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

JANUARY 2008


30th January 2008
Afan FM talk streakers, Tucker and future stars
The latest feature for the website from 107.9 Afan FM Sports Editor Hash covers a number of topics from our recent run of form under the guidance of manager Nicky Tucker to the future stars of our Under-19 side. Hash also discovers the difference a crowd can make at the RE/MAX Stadium and why every fan should be making the trip to Bangor City in a few weeks time.

30th January 2008
Carl Evans the latest to swap Red for Blue
Port Talbot Town have secured the signing of Carl Evans from Afan Lido. Evans is the second player to move from our local rivals to the RE/MAX Stadium following the signing of Paul Evans a few weeks ago. With the transfer window closing on Thursday, manager Nicky Tucker is expected to complete the signings of at least two additional players very soon as his side look to continue their improving form in the Principality Welsh Premier League. Although the side are without a game this weekend, the youth team are home to Goytre United in the Youth Division West on Sunday. Kick off is at 2.00pm.

29th January 2008
Tucker to add to squad ahead of Thursday deadline
Manager Nicky Tucker used Tuesday’s friendly with Goytre United to run the rule over a number of potential signings and is expected to further add to his squad of players before the closure of the transfer window on Thursday. A number of new faces took to the field for Port Talbot but it was former striker Richard Ryan who grabbed the headlines by scoring the only goal of the game in the 1-0 defeat with a free-kick in the 75th minute. An impressive performance from debutant goalkeeper Josh Payne was one of the highlights for Tucker who is now expected to tie up a couple of extra players to boost his squad on the back of Tuesday’s display. Liam McCreesh returned to action having served his two match suspension while Gareth Phillips continued his recovery from a hamstring injury when he made an appearance as a second half substitute. Youth team and fringe 1st team striker Sam Baker also made a second half appearance in the match together with youth team midfielder Rory Healey as Tucker made the most of the opportunity to take a look at his available squad of players. The side are without a match this weekend following their exit from the Welsh Cup in the previous round through a 1-0 defeat at Rhyl.

28th January 2008
January sales come to a close with Goytre friendly
Nicky Tucker will complete his mid-season signings this week ahead of the transfer window closing on Thursday. A friendly has been arranged against local Welsh League side Goytre United at the RE/MAX Stadium on Tuesday night with a handful of trialists again invited to stake their claim for a place in the side for the remainder of the season. New signings Matthew Wright, Steve Evans and goalkeeper Josh Payne are expected to start the match, the latter two having been on the bench for Saturday’s victory over NEWI Cefn Druids. Kick off is at 7.30pm.

28th January 2008
Edwards grabs Academy debut hat-trick
Ashley Edwards made an impressive debut for our Under-12 Academy side at Haverfordwest on Sunday as he grabbed three goals in the 4-2 victory. Calvin Wellington scored the other in the impressive win that was played on the hosts Welsh Premier League ground. The Under-16 side went down 3-2 however with Anthony Roberts and Justin Protheroe on the scoresheet.

26th January 2008
Rose on target as Blues complete Druids double
Top scorer Martin Rose returned to the starting line-up at NEWI Cefn Druids on Saturday and made an immediate impact by scoring the only goal of the match in the eleventh minute. It was the sides second victory of the season over Druids to keep Nicky Tucker’s team in sixth position in the Principality Welsh Premier League. Craig Hanford also made his return to the side in place of the suspended Lee Surman while midfielder Gareth Phillips was named on the bench on his return from a hamstring injury. Leigh De-Vulgt took over the captains armband with both Surman and Matthew Rees unavailable as Port Talbot had the better of the opening exchanges but had to battle hard in the second half as the home side forced further pressure on the visitors. Youth team striker Sam Baker was brought off the bench with ten minutes remaining and he worked hard to hold the ball upfront as Port Talbot held on for their second consecutive 1-0 victory. It was also a bad day for Druids off the field as only 50 spectators attended the match, the lowest for any Welsh Premier League match this season.

