4th April 2008
Blues move closer to fourth with fine performance
Manager Nicky Tucker again made changes to his team selection for this important Principality Welsh Premier League match as goalkeeper Kristian Rogers, captain Matthew Rees and defender Leigh De-Vulgt all returned to the starting line-up. Lee Surman was replaced by Carl Evans before the match after pulling up in the warm-up with a leg injury. Port Talbot started the brighter of the two sides with Lee John, Scott Barrow and the attacking Mark McGibbon a constant thorn in the side of the visitors with their attacking runs from midfield. Martin Rose came close to opening the scoring past former Port Talbot Town goalkeeper Neil Thomas midway through the opening half but made amends on 30 minutes when an attacking move from the right hand side of the field allowed Rose to score from close range as he slid in at the near post. It was a deserved goal for the side as Carmarthen struggled to create opportunities for themselves due to the excellent performance of Gareth Phillips in the middle of midfield while Carl Evans and Matthew Rees defended well against the few chances Carmarthen created. Port Talbot doubled their lead on 55 minutes when a defensive mistake by the visitors allowed Liam McCreesh to score the simplest of goals. Port Talbot continued to push forward although a triple substitution by Carmarthen soon after the second goal offered them more attacking options as Nicky Palmer and Jamal Easter brought more pace to the opposition. Easter had the best chance for the visitors although his effort was comfortably saved by Kristian Rogers while at the other end a series of corners and free-kicks created enough chances for Port Talbot to have added a third. Nicky Tucker’s side held onto their two goal advantage for the remainder f the match to complete what was regarded as their best performance of the season. Credit must also be passed on to match referee Darren Adie who booked only one player during the match and let the game flow to make it a superb advert for the Welsh Premier League.

Port Talbot Town

1. Kristian Rogers
2. Mark McGibbon
3. Leigh De-Vulgt
4. Gareth Phillips
5. Matthew Rees (c)
6. Carl Evans
7. Lee John
8. Matthew Thompson
9. Martin Rose
10. Liam McCreesh
11. Scott Barrow

Subs

12. Dylan Blain
(rep Thompson - 80)
14. Sam Baker
(rep Rose - 88)
15. Lee Surman
(Unused)
16. Paul Evans
(rep McCreesh - 84)
18. Josh Payne
(Unused)

Goals

Martin Rose (30)
Liam McCreesh (55)

Yellow Cards

None

Red Cards

None

Carmarthen Town

1. Neil Thomas
2. Neil Smothers
3. Paul Keddle
4. Greg Coombes
5. Phil Cattlin
6. Kris Thomas
7. Danny Thomas
8. Tim Hicks
9. Paul Fowler
10. Sasha Walters
11. Nathan Cotterrall (c)

Subs

12. Deryn Brace
(Unused)
14. Jamal Easter
(rep Hicks - 61)
15. Nicky Palmer
(rep Cattlin - 61)
16. Ben Morris
(rep Keddle - 61)

Goals

None

Yellow Cards

Phil Cattlin (57)

Red Cards

None

Referee

Mr Darren Adie

Attendance

244

4th April 2008 - www.welsh-premier.com
Steelmen eye highest finish
Port Talbot put themselves in pole position to claim fourth place and their highest-ever finish at the end of the season as they beat nearest rivals Carmarthen. Goals in each half from Martin Rose and Liam McCreesh sealed the success in one of the Steelmen's best displays of the season. Rose came close to opening the scoring midway through the first half, and found the target a few minutes later when he converted a right-wing cross at the far post. Carmarthen struggled going forward and Talbot doubled their lead on 55 minutes when a defensive error allowed McCreesh the easiest of chances. The long-awaited return of Nicky Palmer and the introduction of Jamal Easter injected more life into the Old Gold but Kris Rogers saved Easter's effort and the hosts easily held out for the three points.

4th April 2008 - www.carmarthentownafc.net
Match Report
Martin Rose put the Steelmen ahead on the 30 minute mark following a break down the left. But with Town keeper Thomas parrying a Liam McCreesh shot the hosts followed up and Rose found the back of the net. Ten minutes after the break the hosts doubled the advantage. A mix up in the Town defence saw Matthew Thompson capitalise to give the Steelmen a comfortable lead and in the end the points. Town showed little in attack with only a Coombes effort, that was comfortably held by Rogers, finding the target. On a positive note Town fans will be cheered by the return of Nicky Palmer to Old Gold colours following his enforced long layoff due to injury. The win sees the Steelmen now level on points with Town, but with a slim goal advantage the Richmond Park outfit maintain fourth place.