DEC-31

Admission is cut from £6 to £4 for the remainder of the season. The club feel that a town the size of Port Talbot should be at least be trebling their home gates, and with all the hard work and progress the club have made both on and off the field it is hard to see why they are not getting the support.

But while their average attendance this season is the 3rd lowest in the welsh premier, they as a club have never attracted high attendances in the league, their average for their first 7 seasons in the welsh premier is only 203, so to try and find the answer to the problem is not going to be an easy one for the club.

Tony

DEC-31

Port Talbot have made two new signings, 28 year old midfielder Mark McGibbon joins from Cwmbran Town, the second new face for the Remax club is former Llanelli and Taffs Well player Kyle Sheppard.

Neath have also brought in a new face in the shape of 43 year old Clayton Blackmore, the former Bangor and Porthmadog manager joins his home town club, Blackmore is the second former welsh premier manager to join the Eagles following David Burrows who signed after leaving Aberystwyth.

While two players join Port Talbot, news of one going the way has surfaced, Haverfordwest have put in notice for midfielder Dylan Blain, Blain a former youth and first team player joined the Steelmen in 2006, but could be re-joining his former club after talks with Bluebirds manager Derek Brazil.

Tony

DEC-31

He is set to give the go-ahead for goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel to stay for an extra two Coca-Cola Championship matches – at least.

And Schmeichel’s view is: “I’d love to stay.”

Cardiff City manager Dave Jones has also enquired about three other goalkeepers – two with Premiership clubs and one at another level – in case Schmeichel is unable to stay longer.

The Danish Under-21 international is due back with Eriksson’s Manchester City after playing for Cardiff at home to Plymouth tomorrow (1pm).

Officially, though, Schmeichel, 21, could stay until near the end of January without a new agreement.

“We’ve talked to Sven about Kasper staying with us longer and we are hopeful,” said Cardiff City chairman Peter Ridsdale.

If Eriksson agrees, then Schmeichel will be available for two more matches at least, at home to Sheffield Wednesday on January 12 and at West Brom a week later.

Eriksson recalled Schmeichel after deciding Joe Hart would be his number one goalkeeper for the rest of the season.

That pushed Swedish international Andreas Isaksson out of the team – and he wants to leave Manchester City in search of first-team football.

Cardiff, though, have said: “Let Kasper stay with us until Isaksson goes.”

And if Isaksson fails to find another club during January, then Schmeichel could stay for the rest of the season.

“It’s been great to be a part of this Cardiff City team,” said Schmeichel.

“There is no limit to what they can achieve if they can continue to play in the same fashion as they have done recently.

“I want to play football – and Cardiff City are offering me that chance. ”

ICW

DEC-31

The Dragons travel to high-flying Chesterfield on New Year's Day hoping to lift themselves off the bottom of League Two.

But with the opening of the transfer window, the Wrexham boss is in for a busy month.

"I will probably have to try and change as much as I can," said Little.

"We have a basis of good players and I really don't know how many players I will have to bring in because I have to try and change things.

"There are a few good things I've seen that I've tried to throw back into the group."

BBC

DEC-31

The Bluebirds are 12th after picking up four points over the Christmas period and are five points off sixth where Tuesday's visitors Plymouth sit.

"We're chasing that sixth spot down and hopefully we'll get to that and then we'll chase fifth and fourth," he said.

"It's slowly starting to turn and we know there's a lot of hard work ahead."

Jones added: "At the moment, we're just trying to claw back some of the points that we felt we've thrown away at certain stages of the season.

"I've said many times some of our performances didn't really reflect the results we were getting.

"Preston was about building on what we've been doing and making sure we continue to progress and slowly it's coming together.

"What we've done is given ourselves believe and a confidence injection."

BBC

DEC-31

The Swans are now five points clear at the top of League One going into 2008 with games in hand over teams below.

"Normally, when you are looking up to big occasions, the football isn't that great, but I think we had everything today," said Martinez.

"It is a day to feel very proud of Swansea City."

The only downside of the game was Ferrie Bodde's sending off for a rash challenge on Jonathan Howsen.

But Martinez said the players showed grit to hold on for the victory.

"The way we adapted and to play over 50 minutes against a very good Leeds side with 11 men is very satisfactory," he said.

"There was real grit in the performance and there was the understanding that was needed.

"The dressing room has got a winning mentality and they look into each other's eyes and make sure they are going to work for each other on and off the ball.

"Overall the squad was tested to the maximum today and were a credit to the football club."

BBC

DEC-31

Cwmbran Town are hoping for an upturn in fortunes during 2008.

The Crows have not scored in four matches, have seen their promotion chase falter and had their Welsh League clash with Taffs Well on Saturday postponed.

Dinas Powys stepped up their bid for promotion with a 2-1 win at Croesyceiliog.

Dinas have applied for promotion this season. To achieve that they must finish in the top two at least – and will have to find an alternative home ground because their own does not currently match standards required.

Former Cardiff City youth player Geza Hajgato scored both goals for Dinas Powys.

Pontypridd Town are continuing their progress. They went down 2-1 at leaders Goytre United, but produced a solid display.

Goytre thrashed Pontypridd 9-0 at Ynysangharad Park earlier this season and, despite the defeat, the scoreline from the return fixture underlines how manager Mal Cammilleri is improving matters at Ponty.

ICW

DEC-31

The 20-year-old is strongly being linked to a move away from Ninian Park in January, with one Wolves bid having been turned down and Charlton also said to be also keen on acquiring Ledley’s services.

The Cardiff-born ace has been in a rich vein of form recently scoring a fantastic individual winner at Deepdale after Roger Johnson had brought City level.

But Ledley, who rose through the Bluebirds youth ranks and has already made more than 150 City appearances, insists he is happy to stay and will only go if he is forced to.

“I am happy where I am at the moment, at Cardiff, and I am happy to stay,” said Ledley.

“But, if they accept a bid, then I will be gone, that is the way it is. It is up to Cardiff City and what they want to do.

“Of course everybody wants to play in the Premiership, and hopefully I can do that with Cardiff.

“But as I say, it is up to Cardiff whether they accept a bid or not. All I know is that I am happy where I am right now.

“None of what is being said or written about all this has affected me at all. I just go out there and play football.

“I always go out to play as well as I can and I thought I did well against Preston, so I am pleased.”

ICW

DEC-30

CONNAH’S Quay Nomads will have at least four new faces on board for their New Year’s Day showdown at Rhyl (2.30pm) – and boss Jim Hackett says they desperately need them.

Nomads are just three points above the relegation places after going down 5-0 at home to the Lilywhites on Boxing Day and 4-0 at Neath on Saturday.

The heavy losses offered Hackett the final proof that some players are not up to playing in the Welsh top flight.

Hackett is also having to do without Chris Williams and Adam Dickinson.

And now former Chester City midfielder Wes Kilgannon has joined the key duo on the treatment table after pulling his hamstring in the first of the double header with Rhyl.

Adam Hitchen, who was unable to play in the derby after hurting himself in the warm-up, will not feature in the return match even if he recovers as he serves a one-game ban for five yellow cards, while Allan Glover, having been sent-off at Neath, remains suspended, as does Stuart Cook.

Little wonder, then, that Hackett can’t wait to introduce defender Phil McDiarmid, winger Paul Wilcockson – both highly-experienced campaigners – and Wales Under 17s striker Michael Cronshaw.

He has also signed young defender Liam Jones from Flint Town United and has made offers for a host of other players, including midfielder Kyle Jacobs from Porthmadog.

Hackett said: “We have been waiting for the transfer window to open on January 1 as I feel the players coming in will help us get the 12 points I feel we need to stay up.

“They haven’t been dragged down by our poor results so they are fresh and confident.

“At the beginning of the season we just had to build a squad, now we have to better it. The players we’ve got have done a job, but they’ve shown their limitations and none can go away saying they haven’t had a chance.”

One crumb of comfort for Hackett has been the fine return of captain and defensive linchpin Gary Pinch.

Hackett said: “Pinchy’s a great example to all the lads who are injured as he reacted in the right manner to being out. He hasn’t let his head drop and he’s stood up and been counted.”

FC

DEC-30

Blain played for his hometown club Haverfordwest County for six seasons, before signing for Port Talbot Town in 2006 and has scored 13 goals from his 209 Welsh Premier League games, two of which have come from his nineteen starts this season for Port Talbot Town. He is a former Wales Under 19 International and a very under-rated player in the Welsh Premier, as he consistently puts in solid displays at this level.

Manager Nicky Tucker has also started shopping in the January sales by making an approach for Cwmbran Town defender Mark McGibbon. The 29 year-old right-sided Londoner has also played for Birkerod FC in Denmark and he is expected to complete a move to the club in the next few days following a successful trial at the Re/Max Stadium.

OWP

DEC-30

Andy Robinson's curling free kick gave the Swans the lead, Jermaine Beckford equalising superbly a minute later after Dennis Lawrence's indecision.

Garry Monk's strong near-post header from a corner restored the advantage, but Ferrie Bodde was red-carded for a rash tackle on Jonathan Howson.

Jason Scotland made it 3-1 at half-time after a bullocking run, Alan Thompson's free kick after the break not enough.

The packed Liberty Stadium crowd were treated to their sixth successive home win as the Swans surged on to take a five-point lead at the top of League One.

But they could be facing an extended period without Bodde, the midfielder now having been sent off twice since his summer arrival from the Netherlands.

BBC

DEC-30

Simon Whaley gave Preston the early lead, latching on to Lewis Neal's corner with a low, rasping drive.

Roger Johnson equalised after the break, powering home an eight-yard header from Ledley's swinging corner.

Ledley then combined with Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink down the left, powered into the box and held his feet under Sean St Ledger's tackle to guide in the winner.

The victory was the Bluebirds' first at Deepdale since 1986 and leaves manager Dave Jones' side - who have lost just one of their last six - with realistic play-off ambitions going into 2008.

BBC

DEC-30

The Dragons remain bottom of the Football League after the result made it their fifth straight defeat.

"I'm obviously very disappointed because I think we could have won today," said Little.

"The goal we conceded was one of those now infamous five minute mad spells that we have."

And Little, who will be looking forward to the January transfer window opening on Tuesday, is frustrated that his players seem to panic too easily.

"I think young Wes (Baynes) made a mistake on the edge of the box and for five minutes, we were all over the place," he said. "For the rest of the game, we were all right.

"For those five minutes from the sidelines, you get nervous. You sense that all of a sudden we've made a mistake and we don't know how to put it right.

"And yet there's really nothing to put right. It was 0-0, we were doing OK and that's the disappointment that we can't recognise spells like that.

"The goal today was a disappointment.

"I think we should have got a result today and that's probably the first time I've been able to say that for a while."

BBC

DEC-30

But the Swans’ boss insisted he is not concerned with sending messages to the rest of the division, claiming he already knows how good his team is.

Martinez said: “Whoever beats Leeds sends a message out and opens the eyes of others – but what we care about is this club, and the attitude and desire of these players here is something I am proud of.

“This was a great victory. It was a big occasion, but if anything the game proved to be better than the occasion, with some outstanding football.

“I don’t know about people saying we can now be champions – all I know is we have players with talent, and a group of players who are concerned about winning their next game.

“We have set our standards but we have played very well in our last five games – that consistency is hard to get, so it is very pleasing.

“There are 25 league games left and we are involved in two cup competitions, but we all need to improve on a daily basis. Every player here knows that and has the attitude to do it.”

Martinez hailed the result as the most satisfying of the season, but mainly because of the uphill task facing the hosts after Ferrie Bodde’s red card. But he refused to publicly criticise the midfielder and instead said: “When you play against any team with 10 men for such a long time it takes a huge effort, but to do it in front of a full house against a side challenging for the top is an even bigger task.

“We wanted to give something to those fans from the dressing room and I think they did – they can feel proud of their players.”

Dennis Wise slammed Bodde for his challenge before admitting Swansea were the best side Leeds have faced this season.

Wise said: “I thought Swansea did very well. But then I expected that because we knew how good a team they were before.”

ICW

DEC-30

Falling behind after only nine minutes Merthyr hit back only two minutes later when Darren Griffiths brought the Martyrs level.

However, they found themselves behind again on 20 minutes, a deflection allowing Rob Morley to restore the visitors’ lead.

Merthyr came out in determined fashion at the restart and in minutes they were level for a second time when Craig Stiens was brought down by Bedford goalkeeper Michael Armitt, who got his marching orders.

