Port Talbot Town Football Club - Principality Welsh Premier League - The GenQuip Stadium, Victoria Road, Port Talbot. SA12 6AD. Website best viewed 1024x768.

Home Page

NEWS ARCHIVE

October 2009
September 2009
August 2009
July 2009
June 2009
May 2009
April 2009
March 2009
February 2009
January 2009
December 2008
November 2008
October 2008
September 2008
August 2008
July 2008
June 2008
May 2008
April 2008
March 2008
February 2008
January 2008
December 2007
November 2007
October 2007
September 2007
August 2007
July 2007
June 2007
May 2007

NOVEMBER 2009


29th November 2009
Youth match postponed at The Genquip Stadium
Sunday’s Welsh League Youth Division West match between Port Talbot Town and Pontardawe has been postponed. Heavy rain across the country over the weekend added the match to a number of postponements including Saturday’s Principality Welsh Premier League matches between Newtown and Port Talbot Town and Neath against Prestatyn Town. The Under-19 team are now back in action on Sunday, 13th December at West End.
Click here for the Under-19 Team page
Click here for the MacWhirter Welsh League Youth Division West page

28th November 2009
Newtown match postponed due to waterlogged pitch
Saturday’s Principality Welsh Premier League match between Newtown and Port Talbot Town has been postponed. Heavy overnight rain has left the surface at Newtown’s Latham Park unplayable and a new date for the fixture has yet to be arranged. The postponement will be frustrating for manager Mark Jones as he looked for a fifth successive league win although defender Lee Surman would have missed the match with an ankle injury.
Click here for the 1st Team page
Click here for the Welsh Premier League page

27th November 2009
Jones - “We need to remain focused”
Manager Mark Jones is approaching Saturday’s match at Newtown with caution after last seasons defeat. A 1-0 reverse at Latham Park was Jones first defeat since returned to the club but his side will be confident as they look for their fifth straight league victory. Defender Lee Surman will miss the match however following an ankle injury last weekend in the win over Bangor City. “I had just rejoined the club, we were on a great run, then Newtown brought us crashing back down to earth, winning 1-0,” said Jones in the Evening Post.  “It's never easy winning up there and they desperately need the points to scrap themselves back into contention for the top 10. But we need points to put further pressure on the teams above us. We have won four on the trot and we need to keep the run going. We are approaching a very important part of the season and we have an opportunity to really make a statement to the title contenders, but games you are fancied to win doesn't necessarily mean you will win them, so we need to remain focused on what we need to”. Gary Bansor has impressed in the centre of defence in the Challenge Cup this season and could replace Surman although Karl Lewis resorted to defence following Surman’s injury and could remain there for Saturday’s match. Jones has no other injury problems ahead of the match. The coach leaves The GenQuip Stadium at 10.15am with supporters places available at £10 each. Kick off is at 2.30pm.
Click here for the 1st Team page
Click here for the Welsh Premier League page

24th November 2009
Barrow starts as nine-man Wales are held
Scott Barrow started for the Wales Under-23 Semi-Pro side on Tuesday night in a 2-2 draw in Ireland. Striker Drew Fahiya was named on the bench for the side to complete the Port Talbot Town representation but the game hinged on a red card for Neath’s Sean Cronin after just 31 minutes. Cronin was brought in for injured Port Talbot Town defender Lee Surman but was shown a straight red for kicking an opponent despite already being in the middle of a three match domestic ban following a straight red card against Haverfordwest. Wales had taken a 2-0 lead through goals from Jack Christopher of Haverfordwest and Craig Moses of Llanelli after just 24 minutes, Moses replacing the injured Christopher inside the opening 15 minutes of the match, but Ireland came back to level the match with a 90th minute equaliser. Wales were reduced to nine-men when Ryan Edwards of Airbus UK Broughton was shown a second yellow card after 81 minutes.

