County snap up Worley

Newport County have made former Chelsea defender Harry Worley their third summer signing.

Worley, 24, began his career at Stockport County before Chelsea paid £150,000 to take him to Stamford Bridge.

He failed to make a first team appearance under Jose Mourinho, despite being an unused substitute in the 2007 Community Shield loss to Manchester United, but had loan spells at Doncaster Rovers, Carlisle United and Leicester City, where he moved permanently.

But again a lack of first team action at the King Power Stadium saw him loaned out to Luton Town and Crewe Alexandra before he joined Oxford United in 2010, making more than 50 appearances and scoring twice.

He was released by the Us at the end of last season, where he was a team-mate of fellow new signing Adam Chapman who joined earlier this month. The 6ft 4inches defender has been given a one-year deal at Rodney Parade.

As with Chapman and new striker Chris Zebroski, Newport boss Justin Edinburgh said he had got the man he wanted, adding: “Things are starting to take shape as we head into a busy pre-season schedule next month.

“There are a couple more targets I would like to add, but as in the past I will not name them until it’s done and dusted and the ink is dry.”

Newport’s ‘silence until signed’ policy seems to have worked for them so far as they continue preparations for their first Football League campaign in 25 years. They managed to beat off other suitors to Worley’s signature, with a utility full-back also said to be close to signing.

Edinburgh is then set to run the rule over a number of trialists when the playing staff return for pre-season, with a goalkeeper to provide competition for No1 Lenny Pidgeley a priority.

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Cardiff realise Premier League dream on busy Tuesday night for Welsh football

Cardiff City clinched promotion to the Premier League for the first time after etching out a tense scoreless draw with Charlton Athletic.

April 16 is proving to be a popular date with the club as it was on the same day in 1960 that the Bluebirds last clinched promotion to English football’s top flight, while it also continues an incredible run of clinching promotion in 1983, 1993, 2003 and 2013.

The match may not have been the exciting promotion clincher most had hoped for, but that didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of any of the thousands who charged on to the pitch at the final whistle before eventually being cleared off so that manager Malky Mackay and his players could emerge to join in the celebrations.

In fact, Cardiff were indebted to goalkeeper and sure-fire player-of-the-season contender David Marshall for pulling off a string of fine saves, while Charlton skipper Johnnie Jackson curled a free-kick on to the post.

But Cardiff weren’t toothless either, and talisman Craig Bellamy curled over after great work from Jordon Mutch and Aron Gunnarsson, and Andrew Taylor smashed the outside of the post with a fierce drive seconds after the break.

Leon Barnett and Kim Bo-Kyung asked questions of visiting ‘keeper Ben Hamer, and when Craig Noone did eventually get the ball in the back of the net the linesman’s flag halted his celebrations.

A winning goal would have all but secured the title on the same night with both Hull and Watford losing, but the City fans were delighted with their lot as they only needed a point for promotion before kick-off.

The stadium ruptured with dancing, singing and grown men hugging, laughing and in some cases crying as news filtered through of Millwall taking the lead against the Hornets, making the evening’s result void in the promotion race.

A relieved and beaming Mackay said after the final whistle: “I am very proud of the football club. This is an occasion the people of this club have waited a long time for and [they] have gone through a lot of disappointment along the way.

“There is a formula for promotion. You have got to have good people. Good players, but good people and good characters with athleticism who want to push themselves.

“We have been top since November, there to be chased, shot at, ignored, criticised – but within the camp we have stayed focussed.

“We have done everything it has taken. The group have stayed focussed, they have listened to the staff and prepared properly and I am so happy for this group.”

In the Blue Square Bet Premier, there were draws for both Welsh clubs as Wrexham were held 1-1 at home by Braintree, and Newport County played out an entertaining 2-2 draw at Luton Town.

Two early goals decided the encounter at The Racecourse. Player manager Andy Morrell chipped the Dragons in to a third-minute lead, before the FA Trophy winners were pegged back in the 18^th by a crisp drive from Braintree’s Ben Wright that delighted the eight travelling supporters.

The game wasn’t of the highest quality, but Wrexham did their best to force a winner despite seeing top scorer Danny Wright leave the field with a dislocated elbow which will rule him out for the remainder of the season, including the promotion play-off campaign.

Brett Ormerod headed over from close range, Morrell missed a couple of chances, including a volley acrobatically saved by visiting ‘keeper Nathan McDonald, and Johnny Hunt fired wide when in space.

Morrell bemoaned his side’s injury woes, saying: “I don't know if I've walked under a ladder or in front of a hundred black cats because our luck at the moment is horrendous.

“I feel for [Wright] because he deserves to be in the play-offs. It couldn't have been a worse night. To say I'm depressed is an understatement.

