Airbus UK Broughton
Football Club
The Wingmakers -
October 2009 Welsh Premier News
.
October
31 Reds dump Carmarthen out of the cup
A Rhys Griffiths hat-trick dumped Carmarthen Town out
of the Welsh Cup on Friday evening. Despite having
considerable possession Town were unable to take their
chances and were punished by Griffiths as the Reds booked
their place in the next round of the competition.
With manager Deryn Brace making one change from last
weekend Nathan Cotterrall reclaimed his starting place at
the expense of Dyfan Pierce.
But it was the hosts that made the perfect start when
'Golden Boot' Rhys Griffiths found the back of the net
from close in on 12 minutes after Craig Moses out on the
right had picked up on a Reds long goal kick and crossed
into the box.
Just before the half hour mark Town looked to have
levelled when Mark Dodds netted Cotterrall's free kick but
was adjudged to have fouled the keeper. With very little
between the sides a good move down the right saw Tim
Hicks, in front of goal, volley over just before the
break.
Ten minutes after the restart Brace sent on Danny
Thomas for Neil Smothers and just after the hour Town were
level. Paul Fowler went through the middle and having
chipped the ball in Hicks controlled the ball well on his
chest before left footing home.
With Town making the running Mark Pritchard
dispossessed keeper Ashley Morris but sent his shot from
the floor wide of the mark before Danny Thomas' shot was
deflected wide after Hicks had provided from the flank.
But it was the Reds who regained the lead, with the
ball coming down the left and Griffiths applying the
finish with five minutes to go. Then, in injury time,
Griffiths claimed his hat-trick as he put Llanelli's name
in hat.
www.carmarthentownafc.net
October 29 League cup semi-Final draw
The draw was made for the two semi finals of the
Loosemores cup, with Rhyl and TNS avoiding each other.
TNS have been drawn against Port Talbot, and neighbours
Connahs Quay meet Rhyl in the other semi. Port Talbot
are at home in the first leg on Tuesday 10th of November
with the return on November 17th at Park Hall. Connahs
Quay are at home to Rhyl at the Deeside also on the 10th
of November and the return at Belle Vue 7 days later. It's
the first time in 13 years that Nomads have reached the
semi final stage, the last time they went onto win the
trophy beating Ebbw Vale in the final 1-0 played at
Caersws.
October 28
Aber start interviews for manager
Aberystwyth Town FC has began interviewing
candidates for the vacant managerial post, vacated by Brian Coyne and assistant
Jake King last month.
The board interviewed Bangor City’s assistant boss Alan Morgan on Monday, and
has confirmed that former Llanelli manager Leighton James has also applied for
the vacant position.
However, the club has stressed that it will not be rushed into making a
decision, and it is possible that caretaker boss Christian Edwards may also
consider an assistant manager’s position.
Managing director Tony Bates said: “We expect to be interviewing over the next
couple of weeks, but we are doing so thoroughly as we are anxious to get the
management structure right.
“This season is a watershed for teams in the Welsh Premier League, with the drop
to 12 teams for next year, and we are giving it careful consideration.”
With stricter criteria regarding the coaching qualifications of managers in the
new Super 12 set to come into force, the Aber board is having to scrutinise the
credentials of each applicant.
Inside sources at the club have revealed that the club has received over a dozen
applications, including former Llanelli chief Peter Nicholas and ex-Rhyl head
coach Allan Bickerstaff.
Last week it was also confirmed that former Aberystwyth strikers Ryan Nicholls
and Gavin Allen, and Aber’s ex-assistant manager Martyn Griffiths had also
applied for the managerial post.
A statement from the board said: “The club has started interviewing a shortlist
of candidates for the post of manager, having considered the logistics of
travel, and their previous experience.
“It is impossible to hold all the interviews on the same evening, but we are
hoping that they will be completed by 2 November.
“Once everyone is seen, an announcement can be expected after personal terms and
terms of the role have been ironed out.
“With this being so, Christian Edwards will continue in a caretaker role until
then in both the Welsh Cup and Welsh Premier.”
by Adam Hughes
October 28
Around up of all Tuesday night's
league cup ties.
TNS 4-1 Llanelli
Loosemores Cup holders TNS strolled into the Semi Finals with a comfortable 4-1
win over Llanelli at Park Hall this evening.
The Reds took the lead in Oswestry as skipper
Rhys Griffiths scored after just four minutes. But the hosts responded in the
best possible way and were leading 3-1 at the break. Wales International Steve
Evans equalised on 36 minutes, before the recalled midfielder John McKenna
struck a brace in the space of two minutes. His first came on 41' and he made it
3-1 on 43 minutes.
Long-serving midfielder Scott Ruscoe made it
4-1 on 63 minutes, before Reds' boss Andy Legg brought himself off the bench,
but he couldn't make a difference and the holders progress to the last four of
the Loosemores Cup.
Bala Town 2-3 GAP Connah's Quay
Bala conceded two injury time goals to ten man Connah's Quay to bow out of the
Loosemores Cup in disappointing fashion.
They had begun the match very brightly and took
the lead after 15 minutes with a well constructed move that was finished off by
Ross Jefferies with a back post header. Connah's Quay came more and more into
the game as the half progressed and the visitors equalised when a speculative
Alan Glover shot from 30 yards got caught in the wind and dropped over Leon
Bimpson in the Bala goal.
When it looked like the match was heading for
extra time Bala got the goal they were looking for on 87 minutes when substitute
Marc Griffiths stooped low to head in from close range. The visitors responded
though and Bimpson could only parry out a 30 yard screamer on 91 minutes and the
resultant rebound from Mike Hayes made it 2-2. In the fourth minute of injury
time Bala were again caught in possession at the back and the 'keeper had no
chance when Sam McNutt put his shot away to send Nomads through into the
semi-finals.
Port Talbot Town 3-1 Technogroup
Welshpool
Port Talbot Town have made it through to the Semi-Finals with a 3-1 win over a
depleted Welshpool who fielded midfielder George Hughes in goal. Drew Fahiya
scored the opener on 9 minutes and strike partner Martin Rose made it 2-0 before
the break. Liam McCreesh made it 3-0 two minutes after the interval. Defender
Max Peate scored Welshpool's consolation on 64 minutes.
CPD Porthmadog 1-4 Rhyl FC
League leaders Rhyl booked their place in the Loosemores Cup Semi Finals with a
comfortable win at Y Traeth. The recalled Mark Connolly struck the opener on 17
minutes and scored his second on 66 minutes after Matty Williams had made it 2-0
ten minutes after the break. Dylan Williams scored Port's consolation on 84
minutes, before Williams scored again three minutes later.
Welshpremier.com
October 28
Brace targets a cup surprise
DERYN Brace has told his
Carmarthen Town players to be strong ahead of Friday's Welsh Cup clash with
Llanelli.
The near neighbours meet in the tie of the
third round, with Town player-manager Brace admitting his players face a tough
task at Stebonheath.
Llanelli, who have been in fine form in the
Welsh Premier League in recent weeks, will go into the tie as favourites. They
currently lie third in the league with a game in hand on their rivals.
Town's record in the league against the Reds in
recent years is also bleak, with the Richmond Park outfit suffering 5-1 and 4-1
defeats last season.
But Carmarthen head into the tie in good form
themselves and will be looking to extend their unbeaten sequence to seven
matches.
"Obviously it is a huge game, a huge task,"
said Brace.
"Llanelli are clearly one of the favourites for
the cup and the league as they have been for the last few years.
"The draw hasn't been kind to us in drawing us
away to them but we go there with a bit more hope than maybe six weeks ago.
"We'll look at it, we'll prepare well and we'll
give it our very best shot.
"Physically we have to be strong against them.
If we're not going to turn up physically and defend set-pieces and their other
plays then there is no point in turning up at all.
"But the main thing is that we're there by
merit, we have a really genuine chance of beating them and we have to go there
in with full belief that we can take them on."
Evening Post
October 28
Legg demands cup focus after washout
ANDY Legg has told his players
they must refocus quickly on the cup to avoid becoming a shock elimination after
Llanelli saw their chance to move top of the Welsh Premier League washed away by
the weather.
Llanelli face Carmarthen Town in the
third round of the Welsh Cup this Friday after Tuesday's League Cup
quarter-final against The New Saints.
And Legg insists the Reds must put the league
campaign on the backburner as they focus fully on their cup challenge.
"It was disappointing not to play on Saturday
because results went for us," said Legg.
"I'm not saying we would have won the game, but
it was an opportunity to go top of the league for the first time this season and
that would have been nice.
"Our next league game is Rhyl and we'll go
there in third. The game could have been played, but it was a risk the referee
and groundsman were not prepared to take because one more downpour would have
been the end of things." Jason Bowen and Stuart Jones are both expected to
recover from minor problems in time to feature, but Legg will monitor Lee
Jarman's troublesome ankle injury before deciding if he can play a part.
"The lads know that Friday night is a local
derby in the Welsh Cup," he said.
"That is a competition we have never won and
one we want to do well in. Anything can happen in cup games, that's why I love
them. We've got to be right up for it because I know what to expect from
Carmarthen — they'll come and give us a good game.
"I've seen them a few times this season and
they're better than their league position suggests.
"Anything can happen in this league, we beat
Cefn Druids 4-0 a few weeks ago and it could have been six.
"Then they drew with Rhyl and could have beaten
them. You have to give everyone respect."
STEPHEN WARE
October 28
Plenty more to come from Mr
Golden boots
LLANELLI striker Rhys
Griffiths believes it's only a matter of time before he hits the heights by
reproducing his goal-scoring form of the last four seasons.
Since switching from Port Talbot to the Reds in
2006 Griffiths's has never netted fewer than 30 league goals in a campaign.
He already has a more than respectable seven
strikes from nine Welsh Premier appearances this term, but the golden boot
regular is targeting more as Llanelli look to close in on top spot.
"I've got seven in nine so far, whereas I'd
prefer to have 10 in seven, which is more like my usual ratio," he said.
"But I think my overall game is better than it
was last year.
"I think I'm more consistent and some of our
best play has come through me. It just needs to click in front of goal.
"I've dominated in the air, including the match
against Motherwell, and my first touch has been more reliable.
"It's always been quite strong, but I think my
concentration is better now, which helps.
"Every year I play, I feel I've got less to
prove so I'm able to relax a bit more.
"I don't have a goal target, I just aim to
score in every game, and if I don't score in one, I want to score two in the
next one to make up."
Evening Post
October 27
Port Talbot
v Neath game live on SC4
The Principality
Welsh Premier League and S4/C are delighted to announce
that the League derby clash between Port Talbot Town and
Neath will be shown Live on S4/C over the Festive period.
