Sep-30

Bluebirds fall fowl of bottom club Gefni

Things look bright for the Anglesey outfit when they took the lead in the 17 minute when Ywain Gwynedd put them in front. And Gwynedd got his and Gefni's 2nd just 4 minutes later.

The visitors gave themselves a chance when they pulled a goal back in the 58th minute with a goal from Neil Thomas, but Llangefni went onto win 2-1 and recorded their 2nd victory in 5 days, and alarm bells are starting to sound for Harry West, having taken just 1 point from their last 3 games.

Haverfordwest County

Lee Idzi, Terry Evans, Wayne Jones, Simon Gilderdale (Jack Christopher 57'), Gareth Elliott, Neil Thomas, Phil Catlin, Tom Ramasut, Ian Jones, Nicky Woodrow, Lee Hudgell.

Subs not used: Jonathan Coates, Peter Thomas, Bobby Briers.

Red Cards: None

Yellow Cards: Neil Thomas 53' Phil Catlin 72'

Attendance: 258

Tony

Sep-30

Llangefni out to break their league duck

Austin has been sidelined by a nagging groin strain, but manager Adie Jones said the forward was ready for a return, although Danny Roberts needs to check out groin problem.

Mark Jones and Chris Evans are definite non-starters and Jones has a choice of goalkeeper between Farai Jackson, who did well in the Loosemores Cup midweek 3-1 success over Caernarfon Town, and rival Simon Williams.

Newcomers Llangefni currently prop up the table as the only pointless side, but were encouraged by their Wednesday win.

Jones said: “Haverfordwest will present a different challenge, recalling – from what I hear – perhaps seven players who were not involved in their midweek cup tie so they will be fresh.

“We are on a bit of a high right now and a back-to-back win would be tremendous for everyone at the club, but we realise the lads must apply themselves all over again.

“What happened on Wednesday is behind us.

“But I am satisfied that we are creating enough chances and we have done so in our last four games.”

DP

Sep-30

Llanelli win seven goal thriller

The League leaders made the perfect start through a Rhys Griffiths strike after just 1 minute, but the lead was short-lived as the Canaries levelled through Mark Thomas on eight minutes. They then stunned Peter Nicholas' side with a double salvo in three minutes as firstly James Glendenning (21) and then Bobby Jones (24) gave the Cofis a 3-1 advantage. In an amazing first half, the Reds pulled one back through central-defender Wyn Thomas to make the Half-Time score 3-2.

Young pint-sized striker, Jordon Follows brought the sides back level just after the hour in an absorbing contest. Griffiths got his second to give the Reds the lead for the second time with twelve minutes remaining.

OWP

Sep-30

Welsh Premier League round up

The New Saints continued their rise up the table into third place with an outstanding 3-0 win against Carmarthen Town. After a goal-less first-half, TNS came out after the break flying with Mike Wilde scoring a minute after the interval before Steven Beck added a second on 48 minutes for the Champions to take a 2-0 goal lead at Richmond Park. Chris King made it three shortly after for Ken McKenna's side.

Neath hit by Williams double

A brace from Marc Lloyd Williams and a Danny Jellicoe goal for Newtown gave the hosts a comfortable win at Latham Park. Defender Jellicoe broke the dead-lock three minutes after the interval and the prolific Lloyd Williams doubled the advantage for the hosts and then finished on 84 minutes for his second and put an end to  Neath's hopes of completing their first back to back double in the top flight. Tommy Mutton was named in the Robins starting line-up for his debut.

Bangor held by Caersws

At Farrar Road, Bangor's Sion Edwards scored the first goal of the day inside the first minute to add to the woes of struggling Caersws, but they managed to level on 19 minutes when Graham Evans scored from the spot, his second successful penalty in as many games to gain a good point for the Bluebirds.

Porthmadog back to losing ways

NEWI Cefn Druids gained a very valuable three points at Y Traeth with a good win against Clayton Blackmore's Porthmadog. Druids winger Kevin Holsgrove scored after just two minutes to give the visitors the early lead at Y Traeth, before the in-form Paul Roberts equalised on 16 minutes for Port. The Druids regained the lead on 21 minutes though as striker Mike Heverin scored, which proved to be the winner.

OWP

Sep-30

Taz aims to kick-start career at the Martyrs

TAREQ Khalil has come home to Wales.

Tenacious central midfielder Khalil, who spent nine years with Cardiff City, has signed for BGB Premier League club Merthyr Tydfil.

Cardiff-born Khalil, 21, left the Bluebirds to sign for Coca-Cola League One club AFC Bournemouth, but was released during the summer.

Merthyr manager Garry Shephard believes Khalil’s drive and passing ability can help give his team an extra edge in midfield.

Khalil, whose mother is Welsh and his father from Yemen, first signed for Cardiff at the age of 10. He was highly-rated, but suffered injuries which knocked him back.

He suffered a serious knee injury during an FA Youth Cup tie against Charlton Athletic in December 2002 and was out for the rest of the season. Then he suffered a dislocated shoulder and was out for five months.

But, after surgery on the shoulder, Khalil returned to play in two cup finals, helping Cardiff City win the Youth Alliance Cup, crushing Tranmere Rovers 6-1, and the Welsh Youth Cup, beating Swansea City 4-1.

