WELSH
SOCCER NEWS PAGE FOR NOVEMBER 2007
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Nov-30 |
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Chris Gunter subject of
new £1M Everton bid
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EVERTON have moved in with a
third £1m-plus enquiry for Cardiff City full-back Chris Gunter.
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
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Nov-30 |
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Nev's aiming to restore
Bangor's glory days
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NEVILLE POWELL wants to lead
Bangor City back to their glory days as one of the country’s top non-league
teams.
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
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Nov-30 |
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Cefni boss ready for
anything in derby with City
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LLANGEFNI Town travel to take on
local rivals Bangor City tonight with manager Adie Jones unsure of exactly
what to expect.
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
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Nov-30 |
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Bridgend Town in rich
vain of form
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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
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Nov-30 |
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Swans boss wary of
Horsham upset
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Swansea City manager Roberto
Martinez says his side will be the underdogs in Friday's second round FA Cup
tie against non-League side Horsham .
"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."
Swansea narrowly avoided an
upset in the first round at Billericay Town, who play in the Ryman Premier
League alongside Horsham.
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
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Nov-30 |
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Colwyn Bay withdraw from
cup
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COLWYN Bay have withdrawn from
the North Wales Coast Challenge Cup, without even playing a game in this
season’s competition.
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
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Nov-30 |
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Dorus: Swans hope rise
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Swansea City's
goalkeeping worries ahead of tomorrow night's FA Cup trip to Horsham eased
this afternoon after a scan on Dorus de Vries's knee showed no serious damage.
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
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Nov-29 |
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Wales consider move out
of the Millennium
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WELSH soccer chiefs are to
discuss the drastic step of moving key World Cup matches away from the
Millennium Stadium in a bid to give John Toshack’s side the best chance of
qualifying for the finals in South Africa.
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
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Nov-29 |
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County’s season hotting
up
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NEWPORT County underlined their promotion credentials last night with a
valuable point at Eastbourne Borough.
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
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Nov-29 |
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Reds claim cup semi-Final
spot
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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
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Nov-29 |
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Arch Rivals to clash
in Loosemores Semi |
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Arch rivals Rhyl and Bangor City
will clash in the Loosemores Cup Semi Final after the draw was made in
Rhayader this afternoon.
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
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Nov-29 |
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Toshack lukewarm over
Celtic Cup |
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Wales manager John Toshack is
unsure of what benefits a 'Celtic Cup' offers.
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
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Nov-29 |
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Conall Murtagh is
glad to be back for Dragons
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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
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Nov-28 |
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Swans deserve top spot -
Martinez
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Swansea City boss Roberto
Martinez said his side are worthy League One leaders.
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
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Nov-28 |
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Hectic schedule delights
Gunter
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Cardiff and Wales defender Chris
Gunter is delighted to get his season back on track after four games in nine
days.
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
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Nov-27 |
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Celtic Cup' set to start
in 2009
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Scotland, Wales, Northern
Ireland and the Republic of Ireland have agreed "in principle" to
play a series of three biennial "Celtic Cup" tournaments.
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
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Nov-27 |
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Barry Town secretary quits Dragons over playing budget
row
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LONG-SERVING Barry Town
secretary Dave Cole has quit the club amid a row over the club’s playing
budget.
“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
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Nov-27 |
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Ellacott is new Bulldogs assistant
manager
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GOALKEEPER Marty Ellacott is the
new Ton Pentre assistant manager.
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
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Nov-27 |
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Your job is safe,
Ridsdale tells Jones |
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PETER Ridsdale has sent a
message out to Cardiff City fans: “Dave Jones is safe now.”
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
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Nov-27 |
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County face a test of promotion credentials |
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NEWPORT County’s quest for
promotion to the Blue Square Conference faces a major test at leaders
Eastbourne tonight (7.45pm).
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
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Nov-27 |
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Martyrs fail to take
their chances
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MARTYRS boss Garry Shephard was
disappointed that his side could not convert the point gained at Rugby on
Saturday into three points when Mangotsfield were the Monday night visitors to
Penydarren Park.
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
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Nov-27 |
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Rhyl warned not to slip
up
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SHAKEN by Saturday’s 2-1 home
league defeat by Bangor City, Rhyl face a League Cup quarter-final tie at
Llangefni Town tonight without star striker Lee Hunt.
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
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Nov-27 |
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Martinez vows to settle
players futures
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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.
"I'm not going to leave anything up in the air.
Everything will be dealt with before the end of the season, whether it's a
player we want to keep or not.
"Every player deserves to know where they are and we will tell
them."
Martinez will not be rushed into contract talks, however, because of the need
to focus on Swansea's promotion challenge.
"At the moment we're in such an important period that the club and agents
should be talking about contracts and the players should be looking only to
the next challenge," he added.
"We need to concentrate on results in the next few weeks, but I will
always keep in touch with the players and we will keep exchanging feelings.
