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Port Talbot Town Football Club News Archive - May 2008
30th May 2008
Reid replaced as Tucker assembles off the field
Experienced figure Paul Reid has been replaced as 1st team coach of Port Talbot Town Football Club by former Cwmbran Town and Bryntirion Athletic coach Matthew Bishop as manager Nicky Tucker organises his backroom staff as well as his playing squad ahead of the new season. Reid joined the club following the appointment of Tony Pennock one year ago and remained with the club following Pennock’s resignation in November. “Paul has done an excellent job and I have found him to be very professional in his role”, said Tucker. “However, I want the club to move in a different direction and I am delighted to confirm that Matthew Bishop will be taking up the position as our new 1st team coach. I would like to thank Paul for all his efforts since I arrived at the club as he played an important part in our fourth place finish and I wish him well for the future”. Reid played almost 550 Football League games during a distinguished career in the professional game and stepped up to caretaker-manager when Tony Pennock resigned midway through the season, claiming two wins from his two games in charge. Bishop is currently employed by the FAW Trust as their National Development Officer and holds a UEFA Pro Licence.
27th May 2008
Work continues on pitch ahead of pre-season
The extensive work on the playing surface at the RE/MAX Stadium has continued over the last few days as the club look at the possibility of hosting a home pre-season friendly ahead of the new season. Contractors have worked hard on the surface since the last match of the season to further improve the quality of what was already regarded as one of the best surfaces in the league. Similar work is also continuing at fellow Welsh Premier League club Aberystwyth Town by the same company.
27th May 2008
Further signings possible in next few days
Manager Nicky Tucker is continuing his plans for the new season and is confident of announcing at least one new signing to his expanding squad in the next few days. Defender Darren Davies is the only addition to the squad following his move from Merthyr Tydfil earlier this month while Tucker has been busy since the end of the season looking to improve competition for places in his side ahead of his first full season in charge of the club.
24th May 2008
Surman snubbed as Wales are comfortably defeated
Defender Lee Surman was named on the bench for the Wales Semi-Pro sides crucial match against England on Saturday and did not even make the field despite the side suffering a 3-0 defeat to hand the Four Nations Tournament title to their opponents. Former Port Talbot striker Chad Bond was also named on the bench for the match and made a cameo appearance for the last ten minutes. Both players started in Thursday’s convincing 6-2 win over Gibraltar in which Bond scored the sixth goal but manager Tony Pennock decided to change the side for the tournament decider leaving Surman and Bond out of favour. Wales finish the tournament in second place with four points after an opening day draw with Scotland and the win over Gibraltar two days later.
24th May 2008
Under-11‘s claim impressive win at Minehead
Our Under-11 side continued their preparations for their first season playing eleven-a-side football with an impressive 6-2 win over Nether Stowey at Minehead on Saturday.
23rd May 2008
Surman and Bond help set up England decider
The Wales Semi-Professional side can claim the Four Nations Tournament on Saturday if they can defeat England at Belle Vue, Rhyl. Wales defeated debutants Gibraltar 6-2 on Thursday night through a hat-trick from Craig Jones of Rhyl, a double from Bangor striker Les Davies and an 80th minute strike from former Port Talbot Town striker Chad Bond. Defender Lee Surman started the match to win his first cap at this level and after playing the full ninety minutes in the convincing win he will now be pushing for a starting place in Saturday’s crucial match. The Wales side are managed by former Port Talbot Town manager Tony Pennock who was pleased with the result. “Overall, we have to be very satisfied with our performance and the result especially scoring six goals,” said Pennock. “However, there are areas that we need to improve upon if we are to beat England on Saturday.”
23rd May 2008
Cup Final disappointment for Under-16 side
Our Under-16 side suffered their second cup final defeat in a week on Thursday as they were defeated 2-1 by Llangyfelach at Morriston Town in the Federation Cup.
