FEB-28

The money gap widens for Irish and welsh clubs

FEB-28

New Saints boss relishes final hurdle

"It's been a long time coming, we've had a little bit of bad luck in this competition over the years," he said.

"But we deserved it, we controlled the game... the chance when it came was a scruffy goal but we'll take that."

Striker Mike Wilde pounced on a mistake from Bluebirds goalkeeper Mark Howard to upset the odds at Ninian Park.

The result also guaranteed Saints £50,000 for winning Tuesday night's semi-final, with a prize of £100,000 now in reach should the Welsh Premier leaders win the final.

Port Talbot are already through to the other semi-final and await the winner of Wednesday night's delayed quarter between Newport County and Wrexham.

BBC

FEB-28

Striker excited at facing Wales cap Ryan

Hughes believes County are equipped to go all the way in the competition and can still keep their Conference South promotion bid on track.

Wrexham arrive at for tonight's game in the bottom two of the Coca Cola League, Two and without a win since December 23, meaning the two clubs could well be playing in the Conference next term.

Hughes, whose enthusiasm for playing in any kind of match is always infectious, explained: "I am bang up for this one and I know all the boys are, it's great to test yourself against professional players.

"Wrexham have an international defender (Valentine) so that will be interesting, a fantastic test and we are taking it one game at a time in the cup but we feel we can win this one if we are at our absolute best.

"Ultimately our priority is promotion, but we are just two games away from a cup final so that's a big target as well."

South Wales Argus

FEB-28

Martinez courts Swans side-kick

"I have someone in mind and hope to settle it in the next two days," said Martinez after the 2-1 win at Rotherham, his first match in charge.

"You have to do these things in the right way as he's currently under contract with another club.

"You must get the right balance with your backroom staff, I want someone who shares my passion for the club."

A new coaching addition would raise question marks over the Liberty Stadium future of first-team coach Colin Pascoe and Kevin Nugent, ex-manager Kenny Jackett's assistant and the man who took temporary charge in the middle of the month.

"I've told Kevin that I want to keep him on board, he's a huge asset to the club," Martinez told BBC Sport Wales.

"It's been such a difficult time for him over the last couple of weeks that I've given him a few days off to clear his head.

"He's done a fantastic job in his time at Swansea, taking on a number of different roles and succeeding spectacularly in all of them."

BBC

FEB-28

City to contest FAW charges

Jones and Walton have 10 days to appeal. They will not know their possible punishment until after that period, but a £1,000 suspended fine for Jones will almost certainly be implemented.

Chopra was also scathing in his comments on Clattenburg's performance, but appears to have escaped punishment.

BBC

FEB-28

Swans start Martinez era in style

Evening Post

FEB-28

New Saints knock Cardiff out of Premier Cup

BBC

FEB-27

County ready for Prem cup game

BBC

FEB-27

Cardiff pair charged by FAW

BBC

FEB-27

Wharton wont throw in the towel

Despite this latest defeat last Saturday, which plunges the Gwent side into the bottom two, seven points ahead of Caernarfon, manager Sean Wharton refuses to throw in the towel.

Overall this was a far better display by the Crows, with the commitment so badly missing at Airbus thankfully restored.

"I thought it was a good effort by the players today," he said. "Lack of finance means none of them are being paid, but it's great they want to perform, regardless of money.

But the side's inability to score is now costing them dear, and this defeat and the fact both Airbus UK and Newtown picked up points means only Caernarfon Town are below Cwmbran in the table in the one-strong relegation zone. The team's meeting at Cwmbran Stadium on March 17 could well decide just which club loses its Welsh Premier League status.

"We hope for the best, but, if relegation follows, we will deal with that as well."

FEB-27

Chopra to get new deal

Michael Chopra will open talks on a new Cardiff City contract this week.

His 20-goals scoring spree has activated a clause in his contract which means he is entitled to an improved and longer contract.

'Michael's agent sent me a text 15 minutes after he had scored twice against Preston on Friday night,' said Bluebirds chairman Peter Ridsdale.

'There is a clause in his original contract saying that if he scores 20 goals this season he has the right to a new contract.

'At the time we felt 20 goals would be a tall order, but he has done exceptionally well.'

Chopra, who took his tally to 21 in the 4-1 win against Preston, is committed to Cardiff City until 2009. Any new contract would have to, under FA rules, be extended for at least 12 months.

He set a personal target of 20 goals - and will now make that either 25 or 30 with 11 Coca-Cola Championship matches to go.

Western Mail

FEB-27

Barrow says no to Swans job

South Wales Echo

FEB-27

Toner the main worry for under-strength City

Montreal-born John Toner is a major threat to Cardiff City hopes of winning the FAW Premier Trophy.

It is a trophy which ranks low in City's priority list, but the £100,000 prize on offer for the winners is a big pull.

