|
Port Talbot Town Football Club News Archive - July 2007
31st July 2007
Cardiff claim comfortable friendly win
Port Talbot Town were comfortably defeated 3-0 by Cardiff City on Tuesday night. Despite new Cardiff City signings and former England Internationals Robbie Fowler and Trevor Sinclair missing from the visitors squad, Cardiff included Wales International Paul Parry, captain Darren Purse and Premiership target Aaron Ramsey in their starting line-up and it was Ramsey who opened the scoring for the visitors with his first goal for the club. Striker Jason Byrne doubled the lead from a free-kick just before the break and Matt Green completed the scoring in the second half. Martin Rose and Chad Bond both had chances for Port Talbot in front of a crowd of over 750 but neither could get past Michael Oakes in the Cardiff goal. Port Talbot are now in action at Bryntirion Athletic on Saturday, 4th August with a 2.30pm kick off before they visit local rivals Afan Lido next Tuesday, 7th August, kick off is at 7.00pm.
30th July 2007
Turnbull to make Cardiff debut at Port Talbot
Goalkeeper Ross Turnbull will make his Cardiff City debut at Port Talbot Town on Tuesday night following his loan move from Middlesbrough. Turnbull is expected to become the first choice keeper at Ninian Park next season and will be joined by club captain Darren Purse in the squad for the match. Cardiff City manager Dave Jones has also included Wales International Paul Parry, Matt Green, Kevin Cooper and Jason Byrne in his squad for the match but is rumoured to be adding further 1st team regulars to his squad following their 6-4 defeat to Stockport County in a pre-season friendly on Saturday. Robbie Fowler joined Turnbull in watching from the stands as Cardiff slipped to a six goal defeat at the weekend and has yet to feature for the club since his high-profile move. Admission for the match is confirmed at £5 for adults and £3 for concessions. Kick off is at 7.15pm.
28th July 2007
Port Talbot warm up for Cardiff friendly with win
A comfortable 2-0 victory at MacWhirter Welsh League side Caldicot Town on Saturday allowed manager Tony Pennock to experiment with a number of trialists ahead of Tuesday’s friendly against Cardiff City at The RE/MAX Stadium. An unfamiliar starting line-up saw former Cwmbran Town defender Rhys Williams and former Swan Daniel Lancey impress and it was Lancey who opened the scoring when his cross to the far post was pushed into goal by the home keeper. A number of substitutions in the second half slowed the game down on a warm afternoon but trialist Steve Evans was able to double the advantage for Port Talbot when he hit a fine strike from outside the area. Port Talbot will name a full strength side for Tuesday’s friendly against Cardiff City with the Bluebirds expected to bring a strong side amongst their large squad for the night. Cardiff City are yet to confirm that Robbie Fowler will be included in the side. Admission for the match is £5 for adults and £3 for concessions. Kick off is at 7.15pm.
27th July 2007
Cymru Coaches claim shirt sponsorship prize
Swansea based coach company Cymru Coaches are the new main shirt sponsors of Port Talbot Town Football Club after their name was pulled out of the hat by new 1st team manager Tony Pennock at the clubs Sponsors Dinner on Friday night. In a change to the usual format of the evening an auction was then held for the remaining sponsorship places on the first team kit with Prescott-Jones the successful bidders to have their name on the back of the shirt with Robert Jones of RMJ Electrical bidding the highest for the sponsorship of the team’s shorts. The night proved to be another huge success for the club. Our next commercial event is the successful annual golf day will take place this year at Swansea Bay Golf Club on Firday 17th August 2007.. Teams of four can enter the event for £195 per team. This includes green fees for the day, breakfast on arrival, a meal for each each team member after their round and top prizes for the overall winning team.
27th July 2007
Friendly at Caldicot Town this Saturday
Port Talbot Town will take on Welsh League side Caldicot Town on Saturday, 28th July. A coach will leave Victoria Road at 11.45am with kick off at 2.30pm.
26th July 2007
Pennock starts reign with Swansea City draw
New Port Talbot Town manager Tony Pennock was forced to share the bragging rights with his employers as Swansea City grabbed an 87th minute equaliser to draw 1-1 with Port Talbot Town in Wednesday’s pre-season friendly. Pennock, who is also the goalkeeping coach at Swansea City, impressed a crowd of 2,168 at the RE/MAX Stadium with a strong and committed performance from his Port Talbot Town side who took the lead on 57 minutes through Ryan McCarley on his return to the club. Despite the absence of Lee Trundle and Darryl Duffy, Swansea City treated the large travelling support to an otherwise full strength side in a match that utilised the squads of both competing teams. Swansea City created the better chances over the 90 minutes but fine saves from Tony Pennock in the Port Talbot goal and his former Swan replacement Alex Davies midway through the second half frustrated the visitors. Port Talbot Town more than held their own however with a strong display in their first pre-season friendly with a number of impressive performances on the night.
