Nov-30

The Premiership side have renewed their interest after Gunter hit rich form when playing four matches in 10 days for Wales and City – against Germany and the Republic of Ireland, and then Ipswich and Leicester.

Both Gunter and Joe Ledley played in the four matches for club and country and the Bluebirds have already turned down offers for the two players this season.

Wolves were keen on Ledley earlier this season, while the Toffees have already been in contact with a bid for Gunter.

Chairman Peter Ridsdale would not comment today, while Everton have not confirmed their interest.

ICW

Nov-30

The Citizens boss is targeting a European spot next season after seeing his side beat the league’s top three teams on the road already this season.

City are enjoying a resurgence under their former player, having become the first away team to win on The New Saints’ new artificial pitch at Park Hall with Tuesday’s 2-1 League Cup quarter-final victory.

That result secured Powell’s side a two-legged semi-final against arch rivals Rhyl, who they overcame at Belle Vue last Saturday in a 2-1 league win.

Last month Bangor won 2-0 at title challengers Llanelli, and they are currently sixth in the league, three points behind the European places.

And Powell is determined to get the club back where they belong among the Welsh Premier’s elite.

“That’s our long-term goal,” said the manager. “We want to try and be like TNS, Rhyl and Llanelli.

“We should be up there – we’re one of the biggest non-league clubs in the country, if not the biggest.

“Bangor should be competing with the top teams on a regular basis, and that’s where I want to put them.”

He added: “We’ve beaten the top three teams away from home, and the lads are doing well at the moment.

“They’ve committed themselves well for games and we’ve got lots of quality in the squad.

“We’ve got a good mixture of youth and experience in the squad. We’ve played some good football and scored some good goals, and nobody can argue with that.

“Obviously it’s going to be difficult to peg back the full-time teams, as it’s proved over the last two or three seasons, but I’d be more than happy with finishing third of fourth.

DP

Nov-30

City are upbeat after three straight wins – notably at Rhyl and The New Saints – while Llangefni are downcast after three defeats.

But, while the odds are firmly in favour of Nev Powell’s in-form hosts, both manager’s agree anything can happen in a derby atmosphere.

Jones said: “It is a big game for our youngsters and, because we have not been there before for a derby, this will be different and anything could happen.

“After being poor against Caersws last weekend, we competed for a while against Rhyl on Tuesday but, when they switched on in the second half, we were a million miles away from them.

“Now we are to take on Bangor, who are on a great run. This makes it an awesome prospect but we will give it our best shot.”

His opposite number Powell said: “After what we have gone through on our travels in recent days, it will be good to be home again and we are keen to impress the fans.

“Provided the players work hard and do the right things, then we should be okay to get the result that we want.”

DP

Nov-30

BRIDGEND Town have run into a rich vein of form in the MacWhirter Welsh Football League.

They are unbeaten in the League since September – and are eyeing up a challenge at the top of the First Division table.

New signings Brian Showderay, from Neath Athletic, and Morgan Harris, now back with Bridgend, have made a difference to the squad, while they are awaiting international clearance for Portuguese player Nilton Torres.

He is a student at University of Glamorgan, where Bridgend have been based for training.

The latest win for Bridgend was a 3-0 success against Cwmbran Town, while they now turn to two big tests against powerful Goytre United away.

They travel to Goytre United on Saturday in the League followed by a Nathaniel Car Sales Cup tie at the same venue a week later.

Former Cardiff City junior Mike Hartley, Raith Plant and Dale Raven scored Bridgend’s goals in their three-goal success against Cwmbran Town, who are a team planning a major tilt at the title under manager Guillermo Ganet from Spain.

Hartley’s goal was a cross-cum-shot which took a deflection, while former Cwmbran players Plant and Raven finished the job for Bridgend.

“It was an excellent football match,” said Bridgend manager Drewe Phillips. “Cwmbran are a good footballing team and it was pleasing to watch two teams who were prepared to get the ball down and pass.

“We are on a decent run and it’s up to us to keep it going.

“We would love to be in a position come February from where we can launch a challenge on the top places.”

Bridgend Town are currently playing out of Locks Lane, Porthcawl and still searching for a site to build a new stadium. They moved out of Coychurch Road to make way for a superstore – and are now planning for the future.

“The club have directors looking specifically at plans for a new ground,” said Phillips. “If we are in a position to be promoted then I am sure the club would look at that situation. My job is to produce the right results – and hopefully there will be news on the site for a new ground soon.”

SWE

Nov-30

"We know exactly what to expect. We had the first round in exactly the same environment and we know how difficult it's going to be," said Martinez.

"When a Football League club goes to a non-League environment, I see the non-Leaguers as the favourites.

"Everyone will be looking at it as a potential giant-killing."

Guillem Bauza scored the winner seven minutes from time after the part-timers had enjoyed a first-half lead.

Another Ryman League side, Staines Town, grabbed the headlines last week when they dumped League Two side Stockport out in the first round so Martinez knows there is no room for complacency.

"It's not easy playing against non-League sides, we saw that in the game between Staines and Stockport," added Martinez, who saw his side go top of League One with victory over Hartlepool on Tuesday night.

"But the squad is looking forward to the challenge. They had a little taste in the first round and everyone looks forward to the magic of the FA Cup.

"Playing against Billericay in the first round was a great help. In football it's impossible to replicate the same environment but that game was a close as we'll get to how it will be in Horsham.

BBC

Nov-30

Gary Finley’s Unibond League team had been due to entertain Pwllheli of the Welsh Alliance in the first round of the regional knockout competition around the weekend of January 5.

The Coast FA’s competitions’ secretary Denny Hogan had been waiting for an offer of an earlier mid-week date from the Seagulls to put to Pwllheli for their agreement.

However, Colwyn Bay have notified the Coast FA they have decided to withdraw from the competition.

Hogan said: “Colwyn Bay told us they had too many commitments because they are still involved in several cup competitions.”

Colwyn Bay have won through to the FA Trophy’s first round proper, earning an attractive home tie against Burton Albion on December 15. They are also in the Unibond President’s Cup third round, with a visit to Ossett Albion due in the New Year.

Pwllheli are awarded an outright win and progress to the last eight of the Coast Cup, to face an away tie against the winners of Denbigh Town and Halkyn United.

Colwyn Bay have taken the Coast Cup seriously for a number of years and were the trophy winners four times at the tail end of the 1990s.

BBC

Nov-30

The Dutchman is now expected to play some part in Swansea training this evening and, if he comes through okay, will start in front of the Sky cameras.

Roberto Martinez feared he would be left with no fit keeper after David Knight damaged ankle ligaments, but the panic now looks over.

Nevertheless the Swansea boss has made enquiries about taking a stopper on loan, and could complete an emergency deal before midday tomorrow in time for Horsham.

EP

Nov-29

The Western Mail understands FAW bigwigs will weigh up the pros and cons of taking some matches “on the road” to smaller venues where Wales historically have a better home record.

There will even be a frank discussion about whether to stage the biggest two games in Group D, against Germany and Russia, at one of our smaller club grounds.

Wales have failed to make their brilliant 74,000-seater Millennium Stadium home a fortress in big competitive matches and are seeking any new edge they can find in a bid to qualify.

In the eight years since the ground was built, Wales have only won a total of six competitive matches at the Cardiff venue ... against Belarus, Italy, Azerbaijan (twice), Cyprus and San Marino.

There is a view amongst some people that, far from being daunted by playing at the Millennium Stadium, the opposition are actually inspired by the venue.

Many of the stars from Europe’s better countries are accustomed to playing top-flight football at similar stadia, whereas most of Toshack’s squad still ply their club trade at antiquated old grounds in the lower divisions.

The FAW will debate whether playing some matches at Ninian Park, the Racecourse or Swansea’s Liberty Stadium would suit Wales better.

There is a view that a packed crowd at those venues would create a more fervent atmosphere and intimidate the opposition, rather than to a threequarters empty Millennium Stadium.

ICW

Nov-29

The Exiles' deserved draw allowed their dear friends Lewes to leapfrog Borough into top stop in the Conference South.

County unquestionably deserved the point and can take heart from the fact that they forced the hosts to fire a blank at home for the first time this season.

Indeed, the Blue Square South table now makes very interesting reading for even the most sceptical County fan.

The Exiles remain in third spot, six points behind Eastbourne and seven behind Lewes, but that really only tells half the story.

The Exiles have now played ALL of the other teams in the top eight of the league and they have played all of them AWAY from home.

SWA

Nov-29

LLANELLI reached the last four of the Loosemores League Cup with a 2-0 home win over Welshpool Town at Stebonheath Park, which survived a late afternoon pitch inspection.

The Reds will now meet Aberystwyth Town in the semi-finals over two legs, with North Wales coast arch-rivals Bangor City and Rhyl clashing in the other tie.

Welshpool boss Tomi Morgan, now 50, was forced to name himself on the bench with strikers Aden Shannon and Ross Jefferies unavailable, with 17-year-old youngster Chris Webster in defence, but his makeshift side only fell behind on 57 minutes to a goal from former Swansea City and Wales Under-21 striker Mark Pritchard.

The tie was still on a knife edge until three minutes from time, when sub Sam Small scored within five minutes of coming off the bench.

UWP

Nov-29

The two North Wales Coast rivals met twice in the Group Stage of this competition, with Rhyl winning the first match at Farrar Road courtesy of a Second-Half Lee Hunt goal, but the sides' drew at Belle Vue, when Rhyl 'keeper Lee Kendall dramatically scored in injury time to level the scores up after Lee Webber had put the Citizens ahead in the opening minute.

Bangor should go into the tie with the psychological edge though, as they won the last encounter between the two on Saturday with a 2-1 triumph at Belle Vue courtesy of a Mark Limbert penalty and Christian Seargeant strike. The Citizens enjoyed an excellent victory last night in the Quarter Final becoming the first side to win at TNS's Park Hall Stadium, but their boss Nev Powell will only be too aware that it doesn't get any easier.

The other tie will see Aberystwyth Town face Llanelli, with the First Leg to be played at Park Avenue.

OWP

Nov-29

Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland have agreed "in principle" to play a series of three biennial tournaments, starting in 2009.

Toshack would rather use those dates to play friendly matches against teams of a style Wales will face in World Cup and European Championship qualifiers.

"My feelings are mixed. It wouldn't be my preference but at the same time I can understand it," Toshack said.

Wales have been drawn in a qualifying group containing Germany, Russia, Finland, Azerbaijan and Liechtenstein for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Football Association of Wales general secretary David Collins has put his signature to the proposal, but Toshack says he is not 100% convinced that is the best preparation for Wales's World Cup campaign.

"In the major tournaments - European Championship and World Cup qualifiers - we can get drawn in the same group as the Irish or the Scots," Toshack added.

"It hasn't happened this time, so normally you look to play opposition in friendly games similar to the type of opposition you will face in the competitive games.

"That's what I've always tried to do but if the authorities, having looked at everything, feel that these friendly games would be positive, then off we go, I don't mind that too much.

"Travel-wise there's not too much problem, whether or not the public would go for it is another thing."

BBC

Nov-29

CONALL MURTAGH admits be found it difficult coming to terms with a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

The Northern Irishman makes his return from a badly torn thigh when he lines up for Wrexham reserves against Morecambe at Christie Park tonight.

A summer signing from Welsh Premier League outfit Rhyl, midfielder Murtagh has been sidelined for nearly three months after picking up the injury in training.

Murtagh admits it is the worst injury of his career but the 22-year-old never let his head drop and now appreciates every day he spends on the training ground at Colliers Park.

"It was a nasty injury, the worst I have ever had. I tore a thigh muscle, and it was a bad tear," said Murtagh today. "I did it the week after the Aston Villa game in training and it has been really frustrating being injured and stuck in the gym.

"It is new to me, and hard to get used to. I have had a few niggles in my time but nothing as serious as this. It has set me back a bit but that is part and parcel of football.

"It seems I have been out for ever. But you have to stay positive and work hard to build yourself up to fitness again.

"And you appreciate it more being back on the training ground and I am buzzing every day."

Murtagh admits it has been a long rehabilitation process but having made a full recovery, he is now focussed on building up match fitness levels.

SWA

Nov-28

Angel Rangel's strike gave the Swans a 1-0 win over Hartlepool on Tuesday to take them above Leyton Orient at the top of the table on goal difference.

"Our performance really deserved a win and the boys really deserve to sit on top of the league," said Martinez.

"We kept our concentration and kept doing the right things. I thought some of the passing and movement in the first half was outstanding."

He added: "With a bit more confidence - which a better home record would give us - we would have got the reward of goals and that would have made it a bit easier.

"But overall the performance was very pleasing. It was a fantastic advert for League One football."

BBC

Nov-28

The full-back, 18, had been struggling for a place at Ninian Park before impressing in Wales' draws with the Republic of Ireland and Germany.

He then returned to the Bluebirds side for Saturday's vital win over Ipswich and Monday's 0-0 draw at Leicester.

"It's been unbelievable, I didn't expect to play for Wales then to get back for Cardiff was superb," he said.

"I've played more in the last nine days than in a while, but I've enjoyed it - putting in good performances and staying unbeaten helps that.

"I feel that I've done quite well and the clean sheets for Cardiff have made a huge difference.

"We've made ourselves hard to beat, and picking up those points are vital when you look at where we are in the league table.

"There's something for us to build on now, to kick-start our season."

BBC

Nov-27

An agreement signed on Monday commits the countries to arranging the tournaments on a league basis.

Home and away games will be rotated from one tournament to the next with each team playing three matches in each of the competitions.

England have not ruled themselves out of the competition.

It had been widely assumed that England would not participate, with the Football Association looking to generate greater income from summer tours and lucrative friendlies.

The FA had been planning on the basis of England qualifying for the finals of Euro 2008 in Austria and Switzerland - and the spokesman added: "There is no Plan B for next summer at the moment. Everything is up in the air."

England's defeat by Croatia, following the failures of Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, triggered calls for the sides to face each other in 2008.

But the FA is unlikely to make any decision on its plans for next summer until their delegation, including chief executive Brian Barwick, returns from South Africa at the end of the week following the draw for the 2010 World Cup qualifiers.

BBC

Nov-27

“I never, ever thought it would come to this,” said Cole.

“I could never imagine walking away. I thought they would have to carry me out in a box.

“It’s been 17 years in all including working with the club as part of the supporters organisation,” said Cole.

“I have been officially linked to the football club since 1996.

“We had all been assured the budget would not be reviewed until after Christmas.

“Barry Town is my local club and I would love to think I will go back one day. A number of people have asked me to reconsider, but I thought long and hard before stepping down.”

Barry-born Cole had previously held roles as chairman, secretary and treasurer of the supporters club at the Dragons.

Manager Gavin Chesterfield has time to organise his playing squad and early signs suggest everybody will stick with the club.

Players cannot leave anyway until the transfer window opens in January, which gives Chesterfield time to work on the situation.

ICW

Nov-27

Ellacott takes over from Mark Evans, who has moved to take over a similar post with Haverfordwest County, working alongside manager Derek Brazil in the Principality Welsh Premier League.

Midfield player Andrew Hughes takes over as Ton Pentre captain from Ellacott.

ICW

Nov-27

The Bluebirds chairman spoke in the wake of the 0-0 draw with Leicester City last night, a result that followed up the 1-0 win against Ipswich at Ninian Park on Saturday.

Some sections of supporters are still unconvinced that Jones should remain in the job – but Ridsdale’s message was unequivocal.

“I hope that puts the nonsense about changing manager to bed for once and for all,” he said.

“Let’s concentrate on moving forward from this point and earning as many points as possible.

“I’m delighted for Dave Jones.

“It was suggested he has lost the dressing room, but anybody who watched the match at Leicester City will know that is simply not the case.

“Every player is 100 per cent behind their manager – and the Sky television coverage showed that nationwide.

“This is a very tight league and anyone who goes on a run can get in the top six.

“We just have to make sure we are looking upwards not downwards.”

Meanwhile, Jones declared himself satisfied with events at the Walkers Stadium.

“A point here is a good point to take and it makes four points from two games,” he added.

ICW

Nov-27

The Exiles travel with confidence, having won five and drawn one of their last six league and cup matches.

The latest victory was a 2-1 victory at Windsor and Eton in the FA Trophy, thanks to goals from Craig Hughes and Jermaine Clarke.

It was a big day for 6ft 3ins Clarke, who netted Newport’s late winner on his club debut.

Newport County: (from) T Pennock, S Jenkins, D Searle, A Evans, L Jarman, I Hillier, J Bowen, L Fowler, J Alsop, C Hughes, R Evans, M Dodds, N Davies, S Brewer, J Clarke, G Thompson.

ICW

Nov-27

Coming from behind after Ronnie Mowatt had headed home from a corner at the far post on 18 minutes, Merthyr were level 13 minutes before the break after Craig Stiens stole away at the far post to finish off a Jamie Rewbury free-kick with a looping header.

Stiens went close to giving Merthyr the lead on 72 minutes, only for Jack Allward to head away from under the bar as Merthyr captain Andrew Thomas was ready to pounce.

And Gareth Warton was also denied by a goal-line clearance four minutes later, this time Neil Arndale clearing the central defender’s pin- point header.

But in the final minute of the game Merthyr could have easily surrendered the point they had when Alan Griffin failed to convert a close-range header.

Shephard said: “We have to look forward now, and the Kings Lynn trip will be difficult. But we then have five home games in December and have to make those count.”

ICW

Nov-27

The formidable marksman was sent off in the 74th minute of the joyless League game at Belle Vue and so misses this re-arranged clash at Cae Bob Parry.

The teams were to have met last week but a waterlogged ground meant a postponement. But Rhyl, having seen their hopes of a prolonged run shattered by Nev Powell’s men, have been warned not to take Llangefni lightly.

“They have picked up since we beat them 3-0 in the league and will be battling for each other knowing that there is no second chance in this competition from now on,” said Rhyl’s assistant manager Paul Rowlands.

“This is a trophy well worth winning and we must apply ourselves in a thoroughly professional way if we are to go through.”

He added: “In a knockout game like this, league positions mean nothing. We have to go there and do a job.”

Chris Roberts seems sure to be found a place now that he’s back and despite missing Hunt, Rowlands says they still have plenty of cover available up front.

Llangefni Town, unfazed about their 100% cup record of wins in all seven ties, expect to be up against it tonight, writes Keith Evans.

“Rhyl have shown us what they can do already, winning 3-0 here in the league in September – and they are a big club after all”, said Town’s manager Adie Jones.

ICW

Nov-27

Roberto Martinez is promising to settle all 12 of his out-of-contract players' futures long before the season finishes. Kevin Austin, Kris O'Leary, Alan Tate, Tom Butler, Garry Monk, Owain Tudur Jones, Andy Robinson, Shaun MacDonald, Dennis Lawrence, Angel Rangel, Guillem Bauza and Steve Watt all see their current agreements expire next summer.

But Martinez, who criticised Swansea for allowing eight players' deals to expire at the end of last term, insists he will find time to for each individual long before May.

"We cannot allow what happened last season to happen again because it's not healthy to have players out of contract at the end of the season," said the Swansea boss.

EP

Nov-26

The Lilywhites have been rewarded with the highest ranked side in the competition following their win over Haverfordwest County in the previous Round. The Capital's Bluebirds, who tend to field a team made up of mainly Youth and Squad players, will not welcome a visit to the humble surroundings of Maesydre and it will be a special evening for former Cardiff City player Terry Boyle, who is the Assistant Manager of the Lilywhites.

