Club News Archive September 2009 - Port Talbot Town Football Club

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

SEPTEMBER 2009

30th September 2009
Jones - “Lets make sure we are not this years shock”
Manager Mark Jones turns his attentions to the Welsh Cup this weekend with a clear message to his players. Having booked their place in the quarter-final of the Loosemores Solicitors Challenge Cup on Tuesday with a 4-1 win at local rivals Neath, Jones is insisting on another professional performance on Friday night when Welsh League Division Two side Cwmbran Celtic are the visitors to The GenQuip Stadium. “Although Cwmbran Celtic are currently two divisions below us they have had an excellent start to the season and I am sure they will be determined and difficult opponents,” said Jones. “Every year there is a shock result in the cup and we must make sure that we are not this years. The Welsh Cup is a fantastic competition and one that I am fortunate to have won during my time at Carmarthen Town, the prize of a European place is just a few games away and we must be totally focused on the challenge ahead”. Martin Rose and Drew Fahiya grabbed two goals each in the win over Neath and Jones will have another selection headache on Friday although Daniel Thomas will miss the match as he serves the last game of his three match suspension and Karl Lewis remains on the sidelines with a broken hand. During the win on Tuesday Scott Barrow and Neil Thomas both picked up slight knocks and their fitness will be assessed closer to the game although goalkeeper Lee Kendall is expected to return despite Tony Pennock making another appearance for the side on Tuesday night. Admission for the match remains at just £6 for adults and only £4 for concessions. Kick off on Friday is at 7.30pm.
Click here for Neath match report
Click here for the Welsh Cup page

29th September 2009
Blues cruise to last eight with four goal derby win
Martin Rose and Drew Fahiya scored a brace each as Port Talbot claimed a 4-1 at Neath on Tuesday night. The convincing win confirms Mark Jones side a place in the quarter final of the Loosemores Solicitors Challenge Cup with a group match still to play but it was the manner of the victory that pleased the manager the most. Once again Jones named an experimental side for the match with Andy Boslem and Gary Bansor offered places in the starting line-up while Tony Pennock again deputised for goalkeeper Lee Kendall. Port Talbot were dominant throughout the opening half as Rose scored after just seven minutes before being brought down in the area and scoring the resulting penalty after 25 minutes. Chances continued to follow as Neath failed to handle the pace in the Port Talbot Town side and Drew Fahiya came close to adding a third for the side just before the break. The striker more than made amends in the second half however as he found himself in two one-on-one positions with the Neath keeper on 60 minutes and on 62 minutes and finished both chances in style to put his side four goals ahead before Neath grabbed a consolation goal through Kieran Howard on 80 minutes in a rare attacking move. A concern for manager Mark Jones however will be the injuries picked up by Scott Barrow and Neil Thomas ahead of Friday’s Welsh Cup 2nd round match against Cwmbran Celtic at The GenQuip Stadium as both players limped out of the match. Kick off on Friday is at 7.30pm.
Click here for Neath match report
Click here for Welsh Premier League and Challenge Cup fixtures, results and latest tables

29th September 2009
All the latest junior team match reports
Match reports from all our junior teams are now available on each teams page on the website. Follow the links for fixtures and reports from our mini-football sides as well as fixtures, results, match reports and updated league tables from the Under-12, Under-14 and Under-16 sides. Complete season reports from the Under-8’s, Under-11’s (above) and Under-14’s are now available on the each teams page. All our junior teams are welcome to send in their match reports and photos to townfc@yahoo.co.uk.
Click here for Under-8 Team page
Click here for Under-11 Team page
Click here for Under-14 Team page

28th September 2009
Blues a point away from Challenge Cup progression
Port Talbot Town take on Neath at The Gnoll on Tuesday needing just one more Challenge Cup point. Mark Jones side currently lead the group having defeated Neath and Carmarthen in the first round of group fixtures but Jones is looking for his side to build on Saturdays Principality Welsh Premier League win at Welshpool and keep the momentum with another win on Tuesday night. “I will probably make a few changes for the game against Neath but make no mistake we are planning to win the game and take our place in the next round” said Jones. “We have a big squad of players and people on the fringes will have their chance to impress as they have done in the previous two games in the competition. Winning is a great habit to have and if we can play like we did on Saturday then it will set us up nicely for Friday’s Welsh Cup match against Cwmbran Celtic”. Liam McCreesh was twice on target as Port Talbot Town defeated Technogroup Welshpool 2-0 at the weekend after serving his one match suspension. Drew Fahiya is available after missing the match at the weekend although Daniel Thomas is suspended while Karl Lewis remains on the injury list. A point against Neath would confirm Port Talbot Town as group winners with another game remaining in the group at home to Carmarthen Town the following Tuesday night. Kick off at The Gnoll is at 7.30pm.
Click here for 1st Team page
Click here for Welsh Premier League and Challenge Cup fixtures, results and latest tables

