WELSH
SOCCER NEWS PAGE FOR DECEMBER 2006
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DEC-31 |
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Welsh league division 1 round up
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THE
programme was devastated by the rain that swept South Wales, and the only game
able to stay the course was at Ely Rangers.
Elsewhere,
they managed to make it to half-time at Ton Pentre before the game was abandoned
with the score at one all.
Pontardawe's
Steve Crabbe had put the visitors ahead from the penalty spot, and his effort
was equalised five minutes later by Jamie Bradford.
However,
their efforts were to no avail when the weather closed in.
In
retrospect, Ely Rangers would have been happy to have had their game stopped at
half-time as well.
They
led at the interval thanks to Mike Osbourne, who escaped his markers at a corner
and scored with a near-post header.
The
second half was a different story, however.
With
20 minutes left, Ento Aberaman's Paul Dawes broke down the right and, from his
cross, David Pugh fired home from just inside the penalty area.
The
game was decided five minutes later thanks to an inspired substitution by the
visitors.
Nana
Baah, formerly of Bridgend and Barry Town, outpaced the defence and fastened on
to a through- ball to net a cool and calm winner.
Wales
on Sunday
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DEC-31 |
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Welsh League
2 & 3 round up
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THE
MacWhirter Welsh League Division Two and Three programmes were decimated by the
downpour that hit South Wales, with only one game being played.
The
Division Two clash between Cardiff Corries and title-chasing Troedyrhiw survived
and it was a mixed afternoon for the Merthyr-based visitors who were held 1-1 by
a last-gasp Corries equaliser.
Troedyrhiw
left it late to snatch what appeared to be the match winner through Adam Callan
two minutes from time.
But
Rhys Yates popped up to score in injury time to deny the visitors all three
points.
It
means that Troed go into 2007 level on points with Garw, who remain leaders on
goal difference.
The
title race promises to be an exciting one in the New Year, with Cambrian/Clydach
and Caldicot Town the other key contenders.
Garw
are in pole position with four games in hand, while Cambrian/Clydach have a game
in hand and four points to make up on the leaders.
Pentwyn
Dynamo head Division Three, but Llanwern and Llangeinor look strong title
challengers.
Llanwern
are six points in arrears, with three games in hand, with Llangeinor chasing
promotion in the their first season in the league.
The
former South Wales Amateur League Champions have nurtured a strong squad,
largely from local talent and are hungry for more success, having dropped just
six points from a total of 12 league games to date.
Wales
on Sunday
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DEC-31 |
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Cymru Alliance round up
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SCORING
ace Lee Thomas raised his goals tally to 20 for Llandudno Town but will remember
his role in the 4-4 home draw against Llanfairpwll for the right and wrong
reasons.
As
well as netting twice, four minutes apart in the game's first quarter, Thomas
was sent off, when he was shown the yellow card a second time towards the end.
Llandudno,
who had triumphed 6-2 at Llanfairpwll back in August, with Thomas achieving a
hat-trick, got their other goals this time from Neil Coverley and Darren Jones.
Coverley
was quick off the mark, finding the target within a minute of the start, and
after Thomas's pair, on 12 minutes from a penalty and 16 in open play, Jones
slotted the Seasiders' fourth goal midway in the second half.
Llanfairpwll's
replies were by David Evans from a 13th minute spot kick, Richard Owen after 51
and 80 minutes and Simon Giddings with the last minute equaliser.
Title
hopefuls Llandudno rated this result as a setback, whereas midtable Llanfairpwll,
making their fourth consecutive away trip, left Maesdu Park satisfied.
Llandyrnog
United halted form-side Holyhead Hotspur by a 3-1 margin, because of goals from
Anthony Marshall after 35 and 89 minutes and Craig Wilkinson after 81.
Spurs,
who have climbed the table steadily as reward for a string of wins since early
autumn, had hoped for a better outcome this time, after Ian Williams provided
their 22nd minute lead-taking goal.
Gales
ahead of the weekend put paid to five of the Alliance's scheduled fixtures,
notably the title pacemakers Bala Town at home to Guilsfield and the
third-v-fourth showdown featuring Flint Town and Buckley Town.
Mynydd
Isa produced some of their best football in ages when they walloped basement
side Queens Park 6-1.
Ian
Mathias went close for the visitors and the miss was costly when James McIntosh
steered Isa into a 21st minute lead following a Matty Roberts corner.
Ian
Bold had a debut to remember, scoring with a fine shot from distance but, four
minutes later, he deflected a low cross from Lee Phelan into his own net.
John
Leonard converted a 57th minute penalty and a solo goal from Neil Wynne had the
Park reeling prior to McIntosh completing the romp in the 75th minute.
Wales
on Sunday
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DEC-31 |
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Jones
preparing to ring out the old
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BLUEBIRDS
boss Dave Jones is itching to be let loose on the January sales but has warned
fans to be patient as he hunts for reinforcements.
"I'm
just glad this year is now out of the way," said Jones. "I hear fans
shouting 'sort it out' but sort it out with what? What a stupid shout. What can
I sort it out with?
"I
can't change anything right now. These lads have done brilliantly just to go on
as long as they have.
"I'm
absolutely astounded and amazed that all of a sudden we're being bracketed with
so many bigger clubs.
"We're
supposed to be up there matching the likes of Birmingham, Southampton and West
Brom.
"Position
wise we are but I can't do what a lot of those clubs do because I haven't got
the numbers.
"Hopefully
I'll get lucky and get players I want. It doesn't take a genius to work out
where we are looking at.
"They
need help and they need competition.
"I
can't wait for the transfer window to open but I don't think I'll get the
players I want from day one with the number of clubs chasing them.
"I
won't ask the chairman how much money I've got, I'll just find the players and
worryabout whether we can afford them later."
Jones'
more immediate concerns revolve around a string of injuries - including Steve
Thompson and Michael Chopra - ahead of the trip to Luton tomorrow.
"I've
got six kids on standby to play," added Jones.
"It's
a fine line in football sometimes. A couple of weeks ago everything seemed to be
going against us but we feel in the camp that things are starting to turn."
Wales
on Sunday
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DEC-31 |
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Kenny says decisions costs Swans
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Huddersfield
boss Peter Jackson will not contest any disciplinary hearing after being sent
from the dug-out for a second time this season during a controversial 90 minutes
at the Galpharm Stadium.
Jackson
admitted he vented his frustration in an "aggressive manner" when Lee
Trundle put Swansea 2-0 up from a throw-in that should have gone to
Huddersfield.
He said: "Everybody in the ground saw it was a throw-in to Huddersfield
Town. Clearly the referee got it wrong.
"I know I can't appeal against this one as I know I expressed my
frustration in an aggressive manner.
"I don't want everything else that went on to detract from an outstanding
victory that could turn our season around.
"This was a brilliant victory and I'm very proud of my players for the way
they turned things around."
Opposite number Kenny Jackett also thought the throw-in should have gone to
Huddersfield, but he was more concerned about some of the other controversial
incidents in the game.
Jackett claimed Trundle was verbally abused by some Huddersfield players as he
left the pitch after being sent off for elbowing Town's Gary Taylor-Fletcher in
the face.
The outraged Swansea boss also suggested verbal abuse was the reason why
defender Kevin Amankwaah had an altercation with Huddersfield coach Martyn Booty
as he left the field after being substituted.
"Something was said to Kevin as he went down the tunnel, and he was just
putting the record straight," Jackett said.
"Lee is also fuming in the dressing room. There were things said to him by
several players as he left the field, and I feel there is absolutely no need for
that."
Jackett was livid that Town goalkeeper Matt Glennon was not sent off for his
foul on Ian Craney.
"I was waiting for the red card," he added. "The fourth official
told me Craney was not in a goal-scoring position. But I felt Craney could not
have been in a more obvious goal-scoring position."
Wales on
Sunday
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DEC-31 |
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Smith angry at league's refusal
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Wrexham manager Denis Smith
says he should have been allowed to postpone Saturday's game at Hereford because
of the injury problems at his club.
"I asked the league to call it off
on Friday but they said they'd dock points if we did," he said after the
2-0 loss.
"I had (38-year-old assistant
coach) Brian Carey on the bench and he hasn't played any sort of football since
retiring two years ago.
"Only four of my first-choice 11
played and only two in their proper spots."
To compound the Dragons' problems, Lee
Roche will be suspended after picking up a booking in the game.
"I'm frustrated and angry,"
Smith told BBC Sport Wales. "Lee's booking looked an awful decision and
we've lost him now.
"The kids did well and that
suggests there's a bright future at this club, but it's asking a lot of them to
win these games - I feel sorry for the youngsters.
"I can't wait to put out my full
side - it hasn't happened yet, but I think there's a team here waiting to take
this division by storm.
"It's definitely not too late to do
that. There are a lot of points to play for and I've got automatic promotion
from this position before with Wrexham."
Dragons striker Chris Llewellyn agreed
with his manager's assessment, but said they must start winning soon.
"It's been one of those seasons
with players unavailable, but we all know what a good team we could be when
everybody's back," the Wales international told BBC Sport.
"The youngsters need a confidence
boost - at the moment we are playing well without winning.
"It's not too late to make the
play-offs, but we're putting ourselves under a lot of pressure.
"First up, we've got a score to
settle with Accrington Stanley on New Year's Day.
"They beat us 5-0 earlier in the
season, so we'll be fired up and ready to go."
Centre-back Steve Evans will return from
suspension for Monday's game, and Smith says he hopes to have Danny Williams and
Ryan Valentine back after bouts of flu.
BBC
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DEC-30 |
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Neath's Premiership dreams
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Neath Athletic manager Andy Dyer's Christmas wish is
promotion into the Welsh Premiership next season, writes Robert Skeels.
Dyer says he would 'love' to mingle with the big boys in
Welsh football after watching his side consolidate their position at the top of MacWhirter
Welsh League Division One with a gritty 1-0 victory over title
rivals Goytre United at a chilly Glenhafod Park.
'I would love to get in the Premiership,' admitted an
excited Dyer, whose delight at beating a dangerous Goytre outfit on their own
patch was clearly evident.
'I know we have already applied to be accepted into the top
league if we win the title.
'It would be special for me, the players and the club if we
can prevail.
'I am not sure how many other sides have applied, but we
are ambitious and the Welsh Premiership is the place to be.'
But Dyer still remains cautious after last season's
almighty scare when Goytre nearly pipped them at the post in an exciting finale.
But heartbreak was to follow for the Llandarcy Club when
the Welsh Premiership officials refused the Neath-based club an invite into the
top flight - insisting that they had not carried out all the necessary works
required to participate in the Premiership.
Neath have made sure they don't miss out this season in
regards to ground criteria.
Llandarcy Park is an exceptional venue and would put many
Welsh Premiership facilities to shame.
'It is a really tough league with very little between the
sides in Division One,' said Dyer.
'There are a number of teams still in the frame, and we
must make sure we don't lose to any of these sides.'
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DEC-30 |
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Rhys concentrates on job with Reds
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Llanelli striker
Rhys Griffiths will focus on his job at Stebonheath Park amidst strong rumours
of a move to Coca-Cola League Two side Wrexham. The Reds hotshot is Dragons boss
Denis Smith's second Welsh Premier League target after the successful transfer
of The New Saints defender Steve Evans.
He proved a
huge hit with Wrexham and went on to win a Wales cap after a whirlwind summer.
And while Griffiths admits the thought of pulling on a Welsh shirt gives him a
chill down his spine, he is trying to keep his feet on the ground.
"I'm still coming to terms with it at the moment," said the former
Port Talbot striker.
"It's great to hear but at the moment I am really concentrating on
Llanelli. It's my dream to play professional football, but things would have to
be okay with my job first.
"Wrexham would also have to discuss a fee with Llanelli. So it is far from
happening. That is why I am not letting myself get caught up in this."
There has been no approach for Griffiths from the cash-strapped Dragons, so he
has decided to knuckle down and concentrate on his future at Llanelli.
Should an offer come forward, the stumbling block could be Griffiths job as a
fireman. He is based in Cardiff Bay.
Griffiths, 26, is not expected to be fully qualified until April, which would
enable him to apply for a year's unpaid leave from the job.
And, even if he left Stebonheath for the Racecourse Ground, Llanelli would be
eligible to ask for a fee as he is contracted.
"Griffiths is one player we're looking at in the Welsh Premier," said
Wrexham boss Smith.
"He's scored a lot of goals, but he's a full-time fireman and I don't know
whether he'd want to leave a solid job to be a pro footballer."
Chris Barney
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DEC-30 |
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Crows ace set for comeback
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Striker Chris Pearce is poised to
make his Cwmbran Town return for the home game against Newtown in the
Principality Building Society Welsh Premier League a week tomorrow.
The 20-year-old Pearce was
floored by a six-month ban imposed by the Football Association of Wales after
traces of the banned stimulant ephedrine were found after a random test
following a 3-2 league win over Carmarthen on March 17.
He said: "I was ill and it
must have been in something I took for relief - but I can't say for sure. All I
know is that it has been a nightmare time since the ban and I can't wait to get
back now.
"I have found it really
hard and I just kept myself going by training hard. Hopefully I can get back to
where I left off by scoring goals. But I would like to thank Sean (Wharton,
Cwmbran Town manager) for standing by me."
Postman Pearce, who played
representative football with Gwent County youth, made an immediate impact with
Cwmbran, scoring on his debut, as a substitute, against Aberystwyth a year ago.
He has contributed in an
equally important role with Caerleon in the Welsh League and his goals were
crucial in the club steering clear of the First Division drop zone last season.
Ray Parker
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DEC-30 |
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Lilywhites’ boss issues rallying call
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WELSHPOOL Town manager Tomi Morgan has demanded an
“immediate improvement” after his side’s Boxing Day thrashing at TNS.
The Lilywhites host Porthmadog before their
Boxing Day conquerors make the return trip to Maesydre on New Year’s Day.
Morgan said: “We have no time to dwell on the
defeat or the end of our winning run and now is the time for focus.
“Porthmadog have proved a tough obstacle this
season and we now know we must improve for any chance to get something out of
TNS.”
Meanwhile Morgan hoped the Boxing Day mauling
would finally end any talk of a title challenge from Welshpool.
“To say Welshpool could challenge is a quite
ridiculous notion. Our only aim this season with the squad we have in place is a
finish in the top eight.”
Brett Jefferies should return to bolster
Welshpool Town’s defensive options but Geraint Windsor is injured and Ceri
James is suspended.
County Times
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DEC-30 |
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Cwmbran receive a surprise boost
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Striker Chris Pearce is poised to
make his Cwmbran Town return for the home game against Newtown in the
Principality Building Society Welsh Premier League a week tomorrow.
The 20-year-old Pearce was
floored by a six-month ban imposed by the Football Association of Wales after
traces of the banned stimulant ephedrine were found after a random test
following a 3-2 league win over Carmarthen on March 17.
He said: "I was ill and it
must have been in something I took for relief - but I can't say for sure. All I
know is that it has been a nightmare time since the ban and I can't wait to get
back now.
"I have found it really
hard and I just kept myself going by training hard. Hopefully I can get back to
where I left off by scoring goals. But I would like to thank Sean (Wharton,
Cwmbran Town manager) for standing by me."
Postman Pearce, who played
representative football with Gwent County youth, made an immediate impact with
Cwmbran, scoring on his debut, as a substitute, against Aberystwyth a year ago.
He has contributed in an
equally important role with Caerleon in the Welsh League and his goals were
crucial in the club steering clear of the First Division drop zone last season.
Ray Parker
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DEC-30 |
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Duo back as Robins end Bird talks
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NEWTOWN welcome midfield duo Gareth Hughes and Ben Showdery for their New
Year double header.
Connah’s Quay Nomads visit G F Grigg Latham Park this weekend before the
Robins travel to Caersws on New Year’s Day.
Manager Darren Ryan said: “Both players were missed against Caersws and
they will be useful additions to the squad.
“There are some positives to take from the defeat to Caersws and we
probably deserved a share of the spoils over 90 minutes.”
Meanwhile Ryan has called time on his pursuit of striker Tony Bird and
revealed the club were in negotiations to bring in a striker in 2007.
“Every club needs a goalscorer and at the moment that is what we are
lacking in the squad.
“Our hands are tied until the January window when we will look to bolster
our attack.”
Glenn Tolley continues his three match suspension this weekend following his
dismissal against Bangor City.
County Times
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DEC-30 |
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TNS ‘happy football’ is expected to win
the title
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TNS manager Ken McKenna insisted his side’s brand of “happy football”
can reclaim the Principality Welsh Premier title.
Boxing Day’s 6-0 mauling of Welshpool Town underlined the Saints class
while maintaining touch with league leaders Rhyl.
McKenna said: “The boys are playing football with smiles on their faces at
the moment and the results are there for everyone.
“We have been building up to thrash someone for a while and it was
unfortunate for Welshpool that we met them on the day.”
The Saints host relegation threatened Airbus UK tonight (Friday) before
travelling to Welshpool Town on New Year’s Day.
“Airbus will arrive here with nothing to lose while we know that
Welshpool’s pitch will be a real leveller on New Year’s Day.
“However the lads will be working hard in the meantime and hopefully we can
start 2007 on a high.”
Chris King is available following long-term injury but Mike Wilde is a doubt.
Meanwhile Nicky Ward continues to struggle with a troublesome knee injury
with Jamie Wood also recuperating from his early season ankle surgery.
McKenna added: “We had a purple patch earlier in the season but the lads
have kept their heads down and are still in sight of pole position.”
n Meanwhile Ex-TNS defender Steve Evans is rumoured to be interesting Coca
Cola Championship strugglers Leeds United.
Despite claims by Wrexham manager Denis Smith that the former TNS star is
going nowhere a Leeds United official refused to rule out a move for the
defender.
Chris barney.
