Pontardawe Town announce six signings as ex-Swansea City winger makes impact
Chris Jones has signed for Pontardawe Town and has already made an impact. (Pic by Geraint Nicholas/FAW)
Pontardawe Town have announced six signings as they continue to strengthen their squad, with an experienced winger among the players joining the Cymru South club.
Conor Hughes, Josh Paynter, Luca Pockett, Elliott Collins, Kavan O’Leary and Chris Jones have all been confirmed as Pontardawe players, although the majority have already been involved with the club over the past month.
Jones is the most experienced name among the new arrivals and has already made an impact on the pitch, scoring the winning goal in Pontardawe’s 3-2 victory over Trethomas Bluebirds.
The winger, 36, made his debut as a substitute against Pure Swansea and has featured in each of the club’s last five matches. A former Wales C international, he has previously played for The New Saints, Neath, Port Talbot Town and Swansea City.
Jones also brings coaching experience to the squad, having previously worked as a coach at Afan Lido.
Josh Paynter and Conor Hughes arrive from South Wales football rivals
Paynter has made the switch from Llanelli Town and has been on Pontardawe’s books since at least September, primarily featuring for the club’s Development side.
The youngster made his senior debut in Pontardawe’s Welsh Cup victory over Penrhiwceiber Rangers and has also featured against Treowen Stars in the competition.
The 16-year-old has made an encouraging start at Development League level, scoring three goals and providing an assist this season. He previously impressed for Llanelli Town’s Under-16s, recording seven goals and six assists in 18 appearances.
Hughes, also 16, arrives after playing for Briton Ferry Llansawel last season. He made his debut from the bench against Aberystwyth Town at the end of August.
The teenager has registered three goals and four assists in seven Under-16s league appearances, adding further attacking options to Pontardawe’s ranks.
Luca Pockett and Kavan O’Leary add further options to the squad
Pockett arrives with experience of the Cymru Premier, having been named among the substitutes for Trefelin in mid-September and making two appearances in the top flight so far this season.
Since joining Pontardawe, he has featured in both the Development League and Youth Cup, making an immediate impression with seven goals and an assist in just 110 minutes of football.
O’Leary joins from Cymru South rivals Trethomas Bluebirds, where he had been an unused substitute on three occasions.
He made his Pontardawe debut in the starting line-up against Pure Swansea before coming off the bench against Treowen Stars. He has since been an unused substitute against his former club and Llantwit Major.
Elliott Collins joins from Llandarcy as Pontardawe prepare for Welsh Cup tie
The sixth addition is 17-year-old Collins, who arrives from West Wales Premier League side Llandarcy.
Collins was first named in Pontardawe’s matchday squad in mid-August and also featured against Penrhiwceiber Rangers in the Welsh Cup.
He has so far made four appearances for the club’s Development League side, contributing one goal and one assist.
The six additions come as Pontardawe look to improve their fortunes in the Cymru South. They currently sit 12th in the table, with 11 points from a possible 27.
Their attention now turns to the Welsh Cup, with Pontardawe set to face West Wales Premier League side Llangennech on October 17.
The fixture offers the club another opportunity to build momentum as their new arrivals continue to settle into the squad.