27th September 2009
Pullen brace brings Welsh Cup success for Under-19’s
Striker Liam Pullen scored twice for the Under-19 side on Sunday as they defeated Cambrian & Clydach. The 4-2 victory in the Welsh Youth Cup 1st round match at The GenQuip Stadium was sparked by two goals from Pullen in the opening 25 minutes but the visitors came back into the game with a goal either side of half time to level the score. Chris Silva restored the lead for Port Talbot Town on 59 minutes and an own goal following some excellent work from Pullen completed the scoring on 71 minutes. The win follows on from last weeks 2-0 victory over Barry Town.
Click here for Cambrian & Clydach match report and photos
Click here for Under-19 team page

26th September 2009
McCreesh double inspires Welshpool win
Midfielder Liam McCreesh returned from suspension to score both goals in Saturday’s 2-0 win at Welshpool. McCreesh was on target in each half as Mark Jones side cruised to a comfortable victory against poor opposition. Goalkeeper Lee Kendall returned to the starting line-up after his recent injury and was rarely troubled on his way to keeping another clean sheet although he did make a fine save in injury time to deny the home side a consolation goal. Lloyd Grist was handed his first Welsh Premier League start at left back since signing for the club in the summer as Scott Barrow was pushed further forward into a more attacking midfield role. The side are now back in action away to Neath on Tuesday night in the Loosemores Solicitors Challenge Cup needing just a point to progress to the next round.
Click here for Technogroup Welshpool match report and photos
Click here for Welsh Premier League fixtures and results

25th September 2009
Kendall set for return but Lewis out for a month
Goalkeeper Lee Kendall is set to return on Saturday but there is a further injury problems for Mark Jones side. Midfielder Karl Lewis, who has enjoyed an impressive start to the season, has suffered a broken hand and will be out of action for the next 4-6 weeks. The injury adds to manager Mark Jones selection problems as Drew Fahiya and Daniel Thomas are both suspended for Saturdays match at Technogroup Welshpool. Kendall missed last weeks defeat to Aberystwyth following the leg injury he sustained against Haverfordwest but trained successfully on Wednesday and is expected to return to the starting line-up this weekend. Liam McCreesh also returns after serving his one match suspension. The coach leaves The GenQuip Stadium at 9.30am with supporters places available at £10 each. Kick off at Technogroup Welshpool is at 2.30pm.
Click here for more information on Karl Lewis

25th September 2009
Baker makes Welsh League switch with Bulldogs
Young striker Sam Baker has signed for MacWhirter Welsh League Division One side Ton Pentre. The talented forward progressed through the clubs youth system to make his Welsh Premier League debut at the age of 16 and scored for the club in the Welsh Premier League during his debut season. He also played an important part in winning the league title with the clubs reserve team in 2008-2009 but opportunities in Mark Jones have been few and far between and Baker will now look to gain some much needed match practice at Ton Pentre who are away to Cardiff Corinthians at the weekend.
Click here for the 1st Team page

23rd September 2009
Rose back on form with Welshpool record next
Striker Martin Rose will be confident of building on last weeks goal against Welshpool on Saturday. Rose scored his first league goal of the season on Friday night in the 2-1 defeat to Aberystwyth Town but with Technogroup Welshpool next for the Blues, Rose will be confident of building on his opening strike having scored and won at Welshpool every time he has played there for Port Talbot Town. The opening goal arrived in in 2006-2007 as Rose scored the only goal in a 1-0 win during his first season at the club and he repeated the feat the year after in 2007-2008 as he scored twice in a 3-1 victory, the third gaol courtesy of Dylan Blain. Last season Rose was again on target at Welshpool as he and Liam McCreesh scored in the 2-1 midweek victory. McCreesh is available for selection having served his one match suspension but manager Mark Jones will be without suspended duo Drew Fahiya and Daniel Thomas for the match. The fitness of goalkeeper Lee Kendall remains a concern for Jones and he will have a fitness test closer to the game. The coach leaves The GenQuip Stadium at 9.30am with supporters places available at £10 per person. Kick off is at 2.30pm.
Click here for more information on Martin Rose

23rd September 2009
Challenge Cup point will take Blues to Quarter-Final
Port Talbot Town need just one more point to book a place in the next round of the Challenge Cup. Mark Jones side are in action at Neath next Tuesday night in their third group match of the competition as the two clubs look to claim an automatic place in the quarter-final of the competition. Neath defeated Carmarthen 3-2 on Tuesday to move themselves within a point of Port Talbot at the top of the table and are just a point behind but have played an extra match. Port Talbot complete the group stage of the competition the following week with a home match against Carmarthen Town on Tuesday, 6th October.
Click here for Welsh Premier League fixtures and results with League and Challenge Cup tables

22nd September 2009
Kendall in fitness battle for Welshpool
The fitness of Lee Kendall will be assessed later this week ahead of Saturdays match at Welshpool. Tony Pennock, who replaced Kendall in goal last weekend as an emergency signing and saved a penalty, could again be called into action as Kendall struggles with the leg injury that required hospital treatment after the match against Haverfordwest County. Manager Mark Jones will welcome back Liam McCreesh after he completed his one match suspension although Drew Fahiya and Daniel Thomas will both miss the match after being in sent off in the 2-1 defeat to Aberystwyth. Technogroup Welshpool have confirmed that they will not attempt to take one of the places in the reduced Welsh Premier League of twelve clubs from next season as they are unable to obtain a domestic licence due to the lack of facilities at their Maes-y-Dre ground. The coach leaves The GenQuip Stadium on Saturday at 9.30am with supporters places available at £10 each. Kick off is at 2.30pm.