“I simply can’t send my strongest team to Mansfield on Saturday. The play-off on Tuesday or Wednesday is too important, so we’ll have to suck it up and see. I’ll send what I can but I can’t risk losing any more players because I haven’t [currently] got 11 to put out.”

Christian Jolley came off the bench to net a brace as Newport twice came from behind to secure their ninth game unbeaten since being defeated by Stockport on March 23.

Andre Gray was also at the double for the hosts, scoring 12 minutes in and 12 minutes before full-time.

Aaron O’Connor fluffed an early chance to punish his former employers, and Gray punished his profligacy by netting from a David Martin cross for his 17^th goal of the season.

Connor Washington rounded Luton ‘keeper Dean Brill but his weak effort was cleared by the covering Lathaniel Rowe-Turner, before Gray tried to chip Newport stopper Lenny Pidgeley but also cleared the crossbar.

Jon Shaw tried the same route and this time hit the bar for the hosts, and these missed chances were punished when sub Jolley pounced on an error between Brill and Rowe-Turner to equalise six minutes after the break.

Gray fired Luton back in front, before Jolley squared it up once more with six left on the clock with a header.

County manager Justin Edinburgh said afterwards: “It was enjoyable. We both went for the win, [and] it was an open game with some good football at times, but we’re disappointed not to win it to be honest.

“I was worried when they went 2-1 up, but as Christian [Jolley] has done all season he just popped up with an equaliser towards the end.

“I thought we were going to be on the end of a defeat we didn’t deserve, but credit to the players they skept going and went to the end tonight. I’m pleased with the result.”

In the Blue Sqaure Bet North Division, Colwyn Bay gave their supporters hope of their own ‘Great Escape’ from relegation with a superb 3-1 win at promotion-chasing Brackley Town.

Rob Hopley headed home Shelton Payne’s cross, before Jamie Ellison doubled the lead through a well-struck free-kick. Tom Smyth headed in to his own net to allow Brackley back in to the game just before the break, but Ellison secured the win on 55 minutes with another fine strike as the hosts pushed hard throughout the second period to try and earn a share of the spoils.

The impressive Chris Sanna in The Seagulls’ goal once again did everything in his power to see the North Walians home.

The result moves The Bay to within three points of Corby Town with two games in hand and re-ignites hopes they could yet save themselves.

Player-manager Frank Sinclair said: “My voice has been missed on the pitch [while I was suspended], and I could kick myself because if I hadn’t got myself sent off (against Altrincham) we might well have been safe by now.

“I was very proud of the boys, I thought to a man they were superb. We’ve got three or four players carrying knocks but they all wanted to play and that is the spirit you want when you [are] in our position.”

Merthyr Town also cemented their place in the play-off positions in the Evo-Stik League Southern Division One South & West with a comfortable 2-0 win over Taunton Town.

Ryan Prosser and Gary Colborne got the all-important goals that sees them close the gap on Swindown Supermarine and Paulton Town above them to just a point as the Swindon-based side went down 3-0 at Shortwood United and Paulton weren’t in action.

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Defeats for Welsh teams in Blue Square pyramid

Both Newport County and Colwyn Bay took knockbacks in the chase of their respective goals last night (March 19), as Wrexham saw yet another match rained off.

County gave away a last-minute winner to promotion rivals Kidderminster Harriers at Rodney Parade, a result that saw them miss the chance to close the gap on top spot in the Blue Square Premier. Meanwhile, the Bay went down 3-0 at home to Halifax as they continue to fight against relegation from the Blue Square North.

The Exiles welcomed Kidderminster to south Wales knowing they could close the gap on leaders Mansfield to five points as their game at Wrexham had fallen foul to the weather. But a win for the visitors would see them top, so both sides went for the jugular.

County will be delighted to see top scorer Aaron O’Connor back from injury, but neither he, Lee Minshull or Christian Jolley could find the back of the net. Michael Gash then gave the Harriers the lead from Anthony Malbon’s cross.

Andy Sandell equalised within four minutes, firing through a crowded penalty area, but they could not put the ball past visiting ‘keeper Danny Lewis a second time. Jolley hit the post, and Lewis saved from him from point blank range, before Cheyenne Dunkley was first to a rebound in the final moments after the ball had hit the crossbar to break home hearts.

Despite the late drama, Newport boss Justin Edinburgh was in buoyant mood, saying: “This is one game ticked off out of 12 and we’ve got another one on Thursday. We haven’t really got time to reflect or feel sorry for ourselves. We’ve just got to chalk up as many wins as we can from these 11 games.

“On another night, after creating so many chances, this could easily have been a victory for us.”

Newport have decided to boost their squad for the run in by signing former Bristol Rovers right back Michael Boateng from Blue Square South side Sutton United on a short-term deal.

