|
JAN-31 |
|
Young
guns at Ely ensure a bright future |
Ely
Rangers are battling against relegation in MacWhirter Welsh Football League
Division One, but they are also planning in the long-term.
They have
obtained a grant to help with new floodlights, which will be on retractable
pylons to fall in with the wishes of local residents.
The new
floodlights will go to their full height for matches and then be lowered
when not in use.
Ely,
under the stewardship of chairman Graham Clarke, are a family club with
recurring names on team sheets running from one generation to the next.
Links in
recent years with junior side Capitol Trucks Colts show Ely are looking to
the future, fostering links with the community in Ely from which the club
developed even though it has now moved a few miles in the Barry direction to
their Wenvoe home.
Those links
are beginning to bear fruit despite Ely's struggle in Division One. They have
an extremely young team competing in a tough division.
South Wales Echo |
|
JAN-31 |
|
Nigerian
stars are on their way |
|
THE Welsh
Premier league faces a Nigerian invasion, writes Chris Smart.
Former
international winger Onoriode Omagufi and striker Napoleon Amaefule could well
be on their way to Stebonheath Park to join Llanelli, while Caernarfon Town
have signed striker Samuel Kehinde.
Omagufi
played for Tatabanya and Loan Grund in Hungary, scoring twice in the Intertoto
Cup, and also appeared for several Irish clubs, including Limerick.
Amaefule,
aged 26, has played in both Poland and Greece.
Western Mail |
|
JAN-31 |
|
Tredegar
spring cup shock |
|
Tredegar
Town earned a shock win to qualify for the Shamrock Travel Cup semi-finals
last night, beating Bridgend Town 2-1.
Goals from
Richard Langley, who headed in a Sam Goulding corner after 19 minutes, and
Phillip Blackmore, who rounded keeper Lee Idzey on 69 minutes, put MacWhirter
Welsh League Division Two club Tredegar in command.
Leigh Pratt
pulled one back from a penalty, but Bridgend bowed out after the cup clash was
twice called off because of a waterlogged pitch and once because the surface
was frozen.
Tredegar
now play Afan Lido in the semi-finals, while Goytre United take on Bettws.
South Wales Echo |
|
JAN-31 |
|
Bluebirds
snap up Walton |
|
CARDIFF
CITY have snapped up Charlton Athletic midfielder Simon Walton on loan until
the end of the season.
The
tough tackling Premiership midfielder joined Charlton from Leeds United for £500,000
in the summer.
Walton, 19, was then loaned out to Ipswich for four months between August
and December, making 13 appearances and scoring three goals for the Tractor
Boys. Since returning from Suffolk he has struggled to break into the Addicks'
first team, but has chosen a loan move to Ninian Park to get his career back
on track.
icwales |
|
JAN-31 |
|
Martyrs
left to rue missed chances |
|
Merthyr 2-3
Halesowen. Merthyr Tydfil's management team walked into the changing rooms at
full-time on the back of three straight defeats wondering how they lost a game
they dominated and searching to find the answers to their recent run, writes
Mark Bloom.
Yes the
goals conceded in this defeat to Halesowen were down to woeful defensive
errors, but even accounting for that Merthyr had enough chances to have won
this clash at a canter.
The real
danger was visiting on-loan Walsall striker Troy Deeney who claimed a
hat-trick, opening the scoring in just the fourth minute.
At
half-time and after a clutch of decent chances had gone begging for the home
side, Merthyr must have still been confident that they could turn things
around.
And there
was no surprise when Gary Shephard and Gareth Wharton did actually turn the
game on its head with goals in the 70th and 72nd minute, but in this part of
the world nothing is dull or straight forward.
Two minutes
later Deeney hit the cross-bar and it seemed that the ball had crossed the
line even though Wharton frantically scrambled it away.
But as the
Halesowen players appealed, the referee amazingly ruled it out and gave a goal
kick.
It seemed
Merthyr had rode their luck at that stage but seven minutes from time Deeney
took advantage of some hesitation and volleyed home an equaliser. And to cap a
dramatic final few minutes, Merthyr's Neil Smothers was caught in possession
by Deeney on the edge of the box and the striker turned and hammered home.
South Wales Echo |
|
JAN-31 |
|
Saints'
Harris switches to Welshpool |
|
The New Saints have today
allowed midfielder Richard Harris to join near rivals Welshpool Town. The
Lilywhites are currently third in the League, just one place behind the Saints
but Ken McKenna has obviously seen him as surplus to requirements at Treflan
to allow him to join their rivals. The return from injury of combative
midfielder Barry Hogan would further drop Harris down the pecking order which
would have prompted his decision.
Richard only joined the
Saints in June 2006 having decided to have a crack at revitalising his
full-time career and was in the Saints' Champions League squad but only
featured on the bench. He featured 15 times this season for TNS, starting only
seven games and will be hoping to break straight into Tomi Morgan's side.
He was a summer 2003 signing
for Newtown after spells as a youth with Manchester City and Shrewsbury Town,
but later left Latham Park to join Guilsfield in the Cymru Alliance.
Welshpremier.com |
|
JAN-31 |
|
Dragons
pay price for missed chances |
|
WREXHAM
are still searching for that elusive first victory under new manager Brian
Carey after going down to an injury-time goal from Stockport County substitute
Liam Dickinson.
The
striker had been on the pitch for just two minutes before popping up to loop a
header over goalkeeper Mike Ingham for a knockout punch just as the home side
thought they had earned a share of the spoils.
The
Dragons’ line-up showed two changes from the weekend, new loan signing
Robbie Garrett making his debut in midfield.
The
Stoke City youngster replaced Danny Williams, who dropped into the back four
to deputise for the injured Steve Evans.
And
teenage winger Matty Done was preferred to Simon Spender on one flank, with
Chris Llewellyn continuing in the wide midfield role he has occupied since
Carey took over from Denis Smith.
The
Dragons made the high-tempo start demanded by their new manager.
Done
set up Marc Williams for a first-time shot that flew well wide and
McEvilly’s effort suffering a similar fate from Garrett’s pass.
Daily Post |
|
JAN-31 |
|
O’Neill
not for sale says boss Bleasdale |
|
BANGOR City
captain Paul O’Neill is staying at Farrar Road, after the Welsh Premier
club’s manager Steve Bleasdale rejected the latest approach from arch rivals
Rhyl.
Weekend
reports had indicated a likely player-swap, involving the former Macclesfield
Town centre-half moving to Belle Vue in exchange for the Lilywhites’
out-of-favour striker Andy Moran.
But
Bleasdale said: “Paul is not going anywhere and no one from this club is
joining Rhyl.
“What has
been going on, and what was put in the Press, was done just to hassle us and
ruffle a few feathers. There is no deal.”
Rhyl boss
John Hulse yesterday added: "We have tried to make progress but the
amount Bangor are asking is far too much. The deadline for any signing is
tomorrow so we will not be going down that road."
Daily Post |
|
JAN-30 |
|
Caersws
future is assured |
|
It appears that the future of Mid Wales
Principality Welsh Premier League club Caersws, is secure following a Press
Statement released by the club's Acting Chairman, Mr. John Baker today.
The club have openly admitted that
following the departure of former Chairman and Welsh Premier League Board
member, Garth Williams, the club has struggled financially and for this reason
they lost the services of one of their star players Ross Stephens who joined
leaders, Rhyl. However, in the statement released today, Baker states;
"The committee of Caersws FC is
pleased to announce that, following some financial difficulties experienced by
the Club, a series of revised operating procedures have been put into place,
and together with the assistance of local businesses, supporters and the
players, the future of the Club in the Welsh Premier looks assured."
The club have held a successful
fundraising Sponsors and Race Night recently.
We lshpremier.com |
|
JAN-30 |
|
We're
good enough says Jacket |
Kenny Jackett believes he has built a squad capable of winning promotion after agreeing a fee rising to £75,000 for Marcos
Painter. Painter is still to tie up his move to Swansea City with talks over personal terms set to continue today.
But Swansea are confident of concluding a deal which will see them pay Birmingham City £25,000 now and another £25,000 in 12 months' time.
A third payment of £25,000 will be made if Swansea make it to the Championship during Painter's stay at the Liberty Stadium.
The 20-year-old left-back is expected to sign a two-and-a-half year deal after impressing during two months on loan in Wales.
''He's had a couple of niggling injuries since he joined us which has made things a bit stop-start, but Marcos has looked good,'' said boss Kenny Jackett.
''When you consider that he is only 20, there is potential for the future and hopefully he will go on and get better with us.
''I really like his attitude and I think he will be a good addition in terms of focus and team spirit.''
Jackett brushed aside any fears over Painter's recent fitness troubles, adding: ''He has had a few problems, but he says he's never been injured in his life before.
''This is the first time he's played regular senior football and maybe the injuries are a result of that.
Evening Post |
|
JAN-30 |
|
Wharton
chasing County winger |
CWMBRAN Town want talented Newport County winger Tyrone Toppar to help end an alarming form slump which is threatening their Welsh Premier League status.
The Crows suffered a fourth successive defeat, all without scoring, on Saturday when they lost 3-0 at NEWI Cefn Druids.
Although they lead bottom-placed Caernarfon Town by 11 points, the North Walians have two games in hand with the clubs still having to meet at Cwmbran Stadium before the season's end.
Following the Druids match, Crows manager Sean Wharton revealed he would be speaking to Newport boss Peter Beadle this week about Topper re-joining his side on loan for the rest of the current campaign.
Former Newport Academy member Topper was a huge success on loan at Cwmbran earlier this season.
A quick glance at the statistics gives a clear indication as to just why Wharton wants him back.
Although he never scored a goal in 10 full and one substitute WPL appearances, Cardiff-born Toppar's pace and direct style played a major role in the Crows picking up 17 out of a possible 33 points.
In those 11 matches, Topper set up or had a hand in moves which led to many of the 16 goals the Crows scored and their full record in those games was won four, drew five and lost only two.
Those were against the league's current top two - Rhyl and The New Saints - and former Wales Schools cap Toppar's last outing was as a sub in a 1-0 defeat at Rhyl on December 30.
Since, he's returned to Newport, with whom he's under contract, and injuries has meant he's become a regular member of Beadle's match squad.
South Wales
Argus |
|
JAN-30 |
|
Samba time for Wrexham |
LOAN signing Cherno Samba plans to make an immediate impact for Wrexham tonight.
The 22-year-old striker could feature against Stockport after completing his move from Plymouth.
He said, "I've come here to play first-team football and to try to get Wrexham out of the fight they're in.
"It's not about proving myself or anything like that, but just to help Wrexham climb up the league."
Samba, who was denied a £1.5m switch to Liverpool by former club Millwall when aged just 15, arrived at Plymouth after spending two years in Spain.
Samba, who will stay at the Racecourse for a month, signed for Spanish lower league outfit Cadiz in 2003, but spent last season out on loan with the Malaga B team.
And the former England U21 player, who featured alongside Wayne Rooney in the national team's youth setup, believes his early experiences of continental and international football have improved his game.
"As a youngster playing abroad is something you always want to experience, especially in Spain.
"So when the opportunity came along I was happy to take it.
"I learnt the style of play in Spain and it improved my game. When I came back here I knew how to play the English game anyway.
"I've played at every level for England from the 15s to the 21s and when you're playing with quality players like Wayne Rooney you're bound to improve."
Samba was joined at the Racecourse yesterday by fellow loanee Robert Garret, who arrives from Stoke City for a month.
Western Mail |
|
JAN-30 |
|
Green: It’s all quiet on a move |
NEWPORT County boss Peter Beadle insists the Matt Green transfer saga is no nearer to reaching a conclusion with just 48 remaining before the January transfer window slams shut.
Hot-shot Green, aged 20, who has scored six goals this season, has attracted the interest of a whole host of Football League clubs.
Cardiff City, Swansea City, Bristol City, Bristol Rovers, Cheltenham, Swindon, Stoke, Hull and Premiership outfit Reading have all been linked with the former England schoolboy and Norwich and Plymouth were understood to be running the rule over him during Saturday's 1-1 draw with Lewes.
County have only received one bid for Green - from Cardiff at the beginning of January - and it was turned down.
"It is business as usual, we've turned down one bid from Cardiff at the start of the month and since then it's just been a succession of enquiries," Beadle said.
"We wait to see what happens in the next two days, Cardiff seem to be indicating they'll come back with another bid so I guess we'll just wait and see.
South Wales
Argus |
|
JAN-30 |
|
Bluebirds
in the chase to land Dutch hotshot |
|
CARDIFF
CITY are locked in a four-way battle to sign Dutch hotshot Cecilio Lopes as
the clock ticks down to the closure of the transfer window.
Bluebirds
boss Dave Jones wants to bring in up to three more players ahead of tomorrow
night's deadline to help strengthen Cardiff's push for the Premiership.
As well as
a defender to help cover the possible six-week absence of skipper Darren
Purse, Jones wants another striker to increase competition for places up
front.
And it is
understood they are keen on landing 27-year-old Lopes, who has been in red-hot
scoring form for Dutch second division side Dordrecht.
But City
face stiff competition for his signature as Premiership strugglers Watford and
Championship rivals Derby County and Barnsley are also on the trail of former
PSV Eindhoven trainee Lopes.
Despite the
lure of instant top-flight football at Vicarage Road, Derby are understood to
be leading the chase for Lopes given they are in pole position to secure a
Premiership place for next season in respect of their current position at the
top of the Championship.
It has been
speculated that the first club to offer £200,000 for Lopes would be
successful in signing him.
But
Cardiff, who have already spent in the region of £400,000 this month securing
the services of midfielder Peter Whittingham and striker Jason Byrne, could
possibly land Lopes for much less than that since there is apparently a clause
in his contract allowing him to leave for just £49,000.
The
Rotterdam-born forward, who will be a free agent at the end of the season, has
been a huge hit for Dordrecht this season, firing in an impressive 20 goals in
just 25 games so far.
Western Mail |
|
JAN-30 |
|
Why
I'm still keeping it dark over Knight |
|
KENNY
JACKETT has broken his silence on Leon Knight's departure - but insists it
would spark a distracting war of words if he revealed the truth behind the
player's exit.
Back in
October Jackett promised fans he'd explain what Knight had done to warrant his
controversial expulsion from the squad as the Swansea City boss admitted there
was more to it than the striker simply not working hard enough.
Seven days
after Knight's illfated Liberty Stadium career ended with a move to MK Dons,
however, Swans fans are still in the dark about what the 24-year-old did
wrong.
And, though
Jackett could be accused of going back on his word, it now seems unlikely the
full truth will ever emerge.
"I
know I told the supporters I'd explain the reasons I took the stance I did
with Leon, and maybe I will do at some stage," Jackett said.
"But I
don't think now, at such an important stage of the season, is the time to do
it.
"There's
also a part of me that wants to put the issue to bed and get over it.
"Even
after coming back from his loan spell at Barnsley, Leon was quite vocal in the
papers, and I don't want that to start up again.
"If I
were to criticise him now, I think he'd come straight back (at Jackett) and
you'd have a tit-for-tat thing in the papers which I don't think would do the
club any good whatsoever.
"Instead
of seeing something that's happened in the past being dragged up, the focus of
the players and the supporters needs to be on the future and the crucial
period coming up.
"While
I have a responsibility to let people know what's happening here, to a degree
people have got to trust me that I'm making decisions in the best interests of
the club."
Jackett
dismissed claims it could potentially be harmful to Knight's reputation if he
disclosed what the Londoner did to warrant being shown the door at Swansea.
"I
wouldn't necessarily say it'd be damaging to Leon's career if I spoke about
what happened," said Jackett, who let Knight go for an undisclosed fee
less than 12 months after snapping him up from Brighton for £125,000.
Western Mail |
|
JAN-30 |
|
City
target new trio |
|
CARDIFF
CITY are keeping their nerve in a quest to sign three new players before
the January transfer window ends at midnight on Wednesday.
Manager
Dave Jones has added a central defender to his shopping list following news
that skipper Darren Purse could be out for six weeks.
City
have moved to bring in an experienced defender on a month's loan to cover for
Purse.
They
are also keen on Newport County's teenage pace ace Matt Green and want another
striker to increase competition in attack.
Both
chairman Peter Ridsdale and manager Dave Jones insist they will not pay
inflated fees for players and say: 'We will only bring players in at the right
price.'
South
Wales Echo |
|
JAN-29 |
|
Swans
have Painter bid accepted |
|
Swansea are
expected to make defender Marcos Painter their player after agreeing a price
with Birmingham.
The 20-year-old has impressed
during a three-month loan spell at the Liberty Stadium and Swans manager Kenny
Jackett has been keen on a permanent deal.
Left-back Painter was
understood to be meeting with club officials on Monday to agree personal
terms.
"We have agreed a deal
with Birmingham," Swans chairman Huw Jenkins told the Swansea Evening
Post.
''There is a fee involved but
we won't release that until the deal is completed.'
''Our first objective was to
agree a deal with Birmingham and we have done that. Now we will be talking to
the player."
Painter originally arrived at
the Liberty Stadium in November as Jackett was keen to bolster his back-four
for their promotion chase.
That task has become more
pressing as Swansea have reluctantly accepted a transfer request from Izzy
Iriekpen.
The 24-year-old former West
Ham trainee has made 108 league appearances for the Swans since joining on a
free transfer in August 2003.
BBC |
|
JAN-29 |
|
Wrexham
sign loan pair |
|
Wrexham have
signed forward Cherno Samba on a month's loan from Plymouth.
The 21-year-old began his
career as a trainee with Millwall, before joining the Pilgrims via a season
spent in Spain playing for Cadiz.
Samba has played at England
age-group level, but this season has mainly been used as a substitute by
Plymouth.
Wrexham boss Brian Carey has
also brought Stoke trainee Robert Garrett, a Northern Ireland U19 midfielder,
to the Racecourse on a similar month's loan.
Carey told the club website:
"It is a bit of a gamble, but we know we are getting a skilful player in
Cherno who can play on the left or right."
If the paperwork can be
completed in time, both Samba and Garrett will be available for Wrexham's home
match with Stockport County on Tuesday night.
Garrett, 18, has been a
regular in Stoke's reserve and Academy sides this season.
Ulsterman Garrett has made
one first-team appearance for the Potters, turning out as a substitute against
Ipswich last year.
BBC |
|
JAN-29 |
|
Barry
on course for great escape |
|
Barry Town
staged a late rally to beat Maesteg Park in MacWhirter Welsh Football League
Division One.
Maesteg
scored through Ian Shepherd after seven minutes and led 1-0 after 89 minutes.
But Matthew
Driscoll equalised and Josh Bell fired the winner two minutes into injury time
at Jenner Park.
This was a
fourth win in the last six games for Barry, who have given themselves a decent
chance of escaping relegation, collecting 13 points from the last 18 on offer.
Ton Pentre
came from behind to beat Caerleon 4-1 and move closer to top two Neath
Athletic and Pontypridd Town who were without games.
Steve James
put Caerleon ahead against the Rhondda Bulldogs, who hit back with goals from
Brian Jenkins (penalty), Jamie Bradford, Ryan Jenkins and Dwayne
Mardenborough.
Goytre
United battled back from a goal down to beat Bridgend. Andy Mainwaring put
Bridgend ahead with Richard Ryan, Ian Turner and Darren Lyons replying.
South Wales Echo |
|
JAN-29 |
|
Chopra
basks in goal trail return |
|
Cardiff hot-shot
Michael Chopra says Saturday's hat-trick as Leicester were beaten 3-2 was the
best of his career.
"That's four hat-tricks
now, but this was probably my best one, it was a good mixture," Chopra
said.
"A free-kick, a lob, and
then a shot from outside the box, but a lot of credit goes to the others.
"We've had a hard time
in the last couple of months and we've managed to turn things around, we've
all dug in deep and we've all battled hard."
Cardiff's slump, that saw
them fall from top of the Championship to out of the play-off places, also saw
Chopra's goals dry up.
But the former Newcastle
striker ended his seven-match run without a goal in last week's 2-1 win at
Wolves, then underlined he was back to form against the Foxes.
"I've had a lot of stick
in the press the last couple of months but I've managed to turn things
around," Chopra added.
"After the slump I've
gone through to come back and get a hat-trick, you've got to tell yourself you
are through it.
"I'll go into the next
game against Barnsley with a lot of confidence and knowing that practically
anything I hit can go into the back of the net."
BBC |
|
JAN-29 |
|
Hulse
looking to do business with City |
|
TOP-of-the-table
Rhyl manager John Hulse is stepping up his push to bring in new players.
The
Belle Vue boss has offered Bangor manager Steve Bleasdale the chance to talk
to former top marksman Andy Moran as part of a possible deal involving his
central defender and club captain Paul O’Neill.
“When
we first expressed an interest in O’Neill, Bangor mentioned two other
strikers of ours they would like but were told they were not available,”
explained Hulse.
“Now
we have given them the opportunity to speak to Moran, and so the ball is in
their court.” Moran, 27, is a former player of the year at Belle Vue and was
the Welsh Premier’s leading goalscorer in 2004 with 47. He has hit 138 goals
for Rhyl.
Hulse
has also given seven days notice of approach for an unnamed midfield player
currently with another League of Wales club and is awaiting developments.
Daily Post |
|
JAN-29 |
|
Bay
boss brings in three new faces |
|
COLWYN
Bay’s new boss Gary Finley has wasted no time bolstering his squad with
three new signings set to line up against today’s visitors Chorley.
Former
Aberystwyth Town manager and Southport assistant-boss Finley has landed
ex-Lancaster City, Chester and Scarborough striker Mark Quayle, left-sided
midfielder John Lawless – who played with Finley at Aber – and ex-Bay
keeper Matt Parry, who returns from Llangefni Town.
Lawless has
been with Conference North side Vauxhall Motors and his inclusion depends on
his registration being finalised in time.
“These
are all talented players who will add an extra dimension to the squad,” said
Finley.
His move to
bring back Matt Parry has been prompted by the injury to young former Wales
under-16s starlet Chris Sanna, who had to be taken off with concussion in the
38th minute of the Bay’s 4-0 defeat at Goole Town last Saturday. Martin
Crowder took over the keeper’s jersey but is expected to revert to his
normal forward role today.
“Mark
Quayle is a genuine goalscorer while I know John Lawless’ qualities from our
time together at Aberystwyth,” added the Bay chief.
“This is
the time now for the existing players to show what they can do and to convince
me of their commitment and desire to succeed with Colwyn Bay.
“We are
all in this together and it would be nice to get off to a win and make this
the start of something big that can take us up the table and back in the frame
for promotion. That’s the target and it starts from now.”
Not that
Finley believes his dips into the transfer market are over.
“There
are other players I have in mind so there could be further developments in the
next week or so,” he said.
Daily Post |
|
JAN-29 |
|
Trundle
didn't expect axe |
|
SWANS
talisman Lee Trundle admitted he didn't see the FA Cup axe coming.
Trundle was
surprisingly omitted for the fourth-round defeat at Ipswich as Swans boss
Kenny Jackett reverted to the cautious 4-1-4-1 formation that had worked a
treat at Sheffield United in the previous round.
On that
occasion Trundle was suspended, but Swansea's top goalscorer had been expected
to play at Portman Road after featuring in the last two league games.
"We
played five in midfield in the cup before, but we never had the players to go
out and play a 4-4-2," said Trundle, whose artistry has so often sparked
Swansea in previous cup ties.
"That's
why we did that last time. I was told on Friday that we'd be packing the
midfield and I was disappointed because these are games I relish and love to
play in.
"I've
done all right since I've come back, in the two games I've played, and I know
the goals will come."
Trundle was
finally summoned from the bench after Ipswich had taken the lead through Alan
Lee's 64th-minute penalty.
And he
almost set up a Swansea equaliser 12 minutes from time when he broke beyond
the Ipswich defence, the sliding Tommy Butler just failing to convert his
square cross at the far post.
"We
did well, but it's always tough to lose to a penalty," said Trundle.
"But we've said all along that the league's the main thing and that's
what we'll have our minds on now.
Ray Parker |
|
JAN-29 |
|
Carmarthen
appoint Bell as Community Officer |
|
Dave Bell, the former Bury and
Bristol City player has been appointed Carmarthen Town's first ever football
in the community officer. Bell has held similar positions at Manchester
United, Cardiff City and Bristol Rovers and has coached in America as well as
having a spell as caretaker manager at Chester City following Ian Rush's
departure as boss.
Dave has big plans for Town.
He told the Carmarthen Journal,
"First of all, the club
needs better links with the community. I will also be concentrating on
developing real links with local schools, offering coaching sessions in term
time and soccer schools in the holidays. I am also planning to raise awareness
of the excellent work going on in the Carmarthen Town academy - and build on
that by, hopefully, adding community academies in all the big towns around the
West Wales region."
Dave is also aiming to
develop Carmarthen Town Ladies, by starting girls' coaching from the age of
eight, and plans to give disabled people the chance to play football. He will
also be running a range of courses from the recently equipped study centre at
Richmond Park, which has state-of-the-art software on 10 internet equipped
computers.
"I want Carmarthen Town
to really lead the way in the field of football in the community in the whole
of the Welsh Premier League. It will be a big benefit to this club, to
football and to our community" he added.
Town will look to build on
the success of their award-winning SMART programme, initiated by first team
coach Mark Aizlewood, which has enjoyed real successes and which the club are
keen to continue. The programme looks to reduce social exclusion and isolation
for some of the most disadvantaged members of the community.
Town Chairman Jeff Thomas
said, "We are committed to the community and continue to prove the
strength and depth of that commitment on a daily basis."
Welshpremier.com |
|
JAN-28 |
|
Welsh
league 2 & 3 round-up |
|
THERE
was a goalfest at Garw when the leaders of division two put bottom club AFC
Llwydcoed truly to the sword with a 9-0 thrashing.
Tom
Hopper was top scorer with a hat trick, Vince Wattleworth netted a brace and
there was a goal apiece for David Truan, James Morris, Christian Burge and
Lewis Williams.
Garw's
red letter day was boosted when news came through that second placed
Troed-y-Rhiw fell to a 3-0 home defeat at the hands of Bettws.
There
were goals aplenty in this division as Treharris Athletic thrashed Merthyr
Saints 5-1 and Ammanford beat Penrhiwceiber Rangers 4-0, with Dean Jenkins
grabbing a hat-trick.
West
End also netted four times at Tredegar and Cardiff Corries and Caldicot were
engaged in a five goal thriller.
In
all 39 goals were scored in nine games which must be the season's record.
Goals
were harder to find in division three and it was a day when the form book ran
true as all top five teams recorded victories.
Leaders
Pentwyn disposed of bottom club Cwmaman 2-1, while second place Llanwern won
2-1 at Chepstow and third placed Llangeinor also won 'on the road', just
pipping Aberbargoed Buds 1-0.
Newcastle
Emlyn won 3-2 at Goytre and Cwmbran Celtic kept their promotion hopes alive by
beating Abertillery 3-0.
Porthcawl's
disappointing season continued as visitors Llansawel claimed a 1-0 victory.
Wales on Sunday |
|
JAN-28 |
|
City
back in play-off places |
|
DELIGHTED
Bluebirds' boss Dave Jones last night revelled in strike ace Michael Chopra's
return to form - and asked for more of the same.
Chopra
confirmed he's back in his stride after a barren spell by gunning in a superb
hat-trick which proved the difference in a 3-2 win over Leicester.
Chopra's
treble means he's now notched four in two games and long may that kind of
sharp-shooting form continue, says Jones.
"Michael
Chopra has just scored four goals after a torrid time," said Jones.
"Hopefully
he's come through it now and he's back on track, but I thought the forward
play in general was much, much better.
"I've
said for some time we were due to give someone a real hiding and at 3-0 I
thought it was Leicester, but all credit to them they didn't lie down."
Wales on Sunday |
|
JAN-28 |
|
Martyrs
squander chances |
|
THE
Martyrs suffered their first League defeat of the season at the hands of
Chippenham but only had themselves to blame, even missing a second half
penalty that would have rescued a point.
In
the first 45 minutes it was the Martyrs who had the upper hand, Gareth Warton
seeing a header from Kris Dimond's corner scrambled off the line and Davies
hitting a 30-yard free kick just past the upright of the Chippenham net.