24th July 2007
Roberto asks for same support at Port Talbot Town
Swansea City manager Roberto Martinez is again expecting another huge crowd on Wednesday night when his side take on Port Talbot Town at the RE/MAX Stadium in a match that will officially open the new Gerald McCreesh Stand. Swans fans turned out in their thousands to watch friendly’s at Neath Athletic and Llanelli last week and Martinez is expecting more of the same on Wednesday. “It was probably more than I expected”, said Martinez to the official Swansea City website. “But it didn’t surprise me either. I know how special the fans think the club is - and vice-versa. When they turn out in those numbers, they deserve to see the first team players in action. It all helps to build the relationship between the players and the fans, especially the new signings.” Martinez will bring a full strength squad to Port Talbot Town for the match although new signing Jason Scotland remains on the injured list. Admission is confirmed at £5 for adults and £3 for concessions and kick off is at 7.15pm.
22nd July 2007
Martinez to bring full strength squad for friendly
Swansea City will bring a full strength squad to the RE/MAX Stadium on Wednesday. Manager Roberto Martinez is again expected to utilise his squad having already claimed victories over Welsh Premier League sides Neath Athletic and Llanelli. New signings Darryl Duffy, Dorus De Vries, Paul Anderson, Angel Rangel, Ferrie Bodde and Guillem Bauza Mayol will join fan favourites Lee Trundle, Andy Robinson, Kristian O’Leary and the rest of the Swansea City squad for the match that is expected to bring another huge crowd. The match will officially open the new Gerald McCreesh Stand and a presentation ceremony will be held before the match to commemorate the occasion. Admission is confirmed at £5 for adults and £3 concessions and kick off is at 7.15pm. Port Talbot Town have also confirmed an additional away friendly against Welsh League side Bryntirion Athletic on Saturday, 4th August with a 2.30pm kick off. The side are currently managed by former Port Talbot player Francis Ford and defeated Haverfordwest County on Saturday in a friendly.
22nd July 2007
Afan FM link up with www.porttalbottown.co.uk
Local radio station 107.9 Afan FM have linked up with the official website of Port Talbot Town Football Club to provide regular news and opinion on all of the hot topics involving the club and the Principality Welsh Premier League. Sports Editor Hash will be offering our visitors an alternative look at the current debates and issues affecting both the club and Welsh football and starts with a look at the recent decision of television companies not to cover any of the European games involving Welsh Premier League clubs this season. Throughout the season 107.9 Afan FM will be bringing listeners all the latest news from Port Talbot Town Football Club with live match reports, previews and interviews through their increased local sports coverage. The club are looking forward to working with Afan FM on a number of projects over the season and we thank them for their support.
20th July 2007
Swans claim double win ahead of Port Talbot match
Swansea City have warmed-up for their friendly at Port Talbot Town on Wednesday, 25th July, with two convincing victories over Welsh Premier League opponents this week to follow on from their victory over Ostersund of Sweden the week before. A five goal win at newly promoted Neath Athletic on Wednesday was quickly followed by a 3-0 victory over Intertoto Cup entrants Llanelli on Thursday evening. Manager Roberto Martinez has utilised all of the fit players in his ever-increasing squad in both games and is again expected to bring a full strength side to The RE/MAX Stadium for the match that will officially open the new Gerald McCreesh Stand. The match will be the first friendly for Port Talbot Town under new manager Tony Pennock and another bumper crowd is expected. Admission for the match is confirmed at £5 for adults and £3 for concessions and kick off is at 7.15pm.
18th July 2007
Huw Lloyd on the club’s Academy developments
Academy Director Huw Lloyd has spoken to the club’s official website about the changes made to the Academy and talks about the quality of fixtures planned for our Academy teams this season. In his first report for the Academy news page, Huw Lloyd explains the exciting developments within the section and how they will be raising the standard both in terms of quality opposition and frequency of games for our Academy sides. The first confirmed match for our Academy this season will be on 25th August when our Under-12, 14 and 16 teams travel to play the Academy sides of Football League club AFC Bournemouth. Raising the standard of football within the club at this level is financially demanding however and the section will be running a number of fund-raising initiatives over next few weeks and months starting this Friday, 20th July, when they will be holding a race night at the club. Admission is £3 and the evening starts at 7.30pm. The Academy would appreciate your support for this event and everyone is welcome to attend.