Cardiff will field a mixture of teenagers and experienced pros who are currently just outside the starting line-up at Ninian Park.

Full-timers TNS, reigning champions and leaders of the Principality Welsh Premier League, bring their full strength team to South Wales including Toner, a Canadian who has netted 24 goals in 35 appearances this season.

City manager Dave Jones will think long and hard before deciding on his line-up to face TNS, even though he has an extra day this week before the Bluebirds take on Birmingham City at St Andrews on Sunday.

Goalkeeper David Forde will almost certainly start because Neil Alexander is on the mend from his bout of flu, while Lloyd Evans and Bradley Middleton are likely to be the central defenders.

Kevin Cooper, who played at Carmarthen Town in the last round, is now on loan at Walsall, while Iwan Redan is working to shake off an ankle injury. Matt Green is cup-tied, having already played for Newport County in this competition, and that means Andrea Ferretti will surely get a chance in attack.

South Wales Echo

FEB-27

I will not turn my back on Evans

WALES boss John Toshack last night handed Wrexham’s Steve Evans a vote of confidence after the defender’s red card during Sunday’s derby with Shrewsbury at the Racecourse

Sent off twice already this season, Evans now faces a five-match League Two ban but Toshack said that would not affect his prospects of being involved in the two important European Championship qualifiers coming up next month.

The 28-year-old defender followed up a debut against Liechtenstein with another solid performance in Northern Ireland, and Toshack confirmed he would be in the squad for the Group D matches against the Republic of Ireland and San Marino.

“In fairness to Steve, his performances for Wales could not be faulted,” said the Wales boss.

“During the second half of the game against Northern Ireland in Belfast we came under some severe pressure, but Steve stood firm with a number of younger lads around him

“So he would be in my squad for the forthcoming games, although his ban means he might have gone a month without playing.”

Toshack’s first choice defenders, West Ham’s Danny Gabbidon and James Collins have been injured for much of the season and the Wales boss admitted they face a race against time to be involved next month.

“We are keeping our fingers crossed but I’d have no problem playing Steve,” he added. “If he was suspended from playing for Wales, it would not stop him playing club football, so there’s no moral dilemma for me. But let’s not forget his loss to Wrexham in their current situation is a major blow for the club, never mind us.”

Daily Post

FEB-26

Port Talbot crash land against Airbus

IN recent seasons, good performances from Airbus tend to have one common factor - the presence of Gareth Owen.

Now player-manager, the experienced Owen once again had a huge influence on this outing - in a third successive win for resurgent Airbus.

For Port Talbot, it was a bitterly disappointing day. It seemed as if they had ridden out a bad spell, with four wins in the last five, but the wheels came off with a vengeance.

Owen made the difference in an even first half, sizing up the situation at a free kick on the edge of the box, and coolly steering the ball past home keeper Kristian Rogers to make it one-nil at half time.

For Port Talbot, Richard French went close and Matthew Rees should certainly have done better when he found himself in a scoring position.

Those missed chances became doubly costly when Airbus struck to extend their lead. It came from a pretty straightforward cross from the right, but James Husanney was quickest to the ball, and he steered it home with his right foot.

Wales on Sunday

FEB-26

Llanelli back to winning ways

THE home fans could scarcely believe the half-time scoreline. Llanelli had dominated but the struggling visitors from north Wales crafted an equaliser through Paul Addo, who proved to be their best attacker.

Nicky Palmer put the home side ahead on nine minutes, having already missed one good chance. In truth, he almost messed up again, receiving the ball after a sharp one-two with Rhys Griffiths and letting the keeper get a hand on the ball before forcing it home at the second attempt.

However, Addo equalised after 28 minutes, when a Lee Phillips throw-in was headed on to Addo in acres of space.

Llanelli put things back on course in the first minute of the second half, when Nicky Palmer squared the ball for Andrew Mumford to blast home.

The game looked safe five minutes later when Efren Fernandes put Jacob Mingorance through for the Spaniard to shoot home. There was hope for Caernarfon when Leighton Maxwell scored from the penalty spot, but a good move between Gary Lloyd, Andrew Mumford and Rhys Griffiths left the latter in space to fire home.

Wales on Sunday

FEB-26

No goals to crow about for Cwmbran

Cwmbran 0-1 Bangor City

IT was a bad day for the South Wales teams with only Llanelli scrambling a win.

This win for Bangor meant they moved above Port Talbot, while Cwmbran dropped two places, as Newtown and a resurgent Airbus leap-frogged them.

Certainly Cwmbran fans suffered, as they dominated the game against a side several places higher in the table, only to see Mark Smythe 'steal' the game with a goal direct from a free kick just after the hour.

Cwmbran assistant manager Steve Graves summed things up pretty bluntly, saying: "We can't buy a goal at the moment."