Having
squandered early chances Merthyr paid the penalty nine minutes into the second
half when Sam Allison took advantage of a poor clearance at a corner and
lifted the ball from the edge of the box over everyone and into the Martyrs'
net.
Merthyr
were given a gilt-edged chance to draw level with 17 minutes remaining.
Davies'
attempt to head a ball was met with a high boot from Chippenham's Paul Milsom
and referee Simon Parish, of Cornwall, pointed to the spot.
Shephard
somehow managed to miss the target by at least six yards as he scuffed his
spot-kick for the second time in successive home games.
And
Merthyr's fate was finally sealed when a Chris Collins effort was cleared off
the goal-line and a Stiens bid was brilliantly stopped by 'keeper Snoddy.
Wales on Sunday |
|
JAN-28 |
|
Tough
going for Port Talbot |
|
Caernarfon
1-2 Port Talbot
PORT
Talbot completed the double over the Canaries but, after the 7-1 rout at their
ground, found the going tough in the away return.
Caernarfon
could well complain at the injustice of the scoreline because one goal was
disputed, the other followed a mistake and they had a confident penalty claim
rejected.
Port
Talbot's double whammy came on 16 and 20 minutes.
Martin
Rose finished off from five yards, although possibly offside, after a teammate
had exploited a parry by Caernarfon's keeper Paul Pritchard, who had done well
to intercept Dane Williams' fierce effort.
Rose
then exploded an edge-of-box rocket into an unguarded home net.
Caernarfon's
Leyton Maxwell swept home a 20-yards' free-kick but later attempts by
teammates were repulsed by Port's Kristian Rogers.
Wales on Sunday |
|
JAN-27 |
|
Reds make
Double Swoop |
|
Llanelli have completed the
signing of Nigerian Onoriode Omagufi from Irish side Mallow United. The 24
year old has completed a successful trial at the club and Manager Peter
Nicholas was suitably impressed to add him to his squad. The right winger or front man
left Nigeria in 1999 and went to Hungary , where he signed for Lombard FC
Tatabanya in the Premier League. He featured in the Intertoto Cup, and scored
twice in ten appearances as Tatabanya finished fourth in the league that
season.
The following season, he
dropped down to the Hungarian fourth division with Loan Grund and scored four
goals in nine appearances. He then left Hungary to join Limerick FC in the
Irish 2nd division and although they finished bottom in the league standings
that year, they managed to win the Irish League Cup, beating first division
side Derry City after penalties in the second legged final. He then signed for
Cobh Ramblers ahead of the 2003 season and was last registered with Mallow
Utd. Omagufi was a surprise call up for the Nigerian side in 2003 and made his
full debut in the friendly against Venezuela in London, when he played the
last 45 minutes on the left wing, replacing Jay Jay Okocha.
Also joining Stebonheath and
returning to the Principality Welsh Premier is former Barry Town skipper and
Carmarthen Manager Andrew York. The centre back, who was with Peter Nicholas
at Barry, is expected to assist with the coaching duties at Stebo and has also
registered as a player. York, 38 was with Bath City at the start of the season
but announced his retirement in December.
Welshpremier.com |
|
JAN-27 |
|
Former
Saint Steve earns Second Senior Call-up |
|
Former TNS Centre Back and the
Welsh Premier League Player of the Year in 2004/05 Steve Evans has earned his
second call up to John Toshack's Wales squad to play in the Friendly match
against Northern Ireland at Windsor Park, Belfast next month.
Evans, whose brother Ricky
plays for Bangor, gained his first cap against Liechtenstein in November, just
five months after leaving the Saints to join Wrexham. Evans started in that
game and impressed in a solid display, just as he did on the same ground for
Ken McKenna's side in their Champions League game against Liverpool the
previous season.
The second opportunity for
Evans to play with the likes of Ryan Giggs, Craig Bellamy and teenage
sensation Gareth Bale wasn't too unexpected given the fact that fellow Centre
Backs Danny Gabbidon and James Collins are both injured, but this opportunity
is another chance for Evans to impress and stake a claim for a place in the
squad that will travel to Dublin in March to play at Croke Park in the Euro
2008 Qualifiers.
Welshpremier.com |
|
JAN-26 |
|
European
exile fears hanging over top clubs |
|
A QUESTION
mark hangs over the future of the Welsh Premier after yesterday’s damning
report into the workings of football in Wales.
The FAW was
yesterday told by the Welsh Assembly that it must modernise quickly – or
face the threat of losing its status as the national governing body of the
sport.
Such a move
would clearly have far-reaching consequences for the development of the Welsh
Premier, with the possibility that Uefa would, in future, not recognise it as
a national league, therefore not allowing its top clubs to compete in European
competition.
This would
be a hammer blow for clubs such as Rhyl, The New Saints, Bangor City and
Llanelli, who have competed in Europe in recent years – and also for the
likes of Welshpool and Connah’s Quay Nomads, who aspire to playing Uefa Cup
football in future years.
Another
potential consequence of yesterday’s report by the Culture, Welsh Language
and Sport committee, which gave the FAW a year to get its house in order
before facing a further review, could be that funding could be withdrawn from
the FAW Trust, which has responsibility for the game in Wales at grass-roots
level.
Yesterday,
TNS managing director Mike Harris said: “The FAW does need re-organising.
There are some very nice people in the FAW with their hearts in the right
place, but the FAW needs to be run by someone with a clear objective of how to
develop football, and it needs to be run with proper business principles.
“There is
definitely a need for change, but not change for change’s sake. Somebody
needs to have a clear vision and have a plan for football from the top to the
bottom.
Daily Post |
|
JAN-26 |
|
Saturdays
welsh league preview |
|
Goytre
United have top-scorer Richard Ryan, Ian Turner and Jonny Walkley all back for
the visit of Bridgend Town in the first division tomorrow. Ryan and Turner
have both completed suspensions, while Walkley is free of work commitments.
However, they coped admirably without the trio against Pontardawe in midweek,
running out 2-0 home winners.
A first goal of the season from Michael Waters sent Goytre on their way, with
Andrew Pearson wrapping things up with his fifth goal for the club.
Maesteg Park, who visit Barry Town, have centre-back Rhys Owen back from New
Zealand.
Pontardawe, meanwhile, host Aberaman.
In the second division, West End head for Tredegar Town, without Richard
Jones, Marc Otten and Rory Smitham who are banned.
To make matters worse, Anthony Wright is ruled out because of a knee injury,
and Danny Kavanagh is unavailable.
However, the Townhill side are delighted Carl Mainwaring has turned down a
move to first division Maesteg Park.
Ammanford will be looking to get back on track against Penrhiwceiber at the
Recreation Ground, but will still be without the suspended Liam Preece and
Paul Jones.
New signing Steffan Hughes has a ligament injury, while fitness tests will be
run on James Murray and Jason Cousins.
However, they welcome back Dean Jenkins and dual-registered Llanelli front-man
Richard Lewis, while Jamie Evans has signed from Carmarthenshire League side
Camford.
Garden Village, looking to get a much-needed win at Pontyclun, are boosted by
the return of four key men - Sam Brown, Chris Morgan, Rob Shannon and Lee
Rastatter.
But that is countered by the loss of both Dave Evans and Ashley Stevenson,
with neither available for selection.
Briton Ferry visit Caerau Ely, and will be without midfield player Dan
McGrath.
The Old Road side will be looking for a return to winning ways, having lost
5-2 in midweek at Cambrian & Clydach.
The Old Road side were 3-0 down at the break and, although Rob Cann and Keith
Phillips both netted during the second period, the damage had been done.
It is the turn of Morriston to visit promotion-seeking Cambrian tomorrow, and
the Dingle men have ruled out Gary Taylor through ankle trouble.
However, Derek Jenkins, who covered the bench during last week's 1-0 win over
Ammanford, is likely to be promoted.
In the third division, improving Ystradgynlais host Llantwit Fardre, but there
are fitness doubts surrounding Jamie Williams along with brothers Carl and Huw
Evans, which are offset by the return of Nicky Watkins and Craig Hopkins.
TONY POOLE |
|
JAN-26 |
|
Gonzales
to be hit for New Saints |
SPANISH acquisition Oscar
Suescan Gonzalez has been backed to make an impact with Welsh Premier
champions TNS.
SPANISH acquisition Oscar Suescan Gonzalez has been backed to make an impact
with Welsh Premier champions TNS.
The New Saints unveiled the
28-year-old striker in last week’s derby victory at Caersws.
The Basque-born former SD
Amorebieta striker is included in the Saints squad that travels to Connahs
Quay Nomads this weekend.
“He was recommended to us
by Wrexham striker Juan Ugarte and so far Oscar has done really well,” said
general manager Ian Williams.
County times |
|
JAN-26 |
|
Targets
slip through Robins nest |
NEWTOWN manager Darren Ryan
has lost out on two transfer targets.
Former Shrewsbury Town
youngster Marco Adaggio opted to join Welsh Premier rivals Bangor City this
week despite interest from the Robins.
In a double blow Craig
Moses’ loan switch from Merthyr Tydfil has been blocked following the
Martyr’s financial problems.
Ryan said: “It’s
disappointing because both lads could have done a good job for us.
Newtown host Porthmadog this
weekend with both sides needing points to climb to safety.
“At the moment we are
struggling to put our chances away but we must keep on believing and
developing our game.”
Newtown have been boosted by
defender Craig Williams’ decision to shun Aberystwyth Town’s advances and
help the fight for league survival.
Ryan said: “Craig is an
important member of the squad and has shown us great loyalty.”
Meanwhile long-term transfer
target Rob King finally looks set to complete the switch from Aberystwyth
Town.
“It’s no secret that we
have been tailing Rob for a while and he will provide a massive boost.”
County times |
|
JAN-26 |
|
Neath strengthen
by signing Burrows? |
|
Unconfirmed reports have it that
34 year old former Aberystwyth player/manager Dave Burrows has signed for
Neath Ath.
Burrows who is living locally
in Neath joined Aberystwyth 6 years ago and took over as manager in 2004.
Burrows has played 146 games in his time at Aber scoring 3 goals.
He started off his welsh
premier career with Haverfordwest in the 1992-93 season and has player for 6
clubs in the welsh premier/LOW to date, and if reports are true he looks to be
hoping to make it 7 with Neath.
Neath strengthened
their welsh premier bid last night by moving 5 points clear at the top of the
welsh league following their 2-0 home win over Grange Quins.
Tony |
|
JAN-26 |
|
Swans
handy Andy fired up for cup |
|
TOMMY
BUTLER watch out. Swansea City's original midfield hero is back ... and he
aims to steal some of the FA Cup limelight his left-wing rival has been
basking in.
Butler
became one of the stars of the third round when he struck a devastating double
to send Premiership Sheffield United out of the competition in Swansea's
thrilling 3-0 giant-killing at Bramall Lane.
Despite
those head-turning heroics, however, there is a real chance the Irishman could
be relegated to the subs' bench when the Swans' cup adventure resumes with
Saturday's fourth-round encounter at Ipswich Town.
That's
because Andy Robinson, the man whose boots Butler stepped into at Sheffield,
may just have lodged an irresistible claim for a first XI recall following a
brief injury lay-off.
Kept
out of the starting line-up by Butler, Robinson took just seven minutes to
remind boss Kenny Jackett of his match-clinching ability on Tuesday night as
he netted the goal that safeguarded Swansea's crucial league victory over
Gillingham.
Western Mail |
|
JAN-26 |
|
Touchline
ban and fine for Caersws |
|
CAERSWS have been fined £750
and Bluebirds manager Mike Evans banned for two Welsh Premier games.
Evans will begin his
touchline ban when Bangor City visit on February 10 and for the trip to
Carmarthen Town.
The punishment follows events
during the Bluebirds 1-0 defeat at home to Porthmadog on November 18.
Referee Maldwyn Williams
angered Evans and club supporters by sending-off Caersws trio Ross Stephens,
Chris Venables and Geraint Lewis.
Lewis and Stephens were
dismissed for challenges and Venables for protesting after Aberystwyth struck
the winner.
The abuse levelled at
Bethel-based Williams has seen Evans slapped with a two match touchline ban.
The club must also pay £500
with £250 suspended after a missile was thrown at the official from the
stands.
Williams has officiated three
games this seasons and in 270 minutes of football produced five red cards.
All five red cards have been
in matches involving Aberystwyth Town with Porthmadog seeing two players
sent-off on August 26 before Caersws suffered at the hands of Williams in
November.
Evans said: “It is
disappointing but we must get on with things, starting with our weekend match
at Airbus
County times |
|
JAN-26 |
|
Seasiders
plot revival |
|
Aberystwyth
Town look to lift themselves back into the top half of the Welsh Premier.
ABERYSTWYTH Town manager
Brian Coyne is looking for his side to string together a run of positive
results, after they returned to winning ways against Newtown last Friday.
Having gone seven league and cup games without a win, Aber secured a welcome
three points against Coyne’s former club, to strengthen their position in
the Principality Welsh Premier.
The Seasiders will be hoping
to maintain their momentum when they travel to mid-table rivals Haverfordwest
this Friday, looking to reclaim a place in the top half of the league.
However, the Aber manager will be taking nothing for granted against a
Haverfordwest side that has won its last two matches, including a big win at
high-fliers Port Talbot. Coyne said: “I was pleased our lads finally got
what they deserved against Newtown, in previous games they’ve not reaped
their rewards, but now hopefully they can push on.
“There will be no pressure
on the players at Haverfordwest, they are enjoying their football at the
moment and will go there in good spirits, and in a comfortable mid-table
position. “Haverfordwest is never an easy place to go, they had a superb win
at Port Talbot last Friday, but their pitch is in good condition and this will
suit us in getting the ball down. “Hopefully the weather will be kind to us
as we have only had a couple of games since Christmas; the lads need to get
playing regularly again and they need games under their belts.”
Cambrian News |
|
JAN-25 |
|
Another
Crow leaves the nest |
|
Cwmbran Town's troubles continue
as another key player has decided to quit Sean Wharton's squad. The club's
limited financial resources has seen a number of their key players depart
since Christmas and the latest is Centre Back Nicky Ward.
The strong defender, 22 has
joined lowly local side Cwm Sports FC who play in the Abacus Recruitment
Services North Gwent League.
The former Tredegar Town and
RTB Ebbw Vale man was at the centre of controversy last year when he was
registered for three clubs resulting in an FAW charge and subsequently a 3
points deduction in the League table. However, the Gwent side stood by the
Abergavenny born man, but he has now decided to move on. This comes as a
further blow for the hard-working Wharton who continues to look to the
positives despite his club's dismal situation.
Welshpremier.com |
|
JAN-25 |
|
Jones
could still go on Green light |
|
Matt Green,
Newport County's speedy striker, could yet be Cardiff City's fifth signing of
the January transfer window, writes Terry Phillips.
The teenage
pace ace is a player City manager Dave Jones believes has genuine potential
and will blossom with full-time coaching.
Cardiff
scouts have watched Green, 18, a number of times this season and are close to
agreement with the Conference South club.
If he does
make the move, Green would follow Jason Byrne (from Shelbourne), goalkeeper
David Forde (Derry City), Peter Whittingham (Aston Villa) and James Simmonds
(Chelsea) into Ninian Park.
Simmonds,
like Green, is a player for the future.
Bristol
City, Swansea City and Stoke City are among other clubs who have trailed Green
for some time and Newport will demand a fee plus hefty extra cash for
appearances and any sell-on.
Green,
though, may be tempted stay in this part of South Wales because he has
previously worked with Cardiff City head of recruitment Paul Compton, who was
in charge at the Cirencester Town Academy when he emerged as a talented
schoolboy.
Former
England schools international Green is keen to make the step up to full-time
football.
South Wales Echo
|
|
JAN-25 |
|
Finley
appointed Colwyn boss |
|
Colwyn Bay have appointed
former Aberystwyth Town boss Gary Finley as their new manager.
Finley takes over at the UniBond First
Division side from Peter Davenport, who left to take up the reins at Southport
earlier this month.
Financial problems at Lancaster City
saw Finley leave his previous job at the Conference North club.
Finley briefly turned out for Bay in
his playing career and has also played for the likes of Doncaster Rovers.
BBC |
|
JAN-25 |
|
Cardiff
take Hungarian on trial |
|
Cardiff City have taken
Hungarian Bela Balogh on trial as boss Dave Jones seeks to bolster his
defensive options.
Balogh, 22, plays for MTK Budapest but
the central defender has been allowed to Ninian Park for a week's trial.
He was a regular for his country at
Under-21 level, playing for the senior Hungary side in November's 1-0 friendly
win over Canada in Szekesfehervar.
Jones needs central defensive cover
after skipper Darren Purse limped out of Saturday's 2-1 win away to Wolves.
BBC |
|
JAN-25 |
|
Ferguson
snub over Llewellyn |
|
FORMER
Wrexham star Darren Ferguson has wasted no time going back to his old club in
a bid to make his first signing, writes Darren Devine.
New
Peterborough player-manager Ferguson - who quit Wrexham last weekend to take
up his new post - wanted to sign Dragons striker Chris Llewellyn (above).
But Wrexham
boss Brian Carey said, "We have categorically turned it down.
"We
are fully determined to keep all our players here for the fight ahead.
"Indeed,
our concern is focused on bringing players in and not losing them."
Wales cap Llewellyn, in his
second spell with the Dragons, has been one of their most consistent
performers this season and has 18 months left to run on his contract.
Western Mail
|
|
JAN-25 |
|
Crowds
will come back says Jackett |
|
Swansea City
manager Kenny Jackett believes the crowds will return to the Liberty Stadium
now his side are back in the play-off places.
For the
first time since the new stadium opened, the crowd dropped to below 10,000
last night as the home side finally ended their jinx against Gillingham with a
2-0 win courtesy of goals from Bayo Akinfenwa and Andy Robinson.
But after last
Saturday's highest attendance of the season - 16,849 - last night's crowd at
the Liberty was just 9,675.
"I think the crowds will come back if we are in the promotion places and
keep winning," Jackett said.
"People must have looked at the table and saw that we were eighth and
decided not to come. Hopefully they will soon come back."
Tony
|
|
JAN-25 |
|
500 not
out for Jones |
|
Dave Jones
today looked ahead to his 500th game as a manager against Leicester City this
Saturday - and hopefully his 200th ever win.
The Cardiff
City manager will pass the milestone when the Foxes visit Ninian Park having
taken charge at four Football League clubs - Stockport County, Southampton,
Wolves and City.
But Jones
stressed the importance of his start in non-league football management at
Southport, Mossley and then Morecambe.
'It was
only on the last 18 months of my playing career I thought about management,'
said Jones.
'I started
in non-League and that was a fantastic grounding for me.
'It makes
you appreciate things better when some players were getting up at 6am, worked
all day and then played a match in the evening.
'It was a
great education and when I look back on those days it can bring you down to
earth.'
And City
chairman Peter Ridsdale paid tribute to Jones.
'His
experience and expertise were just what we were looking for when we needed a
new manager,' said Ridsdale.
'We both
want to build for the future of Cardiff City.'
South Wales Echo
|
|
JAN-25 |
|
Painter
pinning hopes on transfer |
Marcos Painter
is hoping his move to Swansea City will soon become permanent. The left-back
extended his loan spell for a third month at the Liberty Stadium yesterday.
And
with the transfer window closing a week today, Swansea and his parent club
Birmingham City are negotiating a fee to make the move permanent.
While Painter's time in South Wales has been dogged by injury - he missed last
night's game with Gillingham with a groin strain - the Birmingham-born
defender hopes that an agreement can be reached between the two clubs.
"The sooner the better for me," Painter said. "I'm enjoying my
time here. I know that I have been injured more than I have been before but it
is good to be playing.
"It is nice to wake up on a Saturday morning and know that in the
afternoon you will be playing rather than training with the reserves.
"I'm still living in a hotel at the moment but I have been looking at a
few places and as soon as the deal is done I will look to move out."
If Swansea and Birmingham fail to reach an agreement over Painter's permanent
transfer, the 20-year-old has not ruled out looking to return in the summer.
"This third month is more about giving the two clubs time to sort out a
deal," Painter added.
"Hopefully it can be sorted. I still have two-and-a-half years left on my
contract at Birmingham if things don't work out.
"Who knows what can happen in football. Obviously I would like to
sign."
Painter has made eight appearances for Swansea since his November arrival.
Evening Post
|
|
JAN-24 |
|
Top spot
still eludes Pontypridd |
|
Pontypridd still have to wait to
get to the top of the Welsh league, as postponements and last nights result
still see them in 2nd spot.
Had they beaten Ton Pentre
last night they would have gone top on goal difference ahead of long time
leaders Neath. But it ended all square in a 0-0 draw. A good result for the
Lido as both teams dropped points.
But Ponty are
still in driving seat as they have 2 games in hand still over Neath and just 2
points behind.
They have had an easy time in
the league to date and have met very few league contenders up until the
Bulldogs, so they still have to prove themselves against the best teams in the
division.
Tonight Goytre have a chance
to catch up on their fixtures when they entertain lowly Pontardawe. Goytre
have played only 12 games so far this season the lowest of any team in
division 1.
Neath have the chance to
extend their lead at the top as they face Grange Quins on Thursday night and
victory will see them open a 5 point gap over Pontypridd.
View
league table
Tony |
|
JAN-24 |
|
Unlucky
number 7 for Llanelli |
|
Llanelli failed to win again in
the league last night as the could only manage a 1-1 home draw with near neighbours
Carmarthen Town.
They have failed to win in
their last 7 games and have to go back as far as December 2nd for their last
win, which came against Caersws.
They can all but forget about
winning the WPL, as they lie 12 points behind leaders Rhyl, and 10 points
behind New Saints, who also have a game in hand over the Reds.
It is also starting to look
like they they wont even qualify for Europe this season, as Welshpool who are
in 3rd have a 7 point lead over Llanelli and they have only 14 games left to
play in the league. It would be a major set back for the professional club to
even fail to make a Inter Toto place which is looking increasingly likely.
They did take the lead in
last nights game with club top scorer Rhys Griffiths putting the Reds ahead in
the 68' but Towns top scorer was not to be out done and Kaid Mohamed got the equaliser
in the 80' to add to Peter Nicholas's woes.
Tony
|
|
JAN-24 |
|
Swans back
in playoff place |
|
Swansea 2-0 Gillingham
A goal in each half saw
Swansea ease back into the top six after dominating the game against
Gillingham.
Bayo Akinfenwa headed in Lee
Trundle's cross on six minutes to open the scoring but despite being the
better side they had to wait for the second.
On-loan goalkeeper Romain
Larrieu kept Gillingham in it while Mark Bentley and Gary Mulligan both went
close to equalising with headers.
But Akinfewa set up
substitute Andy Robinson late on to seal the points.
South Wales Echo |
|
JAN-24 |
|
Success
story in the making for Church |
|
There is a real success story
in the making for a player in the the welsh league 3rd division.
Young Nicky Church who is
goalkeeper for Cwmbran Celtic is on the verge of securing himself a place at
Hereford United of league 2.
He is currently training with
the Bulls, and his manager says he will be very surprised if Nicky is not
offered a contract.
His manager states he has
been in outstanding form all season. and if Hereford doesn't sign him up, it
won't be long before another club spots his undoubted talent."
Church is a product of
Cwmbran Towns youth academy and was in the under 21 team last season which won
the the first and only under 21 league title.
Tony |
|
JAN-23 |
|
Ponty target top as they take on Ton |
|
Pontypridd Town will go top of Division One if they beat
Ton Pentre at Ynysangharad Park tonight (7pm).
Ponty, 4-2 winners against Bryntirion Athletic last
weekend, would go ahead on goal difference if they overcome the Rhondda
Bulldogs, who could do their own title challenge the power of good if they take
the points.
Current leaders Neath Athletic also have a midweek match,
at home to Grange Quins on Thursday (7.15pm).
There are also two games tomorrow evening, with Goytre
United entertaining Pontardawe Town (7.30pm) in Division One, and Tredegar at
home to Bridgend Town in their Shamrock Travel Cup quarter-final.
The tie has been postponed twice and the winners will play
Afan Lido at a neutral venue in the semis. Goytre United and Bettws clash in the
other semi-final.
Ton Pentre had to work hard for their 2-1 win at Grange
Quins at the weekend, but had to come from behind to take the points.
Oman fired Quins ahead from a penalty on 60 minutes with
Mark Crutch and substitute Dwayne Mardenborough replying.
South Wales Echo |
|
JAN-23 |
|
'Merthyr football could
be history' - Sugrue |
|
Merthyr Tydfil Football Club's vice-chairman and manager
Paul Sugrue says the club has reached crisis point and fears for its future
existence after the proposed £275m Merthyr Village project was rejected last
week.
The former Manchester City midfielder had hoped the
football club would move from its current ground at Penydarren Park to a new
state-of-the-art stadium as part of major new development in the area.
And the immediate effect of the rejection has hit the
current players hard, who took a 40 per cent cut in their wages over the
weekend.
The scheme promised to bring 1,800 homes, 2,000 jobs, a
sports stadium and numerous new facilities to one of the most deprived
communities in the United Kingdom.
'There is a thick black cloud hanging over this club and
the area after this latest set-back,' stormed Sugrue.
'One minute the club and this area is looking forward to a
fresh start and a bright future, the next it has no future and nothing to look
forward to. It's devastating to everybody connected with the club.
'There was a chance of a new ground, a new development in
an area where it is much-needed and where the football club is one of the things
that puts the town on the map.
'Now it's all doom and gloom, it's a typical valleys thing
as long as it's not in Cardiff it's not worth talking about or anything north of
Cardiff is nothing to get excited about.
'It's areas like this that need investing in more than
anywhere else. But who cares what happens up here as long as it's out of the way
- it's very sad?'
South Wales Echo |
|
JAN-23 |
|
Swans sign Abbott from Huddersfield |
|
Swansea have recruited Huddersfield striker Pawel Abbott on a two and a half
year, £150,000 deal.
The Poland Under-21 international, 24,
was out of contract at the end of the season, the Swans swooping to replace
departed £300,000-man Rory Fallon.
Abbott has scored 51 in 126 Terriers
games, his five this season including two in a 3-2 December win over Swansea.
"I enjoyed Huddersfield but the
time was right to move for the betterment of my career," he told the
Swans website.
"I am looking forward to playing
with Lee Trundle or Adebayo Akinfenwa.
"There's going to be competition
up front, that's what keeps people on their toes."
The Swans hope to get Abbott
registered in time for Tuesday's League One visit of Gillingham.
Born to Polish parents, Abbott began
his career at LSK Lodz before moving to Preston at the age of 19, with two
loan spells at Bury.
An initial loan move to Huddersfield
in February 2004 resulted in a permanent £125,000 move.
He scored twice in the Terriers'
dramatic 3-2 comeback win over the Swans in Yorkshire in December and was
involved in a controversial incident that saw Trundle sent off.
"I'll repay Swansea for that with
plenty of goals," he joked.
"The move happened so quickly,
[manager] Kenny Jackett rang me on Friday.
"It's a fantastic stadium and a
great club, and I hope I can get them where they want to be, into the
Championship."
South Wales Echo |
|
JAN-23 |
|
MK Dons sign Swans striker Knight |
|
Milton Keynes Dons have clinched
the signing of Swansea striker Leon Knight for an undisclosed fee.
The 24-year-old has agreed an
18-month contract with the Dons, with the option of a further year.
The former Brighton striker
scored 19 goals in 35 appearances for the Swans before falling out of favour
with boss Kenny Jackett earlier this season.
Knight was put on the
transfer list in October, with Jackett complaining that the striker did not
work hard enough.
But after both the club and
the player aired their grievances in the media, Swansea have tried to bring
the matter to a close.
"A lot has been said
between Leon and Swansea over recent months, but now is the time for everyone
to move on," read a club statement.
"Rather than look to
blame any particular party in this event, we need to draw a line under the
whole affair and move on.
"Unfortunately, as in
life, things don't always work out as planned and we wish Leon all the best at
his new club."
Knight spent an unsuccessful
nine game period on loan at Barnsley, but Dons boss Martin Allen said he was
convinced the striker could offer a lot to his club.
"Leon has an eye for
goal, he's quick and experienced and is someone I've had my eye on for a
while," said Allen.
"I am looking forward to
working with him because he's an interesting character.
"But there is no doubt
in my mind that we will have some good times together and he will do very well
for this club."