Jamie Rewbury kicked the penalty.

A second penalty award saw Jon Darby dismissed but the spot-kick was put over the bar and, just when a draw looked like the likely outcome, up popped Griffiths to head home the winner and clinch the important three points.

ICW

DEC-30

There had seemed only one winner after Ian Hillier headed a Richard Evans corner into the net to give County an eighth-minute lead – which Charlie Griffin doubled when he latched on to Lee Fowler’s ball over the top in the 52nd minute.

But County switched off defensively and Wes Fogden reduced the arrears in the 55th minute.

The game was held up for nine minutes while a replacement linesman was called for, and in the 69th minute of playing time Fogden brought the scores level.

Newport manager Peter Beadle immediately sent on towering striker Jermaine Clarke and the move paid off – the forward scored within two minutes of coming on.

ICW

DEC-29

Griffiths told the Star that he was torn between staying at Stebonheath Park and heading to Switzerland.

Llanelli are awaiting a reply from Aarau following Griffiths's trial, but Parekh insists they will only allow the double Golden Boot winner to leave if the move is right for him.

First of all though, Llanelli will sit down with Griffiths and look to extend his contract beyond June 2008.

The Swiss club could swoop for him then and land him on a free transfer under the Bosman ruling, but the Reds are confident he will sign a new deal.

That would ensure them a transfer fee should Aarau, or any other club, want to sign the 27-year-old.

For a player of Griffiths's calibre, Llanelli could well be looking towards a six-figure deal.

That might still appear to be scant consolation to the club's fans, however, as Griffiths is a crucial part of Peter Nicholas's title-chasing side.

However, Parekh says the Reds have not yet reached the stage of putting a fee on their star man.

"If you look at the scoring charts for the past few seasons across Europe then you will see Rhys Griffiths near the top," said Parekh.

"He is a top player and a great goalscorer.

"It does not surprise me that interest has been shown in him.

"It's great for him, Llanelli and the Welsh Premier League.

"We won't stand in his way. We told all the players in the summer that if the right club comes in for them, we will be right behind them.

"We are waiting to hear from Aarau, but that probably won't happen until the new year.

"In the meantime, we want to sit down with Rhys and open contract negotiations as soon as the transfer window opens.

"Regarding a transfer fee, we haven't reached that stage yet. We don't know how deep Aarau's pockets are just yet."

LS

DEC-29

Morgan was a hotshot striker for The New Saints and Aberystwyth Town in Wales plus Telford United, while Jones was a full-time professional for Everton, Coventry and Preston.

Both are in their 50s, Morgan having just achieved the half century, while Jones is a year older.

The two men go head-to-head on Tuesday week when Cardiff City travel to play Welshpool Town at Maes-y-Dre in the FAW Premier Cup quarter-finals.

The experienced Riccy Scimeca and teenager Aaron Ramsey are pencilled in to link up in central midfield – although no final decision will be made on Scimeca until just before the match – and City are certain to take the tie seriously with £100,000 on offer for the winners.

City have suffered embarrassing defeats too often in this competition and won’t want to fall again.

Morgan took charge at Welshpool in 2004, a year before Jones was appointed manager of Cardiff City.

Football has been established in the mid-Wales town since 1878. They have played as Welshpool Wanderers and Welshpool Warriors, while they now stick to Welshpool Town.

During 1991-92 they finished top in their Mid-Wales League division, 12 points clear of their nearest rivals.

But they were docked a massive 66 points for fielding a player under suspension in England.

They plunged from top to bottom spot and presented the title to Caersws.

Morgan has steered Welshpool back into the Principality Welsh Premier League – and they currently lie sixth.

The winners of the Welshpool v Cardiff City on January 8 will play Newport County in the semi-finals.

ICW

DEC-29

The Swans are seeking a sixth straight home win today as they welcome Leeds United in a heavyweight League One contest.

That sequence has coincided with a change of Swansea formation as Leon Britton has joined Bodde and Darren Pratley in central midfield, Martinez abandoning the more traditional 4-4-2 set-up for an offensive 4-3-3 system.

“It’s good that the gaffer changed things,” said Bodde, who scored his fourth Swansea goal in the 4-1 Boxing Day demolition of Cheltenham.

“We have the players for the new system and I think we have a good combination in midfield with Leon, Darren and myself.

“The defenders play the ball to us and it’s up to us to feed our strikers.

“But we also need the guys on the bench and the rest of the squad to make us sharp and a good team.”

Bodde collected his fifth caution of the season on Boxing Day, ruling him out of next week’s FA Cup third-round tie against non-league outfit Havant & Waterlooville.

The cynics might suggest it is a good game for the former Den Haag midfielder to miss with Swansea’s No 1 priority this season being promotion to the Championship.

ICW

DEC-29

The immediate fall-out for 30-year-old Rae personally that night was being dropped to the City bench for the first time since arriving from Rangers in the summer.

It was a situation Rae admits he was “gutted” by, but he has bounced back to put in sterling performances against Sheffield United and Watford over the past week.

“I think after that defeat against Charlton, and the way we played we were pretty much shocked, we knew things had to be changed,” said Rae.

“I think it was perhaps that point which stirred a lot of people into action.

“We realised we had to pull together and sort things out and since then there has been an improvement.

“The manager did say after that Charlton game he could have dropped anyone and, unfortunately, it ended up being me.

“I was gutted, of course. I want to play every game, no footballer wants to be kicking his heels on the bench.

“But perhaps I did need to be freshened up a bit. The one thing it did enforce in me was the desire that once I got my place back I was going to seize that chance. I wanted to make sure I kept my place in the side.”

And, with the Bluebirds at struggling Preston today, Rae is hoping City can keep things going and continue their climb up the league.

ICW

DEC-29

NWC

DEC-28

CWMBRAN Town last night denied manager Guillermo Ganet has either been sacked or has resigned by confirming the Spaniard remains in charge of the MacWhirter Welsh League Division One outfit.

Rumours have been rife for weeks that all was not well within the Cwmbran camp, and last Saturday's 1-0 defeat at lowly Pontardawe Town meant the Crows have taken only six points from the last 24 and have not scored a goal in 370 minutes of football - statistics which fuelled speculation that the former La Liga midfielder had left.

However, Cwmbran secretary Ian Greaney exclusively told the Argus that although Ganet has flown home to Spain for the festive period, he is still the Gwent club's manager.

Speaking during the interval of yesterday's Gwent derby between Caerleon and Croesyceiliog at Cold Bath Road, Greaney said: "I can confirm that Guillermo Ganet is still manager of Cwmbran Town Football Club.

"I've had lots of people come up to me telling me that they'd heard he has left, but that's totally untrue."

Greaney also pointed out that talk of Cwmbran having lost up to five players in the past week or so was also unfounded.

The only player likely to leave the club when the January transfer window opens is full back Mark McGibbon, who is the subject of seven days' notice from Port Talbot Town.

"They are officially still with the club and we continue to hold their registrations. But there are some personal issues which need to be sorted out between them and the manager."

Ganet took over in the summer following last season's relegation from the top-flight Welsh Premier League, and brought a whole squad to Gwent with him from his London-based football academy.

SWA

DEC-28

Legg was sent off during Llanelli’s 2-1 win at Richmond Park, Carmarthen, on Boxing Day.

That is a huge blow for Llanelli, who have also been without injured Welsh international Matt Jones for some time.

Llanelli stand second in the table, two points behind The New Saints and a win against Carmarthen Town is crucial.

There are no Welsh Premier League fixtures tomorrow, but return games in local derbies are played on New Year’s Day.

Neath Athletic and Port Talbot Town clash at Llandarcy Park (2.30pm).

They drew 3-3 in a hard fought match at the Re/Max Stadium on Boxing Day.

Leaders TNS won 3-0 at Welshpool Town, Cardiff City’s opponents in the FAW Premier Cup, and the teams meet again on January 1, this time at the Saints’ ground.

ICW

DEC-28

Watford appeared to be taking the rise out of the Bluebirds, claiming in their matchday programme that:

Cardiff don’t have two leeks to rub together.

Dave Jones is desperately trying to keep things on an even keel while all around him is chaos.

The reason Jones has not been sacked is that City can’t afford it.

One Bluebirds insider described the words as “insulting” but there was no official comment from the club and it is not known whether City complained.

The programme notes read: “The threat of administration is ever present at Ninian Park. Court battles take on greater significance than footballing ones as they try to stay in business and avoid a 10 points penalty which would plunge them to the bottom of the Championship.

“Relegation could be a final catastrophic blow.

“You have to feel sympathy for Dave Jones, desperately trying to keep things on an even keel while all around him is chaos, though the very fact that Cardiff don’t have two leeks to rub together might well have been the factor which dissuaded the board from sacking him earlier in the campaign. They couldn’t have paid him off. Whether that was the case or whether, for once, the board were admirably far sighted is unclear. But panicking, getting rid of Jones, would have been stupid in the extreme.”

ICW

DEC-28

The Lilywhites had agreed with the Nomads to move their New Year’s Day clash so players could spend more time with their families during the holiday.

But the league refused permission and said they wanted all league ties to be played on the Bank Holiday.

Rhyl boss Hulse was annoyed by the league’s obstinacy after also complaining that his side were forced to make three trips in succession to South Wales during December.

The manager said yesterday: “We’d agreed with Connah’s Quay to play the game this Saturday, but the league refused to allow us even though both clubs had agreed.

“The league said they wanted all league fixtures played on New Year’s Day. We just wanted to give our lads, especially the part-timers, the chance to have a bit of family time on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.”

Earlier this month Rhyl had to make three treks to South Wales in as many weeks, beating Port Talbot Town 2-1 on December 1, drawing 0-0 at Carmarthen Town on December 15, and losing 2-1 to Llanelli a week later.

Hulse said: “What I was unhappy about was that when I first joined the league at Bangor City in the Welsh Premier’s initial season, it was stated there wouldn’t be long travel over the winter months. So we found it ludicrous that we had to make these trips three times in three weeks.

DP

DEC-28

The unavailability of Cwmbran Stadium means the Crows' home Division One clash with Taffs Well has been postponed.

However the town's two other clubs, Division One rivals Croesyceiliog and Cwmbran Celtic, of Division Two, are both in home action.

For Croesyceiliog the game against promotion-seeking Dinas Powys represents a quick chance to put right the 4-0 away Boxing Day defeat by Gwent rivals Caerleon.

Now they face a tough challenge from a Dinas Powys side managed by Mark Jones, who experienced domestic and European success with Welsh Premier League outfit Carmarthen Town.

"It's a stiff task, but we'll regroup and give it our best shot," said joint Croesyceiliog manager Chris Evans, who will give fitness tests to several squad members on match day.

SWA

DEC-28

Following the trip to Dorchester, Newport have five successive home games.

Weston-super-Mare are visitors on New Year’s Day, followed by Hayes and Yeading (Saturday, January 5), Torquay United (FA Trophy, Saturday, January 12), Havant and Waterlooville (Saturday, January 19) plus Cambridge City (Wednesday, January 23).

First, though, manager Peter Beadle’s County must make the trip to struggling Dorchester Town, who drew 1-1 against Bath City on Boxing Day.

The Exiles also drew, 2-2 against Weston-super-Mare away, with Charlie Griffin spurning the chance of a winner when his 93rd-minute penalty was saved.

Dorchester have former Cardiff City head of recruitment Paul Compton in charge.

He is assistant manager and in temporary charge while manager Shaun Brookes is recovering after an operation

ICW

DEC-28

The former England striker is out with an ankle ligament injury sustained in training – and while sidelined manager Dave Jones says Fowler is set to fly out next week to have keyhole surgery on his troublesome hip.

“It looks likely Robbie will be going to Colorado for surgery,” said Jones.

“He is still two or three weeks away from training because of his ankle problem and the medical opinion is that a minor operation can sort out his hip. We are awaiting a final decision by specialists, but that’s how it looks right now.

“Robbie has had a problem with his hip in the past and played through it. The course of injections he had in Germany helped considerably, but did not finally solve it.

“Medical opinion says a minor operation will achieve that.”

ICW

DEC-28

On a tough afternoon in Yorkshire, Swansea found themselves beaten 2-0 in the reverse fixture back in September.

Leeds are enjoying some of the biggest crowds seen for decades in the third tier of English football and teams visiting Elland Road find themselves in a bearpit of an atmosphere.

