans' hearts with a rampant season. Finishing just ahead of another workhorse during the season, Gwion ap Dafydd; 13 assists but extremely clumsy and ill-disciplined. Greening did fantastically well with passes.



In other news, this completely came out of the blue as our owners reached into their pockets to splurge money on a stadium expansion I never even asked for. Whether its regulatory or otherwise, still not the time to be flushing money we may not have in a few years from now.

Nice to see we've been listed as the overachievers for the season. Connah's Quay had a dismal season in which predicted to finish 3rd but end up relegated.



Stadium upgrade complete, more empty seats no doubt. I love the last part of this item as it says "with the potential to be expanded to a capacity of 30,000". Let's not get ahead of ourselves.







Meanwhile, I'm getting head hunted by many clubs following a confident beginning to life in the WPL, including Cefn Druids. Goes without saying that I rejected each.

It was a clearance sale for our outs, mainly dead wood and youth who were never going to make it anywhere. Few players of note to leave were Ben Bowler to Cwnbran Celtic, Emlyn Lewis to Caersws and probably the most surprising was our backup 'keeper Chris Willis to West End. Also a sad moment as Wyn Thomas who was probably our best centre back last season hung up his boots.

But we replenished the quality and depth of our squad with a number of new students enrolling. One or two may be familiar if you've followed the Welsh leagues.

Anthony Miley - D(C) - free transfer from Bangor City (end of contract)



Replacing Wyn Thomas' void is Anthony Miley, and looks quite a big deal. Despite his abysmal determination, this guy has a real aerial presence about him and could be a useful asset for attacking corners. Marking, tackling and positioning on point too. Hopefully can be a rock in defense.

David Thompson - D(C) / AM(L) - free transfer from Bala Town (end of contract)



Opted for a more versatile player in David Thompson, not overly impressive but a handy backup. Stronger and braver than Miley, but not as dynamic. The fact he can play as a left winger also helps.

Ryan Edwards - M(C) - free transfer from Bala Town (end of contract)



Adding a more defensive dimension to our three man midfield is Ryan Edwards. Obviously the attribute that needs thorough improvement is his tackling, but he's tireless and a team player plus also still young to mold him into a better BWM.

Giannis Oikonomopoulos - GK - free transfer from Bala Town (end of contract)



With Willis gone, a new backup 'keeper was required. Even his name alone made him a good candidate but would not recommend getting his name on the back of a shirt that's for sure. Needs a little more confidence with communicating and commanding his area, but can develop over time.

Lee Owens - D(R) / WB(R) - free transfer from Bala Town (end of contract)



I swear we didn't ransack Bala Town's entire squad, but yes another one from their clearance bin. Quick, active and sharp but positioning needs strengthening. Need a pacy wing back on the right and Lee might do a job.

Jacob Farleigh - AM(R) - free transfer from The New Saints (end of contract)



Complementing Lee Owens, we brought in a potential partner for him in a more advanced area in Jacob Farleigh. Another fast paced player, decent crossing but perhaps requires a bit more mental training. Wingers didn't do much for me last season and hopefully we can fix that.

Aeron Edwards - M(L) / M(C) / DM - free transfer from The New Saints (end of contract)



Any WPL fanatics would probably have heard of this guy and to me it's a coup for us in Aeron Edwards. Has a lot of experience in the division and could bolster our reputation too. Perfect to be a Box to Box midfielder and be the final piece of the puzzle in our three man midfield.

Nyall Gray - ST(C) - free transfer from Caerau Ely



Last but by no means least, someone to keep Harry Owen on his toes for the lone striker role. Nyall looks like a good prospect, more controlled, better composure and a decent finisher. Will try to alternate as much as possible with him and Owen.

Decided to dedicate the club with new kits, just to be fancy.



Elsewhere our first match of the season is theWord Cup first round, drawn against non league opposition in Llangefni.

Despite falling behind early on, we bossed this game and Jordan Lam unleashed twice to send us to the second round.



Another non league opposition in the next round, home tie against Goytre.

Busy transfer window. Good luck for the season ahead, hope you can improve upon last season!