Originally scheduled for Boxing Day, the game has been put
back 24 hours to fit in with the S4/C TV Schedule over
Christmas and will now be played on Sunday December 27th
at the GenQuip Stadium. It will be an afternoon kick
off, although Geraint Rowlands, the Content Editor for
Sport at S4/C is unable to confirm the exact time for two
weeks. The match will be the third live television game
of the season, with the S4/C cameras already visiting
Belle Vue on the opening Saturday of the season, to screen
Rhyl's 2-1 triumph over Carmarthen Town. The second live
game will be on Sunday 15th November at Stebonheath, as
Llanelli host The New Saints in what is sure to be a close
and tense encounter. The fact that the third live match
features two other sides who have top six aspirations,
shows the Broadcasters commitment to providing coverage of
as many clubs as possible and also the competitiveness of
the League this season. A delighted Mark Jones told the
League this morning; "It's fantastic. By the time the
match arrives I hope that we are towards the top end of
the table, which will make it an even bigger derby game,"
said the Port Talbot Manager. "It will be a huge
challenge for the team and I hope that the players respond
and make it a great game." Jones has enjoyed live
televised matches whilst in charge of Carmarthen Town
before, but it's a new experience for him in the Port
Talbot blue as he explained. "This will be my first
live game with Port Talbot Town and I think that it will
be the first live League game at the GenQuip. The match
will showcase our excellent stadium, facilities and pitch
to the people of Wales." Jones also credited the off-field
personnel at the club. Welshpremier.com
October 27 Evans absence a big
blow for Bala cup tie
BALA
Town are without midfielder Ricky Evans for their
quarter-final date at Gap Connah’s Quay, writes John
Bridgwater.
Warren Duckett and Mark Harris are also ruled out, but
boss Colin Caton will be aiming to field as strong a
line-up as possible as he looks to keep alive hopes of
lifting the silverware.
Nomads’ player-boss Mark McGregor has challenged his
under-achieving players to kick-start their campaign,
writes Mike McEvoy.
“This is the perfect opportunity for our lads to bounce
back after the disappointments of losing 3-2 at Prestatyn
and 1-0 at Carmarthen last Saturday,” he declared.
“We lost both because we were slow out of the blocks
and conceded goals we couldn’t pull back.”
October 26 Deryn Brace delighted
with Carmarthen's recent run
Carmarthen stretched their unbeaten
run to 4 games with 3 wins and a draw, and break into the
top 10 for the first time this season.
Manager Brace
said "
Conditions were difficult and it was never going to be a
pretty affair."But it was a crucial three points. We
spoke in the week of the importance of collecting three
points today and back-to-back wins has given us all a big
boost."We have a nice little run going and we
are in the top 10 for the first time this season and
that's a great feeling.
"Everything's getting quite tight in the
middle of the table and we need to keep picking off the
results to take us above a bunch of clubs in the coming
weeks.
"The lads have done well, confidence is
growing but we must keep doing the basics right as we did
today to earn a clean sheet."
October 26 Neath boss
disappointed with only a point against TNS
Neath have come a long way since August where they only
took 2 points from their opening 3 games, but then they
had a relatively handy run in for their next 4 league
games, winning all 4 before they were going to be really
tested by taking on the top 3 clubs in the league, and
they came out of that test with flying colors. They are
now unbeaten in their last 8 games and sit in 2nd place in
the table, in their latest test they nearly made 7 wins on
the trot against TNS having taken a 2-0 lead after 16
minutes, but TNS came back with a quick double of their
own to salvage a point.
Dyer said on the TNS game "
"I'm delighted with the point, which I
would have taken before kick-off, but disappointed we let
slip a two-goal lead," said Dyer.
"In the end it was a fair result and it
gives us seven points against the big three clubs, which
is a great effort.
"That does not mean we are one of the
favourites for the title but it does mean we can compete
against any team in this division.
"We have had a great October and we need
to build on it in November, otherwise all this good work
will be undone.
"Rhyl, Saints and Llanelli all meet each
other in November so it gives us an opportunity to
possibly challenge for top spot if we continue to string
good results together."
Dyer and his team will be looking to get
back to winning ways next time out when they travel to
face Haverfordwest on November 6th at the New Bridge
Meadow.
October 25 TNS have lost Park
Hall winning form
THE Saints have certainly lost the winning habit at Park
Hall after being held to a third successive home draw to
undermine their title challenge.
Yet, having conceded a couple of soft
early goals, Andy Cale’s men would have been relieved to
have finished on terms in an increasingly windswept
encounter.
For TNS, it was another frustrating home
draw, but it could have been worse after trailing to two
early goals before earning parity at the break.
Neath, looking to build on the previous
week’s fine win against Rhyl, profited from a defensive
mix-up on just eight minutes as Phil Baker’s pass failed
to find keeper Paul Harrison and Richard Ingram nipped in
to convert.
The hosts were breached a second time
seven minutes later when a long ball from Carlos Castan
found Craig Steins who broke through before volleying past
Harrison from 12 yards.
The Saints looked labored at this stage,
but revived their fortunes when the visitors were also
guilty of some slack defending as Castan’s back pass
eluded keeper Anthony Williams and Matthew Berkeley
gratefully tucked in from a tight angle.
Five minutes later they were back on
terms as Baker atoned for his earlier lapse when his deep
pass found Jamie Wood in acres of space before lobbing
Williams.
Both sides could have snatched the
points late on, with Neath substitute Keiran Howard having
a golden chance only to pull his shot wide amid strong
claims for a penalty.
Wales on Sunday
October 25 Aber's winning streak
continues
ABERYSTWYTH’S change of fortune since Christian Edwards
took charge continued when Luke Bowen snapped up the only
goal in a tight contest at struggling Porthmadog.
The decisive raid on 85 minutes began
when sub Glyndwr Hughes crossed a low ball from the right
wing into the goal mouth, where Bowen managed the vital
touch ahead of Porthmadog ’keeper Richard Morgan.
The home side, propping up the table and
still seeking to break their duck, were left to ponder how
this particular result went against them.
Manager Tomi Morgan, an ex-Aberystwyth
boss, said: “To say we should have won this one is the
understatement of the season because we dominated the
first half and continued to do well after the break when
playing against the wind.
“We created far more chances, hit the
post and their keeper made some important saves, which he
is paid to do. But we just cannot find the net at the
moment, and it is costing”.
Porthmadog rued misses by Chris Jones
Marc Evans and John Keegan.
Wales on Sunday
October 24
Port boss is backing his
players
PORTHMADOG would dearly love to kick-start their campaign
against manager Tomi Morgan’s old club, Aberystwyth Town,
today.
The Traeth men are currently
propping up the table and still looking to break their
duck.
Morgan said: “It doesn’t matter
that it’s my old club and my home town club, what is
important that we focus on the three points that are on
offer.
“Whereas in the League Cup we
have been scoring freely, it has been different in the
league, even though the team performances have been fine
and the lads’ attitude is right.
“Aberystwyth have shot up the
table after three or four good results on the bounce and
the same could happen to us – I am quite confident we
could do that.”
Porthmadog captain and
centre-back Ryan Davies will get a fitness check on
damaged ankle ligaments while striker Chris Jones and
another forward Aden Shannon will return.
ICWALES
October 24 Neath plan to storm
fortress at TNS
NEATH go in search of a famous treble when they visit four
times Welsh Premier champions The New Saints today.
Having gained back-to-back home
victories over Llanelli and Rhyl, Andrew Dyer’s side are
now after a third major scalp and have moved to within two
points of the summit.
But the Eagles’ boss knows this could be
the toughest assignment yet.
“I have been told that TNS have lost
just twice in the last 40 matches at home,” he said.
“That shows the huge task that awaits us
but the players will enjoy the challenge and just get on
with it as it will seem like just another match now.”
Striker Andy Hill, who has missed a
large chunk of the season through injury, should make a
welcome return from the bench.
ICWALES
October 23 Summary of Friday
night's welsh premier games
BANGOR CIRY 3-0 PRESTATYN TOWN Prestatyn were on the end of a
3-0 defeat tonight at Farrar Road, Marc Limbert
opened the scoring in the 16' and Bangor doubled the lead
only a minute later through Jamie Reed, Sion Edwards made
it 3-0 on 39'. Chris Sharp made a night to forget for the
visitors with Bangor's 4th on 85'. While this was only
Prestatyn's 2nd league defeat, both have been heavy
losses, 5-0 away to TNS and now 4-0 tonight at Bangor.
CEFN DRUIDS 1-1 RHYL
This game ended the first 45' goalless, but Druids took
the lead one minute in the restart with a goal from Craig
Whitfield. Sub Matty Williams drew Rhyl level on 53'
and neither side could find the winner in the rest of
play. Aw win for Llanelli at home to Caersws will see
the reds top the table.
October 23 We'll bounce back
stronger from defeat say's Rhyl boss
GREG STRONG has full faith in his Rhyl
side’s ability to bounce back from their first defeat of
the season and return to winning ways at Elements Cefn
Druids tonight.
Last Saturday’s 2-0 loss at Neath was
the Lilywhites’ first reverse in the Welsh Premier in 26
matches, but player-manager Strong looks back on the
experience philosophically.
“That’s the way football is, it never
runs smooth,” he said. “Everything has to come to an end
and it happened for us at Neath.
“It’s all about how you react to it and
I know these players will react in the right way.
“I was frustrated as I do feel we were
below our best on the day, and had we been at our best I
think it would have been a completely different story, but
that’s all ifs and buts. You learn as you go along, work
harder to ensure it doesn’t happen again and move on.”
Daily Post
October 23 Bangor aim holt
Prestatyn's rise
BANGOR will need to improve on their
recent finishing if they are to jolt Prestatyn Town’s rise
to prominence this evening, believes City boss Neville
Powell.
While no-one is shocked to see the likes
of Rhyl, Llanelli, Neath and The New Saints up near the
Welsh Premier summit, fourth-placed Prestatyn have been a
real surprise package.
Undefeated in eight league starts, Town
have already claimed away wins at Aberystwyth, Carmarthen
and Caersws, as well as taking a point at Port Talbot, and
would love to add Farrar Road to their list of successful
hunting grounds tonight.
City, by contrast, are languishing down
in 12th spot although a first win in six games at
Welshpool last weekend has raised the spirits in the Welsh
Cup holders’ camp.
“It’s going to be a fascinating game
with Prestatyn going so well,” said Powell. “Everyone’s
looking forward to it; the lads are raring to go. A big
crowd will be there and if we can take our chances when
they come along we can hopefully come away with three
points.
“We do need to start making the most of
the goalscoring opportunities that come our way as that’s
all that’s been missing.”
Daily Post
October 23 Llanelli looking to
keep the goals flowing
LLANELLI, buoyed by their 8-1 trouncing
of Aberystwyth in the League Cup on Tuesday, return to
league action with a visit from Caersws.
