Bottom two clash in Welsh Premier

The bottom two in the Welsh Premier clash this evening as Gap Connah’s Quay host Bangor City – with both sides looking to record their first league wins of the campaign.

Both sides have taken just two points from six games so far.

Bangor tossed away a 3-1 lead in their last game – a 3-3 draw at home with Prestatyn, while the Nomads lost 3-1 at home against Rhyl.

And Nomads boss Mark McGregor admits it’s a 'must-win' game for his side tonight.

"I'm under massive pressure, as simple as that," said McGregor.

"With the squad I've got, there's no way we should be bottom of the league."

City’s ex-Quay boss Nev Powell has problems of his own to address and also says the draw with Prestatyn felt like a defeat.

"We were pig sick," said Powell.

"The game was more or less over at 3-1, but then we just gave two poor goals away – which is desperately disappointing.

"We shouldn’t be losing winning leads from that position. We’re switching off and are being punished."

In the other game taking place this evening, unbeaten Aberystwyth – who are third – host Bala Town, who currently sit fourth.

Then tomorrow, second placed Airbus, who are also yet to taste defeat in the league, host Cefn Druids, with Prestatyn at Carmarthen Town and Rhyl hosting Port Talbot.

On Sunday, reigning champions The New Saints host fifth place side Newtown as they look to make it six wins from seven.

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Aizlewood Draws Balls to Determine Home Advantage in Semi Finals

Bala will host Prestatyn and The New Saints will welcome Port Talbot to Park Hall in the Word Cup Semi Finals.

Former Wales international and current Carmarthen Town Manager Mark Aizlewood drew the balls out of the hat to determine which teams secured home advantage in the last four of the competition.

In the Northern Draw, Bala Town will welcome Prestatyn Town and in the Southern Draw The New Saints will entertain Port Talbot.

Both matches will be played on Tuesday November 18^th.

Mark Aizlewood has led Carmarthen to two consecutive Word Cup wins and believes that TNS should win this season’s competition:

‘In all honesty TNS will win the League and possibly the Welsh Cup as well – so with respect I hope that one of the other three teams will win the Word Cup. We’ve been fortunate enough to have won if for the past two seasons and it’s a great competition to be a part of – and even better to win it of course’.

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Five-star TNS show no let up

The Welsh Premier League table already has a familiar look about it as the new season kicks into gear.

Champions The New Saints are unsurprisingly leading the way with 10 points from four games after their latest win – a heavy 5-1 success at Gap Connah’s Quay on Friday night. 

A brace from Greg Draper along with efforts from Adrian Cieslewicz, Alex Darlington and Christian Seargeant secured the victory – while Jack Rowlands netted in consolation for the home side.

Airbus UK are second on seven points having played a game less than TNS as goals in each half from Tom Field and Matty McGinn inspired them to a 2-1 victory at Bangor City on Friday night.

Les Davies netted in consolation for Bangor, who are yet to taste a league victory this season having taken just a point from their opening four games.

In yesterday’s games, Newtown came from 2-0 down at half time before edging their seven-goal thriller 4-3 against Prestatyn Town.

Lee Hunt’s first half double looked to have set Town on their way to victory, but that lead was cancelled out by Jason Orwell’s goal on 49 minutes and a David Hayes own goal on 63 minutes.

The visitors were back in front two minutes later through James Stead, but Orwell’s second of the game on 71 minutes levelled matters once again, before Luke Boundford netted a 73^rd minute winner.

Port Talbot were 4-1 home winners against newly promoted Cefn Druids thanks to braces from Martin Rose and Luke Bowen.

There are two matches this afternoon, as bottom side Rhyl host Aberystwyth and Bala entertain Carmarthen.

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Welsh Premier League preview

A mouth-watering clash between reigning champions The New Saints and Europa League play-off winners Bangor City kicks off the new Welsh Premier League season tomorrow night, WRITES CARL FIELD.

Saints, who won a record eighth league title last season, are looking to make it four wins in a row and a fifth crown in six years, while Bangor – in 2011 – are the only other club to lift the trophy during that period.