24th November 2009
Blain looks to push Newtown forward against Blues
Former Port Talbot Town favourite Dylan Blain will be in action against Mark Jones for Newtown on Saturday. Blain enjoyed two successful seasons at Port Talbot Town in 2006-07 and 2007-08 where he made a total of 57 appearances and scoring 8 Welsh Premier League goals but is now focused in helping Newtown into the ‘Super 12’ league next season. Blain spent the majority of his career at Haverfordwest County with three separate spells at the New Bridge Meadow and his experience from making over 200 Welsh Premier League starts made him a target for Newtown manager Darren Ryan at the start of the season. Blain is a key figure in the middle of midfield for the side although they have a number of other experienced Welsh Premier League players in their squad including former TNS striker Nicky Ward and former Connah’s Quay midfielder Craig Hutchinson. The star man of the team however is on-loan Wrexham striker Obi Anorou who has scored four goals in just six starts this season, causing defences a number of problems with his pace and quality finishing. The Latham Park ground has been used to host both European games and Cup Finals over the years and the club are desperate to be a part of the new league of twelve clubs from next season. Currently sitting in 14th place, manager Darren Ryan is well aware that his side must move into the top ten places to guarantee a place and they will be targeting their home fixtures in particular to achieve this. Last season Newtown completed a surprise double over Port Talbot Town, winning 2-1 at The GenQuip Stadium in September before claiming a 1-0 win over Port Talbot at Latham Park in February. Port Talbot Town manager Mark Jones will wait on the fitness of defender Lee Surman who picked up an ankle injury during Saturday’s win over Bangor City and as a result was forced out of the Wales Under-23 Semi-Pro squad for their match in Northern Ireland on Tuesday night. Supporters places are available at £10 each with the coach leaving The GenQuip Stadium at 10.15am. Kick off at Newtown is at 2.30pm.

24th November 2009
Under-19’s worn down by Champions Llanelli
Our Under-19 side started their league season on Monday night but suffered a heavy defeat against the champions. In what was Mark Pike’s sides first match for over three weeks, Port Talbot defended solidly against Llanelli at Stebonheath and went into the break 1-0 down. The home side took charge in the second half however to claim a 8-0 victory with 1st team player Craig Frater scoring four of the goals for Llanelli. The match was a big test for Mark Pike’s young side so early in the season but they will take positives from their defensive display in the opening half. The side are now in action at The GenQuip Stadium on Sunday when they take on Pontardawe Town. Kick off is at 2.00pm.
Click here for the Under-19 Team page
Click here for the MacWhirter Welsh League Youth Division West page

24th November 2009
New Years Day change to Neath kick off
The return New Years Day derby match against Neath at The Gnoll has a new kick off time at the request of Neath. The match will now kick off at 5.30pm on Friday, 1st January 2010 while the kick off time for the match between the two sides at The GenQuip Stadium on Sunday, 27th December 2009 will kick off at 1.30pm at the request of S4C who are televising the match live.
Click here for the 1st Team page
Click here for the Welsh Premier League page

23rd November 2009
Surman forced out of Wales Under-23 squad
Defender Lee Surman is one of five withdrawls from the Wales Under-23 Semi-Pro squad for Tuesdays International. The side are in action against Northern Ireland in Portadown but Surman, the current captain of the side, was forced to pull out of the squad following an ankle injury sustained during Saturdays win over Bangor City at The GenQuip Stadium. Scott Barrow and Drew Fahiya remain in the squad however and have been joined by Llanelli duo Jordan Follows and Ryan Batley, Forest Green’s Curtis McDonald, Lee Bevan of Haverfordwest County and Sean Cronin of Neath, despite Cronin currently serving a three match suspension.
Click here for more information on Lee Surman
Click here for the 1st Team page