22nd September 2009
Davies scores as Devils win Queensland State Final
Club Academy Director Darren Davies scored in a final victory for Redlands City Devils last week. The former defender moved to Australia for six months back in the summer and signed for the Queensland club on his arrival where he teamed up with former Merthyr Tydil and Tiverton Town team-mate Chris Bale. Last week Davies starred for the Devils as they defeated the league leaders Brisbane Strikers 4-1 in the Hyundai Queensland State Grand Final after victories over Sunshine Coast and Olympic took them to the final. Davies scored the Devils second goal of the game as he finished from close range after coming close in the opening half with a long range effort that just cleared the crossbar. The match was the last game of the season for the side.

21st September 2009
Cwmbran Celtic Welsh Cup tie switched to Friday night
Port Talbot Town will now take on Cwmbran Celtic in the 2nd Round of the Welsh Cup on a Friday evening. The match has been switched from its original date of Saturday the 3rd October to Friday the 2nd October at the agreement of both clubs. The side are managed by experienced campaigner Mickey Copeman, who played for Weston-Super-Mare and Cwmbran Town and who actually signed for Port Talbot Town in 2001 during Wayne Goodridge’s time as manager but never made an appearance. Della Cheedy, who watched Port Talbot Town against Aberystwyth on Friday night, is assistant to Copeman and the club reached the 2nd round by defeating Cwmaman Institute 7-1 a fortnight ago. Cwmbran Celtic are currently in fourth place in Division Two of the MacWhirter Welsh Football League having won three of their opening four games but were defeated at the weekend away to Cwmaman Institute 2-1 in the Nathaniel Car Sales League Cup in a surprise turnaround following their convincing Welsh Cup victory against the same team the weekend before. Kick off on Friday, 2nd October is at 7.30pm.
Click here for Welsh Cup fixtures and results

20th September 2009
Jones fumes as referee John is proved wrong
Manager Mark Jones was left frustrated by referee Dean John after Friday’s defeat to Aberystwyth Town. “The referee is a good referee, usually, Dean John is one of the best in the league”, said an infuriated Jones on S4C programme Sgorio Cymru, “He’s had a night off tonight though, a massive night off. Drew is the last person in this club who would dive. I don't condone diving, but the lad didn't dive. It should have been a penalty. Perhaps the Eduardo sending off put thoughts into referees' minds and they are now looking for it more. The danger is in getting it wrong.” Jones was left frustrated as Fahiya was sent off for an alleged dive in the penalty area but a reply of the incident proved that Fahiya was tripped and that a penalty should have been awarded The 2-1 reverse was Jones first home defeat since he returned to Port Talbot Town in December 2008 but the game hinged on a double dismissal for Port Talbot Town midway through the second half as Dean John sent off both Drew Fahiya and Daniel Thomas. The red card riled Port Talbot and 90 seconds later Daniel Thomas was sent off for retaliation as the frustrations of the home side spilled over. Both players will now miss next weeks match at Technogroup Welshpool through suspension although Liam McCreesh returns to the side following his one match ban. The fitness of goalkeeper Lee Kendall remains a concern for Jones although emergency signing Tony Pennock proved an excellent replacement with a penalty save early in the second half of the match.
Click here for Port Talbot Town v Aberystwyth match report
Click here for the 1st Team page

20th September 2009
Paynton at the double for Under-19’s
Luke Paynton scored twice on Sunday as the Under-19 side claimed their first win of the season. Paynton grabbed both goals as Mark Pike’s side defeat Barry Town 2-0 at Jenner Park in Group B of the MacWhirter Youth League Cup. The side were defeated 2-1 last weekend at home to Bryntirion but will approach next weeks Welsh Cup match against Cambrian & Clydach at The GenQuip Stadium in confident mood following their opening victory.
Click here for Barry Town U-19s v Port Talbot Town U-19’s match report
Click here for the Under-19 team page

