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Port Talbot Town Football Club News Archive - April 2008
28th April 2008
The start of the silly season
With the month of May fast approaching and with it the usual Welsh Premier merry-go-round of transfers will no doubt follow in the next few weeks and months as teams prepare for the season ahead. Port Talbot Town are expected to be no exception despite a strong fourth place finish as manager Nicky Tucker prepares for his full season in charge of the club. Mark McGibbon is the first to commit himself for another season at the club by signing a contract for the new campaign and a number of others are expected to follow in the next few weeks. All the news will feature here on the official website so keep visiting throughout the summer for all the latest news.
28th April 2008
League Cup success for man of the match Mumford
Former Port Talbot Town midfielder Andrew Mumford scored for Llanelli in the League Cup Final on Sunday as his side defeated Rhyl 2-0 at Newtown. Mumford also claimed the man of the match award with an excellent display. Also on Sunday our Under-19 side slipped to a 4-1 defeat at ENTO Aberaman.
24th April 2008
Vote for the Supporters Player of the Year
The club are now taking nominations for this season’s Supporters Player of the Year ahead of the club’s annual Presentation Night that will take place on Saturday, 10th May. Captain Matthew Rees claimed the majority of votes last season to add the award to his Player of the Year title but this season is up against strong competition from top scorer Martin Rose, new signing Liam McCreesh, young Scott Barrow and Wales Under-23 semi-pro defender Lee Surman amongst others. Your nomination can be made via e-mail and all supporters are welcome to have their say on the eventual winner. The closing date for the nominations is Friday, 2nd May so please vote early to nominate your Player of the Year.
22nd April 2008
Successful night for Cockings in Swans friendly
Swansea City ran out 3-2 winners over Port Talbot Town on Tuesday night in a testimonial match for long-serving Port Talbot defender Robert Cockings. A large crowd turned out to watch Swansea City manager Roberto Martinez and members of his League One title winning squad take on a Port Talbot side made up of past and present players. Robert would like to pass on his thanks to everyone who supported the night.
22nd April 2008
College win for Payne and Barrow over England
Port Talbot Town goalkeeper Josh Payne kept a clean sheet for the Welsh College side on Monday as they claimed a 3-0 win over England at Telford. Payne played in the opening half of the win before being replaced by Newtown goalkeeper David Jones for the second half. Midfielder Scott Barrow also featured in the match, playing the opening 60 minutes as he continues to recover from the ankle injury he sustained playing for Port Talbot Town against Welshpool Town last week. The club would like to congratulate both players on the achievements with the side.
21st April 2008
Martinez to lead his Champions on Tuesday night
Roberto Martinez will return to the playing field on Tuesday night as a member of the Swansea City playing squad for the testimonial match at the RE/MAX Stadium for long serving Port Talbot Town player Robert Cockings. After leading his side to the League One title over the weekend, Martinez will bring his Championship-bound squad to Port Talbot Town for the friendly. The match commemorates ten years of service to the club by Robert Cockings and will also offer Swans fans the chance to congratulate Swansea City manager Roberto Martinez and members of the title-winning squad on their achievements this season. Port Talbot will include a number of Cockings former team mates in addition to the current squad who have also enjoyed a successful season under the guidance of manager Nicky Tucker after confirming a fourth place finish in the Welsh Premier League last weekend. Admission for the match is just £5 for adults and only £2 for concessions and will offer both Swansea City and Port Talbot Town fans the chance to congratulate their respective sides on a double achievement. Kick off is at 7.15pm.
19th April 2008
Highest ever finish confirmed with home win
Port Talbot Town cruised to a 3-1 win at home to Llangefni Town on Saturday to confirm their highest ever Welsh Premier League finish and record points total. The victory boosted the sides points tally to 59 and confirmed fourth position in the table, both are the highest achieved by the club in the Welsh Premier League. Llangefni opened the scoring on 32 minutes against the run of play but Port Talbot hit back with goals from Martin Rose, Matthew Rees and Liam McCreesh to claim a comfortable win and relegate their opponents in the process. The achievement of finishing fourth is an incredible feat for manager Nicky Tucker as he joined the club in November with a squad inherited from former manager Tony Pennock, the transfer window closed until January and the side in the bottom half of the table, Tucker masterminded an incredible turnaround at the club to finish the season in fourth place. The side are now back in action on Tuesday night when they take on Swansea City at the RE/MAX Stadium in a testimonial match for Robert Cockings. Admission is just £5 and £2 and kick off is at 7.15pm.