Cwmbran took the field with two new young strikers, Matthew Prosser and Matthew Houston, and with Geraint Goodridge back in midfield, replacing Gareth Moucher, who picked up an injury last week.

The Bangor camp agreed that the home side had been in total control over the first 45 minutes - although they felt that they took a fair share of the second, particularly when veteran striker Marc Lloyd-Williams hit the crossbar.

The crucial score came just after the hour, and it was a one-man effort.

Mark Smythe taunted the home defence down the left, beat two men and was fouled as he cut in towards the area.

He dusted himself down and took the kick himself, finding a chink in the home defensive line-up and sending the ball low into the corner, past the despairing dive of Gareth Wesson.

Soon afterwards, he was at his best again to parry a drive from Bangor substitute Marco Adajico.

Hard though Cwmbran tried, they could not find a way to unlock the solid Bangor defence, and the home fans watched the clock tick down with that sense of foreboding that is inevitable when things are running against you.

Wales on Sunday

FEB-26

Merthyr draw a blank at home

THIS game will hardly stay in the memory of the faithful who turned out hoping to witness part two of the Martyrs' revival following their victory over Stamford in midweek.

Instead, they endured a turgid affair which suited the visitors, with the biggest disappointment being that Merthyr lacked the craft and guile to unlock a stubborn Corby defence.

Nine minutes in, Craig Lima's header drew a fine save from visiting goalkeeper Ian Pledger to suggest Merthyr may cause Corby problems but that proved to be the high point with very little threat offered at either end for much of the game.

Garry Shephard headed just wide on 15 minutes before Chris Goodman spurned Corby's best chance just before half-time after being put free down the right.

The second half was much the same with Gareth Warton having a header cleared off the line on 76 minutes by Corby defender Steve Towers and Kris Dimond having his free kick smothered by Pledger.

Right at the death the Northants outfit almost snatched the three points when a swift break out of defence saw Brett Darby deliver a flighted cross that was eventually scrambled clear of the Merthyr line to seal the goalless draw.

Wales on Sunday

FEB-26

Aber are no walk in the park for TNS

LEADERS TNS suffered a slight setback to their title ambitions as they were held to a goalless draw in an entertaining Park Avenue encounter.

Neither side can complain at having to share the spoils. However, while Aberystwyth manager Brian Coyne will be pleased that the mid-table Seasiders once again proved that on their day they can mix it with the best, his opposite number Ken McKenna will be a little concerned about the increased pressure the loss of two points puts on his side at the top of the table.

Playing their first home game in five weeks and their first on a Saturday for three months, Aber started with a flourish as Glyndwr Hughes and Craig Jones provided the visitors with a few early problems.

Indeed the fast pace from the kick-off never let up, with any thoughts that Aber might eventually tire against full-time opponents entirely misplaced.

Immediately before the break, youngster Geoff Kellaway, enjoying a well-deserved extended run in the Aber side, found himself clear but his parting shot proved little trouble for Doherty.

There was no let-up in the momentum after half-time but opportunities continued to be at a premium. John Toner should have clinched his 15th Welsh Premier goal of the season in the 55th minute when a slip by the otherwise impeccable Christian Edwards left him free, but he fired wide.

With his front men continually frustrated, McKenna sent on fit again striker Alfie Carter for Oscar Gonzalez but he enjoyed no greater success than the Spaniard in breaking down the Aber rearguard.

At the other end two Kellaway crosses from the left caused TNS problems. Glyndwr Hughes narrowly failed to connect with the first before Craig Jones fired the second inches wide of Doherty's right-hand post.

The home side hung on for a deserved point and enjoyed some consolation for an early season defeat at Treflan.

Wales on Sunday

FEB-25

Welsh league division 1 round up

NEATH ATHLETIC showed true championship form when they overwhelmed Bryntirion Athletic in the first division of the Welsh league extending their lead at the top.

It was a one-sided romp from the start at Llandarcy with Neath sweeping into a 4-0 half-time advantage.

They completed the job in style after the break making it a comprehensive 5-0 success.

Chris Miller led the way for Neath with a stunning hat-trick while Andy Hill and Steve Evans also got on the scoresheet.

Their position was strengthened by the failure of nearest rivals, second-placed Pontypridd, to defeat Goytre. Their match at Pentre Hafod Park ended scoreless.

At the other end of the first division Ely Rangers did their survival chances a power of good when they thrashed Maesteg Park 4-0 with goals by Wayne Matthews, Spencer Clarke, Sean Nash and Nicky Hooper.

Elsewhere, Taffs Well were much too good for Pontardawe, winning 3-0, and a 35th minute goal by Gareth Jones gave ENTO Aberaman a 1-0 success at Caerleon.