26th January 2008
Welsh Premier League round-up
Floodlight failure at Connah’s Quay Nomads left The New Saints out of action as their Friday night match was postponed and Llanelli took their opportunity to move back to the top of the Welsh Premier League table in style with a 5-0 win over Caersws, new signing Stephen Evans scored twice in the win. Bangor City kept up their recent form with a 1-0 win over Aberystwyth Town while Carmarthen Town needed a last minute goal from Paul Fowler to defeat Airbus UK Broughton 2-1. Rhyl kept themselves in third sport with a 2-0 home win over Haverfordwest County, Marc Lloyd-Williams scored his first goal for his new club with Craig Jones adding the second while Port Talbot Town remain in sixth place thanks to a goal from Martin Rose in their 1-0 win over NEWI Cefn Druids. At the bottom Llangefni Town did little to help their cause with a 3-2 home defeat to Newtown while Pothmadog picked up an important point at home to Welshpool Town. Aden Shannon scored from the penalty spot for the visitors before Marcus Orlick equalised for Porthmadog also from the penalty spot.

25th January 2008
Lancey makes Neath Athletic switch
Daniel Lancey has left Port Talbot Town to sign for our Welsh Premier League rivals Neath Athletic. The former Swansea City youngster impressed in pre-season but an early season injury cost him his place in the side and he made only four starts. Manager Nicky Tucker had intended to loan the midfielder out to a Welsh League side until Neath offered Lancey another chance in the top-flight. Lancey is the second player to leave Port Talbot Town for Neath this season after defender David Burrows made the switch earlier in the month.

25th January 2008
Second trial match confirmed against Goytre United
Goytre United will be the visitors to the RE/MAX Stadium on Tuesday night as manager Nicky Tucker looks over a few more potential signings ahead of the near closure of the transfer window. The last friendly against West End saw Mark McGibbon and Kyle Sheppard play and impress enough to be offered a deal with the club and Tucker will be looking for additional players to add to his squad in this latest match. Kick off is at 7.00pm.

24th January 2008
New signings in squad as discipline problems mount
Manager Nicky Tucker will bring new signings Matthew Wright and Steve Evans into the squad for Saturday’s match at NEWI Cefn Druids as injury and suspension problems mount up. With captain Matthew Rees, Gareth Phillips and Liam McCreesh again missing, stand-in captain Lee Surman starts a two match suspension on Saturday having collected ten yellow cards this season while striker Chad Bond has left the club to join Spanish side CF Balaguer on a six month loan from Swansea City. Matthew Wright, on-loan to the club from Swansea City, will come into the side together with midfielder Steve Evans who signed for the club from Cwmbran Town earlier in the week. Evans played for the club during pre-season on trial and scored with a superb strike in the friendly victory over Caldicot Town. Then manager Tony Pennock elected not to sign the former Swansea City youngster and he moved to UWIC before switching to Cwmbran later in the season. Kick off is at 2.30pm with a coach leaving the RE/MAX Stadium at 8.00am.

24th January 2008
The lowdown on Bond’s new Catalan club
Strikers Chad Bond and Kerry Morgan have joined Spanish Tercera Division side CF Balaguer on-loan from Swansea City. The pair flew out to the Catalan club on Tuesday to start their six month loan spell with Swansea City manager Roberto Martinez’s former club. CF Balaguer play in Group 5 of the Tercera Division, the fourth level in Spanish football and are joined in their group by their neighbours Barcelona who field a reserve side in the league. The two sides played out a 1-1 draw a fortnight ago. Head coach of the club is Senor Emili Vicente and they play at the 3,500 capacity Municipal Stadium. Formed in 1945, the club have played in the Tercera Division in Spain for the last 25 years and last season finished in eighth place. Bond scored seven goals for Port Talbot Town this season from nineteen starts with one of his best performances coming in what turned out to be his last game for club on Saturday when Nicky Tucker’s side defeated champions The New Saints 1-0. Kerry Morgan joined Port Talbot on loan at the start of the season and impressed with nine goals from just ten starts.

