Afan Lido Football Club

THE NEW SAINTS retained the Loosemores League Cup in style following a comfortable victory over Rhyl last night.

It capped a memorable season for Saints, who landed their fourth Welsh Premier title at the weekend. They have now won seven trophies in the last six years.

The striker crisis – both Chris Sharp and Craig Whitfield were cup-tied and Matthew Berkeley was out with a fractured shoulder – had no impact on TNS.

They took the lead in the 31st minute through former Everton youth player Chris Seargeant and the advantage doubled five minutes later, veteran Jamie Wood this time on target.

They had the chance to increase their lead shortly after the break, but Craig Williams blasted his spot kick over the bar.

This seemed to restore belief to the Lilywhites, who have suffered more than their fair share of cup final heartbreaks in recent years, and they hit back through Rob Turner (65).

But any hope drained away when Seargeant pounced again with 19 minutes remaining.
Western Mail

Carmarthen sneaked a spot in the new 12-team top division thanks to a 4-0 last game win against Elements Cefn Druids on Saturday.

But they still faced an anxious wait before discovering rivals Bala Town had drawn with Port Talbot Town and so could not overtake them in the Welsh Premier League table.

The Old Gold ended up in 10th position — the final spot guaranteed a place in the new streamlined division — on goal difference.

But, despite the hairy finish, Brace insisted he never thought his team would tumble out of top-flight Welsh football.

"It was a huge relief to finish in the top ten, but it was also a big well done to the players who have played under a great deal of pressure over the last few weeks," he said. "Qualification has to be the highlight of the season.

"There were some solid performances, some that were backed up by results and some that weren't.

"We showed that we could produce it over a few games but not enough.

"We left it a little late, the 34th game of the season, but having said that I never once doubted that we were actually capable or that we weren't going to do it."

Two consecutive draws, the last in a home derby with Haverfordwest, had taken Carmarthen's fate down to the final game of the campaign.

And Brace admitted he didn't think it would be such a close call.

"What I didn't expect was that we were going to leave it so late and have an anxious wait on another result," he added.

"We now have to put it all into perspective, learn from the mistakes that we made and move on.

"Obviously we cannot go through the same again and I think we've learnt that we cannot take things for granted.

"We can now all look forward to next season."
Western Mail

FIRST Division leaders Caerau are within sight of clinching the title as two late goals gave them a 5-2 win over Aber Valley YMCA.

The visitors seeking to extend a run of seven games without defeat suffered injuries in the second half which resulted in Caerau capitalising to secure their win courtesy of goals from Leighton Jones, Greg Davies, Kyle Morris, Chris Lee and Lee O’Brien.

Main challengers Trefelin BGC lost ground on the leaders as they were held to a thrilling 3-3 draw by their hosts Treforest, whose goalscorers were Gary Bridson, Aaron Jewell and Charles Williams.
South Wales echo

RHYL player-manager Greg Strong is expecting no let-up from new Welsh Premier champions The New Saints when the sides meet in tonight’s Loosemores League Cup final at Airbus (7.30pm).

TNS succeeded the Lilywhites as WPL title holders on Saturday with a 3-1 win at Aberystwyth, while by contrast Rhyl missed out on a place in Europe by two points despite a 2-1 victory on their visit to Welshpool.

Strong’s men will be out for revenge at The Airfield this evening having been beaten twice by the Saints during the season, but the Lilies boss is under no illusions about the task in hand.

“They’ll be confident and on the crest of a wave after winning the title on Saturday,” said Strong.

“They’re on a roll and they won’t be taking things easy, they’re winners and they want to win every game.

“I take my hat off to TNS for the way they play football; they are worthy champions, but it’s our aim as a club to progress and become better than them.

Rhyl hope to have ex-TNS defender Martyn Naylor available tonight after injury, but Andy Owens, who has hamstring trouble, and utility man Phil Ojapah, who has also been on the treatment table, are unlikely to figure.
Daily Post

THE FAW Premier Cup may be revived as part of the Welsh Premier League shake-up.

There is speculation the competition, which was killed off in 2008, could return if the number of fixtures in the new elite league is slashed.

Whether Football League clubs Swansea City and Cardiff will be involved remains to be seen.

The BBC's premier cup was worth over £300,000 in total prize money with the winners netting £100,000.

Just two days after guiding The New Saints to their fifth Welsh Premier League Title, Dr. Andy Cale has tendered his resignation at the club and Mike Davies has been handed the top job at Park Hall.
A press statement from the club this afternoon stated;
"Having secured the Welsh Premier title for the fifth time in three separate spells with The New Saints Football Club, Dr Andy Cale, who returned to the club as First Team Coach and mentor to Mike Davies, when former manager Ken McKenna left in 2008 has decided to call time on his role at the club with Mike Davies taking up the responsibility of first team manager.
"I've thoroughly enjoyed working with the players over the past couple of seasons since my return to the club and they deserve a lot of credit for clinching the Welsh Premier title again this season" said Dr Cale.
"I'm sure Mike Davies has the qualities to continue the good work established at the club, and I wish him and everyone at the club every success in the future."
The New Saints Managing Director Mike Harris was full of praise for the work undertaken by Dr Cale over a number of years.
"I've personally and professionally known and worked with Andy Cale for over ten seasons and he has achieved great things for the club, culminating in another Welsh Premier title triumph this season;" said Harris.
"Mike Davies has been mentored by Andy Cale over the past couple of seasons and will take over the role and will be responsible for first team affairs on a day to day basis." concluded Harris.
Welshpremier.com

LEADERS Goytre United gained a 3-1 victory at Ely Rangers to remain a point ahead of closest challengers Afan Lido.

This was the first win in five matches for Goytre, who took a 30th-minute lead through Darren Griffiths.

Dale Price doubled the lead five minutes later, while on the hour mark Jacob Daly made it 3-0.

Though Ely hit back with a penalty, Goytre easily clung on to the points.

Lido took the top-of-the-table clash with Caldicot Town, triumphing 2-1 at the Marston Stadium.

Goals in the approach to half-time from Robbie Walters and Nathan White turned the tide for the Seasiders.

However, Caldicot pulled a goal back in the 67th minute through Gareth Cullimore.

A date has been announced for the potential title shootout between Afan Lido and Goytre — the clubs will meet at the Marston Stadium on May 19.

In the battle to avoid relegation, West End gained a deserved 1-1 draw at third-placed Cambrian & Clydach.

The West Enders struck early on through a Sam Brown penalty, with Cambrian levelling from the spot during the second period.

A good run of form has lifted the Swansea side into 10th spot and they might influence the destination of the title.

Goytre have to meet West End home and away, while Lido's next game is at Pryderi Park on Wednesday week.

In a game of few chances, it finished goalless at Stafford Common between Garden Village and Ton Pentre.

Bottom side Caerleon held improving Pontardawe Town to a 1-1 draw at the Recreation Ground.

Mark Napieralla shot Ponty into an 18th-minute lead with Caerleon equalising on the hour via Mark Cueto.
Evening Post

NEATH'S season fizzled out in a 1-1 yawn at Airbus — and few at The Gnoll will be sorry to see the back of it.

A campaign that started with high hopes following investment and the recruitment of some star names turned into a major disappointment.

The main goal was achieved — super 12 status — but not without a major struggle since December as the Eagles won just four of their 21 matches.

Had it not been for the eight victories in the opening 13 matches, relegation would be staring Andrew Dyer's team in the face.

"We have under achieved and I was not sorry to hear the final whistle," Dyer said. "It's good to get the season over with so we can sit down, plan and crack on with it. There'll be a lot of changes next season and some will have put on a Neath shirt for the final time.

"There's a lot of hard work to be done in the summer as I want a set of hungry players here for the first of our friendly matches.
Evening Post

DESPITE ending the season on a high, Haverfordwest’s pre-Christmas form condemned them to 12th spot and they now wait anxiously to see if other clubs fail to obtain domestic licences.

Whether their future lies in the new super league or Welsh League, manager Derek Brazil will still be at the helm to try to guide the Bluebirds to better times.

“All we can do is wait and hope now. In the end we finished where we deserved to be, but we did what we had to do today and it was not enough,” Brazil said.

But the former Manchester United and Cardiff City defender confirmed he would be staying at the club, “The chairman and myself have agreed this today.”
Western Mail

Kris Thomas scored two of the four goals that blew away the disgruntled visitors.
Adam Hesp pushed Craig Hughes on the edge of the box after 22 minutes and Thomas put Carmarthen in front.
Druids were restricted to breakaways before Chris Mullock produced a brilliant save to deny Nicky Palmer.
Carmarthen went further ahead when Dale Griffiths headed home and Danny Thomas made the game safe after he had been put through by Hughes.
Kris Thomas finished off in style with a glorious curling shot inside the far post to spark the home side’s celebrations.
Wales on Sunday

NEW investment from the Far East designed to secure Cardiff City’s future is on course.
Bluebirds director Dato Chan Tien Ghee missed play-off bound City’s clash with Sheffield Wednesday yesterday with flight disruptions caused by the Icelandic volcanic ash cloud leaving him stranded in Malaysia.
But plans to invest £6m into the club are progressing with the priorities being to pay wages, which are due next week, and see off a High Court winding up order. Just three days before the first leg of the play-off semi-final on May 8, Cardiff are due in court over a £1.9m tax bill.
Dato Chan now intends to fly in this week to finalise his investment and, with an extraordinary meeting of shareholders to be called next month, could well stay for the play-offs. While ‘TG’, who has already invested £1m, works to complete his investment, Premier League scouts are watching with interest. At least 10 clubs – among them Birmingham, Blackburn and Everton – were represented at yesterday’s game with Wednesday.
Jay Bothroyd, Chris Burke, Peter Whittingham, Joe Ledley and Michael Chopra are all being tracked and the outcome of Cardiff’s bid for promotion will have a major bearing on their futures.
Birmingham have made their interest in Bothroyd and Burke clear and are watching developments. Ledley is out of contract this summer but the other four players have deals taking them through 2010-11 at least.
Adam Matthews, who has attracted interest from Manchester United and Arsenal, is likely to agree a new deal in the next few weeks.