With a 20,000 sell-out expected at the Liberty, Martinez, whose side sit top of League One, wants to return the favour tomorrow afternoon when third-placed United travel to West Wales.

“It really is the glamour tie of League One right now and it was one I bet supporters looked out for when the fixtures were first announced,” said Martinez.

“Leeds have been very, very strong. They have a fantastic home record and have got into the habit of using that home advantage very much to their favour.

“Elland Road is probably the toughest place to visit in this division. But now we have them at our home and hopefully it will be a sell-out crowd.

“We know we have got the best supporters around, the way they have got behind us this season has been fantastic.

“But what we need is to create an atmosphere like Elland Road, to outdo Leeds at our place. We want supporters to kick every ball, to go up for every header. They can really have a big, big influence on the game for us.

ICW

DEC-27

All square at the RE-MAX

The Steelmen started brightly and took a two goal lead inside seventeen minutes with Chad Bond and Scott Barrow netting. Kristian Rogers, the Port 'keeper was then unfortunate to concede an Own-goal on 19 minutes, by Barrow extended the two-goal advantage just before the hour mark. 

Neath's resolve was tested to the full, but Andy Dyer's side have a great spirit and they grabbed two more through Carl Shaw (68) and Andy Hill (77) to gain a point.

ICW

DEC-27

Dave Jones bemoans injury time goal

Jobi McAnuff equalised deep into added time, which Jones believes the referee let go on too long.

He said: “Three minutes of stoppage time was indicated but the lad’s scored in something like the fourth minute so I don’t know what’s happened there.

“He allowed them to bully us and push and shove us all game. We matched all that but at the end it was probably one too many.

“I can’t fault my side, I thought they were fantastic today. They coped with everything they threw at us and when we were able to get the ball down we played some good football.

“It’s disappointing because this is an important game but we’ve been let down by the ref.”

Although he was dismayed to only draw with the Championship leaders, after goals from Roger Johnson and Peter Whittingham were cancelled out by Jay DeMerit and McAnuff’s last-gasp effort, Jones is confident Cardiff are on the up.

He said: “We have been slowly getting better and better and there is still a long way to go. There is a confidence and belief in the squad and we have stuck together really well.

“If we can get all our injured players back soon we will improve even further.”

ICW

DEC-27

Swans flying high at the top

Andy Robinson struck twice in the first quarter, first heading home Guillem Bauza's flick-on and then curling a 25-yarder into the top corner.

Ferrie Bodde's low drive, from Leon Britton's pass, put the result beyond doubt two minutes after the interval.

Jason Scotland hammered home a fourth, although Steve Gillespie's overhead kick gave the Robins some consolation.

BBC

DEC-27

Wrexham hit rock bottom again

The visitors took the lead after just seven minutes, when Kallum Higginbotham laid the ball back for Glenn Murray to score from close range.

Wrexham tried to find a reply but were hampered by a nervy defensive display.

Rochdale made things safe when Lee McEvilly forced the ball home from close range against his former club.

BBC

DEC-27

Welsh premier league round up

Whereas the Champions won comfortably at Maesydre by three goals to nil with Steven Beck, Scott Ruscoe and Alfie Carter all scoring, the Reds had to thank teenage striker Mark Jones, who paid back boss Peter Nicholas in the best possible way following his recall to the starting eleven with a last-gasp winner. Wyn Thomas, who spent the early years of his Welsh Premier career at Richmond Park opened the scoring for Llanelli on 17 minutes, but Tim Hicks levelled on 24 before the young former Afan Lido forward sealed it at the death.

Rhyl took advantage of the Carmarthen defeat by leapfrogging the Old Gold into third with an easy victory over the hapless Connah's Quay Nomads, by five goals to nil. Chris Sharp struck the first on 14 minutes and Lee Hunt doubled the advantage five minutes before the break. Craig Jones made it three on 67 minutes and Dave Cameron scored the fourth with five minutes remaining. The fifth went to Hunt as Nomads boss Jim Hackett saw his side fall apart again in-front of a poor 258 attendance.

Over 700 people witnessed a convincing Bangor City win over Caernarfon Town by 5-1, including three in the first eight minutes. Les Davies scored the opener for the Citizens after just five minutes against Craig Vernon, who played in goal for the Canaries. That lead was doubled a minute later by Ashley Stott and Michael Walsh made it three after eight minutes, and he also scored in the second period, whilst Bobby Jones had a consolation for the visitors.

Haverfordwest County raced to a 3-0 lead at Aberystwyth Town with goals from Tom Ramasut (21), Jonathan Coates (39) and Gareth Elliott (48) and despite Simon Gilderdale putting through his own net on 50 minutes and a Geoff Kellaway effort in response five minutes from time, the Bluebirds managed to hang on for an excellent win at Park Avenue in front of 467 spectators.

There were 835 at the Recreation Ground to witness a rare home victory for Caersws who are climbing up the table as they enjoyed a win against nearest rivals Newtown. The Bluebirds won by a solitary goal in Powys this afternoon thanks to a Neil Mitchell winner in the 38th-minute. In a clash of two clubs also at the wrong end of the table, Airbus UK Broughton enjoyed a good 3-2 win against Newi Cefn Druids. Geraint Lewis gave Druids the best start, scoring after two minutes but Mark Allen, Ryan Edwards (penalty) and Paul Hallows were on the score-sheet for the Wingmakers, before Adam Hunter, who used to play for the Ancients, put through his own net.

The bottom-of the-table clash between Llangefni Town and Porthmadog was convincingly won by Porth at Talwrn Road in Alex Kevan's first game in charge of the Anglesey team. Kyle Jacobs gave the visitors the lead on 23 minutes, but Dylan Owen equalised on the half-hour, with 345 in attendance. Three second-half goals courtesy of Carl Owen (50), Paul Roberts (61) and Richard Smart (85) ensured a terrific win for Viv Williams' side, as 'Gefni see themselves fall further adrift at the foot of the League.

DEC-27

Boxing day attendances in the WPL

Caersws had the highest attendance of the day with 835 for their local derby match against Newtown that saw the village side win by a goal to nil against their Town neighbours. Bangor City were the next highest with 709 people witnessing their 5-1 win over Caernarfon Town - But that figure was well below the anticipation of Citizens boss Nev Powell who told the Daily Post that he had hoped for 1,500 at least.

Carmarthen Town had the third highest gate with 561 in Richmond Park to see the Old Gold lose out to a last minute winner against Llanelli, whilst in the town of Welshpool, there were 471 people at Maesydre viewing the home side lose 3-0 to Champions and Leaders, TNS. With just four fewer than that figure, the fifth highest crowd puller was on the Coast of Aberystwyth Town, where visiting Haverfordwest left Park Avenue with all three points following their 3-2 victory.

There were 345 at Talwrn Road in Llangefni as the Anglesey-based side were slammed 4-1 by Porthmadog, whilst 277 watched Port Talbot Town at home to Neath Athletic in the Afan Nedd Derby game. This figure wasn't helped by the fact that Swansea City were playing at home in the Liberty Stadium just a few miles West on the M4. Despite having one of the largest visiting support in the League, Rhyl's trip to Connah's Quay Nomads was witnessed by just 258 as the free-falling Nomads were slammed 5-0 by the Lilywhites.

The lowest attendance of the Boxing Day programme was at the Airfield as the Wingmakers enticed just 142 for their match against NEWI Cefn Druids, which the hosts won 3-2.

OWP

DEC-27

Exiles round up

Newport County claimed an early lead through Craig Hughes only for Weston to equalise within a minute through Andy Robertson.

The Welsh side then fell behind when Andy Gurney pounced on the stroke of half-time and needed a 62nd-minute equaliser from Julian Alsop to rescue a point.

Merthyr Tydfil 1-3 Gloucester 

Merthyr sunk further into the bottom half of the table as Gloucester leap-frogged them thanks to three first-half goals at Penydarren Park. Mike Jones scored a late consolation for the Martyrs.

DEC-26

Dyer confident of a result against Steelmen

ICW

DEC-26

Bangor boss looking for big turn-out

ICW

DEC-26

Derby double is crucial for Hulse

ICW

DEC-26

McKenna aiming to overcome Pool jinx

ICW

DEC-26

Llangefni to unveil Caven as new boss

ICW

DEC-26

With the Bluebirds battling administration and facing a £35m court action in March, the Ninian Park club are being forced to sell off their prized young assets with teenage full-back Gunter set to seal his transfer to Tottenham Hotspur today.

Giles fears Joe Ledley is set to be the next young City star out of the door when the transfer window opens on January 1in eight days time following a £3.5m offer from Wolves and interest from Everton.

“Hearing the news Chris Gunter is leaving Cardiff is very sad and continues a worrying trend of the club selling their best players,” said Giles in his Echo column today.

“Now we have already lost Chris Gunter and it looks like we are going to lose Joe Ledley as well because it would not surprise me at all if he is the next player to go.

“Everyone is keeping their fingers crossed nobody else goes out in the transfer market, but Joe is the number one candidate.

“Sadly Chris has gone because the club are desperate for money. My concern is where is the club going if they are selling all their best players and the money is not going to be used to strengthen the squad?

“We all know the cash is going to be used for the court case that is hanging over the club. How do they expect to attract more supporters to come and see City if their top players are being sold all the time?”

ICW

DEC-26

The Exiles don't have a fixture tomorrow because scheduled opponents Welling United are playing in the Setanta Shield but Beadle wants the team in top shape to hand out a stuffing to Weston-super-Mare on Boxing Day.

"In a way it's nice to have a break and no distractions this weekend but they all understand that we need to work hard in training on Saturday and Monday because we need to get some league points on the board," said Beadle.

And the manager will be leading by example by refusing to over-indulge at the Christmas dinner table.

"We've put in a lot of hard work and I've told them not to abuse that and I'm no different," he added.

"We'll all enjoy Christmas with our families but a little bit of sacrifice now will be well worth it and we'll have a big party at the end of the season when we win promotion."

SWA

DEC-26

The 18-year-old full-back was at Ninian Park on Saturday after agreeing terms over a £3m switch to Tottenham Hotspur in the January transfer window.

Gunter (pictured below) has been among City’s best players during their recent mini-revival, but McPhail believes the Bluebirds have the necessary strength in depth to continue their climb up the Championship table.

“We’ve got some good players that can step in and Tony (Capaldi) did well today,” said the Irishman after again leading City in the 1-0 victory over Sheffield United with club captain Darren Purse among the substitutes.

“We changed our shape around a bit and everyone’s done well, so hopefully we won’t miss Chris too much.”

McPhail knows just what it’s like to be a youngster battling for recognition at a top-flight club, the Dubliner having progressed through the ranks at Leeds when the Yorkshire club had some of the best raw talent in the country.

“We’re delighted for him, he’s only young and he’s got a long way to go,” he said of Gunter.

“But he’s stepping up to a big level now so hopefully he can push on and play some games.

“I’ve told him he’s just got to keep believing in what he’s doing. He knows he’s got to work harder, but there’s no better place to play your football in than the Premiership.

ICW

DEC-25

They have three senior keepers at Ninian Park, but have struggled to find the right replacement for former first choice Neil Alexander. He was allowed to leave in the summer and now plays for Ipswich Town, while Ross Turnbull is now back with Middlesbrough after his loan spell and current City keeper Kasper Schmeichel returns to Manchester City in January.

Schmeichel will play against Plymouth Argyle on New Year’s Day (1pm), but that is his last match.

Michael Oakes, the current number two, and Irishman David Forde will be on duty for the FA Cup tie at Chasetown, but the Bluebirds will need a new goalie in for the Championship match against Sheffield Wednesday at home on Saturday, January 12.

Schmeichel has been recalled by Manchester City manager Sven Goran Eriksson and he will be number two behind Joe Hart. He will be playing in Cardiff’s next three matches – against Watford on Boxing Day, Preston North End (away) and Plymouth Argyle

Santa Claus

DEC-25

The 38-year-old former Wales international has featured little under new Trotters boss Gary Megson.

Speed briefly held a player-coaching role under former manager Sammy Lee but stepped down to concentrate on his playing career.

Speed, who has been linked with a January loan move to Sheffield United, told Sky Sports: “I’m not in the team at Bolton. I’ve no complaints about that, the team are playing well but I need to be playing games.

“I will see what happens. I am fit enough to play.

“I have not got much time left and I want to play football.”

Santa Claus

DEC-24

Santa Claus

DEC-25

RACIAL abuse was allegedly at the centre of the storm which erupted at the end of Holyhead Hotspur's home game with Lex XI.

