JAN-31

Aberystwyth plan 1,000 seated stadium

According to the official Aberystwyth website www.atfc.org.uk the club intends to increase the seating capacity at Park Avenue to 1,000 over the next few season's. They also intend to upgrade the floodlighting to 500 lux with the aid of a FAW grant.

JAN-31

Welsh league - Gwent round up

NEWPORT YM demonstrated their fighting spirit on Saturday, battling back to earn a point at Bridgend Town in Division One of the Macron Welsh League.

The YM scored the opening goal, taking the lead on 25 minutes via the penalty spot after a handball.

John Pardew kept his nerve and sent the goalkeeper the wrong way, but five minutes later the hosts levelled after a mistake from goalkeeper Craig Margettes.

The hosts took the lead early in the second half with a well-struck free kick, but then saw one of their midfielders dismissed with a straight red card following an off-the-ball incident.

The incident sparked the YM back to life, but their equaliser owed a lot less to expertise than it did to luck.

Leon Spargo launched a 50-yard free kick towards the penalty area, but the ball caught the ferocious wind and shocked the goalkeeper by going over his head and into the net.

Newport went in search of a late winner but were almost caught out, Margettes making a wonderful save to deny Bridgend’s striker deep into injury-time.

It was a useful point for the YM, but boss Mark Coldrick was not satisfied.

“Before the match we would have taken a point, but we are disappointed because we took our foot off the gas and let them take advantage,” he said.

“However, I will always rest easy if we don’t lose and now we can fully focus on our next game.”

In Division Two, Caldicot Town became the first side to score twice at Pontypridd Town, but they still lost 4-2.

Neil Windsor equalised an early opener by slotting home a penalty, with Jason Thorn scoring a late consolation goal when the score was 4-1.

However, the result doesn’t tell the full story as Caldicot had plenty of chances and could well have got something out of the contest.

Manager Jason Pritchard explained: “It is incredibly frustrating to have lost the game because we created so many chances and gave away incredibly sloppy goals.

“We should have taken at least a point, but if you make mistakes then a team like Pontypridd will punish you.”

In the other Division Two games involving Gwent sides, Abertillery drew 1-1 at Pontyclun and Tredegar Town drew 0-0 with Ammanford.

In Division Three, Chepstow were comprehensively beaten, thrashed 3-0 at home by league leaders Pentwyn Dynamo.

Risca United had a better afternoon, securing a 1-0 victory over Blaenrhondda thanks to a Lee Phillips strike on 15 minutes.

Cwmbran Celtic went down 2-1 at home to Porth in a game hugely affected by the strong wind.

Porth rushed into a 2-0 lead in the first half when the wind was behind them, leaving Cwmbran a mountain to climb in the second half.

Unfortunately Cwmbran could only halve the arrears, Niki Villars finding the net after a penalty area scramble.

It was a far better day for Goytre, who earned the Gwent bragging rights by beating Treowen 3-0.

Goytre battered the visitors throughout the game, though amazingly Treowen looked like getting to half-time all square.

However, two goals in first-half injury time effectively killed off the Treowen challenge, Graham Mason scoring the first after a fine build-up.

A minute later Kevin Wallace thundered the crossbar with a free kick and the unfortunate Ryan Bennett could only turn Darren Haynes’ effort into his own net.

Treowen’s Dean Randall was sent off in the second half for a professional foul after hauling down Wallace in the area when he was clean through, Mark Longford dispatching the penalty.

Llanwern’s Shamrock Travel League Cup third round clash at Merthyr Saints was postponed.

South Wales Argus

JAN-30

Legg to make debut for Maesteg

Andy Legg is making a soccer playing comeback in South Wales on Wednesday.

The former Cardiff City and Wales defender will play for Maesteg Park in their Macron Welsh League Division One match against Bettws at Tudor Park.

Legg, now 39, is returning to his roots, having started his career with Welsh League Briton Ferry 20 years ago.

'It's a one-off, I won't be playing again,' said Legg. 'I'm turning out for one last time at any first team level as a favour to a mate.

'Phil Davies, the Maesteg Park chairman, and I grew up together in Baglan. We play a lot of golf together, particularly on the Steve Redgrave tour, and he's asked me to turn out.

Evening Post

JAN-30

Tomi guns for Europe after Pool outshoot Carmarthen

WELSHPOOL TOWN manager Tomi Morgan allowed himself a rare outward show of delight as his side recorded one of their most impressive victories of the season, against his former club.

It was Pool's fourth successive victory and places them second in the Welsh Premier with the prospects of a first ever European campaign looming.