23rd January 2008
Adios Chad as Swans duo make Spanish switch
Chad Bond has flown to Spain in a surprise loan move to an as yet unconfirmed side in the Spanish Tercera Division, the fourth level of the Spanish football league. Swansea City manager Roberto Martinez made the decision for both Bond and former on-loan striker Kerry Morgan to spend six months with the Spanish outfit rather than continue their current loan spells at Port Talbot Town. Chad signed for Port Talbot on his release from Swansea City in 2006 but the appointment of Martinez at the Liberty Stadium saw the young striker re-sign for the club and return to Port Talbot Town on-loan. Morgan was also loaned out from the Swans to Port Talbot during the opening half of the season and made a huge impact despite struggling with a long term injury sustained against Carmarthen Town in the FAW Premier Cup. Moving in the other direction however is young Swansea City striker Matthew Wright who will now join Port Talbot Town on-loan from the Swans in place of Chad Bond. A tall and powerful striker, Wright signed for the club after being released by Plymouth Argyle.

22nd January 2008
Fan Forum this Wednesday night
Manager Nicky Tucker and Chairman Andrew Edwards will be answering all your questions in the re-arranged fan forum on Wednesday night. Entry to the evening is free and the questions will start at around 7.30pm. Tucker has been a main talking point since his arrival at the club, none more so than on Saturday when defender Craig Hanford and top scorer Martin Rose were named on the bench and this is your chance to ask the man in charge about his side and his decisions. Maybe you are concerned about our discipline with both Liam McCreesh and Lee Surman serving two game suspensions? Do you want to see more youth players involved? Are you happy with our January signings? What does Tucker have planned for the future? Wednesday is your chance to find out! Off the field Andrew Edwards will be answering all your club questions from the juniors, the Academy and the loss of the reserve team to the problems of low attendances, the financial demands of playing in Wales top-flight league and a host of other off field topics. Local press and radio will also be in attendance so please make every effort to attend. Entry is completely free.

21st January 2008
Tucker and McKenna praise Blues on superb win
Both managers post-match speeches had a similar theme after Saturday’s home victory over The New Saints as both Nicky Tucker and Ken McKenna praised Port Talbot Town for their performance on the day. “It's a superb result for the players and everybody connected with Port Talbot, they thoroughly deserve it.” said Tucker “We certainly had the better chances and should have scored more than the one solitary goal, in this match we've taken the all-important chance, with the team playing solidly throughout, and definitely being very strong and resolute," he added. Ken McKenna took the defeat on the chin, “We didn't quite have enough quality and composure on the day to break down a side who played with great discipline.”

21st January 2008
Fan Forum with Tucker and Edwards this Wednesday
Manager Nicky Tucker and Chairman Andrew Edwards will be answering all your questions at the club this Wednesday in the re-scheduled fan forum night. Entry is free and all are welcome for the 7.30pm start.

19th January 2008
Brave team selection rewarded with amazing win
Lee John scored the only goal of the game as Port Talbot Town claimed a famous 1-0 win over champions and league leaders The New Saints at the RE/MAX Stadium on Saturday. Manager Nicky Tucker was the main talking point before the game as he dropped both Craig Hanford and top scorer Martin Rose to the bench despite already being with captain Matthew Rees and midfielders Gareth Phillips and Liam McCreesh. It was a brave team selection by Tucker but he was more than rewarded as a well organised and well disciplined display by his side restricted the visitors to playing the ball around in their own half and limiting their chances on goal with an excellent defensive performance. Paul Evans made his debut for the side in place of Matthew Rees but it was stand-in captain Lee Surman who was the deserved man of the match with a superb individual display as he took charge of the side on the field. John scored in the 73rd minute of the match before The New Saints were reduced to ten men through the dismissal of substitute Gary Brabin and had both Chris King and John Leah stretchered off the field with injuries during the second half.

