|
Port Talbot Town Football Club News Archive - November 2007
29th November 2007
Tucker, “We can push the top teams all the way”
Nicky Tucker has spoken to www.porttalbottown.co.uk ahead of this weekend’s home match against Rhyl. “It is a great chance for us to close the gap for third place, and the way the players have performed in recent games means we are full of confidence”, said Tucker. “I have settled into the club and just want to get on with playing games and climbing the table. I will not make any predictions for the season but I am a winner and want to win every match we play. With the players we have and with a few additions in January then I am sure we will be pushing the top teams all the way. With the exception of Kerry Morgan who is still injured, I have a full squad to select from for Saturday, which is great as we need to have competition for places and options if I need to change systems. This week I have brought in Martin Evans as Assistant Manager to work with myself and Paul Reid. I am sure the three of us will work well together as I have been very impressed with Reidy, who has done a fantastic job in keeping things going when ‘Penns’ resigned.” Kick off on Saturday is at 2.30pm.
29th November 2007
Bookies expect a close one in game of the day
Register and bet with our betting partner Betway ahead of this weekend’s home match against Rhyl at the RE/MAX Stadium and enjoy a range of Principality Welsh Premier League bets. Despite winning their last three competitive home games against Rhyl, Port Talbot are slight outsiders at around 2/1 with Rhyl offered at evens. A draw is a tempting 12/5.
29th November 2007
Betway Special - Correct Score Odds Available!
Our betting partners are one of the few on-line bookies to offer correct score odds on the Principality Welsh Premier League. A repeat of last season’s 3-2 win for Port Talbot is priced at 33/1 while a repeat of the season before when a Rhys Griffiths penalty separated the two sides in a 1-0 win is 7/1. Other bets are also available with Rhyl to be ahead at half-time but Port Talbot to win after 90 minutes a huge 28/1 bet!
27th November 2007
Town out to make it three in a row over Rhyl
Despite having failed to ever take a point off Rhyl away from home, Port Talbot Town have claimed maximum points in the last two meetings between the clubs at the RE/MAX Stadium in the Principality Welsh Premier League. Rhyl are the visitors this Saturday and will take on a Port Talbot side high in confidence after three undefeated games since the resignation of manager Tony Pennock and looking to avenge their Welsh Cup defeat to Rhyl earlier in the season. New Port Talbot Town manager Nicky Tucker only has on-loan Swansea City striker Kerry Morgan unavailable through injury and will have taken a number of positives from last weekend’s 0-0 draw at Carmarthen Town ahead of his first home match in charge of the side. Kick off is at 2.30pm and is the featured match on S4C that day.
27th November 2007
Tucker brings in Evans as Assistant Manager
Wales Under-16‘s manager Martin Evans will work alongside Nicky Tucker and coach Paul Reid. The experienced Evans has previously worked in the Welsh Premier League with Llanelli.
25th November 2007
Healey and Baker hit brace in convincing win
With new 1st team manager Nicky Tucker in attendance, our Under-19 side claimed a convincing 5-2 victory over Pontardawe Town on Sunday with midfielder Rory Healey and striker Sam Baker both scoring a brace after Aaron Jones had given the side a fifth minute lead. The win follows on from last weekend’s 4-0 victory over Penrhiwceiber as Keith Hanford’s side continue to improve and impress in their first season in the Welsh League. Jones opened the scoring for Port Talbot from a corner but conceded a penalty to allow Pontardawe to level. Sam Baker then scored a penalty of his own before Rory Healey grabbed the goal of the match with a superb strike that dipped under the crossbar after beating the visiting goalkeeper. Baker extended the lead on 54 minutes but the visitors grabbed a consolation goal on 85 minutes. Healey restored the three goal advantage in injury time when he slid in at the back post to move Port Talbot up the table ahead of next weekend’s match at West End.