A 4-0 win last week over Cefn Druids
lifted spirits at Stebonheath Park after a shock loss to
Neath, and Andy Legg's side should build on that success
against Mickey Evans's strugglers.
The Bluebirds have a dismal record at
Llanelli, having won only twice in 13 previous visits, and
their away form — two points from four matches — hardly
suggests they will stretch the Reds this time.
Legg returns to league action after
serving a three-match ban.
With Lee Jarman also back in action,
Legg's options are now much greater.
"It will be tough to get on to the
bench, never mind the team," he said.
"Players who do not perform will find
themselves having to work really hard to get back into
contention."
It is a tough week for the Reds as they
travel to TNS on Tuesday night for a League Cup
quarter-final, then host Carmarthen Town in the Welsh Cup
next week.
But with only two points separating the
top four clubs Llanelli cannot afford to take Caersws for
granted.
Evening Post
October 22 Brace "We have to
build on this"
DERYN Brace insists Carmarthen Town must
continue to build momentum as his side look to extend a
five-match unbeaten run.
The in-form Richmond Park side head into
Saturday's clash with Gap Connah's Quay having bounced
back from a sketchy start to the season.
And they showed their resilience on
Saturday when they hit back from a goal down to defeat
Port Talbot Town 3-1.
Now Town boss Brace wants his side to
dig deep and earn another three points in this weekend's
clash.
"With a win like this it would be easy
to say yes, our season is underway, and then go and kick
ourselves in the foot," he said.
"We're now five games unbeaten in league
and cup and we're trying to build a bit of momentum. We're
trying to build a team which is hard to beat.
"We've probably been a bit kamikaze, a
bit gung-ho, trying to win the game before we've done the
basics.
"We've gone back to school a bit in the
last few weeks and now we're saying right, let's become
that team that's hard to beat.
"It's a big, big game this week. We have
to take three points.
"If we get the three points we're back
in it. And then it will be the Welsh Cup. But all our
focus is now on Gap Connah's Quay."
Evening Post
October 21 Llanelli score 8
against weakened Aberystwyth
Aberystwyth Town allowed their chances
of a Loosemores Cup Quarter Final spot to fade away when
they named a weakened side in the winner takes all clash
at Stebonheath.
The Reds have set-up an away
quarter-final place at TNS next week with the triumph as
they demolished Aberystwyth Town 8-1.
Aber named rookie 'keeper Jonathan
Hartnell in goal along with other inexperienced youngsters
Eilian Evans, Gwion Ap Dafydd, Tom Bowen, Anthony Hartnell
and Karl Seliaerts and were up against it from the moment
their team-sheet was submitted.
The Reds goals came from striker Craig
Moses with four in the 12th, 43rd, 81st and 88th minutes.
Midfielder Antonio Corbisiero (2) in the 29th and 75th
(pen) minutes, Rhys Griffiths in the 11th minute and an
own goal from emergency defender Andy Evans after 36
minutes.
Aber's only goal came from a penalty by
Luke Bowen who came off the Aber bench.
After four matches unbeaten in the
post-Brian Coyne era and a very good display against
Llanelli in this competition a fortnight ago, it's got to
be disappointing for Aberystwyth fans to see their chances
of a Quarter Final thrown away.
welspremier.com
October 20
Llanelli and Aberystwyth Battle for Final Loosemores Cup Spot
Llanelli and Aberystwyth Town
will meet at Stebonheath Park this evening in the final Group match of this
season's Competition.
With seven Quarter-Final
places already confirmed, the two teams on show will both be aiming to seal
the final place and book an away trip to TNS in next week's knockout match.
Llanelli will be favourites
to progress as they only need a draw on their home soil, which will see the
Reds advance on goal difference. However a win for Aberystwyth Town will see
the currently Managerless Seasiders' proceed.
The fact that the visitors
are Managerless has not affected their form negatively, in fact they have
won three of the four matches that they have played since Brian Coyne's
departure and also drew with Llanelli in the reverse of this evening's
Loosemores Cup fixture. Temporary boss Christian Edwards - who has ruled
himself out of the job permanently - has seen his side win at Bryntirion in
the Welsh Cup, at Bangor City in the League and at Park Avenue on Friday
against Newtown, so confidence will be high in the Black and Green camp.
The Reds will be boosted
this evening with the return of their player/manager Andy Legg who has
served his suspension following his second sending-off of the season at
Neath in the Welsh Cup. His long-throw is sure to be a threat to Stephen
Cann's goal on what is likely to be a wet night in Llanelli.
Lee Jarman could be set for
his first start of the domestic season after a substitute appearance against
Druids on Saturday. The experienced centre-back was injured early into his
Reds' debut against Motherwell in July and has not started a game since the
Europa League match in Scotland.
Geoff Kellaway is a doubt
for the visitors having been forced off on Friday against Newtown and his
pace and work rate would be sorely missed. Either of the Evans' - Andy or
Graham - would be experienced replacements if the Dorset-born forward is
ruled out.
welspremier.com
October 19
Three Welsh Premier managers have
their say on their games over the weekend
Greg Strong said of his
Rhyl side “Our players have established a winning mentality,” said the player-boss.
“There are people in that dressing room who don’t like what’s happened today and
they will come back doubly determined to prove a few people wrong.”
Colin Caton said
on Bala's performance against TNS “I think it would have been rough justice had we come away with nothing,”
said manager Colin Caton. “It was a good game for neutrals, both sides going for
it at the end.”
Wayne Phillips on his sides defeat against
Llanelli “We knew it was going to be tough, but I’ve no complaints about the
result and the efforts from the players,” said joint boss Waynne Phillips.
“We had a couple of very good chances which we really had to take. But
I couldn’t fault the team.”
October 19
Neath boss Dyer not getting carried
away
NEATH manager Andrew Dyer
insists his players will not get carried away by this superb victory over
champs Rhyl as he maintains his newly-assembled squad have still much to
prove.
But having ended Rhyl’s
26-match unbeaten run a week after Llanelli surrendered their 10-match
unbeaten sequence at the same venue, expectations are bound to rise at the
Gnoll.
What was so impressive
about this success was the dominance the Eagles exerted over the Lilywhites,
who came into the match having scored 19 goals in their last five matches.
Greg Strong’s side barely
troubled a Neath defence in which Liam Hancock was superb against the league
leaders.
“ We have trained five
times this week and it has paid dividends and we will do the same next week
for our visit to TNS. If we could get a result there what a treble that
would be,” Dyer said.
“ That was something
special today. It was the manner and performance that were so good . It was
a fantastic win and a massive performance.”
Dyer reflected on his
club’s rapid rise. “We were in the doldrums seven years ago and have risen
through the divisions, but one thing I have learned is that things can
change so we need to be level headed, work hard and make sure we maintain
the standards.
“ With almost an entire new
squad it took time for us to settle so this is a moment to savour and enjoy
for the club, committee, players and supporters. I say enjoy the moment but
then move on to the next challenge which is a formidable one.”
Rhyl’s lead at the top is
now down to two points, with Neath among a group of three clubs ready to hit
the summit. Things are hotting up.
Western Mail
October 18 Ashley is Stott on
for Bangor
ASHLEY Stott’s
late strike saw Bangor lift themselves clear of the
basement pack after clinching their first win in six
outings.
Mark Stewart’s leveller appeared to have
earned lowly Welshpool a share of the spoils, but with a
couple of minutes remaining substitute Stott beat the
offside trap on the left from a long ball and rounded
keeper Jack Cudworth before slotting in from a tight
angle.
Victory would have been a welcome relief
for the Citizens, but they lived dangerously at the end
with Pool going close to a second leveler when Peter Doran
hit the bar, while keeper Paul Smith made timely saves
from Stewart and George Hughes.
After a goalless first half stalemate
the encounter burst into action in the second half.
After a spell of Bangor pressure, Chris
Sharp made the breakthrough on 62 minutes when heading
home Sion Edwards’ left wing cross.
But Pool appeared to have snatched a
point when the visitors failed to deal with a deep free
kick and the loose ball fell for Stewart to tuck his
angled shot past Smith.
Wales on Sunday
October 18 Bala stalemate
frustrates title hopefuls TNS
BALA showed they’re not just in the Welsh Premier to make
up the numbers with a spirited performance to frustrate
The New Saints.
The league newcomers more than matched
their title chasing hosts on the artificial Park Hall
surface, but needed some fine late saves from keeper Leon
Bimpson to ensure they returned with a share of the
spoils.
For TNS, it was a disappointing
afternoon as they failed to take advantage of a first
defeat of the season for leaders Rhyl at Neath.
With the Bala defence tiring late on,
Bimpson ensured his side held firm after pulling off three
excellent late stops to deny Steve Abbott, Jamie Wood and
a Tommy Holmes header as the Saints pressed.
For the hosts, midfielder Scott Ruscoe
saw a string of efforts from distance fly narrowly wide in
the first half, while Chris Seargeant was also off target
early in the second half and defender Phil Baker put a
header wide from a Ruscoe cross.
Substitute Ryan Marriott proved a lively
customer on his appearance, but spurned a golden chance of
giving his side the lead when failing to capitalise in
front of goal following good work by Wood and Aeron
Edwards.
Battling Bala had their moments, looking
lively on the break as early as the first minute, with TNS
keeper Paul Harrison tipping a Ross Jefferies shot away
for a corner.
In the second half Harrison saved well
from Osian Jones while the keeper also denied TNS old boy
John Toner from marking his return to Park Hall this
season with a late winner.
But his penalty was well saved by Jones.
Wales on Sunday
October 18 Airbus cruise to victory
MIDFIELDER Danny Desormeaux fired a brace as Airbus
cruised to victory at struggling Caersws.
The Wingmakers bossed proceedings at the
Recreation Ground, with the home side rarely threatening.
Leading scorer Marc Lloyd-Williams put the visitors on
course with a 16th-minute opener, profiting from home
keeper Dave Jones’ attempt to punch clear.
Airbus didn’t look back after that and
could have been further ahead at the break had Jones not
turned another effort on to the post.
But two goals early in the second period
effectively settled the encounter. Desormeaux opened his
account five minutes in, slotting in after a good run down
the right by Carl Owen. A couple of minutes later Owen
also got on the scoresheet with another incisive run.
Desormeaux headed his second on 66
minutes and then had a golden chance to seal his hat-trick
nine minutes later.
But his penalty was well saved by Jones.
Wales on Sunday
October 17 Bala face another big
test at Park Hall
Bala Town
bid to pick themselves up from their Rhyl setback as they
head for another big test in today’s trip to The New
Saints, writes John Bridgwater.
