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

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

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

MAY-27

Hardy and Cotterrall share clubs top prize

MAY-26

Hajgato back for Ponty

MAY-25

Davenport takes over at Colwyn Bay

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 23^rd 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)

4^th 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.

Terry Phillips, South Wales Echo

MAY-22

Neath want to take Goytre's place

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

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

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

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

Tony Poole

MAY-19

Garw escape points deduction

Evening Post

MAY-19

Pontardawe looking to lift Shamrock cup

Evening Post

MAY-18

Planners back new stand for Port Talbot

South Wales Echo

MAY-18

Llanelli's Euro tonic

South Wales Echo

MAY-17

Only a few weeks left for Barry Town

South Wales Echo

MAY-16

Sully Sports to get their ground inspection

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

MAY-15

D-DAY for Goytre United

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

MAY-15

Under 21 final set for Saturday

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

MAY-13

Joy for Goytre - Agony for Bettws

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

MAY-12

Nicholas the man to take us forward

Llanelli Star

MAY-12

Treowen must win final game to survive

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

MAY-12

Welsh league round up

Tony Poole

MAY-11

Carmarthen Inter-Toto dates confirmed

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.

MAY-10

Welsh league round up/preview

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

MAY-10

Cwmbran Town stay up

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

MAY-10

WPL monthly awards winners

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

MAY-09

Grange may avoid relegation from WPL

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 clear, but Goytre have two games left, at home to Afan Lido tonight followed by Saturday's trip to Newport YMCA.

Both have applied for promotion, but Neath still have an unresolved problem with the cricket pitch at their ground.

Goytre, meanwhile, are still working out their finances and will have a committee meeting if they win their last two games and finish as champions.

In North Wales, Buckley Town are champions of the Cymru Alliance, but they have not applied for promotion.

Flint Town United lie second and are keen to go up, but third-placed Glantraeth have two games in hand - against Buckley tonight and then Lex XI.

A win in either of those matches would put Glantraeth second - and they have not applied for promotion either.

That could leave Quins in a position of staying up, leaving the league to make a decision.

Western Mail

MAY-09

TNS plans new name after auction

The auction to find a new sponsor - and with it a new name - closed on Thursday, but the top bid of £170,300 was below the reserve price, said TNS.

The club said "high-profile" companies were interested in backing the team, from Llansantffraid in Powys.

The week-long auction on online site e-Bay attracted 77 bidders.

It is believed to be the first time a football club has used the internet to secure this kind of sponsorship deal.

The club have been looking for a sponsor since TNS Ltd, the firm behind the team, was bought by British Telecom (BT) who do not plan to sponsor the team.

Western Mail

MAY-09

Turmoil as ton face the drop

Ton Pentre are still in grave danger of being relegated from Macron Welsh League Division One.

Last season's champions are on the brink of tumbling into Division Two.

And their cause has not been helped by a public row between manager Kevin Richards and Carl Thomas.

Top striker Thomas, Ton's leading scorer for the last six seasons, threw his shirt into Richards' face after being loudly criticised from the dug-out.

Thomas was booked as he stormed off the pitch and out of Ton Pentre's relegation battle.

The Rhondda Bulldogs must now win their final match, at Ely Rangers tomorrow evening, to make sure of staying up.

The clash with Ely is at Station Road, Wenvoe (6.30pm) and one of the biggest games in the history of Ton Pentre, a club who have never been relegated.

Terry Phillips, South Wales Echo

MAY-09

Welsh league round up

The 1-1 draw between Betws and Taffs Well struck more bad news for defending champions Ton Pentre.

A win at Ely Rangers tomorrow would keep them up, but a failure to do so would leave Betws looking for just a point to stay up at Bridgend Town on Friday evening. Goals from Ben Tholma (2) and Dan Hooper set up a 3-1 home victory for Ely Rangers over Pontardawe Town. Richard Cleverly netted for Ponty.

