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Port Talbot Town Football Club News Archive - March 2008
30th March 2008
Griff hat-trick makes fourth place immaterial
Former Port Talbot Town striker Rhys Griffiths scored an impressive hat-trick for Llanelli on Sunday as they defeated Rhyl 5-2 at Aberystwyth to reach the Welsh Cup Final. The win means that fourth place in the Welsh Premier League will not be worth a place in the UEFA Intertoto Cup as this was only an option if a club already in the UEFA Cup or Intertoto Cup won the Welsh Cup. With Llanelli destined for the UEFA Champions League and the other two semi-finalists in Bangor City and Newport YMCA unable to move into the top three places in the Welsh Premier, the only way fourth place would be worth a European place was for Rhyl to lift the trophy. Port Talbot are currently challenging Bangor City, Carmarthen and Neath Athletic for the position and take on Carmarthen at the RE/MAX Stadium on Friday night. Admission for the match remains at just £4 for adults and only £2 for concessions. Kick off is at 7.30pm.
30th March 2008
Home defeat for Under-19 side
Our Under-19 side were defeated 3-1 by Briton Ferry at home on Sunday in the Welsh Football League Youth Division West.
28th March 2008
Rayner marks Gulls return with double clean-sheet
Former Port Talbot Town goalkeeper Simon Rayner has been recalled from his loan spell at Boston United to assist his club Torquay in their push for promotion to the Football League. Rayner started the season as first choice at Torquay United in the Blue Square Premier but was then loaned out to Boston before making his return over Easter. Torquay defeated Stafford Rangers 2-0 and Forest Green Rovers 1-0 last weekend as Rayner returned with two clean-sheets to push Torquay upto second place in the table.
28th March 2008
Girls impress in debut tournament
Over Easter our new Under-12 girls team played in their first tournament since forming under the guidance of manager Chris Rees. The girls reached the semi-final of the tournament in Brecon but were knocked out 1-0 by a ‘golden goal’ against Crickhowell Panthers after taking them to extra time. It was an excellent performance by the girls in their first tournament and in very difficult conditions.
25th March 2008
South Wales support for Rhyl in Welsh Cup
Rhyl take on Llanelli in the semi-final of the Welsh Cup on Sunday with three South Wales clubs supporting the North Wales side. Llanelli moved a step closer to claiming their first Welsh Premier League title on Tuesday night with a 2-1 win at Aberystwyth Town and should they win the league, Rhyl must win the Welsh Cup for a fourth place finish to earn a place in the UEFA Intertoto Cup. Port Talbot Town, Carmarthen Town and Neath Athletic are in the mix with Bangor City for the position but the interest will be over on Sunday if Llanelli can claim a victory and reach the Welsh Cup Final.
25th March 2008
Success in Federation Cup for Under-16 side
Our Under-16 side claimed an impressive 2-1 vicotry over West End in the quarter-final of the Federation Cup at Western Avenue on Tuesday. Ryan Gibbons opened the scoring for Port Talbot Town and Justin Protheroe scored the all important second goal. The side won the Challenge Cup last week with an excellent win over local rivals Afan Lido.
24th March 2008
Four way tie for fourth as Bangor slip-up at rivals
Port Talbot Town are one of four teams pushing for fourth spot in the Welsh Premier League and have received a huge this weekend after Bangor City lost to both Carmarthen Town and Neath Athletic, the other two teams that are in the mix. Port Talbot claimed a second successive win through a Martin Rose penalty at Connah’s Quay on Saturday and now have a crucial match against Carmarthen Town on Friday, 4th April. Port Talbot are currently three points behind current fourth place holders Carmarthen but have a game in hand. Bangor City are two points behind Carmarthen but have now played the same number of games as the Richmond Park club while a double win for Neath Athletic over the weekend has moved them to within a point of Port Talbot Town having played the same number of games. Carmarthen and Bangor have three games left compared to Port Talbot and Neath’s four and the spot is very much open to any of the four clubs. A place in the UEFA Intertoto Cup is a possibility for the club finishing in fourth place but it would depend on Llanelli or Rhyl winning the Welsh Cup. Port Talbot’s postponed match at Welshpool will now be played on Tuesday, 15th April.
