|
MAY-31 |
|
Penrhiwceiber
win Shamrock cup
|
|
2nd
division Penrhiwceiber
pulled off a surprise victory last night in the final
of the Shamrock Travel cup played at the Lido, it was
a close game that went into extra time with the full
time score at 1-1. Ponty
took the lead early into the 2nd half when Jamie Bowen
found the net following a good passage of play by
Ponty. But Penrhiwceiber equalised late on to take the
game into extra time, and Penrhiwceiber's winner came
in the 1st half of extra time. Ponty
will be disappointed not to have won the cup and not
to have capped off a very good return to division 1
finishing in 3rd place.
Tony.
|
|
MAY-31 |
|
Carmarthen
sign new keeper
|
|
Rumours
were abound that Carmarthen were in talks with a new
keeper for next season and now those rumours can be
silenced, as they have revealed their new keeper is
Marc Ovendale.
32
year old Ovendale is a highly experienced keeper
having cost Luton Town £425,000 in 2000 when being
sold by Bournemouth. He also had football league
experience with Northampton Town and 3 successful
years with Barry Town.
Tony
|
|
MAY-30 |
|
Deakin
seeks top 4 finish to join
Welsh Premier
|
|
When
the Welsh Football League champions, Goytre United,
informed the Welsh Premier League that they would not
accept promotion it created a problem all too familiar
since the national league started in 1992
Welsh
Premier League Secretary John Deakin said, "I am
both disappointed and frustrated by this news as a
seventeen club League is far from ideal and will
result in one of our members being inactive on each
Saturday next season. It is particularly annoying that
we have three clubs in the North; Flint, Llandudno and
Llangefni Town, who are keen to join our League, but
their ambitions have been frustrated by clubs who have
finished above them and are not interested in
promotion and I consider the current system
discriminates against ambitious clubs."
It
is difficult to counter the problem experienced by
ambitious clubs without the full co-operation of the
feeder Leagues and the FAW pyramid committee. Clearly
there has to be a change. Ambitious clubs must be
allowed to proceed and the WPL can only benefit from a
regular injection of new blood. The least drastic
solution may well be a top four finish rather than a
top two as at present. This could well be acceptable
to the two feeder leagues especially if a club comes
down in return.
One
thing is certain. A solution has to be sought between
all interested parties for the good of the game and
especially for those many clubs that harbour the
ambition to reach the highest level.
However,
it should also be made clear to applicants that once
an application is made then they are committed to
moving up and that their application should be
tendered showing that they have a business plan
already in place to cope with the demands of playing
in the Welsh Premier League.
We’ll
see how things develop towards the end of the 2006-07
season…
WPL
TIMES
|
|
MAY-29 |
|
Welshpool
target 4 new signings
|
|
WELSHPOOL
Town manager Tommi Morgan has earmarked four new
signings to boost the Lilywhites pursuit of honours.
Morgan was delighted with his side’s top six finish
last season - the best in the club’s long history.
However Morgan refuses to rest on his laurels and has
vowed to strengthen.
“We have looked at a few new players but it is a
matter of bringing in new talent,” said Morgan. “I
will not be revealing the identities and it’s a
matter of watch this space.”
Calvin Davies is the only player to depart Maesydre
after falling foul of Morgan last month.
The striker turned out for Denbigh Town with the
player released by “mutual consent”.
County
Times
|
|
MAY-28 |
|
Wales secure
Four Nations title
|
|
Wales piped
England to the Four Nations Tournament title as they
won the competition by a solitary goal.
Both
teams won their final games on Saturday but after
finishing level on points at the top of the table
Wales took the crown on goals scored.
Two
goals from Les Davies and one from Chris Moore saw
Wales beat Ireland 3-0.
England
could not match that scoreline as goals from Justin
Richards and Craig Mackail-Smith limited them to a 2-0
victory over Scotland.
|
|
MAY-27 |
|
Neath
have to wait another week
|
|
Neath
will have to wait another week to see if their late
attempt to join the welsh premier is successful.
Llandarcy
Park was inspected again for the second time Thursday,
but league secretary John Deakin found little evidence
that anything has been resolved on the open side of
the ground adjoining the cricket square.
However,
Neath Athletic are adamant that the work will be
completed by early July, well ahead of the start of
league fixtures in mid August.
John
Deakin will now compile a report to place in front of
the league's board prior to the AGM.
They will decide if they are prepared to wait for
Llandarcy Park to be brought up to scratch to bring
the welsh premier league back up to 18 clubs for next
season.
|
|
MAY-27 |
|
Europe's
finest lie in wait for Llanelli
|
Next
month will signal arguably the most significant moment
in the history of Llanelli FC. The date - June 23. The
time - 1.30pm. The venue - Nyon, Geneva.