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DEC-29 |
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1 player 1 club controversy
strikes again
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A few days ago an email was sent to
the welsh league clubs, five questions were raised and will be discussed at a
meeting of clubs on Sunday, 18th February at Maesteg, where the matter of
OPOC is on the agenda.
From the start of next season, I ask the question- did they (FAW) HAVE
to accept and implement these regulations? They are supposed, according to
the document, be "global and binding", but as far as these
regulations concerning amateur /non contract players are concerned, they
have not been brought in anywhere, nor, as far as I know, does any country
intend to do so. So it could be argued that there was no real pressure on
FAW to bring these revised rules in Why should we be the only country
imposing these rules? They could have told FIFA that:
(i) the regulations, as
applied to amateur players, have been ill-thought out and that the
implications for football associations, clubs and amateur players are
severe.
(ii) they effectively put
amateur players under the same restrictions as paid professionals and
prohibit their right to register for more than one club and to play for
whichever of these clubs they choose, a right that amateur players all over
the world (as far as we know) have still got.
(iii) the implementation of
these rules will cause administrative chaos for the FAW, Area Associations,
Leagues and football clubs throughout Wales from local District leagues up
to Welsh Premier level, particularly with the necessary installation of a
central player registration record system at FAW HQ , the installation of
common computerized player registration systems in every league , large and
small and the obligation of every league to provide "player
passports" for every player in every club in each league.
(iv) there are definite
Human Rights Act implications in the restrictions imposed on amateur player
registrations, possible problems with the Data Protection Act in respect of
access to player registration details in the FAW database and with the
Children's Acts in respect of details of young players details, which will
be needed for the preparation of "Player Passports" (these details
required for all players from the age of 12)
(v) No argument has ever
been put forward by any of its' supporters to say why OPOC is good for
football in Wales. Given all the above, I say that FAW could and should have
saved themselves a lot of trouble by telling FIFA that there were problems
with these regulations as applied to amateur players and that FIFA should
rethink them. They could also have said that they could only implement them IF
it was as part of a compulsory world-wide implementation by all countries
forced upon them by FIFA.
Next question- why did FAW,
in spite of all the above and in spite of the knowledge that senior football
clubs in Wales have consistently, over the years, voted against OPOC, still
vote in favour of implementing these regulations? Answer- I don't know.
Tony
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DEC-29 |
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Reds to hand out hiding
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Llanelli manager Peter Nicholas
believes someone is in line for a hammering after watching his side held to a
draw for the third time in as many games. Frustrated by his team's lack of
cutting edge at the moment, Nicholas had to endure a 0-0 draw with Port Talbot
at Stebonheath Park on Boxing Day as his side fell seven points behind Welsh
Premier League leaders Rhyl, though the Reds have two games in hand.
Frustrating has been the one
word on the lips at Stebonheath throughout December. Though unbeaten, Nicholas's
side has drawn with Connah's Quay Nomads and cash-strapped Cwmbran following a
victory at Caersws on December 2.
And he hopes his side can take its frustration out in tomorrow night's league
clash with bogey side Aberystwyth at Stebo (7.30).
"It has been a frustrating period," said Nicholas, whose side has
picked up six points out of the last 12. "Against Port Talbot their keeper
made a string of good saves and our lads were convinced the ball had crossed the
line in the first half. But these things happen.
"We need to turn it around. We are not panicking. We are creating chances
and I think someone will have a hiding soon."
Chris barney.
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DEC-29 |
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Smith wants Griffiths
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Llanelli striker Rhys
Griffiths is wanted by Coca-Cola League One club Wrexham. Manager Dennis Smith
will try to persuade Griffiths on a move from Principality Welsh Premier
Football League club Llanelli to North Wales But Wrexham face a tough task in
tempting the former Cwmbran Town and Port Talbot Town striker to make the
switch.
Llanelli are a full-time club, but
Griffiths is one of their part-time players. He works full-time as a
fire-fighter and Smith accepts: 'It will be difficult, but I will try to
persuade Rhys that a move into the Football League could reap big rewards over
time.' Griffiths has fired 23 goals in 22 league and cup matches for Llanelli
this season, while he won the Welsh Premier Golden Boot in 2005-2006 when he
netted 28 goals in 32 league matches.
Wrexham and Smith are keeping a close
watch on Welsh Premier football and the cash-strapped club may move for other
players in the same competition. They were due to watch Griffiths in action
tonight when Llanelli were to play Aberystwyth Town at Stebonheath Park but the
match is postponed.
Western Mail
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DEC-29 |
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Crows boss looks ahead
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Cwmbran Town boss Sean Wharton is
looking beyond Saturday's away game with Principality Building Society Welsh
Premier League leaders Rhyl, who have not lost a home league match this season.
Wharton said: "It is a
tough game and no-one expects us to win up there but we will try and make it as
difficult as we can for them.
"It is the games with
Newtown - the first home game of the new year - Caernarfon and Haverfordwest,
all teams below Cwmbran, that Wharton is looking at. He said: "These are
the most important games to us."
However, the Crows have lost
on-loan Newport County players Tyrone Toppar and Kris Leek, who have both been
recalled.
Toppar missed a number of games
through injury but was such an influence in a left-wing role, his pace and skill
unhinging defences, and he was able to create chances which enabled Cwmbran to
establish a mid-table position.
Wharton said: "It is a
massive blow to lose both of them but I knew it would happen at some point.
However, it is still a massive blow to us - yet another chapter in the story. It
never rains but it pours."
The
double loss almost overshadows the financial worries, eased by the friendly with
County which raised around £2,000.
Ray
Parker
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DEC-29 |
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Bluebirds
eye strike pair
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Cardiff
City are looking to the future with bids for teenage strikers Will Hoskins and
Matt Green.
Hoskins, 19, is top
scorer for Coca-Cola League One Rotherham United, while Green, 18, has burst
into Newport County's team and fired six goals including a stunning hat-trick
against Yeading.
The Bluebirds would
love to sign both players early in the New Year, when the January transfer
window opens, and are already in talks.
Barnsley-born Hoskins,
a striker with pace and finishing power, is also wanted by West Brom, Ipswich
Town and Nottingham Forest, while Green, from Bath, is being trailed by Stoke
City, Bristol City, Swansea City and the Bluebirds.
'Four clubs have asked about Matt,' says
Newport manager Peter Beadle. 'He is keen to become a full-time professional
footballer and we want to help him, but he will not be sold on the cheap.'
Rotherham want around £600,000 for
Hoskins plus sell-on clauses and have turned down a bid of half a million, while
Newport County would demand hefty sell-on and appearance fees for any club
signing Green.
Beadle is also
concerned that he will sign for a Football League club and then spend time
playing occasional reserve team matches. Newport County may even suggest that he
signs on loan when the transfer window opens, trains with his new club and still
plays non-league football for Newport to continue his development.
Hoskins has emerged
through Rotherham's youth development programme, while Green played at
Cirencester Town's youth Academy under former Welsh international Steve Lowndes
before moving to Newport County.
Green is one of three
strikers in County's first-team squad, along with Julian Alsop and big Cardiff
City fan Craig Hughes. Alsop and Green have been playing together with Alsop
among the substitutes.
South Wales
Echo
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DEC-29 |
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Croesy's big chance
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Croesyceiliog have a golden
opportunity to wash away the bitter disappointment of losing at home to UWIC
last Saturday in the MacWhirter Welsh League, Division One, when they entertain
bottom club Grange Quins on Saturday.
Chris Watkins is available for
the game after missing the UWIC defeat because of a one-match ban, and recent
signing Griff Jones is included in the squad.
Chris Evans, Croesyceiliog
manager, said: "I had good reports of Jones' performances in the reserves
who beat Porthcawl 3-0 (goals by Mark Jones, Andrew Pritchard and an own goal).
"We didn't perform against
UWIC for the first time in six or seven matches, proving there is no such thing
as a banker in this division. We were really disappointing.
"We certainly have to up
it' against the Quins because we are facing three games - Quins, Caerleon and
Newport YMCA - which are really six pointers, especially our game with Caerleon.
"It was not luck that UWIC
won - they played well and we have to turn things around tomorrow."
Ray
Parker
|
|
DEC-29 |
|
Ryan hopes to
top table
|
|
Pontypridd
Town manager Ryan Nicholls will be taking a watching brief at tonight's
MacWhirter Welsh League clash between leaders Neath Athletic and Afan Lido.
If
Lido can beat their rivals then Ponty could go top of the table with a win
against Caerleon at Ynysangharad Park tomorrow.
Neath
top Division One on 38 points, two ahead of second-placed Ponty.
Nicholls'
team, though, have two games in hand and are looking impressive.
Afan
Lido's 17-match unbeaten run ended in a 2-1 defeat at Ton Pentre, but they were
unfortunate at Ynys Park.
It is
one of two Welsh League matches this evening, the other involving Bryntirion
Athletic and Maesteg Park.
Tomorrow,
Bridgend Town entertain Dinas Powys and Ton Pentre are at home to Pontardawe
Town.
Barry
Town are unbeaten in December with two wins and a draw. They will be tested by a
trip to face Taffs Well.
South
Wales Echo
|
|
DEC-29 |
|
Beadle plans
to get crowd cheering
|
|
Peter
Beadle hopes the Newport County fans will forgive the his side's off-colour
Boxing Day performance and return once again to Spytty Park for tomorrow's visit
of Weston-super-Mare (3pm).
A
season's best attendance of 1,243 saw the Exiles slump to a disappointing 1-0
defeat at the hands of Dorchester.
The
shock loss for the in-form County halted a five-match winning run in the
Conference South.
But
Newport boss Beadle said: 'We had a fantastic crowd, but they were subdued
because we didn't perform.
'We
had won five matches running and they were expecting it to happen for us again
but it didn't and the players need the crowd to lift them at such times.
'We
didn't get going from the start and we were lethargic and disjointed.
'We looked
soft and that is just not like us.
'But
we have to make sure we get a result against Weston tomorrow.'
Beadle
hopes to have experienced former Wales international full-back Steve Jenkins
available, who is awaiting results of a X-ray on his ankle.
South
Wales Echo
|
|
DEC-28 |
|
Port Talbot turn on the new lights
|
|
Following a request from Port
Talbot Town, Rhyl have agreed to an earlier kick off time of 2.00pm on Saturday
6th January for their Principality Welsh Premier League clash.
New floodlights are being
installed at The Remax Stadium and the earlier start will ensure that any
problems with the new lights will not interfere with the match. The Steelmen can
almost boast 1,000 seats at their stadium as well, as building work is almost
completed and the club are just awaiting the Safety Certificate at the ground
from the local council before they receive the Green Light.
The club's 1,000 seats should
mean that the Ground meets the UEFA Club Licensing Criteria and they will be
assessed in the new year.
Welshpremier.com
|
|
DEC-28 |
|
Reds must rediscover sparkle
|
|
THE wheels
have come off Llanelli's title push and unless Peter Nicholas' side recover
their early-season sparkle quickly their ambitions will be in tatters.
This was the
Reds' third successive Welsh Premier draw - the others against Cwmbran Town and
Connah's Quay Nomads - and they have gathered just six points from their last
five matches since they won eight on the trot.
The chances
were there, but, once again, the front men failed to deliver.
The match was
played against the background of a recent disciplinary fine imposed upon
Llanelli for an illegal approach for Port Talbot's playmaker Lee John, but
off-the-field arguments thankfully failed to spill over onto the pitch.
But there is
still time as the teams meet again in Aberavon on New Year's Day.
Welshpremier.com
|
|
DEC-28 |
|
City's young Lions
|
|
City manager Steve Bleasdale has
expressed confidence in the abilities of recent young signings, strikers Paul
Hopkins, Mark Smyth, Stephen Bowers and midfielder Michael Parker. Steve told
the official Bangor website, "A number of clubs have been interested in
these players, and we have done well to secure their services."
Meanwhile, the Citizens' boss is
also adding to the squad a goalkeeper who impressed in trials with Connah's
Quay at the start of season, and has overseas experience in Cyprus and Italy.
"In this signing I am aiming to bring in some competition for the
'keeper's jersey", says Steve, "but I still have confidence in current
custodian Ian Havard and he is very much in my plans".
"These acquisitions bring
my signings to eight with maybe one more to come in centre midfield,"
added Steve. "The squad is shaping up nice where we have healthy
competition and a bit more strength in depth."
www.bangorcityfc.com
|
|
DEC-28 |
|
Now watch us
get better, insists Jackett
|
|
KENNY
JACKETT expressed his delight at seeing Swansea stylishly complete the double
over Crewe - then insisted the best is yet to come from his League One promotion
chasers, writes Ian Hunt.
Despite
yesterday's win at Gresty Road, Swansea remain fifth in the table with the
leaders powering on. They are still six points adrift of the second automatic
promotion spot after Oldham and Scunthorpe recorded victories and Bristol City
picked up a point.
But
Jackett, whose side beat Dario Gradi's men 2-1 at the Liberty Stadium back in
September, is confident Swansea can finally find some much-needed consistency to
cut the gap on the top two.
"The
best is yet to come from us," said the Swans boss. "There's definitely
more in us and the signs are good.
"I
feel the side is taking shape - both through us being resilient and having
ability.
"There
are some good partnerships forming - such as the one at the back between Dennis
(Lawrence) and Kevin (Austin) - and we're playing some quality football. And I
do feel we can get better.
Ian
Hunt
|
|
DEC-28 |
|
Jones " I gave them a
rocket"
|
|
Dave
Jones today revealed his version of the infamous Sir Alex Ferguson half-time
hairdryer treatment helped fire Cardiff City into life against Plymouth.
The
Bluebirds earned a 2-2 draw in front of more than 17,000 fans at Ninian Park
yesterday courtesy of Steve Thompson's two goals.
And
although the Bluebirds' winless run was extended to eight games, it was Jones'
interval blast at his misfiring players which ensured a vastly improved
second-half display and a share of the spoils.
'I
gave them a rocket at the interval,' confessed Jones. 'They really needed it as
the first half was a non-event and we were never going to create anything.
'But
the second half we picked up and played the game more at our tempo.
'I'm
trying to help them relax and play and that's what I said to them to do.'
Cardiff
will now entertain a struggling Crystal Palace on Saturday as the hectic festive
period schedule continues.
And
Jones hopes his side can take some of their second-half momentum into the
weekend's Championship clash.
'We
just have to keep working with the players and we're just hanging in there,' he
added.
'I
still think we are in a great position, though.'
South
Wales Echo
|
|
DEC-28 |
|
Emlyn in search of players
|
ALTHOUGH
refusing to accept that the MacWhirter Welsh League division three promotion
door had slammed shut, Reds boss Matthew Price made it clear that without an
influx of new players the dream could be dead within the next few weeks.
What made matters worse for the boss was the lack of effort during a disastrous
second half when just about everything went wrong.
''Our second-half performance was not acceptable,'' said Price. ''There was no
excuse for it.
''I am desperate to recruit new players, but there is an absence of ambition as
far as Costcutter League players are concerned,'' he said.
After making enquiries about a number of local players, Price said: ''They do
not appear to be interested in playing at a higher level, and I will obviously
have to look elsewhere.''Evening
Post
|
|
DEC-28 |
|
Division 1 Gwent club round up
|
|
IT hasn't been a good time for the
three Gwent sides in Division One of the Welsh League as Croesyceiliog and
Caerleon fell to defeats while Newport YMCA saw their match postponed.
However, the best result of the
day was recorded by promotion-seeking Division Two side Cwmbran Celtic, whose
striker Shane Williamson hit four goals in a 6-3 win at Newcastle Emlyn.
Croesyceiliog's 2-0 home
reverse at the hands of UWIC was something of a shattering blow because manager
Chris Evans' side had been in good form of late while the capital-based students
began with only two wins from 14 previous league outings.
There was good and bad news for
Evans beforehand. The experienced Chris Watkins was available again following a
one-match suspension, but left back Danny Jenkins was forced to withdraw with a
bout of 'flu.
"In all honesty, they
deserved to win," said a hugely-disappointed Evans. "We under
performed and there's no doubt all our players know exactly how we feel.
"It looked as through UWIC
were hungrier than us and under those circumstances, who can deny them their
victory?
"We were 2-0 down at the
break and we told them then that if we could get a goal back, then the picture
would change.
"Our goalkeeper Pat
O'Hagan did superbly to save a penalty (his second in successive games) to keep
us in the game soon after the restart.
"We had a go at them after
that, but we simply couldn't put away about four decent opportunities we created
after the interval."
There was more woe for
Croesyceiliog later in the game when new signing from Bridgend Town, Kevin
Davies, went off with an ankle injury.
Croesyceiliog remain in 10th
position with Caerleon failing to land a sixth successive win to take them above
their Gwent rivals when they lost 2-0 away to resurgent Barry Town.
The Cold Bath Lane outfit fell
to goals from former Cwmbran Town striker Zak Misbah and Scott Morris, who has
also been on the Crows' books this season but without making an appearance after
signing from Carmarthen Town.
"Our great run had to come
to an end sometime and Barry are a much-improved team to the one which was in
last place not so long ago," remarked Caerleon boss Brendan Dowd.
"However, for all that, we
certainly knew it was a Christmas fixture because we gifted them both their
goals.
"The first was as early as
the eighth minute and that settled them and when the second went in just after
half-time, it left us chasing the game.
"We created a few chances
and their goalkeeper made three good saves, but Barry did enough."
Newport YMCA were scheduled to
travel to face big-spending ENTO Aberaman, but the match fell foul to inclement
weather.
South Wales Argus
|
|
DEC-27 |
|
Welsh premier Boxing day round up
|
|
Rhyl have defeated Connah's Quay
Nomads in an entertaining clash at Belle Vue. The Lilywhites took the lead
through a Mark Powell effort after eleven minutes but the Nomads responded
through Christian Seargeant on 38 minutes. Lee Hunt was the Belle Vue hero by
striking the winner ten minutes from time.