BBC |
|
JAN-23 |
|
Histon late show thwarts
County |
|
Histon 3-1 Newport County County's bid to reach the last 16
of the FA Trophy was ended by three late goals from Conference South leaders
Histon last night, but manager Peter Beadle was not despondent after a display
much improved from Saturday when they lost to lowly Farnborough.
'For 75 minutes we did well against a good side and we are
aiming to achieve Histon's level of performance week-in, week-out which is why
they are top of the league.'
Beadle's selection options in midfield were seriously
limited by injuries to Nathan Davies and Darren Garner while work commitments
ruled out Lee Jenkins, and his problems mounted when teenager Kris Leek and key
defender Ian Hillier picked up first-half injuries.
But Matt Green gave County a 67th minute lead though it
sparked the home side into action.
Antonio Murray scrambled an equaliser and Neil Kennedy
edged them in front in the 77th minute.
Then County's young 'keeper Jacob Giles strayed inches
outside his area in blocking a shot and referee Matt Stewart applied the letter
of the law to produce a red card.
The Matt Haniver blasted home from the free-kick.
Western Mail |
|
JAN-23 |
|
City
Scout network eyeing local talent |
|
Cardiff
City are spreading their net across Europe in their quest to find the best
young players.
The
Bluebirds' youth Academy are working to ensure they know about all talented
teenage players across South Wales and head of player recruitment Paul Compton
has increased the scouting network in Cardiff and all surrounding areas.
They are
searching for players aged between nine-years-old and 14 plus those in older
age groups.
Now,
though, Cardiff City have formed strong links with Hungarian club MTK.
And they
are also working with clubs in other countries around Europe.
Youth
Academy manager Lee Robinson led a group from Cardiff City to visit MTK and
seven players are coming to Ninian Park over the next few weeks.
They are
all 17 or 18-years-old and six of them were in the Hungarian side which
reached the last five in the Uefa under-17 championships.
'MTK are a
club of a similar status to Cardiff City and we are establishing links with
them,' said Robinson. 'I have been over to visit them and they have a similar
philosophy to us.
'We are
bringing a number of their players to Cardiff and that will build on the
relationship we already have.
'This is an
important link for us and we will build others, but we will also stay focused
on ensuring all talented players in South Wales are watched by our scouts from
an early age.
'Paul
Compton and I would like to think that there isn't a player with real ability
we don't know about in the South Wales area and beyond. That must be and
always will be our main area.
South Wales Echo
|
|
JAN-22 |
|
Cymru
Alliance round up |
|
FLINT
TOWN consolidated their position at the top of the Cymru Alliance with a
convincing 5-1 victory at Penrhyncoch.
Dean
Hughes led the way with a brace of goals, while Kevin Leech and Sean Beck were
also on target with Tony Folingo contributing an own goal for good measure.
Penrhyn's
solitary reply came from Tony Jones.
Bodedern
produced a surprise at former champions Buckley, winning 2-0 through goals by
Mark Evans and Corey Sinnott.
Steve
Bowes grabbed a stunning hat-trick for impressive Prestatyn as they thrashed
Llangefni Town 6-1. Neil Gibson, Dave Hayes and Steve Hoult also scored.
Bala
Town were much too strong for Gresford and ran out 4-1 victors.
Steve
Fisher, Llion Roberts, Neil Davies and Owain Roberts were the Bala marksmen.
Ruthin
secured their second success in four days beating Holyhead Hotspur 2-1 thanks
to goals by James Davies and Ian Rakard.
Western Mail |
|
JAN-22 |
|
Cup Hero
Mumford signs for the Reds |
|
Llanelli have swooped for Port
Talbot Town's Premier Cup 'supersub' Andrew Mumford in a surprise move today.
The former Swansea professional was the Steelmen's hero exactly a week ago
when as a sub, his thunderbolt from outside the box in extra time, stunned his
former side to dump them out of the Premier Cup.
Mumford has been struggling
to make the starting eleven at the Remax Stadium recently, having been on the
bench in his side's last six matches due to the good form of former Merthyr
man Dane WIlliams in midfield. Mumford made his last start for the club in the
home defeat against Porthmadog on 16th December, but featured twice as a sub
over the festive period against the Reds.
It has been evident that Reds
Manager Peter Nicholas would have to strengthen his squad after a number of
poor results that have seen his title contenders drop to fifth and thirteen
points behind current leaders Rhyl. Mumford, who can play either at the heart
of the defence or in centre midfield, only joined the Steelmen in August 2006
after a year away from the game. He previously played for Aberystwyth in the
Welsh Premier League after his release from Swansea City. His career at the
Vetch was certainly up and down as the man from Neath was named the club's
Player of the Year in Season 2002/2003 but following a dip in form, he went on
to make only 60 appearances for the club. He was loaned out to Llanelli during
his time with the Swans so he will be familiar with his new home ground at
Stebonheath. His presence, hard tackling and strong shooting abilities will
certainly improve the Reds squad and Nicholas will be hopeful that he can help
to kick-start his side's season.
Welshpremier.com |
|
JAN-22 |
|
McKenna
plays it cool on title chance |
|
RESULTS-WISE
TNS are showing true champions consistency, their last 10 Welsh Premier
matches yielding a handsome haul of 27 points.
But lowly
Caersws showed with this battling performance that there is still a lot of
football left in the season before Ken McKenna's side attempt to claim a
hat-trick of titles.
Saints boss
McKenna acknowledged the fact. "This match was only the beginning of the
second half of our season, so there is a long way to go yet," he said.
"But
next week will be interesting as we meet Connah's Quay, who are going so well,
and Rhyl play Llanelli."
The fact
that TNS have dropped only eight points this season and find themselves in
second spot, admittedly with three matches in hand over top-of-the-table Rhyl,
emphasises the increasingly competitive nature of Wales' top flight.
Western Mail |
|
JAN-22 |
|
The
heat is turned up for Jackett |
|
KENNY
JACKETT is about to enter perhaps the most pivotal period yet of his tenure as
manager of Swansea City.
And, if it
is too much to describe it just yet as make-or-break, the importance of what
is ahead in the next days and weeks probably isn't lost on thousands of Swans
fans.
Saturday's
Liberty Stadium draw with Nottingham Forest may have been a hugely
entertaining end-to-end encounter, even though it somehow finished goalless,
but the final scoreline did Jackett and his Swans few favours.
Chairman
Huw Jenkins delivered a blunt one-word message to his manager at the start of
the season - promotion. The squad of players at his disposal, the fantastic
stadium and the club's bumper new fan base was enough of a foundation,
according to the Liberty supremo, to take the Swans into the Championship and
make up for last season's play-off agony.
Jenkins,
aware that Jackett's team had begun to slip behind the pace, was piling on the
pressure again in Saturday's pre-match programme.
He started his 'From The
Boardroom' notes by saying, and I quote directly, "a win today is vital
if we are to close the gap."
The chance
to close the gap on Forest was lost, leaving the Swans in eighth spot and
eight points off the top two automatic promotion positions. At least it's not
11 points, which could so easily have been the case had Forest themselves
taken advantage of some excellent second-half openings of their own.
There have
been murmurs among many Swans fans for some time about Jackett. Unjustified
ones, in my eyes, but they have been there nonetheless. Goes with the
territory of being a football manager, I suppose.
Western Mail
|
|
JAN-22 |
|
Welsh
league div 1 round up |
|
PONTYPRIDD stepped
up their challenge for the MacWhirter Welsh League title with a
clear-cut 4-2 home victory over Bryntirion Athletic.
They took advantage
of the fact that leaders Neath could only manage a 2-2 draw with the
students of UWIC in Cardiff.
Ponty were level
1-1 with Bryntirion at half-time but then moved up a gear to chalk up
a convincing victory.
Ross Lloyd, Andy
Hughes, Chris Summers and Geza Hajgato were the marksmen.
Ben Bannon and Neil
Williams from the penalty spot were on target for Bryntirion.
Newport YMCA seemed to be
heading for a much needed win when they led Taffs Well 2-0 at the break, but
back came the visitors and in the end the teams shared the spoils 2-2.
Farris Yafai scored both
goals for the YMCA with Wayne McKenzie and Steve Marks netting for Taffs Well.
Former champions Ton
Pentre, who have been suffering from a lack of consistency, were made to fight
hard for a 2-1 success at Grange Quins, who were relegated last season from
the Welsh Premier League.
Wales on Sunday |
|
JAN-22 |
|
Welsh League 2 & 3 round
up
|
|
GARW continued their
successful march at top of the Welsh league second division when they swept to
a 2-0 victory at Penrhiwceiber.
Having missed out on
promotion last season after feeling an ineligible player they are determined
not to make any mistakes this time and goals from Lewis Williams and Vince
Wattleworth gave them the three points.
Garden Village lost ground
in their clammer for promotion, going down 1-0 at home to Troedyrhiw, for whom
Brent Hewitt scored from the penalty spot four minutes before half time.
In a West Wales derby,
Morriston Town pipped Ammanford 1-0, Mark Baker scoring the goal.
Anthony Rawlings bagged a
brace from former champions Bettws in their 3-1 defeat by Cardiff Corries.
Stuart Evans scored the
other Bettws goal while Kevin Crock was on target for the Corries.
Elsewhere in the second
division, Tredegar Town, preparing for their midweek Shamrock Cup quarterfinal
with Bridgend, heaped further misery on AFC Llwydcoed, running out 3-1 winners
in the Cynon Valley and Cambrian and Clydach got a late goal to beat Treharris
Athletic 2-1.
Pentwyn Dynamos remain at
the top of the third division after securing the only goal of the game at
Llantwit Fardre, while newcomers Llangeinor are in a good position to push for
promotion after beating Porthcawl 4-2, David Lewis and Matthew Jones each
scoring twice.
Goals by Chris hopkins and
David Miller gave Ystradgynlais a 2-1 win at Newcastle Emlyn while in the
highest scoring game of the day Seven Sisters ran out 5-3 winners at
Abertillery.
Brothers Chris and Richard
Heardman each scored while Chris Gardner, Allan Price and Mickey Moore were
also on target.
Wales on Sunday
|
|
JAN-22 |
|
No go, Nyatanga
|
|
SWANSEA CITY have passed up
the chance to sign Wales international Lewin Nyatanga.
The £1.5m rated Derby
defender is available on loan after the collapse of a proposed permanent
switch to Sunderland.
With his current prospects
of first team football at Derby limited, Nyatanga is desperate to keep himself
on the radar of Wales boss John Toshack.
Wales on Sunday understands
that Toshack made it known to the 18-year-old that he would be happy to pick
the centre-half even if he dropped down a division temporarily.
But Swans manager Kenny
Jackett decided against pursuing the left-footer.
A Swans insider admitted:
"We knew Lewin was available and we have kept checks on him but at this
time Kenny didn't feel he needed another defender
Wales on
Sunday
|
|
JAN-22 |
|
Lacklustre
display by County |
|
NEWPORT
COUNTY never got started against lowly Farnborough as their bid for a
Conference South promotion spot was seriously undermined.
The
hosts were happy to allow County plenty of possession as the visitors'
build-up was uncharacteristically laborious and Kevin Scriven, in the
home goal, was only required to deal with routine efforts.
Farnborough
shaded the first half, but did not make the breakthrough until injury
time.
County
failed to deal with a right-wing cross and Paul Harkness headed down for
the unmarked Nic Ciardini to crown his debut with a goal.
Home
striker Michael Charles handed County a lifeline by picking up two
yellow cards within a minute early in the second half, but Farnborough
reliably protected Scriven by defending in depth.
With
wingers Jason Bowen and Richard Evans both having off-days, County
failed to deliver early crosses and 10-man Farnborough ran down the
clock to hold on for a deserved three points in this league clash.
Western
Mail
|
|
JAN-21 |
|
Tucker
rallies to the Dinas cause |
|
Nicky Tucker, the
manager who steered Dinas Powys to the South Wales Amateur League title,
is back at their Murchfield ground.
The former Cardiff
City player, who was at Ninian Park when Frank Burrows was manager, is
back for a second spell as Dinas Powys manager.
He takes over after
Mike Spray and assistant Richie Garland handed in their resignations.
'Mike and Richie
worked well for Dinas Powys and we appreciate everything they did for
the club,' said Dinas official Vince Driscoll.
'But it's great to
have Nicky back with us. He has experience, enthusiasm and
determination.'
He moved into management with
Dinas Powys and took them to the South Wales Amateur League title and FAW
Trophy.
But Dinas missed out on
promotion after losing to South Wales Senior League champions Caerau Ely in a
play-off.
Tucker moved on to take over
at Taffs Well and led them to the top of the Welsh League, but then linked up
with Llanelli in the Welsh Premier League.
Llanelli looked doomed to
relegation when he arrived, but Tucker did an amazing job to save them from the
drop.
South Wales Echo
|
|
JAN-21 |
|
Ferguson named Peterborough boss
|
|
Peterborough have named Darren Ferguson
as player-manager, replacing Keith Alexander, who was sacked earlier in
January after six straight defeats.
The 34-year-old former Wrexham player, the son of
Sir Alex Ferguson, will have Kevin Russell as his assistant with Tommy
Taylor as first-team coach.
"His experience at this level is a huge asset in our
attempt to get promoted," said director of football Barry Fry.
Ferguson made more than 300 appearances for Wrexham
after joining in 1999.
Posh chairman Darragh MacAnthony said the board had
thought long and hard before making the appointment.
"We spent nearly a whole day interviewing Darren and
feel he is the man to take our club to the next level," he told the club
website.
"I feel we have hired an ambitious young manager who
shares our vision as to where the club is going and where it needs to be."
BBC |
|
JAN-21 |
|
Top Two both win on the Road |
|
Top of the Table Rhyl and closest pursuers The New
Saints both got maximum points in their respective away matches on Saturday.
The Lilywhites added to the gloom at Porthmadog, who have had a thoroughly
miserable week of the field, by coming from behind to win 2-1 at Y Traeth.
Gareth Caughter gave the home side a first half lead, but Lee Hunt, who
entered the fray as sub for Paul Roberts after 67 minutes, equalised five
minutes later and then got the vital winner eleven minutes from time.
League Champions, TNS also had to wait until the
second half for the two goals that beat Caersws at The Recreation Ground, with
John Toner grabbing the first seven minutes after the break and Scott Ruscoe
getting the second on 72 minutes.
After their nightmare at Airbus last weekend,
unpredictable Bangor City bounced back to get a good point at high flying
Welshpool. Leading scorer Calvin Davies gave Tommi Morgan's side a 47th minute
lead, which they hung on to until Sion Edwards equalised for City 11 minutes
from time. Both sides had players red carded, with Town's Ceri James going for
a second yellow after 58 minutes, then being followed to the Dressing Room by
the visitors Peter Hoy who got a straight red just eight minutes later.
Following their outstanding result against Bangor,
Airbus UK looked on course for another surprise victory, when James McIntosh
gave them the lead at Richmond Park on the stroke of half time, but up popped
Carmarthen's Kaid Mohamed with a second half brace to spoil the Wingmakers
long trek back to North Wales.
Welshpremier.com |
|
JAN-21 |
|
Bluebirds
win at last! |
|
Debut-making striker Jason Byrne came off the bench to give Cardiff
their first win in 13 games.
Bluebird fans banned from Molineux missed Mike Chopra breaking his seven
game drought in style with an airborne chip over Matt Murray from 20 yards.
Craig Davies hit the post and had a goal disallowed before his surging run
brought the equaliser, setting up Seyi George Olofinjana from short range.
With two minutes to go Chopra slid a pass to Byrne who blasted in the goal.
Cardiff will be troubled by an injury
to captain Darren Purse, though, who limped off before half time with a back
injury.
BBC
|
|
JAN-21 |
|
Wrexham battle back for a point |
|
WREXHAM’S relegation battle
took a back seat to the news today that long serving Darren Ferguson has
been appointed player manager of League Two side Peterborough United.
The
midfielder, who had been touted as a possible successor to sacked Dragons
boss Dennis Smith, was offered the London Road job late on Friday evening
and Wrexham reluctantly agreed to release Ferguson in exchange for a nominal
fee.
Ferguson has
named former racecourse assistant manager Kevin Russell as his assistant and
will take up his new duties on Monday.
Back at the
Racecourse, caretaker boss Brian Carey saw his side battle back from a goal
down to earn a point against high flying Hartlepool United, the result
extending their unbeaten run to 12 matches.
The
visitors, who have conceded just one goal during that sequence, went ahead
in their first attacking move of the game after 8 minutes when Richie Barker
took James Brown’s pass to beat Michael Ingham in the home goal.
Without the
commanding present of injured defender Steve Evans the home defence looked
vulnerable and Ingham made a fine save to deny Lee Bullock at the expense of a
corner from which Lee Roach had to clear a Ben Clark header off the line.
But Wrexham
fought back and Lee McEvilly went close to an equaliser three minutes before
the break.
And with the
wind at their backs from the start the Dragons forced United onto the back
foot and fully deserved their 64th minute leveller.
Ryan Valentine
fed substitute Matty Done off down the left and his low cross was turned in at
the far post by Chris Llewellyn who was a Hartlepool player last season.
Both sides had
chances to snatch victory in the closing stages but a draw was a fair result
Mark Currie |
|
JAN-20 |
|
Tough
draw for Saints and Steelmen
|
|
Port Talbot and The New Saints,
the only clubs through to the FAW Premier Cup semi-finals, have both been
given tough away draws.
The Saints, the Welsh Premier
champions, will be away to either Carmarthen Town or Cardiff City.
Port Talbot, victors over
Swansea in the quarter-finals, must travel to face either Newport County or
Wrexham.
The Carmarthen v Cardiff
quarter-final will be on 13 February, with no date yet set for Newport v
Wrexham.
The dates for the semi-finals
have also yet to be confirmed.
|
|
JAN-20 |
|
Neath
looking for a Shaw thing
|
|
Leaders
Neath Athletic have striker Carl Shaw back for today's first division match
with Uwic at Cyncoed. Shaw, who scored from the bench during last week's 2-1
home win over Aberaman, missed the cup-ties with Goytre United and Morriston.
The
Llandarcy Park side are being linked with Morriston centre-back Jack Jenkins,
who impressed during his side's 1-0 West Wales Senior Cup exit against Neath
last Sunday.
There is also an outside chance of Carl Jenkins returning from a back injury
sooner than anticipated.
Goytre
United lose wide-man Ian Turner to a ban against Pontardawe Town at the
Recreation Ground.
Michael Chaves misses out against his former club because of work commitments,
while Pontardawe welcome back both Steven Cox and Bevan Humphries.
Maesteg Park launched the programme last night with a 3-1 home derby defeat
against Bridgend Town
Tony
Poole |
|
JAN-20 |
|
Port
Talbot end week on a low
|
|
Port Talbot suffered a Premier
Cup hangover in the Principality Welsh Premier as their outstanding recent
home record was ruined by the impressive Haverfordwest County on Friday
evening.
Wide man Lee Hudgell opened
the scoring for the visitors after just eleven minutes and then Jodi Jenkins
registered his first goal for the club after quarter of an hour. Things got
better for the former Cwmbran man and for County when he scored his second
just ten minutes later, which gave the flying Bluebirds a comfortable 3-0 Half
Time lead.
Port Talbot responded
immediately after the interval when Chad Bond struck just two minutes after
the restart, but the match was sealed by Tim Hicks when he netted the fourth
for Derek Brazil's men on a great night for the visitors at the Remax Stadium.
Welshpremier.com |
|
JAN-20 |
|
Port
set to appeal against Points Deduction
|
|
Porthmadog are to appeal against
their three-point deduction and £13,000 fine for a fan shouting racial abuse,
manager Osian Roberts revealed yesterday to the Daily Post.
Roberts said the club will
fight the penalty after an FAW disciplinary panel found Port guilty of an
abuse charge. The Traeth club must pay £1,000 of the £13,200 fine within 21
days, with the remainder suspended in case the club is found guilty of a
similar charge before the end of this season.
The charge followed one fan
shouting a racial insult at referee's assistant Gary Ismial during Port's 2-2
draw with Cwmbran Town at Y Traeth on December 9th, but Roberts said the club
did everything in its power to reprimand the offender, including banning him
from games for the rest of the season.
Roberts, who runs the team
with joint-manager Viv Williams, said: "We're definitely going to appeal
against this. First of all, on behalf of myself, Viv, the players and
everybody at the club, our viewpoint is that racist comments like that have no
place in football....We're as disappointed as anybody about the fact it has
happened. But this fan was reprimanded the same day, he apologised to the
linesman and he's been banned for the rest of the season.
He continued, "We
discourage this from happening; we take part in all the anti-racism
promotions. For the club to be held responsible for one individual's stupid
comment I think is taking it too far. If it was a player or an official of the
club I could understand, but there's no way of controlling individual
comments. Any person could come through the gate on a Saturday at our club or
any other club and make a comment, but there's nothing we can do about that
until it actually happens.
The three-point penalty drops
Port three places to 14th in the table, nine points from the top eight and a
place in next season's lucrative FAW Premier Cup.
Daily
Post |
|
JAN-20 |
|
Swans
sign Bluebirds keeper
|
|
Cardiff's Mark Howard has
joined local rivals Swansea on a one-month loan.
The 20-year-old will act as cover for
the Swans' regular back-up goalkeeper Andy Oakes, who has a knee injury.
The Londoner was with Arsenal for nine
years before joining Cardiff in July, but he played just once for the club,
against Barnet in the Carling Cup.
Howard goes straight onto the bench
for Saturday's visit of Nottingham Forest and told the Swansea website:
"I didn't have any hesitation in signing."
Cardiff signed goalkeeper David Forde
at the beginning of January, the Republic of Ireland international pushing
Neil Alexander hard for the number one jersey at the Bluebirds.
Willy Gueret will continue as
Swansea's first-choice stopper against Forest, with Howard saying he must
adjust quickly to his new surroundings.
"Everything happened so quickly,
I was asked about the loan early on Friday morning and an hour later I was
training with Swansea," he said.
"As a young keeper it's important
for me to get as much experience as possible and to take my chances.
"I enjoyed training with the
Swansea lads, they haven't given me much stick - not yet anyway!"
BBC |
|
JAN-20 |
|
Ninian
fan Gavin could be Swans target
|
|
SWANSEA
CITY have expressed an interest in Wales midfielder Gavin Williams - and the
player said he would be happy to play for them despite being a staunch Cardiff
fan.
Williams
has flourished in the Championship with Ipswich this season, but he admits his
future at Portman Road is uncertain after he and some of his team-mates
angered boss Jim Magilton by taking an unauthorised two-day break in Amsterdam
earlier this month.
And the
twice-capped international confirmed rumours that Swansea - despite having an
abundance of midfielders on their books - are one of the clubs to have
enquired about his availability.
The
prospect of Merthyr-born Williams pulling on a Swans shirt would be
unpalatable to many supporters given the way he wound them up down the years
while playing for Yeovil.
The
26-year-old became a hate figure at the Vetch Field after riling supporters by
doing the Cardiff-accented Ayatollah salute as part of his goal celebrations.
Far from dismissing a drop down to League One, though, Williams said he would
seriously consider joining the Swans if he was told he had no future under
Magilton.
Western
Mail |
|
JAN-20 |
|
Davies
get his wish to change clubs
|
|
Croesyceiliog
are losing right-wing back Kevin Davies who is off to join Dinas Powys -
visitors to the Woodlands tomorrow afternoon in the MacWhirter Welsh League,
Division One.
Davies
was signed from Bridgend Town earlier in the season.
Chris
Evans, Croesyceiliog manager, said: "They put seven days notice of
approach and I have said he can join them - but not to play against us."
Lee
Mason, 17-year-old front runner, returns to the squad, taking over from
Davies. Evans said: "He was left out against Taffs Well last week because
in recent games he had taken a bit of a battering."
South
Wales Argus |
|
JAN-20 |
|
Town
look to down Airbus
|
|
Carmarthen
Town hope to further press their European claims with victory over struggling
Airbus UK at Richmond Park today.
The Wingmakers pulled off their best Premiership victory when they posted a
4-1 success over Bangor City last time out.
It earned them their first league points since October 29 and it remains to be
seen how this boost will manifest itself at Carmarthen.
Town boss Mark Jones said: "No team in this league can be taken lightly
and I will be looking to my players to continue their recent improvement with
another professional performance.
"We have taken nine points from our last four matches and I'm looking for
that to rise to 12 tomorrow.
"Any of the top teams that strings a good run together from now until the
end of the season can stake a claim for European football and that's our
target again."
Other than the suspended Liam Hancock, Carmarthen are at full strength.
Evening
Post |
|
JAN-20 |
|
Reds
in for Port's Mumford
|
|
But
Andrew Mumford, whose goal won the tie against his former side, could be on
his way to Llanelli.
Reds' boss Nicholas has put seven days' notice of an approach for Mumford, who
has been unable to break into Port Talbot's starting line-up. Another player
currently out of favour, Chris Pridham, is also being eyed by other clubs.
Evening
Post |
|
JAN-19 |
|
Fallon
signs for Plymouth
|
|
Swansea striker Rory Fallon has
passed a medical exam and agreed personal terms at Plymouth, with a £300,000
move expected to be completed on Friday.
The 6ft 2ins New Zealander,
24, joined the Swans for that fee from Swindon a year ago and has since scored
12 goals in 41 league appearances.
Swansea turned down an
initial Argyle bid, but the club reluctantly agreed to further talks at the
player's request.
The Swans say they only want
to keep players fully committed to them.
Fallon expressed his desire
to stay at the west Wales club earlier this week, but the lure of Championship
football seems to have proved stronger.
BBC |
|
JAN-19 |
|
Glantraeth
cancel from
Promotion bid
|
|
Cymru Alliance outfit Glantraeth
have today informed League Secretary John Deakin that they are withdrawing
their application for promotion to the Principality Welsh Premier League for
the 2007/08 season. The current Cymru Alliance champions were due to be
inspected by the Ground Inspection team on Thursday 25th January.
The club are currently fourth
in the Cymru Alliance table and their withdrawal from the promotion race is
disappointing for the League. The Anglesey based side was only formed in 1984
but they would have to vastly improve their Trefdraeth ground, which only has
a 72 seat stand. The current League rules state that 250 seats must be
available, which is increasing to 500 in 2008/09. There would also be other
improvements required to get the Ground up to the standards required for entry
into the elite League.
Last season was arguably the
most successful season in the short history of the Club as they achieved a
first for Anglesey based clubs by doing the Double winning the Cymru Alliance
and the League Challenge Cup.
Welshpremier.com |
|
JAN-19 |
|
Cardiff
Stadium work set to start
|
|
Building work at
Cardiff City's new stadium at Leckwith will start next month when bulldozers
move in.
The athletics stadium will be
knocked down with a replacement athletics track scheduled to be ready in the
summer.
The club have named the 14
investors who will control 95% of its shares.
They are Peter Ridsdale, Alan
Whiteley, Mike Hall, Andrew Connery, John Jones, Steve Borley, Richard Crane,
Paul Guy, Nick Yakano, David Ward, Peter and Joe Suto, Gareth Williams and
Keith Harris.
"Everyone is now looking
to the future and that starts with the new stadium," said Bluebirds
chairman Peter Ridsdale.
"With a restructured
football club, a new financial package, and a new stadium about to start,
Cardiff City Football Club is now really moving forward."
BBC |
|
JAN-19 |
|
Aberystwyth
are after talented duo
|
|
CHRIS Venables and Craig
Williams have been approached by Aberystwyth Town over a proposed switch to
Park Avenue.
Caersws midfielder Venables
has endured a frustrating campaign with the Bluebirds but his performances
have caught the eye of Brian Coyne.
Caersws manager Mike Evans
has already lost midfielder Ross Stephens to leaders Rhyl and is desperate to
retain the services of Venables.
Evans said: “Chris is a
valued member of the club and we really do not want him to go.
“I have already spoken to
him regarding the approach and we all want him to stay with Caersws.”
The 21-year-old has been a
revelation since signing for the villagers upon his release by Shrewsbury Town
in 2003.
Despite problems with injury
Venables has still played 78 games and netted 20 goals for the Bluebirds in
four years.
Caersws manager Mike Evans
has also revealed his struggles in strengthening this season.
“I have looked around but
it is difficult at this stage of the season and players are hard to find.