In the only tie not to involve a Principality Welsh Premier League side, Newport County, beaten Finalists last year, will host Roberto Martinez's League One side Swansea City and the winners of those two fixtures will meet in the semi-final, at either the Liberty or the Newport Stadium, after being placed in the same half of the draw.

The other last-four meeting will see Llanelli or Wrexham at home to Carmarthen Town or Champions, The New Saints, which are the two other Quarter Finals. Llanelli will certainly fancy an upset at Stebonheath against Brian Little's struggling side Wrexham, which could prove to be the shock of the Round.

FAW Premier Cup Quarter-Final Draw

Carmarthen Town v The New Saints
Llanelli v Wrexham
Welshpool v Cardiff City
Newport County v Swansea City

OWP

Nov-26

“The first half was one of the best 45 minutes any team of mine has produced,” he said.

“It could have been six or seven by half-time as we were absolutely superb, but, fair play to Haverfordwest, they never stopped running and made it difficult for us in the second half.”

The champions were three up by the midpoint, Carl Lamb netting twice and John Leah posting the third.

Jamie Wood, Scott Ruscoe and Steve Beck were all thwarted by the woodwork before John Toner’s 89th-minute tap-in sealed a display worthy of a side in pursuit of their fourth successive title.

ICW

Nov-26

Wales were thrown in with Germany, Russia, Finland, Azerbaijan and Liechtenstein at the qualifying draw in Durban yesterday.

And Toshack was upbeat, despite the presence again of the Germans.

“Hopefully 10 months down the line our youngsters will have come on,” he said.

“We are very young side – five players in Germany last week were under 21 – even with Gareth Bale being injured – and the night before we beat France 4-2 in a competitive under-21 game,” he added.

“As much as you respect all the teams, maybe we can push the Russians and the Finns hard and go all out for that second spot.

“I think the important thing for us is to have our big players available for the big games, because we need them as we don’t have a large pool to choose from.”

Wales’ World Cup qualifying campaign will begin in September 2008.

ICW

Nov-26

The former Liverpool and England striker missed the 1-0 win against Ipswich Town and is again ruled out against Leicester City tonight.

“Robbie had 28 needles stuck in him during the course of injections to help free up his hip,” said manager Dave Jones.

“The injections have been a success, but he’s feeling sore.

“Robbie has been training to battle through it. He knows he has not been doing himself or the team justice.

“The lad wants to play. He is desperate to get going again and hopefully that will be by next weekend.”

Trevor Sinclair, who has fluid on a knee, will be training again by the end of this week – probably Thursday – and could be in contention at Hull City.

Kevin Cooper is back with Cardiff City after the end of his loan spell with Tranmere Rovers, while striker Matt Green is on the move again.

He has completed a month’s loan at Darlington and has now signed for Oxford United for a month.

Cardiff also have striker Warren Feeney on loan at Swansea City until January.

ICW

Nov-26

Two Michael Proctor goals rescued a point for Wrexham, but they remain bottom of the League Two table.

But Little, taking charge of Wrexham for the first time, was pleased with his side's 2-2 draw.

"Our aim is to maintain our league status and that is going to be difficult, but we are moving in the right direction," said Little.

"I think the most important thing was to come through the game with some points and we've done that," he added.

"I guess there were times out there were it looked like we might lose.

"To concede just before half-time was really gutting for our players but we worked hard and got our reward and I'm pleased that we didn't lose the game."

Wrexham came from behind twice and Little is convinced that his side can pull away from trouble, but knows it is not going to be an easy challenge.

He said: "This is just a tiny, tiny step in the right direction and we have a lot of hard work ahead.

"Our commitment and effort is fine but the most important thing is we don't get carried away because it was a good performance but not a great performance and we have to do better than that.

"We have some good players in this squad and the response from the squad was what I wanted.

"I'm pleased we got some goals today but the two we conceded were bad ones, but we created chances and that pleased me."

BBC

Nov-26

Roberto Martinez has backed Andy Robinson to return to his best after he helped Swansea City to their sixth away win of the season at Tranmere Rovers. Robinson continued to haunt his hometown club as his deflected cross - which will go down as a Steve Jennings own goal - ensured all three points headed back to South Wales after a hard-earned win.

The midfielder had endured a frustrating afternoon at Prenton Park but just as it looked as though a goalless draw was on the cards, up he popped to set up the winner.

The Birkenhead product had come back into the side for the sidelined Tim Butler, and his place in the team reaped dividends.

EP

Nov-25

Although it was a resolute performance by hosts Airbus UK, four points from the last 21 on offer is something that will be preying on the mind of manager Gareth Owen.

At least he can take heart from the performance of his side who, on their day, would have had this game sewn up by half-time.

As early as the third minute Darren Wright forced keeper Ryan Harrison into making a textbook save.

Owen himself shaved the upright and Paul Hallows went agonisingly close but as the half progressed the visitors improved.

Chris Holloway volleyed just over the bar and, from a Craig Jones cross, Rhys Griffiths saw his effort denied.

It was a ‘nip and tuck’ second half and even the neutrals would have argued that honours shared would have been a fair outcome – but with 94 minutes on the clock, a wind-assisted corner was forced home by Griffiths.

WOS

Nov-25

Although the Lilywhites dominated the second half, the 73rd- minute dismissal of former City striker Lee Hunt all but ended their victory hopes.

The visitors took an eighth- minute lead when Ashley Stott was fouled in the box and Marc Limbert put away the resulting penalty.

Rhyl almost equalised when Andy Moran let fly from 25 yards but City keeper Paul Smith produced a great save.

Michael Walsh struck a left-foot effort off target for the visitors, then for the home team Mark Connolly had a powerful attempt blocked.

Against the run of play Bangor extended their lead on 38 minutes when great skill on the edge of the box by Christian Seargeant enabled him to drive into the goal.

The second period saw the hosts apply the majority of the pressure, while City remained a danger on the counter-attack.

Michael White should have done better for the Lilies when he blazed over from six yards after his first shot was thwarted.

Hunt was inches away with an overhead kick from a White cross, then Connolly’s thunderbolt was deflected on to the underside of the bar.

Seconds later the inevitable home goal arrived when Craig Jones’ centre was beautifully headed home by Hunt on 65 minutes.

The prominent Hunt had a shot deflected wide for a corner, but then came the game’s biggest turning point.

Chasing a through-ball, Hunt slid in late on keeper Smith and referee Neil Morgan red-carded the Rhyl hitman, who had already been booked.

With a one-man advantage, Bangor became more of an attacking force and only a stupendous save by Lee Kendall kept out a Les Davies free-kick.

In the final action of the game, Rhyl substitute Chris Sharp was through on goal, but the referee blew for full-time to the delight of the travelling faithful.

WOS

Nov-25

The visitors had a great chance to go in front when they were awarded a disputed penalty for a handling offence on 34 minutes. But keeper Paul Pritchard saved Marcus Orlik’s spot-kick to preserve a clean sheet at the end of a goalless first half.

Busy Nomads looked to be in the driving seat when they finally broke the deadlock on 49 minutes, Craig Jones feeding a great through-ball to Chris Melia, who drove into the bottom corner beyond keeper Richard Harvey.

But resurgent Port refused to yield and were level when Gareth Parry was left unmarked to head home at the near post from Aled Rowland’s cross on 57 minutes.

Carl Owen was wide with only Pritchard to beat, but on 80 minutes match-winner Paul Roberts set off on a dazzling solo run, beating three defenders before hammering a priceless clincher low into the corner.

WOS

Nov-25

Parry struck after 33 minutes, firing a superb effort past former Bluebirds keeper Neil Alexander.

Former Cardiff striker Alan Lee had Ipswich's best chance of the half, hitting the bar after only 16 seconds.

The second half saw Ipswich continue to press and Tommy Miller saw his late shot cleared off the line by Parry.

"We played some good football in the first half and I knew it would be a battle after the break.

"We scored a great goal and with a little more composure may have added another.

"You cannot always play pretty football and today the players learnt how to win ugly."

BBC

Nov-25

The game was a closely fought affair with the better chances falling to the home side, who were initially frustrated by keeper Dorus De Vries.

Calvin Zola, Chris Greenacre, Ian Goodison and Shane Sherriff all then wasted gilt-edged chances for Rovers.

And they paid the price when Steven Jennings was unlucky to turn an Andy Robinson cross into his own net in the 81st minute.

BBC

Nov-25

Llangefni were punished when Andy Davies swung the ball over from the right to Meredith.

The home team had hinted at delivering in the first half when they dominated the midfield exchanges, but they were kept out of the visitors’ box.

Danny Roberts was crowded out on one occasion and Graham Austin went close with a cross-cum-shot from the left, while Chris Jones miskicked at 10 yards’ range.

Another Chris Jones threat in the second period, when he skipped around keeper Andy Mulliner, ended with Colin Reynolds clearing the goal-line, and Cerwyn Roberts directed a distant free-kick straight at the keeper.

Caersws were unlucky when Scott Williams found the home woodwork from 15 yards.

Llangefni could have added another in added time but Geraint Mitchell put a back-pass just around his own post.

WOS

Nov-25

The hugely-respected Roberts, who is a Pro-Licence holder, will add his technical know-how to Long-Serving Manager John Hulse and his two young assistants Paul Rowlands and Gary Powell, in a move which is sure to send shockwaves through the top of the League. Roberts' will begin in his role today, starting with the key derby clash against North Wales Coast rivals Bangor City at Belle Vue.

"This is not something that has come about lightly and I regard it as a big scoop and a very important development," said Hulse to the Daily Post.

"I've been discussing this with club President Peter Parry for some time now and we are both delighted that Osian will be assisting us, as and when his work duties permit," he added.

OWP

Nov-24

Neath boss Andy Dyer brought veteran striker Carl Shaw off the bench in the 65th minute and the strong frontman repaid his Manager's faith, by pulling a goal back fourteen minutes later. In a frantic last ten minutes, the Eagles continued to pressurise the visitors box and in the end it finally paid off as the giant centre-back Bevan was the host's hero.

OWP

Nov-24

As the frost made the pitch slippery underfoot in the Second Half, there were countless passing errors, which made for a free-flowing and end-to end second period, with glorious chances for both sides. Sasha Walters, the outstanding player on the evening, was pulling the strings for the Old Gold midfield and he helped to put Danny Thomas away who finished with aplomb, only to see Assistant Referee Eddie King correctly waving for offside. Rose and the energetic Dylan Blain both got beyond the Town defence shortly after, but Kris Thomas and Liam Hancock both pulled off last ditch tackles to deny the front runners.

The greatest chance though fell for midfielder Liam McCreesh, just moments after Bond entered the fray. The sub picked up the ball in midfield and picked out Rose who crossed to the far post, eluding Bond and falling perfectly for McCreesh who took three touches, only to fire over from two metres - A chance spurned by trying to burst the net instead of picking his spot. The Steelmen continued to push for the winner and Rose was doubly denied by the outstanding Thomas, who pulled off another incredible save from defender Craig Hanford in the dying minutes.

OWP

Nov-24

MAL Camilleri takes his Pontypridd Town team to Maesteg Park today for a crucial MacWhirter Welsh Football League match (2pm).

Ponty have managed only one win so far this season, beating bottom club Garw, but can move above Maesteg Park with a win.

Manager Camilleri is having to rebuild after Pontypridd lost most of their players during the close season and he is doing that through a youth programme.

His young team are making progress and have produced some excellent spells within games, but have so far been unable to find the consistency needed.

“There are positive signs and we still feel Pontypridd Town will be in Division One again next season,” said club official Clive Harry. “The young players are learning all the time.

“Even at this stage of the season, Maesteg Park away is a big match for us.”

Ponty will be without suspended Wayne Antoniazzi, sent off for two bookable offences at Taffs Well last weekend, while captain Matthew Hopkins is doubtful with a groin injury sustained during a 3-1 defeat at Taffs Well.

EP

Nov-24

Last week’s 2-1 home defeat to bottom club Porthmadog was a severe blow to the Reds, who find themselves tailing champions the New Saints for the first time this season.

“We gave away two bad goals and the defeat was extremely disappointing,” said Llanelli boss Peter Nicholas.

“We now have to pick ourselves up, dust ourselves down and get back to winning ways.”

Nicholas is boosted by the return of goalkeeper Ryan Harrison (suspension) and Stuart Jones (injury), but Craig Williams remains sidelined.

The Wingmakers won for the first time in eight matches last week, collecting a much-needed 3-1 win over Haverfordwest, but they will be without suspended front-runner James McIntosh.

ICW

Nov-24

Breaking his long silence ahead of today’s crunch clash with Ipswich at Ninian Park, Jones revealed he received private backing from chairman Peter Ridsdale straight after the final whistle at The Valley.

It took three days for Ridsdale and the City board to announce publicly they were backing the under-fire Jones, leading to intense speculation that the manager was on his way out of Ninian Park.

But Jones said he knew all along his job was safe.

“I spoke to Peter immediately after the Charlton game and he backed me. He wasn’t happy, but then no one was,” said Jones.

“I spoke to him on the Sunday as well and the Monday. I believe everyone is 100 per cent behind me, all the board members I spoke to are.

“Perhaps the news was released to you lot three days later, so maybe you were a bit upset that you got it three days later. But I got the news straight after the match.

“I was pleased the board came out and backed me, whether that be after one day, three days or seven days.

ICW

Nov-24

Little makes his bow as Dragons manager against bitter rivals Chester at the Racecourse tomorrow – and he has warned his players to shape up or ship out.

“I have dealt in the transfer market as much as most people over the years and I genuinely think that there might well be a change or two come January,” he said.

“Everybody will be given an opportunity to show what they can do, but it’s important as a manger to change things around so you have it the way you want it to be.

“That’s something I will probably do in a month or two’s time.”

Little is hoping Wrexham’s senior players can guide them out of trouble in League Two – beginning in tomorrow’s High Noon shoot-out against Chester visitors pushing for promotion in sixth position.

He believes month-long loan signing Sam Aiston, who joined the club from Northampton on Thursday, has the potential to be a key figure in a Racecourse revival.

The 32-year-old midfielder played under Little between 2005 and 2006 during the manager’s spell with his last club Tranmere.

Little added, “We’re in a difficult position and it’s hard to expect youngsters to really get it together for you quickly.

ICW

Nov-23

Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland will announce their participation in a new competition, called the Celtic Cup.

The quartet would play fixtures in February and March with the conclusion to the competition coming in May.

England have about a week to come to an agreement if they wish to take part.

An FA spokesman said: "We have no firm plans in place at this stage and there have been no discussions over a Home International tournament."

The Celtic Cup remains subject to confirmation but it is likely to be played every two years.

The competition would have a similar format to the old Home Championship which was staged every year until 1984.

Matches between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland were eventually scrapped because of increasing fixture congestion.

BBC

Nov-23

www.newport-county.co.uk

Nov-23

Top five clubs Prestatyn Town, Bala Town, Llandudno Town, Flint Town United and Gap Queens Park have all applied for elevation to the top flight, as well as eighth-placed Holyhead Hotspur and struggling Penrhyncoch.

League secretary John Deakin said: “It’s pleasing to see so many clubs are keen to get into the league from the North.

“We’re just awaiting nominations from the South now, and then we’ll be visiting all the clubs in January.

“We need to sort out the facilities in the league,” he added. “There’s got to be some sort of investment in the facilities because of the European situation – if there’s no investment it’s going to compromise our clubs’ position in Europe, so as far as I’m concerned that’s something we really need to address.”

DP

Nov-23

EP

Nov-23

Llanelli will be chasing champions The New Saints for the first team this season when they visit lowly Airbus UK tomorrow. Last week's shock 2-1 home defeat to Porthmadog, coupled with The New Saints' 6-0 hammering of Newtown, means that Ken McKenna's team have reached the summit despite a wretched start to the campaign.

The Reds trail them by two points and cannot afford to slip up at Broughton, although the Wingmakers' 3-1 victory over Haverfordwest last week - their first in eight matches - is a warning sign for Peter Nicholas's side.

Llanelli have a perfect record of 18 points from six matches on the road and a repeat of last season's 4-1 success over Airbus would restore supporters' faith that the title dream can still become a reality.

EP

Nov-23

The Black and Greens travel in confident mood after a run of creditable results, including their 3-1 home success over tonight’s opponents in the Welsh Cup three weeks ago.

Manager Brian Coyne believes his side are in good shape after last weekend’s 3-0 home victory over another of the league newcomers, Llangefni, which lifted his side to sixth in the table.

”I thought it was a really solid performance,” he said. “We had to work hard for it as Llangefni never stopped for the 90 minutes and showed a lot of spirit.”

“Results are hard to come by away from home, but we can go there full of confidence,” he added. “We need to keep our run going.”

Aber are likely to keep the same side that was on duty last Sunday, with Gareth Hughes still out with a hairline fracture of his ankle while fellow midfielder Gavin Cadwallader is set for a scan on his knee cartilage problem.

Glyndwr Hughes is also missing with knee ligament problems, but could be given a run-out for the reserves.

DP

Nov-23

Aiston, who started his career with Newcastle United before spells at Sunderland, Chester, Shrewsbury, Tranmere and Northampton, was Wrexham’s only signing yesterday as the loan window closed.

“I hope so,” Little said when pressed on the idea of a permanent move for Aiston. “That’s something we’ve looked at. I have spoken to Sam about it, but in football there are no guarantees.”

Ironically, Aiston’s first game could come against his former club Chester on Sunday, in what will also be Little’s first taste of football since becoming the Dragons new boss.

And Little was delighted at bringing Aiston to the club to add more experience to the side.

“He can play in several different positions and he has come here with a lot of experience,” said the Dragons boss, who took over from Brian Carey last week.

“He is a player I know a lot about and like I said he can play in a number of different positions across the field, and that is a huge plus point for us.

“Sam can fill a role on the right or the left and it is very important to have versatile guys like him.”

DP

Nov-23

Former Bangor City captain Owain Tudur Jones was in line for his Wales debut until an ankle injury ruled him out of the Euro 2008 qualifying double header against the Republic of Ireland and Germany.

The blow was another setback for the Swansea City midfielder, who was called up to Toshack’s squad soon after joining the League One side in 2005 but then picked up a knee injury which ruled him out of most of last season.

An ankle injury sustained while training with the Swans meant he did not make the bench for either of Wales’ last two qualifiers, but Jones is determined to force his way into the Wales side.

And the 23-year-old, who also played for Porthmadog, is confident the national side will start making an impact on world football.

“If I can get myself right, looking at what John Toshack’s been doing with the national squad, there’s definitely an opportunity there.

“I need to try and grasp that and make sure in the future I’m not just a Swansea City player playing hopefully in the Championship, but also a Wales player.

“We’ve got to wait now for the draw to be made at the weekend for the World Cup, but we’ll probably be the fifth seeds again and there’s a very good chance it’ll be another tough group.

“But the under-21s have had a good week as well and I’m sure they’ll be a few more players pushing on into the senior squad.

“I think if we can get a club feel to the squad, we’ve got a good chance of causing a few upsets like Northern Ireland and Scotland have done recently.”

DP

Nov-22

Little is ready for Wrexham's derby against Chester

FS

Nov-22

Martinez: Time for change

Roberto Martinez has warned his players he is not afraid to chop and change selection ahead of Saturday's trip to Tranmere. The Swansea City boss, who last month claimed he has a better squad than most Championship managers, made the point in the build-up to the visit to Prenton Park.

Martinez, whose approachable and honest attitude has made him a big hit with supporters, is often seen as Mr Nice Guy, but he will show his mean streak if needed as he looks to make up for last Friday's home defeat to Huddersfield.

