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Port Talbot Town Football Club News Archive - February 2008
29th February 2008
Burgin returns to Swansea City after three games
On-loan Swansea City player James Burgin has returned to the Liberty Stadium after playing just three games for Port Talbot Town in the Welsh Premier League. After changing the game as a substitute at Aberystwyth, creating the third goal against Caersws and keeping a clean sheet at Bangor City last weekend, the talented Derby-born defender has been recalled by Swansea City manager Roberto Martinez due to in jury problems limiting the League One sides squad. “We are very disappointed to lose James back to the Swans after just three games,” said Chairman Andrew Edwards. “Due to the transfer window rule he is now unable to return to us this season. He has done fantastically well in the short time he was at the club and we wish him well with his career at Swansea City”. It is a further selection problem for manager Nicky Tucker with Matthew Rees, Gareth Phillips and Matthew Thompson all suspended and Lee Surman doubtful following his recent injury.
28th February 2008
Europe or broke for Blues ahead of Llangefni test
Last weekend manager Nicky Tucker had two reasons for his side to claim fourth place in the table. “Fourth could be enough for Europe and it will be enough to get us into the second round of next season’s Premier Cup,” said Tucker. “We must beat Llangefni and at least win one and draw one of the other two,” added the man behind the recent revival. The draw he wanted arrived at Bangor City last weekend but a place in the second round of the Premier Cup is no longer an option. Following the BBC’s purchase of rights for the Coca-Cola League, the competition is now surplus to requirements as the corporation can now show their ‘big three’ through the new agreement. It leaves Welsh Premier clubs in a very concerning situation as the competition as a combined annual prize fund of over £350,000. The decision makes European qualification the only carrot for success in the league, and makes a win at bottom of the table Llangefni Town on Saturday all the more vital.
26th February 2008
The crime count name and shame
Port Talbot Town travel to bottom of the table Llangefni on Saturday with three important players missing through suspension. Captain Matthew Rees and midfielders Gareth Phillips and Matthew Thompson are all unavailable through the club’s increasing card count that now stands at a record level. Four bookings at Bangor City last weekend took the league total alone to forty-seven before the end of February. Lee Surman and Liam McCreesh lead the way with a grand total of twelve each although the currently injured Surman can add a Welsh Cup red card to his tally. Gareth Phillips picked up his second red of the season a fortnight ago to earn a four match ban while Thompson has only served one game of his three match suspension. Merthyr referee Wayne Tregonning currently leads the officials table for contributing to the above stats having claimed sixteen of the forty-seven yellows waved and handing out three of the five red cards. While bookings for tackles are coming place in the game, the side have had an unacceptable level of cautions for dissent this season. Manager Nicky Tucker must now make further enforced changes to his side that last season held the runners-up place in the Fair Play table.
25th February 2008
Tucker - “It was a good afternoon’s work”
On reflection manager Nicky Tucker was happy with his side gaining a point at Bangor City on Saturday despite his despair at the final whistle that his side had failed to turn their possession into goals. “I said this week that a win would be great, but a point would not be the end of the world,” said Tucker. “It was a fair result, although I felt we had chances to have sneaked it. We have put ourselves in a nice position with this point which, when you consider we were without Gareth Phillips, Matthew Thompson, Lee Surman and Mark McGibbon, makes it a good afternoon’s work.” The side are now back in action next Saturday away to bottom of the table Llangefni Town.
25th February 2008
Youth suffer heavy defeat at Merthyr Tydfil
Our Under-19 side were comfortably beaten 4-0 by Merthyr Tydfil at Penydarren Park on Sunday in the Youth Division West. There were celebrations in the local league on Saturday for the Jones family however as Brian, Andrew and Jamie all scored in their 3-2 win over Corus in the Premier Division.
23rd February 2008
Frustration for Town as wasted chances drop points
Before the match manager Nicky Tucker would have taken a point at Bangor City with both hands but after a dominating second half of wasted chances there was only the feeling of frustration and disappointment in this 0-0 draw. Tucker made enforced changes to his side with Lee Surman failing a fitness test to join Mark McGibbon on the injury list while Gareth Phillips and Matthew Thompson were both suspended. Lee John and Scott Barrow returned while Carl Evans was offered a starting role at right back. Bangor had the better of the opening half chances but it was in the second half that Port Talbot dominated with Martin Rose, Scott Barrow, Dylan Blain and James Burgin all coming with inches of making the breakthrough as Bangor were left shapeless all over the park. A rare counter-attack from the home side brought a superb save from Kristian Rogers but this was a match there for the taking for Port Talbot Town but they failed to find the all important goal. With other results in their favour, Nicky Tucker will see this as a point gained, but not until the frustration of the missed second half chances passes.