“I suffered a couple of bad injuries while I was with Cardiff,” says Khalil. “I broke my kneecap and dislocated my shoulder. But I’m 100 per cent now and looking forward to my time with Merthyr.”

ICW

Sep-30

Cardiff slip up late on an end with a point

ICW

Sep-30

Swansea's disappointing home form continued

ICW

Sep-30

Wrexham win bottom of the table clash

ICW

Sep-29

Steelmen see off Aberystwyth

Port Talbot Town maintained their excellent unbeaten home record with a good 2-1 win over Aberystwyth Town at the Re/Max Stadium. 

It was a double-salvo in the first half for Tony Pennock's men that proved to be the difference, despite Aneurin Thomas' goal for the visitors just two minutes after the break. 

Influential midfielder Liam McCreesh opened the scoring with a 13th minute effort for the hosts and the lead was doubled on 39 minutes with an effort from the increasingly impressive Kerry Morgan, who struck his sixth goal in four games for Port Talbot since his move from Swansea City. 

The Seasiders were given hope by defender Thomas, but they failed to grab a second and the home side took all three point son offer.

OWP

Sep-29

Moran Spot On for Lilywhites

Hot-shot Andy Moran struck twice for Rhyl to gain three points for John Hulse's side against a spirited Airbus UK Broughton at Belle Vue. 

Rhyl are now level on goal difference with League leaders Llanelli, following their 2-1 win over the Wingmakers this evening, who were agonisingly denied a point when striker Moran stepped up to convert an 84th minute penalty . 

The same man had given the hosts the lead on seven minutes and it looked as though it would turn into a convincing win for the home side. Gareth Owen's team had different ideas though and they drew level when James McIntosh equalised on 38 minutes. 

It then looked as though the visitors would hang on before the spot-kick was awarded. The Lilywhites have now gained 19 points from their eight matches, adding pressure on the Reds who face a long trip North to Caernarfon Town on Saturday.

OWP

Sep-29

All square at the Deeside Stadium

The visitors made the perfect start when midfielder Richard Harris struck for 'pool after just six minutes. Nomads striker John McAllister drew the sides level after quarter of an hour, before winger Stuart Cook gave the hosts the lead. 

There was still more to come in the first half though, as Welshpool striker Calvin Davies brought the sides back level with six minutes left of the opening period.

Davies grabbed his second to give Welshpool the lead again, but the Nomads showed character to come back again, when defender Chris Williams, who has been on trial with Millwall this week, struck his fourth goal of the season with a 71st minute penalty.

OWP

Sep-29

Saints pose big test for Brace

CARMARTHEN TOWN player manager Deryn Brace believes this afternoon’s home clash with champions The New Saints will be a pointer to his team’s prospects this season.

Having taken over in the summer from his successful predecessor Mark Jones, Brace could not have had a more depressing start as he saw the Old Golds pummelled 14-3 on aggregate by Norwegian giants FK Brann.

But since losing their opening match of the campaign at Rhyl, the Richmond Park club have been on a tremendous run of five wins and a draw from their last six matches.

It has swept them up to second spot, two places in front of the Saints, although just one point separates the sides.

“The Brann result could have ruined us, but the lads have stuck together and made giant strides since then,” Brace said. “They have made things easy for me and are an honest, hard-working set of players.

“We have started well, but TNS is the big test of how far we’ve come or how far we still need to go. They are the side all teams must try to emulate.”

Brace added, “I’ve heard Ken (McKenna) feels his team have not performed to their potential and I hope they don’t reach that against us. They have secured five wins on the trot, so teams will have to watch out when they do fire.”

ICW

Sep-29

Neath target back to back wins

Neath manager Andrew Dyer is looking for back- to-back wins for the first time since promotion to the Welsh Premier at Newtown. Last week's 2-1 triumph at Caernarfon was a major boost and, with Newton's form patchy, Neath boss Dyer sees further success tomorrow as a real option.

"It's the Newtown's, not the Llangefni's we must target if we are to rise to mid-table, which is our objective this season,'' he said.

"Back-to-back victories would give the whole club confidence in what we are trying to do.

EP

Sep-29

Exiles facing tough start in cup

The club were fined £3,000 and Beadle £1,500 after the first round match last November descended into chaos when Beadle was sent off for arguing with officials and a coin thrown from the stands struck a linesman.

The Exiles travel to face Blue Square South rivals Basingstoke Town in the second qualifying round (kick-off 3pm) with Beadle eager to put that day behind him once and for all.

"It's in the past now. We'd like to remember that day for the right reasons because I think we played some good stuff but it was obviously overshadowed and we all learned lessons from it," he said.

With County running into form with three straight league wins, some may see Saturday's tie as a distraction but Beadle insists that an FA Cup run is important to the club.

"It's the best cup competition in the world and it's a chance for a bit of glory," he added. "A good run in the cup boosts confidence and helps build morale and will also be good financially."

SWA

Sep-29

Upbeat Blackmore seeks a repeat

“We played well in our last three games but did not get the right results against Airbus or TNS”, said player-manager Clayton Blackmore.

“Now that we have achieved the breakthrough, the important thing is to keep it up, especially with a Premier Cup game against Port Talbot to follow on Tuesday.

“There are no new injury worries, which is a help, after all the disruption of the early season when we were having to change half the team every game.”