“I will keep on looking and
hopefully we can bring in a few fresh faces.”
Meanwhile near neighbours
Newtown have also revealed star defender Craig Williams has also been
approached by Aberystwyth.
The 19-year-old youth team
product has been a mainstay in the Robins line-up since breaking through last
season.
Williams shot to national
fame on Sky TV’s Football Icon in 2005 and has since become a first-team
regular.
Newtown chairman Elwyn Preece
said: “Craig is a local lad and a valued member of the club.
“Craig has spoken to
Aberystwyth Town but has not agreed any move and will certainly be included in
Newtown’s line-up when we travel to Park Avenue this weekend.”
Preece added: “We could not
hope to compete with Aberystwyth Town financially but we do not want to lose
any players.”
Preece admitted the club’s
wage structure often forced the club out of the frame, but insisted the Robins
had installed a working financial model.
“We can’t hope to compete
with the bigger clubs financially but our wage structure ensures that the club
will always be in a secure financial position.”
County
Times |
|
JAN-19 |
|
Plymouth close on Fallon transfer
|
|
Swansea striker Rory Fallon is in talks with Plymouth
Argyle with a view to a transfer rumoured to be near £300,000.
The 6ft 2ins New Zealander, 24, joined the Swans for that fee from Swindon
a year ago and has since scored 12 goals in 41 league appearances.
Swansea turned down an approach from Argyle last week, but a club statement
says they have "reluctantly agreed" to further talks at the player's
request.
The Swans say they only want to keep players fully committed to them.
Fallon expressed his desire to stay at the west Wales club earlier this
week, but the lure of Championship football seems to have proved stronger.
Fallon has not always been the most popular player with Swansea fans, who
have preferred the bustle of Adebayo Akinfenwa up front, but manager Kenny
Jackett has been a consistent supporter of the Kiwi.
"Rory gets criticism, but I see honesty and hard work," Jackett
told BBC Sport Wales this week.
"We're not under any pressure to sell and we turned down a
considerable offer from Plymouth last week.
"If we make a decision to sell players it will be a football one, not
a financial one."
With under-contract Leon Knight already having been told by Jackett that he
will never play for Swansea again, Lee Trundle and Akinfenwa will be left as
the only senior front men at the club if Fallon goes.
South
Wales Echo |
|
JAN-19 |
|
Plans for Llansantffraid team to rival TNS?
|
|
SPECULATION regarding the
formation of a new club in Llansantffraid continued to gather momentum this
week.
The village club was re-branded
TNS as part of a 1997 sponsorship deal and then merged with border rivals
Oswestry Town in 2005 to form The New Saints FC.
However with the Principality
Welsh Premier side preparing to uproot for a new purpose built stadium in
Oswestry speculation over an independent Llansantffraid club has snowballed in
recent weeks.
The County Times believes
discussions have been held over the formation of a new side in the village, at a
meeting held last week. But those believed to be involved are remaining
tight-lipped about their plans.
Representatives of The New
Saints say they have heard nothing of the proposal, or of the meeting held last
week.
J T Hughes Montgomeryshire
League secretary Bernie Jones has also revealed no applications for league
membership had been received so far from any new club being formed in the
village.
“I have heard nothing about a
side being reformed in Llansantffraid,” he said, “but as a league we’d
welcome any new sides.”
County
Times |
|
JAN-19 |
|
Newtown
face old boss Coyne
|
NEWTOWN travel to old rivals
Aberystwyth Town tonight (Friday) seeking revenge against former Robins idol
Brian Coyne.
The current Seasiders boss has
been busy in the January transfer window with defenders Christian Edwards and
Ben Vangucci arriving from Forest Green Rovers and Rotherham United
respectively.
However Newtown chairman Elwyn
Preece said the Robins would not be overawed by the challenge.
“We were a little
disappointed to lose against Port Talbot but we are improving all the time.”
Preece added: “We are still
in a potentially dangerous position near the foot of the table but we are a
proud club and will not want to just play out our fixtures.
“Our new management team has
got the lads competing again and when the belief comes back I am confident we
can start challenging for a place in next season’s FAW Premier Cup.” County
Times |
|
JAN-19 |
|
Beleaguered
Bluebirds face tough TNS test
|
CAERSWS face further selection
problems ahead of their weekend clash with Montgomeryshire rivals TNS.
Defender Colin Reynolds and
midfielder Martin Plaint return but the Bluebirds are without Hugh Clarke and
Lloyd Grist through suspension.
Graham Jones’ continued
absence leaves the Bluebirds facing a severe home test.
Manager Mike Evans said: “TNS
are the top team in the Welsh Premier and we can expect a hard game.
“We are without a few players
this weekend and although it’s a massive blow we must get on with things.”
The New Saints arrive at the
Recreation Ground aiming to overhaul leaders Rhyl at the top of the Principality
Welsh Premier.
General manager Ian Williams
said: “Caersws are having a tough season but they always give us a tough game
at the Recreation Ground and we will not be underestimating them.
“We have a few games in hand
on our rivals and it’s up to us to make sure we put the points on the
board.”
Mike Wilde and fellow striker
Nicky Ward are nearing full fitness while Alfie Carter should recover from a
knock.
Meanwhile long-term absentee
Jamie Wood is on the verge of a return to action following injury.
Williams said: “Jamie is
taking things slowly and hopefully he will be back before the end of the
month.” County
Times |
|
JAN-19 |
|
Minister to intervene over match ban
|
|
Culture Minister Alun Pugh was today
asked to take up the cause of Cardiff City football fans who have been banned
from an away match.
Cardiff fans have been banned from a
match with Wolverhampton Wanderers on January 20 after clashes between rival
supporters in previous fixtures.
Rhondda AM Leighton Andrews said it
was “disgraceful” that the Football League had allowed the decision.
Torfaen AM Lynne Neagle said Wolves
had handled the matter badly and asked the minister to take it up with
football chiefs.
Taking question in the chamber, Mr
Pugh said: “Travelling to away games is a very important part of football
culture.
“I do think it’s important that
proper facilities for away supporters are provided.
“Away fans ought to be allowed to
travel and there need to be absolutely extraordinary circumstances for that
not to happen and I am very happy to write.”
Some dedicated fans have said they
will try to overcome the ban by watching the game from an airship.
icwales |
|
JAN-19 |
|
Bid
to re-form Rhayader Town
|
RHAYADER Town’s proposed
rise from the ashes received widespread support this week.
A meeting has been organised
for Monday, January 29 aimed at reforming Rhayader Town FC.
The club’s sad demise in
August 2006 ended a 58 year history, which had seen them scale to the heights of
the Welsh Premier.
However relegation from the top
flight hit the club hard and after several seasons in the Spar Mid Wales League
the club folded citing a “lack of interest and supporter apathy”.
This week the date of the
eagerly anticipated meeting was announced as Monday, January 29 at 7.30pm, at
Rhayader Town FCs Weirglodd.
Football Association of Wales
councillor Phil Woosnam was also hopeful of a well-supported meeting.
Woosnam was involved with the
former club and is keen to see football in Rhayader re-established as soon as
possible.
“It was with great
disappointment that the club decided to fold last year.
“The meeting has been
arranged to gauge support in the town for reforming and hopefully finding people
interested in forming a new committee.
“We have the players in the
area and talent coming through to form a good side in the local leagues but we
need a committee and the support of the Rhayader community.”
County
Times |
|
JAN-18 |
|
Reds
look to Napoleon to lead battle
|
Llanelli's Welsh
Premier League campaign has steered off track recently, but they hope one man
can lead them in the right direction - Napoleon. No, the Reds have not dived
into the history books to pluck out some of the French emperor's tactics.
Instead,
they have turned their attention to Nigerian striker Napoleon Amaefule.
The 26-year-old, who is on trial at Stebonheath Park, is hoping to revolutionise
the club's season after a run of one win in seven games.
With experience with top Polish side Legia Warsaw and Greek outfit PAOK,
Amaefule could help dictate the Reds' fortunes over the next few months.
But firstly, he has to impress Reds manager Peter Nicholas, who is running the
rule over his most recent arrival.
With a small squad, the former Swansea City assistant manager hopes Amaefule,
whose wife is Polish and living in Wakefield, will add to his attacking options.
With no action this weekend, the Reds are hoping to arrange a friendly match
with their Under-19s Academy side to take a look at the Nigerian in a game
situation.
"We are taking a look at him and we will see what he has to offer,"
said Nicholas. "We will make a decision on him by the end of the week. So
far he has looked good."Chris
Barney |
|
JAN-18 |
|
Ex
Swan takes over at Hucknall
|
Ex-Swansea City and Wales star
Andy Legg has taken over as first-team manager at Nationwide North club Hucknall
Town.
Legg featured in Llanelli's Uefa Cup matches with Odense and played six domestic
games for the Reds before joining Hucknall in October to be closer to his family
in Nottingham.
He takes over from Kevin Wilson, who saw his contract terminated with immediate
effect on Tuesday.Chris
Barney |
|
JAN-18 |
|
Seasiders
keep faith
|
|
Aberystwyth
Town manager Brian Coyne urges team to keep believing in themselves
ABERYSTWYTH Town boss Brian
Coyne urged his players to keep believing in themselves after they slipped to
their third successive league defeat in the Welsh Premier last weekend. Having
gone seven league and cup matches without a win, Aber have slipped into the
bottom half of the table, but with games in hand, Coyne stressed it is not all
doom and gloom. The Seasiders staged a spirited performance at title-chasing
Rhyl, only to succumb to three late goals, and will be eager to turn things
around against struggling Newtown on Friday.
The Aber boss said he has been
pleased with the overall performances of his players in recent matches, but is
looking for better fortune against his former club at Park Avenue. “The result
did not reflect the performance at Rhyl,” said Coyne. “We had more than
matched them for long periods, and over the 90 minutes I thought that we did
deserve something from the game. “Rhyl’s first two goals were very
fortunate, they both came from set-pieces that were assisted by the gale-force
winds, and it was very disappointing in the end, the lads had played with great
heart. “I am certainly not down-hearted by their overall performance, and my
message to them will be to keep believing in themselves, they have been playing
some very good foot-ball, and the results will come.
“The spirit amongst the
players is brilliant, but they are frustrated at not getting the results their
performances deserve, but if they keep believing they will come through it.”
Having only played once since the New Year, Coyne is eager to see his side get
back to winning ways when they take on Newtown, the club where he began his
career as a manager. Aber drew their away match with the Robins earlier in the
season, but they have beaten them twice in the League Cup, and will be
determined to secure a welcome three points. It is hoped a bumper crowd will
turn out for the derby match, which would further boost their encouraging
aver-age gate for the season of 460 -up by almost 100 on last year.
www.aberystwyth-today.co.uk |
|
JAN-18 |
|
Bluebirds secure front-man Byrne
|
|
Cardiff City have completed the
transfer of prolific striker Jason Byrne from Irish champions Shelbourne.
The 28-year-old Republic of
Ireland international impressed after a short trial and finalised his move after
passing a medical on Wednesday.
Byrne has been the top scorer
in the Eircom League for the past four seasons, amassing 83 goals for Shels.
"He's been training with
us, but his season ended in November so he needs to get fit," said Cardiff
boss Dave Jones.
"He needs a few weeks hard
training under his belt and then we'll give him an opportunity.
"He loves it here, he
wants to do well and he wants to come across the water to see if he can apply
his trade.
"He's scored a lot of
goals at the level he's played, can he do it at this level? We'll find out
soon."
BBC |
|
JAN-18 |
|
Swan's chance of another upset
|
It may not
have been the glamour tie Swansea City were hoping for in the FA Cup fourth
round, but Kenny Jackett is relishing the trip to Ipswich Town. The Tractors
Boys saw off League Two outfit Chester City in their third round replay on
Tuesday thanks to a Matt Richards strike to set up a home meeting with the Swans
a week on Saturday.
And
with Jackett's men crushing Premiership strugglers Sheffield United 3-0 at
Bramall Lane in the last round, Swansea will feel confident of causing another
upset.
"The Ipswich result was expected," Jackett said.
"Whether this will be a better game for us I don't know, because Chester is
never an easy place to go.
"But what this Ipswich game gives us is another chance to play a side from
a higher league. It will be a tough game for us but it all depends on what
happens on the day."
The trip to face Jim Magilton's men, who lie in 15th place in the Championship,
will be the Swans' eighth FA Cup match away in 10 games - the home matches being
third and fourth round replays in 2005 against Stockport and Reading.
However, the Liberty Stadium chief is looking forward to making the long trek to
Suffolk.
"It will be a terrific day and the lads are enjoying this cup run,"
Jackett added.BBC |
|
JAN-17 |
|
Porthmadog
rocked by 3 point deduction
|
|
As a result of an incident at
their home game with Cwmbran on 9th December, Porthmadog have been sanctioned by
the FAW under a Regulation approved in April 2006 in respect of spectators who
are found guilty of abusive, obscene or provocative behaviour, conduct or
language in grounds.
The offence was committed by
one spectator at the match, who made a number of remarks with racist connotations
to a Match Official. The individual concerned immediately apologised for his
behaviour and was sanctioned by the club.
The matter was brought to the
attention of the FAW, and a charge was preferred against the club, which was
considered by an FAW Commission on 9th January. They found the charge proven and
consequently imposed a fine of £13,200.00 on the club, £12,200.00 of which is
suspended until 31st December 2007, but would become payable if the club were
found guilty during that period of an offence pursuant to the Non-Discrimination
Regulations of the FAW.
Porthmadog must also have 3
points deducted from their League total in the current season, which could
seriously jeopardise their chances of qualifying for next seasons FAW Premier
Cup. The spectator concerned has been banned from entering any football ground
under the jurisdiction of the Football Association of Wales until 29th January
2009.
A clearly upset Porthmadog,
Chairman, Phil Jones, speaking on Wednesday morning said, "This penalty
certainly seems excessive for a first offence"
The club do have the right to appeal against the decision of the Commission and
the spectator concerned will not be named until the appeals period has expired.
Welshpremier.com |
|
JAN-17 |
|
Cardiff
City have signed Chelsea youngster
|
|
Cardiff City have signed Chelsea youngster
James Simmonds on loan for the rest of the season.
The midfielder was part of the same
England youth international side that contained Kerrea Gilbert, the Arsenal
full-back on-loan at Cardiff.
But the 19-year-old, a product of the
Chelsea academy, has opted to play for the Republic of Ireland Under-19s.
Simmonds is able to play anywhere in
midfield and also up front, but is happier along the left-hand side.
BBC |
|
JAN-16 |
|
Jackett:
I don't want to lose Rory
|
|
Kenny
Jackett has rejected Plymouth Argyle's £300,000 bid for Rory Fallon and
declared: "I don't want him to go." The Swansea City boss has admitted
receiving an offer last week after we revealed the Championship club's interest
in last night's Evening Post.
And,
although Plymouth are prepared to match the sum Swansea paid for Fallon 12
months ago, Jackett has indicated that there is little, if any, chance of a deal
being done.
"We've had a bid of £300,000 for Rory Fallon from Plymouth and we've
turned it down," he said.
"That's it really. It's not a situation I want to pursue because I don't
want to lose Rory. I'm just trying to concentrate on winning promotion by
working with the players we've got and adding where we need to.
"Right now I'm more interested in my treatment room than the transfer
market. My eyes are on which of our injured players are on the way back."
Jackett did inform Fallon of the Plymouth offer, which was tabled some time last
week.
"I told him there had been a bid and that I'd turned it down.
"It's a compliment for Rory that a Championship club has come in for him.
"But when I told him I'd rejected the offer, I think his exact words were:
'That's cool'."
Jackett has supported Fallon through some difficult times since bringing him to
the Liberty Stadium from Swindon in last January's transfer window.
Western
Mail |
|
JAN-17 |
|
Dinas
Powys target Tucker to take charge
|
|
Former
Llanelli, Bridgend Town and Taffs Well manager Nicky Tucker is wanted by Dinas
Powys.
The
MacWhirter Welsh Football League club have approached Tucker following the
resignation of manager Mike Spray.
Tucker has
not yet made a decision, but admits this is the right time for him to get back
into football management.
'It's 12
months since I left Bridgend Town and I do want to get back into it,' says
Tucker.
'Maybe this
is a challenge I need right now.'
South
Wales Echo |
|
JAN-17 |
|
Investors
pump £6.5M into Cardiff
|
|
Cardiff City have
been taken over by new investors, who have pumped £6.5m into the club. The
takeover has been approved by shareholders after voting unanimously to accept a
financial restructuring that brings an end to Sam Hammam's era.
Ridsdale said
the club will now go be run by the board in a ''totally open and transparent''
way, and he would be the public face of the board.
But the former Leeds chairman said he was unable to reveal the identity of the
new investors at this time.
He said: ''We will continue to do our best to satisfy Dave (manager Dave Jones)
in his transfer requirements as long as we can afford it and we don't over-pay.
''The majority of the new investors are happy for their names to be known, but
there are a couple who want to remain private.
''Apart from one exception, they are locally based, high-net worth individuals
who have invested.
''All Cardiff City supporters can be assured that the majority of the club is
now in local hands and with people who have got a particular commitment to
Cardiff City succeeding.''
The takeover was crucial to Cardiff's hopes of building a new 30,000-capacity
stadium and retail park on ground adjacent to their current Ninian Park home.
Evening
Post |
|
JAN-16 |
|
Davenport
quits to join for Southport
|
|
Former
Bangor City manager, who has been in charge at Colwyn Bay this season, contacted
the Seagulls board to announce he was resigning from the club and is taking over
as full time manager of Southport as reported in the Colwyn Bay official
website.
The
current Bangor manager Steve Bleasdale was also linked to the then vacant
managers job at Southport.
Davenports
task at his new club looks non to easy with Southport bottom but one in the
Football Conference division
In the
meantime Huw Griffiths will be responsible for first team matters at Colwyn Bay,
while the board look for a replacement for the departed Davenport.
Tony |
|
JAN-16 |
|
Llanelli
gets world wide coverage
|
|
LLANELLI
hit the big time next month when they appear
on a worldwide football TV show.
The
Principality Welsh Premier title contenders
will get global coverage when they make their
debut on Sky
Sports' FIFA
Futbol Mundial.
A
camera crew from the programme
were at Stebonheath Park for interviews
for the show, which concentrates on all levels of football
rather than high-profile leagues. The
slot, expected to last for five to seven minutes, should
be screened in the first week of
February. The Reds are the second WPL
club to feature on a programme screened in more than 80 countries. Champions The
New Saints were the first to feature
after their Champions League games against Liverpool
two seasons ago.
Producer
Carlos Pena said: "People
around the world know rugby is associated with
Llanelli. But not many people know there's a growing football team - a team capable of winning the title this
season.
"It's
an interesting story how
they cope against the profile
of rugby, and also the foreign
influence. There are two Spaniards, the
former director of football was Spanish
and the general manager is Lithuanian. That is
an interesting story."
The
show is expected to include
interviews with Spaniards Efren Fernandez and
Jacob Mingorance, manager Peter Nicholas,
striker Rhys Griffiths, captain
Lee Phillips, midfielder Antonio
Corbisiero and the club's academy team.
Terry
Daley, The
Non-League Paper |
|
JAN-16 |
|
Port
Talbot see off the Swans
|
|
Port Talbot pulled of an
unexpected victory over Swansea City in the Prem cup at the Remax.
Port Talbot came out the victors
after extra time, and were far the better side in extra time. the winning goal
came in the 116 minute.
And they had to come from a
goal down when Swansea took the lead in the 58 with a goal from Kyle Graves
after a one-two with Lee Trundle'. But Port equalised 17' later through Richard
French to take the game into extra time. And Andy Mumford the ex-Swansea
midfielder struck from 20 yards four minutes from time to seal a famous victory
for Port Talbot.
The large crowd of 2,640 also
saw the opening of the new 750 seater stand.
We would like to give our
congratulations to our near neighbours on a fine evenings performance.
Tony |
|
JAN-16 |
|
Belgium
a possibility for Nomads striker
|
|
CONNAH’S
Quay Nomads star midfielder Adam Dickinson is poised for a possible move to
Belgian club Royal Antwerp.
Former
Tranmere Rovers trainee Dickinson scored his ninth league goal of the season in
Saturday’s victory at Caernarfon.
The
ambitious continental club, who have strong feeder-links with Manchester United,
are so keen to take a long hard look at the accomplished 19-year-old that they
paid to fly him to Antwerp yesterday for a week’s trial.
"We
always said we wouldn’t stand in the lad’s way and, although we would be
sorry to lose him, he goes with all our best wishes," said Nomads manager
Neville Powell.
Dickinson
has been linked with a move back to the Football League and has had trials
spells at Stockport County and Swansea City in recent weeks.
The
link in this latest move is former Tranmere Rovers chief Warren Joyce, now at
Royal Antwerp.
"He
has known Adam since he was 10 years of age and wants him there for the week so
they are obviously pretty keen," said Powell. "Adam had a great game
at Caernarfon and scored a fine goal so he is looking in good shape."
Daily Post |
|
JAN-16 |
|
Is
big Rory on his way?
|
|
Plymouth
Argyle have made a shock bid to sign Swansea City striker Rory Fallon.And
though Swansea are refusing to comment at present, the Evening Post
understands they could be prepared to sell if Plymouth match the fee they paid
for the Kiwi 12 months ago.
Swansea, who
are on the lookout for fresh faces anyway, would also need to have a
replacement lined up before agreeing to release one of their first-team
regulars.
The indications are that Plymouth could meet the £300,000 asking price -
the sum Swansea paid Swindon for Fallon's services in the 2006 January
transfer window.
Argyle chairman Paul Stapleton revealed on Friday that his club had a
''significant offer'' on the table for a tall striker.
The mid-table Championship side, who are managed by Kenny Jackett's great
friend Ian Holloway, signed veteran Queens Park Rangers frontman Kevin
Gallen on loan until the end of the season last week.
Jackett has always stuck by Fallon despite the fact that the 24-year-old has
at times struggled since arriving at the Liberty Stadium.
He has scored a slightly disappointing 14 goals in 50 appearances for
Swansea, including eight in 28 this season.
Fallon has attracted criticism from some sections of Swansea's support and,
although he has nearly always preferred him to rival targetman Bayo
Akinfenwa, Jackett could opt to move him on if he can recruit at least one
new forward before the window closes at the end of the month.
Fallon, meantime, might be tempted by the chance to play Championship
football. The former Barnsley youngster has always insisted he does not care
about flak flying from the stands, but the chance to start afresh at a new
club could be attractive.
Western Mail |
|
JAN-16 |
|
2
more clubs apply to join welsh premier
|
|
Following last week’s
news on promotion applicants, Welsh
Premier Times have been informed that a total of ELEVEN clubs have applied
for promotion to the top division at the end of this season.
The
names of the two additional clubs, Holyhead Hotspur and CPD Glantraeth were not
forwarded to WPT in time for the deadline. It brings the regional totals to
seven from the north and four from the south. League Secretary John Deakin was
impressed with the response.
"I'm
obviously very pleased that so many clubs have expressed an interest of being
promoted to the Principality Welsh Premier League, if they qualify by their
performances this season. Seven clubs from the Cymru Alliance and four from the
Welsh Football League have expressed an interest and hopefully two clubs will
qualify for promotion this year to bring the membership back up to eighteen
clubs for Season 2007-08.”
“The
ground inspections in North Wales will beheld in the week commencing 22nd
January and while I am familiar with the grounds at Buckley, Llandudno, Flint
and Llangefni, I am looking forward to visiting those applying for the first
time at Bala Town, Glantraeth and Holyhead Hotspur."
WPTimes |
|
JAN-16 |
|
Cardiff
take over ends Hamman era
|
|
Cardiff City has been taken over
by new investors who have pumped £6.5m into the Championship club.
The takeover was approved on
Monday by shareholders after voting unanimously to accept a financial
restructuring that brings an end to Sam Hammam's era.
Hammam agreed to sell his 82.5%
share last month after six years in charge.
Peter Ridsdale has been
confirmed as the new chairman of a board of directors that includes Mike Hall,
Alan Whiteley and Steve Borley.
Former Wales rugby captain Hall
is a director of the company planning to build Cardiff's new stadium; Whiteley
has worked as the club's legal adviser, while Borley is a former Cardiff
chairman.
Ridsdale said the club will now
go be run by the board in a "totally open and transparent" way, and he
would be the public face of the board.
But the former Leeds United
chairman said he was unable to reveal the identity of the new investors at this
time.
"Apart from one exception,
they are locally based, high-net worth individuals who have invested.
"All Cardiff City
supporters can be assured that the majority of the club is now in local hands
and with people who have got a particular commitment to Cardiff City
succeeding."
Cardiff manager Dave Jones is
also likely to be given funds to strengthen his squad in the January transfer
window once the new financial structure comes into force.
BBC |
|
JAN-15 |
|
Cardiff
to reveal new investors
|
|
The identity of Cardiff City's new
investors will be revealed on Monday.
Shareholders will meet at
Ninian Park to rubber stamp the financial restructuring of the club which will
wipe out the club's £24m debt.
A new four-man board will also
be voted in, which will be chaired by former Leeds United chairman Peter
Ridsdale.
"They are local investors;
people who are interested in the football club and interested in its long-term
future," said Ridsdale.
The changes will mark the end
of Sam Hammam's six-year involvement with the Bluebirds.
Hammam finally agreed to give
up his 82.5% controlling share last month, just 10 minutes before the threat of
the club going into administration.
With new investors on board,
Cardiff will be able to start work on building a new 30,000-capacity stadium and
retail park on ground adjacent to their current Ninian Park home.
BBC |
|
JAN-15 |
|
Port
Talbot's revival continues
|
|
LOWLY
Newtown's recent improvement stalled at Latham Park as Port Talbot reeled off
their third straight win courtesy of a brace from Scott Barrow.
Following
two victories on their travels, the Mid Wales side had high hopes of maintaining
the momentum on home soil but were found wanting against the Steelmen.
After
an even opening, 18-year-old Swansea City product Barrow made the breakthrough,
firing the hosts ahead on 19 minutes.
Newtown
were almost back on terms four minutes later as home debutant Mark Davies saw
his 20-yard shot well parried by keeper Kristian Rogers.
Rob
Williams also shot wide from distance and Sean Butler blazed over the bar but,
for most part, the Robins lacked sufficient urgency.
The
encounter continued in similar vein after the break, with the visitors
tightening their grip on the hour when Barrow despatched his second of the game
to double his side's advantage.
Newtown
finally sparked into life five minutes from time when substitute Mattie Lewis
pounced on to a loose ball to round keeper Rogers.
In the
last few minutes, the Robins upped the pressure with keeper Dave Jones advancing
upfield for a couple of corners in a frantic finish. But it was too little too
late as Newtown remain fourth from bottom - and still have plenty to do if they
hope to climb clear of trouble.
Wales on Sunday |
|
JAN-15 |
|
Jackett
riled by Windass penalty
|
|
Swansea City
manager Kenny Jackett accused Bradford striker Dean Windass of conning the
referee to win a late penalty in Saturday's 2-2 draw.
Windass converted the penalty
after he had fallen to the ground following an off-the-ball challenge with Kris
O'Leary, who was then sent off.
"There was a bit jostling
and then Windass threw himself to the floor," Jackett told BBC Wales Sport.
"He took a gamble and it
worked for him but it was a unbelievable decision."
Jackett, who also felt his side
were wrongly denied a goal by an offside decision against Rory Fallon, said the
club will appeal against O'Leary's sending off.
O'Leary had brought Swansea
level against Bradford after Windass' 23rd-minute equaliser.
The midfielder went on loan to
Cheltenham last month after injuries had limited his Swansea opportunities, but
looked impressive in his second successive start.
He faces a three-match ban
unless Swansea's appeal is successful.
"I really feel for
him," added Jackett. "He's come back into the side the last two weeks
after a stop-start season.
"He scored the first goal
for us and looked very strong.
"He said he was marking
Windass tight, but then Dean grabbed him and went down to the floor. Kris didn't
strike him.
"It was a harsh decision
and it's cost us two points."
BBC |
|
JAN-15 |
|
Carey
will quit if Wrexham fail
|
|
New Wrexham manager Brian Carey
says he will stand down quickly if he fails to get the Dragons back to winning
ways.