19th January 2008
Welsh Premier League round-up
Only four matches survived the continuing heavy rain but it was Port Talbot Town who made the headlines of the day with a superb 1-0 win over champions and league leaders The New Saints at the RE/MAX Stadium. Lee John scored the only goal of the match in the 73rd minute. Bangor City claimed another impressive result as they defeated Welshpool Town 1-0  at home thanks to a goal from Lee Webber on 55 minutes. Rhyl also maintained their pressure on The New Saints and Llanelli as they also claimed a home win. Craig Jones, Lee Hunt and Mark Connolly were on target for Rhyl in their 3-1 victory over Caernarfon Town for who John Rowley grabbed a consolation strike. Carmarthen Town completed the run of four home wins on the day as they eased past Newtown 2-1. Craig Moses gave the visitors the lead on 12 minutes but strikes from Gregg Coombes and Danny Thomas handed Carmarthen maximum points. Despite only four fixtures being played, over 1,500 spectators enjoyed the days action which will be a boost to clubs following a recent drop in attendances across the league.

18th January 2008
Eddie Phillips awarded for services to club
Club stalwart Eddie Phillips received an award for his services to the club over the years at the Neath Port Talbot Sports Awards dinner last weekend. The club would like to congratulate Eddie on this well deserved achievement.

17th January 2008
Rees out for a month as Evans set for starting debut
New signing Paul Evans is expected to come straight into the starting line-up for Port Talbot Town on Saturday as they take on Principality Welsh Premier League champions The New Saints at the RE/MAX Stadium. Captain Matthew Rees will be out of action for a month following a thyroid operation and manager Nicky Tucker is expected to name Evans as a straight replacement. “I spoke to Port Talbot’s chairman Andrew Edwards and he asked if I would come on board,” explained Evans in the Port Talbot Guardian. “It lifted my spirits and it was nice to be appreciated. It is a great opportunity for me to see if I can still cut it in the Welsh Premiership. I asked the Lido to be released last November as I found it hard to motivate myself after the success Phil Holmes and I had as coaches at the club.” Evans made over 350 appearances for the Lido and was also joint-manager as the side reached the Welsh Cup Final in 2007. Admission for the match remains at a reduced £4 for adults and just £2 for concessions and kick off is at 2.30pm.

16th January 2008
Fan Forum moved back one week
Wednesday’s scheduled fan forum night with Manager Nicky Tucker and Chairman Andrew Edwards will now take place on Wednesday, 23rd January 2008. The club would like to apologise for the short notice of this change and trust that you will support next week’s event.

16th January 2008
Bluebirds get Welshpool nod over Town
Welshpool Town will now take on Cardiff City in the FAW Premier Cup quarter final next week in place of their scheduled Principality Welsh Premier League fixture against Port Talbot Town. The match was arranged for Wednesday, 23rd January at Welshpool and in its place the club will be holding it’s fan forum night with Nicky Tucker and Andrew Edwards. A new date for the fixture has yet to be arranged.

14th January 2008
Tucker and Edwards in the hot seat this Wednesday
Manager Nicky Tucker and Chairman Andrew Edwards will be at the top table on Wednesday evening for the latest Fan Forum night at the club. Admission for the night is free and the pair will be answering questions from the floor on every aspect of the club from our Welsh Premier League form to developments off the field. Local radio and press will also be in attendance and a good turn out is expected for what will be an open and honest discussion on Port Talbot Town Football Club. From those curious to what happens behind the scenes to those involved with the club, the night offers everyone the chance to have their say and to ask the questions directly to the men that matter both on both on and off the field issues. The night kicks off at around 7.45pm and again admission is completely free so please make the effort to support the evening that will offer an insight into how the club is run as well as new manager Nicky Tucker’s plans for his side in the Welsh Premier League.