Midfielder Danny Hughes and forward Jason Sadler are still out because of groin injuries, but striker Paul Roberts, who bagged a brace at Welshpool, will be involved despite a problem ankle.

DP

Sep-29

City's Veterans ready to silence doubters

CARDIFF CITY boss Dave Jones believes his Bluebird “veterans” are starting to ram the words back down the throats of all those critics who said they were past their sell-by dates.

And Jones, whose side are back in Championship action at Barnsley tomorrow, insists there is still even more to come from Robbie Fowler, Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink and Trevor Sinclair.

Eyebrows were raised during the summer when Jones brought in 32-year-old Fowler, 35-year-old Hasselbaink and 34-year-old Sinclair with some forecasting that despite their excellent pedigrees they were over the hill and would never flourish in the Championship.

After a slow start, during which Fowler in particular was fighting for match fitness, the doom merchants looked like they had a point, but now Jones’ gamble on the trio looks to be starting to pay off big time.

ICW

Sep-28

Steelmen lose long serving defender

He joined the Steelmen when they played in the Welsh League in 1997 and he played an important part in the club gaining promotion to the Welsh Premier League in 2000. He has remained a regular player in the side ever since although injury problems and increased work commitments limited his opportunities in 2006-2007, but he has remained a key member of the squad under six different managers during his time at the club. An impressive debut season in the Welsh Premier League prompted interest from Barry Town and Aberystwyth Town, but Robert remained loyal despite the lucrative offers available to him.

He has made just two appearances for Tony Pennock's side this term, both from the bench and he is the second player to leave the Principality Welsh Premier side since the closing of the Transfer window. This must be a concern for the club as they cannot sign any new players to replace the duo until the Transfer Window re-opens in January.

OWP

Sep-28

First Real Madrid - then it's Caernarfon

Andy Legg faces Real Madrid today hoping to pick up his first piece of silverware this season.The Llanelli midfielder will go up against the likes of Madrid legends Fernando Hierro, Fernando Redondo and Alfonso Perez in the European Charity Cup.

Legg will represent a celebrity XI against the Real Madrid Maestros at the Spanish giants' training ground.

The former Welsh international took part in the game last year, which the celebrities lost 5-0.

LS

Sep-28

Aber boss hoping for an extended run

Having only managed to scrape a draw at lowly Caersws last Tuesday, Coyne said that he was pleased with the way his side then bounced back to beat Bangor at Park Avenue. “It was always going to be a tough game against Bangor, especially after their big win the previous weekend, but the boys played very well and got what they deserved,” he said. “We didn’t really perform at Caersws, and in the end we were relieved to get a point, we just about scraped the draw, Geoff Kellaway came on and scored to get us out of a hole. 

“We were disappointed with the result, but it was still a point away from home, and their draw against league leaders Llanelli at the weekend per-haps puts things in perspective. “Yet, the boys responded well very on Saturday, it was a terrific result, and the important thing is that we keep in touch with the top sides, and do not fall too far behind them. “It is still very early in the season, but I feel that we have made a steady start, and having taken four points from our last two games, I would like us to keep the unbeaten run going.” Having only played three matches on a Saturday so far this season, the Seasiders return to Friday night football when they travel to Port Talbot’s Remax Stadium this Friday.

AT

Sep-28

League could axe Premier reserves

CT

Sep-28

Mutton on the menu for Neath clash

CT

Sep-28

I won't crack says Carey

FS

Sep-28

Can new boss stop Garw’s losing streak?

ALTHOUGH Garw stumbled to an eighth successive defeat this season – this time in the first round of the Nathaniel Cars League Cup – there were signs here that new manager Mike Colcombe is beginning to have an impact.

At the start of the season, the Blandy boys were beginning to fade by half-time, but against the Rice Roaders that wasn’t the case until the 80-minute mark.

“The boys played well and there was much more of a buzz in the changing room afterwards,” said Garw chairman Michael Lambert.

“Mike Colcombe’s work at the club is beginning to tell, and hopefully the worst is now behind us.”

Garw host Bridgend Town in the league this Saturday.

ICW

Sep-28

A fantastic start for Ton's new youth side

TON Pentre AFC have formed a youth side for the first time in the clubs history.

The junior Bulldogs have enjoyed a great start to the season and have a 100 per cent record after two games.

The team started the season with a 2 - 0 win against Caerleon at Ynys Park in the East Division of the Welsh Football Youth League.

Both goals were scored by Leon Jacka to give Ton all three points.

In their next game Ton beat Cardiff Corries by five goals to four with Jonathan Hood scoring a fantastic hat-trick.

The side is managed by former first-team coach John Emmanuel who brings a wealth of experience to the team.

He played international football for Wales and once took Ton into the Intertoto Cup.

Jill Evans MEP, who sponsors the Ton Pentre Youth team, said: "It's always a pleasure to support local projects that give young people a chance to shine and develop.

"It also continues my family's links with the club. My grandfather's brother Stan Yeates, built the stands at Ynys Park and his son John also played for the club.

"With the new youth set-up, I hope these young players will move on to play for the first team, therefore providing even greater success in the future.

"Who knows? With increased support from the local and wider community some of the youth players of today many be representing the Bulldogs in the European competitions of tomorrow."