Carey, 38, has been given the
Dragons hot-seat until the end of the season following Thursday's sacking of
Denis Smith and assistant Kevin Russell.
But he said: "My ego isn't
that big. What's important here is the future survival of the club.
"I fully expect things to
improve but if they don't I won't hang around and linger for too long."
Carey sprung a shock with his
first selection by dropping midfielder Darren Ferguson to the bench against
Swindon on Saturday.
Ferguson had been touted as the
man to take over from Smith, and has made no secret of his desire to get into
management.
Ferguson clashed with Carey
after a home defeat to Leyton Orient, but the new manager says there is no
problem between them.
"There is no hidden
agenda. Darren's a fantastic professional and he's got a part to play this
season," Carey told BBC Wales Sport.
"He understood why we put
him on the bench and he's fully supportive at this time."
Carey's reign got off to a
losing note on Saturday with a 2-1 defeat at second-place Swindon.
BBC |
|
JAN-15 |
|
Wanted:
strikers for City
|
|
DAVE
Jones last night laid into his misfiring frontmen as his Cardiff City were
embarrassed by bottom club Southend United yesterday.
Southend
striker Lee Bradbury's wonder goal earned the Shrimpers their first away win of
the season and showed Cardiff's goal-getters how it should be done as City
failed to score for the ninth game in 12.
Top-scorer
Michael Chopra has scored just once in more than two months during Cardiff's
12-game run without a win - their worst sequence for seven years.
Bluebirds
boss Jones failed in a double bid to beef up his strike-force last week.
Firstly
Cardiff were gazumped by big-spending Championship leaders Birmingham City in
their bid to sign Rowan Vine before Hibernian hotshot Chris Killen's move fell
through when the SPL's top marksman was ruled out for the season when the Kiwi
ruptured his Achilles tendon.
Jones
said after yesterday's 1-0 defeat: "We created enough chances - 15 to be
precise - and got in good areas to put the ball in but we lacked quality.
"Our
build-up play was good but our quality in the last third is poor. It is a
criticism of my strikers.
"They've
got to pull their socks up and start banging the goals in. All of a sudden
they'll be banging on my door wondering why they are not playing after I've
bought someone else in.
"It
won't take a genius to work out I've been trying to bring in strikers since the
transfer window opened as I need to put our current strikers under pressure to
create competition for places."
Wales on Sunday |
|
JAN-15 |
|
Nicholas
hits out at Pennock appointment
|
Llanelli manager
Peter Nicholas has slated the FAW's decision to install a non-Welsh Premier
League manager in charge of the Wales semi-pro side. Former Carmarthen Town
keeper Tony Pennock was installed this week as the man to lead Wales in the Four
Nations tournament which kicks-off in Scotland in May.
And
while Pennock is an 'A' Licence holder, as well as being the FAW Trust
development officer for Swansea and Swansea City's goalkeeping coach, he has no
managerial experience.
Pennock will be assisted by ex-Wales defender Terry Boyle, having beaten
Carmarthen manager Mark Jones and Porthmadog's Osian Roberts to the post.
Nicholas believes the appointment does not bode well for league managers.
"What does this say for the Welsh managers in the League of Wales," he
fumed.
"I think most would agree one of them should be doing this role. Mark Jones
is an obvious contender, having done a great job at every club he's been at.
"Let me stress that I've got nothing against Tony Pennock. Like the other
candidates for the job, he possesses the coaching badges the FAW seem to deem a
necessity these days.
"He went for the job and got it. Good luck to him and we wish him the very
best. I know Tony and he's a top man.
"But I think the Wales semi-pro side should be picked from players in the
Welsh Premier League. I hope Tony concentrates on that."
Pennock will be under pressure to name Welsh Premier League players in his squad
for the tournament following the storm which led to previous boss Andy Beattie's
exit.
Beattie resigned last May over criticism that his squad had largely neglected
players from the Welsh Premier.
But Pennock has given players in the league some hope after praising the
standard of Wales's top flight.
"There are some very good players in the Welsh Premier and I'm confident
they can give a good account of themselves in the coming tournament," he
said.
Evening Post |
|
JAN-15 |
|
WPL
title race hot's up
|
|
While The New Saints look long
odds on to retain their title, the race for the runners up slot and a place in
next seasons UEFA Cup looks wide open at this stage with Connah's Quay and
Welshpool emerging as unlikely contenders.
Apart from their Boxing Day
hiccup at TNS, Welshpool have been in scintillating form and recorded another
fine win at Llanelli on Saturday. Aden Shannon opened the scoring for Tommi
Morgan's side against the run of play in the 15th minute, but Spanish star,
Jacob Mingorance equalised for the Reds 10 minutes later. Shannon restored the
visitors lead after 63 minutes and Steve Rogers put the game beyond Llanelli's
reach on 76 minutes. Rhys Griffiths did get a second for the home side, but it
was all too late for them to arrest a poor run that has seen them slip out of
title contention in recent weeks.
Like Welshpool, Connah's Quay
lost their Boxing Day game, but their form before and since has been
eye-catching to say the least, and not surprisingly they emerged 2-0 winners at
bottom of the table Caernarfon. Adam Dickenson opened the scoring for the Nomads
just before the break and Chris Williams got the second on 52 minutes. Defender
Lee Bamber came on as sub for the Canaries after 65 minutes, but didn't lose too
much sweat before being sent off 7 minutes later.
Ahead of these two in the title
race are Rhyl, who swept back to the top of the table as a result of a 3-0 win
over out of form Aberystwyth at Belle Vue. All of the goals came in the last 20
minutes, with Dave Cameron grabbing a brace, for the Lilywhites - His second
double in as many matches and Rhyl are now two points clear at the top, but have
played three more games than their closest pursuers TNS.
At the other end of the table,
Newtown are still finding points difficult to come by, and lost 2-1 at home to
Port Talbot Town, with highly rated youngster Scott Barrow getting both of the
visitors goals and Matt Lewis grabbing a late consolation for the home side.
Port Talbot, who themselves could have a say in the race for UEFA places, can
now look forward to entertaining Swansea City in the FAW Premier Cup on Monday
evening.
Welshpremier.com |
|
JAN-14 |
|
Goytre stride into final four
|
GOYTRE moved into the semi-finals of the Shamrock Travel Welsh League Cup with a hard-earned 2-0 extra-time victory over deadly rivals Neath at
Glenhafod Park yesterday.
After a scoreless 90 minutes, Goytre, the reigning Welsh League champions, turned the screw and goals by Luke Bowen and Andrew Pearson sent them into the last four where they will meet Bettws, who caused an upset by knocking out Caldicot also with a 2-0 scoreline.
Steve Amos and Anthony Rowlands were the Bettws scorers.
But Afan Lido, who secured their place eight days ago, still do not know who their semi-final opponents will be as the scheduled last eight battle between Tredegar Town and Bridgend was postponed for the second time. These two clubs will attempt to settle their differences yet again a week on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, in the First Division of the league, Pontypridd Town missed a golden opportunity to pile the pressure on leaders Neath when they were held to a 1-1 draw at Dinas Powys.
Ricky Morgan netted for Dinas, while the much-travelled shooting ace Chris Summers was on target for Ponty.
At the other end of the table, Newport YMCA moved up several places when they ground out a 2-0 home success against Caerleon.
Louis Walsh - and Jamie Martin on his full league debut - were the YMCA marksmen.
Croesyceiliog battled to a 2-2 draw with Taffs Well, while Grange Quins beat Ely Rangers 2-1.
Wales on Sunday |
|
JAN-14 |
|
Goytre stride into final four
|
GOYTRE moved into the semi-finals of the Shamrock Travel Welsh League Cup with a hard-earned 2-0 extra-time victory over deadly rivals Neath at
Glenhafod Park yesterday.
After a scoreless 90 minutes, Goytre, the reigning Welsh League champions, turned the screw and goals by Luke Bowen and Andrew Pearson sent them into the last four where they will meet Bettws, who caused an upset by knocking out Caldicot also with a 2-0 scoreline.
Steve Amos and Anthony Rowlands were the Bettws scorers.
But Afan Lido, who secured their place eight days ago, still do not know who their semi-final opponents will be as the scheduled last eight battle between Tredegar Town and Bridgend was postponed for the second time. These two clubs will attempt to settle their differences yet again a week on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, in the First Division of the league, Pontypridd Town missed a golden opportunity to pile the pressure on leaders Neath when they were held to a 1-1 draw at Dinas Powys.
Ricky Morgan netted for Dinas, while the much-travelled shooting ace Chris Summers was on target for Ponty.
At the other end of the table, Newport YMCA moved up several places when they ground out a 2-0 home success against Caerleon.
Louis Walsh - and Jamie Martin on his full league debut - were the YMCA marksmen.
Croesyceiliog battled to a 2-2 draw with Taffs Well, while Grange Quins beat Ely Rangers 2-1.
Wales on Sunday |
|
JAN-14 |
|
Reds
slip up again
|
|
Llanelli 2-3 Welshpool
WELSHPOOL manager Tomi Morgan was the most satisfied man at Stebonheath Park after this solid victory over one of their championship rivals.
Welshpool now hit the heady heights of second place - after TNS were forced to sit the afternoon out due to a waterlogged pitch.
Morgan put this victory down to coming to the Llanelli stronghold with a positive attitude.
He said: "We started with Aden Shannon and Steve Rogers up front and, although they had some chances in the first half, we went on to get the better of the second half."
The home side certainly did have the lion's share of that first half - but were playing with a strong wind and rain behind them.
Rhys Griffiths had the early chances and should probably have done better than shoot over the bar.
The first goal, after 16 minutes, was against the run of play, and certainly owed something to the slippery, wet conditions.
Steve Rogers crossed and Llanelli's centre back, Wyn Thomas, lost his footing, leaving Aden Shannon a tap-in from close range.
The home side continued to press and equalised 10 minutes later.
Jacob Mingorance timed his run onto a through ball well, showed excellent control and rounded keeper Gerard McGuigan before tapping the ball into the empty net.
The rest of the first half was a story of Welshpool battling against the elements and constant pressure.
Mingorance and Neil Thomas both had shots blocked on the line, Gerard McGuigan was forced to make an excellent save from a Craig Williams shot and, on the stroke of half time, Mingorance crossed and Neil Thomas was just unable to get a clear strike.
The second half was a different story. The rain eased but the strong wind was now helping Welshpool. The home side created chances, but the balance of play lay firmly with the visitors.
Craig Williams almost snatched the lead when Mingorance put him through but his intended cross deceived McGuigan only to hit the post.
Then Welshpool went ahead, with a goal that must have annoyed Peter Nicholas. The Llanelli manager was a chaser of lost causes as a midfielder in his playing days and Aden Shannon showed those qualities in the 63rd minute when he chased a ball that seemed destined to go out.
He rescued it on the by-line, moved in on goal and evaded a tackle from Gary Lloyd before firing home past a despairing Duncan Roberts.
The clinching goal came after 76 minutes when Steve Rogers collected the ball just outside the area, turned away from Lee Phillips, and stroked a curler into the top corner of the net.
There was a consolation goal from the home side, but it was too late to unsettle Welshpool. With time almost gone, Craig Williams crossed to the far post, where Rhys Griffiths had the simple task of side-footing home.
Wales on
Sunday |
|
JAN-14 |
|
Victory
over Aber nets Lilywhites top spot
|
|
Rhyl 3-0 Aberystwyth
WITH TNS' home fixture against Carmarthen called off, Rhyl took over at the top of the Welsh Premier thanks to a three-goal victory over Aberystwyth.
The strong wind ruined any hopes of a spectacle at Belle Vue but the Lilywhites adapted to the conditions better, scoring all their goals in the second half when they were favoured by the elements.
Aber enjoyed plenty of possession in the first half but never seriously threatened the Rhyl goal, their best effort being a Luke Sherbon 25-yarder which flew just wide of the target.
The hosts had a couple of half chances from a pair of promising passing moves. On 33 minutes Ross Stephens fed Stuart Graves down the left and his tantalising low centre was scrambled away by keeper Karl Lewis with Lee Hunt waiting to
pounce. Then, on the stroke of half time, Chris Roberts won a great tackle on Craig Jones, feeding Dave Cameron who combined well with Hunt to allow Graves to fire across the face of goal.
A fierce spell of pressure from John Hulse's men at the start of the second half produced no reward and Aber almost snatched a shock goal when a powerful effort from Geoff Kellaway ended inches wide.
Rhyl nearly broke the deadlock on 67 minutes when a poor kick out by Lewis found Cameron 45 yards from goal, but his attempted chip over the back-pedalling keeper was unsuccessful.
The wind then reached its most fierce speed and Kristian Edwards was forced to concede the 70th minute corner, from which the Lilies ended the stalemate. Stephens' inswinger from the right was glanced in at the near post by in-form Cameron, much to the delight of the vociferous home supporters.
Two minutes later the weather made an impact again when Stephens' left-footed free kick 40 yards out caught the wind and flew into the net over the stricken Lewis.
Impressive Rhyl substitute Paul Roberts went close to a third but his drive was held by the keeper.
The Lilywhites were now ruthless and on 87 minutes Mark Connolly's corner from the right cleared everyone and landed at the feet of Paul Roberts on the left side of the area. The ex-Bangor City striker drove across the box and Cameron finished gleefully for his 13th goal of the season.
"We dug in in the first half and were disciplined, then I felt in the second half we were a bit too strong for them," said Rhyl manager Hulse.
"Last week, on his debut, Ross Stephens scored an unfortunate own goal, but today the luck was with him and he deserved it."
"Although TNS have games in hand on us, it's still good to be top again."
Wales on Sunday |
|
JAN-14 |
|
Merthyr
salvage a point at Banbury
|
Banbury 2-2 Merthyr Tydfil
IN a classic game of two halves, Merthyr salvaged a point at Banbury with a late own goal from United defender Wayne Blossom, although it was the least the Martyrs deserved after dominating the first hour.
Incredibly, Merthyr found themselves a goal down after just four minutes, Ollie Stanbridge's 20-yard free kick deflecting off Merthyr's Adam James to beat goalkeeper Ashley Morris.
But, undeterred, it was the visitors who literally battered their hosts, creating chance after chance.
Both Garry Shephard and Craig Steins came close on more than one occasion, whilst Kris Dimond brought a full length save from Banbury goalkeeper Dean Thornton.
On 22 minutes, Merthyr grabbed the equaliser that had looked likely, Shephard finishing off a well-worked move involving Steve Williams and Dimond.
But, they were unable to get their noses in front and ultimately paid for their missed opportunities midway through the second half.
A long ball over the top of the Martyrs' defence from Stanbridge was brilliantly controlled by Howard Forinton and the striker, despite looking suspiciously off-side, finished in style.
With United largely in control, it seemed unlikely that Merthyr would be able to equalise. But with seconds remaining, a last-ditch attack saw Williams' cross forced over the line by Blossom to earn the Martyrs a precious point.
Wales on Sunday |
|
JAN-14 |
|
Giles
is the hero for County
|
Newport County 0-0 Histon
COUNTY face a mid-week trek to Cambridgeshire for an FA Trophy replay on Tuesday after both sides failed to capitalise on numerous chances yesterday.
Seven days after crushing the League leaders 5-1, County made six changes while Histon were strengthened by the return of key midfield man Adrian Cambridge.
The visitors competed much more strongly than a week ago, but in young keeper Jacob Giles, making only his third first-team appearance, they found an immovable object in the County goal.
The 20-year-old Yorkshireman was in action in the seventh minute to deal with a Cambridge shot from an acute angle and he did very well to punch away a Matt Langston header moments later.
Hot property Matt Green had two good chances to score for County as half-time approached, but he missed the target with the first and was denied by a super stop from Lance Key in the Histon goal later.
Play swung from end to end in the second half, with Giles again excelling himself.
County boss Peter Beadle was quite happy with the outcome, and added: "There are no young keepers in the area better than Jacob Giles - and I hope he will be at this club for many years to come."
Wales on Sunday |
|
JAN-13 |
|
Fergie
linked to manager's job
|
|
MIDFIELDER
Darren Ferguson was remaining tight-lipped yesterday amidst growing speculation
he is being groomed for the Wrexham job.
Ferguson
would not be drawn on reports linking him with the vacant manager's job, but
pointedly refused to say he wasn't interested in the position.
Instead
the midfielder urged his team-mates to get behind caretaker boss Brian Carey,
who Red Dragons' owner Neville Dickens has announced will remain in charge until
the end of the season.
Ferguson
said, "At the moment the club's made a decision to give it to Brian and we
just have to concentrate on supporting him."
Asked
whether he would consider the position Ferguson said, "That's a
hypothetical question and I can't really answer it."
But in
a recent Western Mail interview the 34-year-old was more open about his
ambitions to follow in his father Sir Alex Ferguson's footsteps and go into
management.
The
Wrexham playmaker has been earning coaching qualifications to ensure his career
in football continues once his playing days are over.
And
should Dickens look to appoint a new man in the summer it would be perfect
timing for Ferguson, who is set to earn his last coaching badge when the season
ends.
Western Mail |
|
JAN-13 |
|
Port
Talbot have eye on Europe again
|
|
In-form Port Talbot are hoping their Welsh Premier
match at Newtown beats the weather today.
Manager Wayne Davies will be
anxious for the thumbs-up as the Steelmen are on a roll, having achieved
back-to-back victories over Llanelli and Rhyl.
This has re-ignited their fading hope of clawing
themselves back into the European race, although they will have to show
more consistency against the bottom sides - Newtown included.
Davies has warned his side against complacency.
"Newtown have had a real resurgence lately and Darren Ryan has done a
great job since becoming manager.
"Some may argue we are playing them at the wrong time but they may
feel the same about us after our excellent Christmas and New Year results.
"It should be an interesting match. I'm always confident in my
players ability to compete with any side in the division but what we now
need is consistency."
Evening Post |
|
JAN-13 |
|
YMCA
looking to pull off a surprise
|
|
Newport YMCA, avoiding the bottom rung of the MacWhirter Welsh League, First
Division, only by virtue of a better goal difference than Grange Quins,
entertain Caerleon, having waited a long time for the chance to erase the memory
of an early-season defeat which still hurts.
In only their third match of the season YM lost 4-0 at Caerleon after they
had taken four points from the opening two games.
Mark Coldrick, YM manager, believes it was then the club's season - three
league wins in 14 games - began to go wrong.
He said: "Our problems started with that loss and we will be aiming to
put that right.
"We are looking forward to the game after the debacle at UWIC last
Saturday when players let themselves and the club down. I think we will catch
them by surprise.
"We had twenty players in training in the pouring rain on Tuesday and we
were soaked - but it was good to see and know the players want to get us out of
the hole we are in."
Steve Edwards and Louis Walsh have completed their suspensions.
John Pardue is back in the squad after being left for disciplinary reasons
while Leon Spargo is back in training after an ankle ligament injury.
South Wales Argus |
|
JAN-13 |
|
City take on Irish hitman
|
|
Cardiff City have given a week's trial
to Irish striker Jason Byrne, who has scored more than 100 goals in four
Eircom League seasons with champions Shelbourne.
Dublin-born Byrne - who is Spurs
striker Robbie Keane's cousin - has joined Cardiff on trial and manager
Dave Jones is tempted to gamble on the prolific marksman.
Republic of Ireland international
Byrne has twice won the Eircom League player of the year award, leading
Shelbourne to the title three times in the last four years.
He trained with the Bluebirds
yesterday and will be assessed over the next week.
Byrne will play in a private friendly
if a game can be arranged.
South Wales Echo |
|
JAN-12 |
|
We
want to play Wrexham - New Saints
|
|
TNS have targeted a re-match with
Wrexham in this season’s FAW Premier Cup semi-finals, after beating Porthmadog
on Tuesday.
The Saints lost out on
penalties at the same stage last season following a pulsating 3-3 draw at the
Racecourse Ground and are out for revenge.
“A home tie against Wrexham
in the last four would be ideal but we are just happy to be in the draw,” said
The New Saints general manager Ian Williams.
“We came close to causing an
upset last season and we would like to meet Wrexham again in 2007.”
But Wrexham must first overcome
a tricky away tie at Newport to reach the semi-finals, after their match was
called off in midweek, while the other quarter-finals featuring Carmarthen v
Cardiff and Port Talbot v Swansea are also outstanding.
Meanwhile Williams has revealed
the financial importance of TNS’ quarter-final triumph at Porthmadog - with
the win guaranteeing them at least £25,000.
“In terms of finances the FAW
Premier Cup is a significant source for all clubs in Wales - including New
Saints,” said Williams.
“The amount of money for the
winners is £100,000 and that is big money whatever level you are playing at.”
County Times |
|
JAN-12 |
|
Player
movements
at Farrar Road
|
|
BANGOR City manager Steve
Bleasdale is planning to prune his squad to bring in quality players.
However, he said that current
squad members will be retained, but has a couple of quality players lined up if
he can trim costs.
“I will have to release some
fringe players to generate the revenue that I need to bring in these players,”
said Bleasdale.
“Matches against Rhyl and TNS
show just how stronger we need to be.”
Bleasdale praised his side’s
battling performance against TNS last Saturday, but said that good sides punish
mistakes.
“We competed well enough, and
but for a couple of mistakes we would have had what would have been a tremendous
point against a side that will win the title,” he added.
North Wales Chronicle |
|
JAN-12 |
|
Jones
ready to clinch Stead signature
|
|
CARDIFF
CITY have moved for Sunderland striker Jon Stead with the future of No 1 target
Rowan Vine remaining uncertain.
The
23-year-old Stead has been told by his manager Roy Keane that he is free to look
for another club and the Bluebirds have stepped in with an offer thought to be
acceptable to the Black Cats.
The
striker, who joined Sunderland from Blackburn in June 2005 for £1.8m, is now in
negotiations with Cardiff to agree personal terms.
Bluebirds
boss Dave Jones targeted Stead after Vine's transfer valuation rose steeply when
Championship big-hitters Birmingham and West Brom began to show interest.
Stead
will cost the Bluebirds considerably less than that, although the exact figure
has yet to be revealed.
A
representative for Stead told the Western Mail last night, "Cardiff have
put a bid in for Jon, but that's all I can say at the moment."
Jones
has been desperate to add fresh forward talent to his squad in a bid to put
pressure on current strike duo Steve Thompson and Michael Chopra.
Western Mail |
|
JAN-12 |
|
Another
Saint heading for Wrexham?
|
|
New Saints have played down
speculation linking in-form striker Alfie Carter to struggling Coca Cola League
Two side Wrexham.
Carter is enjoying a bright
season with the Saints following a frustrating season of injury.
General manager Ian Williams
said: “Alfie is having a good season but we have not received any notice of
Wrexham being interested in him or any other player.”
This season saw defender Steve
Evans depart TNS for Wrexham and since break into the Welsh international squad.
Evening Leader |
|
JAN-12 |
|
Nicholas
refusing to give up
|
|
Llanelli manager
Peter Nicholas believes the title race is well and truly on despite his club's
disappointing run of form.
The Reds have
slipped eight points behind leaders The New Saints following a 1-1 draw in
Porthmadog last weekend.
A cruel
last-minute goal cost Nicholas's side a much-needed win at Y Traeth, and they
host third-placed Welshpool on Saturday (2.30) with a record of just one win in
six league games.
Second-placed Rhyl are in great form and have lost only once - 6-0 to the The
New Saints - in their last 13 Welsh Premier games.
As the pressure mounts on Llanelli, most pundits will suggest that they have
missed the boat in ousting Ken McKenna's TNS side from their perch.
But Nicholas remains confident that his squad can turn things around.
"The positive thing for us
is that the teams near the top have to play each other and we have already seen
Port Talbot beat the likes of Rhyl and The New Saints.
"The New Saints are a strong side and will always be up there, but they can
drop points.
"What we need is to get a run of form like we went on when I was installed
as manager last season.
"It was a great run and something similar to that would see us snapping at
their heals."
Llanelli Star |
|
JAN-12 |
|
Bleasdale
dismisses vacant Southport job
|
|
Bangor City
Bleasdale has dismissed reports linking him with the vacant managerial job at
Southport.
“I can categorically say that
I have no plans to leave Bangor City and I have not been contacted by anyone
connected to Southport,” said Bleasdale.
“Being an ex-manager of a
football league club, it’s maybe inevitable that my name will crop up when
full time vacancies arise.”
North Wales Chronicle |
|
JAN-12 |
|
300
and counting for Reds
|
|
Midfielder Williams, in his fifth
season with Wrexham spanning two spells, will make his 300th career appearance
when the Reds take on Town at the County Ground in their League Two encounter.
And striker Llewellyn, also in
his second period at The Racecourse, will clock up his 300th league appearance
in the same match having also played for Norwich City, Bristol Rovers and
Hartlepool United.
Both players are keen to keep
totting up the appearances with Williams saying: “I have had two spells at
Wrexham and have enjoyed this current spell more because I have played a lot
more games which is better for me.
“It is a great achievement to
reach 300 games in your career, and the season before last I missed about five
months because of my back injury.
“I hope there are a good few
more games left in me. It would be nice to rack up near enough 500 games.
Barring injuries, I have got time on my side – I am only 27 – and hopefully
I’ll play as many games as Darren Ferguson has. We’ll see how long my back
holds up but it is feeling okay.”
Williams was named Wrexham’s
Player of the Year last season where he turned in some excellent displays in an unaccustomed
centre-back role for much of the campaign.
Flintshire Standard |
|
JAN-11 |
|
Wrexham
sack manager Smith
|
|
League
Two strugglers Wrexham have parted company with manager Denis Smith along
with his assistant Kevin Russell.
The
former Sunderland and West Brom boss, who took charge at the Racecourse Ground
in October 2001, has seen his squad crippled by injury this season.
The
Dragons, who were knocked out of the FA Cup last week, have appointed assistant
coach Brian Carey to take over first-team duties in a bid to pull the club clear
of the relegation zone.
In
a statement on their web site the club said, "Nobody has wanted Denis and
Kevin to succeed more than the Directors of the club.
"However,
we feel we have no option at this time but to make a change to allow us time to
turn things around."
"This
is a club that is making good progress off the field. We are extremely ambitious
and want and need to be in a position to challenge in the league.
"We
hope that a dawn of a new era will bring just that."
icwales
|
|
JAN-11 |
|
Busy
time for leaders Neath
|
|
Neath
Athletic will be looking to consolidate leadership of the MacWhirter Welsh
League division one against ENTO Aberaman at Llandarcy Park tonight
(7.30pm).This is the first of three games in the space of four days for Andrew
Dyer's side as they travel to Goytre United on Saturday for a delayed Shamrock
Travel Cup tie ahead of Sunday's West Wales Senior Cup clash with Morriston at
the Dingle.
''You
can't do anything about fixture lists when they work against you, it's more a
case of getting on with things,'' said Neath Athletic chief Dyer.
He added: ''The league game with Aberaman was brought forward to Thursday owing
to rugby at the ground, and then last weekend's postponed cup tie with Goytre
has been rescheduled for Saturday.
''But we will try and live with the situation, with the prime concern the league
game with Aberaman.''
Neath, who were disappointed in only gaining a 2-2 draw in the reverse fixture
at Aberaman in August, lose Jarrod Price to a one-match ban.
And fitness tests will be run on key defenders Steve Evans and Jock Fairbairn as
the pair are both suffering from hamstring pulls.
Tony
Poole
|
|
JAN-11 |
|
Reds
fail to sign Stuart Roberts
|
|
The
Aberystwyth boss has confirmed top scorer Stuart Roberts will be staying at
Park Avenue, despite Llanelli putting seven days’ notice of approach on
the player.
The Reds have publicly expressed their interest in signing the
former Wales Under-21 striker and Swansea City trainee, who is currently
still on a two year contract with Aber. Coyne said the player is happy at
Park Avenue, where his brother Matthew is also a player, and admitted that
he was not entirely satisfied with the approach from Llanelli.
“I was very
disappointed with the way they came in for one of our contracted players,
and also put it in the press,” said Coyne. “He has two years left, and
is settled at Aberystwyth.
Cambrian
News
|
|
JAN-11 |
|
Former
Wales international to make Aber debut
|
|
ABERYSTWYTH
Town manager Brian Coyne hopes that favourable weather will allow him to unveil
his big name signing, Christian Edwards, against Rhyl this weekend.