23rd November 2009
Bangor hit out at referee Adie
Two red cards against Port Talbot Town on Saturday has prompted Bangor City to criticise referee Darren Adie. Defenders Peter Hoy and Dave Morley were both dismissed in the last ten minutes of the match in which a double strike from Martin Rose earned Port Talbot Town a 2-1 victory, leaving Bangor extremely frustrated by the performance of the match official. “A number of the league’s officials were present at the match – among them secretary John Deakin, assistant Andrew Howard and referee’s chief Rodger Gifford – and they must have been gob-smacked at the referee’s performance,” said Bangor secretary Gwynfor Jones. “It was not a dirty match by any means and yet the referee thought it necessary to issue a total of nine cards. We have no quibbles about the match result because Port Talbot deserved to win, but we were shocked by the rest of what happened”.
Click here for Bangor City match report and photos
Click here for the 1st Team page

22nd November 2009
Rees makes record appearance in Bangor City win
Captain Matthew Rees became the clubs record Welsh Premier League appearance holder on Saturday. Rees made his 156th Welsh Premier League start for the club as Mark Jones side claimed a 2-1 win over Bangor City at The GenQuip Stadium through two goals from striker Martin Rose. Rees equalled the record the week before at GAP Connah’s Quay when he matched former defender Robert Cockings 155 league starts for the club. Rees signed for Port Talbot Town in 2004 after a brief spell at Newport County and has been one of the first names on the teamsheet ever since. “I must congratulate captain Matthew Rees on becoming the clubs record appearance holder in the Welsh Premier League,” said manager Mark Jones. “Reeso is a fantastic servant to this club and deserves such recognition.”
Click here for more information on Matthew Rees
Click here for the 1st Team page

21st November 2009
Rose back in business in Bangor victory
Striker Martin Rose scored twice on Saturday as Port Talbot Town claimed a 2-1 home win over Bangor City. After dominating long periods of the opening half, Port Talbot eventually took the lead through Rose midway through the second half with a superb individual goal before he doubled the advantage from the penalty spot  on 80 minutes. Bangor pulled a goal back through David Swanick but were reduced to nine men as referee Darren Adie dismissed Peter Hoy and David Morley in the last ten minutes of the game. Defender Lee Surman was forced off with an injury early in the match and will now be assessed ahead of the Wales Under-23 Semi-Pro match against Ireland next week.
Click here for Bangor City match report and photos
Click here for the 1st Team page

20th November 2009
Jones plans to keep pressure on league leaders
Port Talbot Town return to Principality Welsh Premier League action on Saturday when Bangor City are the visitors. Manager Mark Jones is looking for a positive reaction from his players following the midweek defeat to The New Saints in the Challenge Cup “The boys are devastated but will be up for their next challenge against Bangor,” said Jones. “Two early goals killed us, but we dominated the second half and just needed to get that little bit of good fortune to set us up again. But we'll be raring to go against Bangor as we are keen to make it four wins in a row. We are up to fifth and want to keep the pressure on the teams above us.” Jones has a full squad available for the match. Kick off at The GenQuip Stadium is at 2.30pm.
Click here for the 1st Team page
Click here for the Welsh Premier League page

19th November 2009
Wales triumph at GenQuip in Victory Shield
Former Port Talbot Town youngster Josh Pike featured for Wales Under-16’s on Thursday in a 2-0 win over Northern Ireland. The Victory Shield match at The GenQuip Stadium was televised live on Sky Sports 2 in front of a large crowd at the ground as Josh made his first appearance of the tournament as a second half substitute. The win confirms Wales third place in the group with England now left to play Scotland to decide the tournament winners. It was the first game to be televised live from the ground.

18th November 2009
Disappointing end to Challenge Cup campaign
Port Talbot Town limped out of the Challenge Cup on Wednesday night with a 2-0 defeat at The New Saints. Mark Jones side went into the tie with a slight advantage having prevented The New Saints from scoring an away goal in the 1st Leg draw but found themselves two goals down and out of the tie after just 30 minutes and with it miss out on a place in the final. Gary Bansor was again handed a starting place as he replaced captain Matthew Rees but Port Talbot were undone on 22 minutes when a ball over the top as latched onto by Barry Hogan to open the scoring. Scott Ruscoe then added a second from the penalty spot eight minutes later and despite the visitors hitting the post before the break, Port Talbot were never really in the match in what was a disappointing and frustrating night for Jones.
Click here for The New Saints match report and photos
Click here for the 1st Team page