TNS remain hot on their heels
though as they convincingly despatched of fourth placed Welshpool by 6-0 at
Treflan. John Toner opened the scoring in the first half and scored a brace as
did combative midfielder, John Leah, whilst Alfie Carter wrapped up the win with
the sixth in the final minute of the game.
Llanelli missed the chance to
temporarily leapfrog Rhyl to the top of the Principality Welsh Premier table as
they were held to a goalless draw at Stebonheath in the early Boxing Day
kick-off this afternoon. There was plenty of pre-match talk about a falling out
between the clubs following an illegal approach by the Reds for Talbot forward,
Lee John, who started on the wing for the Steelmen. Meanwhile, Nicky Palmer made
his first start of his second spell at new club Llanelli following his arrival
from Haverfordwest. The Reds also had leading scorers Rhys Griffiths and Jacob Mingorance
up front but neither could break Kristian Rogers' net at a very cold Stebonheath
in front of 420 supporters.
Also in South Wales their was
some Christmas cheer for Mark Jones as his Carmarthen side won by a goal to nil
at the New Bridge Meadow against Haverfordwest County. Mark Dodds netted the
winner for the Old Gold's, five minutes in to the Second Half.
At the other end of the table
and in the closest of the Boxing Day derbies, Caersws bagged a 1-0 win at Latham
Park against rivals Newtown, which continues their run of good form against
their Mid Wales protagonists. There was also a welcome win for NEWI Cefn Druids against
Airbus by 3-1 at Plaskynaston, which adds to the pressure on the Wingmakers
Player/Manager Gareth Owen who scored from the spot. Timmy Edwards made a dream
debut by scoring the opener just before the Half hour mark and Mike Heverin
extended the lead two minutes later, Owen's penalty gave Airbus hope but Osian
Jones sealed the win with the home sides third.
The Boughton based side
however, will be pleased that Bangor grabbed the solitary goal at the Oval as
bottom placed Caernarfon slipped to another defeat.
At Park Avenue, there was an
away win for the jointly-managed Porthmadog as they came away from Aberystwyth
with a 1-0 victory. Gareth Caughter stuck the decisive goal four minutes after
the break.
Welshpremier.com
|
|
DEC-27 |
|
Comfortable
victory at Gresty Road
|
|
Lee Trundle inspired Swansea to a
comfortable victory at Gresty Road.
The striker opened the scoring
in the third minute from a well-worked free kick, Andy Robinson dummying a shot
before freeing Trundle who fired home.
Trundle then flicked up an
innocuous ball with his left, swivelled, and volleyed in a superb second.
After the break Trundle set up
Dennis Lawrence to power in a header for the third, Luke Varney getting Crewe's
consolation in front of an empty goal.
Swansea goalkeeper Willy Gueret
parried a Nicky Maynard shot, but pushed it straight into Varney's path to give
the visitors some anxiety in the closing half hour.
BBC
|
|
DEC-27 |
|
City foiled again
|
|
A brace for David Norris
sandwiched between two Steve Thompson strikes saw honours shared at Ninian Park.
Norris ended three goal-less
months in the 34th minute with a low shot after Barry Hayles slid the ball to
him.
After the break Thompson seized
on Ricky Scimeca's pass to drive in a low shot, then got a second on 52 minutes.
Kevin McNaughton crossed from
the right after a superb run and Thompson powered in a header, but Hayles and
Norris again combined to force the equaliser.
Hayles and then Cardiff
centre-back Roger Johnson both missed excellent late chances to claim all three
points for their respective teams, leaving the Bluebirds without a Championship
win in eight games.
BBC
|
|
DEC-26 |
|
Lido's big test at Neath
|
|
Afan
Lido's team character will be tested when they travel to meet Division One
leaders Neath Athletic on Friday (7.30pm).
Lido
have to bounce back from their 2-1 defeat at Ton Pentre, a result which ended
their 17-match unbeaten run. Substitute Dwayne Mardenborough scored both Ton
goals.
Neath
stand top of the table having beaten rivals and beat last season's League
champions Goytre United 1-0 away in their latest match, thanks to Andy Hill's
penalty after 67 minutes.
Barry
Town extended their unbeaten run to three games as they continued to claw their
way towards safety.
Scott
Morris and Zak Misbah were on target to give the Dragons a 2-0 victory over
Caerleon.
Pontypridd
Town won 2-0 at Grange Quins at Cardiff Athletic Stadium and stand two points
behind leaders Neath with two games in hand.
Chris
Summers and Nathan Hosgood were on target for Ponty.
Maesteg
Park won a tough encounter at Dinas Powys, with Rob Walters scoring the only
goal in a 1-0 win.
South
Wales Echo
|
|
DEC-26 |
|
Davies ready
for title crunch
|
|
PORT
TALBOT manager Wayne Davies believes his side's two matches against Llanelli
over the next week could have a major impact on the title race.
The
Steelmen travel to Stebonheath Park today (1pm) for what promises to be a Boxing
Day cracker in front of an anticipated record home crowd. The teams then meet
again at the Remax Stadium on New Year's Day.
Davies
said, "Like us, Llanelli have not enjoyed the best of results lately, but
there's probably more pressure on them.
"They
cannot afford many more slip-ups if they are to keep an interest in the
championship, as TNS have shown they have very few off-days.
"We
are looking forward to the match, especially as we have most of our squad
available again following a bad run of injuries."
Port
Talbot are still without Robert Cockings, Chris Pridham and Tom Hooper. Anthony
Corbisiero is banned for Llanelli.
South
Wales Echo
|
|
DEC-26 |
|
Smith's Premier priority
|
|
DENIS
SMITH is hoping to plunder the untapped market of the Welsh Premier League to
re-ignite Wrexham's season.
Smith has
a long-held reputation as a manager able to turn water into wine when it comes
to signing players.
Cardiff
captain Darren Purse and ex English Premiership defender Matt Elliott are both
former pupils of his who went on to achieve at the highest level.
And
having already succeeded in transforming former TNS defender Steve Evans into a
Welsh international in the space of a few months, the wily Wrexham boss is
hoping to find a few more rough diamonds to polish up when the transfer window
reopens in January.
"There
are some good players in the Welsh Premier," said Smith. "I hope other
clubs don't take the league seriously so it leaves the market open for us. We
picked up Steve Evans from TNS in that league.
While
Smith's hands have been tied in recent seasons when it comes to transfer
dealings by the club's fragile financial status, he has at least been granted a
small pot of money this time by the new owners.
Yet his
chances of signing any of the eight players he has set his heart on remain slim.
Smith
admits that loan deals are the way of his world for the time being.
A
temporary deal, though, may not be enough to lure one of his targets - Llanelli
striker Rhys Griffiths.
The
26-year-old hotshot was the leading scorer in the Welsh Premier last season and
has notched 23 goals already this time around.
But
while most players would probably leap at the chance to become a professional
footballer, Smith knows Griffiths could be a different proposition.
He is
under contract with Llanelli until the end of the season and would still command
a fee.
"Rhys
Griffiths is one player we're looking at in the Welsh Premier," said Smith.
"He's scored a lot of goals, but he's a full-time fireman and I don't know
whether he'd want to leave a solid job to be a pro footballer."
Andy
Rose
|
|
DEC-26 |
|
Money-men
swoop to save City
|
|
WELSH businessmen are at
the forefront of the new deal to save Cardiff City after Sam Hammam was
reportedly paid £500,000 to sanction the sale of the club.
Bluebirds officials
claim the furore over Hammam's unwillingness to give up his controlling interest
in the club prompted London hedge funds to walk away.
But Wales on Sunday can
reveal a consortium of Welsh money-men stepped in to haul the Bluebirds back
from the brink after City were just TEN minutes away from going into
administration.
A number of
locally-based, wealthy individuals, headed by 'old faces' like Michael Isaac and
David Temme are thought to be keen to invest in the club's future.
Both have been heavily
involved with the club in the past and last night Isaac refused to deny his
involvement, saying: "Peter Ridsdale and I have a good relationship and
we've met a lot in the past year. And I am sure we will be having more meetings
in the New Year."
A former Bluebirds
vice-chairman, Isaac is still owed £2m by the club.
Meanwhile
Temme, a
former chief executive and new stadium manager for the club, enjoyed a 10-year
association with Cardiff City before being sacked in July.
Penarth-born David
Sullivan is also believed to have been sounded out about investing. The Porn
baron is worth an estimated £600m and despite being a co-owner of Birmingham
City, could under FA rules still purchase up to 9.99 per cent of shares in
another club.
Sullivan recently sold
precisely that shareholding in West Ham and it's thought he could now be in a
position to realise his long-held dream of investing in his 'local' club.
Meanwhile Wales on
Sunday understands that Ridsdale himself will invest £500,000 of his own cash.
Wales
on Sunday
|
|
DEC-26 |
|
Jackett's
spending is checked
|
|
KENNY
JACKETT would do well to remember what happened this time last year before
reaching for the chairman's chequebook in January.
Twelve
months ago Swansea City went on the biggest spending splurge in the club's
history, splashing out £1m in fees and wages on five players.
But
Jackett went on to prove that money doesn't always buy success.
Although
Leon Knight's goals did help Swansea reach the play-off final and Rory Fallon
scored at the Millennium Stadium, none of those New Year signings can be deemed
a success.
The
most successful, Knight, is on loan and up for sale while Fallon has yet fully
to justify his £300,000 price tag.
Of
the other three, Tom Williams has been too inconsistent, while Darren Way has
been virtually invisible due to a string of injuries. Steven Watt, meanwhile, is
surplus to requirements, having hardly kicked a ball for the club.
Jackett
has been wrongly criticised for many things in his two-and-a-half years as Swans
boss, but his record in the transfer market remains more miss than hit.
So,
how can he change that in January? Or, can he change it at all?
While
chairman Huw Jenkins is willing to provide the financial backing again, he has
already stressed that he will not be throwing around the same kind of money as
the club did last January.
Wales on Sunday
|
|
DEC-26 |
|
Scimeca cleared after lung scare
|
|
Cardiff midfielder Riccardo
Scimeca was given the all-clear after being rushed to hospital on Saturday with
a suspected punctured lung.
Scimeca coughed up blood at
half-time after falling awkwardly during the first-half of Cardiff's 0-0 draw
with Leicester at the Walkers Stadium.
But the 31-year-old was back in
the Cardiff dressing at the final whistle.
Stephen McPhail (hamstring) and
Kerrea Gilbert (groin) also picked up injuries during the stalemate at
Leicester.
All three are doubtful for
Cardiff's Boxing Day home game with Plymouth.
BBC
|
|
DEC-25 |
|
Ely Rangers pursue a brighter
future
|
|
Ely Rangers could soon
have floodlights at their Station Road, Wenvoe, ground - and they will be
telescopic.
Agreement has almost
been reached which will give Ely the go-ahead to install lights.
At full height, for
matches, the floodlights will be 15 metres tall.
But when they are not
in use, the floodlight poles will slide down eight metres into the ground and
will not be visible above the tree line.
While Ely Rangers
continue to work on future development, they are also working to ensure they
stay in MacWhirter Welsh League Division One.
Ely are playing good
football, but finding goals hard to come by.
They led 2-0 against
Ton Pentre only to lose 3-2, went down 4-0 against Pontypridd and 2-1 against
Afan Lido.
Rangers have a young
side with several players tipped for a strong future. They include Ashley Hart,
19, plus young central defenders Michael Osbourne and Ben Perkins.
Former Cardiff City
player Wayne Davies, 42, adds all of his experience to the youthful Rangers
team.
Richard Clifford
|
|
DEC-25 |
|
Ton displaying Bulldog
spirit
|
|
Ton Pentre have
banished any doubts, saying: 'We want Principality Welsh Premier League status.'
The Rhondda Bulldogs
have dominated Welsh League football over the last decade, but they have turned
down the chance of promotion because of the potential costs involved.
But long-serving
manager Kevin Richards has no doubts where Ton Pentre are heading.
'Everybody at the club
would love to see Ton Pentre playing at the top level of Welsh football,' says
Richards.
'Personally, I would
love to be manager when Ton take that step.
'This is my home club
and we have had a lot of success, but we all dream of playing Welsh Premier
football.
'The key, though, is to
ensure the club finances can cope with the extra costs of playing at the next
level.
'It's a big step and we
would need a backer to ensure we could go up, but we are working towards that
day.'
Richards and his Ton
Pentre team are right back among the MacWhirter Welsh Football League leaders.
They have banished
memories of their relegation battle last season to launch a major challenge for
Division One honours.
Richard Clifford
|
|
DEC-25 |
|
Welsh premier league preview
|
|
THE Welsh
Premier League reaches the halfway point of the season over the festive period
with the championship likely to develop into the most interesting for years,
with no one club threatening to dominate.
The three
matches scheduled between Boxing Day and New Year's Day could ultimately have a
significant bearing on the destiny of the Trophy with back-to-back holiday derby
games the length and breadth of Wales.
Match of
the day on Tuesday looks like being between the form team Welshpool, who are now
eyeing a place in Europe, and reigning champions, The New Saints at Maes y Dre.
Tommi
Morgan's Welshpool have now gone 11 games unbeaten following their excellent
hard-earned 1-0 victory over Aberystwyth and are now fourth in the table, only
three points adrift of leaders Rhyl.
Rhyl face
a stern Boxing Day test against one of the most improved sides in the league,
Connah's Quay Nomads, who are in fifth spot having lost only one of their last
10 games.
Connah's
Quay boss Neville Powell is one of the league's longest-serving managers and he
is confident that the Nomads can continue their impressive form.
"We
have a settled squad and the players are gelling well together," said
Powell.
There
will be fierce rivalry at Farrar Road, where Bangor City host neighbours
Caernarfon who, despite their struggles at the foot of the table, will be fired
up for this derby match.
Bangor,
with a new management team in place, were heartened by their 4-1 whipping of
Haverfordwest and they will be looking to improve their mid-table position by
taking nine points from their three holiday fixtures - two games against
Caernarfon and one against Newi Cefn Druids.
Llanelli,
who have a genuine chance of lifting the title this season, host Port Talbot
with a 1pm kick-off.
This is
another local derby which could be a classic, despite the Steelmen's
inconsistent form lately.
In west
Wales Haverfordwest host Carmarthen, with both teams looking to put together a
run which can kick-start their seasons.
Porthmadog
clash with Aberystwyth Town while a Mid-Wales derby sees Newtown entertain
Caersws, who are struggling fourth from bottom, while Newi Cefn Druids, now five
places off the foot of the table after an encouraging run, are at home to
struggling Airbus.
Western Mail
|
|
DEC-24 |
|
Port ready to show their steel
|
|
Forget festive cheer and
goodwill, Llanelli's Boxing Day bash with Port Talbot promises to be a cracker
of a different kind. A storm has been brewing between the clubs following an
approach from the Reds for Steelmen midfielder Lee John.
Port Talbot
reported the Stebonheath Park side to the FAW after claims of an illegal
approach.
They say Llanelli talked to the player after speaking to him midway through a
seven days notice of intent after permission to approach the player had been
denied.
The Reds say they were of the understanding that they could talk to John
following a discussion with Steelmen manager Wayne Davies.
Following this, both clubs were asked to attend a disciplinary hearing where
Llanelli were found guilty and handed a fine, which is yet to be decided.
All this could add to an exciting post-Christmas clash at Stebonheath on Tuesday
(1pm).
Llanelli, who have won just one of their last six games in all competitions, are
suffering from a lack of confidence and form as their title hopes have been
dented over the past month.
Port Talbot's league form has been abysmal. They have won just one of their last
eight games in the Welsh Premier League and head to the Reds having lost twice
to the Reds in Challenge Cup group matches this season.
Chris Barney
|
|
DEC-24 |
|
Omen's are good say's Jones |
|
Carmarthen Town, buoyed by their 2-0 home
victory over Newtown, make the short journey to Haverfordwest looking to capture
win No. 2 in manager Mark Jones's target of 18 points from six matches.
The omens are good. The Richmond Park side have won three and drawn one of their
last five visits to Bridge Meadow, travelling home with a 2-1 success on their
previous visit.
"It's always tough at Haverfordwest but there's always a massive Bank
Holiday crowd when we play them which makes for a very special atmosphere,"
Jones said.
Chris Barney
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DEC-24 |
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Caernarfon after Bangor striker Roberts
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CAERNARFON Town are hoping to persuade out of favour Bangor
City striker Paul Roberts to help their relegation fight.
Manager Steve O’Shaughnessy confirmed this week that
approaches had been made and was awaiting a reply.
“We have spoken to Paul and it would be a great boost for us
if he decided to join even though he would miss the festive derbies,” said the
Town boss.
“We were very disappointed with the early cancellation of
our match at Airbus on Saturday, and will have to dig deep against Bangor on
boxing day and new year’s day.”
Defender Lee Bamber misses both matches through
suspension and O’Shaughnessy is still looking to bring in other players.
“I’m speaking to players every day, but we will be
fighting for every inch over the Christmas period, these matches are absolutely
vital for us,” added O’Shaughnessy.
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DEC-23 |
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Caerleon
out for 6 of the best
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Caerleon
bid for a sixth straight league win when they face improving Barry Town at
Jenner Park in the MacWhirter Welsh League First Division tomorrow.
Barry
are unbeaten in three league games, including wins over fellow strugglers UWIC,
now in bottom place, and Grange Quins.
Caerleon
manager Brendan Dowd said: “We need to pick up something from the game but
there is so much confidence in the side.”
Four
players who missed last week’s game are available again – Lee Relish,
Steve James, Martin Phillips and Gafin Griffiths – but Dowd is unlikely to
make many changes to his starting line-up.
Croesyceiliog,
in a run of home games, should continue their climb against bottom team
UWIC. Croesyceiliog have won their last two games without conceding a goal.