15th July 2007
Robert Cooke joins Board of Directors
Port Talbot Town Football Club are delighted to announce that Robert Cooke has joined the club and will sit on the Board of Directors. The former General Manager of Pontardawe Town has a wealth of football knowledge and experience to bring to the club and will join Andrew Edwards, Phil Davies, John Heycock, John Dawkins and Mark Pitman on the board. “I am delighted that Robert has agreed to become involved with the club”, said Chairman Andrew Edwards. “It has been a long term plan of mine to build a strong board of directors at the club to help us achieve our aims and offer security for the future. Robert has a great deal of experience in the game and will play an important role in helping take us to the next level both on and off the field.” In other news the arranged friendly against ENTO Aberaman on the 28th of July has been cancelled and the club will travel to Caldicot Town on that date instead while admission for the Swansea City and Cardiff City friendlies at the RE/MAX Stadium are confirmed at £5 for adults and £3 for concessions.
12th July 2007
Port Talbot Town link up with Swans
Swansea City and Port Talbot Town have today confirmed a link-up between the two clubs that will see young players from the Liberty Stadium gain vital competitive football experience in the Welsh Premier League with Port Talbot Town. "In the UK, there is a big gap between finishing playing youth football and then playing in the first team,‘’ said Swansea City manager Roberto Martinez. "Competitive football is something you miss at that age because while reserve football is okay to an extent, you can get a bit stale. You need to move on to the next challenge and the Welsh Premiership offers a fantastic opportunity for young players to step up to the next level." New Port Talbot Town manager Tony Pennock is also the goalkeeping coach at Swansea City and will be monitoring their progress. “We are delighted to have forged such strong links with one of the most progressive clubs in the football league”, said Port Talbot Town Chairman Andrew Edwards. “Both parties will benefit from this arrangement and we are looking forward to working with Swansea City”.
11th July 2007
Liam McCreesh signs for Port Talbot Town
Port Talbot Town have completed the signing of midfielder Liam McCreesh from local rivals Afan Lido. “We are delighted to have signed Liam”, said Port Talbot Town Chairman Andrew Edwards. “He already has a great deal of experience in the Welsh Premier League as well as being a local lad whose family have greatly contributed to what we have achieved here”. McCreesh made his Welsh Premier League debut in 2002 after coming through the ranks at Afan Lido and went onto make 89 appearances for the club in the league together with a number of Welsh League appearances. He signed a dual registration with Haverfordwest County last season but figured only once before making the move to Port Talbot Town. His first match for Port Talbot Town would have been against Swansea City in a match to open the new stand at the ground built in the memory of his late father Gerald who was Vice-Chairman of the club, but Liam will miss the match having recently had an operation on his knee.
11th July 2007
Change to pre-season friendly
The friendly away to ENTO Aberaman on Saturday, 28th of July has been cancelled as the Welsh League side did not have an available pitch to host the match. Port Talbot Town will now take on Caldicot Town away on that date and a coach will be available for supporters.
10th July 2007
Decade of change but some things stay the same
On the 10th of July 1997, new Port Talbot Athletic manager David Rees signed local defender Robert Cockings from South Wales Amateur League side Trefelin as he looked to build a squad capable of challenging for honours in the Welsh League First Division. Despite heavy debts and a bleak future, Cockings signed for the club. Ten years on the ground is unrecognisable from back then, six managers have passed through the office door, Andrew Edwards became Chairman and brought the financial backing for the club to gain promotion to the then League of Wales, the club changed it’s name to Port Talbot Town and has evolved from an average Welsh League side to a highly respected and progressive leading club in the Welsh Premier League. One thing remained the same however. Robert Cockings has been a regular in the side through all of the above and more and was back in training with the side on Saturday under manager number seven. In a time where money dominates football, local loyalty still has it’s place.
9th July 2007
European boost for Welsh Premier League
The Principality Building Society Welsh Premier Football League is due to host the General Assembly of the European Football Leagues Association in Cardiff on the 26th July. The event will be held at the St. David’s Hotel and Spa in Cardiff Bay and representatives of all of the major European Football Leagues will be in attendance. In welcoming the news Principality Welsh Premier League Secretary John Deakin said, “I am absolutely delighted that the EPFL has asked us to host this prestigious event and to be granted Membership of the Association will be a major boost for our League. It will enable the Principality Welsh Premier to play a part in a prestigious organisation that is proving to be of great significance in European club football. I have been fortunate enough to attend previous events, organised by the EPFL and the knowledge that I am gaining from officials of the major European Leagues is proving to be invaluable and can only benefit the development of the Welsh Premier.”