17th November 2009
Rhyl wait in Final for Blues or Saints
The winners of the second Challenge Cup Semi-Final will take on Welsh Premier League champions Rhyl in the Final. Port Talbot Town are in action at The New Saints on Wednesday night in the Semi-Final 2nd Leg having earned a 0-0 draw in the opening match last week. Rhyl booked their place in the Final on Tuesday however with a 4-0 win over GAP Connah’s Quay. Despite trailing 2-1 from the 1st Leg, Rhyl eased into the Final with a convincing win. The coach for The New Saints leaves The GenQuip Stadium at 2.15pm on Wednesday with supporters places available at £10 each. Kick off is at 7.45pm.
Click here for the Welsh Premier League page

17th November 2009
Pike looking to impress for home crowd on Thursday
The Wales Under-16 side are in action at The GenQuip Stadium on Thursday night when they take on Northern Ireland. The Victory Shield match will be televised live on Sky Sports 2 and one Port Talbot youngster in particular will be looking to impress in front of his home crowd. Josh Pike came through the junior ranks at Port Talbot Town before his move to Swansea City and has been named on the bench for the last two Victory Shield games against England and Scotland. The match is a high-profile event for the club and will be the first match to be televised live from The GenQuip Stadium. Kick off is at 7.40pm.

16th November 2009
Jones full of praise ahead of Challenge Cup Semi-Final
Port Talbot Town return to Challenge Cup action on Wednesday with manager Mark Jones delighted with his sides form. A convincing 3-0 win over GAP Connah’s Quay on Saturday made it five wins out six in all competitions since a disappointing defeat to Carmarthen Town last month. “It was an outstanding victory and within the comfort zone that a 3-0 win suggests,” said Jones in the South Wales Evening Post. “In fact, I felt it could have been more as Quay were well beaten and we thoroughly deserved to win.” Martin Rose opened the scoring before substitutes Scott Barrow and Drew Fahiya combined for the second goal and Liam McCreesh added a third in injury time. “It was a magnificent goal and gave us the perfect start, but it was when the two young lads came on that we really stepped up a gear," Jones added. “It was like bringing on Theo Walcott and Joe Cole — and you can quote me on that. They were excellent. They changed the game. We need to just keep playing as we are and stay free of injuries and suspensions. As I've said before, we have a nice little run leading up to Christmas and we have a chance of putting pressure on the teams above us”. Following last weeks 0-0 draw against The New Saints in the Loosemores Solicitors Challenge Cup Semi-Final 1st Leg, Port Talbot Town are now in action at Park Hall in the 2nd Leg on Wednesday night as Jones side look to claim a place in the Final. The coach leaves The GenQuip Stadium at 2.15pm on Wednesday with supporters places available at £10 each. Kick off is at 7.45pm.
Click here for GAP Connah’s Quay match report and photos
Click here for the 1st Team page

14th November 2009
Three goals earn three points at Nomads
Port Talbot Town claimed a comfortable 3-0 win at GAP Connah’s Quay on Saturday to move upto fifth place. Martin Rose opened the scoring inside the opening 30 seconds as he latched onto a long throw from Daniel Thomas straight from the kick off but Mark Jones side would have to wait until the introduction of Scott Barrow from the substitutes bench in the second half before extending their lead as he created goals for Drew Fahiya and Liam McCreesh in the second half. Despite heavy rain causing the postponement of the majority of fixtures across the country there was little concern over the playing surface at the Deeside Stadium as Port Talbot Town started the match in bright sunshine in North Wales. Captain Matthew Rees started the match to equal the clubs record Welsh Premier League appearance record as he made his 155th start to equal that of Robert Cockings.
Click here for GAP Connah’s Quay match report and photos