"I don't normally get carried away but I thought my players were superb," Morgan said.

"It's been a great month for us with victories over some of the top teams, but there's still a long way to go yet.

"The players always give me 100 per cent, work hard for each other and no manager can ask for more than that."

Western Mail

JAN-29

Port Talbot lose to Bangor City

CLAYTON BLACKMORE'S reign as player-manager of Bangor City started with an encouraging performance against runaway leaders TNS.

Now he has a solid away win under his belt -- but was it due to good play or did Port Talbot have the proverbial bad day at the office?

A bitterly disappointed Wayne Davies had no doubt. The home manager said: "We didn't compete. We didn't pass the ball. It was our worst performance of the season and I can't take a single positive from it."

He acknowledged that Bangor were a positive side, always looking to attack, and the visitors took the lead five minutes before the break from a fierce 20-yard shot from Paul Roberts.

Shortly before, Rhys Griffiths had hammered in a powerful drive, only to see it well-saved.

Home hopes of a comeback faltered five minutes after half-time when, from what manager Wayne Davies described as a "catalogue of schoolboy errors", Kieran Killackers scored Bangor's second.

Wales on Sunday

JAN-29

Briton Ferry boost chances of survival

BRITON FERRY, struggling at the foot of the Macron Welsh League First Division, boosted their chances of survival yesterday when they put up a spirited performance to overcome Dinas Powis at Old Road.

Both Ferry goals came in the second half - from Leighton Thomas and Keith Phillips.

Bryntirion, promoted last season from Division Two, have slipped a little in recent weeks and yesterday were held to a 1-1 draw by Barry Town, whose recent improvement has been staggering.

Lee Pitrowski gave Barry the lead after seven minutes but Bryntirion levelled matters 12 minutes into the second period through Lee Platt.

Bridgend Town, whose ambition of gaining promotion to the Welsh Premier League disappeared a long time ago, were held to a 2-2 draw at Coychurch Road by Newport YMCA, one of only two sides to have beaten leaders Neath Athletic this season.

Second Division pace-makers Pontypridd were in winning form again, defeating Caldicot 4-2

Garw's push for the top continued as they triumphed by the only goal of the game at Cardiff Corries while Tredegar and Ammanford fought out a goalless draw and it was 1-1 between Pontyclun and Abertillery.

Wales on Sunday

JAN-29

Top team Ton take a tumble

NEATH Athletic took their impressive Welsh League form with them into the Shamrock Travel Challenge Cup competition yesterday to move into the quarter-finals at the expense of reigning league champions Ton Pentre.

In the eagerly awaited Llandarcy showdown Neath, runaway leaders of the league's First Division, triumphed 3-1 - and the margin could quite easily have been bigger as they dominated the second half.

Ryan Francombe fired Neath into the lead on 16 minutes with a superb shot and ace striker Carl Shaw doubled the home side's advantage with a well-taken goal five minutes before the break following a superb cross from David D'Auria.

Raith Plant knocked in a first half goal for the Rhondda side but in the second period Neath, despite being well on top, only managed one more when Ryan Sugar put the ball into his own net.

Most convincing cup victory of all was recorded by Garden Village who thrashed Caerau Ely 6-1 after leading 3-0 at the break.

Paul Dickie bagged a brace for Village and so did Steven Evans, while Ashley Richards and Mark Lloyd were also on target. Justin Hollis netted a consolation goal for Caerau Ely.

Pontardawe required an extra time goal by super-sub Daniel Thomas to make their way into the quarter-finals with a 3-2 success at Bettws.

Earlier, in regulation time, Brian Burke and Richard Llewellyn had scored for Bettws with Ian Morgan and Jamie Bowen being on target for the Swansea Valley side.

Maesteg Park, who have signed the former Swansea City and Cardiff player Andrew Legg, were too good for fellow First Division team Taffs Well and ran out 2-0 winners, both goals coming from Robbie Walters in the first half.

Legg is likely to make his Maesteg bow in the league game against Bettws at Tudor Park on Wednesday night.

UWIC edged out Goytre in a penalty shoot-out.

Wales on Sunday

JAN-27

Shamrock Travel cup games preview

Places in the Shamrock Travel Cup quarter-finals are up for grabs tomorrow with the tie of the round involving holders Goytre United and UWIC at Glenhafod Park (1.30pm).

Second-placed Goytre take on the side one position below them in the league, but the Port Talbot village side have striker Kevin Bartley suspended while centre-back Steve Healy is cup-tied. There is also a doubt surrounding Darren Lyons, leading to managers Craig Duggan and Andrew Radford drafting youth team players Steve Anwar and Ryan Needs into the squad.