Having
successfully signed the former Wales international and Premiership defender,
“His pedigree is outstanding and he has played over 340 games in the football
league, as well as also representing his country. “He has only just turned 31,
so there are still a few years left in him, he brings with him a lot of
experience to Aberystwyth, and I am hoping he will prove to be a very good
signing.
The
Caerphilly-born player, who stands at 6’2”, joined Conference club Forest
Green Rovers last July. However, he ended his con-tract by mutual consent after
the Conference outfit decided to go full time, and Coyne was swift to secure his
signature on contract for the Seasiders.
Cambrian
News
|
|
JAN-11 |
|
New
date for Port Talbot-Swansea
|
|
The Port Talbot v Swansea FAW
Premier Cup quarter-final has been rearranged for Monday, 15 February (1900
GMT).
The Re-Max Stadium match was
due to be held last Tuesday, but was postponed because of a waterlogged pitch.
Newport County v Wrexham and
Carmarthen Town v Cardiff City were also postponed on Tuesday because of the
weather, with new dates yet to be arranged.
The New Saints are the only
side through to the semi-finals so far after a 3-1 win at Porthmadog.
Evening Post
|
|
JAN-11 |
|
Young
Gwent keeper signs for Bristol City
|
|
YOUNG Blaenau Gwent goalkeeper
Thomas Bradley has taken the first step to becoming a professional football
player by signing for League One high-flyers Bristol City.
The 14-year-old Abertillery
Comprehensive School pupil will attend the Robins' youth academy training twice
a week, to prepare for games against other Football League and Premiership
academies.
Thomas started playing football
at Dragon Sport after-school clubs at Abertillery Primary School.
He went on to join Six Bells
Junior Football Club and the Blaenau Gwent Football Academy where he stayed for
six years.
The talented teenager was
recently selected for the South Wales Regional Football Development Squad.
South Wales Argus
|
|
JAN-11 |
|
Irish
'keeper Forde geared up for debut
|
|
Forde, 27, signed for Cardiff City
from Eircom League Derry City on January 1 and has declared his intention to
take become number one goalkeeper at Ninian Park ahead of Neil Alexander.
Scottish international
Alexander has now verbally agreed a new contract and the two goalkeepers will go
head-to-head in 2007.
'My target is to be number one
for Cardiff City and then earn international recognition,' says Forde.
"I need to establish
myself at the club first and then press on,' says Forde.
'I have been given the task of
challenging Neil and he would not expect anything less.'
He started his playing career
with home-town club Galway and first made a move to South Wales when Barry Town,
then the most powerful club in Welsh domestic football, needed a keeper for
European soccer ties.
Forde was signed by West Ham
United in a £100,000 move, but later moved back to Ireland to sign for Derry
City.
'When Cardiff City asked about
me I jumped at the chance to sign for them," says Forde.
Western Mail
|
|
JAN-11 |
|
Beadle
hit with a seven-match touchline ban
|
|
Newport County manager Peter
Beadle has been banned from the dug-out for the next seven matches.
Beadle was punished by the
Football Association of Wales for incidents during the FA Cup tie against
Swansea City when he was sent off.
He was charged with misconduct
and fined £1,500, half of which is only payable if he is involved in another
incident, plus being banned from the touchline for seven games starting with
Saturday's FA Trophy home tie against Histon.
Club chairman Chris Blight
described Beadle's row with match officials as a 'moment of madness' and said:
'Peter Beadle is ashamed by what happened, but he will learn from this and
Newport County will have a far, far better manager for the experience.'
NEWPORT goalkeeper Tony Pennock
has been appointed manager of the Wales semi-professional team. Pennock is
goalkeeping coach with Swansea City.
South Wales Argus
|
|
JAN-10 |
|
McKenna’s
offer to new signing
|
|
TNS boss Ken McKenna has told new
signing Carl Lamb there is a contract on offer if he impresses in training.
Lamb, a former Bangor and
Druids striker, has been signed on a non-contract basis with the prospect of
something better in the future if he does well.
“He’s a lad who we’ve
always identified as having a tremendous amount of potential, but with the
forwards we’ve got we’ve never made a move. But when he was released by
Druids we thought it was an ideal opportunity to get him in and give him a bit
of coaching,” McKenna explained.
At 22 Lamb still has time on
his side and although Saints are currently scoring goals for fun, McKenna says
it gives him different options.
“He’s 6ft 1in or 6ft 2in,
he’s reasonably quick and he’s mobile – he’s a bit raw, a bit
unpredictable, but he’s got something,” McKenna added.
County Times
|
|
JAN-10 |
|
City
to sign Villa star
|
|
Aston
Villa midfield player Peter Whittingham will sign for Cardiff City today.
The
former England under-21 international arrived in South Wales this morning for an
all-day medical and is due to sign as soon as it is completed.
Villa
manager Martin O'Neill agreed the deal last night - thought to be worth around
£350,000 - and ended a Cardiff chase for Whittingham which had started last
season.
They
did not get their man at the first attempt, but he will now join City's bid to
climb back into contention for promotion from the Coca-Cola Championship.
Villa
knocked back Cardiff City's first offer, but accepted a new, improved offer made
yesterday.
O'Neill
underlined the big interest in Whittingham when he said only two months ago:
'We've had loads of teams asking about young Whitts and whether he was available
for a loan or more.'
Cardiff have
agreed a fee with Premiership club Villa and Whittingham, 22, goes straight into
the squad for Saturday's Championship clash with Southend United at Ninian Park.
South Wales Echo
|
|
JAN-10 |
|
Swansea
move for Pompey's Duffy
|
|
Swansea City are poised to sign
Portsmouth defender Richard Duffy on loan until the end of the season.
Wales right-back Duffy left the
Swans for Pompey three years ago for £150,000, but the 21-year-old has failed
to break into the first team.
Duffy spent last season on loan
at Coventry, and returned to the Sky Blues in October for a further two months.
"We're hopeful that we can
tie something up on Wednesday," said Swansea City manager Kenny Jackett.
"He has a slight groin
injury, but I think that will be sorted out so he can come down to us.
"Richard's a versatile
player who can operate anywhere across the back-four. He's an out-and-out
defender who is very competitive."
Duffy, who has won 11 caps for
Wales, made his professional debut for Swansea as a 16-year-old in 2001.
He agreed a new deal with
Portsmouth in March, but has since made just one appearance for the club in a
Carling Cup match in September.
BBC
|
|
JAN-10 |
|
New
Saints through in weather hit cup
|
|
The New Saints won 3-1 at
Porthmadog in the only FAW Premier Cup quarter-final to escape Tuesday's bad
weather.
Newport v Wrexham, Carmarthen v
Cardiff and Port Talbot v Swansea all fell victim to waterlogged pitches, with
new dates yet to be arranged.
John Leah gave the Saints the
lead at Y Traeth from a short corner, but Rhys Roberts got an equalising header.
Substitute John Toner made it
2-1 nine minutes from time, then set up Greg Stones, who sealed the victory.
Welsh Premier leaders the
Saints are guaranteed £25,000 for making it through to the semi-final of the
competition.
BBC
|
|
JAN-10 |
|
Swan's
outcast breaks his silence
|
|
LEON
KNIGHT has revealed the astonishing day-to-day rigmarole he has to go through as
he remains cast aside in the wilderness at Swansea City.
But
Knight, in his most emotional and hard-hitting interview since being thrown out
of the Swans squad, insisted he would not be broken by the way he is being
treated by manager Kenny Jackett.
The
Liberty Stadium outcast broke his silence after returning to Swansea, where he
is still not allowed to train alongside the first-team squad, following an
unsuccessful loan spell at Championship side Barnsley.
The
Yorkshire club decided not to sign Knight on a permanent basis - something
Jackett was hoping they would do - after he failed to get on the score sheet in
nine appearances for them.
Knight,
who has been forced to pound the local beaches to try and keep fit, claimed the
lack of proper training at Swansea prevented him performing to his full
goal-scoring potential at Oakwell.
But
the defiant Londoner insisted, "If Swansea asked me to swim to England and
back, I would do it.
"I'm
not going to give them any excuse to sack me or dock me a few weeks' wages.
"If
I was weak, I'd be saddened by the way I was being treated. But I'm not weak.
And I'm not going to let Kenny Jackett break me."
Knight
said it came as no surprise when Jackett refused to give him another chance when
he returned to Swansea on January 2.
Even
with Lee Trundle suspended for three games, Jackett insisted the prospect of
Knight pulling on a Swans shirt again was "out of the question".
Ian Hunt
|
|
JAN-10 |
|
Ponty
still looking to go top of the league
|
|
Pontypridd
have signed Ryan Buckman, he is a striker and signed from Penrhiwceiber Rangers
their squad is a bit thin With only 15 players in the squad.
They
were missing 3 for the derby game against Taffs Well, but should be in better
shape with their new signing when they travel to Dinas Powys this Saturday and
could go top, but they have to rely on current leaders Neath Athletic failing to
win their home match against ENTO Aberaman Athletic on Thursday night.
This
will be Ponty's 3rd attempt to claim top spot, each time the weather has robbed
them of hitting the top of the table.
TONY
|
|
JAN-10 |
|
Newport
fined £3,000 over crowd trouble
|
|
Newport County have been found
guilty of failing to control their supporters after a hearing into a
coin-throwing incident against Swansea City.
The Conference South side were
fined £3000 by the Football Association of Wales after a coin from the crowd
hit an official during the FA Cup tie.
Newport were also found guilty
of failing to control boss Peter Beadle, who was sent off in the same match.
Beadle received a seven-match
touchline ban after accepting misconduct charges.
He was also fined £1500, half
of which is suspended subject to good behaviour.
Newport will also only pay half
of their fine providing there are no further incidents of crowd trouble.
The club were also told to put
up signs around their Spytty Park ground and print notices in match programmes
to warn fans about their behaviour.
Newport, who defended the
charge of failing to control the supporters, have said they will not appeal
against any of the FAW's verdicts.
|
|
JAN-10 |
|
Jeff
Eckhardt is new Risca United Manager
|
|
Risca United announce that on
Thursday 4th. January 2007 they appointed Jeff Eckhardt as their new Manager. He
takes over the reins with immediate effect and his first task will be to
stop the slide that has seen the "Cuckoos" lose four consecutive games
and slide down the third division table.
His appointment follows the
news that on Tuesday 19th. December the club dispensed with the services of Mike
Colcombe. In the interim period first team goalkeeper Matthew Long was appointed
as caretaker Manager, he would have had control for the games against
Llangeinor, Llansawel and Gwynfi United but all three games have been postponed.
Ex Cardiff City, Fulham
and Sheffield United player Jeff Eckhardt joined the club at the start of this
season as Coach and also registered as a player, although he only managed to
play three games for the club. At the end of October he determined that his
work commitments meant that he would be unavailable.
Stuart Luckwell
|
|
JAN-09 |
|
Premier
cup wash out
|
|
Tuesday's Newport v Wrexham,
Carmarthen v Cardiff and Port Talbot v Swansea FAW Premier Cup quarter-finals
have fallen victim to waterlogged pitches.
Porthmadog v The New Saints
(1900 GMT) is due to go ahead, but remains in doubt with rain continuing to
fall.
Honours are even between The
New Saints and Porthmadog after two previous meetings this season.
The Saints won the league
meeting at Y Traeth 2-1 while Porthmadog secured a 2-1 away win in the
Loosemores Cup.
Saints' new signing striker
Carl Lamb, will be cup-tied, while Clayton Blackmore is unavailable for the home
side having played for Bangor in the earlier rounds.
LATEST NEWS
PORTHMADOG 1-3 NEW SAINTS, Saints through to the Semi's and a minimum of
£25,000 pay out.
BBC
|
|
JAN-09 |
|
WPL
gets invite from the big boys
|
|
The Principality Welsh Premier League has been invited to attend
the next general meeting of the Association of European Professional Football
Leagues being held in Brussels on Monday, the 15th January. This is
quite a feather in the cap for our League and will hopefully lead to
membership of this prestigious organisation.
League Chairman Alun Evans and
WPL Secretary John Deakin will represent the League at the meeting.
The Association of European Professional Football Leagues (EPFL) is
the grouping of major European leagues, founded in 1998.
The EPFL and the
hundreds of European professional football clubs that they represent are
present in the international football structures via the Professional Football
Committee (which is comprised of Leagues), a standing committee of UEFA, as
well as via the newly created UEFA Leagues and FIFPro Panel.
In both bodies,
league representatives are democratically elected by all the European
professional leagues.
Members include the English Premiership and the German Bundesliga
as well as Ireland’s eircom League. Should the WPL gain membership to this
influential body, recently involved in tripartite talks with UEFA and FIFPro,
the Fédération Internationale des Footballeurs Professionels regarding
various matters such as insurance cover for international duty etc, it will
help our national league gain experience from direct contact leagues more
senior in age.
Welsh Premier Times
|
|
JAN-09 |
|
Cup
tussle boost Cardiff's coffers
|
|
Cardiff manager Dave Jones has
welcomed the financial windfall their FA Cup tie with Tottenham will bring.
The Bluebirds are already an
estimated £300,000 better off after Sunday's televised 0-0 home draw with
Spurs.
Now Cardiff can look forward to
half the gate receipts from the third-round replay against the Premiership side
at White Hart Lane on 17 January.
However, there will not be a
second television cash bonus as the replay has been overlooked by the
broadcasters.
"Cup ties are one-offs and
the good thing for us is that down there, hopefully there'll be a big crowd and
so more money in the coffers," Jones said.
The extra money from the
knock-out campaign should help Jones strengthen his squad in the January
transfer window, as they seek to boost their promotion hopes in the
Championship.
BBC
|
|
JAN-09 |
|
Craney
completes Swansea switch
|
|
Swansea City have signed Ian
Craney from Accrington Stanley for a fee of around £150,000.
The 24-year-old midfielder
joined the Swans on a month's loan at the end of November and played in all but
one of Swansea's games during that period.
Swansea triggered a clause in
Craney's contract allowing them to speak to the former England non-league
international after lodging a suitable bid.
Craney has signed a
two-and-a-half-year contract at the Liberty Stadium.
He played a key role in
Accrington's Conference title success last season and has scored six times in
League Two this season.
BBC
|
|
JAN-09 |
|
Newport
awaiting FAW's decision
|
|
Newport County's hearing over the
coin-throwing incident against Swansea will be heard on Tuesday.
The Football Association of
Wales charged Newport and manager Peter Beadle with misconduct after incidents
in November's FA Cup second-round game.
Newport have accepted the
charge against Beadle but will fight the charge of failing to control the crowd.
"We believe that we did
all we could to ensure the day went smoothly," said Newport chairman Chris
Blight.
Blight and Beadle will be
accompanied by Nicholas Cook QC, a County supporter, at the FAW's headquarters
in Cardiff.
Beadle was sent off in the
Swansea tie for arguing with fourth official Alan Sheffield, who was hit in the
head seconds later by a coin from the crowd.
Newport fined Beadle and
reprimanded him for the incidents, but said that was sufficient punishment
The FAW studied a referee's
report, and decided to charge the club over the conduct of their manager and the
missile throwing by spectators.
Gwent police also scrutinised
TV footage of the match at Spytty Park, together with video recordings taken by
their own officers, but no arrests have been made.
Newport County also launched
their own investigation into the coin-throwing incident in an effort to find the
culprit.
Fourth official Sheffield
needed seven stitches in a head wound and also underwent a minor operation to
repair a split artery after being struck.
BBC
|
|
JAN-09 |
|
Pennock
gets Wales semi pro job
|
|
Swansea City goalkeeping
coach Tony Pennock has been appointed manager of Wales' semi-professional side -
despite having no managerial experience.
Pennock, who is also Newport County's
goalkeeper, was chosen ahead of Carmarthen Town manager Mark Jones and
Porthmadog coach Osian Roberts.
His first task will be to defend the
Four Nations trophy that Wales won last May under Andy Beattie and John Relish.
"I'm extremely pleased and
flattered to be offered this job," said Pennock.
"I played for the Wales semi pro
team and to have that incredible opportunity has been the highlight of my
playing career, but to be named the new Manager really tops it off."
Pennock, who has been injured all this
season after breaking his leg in pre-season, is also a FAW Trust development
officer and holds a Uefa A coaching licence.
He will be assisted by former Wales
defender and ex-Bangor City coach Terry Boyle.
He added: "I'm chuffed to have
Terry on board as he has a wealth of experience and a great knowledge of
football in Wales. He is enthusiastic and somebody who I really have a lot of
time for."
Beattie and Relish resigned after
winning the Four Nations Tournament last season after criticism he had not
selected enough players from Welsh Premier clubs.
BBC
|
|
JAN-09 |
|
Jones
hopes lightening strikes twice
|
Carmarthen Town
manager Mark Jones is hoping lightning strikes twice tonight when his side host
Cardiff City at Richmond Park in the FAW Premier Cup quarter-finals (7).Just two
days on from their stalemate with Premiership side Tottenham Hotspur in the FA
Cup third round, Cardiff travel to the venue of their last horror show in the
Welsh competition.
The Bluebirds were beaten 2-1 at the same stage of the
cup last season - just a day off a year - and Town boss Jones is keen for a
repeat result as he dreams of winning the £100,000 prize.
"We are the underdogs and we are fine with that," he said.
"We will have to raise our performances to beat them, but we are capable of
that. Hopefully, lightning will strike twice."
Cardiff are likely to field a side boasting a number of their reserve squad, but
Jones has kept a keen eye on the second string at Ninian Park.
"I have seen them play a few times," he admitted. "I imagine the
likes of Darcy Blake and Chris Gunter will play along with Kevin Campbell who
has tremendous experience."
For Carmarthen, this is the first of two big games this week. On Saturday they
travel to Principality Welsh League champions The New Saints and Jones is torn
between the two fixtures.
"It is a tough week," he said. "The FAW Premier Cup is
financially important for the club.
We are guaranteed £15,000 for this round, which is a huge boost for the club.
"The league is always a manager's priority, so it is hard to choose between
the two which is most important."
He added: "I hope our fans can be vocal and supportive once again against
Cardiff. It would be great to see the stand full of Carmarthen fans cheering the
lads on."
Carmarthen have a full squad to choose from as they came through Saturday's 4-0
win over Newi Cefn Druids unscathed.
CHRIS BARNEY
|
|
JAN-09 |
|
Swans
chairman disappointed at Cup draw
|
|
Swansea
chairman Huw Jenkins admitted he would have preferred a tie against a glamour
side after the Swans were handed an away draw against either Chester City or
Ipswich.
The
south Wales side qualified for the fourth round with a 3-0 victory at
Premiership Sheffield United.
Jenkins
told Sky Sports: "We were looking for one of the big guns away but saying
that playing at Ipswich or Chester is something to look forward to, especially
with our last three away games in the competition which we won comfortably.
"Sheffield
United was fantastic, obviously winning 3-0 and our support was fantastic and
let’s give our supporters something to cheer about for the rest of the
season."
Jenkins
added on BBC Radio Five Live the Swans would prefer to play Championship side
Ipswich, saying: "No disrespect to Chester but we hope to play Ipswich and
hopefully our away form will continue.
"That
is our preferred choice. I hope our run in the cup will continue.
"The
three away games we’ve had have been difficult but we have scored three in
each and long may that continue."
BBC
|
|
JAN-08 |
|
Cardiff
& Swansea miss out on big ties
|
|
Cardiff and Swansea missed out on
a big draw with a Premiership giant in the draw for the FA Cup fourth round.
But both can harbour realistic
hopes of reaching the fifth round depending on the results of next week's
replays.
If Cardiff can beat Tottenham
at White Hart Lane in their replay on Wednesday 17 January, then the Bluebirds
have a home tie with Southend or Barnsley.
Swansea have been drawn away,
against either League Two Chester or Ipswich who sit midway in the Championship.
Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins
admitted he would have preferred a tie against a glamour side.
The south Wales side qualified
for the fourth round with a 3-0 victory at Premiership strugglers Sheffield
United.
"We were looking for one
of the big guns away but, saying that, playing at Ipswich or Chester is
something to look forward to.
"No disrespect to Chester
but we hope to play Ipswich and hopefully our away form will continue.
"That is our preferred
choice. I hope our run in the Cup will continue.
"The three away games
we've had have been difficult, but we have scored three in each and long may
that continue."
BBC
|
|
JAN-08 |
|
We're
on the right track says Bleasdale
|
|
"WE'RE ON THE RIGHT
TRACK", SAYS STEVE: Despite Saturday's defeat to current WPL champions The
New Saints, City boss Steve Bleasdale is happy with the progress being mad by
his young squad. "We have played quite a few of the League's leading clubs
since I joined City", Steve told us "and I feel that we are developing
well. The performance at Newtown is the only one where I feel we let ourselves
down".
Steve revealed to us that TNS
boss Ken McKenna had been more than complimentary after Saturday's match.
"Ken told me that we had improved greatly since the last time the two
clubs met, but I feel that the result shows that we cannot afford to drop our
guard for an instant against teams such as The Saints.
"I am constantly looking to
improve the squad", continued Steve, "and sometimes I have to let
people go in order to release funds to attract new players who will
strengthen the team. Tom Sparey has been released due to difficulties meeting
travelling commitments, and other players who have left since my arrival
are Adam Docker, David Neville, Paul Roberts, Carl Jones, Lee Hodginson and
James Marsden. Young Matthew Sargent has been allowed to return to the City
Academy to develop his skills further."
"Kyle Jacobs is currently
doing a good job in midfield, but he is also a more than useful right back,
whilst Mike Walsh is another midfielder who needs cover, so I am currently
looking for a strong midfielder to play alongside Ricky Evans, possibly a
right-sided midfielder, and also a big, aggressive forward - but almost
every other club in the League would be saying the same. "
"I have been hampered by
injuries to players such as Martin Beattie, Alan Karim, Antony Wilson and Ben
Kitchen, but on the positive side, we hope to have Kieran Killackey back in a
couple of weeks, and I have been very happy with the progress and commitment
shown by the players I have brought in - Paul Hopkins, Mike Parker, Steve
Wynn, Dmitris Brinias, Steve Bowes and Peter Hoy."
Steve repeated his vow that City
fans' patience would be rewarded. "I've only been with Bangor City for a
couple of months. Developing a settled squad takes time - but the rewards will
come. Look at how Paul Ince is now progressing with Macclesfield after a
difficult start" (8 January 2006)
www.bangorcityfc.com
|
|
JAN-08 |
|
Welsh
league round up
|
|
The
eagerly-awaited quarter-final tie between Goytre and Neath was postponed because
of the weather as were the other scheduled matches between Caldicot and Bettws,
and Tredegar and Bridgend. A fresh attempt to play the games will be made next
Saturday.
Meanwhile,
in the league Grange Quins boosted their survival hopes with a battling 3-2 win
over Newport YMCA. Fiddel Osegwali, Ben Tingley and Daniel Gibson were on
target.
Aberaman
shocked Ton Pentre 2-1 with strikes by Anthony Taylor and Gareth Jones.
Garw are top of the second
division after a 2-1 triumph at Treharris, both goals coming from Jamie Morris,
while Morriston Town were involved in a 4-4 draw with Merthyr Saints. Newcomers
Llangeinor boosted their third division promotion prospects with a 2-0 defeat of
Seven Sisters.
Western Mail
|
|
JAN-08 |
|
Cymru
Alliance round up
|
|
THE
weather played havoc with the North Wales soccer programme at the weekend with
only one game played in the Cymru Alliance, writes Chris Smart.
In
the one fixture played Llandudno caused an upset by beating reigning champions
and current second-placed side Glantraeth 4-1 on Anglesey.
Sharp-shooting
Grant Montgomery scoreca brace and Joe Morgan and Sean Eardley from the penalty
spot also swooped.
Flint
Town were denied the opportunity of going top as their scheduled clash with
Llangefni was called off.
In
the North East Wales Challenge Cup there were wins for Gresford, Bala and
Buckley over Rhos Aelwyd, Ruthin and Queens Park respectively.
But
only one game could be played in the North Wales Coast Challenge Cup, which
resulted in Prestatyn going through in extra-time at the expense of battling
Welsh Alliance team Pwllheli.
And
Guilsfield needed extra-time to beat Llanrhaedr Ym Mochnant in the Central Wales
Challenge Cup.
Western Mail
|
|
JAN-08 |
|
Swansea
beat Premier Blades
|
|
Swansea's FA Cup
hero Thomas Butler says he is starting to get back to his best after an
injury-plagued career.
After making his Premiership
debut at 19 with Sunderland, Butler fell out of form and favour.
"I've played at the
highest level against some of the best players in Europe, and I've played quite
well against them," said the 25-year-old.
"There's no reason why,
after a season or two playing regularly, that I can't do that again."
Butler had previously scored
just four times in a seven-and-a-half-year career before Saturday's third-round
clash at Sheffield United.
But the midfielder scored twice
and earned a penalty as the Blades were humbled 3-0.
Injuries and managerial changes
in his six years at the Stadium of Light combined to hold him back to such an
extent he almost quit the game.
Moves to Dunfermline and then
Hartlepool followed, before joining the Swans on a free transfer last summer.
"I still feel I've a lot
of potential," added the twice-capped Republic of Ireland midfielder.
"I know you can't play in
the Premier League unless you have the ability to play there, and I feel I have
that - although that only comes with playing all the time.
"For me to play against
United and to score two goals is a brilliant feeling.
"I know I've not scored
many before now, and that does tend to play on your mind.
"Throughout my career I've
had chances. I've played, but picked up an injury and then tried to get back in.
"I don't think I've played
a full season, so from my point of view that's what I will now be trying to
achieve."
Swansea missed out on promotion
from League One last year with defeat to Barnsley in the play-off final on
penalties.
Despite an autumn wobble the
Swans are back on the promotion chase once again, and now also have the fourth
round of the FA Cup to look forward to.
BBC
|
|
JAN-08 |
|
Cardiff
get 2nd chance at White hart lane
|
|
A relentless display in wet and
windy conditions earned Championship side Cardiff an FA Cup third-round replay
against Premiership Tottenham.
Michael Chopra came closest in
a lively Bluebirds performance, clipping under Paul Robinson but wide of the
post from Lee Young-Pyo's poor backpass.
However, Spurs also had their
chances, Jermain Defoe and Dimitar Berbatov both denied by home keeper Neil
Alexander.
Neither side could find a
winner though as a frenetic tie ended goalless.
It was a fair result from a
pulsating clash, and represents the first time this season that Spurs have
failed to win a cup tie following nine straight wins.
The match began in bright
fashion for the visitors, Defoe flashing wide from the angle after latching onto
Berbatov's flick.
However, Cardiff were rarely
overrun and had their best chance on 15 minutes when Chopra ran onto Lee's
back-header and slipped under Robinson, only for the ball to drift wide.
Spurs' passing was wayward for
much of the match and the Bluebirds' endeavour bore fruit with a series of
half-chances.
The visitors, who once again
looked vulnerable without skipper Ledley King at the back, were fortunate to
stay on terms in the first half as Chopra and Steven Thompson, twice, failed to
make the most of headers in a good spell for the hosts.
At the other end, Alexander did
well to beat away Berbatov's deflected effort before the break but it was
undoubtedly Spurs who were the more relieved when the tie entered half-time
goalless.
Cardiff's determined approach
did not let up in the second half, but Spurs' quality began to shine through and
twice Defoe could have notched an opener.
The diminutive striker should
have done better when he drilled wide when clear of the defence just after the
restart, but he could do little about Alexander's fine point-blank stop from six
yards on the hour as the hosts held on.
And although Chopra and Willo
Flood continued to battle in attack, the hosts' early endeavours began to take
their toll and Cardiff were forced to defend deep for much of the closing
stages.
However, despite the
introduction of Aaron Lennon and Robbie Keane, the Premiership outfit failed to
break down the Bluebirds' resistance and, other than a speculative 25-yard
overhead kick from Steed Malbranque which flew wide, Cardiff were comfortable.
The Welsh side even forced a
late rally of their own that had Spurs defending desperately, but they could not
find a winner and will face the London side again on Wednesday, 17 January.
BBC
|
|
JAN-08 |
|
Awesome
County hit Histon hard
|
|
WITH
the league programme almost obliterated by bad weather, County's win over league
leaders Histon takes them to fourth in the table.