He watched his new team last night, who ate up one of their games in hand over Mansfield and Wrexham, and adds extra depth to a side facing 12 games before April 20.

“I’ve signed until the end of the season with a view to [signing] a new deal [then],” he said. “Hopefully it all goes well and I can stay here for a long time.”

Boateng’s signing will provide a silver lining for the club, alongside promotion rivals Grimsby’s 1-0 loss at Nuneaton.

Colwyn Bay player/manager Frank Sinclair believed that certain players “let everybody down” as his side crashed to their third straight defeat.

Had it not been for goalkeeper Chris Sanna the scoreline could have been far worse, and Sinclair was far from pleased with what he saw on the day he learned he faces a five-match ban for his third red card of the season in Saturday’s loss to Altrincham.

“It’s worrying that we’ve not been ourselves over the last couple of games,” he said. “We’ve not shown the belief that we have had in the previous games and there are a few questions I have to ask myself about certain performances.

“We’re better than that [performance], and I’ve got to try and drive these boys forward because there are still 33 points to play for, which is a lot of points.

“We don’t want to just pack [it] in. I’ve said to the boys it is too important. It’s important to the club and to me as the new player/manager, and it’s got to be as important to them as well. It’s got to be life or death every time they walk out onto that grass - and I’m demanding that out of them.

“But I believe in them 100 per cent, and it’s up to me to get the best out of them.”

Lee Gregory had put the visitors 1-0 up in the first-half, and just 25 seconds in to the second, Dan Gardner sent Gareth Seddon away to round Sanna and make it 2-0. Chris Worsley later added a third.

The result leaves the Seagulls still four points from safety. The team above them, Corby, are playing Solihull Moors at home tonight (March 20) and will be looking to stretch the gap to seven points.

Sinclair added that with himself missing five games, he may try and bring in cover before the signing deadline next Thursday (March 28).

Merthyr Town continue their promotion push in the Evo-Stik League Southern Division One South & West tonight with a trip to Taunton Town.

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Cardiff capitalise on rivals’ blips to increase Championship lead

Cardiff City’s 2-0 victory at Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday (March 16) tasted all the sweeter with news of defeats for Hull and Watford, and then Crystal Palace on Sunday (March 17).

The Bluebirds increased their lead at the top of the table to seven points again courtesy of Don Cowie and Matt Connolly goals, while Hull crashed 2-1 at home to Nottingham Forest and Watford went down 1-0 at Barnsley. Palace were them thumped 3-0 by fierce rivals Brighton at lunch time on Sunday.

Those results brought a sense of relief to Cardiff fans who were starting to get a bit jittery with their own team’s recent stuttering form. But the match wasn’t without its share of heart in mouth moments, particularly when former Swansea striker Leroy Lita had the ball in the net in the final minutes as the linesman raised his flag for offside.

“It’s another three points towards where we want to go,” said boss Malky Mackay, whose side still have a game in hand over the chasing pack. “We’ve been top since November 24 and it’s a long time to be there and be shot at, discussed, debated – I’m very pleased with the mental strength of our players to deal with that.

“They just keep taking on the team that’s in front of them and going on to the next one. You have to keep entering into those battles and eventually you start to win them. We kept at it and got the result we deserved.”

In the Premiership, Swansea City lost their second successive fixture as Arsenal avenged their victory at the Emirates earlier this season with a 2-0 win.

Nacho Monreal and Gervinho scored in the last quarter of an hour to inflict Swansea’s third home defeat of the season, whose best chances were squandered by Michu and Angel Rangel, a heavy touch ending the full-back’s one-on-one chance with Gunners’ ‘keeper Lukasz Fabianski.

Arsenal could even have had a third, but Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain saw his effort rattle the crossbar after cutting inside Rangel.

Captain Ashley Williams expressed his dismay at the Jacks’ “flat” performance, urging them not to ruin what has been a brilliant season for the club.

“I don’t think we played very well,” he said. “It was the same as last week, maybe even worse.

“It’s disappointing to lose 2-0 at home. It was flat, I’m not too sure why. I’d never question the lack of effort, there was just no intensity, no tempo, no urgency. In the second half we never looked like scoring.

“We’ve got to find that motivation. If that’s what some people are lacking, they’ve got to find it. I can’t imagine that they are, but it’s important for us [to win] as much as anybody else.”

In the Conference, Newport’s game against Macclesfield was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch at Rodney Parade, while Wrexham were held to a goal-less draw with Luton Town at the Racecourse.

The result saw the Dragons blow the chance to climb back above Mansfield to the top of the table, as Luton cleared efforts from Dele Adebola and Martin Riley off the line, while veteran Hatters ‘keeper Mark Tyler stopped efforts from Adebola and Brett Ormerod.

