Club News Archive February 2009 - Port Talbot Town Football Club

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Port Talbot Town Football Club - Principality Welsh Premier League - The GenQuip Stadium, Victoria Road, Port Talbot. SA12 6AD. Website best viewed 1024x768.

FEBRUARY 2009

28th February 2009
Blues lose out in cruel Welsh Cup penalty defeat
Port Talbot Town were knocked out of the Welsh Cup at the Quarter Final stage on Saturday as Carmarthen booked their place in the last four of the competition with a penalty shoot-out victory. The match was goalless after ninety minutes but was not without controversy as Gareth Phillips was shown a red card in the opening half before referee Mark Whitby evened out the numbers in the second half by dismissing Carmarthen striker Craig Hughes. On 74 minutes Carmarthen were forced to make a goalkeeping change as manager Deryn Brace replaced the injured Neil Thomas. It would eventually prove an inspired change for the home side. As the game moved into extra time, Martin Rose opened the scoring for the visitors but with victory just minutes away, Carmarthen equalised through Paul Fowler on 118 minutes to take the tie to penalties. Brace would prove to be the hero for the home side as he saved the opening two Port Talbot Town penalties as his side eased to a 4-1 victory in the shoot-out and leave Port Talbot to rue on their failure to defend in the final minutes of the match.

28th February 2009
Principality Welsh Premier League round-up
The Welsh Cup Quarter Finals dominated the weekend programme although the action started with a league match on Friday night as Tommy Holmes and Jamie Wood scored the goals for The New Saints in their 2-0 win at GAP Connah’s Quay. With just two league games on Saturday due to the cup fixtures, Neath claimed a 3-0 win over Porthmadog at The Gnoll through goals from Richard French and a brace from Dion Chambers while Rhyl extended their lead at the top with a 4-0 win at home over Caernarfon Town. In the Welsh Cup Aberystwyth eased into the last four with a 5-1 win over Prestatyn Town as Graham Evans grabbed a hat-trick while Bangor City were just as convincing in their 5-0 win at Airbus UK Broughton. In the most anticipated tie of the round, Mark Jones returned to Richmond Park but his Port Talbot Town side were defeated on penalties despite leading through a Martin Rose goal until the 118th minute. In the all Welsh League tie, Bridgend Town moved into the semi-finals with a 1-0 victory ove rNewport YMCA through a goal from Raith Plant.

27th February 2009
Managers look past revenge mission in pre-match talk
Port Talbot Town manager Mark Jones and Carmarthen Town manager Deryn Brace have spoken about Saturday’s Welsh Cup Quarter Final match. “Playing against a club I was with two years ago obviously makes it a bit special, especially as at least eight of the players I managed are still at the club”, said Jones in the South Wales Evening Post. “I love the Welsh Cup and have been fortunate to do well in it so we are going to Carmarthen looking to achieve a semi-final place,” he added. Brace also commented on Jones return to his former club. “Everyone will point to it and play on it but that's football. Jonah has handled the situation like a true professional and I've spoken to him many times since. People will look at it as a revenge trip and there's nothing we can do about that. The game is about Carmarthen Town and Port Talbot and it will be a difficult match as both sides are doing well at the moment”, added Brace. For those travelling on the supporters coach the club will be open at 10.00am serving breakfast with the coach leaving The GenQuip Stadium at 11.30-11.45am. Due to extended highlights on S4C programme Sgorio Cymru kick off is at the earlier time of 2.00pm.

25th February 2009
Jones makes Richmond return ready for revenge
Port Talbot Town manager Mark Jones makes his first return to Richmond Park on Saturday since being sacked by Carmarthen Town in 2007. After three years of domestic and European success with the West Wales club, Jones was sacked just a fortnight after lifting the Welsh Cup and makes his return to the club this weekend in the same competition as he takes his rejuvenated Port Talbot Town side to his former club with a place in the semi-final of the Welsh Cup at stake. Port Talbot earned a 1-1 draw at Carmarthen earlier in the season and the two sides again shared the points in the reverse fixture a few weeks ago in a goalless draw at The GenQuip Stadium and another close contest is expected this weekend with both sides approaching the match in fantastic form. Carmarthen will include a number of former Port Talbot Town players in their line-up to even more spice to the match while Port Talbot are expected to welcome influential midfielder Liam McCreesh back into the squad. The match will be the main feature game on S4C programme Sgorio Cymru Saturday night while kick off is at the earlier than usual time of 2.00pm.