12th November 2009
Jones boost for impressive Bansor
Manager Mark Jones has praised defender Gary Bansor following his impressive performance against The New Saints. The central-defensive partnership of captain Matthew Rees and Wales Under-23 Semi-Pro captain Lee Surman has stayed together during the reigns of four managers since the pair arrived in 2004 and 2005 respectively but Jones believes they now have competition. Former Maldon Town and Brentwood defender Bansor arrived at Port Talbot Town last January but despite scoring on his full Welsh Premier League debut against Caersws the Swansea University student has struggled to break into the side on a regular basis. Impressive performances in the Loosemores Solicitor Challenge Cup this season however has made Jones well aware that his defensive partnership have serious competition. “The boys that have come into play the game against The New Saints have done really well and shown me that they are reliable cover,” said Jones in an interview for the clubs unofficial website ‘The Blue Skinned Beast’. “Gary Bansor is really starting to push the other two and has shown that he is ready to start commanding a first team place”. Jones also looked ahead to Saturday’s match against GAP Connah’s Quay. “Connah's Quay on Saturday is a difficult one to call. They are Jekyll and Hyde outfit this season as they have beaten Airbus and Rhyl in the Cups yet they lost 4-0 to Airbus in the Welsh Premier League. They are founder members of the league they have shown their intent on keeping that status. This season is different because usually at this time of year everyone is looking for the three results concerning Llanelli, Rhyl and TNS. This year however you have to look out for all nine results. Every game matters in context of what is going to happen next year. Its creating a real intensity and everyone seems capable of taking points off everybody”. The coach leaves The GenQuip Stadium on Saturday at 7.45am with places available to supporters at £10 per seat. Kick off is at 2.30pm.
Click here for more information on Gary Bansor
Click here for the full interview with Mark Jones and others on the unofficial website

12th November 2009
Thomas lines-up with Matthaus & Co for Heroes
Port Talbot Town midfielder Neil Thomas featured for the Rest of the World XI at the Madejski Stadium on Thursday night. The fund-raising match for the Help for Heroes charity featured an England XI against a Rest of the World XI with both sides featuring a mix of football and sporting legends as well as celebrities and current servicemen. Thomas currently serves in the RAF as a Senior Air Craftsman and was selected for the prestigious match at the home of Reading FC as he lined-up for the Rest of the World XI alongside former German World Cup winner Lothar Matthaus, former Chelsea star Gus Poyet and boxing legend Joe Calzaghe amongst others. The England XI featured former England midfielder Paul Gascoigne and former Manchester United striker Andy Cole as well as TV presenters Angus Deayton and Tim Lovejoy together with a number of sporting greats from both rugby and cricket. Thomas came off the bench early in the second half as his Rest of the World side, managed by Lawrie Sanchez, claimed a comfortable 4-1 win.
Click here for more information on Neil Thomas
Click here for more information on Help for Heroes

11th November 2009
Reeso set to equal Cockings appearance record
Captain Matthew Rees can become the clubs joint record Welsh Premier appearance holder at the weekend. Former defender Robert Cockings currently holds the accolade having made 155 Welsh Premier League starts for the club between 2000 and 2006. Rees made is 154th Welsh Premier League start for the club in last weeks win at Caersws and is set to equal Cockings record on Saturday when Port Talbot Town are in action at GAP Connah’s Quay. One of the clubs most well known players, Rees started his career at Millwall and was captain of their reserve team where he earned Wales Under-21 honours and was named as an unused substitute for Wales full International friendly against the USA after being called up for the squad by then manager Mark Hughes. He then gained experience on-loan in the Conference with Aldershot and Dagenham & Redbridge while at Millwall but was released by manager Dennis Wise. Rees then joined Swansea City on trial after his release and scored for the club against Lincoln City, the first goal scored under Kenny Jackett’s time in charge at the club. After not being offered a contract with his home town club he signed for Crawley Town before a move to Newport County and then signed for Port Talbot Town in 2004 where he has built up a long-standing partnership with Lee Surman at the back. Rees is one of five current players who have made over 100 Welsh Premier League starts for the club, with Leigh De-Vulgt and Lee John the next on the list with 143 starting appearances each.
Click here for more information on Matthew Rees
Click here for the 1st Team page