23rd February 2008
Welsh Premier League round-up
The weekend programme was dominated by the sad news that former Llanelli manager Gil Lloyd had passed away with the club’s home match against Newtown being postponed as a mark of respect. The New Saints then moved level with Llanelli as they cruised to a 7-1 win over Llangefni Town, Kevin Townson scoring four goals in the rout. Aberystwyth were also big scorers on the day as they defeated Connah’s Quay 6-1 with Andrew Evans grabbing a hat-trick. A goal from Ross Stephens on 81 minutes brought a surprise 1-0 win for Welshpool Town at home to Rhyl while Carmarthen also lost ground on the leading pack as they were defeated 3-1 at NEWI Cefn Druids in front of just 72 spectators. The biggest crowd of the day was at Farrar Road were Bangor were held to a 0-0 draw by Port Talbot Town while Neath Athletic’s impressive form was brought to an end at Airbus UK Broughton as they suffered a 2-1 defeat at the Airfield. At the bottom Porthmadog claimed an important 4-2 win at Caersws with Carl Owen grabbing a hat-trick while Haverfordwest County were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Caernarfon Town.
22nd February 2008
Tucker - “Our next three games are crucial”
Port Talbot Town make the difficult trip to Bangor City on Saturday and manager Nicky Tucker is clear in what his side must achieve. “Fourth could be enough for Europe and it will be enough to get us into the second round of next season’s Premier Cup,” said Tucker. “To give ourselves a chance of getting fourth, our next three matches are crucial. We must beat Llangefni and at least win one and draw one of the other two. It's a very big game for us and if we could return with three points it would set us up nicely.” Defender Lee Surman will have a fitness test ahead of the match after picking up an injury when he collided with goalkeeper Ashley Morris in the Wales Under-23 Semi-Pro sides defeat to England at Exeter on Wednesday although he is expected to play. In addition Lee John, Scott Barrow and Mark McGibbon return from injury but midfielders Gareth Phillips and Matthew Thompson will miss the match through suspension. With four consecutive victories behind them, the side will approach the next three crucial games with a positive attitude and have a great chance to push for a European place. Kick off at Farrar Road is at 2.30pm.
20th February 2008
Injuries and suspensions force Tucker’s hand
Manager Nicky Tucker will again make enforced changes to his side for this weekend’s match at Bangor City despite four consecutive victories moving his team within four points of fourth place. Midfielders Gareth Phillips and Matthew Thompson both received straight red cards in last Saturday’s 3-1 win over Caersws at the RE/MAX Stadium and will both serve three match suspensions for their actions in the win. Expected to return to the side after injury are trio Lee John, Scott Barrow and new signing Mark McGibbon who all sat out last weekend’s victory with injuries picked up in the previous match against Aberystwyth Town although Kyle Sheppard remains out through injury. Tucker has not been afraid to make changes to his side in recent weeks and will be confident of continuing the impressive sequence of results at Farrer Road. A win for Port Talbot will move them onto the same points as fifth place Bangor City with a game in hand and with a home game against fourth place Carmarthen Town in April, there is still plenty to play for in the coming weeks. The team will be travelling to Bangor the night before the match to prepare. Kick off is at 2.30pm.
18th February 2008
Tucker doubts Phillips red card but praises nine men
Manager Nicky Tucker has praised his players after claiming a superb 3-1 win over Caersws on Saturday despite being reduced to nine-men in the opening half. “Three points was the aim before the game and we got them, so we have a lot to be happy with”, said Tucker. “I thought the first red card was right, but the second deserved no more than a yellow.” Tucker was also keen to praise his remaining players. “To play for 50 minutes two men short and still win comfortably was a great effort by the lads. I take my hat off to them and I learned a lot about the tremendous character these players have.”