25th November 2007
Welsh Premier League round-up
A strange weekend in the Principality Welsh Premier League as no home side managed a win. Neath came back from being two goals down at home to Aberystwyth on Friday night to draw 2-2 thanks to goals from Carl Shaw and defender Lee Bevan while new Port Talbot manager Nicky Tucker enjoyed a solid start to his tenure with a 0-0 draw at Carmarthen. In the game of the day Rhyl were beaten at home by local rivals Bangor City while league leaders Llanelli needed a 94th minute goal from Rhys Griffiths to take maximum points from their match at Airbus UK. The New Saints remain at the top of table as they cruised to a comfortable 4-0 win at Haverfordwest County with Carl Lamb grabbing a brace. At the bottom of the table Llangefni suffered a home defeat to Caersws while a winning goal from Paul Roberts gave Porthmadog maximum points at Connah’s Quay as they claimed a 2-1 victory. Caernarfon Town and NEWI Cefn Druids played out a 1-1 draw while Welshpool Town moved back into fourth place with a 2-1 win at Newtown.
23rd November 2007
Tucker makes his point with clean sheet draw
Nicky Tucker started his reign as manager of Port Talbot Town with a determined and battling performance as his side were held to a 0-0 draw at Carmarthen Town on Friday night. A rare clean sheet and an impressive finish against a strong home side showed that Port Talbot have a lot to build on in their remaining league campaign and will not be distracted by any cup competitions as Tucker picks up the pieces of Tony Pennock’s tenure. Former Port Talbot goalkeeper Neil Thomas was the busier of the two shot-stoppers despite Carmarthen enjoying the better possession as Port Talbot striker Martin Rose created a number of chances for himself as the lone striker in the opening half with support from Scott Barrow and Lee John offering the visitors chances to take the lead. The introduction of Chad Bond also offered Port Talbot another outlet and the Wales Under-23 striker showed his determination to win back his place in the side with a highly influential display upfront. Tucker will no doubt take plenty of positives from his first match in charge ahead of next weekend’s home match against Rhyl.
22nd November 2007
Tucker era to start where Pennock era ended
New manager Nicky Tucker takes charge of his first match on Friday night when Port Talbot travel to Richmond Park to take on a Carmarthen Town side yet to win in the Principality Welsh Premier League this month. A defeat to Carmarthen in the FAW Premier Cup at Richmond Park saw then manager Tony Pennock quit his position as Port Talbot manager after the final whistle and Tucker will be looking to get his reign off with a flying start against Deryn Brace’s side. Striker Chad Bond is available having served a three-match suspension but now has extra competition for his place in the side following two impressive performances from 16 year-old youth team striker Sam Baker who scored the winner against Connah’s Quay last weekend. Kick off at Carmarthen is at 7.30pm.
22nd November 2007
Show your support on Friday night
A supporters bus is leaving the RE/MAX Stadium at 5.45pm for Carmarthen Town. Please make every effort to be there.
20th November 2007
Rose a familiar face for Tucker’s debut
Nicky Tucker takes charge of his first match as manager of Port Talbot Town on Friday night when his side travel to Carmarthen Town in the Principality Welsh Premier League and will be reunited in the dressing room with striker Martin Rose. Tucker took Rose from Taffs Well to Llanelli with him in 2004 and Rose played a major part in the sides survival that season with seven goals. Rose was taken to hospital in Sunday’s victory over Connah’s Quay with a head wound that required stitches but will be available for Friday’s important match. A supporters coach will be leaving the RE/MAX Stadium at 5.45pm so please make every effort to come and support the new regime.
20th November 2007
Bookies duck on Tucker’s luck
Port Talbot Town have been priced an incredible 4/1 to win at Carmarthen on Friday night. Confidence is high following two consecutive victories and with Nicky Tucker taking charge for the first time an big performance is expected against a Carmarthen Town side without a league win since October.