A Shaun Chappell double carried relegated AFC Llwydcoed to a 2-1 home win over Bryntirion, who had Michael Hartley on target.

The second division produced a goal fest, with Ammanford playing out a 4-4 draw with visiting Caldicot.

Incredibly, the Rice Roaders were never in front, with Paul Jones (2), Nathan McNeil and top scorer Luke Fayers all coming up with equalisers.

But yesterday Ammanford suffered a 1-0 home defeat against Pontyclun, the only goal coming from Geraint Williams on the half hour.

Also yesterday, Garden Village gained a rousing 3-2 home victory over promoted Croesyceiliog, with four goals coming in the last 10 minutes.

A 17th-minute goal from Chris Thomas sent Village ahead, with Jody Jenkins equalising in the 80th minute.

But goals from Nigel Rogers and Ashley Richards sent Village clear before Jamie Jenkins completed the scoring right on time.

Morriston registered a 6-1 win over relegated Gwynfi United at the Cape, though at half-time the sides were locked at 1-1.

Ex-Swan Jonathan Coates gave the Dingle men the lead, with Nathan Jones striking a superb equaliser.

But the Swansea side pulled clear in the second half, Coates completing a hat-trick while their other goals were supplied by Dean Rosselli (2) and Michael Chapman.

An 85th-minute goal from Lewis Williams saw Garw triumph 1-0 at Abertillery - and with it came promotion.

However, Garw's case for playing an ineligible player on 12 occasions will be heard by the Welsh FA this Friday.

Porthcawl lost their battle to avoid the drop, going down 3-1 at Troedyrhiw, Steve Atkinson getting a consolation goal.

And in the third division, West End celebrated promotion after beating Goytre FC 4-1 at Pryderi Park.

Goals from Neil Phillips (2), Carl Smitham and Anthony Wright did the trick for the Townhill side, who are still eyeing up the title.

Games on four successive days, commencing at home to Llanwern tomorrow, will determine their quest.

But the three other local sides all lost, Seven Sisters going down 1-0 at home to Treharris while Cwmamman suffered a 2-0 defeat at Treowen and had Jeffrey Aspell sent off.

And Blaenrhondda took a possible final curtain on the circuit with a 4-0 home win over Ystradgynlais.

Tony Poole

MAY-09

Glantraeth win league cup

GLANTRAETH won the Cymru Alliance League Cup at the weekend - but only after a penalty shoot-out with Bala Town in a pulsating final, writes Chris Smart.

The regulation 90 minutes failed to produce a goal and the extra-time period remained scoreless as well, but Glantraeth triumphed 5-3 on penalties to lift the trophy.

Now Glantraeth could in the next week deny Flint Town the chance to finish second in the league and secure promotion to the Welsh Premier.

Currently Flint are in second spot but with their programme complete and Glantraeth two points behind with two games remaining and they boast a superior goal difference.

This means that Glantraeth need just two points from their games at champions Buckley tomorrow night and at home to Lex XI on Saturday.

Western Mail

MAY-08

Port Talbot finish bottom

Two games were played yesterday in the under 19 league, Haverfordwest comprehensively beat Pontardawe 7-2 and in the battle to avoid the wooden spoon Morriston beat Port Talbot 3-0.

No team made any moves following the two results, Haverfordwest finish as they were in 4th place with Ponty in 5th, but Morriston's win over Port ensures that Port Talbot take the wooden spoon, Port have one game remaining away to us on May 10th in the final game of the league campaign.

View table

Webmaster

MAY-08

Big game for Goytre Tuesday

Tuesday night is a massive game for local rivals Goytre Utd.

We take on our neighbours in a make or break game for the village side, nothing other than a win will keep Goytre's hopes of welsh premier league soccer alive.

Tuesdays game would have had nothing at stake had Goytre beaten Neath at Glenhafod Park, but Neath who have had a long rest before the game on Saturday, while Goytre have have a league game almost every 3 days.