Michael
Pattimore, returning to the club from Cwmbran Town, is in manager Chris Evans’
squad and left-hand side midfield player Chris Pritchard returns from
suspension. However, Chris Watkins is serving a one-match ban and Daniel Clouth
is still on holiday.
Evans,
fully aware of UWIC’s position, said: “I am not getting complacent because
of their position. Every game is hard and we have to treat them as a top
side.”
And
Evans is already looking ahead to a new year meeting with Gwent rivals Caerleon,
who are very much the form side.
Newport
YMCA, who had a much-needed victory last week – at Pontardawe – are on the
road again, this time at ENTO Aberaman whose form is on a downward spiral,
offering YM hope of avoiding returning home empty handed.
Aberaman
haven’t won since success against Dinas Powys back in late October, a run of
five matches without success.
However,
YM go into the game without Louis Walsh, Daniel Cueto and Steve Edwards – all
suspended. Jamie Martin, Craig Ford and Alex Jenkins are the trio expected to
step up.
Mark
Coldrick, YM manager, said: “We have never been lacking in confidence and we
can see ourselves going on a run and hopefully last week was the starting
point.”
South
Wales Argus
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DEC-23 |
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Welshpool
manager plays down title challenge
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WELSHPOOL Town manager Tomi Morgan has played down the festive double header
against local rivals TNS.
The Lilywhites are within striking distance of their illustrious border
neighbours following a 12 league match unbeaten run.
However Morgan has dismissed talk of a title challenge and insisted FAW
Premier Cup qualification remained the club’s main objective.
“TNS are playing some great football this season and we will be firm
underdogs at Treflan despite our run,” said Morgan.
“Nobody expected Welshpool to be where we are at the start of the season
and we are just enjoying our football at the moment.”
Brett Jefferies and Geraint Windsor return to contention after missing their
side’s 1-0 victory over local rivals Aberystwyth.
TNS go into the festive period looking to regain pole position in the
Principality Welsh Premier.
General manager Ian Williams said the three matches over Christmas and New
Year are vital.
The New Saints have been boosted by title rivals Rhyl and Llanelli’s poor
run but fear Welshpool Town could strike at the top three this season.
“All credit to Welshpool, they are on a great run at the moment and deserve
to be where they are in the league table.
“It should be a cracking game and a feast of festive football for both sets
of fans,” added Williams.
Nicky Ward is back to full fitness while long term absentees Chris King and
Jamie Wood should play a part in the New Saints festive programme.
Advertiser
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DEC-23 |
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Son
of Mark for Druids
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Alex Hughes, the son of former Wales international
and national team manager Mark Hughes, has signed for a Principality Welsh
Premier League club.
The 19-year-old midfield player has signed for Newi
Cefn Druids, where former Wrexham striker Dixie McNeill is manager.
While Hughes turns to Welsh Premier League football
after a spell with Wrexham, Cwmbran Town striker Sam Small has had a trial for
Swansea City.
The 6ft 2ins forward played for the Swans in a
reserve match at Swindon.
Small is from Cardiff and a big Bluebirds fan who
has been doing well for Cwmbran,
Welshpremier.com
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DEC-23 |
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Another
Toffee for Bangor
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|
Steve Bleasdale continues to develop his squad with the capture of another
former Everton youngster Paul Hopkins. The twenty year old plays either as a
striker or a wide rightman and has joined the Farrar Road club from Irish Eircom
League side Waterford Town.
He was previously with Everton as a trainee but David Moyes released him in
April 2006. despite the fact that he made his England Under 20's debut, coming
on as a substitute during their 4-0 defeat to Russia, in the same season. He has
also represented the England Under 18's and Under 19's and played up front for
the Everton Youth side with new Goodison first teamers James Vaughan and Victor
Anichebe.
Hopkins spent a period of 2006 on loan at Darlington where he scored one goal
and after his release from Everton, he joined AFC Bournemouth on a pre-season
trial but wasn't taken on at Dean Court and he subsequently joined the
struggling Republic of Ireland Premier Division side Waterford United in July
15th 2006.
'Hoko', as he is nicknamed, should prove to be an excellent signing for the
Citizens and his pace will cause a lot of problems for opposition defenders. He
should feature over the Christmas period against Caernarfon Town and again links
up with a former Goodison colleague Stephen Wynne, who made his full Bangor
debut last week in the 4-1 victory over Haverfordwest County
The Citizens have also captured former Morecambe reserve forward Mark Smyth
and also Stephen Bowes from Prestatyn Town. Bowes hit the headlines last week
when he scored an incredible seven goals as the Cymru Alliance outfit thrashed
Queens Park 11-1.
Meanwhile, Airbus are set to complete the acquisition of defender Adam Hunter
from NEWI Cefn Druids. Gareth Owen looks to have pounced on Hunter's
availability after the Druids signed Timmy Edwards from Rhyl.
County
Times
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DEC-23 |
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6
Pointer at stake for Newtown
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MORE than local pride will be at stake in Boxing Day’s annual derby at G F
Grigg Latham Park.
Newtown have been joined in their season long basement battle by near
neighbours Caersws with Tuesday’s encounter representing a key date.
Caersws manager Mike Evans said his side would be buoyed by the midweek
Loosemores League Cup heroics against Aberystwyth Town.
“All credit to the lads, it was a battling display and we deserved to win
over the two games.
“Newtown have improved in recent weeks and with both clubs currently
desperate for league points the match will offer some added spice.”
Caersws welcome back influential midfielder Graham Jones following injury but
will miss Chris Venables to suspension following his midweek dismissal against
Aberystwyth Town.
Meanwhile Newtown face selection problems of their own with Glenn Tolley and
Gareth Hughes sitting out the Boxing Day derby.
New signing Ben Showdery is also suspended, while striker Tony Bird is added
to the squad.
The 32-year-old has yet to make his Robins debut since his switch from
Haverfordwest County.
Assistant manager Graham Evans said: “Hopefully Tony will be available to
make his Newtown debut in the big derby.
“These games against Caersws represent massive games for both clubs in view
of our similar positions in the league.”
Despite their selection problems the Robins assistant manager was confident
of matching the Bluebirds.
BBC
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DEC-22 |
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Cardiff
deal signed with 5 mins to spare
|
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A takeover deal to secure the
future of Cardiff City FC has been signed just minutes before the deadline.
There were fears that the club
could have been put into administration if a deal was not done by noon on
Friday.
But director Steve Borley
confirmed the agreement was struck at 1145 GMT on Friday to sell former chairman
Sam Hammam's controlling stake.
It is crucial to a new ground
and manager Dave Jones had warned he could have walked away without the deal.
The £27m buyout of Hammam's
majority shareholding is set to clear the Bluebirds' debts and leave Jones with
a budget to strengthen the team, which has undergone a slump in form after weeks
at the top of the Championship.
"The uncertainty
surrounding the club has disappeared and the manager can get on with his job and
the players can not worry about whether they're going to get paid at the end of
the month."
Work on the £38m stadium in
Leckwith, near the club's current Ninian Park ground, is due to begin in March
next year.
BBC
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DEC-22 |
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Reds
to be fined over illegal approach
|
Llanelli believe
their fine for illegally approaching a player is a warning to the rest of the
Welsh Premier League. The fine - yet to be decided - was imposed on the club
after the Football Association of Wales found them guilty of an approach to Port
Talbot midfielder Lee John.
But
while the Reds admit their wrongdoing, the club is upset at the complaint lodged
against them by Port Talbot - who they face twice within a week over the
Christmas period.
Rules state that should a club be interested in signing a player from another
club, they must approach them and ask if they can talk to the player.
If it is turned down, the interested club has to send a seven days' notice of
intent that they will speak to the player after the period is over.
But the Stebonheath Park side claim that Port Talbot manager Wayne Davies had
given Reds boss Peter Nicholas the go-ahead in between the period of the notice
being issued.
Following this, Port Talbot are believed to have lodged a complaint to the FAW,
indicating an illegal approach for John.
Nicholas, business development manager Nigel Richards and general manager
Karolina Stasaityte attended the meeting while Port Talbot were represented by
chairman Andrew Edwards and the player involved.
The FAW found Llanelli guilty and are expected to decide the fine today.
"We have accepted the decision," said Richards. "Port Talbot have
made a stand, but it is a bit naughty. The way we have done it is common
throughout the league.
"This is a lesson for the rest of the league. From now on all these
dealings will be done between the club secretaries."
Llanelli
Star
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|
DEC-22 |
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Cwmbran's
fund raiser goes down well
|
|
The season of goodwill was very
much in evidence at fog-shrouded Cwmbran Stadium last night where Newport County
and Cwmbran Town met in a friendly - liberally spread with stars of both clubs
from yesteryear.
It was, quite simply, a very
pleasant and enjoyable occasion and it showed the best possible face of the
game.
County manager Peter Beadle's -
the Fairy Godmother - efforts to raise money for cash-strapped Cwmbran - Baron
Hard-up - will long be remembered. It wasn't quite a pantomime but it was
thoroughly enjoyable for both young and old. Oh yes it was!
It was at Beadle's suggestion
that a behind-closed-doors friendly became open house to raise money for the
Crows, who can no longer afford to pay their players.
And around 500 fans turned out
on a dank winter's night - hardly conducive to persuading the uncommitted fan to
leave the comfort of his cosy lounge.
Mike Lewis, Cwmbran chairman,
said: "I was very pleased with the response - our biggest gate for a long
time.
"I think the weather kept
a few people away, but I would like to thank Newport County for their support,
along with officials and sponsors who all helped us."
And it was a special night for
the Crows' webmaster, Steve Thomas, who lives in Hereford but is from Pontypool.
The 27-year-old fan paid for
the privilege to play for the Crows in the second-half.
He said: "It was brilliant
- but I was nervous. It's a lot quicker than when you are watching in the stand.
Just for the record, County won
the game 4-0, goalkeeper Mark Ovendale starting it off with a penalty, running
the length of the pitch to wrestle the ball from Jason Bowen. He played in a
front-running role in the second-half. Chris Hartland (2) and Sam O'Sullivan
scored after the break.
Ray
Parker
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|
DEC-22 |
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Barry
Town end year on a high!
|
|
BARRY Town hope to celebrate an
unbeaten December by offering all spectators free mince pies in the clubhouse
after Saturday's home match against Caerleon at Jenner Park (December 23, ko
2pm).
A bumper crowd of several
hundred fans is expected for this Christmas cracker - fans are advised to come
early.
The Dragons' comfortable 4-1
victory last Saturday made it three games in a row for Town's rapidly improving
young squad.
The Town's outstanding forward
Zak Misbah walked out of a five-year contract with English Premiership club
Blackburn Rovers after three years last year, when Blackburn wanted him to play
in defence.
Mark Hughes' loss as manager of
Blackburn is Barry Town's gain as Zak threatens to become one of the Town's
all-time top scorers.
Zak is a youth international
having played for Morocco at Under 19 level.
Wales have several young
up-and-coming players but Toshack is still desperate for strikers - Zak as a 6ft
3in goal machine in the Ian Rush mould could be the answer to Toshack and Wales'
goalscorer hunt for the future.
With so many talented young
players, Barry Town can look to the future with confidence.
Now the Town needs the fans to
pack Jenner Park to back the Dragons with passion - starting this Saturday.
Barry
District News
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|
DEC-21 |
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Carmarthen
chase Cardiff scalp and £25,000
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Carmarthen Town
have been handed the chance of repeating one of their most famous wins as they
chase a cash bonanza.
Mark Jones's
side beat Cardiff City last season on their way to the semi-finals of the FAW
Premier Cup.
And they have been paired with the high-flying Bluebirds again this term - with
the carrot of a £25,000 pay-day on offer if they can reach the last four of the
competition.
Jones is relishing the clash with his hometown club, especially after last
year's thrilling 2-1 victory courtesy of goals by Danny Thomas and Nathan
Cotterrall.
"It is an excellent draw and it will be a great night for the club,"
he said.
"I think it's two days after their game with Tottenham Hotspurs in the FA
Cup so it depends on what kind of a side they put out against us.
"If it's the first team then it will be a tough one but we have to believe
we can do it. We did it last year and we seem to enjoy the cup competitions.
"For me The New Saints against Porthmadog is an interesting one as well as
it means that there will be a League of Wales side in the semi-final draw."
The game will be played on Tuesday, January 9, at 7pm.
Carmarthen
Journal
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DEC-21 |
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It's
Curtains for Bridgend
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Bridgend
Town lost last night at home to Taffs Well 3-2, it was their 9th league defeat
of the season, and kills off for good this season any remote chance they had of
gaining promotion to the welsh premier league.
In fact the
way they are going it's more likely they will be in division 2 than the welsh
premier, it was 5th straight defeat on the trot and their 5th home defeat, they
have managed just 4 points at home all season in 7 league games,4 of their 5
wins have been on their travels.
For Taffs
last nights win moves them up one place to 8th, but they are unlikely to stay
that high for long as Taffs have played more games than any other team in the
league (17), Taffs are enjoying their travels with tonight's win making 15
points from their total of 26 in the league.
View
league table
Tony
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DEC-21 |
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Pool
double header beckons for TNS
|
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TNS officials say the extra
competition among clubs in the League of Wales could be just the thing to fuel
their title challenge.
Currently, The New Saints sit
in second place behind Rhyl with the only other full time side, Llanelli, back
in third position.
However, it is fourth-placed
Welshpool – who The New Saints face twice over the festive period – that
could light the blue touch paper for a surge back to the top.
TNS have the boost of an almost
fully fit squad to pick from with Jamie Wood and Chris King back in training
after long-term injuries; Nicky Ward’s knee injury responding to treatment and
Mike Wilde likely to be available after injury would have ruled him out of the
postponed game against Druids.
“We are having an enforced
extended break from matches but the lads are training hard and looking forward
to the games over the festive period,” said general manager, Ian Williams.
He agreed that the two games
against Welshpool on Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day, both with a 2.30pm kick
off, would be the attraction for many local soccer fans.
“They have had an excellent
run and Steve Rogers will be keen to impress in a squad that has been coming
together for several seasons. But if we prepare ourselves in the way that we
normally do I am sure that we will be ok in both games,” he said.
Advertiser
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DEC-21 |
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Welsh
Premier Ref elevated to FIFA List
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North Wales
Referee, Lee Evans has been included on the FIFA List of International Referees
for 2007. Thirty one year old, Evans served on the FIFA Assistant Referees List
for a number of years and officiated at the UEFA Under 17's Cup Final in 2004,
prior to being promoted to The Welsh Premier Referees List two seasons
ago.
Probably the
fittest Referee currently in Domestic Football, he has completed the last four
London Marathons. He Replaces Brian Lawlor from Holyhead who opted to retire
from International Football at the end of the current year.
Lee is joined
by two new Welsh FIFA Assistant Referees, Brian James of Pontypridd and Phil
Thomas of Tonypandy.
Welshpremier.com
|
|
DEC-21 |
|
Welshpool
fury at £300 league fine
|
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WELSHPOOL
TOWN, who have serious aspirations for European football, are furious they have
been fined £300 by the Spar Mid Wales League for withdrawing their reserve side
during the summer, writes Chris Smart.
Chairman
Steve Hughes has blasted league officials for what he describes as
"football bureaucracy gone mad".
He
stormed, "Football clubs in this area are run by volunteers and we are
getting to the stage now where such people will walk away from the game because
of the expense."
Hughes
considers the punishment to be "harsh" and added, "I believe it
is far too severe. We are going to have to find the money from somewhere and
it's yet another expense for the loyal band of volunteers who keep the club
going."
Advertiser
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|
DEC-20 |
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Bluebirds fly into Loosemores Cup Final
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The Second leg of the Loosemores League Cup Semi Final at Caersws on Tuesday
was delayed by 45 minutes as a result of a road accident at Llandinham, which
prevented the Aberystwyth coach from reaching The Recreation Ground until
7.50pm.
The first leg was also seriously delayed due to problems with the Park
Avenue floodlights.
When the game finally did get under way it provided quality entertainment for
spectators with the Seasiders trying to overturn a 2-1 first leg deficit.
Things
got worse for Brian Coyne's side, when their hosts opened the scoring after 22
minutes courtesy of Ross Stephens. Glyndwr Hughes levelled the scores seven
minutes later, only for Stephens to restore the home sides advantage almost immediately.
Hughes popped up for Aber with his second right on half time to send the sides
into the break all square on the night.
In the second half Micky Evans side suffered an early set back with the sending
off of Chris Venables, but Graham Evans settled matters for them when he made
3-2 ten minutes from time. Luke Sherbon did get one back for the visitors in the
90th minute, but by then the Bluebirds had flown.
The Final will be played at a neutral venue to be announced on Sunday 18th March
2007.
Welshpremier.com
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|
DEC-20 |
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Cwmbran gets more help
|
|
Councillor Neil Lewis, Torfaen Borough Council executive member for
regeneration, said: "This is a charity game which we're happy to support
and we hope local people turn up to watch what will be an enjoyable match."
And the Crows yesterday landed a match sponsorship with Newport clothing
company Tough Cookie.
"They have agreed to a full match day sponsorship and that is another
helpful money-raiser for us," Greaney explained.
One blow for the Crows is that former Newport County and Premiership striker
Nathan Blake is no longer going to be involved tonight.
Blake informed Sean Wharton by text message that he had to pull-out.
"It's a blow, but we've had worse," Wharton said.
However, several other past names from Gwent football will be lending their
support to the occasion.
These include former County boss and player John Relish, Graham Rogers, Roger
Gibbins and Cohen Griffiths.
Cwmbran Town have been given another helping hand in their bid to stay alive
ahead of tonight's money-raising game with good neighbours Newport County at
Cwmbran Stadium (kick-off 7pm).
Torfaen Borough Council have waived ground rental - approaching £200 - for
the special match.