The Cymru Alliance fixture was abandoned in the final minute with the hosts leading 6-0 with the Wrexham visitors claiming they had a player racially abused by an opponent.
The incident involved Holyhead's Curt Williams and Tanishe Muthana of Lex, whose joint manager Tony Williams confirmed: "We felt although there was only a minute or so left, all of my players felt so incensed by what had happened and our player was so visibly upset, we all felt we could not play any further part in the proceedings.
"It was not just the player either, we were also incensed by the behaviour of the Holyhead fans who were so vociferous in their racial abuse".

Holyhead deny any allegation of player or crowd racial behaviour and secretary Richard Parry says: "We were appalled at the action taken by Nigel Beaumont in instructing his players to leave the field after the incident between the two players.
"Given a little time the referee would have taken whatever action was necessary to calm the situation but the Lex management only inflamed the situation."
Alliance secretary Chas Rowland confirmed "the league will investigate the circumstances and decide what course of action to take."

Santa Claus

DEC-25

RACIAL abuse was allegedly at the centre of the storm which erupted at the end of Holyhead Hotspur's home game with Lex XI.

The Cymru Alliance fixture was abandoned in the final minute with the hosts leading 6-0 with the Wrexham visitors claiming they had a player racially abused by an opponent.
The incident involved Holyhead's Curt Williams and Tanishe Muthana of Lex, whose joint manager Tony Williams confirmed: "We felt although there was only a minute or so left, all of my players felt so incensed by what had happened and our player was so visibly upset, we all felt we could not play any further part in the proceedings.
"It was not just the player either, we were also incensed by the behaviour of the Holyhead fans who were so vociferous in their racial abuse".

Holyhead deny any allegation of player or crowd racial behaviour and secretary Richard Parry says: "We were appalled at the action taken by Nigel Beaumont in instructing his players to leave the field after the incident between the two players.
"Given a little time the referee would have taken whatever action was necessary to calm the situation but the Lex management only inflamed the situation."
Alliance secretary Chas Rowland confirmed "the league will investigate the circumstances and decide what course of action to take."

Santa Claus

DEC-24

ICW

DEC-24

MW

DEC-24

City chairman Peter Ridsdale revealed that Ledley had turned down a move to Wolves last week, an initial £2.5m deal rising to £3.5m based on add-ons.

But McCarthy stormed, “I will let Cardiff do all the talking.

“We will continue to do our business privately and quietly if we can.”

McCarthy has been handed a substantial January war chest by ambitious owner Steve Morgan and intends to act fast when the transfer window opens, with Wolves having slipped from the play-off positions.

ICW

DEC-24

MW

DEC-24

ICW

DEC-24

ICW

DEC-24

Santa Claus

DEC-24

ICW

DEC-23

They continued to press, and went further ahead after 35 minutes when Matthew Rees was worked free in the box and coolly finished with a low right-foot shot.

Nomads dug in for the rest of the game in a damage limitation exercise, but they let in further goals. First, a corner left the Nomads keeper out of position, and only able to parry the ball on to the head of Lee Bevan, who headed home.

Finally, from a cross from the right, Jarred Price dummied, leaving Andy Hill to score Neath’s fourth.

ICW

DEC-23

The first half struggled to come to life until Scott Barrow sent over a low cross which was met by Martin Rose, but Jones was on hand to block.

After the break, Port Talbot enjoyed a good spell and a quick succession of corners saw both Lee Surman and Matthew Rees denied by the impressive Jones.

With the Steelmen continuing to strive for the breakthrough, the home keeper was again needed as he pushed away Chad Bond’s low shot.

The Robins, however, nearly won the game in the closing minutes. Sub Richard Astley fed Moses but his shot was blocked by Kristian Rogers.

ICW

DEC-23

Carmarthen slipping up at home to Llangefni was an unexpected bonus, but beating Rhyl was very much down to a well motivated performance where Llanelli were the dominant force.

The home side did most of the pressing in the first half, but they could not carve out any chances that troubled the visiting keeper, Lee Kendall.

His counterpart, Ryan Lewis, had been drafted in from the youth team in the absence of senior keeper Ryan Harris, who has missed three games through suspension.

On the 35-minute mark Rhyl’s Chris Sharpe fired in a fierce shot and Lewis could only parry it up into the air. Lee Hunt was first to react and headed the ball home.

Llanelli manager Peter Nicholas responded at half time by taking off Sam Small and putting on striker Mark Jones.

The home side continued to dominate possession but the attacks flowed better and Rhyl were finding it harder to keep the defensive shield intact.

Nevertheless, it took a penalty to get them back on terms, when Rhyl hand-balled.

There was no great protest from the visitors, and Llanelli’s top scorer Rhys Griffiths had little trouble in finishing clinically from the spot.

From this point on the pressure was well and truly on and it took just five minutes for the home side to take the lead. This time, it came from an expansive, well-worked move which put Mark Pritchard into an attacking position wide on the right.

It still needed a good cross, however, and he produced a real beauty, curling perfectly away from the defence and into the path of Rhys Griffiths, who notched his second with a powerful header.

The sigh of relief from the Stebonheath Park faithful was audible, but there was still 20 minutes to negotiate. In fact, the best chance fell to the visitors, when a header from a corner just cleared the bar.

ICW

DEC-23

But it was a close run affair after Ashley Stott had pounced to put the Citizens ahead in the 16th minute.

The all important goal came from a Marc Limbert corner that was met by Peter Hoy. His header fell to Stott, who scored from six yards.

Haverfordwest warmed to the task in the second-half as Lee Hudgell twice went close to suggest a welcome come-back.

Haverfordwest huffed and puffed as Jack Christopher connected with a Neil Thomas cross but saw his goal-bound header held securely by Bangor keeper Paul Smith on the line, and the Citizens holding out.

ICW

DEC-23

Jamie Wood capped a fine display by settling a scrappy encounter with the decisive strike in the 37th minute, his fifth league goal of the season.

But it was Aber who started the brighter against a hesitant TNS. Saints keeper Paul Harrison was forced to save an Aneurin Thomas free kick after Duane Courtney fouled on the edge of the box, while Geraint Passmore’s header from a Sherbon corner flew narrowly wide. Wood, however, made the most of his opportunity at the other end. He latched on to Alfie Carter’s through ball and beat Christian Edwards to fire into the far corner, despite a despairing dive from keeper Richard Morgan.

With renewed confidence, the high-flying hosts looked more confident after the break as they upped the ante.

Phil Baker and Steven Beck had long range efforts while substitute Carl Lamb almost doubled the lead but was denied by Morgan.

ICW

DEC-23

He latched on to a Peter Whittingham pass to fire home.

Whittingham himself had chances to score either side of half time and Joe Ledley also kept visiting keeper Paddy Kenny busy.

Michael Tonge had an effort late on for the Blades from a free-kick, but the visitors rarely threatened.

BBC

DEC-23

The Dragons had to play 76 minutes with 10 men after Matt Crowell was sent off for a reckless challenge on Ian Ross.

Holmes opened the scoring after 40 minutes and then made the most of a defensive mix-up to double the lead.

Newsham made sure of the points eight minutes from time after finding himself free in the box to fire home.

BBC

DEC-23

He told BBC Radio Wales the pending court case with Langston is making it more difficult to reject offers.

"It has exacerbated the financial position and we're more likely to say yes than no to the right bid," he said.

It has also been reported winger Joe Ledley turned down a £2.5m move to Wolves earlier this week.

Four other players, Steve Thompson, Paul Parry, Tony Capaldi and Aaron Ramsey have also reportedly been the subject of failed bids.

And Ridsdale said: "I can't hypothesise whether somebody is going to come in with big bids for players.

"We have had a big bid for one player this week and that player said he wants to stay with Cardiff City, which I am delighted about, so we've said no.

"My job is to balance the finances but not to cave in every time someone comes in with an offer for any of our players.

"It's regrettably one of the facts of life of Championship football is everybody is for sale. The only question is the price."

But Ridsdale said the cash-strapped Bluebirds will attempt to bring in new faces in the January transfer window if manager Dave Jones wants them.

BBC

DEC-22

Newport-born Gunter, 18, has agreed a move from Cardiff City in a deal worth up to £3m. The Bluebirds are guaranteed £1m-plus up front with further cash based on appearances and there is also a sell-on clause.

Cash-strapped Cardiff rejected two offers from Spurs before accepting the third. Chairman Peter Ridsdale has also rejected bids for five other players – Joe Ledley, Steve Thompson, Paul Parry, Tony Capaldi and Aaron Ramsey.

Gunter’s move to Spurs and the cash received helps to ease those financial problems and Cardiff are now only likely to sell players for football reasons.

Wolves’ offer for Ledley was first in and it was put to the Welsh international, who said he wanted to stay with Cardiff City.

Then Spurs increased their bid to buy Gunter for a second time and the defender said he wanted to talk to the north London club where Gunter’s Welsh team-mate Gareth Bale already plays.

“When the offer for Joe Ledley was received, Dave Jones and I called him into the office and told him,” said Ridsdale. “It was his decision to stay with Cardiff City and we are delighted with that.

“We went through the same process when Spurs made three different bids for Chris Gunter yesterday.

“Again, we said we would stand by any decision the player made. He indicated he wanted to have talks with Spurs and we have him the go-ahead.”

Tony Capaldi starts in place of Gunter for today’s home match against Sheffield United.

ICW

DEC-22

Roberto Martinez has called for a winter break to be introduced in English football after Swansea City's trip to Carlisle fell foul of the weather.The plug was pulled on today's top-of-the-table clash at around 2.30pm yesterday afternoon because of a frozen pitch at Brunton Park.

And Martinez, who admits to concerns about a fixture pile-up later in the season as a result, reckons a two-week lay-off around the turn of the year would be beneficial to fans and players alike.

''A break around this period would be a positive thing,'' said the Swansea boss.

EP

DEC-22

The mid-table Canaries are desperate to revive fortunes after a winless streak of three games, while The Traeth team are battling to escape from the bottom of the table.

Town’s manager Steve O’Shaughnessy said: "We are creating enough chances but are not putting them away and we are still unable to keep a clean sheet, but that will happen one of these days.

"At Port Talbot last weekend, we did well enough but those dismissals of Eifion Jones and Kieron Quinn led to our 2-1 defeat and were decisions which we can grumble about, although there is no point."

Opposite number Viv Williams, whose side lost their last two games against Carmarthen Town and Neath Athletic by 2-1 scores, said: "We are playing well but have had nothing to show for it.

"In all the years I have been involved in the game this is something I have not experienced, but we need to keep performing as we are, producing good football and creating chances."

The rivals’ three derbies earlier this season, in the league and league cup, produced one win each and one draw to put the series all square and to make today’s game the decider.

Caernarfon’s squad news is that team captain Jones starts a three-match ban after getting a straight red card, while Quinn, sent off for a second yellow, is suspended for one game.

James Glendenning will resume action at centre-back and wing-back Lee Bamber is also available.

DP

DEC-22

"In our situation as a Championship football club, we have to consider anything of this magnitude," said Cardiff chairman Peter Ridsdale. "Chris has indicated he wants to talk to them and we have given permission."

Spurs are short of options on the left with long-term injuries to Benoit Assou-Ekotto and Gunter's fellow Wales international defender Gareth Bale.
Newport-born Gunter broke into the Bluebirds first team last season and has won three full Wales caps in 2007.

If he agrees a deal and passes a medical, he would be able to move when the January transfer window opens.

BBC

DEC-22

If the 16-year-old Brynmawr Comprehensive pupil Garyn Preen accepts the offer, he will start in July after his GCSEs.

Premiership stars who accepted similar offers at Garyn’s age include Tottenham’s Gareth Bale and Arsenal’s Theo Walcott.

“I was training at the Bath Academy and my manager called me in for a chat,” Garyn said.

“We spoke for about 30 minutes and then he told me about the scholarship. I was very happy and excited.”

Garyn currently trains with Southampton Academy and makes regular appearances for the under-16s team and the under-18s team.

BBC

DEC-22

Aberystwyth face huge test

ABERYSTWYTH Town face a massive test of their top six credentials in the Welsh Premier as they travel to face on song league leaders The New Saints at Park Hall this weekend. To successfully complete a superb double over the full-timers would at the top of boss Brian Coyne’s Christmas wish-list, but he is under no illusions as to the size of his side’s task.