13th January 2008
Late equaliser holds Under-19‘s to a point
Carmarthen Town equalised in the last minute of the match to claim a share of the points on Sunday as our Under-19 side were held to a 3-3 draw at the RE/MAX Stadium. Striker Sam Baker, who made an appearance in the Welsh Premier League defeat at Airbus UK Broughton the day before, appeared to have handed Port Talbot maximum points when he put his side 3-2 ahead on 79 minutes but the ten men of the visitors struck back to level the score just before the final whistle.

13th January 2008
Greatest victory one year on
Although a million miles away from Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at Airbus UK, it was this week in 2007 that Port Talbot Town Football Club celebrated it’s greatest ever result as then manager Wayne Davies masterminded a historic 2-1 victory over Swansea City in the FAW Premier Cup quarter final at the RE/MAX Stadium. Andrew Mumford, now at Llanelli, grabbed the all important winning goal in the last minute of extra time.

12th January 2008
Tucker frustrated at latest points dropped
Nicky Tucker was left fuming and frustrated on Saturday evening as his side again showed enough creativity in the opening half to have comfortably claimed a victory at Airbus UK Broughton but instead suffered a 1-0 defeat through another questionable defensive performance. Liam McCreesh tested debutant Airbus goalkeeper Aaron Tyrer inside the opening ten minutes but it would be the only time the small shot-stopper would be called into action as Port Talbot once again failed to turn their possession into worthwhile chances on goal. At the other end Kristian Rogers was kept busy on the counter-attack but conceded on 33 minutes when Paul Hallows opened the scoring for the home side. The strike would prove to be the only goal of the game as for all Port Talbot’s possession they again struggled to create any clear chances on goal and did little to test the suspect home goalkeeper. “We conceded another sloppy goal”, said manager Nicky Tucker. “We have again created enough chances to win the match but poor finishing and even worse defending has cost us points”, he added.

12th January 2008
Welsh Premier League round-up
Llanelli and The New Saints both remain at the top of the table and further extended their leads over the chasing pack as Rhyl, Bangor City and Carmarthen Town all lost ground on the pace setters. Mark Jones scored a hat-trick that was complimented by a brace from Rhys Griffiths as Llanelli defeat Llangefni 5-0 while Then New Saints eased through a 2-1 home win over Bangor City. Neath claimed another impressive result as they held Rhyl to a 1-1 draw at Llandarcy Park while Cramrthen Town suffered a surprise 2-1 reverse away to Caernarfon Town. Port Talbot Town were also a surprise to lose 1-0 at Airbus UK Broughton while Porthmadog remain in the bottom two thanks to a double strike from Jack Christopher that handed Haverfordwest a 3-2 victory over the struggling side. Two goals from Andrew Evans enabled Aberystwyth Town to comfortably defeat NEWI Cefn Druids while Newtown defeated Connah’s Quay Nomads 4-1 despite Marc Lloyd-Williams transfer to Rhyl. The Friday night match between Welshpool Town and Caersws was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

11th January 2008
Lido legend Evans moves across Town
Manager Nicky Tucker has added former Afan Lido captain and joint manager Paul Evans to his squad as cover for captain Matthew Rees who will be out for the next few weeks following an operation. Evans, 34, has made over 350 appearances for Afan Lido, 254 of which were in the Welsh Premier League where he scored a total of 13 goals for the club from midfield. Evans also made a UEFA Cup appearance for the club against RAF Riga of Latvia in 1995 and will make his Port Talbot Town debut against champions The New Saints at the RE/MAX Stadium on Saturday 19th January.  More recently Evans teamed up with another former Port Talbot Town captain in Phil Holmes as the two took charge of Afan Lido, leading them to the Welsh Cup Final in May 2007.

11th January 2008
Blain stays Blue despite double approach
Midfielder Dylan Blain has decided to remain at Port Talbot Town despite approaches from both Haverfordwest County and Newtown. The club are delighted with his decision.