The league newcomers were downed 4-0 at
home to the high-flying seasiders last Friday, and life
does not promise to get much easier against the full-time
Saints who are unbeaten on their artificial surface this
term.
“Rhyl were the best side we’ve played
this season by a mile,” said Bala manager Colin Caton. “In
the first half, we let ourselves down but we gave it a
good go in the second and had a couple of chances.”
Midfielder Ricky Evans is suspended,
while another former TNS player, striker John Toner, will
be back to face his old side.
Daily Post
October 17 Morley return a huge
boost to ailing City
BANGOR City will have central defender Dave Morley back
for today’s crucial encounter at Technogroup Welshpool.
Ex-Manchester City and Macclesfield
centre-back Morley, who has also operated in midfield this
season, missed last Sunday’s 1-0 home defeat to
Aberystwyth due to recurring hamstring problems.
But the 29-year-old came through
training without any hitches on Thursday and is the only
addition to Neville Powell’s 14-man squad, to replace
young utility player Clive Williams.
City badly need three points at Maesydre
following a disappointing start to the season which sees
them lie fifth from bottom. Welshpool are a place below.
“The lads are raring to go, but
Welshpool have some useful players and it always a
difficult place to go,” said Powell.
“We’ll go out there giving it 110% per
cent and hopefully we might get that little bit of luck we
need.”
Powell added morale remains high in the
Farrar Road camp despite only managing two wins in eight
league starts so far.
“It’s my job to make sure the players’
heads don’t drop. There’s not a lot wrong; we’re only
eight games into the season, we’re not even a quarter way
in yet,” he added.
“I know I’ve got a squad capable of
putting together a run to get up climbing up that table.”
Dave Jones Daily Post
October 17 Port missing key
players for trip to County
BOTTOM side Porthmadog had a tough enough job on their
hands at Haverfordwest County today without being deprived
of the services of four key players.
Left-winger Mike Thompson could be
missing for up to two months with knee ligament damage,
defender Ryan Davies is out with ankle problems, John
Keegan is suspended and the influential Chris Jones is
unavailable.
But manager Tomi Morgan insists his
depleted team will make the long trip to west Wales in a
positive frame of mind and determined to get a result.
“We’re expecting a tough afternoon,”
said Morgan. “Haverfordwest tend to do well at home and
it’s a difficult place to get a result at the best of
times, never mind when you have as many injuries as we
have. I’ll also have two players carrying injuries who are
prepared to give it a go but who shouldn’t be playing.
“But we’ll go there in a positive frame
of mind, there’s no point going there to be negative.
“We always go looking for three points
every time we play, but you’ve got be realistic and say a
draw away from home would be a good result.
October 16 Welsh Premier league
round up for Friday night
ABERYSTWYTH 2-1 NEWTOWN
Aberystwyth's recent good form continued at Park Avenue as
early as the 4th minute when they took the lead over
Newtown with a goal from Kristian James. Aberystwyth
went 2-0 up on 52' with a goal from Cledan Davies. On
74' Newtown get back in the game with a goal from Ross
Stephens, but time is running out for Ryan's men. A late
kick in the teeth for Newtown with the sending off of
Nicky Ward in the 95' but the red card was never going to
change the outcome of the game. Aber hold out for
victory and move up to 6th. Attendance: 620
PRESTATYN TOWN 3-2 CONNAHS
QUAY No goal action in the
first half at Bastion Gardens. Prestatyn got off to a
flyer in the 2nd half with 2 goals in 9'. on 48' Andy
Moran put them 1-0 up, and on 54' he doubled their lead
from the penalty spot. Prestatyn, look to have sealed
the points when they went 3-0 up on 84' Mike Parker
scoring their goal. Sub Mike Hayes get a goal back for
Nomads on 85, and an unlikely comeback for Nomads is on
when they make it 3-2 on 89'
Mark McGregor getting their 2nd. Game over and 3 points
for Prestatyn and up to 2nd in the table. Attendance:
309
October 16 Toshack to watch
Neath v Rhyl Wales Team Manager John Toshack will be
at the Gnoll on Saturday to watch the vital Principality
Welsh Premier League fixture between the Eagles and the
Table-Topping Lilywhites.
Toshack was at the GenQuip
Stadium last year to watch former Champions Llanelli beat
Port Talbot 6-4 in an enthralling encounter. He was also
due to visit the Gnoll last November for the Neath versus
Llanelli game, but became unavailable as he had to honor a
long-standing commitment at another Football Club in South
Wales.
The Wales boss confirmed his attendance to the League
this morning and he will have a keen interest on the Neath
side, as his son Cameron has been assisting on the
coaching staff at the club this year. Toshack Jr has known
Neath boss Andy Dyer for a number of years and the two
have been working together again with their Coach
Qualification programme.
Official Welsh Premier
October 16 Bangor will turn
fortunes around
ONE of the Welsh Premier’s leading talking
points at present is the below par league form of Bangor
City.
Welsh Cup winners for the past two
seasons, there was much optimism at the start of the
campaign that a strengthened City squad could push the big
three this term.
Things haven’t quite worked out as
expected so far with Bangor lying fifth from bottom after
five defeats in their opening eight games.
But in City’s defence, three of those
losses have come against Rhyl, Llanelli and The New Saints
and they were unfortunate not to pick up something against
the latter two.
Neville Powell’s squad have also endured
a lot of bad luck with injuries, indeed it is hard to
think of a player who hasn’t had a problem of some sort.
To lose a striker of Les Davies’ calibre,
possibly for the season, is a big blow.
Outstanding defender Dave Morley has
also been unlucky with various knocks and the best is yet
to be seen of him, while a fully-fit Kieran Killackey
would bring much stability to a midfield. On the plus
side, newcomers Mark Smyth, Chris Roberts and Jamie Reed
have been very impressive.
There is too much talent in the Bangor
squad for them to struggle for long. I fully believe the
tide will turn.
Daily Post
October
16 Llanelli expected to
bounce back after Neath defeat
AFTER last week's 2-1 loss at Neath,
Llanelli should bounce back with victory over strugglers
Elements Cefn Druids at Stebonheath.
The visitors have lost all three matches
on the road this season, are second from bottom of the
league, and the 8-0 home drubbing in a midweek friendly
with Wrexham will hardly have boosted confidence.
Last week's defeat was Llanelli's first
on the road since they lost at Connah's Quay last December
and only their fourth reverse in 45 league matches
stretching back to January 2007.
With player-manager Andy Legg serving
the last match of a three-game ban, assistant boss Steve
Jenkins insists there is no need to press the panic
button. "We should have won comfortably at Neath with the
chances we created, especially in the first half," he
said. "But if you don't take your chances, you get
punished.
"We are not going to overreact to one
defeat in the same way we didn't get carried away when we
were winning.
"Druids will not be underestimated by
the players, who I expect to bounce back. That means
putting the ball in the net when we create. If we weren't
creating then I would be worried — but we are."
Evening Post
October
16 Neath have no fear
ahead of Rhyl test
NEATH are hoping to prove they can continue to mix it with
the best when champions and current leaders Rhyl visit The
Gnoll tomorrow.
Having taken Llanelli's
unbeaten record last week, when a brace from former Welsh
international Chris Llewellyn gave them a 2-1 win, the
Eagles are now after the prized scalp of the title
favourites.
The Lilywhites have dropped just two
points to date and have a formidable five-point advantage
with a quarter of the season over.
Andrew Dyer's team are one of three
clubs looking to reduce that deficit to two points
tomorrow, but Neath's boss is under no illusions about the
task ahead.
"This is a very difficult month for us
as we have played Llanelli, now we have Rhyl, then TNS
visit next week," he said.
"It's a tough schedule, but at the end
of this month we will have some idea of where we are
performance-wise.
"Rhyl are a formidable side and when
their European money comes through at the end of the year
I expect them to strengthen further in the transfer
window.
"We respect them, but we certainly do
not fear them. In fact, we are really looking forward to
the challenge."
He added: "Rhyl seem to be knocking in
goals for fun at present. They hit four against Newtown,
Airbus, Porthmadog and Bala and three against Prestatyn in
their past five matches. It looks like we are going to
have to score five to beat them."
Andy Hill continues to be dogged by
injury, but Dyer expects last week's squad to report fit.
Evening Post
October
16 Port Talbot out to
end 6 year barren spell at Carmarthen
PORT Talbot are out to end a six-year
barren run at Richmond Park when they visit Carmarthen Town tomorrow. Steelmen manager Mark Jones, who previously led the Old
Gold to the Welsh Cup in 2007, is hoping his side will pick up their first
Welsh Premier League win at Carmarthen since 2003. Ironically, in their last victory at the ground, Port
Talbot's goals that day came from Mark Dodds and Craig Hughes now at
Carmarthen though the latter is injured for this game. The Steelmen have actually won in the League Cup at
Carmarthen this season, but Jones is hoping his side will sharpen up
following draws in their last two outings. "We need to try to win this one and to do that we need
to tuck the ball away," said Jones. "I have been a little disappointed over
the last few weeks with our inability to finish off matches. What we need
now is clean sheets and to pop a few in at the other end.
"But this is a
tough game as Carmarthen are still one of the biggest
clubs in this league. I've watched them five times this
season, two of those games have been against us in the
cup, so we know a lot about each other. "It's important
we get something from the game as we need to keep clawing
away at gaining as many points as we can to reduce the gap
on the teams at the top."
Evening Post
October
15 Aber caretaker boss
not interested in permanent post
ABERYSTWYTH Town’s caretaker manager
Christian Edwards has revealed he is not interested in applying for the
permanent managerial position. Caerphilly-based Edwards has this week confirmed that
he will not be throwing his name into the hat, despite seeing an upturn in
the Seasiders’ fortunes since he took charge of the first team. The former Wales international defender cited family
commitments as his main reasons for not considering the permanent post, but
he would still like to offer his services under the new manager. The 33-year-old, who has played in the English
Premiership for Nottingham Forest, is currently studying a masters degree at
UWIC, where he also lectures and coaches the University teams. “Unfortunately, it is the wrong time for me, I have a
growing young family and I am studying for my Masters degree, so travelling
110 miles is a big commitment,” Edwards said. “I’ve got a very supportive wife, but as a husband and
a dad it’s only fair that I say from the start that I am not interested in a
permanent position of manager. “At the moment I’m enjoying my time on the sidelines,
but it would not be fair on the club long term, because I would not be able
to give 100 per cent. “I am
also doing part-time lecturing, and coach three teams at University, but in
the long term I would like to go on and get at Phd, and I see myself
lecturing as opposed to coaching or managing. “As a player I have seen the ups and down of being a
football coach, and have never really wanted it, although I would like to
stay on at the club.”