Barry Town and Bridgend Town fought out 2-2 draws at Croesyceiliog and Newport YMCA respectively.

Wales on Sunday

FEB-25

Welsh leagues division 2&3 round up

WEST END stepped up their challenge for promotion from the second division of the Welsh League running out 5-0 winners against Ammanford.

Wayne Jones bagged a brace of goals in the first half to give them a 2-0 interval advantage and Darren Griffiths swooped for a hat-trick after the break to complete the rout.

Although the Swansea side are in with a splendid chance of going up they will have to move up several gears to catch league leaders Garw, who won again yesterday this time 1-0 at second-placed Cambrian & Clydach in a true test of nerves.

Deadly striker Richard Ready netted for Bettws as they edged to a 1-0 victory over Caldicot Town, while Cardiff Corries, helped by a brace of goals from Robbie James, beat Penrhiwceiber Rangers 3-2.

Ian Batten gave Treharris a first-half lead at Pontyclun but the hosts levelled through Eliot Davey after 10 minutes of the second period.

Troedyrhiw, who are pressing hard for promotion, secured an important 5-2 home victory over Morriston with Richie Collins grabbing a hat-trick.

Shamrock Cup quarter-finalists Tredegar Town pipped Merthyr Saints 3-2.

For the second time in three weeks Ystradgynlais went goal crazy, this time at the expense of third division promotion favourites Llangeinor, and ran out 6-3 winners.

Craig Hopkins scored two of their goals with Nicky Maggs, Liam Soroko, Darren Langford and Andrew Miller getting the others.

In a battle between two sides near the foot of the table Porthcawl Town drew 2-2 with Seven Sisters and there were draws also at Llantwit Fardre and Pentwyn Dynamo,

Wales on Sunday

FEB-25

Shrewsbury pile more misery on Wrexham

Leo Fortune-West put the visitors ahead on eight minutes when he scored with a free header from Derek Asamoah's cross.

Asamoah doubled the lead when his shot was parried in by Wrexham goalkeeper John Ruddy and then home defender Steve Evans was sent off for an elbow.

Fortune-West made it three after the break from a low cross, Danny Williams then replying with a 30-yard cracker.

Shrewsbury midfielder Mike Jones found the back of the net with the last kick of the game, but the goal was ruled out because he had fired in from an indirect free-kick.

The result leaves Wrexham in the drop zone, but Shrewsbury move up three places to 10th in the table

BBC

FEB-25

Yeovil edge the Swans

EVENING POST

FEB-25

Martinez: I couldn't say no

EVENING POST

FEB-25

Welsh premier league round up

The top two both played out draws, with leaders The New Saints being held in a goalless affair in the early kick off at Aberystwyth, but Rhyl failed to take advantage, being surprisingly held to a 2-2 scoreline by Newtown at Belle Vue. In fact, the Lilywhites left it desperately late to get even a point, with defender Adrian Moody equalising in the last minute, after the visitors had twice led, through Daniels and a Glenn Tolley spot kick.

Llanelli secured a welcome victory at Stebonheath and still have hopes of a top three finish with games in hand on all of the clubs above them. In a 4-2 victory over bottom of the table Caernarfon, Nicky Palmer got the Reds opener after nine minutes, which was cancelled out by the Canaries, Paul Addo after 28 minutes. Andrew Mumford regained the advantage for the home side just after the break, and Jacob Mingorance made it 3-1 five minutes later. Layton Maxwell got Caernarfon's second from the spot after 55 minutes, but the prolific Rhys Griffiths finally settled it for Peter Nicholas' outfit three minutes later. That defeat really adds to Town's already dire plight, with revitalised Airbus winning again, this time 2-0 at Port Talbot. Player Manager, Gareth Owen opened the scoring after 12 minutes and James Hussaney settled it with the second a quarter of an hour from time. Port Talbot boss, Wayne Davies will be hoping for an improved display next weekend when they entertain local rivals Afan Lido in the Welsh Cup Quarter Finals.

Another of the Welsh Cup Quarter finalists, Porthmadog warmed up for their trip to Carmarthen next weekend in style, defeating Newi Cefn Druids 3-0 at Y Traeth. It was brothers in arms in the first half with Les Davies giving them a sixth minute lead and younger sibling Ryan getting the second on 29 minutes, the evergreen Clayton Blackmore added a third three minutes after the break.

WELSHPREMIER.COM

FEB-24

Martinez confirmed as Swansea boss

The Swans offered him the post on Friday after agreeing a compensation package with his former employers Chester City.

Martinez spent three seasons with Swansea before joining Chester last summer after falling out of favour with former manager Kenny Jackett.

The 33-year-old is hoping to bring in an assistant in the next few days.

Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins said Martinez's preferred candidate is contracted with another club and so further negotiations are required to secure his release.