Ian Greaney, Cwmbran secretary, said: "Our manager Sean Wharton
approached officials at Cwmbran Stadium last week and it was confirmed a couple
of days ago that we can have the stadium free of charge. It is a very nice
gesture and we are very pleased with that."
South
Wales Argus
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DEC-20 |
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Owain
fears for his career
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Swansea City star Owain Tudur Jones is fighting to save his
career because of a chronic knee injury.
The highly-rated midfielder has flown to America to see
world-renowned specialist Richard Steadman, who has treated the likes of Alan
Shearer, Michael Owen and Ronaldo in the past.
Tudur Jones has shown immense promise since joining Swansea from Welsh
Premiership minnows Bangor City in the summer of 2005.
But a string of knee complaints have hampered his progress and, after a summer
operation failed to cure him, Swansea have now turned to Steadman for help.
Even if things go well, Tudur Jones seems unlikely to play again this season.
The 21-year-old has managed only six appearances this season because of the
problem, which also sidelined him for three months last term.
''I wouldn't say this is the last chance,'' said Swansea physio Richie Evans,
who flew to Colorado with Tudur Jones on Monday.
''But there's no hiding from the fact that Owain's got a career-threatening
injury.
''He has a joint-surface problem, and there's no procedure that can rectify the
problem in professional sportsman.
''Having said that, players have come back from it.''
''We'll be surprised if Owain plays again this season,'' said Swansea boss Kenny
Jackett.
Tony
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DEC-19 |
|
Marc
Lloyd Williams reaches 250
|
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Hats off to
Marc Lloyd Williams of Bangor City who becomes the first player to pass the
milestone of scoring 250 league goals since the founding of the LOW/WPL back in
1992-93 season.
He started
his goal scoring feats with Porthmadog scoring 28 goals in 2 seasons with Porth,
before moving onto Bangor City where he spent his next 6 seasons amassing 130
goals in 159 games, with his best return of 47 goals in the 2001-02 season.
He left
Bangor for the 2003-04 season and signed for Aberystwyth scoring 18 goals in
that season, and then moved onto TNS, where he scored 60 goals from just 53
starts. He was released By TNS at the end of last season and teamed up again
with Bangor City and so far to date this season he has notched up 15 league
goals from 14 games.
His record is
2nd to none and he will not reach his 34th birthday until the 8th of February,
and 300 league goals looks an easy target for this outstanding marksman.
Tony
|
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DEC-19 |
|
Caerleon
can't stop winning
|
|
THERE'S
simply no stopping Caerleon, whose 1-0 home win over Bridgend Town was their
fifth successive MacWhirter League Division One victory.
In a tight affair during which
genuine goal-scoring opportunities were at a minimum, the Cold Bath Lane outfit
secured the three points thanks to midfielder Luke Cheto's 24th-minute effort.
Left back Jamie Hillier's ball
down the flank put in Andy Gay, whose by-line cross was finished off in style by
the on-rushing Cheto.
This was not a pretty game by
any means and Caerleon had to dig deep for victory over a Bridgend side
containing former Newport County players Andy Mainwaring and Leigh Pratt.
Another familiar face in the
visitors' squad was midfielder Geraint Goodridge, who came off the substitutes'
bench 15 minutes from time after scoring for Cwmbran Town in a 2-2 home Welsh
Premier League draw against Llanelli the night before.
Caerleon's win came just three
days after their fine 2-1 success at Maesteg, and for once the Gwent side didn't
concede a late goal - a scenario which has haunted them this season.
"We've been working hard
in training on defending free kicks and corners and that paid off for us,"
said Caerleon boss Brendan Dowd.
"You're right, it wasn't
pretty but it's what we came to do. We knew we'd be up against it, but 1-0 was
what we set our stall out for.
"We're on a great run and
let's hope it doesn't end before the new year. We've a series of away fixtures
now, but it's certainly not a problem as we're as happy playing away as we are
at home."
Caerleon are in 11th place in
the table,
South
Wales Argus
|
|
DEC-19 |
|
Cardiff
seeking cup revenge over Carmarthen
|
|
Cardiff City
will travel to Carmarthen's Richmond Park in search of FAW Premier Cup revenge
in January.
The Bluebirds
have been drawn away to Principality Welsh Premier League team Carmarthen Town
in the Premier Cup quarter-finals.
City went out
of the competition against Carmarthen away at the same stage last season, losing
2-1.
There is a £100,000
prize for the winners of the competition and it would be a major financial boost
for the Bluebirds to collect the trophy and that cash.
First,
though, they must overcome a Carmarthen team managed by Cardiff-based Mark Jones
and including former Bluebirds striker Danny Thomas.
Western
Mail
|
|
DEC-19 |
|
Goal-crazy
Ponty stay on title trail
|
|
Pontypridd
Town are in outstanding form in MacWhirter Welsh League Division One.
Ponty have
fired 20 goals in their last four games, crushing UWIC
7-3 in their latest outing. Chris Summers (2), Dan Marshall (2), Nathan Hosgood,
Danny Street and a 40 yard effort from Geza Hajgato earned Pontypridd victory.
They are now
two points behind leaders Neath with two games in hand ,
and are clearly the team to watch out for at the moment.
Ponty
have a comfortable looking Xmas programme which starts with an away visit to
Grange Quins who have lost their last 3 games and have only taken 2 points from
their last 6 league games.
They
then face the current 2nd placed team in the current form table, when Caerleon
are the visitors on Dec 30th, Caerleon have won all of their last 5 games. they
host Taffs Well another team with poor form on Jan 6th, Taffs have only won 1 of
their last 6 games and taking just 4 points from those 6 games.
Tony
|
|
DEC-18 |
|
Last
gasp penalty miss for costs Neath
|
|
WELSH
League leaders Neath Athletic may rue the last-gasp penalty they missed against
former champions Ton Pentre yesterday if they narrowly fail to capture the title
come the end of the season.
They
had to settle for a 2-2 draw in the Llandarcy showdown.
Despite
this draw Neath are still top of the First Division but they are only two points
clear of Pontypridd who went on the rampage at Ynysangharad Park yesterday to
crush the Students of UWIC 7-3.
Barry
Town moved off the foot of the table with their third victory of the season,
beating fellow strugglers Grange Quins 4-1.
Caerleon
followed up their excellent mid-week victory over Neath with a 1-0 defeat of
Bridgend Town, Luke Cueto scoring after 24 minutes.
Aberaman
continued their slide down the table with a 2-0 defeat at Croesyceiliog.
Reigning
champions Goytre were surprisingly held to a 1-1 home draw by an inconsistent
Bryntirion.
Late
goals by Ryan Morgan and Robbie Walters gave Maesteg Park a 2-1 home victory
over Taffs Well, also the scoreline by which Afan Lido beat Ely Rangers.
Wales
on Sunday
|
|
DEC-18 |
|
Big
name backers for Crows benefit
|
|
Nathan Blake and Jason Perry, both
capped by Wales, are to appear in Cwmbran Town's cash SOS match with Newport
County at Cwmbran Stadium next Wednesday (kick-off 7pm).
Striker Blake, capped 29 times,
began his career with Newport County and during his Football League career was
the subject of a multi-million pound move.
His first was to Chelsea as a
trainee but joined home-town club Cardiff City before being sold to Sheffield
United for £300,000. His scoring exploits with the Blades led to a £1.35m
switch to Bolton and then came his biggest money journey - £4.25m to Blackburn,
later followed by Wolves who paid £1.4m.
Perry, a defender, won Under-21
and B caps and appeared in one senior international and, like Blake, he later
moved to County, but finished his career at Cwmbran. Tough defender Perry, now
36, always a favourite with fans, also played with Bristol Rovers, Lincoln and
Hull.
Mickey Copeman, manager of
neighbours Cwmbran Celtic, is returning to help his former club and so too is
Norman Parselle. They played in the side which won the first Welsh Premier
League crown, taking the club into the European Cup where they faced Cork City
the following season.
Since the cash for players
dried up, the Crows have gained four points out of a possible six. And Kristian
Hanbury, after declaring he was taking a break, is now back in the fold.
Ray
Parker
|
|
DEC-18 |
|
Port
Talbot lose to 10 man Porthmadog
|
|
Things were
looking up for Port as early as the 5th minute, when Porthmadog goal keeper Richard
Harvey was sent off for a professional foul on Lee John on the edge of the
penalty box, and defender John Gwynfor Jones took over the keepers duties.
Things got
even better after 13 minutes when Dean Johnston put the home side ahead, but
their joy was short lived when Porthmadog equalised just 3 minutes later with a
goal from Jason Sadler.
Then just
before the half time whistle 10 man Porthmadog
stunned the home crowd of just 128, when Clayton
Blackmore's 30 yard effort beat Kristian Rogers.
Even with a
man advantage and playing against an un-recognised keeper, Port could still not
claw back a goal, and stand in keeper Jones was rarely troubled.
It was Port's
2nd home defeat of the season, and Porthmadog's first away win of the
season.
Next up for
Port Talbot is a simple trip to take on Llanelli at Stebonheath.
Tony
|
|
DEC-18 |
|
Carmarthen
back to winning ways
|
|
THERE
is a breakaway group of five emerging at the top of the league - and Carmarthen
simply could not afford to drop any points in this game, if they were to hold
out any hope of joining them.
It
meant for a nervous first half for spectators, as the home side struggled to
make a mark on a determined Newtown defence.
For
all Carmarthen's efforts, their only real chance fell to Chris Thomas, who hit
the post on the half-hour with a shot from the edge of the area.
However,
they did not panic and kept playing constructively after the break. In fact, it
only took 10 minutes to break the deadlock.
Carmarthen
owed the goal to excellent over-lapping by right full back Terry Evans, who
picked out Craig Lima on the far post with his cross.
There
was a goalmouth scramble after his knockdown, and Kaid Mohamed eventually seized
on it and forced the ball home from seven yards.
The
home side then tied the game up when Paul Fowler timed his through ball to
perfection, and Danny Thomas fired home from 12 yards.
Three
minutes later, Newtown's goose was well and truly cooked when central defender
Brian Chowdury collected his second yellow card and departed.
Wales
on Sunday
|
|
DEC-18 |
|
Premier
cup draw
|
|
Port Talbot must have be delighted
to draw near neighbours Swansea City in the FAW Premier Cup draw on made on
Saturday.
Carmarthen Town can also expect
a bumper attendance when Cardiff City are the visitors to Richmond Park.
The draw is:
Carmarthen town v Cardiff City
Newport County v Wrexham
Porthmadog v The New Saints
Port Talbot Town v Swansea City
The games will be played on
Tuesday 9 January with a 7.00pm kick-off
Tony
|
|
DEC-17 |
|
York hangs up his boots
|
Former Barry Town player Andrew York has retired from playing.
York, 38, has called a halt to his playing days at Southern League Premier club Bath City.
'Andrew has become frustrated, it was a tough decision,' said Bath manager John Relish.
'It's a shame because he's been with me for four or five years.
He's a very popular guy, great in the dressing room and, maybe in the future, when we're playing at a higher level and need more staff, he can come back to the club.'
York spent most of his Welsh Premier career at Barry Town, making 188 appearances between 1996 and 2003, but also played for Merthyr and Cwmbran.
South
Wales Echo
|
|
DEC-17 |
|
MacWhirter
Youth cup draw
|
|
The draw has been made for the MacWhirter Youth Division quarter-final,
the full draw is
Cambrian and Clydach/Port Talbot v Risca
Neath Ath/Goytre Utd v West End/Haverfordwest
Pontardawe v Ely Rangers
Pontypridd v Pentwyn Dynamos
Ties to be played on Sunday, February 4.
Tony
|
|
DEC-16 |
|
Crows:
Deal or no deal?
|
|
The group looking to take over the
running of Cwmbran Town have withdrawn their cash offer - but they are not
walking away altogether from the cash-strapped Crows, who have been unable to
pay their players for the last couple of games.
Newport-based Carolyn Purcell -
the Mother Christmas who backed the recent Principality Building Society Welsh
Premier League home game with Welshpool - heads the group.
And it would seem that the
group has a sense of frustration, judging by the contents of a statement which
reads: "After having taken legal advice, the group of fans that have been
trying to take over the running of Cwmbran Town AFC are today withdrawing their
offer of any financial assistance to the club.
"We have never been
allowed to see the accounts of the club and at this stage have no idea what sort
of financial mess the club is in.
"When the business plan
was put together in May of this year we had a fair idea of the financial state
of the club but a lot has gone on since then and this has left us with no other
alternative than to withdraw the original statement of paying off the bank loan.
" However, the offer of
taking over the running of the club and working towards making it a viable
venture still stands and hopefully now the present committee will acknowledge
that they have taken Cwmbran Town AFC as far as they can, and that now is the
time to let somebody else takeover the running of the club before it's too late.
"To survive the club has
to be run as a business not like a local pub side, which is what has been
happening for the past few seasons.
Ray
Parker
|
|
DEC-16 |
|
Marginal
decline but G2’s hopeful
|
THE Principality Welsh Premier has
announced a two per cent decline in attendance – so far this season.
However G2, the league’s marketing partners, has backed attendances to rise in
the new year, kicking-off with the inaugural ‘Family Festival of Football’
which is targeting women and children for the forthcoming festive derbies.
G2 spokesman Geraint Evans said: “It’s important to remember the two per
cent drop represents the smallest decline in recent years.
“This suggests that the league has arrested the decline and now has a platform
to build up its fanbase.”
The results of the Principality Welsh Premier supporters survey underlined the
current lack of women and children supporting the league.
Evans said: “The survey revealed the views of the Welsh public and by
arranging initiatives like the ‘Family Festival of Football’ it shows the
league and the clubs are listening.”
Only six clubs reported an increase in attendance with 11 clubs announcing
varying levels of decline.
Worryingly Mid Wales provides two of the sharpest declines with Caersws
attendance down 25.2 per cent to 206 while Newtown’s gates have fallen to 230
– down 20 per cent on last season.
Champions TNS have also seen a 6.9 per cent decrease and even Welshpool Town’s
schools initiative has failed to prevent a drop of 5.8 per cent this season.
However Evans insisted the league was heading in the right direction with the
battle at the top and bottom boding well for increased gates in the season
run-in.County
Times
|
|
DEC-16 |
|
Caerleon
hope to keep up winning run
|
|
Four
straight league wins have given Caerleon manager Brendan Dowd the belief that
his side can continue their rise in the MacWhirter Welsh League, Division One.
They
made it four in a row at Maesteg Park in midweek and now have home games with
Bridgend Town (today) and then bottom side Barry Town the following week.
Dowd
said: “It’s a long time since we won four league matches on the trot and I
believe we have the ability to go on and win our next two home games.”
Caerleon’s
preparation was well planned, Dowd playing his first team in a reserve league
game last Saturday. Caerleon won the match against Ely Rangers 1-0 with Ben
Davies getting the goal.
Midfield
player Davies, signed from Welsh Autoparts Gwent County League side Spencer
Youth, shone in the win over Maesteg Park.
Dowd
said: “He has started to pick up his game. He has quality although, at times,
he is still a little naive.”
Lee
Relish, who played so well alongside Troy Quarterly at the heart of defence at
Maesteg Park, is not available and Lewis Andrews takes his place while Martin
Phillips comes into the squad – if he’s recovered from a hamstring injury.
Caerleon,
with two games in hand, are level on 18 points along with Croesyceiliog.
South
Wales Argus
|
|
DEC-15 |
|
Goytre
to parade new signing
|
Goytre United are
set to parade new signing Billy Timothy in tomorrow's first division clash with
Bryntirion Athletic at Glenhafod Park. Timothy signed from Neath Athletic last
week, but was cup-tied for Goytre's encounter with Cambrian & Clydach.
But
the Port Talbot side lose Jonny Walkley to a one-match ban, while captain Darren
Lyons is still struggling with a groin complaint.
Leaders Neath host Ton Pentre at the start of a difficult run of festive season
matches.
Top scorer Carl Shaw misses the next two weekends because of work commitments,
but captain Andy Hill returns from a three-match ban.
Maesteg Park finished with just nine men during a 2-1 home defeat against
Caerleon in midweek.
Chris Lee was sent off during the first half while Richard Stevens saw red near
the end.
Stevens had given the Old Parish side the lead in the 20th minute, with Ben
Davies equalising just before the break.
Then, with the game seemingly drifting towards a draw, a Davies free-kick hit
the bar and went in off goalkeeper Gary Wager's head.
Park lose both Lee and Stevens to suspensions for tomorrow's home game with
Taffs Well.
Nicky Cole is out with a broken jaw, but their squad has been boosted by the
return of Dale Gardiner from Pontardawe and Gareth Davies, who has overcome
injury problems.
Vital points will be on the table as Pontardawe Town face Newport YMCA at the
Recreation Ground.
Although manager Dai Rees introduced new signings Kevin Bartley and Richard
South at Croesyceiliog last Saturday, Pontardawe suffered a 4-0 defeat.
Returning to squad duties against YMCA will be Steven Cox, Jonny Owen and Andrew
Stokes, while Steve Davies and Steve Crabbe hope to shake off hamstring twinges.Tony
Poole
|
|
DEC-15 |
|
Red's
looking to break Crows hoodoo
|
Llanelli could
bounce back to the top of the Welsh Premier tonight if they break their Cwmbran
Stadium hoodoo. The Reds have lost at the Gwent venue on each of their last five
visits so a change of fortune is overdue.
But
even if Peter Nicholas's side gain three points this evening, they will not
return to the summit unless champions The New Saints come a cropper at home to
improving Newi Cefn Druids.
Cwmbran beat Aberystwyth Town 2-0 the week before last and were only denied
victory last week at Porthmadog by an 89th-minute equaliser, with the contest
ending 2-2.
"Cwmbran are always competitive,'' Nicholas said.
"We will not be under-estimating them but if we play at the top of our game
we are capable of a result.''
Llanelli have signed highly-rated midfielder Nicky Palmer from Haverfordwest
County.