Following the resignation of Brian Coyne and his assistant Jake King three
weeks ago, Edwards was first choice to take temporary charge of the team. He has made 79 Welsh Premier appearances for the
Seasiders since arriving from Forest Green Rovers, having also had earlier
spells with Bristol City, Crystal Palace, Tranmere and Bristol Rovers. Capped once by Wales, Edwards made 112 appearances for
Swansea City before moving to Nottingham Forest in March 1998 in a £275,000
deal. During his time in
charge of Aber, Edwards has chosen not to play, having recovered from
injury, and has been an influential figure on the sidelines. Edwards said he was delighted with the response from
the players following Coyne’s resignation, and praised their efforts at
Bangor on Sunday. “We’re all
in it together, and need to stay united,” said Edwards. “Individually there
has not been a problem at all within the squad, but collectively the team as
a whole has perhaps been a little fragile.
Cambrian News
October
15 Haverfordwest boss
Brazil not downbeat despite 3rd away defeat
Manager Derek Brazil refused to be
downbeat about the teams stuttering start to the new season, especially the
disappointing away form. “We are all aware of our away form. No-one is more
disappointed than me. The players are disappointed and obviously so are the
fans. Our start to the season has not been the best. I had been hoping for
better, but it has taken the new players longer to blend than I expected.”
However, the manager is also
aware that he has to get the best out of the players that he has. “Every
season since I came here we have had to rebuild part of the side. Last
season we lost three very experienced players, and they were always going to
be difficult to replace, and Gareth Elliott being injured is a big loss. It
is just a matter of tinkering with the side until we find the winning
formula, and maybe getting a little bit of luck.” “Away from home you sometimes need a bit of luck, and
the rub of the green, and we haven't been getting that. It's not like we are
being battered three or four nil. In all of the games we have been ahead or
in with a chance until the last ten minutes. All we have to do is build on
that.” “As a manager I have to
look for the positives and address the negatives. Against Bangor and
Connah's Quay we were ahead and let it slip at the end, and on Saturday we
lead after 18 minutes. I feel for the fans, but while they can inspire and
encourage the players, it is up to the players themselves to deliver. I will
not publicly criticise individuals. They know who they are, and it is up to
them to step up. We should have won on Saturday, and they know it. They are
just as disappointed in the results as anyone.” Looking ahead, the gaffer sees no cause for concern.
“We have some talented youngsters coming through, and I have a lot of faith
in the players that I have brought in. All we need to do is tweak some of
the draws and we have wins, and that's up to the players. I'm not going to
listen to negative and destructive opinions. There are things that need to
be addressed; improvements to be made, and we need to be more consistent.
And that is what I intend to achieve.”
Official Haverfordwest website
October
14
One loss won't scupper season
say's Llanelli's Assistant manager
ASSISTANT
manager Steve Jenkins insists Llanelli remain unruffled despite suffering a
first defeat of the domestic season against Neath last Friday.
The Reds lost for the first
time since their Europa League defeat to Motherwell in July.
It came a week after
Llanelli had beaten the Eagles on penalties in a bad tempered Welsh Cup tie
during which manager Andy Legg and defender Lee Phillips were sent off.
"I wanted to go
through the season unbeaten," said Jenkins. "But when we won we
didn't get carried away so now we've lost one game we won't overreact
either.
"Anyone who knows
anything about football knows we should have won that game comfortably. We
didn't take our chances and sometimes that comes back to haunt you.
"But it's when you're
not creating chances that you worry."
Jenkins linked up with Legg
for his first taste of the Welsh Premier League after leaving a player-coach
role at Conference South outfit Newport County.
The partnership continues
their long association that began when they were together at Swansea City.
"I've known the gaffer
for 20 years and in that time we've always kept in close contact," said
Jenkins, who has taken over media duties from Legg after it emerged the Reds
boss is banned from talking to the press under the terms of his match
suspension.
"We've been at three
or four clubs at the same time and we share the same ideas and philosophies.
"The gaffer wears his
heart on his sleeve and occasionally that gets him into trouble, but it's
only because he's a winner.
"Perhaps I'm more of a
calming influence. And along with Gary Lloyd, who's a stalwart of the team,
I think we provide a good balance."
Evening Post
October
14
Chester City drops points
deduction appeal
Blue Square Premier
strugglers Chester City have dropped their appeal against the fifteen-point
penalty from the Football Conference.
City had already been docked an automatic ten points for having gone into
voluntary administration following relegation from Coca-Cola League Two in
May.
New chairman Ian Anderson said: "If we were strong financially, I'd say
let's spend £100,000 and take on the appeal.
"But the money now needs to stay in Chester City Football Club."
Chester are twenty-four points adrift of safety after starting the season on
minus twenty-five points.
City were docked ten points for having gone into administration and then had
that increased for undisclosed reasons.
The Football Association intervened when it became clear that their former
owner Stephen Vaughan was still part of the consortium which had bought back
the club.
"That's a simple fiscal decision," Anderson added.
"It's probably commercial duress, a double sword in the fact that we
can't afford to do it. That's is the reality of it."
But despite not appealing against the points penalty, Anderson does hope the
club can give financial support to new manager Jim Harvey to strengthen his
squad.
"Jim has assured me he will be looking at players this week,"
Anderson continued. "I've had a meeting with the owner Stephen Vaughan
and he assured me there is money available.
"It goes without saying this squad isn't good enough. It needs to be
strengthened and it is as simple as that.
"It's there for everyone to see. We will strengthen the squad but we
need to bring in the right people."
Non League Daily
October
14
Colwyn Bay ease passed
Prestatyn Town
COLWYN Bay set up a home
tie against Welsh Premier League leaders Rhyl in the next round of the North
Wales Coast FA Challenge Cup with a comfortable win over Prestatyn.
In the second half
particularly they played some of their best football of the season and only
Prestatyn keeper, John Dunt, and some poor finishing prevented a much bigger
winning margin.
In a fast and open first
half, Colwyn Bay took the lead after 26 minutes.
From a throw-in on the
left, Louis Corrigan fired the ball in low for Tom McGill to divert past
Dunt.
The Prestatyn keeper had
earlier made two good saves from McGill and denied the young Bay striker
again just before half time.
Prestatyn looked to have
the pace in attack to trouble the home defence but were caught offside far
too often, although Steve Hoult brought a good save from Chris Sanna and
Gareth Davies fired a free kick narrowly over the bar.
Prestatyn lost Hoult
through injury just before half time and they found themselves under heavy
pressure early in the second half.
Dunt deflected a shot from
substitute Ian Sheridan for a corner in a one-on-one situation and saved
again from Corrigan while Luke Denson shot over the bar after being set up
by McGill.
Colwyn Bay were passing the
ball around in great style and scored their second goal on 56 minutes when
Anthony Sheridan broke clear to score.
The keeper then made fine
saves from McGill and Sheridan as Colwyn Bay continued to dominate.
Daily Post
October
13
Newtown's Chairman issues
assurances over managers future
The
Newtown Chairman Mike Jones has issued a statement on the official Newtown
website that Aberystwyth have not made an approach for their manager Darren
Ryan. He goes onto say.
"I
would like to reassure our supporters that recent press speculation linking
Darren to the vacant managers job at Aberystwyth is entirely without
foundation. Darren has made it clear that he is very happy at Newtown
FC and is enjoying the challenge of developing young players into the first
team squad.
This is the club's long term policy and we are beginning to see this bearing
fruit with a number of local youngsters getting their chance and impressing
this season. It is inevitable that Darren has caught the eye of other clubs
and we take that as a compliment.
I feel I must take issue with the reference in the press to the clubs'
alleged failure to attract players to Mid-Wales Leisure Latham Park due to
'severe financial constraints'. We may not be in the top six of the leagues
big spenders but we have supported the manager in bringing in the players
that he wanted to achieve hopefully, a top ten finish.
It is just about impossible to lavish large amounts of money on the team and
at the same time build a stadium and facilities that are amongst the best in
the WPL.
Other clubs were free to make their own choices and that is a matter for
them. We can concern ourselves only with Newtown FC.
I was a little disappointed with Mark Williams comments about the Newtown
team when we played Holyhead last week in the Welsh cup. The match was
played in a gale force wind which turned the game into a lottery. I'm sure
the successful Newtown team which Mark played in, turned in the odd poor
performance and our playing budget was a lot bigger then".
Mike Jones,
Chairman
October
13
Ryan Giggs supports his cousin
in Welsh league clash
RYAN
Giggs turned up to watch his cousin, Callum Miller, in Welsh League action
for Cardiff Corries at the Riverside Ground, Radyr.
Miller,
whose uncle Paul played for Cardiff City, made his debut for Corries in
their MacWhirter Welsh Football League clash with Bryntirion Athletic.
Giggs
stood on the sidelines at Corries, happily signing autographs and posing for
photographs as he supported Callum in the Division One game.
Miller
played in midfield for Corries, who fought back from two goals down to earn
a 2-2 draw.
Bryntirion,
who included former Cardiff City striker Jon Brown, powered into a 2-0 lead
and looked in control.
The
home side fought back with goals from Rhys Yates, who fired home from six
yards, and Andy Smith with an injury-time equaliser.
Terry
Phillips
October
12 Spot kick miss very
costly for Connahs Quay
A FIRST half penalty miss
cost in-form Connah’s Quay a home win as Welshpool keeper Jack
Cudworth’s super-save denied them in a 0-0 draw, writes Mike McEvoy.
A foul in the box on the
half hour mark presented Sam McNutt with the chance to fire the Deesiders in
front but Cudworth guessed right and was able to pull off the defining save
of the game.
“Sam struck the ball well
enough so you have to give the keeper credit, but it was very frustrating
not to score when we made all the running,” said Quay player-manager Mark
McGregor.
Fourth-from-bottom
Welshpool managed a few raids but their half chances meant that home keeper
Terry McCormick had few problems in preserving a second consecutive clean
sheet.
Daily Post
October
12 Druids held by
Caersws
Honours were shared in a
1-1 stalemate between league strugglers Druids and Caersws with home joint
boss Waynne Phillips admitting it was a fair reflection on proceedings at
Plaskynaston, writes John Bridgwater.
“It was a game we would
have liked to have won but, after losing 10 out of 11 games, we’ll take a
point,” he said.
“There were two evenly
matched sides, and neither did enough to win in the 90 minutes. I felt it
was a fair result.”
The Druids made a fine
start as they took a fourth minute lead following a move that split the
Bluebirds defence, with Craig Whitfield slipping the ball past advancing
keeper Dave Jones.
But a sloppy goal following
some defensive hesitation saw Caersws back on terms eight minutes later.
A long ball from Matthew
Roberts was headed past his own keeper Rob Thomas by defender Lee Bamber,
and Jacob Smith made sure the ball was over the line for the visitors.
After that, there was
little between the sides who carved a couple of half chances at either end.