For
that is the time the Reds will be placed into the hat
along with a number of the continents' big names for
the Uefa Cup draw.
Three of the club's representatives are expected to be
at the Swiss venue to see who the club pull out in the
draw, which includes the likes of Danish outfit
Brondby, Swedes IFK Goteburg and fellow Welsh side
Rhyl.
The first and second legs will be played on July 13
and 27 - both scheduled for Tuesday night kick-offs.
If the Reds manage to progress past the first stage
they could face some of the competition's bigger
names.
In the second pool are Scottish giants Rangers, Greeks
Panathinaikos and Turkish side Trabzonspor. Landing
any one of those would unleash a huge cash boost for
the club.
|
|
MAY-27 |
|
Hardy
and Cotterrall share clubs top prize
|
Carmarthen
Town defender Luke Hardy and winger Nathan Cotterrall
have been jointly named as the club's Player of the
Year.
The
duo walked off with the top prize at a presentation
evening at the Royal Ivy Bush Hotel.
Hardy, who has been an ever-present in Town's back
line this season, is equally at home in midfield.
His versatility in being able to operate in midfield
when required provided manager Mark Jones with added
options.
Hardy's consistency throughout the season has
contributed hugely to the team's success.
Cotterrall was also instrumental in Town's successful
season as they qualified for the Intertoto Cup.
Having taken over the captaincy late in the season, he
scored several influential goals as the Richmond Park
outfit staged an impressive seven-match unbeaten run
that culminated in the club gaining a creditable
fourth place in the Welsh Premier League.
Midfielder Steffan Hughes received the Young Player of
the Year Award.
|
|
MAY-26 |
|
Hajgato
back for Ponty
|
Pontardawe Town have midfielder Geza Hajgato back for tonight's Shamrock Travel Cup final against second-division Penrhiwceiber at Maesteg Park (7.30pm).
Hajgato would have missed out last Friday but the final was postponed, owing to the waterlogged Tudor Park pitch. However, his return is countered by the loss of the dual-registered pairing of Lee John (Port Talbot Town) and Dale Griffiths (Merthyr Town).
Also ruled out is defender Jamie Rickard, as Ponty attempt to improve on last year's runners-up tag against Goytre United and lift the cup for a first time.
"Hopefully, we can lift the cup to round off a good first season back in the top flight," said Pontardawe Town spokesman Jonathan Wilsher.
|
|
MAY-25 |
|
Davenport
takes over at Colwyn Bay
|
Colwyn
Bay have appointed Peter Davenport as their new
manager this comes after last month's sacking of Adie
Jones.
The ex England player left Bangor City last December
and has been out of the game since despite applying
for a few vacant posts.
No doubt there will be changes to the back room and
playing staff following his arrival.
Tony
|
|
MAY-24 |
|
Wales
start off with a win
|
|
Wales
kicked off their Four Nations Tournament off in the
best possible way with a well-deserved 2-1 victory
over Scotland on a perfect Bognor Regis pitch. The
Welsh started well as the Scots struggled to gel as a
team and Andy Beattie’s side took the lead following
poor defensive work. Goal poacher Graham Evans from
the Welsh Premier League, winning his seventeenth cap
at this level, won a header unchallenged and after a
mis clearance, the TNS hitman coolly finished in the
bottom right corner.
Wales
doubled their lead as their passing became more fluent
and Dagenham striker Chris Moore, who has netted 18
goals in the Conference this year, took his chance
excellently. After chasing what seemed a lost cause,
he forced Mark Smith into an error before rounding
’keeper Ridgers and netting into an empty goal at a
very acute angle.
Evans
had a glorious chance to make it three and surely put
the game beyond their Northern counterparts, but a
late tug from Robert Brown unnerved the potent
marksman and his shot was saved.
The
Scots started the second half the better and seemed to
be lifted by a team talk from their vocal Manager
Tommy McIntyre. A chance fell to Neil McLean but his
miss-hit signalled that it wasn’t going to be the
Scots night. Beattie rang the changes for the Welsh,
as the chances came thick and fast, firstly for
debutante Les Davies and then Paul Roberts. The
creative Lee Fowler’s nifty footwork also created
space for a pile driver to hit the bar. Livewire
midfielder Paul Keddle was a handful all game down the
left flank and the centre backs, Matthew Coupe, Gethin
Jones and latterly substitute Wyn Thomas ensured that
Wales skipper Tony Roberts had a quiet game between
the sticks. He can surely take no blame foe the
Scottish goal, which stunned Beattie’s men, but was
as good a free-kick as you’ll see all summer. Iain
Thomson of Spartans struck from thirty yards with pace
and conviction and it sailed into the postage stamp.