19th April 2008
Welsh Premier League round-up
The final weekend of the season focused on the teams at the bottom of the table and it was Porthmadog who moved themselves out of the relegation zone with a 1-0 win over Rhyl through a goal from Richard Hughes. Incredibly it was the sides first home league win of the season. Caersws moved into the bottom two places as they were defeated at home 1-0 by Caernarfon while Llangefni Town remained at the bottom as they were defeated 3-1 by Port Talbot Town despite taking the lead. The win confirmed that Port Talbot Town would finish fourth in the table as their nearest challengers Bangor City and Neath drew 1-1 at Farrar Road while Carmarthen Town suffered a surprise 4-3 defeat at Connah’s Quay Nomads. NEWI Cefn Druids claimed a 1-0 win at home to Haverfordwest County through a goal form Chris McGinn while Airbus UK Broughton also claimed a 1-0 win at Welshpool Town, Paul Hallows scoring the only goal of the game. At the top of the table Llanelli were defeated 3-0 by The New Saints at Park Hall thanks to a brace from transfer listed Alfie Carter to leave Llanelli’s title winning season one goal short of a hundred.
17th April 2008
McCreesh to start as Tucker plans for important win
Nicky Tucker has spoken to the club’s official website ahead of Saturday’s home match against Llangefni Town. “For many people the importance of this match is all about our visitors as they have to take maximum points to avoid relegation,” said Tucker. “For us three points would ensure we finish fourth, which will be a massive achievement for the club. I am fully aware of the pressure Llangefni manager Gus Williams and his team are under, but we want fourth place and are fully focused on achieving the highest finish in the clubs history. We will be without Lee Surman and Scott Barrow who are both injured, but Liam McCreesh will return to the starting line up after he was able to complete 30 minutes against Welshpool, in a game we totally nominated and deserved to win. This was on the back of a very disappointing result against Rhyl a few days earlier. After the Llangefni game we can look forward to Robert Cockings testimonial against the Swans on Tuesday in a game that Rob deserves for his loyalty to the club. I hope our supporters can create another good atmosphere at the RE/MAX this Saturday so we really can finish on a high.” Admission for the match remains at £4 and £2. Kick off is at 2.30pm.
15th April 2008
Fourth place in Blues hands after Welshpool win
Port Talbot can achieve their highest ever Welsh Premier League finish and record points total on Saturday after defeating Welshpool Town 3-1 away from home on Tuesday night. Martin Rose opened the scoring on 42 minutes before Ross Stephens levelled for the home side after the interval. Welshpool were then reduced to ten men when Chris Venables was dismissed for a tackle on Scott Barrow that left the Port Talbot midfielder in hospital with an ankle injury. Dylan Blain restored the advantage on 63 minutes when he made no mistake in the area after a free kick before Rose scored his second of the game nine minutes later to complete the scoring. Referee Kevin Parry then missed a blatant stamp on Gareth Phillips as the frustrations of the home side increased. Nicky Tucker’s side now take on strugglers Llangefni at home on Saturday and will be confident of avenging last month’s heavy defeat on Anglesey after this latest display. Bangor City were defeated at home to Rhyl on Tuesday night to leave Port Talbot favourites to claim fourth place in the table having opened up a two point lead.
13th April 2008
Blues must bounce back at Welshpool for fourth place
Following Saturday’s embarrassing 5-0 defeat at Rhyl, manager Nicky Tucker has the chance to return to fourth place in the table on Tuesday when his side travel to Welshpool Town. Port Talbot slipped down to seventh place after the heavy defeat and Tucker will be expecting a reaction from his squad after a below par display at the weekend.
13th April 2008
Clubs agree to ten team league changes
The Principality Welsh Premier League is set to be split into two divisions of ten teams from the 2010-2011 season following a meeting of the eighteen club chairman in Oswestry on Sunday. The initial proposal was for the change to happen from 2009 if agreed but the league is now expected to continue in its present format for another two seasons following the decision made in the meeting. More details to follow.
