Stats

Match reports

Fixtures

Table

Squad

Lido took a break from their league campaign to entertain Pentyrch is the quarter final of the cup.

Lido – Edward Wier, Sam Nolan, Daniel O’Brien (Aled Northcott), Matthew Beynon, Remi Whitlock, Niall Lewis, Nathan Doyle, James McEvoy, Conor Harris, Daniel Symmons (Rhys Williams), Shaun Beddow.

When the teams took the pitch, it was evident that the home side were going to face a physical challenge – at least six of the Pentyrch side were taller than Lido ’s biggest man.

The opening encounters were intense and though Daniel Symmons had an effort saved after two mins, it was the visitors who had all the early pressure.

Edward Wier foiled a one-on-one with a good save but Pentyrch continued to press and deservedly went in front, when, from a throw in, the ball was flicked-on into the area and a powerful finish gave the keeper no chance.

It was certainly looking like Lido ’s biggest challenge of the season so far and they struggled to get their passing game going.

However, as the half wore on the home side gradually crept back into the game, though limited to long shots from Conor Harris and James McEvoy and a succession of poorly executed corners.

They did get an equaliser, when Daniel Symmons raced in on a cross from the left and did well to direct a header past the keeper.

The goal seemed to give the home side a boost and have the opposite effect on the visitors. As half time approached the tie was still in the balance, but two goals in as many minutes gave Lido the upper hand.

A long goal kick to the right wing cleared the defence and Niall Lewis was quickest to react, cutting into the area, the keeper could only push his cross into the path of Harris and he finished coolly.

Almost immediately Lido scored again Symmons showed great composure to control in the area and cross to Harris and he slotted home the third.

Lido didn’t want half time to arrive as the best move of the half saw McEvoy hit a 20 yard shot against the post.

The second half began with Lido looking at a period of consolidation and this they managed, for 10 minutes, but they looked to have let Pentyrch back into the game, when, from a speculative ball into the area a defensive mix up ended with Wier bringing down the visiting centre forward and the referee awarding a penalty.

Wier’s blushes were saved however when the spot kick was hit well wide of the target.

Far from sitting on their lead Lido , perhaps un-wisely pushed forward at every opportunity, sometimes leaving themselves exposed to counter attacks from Pentyrch.

The home defence was holding strong and Harris almost scored again when he just failed to direct a cross home.

Another slick passing movement saw McEvoy through on goal and he was crudely hacked down, the defender getting an inevitable red card which effectively ended any chance of Pentyrch getting back into the game.

Lido saw out the remainder of the match comfortably and now look forward to a semi-final in the new year.

Match report by David Northcott

With bright sunshine melting a heavy morning frost, Lido hosted a Cardiff Draconians side which had given the table toppers a stern test on their visit to the capital in September.

With Edward Wier at a christening Rory McCreesh came in at keeper and Daniel Symmonds was give his first start of the season replacing the suspended Ellis Harris.

Lido – Rory McCreesh, Josh Jones, Aled Northcott (Remi Whitlock), Matthew Beynon, Daniel O’Brien, Niall Lewis, Nathan Doyle, James McEvoy, Conor Harris, Shaun Beddow (Sam Nolan) Daniel Symmonds.

The home side immediately took the upper hand, with wingers Niall Lewis and Conor Harris getting plenty of early possession and on 6 minutes it was from a Harris cross that they took the lead when a brave header from Daniel Symmonds found the corner of the net.

Though Lido looked the stronger outfit, the visitors defence held strong and on the break they put the home defence under some pressure, without really testing goalkeeper McCreesh.

Symmonds, Harris and James McEvoy all had efforts blocked, before on 20 minutes, McEvoy drilled in a low shot from the edge of the area, the keeper seemed to have it covered, but Xmas came early for the Lido midfielder as the Cardiff stopper let the ball through his hands and legs into the net.

The Lido defence was still coping well with the pacy Draconians strikers and from this solid platform the home side continued to control the game.

On 40 mins Shaun Beddow effectively wrapped the game up for Lido when he reacted quickest to poke a loose ball home – sending the league leaders into the break with a comfortable 3-0 advantage.