10th November 2009
Blues take draw into second leg of Challenge Cup
Port Talbot Town played out a 0-0 draw against The New Saints at The GenQuip Stadium on Tuesday night. Mark Jones side now have a slight advantage for the 2nd leg of the Loosemores Solicitors Challenge Cup Semi-Final at The New Saints next week as the visitors were prevented from scoring an away goal thanks to a fine second half save from Lee Kendall. Andy Boslem, Gary Bansor and Nicky Holland were all handed starting places as Jones rested captain Matthew Rees, Karl Lewis and Leigh De-Vulgt and it was Port Talbot who edged the opening half against their professional opponents but could not open the scoring despite Martin Rose coming close midway through the opening half. The New Saints were stronger in the second half however with the influential Aeron Edwards a constant problem for the home side but Port Talbot worked tirelessly to earn a draw. In the other Semi-Final GAP Connah’s Quay claimed a surprise 2-1 win over Rhyl.
Click here for The New Saints match report
Click here for the 1st Team page

9th November 2009
Jones turns attentions to Challenge Cup on Tuesday
On Tuesday night Port Talbot Town have the opportunity to move a step closer to the Challenge Cup Final. The New Saints are the visitors to The GenQuip Stadium for the 1st Leg of the Loosemores Solicitors Challenge Cup Semi-Final and Port Talbot Town will approach the match with confidence having won their last four games as well as already claiming a win over the visitors. “Some people consider this a second rate competition,” said Jones. “But we are now at the semi-final stage and will be looking to take a step towards a place in the final. The New Saints are the current holders of this trophy and we know it will not be easy but we have already beaten them here this season and will be confident in our approach as ever”. Two goals from Liam McCreesh earned Port Talbot Town a 2-0 win over The New Saints in the Principality Welsh Premier League in September and a repeat scoreline would hand Jones side an excellent chance of reaching the final of the competition ahead of the 2nd Leg on Wednesday, 18th November. Admission for the match on Tuesday remains at just £6 for adults and only £4 for concessions. Kick off is at 7.30pm.
Click here for the 1st Team page
Click here for the Welsh Premier League page

9th November 2009
Blues trio retain Wales Semi-Pro place for Ireland test
Scott Barrow, Lee Surman and Drew Fahiya have again been named in the Wales Under-23 Semi-Pro squad. The side take on on Northern Ireland at Portadown’s Shamrock Park on Tuesday, 24th November and the trio are part of the Wales squad that includes 15 players from the Principality Welsh Premier League and just three from the English pyramid. Newcomers to the squad are Bangor City’s Jamie Reed and Luke Sherbon of Aberystwyth Town who qualify through the new FIFA ruling due to the pair being educated in Wales for five years before the age of 16. Here is the squad in full - Stephen Cann (Aberystwyth Town) (GK), Lee Idzi (Haverfordwest County) (GK), Scott Barrow (Port Talbot Town), Kyle Critchell (Weymouth), Kai Edwards (Wrexham), Ryan Edwards (Airbus UK Broughton), Michael Pearson (Barrow FC), Lee Surman (Port Talbot Town), Aeron Edwards (The New Saints FC), Sion Edwards (Bangor City FC), Drew Fahiya (Port Talbot Town), Craig Jones (The New Saints FC), Luke Sherbon (Aberystwyth Town), Owain Warlow (Llanelli AFC), Ashley Williams (Airbus UK Broughton), Jack Christopher (Haverfordwest County), Craig Moses (Llanelli AFC), Jamie Reed (Bangor City FC). Stand-By: Lee Bevan (Haverfordwest County), Craig Williams (Newtown), Matthew Harris (Neath FC), Curtis McDonald (Forest Green Rovers), Jamie Owen (Chester City), Jordan Follows (Llanelli)