He is in his second spell at Stebonheath Park but the former Bluebird will not
be eligible to make his league bow until the Boxing Day derby with Port Talbot.
Nicholas has also swooped for former Swansea City youth team skipper Matthew
Thompson, but Juan Jesus Perez Jabalera has left without making a first-team
appearance.
Evening
Post
|
|
DEC-15 |
|
Nomads'
Harrison joins the Canaries
|
|
Connah's
Quay Nomads defender has left the club to join the League's basement side
Caernarfon Town. The defender made 14 appearances for the Nomads this term after
joining in the summer from Bangor City. However, the re-signing of Danny
Jellicoe for the Deesiders prompted Steve O'Shaughnessy's approach and Harrison
should become a permanent fixture at the back for Caernarfon who continue to
leak goals. The Canaries have leaked 46 goals in their 14 games this year and
O'Shaughnessy will be hopeful that the left sided player will help to fix that.
Harrison signed for the Nomads
in August 2006 and was previously with Bangor City whom he joined in January
2006 and he made his Citizens debut against TNS on 22nd January in Clayton
Blackmore's first game in charge. He has also previously gained Welsh Premier
experience with Welshpool Town and played for Allerton in the North West
Counties League.
The Canaries have also added
midfielder Dave Griffiths to their ranks from Welshpool. The former Brickfield
Rangers player made seven outings this year for the Lilywhites, but struggled to
command a place.
Welshpremier.com
|
|
DEC-15 |
|
Ryan’s
Robins revolution
|
NEWTOWN manager Darren Ryan is
continuing to ring the changes at Latham Park - sealing two new signings.
Ryan has been looking to bolster his squad after taking charge, and has
completed the signing of Brian Showdery and was also hopeful of snapping up Dale
Raven.
Ryan has previously added several new members to the squad including Adam Worton,
Tom Reynolds, Tony Bird and Barry Bellis.
He described Showdery as a versatile footballer who can play up front, anywhere
on the left side or at centre-half.
He said: “Brian came on and made his debut at Airbus and he was absolutely
fantastic for us, I know Brian and he’ll go through a brick wall for you.”
Raven, who is signing from Cwmbran is a right-sided winger who Ryan is delighted
to welcome to Latham Park. He said: “I’ve played with Dale, he’s a young
lad who is very keen and very sharp, it’s great to have him on board.”
County
Times
|
|
DEC-14 |
|
I'll
pick WPL players if their good enough
|
|
The Principality Welsh Premier
League received a boost yesterday when Wales Team Manager, John Toshack revealed
that if any player in the Welsh Premier League is good enough, he would pick
them for the National side.
His statement was made whilst
discussing his player options with the Western Mail's Head of Sport, Paul
Abbandonato. The Wales boss revealed that he was looking at his options in the
friendly against Liechtenstein and hence his decision to play former TNS star
Steve Evans, now of Wrexham. Toshack said that he thought Evans had 'a super
debut' before continuing to add that,
"Steve was playing in the
Welsh Premier league a few months ago, his elevation to the senior Wales team
should be a boost to every single player in that league. If they are good
enough, I will have no hesitation in picking them."
Toshack also mentioned that he
couldn't speak highly enough of the work of Brian Flynn for the Youth teams for
the Under 17 to Under 21 sides and that he attends as many matches as he can to
unearth the talent of the future. With Steve Evans and ex Bangor skipper Owain
Tudur Jones following in the footsteps of Glyn Garner and Mark Delaney, from the
League to the International squad, maybe Flynn should take a look around the
Welsh Premier League grounds this Christmas?
Welshpremier.com
|
|
DEC-14 |
|
Despite
Crows crisis attendances are up
|
Attendances in the Principality Building Society Welsh Premier League have fallen overall - but, surprisingly, Cwmbran Town, despite all their financial worries, have bucked the trend.
Their crowds show a 13.2 per cent increase on last season although it should be remembered they were helped by a free afternoon when a sponsor shouldered the costs of those attending, resulting in more than 300 people attending the game with Welshpool.
And following their excellent result last Saturday - a 2-2 away draw with Porthmadog - the Crows will be looking to top the 200 mark again for tomorrow night's visit of full-time outfit Llanelli, who are managed by Peter Nicholas, the former Newport County boss.
South
Wales Argus
|
|
DEC-14 |
|
Maesteg
miss chance to go 3rd
|
Maesteg
last night missed the opportunity to climb to a possible 3rd place in the
table had they seen off the challenge of Caerleon.
But
it was Maesteg who shot themselves in the foot ending the game with 9 men.
The first player got his marching orders on the half hour for deliberate
hand ball, and the 2nd player saw red on 85 minutes for informing the ref
how poor he thought his decisions were.
The
game at Tudor Park was subject to an afternoon pitch inspection, and
with hindsight, Maesteg will have wished it had been called off, as the
visitors Caerleon came and took home the 3 points with a 2-1 win, claiming
their 3rd away win in 5 games. Last night's loss was Maesteg 3rd home
defeat of the season, and their 4 defeat in the league.
Maesteg
have now played 13 league games, only one less than league leaders Neath
but are 9 points adrift, they stay in 6th place, while Caerleon jump up to
11th.
Maesteg
have a chance to redeem themselves at home game this Saturday
when Taffs Well are the visitors to Tudor Park, while Caerleon are home to
Bridgend
Town where 11th host 12th in the table.
There
are two mouth watering ties this Saturday in division 1, when top place
Neath take on 3rd placed Ton Pentre, Neath have a 100% home record
with 5 wins from 5, while Ton are unbeaten away with 6 wins and a draw
from their 7 games. And in the other game Bottom placed Barry Town take on
Grange Quins at Jenner Park. If Barry beat Grange and UWIC and Newport
YMCA both lose, then Barry Town will get out of the relegation places
for the first time this season. Barry have taken 4 points from their last
2 games since they lost to us 7-0, while Grange have only managed 2 points
in their last 5 league games and just 2 points separate the bottom 4
clubs.
View
league table
Tony
|
|
DEC-14 |
|
Llanwern
up for Afan Lido encounter
|
|
Laurence Owen, Llanwern manager,
commented: “It is not a bad draw – it could have been worse. But the boys
all had visions of a draw with Neath, that’s what they wanted.
“They
really wanted to have another go at them. In our Welsh Cup tie with them we had
a man sent off after 20 minutes but they didn’t score until the 70th minute
when they had a penalty. The boys felt they were robbed by their own
indiscipline and wanted another crack at them – but we’ll take the
home draw any day.”
South
Wales Argus
|
|
DEC-14 |
|
Jones
insists "we'll be up there"
|
|
Mark Jones
insists Carmarthen Town can collect a sackful of points during the festive
season.
Jones believes the busy Christmas period could prove
vital and is confident his side can climb the table and heap pressure on the
sides above them.
"We're not getting outplayed," he said. "We have a good run of
games coming up and we're still in the two big cups.
"It is an important time for us and I'm confident we can do well over the
next six games to get the points to put us back up there challenging in fourth
position.
"We've got Newtown on Saturday and they have just won two games. It's the
sort of game we want before Christmas, then we have two games against
Haverfordwest and travel to Caernarfon.
"Connah's Quay play Rhyl, New Saints play Welshpool and Llanelli
take on Port Talbot. It's derby time and anything can happen.
"I'm confident we'll be up there."
Carmarthen
Journal
|
|
DEC-14 |
|
New
Saints financial security not far off
|
The
New Saints will soon be reaping the rewards of the new leisure complex being
build next to the former home of Oswestry Town's Park Hall ground.
The
completion of the new leisure center is less than 12 months away, and when it
is finished and up and running the money from the new project will be used to
secure the long term future of TNS Football Club.
The
total cost of the scheme is in excess of £3 million, the club has recently
been awarded almost £450,000 from the Football Foundation.
Among
the facilities at the complex will be a full size Astroturf pitch complete
with floodlights and an eight lane bowling alley.
Tony
|
|
DEC-13 |
|
Dragons
now showing some real fire
|
|
Barry Town
are fighting back in their long, hard battle to survive in MacWhirter Welsh
Football League Division One.
They are
still deep in trouble at the foot of the table, but manager Gavin Price says:
'We have a glimmer of hope now. We really do.'
Zaki Misbah
scored both Barry goals in their 2-1 win against fellow strugglers UWIC and the
Dragons now turn to a home match against Cardiff's Grange Quins at Jenner Park
on Saturday.
'We have
strengthened our squad a little and the next three or four games are against
teams in the lower half of the table,' says Price.
'It's been a
long, hard struggle, but we are making progress.
'The players
have stuck together through difficult times and team spirit has never been a
problem.
'What we
lacked was enough quality overall and now we have been able to put that right.'
Barry, once
the most powerful club in Welsh domestic football, will aim to make sure they
avoid relegation from Welsh League Division One this season and then build from
there.
Manager Price
has signed Scott Morris, who is from the Llanelli area and has been playing for
Cwmbran Town.
'Scott is a
little goldmine,' said Price. 'He is a trainee fireman and could not always make
it to training with Cwmbran. But we have come to an agreement which suits both
Scott and Barry Town.'
Craig Reddy
has also signed for Barry along with Misbah's older brother Samir, a former
Cardiff City trainee who has been with Neath Athletic, while ex-Bluebirds winger
Leon Jeanne is also playing for the Vale of Glamorgan club.
Teenager Zaki
Misbah is leading the Barry quest for survival with his goals.
The former
Blackburn Rovers trainee has signed dual contract forms with Barry Town and
Haverfordwest County, but is currently playing for the Dragons.
South
Wales Echo
|
|
DEC-13 |
|
Bleasdale
looking for new faces at Bangor
|
|
BANGOR
City are open to offers for long-serving striker Paul Roberts ahead of the
January transfer window – and rival Welsh Premier clubs are bound to take
interest.
The
29-year-old has scored 133 league and cup goals in nine seasons at Farrar Road,
including the Welsh Cup final winner against Cwmbran Town at Wrexham in 2000.
As
a promising teenager from Criccieth, Roberts kicked off his career at Porthmadog
before joining Wrexham as a trainee, gaining Wales under-21 honours.
He
now looks set to leave Bangor under manager Steve Bleasdale’s overhaul of the
squad, following the release of young defender Jon Newell to Caernarfon Town.
City’s
new boss has signed defender Steve Wynne from Marine, although the 20-year-old
former Everton product pulled a hamstring in training before being able to make
his debut.
Other
Bangor arrivals were defenders Peter Hoy from Rhyl and Tom Sparey from Caersws.
Ex-Peterborough
United chief Bleasdale said: "I am looking to bring in three or four new
signings during the January transfer window and a couple of players will be
leaving.
Daily
Post
|
|
DEC-13 |
|
We
play away against Llanwern in cup
|
|
The
draw for the quarter final of the Shamrock cup was made last night.
Lido
travel to the Newport Stadium to face 3rd division promotion favourites
Llanwern.
The
game is due to be played on Saturday the 6th of January with a 1:30 pm kick off.
This
means that our scheduled league derby game at home to Goytre United will now be
postponed.
In
the other quarter final draws, the most mouth watering tie see's last season's
top two clubs battle it out at Glenhafod Park, where Goytre United host Neath
Athletic.
The
only other division 1 side in left in the cup Bridgend travel to face Tredegar.
The
full draw is.
Caldicot
Town v Bettws
Goytre Utd v Neath Ath
Llanwern v Afan Lido
Tredegar v Bridgend
All
ties to be played on the 6th of January with a 1:30 pm kick off.
Tony
|
|
DEC-12 |
|
WPL
bid to attract fans for Festive games
|
|
The
Principality Building Society Welsh Premier Football League will this week
launch an imitative to attract families and children to grounds for the derby
matches over the festive period.
At
games to be played on Boxing Day and the reverse fixtures on New Years Day,
families of two adults and up to two children will be admitted for £10.00,
while unaccompanied children will be charged just £1.00.
Promotional
Leaflets will be distributed through clubs to advertise a scheme that will
hopefully attract more families and children to Welsh Premier League grounds in
the future.
Attendances
are currently 2.6% down on last seasons average and while that in itself is not
a particular cause for concern, the Leagues objective is to attract more
spectators through the gates at all clubs, through greater community and family
involvement. The competitive nature of the Championship this season should
certainly help matters and hopefully the title race will continue to be just as
close right through to April.
The
ticket promotion comes after consultation with the clubs, who were almost unanimously
supportive of the imitative that was instigated by the League's Marketing
Partners, G2 Sports Management Group.
Welshpremier.com
|
|
DEC-12 |
|
Bangor
release striker Roberts
|
|
Bangor City manager Steve
Bleasdale has confirmed has released striker Paul Roberts.
Roberts has scored 111 goals in
the Welsh Premier with Bangor and Porthmadog, but has only managed 2 goals so
far this season
Citizens boss Bleasdale has
denied reports that he has plans to release more players.
Brett Harries has arrived as
his assistant manager and he is likely to be bringing in five young players from
Shrewsbury Town.
Tony
|
|
DEC-12 |
|
Caersws
and Aber bid for Cup Final place
|
|
Caersws
entertain Aberystwyth Town in the second leg of their Loosemores League Cup Semi
Final at the Recreation Ground on Tuesday evening.
The
Bluebirds hold a slender 2-1 lead from the first leg played at Park Avenue a
fortnight ago, and the two away goals give them an added advantage.
It
wont be easy, however, against an Aber side who can boast much sounder League
form than Micky Evans outfit of late. Given that, Cup football is a different
kettle of fish altogether and Caersws have a sound record in this Competition
over the years, appearing in the inaugural final in 1993 and then winning what
was then the Gilbert Cup in successive seasons 2000/01 and 2001/02. It looks
sure to be a battle royal to join Rhyl in the Final of this financially
lucrative competition.
Welshpremier.com
|
|
DEC-11 |
|
Rhyl
reject halts Reds
|
|
A
brilliant 20-yard Marc Limbert blockbuster earned Connah's Quay a deserved point
to maintain their push for the top.
The
point delighted Nomads manager Neville Powell.
'A
year ago we were bottom of the league, so to be where we are now is great credit
to the players,' he said.
'It
was a great game, a tremendous advert for the league with chances at both ends.
'Both
sets of players were intent on playing good football.'
Powell
expressed his concern for defender Gary Lovell who was taken to Morriston
Hospital with a back injury, which had deadened the feeling in his legs.
Danny
Jellicoe put through his own goal to give the Reds a 32nd minute advantage, but
Limbert levelled before Llanelli's Anthony Corbisiero was sent off for a crude
tackle.
Western
Mail
|
|
DEC-11 |
|
Cwmbran
draw despite player drain
|
|
The
severe financial problems which have led to the start of a player exodus at
Cwmbran Town failed to dampen spirits as the Crows captured a brave point at
Porthmadog.
It
could even have been all three as the hosts only equalised with a minute
remaining, Jason Sadler's corner headed on by Rhys Roberts for Carl Owen to
score.
Sam
Small put the Crows into a 25th minute lead when he benefited from Roberts'
error to fire home a superb long-range goal.
It
was a lead that Cwmbran held until 18 minutes from time.
Then
Les Davies and Sadler combined for the latter to fire home an equaliser from 12
yards.
Small's
second five minutes later put Sean Wharton's side back in front.
And
it looked like back-to-back wins for Cwmbran until Roberts ruined their day.
Western
Mail
|
|
DEC-11 |
|
Carmarthen
starting to lose ground
|
|
Dave
Cameron's 49th minute strike returned Rhyl to pole position in the Welsh Premier
as the championship race enters the vital Christmas period.
But
Carmarthen manager Mark Jones felt Town defended the free-kick that led to
Cameron's goal poorly and a deserved point was thrown away.
'We
defended the free-kick too deep and you cannot afford to do that inside your six
yard box - it is a minefield if the ball reaches there,' Jones said.
'We
are really gutted not to have returned home with something.
'Neil
Thomas kept us in the match to half-time with some great saves, but in the
second half we had enough chances to have won it.
'After
they scored we showed a lot of character to fight back - Kaid Mohamed and Nathan
Cotterrall's pace gave Rhyl a lot of problems.'
It
is now seven defeats on the trot for Carmarthen at Belle Vue.
Western
Mail
|
|
DEC-11 |
|
Bluebirds
clip wingmakers
|
|
A
DOUBLE from Lee Hudgell led a Haverfordwest goal spree as they clipped the wings
of the struggling Wingmakers at the New Bridge Meadow.
Star
man Hudgell pounced twice in the second half after Tim Hicks had scored his
sixth league goal just before the interval to put the Bluebirds firmly on the
victory trail.
"I
was very pleased with the response after two defeats," said Bluebirds boss
Derek Brazil.
"It
was the best we have played since I arrived and I've told the players our season
started today."
Experienced
defender Gareth Elliott, who scored with a crisp header and young Jack
Christopher were also on target for the rampant Bluebirds.
Former Cwmbran marksman Jody
Jenkins was denied a hat-trick after coming off the bench, while Airbus claimed
a late consolation courtesy of a penalty from player-boss Gareth Owen.
Western
Mail
|
|
DEC-11 |
|
Cwmbran
could yet be saved from financial ruin
|
|
Acting chairman Mike Lewis last
night agreed the Welsh Premier League clubs committee would be prepared to again
meet Cwmbran-based Carolyn Purcell, who heads a consortium attempting a
takeover. Cwmbran opened talks with Ms Purcell last May when her group informed
the club it would seek a new management team to replace Crows boss Sean Wharton
should it make a successful takeover.
That scenario didn't go down
well with the Crows committee and the takeover offer was withdrawn the next day.
But Purcell yesterday informed Cwmbran that Wharton's position would be safe.
She said: When the original
offer was made to the club in May, we were looking at then bringing in a new
management structure as the club had just been relegated (later reprieved).