Pontardawe Town improved their survival chances in MacWhirter Welsh League division one on the back of a 2-0 home win over Bridgend Town on Thursday night.
It not only lifted Ponty into 14th spot, but also built momentum going into today's home game with bottom-placed Caerleon.
Following a goalless opening half they took a 65th-minute lead with a fine individual strike from Mark Napieralla.
And they sealed the win near the end when Chris Allen headed home a Gary Taylor cross.
West End picked up an important point at reigning champions Aberaman Athletic in a 1-1 draw.
Having gone a goal down early on, Sam Brown equalised in the 25th minute, allowing the Swansea side to maintain 11th position.
In the third division, Cwmamman United changed ends 3-2 up at Abertillery Bluebirds, only to lose 5-3.
On target for Cwm when they were at their best were Nathan McNeil, Jamie Evans and Scott Evans.
Meanwhile, promotion-seeking Newcastle Emlyn returned to winning ways in division two with a 2-1 victory at Maesteg Park.
A goal brace from Anthony Owens inside 20 minutes took Emlyn clear, while in the run-up to half time Maesteg responded through Anthony Burnett.
Tony Poole

LLANELLI could clinch an incredible Welsh Premier title triumph today – but there will be no trophy to greet them.
Few expected the title race to go right to the line with Llanelli battling a horrendous end-of-season programme of eight matches in 19 days.
But Thursday’s courageous 3-1 victory over Rhyl at Stebonheath Park has brought the campaign to a thrilling climax.
The New Saints are still the favourites to land the trophy as they only need a point at Aberystwyth to secure their fourth championship in six years.
They have a chequered history at Park Avenue, but the trophy will lie in storage there ahead of possible celebrations.
If Llanelli complete a remarkable comeback triumph by capitalising on any slip at Prestatyn, the Reds will receive the trophy at Stebonheath Park in midweek.
“The lads have been absolutely magnificent and the win against Rhyl was a superb effort as we were down to the bare bones,” said Legg.
“The heavy schedule has taken a mighty toll and players were dropping like flies against Rhyl, so I will not finalise my team until the last minute.”
“Whatever happens now, we have given it our best shot and I’m proud of the character and spirit we have shown in the face of such a demanding run of matches,” added Legg.
Western Mail

MERTHYR Tydfil travel along the M4 to Wiltshire today in search of a win which would keep them out of the Zamaretto League bottom four.
The Martyrs are in administration and, as a result, already doomed to dropping two divisions, but they still need a win at Swindon Supermarine in their last match of the season this afternoon.
A bottom four finish would mean they would drop an extra rung in the English pyramid system and go down three divisions. But it is in their hands after the two clubs immediately below them, Hemel Hempstead Town and Tiverton Town, lost on Thursday.
More than 200 fans will follow their team to Swindon for a match which looks certain to be the club’s last under the name of Merthyr Tydfil FC. Next season, possibly at Western League level, the Martyrs will re-emerge as Merthyr Town FC and start again.
“I’m proud of every one of the boys,” said assistant boss Danny Carter. “We’ll go for it at Swindon Supermarine. You’ve always got to be confident.”
Hosts Supermarine have only managed four wins in 20 home games this season – drawing eight and losing eight.
Merthyr will work to ensure they don’t improve on that record.
Manager Garry Shephard and Carter have worked to keep Merthyr out of relegation trouble even though they had 10 points deducted after going into administration.
South Wales Echo

WREXHAM manager Dean Saunders expects to unveil a new midfield signing next week to follow the recruitment already confirmed of Histon’s Nathaniel Knight-Percival.
And he hopes to announce which of those players in his current squad will be invited to stay on next season after Wednesday’s final match of the ToteSport.com league.
The Dragons boss says he doesn’t intend to let the grass grow under his feet in his bid to assemble a ‘quality rather than quantity’ group of players capable of mounting a promotion challenge next season.
After completing preparations for today’s Blue Square Premier League finale at Hayes & Yeading, Saunders said: “I have yet to make up my mind about some of the players – and there are two games left for them to force their way into my plans.
“We’ve already agreed terms with Knight-Percival and I’m signing a midfield player, although I can’t yet say who because he is playing for his present club tomorrow.
“This time last year I spent all my time trying to get rid of players – 18 in all – who had a year left on their contracts.
“I got tied up in haggling over figures with players and their agents, but this year I am more prepared and I have got a better idea of who will be leaving.
“That will help in trying to bring in other players a lot earlier than was the case last season and I also have a much better appreciation of the type of players we need to give us a squad that is capable of challenging at the top end of the league table.”
Western Mail

AFAN Lido can strike a major blow in their quest to win the MacWhirter League at home to Caldicot Town tomorrow.
Lido are second in Division One, a point behind leaders Goytre United with a game in hand, but third-placed Caldicot will provide formidable opposition.
The two sides meet again at Jubilee Way on May 15, but Lido’s promotion chase depends on a successful appeal after the Football Association of Wales refused their first application for a domestic license.
Lido went top this week after their 3-1 win at Pontardawe Town.
Mark Jones, Nathan White and Robbie Walters swept Lido into a three-goal lead before Pontardawe grabbed a consolation goal.
That took them top, albeit on goal difference, for the first time since they were relegated from the Welsh Premier League in the 2004-05 season.
Goytre regained first place the following day with a 1-1 draw against Cambrian and Clydach at Glenhafod Stadium – their 11th draw of the season – and visit Ely Rangers tomorrow.
Lido, who have Kim Bowley and Mark Robinson as joint-managers, include several former Cardiff City trainees in their team.
These include goalkeeper Mike Lewis, Carl Payne, Scott McCoubrey, White and Jones.
Afan Lido squad: M Lewis, J Hood, C Thomas, S Hillman, S Galsworthy, C Payne, G Jones, C Pridham, M Jones, N White, R Cockings, R Walters, S McCourbrey, D Thomas, R Cockings, G Jones, S McCourbrey, V Lewis.
South Wales Echo

INTRIGUE surrounded the future usage of Chester’s vacant Deva Stadium last night, when it emerged representatives of two more organisations had been involved with council officials regarding possible tenancy or sharing of the Bumpers Lane ground.

On Wednesday officials from Cheshire West and Chester Council confirmed they had received two firm applications for the lease of the Deva, with supporters group City Fans United and a Danish consortium, Fodbold Selskabet, both applying for the tenancy of the stadium, which was vacated following the liquidation of Chester City Football club earlier this year.

Meanwhile last night it emerged that officials from Welsh Premier club The New Saints have held talks regarding usage of the facility.

Oswestry-based The New Saints have resurrected their interest in moving from Shropshire to the Deva Stadium.
Daily Post

MERTHYR Tydfil’s management called for a “miracle” to beat a three-division drop after losing 3-2 to Oxford City last weekend.

And, while there may not be a parting of the River Taff in the town, the Martyrs still hope to escape such a fate.

Victory at Swindon Supermarine tomorrow would keep them out of the bottom four and – reformed next season under their pre-World War II name Merthyr Town – see them make a two-tier drop to Western League Division One.

The Jekyll and Hyde performances that have decorated the Martyrs’ season have again been evident this week.

Having slumped against mid-table Oxford during a miserable 90-minute show, the Martyrs made a mockery of their league position by beating third-placed Brackley Town 2-1 at Penydarren Park on Tuesday.

Martyrs manager Garry Shephard said: “We have taken points off every team in the top six – and that is the most frustrating thing about the season.

“But suspensions and injuries and not being able to replace like-for-like has killed us because we have had such a small squad.”

Whatever happens in Wiltshire tomorrow, Merthyr will not be playing at this standard.

But midfield warhorse Dean Clarke, who has been at the club for 10 seasons, believes it could be a good thing.

“We could not go on the way we were, despite the hard work behind the scenes,” he said. “I’m not one for looking back, I always see the positives before the negatives and we must take a leaf out of Newport County’s book.

“They did what we are doing and now look at them, they are flying and all the very best to them.

“I think a fresh challenge without the financial cloud hanging over the club every day will be a good thing.

“I remember the times when we were averaging 1,200 or 1,300 on a weekly basis and hopefully we will get that again in the future.

“I really believe Merthyr can be a big club at this level, despite the club’s present predicament.”
South Wales Echo

THE Welsh Premier title will go right down to the wire following Llanelli’s courageous 3-1 victory over Rhyl at Stebonheath Park last night.

The win completes a remarkable 17 days for the Reds, who have played seven unbeaten games in that time, acquiring 17 points in the process.

Their relentless pursuit of The New Saints will reach it’s final hurdle at the weekend when Andy Legg’s side visit Prestatyn Town, while Saints travel to Aberystwyth Town.

TNS hold a two-point advantage and with a superior goal difference need just a point at Park Hall to clinch the title.

But Llanelli, who went into the match without Antonio Corbisiero, Craig Moses, Jason Bowen and Legg, all casualties of a punishing programme, will feel they have the momentum.

Rhyl’s defeat puts them out of the European reckoning.

Legg’s side were rocked in the 17th minute when Andy Pearson put the Lilywhites in front, but they refused to lie down.

Jordan Follows scored the equaliser two minutes later, following a neat one-two with Rhys Griffiths.

The crowd rose to their feet again on the half-hour mark as Llanelli went ahead with the strike combination of Griffiths and Follows again the home heroes.

This time Follows unleashed a fierce shot which Rhyl keeper Jack Cudworth could only parry and Griffiths again emphasised his goalscoring instinct by latching onto the rebound.

