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Several senior players, including Jason Koumas and Simon Davies, have suggested that fixtures against the so-called lesser sides should be taken to grounds such as Ninian Park (Cardiff City), The Liberty Stadium (Swansea City), and Racecourse Ground (Wrexham), rather than have 20,000 fans scattered around the 72,500 capacity Millennium Stadium.

And with Wales’ first three home fixtures coming against Azerbaijan, Liechtenstein and Finland, the players believe have a strong case.

But Gunter feels such moves it could backfire on the Football Association of Wales if they agreed to stage the earlier games around the Principality.

“While I agree it would benefit the players, the supporters could lose out because the domestic grounds only hold around 20,000, which could mean that 5,000-10,000 supporters would not have tickets so the FAW have to take that into consideration,” said the 18-year-old full-back.

“I know the players and the manager would like the idea, because it would help us playing in front of packed grounds and it’s not ideal playing in a stadium that virtually looks empty.

ICW

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Peter Nicholas dedicated Llanelli's FAW Premier Cup semi-final win over Carmarthen to the late Gilbert Lloyd. The Reds saw off a tough challenge from their local rivals, but Nicholas's side overcame an emotional week to earn a place in their second final of the season.

Lloyd's son Gary, a solid performer for Llanelli this season, sat this encounter out, but he watched on full of pride and received a huge ovation when congratulating his team-mates in the dressing room.

"It's been a difficult week for the boys, especially for Gary and his family," said Nicholas.

LS

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FIVE-TIME Welsh Cup winners Bangor will be determined not to become the latest victims of giant-killers Guilsfield this Saturday.

The Cymru Alliance outfit have caused quite a stir in this year’s competition, already knocking out Welsh Premier clubs Airbus UK Broughton, Connah’s Quay Nomads and Caernarfon Town en route to the last eight.

But in Bangor they face their toughest test yet by far at the Community Centre Ground in front of the S4C Clwb Pêl Droed cameras.

City are without a win in five starts and the goals which flowed not so long ago have dried up, but with a place in the semi-finals at stake, Neville Powell’s men are sure to be up for the challenge in mid-Wales.

Guilsfield are currently languishing in 12th in the Cymru Alliance and are not in the best of form, having lost 3-1 at home to Denbigh Town on Saturday on the back of a 5-0 drubbing at Holyhead Hotspur.

But the Welsh Cup seems to bring the best out of Graham Evans’ charges.

Bangor will pose a threat all over the park, especially at set pieces with central defender Lee Webber always a man to fear.

Top scorer Ashley Stott and strike partner Les Davies have not been firing on all cylinders in recent games, but the pair have amassed over 40 goals between them this term.

Key operators for the all-blues could be wide men Marc Limbert and Karl Noon, both very impressive in Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Port Talbot at Farrar Road.

HAM

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The match will be the promotion-chasing Swans' sixth in 19 days as they look to make it 18 games unbeaten in the league and 12 unbeaten on the road.

Huddersfield were the last team to beat the League One leaders back in November and Martinez does not want a repeat.

"We are looking to get something back from the first game we played at the Liberty Stadium," he said.

Huddersfield's Galpharm Stadium has not been a happy hunting ground for the Swans as they have lost all four visits there.

February 1994 was the last time they left the town with any points after securing a 1-1 draw at the old Leeds Road ground, and it was September 1992 when they last won.

Martinez has already ended the winless hoodoo at Yeovil earlier this season and is hoping to do the same on Saturday.

BBC

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After seeing his side’s six-match unbeaten run ended by high-flying Peterborough United on Tuesday evening, the Racecourse boss admitted the club’s relegation battle was entering a new, critical phase.

Rock-bottom Wrexham entertain second-bottom Mansfield Town in their third home match in eight days on Saturday.

And St David’s Day marks the beginning of a month that brings seven fixtures, of which all but two are against teams in the lower half of the League Two table.

And Little is pondering a change in both tactics and his 3-5-2 formation after Wrexham picked up 10 points from a possible 18 in a run that brought unexpected but welcome victories against League Two leaders MK Dons and promotion hopefuls Darlington.

Speaking after Tuesday evening’s 2-0 reverse, a result which saw visitors Peterborough jump into second spot, the Dragons boss said: “Against the better teams we’ve played a system that can frustrate them and has got us points.

“We have to analyse this next phase of games and decide whether we play that system or whether we’re a little bit braver in our play.”

“We’re down a little bit, but we’ll brush ourselves down and get ready to go on Saturday.

DP

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Dennis Lawrence should be set for a first team return in two weeks after a specialist confirmed he would not need an operation on his injured knee. It had been feared the 33-year-old centre back could miss the rest of the season if he required surgery on the injury he suffered at Crewe on February 9.

But after travelling to London to see a consultant, Swansea physio Richie Evans revealed the defender needed only minor treatment.

"Dennis doesn't need an operation. The MRI scan showed some wear and tear in the knee, but that's perfectly normal for a player of his age," he said.

EP

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CT

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With leaders Goytre United tripping up at ENTO Aberaman with a shock 1-0 defeat, the Lido’s own promotion aspirations were given a leg-up.

Lido are now just seven points adrift of Andrew Radford’s Afan Valley side – with a game in hand.

Now Saturday’s match away to third-place Dinas Powys has massive implications for the seasiders. Win this one and seventh place Lido will be serious contenders in the title showdown.

At the end of last year general manager Mark Robinson backed his young side to go on a decent unbeaten run.

Well, that’s just what the Lido have done – seven games without defeat in an uncompromising league.

“The boys are doing pretty well lately,” was an understatement from Lido’s general manager Mark Robinson.

“The average age of the team against Caldicot was 22, they are still learning but winning games which is a bonus.

“Everyone is enjoying training sessions and we are back in the promotion race after being well, well off the pace before Christmas.”

ICW

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Deryn Brace has called for six of the best as Carmarthen Town chase their European dream.

The Richmond Park boss believes his side may have to win half a dozen of their remaining league games if they are to clinch a top-three finish in the Welsh Premier League.

Town were beaten 3-1 at Newi Cefn Druids last Saturday, a defeat that leaves them fifth in the table, just three points behind third-placed Rhyl but having played three games more.

CJ

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Carlisle’s 1-0 win at Crewe on Tuesday night cut runaway leaders Swansea’s advantage to 12 points with 14 games remaining.

But Leeds would be within eight points of Swansea if their punishment for not properly following insolvency policy after slipping into administration was quashed.

Leeds chairman Ken Bates revealed yesterday that the club have been invited to arbitration by the Football League as they look to overturn the deficit imposed on them last August.

The club – now five points off the play-offs – served a High Court writ on the league earlier this month challenging the 15-point deduction and Bates has disclosed the league made their offer of arbitration on the day their deadline to respond was due to expire.

ICW

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ANYONE expecting Rhyl to have an easy passage into the Welsh Cup semi-finals this weekend would do well to remember last season’s competition, says Lilywhites manager John Hulse.

In a major shock, the Lilies went out 1-0 in the 2006/07 third round at Ton Pentre, who play in the Welsh League – the equivalent level to Saturday’s opponents GAP Queens Park.

Currently sixth in the Cymru Alliance, Wrexham-based GAP have a number of ex-Welsh Premier players in their ranks including former Rhylite Ricky Evans, Colin Quirk, Kevin Leech and Steve Cowap.

“People have been coming up to me talking about the semi-finals already but nothing could be further from my mind,” stressed Hulse. “I will be reminding the players this week about what happened at Ton Pentre and stressing there will be no room for complacency.

“I’ve watched Queens Park myself – against Buckley recently – and have had good reports about them off people from their league.

“We will be putting as much effort into preparing for Saturday’s tie as we would if we were playing the top two TNS or Llanelli.”

Hulse was impressed by what he saw of GAP in their 7-1 win at Globe Way on February 13.

“They have a lot of decent players,” he opined. “In Ricky Evans and Colin Quirk they have two capable of turning it on against any side and in my opinion they should, in Ricky’s case especially, still be playing in the League of Wales.

“The way they play I don’t expect them to defend and look to hit us on the counter as some Welsh Premier sides do. They like to play in the opposition’s half and won’t be coming for a draw as there has to be a result on the day. It’s going to be a very difficult test.”

RPV

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COUNTY got their show back on the road with a hard-earned victory in south-east London last night.

Newport boss Peter Beadle was forced to give 18-year-old keeper Scott James his debut and recalled long-term injury victim centre-half Paul Cochlin after more than a year out of the County side.

Newport settled quickly and took the lead with a 15th-minute penalty from Jason Bowen, awarded for a needless handball by Welling’s Chris Moore.

Cochlin added to the advantage on 27 minutes with a glancing header from an Andy Gurney free-kick, but County allowed Welling back into the game when Sam Gargan forced the ball home after a 36th-minute corner.

Beadle said, “We had a good chance after Sunday’s defeat and tonight they all did what I asked of them. I asked the team to go back to basics and we had a little bit of zip back in our game after our recent disappointments.”

ICW

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Another thing that is beginning to bother me is the number of chances Swansea are wasting and I believe there is a simple solution to this problem - bring in Freddy Eastwood. Roberto has assembled such a good footballing side they carve out great chances.

They created three one-on-one opportunities in the first leg against MK Dons and at the start of the second half of the second Fabien Brandy was played in and should have scored.

You can praise the keeper for making the save but for me that should have been one touch, 2-0 and game over.

EP

FEB-27

The Reds overcame Carmarthenshire neighbours, Carmarthen Town at an emotional Stebonheath Park on Tuesday evening, in the first game that the Reds have played since the sudden death of Llanelli legend Gilbert Lloyd.

For Llanelli boss Peter Nicholas, it means that he will relish the opportunity of facing his former club, Newport County in the Final for the £100,000 prize and prestigious Title.

The only goal of the Semi-Final came from former Wales Under 21 youngster Mark Pritchard, who has been a bit-part player for Nicholas in the last few months, but his header would have delighted his boss as it helped his side see off Carmarthen for the third time this season.

Striker Pritchard beat Neil Thomas from Andrew Mumford's free kick in the first half and that was enough for the win. The experienced Thomas produced a series of outstanding saves to give his side hope until the death, denying leading scorer Rhys Griffiths, Wyn Thomas and Mark Jones. The Old Gold also had a near miss as Ryan Harrison was beaten by Tim Hicks, only for his effort to be denied by a post and midfielder Gregg Coombes also went close with a long-range effort. However, it wasn't to be for Deryn Brace's side and Carmarthen were generally outplayed on the night and the full-timers deserve their spot in next months Final. 

FEB-27

Day's 65th-minute opener, a free-kick curled in from just outside the box, was his first goal in 19 months.

Nine minutes from time Day repeated the feat following a foul.

Defeat deepened Wrexham's relegation fears, which were worsened by fellow strugglers Mansfield's 1-1 draw with Bury at Field Mill.

The Stags travel to Wrexham on Saturday in what will be one of the biggest games of the season for both clubs.

BBC

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Caersws fell behind as early as the second-minute as January signing Mike Hartley, who has impressed on the center since his move from Welsh League side, Bridgend opened the scoring for the visitors. The lead was doubled in the Second-Half when athletic striker Jack Christopher added to his growing reputation to double the advantage just after the hour. Neil Mitchell gave the hosts some host by pulling one back on 68 minutes but it wasn't enough as Brazil's Boys held on for the three points.

OWP

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Colwyn Bay's Llanelian Road and Flint's Cae-y-Castell are the candidates as the Seasiders seek planning permission for floodlights at their own Bastion Road ground.
Occupants of houses which fringe the ground, including a local councillor, are against the proposal and the club do not expect to be able to meet the league's May deadline for ground grading.
One solution may be the installation of retractable lights, similar to those used by Airbus UK Broughton, which can be raised and lowered before and after games.

The club's main stand, which started life at Manchester City's old Maine Road ground, also needs extending to meet Welsh Premier requirements and footings are already in place to extend the structure along the length of the touchline.

But the future of top flight football in the seaside town now lies in the hands of Denbighshire County Council planners as much as form on the pitch.

UWP

FEB-27

But first they have to deal with hosts Flint Town United, fourth placed in the Cymru Alliance, tonight in a delayed second round tie.

The winners will take on Denbigh Town in the semi-final, while the other last four pairing will involve Bethesda Athletic and Llandudno Town.

Llangefni’s joint manager Derek Roberts said: “As the last surviving Welsh Premier club in the competition, we fancy our chances and hope to put our league woes behind us briefly.

“If we can pull off a win at Flint, where we have had some memorable battles in the past, it will restore confidence among the lads and perhaps rub off on our other commitments.”

One squad change will involve recent goalkeeper signing Dave Vickers, from Buckley Town, making his debut as stand-in for unavailable Farai Jackson.

Holders Flint Town United welcome back three regulars, writes Mike McEvoy.

Skipper Stuart Hughes, central defender Steve Hughes and utility man Steve Alcock are all added to the squad.

Manager Paul Davies said: “We beat Llangefni in this same competition last season on our way to winning the trophy and we are looking forward to taking them on again.

“We are preparing for a hard game because this is a trophy we are very keen to win.”

DP

FEB-27

But the Bluebirds have suffered another disappointment with Derby manager Paul Jewell turning down the latest approach to bring the Welsh striker back to Ninian Park.

Earnshaw, 26, joined newly-promoted Derby County from Norwich City for £3.5m last summer, but has made only four starts in the Premiership this season.

He has also made 10 appearances as substitute, but has scored only one goal.

The Bluebirds, who also approached Derby during January, are among several clubs keen to sign Earnshaw on loan.

Coca-Cola Championship League one side Nottingham Forest are also interested and have made a strong bid for the Zambian-born striker.

If Jewell could be persuaded to release his striker to Ninian Park, Earnshaw would start alongside Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink with Paul Parry reverting to a wide midfield role.

Earnie, who fired more than 100 goals for the Bluebirds in his first spell, is one of two players Dave Jones has enquired about over the last week – and the City manager is still keen to add a striker to his squad.

ICW

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Manager Roberto Martinez is considering bringing in a replacement on loan after Painter's injury on Monday night.

There is also a fitness doubt about fellow defender Dennis Lawrence for Saturday's league trip to Huddersfield.

But Paul Anderson is now fit after his hamstring problem, while Leon Britton and Ferrie Bodde could also figure.

The midfield pair were injured during last week's 1-0 win over Luton Town, Bodde suffering a shoulder problem while Britton picked up a calf strain.

BBC

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Savage, 33, has struggled for form since his £1.5m move from Blackburn and Jewell told BBC Radio Derby: "Robbie is very low on confidence at the moment.

"He is playing with injuries that he probably shouldn't be.

"He will be an effective player for us, but like a few players at the moment he is ineffective."

Jewell added: "His performances are going to attract criticism. There are no two ways that Robbie has played well.

"He is almost trying too hard, and we might have to say 'let's try and get him properly fit and back to where he has been for most of his career'."

BBC

FEB-26

The Crows have no wins from their last 11 games and have only taken a paltry eight points from the last 42 on offer - relegation form in anyone's book.

They now trail Ton Pentre, who are in second position - the lowest promotion place - by 16 points. However, they are just 14 ahead of relegation candidates Maesteg Park, who have three games in hand, and the Crows' next trio of matches are against higher-placed sides.

Cwmbran's problems were clear for everyone to see - they simply can't score goals.

The stats, failure to score in eight of their last 11 matches, and assistant manager Gary Proctor backed up the synopsis.

"Our performance was the same story as the last few weeks, when we've had plenty of possession, but have done nothing with it in front of goal," said Proctor, back with Cwmbran following a short spell as coach under the late Tony Willcox in the 1990s.

"We just can't seem to convert anything at the moment and we seem to be chasing games after putting ourselves in good positions.

"All of a sudden we find ourselves 1-0 down and we certainly need to work on certain aspects of our play."

SWA

FEB-26

Roberto Martinez has urged his Swansea City players to use their Wembley disappointment to motivate their League One promotion bid.The Swans agonisingly missed out on a trip to Johnstone's Paint Trophy final by losing to MK Dons on penalties in last night's area final.

The Swansea boss said: ''We need to show our character now and bounce back from this disappointment in the league.

''It was so near and yet so far.

EP

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Bluebirds’ youth team coach Geraint Twose, whose side beat Bryntirion Athletic 3-0 in the previous round, had to wait to select his line-up for the tonight’s tie with six players away with the Wales Under-17 squad and Cardiff City hoping to arrange a last-minute reserve match this week.

The six away with Wales in Turkey this week are Adam Matthews, Dean Hudson, James Bloom, Zac Evans, Jon Meades and Craig Mason.

City’s Kye Edwards was also on the standby list for a training camp trip which includes a warm-up match against Austria in Turkey on Thursday.

The Welsh team, coached by Brian Flynn, are preparing for their Uefa Championship qualifying group matches in Northern Ireland next month.

All six Cardiff City players on the Welsh trip appeared for their club in a youth Academy match against title-chasing Leicester City away on Saturday.

Striker Mason was man of the match for the Bluebirds, who fielded a young team, including six under-16 players, against Leicester City opponents who used their full quota of four over-age players.

ICW

FEB-26

Jason Scotland was first Swansea's penalty hero then villain as MK Dons won through to the Johnstone's Paint Trophy final after a penalty shoot-out.

Dons had won the first leg in Swansea 1-0, but Scotland levelled the tie from the spot on 20 minutes after Keith Andrews brought down Andy Robinson.

Both sides wasted good chances and the aggregate remained deadlocked at 1-1.

Cruelly only Scotland failed in the shoot-out, as Dons goalkeeper Willy Gueret guessed right with a fine save.

Having now triumphed in this southern area showdown, the Dons will face either Morecombe or Grimsby in the final at Wembley on 30 March.

Gueret had been superb in the first leg at the Liberty Stadium last week when Dons won 1-0, but could do nothing to stop his former club gaining parity at Stadium MK.

Striker Scotland and Robinson combined with a clever one-two and as the midfielder charged into the Dons box he was clipped by Andrews.

Referee Andy D'Urso pointed to the spot and Scotland sent Gueret the wrong way for his 20th goal of the season.

If the League One leaders thought a winner was only a matter of time they were rocked back by a determined MK Dons assault, the League Two front-runners led by the excellent Jemal Johnson.

Only a brave defensive block by Gary Monk denied Johnson, although at the other end Gueret had to save smartly from Febian Brandy before the break.

Both sides had chances to win it in a frenetic second half, Swansea's Shaun MacDonald and the Dons' Kevin Gallen both guilty of glaring misses as the 90 minutes ran out.

The penalty shoot-out began with four excellent spot-kicks before Scotland stepped up to take Swansea's third attempt.

The striker picked the same spot as before but Gueret read his double-bluff, flinging himself left to stop Scotland's shot with a strong hand.

No more penalties were missed and to add insult to injury it was substitute striker Drewe Broughton - just back from a loan spell at Swansea's Welsh rivals Wrexham - who kept his cool to smash the Dons into the final with the deciding kick.

BBC

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But midfielder Stephen Evans (ankle ligament) and goalkeeper Duncan Roberts (broken wrist) are definitely out.

Carmarthen's only doubts are striker Tim Hicks and full-back Paul Keddle but both are expected to make the squad.

Neil Thomas, Kris Thomas and Jamal Easter are clear to play despite facing suspensions in the Welsh Premier.

Llanelli have enjoyed dominance over the Old Gold in the Welsh Premier this season, but Carmarthen defender Rhodri Jones says past form will count for nothing on Tuesday night.

"Llanelli have beaten Carmarthen twice this year, but since the new year Carmarthen have strengthened and shown their resolve," Jones said.

"There was a good result against The New Saints recently, although it was a bad defeat to NEWI Cefn Druids on Saturday.

"But it's a cup match and we'll give Llanelli a good game."

BBC

FEB-26

The club's biggest creditor Langston wants a £24m debt repaid now, but City officials say it is not due until 2016.

And Jones blamed naming only four substitutes in Saturday's 1-0 loss at Sheffield Wednesday on injuries and finances preventing bringing anyone in.

"Until we sort out the side issues and everything else with the situation we are in, we have to battle on," he said.

Michael Oakes, Steve Thompson, Trevor Sinclair and youngster Jonathan Brown were the four players on the bench on Saturday

"We are that thin," said Jones. "Jonathan Brown is not ready to be fair. He was only there because we haven't got anybody else.

"Trevor shouldn't have been on the bench because he's not ready to go and play in a campaign.

"Basically we were looking at one fit (outfield) substitute for the first team and it's not acceptable, but because of the situation we are in there isn't anything we can do."

Jones said there was no scope to bring any players in on emergency loan and the situation is affecting their slim play-off hopes.

"It's a major thing for us and we're in with a shout (of the play-offs) and we can't help ourselves and that's the annoying thing," he said. "It's hard to swallow sometimes.

"I'm not complaining because it's part and parcel of being manager of Cardiff so we'll just get on with it."

No date has been confirmed yet for next month's court case.

BBC

FEB-26

The Dragons’ goalless draw at London Road just over a fortnight ago was mired in controversy after a collision involving centre-back Evans and home goalkeeper Joe Lewis, who was stretchered off as a result.