18th February 2008
Emad Othman
Port Talbot Town Football Club would like to offer their condolences to the family of former trialist and Jordanian U-21 International Emad Othman who passed away on Thursday aged just 28. Emad had trials at the club in 2004 and 2005 before moving on to play for Pontardawe in the Welsh League.
18th February 2008
Surman to play his part in International revival
With the Welsh National Team and the Under-21‘s enjoying unprecidented praise and success under the guidance of John Toshack and Brian Flynn respectively, the Interntional spotlight this week falls on the Under-23 Semi-Pro side to continue the revival of fortunes for the FAW. Port Talbot Town defender Lee Surman has again been named in the squad for the match against England at Exeter City on Wednesday night as team manager and former Port Talbot Town boss Tony Pennock looks to avenge his sides defeat in Italy earlier in the campaign. “I would like to wish Lee all the best on behalf of the club,” said Port Talbot manager Nicky Tucker. “He has been in superb form this season and thoroughly deserves this recognition”.
18th February 2008
Hash and Barrow talk tactics and Tucker
Afan FM Sports Editor Hash caught up with Scott Barrow for his latest column with an interview for the official website. Barrow talks about his recent form and the season so far in this latest feature from 107.9 Afan FM.
17th February 2008
Welsh Premier League round-up
Llanelli extended their lead at the top of the table despite being held to a 1-1 draw at Bangor City as The New Saints match at Rhyl was postponed due to a frozen pitch at Belle Vue. Former Afan Lido striker Mark Jones scored for Llanelli before Ashley Stott equalised for the home side four minutes from time. On Friday Neath Athletic came back from being a goal behind to defeat Haverfordwest County while Airbus UK Broughton kept Llangefni at the bottom of the table with a comfortable 3-0 away win. Caernarfon held Newtown to a 0-0 draw at the Oval while NEWI Cefn Druids suffered a 2-1 defeat at Connah’s Quay Nomads in the other Friday night games. On Saturday Port Talbot defeated Caersws despite being reduced to nine-men as both Matthew Thompson and Gareth Phillips received straight red cards in the opening half. Jamal Easter scored four of Carmarthen’s five goals in their 5-2 home win over Welshpool Town with Danny Thomas adding the fifth for the home side. Their were also goals at Porthmadog as Aberystwyth ran out 6-2 winners with Geoff Kellaway scoring three.
17th February 2008
Burgin stars but discipline problems continue in win
On-loan Swansea City winger James Burgin produced a man of the match performance for Port Talbot Town on Saturday as Nicky Tucker’s side defeated Caersws 3-1 at the RE/MAX Stadium. The result was not as comfortable as the scoreline suggests however as midfield pair Matthew Thompson and Gareth Phillips were both shown straight red cards in the opening half. Liam McCreesh opened the scoring for the home side on 16 minutes before Dylan Blain extended the lead in style by lifting the ball over the advancing keeper nine minutes later. With Port Talbot cruising to a comfortable win, Thompson was shown a straight red card for violent conduct before Lee Surman conceded a penalty for Caersws to reduce the deficit. Gareth Phillips then joined Thompson as he was sent off for a high tackle. Port Talbot regrouped however and it was Burgin who made the points safe on 80 minutes when he took on six players in a mazy run on the left before crossing for Blain to score his second of the game. Thompson and Phillips will now both serve a three match suspension for their actions.
14th February 2008
Caersws the bogey visitors to the RE/MAX
This Saturday Caersws are the visitors to the RE/MAX Stadium and bring with them a superb record at the ground. In seven meetings between the two clubs, Port Talbot have registered just one victory as Mark Jones claimed his first points as manager of the club back in October 2001. Since then however, Port Talbot have not scored a single home goal against the Bluebirds. Manager Nicky Tucker will assess the fitness of a number of players this week as Lee John, Scott Barrow and Mark McGibbon all picked up knocks in last weeks 4-2 win over Aberystwyth Town. Kyle Sheppard remains out of action with a calf strain although defender Lee Surman returns from suspension and will meet up with the Wales Under-23 Semi-Pro side early next week for Wednesday’s match against England at Exeter City. Admission for the Caersws match remains at a reduced price of £4 for adults and just £2 for concessions. Kick off is at 2.30pm.