25th February 2009
Brace - “Port Talbot are very experienced, solid and streetwise”
Carmarthen Town manager Deryn Brace has heaped praise on Port Talbot Town ahead of Saturday’s Welsh Cup Quarter Final match at Richmond Park. “Being realistic I think everybody knows that Port Talbot were in a false position before Jonah's gone there”, said Brace to the official Carmarthen Town website. “He seems to have put things in order and the players seem to have the appetite again. They've shifted up the league rapidly and when you look at form they are not far behind the top three or four in the league. The overall picture would be that we're favourites but this is going to be our toughest game of the season. Port Talbot have still got the same side that finished fourth in the league and they are a far better side than their league position suggests. If we're going to win it's going to be our hardest, most competitive 90 minutes of the season. Drew Fahiya has got great pace and causes teams a lot of problems while Martin Rose is probably one of the better, if not best, centre forwards in the league. Port Talbot are very experienced, solid and streetwise”.

24th February 2009
Supporters arrangements for Welsh Cup at Carmarthen
There are a limited number of spaces remaining on the supporters coach for Saturday’s Welsh Cup match at Carmarthen Town and those interested in travelling should contact Supporters Club rep Marc Tanner as soon as possible to book their place. The coach will be leaving The GenQuip Stadium at 11.30am although the clubhouse will be open earlier and will be serving breakfast. The cost will be £5 per seat and those interested should click here to book their place on the coach. For those making their own way to the ground please note that kick off is at the earlier time of 2.00pm.

24th February 2009
Under-19‘s defeated by league leaders
The Under-19 side suffered a 2-0 defeat at MacWhirter Youth Division West league leaders Llanelli on Monday night. The two sides meet in the reverse fixture at The GenQuip Stadium this Sunday.

23rd February 2009
Jones - “The lads showed great commitment”
Port Talbot Town manager Mark Jones has praised his players after Saturday’s 2-1 win over Bangor City at The GenQuip Stadium. “It was important that we bounced back from last week's disappointment at Newtown”, said Jones in the Evening Post. “I thought the lads showed great commitment today. Bangor are a big club and we thoroughly deserved to win. Bangor had a great record at our ground but, as I have said before, records are there to be broken. We now need to go on a nice little run again. We're up to ninth now and that's terrific seeing where we were a few months back”. Drew Fahiya has on target twice for Port Talbot Town in the victory and could have added a third if his injury time penalty had not been saved. On Saturday Mark Jones and his side make the journey to Richmond Park to take on Carmarthen Town in the Quarter Final of the Welsh Cup. Full travel details for the match will be confirmed shortly. Kick off is at the earlier time of 2.00pm.

23rd February 2009 - Report by Darren Vaughan
Junior round-up in association with LIDL’s
The Under 7's were in action against Both Margam and Cwmavon BGC, defeating Margam 1-0 and Cwmavon 4-0 while the Under 8's ran out 10-0 winners against Porthcawl. The Under 10's teams had mixed fortunes with the Town team narrowly losing 4-3 to Baglan BGC and the Athletic having a very convincing win over Porthcawl winning 7 nil. Yet another Port Talbot side faced a team from Porthcawl this time it being a much closer affair, Porthcawl having home advantage but it was the away team who were the victors claiming a 1 nil victory. Port Talbot U12's travelled to the Afan Valleys to face Glyncorrwg Swift and had to come back from 2 goals down to claim a point thanks to goals from Kieron Messer and Jamie Latham. Cynffig Community 4 - 0 Baglan BGC. Baglan claimed the scalp of the Under 14's defeating Port Talbot 2-1 with the winner coming from the penalty spot. Another Port Talbot side travelled to the Afan Valley but the U16's Whites went one better running out 5-2 winners against Cymmer Afan. The U16's Blues also claimed 3 points with a 7-2 win against Cwmavon BGC.