7th November 2009
Dominating performance earns win at Caersws
Goals from Liam McCreesh and Drew Fahiya earned Port Talbot Town a 2-1 win at Caersws on Saturday. The scoreline could have been a lot more convincing however as striker Martin Rose had a second half penalty saved while Port Talbot squandered a number of chances throughout the ninety minutes although Caersws rarely troubled Mark Jones side at the other end of the field .McCreesh opened the scoring within the first minute of the match and with scored Port Talbot Town’s 200th away goal in the league, but Caersws quickly equalised before Fahiya scored the winning goal all within the opening 15 minutes of the match.
Click here for Caersws match report and photo’s

7th November 2009
Surman named October Player of the Month
Defender Lee Surman has been named the Principality Welsh Premier League Player of the Month for October. The Wales Under-23 Semi-Pro captain earned the award from having the highest number of votes from opposition clubs during the month. Neath manager Andy Dyer was named the Principality Welsh Premier League Manager of the Month for October following his sides excellent run of results.
Click here for more information on Lee Surman

6th November 2009
Jones - “We must guard against complacency”
Manager Mark Jones will not be taking Caersws lightly on Saturday despite their league position. Port Talbot Town are in action at Caersws who currently occupy 17th place in the Principality Welsh Premier League with just one victory from their opening nine games. Experienced manager Mickey Evans is now back in charge at the Recreation Ground and Jones is not expecting his side to have everything their own way. “Caersws gave us a shock last season and had a 4-1 win in the cup last week and will be on a high, so we know we could be in for a difficult afternoon,” said Jones in the Evening Post. “We must guard against complacency as we have a very poor record at Caersws and the players have something to prove. We have, on paper, a good sequence of fixtures taking us deep into December. So it gives us an opportunity to claw back a lot of ground on the front-runners, who are all playing each other over the next few weeks. We must show Caersws respect, although most people will see this as an away win”. Gary Bansor is the only unavailable player for Port Talbot Town as he recovers from a recent illness. Kick off is at 2.30pm.
Click here for the 1st Team page
Click here for the Welsh Premier League page

6th November 2009
Rose praises Blues support in interview
Striker Martin Rose has praised the support this season in an interview for the unofficial website. The clubs all-time leading Welsh Premier League goalscorer also talked about his recent form, the cup win at Caldicot Town and being drawn against Aberystwyth in the next round as well as his fitness and the clubs run of games over the next couple of weeks. “Its ever so important that we consolidate our position of seventh in the Welsh Premier League and let some of the teams above us drop points,” said Rose to ‘The Blue Skinned Beat. “Its not a bad time to go to Caersws, its a shame there has been rain this week and it could make things difficult. They have only picked up five points this season so its probably not the best Caersws side of recent years. We have targeted this run of games from when we saw the fixtures as winnable, we have not had the easiest of starts and we could have done better but a win on Saturday will make the table look even more favourable after the win over Airbus”. Rose also praised the excellent support at this season’s games. “The support was great once again in Caldicot as it was against Welshpool and it definitely helps us out to hear all the encouragement as the game gets challenging. From where we are on the pitch it seems that the support is growing this season and that our gates are getting better. I should have had a hat-trick against Prestatyn in front of the Burns Road”. The full interview with Martin Rose together with other recent interviews and video clips can be found on the unofficial website.
Click here for more information on Martin Rose
Click here for the full interview with Martin Rose on the unofficial website

4th November 2009
Blues in search of milestone away goal at Caersws
Port Talbot Town have the opportunity to score their 200th away Welsh Premier League goal on Saturday. Mark Jones side are in action at Caersws and have currently scored 199 goals on the road since their first season in the league in 2000-2001. On current form influential midfielder Liam McCreesh is a favourite to score the 200th away strike having scored five goals in just nine league starts this season although striker Martin Rose has scored eleven in all competitions including a brace in last weekends 3-0 Welsh Cup win at Caldicot Town. Last season Port Talbot Town suffered a 4-2 defeat at Caersws in a memorable game for all the wrong reasons as then-manager Nicky Tucker’s side surrendered a two goal lead and went down to eight players following red cards for Matthew Rees, Lee Surman and Lee John in one second half incident. Kick off at Caersws on Saturday is at 2.30pm and there are no official travel arrangements for the match.
Click here for the 1st Team page
Click here for the Welsh Premier League page