League leaders Neath host Ton Pentre in another major clash, and Llandarcy Park boss Andrew Dyer will be without suspended striker Jonathan Keaveney and unavailable Chris Miller.

There is also a major doubt surrounding defender Steve Evans, leading to centre-back Lee Bevan standing by.

Last year's losing finalists, Pontardawe Town, visit Bettws and have three key men ruled out - Jeffrey Aspell (cup-tied), Geza Hajgato (suspended) and Steve Crabbe (shin strain).

But available following suspensions are defenders Ian Morgan and Steven Cox.

In the fourth all top-flight showdown, Maesteg Park will also be under strength for their home encounter with Taffs Well.

Gareth Davies is again ruled out by injury, while Kieran Howells and Paul Evans are both cup-tied.

But Maesteg boss Andrew Rickard welcomes back Lee Michael into his squad.

Second-division Garden Village last Saturday beat Caerau Ely 3-0 in the league at Stafford Common, and the clubs meet again tomorrow at the same venue in the cup.

Swansea City assistant physio Mark Lloyd is the likely replacement for the unavailable Lee Waite, while Dave Evans is set to return from the bench.

Morriston will be hoping for better cup fortune at home to Troedyrhiw after bowing out of the West Wales Senior Cup at Carmarthen Town in midweek. Paul Sweeny scored in a 4-1 defeat.

However, assistant manager Dean Beniamous damaged his shoulder against Carmarthen while Leighton Connor is cup-tied.

Evening Post

JAN-27

TNS swoop to capture prolific hitman Evans

TNS have signed Graham Evans, one of the Welsh Premier's most prolific scorers, until the end of the season.

The former Caersws striker, 26, asked to be released from Conference side Hereford United. TNS boss Ken McKenna said: "His record speaks for itself and I'm sure he'll continue his prolific scoring in our colours."

Ironically, TNS are in action against his former club Caersws tonight, but Evans is unlikely to figure against the team managed by his father Mickey.

Evans senior said: "Graham was very patient at Hereford, but with five forwards he always seemed to be the one on the outside looking in. He just wants to play regular football."

John Bridgwater, Daily Post

JAN-27

Rhyl allow Mutton to return to Nomads

RHYL striker Tommy Mutton has rejoined Connah's Quay Nomads.

The popular marksman, who lives at nearby Buckley, signed up for his old club yesterday for an undisclosed fee.

He will make his return debut in Nomads' tough test at Llanelli tomorrow.

Rhyl manager John Hulse said: "Because of his work situation Tommy was finding it difficult to get to training and we also felt that his inclusion was keeping out Chris Sharp, who has done exceptionally well here.

"Tommy himself naturally wants regular first-team football and this move has been done amicably on all sides."

Mike Mcevoy And John Bridgwater, Daily Post

JAN-27

Pupils to get in free

IN a bid to boost attendances at Maesydre, Welshpool Town are letting schoolchildren into home games for free.

The initiative was launched on Monday when chairman Steve Hughes visited Ysgol Maesydre.

Hughes said: "We've invited 266 children accompanied by an adult for free to Saturday's game with Carmarthen.

"Those that turn up will receive passes valid for the next 12 months which allow them to attend all of our home matches free of charge.

"Over the next six home matches, we're hoping to get more than 1,000 schoolchildren through our gates.

"There's lots of exciting things going on for the youngsters with the chance to be the mascot, meet the players and win a signed football.

"Hopefully they'll help generate a good atmosphere at the ground."

So far it seems the club's support has not matched the on-field improvement in fortunes. Welshpool are currently riding high in third position in the table and on course for their best-ever finish.

Christopher Beesley, Daily Post

JAN-27

Dixie's looking to build on surprise mauling of Quins

NEWI Cefn Druids boss Dixie McNeil is hoping last week's 7-0 mauling of relegation rivals Cardiff Grange Harlequins can kick-start his side's season.

The victory hauled the Plaskynaston Lane outfit off the bottom of the table, leapfrogging Quins on goal difference.

The emphatic nature of the win came as something of a shock for the Druids' manager, as his side had averaged just a goal a game prior to last weekend's match.

McNeil said: "It doesn't matter who you play, you don't expect to beat a side from the same division as yourselves like that.

"Scoring has not been one of our plus points so far this season, but hopefully this result will act as a real confidence booster.

"But we can't afford to get carried away. It's only one win and there's no point in beating Quins if we can't follow up this result with some more good performances."