The Saints suffered an early season wobble when they crashed to an emphatic defeat at Aberystwyth in August, but the defending champions have not lost a league game since. However, the Seasiders will be making the journey to Oswestry in good heart, and on the back of an excellent eight match unbeaten run, which has also included six clean sheets. Currently well-placed in sixth spot in the table, Coyne’s men are just two wins adrift of third-placed Carmarthen, with a game in hand, and are looking to maintain momentum. Yet, they will not be reading too much into their remarkable home triumph over the Saints, who have since stormed top of the table by winning 13 of their following 14 league matches. “This will be our toughest game of the season, but it is also our biggest fixture, it will be very difficult, but the players should be looking forward to this match,” said Coyne. “We shall be going there in good heart, and on a bit of form, the players know it is going to be tough, but we are not going there with any fear and we must remain positive. “I would think that TNS would be too professional to be thinking about revenge after their defeat at Aberystwyth, and I said at the time that they would bounce straight back. “In my opinion, they are the best team in the league, but we can be pleased with a good first half to the season and we now want to push on, hopefully the lads will give it their best shot.”

AT

DEC-21

The Bangor City boss says Welsh Premier managers are finding it difficult to keep hold of their players as English non-league clubs view the Welsh Premier as a hotbed of readily available talent.

Powell had to put his entire squad under contract after losing midfielder Mark Smyth to his predecessor at Farrar Road, Leigh RMI manager Steve Bleasdale.

The City boss cannot bring in reinforcements until the transfer window opens in January under a new rule brought in this season.

However, English clubs can swoop for non-contract Welsh Premier players at any time.

Powell said: "I spoke to John Deakin about it and the league are considering refusing to accept the international clearance of players so they can’t go out of Wales.

"If that happens it will be a good thing for all of us. We lost our midfielder Mark Smyth to Leigh RMI, and there was nothing we could do to stop it.

"Steve Bleasdale then said we could have a couple of their players but he didn’t realise how the new rule worked and that we couldn’t bring anyone in by that point.

"So we had to put all our players on contracts at considerable expense to the club."

Asked if stopping international clearance would unsettle players, Powell said: "I don’t think so, no. It’s got to work both ways. Clubs invest in players and it has to work the other way too."

He said even Cymru Alliance clubs were coming in for players.

"You’ve got the English non-league clubs coming in offering more money, and then you’ve got the Cymru Alliance clubs coming in – and even some of them can offer more money," he said.

"So you’re losing players from both sides – you’ve got English clubs taking your best players and Cymru Alliance clubs taking the best of your reserve players. It’s very frustrating for me."

DP

DEC-21

"When the games come around you can tell the players are under a bit of pressure," said Little.

"They're almost a different animal on matchday. That little bit of tension and everything that's at stake is having an affect them on a matchday.

"But we're trying hard to make sure we come to terms with that."

Little takes his side to League Two promotion hopefuls Rotherham on Saturday, looking for only his second win since taking charge over a month ago.

The former Aston Villa boss says he hopes to use all his vast managerial experience to ease the pressure off the players, and intends to send them out with a strong sense of self-belief at Millmoor.

"Rotherham are a good side," added Little, whose side currently lie in the bottom two in the table. "I went to watch them play a week or two back.

"They have two or three ex-players of mine in their side so I know their strengths and weaknesses.

"They are currently on good form, I think they were disappointed that their last game was called off. But we don't fear them. I don't think you fear anybody in this business.

"I always feel that when a team is under pressure and when people look at footballers and think they're not going to so something, you can wind them up.

"When you look at the result we had at Bury (1-0 win) and the way we played at Rochdale (0-0), we have enough about us to go there and get a result. There's no reason why we can't.

"They are a good side and having a really good season, but if our attitude is spot-on we've got a great chance."

BBC

DEC-21

MacWhirter Welsh League Division Two outfit Llanwern, the county's last winner of the trophy in 2001-02, travel to face free-spending Division One side ENTO Aberaman Athletic - with the winners scheduled to visit Croesyceiliog in the fourth round on January 5.

Another Division Two club, bottom-placed Tredegar Town, visit section rivals Ammanford and the victors will entertain Bryntirion Athletic for a place in the quarter finals.

Llanwern boss Laurence Owen says he will use the cup game to give all his squad members a chance to impress, although he remains confident of achieving a positive result.

"I'm going to use the nucleus of my squad," said Owen. "There are some who've trained very hard recently and who deserve a chance to play.

"However I firmly believe we'll be strong enough to do well. We haven't played for a while and the lads are chomping at the bit."

Because the local council postponed training due to a frozen pitch, Tredegar player-manager Andrew York was unable to run the rule over his players and is unable to name his squad until Saturday morning.

Like Division One rivals Croesyceiliog, in-form Caerleon are also already through and will travel to face Swansea-based West End next month.

Cwmbran Town's recent form of only one win from their last seven Division One games has seriously hindered their chances of first-time promotion and they won't find matters easy when they visit Pontardawe Town - even though the hosts are struggling at the wrong end of the table.

Because they may be short of several players because of work commitments, the Crows will be unable to finalise a squad until tomorrow.

Croesyceiliog, Caldicot Town and Newport YMCA are another trio of clubs who will be in away action - at Maesteg Park Athletic, Bridgend Town and Taffs Well respectively - and all will seek wins which will further clear themselves of the relegation drop zone.

Croesyceiliog are minus the suspended Chris Watkins and Jamie Jenkins may need another reserve team run-out after recovering from a broken hand while Caldicot are unable to call on the suspended Peter Law or the injured Tyrone Tucker-Dixon. YMCA central defender Daniel Heath made his first team comeback as a substitute last week from a lengthy spell out injured and he is in line for his first start since October 13 while the Newport side welcome back wide midfielder Junior Borg, who was previously unavailable.

SWA

DEC-21

DEC-21

The Cumbrians boast the second-best home record in the league and are one place and one point behind the Swans.

And Martinez knows they will be looking for revenge after losing 2-1 at the Liberty Stadium in October.

He said: "We know it's going to be a very hard task but we are looking to improve and progress on a daily basis."

Freezing weather in the north-west has put the game into doubt with a decision expected on Friday afternoon.

But Martinez is hoping it goes ahead and they can pick up the first of 12 points up for grabs over the festive period.

"There is probably a 40% chance that the game could be called off but we need to do the normal preparation and we'll take whatever comes," he said.

"Everyone says the Christmas period is an important period and it is because of the amount of games but I don't think it's a decisive thing unless you're talking about the cup competitions.

"In the league it's about the number of points we can accumulate but what is my concern is the consistency of the performances.

"I think we've got a level of performance and what we need to make sure is that we are consistent enough to carry on performing the way we have done.

"If we do that, the results will follow."

Carlisle are unbeaten in their last eight, a run which has included wins over promotion rivals Leeds United and Leyton Orient, and Martinez thinks they will be one of the teams challenging for the title at the end of the season.

BBC

DEC-21

The Martyrs have four consecutive home fixtures over the festive period which could propel the club to the top half of the table, and Shephard has a sobering thought for his players.

“I don’t mind players having a couple of drinks, but if they take advantage they will be dropped and not just for these games,” said Sheppard.

“I will know if anybody is trying to kid themselves the moment they walk through the door, they have to be responsible.

“With office parties and work places closing down I’m hoping that the players are sensible enough to look after themselves.”

Merthyr tackle Team Bath tomorrow and Shephard will be looking at players closely as they try a revenge mission on a club that beat them 3-2 earlier on this season.

The Martyrs boss said: “We go into a busy schedule and we need to capitalise on the home advantage and make the last two results count as we’ve hit a bit of form.”

Shephard’s team turned the form book on its head in mid-week with a goalless draw away to high-flying Hemel Hempstead.

“We did well considering their position in the league and it just shows that there is no-one to fear in this division,” he said.

“But we must get a decent haul of points in the next four games.”

Merthyr face Gloucester City on Boxing Day with former Penydarren Park boss Tim Harris now at the helm.

Shephard added: “It’s another fixture that I hope my players will deliver, I’m not going to call them in for training on Christmas Day as it’s a time to be with family, and, while I expect them to have a drink with their meal, I hope they take the game into account.”

ICW

DEC-21

The former England and Liverpool striker is in hospital today for scans on damaged ankle ligaments.

Fowler, who has netted six goals for the Bluebirds this season, was the victim of a mistimed tackle during a practice match at Cardiff’s Vale of Glamorgan Hotel and Country Club training ground.

“Robbie’s ankle came up like a balloon and he is having scans,” said manager Dave Jones today. “He was tackled during training and suffered an impact injury.

“It’s a big blow for Robbie because he has worked hard to regain fitness.

“He has been looking good and feeling sharp in training, but these are not the best of times for him.

“Now he must work his way back again and he’s up for the challenge.

“We won’t know the extent of the problem until the medical people have looked at the scans.”

Fowler, 32, was a contender for a return to the City starting line-up against Sheffield United at Ninian Park tomorrow after coming on as a substitute during Cardiff’s 1-0 defeat at Bristol City last weekend.

He had been out for more than a month with a hip injury.

That had settled down after he went to Frankfurt in Germany for treatment and had a course of 28 injections.

ICW

DEC-20

NWC

DEC-20

CT

DEC-20

The former Bluebirds owner insists he is owed the money and issued the writ for £70,000 before flying to America where he is to spend Christmas and New Year.

Hammam is already embroiled in a High Court action against City with mystery company Langston. They hold £24m in loan notes taken out by the Bluebirds when Hammam was chairman. That case is due to be heard during March.

While Hammam insists he is not connected to Langston, he has said he is acting as a mediator between the two sides.

The writ is unlikely to cause Cardiff City any further problems, but it is an aggravating factor while they are tackling Langston’s claim for £35m.

Hammam's claim for payment from City arises from the agreement struck when he left the club. The Bluebirds agreed to pay £200,000 plus £100,000 for the next three years to his company, Rudgwick.

City were apparently up to date with all payments until Langston started their High Court proceedings, but stopped paying at that stage.

Bluebirds chairman Peter Ridsdale would not comment today.

ICW

DEC-20

Roberto Martinez admitted his second-string side dropped below Swansea City's high standards in their FAW Premier Cup humbling at Newport. 

Charlie Griffin's stoppage-time header saw Peter Beadle's Blue Square South side clinch a place in the semi-finals.

And Martinez conceded a much-changed Swansea line-up fell away at Spytty Park.

"In the first half we adapted well to the conditions and created enough chances to win the game," said the Swansea boss.

EP

DEC-20

The match will go ahead on Saturday, 5 January with a 1300 GMT kick-off.

There had been concerns over the safety of Scholars Park and Staffordshire police were keen to switch the game to a bigger stadium.

But the British Gas Midland Division side can now press ahead with plans to stage the match, which will see the ground's capacity boosted to 2,000.

That will involve erecting temporary seating behind each goal, as was the case for their second round replay win over Port Vale.

BBC

DEC-20

Griffin's header from a right-wing cross went in off the bar as a game of few chances headed towards extra time.

Swansea created the best first-half openings, with Darryl Duffy and Kris O'Leary having efforts well saved.

Newport enjoyed plenty of possession after the break and Griffin's header gave Swansea no time to find a reply.

Conference South side Newport will now face Welshpool or Cardiff City in the semi-finals, while Swansea are left to contemplate an early Premier Cup exit for the second successive year.

BBC

DEC-20

Griffin's header from a right-wing cross went in off the bar as a game of few chances headed towards extra time.

Swansea created the best first-half openings, with Darryl Duffy and Kris O'Leary having efforts well saved.

Newport enjoyed plenty of possession after the break and Griffin's header gave Swansea no time to find a reply.

Conference South side Newport will now face Welshpool or Cardiff City in the semi-finals, while Swansea are left to contemplate an early Premier Cup exit for the second successive year.

BBC

DEC-19

WITHOUT a league win over Llanelli in six attempts, Rhyl would dearly love to end that sequence this Saturday at Stebonheath Park, kick-off 2.30pm.

Victory would revive the Lilywhites’ title challenge, but defeat could all but scupper it with the top two pulling away from the pack.

John Hulse’s men will be out for revenge having lost twice to Peter Nicholas’ full-timers already this term.

In August, the Reds claimed a 2-1 triumph in a league game at Belle Vue, then followed up with a 4-1 home success in the FAW Premier Cup.

“They’re a good side, well-organised, but on our day we can beat anyone,” said Hulse (for more comments see main back page story).