19th November 2007
Nicky Tucker appointed as manager
Nicky Tucker has been appointed manager of Port Talbot Town Football Club. The former Llanelli and Dinas Powys manager watched on from the stand on Sunday as his new side defeated Connah’s Quay Nomads 2-1 and will take charge of the side for the first time next Friday at Carmarthen. “We are delighted to have brought in an experienced and ambitious manager in Nicky Tucker”, said Chairman Andrew Edwards. “Nicky has a great deal of experience in the Welsh Premier League and Welsh League scene and believe that we can progress as a club under his guidance”. Tucker will be assisted by current coach Paul Reid who enjoyed two victories from his two games as cartaker manager following the resignation of Tony Pennock a fortnight ago. “I am delighted to be returning to the Welsh Premier League at such an ambitious and progressive club”, said Tucker. “I want to bring success to Port Talbot Town Football Club and realise the ambitions and potential that it has. There is no reason why we should not be pushing for European competition and I am very excited about this opportunity”.
18th November 2007
Roy of the Rovers? Baker of the Blues!
Youth team striker Sam Baker came off the bench and scored the winning goal as Port Talbot defeated Connah’s Quay Nomads 2-1 at the RE/MAX Stadium on Sunday. Top scorer Martin Rose handed Port Talbot a deserved lead on 39 minutes from the penalty spot but was taken to hospital at half-time when an elbow from Nomads defender Chris Williams left him requiring stitches to a nasty head wound. Baker replaced Rose and carried on from his impressive performance at Porthmadog the week before with a committed and battling performance but it was the visitors who had the better of the opening exchanges in the second half and grabbed an equaliser on 65 minutes through Stewart White. Port Talbot battled back however and after wasting a number of chances Baker grabbed the winner in the 89th minute with a superb strike on the edge of the area to claim the points and maintain caretaker manager Paul Reid’s 100% record with his second victory in as many games. It was a good day all round for Baker as our Under-19 side won 4-0 at Penrhiwceiber Rangers without him to show the quality that is coming through the ranks of the club.
18th November 2007
Welsh Premier League round-up
The New Saints top the table following their 6-0 victory over Newtown on Friday night and remained in pole position as Porthmadog claimed the result of the day be defeating league leaders Llanelli 2-1 at Stebonheath. Porthmadog remain bottom of the table despite the win but defeats for Llangefni at Aberystwyth and for Caersws at home to Rhyl will give them confidence of improving on their league position under manager Viv Williams. Haverfordwest move down the table after a surprise defeat at Airbus UK while Neath Athletic keep up their impressive start with a 2-0 win at NEWI Cefn Druids. Carmarthen held Bangor City to a point at home in a 1-1 draw at Farrer Road through an equalising goal from Tim Hicks while Paul Addo was the two goal hero for Caernarfon Town as they claimed a 4-2 victory at Welshpool. Port Talbot Town left it until the 89th minute to score the winning goal in a 2-1 result at home to Porthmadog with youth team striker Sam Baker grabbing the all important goal after Martin Rose had opened the scoring from the penalty spot. The league remains very close with only twelve points separating the top seven teams while the bottom three remain isolated from the rest.
16th November 2007
Reid looks to keep 100% record intact
Caretaker manager Paul Reid takes charge of the side on Sunday having tasted victory in his first game as manager at Porthmadog last weekend. Reid took over the reigns following the resignation of Tony Pennock and now faces a difficult match against a side Port Talbot have yet to claim a home win against in the Principality Welsh Premier League. Lee Surman and Gareth Phillips return to the side after suspension while striker Chad Bond remains sidelined following his dismissal against Llanelli as he serves the last of his three match ban. Make the match even more exciting this weekend by registering with our partner betting site Betway. Port Talbot are favourites at around 4/5 with the visitors priced at 13/5. The draw is 12/5 with a full range of correct score odds also available.
16th November 2007
Evans makes Welsh Premier step
Former Port Talbot Town player Mark Evans has been named assistant manager of Haverfordwest County. The former Taffs Well manager is working towards his UEFA A Licence.
14th November 2007
Surman starts but Wales suffer defeat in Italy
Defender Lee Surman made the starting line-up for the Welsh Under-23 side in Italy on Wednesday afternoon but could not prevent Tony Pennock’s side suffering a 4-2 defeat in the town of Varese against an Italian side made up of players from Serie C. Striker Chad Bond also made an appearance for the side as a second half substitute and the club would like to congratulate both players on their inclusion in the squad.