Carl Shaw scored Neath's first and Ryan Francombe doubled Neath's lead for the away side to go in at half time 2-0 up, Goytre's cause took a turn for the worse when Chandler was shown the red card for a 2nd bookable offence.

David D'Auria added a third 3 minutes into the 2nd half with a fine taken free kick, Richard Ryan gave the home side a brief hope to make it 3-1, but in the last minute Neath's Hill made it 4-1.

Not only to Goytre have to beat us on Tuesday but they must also travel to face Newport YMCA on May 13th and they must win that game also to see their ambitions of playing in the welsh premier league next season.

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Webmaster

MAY-06

Town future for Griffiths?

PORT Talbot have began the battle to hold on to star striker Rhys Griffiths as they look to build for next season.

The Welsh Premiership golden boot winner has been consistently impressive this season, netting 39 times, and Town boss Wayne Davies knows his No9 has caught the eye.

He said: "I would be amazed if there wasn't interest in Rhys given the amount of goals he's scored this season, his record is fantastic.

"So obviously people will be looking at him, but at the end of the day it's Rhys's decision.

"If he wants to move on to try to better himself then that's up to him and we will wish him well. But it goes without saying that we want him to stay."

Davies feels that while his star striker has done the business on the field, the club have worked with him to hone his skills and make him the deadly marksman he is.

He said: "We have done our bit as a club and turned him into a golden boot winner, so hopefully some of that loyalty will be repaid, but we'll have to wait and see."

South Wales Echo

MAY-06

Flint Town keep Crows sweating

Cwmbran Town are still nervously waiting for the Cymru Alliance season to finish.

Flint Town United's 4-1 home win over Guilsfield last night moved them back into second place - and a promotion berth.

If Flint, who have completed their fixtures, stay there the North Walians will go up and Cwmbran will be relegated from the Vauxhall MasterFit Welsh Premier League.

But third-placed Glantraeth, who are not in line for promotion, still have two matches left and two points would be enough to edge out Flint.

And if that happens then the Crows, one of six ever presents since the League of Wales was formed, will stay up.

South Wales Echo

MAY-05

SPANIARD SWEEPS THE BOARDS

Spaniard Ivan Nofuentes completed his first season in Welsh football by scooping two awards at Llanelli FC's supporters' association awards night.

The popular midfielder won both the players' player awards and the supporters' award after a super season. Since his arrival from Spain, Nofuentes has bagged 19 goals from 36 league and cup games.

His mazy runs and creativity have played a major part in the club's success this season.

His achievements don't just stop within the club, however.

Along with fellow Reds duo Gary Lloyd and Jacob Mingorance, Nofuentes has been included in the Welsh Premier League team of the year.

Nofuentes was also in the running for player of the year, as voted by the league managers.

He came third overall with Port Talbot's Rhys Griffiths scooping the top award

Evening Post

MAY-05

Goytre look to wrap up title

Leaders Neath Athletic and Goytre United clash at Glenhafod Park tomorrow in the Macron Welsh League division one match of the season.

A victory for Goytre, who trail Neath by a point with two games in hand, will give them the title - and promotion to the Vauxhall Masterfit Welsh Premiership. The Port Talbot side have successfully played catch up over the last month to wipe out a 15-point deficit.

On the other hand, if Neath win their final game of the season - to extend their lead to four points - Goytre have two remaining matches to turn things around.

They entertain Afan Lido in a derby clash next Tuesday, and head for Newport YMCA a week tomorrow.

The Llandarcy Park side have been on the sidelines since winning 2-1 at Bryntirion almost a fortnight ago.

Although Briton Ferry and AFC Llwydcoed have failed to beat the drop, the battle to avoid the other relegation spot goes on.

A key clash will unfold at Maesteg Park between Betws and Taffs Well while Ely Rangers will be scrapping for points at home to Pontardawe Town.

In the second division, Pontypridd Town and Croesyceiliog have been promoted while a victory for Garw at Abertillery tomorrow will take them straight back to the top flight.