The second period started much as the first had ended, Beddow created a chance for himself which the Cardiff keeper tipped over the bar and Harris screwed a short wide, before, on the hour, a defence splitting ball put Symmonds through on goal and a composed finish gave him his second of the game and Lido a 4-0 lead.

With the job done, Lido were guilty of over confidence and the visitors enjoyed their best period of the game. McCreesh had already been at full stretch turning an effort round his post and Aled Northcott had cleared another off the line, when on 70 mins from a well taken free kick Draconians secured a consolation.

Without finding top gear, Lido were still threatening and Harris somehow managed to steer a great chance wide of an open goal 

Symmonds continued to look a threat and was in search of a hat-trick, however his best effort was saved by the keeper and when the ball was returned into the danger zone Sam Nolan was at the back post to poach Lido ’s 5^th.

The game ended with the hosts comprehensive winners, against a side which themselves will be looking for a top six finish, underlining the strength of a squad which is looking like mounting a serious challenge for the league title. A superb effort considering 8 of the starting 11 were playing under 16’s football last season.

Match report by David Northcott

With the Maesteg side having defeated Lido’s local rivals Port Talbot in convincing fashion this fixture was looked upon as a major threat to Lido ’s 100% record

Lido – Edward Wier, Josh Jones (Andrew Collins), Aled Northcott, Matthew Beynon, Daniel O’Brien, Niall Lewis, James McEvoy, Nathan Doyle, Conor Harris (Ellis Harris), Shaun Beddow, Sam Nolan (Rhys Williams) sub not used – Daniel Symmonds

With a strong wind blowing across the pitch, the majority of play was on the Lido left and with Conor Harris and Sam Nolan combining well, the home side immediately took the upper hand.

An excellent cross from the wing found a trademark run from James McEvoy but uncharacteristically he put his header wide. Shaun Beddow failed to make the most of a loose ball in the area and though pressing, Lido were finding an opening goal elusive.

The opener did arrive when after 15 minutes Lido were awarded a free kick in midfield, Conor Harris chipped the ball into the area, hesitant defending allowed Matthew Beynon to poke the ball home giving Lido the lead.

The home side soon extended their lead when Niall Lewis floated a free kick into the area and Beynon powered a header into the roof of the net.

It was no more than Lido deserved and they continued to dominate – taking the two goal advantage into the break.

The second half started with the Maesteg side looking determined to mount a challenge, however they made little headway and with play concentrated, this time on the Lido right, Lewis was finding acres of space and giving his marker a torrid time, the pressure told, when, on 55 minutes, Beynon completed his hat-trick when he superbly bent a shot around the keeper with the outside of his right foot.

With the game effectively over Lido were looking to finish in style – Lewis and Beddow both saw efforts hit the bar, but it wasn’t until late on that Beynon was again on the scoresheet with a neat finish from a back post Lewis cross.

There was still time for Ellis Harris to become the third Lido player to strike the visitors bar as the home side saw out the remaining minutes comfortably.

On the surface the game may appear to be The Matthew Beynon Show, but this would undermine a thoroughly professional team display in the demolition of the visitors. Solid defending and creative midfield play is becoming a hallmark of the side’s play, as they look forward to hosting bottom side Cwmavon at home this Thursday (7pm)

Match report by David Northcott

Lido travelled with confidence, in search of their first ‘double’ of the season, having previously defeated Pontardawe 2 – 0 in the opening league fixture of the campaign

Lido – Edward Wier, Josh Jones (Rhys Williams), Aled Northcott (Remi Whitlock), Daniel O’Brien, Matthew Beynon, Niall Lewis, Nathan Doyle (Shaun Beddow), James McEvoy, Conor Harris, Ellis Harris, Sam Nolan.

Pitch conditions at Pontardawe left a lot to be desired, the already muddy surface didn’t benefit from having a junior game played on it earlier the same day and it certainly wasn’t going to suit the free flowing  football lido have been producing this season.

With many players struggling to keep their footing the game started scrappily, but Lido were clearly the better side and they held the edge in the opening exchanges.

After 15 mins an excellent Niall Lewis cross found Conor Harris un-marked at the back post, but he sent his header wide.

Lido continued to dominate and after 20 mins, when a long ball found Ellis Harris, on the edge of the Pontardawe area, he turned his marker and shot over the keeper into the top corner of the net, giving Lido the lead.