14th November 2007
Beadle’s about as Pennock returns to County
Newport County have confirmed the worst kept secret in Welsh football by signing Tony Pennock as a player following his resignation from the managers position at the RE/MAX Stadium last week. “I have been monitoring Tony's situation over the past couple of weeks and after his decision to step down as manager at Port Talbot Town I asked if he would come back to Newport County”, said manager Peter Beadle while Pennock talked about pressure yet again. “I want to put pressure on Glyn Thompson who I understand has been in great form this season”, he said from the Wales Under-23 camp in Milan.
13th November 2007
Town look to break Nomads record on Sunday
This weekend Port Talbot Town are back in action at the RE/MAX Stadium as caretaker manager Paul Reid leads his side to take on Connah’s Quay Nomads on Sunday. Port Talbot have yet to claim a home victory over the visitors but with top scorer Martin Rose getting back on the score-sheet at Porthmadog last weekend, Reid’s side will be confident in taking maximum points against a Nomads team that suffered a 7-0 home defeat to Bangor City last weekend. The match takes place on Sunday due to the EURO 2008 qualifier between Wales and the Republic of Ireland in Cardiff on Saturday with a full programme of Principality Welsh Premier League fixtures on offer. In addition to the match on Sunday, local league side The Grove Park will taking part in the inaugural ‘Cross Bar Challenge’ at half-time. Kick off on Sunday is at 2.30pm.
12th November 2007
Bond and Surman fly out for Italian Job
Both striker Chad Bond and defender Lee Surman have travelled with the Wales Under-23 Semi-Pro side to Italy for Wednesday’s match against an Italian side made up of players from Serie C. Former Port Talbot Town manager Tony Pennock is the manager of the Welsh side and has added Neath’s Lee Bevan to the squad following the late withdrawl of defender Stuart Jones of Llanelli through injury. The match takes place in the Italian town of Varese on Wednesday afternoon.
12th November 2007
Edwards - ‘This is a top Welsh Premier appointment’
Chairman Andrew Edwards is out to make sure that the right man is appointed to succeed Tony Pennock as manager. “There will be no rush as we want to appoint the right man”, said Edwards. “Someone who will build upon the long-term stability of Wayne Davies and Mark Jones. I feel this is a top Welsh Premier appointment and so it's important that we get the right person.” Tony Pennock resigned last week after the FAW Premier Cup defeat to Carmarthen leaving Port Talbot out of all three cup competitions and in a mid-table league position.
11th November 2007
Kerry out of action after Carmarthen injury
Striker Kerry Morgan will miss the next few weeks of the season after fracturing his collarbone in last week’s FAW Premier Cup defeat at Carmarthen Town. The on-loan Swansea City striker has been a huge hit at the RE/MAX Stadium scoring nine goals in just ten starts for the club including two hat-tricks. Kerry has also been playing for the Swansea City Reserve side and the injury will be a huge blow to the Merthyr-based youngster. Port Talbot Town Football Club would like to wish Kerry a quick return to action after this setback.
11th November 2007
Blain adds to injury problems with calf strain
Midfielder Dylan Blain joins Kerry Morgan on the treatment table after he limped out of Saturday’s 2-1 victory at Porthmadog with a calf strain. Port Talbot went into the match with only twelve senior players available through injury and suspension problems and will be looking for Dylan to make a quick recovery as the problems posed by the new transfer window starts to take effect on our small squad.
11th November 2007
Baker double just not enough as Town hold Merthyr
Our Under-19 side claimed their best result of the season on Sunday as they held title chasing Merthyr Tydfil to a 3-3 draw at the RE/MAX Stadium. Merthyr were dominant in the opening half and took an early two goal lead through goals by Kalim Ali and Chris Penny before Josh Wannacott headed home with a superb goal for Port Talbot before half-time. Port Talbot took the game to their opponents in the second half and two goals from Sam Baker gave them the advantage upto the 80th minute when Kalim Ali scored his second goal of the match for Merthyr to take a share of the points. Chris Penny also missed a penalty for the visitors when he placed the spot kick over the crossbar but it was Port Talbot who will take the most positives from the match as they battled back from their opponents early lead two goal lead to come close to winning the match. Sam Baker, Rory Healey and Luke James all started the match having been named in the Welsh Premier League squad at Porthmadog the day before and for Baker it was his second superb performance for the club in as many days. The side are now in action at Penrhiwceiber Rangers on Sunday, 18th November.