20th May 2008
Wales held by Scotland in Four Nations opener
The Wales Semi-Professional side were held to a 1-1 draw by Scotland at Rhyl on Tuesday night. Caersws forward Graham Evans scored the goal for Wales although the side suffered a blow with Merthyr Tydfil goalkeeper Ashley Morris stretchered off with a leg injury. Port Talbot Town defender Lee Surman and former striker Chad Bond were both named on the bench for the match by manager Tony Pennock although both are now expected to start in the next match against Gibraltar on Thursday which will also take place at Belle Vue, Rhyl. Surman and Bond will now look to impress on Thursday in order to stake their claim for a starting place in Saturday’s match against England in the final match. Chad Bond joined up with the squad 24 hours after playing and scoring for his Spanish side CF Balaguer on Sunday to help the Tercera Division side claim their third win in as many games to avoid relegation. Bond will now return to Wales after the tournament to discuss his future with Swansea City manager Roberto Martinez after his successful loan spell at the Catalan club with fans of the Barcelona-based side keen for the striker to remain in Spain.
18th May 2008
Surman to keep impressing at International level
After his best season for Port Talbot Town Football Club, defender Lee Surman will now represent Wales in the annual Four Nations Tournament with three games in the next six days. On Tuesday the side take on Scotland in the opening match before playing new entrants Gibraltar on Thursday and then a potential tournament decider against favourites England on Saturday. The tournament will be held in North Wales with all three Wales games being played at the home of Welsh Premier League side Rhyl. It is the first time Lee Surman has been capped at this level having also represented the Wales Under-23 Semi-Pro team and the club would like to congratulate him on this achievement.
18th May 2008
Bond plays his part as Balaguer avoid the drop
Former Port Talbot Town striker Chad Bond enjoyed a successful loan spell in Spain as his side CF Balaguer avoided relegation with three victories in their last three games of the season. Bond joined the club at the start of the year with the Catalan side one place off the bottom. Bond will now link up with Lee Surman as he will also represent Wales in the Semi-Pro tournament.
17th May 2008
Treble for Rose in annual presentation night
Top scorer Martin Rose scooped three awards at the club’s annual presentation on Friday night as he picked up Player of the Year and Supporters Player of the Year along with his top scorer award. Other winners on the night included Leigh De-Vulgt winning the Clubman of the Year award while Leon and Debbie Lewis were awarded the Amigo Trophy for their services to the club. Andrew Evans and Adam John were also awarded for making 100 appearances for the Sunday League side while Rory Healey scooped both the Youth Team Player of the Year and the Youth Team top scorer award. Lee Surman, Matthew Thompson, Josh Payne and Scott Barrow were also presented with their International caps on the night.
17th May 2008
Under-11‘s impress in six goal win over Lonlas
Two goals from Jamie Latham and further strikes from Tom Holloway, Steve Jenkins, Morgan McIntosh and Callum Margetson were enough for our Under-11 side to claim a 6-3 win over Lonlas on Thursday. The side are heading for a four day training camp in Minehead before their first full season in eleven a side football.
15th May 2008
Phillips commended by FAW Trust
Club stalwart Eddie Phillips was honoured with a lifetime achievement award by the FAW Trust last week for his services to football. FAW Trust Chairman Peter Lee explained more, “The Welsh Football Trust awards are very special as they bring together the whole of Welsh football and allows us the opportunity to show case the talent and achievements of individuals like Eddie, who make the game what it is,” said Lee. “It has been another great year for the Trust, in which the all important dimension of grass roots participation has continued its upward trend and our accreditation schemes for schools and clubs have gone from strength to strength. For Welsh football to thrive it must be vibrant at all levels. With increased participation, quality coaching, a strong club culture, and personalities and talent like Eddie, we can continue to look forward to a future when Welsh football consistently punches above its weight.” The club would like to congratulate Eddie on his deserved award.
15th May 2008
Cup Final defeat for Under-16 side
In their warm up for next weeks Federation Cup Final, our Under-16 side suffered a 2-0 defeat to Afan Lido in the Knock Out Cup Final on Wednesday night.
13th May 2008
Gazza the latest to commit to Blues
Midfielder Gareth Phillips has committed himself to Port Talbot Town Football Club for the new season following a meeting with manager Nicky Tucker and Chairman Andrew Edwards on Tuesday night. “Gareth is an influential player and is another important signing as we plan for the new season,” said Tucker. “He is another player who has had offers from other clubs and it is a huge boost for the club that he has decided to remain at Port Talbot Town and play a part in our future success”.