However, since then Sean
(Wharton) has been joined by Matthew Bishop and the duo have done a good job
considering what has been happening off the field.
So now, having looked at how
the team has performed this season, we would like to publicly state that no way
will we be sacking Sean Wharton if we take over the running of the club.
Lewis response to the statement
was encouraging. He said: This development regarding Sean Wharton certainly
removes one of my objections to the takeover and the committee would now be
prepared to meet with Ms Purcell again.
Ms Purcell is already on record
saying there will be funds available to pay players on a performance-related
sliding scale and to pay off the clubs existing bank loan.
South
Wales Argus
|
|
DEC-11 |
|
Shamrock
cup round up
|
|
In the Shamrock cup we are
joined in the last 8 with Bridgend,
Bettws,
Llanwern, Goytre Utd, Caldicot, Neath and Tredegar.
Neath,
currently on top of the League, proved far too powerful for Morriston Town and
romped to a 4-0 victory at Llandarcy.
Chris
Varden and Chris Miller each scored twice to send Neath into the last eight.
Reigning
Welsh League Champions Goytre United showed the gulf in class between themselves
and Second Division Cambrian & Clydach as they swept to a 5-2 victory.
Richard Ryan was the star man, bagging a hat-trick while Andrew Pearson and
Chris Parfitt were also on target.
Bettws
turned the current form book inside out as they beat top flight ENTO Aberaman
2-1, thanks to first-half goals by Stuart Evans and Robbie Huggleston.
Bridgend
Town were too strong for Ammanford, winning 4-2, while Llanwern got home in
extra time at Caerau Ely, and Tredegar won on penalties against Ystradgynlais.
Caldicot Town are also into the last eight.
The full results were
|
Afan
Lido
|
4
|
v
|
0
|
Maesteg
Park
|
|
Ammanford
|
2
|
v
|
4
|
Bridgend
Town
|
|
Bettws
|
2
|
v
|
1
|
ENTO
Aberaman Ath
|
|
Caerau
Ely
|
3
|
v
|
5
|
Llanwern
|
|
Goytre
United
|
5
|
v
|
2
|
Cambrian
& Clydach
|
|
Llansawel
|
1
|
v
|
2
|
Caldicot
Town
|
|
Neath
Athletic
|
4
|
v
|
0
|
Morriston
Town
|
|
Tredegar
Town
|
4
|
v
|
4
|
Ystradgynlais
|
Tony
|
|
DEC-10 |
|
Getting
tight at the top
|
|
Pontypridd closed the gap on
league leaders Neath with a 4-0 thrashing of Ely Rangers.
The win takes Ponty to within 4
points of Neath but they have 2 games in hand.
Ton Pentre also moved in on
Neath when they won away to Newport YMCA 3-2, Ton are just 6 points behind Neath
with 2 games in hand, its getting really tight at the top.
Outside of the top places
Croesyceiliog had a good 4-0 win over Pontardawe, in what was the 1st of 8
consecutive home games they have to come in the league, the win moves them up 3
places to 10th.
Croesy had new signing Kevin
Davies is in their squad for the game. Defender Davies, signed from rivals Bridgend
Town.
Davies is the club’s 3rd
signing in recent weeks, joining Dale Evans and Paul Bielski.
Another local player who has had experience with a League club is poised to join
them as well.
Barry Town won their 2nd league
game of the season, beating UWIC 2-0 the win moves Barry level on 7 points with
UWIC.
In the leagues only other game
Bryntirion moved up 2 places to 7th with a 2-0 home win over Dinas Powys.
Tony
|
|
DEC-10 |
|
Ambitious
Jones has high hopes for Town
|
|
CARMARTHEN TOWN manager Mark
Jones believes his side will be among the front-runners in the Welsh Premier by
the end of January.
Ahead of today's testing
clash with second-placed Rhyl at Belle Vue, Jones said, "We had a great
14-match run to end last season and I am confident we do it again."
If Carmarthen are to meet
Jones' high expectations they need to return home with something in the bag
against Rhyl.
But history does not auger
well for the visitors who have lost on their last seven visits to the North
Wales seaside.
But Jones is more interested
in current form, saying, "We have lost only three league matches this
season and the spirit is good.
"What we need now is to put a decent run
together."
Western
Mail
|
|
DEC-09 |
|
Druids
win race to sign Edwards
|
|
On
Friday, Newi Cefn Druids completed the transfer of Tim Edwards From League
leaders Rhyl. Edwards has made 10 appearances for the Lilywhites this season,
and led the Belle Vue club to a notable Welsh Premier League, Welsh Cup and
Loosemores League Cup treble in the 2003/04 season.
Welsh
Semi pro International, Evans was plagued by injury last season which restricted
his appearances for Rhyl, but returned this season with gusto and there was some
surprise when he was made available for transfer.
It
was reported that up to five Welsh Premier League clubs have been seeking his
signature and he is likely to be a key figure for a club who have shown
significant improvement in recent weeks. He will, however, have to wait to make
his debut as the transfer was completed to late for him to be eligible to play
at Welshpool on Friday evening.
Welshpremier.com
|
|
DEC-09 |
|
Pontypridd
have chance to close in on the leaders
|
|
Pontypridd
Town can close in on MacWhirter Welsh Football League leaders Neath Athletic
tomorrow.
Neath, 4-1
winners against Bridgend
Town in midweek, are on Shamrock Travel Cup duty at home to Morriston, while
Ponty have a rearranged game.
They travel
to Station Road, Wenvoe, for their First Division match against Ely Rangers. A
win would put Pontypridd two points behind Neath with matches in hand.
UWIC are at
home to fellow strugglers Barry Town at Cyncoed, a crucial match for both.
The students
of UWIC have two wins and seven points from 12 matches, while Barry have only
managed one victory and stand on four points from 14 games.
Caerleon are
visitors to Maesteg Park on Wednesday (7.30pm).
All ties in
the last 16 of the Shamrock Travel Cup are played tomorrow, each with a 1.30pm
kick-off.
Caerau Ely
are at home to Llanwern at their Cwrt y Ala
ground, while Tredegar Town entertain Ystradgynlais
Chris
Barney
|
|
DEC-09 |
|
Bridgend
Town on the move
|
|
The clock is
ticking for Bridgend
Town Football Club as they hunt for a new home next season.
The club must
quit Coychurch Road, its home for 45 years, to make way for a road to the new
Asda superstore.
Asda has
lodged £2m with Bridgend County Borough Council for the club's relocation.
If the club
fails to spend the money within five years, the council is entitled to keep it.
Originally,
the supermarket chain was told a new ground and clubhouse must be up and running
before building work on the store scheme could begin.
But that
condition was waived last Thursday and the club is now under notice to vacate
the site.
Twenty-five
sites for a new permanent home have been examined.
Litchard and
Wern Ddu, on the Sarn-Aberkenfig border, which were once thought to be front
runners, have both been ruled out.
Sharing the
Brewery Field with Bridgend
Ravens has also been rejected.
Time is now a
major factor, and of immediate concern is where Bridgend
will go next season.
Club chief
executive Colin Mawer has been exploring a possible ground-share arrangement
with another club.
However,
Welsh Premiership club Port Talbot Town is a non-starter as the Blues are
already choc-a-bloc through their reserve and youth teams, while Swansea
City also utilise the Remax Stadium for their second string.
Cwmbran Town
is another possibility but geographically it would be a last resort, owing to
time and distance.
Some local
clubs playing below Welsh League standard will also be investigated for possible
ground-share.
All this
comes at a time when the Welsh League is also looking to improve standards in
the hope that a Premier Division will be reinstated for next season.
And looking
at the bigger picture, Welsh League secretary Ken Tucker has written to all 19
first division clubs regarding their intentions for next season with regard to
the Principality Welsh Premiership should they finish in the top two.
With no
ground to put forward, Bridgend
face the prospect of missing out on both fronts, but Mr Mawer said Bridgend
must get on and create something that will get sports people in the town
talking.
"Bridgend
as a town has grown enormously since the club moved to Coychurch Road in the
'60s, and we now have to construct a stadium that everyone will be proud
of," he said.
"When
you go abroad you are very much aware of sports complexes, and it seems as if
everyone likes to associate themselves with these centres.
"Bridgend
is a rising town, expanding towards Cardiff
all the time, and we have to have a new stadium worth boasting about.
"But we
are also mindful of the short term and what will happen to the club once moving
out of Coychurch Road at the end of the season.
"The
Welsh League is being very supportive, as they don't wish to close down clubs,
and I'm confident we'll find a local ground to continue on next season."
However, it
remains to be seen whether the new development will incorporate other sports. A
new home for Bridgend
Ravens under the same roof would provide both games with a massive shot in the
arm.
Mr Mawer
continued: "It all depends on the eventual site whether there is provision
for other sports to join us in a modern stadium.
"While
football has to be our main concern, it would be lovely if we could carry other
sporting organisations from the area with us.
"It has
taken a long time for the project to reach fruition, but we are now setting out
on a continued journey towards building something very special."
|
|
DEC-08 |
|
Two
arrive but Jesus leaves the Reds
|
|
Llanelli have
added two new players to their ranks ahead of Saturday's home clash with
Connah's Quay Nomads - but have lost one of their Spanish contingent.
The Reds have
added midfielders Nicky Palmer - released by Haverfordwest last week - and
former Swansea City Youth captain Matthew Thompson to their wafer-thin squad
ahead of the Nomads' visit to Stebo.
But Juan Jesus
Perez Jabalera has quit the club.
Palmer is no stranger to the Reds as he spent three seasons at Stebo before
joining Haverfordwest. He is well accustomed to Peter Nicholas's side, having
been on the losing side in league and cup clashes.
However, Palmer will not be able to play until the Boxing Day clash with Port
Talbot at Stebo due to a ruling which prevents him from playing 28 days
following his release from Haverfordwest.
His arrival is believed to be one of the reasons for Spaniard Juan Jesus Perez
Jabalera returning to his home land.
The former Sante Fe product felt that with Palmer arriving - added to a lack of
opportunities and the language barrier - it was time to leave the club without
having played a game.Chris
Barney
|
|
DEC-08 |
|
Ryan’s Robins revolution
|
|
Last night Neath gave themselves a
7 point cushion at the top of the welsh league when they emphatically beat
Bridgend Town 4-1 at Llandarcy Park.
Bridgend can now forget about
winning the welsh league for another season as they have now suffered 6 defeats
in their 12 games, and lie in 10th place in the table, 18 points behind Neath.
The win takes Neath 7 points
clear of 2nd placed Pontypridd Town, though Ponty can overhaul them if they win
all their 3 games in hand.
Neath's win maintained their
100% home record this season making it 5 win from 5.
Their next league game is not
until Dec 16th when they face Ton Pentre who have not lost on the road this
season winning 5 and drawing the other.
County
Times
|
|
DEC-08 |
|
Welshpool want to make it 10 in a row
|
|
Last night Neath gave themselves a
7 point cushion at the top of the welsh league when they emphatically beat
Bridgend Town 4-1 at Llandarcy Park.
Bridgend can now forget about
winning the welsh league for another season as they have now suffered 6 defeats
in their 12 games, and lie in 10th place in the table, 18 points behind Neath.
The win takes Neath 7 points
clear of 2nd placed Pontypridd Town, though Ponty can overhaul them if they win
all their 3 games in hand.
Neath's win maintained their
100% home record this season making it 5 win from 5.
Their next league game is not
until Dec 16th when they face Ton Pentre who have not lost on the road this
season winning 5 and drawing the other.
County
Times
|
|
DEC-08 |
|
Injuries
worry for Reds for Saturday
|
Nicholas - who this week clinched the coach of the
year award at Llanelli's Brin Isaac Memorial sports awards - has other
matters to worry about ahead of Saturday's big game with the Nomads.
Utility man Cortez Belle, who missed last week's victory over Caersws
through suspension, is recovering from a groin injury while defenders Gary
Lloyd and skipper Lee Phillips are also being looked at.
Left-back Lloyd - winner of the town's main sporting accolade - also
missed the Caersws trip with a calf strain while right-back Phillips
suffered a hamstring pull.
All three are expected to come through though as the Reds look to continue
their winning ways following the victory at Caersws.
Nomads - level on points with the Reds - have player of the month Tommy
Mutton in their ranks while former Tranmere defender Gary Lovell will be
keeping a close on the league's leading scorer Rhys Griffiths, who has
notched 15 goals in 11 league games.
Nicholas, who lost three consecutive games for the first time in his
managerial career when the Reds slumped to Aberystwyth, Bangor and
Porthmadog, believes his team have got over their slump.
"I could sense the players were getting a little tired," he
said. "They have played a lot of football since we got back to
training on June 8.
"But I would say that we only played badly in one game during that
period. We were just not on the ball against Bangor, but we can't win
every game.
"Now we face another big test in Connah's Quay. I have had them
watched and they are an organised, physical team. But we have to keep it
going with another win."
Chris
Barney
|
|
DEC-07 |
|
Neath
move 7 points clear at the top
|
|
Last night Neath gave themselves a
7 point cushion at the top of the welsh league when they emphatically beat
Bridgend Town 4-1 at Llandarcy Park.
Bridgend can now forget about
winning the welsh league for another season as they have now suffered 6 defeats
in their 12 games, and lie in 10th place in the table, 18 points behind Neath.
The win takes Neath 7 points
clear of 2nd placed Pontypridd Town, though Ponty can overhaul them if they win
all their 3 games in hand.
Neath's win maintained their
100% home record this season making it 5 win from 5.
Their next league game is not
until Dec 16th when they face Ton Pentre who have not lost on the road this
season winning 5 and drawing the other.
Tony
|
|
DEC-07 |
|
Jones:
Rhyl don't scare us
|
|
Carmarthen Town
head to league leaders Rhyl on Saturday with a no-fear attitude injected into
them by boss Mark Jones.
The Old Gold
play their first match in a fortnight but Jones insists his team will be fresh -
rather than be caught cold - due to their enforced break.
And he has even taken his side training at the beach as Town go in search of
their sixth league win of the season.
Jones has watched video footage of Rhyl's 3-1 win at Bangor last weekend and
insists his team should be positive ahead of the trip to Belle Vue.
"There is always a little extra added to the game when you are taking the
leaders on," he said.
"But we have already played most of the top sides so we are going there
believing we can get something.
"I would be disappointed if we don't get anything. We are capable of
winning there."
Town will take a full squad to North Wales which includes defender Deryn Brace
and hotshot striker Kaid Mohamed, who has struck eight goals in 12 league
appearances this season.
Rhyl are currently unbeaten in the league at home having won four and drawn one
of their matches at Belle Vue.
Chris
Barney
|
|
DEC-06 |
|
Another
crow flies the nest
|
|
Another Cwmbran Town player has
flown the Crows' nest - and manager Sean Wharton expects more to follow.
Less than a week ago the Crows
revealed their financial plight, resulting in the axing of players' money.
There were pledges of support
to the club but Wharton realised that, for financial reasons, some players would
move on.
Leading goal scorer Jody
Jenkins has joined Haverfordwest, who are just below Cwmbran in the Principality
Building Society Welsh Premier League, while 27-year-old full back Terry Green
is joining Midland Alliance club Westfields, a team based in his home town of
Hereford.
Wharton said: "Jody was
extremely upset to be leaving and his scoring ability speaks for itself, while
Terry has been unbelievably consistent. But I think I will be losing more
players."
Jenkins returned to the Crows
after a spell with neighbours Croesyceiliog, playing a crucial role in their
rise through to the top divisions of the MacWhirter Welsh League after gaining
election to the league.
Crows' money-raising home
friendly with neighbours Newport County on December 20 at Cwmbran Stadium will
include invited players and manager Sean Wharton may well come out of retirement
for such an important game.
Ian Greaney, Cwmbran secretary,
said: "We are looking to bring in one or two former players and Newport are
working on bringing in high profile people.
"We are also looking at
holding an auction of various items of football memorabilia at the clubhouse
after the match so we may have an early kick-off, but we'll make an announcement
later in the week."
Ray
Parker
|
|
DEC-06 |
|
Rhyl
storm into cup final
|
|
Tuesday's Loosemores League Cup
Semi Final at Belle Vue was in some doubt due to heavy rain in North Wales in
recent days, but Referee, Lee Evans passed the pitch as being fit.
Visitors Porthmadog, must have
wished that he had made a different decision after being comprehensively beaten
4-0 by the home side, who win through to a spring Final against the winners of
next weeks clash between Caersws and Aberystwyth.
Rhyl Manager, John Hulse was
confident enough to leave the prolific Andy Moran on the bench and it was his
strike partner Lee Hunt who opened the scoring on the stroke of half time.
Gareth Wilson added a second after 51 minutes, with George Horan making it three
after 69. A thoroughly miserable night for Porthmadog was capped when Alex Hay
got the fourth in the 89th minute.
Welshpremier.com
|
|
DEC-05 |
|
County
come to Crows' aid
|
|
NEWPORT County have thrown a
financial lifeline to cash-starved neighbours Cwmbran Town who last week
announced they no longer had sufficient funds to pay their players.
County and the Crows were due
to meet behind closed doors on December 20 to bridge the gap between the
former's FA Trophy clash against AFC Sudbury (December 16) and Dorchester in the
Conference South on Boxing Day.
But County boss Peter Beadle
suggested opening the doors to the public on learning of Cwmbran's situation. He
said: "To lose a club so close would be tragic and we don't want to
happen."
And perhaps the Crows could
take it a stage further and ask Cardiff City and Swansea City for similar SOS
games.
Beadle, who has forged a very
strong connection with Crows boss Sean Wharton, added: "I have become very
good friends with Sean in the short time I have been here and we both have the
same philosophy on how things should be done. We have a ten-day break later this
month and we were talking about a game behind closed doors, which he agreed to.
"But in view of their
plight we now want to make it a bit more for them. It is important that we do as
much as we can because they are our friends and neighbours. If we can help out
and make it a benefit match by opening it up to the public then it's the right
thing to do.