11th February 2008
Senor Bond shows ‘courage and strength’ in draw
Chad Bond produced his best performance for his Spanish club CF Balaguer over the weekend as they held second place Reus to a goalless draw at home. Bond, who scored seven goals for Port Talbot Town this season, joined the club last month on-loan from Swansea City and earned rave reviews on the Catalan message boards for his latest display. ‘The highlight for Balaguer was the performance of Welshman Chad Bond’, read the match report. ‘He had the best opportunity for the side with a shot that hit the crossbar and demonstrated courage and strength in everything that he did’. It has not been such a productive time for Kerry Morgan however, who has yet to feature for the side despite a number of injuries in the squad.
11th February 2008
Hash’s page is brought to you by the number seven
In his latest feature, Afan FM Sports Editor Hash looks at the relevance of the number seven, Tucker’s golden touch, theories and seagulls. All football related of course.
10th February 2008
Rose in bloom as the lone ranger
Despite making a number of additions to his squad in the January transfer window, manager Nicky Tucker has only one recognised senior striker in his squad. Luckily, that striker is Martin Rose, and on current form, Tucker doesn’t need another one. Rose scored his nineteenth competitive goal of the season in Friday’s 4-2 win over Aberystwyth Town to take his Welsh Premier League goal ratio to a goal every other game having previously featured in the league for Cardiff Grange Quins and again under Nicky Tucker at Llanelli. With Port Talbot four points clear in sixth place following three consecutive victories, Rose form will be vital on the club achieving a highly successful league season against the odds.
10th January 2008
Brace for Ben as Blues impress
Ben James scored a superb second half double as our Under-19 side claimed a second successive league win with a 4-2 result over Haverfordwest County on Sunday.
9th February 2008
Welsh Premier League round-up
Carmarthen Town picked up the result of the day on Saturday as they defeated champions The New Saints 3-0 away from home thanks to goals from Wales Under-23 Semi Pro International Paul Fowler and a double from Tim Hicks. Llanelli capitalised on the result with a 5-1 home win over Caernarfon Town with four goals in the space of five second half minutes. Rhys Griffiths claimed one of the strikes and with it January’s Player of the Month award. Rhyl kept up the pressure on Friday night with a 2-0 win at Airbus UK Broughton, manager John Hulse picking up the manager of the month award for January. At the bottom Llangefni were comfortably beaten 5-1 at Haverfordwest County while Porthmadog picked up a useful point at NEWI Cefn Druids and Caersws collected a superb three points with a 1-0 win at home to Bangor City. Port Talbot came back from being 2-1 down to win 4-2 at Aberystwyth while Welshpool needed a last minute penalty to draw at home with Connah’s Quay. Meanwhile goals from Richard French and Andy Hill handed Neath Athletic a 2-0 home win over Newtown to maintain their excellent first season in the league.
8th February 2008
Allez Allez! Blues cruise to four goal win at Aber
Four goals from four different goalscorers handed manager Nicky Tucker a highly satisfying 4-2 victory at Aberystwyth Town on Friday night. With only Lee Surman suspended and Paul Evans unavailable, Tucker had a choice of eighteen players following his moves in the January transfer window and his side responded with an excellent performance to comeback form being 2-1 down early in the second half. Martin Rose opened the scoring on 18 minutes when he capitalised on a mistake by home goalkeeper David Jones but Aber equalised on 40 minutes and then took the lead early in the second half. Scott Barrow was replaced by debutant Swansea City loan signing James Burgin at half time after picking up a foot injury and the young replacement proved influential for both Craig Hanford and Lee John scoring from crosses into the area for Port Talbot to regain the lead. Lee John then also picked up a foot injury and was replaced by Dylan Blain who made an immediate impression by scoring the fourth goal for the side three minutes after his arrival as Port Talbot claimed a superb win.
6th February 2008
New signings hand Tucker a welcome headache
After struggling through the season with a limited squad, Port Talbot Town find themselves with nineteen available players for Friday’s Principality Welsh Premier League match at Aberystwyth Town. Manager Nicky Tucker boosted the numbers during the January transfer window and impressive displays from his new signings in recent friendlies will make Friday’s team selection an intriguing decision. With only defender Lee Surman suspended, Tucker still remains limited in attack with Martin Rose the only recognised senior striker in the squad having failed to replace Chad Bond after his surprise move to CF Balaguer of the Spanish Tercera Division. By comparison, Aberystwyth Town manager Brian Coyne did not make a single signing during the January window although the club were sorry to see on-loan Wrexham striker Jamie Reed return to the Racecourse, only to be re-loaned back out into the English Pyramid. Bus leaves the RE/MAX Stadium at 3.15pm on Friday with kick off at 7.30pm.