ICW

Sep-27

Celtic shock below-par County

CWMBRAN Celtic upset the odds to record a famous victory over a jaded looking Newport County last night.

The MacWhirter Welsh League Division Two outfit moved into the semi-finals of the Gwent Senior Cup with a comprehensive 3-0 win over a County side showing 11 changes from Saturday's 2-0 win over Braintree.

First-team squad players Shane Brewer, Lee Fowler, Sam O'Sullivan and Craig Hughes all started the game, however, and there was a welcome return for central defender Paul Cochlin, coming on from the bench to make his first appearance since December last year.

The rest of the side was made up of first and second year youth players and it was no surprise that they looked tired as most of them had played in the FA Youth Cup extra-time defeat at Merthyr on Tuesday night.

That's to take nothing away from Cwmbran Celtic who approached the game with a determined attitude and gave an excellent all-round team performance.

The lively red-haired striker Shane Williamson scored with two beautiful efforts, the first an unstoppable drive from 30 yards after 28 minutes and the second a well-placed curler on 73 minutes.

In between Craig Cheedy netted Celtic's second just after the hour mark when he found himself alone on the edge of the box from a corner and coolly side-footed the ball through a crowd of players and into goalkeeper David Pearce's net.

"It was the biggest competitive game in our history and we all played well and we deserved it.

"I'm knackered but I was delighted with the clean sheet and Tom Morgan in goal did brilliantly for a lad of 16 on his debut.

"I'm pleased for Shane Williamson too, he doesn't score any tap-ins, only screamers, and they were both great goals.

"The league is more important but it was a great night and we're in the semis so we're looking to win the cup now."

SWA

Sep-27

Jones aiming to build on cup win

"But as I said earlier in the season, to do that they've got to be fit.

BBC

Sep-27

Feeney out to take Swans chance

The on-loan Cardiff striker has been pushed down the pecking order at Ninian Park following the arrivals of Robbie Fowler and Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink.

But he said: "You don't wish for anyone to get injured but it's a chance.

"I'm here to play football and I want to do well for Swansea so I will grab it with both hands."

Feeney is the fourth player in the last 10 years to have played for the Swans having previously been at Cardiff.

Kevin Nugent, Terry Evans and Tony Bird are the others, although they arrived from different clubs.

But Feeney says he knows all about the rivalry between the two south Wales clubs.

"It was a pure football decision to come here," he said. "I know the rivalry between the fans, but fans are fans and I respect that.

"As long as you're honest and have a go, they'll respect that. I don't want to let anyone down.

"Hopefully I will get my chance on Saturday and hopefully I can shine."

BBC

Sep-27

Nomads Williams on trial at Millwall

"I have kept in touch with Pat since taking on the Nomads job and it was agreed, with the chairman's blessing, for Bungle to go down and train with Millwall for a couple of days when time allowed," says Hackett.

"This week was seen as an ideal time for him to go, the idea being for them to look at him as a possible future signing and him to look at the level of League 1 footballers and set his own playing standards based on what he saw.

"He wasn't allowed to play in any matches and trained with the first team squad as agreed."
Williams, who is contracted to the Nomads until the end of the season and was a target for ex-boss Nev Powell at Bangor City this summer, has now returned to Deeside.

Hackett added that he would be contacting the Lions' management later this week to find out their feelings about the player.

UWP

Sep-27

Whitfield leaves Rhyl for Lairds

He joins several other former Lilywhites at the Unibond Division One South club, including Lee Atherton, Carl Clampitt, Alex Hay and Chris Taylor, alongside former Rhyl assistant boss Neil Young.
A former Wrexham trainee and Wales Under-21 international, Whitfield made 91 Welsh Premier appearances, also wearing the colours of Connah's Quay, Newtown, Airbus UK and Bangor but, after injury in a North Wales Coast Cup game, found himself second choice behind John Gann at Rhyl last season.

"I wish Paul all the best," Rhyl manager John Hulse told Lilywhites Online.
"He never let anyone down, but it simply wasn't viable to keep three keepers at the club."

UWP

Sep-27

Hughes concern over Wrexham's woe

The Blackburn boss, who was raised near Wrexham, said he has been surprised by Dragons' poor start to the season.

"It's disappointing. We played them in pre-season and they quite impressed me," Hughes told BBC Sport. "I thought they had the makings of a good team.

"I was hopeful, as a Wrexham lad, they would have a decent season and not be in the same situation as last season."

Wrexham avoided relegation to the Conference on the final day of last season by beating Boston at an emotionally charged Racecourse.

Manager Brian Carey then immediately promised to rebuild the squad and restore the club's fortunes, setting his sights on promotion this season to League One.

Five new players were recruited over the summer, but the changes have had little effect as Wrexham have managed just three points from their first six league games.

"Maybe it's a case of it being the start of the season and that the new players are finding their feet and getting used to the surroundings," added Hughes.

"Hopefully once that period is over then they'll get their game going and they'll be able to climb the league.

BBC

Sep-26

Crows focused on return flight to the Premier

CWMBRAN Town are still focused on winning the MacWhirter Welsh Football League title.

They fielded a complete reserve team in the Nathaniel Car Sales League Cup defeat against Abertillery Excelsiors and lost 5-1, but Crows secretary Ian Greaney said: “Our priority is the league and there are a lot of injuries in the squad.