The hosts continued to dominate in impressive style and Griffiths made the game safe with 17 minutes remaining with his 27th goal of the campaign by converting a penalty.
Western Mail

PORT TALBOT is famous for its steelworks, being the home town of Sir Anthony Hopkins, Richard Burton and ... err, that’s probably about it.
However, a tale so far-fetched even the legendary Silence of the Lambs actor’s scriptwriters wouldn’t dare dream up is about to unfold.
If little Port Talbot FC win their final match of the Welsh Premier this weekend – and as they are at home to Bala they should – they will be in Europe next season.
Others fighting to join the Welsh minnows in the draw for the Europa Cup include Juventus, Fiorentina, Atletico Madrid, Hamburg, Paris St Germain, Feyenoord, Monaco and AEK Athens.
Liverpool, Manchester City and Aston Villa will also be in the mix, should Tottenham seal fourth spot in the Premier League.
So, to the iconic images of Florence, Paris, Madrid, Athens and Monaco as Euro destinations next season, you can throw in Port Talbot for the 2010-11 season.
The Welsh Premier – or League of Wales as football folk still know it – has never captured the imagination of the public at large for a whole variety of reasons.
No point in going over old ground there. But one of its definite plus points is that it enables clubs such as Port Talbot to dream of Europe. It may only last one round, the evidence of what we have seen from Welsh teams in European competition since Cardiff City, Swansea and Wrexham were kicked out indicates very firmly that is what will happen. But Port Talbot’s officials will at least be able to rub shoulders with the elite at the Euro draw in Geneva this summer and look forward to a potential bumper draw.
And, one tie or not, it’s worth it anyway just for the culture shock value we would get from seeing one of the European aristocrats having to come and play in the shadow of the steelworks!
Even within the limited confines of the Welsh Premier, Port Talbot cannot be regarded as one of the big guns.
Their playing budget tails way off that of the top two of TNS and Llanelli, and clubs behind them in the table such as Rhyl, Aberystwyth and Bangor.
To put Port Talbot’s likely achievement into some sort of perspective, it would probably be akin to Bolton sneaking into third spot in the Premiership... behind Manchester United and Chelsea, but ahead of Arsenal, Spurs and Liverpool.
“I’d like to think of us more like Everton than Bolton,” says Port Talbot’s manager Mark Jones. “But I take your point.”
Jones, from Cardiff, is one of the Welsh Premier’s biggest backers.
He declines to see too much wrong with the much-criticised league, but you cannot deny his passion and enthusiasm for it. And, when it comes to Europe, he is one of the few managers whose CV shows he has bucked the trend and taken a Welsh Premier team into the second round of European competition.
Jones’ previous flirtation with Europe was a few years back with Carmarthen, whom he led to a 5-3 aggregate win over Longford Town from Ireland in the old Uefa Cup.
Jones’ team lost to FC Copenhagen in the next round... the very Danish team who, seven months after, beat Manchester United 1-0 in the Champions League.
“It’s bizarre to think that the very FC Copenhagen players who were up against us were then playing against Rooney, Ronaldo, Giggs and the rest,” says Jones.
“That is the sort of thing that makes sport unique. If we do get into Europe, who is to say who we might be up against this time?
“Imagine Manchester City, with their megastars like Tevez, Bellamy and Adebayor, coming to Wales? Or what about Liverpool... Torres, Gerrard, Kuyt and the rest.
“We’re not there yet, but getting into Europe would be a very special achievement for this club.”
Even if they fail this weekend, Jones and Port Talbot have a get out of jail free card when they meet Bangor City in the final of the Welsh Cup.
Win that, and Jones says they are automatically projected into the second qualifying round of the Europa Cup... the stage the English big guns enter.
“It’s an open draw, so there would be a real possibility of us getting one of the big teams,” he said.
“It’s a really exciting prospect, but first we have to do the job in hand and make sure we beat Bala and then Bangor.
“It’s always nice when you become trendsetters. We’ve never been in a Welsh Cup final before, so there’s a little bit of history being made there.
“But, if we can get into Europe for the first time, imagine the fillip that would give everyone in the town.
“Putting the name of Port Talbot on the map by joining the elite in the European draw is one of the best things that could happen to the place.”
Port Talbot aren’t one of those Welsh Premier clubs who pay inflated wages to ex-professionals.
The most famous name on their books, if that is the right word, is goalkeeper Lee Kendall, who played the odd match for Cardiff City.
“Our success is very much based on using home-grown youngsters, who have a hunger to do well,” says Jones.
“It’s served us well so far. Fingers crossed it will continue.”
Actually, it has just dawned on me that there is another rather famous inhabitant of Port Talbot.
Paul Potts, who became a household name on winning Britain’s Got Talent.
There will be plenty for him to sing about if his home-town club achieve their dream in the coming days.
Western Mail

GOYTRE United limped back to the top of the first division with a 1-1 draw against Cambrian & Clydach at Glenhafod Park.

On Monday night Afan Lido took over leadership on goal difference, but Goytre's one-point return against Cambrian means they have won just once in seven league games.

Michael Jones shot Cambrian into a 30th minute lead, and it wasn't until the 82nd minute that an unstoppable volley from Michael Chaves secured Goytre the draw.

Garden Village picked up vital points with a 1-0 win over fellow strugglers Betws at Stafford Common. The Village goal stemmed from a Marc Lloyd corner with Dave Evans heading home.

A 13th goal of the season from Jordan Mortimore set up a 1-0 win for Llangeinor over Uwic in division two, while third division leaders Briton Ferry Llansawel lost 1-0 at Llantwit Fardre.

Seven Sisters conceded a last-gasp goal in a 1-1 draw with Cwmaman Institute in the Dulais Valley.

Liam Soroka shot Seven in front in the 47th minute, and he should have doubled the lead soon after.

But in time added on, a shot from Aaron Cable hit a divot and bounced over goalkeeper Damian Turner's head.

Despite Rob Shannon netting twice, South Gower went down to a 3-2 defeat against another relegation- threatened club, Troedyrhiw, at Scurlage.

Evening Post

Western Mail

GOALS from Carl Owen and James McIntosh landed Airbus the victory which secured their place in next season’s Welsh Premier Super 12.

In an exciting clash at The Airfield last night, Wingmakers defender Matty Woodward hit an early rising drive just over before forcing Town keeper Jon Hill-Dunt to produce a fine save.

Andy Moran’s effort was well held by home glovesman Chris Doran before the hosts took a 43rd-minute lead when Jack Abraham broke from midfield and threaded a good through ball for Owen to run on and lash home in style.

Prestatyn, already assured of a Super 12 spot for next season, went close a minute after the restart when Jon Fisher-Cooke was denied by a stunning Doran stop, then Dave Hayes threatened with a header before Hill-Dunt foiled danger man Ryan Edwards.

Play switched from end-to-end with Moran’s diving header bringing the very best out of Doran before Edwards drilled across the Town area but no-one could get a touch, then Marc Lloyd Williams saw his attempt kept out by keeper Hill-Dunt.

Craig Harrison’s side finally put the game beyond Prestatyn in the 82nd minute when substitute McIntosh netted with a brilliant looping header.

Town almost pulled one back when Fisher-Cooke fired against the bar.

Daily Post

THE champagne remain remains on ice at The New Saints after Llanelli continued their pursuit of the Welsh Premier championship with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Neath at Stebonheath Park.

The title looked to be heading to Park Hall until six minutes from time when Rhys Griffiths lashed home the winner.

Griffiths had given the Reds the lead in the eighth minute, via the spot, after being brought down by keeper Anthony Williams.

Neath equalised through Stephen Pockett and their consolation is a place in the super 12.

Llanelli are now five points adrift of Saints with a match in hand and if they beat Rhyl at home on Thursday night it will be a fight to the death on Saturday with Saints at Aberystwyth and Andy Legg’s side visiting Prestatyn.

Four clubs can now reach Europe by finishing third in the league after Aberystwyth beat Welshpool 3-1 at Maes y Dre thanks to a Luke Bowen trio.

Port Talbot will finish third if they beat Bala Town in their final match, but Rhyl and Bangor City also still pose a threat.

Bowen’s first-half brace gave Aber a 2-1 half time lead, John Boardman on target for Welshpool, but the strikers hat trick on the hour mark settled the issue.

Bangor’s remarkable run of success continued with a nervous 1-0 win at Connah’s Quay, Jamie Reed’s second-minute goal.

Former Carmarthen Town utility player Mark Dodds returned to Richmond Park to haunt his former club with an 82nd-minute leveller in a thrilling 2-2 draw to share the spoils.

Both clubs can still make the top 10, but Newtown’s chances ended at Caersws where they could only draw 1-1.
Western Mail

MERTHYR TYDFIL will take their campaign to the final game of the season as they gave themselves a fighting chance of not being relegated after one of the results of the season in beating third-placed Brackley Town 2-1 last night.

The Martyrs started the evening in the relegation zone,but every player gave 100 per cent to fully deserve this shock result, which gives them a fighting chance of avoiding a massive drop down three divisions in the league pyramid.

They now need to beat mid-table Swindon Supermarine on Saturday and hope their nearest rivals drop points.

Merthyr played well above their lowly position and put in some decent football against their high-flying rivals, but then, against the run of play in the 22nd minute, their defence let them down again.

A free-kick deep into the box saw a game of head tennis take place which finally left Owen Story bags of time to lob stranded goalkeeper Andrew Delve.

But, just minutes before the interval, Merthyr were on level terms as captain Paul Keddle guided his header past visitors’ keeper Richard Morris.

Merthyr started the second half very much as the first, doing all the running and taking the game to the visitors.

And, just after the 70th minute, the winner came from industrious midfielder Kris Leek, who let fly from 25 yards and found the net.
Western Mail

FAW confirms Licensing Appeals from Ten Clubs

The Football Association of Wales has confirmed that it has received appeals from a total of ten clubs following the decision of the Club Licensing First Instance Body, which took place on Friday 9th April in Cardiff.

The majority of clubs are appealing against the decision made by the First Instance Body for the domestic licence, which is a pre-requisite for participation in next season's Welsh Premier League.