Adam Hesp did have the ball
in the net for the Druids but his header was ruled out for pushing. Caersws
manager Mickey Evans felt his side had enough chances to have come away with
the spoils.
Daily Post
October 11 Bangor City's poor
season continues.
Bangor City lost at home this
afternoon to Aberystwyth Town 1-0 and suffered their 5th defeat in their
first 8 games.
Luke Bowen of Aber scored
the games only goal after 37' and it gave Aber their 3rd victory of the
season and helped in lifting Aber up to 8th in the table, defeat for Bangor
see's them stay in 14th spot, a position not many would have thought they
been in after 8 games.
October 10
Coverage of today's 4 welsh
premier games
AIRBUS UK BROUGHTON 2-2
CARMARTHEN TOWN
All square at half time
at the Airfield.
2ND HALF: Airbus take the
lead on 63' when Ryan Edwards converted from the penalty spot.
1-0 to the Wingmakers but still over half an hour to go.
Airbus go 2-0 up on 70' with a goal from Mark Lloyd Williams, his 8th of the
season, that elusive first win over Carmarthen is looking possible?. On 78'
Tim Hicks pulls a goal back for Carmarthen, is another 2 goal lead going to
slip again? Yes they did and Kris Thomas gets Carmarthen's 2nd on 84'
Airbus line up.
K Rogers, R Edwards, G Feliciano, M Woodward, M Allen, R Roberts, A
Williams, D Desormeaux, C Owen, M Lloyd-Williams, M Cook (P
McManus 88')
Subs not used: A Mitchell, G Sudlow, J Abraham.
Attendance: 92
CONNAHS QUAY 0-0 WELSHPOOL
No score in the first
half. No score in 2nd half a point a piece.
Attendance: 110
NEWTOWN 2-1 HAVERFORDWEST
Haverfordwest took the
lead on 19' the scorer for the bluebirds was Robbie Walters, but Newtown
drew level on 36' Jamie Breeze getting the goal.
2ND HALF: Newtown take the
lead on 50' and it was a former Bluebird who did the damage, Dylan Blain
getting his first goal for Newtown. All over and Newtown gain 3 points to
draw level with Haverfordwest on 9.
Attendance: 205
PORT TALBOT 1-1 PRESTATYN
Prestatyn went 1-0 on
the half hour when Ian Griffiths put the visitors in front, they held the
lead until the 64' when Lee Surman levelled for the home side, and Prestatyn
striker Ian Griffiths sent off . No more goals
in the game and a point a piece for the two Town's.
Attendance: 216
October 10 Draw made for the
league cup quarter finals
TNS face have been drawn at
home in the Quarter Final of this seasons competition with either
Aberystwyth or Llanelli at Park Hall. Bala Town look favourites to get to
the Semis, with Connahs Quay visitors. Rhyl are drawn away to Porthmadog. The last of the
four ties see's Port Talbot playing host to Welshpool Town.
The full draw is as follows:
BALA TOWN V CONNAHS QUAY
PORTHMADOG V RHYL
PORT TALBOT TOWN V WELSHPOOL
TNS V ABERYSTWYTH OR LLANELLI
October 9 Round
of Friday night's WPL games
BALA TOWN 0-4 RHYL
Rhyl still head the Welsh premier league with a resounding victory over Bala
Town tonight, Paul Smith gave the visitors the lead on 28' and defender Phil
Doran doubled their lead on 40' to give the league champions a 2-0 half time
lead.
Attendance: 809
George Horan wraps up the
points for Rhyl with their 3rd goal of the night 69', things got worse for
Bala as Lee Hunt added their 4th just 2' later to make it 4-0 to Rhyl. Final
score and with Llanelli losing tonight Rhyl remain the league's only
unbeaten side.
CEFN DRUIDS 1-1 CAERSWS
Craig Whitfield gave Druids an early lead, he put the home side ahead after
4', but their lead didn't last long as on 12' Caersws were level to keep the
sides level going into the half time break.
No more goals in the 2nd half and a point a piece is hardly what either side
must have been looking for prior to kick off.
Attendance: 136
NEATH 2-1 LLANELLI
Llanelli took the lead
in this 2nd versus 5th encounter, the Reds went 1-0 up on 29' when Rory
Smitham headed home a Chris Venables corner, and they held the lead until
the 5th minute of injury time when a Chris Llewellyn header drew the home
side level.
Chris Llewellyn gave the
Eagles a 2-1 lead on 72' side footing home his 2nd goal of the game. No
further goals and Neath record their 5th win in a row and move up to 3rd,
while Llanelli suffer their first defeat of the season.
Tonight's league attendance of 511 is a new Neath club record for the WPL
surpassing the previous best of 447 against Port Talbot on boxing day 2008.
Attendance: 511
WAYNNE PHILLIPS says it’s time
for his Elements Cefn Druids players to stand up and be counted as they
embark on tonight’s vital home clash with fellow strugglers Caersws.
The
Ancients are languishing in the basement with just one win to their names,
and the midweek 4-2 Loosemores Cup loss to Welshpool would do little to
boost their spirits.
But joint
boss Phillips believes his side are capable of delivering more as they
prepare for tonight.
“There
were some harsh words after the Welshpool game as I feel some of the players
have more to offer than they are giving,” he said.
“I
believe in the players but they need to give more. At the moment I seem to
be saying the same things week in week out.
“When
you’ve only won once in 11 games it’s tough, and it gets tougher the longer
you don’t win.
“Caersws
are a team who will be around us in the table this season, so need to show
we want it badly enough. We have to go out there and give our best shot.”
The
Druids’ small squad is further depleted with Adam Hunter and Jon Rush both
suffering ankle ligament injuries in the midweek defeat.
Daily Post
October 9
Neath and Llanelli commence battle
NEATH and Llanelli square up in the league tonight at The
Gnoll just six days after their thrilling Welsh Cup tussle.
The Reds won the cup clash on penalties after a match in which their
player-manager Andy Legg and defender Lee Phillips were sent off.
With the visitors unbeaten in 10 league matches and Neath undefeated at home
in eight games, another tight encounter is expected, especially as only three
points separate the clubs, the Reds in second spot and Andrew Dyer's men fifth.
"We had the opportunity to beat Llanelli last week, especially missing a late
penalty, but we will give it another good go this time," said Dyer.
"I'm looking for a positive result, but we know we are in for another very
tough game and a big challenge.
"A lot of our players came from a higher level to play at our club so we feel
we are capable of mixing it with the big boys like Llanelli.
"If last week's match had been for points, a share of the spoils at normal
time would have been fair.
"So we need to pick up the baton again and take the game to them."
Neath's boss has a number of selection headaches, especially up front where
Andy Hill remains injured. Chris Llewellyn is struggling with a groin injury and
Colin Steins has missed training this week with flu.
A number of Neath players have suffered from flu, including Carlos Santos and
Rob Spendiff, so Dyer will have plenty of late calls to make.
Legg has Phillips back from suspension as his one-match absence was the 2-2
League Cup draw at Aberystwyth in midweek.
Evening Post
October 9
Port Talbot
boss buoyant ahead of clash with Prestatyn
PORT Talbot would dearly love a repeat of last season's 3-1
triumph over Prestatyn Town when the clubs clash again at the GenQuip Stadium
tomorrow.
The visitors are unrecognisable from the team that finished 15th last season,
having made a flying start that sees them in fourth place, with just one defeat
from seven starts.
With the Steelmen five points adrift, the importance of the match has not
passed manager Mark Jones by.
"Prestatyn have recruited well and have made an excellent start, and are one
of a number of North Wales clubs who have spent a lot of money to try to make it
into next season's super league," he said.
"I have done my homework on them and saw them beat Carmarthen 2-1 recently,
and they were good value for their victory.
"Player-manager Neil Gibson and Gareth Wilson make them tick in midfield and
they have a formidable pair of strikers in Steve Rogers and Andy Moran. They
have bags of experience.
"They have done tremendously well, but so have we.
"Our point in the 1-1 draw with Carmarthen on Tuesday in the League Cup gave
us 10 points from our four group matches, and we have lost just twice in the
league.
"But this is a crucial match for us and we want to keep in touch with the
teams at the top, and if we lose to Prestatyn that creates an eight-point gap,
which will take some clawing back."
Jones has a fully fit squad, but has released striker Mark Jones back to Afan
Lido.
"Mark is still only 20 and he was not having the number of games he needed,
so I think it was best he moved back to Lido where he will get the game time he
needs," he added.
Evening Post
October 8
Buckley waiting on the
man from down under
BUCKLEY Town are hoping
their new signing from Down Under will be granted international clearance in
time to make his debut in tomorrow Cymru Alliance trip to table-topping
Llangefni Town (7.30pm).
Colin Quirk has been
playing for Dandenong Thunder in the Victorian Premier League – which is
one tier below the A-League in which former Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler
is currently plying his trade.
Quirk was a big hit in
Australia but having returned to home shores he has decided to reunite with
Stewart Roberts, the Buckley chairman who worked with the midfielder at Gap
Queens Park.
Flintshire Chronicle
October 8
Nomads aim to maintain
good form
GAP Connah’s Quay hope to
make it three wins in a row when they entertain Technogroup Welshpool on
Saturday (2.30pm).
Nomads return to Welsh
Premier League action after success in the Welsh Cup against lower-league
Pwllheli on Saturday.
Late goals from Danny Forde
and Jamie Petrie sealed a 2-0 home victory to set up a fascinating
third-round clash with top-flight neighbours Airbus UK Broughton.
Nomads discover this week
who they will take on in the quarter-finals of the Loosemores Challenge Cup
too, but player manager Mark McGregor is more concerned about the visit of
Welshpool.
He said: “We’re doing
really well at home this year, only losing once to Rhyl.
“We want to keep that
form going and another win will get us into the top half of the table.
“We’re going well and
we’ve had two wins on the bounce.
“I’m really pleased
with our start. We had three tough games in between, against Llanelli, Rhyl
and The New Saints, but now we’re doing well in the cup and well in the
league, too.”
McGregor says despite
Welshpool collecting only a win and a draw from their seven games, they have
proved they can pose a threat.
He said: “I’ve been to
watch Welshpool play a couple of games. In their game against Airbus they
played really well. “They
did a really good job on Airbus.”
Flintshire Chronicle
October 8
Rhyl's next test is at
Bala
WELSH Premier champions
Rhyl will be the latest to experience the Bala Town Friday night phenomenon
this weekend.
The Lakesiders have taken
the league by storm, producing the best ever start by to a season by a team
promoted to the Welsh Premier in climbing up to sixth place.
Friday night games at Maes
Tegid have proved to be massive crowd-pullers and there should be another
bumper turnout when Rhyl visit the new boys.