It continued to be one-way traffic and after Josh Jones made in-roads and had a shot charged down, the ball fell to Nathan Doyle and his crisp shot gave the keeper no chance and put Lido 2 – 0 ahead.

Unfortunately, on the half hour Lido were reduced to 10 men when Ellis Harris was dismissed in an off the ball incident.

Pontardawe struggled to make an impression on the game, even with their numerical advantage and Lido went into the break looking comfortable.

Throughout the second period Lido continued to dominate, defying the fact that they were a man short.

James McEvoy was denied in a one-on-one situation and also had a header disallowed for offside.

Shaun Beddow struck the crossbar with a well worked effort and Conor Harris who by now had slotted in at left back looked particularly dangerous and had a couple of long range efforts blocked..

Edward Wier in the Lido goal wasn’t troubled throughout and it wasn’t until the 80^th minute that the hosts mustered an effort on goal – and that was high over the bar.

Lido ended as comfortable victors and their creditable performance defied the conditions and some curious refereeing decisions.

Match report by David Northcott

Something had to give when the 2^nd round of the Cup pitched together unbeaten Lido & Grangetown.

With new keeper Edward Wier nursing a groin injury Matthew Beynon was again handed the green jersey

Lido : Matthew Beynon, Josh Jones, Aled Northcott, Daniel O’Brien, Niall Lewis (Shaun Jones), James McEvoy, Nathan Doyle (Rhys Williams), Sam Nolan, Ellis Harris, Shaun Beddow.

From the outset, the pace of the game was quicker than anything experienced so far this season, this seemed to suit the home side and with slick passing and good movement they immediately put the Grangetown defence under pressure.

Two golden opportunities had already been wasted, when, after 10 minutes, Shaun Bedow received the ball from a throw-in, turned his marker and was brought down, inside the box. Ellis Harris took responsibility for the spot kick and showed great composure to convert after having to re-take the kick due to encroachment.

Lido continued to press and it was no surprise when they doubled their advantage, Ellis Harris forcing the ball home from close range after good work from Niall Lewis on the right.

The home side’s third wasn’t long in coming, Ellis Harris picked out a superb run from James McEvoy, the midfielder controlled well and slotted the ball into the corner of the net.

With a 3-0 advantage Lido took their foot off the gas and after a Grangetown attack was only partially cleared, a volley from the edge of the area gave Beynon no chance and opened the Cardiff side’s account.

This seemed to spur the visitors and when Lido weren’t alert enough, at a short corner, Beynon was beaten at his near post and Grangetown were back in the tie.

Lido took a 3-2 advantage into the break and it was clear that the next goal was going to be crucial.

A shot from Ellis Harris hit the woodwork early in second period and with the Lido defence holding strong, they restored their two goal advantage, when from a quickly taken free kick, McEvoy surged into the area and converted his second of the game.

The visitors were visibly deflated and they offered little threat to Beynon’s goal. The home side could have increased their lead, but McEvoy, looking to complete a hat-trick, saw his shot hit the post.

Lido saw out the remainder of the game comfortably and now look forward to resuming their league campaign with a difficult looking trip to Ely next Sunday.

Match report by David Northcott

Lido travelled to Dinas Powys for a cup tie. The problem position of goalkeeper looks to have been sorted, with the signing of former Corus stopper Edward Wier

Lido – Edward Wier, Josh Jones, Aled Northcott, Matthew Beynon, Daniel O’Brien, Niall Lewis (Shaun Jones), James McEvoy, Nathan Doyle (Andrew Collins) , Sam Nolan, Shaun Beddow, Ellis Harris

The game kicked off in bright sunshine and Lido immediately took the upper hand. Making use of the large playing surface, they spread the ball well and put the home side under pressure.

With their midfield in control of the game, Lido had already squandered a number of chances when, with ten minutes gone, Ellis Harris cut in from the left beat his marker and broke into the area, instead of shooting, he un-selfishly squared a perfect pass for Shaun Beddow to side foot into an empty net.

Lido were running their hosts ragged and when after some great build-up play James McEvoy sprayed a perfect pass to the right, where Niall Lewis picked out McEvoy, who had continued his run and a well placed header, from the energetic midfielder, doubled the Lido lead, inside the quarter hour.