18th September 2009
Crucial referee decision brings first home defeat
Manager Mark Jones suffered his first home defeat on Friday night as his side were reduced to nine men. The game against Aberystwyth Town hinged on a crucial decision from referee Dean John as he dismissed Port Talbot duo Drew Fahiya and Daniel Thomas within 90 seconds of each other midway through the second half. After missing a number of chances in a goal-less opening half, emergency signing Tony Pennock was called into action early in the second half as Aberystwyth were awarded a penalty but Pennock made a fine save from Luke Sherbon’s spot-kick. Martin Rose then scored his first league goal of the season on 53 minutes as Port Talbot appeared to be cruising to a comfortable win but controversy erupted on 66 minutes when Drew Fahiya was tripped inside the area on his way to goal. John wrongly judged that no contact had been made and to add insult to Fahiya he brandished the former Dinas Powys striker with his second yellow card of the game for a dive. Assistant referee Kim Fisher stood within yards of the incident but offered no advice or support to John on what would be the turning point of the match. The decision added an edge to the match and within 90 seconds Daniel Thomas was shown a straight red card for retaliation after a tangle of legs inside the Aberystwyth penalty area. With a two man advantage Aberystwyth came into the game and equalised on 72 minutes through former Port Talbot Town striker Luke Bowen. The nine-men of the home side worked hard for the last 20 minutes, with midfielder Neil Thomas covering the area of three men with a superb display in the middle of the pitch, but Aberystwyth scored the winner after sustained pressure deep into injury time through Geoff Kellaway. Manager Mark Jones was left fuming with referee John as a comfortable lead for the home side turned into a defeat and further suspension problems through a crucial wrong decision from the official. It was also Jones first defeat at The GenQuip Stadium since he returned to the club in December 2008.
Click here for Aberystwyth match report

17th September 2009
Kendall out through injury! Pennock in!
Former player-manager Tony Pennock is set to make a sensational return for Port Talbot Town on Friday. Pennock completed his return to Port Talbot Town on Thursday as an emergency signing following the injury sustained by regular goalkeeper Lee Kendall in last weeks 1-1 draw at Haverfordwest County. Kendall required hospital treatment on a leg injury following the match last week and is unable to play this weekend prompting the club to move in for Pennock and he is set to make his return for the club in Friday’s Principality Welsh Premier League match against Aberystwyth Town at The GenQuip Stadium. “We are extremely grateful to Tony for helping us out at such short notice,” said Chairman Andrew Edwards. “The injury to Lee Kendall is a big blow after our positive start to the season but Tony is an experienced and talented goalkeeper and I am sure he will relish his return to action”. Pennock was appointed player-manager at Port Talbot Town in May 2007 to succeed Wayne Davies after a playing career that included spells at Stockport County, Wigan Athletic, Hereford United, Yeovil Town, Rushden & Diamonds, Farnborough Town, Carmarthen Town and Newport County and is currently Head of Youth Development at Swansea City. Kick off is at 7.30pm.
Click here for more information on Tony Pennock

17th September 2009
Blues join the Twitter community
Now you can keep upto date with the latest news from Port Talbot Town Football Club through twitter. Updated with current events from The GenQuip Stadium, follow the link below to receive regular ‘tweets’ from the club and become one of the growing number of followers as the club continue to bring you all the latest news as it happens together with regular scorers and results updates from our Principality Welsh Premier League games. The club would like to thank supporter Matthew Burgess for setting up and updating this new feature.
Click here to join the twitter community

16th September 2009
Jones looking for same superb support on Friday
Manager Mark Jones has praised the fans ahead of Friday’s home match against Aberystwyth Town. The atmosphere in recent games has been at a premium and Jones is keen for another vocal backing from both the fans and the junior section for Friday’s Principality Welsh Premier League match. “The support at our last few games has been absolutely fantastic,” said Jones to the official website. “If we could have held out for another two minutes against Haverfordwest it would have been one of the great nights such was the atmosphere made by our travelling fans. What really impressed me personally however was the support of all the junior teams the weekend before against The New Saints. It is great to have the junior teams supporting the senior sides and I hope to see them all here again on Friday”. The fitness of goalkeeper Lee Kendall is yet to be confirmed but midfielder Liam McCreesh will miss the match through suspension. Admission is just £6 for adults and only £4 for concessions. Kick off is at 7.30pm.

16th September 2009
Barrie ‘Beegee’ Griffiths
Port Talbot Town are sad to announce that popular supporter Barrie Griffiths passed away this evening. Known affectionately as ‘Beegee’ through his regular posts on the unofficial website, Barrie was a keen supporter of the club over the last few seasons and continued to attend games both home and away whenever he could despite his recent ill health. Barrie was a regular on the Burns Road End and his presence will be missed by everyone at the club who had enjoyed the pleasure of his company and his thoughts on the team over the last few years. A popular figure through his career in the Police force and his work as a local historian, Barrie will be deeply missed by his friends at Port Talbot Town Football Club and by those within his local community. Everyone at the club offers their deepest sympathy to his son Kevin and grandson Rees, who are also regular supporters of the club, and to the rest of the family at this time.