Referee
Darren Deadman played five minutes of injury time,
which must have seemed an eternity for the Welsh side,
but they hung on for a deserved win and three points
to top the group with England, who beat a young Irish
team by two goals to nil. Welsh Manager Andy Beattie
stated “I’m pleased with the win, I though the
lads all did exactly what was asked of them and I’m
now focussed and looking forward to the next match
with England in Thursday.”
SCOTLAND
v WALES
Tuesday
23rd May 2006
Bognor
Regis Town FC
SCOTLAND
1 - 2
WALES
1.
Alexander Ridgers (Clachnacuddin)
1. Tony Roberts (C) (Dag.& Redbridge)
2.
Mark Smith (Deveronvale)
2. Matthew Coupe (Bath City)
4.
Iain Thomson (Spartans)
3. Paul Keddle (Methyr Tydfil)
5.
Jonathan Seeley (Spartans)
4. Darren Jones (Forest Green Rovers)
6.
Robert Brown (C) (Deveronvale)
5. Gethin Jones (Bath City)
7.
Anthony Low (Nairn County)
7. Chris Bale (Tiverton Town)
8.
Martin Gunn (Wick Academy)
8. Chris Holloway (Tiverton Town)
9.
Stuart McKay (Inveurie Loco Works)
9. Graham Evans (TNS)
11.
Neil McLean (Inveurie Loco Works)
12. Lee Fowler (Scarborough)
15.
Mark Chisholm ( Deveronvale)
17. Damon Searle (Newport County)
19.
Lewis MacKinnon (Forres Mechanics)
18. Chris Moore (Dag.& Redbridge)
Substitutes
3.
Steven Mackay (Forres Mechanics)
21. Lee Kendall (Haverfordwest County)
10.
Craig McMillan (Forres Mechanics)
6. Wyn Thomas (Haverfordwest County)
12.
Andrew Shearer (Keith)
11. Nathan Davies
(Newport County)
14.
Sean McAuley (Preston Athletic)
14. Les Davies (CPD Porthmadog)
16.
Stewart Fowlie (Spartans)
15. Adrian Harris (Bath City)
17.
Ross MacNamara (Edinburgh
City)
16. Paul Roberts (Bangor City)
Substitutions
Made
C.
McMillan for L. MacKinnon (57)
L. Davies for G. Evans (53)
S.
McAuley for J. Seeley (68)
W. Thomas for M. Coupe (68)
S.
MacKay for A. Low (78)
P. Roberts for C. Moore (73)
A.
Harris for L. Fowler (77)
N.
Davies for G. Bale (80)
Goals
I.
Thomson (71)
G. Evans (14)
C.
Moore (25)
REFEREE
– D. Deadman (England)
ASSISTANTS
– D. Buck (Kent FA), A. A. Laver (Hampshire FA)
4th
OFFICIAL – M. Gough (Republic of Ireland)
Attendance
- 500
|
|
MAY-23 |
|
Neath's
future to be decided tomorrow
|
|
Neath
Athletic will thrash out their football future
tomorrow.
They
are in line for promotion from the Welsh League after
finishing as runners-up, but need help if they are to
make the step up.
'We
are keen to go up as a club, but we need to talk
through a few details,' said club secretary Tony
Melding.
'Hopefully
we can find a solution.'
John
Deakin, secretary of the Vauxhall MasterFit Welsh
Premier League, will visit Neath's Llandarcy Park
ground tomorrow for talks.
The main
issue concerns the area where the football and cricket
grounds meet.
Terry
Phillips, South Wales Echo
|
|
MAY-22 |
|
Neath
want to take Goytre's place
|
Neath
Athletic's players are backing the club's 11th-hour
bid to fill the vacuum in the Vauxhall Masterfit Welsh
Premiership.
Following
a decision last week by Macron Welsh League champions
Goytre United to turn down promotion, the Llandarcy
Park club convened a players' meeting yesterday.
However, Neath, who finished runners-up to Goytre in
the Welsh League, now face a key meeting this week
with Welsh Premiership secretary John Deakin.
Work on bringing Llandarcy Park up to the required
ground criteria gets underway this week, and it
remains to be seen whether the Welsh Premiership give
them time to complete that work.
What could count in Neath's favour is that the Welsh
Premiership has been reduced to just 17 clubs.
Grange Quins have taken voluntary relegation back to
the Welsh League, and with the Cymru Alliance not
putting forward a suitable candidate, it has left the
Welsh Premiership a club short.
''The players are up for it, but the decision is now
out of our hands,'' said Neath Athletic manager Andrew
Dyer.