“The manager, Guilermo Ganet, opted to rest players and allow injuries to clear up. The League Cup tie at Abertillery was an ideal chance to do that.”

Ganet has signed a number of players from his football academy in London and they travel to train and play for Cwmbran Town, including top scorer John Black N’Gody from Cameroon.

“The whole first team will be at training today and on Thursday,” said Greaney.

“And they will be involved in Saturday’s First Division match against Maesteg Park at home.

“We realise there are some quality teams in the Welsh League and it’s going to be a tough fight, but the manager has set a target of earning promotion within two years. If we can achieve that in the first season everybody would be delighted.”

ICW

Sep-26

Bluebirds romp home against West Brom

He put the Bluebirds ahead after four minutes converting Stephen McPhail's cross before Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink doubled the lead with a 20-yard strike.

Fowler got his second from the penalty spot after Joe Ledley was felled in the box and Trevor Sinclair made it 4-0 inside the first 30 minutes.

Ishmael Miller pulled two goals back for West Brom with one from the spot.

"The problem we had was getting them fit. I'm pleased for the pair of them because they have worked really hard and they've had to do that because they've been playing catch-up.

"The second half was just about killing it off and settling it down."

BBC

Sep-26

Six of the best for Hulse's Lilywhites

He played alongside Dave Cameron who also grabbed a brace after his boss publicly requested that the Scot score more goals. Fellow-striker Andy Moran also got in on the act, whilst defender Matthew Holt bagged his first senior goal. 

Ex-Bangor City skipper Paul O'Neil was left on the bench in favour of the former Everton youngster Holt, whilst Jimmy Kelly returned from injury to partner Gareth Wilson in midfield. It was a great night for striker Chris Sharpe who featured on the bench for the first time in over a year following a career-threatening knee injury.

Jim Hackett made seven changes from Saturday's defeat to TNS with experienced duo Gary Pinch and Chris Williams not featuring, but Paul Glynn, Wayne Morgan, Adam Hitchin, Jamie Petrie, Chris Herbert, Stewart White and Stuart Cook all gained recalls on a poor night for the Nomads

OWP

Sep-26

TNS edge out Druids

Captain Ged Doherty featured between the sticks, whilst Martyn Naylor, Mark Davies, Rob Williams, Tommy Holmes, Jamie Wood, Carl Lamb and player/coach Gary Brabin were all given a chance to impress. The Druids recalled Carl Edwards in goal after young rookie Chris Mullock conceded ten in his last two games.

TNS ran out eventual winners 1-0 with the only goal of the game coming in the 18th minute from Barry Hogan, the win takes TNS top of their group.

Tony

Sep-26

Old Gold fluff up the Bluebirds feathers

In the match Carmarthen hit the goal trail with a 5-1 success against hosts Haverfordwest. 

Sacha Walters opened the scoring after 11 minutes and, although Ian Jones soon levelled for the Bluebirds, Greg Coombes went on to score twice in a comfortable win for the visitors.

Tony

Sep-26

Llanelli win again against Neath

Llanelli repeated last week's Welsh Premier success at Neath, winning 3-1 this time around. But the victory came at a price after defender Gary Lloyd was red-carded in the 32nd-minute when the Reds were already two goals to the good through a Craig Williams double.

Jarrod Price did pull a goal back for the Eagles, but the 10 men went on to add another in the second half thanks to Craig Jones.

Tony

Sep-25

Mattie Davis joins the Bulldogss

Mattie Davies, who made 93 appearances for Town in all competitions over a three year period, has made the switch to MacWhirter Welsh League outfit Ton Pentre.

In his time with Town the ever popular striker netted 30 goals and was a member of two European campaigns that took on Tampere United (Intertoto) and SK Brann (UEFA Cup). All the best Mattie. 24.09.07

www.carmarthentownafc.net

Sep-25

The best is yet to come from Robbie – Jones

ROBBIE Fowler’s first goals for Cardiff City at least gave manager Dave Jones some crumbs of comfort after another frustrating performance at Ninian Park.

The former England striker twice gave the Bluebirds the lead against Preston with a couple of classic poacher’s goals, and enjoyed his best game yet in a City shirt.

“Robbie took his goals well,” said Jones, “and we know he’ll just get better and better.

“He’s looking sharper all the time, and that first goal for us clearly gave him a huge boost in confidence.”

“I bumped into Robbie and his family on Saturday night, and he was obviously pleased to get off the mark.

“You could see the weight visibly lift off his shoulders when the ball hit the net.”

The 32-year-old opened his Cardiff account three days after fellow summer signing Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink fired his first City goal in the 2-1 defeat at home to Watford.

Jones is convinced the former Premiership duo can forge a successful partnership for the Bluebirds, but only as long as the rest of his players can provide the pair with a better service.

“Jimmy and Robbie are working well together,” said Jones.

“But the defence and midfield have got to deliver the ball far better to them.

“We need to pass the ball with quality instead of humping it.”

ICW

Sep-25

Pennock delight after timely win

Port Talbot Town manager Tony Pennock admitted that his side's superb 5-1 demolition of Newi Cefn Druids at the Remax Stadium provided a timely and much-needed boost. Inspired by Swansea City wizard Kerry Morgan, who slammed in a magnificent hat-trick, the Steelmen secured only their second victory of the campaign.