However, Garw could still face a massive points deduction if an imminent Welsh FA inquiry finds them guilty of playing an ineligible player.

Tony Poole

MAY-05

Whispers cause duo to resign

Manager Beattie and assistant Relish, both Gwent based, offered to quit "because of whispers in the corridors of power" following the announcement of the squad.

Fingers of criticism - including Alun Evans, chairman of the Welsh Premier League - have been pointed in their direction because they have not swamped the squad with home-based players.

Beattie, who is also Wales team manager for the women's under-17s, under-19s and seniors, said: "John and I have heard that there are people who are not happy. Obviously we do not want to stay if people are unhappy with us. But, of course, none have spoken to us!

"We have heard these whispers in the corridors of power and we have offered our resignation, but have been asked to stay until the end of the tournament."

Relish, team chief at Southern League Bath City who he has led to a play-off place, said: "I am part of the team and Andrew and I work together. If he decides to leave then I will follow suit."

Evans, former top official with the Football Association of Wales, has bemoaned the lack of Welsh Premier League representation in the squad which includes those in the Conference, one step from the Football League.

In the past Wales has selected a squad of home-based players but are now selecting the squad they consider the best available - as has happened on the majority of occasions.

But this doesn't suit Evans, who should be reminded that Beattie and Relish were turned down by players within the Welsh national structure.

South Wales Argus

MAY-04

It's make or break time for City

ON SUNDAY Bangor City have a huge opportunity to end what has been an up-and-down season on an almighty high but, with injury doubts hanging over some of their key players, the men on the park come the Welsh Cup final against Rhyl are going to have to put in a massive effort.

By City's standards, their Welsh Premier League campaign has been disappointing but that will all be forgotten if they can do what they did against Carmarthen Town in the quarter-finals and Llanelli in the semis and beat the odds to secure the club's sixth Welsh Cup.

It's not going to be easy. Rhyl go into the big game at Wrexham's Racecourse in good form and Bangor have a serious injury headache.

Player-boss Clayton Blackmore is 50-50 with an ankle ligament injury while captain, semi-final hero and fan's player of the year Paul O'Neill is also racing against time to be fit. Adam Docker and Michael Walsh are both out.

Daily Post

MAY-04

Cwmbran won't appeal points deduction

The three-man Welsh Premier League commission who met on Thursday decided to take a point away from the Crows for every appearance made by ineligible players Michael Binning and Nicky Ward, as well as slapping them with a £200 fine.

Cwmbran officials knew about their fate prior to the game on Saturday but chose not to make it known so that the players' performance was not affected, and Sean Wharton's men duly took the spoils.

While the club firmly believes the league sanctions were unjustified, they will no longer pursue the matter and will instead turn their attention on the Cymru Alliance in the hope results go their way to preserve their top-flight status.

Club secretary Ian Greaney said: "It was a really important win on Saturday. If we had lost then Grange Quins would have had a real chance of pushing us to the bottom of the league and sealing our relegation.

"But now we have finished one from bottom it would seem to be the end of the matter and there would be little point in appealing against the decision.

"We did expect some sort of points deduction but certainly nothing as severe as that. But while we believe the punishment is rather harsh and goes against the rules as laid out in the league handbook, the 13 points no longer makes a difference to our position.

"Now we are reliant on the outcome of the Cymru Alliance and we are hoping results go our way to help us keep our Welsh Premier League status.

South Wales Argus

MAY-04

Flint Town must win tonight

Flint Town go into tonight's last game of the season at home to Guilsfield knowing they must win to keep alive their promotion hopes, writes Mike McEvoy.

A win would guarantee third place for Flint, who would then need Glantraeth, currently one point ahead, to take just one point from their last two games.

Flint manager Dai Beck said: "If we miss out it will be the three points we had deducted over a change of fixture request that will have cost us."

Daily Post

MAY-03

Ex Barry manager attacks council

Former Barry Town manager David Giles has labelled the Vale of Glamorgan council an 'absolute disgrace' for not backing the Dragons in their hour of need.