“For the past five years, TNS have been full-time and Llanelli for the past two, yet last season we split them by finishing second and we’ve not been out of the top three in the last four seasons.

“My lads being part-time makes what we’ve done more of an achievement. Full-time clubs have their players training every day, whereas we only get a couple of hours a week.”

Llanelli, who currently lie second behind TNS, are packed with experience and have the WPL’s leading marksman in Rhys Griffiths, who has bagged 23 goals already this season.

RV

DEC-19

AMBITIOUS MacWhirter Welsh League outfit Goytre have turned to former Cwmbran Town manager Sean Wharton to help continue the club’s development.

The 39-year-old ex-Wales semi-professional international resigned as boss of the Crows at the end of last season, when the club was relegated from the top-flight Welsh Premier League following a couple of financial collapses.

Now Goytre want Cwmbran-based Wharton to oversee all aspects of football at the

Penperlleni-based Division Three outfit, which was only playing Gwent Central League football nine seasons ago.

After gaining promotion to the Gwent Senior League, Goytre’s rise was swift as the club swept through all three divisions to go up at the end of the 2001-02     

While the club’s Plough Lane home has been turned into one of the league’s most well-appointed grounds, officials feel the time is right for someone to look at the bigger picture.

And that someone is Wharton: “We’re delighted Sean has agreed to join us,” said Gotyre chairman Paul Greenhalgh.

“The club needs a bit of an on-the-field revamp and Sean will come in to look at the way both our first and second teams play.

“He’s already indicated that the club needs to set-up a youth policy and hopefully he will be able to implement that for us.

“We’ve not discussed a title for him, although I suppose at the very top level of the game people would say he’s a director of football.

“Sean has great experience and he can give the club some guidance and we’re hoping he’ll be able to be influential in bringing in some new players.”

Since leaving Cwmbran, Wharton has kept his hand in by taking coaching sessions with several local clubs.

“When I did so at Goytre, I was immediately impressed with all the facilities and this club can go forward to be the biggest in Gwent.

“But more than that, I was struck by how nice everyone was and that counted for everything in my book.

“The people here are just interested in football and there’s no hidden agendas or politics involved here.

“I won’t have any say in the selection of either the first or the seconds (managed by Ian Rosser and Mike Pugh respectively), but I will obviously be watching them quite closely.”

Wharton revealed work commitments and studying for a degree means he can’t link up with Goytre until sometime in the new year.

SWA

DEC-19

Thompson’s appeal was thrown out yesterday and MacLean is the front runner to join Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink in attack for Saturday’s Coca-Cola Championship home match against Sheffield United.

Edinburgh-born MacLean and Robbie Fowler are standing by, but MacLean is set to be given the nod with Fowler, who has played only a couple of minutes football over the last month, among the substitutes.

“I’m fit, I’m ready and raring to go,” says MacLean, 25, who has recovered from a knee ligament injury sustained in August.

“If I am given a run of games I will score goals.”

The former Rangers striker has proved that with Sheffield Wednesday (32 goals in 60 starts) and Scunthorpe United (23 goals in 37 starts).

He has only started five Championship matches for then Bluebirds, scoring one goal, but now has the opportunity to face Sheffield United at Ninian Park on Saturday, Watford away on Boxing Day and Preston North End away on Saturday, December 29.

They are the three games Thompson will miss through his suspension after being sent off at Bristol City last Saturday.

MacLean and Thompson played together in the 2-2 draw at Hull City and both looked sharp.

Now MacLean is likely to play alongside Hasselbaink as Cardiff aim to build on a solid run, having suffered only two defeats in their last seven league games.

ICW

DEC-19

The build-up to tonight’s FAW Premier Cup tie has been dominated by talk of the unsavoury events that overshadowed last year’s clash in the FA Cup.

The Swans triumphed 3-1 that afternoon. But the game will always be remembered for the series of events that led to fourth official Alan Sheffield being knocked unconscious by a coin thrown from a section of Newport fans.

While he may have had nothing to do with the coin being thrown, Beadle was sent to the stands for verbally abusing Sheffield just moments before the official was injured. The County manager later received a seven-match touchline ban for his conduct on the day.

Beadle says he has learned his lesson and is adamant he will not be making the same mistake again. The 35-year-old claims both he and the club have put last year’s controversy behind them and he is just focused on enjoying the occasion this time round.

“It was a regrettable situation, it can’t happen again and it won’t,” he said. “We’ve moved on from that and it’s in the past.

“I’m a passionate person and I got too wrapped up in the game. I should have been focusing on enjoying the day, but I got too involved and lost my head.

“I wouldn’t say it’s a case of me having to change anything. I just need to focus more on enjoying the occasion this time round.”

He added, “Both teams have moved on from it now. Swansea had a good run in the cup last year and both clubs are chasing promotion this season.”

There is always a lot of passion in Welsh derbies and Beadle admits he won’t have to try very hard to motivate his players. Having lost at home last time, Newport are still licking their wounds but instead of revenge, their manager claims the main aim is to restore some pride.

ICW

DEC-19

And they are confident the experienced Dragons boss has what it takes to drag the club away from the foot of the League Two table during the second half of what has so far been a disappointing campaign.

Moss said it was thanks to Wrexham’s youth development programme that cash was still readily available, even though Little currently has 30 players on the books – including loan signings Robbie Garrett and Sam Aiston.

But the Racecourse outfit remains well within the Football League’s salary cap because only a percentage of the wages paid to players under 23 and brought through the ranks counts against the allowed 60% of total turnover.

The club has a dozen members of the squad in that category and Moss said: “We had a chat with Brian after Saturday’s game and told him that we are well within the cap at the moment.

“He said he would give the matter some thought and take it from there, but I guess he would be interested in bringing people in on loan because, even though there is money in the budget, we don’t have the cash available to splash out on substantial transfer fees.

“We will do everything we can to help Brian and to try and ensure that we begin to climb the league table, but the job has to be achieved within sensible margins.”

DP

DEC-19

Warren Feeney today dealt Swansea City a hammer blow as he was ruled out for up to three months - but the club insist they still want to sign him. The Northern Ireland international was ruled out for a month after being carried off during Saturday's 3-0 win over Southend, but he has since been dealt the "worst possible news".

Following further investigations, the 26-year-old is now expected to miss the next three months after rupturing his ankle ligaments.

But despite his injury ruling him out well past his loan spell, which expires on January 1, Feeney has been given a comforting vote of confidence by his manager.

EP

DEC-19

Carmarthen Town boss Deryn Brace has lauded his maturing squad for keeping them firmly in the European hunt.

The player-manager has seen his young squad blossom this season in the Welsh Premier League and they head for 2008 in a commanding position.

The Welsh Cup winners are currently third after Saturday's scoreless draw with Rhyl, who sit a place below them in the rankings.

Rhyl dominated Town in the first week of the season, but Brace's side were not put to the sword and eventually went down 2-1.

"When we played them at the start of the season people said they should have won 10-0," said Brace.

"Christmas is almost here and we're above them in the table so, obviously, we are getting something right.

Town host lowly Llangefni on Saturday at Richmond Park and it's a great opportunity to open a gap on Rhyl, who travel to Llanelli.

A 3-0 win at Llangefni supplied Town's first victory of the campaign in August and Brace will be looking for the same kind of display from his side.

But he is also wary that Carmarthen can't underestimate the league newcomers despite them sitting in the relegation zone.

"On paper yes, we should win, but we've been in the league long enough to know that there are no real easy games," added Brace.

"Llangefni are desperate for points to get out of the relegation zone and they are going to give us a hard time. We will need to be fully focused."

ICW

DEC-19

But the Swans boss does stress he wants to see local players in the Wales team, with matches played at the Liberty Stadium.

Since becoming manager, Martinez has swooped for three Spaniards and two Dutchmen among his foreign imports.

Owain Tudur-Jones, who joined the Swans from Bangor, would be in the Martinez first-team shake-up, but appears to be perennially injured.

The moment he took over, Martinez introduced a continental influence to his squad.

The Spaniard made 11 signings in his first transfer window, nearly half of which came from Europe.

He has previously argued, “It’s really a huge market out there.

“People underestimate the foreign market.

“Obviously, you need to understand it, know about it and know which are the right players to bring in.

“If you know where to look, what you can get from the continent is a lot cheaper and better value than players from what I believe is an inflated British market.

“You can get what you really want for good money in Europe.”

ICW

DEC-18

NLD

DEC-18

Swansea City travel to Spytty Park for tomorrow night's quarter final and, with Roberto Martinez likely to rest key players, Beadle is confident of securing a semi-final place.

"It could be a very good game," said Beadle. "They're top of their league and still in the FA Cup so they're not likely to play their first XI and that will give us a good chance to progress, even though it will still be a strong side they put out.

"It's time we put some honours on the board for this club and the FAW is a good opportunity to do that," he added.

Tomorrow's game will be the first meeting between the sides since the stormy FA Cup encounter 13 months ago when the fourth official was struck by a coin thrown from the crowd and Beadle was sent off for using offensive and insulting language' towards the referee.

It's an incident that everyone at the club would rather forget and Beadle preferred to emphasise the importance of the match both in terms of silverware and also in building confidence for the league battles ahead.

SWA

DEC-18

Their goalless draw against bottom club Garw was the latest setback, but the Crows remain in fifth place, four points behind leaders Ton Pentre.

The Rhondda Bulldogs, though, have three games in hand and tomorrow are at home to Cambrian and Clydach at Ynys Park (7.15pm).

Cwmbran have suffered having earned only two points from the last 12 on offer. Those came from goalless draws against Afan Lido and Garw plus losing to Goytre United (2-5) and Bridgend Town (0-3).

But manager Guilermo Ganet and his team are looking towards their last two matches of 2007, against Pontardawe Town on Saturday, December 22, and Taffs Well a week later.

“We were missing a couple of players against Garw because of work commitments, but we are still intent on building a challenge at the top,” said Cwmbran Town secretary Ian Greaney.

Spanish boss Ganet has built a multi-nations team at Cwmbran Stadium, some travelling from London to play Welsh League football.

ICW

DEC-18

Swansea City return to Newport County for the first time since their troubled FA Cup win at Spytty Park last season with Roberto Martinez marking it as an ideal time to blood the club's future stars.The previous visit to Newport in November 2006 was marred by an incident which saw fourth official Alan Sheffield knocked unconscious after being hit by a coin thrown from a section of Newport fans.

That saw Newport fined £3,000 - half of which was suspended - by the Football Association of Wales while manager Peter Beadle received a seven-match touchline ban after being sent off.

That overshadowed a 3-1 victory for Swansea thanks to goals from Lee Trundle, Izzy Iriekpen and Leon Britton.

EP

DEC-18

NLD

DEC-18

No final decision could be reached in Staffordshire yesterday on when and where the FA Cup tie will be played.

It still looks likely the game will go ahead at Chasetown’s ground where the capacity is 2,000 and City would have an away allocation of 500 tickets.

Chief executive Mick Joiner said: “It is 99.9 per cent certain the match will be at Chasetown.”

Cardiff City staff, including safety officers, stewards and ticket office manager Julian Jenkins, travelled to Chasetown yesterday for a meeting with the home club, police, safety groups and Staffordshire County Council.

The first round tie is scheduled to be played on Saturday, January 5, at Chasetown’s Scholars Ground with a 3pm kick-off.

ICW

DEC-18

Merthyr were hovering over the relegation zone, but after collecting three vital points over the weekend they have moved up a couple of places.

And Shephard is looking for a repeat of his team’s second-half display against Rugby.

“On Saturday our first-half performance was simply not good enough and they were told at half-time in no uncertain terms,” said Shephard.

“A few changes were made and I can’t fault the players in the second half when they showed great character.

“Up until the interval we played as if we were all strangers to each other and the players were not doing themselves any justice.

“It’s the second-half commitment and work rate that I want right from the first whistle tonight because Hemel are a very good side with promotion ambitions, so we will have to be at our best.

“I will start the game with the team that started the second half on Saturday and give them the chance to prove themselves again.”

The Martyrs, although just above the relegation zone, still have thoughts of a play-off spot come May.

“We have four home games after tonight and over the Christmas and New Year period we will have a better idea how our season will pan out,” said Shephard.

“It is so tight in the middle of this table a half decent run would put us up there and that’s our aim.”

ICW

DEC-17

He has also played for Cwmbran, Haverfordwest, Carmarthen and Port Talbot, and has previously attracted interest from Wrexham.

