|
21st April 2008 - Evening Post
Port Talbot delight at best Premier League finish
Port Talbot Town were in celebration mood after achieving their highest ever finish in the Welsh Premier League following this victory against Llangefni.Martin Rose, who scored twice in Tuesday night's 3-1 win at Welshpool, cancelled out a shock opener from Llangefni's Steven Kehoe. And skipper Matthew Rees and a last-minute goal from Liam McCreesh finally secured an historic 59 points for the Steelmen. Port Talbot manager Nicky Tucker was forced to make one change to the starting line-up, with Craig Hanford replacing the injured Scott Barrow. With the Re/Max Stadium outfit beginning the match two points ahead of fifth-placed Bangor, it was vital to secure the three points to maintain their league position, and they almost made a sixth-minute impact when Mark McGibbon's shot went inches wide. There was a 15th-minute chance for Port Talbot, Rose skipping past a challenge from Adrian Thomas, but after advancing into the penalty area he lost possession with Geraint Mitchell producing a timely tackle. Llangefni gradually came more into the picture and moved in front after 32 minutes when a Hogg free-kick was seized upon by Owen; he turned the ball into Kehoe's path, he then won a tackle with Carl Evans to send a 20-yard shot into the bottom of the Port Talbot net. That was the wake-up call the Steelmen needed, and when they were awarded a free-kick eight minutes later, John delivered the ball from the touchline into the penalty area where Rees then used his height to full advantage with a deflection for Rose to latch on to and nod in from five yards. Just before the interval Leigh De-Vulgt's inswinging cross dropped beyond visiting defender Geraint Mitchell to catch goalkeeper Farai Jackson off guard and the ball bounced up to scrape the outside edge of the bar. It was only a matter of time as to when Port Talbot would score again, and it finally arrived following an injury to De-Vulgt. The former Swansea City defender suffered a facial injury in a challenge with Jones and Carl Evans then flighted the free-kick into the Llangefni area. Rose headed on but Caerwyn Roberts's clearance was intercepted by Rees, who netted with a left-foot shot. In the final minute the result was put beyond doubt after Gareth Phillips began a flowing attack to find John in space on the left. Rose and Matthew Thompson maintained the threat and the Bournemouth-born player applied a perfect cross for McCreesh, who had come on in place of De-Vulgt, to connect with a near-post header. ''We didn't play very well during the first half,'' said Port Talbot Town manager Nicky Tucker. "The shape was changed after 30 minutes and we looked more solid as a unit. ''The tempo was increased during the second period, and the effort and determination of the players paid off with two good goals." Tucker then reflected on his six-month managerial position with the Steelmen following the departure of Tony Pennock, adding: ''I was glad to get the opportunity to return to the Welsh Premiership following a short time at Llanelli. ''I did comment on my arrival that fourth spot in the league was my aim - we now have that and I'm truly delighted. "It hasn't been easy to achieve, with a series of ups accompanying a few downs along the way, but it's been a credit to the players and everyone here at Port Talbot.''
21st April 2008 - Western Mail
Port Talbot Chairman praises manager Tucker
This defeat signalled the demise of Llangefni Town after one season in the top flight. It has been a traumatic campaign, both on and off the field for the Anglesey side, whose decision to change the management team twice through the season has not helped their cause. Needing to win to have any chance of survival, the visitors rocked the Steelmen when Steven Kehoe put them ahead in the 32nd minute with a crisp left-foot drive. But goals from Martin Rose, Matthew Rees and Liam McCreesh gave Port Talbot victory, sealed Llangefni’s fate and gave the Steelmen a fourth-place finish, their best performance after eight years in the top tier. Joining a struggling Remax Stadium side after Tony Pennock resigned in November, manager Nicky Tucker has transformed the Steelmen. Chairman Andrew Edwards said: “Nicky has done a fantastic job for us and we can build on the progress he has made.”
21st April 2008 - Daily Post
Match Report
Llangefni’s brief flirtation with the top-flight is over after just one season and next August they will be back to basics in the Cymru Alliance. General manager Bryan Owen, mastermind of the Talwrn Road development project, said that all at Llangefni and a wider circle, were gutted by the club’s relegation. Owen added: “This is a massive blow for us after all the investment, in terms of sheer hard work and the financial outlay, that has put our Talwrn Road ground into great shape. “What really niggles us is that other clubs with inferior facilities either enjoy continued membership of the league or have aspirations about gaining membership. “So many visiting clubs this season have been complimentary about what we have to offer at Llangefni and you can be sure we are determined to bounce back next season.” The last of 24 defeats that shattered the Llangefni dream was imposed in a tight game at Port Talbot, where perhaps a draw should have been the outcome. Owen said: “I thought the lads were worth a point but that third goal, snapped up in a break-away when we were looking for the equaliser, put that beyond us.” Llangefni, who had stunned their opponents 4-1 at home in March, were first off the mark again on 32 minutes when Steve Kehoe drilled a low shot from the edge of the box. The teams were level at 1-1 just ahead of half time when Port Talbot’s Martin Rose out-jumped the defenders to convert a free-kick. Llangefni chances were squandered by Craig Hogg, Dylan Owen and Cerwyn Roberts before the game slipped away through further goals by Matthew Rees on 62 minutes and Liam McCreesh on 90.
20th April 2008 - Wales on Sunday
Steel team’s sterling effort
The Steelmen clinched the points that secured a best-ever fourth place finish, while condemning the Anglesey outfit to bottom spot and relegation back to the Cymru Alliance. It concluded a turbulent first season in the top flight for the North Wales club, who have gone through three managerial changes. In contrast, Port Talbot boss Nicky Tucker has done a sterling job in guiding the Steelmen to fourth after taking over from Tony Pennock, who quit in November. Tucker was naturally delighted to have achieved such a feat. “It’s a massive achievement for the club to finish in the highest position in its history. All credit to the players who have responded magnificently,” he said. Against the run of play, Llangefni drew first blood when Steve Kehoe netted in the 32nd minute, but their joy was short-lived as Port Talbot levelled before the break with main marksman Martin Rose on target. That made a big difference to the course of the game and the visitors’ destiny as the home side created a hatful of second half chances, with skipper Matthew Rees setting the example when he latched onto a deflection from a corner to fire in a left foot shot. The Steelmen drew the curtain on their most successful campaign and Llangefni’s Welsh Premier status two minutes from time as a Liam McCreesh header found the net.
19th April 2008 - www.welshpremier.com
Match Report
Port Talbot Town clinched the points that secured a best-ever fourth place finish, while condemning the Anglesey outfit to bottom spot and relegation back to the Cymru Alliance. It concluded a turbulent first season in the top flight for the North Wales club, who have gone through three managerial changes. In contrast, Port Talbot boss Nicky Tucker has done a sterling job in guiding the Steelmen to fourth after taking over from Tony Pennock, who quit in November. Against the run of play, Llangefni drew first blood when Steve Kehoe netted in the 32nd minute, but their joy was short-lived as Port Talbot levelled before the break with main marksman Martin Rose on target. That made a big difference to the course of the game and the visitors' destiny as the home side created a hatful of second half chances, with skipper Matthew Rees setting the example when he latched onto a deflection from a corner to fire in a left foot shot. The Steelmen drew the curtain on their most successful campaign and Llangefni's Welsh Premier status two minutes from time as a Liam McCreesh header found the net.
|