13th May 2008
Bristol double journey arranged for pre-season
Port Talbot Town Football Club can confirm two over the bridge friendlies for the forthcoming pre-season campaign with away games at Clevedon Town and Mangotsfield United now arranged. Nicky Tucker’s side will make the trip to Clevedon Town on Saturday, 26th July with a visit to Mangotsfield United planned for the following Saturday, 2nd August. The friendlies are in addition to the already confirmed away games at Goytre United and Merthyr Tydfil due to the continuing work on the playing surface at the RE/MAX Stadium.
12th May 2008
Edwards pride at latest local signing
Chairman Andrew Edwards has expressed his delighted at completing the signing of Darren Davies from Merthyr Tydfil. “Darren is a very experienced player and will play an important part in our side,” said Edwards. “It is particularly pleasing that Darren is also a local lad living in the area and with Liam McCreesh and Carl Evans we now have three influential players from the town representing Port Talbot in the Welsh Premier League”. Davies, McCreesh and Evans join Lee Surman, Mark McGibbon, Matthew Thompson, Scott Barrow, Lee John and Martin Rose in committing themselves to the club next season with more to follow very shortly.
12th May 2008
Under-16‘s head for cup glory on Wednesday
Our Under-16 side take on Afan Lido at Goytre United’s Glenhafod Park on Wednesday, 14th May in the Knock-Out Cup Final with kick off at 6.30pm. The side will also compete in the Federation Cup Final on a new date a week later while the main club Presentation Evening will take place at the clubhouse this Friday with admission just £5.
11th May 2008
Rose and Barrow commit for new season
Top scorer Martin Rose and young midfielder Scott Barrow have committed themselves to Port Talbot Town Football Club. Following the signing of Darren Davies from Merthyr Tydfil, both Rose and Barrow have agreed terms on their respective contracts to remain at the club. “I am delighted to announce that Scott Barrow and Martin Rose have committed themselves to the club,” said manager Nicky Tucker. “Both played an important part in us achieving a fourth place finish last season and will no doubt play an important part in our future success”. Further announcements are expected in the next few days.
11th May 2008
Eddie Phillips scoops top award from FAW Trust
Club stalwart Eddie Phillips has been recognised for his efforts over the years by being awarded the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award for Services to Football’ by the Football Association of Wales Trust. The club would like to congratulate Eddie on this deserved achievement.
9th May 2008
Darren Davies completes Port Talbot Town switch
Local born defender Darren Davies has completed his move from Merthyr Tydfil to Port Talbot Town much to the delight of manager Nicky Tucker. “Darren is an excellent signing for us who will bring quality and experience to the side,” said Tucker. “I watched Darren play for Merthyr a number of times last season and once his contract expired we began negotiating immediately to bring him to the club and I am delighted to have him on board for the new season”. Davies started his career at Tottenham Hotspur before playing for Greenock Morton and Stirling Albion in Scotland as well for Dover Athletic, Forest Green Rovers and Tiverton Town in the English pyramid. Davies also has Welsh Premier experience from playing for Barry Town between 1998-2000 and most recently featured for Merthyr Tydfil in the Southern League. Tucker was also pleased with how his squad is developing. “The squad is now taking shape following the signings of Liam McCreesh and Matthew Thompson who I rate highly and were the subject of interest from other clubs. Over the weekend we expect to announce further signings”.
8th May 2008
Thompson signs for new season as Tucker starts to build
Midfielder Matthew Thompson has committed himself to Port Talbot Town Football Club as manager Nicky Tucker starts to build his squad for his first full season in charge. Thompson was originally signed by previous manager Tony Pennock but the former Swansea City youth captain played the majority of his games for the side under Tucker in the second half of the season. Impressive performances earned Thompson the captaincy for the Wales University side at the recent British University Games in Scotland and the club are delighted to have retained his services for the new season.