23rd February 2009 - Report by Donna Brady
Girls claim double home victory
The girls team were home on Sunday against Dinas Powys and friendly against Cardiff City. First game against Dinas Powys we took a while to warm up then a goal from our captain Megan Davies followed by Lauren Amor and Courtney Sawyers. We were a lot stronger side just couldn’t get the goals in first half. Talent id from Dinas was Llauren Amor and Georgia Macdonald. Second game against Cardiff City was the best game I have seen all season so far, as usual Lauren Garrett done some excellent saves, Courtney Sawyers scored our goal that won the game. Cardiff couldn’t get passed our defence as it was really strong, with Demi Brady pushing back to help Megan Davies and Rachael Sheehy so Cardiff couldn’t score. Talent id from Cardiff was Demi Brady and Lauren Garrett. Just like to say well done girls keep it up as you all played well as a team with some lovely passing. Like to mention that the South Wales girls trial are Sunday 1st March,as they where cancelled for the second time due to bad weather. So good luck to Megan Davies, Demi Brady and Lauren Garrett,who i know will give 100%.

21st February 2009
Fahiya double strike moves Blues into top half
Port Talbot Town moved upto ninth place in the Principality Welsh Premier League on Saturday as striker Drew Fahiya scored twice in a 2-1 win over Bangor City at The GenQuip Stadium. It was Port Talbot’s first home win over Bangor since 2002 as Fahiya scored either side of half-time to claim a fully deserved result. The game ended in controversy however as Bangor were reduced to ten men and Fahiya missed his chance to claim his first hat-trick since signing for the club. Bangor scored a consolation to reduce the deficit in injury time and from the resulting kick off Port Talbot pushed forward looking to keep possession, Bangor regained control of the ball and cleared but defender David Swanick turned and elbowed Lee John in the penalty area with the ball in the other half of the field. The assistant referee signalled for the offence and Swanick was shown a straight red card. Port Talbot were awarded a penalty but Fahiya was denied his third goal of the game as his penalty kick was saved. Referee Neil Morgan then brought the game to a close leaving Port Talbot Town claim maximum points.

21st February 2009
Pike and Ryan a step closer to Switzerland selection
Former Port Talbot Town junior player Josh Pike, currently at Swansea City , and current Port Talbot Town Under-15‘s goalkeeper Aaron Ryan have once again been called up for the Welsh National development Under-16 squad. It is the second time that both players have been selected and the pair are expected to join up with approximately thirty players on a four day training camp behind closed doors commencing early March. These young players are now fighting for a place in a squad to travel to Switzerland in April 2009. The club would like to wish both players the best of luck and congratulate them on this fantastic achievement.

21st February 2009
Exiles move clear at the top with win over Gwynfi
The Port Talbot Exiles extended their lead at the top of the Port Talbot & District League Division One on Saturday with a 2-0 win over Gwynfi United at Western Avenue.

21st February 2009
Principality Welsh Premier League round-up
The weekend action started on Friday night as Porthmadog claimed a 4-2 victory away to NEWI Cefn Druids, John Rowley scored a brace for the visitors in the win. On Saturday Rhyl maintained their lead at the top of the table with a 3-2 win at GAP Connah’s Quay, Neil Roberts scored twice while Rhys Griffiths returned from injury with the only goal of the game as Llanelli claimed a 1-0 win at Prestatyn Town. The New Saints were held at home in a goalless draw with Haverfordwest County while Carmarthen maintained their form with a 2-0 win at Caersws. Neil Smothers and Craig Hughes scoring the all important goals for Deryn Brace’s side. Drew Fahiya scored twice for Port Talbot Town as they earned a 2-1 win over Bangor City at The GenQuip Stadium while goals from Glyndwr Hughes and Geoff Kellaway were enough for Aberystwyth Town as they defeated Airbus UK Broughton. Neath went down 2-1 at Technogroup Welshpool while Caernarfon earned another point as goals from Ashley Raunce and Tom Grice shared the points in a 2-2 draw at Newtown.