13th April 2008
Thompson leads Welsh University side
Matthew Thompson captained the Wales University side last week in the annual British University Games. Regarded as the pinnacle of the British Universities sporting schedule, Wales were defeated in their opening match against Scotland but claimed a superb win over a strong England side on penalties after the two sides played out a 0-0 draw. The side are managed by former Port Talbot Town coach Dave Hughes who was delighted with the sides performance over the two games. The club would like to congratulate Matthew on this achievement.
13th April 2008
Under-19‘s on form against West End
Our Under-19 side claimed a superb 1-0 victory over West End at the RE/MAX Stadium on Sunday. Substitute Steffan Williams scored the only goal of the game on 64 minutes to hand the side their second successive win over sides currently at the top of the table to follow on from Wednesday’s 3-1 win over Afan Lido. The side are now in action on Thursday against Pontardawe, the game has been switched to the RE/MAX Stadium and kick off is at 7.00pm.
12th April 2008
Second rate performance brings embarrassing defeat
Port Talbot Town suffered a humiliating 5-0 defeat at Rhyl on Saturday to maintain their record of failing to ever claim a single league point at Belle Vue in eight visits. Goalkeeper Kristian Rogers was missing through illness as Josh Payne was once again handed a place in the starting line-up while Matthew Thompson was named on the bench. A brace from Chris Sharp was accompanied by a strike from Craig Garside as Rhyl stormed to a three goal lead at the interval before Marc Lloyd-Williams added another two goals for the home side in the second half. The introduction of Thompson after half time sparked Port Talbot into action but it was not enough as Rhyl could have added a lot more to their goal tally having hit the woodwork three times during their dominant performance. The defeat moves Port Talbot Town into seventh place in the Principality Welsh Premier League table but they can return to fourth place with a victory over Welshpool Town on Tuesday night providing Bangor City fail to defeat Rhyl. In order to achieve a fourth place finish however Nicky Tucker’s side cannot afford a repeat performance of this latest defeat.
12th April 2008
Welsh Premier League round-up
Llanelli claimed the Principality Welsh Premier League title without kicking a ball on Friday night as The New Saints suffered an unexpected 2-0 defeat at Airbus UK Broughton. Llanelli then confirmed their position on Saturday as top scorer Rhys Griffiths scored the only goal of the game to hand the champions a victory at Connah’s Quay. In the other Friday night match a goal from defender Peter Hoy was enough to hand Bangor City victory over Llangefni in front of over 700 fans. A goal from James Thomas handed Caernarfon Town a surprise win at home to Aberystwyth while Haverfordwest County claimed another three points thanks to an 88th minute goal from Luke Bowen. Neath Athletic were held to a 2-2 draw at home to strugglers Caersws while a goal from Richard Williams-Cooke was the difference as Newtown claimed a 1-0 win over NEWI Cefn Druids. Carmarthen were held to a 0-0 draw at home to Porthmadog while in the other match of the weekend Port Talbot Town moved down to seventh place as they suffered a heavy 5-0 defeat at Rhyl as both Chris Sharp and Marc Lloyd-Williams grabbed a brace each in the convincing win.
11th April 2008
Tucker confident of success at Rhyl
Manager Nicky Tucker takes his Port Talbot Town side to Rhyl on Saturday in confident mood. “People have been reminding me of our poor record at Rhyl, but records are there to be broken,” said Tucker. “It's a tough one. They have proved themselves to be the third best team in the league and that shows their consistency. After beating Carmarthen convincingly last week fourth place is now in our own hands and it would be fantastic if we could achieve it.' I've set a seven-point target from our last three matches and I'd settle for a point at Rhyl, but nine points would be even better. My players have been a credit to the club this season and just need to show the same commitment as last week to give us a real chance.” The coach leaves the RE/MAX Stadium at 8.00am, kick off is at 2.30pm.
10th April 2008
Rhyl without leading scorer for Saturday
Influential Rhyl striker Lee Hunt will miss this Saturday’s match against Port Talbot Town through suspension as he serves the second game of a two match ban. Hunt has scored 25 goals already this season although Rhyl can call upon the all-time leading Welsh Premier League goalscorer Marc Lloyd-Williams to replace him. Defender Lee Surman is expected to remain on the sidelines after developing a blood clot in his leg before last weekends win over Carmarthen but a strong performance from Carl Evans and captain Matthew Rees means they are likely to remain as the defensive pairing for the visitors. The coach leaves the RE/MAX Stadium at 8.00am, kick off is at 2.30pm.