A decision has to be made ahead of the Welsh
Premiership AGM in Llandrindod Wells on June 3 that
will rubber stamp membership issues.
Tony
Poole
|
|
MAY-22 |
|
Sully's
legal threat
|
|
Sully
Sports are threatening legal action after being turned
down for promotion by a Welsh Football League
inspection team.
The
team ruled South Wales Senior League champions Sully's
ground, does not match to League regulations - they do
not have a permanent stand.
'We
are considering legal action, we feel strongly about
this,' said a Sully spokesman.
icswales
|
|
MAY-22 |
|
2nd
high profile player leaves PTT
|
|
The
2nd high profile player has left neighbours Port
Talbot Town.
Following
the departure of welsh premier league's top marks man
Rhys Griffiths, who has left to take up a full time
contract, the latest player to leave is club Captain
Gareth Phillips, Phillips looks to be heading to join
Merthyr Tydfil from the southern league.
Port
Talbot are becoming victims of their own success from
last seasons record braking performances on the pitch.
Tony
|
|
MAY-21 |
|
Cwmbran
win U21 final
|
|
Cwmbran
Town won the inaugural U21 competition by beating
Bangor City 2-1 at the home of Rhayader, but they had
to do it the hard way after Bangor had battered
Cwmbran in the first half.
Bangor
started brightly when a Craig Tipton looked to have
given City an early lead but the referee spotted a
linesman's flag and awarded Cwmbran a free kick
instead. It ended all square after 45 minutes.
Bangor
took the lead on 58 minutes, when Craig Tipton
hammered the ball in to the net from eight yards out.
But
it was Cwmbran who took the honours with two goals in
four minutes scored by Chris Pearce and Joseph
Carless.
|
|
MAY-20 |
|
Shamrock
cup final a wash out
|
|
Last
night's Shamrock Travel Cup final at Tudor Park
Maesteg fell victim to the heavy rain.
The
game, between Pontardawe Town and Penrhiwceiber, has
now been rescheduled for next Friday at the same
venue, 7.30pm kick-off.
|
|
MAY-19 |
|
JESCO
announce the purchase of Robert Jones's shares
|
|
As part
of the original deal, JESCO group yesterday bought the
balance of the shares held by Robert Jones.
This
was in line with the agreement made between the
parties at the time JESCO Group first bought into
Llanelli AFC. The balance of the shares remain with
Anthony Jones.
JESCO
Group wish to place on record its thanks to Robert
Jones who has been instrumental in working with JESCO
group to turn the Club around.
Although
he will relinquish his post as Chairman and Director
of Llanelli AFC Robert has been offered Life
Membership of the Club and his experience will
certainly be tapped into.
JESCO
Group are delighted that Anthony has kept his shares
and continues to act as a Director of the Club.
Llanelli AFC will benefit from his knowledge and
understanding of the game and his business skills.
No
further changes in ownership are envisaged.
Official
Llanelli AFC Website
|
|
MAY-19 |
|
Goytre
opt to stay in welsh league
|
|
Welsh
Football League Champions, Goytre United, informed the
Welsh Premier League today, that they would not accept
promotion for next season.
This
results in the real possibility that the Welsh Premier
will run with seventeen clubs in 2006/2007. The League
has contacted Welsh League Runners-Up, Neath Athletic
to contemplate whether the club are desirous of
promotion and a response is awaited.
Promotion
will be dependent on the club's compliance with the
Welsh Premier League ground criteria.
Cwmbran
Town, who finished in seventeenth place in the Welsh
Premier League have gained a reprieve from relegation
as a result of no Cymru Alliance club finishing in the
top two places in that League, from which there were
three applicants.
Flint
Town United came closest, finishing in an unlucky
third place. While, Grange Harlequins, who finished
bottom of the Welsh Premier League have already stated
their desire to return to Welsh League football
following a difficult Welsh Premier League
campaign.
Responding
to this news, Welsh Premier League Secretary John
Deakin said, "I am both disappointed and
frustrated by this news as a seventeen club League is
far from ideal and will result in one of our members
being inactive on each Saturday next season.
It is
particularly annoying that we have three clubs in the
North; Flint, Llandudno and Llangefni Town, who are
keen to join our League, but their ambitions have been
frustrated by clubs who have finished above them and
are not interested in promotion and I consider the
current system discriminates against ambitious
clubs."
Andrew
Howard FAW
|
|
MAY-19 |
|
League
to rule on possible play-off
|
|
Sully
Sports and Llangeinor will find out tonight whether
they must play off for promotion to the Macron Welsh
League.
The
inspection committee, comprising Dave Griffiths, Bob
Fry and Alan Watkins, inspected both grounds yesterday
and report to the League management committee tonight.