20th February 2009
Blues out to beat Bangor and records this weekend
Bangor City are the visitors to The GenQuip Stadium on Saturday, a side Port Talbot Town have only ever beaten once at hone in the Welsh Premier League. Mark Jones was in charge that day back in 2002 and is looking for a reaction from his players after last weekend’s defeat at Newtown. “Obviously, it was disappointing to lose last week and so tamely too,” said Jones in the Evening Post. “We have had a good discussion with the players over what went wrong. I'm now looking for us to start gathering pace again. It's going to be tough as Bangor have a big, competitive squad but I've always maintained that records are meant to be broken, and our worst home record against any team in the league is against Bangor.” Leigh De-Vulgt returns for Port Talbot Town after suspension although Bangor City will be without striker Chris Sharp after he broke his arm at Carmarthen Town last weekend. “We wish him well,” Jones added. “He has been in terrific form this season but we would still have preferred to see him on the park”. Kick off is at 2.30pm.

18th February 2009
Jones plans repeat of unique Bangor victory claim
Mark Jones has already achieved something that David Rees, Simon Dyer, Wayne Goodridge, Wayne Davies, Tony Pennock and Nicky Tucker all failed to do during their time as manager at Port Talbot Town Football Club and this Saturday Jones will be out to repeat his unique feat. Port Talbot Town have only ever once beaten Bangor City at home in the Principality Welsh Premier League, and the victory arrived seven years ago in 2002 during Mark Jones first spell in charge. Former Manchester United and Wales star Clayton Blackmore scored an own goal that day to hand Port Talbot Town a 1-0 victory and a repeat result would be more than welcome for Jones and his squad after last weeks 1-0 reverse at Newtown. Bangor City slipped down to fifth place in the table last weekend following their defeat at Carmarthen Town but suffered a further blow with the news that their in-form striker Chris Sharp is likely to be out for the rest of the season after breaking his arm during the match. Leigh De-Vulgt is available for Port Talbot Town however after serving a one match suspension last weekend. Admission for the match remains at just £5 for adults, £3 for concessions and only £1 for kids. Kick off is at 2.30pm.

17th February 2009
Hartson headlines Half Term Soccer School success
John Hartson was on hand to show his support for the latest Port Talbot Town Soccer School held in conjunction with the Welsh Football Trust and South Wales Police. Former Wales and Celtic striker Hartson arrived to meet those taking part in the training sessions being taken by Port Talbot Town players and UEFA qualified coaches Lee John and Gareth Phillips during the half-term break. The event is the latest success in a series of similar sessions held since the launch of the clubs Football in the Community programme.

17th February 2009
Latest Junior match reports
Match reports are now available on the website from the Under-10 Town, Under-10 Athletic and Under-12 Teams games from last weekend. Follow the Junior Development menu on the left for all the latest fixtures, results and match reports from our junior sides.

16th February 2009
Jones - “I’m not going to criticise my players”
Manager Mark Jones has defended his side despite slipping to a 1-0 defeat at Newtown on Saturday. “It was a very tame ending to our good run and we were found wanting today,” he said in the South Wales Evening Post. “But I'm not going to criticise my players, who have been smashing since I arrived. Our desire was a bit lacking. We showed character to press hard for an equaliser at the end but it was not to be this time.” It was a first defeat for Jones since his return to the club and he will now be looking for a reaction from his squad next weekend when they take on Bangor City at The GenQuip Stadium.

16th February 2009
Reserves tip scales with eleven goal win
The 2nd Team moved to the top of the MacWhirter Welsh League Reserve Division West on Saturday with an eleven goal win over Briton Ferry to move above Afan Lido on goal difference.