15th September 2009
Former Blues set to return with Aber on Friday night
Aberystwyth Town will name a number of former Port Talbot Town players in their squad this Friday night. Port Talbot Town take on Aberystwyth Town at The GenQuip Stadium and Mark Jones side are expected to come up against former players Luke Bowen, Michael Waters as well as brothers Adam and Kristian James. In last seasons corresponding fixture a goal from Darren Davies put Port Talbot Town ahead but the visitors equalised through Bari Morgan to earn a share of the points and despite their recent mixed form another difficult match is expected. Port Talbot Town will check on the fitness of goalkeeper Lee Kendall closer to the match following the injury he sustained against Haverfordwest last Friday while Aberystwyth have made the headlines off the field this week with questions being asked about the future of manager Brian Coyne at the club following their poor start to the season. Midfielder Liam McCreesh will miss the match through suspension following his dismissal last week. Admission for the match remains at just £6 for adults and only £4 for concessions. Kick off is at 7.30pm.

15th September 2009
Michael Regan
Port Talbot Town are sorry to announce the untimely passing of former player Michael Regan, aged 32. Regan made 18 Welsh Premier League appearances for the club under manager Mark Jones during the 2001-2002 season having previously played for Cardiff Civil Service, Maesteg Park, Merthyr Tydfil and Cinderford Town and later returned to the Welsh Premier League in 2005-2006, making 7 appearances for Cardiff Grange Quins. Regan passed away suddenly last week and everyone at Port Talbot Town offer their condolences to his family at this sad time.

14th September 2009
Blues draw Cwmbran Celtic home in Welsh Cup
Port Talbot Town will host Welsh League Division Two side Cwmbran Celtic in the 2nd round of the Welsh Cup. The draw was announced on S4C programme Sgorio on Monday night and manager Mark Jones was pleased with the tie. “We have been awarded a home draw against a lower division team, I can’t ask for anymore than that,” said Jones following the draw. “That does not mean that we will have everything our own way however as they are a decent side who scored seven goals in the opening round to reach this stage. They also have my old mate Della Cheedy on the coaching staff and it will be great to come up against Del in a competitive game”. The side are managed by experienced campaigner Mickey Copeman, who played for Weston-Super-Mare and Cwmbran Town and who actually signed for Port Talbot Town in 2001 during Wayne Goodridge’s time as manager but never made an appearance. Della Cheedy is assistant to Copeman and the club reached the 2nd round by defeating Cwmaman Institute 7-1 on Saturday. Cwmbran Celtic are currently in fourth place in Division Two of the MacWhirter Welsh Football League having won three of their opening four games.

14th September 2009
Jones - “We can look on it as a point gained”
Manager Mark Jones was satisfied with his side earning a point at Haverfordwest on Friday night. Despite leading until injury-time, Jones has taken plenty of positives after reflecting on the game over the weekend. “After the game the boys were a bit down as we felt we had battled well enough to snatch the three points," said Jones in the Evening Post. “But having had a little time to reflect, we can probably look on it as a point gained rather than two lost. We played over half the match with nine men as Lee Kendall was very restricted in his movement after taking a nasty bump and the red card to Liam did us no favours. But I was proud of the way we dealt with everything they threw at us until Steffan Williams snatched the equaliser at the death.” Goalkeeper Kendall limped through the second half and required hospital treatment on a leg injury after the game. “Lee Kendall and our skipper Matthew Rees were superb, but they will feel a draw was a fair result on the balance of play and I guess that's right”. Port Talbot Town are now back in action on Friday night against Aberystwyth Town at The GenQuip Stadium. Kick off is at 7.30pm.

13th September 2009
Positive start for Under-19’s despite opening defeat
Mark Pike’s Under-19 side suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat at home to Bryntirion on Sunday. Despite the defeat to their physical opponents the side can take a number of positives from their first competitive match together. Bryntirion raced to a two-goal lead in the opening 15 minutes but were reduced to ten-men just before half-time and struggled to contain Port Talbot Town in the second half. Port Talbot brought themselves back into the match when Chris Silva scored on 61 minutes but despite creating further chances they could not find the equaliser. “Inexperience was the difference between the teams, especially in the first 15 minutes,” said manager Mark Pike after the match. “Two dreadful mistakes early on put us two goals down that proved to be too difficult to get back in the game against the physical side. The young boys, some of which are only 16, were not deterred by the physical presence of our opponents and when we settled we did try and play football. The two mistakes proved too costly however. This being our first competitive game together shows the character that we won't bow down to physical sides. We will learn and build on the positives we took from this encounter”. The side are now in action at Barry Town next Sunday.
Click here for Port Talbot Town U-19’s v Bryntirion Athletic U-19’s match report and photos
Click here for MacWhirter Welsh Football League Youth Division West page

13th September 2009
Veterans cruise to four goal win over Ragged School
The Port Talbot Town Veterans team started their season in style on Sunday with a 4-0 win. Playing their first match in the Wales Veterans Football League, manager Phil Davies named a wealth of Welsh League experience including former Port Talbot Town players Jeremy Walsh, Scott Mahon, Richard and Chris Weller, Vince Lewis, Tim O’Connor, John Wile and Tommy O’Callaghan as well as club Chairman Andrew Edwards and former Lido players Andrew Radford, Craig Duggan and Andrew Webber. An own-goal opened the scoring before Tim O’Connor doubled the lead. Andrew Edwards then made an outfield appearance in the second half and scored with his first touch to offer manager Phil Davies a selection headache for their next match. Vince Lewis completed the scoring to round off a comfortable debut win.
Click here for the Veterans Team page