Stephen Wright could have nicked it at the end, but he nodded wide from six yards.

The top two were due to face each other at the Racecourse tonight (March 19), but that game has been called off due to an unplayable pitch.

Newport, on the other hand, return to action with a crunch promotion clash with play-off rivals Kidderminster Harriers tonight (March 19). A win for The Exiles would move them within two points of their visitors, who currently sit third in the table, but Newport do have four games in hand over them and Wrexham, and three over Mansfield, whom they trail by eight points.

In the Blue Square North, Colwyn Bay’s mini revival under player/manager Frank Sinclair was further halted with a disappointing home defeat to Altrincham.

Former Chelsea defender Sinclair saw red after 83 minutes for using what the referee deemed to be an elbow in an off-the-ball clash with the league’s leading goalscorer, Damian Reeves, to round off a miserable day for the strugglers.

The visitors shaded the first half, and took the lead after 22 minutes. A low cross from Shaun Densmore saw Reeves fire home from close range.

They got their second on 54 minutes when Reeves converted a Nicky Clee cut back, but almost immediately, Bay pulled one back when substitute Jason Lampkin scored with almost his first touch.

Any hopes Seagulls fans had of a comeback were then halted when Duncan Watmore beat two defenders and expertly finished inside the area to kill the game on 80 minutes, before Sinclair’s dismissal three minutes later.

They remain in the relegation zone going in to tonight’s game with promotion contenders FC Halifax, four points from Corby and safety, although with two games in hand over them.

“We’ve given it a go, tried to be positive and been a bit unlucky at times, but it was always going to be a hard test because they are a good side and are not fifth in the table for nothing,” said Sinclair after the Altrincham defeat. “They’ve got the league’s top scorer in their side, and unfortunately we have caught him at a time when he has just started scoring goals again after a lean spell.

“But we go again. These aren’t the games that will get us relegated. We’re still in touch with teams immediately above us which is important, and we’ve got some big games coming up against teams that are down there with us. It is the results in those games that are going to decide things.”

Finally, Merthyr Town’s Evo-Stik League Southern Division One South & West match away at Didcot Town also had to be postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

They sit fourth in the table as they chase promotion, but hold games in hand over most of the sides around them.

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Wrexham and Newport continue promotion charges in good night for Welsh football

Wrexham and Newport County picked up vital wins on Tuesday (March 5) evening as they chase life in the Football League, while none of Wales’ English league clubs went down to defeat.

Wrexham comfortably dealt with Ebbsfleet 4-1 at home to cement their place at the top of the Blue Square Premier, but Newport were involved in a much closer tie, grabbing a last minute winner in a 3-2 victory at Hereford’s Edgar Street.

In the Blue Square North, Colwyn Bay also picked up a vital win in their fight against relegation by coming from behind to win 2-1 at Harrogate Town, while Cardiff City and Merthyr Town picked up a point each in their respective promotion pushes.

Wrexham went in to their game against struggling Ebbsfleet as favourites and flew out of the blocks. On three minutes, on-loan Rochdale striker Dele Adebola tucked home a rebound after a Danny Wright shot had been blocked, and he expertly played in Kevin Thornton on 11 minutes who cut the ball back for Brett Ormerod to double the lead.

Thornton then notched his third goal in as many games as a static Ebbsfleet defence watched him curl a shot home from the edge of the box, before Rob Ogleby, who had replaced a limping Adebola, celebrated his new contract at the club by making it 4-0 on the stroke of half-time.

Nathan Elder pulled a goal back for the visitors on 77 minutes, but the impressive victory ensures that the club now have a three-point cushion between themselves and second-placed Kidderminster, plus they have a game in hand.

Player/manager Andy Morrell was pleased with how clinical his side were in the first 45 minutes, saying: “I thought we were really good first half. It helps getting an early goal, but we did that on Saturday (against Alfreton) and we didn’t continue at the same tempo as we did out there.

“When we get the tempo and move it we are a handful, and it was enjoyable to watch in the first half. The second half was difficult because it was harder to say we have to go again. We created chances but were not as clinical in the second half as we were in the first.”

Newport County showed character of their own in a tricky mid-week visit to Herefordshire – twice coming from behind and then nicking it to send the away support, who numbered more than 1,100, delirious.

Captain David Pipe wasn’t at the races on this occasion and three times he conceded penalties, but the hosts only took advantage of two of them – former Chelsea stopper Lenny Pidgeley dealing with the first.

Midfield enforcer Lee Minshull twice equalised for the Exiles with headers, and with their fans probably happy to be escaping with one point, substitute Robbie Willmott popped up to nick all three.

With promotion rivals Kidderminster and Forest Green both losing, Newport move level on points with second-placed Kiddy, three behind Wrexham, but hold three games in hand over The Dragons.