15th February 2009
Principality Welsh Premier League round-up
The weekend’s action began on Saturday as Carmarthen Town and Bangor City met at Richmond Park with fourth place at stake. A brace from Craig Hughes eased Carmarthen to a 3-1 victory but their were further problems for Bangor City when leading scorer Chris Sharp was taken off injured. Llanelli failed in their chance to keep the pressure on Rhyl as they were held to a 1-1 draw at home to NEWI Cefn Druids, Llanelli relying on an injury time equaliser from Andy Legg. At the other end of the table Neath claimed an important 3-1 win at home to Airbus UK Broughton while Caernarfon Town gained a further point with 1-1 draw against Prestatyn Town. GAP Connah’s Quay claimed a 1-0 win over Caersws through a goal from Liam Loghlin while a goal from Craig Hutchinson earned Newtown maximum points at home to Port Talbot Town. Jack Christopher was again on target for Haverfordwest County as they defeat Technogroup Welshpool 3-1 at The New Bridge Meadow. On Sunday Jamie Reed extended Rhyl’s lead at the top of the table with the only goal of the game against Aberystwyth Town while The New Saints had to come back from being two goals behind to draw 2-2 away to Porthmadog.

14th February 2009
Blue day for Blues as Newtown end undefeated run
A poor performance from Mark Jones side at Newtown on Saturday brought with it his first defeat since returning to Port Talbot Town as manager in November. Jones had enjoyed a seven match unbeaten run and a Manager of the Month award before this latest contest as Newtown claimed a 1-0 victory despite Port Talbot missing a number of chances in the opening half. Matthew Thompson and James Burgin returned to the starting line-up in place of the suspended Leigh De-Vulgt and unavailable Liam McCreesh but it was top scorer Martin Rose and captain Matthew Rees who had chances to put the visitors ahead before Newtown scored the only goal of the game through Craig Hutchinson on 25 minutes. Recent signings Karl Lewis and Gary Bansor both made their debuts as second half substitutes but could not find a way through the physical Newtown defence while Scott Barrow came closest to grabbing the equaliser when his deflected free-kick struck the crossbar midway through the second half. Port Talbot could not find a way of scoring however as Newtown held on for the win.

13th February 2009
Legend Eddie Gray headlines February Sportsmans Evening
Former Leeds United player and manager Eddie Gray will be the guest speaker at the club’s Sportsmans Evening arranged for this Thursday the 19th of February. Gray played over 550 games for Leeds and scored 68 goals during his career at the club between 1965 and 1983 and remained at the club throughout his entire playing career. The Scottish International also won twelve caps for his country between 1969 and 1977, scoring three goals. Gray took over as manager of Leeds in 1982 and stayed up until 1985 and went on to manager Rochdale and Hull City before returning as caretaker manager of Leeds in 2003 after bringing through players such as Harry Kewell, Ian Harte, Alan Smith and Jonathan Woodgate during his time as Youth Team Manager. The night will be held at the club with tickets available for £20 per person or £200 for a table of ten. The night includes a three course meal, comedian, raffle and an auction. Spaces are limited so please book your place early to avoid disappointment.

11th February 2009
Blues edge Newtown stats ahead of top eight decider
If Port Talbot Town can maintain their Latham Park form on Saturday Mark Jones side will move into eighth place in the Principality Welsh Premier League. Port Talbot have claimed four wins out of eight league games at Newtown with the hosts picking up maximum points in three of the games with last seasons 0-0 draw the only time the sides have shared the spoils in Mid Wales. Mark Jones side also have the in-form edge over Newtown ahead of the match having claimed twelve points from their last six games and have kept three clean sheets in their last three games. Leigh De-Vulgt will miss the match through suspension although new signing Karl Lewis and midfielder Scott Evans are available. The coach will leave The GenQuip Stadium at 10.15am on Saturday.