5th February 2008
Tudor-Jones makes Swans return at the RE/MAX
Swansea City midfielder Owain Tudor-Jones is expected to make his comeback after injury for the reserves at the RE/MAX Stadium on Wednesday when they take on AFC Bournemouth. The former Bangor City captain has been out with a knee and ankle injury and manager Roberto Martinez will be keen to have him back for their title challenge. Kick off is at 3.00pm.
5th February 2008
Bryntirion bite back over Walters claim
Welsh League side Bryntirion Athletic have responded to the claims that they stalled on the transfer of striker Robbie Walters to Port Talbot Town last month. “If Robbie wants to play at Welsh Premier League level and has the chance we certainly wouldn’t stop him,” said Chairman Emlyn Phillips. He then followed by admitting that they did stop Walters making the move as he owes £36 in unpaid club fines. “We could not let Robbie complete the transfer until he had paid off money owed”. Phillips then sniped that if Walters does make the step up, “it will be to a better run club than Port Talbot.”
4th February 2008
Surman gains second International call-up
Defender Lee Surman has retained his place in the Wales U-23 Semi-Pro squad for their match against England on 20th of February at Exeter City’s St James Park. The side, managed by former Port Talbot Town manager Tony Pennock, suffered a 4-2 defeat against Italy in their first match and will be looking for an improved performance closer to home. Striker Chad Bond, currently on-loan at CF Balaguer from Swansea City, is also included in a squad containing eight players from the Welsh Premier League.
4th February 2008
Rose double as Tucker builds with friendly win
Manager Nicky Tucker used a comfortable 4-0 win over Bridgend Town on Monday night to assess his new signings and with it look at the options available to him in a number of positions. Playing three 30-minute periods, Tucker made a number of changes and will have been impressed with some strong performances from his new signings. Goals from Matthew Thompson, Steve Evans and a double from Martin Rose eased past the Welsh League opposition.
3rd February 2008
Reeso back for midweek friendly
Influential captain Matthew Rees is expected to make his return to the side in Monday’s home friendly against Bridgend Town. Rees has been on the sidelines for the last three weeks following a thyroid operation but makes his return to action this week. The friendly offers manager Nicky Tucker the chance to assess his new signings including Carl Evans, Steve Evans and goalkeeper Josh Payne. Kick off is at 7.15 pm.
3rd February 2008
Healey double avenges Goytre defeat
Midfielder Rory Healey made amends for an early season defeat at Goytre as he scored twice from the penalty spot to hand Port Talbot Town a 2-1 victory over Goytre United in the Welsh Football League Youth Division West on Sunday at the RE/MAX Stadium. Goytre took an early lead through Dean Evans but Healey made amends from the spot on both 29 and 48 minutes when he made no mistake from two well taken penalty kicks. The side are now back in action next Sunday when Haverfordwest are the visitors to the RE/MAX Stadium.
1st February 2008
Bryntirion block Walters dream move
Welsh League side Bryntirion Athletic have prevented striker Robbie Walters from making a dream Welsh Premier League move to Port Talbot Town by failing to co-operate with the transfer process ahead of the closure of the January transfer window. Walters has been a leading scorer in the Welsh League for a number of seasons and having featured for Port Talbot in Tuesday’s trial match against Goytre United, manager Nicky Tucker moved to bring the striker to the RE/MAX Stadium. Ambitious Walters, delighted of the prospect of testing himself at a a higher level, was then prevented from making the move by his club Bryntirion Athletic. In a farcical few days, officials of the Bridgend-based club went into hiding to prevent completing the transfer by midnight on Thursday and with it made it impossible for their striker to realise his ambitions to make the step up to the Welsh Premier League. Tucker did complete the loan signing of talented Swansea City youngster James Burgin however and also brought in Carl Evans from local rivals Afan Lido. Young striker Matthew Wright has returned to Swansea City and will continue to play for both their youth and reserve sides.
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