County boss Justin Edinburgh was delighted that his team had never given up, saying: “The players deserved all the applause they received tonight because they could have let their heads drop and could have felt hard done by, but credit to them they have gone right to the end and got themselves back in the game.

“We had to dig in, it was a derby with a fantastic atmosphere, and we had to come from behind twice. That is testament to the character and belief in the dressing room right now. We just edged it and just deserved it.”

Colwyn Bay conceded the opening goal at Harrogate after just 75 seconds. But rather than capitulate as they might have a few weeks ago, they fought back to claim a vital win that gives their survival chances a real boost.

Newly appointed player/manager Frank Sinclair saw his attempted clearance from a long ball canon off home striker Dominic Knowles, who ran through and slotted home.

But on 11 minutes The Seagulls equalised: a Shelton Payne cross was blocked, but when the ball ran back to him on the edge of the box he curled the ball deliciously in to the far corner.

The Bay pushed on, and on 25 minutes they were ahead when Payne again was involved, dribbling in to the area and cutting back for Mike Lea to score.

Harrogate hit the bar and had a goal rightly disallowed for handball as they pushed for an equaliser, but Bay hung on to make it four games unbeaten for Sinclair, and he was full of praise for two men he has brought back to the club – Danny Meadowcroft and Frazer McLachlan.

He said: “I’ve been thinking about the team we had when I first came to club and how difficult we were to beat. Danny Meads and Fraz (McLachlan) were a big part of that team and I am chuffed to bits to have them both back.

“Danny is Colwyn Bay through and through, and with Robbie Williams likely to be joining Hyde this week, he is a timely signing and provides another option for us in defence.

“Fraz has been wanting to come back and he showed his experience tonight. He got his foot on the ball, broke things up and made a super reverse pass to start the move which led to our second goal.”

In the Championship, Cardiff City's mini wobble continued as substitute Craig Noone rescued a point in a 1-1 draw with Derby County at Cardiff City Stadium.

Derby had looked the better side for much of this encounter, and Cardiff will probably feel a little indebted to the officials who perhaps wrongly ruled out a Chris Martin first-half goal for offside, missed what looked a pretty obvious Ben Turner block with his arm inside the penalty area, and who could have sent off young defender Ben Nugent, who grabbed an opponent with both arms when clean through. But again, referee Darren Deadman waved play on.

Conor Sammon capitalised on a Craig Conway error to put Derby ahead with 15 minutes left, but Noone capitalised on Derby ‘keeper Adam Legzdins first mistake of the evening in running out for a cross he was never going to get to by coolly nodding home.

The former Brighton winger could have won it late on but his delightful curler after cutting inside just drifted past the far post.

Despite the result and fairly subdued performance, boss Malky Mackay refuted claims his side were feeling the pressure, saying: “It’s not always going to go the way you want it to, everyone is fighting for everything in this league. If there were nerves, surely we don’t come back at the end, score the goal and nearly get the winner.

“There was two or three individual errors that culminated in Conor Sammon scoring. At any point if one person had done something differently they don’t score. They know that. That’s disappointing because if they score a fantastic goal, you hold your hands up. That hasn’t happened on many occasions this season, certainly not at this stadium.”

A slightly patchwork Merthyr Town also continued their play-off push with a goal-less draw with Cirencester Town at Pennydarren Park.

Both sides created chances, with Merthyr in particular having two efforts cleared off the line and hitting the bar in the first half.

Cirencester were giving as good as they got, starting the second half much the better, but the Martyrs again began to take control and Ryan Prosser sent a header straight at the visiting ‘keeper as the draw was ground out.

The result leaves Merthyr fourth in the Evo-Stik League Southern – Division One South & West, level on points with third-placed Swindown Supermarine. They are 15 points behind leaders Hungerford Town, but have five games in hand over the table toppers.

The club’s Twitter feed said of the game: “0-0…but don't know how”.

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Halfpenny, Dyer and James star in stellar weekend for Welsh sport

Leigh Halfpenny, Nathan Dyer and Becky James were just three names on the lips of Welsh sports fans this morning (February 25) after a memorable weekend for sport in the country.

It was a weekend that saw the Six Nations continue its upturn, the first British cyclist win four medals at one World Championships, and Swansea City become the first Welsh club to bring the League Cup across the Severn Bridge in to Wales.

There were glory tales all over the country, as Wrexham, Cardiff City and Newport County also contributed to 48 hours of celebration.

James kicked off the celebrations early with two bronze medals at the 2013 Track Cycling World Championships in Minsk earlier in the week, continuing the country’s love affair with the sport since the heroics at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.

Her first world title then came via a thrilling fightback to beat Germany’s Kristina Vogel in the sprint final on Saturday.