11th November 2007
Welsh Premier League round-up
An incredible 37 goals were scored across the Principality Welsh Premier League this weekend despite Rhyl and Aberystwyth Town holding each other to a 0-0 draw! Bangor City started the goal craze on Friday night when manager Neville Powell returned to his former club Connah’s Quay and ran out 7-0 winners with Sion Edwards scoring a hat-trick. On the same night Llangefni Town claimed a 2-0 home win over NEWI Cefn Druids. Champions The New Saints were involved in the highest scoring game of the weekend as they defeated Caernarfon Town 7-1 despite falling a goal behind. The surprise result of the day came Carmarthen Town as they were convincingly beaten 3-1 by Caersws while league leaders Llanelli continued their run of form with a 4-1 win at Haverfordwest County, Rhys Griffiths scoring a brace in the convincing win. Port Talbot came from being a goal behind to win 2-1 at Porthmadog while Neath Athletic suffered a 5-2 home defeat to Welshpool Town with Ross Stephens twice on target for the visitors. Veteran striker Marc Lloyd-Williams scored for Newtown as they were held at home 1-1 by Airbus UK Broughton in the other game of the weekend.
10th November 2007
Blues show character against all odds
With only twelve senior players available and manager Tony Pennock resigning from his position a few days before, Port Talbot Town showed great character to come back from being a goal behind to claim a 2-1 victory at Porthmadog on Saturday. Porthmadog took the lead through Marcus Orlik on 37 minutes but the game changed for Port Talbot midway through the second half when youth team player Sam Baker replaced Dylan Blain who had picked up a calf injury. Baker caused no end of problems for the home defence and on 75 minutes he found himself in space on the edge of the six yard box but his goal bound effort was blocked by the hand of Porthmadog defender John G Jones. Martin Rose stepped up to score from the penalty spot after Jones had been red carded and with the momentum in their favour Port Talbot then took the lead three minutes later as Scott Barrow picked up the ball on the edge of the area and drilled an unstoppable shot past the home goalkeeper. Kristian Rogers was called into action to make a great save in injury time as Port Talbot held on to take maximum points.
8th November 2007
Reid reign starts with limited options
Coach Paul Reid steps up to the managers position on Saturday with only twelve senior players available for the Principality Welsh Premier League match at Porthmadog. Reid takes charge of the side following the midweek resignation of manager Tony Pennock and will be without defender Lee Surman, midfielder Gareth Phillips and striker Chad Bond as all three are suspended for the match through their recent red cards. Injury problems have also added to the problem with Kerry Morgan suffering a suspected broken collar bone in Tuesday’s FAW Premier Cup defeat at Carmarthen Town. David Burrows is one of the twelve senior players available but he is also expected to have a fitness test ahead of the match following a knock received in Tuesday’s defeat. Port Talbot will include players from the Under-19 side to make up the squad for the match although the side will be confident having already defeated Porthmadog 7-2 earlier in the season.
8th November 2007
Six Months and Six Days - The Pennock Diaries
As Tony Pennock steps down from his position as manager of Port Talbot Town, we take a look at his time in charge in the latest ‘Extra-time’ feature. From his appointment to his resignation, we cover every key decision and look at where it all went wrong for the Wales Semi-Pro manager.
8th November 2007
Afan FM on late goals and Jose Mourinho
Sports Editor Hash of 107.9 Afan FM takes a look at how two late goals at Rhyl and Carmarthen changed the fortunes of the season as well as for Tony Pennock in his latest column.