24th March 2008
Edwards supports radical plans for Welsh Premier
The Welsh Premier League are planning a radical change to the structure of the league by splitting the current set-up into two leagues of ten teams with promotion and relegation between the two. Port Talbot Town Chairman Andrew Edwards, who is also a member of the Welsh Premier board, is in support of the idea. “The UEFA criteria are coming in to raise the bar and push clubs forward,” he said. “From my discussions with our clubs in this area along with my counterparts in Mid and North Wales, it seems that the general consensus shows support for the proposals. All clubs want this league to move forward and go up to another level. I think the league has made strides forward since its inception, but it has stagnated. I hope these proposals can take Welsh football forward and address certain issues. This could attract better players to the league, which should in turn mean a better standard of football being played. That will help all clubs build their attendances - because that is a major issue in this league - and also marketing opportunities. I'm all for new ideas as long as they take the league forward. I think this plan can take us forward, so we hope all clubs see the bigger picture and support the proposals.”
22nd March 2008
Rose penalty enough for three points in Nomads win
Martin Rose added to his impressive goal return on Saturday as he scored from the penalty spot to hand Port Talbot Town a single goal victory against Connah’s Quay Nomads. Rose scored the only goal of the game in the 24th minute in front of a liberal 101 spectators at the Deeside Stadium. Manager Nicky Tucker made a few surprises in his team selection as young goalkeeper Josh Payne again started ahead of regular keeper Kristian Rogers and captain Matthew Rees was dropped to the bench for the first time in his Port Talbot Town career as Carl Evans was preferred as the partner to Lee Surman in the back four. Gareth Phillips returned to the starting line-up after his four match suspension together with Matthew Thompson as both Dylan Blain and Leigh De-Vulgt joined Rees on the substitutes bench. Youth team goalkeeper Lloyd Clement was called up for the side for the first time after an impressive season with the Under-19 side and he joined Sam Baker to complete the five substitutes. The win moves Port Talbot Town within three points of fourth place Carmarthen Town with a game in hand. The two sides meet at the RE/MAX Stadium on Friday, 4th April.
22nd March 2008
Welsh Premier League round-up
In a rare weekend of Saturday fixtures, Llanelli increased their lead at the top fo the table with a 4-2 win at Porthmadog while the transitional New Saints were held to a 0-0 draw at Newtown. Rhyl maintained their impressive form with a 2-1 win at home to Caersws while in the live TV game Danny Thomas scored twice for Carmarthen Town in their 2-1 win over Bangor City. Port Talbot Town kept up the pressure on the two sides with a 1-0 win over Connah’s Quay Nomads at the Deeside Stadium through a Martin Rose penalty. Welshpool Town continued to slip further down the table as they were held to a 1-1 draw at Caernarfon Town while a hat-trick from Neil Thomas helped Haverfordwest on their way to a convincing 4-0 win over Airbus UK. At the other end of the table Llangefni Town caused the surprise of the day with a 3-0 win over Aberystwyth Town through a brace from Darren Thomas and a strike from Chris Jones to move them within two points of Porthmadog. In the other game of the day Neath Athletic claimed a comfortable 3-0 win over NEWI Cefn Druids at Llandarcy but the game was marred by a serious injury to Druids assistant manager Lee Jones after just seven minutes that required an Air Ambulance.
20th March 2008
Gaza back for fourth place push
Gareth Phillips is available for selection on Saturday after serving a four match suspension. Port Talbot are away to 14th placed Connah’s Quay Nomads and manager Nicky Tucker remains optimistic his side can still push for fourth place. “There is a chance of us finishing fourth and we would like to achieve that but we could quite easily finish further down the table,” said Tucker. “It is all pretty tight among the top 10 teams at the moment and we have five games left to try and clinch fourth spot. Having Gareth back has come at the right time and we are injury-free at the moment,” he added. The coach leaves at 8.00am for kick off at 2.30pm.
20th March 2008
Under-16‘s claim cup glory over local rivals
Our Under-16 side defeated Afan Lido 4-2 at Goytre on Tuesday night to lift the Challenge Cup. Liam McGinley scored twice for the side in between goals from Ryan Gibbons and man of the match Justin Protheroe. On the same night Sam Baker scored the only goal for our Under-19 side in their 1-1 draw at Briton Ferry in the Welsh League Youth Division West.