Evans was cautioned for his part in the incident, which sparked a melee involving all 20 outfield players.

Posh manager Darren Ferguson later accused his former Wrexham team-mate of head-butting Lewis, but that charge was not supported by TV evidence.

Anxious to play down any suggestions of renewed resentment tonight, Evans said, “It was just a case of handbags on the day and I’ve forgotten it now.

“All we have to do is concentrate on ourselves and make sure we stay focused on the job in hand, which is to try and take all three points.

“They weren’t very happy in the previous game because they probably expected to win, but we frustrated them and were probably the better team on the day.”

Still anchored to the foot of the League Two table, the Dragons extended their unbeaten run to six matches in Saturday’s goalless home draw with Grimsby.

“It was not much of a spectacle for the fans, but it was a third successive clean sheet and we extended the unbeaten run,” he added.

“We know we can’t let our standards slip because there are other lads waiting to get their chance. We are building a sequence of results to keep the points ticking over and hopefully we can go one better against Peterborough and pick up all three.

ICW

FEB-25

A board meeting takes place this week to determine the future of the often-troubled tournament.

And, unless FAW secretary David Collins has a hush-hush new sponsorship deal up his sleeve (which I doubt), there is only one realistic outcome.

Current backers BBC Wales have done their best to trumpet the competition during its 11-year history. But the reality is that, in the eyes of the majority of the Welsh public, the Premier Cup never matched up to its name tag.

On the contrary, far from being premier, too often it has been perceived as second rate.

And that is a shame, because in theory this is a cup competition that has done an awful lot of good for Welsh football.

Most significantly, it brought our game back together again after the huge divides that were created at the start of the1990s when the League of Wales was set up.

There was anger, friction, resentment at the time. We even had the absurd situation of the FAW kicking Newport, Merthyr and Colwyn Bay into exile ... Welsh clubs prohibited from playing their home matches in Wales because they wouldn’t entertain the idea of joining the new league.

Money from the Premier Cup has helped LoW clubs greatly improve their ground facilities.

More significantly, the £100,000 generated from winning the competition has played a part in helping our Big Three to keep going at various points over the past 11 years.

Each of the league trio have faced a financial crisis during that period. Each of them gratefully accepted the money from the Premier Cup... whether to pay summer wages, Inland Revenue bill, sign a new player, whatever.

But, to be blunt, the real pros of the Premier Cup pretty much end there. It has always been a competition fighting on the back foot in terms of winning over officials, managers, top players and, most importantly, the fans.

The most fundamental reason is because the FAW never sanctioned, or could never sanction, European entry for the winners.

That resulted in lifting the trophy meaning diddly squat to the players of Cardiff, Swansea and Wrexham, who rightly thought they had much bigger fish to fry.

ICW

FEB-25

Swansea go into the second leg of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy southern area final one behind after last week’s loss to Paul Ince’s men.

With nothing to lose, Butler insists the Swans will be looking to even the tie as soon as possible at the Stadium MK and go on to book their place in the Wembley final.

He said, “We are 1-0 down so we will have to go at them, but, whether we are home or away, we have been attacking teams all season.

“If we are still 1-0 down after a while the manager is just going to tell us to go out and attack, attack, attack. As a winger to have that freedom is great because you can really have a go at defenders, and for the other team that must be a nightmare. “When you play out wide you love getting the ball all the time. In this team you are always going to get a lot of chances, I’ve had six goals this season, but I probably should’ve had a few more.”

ICW

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The Exiles looked to have claimed a fortunate draw with Charlie Griffin's equaliser 10 minutes from time but two goals deep into injury time gave the league leaders the win they fully deserved.

A baffled Beadle found it hard to explain the disparity between the fantastic display at Cardiff City and yesterday's woeful effort just five days later.

"There's no middle ground with us, we're either very good or very bad and today we were very bad," he said.

"They could have quite easily been out of sight at half-time. We just didn't turn up.

"They looked like they wanted it more than we did and like they had more know-how than we did.

"We didn't even match them for effort, which was really disappointing. We just got beaten by the better team."

The result, the fourth league game without a win this month, leaves County in eighth position, six points off the play-off positions and Beadle knows they need to improve quickly.

SWA

FEB-25

Neath's superb six match unbeaten run came to a disappointing end at Broughton where they went down 2-1 to improving Airbus UK. The match was a reversal of the Eagles' recent matches where they have stormed to victory in the final 15 minutes.

This time, Andrew Hill appeared to have won it with a 72nd-minute spot kick - his league tally now stands at 13 - but the Wingmakers hit back with goals from Phil Molyneux, 13 minutes from time, and Danny Desormeaux 3 minutes later.

Molyneaux's equaliser came courtesy of a poor headed back-pass by David Burrows, the winner a 25-yard screamer which gave goalkeeper Craig Morris no chance.

EP

FEB-25

Port Talbot's dream of a first European qualification remains on course following a battling 0-0 draw at Bangor City. The hosts maintain a three point advantage over Nicky Tucker's side but have played a game more while Carmarthen have also been egged back to within three points after their shock 3-1 loss at Newi Cefn Druids.

But the Steelmen have two games in hand over their Richmond Park rivals, so the battle for fourth place, which could provide qualification into the Uefa Cup, is really starting to hot up.

Tucker was satisfied with a point which extends the Steelmen's fine unbeaten sequence to five matches producing a 13-point haul.

EP

FEB-25

"But we hope they will allow Drewe to return to us after the tie so he can be in contention for the Peterborough game."

Wrexham are struggling in the striking department as Neil Roberts and Eifion Williams are injured.

BBC

FEB-24

A strike from the much travelled Chris Summers helped the Cynon Valley side achieve a double over their title rivals.

Second placed Ton Pentre, the former champions, had to battle hard to gain the full points against lowly Pontypridd Town. A goal either side of half time from Andrew Pearson earned the points and Rasal Abdul reduced the arrears for Pontypridd.

Bryntirion Athletic kept alive their aspirations by beating third placed Dinas Powys 2-1. Robbie Walters scored from the spot and increased his considerable tally with a header.

Jason Powis replied for Dinas but the story of the day belongs to Alan Founaguin, the Bryntirion goalkeeper who on his return from suspension immediately picked up another red card for exactly the same offence, handling outside the area.

Newport YMCA cemented their mid-table spot with a 2-0 victory over Cwmbran Town, Steve Edwards and Alex Stewart both netting.

Bridgend Town fought out an entertaining 3-3 draw with Croesyceiliog and the honours were also shared at Maesteg Park who drew 2-2 with Cambrian and Clydach.

Taffs Well pulled well clear from the danger zone with an impressive 3-1 win at Caerleon.

Not one of the top three teams in division two gained maximum points yesterday.

Leaders Barry Town were held to a 1-1 draw at home by mid-table Caerau Ely. Rhys Jones scored for Barry and Martin Bridgeman bagged the Caerau equaliser.

Second placed UWIC drew 1-1 at Tredegar Town where Andrew York was the game’s only scorer as he netted for Tredegar and then went on to score an own goal.

Third placed Bettws went down to a shock 2-1 defeat at lowly Troedyrhiw, a victory which lifted the hosts out of the relegation zone.

Cardiff Corries narrowed the gap at the top by winning 4-3 at Briton Ferry with goals from Rhys Yates, Robbie James, Andy Smith and Sam Jacobson.

The Corries were cruising 4-1 at one stage but a late rally from Ferry almost brought them a point.

Ammanford eased their relegation fears with a 2-0 success over Llanwern.

All the top three teams in division three won their matches.

WOS

FEB-24

Just as on October 20 at the Remax Stadium, the rivals fired blanks for 90 minutes in the Farrar Road return, as both rued wasted chances.

For Bangor, until recently free-scoring entertainers, this was their fourth blank in five outings – a bad habit they must shrug off in their Welsh Cup test at Guilsfield this weekend.

City’s concerns also involved goalkeeper Paul Smith, who damaged a knee during the first half but battled on only to take another knock later that caused him to withdraw.

Defender Peter Hoy switched to between the posts and Dave Swanick moved off the bench to complete the line-up.

City were close to finding the target in the opening quarter, when Karl Noon swept a good-looking 25-yarder just wide and captain Marc Limbert tested keeper Kristian Rogers from the edge of the box.

Equally, Port Talbot cursed their luck when Lee John had a goal-bound effort cleared off the home line and the same player lobbed over the bar, after spotting Smith out of position.

Noon put in a close-range shot that deserved to succeed in the second half, only for Rogers to collect, but it was the away side who finished stronger and James Burgin blasted a 35-yard rocket against the angle of the goal frame.

ICW

FEB-24

TNS showed they have no intention of throwing in the title towel after turning up the heat on the leaders with a seven-goal romp against lowly Llangefni.

Having lost two of their previous three league outings, the Saints steadied the ship in style at the end of a week that saw manager Ken McKenna announce he would be stepping down at the end of the season.

And the Saints boss, looking to sign off his 10-year reign at the club with a record-equalling fourth successive league crown, would have been happy with what he saw.

Newcomer Kevin Townson led the charge with four of the goals in this one-sided affair as the defending champions moved level with pace setters Llanelli, although the blitz was not quite enough to take them top on goal difference.

As for Llangefni, the Anglesey men now appear to be hurtling back to the Cymru Alliance after suffering their sixth straight defeat.

Townson was the chief beneficiary with his goal count at Park Hall, but the former Rochdale striker was provider early on, teeing up Paul Henry to make a 13th minute breakthrough from six yards.

Four minutes later, the high-flying hosts doubled the lead when Martyn Naylor’s right wing cross found Jamie Wood, who beat keeper Farai Jackson with a point blank header.

Llangefni were always at full stretch and, after several chances had gone begging, Townson opened his account on 40 minutes when Jackson could only parry Wood’s shot for a another close range goal.

A fourth goal arrived on the stroke of half-time when Scott Ruscoe’s long ranger appeared wide but was headed by Geraint Mitchell into his own net.

The visitors defended valiantly after the break but the Saints made it five on 68 minutes when Chris King’s shot was parried by Jackson for another simple scoring opportunity for Townson.

Carl Lamb nearly added the sixth with his first touch after coming off the bench, while keeper Jackson made a fine save to deny Steven Beck.

But Townson completed his hat-trick after good work from Tommy Holmes.

Then he added his fourth by running on to a through ball.

The Saints, however, would have been disappointed to concede a consolation goal in the last action of the game, from a Craig Hogg header.

ICW

FEB-24

AIRBUS UK have collected the magical 30 points that most managers count on as being the survival mark for a further season at top flight after they narrowly defeated Neath Athletic 2-1.

Rest assured, this was hardly the sort of game to bring the crowds back. The first half was played at a very pedestrian pace and the number of goal opportunities were few and far between, with just a half-chance by the Wingmakers’ Gareth Sudlow being the highlight.

The second period did improve considerably and James McIntosh almost put the hosts ahead, but his shot shaved the bar.

At the opposite end Jarrod Price went close as Neath started to take control and they eventually broke the deadlock in the 72nd minute through Andy Hill. Airbus hit back in the best possible fashion and they were soon to level thanks to a clever flick from Phil Molyneux.

It was the boost his side needed as they gained in stature and doubled their tally in the 80th minute through Danny Desormeaux, who lobbed Craig Morris from distance and the goal proved decisive. In the dying moments of the game, though, and Neath doing all the pressing, Airbus keeper Chris Doran tipped over a stinging shot from Hill.

ICW

FEB-24

THIS was a game Haverfordwest should have won.

In the first half, the Caernarfon crossbar was rattled three times, but the visitors went into the lead after John Rowley flicked in a low cross from James Thomas.

Frustrated home fans saw a cross from Lee Hudgell come back off the bar, and watched as a 25-yard shot from Tom Ramasut hit the same spot.

Just before half-time, Mike Hartley hit a fine cross from the right, and this time it was Hudgell’s turn to hit the bar with a header.

To make matters tougher for the visitors their left back, Phil Doran, was sent off after 25 minutes. One yellow card for kicking the ball away wasn’t enough for Phil, and he repeated the offence 60 seconds later.

It was one way traffic in the second half, and an equaliser finally came when Abdi Ahmed’s cross was forced home from close range by his fellow substitute, Nick Woodrow. Neil Thomas and Jack Christopher both had chances to clinch the three points in the last 10 minutes, but it was not Haverfordwest’s day.

ICW

FEB-24

Jones was furious his back four waited for an offside before Tudgay struck and he said: “Sometimes you don’t have to be good, you just have to be lucky and they were lucky today.

“We came in one down at the break because we fell asleep when we shouldn’t have and we didn’t take our chances. It was there for us.

“They’ve not caused us any problems and we just should not have conceded that goal. It’s a lack of concentration at the back.

“Perhaps it’s because we’ve been so much on top they thought it would be easy.

“They’ve all worked really hard but when you do that you’ve still got to keep the back door shut.

“We had chances but the keeper’s made some good saves and there’s been a bit of poor finishing.”

Jones admitted his player crisis could really hamper his play-off bid and revealed his reasons for only naming four subs.

He said: “We named four subs because that’s all we have, that’s all we’ve got. You can’t put a 15 or 16-year-old in there when they’re not good enough. It just sums up what we’ve got at the moment but we still should have won.

“Yes, if we get a couple of injuries we could be in real problems, but that’s what we’re facing until we sort out this court business and we’re just getting on with it because that’s all we can do.”

WOS

FEB-24

Manager Mike Barton’s men flopped 3-1 at home to Denbigh Town, who earned the points through goals from Ian Evans after eight minutes, Jamie Hobson from a penalty after 70 and Kenny Burgess after 79.

All that Guilsfield managed was a 25th minute spot-kick reply from Graham McGill.

Flint Town were other ineffective home performers, having to share the spoils with Gap Queen’s Park in a 1-1 draw, when they needed maximum reward to help their honours bid.

But things might have been worse, because after Gap had taken an 11th minute lead through Kevin Breeze, Flint’s equaliser was left until the 89th, when Sean Beck pounced.

Glantraeth were also losers in front of their own fans, as Bala Town plundered a 1-0 result by means of a disputed penalty around the hour mark.

Hugh Price held his nerve to convert after Glantraeth’s Richard F Owen had been punished for pushing opponent Mark Griffith in the back.

League leaders Prestatyn Town fell to a shock 2-1 defeat at Mynydd Isa who make a habit of doing well against the big teams but are faltering regularly to poorer opposition so this was not too much of a surprise for the Isa faithfuls.

The league leaders took a 20th minute lead through Dave Hayes but by the break Isa were all square when Chris Boulton got the final touch to a Barry Calder cross. Isa’s perseverance was rewarded in the 72nd minute when Sam Pugh netted the winner from a close range when Prestatyn failed to clear their lines.

Llandudno consolidated their second placed showing when they picked up a narrow 1-0 win at LEX XI. The game’s only goal came in the 61st minute when, following a defensive error, Lee Thomas reacted quickly to stab the ball home from close range.

In the basement battle at Ruthin Town, Buckley Town stole the honours to win quite convincingly 3-0. Simon Holloway, back on his old hunting ground, steered Buckley into a 10th minute lead, skipper Nick Whitely bagged second goal with the first action of the second half and there was no way back for Ruthin after Alan Dawson finished off a fine move started by Matty Roberts with style.

WOS

FEB-24

The person who sits in the manager’s office at the Racecourse certainly has the calibre.

Anyone who doubts that only has to cast an eye towards Wembley today to remember that the last Englishman to win any major trophy and still be in employment is the man charged with saving the Red Dragons’ Football League status.

But Little himself acknowledges the success of one cup final provides little comfort ahead of the 16 that will soon follow for the North Wales outfit.

Keeping Wrexham in the Football League is all about the here and now.

“It’s a nice recognition,” admits the former Aston Villa boss. “You can go further because I’m not so sure how long it’s been since an English manager took a club to fourth and fifth place in the Premier League in successive seasons and to the quarter-finals of the Uefa Cup either.

“But I’m not the type of person who looks backwards, has regrets or laments anything.

“I’d like to think I could describe myself as someone who has always done what he’s wanted to do.

“When you look at my management stats I think I’ve done reasonably well and my record stands up against others.

“I’ve done what I’ve done at the top and that’s part and parcel of me as a manager; and I’ve also managed at the lower levels and I’ve no shame in that.

“I’ve always been quite happy to face these kind of challenges and I don’t think there’s many managers who can go around saying that.”

Possibly because few others would fancy getting their hands as dirty as Little has done since accepting Wrexham’s offer last November.

He soon promised to rip the side up and start again, the January transfer window proving his words were anything but hollow as a blur of new faces freshened up a jaded Dragons squad.

Yet, while the improvements have been obvious, the spectre of slipping out of the league very much remains.

ICW

FEB-23

Nicky Tucker admitted that, despite last weekend’s 3-1 home win against Caersws, his sixth-place side could need to win seven of their remaining nine matches to finish in the top three.

However, he’s hoping Welsh Cup success against Bangor or Llanelli will open the way for the fourth-placed side to get into Europe.

He said: “Fourth could be enough for Europe and it will be enough to get us into the second round of next season’s Premier Cup.

“To give ourselves a chance of getting fourth, our next three matches are crucial. We play at Bangor on Saturday, Llangefni away on March 1, and Llanelli at home on March 7.

“We must beat Llangefni and at least win one and draw one of the other two.”

In order to maximise their chances of success, the club has paid for its players to travel to North Wales on Friday.

Tucker said: “Fair play to the chairman for that. He’s giving us the best possible preparation.”

ICW

FEB-23

Welsh Premier League leaders Llanelli will be without five key players ahead of Saturday's clash with Newtown at Stebonheath Park (1pm).

Striker Rhys Griffiths, midfielders Craig Jones, Craig Williams and Stephen Evans and keeper Duncan Roberts are definitely out of the clash with the Robins.

However, manager Peter Nicholas is hopeful that Griffiths - who has 32 league goals to his name this term - Jones and Williams can overcome their injuries in time for Tuesday night's FAW Premier Cup semi-final with Carmarthen (7pm).

LS

FEB-23

Leaders Goytre United have both Steve Conaty and Jonny Walkley suspended for tomorrow's important first division clash at ENTO Aberaman. Both Ryan Durham and Ian Morgan are likely to miss out through injuries as well.

Chris Parfitt comes into the squad as Goytre look to overturn a 3-2 loss against the Cynon Valley side in the reverse fixture.

Maesteg Park will be looking for more goals from their new strike partnership of Robbie Fowler and Dan Nash at home against Cambrian & Clydach.

In the second division, Garden Village have centre-back Gary Davies back from suspension at home to Pontyclun.

Village also have Anthony Wright back, but it remains to be seen whether manager Robert Lloyd makes changes to a team that carded a 3-2 win at Ely Rangers last week.

Briton Ferry challenge promotion-seeking Cardiff Corries at Old Road with Dean Morris and Stephen David having both completed bans.

However, Craig Edwards starts a two-match suspension, while Ferry are hoping Dan Thomas has recovered from injury.

Thomas missed the 2-1 loss at Caerau Ely last weekend - this defeat sent Ferry plunging into the drop zone.

A key encounter in the third division sees Morriston visit Monmouth for the first time.
The Dingle men are beginning to run out of games, as they look to maintain a 57-year association with the Welsh League.

EP

FEB-23

Pennock said: “Ross came on late on and really enjoyed himself which can only bode well for his future career.

“Unfortunately Chris could not shake off the injury he sustained for his club and we felt it more sensible not to risk him against the English.”

The defeat spelled the end of Wales’ lingering hopes of qualifying for the latter rounds of the International Trophy, but Pennock remains up beat.

“The whole point of this team is identifying talent who can make the step up to the professional game and increase the pool of players available to Wales and I think this is being achieved,” said Pennock.

“In Mid Wales there is a tradition of giving young Welsh players an opportunity and this is reflected in the standard of its leading clubs.

“In the future I can really see a place for Caersws midfielder Aeron Edwards and Newtown goalkeeper Dave Jones in the Welsh set-up.”

CT

FEB-23

Struggling Luton frustrated League One's runaway leaders but Butler's 79th-minute strike extended Swansea's unbeaten league run to 17 games.

Luton defended resiliently as they looked to spoil Roberto Martinez's one- year anniversary as Swansea manager.

But Sol Davis' dismissal in the 69th minute after a foul on Butler proved crucial as, after hitting the woodwork, the ex-Irish international settled it.

BBC

FEB-23

Man Utd boss Ferguson has hailed 34-year-old Giggs' decision to study for his Uefa 'A' licence with the FA of Wales in Aberystwyth in June.

Giggs could follow Ole Gunnar Solskjaer from dressing room to boot room.

Ferguson said: "A future with us in relation to a position at the club is something we will be looking at because he has been a fantastic example."

Old Trafford has been a good breeding ground for managers, with the likes of Gordon Strachan, Steve Bruce, Paul Ince and Giggs' compatriot Mark Hughes all graduating from playing.

"Ryan has indicated he wants to come and do his Uefa 'A' Licence with us in Aberystwyth in June," said FAW technical director Osian Roberts.