Chester City assistant Graham Barrow, who first brought Martinez to English football in 1995 when he was in charge of Wigan, is believed to be the man in question.

Caretaker manager Kevin Nugent will be in charge for Saturday's game at Yeovil, but Martinez is expected to take over for Tuesday's visit to Rotherham.

BBC

FEB-24

Neath still hit with bans and injuries

Leaders Neath Athletic are again below full strength for tomorrow's first division clash with visiting Bryntirion Athletic. Still out through suspensions are Jock Fairbairn, Jonathan Keaveny and Chris Pridham while Jarrod Price, Carl Shaw and Chris Vardon are all likely to miss out because of injuries.

However, Jack Jenkins returns, following a suspension served at former club Morriston.

Neath have abandoned interest in centre-back David Burrows, who has plumped for Port Talbot Town.

Terms had been agreed with the ex-Aberystwyth player-manager, but he then went with the Blues last Saturday to New Saints.

Tomorrow Goytre have an equally demanding clash against second-placed Pontypridd Town at Glenhafod Park.

The Port Talbot side will be bidding for a double, having taken the Ynysangharad Park meeting 2-1 back in October thanks to goals from Jonny Walkley and Kevin Bartley.

Pontardawe have some of their walking wounded back for the clash at Taffs Well, who beat Barry Town, 3-1, in midweek.

Former Garden Village striker Paul Dickie is set to make a club debut, with Steve Crabbe, Gavin Guy and Jonny Owen also in the selection mix.

Maesteg Park, beaten in their last five matches, have Gareth Davies and Ryan Morgan out at bottom-club Ely Rangers.

Lee Michael is nursing a shoulder injury, but is expected to recover in time.

Evening Post

FEB-24

YMCA know what to expect from Bridgend

Newport YMCA certainly aren't quaking in their boots at the thought of taking on Bridgend Town tomorrow who wiped the floor with luckless Croesyceiliog last Saturday.

YM go into the match fresh from their win at Maesteg Park where all their goals in a 3-1 came from back four players.

Mark Coldrick, YM manager, said: "We know what they did to Croesyceiliog (Bridgend won 7-0). Perhaps it was a combination of Bridgend playing their last game at Coychurch Road and 'Croesy' having a bad day at the office.

"We are full of confidence after the win at Maesteg where we had eight first-team regulars missing with four youth team players in the squad."

And, although two were on the bench and did not get on, Coldrick is more than happy with the ways are going and, coining a well-used advertising phrase, Coldrick added: "The future is looking bright."

Craig Ford, one of the young quartet, played at left back and scored the opening goal following a set piece when the ball dropped to him in the penalty area. Alex Jenkins played in a central midfield role, both youngsters impressing Coldrick while on the bench were Kanisorn Janrunsri and Lee Morris.

Robbie Painter and John Pardue both return after completing suspensions while Faris Yafai has one more game to go before his comeback. Striker Aaron Stewart, recovered from a hamstring injury, has trained this week and returns to the squad but front runner Sean Pearce is out with a thigh strain and Craig

James inactive following the recurrence of a knee injury.

Central defender Danny Heath was boosted this week after visiting a specialist. He is recovering from a broken cheekbone and could be back within a couple of weeks as opposed to the initial fears of a month or more.

Coldrick said: "Danny was a big loss to us because he has been playing so well."

South Wales Argus

FEB-24

Bluebirds back in play off places

Whittingham brilliantly finished off a Paul Parry cross just before half-time and Michael Chopra added a second from the penalty spot just after the break.

A minute later Graham Alexander gave Preston hope from the spot only for Roger Johnson to then head in a third.

Whittingham helped seal the win with a great piece of skill before crossing for Chopra to score his second.

BBC

FEB-24

Welshpool consolidate 3rd place

It consolidates them in 3rd place and keeps them on target for their first ever venture into Europe. 

Rogers goal came after 30 minutes when he headed in a Geraint Windsor cross. The goal was the first notable effort from either side in a poor first 30 minutes.

Caersws did make a fight of it in the 2nd half but could not get on the score sheet. And to make matters worse for the visitors they had Hugh Clarke sent off after 90 minutes for a second yellow card.

The game drew Welshpool's largest crowd of the season, 382 turned up at Maesydre to watch the game.

Tony

FEB-23

Seasiders seal Cadwallader's Signature

Cadwallader started his career as a trainee with Shrewsbury and he made his first appearance at Carlisle United in February 2006. At the end of the season, following the completion of his three year scholarship programme, he was handed a professional contract despite suffering a number of injuries, but in January 2007, Cadwallader was released by the club, along with fellow squad player Marco Adaggio, who subsequently joined Bangor City.