The
game had been in doubt until an hour before the kick off but referee Paul Norman
decided the heavy pitch was playable.
County
manager Peter Beadle saw this as an "awesome performance" from his
team who proved their promotion credentials.
Julian
Alsop rose at the far post to guide home Jason Bowen's powerful cross past Lance
Key to start the goal deluge in the 14th minute and within five minutes County
had doubled their lead.
Alsop's
sublime lay off set Bowen clear of the last defender and he slipped the ball
inside the far post.
Only
Neil Kennedy offered any threat at the other end but Mark Ovendale was equal to
his two efforts on goal.
Nathan
Davies scored the pick of County's goals a minute before half time driving home
an unstoppable shot from 25 yards.
Histon
changed to a more attacking 3-5-2 formation, with a double substitution, but
fell further behind just before the hour.
Jason
Bowen both won and scored a penalty.
Craig
Hughes scored the fifth and final home goal 20 minutes from time.
Histon
rallied in the late stages and Neil Kennedy headed home a corner to give the
visitors a consolation goal.
Wales on Sunday
|
|
JAN-08 |
|
Martyrs
put in a scintillating performance
|
|
THE
Martyrs turned in a scintillating performance to start 2007 with a bang as
in-form Hitchin were put to the sword in some style.
Craig
Steins led the charge with a hat-trick, his first of the season, while defender
Gareth Warton backed him with two further strikes.
This,
too, after Merthyr had missed a 13th minute penalty, Garry Shephard's effort
going wide after Paul Keddle had been brought down by Ryan Frater.
And,
to make matters worse, it was the visitors who opened the scoring when Gavin
Jaggard headed home a 17th minute free-kick.
Not
daunted by the challenge Merthyr hit back immediately, Steins converting Steve
Williams' cross on 23 minutes and then combining well with Shephard to give
Merthyr the lead on 35 minutes.
In
the second half Merthyr were well in control and, after Warton had struck the
crossbar with a header and Steins had a shot saved by goalkeeper Rob Beckwith,
they eventually grabbed the decisive third goal on 69 minutes.
Steins
finished delightfully to complete his hat-trick and Warton grabbed Merthyr's
fourth with a far post header 12 minutes from time.
Warton
again found the net two minutes from the whistle to send the Martyrs' faithful
home happy while Merthyr will hope that this will be just a sample of things to
come in 2007!
Wales on Sunday
|
|
JAN-07 |
|
Steelmen
claim another top scalp
|
|
Port Talbot Town defeated the morning's leaders Rhyl in the Principality Welsh
Premier League despite a brace from Lilywhites striker Dave Cameron. The home
side, who have now defeated Rhyl, TNS and Llanelli at the Remax Stadium in the
League this season, are certainly a force to be reckoned with on their own
patch. They took the lead on 24 minutes after great approach play from wide man
Scott Barrow who fired in a tantalising cross, which Rhyl debutant Ross Stephens
cruelly put into his own net. It was unfortunate for the former Caersws
midfielder who only completed his switch to the Lilywhites on Thursday, but the
quality of Barrow's cross deserves all the credit.
I'm absolutely delighted to gain the three points this afternoon, we've
beaten Rhyl down here twice this year as well as TNS and Llanelli - Andrew
Edwards
The visitors responded well though and just two minutes later, Dave Cameron
struck an equaliser for John Hulse's side. Port Talbot struck straight back
though with the goal of the game. Just before the half hour mark, midfielder
Dean Johnstone conjured up a magical overhead kick to send the ball firing past
John Gann into the back of the net, with perfect execution.
The home side extended their lead to go in at Half Time 3-1 up, as North
Walian-born Dyfan Pierce added a deserved third for Wayne Davies' men. It could
have been four straight after half time, when sub Martin Rose hit the post, just
a minute after coming on for the injured Chad Bond, and the home side held on to
the win despite Cameron scoring his brace in injury time. Former Bangor hitman
Paul Roberts came on to make his Rhyl debut, but could not influence the result.
Following the game, Steelmen Chairman Andrew Edwards said "I'm
absolutely delighted to gain the three points this afternoon, we've beaten Rhyl
down here twice this year as well as TNS and Llanelli and this win really sets
us up nicely for Swansea on Tuesday in the Premier Cup."
Welshpremier.com
|
|
JAN-07 |
|
Last
gasp goal robs Reds of victory
|
|
Carl Owen's injury time equaliser
gave Porthmadog a well deserved point in a game of few chances where defences
were generally on top. Following a goalless first half it was Port who had
looked the more threatening during the second period. But it was Llanelli who
went ahead a quarter of an hour before the end thanks to a rather soft goal
which came out of the blue and took home supporters completely by surprise. Up
to that point Llanelli had not looked a huge threat with goal machine Rhys
Griffiths, for the second time this season, failing to add to his impressive
goal tally against a central defensive partnership which had looked its usual
efficient self.
Llanelli started well forcing a
couple of early corners the second of which produced a shooting chance for Craig
Williams whose volley from the edge of the box flew wide of the upright. The
best early chance however fell to Porthmadog after 7 minutes when Jason Sadler
and Les Davies created a clear opening for Gareth Caughter who with only the
keeper to beat failed to connect and the ball crept narrowly wide. Llanelli
enjoyed a good spell midway through the first half a good cross by skipper Lee
Phillips was headed over by James Thomas at the far post. A minute later Gary
Lloyd found Rhys Griffiths in the box and the striker turned well but his shot
was off target. Soon after Richie Appleby fired wide from 15 yards following a
far post header by Rhys Griffiths. Carl Owen for Porthmadog replaced the injured
Gareth Caughter after half an hour.
Towards the end of the half
Porthmadog came back into the game with Richard Hughes going close from a
Blackmore corner and later Les Davies broke well on the left but his powerful
shot was well blocked. It remained scoreless at the interval.
Les Davies cut inside and
struck a good shot early in the second half but 'keeper Roberts saved well.
Craig Williams, on the counter attack for Llanelli, tested Harvey but it was
Porthmadog who came closest to opening the score when in the 63rd minute Les
Davies broke on the left but his low cross was touched past the post by Carl
Owen. But with fourteen minutes left it was Llanelli who took the lead when Rhys
Griffiths's cross took a fortunate deflection providing an unmarked Nicky Palmer
with the simple task of heading into an empty net. An away win seemed now to be
the most likely outcome with the full timers holding on for a much needed three
points to get their title challenge back on course. But not for the first time
this season Porthmadog proved that the game is not over until the final whistle
is blown. First Roberts needed to be at his best to keep out Sadler in the 79th
minute after the striker had been put through by a Les Davies angled ball over
the defence. Then with Llanelli expecting the whistle to blow Rhys Roberts rose
in the box to flick on John Gwynfor's cross and Carl Owen applied the finishing
touch with a shot out of Roberts's reach into the corner of the net.
Welshpremier.com
|
|
JAN-07 |
|
Town
bring Druids top form to an end
|
|
NEWI Cefn Druids recent good run
of form came to a crashing halt at Richmond Park as Carmarthen put The Ancients
through a nightmare final 20 minutes. A brace from instrumental midfielder Kris
Thomas, together with a goal apiece for Sasha Walters and Paul Fowler, all in
the space of 13 minutes, gave the hosts a 4-0 victory.
With the score goalless as the
game entered the final quarter, the home side turned the game on its head. In
the 70th minute an attack down the left saw the ball come to Thomas and he fired
past Carl Edwards from 18 yards top open the scoring. With ten minutes to go,
the Ancients were then hit by a two minute double-salvo. Nathan Cotterall broke
down the left, allowing Thomas to cross in to an unmarked Walters, who found the
net with a spectacular volley shot over his shoulder.
Then, just a minute later, Kaid
Mohamed's powerful shot was only parried by Edwards, but it fell to Walters on
the right side of the penalty area, who pulled the ball back to Thomas to fire
home from ten yards out. Before Druids could recover from the double whammy,
Carmarthen got a fourth in the 83rd minute. Thomas pulled the ball back to
Fowler on the edge of the box, and his shot bobbled in front of Edwards and
beyond his dive to go in off the inside of the post.
With four minutes remaining
Druids were reduced to ten men as Mike Heverin was sent off by referee Paul
Thomas. Druids did, though, have a golden chance for a consolation late on when
Osian Jones was adjudged to have been fouled inside the box. Steve Watkin
stepped up to take the kick, but it was easily saved by Neil Thomas in the home
goal to compound Druids' misery.
Welshpremier.com
|
|
JAN-07 |
|
TNS
scoop manager and player awards
|
|
Current Champions, The New Saints
have achieved a fantastic double by winning both of the December Manager and
Player of the Month Awards. The charismatic TNS boss Ken McKenna is the
final winner of the the Principality Building Society Welsh Premier Manager of
the Month Award for 2006, after his side continued their excellent form
throughout the month to win all four matches.
Their free scoring front men
and the attractive football the Saints play have helped McKenna's side notch an
impressive eighteen goals in their four matches, whilst Ged Doherty and his
defenders have conceded just two, and one of those against Haverfordwest was a
Doherty Own goal!
The Principality Building
Society Welsh Premier Player of the Month Award goes to McKenna's longest
serving player, John Toner. The club's record goal scorer was only a sub
in his sides first match against Haverfordwest, but he has certainly capitalised
on Mike Wilde's suspension by netting once against the Canaries and then
notching a hat-trick on Boxing Day against Welshpool and he then matched this,
with a second hat-trick in three days in the rout against Airbus. This strength
in depth at Treflan really is a luxury for McKenna and Toner has certainly
reminded his boss that he is a natural scorer with seventeen League and League
Cup strikes this term.
Toner, 29, is a survivor of the
2000 title winning side and now has three Championship medals to his name. The
Canadian born hitman began his career as a trainee with Liverpool and burst onto
the Welsh Premier scene with Cemaes Bay before scoring 38 goals in 49 games for
Conwy United. He joined the Saints from Conwy in November 1999, scoring on his
debut against Connah's Quay. His pace and shooting accuracy are his best assets,
and his good form over the past two seasons have covinced McKenna to offer him
two contract extensions.
Both awards are fully justified
and will be presented to the two recipients at their home match against
Carmarthen on Saturday 13th January 2007.
Welshpremier.com
|
|
JAN-07 |
|
Jones
banking on cup cash
|
|
DAVE
JONES is banking on an FA Cup windfall to finance Cardiff City's bid to reach
the Premiership.
The
Bluebirds are set to earn £300,000 from today's televised third round glamour
tie with Tottenham.
And
an extra £40,000 will be added to that sum should City pull off a repeat of
their 2002 giant-killing against Leeds United. A replay at White Hart Lane would
earn the Championship club even more with the gate receipts shared evenly
between the two clubs.
Jones
already has around £1.5m to play with during the January transfer window as he
bids to get Cardiff's promotion bid back on track after failing to win in their
last 10 league matches.
"I
want to try and get one or two new faces in for next week," said Jones.
"Financially
the FA Cup is massive for us because it puts more money in the coffers and gives
me more spending power.
"It
would put more bums on seats in the league games which is more revenue we
haven't budgeted for. Even when we were top of the table earlier in the season
we couldn't fill the stadium.
"It's
disappointing because even two or three thousand extra fans means more
money."
Jones
admits that he does not foresee any surprise exits from Ninian Park either.
"We
don't have to sell now to survive," he added.
Wales on Sunday
|
|
JAN-07 |
|
Treble
ends Wrexham cup dreams
|
|
WREXHAM
have a tradition of FA Cup giant killings - but it was a lethal little 'un that
slew Dragons on third round day.
Denis
Smith's braves suffered the Italian Job as an Arturo Lupoli hat-trick fired
Derby County through with a display of clinical finishing.
The
pint-sized Italian under-21 international, on a season-long loan from Arsenal,
showed why AC and Inter Milan are sniffing around as he made Wrexham pay for a
lack of defensive concentration with his first senior treble.
The
battling Welshmen though, almost lived up to their reputation for causing FA Cup
upsets as Lee McEvilly's goal gave Wrexham a fighting chance before Steve Evans
had a potential equaliser controversially ruled out for offside by linesman Paul
Barnes.
If
Evans' strike 20 minutes from time had stood, the scores would have been 2-2 and
Wrexham's dreams of adding Derby to their FA Cup giant-killing roll of honour
alongside Arsenal, Middlesbrough, Newcastle and West Ham could have become a
reality.
But
Barnes' flag and Ram raider Lupoli's tenth of the season denied the three-time
FA Cup quarter-finalists from The Racecourse.
Lupoli's
execution, as he completed Derby's first hat-trick for 11 years, epitomised the
gulf in class between a rampant team chasing a Premiership return and a
struggling side frantically fighting for Football League survival.
Wrexham's
work-rate and determination not to be humiliated by a quality side ensured they
could be proud of their efforts.
But
Smith must be frustrated that his team can't produce similar performances in
their "bread and butter" fixtures. If Wrexham played half as well as
they did yesterday, they would not be worrying about relegation to the
Conference.
Wales on Sunday
|
|
JAN-06 |
|
Swans
smash dull blades out of cup
|
|
Swansea
midfielder Thomas Butler made Sheffield United boss Neil Warnock pay the price
for fielding an under strength side as the Blades crashed out of the FA Cup.
Butler,
who had scored just four goals in a seven-and-a-half-year career prior to today,
grabbed two in six second-half minutes at Bramall Lane to send the League One
Swans through to the fourth round.
Leon
Britton added a third from the penalty spot midway through the second period to
complete an afternoon of misery for United and Warnock.
But
he has only himself to blame as he made eight changes to the team beaten 3-1 at
Middlesbrough on New Year’s Day, sending out a signal that Premiership
survival is all that counts this season.
icwales
|
|
JAN-06 |
|
Key
men out in rivals cup clash
|
Goytre United and
Neath Athletic will both be without key personnel for tomorrow's Shamrock Travel
Cup quarter-final at Glenhafod Park. Just a fortnight after the Llandarcy Park
club triumphed 1-0 at Goytre in the league - on the back of an Andy Hill penalty
- these old rivals lock horns in a swift rematch.
The
Port Talbot side have top-scorer Richard Ryan serving the second of a
three-match ban, while Neath's Jarrod Price is also suspended.
Carl Jenkins is out until the end of the month with a back injury and Neath also
have fitness doubts surrounding both striker Jonathan Keaveny and defender Steve
Evans.
Keaveny came off as a precautionary move during last week's 4-4 home draw with
Afan Lido, while Evans missed out because of a hamstring problem.
However, Neath's defensive problems have eased a little with the return of Jock
Fairbairn.Evening
Post
|
|
JAN-06 |
|
Steelmen
aim to build on festive run
|
Port Talbot
will be looking to build on two excellent results over the festive period when
they welcome Welsh Premier leaders Rhyl to the Remax Stadium today.
It is the third leg of a gruelling four-game schedule for the Steelmen,
coming hard on the heels of back-to-back meetings with close rivals Llanelli and
just three days before they take on Swansea City in the quarter-finals of the
FAW Premier Cup.
The
Steelmen's boss Wayne Davies was delighted with a four-point haul from the
holiday games with the Reds, who succumbed to a late Martin Rose winner on New
Year's Day after a Boxing Day goalless stalemate.
''It was a great performance to start 2007 and the lads continued where they
left off at Stebonheath Park,'' said Davies.
''We have now beaten TNS, Rhyl and Llanelli and it's a bit frustrating that we
have not been able to see off other teams. It seems that the better the
opposition, the better we play.''
Davies quickly dismissed any suggestion that tomorrow's league showdown will be
a distraction to the eagerly-awaited clash with Swansea on Tuesday night.
"We have not discussed the Swansea game, but clearly it's a big occasion
and is in the back of our minds. We have to keep it there until after Saturday's
game, just concentrate on working hard and getting a result against Rhyl,'' said
Davies.
Evening Post
|
|
JAN-06 |
|
We'll
cut Blades down vows Jacket
|
|
KENNY
JACKETT insists Swansea City can thrive in a rare run-out as underdogs as they
bid to cause their biggest FA Cup shock in eight years.
The
Swans face Premier League opponents in the competition for the first time since
1999 tomorrow when they take on Neil Warnock's Sheffield United in the third
round at Bramall Lane.
While
beating the Blades might not be seen as such a big achievement, Jackett's class
of 2007 overcoming the Premiership newcomers would be the closest Swansea have
come to such a giant-killing since they humbled the Hammers.
As
many as 5,000 fans will travel to Yorkshire - Swansea's biggest away following
since the League Two promotion-clincher at Bury in May 2005 - hoping Jackett's
team can win through to a possible fourth-round glamour tie at the Liberty
Stadium.
And, though his side are hampered
by a long injury list and the fact 12-goal star striker Lee Trundle is
suspended, the Swans boss believes his team can make the most the low
expectations on them to pull off a memorable shock.
Ian Hunt
|
|
JAN-06 |
|
WPL
TRANSFER NEWS
|
|
Ulsterman Paul Friel (left) has
return to his homeland after enjoying a stint in the Principality Welsh Premier
League with both Bangor City and CPD Porthmadog. The fiery midfielder was signed
by the Citizens whilst studying for his Masters Degree at the University of
Wales, Bangor. He represented the Welsh Universities, whilst at the University
and joined Portmadog in January 2006.
The twenty-two year old made a
favourable impression at Porthmadog with his high work rate and distribution,
but he has today left the club to re-sign for Donegal based, Ulster Senior
League side Fanhad Utd. He has previously played with Finn Harps in the League
of Ireland and made eighteen appearances this year for Porth.
Re-signing for Porthmadog
though, is Bangor born Aled Rowlands, who began his football career with three
years at Manchester City before a season in Ireland with Sligo Rovers. The
Valley based left footer, who can play in defence or midfield, has made a club
record six European appearances for Bangor. Before the 2004/05 season began,
Aled had made 132 Welsh Premier appearances for Bangor City. He joined Port in
September 2004 but leftthe club atthe end of the 2004/05 season. The former
Welsh Under 21 International has since been playing for Llanfair PG.
Other confirmed transfers
include talented winger or striker Neil Wynne (right) who Gareth Owen has signed
from Brymbo to strengthen his squad in their battle against relegation. Neil is
a pacey attacking midfielder with a good eye for goal and a strong left foot, so
Owen will be hopeful that he can add to the firepower that has been missing, as
Owen is the only scorer for the Wingmakers since October! Wynne played for
Mynydd Isa in 2004/05 season, but joined Brymbo the following year, where he has
impressed by scoring some good goals in the Cymru Alliance. He has also played
for Rhydymwyn.
Another Connah's Quay Nomads
fringe player Phillip MacDiarmid has left the Deeside club for Leek Town. The 26
year old defender played just four times for Nev Powell, starting two games and
coming from the bench twice.
Meanwhile Mark Jones has added
two eighteen year old Academy youngsters into his squad. Martin Williams has
previous experience with Llanelli based side Llangennech and Omar Salmman links
up from Carmarthen United.
Welshpremier.com
|
|
JAN-06 |
|
Better
bogs for bigger crowds
|
|
JOHN DEAKIN reckons better toilets
are the way to attract bigger crowds to Welsh Premier matches.
The league chief says
facilities must be improved to get more punters – particularly women –
through the turnstiles.
Following a drive over the
Christmas period to increase attendances, Deakin said: “We’ve still got to
target families, and the one thing we need to do is to improve facilities.
“We’re
talking about getting women to come along to the games, and women expect a
higher standard of toilet facilities than men do. Really we’ve got to bear
this in mind for the future and make sure we have adequate, clean toilets for
ladies at our grounds.
I think there’s decent
toilets in all the club houses and a lot of clubs are moving towards installing
new toilet blocks in the grounds. “There’s nothing worse than having to
queue for the toilet, so it has got to be a priority – we’ve got to
concentrate on the spectator comfort and make it a more enjoyable and worthwhile
experience for them.”
Western Mail
|
|
JAN-06 |
|
Pearce
set for Crows comeback
|
|
Striker Chris Pearce is in line
for his first appearance since he received a six-month drug-taking ban and Kris
Leek, expecting to be recalled by injury-hit Newport County, remains with them.
However, Tyrone Toppar has returned to Spytty Park.
Wharton said: "The fact
that Kris is staying with us is a massive boost."
The loss of Toppar is a blow
and Wharton added: "I would like to think we will have him back before the
season ends. He is a player who gave us a spark, an exciting player. For a
neutral watching him play he would be likely to say I'll come and watch him
again'.
"There will be no pressure
on Pearce - we will take it slowly. We have been extremely successful over the
last month and we have been playing to a system which has proved
beneficial."
South Wales Argus
|
|
JAN-06 |
|
Close
rivals involved in clash of the day
|
|
Without
doubt the most intriguing clash in Division One of the MacWhirter Welsh League
tomorrow is the one between Croesyceiliog – looking for the double – and
visitors Caerleon who are locked together in mid-table.
Croesyceiliog,
with a full squad available, have their noses ahead – just – on goal
difference, both teams on 21 points. They have both won seven games, Caerleon
having two games in hand.
Chris
Evans, Croesyceiliog’s manager, said: “The boys are itching to go and it
should be an entertaining game. Hopefully we can make home advantage count.
Brendan (Dowd, Caerleon manager) has turned things around and they’ve had a
good run, as we have, so I just hope the weather improves.”
Dowd
said: “We lost at home to them at the start of the season so we certainly owe
them one, but we are a different side now. I have got a plan and we have set our
stall out to get something from the game – defeat is not an option.”
South Wales Argus
|
|
JAN-06 |
|
Llanwern
get promotion boost
|
|
Llanwern
gained an unexpected promotion boost after the disappointment of having Thursday
night’s home MacWhirter Welsh League, Division Three game with AFC Porth
postponed because of a waterlogged Spytty Park pitch.
Llanwern,
who are at Afan Lido on Saturday in the Shamrock Travel Cup, have not played a
league game for a month. And they have been forced to switch the league cup tie
because Newport County are at home to Nationwide South leaders Histon.
However,
Llanwern have gained an unexpected promotion lift following bottom club
Gwynfi’s decision to withdraw from the league. Llanwern have not played them
while clubs also battling to go up will lose out, including Llangeinor who are
right on their heels and with games in hand.
When
the division table is adjusted – after next week’s management meeting –
they will lose six points while leaders Pentwyn Dynamo will drop three
points as will Cwmbran Celtic. Llanwern meet both Pentwyn (home) and
Celtic (away) at the beginning of next month.
Gwynfi
secretary David Walters sent a resignation e-mail to league secretary Ken Tucker
this week , the club deciding to continue running a side in the Port Talbot
League. Gwynfi are rock bottom of Division Three without a point from 15
matches, scoring only nine goals.
South Wales Argus
|
|
JAN-05 |
|
One
in and one out for New Saints
|
|
Striker Carl Lamb has signed for
current Champions, The New Saints after being released from his contract by NEWI
Cefn Druids. The quick and nimble front man impressed at Plaskynaston early this
season following his switch from Bangor City. He netted five goals in twelve
appearances for the Ancients this term, in a side which was struggling in the
early part of the campaign.
He was unfortunately injured
and missed a few games for Dixie McNeil but was then surprisingly allowed to
cancel his contract by mutual consent, which alerted the Saints Manager Ken
McKenna. Similarly, the TNS boss has endured problems this year with his
forwards with Jamie Wood, Nicky Ward and Mike Wilde all being sidelined, so Lamb
has come in to bolster his options.
Lamb joined Bangor from Cammell Laird in March 2005 and scored on his debut at
Welshpool Town. He also played for the Citizens in the Intertoto Cup in June
2005, but transferred to NEWI Cefn Druids in the 2006 close season.
Leaving TNS however is young
midfielder Mark Davies who is joining Newtown, where he will link up with his
former Academy team-mate Rob Williams. Eighteen year old Davies who was born in
Shrewsbury was the first Academy graduate at TNS to sign professional forms and
it is likely that he will be allowed to join Darren Ryan's Robins to gain some
Welsh Premier experience. Ken McKenna will doubtless monitor the youngsters
progress though, as he is doing with Rob Williams, who has so far impressed at
Latham Park.
Welshpremier.com
|
|
JAN-05 |
|
One
in and one out for New Saints
|
|
Striker Carl Lamb has signed for
current Champions, The New Saints after being released from his contract by NEWI
Cefn Druids. The quick and nimble front man impressed at Plaskynaston early this
season following his switch from Bangor City. He netted five goals in twelve
appearances for the Ancients this term, in a side which was struggling in the
early part of the campaign.
He was unfortunately injured
and missed a few games for Dixie McNeil but was then surprisingly allowed to
cancel his contract by mutual consent, which alerted the Saints Manager Ken
McKenna. Similarly, the TNS boss has endured problems this year with his
forwards with Jamie Wood, Nicky Ward and Mike Wilde all being sidelined, so Lamb
has come in to bolster his options.
Lamb joined Bangor from Cammell Laird in March 2005 and scored on his debut at
Welshpool Town. He also played for the Citizens in the Intertoto Cup in June
2005, but transferred to NEWI Cefn Druids in the 2006 close season.
Leaving TNS however is young
midfielder Mark Davies who is joining Newtown, where he will link up with his
former Academy team-mate Rob Williams. Eighteen year old Davies who was born in
Shrewsbury was the first Academy graduate at TNS to sign professional forms and
it is likely that he will be allowed to join Darren Ryan's Robins to gain some
Welsh Premier experience. Ken McKenna will doubtless monitor the youngsters
progress though, as he is doing with Rob Williams, who has so far impressed at
Latham Park.
Welshpremier.com
|
|
JAN-05 |
|
Reds
in double swoop
|
Out-of-sorts
Llanelli are looking to clinch the signatures of two new arrivals ahead of
Saturday's trip to Porthmadog.News of the potential signings comes days after
the transfer window re-opened for a month.
Manager Peter Nicholas is hoping new faces will inject
some freshness in the side after picking up just one win in six games.
Nicholas's side has one win,
three draws and two defeats to show in their last six games - a sequence that
has seen the Reds slip to fourth and further behind leading duo Rhyl and The New
Saints.
Although the Reds would not reveal the players in mind, it is believed one of
them is at a Welsh Premier League club.
"Nothing is going well for us at the moment," said Nicholas. "We
have not got the biggest of squads and we have been suffering from suspensions
and injuries.
"We are not pressing the panic button - people think it is all over for us
now - but it's not, there's a long way to go.
"We can't afford to slip up now but we are hoping to clinch the signings of
two players before the weekend."
Chris Barney
|
|
JAN-05 |
|
Jackett
should take Leon back says pal
|
|
KENNY
JACKETT has been told Swansea City would stand a better chance of winning
promotion if he gave Leon Knight a second chance.
Knight
is back at the Liberty Stadium after Barnsley decided not to make his fruitless
loan spell at Oakwell permanent, though Jackett maintains the striker will never
pull on a Swans shirt again following his alleged off-the-pitch misdemeanours.
But
Sheffield United midfielder Colin Kazim-Richards, who played alongside Knight at
Brighton, reckons the Swans' promotion hopes would be given a big boost if
Jackett and his old team-mate could patch up their differences.
Kazim-Richards,
20, urged Jackett to rethink his stance on Knight ahead of Swansea's third-round
FA Cup trip to Bramall Lane on Saturday.
"I
think Swansea would be higher in the table if they had Leon with them,"
said Kazim-Richards.
"I
think if he was taken back by Swansea it would be good for both sides.
"I
still keep in touch with him and I know he loves it there. He hasn't got a bad
word to say about the place.
"As
for Swansea, they'll have a better chance of getting promotion if they've got
Leon."
Ian
Hunt
|
|
JAN-05 |
|
Cup
glory day a spur for league success
|
|
CARDIFF
CITY midfielder Riccy Scimeca has warned the FA Cup clash with Tottenham must
not prove a distraction for the Bluebirds.
Martin
Jol brings his Spurs side to Ninian Park on Sunday in a match eagerly
anticipated by City supporters.
But
Scimeca insists the bread and butter of the Championship remains the players'
main priority, while conceding a victory over the Premiership outfit could give
the stuttering Bluebirds the boost in confidence they so desperately need.
Cardiff
are now eighth in the table without a win in 10 games and had to be content with
a frustrating 0-0 draw at Luton on New Year's Day.
The
visit of Tottenham, which is live on TV, should bring a bumper crowd to Ninian
Park and Scimeca believes it is a day very much for the supporters and some of
the younger players in the City squad.