11th February 2009
Further LIDL boost for Juniors
Supermarket giants LIDL have continued their excellent support by sponsoring the Under-12 sides new away kit. “We are extremely grateful to LIDL’s for their generous support this season which has made an incredible difference to us”, said team manager Darren Vaughan.

10th February 2009
De-Vulgt suspension a test for on-form defence
Defender Leigh De-Vulgt will serve a one match suspension against Newtown on Saturday after picking up his fifth booking of the season in the Welsh Cup win over Llanelli a fortnight ago. De-Vulgt has been part of a Port Talbot Town back four that has kept three consecutive clean sheets in the Principality Welsh Premier League and Mark Jones team will be looking to build on that run against a Newtown side currently just one point ahead of Port Talbot Town in the league table. While De-Vulgt will sit out the match, new signing Karl Lewis served his one match suspension against Carmarthen Town on Friday and could be added to the squad. The coach will leave The GenQuip Stadium at 10.15am on Saturday. Kick off is at 2.30pm.

10th February 2009
Bond set to lead the line for Swans Reserves on Wednesday
Former Port Talbot Town striker Chad Bond will be back at The GenQuip Stadium on Wednesday night when Swansea City Reserves take on Exeter City Reserves. Kick off is at 7.00pm.

9th February 2009
Upturn in results brings card count down
Mark Jones undefeated run of seven games has been matched by a marked upturn in the discipline of his side with Port Talbot picking up just four yellow cards during his six league games in charge. Despite midfielder Scott Evans picking up a straight red at Connah’s Quay, the much improved discipline has played a major part in the improved results and performances in recent weeks with the side now moving upto 10th place in the Fair Play table, just one place below last seasons Fair Play winners The New Saints. In total Port Talbot have picked up 29 bookings and six red cards during the season, surprisingly Technogroup Welshpool top the table with just 23 bookings and one red with Caernarfon Town at the other end of the list with 53 bookings and seven reds.

9th February 2009
Monday night football postponed due to waterlogged pitch
The Under-19‘s match against Llanelli at The GenQuip Stadium on Monday was postponed due to the heavy rainfall throughout the day that left the surface unplayable.

8th February 2009
Postponed games re-arranged with midweek double
The postponed matches away to NEWI Cefn Druids and away to Technogroup Welshpool have been re-arranged with Mark Jones side now making the journey to Druids on Tuesday, 3rd March with the match at Welshpool arranged for the following Tuesday, 10th March. It will prove a tough week for Jones side as on Saturday, 7th March the side are away to Caernarfon Town.

8th February 2009
Under-19‘s look to move into second place
The Under-19 side are in action at The GenQuip Stadium on Monday night when they take on Llanelli. A win for Port Talbot would see them overtake their opponents and move into second place. Meanwhile on Saturday the Exiles continued their 100% record for 2009 with a 6-1 win over Kenfig Hill while the Reserves were without a match but remain in second place in the Reserve Division West.

7th February 2009
Principality Welsh Premier League round-up
The weekend action started on Friday night with just two games out of the original four being played as snow continued to fall across the country. With the games at Caersws and Welshpool postponed, Bangor City continued their European challenge with a 6-0 victory over GAP Connah’s Quay, in-form striker Chris Sharp grabbed three of the goals after claiming the January player of the month award. In the other Friday night match Port Talbot Town were held to a 0-0 draw at The GenQuip Stadium by Carmarthen Town. The game of the weekend also finished goalless on Saturday as Llanelli were held at The New Saints while Rhyl capitalised on the three clubs below them all dropping points as they comfortably defeated Neath 4-2 at Belle Vue with Luke Holden and Neil Roberts scoring a brace each. Haverfordwest claimed a convincing 4-2 win at Airbus UK Broughton while Jon Fisher-Cooke scored the only goal of the game at Prestatyn as they defeated Newtown. The match between NEWI Cefn Druids and Caernarfon Town was postponed due to the weather.