He has also played for Kidderminster Harriers reserves and is the son of former Welshpool goalkeeper and Manager Russell Cadwallader and could make his Welsh Premier League debut on Saturday against Champions and League leaders, The New Saints.

Welshpremier.com

FEB-23

League asked to rethink ground upgrades

MEMBER clubs, including 12 from Gwent, have asked MacWhirter Welsh League officials to reconsider proposals to upgrade grounds in all three divisions.

At a special general meeting held at First Division Maesteg Park, clubs discussed the matter after studying a three-page document issued by the WL.

The proposals included a "lights only" First Division, with a working PA system, hard standing on all sides of the ground and 50 sears in a stand - individual or bench.

Also proposed was for grounds to be enclosed by permanent boundaries on all four sides which would prevent spectators from viewing matches from outside the ground.

"The item concerning the proposed alterations to the existing Standard Code of Facilities was debated at length and as this was presented as a discussion document, many different views were expressed," said league secretary Ken Tucker.

"The clubs decided, particularly in view of the cost implications, to refer the item back to the league management committee for further consideration."

No date was set for the proposals to be met. However it had been suggested that if they were to be brought in and clubs could not match them, then they would be relegated.

But costs alone would be far beyond the reach of the vast majority of clubs, hence their stance in asking league officials to re-evaluate the proposals placed before the meeting.

Caerleon manager Brendan Dowd had mixed feelings about the ground-improvement ideas.

"Some of the proposals are too much, too quickly," he said.

"Some are OK, such as the hard-standing and the seats but I'm not at all convinced by the ground being enclosed - perhaps we should let our hedge grow at our Cold Bath Lane ground!"

South Wales Argus

FEB-23

Big games coming up for Goytre

THE next few days will have a significant bearing on Goytre United's success this season.

Wednesday they faced Welsh League Division One title rivals Ton Pentre away, and came away with a point. while tomorrow they host big-spending and most people's championship favourites Pontypridd Town at Glenhafod Park.

If that's not enough to get the juices flowing in the Afan Valley, then next week Andrew Radford and Craig Duggan's side clash with Bettws in the semi-finals of the Shamrock Cup.

It's all about building momentum as the season heads towards a climax with Goytre fully aware that any slip-ups now could put them out of the title race.

'We are looking forward to the next couple of games and, hopefully, we can get on a good run,' said Goytre joint/manager Andrew Radford.

Robert Skeels

FEB-23

Bluebirds: We want out of FAW

CARDIFF City will try to sever ties with the Football Association of Wales and move under the command of England's governing body, the Football Association.

In an extraordinary development, the Echo has discovered that Bluebirds chiefs are investigating how they can free themselves from FAW jurisdiction, with concerns about future participation in European competition believed to be at the centre of the affair.

City bigwigs are worried that if and when they secure Premiership status, their path to Europe will be barred because the FAW could refuse to nominate them for Uefa tournaments on the grounds that they do not play in the Welsh system.

It would effectively leave them in no-man's land, without the carrot of a Uefa Cup or Champions League place were they to finish high up in the top flight.

And the club want the matter addressed now rather than further down the line.

But the Ninian Park hierarchy are also understood to be at breaking point over their dealings with the FAW on disciplinary issues.

Manager Dave Jones has already criticised the organisation for its slowness in dealing with appeals on red cards and earlier this week accused the FAW and other football authorities of "hiding behind rules" by not rescinding Simon Walton's dismissal against Leeds United last weekend.

And now City are believed to be ready to prepare a legal case if necessary for them to switch allegiance.

However Alun Evans, former secretary of the FAW and now an FAW council member and renowned authority on European football, believes the Bluebirds face an impossible task.

"You have to be affiliated to the association of the country where you are based, where your ground is and where you play from," he said.

"There is the odd exception, for example the case of Derry City who due to the political situation could not guarantee the safety of visiting teams.

"But that was an exceptional case."

FAW secretary-general David Collins was unavailable for comment.

South Wales Echo

FEB-23

Boss boosted by confidence vote

Merthyr Tydfil boss Paul Sugrue has revealed why he was ready to walk away from the Penydarren Park hot-seat following the club's recent dismal run of results.

But just hours after being given a vote of confidence, Sugrue guided the Martyrs to a much-needed BGB Premier League win over Stamford in midweek.

The victory - their first since January 6 - also eased any relegation fears having slipped down the table following a culmination of postponed matches and a succession of defeats.

'No-one is unsackable,' said Sugrue, who is also vice-chairman at the club.

'I stressed that if we went through a run of defeats like we have, I was just like everyone else and that I would offer to step down.

'I wrote a letter to the board, the Supporters' Trust and the Travel Club suggesting members vote in a ballot on my future.

'And the decision to back me unanimously was overwhelming.'

The news came as a major boost to Sugrue, who then went on to see his side end their drought thanks to strikes from Gareth Wharton and Steve Williams.