The 21-year-old from Abergavenny lost the first race but then levelled and memorably won the decider to send the travelling British contingent in to raptures.

“It’s unbelievable,” she said. “I can’t believe this has just happened to me. I’m world champion and I can't believe it!”

Meanwhile, in Rome, the Welsh rugby side were restoring their country’s faith in the national sport with a solid if unspectacular 26-9 victory over Italy to keep their hopes of a Six Nations title alive.

Leigh Halfpenny kicked 16 of Wales’ points – four penalties and converting tries by Jonathan Davies and Alex Cuthbert - which put Wales in a commanding position on the hour.

Then the defence stood up to the mark and continually repelled the Italian attack, who only registered three penalties through the boot of Kris Burton for their efforts.

The win secured Wales’ fourth successive away victory in the championship, a feat not achieved since 1979, and coach Shaun Edwards was delighted with the Welsh efforts in horrendous rain at the Stadio Olympico.

He said: “If you’d come up with that scoreline when I saw that rain in the morning, I would have bitten your hand off. It was such a wet day and we knew there were going to be a lot of scrums and I thought our scrum was outstanding.

“Whenever we don't concede any tries I am usually pretty happy.”

In football, Wrexham followed the lead of Cardiff City, Newport County and Swansea City in the past year by securing their place at Wembley.

Their path comes via the FA Trophy final, beating Gainsborough 4-3 on aggregate in the semi-final despite a 2-1 loss at the Blue Square Bet North side in the second leg.

Leading 3-1 from the first leg, Danny Wright extended that advantage with a 20-yard strike before the home side fought back to take the lead on the day.

Despite a second-half onslaught, Wrexham held firm to secure their first appearance at the English national stadium in their 120-year history against Blue Square Bet Premier promotion rivals Grimsby Town.

Player-manager Andy Morrell now wants the club to push on for a historic league and Cup double in the closing months of the season. He said: “York did the double last year so there’s no reason why we can't do it this year.

“The league is the priority so we’ve got to try to stay up the top. We’re still top after this weekend and it’s on to Tuesday and to Barrow away – there’s a comedown for you!

“It’ll be a very similar challenge to Gainsborough and we’ve got to be bang at it to get anything from it.”

Elsewhere, Newport continued to challenge Wrexham at the top of the Blue Square Bet Premier table, beating bottom side AFC Telford 2-1 at Rodney Parade to move in to third, just two points off leaders Wrexham and with a game in hand.

Christian Jolley and Danny Crow got their goals and it could have been more, with Jolley in particular a threat, and former Swan Scott Donnelley striking the post for the Exiles.

Manager Justin Edinburgh said: “I thought we were very efficient on a difficult surface, controlling the game from start to finish.

“I’m disappointed to concede the late goal again for the second week running, but overall I was pleased with the team’s performance.”

Then on Sunday, Cardiff continued the weekend of celebrations by returning their lead at the top of the table to eight points, with a game in hand over second and third, thanks to a tight 2-1 win over luckless Wolves at Molineux.

Frazier Campbell continued his incredible start to life at the Bluebirds with a brace to make it five goals in five games since his January move from Sunderland, before a deflected Bakary Sako free-kick signalled a late Wolves flurry the visitors had to defend against.

Cardiff received some of the luck that had evaded them in the midweek loss at home to Brighton, principally when Wolves striker Sylvain Ebanks-Blake somehow hit the crossbar from close range when it was probably easier to score.

Cardiff boss Malky Mackay was pleased with his team’s defensive efforts, saying: “It was never going to be easy here and I have never had an easy game at Wolves. They have players with Premier League quality and I was delighted with the way that we played and controlled the game to get our three points.

“We knew that Wolves would throw caution to the wind after half-time and they did, and I thought we handled that well. I was pleased with the way we saw the game out in the last 10 or 15 minutes.”

Then came the two biggest results of the weekend.

Swansea City defeated League Two side Bradford City 5-0 at Wembley to win the Capitol One Cup for the first time.

Nathan Dyer and Jonathan de Guzman both scored braces, while Spanish sensation Michu added the fifth to cap a perfect if bitterly cold day for the 33,000 who had travelled along the M4 to witness history.

It could even have been more had it not been for a combination of Bradford heads and feet, and even the crossbar at one point, but the winning margin was the greatest in the competition’s history.

The travelling Jacks were in fine voice throughout, and can now look forward to playing European football next term after securing a place in the third qualifying round of the Europa League – where they could even draw opposition from the Welsh Premier League.

Danish boss Michael Laudrup paid tribute to his opponents whose own run to the final added to the fairytale, saying: “This final will be historical, for us as well as Bradford, because I think what they have done this season is incredible.

“[To win] 5-0, and our first season here, I think it’s absolutely great. And now, [time] just to enjoy it!”