Despite seeing their UEFA Champions League adventure ended at the first hurdle, the current Premier League and Welsh Cup double winners are 2/5 on to bag domestic honours once again.

Manager Craig Harrison boasts the only full-time squad in the division – put together on what is comfortably the biggest budget – and it will take a brave punter to bet against them romping to the title once again.

That squad has been bolstered further with the arrival of former Wrexham winger Adrian Cieslewicz.

Newly-promoted Cefn Druids – last season’s Huws Gray Alliance winners – also get their campaign under way on Friday night as they host beaten Welsh Cup finalists Aberystwyth Town.

There have been wholesale changes at the Rock during the close season, with management duo Huw Griffiths and Terry Ingham departing along with all but two of last season’s squad.

Gavin Cadwallader and Adam Hesp remain at the club but a tough first season is expected for new manager John Keegan’s side.

Prestatyn Town verses Gap Connah’s Quay is the other Friday night fixture, in a battle of the two sides who finished 11^th and 10^th respectively last season.

Despite finishing in the bottom two, Prestatyn escaped relegation, thanks to Haverfordwest – the only Welsh League Division One club who applied for promotion – finishing outside the top two.

Airbus UK Broughton, runners up for the past two seasons, will be hoping to push The New Saints closer this season as they begin at home against Port Talbot Town on Saturday.

There are also two other fixtures on Saturday, as Word Cup holders Carmarthen Town entertain Rhyl – who were defeated 2-0 by Bangor in last season’s Europa League play-off.

Elsewhere, last season’s defeated Word Cup finalists Bala Town visit Newtown.

Fri 22 Aug: Cefn Druids v Aberystwyth Town (19:30); Prestatyn Town v Gap Connah's Quay (19:30); The New Saints v Bangor City (19:45).

Sat 23 Aug (all 14:30): Airbus UK Broughton v Port Talbot Town; Carmarthen Town v Rhyl; Newtown v Bala Town.

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Welsh Football Pre-Season Round Up

Welsh Premier outfit Carmarthen Town cruised to a 3-0 home success over neighbours Haverfordwest County.

Liam Thomas bagged a brace for Town in an entertaining encounter at Richmond Park.

Sasha Walters put the home side in front early on before Thomas fired home on 26 and 57 minutes as they eased to victory.

Meanwhile, Ian Sheridan bagged a first half brace as Bala Town continued their preparations for the new season with a 3-0 home success over Denbigh Town who will be playing in the Huws Gray Alliance this season after being Welsh Alliance champions.

Sheridan found the net twice either side of the half hour mark after Mike Hayes had put the hosts in front after 20 minutes.

There was a nine-goal thriller at Old Road as Port Talbot ran out 6-3 winners against Briton Ferry.

The visitors were three up inside 20 minutes with Luke Bowen, Keyon Reffell and Keiron Lewis all getting on the scoresheet, although a brace from Gavin Jones pulled the hosts back to within one goal at the break.

Reffell put the visitors 4-2 up just before the hour mark and, although Darren Mills netted again for the home side, a goal from Martin Rose and another from Bowen dashed any hopes of a home comeback.

Elsewhere, Ryan Wade’s 36^th minute strike handed Airbus UK a narrow 1-0 win at Llandudno in what was a stereotypical pre-season game as both sides continue to build up for the new campaign.

In other action, Newtown AFC ran out convincing 3-0 winners at home against Penycae FC thanks to goals from Luke Boundford, Jason Oswell and Jamie Price.

Gap Connah’s Quay, meanwhile, drew 2-2 at Ashton United in a topsy-turvy encounter that saw them take the lead and then come from 2-1 down to grab a share of the honours.

Finally, Rhyl were no match for a strong Stoke City development side as they went down to a comprehensive 3-0 home defeat at the Corbett Sports Stadium.

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Aberystwyth deducted 3 points by FAW

The FAW have deducted Aberystwyth three points for playing suspended defender Peter Hoy in a match against Connahs Quay at the beginning of January.

The deduction could prove crucial in the race for a top six Championship place, with Aber currently sitting in sixth, but a win for seventh place Rhyl on Saturday at home against Port Talbot would see the Lilywhites leap above the Seasiders.