BBC

DEC-17

They smashed 11 goals past hapless Merthyr Saints, who could manage only one, with Robbie Walters being the star with five strikes.

Adam Carpenter weighed in with a brace, while Jock Hamilton, Alan Yats, Ceri Thomas and Jonathan Cuss scored one apiece. Chris Lloyd got a consolation goal for the Saints.

Goytre edged past Bridgend 2-0 in the cup match of the day, Richard Ryan scoring both goals, one from the penalty spot.

A Dan Fitzgerald own goal gave Croesyceiliog a 1-0 victory at Cardiff Corries, while Caerleon added to the woes of Pontardawe with a 3-1 success, their goals coming from Matthew Hearne, Kristian Hanbury and Simon Truman

Dinas Powys got past Ely Rangers and West End recorded a surprise extra-time win over Newport YMCA.

In the league, Taffs Well netted two goals in the last four minutes from Brian Burke and Lloyd Toghill from the penalty spot to defeat Maesteg Park 2-1. Park had taken the lead through Michael Nesbitt.

ICW

DEC-17

Steve Bowes led the charge with a brace of goals, while Ian Griffiths, Dave Hayes and Ross Hannan were also on target, with a Max Peate penalty being the only reward for Gresford’s efforts.

Second-placed Llandudno had to pull out all the stops against fellow championship chasers Bala Town to get home 1-0, courtesy of a Bryn Jenkins goal.

Llandyrnog United continued their good home form overcoming Llanfairpwll 3-1 thanks to goals from Chris Williams, Stuart Vernon and Rhys Llwyd.

Goals by prolific scorer Graham Randles and Sean Beck gave Flint Town a 2-0 win over Guilsfield, while Lex XI moved off the foot of the table with a 3-1 defeat of Penrhyncoch.

Queens Park were in stunning form as they blasted their way to a 7-0 demolition of former champions Buckley Town.

Kevin Leech was the star as he bagged four goals, while Ricky Evans, from the penalty spot, Dave Griffiths and Phil John scored the others.

Elsewhere, Holyhead beat Mynydd Isa 3-1 and Glantraeth overcame Ruthin 4-2 at home.

ICW

DEC-17

“I wanted three points today because, as a new manager, you are always keen to get that first win under your belt. I will sleep better now,” he said.

James Thomas put the Canaries ahead in the 54th minute from Paul Addo’s cross, but Scott Barrow levelled within six minutes to set up a grand finale.

The visitors’ cause was not helped when Eifion Jones was red-carded and they lost Kieran Quin, also, late on. In between, Martin Rose wrapped things up from close range following a goalmouth melee.

The Steelmen have climbed to seventh spot, while Caernarfon’s inconsistency continues.

ICW

DEC-17

A lack-lustre first half saw the visitors grab the lead on 37 minutes through Akin Aladetoun’s deft header, but after the break, Merthyr looked a different outfit with far more drive.

Darren Griffiths got the equaliser on his debut, the striker coming off the bench to get the vital touch after Rugby failed to clear a corner.

Craig Stiens went close as the Martyrs went in search of a winner and on 72 minutes Marcus Griffiths headed in Steve Williams’ right-footed cross.

Marcus Griffiths went close again on 85 minutes, his 25-yard lob almost signing off a good day’s work, but it landed on the roof of the net.

ICW

DEC-17

The enthusiastic Spaniard not only scored a superb goal himself, he also assumed the role of provider for Warren Feeney’s opener. Such is his attacking prowess, people are now starting to question whether Swansea’s right back really belongs in the back four.

It’s hardly a surprise then to find out the 24-year-old spent a significant portion of his junior years as an extremely successful striker.

But, while he is certainly hoping to be on the scoresheet more regularly, he insists the change to defence was for the best so long as he is given the freedom to push forwards as often as possible.

“Ten years ago, when I was younger, I was a striker and I would score 20 goals a season,” he explained. “It was at a different level, though, and I’m a better defender now.

“But over the last three seasons I’ve scored nine goals and I’m hoping to get more. I got five two seasons ago and I want to get more this season.

“I am a defender, but, if I stay in defence, I don’t enjoy my football. I like to push forward, put in crosses and help in attack because my passing is my best quality. But the most important thing for me is still the defending.”

ICW

DEC-17

Brian Carey lasted just 10 months before he was replaced by Little and Saturday’s 3-1 defeat to Brentford was all too reminiscent of the displays that resulted in the Irishman’s dismissal.

Little suggested the defensive calamities that handed the League Two contest to the Bees have left him in no doubt as to the size of the task ahead.

“It wasn’t anything other than panic and I felt we panicked all afternoon, which is poor really. We’d worked so hard on the training ground, but when we’ve been thrown into the match situation the confidence was poor.

“We had good chances, but we were never comfortable because we couldn't relax defensively. It’s a bad result and it shows that the task ahead is very difficult.”

And Little hinted the opening of the January transfer window can’t come soon enough as he must strengthen if the club is to improve its second-bottom status.

“I’ve come in to try and help and I think we’ve done reasonably well until today. But today makes you think, ‘Come on January please,’ because we need to help the players here.

“They need freshening up a little bit. Now whether we can do that or fetch the right ones in I don’t know. But at the moment there’s a few games where we have to soldier on together.

ICW

DEC-17

He faces a three-match suspension now for his dismissal after a most needless and reckless challenge on Robins’ goalkeeper Adriano Basso with just 15 minutes in the clock.

But what really must put Thompson’s future in doubt is his remarkable outburst at City manager Dave Jones conducted in the Scottish press ahead of this flawed Severnside derby.

The 29-year-old lambasted Jones, claiming he was made the scapegoat for Cardiff’s fall from grace last season and has lifted the veil at the Bluebirds dressing room admitting he and his manager barely talk and do not see eye-to-eye over matters.

Thompson seems to have been stung into the attack by comments made last week by Jones claiming it was he and his medical staff who helped rebuild the striker who had been placed on the transfer list and suffered a serious groin injury in the summer.

“It is a battle of wills at the moment. I really did work hard to get back fit again, yet I read him in the papers saying I am fitter than I have ever been and that it is a testament to the Cardiff staff,” said Thompson.

ICW

DEC-17

The Bluebirds’ boss insisted Steve Thompson should only have received a yellow for his 15th-minute lunge instead of being sent off.

And then Jones said Rennie – to top off an all-round bad day – missed a foul on keeper Kasper Schmeichel for Bristol’s goal and City’s last-minute appeal for a penalty.

Jones is already facing a charge from the FAW for blasting another top-flight ref in Phil Dowd last night, but he couldn’t hold back and he said: “I’ve had this many times with Uriah Rennie – sometimes you wonder if it’s personal. I handed him the tape of the game and told him to watch it.

“It wasn’t the best performance from him, it wasn’t acceptable.

“It was a foul on Kasper for their goal and we should have had a penalty right at the end. It’s difficult enough against 11 than when those kind of decisions go against you.

“And Thommo was entitled to go for the ball but the keeper has realised it’s not going to go out and he’s stepped across him – if anything it was a yellow card.”

Jones was disappointed not be able to take a point but he was buoyed by City’s fight, saying: “Hopefully it’s just a blip in terms of results because we didn’t play poorly. They’re a good side but we gave it a big push and we kept on trying to play, and were still creating chances against 11 men.”

ICW

DEC-16

In particular, there is Martin Rose, who Tucker took with him from Taffs Well to Llanelli, and it was Rose who scored the winner, in the 83rd minute.

A delighted Tucker said he was pleased with the performance levels of his new squad. However, there was not too much of that on show during a scrappy first half, which finished scoreless.

Ten minutes after the break, a James Thomas shot put the visitors ahead but Caernarfon were reduced to 10 men when Eifion Jones received a straight red for using his elbow.

It took Port Talbot seven minutes to get back on terms. A Chad Bond shot could only be parried by the visiting keeper, Vinny Whelan, for Scott Barrow to tap home the rebound.

Port Talbot pressure forced good saves from Whelan, but he could do nothing to stop Rose when he side-footed home a cross from Lee John.

In injury time, Caernarfon’s Kieran Quinn picked up a second yellow – and was off.

WOS

DEC-16

Therefore it was imperative that Neath took points against Porthmadog, who arrived in South Wales as the club at the foot of the table – and left in the same grim position.

Neath started brightly and had their reward when they took the lead after 10 minutes. A dangerous cross was met by Carl Shaw, whose effort hit the post, but an alert Richard French forced the ball home.

The home side continued to press, and Jared Price had a great chance to extend the lead when he burst through and was one-on-one with the keeper – only to shoot wide.

The visitors came out for the second half with renewed vigour, and forced Neath to do some serious defending. However, nerves were calmed when, after a cross from the right, Carl Shaw spun and volleyed the ball into the top corner.

With six minutes left, Carl Owen nipped in to get a goal back. It meant for a nervous spell, but Neath hung on to claim all three points.

WOS

DEC-16

The title chasers needed a couple of Rhys Griffiths penalties, the first a contested spot kick which was saved by keeper Ged McGuigan on nine minutes before the striker netted the rebound.

But Welshpool, despite the absence of some key campaigners, levelled on 23 minutes when Calvin Davies latched onto Will Thomas’ ball over the defence.

The striker got his second 10 minutes later when Aden Shannon laid the ball off following a Ross Stephens free kick.

Pool were pegged back on the hour when Craig Jones rounded off a well-worked move.

However, the hosts went back in front when the visitors failed to deal with Stephens’ inswinging corner which appeared to find the net before Davies applied the finishing touch.

Llanelli battled back and were awarded their second penalty after Dave Cunnah handled on 76 minutes, with Griffiths making no mistake for his second goal of the game that took his tally to 23 for the season.

Pool were reduced to 10 men when Brett Jefferies was dismissed for his second booking, but they could have snatched it late on only for Thomas to put his effort wide after the ball had bobbled.

WOS

DEC-16

Player-manager Deryn Brace was forced to fill the role himself, with Chris Thomas as his defensive partner, so a clean sheet did not look too likely, especially as Rhyl looked sharp and purposeful from the outset.

So it is safe to say that the home side were happier with the eventual 0-0 scoreline. In fact, the crucial moment arguably came as early as the 19th minute, when Rhyl were awarded a penalty, after Andy Moran was judged to have been brought down by Chris Thomas.

There was no great dispute from the home side, but the veteran marksman, who stepped up to take the kick himself, was thwarted by a diving Neil Thomas, who kept out Moran’s effort.

That was not the first let off for Carmarthen either. Earlier, Matthew Holt had found himself alone in the six-yard box, but had somehow put the ball over the bar.

Rhyl lost their influential left wing-back Chris Roberts after 27 minutes.

The midfield was adjusted and his replacement, Chris Sharp, burst from right midfield into the box – but drove over the bar.

There were five goals for Carmarthen’s Tim Hicks last week – but he would have been grateful for just one against Rhyl. Lee Kendall denied him with an excellent save after Hicks had cut in from the right.

Hicks had another chance when he was first to reach a Sasha Walters cross, but his effort just crept wide.

On the stroke of half-time, Rhyl’s Mark Connolly had another chance when he burst into the box, but then ballooned his shot over the bar.

It was more of the same in the second half, with Neil Thomas again denying Moran.

For the home side, Paul Fowler and Gregg Coombes forced a number of good saves from Kendall.

Right at the death, Rhyl’s Lee Hunt failed to convert a chance set up by Connolly with a smart set-piece kick

WOS

DEC-16

THE two sides must be sick of the sight of each other since this is their fifth encounter so far this season with Bath holding a 2-1 lead and one game drawn before yesterday’s FA Trophy clash.

And in the first-half it seemed like the sides knew each other inside out and looked impossible to separate.

But after the break there was no doubting County’s superiority following a crucial save by Newport ‘keeper Glyn Thompson from Lewis Hogg on 52 minutes.

Three minutes later County had their noses in front when Charlie Griffin found space down the left and though his pass to his co-striker Craig Hughes was not best placed Hughes curled his left foot around the ball and found the corner of the net from 20 yards.

In the 68th minute a superb run by Richard Evans down the left cut Bath apart and his cross was headed home by Hughes for his second goal.

With Lee Fowler excellent in midfield County were turning on the style and on times the game threatened to boil over as lenient referee Andy Newell failed to take action against some persistent fouling from Bath.

Hogg in particular was fortunate to stay on the field for some of his excesses before he became the third Bath man to be booked, following Matt Coupe and Jim Rollo into Newell’s notebook in the 80th minute.