Echo columnist Giles managed the team with brother Paul to three League of Wales titles, but the club could be on its way out altogether due to rental arrears owed.

'The local council should have backed their football team, I'm sure plenty of councillors were wined and dined when the club hosted their big European football nights at Jenner Park.

'The club over the years has done more for the Barry area and community than anybody could have imagined, yet the ground fees are too high.

'If the club does go under I hope the people in power will be pleased with themselves because it has been more than a football club to the area.

'Barry were the flagship of the League of Wales and there were plenty of people who wanted to be associated with them throughout the good times. Now in it's hour of need the club needs backing instead of being kicked while it is down.'

South Wales Echo

MAY-03

TNS release hot shot Lloyd Williams

TNS have released their top scorer for the last two seasons, Marc Lloyd Williams joined TNS two years ago and scored 60 goals for TNS in that time.

In his time at Treflan he won the golden boot in his first full season, and came runner up to Port Talbot's Rhys Griffiths this season.

But probably his best achievement was being the first player to score over 200 goals in the welsh premier league.

Meanwhile at TNS the Ebay auction for a new sponsor continues, but most fans must be delighted that Txtchix.com bid has been surpassed, by gilfachg. Not many fans on the side line must have relished the though of shouting "C'mon the Txtchix.com, come to think of it how many want to shout "up the gilfachg" sounds painful.

Webmaster

MAY-03

It's tough at the bottom

Ton Pentre face the prospect of playing in division 2 next season, having dominated the welsh league for the past number of years.

With AFC Llwydcoed and Briton Ferry already relegated, there are 5 clubs who can still fill the last remaining relegation place. Ely Rangers, Caerleon, Ton Pentre, Taffs Well and Bettws are all hanging on by their fingertips, Caerleon's plight must seem the most difficult as they have played their last game and must wait to see where the results leave them. But the biggest surprise team of those 5 has to be Ton Pentre.

Ton Pentre's recent poor form has seen them drop to within a point of the relegation places. Tomorrow they play Pontardawe at Ynys Park and a win is vital to there staying in the top flight. They have lost their last 6 games and have conceded 19 goals. In fact they have won only once in their last 8 games, and it has seen them drop from mid-table to 14th.

A win tonight would guarantee them survival as it would take above Caerleon and safe from being overtaken by Taffs Well as they have a 7 goal difference advantage over the Well.

Bettws have 3 games left and one win would see them safe as they would leap frog Caerleon. The outcome of the final relegation place could be decided on Saturday when Bettws host Taffs Well, defeat for Taffs Well will decide the whole relegation issue as they will be relegated, but defeat For the bulldogs tomorrow will leave them sweating until Saturday.

Remaining relegation games.

Webmaster

MAY-02

Cwmbran may be thrown lifeline

Cwmbran Town could yet survive in the Vauxhall MasterFit Welsh Premier League.

Their future at the top level of Welsh domestic football depends on who finishes in the top two of the Cymru Alliance.

Buckley Town are currently top with Anglesey-based Glantraeth second - and if that doesn't change then, as neither are up for promotion, only one club would be relegated from the Welsh Premier and Cwmbran would survive.

Flint Town United could still grab second spot, but they have to beat Guilsfield on Thursday to move second - and, if they achieve that, hope Glantraeth fail to beat Buckley and Penrhyncoch in their last two matches.

South Wales Echo

MAY-01

Barry Town's final match before folding?

Barry Town could be playing their final match before folding.

The Dragons have to play home matches outside the Vale of Glamorgan and their current base is at AFC Treforest, Pontypridd.

But that stadium will not be available to them next season and unless a way can be found for Barry to return to Jenner Park in their home town then they look certain to be forced to fold.

South Wales Echo

MAY-02

West End U19 sign off with a win

West end completed their under 19 fixtures with a top versus bottom clash at Prideri Park against Port Talbot.