10th April 2008
Young Blues cruise to win over title-chasers
Our Under-19 side comfortably defeated second-placed local rivals Afan Lido 3-1 at the RE/MAX Stadium on Wednesday night. The side play their last home match of the season on Sunday when they take on West End.
8th April 2008
Tucker on course to claim double achievement
Nicky Tucker can complete an amazing change of fortunes when his side make the long journey to Rhyl on Saturday. If Port Talbot can claim three points at Belle Vue, it will match their highest ever Welsh Premier League points total of 56 achieved in the 2005-2006 season with two games to spare while a victory would also be the first ever Welsh Premier League point gained by the club at Rhyl after the previous seven games all ended in a defeat. Port Talbot have already suffered a defeat at Rhyl in the Welsh Cup this season and will be more than confident of revenge following last weekend’s superb performance in the home win over Carmarthen Town.
8th April 2008
Academy impress despite Swans defeat
Our Under-12 Academy side put in another strong performance against Swansea City in Mumbles on Sunday but suffered a 3-2 defeat while our Under-19 side were held to a 2-2 draw at home to Bryntirion ahead of Wednesday’s home match against local rivals Afan Lido.
5th April 2008
Welsh Premier League round-up
Llanelli maintained their ten point advantage at the top of the table but did not impress with a below par performance at home to Airbus UK. Andrew Mumford scored the only goal of the match from the penalty spot. John Toner scored three as The New Saints cruised past Haverfordwest County while Neath Athletic can thank two goals from Matthew Rees for moving them upto sixth place in the table as they claimed a superb 2-1 win at Aberystwyth Town. At the other end of the table Porthmadog were held to a 3-3 draw at home to Connah’s Quay Nomads while Llangefni continued their improving form with a 1-1 draw against fellow strugglers Caersws. In the Friday night matches NEWI Cefn Druids were on form to defeat Caernarfon 5-1 at home while Welshpool Town needed an 85th minute goal from Steve Rogers 2-1. In the battle for fourth place Port Talbot Town were comfortable 2-0 winners through goals from top scorer Martin Rose and Liam McCreesh. In the Welsh Cup semi-final Bangor City will now play Llanelli in the final after they defeated Welsh League side Newport YMCA 3-1 at Newtown.
4th April 2008
Blues move closer to fourth with fine performance
Port Talbot Town produced one of their best teams performances of the season on Friday night to cruise past Carmarthen Town at the RE/MAX Stadium. Martin Rose and Liam McCreesh grabbed the all-important goals either side of half time to claim a 2-0 win for Nicky Tucker’s side but it will be the manner of the win that will be remembered as Port Talbot dominated for long periods of the game. With former manager Tony Pennock in attendance, the difference in the side from the start of the season showed how far the team have progressed under Tucker while the victory makes fourth place a strong possibility. Kristian Rogers returned in goal in place of Josh Payne while Matthew Rees and Leigh De-Vulgt also returned to the starting line-up. Lee Surman pulled up in the warm-up and was replaced by Carl Evans and the former Afan Lido player did not disappoint with another commanding performance at the back. Man of the match however was without doubt Gareth Phillips who produced one of his best performances ever for the club. Tireless in the middle of midfield, Phillips broke down every attack from the visitors in what turned into a very comfortable and important win.
1st April 2008
Friday win over Old Gold can bring highest finish
Carmarthen Town are the visitors to the RE/MAX Stadium on Friday night for an important Principality Welsh Premier League match that will have a big impact on which team claims fourth place in the table in a few weeks time. Although a European place is no longer an option, Port Talbot can complete an amazing turnaround in fortunes if manager Nicky Tucker can achieve the club’s highest ever finish after taking over from Tony Pennock midway through the season. Goalkeeper Kristian Rogers will be pushing to win his place back in the side but is under stiff competition from impressive youngster Josh Payne who has started the last two matches. Kick off is at 7.30pm.
1st April 2008
Hash plans South Wales dominance for Blues
In his latest column, 107.9 Afan FM Sports Editor Hash compares Port Talbot and Llanelli and explains why the Nicky Tucker’s side can dominate in South Wales. Park on Tuesday night in the big game of the week.
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