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 th