Unbeaten in the league this
term, the Lilywhites are top of the table, but player-manager Greg
Strong is under no illusions about the task awaiting them on Friday.
"This is a big game
for them and a big game for us," said Strong. "Bala have made a
great start and they’ll be looking at us as a big scalp, like every team
does, but we know if we play like we can we can get the right result."
Strong will be hoping
injured duo Greg Stones and Matty Williams will be fit enough to take on
Colin Caton’s men, both having missed Saturday’s Welsh Cup tie at
Llanfairpwll.
Striker Lee Hunt, due to
return from suspension in Tuesday night’s League Cup visit to Prestatyn,
and Martyn Naylor, set for a comeback in the same game following illness,
hope to be on duty at Bala.
Denbigh Visitor
October 8
Haverfordwest open new
stand
Haverfordwest have acquired
one of the necessary criteria for life in the super 12 for next season.
Last Saturday they
officially opened the new south Hook stand during the Wales v Russia under
17 international. The stand was opened by Mr Mohammed Al-Naimi, who is the
managing director of South Hook.
South Hook were heavily
involved in financing the stand for the Bluebirds, along with the Welsh
Football Trust, Haverfordwest Town Council, and the Bridge Meadow
Trust.
The new stand brings their
seating capacity up to the 1,000 they require to participate in the new
super 12 WPL next season.
October 7
Brace targets league
boost this Saturday
DERYN
Brace is looking to build on Carmarthen Town's Welsh Cup win and climb the
league table.
Town made it safely into
the third round of the competition with victory over Pontypridd at the
weekend.
Now Brace is looking
forward to Saturday's encounter at eighth-placed Airbus UK Broughton.
He said: "The last
couple of results against Caersws and the Welsh Cup on Sunday has seen a
different attitude from the players.
"They're on the ball,
they're confident on the ball and creating some great opportunities.
"It would have been
ideal to have kept another clean sheet but it was not to be. But overall our
defending was pretty good.
"A couple of games is
not going to make our season but it's important that we build a run.
"Saturday's game is
vital.
"The league games are
big games and we don't want to lose any of them.
"Airbus are going well
and we need as many points as possible to get into the top half.
"When you are in the
top half people look at the table and react differently.
"So the sooner we get
up there the better it will be mentally for ourselves."
After a difficult start to
the season, Town now lie 12th in the Welsh Premier League.
"I fully expect a
tough game," added Brace.
"They were my tip last
year and I've never been up at Airbus and had a comfortable victory.
"Last season was
probably our scrappiest display and we won it with a Stuart Roberts corner
that went straight in.
"I'll take that again
before Saturday but we know they are going to be tougher this year again as
they've made some signings and are up in the top half of he table.
"They're going well,
they're playing some great football so we're
Evening Post
October 7
League cup round up
Elements Cefn Druids finished
their league cup campaign on a low last night for 2 reasons, firstly they
were the only team to lose all 4 games in the group stages and secondly
their attendance at Plas Kynaston of just 41 was the lowest of the whole
competition. But things started well enough for Druids as they went ahead
after 17' with a Craig Whitfield goal, they doubled their lead just 2' later
with a goal from Adam Hesp, Geoff Hughes got one back for Welshpool on 35'
then came Welshpool's turn to score 2 in 2' with Arran Pritchard scoring on
52' and Calvin Davies scoring on 54', their 4th goal came from Geoff Hughes
scoring his 2nd of the night on 65'. Welshpool topped the group with 10
points, Bala also qualify in 2nd place as one of the best runners up.
Porthmadog needed just a point
from their trip to Caersws and got it with a 1-1 draw, Chris Melia put the home
side in front on 14' and Porth's equaliser came on 38' from Chris Jones, Port
top the group ahead of Connahs Quay on goal difference but both qualify as
Nomads claimed the 2nd place for best runner up.
Port Talbot drew at home to
Carmarthen 1-1, Port had already qualified and Carmarthen had no chance of
getting through to the last 8, Tim Hicks put the visitors in front on 31'
and Danny Thomas scored Port's equaliser 2' after the break.
Newtown took a 2-0 lead over
TNS, the already qualified TNS came back with 4 goals to seal a unbeaten group
campaign.
Prestatyn went down 3-0 at home
to Rhyl with goals from
Mark Connolly 11' Lee Hunt 39' Chris Williams 85'.
Rhyl finished as the only side to win all 4 of their group games and qualify
with ease.
The night's other game failed
to produce a winner as Aberystwyth and Llanelli played out a 2-2 draw at Aber,
Aber took a 2 goal lead through
Geoff
Kellaway 25' Gareth Hughes
40' but the Reds hit back with goals from Craig Moses 55' Jordan Follows 63',
these two teams have to meet again in the cups remaining game with Llanelli
needing just a point to go through at the expense of Aber by virtue of better
goal difference.
October 6
Druids urged to express themselves
in cup tie
ELEMENTS Cefn Druids go
into the final group game of the Loosemores Cup with a request to express
themselves against Technogroup Welshpool at Plaskynaston.
With Druids having no chance of qualification, joint player-manager Waynne
Phillips said that there will be no pressure on the squad for the game,
giving the players the chance to express themselves on the pitch.
Phillips said: "Irrelevant of tonight's result we can't progress. We've
got nothing to lose and there will be no pressure placed on the players by
myself or Lee.
"We'll just ask them to put in a good effort and express themselves as
it will be nice to win the game to take into Friday's match.
"It will be like a training session for us but we'll be looking for the
effort from the squad."
He added: "We both feel that we have got players in the squad who can
play at a higher level. But they need to believe that themselves.
"If they have no ambition and are just happy playing for Elements Cefn
Druids then it can soon turn against them. They have to show their ability
in every game.
"I believe that myself and Lee are picking the strongest team available
to win the game. If we play to our best and still lose then we put our hands
up and say 'well done'."
www.cefndruidsafc.co.uk
October 6
Chester City name new manager
JIM HARVEY has today been
appointed Chester City manager.
The 51-year-old succeeds Mick Wadsworth who was sacked last week.
Harvey, who has managed at Morecambe and Forest Green Rovers, will take
charge of the Blues for this Saturday's home league match against Rushden
and Diamonds at the Deva Stadium.
The Leader
October 5
Greg Strong's joy as Rhyl progress
ALTHOUGH his team made
hard work of seeing off Cymru Alliance underdogs Llanfairpwll, Rhyl
player-manager Greg Strong had no major complaints about the
performance.
“I’m just delighted
to get through at the end of the day,” said Strong, whose side are now
home to Bridgend Town in the third round.
“It’s always
difficult coming to places like this where teams are always up for it
and treat it as their cup final. The strong wind also made things
tough.”
One of the Welsh
Cup’s biggest ever upsets was on the cards at half time as
Llanfairpwll led Rhyl 1-0, but class eventually told in the second
period as the Lilywhites netted three times to advance.
A second round tie
dictated by the strong wind saw Maes Eilian erupt after just three
minutes when Terry Williams’ low cross across the six-yard box was
finished off by Iwan Williams.
The visitors struggled
in the conditions but would have gone in level at half time but for a
fantastic reaction save by Ben Heald from a Mark Connolly header.
With the wind at their
backs in the second period, Rhyl were a more potent attacking force and
on 55 minutes Peter Doran’s excellent cross from the left was headed
home by Connolly.
A minute later George
Horan’s header across the six-yard box was finished off by Connolly
who made it a remarkable 11 goals in seven matches.
Only a brilliant
clearance off the line by Iwan Owens denied Connolly a hat-trick, but
the Rhyl man had another chance to score a third when the Welsh Premier
champions were awarded a penalty. Connolly’s kick beat Heald but
rebounded off the post to safety.
The Lilies put the tie
to bed on 81 minutes when Heald uncharacteristically fumbled a Williams
shot and Paul Smith snapped up the rebound.
Dave Jones - Daily Post
October 5
Prestatyn boss delighted at Welsh cup
draw
AFTER landing such a tricky
away tie so early in the competition Prestatyn manager Neil Gibson is
delighted to have had better luck in the draw for the third round of the
Welsh Cup, writes Dave Jones.
Town will take on Welsh
League Division Two side Cardiff Bay Harlequins at Bastion Road in the last
32 as reward for their 3-2 victory at fellow Welsh Premier outfit Welshpool
on Saturday.
“We felt it was a bit
tough on us being drawn away to a Welsh Premier team so soon, so getting a
home draw against a lower league side is all we were looking for,” said
Gibson.
“We’ll have to do our
homework on them (Harlequins) in the hope they won’t surprise us, but we
must have a good chance of making the last 16.”
Dave Jones - Daily Post
October 3
Welsh cup results
Neath 2 - 2
Llanelli (AET) Llanelli win 3-2 on Penalties
This game had it all in our featured match as Llanelli progressed to the
Third Round. The Reds took the lead as Rhys Griffiths tapped in from a
crowded Andy Legg corner, which Anthony Williams failed to gather. Craig
Steins then equalised in the 34th minute. In the 83rd minute, Lee Phillips
pulled Craig Steins back in the box and was sent-off, but Chris Llewellyn's
penalty was well saved by Ashley Morris.
In Extra Time, Chris
Holloway headed in from close range after Rhys Griffiths' initial header hit
the bar in the 111th minute. In dramatic style, a well worked Neath
Free-kick was then headed in by Chris Llewellyn in the 118th minute.
Llanelli player/manager Andy Legg was then sent-off for pushing in the 119th
minute and the match went to penalties. Ironically, it was Morris saving a
Llewellyn penalty, which won it for the visitors.
Bangor City FC 4-1
Elements Cefn Druids FC (F/T)
John Rush, 19' for Druids
Jamie Reed, 61'; 81' Jamie Brewerton, 77', Chris Sharp, 81' for Bangor
Bala Town 8-1
Borras Park Albion FC (F/T)
John Irving, 23'; Owain Roberts 26'; Ross Jeffries, 34' ' Osian Jones, 53',
Ricky Evans, 73'; John Toner 74' (Bala), Stuart Hayes, 77', 90(+2)
Mark Roberts, 33' (BPA)
Conwy United FC 0-2
The New Saints FC (F/T)
Craig Williams,95'; Aeron Edwards, 108'
Flint Town United
FC 7-1 Barmouth & Dyffryn United FC (F/T)
Mike Thelwell, 16'; Sean Beck, 33'; 67'; Andy Irvine, 45'; John Davies, 62',
80'; Alan Dawson, 70'
Leon Irvine, 45' (B&D)
Gap Connah's Quay
FC 2-0 Pwllheli FC (F/T)
Danny Forde, 82'; Jamie Petrie, 84'
Gresford 2-3
Llanrug (F/T)
Graeme Sutcliffe, 48'; Einion Edwards,60' for Gresford
Andrew Williams, 20' ; Rhys Roberts 53'; 61' for Llanrug
Holyhead Hotspurs
FC 1-1 Newtown FCHolyhead won 4-3 on Penalties
Curt Williams 55' for Holyhead
Obi Anoruo, 54' for Newtown
Lex XI FC 1-3
Airbus UK Broughton FC (F/T)
Paul McManus, 17'; Marc Lloyd Williams, 34'; Ryan Edwards, 47' (p)
Lex - Michael Santangeli
Llandudno Town FC
3-0 Berriew FC (AET)
Ben Dews, 98', 102'; Alan Roberts116'
Llanfairpwll FC 1-3
Rhyl FC (F/T)
Iwan Williams, 3'; Marc Connolly (2) and Paul Smith. Connolly also missed
penalty.