Christopher Beesley, Daily Post

JAN-26

Boss Blackmore to carry on playing

icwales

JAN-26

Welsh league preview-round up

Tredegar Town, after two successive defeats, look to get back on the winning track when they entertain neighbours Abertillery Excelsior in Macron Welsh League Division One tonight (kick-off 7pm), writes Ray Parker.

Rob Ellis, Tredegar manager, is missing central midfield player and captain Ian Morris and wide midfield player Lloyd Davies, both working, while recent signing Phil Bowden is likely to miss out because of injury.

Bowden, who played under Ellis at Fields Park-Pontllanfraith, was signed from Gwent County League side Aberbargoed Buds but suffered a gashed leg on his debut against Merthyr Saints.

Abertillery ended a losing sequence with a 3-1 away victory over Cardiff Corries and manager Jason Morgan has targeted the match, along with a trip to Pontyclun on Saturday, as a six-point haul.

Abertillery are second from the bottom on ten points, having won only two of their 18 league matches, Tredegar having double that amount from the same number of matches.

Morgan’s lone injury worry for the game is central midfield player David Smith, who has a groin injury. 

Caerleon manager David Griffiths could soon be boosted by the return of Todd Quarterly to the Macron Welsh League Division One side.

Quarterly has been missing for several months, working on his house, but has recently made a comeback, playing for the reserves.

He was in the side which defeated Chepstow 3-0 – playing in central midfield – in the Reserve Division (East), on Saturday, Tyrone Gibbs, who not so long ago made the move from Newport YMCA, scoring a hat-trick.

Griffiths said: “Todd is now back in training and looking to get match fit. He definitely wants to get back into the first team and it is a matter of getting fully fit. He is a strong player who can score goals and also give us that bit of experience which we have been lacking.”

Lloyd Bristow scored both goals for Croesyceiliog in a 2-0 home win over leaders Newport YMCA, enabling them to complete the double. 

Treowen went down 1-0 at Dinas Powys and Caldicot also failed to score, losing 1-0 at Grange Quins.

Risca suffered a 2-1 home defeat at home to Neath in the second round of the Harris Printers (Reserve Division) Shield – all three goals scored from the penalty spot. Risca, who fell behind, levelled matters with a Matthew Noble spot-kick. Neath, who play in the West Division, are second having lost one of their dozen games.

Cwmbran Town hold a one-point advantage at the top of the Macron Welsh League Youth Division (East) following their one-goal win over Ely Rangers.

And the young Crows can increase their lead if they win at home to bottom team Cardiff Corries tonight (7.30pm).

In a hectic week, Cwmbran take on Swansea City in the Welsh Youth Cup on Sunday, the game switched to Newport YMCA’s ground at Mendalgief Road (kick-off 2pm) because Cwmbran Stadium is not available.

In the 2-1 win over Ely Rangers, all the scoring came in the second-half, Joseph Carless breaking the deadlock, the chance carved out by Andrew Johnson.

Ely equalised with a header from central defender Mitchell Osborne before Cwmbran ’keeper Rob Watkins kept his side in the game with a stunning save late in the game and almost immediately Cwmbran struck their match winner. Liam Palmer made it a perfect debut for Cwmbran by scoring the  last-gasp close-range goal, Michael Traynor threading through a neat pass.

Third-place Newport County had a 7-0 home win over Cardiff Corries with a hat-trick from Mark Griffiths, two by Dane Whittaker and one apiece from Jason Potter and Michael Palmer while Caerleon were edged out 1-0 by home side Newport YMCA, Jamie Martin scoring a first-half goal with a close-range shot when Caerleon failed to clear Alex Jenkins’ corner.

JAN-24

Blackmore signs trio

BANGOR City's new manager Clayton Blackmore and his assistant Mel Jones have moved quickly to strengthen their squad by signing three new players.

In come defenders Kieran Killackey and Tommy Harrison and centre-forward Mike Linnecar. All three are in the 20 to 23 age bracket.

Killackey, who hails from Rochdale, was signed from Conference North outfit Altrincham, while Merseysider Harrison is ex-Welshpool Town and switched from Atherton, who play in the North West Counties League.

Linnecar, from Leeds, has been racking up goals for Bangor University in the Gwynedd League over the last two seasons, after an earlier spell with Newtown.

icwales

JAN-24

Perrott's Welsh honours

Pontypridd Town midfield player Greg Perrott made his full Macron Welsh League debut only 24 hours after becoming a Welsh international.

Perrott made his international debut for Welsh Colleges in a 2-0 victory against Australia and next day was in the Ponty team during their 7-0 Welsh League win against Gwynfi United.

Perrott has been a regular for Pontypridd's under-19 team this season and has featured among the first team substitutes.