Ironically, the other success was also at home, against Newtown, and by the same scoreline.

''I probably sound happier than I have done for a few weeks and for good reason,'' said Pennock. ''We desperately needed that win.

EP

Sep-25

Lido scuffle riles Caerleon’s boss Dowd

Allegedly Afan Lido had generally persisted in preventing Caerleon from playing the game by foul means.

Matters, however, came to a head when a Lido player appeared to kick Caerleon's Paul Shephard in the face, an act which prompted a mass free-for-all.

Punches and kicks were exchanged, and after the dust had settled Mr Fisher sent off Caerleon's Jason Price and Lido pair Carl Evans and Brian Thomas, the goalkeeper.

But there was more to come. The official next brought together both sets of management teams and informed them that he had had enough and had abandoned the match.

But the decision was wrong, according to Caerleon boss Brendan Dowd: "He told us that he had sent off the players who had caused and been involved in all the trouble, so I can't see what the problem was.

"He should have restarted the game, and then if there had been further trouble, then that's when he should have called it off.

"I have to defend my players and tell you that they endured much throughout the game before they decided there was only so much they could take.

"They were kicked, punched, had their shirts pulled on a regular basis, all virtually right from the word go."

Officials of the Welsh League will now await the referee's match report before deciding on what course of action to take in terms of any punishment.

SWA

Sep-25

Beadle: County are on the up

The Exiles have moved up to fourth in the league after beating Braintree at the weekend, winning 2-0 for the third time in a week.

Beadle's boys have kept clean sheets in six of their opening ten games this season, but Beadle sees his side getting even better as the weeks go by.

Just a fortnight ago some supporters were criticising the manager after successive away defeats, but Beadle insists his team are just getting started.

"I still think we can get much better, on Saturday I thought we were sloppy at times and a little bit lethargic, particularly in the first half," he explained.

I told the players what I thought, just because we won 2-0 and have won three on the game doesn't mean we can't improve.

"Teams will expect us to be tough, physical and energetic and we don't want to show them differently and help to get our opponents tails up."

SWA

Sep-25

Caughter joins rivals

NLD

Sep-25

Jones is backing Ridsdale

The former Leeds supremo offered his resignation to the club's board which was unanimously rejected.

"If Peter walked away and the board walked away I don't know what would happen," said Jones.

"You've got to go and try and find someone who can re-live the dream again and that just seems stupid to me."

Jones gave his full backing to Ridsdale saying he was key to the club's transformation over the last 18 months.

"Peter has worked his socks off and all the board are too," he said.

"The biggest mistake this football club would make at this moment in time is if they (supporters) pull the plug on Peter and the board because they are pushing the club forward no ends.

"It's unbelievable what's gone on in the last 18 months. It's frightening when you consider the club didn't have to what it could have in the next 18 months.

"Every player here he's had a big say in bringing in because he's had to give the go-ahead.

"It's not just my decision who comes in. It's the chairman and the board's decision because they have to back it and make sure the finances are right.

"They are not doing it to fail, they are doing it because they want to do well, just like me.

BBC

Sep-25

Thomas concerned by Wrexham form

But the Wrexham legend insists the club's board should keep faith in manager Brian Carey.

"I think some of the players are feeling the pressure from the fans' anger and disappointment," said Thomas.

"It's how you adapt and maybe that's the telling moment that they can't handle the pressure."

Thomas spoke out on the back of the Dragons' latest loss at Stockport, which has left them with five defeats out of their opening six league outings.

"It's disappointing reading of the table when you see them at the bottom but I think you have to keep the faith in Brian Carey and his backroom staff," he said.

"Brian has made one or two additions to the squad which I thought would make them better, but at the moment results aren't going their way.

"There is immense pressure. You are in a winning related business where you have to win football games to take the pressure off you.

"This is a difficult time and this will show how good Brian is. Can they get the results turned around?"

Thomas stressed it was important to pick up a result within the next couple of games to avoid confidence being drained away.

BBC

Sep-24

Cardiff 'stopped rot' says Jones

"If we're going to take any consolation it's that we've stopped the rot here, which was becoming a little bit annoying," said the Cardiff manager.

"I could feel the tension before the match... but to be fair we caused havoc and their keeper made some great saves.

"At the moment we're trying to put one or two square pegs in round holes."

Roger Johnson was carried off on a stretcher after getting a blow to the head in the last moments at Ninian Park.

The centre-back recovered in the dressing room afterwards but remains a doubt for Tuesday night's third round Carling Cup match at West Bromwich Albion.

With Darren Purse and Glenn Loovens already out injured, Jones may have to field a very makeshift defence.

BBC

Sep-24

Martinez: We have tough lessons to learn

ROBERTO Martinez admitted his Swans side will learn the lessons from their toughest trip of the season – but insisted he wouldn’t swap squads with Dennis Wise.

Martinez refused to be downbeat after Swansea struggled to get a look-in at Elland Road, but did concede his team need to match Leeds’ winning mentality. And he remained adamant his style of football will eventually win through after the fallen Premiership giants’ powerhouse performance shut out the Swans. “We will come out of this stronger,” he said. “If I am being a bit harsh I would say we didn’t play as well as we could have.

“We need to come to places like this and still be ourselves so perhaps we need to develop a winning mentality like Leeds have shown.