Although he is not the type to threaten a wield-the-axe approach, he has warned that the whole squad needs to be ready for the Tranmere test.

EP

Nov-22

Proud Toshack hails Wales' draw

"I thought the longer the game went on, I could see us getting a result. It was hard work of course but I thought they did very, very well," said Toshack.

"I'm proud of them. You're going to be put under pressure in places like this because Germany are a top side.

"But considering the players we were missing, I thought they did well and I'm pleased for all of them."

Toshack's side created few clear-cut opportunities in Frankfurt, but they managed to repel Germany's attacks without too many problems as Danny Gabbidon and James Collins produced outstanding displays.

Despite claiming an unlikely point, Wales dropped a place to finish in fifth place in Euro 2008 qualifying Group 10 after Slovakia leaped over them by beating San Marino.

"We've lost a lot of key players along the way, a lot of younger ones came in over the campaign," Toshack added.

"We had four poor performances - Cyprus away, Republic of Ireland away, Germany home and Slovakia home.

"But we had eight performances we can be pleased with. Eight out of 12 is 66% and that's a pass."

BBC

Nov-22

Hartson turns down Chester

City enquired about signing the 32-year-old, who has netted over 200 career goals and commanded combined transfer fees of around £20million, on loan from Championship side West Brom with a view to a permanent deal in January.

However, Hartson, who has yet to feature for the Baggies this season and played four times on loan at Norwich, is not prepared to make the drop down the divisions to join Bobby Williamson’s ambitious side.

Chester chief executive Bob Gray told the Wrexham and Flintshire Evening Leader: "West Bromwich Albion had agreed to John Hartson joining us on loan with a view to us signing him permanently in the January transfer window, but the player won’t drop down to play in League Two.

"John Hartson feels that he needs to play at a higher level, but he was pleased to hear of Chester’s interest and he spoke to our manager, Bobby Williamson, who is a good friend of Hartson. Bobby Williamson is still attempting to entice Hartson to Chester.

"The move underlines the ambition of our chairman, Stephen Vaughan, and the directors at Chester City Football Club."

ICW

Nov-22

Youngsters give County a major boost to morale

They travel to play Windsor and Eton in the FA Trophy third qualifying round on Saturday before visiting Eastbourne for a Blue Square Conference South match next Tuesday.

Newport's latest victory came in a Setanta Shield second round tie at home to Bath City.

The reward for Newport’s youthful team is a third round tie at Hampton and Richmond, a match which has to be completed by early December

“The future’s bright, the future’s amber,” said Newport manager Peter Beadle.

“This performance was a massive plus for our academy system. They’ve proved they can do it and now they must maintain that standard.”

Phil Walsh fired Bath City ahead at Newport Stadium, while Richard Evans equalised on 52 minutes after good work by James Simpson. Ian Hillier put Newport in front, but Bath hit back to level the score when Jason Wood netted.

It was 16-year-old substitute Luke Prosser who headed Newport’s winner from a Shane Brewer cross.

Setanta Shield third round draw – North: Kettering Town v Hinckley United, Nuneaton Borough v Telford United, Southport v Barrow, Tamworth v Harrogate Town.

South: St Albans or Braintree Town (playing tonight) v Thurrock, Eastbourne Borough v Lewes, Bromley v Welling United, Hampton & Richmond Borough v Newport County.

ICW

Nov-22

Irish striker Byrne, who fired Cardiff’s winner at Wolves last season, is now completely out of the first team picture.

He has Robbie Fowler, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Steve Thompson, Steve MacLean and Paul Parry ahead of him in the chase for starting places.

Now Byrne, who hopes to go out on loan during the January transfer window, with Scottish clubs keen, has suffered a hamstring injury.

Cardiff City included first team squad players Byrne, Matt Green and goalkeeper David Forde in a young reserve team against Swansea, who scored three goals in the last half an hour to win 3-0.

ICW

Nov-22

The Bluebirds manager has brushed aside all requests for media interviews this week as he prepares for two of the biggest Coca-Cola Championship matches in his managerial career.

Jones simply must win at least one of the next two games – at home to Ipswich Town on Saturday (noon kick-off) and then Leicester City away on Monday evening, a match being shown live on Sky television.

Chairman Peter Ridsdale has made it clear he will take action and axe Jones if City fail against Ipswich, who won 6-0 against Bristol City in their last match, and Leicester City, who currently have former Cardiff manager Frank Burrows as caretaker-manager.

Ipswich haven’t managed an away win in eight Championship trips this season – although they have a 100 per cent record at their Portman Road stadium – while Leicester have managed only two wins at home in eight games at the Walkers Stadium.

The key for Jones and his coaching team, who have worked hard in training at the Vale of Glamorgan with those players who are not on international duty, is to get his selection right and find extra pace and creativity

ICW

Nov-21

Brace: We must steel ourselves

Carmarthen Town manager Deryn Brace is prepared for a tough challenge when resurgent Port Talbot Town visit Richmond Park on Friday night.

The Steelmen appear to have found form, winning their last two games under the guidance of caretaker boss Paul Reid and travel west with newly-appointed manager Nicky Tucker taking charge for the first time.

Tony Pennock dramatically quit Port Talbot when the Steelmen last visited Richmond Park in a 2-1 FAW Premier Cup defeat at the beginning of the month.

CJ

Nov-21

Toshack to give young guns a chance

A chance to finish second in the group will mean an easier passage into the quarter finals of Euro 2008 so we are told and the Germans are being tipped to ease off the accelerator. It won't matter if they do!

Travelling to Germany in their final contest of Group D was always going to be an uphill battle but it's a climb up Mount Everest for Wales now.

Bereft of so many starting players that name tags might be necessary in the dressing room, most are fearing the worst for Wales tonight.

But if inspiration were needed it can be found in the under 21s who were heroic in the extreme last night in beating the French.

Toshack was absolutely right to call for two big performances ahead of the Ireland game and to speculate that third place in Group D was very much up for grabs.

Realistically that is already out of the window, fifth or even sixth are likely for Wales now and what we all want to see tonight is a spirited and brave performance from one of the youngest Wales teams ever.

SWA

Nov-21

Saints head cup clashes

Taking centre stage next week will be the clash between Welsh Premier League champions The New Saints and revitalised Bangor.

Bangor recently put seven goals past Connah’s Quay Nomads and are firing on all cyliders at the moment so the clash at Oswestry could well be a classic.

Llangefni have found the going tough in the league, but some stunning Loosemores Cup performances put them into the last eight and they have a plum draw against Rhyl on Anglesey which will create plenty of interest.

League leaders Llanelli entertain Welshpool and Carmarthen play Aberystwyth in the other ties.

All four games are scheduled for next week.

ICW

Nov-21

Chester reveal Hartson interest

The 32-year-old former Wales international has recently been loaned to Championship rivals Norwich City.

Chester chairman Stephen Vaughan told his club's website that they are still waiting for a response.

"We have approached West Brom, with a view to taking Hartson on loan and then making the move permanent."

BBC

Nov-21

Wales come from behind to beat France

Evans put Wales ahead just before the break with a glorious show of skill, but France led after 76 minutes through Yoann Gourcuff and Dimitri Payet.

Wales soon hit back with two goals in three minutes from an Evans penalty and a Mark Bradley tap in.

Evans then completed his hat-trick in injury time with another penalty.

The victory, possibly Wales' greatest at this level, takes Brian Flynn's side to within a point of group pace setters France and Romania, and with a game in hand.

BBC

Nov-21

Cardiff chief backs manager Jones

The Bluebirds are currently on a six-game losing streak and are only out of the Championship relegation zone due to goal difference.

"I always take the view with any member of staff that if you hadn't got them, would you hire them?" Ridsdale said.

"And if we had a vacancy today and Dave Jones was available, I'd hire him."

Cardiff are back in action this Saturday after the international break, with a midday kick-off against high-flying Ipswich.

But Ridsdale has backed Jones to turn things around on the pitch, saying the former Wolves and Southampton boss has done well on a shoe-string budget.

"He's a very good manager, everybody forgets that," Ridsdale added.

"In the Championship there's no money around and Dave's had to sell £14m worth of players in two seasons, but he's got on with the job and hasn't moaned.

"You cannot keep firing managers left, right and centre - you've got to give them time to sort things out."

BBC

Nov-21

Rhyl can take nothing for granted

“We played some terrific stuff against a confident Caersws side that had just won 3-1 at Carmarthen Town and with a bit more luck we could have scored five more,” he recalled.

“I was disappointed at the way we conceded a sloppy second goal but now we face another challenge and we will need to be just as focused at Llangefni as we were at Caersws.”

Rhyl will again be without injured quartet James Brewerton, Jimmy Kelly, Craig Garside and keeper John Gann as well as Chris Roberts who completes his three-match ban. Better news is the return from his ban of Gaz Wilson but Hulse will take nothing for granted.

DP

Nov-21

Martinez: Duffy will get it right

Loan-curse victim Darryl Duffy has been backed to rediscover his scoring touch after finding the net just once this term. The summer arrival from Championship side Hull has failed to find the form that saw him notch five league goals from eight games during last season's loan stint at the Liberty Stadium.

With just one strike this term - against Carlisle more than two months ago - the Scot is struggling to find the scoring touch that forced Swansea to splash out £200,000 on the former Rangers striker.

But despite his scoring predicament, Duffy has been backed by manager Roberto Martinez, who insists the goals will come.

EP

Nov-20

Little has place buzzing already

Little was officially unveiled as the new Wrexham manager on Thursday to take over from the deposed Brian Carey, and has been charged with the task of leading the club away from the Football League basement.

And goalkeeper Anthony Williams believes Wrexham have the right man for the job.

“I think it is a really good step for the club,” said the Dragons stopper. “I think everything needed freshening up a little bit.

“He took training on Friday and he brought a few new ideas and a new enthusiasm with him and training seemed very good. He has got a lot of experience at all levels of football.

“I think it was at the stage where it needed a fresh face to come in, someone from the outside. And from a personal point of view I think he will take us in the right direction.”

While Friday was the first training session taken by Little, he was introduced to the players the day before, where he was a keen observer.

And he also made a brief speech to the players before being whisked off to meet a waiting Press.

Williams said: “He seems very approachable, and a really genuine guy. From what I gather he hasn’t got any enemies in the game, and he seems like someone you can go to with a problem.”

DP

Nov-20

Gunter now hopes for place in City team

The 18-year-old was excellent at left-back in the 2-2 draw with Republic of Ireland at the Millennium Stadium.

“I just hope I can build on that performance for both club and country,” said Gunter.

“It just sends a little message in a nice way that I’m ready to perform for my club and country.”

So far this season the City full-back spots have mostly belonged to Tony Capaldi and Kevin McNaughton. But boss Dave Jones will this week come under huge pressure to make changes.

ICW

Nov-20

Dinas draw local rivals Ely

Bridgend Town travel to Goytre United in the MacWhirter Welsh League competition, while Ammanford are at home to Tredegar Town.

Taffs Well heaped more misery on Pontypridd Town in the only league match played last weekend. Simon Oyler, Chris Matthews and an own goal earned Taffs Well a 3-1 win against strugglers Ponty.

There are two Welsh League matches scheduled for next Friday evening.

Afan Lido are at home to Goytre United in Division One (7.30pm), while in the Second Division Briton Ferry entertain Ely Rangers (7.30pm).

Nathaniel Car Sales League Cup (Saturday, December 8, 1.30pm): Ammanford v Tredegar Town, Bryntirion Athletic v Merthyr Saints, Caerleon v Pontardawe Town, Cardiff Corinthians v Croesyceiliog, Dinas Powys v Ely Rangers, ENTO Aberaman Ath v Llanwern, Goytre United v Bridgend, West End v Newport YMCA.

ICW

Nov-20

Wales youth policy to bear fruit

Stricken by injuries, illness and suspensions, Wales boss John Toshack has taken a squad of raw novices to Frankfurt.

And Evans explained: "The policy has been to keep blooding youngsters and we cannot stop now.

"We have lost Carl Robinson and Jason Koumas to injury and a one-match ban, and we were already without Craig Bellamy and Gareth Bale ahead of the draw on Saturday with the Republic of Ireland.

"But we have a lot of youngsters in the team now, which was somewhat different to when we took over.

"The only way forward is to try to nurture the youngsters, playing alongside a smattering of good professionals with experience. We have some of that, but not enough.

"But come the next campaign at least the kids will have had a feeling of international football and for them to get the experience we have to go to places like Germany and ask them to perform.

ICW

Nov-20

Motors switch for Druid

NLD

Nov-20

Liberty form troubling Martinez

"We want to be a strong side at home, as we have proved to be away," Martinez told BBC Sport Wales.

"The boys have got too much quality and character to worry about the issue, but we have to look at it and improve.

"We don't believe we deserved to lose against Huddersfield, but the performance wasn't good enough to win."

Swansea have now only scored six goals in their seven home league games and have only won twice.

Martinez was annoyed at the controversial decision to disallow a late Garry Monk headed equaliser against Huddersfield because of a push.

"I've watched it a few times and there was nothing wrong with the goal," said the Spaniard.

"If there was any contact then it was minimal, they were going shoulder to shoulder.

"Decisions are not going our way, but I want us to be above that."

BBC

Nov-19

Nick Tucker appointed as Manager

Nicky Tucker has been appointed as the new Manager of Principality Welsh Premier League side, Port Talbot Town Football Club. The former Llanelli and Dinas Powys manager watched on from the stand on Sunday as his new side defeated Connah’s Quay Nomads 2-1 and will take charge of the side for the first time this Friday at Carmarthen.

“We are delighted to have brought in an experienced and ambitious manager in Nicky Tucker”, said Chairman Andrew Edwards. “Nicky has a great deal of experience in the Welsh Premier League and Welsh League scene and believe that we can progress as a club under his guidance”.

Tucker will be assisted by current coach Paul Reid who enjoyed two victories from his two games as caretaker manager following the resignation of Tony Pennock a fortnight ago.

“I am delighted to be returning to the Principality Welsh Premier League at such an ambitious and progressive club”, said Tucker. “I want to bring success to Port Talbot Town Football Club and realise the ambitions and potential that it has. There is no reason why we should not be pushing for European competition and I am very excited about this opportunity”.

Press Release from Port Talbot Town FC

Nov-19

Reid ends spell in charge with another win

CARETAKER manager Paul Reid ended his two-match spell in charge of Port Talbot with a 100 per cent record, the winner coming a minute from time.

Today, Reid steps down as chairman Andrew Edwards announces the new appointment, although he is expected to remain at the Remax Stadium.

Martin Rose gave the Steelmen a 29th-minute lead from the spot after he was hauled down in the box, but a scrambled Stuart White goal earned Nomads a 70th-minute leveller.

With the clock ticking down, Port Talbot hailed a new hero, Sam Baker, who fired his side to victory in the 89th minute.

Given his opportunity as a sub last week, 16-year-old Baker made his first start and rewarded Reid’s faith in him.

ICW

Nov-19

Neath win for 4th time on the road

DRUIDS’ dismal run of defeats extended to four as league newcomers Neath won for the fourth time on the road to consolidate their mid-table position.

It was a deserved success for the Eagles, who came into the match on the back of two successive defeats but showed a gritty determination to succeed at the third attempt.

The game, which was largely uneventful in the first half, burst into life in the 75th minute when Dale Evans profited from a left-wing cross.

And, a minute later, it was 2-0, Richard French seizing on a loose ball in the box to slot it past home keeper Carl Edwards.

The hosts, who are in danger of being drawn into an annual battle against relegation, created little, Andrew Edgar firing over from the best opportunity.

ICW

Nov-19

Shock defeat for Llanelli

The match started in controversial circumstances, the visitors arriving nearly an hour late for the scheduled lunchtime kick-off, for which they face the prospect of a heavy fine.

The Reds fell behind in the 28th minute, a long kick by Porthmadog keeper Richard Harvey sliced into his own net by the swinging leg of Wyn Jones.

The hosts had sufficient chances to wrap up the match, but the brilliance of Harvey and clear-cut missed opportunities by Mark Pritchard (twice) and Chris Holloway cost them dearly.

Andrew Mumford was caught in possession in the 71st minute leaving Marcus Orlik to fire home a 25-yard blockbuster, Mark Jones’ 85th-minute header a mere consolation for Peter Nicholas’ side.

ICW

Nov-19

Euro hopefuls share the points

The visitors came into the match on the back of a shock 3-1 defeat to Caersws and player-manager Deryn Brace responded by changing his line-up.

He dropped himself, brought back striker Gregg Coombs following suspension and moved Jam Easter wide.

“It worked well and I’m delighted with a point,” Brace said.

“This is never an easy place to get a result and Bangor are on a terrific run at the moment.

“If either side had won it, the losers would have felt it an injustice, but I felt we were good value for our share of the spoils.”

Brace admitted the loss to Caersws was a hard one to swallow.

“We would have been in a very strong position had we won last week, but that’s football,” he added.

“All clubs suffer hiccups during the season. Just look at what happened to Llanelli and Welshpool today.”

In a match that ebbed and flowed, Carmarthen fell behind on the half-hour mark when a defence-splitting pass scythed open their backline, leaving Ashley Stott to score with a calm finish.

Nine minutes later, industrious striker Tim Hicks benefited from a defensive mix-up to level for the visitors.

Bangor enjoyed a purple patch midway through the second period, Lee Webber unlucky to be denied by the woodwork, but Carmarthen finished the stronger, home keeper Paul Smith pulling off several fine saves.

Afterwards, Brace paid tribute to goalscorer Hicks. “Tim chased another lost cause today which led to his goal and that’s so typical of him.Often, so much of his good work goes unnoticed.”

ICW

Nov-19

Haverfordwest grounded by Airbus

AFTER a miserable run that had produced a miserly point from a possible 21, Airbus made it a first win in eight league matches with this comfortable defeat of struggling Haverfordwest.

James McIntosh broke the deadlock after 38 minutes when he connected with a Danny Desmoreaux cross on the volley from 12 yards to blast home.

The Wingmakers continued to dictate play and a double strike from Desmoreaux within a minute of each other ended any hopes of a Bluebirds revival.

Airbus attacked from the restart and Desmoreaux popped up to head home a Ryan Edwards cross before Nicky Woodrow grabbed a consolation after picking up a long ball to fire past a stranded Chris Doran.

ICW

Nov-19

Sherbon fires Aber home

The Seasiders are on a good run and had it not been for the splendid Farai Jackson in the visitors’ goal, who produced four or five top quality saves, Aber would have triumphed even more emphatically.

As it was, more than half an hour elapsed before top scorer Jamie Reed was set up by Christian Edwards to score with a low shot.

Jackson was beaten again just before the break when Sherbon curled a superbly judged shot from outside the box into the top corner.

Llangefni kept the hosts at bay after half-time until two minutes from the end, Sherbon scoring after good work by Aneurin Thomas and Geoff Kellaway.

ICW

Nov-19

Skipper Davies backs young Wales side

"If we had lost against the Republic of Ireland, going to Germany would've been difficult," he said after Saturday's 2-2 draw, his first as Wales skipper.

"But we will take the positives from this and try to enjoy the occasion.

"Hopefully it will give everyone some experience, especially the youngsters. We can only give it our best shot."

John Toshack's team will be missing regular captain Craig Bellamy, Gareth Bale, Jason Koumas and Carl Robinson, while Lewin Nyatanga and Rob Earnshaw are doubtful.