8th November 2007
Western Mail predict Jonah return
Mark Jones has become the favourite to replace Tony Pennock, according to the Western Mail at least. Jones was in charge of Port Talbot between 2001 to 2004 and was recently sacked after a successful period in charge of Carmarthen Town.
7th November 2007
Press Release - Tony Pennock steps down
Tony Pennock stepped down as manager of Port Talbot Town Football Club following Tuesday’s FAW Premier Cup defeat at Carmarthen Town. “We are very disappointed that Tony has decided to resign at this stage of the season”, said Chairman Andrew Edwards. “It is extremely surprising that he has made this decision having only taken over the position in May of this year. In making the appointment the club expected Tony to build on the previous two successful seasons in which we achieved top six finishes in the Welsh Premier League as well as enjoying a number of successful cup campaigns. We were looking for stability and continuity as Tony inherited a strong squad of players and the club expected to progress further under his control”, added Edwards. Coach Paul Reid will take charge of Saturday’s Principality Welsh Premier League match at Porthmadog as the club begins its search for a new manager.
6th November 2007
Pennock quits after Premier Cup defeat
Tony Pennock has stepped down as manager of Port Talbot Town Football Club. The shock decision was announced minutes after his side dropped out of the FAW Premier Cup to an extra-time defeat at Carmarthen on Tuesday night. Pennock took over from Wayne Davies in May and departs with the club out of all three cup competitions and in the wrong half of the table after a controversial tenure that saw players such as Robert Cockings, Dean Johnston and Dyfan Pierce leave the club. Despite a high-scoring start to the season, in the last twelve days the club has suffered an humiliating eight goal defeat at Llanelli before being knocked out of both the Welsh Cup and FAW Premier Cup at Rhyl and Carmarthen respectively. Pennock informed Chairman Andrew Edwards of his decision after the final whistle at Carmarthen on Tuesday before thanking his players for their support during his short time in charge in the dressing room after the match. The club must now search for a successor to salvage something from a season that appears over before it has even started while Pennock can now concentrate on his International work with the FAW as he takes his Under-23 side to Milan next week.
6th November 2007
Town and Morgan suffer agony at Carmarthen
Former Port Talbot Town midfielder Nathan Cotterrall scored the all important goal for Carmarthen on Tuesday night as they defeated Port Talbot 2-1 after extra-time in the 2nd round of the FAW Premier Cup. Port Talbot took a 1st half lead through top scorer Martin Rose but struggled against the constant pressure of the home side during the second period before Jamal Easter scored a 90th minute equaliser to take the game to extra-time. Port Talbot offered little with their heads down after coming so close to victory as Carmarthen created chance after chance during the additional period and Cotterrall handed Carmarthen a place in the lucrative quarter-final with a well struck goal in the 102nd minute of the match. Port Talbot were left counting the cost of the defeat on and off the pitch however as on-loan Swansea City striker Kerry Morgan was taken to hospital early in the second half with a suspected broken collar bone. It was the second match in four days that Kerry had been subjected to a great deal of physical treatment from the opposition and referee Steve Hames offered little protection by not even awarding a free kick for the incident that saw Morgan leave the field.
5th November 2007
Premier performance needed for repeat success
Port Talbot Town are one game away from a lucrative quarter final home draw against Swansea City, Cardiff City, Wrexham or The New Saints in the FAW Premier Cup. Tony Pennock takes his side to Carmarthen Town on Tuesday night for the 2nd round match knowing that victory will guarantee one of the above teams at the RE/MAX Stadium in the next round. Both Port Talbot and Carmarthen were knocked out of the Welsh Cup at the weekend and both sides will be desperate for success in what is now the biggest game of the season for the two teams. Port Talbot reached the semi-final of the competition last season thanks to an historic victory over Swansea City and the side will be out to achieve such heights again. Midfielder Gareth Phillips is the only player missing for Tony Pennock’s side through his previous suspension in the competition while striker Chad Bond is eligible for the match despite his red card at Llanelli last week. Kick off at Richmond Park is at 7.00pm.