The bottom club ran them close before losing 3-2. The win for West End see's them finish 7 points clear of 2nd placed Britton Ferry (they also had a point deducted)

The remaining fixtures for the under 19 league are

View table

MAY-01

Cwmbran docked 13 points

A 13-POINT deduction for fielding ineligible players destroyed Cwmbran's hopes of avoiding relegation, so this victory at Airbus was all the more commendable.

Crows secretary Ian Greaney said, "We feel the punishment is unacceptable as we only totalled seven points while the players concerned were ineligible.

"We will be considering what further steps can be taken as how can the commission impose a points deduction higher than stated in their league rules?"

Cwmbran could yet have another escape route as the battle is hotting up in the Cymru Alliance promotion race and it's by no means certain an eligible club will win through.

South Wales Argus

MAY-01

TNS sign off in style

TNS ended their magnificent season in style when they easily overcame a tired challenge from Port Talbot to land the League Cup at Aberystwyth.

It completed a league and cup double for Ken McKenna's side whose season began in glory in Europe and ended in triumph in Ceredigion.

There was never any doubt over the outcome as TNS treated their supporters to a football exhibition that was too hot for Port Talbot to handle.

A heavy end-of-season schedule, coupled with the loss of a number of key players, proved too great a handicap for Wayne Davies' men.

Although Michael Wilde was the hero as far as the Treflan club's supporters were concerned - he bagged a brilliant hat-trick with Nicky Ward netting the other goal - McKenna was reluctant to single out any of his players.

"They were all magnificent and we played some fantastic football on a terrible pitch, one of the worst we've played on all season," he said.

"I asked the players for a big performance to finish the season and I certainly got one.

"It caps a great season for us and I will now be sitting down with chairman Mike Harris to discuss the comings and goings for next season."

Davies was philosophical in defeat as he said, "TNS were much too good for us.

"We've no complaints as they were excellent. We were OK, but that was never going to be good enough, though we thoroughly enjoyed the experience of reaching our first final. My lads have had a great season but we all now need a good break to recharge our batteries."

Western Mail

MAY-01

Rhyl and Llanelli fail to sparkle

WITH both sides already qualified for Europe and Rhyl having one eye on next weekend's Welsh Cup final against Bangor, the promised classic never materialised.

All of which was disappointing as Gary Lloyd inspired the 10th-minute opener for the Reds which should have been the catalysed for an entertaining encounter.

The former Wales U21 international floated his trademark free-kick into the box and Nick Harrhy's glancing header proved too good for Rhyl keeper John Gann.

Gary Powell nearly levelled for the Lilywhites, but his goalbound effort was cleared off the line by Anthony Corbisiero. At the other end, Cortez Belle fired a shot just over the bar.

Rhyl's equaliser will beg questions of the home defence from manger Peter Nicholas as a routine cross was poorly dealt with and Lee Hunt headed past Duncan Roberts.

Western Mail

MAY-01

Welsh league round up

GOYTRE United kept alive their Division One title hopes with a 2-0 home victory over Bryntirion Athletic, keeping leaders Neath - without a game yesterday - within their sights.

Two Kevin Bartley goals kept them in the race.

Bettws surprised Pontardawe 2-0 in a game played at Bridgend - Anthony Rawlins did the damage with a goal in each half.

Lawrence Davies and Mark Hennessey's goals helped Taffs Well dispose of struggling AFC Llwydcoed, while Briton Ferry beat Cardiff-based Ely Rangers 2-1, which saw a goalless second half. In the only other Division One encounter Newport YMCA beat the students of UWIC 3-1.

Faris Yafai, Aaron Stewart and John Pardue netted for the home side. The only reply for the visitors came from Simon Small.

Runaway Second Division leaders Pontypridd will not realise their ambition of completing the season unbeaten - they suffered their first defeat of the campaign yesterday going down 2-0 at Pontyclun. Tyrone Pope, from the penalty spot, and Jason Smith were the scorers.

Wales on Sunday