Then, finally, James came back to the fore by securing her second gold in as many days in Minsk to put the cherry on top of a sumptuous cake that Welsh fans had gorged on all weekend.

This time it was the women’s Keirin that brought victory as she fully stepped out of the shadow of Victoria Pendleton after the Olympic hero’s retirement from the sport.

She led from the front, fighting off continued attacks from her rivals to finish with the same number of medals as the entire French team for the event.

She was equally dumbfounded second time around, saying: “Oh my gosh, I can’t believe it. Wow. It’s going to take a good week for it to sink in, or two weeks, or a month.

“I just need someone to pinch me and tell me if it’s really happening to me. I feel like it’s a complete dream, apart from the pain in my legs.”

The 12 months of 2012 were labelled as an unbeatable year for sport in Britain, but this cold, dank February weekend showed that Welsh sport isn’t ready to stop partying yet.

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Newport County sign Griffiths

Blue Square Bet Premier promotion chasers Newport County have added to their strikeforce by signing League of Wales stalwart Rhys Griffiths on a free transfer.

Griffiths (32) was released by Plymouth Argyle last month having only joined in the summer, and has made a quick return to the game by signing for The Exiles.

The former Llanelli, Haverfordwest and Port Talbot Town striker is second in the Welsh Premier League’s all-time goalscoring list with 237 goals in 320 appearances, and was the division’s top scorer in seven consecutive seasons.

County manager Justin Edinburgh will be hoping Griffiths’ goal-getting past will add to their cause, particularly with the division’s top scorer Aaron O’Connor currently sidelined with injury.

He said: “Rhys is a proven goalscorer, and when we knew that he could become available we kept an eye on the situation. He just adds another dimension to the team and he will score goals.  We‘re delighted to have him on board going into a crucial part of the season.”

Griffiths’ best spell came during his time at Llanelli, where he scored 181 goals in 180 appearances for the club.

He was the Welsh Premier League Player of the Year on three occasions, and made the team of the season six times.

While playing as a part-timer in the League of Wales, he also worked as a firefighter with the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

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Former Swansea midfielder a late County signing

Newport County announced a further signing just before the transfer deadline – that of former Swansea and Queens Park Rangers player Scott Donnelly.

The 25-year-old has signed a short-term contract from Farnborough Town until the end of the season, to complete a busy day that saw Wales under-18s captain Lee Evans join Wolves for an undisclosed fee and Hereford’s Will Evans come in on loan.

The club said: “[He] will train with County today [February 1] ahead of the home fixture with Kidderminster Harriers tomorrow [February 2].”

Donnelly was born in Hammersmith on Christmas Day, 1987, and started his career at QPR. After making 13 appearances he moved to Wealdstone, and has also played for the Swans, Aldershot Town, Wycombe Wanderers and Southend United, amassing nearly 150 appearances during his nomadic career.

He also represented England once at under-17 level.

Donnelly has had a busy month. Released by Aldershot on January 11, he was immediately snapped up by Farnborough. After two goals in three appearances, he now finds himself in south Wales for a second time.

A Farnborough statement said: “Donnelly signed for ‘Boro following his departure from Aldershot Town in mid-January, and it was always believed it would be a short term arrangement as he looked to secure a move higher up the pyramid.

“He played in three matches during his short spell with the club, the highlight being his brace which saw off league leaders Salisbury City at Cherrywood Road earlier this week.”

Donnelly said of his brief stint in Hampshire: “It has been short and sweet and I am really grateful for Spencer [Day, Farnborough manager] and Farnborough giving me the opportunity to get some football, the club has a good squad and I have really enjoyed my experience.”

He will now look to secure a first team spot in the Newport midfield now devoid of Lee Evans’ talents, as the Exiles look to secure a place in the Football League.

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One Evans in and one out for Newport

Wales under-18s captain Lee Evans has signed for Wolves for an undisclosed fee from Newport County, while the club have announced the loan signing of Will Evans until the end of the season.

Speaking of his move, 18-year-old Lee said: "The facilities are superb here and it is a great opportunity for me. I do want to thank everyone at Newport for everything they have done, especially the manager Justin Edinburgh for giving me my chance.

"For him to have all that faith in me and pick a 17-year-old to play at Wembley (in the 2-0 FA Trophy Final loss to York City last May) was unbelievable. And Glyn Jones and the Academy have all been great to me as well and helped me develop my game.

"I’m looking forward to a new challenge now and getting going here at Wolves. I'll go into the under-21s set-up and from there it’s up to me to try and impress and, like all the young players, see if I can get in and around the first team squad."

Evans has made a real impact for Justin Edinburgh’s side since making his debut in March 2012. This season has seen him make 22 appearances (18 starts), bagging three goals as The Exiles battle for promotion in to the Football League.