3rd November 2009
Date change for Challenge Cup 2nd Leg
The date for the 2nd Leg of the Loosemores Solicitors Challenge Cup Semi-Final against The New Saints has been changed. The match was originally scheduled for Tuesday, 17th November but will now be played on Wednesday, 18th November at The New Saints Park Hall Stadium. The move was agreed at the request of The New Saints as they play Llanelli in the Principality Welsh Premier League on Sunday, 16th November in a match that will be televised live on S4C. The date for the 1st Leg of the Semi-Final at The GenQuip Stadium remains on Tuesday, 10th November.
Click here for the 1st Team page
Click here for the Welsh Premier League page

3rd November 2009
Mark Pike looks at long term youth plan
Under-19 Team manager Mark Pike has spoken to the official website about his teams start to the season. Mark took charge of the team in the summer and last weekend completed the group stage of the Youth League Cup with a 6-0 home win over Dinas Powys. “Since taking on the role of youth team manager during the summer months we have grown from strength to strength with such a young side and improving week on week”, said Mark. “We said at the start of this campaign the League Cup was our pre-season and that it would be used to test the youngsters at club. The squad this term is a very young one and I stated from day one that it would be about bringing youngsters through ranks and hopefully onto the first team stage. There has been some positive results so far and we hope this will continue throughout the season. It has been an excellent test of strength and character from all and I am sure the future is very bright.” The youth side have seen Academy players Oliver Bowen, Jordan Edwards, Jonny Michaels, Sam Hodge and Adam Thornton burst onto the scene on their 16th birthdays and done themselves proud. Chris Silva at the age of 16 will soon train with Mark Jones side together with 18 year olds Jack Germain and Josh Wannacott who all from the youth set up as they look to make an impression on the 1st Team manager.
Click here for the Under-19 Team page
Click here for the MacWhirter Welsh League Youth Division West page

2nd November 2009
Jones delight after latest victory
Manager Mark Jones has expressed his delight following his sides third successive win on Saturday. Port Talbot Town claimed a 3-0 win at Welsh League side Caldicot Town in the 3rd round of the Welsh Cup to follow from a Challenge Cup win over Technogroup Welshpool last Tuesday and a Principality Welsh Premier League win over Airbus the weekend before. Speaking to the clubs unofficial website ‘The Blue Skinned Beast’, Jones talked about the last three games. “It’s been a terrific week for the football club. Three big games and we have done the business. W have utilised the squad and its there for everyone to see that we have got 17 decent players who want to play. We did a professional job on Caldicot and I'm really pleased with the players application. I thought that all the players involved did well and that Daniel Thomas lit the game up when he came on. There is a real good buzz in the changing room and the players are lifted by the support from the fans. To go and travel over 60 miles from home and have 50 fans singing their heads off is unbelievable, the following yesterday was on a different level. I'd like to wish Caldicot all the best for the rest of the season as we had a good welcome and they are a tidy club. Its nice to be still in both cups and we have some real important games coming up. Everybody wants to play and there is plenty of competition for places. I would like to say well done to the players for what they have over the last week and they have given themselves a chance to play in some big occasions. I would also like to thank the fans for the excellent support and buzz that they have created”. Port Talbot are now back in Principality Welsh Premier League action Saturday at Caersws.
Click here for Caldicot Town match report and photos
Click here for the full interview with Mark Jones on the unofficial website

1st November 2009
Youth complete group stage with impressive win
The Under-19 side completed their League Cup group games on Sunday with a 6-0 win over Dinas Powys. The win completes the sides games in the group stage of the competition and they start their league campaign on Monday, 9th November when they take on Carmarthen Town at Richmond Park. Out of their seven group games Mark Pike’s side won three, lost three and drew one to complete positive start to the season for the young side.
Click here for the Under-19 Team page
Click here for the MacWhirter Welsh League Youth Division West page