"We know what it is like
and if we can help them get through this season we would like to do it and I
would urge all our supporters to help them by going to the game.
"Money has become the
biggest and most important thing in football unfortunately and there are clubs
who do not have financial
Wharton said: "We have
forged great links with Newport County and Peter wants to see local football
succeed and it would be tragic if the club were to disappear.
"We want to make it a big
occasion and perhaps have a Cwmbran XI against the County."
Ray
Parker
|
|
DEC-05 |
|
Rhyl
and Porthmadog bid for Cup Final place
|
Rhyl entertain Porthmadog at Belle
Vue on Tuesday evening in the second leg of the their Loosemores League Cup Semi
Final. The tie looks finely balanced after the goalless draw at Y Traeth last
week, but with home advantage Rhyl look odds on favourites for the Final.
Porthmadog, with their excellent record in Cup competitions certainly wont go
down without a fight and the forecast high winds in North Wales could also play
a part.
It certainly could be beneficial financially to get to the final of a
competition that has seen a significant increase in prize money this season.
Rhyl themselves are no strangers to the final of the Loosemores Cup, having
enjoyed back to back victories in 2002/03 and 2003/04, while Port, who were
founder members of the League seek their first Final appearance.
The second semi will be decided next week, when Caersws defend their 2-1 first
leg advantage over Aberystwyth at The Recreation Ground.
Welshpremier.com
|
|
DEC-05 |
|
Rangers
to face Ponty in a re-arranged clash
|
|
Ely Rangers
have a re-arranged home match against Pontypridd Town in the MacWhirter Welsh
Football League on Saturday.
Ponty were
due to face Aberaman Athletic, but they are in Shamrock Travel Cup action
against Bettws away.
Neath
Athletic could move further ahead at the top tomorrow when they play Bridgend
Town at home (7.30pm), while Pontypridd will travel to Ely's Wenvoe ground on
Saturday intent on moving closer to the leaders.
While Ponty
go in search of league points, Neath Athletic will be at home to Morriston Town
in the Shamrock Travel Cup.
All eight
ties kick-off at 1.30pm on Saturday and the draw is: Afan Lido v Maesteg Park,
Ammanford v Bridgend Town, Bettws v ENTO Aberaman Athletic, Caerau Ely v
Llanwern, Goytre United v Cambrian and Clydach, Llansawel v Caldicot Town, Neath
Athletic v Morriston Town, Tredegar Town v Ystradgynlais.
South
Wales Echo
|
|
DEC-04 |
|
Coyne
and Mutton win November WPL Awards
|
|
Aberystwyth Town Manager, Brian
Coyne and Connah's Quay Nomads stalwart Tommy Mutton have been named
Principality Building Society Manager and Player of the month for November.
Former Newtown and Cwmbran
boss, Coyne saw his side unbeaten in League matches in the month, with victories
over Caersws and Carmarthen Town and a draw against another in form side Connah's
Quay. The Seasiders also powered into the Semi Final of the Loosemores League
Cup, shocking the then unbeaten League leaders, Llanelli in the quarter final at
Stebonheath.
During a long spell at Newtown,
Coyne took the Robins into the UEFA Cup on two occasions as a result of
finishing runners up in the League in 1995/96 and 1997/98. He took over at
Cwmbran for a short spell before moving to Park Avenue last season, when Aber
finished seventh in the table.
Nomads, prolific goal scorer
Mutton has produced some eye catching displays for the Deesiders, who now occupy
the lofty position of fourth in the table, just a single point adrift of leaders
Rhyl.
He Has made 152 appearances for the Nomads and has scored 85 League and Cup
goals for the club. On 6th October he reached a significant milestone, when he
scored his 100th Welsh Premier League goal, 64 of which have been for Connah's
Quay.
The presentation to Brian Coyne
will be made prior to The Seasiders home match with Port Talbot on Saturday, by
a representative of the Principality Building Societies Aberystwyth branch,
While Mutton will receive his award from a representative of the Mold branch on
a date to be arranged.
Welshpremier.com
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DEC-04 |
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Neath
see off YMCA with a 4-1 win
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First division
leaders Neath Athletic came away from Newport YMCA with a 4-1 victory. Having
fallen behind to a Craig James penalty, goals from Jarrod Price and Jonathan
Keaveny sent Neath in 2-1 ahead. And it was action replay time on the restart as
Price and Keaveny both netted again.
Goytre beat
Dinas Powys 4-1 with first-half goals from John Meacock and Paul Lenihan. Former
Goytre player Mark Dunford pulled a goal back on the restart, but a Richard Ryan
double - one from the spot - sealed the win.
Pontardawe led on the back of a Richard Cleverly strike at half-time against
Pontypridd only to suffer a 5-1 defeat. The Swansea Valley side had Andrew
Stokes sent off just before the break, and goal doubles from Nathan Hosgood and
Chris Summers along with a Dean Morris strike saw the home side through.
Maesteg Park triumphed 3-0 at Grange Quins thanks to Robbie Walters (two) and
Chris Lee.
UWIC beat Bridgend 3-2 at at Coychurch Road. Goals from Leigh Pratt and Drew
Fahiya had put Bridgend 2-1 up.
Evening
Post
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DEC-04 |
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Welsh
league div 2 round up
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West End won 4-1 against Merthyr
Saints with all the goals coming in the second half. Strikes from Wayne Jones,
Neil Phillips, Anthony Wright and Rory Smitham saw them home.
AFC Llwydcoed picked up their first league win of the season with a 5-2 success
over Garden Village. The Stafford Common side were 3-0 down at the break and
although they eventually got going with goals from Mark Lloyd and Lee Restartter,
it was the Cynon Valley side's day.
Briton Ferry went down 3-1 at Treharris despite opening the scoring in the 20th
minute through Richard Howell.
Morriston slipped into deeper relegation trouble after losing 4-0 to Caldicot at
the Dingle, but Ammanford defeated Cardiff Corries 2-1 at the Recreation Ground.
Richard Lewis gave the Rice Roaders the lead and after the sides turned around
on 1-1, an 11th goal of the season from Luke Fayers secured Ammanford's win.
Garw relieved Troedyrhiw of top spot with a 3-1 win over the Willows side at
Blandy. Goals from Tom Donald, Dave Traun and substitute Christian Burge settled
the issue while Richie Collins was on target for Troedyrhiw.
Evening
Post
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DEC-04 |
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Welsh
league div 3 round up
|
Llansawel were held to a
disappointing 2-2 draw by Abertillery at Cwrt Herbert in division three. Two
goals adrift until the 72nd minute, the introduction of Andrew Cann pepped Sawel
up, and he pulled a goal back and player-manager Paul Carpenter hammered home an
equaliser.
Third-placed Llangeinor, who named former Swan Damian Lacey as their new
manager, went down 4-2 in a top-of-the-table clash at Llanwern. The Steelmen
built up a three-goal lead inside 15 minutes and despite goals from Jonathan
Quigley and Rasdul Abdul, Llanwern secured the points.
Cwmamman picked up a first victory under new boss Michael Ellery, winning 5-2
against bottom-placed Gwynfi at the Cape.
Cwm's assistant-manager Dean Beniamous struck twice before the break while Roy
Tomlinson and Jonathan Thomas were also on target. Gwynfi then narrowed the gap
on the resumption to 4-2 via Geraint Mizen and Carl Rees only for Tomlinson seal
the points.
Porthcawl were held to 3-3 by lowly Chepstow with Paul Atkinson striking twice
and Gareth Griffiths once for the Seasiders.
Ystradgynlais went down to a disappointing 3-2 defeat against Goytre FC at
Plough Road. Andy Walsh gave the Gwent side the lead during the first half while
in the 47th minute Craig Hopkins equalised only to get sent off. Goytre went 3-1
up before Liam Soroka completed the scoring close to time.
Evening
Post
|
|
DEC-04 |
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Stalemate
for Steelmen
|
Port Talbot had
to settle for a point as they paid the price for not breaking down the Welshpool
defence.Port Talbot began with a bright and positive attitude with Lee Surman
finding the support of his former Swansea City youth team colleague Chad Bond.
They
quickly advancing forward, only for Bond's 15-yard shot to be cleared after five
minutes by Welshpool midfielder John Keegan.
The visitors then came back at the Steelmen when Aaron Stokoe pushed forward and
sent over a cross that Steve Rogers fired wide.
Rogers again went on the attack for Welshpool but his 25-yard strike flew just
over.
The Steelmen came close after Bond was obstructed by Keegan and Andrew Mumford's
30-yard free-kick went wide in the 18th minute.
Former Swan Bond had a golden opportunity to break the deadlock when another
Mumford free-kick sent him through.
His shot had keeper Gerald McGuigan beaten but Paul Dowridge cleared off the
line.
Dane Williams put Bond through on 35 minutes but this time the former Wales
Under-19 international fired wide.
The Steelmen maintained their pressure after the interval, and on 57 minutes Lee
John came close after he burst through the Welshpool defence only for Geraint
Windsor to block his effort.
From the resulting corner, Leigh De-Vulgt found Bond in the packed area, but his
well-timed shot was saved by former TNS keeper McGuigan.
Port Talbot again came close five minutes later when Bond put Scott Barrow
through and his cross found Williams but he headed wide.
Mumford forced a good save from McGuigan after Barrow had been pulled down by
Michael Thompson 13 minutes from time.
"Welshpool were very tough, but we deserved three points," said a
disappointed Port Talbot boss Wayne Davies.
"Luck just didn't go our way.
"There were two clear-cut chances that we missed in the first half, with
Chad Bond having only to pass the ball into the net and that was followed by Lee
John having just the keeper to beat.
"Andrew Mumford was also a little unlucky with a number of
free-kicks."
Davies added: "It would be unfair to say Welshpool played a long ball game,
but they were at their most dangerous when they were clearing out of defence.
"They got through on Kristian Rogers on a couple of occasions where he was
forced into making some good saves, but they were quite routine for him."
Evening
Post
|
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DEC-04 |
|
Former
Barry keeper set for Cardiff City
|
|
Cardiff City are poised to sign
former Barry Town goalkeeper, David Forde.
But because he plays his soccer
in Ireland, he cannot be signed until the transfer window opens again in
January.
The 27 year old played for
Barry Town in the 2001/02 season making 16 appearances for the club.
Forde currently with Derry City
in the league of Ireland, helped Derry to a 2nd place finish this season, were
the club only lost out on the title on goal difference to Shelbourne, but on
Sunday he was between the posts when Derry lifted the cup with a extra time 4-3
win over St Patrick's Athletic.
He is a former Wales under 21
international.
Tony
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DEC-03 |
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Haverfordwest
snap up Crows top scorer
|
|
Haverfordwest County have added to
their squad, after the Cwmbran v Aberystwyth game club top scorer Jodie Jenkins
announced he had signed for the west Wales bluebirds.
Jenkins is the 2nd Cwmbran
player to sign for Haverfordwest this season following their signing of club
captain Simon Heal in the close season.
27 year old Jenkins started his
welsh premier career with Barry Town in the 1998/99 season, he is in his 3rd
stint at Cwmbran, he also played for TNS in the 2001/02 season.
He has amassed 147 appearances
in the welsh premier and scored 45 goals, 12 this season for Cwmbran. Jenkins
signed up for the Crows again this season from welsh league side Croesyceiliog.
Tony
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DEC-03 |
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Welsh
premier round up
|
|
Rhyl
stayed one point clear of the chasing pack after a 3-1 away win at Bangor
City thanks to goals from Connor Murtagh, Andy Moran and Lee Hunt.
Llanelli
scored three
without reply at Caersws to stay second as they got back to winning ways
after losing their last three outings in three separate competitions.
Two second-half goals in the
space of 10 minutes gave The New Saints a 2-1 win at home to
Haverfordwest, despite having Michael Wilde sent off after 64 minutes.
Newtown
moved off the
bottom after securing only their second win of the season. Tom Reynolds struck
in the 73rd minute for a 2-1 victory at Airbus UK.
And Port Talbot and Welshpool
played out a goalless draw.
On Friday night, Connah's
Quay Nomads moved top of the league temporarily after a 1-0 home win over Porthmadog
thanks to Adam Dickinson's 68th-minute goal.
Crisis-club Cwmbran, who
are unable to pay the players' wages, lifted some of the gloom by ending a run
of eight games without a win by beating Aberystwyth Town 2-0 at home.
Michael Pattimore and Jody
Jenkins were on target, but Jenkins then announced he was leaving to join
Haverfordwest County.
Newi Cefn Druids came
back from 2-1 down at home to beat Caernarfon Town 3-2. Former Caernarfon
Steve Watkin levelled the scores on 66 minutes before Mike Heverin hit the
winner a minute later.
BBC
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|
DEC-01 |
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Cwmbran
players united in club crisis
|
|
Cwmbran Town players have given
the crisis-hit club a massive boost by deciding to stay on indefinitely - pay or
no pay.
They were told this week, as
exclusively revealed in yesterday's Argus Sport, that hoped-for sponsorship
deals had fallen through and there was no money to pay them.
Their response has been to get
right behind the club and manager Sean Wharton with a pledge of total support as
the Welsh Premier League outfit battles to survive.
Wharton received the boost
ahead of tonight's game with Aberystwyth, who are managed by former Crows boss
Brian Coyne.
Ray
Parker
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DEC-01 |
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Lee
John to stay at the Re-Max
|
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Port Talbot
midfielder Lee John has turned down a move to professional outfit Llanelli.
Llanelli had
put in a 7 day notice on the player, but Lee John has decided to stay much to
the delight of fans and manager Wayne Davies.
John is a
firm favourite of the crowd and has played 58 league games for Port in 2 spells
at the club, & has scored 10 goals.
John has
played for Neath, a short stint with Merthyr Tydfil and Haverfordwest.
Tony
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DEC-01 |
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Pool
laugh off Nomads Davies bid
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WELSHPOOL
Town manager Tomi Morgan has scoffed at speculation linking top scorer Calvin
Davies with a return to Connah’s Quay Nomads.
The 23-year-old has been a revelation in his second stint at Maesydre - bagging
eight goals in eight games.
Morgan said: “We are used to clubs coming in for our players but we have not
lost anyone yet and don’t expect Calvin to be returning to Nomads.”
“Calvin was kicked and targeted by Nomads players, when we went there last
month, so I doubt very much he will be interested in returning to Deeside.”
Morgan also revealed promising winger Stuart Vernon had rejected an approach
from Cefn Druids, to remain at Maesydre.
County
Times
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DEC-01 |
|
New
Robins striker aims for lift off
|
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NEWTOWN begin
life without Danny Barton in the relegation six pointer at Airbus UK this
weekend.
Barton called time on his Robins career last week and has since joined
Aberystwyth Town.
Assistant manager Graham Evans praised the 32-year-old for his service to Latham
Park.
“We wish Danny all the best for the future,” said Evans. “He is a cracking
lad and a fine servant to Newtown Football Club.”
Tony Bird is in line to make his debut at the Airfield after completing his
switch from Haverfordwest County, while Tom Reynolds is in contention after
arriving from Guilsfield.
County
Times
|
|
DEC-01 |
|
Rhayader
FC's comeback bid
|
|
RHAYADER Town
have revealed plans are being drafted to reform the club in time for next
season.
The Mid Wales football scene was rocked by Radnorshire’s former flagship
club’s demise last season.
The club resigned from the Spar Mid Wales League in August due to a lack of
interest - leaving the town without senior football for the first time in over
half a century.
The club have continued fund-raising despite the demise of the senior string and
has maintained a strong youth and junior section.
And Woosnam revealed a town meeting had been scheduled for the New Year to gauge
interest in reforming the once proud football club for next season.
“It would be fantastic if football in Rhayader was to make a return,” said
Woosnam.
“The club have several junior sides and hopefully we can reform a committee
and build for next season. A town like Rhayader should not be without its
football club.”
County
Times
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|
DEC-01 |
|
Depleted
Bluebirds face Llanelli Challenge
|
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MIKE Evans
faces another selection headache for the weekend visit of league leaders
Llanelli.
The Caersws manager has snapped up Lex XI midfield prospect Martin Plant, while
Marc Hughes has rolled back the years to answer a Bluebirds SOS.
The duo are likely to be called into action as both Ross Stephens and Geraint
Lewis are suspended, while Hugh Clarke and Graham Jones are injured.
“We have problems at the moment but the win over Aberystwyth Town in midweek
showed we can still compete,” declared Evans. “Llanelli are going through a
sticky spell so there is no reason why we can’t get a result.”
County
Times
|
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DEC-01 |
|
Welshpool
& TNS are punished
|
|
WELSHPOOL
Town chairman Steve Hughes has lambasted “football bureaucracy” in Mid
Wales.
Hughes is livid with the Spar Mid Wales League after the club was fined £300
for withdrawing its reserve side in the summer.
Hughes blasted: “Football clubs in Mid Wales are run and operated by
volunteers and we are getting to the stage now where such people will walk away
from the game because of the expense.
“We are obviously hugely disappointed by this punishment and its another case
of football bureaucracy in this region.
“We tried everything we could to keep our reserve side in the Spar Mid Wales
League, but in the end we could not appoint a manager.
“This punishment is very harsh and I am particularly annoyed at the severity
of the fine.
“We are going to have to find this money from somewhere and it is yet another
expense for the loyal band of volunteers who keep our club operating.”
Meanwhile The New Saints have been docked three points by the Spar Mid Wales
League.
The league acted after the Saints Reserves called off a scheduled home clash
with Knighton Town.
The points deduction is a major blow to the club’s title hopes and comes just
months after the club overturned an FAW decision to join the league.
General manager Ian Williams said: “While the club appreciates the decision of
the league, we had requested permission to use an alternative pitch that meets
the league criteria in order to alleviate the problem of over-using Treflan.
County
Times
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