11th September 2009
Late equaliser denies victory as McCreesh sees red
Ten-man Port Talbot Town were held to a 1-1 draw at Haverfordwest County on Friday night. Lee John handed Mark Jones side an early lead after 24 minutes but Port Talbot were reduced to ten-man when midfielder Liam McCreesh was shown his second yellow card just before half-time. Haverfordwest used their numerical advantage in the second half but their equalising goal did not arrive until the 90th minute when Steffan Williams scored from close range. A further concern for Port Talbot will be an injury to goalkeeper Lee Kendall as he limped through the second half of the match against his former club.
Click here for match report

10th September 2009
Jones expects on perfect playing surface
Mark Jones is confident his side can produce on the leagues best playing surface this Friday night. Port Talbot Town take on rivals Haverfordwest County at their New Bridge Meadow Stadium on what is generally regarded as the best playing surface in the Principality Welsh Premier League and one in which Jones expects his players to enjoy playing on. “I have watched Haverfordwest a few times already and they are a good side,” said Jones in the Port Talbot Guardian. “They have one of the best playing surfaces in this league by a country mile and they always try to play football. Our boys will also have no problems in moving the ball around the park. It is important that we get a result there after our win against TNS at home”. Jones will have his usual selection headache with a full-strength squad to choose from including Wales Under-23 Semi-Pro trio Lee Surman, Scott Barrow and Drew Fahiya who represented Wales against Poland on Tuesday night. A supporters coach leaves The GenQuip Stadium at 5.00pm on Friday night at a reduced price with kick off at Haverfordwest at 7.30pm.

10th September 2009
Under-19’s start new era with home cup match
Manager Mark Pike’s Under-19 side play their first competitive match of the season at home on Sunday. The side take on Bryntirion Athletic at The GenQuip Stadium in the opening match of their MacWhirter League Cup group in what will be an interesting game and difficult test for the new-look side. Mark Pike took charge of the side during the summer and was quick to introduce a policy of progression and development in conjunction with the clubs Academy and Junior sections. A convincing nine goal victory in a friendly over Mynydd during pre-season saw the squad impress with some excellent football and Pike will be looking for more of the same from his side when the competitive fixtures start this weekend. Kick off is at 2.30pm.
Click here for the Under-19 Team Page

8th September 2009
New signings set for County return on Friday night
Two summer signings return to their former club on Friday when Port Talbot Town take on Haverfordwest. Midfielder Neil Thomas left Haverfordwest County during pre-season to complete a move to Port Talbot Town while goalkeeper Lee Kendall played the majority of his Welsh Premier League football at the club having spent six seasons at The New Bridge Meadow and also represented the club in Europe before a move to Rhyl in 2007. Lee John also played for the club on two separate occasions in 2003 and in 2005 and actually scored against Port Talbot Town in a 1-1 draw at Haverfordwest in 2003. Last season Port Talbot Town claimed a 1-0 victory in the corresponding fixture thanks to a goal from Martin Rose. Former Port Talbot Town duo Craig Hanford and Dylan Blain left Haverfordwest during the summer to sign for Carmarthen and Newtown respectively and although manager Derek Brazil has made a number of signings including former Goytre striker Robbie Walters, the side have had a mixed start to the season and last weekend lost 3-1 at Airbus UK Broughton. A supporters coach will be leaving The GenQuip Stadium on Friday at 5.00pm with kick off at Haverfordwest at 7.30pm.

8th September 2009
Battling performance but Wales slip to Polish defeat
Lee Surman captained the Wales Under-23 team on Tuesday night but could not prevent a 2-1 defeat. Surman was joined in the starting line-up by Scott Barrow for the Under-23 Semi-Pro International against Poland at Carmarthen while Drew Fahiya made an influential appearance as a second half substitute as three players represented Port Talbot Town in the match. Wales went two goals behind in the opening half but a committed performance in the second half enabled them to a pull a goal back through Llanelli’s Craig Moses when he followed up on a saved penalty from Wrexham striker Marc Williams. Port Talbot Town manager Mark Jones was in attendance together with the majority of the 1st team squad as well as a number of fans from the club to show their support for the three players.

7th September 2009
Blues trio ready for Poland challenge on Tuesday night
Port Talbot’s Lee Surman, Scott Barrow and Drew Fahiya represent Wales on Tuesday against Poland. The Under-23 Semi-Pro International friendly takes place at Carmarthen’s Richmond Park ground and a large contingent of Port Talbot Town supporters are expected to attend in support of the trio in what is another superb accomplishment for the football club. Defender Lee Surman has captained the side during the last few International games while Scott Barrow and Drew Fahiya will be making their debuts at this level. Admission for the match is just £3 for adults and £1 for concessions with kick off at 7.30pm.

