Cup glory and bouncing back – The story of Penrhyncoch

The Cae Baker outfit were formed in 1965 and became a leading force in the Aberystwyth and District League during the following decade.

Penrhyn progressed into senior football during the early 1980s prior to becoming founder members of the Cymru Alliance.

Whilst the Ceredigion outfit never challenged for the title, the Roosters have enjoyed success in a variety of competitions, including an FAW Trophy final appearance.

Meanwhile, officials and volunteers have worked hard to improve the facilities and ensure Cae Baker is able to host JD Cymru North football.

The village lies five miles north-west of Aberystwyth, between the Afon Stewi and Nant Seilo rivers, close to their confluence with the Afon Clarach.

Prior to the club's formation, players from the village tended to represent Bow Street or Trefeurig but, on 20 July 20 1965, a meeting was held to enter a team in the Aberystwyth and District League.

Penrhyncoch were indebted to a dedicated committee during their early years, and their work was to culminate with the opening of a clubhouse in July 1981, by then national team manager Mike England.

Cae Baker. Picture by Stuart Townsend.

The Roosters finished runners-up to Penparcau in their inaugural campaign before repeating the feat three years later.

That same season, 1968/69, saw the Cae Baker outfit claim their first silverware after overcoming RA Tonfannau in the League Challenge Trophy final.

Because the camp was closing, and soldiers being transferred to Germany, a result had to be achieved in one match.

The score was level after 90 minutes and there were no further goals following extra-time. The outcome would now be decided on penalties but back then was resolved by the toss of a coin. The Gunners' captain called incorrectly and Penrhyn lifted the trophy in a somewhat unusual manner.

Cae Baker. Picture by Stuart Townsend.

Seven seasons after forming, Penrhyncoch landed their first title after finishing four points clear of Aberystwyth Town Reserves in 1972 and lifted the trophy again in 1975.

The Roosters were on a roll as they retained the championship in 1976 and 1977 while the following campaign turned out to be the most successful during their Aberystwyth and District League era, completing a clean sweep of honours.

A new decade brought a new challenge as the club joined the newly formed Mid Wales League second division in 1982 which they won to earn promotion.

The Roosters held their own in the Mid Wales League and constructed a 60 seater stand to earn promotion to the newly formed Cymru Alliance in 1991.

Penrhyncoch experienced a baptism of fire, finishing bottom of the table in 1990/91, but were spared relegation as the league was expanding.

Fortunes improved, before the Roosters finished rock bottom in 1994/95, having 39 points deducted for fielding a player registered with three clubs but were once again reprieved from the drop.

Penrhyncoch players celebrate past glory. Picture by Stuart Townsend.

The 1995/96 campaign was much improved, as the Roosters secured a mid-table finish and reached the FAW Trophy final, although were beaten by holders Rhydymwyn.

Penrhyn secured silverware 12 months later, defeating Penycae in the league cup final, but missed out on a cup double after going down to Rhayader Town in the Central Wales Cup final.

Penrhyncoch players celebrate past glory. Picture by Stuart Townsend.

However the club dropped a bombshell on the eve of the 1998/99 season by resigning - the first backward step in the club's history - but the club upgraded Cae Baker with the installation of floodlights.

Penrhyn rebuilt in the Mid Wales League and enjoyed their best ever Welsh Cup run in 2000, losing to Barry Town in the quarter-finals.

The Ceredigion club were finally crowned champions in 2001/02 after finishing three points clear of former Alliance rivals Carno and retained their title 12 months later and stepped up the Cymru Alliance in 2004/05 when they narrowly avoided an instant return to the third tier.

Cae Baker. Picture by Stuart Townsend.

Penrhyn spent a further three seasons battling the drop but began to climb the table with two top five finishes between 2010 and 2012 only to suffer relegation in 2014.

The club spent two seasons back in the third tier before winning the title in 2016 to earn a Cymru Alliance return

The Ceredigion men narrowly avoided immediate relegation before consolidating in mid-table during the 2017/18 campaign and escaped the drop 12 months later following a dramatic finale to the campaign.

The Roosters found themselves in the drop zone going into their final match at home to Conwy Borough while relegation rivals Holywell Town entertained Holywell Town and Denbigh Town found themselves just above the bottom three having completed their fixtures.

Former Penrhyncoch manager Gari Lewis. Picture by Colin Ewart.

Jonathan Evans and Josh Shaw goals earned the Roosters their survival and the club has not looked back since.

Manager Gari Lewis stood down last season following nine years at the helm having concluding the inaugural JD Cymru North campaign just inside the top-half of the table with former Aberystwyth Town legend Aneurin Thomas stepping up to the managerial hot seat.