A separate, independent Club Licensing Appeals Body will hear those appeals before the deadline day of Monday 17th May. The Appeals have been received by the following clubs;

* Afan Lido FC (Domestic Licence)
* Airbus UK Broughton (Domestic Licence)
* Bala Town FC (Domestic Licence)
* Bangor City (Domestic Licence)
* CPD Porthmadog (Domestic Licence)
* GAP Connah's Quay (Domestic Licence)
* Llandudno Town FC (Domestic Licence)
* Llangefni Town FC (Domestic Licence)
* Port Talbot Town FC (UEFA Licence and Domestic Licence)
* Rhyl FC (UEFA Licence and Domestic Licence)

An independent panel awarded eight clubs the FAW Domestic Club Licence at the First Instance Body Meeting earlier in the month. The clubs to receive the Domestic Licence are;

Aberystwyth Town, Carmarthen Town FC, Haverfordwest County FC, Llanelli, Neath FC, Newtown AFC, Prestatyn Town and The New Saints FC.

The independent committee also assessed the applications for a UEFA licence and awarded nine UEFA licenses. The UEFA licence is a pre-requisite for participation in the UEFA club competitions. These were awarded to Aberystwyth Town, Bangor City, Carmarthen Town FC, Haverfordwest County FC, Llanelli, Neath FC, Newtown AFC, Porthmadog and The New Saints FC

FAW Licensing Manager Andrew Howard confirmed; "The deadline for submitting appeals has now passed. The clubs will now have to submit their evidence to the second independent panel, who will make a final and binding decision on whether a licence should be granted."

"It is hoped that the first appeal will be heard for at least one club later this week."
Welshpremier.com

PAULO Sousa could be targeted by former club Sporting Lisbon this summer.

The Evening Post understands the Portuguese giants see Sousa as a serious candidate to take over from current coach Carlos Carvalhal, who is set to depart at the end of the season.

And Swansea City would be unlikely to stand in Sousa's way should the chance to coach one of the top clubs in his homeland present itself.

Sporting are currently fourth in the Portuguese top flight and reached the last 16 of the Europa League, losing to Atletico Madrid on away goals last month.

It has been a difficult season for the 18-time league champions, who only appointed Carvalhal in November after previous boss Paulo Bento resigned.

The much-travelled Carvalhal was given a deal until the end of the season and another change is expected ahead of the 2010-11 campaign.

Sousa was mentioned as a possible successor for Bento in the autumn, and sources at the Liberty believe he is on Sporting's radar again.

A star as a player for Portugal, Sousa played for Sporting under Bobby Robson in 1993-4.

And having begun his coaching career in the national youth set-up, he has enhanced his CV in his first campaign at Swansea.

Sousa signed a three-year deal when he succeeded Roberto Martinez last summer, but he has made no secret of his desire to manage at a higher level.

The 39-year-old has hinted in recent weeks that he is frustrated by Swansea's lack of financial clout, and the chance to coach a club of Sporting's stature is likely to be of interest.

Sousa has suggested previously that his ambition is to manage in the English Premier League, so there may be a question mark over whether he would want to leave this country.

Swansea must now wait to see whether Sporting firm up their interest over the next few weeks.
Evening Post

RICHARD Ryan took his goals tally for the season to 36 as he helped MacWhirter Welsh League leaders Goytre United stay on course for the Division One title.

It's close at the top now with Afan Lido three points behind Goytre – and they have a game in hand.

Lido are in action against Pontardawe Town tonight.

Goytre United drew with third-placed Caldicot Town on Saturday with Ryan netting the equaliser.

Dan Rowberry fired Caldicot ahead with Ryan squaring things up.

Bryntirion Athletic went ahead against West End, but slipped to defeat.

Tomos Wellington scored for Bryntirion, but an own goal and a Kieron Cullen strike earned West End a 2-1 victory.

Pontardawe won 4-0 against Aberaman Athletic thanks to goals from Steve Cox, Steffan Davies (2) and Andrew Stokes.

Rhys Yates and Gareth Cowley scored for Cardiff Corries in a 2-0 win against Barry Town, who had former Cardiff City player Damon Searle sent off.

Jason Burtorelli scored a hat-trick for Cambrian and Clydach in their 3-2 win against Dinas Powys, while Bridgend Town moved away from immediate danger of relegation with a 4-0 win.

Rameer Outlaw, Grant Thomas, Jonathan Kift and an own goal gave Bridgend their win against Garden Village, who had Jonathan Martin sent off.

Penrhiwceiber Rangers, who beat Maesteg Park 3-0, are top of Division Two, just ahead of Cwmbran Celtic.

South Wales echo

CHRIS SHARP’S treble took The New Saints to within a point of the Welsh Premier title.

Going into the final week of the campaign, Saints have the championship in their own hands as a draw at Aberystwyth on Saturday would clinch it.

Their only challengers, Llanelli, have to win their three matches this week – at home to Neath and Rhyl and away to Prestatyn on the final day of the season – and significantly improve their goal difference to spoil the Saints’ party.

So a fourth league triumph in six years looks assured, but TNS assistant manager Mike Davies is taking nothing for granted.

“Aberystwyth is always a very difficult place to get a result and especially so this season as they are chasing third spot,” he said.

“We would dearly love to win the title and gain entry into the Champions League.

“It’s the greatest club competition and just to be part of it is a great thrill and honour.

“But firstly we must get a result at Aberystwyth and it’s good that the outcome is in our hands now.”

Western Mail

LLANELLI have a mountain to climb this week if they are to make a late bid to clinch the Welsh Premier League title.

The smart money is on The New Saints, who hammered under-strength Haverfordwest 4-0 at Park Hall, while the Reds were struggling to overcome lowly Welshpool 2-1 at Stebonheath Park.

The championship is only a possibility for Andy Legg's side if they win their two home matches with Neath and Rhyl this week and end the season victorious at Prestatyn on Saturday.

Even then, Saints would have to lose at Aberystwyth on the final day as a point would be enough due to their superior goal difference.

But Legg, despite his side's lacklustre display against Welshpool, is defiant.

Evening Post

NEWPORT COUNTY reached their magical figure of 100 points for the season with a game to spare as they took apart second-placed Dover, who arrived at Spytty Park on the back of an eight match winning run.

The Blue Square South champions completed their home programme unbeaten in a party atmosphere to delight a crowd of 3,201 who were in full voice as County raced to a two-goal lead inside 15 minutes.

Kerry Morgan fired home the first inside 97 seconds when he pounced on an error by Dover defender Olly Schulz and a Danny Rose corner was perfectly placed for defender Chris Todd to head the second.

County were then able to play well within themselves as Dover’s promising approach play regularly foundered against a defence in which skipper Gary Warren was dominant.

Midway through the second half, County once again stepped up a gear with a fabulous flowing move which ended with Rose heading home a cross from right-back Paul Bignot.

It was a fitting finale with Rose the outstanding player on show and after the match, the championship trophy was presented to Warren.

Newport bring the curtain down on the most memorable of seasons with a visit to Braintree next Saturday and then they can prepare for life at the pinnacle of non-league football in the Blue Square Premier next season.

Western Mail

ON the evidence of their second-half performance Merthyr seem to have thrown in the towel in their fight to avoid a relegation spot in the Zamaretto League, Premier Division.

Schoolboy defending was to blame for the embattled club falling into the relegation zone.

For the second time in a week Merthyr took a 1-0 half-time lead into the changing rooms and against a very average Oxford City side, nobody could see the visitors making any headway whatsoever.

But the Martyrs’ second-half display was a bad as has been produced at Penydarren Park for many a year.

Merthyr will reform next season and aim to drop just two divisions to the Western League Division One.

However, if they are relegated from their present league then they would have to drop three levels and on this evidence, with two games remaining, they will need a miracle to avoid that.

Merthyr came out as if they were on a mission with defender Andrew Thomas’ header hitting the crossbar as early on as the fifth minute.

Then moments later a superb cross by player-manager Garry Shephard found Steve Williams and the defender should have done better with a header that fell safely into the hands of Oxford goalkeeper Richard Knight.

The breakthrough came on the half-hour mark when Merthyr’s Jamie Rewbury’s shot was diverted past the visitors’ keeper by Marcus Griffiths, his second in as many games.

But in the second half a poor Oxford side somehow turned the game on its head through a hat-trick from pint-sized striker Lee Steele.

The equaliser came eight minutes after the brea when Steele rose unchallenged at the far post to head in a Mark Janes cross.

Then, with Merthyr chasing the game, a ball into the box saw Steele turn his marker and hammer home eight minutes from time.

His third saw him again turn his man and strike with his left foot.

There was time for Cortez Belle to score Merthyr’s second in the 88th minute, but it was to prove a mere consolation.

Western Mail

PONTARDAWE Town will hope to boost their Welsh League division one survival hopes with victory over Aberaman tomorrow.

Manager Steve Price is hopeful Steve Cox will recover from a groin strain in time to feature, while long-term absentees Owain Williams, Phil Whittington and Ryan McCarley remain sidelined.

Ponty face a hectic end-of-season schedule as they attempt to pull away from the drop zone, having played as many as nine games fewer than some of the other sides in the division.

"The attitude around the club is really positive so I'm confident we can pull clear of the relegation zone," said Price. "We've got a good squad, we've got some good youngsters coming through, so I think we'll be all right."

Evening Post

GOYTRE United will be without only Scott Kenyon for their Welsh League division one clash with Caldicot Town tomorrow.

Ian Morgan is back from suspension and Dale Price also returns to the squad as leaders Goytre host their third-placed visitors.

Caldicot trail Goytre by only five points having played a match fewer, meaning victory coupled with another win in their game in hand could see them knock Robert Cooke's side off top spot.

"Everyone has a wobble sometime in the season," said Cooke, whose side drew 1-1 with struggling Pontardawe last weekend. "Caldicot will come down here having to beat us so I expect an open game."
Evening Post

PORT Talbot Town are on the threshold of their finest achievement since the club was formed 109 years ago.

Already through to their first Welsh Cup final — they meet Bangor City at Parc y Scarlets — they are also on the cusp of finishing third in the Welsh Premier League.

They moved above Aberystwyth Town on Tuesday with a comprehensive 2-1 home victory over Newtown — the visitors netting via the spot in the final minute — and are now favourites to land the final European place, which would also be a first.