18th March 2008
McGibbon signs new contract as Tucker plans ahead
Influential recent signing Mark McGibbon has signed a long term contract at Port Talbot Town Football Club as manager Nicky Tucker starts to build his side ahead of his first full season in charge. “I am delighted that Mark has committed himself to the club for next season,” said Tucker. “He has settled in well since signing in January. At first he was commuting from London but he now lives in South Wales in accommodation arranged by the club. Many clubs in the London area have been chasing his signature so it was important to get the contract signed now. I am determined to bring success to the club and Gibbo is the start of what will be a very strong squad assembled for next season, although we still have a lot to do this year. We have five games left and fourth place is still possible so our season is still very much alive.” McGibbon signed for Port Talbot Town in the January transfer window after impressing in a trial match for the club having formerly played for Cwmbran Town as well as Danish side Birkerod. More contract news on current squad members is expected to follow in the next few weeks as Nicky Tucker plans ahead for next season.
17th March 2008
Managers reactions to Saturday’s win
Both Port Talbot Town manager Nicky Tucker and his Porthmadog counterpart Viv Williams have spoken out about Saturday’s 4-2 victory for the home side at the RE/MAX Stadium. “We made it very difficult for ourselves again today, but the character was there to overcome very difficult conditions,” said Nicky Tucker. “We’re still looking for fourth place, but we have five tough games to play. To achieve it would be fantastic for the club. I made a decision to give Josh Payne a chance in goal - he's a young talented keeper, I wanted to give him some experience and I felt that this game was the perfect opportunity for him to get in 90 minutes”. Porthmadog boss Williams was quick to blame the conditions and his defence, “At 2-0 down we changed our system but they scored a third goal before we began to play as we should”, he said. “We would have got the equaliser but for the mud on the goal-line. Then late on, when we were pressing and creating chances galore, Port Talbot broke for the fourth goal that killed us off and that was sloppy as well”.
15th March 2008
Rose double eases Blues past league strugglers
Top scorer Martin Rose scored a superb brace for Port Talbot Town on Saturday as they cruised to a 4-2 win over struggling Porthmadog at the RE/MAX Stadium. Manager Nicky Tucker made a surprise in his team selection as young goalkeeper Josh Payne was offered a Welsh Premier League debut ahead of regular shot-stopper Kristian Rogers and the former Dinas Powys keeper did not disappoint with a confident performance. Port Talbot went ahead within the opening minute when a cross from Lee John was headed home by Liam McCreesh before Martin Rose doubled the advantage when he rounded the advancing Porthmadog keeper and finished in style from a tight angle. Rose made it three in the second half as he again weaved past the visiting defence and goalkeeper as the rain lashed down on the heavily soaked surface. Porthmadog pulled two goals back from a penalty and free-kick to leave a nervous last fifteen minutes for Port Talbot but Scott Barrow made the game safe in injury time when he charged through the middle before slotting the ball past the Porthmadog keeper.
15th March 2008
Welsh Premier League round-up
Llanelli maintained their convincing lead at the top of the table with a 4-2 win at home to Haverfordwest County on Friday night despite the visitors taking a two goal lead. Leading scorer Rhys Griffiths scored three for Llanelli in the comeback. In the other Friday night match Llangefni Town remain at the bottom as they were defeated 2-1 at NEWI Cefn Druids. The New Saints won 4-0 at home to Caernarfon in front of a superb crowd of 946 while Rhyl dropped two points as they were held to a 0-0 draw at Aberystwyth Town. Airbus UK and Newtown also shared the points in a 1-1 draw at the Airfield. While goals from Sion Edwards, Ashley Stott and Karl Noon handed three points to Bangor City in 3-2 home win over Connah’s Quay Nomads. Carmarthen kept the pressure on Bangor with a 2-1 win at Caersws while Port Talbot also moved back into sixth place with a 4-2 home win over Porthmadog, top scorer Martin Rose grabbing two in the win. In the other match of the weekend Neath Athletic maintained their impressive form with a 2-1 win at Welshpool Town. Richard Harris opened the scoring for the home side before Andy Hill and Stephen Pockett scored for the visitors to claim the three points.
13th March 2008
Porthmadog this year could be Lido derby next year
Port Talbot Town take on struggling Porthmadog for the third time this season on Saturday having already registered two victories at Y Traeth in both the league and an incredible 7-2 win in the FAW Premier Cup. Porthmadog are one from bottom in the Welsh Premier League and should they stay in that position their survival in the top flight will depend solely on the form of our local rivals Afan Lido. Craig Duggan’s side have hit a recent run of form to move into third place in the Welsh League table and should they claim a top two place in the league they will return to the Welsh Premier. Defender Leigh De-Vulgt is set to make his 100th Welsh Premier League start for Port Talbot Town on Saturday with Mark McGibbon remaining a major doubt on the injury list while Matthew Thompson is available following his three match suspension. Midfielder Gareth Phillips remains on the suspension list however but will be available for next week’s match against Connah’s Quay Nomads. Admission remains at a reduced price of just £4 for adults and only £2 for concessions. Kick off is at 2.30pm.