11th January 2008
Martinez calls back Morgan after loan spell
Swansea City manager Roberto Martinez has called back young striker Kerry Morgan to the Liberty Stadium following his loan spell at Port Talbot Town. The Merthyr-based forward made a huge impact at the RE/MAX Stadium, scoring nine goals in just ten starting appearances for the club. Morgan made his last appearance for Port Talbot on the 6th November when he suffered a broken collarbone against Carmarthen Town in the FAW Premier Cup defeat that also saw then manager Tony Pennock resign from his position at the club. Swansea City are currently top of League One and also continue to progress in both the FA Cup and the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy although Morgan could find himself loaned out to another club for the remainder of the season while continuing to play for the Swansea City Reserve side. The club would like to thank Swansea City for their assistance and also wish Kerry all the best in his future career and thank him for his contribution during his loan spell. Swansea City’s scheduled reserve match at the RE/MAX Stadium against Yeovil Town on Wednesday 16th January has been postponed due to the FA Cup replay against Havant & Waterlooville the same evening.

9th January 2008
Gazza out for Airbus but more problems to follow
Influential midfielder Gareth Phillips will miss this Saturday’s Principality Welsh Premier League match at Airbus UK Broughton with a hamstring injury but manager Nicky Tucker will welcome back new signing Mark McGibbon after a one match suspension served in last weekend’s 2-2 draw against Haverfordwest. Team selection is expected to get much tougher for Tucker in the next few weeks however with Phillips not expected back much before the end of January and he will be joined on the sidelines by captain Matthew Rees who is expected to be out of action for three weeks after an operation ahead of the home match against champions The New Saints. Also missing for two matches after this weekend will be Liam McCreesh who collected his tenth booking of the season against Haverfordwest. Port Talbot have claimed only one victory at Airbus in the Welsh Premier League but will be determined to avenge last seasons 3-0 defeat. The coach leaves the RE/MAX Stadium at 7.45am on Saturday.

9th January 2008
FAW look to seize on Platini appointment
The appointment of French football legend Michael Platini as the man to lead UEFA could change the face of Welsh domestic football as the Football Association of Wales look to admit Cardiff City, Swansea City and Wrexham into the Principality Welsh Premier League in addition to their current Football League status and with it offer them the chance to qualify for European competition. Previous plans from then Cardiff City Chairman Sam Hammam had little impact on former UEFA chief Gerard Aigner but Platini is a strong advocate of change and in a strategic plan document produced by the FAW, author Alun Evans states that the ‘change in power must be seized’ to allow the big three a route back into Europe. While Welsh Premier League clubs are expected to reject the idea, Cardiff City Chairman Peter Ridsdale, who enjoyed Champions League success at Leeds United, has also rejected the idea and criticised the FAW for not consulting with the three clubs before issuing the proposal to further weaken the credibility of the document. If the plans are passed however five clubs would be relegated from the League at the end of this season with the big three joining from 2008-2009 in a reduced league of sixteen teams.

7th January 2008
Tucker - ‘It’s another game we should have won’
Nicky Tucker was again left disappointed after Saturday’s 2-2 draw at home to Haverfordwest. "It was a frustrating match, but I can't fault the players commitment, unfortunately we switched off during the final minutes," said Tucker. "We certainly worked hard to get back into the game after Haverfordwest went ahead, and we should have maintained our improving run of form. With the number of chances created, we failed to add possibly three or four more goals. We conceded a goal at a critical point in the game when a free kick was sent to the far post. It was expected that the goalkeeper or centre halves would clear the danger, but they scored, totally against the run of play. The whole side knows that we're not putting enough chances away, and it's something that I'm working on, once it clicks, I think we'll score three or four goals in a game. It’s another game we should have won, but we gave away two sloppy goals after dominating for 80 minutes,” he added. Nicky Tucker will join Chairman Andrew Edwards in answering all your questions on Wednesday 16th January in a Fan Forum Night at the club. Entry is free and all are welcome.