Tomorrow they travel to Porthmadog and next week host Bala Town.

Aberystwyth are at Rhyl tomorrow, then travel to Welshpool on Tuesday followed by the visit of league leaders The New Saints next weekend.

Back-to-back wins should seal the big prize that manager Mark Jones wants for the club, but he has urged caution over the visit to Porthmadog. "They have hit a good patch of form and will be no pushovers, so we must continue the high standards we have set ourselves this season," he said.

"I thought my lads showed terrific character against Newtown despite the sending off of Neil Thomas."

Thomas now serves a three-match ban and will miss the cup final.

"It was the first time Neil has ever been sent off in a Welsh Premier match," added Jones. "Yes, his elbow was high but some refs give yellow, some red. I'm not going to criticise the ref but it is heartbreaking for the lad."

Other than Thomas, Port Talbot have their full complement available but will have to be aware of the oldest player ever to play in a Welsh Premier match.

Former Carmarthen boss Tomi Morgan, now in charge at Porthamdog, came on as a 90th-minute substitute at Caersws on Tuesday in his 54th year, ensuring his place in the record books.

Evening Post

THE Football Association of Wales has backed Merthyr Tydfil’s decision to reform and start afresh in the English pyramid system after suffering a 10-point deduction at the start of the season for slipping into administration, writes Mark Bloom.

News broke ahead of the Hednesford game last night that the club faces the likelihood of dropping two divisions with the general consensus being that this is the only way for the club to move forward under the present financial circumstances.

Yesterday, the club was informed the FAW had decided at its full council meeting on Monday that it would not object to Merthyr remaining in the English pyramid system should they come out of administration and have to reform as a liquidated company.

The club hopes the outcome will be that Merthyr will play in the Western League Premier Division next season thus retaining their 100-year status in English football.

The supporters society is now awaiting confirmation from the administrator that it will be possible to purchase the assets of Merthyr Tydfil Football Club, including the lease of Penydarren Park.

The Merthyr board have accepted that the club will reform by taking a two-division hit, with the management team and backroom staff having already agreed to stay on next season with players having the option to move on.

But Merthyr must avoid relegation from the Southern League Premier Division or they will drop three tiers and start afresh next season in Western Division One.

Western mail

CALDICOT Town’s next two away games will shape their destiny and decide if they are to become the county’s first Division One champions in 19 years.

Two dropped points from a tense 2-2 draw at Cardiff Corinthians mean Caldicot have slipped to third place behind Port Talbot-based duo Goytre United and Afan Lido.

Caldicot trail table-topping United by five points with a game in hand and Lido on goal difference only – but still must travel to face both.

On Saturday, Caldicot visit United before returning to Port Talbot to tackle Lido the following week and sandwiched in between is an April 21 home encounter with fifth-placed Barry Town.

South Wales Argus

NEWPORT County boss Dean Holdsworth has warned his players they must earn the Spytty Park party that comes with their championship coronation on Saturday.

The Exiles are expecting another bumper crowd for their final home game of the season with rivals Dover Athletic, Holdsworth’s champions picking up the Blue Square South trophy after Saturday’s contest.

However, following a shock 4-0 humbling at Havant and Waterlooville last time out, Holdsworth is desperate to see his players react in a positive way with the champions just three points short of reaching the magical 100 mark with two games left.

Just last month the Exiles celebrated in glorious fashion after securing the title, but the boss won’t allow any such scenes from his players without a much improved performance.

“Losing so badly at Havant was a kick in the guts, I’ve watched the video and it was ugly, it made for horrible viewing really,” he said.

“But we have the very best opportunity to put it right on Saturday; it’s a fantastic occasion for us.

“But at the moment, I don’t want to think about it, we’ll let ourselves enjoy the moment when it comes, but we have to perform or it’ll be tainted.

“We are unbeaten at home all season and are chasing 100 points and that should be our only focus.

“It can be party time here again on Saturday, but we need to earn it first with a much better display.

“We will be in an aggressive mood and I want the players to play the game and not even think about the occasion. We’ve earned it over the season, but need to earn it on the day as well.”

Holdsworth will also remind his players that there are future contracts still at stake.

“For some of the players, there haven’t been decisions definitely made for next season, they’ve still got a big chance to make their points and show me the best of them,” he said.

South Wales Argus

BANGOR CITY’S love affair with the Welsh Cup continued at Latham Park yesterday as they booked their place in the final once more.

Yet another cup triumph beckons and only Port Talbot stand between them lifting the trophy for a third consecutive time as they bid to maintain their stranglehold on the competition.

Incredibly, the Citizens are now unbeaten in 17 Welsh Cup ties with manager Neville Powell in charge of all of them since his arrival at Farrar Road in 2007.

Bangor went in front after 11 minutes when Eddie Jebb made a telling run down the right flank before switching the direction of the attack to Mark Smyth.

The Bangor wide man had a lot to do, but swiftly controlled the ball before placing a superb shot wide of the diving Jon Dunt.

The goal came after a promising Prestatyn start in which player-manager Neil Gibson and Ian Griffiths stood out.

Griffiths had a gilt-edged chance on 16 minutes, but pulled his shot wide of the target from inside the box.

The goal was a bad omen for Prestatyn, who have never won at the venue, and they desperately needed inspiration to get back into the tie.

Smyth went close to adding to Prestatyn’s woes in the 24th minute with a rasping drive from the edge of the area that Dunt did well to tip over.

Gibson tried to rally his men when he set up Steve Rogers, who blasted over, before normal service resumed as Jebb hit the bar with a snap shot from 10 yards.

Lee Hunt also found the woodwork from the edge of the box before Craig Garside doubled the Bangor lead two minutes before half-time with a point-blank header after Peter Hoy’s long throw had opened up the Prestatyn defence.

Dunt was lucky to survive a shout for handling outside the box to deny Hunt as Prestatyn battled bravely without creating too much in the second half.

Dave Morley blotted Bangor’s copy book when he foolishly picked up two yellow cards in the last two minutes to earn a sending-off.

Powell was delighted and said afterwards: “Our relationship with the Welsh Cup is a fairy tale and the lads were tremendous again today.”

Western mail

THREE goals in the final 17 minutes finally killed off lowly Caersws, who were threatening to inflict a major blow to The New Saints’ title ambitions.

But it was a case of all’s well that ends well for the visitors, who are now nine points in front of Llanelli who have three games in hand but an inferior goal difference.

Saints’ assistant manager Mike Davies said: “There’s still some way to go yet. We have three tough games left, but we need to concentrate on what we do not what Llanelli do.”

After Chris Sharp’s header had been denied by the woodwork, John McKenna added to his growing reputation with a beauty from 30 yards in the 73rd minute.

Home keeper David Jones had been in inspired form, but was beaten again a minute later when Matthew Berkeley was given freedom to lash home from 10 yards.

And it was mission accomplished in the final minute with Scott Ruscoe on target, leaving just Welshpool, Haverfordwest and Aberystwyth waiting to spoil the party.

Western mail

John Hartson has warned that promotion-chasing Cardiff and Swansea are likely to struggle if their Premier League dream comes true.

Swansea-born former Wales striker Hartson says financial constraints could turn those dreams into a nightmare on the field.

He told Sport Wales: "I think it will be extremely difficult.

"In the past teams that have been promoted from the Championship... history tells you they have struggled."

Cardiff and Swansea are in the play-off mix that will see one of the four teams placed third to sixth in the Championship reach the Premier League.

But Hartson warned: "Financially they haven't got the £30m or £40m to spend even though they'll be getting good revenue from Sky and the TV money and the Premier League.

"It will be difficult for both clubs. Obviously only one club will go up now, both clubs won't go up and obviously we hope one will.

"They just don't have the financial clout and they have to rely on their players to perform fantastically well.

"It does happen. Teams have done it, but I think if you look this season you can look at Burnley, how much they've struggled after a fantastic start.

"In the past there are teams who have come up and stayed up and capitalised on it.

"But even teams like West Brom who have had a great squad over the years - they came up under Tony Mowbray fantastically, they won the [Championship] league at a canter, they came down the next season in the Premier League. They couldn't cope."

Hartson also believes there is more pressure on the Bluebirds to gain promotion than their Welsh rivals, simply because of Cardiff's financial troubles.

"It's been well documented that Cardiff have been struggling financially," said Hartson.

"I don't know why that is because they have big crowds. I think it must be because players are obviously earning big, big money.

"I think the onus is on Cardiff to really go up more than Swansea even because they need the financial backing that the Premier League will give them."

BBC

IT was a case of role reversal for County who have been handing out thrashings all season, as they were on the receiving end on Saturday when Havant just about kept their hopes flickering of reaching the end-of-season play-offs for the honour of joining champions County in next season’s Conference Premier.

The first half came and went with little enterprise from either side, though County keeper Glyn Thompson had to be alert to tip away a second-minute Bobby Hopkinson effort, while Havant’s Aaron Howe was almost embarrassed just before half-time when Danny Rose’s effort from 30 yards hit the post after Howe’s concentration slipped.

The game’s turning point came in the 50th minute when Havant took a quick free-kick which Mustafa Tiryaki dispatched into the back of the net – after which the hosts took control.

Tiryaki scored direct from a 20 yard free-kick after being fouled in the 66th minute and, with County just wanting the game to end, Havant took full advantage.

Wes Fogden started and finished the move which produced the third goal in the 79th minute and substitute Jay Gasson headed a fourth goal three minutes from time to complete a rare off day for County.

Western mail

With chances at a premium at both ends, the decisive moment of a sun-drenched semi-final came on 33 minutes, when McCreesh’s somewhat innocuous shot managed to slip through the hands of keeper Leon Bimpson before rolling into the net.

It was an unfortunate moment for the Bala keeper, who has been in fine form this season, but on balance of play the Steelmen deserved their place in the final after enjoying the better of possession./p>

Both sides failed to hit their top form in a sometimes scrappy affair, the ball often spending too long in the air.