6th February 2009
Defences come out on top in derby draw
Port Talbot Town played out a 0-0 draw with South Wales rivals Carmarthen Town at The GenQuip Stadium on Friday night in a game where both sets of defenders stole the show. Chances were few and far between for both of the in-form sides as Port Talbot Town top scorer Martin Rose was kept relatively quiet by man of the match Mark Dodds while at the other end another returning former Port Talbot Town player in Craig Hughes was prevented from creating any real chances on goal by another impressive display from the Port Talbot Town backline. Lee John came close to making the breakthrough in the opening half but his effort was flagged offside while Kristian Rogers was called into action in the final minutes to save a close range header from Paul Fowler. Manager Mark Jones will take a number of positives from the match however with his side now having conceded just two goals in all competitions in the last five games and with it keeping three clean sheets in their last four games. The point moves Mark Jones side upto ninth place before Saturday’s round of games.

5th February 2009
Blues plan repeat of Friday night success
Port Talbot Town take on Carmarthen Town at The GenQuip Stadium on Friday night, one week after claiming an impressive and thoroughly deserved 2-1 over Principality Welsh Premier League champions Llanelli in the Welsh Cup. Manager Mark Jones this week picked up the Manager of the Month award, but was quick to share the success with his players. “It's nice to get it, but this is not just a prize for me but the players also,” said Jones in the South Wales Evening Post. “They have been fantastic and deserve to be recognised in this way. On Tuesday night, following the heavy snowfall, every single one of them appeared for training which we carried out on Aberafan Beach. It emphasises the spirit and commitment in the camp at the present time and we want that to continue with a good result against Carmarthen”. On-loan Swansea City midfielder Scott Evans remains unavailable as he serves the third game of his three match suspension but new signings Karl Lewis from local rivals Afan Lido and defender Gary Bansor will be competing for a place in the squad. Admission remains at just £5 for adults, £3 for concessions and £1 for kids. Kick off is at 7.30pm.

4th February 2009
Jonah claims January award ahead of Carmarthen visit
Mark Jones has been named the Principality Welsh Premier League Manager of the Month for January after an undefeated month that included two clean sheets on the road, six goals for with just one against, seven league points from three games and a Welsh Cup 4th round win over league champions Llanelli. Jones will receive his award on Friday night before the match against Jones former club Carmarthen Town from Mr James Shell, the recently appointed manager of the Principality branch in Port Talbot, who was quick to praise Jones achievements. “What a great start to the New Year”, said Shell. “Mark's enthusiasm for the game has already rubbed off on the team and we are delighted that they have had such great success this month. We would like to wish Mark every success as the new manager and our warm congratulations on winning January's Manager of the Month award”, he added. The month started with a 1-1 home draw against Aberystwyth before respective 2-0 and 3-0 victories at GAP Connah’s Quay and Prestatyn Town. A victory over Llanelli last Friday then clinched the award. Well done Mark from everyone at the club. Kick off on Friday is at 7.30pm.

2nd February 2009
Jones - “We deserved to win this one”
Port Talbot Town manager Mark Jones has spoken about Friday’s win over Llanelli and how his side were good value for their 2-1 victory over the Principality Welsh Premier League champions. “The lads were magnificent, every single one of them,” said Jones in the South Wales Evening Post. “It was a special match in the best cup tournament in Wales. We deserved to win this one. The players are the same as when I arrived but I think the difference is each and every one of them now knows their role in the team context. It's all about structure. Our wingers did a great job of marking their full-backs as we identified that area as a threat, Martin Rose was tremendous up front and Matthew Rees and Lee Surman have been fantastic in every game at the heart of our defence. But all my players have made superb contributions to our good run”. Jones quarter final reward is a first visit back to Carmarthen Town since his surprise sacking in 2007, less than a fortnight after lifting the Welsh Cup although the two sides first meet this Friday at The GenQuip Stadium in the league. Admission is just £5 for adults, £3 for concessions and just £1 for kids. Kick off is at 7.30pm.