"It's great news for us in Wales and I think it's also great news for football that someone of Ryan's calibre and status will stay in the game.

BBC

FEB-22

The competition, which involves Wales' three Football League clubs against its prominent exiles and the top Principality Welsh Premier League sides, faces an uncertain future and there is growing speculation that it could now be scrapped.

The competition was the brainchild of BBC Wales and was ostensibly seen as a way to provide football to fill the station's schedules when it did not have the rights to show extensive Football League action featuring Cardiff, Swansea and Wrexham.

But, with the BBC having secured a three-year deal to show highlights and 10 live matches from the Championship from 2009, the Premier Cup could well become superfluous to requirements. But FAW general secretary David Collins said he hoped the competition would continue and hailed it as a great success for Welsh football.

However, Swansea and Wrexham were knocked out in the quarter-finals this year and Cardiff fielded a second-string side in succumbing on penalties in the semi-final to Newport on Tuesday. The final will now be contested by Newport and either Welsh Premier sides, Llanelli or Carmarthen with the winner pocketing £100,000.

Many have questioned the validity of the competition, especially when efforts to gain a European place for the winners floundered early on.

But Collins said, "Personally, I would like to see it continue and I am sure the FAW directors on the board would go along with that.

"I think over the last 10 years the competition has been a big success. It has been a chance for the three professional clubs in Wales, the likes of Newport and Merthyr and the Welsh Premier sides to meet each other.

"The financial rewards have always been important and we have seen ground improvements at some clubs in line with the televising of certain ties...Whether the BBC gaining rights to Football League action has a bearing on the competition's status remains to be seen."

OWP

FEB-22

The Spaniard lasted 64 minutes of the 1-0 first-leg home loss to MK Dons before coming off with the injury.

Swansea physio Richie Evans confirmed on the club website he expected Bauza to be out "for two to three weeks".

"He has been doing well so the injury is a big disappointment for us," said Swans boss Roberto Martinez.

Bauza's appearance in Swansea's midweek defeat was his fourth game in just ten days and Evans believes the hectic schedule has taken its toll.

"There is only so much you can do when fatigue sets in due to the huge fixture schedule," Evans said.

BBC

FEB-22

Town lost the match 2-1 – their first reverse in eight games – but the clash will be more remembered for its unsavoury nature.

Barry had defender Geraint Goodridge sent off after just two minutes of the game for a foul, but while Lovering conceded the challenge was reckless he also claimed there was intimidation from the Bettws camp.

Lovering said Chesterfield became angry at the final whistle, claiming a Bettws player had illegally gone onto the pitch to confront Goodridge.

When he confronted the linesman about the matter there was an altercation between the two.

“The linesman apologised after the match in the clubhouse, Gavin accepted it and the matter ends there,” said Lovering.

Chesterfield added: “It is always difficult to go to Bettws and it didn’t help us having a player sent off after two minutes. We didn’t play our best.

“My clash with the linesman was something and nothing.

“These things happen in football and we shook hands afterwards and forgot about it.”

ICW

FEB-22

The hugely successful TNS boss this week announced he will leave the club at the end of this season in search of a new challenge.

McKenna’s magnificent seven-year spell as manager saw the Saints win back-to-back titles for the last three seasons, while he also led the full-timers into Europe every season he was in charge.

His decision to leave ends a 10-year association with the club after he joined as a striker from Bangor City in the 1998-9 season.

And while he admits his departure will be a wrench both for himself and his players, with the Saints currently three points behind leaders Llanelli having played a game less, he believes the timing of his announcement will spur TNS on in the final push for glory.

"The reason why I announced it now is it gives the players a chance to get it in their heads," said McKenna, whose side travel to Llanelli a week on Tuesday before hosting them in the final game of the season on April 19.

"It gives them a chance to show the club how much they want to be here, and to show any potential new manager that they’re good enough to be here.

"The reason behind me making my announcement now is so it makes them work a bit harder, and hopefully we can win the league again this season. I want to go out having won the league for the fourth time in a row."

He added: "It’s been a little bit sad – a lot of the players have been saying ‘why are you going, we want you to stay’. A lot of them have been with me for anything from four to seven years.

"But we’ve been working with each other every day on the training ground – they respect my decision and everything’s been positive this week."

McKenna says his proudest moments with TNS have come in European competition, with last summer’s first-ever Champions League victory at home to Ventspils up there among memorable nights at Anfield and the City of Manchester Stadium.

"Winning in Europe for the first time was a proud moment, even though we never managed to win away," he said. "The Liverpool game was a big one as well, and Man City."

DP

FEB-22

With funds available after the Exiles netted £50,000 for reaching the final of the FAW Premier Cup, boss Beadle is ready to strengthen his squad ahead of a promotion push and Sunday's massive clash with Lewes at Spytty Park, (kick-off 1pm).

Top of the agenda is former Liverpool and Manchester United forward Ramon Calliste, 22, who Beadle hopes to have in his squad in time for the trip to Welling on Wednesday.

Beadle is also hopeful of signing Cardiff City's Newport-born left-back Matthew Smith - who played against the Exiles on Tuesday night - in a loan deal.

Smith, 19, would replace Shane Brewer after County last night released him.

Brewer has been on loan at Yate but is now deemed surplus to requirements at Spytty Park after a falling out with Beadle.

SWA

FEB-22

Gueret made over 150 appearances for Swansea in a three-year spell and was part of Kenny Jackett’s side which clinched promotion to League One in 2005.

But the Frenchman was deemed surplus to requirements by Swansea boss Roberto Martinez and joined MK Dons at the start of the season.

And, in time-honoured football fashion, Gueret came back to haunt his former employers with the Dons taking a 1-0 lead into the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy Southern Area final second leg.

“If it wasn’t for Willy they would have scored two or three in the first half,” said Ince.

“He made three unbelievable saves and Swansea will be regretting ever letting him go. I’m glad we’ve got him, that’s for sure.

“I’ve said it all along that Willy should not be playing at this level.

“I look at some of the goalkeepers in the Premiership and he is better than some of them. He’s mentally strong.

“It would have been easy for him to come here and have a nightmare after the circumstances when he left, but, credit to the lad, he’s been sensational for us.

“We’ve got to thank him for coming away with the 1-0 win.”

ICW

FEB-22

CBH

FEB-22

CONNAH’S Quay Nomads boss Jim Hackett will be spoilt for choice if midfielder Danny Forde fails a fitness test before tomorrow’s trip to Aberystwyth (1pm).

The former Oldham Athletic trainee limped off in Friday’s crucial 2-1 home victory over fellow strugglers NEWI Cefn Druids with a knee injury.

Forde – who has caught the eye since arriving on Deeside last month – was put through his paces in training last night to see whether he can take his place on the coach to West Wales.

If not, his shirt will be taken by Mark Cadwallader, Forde’s impressive replacement on Friday, the fit-again Wes Kilgannon, the league’s player of the month for December, or the suspension-free Craig Jones, one of the Quay’s most consistent performers this season.

But Hackett is unlikely to make other changes to his side, who as a result of their win over Druids – secured by a fluke from top-scorer John McAllister – are now eight points clear of the drop spots in 14th.

Hackett said: “The win could be the important one that we’ve been looking for. Although I don’t think we played great, and we needed a fortuitous goal to win it, I thought we deserved to as we played the better football and had the better chances with their keeper making one great save.

“Other results are going for us at the moment but we know it’s still up to ourselves to get clear of trouble, and in the last couple of games we’ve done that.”

TFC

FEB-21

This season’s new arrivals in Welsh football’s top flight continue to defy the odds with some top class performances.

With fellow newcomers Llangefni destined for a return to Welsh League Division One, it’s a completely different story for Andy Dyer’s men.

Instead of concentrating on survival in this demanding league, Neath’s energies are being directed at securing a top 10 finish to qualify for the FAW Premier Cup next season. They are currently in seventh place - six points ahead of 10th placed Haverfordwest which shows how crucial their victory over the Pembrokeshire side was.

The club are not interested in qualification for Europe as manager Andy Dyer does not hold a Pro-licence A badge, while the ground is not yet up to the standard to host European football.

ICW

FEB-21

The Welsh lost 2-1, but were unlucky early on not to take the lead, firstly Stuart Fleetwood hit the post in the 5th minute and former Afan Lido winger Craig Jones had a shot saved by English keeper Cronin.

The english took the lead with 5 minutes left of the first half with a goal from Mitchell Cole, 4 minutes after the re-start Wales were back in it when Alex Lawless scored with a 20 yard strike, but Wales's parity lasted just two minutes when Lewis Chalmers made it 2-1 and that's how the game ended.

The Welsh premier had 3 players in the starting 11, Craig Jones (Llanelli) Lee Surman (Port Talbot) and Paul Fowler (Carmarthen)

Tony

FEB-21

They trail Barry Town by goal difference only for top spot outright. Bettws are on a terrific run and are unbeaten in 10 games, their last defeat was back on November 3rd when they lost 3-0 away to West End. They have since taken 24 points from a possible 30 and must be favourites along with Barry Town to gain promotion back to division 1.

On the other hand Ely Rangers who looked likely to regain their status in division 1 at the first attempt have floundered. They are without a win in 7 games and have lost their last 3, they lie 8 points off the promotion places and have players more games than the top 3.

It's a far cry for Ely who had an 8 game winning streak earlier in the season and boasted being top of the table last September.

Tony

FEB-21

It was the second successive blank for the Dragons, whose scheduled match at MK Dons on Saturday also fell victim to the cold snap, and club officials now face the task of finding alternative dates.

Racecourse secretary Geraint Parry said both fixtures were likely to be staged in April, with Hereford already offering the 22nd for the Edgar Street clash.

MK Dons, who are still chasing silverware in the JPT competition, are awaiting the outcome of their two-legged southern area final against Swansea City before revising their league schedule, but have also indicated their preference for an April date.

Any arrangements are subject to Football League approval and Parry is keen to avoid adding to the March programme, which includes the Easter fixtures and an international date that sees both the Wales senior and under-21 teams in action.

“We looked at March 4, but that meant we would be playing three away games in the space of eight days,” he said yesterday.

“There are three league games in a week at the end of that month plus the Wales matches, which could involve several of our players, so it’s all getting a bit crowded.

“Hereford have been very prompt in coming up with the April 22 suggestion, which is okay from our point of view, and that’s when it will be played, subject to the Football League’s agreement.”

Wrexham’s preference for the MK Dons game is April 8 because the following Tuesday falls only two days after their Sunday visit to neighbours Shrewsbury Town.

DP

FEB-21

Giggs, 34, was named in United's side, becoming the eighth player to reach the mark, after his 1994 tournament debut.

"That is because of his ability, his longevity and how he prepares himself - a good lifestyle," said boss Ferguson.

"He has been an absolute model in his time with us. It'll be a great occasion for Ryan and we are all proud of him."

And Ferguson believes more glory will come the former Wales international's way if Giggs continues to manage his body carefully.

"Even at 34, we expect big things from him," added Ferguson. "Obviously, we don't play him in every game but that's natural for someone of that age.

"We want to play him in games that really matter to our club. The Champions League, to me, represents the biggest challenge in football.

BBC

FEB-21

Jemal Johnson's solitary goal has given the League Two leaders the edge ahead of Monday's area final second leg.

Swans boss Martinez said: "The disappointment is the soft goal we conceded and the chances we wasted."

Swansea are chasing their third Trophy triumph but the shock home area final first-leg defeat has handed Paul Ince's team the initiative.

The Swans are bidding to become the first Welsh club to appear at the new Wembley.

But Martinez admits that: "Taking a 1-0 lead back to their place obviously makes them favourites.

"We're still right in the tie though, but this is a real test of character for our team."

BBC

FEB-21

The Bluebirds missed out on a £100,000 Premier Cup windfall as Newport County beat them 5-4 on penalties at Ninian Park.

Hasselbaink did not play in the match as Dave Jones put out a number of second string players.

But speaking for the first time about the FA Cup draw, after his wonder goal helped dump out Wolves, the Bluebirds ace said he was relishing the prospect of tangling with Gareth Southgate’s Boro.

City are waiting on the outcome of the replay between Boro and Sheffield United a week today.

And Hasselbaink, who played for Middlesbrough between 2004 and 2006, beamed: “No disrespect to Sheffield United, but when the draw was made, I was instantly thinking about Middlesbrough.

“It would be an emotional occasion if I was able to go back. “The supporters were magnificent to me and I would like the opportunity to play in front of them again,”

Hasselbaink, who scored 23 goals in 48 Boro League starts, continued: “It would be very special to be going back and playing against some of my good friends like George Boateng.

“At least there would be some more old men on the field other than myself!

“I’d like to think I scored one or two special goals at the Riverside, so maybe I can go back there and score one more.”

Hasselbaink was a member of the Middlesbrough side that made it to the FA Cup semi-final two years ago, in the season that also saw the Teessiders reach the final of the UEFA Cup.

ICW

FEB-21

Savage limped out of the recent defeat against Spurs with a badly bruised foot and left Pride Park on crutches.

But Savage's recovery has gone well and boss Paul Jewell is eager to get him fully fit and back in the side.

Jewell said: "He has had niggle after niggle but we hope to get him playing pain-free and playing somewhere near his potential."

BBC

FEB-20

The under-construction stadium, which will be ready for the 2009-10 season, has already sold more than half of its 2,250 exclusive premier seats.

The seats are being sold for either football or rugby (professional region the Blues will play at the new ground), or for both sports.

To date 1,400 of the seats have been sold with 556 “dual membership” seats for rugby and football.

The premier club is estimated to generate a total revenue of more than £36m for the clubs over the next five years.

Members pay a one-off joining fee of £1,250 (valid for 20 years) to attend Cardiff City home games; £750-£1000 to attend Cardiff Blues matches; or £1,500 for a combined seat.

Each seat carries a monthly subscription rate. For Cardiff City FC they are £119 a month for gold membership and £149 a month for diamond – and is fixed until 2014.

For Cardiff Blues Rugby it is £99 a month for gold membership and £125 a month for diamond.

Membership gives access to every home game and the premier club bars and restaurants.

Gold membership brings one car parking space for every four seats, diamond membership offers one parking space for every two seats.

All money generated from the seats will be directly invested in the clubs.

Members of the premier club will enjoy a host of benefits including allocated, padded seating overlooking the half-way line, corporate hospitality and tickets to every home game.

Ashley Donlan, managing director of the premier club, said, “The club’s ideal for small and medium-sized businesses because it’s so flexible.

“Business membership traditionally means paying for a box or a table of ten, but at the new stadium you can choose the number of seats you’d like to buy, choose on the day the kind of dining you’d like and crucially choose how much you would like to pay.

“It allows smaller businesses to enjoy all the benefits of corporate hospitality at a fraction of the cost. It’s unlike anything seen in Wales before.”

ICW

FEB-20

A deadlocked regulation 90 minutes saw the game go into extra time.

Jason Bowen put Newport ahead with a diving header on 113 minutes, but Steve Thompson's rifled equaliser meant the tie would be decided from the spot.

County's Damon Searle was the first to miss but Thompson then shot wide before Jack Carlisle saw his effort saved.

Newport are now guaranteed at least £50,000 for reaching the final, with a possible £100,000 up for grabs if they can overcome either Llanelli or Carmarthen, who meet in their semi-final next Tuesday.

Charlie Griffin should have put Newport ahead with an early chance, but pushed his shot across the Cardiff goal after a good turn had created space.

After that Cardiff - fielding several senior players - took control, as might be expected from a Championship side playing at home against a non-League side from the Conference South.

But a mixture of good keeping from Glyn Thompson and Cardiff profligacy - Thompson, in particular, wasting several good openings - kept the County goal intact.

Newport were still dangerous on the counter, however, with ex-Bluebird Bowen showing his class while Andy Gurney, Craig Hughes and Richard Evans all tested Cardiff keeper David Forde.

It also needed a fine challenge by Bluebirds skipper Darren Purse to deny Julian Alsop as the game heated up in the last 10 minutes of normal time.

At the other end Glyn Thompson had to be at his best to deny Jonathan Brown and namesake Steve Thompson in quick succession.

Extra time followed a similar pattern and the deadlock was finally broken as Searle's fine cross to the back post was rewarded with an even better header from Bowen, hurling himself full length to find the net.

But with Newport scarcely finished celebrating Cardiff hit back, Glenn Loovens' driving run allowing Tyrrell Webbe to lay-off for Thompson to curl home right-footed.

The penalty shoot-out that followed began with eight excellent strikes that gave neither keeper any chance of a save.

But then Searle smacked Newport's fifth spot-kick against the bar, only for Thompson to hurry his following effort and scuff wide Cardiff's chance to take the advantage.

Lee Jarman then made no mistake to heap the pressure on Cardiff youngster Carlisle, whose shot was on target but not good enough to beat County keeper Glyn Thompson.

BBC

FEB-20

The home side started brightly at the Liberty Stadium and it took a string of fine saves from Dons goalkeeper Willie Gueret to hold his former club.

Febian Brandy was Swansea's biggest threat but he could not find a finish.

Then in the 69th minute Johnson rifled home a 25-yard winner after Keith Andrews squared a quick free-kick.

Swansea pushed for an equaliser and Tom Butler, Alan Tate and Angel Rangel also had efforts saved by Gueret as MK Dons held on for the win.

BBC

FEB-20

ONE of the less inviting grounds in the Welsh Premier awaits John Hulse’s Rhyl side this Saturday.

The pitch at Maesydre, Welshpool, is one of the poorest in the WPL – definitely not conducive to good football.

So who will win this clash of the all- Lilywhites? Recent results suggest it could easily be a draw as that has been the outcome of the last three meetings.

Welshpool are a much improved side under Tomi Morgan over the past couple of seasons, having finished fourth last term and sixth in 2005/06.

They currently occupy ninth spot but remain one of the hardest sides around to beat.

Third-placed Rhyl were denied a chance to put pressure on the top two last Sunday when their match against champions TNS was postponed due to a frozen pitch.

Midfielder Gareth Wilson could come into contention for the Welshpool game having played a couple of matches for the reserves since returning from a hernia operation. News is awaited on Stuart Graves who has missed the last five matches through injury.

Rhyl and Welshpool have met 15 times in the WPL and John Hulse’s side lead by seven wins to three with five draws.

DP

FEB-20

The Llanidloes-born player, who joined the Lilywhites from Rhyl in the summer, has been drafted in as cover for fellow Principality Welsh Premier players, Welshpool's Chris Venables and Sion Edwards of Bangor. Stephens, who started his Welsh Premier career with Caersws after Shrewsbury Town released him as a teenager, is uncapped and is likely to start the match on the bench.

Stephens' inclusion means that he is the eighth League player to be involved in Tony Pennock's squad for this must-win fixture. He is very well-known to Assistant Manager Terry Boyle, who carries out the same role with Welshpool. He will join the squad at their Swansea base this evening before they depart for Exeter tomorrow morning.

He joined Welshpool in June 2007 after playing 14 matches and scoring 1 goal for Rhyl in a short spell at Belle Vue. He became John Hulse's first signing of 2007 when he joined the Rhyl from Caersws on Thursday 4th January. He previously signed permanently for Caersws in June 2005, after a loan spell at the Recreation Ground in 2003. He was released by Shrewsbury at the end of the 2004/05 season after a loan period at Redditch United.

OWP

FEB-19

The former international and Fulham boss, 37, had been out of work since leaving Real Sociedad last month.

Chairman Ray Ranson said Coleman is a "progressive young manager with excellent coaching credentials".

The Championship side sacked Iain Dowie on 11 February after Ranson said there was a difference of opinion over the future direction of the club.

The Sky Blues are 20th in the table and were thrashed 5-0 by West Brom in the FA Cup at the weekend.

Dowie, 43, took over at the Ricoh Arena in February 2007, succeeding Micky Adams, but the ex-Charlton boss won only 20 of his 49 games in charge.

Ranson added that Coleman was always top of his manager hit-list.

"I have been flattered by the number of top-class coaches and managers who have shown an interest in managing Coventry City, but Chris was always our number one target," said the City chief.

"I am looking forward to working with him we share the same passion for football and how a club should be managed, I have no doubt that he will help to take this great club forward."

BBC

FEB-19

Assistant manager Scott Young, who is now Football in the Community manager at Cardiff City, plus ex-Bluebirds’ players Damon Searle, Lee Fowler, Lee Jarman, Jason Bowen, Steve Jenkins and James Simpson have all spent part of their careers at Ninian Park.

They have made almost 900 first team appearances between them for the Bluebirds – and scored more than 60 goals.

Newport, currently pressing for promotion from Conference South, and Cardiff City are battling for a minimum £50,000 tonight.

That’s the minimum tonight’s winners will earn – with £100,000 on offer for the competition winners.

ICW

FEB-19

Leading his accomplished squad into tonight’s Southern Area Final of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy, the Spaniard wants to etch his side’s name into the folklore of England’s football headquarters.

But the Swans boss knows the runaway League One leaders will face stiff competition from MK Dons, themselves flying high at the top of League Two.