But for Port Talbot and their boss Mark Jones, it was just reward for their efforts this season.

They carved a few goal-mouth scrambles and a couple of efforts from distance, but were unable to give themselves any breathing space as battling Bala remained in the hunt.

The best chance for the league new boys came in the second half, when a free kick from wide out by John Irving found the head of the unmarked Ross Jefferies.

His header looked to be sailing for the top corner of the net but it was well held by keeper Lee Kendall.

That apart, Kendall was never really troubled as his side’s accustomed solid defending kept the Lakesiders at arm’s length in their first semi-final appearance.

And the encounter was to end on a further disappointing note for Bala, whose experienced midfielder Ricky Evans - such an influence for his side this season - was sent off in the last minute for picking up a couple of late bookings.

Wales on Sunday

HAVERFORDWEST’S super league prospects took a knock as Rhyl came back from two goals down at half-time.

Things were looking bright for the Bluebirds as key players Tom Ramasut and Lee Hudgell tormented the visitors’ defence with some impressive ball skills.

Hudgell put Haverfordwest in front on six minutes when he linked with Jack Christopher before forcing the ball home.

The home side doubled their advantage on 23 minutes when Christopher headed home a corner from Ramasut.

But the second half belonged to Rhyl, who scored two goals in a minute.

Mark Connolly broke their duck in the 58th minute and another fine effort from Tyrone Kirk quickly followed.

Lee Idzi, in the Haverfordwest goal, was kept busy as Rhyl continued to press until Connolly and Matthew Williams added to Rhyl’s tally to confirm a notable triumph.

Wales on Sunday

RUNAWAY Blue Square South champions County could not produce anything as they were overrun by play-off hopefuls Havant.

There was no sign of things to come in the first half, where County gobbled up a series of long high balls played by the hosts.

Danny Rose almost surprised home keeper Aaron Howe with a snapshot from 30 yards on 42 minutes, rattling the upright with Howe seemingly unaware of danger, and County keeper Glyn Thompson reacted well to keep out a 25-yard effort from Bobby Hopkinson.

But referee Paul Forrester punished Chris Codd for a hand ball on 50 minutes and, while County contested the awarded free kick, Havant reacted quickly. Manny Williams played the ball to Mustafa Tiryaki, who whacked it into the net from the edge of the area.

The Hawks had their tails up and Tiryaki punished County with another set piece.

With County looking ragged, Wes Fogden scored a fine goal on 79 minutes and substitute Jay Gasson completed County’s humiliation three minutes from time.

County boss Dean Holdsworth said: “There were under-par performances but when we play our final home game against Dover, it will be a fantastic occasion.”

Wales on Sunday

CARDIFF City moved to within one win of securing a play-off berth with a 0-0 draw against Reading – but the Swans’ end-of-season jitters continued at Bristol.

Paulo Sousa’s team remain in sixth spot, two points above Blackpool who were thumped 4-1 at Newcastle, but a disappointing 1-0 reverse at Ashton Gate did little to settle their supporters’ nerves.

The Bluebirds’ point against the Royals though means a win for Dave Jones’ side at Queens Park Rangers next Saturday will guarantee them a shot at reaching the Premiership.

And Jones was pleased with the single point.

He said: “It would have been nice to get a win but at this stage of the season it’s all about taking points.

“You’ve got to get as many on the board and edge over if you have to.

“But this point edges this football club nearer to somewhere where we’ve never been.”

Meanwhile Sousa was defiant after seeing Nicky Maynard’s late winner send his side back across the Severn Bridge empty-handed.

The Portuguese lamented a failure to land midfield reinforcements during an injury-hit March.

Sousa said: “With the injuries we had we needed some cover. At that point we were in a good moment with good results.

“It was a big opportunity for us. But I understand this because it is the reality of the club.

“We will keep going and keep believing.”

Just three games remain.

Cardiff follow up their clash with QPR with a home game against Sheffield Wednesday and a visit to Derby. The Swans face Barnsley at home, Sheffield United away and Doncaster at home.

Wales on Sunday

PORT Talbot will look to complete a memorable week as they attempt to reach their first Welsh Cup final when they meet Bala Town at Aberystwyth's Park Avenue tomorrow.

A 2-0 league victory over near-neighbours Neath on Wednesday evening has taken the Steelmen to within a point of third-placed Aberystwyth Town, who have a tough home encounter with Llanelli tonight — their game in hand.

Cherry

With three matches remaining there is now a real possibility of Mark Jones's side making it into Europe for the first time via the league route, but the Welsh Cup offers a second bite of the cherry as the winners gain an automatic place.

First-half goals from Daniel Thomas and Martin Rose earned Port Talbot the spoils at The Gnoll as the Eagles were totally outplayed, and they could have been on the end of one of their worst beatings of the campaign.

"To be honest, it should have been five or six as we missed some real sitters," said Jones.

"It was a comfortable win, but thankfully all the lads came through unscathed so we travel to Aberystwyth with a full squad available."

Chairman Andrew Edwards has arranged an overnight stay in Ceredigion and his players will be at the Aber v Reds clash tonight.

Although Port Talbot will be hot favourites to reach the final against a team whose form has dipped of late, Jones is urging caution.

"There are no favourites in cup semi-finals. Everything that has gone on before goes out of the window," he said.

"We will be treating Bala with the respect they deserve, as if we were facing The New Saints. We want that final berth and they will feel the same.

"The cup offers the quickest route into Europe so is a vitally important competition."

Evening Post

TITLE-CHASING Llanelli have major injury worries going into tonight's crucial Welsh Premier clash with Aberystwyth at Park Hall.

The most worrying is ace goalscorer Rhys Griffiths who is on the treatment table following Tuesday's fortunate 1-0 home victory over Carmarthen Town.

It was Griffiths who broke the visitors' hearts with an 83rd-minute strike and his presence would be sorely missed against a team vying for Europe with Port Talbot.

Also doubtful are Antonio Corbisiero, Michael Howard and Owain Warlow, meaning more concerns for player-manager Andy Legg, whose team face a schedule of seven matches in 15 days to complete their programme.

"It's a terrible way to try to win the title but we just have to get on with it," said Legg.

"We start our hectic period with as tough a match as you get. Since I've been at the club the best we've managed at Aberystwyth is a draw, but hopefully we can go one better tonight.

"To be honest we rode our luck a bit against Carmarthen, but we went into the match seeking three points and got them and that's what it's all about now.

"It was also a clean sheet which is pleasing. We just need to keep churning out the results and see where that gets us.

"If we fall short it will not be for the want of trying as I think the lads have been fantastic this season.

"I am asking them to roll up their sleeves and dig in again over the next two weeks. Yes, it will be disappointing if we don't end with the title, but The New Saints have always been the favourites as they are full-timers."

Llanelli's situation is clear. If they win all their remaining matches they will be champions and, if they achieve it, it will be one of the most remarkable title successes in the league's history.

A win tonight would take them to within four points of Saints with two games in hand, but for the next two weeks they face a punishing Tuesday-Thursday-Saturday schedule.

Hence the importance of having a full squad available.

"We need the Full Monty out to give us the best chance of achieving our goal," Legg added.

Evening Post

The independent First Instance Body will meet in the Football Association of Wales Headquarters this morning to assess the twenty-four applications for an FAW Domestic Club Licence.

The Domestic Licence has been introduced this season by the FAW for any club wishing to participate in the restructured and streamlined Welsh Premier League for next year and the Licence is a pre-requisite for participation in next season's League of Twelve.

Of the current eighteen Principality Welsh Premier League clubs, only Technogroup Welshpool decided against applying for the Licence when the process began last August, so the remaining seventeen applications will be assessed today.

There are also seven clubs from the two feeder leagues who have applied, with Afan Lido, Barry Town and Bridgend Town from the Welsh League and Buckley Town, Caernarfon Town, Llangefni Town and Llandudno Town of the Cymru Alliance.

The clubs are assessed not only on their Stadium, but also the youth development, player medicals, their legal statutes and stadium lease, the personnel and administration within the club, which includes the coaching qualifications of their Manager, their current financial status and their club charters.

FAW Club Licensing Manager Andrew Howard further explained;

"There are a total of 71 criteria for the Licence applicants to meet, so we're approaching the end of a very long journey for clubs who have worked tirelessly to achieve the FAW Licence.

"The criteria that the FAW has set is realistic and pitched at a level, which we believe merits the status of a Welsh Premier League club. Our National League needs to progress and making stadia more pleasant for spectators, improving the levels of coaching and thus standard of play and ensuring good financial practice will all go a long way to achieve this."

The Club Licensing initiative was introduced by UEFA for their competitions seven years ago and the FAW has followed suit with the majority of other European Nations, in developing a similar model for their National League.

"The introduction of the domestic Licensing system in Wales has certainly been welcomed by UEFA, who are strong advocates of this form of Governance at National Association level" added Howard.

WELSHPREMIER.COM

MERTHYR Tydfil are just two points above the relegation zone with five games remaining and manager Gary Sheppard is desperate to claim one of the two wins he believes they need to survive against Cambridge City tomorrow.

A 10-point deduction, a 50 per cent wage cut across the board and a squad so small that the management team had just two substitutes to name on the bench last week, has left the Martyrs very much up against it this term.

But after the points deduction, beating the drop would be no mean achievement.

“What can I do? The team are running on empty and we need two wins from somewhere,” said Sheppard.

“Where, I don’t know! But it’s going to take a mammoth effort from everybody.

“The prospect of dropping two divisions and not even playing with linesmen is a position this club does not want to be in.”

Sheppard says the club’s fortunes have taken on a soap opera feel, but he defended his players for the effort they have put in.

“You could have written a best seller on what has gone on at this club,” he added.

“But you can’t really have a go at the players because they are giving everything they got, we just need an extra 10 per cent from somewhere.

“We have told the board that myself and Danny Carter will stay on next season whatever happens.

“But we all desperately want to stay in this division.”

SOUTH WALES ECHO

NEWPORT County travel to Havant and Waterlooville tomorrow knowing that a victory will see them break the 100-point barrier in Blue Square South.