10th March 2008
De-Vulgt next for Port Talbot Town century club
Leigh De-Vulgt made his 99th Welsh Premier League start for Port Talbot Town against Llanelli last Friday night leaving him just one starting place short of joining Lee John and captain Matthew Rees in the list of current players who have reached this landmark appearance. Lee John made his 100th start for the club in the 4-1 defeat at Llangefni Town while Matthew Rees achieved the feat earlier in the season. De-Vulgt started his career as a youngster at Swansea City and made 23 appearances for the club in the Football League while also gaining International honours for Wales at Under-21 level. He has also played for Llanelli and Carmarthen Town in the Welsh Premier League bringing his total starting appearance record in the league to 142 games. Captain Matthew Rees has only played in the league for Port Talbot Town after leaving the professional game and is currently on 108 starts while Lee John has made 119 starts in the league, 101 at Port Talbot Town having re-signed for the club three times through two spells at Haverfordwest and brief flirtation with Newport County. Legend Robert Cockings remains in front however with 155 Welsh Premier League starts for Port Talbot Town.
8th March 2008
Welsh Premier League round-up
The biggest crowd of the weekend was at Port Talbot Town on Friday night as Llanelli extended their lead at the top of the table with a 1-0 through a Wyn Thomas goal. Carmarthen’s chance of a European place were dented as they suffered a 3-0 home defeat to Aberystwyth Town while Welshpool made things harder for Llangefni at the bottom as they claimed a 1-0 through a strike from Calvin Davies on 87 minutes. In the other Friday night match Lee Hunt scored for Rhyl at NEWI Cefn Druids for John Hulse’s side to win 1-0. The champions The New Saints came back from being two goals down to draw level at Neath Athletic on Saturday to leave Llanelli with a five point advantage at the top of the table. Elsewhere Airbus UK claimed a superb three goal win at Caernarfon Town while Caersws suffered a 1-0 away defeat to Connah’s Quay. Haverfordwest Count registered the biggest score of the weekend as they ran out 4-1 winners away to Newtown, Jack Christopher scoring a brace amongst goals from Mike Hartley and Luke Bowen. Bangor City were held at Porthmadog in a 0-0 draw, leaving the home side still without a home win this season.
7th March 2008
Improved Blues suffer late goal defeat to Llanelli
Manager Nicky Tucker’s call for his players to perform after last weekend’s defeat to bottom of the table Llangefni did not go unnoticed in the home dressing room but despite a massively improved performance Port Talbot Town could not prevent themselves slipping to a 1-0 defeat to league leaders Llanelli on Friday night. Wyn Thomas scored the only goal of the game for the visitors on 81 minutes when a scramble in the Port Talbot area resulted in the ball dropping to the defender on the edge of the area and he placed a fine shot passed goalkeeper Kristian Rogers. Port Talbot had created the better chances with Dylan Blain coming close with two chances in the opening half while Liam McCreesh, Martin Rose and a tireless performance from Scott Barrow also tested the defence of the visitors. Paul Evans was called into the starting line-up as Nicky Tucker was again forced to make changes through injury and suspension but he could not have asked for much more from his side on the night as they pushed their professional opponents all the way and almost pulled level twice in the final few minutes when Rose had two efforts well saved.
6th March 2008
Stand up and be counted for the toughest test of all
Port Talbot Town take on Welsh Premier League leaders Llanelli at the RE/MAX Stadium on Friday night on the back of an embarrassing 4-1 defeat at bottom of the table Llangefni last weekend. Llanelli cruised past title rivals The New Saints 4-0 on Tuesday night to move clear at the top and defeated Port Talbot Town 8-0 at Stebonheath Park earlier in the season. The attitude and commitment of the players has been questioned by both Chairman Andrew Edwards and Manager Nicky Tucker after last weeks show in Llangefni and now each and every member of the squad must stand up and be counted in what will be their toughest test of the season. Port Talbot have a history of upsetting the odds and beating the best however, a few weeks ago The New Saints were defeated by a single goal from Lee John while the video on the right hand menu is enough motivation to again turn on a strong performance against the best of the best. Captain Matthew Rees returns for the match after suspension while admission is just £4 for adults and only £2 for concessions. Kick off is at 7.30pm.