"We aim to come out of the game without being hammered, and try to keep the confidence building," said Fulham midfielder Davies, 28, who took over the armband after Bellamy was ruled out with a groin injury.

"If we can show the same commitment as against Ireland, be organised and make it difficult for them, that's all we can hope for.

"A draw was a fair result on Saturday, I really enjoyed the experience as captain and felt that we did pretty well considering all the problems we've had.

"We got our rewards in the end, the lads were more than happy and it is a step in the right direction.

BBC

Nov-19

Wrexham's two Brians better than one

But it is a mixture of both heart and head that could really ensure that the Red Dragons’ new-look managerial team can work.

While the general rule of thumb in football is that double-acts in the dug-outs don’t work, Brian Carey stepping down to become Brian Little’s assistant has received the blessing among all concerned. Carey even played a major role in his own demise by reaching a joint conclusion with the Wrexham board that it was time for a helping hand, that a senior man and a new face could end this recurring nightmare in North Wales.

And the Cork-born coach even helped draw up a list of candidates to replace himself in a real act of dignity and honesty of the club’s position and his own shortcomings.

He was rewarded by the club trying to find a way to keep him on board, even raising the possibility of returning to the top job later down the line.

But alongside the compassion has come a former Premiership manager ruthlessly determined to succeed and not put off by the previous manager, who had failed to lift the Dragons away from the danger zone, still lingering.

“I am not concerned about that fact,” said Little. “I spoke about the situation with Brian, but we know each other and I think he is a genuine person.

“He genuinely cares for the club and is genuine in his thoughts towards myself and wanting this club to be successful.

“He has the experience of knowing this club and that is important to us – but I believe in my own ideas.

ICW

Nov-18

Celtic Cup plans could get the go-ahead

Welsh FA officials will jet out to South Africa next week ahead of the draw for the World Cup 2010 qualifiers.

But they have agreed to discuss a revamped version of the old Home Internationals, with Scotland claiming they are ready to sign up for a one- year experiment.

Representatives from Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic are all ready to iron out the final details of the tournament after minor issues stopped them announcing the go-ahead after talks in Finland last month.

It is thought problems over Scotland’s TV contract have held up negotiations, but all parties are confident that won’t stop the innovative plans.

The exact details of the competition are to be finalised but initial hopes are for the tournament to be staged over a period of Fifa-assigned friendly dates, if it were held every two years.

And Scotland have given every indication they could be ready to press ahead for a 2008 kick-off after receiving the blessing of manager Alex McLeish.

“We’ve agreed to give it a one-year experiment,” SFA president George Peat has been reported as saying. “They wanted it to be a three-year thing, but Alex was lukewarm about three years and said: ‘Why not try for one year?’

“Putting a sponsorship deal together has been looked at. Whether or not it’ll still be lucrative for the one-year idea, we don’t know.”

Scotland had raised the possibility of involving England, but although they are expected to be invited to join in, it is thought they will only be asked after the Celtic countries reach an agreement over their proposed cup – and then out of courtesy.

A decision whether they would want to partake would rely solely on the FA, leaving the Celtic nations to press on themselves.

ICW

Nov-18

Eriksson decides on Schmeichel

Manchester City manager Eriksson allowed Schmeichel, 20, to sign for the Bluebirds on loan for a month.

Cardiff City manager Dave Jones wants Schmeichel to stay another month or more and Eriksson should decide over the weekend.

The Danish keeper is eligible to play for Cardiff City against Ipswich Town on Saturday, November 24 (Ninian Park, noon kick-off) and Leicester City away two days later.

In the long-term, City are also keeping a watch on Danish international Thomas Sorensen.
The experienced 6ft 4ins keeper is out of favour at Aston Villa.
They could turn to Michael Oakes, David Forde, is a contender as well.

ICW

Nov-18

Liberty form troubling Martinez

"We want to be a strong side at home, as we have proved to be away," Martinez told BBC Sport Wales.

"The boys have got too much quality and character to worry about the issue, but we have to look at it and improve.

"We don't believe we deserved to lose against Huddersfield, but the performance wasn't good enough to win."

"If there was any contact then it was minimal, they were going shoulder to shoulder.

"Decisions are not going our way, but I want us to be above that."

BBC

Nov-18

Wales squad reduced to bare bones

Toronto midfielder Robinson, 31, damaged ankle ligaments in Saturday's 2-2 draw with the Republic of Ireland.

Koumas is suspended after picking up a booking in the Cardiff match.

Gareth Bale (foot) and Craig Bellamy (groin) are also missing, while Robert Earnshaw (sickness) and Lewin Nyatanga (groin) are doubts for Frankfurt.

The latter two were late withdrawals from Saturday's game at the Millennium Stadium, having been expected to start.

"We always seem to be without four or five players and it's not easy, but the youngsters came in again against the Republic of Ireland and will be better for the 90 minutes," said Wales manager John Toshack.

"I don't fear for the players in Germany, not at all. But there will be a bit of fear for me watching it!

"We ended up against the Irish with six kids on the pitch, and had David Edwards coming on to make his debut.

"Frankly it will be not much different in Germany, but they can all learn from such an occasion.

"We will be a lot better equipped now going into the Germany game after Jason Koumas' penalty gave us a draw.

"Had we lost 2-1 it would have been different. But we got the rub of the green, confidence comes with that, and we will all be in a lot better frame of mind now.

BBC

Nov-17

Crucial part of season for Llanelli – Nicholas

Ahead of tomorrow’s home encounter with bottom club Porthmadog, Nicholas said, “It’s a big period for us during which we play top sides TNS, Rhyl and Welshpool and also have a double header with Carmarthen.”

The former Wales and Arsenal skipper will warn his side against complacency despite the poor start Porthmadog have made – 11 losses from 12 matches .

“I had them watched against Port Talbot last week and I’m told they were a bit unlucky.

“They are in a fight for survival so it will not be easy,” Nicholas added. “We need to continue to be professional in our approach. We are in a rich vein of goal-scoring form at the moment and the goals against column has finally dried up.”

ICW

Nov-17

Hulse demands Lilywhites put an end to drought

Disappointed at what he described as a lacklustre performance against Aberystwyth Town in last Saturday’s goal-less draw at Belle Vue, the Rhyl boss is keen to secure yet another place in Europe next year.

“On the one hand we have the best defensive record in the League while on the other the ability to put the ball in the back of the net has mysteriously dried up,” said the manager.

“We know this is proving costly and everyone is determined to get back to winning ways and really push for the top, which is where we are always aiming.”

Not that Hulse is expecting tomorrow’s opponents Caersws to be the simplest of places to hit the goals trail.

“They had a tremendous 3-1 win at Carmarthen Town last week which is bound to give them a big boost, especially back on their own ground,” he said.

“It’s never easy to get anything at Carmarthen so that was a great result for them and we are anticipating a really hard test there ourselves despite the wide gap in places between us.

“They have also drawn with leaders Llanelli so we will be treating them with the utmost respect.”

DP

Nov-17

Margetson forced to decline Reds’ invitation

The Principality Welsh Premier League team were facing a goalkeeping crisis – and turned to ex-Cardiff City and Wales keeper Margetson.

Margetson is now goalkeeping coach for Cardiff City and felt he could not face getting injured in Llanelli’s match against Porthmadog at Stebonheath Park tomorrow (1pm).

That left Llanelli with a huge problem, but it has now been solved by Gareth Williams, the former Grange Quins, Taffs Well, Bridgend Town, Carmarthen Town and Port Talbot ’keeper who will take his place between the posts.

“We were grateful to Martyn Margetson for even considering playing for us,” said a Llanelli spokesman.

“We completely understand the reasons for not being able to take up our offer.”

Llanelli faced a goalkeeping crisis with one suspended and three injured.

ICW

Nov-17

Terriers nip in to bite Swans

The home side had the better of the first half but were frustrated by dogged Huddersfield who defended deep.

Ferrie Bodde's error set up a Danny Cadamarteri break, Andy Holdsworth's shot was saved by Dorus De Vries, but it fell to Kamara who had an open goal.

Garry Monk thought he had got a late, headed equaliser, but it was disallowed by referee Keith Hill for pushing.

The match was Huddersfield's fourth victory on the bounce and Swansea's first defeat in 11 league and cup games.

BBC

Nov-17

Mark Bosnich backs Brian Little

Former Manchester United keeper Bosnich played for Aston Villa under Little, when he was part of a side which won the League Cup and finished fourth in the Premier League.

Little now has the task of guiding the Dragons out the Football League relegation zone after he was unveiled as the Racecourse club’s new manager on Thursday.

And Bosnich says Little is the perfect man to turn around the fortunes of a side who have lost 10 out of 14 league matches this season and lie second-bottom of League Two.

In fact, with Bosnich currently training at QPR, and Wrexham said to be in the market for a new keeper, who knows if their paths could ever cross again?

"I think Brian Little would be the right man for any job," said the former Australia stopper, currently getting his match fitness back at Loftus Road.

"If there’s anyone for that particular job it’s him. He’s got the experience and he’s got the know-how."

DP

Nov-17

Airbus hopeful corner has been turned

It’s been a disappointing last two months for the Wingmakers, whose form has nose-dived since a promising start.

But they can take heart from ending their losing streak with last weekend’s welcome 1-1 draw at Newtown.

“Hopefully we’ve turned a little corner and can take that forward,” player-boss Gareth Owen said.

“We changed our formation last week and were at sixes and sevens for the first 20 minutes, but after that we went from strength to strength and created chances. We’ve trained hard this week and the lads are feeling confident.”

Airbus, who will be out to avenge a 3-1 Premier Cup defeat against the west Wales side, are likely to keep the same squad that was on duty, with James Hussaney and Steve Hopkins both still missing through injury.

It will be the first home game for the Wingmakers since Alan Bickerstaff quit as assistant manager and coach due to increased commitments with the FAW Trust.

Experienced campaigner Andy Thomas will help assist Owen on the sidelines for the time being, as the club searches for a suitable replacement.

DP

         Nov-17

Jenkins - We know we can win today

County make the long trip to Kent for the Blue Square South clash against a Bromley side up to eighth in the table after a fine recent run.

They stuffed Eastleigh 4-1 away from home recently and while Jenkins is expecting a tough game, he believes now is not a good time to be facing his side.

He explained: "We've had ten days off which has been nice, giving us a chance to recharge the batteries and enjoy a weekend without a match.

"But we've been absolutely flying in training this week as a result, we face a long trip today and a lot of the boys will have to be up very early.

"But everyone is really looking forward to it, Bromley are a good side but we feel confident.

"We go there expecting to win and the spirit in the camp is excellent."

SWA

Nov-17

Wales aces back for the Citizens

The strikers played in Wales’ 4-2 defeat to Italy in Varese, near Milan, on Wednesday, with Edwards scoring.

But after joining the action as a sub, Davies picked up a slight hamstring injury which needs to be checked.

Midfielder Craig Hutchinson, sidelined by a knee injury for three months, will begin his comeback on the bench.

Also resuming will be midfield playmaker Kieran Killackey, while full-back Dave Swanick still has two games out.

After three away assignments, Bangor will be relieved to turn out again in front of their own fans, although they will be aware that Carmarthen have plundered wins on their last three visits.

Ahead of the sixth-versus-fourth showdown, City manager Nev Powell said his players, beaten only once in 10 outings, were full of confidence – particularly after last week’s 7-0 spree against his former club Connah’s Quay Nomads.

Powell said: “Carmarthen are a quality side and have had a couple of bad results, going out of the Welsh Cup to Newport YMCA and then losing to lowly placed Caersws in the league.

“No doubt they will be licking their wounds and keen to resume their usual ways, which should make it an interesting game.”

DP

Nov-16

Boss Coleman offered resignation

Coleman was persuaded to stay by the remaining Sociedad board members.

But the Welshman's long-term future at the Basque club remains in doubt, with board elections called for 3 January.

"After the information I received that Maria would finish, I said 'okay, for me, I finish', but the directors said 'No, stay'," said Coleman.

"They said to me 'We want you to stay, continue to work, it is very important'," he added.

De la Pena played an influential role in bringing Coleman to San Sebastian this summer and the Wales international admitted that if she left he was willing to follow suit.

But after De la Pena stepped down on Wednesday night, Coleman does not know what will happen at the start of next year when Sociedad hold their elections.

"The most important thing is the club, not the directors, not me, it's the club," he added.

"So at this moment it's more important that we maintain some stability. The third of January, I don't know. Maybe everything changes, I don't know, nobody knows.

"Until then there are six very important games. We will work hard for that - after that I don't know.

"I thought that if Maria was leaving, I thought the directors were leaving as well, but that is not the case at the moment.

BBC

Nov-16

TNS: No threat of £445k grant refund

BC

Nov-16

Deakin pondering splitting Welsh premier league

League secretary John Deakin has been impressed by the success of the Welsh Premier’s Irish counterpart, which is split into a 10-team Premier Division and 12-team First Division and has enjoyed a 20% increase in attendances over the past season.

And while it is just an idea at this stage, Deakin is considering a proposal whereby the Welsh pyramid would follow the same model.

He said: “Their Premier Division has been reduced to 10 teams from 12 in an effort to target the bulk of their resources at the top teams.

“I honestly think that’s something worth considering for us – to have two divisions and have play-offs at the end of the season to decide promotion. It’s just my own thinking at the moment, but you’ve got to put all possible options on the table to improve the league.”

ICW

Nov-16

New twist in Cardiff City loan notes saga

The company suing City over loan notes has demanded payment or control of the club ahead of next month’s court hearing.

Hextalls, the solicitors acting on behalf of Langston, released a statement accusing the club of raising the “spectre” of administration should Langston come out on top in the court case.

This could happen because the club would not be able to pay back the money and could not trade while insolvent.

If the club went into administration it would automatically mean a drop of 10 points and that could mean relegation from the Championship.

Hextalls statement reads: “Langston is pursuing two actions against CCFC, pursuant to which multi-million pound payments are being sought.

“One of these is before the court next month.”

Langston also want the funding agreement with PMG Estates questioned as to its validity, saying it is a “clear breach” of the loan made to the club.

It continued: “Although CCFC is categorically stating that it is not CCFC’s intention to place the club into administration, Langston questions why the club has raised the issue at all.

“The success of the club, on and off the pitch, and the completion of the stadium is in the interests of everybody.

“All that Langston wants is to be paid what is due to it.

“As Langston has previously stated, it has lost confidence in the board of directors who should relinquish control of the club to Langston.”

ICW

Nov-16

Wales target 'two-goal' victory over Ireland

"We still have that opportunity if we win by two goals against the Republic of Ireland," Toshack said.

"We just have to do that in Cardiff to finish above the Irish.

"That is what I expect my team to go out and do. We can finish third or sixth, that is how thin the dividing line is in this group."

A two-goal win over the Republic in the Millennium Stadium would see the sides level on points and goal difference, but with Wales having a superior goals scored record.

Wales would still be at the mercy of the results involving Slovakia and Cyprus, and Toshack's side have a tricky trip to Frankfurt on Wednesday to face table-topping Germany in their last match.

BBC

Nov-16

Uefa Champions League needs a touch of X-factor

Uefa president Michel Platini this week secured agreement from Europe’s top leagues to reserve six spots in the Champions League group stages for clubs from the continent’s bottom 40 countries.

But Lilywhites managing director Milner says if teams from the minnow nations are to have an improved chance of making an impact, Europe’s governing body must put some romance back into the competition by abandoning the seeding system currently used in the qualifiers.

If voted in by Uefa at the end of the month, Platini’s changes – to take effect from 2009 – would have little impact on the Welsh Premier. The champions would still have to negotiate three qualifying rounds to reach the group stages, while the runners-up and Welsh Cup winners would still need to win a preliminary qualifier to make the Uefa Cup first round.

The scrapping of the InterToto Cup from 2009, however, means the league will have to rely on a compensatory place in the Uefa Cup if the third-placed team is to be involved in Europe. Milner last week attended a meeting with the Welsh Premier, at which the four clubs who qualified for Europe last season discussed ways they could become more competitive in continental football.

Of The New Saints, Rhyl, Llanelli and Carmarthen Town, none got past the first qualifying round this season. Ideas discussed – which will now go before the Welsh Premier’s board of directors on November 27 – included moving the League Cup to July, and approaching the Irish FA to set up a summer tournament for qualifiers from both leagues to get them ready to face European opposition in late July and August.

ICW

Nov-16

Funds tight for new boss Little

Little was confirmed as the new man in charge at the Racecourse on Thursday and is tasked with guiding them out of the League Two relegation zone.

But he does not expect to be given funds to do so and instead will work with the current crop of players.

"Money is quite tight so I've got to work with the current group," he said.

"I need to look at the market place and if possible work the market place," he said.

"But I also have to try and get something more out of the players I have here.

"Everyone starts afresh and they have good young players and a few with experience, and perhaps a different voice and a different approach might see these players fulfil the potential they have."

BBC

Nov-16

Saints have top spot in their sights

Ken McKenna’s men have shrugged off a couple of early setbacks with a 10-match winning run and with leaders Llanelli not in action until Sunday, Saints know victory would take them top.

Last weekend’s 7-1 victory at Caernarfon maintained the Saints’ momentum, but manager McKenna knows his side cannot afford to take their foot off the pedal.

“What’s been pleasing is that we’ve gone on this run without three of our main goalscorers,” he said. “The lads have been told we need to get more goals from other parts of the pitch and they’ve responded really well.

“We’re now in a fantastic position but we still need to keep it going.

“But we won’t be treating Newtown lightly as they have a good mix of experience and youth and are capable of beating anyone on their day.”

Striker John Toner, who has missed the season with a groin injury, is pressing for a place in the squad.

But Ronnie Morgan continues to be troubled by a back problem, while Alfie Carter remains an absentee with his shoulder injury.

BBC

Nov-16

Brazil appoints a new Deputy

Mark is a former player who most notably spent time at Barry Town. He has managed Taffs Well in the Welsh League and was until this appointment assistant manager at Ton Pentre. He is currently undertaking his 'A' Licence coaching qualification.

Evans was in the Ton dugout at the Bridge Meadow recently, when the clubs met in the Welsh Cup, a match that the Premier outfit won 3-0.

Derek Brazil stated that he has been waiting since his appointment to bring in an assistant manager. "He has been patient in this regard in order to identify the right person for the job. He now feels it is the right time to make such an appointment," stated the club.

OWP

Nov-15

Llanelli hope UEFA will step in to solve keeper crisis

Llanelli face a keeper crisis ahead of Sunday's league clash with Porthmadog and hope Uefa will lend a helping hand. The Welsh Premier League leaders have been dealt some huge misfortune over the past week as they have four keepers injured ahead of the visit of Porthmadog.

With No. 1 shot-stopper Ryan Harrison suspended after his red card in the victory at Haverfordwest last week, fellow keeper Duncan Roberts is still sidelined with knee ligament problems sustained in the warm-up to the West Wales Senior Cup victory over Winch Wen.

Add to that list youth keeper Ryan Lewis and Gareth Williams - who is still on the books - and that leaves untested 16-year-old Craig Richards as the only candidate.

LS

Nov-15

Little’s plans for Wrexham

Little has a proven track record in transforming the fortunes of ailing clubs including Aston Villa, Leicester City and, more recently, Tranmere Rovers.

But he warned Dragons fans they must first prepare for a season of consolidation in League Two after a start that has left them second-bottom.

And the new manager revealed a major overhaul of the Dragons’ existing squad is unlikely in his first season and he wants outgoing boss Brian Carey to work as his assistant.

