9th October 2007
Neath claim derby win over much changed Town
Port Talbot suffered a disappointing derby defeat in this Loosemores Solicitors Challenge Cup match against Neath Athletic at Llandarcy Park. Manager Tony Pennock named himself in the starting line-up with Kristian Rogers unavailable while regular substitutes in recent weeks Scott Barrow, David Burrows, Daniel Lancey and Chad Bond were all added to the starting line-up. Port Talbot started the brighter of the two sides as Daniel Lancey stretched the home defence with a string of quality crosses into the area. Neath were a threat on the break however and created the most clear cut chances of the opening half with two crosses from the right resulting in free headers that went straight to Pennock in the Port Talbot goal. The much changed Port Talbot defence looked unorganised as Neath went on the attack and a slip by David Burrows handed Jarrod Price the space he needed to open the scoring on 14 minutes. Port Talbot battled back however despite petty officiating from referee Ceri Morgan that saw Chad Bond and Liam McCreesh booked in the early exchanges. Martin Rose came close on a number of occasions as Port Talbot went in search of an equaliser and had his reward on 39 minutes when a goal-bound effort from Lancey was redirected by Rose into the net. The equaliser and improved performance in the last 15 minutes of the opening period should have sparked Port Talbot into a better second half but Neath regained the lead on 56 minutes when Andy Hill was at hand at the back post to head home. The confidence in the home side increased as they looked to hold onto their lead and as Port Talbot pushed forward for another equaliser gaps were left at the back and Neath further increased their lead on 67 minutes through Lee Bevan. The arrival of Kerry Morgan gave Port Talbot a lift in attack but as frustrations increased so did the yellow card count to make it a frustrating evening for the visitors. Rose added another goal on 79 minutes after a strong run and well placed finish but it was not enough for Port Talbot as Neath held on to claim a confidence boosting victory.

Neath Athletic

1. Craig Morris
2. Billy Timothy
3. Brian Showdery
4. Sean Cronin
5. Rob Folland
6. Dale Evans
7. Chris Pridham
8. David D’Auria
9. Jarrod Price
10. Andy Hill
11. Carl Shaw

12. Lee Bevan
(rep Folland - 49)
14. Stephen Pockett
(rep Evans - 46)
15. Matthew Rees
(rep D’Aruia - 65)

Goals

Jarrod Price (14)
Andy Hill (56)
Lee Bevan (67)

Yellow Cards

Sean Cronin (69)

Red Cards

None

Port Talbot Town

1. Tony Pennock
2. Leigh De-Vulgt
3. Scott Barrow
4. Craig Hanford
5. David Burrows
6. Daniel Lancey
7. Liam McCreesh
8. Dylan Blain
9. Martin Rose
10. Chad Bond
11. Lee John

12. Kerry Morgan
(rep John - 77)
14. Gareth Phillips
(rep McCreesh - 46)
15. Lee Surman
(rep De-Vulgt- 68)

Goals

Martin Rose (39)
Martin Rose (79)

Yellow Cards

Chad Bond (4)
Liam McCreesh (25)
Lee Surman (81)
David Burrows (82)
Kerry Morgan (89)

Red Cards

None

Referee

Mr Ceri Morgan

Attendance

177

9th October 2007 - www.welsh-premier.com

Eagles claim local honours

Martin Rose grabbed a brace for the Steelmen, but it wasn't enough to prevent Neath from claiming revenge for their opening day defeat at The Remax Stadium. The hosts created the better chances in the first half and Talbot manager Tony Pennock was the busiest of the two keepers. An error by defender David Burrows gave Jarrod Price the opportunity to open Athletic's account after 14 minutes but Rose proved a thorn to the home side on several occasions and finally equalised six minutes before the break when a goal-bound effort from Daniel Lancey was defelected into the net. Neath regained the lead on 56 minutes when Andy Hill headed in at the back post to head home and, as the Steelmen pushed for another leveller they were caught on the break for Lee Bevan to extend the lead. Rose pulled a goal back with a header 11 minutes from time, but Neath held on to claim a confidence-boosting victory.