8th May 2008
Hash reads deeper into the Team of the Season choices
In his latest feature, 107.9 Afan FM Sports Editor Hash takes a deeper look at the Welsh Premier League managers Team of the Season choices and what each one really means before sharing his knowledge with his own Team of the Year.
7th May 2008
McCreesh commits to Blues after impressive campaign
Midfielder Liam McCreesh has joined Lee Surman, Carl Evans and Mark McGibbon in committing himself to Port Talbot Town Football Club. The former Afan Lido player more than impressed in his debut season for the club with ten goals from midfield from his 33 competitive starts. Manager Nicky Tucker is continuing negotiations with the rest of his squad and further announcements of players remaining and new faces are expected in the next few days as Tucker plans for his first full season in charge of the club.
7th May 2008
Presentation Night moved to Friday 16th May.
Due the unavailability of a number of people, this weekends planned Presentation Night will now take place on Friday, 16th May at the club. Entry for the evening remains at just £5 and everyone is welcome. The voting for the Supporters Player of the Year is now complete and the winner will be presented with his award on the night.
7th May 2008
Rose tops managers team of the season poll for Blues
Top scorer Martin Rose has been named in five of the eighteen Welsh Premier League managers teams of the season in the annual survey. Lee Surman was a close second having been named in three sides while goalkeeper Kristian Rogers, Lee John, captain Matthew Rees, Scott Barrow, Dylan Blain and Leigh De-Vulgt were the other players nominated from Port Talbot Town. Welsh Cup winning manager Neville Powell of Bangor City opted for Kristian Rogers to start in his side while Neath manager Andy Dyer picked Leigh De-Vulgt to fill the right back position in his team. Each manager could not choose players from their own clubs.
7th May 2008
Federation Cup semi-final success for Under-16‘s at Morriston
Our Under-16 side have reached the final of the Federation Cup with a 4-2 win over Penydarren on Tuesday night. A brace from Ryan Gibbon and goals from Tom Richards and Liam McGinley were enough for the win with the final now being played against Llangyfelach at Morriston Town on Friday, 16th May at 6.30pm.
6th May 2008
Lee Surman named in Wales Four Nations Semi-Pro squad
Defender Lee Surman has rounded-off an impressive campaign by being called up for the Wales Semi-Pro squad for the forthcoming Four Nations tournament that will take place in North Wales. Surman has previously represented his country at Semi-Pro level with the Under-23 side but is now set to win his first cap at this level. Joining Surman in the squad are former Port Talbot Town strikers Rhys Griffiths of Llanelli and Chad Bond representing Spanish side CF Balaguer. The club would like to congratulate Lee on this latest and very deserved achievement and wish him all the best in the tournament.
6th May 2008
Hanford and Williams on target for Under-19‘s
Our Under-19 side drew 2-2 with Haverfordwest County on Monday in their last league match of the season. Callum Hanford and Steffan Williams scored the two Port Talbot goals. On Sunday our new Under-12 girls side completed the Garden Village tournament by remaining undefeated for five games without conceding a single goal with an excellent team display.
5th May 2008
Wembley heartache for Rayner as Gulls let lead slip
Former Port Talbot Town goalkeeper Simon Rayner was twenty minutes away from making a second appearance at Wembley on 18th May before his Torquay United side surrendered a two goal advantage at home to Exeter City in the 2nd Leg of the Blue Square Premier Play-Off semi-final on Monday. Torquay took a 2-1 advantage into the home match from the 1st leg and extended their lead to 3-1 on aggregate as the game moved into the last twenty minutes. Disaster then struck for Rayner and Torquay as they conceded four goals in the final part of the match to lose 4-1 on the day and 5-3 on aggregate. Torquay are now in action at Wembley on Saturday when they take on Ebbsfleet in the FA Trophy Final and Rayner will be looking to keep his place in the side despite this massive set back for his club.
5th May 2008
Work continues on RE/MAX Stadium surface
The extensive work on the playing surface at the RE/MAX Stadium has reached the point of no return with the top layer of grass being removed over the weekend. The surface will be laser-levelled over the summer months with contractors Turfmaster confident that the playing surface will return better than ever before the start of the new season.
