Port Talbot Town 0-2 GAP Connah's Quay - Principality Welsh Premier League Match Report

Manager Nicky Tucker made one change to his sides from last weekend’s win over NEWI Cefn Druids as Scott Evans replaced Gareth Phillips in midfield. Port Talbot edged the opening exchanges by forcing a number of corners and free kicks but it was one of those free kicks that would lead to the visitors opening the scoring. A poor delivery from James Burgin allowed Connah’s Quay to break and with Mark McGibbon left two on one at the back, Tommy Mutton made no mistake to score with a well taken goal on 17 minutes. The goal knocked Port Talbot out of their stride and they struggled to compete against the well-organised visitors who defended solidly and looked dangerous when pushing forward although Drew Fahiya did find himself in space on two occasions but could not find the back of the net. On 41 minutes influential captain Liam Louchlin doubled the lead with a strike from outside the area that left goalkeeper Kristian Rogers standing as Connah’s Quay took a two goal advantage into half time. Gareth Phillips replaced Drew Fahiya for the second half and he battled hard in the middle of midfield but a lack of ideas left Port Talbot rarely looking like reducing the deficit. Kristian Rogers was called into action to make two fine saves as Connah’s Quay looked to build on their lead but Port Talbot offered little at the other end. Connah’s Quay maintained their lead for the remainder of the match to complete a miserable and frustrating afternoon for the home side with a performance that left manager Nicky Tucker with a lot to think about.

8th September 2008 - Western Mail
Match Report
Connah’s Quay extended their superb run of results at the GenQuip Stadium with a clinical demolition of a disappointing Port Talbot side. The visitors have now lost only once at Aberavon in nine visits and their latest triumph was never really in doubt from the moment striker Tommy Mutton put them ahead in the 17th minute. The former Swansea City striker showed that he had not lost his appetite for goals, despite his advancing years, as he turned in the box and fired a brilliant shot past Kristian Rogers. And Quay’s dominance continued when Liam Loughlin increased their lead, feasting off a series of mistakes in the home defence four minutes before the interval. Liam McCreesh did his best to fire the hosts, but visitors’ keeper Chris Maxwell was equal to the task and Swansea rookie James Burgin was also thwarted by another excellent Maxwell save. Rogers was also busy in the latter stages as Connah’s Quay threatened to increase their lead, leaving hosts’ boss Nicky Tucker frustrated. He said: “We were never at the races and eight of my players put in poor performances, and you can’t carry that many and hope to win. I’m far from happy. We are on a run of three home games and have fallen at the second hurdle and this puts pressure on next week’s game which we now must win. To be honest. we haven’t played well pre-season or in our opening four league matches. We got what we deserved today – nothing – and it’s back to the drawing board,” he added.

Port Talbot Town

1. Kristian Rogers
2. Mark McGibbon
3. Darren Davies (c)
4. Scott Evans
5. Liam McCreesh
6. Lee Surman
7. Lee John
8. Drew Fahiya
9. Martin Rose
10. Matthew Rees
11. James Burgin

Subs

12. Gareth Phillips
(rep Fahiya - 46)
14. Matthew Thompson
(Unused)
15. Leigh De-Vulgt
(rep McGibbon - 83)
16. David Biggs
(Unused)
17. Stefan Morrison
(rep Davies - 69)

Scorers
None

Yellow Cards
None

Red Cards
None

GAP Connah’s Quay

1. Chris Maxwell
2. Phil Clarke
3. Lee Bamber
4. Andy Alston
5. Ben Alston
6. Kieran Quinn
7. Peter Doran
8. Daniel Forde
9. Tommy Mutton
10. Liam Louchlin (c)
11. Phil Doran

Subs

12 Aden Shannon
(rep Mutton - 76)
14 Craig Garside
(rep Louchlin - 81)
15 Danny Pinch
(rep Doran - 90)
16 Ian Nicholls
(Unused)
17 Michael Price
(Unused)

Scorers
Tommy Mutton (17)
Liam Louchlin (41)

Yellow Cards
None

Red Cards
None

Attendance
170

Referee
Mr Huw Jones