Llangefni Town FC
1-2 Llandudno Junction FC (F/T)
Marcus Orlik, 13' for Llangefni
Paul Cassidy, 41' Jake Cattery 90' for Llandudno J.
Llangollen Town FC
1-0 Glan Conwy FC (F/T)
Matthew Holmes, 2'
Llansantffraid
Village FC 1-3 Coedpoeth United FC (F/T)
M. Thomas, 27' ; N. McCormick, 37', 85' for Coedpoeth
Nathan Prodger, 28' for Llansantffraid
Penrhycoch FC 0-1'
CPD Porthmadog (F/T)
Chris Jones, 83'
Rhydymwyn FC 1-0
Caernarfon Town FC (F/T)
Marc Gunter, 52'
Ruthin Town FC 1-2
Caersws FC (F/T)
David Hughes, 8'; Chris Melia, 89'
Mike Robinson, 66'
Technogroup
Welshpool FC 2-3 Prestatyn Town FC (F/T)
Afan Lido 5-1
Croesyceiliog (F/T)
Scott McCoubrey 2'; Rhys Williams, 51', Nathan White, 69', Carl Payne, 79',
Mark Jones, 85'
Richard Perry, 83'
Bridgend Town FC
2-0 Ton Pentre FC (F/T)
Vinnie Whattleworth, 80'; Mike Hartley 90(+2)
Bryntirion Athletic
FC 0-3 Aberystwyth Town FC (F/T)
Geoff Kellaway, 32' and 51'; Aneurin Thomas, 57'
Caerau Ely FC 5-1
Hay St Mary FC (F/T)
Unknown Scorer, 18' for Hay
Chris Jones, 25' ; Tom Gilbert, 43' and 50'; Jordan Cotterrall, 75', 80' for
Caerau
Cardiff Bay
Harlequins FC 3-2 Aberbargoed Buds FC (F/T)
Ely Rangers FC 3-2
AFC Llwydcoed (F/T)
Matthew Hibbs, 21'; Graham Cummings (p) 30'; Steve Arthur, 41'
Lee Phillips, 75'; Thomas Morris, 85'
Garden Village FC
2-6 Caldicot Town FC (AET)
David Rimmer, 28', Craig Burgess, 37' for GV
Jason Thorne, 42' David Lloyd (p) 90(+3)' Steve Edwards, 98' for Caldicot
Goytre United FC
0-3 Pontardawe Town FC (F/T)
Scorers Unknown 5' 37' 70'
Llangeinor FC 2-1
Pontyclun FC (AET)
Phil Watson, 73' for Pontyclun
Matthew Heycock, 80'; Kevin Kelland, 105'
Taffs Well FC 0-2
Haverfordwest County FC (F/T)
Steffan Williams, 30'; Paul Michaels 86'
Dave Jones
October 3
Trio's absence hits Porth hard
TODAY'S Welsh Cup journey
to Penrhyncoch looked tricky enough for Porthmadog without the handicap of
missing at least three key players, writes Dave Jones.
The mid-Wales hosts are
joint leaders of the Cymru Alliance League and will certainly view the visit
of the Welsh Premier's basement side as an opportunity to spring an upset.
Likely to be absent for
Port are central defender Ryan Davies, who twisted his ankle in training on
Tuesday and another vital member of the back line, John Keegan, is suspended
following his sending-off at Rhyl last weekend.
Midfielder Ceri James is
also unavailable for the trip.
Porthmadog manager Tomi
Morgan said: “It’s a tough and tricky tie for us against a side flying
high in the Cymru Alliance at present and we’ll have to work extremely
hard if we are to get through to the next round."
Dave Jones
October 3
Rhyl boss wont take any chances
WHILE his team start
massive favourites to win at Cymru Alliance side Llanfairpwll, Rhyl
player-manager Greg Strong is taking absolutely nothing for granted.
Welsh Premier League
champions and current leaders, the Lilywhites are unbeaten all season and
will be taking on an Anglesey-based outfit they have defeated 6-0 and 4-1 in
the Welsh Cup in recent years.
“I reminded the players
in training last night (Thursday) that in every country in the world lower
teams beat higher teams,” said Strong.
“We know we’ll have to
battle from the start and that teams look on us as a big scalp they are
extra determined to beat.”
Defender Greg Stones (left)
is definitely out for the visitors, having come off injured in last
weekend’s win over Porthmadog, while striker Lee Hunt serves the last of a
three-game suspension.
Midfielder Gareth Owen and
striker Matthew Williams are rated only 50-50 for the game.
“We’ve still got enough
quality about us – not only that we’ve got flexible players who can play
in a lot of positions,” assured Strong.
“We’ve strengthened the
squad so what would have been a problem a few weeks ago is not a problem
now.”
Dave Jones
October 3
Rose Hat-Trick and DeVulgt Stunner
send Steelmen into Third Round
Port Talbot Town
5-0 Cwmbran Celtic
Port Talbot Town coasted to a 5-0 Second Round Welsh Cup win against Cwmbran
Celtic in the Welsh Cup at the GenQuip Stadium this evening. The hosts
started brightly and Scott Barrow's early effort was well saved by 'keeper
Nicky Church. The Principality Welsh Premier League outfit took the lead on
13 minutes, when Martin Rose responded quickly to tap the ball home after
Church could only parry a strong Lee John free-kick.
There wont be many better
goals scored on Welsh Cup weekend than the second for the Steelmen as
right-back Leigh DeVulgt scored a 35-yard screamer into the far top left
corner, which Church could only watch in amazement.
After the break, the hosts
were again always in the ascendancy and Rose became the provider to find
space in the box before laying off to Drew Fahiya who gratefully fired home
into an open net. Fahiya had one disallowed shortly after from another Rose
assist, with Liam McCreesh blocking 'keeper Church in an offside position.
Rose then scored his
deserved brace after a Nicky Holland header found the striker and the
in-form forward scored from a very acute angle to make it 4-0. Rose then
scored his first hat-trick of the season after a mistake at the back from
Lloyd Davies and Church almost led to an own-goal before Rose raced on to
steal his third.
Welshpremier.com
October
2
Nomads boss McGregor
weary of cup threat
GAP Connah’s Quay boss
Mark McGregor won’t be underestimating Welsh Alliance side Pwllheli in the
Welsh Cup after learning a valuable lesson in pre-season.
“We want to really do
well in this cup,” said the former professional. “I went on a few good
cup runs with Wrexham and it does breed confidence and keeps players on
their toes. Obviously, it would be great to get a European place at the end
of it if we win the cup.”
But the Nomads manager
won’t be taking Pwllheli lightly at Deeside Stadium on Saturday (2.30pm)
after his side crashed 2-0 at Cymru Alliance side Denbigh in August.
“We played Denbigh in a
pre-season fixture and they turned us over,” added McGregor. “If we
don’t turn up then it will be a hard game and it could turn into a
difficult afternoon for us, so all the lads will be bang at it from the
start.”
McGregor has a full squad
to choose from with Stuart Cook and Stuart Scheuber having recovered from
their recent injuries, and both should play some part as they look to regain
full match fitness.
David Bergin
October
2
Neath host tie of the round against
Llanelli
LLANELLI
travel to Neath tomorrow for their Welsh Cup tie in buoyant mood for a game
that promises to be the highlight of the second round.
With five successive league
victories behind them, the Reds have lifted themselves to second spot in the
Welsh Premier.
But manager Andy Legg is
mindful that the hosts have won four league encounters on the trot
themselves which has elevated them to fifth, their highest ever position.
"We are anticipating a
tough match," said Legg, who witnessed the Eagles crash out of the
League Cup on Tuesday night following a 4-1 roasting by Port Talbot at The
Gnoll.
"I don't take too much
notice of that result as Neath did not field a full-strength side. This is a
cup tie and derby so I'm sure Neath will be up for it, like ourselves.
"The Welsh Cup is a
great competition and I have won it three times as a professional and it is
a competition we would really like to win."
The closest Llanelli have
come to adding their name to the famous trophy was two years ago when they
surprisingly lost 4-2 to Bangor City in a controversial final.
Legg will emphasise to his
players that standards need to be maintained if his side are to reach the
next stage.
"We have to turn up on
the day as if we don't we could get punished," he said.
Evening Post
October
2
Port Talbot aim to be first out of the
hat
PORT
Talbot are looking to be the first team in the hat for the third round of
the Welsh Cup as they meet Welsh League outfit Cwmbran Celtic at the GenQuip
Stadium tonight.
The visitors have made a
good start to their campaign and lie second in the second division, with
just one loss from five games.
Town boss Mark Jones is
treating the tie with caution. "We will treat Cwmbran with respect and
I know they are looking forward to the game as they are bringing a sizeable
number of supporters with them which should make for a great
atmosphere," he said.
"We need to maintain
the level of performance we showed against Neath on Tuesday night. We were
excellent, played really well and the players showed the desire I am looking
for.
"There will be no
chance we will be complacent. I love this competition. I have had success in
it and want more."
Jones will pick from a full
squad minus Danny Thomas, who is serving the final game of a suspension.
"It would be nice to
be first to be in the hat for the next round but I'm sure Cwmbran will have
something to say about that," added Jones.
Evening Post
October
1
Caernarfon sign Chester
City striker
Caernarfon Town have strengthened their attack strike force with the signing
of 17 year old Chester Youth James Evans.
The player signed this week
for the Canaries, The highly rated young striker could be in the squad for
Saturday's game when they are away to Rhydymwyn, if the paperwork is
completed in time.
October
1
Cymru Alliance side Llandudno
Town's Welsh Premier bid
LLANDUDNO Town are taking
further steps in their bid to reach the Welsh Premier League.
The club is one of four
from the Cymru Alliance which has applied for a Domestic Licence, an
essential qualification to reach the top flight.
Now the Seasiders are
looking to set up a board of non-executive directors.
Each director will be
responsible for generating revenue to drive the club forward, bringing fresh
ideas and guidance to the existing committee.