If
both are given the thumbs up then a play-off will be
hastily arranged to see which of them should go up.
But
if one is turned down then the other will be promoted.
Aberbargoed
Buds, from the Gwent League, and Neath's Llansawel
also had their grounds inspected yesterday and
decisions will be sent out to the clubs after
tonight's League management committee meeting.
Three
clubs can be promoted and, if the inspections were
successful, they will be Aberbargoed and Llansawel
plus Sully or Llangeinor.
Terry
Phillips, South Wales Echo
|
|
MAY-19 |
|
Macron
pull out of welsh league
|
Macron
have caused a shock by pulling the plug on a second
year of sponsorship with the Welsh League. It is
believed they became frustrated with a situation -
mainly in Cardiff and with the Gwent clubs - that saw
many games played without Macron balls.
They
came on board last year with clubs benefiting from kit
and balls, but the deal has come to grief within a
year.
The hunt is now on to find a new sponsor ahead of the
league's annual meeting at Maesteg Park on June 24.
However, there are hopeful signs that a new backer
will emerge before then.
Tony
Poole
|
|
MAY-19 |
|
Garw
escape points deduction
|
Garw
have got away with a rap over the knuckles from the
Welsh FA surrounding the alleged inclusion of Jamie
Morris as an ineligible player on 12 counts.
The Blandy club received confirmation earlier in the
week of a reprimand from the game's governing body,
warning them of their future conduct.
However, they did not impose a fine on either the club
or the player, and they will not be appealing against
the decision.
The episode will finally be put to rest when it is
raised at the next league management meeting on June
13.
This means in all probability that Garw will make an
immediate return to the top flight on a third-place
ticket.
The club who were set to benefit from an anticipated
36-point deduction against Garw was fourth-placed
Aberaman.
Evening
Post
|
|
MAY-19 |
|
Pontardawe
looking to lift Shamrock cup
|
In the
final act of an eventful season, Pontardawe will be
looking to go one better, and improve on last year's
losing finalists tag against Goytre United.
The Swansea Valley side will be without the cup-tied
pairing of Geza Hajgato and Sam Brown while they are
unlikely to include dual-registered players Dale
Griffiths (Merthyr Tydfil) or Lee John (Port Talbot
Town).
However, Ian Morgan is back from suspension, and he
will provide them with extra bite at the back.
''It would be a great way to round off a successful
first season back in the top division to lift the cup
for a first time,'' said Pontardawe Town spokesman
Jonathan Wilsher.
''But we won't be taking Penrhiwceiber lightly, as
there have been many tight battles between the clubs
in recent times.
''Hopefully, the boys will receive good support, and
we can finish the season on a high note.''
Evening
Post
|
|
MAY-18 |
|
Planners
back new stand for Port Talbot
|
PLANNERS
in Port Talbot are recommending approval of plans
for a new 750-seater stand at League of Wales club
Port Talbot AFC's Victoria Road Ground in Aberavon.
Some
local people have objected on the grounds of visual
intrusion and possible devaluation of properties.
But
Neath Port Talbot councillors who will discuss the
club's proposal today have been told by planning
officers it will not have an adverse impact on the
surrounding area.
South Wales Echo
|
|
MAY-18 |
|
Llanelli's
Euro tonic
|
|
Llanelli
have been given the go-ahead to play European
football in the town during 2006-7.
They
finished runners-up in the Welsh Premier League,
behind champions TNS, and qualified for the Uefa
Cup, but their Stebonheath Park ground doesn't meet
Uefa standards.
Llanelli,
though, have been given the go-ahead to play at
Stradey Park, home to the Llanelli Scarlets.
South Wales Echo
|
|
MAY-17 |
|
Only
a few weeks left for Barry Town
|
Barry Town have another month to find a way of returning to their traditional home at Jenner Park. If they don't, it looks certain the club will fold by the end of June.
The critical date, beyond which Barry could not carry on without a solution, is June 24 when the Macron Welsh League have their annual meeting. But they will demand news well before that date.
Owner Stuart Lovering is in contact with Vale of Glamorgan Council in a bid to find a way round a stand-off which has resulted from a club debt of £30,000-plus. They cannot use any council owned ground in the Vale of Glamorgan.
Lovering has asked for a new long-term lease at Jenner Park for Barry Town and offered to pay off the debt over the same period as the lease.
If agreement cannot be found between Lovering and the council then Lovering may have to sell Barry Town.
South Wales Echo
|
|
MAY-16 |
|
Sully Sports to get their ground inspection
|
Sully Sports have won their battle to be involved in the inspection process which could lead to their promotion to Macron Welsh League level.