County’s superiority by then was overwhelming and top scorer Griffin rounded off a thoroughly good afternoon’s work by scoring his 10th goal of the season in injury time.

County would no doubt love a home clash against a major Conference Premier side in the next stage of the competition.

Newport boss Peter Beadle said: “It was a funny game and Bath had changed their system. But at half time we had a good chat about the importance of getting in behind them. When we’re on the front foot we are a good side and once we scored the first goal there was going only going to be one outcome. Our second half display was excellent and there won’t be many who beat Bath by three goals this season.”

WOS

DEC-16

The club have been hit by a very tight playing budget and Shephard seems disillusioned with management.

“If I had one tip for any manager, it would be don’t trust anyone. If you have someone you can trust, your a lucky man.

“The politics behind clubs these days is bewildering at times, but you have to keep positive and upbeat for the players.”

WOS

DEC-15

The Lilywhites, lying fifth, will be out to put the record straight following two defeats at the hands of the full-timers earlier this season.

But they must do it without midfielders Richard Harris and Chris Venables, who are both suspended for one game.

“Neither has missed a game for us this season so it’s a big blow to lose both of them,” said manager Tommi Morgan. “When you play the top sides, you want your strongest team out but we’ve just got to get on with it.”

Welshpool also have injury concerns with central defender John Keegan seeing a specialist over his knee problem while forward Steve Rogers is sidelined with a hamstring injury. Will Thomas also faces a check on a bruised ankle he picked up last week.

Llanelli will be seeking a third win against Pool, having won 3-0 in the league on the opening day while also prevailing 2-0 in the Loosemores Cup just last month.

ICW

DEC-15

After a dismal start, the Bluebirds have edged their way out of the drop zone with 10 points coming from their last six games.

And manager Mike Barton believes the team can improve further as they chase their first home win of the season against a side hovering just a few places above.

“We started the season by playing 4-5-1, but since we’ve gone to a 4-4-2 we’ve looked a lot more positive,” he said. “If we’re going to go down, we may as well play football and give it a good go.

“We’ve given ourselves a chance of staying up and if we can beat Haverfordwest it would drag another side into the mix.

“We’re now third from bottom and we’ve got to just keep on improving and see where it takes us.”

The Bluebirds should be close to full strength as they bid to avenge a first-day defeat, although front-runner Mark Griffiths has a groin injury

ICW

DEC-15

They lost 2-0 at home when managed by Clayton Blackmore – ironically Neath-born – to provide the worst possible start to the season.

Current team boss, Viv Williams, said: “I was not around at the time, but I understand Neath are a good workmanlike side with some experienced players, including from Football League backgrounds.

“To get anything there, we will have to work hard for 90 minutes and be committed and disciplined.

“We have seven vital games coming up against teams close to us and, while we might well take points off each other, our aim is to start booking points sooner rather than later.”

Left-back Mike Foster, missing for a month because of a hamstring injury, benefited from a full run out with the club’s reserves in a 15-0 frolic against Cemaes Bay in the Gwynedd League.

Williams said: “Mike has not had any after-effects and will be in contention, along with the others.”

But midfielder Danny Hughes is sidelined by a knee problem and the availability of some others is doubtful.

ICW

DEC-15

Seven pointless league matches followed, but manager Adie Jones insists his squad have matured a great deal since that baptism of fire, even though they remain in difficulty and find themselves just one place from the bottom of the table.

Loking ahead to today’s trip, Jones said: “We should not have lost to Nomads that day because we missed a penalty and gave away two soft goals, but we have learned a lot since then.

“While this is another vitally important game for us – indeed, almost a cup final in significance – this is one we are fully capable of winning.

“Our players must accept that every game is going to be difficult, especially this one, and the points will not come easily.

“Admittedly, we are second from bottom and Nomads are fourth from bottom, which suggests they are better than us.

“But they have had a couple of big beatings recently, which will make them smart a lot.”

Llangefni expect to have a full squad available, although a late check is required on key centre-back Craig Hogg, whose foot injury, sustained in the Loosemores’ Cup against Rhyl, flared up in midweek training.

ICW

DEC-15

The Dragons will be looking to get back to winning ways following last weekend's 3-0 defeat at Dagenham and Redbridge.

And Little said: "You've got two teams who genuinely need to get something out of this football match.

"We're going to try and be aggressive and hopefully will get the result."

Wrexham sit next to bottom of the Football League with Brentford - who parted company with manager Terry Butcher this week, four points and four places above them.

And Little is aware of the effect teams losing their managers on players.

"The players will be disappointed, they will feel a little bit responsible for that I'm sure, and there will be a reaction," he said.

"Generally, the response springs determination more than anything else and I think they will be determined to put things right.

"This weekend there is a game where people will want to fight, not literally. They will not lie down, not give in."

BBC

DEC-15

NLD

DEC-15

Jenkins and Jason Bowen were part of the Swansea City side which won the Autoglass Trophy at the old stadium in 1994 and a win against Bath City this afternoon (kick-off 3pm) would leave the pair just five games from a return to Wembley Way.

"It was a great day for me and Bows," said Jenkins.

"We were only young then but we really enjoyed the occasion.

"We got a bus between us for all our relatives to come and see us and we won on penalties. It was a great stadium and to get back there with County would be fantastic."

Their opponents, for the fifth time this season, are John Relish's Bath and Jenkins is under no illusion that it will be another closely-fought encounter.

"We are a little sick of seeing them to be honest," he said.

"They've beaten us twice and we want to make up for that but on each occasion it was only by the odd goal and it'll be very tight again this time I'm sure."

SWA

DEC-14

Peter Nicholas has hailed the character of his squad as Llanelli battle the period that cost them the title last season. The Llanelli manager praised his players for learning the lessons of last season's Christmas horror show which saw the club pick up just nine points out of 30 over the winter period.

A devastating 4-0 defeat in Bangor on November 18 was followed by a 3-0 win at Caersws.

But Nicholas then saw his side draw six and lose two of their next eight.

DP

DEC-14

That is the verdict of Welsh Premier secretary John Deakin, who says it is time the government pulled its finger out to help Welsh non-league football.

Deakin’s call comes in the light of new Uefa ground criteria, which from next season will require Champions League and Uefa Cup games to be played at grounds with a capacity of at least 3,000.

That will rule out all the grounds in the Welsh Premier from hosting the games, although the league will apply for exceptions while they work on upgrading stadia.

The plan is to upgrade three grounds so that there is one in the North, one in mid Wales and one down south with the required capacity.

But for that to happen, Deakin says the Assembly must stump up some cash.

“The financing of this is going to be a problem,” he said. “But the national Assembly has a part to play in this.

“They haven’t put a brass farthing into improving the infra structure of our teams, so hopefully we can get some money from there but we’ll have to wait and see.”

“Unless your club draws a big fish – like when TNS drew Liverpool when they’ll probably move anyway – unless that happens why do they need 3,000 seats? They’re not going to get 3,000 spectators.

“Rhyl are getting towards 2,000 for their European games,” he added. “But Carmarthen, for example, are only getting six or 700. As far as I’m concerned it’s ridiculous.”

ICW

DEC-14

Craig Harrison, who counts Paul Gascoigne and Juninho as his former team-mates at Middlesbrough, is the Wingmakers’ new assistant boss.

And it was through Owen’s band Easy Street that the partnership came about, after Harrison’s girlfriend booked them for a surprise 30th birthday party for the former Preston and Crystal Palace man.

Harrison said: “It’s amazing how fate sometimes takes control, and now I’m really looking forward to passing on my knowledge and working with the lads to hopefully get Airbus high up in the Welsh Premier League.”

ICW

DEC-14

THE son of a famous father, Nigel Clough doesn’t make his mobile number widely available, but the Burton Albion manager is punctilious about responding to interview requests.

Less than 12 hours after watching his Blue Square Premier League outfit bow out of the FA Cup at Barnet, Clough is only too willing to talk about his side’s next challenge – tomorrow’s FA Trophy first round clash with Unibond League side Colwyn Bay at Llanelian Road.

For the Seagulls – 51 places below their opponents in the footballing pyramid – it promises to be more of a David v Goliath clash than Albion’s FA Cup second-round replay at Underhill, where only a late goal from former Wales under-21 international Adam Birchall saw the League Two side safely through to the third round.

But Clough, whose playing career included spells at Nottingham Forest and Liverpool, is taking nothing for granted.

“Saturday’s game at Colwyn Bay is by far the more important of the two matches this week,” he said.

“The FA Trophy is a far more winnable competition for us than the FA Cup and we want to go as far as we can, but I have to admit we don’t know an awful lot about Colwyn Bay.

“The roles will be reversed for this game with us being favourites, as opposed to underdogs, and we can expect Colwyn Bay to make it as difficult as they possibly can for us.”

ICW

DEC-14

However there is a lot of football still to be played before we could see Newport YMCA host Caerleon and Croesyceiliog entertain Llanwern on January 5 - especially considering not a ball has yet been kicked in the last-16 round.

All eight games were washed out last Saturday with six of them rescheduled for tomorrow, while another two - Ammanford Town against Tredegar Town and ENTO Aberaman Athletic v Llanwern - are not due to be played until December 22.

Most teams have not played for the last two Saturdays and as a result, most are free of injury problems with only unavailability and suspensions to worry about.

Caerleon entertain MacWhirter Welsh League Division One rivals Pontardawe Town at Cold Bath Road, where manager Brendan Dowd's men will start as slight favourites to progress to the last eight, while Newport YMCA, also of the top flight, travel to the Swansea area to tackle Division Two promotion hopefuls West End.

Caerleon, who are in eighth position, welcome back midfielder Lewis Andrews and striker Shaun Pearce while YMCA will be minus only injured central defender Daniel Heath.

Another Division One side, Croesyceiliog, are also booked to travel to face Division Two opponents in the shape of Cardiff Corinthians.

SWA

DEC-14

Roberto Martinez has challenged Swansea City to bring the crowds back to the Liberty Stadium ahead of tomorrow's meeting with Southend. Swansea lead League One and have lost only once since mid-September, yet their last home league game - against Northampton last week - drew a crowd of just 10,957.

That is almost 7,000 down on the attendance for Swansea's first league fixture of the campaign on their own patch, while the average gate this season is down on their two previous Liberty seasons.

Swansea attracted an average 14,400 in 2005-6 and 12,700 last term.

EP

DEC-14

The Staffordshire side – currently in the fourth tier of non-league football in the British Gas League Midland Division – dumped League One Port Vale out of the competition on Tuesday thanks to an 89th minute header from Danny Smith.

The Bluebirds are scheduled to travel to the Scholars’ 2,000-capacity Church Street ground on the weekend of January 5 but the FA were scheduled to meet with local police to determine whether safety requirements can be met.

Alternative venues in the surrounding area include Wolves’ Molineux home and Walsall’s Bescot Stadium but both those grounds are already hosting third-round ties that weekend.

It is believed police may also be concerned about having a number of high-profile ties within such close proximity of each other.

The club are keen to host the tie, hero Smith saying this week: “It must be here. If we get Cardiff down to Chasetown, we have a better chance of pulling off another result.”

ICW

DEC-13

Trundle, 31, help up an abusive flag and wore a T-shirt mocking Cardiff while celebrating arch-rivals Swansea's Football League Trophy win.

Bristol City signed Trundle for £1m in the summer and he faces Cardiff for the first time since last year's incident.

"It doesn't even enter our heads," said Jones ahead of Saturday's clash.

"We are a bit more professional than to worry about what he has done in the past.

"That's for the fans and others to get angry about. That's going to have no bearing on how we play against them whatsoever.

Trundle, along with team-mate Alan Tate were arrested over the flag waving and received one match bans from the FA of Wales.

Jones acknowledges the incident but says Trundle will be treated the same as any other player the Bluebirds face.

"I know Lee, he's a nice lad, he's a good player and he's been around a long, long time.

"Sometimes if you say the wrong things or do something it sticks with you for a long, long time.

"But for 90 minutes, it doesn't matter whether he is Lee Trundle or anybody else, we're not going to be friendly with him.

BBC

DEC-13

We’ll do it, say Port Talbot

ICW

DEC-13

Brace ready for Rhyl challenge

ICW

DEC-13

Smith wants to face idol Fowler

ICW

DEC-13

Go for Liberty lift, says Martinez

ICW

DEC-13

Goal hero Thompson still up for a transfer

ICW