"Every player has a view and the club has views, so it's a matter of
getting together and speaking long before the end of the season."
EP
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Nov-26 |
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Welshpool to host Cardiff
City in Premier Cup
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Welshpool Town will host
Championship side Cardiff City in the Quarter Final of the FAW Premier Cup.
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
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Nov-26 |
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McKenna thrilled
win TNS rout of Haverfordwest
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NEW Saints manager Ken McKenna
was on cloud nine as his in-form players took their winning sequence to 12
matches with a scintillating display at New Bridge Meadow.
“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
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Nov-26 |
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Tosh throws youngsters a 2010 cup challenge
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JOHN Toshack has challenged
Wales’ crop of emerging youngsters to have a major impact on the race for
World Cup 2010.
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
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Nov-26 |
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Fowler could be back for Bluebirds trip to Hull
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ROBBIE Fowler is aiming to be
back in Cardiff City’s squad for Saturday’s trip to Hull City.
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
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Nov-26 |
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Little pleased with vital
point
|
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Manager Brian Little has urged
his side to build on the point they picked up against Chester on Sunday.
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
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Nov-26 |
|
Martinez backs Robinson
revival
|
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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.
Martinez was delighted with his match winner, believing
Robinson will come up with the goods as they look to move up the League One
table.
Martinez said: "This is one of his qualities. He really enjoys his
football and when he does that he is someone special.
"I hope he can now kick-start his season. He has had a lot of stop-starts
because of injuries but he has really responded.
"Tranmere was an ideal place for him to start again. He is getting back
to the best of his ability.
"He did look rusty, but he has been fighting against a niggling injury
and that will affect his fitness. But he will get back to his usual self when
he gets his match rhythm, which will come with games. I was delighted that he
managed the whole game."
EP
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Nov-25 |
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Griffiths in late rescue
for Reds
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SECOND-PLACED Llanelli almost
came a cropper at the Broughton Airfields but a goal deep into stoppage time
saved their blushes.
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
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Nov-25 |
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Hunt dismissal helps City
hang on
|
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TWO first-half goals at Belle
Vue proved enough to earn Bangor their first win over Rhyl in 11 attempts.
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
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Nov-25 |
|
League strugglers fight
back
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BOTTOM-OF-THE-TABLE Porthmadog
followed up their sensational 2-1 win at leaders Llanelli with a repeat
against a sliding Nomads side who haven’t picked up a point for a month.
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
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Nov-25 |
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Parry goal secures
victory for Cardiff
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Paul Parry's first-half goal
was enough to earn all three points for Cardiff City as they earned a vital
victory against Ipswich Town.
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.
Cardiff boss Dave Jones
"You make your own luck in this game and the players responded well after
that early chance from Alan Lee.
"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
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Nov-25 |
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Swans leave it late to
seal victory
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A late own goal was enough
for Swansea to beat Tranmere.
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
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Nov-25 |
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Solitary goal gives
Caersws the points
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|
A SOLITARY goal by Sion Meredith
enabled Caersws to plunder three priceless points.
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
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Nov-25 |
|
Technical Director
Osian links up with Lilywhites
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Ambitious Rhyl have pulled off a
major coup by engaging the Nation's Technical Director and former Porthmadog
manager Osian Roberts as a coach and adviser. The man from Anglesey, who has
relocated to Cardiff as part of his full-time job, will continue in his job
with the Welsh Football Trust, but will also provide his expertise to the
Lilywhites.
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
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Nov-24 |
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Neath claw back to claim
a point
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Neath climbed back from a 2-0
half-time deficit to play out their first ever Welsh Premier draw as newly
capped Wales Semi Pro International, Lee Bevan grabbed the equaliser for the
Eagles, two minutes into injury time in the Second Half. Aber winger Stuart
Roberts had given the Seasiders the lead on 17 minutes and that advantage was
doubled just after the half-hour when Luke Sherbon grabbed his seventh of the
Season.
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
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Nov-24 |
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Tuckers first game brings
home a point
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|
In a fast and open game in a
bitterly cold Carmarthen, the hosts played out a goal-less draw with Port
Talbot Town in what was Nicky Tucker's first game as boss for the visitors.
Paul Reid continued to pick the Steelmen team and Martin Rose played as the
lone striker, with Chad Bond on the bench. There were chances at both ends in
the First Half with teenage winger Scott Barrow twice being expertly denied in
a one-on-one situation by Neil Thomas in the home goal. The best chance of the
Half though fell to Town striker, Danny Thomas who was centimetres away from
prodding a Paul Fowler cross home. Town midfielder Gregg Coombes was also
denied as Kristian Rogers saved well from his pile driver.
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
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Nov-24 |
|
Pontypridd in crunch
clash at Maesteg
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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
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Nov-24 |
|
Reds seek to clip Airbus
wings
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LLANELLI look to put their Welsh
Premier title challenge back on track at struggling Airbus UK today.
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 th | | |