4th March 2008
Swansea City the visitors for Cockings testimonial
League One leaders Swansea City will bring a strong side to the RE/MAX Stadium on Tuesday, April 22nd for a testimonial match against Port Talbot Town for long serving defender Robert Cockings. After signing for the club in 1997, Robert went onto make over 100 Welsh League appearances for the club before our promotion to the Welsh Premier League in 2000 and then went onto make an additional 169 league appearances for the club in the top-flight. Robert returned to Amateur League side Trefelin in September 2007, the club he joined Port Talbot Town from ten years previously. Robert also captained the team for a number of games and played under seven different managers during his career at Port Talbot Town Football Club.
4th March 2008
Hash talks Nico, Britney Spears, Eddie and Tucks
Afan FM Sports Editor Hash looks ahead to Friday’s match against Llanelli in his latest feature for the official website and talks about recent events at the club and throughout the Welsh Premier League.
3rd March 2008
Anglesey Aftermath - Both sides speak out
Following Saturday’s awful 4-1 defeat at bottom of the table Llangefni Town both manager Nicky Tucker and Chairman Andrew Edwards have been scathing over the display. “I feel let down by the players today,” said Tucker. “That was one of the most embarrassing performances of my managerial career and, although I don’t usually criticise players, not many can hold their heads up after that display.” Edwards was equally as let down by his side. “To be perfectly honest, I'm bitterly disappointed with the display and I think every player from one to eleven let themselves and Port Talbot FC down.” said Edwards. “I think that, on occasions, we think that we're better than what we are and obviously we've come down with a big bang,” he added. Unsurprisingly there was a much more upbeat reaction from Llangefni Town as General Manager Bryan Owen added, “This was our best result of the season and it means we are still very much in the business of fighting for our Welsh Premier place. Our ground is among the best half-dozen in the league and such has been the massive investment here in terms of cash and effort, it would be a shame if all that were to be in vain.”
1st March 2008
Blues slammed by bottom of the table Llangefni
Port Talbot suffered one of their most embarrassing results of the season on Saturday as bottom of the table Llangefni Town cruised to a 4-1 victory over Nicky Tucker’s side. Despite making enforced changes through suspension problems and the late recall of James Burgin by Swansea City, Port Talbot fielded a strong eleven but a poor team performance handed the home side only their fifth league win of the season. Lee Surman and Mark McGibbon returned to the squad after injury but could not prevent the embarrassing result. Port Talbot almost took the lead in the opening half but referee Kevin Parry disallowed an effort from Lee John due to a foul. With the game goal-less at half time, Llangefni shocked the visitors with two goals in four minutes before Scott Barrow reduced the deficit. With Port Talbot pushing forward for an equaliser however they were left exposed at the back and the home side scored two more in the 84th and 90th minute. Nicky Tucker must now pick his side up ahead of the visit of league leaders Llanelli on Friday night, a team that have already defeated Port Talbot 8-0 this season.
1st March 2008
Welsh Premier League round-up
In a limited programme due to the Welsh Cup quarter-finals, only four Welsh Premier League games were played. Bottom of the table Llagenfi Town grabbed all the headlines as they defeated Port Talbot Town 4-1. Darren Thomas grabbed a hat-trick for the side before Jason Sadler added a fourth. Scott Barrow scored the consolation goal for the visitors. Former Newtown manager Brian Coyne returned to the club with Aberystwyth Town and came away with a 2-1 victory thanks to goals from Gavin Cadwallader and Andrew Thomas, Tommy Mutton replied for the home side. A Chris Herbert penalty handed Connah’s Quay Nomads an opening half lead at home to Haverfordwest County but Jack Christopher equalised on 82 minutes. In the only other game of the day, Porthmadog were held to a 2-2 draw at home to Airbus UK Broughton leaving them still without a home win this season. Airbus were 2-0 ahead through goals from Gareth Duslow and Danny Desormeaux before Mark Thomas and Gareth Parry replied for Porthmadog. Llanelli and The New Saints will play each other at Stebonheath Park on Tuesday night in the big game of the
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