2nd February 2009
Jonah talks transfer window as Evans makes Saints return
Mark Jones has kept his faith in his current squad of players as the January transfer window officially closed at 5.00pm on Monday. With Karl Lewis arrival on Sunday from the now managerless Afan Lido the only addition to the squad, Jones explained his lack of activity despite stating his intentions to strengthen when he arrived November. “The last six games and performances have shown me how much quality there is in this squad and that there is already a lot of competition for places,” said Jones. “The players have proved to me that they are good enough to take on anyone in this league and I have been delighted with them”. There were a few last minute transfers across the league however as Wales International Steve Evans was released from Wrexham and with it returned to his former club The New Saints. Other transfers include former Cardiff City defender Damon Searle joining Barry Town from Carmarthen, Jak Shannon and Michael Waters signed for Neath from West End and Afan Lido respectively and Caernarfon added Ged Courtney and David MacDiarmaid from the English pyramid while in a managerial change, Tomi Morgan took over at Porthmadog in place of the sacked Phil Whelan.

2nd February 2009
Duggan and Rees headline Lido exit list
Local rivals Afan Lido have parted company with their management team of Craig Duggan and David Rees as well as six of their senior squad in the last two days. Duggan and Rees achieved promotion to the Welsh Premier League with Port Talbot Town in 2000 and were planning to repeat the feat with the Lido this season until their surprise exit. Karl Lewis has signed for Port Talbot Town from the Lido while Michael Waters has transferred to Neath. Also departing the club are Tomas Wellington (Bryntirion), Ian Turner (Bridgend), Ian Jones (Ton Pentre) and Mark Jones who has returned to Llanelli after a brief loan period at his former club.

2nd February 2009
Girls team trio handed SWGL trial
Megan Davies, Demi Brady and Lauren Garrett from the Under-12 girls team have been selected by the league for South Wales Girls League trials on Sunday. The trio will be join nearly 50 other trialists from other clubs and the club wish them well for the weekend.

1st February 2009
Lewis in and Williams out as Blues make transfer moves
Port Talbot Town have completed the signing of Karl Lewis from local rivals Afan Lido. The experienced midfielder offers cover in a number of positions in Mark Jones side and could be named in the squad for this Friday’s match against Carmarthen Town with Scott Evans serving the last match of his three match suspension. Leaving The GenQuip Stadium however is goalkeeper Gareth Williams who has signed for Welsh League side Garw without having made a single appearance in what was his second spell with the club.

1st February 2009
Reserves keep pressure on with four goal win
The Reserves eased past Pontardawe Town 4-2 at The GenQuip Stadium on Saturday to maintain their undefeated mantle this season and keep the pressure on league leaders Afan Lido. On Sunday the Under-19‘s were defeated at home by Carmarthen Town 2-0 while in the Port Talbot League the Exiles claimed a 5-2 win at Cornelly on Saturday to move five points clear at the top of the table.

1st February 2009
Principality Welsh Premier League round-up
The Welsh Cup was the main focus of attention over the weekend although three important league matches also took place. At the bottom of the table Caernarfon earned a home point with a 0-0 draw against Newtown while a Jamie Haynes was enough for Caersws to claim a win at Porthmadog. On Sunday Neath hosted GAP Connah’s Quay at The Gnoll but went down 1-0 to an own goal from Stephen Evans. The Welsh Cup action began on Friday night as Port Talbot Town defeated Llanelli 2-1 and Airbus UK Broughton knocked out NEWI Cefn Druids by the same scoreline. On Saturday Bangor City defeated rivals Rhyl on a penalty shoot-out while The New Saints were also knocked out, losing 3-2 at home to Carmarthen Town. Graham Evans scored three as Aberystwyth eased past Welsh League side AFC Llywdcoed 3-0 while Prestatyn Town needed extra time to defeat Goytre United 5-3. Newport YMCA and Bridgend Town both progressed with victories over Holyhead Hotspur and Lex XI respectively to set up a quarter final tie against each other.