The South Wales Senior League champions and Llangeinor, the South Wales Amateur League title winners, will both have their grounds inspected on Thursday by a three-man Welsh League committee comprising David Griffiths, Bob Fry and Alan Watkins.
Initially, Sully Sports were ruled out of an inspection because they do not have a stand. That is one of the facilities teams being promoted must have to move up to Welsh League level.
But Sully, where former Cwmbran Town player Jim Blackie is first team coach, insist they have a temporary stand and planning permission for a permanent stand.
If both Sully and Llangeinor are given the go-ahead on Thursday the two clubs would have to arrange a play-off for promotion from the South Wales FA.
Only one spot is available from South Wales, which means if one of the grounds does not pass the inspection then the other club would automatically be promoted.
The other clubs having their grounds inspected on Thursday are from Gwent - Aberbargoed Buds - and Neath.
South Wales Echo
|
|
MAY-16 |
|
Four
more clubs granted UEFA licence
|
|
PRESS
RELEASE
The
Football Association of Wales’ Club Licensing
Appeals Body met in Cardiff today to assess five
appeals made by the Welsh Premier League clubs for a
Club Licence in Season 2006/2007.
The
applications are based on Infrastructure available to
stage European qualifying matches, the coaching and
youth team set ups, the Legal status, the Personnel
and Administration of the club and the club’s
finances.
The
Independent Body were delighted to accept the appeals
of four of the Clubs today and grant Licenses to
Haverfordwest County, Llanelli AFC, Rhyl and Welshpool
Town. This means that Llanelli and Rhyl will both be
permitted to represent Wales in the UEFA Cup next
season, whilst TNS and Carmarthen Town, who were both
granted Licences at the first attempt in April, will
play in the Champions League and Intertoto Cup
respectively.
Port
Talbot Town just missed out on gaining a first ever
Club Licence, but went extremely close. Indeed, the
Appeals Body Chairman commented on the excellent
progression made by the Remax Stadium club, and he is
confident that they will be granted a Licence next
season.
FAW
|
|
MAY-16 |
|
Ace
Evans snubs new deal and quits
|
|
STRIKER
Graham Evans has left TNS after failing to agree terms
with the Welsh Premier champions.
The
Welsh semi-professional forward had been offered a
two-year full-time contract and also a part-time deal,
but has decided to part company the club.
He
is the second striker to leave the Saints in the last
week, following the departure of top scorer Marc Lloyd
Williams. Right back Martyn Naylor has also been
released.
Evans,
who joined TNS mid-season from Hereford United, played
just three full games after struggling with a back
injury.
The
25-year-old has been linked with a return to former
club Caersws, but said he would be keeping his options
open during the summer.
He
has been selected to play for the Wales
semi-professional side later this month in the
four-nations tournament in Sussex.
Daily
Post
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MAY-15 |
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D-DAY
for Goytre United
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Even
though Goytre United became Welsh League Division One
champions at the weekend, doubt remains as to whether
the Port Talbot club will take up their chance of a
place in next season's Welsh Premier League.
Goals
from captain Darren Lyons, Michael Waters and Paul
Lenihan gave them a 3-0 victory at Newport YM, but
after Lyons had lifted the championship trophy a club
source confirmed that officials will meet Monday to
discuss promotion to the Welsh Premier League.
So
with no team being promoted from either feeder league,
the Welsh Premier League have an ideal opportunity to
put their aim into action, and that is to reduce the
size of the league.
Grange
Quins are down, how far down will be decided. But if
the Welsh Premier League wished they could allow
Cwmbran to be relegated as well leaving the Welsh
Premier League with just 16 clubs, something they have
long called for.
Welshpool
were reprieved a few seasons ago due to pressure for
other Welsh Premier League clubs, because that would
have left the league with 17 clubs, but this time by
relegating Cwmbran as well it would leave an even 16
teams in the Welsh Premier League.
We
will have to wait and see whether next seasons Welsh
Premier League has 16, 17 or 18 teams?
Tony
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MAY-15 |
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Under
21 final set for Saturday
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This
under 21 final which will see southern winners Cwmbran
take on northern side Bangor City.
The
game will be played at Rhayader with a 2:30 kick off.
Bangor
will represent the north even though there are still games to be played,
but Bangor cannot be caught and the remaining games
are of little consequence.
Tony
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MAY-13 |
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Joy
for Goytre - Agony for Bettws
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Goytre
did what they had to do today at Mendalgief Road and
that was to secure a win and become welsh league
champions.
And
they did it in style by winning 3-0, Goytre had the
game wrapped in within 55 minutes, there first came
after just 3 minutes, and to ease the nerves they
doubled their lead a minute before the break.