"We're
looking forward to the Spurs game. I'm sure the fans are and the club as a whole
will be. It's a nice game to have," said Scimeca. "The fans will be
getting excited. There's still a lot of people around the place who remember
that Leeds game a few seasons back.
"I'm
sure this will bring back a lot of those memories on the weekend. It's a great
occasion.
"But
it mustn't be a distraction for us as a team. We want to do well in the FA Cup,
obviously, but our main priority remains the league.
Western
Mail
|
|
JAN-05 |
|
Druids
Watkin happy to relive part in glory
|
|
THEY
will be winding the clock back in Wrexham on Sunday and telling tall stories.
The
class of '92 have been invited to a reunion by the supporters trust and it
promises to be a special occasion.
Fifteen
years ago this weekend Arsenal arrived at the Racecourse as champions and
odds-on favourites to progress to the fourth round of the FA Cup.
And
there appeared little chance of an upset when Alan Smith put the Gunners ahead.
But
Wrexham, languishing in the fourth tier, fought back and secured a famous
victory thanks to a superb free-kick from Mickey Thomas and a close-range effort
from Steve Watkin.
England
goalkeeper David Seaman and his big-name team-mates left North Wales with a look
like thunder.
For
Wrexham-born Watkin - who was 20 at the time - it was a dream come true and he
remembers his goal vividly.
"I
just managed to get on the end of a cross," he said, "and the ball
went through Tony Adams' legs and trickled into the corner.
"I
will never forget that moment, it was extra special. I still have the video.
"It
was absolute bedlam after that as there were only 10 minutes left, but we
managed to hold out.
"Mind
you, people do not tend to remember my goal as much as Mickey's, it was a bit
special.
"But
that is okay. I am proud of what I did that day and what we achieved as a
team."
Western
Mail
|
|
JAN-05 |
|
New
Saints boss quits club after points deduction
|
|
RAY Jones has resigned as manager
of TNS Reserves following three years at the helm at Treflan.
Jones’ decision to quit
follows the club’s points deduction for failing to fulfil a Spar Mid Wales
League fixture.
Jones said: “I hold no
animosity toward anyone at TNS Football Club but the points deduction was the
final straw. The lads have worked extremely hard since coming up so to lose
three points due to no fault of their own was hard to take.”
The former Guilsfield manager
insisted the league had no option but no punish TNS following the controversial
cancellation of their match against Knighton Town.
“The league’s hands were
tied. The situation of home games being cancelled could not go on and I respect
the decision to deduct the points.
“However the club has only
played three home games this season and under the present circumstances I
struggle to see when they are going to play them.”
Jones is now looking forward to
a break from management but has earmarked a return for next season.
Jones added: “I wish TNS the
best for the future and hope they can sort out the current problems in regards
to home games for its reserves.”
County
Times
|
|
JAN-05 |
|
Robins
raid New Saints and Welshpool
|
|
NEWTOWN have raided the transfer
market to boost their hopes of Principality Welsh Premier survival.
Manager Darren Ryan snapped up
striker Sean Butler from Welshpool Town in time for the New Year’s Day victory
at Caersws and has made further acquisitions this week.
Teenage striker Johnny Bagnall
arrives from Northern Premier League side Marine and Newtown have also completed
the loan signing of TNS defender Mark Davies.
Ryan said: “We are creating
competition for places which is what we need at the moment to climb out of
trouble.
“Sean was a danger against
Caersws and will get better as he gets more match fitness.
“Mark will be a great
acquisition for the club and our thanks go to TNS for loaning us such a quality
player.”
“We are also excited at
Johnny Bagnall’s arrival. He is quick and will be a good one for the
future.”
County
Times
|
|
JAN-05 |
|
Trio
return to boost he Bluebirds
|
|
CAERSWS must pick themselves up
for the weekend visit of basement side Caernarfon Town.
The Bluebirds crashed in the
New Year rain to Newtown to increase their relegation worries.
Defender Colin Reynolds misses
the match through suspension with Martin Plant also banned.
Manager Mike Evans welcomes
Chris Venables back from suspension, with Graham Evans and Graham Jones also
recovered from festive knocks.
Evans said: “Confidence is
low at the moment but we must get our heads down and keep on battling.
“It was disappointing to lose
both games as we certainly had the chances in both to get at least a draw.
“Now we must take on
Caernarfon Town without Colin, which is a huge blow.”
Evans has meanwhile revealed
plans to raid the transfer market after last season’s top scorer Ross Stephens
agreed a switch to Rhyl.
“We could not compete with
Rhyl’s offer and we wish the lad the best for the future,” said Evans.
County
Times
|
|
JAN-04 |
|
Rhyl
make two new signings
|
|
Welsh Premier league leaders
Rhyl have strengthened their squad by signing Bangor striker Paul Roberts and
Ross Stephens from Caersws.
Roberts, 29, was released by new Bangor
boss Steve Bleasdale in December having scoring 97 goals in a 182 Welsh Premier
appearances for Bangor.
The former Citizens captain started his
career at Porthmadog and joined Wrexham for £15,000 in 1996.
Stephens is a highly-rated midfielder
who has scored four goals this season for Caersws.
It's a big blow to lose Ross, he'll certainly be missed," Caersws manager
Mickey Evans said.
"Rhyl made him an offer he just couldn't refuse and there was no way we
could match it."
The 21-year-old joined Caersws in June
2005 after being released by Shrewsbury Town.
Tony
|
|
JAN-04 |
|
Barry
look to continue unbeaten streak
|
|
Barry Town are home again at
Jenner Park this Saturday, against local rivals Dinas
Powys, having enjoyed an unbeaten December.
With three wins in a row and a draw at the start of the
month, Barry Town have climbed out of the relegation zone and are unrecognisable
from the early season team.
Barry Town move up two places below, but level on
points with, Pontardawe, and Ely Rangers who also lost on Saturday.
Despite the freezing cold conditions and pre-Christmas
shopping absentees, Barry Town enjoyed not just one of their biggest crowds of
the season against Caerleon, but also one of the noisiest as the Dragons supporters are once
again getting behind the team in full voice.
Dinas Powys narrowly beat the Town 2-0 at the start of
the season, scoring their second in the final minute as Barry pushed for an
equaliser.
Since then, Dinas have been in freefall while the
Dragons have soared.
This Saturday's match will be an interesting test to
see just how far the two teams' fortunes have changed. The Town are also
expecting another big crowd for this local derby!
Tony
|
|
JAN-04 |
|
Wild Celebrations for Young Saints Scholars
|
|
TNS Scholarship youth team player Narupon Wild-Putsorn
had double cause for celebration over Christmas. The teenage striker was
selected to represent the England Under 19 students and then just a few days
later, Ken McKenna handed the teenage striker his Welsh Premier debut for the
Saints as a sub for hat-trick hero John Toner in the 7-0 thrashing of Airbus.
Naru, who was registered in the TNS Champions
League squad earlier in the season, was born in Thailand but has Dutch
Nationality and came to Walford and North Shropshire College in Oswestry on a
football scholarship two years ago. He has been selected for the English
Colleges National Under 19 squad for their forthcoming tours to Rome and South
Korea.
Meanwhile, friend and team-mate Tyson Eyo, who
has also appeared for TNS in the Welsh Premier, has been put on standby to make
the same journey. The successful pair were among five members of the college's
TNS Scholarship squad who were invited to the first trials. Those unfortunate
not to make the squad were John McKenna, Michael Collister and Scott Jones.
However, this is certainly excellent proof that the Academy structure is working
at the Champions and all bodes well for the future.
Wild and his International team mates are set to
play Wales at Telford's New Bucks Head on 5th February. They then travel to Rome
on the 11th of February to play in the third Roma Caput Mundi International
Tournament and finally begin a tour of South Korea from 27th March.
In addition, Sean Jones another member of the
Walford and North Shropshire College/TNS Scholarship, has negotiated four stages
to the final round of trials for the Under-18 English Schools national squad,
with the final selection to be held later this month.
Welshpremier.com
|
|
JAN-04 |
|
Veteran
Horsfield poised to join Ninian Park
|
|
CARDIFF
CITY are nearing the signature of veteran front man Geoff Horsfield.
Bluebirds
boss Dave Jones is desperate to bring fresh faces into his small squad and sees
33-year-old Horsfield as the ideal candidate to put pressure on his goal-shy
strikers.
This week
Horsfield returned to Sheffield United from a loan spell at Leeds, opening the
path for negotiations to begin with the Bluebirds.
Blades
boss Neil Warnock wants to clear the decks at Bramall Lane to allow him to bring
in fresh faces for the club's battle to beat the Premiership drop.
During
his career Horsfield has also spent time at Halifax, Fulham, Birmingham, Wigan
and West Brom, netting 122 goals.
But
during his loan spell at struggling Leeds he managed only two goals in 15
appearances.
Meanwhile,
defender Alan Wright is to spend another month at Ninian Park after extending
his loan period from Sheffield United.
And
promising Bluebirds teenager Joe Jacobson will remain on loan for another month
at League Two club Accrington Stanley.
Western
Mail
|
|
JAN-04 |
|
Swans
ready to buy
|
|
Swansea City are looking to
bolster their League One promotion bid by making at least "one or two"
new signings during the transfer window. Boss Kenny Jackett was always likely to
seek some fresh blood in January. But the need for new recruits has heightened
after a string of injuries and suspensions ravaged the Swansea squad.
''We've got to admit we are a bit depleted with a number of injuries and one or
two suspensions coming up,'' said Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins.
''And our attitude is that we'd like to strengthen our squad.
''We're looking to get one or two in and hopefully something will happen over
the next week.''
It could be that Swansea snap up more than two players before the month is out
depending on who is on offer.
''This window is all about who becomes available,'' Jenkins added.
''There are a lot of clubs looking to move players on, but in a lot of cases
they are only willing to do that when they have got replacements sorted
themselves.
''That means it is a case of sitting and waiting to see what happens elsewhere,
because nobody is prepared to do a deal until they have got themselves sorted
out.
''Kenny watched a game on Tuesday night and he has a list of players he's
interested in.
''We're watching as many games as possible at the moment and now we must wait to
see if any of the players we've earmarked become available.''
Evening
Post
|
|
JAN-04 |
|
Extra
time training pays off for County
|
|
DEDICATION was the key to Newport County's
stunning 4-0 demolition of Dorchester on New Year's Day after a secret training
session gave the Exiles a big edge, according to boss Peter Beadle.
County shrugged off a hugely disappointing 1-0
home defeat by Dorchester on Boxing Day to overcome bogey team'
Weston-Super-Mare 1-0 in a dull affair at Spytty Park four days later.
County faced the trip to Dorchester just 48
hours after the Weston game, but County's players convinced boss Beadle to let
them train on New Year's Eve.
The players did a training session on Sunday
and scored four goals in the final 25 minutes on Monday, suggesting Beadle's
charges benefited from superior conditioning.
The win took County to within one place of the
play-off spots with games in hand and Beadle insists it is the players who
deserve all the credit for a profitable Christmas.
"Most teams had fewer games than us over
Christmas and probably still didn't train as much," he said.
"I hadn't intended to have them in on the
Sunday, but the players insisted and a lot of the senior guys commented after
the win that they felt it was a big help.
"It just shows the level of dedication
from the players, they are focused on nothing else but gaining promotion.
Michael
Pearlman
|
|
JAN-04 |
|
Town
out to land double
|
|
Another
big night is forecast at Richmond Park on Tuesday as Carmarthen Town fans
eagerly await the visit of Championship outfit Cardiff City for the FAW Premier
Cup quarter-final clash.
Cardiff
will be keen to avenge their quarter-final exit at the hands of Carnarthen at
the same stage last season and are set to field a strong line-up.
The Bluebirds had just suffered an FA Cup third round defeat at Arsenal, and
goals by Nathan Cotterrall and former Bluebird Danny Thomas rubbed salt into the
visitors' wounds.
This weekend Cardiff will take on another formidable FA Cup challenge in the
shape of Premiership side Tottenham.
Manager Dave Jones will be hoping the atmosphere at Ninian Park can carry his
team through ahead of the Carmarthen tie.
With the new Clay Shaw Butler stand now able to accommodate 1,000 fans, Town
will also be looking to create an exciting atmosphere at Richmond Park and, with
the January transfer window open, there could be some new faces taking on Mark
Jones's men.
Kick-off is at 7pm.
Carmarthen
Journal
|
|
JAN-03 |
|
Craney
joins Swans but not Cup
|
|
Gracing
a Premiership stage in the third round of the FA Cup would have been the perfect
way for Ian Craney to celebrate his permanent switch to Swansea.
Instead
of running out at Sheffield United's Bramall Lane, however, the Scouse
midfielder's first port of call as a full-time Swan is likely to come in the
somewhat more modest surroundings of the Remax Stadium in Port Talbot.
Craney's
£150,000 switch from Accrington Stanley is expected to be finalised over the
next 24 hours, the 24-year-old having completed a successful one-month loan
spell at the Liberty Stadium.
But
the former non-league player will have to wait until next Tuesday's FAW Premier
Cup clash at Port Talbot for his first match as a bona fide Swansea employee.
Craney
misses out on a more high-profile FA Cup outing against the Blades on Saturday
as he has already featured in the competition for Accrington, and in any case
would have been suspended after collecting his fifth booking of the season over
Christmas.
A
disappointment for manager Kenny Jackett since Craney has been one of Swansea's
stand-out performers during the mixed festive period.
'I
can't tell you how gutted I am to be missing out on the Sheffield United match,'
said the former England non-league international.
'A
big game against a Premiership side is something you always hope for, especially
with my background as a non-league player.
'I'll
be gutted when I see the lads running out at Bramall Lane, I'll wish I was out
there on the pitch with them.
'Fingers
crossed, my move to Swansea will be completed this week, but it's going to be
more than a fortnight before I play another league game because I'll be
suspended for the Bradford match (January 13).
Western
Mail
|
|
JAN-03 |
|
Cardiff struggle in player search
|
|
Cardiff City manager Dave
Jones says that poor facilities are hampering his ability to strengthen his
side.
But with the transfer window now open
Jones is still hopeful of making some signings soon.
"I'm battling against a lot of the
bigger clubs to entice players to come to us," Jones told BBC Wales.
"I've already lost out on one
player. I don't want to harp on about it but the reasons I lose them is because
of what we haven't got here at the club."
Jones would not reveal which player it
was who slipped through his grasp, but did reveal that Cardiff had offered more
money than their rival to no avail.
"It's difficult but hopefully we'll
have a shout and we can attract them and push on from here," Jones added.
Following the 0-0 draw away to a 10-man
Luton on New Year's Day, Cardiff have now gone 10 games without a Championship
victory.
That match was the last for left-back
Alan Wright, whose loan deal from Sheffield United has ended.
However, Jones indicated he may seek to
extend Wright's stay if all three parties can reach an agreement.
"It was Alan's last game for
Cardiff but I'll sit down with him and see where we go from there," Jones
said.
BBC
|
|
JAN-02 |
|
Swans
suffer Pratley injury blow
|
|
Swansea City could be without
captain Darren Pratley for several weeks because of an ankle injury.
The midfielder limped off at
half-time of the 2-0 home win over Bradford on New Year's Day.
Fellow midfielder Andy Robinson
was also injured in that match and is a doubt for Saturday's FA Cup tie at
Sheffield United.
Swansea are already
without top scorer Lee Trundle, who is suspended after his red card at
Huddersfield on Saturday.
BBC
|
|
JAN-03 |
|
Smith worries overshadow Cup tie
|
|
Wrexham manager
Denis Smith says their League worries will overshadow this Saturday's FA Cup
match at Derby.
The 3-1 home loss to fellow
strugglers Accrington Stanley on New Year's Day leaves the Dragons just two
points above the League Two relegation zone.
"To be perfectly honest
the Cup matches are all very nice but in the end the League is the important
bit," he said.
"If we have a little
a bit of glory in the FA Cup then great, but our main priority is to remain in
the League."
BBC
|
|
JAN-02 |
|
Barnsley
return Knight to Swans
|
|
Leon Knight has returned to
Swansea City after Barnsley decided not to extend his loan deal.
Knight joined Barnsley in late November
after being transfer-listed by Swansea, but failed to score in his nine
appearances for the Tykes.
The 24-year-old come on as a substitute
for the last five minutes of Barnsley's 2-0 defeat at Blues on Monday.
Swansea put Knight up for sale in
October, with manager Kenny Jackett saying he lacked commitment.
Knight joined Swansea on a
two-and-a-half-year deal last January for £125,000, but he has been told in no
uncertain terms that he has no future at the club.
He has already rejected a chance to join
Peterborough and Northampton.
BBC
|
|
JAN-02 |
|
Nicholas
fuming after title blow
|
|
A
DRAMATIC last-minute Martin Rose winner earned Port Talbot four yuletide points
against Llanelli, whose challenge for the Welsh Premier title is starting to ebb
away.
The
hammer blow finish means the Reds have now dropped nine points in their last
four matches and they are now six points adrift of champions TNS, both sides
having completed 15 matches.
Rhyl,
whose match at Connah's Quay Nomads was postponed due to a waterlogged ground,
are eight points in front of a Peter Nicholas side that have played two games
more.
These
are worrying times for Nicholas, who gave his players a fierce verbal lashing
after the match and then left a stunned, silent dressing room for a time of
silent, solo contemplation in a deserted grandstand.
The
former Arsenal and Wales midfielder was obviously upset by this latest setback.
"We
are on a very bad run with just one victory in five matches, and that's just not
good enough," he said.
"I
will be bringing in some new players to freshen things up during the next week
or so.
"We
didn't deserve to lose but, once again, didn't create much until the last 10
minutes or so," Nicholas added, "Their keeper (Kristian Rogers) has
made some great saves again as he did in the first match when we also failed to
hit the back of the net.
"Their
goal was a very bad one from our point of view and Craig Williams has to take
responsibility for the error which led to it."
Western
Mail
|
|
JAN-02 |
|
Smith
hits out as Dragons droop
|
|
FURIOUS
Wrexham boss Denis Smith laid into his below-par Red Dragons outfit after seeing
them slump to defeat at the hands of a relegation-threatened Accrington Stanley
side.
The
Dragons were buried by two late goals from striker David Brown after Wrexham
winger Josh Johnson had cancelled out Paul Mullin's opener.
Smith
fumed, "I didn't think we deserved a great deal out of it because I thought
we were very poor in the first half. We were fortunate to come in at half-time
at 1-1 and in the second half there wasn't a great deal in it."
The
Wrexham boss savaged defenders Mike Williams and Steve Evans for failing to deal
with a hopeful punt forward that led to Brown's first strike on 82 minutes.
"We
went for the win, but we made basic mistakes. Stevie missed the ball kicked down
the middle and Mike has not done what you do from 10 years old, which is tuck
round and pick the second ball up.
"But
there are no ifs or buts. Accrington were the team that deserved to win on the
day."
And
Smith admitted Accrington's win, their first in 11 League Two contests, has now
left his side trying to avoid relegation instead of focusing on the play-offs.
Western
Mail
|
|
JAN-02 |
|
County
go on a goal rampage
|
|
NEWPORT
trounced their hosts Dorchester with an enthralling second-half performance and
a four-goal haul.
The
two sides produced an entertaining first half despite the heavy rain and driving
wind which hit the ground.
Given
the number of chances at both ends, it was a surprise to the crowd that the
teams left the field at the interval with the match goal-less.
Jason
Bowen had come closest to scoring with a close-range volley and Matt Groves hit
a low drive which whistled past the post.
Once
the rain had abated, the Exiles rained down on the home goal and scored four
times in the space of 20, second-half minutes to settle the match in impressive
style.
Julian
Alsop scored the first with a diving header to meet John Brough's knock-down.
Jason
Bowen was the first to respond to Simon Evans' save from namesake Richard to
stab home the second goal for the rampant visitors.
Bowen
scored an audacious goal, returning keeper Evans' clearance back into an empty
net from near the halfway line, and top scorer Craig Hughes rounded it off the
scoring and the match with a neat finish four minutes from time.
This
victory takes County to sixth in the table.
Western
Mail
|
|
JAN-02 |
|
Swans
keeps promotion hopes alive
|
Swansea bounced back from their
stunning defeat at Huddersfield to keep their promotion dream alive with a 2-0
victory over Brentford.
First-half goals from Bayo Akinfenwa (29) and a Karleigh
Osborne own goal (40) gave the Swans a comfortable victory but they struggled
against the division's bottom club after the break.
Swansea netted the goal their early display deserved when Denis Lawrence slipped
a pass to Akinfenwa, who was in the side for the suspended Lee Trundle.
He evaded a couple of half-hearted challenges and as Nathan Abbey came out of
goal to block he calmly chipped the ball into the empty net.
Andy Robinson was a constant threat down the flank and the second goal came from
his forward run. He crossed low into the danger area and the ball was deflected
beyond Abbey by the unfortunate Osborne.
With a commanding lead at the break the Swans should have gone on to an even
more convincing victory but they failed to press home their advantage against a
very poor Brentford side that on this showing are surely destined for the drop.
Evening
Post
|
|
JAN-02 |
|
Jones
eyes January reinforcements
|
|
Manager Dave
Jones hopes that the January transfer window will help boost Cardiff's ailing
promotion bid.
"We hope to strengthen, but a lot of other
managers are looking at the same players as us, so it depends if I have the
financial clout," he said.
"We have a lot of things going for us as a club,
but also a lot of things against us.
"There are other big clubs after the same players
and - at the moment - they have superior facilities to us."
"We've had nowhere to train through the bad
weather," Jones told BBC Sport Wales.
"The players are doing fantastically for me, but
it has an effect - just like it did last year."
Jones' threadbare squad could be without leading
strikers Steve Thompson and Michael Chopra at Luton on Monday.
"I've got six kids on standby to play," said
Jones.
Cardiff are believed to be keen to sign a central
midfield player and two strikers when the transfer window opens in January.
Goalkeeper David Forde will complete his move to the
Bluebirds, meaning that Mark Howard could be on his way out.
Jeff Whitley is also expected to complete a permanent
switch from the Welsh side, while Chris Barker has agreed to stay on loan at
Colchester for the rest of the season.
Western
Mail
|
|
JAN-02 |
|
Welsh
premier league Round up
|
|
Llanelli
failed to take a golden chance to close the gap on the three sides above them in
the league as a last-minute Martin Rose goal saw them fall to a 1-0 loss at Port
Talbot.
The table-topping games - Welshpool v The New
Saints and Connah's Quay v Rhyl - were called off because of
waterlogged pitches.
Gareth Elliott, Chris O'Sullivan (penalty) and Tim Hicks
put Haverfordwest three up at Carmarthen, Paul Fowler netting a
late consolation for Town.
Adam Worton struck in the 22nd minute to earn
Newtown
a 1-0 win at Caersws, a result that sees them climb above their hosts in
the table.
Gareth Roberts' 16th-minute goal gave Newi Cefn
Druids a 1-0 win at struggling Airbus UK.
Caernarfon battled to a goalless draw at
Bangor
City.
Welshpremier.com
|
|
JAN-01 |
|
Gwynfi
Utd resign from welsh league
|
It
emerged on Saturday that Gwynfi United have withdrawn from the league.
However, the Cape side will still field a side in the Port Talbot League and
this is where the club's future now lies.
Their swansong appearance in the third division was on December 9 when losing
8-1 at Abertillery with stalwart defender Alan Simpson getting their final goal.
Gwynfi entered the Welsh League in 1996 and as recently as 2005 were a first
division club.
But the fall from grace proved rapid, culminating in the decision on Saturday
afternoon to become a parks-grade club.
"I'm utterly devastated at the decision to withdraw, as it signals the end
of Welsh League football in the Afan Valley," said Gwynfi player-manager
Dave Blackmore, who has been associated with the club for more than 30 years.
"Successive relegation seasons left us struggling for players, and the will
to survive at this level simply wasn't there.
"The financial penalties of being unable to fulfil fixtures were mounting
up and in the end it was a case of us cutting loses."
This will now result in Gwynfi's results being expunged and one of the sides to
suffer most will be promotion-seeking Llangeinor, who had already gained the
double over them.
Evening
Post
|
|
JAN-01 |
|
Gwynfi
Utd resign from welsh league
|
It
emerged on Saturday that Gwynfi United have withdrawn from the league.
However, the Cape side will still field a side in the Port Talbot League and
this is where the club's future now lies.
Their swansong appearance in the third division was on December 9 when losing
8-1 at Abertillery with stalwart defender Alan Simpson getting their final goal.
Gwynfi entered the Welsh League in 1996 and as recently as 2005 were a first
division club.
But the fall from grace proved rapid, culminating in the decision on Saturday
afternoon to become a parks-grade club.
"I'm utterly devastated at the decision to withdraw, as it signals the end
of Welsh League football in the Afan Valley," said Gwynfi player-manager
Dave Blackmore, who has been associated with the club for more than 30 years.
"Successive relegation seasons left us struggling for players, and the will
to survive at this level simply wasn't there.
"The financial penalties of being unable to fulfil fixtures were mounting
up and in the end it was a case of us cutting loses."
This will now result in Gwynfi's results being expunged and one of the sides to
suffer most will be promotion-seeking Llangeinor, who had already gained the
double over them.
Evening
Post
|
|
JAN-01 |
|
Hudgell's
strike brings delight for boss Brazil
|
|
THE
last two occasions these sides have met at Bridge Meadow they have drawn a blank
in the goal department, so Lee Hudgell's 57th-minute winner was a relief to home
supporters.
Tim
Hicks set up the goal with a powerful surge down the flank and his supply was
inch-perfect as far as the on-rushing Hudgell was concerned and he made no
mistake.
Hosts
boss Derek Brazil was delighted with the outcome. "This was a game where
the result was more important than the performance," he said.
"We
were both locked on 15 points, so this was a real six-pointer. The win was vital
and I hope my young players will now start to believe in themselves."
Since
arriving at the Pembrokeshire club eight weeks ago, Brazil, a former Manchester
United and Cardiff City defender, has carried out a cull of the squad left by
former Haverfordwest player-manager Deryn Brace.
Striker
Ritchie Adams is the latest player to become surplus to Brazil's requirements.
"I told him he had no part in my future plans, but thanked him for five
years excellent service to the club," Brazil added.
"I
have learned a lot about my squad in the two months I've been here and my
message is that no player is guaranteed a place.
Western
Mail
|
|
JAN-01 |
|
Heartbreak
for Crows
|
|
WHEN Lady Luck turns you over,
it's odds-on you'll end up with only sheer frustration as company.
Through gritted teeth, Cwmbran
players, officials and fans put on a brave face as their coach made its way back
from Belle Vue Stadium after defeat came care of an own goal by skipper Josh
Collins, who headed into his own net at a corner.
It was a heart-breaking way to
end the most horrendous year in the club's 51-year history.
With no money and forced to
rely on the Welsh Premier League's most inexperienced squad, it was a big ask
for Cwmbran to stretch their unbeaten run to a fourth game.
After all, Rhyl were only
starting in second place because of champions The New Saints' 7-0 demolition of
Airbus UK the previous night which moved them back to the top.
There was also the matter of
Rhyl's 18-match unbeaten-at-home league record stretching back to November 2005
to contend with as Cwmbran began with only four survivors from the side which
had gained their last win - a 2-0 home success over visiting Aberystwyth Town on
December 1.
South
Wales Argus
|
|
JAN-01 |
|
I
am innocent says Trundle
|
Lee Trundle has
taken a swipe at Huddersfield's Gary Taylor-Fletcher and protested his innocence
after being sent off for elbowing in Yorkshire on Saturday.
Trundle
was dismissed in the last act of a demoralising 3-2 defeat which had promised so
much with Swansea City 2-0 up at half-time.
He now faces a three-match ban which, unless Swansea launch an appeal, will see
him miss the league meetings with Brentford today and Bradford (January 13), as
well as next Saturday's FA Cup trip to Sheffield United.
And Trundle has hit out at a rare dismissal, claiming he did not aim an elbow at
his marker even though he was being provoked.
''Taylor-Fletcher was pinching me from behind,'' Swansea's 12-goal top-scorer
said.
''They were 3-2 up, there were 30 seconds to go and, in my eyes, there was no
need for him to do it.
''Why did he have to start pinching me then?
''Then I went to shrug him off and he held his face |