7th September 2009
Jones brushes away title talk after Saints victory
Manager Mark Jones has dismissed press claims that his side can mount a title challenge. Jones made his aims for the season clear before a ball was kicked but having taken seven points from a tough opening four games, including a 2-0 win over former champions The New Saints on Saturday, many believe that his squad can pressure the leading teams this season. “I repeat what I said at the start of the season,” said Jones in the Western Mail. “My aim is to see us in the top 10 and qualify for the new super league. I believe there will be a major casualty in qualifying for the new league, a team that’s been in the division for over eight years. To lose out would be devastating for any club and that’s what we must focus on. People down South have no idea what’s going on up North. Clubs like Bala and Prestatyn are paying high wages for players so this is a tough league this season.” Jones was keen to talk about Saturdays win over The New Saints however and praised the performance of his entire squad. “Every player who took part put in a real excellent show,” Jones told Afan FM after the match. “We've played three of the best sides in the league, and we've come away with seven, so we're very happy with what we've got. I have to give the players a lot of credit, to bounce back after playing a fantastic Rhyl side. When you get a title favourite coming down, they're not used to being two behind, maybe they lost their rag a little before we did, but we have to deal with that”. Port Talbot Town are now back in action on Friday night away to Haverfordwest County with a supporters coach leaving The GenQuip Stadium at 5.00pm. Kick off is at 7.30pm.
Click here for TNS match report and photos

7th September 2009
Junior fixtures now updated for new season
Fixtures for all the junior teams from Under-7’s to Under-16’s are now available together with opening weekend results. The links for each teams page are on the left hand menu of the home page and managers are encouraged to send in their news, reports and photos during the season. The Under-16 team started their season in style with a 13-0 win over Corus Steel to take them top of the table after the opening weekend.

7th September 2009
Veterans season delayed by Bryntirion withdrawal
The newly-formed Veterans team were due to start their season on Sunday until Bryntirion withdrew from the league. The former champions have now been replaced by Swansea-based Ragged School to join Port Talbot Town in their group alongside Dafen Welfare and Swansea Veterans. Port Talbot Town are now expected to start their season on Sunday, 13th September at home to Ragged School.
Click here for the Veterans Team fixtures

5th September 2009
McCreesh double sinks the Saints
Liam McCreesh scored twice on Saturday as Port Talbot defeated The New Saints 2-0 at The GenQuip Stadium. Midfielder McCreesh grabbed his two goals in the opening half to claim a deserved victory for Mark Jones side and leave The New Saints without a win at Port Talbot Town since 2003. Lee John and Gareth Phillips returned to the starting line-up replacing the injured Karl Lewis and Drew Fahiya who was named on the bench. Despite having the better of the possession, The New Saints failed to trouble Port Talbot Town goalkeeper Lee Kendall as Port Talbot defended well and caused problems for the visitors pushing forward.
Click here for TNS match report and photos

4th September 2009
Saints coach warns against Port Talbot complacency
The New Saints assistant manager Mike Davies was warned his players ahead of Saturdays match. The current league leaders visit The GenQuip Stadium on Saturday boasting the only 100% record in the Principality Welsh Premier League having claimed three wins from their opening three games. The Saints have not won at Port Talbot Town since 2003 however and Davies is expecting a difficult match. “We have never had an easy game down there so we must ensure we stick to our game-plan and not worry too much about them,” warned Davies in the Evening Leader. “I have been happy with our start to the season but every game poses its challenges and we must prepare for them accordingly”. Admission for the match is just £6 for adults and only £4 for concessions. Kick off is at 2.30pm with highlights on S4C programme Sgorio Cymru.

4th September 2009
Reid ready for live Sky Sports Masters Final on Sunday
Paul Reid will represent Leicester City at the Final of the Masters tournament on Sky Sports this weekend. Port Talbot Town 1st Team coach Reid played an important part in Leicester winning their area competition of the five-a-side tournament during the summer but the side will now have a much tougher test ahead of them on Sunday evening when they take on the other seven area winners. Leicester kick off Sundays Final against Wolverhampton Wanderers who include former striker and current Sky Sports pundit Don Goodman in their line-up and should they progress they will take on the winners of Celtic v Tranmere Rovers. Middlesbrough have the strongest squad on paper with Graham Kavangh and Dean Windass named in their squad while Leicester have former Turkish International Muzzy Izzet in their squad alongside Reid. The event is live from Liverpool’s Echo Arena on Sky Sports 1 on Sunday from 7.00pm.
Click here for more information on Paul Reid