5th November 2007
Hulse sees red mist over double red card
Rhyl manager John Hulse has passed the blame for his players red card on the reaction of the Port Talbot Town during Saturday’s Welsh Cup defeat. Rhyl’s Chris Roberts committed a dangerous tackle on Kerry Morgan early in the second half which sparked a brawl between the two teams, resulting in Lee Surman receiving his second yellow card of the match for his involvement. “I was disappointed by the way they (Port Talbot) all surrounded the referee, if they hadn’t done that maybe Chris Roberts would have only got a booking,” said Hulse in the Daily Post. “In the end it backfired on them, with Surman running 40 or 50 yards to get involved which led to his red card as well.” Referee Darren Adie made no hesitation in dismissing Roberts for the horrific tackle and Hulse’s statement that he would only have had a booking if others hadn’t become involved questions his faith in the officials once again. The Rhyl manager has a history of criticising referee’s in the press but this latest effort is completely unjust. Hulse should take a minute to watch a tape of the tackle that saw his player deservedly red carded and leave his stones in his glass-house before passing blame.
4th November 2007
Double penalty defeat against strong Llanelli side
Our Under-19 side suffered a 3-1 defeat against a strong Llanelli side at the RE/MAX Stadium on Sunday as the visitors were awarded two penalties while both sides were reduced to ten men inside the opening ten minutes of the match. Llanelli fielded regular 1st team squad players Mark Jones and the highly rated Jordan Follows upfront and it was Follows who made his mark on the match with a hat-trick but was replaced midway through the second half when a tackle by Port Talbot defender Josh Wannacott left him with a knee injury. The main talking point of the match came within eight minutes of the kick off when Port Talbot striker Ben James was involved in an ugly altercation with Llanelli defender Ashley Johns and both players were shown a straight red card. Port Talbot battled well against the league leaders but there were concerns for goalkeeper Lloyd Clement who suffered a head injury after making a fine save close on full time that required an ambulance to be called to the ground. Everyone at Port Talbot Town Football Club would like to wish Lloyd a quick recovery.
3rd November 2007
Cruel defeat for spirited Town in Welsh Cup
Port Talbot Town more than proved that last weekend’s 8-0 defeat to Llanelli was nothing but a freak result but suffered the same disappointment as Tony Pennock’s side were defeated by an 87th minute goal at Rhyl in the Welsh Cup 3rd round on Saturday. Port Talbot had the better of the game with Martin Rose coming close with a number of second half chances while a far more assured defensive display prevented any chance of another heavy defeat. Despite their pressure and chances in front of goal however, Rhyl grabbed the late winner through a mistake by Leigh De-Vulgt as he gave away the ball on the edge of the area and allowed Stuart Graves enough space to place the ball in the top corner of the net. In an entertaining match, both sides were reduced to ten men on 53 minutes when a bad tackle from Rhyl’s Chris Roberts on Kerry Morgan resulted in a straight red card, but Lee Surman picked up his second booking of the match in the resulting brawl. Port Talbot are now back in action on Tuesday night in the FAW Premier Cup away at Carmarthen Town. Kick off is at 7.00pm.
1st November 2007
Welsh Cup weekend as Town look ahead
This weekend Port Talbot Town take on Rhyl in the Welsh Cup 3rd round. It is another difficult away match for manager Tony Pennock and his side after last weekend’s eight goal defeat at Llanelli but one that can turn things around for the side also. “We have come a long way at this club and this result must not happen again”, said Chairman Andrew Edwards. “It was not acceptable but I stand by the management and players one hundred per cent. I would like to apologise to our fantastic supporters for the performance and the result and can assure them that it will only make us stronger. Everyone is embarrassed but we have to pick ourselves up for the cup-tie against Rhyl this Saturday. We must not go around feeling sorry for ourselves, if we do then Rhyl will punish us”, added Edwards in the Port Talbot Guardian. Gareth Phillips and Chad Bond miss the match through suspension leaving Pennock with only 15 available players including himself. “It will take a while to get over the result”, said Pennock. “But it is up to us now to pull together and put things right against Rhyl this Saturday.”
|
