Every relationship has a start, apparently, so...here's ours: Hi. We're Afan FM, Neath Port Talbot's New Generation Music Station. We take sport very seriously. So seriously in fact, we're going to give it it's own email address. But more on that later.

We've asked to be part of Port Talbot Town's season this year and we're going to go with you every step of the way. In relationship terms, we're the crazy but attractive younger sibling of your current significant other and however much you try, you just can't avoid us. Those that have tuned in already know this for a fact. We are going to be the first and final word on the Steelmen and the other teams in the area.

If you can't get to the away games (for 10 points: just where is Llangefni?) We're the first port of call, keeping you informed, updated and occasionally entertained. Midweek game? We've got you covered, with the best music sound tracking every goal, highlight and interview. During the week, you'll see us around town armed with a microphone asking you what you think about things going on at your club. As for Saturday home games...well, we know where you'll be.

What else have we got? We've got news of every other team in the area. You name them, we've got them. We've got the quickest, most concise round up of American sport, roundups and updates of every major British league, plus informed debate about the Welsh Premier and the world and as if that lot wasn't enough, we give you a soapbox – if it bothers you and it's sporting, we want to know.

So where are we? 107.9FM on a Saturday, 2-6, and we don't want you to be cool about it – getting our number and waiting three days to get in contact – That is no longer cool. Apparently. Diving straight in and retuning every radio you have is the new black. In fact, try it now. Tune in for 5 minutes, and you'll more than likely hear the best music in the South Wales area (i.e. No Abba).

You could also be reading this on www.porttalbottown.co.uk or the match programme. We'll be giving a media view on things at ReMax and the wider football world, which, going back to that relationship thing, is like us flirting at you BUT we want you to talk back. This time round, we want your views on the season ahead. Is the squad deep enough? Which midfielder will be the main attacking threat? Should Pennock grow a beard? Deep issues like that. We'll publish the best and worst in the next column. Write us at sport@afanfm.co.uk

Until Next Time

Hash
Red Card - Saturday 3-6
107.9 AfanFM

25th November 2007
The New Guy - A Manifesto
Nicky Tucker is the new man. Perhaps seen as the surprise choice for Tony Pennock's replacement. Certainly his name was never mentioned. Most sources have been largely positive to the ex-Dinas Powys manager. This source is going to be a little more cautious, but still optimistic.

He came into Llanelli and roused them to a record of 8 wins, 5 draws and 11 losses, a win percentage of 33%. Howevever, in those 24 games, there were 50 goals conceded (just under 2.1 a game). The warning signs have to be at least flashing if not blaring.

Secondly, it seems a mortal lock that Dyfan Pierce is on his way back. Pierce was taken by Tucker at both Llanelli and Powys. Rob Cockings is probably a contender to return to a lesser extent. Whilst it's obvious that the squad needs more depth - the chairman's words come to mind: "This is a top WPL appointment". That also applies to players. Tucker will have to realise that he doesn't have to rely on his favourites and ex-players. If Mr Edwards is correct, it follows that Port Talbot can go after some top players in the new year. This is the time for the club to show it's ambition - you do not get to third place on the cheap.

It seems odd that he's left Powys, they were 2 points off the lead in the Welsh League with a couple of excellent players, like striker Drew Fahiya. Does the fact that he's left show a lack of loyalty or a sign of ambition?

On the whole, however, Tucker will bring some stability and experience to the role. With five points separating third and eighth, a European place is ripe for the picking. The early signs are good - a clean sheet against Carmarthen, he's kept Paul Reid on and he has Sam Baker beginning to emerge from the Academy.

Win against Rhyl in front of the S4C cameras next week and Port Talbot are only 2 points away from them. Keep the momentum generated against Porthmadog and Connah's Quay going - if the Lido can generate 430 people against Goytre, there is no reason why Rhyl and new manager and S4C can't equal over 600. Get there on Saturday. Incidentally, with Caernarfon, Llangefni and Newtown all to come next, Rhyl could be part of an 18 point run for Port Talbot. Suddenly the run to the new year doesn't seem so bad.

What signings would you bring in on January? Third is still a realistic possibility, right? Anyone got any decent pranks planned for the camera next week? I was thinking running around the ground with wires hanging out everywhere - nothing like a good old security alert…aaah wait, I'm in the studio. Sound off like you've got a pair at sport@afanfm.co.uk