5th May 2008
Port Talbot influence in Welsh Cup Final
In one of the best Welsh Cup Finals for years, Bangor City claimed an impressive 4-2 win over Llanelli on Sunday with a number of key decisions based around some familiar faces. Former Port Talbot Town striker Rhys Griffiths scored twice for Llanelli before being red carded by Port Talbot referee Phil Southall, it was the third red card of the match by Southall who also sent off Bangor City’s Peter Hoy in the opening few minutes for a foul on Port Talbot based youngster Craig Jones. Jones was later replaced by another Port Talbot based player in Mark Jones as both collected their second consecutive Welsh Cup runners-up medals having also reached the final last season with Afan Lido.
4th May 2008
Healey double sets up win at West End
Midfielder Rory Healey grabbed a brace for our Under-19 side on Sunday as they claimed a 3-1 win at West End. Steffan Williams completed the scoring but man of the match went to an unlikely source in temporary goalkeeper Aaron Jones. The side are now back in action on Monday when they take on Haverfordwest County at the New Bridge Meadow Stadium in their last match of the season. Kick off is at 6.00pm.
4th May 2008
Jordan Edwards injury update
Under-14 Academy player Jordan Edwards had an x-ray on the ankle injury he sustained playing for the side against Blackburn Rovers Academy on Saturday. Thankfully the pictures show no fracture just ligament damage although his injury could have been a lot worse if not for the excellent treatment he received from the Blackburn Rovers Academy staff and physio. Jordan and his family would like to thank Blackburn Rovers for their help and concern as well as thank everyone from the club who has been in touch since we published the story on Saturday.
3rd May 2008
Rose in illustrious company in scoring charts
Port Talbot Town striker Martin Rose ended the season by claiming third place in the Welsh Premier League scoring charts with only prolific Llanelli forward Rhys Griffiths and all-time leading goalscorer Marc Lloyd-Williams ahead of him. Rose pushed himself above Ashley Stott of Bangor and Danny Thomas of Carmarthen Town with four goals in the last four games of the season to gain the individual achievement after another impressive season for the club.
3rd May 2008
Academy impress against Blackburn Rovers
Our Academy Under-12 and Under-14 sides rounded-off their inaugural Academy season in style with fixtures against Blackburn Rovers on Saturday. Despite losing 7-2, the Under-12 side held their opponents for most of the game with goals from Calvin Wellington and Zack Coombes making the score 3-2 with just ten minutes left. The Under-14 side also lost but by a close margin of 3-2 but the game was marred by an injury to Jordan Edwards that required hospital treatment.
1st May 2008
Surman and Evans sign for new season
Port Talbot Town Football Club have received a huge boost with the news that defenders Lee Surman and Carl Evans have agreed terms for next season. The two young central defenders played an important part in the club achieving a fourth place finish and manager Nicky Tucker is delighted to have secured the defensive pair as he builds for his first full season in charge. “Lee has plenty of experience and is still only 22 and he has shown he is totally committed to the club,” said Tucker. “Carl has really impressed me since signing in January. I feel that in the next couple of seasons he could become one of the best centre backs in the Welsh Premier”. The pair join Mark McGibbon on finalising terms for next season with more expected to follow in the next few days. The club have also confirmed two pre-season friendlies, the first is against Welsh League side Goytre United away from home on Tuesday, 5th August before taking on Southern League side Merthyr Tydfil at their Penydarren Park ground on Saturday, 9th August.
1st May 2008
Work starts on playing surface
Work has now officially started on the playing surface at the ground as the machines rolled in on Wednesday to start the work that will see the surface laser levelled over the summer months. Despite already having one of the best playing surfaces in the Principality Welsh Premier League, this project will take the playing surface at the RE/MAX Stadium to an exceptional level and provide a Nicky Tucker’s side with a surface that they can really play football on. Check back for updates on the developments at the ground over the next few weeks.
1st May 2008
Academy hold Llanelli in midweek draw
Our Under-12 Academy side played out a 1-1 draw against Llanelli on Wednesday night. Calvin Wellington scored the only goal for Port Talbot Town.
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