Martinez said the prospect of playing at the 90,000-seater stadium should be more than enough to spur his side on.

He said, “The new Wembley is one of the most impressive arenas in world football so to be involved in a game there would be something special, especially for the fans.

“It’s a competition that we have played a lot of games in. This will be the last home game of the competition and we are very excited. We all know there is a huge prize at the end of it and the area final is the last, and probably the hardest, hurdle.

“You’ve also got the objective of being the first Welsh club to win something at Wembley; when you are making history it is really special. It’s a good opportunity for this group of players to do that.

ICW

FEB-19

Scimeca has been named in Cardiff City’s squad for their FAW Premier Cup semi-final against Newport County (7pm) and looks certain to start.

It has been a tortuous road back to fitness for the midfield man, who last played a first team match in March last year.

“Riccy has battled his way back and when he is fully match fit will be as much of an asset to the first team as he was before he had to drop out almost a year ago,” said manager Dave Jones.

Scimeca, 32, has had groin operations, suffered a setback while playing for the reserves and came through a post-op infection which put him back in hospital.

He has been back in full training over the last couple of months and looks set to start alongside Glenn Loovens, Darren Purse, Trevor Sinclair and Steve Thompson against Newport.

ICW

FEB-19

They ended Barry's eight-match Second Division winning run at the weekend, Richard Ready scoring both Bettws goals in a 2-1 home win.

Bettws, based four miles outside Bridgend, were League champions in 2003, suffered relegation a couple of seasons ago and only just missed out on promotion last season.

Now they are pressing hard again, standing third in the table.

They travel to play Ely Rangers under floodlights at Station Road, Wenvoe, tomorrow and then go to Troedyrhiw on Saturday.

Barry were left frustrated after their defeat, having had Geraint Goodridge sent off for a reckless challenge after only two minutes, but Jamie Bradford pulled one back after good work by Richard Thomas and Lewis Cosslett.

Barry remain top on goal difference from UWIC and now take on Caerau Ely at home on Saturday.

They will be without the suspended Goodridge, Rob Blatchford (ribs) and Gareth Picknell (hamstring), but Nathan Cadette and Tom Hejduk return.

Cardiff Corries could have a big say in who wins the Division Two title.

They are in fourth place, level on points with Bettws, after a 2-0 win against Tredegar Town and still have to play all three clubs above them – UWIC (twice), Bettws and Barry Town.

ICW

FEB-18

McKenna has taken the club into Europe seven times, winning three back-to-back Welsh Premier titles in 2005, 2006 and 2007 and being runners-up three times.

He has also won the FAW Premier Cup, Welsh Cup and Loosemores League Cup during the past three years.

"Ken has reached the stage of his career where he needs a new challenge," said TNS managing director Mike Harris.

The Saints have not looked convincing this season, despite lying second in the WPL table, and they recently lost to Carmarthen in the financially lucrative FAW Premier Cup.

"We will always be grateful for Ken's massive contribution to the club, not only with on-the-field successes, but in helping to develop our off-field coaching infrastructure," added Harris in a club statement.

"We now hope that he can end his TNS career on a high by delivering a record-equalling fourth consecutive Welsh Premier title to the club.

"We will be taking a considered approach to a new appointment, but whoever replaces Ken will have very big shoes to fill."

BBC

FEB-18

The Bluebirds made it into the last eight for the first time since they won the trophy back in 1927 after beating Wolves 2-0 at Ninian Park.

Manager Dave Jones had no complaints with the draw despite missing out on Chelsea and Manchester United.

"You've got this far, it doesn't really matter who you get," he said. "You need to beat the teams put in front of you."

Chairman Peter Ridsdale told BBC Radio Wales missing out on the two Premier League top guns gives them a chance to progress to the last four.

"When there are eight games left you're going to get a tie like this," he said.

"We know our fate, it is away from home and frankly on our day we can beat most teams and I think it gives us a chance.

"I think we will all be very excited about going up there with dreams of getting to Wembley in the semi-final."

BBC

FEB-18

The Bluebirds last made it to Wembley in 1927 when they became the only club to take the cup out of England, beating Arsenal 1-0 in the final.

But, with Wembley hosting this season’s FA Cup semi-finals, one more win would see Dave Jones’ Bluebirds play at the famous London stadium on the weekend of April 5-6.

The quarter-final draw will be made at 1.30pm today – with only three Premiership teams definitely through to the last eight.

Heavyweight pair Chelsea and Manchester United were last night joined by Portsmouth, last-gasp winners at Preston.

Middlesbrough must replay against Sheffield United after their goalless draw at Bramall Lane yesterday.

But at least four non-Premiership sides are still standing with Cardiff joined by fellow Championship rivals Barnsley, West Brom and League One outfit Bristol Rovers.

Cardiff could now hit a £1m-plus cup jackpot to lift some of the financial gloom which has enveloped Ninian Park this season.

“In all honesty, I would like a home tie and I don’t care who it is,” said Jones after City’s fifth-round win over Wolves.

“If you tell me it is going to be Manchester United, then I’m sure the chairman would want to be away because it would be 80,000 people.

“That’s a lot of money in the coffers, it would be on TV so there’s more money.

“So maybe somewhere along the line I might be able to nick some off him to help our cause.”

ICW

FEB-18

The former Swans striker, who oversees development of youngsters at the Liberty Stadium, is understood to have been relieved of his duties for t28 days.

Swansea officials were declining to comment yesterday but Moss confirmed the news when contacted by Wales on Sunday last night, although he would not go into detail why he has been asked to step aside.

Moss, who played for the club between 2002 and 2003, was appointed to the post by former manager Kenny Jackett in May 2005 but his future with the League One outfit is now up in the air.

The club has recently made large investments into the youth set-up and have outlined ambitions to form an academy.

ICW

FEB-18

Simple: when he stops achieving them.

And right now, as the Welsh wizard stands on the verge of his 100th Champions League appearance, that doesn’t appear to be any time soon.

No wonder Sir Alex Ferguson can’t stop praising his boy wonder.

“He’s played almost 100 Champions League games and quite simply he has been fantastic,” said the Manchester United supremo.

“What can you say about him? He’s a model. I even said that to him only the other morning. He’s a model; of all the players he is phenomenal.”

It’s hard to disagree with a knight of the realm.

In the past 12 months alone we have seen Giggs the Great equal the record for championship title wins, go through the barrier of 500 league games for the Red Devils and hit a century of goals for the club he joined as a boy. Yet Giggs has more milestones in his sights as several tangible testaments to his legendary status in the modern game remain.

ICW

FEB-18

Sixth-placed Brackley had gone ahead after an error by home goalkeeper Ashley Morris allowed Russell Dunkley to head into an empty net but Merthyr were level within five minutes when Marcus Griffiths capitalised upon some hesitation in the Brackley defence and smashed the loose ball past a helpless Tom Willshire.

Just two minutes later Merthyr were ahead, a free-kick nodded across goal by Gareth Warton for Steve Williams to rifle home from the edge of the box.

Merthyr were dominant after the break and added further goals from Mike Jones Matthew Harris.

ICW

FEB-18

Wrexham area visitors Lex gave as good as they got during the opening 43 minutes and home keeper Jon Dunt was forced into a couple of important saves.

But two goals in two minutes from Steve Bowes and Jon Fisher-Cooke turned the tables and the match.

Bowes doubled his tally after the break with a great strike and Prestatyn were cruising. Further goals from player-boss Neil Gibson and sub Gareth Davies piled on the agony for the visitors, who were lucky not to concede more.

DP

FEB-18

Hasselbaink set up Peter Whittingham for the Bluebirds’ first goal and then scored a brilliant strike himself early on to crush Wolves at Ninian Park.

“If I did not think Jimmy still had something to offer he would be on his bike to be honest,” said Jones. “He did not have the best of times with the last club he was at (Charlton), so maybe he has had something to prove.

“At the end of the season we will see where we are, but, at this moment in time, we are focused on this season.

“All I know is he has brought the professionalism we knew he would. The good pros are a good influence around the place.

“Jimmy’s played a big part. People say he is grumpy and he does moan, but he moans in the right way because he wants things to be right.

“It took us a while to get him fit. It does take you a while, whether you are 30-plus or 20-plus, it is still going to take time for you to settle in and we found that with him.

ICW

FEB-17

James Burgin made the first, putting an excellent cross onto the forehead of Liam McCreesh, and next Gareth Phillips clipped a fine through ball for Dylan Blain to chest down and lob the keeper – all in one movement.

But, Matthew Thompson and Gareth Phillips departed with straight reds, and in the midst of the mayhem, Graham Evans scored a penalty for Caersws.

Nick Tucker sent his nine men out to defend that slender lead in the second half, and they did him proud.

In particular, the tricky Burgin enhanced his reputation, and he beat three men out wide on the left before squaring the ball for Blain to side-foot his second with 10 minutes left.

WOS

FEB-17

The Welsh Premier leaders were the bosses early on, so City’s hard-pressed defence did well to survive punishment from the likes of Jones, Chris Holloway, Craig Williams and Andy Legg.

Home centre-back Lee Webber cleared off the line and keeper Paul Smith excelled in clean handling to repel several corner threats.

Bangor perked up towards half time, when Webber was unlucky to see a downwards header from a right wing corner strike a post, before rebounding into keeper Ryan Harrison’s hands.

Chances were missed at both ends early in the second spell, when Webber headed just over for Bangor and Llanelli’s Jones misfired 10 yards in front of an open target.

The overdue goal arrived on 55 minutes when Jones exploited rare space in City’s penalty box.

But, from then on, City ran the show while under-siege Llanelli fended off a series of near misses.

A number of players might have scored but it was Stott who made it on 86 minutes, surging clear.

WOS

FEB-17

And the Welsh Premier’s manager of the month believes a Belle Vue victory this afternoon could be the kick start to League and European glory.

Hulse’s side sit third in the table, eight points adrift from fellow title challengers TNS, and needing a win to keep leaders Llanelli within reach.

But he said: “I’ve always said the gap at the top is too big and it won’t end up like that at the end of the season. There are still nine games to go and Llanelli and TNS still have to play each other. So a win would definitely put pressure on the teams above us.

“We have had horrendous injuries this year with two players out for the season and a whole host of other guys currently sidelined.

“But I’ve told the players to stay focused and if Llanelli or TNS do screw up, then we’ve got to capitalise.”

Rhyl are unbeaten in the Welsh Premier this year, and recently booked their place in the Loosemores Cup final, but Hulse is still smarting from the 1-0 defeat at Park Hall against old rival Ken McKennna earlier in the season.

And, determined to make it back into Europe for a fourth successive season, the veteran manager added: “The last game was a huge advert for the game, with some brilliant footballing skills. But I thought we deserved a draw.

“But on our day we can beat any team and TNS are no exception. It’s a huge game and we need a win to push on for our quest into Europe.

“We’ve made it into Europe the past three years and would love to again this year. It’s definitely a major incentive for every player, manager and club.”

WOS

FEB-17

BBC

FEB-17

BBC

FEB-17

Perhaps that’s what went through the mind of Welshpool’s John Keegan.

After all, five minutes into the second half, Carmarthen were finding it pretty easy – leading 2 - 0 through two goals from Kamal Easter.

Maybe that is why he managed to get a straight red for foul and abusive language after 50 minutes.

The plan appeared to work too, as Steve Rogers netted two minutes later and Calvin Davies scored on 79 minutes.

The only flaw was that Easter took his goal tally to four – a classy hat-trick from open play, and a fourth from the penalty spot on 69 minutes.

Danny Tomas scored the fifth.

WOS

FEB-17

The Bluebirds skipper has not started a league game in more than two months after being axed after a spate of poor performances, having to watch Glenn Loovens and Roger Johnson star at the back from the sidelines.

But after publicly claiming manager Dave Jones was wrong to drop him, the Bluebirds boss has now told Purse it’s down to him as he gets set to face Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday.

Purse, 31, is likely to reclaim his place with Dutchman Loovens serving a two-game suspension, and Jones said: “He’s been out and been disappointed but he’s gone about things the right way.

“Now he’s got his opportunity and it’s down to him.

“He’s captain of the club and when I left him out he didn’t think it was the right decision – which is acceptable.

“But he also realises the two lads who took the shirts were doing a job.

“And I can tell you if they weren’t he’d be the first one banging on my door to tell me.

“But he realised the two lads who were keeping him out were playing well.

“Now he’s got a chance, certainly for two games, to stake his claim and keep someone else out.

“He’s got two games and if he delivers he could be in there for the rest of the season. That’s what football’s about.”

WOS

FEB-16

Neath Athletic's good run continued at Llandarcy Park, as they again came from behind to gain all three points, at Haverfordwest County's expense. 

Former Port Talbot Town striker Luke Bowen was on target for the Bluebirds to open the scoring on the half-hour, but the character of the Eagles was evident again as Matthew Rees equalised on 76 minutes, before Dale Evans grabbed the eventual winner, just two minutes later to take the new-boys up to an impressive 39 points for their debut campaign to date.

Haverfordwest will rue the sending off of defender Gareth Elliot in the 61st minute while still leading 1-0 and allowing Neath their chance to get back into the game. 

FEB-16

WHILE four Gwent rivals are almost guaranteed to be playing Division One football next season, Croesyceiliog still have some work to do to ensure they remain in the top flight of the MacWhirter Welsh League.

The 15th placed Woodland Road outfit are just one position and only five points off safety with the team immediately below them, Maesteg Park Athletic, having a game in hand.

Today Croesyceiliog entertain an Afan Lido side which has lost only twice in 16 league starts and remain hopeful of a top two finish to clinch promotion back to the Principality Welsh Premier League.

Joint managers Chris Jones and Neil Gilmore are unable to call on suspended due Jamie Jenkins and Mike Dewar, the injured Mark Jones or Callum Miles who is on representative duty with Gwent Youth but they welcome back Chris Watkins to their squad.

SWA

FEB-16

Addison, who managed Athletico in the late 1980s before spending time at Swansea himself more than a decade later, knows the Spanish scene well and admits that Martinez is raising eyebrows in his homeland.

And in the week that Championship outfit Coventry were the latest managerless club linked with the 34-year-old rookie boss, Addison said, “He has the potential to be a great manager and, as a Spaniard, the clubs there are going to be keeping an eye on him.

“He has had great success at Swansea, what he has done down there is simply fantastic.

“That is why clubs, both in England and Spain, will be looking at him. Whenever a manager is doing well, his name will get touted around as a candidate for a bigger job.

“That is something Swansea will have to learn to deal with if they want to be successful.

“But Roberto ticks all the right boxes as a manager and, if Swansea keep on winning, it won’t be long before a club makes an approach for him.

“The great thing for Swansea is that Roberto wants to see the job through down there.”

Linked with his former club Wigan earlier this season when Chris Hutchings was dismissed, Martinez’s progress at Swansea has even been noted by some of the biggest names in the game.

Prior to Kevin Keegan’s return to Tyneside, former Magpies chairman Sir John Hall mentioned a big-name boss might not be the right choice for the club.

Arguing the case for a lesser-known quantity, Hall identified the job Martinez has done at Swansea.

ICW

FEB-16

Legg was Llanelli’s goal-scoring hero in the midweek League Cup semi-final victory over Aberystwyth and is in confident mood ahead of the Reds’ trip to Bangor City.

“I feel we can win the championship for the first time this season,” said the 41-year-old former Cardiff and Swansea favourite.

It could be a landmark weekend in the chase for honours as champions The New Saints visit arch-rivals Rhyl tomorrow.

Lilywhites’ boss John Hulse still fosters some hope of a late title challenge, saying, “If we beat TNS, it gives us a little hope, although I think we’ve left ourselves with a bit too much to do. TNS and Llanelli still have to play each other twice, which is interesting.”

ICW

FEB-16

The Spaniard described parts of their performance in Tuesday's 1-0 win over Walsall as "well above" League One standards.

He said: "To see the players express themselves tells me there is a huge belief and confidence there.

"In a way, that's synonymous of playing like champions."

Martinez will be hoping to avoid a repeat of the rare slip-up against Port Vale's fellow strugglers Crewe who held the Swans to a 2-2 draw last weekend.

Vale are bottom of League One 11 points adrift of safety, while Swansea are eight points clear at the top.

But Martinez said: "I don't think the encounter is going to reflect their position in the table.

"We need to be very alert and ready and have the lesson from Crewe's performance in our head and make sure it doesn't happen again.

"If Port Vale have the attitude of a must-win game and show it from the first minute and we are not at the same level, then we are going to suffer."

BBC

FEB-16

After a goal-less first-half, Hughes entered the field of play to sink the hosts with a double strike, before front-man Phil Molyneux wrapped up the game with a third in injury-time.

The defeat for the Anglesey-based side is a real blow to their survival hopes in a match that they had targeted to win. Airbus meanwhile, will be delighted with their three points and they climb ten points ahead of the relegation zone, which should ensure their Welsh Premier status is maintained for next season.

OWP

FEB-16

Dave Jones and his men are looking to evoke the spirit of 1927 as they aim to reach the quarter-finals of the world’s oldest cup competition for the first time since their predecessors went on to lift the trophy all those years ago.

Keenor, Curtis and match-winner Ferguson are names which have entered Cardiff City folklore, today the likes of Parry, Johnson and McNaughton look to match their exploits as Wolves stand in the way of a sixth-round place.

More than 80 years ago the Bluebirds travelled to Bolton, league champions the previous season, and came away with a shock 2-0 win before seeing off Chelsea, Reading and then Arsenal in the final.

Today Cardiff must overcome a Wolves side level with them on points in the Championship and, under manager Mick McCarthy, looking for a cup boost to kickstart their stuttering league campaign.

To add further spice to the encounter, it once more pitches Jones against the club he guided into the Premiership in 2003.

However, the City boss finds himself without influential midfielder Joe Ledley, sidelined for up to a month with a hamstring problem, and desperately pondering how to shuffle his meagre troops to cover for the Welsh international’s absence.

ICW

FEB-16

Wrexham have been on a five-game unbeaten run since triumphing over the Dons a month ago and Little insists that form must continue for the Dragons to survive.

He said, “We don’t want to be feeling gutted and fed up again at 5pm today.

“We’ve set a little bit of a standard for how we’re playing at the moment and, if we can maintain that today, it will be important for us.

“The result is the be all and end all and I just feel that if we keep doing what we’re doing that we’re going to go in the right direction.”

But, despite collecting a creditable nine points from a possible 15, the Dragons still find themselves bottom of League Two as relegation rivals Mansfield and Dagenham & Redbridge have also had positive results.

And, as a month ago when midfielder Neil Roberts secured the Dragons’ 1-0 victory at the Racecourse, today’s contest pits top against bottom.

However, unlike the earlier meeting, the Dragons go into the contest in better form than their hosts, who have managed just one win in eight outings.

Little added, “They’re top of the league and they’ve beaten a lot of teams this season, but I believe they’ll be thinking Wrexham have picked up lately and it won’t be an easy game.

“We’ve definitely made people sit up a little bit.”

ICW

FEB-15

ALTHOUGH John Hulse believes a win over champions The New Saints at Belle Vue this Sunday will revive Rhyl’s remote title hopes he still realistically sees the championship battle as a two-horse race.

Bangor City’s shock defeat at Caersws on Saturday did the power of good to the Lilywhites’ chances of finishing third and qualifying for Europe, while TNS’ stunning 3-0 home loss to Carmarthen brought Rhyl closer to Ken McKenna’s side although still eight points adrift.

The Lilies kept their own house in order by winning a tricky assignment at Airbus on Friday; with 10 games remaining the Belle Vue boys trail leaders Llanelli by 10 points.

If we beat TNS it would give us a little bit of hope although I think we’ve left ourselves a bit too much to do,” said Hulse. “We can’t do any more than get results between now and the end of the season and, if the top two do have blips, be there to take advantage.

“Llanelli and TNS still have to play each other twice so can take points off each other, but for us to have a chance of the title, it would mean the top two having three or four blips over the next 10 games, which I can’t see happening, while we would have to keeping winning.

“Results went our way at the weekend, but so-called experts seem to think the top four now will automatically be the top four at the end.

“I think there will be many swings and roundabouts and twists and turns before the end of the season. Carmarthen and Port Talbot are just below us and if ourselves or Bangor have a couple of bad results they and one or two others are more than capable of stepping up.

“I don’t think anyone will break the top two, it’s too large a gap, but we’re not giving up and it’s still all to play for.”

RPV

FEB-15

FEB-15

Not since the famous 1927 exploits when the club lifted the trophy by beating Arsenal at Wembley, have City made it to the last eight of the competition.

And manager Jones believes that sequence should be ended when Wolves come to a Ninian Park which is expected to be sold out tomorrow.

“This season people keep telling me that this record has gone and that record has gone, so if this club has not been in an FA Cup quarter-final for over 80 years, let’s try and break another record,” said Jones.

“All I hear is how we haven’t won here for 38 years and somewhere else for 45 years, so hopefully we can make tomorrow a memorable day. Both clubs know each other inside out and in truth there is not a lot between us, so it’s going to be tight and we need to up our game.