Hash
Red Card – Saturday 2-6PM
107.9 AfanFM

18th November 2007
Hash tries his hand at a match report - Port Talbot Town 2-1 Connah’s Quay
With speculation about the new manager looming, Port Talbot Town had to stay focussed as Connahs Quay Nomads came to the Remax Stadium on a cold, wet Sunday afternoon. Caretaker Paul Reid welcomed Gareth Phillips and Lee Surman back from suspensions. Despite only making those changes, Port Talbot looked a lot more vibrant, with Reid's men playing a diamond in midfield, the impressive Liam McCreesh playing behind Lee John and Martin Rose. It was the excellent Rose who had the first chance of the game after a slow start, just poking the ball towards Paul Pritchard in the Nomad's goal, and only the offside flag kept the home side from testing the keeper more. The first real chance of the game again fell to Rose, who blasted over from six yards after good work from McCreesh. It seemed to continue in that manner for a while, before the Steelmen received their second penalty in as many weeks, Rose getting caught by Allan Glover. The number nine picked himself up and put the ball in the bottom right to make it Port Talbot 1, Connah's Quay 0. The away side seemed to have made the long trip from North Wales in search of a point, offering absolutely nothing in the first half that resembled an attack, often getting caught in possession by Port Talbot, as they were confused by the tempo that Port Talbot played at. However, they played a physical game, which led to Martin Rose being taken to hospital with a split ear towards the end of the half. Sam Baker made his home league debut at the start of the second half and he added pace and a mean streak to the Port Talbot offence. A mean streak wasn't enough to prevent the Nomads scoring though. It seemed against the run of play, as Port Talbot sat back further and further and a good move saw Stewart White volley past Rogers and the test was on. Would the Port Talbot heads drop? The answer was provided by Scott Barrow, who marginally hit over from 20 yards and then had his ankle clipped from 5 yards out, preventing a certain 2-1. Daniel Lancey replaced the winger and offered a few jinking runs, but never really got into the game. The Nomads looked nervous, having only won once in 5 games. They stretched that run to six as a series of corners led to Sam Baker turning and netting his first Premier goal from inside a crowded area, giving Port Talbot a deserved 2-1 win, moving them up to seventh and giving them some confidence before tricky games against Carmarthen and Rhyl. After the recent spate of indiscipline, it has to be pleasing that no cards at all were shown.
HIGH POINT: The short passing. When was the last time a 20+ passing attack had been seen at the Remax?
LOW POINT: The Nomad's fans shouting at the kids to shut up. Very classy.
3 Stars:
GARETH PHILLIPS - The defensive midfielder sat in front of Rees and Surman, and limited the Nomads to one shot on goal through precise tackling and great positioning.
SAM BAKER - A great performance, capped with the winning goal. The new manager must continue to give the Academy player experience at this level.
SCOTT BARROW - Barrow vs Lancey is a great selection headache the new manager will face on the left wing. The 19 year old was all over the pitch, breaking up attacks and often being the spark for new ones. Deserved a goal.
Hash
Red Card – Saturday 2-6PM
107.9 AfanFM

7th November 2007
Three Minutes

It's Saturday. You're in Rhyl. The clock reads 87 minutes. You're holding on 0-0 with 10 men. Last Friday you got humiliated but today is different. You're holding your own, planning for extra time and penalties to follow. You don't know it yet, but winning gives you another away game, this time at Haverfordwest. Excellent, you'll think, a chance to avenge that 1-2 defeat early in the season. To use it as a springboard to push up the table. Leigh De Vulgt's collected the ball. You're thinking he'll clear this, like a thousand other clearances, although you've noticed their number 11 is catching up on him awfully fast…
Tuesday, the clock reads 88 minutes. You're standing in Richmond Park. Carmarthen are demoralised after going out of the cup on Saturday and tonight, they're throwing the kitchen sink at you, but you're still strong, they've taken Sasha Walters off and they've just picked up their second booking in 8 minutes. Hold on for another three minutes and you're at home to one of the big guns in the next round. At home and on telly. Your top scorer has put you up 0-1 and this time you're sure that no-one is suspended. You've been thinking you need to relieve the pressure, but you've used all your subs. You've also noticed that another opposition number 11's looked good all game…he's played in one of their subs…
It's still Tuesday night. It's 9:15 and that number 11 is running you ragged. You've picked up five bookings and you're stuck on the back foot. Still, he's been closed down - wait, he's just played a one-two with the other winger…
It's after Tuesday night. You wonder what the chairman will say, what that annoying kid from the radio station will ask and most importantly, what the fans will think. You wonder whether it's worth it….
It's Saturday the tenth of November. You should be in Porthmadog, but you've made the wrong choice…
I hate football sometimes. Tony Pennock has made the wrong decision, which is the same thing you guys have been saying for weeks. Never forget, three minutes and it wouldn't look so bad. It would have been a struggle, but it would have maintained until January 1 2008 and some players get signed and it looks somewhat better. Until then though, 8 games, including at home to Rhyl, away at Carmarthen again, a horrible trip away at Llangefni and a difficult pair of games against Neath. It's not looking good.
What did Pennock do wrong? Who do you want as the next Port Talbot Town manager? Is that Mourinho bloke still free? Sound off like you've got a pair at sport@afanfm.co.uk

Hash
Red Card – Saturday 2-6PM
107.9 AfanFM