The
club's committee will now meet next week to thrash out
the financial implications of making the jump up to
the welsh premier.
Spare
a thought for poor old Neath, top of the table for
most of the season only to be robbed on the final day,
but had they finished top there were doubts about
their ground being granted WPL status with access to
the cricket pitch issue sill unresolved.
But
Neath could still be promoted, if Goytre reject
promotion and Neath's ground plans are accepted by the
WPL, they will go up to replace Grange Quins, but if
Neath's place is rejected it's up to Grange Quins to
remain in the WPL or face a two division drop by
resigning from the league, which ever way its turns
out, its not all over yet.
While
Goytre were on cloud nine, Bettws are heading back to
division 2 after 3 seasons in the top division. A far
cry from the side that won the division title in their
first season after promotion.
They
are joined in relegation by another team promoted with
themselves 3 seasons ago, AFC Llywdcoed, who finished
bottom of the table.
The
race for the 3rd spot also went to the wire with
Maesteg and Pontardawe both winning and both finishing
on 63 points. Going into today's game they both had a
goal difference of +20, but Ponty's 4-2 win at
Byrntirion edged Maesteg's 2-1 home win over
Llywdcoed.
In
division 2, Garw ended their season with a 3-2 win
over Garden Village to come 3rd a point behind Croesyceiliog,
to make a swift return to division 1 at first time of
asking.
In
division 3 the 3 promotion places were already sorted,
but Treowen were battling for welsh league survival,
and they had to win today at home to promoted Cambrian
& Clydach to survive and send fellow Gwent club
Cwmbran Celtic straight back down. But it wasn't to be
for the Newbridge club as they suffered a 1-0 defeat
to end their long and successful career in the welsh
league. Assuming that is that 2 or more clubs will be
promoted from the feeder leagues.
And
so ends another season in the welsh league.
Tony
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MAY-12 |
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Nicholas
the man to take us forward
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Peter
Nicholas will lead the Reds next season with European
football at the top of his agenda. The former Arsenal
and Welsh midfielder took over from Spaniard Lucas
Cazorla in February and steered the club to second
place in the Welsh Premier League and into two cup
semi-finals.
By
securing Uefa Cup football for the first time in the
club's history, Nicholas is seen as the man to take
the club forward in its professional status.
Club director Nitin Parekh believes Nicholas's
appointment not only adds continuity, but also a clear
vision for the future.
"Peter has done a fantastic job," he said.
"We have fully believed in him and he has
delivered us success this season. His first game was
the cup match with TNS and we won that. His signings
have also been crucial. They have added a mental
steel. That, along with our skill and tactical
awareness, have made for a great season."
But the work at Stebonheath is clearly unfinished as
far as the club are concerned.
They will play in one of the continent's top
tournaments next season but are hungry for more
success.
Llanelli
Star
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MAY-12 |
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Treowen
must win final game to survive
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Treowen
Stars must win their final Division Three game of the
season against already promoted Cambrian and Clydach
tomorrow to remain in the Macron Welsh League
(kick-off 12 noon).
The
Stars suffered last-minute heartache last night at
home to West End who scored in the final minute of a
tense game, winning 1-0 to move top. A win tonight
over bottom club Penrhiwfer will give the
Swansea-based club the crown at the first time of
asking.
The
goal which broke Treowen hearts was a stunning finish
from Carl Smitham.
Richard
Davies, Treowen manager, said: “We put up a
tremendous show, especially the youngsters, and I can
hardly believe that we’ve been denied points by a
last-minute goal for the second successive game.”
South
Wales argus
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MAY-12 |
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Welsh
league round up
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Promoted
West End maintained their challenge for the Macron
Welsh League division three title with a 5-0 victory
over Llanwern at Pryderi Park. Goals from Rob Shannon
(two), Wayne Jones and Neil Phillips, along with an
Anthony Wright penalty, caused meltdown for the
Steelmen.
But
the Townhill side dropped two points in a 1-1 draw at
AFC Porth. Jones grabbed a 65th-minute equaliser.
Cwmamman played out an exciting 3-3 draw with Treowen
at Grenig Park with top scorer Stephen Williams on
target twice and Peter Windsor once.
In the first division, goals from Ryan Fahey and Jamie
Bowen carried Pontardawe Town to a 2-0 win over
Bryntirion at Briton Ferry.
Pontardawe are involved in a battle with Maesteg Park
for minor honours behind title protagonists Neath
Athletic and Goytre United
And Maesteg Park kept up their quest for a third-place
finish with a 3-1 victory at AFC Llwydcoed.Robbie
Walters scored two, with Paul Jones also on target.