“The home fans can play an important part in that.”

City will be without hamstring injury victim Joe Ledley, prompting a reshuffle in midfield.

Stephen McPhail may return after being dropped for the 0-0 draw at Coventry on Tuesday, Steve Thompson could come in up front.

ICW

FEB-15

"The ground has been awful for months, and has not helped us to play the kind of football that we like to create," said Canaries’ boss Steve O’Shaughnessy.

"We have found it better at away games, when we have been on decent pitches."

The Oval playing surface has been punished ever since the autumn by the excessive rainfall and additional use by the club’s other teams, the reserves and the girls.

O’Shaughnessy said the players had taken encouragement from their efforts in last Saturday’s 5-1 defeat at full-timers Llanelli, where they did well for so long.

"Llanelli caught us cold with that blast of four goals in five minutes but, otherwise, I could not have asked for any more from our players."

DP

FEB-15

Joint manager Derek Roberts said: "Jacko is the subject of a seven days’ notice of approach by Warrington and the situation has to be sorted out quickly."

Jackson, who is 25 and ex-Colwyn Bay, has been capped 10 times by England in Futsal, the semi-pros’ indoor game.

Should Jackson leave If Llangefni’s first choice stopper decides to stay, he will face the Wingmakers but, otherwise, recent arrival Dave Vickers will make his debut.

Vickers, who had an outing with the club’s reserves in the Gwynedd League last Saturday, has switched from Buckley Town, after spells at Holyhead Hotspur and Llandudno Town.

DP

FEB-15

The Spaniard has masterminded Swansea’s rise to the top of League One, but insists his work will not be completed until May 3 when the final league game is finished.

With an eight-point gap over second-placed Doncaster and a game in hand, Swansea would only need to win nine of their remaining 16 matches to equal the 91 points Scunthorpe had last season to win the league.

But Martinez, who has won the last two manager of the month awards in League One, said he is aiming for the full 48 points, starting at Port Vale tomorrow.

He said, “What you need is one thing, but want you want is another.

“I want to win the 16 games left and that’s the attitude we are going to have.

“It would be wrong for us to sit down and set ourselves targets for specific amounts of points, you have to be as strong as you can for every single game and try to win every game.

“On May 3 we can sit down and see how successful we were in achieving that.

ICW

FEB-15

The reformed Newport County AFC travel to Thurrock for Blue Square South action without Pennock, who survived a horrific accident in midweek.

The veteran goalkeeper will be out for a month after suffering a domestic incident that could have led to him losing a foot.

Pennock slipped while cutting his grass and his lawnmower went over his head and landed on his lower leg, fracturing one toe and slicing through three more.

Pennock was rushed to hospital for stitches and doctors told him he'd been extremely lucky not to have lost his entire foot, though he will be in plaster from toe to knee for the next week. He explained: "I feel very stupid, firstly for cutting my grass in the middle of February!

"I tripped over a tree in the garden and fell backwards, the lawnmower landed on my foot.

"It sliced my shoe in half and there was blood everywhere.

"No one was in the house so I had to make my way in and phone an ambulance, I wrapped my foot in a towel and the paramedics came pretty quickly.

SWA

FEB-15

Experienced Kilgannon, named the League’s Player of the Month for December, was injured in the Boxing Day game against Rhyl and has not played since.

"Wes has been training hard and it will be good to have him in the squad again," said Nomads manager Jim Hackett.

His return helps cushion the blow of being without suspended Craig Jones. who collected two yellow cards in last week’s 1-1 draw at Welshpool which means an automatic one-match ban.

DP

FEB-15

The Bluebirds’ senior physiotherapist Sean Connelly is working closely with the former England and Liverpool legend and is quietly confident that the striker could return to action before the end of the campaign if his current progress is maintained.

But for the time being Connelly revealed that Fowler has to wear a brace-like contraption around his hip and left leg as part of his recovery from hip surgery in the States.

ICW

FEB-14

The loss of the in-form twenty-year old is a blow to Manager Tony Pennock who will name a replacement in the next 24 hours. The Reds' winger started the match in Italy, although the other Craig Jones of Rhyl who is also in the squad, is also a natural right-winger.

Craig played his junior football at the Lido but joined Swansea City before rejoining the Welsh Cup finalists last season. He began his career as a striker, but was converted to an attack-minded Right Back by the Lido Management and has played the majority of the season as a right-winger for Peter Nicholas' side.

FEB-14

Deryn Brace hailed his players for producing one of the best displays of the season as Carmarthen thumped The New Saints to maintain their Euro ambitions.

The Old Gold sealed their second victory over the defending league and FAW Premier Cup champions with a superb display at Park Hall.

The artificial surface proved no obstacle for Brace's side as they followed up their 3-1 cup victory over Saints a fortnight ago with a 3-0 win in the champion's own back yard.

CJ

FEB-14

The Reds, who lost the first leg 2-1, will be up against twice-winners Rhyl on Sunday, April 27, with the venue almost certain to be Latham Park, Newtown.

Minutes before Legg’s winner, Rhys Griffiths missed a rare penalty when his tame shot hit the outstretched leg of Aberystwyth keeper Dave Jones.

But Legg’s volley from fully 25 yards, following a short Andy Mumford corner, was worthy of victory as he capitalised on his side’s first-half dominance.

ICW

FEB-14

Former Liverpool defender and now Walsall manager Richard Money lauded praise on the League One pace-setters after seeing his side crash to a 1-0 defeat at the Liberty Stadium on Tuesday night.

It’s the third time this season Swansea’s Spanish boss has got the better of his opposite number, twice in the league and once in the Carling Cup, and Money believes the Swans keep getting better.

After the latest defeat the ex-Fulham player said, “I’ve seen a team tonight who will not only win this division by a mile, but will go on and compete extremely well in the Championship next season.

“With a couple of additions in the summer, they’ll have a real good run at that division, and you’ve got to admire the way they play.

“They move the ball really well when they’re in possession, and, when they haven’t got it, they work extremely hard.

“We’ve played them three times this season and they have impressed me every time. But this was the most impressive they have been.”

As ever, Swansea boss Martinez was quick to play down his side’s promotion prospects, but he admitted the win over Walsall was a “complete performance” from his side.

ICW

FEB-14

FA of Wales bosses are keen to give the Welsh squad what they want by playing qualifiers in front of full houses at Swansea City’s Liberty Stadium, instead of a half-empty Millennium Stadium.

But they say the minimum number of fans who want to attend World Cup games will be around the 26,000 mark, a figure only the palatial 74,000-seater Cardiff venue can accommodate in Wales.

The FAW accept they are almost damned if they do and damned if they don’t.

They either run the risk of upsetting Toshack and his players by not adhering to their wishes, or they run the risk of angering thousands of fans who would not be able to see crunch games at the smaller venue.

Wales stand-in skipper Simon Davies and midfield talisman Jason Koumas have each echoed Toshack’s call to take matches away from the Millennium Stadium, where Wales historically have a poor record.

The pros and cons of the whole matter will be debated thoroughly at a meeting of the FAW’s international committee. Toshack is expected to express his own views during those discussions.

Wrexham’s Racecourse Ground and Cardiff City’s Ninian Park home have been ruled out as options for Wales, as a result of strict new Uefa criteria governing stadia which host competitive matches.

However, Swansea’s ground is a credible alternative and the FAW will have to weigh up finance and the wishes of fans with the wishes of Toshack and his players.

ICW

FEB-14

Roberto Martinez admits he would help Ferrie Bodde leave Swansea City if the right club came in for his signature.

But the Swansea manager has brushed off suggestions in a Dutch football magazine last week that his playmaker is looking for a move.

Bodde insisted quotes hinting at a return to Holland or a switch to the English Premier League had been misrepresented by Voetbal International's reporter.

EP

FEB-14

The hugely experienced 34-year old midfielder/defender sealed a deal from Blue Square South rivals Weston-Super-Mare last night after a week of talks with manager Peter Beadle.

The former Bristol Rovers, Torquay United, Swindon Town, Swansea City and Reading man has made over 400 football league appearances since his debut for Rovers in 1992.

Gurney discussed a move to Spytty Park last season before opting for Weston, though he now admits that was a decision he later regretted.

He explained: "Beads was in for me a year ago and I opted to go to Weston, I had just left full-time football and I didn't really know what the right thing to do was.

"In hindsight I made a mistake, I've enjoyed my time at Weston and wouldn't say a bad word about anyone there, but Newport County is a proper football club.

SWA

FEB-13

In a surprise announcement, the tournament breaks new ground this year as Gibraltar will be the Tournament's fourth team and they will join the hosts, England and Scotland in the annual event, as Ireland have withdrawn due to their commitments in the International Challenge Trophy at Under 23 level.

The other matches will be shared around two other grounds with Llanelian Road, Colwyn Bay and Park Hall, Oswestry - The home of TNS being used in what will also be a ground-breaking match, as it will be the first game to be played on a non-grass surface in the competition.

This will be the seventh year of the Four Nations Tournament and last year's was held in the Scottish Highlands and resulted in a win for England, with Wales as runners-up. Wales last hosted the event in May 2003 when the games were played at Carmarthen, Haverfordwest and Merthyr Tydfil. The Wales squad will be managed by Tony Pennock and assisted by Terry Boyle.

Rhyl will be hoping that they are represented in the Tournament with some of their players and Lee Kendall is certainly a strong contender for the Goalkeeper's shirt, with former captain Tony Roberts now ineligible as his Dagenham and Redbridge side are back in the Football League. Craig Jones is another possibility as he has been selected for the Under 23 Semi-Pro side., which takes on England next week.

The full match schedule is as follows:

Tuesday 20th May 2008.
Wales v Scotland - Rhyl (Kick Off: 7pm)
England v Gibraltar - Colwyn Bay (Kick Off: 7pm)

Thursday 22nd May 2008.
Wales v Gibraltar - Rhyl (Kick Off: 7pm)
Scotland v England - Colwyn Bay (Kick Off: 7pm)

Saturday 24th May 2008.
England v Wales - Rhyl (Kick Off: 7pm)
Gibraltar v Scotland - Oswestry (Kick Off: 7pm)

FEB-13

Ferrie Bodde limped off early in the second half but fortunately for Swansea returned and he scored the decider in the 53rd minute at the Liberty Stadium.

The Dutch midfielder's 20-yard strike from Jason Scotland's cut back was his seventh this term as Swansea extended their unbeaten league run to 15 games.

Darren Pratley missed from the spot after Tom Butler was fouled in the box.

BBC

FEB-13

RHYL roared to their fifth League Cup final in six years when they comfortably beat Bangor City at Farrah Road, winning 3-1 on aggregate.

The crowd only had to wait three minutes for the opener, Michael White blasting a poor home clearance past Paul Smith.

They continued to dominate and it was no surprise when White sealed Bangor’s fate 10 minutes after the interval.

Another sloppy clearance attempt found White 25 yards out and the 21-year-old striker let fly an unstoppable shot that gave Smith no chance.

ICW

FEB-13

CHRISTIAN Mills scored an 87th minute winner to see a resurgent Barry Town complete a 3-2 victory over Ely Rangers at Station Road in Wenvoe last night.

It’s a remarkable eight wins on the bounce and the former kings of Welsh domestic football now head the MacWhirter Welsh League Second Division by six points.

The home side took an early 1-0 lead as Lee Denner, their recent transfer window signing from near neighbours Caerau, caught Barry’s player-manager Gavin Chesterfield in possession and coolly slotted home from 15 yards.

The seasiders got back to 1-1 with Geraint Goodridge, the former Cwmbran midfielder, meeting Rob Blatchford’s right wing corner with a powerful header from eight yards.

A minute after equalising, Goodridge had the chance to double his tally as Barry’s Jamie Bradford was pushed over in the box and referee Nigel Jones awarded a penalty, only for Goodridge to put his spot-kick wide.

Ashley Hart gave Barry a 2-1 interval lead but that was wiped out by

Denner’s second after 80 minutes.

With three minutes remaining, the lively Mills grabbed the controversial winner when he lobbed Rangers keeper Hart. Chesterfield appeared to impede Denner but play was waved on.

ICW

FEB-13

Eastwood, who set up the first goal in Wales’ 3-0 win over Norway last week, has endured a miserable debut season at Molineux following his much-trumpeted £1.5m summer move.

The Welsh hotshot has found himself frozen out of the first XI picture and appears to be fifth in Mick McCarthy’s pecking order after the Wolves boss signed two new strikers in the January transfer window.

Eastwood has not started a game for Wolves since the Boxing Day game with Hull and he has not scored for his club since a two-goal salvo against Blackpool way back in August.

Eastwood emphasised he does not want to leave Wolves, but acknowledged it may be the only route open to him if he cannot get a regular run of first-team football.

“It’s one of the reasons I was so pleased to be with Wales last week. It was great to be in the starting XI because I’ve not had much football for Wolves in recent times,” said Eastwood.

“I want to play my part in the coming World Cup campaign. Clearly I will have a better chance of being picked by Wales if I’m getting regular club football and scoring regularly at that level.

“When I first came to Wolves, I was in the team and scoring and it’s disappointing that’s not the case any more.

ICW

FEB-13

Peter Enckelman saved a Michael Mifsud shot early on but Paul Parry should have broken the deadlock for Cardiff.

Gavin Rae's shot was parried by Andy Marshall but Issac Osbourne's denied Parry with a goal-saving challenge.

Cardiff did suffer a blow as Wales star Joe Ledley limped off injured but a point was a good result for Coventry who sacked boss Iain Dowie on Monday.

BBC

FEB-13

The 25-year-old Welshman was Oxford's top scorer last season, but was initially allowed to join the Racecourse Ground club for a month.

With Joel Ledgister also out on loan, Oxford seem certain to add to their squad again, with a midfielder thought to be top of United's wanted list.

Oxford play Blue Square Premier's bottom club Droylsden on Saturday.

BBC

FEB-13

Meanwhile, England have moved up a place but remain outside the top 10 after their failure to qualify for Euro 2008.

Fabio Capello’s team are 11th in the latest list published today, with non-movers Scotland three places further back.

Northern Ireland are down two spots to 34th and the Republic of Ireland sit in 36th position.

Argentina remain top of the pile, followed by Brazil and Italy, while Ghana have surged to 14th, up 29 places, as a result of their performance in the African Nations Nations Cup.

They are now the continent’s best-placed nation ahead of Cameroon (17th) and Ivory Coast (24th).

Central American minnows Belize have climbed off the bottom of the rankings following their first win in six years and have been replaced by Montserrat.

ICW

FEB-12

WELSH Cup giant-killers Newport YMCA are poised to introduce a five-year improvement plan which the club hope will eventually lead to a place at the top table of domestic football.

The Mendalgief Road outfit is currently the highest-placed Gwent club in the MacWhirter Welsh League and is basking in the glory of reaching the quarter finals of the Welsh Cup for the first time in its 35-year-old history.

Included in the plan is an academy under former striker Simon Pratt, a UEFA-qualified coach, which will have a link up with Coca-Cola League One side Swansea City.

“We’re in the process of putting together a five-year plan and the idea behind it is that eventually want to play Welsh Premier League football,” said YMCA chairman Viv Edwards.

“That’s not to say we’ve targeted the WPL in five years. When we have evaluated the cost of the five-year plan, we’ll see really how long it’s going to take.

“So initially we’ll put in a five-year plan to say, ‘right how far will we be away from WPL football.’

“The start of this process is to actually form an academy under the directorship of Simon Pratt and other coaches of this club.

“The academy will be an integral part of the Swansea City Development Centre process, focussing on players aged five to 16 and it’s pleasing that we’ve the opportunity of working with one of Wales’ leading professional clubs.

“Looking around Mendalgief Road, it’s obvious that we have a long way to go in terms of upgrading our ground and we realise the cost of that to WPL level will be massive.

“And of course, by the time we achieve that standard, it’ll be longer than our five-year plan.”

“I suppose for a 250-seat stand (minimum WPL requirement), floodlights and terracing I could put a ball-park figure of around £250,000.”

OWL

FEB-12

CWMBRAN Town have revealed they beat the transfer window deadline to land the signatures of another nine players – taking the club’s number of new signings to an amazing 19 in just 15 days.

The latest recruits are:

* Frenchman Donny Clarck, a 20-year-old whose previous club was Parie FC.

* Congo-born Sikomo Kambiri, 25, who last played for London-based outfit Ramy Vale Park.

* Job Frumba, a 20-year-old born in Cameroon with previous experience with English team Bridgetown FC.

* Kane Law, a 24-year-old English-man who has previously played with Yeading.

* Fideils Chime, 25, a Nigerian and who has played for several junior clubs in the London area.

* Jason Zoil, an 18-year-old who has linked up from Horsham.

* Steven Roleio-Doe, a 26-year-old English-born player who joins from Norton FC.

* William Bassey, a Nigerian, 21, who has played for MacWhirter Welsh League Division One rivals Pontypridd.

* Craig Lane, the only Welsh-born player among the new faces, 20 and who arrives from AFC Rumney.

On January 16, the Crows announced they’d signed Ohmar Pike, a 17-year-old from Jamaica previously with London outfit Cuitural, Uwa Ogbodu, a 29-year-old from Nigeria from Conference South side Basingstoke Town, England-born Oliver Collins, aged 25, from  Ryman League Division One outfit Molesey, Frenchman Tidiany Kone, a 25-year-old from French League club Lilas FC and Michael Makasi, a 21-year-old English-born player who’d appeared in the MWL with student side UWIC.

Just eight days later, Spanish manager Guillermo Ganet had snapped up: Benjamin Bristow, a 23-year-old born in Ghana whose last club was Remnet FC, Ese Oduko, who hails from Nigeria and is a 25-year-old who joined from Croyden Athletic, Ivory Coast-product Sosthene Guei, 24 who linked up from Enfield, Raney Duncan, a 27-year-old Jamaican previously with Crawley Town and London-born Leon Clarke, 24, who’d played for Battersea Ironsides in the English capital.

Of the nine newcomers, only Zoil, as a substitute in lthe 3-2 home defeat by leaders Goytre United, has made his club debut while of the other 10, only Makasi and Guei have yet to appear for the Crows.

OWL

FEB-12

Saints manager Ken McKenna was shell shocked. “Not only was this a disappointing result but the performance was also poor. Carmarthen looked fitter, stronger and were much the better side,” he said.

For his opposite number Deryn Brace it was a memorable afternoon. “In my short managerial career at Haverfordwest and Carmarthen, it has not been much better than this.

“I don’t think any side has achieved back to back wins over TNS in recent years and to become the first team to win at Park Hall is a great achievement.

“The lads were fantastic. We took our chances and limited theirs, but we must not get carried away as if we don’t obtain a good result against Welshpool next week this win will be wasted.”

ICW

FEB-12

Physiotherapist Richard Evans said: "Dennis has a mild strain of the knee ligament, but it's nothing serious.

"We'll keep assessing him, but at the moment it looks as if he'll only be out for two to three weeks."

The news comes as a boost ahead of Tuesday night's visit to Liberty Stadium of promotion-chasing Walsall.

Manager Roberto Martinez initially feared Lawrence would be a long-term absentee, but Evans added: "Fortunately a surgeon friend of mine, a Crewe fan, was in the crowd and he checked Dennis out at half-time and allayed our initial fears.

"He twisted his knee in a challenge and the opposing player landed on top of it."

"Now once the swelling goes down we can start working on getting Dennis back as soon as possible."

BBC

FEB-12

John wins the Principality Welsh Premier Manager of the Month Award for January 2008 following an unbeaten month, in fact the Lilywhites remain the only unbeaten side in 2008. January began with a win over Connah's Quay Nomads on New Years Day and they then followed that success up with victory over Llangefni at Belle Vue. Their next match saw them gain a 1-1 draw at Neath's Llandarcy Park , before they got back to winning ways against Caernarfon Town , 3-1. Their next League game was a potentially tricky test against Haverfordwest, who were also unbeaten in 2008 going into that game, but a comfortable 2-0 win was achieved courtesy of goals from Marc Lloyd Williams and Craig Jones. Rhyl also played the First Leg of their Loosemores Cup Semi-Final tie at home to Bangor and drew 1-1, which sets up the tie for a great outcome this midweek.

Hulse has also made two key-signings in the January Transfer Window with Lloyd Williams and talented midfielder Greg Stones joining the club, and the arrival of former Wales U21 International Dylan Hughes and his brother Kevin, could also prove a masterstroke by the long-serving boss as he pushes for qualification to another UEFA campaign.

Rhys gains his first Principality Welsh Premier Player of the Month Award of the Season after an excellent start to 2008. He was a transfer target of Swiss Premier club Aarau before Christmas, but turned down a move to Europe and signed a new two-year deal at Stebonheath and he has continued his red hot form for Llanelli.

Griffiths last won the coveted monthly Award in October 2006 and he is again one of the main reasons why his side are challenging for their inaugural Principality Welsh Premier League title. He was the Winner of last season's Golden Boot Award to add to his 2005/06 Player of the Year and Golden Boot Awards. The Fireman also won his first Wales Semi Professional Caps last summer and scored on his debut against Scotland .