And looking ahead to struggling Corby Town's visit tomorrow (3pm), Sugrue added: 'We are well aware of what Corby can do after they beat us a few weeks ago.

'Hopefully the doom and gloom has been lifted and it can kick-start us to get as high up the table as possible.'

South Wales Echo

FEB-23

Martinez set for Swansea hot seat

The Spaniard, 33, held further talks with the club on Friday and a compensation package with current employers Chester City has been agreed.

Swansea have refused to comment, but Chester have confirmed that Martinez is leaving the club with immediate effect.

Martinez joined Chester as a player last summer after falling out favour with former Swansea boss Kenny Jackett.

But a return to the club he captained to promotion in 2005 became a distinct possibility last week when Jackett stepped down.

Martinez was given until 1400 GMT on Friday by Chester to decide where his future lay after Swansea made it clear he was on their wanted list.

"Roberto has got a good rapport with the chairman down there [Swansea], but it's got to be resolved by Friday at the latest because we'll be travelling to Swindon by 2pm," said the Chester manager Mark Wright on Thursday.

"So, if it's not done by then, I'll be trying to speak to our chairman to say, 'Finish it, that's it, because it's unfair to us all'."

Former Wales striker Dean Saunders and ex-Leeds United manager Kevin Blackwell are also believed to have held talks with Swansea over the manager's position.

But despite having no previous coaching or managerial experience, Swansea have decided to put their faith in Martinez.

Nugent, Jackett's former assistant, will be in charge for Saturday's League One match with Yeovil, but a new man could to be appointed in time for Swansea's next match at Rotherham on Tuesday.

Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins told BBC Wales Sport he had received over 50 applications for the job.

BBC

FEB-23

Beadle praises County's new strike pairing

Peter Beadle has hailed the contribution of Newport County's new twin strike force of Dean Holdsworth and Charlie Griffin.

The pair were instrumental in last weekend's 3-1 win over high-flying Welling - County's first win in seven games - with veteran Holdsworth netting a brace on his home debut and Griffin also impressing.

And with Julian Alsop now requiring ankle surgery, the pair's arrival in Gwent couldn't have come at a more opportune time in the Exiles' promotion push in the Conference South.

'They look very sharp and have settled in well,' said boss Beadle.

'Dean scored twice while Charlie had a hand in another which I was delighted about.

'With us losing Julian to injury and having sold Matt Green recently to Cardiff, adding to our squad with quality was vital.'

South Wales Echo

FEB-23

Morgan wary of Bluebirds threat

WELSHPOOL Town will be looking to keep the heat on the league’s pacesetters in tonight’s home encounter with Caersws.

Having earned a creditable goal-less draw at rival Euro challengers Rhyl last weekend, manager Tommi Morgan will he hoping his charges can capitalise by collecting maximum reward on home soil.

But Caersws, despite their lowly league position, are certain to provide stern resistance, with little to choose between the sides in their three meetings this season.

Third-placed Pool won in the league 3-1 at the Recreation Ground, while Caersws had the edge in the Loosemores Cup with a win and a draw.

“If we have aspirations then we have to win our home games,” said Morgan. “But it’s another difficult game as we’ve already played them three times and honours have been even. Caersws are very competitive.”

Midfielder Richard Harris is added to the squad after missing the Rhyl game while defender Brett Jefferies is set to play on despite a groin injury.

Some of Pool’s fringe players were given a useful workout last Monday with a 4-3 win over Penrhyncoch in the Central Wales Floodlit Cup.

Daily Post

FEB-22

All square between Bulldogs and Goytre

The biggest winners were the teams directly above then Neath and Pontypridd.  The draw did move Goytre into 4th place above Aberaman, but leaves them 13 points behind 2nd placed Pontypridd and only 2 games in hand. Ton are in the same boat 7 points behind Pontypridd but having played the same amount of games.

It does the Lido a favour as we can now overhaul both sides if we gain maximum points from our games in hand over both Goytre and Ton Pentre. But it would still leave us 5 points adrift of Pontypridd who must now be favourites for the title :(

View league table

Tony

FEB-22

Work starts on Bluebirds Stadium

The £38m stadium in Leckwith, near the club's current Ninian Park ground, is due to be ready by February 2009.

The work on the stadium project, which includes a retail development on the 60-acre site, is in preparation for major construction work in April.

Leckwith athletics stadium will also be replaced as part of the scheme.

Bosses from the club and its development partners Cardiff-based PMG Estates were joined by Cardiff Council leader Rodney Berman on Wednesday at the construction site.

"We've been battling for years to get to this point and it's fantastic that this work is commencing," said Mr Berman.

Paul Guy, director of PMG said: "Cardiff has been hearing about the plans for a new stadium for Cardiff City Football Club for a long time.