After reaching 97 points by dispatching Weston-super-Mare 4-1 in midweek, victory will see Dean Holdsworth’s all-conquering team beat Grays Athletic’s league record of 98 points – and with two games still to play.

Newport were crowned champions when they beat Havant at home last month and with just two defeats to their name, 88 goals scored and just 21 against, Holdsworth is looking for his side to finish the campaign in style.

“Every team we have played against this season has raised their game by 20 per cent because of what we have achieved and with that comes a different kind of pressure that most of us have not experienced before,” said the former Wimbledon striker.

“This team are champions and must conduct themselves and play like it.

“They deserve respect from people for what they have done, but nobody is going to just give them an open path to victory over the next three games.

“You earn respect and that is what my players are going to have to do till the end of the season.

“Of course there is an air of confidence in the changing room and so there should be, but it is monitored not just by me but by themselves.

“We all know that beating that 100-point benchmark is a remarkable achievement and we have three games to do it.

“But, like the league title, it’s always better to do it sooner rather then later and that is what we want to do.

“The players and the club can be history-makers and that does not happen every day.

“In fact it doesn’t happen to some players in their entire careers, so you have to live for the moment.”

SOUTH WALES ECHO

GARDEN Village will look to bounce back from midweek defeat by Bryntirion Athletic in a relegation six- pointer with West End tomorrow.

Ceri Griffiths's side slumped to a 3-0 defeat to the Welsh League division one promotion-chasers on Wednesday, edging them nearer the division's drop zone.

Village created little in front of goal and when they did ex-Afan Lido goalkeeper Rory McCreesh denied them.

He pulled off a fine double save to thwart both Mark Lloyd and Derrick Jenkins in the first half before Brian Burke headed home at the far post after 25 minutes to give the Bridgend side the lead.

Paul Evans then netted early in the second period and Anthony Rawlings made the game safe on 80 minutes with his 27th goal of the season.

The result leaves Village fourth from bottom in the table, two points and two places from safety, though they have games in hand on their rivals.

West End are three places above the relegation spots, but have just a two-point cushion on the bottom five.

Another team scrapping for survival are Pontardawe Town, who face a daunting trip to league leaders Goytre.

Ponty have as many as eight games in hand on some of their relegation rivals but trail the safety zone by as many points.

EVENING POST

Port Talbot on the local derby against Neath at the Gnoll tonight, the 3 points keeps the Steelmen's hope of a top 3 finish and a place in Europe next season very much on the cards.
Daniel Thomas put the visitors ahead on 15' and top scorer Martin Rose doubled their lead on 35' to seal the victory and points for Port Talbot. Defeat for Neath leaves them looking over their shoulder for a top 10 finish, with 3 of their games against teams themselves looking for a top 10/12 finish, their other game is against Llanelli.

HAVERFORDWEST are making a bold late bid to be part of next season’s new league format. This was their third win on the bounce and their sixth successive unbeaten.
But with Llanelli, Rhyl and The New Saints still to play, it will still take a Herculean effort for Derek Brazil’s side to squeeze themselves into the frame.
Jack Christopher supplied Jamie Bradford for the Bluebirds' opener two minutes before the break and Christopher (59) profited from Tom Ramasut’s free kick to make it 2-0.
Ancient’s joint player manager Wayne Phillips saw red shortly after two yellows in two undisciplined minutes but the 10 men fought back bravely. They were rewarded when Jack Rush, son of Ian, hit back but Christopher should have made it 3-1 but failed to outwit Chris Mullock in a one-on-one situation.
IcWales

THE season has turned sour for Bala who now have an almighty battle on their hands to secure super league football next season.
They now head 11th place Carmarthen by only two points, having played two games more, and surely now need two wins from their final three matches against Llanelli, Airbus UK and Port Talbot to secure their top flight future.
Ross Jefferies gave them the perfect start when he headed against the bar, the ball crossing the line, but Quay drew level through substitute Mike Hayes (62).
Ben Alston, who was later sent off for a last man offence, put through his own net in trying to clear a corner to put Bala back in front, two minutes later.
But the visitors, whose own qualification battle has ended in tears, hit back again with a blistering Sam McNutt shot from the edge of the box with twenty minutes remaining.
IcWales

CHAMPIONS Newport County hope to move closer to being the “best-ever” non-league team as they prepare to pile more misery on second from bottom Weston-Super-Mare tonight (7.45pm).
A win for Dean Holdsworth’s men will take them just three points from the magic 100 mark with four games remaining.
Newport have scored more home goals than the entire count for Weston – and Holdsworth will not spare any mercy for them as they near the finishing line.
Newport can equal Grays Athletic as the most successful side ever to win the Conference South.
And five points from the remaining four games would give Newport the outright honour as the best ever in this league.
“We are so focused now, it’s no different than if we were chasing the play-offs,” Holdsworth said.
“Grays’ record is first in our sights and we know a good Easter programme can push us nearly there.
“I’ve talked with the players and my message is clear.
“Not many footballers can ever say they are champions and even fewer can say they are legends. If we get 99 or 100 points we’re the best ever side in the Conference South – and I want to be the manager of the best-ever side.
“Few players or managers experience that and I’ve tried getting that across to the players. This is a special season that does not come around every year and they must play for the moment – enjoy it and embrace it.
“Then they can look back and say I was a member of that record-breaking team.
“Weston are fighting for their lives and they will want our scalps big time, but our job is to keep on winning.”
IcWales

MERTHYR chalked up a morale-boosting victory to move out of the Zamaretto League Premier Division relegation zone and will be hoping that this result  brings a turnaround in fortunes for the remainder of the season.
It is probably not a co-incidence that Merthyr won on a day when they were able to field their strongest side for the first time since January 26 and over the course of the 90 minutes, were full value for the three points.
Having shaded things before the break Merthyr got the breakthrough on the stroke of half-time when Scott Armitage's low drive not only found the net but burst though it, giving the home side a nervous minute or so before referee Kevin Morris signalled a goal.
They doubled their advantage six minutes after the re-start, Jamie Rewbury rising unchallenged to head in a Tariq Khalil corner.
Stourbridge substitute David Plinstone pulled a goal back on 76 minutes after the visitors had rarely threatened.
But that meant a nervous finish for Merthyr who continued to look the more likely team to add to the scoreline.
The  final whistle was greeted with much relief by the home fans while Martyrs manager Garry Shephard will be looking for his side to build on this form in the final weeks of the campaign.
IcWales

POTENTIAL Welsh Cup final opponents Bangor and Port Talbot proved inseparable equals in a mud-spattered Farrar Road slog.

City scored just before half-time through Mark Smyth before Town replied just after the break through Lloyd Grist – and the rest of the action amounted to near misses and exasperation.

Smyth’s strike on 43 minutes was from 12 yards at an angle on the left, after Jamie Reed’s creation, and the low shot eluded everyone as it bobbled through the congested goal zone.

Grist’s equaliser on 50 minutes came from a solo burst into space in the home team’s box, after City keeper Paul Smith was drawn out to try and make a clearance.

Both Smith and counterpart Lee Kendall reigned supreme at all other times, with their respective defences on top.

Bangor’s Michael Johnston and captain James Brewerton were effective, while Carmarthen skipper Matthew Rees and Lee Surman also looked impressive.

City dictated the trend of the proceedings for virtually all of the first half, at least until they reached Port Talbot’s impregnable penalty box.

Eddie Jebb left three opponents in his wake with one scintillating run, only to stumble over the ball when the shot was due.

And City’s Smyth also surged into space only to blaze his shot over the bar.

Lee Hunt forced Kendall into an acrobatic tip-over save from a tight angle on the right.

And Dave Morley just missed the target at the far post following a corner.

Daniel Thomas suffered agony for Port Talbot, who improved in the second session, by steering his attempt into the side netting following a break and a deep left wing cross.

And City’s Smith was required to rush off his line to snatch the ball off Thomas’ feet, just when the Port Talbot man was shaping to shoot.

Then, right at the end, the visitors’ Martin Rose inexplicably miskicked completely, barely a couple of yards in front of the home target – much to the Bangor faithful’s huge relief.
Wales on Sunday

Striker Craig Steins ensured Neath got back to winning ways at the Gnoll on Easter Sunday, as the Eagles climbed up three places to seventh with 44 points.

The former Merthyr Tydfil forward scored a hat-trick for the hosts against a depleted Welshpool who arrived in South Wales with just twelve players. Steins is the leading scorer at the Gnoll this term and has now registered thirteen League goals for the campaign.

Liam Thomas was the only change to the Eagles starting eleven with young loanee Chris Jones dropping to the bench and it proved to be an excellent selection by Andy Dyer. Neath raced to a three-goal advantage in the first-half with the recalled Thomas scoring after 22 minutes for the hosts.

Steins then scored a double before the interval, with his first on 31 minutes and he then registered his brace two minutes before the break.

Steins completed his hat-trick five minutes after half-time as the floodgates threatened to burst with 40 minutes still to play. But, Welshpool battled hard and Dave Maguire in the visitors goal kept the hosts out for the rest of the afternoon.
WELSHPREMIER.COM

CARMARTHEN’S determination to scamper into the league’s top 10 safety zone secured a vital win at Porthmadog, where they came from behind with a second-half super show.

Smarting from a 3-1 flop at Richmond Park in November, Town feared trouble again when the home team’s Sion Meredith headed the opening goal in the 15th minute.

Carmarthen’s fightback brought threats by Sasha Walters and Craig Hughes twice, the latter being denied by Euron Roberts’ goal-line clearance for Porthmadog.

The visitors’ breakthrough was timely, with the interval imminent, when Hughes held off his marker to fire past keeper Richard Harvey from 12 yards. The second arrived early in the second period from Danny Thomas, who used his head from 10 yards to convert Walters’ cross.