“They have huge momentum and the 15-point deduction has helped them because they don’t have to be pretty, just effective and win games. But I wouldn’t swap squads with them. We will improve after this.”

Martinez would not accept Leeds’ rough and relentless style completely overpowered Swansea, adding: “They are a different team to us but I didn’t think it was too difficult to cope with. We were coming back into the game and there wasn’t much in it, we were cancelling each other out.

“They play percentage football and don’t take too many chances but if we can keep playing as well as we can then we will be okay.”

ICW

Sep-24

Bognor sign ex-Wales keeper Jones

The Dragons are struggling at the foot of the League Two table after losing 2-1 to Stockport at the weekend.

And Williams insists that Wrexham need to turn the corner soon, otherwise they will face another relegation dogfight.

"People need to stand up and be counted and we need to show people we care and give it 100%," said Williams.

He added: "It is not about what you do with the ball, it is about what we do without it, and we need to be switched on for 90 minutes.

"We are trying to turn the corner and we have to go into Tuesday's game full of confidence and put our bodies on the line and create chances.

"We need to be put out hands up and say we are not good enough at the moment. We need to play like we did towards the end of last season and play like every point is crucial."

BBC

Sep-24

Williams urges Wrexham recovery

The 40-year-old, who has won 50 caps for Wales, was released by Queen's Park Rangers in May and has not played competitive football since.

Welsh Premiership champions The New Saints wanted Jones to join them for their Champions League campaign but he rejected that overture.

Now he has agreed to play for the Rocks in the Blue Square Conference South.

Jones made his Bognor debut in last week's 3-1 home loss to Bath City, with his new team then losing to a last-minute goal in Saturday's trip to Thurrock.

BBC

Sep-24

Hulse & McKenna not happy with performances

"I know players don't miss chances on purpose but that was pathetic," said Hulse.
"Schoolboys of under eight would have been disappointed with that finishing today."

The New Saints' manager Ken McKenna was also disappointed despite a 3-1 home win over Connah's Quay Nomads that takes his side up to fourth in the table.
The visitors got back into the game with a Mark Cadwallader shot after trailing by three goals, and then had a Stewart White goal disallowed for offside.

"I can't quite put my finger on it, but we're not quite right at the minute," said McKenna.
"Sometimes when we're controlling a game there's a tendency to switch off - when I was a player I couldn't understand that, you don't switch off until the game is dead and buried."

UWP

Sep-24

Cymru Alliance round up

BALA Town’s proud unbeaten record as the Alliance’s early leaders was shattered by a shock 2-1 show at mid-table Guilsfield, whose Simon Edwards and Emyr Roberts featured as the scorers.

A reply goal from Jonathan Newell was not enough to rescue the top team’s six-match success run and now Colin Caton’s men find their lead is trimmed to just one point.

Llandudno Town are closing up as well, in third place, after a satisfying 3-1 home feat against the former champions Glantraeth, in which Lee Thomas bagged a brace of goals.

Bryn Jenkins opened the Seasiders’ account after a quarter-of-an-hour and Thomas joined in after 20 and 87 minutes, with team-mate Ben Dews conceding an own goal to help Glantraeth’s cause.

Lex picked up a goal in each half to add to the woes of bottom club Bodedern, who are still seeking their first win, and the damage was imposed by Steve Holman after 22 minutes and Tinashe Mutanha after 50.

A 3-3 thriller was played out by Llanfairpwll and Penrhyncoch, with six different scorers involved, crucially Iwan Roberts firing the visitors’ 74th minute equaliser.

Prestatyn Town rediscovered winning ways with a 3-1 home victory over Holyhead Hotspur.

Dave Hayes headed the Seasiders into the lead on seven minutes, but on the half hour Ian Williams equalised.

Town took over in the second half and although Hotspur keeper Liam Shanahan did well to keep out a Steve Bowes shot, player/manager Neil Gibson put away the rebound.

Russ Jones added a third with a close-range header and Holyhead were reduced to 10 men in the last minute when Dean Garmey was dismissed for a bad challenge.

After a goal-less first half, Denbigh Town turned on the style to beat Mynydd Isa 3-0 at Central Park.

Luke O'Mahoney struck on 47 and 51 minutes, latching onto through balls by Paul Edwards and Tommy Harrison respectively to apply fine finishes. In the 90th minute a foul on Harrison resulted in a penalty which Kenny Burgess put away.

Llandyrnog United were thankful to pip Queen's Park 1-0 in a close call. Dyrny got the only goal on 73 minutes through skipper Chris Williams who netted after Neal Hughes pulled the ball back after a good run. Queen's might have levelled when Ed Morris Jones's thunderous shot hit a post. Kevin Leach clattered the crossbar.

ICW

Sep-24

Caernarfon striker gets 7 month ban

The suspension carries over from an incident, whilst he was playing in the English system. The suspension had not been processed by the FA at the time when International Clearance was applied for following his transfer to Caernarfon Town from Vauxhall Motors.

The incident was brought to the attention of the FAW by the FA who informed the Association that he was subject to an interim suspension prior to the player appearing before a Disciplinary commission to consider the charge against him. The FAW implemented this suspension which resulted in him missing last weekend's match at home to Rhyl and the midweek win over Llangefni.