As well as captaining the Welsh under-18s side, Evans also made his debut for the under-23s last summer, and is currently on standby for the Wales under-21s’ friendly with Iceland on February 6 ahead of the senior team’s friendly with Austria in Swansea the same day.

A Newport statement indicated that there had been interest from “a host of Championship and Premiership outfits”, but Wolves appear to have made their move to beat off the competition.

Replacement Will Evans is also a central midfielder, who previously played for Swindon Town.

He has signed to fill the gap left by Lee's departure, with Exiles manager Justin Edinburgh saying: "We have kept a close eye on the situation regarding Lee and did not want to be caught short going into the second half of the season.

"Will can play centre back or centre midfield, and he will strengthen the squad. Will is a player that we have watched and he is the right sort of player to come to the club."

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Newport fans work hard to get the game on

It was a real team effort to get Newport County’s home fixture against Barrow played on Saturday, with 120 fans volunteering to help the groundstaff clear a layer of snow off the pitch.

The Blue Square Bet Premier promotion chasers put out an appeal on Friday afternoon for any supporters who were free on Saturday morning to turn up to their Rodney Parade ground in the city center and help out.

Local business KMMHire and Alice Springs Golf Club even kindly lent the club and its army of volunteers the use of a tractor with its snowplough to help out, and Newport Mayor John Guy also turned up to get stuck in.

A statement on the club’s website yesterday morning informing supporters the game was going ahead, read: “Following the fantastic efforts from the team at Rodney Parade and our loyal supporters, we can confirm that today's game against Barrow AFC will go ahead.

“Our thanks go to everyone involved in clearing the snow from the pitch and stadium.”

Newport underperformed against bottom side Barrow, and went down to a 2-0 defeat that prevented them climbing back to the top of the table. Some supporters using the messageboards at www.the-exiles.co.uk believed that so hastily clearing the pitch had played in to the opposition’s hands.

nfcwales said: “What a stupid thing to do. Barrow’s team talk was easy. ‘They have cleared all this snow and made sure the game was on [because] they are convinced they will beat us, go out there and make them regret it’. And guess what...”

County-at-the-races agreed, adding: “Sometimes I really think the advantage goes to the away team from the team talk point of view. Perhaps next time the players can get...into town earlier and give a helping hand so they appreciate things more.”

But not all agreed, and other posters heartily thanked those that had given up their time to get the game on.

worksopamber said: “It was a fantastic effort to get the game on and had nothing to do with the end result. We lost because we were outplayed and out-fought.

“Nothing stupid in wanting to get a game played on...its scheduled day. Come the end of the season if we are in there pitching, it will be a godsend not to have a fixture pile up like some teams might have.”

Cornish Exile also praised supporters' efforts, adding: “It was a brilliant effort getting the game on, particularly when so many others fell by the wayside.

“For those who felt their efforts were not appreciated by the club, [Newport assistant manager] Jimmy Dack’s press conference...says it all. He praises the fans’ efforts and apologised for the team’s performance.”

Newport now sit a point behind Wrexham at the top of the table after using their game in hand up yesterday. Grimsby Town are third, a further point behind Newport, but they have a game in hand over both Welsh clubs after their game at Braintree Town on Saturday was called off for a frozen pitch.

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Newport County boost squad for promotion push

Blue Square Premier League side Newport County added to their squad ahead of the final leg of the season by signing Cambridge United winger Robbie Willmott and recapturing Christian Jolley on a permanent deal late last week.

Newport sit just a point behind Wrexham at the top of the table, but hold a game in hand over their Welsh rivals, following the 4-2 victory away at Lincoln City on Saturday, in which Willmott immediately endeared himself to the County faithful by scoring a brace.

Manager Justin Edinburgh described their signings as a “major boost”, and praised the County board for completing two big signings in just 24 hours.

He said on the club’s website on Friday: "Every time I have come across [Willmott] as a manager he has caused havoc and he is one that I have kept an eye on for some time.

 

“He's been involved in four play-offs, has experience at this level and will be a major boost for us as we head for the second-half of the season.

 

“He can play on either wing and will give us a different dimension going forward, and I'm pleased to have him on board.

 

“[Jolley is] a great signing for the club. We all know what he brings to the side and it shows the ambitions of the board of directors and the club. We have targeted two players and got them both in the last 24 hours.”

 

The 22-year old Willmott has been capped at England C level and was named in the Conference Team of the Year last season. He has previously played for Luton Town.

 

Jolley, of course, spent time on loan at Rodney Parade from AFC Wimbledon before Christmas, whom he helped in to the Football League in 2011 for the first time since the club was formed in the fallout of Wimbledon FC’s switch to Milton Keynes, and has also previously starred for Kingstonian.

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