How no fear STM Sports have embraced the Cymru Leagues

STM Sports isn’t a club that many in the Welsh football scene knew about up until the last few years, but now everyone is on alert.

Now having beaten Newtown on penalties, the Cardiff-based club will be competing with another top flight side in the semi-finals of the Nathaniel MG Cup. 

Not bad for a team that are competing in the competition for the first time in their history. Two more wins for the Mellons would see them compete in the Scottish Challenge Cup, something that will never have crossed the minds of this former Sunday League side. 

Wins over Cwmbran Celtic and Pontypridd Town, added with a win over former Cymru Premier outfit Haverfordwest County is an indication that STM Sports are not going anywhere anytime soon.

Currently sitting fifth in the division and a point off of Haverfordwest, Nana Baah’s men have been a surprise package in the division. Thrashing Haverfordwest County at the Bridge Meadow and Llanelli Town have been their biggest statements. 

Formed mostly from players of the Cardiff Cosmos Portos, coupled with players from Sunday League side Willows FC, STM Sports have had a rapid rise through the Welsh pyramid structure.

Through a number of promotions in the Cardiff Combination League, they had just four years in the South Wales Alliance League, before embarking on a four year stay in the Welsh League, in which they had two promotions and one league title in those years. 

Twice the club has had to battle off-the-field issues to earn their place in a higher division, having been rejected due to their facilities, before being successful on appeal.

Having missed out on promotion in the previous season, it would have been harsh for STM Sports to have been denied promotion to the inaugural Cymru South, given their sporting merits. 

So as the club adapted by making the requirements, the players have so far delivered on the field. 

When players have moved on to pastures new, STM Sports have continued to rebuild, without making wholesale changes. Familiar faces like Chris Worsley, Dale Gardiner, Kris Hajgato and Lamin Conteh are still at the club. 

Through their progression as a club, they’ve been able to appeal to higher calibre players and coaches, whilst some of the players at the beginning have developed over the years. Earlier this summer, former Division One title winning manager Nana Baah joined the coaching staff, adding that much-needed mentality for a team in uncharted territory.

Lamin Conteh is the name many have heard about in STM’s rise through the leagues. His technical ability is superb and he rightfully so had a trial with Cardiff City. Conteh’s pace is something that defenders have had nightmares about. 

STM Sports though boast a number of players who possess a similar impact to Conteh, who has been the front face of STM’s rise through the leagues. 

Calum Bateman is joint-second in the goalscorer charts. A number of times he’s had to come off the bench, but rightfully waiting for his chance, he’s taken it. There have also been times where Bateman has forced his fellow attackers to sit on the bench with Bateman’s form keeping them out. 

STM’s also been a home to players discarded by higher opposition. After leaving Barry Town, Marcus Jones found a new home in Llanrumney. Many will have questioned why Jones dropped a further division after joining Barry from Taffs Well, but his decision proved wise as he claimed the Division One title last season.

Whoever draws STM Sports in the semi-final should be wary of a side that has approached the Cymru Leagues with no fear.

There have been slip ups already along the way, losing at home to lesser fancied sides in Afan Lido and Briton Ferry in their home fixtures, but they’ve always managed to bounce back. 

Whether it’s at; Llanrumney, Park Avenue or Maes Tegid where the Mellons will fancy themselves given the artificial surface, or the grass pitch of Connah’s Quay, STM will relish the opportunity to take on higher league opposition once again.

(Featured Image: Mike James)