3rd September 2009
Fahiya earns place in Wales Under-23 squad
Drew Fahiya has been added to the Wales Under-23 squad for Tuesdays match against Poland. Despite not being named in the original stand-by list, Fahiya has been brought in to replace injured Haverfordwest striker Jack Christopher and takes his place in the eighteen man squad alongside Port Talbot Town team-mates Scott Barrow and Lee Surman. The Semi-Pro International match takes place on Tuesday at Carmarthen’s Richmond Park and the inclusion of three players in the squad of eighteen from the club is a tremendous achievement and is credit to the turnaround in fortunes under the management of Mark Jones. “We are delighted to have three players representing Wales at this level”, said Chairman Andrew Edwards. “As a club we are continually striving to bring young players through the ranks and to have three players representing Wales at Under-23 level is something we are extremely proud of”. Sion Edwards of Bangor City is the other addition to the squad as he replaces Levi Mackin of York City. Llanelli are the only other Principality Welsh Premier League club to have three players in the squad with Blue Square Premier side Wrexham leading the list with five players. Port Talbot Town are expected to take a number of fans to the match with both Drew Fahiya and Scott Barrow making their debuts at this level while defender Lee Surman has captained the side in their last few games. Kick off at Carmarthen on Tuesday is at 7.30pm with admission £3 for adults and £1 for concessions.
Click here for more information on Drew Fahiya
Click here for more information on Scott Barrow
Click here for more information on Lee Surman

3rd September 2009
In-form Saints out of form at the Blues
The New Saints visit The GenQuip Stadium on Saturday having not won at the ground since 2003. Despite currently being the only club in the league to have won their opening three league games, Port Talbot Town has not been a successful venue for the club in recent years and their last victory arrived back in 2003 when they registered a 4-1 win. The next two seasons resulted in draws between the two clubs before Port Talbot recorded a 2-1 win in 2006-2007 and a 1-0 victory in 2007-2008. Last season the clubs played out a 0-0 draw and another close match is expected on Saturday as the side look to return to form after last weekends defeat at Rhyl. Manager Mark Jones is expected to have a full squad of players available for selection with Lee John returning from injury in Tuesdays Challenge Cup win at Carmarthen. Kick off is at 2.30pm with admission just £6 for adults and only £4 for concessions.

2nd September 2009
Neath Cup match moved due to International call-ups
Next weeks scheduled Challenge Cup match at Neath has been moved to Tuesday, 29th September. The match has been switched due to Port Talbot Town duo Scott Barrow and Lee Surman being named in the Wales Under-23 Semi-Pro squad to take on Poland at Carmarthen’s Richmond Park on the original date of the fixture, Tuesday, 8th September. A number of Port Talbot Town supporters are expected to attend the match which will see Scott Barrow make his debut at that level while Lee Surman has captained the side in their last few games. Kick off at Carmarthen on Tuesday is at 7.30pm. Admission for the International friendly is £3 for adults and £1 for concessions.

2nd September 2009
Juniors kick off new season on Saturday
Our Under-12’s, Under-14’s and Under-16’s start their respective league campaigns on Saturday. The Under-12 team are home to Cwmavon BGC in their opening fixture playing 11-a-side football while the Under-14 Blues are in action at home to Baglan BGC ‘B’. The Under-14 Yellows start their season at home to Cwmavon BGC while the Under-16 side are also home as they take on Corus Steel. Youth team manager Mark Pike is keen to see players progress from the junior section of the club through the Academy to represent the Under-19’s and eventually into the clubs Welsh Premier League team. All the junior teams would appreciate as much as support as possible and full fixtures for each team are now published on their respective pages of the website.
Click here for the Under-12 team page
Click here for the Under-14 Blues and Yellows teams page
Click here for the Under-16 team page

1st September 2009
Jones spoilt for team selection choice after win
Manager Mark Jones made six changes to his side on Tuesday night to add to his selection headache. After a 2-0 defeat at Rhyl on Saturday, Jones new-look side defeated Carmarthen Town 1-0 in the Loosemores Solicitors Challenge Cup on Tuesday night to put his entire squad in the frame for Saturdays match against The New Saints at The GenQuip Stadium. Leigh De-Vulgt, Neil Thomas, Drew Fahiya, Liam McCreesh and captain Matthew Rees were all left out of the squad on Tuesday as Andy Boslem, Gary Bansor, Lloyd Grist, Gareth Phillips, Matthew Thompson and Nicky Holland were offered a place in the starting line-up and it was Holland who scored the only goal of the game to maintain his 100% scoring record in the competition. Jones now must decide on his squad for the match against The New Saints who are the only club currently in the league to have won all of their opening three games. Admission is just £6 for adults and only £4 for concessions. Kick off is at 2.30pm with match highlights on S4C programme Sgorio Cymru.
Click here for Carmarthen Town match report

1st September 2009
Carmarthen win moves Blues closer to Cup qualification
A single goal from Nicky Holland was enough to extend Port Talbot Challenge Cup lead on Tuesday. Holland scored the only goal of the game after 41 minutes as Port Talbot Town claimed a 1-0 victory against Carmarthen Town at Richmond Park to move Mark Jones side five points clear at the top of their group in the Loosemores Solicitors Challenge Cup. Jones made six changes to the side that suffered a 2-0 reverse at Rhyl on Saturday and his squad players more than impressed with another strong cup performance to claim the victory against a strong Carmarthen Town side that featured a total of five former Port Talbot Town players.
Click here for Carmarthen Town match report
Click here for fixtures, results and latest Challenge Cup tables