6th January 2008
Welsh Premier League round-up
Les Davies and Ashley Stott scored a brace each for Bangor City as they stormed to a 5-0 win over Airbus UK Broughton at Farrer Road. Sion Edwards grabbed the other goal for Neville Powell’s side. The New Saints needed a winner from Martyn Naylor to win 2-1 at Caersws while a goal from Tom Rowlands was enough for Connah’s Quay to defeat Caernarfon Town. Carmarthen needed a last minute equaliser from Danny Thomas to cancel out Stephen Pockett’s opening half goal for Neath as the two sides drew 1-1 at Richmond Park while goals from Craig Moses and a double from Marc Lloyd-Williams helped Newtown to a 3-2 win at Porthmadog. Port Talbot Town were held at home by Haverfordwest County while Rhyl claimed a comfortable 4-1 victory over Llangefni Town at Belle Vue. A Jamie Reed goal was not enough for Aberystwyth as they went down 2-1 at Welshpool. Rhys Griffiths scored two penalties and completed another hat-trick with a goal in open play as Llanelli maintained their pressure on the New Saints with a 5-2 win over NEWI Cefn Druids in the only Sunday match of the weekend.

5th January 2008
Blues held at home by late equaliser
Despite a dominating performance, Port Talbot Town were held to a 2-2 draw at home to Haverfordwest County on Saturday. Although Nicky Tucker’s side enjoyed the lion’s share of possession, visiting goalkeeper Lee Idzi was rarely called into action while at the other end Kristian Rogers made three important second half saves. Haverfordwest took the lead against the run of play on 34 minutes when Jack Christopher headed home at the back post but when Chad Bond was brought down in the area on 56 minutes, Martin Rose made no mistake with a well taken spot kick. Port Talbot took then took the lead on 79 minutes when Liam McCreesh hit a low and hard cross into the area that beat Idzi at the back post after a slight deflection off a Haverfordwest defender. There was time for more however as a break by the negative and unimpressive visitors allowed Lee Hudgell to weave his way past Craig Hanford and score from close range to level the score on 89 minutes. It was a frustrating afternoon for Nicky Tucker’s side with another two points dropped from what should have been a comfortable win.

4th January 2008
Dyer keeps Steve in his Pockett as Blues approach
Port Talbot Town have been refused permission to speak to Neath Athletic midfielder Stephen Pockett after making a seven day notice of approach for the impressive youngster. Unknown to the club at the time, Pockett is currently on contract at Neath and manager Andy Dyer decided it was in their best interests not to risk the influential midfielder being talked into a return to the RE/MAX Stadium. Pockett came through the youth ranks at Port Talbot Town alongside Craig Hanford and made his Welsh Premier League debut for the club back in 2000 as a 16 year-old. Pockett then gained International honours while at Port Talbot, playing for both the BGCW at various levels and was called into the Wales Under-19 side by manager Neville Southall for a friendly against Norway. Pockett has now returned to the Welsh Premier League scene with Neath this season and has earned rave reviews for his commanding performances in midfield and even as a make shift defender against Port Talbot Town on New Years Day, where he showed his versatility by preventing top scorer Martin Rose from adding to his goal tally. Port Talbot manager Nicky Tucker continues to search to improve his squad but is bitterly disappointed at this latest setback.