Porthmadog counter-attacked as Cai Jones forced Neil Thomas to divert around a post and Chris Jones fired inches wide. But Carmarthen landed the blows that mattered, from Walters via a Hughes assist on 66 minutes and Dale Griffiths, who finished off after a corner on 83.
Wales on Sunday

THE champions were in irresistible form – playing scintillating football on a quagmire of a pitch.

Plymouth referee Marc Whaley held three inspections before giving the game the go-ahead and his decision was vindicated by the sheer quality of The Exiles’ football.

Winger Charlie Henry was involved in most of County’s first-half attacks and his 11th-minute cross was swept into the net by Dave Gilroy to give the hosts the lead.

Six minutes later it was 2-0, when from another Henry cross, the league’s top scorer Craig Reid struck for his 26th goal this season.

It should have been three on 38 minutes but Reid fired over from the penalty spot after Gilroy had been brought down by Marcus Rose.

The second half continued with County in complete control.

Danny Rose made it 3-0 in the 67th minute with a curling shot from the edge of the area and Scott Rogers scored the day’s best goal from 30 yards five minutes later.

County then took their foot off the gas and Maidenhead scored a consolation goal through Sam Collins.

County now have 94 points and four games to reach the century, with Weston next up on Tuesday.
Wales on Sunday

MERTHYR’S poor form continued in terms of results although this was a much-improved performance after their disappointing display at Didcot last weekend.

A Brett Solkhon goal 17 minutes from time condemned the Martyrs to defeat, the midfielder being allowed to rise unchallenged at a free-kick to head home the winner.

The goal was a rare opportunity for a Brackley side currently lying third in the Premier Division.

The result was hardly what Merthyr deserved on the day after looking the better side for the majority of the 90 minutes – and this was with a number of key players out through injury and suspension.

Garry Shephard came closest to getting Merthyr on the scoresheet, finding the side-netting with a shot on 39 minutes. On another occasion he managed to get past home goalkeeper Richard Morris but was unable to find any of his fellow strikers as he  slid the ball across the face of goal.

The result will do little to help Merthyr’s plight at the bottom of the Zamaretto League.

But the performance against a side looking a good bet for promotion should give some much-needed confidence to Shephard’s side when Stourbridge visit Penydarren Park on Easter Monday (3pm).
Wales on sunday

ABERYSTWYTH Town fans can start making sure their passports are up to date as their side now looks certain to be playing in Europe next season after flooring Cefn Druids 3-0.

There was only one side in this clash, with the hosts having their chances limited to one goal-bound effort from Josh Griffiths and a long range free-kick from Wayne Phillips. Aber broke the deadlock in the 25th minute when Geoff Kellaway beat ’keeper Chris Mullock with a venomous drive. To be fair to the hosts they defended well but fell further behind on the hour when Luke Bowen dispossessed a defender and his 12-yard effort left goalkeeper Mullock stranded.

Kellaway missed a simple chance, as did Bowen who headed tamely after he found himself unmarked.

Bowen made amends however, when he beat Adam Hesp in a tackle and raced clear to add the third Aber goal in the 72nd minute.
Wales on sunday

MOVES are afoot to pressurise the FA of Wales into scrapping its plan to reduce the Welsh Premier League to 12 clubs next season.

With less than a month left of the current campaign, representatives of some clubs are uniting in a bid to force an extraordinary general meeting aimed at reversing the decision to bring in a Super 12 in 2010/11.

However, league secretary John Deakin says for an EGM to be called, 12 clubs would need to make a request – and nowhere near that number has yet come forward.

Deakin has also said he would be “astonished” if the FAW were to change its plan for the national league at this late stage.

Clubs voted in favour of a 12-team league at the WPL’s AGM last June, although there have been complaints since that members were left with little alternative with the FAW indicating they would otherwise “steam roll” a 10-club league, which is the aim anyway by 2012/13.

Now it is believed some who backed the Super 12, reluctantly or otherwise, are getting cold feet and calling on the FAW to look at alternatives, such as a 16-club league.

“Some clubs who voted in favour of the Super 12 are now realising their mistake and would be interested at looking at alternatives of the amount of clubs in the league.’’

“Rumour has it that the FAW are insisting that there is no going back on the original decision, even though it is the clubs who are admitting to their mistake and are in no way blaming the FAW for the predicament that the league is currently facing.”

“There is a lot of feeling towards the plight that some clubs will face, whereby they have amongst the best playing surfaces in the league, excellent facilities, yet the WPL might lose them forever due to an error of judgement by club chairmen some time ago.
Dave Jones

Swansea City boss Paulo Sousa is aiming to make history on Saturday by completing a league double over Cardiff City in the south Wales derby.

Neither side has managed the feat since first meeting in 1929, but Swansea have the chance after November's 3-2 win.

"We have a big chance to win, to [make] history for the club once more, because we... write already some new pages in the history of Swansea," Sousa said.

"And we can make one more on Saturday, winning twice the derby this season."

Two goals from midfielder Darren Pratley and an opening header by Nathan Dyer saw Swansea win this season's first Welsh encounter at the Liberty Stadium, Jay Bothroyd and Mark Hudson replying for Cardiff.

But Sousa realises the task will be much tougher at the Cardiff City Stadium against an opponent, Bluebirds manager Dave Jones, he has the fullest respect for.

The Portuguese also says he has concerns over the state of Cardiff's pitch and Sousa may spring a surprise in his team selection for Saturday.

"With all the respect I have for my opponents - and especially with David [Jones] - I'm looking always for my players... our quality and our game on the pitch," Sousa added.

"It's a poor pitch, not so good... to make the best strategy we're looking at that and after we'll see if we make some surprise Saturday.

"Our success has been built on possession, not in defending, because normally our team we have much more possession than our opponents.

"Normally we have more opportunities than our opponents and if you see the stats it's like that.

"Of course we score less than the others, we concede less than the others it's true, but we concede less because we don't give them so many opportunities to score.

"Why? Because we have most of the time the ball with us."

Both teams are still firmly in the play-offs and even defeat for one side in the derby is unlikely to prove terminal to their promotion hopes.

But with just six games to go until the end of the regular season, victory will keep the momentum firmly with Sousa and his players for the run-in.

"Victories they give us - and reinforce all the time - confidence and happiness," Sousa said.

"It's something every team and every player is looking for, and every manager.

"I predict a good end of the season."
BBC

Former Cardiff City and Swans favourite Andy Legg last night insisted it is up to Paulo Sousa’s side to force the issue in Saturday’s big South Wales derby.
Legg, who in five-year spells with both clubs made 163 league appearances for Swansea and 175 for Cardiff, believes the Liberty Stadium side are in danger of slipping out of the play-off zone unless they can arrest their recent slump in form in the Welsh capital, a run that has seen them win just one of their last seven.
And for that reason, he says more pressure will be on the away side in one of the most eagerly awaited clashes between the clubs in history.
“The Swans have dipped in form a bit, but are still in the play offs – a bit like Cardiff last term,” said Legg, capped six times by Wales and now player-manager at Welsh Premiership high fliers Llanelli.
“I just think it’s more important to Swansea to come away with points than Cardiff on this particular occasion because Swansea need to stop the rot now.
“If they don’t they could slide out of the top six at this vital stage of the season. It’s so important for them to stay in the frame.
“Cardiff had a really good result against Leicester City this week and Swansea are struggling to find form. But come kick-off time it’s a derby game and anything could happen.
“The one certainty though is that with the positions the two clubs find themselves in it’s the biggest derby for many a year.
“You can almost feel the tension around you as Saturday gets nearer. This just going to be massive.
“For me it is just great that two Welsh clubs are up there slogging it out for promotion to the Premiership.
IcWales

MERTHYR head to promotion-chasing Brackley Town this Saturday (3pm) for the first of seven games in an action-packed last month of the Zamaretto Premier Division season, writes David Williams.
Defeat at Didcot last Saturday saw the Martyrs’ dismal run of form continue – one which has seen them pick up just four points from a possible 36.
The club finds itself firmly in a relegation dogfight after one win in the last dozen matches, leaving them in the fourth relegation spot, a point behind Bedford Town.
And there won’t be any easy points on offer in the final few weeks of the season. As well as facing them this weekend, Merthyr host Brackley in a rearranged encounter on April 20. Before then Stourbridge come to Penydarren Park next Monday.
Following that there are encounters with Cambridge City (away) on April 10, Hednesford Town (home) on the 13th, Oxford City (home) on the 17th and finally away at Swindon Supermarine on the 24th.
David Williams

NEWPORT County boss Dean Holdsworth will look to patch up his squad as the Exiles bid to hit 97 points over the busy Easter period.
The Exiles have a plethora of bumps and bruises ahead of a double-header of games this week, against Maidenhead United on Saturday at Newport Stadium (3pm) before the short trip to Weston-super-Mare on Tuesday (kick-off 7.45pm).
The chief concern is skipper Gary Warren who is struggling with a double groin strain, though he’s not alone in giving physio John Fitzgerald a busy time.
The Exiles trained indoors last night at the Celtic Manor to allow players extra time to heal and boss Holdsworth is confident that they’ll be ready by Saturday to push on in their bid to become record breakers.
A maximum return from the two games will put County well in sight of their target, to break 100 points in the Blue Square South after being crowned champions earlier this month, a feat no club has matched.
“It’s a great time for us, we’re far happier than we were a week ago without a doubt,” Holds-worth explained.
“We like winning and it was a big result for us on Saturday (a 1-0 victory over Woking) on the back of a very bad one,” (a 2-1 reverse at Thurrock, just County’s second league defeat of the campaign.
“But it’s taken a toll on us because we’ve got lots of players starting to feel it after a long season, we’ve got lots of bumps and bruises and little strains and we’ll have to monitor the situation throughout the week.
“We don’t have a massive squad compared to some other sides and this weekend will be a good chance to get some game time for plenty of the boys.”
Holdsworth insists it’s realistic to expect back-to-back victories over Easter, the Weston game put back 24 hours on police advice, denying County’s fans the traditional Bank Holiday Monday game.
“We feel like the momentum is back with us, we are hoping for a big weekend and that would put us within sight of our ultimate target,” he said.
South Wales Argus