WPT

FEB-12

The seasiders travelled to Llandyrnog United and ran out 2-0 winners, courtesy of second-half goals from Jon Fisher-Cooke and Dave Hayes.

Llandudno took the lead after eight minutes at home to Holyhead Hotspur through Chris Hogg, but the Anglesey men battled back with Mike Edwards equalising from the penalty spot before Darren Garmey and Marc Evans secured the victory.

Flint went down 2-1 at home to Glantraeth for whom Jon Perris Jones bagged both goals.

Sean Beck scored for Flint.

Goals by Tryffan Prosser and Mike Garrod gave Ruthin Town a 2-0 home triumph over Llanfair, while struggling Lex XI battled to a 1-1 draw with Buckley Town.

DP

FEB-11

ENTO and Afan Lido are currently seven and ten points adrift of second placed Ton Pentre and at best winning all their games in hand of the Bulldogs will still be four points shy, in fact in any teams are likely to catch the second spot it looks like being Dinas Powys or Bryntirion Athletic.

So it is looking increasingly unlikely a team will be promoted from the welsh league this season, this must music to the ears for the teams at the bottom of the welsh premier, as it's fair to say only one club will be relegated at most if a team from the Cymru Alliance is promoted.

But the baffling question is why clubs are being allowed to gain promotion when any club that doesn't have a minimum of 500 seats will not be allowed to take part in the 2009/10 season. currently their are nine clubs already in the welsh premier that do not match that required criteria, it will be interesting to see what happens to those clubs when the 2009/10 season begins, they have already had a few seasons notice and still have two more, so they can't use the excuse they need more time.

Caernarfon Town = 252
Caersws = 300
Connahs Quay = 420
Haverfordwest County = 400
Llangefni Town = 250
Newi Cefn Druids = 300
Neath Athletic = 250
TNS = 250 (Though expecting to increase that this year)
Welshpool Town = 250

By the way Afan Lido has 525 seats so were all right Jack.

Tony

FEB-11

Once again Bridgend hit the headlines last week through a move by Bridgend council to allow them to withdraw £150,000 from their escrow account donated by supermarket giant Asda.

The money is going to be ploughed in to the new pavilion at their intended temporary base at Lock’s Lane in Porthcawl.

That seems to suggest that Bridgend intend to make Porthcawl their permanent home.

Not surprisingly, in the circumstances they have been requested to attend the league’s monthly management committee meeting on Tuesday.

But what still amazes many in the town of Bridgend is why with £210,000 in the bank to purchase a replacement site, along with £1.7million for pitch, clubhouse and changing facilities, are they bothering to pump £150,000 into Lock’s Lane.

Incredibly, 30 alternative sites in the Bridgend area have been located, and the club has rejected them all.

It’s now a year since they vacated Coychurch Road and unless a replacement facility is achieved by February 2011, the balance in the escrow account will revert to the council.

Unlike Haverfordwest County, who in similar circumstances used supermarket cash back in the 1990s to erect fine facilities at Bridge Meadow, Bridgend are dragging their heels.

Why Bridgend continue to sit on £2million, and operate in mundane fashion at Porthcawl, remains the burning issue.

EP

FEB-11

They have not only done that but shown their rivals they mean business. Yesterday they won for the 10th time in 24 starts to move to seventh position in the table.

They were far too good for Newtown and could have won by a bigger margin. Richard French gave the Llandarcy-based side the advantage five minutes before half-time and from then on they always seemed to be in pole position.

Sharp-shooting Andy Hill, who always served Neath well in the Welsh League, was on target 13 minutes from time to complete the success as Newtown were outplayed and could have no grumbles about the outcome.

ICW

FEB-11

Come on, it is hard not to really. Top of League One, 10 points clear, some of the so-called tougher tests out of the way and games slowly running out.

Then there is the fantastic football forged under the pragmatic stewardship of Roberto Martinez to take into account.

But there is one group of people trying their best to resist that temptation, the players!

After near misses and broken hearts in recent years, the Swans squad are banning all mention of the “P” word, well sort of.

Influential midfielder Darren Pratley, back from a groin injury and suspension for today’s trip to Crewe, does admit it is hard at times to keep a lid on things.

“To be honest, it is difficult not to talk about promotion,” revealed 22-year-old Pratley.

“But Swansea have been in the position before when they were top at Christmas and I am sure they were looking at the table thinking they were going to get promoted and then they ended up just about making the play-offs.

“I think most of us are experienced enough not to get carried away. Don’t get me wrong, being top and 10 points clear with 18 games to go is a nice position.

“In fact you could sit down and work out how many games we need to win to get promotion now.”

The big question being, of course, have you?

ICW

FEB-11

Having waited more than a year to get back to the top-flight promised land, the Wales striker has had to suffer constant talk of an instant return to the Championship.

His Derby side have been rooted to the foot of the table since Earnshaw’s club record £3.5m move from Norwich.

To add to his woes, he has been given little more than a few hours football to try and address the situation, he’s already on his third chairman, second manager, probably lost count of the number of votes of confidence he’s received and now sees supporters and officials at Pride Park already talking of next season’s Championship campaign.

And to top it all, Earnshaw could only look on from the bench as an unused substitute in Wednesday’s win over Norway.

Still – and you would expect it from the ever-smiling Earnshaw – there are no regrets, just a realisation that only he can do something about stopping his dream souring any more than it already has.

“The last six months couldn’t have gone any worse, especially in terms of playing – or not playing as it were,” said the 26-year-old. “All I want to do is be on the pitch and that hasn’t happened. I’ve had a couple of injuries, but not really played or had a run, so I’ve been waiting all this time to get out there.

“I played the first couple of games of the season, but the club was only just settling in and then it stopped for me – it’s like I’ve made my debut again recently because that’s how little I had played in the last few months.

“And on top of all that, it’s hard to hear people talking about relegation and next season already, because I haven’t given up – it seems I’ve only just got back here.

“It’s easy for others to say about going down and trying to come back up, but it’s not the same for players. I don’t even want to start thinking about going down – I never do and I never will.

ICW

FEB-11

And he is determined to maintain his winning habit of popping up with last-ditch goals.

Brandy has scored twice since arriving at Swansea City on loan from Manchester United – strikes against Doncaster and Oldham with almost his first touch after coming off the bench.

And the teenage striker admits his nine-year football education at United, a club renowned for late goals from the likes of super-sub Ole-Gunnar Solskjaer, has helped him make such an instant impact.

“At United you are always told to be ready and prepared to come on when you’re on the bench,” he said.

“They tell you that you could be on at any minute and that you have to be ready to take your chance. It means you stay focused and you believe you can change any given game at any minute.

Brandy’s last-gasp winner to see off a stubborn Oldham also saw the pint-sized striker show off his acrobatics.

And he’s hoping it won’t be the last time the runaway League One leaders see his spectacular somersaults.

“I’ve been doing back-flips since I was a kid,” he said. “I thought the goal against Oldham, which was so crucial, merited one. It was certainly the biggest crowd I’ve ever done them in front of.

“I have done them to celebrate a goal on special occasions. When I scored for United in the opening game of the World Under-20 Championships against Porto last year I did one.

“But that was definitely one of the most important goals I’ve ever scored. Swansea have given me a chance and I’m looking to repay them by scoring goals.”

Forcing his way into Fergie’s thinking, though, remains Brandy’s long-term aim.

ICW

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It was win number 10 for the West Walians at the New Bridge Stadium and cemented their mid-table position in the Welsh Premier League.

The Llangefni outfit never looked capable of creating many chances and their defence was sloppy. Mike Hartley set the ball rolling for Haverfordwest with a splendid strike after six minutes and although Kevin Lloyd brought the visitors level it always appeared that the hosts would pull away.

Nick Woodrow restored their lead and then a brace by Neil Thomas put the result beyond doubt before Luke Bowen gleefully completed the rout with only four minutes remaining.

ICW

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WELSH League leaders Goytre United encountered few problems yesterday at lowly Maesteg Park and maintained their three-point advantage at the top as they swept to a 5-0 success.

The game was all over after 20 minutes when United had built up a three-goal lead and, despite going down to 10 men in the second half, they still added another two goals.

Ryan Needs grabbed a hat-trick and there was a goal apiece for Daniel Thomas and Darren Lyons.

Ton Pentre now enjoy a better goal difference than the leaders after crushing hapless Garw 13-0. Eight players got on the score-sheet with top honours going to Jonathan Kift, who scored three.

Dinas Powys kept their title hopes alive by winning 3-0 at ENTO Aberaman but Cambrian and Clydach’s aspirations were dented as they were held to a goalless draw by visiting Cwmbran Town.

Welsh Cup quarter-finalists Newport YMCA enjoyed a 3-0 home victory over Caldicot, and with Leighton Burrows scoring against his former club and Aaron Stewart and Danny Heath also finding the back of the net it was a comprehensive success.

Elsewhere Bridgend Town overcame Pontypridd 5-2 while Pontardawe held Caerleon to a 2-2 stalemate at Cold Bath Road.

There were goals galore in division two with 48 goals coming from nine games.

Cardiff Corries led the way with an amazing 8-3 win at Ammanford and Rhys Yates was the game’s top scorer with a hat-trick. Leaders Barry Town established a three-point lead at the top after thrashing lowly Troedyrhiw 7-0

WOS

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A GOAL in each half from Tim Hicks sent The New Saints crashing to their first home league loss as hopes of a fourth successive crown suffered a big setback.

With title rivals Llanelli winning, victory saw Ken McKenna’s side lose pole position while leaving the race for honours finely poised this season.

The Saints had been hoping to gain revenge for their recent FAW Premier Cup exit, but again found the West Wales side in uncompromising mood.

And it was Hicks who, having netted a hat-trick in the cup clash between the sides, returned to haunt the full-timers as the Old Gold boosted their challenge for European soccer this summer with an excellent victory.

While slipping to defeat, TNS could reflect on a controversial decision to rule out a 10th minute goal for offside when striker Kevin Townson was denied by the flag after netting from John Toner’s pass.

And it was the visitors who, having lost their previous six clashes at TNS on grass, made the breakthrough in their first outing on the artificial surface at Park Hall.

Jamal Easter made good ground along the right flank in the 24th minute and his cross found Hicks unmarked in front of goal to convert with a close range header. Ten minutes later, Paul Fowler doubled the margin when beating Paul Harrison with a swerving 20-yarder that the keeper could only help in.

After the break, the Saints upped the ante. But Carmarthen weathered the storm and sealed the points nine minutes from time when Gregg Coombes and Danny Thomas combined to create the opening for Hicks to grab his second goal of the game.

WOS

FEB-10

LLANELLI swept back to the top of the table after overcoming struggling Caernarfon at Stebonheath Park.

But they were given a first-half fright by the visitors, who took the lead with a set-piece goal in the 27th minute. Eifion Jones took advantage of sloppy defending and scored from close range.

A half-time talk from manager Peter Nicholas did the trick as the Reds came out after the break with all guns blazing and Lee Phillips equalised just nine minutes later.

Then, in a five-minute spell, the leaders added four goals.

Wyn Thomas put Llanelli in front in the 65th minute and, virtually from the resumption of play, Rhys Griffiths found the net for his 34th goal of the season.

A minute later Tony Corbisiero made it four with the best goal of the day when he let fly from the edge of the box, and in the 70th minute Mark Jones slotted home to wrap the game up.

WOS

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"We think it's the medial ligament in the knee," said Swansea manager Roberto Martinez. "It will need a proper scan to be sure, but it looks a bad one."

Swansea goalkeeper Dorus De Vries expressed sympathy for his team-mate.

"Dennis has been superb for us this year so fingers crossed that he'll be ok," said De Vries. "But I have no doubt that we have adequate cover."

BBC

FEB-10

"Their centre-back has head-butted our goalkeeper, elbowed our centre forward, that is total nonsense," he said after a game that included a 20-man brawl.

"My lads stuck together, what saddens me is the fact the referee has given us no protection all afternoon."

Wrexham manager Brian Little defended centre-back Steve Evans after the game.

The defender's clash with Joe Lewis ended with the Peterborough keeper being stretchered off, prompting the 20-man dust-up and leading Ferguson to confront Evans at the end of the match.

"Steve was a little bit late with challenge, but I thought that he genuinely went for the ball," Little told BBC Sport Wales.

"He scored a header from an identical situation last week. I'm 100% sure that it was an accident, Steve's eyes didn't leave the ball.

"The referee had a few difficult decisions to make and I thought he did all right, he made honest calls all day."

Ferguson insisted that he had "no interest in Wrexham or their tactics", and Little was pleased to have taken a point from the League Two high-fliers.

"We are fighting like crazy to stay up," said Little, whose side remain bottom but just one point behind Dagenham & Redbridge and Mansfield.

BBC

FEB-10

"I hope (Wales manager) John Toshack gets the chance to see my two goals," he said, after a late, stunning strike helped Norwich to a 2-1 win at Cardiff.

"It might put some doubts in his mind, but I'm in no rush as I'm really happy with the U21s, we're in a great place in the Uefa championship qualifiers."

Evans also scored twice in the U21s fine 4-0 win over Malta in midweek.

The 19-year-old Manchester City front man has impressed at Norwich, and is now in his second loan spell of the season at the Canaries.

"It's been a big step up from the reserves, I'm not playing against 16-year-olds any more," said the St Asaph man. "You have to give your all in every game.

"It's been a great week for me with four goals, I'm really pleased with my performances at the moment and I'm just gaining in confidence with every game I play.

"I'm just glad that the second goal went in at Ninian Park. Darren Huckerby was screaming at me for the ball and the manager was telling me to put it in the corner!"

BBC

FEB-10

Rush, who is currently the elite performance director of the Welsh Football Trust, has been earmarked as part of the restructuring of the national team in the wake of a string of poor performances.

“I have been asked to have a look at their strikers, but it has got no further than that at the moment,” said 46-year-old Rush.

“If it did happen it would have to fit in with my current job with the Welsh FA Trust, helping to bring their kids through.”

ICW

FEB-9

Under Jones’ proposals, sides like Llanelli, Port Talbot and Neath could be used to develop and train promising youngsters for Cardiff, Swansea and Wrexham.

Jones’ call comes as the FAW discusses the idea of the big three fielding reserve sides in the Welsh Premiership with a view to gaining them an avenue into European football.

That idea could well fall foul of Uefa regulations, but Jones is adamant the situation in Wales should be exploited in some way to benefit everyone.

“I think you have to look at options and maybe some of the smaller clubs could become feeder clubs for the bigger ones,” said Jones.

“I think clubs in the Championship and Premiership should look to the smaller clubs and, for us, we have the Welsh Premiership.

“Why could we not have our reserves or our best young players playing in that division?

“Perhaps someone like TNS are too big, but there are other clubs in the league who would be right for it.

“It is something which should be looked at. I know other clubs are. Manchester United have used clubs like Antwerp in Belgium in the past to farm their players out.

“For some of our younger players it would be fantastic to develop them quicker by them going out to play in the Welsh Premiership.”

ICW

FEB-9

Ched Evans brace sinks Cardiff

The 19-year-old, on loan from Manchester City, strode unopposed from the halfway line before unleashing a venomous shot into the top corner.

It was a deserved winner for the visitors, who took the lead when Evans finished well to cap a fine break.

Gavin Rae levelled right-footed from 12 yards but Cardiff could not hold on.

BBC

FEB-9

Caldicot aim to bring cup heroes back to earth

WELSH Cup heroes Newport YMCA return to action tomorrow when they'll seek to extend their unbeaten MacWhirter Welsh League run to an eighth game against visiting Gwent rivals Caldicot Town.

Boss Mark Coldrick's men have taken 17 points from the last 21 on offer and climbed to seventh position in becoming the county's highest-placed Division One club - as well as Welsh Cup quarter finalists.

Caldicot, though, have also improved recently and have moved up to 12th after winning three of their last four league outings. Coldrick reports attacking midfielder Faris Yafai is rated as only 50-50 following a bout of flu while Caldicot boss Jason Pritchard will only be minus injured defender and skipper Gareth Hayward.

SWA

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NLD

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The 19-year-old, enjoying a promising loan spell at Carrow Road from Manchester City, has nothing but happy memories of playing at Cardiff City’s home.

Back in November, St Asaph-born Evans scored a Ninian hat-trick in a 4-2 win for Wales over France.

“I am looking forward to coming to Cardiff,” Evans said.

“Playing for Wales Under-21s there the crowd was small, but it will be totally different in front of 15,000 Cardiff fans.

“I have been told it is quite an intimidating feeling for a player, but you have to put that to the back of your mind and get on with the job in hand.

“Obviously I hope I can do the same for Norwich against a Cardiff side who are in fine form.

“Before Christmas, they were struggling to get results, but they have turned it around and are closing in on the play-off positions.”

And it is not just Cardiff who have also enjoyed a recent revival.

Aided by Evans’ four goals in 13 appearances, the Canaries have also seen a turnaround in fortunes.

Evans admits he felt ready for first-team action and revealed he had been unaware of reported interest by Cardiff in acquiring his services.

“I am enjoying my football. I was ready to make that step up from the reserves and my move to Norwich has seen me improve as a player and scoring goals is great for me,” he said.

ICW

FEB-9

Ken McKenna’s side returned to top spot last week following a home victory over Porthmadog and the Saints boss feels his two debutants, Kevin Towson and Paul Henry, made a big difference.

Towson opened his account with the first goal in that 4-1 win and 20-year-old Henry was named man of the match.

“Paul will give us a bit more bite in midfield,” said McKenna, glad to return to winning ways following rare successive defeats.

Carmarthen will be without suspended Neil Smothers and Sacha Walters, but Danny Thomas, Greg Coombes and Paul Cattlin return.

“TNS always seem to be able to bounce back quickly from a blip, but we think we can take something from our first visit to Park Hall,” said Old Gold boss Deryn Brace.

ICW

FEB-9

And while one manager concentrates on home advantage and how to beat a side that faces a real fight to stay in the division, Martyrs manager Garry Sheppard thanks the supporters for keeping them going financially.

Sheppard, in his first term as manager at Penydarren Park, said: “The supporters trust kept us going last month in terms of paying the players wages, which was a welcome boost. Because whatever people say, it was a distraction for the players, and I thank the supporters for their help.

“I am sure we are not the only non-league club in this situation, but they are the facts of the matter. But in times like these it shows great character. Players have had offers to go elsewhere, but they have been loyal and don’t want to let their colleagues down. It’s that type of attitude that has kept us all together,” said Sheppard.

And it doesn’t get any better on the pitch. Having lost to Halesowen recently 3-0 with nine first-team players out, goalkeeper Ashley Morris was sent off after 30 minutes and Sheppard was forced to play with seven recognised centre-halves.

“Injuries and suspensions all seem to have come at one time and because of the small playing budget we have, I had no choice but to field seven defenders,” explained Sheppard,

“But we’re in a bit better shape for Clevedon tomorrow and the one thing I know, I will get 100 per cent effort from the players.”

ICW

FEB-9

The league’s bottom side are desperate for points as they battle to avoid relegation.

Joint manager Derek Roberts said: “Haverfordwest is a nice place to go because they have a good pitch where we can play the sort of football which brought us results previously.”

Between late September and early November the league newcomers notched nine wins in 11 league and cup games, and Roberts said: “We want to rediscover that form, when the young players showed great enthusiasm, worked and ran for each other and got the right rewards.

“We are placing our faith in the local lads again and, having beaten Haverfordwest 2-1 at our place, are quietly confident that we can turn them over again.”

Forward Ywain Gwynedd – who scored both goals that day – will play, as will striker Chris Jones.

DP

FEB-8

Coleman urges Koumas to make away days

Koumas sparkled with a two-goal show in Wednesday night’s 3-0 friendly defeat of Norway at Wrexham, taking his international goals tally to nine from 26 appearances – eight of them coming in his last eight games.

But the Wigan playmaker has missed Wales’ last six away matches, and has not played for his country outside the United Kingdom since a 1-0 defeat in Poland in September 2005.

“Who knows why he hasn’t played in the last six away games?” said Coleman, the former Wales defender and ex-Fulham and Real Sociedad manager.

“But, if you play for your country, you play home and you play away.

“When you’re capable of the level of performance he showed against Norway we need to see Jason away from home as well.

“He’s such an important player for Wales these days – the one player who can win you a game.”

ICW

FEB-8

Gibson sure his boys can survive in top flight

The Cymru Alliance's runaway leaders look certainties for promotion to Wales’ top flight at the end of this campaign, despite losing 1-0 at home to Bala Town last Saturday.

Prestatyn are 12 points ahead of their nearest challengers, and as long as their ground meets Welsh Premier criteria by the summer, they should be playing their football at the likes of Belle Vue, Park Hall and Stebonheath Park next season.

Gibson says the club have built a side over the last two or three years which is now ready to challenge in the Welsh Premier – and his players will be out to prove a point, with most of them having failed to make the grade in the past.