"Now the talking is over and the action begins." Mr Guy said the preparatory work would pave the way for the main contractor Laing O'Rourke to begin work on site in less than two months time.

BBC

FEB-22

Mark Jones eyes Euro spot

Carmarthen Journal

FEB-21

Cwmbran say "I'll be back"

The Gwent club is the only one in the Welsh Premier League not to pay its players, having been forced to revert to amateur status following a financial collapse earlier this season.

The Crows are currently embroiled in a second successive relegation battle - a fight they lost last season before earning a reprieve when no club was eligible for promotion.

Although officials have always said the Cwmbran Stadium outfit would see out the current campaign, there has been great concern over speculation that the inaugural 1992-93 WPL champions would voluntary drop down a level to the Welsh League - or go bust as Ebbw Vale did before the start of the 1998-99 season after appearing in Europe.

Should a club withdraw from the top-flight, then it must give notice to the league on or before February 28 - failure to do so would make them liable to incur a fine of up to £15,000.

However, Cwmbran chairman Mike Lewis today moved to set the record straight: "Cwmbran Town Football Club has no intention of withdrawing from the Welsh Premier League and will still be around next season," he declared.

"We are still seeking financial sponsorship from either a company, a group of people or an individual and should we gain that, then we would like to think we could give a budget again to our manager Sean Wharton.

"He and his back-room staff have done a great job under severely restrictive conditions and we remain positive that we can retain our WPL status "We would also like our followers to know that we are currently in the process of implementing a five-year plan to take this club forward."

Earlier this season Cwmbran received a takeover bid from a local businesswomen, although she withdrew the offer the following day.

Two months ago she alleged she'd lodged a fresh bid with Cwmbran officials, but they have strenuously denied the claim.

The Crows are currently seven points above the one-strong drop zone and will continue their battle to avoid the drop on Saturday when they host Bangor City, kick off 2.30pm.

South Wales Argus

FEB-22

Double blow for Swans

Evening Post

FEB-22

Deano wins fan's website vote

Evening Post

FEB-22

Cwmbran sign County striker again

Matthew Prosser starts his second spell with the "Crows" after a short spell with us towards the start of the season. Having returned from a similar brief spell at Taunton Town i am sure Matthew will be keen to impress Sean and hold down a regular spot in the first team.

Clearance was given by the FAW today so he will be eligible for selection against Saturday's home game against Bangor City at Cwmbran Stadium kick off 2.30pm.

Official Cwmbran Town website

FEB-21

League leaders win over woeful Swans

Sharp put Scunthorpe in front on three minutes, Swansea keeper Willy Gueret's save with his feet falling to the top scorer who gave a clinical finish.

The home side's misery increased when striker Adebayo Akinfenwa was stretchered off with a broken leg.

And, when Gueret could only parry a long-range strike from Neil Mackenzie, Beckford was left with a simple tap-in.

The defeat was Swansea's first under caretaker boss Kevin Nugent, following Saturday's draw at Doncaster, and it leaves them five points adrift of sixth-placed Tranmere in the race for the play-offs.

BBC

FEB-21

West Brom see off rivals Cardiff

Robert Koren proved an early threat to the visitors, though Steve Thompson and debutant Darcy Byrne had chances for the Bluebirds in a goalless first 45.

Kevin Philips had a goal ruled out for offside, but it needed Ellington's introduction to break the deadlock.

Six minutes after coming on the striker speared a spectacular 25-yard effort from the left into the far top corner.

The win was the Baggies' ninth in 10 home games and ended Cardiff's five-match unbeaten run.

The visitors have also been stung by a suspected broken toe suffered by striker Jason Byrne.

"A lot of people had us down for a beating at West Brom because I had so many of my big hitters missing.

"But, as it turned out, we created the game's better chances, especially in the first half when our movement caused West Brom all sorts of problems.

"Even when West Brom scored we still had chances to get an equaliser, but it was not to be.

"I am very proud of my players and the performance they gave because they frightened West Brom to death and showed there is a very bright future at this football club.

"But we want the future now, we are greedy and we want promotion now so we are going for it."

BBC

FEB-21

Wrexham back into the relegation zone

Lee McEvilly gave Wrexham the lead from Toner's poor back pass, seeing his shot saved by Phil Barnes, then hitting the post, before scoring at a third chance.

Paul Bolland levelled on the stroke of half-time, rising highest to head home a Danny Boshell corner at the far post after poor marking from the visitors.

Grimsby pressed for the winner late on, and saw Toner unleash an unstoppable volley after Gary Jones' knockdown.

The Blundell Park side have now won their last four games, scoring 14 goals in the process.

Wrexham are still seeking a first win since caretaker manager Brian Carey took over from Denis Smith eight matches ago.