Tony
Poole
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MAY-11 |
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Carmarthen
Inter-Toto dates confirmed
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The
dates for Carmarthen Town's Inter-Toto ties have been
finalised.
The
first leg at Tampere's Ratina Stadium will be played
on Saturday 17 June
The
2nd leg will be played at Newtown's Latham Park on
Saturday 24th May.
They
will be looking for a repeat of last season's triumph
when the beat Irelands Longford Town over 2 legs.
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MAY-10 |
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Welsh
league round up/preview
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Treowen
Stars were denied a victory under controversial
circumstances at Cwmmaman last night which would have
made their place in the Macron Welsh League safe.
The
Bush Park club were seeking a swift Division Three
double but had to settle for a 3-3 draw and still need
two points to be safe.
Their
last two matches are at home to the division’s top
two teams – West End tomorrow night and leaders
Cambrian and Clydach on Saturday.
Richard
Davies, Treowen’s manager, said: “They scored with
53 minutes of the second-half on the clock – and
even after that several minutes were played. I don’t
know where the referee got the time from. I was told
it was because of the substitutions.”
Treowen
took an early lead but then trailed 2-1, hitting back
with two more goals. Their goals came from Matthew
Hughes (2) and David Stephenson.
Davies
added: “Despite dropping points we live to fight
another day. The players fought like tigers and
they’re convinced they can beat West End tomorrow
night.”
Newport
YMCA will have a say in the destiny of the Division
One crown – and the future of title challengers
Goytre United who suffered a 4-1 home defeat against
big rivals Neath last Saturday in front of a 526
crowd, certainly the best league crowd for quite a
while.
South
Wales Argus
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MAY-10 |
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Cwmbran
Town stay up
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Cwmbran
Town will be playing welsh premier league football
next season.
And
they owe their survival to Glantraeth who last night
beat Cymru alliance champions Buckley Town 3-2 at
Globe Park.
That
now means Glantraeth will be crowed Cymru alliance
champions with one game remaining. Flint Town Utd who
had applied for promotion to the WPL will now finish
in 3rd place.
In
the welsh league last night Goytre move to within a
point of leaders Neath Ath following their 2-1 win
over Afan Lido at Glenhafod Park, but they must win
their final league game away to newly promoted Newport
YMCA to finish as welsh league champions and a
possible promotion to WPL. Some doubt has been raised
by the club who intend to hold a committee meeting if
they finish as champions, to see if they can financially
afford the jump up to the WPL. Webmaster
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MAY-10 |
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WPL
monthly awards winners
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Carmarthen
Town manager Mark Jones wins manager of the
month
A
well deserved award for Mark. Having guided the club
to European headlines he built on that success and the
side improved steadily throughout the season.
Culmination came in a terrific performance in April
when playing no less than seven
league matches they dropped only four points – in
home draws against Rhyl and Connah’s Quay.
This
followed five straight wins against Total Network
Solutions 2-1, NEWI Cefn Druids 3-0, at Grange
Harlequins 6-0, CPD Porthmadog 3-1 and at NEWI Cefn
Druids 2-1
The
run proved to be very effective as due to Rhyl’s
Welsh Cup win on Sunday Carmarthen now qualify for the
UEFA Intertoto Cup
Stuart
Jones of Llanelli wins player of the month
An
Aberystwyth-born product of the Swansea City youth
development system, he can play at right back or in
the centre of defence. When Stuart failed to stake a
regular claim at the Vetch he became Llanelli's first
full-time player since the Jock Stein era in the 50s
when he signed in June 2005.
In
his first season in the Welsh Premier League Stuart
has played 27 matches and in the process scored two
goals and has played a major part in Llanelli's most
successful season ever and will be looking forward to
displaying his skills on the European stage. Welsh
Premier Times
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MAY-09 |
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Grange may
avoid relegation from WPL
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Cardiff Grange Quins could yet be
reprieved from relegation to the Macron Welsh League -
but they could opt to go down anyway.
Quins have endured a desperate
season in the Vauxhall MasterFit Welsh Premier League,
had to stop paying their players and finished bottom
of the table.
It will almost be a relief for
Quins to start again at Welsh League level, but that
option is in doubt.
A situation could develop where
no clubs are promoted from either the Welsh League or
Cymru Alliance, which would mean a reprieve from
relegation for Cwmbran Town and Quins.
While it would take a club
meeting to decide on their future, it looks
inconceivable that Quins could take up that option and
would ask to go down anyway
According to the rules, though, a
voluntary resignation could result in a fine and
demotion past Division One to Division Two.
A decision would be made by the
Welsh Premier committee and league secretary John
Deakin said: 'I'm sure if that situation developed all
circumstances would be considered and common sense
would prevail.
Neath are four points |