Lido continued to dominate possession for the remainder of the half and on the stroke of half time Niall Lewis picked up possession in the centre of the park, beat a couple of defenders and hit a left foot shot across the keeper and into the corner of the net. Putting Lido 3-0 up at the interval

With un-relenting temperatures and a large pitch, energy levels seemed to dip in the second half and though Lido keeper Wier had to abandon the sun lounger he’d enjoyed in the first period, the visitors didn’t look like surrendering their deserved advantage.

The home side did press more, but Lido also had further chances and close range shots from Harris and McEvoy, together with a back post header from Beddow, could easily have increased their advantage.

The cup tie, well controlled by an impressive referee, finished with the visitors progressing comfortably into the next round, maintaining their 100% record for the season.

Match report by David Northcott

Oct 05

Lido: Rory McCreesh, Josh Jones, Matthew Beynon, Daniel O’Brien, Remi Whitlock (Aled Northcott), Niall Lewis, Nathan Doyle, James McEvoy, Sam Nolan, Ellis Harris (Chris Petty), Shaun Beddow (Shane Cowell) 

Initial exchanges were quite even, but Lido soon took the upper hand. Chances had already fallen to Shaun Beddow and Ellis Harris before Harris cut into the area from the left and beat a defender who lunged in desperation and only succeeded in tripping the striker as he prepared to shoot. The penalty decision was an easy one for the referee and from the spot, Matthew Beynon sent the keeper the wrong way to put the Lido ahead. 

Soon afterwards, Lido extended their lead. Niall Lewis picked up the ball in midfield and due to intelligent off the ball running from team-mates, was able to progress into the penalty area, where he coolly slotted the ball past the keeper.    Lido were dominating and scored a third before the half-hour when an un-marked Beynon met a Remi Whitlock corner with a well placed header. 

Lido went into the break with a deserved lead and any fears of a  Porthcawl recovery were dispelled when, in the first minute of the second period, a defence splitting pass put Beddow one-on-one with the keeper and a crisp finish gave the home side a 4-0 lead. Porthcawl were looking a beaten side and when James McEvoy was fouled inside the area Beynon slotted his second penalty to complete his hat-trick and put Lido 5-0 ahead. 

The rout was completed mid-way through the half when McEvoy powered in a header from a Lewis corner The blend of last years 16’s and some more experienced players is proving a successful recipe as Lido maintain their impressive start to the season. Confidence is high as they head for their next game, a cup tie at Dinas Powys this coming Sunday.

Match report by David Northcott

The old saying “a difficult place to go” proved to be the case, even before the game started, when Wayne Harris (Ellis’s dad) took the opportunity, un-intentionally, to show-off his new car to every suburb of the Capital – resulting in almost half the squad not arriving until 15 mins. before kick off.

For the first away trip of the season, Lido coach, Francis Doyle, was able to include the experienced duo, Matthew Beynon and Rory McCreesh (the 3^rd keeper used in 3 games)

Lido Team
Rory McCreesh, Matthew Beynon, Aled Northcott (Josh Jones), Daniel O’Brien, Remi Whitlock (Nathan Doyle), Shaun Jones, Sam Nolan, James McEvoy, Conor Harris, Shaun Beddow, Ellis Harris

Given their dis-jointed build up to the game it was a little surprising that Lido immediately took the upper hand and neat attacking football forced the Draconians keeper into 3 superb saves within the opening 10 minutes.

The Cardiff side were limited to playing on the break and looked to have taken the lead when their striker rounded McCreesh and shot accurately towards an open net, however Aled Northcott appeared from nowhere to clear off the line.

The first period continued in much the same vein, Ellis Harris and Shaun Beddow were causing the Draconians defence problems and a strike from Ellis Harris was again turned around the post by the home keeper

At the other end, from another breakout, a Draconians shot hit the post.

Mid-way through the first half Lido were only able to partially clear a long throw and a cleanly hit shot gave the Cardiff side the lead.

Though the Lido continued to press, Ellis Harris had another shot saved and Matthew Beynon hit the bar, the half closed with the home side holding, a perhaps undeserved, 1-0 lead.

The game was turned upside down in the opening 15 mins of the second half.