Terry Phillips, South Wales Echo

JAN-24

Home tie for Exiles

Newport County will be at home to Vauxhall MasterFit Welsh Premier League leaders TNS if they beat League Two Wrexham in their FAW Premier Cup quarter-final at Newport Stadium tomorrow night.

The other tie features Carmarthen Town, who defeated Cardiff City 2-1 in the previous round, at home to League One Swansea City.

Terry Phillips, South Wales Echo

JAN-23

New Bridgend management start of on a win

Drew Phillips and goalkeeper Marty Ellacott have taken over in a caretaker role at Bridgend Town following the resignation of Nicky Tucker and they won 3-0 at home to Caerleon.

No appointment is likely until next month, although the club have confirmed ex-Grange Quins and Barry Town manager Paul Giles is on their short list.

Andy Mainwaring, Dale Raven and Carl Jenkins grabbed the Bridgend goals.

JAN-22

Welsh League Division 1 round-up

GOYTRE are determined to keep Neath Athletic within their sights at the top of the Welsh League First Division - and yesterday showed they meant business by overcoming AFC Llwydcoed 4-0.

It was something of a one man show however as all four goals were scored by Richard Ryan, three of them before half time.

At the other end of the table Briton Ferry appear to be in a parlous state and yesterday were well and truly beaten 4-1 by the Students of UWIC in Cardiff despite taking the lead on a quarter of an hour.

Leighton Thomas put Ferry in front but UWIC struck back with Ryan Jenkins bagging a brace - one from the penalty spot. Sam Small and John Edwards both netted as well.

Maesteg Park were in fine form as they crushed Barry Town 4-0, with Robbie Walters leading the way by grabbing a hat-trick while Lee O'Brien netted the other goal with a well taken effort..

Bridgend Town, who parted company in mid week with former Llanelli boss Nicky Tucker, returned to winning ways after a couple of defeats beating Caerleon 3-0 at Coychurch Road.

Andy Mainwaring, Dale Raven and Carl Jenkins were all on target for Bridgend.

Pontardawe edged out Dinas Powys 2-0 with both the goals coming from Geza Hagjiato and Bettws truly put Ely Rangers to the sword winning 4-0 thanks to gals by Nicky Burke, Anthony Rawling, Richard Llewellyn and Jack Thomas.

Elsewhere in the top flight defending champions Ton Pentre romped to a 6-1 win at Newport YMCA and Taffs Well won 2-0 at Bryntirion.

Wales on Sunday

JAN-22

Welsh League Division 2 and 3 round-up 

AMBITIOUS second division leaders Pontypridd ran riot at hapless Gwynfi, running out 7-0 winners to show once again their clear championship intentions.

Dean Morris was the hero of the hour when he bagged a hat-trick while former Llanelli player Peter Cheeseman got a brace.

There was a goal apiece for Mike Jones and Ceri Harding.

Garden Village stepped up their promotion bid with a convincing 3-0 home success over Caerau Ely.

Paul Dickie scored two of their goals - one each side of half time - and Ashley Richards got the other.

Porthcawl are continuing to struggle and yesterday they went down 2-1 at home to promotion challengers Aberaman despite taking the lead from the penalty spot after 25 minutes through Paul Atkinston.

Richard Jago and Will Davies scored second half goals for Aberaman.

Michael Ellery's Morriston Town beat Tredegar 2-0.

After a goalless first half during which Morriston had the better chances Michael Chapman gave them the lead seven minutes into the second period and the game was made safe when Dean Rosselli scored from the penalty sport late on after Dean Beniamous was brought down in the box.

Third division leaders Cambrian Clydach had their march halted as their scheduled match at Ystradgynlais was called off because of an unfit pitch.

Challengers Newcastle Emlyn were shocked 3-2 at Porth for whom Anthony Solly scored two of the goals.

Swansea side West End were on form beating Chepstow 5-2 with Neil Phillips scoring a brace and Seven Sisters won 2-0 against Goytre in Gwent.

Richard Herdman and Richard Smith were the scorers.

Wales on Sunday

JAN-19

TOP DOGS NEATH COME UN-STUCK 

Newport YMCA did all the teams hot on the trail of runaway leaders Neath a favour. YM travelled to Llandarcy park and gave them all a bit more hope of catching Neath when they pulled off a shock 1-0 away win. It also relieved Ym's relegation worries by moving them up another two places in the league. The victory will seem like justice to YM who almost took 3 points off Neath in their encounter earlier in the season, when Neath just scrapped home a point equalising in the 94' when they visited Mendalgief road.
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