Following a hearing this week, the FAW were informed that the player would be suspended until April 10th next year, which means that his season is all but over and Caernarfon Town will certainly miss the forward who has made an immediate impact at the club. The International Clearance which was granted has been rescinded.

OWP

Sep-23

Ceri’s hat-trick wins for Port Talbot

PORT Talbot’s new manager Tony Pennock, with years of goalkeeping experience under his belt, is learning a new trade, and he was understandably pleased with this, his best result so far.

It did wonders for the goal difference too, and he has the advantage of working with a young squad. Speaking after the game, he was reluctant to single out individuals – emphasising that it had been a good team effort, particularly in the first half, when they built a 4 - 1 lead.

However, you can't ignore hat-tricks, and new striker Ceri Morgan caught the eye with two goals in the first half, and another 20 minutes from time.

Pennock did single out Liam McCreesh, who has made the short journey from Afan Lido, and who scored an excellent goal, with a fierce shot from the edge of the area. Pennock praised his versatility and overall contribution to the team.

The final goal came from Martin Rose, now in his second season at Port Talbot, and who is forging a promising partnership with Morgan.

ICW

Sep-23

Neath see off Caernarfon

A DRAMATIC penalty, converted by Andy Hill three minutes into stoppage time, enabled Neath to plunder an unlikely win on their first visit to Caernarfon.

Hill steered the gift of a chance into the net past the hosts’ stand-in keeper James Glendenning.

And the lacklustre contest suddenly erupted as Caernarfon’s keeper Vinnie Whelan appeared to head-butt Hill and was shown the red card.

Town finished with nine players in a game where neither keeper was seriously tested.

The hosts forced seven corners to the visitors’ two, with nothing to show for them.

Then on 39 minutes Neath grabbed the lead when Brian Showdery headed on target following a right-wing cross.

The situation became 1-1 on 67 minutes, when Town’s sub John Rowley turned in a corner from the left and that deadlock seemed to be heading towards the result – until the stoppage time explosion.

ICW

Sep-23

Llanelli 10-men draw with Caersws

THE HOME fans must have expected Llanelli to extend their 100 per cent start with a win over Caersws, who have had a distinctly under whelming start to the season.

Indeed, the game could have been tied up within the first half hour.

First, Rhys Griffiths found himself in a good position after just two minutes, but shot over the bar.

Then, Llanelli’s new young striker, Mark Pritchard, was twice in on goal but each time the chance went begging.

Finally, Pritchard made amends after 26 minutes, when he seized on a good cross from Antonio Corbisiero and forced the ball past the despairing dive of Caersws keeper Andy Mulliner.

The first moment that brought a sense of unease to the watching home fans came when Caersws striker Graham Evans raced clear after a through ball eluded the Llanelli central defenders. He advanced on keeper Ryan Harris but shot wide.

The shape of the game changed completely, however, in first half injury time, when Corbisiero stopped a goal-bound effort, in the referee’s opinion, with his hand. There were plenty of home fans who were prepared to swear it was some other part of his anatomy, but it did no good.

The Spaniard was shown the red card and Graham Evans rubbed salt into the wound by converting the penalty.

However, the old cliche about 10 men being more difficult to play against than 11 held true, and a re-shaped Llanelli had the better of the second half. It was a more compact formation, but they had the lion’s share of the possession, although neither side could claim to have created much in the way of clear-cut chances.

The closest that the home side came to scoring was through the introduction of the former Welsh international Matthew Jones. Forced to give up his career with Leeds United after a bad injury, he still has to get back to full match fitness, but he showed flashes of real class – the highlight being a 25-yard shot that clipped the top of the bar.

In the end, Llanelli were relieved to maintain their three point-lead at the top of the table, after Rhyl were held to a one-all draw at Haverfordwest.

ICW

Sep-23

Rhyl turn the heat up on Harry West

HAVERFORDWEST, despite taking the lead in first half injury time, were content in the end to settle for a draw – after Rhyl had pressed for most of the second half.

That first goal, however, gave the home fans a warm glow, coming from 19-year-old youth team product Nicky Woodrow.

He raced onto a through ball and was confronted with goalkeeper Lee Kendal – a mainstay in the home team for the last five years.

That counted for nothing as the teenager coolly rounded him to open the scoring.

The first half had been pretty even, but the visitors were clearly determined not to lose ground on leaders Llanelli, and their pressure was rewarded when the experienced Andy Moran shot home from 12 yards after a scramble on the edge of the penalty area.

Rhyl continued to press, but a well-organised Haverfordwest defence kept them at arm’s length. The home team's new keeper, Lee Idzi, was not called upon to produce any heroics, as one attack after another foundered on the edge of the box.

ICW

Sep-23

Nomads too late to attack TNS

THE New Saints made up more ground on the leaders with their fifth straight win as the Nomads endured another fruitless trek to the defending champions.

But Ken McKenna's men were again guilty of taking the foot off the pedal after opening up a three-goal lead inside the hour, with the Nomads sparking some late scares as they threatened a comeback.

Having lost their previous nine visits to the Saints, the Deesiders had hoped to improve the record but found themselves two goals down in 20 minutes. First, the impressive Luke Holden saw his left wing cross turned in the at the far post by Mike Wilde.

Alfie Carter then made it two with his seventh league goal of the campaign as he broke through to lob keeper Paul Pritchard, with defender