From the first attack of the half, Ellis Harris blocked a clearance and the ball fell to Shaun Beddow who coolly finished bringing the visitors level.

Almost immediately, from the re-start, Ellis Harris controlled a clearance, close to the touchline, beat his marker and cut into the area, where he was up-ended, giving the referee the simplest of decisions in awarding a penalty.

There followed a very un-savoury spiting incident, un-seen by the referee, when the Cardiff keeper went from “hero to zero”.

After a delay Beynon stepped up and despatched the penalty, giving Lido the lead for the first time.

Lido held their composure well and soon increased the lead when, from a Remi Whitlock free kick Beynon sent a looping header over the home keeper and into the net.

Facing a two goal deficit the home side didn’t really seem up for the challenge and the last half hour passed without incident and Lido comfortably secured their 3^rd win of the season.

Match report by David Northcott

In perfect conditions, for cricket!! Lido hosted Bridgend Town .

Lido made a number of changes from last weeks impressive display against Pontardawe. With Aled Northcott struggling with a hamstring injury, Andrew Collins, who has just recovered from a broken arm himself, came in at centre half, Sam Nolan replaced Shaun Jones in midfield and with the search for a regular keeper on-going, Matthew Beynon donned the green jersey.

Early exchanges were even with both midfields cancelling each other out, however as the first half progressed Lido began to shade things and after good work by Remi Whitlock, Conor Harris beat his marker and sent in a teasing cross, which the Bridgend keeper could only spill to Ellis Harris, who controlled well and found an empty net to give Lido the lead, which they took into the break.

The second period was a similar affair, Lido getting slightly the better of things in midfield, but on the whole defences were on top.

With Sam Nolan providing right wing trickery, Lido looked like they could add to their lead and from a typically skilful run Nolan forced the visiting keeper into a rare save. However, midway through the half, Conor Harris was sent off for retaliation and this upset the rhythm of the home side’s play.

A noticeably tiring Bridgend team were unable to make their numerical advantage count and Lido coped comfortably with everything the visitors could muster – Daniel O’Brien again putting in an impressive performance at the heart of the defence. Matthew Beynon punched confidently from a couple of corners, but wasn’t really troubled throughout and Lido saw out the remaining minutes to record their second victory and clean sheet, maintaining their 100% start to the season

Lido: Matthew Beynon, Josh Jones, Andrew Collins, Daniel O’Brien, Remi Whitlock, Sam Nolan, Nathan Doyle (Shaun Jones), James McEvoy, Conor Harris, Ellis Harris (Niall Lewis), Shaun Beddow (Chris Petty)

subs not used : Jay Baker, Daniel Symmonds

Match report by David Northcott

Lido squad:
 Jordan Thomas, Josh Jones, Aled Northcott, Daniel O'Brien, Remi Whitlock, Shaun Jones, Nathan Doyle (Sam Nolan), James McEvoy, Conor Harris, Shaun Beddow (Michael Petty), Ellis Harris. Subs, not used Jay Baker, Niall Lewis, Rhys Williams.

Playing into a strong wind, it was the Lido who took the early initiative, playing neat football. It was no surprise when, from a perfect Conor Harris corner, a James McEvoy header gave the home side a well deserved lead and the busy midfielder a debut goal. 

The opener was soon followed by a second, when, from what appeared to be an over hit free kick from Remi Whitlock, the visiting keeper made a hash of his clearance and Shaun Beddow was on hand to find the corner of the net giving Lido the cushion their early dominance deserved. With Pontardawe seemingly unable to adapt to the wind at their backs, Lido went into the break with a two goal lead. 

The second period was a more even affair, though home keeper Jordan Thomas didn't really have a serious save to make due in no small part to strong defending from Aled Northcott, Daniel O'Brien and Josh Jones. The Pontardawe keeper atoned for his first half howler with some fine saves, one a particularly fine effort from an Ellis Harris strike. With Sam Nolan replacing the industrious Nathan Doyle and Michael Petty coming on for goal scorer Beddow a thoroughly entertaining game concluded with Lido claiming a well earned victory. 

In their first taste of football at this level, a definite step up in pace and quality, the Lido youngsters performed well enough to suggest that they can enjoy a successful season.

Match report by David Northcott

.