“These lads are all youngish lads who’ve been at Welsh Premier clubs – mainly Rhyl – and haven’t really had a chance,” said Gibson.

“Our lads have got plenty of experience of playing teams at that level so we fancy our chances of at least stabilising in the Welsh Premier next season.”

One of the most fearsome weapons in Prestatyn’s armoury is goal machine Bowes, and Gibson says his star striker will continue to score next season should his side achieve promotion.

But Gibson isn’t counting his chickens just yet, as Llandudno have two games in hand over the pacesetters which could cut Prestatyn’s lead to six points.

He added: “We’re in the box seat for promotion, but the 12-point gap is a little bit misleading because obviously Llandudno have got a couple of games in hand over us so they could cut that gap.”

DP

FEB-8

Morgan demands improved home form

Pool host lowly Connah’s Quay Nomads tonight and manager Tomi Morgan is banking on three points as he looks for his side to make ground on the leading pack.

“We have to start winning our home games and get a run going, which has been a problem for us this season,” said Morgan, whose side have lost four of their last six league outings.

“While our away form has generally been excellent, we’ve struggled to match that at home. With a lot of six-pointers coming up this weekend, we need a win to put the pressure on the sides above us.”

DP

FEB-8

Hitman Roberts poised for return

The former Bangor City striker needs to check out a neck problem after missing last weekend’s 4-1 defeat at The New Saints.

Fellow front man Carl Owen will figure in an otherwise unchanged squad, along with winger Marcus Orlik, who has scored in each of the team’s three previous games.

Porthmadog, next to bottom in the table, have a score to settle with Druids, having lost their September meeting at The Traeth 2-1.

Manager Viv Williams said: “We have got to get something from this game because we need to drag Druids down into the bottom pack and not let them move nine points ahead of us.

“The team performances in the last month have been good, although without the results we needed, and now we have a battle on our hands, so the lads have no hiding place and must respond.”

The return of three players will strengthen Newi Cefn Druids’ hand as they bid for much-needed points, writes Mike McEvoy.

Defender Dan Barnett and winger Mike Thompson are available after being cup tied for last weekend’s Welsh Cup win over Ento Aberaman, while Timmy Edwards also returns.

“We need to win at home in the league,” said joint boss Waynne Phillips. “If we can pick up three points we will pull away, but if we don’t then we will put ourselves under more pressure.

“What we've done well this season is to beat sides around us in the league and we need to do that again tonight. I’m expecting a tough game but we’re due a good performance and a good result at home.”

DP

FEB-8

Nomads striker leaves after only 2 games

“Tom decided he wasn’t enjoying playing in the Welsh Premier for Nomads so he has returned to Heswall,” said Nomads manager Jim Hackett.

To fill the gap Nomads have signed experienced goalscorer Jed Courtney from Warrington Town, but left-back Alan Glover has been snapped up by Bamber Bridge.

DP

FEB-8

Owain set for 1st team recall

The ex-Wales Under-21 international has had a number of failed comeback bids and last played for the first team in a 4-2 win over Bournemouth on November 3, 2006.

But after coming through the Pontin's Holiday Football Combination fixture at Port Talbot's Remax Stadium unscathed, the former Bangor City captain was in upbeat mood.

"I feel good. It's nice to be back on a football pitch and it's onwards and upwards from here," said the 23-year-old.

"I hope this is the end of the road, but I said that last time. When you get a fractured ankle there's not much you can do about it.

"Hopefully I can draw a line under it now, get back to enjoying my football and have a successful end of season with Swansea.

EP

FEB-8

We have to stay strong - Little

The Dragons lost 4-1 at London Road in the FA Cup earlier this season under old manager Brian Carey and new boss Little is hoping to avoid a repeat.

"I know they've beaten us this season quite emphatically and we have a little bit of ground to make up," he said.

"We'll try and prove a few people wrong because some will think 'home win'."

Wrexham have gone four games without defeat including two impressive home wins against runaway leaders MK Dons and second-place Darlington as they look to stay in the Football League.

But after their trip to Peterborough, who are in the play-off spot, Wrexham also have to go to fellow play-off contenders Hereford and make a return trip to MK Dons.

And Little knows his new-look side's hopes of survival face a real test in the next three games.

"The most important thing is to try and put in a decent performance away from home and hopefully on top of that get a decent result as well," said Little.

BBC

FEB-8

Britton set for Swans milestone

The pint-sized midfielder, 25, has experienced a relegation battle, promotion, trophy success, and play-off heartache in his five years there.

"Playing my 200th game is a nice achievement," said Britton.

"We were one game away from being out of the Football League when I joined and look where the club is now."

The Swans are 10 points clear at the top of League One and are on course for promotion to the second tier of English football for the first time in 24 years.

And they will be looking to extend that lead at Crewe on Saturday.

"When I first came down, we had a massive relegation battle that year and managed to beat Hull on the last game of the season.

"From that day on, I was so attached to the club. You just have to look how far it has come.

"There's been a lot of ups and downs - there's always an eventful season here, but promotion will be a good achievement for the club."

BBC

FEB-7

Hartson brings career to an end

The 32-year-old, who won 51 caps for Wales, revealed he had lost his desire and was struggling to keep fit.

He told the Scottish Sun: "I'm going to miss that competitive edge. That was my weekend, letting off steam and terrorising centre-halves.

"But I'm not going to miss training though. To be honest I'd lost my desire to get back into the West Brom side."

The striker who began his career at Luton and played at Arsenal, West Ham, Wimbledon, Coventry, Celtic and Norwich, said he was not prepared to end his playing career at a low level.

"They say you should go down the leagues and just play for enjoyment because it will be easier. It is not," Hartson added.

"I have been fighting my weight for 12 years. I can't have a burger without putting on half a stone."

West Brom released Hartson in January - six months before his contract was due to run out.

BBC

FEB-7

Carmarthen seek double over TNS

Carmarthen Town head to The New Saints on Saturday looking to book unprecedented back-to-back victories over the Welsh Premier League champions.

The Old Gold travel to The Saints with huge confidence after dumping Ken McKenna's side out of the FAW Premier Cup in convincing fashion thanks to a Tim Hicks hat-trick.

Carmarthen sent the holders crashing out of the £100,000 competition 3-1 thanks to an inspiring extra-time performance from Deryn Brace's side.

And Brace is now hoping that his side can take the momentum from that game into Saturday's clash with the champions.

Brace said after their cup victory: "I have to be honest it was a very good win.

"It was a team performance where everyone played to their potential.

Fifth-placed Carmarthen are six points behind third-placed Rhyl, who occupy the last European qualification spot, and any sort of positive result would be a huge bonus to Brace.

FEB-7

Bangor Boss pleased with cup draw

CITY manager Nev Powell is pleased to have avoided the four other remaining Welsh Premier sides in the draw for the quarter-finals of the Welsh Cup.

Although Bangor face a tricky trip to Cymru Alliance minnows Guilsfield – who have already eliminated three WPL teams in this season’s competition – on March 1, Powell was satisfied with the outcome of Saturday night’s pairings.

"At this stage of the competition you take what you get – it’s just good to be in the hat," said the Citizens chief.

"There’s no easy games in quarter-finals and Guilsfield will be determined to add us to their scalps, but it’s up to us to prepare right for it and leave nothing to chance."

FEB-7

Toshack delighted with youngsters

"Now we've three away friendlies in Luxembourg, a trip to Iceland and a difficult one in Holland, and then a home game with Georgia before the serious stuff starts in September."

FEB-7

Former Llangefni boss signs in at Ruthin

FORMER Llangefni Town manager Adie Jones has taken over the reins at Cymru Alliance strugglers Ruthin Town.

Cefni parted company with Jones just before Christmas after a disappointing start to the season, but the Oswestry-based chief now faces a fresh challenge at the Memorial Playing Fields.

Jones has already recruited a player from Cefni for his new club – striker Mark Jones.

FEB-7

Future is looking good - Koumas

Carl Fletcher opened the scoring after 15 minutes with Koumas striking just after the hour and with a minute to go.

"I think it's as good a squad as we've had for years," he said. "I don't think people understand how good the players coming through are.

"The Under-21s are doing great at the moment, so the future's looking quite good."

New Tottenham signing Chris Gunter supplied the pass for Koumas's first goal and said the midfielder is a vital asset for Wales.

"He is so important for us," said Gunter.

"He gives us something different, especially when we've got a few players out and if he can be involved in the games then it's fantastic for us and he played really well tonight.

"We knew it would be a tough game and it was.

BBC

FEB-7

South Wales Police have made the ruling for the game on February 16 and the decision looks as if it will heighten the on-going bad feeling which exists between the two clubs.

Last season, Cardiff fans were banned from the Championship game between the two clubs at Molineux after an incident the previous season.

In response to the Midlands club’s decision, angry City chairman Peter Ridsdale protested at the decision by declining to go into the director’s box, preferring instead to watch the game from the dug-out.

Now it is Wolves who feel aggrieved as their fans will not be able to buy tickets if they plan to travel independently.

They will be handed their match tickets once they arrive at a designated rendezvous outside Cardiff.

Wolves chief executive Jez Moxey said, “We have done everything we can to try and persuade the police to change their minds.

“In our opinion, the restriction on fans travelling independently is completely and utterly unjustified.

“We have stressed the very good behaviour record of our fans.

“It is now down to individual supporters to decide if they want to travel under these restrictions.”

ICW

FEB-6

ENTO main sponsors of ENTO Aberaman Athletic Football Club are considering their current agreement with the club over Rhondda Cynon Taff's refusal to even open any sort of dialogue that would enable the club to play their home fixtures in the Welsh Premier League at the Michael Sobell Sports Centre Stadium in Aberdare.

The current sponsorship deal worth in excess of £150k over 3 years has enabled the club to challenge for promotion to the Welsh Premier League but will see their ambitions thwarted by strict ground criteria that rules out their current home at Aberaman Park.

'ENTO has supported the club for over 4 years and provided the opportunity for the club to challenge for promotion into the Welsh Premier League and to be the sole representative for South East Wales' commented Chairman Richard Rowlands

Rowlands added 'The loss of our main sponsor would mean a complete rethink on the future plans for the club and seriously impact on our ambitions to bring top flight football to the Cynon Valley. This does not only affect the current group of players but all those with ambitions from Under 7's upwards playing with our feeder club ENTO Aberdare Grasshoppers plus our Youth and Under 16 teams!!'

Tony Green, Managing Director of ENTO stated 'We have been delighted to support the club for the last four years and have seen significant progress both on and off the field and now for a democratically elected Local Authority to simply dismiss our request for dialogue is unacceptable and leaves the Board of ENTO to seriously question our continued investment in Welsh sport'

Mr Green continued 'South East Wales has no representative in the top flight of Welsh football, the Cynon Valley would welcome the opportunity to support a club challenging for European football but the Local Authority with a Stadium that was paid for by the community are not even prepared to open a dialogue, leaving my Board with little option to consider our position'

The likely impact of such a dramatic course of action from ENTO would be that the ambitions of some 150 young people of the Cynon Valley and the football supporters of the area would be deprived the chance of top flight football on their doorstep.

'Any such move by ENTO would be catastrophic for this club but I fully understand the frustrations of the Board of ENTO, it is not as if we are asking RCT to contribute any financial aid, in fact quite the contrary, we have offered to bring the stadium up to Welsh Premier League standard at no cost to the Authority and to make those additional facilities available to all users at no cost to them' added Mr Rowlands.

www.entoaberamanafc.co.uk

FEB-6

RHYL striker Lee Hunt will remain at the club for the rest of the season – but manager John Hulse believes it is virtually inevitable he will move on at the end of the campaign.

Hulse has revealed four clubs in the English pyramid system tried to sign his 26-year-old striker before the transfer window closed.

Hunt was put on the transfer list at his own request last month, complaining he has had enough of the standard of refereeing in the Welsh Premier League.

Unibond League Division One South club Colwyn Bay had an offer turned down for the Lilies’ leading marksman, as did Conference North Leigh RMI, who suggested a player exchange deal.

Conference North high-flyers Southport also proposed a player exchange, but Rhyl responded by asking for a player and money to part with Hunt. The Sandgrounders rejected the Lilywhites’ request.

Droylsden from the Conference Premier, a club which has provided many players for Rhyl over the years, were offered the same deal as Southport for Hunt, but it was nothing doing.

Delighted that Hunt will see out the season, Hulse paid tribute to Rhyl FC president Peter Parry for his handling of the situation.

“With Lee becoming a free agent at the end of the season, Peter could have decided to take anything he could get for him, but he didn’t and deserves a big pat on the back for rejecting what he considered were unsuitable offers,” said the Rhyl boss.

“I will be trying to persuade Lee to stay on next season, but it doesn’t look like he will, he feels he has done his stint in the Welsh Premier.

“Lee stressed to me he would continue to give 100% while he remained at the club and has been good to his word, scoring in his last two games.”

RPV

FEB-6

Wales Under-21 manager Brian Flynn hailed Shaun MacDonald after the Swansea City midfielder helped steer his side to the top of their Uefa Under-21 qualifying group.

Two second-half goals from Ched Evans and one each from Simon Church and Jack Collison settled things for Wales with a 4-0 win in Malta after they dominated the majority of the game.

But Flynn reserved special praise for MacDonald.

EP

FEB-6

It may be two and a half years away, but John Toshack insists tonight’s friendly against Norway in Wrexham is where Wales must start plotting their course to South Africa in 2010.

“I feel confident if the likes of Danny Gabbidon, Craig Bellamy and Gareth Bale are fit and we can get a run with this group of players together, we’ve got a chance of qualifying,” said Toshack.

“We’ve got good young players coming through, and I can see the way they’re already maturing compared to 12 or 18 months ago.”

Wales are missing injured James Collins, Danny Gabbidon, Craig Bellamy and Gareth Bale tonight.

ICW

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Manchester City's Ched Evans headed home a free-kick on 62 minutes to break the deadlock.

Substitute Simon Church then doubled the lead with 10 minutes to go before Rhys Williams made it 3-0 two minutes from time.

Evans completed the rout from the penalty spot with his second goal of the game in injury time.

Manager Brian Flynn said: "I am very pleased but a little bit frustrated after the first 45 minutes, but the second half was excellent.

"We made a couple of changes and tactically we adapted to them.

"It was a comfortable win but after the first half, we'd have taken a 1-0 win but all credit to the lads, they came in and played really well.

"To be at the top of the table at this moment in time, everyone in Wales has to be pleased with that and we've now got the added pressure of being favourites but I know we can handle it."

BBC

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The win takes the Canaries up to 13th in the Welsh Premier, eight points clear of the relegation area, but Caersws remain in deep trouble following their fourth successive league loss.

Peter Doran put the hosts in front in the sixth minute when he cracked a firm shot past visitors’ keeper Andy Mulliner from 25 yards and Bobby Jones added a second, with 14 minutes remaining, a superb drive across the visitors’ stopper.

Caersws rarely threatened but had a goal disallowed at the end when John Slater’s handball was spotted by the assistant referee.

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“We did everything, absolutely everything, by the book,” said Bryntirion chairman Emlyn Phillips. “We do not stand in the way of any player moving to a club in a higher level of football.

“That’s not how we do things.

“Sean Cronin moved to Neath Athletic and we wish him well. If Robbie wants to play at Welsh Premier League level and has the chance we certainly wouldn’t stop him.

“It’s probably inevitable that Robbie will go to play for a club at the top level of Welsh football, but it will be to a better run club than Port Talbot.

“They left it too late and we could not let Robbie complete the transfer until he had paid off money owed to Bryntirion for three bookings and a red card.

“In the end a transfer could not be completed in time, but we have talked to Robbie and he is happy to be staying with Bryntirion Athletic.”

Walters, who has netted 34 goals this season, is suspended after being sent off during Bryntirion’s MacWhirter Welsh League win against Pontypridd Town and still has two games to serve.

Port Talbot Town manager Nicky Tucker, who accused Bryntirion of dragging their heels in processing the move, confirmed he is still keen to sign Walters and will try to sign him again at the end of this season.

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Swansea City have been given a triple midfield boost by the return of Darren Pratley, Darren Way and Owain Tudur Jones.

Pratley has missed the last three games via a mix of a hamstring problem and suspension while Way and Jones have lifted their injury nightmares by announcing their availability for duty.

Jones has not featured for Swansea since picking up an injury in the club's previous reserve game against Yeovil in October.

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The defender, 28, is battling away every week trying to keep Wrexham in the Football League as the Racecourse side struggle at the bottom of Coca-Cola League Two.

But Evans will take time off from that desperate fight to play for against Norway on his home ground, looking forward to a clash with John Carew.

The Aston Villa striker has been near the top of the European game for years, but Evans refused to be intimidated.

He said: “Things are getting better week by week at Wrexham, but to still be getting the call to play for Wales is a great boost for me.

“It adds to my confidence, and I find myself the oldest guy in the squad now. For me, it’s just great to be here.”

He added: “It’s always nice to get away for a few days and think about something else, but I also believe we are getting it right now at Wrexham with a new bunch of players and we will get ourselves out of this trouble we are in at the bottom.

“Now I find myself probably facing John Carew next. It will be difficult, but I have got used to playing against the best around since I got my first call-up two years ago.

“I have learned to take it all in my stride, and just look forward to every big game.

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Ledley was chosen ahead of Burnley striker Robbie Blake and Charlton midfielder Zheng Zhi to complete a Ninian Park double with Jones scooping the manager’s award last week.

In a month where he celebrated his 21st birthday, Ledley scored four goals to help lift the Bluebirds to ninth in the table and only two points off the play-offs.

The Fairwater-born young star was the subject of much speculation during last month’s transfer window but will stay at Ninian Park and help the Bluebirds’ promotion assault.

“He deserves it,” said Jones.

“He is a super player who has a big bright future ahead of him.

“People fail to realise he only turned 21 the other week.”

Ledley, who won his 19th cap in the 0-0 draw with Germany last November, is currently training with Wales ahead of tomorrow night’s friendly against Norway in Wrexham.

“We’re delighted with him,” said Toshack.

“He has started scoring goals now at City, has played wide-left and just a little bit further inside and has played a lot of games as well.

“He has progressed very well and was outstanding in Germany.”

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The Argus has received several complaints from disgruntled Exiles supporters following derogatory comments posted on Lewes' unofficial fans forum.

The chairman of the Lewes supporters club, Cliff Hart, has subsequently resigned from his post after enraging County fans with his views on Newport.

While commenting on transport arrangements for the clash, currently scheduled for February 23, Hart posted: "Newport wont be a picnic so be warned but safety wont be a problem and it is a great chance to see ancient civilisations and to see how are sic taxes are spent."

This is just the latest in a series of bust-ups in the past year between the two clubs with no geographical or historical animosities.

Lewes complained to the Conference South and the FA last year following a fiery clash at Spytty Park on January 27.

Lewes alleged home supporters barracked their players as they left the field and County striker Craig Hughes was also accused of making a racist comment.

The Exiles reacted badly to the fact that the complaints were made public to a local newspaper before they were informed and even threatened to sue Lewes for defamation.

None of the complaints were upheld.

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But regular striker Paul Addo is out of the reckoning, as he starts a ban, after being sent off for the third time this season at Guilsfield on Saturday.

Both sides are struggling in the league and are, separated by just one point.

O’Shaughnessy said: “This is a massive six-pointer for both clubs but, if we can perform as in the last month, when we have not had any luck and results have gone cruelly against us, then we should be okay.”

Caersws will be looking to halt a three-match losing run writes John Bridgwater, and boss Mike Barton admits it would be the perfect boost following a poor start to the year.

“It’s a massive game for us, it’s one we cannot afford to lose,” he said.

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Their chances of qualifying for the finals in Sweden next year have been boosted by their remarkable victory over group favourites France in Cardiff in November.

Only one Wales team has ever qualified for a major finals and that was the seniors in the 1958 World Cup – also in Sweden.

Wales boss John Toshack said of his country’s youngsters, “We want to qualify from this group, it is a great opportunity. If we finish second it takes us into a play-off in October to reach the finals in Sweden in 2009.

“When the door opens for us, we have to take it. The door is open now for the U21s because we can qualify, the win over France has convinced us of that.

“We want to do everything possible to help the U21s. We have lads coming through, Jack Collison, Arron Ramsey and Ched Evans, who are close to the first team squad but they will be needed for the U21s.”

With so many of Toshack’s seniors still qualified for the U21s, there is every chance the best Welsh youngsters could be utilised if qualification is a real prospect.

Toshack said, “We really must win in Malta. Then there is a tough one against Bosnia in March before we have Romania home and away. I would not rule out some of the lads in the senior squad dropping back into the U21s for maybe one or two group matches.

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The incident flared up after reserve team manager Paul Wilkinson became embroiled in a row with a ball-boy.

Jones told BBC Wales: "The police were taking pictures of the fans involved and should deal with them in that way.

"But it's not even on my radar to worry about. I've had that sort of abuse off the same people at Stoke for 10 years."

He added: "People say it's banter, but it's not banter when someone's hurling a load of abuse at you.