Little, who will be unveiled as the club’s new boss today, said, “The long-term aim is to be a very competitive force, firstly in this division and, hopefully, as time goes by, in the division above.

“I think the club has the potential to go up a division and that has to be my long-term goal.

“But it’s no good having long-term targets if you don’t achieve your short-term targets first and foremost.

“Rest assured, one of the reasons the job interested me was that the club can, given the right opportunity, progress further than it is at the moment.”

Little said he struck up an instant rapport with the club’s owners Neville Dickens and Geoff Moss and believes their ambitions for Wrexham match his own.

ICW

Nov-15

Ridsdale and Jones threatened

They came via text, e-mails and voice messages, while, after the meeting, some of the fans who had attended were also a target for abuse.

Ridsdale told fans at last night’s meeting: “My fellow directors have advised me to change my mobile number and e-mail address, but why should I?”

“I am Cardiff City chairman, but ultimately you, the fans, own your club.”

Police will be informed of the threatening content in the messages today.

ICW

Nov-15

Brave Wales sunk by classy Italians

Starting with a 5-3-2 formation, Wales slipped to an 11th minute lead, when striker Federico Dionisi scored the opener after the Welsh defenders failed to clear a shot from the outstanding Vincenzo Sarno. Wales struggled to keep possession in the opening thirty minutes, but the first chance came to Stuart Fleetwood after the side looked more settled reverting to a 4-4-2 formation. Forest Green Rovers midfielder Alex Lawless struck from distance and the blocked effort fell to his club colleague, Stuart Fleetwood, but the Italian keeper beat the in-form striker to the ball. Wales had another chance to level on the stroke of half-time when a corner flashed across the face of goal, but nobody managed to find the finishing touch.

The Italians came out for the second period all guns blazing and after Vincenzo Pepe fired over with just Ashley Morris to beat in the Welsh goal, the pressure took its toll as just minutes later, a Pepe shot was saved by Morris, only for the classy Sarno to react quickest and double the lead on 48 minutes.

There was more to come shortly afterwards from the strong Italians, when Wales lost the ball in midfield and the resulting counter attack led to their third for Pepe, who deserved his goal on 54 minutes following good work from sub Nikola Olivieri.

The stunned Welsh side were even more disappointed on 62 minutes, when they lost possession from an attacking free-kick, only to see the hosts break quickly down the left to through Olivieri and he fed Man of the Match Sarno who applied to cool finish past the hapless Morris.

Wales manager Tony Pennock made his five substitutions and Bangor City winger Sion Edwards made an immediate impact by scoring with his first touch. Fleetwood attacked down th eleft and his cross just beat the oncoming Chad Bond of Port Talbot but Edwards was at the far post to finish in style.

Jamie Price scored the second for Wales with an outstanding left foot free-kick from 25 metres to give the Welsh hope on 82 minutes, but after more pressure, there were no further goals.

OWP

Nov-15

Wales players to put things right

Toshack criticised his side's commitment at their last get together after they were humbled 3-1 by Cyprus and edged past minnows San Marino 2-1.

But Hennessey says everyone is determined to show how much they care.

"Everyone accepts that the performances were not that good, and what the boss said was understandable," he said.

"We will all want to impress now and we want to get the fans back on our side, some of the lads said there was a bit of stick flying around in San Marino, so we all owe them a performance now.

"If you are not playing well the fans will turn on you, so on Saturday we have the chance to put things right.

"It will be a tough game but hopefully we can get something out of the match."

Hennessey missed the two games against San Marino and Cyprus through injury, but is looking forward to taking on the Republic of Ireland on Saturday at the Millennium Stadium.

He said: "I was gutted to miss the last two games and hope I can be selected ahead of Lewis Pryce.

"It'll be a tough game and I think my club manager (Former Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy) is coming to the game so I had better keep a clean sheet."

BBC

Nov-15

Fatigue blamed for Carmarthen defeat

Manager Deryn Brace insisted it was time for his side to take a break after agreeing they looked tired.

"We have to have a rest and with four or five players carrying knocks from Tuesday night I think it showed it a little," said Brace.

"We created chances, but we have to take them. We need to be clinical.

"Caersws only had a few chances but they took them. That was the difference,'' Brace added.

EP

Nov-14

Pennock returns to Spytty Park

Goalkeeper Pennock, 36, quit as manager of Welsh Premier League outfit Port Talbot last week and is ready to come back to Spytty Park as a player.

The stopper, nicknamed by the County faithful as The Master' was boss Peter Beadle's first signing in October 2005 and was a key player as the Exiles amazingly beat the drop.

An horrendous pre-season injury - ironically at Port Talbot - ruled Pennock out for the whole of last season and he left the club in the summer to take on management full-time.

However, a week is a long time in football and Pennock is now relishing the chance to compete with Glyn Thompson for the number one jersey at Spytty Park.

Red tape has held up the deal this week, but County hope to have Pennock in the squad by the time they travel to Bromley on Saturday.

Pennock explained: "This has all come about very quickly and it's a wonderful move for me.

"Peter (Beadle) was one of the first to phone me to offer his support after I left Port Talbot and we got to chatting about me coming back.

"If I owe any club and set of supporters anything it is Newport County, they were amazing with me last year and I can't wait to repay their faith.

"I feel I have plenty to offer as a goalkeeper, I have put my management ambitions to bed for now though Pennock remains Wales semi-pro boss and am looking forward to reuniting with the boys at County.

SWA

Nov-14

Brian Little set to take Wrexham reins

Dickens said former Aston Villa and Leicester City manager Little has been interviewed and that all negotiations should be completed by Thursday.

Little, 53, has been out of work since leaving Tranmere by mutual consent in May 2006 after three seasons in charge.

The future of current boss Brian Carey is unclear, but Dickens said he wants him stay at the club in some capacity.

And Little revealed on Saturday that he would be prepared to work with Carey, who he signed as a player for Leicester City during his three years in charge at Filbert Street.

"Brian is our number one choice, but nothing has been done yet of course," he said.

"We're probably 36 hours away yet - there is a little bit of work to be done. Let's hope we can get the man we want.

He added: "He has a vast amount of experience. He's been at the highest level, he's been down in the lower leagues as well and he's left his mark wherever he's been.

"Those fellows are rare and you're not able to get them very often, they are not about."

BBC

Nov-14

Swansea into semi-finals after victory over Yeovil 

The striker headed into an empty net on 41 minutes after Alan Tate's header from a corner had been blocked.

Swansea were lucky to escape earlier in the half when Tate cleared off the line after a goal-mouth scramble.

Swansea had the best chance of a tight second-half when Darryl Duffy's shot was saved after a flowing move.

In a frantic final quarter, Yeovil's Nathan Jones and Lloyd Owusu came close but Swansea held on as Tate and Garry Monk were outstanding at the back.

BBC

Nov-14

Aber hit Haverfordwest for six

UWP

Nov-14

Cardiff stand by under fire Jones - for now

There had been speculation that the Bluebirds would sack Jones, but a statement on their official website said they are sticking by him.

"At a meeting, the board unanimously agreed to back Dave in his quest to improve on recent results," said chairman Peter Ridsdale.

City are enduring a torrid season and are 20th in the Championship table.

Chairman Ridsdale did warn, though, that results at Ninian Park will have to improve if Jones is to keep his job.

The Bluebirds have won just 11 of their last 49 games.

"All football managers are ultimately judged by results and results over the last 12 months have not been acceptable, Dave is as aware of this as anyone," said Ridsdale.

He added: "We sincerely hope that this announcement will end the current speculation and that all true Cardiff City Football supporters will continue to give Dave and his players their full support."

BBC

Nov-14

Five Premier Stars Set for Italian Test

Bangor City's Les Davies, who already has three Semi Pro caps to his name, will lead the line with Forest Green Rovers' hotshot Stuart Fleetwood, who is the Blue Square Conference's Top goal scorer this season, with over 20 goals to his name. The Principality Welsh Premier Player of the Month for October, Chris Venables of Welshpool Town will play in a three-pronged midfield with Carmarthen Town's Paul Fowler, who wins his first cap at any level, along with another Forest Green player, Alex Lawless.

Craig Jones of Llanelli, who is only in his first season in the League since switching from Afan Lido will play as a Right-Wing back, whilst the burly Lee Surman of Pennock's former club, Port Talbot Town will play as one of the three Centre Backs.

All five substitutes come from the League, with Haverfordwest 'keeper Lee Idzi, Port Talbot's Chad Bond, Bangor's Sion Edwards, Rhyl's Craig Jones and Neath Athletic's Lee Bevan all named on the bench.

Assistant Manager Terry Boyle who is also the Number Two at Welshpool Town said "I've seen a lot of Venables and Fowler this season and they're outstanding going forward. There is a lot of goals in this side and I'm sure we have picked a team that can win this afternoon."

Wales: Ashley Morris (Merthyr Tydfil); Craig Jones (Llanelli), Jamie Price (Worcester City), Danny Parslow © (York City), Jamie Rewbury (Merthyr Tydfil), Lee Surman (Port Talbot Town), Alex Lawless (Forest Green Rovers), Paul Fowler (Carmarthen Town); Chris Venables (Welshpool Town); Les Davies (Bangor City), Stuart Fleetwood (Forest Green Rovers)

Subs: Chad Bond (Port Talbot Town), Lee Bevan (Neath Athletic), Sion Edwards (Bangor City), Craig S. Jones (Rhyl), Lee Idzi (Haverfordwest County)

Team Manager - Tony Pennock

OWP

Nov-14

Bellamy named Wales player of the year

Unfortunately the West Ham striker was unable to attend last night’s Football Association of Wales presentation dinner, sponsored by Brains, at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.

Bellamy is currently undergoing intensive treatment at his club after a recurrence of a hernia injury and has been ruled out of the squad’s forthcoming European Championship qualifiers against the Republic of Ireland in Cardiff on Saturday, and next week’s trip to face Germany in Frankfurt.

The other main award winner, Tottenham teenager Gareth Bale, was also unable to attend to collect his young player of the year award.

Bale was also ruled out of the squad having not recovered from a broken metatarsal and, like Bellamy, remained in London for treatment.

Cardiff midfielder Joe Ledley picked up the clubman of the year award, having been ever-present for the Championship club last season.

Wales manager John Toshack said, “It is a shame Craig and Gareth could not receive their awards, they have both been excellent for me and Wales over the last 12 months.”

The award for Bellamy surprised even the player, who has had a chequered relationship over the years with the Welsh media, who voted for the three main player awards.

ICW

Nov-14

Swans land Sky TV date in cup

Swansea City's FA Cup second-round trip to Horsham will be screened live on Sky TV.

The game will take place on Friday, November 30 (7.45pm) after Sky carried out a lengthy inspection of the Ryman Premier outfit's home ground yesterday.

Swansea will bank £75,000 for the live appearance, their first outside the play-offs since February 2006.

EP

Nov-13

Roberto’s Wembley mission

The competition’s importance is often question by fans, players and the media alike. But, despite the fact tonight’s game is the Swans’ fourth in 11 days, Martinez made it clear he wants to take the club all the way to the final.

While the fans and board might understandably be more concerned about the league and, to a lesser extent, the FA Cup, Martinez has every intention of taking the club to the final, something he experienced as a Swans player.

“It’s a big competition for us,” he claimed. “We’ve got a great history in it and we look forward to each round.

“There’s a fantastic prize at the end of it. I would love to take a team to Wembley.

“It’s a huge opportunity and we enjoy it as a football club. We know how important it could be and that’s why we are taking it so seriously. We want to win it.”

He continued, “It would be great if we could give the fans an away-day at Wembley. That gives us the motivation to get through these early rounds.

“You never find the right time to play these games. But we look forward to our cup commitments and we want to win every game.”

Yeovil Town are the latest obstacle on the Swans’ road to Wembley. And, while they were lucky to get a third consecutive home tie, Martinez’s squad know they are in for a tough night.

EP

Nov-13

Sociedad launch Coleman investigation

The former Fulham boss said on Friday he had been late arriving to that day’s media briefing due to flooding at his flat caused by his washing machine, but Spanish media also reported he had been at a nightclub until the early hours of the morning.

Coleman later admitted he had been out late “somewhere I shouldn’t have been” on Thursday, and that he had apologised to his players prior to the game.

“There are no excuses from me. It was very late, I’ve had a lot of people over from England and Wales and I’ve showed them San Sebastian and I really stayed longer than I should have,” Coleman said.

“I don’t like making excuses. I apologised to the players before the game, who are the main people, and if I’m honest you with I don’t think you (the media) had so much of a problem with me being where I was, I think you were more angry that I was late the next day.”

Sociedad’s sporting director Salva Iriarte announced that the club will be investigating the incident.

He said: “The president Maria de la Pena and I have met with him .... and we have informed him that we have opened an inquiry.”

He added: “The coach has 10 days to answer and then it is the board who will take a decision.”

EP

Nov-13

Port Talbot will not be rushed into naming new manager

Port Talbot Town chairman Andrew Edwards says he will not be rushed into making a new managerial appointment at the Remax Stadium. Speaking after his club's heroic victory at Porthmadog, Edwards said: ''I am delighted with the response from applicants who would like to fill the post and I may speak to a few of them this week.

''But there will be no rush as we want to appoint the right man, someone who will build upon the long-term stability of Wayne Davies and Mark Jones.

''I feel this is a top Welsh Premier appointment and so it's important that we get the right person.''

EP

Nov-13

Axe hovering over Bluebirds' manager

Jones was in charge of training at Cardiff’s Vale of Glamorgan training ground today, while Bluebirds directors planned a meeting to decide on Jones and his management team.

Chairman Peter Ridsdale and the directors will review the positions of everybody on the football side.

And decisions will be made within the next 48 hours.

Jones’ woeful record of only 11 wins from the last 49 matches, a record going back to more than a year ago, has left fans furious – and demanding changes at the top.

Cardiff City are without a match for the next two weeks – their next is at home to Ipswich Town on Saturday, November 24 – and that gives the board a little breathing space to make big decisions.

But they must make sure replacements are available.

Former Welsh international Gary Speed, still playing for Bolton Wanderers, is a top tip among fans, while Gary McAllister is another possibility if Jones does go.

Treorchy-born Geraint Williams, a huge Bluebirds fan and current Colchester United manager, is also being tipped as a possible candidate.

Cardiff City, though, can only approach managers currently in employment through their clubs.

And any successful bid would surely involve hefty compensation.

More than 20 Bluebirds fans held a crisis meeting last night to discuss the future of the football club.

They are concerned about results, a lack of decisive action to ensure Cardiff’s league position improves and the impending court case with Langston.

“All we want is what is best for Cardiff City,” said supporter Gwyn Davies.

ICW

Nov-13

Bauza: Liverpool & Torres would be perfect

Guillem Bauza is dreaming of an FA Cup reunion with Liverpool star Fernando Torres - but Swansea City must first avoid another banana skin at Horsham in round two.

Bauza netted twice in the last 32 minutes at Billericay to save Swansea's blushes after Wayne Semanshia had given the part-timers a first-half lead.

And Roberto Martinez's men now face another Ryman Premier League outfit - and, incredibly, an 11th successive away tie in the competition - as they bid to give themselves a chance of meeting a Premiership giant in round three.

EP

Nov-13

Former Airbus coach joins basement club Porthmadog

However Viv Williams says “Alan has agreed to help out from time to time as his work load allows him.” He added “I am grateful to Alan, having the help of such an experienced coach will take some of the pressure off my shoulders.”
A former player with Rhyl FC, he has assisted Gareth Owen at Airbus Broughton since June 2005 and holds a UEFA ‘A’ coaching badge.

Porthmadog official website

Nov-13

Neath's Bevan called-up to Wales Semi-Pro Side

Bevan, who has played 12 (+2) games for the Eagles this year, and scored once is a tall and commanding player who was named on the Stand-By list. He also impressed the watching Manager Tony Pennock and coach Terry Boyle, despite his side going down 5-2 on Saturday to Welshpool at Llandarcy Park.

Swansea born Bevan has progressed through the Youth System at Neath Athletic and he won the Player's Player of the Year in his first senior season in 2006/07. At only 19 years old, he is quickly making a name for himself with his aerial ability and quality on the ball and was named as the 'One to Watch' at Neath by the League this year.

OWP

Nov-13

Brace and Venables scoop Monthly Principality Awards

The season's second Principality Building Society Welsh Premier Manager of the Month Award goes to Carmarthen Town's Deryn Brace. The 32-year old was appointed into the Old Gold Hot Seat in May and he has enjoyed a strong start to the League season. The month saw Town gain League wins at home to NEWI Cefn Druids and away at Aberystwyth Town's Park Avenue, whilst they also gained a good away draw at Welshpool Town. In the Loosemores Cup, they beat Aber at Richmond Park and smashed Haverfordwest County 8-1 to qualify for the Quarter Finals. With wins in the Welsh Cup and the Premier Cup during October as well, the former Haverfordwest County boss enjoyed an excellent Month, although the start to November wasn't quite so good!

Principality Welsh Premier League Player of the Month October 2007 - CHRIS VENABLES of Welshpool Town.

The Principality Building Society Welsh Premier Player of the Month Award goes to Welshpool Town's Chris Venables. The Welsh Semi Professional International only moved to Maesydre in the summer from Caersws and he has fitted into his new squad with aplomb. The ex-Shrewsbury Town man has been a revelation for Tomi Morgan's side, scoring nine goals from the Midfield (four in October), which is an excellent return. The twenty-two year old was awarded the Man of the Match Awards by Llangefni boss Adie Jones and Rhyl chief John Hulse in League matches this month. Chris capped a fine October with a call-up to the Wales Under 23 Semi Professional squad for the match against Italy on Wednesday.

OWP

Nov-12

City in crisis as fans call for boss to go

ICW

Nov-12

Quick fire double seals Steelmen's win

In stoppage time, Porthmadog were unlucky again as Jones set-up for Warren Beattie at 10 yards’ range, but the latter inexplicably blazed over the bar.

ICW

Nov-12

Welsh league cup round up

ICW

Nov-12

Martinez backs rotation system

ICW

Nov-12

Caersws in fine form at Old Gold's cost

The second half was the proverbial one-way traffic, but it was just not Carmarthen's day.

ICW

Nov-12

Red's brush aside Bluebirds with ease

ICW

Nov-12

Neath were better than score line suggests

However, the north Wales visitors re-asserted their authority with two goals from Ross Stevens.

ICW

Nov-12

Wrexham skipper calls for quick action

ICW

Nov-11

Welsh premier league round up

BBC

Nov-11

Cardiff's crisis continues

BBC

Nov-11

Bauza rescues Swans

Bauza curled home the equaliser from 25 yards after collecting a long ball then poked home a winner from three yards.

BBC

Nov-11

Wrexham tumble out of the FA Cup

BBC

Nov-11

Fowler seeks to solve hip worry

ICW

Nov-10

Bryntirion now have Bettws in their sights

ICW

Nov-10

Magnificent seven moves Citizens up to sixth

Lee Webber put the visitors ahead after just seven minutes, with Les Davies doubling the advantage after 23 minutes.

Sion Edwards’ goal just before the break gave the Citizens a 3-0 half-time lead, which Edwards extended on 52 minutes.

A penalty in the 75th minute completed Edwards hat-trick and the rout of the Nomads, after further goals from Christian Seargeant (60) and Ashley Stott (63).

DP

Nov-10

Porthmadog ready to start afresh

“As for our plight, we have experienced players, who know what it is all about and, having performed well last time at Bangor City, despite losing 2-0 to a couple of late goals, we took a lot of encouragement from that game.