8th July 2007
Former strikers on the move
Two former Port Talbot Town strikers have joined new clubs this week as Richard French joined newly promoted Principality Welsh Premier League side Neath Athletic and Mark Dodds followed Lee John in signing for Conference South side Newport County. French made only seven starts and fourteen substitute appearances for the club and his winning strike against champions The New Saints last October was his only goal for the club. Mark Dodds signed for Port Talbot Town in 2001 following the appointment of Mark Jones and went onto play 67 games for the club, scoring 18 goals and earning a call up to the Wales Semi-Professional side in 2003. He left the club in 2004 to join Carmarthen Town and became an impressive central defender for the side, a position he is expected to feature at Newport County. Meanwhile former goalkeeper Simon Rayner has joined Torquay United on a permanent basis following his release from Lincoln City.
6th July 2007
Pennock signs for Saints but is set to miss out
The New Saints have completed the temporary signing of Port Talbot Town manager Tony Pennock ahead of their UEFA Champions League match. The former Newport County and Carmarthen keeper is set to miss out on a debut in the competition however as the Welsh Premier League champions have also signed Hartlepool United target Scott Allison after he was released from Cardiff City and he has moved into the number one position. An injury to the Welsh Premier League champions regular goalkeeper Ged Doherty has left the club searching for a replacement ahead of their match against Ventspils of Latvia. Former Wales International goalkeeper Paul Jones has already been approached by the club but resisted the temptation as he did not want to cup tie himself in Europe as he considers offers from Premiership clubs.
6th July 2007
Pennock set for possible Champions League debut
Port Talbot Town manager Tony Pennock could make a surprise debut in the UEFA Champions League this month following a request for his services from The New Saints manager Ken McKenna. An injury to the Welsh Premier League champions regular goalkeeper Ged Doherty has left the club searching for a replacement ahead of their match against Ventspils of Latvia. Former Wales International goalkeeper Paul Jones has already been approached by the club but resisted the temptation as he did not want to cup tie himself in Europe as he considers offers from Premiership clubs. Tony Pennock played in Europe for Carmarthen Town in their successful UEFA Cup campaign a few seasons ago and has the ability and experience required for The New Saints as they look to improve on their European record. The 1st leg of the match against Ventspils takes place at Newtown on Tuesday 19th July.
5th July 2007
John signs two-year deal with Newport County
Lee John has completed his move to Newport County by signing a two year contract with the Conference South club. The attacking midfielder joins the club from Port Talbot Town for an undisclosed fee and has ambitious plans for his new team and was quick to praise his new fans. Talking about the FAW Premier Cup match between the two sides last season John said, "Port Talbot played well that night and I thought I had a decent game but I thought County were a very good side and the supporters were fantastic throughout. We were 1-0 up with 25 minutes to go and we were drained, we'd given everything we had and all we could hear were the supporters singing and chanting and really cheering the team on and I was really impressed with them. I'm excited about the challenge and who knows, in a year's time we could be fighting for promotion to the conference. That's the aim and hopefully we can do it this time."
5th July 2007
French signs for Neath Athletic
Former Port Talbot Town striker Richard French has agreed to join newly promoted Principality Welsh Premier League side Neath Athletic. French was a popular player at Port Talbot despite his limited opportunities in the side after scoring a number of important goals. The former Merthyr Tydfil striker then moved to Newtown and will now remain in the league with Neath.
3rd July 2007
Lee John to make Newport County move
Wales Semi-Pro International Lee John is expected to finalise a move to Conference South side Newport County following the acceptance of an offer by Port Talbot Town for an undisclosed fee. The reluctant decision by the club to accept the offer from Newport County was based on Lee John’s desire to play at a higher level. “We are extremely disappointed to let Lee go”, said Chairman Andrew Edwards. “He has been a fantastic player for us over the last three seasons and has played a huge part in our what we have achieved. I fully understand Lee’s decision however and we would not stand in his way as he is desperate to test himself in the English pyramid. The recent four nations tournament showed that Lee is capable of playing at a higher level and we wish him well for the future”. Lee has agreed terms with Newport County and the move is expected to be finalised in the next few days.
1st July 2007
Pre-season training starts this weekend
The new management team of Tony Pennock and Paul Reid will start their preparation for the new season on Saturday when the players return from their summer break for pre-season training. Gareth Phillips will be the only confirmed new signing to be amongst the squad although a number of new faces are expected ahead of the new season and friendlies that start on July 25th at home Swansea City. Kick off is at 7.15pm.
1st July 2007
Euro hat-trick for Griffiths not enough for Llanelli
Former Port Talbot Town striker Rhys Griffiths scored a European hat-trick in Llanelli’s 5-3 Intertoto Cup victory over FC Vetra at Carmarthen’s Richmond Park on Sunday. Despite the victory however, which tied the score over the two legs to 6-6, the Lithuanian side went through to the second round on away goals. An own goal by the visitors and a header from defender Wyn Thomas provided Llanelli’s other goals.
|