"They think it's quite funny and as soon as you say anything back it's a different matter, but the police were brilliant.

"I think Wilko was a bit annoyed that we had a multi-balling system and all of a sudden it seemed to disappear somewhere along the line."

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There are no new caps included from the Welsh Premier sides, but Haverfordwest 'keeper Lee Idzi, Port Talbot Town defender Lee Surman, midfielders Sion Edwards (Bangor City), Paul Fowler (Carmarthen Town), Craig Jones (Llanelli), Craig Jones (Rhyl FC) and Chris Venables (Welshpool Town) as well as Bangor's striker Les Davies are all retained from the inaugural match of the Competition. Also named in the squad is former Port Talbot Town forward Chad Bond, who has recently left the Re/Max Stadium to play for CF Balaguer in Spain.

Neath's Lee Bevan, who was a late call-up in that game for Llanelli's Stuart Jones misses out, as does Worcester City's Jamie Price. The two newcomers are former Wales Under 21 and Southampton youngster, Kyle Critchell, who now plays at Right-Back for Weymouth and Adam Gross, a left-back with Grays Athletic.

The Welsh youngsters lost their opening fixture of the campaign in November against Italy in Varese 4-2, with Edwards and Price scoring the second-half goals, whilst the English side were victorious in Finland 2-0. The squad will assemble in Swansea on Sunday 17th February in preparation for the game, which they must win to have any realistic hopes of progressing to the Final, this time next year.

International Challenge Trophy 2007 - 2009
England 'C' v. Wales Semi Pro U.23, St. James' Park, Exeter. Wednesday 20th February 2008. Kick-off: 7.45pm

Lee IDZI (Haverfordwest County), Ashley MORRIS (Merthyr Tydfil), Kyle CRITCHELL (Weymouth), Danny PARSLOW (York City), Adam GROSS (Grays Athletic), Jamie REWBURY (Merthyr Tydfil), Lee SURMAN (Port Talbot Town), Alex LAWLESS (Forest Green Rovers), Sion EDWARDS (Bangor City), Paul FOWLER (Carmarthen Town), Craig JONES (Llanelli AFC), Craig JONES (Rhyl FC), Chris VENABLES (Welshpool Town), Chad BOND (CF Balaguer), Les DAVIES (Bangor City), Stuart FLEETWOOD (Forest Green Rovers)

Team Manager - Tony PENNOCK
Coach - Terry BOYLE

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Swansea's 2-1 win over Oldham extends their unbeaten league run to 13 games and maintains their ten-point cushion at League One's summit.

But Martinez insists: "It would a huge mistake to say that in February with 18 games remaining we're already promoted.

"If we start to think we're already up, we'll get punished. But my players are hungry and focused."

Swansea suffered League One play-off final heartbreak in 2006 when Barnsley defeated them on penalties at The Millennium Stadium.

The Swans had topped the division that season so their players have bitter first-hand experience of losing focus in their chase for Championship football.

Martinez said: "My players are experienced enough to know that should they lose their focus, football will can kick you in the teeth.

"Everyone at Swansea City is responsible and mature enough to take nothing for granted and we laugh when people say that we are already promoted.

"We are in a good position and 60 points is a good tally for this stage of the season but we still have to see the job through."

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The pair recently returned to reserve-team action for the Hammers after long-term injuries and were last week named in John Toshack’s squad.

Bellamy came on as a 68th-minute substitute in West Ham’s Premier League defeat to Wigan on Saturday, but he and Gabbidon have been withdrawn from the squad for the match at the Racecourse due to a lack of match fitness.

Real Sociedad midfielder David Vaughan will also miss the game after withdrawing from the squad because of a thigh injury that has kept him out of action for the last three months.

Toshack has not yet named replacements.

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The Port Talbot & District Football League has paid tribute to its past president, who has served football in the town for 60 years.

Len Howells stood down as the league president last year due to ill health.

He has now been recognised for decades of loyal service to local football. Len is a former secretary of the Port Talbot & District League and was also a Welsh League and Football League referee and a founder member of the Port Talbot Referees Society, of which he is still the president.

Len was presented with a token of appreciation from the league, which also made a donation to the cardiac unit of Morriston Hospital.

His successor as league president, John Morgan, chairman of the South Wales Football Association, said: "Len Howells is the grandfather of football in Port Talbot. He has served football in the town for 60 years and has helped and encouraged so many people involved in football."

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Frustrated Roberto Martinez has called on Swansea City's stay-away fans to turn up and play their part in the final push for promotion to the Championship.

In-form Swansea maintained their 10-point advantage at the top of League One with a 2-1 win over Oldham on Saturday - but just 12,458 were there to see it.

With an average league gate of 12,827, Swansea are the third-best supported club in English football's third tier behind Leeds and Nottingham Forest.

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Antony Coggins, an 18-year-old from Bicester, was entrusted with this tasty clash between two of the league’s strongest teams and the teenager was hopelessly out of his depth. He awarded a 19th-minute penalty following a perfect tackle from County’s former Welsh international right-back Steve Jenkins which had the Hampton players appealing for a corner.

Elliott Godfrey scored from the spot to cancel Charlie Griffin’s fifth-minute opener, but, significantly, the visitors declined to celebrate the goal, and County were back in front six minutes later when Lee Fowler and Jason Bowen created the chance for Craig Hughes to head home for his 50th goal for the club.

Hampton were strong and solid at the back, but they could create little against a hard-working and fluent County, though a period of second-half pressure from the visitors was rewarded when Orlando Jeffrey scored after a corner was not cleared.

County came back strongly and should have had the victory their performance merited only for top scorer Griffin to miss a glorious chance with a injury-time header.

Newport manager Peter Beadle is usually reluctant to focus on match officials, but he had sympathy for his players on this occasion.

“I don’t think we were given a fair rub of the green and it is easy to let that get on top of you, but I think we deserved to win the game.”

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Gethin Lloyd scored the winner early in the first half and Llandudno Town’s 4-1 victory at Llandyrnog United kept alive their outside hopes of pipping the leaders in the big race.

Although Chris Williams put the home side in front from the penalty spot, Danny Hughes, Grant Montgomery, Lee Thomas and Jody Hamilton were all on target to trim Prestatyn’s lead to a still substantial 12 points, but Llandudno have two games in hand.

Llanfair PG were other handsome winners as they saw off Buckley Town 3-1. Robbie Williams gave Buckley the lead but it was soon blown away as Richard Owen, Darren Hughes and Billy Evans hit the net.

Holyhead Hotspur lost ground on the leading pair after they were held 2-2 at Penrhyncoch. A Marc Evans brace gave Hotspur hope of maximum points, but Chris Williams and Josh Shaw ensured the hosts a share of the spoils.

Lex XI were two goals ahead against Glantraeth, Tom Smith and Dale Hill on target, before a Jon Perry Jones penalty and late Alan Williams equaliser meant it ended 2-2.

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Manager Tucker is far from happy with the number of times his players have been cautioned – Lee Surman, pictured, and Liam McCreesh have 21 bookings between them!

“Our discipline this season has been shocking and it’s simply not acceptable,” said Tucker.

“Some bookings you can understand, but it’s the really needless ones that are annoying.

“You can understand when players get booked for hard tackles but players kicking balls away or mouthing off to the referee is not on.

“It’s hard enough to win games with 11 men let alone 10.”

During their 1-0 win at Newi Cefn Druids game, the Steelmen were without captain Matthew Rees and McCreesh. Stand-in skipper Surman received a two-match suspension having collected 10 yellow cards this season.

Port Talbot have signed forward Matthew Wright on loan from Swansea City.

The 17-year-old has been a regular goalscorer for the Swans’ youth team, and was a target for Southampton and Bristol Rovers.

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Kevin Townson, on his home debut, wasted little time in finding the net with a well-taken sixth minute opener.

After John Toner had missed from close range, Townson set up Scott Ruscoe to double the lead before Port pulled one back through Gareth Parry from an Aled Rowlands corner. But the Saints quickly restored their two-goal advantage with a superb strike from Chris King.

Although home ’keeper Paul Harrison made a superb save from Carl Owen’s header, the points were wrapped up early in the second half when Toner headed a fourth.

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The South Wales club was only formed in 1973 and gained election to the Welsh League 30 years ago, but they have secured a place in the record books after beating holders Carmarthen Town in the previous round and now the Islanders to reach the quarter-finals for the first time.

The tie went to the wire, with YMCA holding their nerve to win a tense penalty shoot-out after it had finished all square following an intense 120 minutes of cat-and-mouse.

YMCA boss Mike Coldrick and his men had never reached the fourth round of one of the oldest competitions in the world – the Welsh Cup was first played for in 1877/78 – and on paper they went in again as underdogs.

But the Mendalgief Road giant-killers sought further cup glory against the vulnerable Welsh Premier strugglers, who could have been forgiven for having the considerable distraction of staving off relegation on their minds.

The Welsh League Division One underdogs, under Coldrick’s shrewd leadership, were far from overawed after a good league win provided the perfect preparation and elevated them to seventh in the table.

The midfield contest was competitive, with YMCA creating the best opportunity of the half when Faris Yafai shot from inside the box and produced a fine save from Llangefni ’keeper Farai Jackson. But the rebound fell to leading marksman Lewis Sommers, only for his shot again to be deflected by the alert Jackson.

That was as good as it got in terms of first-half chances but in a sensational finale, YMCA’s John Pardue broke the deadlock and gave his side one foot in the quarter-finals with a goal four minutes from the end of normal time.

The Champagne was ready to be uncorked as the YMCA camp sensed early celebrations but had to be put back on ice when, in injury time, the visitors grabbed a lifeline with a last-gasp equaliser.

It came from a good run down the right hand side by Kevin Lloyd who sent in a telling cross for Jason Sadler to silence the home fans with a face-saving strike.

In the dreaded penalty shoot-out, Sommers, Gareth Lynch, and Pardue all scored from the spot for YMCA.

The Llangefni spot men, John Boardman, Lloyd and Caerwyn Roberts were all on target, but Steven Kehoe had his kick saved by Wesson and Darren Thomas blasted wide. The defining moment was left to Craig Ford and the former Newport County academy starlet made no mistake to spark the victory celebrations.

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Rocked by injuries and ineligibility, GAP shuffled their pack and manager Levi Roberts was forced into making five changes from the team that defeated Ruthin last week.

Midfielder Kevin Breeze was once again deployed as makeshift striker and his opening goal after 15 minutes was his 10th goal in his last six starts.

Caerleon clearly had not come just to make up the numbers and they finished the opening half slightly on top, with GAP ’keeper Adam McGee saving fine efforts from Chris Pearce and Luke Cueto.

GAP did up the tempo after the break, with former Welsh Premier midfielder Ricky Evans pulling the strings alongside skipper Colin Quirk, and what little did get past them was adequately dealt with by Gareth Rhys Roberts and Mark Hobson, making his Welsh Cup debut.

GAP were so much on top that McGee became a mere passenger, and it was no surprise GAP doubled their lead through Paul Brunt in the 63rd minute, beating Caerleon ’keeper John Chorley with a fine curling shot from distance.

Caerleon heads dropped and GAP were merely content to soak up the pressure to see the game out.

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They went into the tie as favourites but the visitors couldn’t have read the script and it was difficult to work out which was the Premier Division side.

Granted, NEWI won the better of the early exchanges with Karl Connolly creating two great chances for Mike Heverin.

The best opportunity of the first half fell to ace predator Chris Summers with a free header which was thwarted by NEWI keeper Chris Mullock.

Both sides had decent chances to win the tie. The game and extra time ended goal-less and the match hero proved to be keeper Mullock, who saved the fourth ENTO spot kick from Grant Thomas at a time when Cefn had netted all five of their penalties.

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The striker, on loan from Manchester United, raced onto Guillem Bauza's pass to drill home five minutes from time.

Swansea had taken the lead after 67 minutes when Gary McDonald put Jason Scotland's cut-back into his own net.

Craig Davies levelled nine minutes later from the spot after he was brought down in the box by Ferrie Bodde before Brandy secured the points.

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The Potters were gifted the lead by a bizarre Roger Johnson own goal before Ricardo Fuller added Stoke's second from the penalty spot.

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink scored on the hour to give Cardiff hope and he should have scored minutes later after being put through one-on-one.

But keeper Steve Simonsen saved as Stoke continued their good run of just one defeat in 14 Championship games.

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Evans put the home side ahead after 21 minutes with a powerful header from a retaken corner by Danny Sonner.

Sonner also made chances for Stuart Nicholson and Drewe Broughton as the Dragons dominated proceedings.

Promotion-hunting Darlington tried to get back into it but substitute Proctor sealed the win in the 86th minute.

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CAERLEON and Newport YMCA both face North Wales opposition on Saturday when victory will earn them a place in the last eight of the Welsh Cup - and a guaranteed pay-day of at least £5,000.

Caerleon travel to tackle Wrexham-based Huws Gray Cymru Alliance outfit GAP Queen's Park while YMCA will have home advantage against Principality Welsh Premier League strugglers Llangefni Town.

The form book shows the Gwent duo have a good chance to progress to the quarter-finals, especially YMCA, who are the county's highest placed MacWhirter Welsh League side in seventh position in Division One.

The Mendgalfief Road side will rely on strike duo Lewis Sommers and Aaron Stewart, who have netted 22 and 15 times, respectively, this season, for their goals - although it's been team displays which has seen their last-seven-match record read: won four, drawn two and lost only one (4-2 on penalties after extra time against Swansea-based West End in a Nathaniel Cup game).

Relegation-threatened Llangefni, on the other hand, have managed to produce just one victory, a couple of draws and seven defeats in their last 10 outings.

That form led to this week's sacking of player-manager Alex Kevin, who was only appointed a month ago.

"It's of little interest to us that they haven't got a manager because we're only concentrating on winning, " said YMCA manager Mark Coldrick, who has only young striker Michael Palmer missing because of suspension. "Wer've prepared well and will give it our best shot."

After being exempt from the Welsh Cup first round, Llangefni have reached this stage by beating Hawarden Rangers 5-0 and Mynydd Isa 3-0.

YMCA have taken advantage of being drawn at home three times already by defeating Gotyre 2-0, Cambrian & Clydach 4-1 and WPL side and then-holders Carmarthen Town 2-1.

Ninth-placed Caerleon are unbeaten in four league and cup matches, but face a tougher task against GAP Queen's Park, who've not lost since December 22 - seven games ago.

However they will welcome back attacking midfielder Luke Cueto from suspension to form a full-strength squad.

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BRYNTIRION Athletic play Welshpool Town tomorrow in one of the biggest matches in the Britdgend-based clubs history.

Manager Fran Ford and his Bryntirion team are chasing a trophy treble in the MacWhirter Welsh League, Welsh Cup and Nathaniel Car Sales League Cup.

They are well placed in the league, through to the last 16 in the Welsh Cup and in the semi-finals of the Nathaniel Car Sales Cup where they take on Croesyceiliog.

Welshpool, from the Principality Welsh Premier League, are at Bryntirion tomorrow and manager Ford said: "This is a big test and a big match for us.

"It will be a memorable day for Bryntirion and hopefully we can produce our best form."

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Leaders Goytre United have signed Dale Gardiner from Dinas Powys ahead of tomorrow's trip to Cwmbran.The former Maesteg Park and Neath Athletic midfield player goes straight into the squad along with Ryan Penny and Ryan Durham.

Ian Turner, who had been linked with both Afan Lido and Port Talbot during the January transfer window, has decided to remain at Glenhafod Park.

However, top-scorer Richard Ryan, who got the winner in a 1-0 win at Port Talbot in a midweek friendly, misses out because of suspension.

An interesting debutant for Port Talbot was Bryntirion top scorer Robbie Walters, who misses the Bridgend side's Welsh Cup clash with Welshpool tomorrow through a ban.

The Blues were yesterday mounting an 11th-hour bid to prise Walters away from Bryntirion.

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BARRY Town aim for a sixth successive MacWhirter Welsh League win when they take on West End at Jenner Park tomorrow.

Barry are in first place on goal difference with Uwic and Ely Rangers, with Bettws a point adrift in fourth place.

Both Uwic and Ely are also at home. The students play Garden Village, while Ely entertain Treharris Athletic at their Wenvoe home.

Barry, guided by manager Gavin Chesterfield, are pressing hard for promotion out of Division Two.

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January's manager of the month said his award sent a clear signal to rivals as Cardiff planned to avenge The Potters' 1-0 August win at Ninian Park.

Jones hopes the club can continue to revel in the positive vibes generated by rising to seventh in the table.

"People are now starting to notice us, the award tells you that," said Jones.

"But we've been slowly building and slowly getting stronger as a group of people.

"I think people forget as well that we've brought a lot of new players as well and it does take time to settle it all down.

"We had to do that if we were going to get better. Hopefully at the end of the season we'll bring in new faces again and we'll get stronger and stronger each year - that's growing as a football club."

The Bluebirds manager said: "There's so much going on it's great. Players will come in on a day off and do a little bit extra.

"It's fantastic at the moment and it's a pleasure to be manager of the club because when things are going well it's always a nice place to be.

"We'd all love bags of money and to get there that little bit quicker with everything, but I think the fans are now starting to believe.

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The arrival of Henry, just before the January transfer window closed on Thursday will be excellent news to boss Ken McKenna who now has just the Principality Welsh Premier to concentrate on following elimination from their last Cup Competition, the Premier Cup in midweek.

The 20-year-old, captained the Prenton Park outfit's reserves last season and signed his second professional contract with the club in July after another season of impressive performances. A nephew of former Rovers' midfielder Nick Henry, he can play in the centre of midfield or defence and made his League One debut against Luton Town this season after appearing as a sub against Doncaster Rovers.

Henry is the second signing this month for the Saints' manager Ken McKenna, who also signed former Rochdale striker Kevin Townson last week, who debuted against Carmarthen Town on Tuesday night

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"It really hurt that day, we put in a good performance but didn't get what we deserved," Martinez told BBC Sport.

"We know how tough Oldham will be this time, but we have to be ready and keep up our consistency levels at home."

The Swans lead the table by 10 points and have not been defeated in League One since 16 November.

Martinez claimed the division's manager of the month prize for January, his second successive award and his third of the season.

But the Swansea boss was disappointed to learn that wing Paul Anderson will be out for a month with the calf strain he suffered at Nottingham Forest, and that Andrea Orlandi is expected to miss eight weeks after his knee operation.

"It's a big blow to lose any member of your squad, but it's a long season and you have to expect it," said Martinez.

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They will rule on a loan move to Dundee United after the Scottish FA blocked the transfer.

The Scots insist that as Forde has already played in two countries – England and Wales – he cannot now move to a third.

Forde played in the 1-0 FAW Premier Cup win against Welshpool Town last week – and that, say the Scottish FA, means he has played in two countries already.

The Football Association of Wales have written to Fifa arguing Cardiff City’s case.

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The Bluebirds boss won the January accolade after guiding his team to three wins and a draw last month.

Jones' position was under threat in November after a poor start but he has transformed Cardiff to the form team of the Championship.

The other contenders were Gary Johnson of Bristol City, Owen Coyle of Burnley and Norwich City's Glenn Roeder.

Cardiff chairman Peter Ridsdale threatened Jones with the sack in November following a dismal run of just one league win in 10 which left the Bluebirds out of the relegation zone only on goal difference

But Ridsdale and the Cardiff City board gave the manager a vote of confidence and since Cardiff have lost just twice in 14 Championship games and are now only a point outside the play-offs.

Jones, who has also guided Cardiff to the FA Cup fifth round for the first time in 14 years, said:

"Football management is a precarious job and this award shows how things can change very quickly.

"We are in a business that is emotionally run and sometimes people's emotions run higher than they should.

"Thankfully we've turned it around and everyone loves us again but it has been a team effort, the camaraderie here is great.

"Awards are always satisfying and it is something to show the boys for all of their hard work.

"The award is a big pat on the back for the team but it is early days, we want to win trophies at the end of the season."

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Martinez beat off the challenge of Cheltenham's Keith Downing, Sean O'Driscoll of Doncaster and Northampton's Stuart Gray.

The Swans' last loss in the league they lead by 10 points was 16 November, with four wins and two draws in January.

Martinez also claimed the prize in December and October in an impressive first full season in charge.

Martinez said that the prize was a tribute to everyone at Swansea City.

"It's always nice to get an award, but I'll take it for all the staff and players at the club, it's an extra boost for us," he told BBC Sport Wales.

"Consistency is the hardest thing to achieve in sport, and to have won the prize in consecutive months is a great reward for us."

BBC

FEB-1

More than 300 spectators, a record for any match at Bryntirion's ground, watched a young Bluebirds team overcome the home side, who play in the MacWhirter Welsh Youth League.

City’s reward is an away tie against Cardiff Celts at University Playing Fields, Llanrumney on or before February 24.

Last night’s match, which was watched by City manager Dave Jones and chairman Peter Ridsdale, produced some good football from both teams in wet and difficult conditions, but Cardiff had the edge and took their chances well.