“There is a renewed enthusiasm in the squad and we expect every individual to stand up and be counted, because of our challenge and our need to collect as many points as we can between now and Christmas”.

Striker Paul Roberts is suspended for the clash after picking up five bookings, while midfielder Gareth Parry is an injury doubt.

DP

Nov-10

Dickens blast for young Fergie

Peterborough United boss Ferguson told the Western Mail yesterday he felt the club would not be fighting relegation had he been appointed to the role occupied by outgoing Dragons’ manager Carey.

Dickens’ reaction will add spice to today’s first-round FA Cup tie between Wrexham and Peterborough at London Road.

The Wrexham owner said, “It’s easy to talk after the event. I think Brian took on a much harder task with Wrexham coming out of administration than Darren had taken on.

“They were both untried and it was a toss up between the two of them and who knows whether we made the right or wrong decision? I’m not too sure that Darren could have done anything different compared to what Brian has done.”

Ferguson also suggested he was slighted by his former employers because they failed to explain why he wasn’t considered for the post.

The former Dragons’ playmaker suggested his eight years service at the Racecourse deserved better than the way he was treated in the days before he left to become Peterborough boss last January.

But Dickens suggested it wasn’t his responsibility to explain to each and every failed applicant for the post why they weren’t appointed.

ICW

Nov-10

Martyrs hampered by a shortage of strikers

Tarrant Watkins and Mike Jones are both suspended for the BGB Premier Division clash, leaving Craig Stiens as the club’s only recognised centre-forward.

Shephard is keen to build on the momentum of last week’s 3-1 win against Swindon Supermarine, the Martyrs’ first in the league since August, and will be reluctant to adopt a negative game-plan against a Corby side who have struggled for goals.

But he admits that packing the midfield could be an option as he looks to haul his side back up the league table.

“It might be that we play five across the middle of the park, or maybe Matty Harris or Tariq Kalil can sit just behind Craig Stiens,” said Shephard.

“We’ll try a few things out in training and see what works best, but I want to go to Corby and play for the win.

“Last week was a much-needed three points, a big confidence booster for us, and we’ve got to take that into today’s game.”

ICW

Nov-10

Reds: Let's go and bosh the Posh!

ICW

Nov-10

Bluebirds hope for a change of fortune

Having suffered a couple of disappointing losses in recent outings, including the Welsh Cup exit to nine-man Bangor City, the Bluebirds need some reward to avoid slipping back into the bottom two.

They have won two of their last four visits to Richmond Park, and manager Mike Barton is eager to secure the points the would move them away from the bottom of the table.

”We have done quite well against sides in the top half of the table and we’ll need that type of performance again,” he said.

”We’ll need to raise our game, our away form has been better than at home, and as long as we cut out the mistakes, we will create the chances.

Defender Andrew Thomas, sorely missed in his side’s last three outings, returns from suspension to make his 400th league appearance which will allow Steve Towers to switch to midfield.

Sion Meredith also steps back, but the Bluebirds have their injury concerns with striker Graham Evans unable to train in midweek with a neck injury while left back Mike Sawtell is unlikely to figure with a hamstring strain.

Jamie Davies is also an injury doubt.

ICW

Nov-9

Carey in dark over Wrexham future

Port Talbot Town's Caretaker boss, Paul Reid has selection worries ahead of his first game in charge on Saturday, with only twelve senior players available for the Principality Welsh Premier League match at Porthmadog.

Reid has assumed the temporary role of boss following the midweek resignation of manager Tony Pennock, but ironically he will be without two players that Pennock has selected for his Wales Semi Professional squad for next week's Under 23 International in Italy.

Defender Lee Surman and striker Chad Bond are both suspended for the long trip North, whilst experienced midfielder Gareth Phillips is also missing for the same reason.

Injury problems have also added to the problem with young starlet Kerry Morgan suffering a suspected broken collar bone in Tuesday's FAW Premier Cup defeat at Carmarthen Town. At the other end of the experience Spectrum, veteran defender David Burrows is one of the twelve senior players available, but he is also expected to have a fitness test ahead of the match following a knock received in Tuesday's defeat.

Youngsters Luke Pearson, Luke James, Rory Healey and Sam Baker, who are all members of the Under 19 squad, are expected to make up the squad for the match, although the players should be confident having already defeated Porthmadog 7-2 at Y Traeth earlier in the season in the Premier Cup. Port have since changed their Manager with Clayton Blackmore dismissed and Viv Williams returning. The Port favourite has been in charge for a month and he said when he took over the job that it would take this amount of time to turn things around, so it should be an interesting contest.

Porthmadog will not be at full strength either though as their leading scorer, striker Paul Roberts is also suspended for accumulating five bookings this season. 'Keeper Richard Harvey will continue in goal as teenager Joe Sagar has left the club to re-join Mossley after nine appearances, during Harvey's spell on the sidelines with injury.

UWP

Nov-9

Carey in dark over Wrexham future

Wrexham manager Brian Carey says he has no idea what the future holds for him at the struggling League Two club.

BBC

Nov-9

Newtown increase seating at Latham Park

UWP

Nov-9

Martinez to consult FAW over Tudur-Jones injury

SWANSEA CITY boss Roberto Martinez plans urgent talks with the FAW to ensure commonsense prevails over long-term injury victim Owain Tudur-Jones.

The 23-year-old Swans midfielder hasn’t played first-team football for more than 12 months following a serious knee injury which required career-saving surgery in the United States.

But Tudur-Jones was this week still named by Wales boss John Toshack in his squad for the Euro 2008 double-header against the Republic of Ireland and Germany later this month.

Now Martinez wants clarification over Tudur-Jones’ Wales role, with no guarantee the Bangor product will play any part for Swansea before turning up for international duty on Monday.

“I will have to speak to the FAW again and see where we are,” said Martinez, who said Tudur-Jones will be assessed over the next 24 hours to establish whether he will join the squad for tomorrow’s FA Cup trip to non-league Billericay.

“We need to make sure that between us we give the perfect situation for Owain.

“We have to sort out some commonsense and do what’s best for the player.”

Tudur-Jones’ return has been delayed further by an ankle injury and, though he might miss the cup trip to Essex, Swansea hope he will be available for the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy tie against Yeovil on Tuesday.

ICW

Nov-9

Bala look to close gap on leaders

BALA Town have a chance to close the gap on the Cymru Alliance leaders to two points if they can prevail in tonight’s testing clash at Queens Park.

Colin Caton’s side can go into the encounter in good heart following their recent 5-2 hammering of high-flying Prestatyn followed by last weekend’s 3-1 success over Llandudno.

But their plans are disrupted by a number of injuries, with forward Mark Griffiths out for at least another two weeks with continuing Achilles problems while Warren Duckett is sidelined with a hamstring strain. Owain Roberts also misses out due to work commitments.

Queens Park, buoyed by their victory over Afan Lido in the Welsh Cup, will prove a tough nut to crack.

EP

Nov-9

Jimmy has no fears for Fowler partnership

IT’S the issue of the moment at Cardiff City – can Robbie Fowler and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink play together?

Everyone it seems has had their say, with some heavy duty criticism doing the rounds, but now Hasselbaink is having his say in his own forthright way.

It may not surprise too many to know that he feels the flak is unfair.

“Robbie and I know that if things are going wrong we will get the blame, because that is how it works,” the Dutchman told the Echo in an exclusive interview.

“But you have to look at the total picture, we have scored 10 goals between us and I don’t think that is the problem.

“I feel the partnership is working between me and Robbie, it’s not all about running around – a lot of players can run until they drop.

“This thing has never been about Hasselbaink or Fowler, we are trying to put things together and we working very hard at that.

“It is not all about Fowler or Hasselbaink, if you think like that then we are going to lose, we have to do it as a team.”

The pair are household names, legends in the sport, there is no shadow of a doubt about that.

But that hasn’t prevented some of the Ninian Park faithful wondering whether a 32-year-old (Fowler) and a 35-year-old (Hasselbaink) leading the attack is too predictable and pedestrian, falling into the hands of the opposition by being too one-dimensional going forward.

At present the ball is being played into feet, with the idea being that the midfield supports the two cult figures up front.

But the general opinion is that it is just not working.

ICW

Nov-9

Swans ready for Billericay

Swansea manager Roberto Martinez is determined to stop the FA Cup first round magic casting its spell ahead of their game at non-league Billericay.

"It's what the Cup is all about and a great experience for our players," Martinez told BBC Sport Wales.

"In my eyes Billericay are favourites - they're in their own environment and they'll have that extra belief.

"They are very organised, but our preparation has been good, we've seen them three times and are ready."

This is the first time the Ryman Premier Division side have drawn League opposition in their 127-year history, and a capacity 3,000 crowd is expected at New Lodge.

Billericay manager Matt Jones believes that the game will put the club on the map.

"We've made the first round before but drawn non-league sides and this has really got people talking," Jones told BBC Essex.

ICW

Nov-9

Hartson's Norwich loan spell ends

Hartson, 32, joined the Championship club on a month's loan in October with the option of extending the deal until the end of December.

But recently-appointed Norwich manager Glenn Roeder has decided not to take up that option.

Hartson made four appearances for Norwich during his time in East Anglia.

BBC

Nov-8

TNS claimed as an English side

The team, who proudly represented Wales in this season’s Uefa Champions League, and only went out on away goals, find themselves at the centre of a cross-border political football hornet’s nest.

The Shropshire FA say TNS, who play in the English town of Oswestry, should come under their jurisdiction.

They have written to Soho Square bigwigs at the FA following a £420,000 ground and player development grant TNS have received from the Football Foundation, money which is only available to English clubs.

The FA have raised the English or Welsh matter with their FAW counterparts and discussions are taking place at the highest level to try to sort it out.

Welsh Premier secretary John Deakin conceded the whole issue would again throw into public debate the scenario of Cardiff City, Swansea City and Wrexham being barred from Europe.

They are Welsh clubs who play their home games here in Wales, yet have been denied any avenue to the Uefa Cup.

Welsh Premier champs TNS play four miles across the border at their £4m state-of-the-art Park Hall ground, yet appear in Europe every year.

Deakin said, “This is something fans of Cardiff, Swansea and Wrexham will perceive as an anomaly. I cannot dispute that.

“As far as the issue goes of the Shropshire FA claiming that TNS are English, I can confirm correspondence and discussions have taken place.

“However, as far as I’m concerned, I believe TNS will be permitted to play in Europe again next season ... and for many years beyond that.”

ICW

Nov-8

Reid takes caretaker role after Pennock resigns

The Wales semi-professional boss quit after watching the Steelmen lose an FAW Premier Cup game 2-1 at Carmarthen Town on Tuesday.

Reid, Pennock’s coach, will oversee Saturday’s league match at Porthmadog as the club begins its search for a new manager.

Pennock guided the Steelmen to only seven wins and it’s believed alarm bells were ringing following an 8-0 defeat by Llanelli recently.

The former much-travelled goalkeeper told club chairman Andrew Edwards of his decision after the final whistle at Richmond Park.

“It’s extremely surprising that he (Pennock) has made this decision having only taken over the position in May of this year,” said Edwards.

“In making the appointment, the club expected Tony to build on the previous two successful seasons in which we achieved top-six finishes in the Welsh Premier league as well as enjoying a number of successful cup campaigns.

“We were looking for stability and continuity as Tony inherited a strong squad of players and the club expected to progress further under his control.”

ICW

Nov-8

Wrexham's Carey error - Ferguson

The son of Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson told BBC's Sport Wales show he was disappointed Wrexham did not consider him as manager in January.

"If I was there, I don't think they would be in the position they are in," said Peterborough manager Ferguson.

"It's not being disrespectful to Brian, it's just my belief."

Ferguson, 35, was a long-serving Wrexham midfielder, but he was not considered as manager when Denis Smith was dismissed at the beginning of the year and chose to leave to manage rival League Two side Peterborough.

The two sides now face each other in the first round of the FA Cup at Peterborough on Saturday.

"I was delighted with the Peterborough job but I felt they [Wrexham] could have spoken to me about it [the Wrexham job]," said Ferguson.

"They were quite glad to get me out of the door. They didn't even speak to me and say 'Look, this is why we are doing what we are doing'.

"I felt I was owed that. I'd played there for eight years. I was 35 and an experienced professional."

BBC

Nov-8

Rovers in bid for ex Bluebird Fleetwood

Fleetwood, released by the Bluebirds in January 2006, has fired 17 goals in 18 appearances for Conference club Forest Green Rovers this season.

And Lennie Lawrence, Bristol Rovers’ director of football, is ready to move.

It was Lawrence who fir7st promoted Fleetwood into the first team squad at Cardiff City, taking him on a first team tour to Sweden and Denmark in 2004.

Lawrence was also Bluebirds’ manager when he signed Paul Parry from Forest Green Rovers, having watched the winger score a hat-trick at their Lawn stadium in Nailsworth, Gloucestershire.

Bristol Rovers are likely to take a final look at Fleetwood this Saturday when he plays for Forest Green in an FA Cup first round tie against Coca-Cola League Rotherham United at home.

Wales Under-21 international Fleetwood spent three years with Cardiff City after emerging through the youth development system and made 12 first team appearances, 10 of them from the substitutes bench.

ICW

Nov-8

Rumours fly at Racecourse stalemate

Though Wycombe striker Reuben Reid twice wasted chances to win it at the death, the Dragons fluffed the best opportunity of the evening when defender Ryan Valentine saw a 25th-minute penalty saved by goalkeeper Frank Fielding.

Prior to kick-off in the League Two contest at the Racecourse, all the talk was of who would replace Carey as manager and what role the Irishman would occupy in any new regime.

Chairman Neville Dickens said Carey has a future at the club, but will shortly be relinquishing his duties as manager.

But the chairman refused to be drawn on whether Carey will be working alongside any new manager as an assistant and was tight-lipped about who would be replacing the former Dragons’ centre-back in the top job.

However, among the names flying around the Racecourse last night were John Aldridge, Brian Little, Mark Wright, Ian Atkins and Stan Ternent.

But Dickens would say no more than he was looking for a man with experience in the lower leagues and there were several candidates in the running.

The moves are certain to come as a body blow to Carey and his assistant Steve Weaver, but after collecting just nine points from their opening 13 league games, Dickens and co-owner Geoff Moss felt they had little choice.

ICW

Nov-7

Pennock quits after cup defeat last night

"had not been enjoying the pressures of management" and that he was "finding it difficult" and he had told friends that he had been considering his position for some time - It was not as a result of the club's exit from the Welsh Cup, League Cup or Premier Cup, and not the 8-0 defeat to Llanelli either.

Reading between the lines on the official Port Talbot website, it looks like no tears will be shed on his departure, as it referred to his time there as a "controversial tenure".

Pennock leaves with Port Talbot out of all 3 domestic cup competitions and down in 10th place in the league, with a squad that many thought could be capable of a top 5 finish this season.

Tony

Nov-7

Red's brush aside Rhyl to make last 8

Defender Stuart Jones, who returned to the Red's side this evening after injury, scored the first for the hosts. Winger Craig Williams also scored for Peter Nicholas's side before the prolific Rhys Griffiths struck and his Wales Semi-Pro colleague Chris Holloway bagged his first for the club. Rhyl's only goal came courtesy of their top scorer Andy Moran from the penalty spot.

OWP

Nov-7

Carmarthen come from behind to pip Steelmen

It looked as though the Steelmen were going to win away from home after Martin Rose opened the scoring on 33 minutes. The lead lasted until injury time in the second-half when striker Jamal Easter became the Old Gold hero by equalising at the death. 

The game went to the extra thirty minutes and Town skipper Nathan Cotterrall struck after 12 minutes of the 1st period, which proved to be the winner.

OWP

Nov-7

Shock Wales call up for injured Tudor Jones

Owain Tudur-Jones was this afternoon handed a surprise call to John Toshack's Wales squad despite being injured.

Tudur Jones is in the party for the Euro 2008 qualifiers against the Republic of Ireland in Cardiff on November 17 and Germany in Frankfurt on November 21 despite nursing an ankle ligament injury sustained in a reserve match last week.

The midfielder is expected to be out for a fortnight, but could make the German match.

EP

Nov-7

That'll do nicely says Martinez

Roberto Martinez admitted Swansea City fell below the standards they have set this season after they scrambled at Millwall last night. Swansea's hopes of a club record-equalling fourth successive league away win were dashed despite Jason Scotland giving them the interval lead.

Martinez's men were sloppy in possession, and looked like suffering a first defeat in eight matches after Zak Whitbread's header and a controversial Alan Dunne penalty.

But Paul Anderson struck with 12 minutes left to hand Swansea a point on a night when Millwall thought they had done enough to win.

EP

Nov-7

All square between City and Palace

Cardiff captain Darren Purse rose above the static Crystal defence to power a header beyond keeper Julian Speroni to give his side a ninth-minute lead.

A minute before the break, Tony Capaldi fouled Tom Soares to concede a penalty that he claimed was outside the box.

Kasper Schmeichel and Robbie Fowler tried to distract Ben Watson, but he sent keeper Schmeichel the wrong way.

The result still leaves Eagles boss Neil Warnock seeking his first win after five games in charge.

"The referee should have consulted the linesman, but he made his mind up too quickly, you have to get those decisions right.

"I felt that we were in control of the game, but the goal knocked the stuffing out of us.

"We still had chances in the second half, though. We need to keep believing and keep going.

"You can't fault the players for effort and they accept any criticism they deserved.

"I have told them they have to rise above the criticism, stay strong and do the right things."

BBC

Nov-7

Millwall confirm Jackett as boss

Chairman John G Berylson said: "Kenny has gained tremendous experience as a player, coach and manager. He has helped three teams win promotion as manager or assistant.

"His management skills are first class and I am confident he will soon have Millwall moving up the league."

BBC

Nov-7

Fowler third on players rich list

The Bluebirds front-runner has accrued a vast fortune of £30m, putting him behind only England superstars DavidBeckham and Michael Owen.

Fowler (pictured), who has accrued much of his money in property, eclipses Premiership superstars like Wayne Rooney, Andriy Shevchenko, Steven Gerrard and Ryan Giggs according to

FourFourTwo’s football “rich list”.

Beckham tops the players’ list, having accrued an estimated £112m.

But even the former England captain, football’s most recognisable face, trails by comparison to some of the billionaire bosses of Premiership clubs.

Predictably, Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is dubbed football’s richest man, with a fortunate estimated to be just a shade under £11bn.

The other rich newcomers in the British game are headed by another Russian, Alisher Usmanov, who has taken a significant stake in Arsenal and whose personal fortune is said to be £2.76bn.

The total value of this year’s top 100 is £41.7bn, compared to £20.45bn four years ago.

ICW

Nov-6

Carey moves towards Wrexham exit

A statement on the club's website says that the new man - expected to be appointed on Thursday - will work alongside present staff.

But chairman Neville Dickens told BBC Sport Wales that the staff did not necessarily include Carey.

"Brian's done a good job, but we need to review the situation with the directors," said Dickens.

"We're in discussions with a number of people and hope to announce the new appointment on Thursday."

BBC

Nov-6

Martinez linked with Wigan post

The Spaniard took over at the Liberty Stadium in February and revived the club's play-off hopes only to miss out on the final day of the campaign.

And this season, he has guided his new-look squad to the top of League One winning a host of plaudits on the way.

But Swans chairman Huw Jenkins has told Wigan: "Hands off."

He said: "It's quite obvious that we wouldn't welcome an approach and I think Roberto is fully focused doing what he's doing.