3rd January 2008
Former Blues return as Town suffer double injury
Former Port Talbot Town players Jonathan Coates, Gareth Elliott and Luke Bowen return to the RE/MAX Stadium on Saturday as Port Talbot Town take on Haverfordwest County. As well as the three former Blues on the field, County coach Mark Evans also played for Port Talbot in the Welsh Premier League. Luke Bowen made his Haverfordwest debut as a second half substitute last weekend and assisted in both second half goals as his side ran out 3-1 winners over Aberystwyth and he will be keen to make an impression against his former club. Port Talbot have been dealt a double injury blow ahead of the game with on-loan Swansea City striker Kerry Morgan requiring another three weeks on the sidelines while Gareth Phillips pulled a hamstring at Neath on New Years Day and is also out. New signing Mark McGibbon will also miss the match through suspension. Kick off is at 2.30pm and supporters are reminded that admission for the remainder of the season has been reduced to just £4 for adults and only £2 for concessions, making the RE/MAX Stadium the lowest priced ground in the Welsh Premier League.

3rd January 2008
Blain interests Newtown as Burrows signs for Neath
Dylan Blain has interested Newtown manager Darren Ryan following Haverfordwest making a seven day notice of approach for the experienced midfielder. “I played with Dylan at Haverfordwest,” said Ryan. “He would be a great asset in the middle of the park or in defence,” he added. Meanwhile David Burrows has signed for Neath Athletic who have also added former Manchester United and Wales player Clayton Blackmore to their squad. Both are expected to make their debuts for our local rivals against Carmarthen on Saturday.

3rd January 2008
Taylor makes Premier step-up with Chelsea
Despite Abramovich’s billions and a global network of scouts, Port Talbot youngster Rhys Taylor, 18, was twice named on the bench for Chelsea over the holiday period. Injuries to Petr Cech and Carlo Cudicini allowed Hilario to take the number one goalkeeper position, promoting regular reserve keeper Taylor up into the 1st team ranks. Raised in Baglan, Rhys is a regular spectator at the RE/MAX Stadium when home and the club wish the Wales Under-21 keeper well in his future career.

1st January 2008
Bond and Barrow on target in derby victory
Chad Bond and Scott Barrow grabbed the only goals of the game as Port Talbot Town cruised to a 2-0 victory over local rivals Neath Athletic in a bad-tempered New Years Day match. Both sides were reduced to ten men as Neath’s Jarrod Price was shown a straight red card for an unforgivable stamp on the face of Scott Barrow while Port Talbot Town debutant Mark McGibbon closely followed Price to the dressing room as he became involved in the resulting fracas and was shown his second yellow card of the game. Chad Bond opened the scoring for Port Talbot in spectacular fashion on 55 minutes with a fine strike from outside the area before Scott Barrow doubled the lead on 62 minutes with a deflected shot that deceived home goalkeeper Craig Morris. It should have been a different story as before Bond opened the scoring Morris escaped a straight red card due to referee Wayne Tregonning missing his blatant punch on Scott Barrow minutes before the opening goal. Port Talbot claimed a comfortable win however but will now be without influential midfielder Gareth Phillips as he picked up a hamstring injury in the opening half.

1st January 2008
Welsh Premier League round-up
It remained status quo at the top of the table as the top three sides claimed three points from their respective New Years Day games. The New Saints registered a 2-0 home win over Welshpool Town through a brace from Scott Ruscore while Rhys Griffiths celebrated the signing of a new contract with three goals against local rivals Carmarthen Town in a 4-1 win. Rhyl edged past Connah’s Quay Nomads 1-0 while their rivals Bangor City moved into fourth place with a 4-0 win over Caernarfon Town. NEWI Cefn Druids remain in the top half of the table with a 4-1 home win over Airbus UK Broughton while two goals from Jack Christopher helped Haverfordwest County in their 3-1 home win over Aberystwyth Town. Chad Bond and Scott Barrow were on target for Port Talbot Town as they cruised past Neath Athletic despite both teams being reduced to ten men while Newtown avenged their Boxing Day defeat to local rivals Caersws by holding their mid-Wales rivlas to a 2-2 in front of an amazing 850 people. At the bottom Llangefni Town claimed a vital 4-2 win over Porthmadog although both sides remain in the bottom two positions having cancelled each other out in the Boxing Day and New Years Day double header.

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