Penrhyncoch FC

 

• Full Name: Penrhyncoch Football Club

• Founded: 1970

• Location: Penrhyncoch, Ceredigion, Wales

• Stadium: Cae Baker

• Capacity: Approx. 1,000

• Club Colors: Black & White

• Nickname: The Cockerels

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History

Penrhyncoch FC was founded in 1970 and represents the small village of Penrhyncoch near Aberystwyth. For most of its history, the club competed in local and regional Welsh leagues, gradually building a reputation as a well-organised and competitive community club.

In recent decades, Penrhyncoch has established itself in the Cymru North (the second tier of Welsh football), marking the highest level the club has played at. Promotion to this level was a significant milestone and a sign of steady long-term development.

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Honours

Penrhyncoch FC has not won major national trophies, but has enjoyed regional success, including:

• Mid Wales League:
  Champions – Multiple times (most notably during the 2010s)

• Ceredigion League:
  Champions – Several titles

These honours helped the club progress through the Welsh football pyramid.

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Notable Players

Due to the club’s semi-professional and regional nature, Penrhyncoch has not produced internationally famous players. However, notable contributors include:

• Long-serving local players who played key roles in promotion campaigns

• Players who later moved to Cymru Premier clubs after strong performances

The club is known more for team cohesion than individual star power.

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Notable Managers

• Local Welsh managers who guided the club to promotion into Cymru North

• Coaches with strong community ties who emphasized discipline, fitness, and youth integration

Managerial stability has been a key strength in the club’s progress.

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Best Domestic & International Campaigns

Domestic

• Promotion to Cymru North – the greatest achievement in club history

• Consistent mid-table finishes in the second tier against larger and more established clubs

International

• Penrhyncoch FC has never competed in European competitions, which is expected for clubs at this level of Welsh football.

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Current Status

Penrhyncoch FC currently competes in the Cymru North.
The club is considered stable and well-run, focusing on:

• Staying competitive at second-tier level

• Developing local talent

• Strengthening infrastructure rather than chasing rapid promotion

They are seen as a resilient and community-driven club rather than a title contender.

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Stadium – Cae Baker

• Location: Penrhyncoch, Wales

• Capacity: ~1,000

• Surface: Grass

• Description:
  A traditional Welsh non-league ground with a friendly atmosphere, closely connected to the local community and surrounded by countryside.

pic: transfermarkt

Ards FC

 

Ards FC – Club Profile

• Full Name: Ards Football Club

• Founded: 1900

• Location: Newtownards (currently based in Bangor), Northern Ireland

• Stadium: Clandeboye Park (shared with Bangor FC)

• Capacity: ~2,000

• Club Colors: Red & Blue

• Nickname: The Red & Blues

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History

Ards FC was founded in 1900 in Newtownards and has long been one of the more historic football clubs in Northern Ireland. The club enjoyed success particularly from the 1950s to the 1990s, including major domestic trophies and memorable European appearances.

In 1998, Ards lost their traditional home ground, Castlereagh Park, and have since played in several temporary locations before settling at Clandeboye Park in Bangor.

Despite ups and downs, Ards remain a respected and traditional club in Northern Irish football.

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Honours

Domestic Trophies

• Irish Cup:
  Winners (1) – 1957–58

• Irish League Cup:
  Winners (1) – 1994–95

• County Antrim Shield:
  Winners (3) – 1951–52, 1993–94, 1994–95

• Gold Cup:
  Winners (1) – 1973–74

• Ulster Cup:
  Winners (2) – 1957–58, 1994–95

Ards' most successful period was the mid-1990s, when they won multiple trophies and regularly challenged top teams.

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Notable Players

• Billy McAvoy – One of the greatest forwards in club history

• Davy McCullough – Iconic defender and long-serving club captain

• Paul Kee – Renowned goalkeeper who later became manager

• Stewart Robson – Key midfielder in Ards' strong 90s era

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Notable Managers

• Roy Coyle – Highly successful Northern Irish manager, led the team in strong domestic runs

• Paul Kee – Former player turned manager who brought stability

• Niall Currie – Recent manager with experience rebuilding squads

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Best Domestic & International Campaigns

Domestic:

• Irish Cup winners (1958) – One of the club’s greatest achievements

• League Cup winners (1995) – Part of a very strong era

• Several top-flight seasons finishing near the top half throughout the 20th century

International (Europe):

Ards have played in European competitions, mainly:

• UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup

• Inter-Cities Fairs Cup

• UEFA Cup

Notable ties included matches against AS Roma (very famous in club history) and Standard Liège.

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Current Status 

Ards FC currently competes in the NIFL Championship, the second tier of Northern Irish football.
The club is focusing on rebuilding, developing young players, and attempting to secure promotion back to the NIFL Premiership.

Financial limitations and the loss of their original stadium remain long-term challenges, but the club maintains a stable structure and a loyal fanbase.

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Stadium – Clandeboye Park

• Location: Bangor, Northern Ireland

• Capacity: ~2,000

• Shared With: Bangor FC

• Details:
  A compact, traditionally styled stadium with a close-to-the-pitch atmosphere. It serves as Ards' home while the club continues its long-term mission of securing a permanent stadium back in Newtownards.

pic: transfermarkt