"He wants to be a successful manager and I think he's fully aware that he's got time on his side to consider whatever he wants to do in his future years.

"I think Roberto being linked is quite natural because of his past, sepnding some time at Wigan, and obviously the success he's had with us," said Jenkins.

"From our point of view, Roberto has come here to do a job for Swansea City and we fully expect him to stay and do that job with us."

BBC

Nov-6

Rogers double strike sinks Haverfordwest

WELSHPOOL clinched their place in the last eight at Bridge Meadow last night.

A goal in each half from Steve Rogers proved enough to see off their hosts as a depleted Pool side produced a determined showing.

The visitors made the perfect start, taking the lead after just four minutes as Rogers turned in the box to fire home from Aden Shannon's cross.

And the striker added his second of the night eight minutes into the second period when he latched onto a through ball to shoot past keeper Lee Idzi to give his side some breathing space.

Without influential defender John Keegan and midfielder ChrisVenables, Pool's display was particularly creditable.

And they had opportunities for a third goal with substitute Will Thomas having a couple of efforts blocked in a goalmouth melee.

DP

Nov-6

Rhyl to lay down a marker

The Lilywhites chief wants a victory to remind the current pacesetters that his side are on a par with them in terms of quality.

“They just beat us 2-1 here earlier in the season but there was nothing between us and this is our chance to turn the tables,” said Hulse.

“Llanelli are a very good side who are going well and as a full-time outfit they have the advantage over us, but we are up for it and looking forward to a game that hopefully will be a credit to the league.”

Still missing injured key pair Jimmy Kelly and James Brewerton, Hulse also has one or two players carrying knocks from Saturday’s 1-0 win over Port Talbot in a tense Welsh Cup encounter at Belle Vue.

“It was a near thing but I felt we deserved to win,” he said.

“Lee Kendall made two great saves to deny them but we could have won by a few more on the chances created.

“Now we can put the Welsh Cup to bed until February when we go to Haverfordwest.

“It’s not the draw we would have picked but if you want to win the Cup, which we do, you have to take what comes and get on with it.”

Currently trailing Llanelli by five points in the title race, Hulse knows that a victory would do more than advance the Lilywhites’ claims to a share of the big pot on offer in this lucrative competition, which sees the Football League clubs entering in the next stage.

It would also serve to reinforce third-placed Rhyl’s championship ambitions and although tonight’s tie is played to a finish, including a penalty shoot-out, Hulse is hoping that won’t be necessary.

DP

Nov-6

Bluebirds boss calls for tougher approach

ICW

Nov-6

Swans boss Martinez up for unique Millwall test

ICW

Nov-6

Unbeaten record at stake for Bangor

ICW

Nov-6

Matty Collins just what we need says Carey

DP

Nov-5

Welsh league round up

REVITALISED Bridgend Town surged into the top half of the MacWhirter Welsh League first division table with a crushing 5-1 win over Caldicot Town, writes Chris Smart.

This was their fourth win in five matches and followed their 7-1 thrashing of Croesyceiliog the previous weekend.

The experienced Raith Plant maintained his superb goal-scoring form with a brace.

Normal business was resumed at Goytre who after two defeats on the trot overcame Cwmbran 5-2 to give Andrew Radford his first success since taking over the managerial reins from Craig Duggan.

Richard Ryan led the way with two goals while Michael Waters, Steve Conaty and Darren Lyons were also on target.

In the basement battle, Pontypridd overcame Garw 3-0 with Jacob Daly getting all the goals to move off the bottom of the table.

UWIC are the new leaders of the second division after a Friday night triumph at Briton Ferry – the previous pacemakers Ely Rangers losing 3-1 at Ammanford for whom Lee Stone bagged a brace and Cerison Davies also found the net.

Garden Village plunged Llangeinor back into the relegation zone with a 2-1 success thanks to goals by Gavin Guy and Michael Whapham.

Pentwyn Dynamo swept to the top of the third division with a 4-1 thumping of Ystradgynlais as previous leaders Llantwit Fardre went down 2-0 at Risca United.

ICW

Nov-5

‘Madness to sack Cardiff City boss’

Palace boss Warnock, still searching for his first win in charge of the London club, reckons it would be ‘madness’ for the Bluebirds to ditch Jones. Palace and Cardiff and both uncomfortably near the bottom of the Championship.

City have managed only one win at home in the league this season – and they need to beat out-of-touch Palace.

Warnock is planning to inflict a fifth Championship home defeat on Cardiff, but he says: “It would be madness to sack Dave Jones.

“He is one of the best managers in the Championship – and those clubs who are successful stick with a good manager when they have one.

“It would be easy to sack Dave Jones, but where do you turn after that? If you get rid of a manager you have to replace him with somebody even better – and Cardiff City simply would not be able to do that.

“You tell me who’s available that Cardiff could afford and who would do a better job than Dave? I don’t see anybody out there.”

Former Wigan Athletic manager Paul Jewell’s name has already been thrown up by fans, but Warnock says: “No chance. He is waiting for a job in the Premiership.”

ICW

Nov-5

Robin's boss praises Maesteg performance

Two goals from Marc Lloyd Williams saw the Robins through, his winner in extra time, but Maesteg made a mockery of their lowly Welsh League position.

“Although we did not fire on all cylinders, we had enough chances to have been out of sight,” said Ryan.

“But credit to Maesteg, they battled really hard and played their part in a cracking cut tie. In the end we’re just happy to be in the next round.”

Newtown struck early when Lloyd Williams headed home Tommy Mutton’s 15th minute cross but the visitors’ efforts paid dividends in the last minute when Michael Nessbert coolly slotted home to take the game into extra time.

However, the Robins ensured there would be no shock when Lloyd Williams beat Gary Wager from a Kevin Scott free kick.

ICW

Nov-5

Former City striker is targeting big guns

Fleetwood has netted 17 goals in 18 appearances for Forest Green Rovers this season and they face League Two side Rotherham United in the FA Cup next Saturday.

Rovers are challenging near the top of the Conference and defeated Ebbsfleet United 2-0 away over the weekend, Fleetwood scoring both goals.

The 21-year-old’s fine form has earned him a call to the Welsh semi-professional squad for the match against Italy on November 14.

ICW

Nov-5

Neath crash out at Aberystwyth

Carl Jenkins scored a vital second-half equaliser for Neath, after Stuart Roberts had edged Aberystwyth ahead, in this FAW Cup third-round tie, but it was not enough to prevent a 3-1 defeat. Central defender Gavin Cadwallader restored their lead, then in injury time Jamie Reed pounced for Town's third.

Neath applied early pressure an came closest to breaking the deadlock on 25 minutes, when a precision pass from Richard French found Carl Jenkins on an overlapping run, but he fired his shot straight in to the hands of keeper David Jones from eight yards.

But the Neath defence had a let-off as Cadwallader's point header was well saved by Morris.

EP

Nov-5

Former City striker is targeting big guns

Fleetwood has netted 17 goals in 18 appearances for Forest Green Rovers this season and they face League Two side Rotherham United in the FA Cup next Saturday.

Rovers are challenging near the top of the Conference and defeated Ebbsfleet United 2-0 away over the weekend, Fleetwood scoring both goals.

The 21-year-old’s fine form has earned him a call to the Welsh semi-professional squad for the match against Italy on November 14.

ICW

Nov-5

Carey vows to fight on after loss

Shrewsbury's Michael Symes got the only goal midway through the second half to seal a 1-0 derby win at the Racecourse.

But Carey said: "You look at the players performance today, they didn't give what they're capable of giving.

"As regards for myself, I will keep battling away and what will happen, will happen."

The result leaves Wrexham two points adrift of safety with a game in hand on against Wycombe on Wednesday.

But Carey admits his side will have to improve on Sunday's display.

"We didn't impose ourselves in the game whatsoever and we've given ourselves a mountain to climb again.

"We are giving stupid goals away week after week but that's the situation we're in but we've got to battle through it.

"I know we can (do it), but we've got to start doing it quickly."

BBC

Nov-5

County squeeze home against Dorchester

County took the lead through Craig Hughes but the visitors equalised with a thumping freekick.

Charlie Griffin scored a quick fire brace to put County into cruise control but the visitors again scored from a freekick.

Jason Bowen was one of two players to see red late on and a serious injury meant 12 minutes of overtime were played.

However, County hung on for a valuable victory.

SWA

Nov-4

Shrewsbury pour more misery on Wrexham

The result keeps Wrexham in the bottom two, but ends a run of seven games without a win for the Shrews.

Symes got the only goal on 59 minutes sending a low right-footed shot past Anthony Williams from 12 yards out.

Robbie Garrett came close for the home side but his effort was saved by keeper Glyn Garner.

Wrexham: A Williams, Spender, Evans, Hope, Valentine, Carvill (Done 45), Collins, Garrett, Llewellyn (Proctor 75), Roberts (Williams 63) E Williams.
Subs Not Used: Evans, Taylor.

Booked: Done, Garrett.

Shrewsbury: Garner, Moss (Herd 45), Langmead, Murdock, Tierney, Wainwright, Drummond, Hunt, Pugh (Hall 84), Hibbert (Ashton 62), Symes.
Subs Not Used: Esson, Nicholson.

Booked: Moss, Symes.

Goals: Symes 59.

Att: 4,305

BBC

Nov-4

Draw for the 4th round of the welsh cup

Caernarfon face yet another "Banana Skin" after victory at Nefyn United

After overcoming a difficult Round 3 Welsh Cup hurdle at Nefyn United, Caernarfon got scant reward, drawing Cymru Alliance side Guilsfield, who have already knocked two Welsh Premier League Clubs out of the Competition, the latest being their 3-1 defeat of Connahs Quay at Deeside Stadium.

There were cheers in the Clubhouse at Haverfordwest when they got a home draw in Round 4 after their 3-0 win over Ton Pentre, but the euphoria was short lived, when they discovered that Rhyl would be the visitors at the New Bridge Meadow on 2nd February..

The full Round Four Draw is as follows:
Aberystwyth Town v Bangor City
Bryntirion Athletic v Welshpool Town
Gap Queens Park v Caerleon
Guilsfield v Caernarfon Town
Haverfordwest County v Rhyl
Newi Cefn Druids v ENTO Aberaman Athletic
Newport YMCA v Llangefni Town
Newtown v Llanelli 

Nov-4

Graves buries Port Talbot at the death

Fresh from an 8-0 thrashing at Llanelli, Port were determined not to let lightning strike twice and more than matched their North Wales opponents in the first half.

Visiting keeper Kris Rogers was called into action only once in that opening stanza, producing a fantastic reaction stop from George Horan’s bullet header.

Mark Connolly lashed a free-kick inches over for the Lilywhites and Lee Hunt had a goal controversially ruled out for offside.

The second half began in volatile fashion and it was no surprise when a 53rd-minute flashpoint led to two red cards.

Rhyl’s Chris Roberts went in late on Kerry Morgan, leaving the young striker writhing on the ground in agony.

Players from both sides then got involved in a melee and eventually Roberts was dismissed along with Port defender Lee Surman for his role in the rumpus.

The Steelmen continued to take the game to the hosts, Morgan hitting a 25-yarder which Lee Kendall did well to hold.

Rhyl had a golden chance when Hunt laid back a Connolly free-kick for Horan who faced a gaping goal, but the ball took a wicked bobble and the defender failed to connect.

A major turning point came on 72 minutes when a Scott Barrow free-kick was deflected to Port striker Martin Rose who was denied by a phenomenal double save from Kendall and then crashed a third effort against the right-hand post.

Relieved by that escape, the Lilies piled on the pressure in the closing 15 minutes as Port tired from their endeavours.

Both Andy Moran and Graves drilled tantalising balls across the box but no-one was able to administer the killer touch.

Port remained a danger on the break and a cracking left-foot shot on the turn by Rose from all of 30 yards whistled inches wide.

Then three minutes from time, Rhyl’s Craig Jones crossed from the byline, the spinning ball deceived the Talbot defence and Graves controlled before finishing clinically with his left foot from 10 yards.

It was a win Rhyl just about deserved but after a testing week, Port could feel proud of their efforts.

WOS

Nov-4

Hav a go heroes knock out Bulldogs

Ton Pentre did well to keep the margin to just one goal at half-time, but they rarely threatened to get on the score sheet themselves.

That first-half goal came courtesy of centre half Gareth Elliot, who was up for a corner.

The home side had already sent over a series of corners, when Neil Thomas’ inswinger from the left found Elliott only three yards out and he fired home.

Ten minutes into the second half, and it was another set piece move that took Haverfordwest clear.

This time Thomas played a corner back to Phil Cattlin, and his cross from the right was met at the far post by Jack Christopher.

Just five minutes later, and another cross exposed Ton’s defensive frailties, but this time Christopher hit the post with his header.

However, on 72 minutes another cross from the influential Cattlin set up Nick Woodrow, who used the outside of his right foot to force the ball home from a narrow angle.

WOS

Nov-4

Matty raring to go for Wrexham

And he could be just the first of a string of Swans players to join the Racecourse relegation fight.

Wales on Sunday understands Swansea are prepared to help Wrexham’s fight to climb the table while also giving some of their big squad more game time.

Highly-rated young midfielder Shaun MacDonald is among those who would benefit from playing games.

“When I was told about the move I really did jump at the chance,” said former Fulham player Collins, a Wales Under-21 international.

“It’s been difficult to break into the side at Swansea with the team doing so well and an abundance of midfielders, so I can’t wait to be playing.

“I’ve been told I still have a future at Swansea but I need to have some league games under my belt and this can only benefit everyone.

“Roberto told me what a great club and set-up Wrexham have and Brian has told me to go out, enjoy it and express myself which is what I plan to do.”

Collins (pictured right), who signed a two-year deal at the Liberty this summer, added: “I wasn’t at all put off by where Wrexham are in the league – I just hope I can help the club.”

Collins will be available to play in Wrexham’s FA Cup tie at Peterborough next week, and Carey said: “Matty’s certainly up for this challenge.”

WOS

Nov-4

Players will be ‘banned’ from GB side say's FAW

General Secretary David Collins broke his silence on the thorny issue of the home nations combining to reveal a British team competing in the 2012 London Games is a complete non-starter.

And he says the Welsh FA will not budge from the stance despite political pressure.

British Olympic Association chief executive Simon Clegg had claimed he had been encouraged by the International Olympic Committee to field sides in both the men’s and women’s competitions.

The Scottish and Irish FA’s publicly stated their opposition to the plans.

And following SFA chief executive Gordon Smith’s promise that Scottish internationals or players registered under the association would be prohibited from playing, Collins said: “We have absolutely not altered our thinking on this matter and the fact is we won’t be entering a side.

“Scotland have said they would prohibit their players from playing, and to say we would do the same is exactly right; if we allowed players to play then they would be classed as Welsh players and Welsh representation and that is against our stance.”

The Olympic Games football tournaments see Under-23 players perform – along with three over-age players, but Britain has not competed since 1972.

The FAW’s opposition, like their IFA and SFA counterparts, stems from the fear of jeopardising its position as a separate nation in the eyes of Fifa and Uefa.

And those fears were given foundation when former Fifa vice-president David Will admitted: “I’m sure [Fifa president] Sepp Blatter means what he says but there is nothing to stop any association bringing up a vote in Congress and saying ‘The four British associations have played together at an Olympics so they can do so at a World Cup as well’.”

WOS

Nov-3

Quite a few shocks in today's welsh cup

Last seasons cup winners Carmarthen had on paper a tricky game in prospect in Newport but no one thought hey would go out against 10 man YMCA. Faraz Yafai put the home side ahead in the 8th minute to shock the holders, but they drew level in the 22nd minute with a goal from Liam Hancock. Town must have fancied their chances of killing off the tie in the 65 minute when YMCA's keeper Gareth Wesson was shown the red card. But it was the 10 men of Newport who stunned Carmarthen when they scored the winning goal from an 85 minute penalty taken by Gareth Lynch.

Another welsh premier side fell fowl to lower league opposition. Connah's Quay Nomads lost at home to Cymru Alliance side Guilsford, Guilsford scored a goal in each half Tim Nunnerley got Guils first after 5 minutes and Glenn Evans completed the shock win netting Guils second in the 77 minute.

Newtown had to fight all the way against Maesteg Park and it took a goal from Marc Lloyd Williams in the 115 minute to put the welsh premier side through to round 4. Marc Lloyd Williams put Newtown ahead in the 15 minute but Maesteg drew level in the 90th minute with a goal from Mike Nessbert forcing the game into extra time only for Marc Lloyd Williams to score his second of the game and put the welsh league side out.

Llanelli were made to sweat in their game against Llanrug United. Three times Llanrug drew level before goals from Wyn Thomas in the 88 minute and Rhys Griffiths in the 90 minute guaranteed Llanelli's passage into the next round.

Rhyl left it late to seal victory over Port Talbot, with a Stuart Graves winner in the 87 minute, both sides had a player sent off, Chris Roberts saw red for Rhyl and Lee Surman got his marching orders for Port both sent off in the 53rd minute.

In all 9 players were red carded in today's round of games. Is that a record?

Full results:

Aberystwyth Town 3-1 Neath Athletic
Bryntirion Athletic 4-2 Dinas Powys
Caerleon 2-0 Brymbo
Caersws 2-3 Bangor City
Connah's Quay 0-2 Guilsfield
Ento Aberaman Athletic 3-1 Caerau Ely
GAP Queens Park 3-1 Afan Lido
Haverfordwest County 3-0 Ton Pentre
Llangefni Town 3-0 Mynydd Isa
Llanrug United 3-5 Llanelli
Nefyn United 1-3 Caernarfon Town
Newi Cefn Druids 3-0 Holyhead Hotspurs
Newport YMCA 2-1 Carmarthen Town
Newtown 2-1 Maesteg Park Athletic
Rhyl 1-0 Port Talbot Town
Tywyn Bryncrug 1-3 Welshpool Town

Tony

Nov-3

Big day for Queens Park

The Cymru Alliance outfit go into the encounter in optimistic mood following a creditable campaign and are eyeing the next round at the expense of their Welsh League visitors.

Port Talbot-based Lido, however, will be a tough nut to crack after being defeated finalists last year.

Queens Park will be missing cup-tied duo Ashley Wilson and Andrew Ruscoe, while Eddie Maurice-Jones is still on the injured list. Otherwise Levi Lloyd will have his full squad to select from. Phil Coffin, the pacy front man signed from Rhyl, comes into consideration.

BBC

Nov-3

Martinez pleased with fightback

Striker Warren Feeney was sent off for a lunge on 23 minutes and substitute Andy Robinson missed a penalty deep into injury time.

But Martinez said: "I don't give much importance to the penalty, the reaction at half time was important.

"There are evenings that are not going your way."

Martinez refused to get too drawn into the performance of rookie referee Stuart Atwell who made some bizarre decisions throughout the match.

"I think we were unfortunate with some of the decisions, sometimes with this kind of environment as a referee you want to make a point," he said.

"But sometimes you are a bit too harsh on certain decisions just because you don't want to show you are intimidated in this kind of atmosphere.

"But I don't want to talk about the referee's decisions because I hope and believe that's going to level out in the rest of the season.

BBC

Nov-3

Griffiths on fire to hit the century milestone

The former Uwic student reached the century mark when he netted a hat-trick in Llanelli’s 8-0 destruction of his former club Port Talbot Town.

He is the 17th player to scored 100 goals or more at Welsh Premier League level.

Griffiths, 27, has won the Welsh Golden Boot award in each of the last two seasons – firing 28 goals for Port Talbot Town and 30 for Llanelli.

