7th August 2007
Derby victory at a heavy cost
Despite a victory over local their local rivals, Port Talbot Town took a double blow from this friendly as both goalkeeper Tony Pennock and striker Martin Rose hobbled out of the game with thigh and ankle injuries respectively. Port Talbot started the stronger of the two sides and it was Rose who came close to scoring in the opening exchanges with an effort from close range and Daniel Lancey again impressed on the left of midfield with a number of testing runs. Craig Hanford and Lee Surman organised the defence in the absence of captain Matthew Rees and the side took a deserved lead in fortunate circumstances after twenty minutes when Gareth Phillips effort was deflected into the net by a Lido defender. The goal sparked a comeback from the home side in a less than entertaining match but Port Talbot held on to take their lead into half-time. Lancey almost doubled the advantage for the visitors within minutes of the restart but his well struck free-kick hit the far post before youth team striker Sam Baker replaced Martin Rose after he went over on his ankle and this was followed closely by Tony Pennock who was called into action to make a double save before leaving the field with a thigh strain. Robert Cockings took over in goal as Liam McCreesh made his Port Talbot Town debut against his former club and should his potential with a number of creative moves on the left while youth team defender Luke Pearson made his debut for the side from the bench. Cockings was rarely tested in the Port Talbot goal while Chad Bond was unable to make the most of his half chances on goal. Port Talbot held on for a comfortable victory despite the scoreline but will be far more concerned with their injury situation following the match.