JAMES Kinsella takes charge of struggling JD Cymru South outfit Cwmbran Celtic for the first time tomorrow following Nicky Morgan’s exit after the side’s thrashing by Pontypridd Town.
Celtic’s 6-1 defeat at the University of South Wales Sport Park last Saturday proved the final nail in the coffin for Morgan and assistant Simon Truman, who both joined the Torfaen club last May.
Conceding six to Pontypridd, the side immediately above them in the standings, came four months after Celtic lost 6-2 to the same team in the reverse league encounter.
Kinsella, who steps up from the Development team, which he guided to the Welsh League Reserve Division East title last season, is assisted by Celtic stalwart Matthew Williams.
Williams, part of the Celtic Park fabric for more than 20 years, has had stints with the management of all three senior teams and, while he is currently involved in the veterans set-up.
Kinsella and Williams take over with Celtic sitting 13th in the 16-team Cymru South table after just four wins from 17 matches.
Tomorrow sees Celtic travel to Port Talbot to take on Goytre United, who they thumped 4-0 the week after that first hiding at the hands of Pontypridd.
While Celtic were slipping to a 10th league defeat of the season in Treforest last time out, ninth-placed Goytre claimed a point in a 2-2 draw with STM Sports.
Goytre haven’t won in five outings, a surprise given their most recent victory, on December 3, was a 2-1 triumph over current leaders Swansea University.
Speaking after last weekend’s loss, Celtic chairman Scott Kinsella said: “Cwmbran Celtic would like to thank Nicky and Simon for the hard work and dedication they have given to the club this season.
“Nicky and Simon have been great to work with, so our decision has not been taken lightly.
“Unfortunately, results and performances have been poor with no sign of improvement.
“We’d like to wish Nicky and Simon every success on their next appointment.”
Following the appointment of the new managerial team, a statement on the club’s website read: “Following the departure of Nicky Morgan and Simon Truman, Cwmbran Celtic have appointed James Kinsella and Matthew Williams to take the helm of the first team for the remaining 13 games of the season.
“James will be the named manager. He steps up from the Development team which he led to the Welsh League Reserve Division title last season in his first year in the post.
“James is no stranger to the first team having been involved in training and stepping into the dugout to assist when required.
“Matthew has been with Celtic for 20-plus years during which he has had stints as part of the management of all three senior teams and, currently, the Veterans.”
Meanwhile, Undy, four points above Celtic in 10th, host Swansea University at The Causeway tomorrow.
In Welsh League Division One, there is now a 10-point gap between leaders Trefelin BGC and second-placed Risca United.
Risca visit bottom club Dinas Powys tomorrow hoping Monmouth Town can do them a favour against the visiting Trefelin.
Aberbargoed Buds and Abergavenny Town also have home advantage with games against Ton Pentre and Pontardawe Town respectively, while Croesyceiliog travel to Bridgend Street.
Down in Welsh League Division Two, Albion Rovers are now firmly rooted to the bottom of the table after they came out second best in their big clash with fellow strugglers AFC Porth.
Both went into the game without a point so far this season, and it was the Rhondda team that prevailed in a 4-1 victory.
Rovers will try again when they go to Tredegar Town tomorrow, while Panteg visit Porth.
The game of the day sees third-placed Abertillery Bluebirds head down the M4 to meet leaders Ynysygerwn, who beat Newport City last time out.
Chepstow Town entertain Treharris Athletic Western and Treowen Stars play Pontyclun.
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