This season Griffiths has netted 16 goals in 16 matches for Llanelli before their Welsh Cup tie at Llanrug today.

He is top scorer in the Principality Welsh Premier League ahead of Marc Lloyd-Williams, on 12 from 12, and Rhyl’s Andy Moran with nine from nine.

Leaders Llanelli are a full-time club, but Griffiths plays on a part-time basis and works as a fireman.

Football league clubs have watched Griffiths’ goalscoring exploits with interest and Coca-Cola League Two club Wrexham were keen to sign him, but he opted to stay with Llanelli.

Griffiths, who first played WPL football for Cwmbran Town in 2001-2002, is dominant in the air but he also has a subtle touch and is a composed finisher.

ICW

Nov-3

Wrexham recruit Collins on loan

Collins, 21, joined the Swans from Fulham in the summer and is yet to make a first team appearance for Roberto Martinez's side.

Wrexham are currently languishing in the League Two relegation zone while Swansea are pushing for promotion in League One.

The midfielder is eligible for their first round FA Cup tie at Peterborough.

BBC

Nov-3

Hulse going for a hat-trick of wins

”This is one of the season’s major competitions with a place in Europe the prize for the victors so there’s no disguising our desire to win it again,” declared the Rhyl boss.

“You can’t ask for more than a home draw and now it’s up to us.”

Hulse will again be without several key players following the 2-1 midweek win at Connah’s Quay Nomads which secured Rhyl’s ticket into the knockout stage of the Loosemore’s League Cup as group winners.

Jimmy Kelly had an operation on his damaged knee on Thursday and will be out for at least a fortnight while Lee Hunt picked up a knock after coming on as a substitute against Nomads and scoring the winner

“Lee got in some light training on Thursday and we are hoping he will come through in time,” added Hulse.

James Brewerton is shortly due to see a specialist about his protracted knee trouble and is definitely ruled out again.

But striker Andy Moran who was one of five senior players rested in midweek after collecting a knock against Newi Cefn Druids, seems sure to return up front to add to Rhyl’s fire power.

Port Talbot will be looking to repair wounded pride after running into an 8-0 defeat at the hands of leaders Llanelli last Friday but that only makes manager Hulse more wary.

“These freak results come along now and again so they will come here even more determined to put on strong performance,” he warned.

“They are a good side and we will treat them as such. We have been in Europe for the past four years and we want to make it five if we possibly can.

“This is the first of two massive games with Llanelli away in next Tuesday’s Premier League Cup so it would be nice to be able to go there with our place in the Welsh Cup already secured.”

ICW

Nov-3

Newtown boss wary off Maesteg

Having hit a good run of form, the Robins are firm favourites against their Welsh League visitors.

He said: “It’s a massive game as the Welsh Cup is a great competition. We’ve now got to keep the momentum going.

“I’ve had them watched a couple of times, they’ve got a couple of useful players and I’ve been told they’ve signed a couple more. The pressure will be on us.”

ICW

Nov-3

Key men missing for Pool

Last season’s beaten semi-finalists start as firm favourites to progress against a side from the Spar Mid Wales League.

But their plans have been disrupted with John Keegan set to miss at least three weeks with damaged knee ligaments while fellow defender Brett Jefferies is out after picking up a hamstring injury.

“It’s a blow because they are the rock of the side,” admitted manager Tomi Morgan.

”We’re going to have to shuffle things around.”

It is a vital few days of cup football for Welshpool who, following today's clash, travel to Haverfordwest in the FAW Premier Cup on Monday.

ICW

Nov-2

It’s not looking gr-eight for Port Talbot

Manager Tony Pennock and his team suffered a Principality Welsh Premier League record defeat and club chairman Andrew Edwards said: “That must not happen again.”

Pennock, who admitted he was ‘embarrassed’ by the manner of the defeat at Llanelli, and his players face a difficult Welsh Cup third round tie at Rhyl.

Port Talbot also had Chad Bond and Gareth Phillips sent off against Lanelli and Edwards said: “We have come a long way at this club and this result must not happen again.

“It was not acceptable, but I stand by the management and players 100 per cent.

“Everybody is embarrassed, but we have to pick ourselves up for the cup trip to Rhyl.”

Pennock’s view was that the eight-goal thrashing was: “Embarrassing and humiliating for everybody.”

And Port Talbot won’t find it easy at Rhyl. The one player-one club rule means their squad has been reduced to 17 players this season – with Bond and Phillips suspended that leaves them with 15 for the match at Rhyl.

ICW

Nov-2

Welsh cup preview

Aberystwyth Town host Neath Athletic and they will certainly be cautious after the Eagles' promising start to life in the Premier. Caersws have shown a lot more promise of late, since their abysmal start to the season, but a rejuvenated Bangor City, led by in-form forwards Les Davies and Ashley Stott should be too strong for the Bluebirds at the Rec. There is a mouth-watering tie to savour at Belle Vue, as 2005/06 Champions, Rhyl host Port Talbot Town who have a lot to prove after their 8-0 drubbing a the hands of Llanelli in the League last weekend. The Lilywhites were dumped out of the competition at this stage last year by the Bulldogs of Ton Pentre, so John Hulse will be even more determined to see his side progress.

The Bulldogs, currently top of the Welsh League, will again fancy their role as Underdogs against Top-Flight opponents as they travel West to Haverfordwest County, who have not been firing on all cylinders in the last month. They were beaten by Newtown at the Bridge Meadow Stadium last week and then crushed 8-1 at Carmarthen in the Loosemores Cup, but with so much more at stake on Saturday, Derek Brazil will have his team gunning for the Feeder League side. Two Ton strikers with Welsh Premier experience, ex-Carmarthen Town favourite Mattie Davies and Jon Kift, who had a brief spell at Newtown are both doubtful, but last year's goalscoring hero against Rhyl, Alyn Jones will play.

Welshpool Town travel to little-known Tywyn-Bryncrug and last year's Semi-Finalists will be confident of progressing comfortably against them. Connah's Quay were handed a home tie against Guilsfield after beating TNS on penalties in the last round and they will be confident of progressing at the Deeside Stadium. Struggling Llangefni, who have been outstanding in the Loosemores Cup will be desperate to continue their good Cup-form as they host Cymru Alliance side Mynydd Isa, whilst another all-North Wales affair sees NEWI Cefn Druids host Holyhead Hotspurs at Plaskynaston.

Newtown have been in good League form of late and boast an incredibly potent attack of Tommy Mutton, Marc Lloyd Williams and Craig Moses so they should have enough fire-power to overcome former Welsh Premier outfit, Maesteg Park at Latham Park. Finally, the Cup Holders, Carmarthen Town travel to mid-table Welsh League 1 side, Newport YMCA, who have ex-Cwmbran Town stopper Gareth Wesson in goal.

ICW

Nov-2

Player boost for Cwmbran Town

CWMBRAN Town have received a massive promotion tonic from Cameroon-born striker Moses Molongo, who has told the club he will soon be returning from his homeland after all.

The 27-year-old made an immediate impact earlier this season when he scored three MacWhirter Welsh League Division One goals in as many games.

It was believed he had been lost to the Crows after he was forced home some weeks ago following a family problem, but he will return shortly.

Cwmbran’s Spanish manager Guillermo Ganet moved swiftly to replace Molongo with Portuguese-born marksman Owen Naquinhare from divisional rivals Maesteg Park Athletic.

The 26-year-old quickly proved his ability with a hat-trick in last Saturday’s 6-3 home victory over Newport YMCA.

Now, however, Ganet has revealed Molongo has informed the club he has sorted out his personal problems and that he will soon be returning to Wales to play for Cwmbran again.

“It’s really good news because you have enough quality strikers on your books,” said Ganet, a former La Liga midfielder with Valencia who has guided the Crows into fourth place.

It’s unsure if Molongo will arrive in time for Saturday’s visit to Port Talbot to face sixth-placed Goytre United and the likelihood is that he will be available for the November 10 home clash with Afan Lido.

ICW

Nov-2

It’s back to bread and butter for the Martyrs

The Martyrs matched Blue Square Premier side Oxford United for long periods at Penydarren Park before going down 2-1 in the final qualifying round.

But their cup performances will count for nothing unless they start picking up points in the BGB Premier Division.

Swindon Supermarine visit Merthyr tomorrow (3pm) with Garry Shephard’s side desperate for all three points after slipping into the bottom three.

Having failed to register a league win during September and October, three home fixtures in the next fortnight provides a golden opportunity to kick-start their season.

After their promotion from Division One South & West last season, the visitors have enjoyed a mixed bag of results and currently lie in 15th place.

Two of their four victories have come on the road, and having thrashed Bromsgrove Rovers 4-0 last time out, will fancy their chances against Shephard’s young team.

ICW

Nov-2

Turf cut at new Cardiff stadium

He and Cardiff Council leader Rodney Berman held a formal cutting of the turf ceremony at the site, opposite the club's current Ninian Park ground.

Developers Laing O'Rourke began work this week, with up to 300 workers expected at the height of the build.

Mr Ridsdale said: "The money is in the bank and the diggers are on site."

"Today is the day when the new stadium starts."

He held an official launched with Mr Berman and Laing O'Rourke managers at Leckwith Stadium, which is being demolished to make way for the new ground.

He said the ground would cost £42.3m plus a further £4m-5m fit-out costs.

ICW

Nov-2

O’Shaughnessy: My Canaries are not a dirty side

The Canaries boss said he was too shocked speak to his players after the quadruple dismissal in the 4-3 Loosemores Cup defeat took their dismal disciplinary record to eight red cards already this season.

O’Shaughnessy said the record was “not good enough” but was adamant he did not have dirty players at Caernarfon.

Tempers flared after a scrap between Layton Maxwell and former Canary Dylan Owen and Caernarfon midfielders Maxwell and Khyle Sampson were sent off by referee Huw Jones.

Llangefni’s Kevin Lloyd and Chris Evans were also dismissed following the brawl, although Owen escaped punishment.

Caernarfon were then reduced to seven men when midfielder Kevin McGarry received a second yellow and striker Bobby Jones followed two minutes later.

O’Shaughnessy said: “I’ve never seen that before in my life, especially in a game where was nothing at stake. I couldn’t speak to the players – I think everybody was shell-shocked.”

Asked if he thought his club had a discipline problem, the manager said: “If I’m honest, no. But I think we’ve got to start learning. I don’t think we’re a dirty team – I haven’t got a dirty player at the club. We try to get the ball down and we try to play football. We get it down the wings, but we seem to getting punished all the time.”

O’Shaughnessy said some of his players had been victims of harsh refereeing decisions, adding: “We’ve had eight sent off this season and I think two have been justified. I don’t know if it’s me with blinkers on or what, but Wednesday night there was a bit of handbags where everybody just rushed in. I think two deserved to go but not six. Apart from that incident I didn’t see one bad challenge in the game.

Caernarfon’s red rage leaves them with four players suspended for tomorrow’s Welsh Cup clash at Nefyn United.

ICW

Nov-2

Viv wants re-think

Williams, who took over at Y Traeth after Clayton Blackmore was sacked earlier this month, called on the FA of Wales to fund better playing surfaces to ensure a better quality of football.

“Some funding should be made available to better the playing surfaces,” he said. “In the next few months as winter sets in it’s going to start raining and the pitches are going to be muddy, then when the weather dries up they’re going to be lumpy and bobbly.

“A lot of the clubs need a bit of help to get their pitches up to standard.”

In order to compete in the Welsh Premier, clubs must meet stadium criteria on seating and facilities, but Williams reckons the league would do better to concentrate on ensuring that pitches were brought up to a minimum standard.

He added: “It does seem now as if a few teams are beginning to play a lot of good football, and for that you need good surfaces because otherwise it’s to heavy and the ball slows down.”

ICW

Nov-2

Caerleon & YMCA looking forward to cup games

CAERLEON and Newport YMCA are on the European trail again on Saturday when their respective tasks to reach the last 16 of the Welsh Cup contrast sharply.

While Caerleon have a good chance of getting past visiting north Wales outfit Brymbo, YMCA's challenge simply doesn't come much harder, especially considering they've conceded 16 goals in their last three MacWhirter Welsh League Division One matches.

YMCA entertain holders Carmarthen Town, who will include many players who've appeared for Gwent clubs over the years, including their captain former Cwmbran Town winger Nathan Cotterrall.

Carmarthen, regular European combatants over recent seasons, are currently fourth in the top-flight Welsh Premier League, five points behind leaders Llanelli, and they were last in action on Saturday when they were 2-0 away winners over Aberystwyth Town.

YMCA will be massive underdogs to cause a shock cup upset while Caerleon will start as clear favourites to progress against Brymbo, despite the visitor's recent good form.

They are defending Welsh National League Premier Division champions and unbeaten in seven outings, having won all five league games.

They are currently third in the table, four points adrift of leaders Mold Alexandra but with three matches in hand.

The Wrexham-area outfit has scored 13 goals and has conceded just one and they were last in action on October 20 when they defeated visiting Cefn United 3-2 in a Welsh Trophy encounter.

However the level they play at is comparable to Division Three of the MacWhirter league.

Caerleon will have an unchanged starting line-up, but will make changes on the substitute's bench with Paul Shephard, Jamie Hillier and Lewis Andrews all out.

YMCA are minus long-term injured central defender Daniel Heath and have doubts over striker Lewis Sommers (foot and ankle), central defenders Mark Drew (knee) and Gareth Lynch (groin) and forward Junior Borg (groin).

Second-round winners will receive £1,000 for progressing to the last 16.

SWA

Nov-1

Andrew Edwards sticks by management team and players

The Blues disintegrated into a shambles at Stebonheath Park – resulting in both Chad Bond and Gareth Phillips receiving their marching orders.
It was a record defeat for the Remax Stadium side in the Welsh Premiership, and Edwards insisted it would never happen again.
“We have come a long way at this club and this result must not happen again,” said a dejected Edwards.
“It was not acceptable but I stand by the management and players one hundred per cent.
“Everyone is embarrassed but we have to pick ourselves up for the cup-tie against Rhyl this Saturday.
“We must not go around feeling sorry for ourselves.
“If we do then Rhyl will punish us.”

Edwards wanted to apologise to Port Talbot fans on behalf of the players and management for their shock of horrors against the league leaders.

Manager Tony Pennock admitted to being “embarrassed” at the result and disturbed by the “manner of defeat”.
“It was embarrassing and humiliating for everyone,” said Pennock, who replaced Wayne Davies at the helm in the summer.
“It was unacceptable and should never happen again.
“We gave away two sloppy goals and it went from bad to worse.
“The two sending offs did not help, but Llanelli, who are a good side, gave us a lesson.
“Our heads went down and everyone was downbeat after the game.
“It will take a while to get over the result, but it is up to us now to pull together and put things right against Rhyl this Saturday.”

ICW

Nov-1

Martinez scoops monthly accolade

The Swans won all four of their games in the month including three matches away from home.

Martinez said: "This award is the result of hard work and the talent of the players who are starting to gel after we brought in some new faces."

The other contenders for the award were Brighton's Dean Wilkins, Carlisle's John Ward and Leeds boss Dennis Wise.

BBC

Nov-1

Port Talbot league appeal for new refs

Many fixtures in the senior Saturday and Sunday divisions – as well as the Saturday morning junior divisions – are played without a qualified referee.

Referees are being promoted through the system but there is a lack of new blood coming through the ranks, with the situation likely to go from bad to worse.

The society’s secretary Paul Fisher said: “The society is anxious to combat the current weekly struggle to find referees for the various grades in local football, and wants to run a referees course as soon as possible.”

If you are interested or would like more details, call Mr Fisher on 07986 317279 or e-mail pbf.ref@ntlworld.com

ICW

Nov-1

Purse proud of Cardiff team-mates

The Bluebirds lost 2-1, conceding a 66th minute Steven Gerrard winner, just seconds after Purse had levelled.

Cardiff had been struggling for form going into the game, but pushed the five-time European winners all the way.

"Hopefully we can get our league campaign back up and running," said Purse.

"We have done the club proud getting to the fourth round and playing so well against Liverpool," he added.

"A lot of the players have been here before so we weren't overawed by the occasion.

"We executed our game plan well and it is the way our luck is going that they scored so quickly.

He added: "Liverpool have gone now and we have to turn things around in our league campaign.

"Crystal Palace are struggling so they'll be desperate for points and we have to be up for that game."

Liverpool took a 48th minute lead through Nabil El Zhar but Purse headed Cardiff level with 25 minutes remaining to send the travelling 5,000 Cardiff City supporters wild.

But their celebrations were short-lived as Gerrard popped up to send his side into the next round, scoring the winner just a minute later.

Bluebirds manager Dave Jones feels that his side can take a lot of positives out of the game and start to climb the Championship table.

BBC

Nov-1

Carmarthen Town target cup success

Carmarthen Town go in search of back-to-back cup wins in the next week with manager Deryn Brace labelling it a crucial stage in the campaign.

On Saturday they continue the defence of the Welsh Cup when they travel to MacWhirter Welsh League division one outfit Newport YMCA in the third round of the competition (2).

Newport YMCA are currently in mid-table but go into the tie in indifferent form.

CJ

Nov-1

Llangefni triumph as six are dismissed

A mass flare-up on 76 minutes, involving a dozen or more players, led to referee Hugh Jones issuing red cards to the home team’s Leyton Maxwell and Khyle Sampson and the visitors’ Chris Evans and Kevin Lloyd.

Then, right at the end, second yellow cards were shown separately to Caernarfon’s Kevin McGarry and Bobby Jones, leaving The Oval hosts with just seven men to complete the action.

Llangefni, who topped the group with wins in all four games, imposed themselves quickly by scoring twice through Adrian Jones after two minutes and Lloyd after 14.

Caernarfon improved before and after the interval and closed up, when Paul Addo converted a penalty on 47 minutes, following a foul on Tim Ojapah by Llangefni’s Mark Jones.

Llangefni made the score 3-1 on 68 minutes through Chris Jones, only for Caernarfon to reply again thanks to James Glendenning on 81.

But by then both sides were in total disarray.

DP

Nov-1

Wrexham agree terms to sign Premier League ace

The Racecourse boss, who has taken in four different matches during the past 48 hours in a bid to freshen up his squad ahead of Sunday’s home derby against neighbours Shrewsbury Town, confirmed last night he was closing in on a central midfield target.

"We are getting a little bit closer with a couple of things, and one club has agreed to a loan deal, but now it’s a case of waiting to hear from the player concerned," he said.

"He will be told about our interest when he goes in to work tomorrow morning and we’ll have to take it from there. It’s a question really of whether he fancies the challenge or not.

"He is in his early 20s, so he has the right sort of experience, but to be honest we don’t have a lot of choices at the moment and we could do with him coming to help us out."

DP

Nov-1

Swansea star hopes for chance to prove his worth

So it’s no surprise to see Duffy concede to having to play the waiting game while Warren Feeney hits the goal trail at high-flying Swansea City.

The Scottish striker dropped down from the Championship to sign for the promotion-chasing Swans in the summer, yet 23-year-old Duffy has since been hit by a series of injury setbacks in a stop-start time at the Liberty Stadium.

Coupled with a disappointing goal return which currently sees him edged out of Swansea’s starting line-up by on-loan Cardiff marksman Feeney, Duffy has been left a frustrated figure in recent months.

During his time out of the first-team picture, Duffy also hasn’t been helped by the in-form Swans rattling up the goals with Feeney rediscovering his scoring touch in the process with four goals.