The Seasiders were also fined £250 and must pay costs of £60 on top of the points deduction.

A statement from the Seasiders read: "As yet the club has not received the panel’s reasons for its decision but as it is manifestly obvious that the panel did not take into account:

• (a) the fact that the Club accepted it had made an administrative error and took responsibility for it and
• (b) very significant mitigatory factors put forward at the hearing, the Club is seriously considering an appeal.

"No further statement will be released until after a decision on the appeal is made. 

"Aberystwyth Town Football Club takes its responsibility towards Welsh Football and the Welsh Premier League very seriously indeed and will have to consider in particular whether any further appeals are in the best interests of the League."

Aberystwyth have until Friday, 7th February 2014 to submit an appeal against the decision of the Disciplinary Panel.

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Welsh League Football Round Up

Airbus UK comfortably saw off Port Talbot’s best efforts as they ran out 3-0 winners to remain top of the Corbett Sports Welsh Premier League.

The Wingmakers continued their fine start to the season with goals from Mike Pearson, Chris Simm and Sam Hart to keep their undefeated record so far intact.

The New Saints currently occupy second place after a battling 2-0 win over Bangor City.

Only a string of saves from Lee Idzi, on his 200^th appearance kept TNS in check.

Michael Wilde put Saints in front with a close-range header before Aeron Edwards’ half-volley doubled the score 90 seconds later.

Carmarthen Town were held to a 1-1 draw away at Prestatyn.

Late goals from Lee Hunt and Kyle Bassett cancelled each other out as both teams had to settle for a point.

Rhyl beat Bala Town on Friday night thanks to a 15^th minute strike from Mark Cadwallader.

Elsewhere Aberystwyth drew 3-3 in a thriller with Connah’s Quay and Newtown and Afan Lido produced the same result at Latham Park.

Goytre are still top of the Nathaniel Cars Welsh League after an impressive 2-0 victory away at Ton Pentre.

Despite being unbeaten so far this season, Haverfordwest County remain second after a superb 5-1 drubbing of Tata Steel.

In Division Two, Croesyciliog were the big winners after they trounced Caerau 14-1 while Briton Ferry Llansawel remain top after a comprehensive 4-0 victory away at Cardiff Corinthians.

Risca United are top of Division Three but were made to work hard on Saturday after coming through a hard fought battle at Pontypridd Town.

Cefn Druids surrendered their 100 percent Huws Gray Alliance record as they were held 0-0 at home by Guilsfield rivals Caernarfon Town to close the gap as they were convincing in their 5-2 win over visitors Flint Town United.

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Port Talbot face Merthyr in final pre-season test

Martin Rose (in blue) is expected to return in Saturday's match against Merthyr.

Port Talbot Town will undergo their final preparations for the new season this Saturday, when Merthyr Town visit the GenQuip Stadium (3pm).

The Steelmen will sign off an encouraging pre-season campaign in front of a home crowd against the Martyrs.

“I expect it’ll very similar to last week [against Biggleswade], it’ll be a good test,” commented Scott Young, who takes his side to Welsh Premier League champions TNS on the opening day of the new season in two weeks’ time.

“Merthyr are a good side and it’ll be our final game before the start the season so we’ll go right at it, as if it were a competitive match where we need to do things right.”

“We’ll prepare for it as if we are preparing for TNS and after that, we will have five or six training sessions to put on the finishing touches.”

Rhys Griffiths is expected to feature after returning to the side in last weekend’s 3-3 draw with Biggleswade, along with fellow striker Martin Rose, who has returned from holiday.

Chad Bond is definitely ruled out after undergoing surgery this week, whilst Carl Payne and David Brooks are thought to be doubtful.

Admission for the game is £5 adults, £3 concessions and £1 for children.

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Welsh Football Friendlies Round Up

Colwyn Bay left it late to shoot down Welsh Premier Champions TNS 2-1 in an enthralling pre-season friendly at Llanelian Road.

The Saints stunned the home faithful early on with full back Simon Spender finishing off a weaving run to score with a good shot after just two minutes.

The lively visitors dominated and ‘keeper Josh Ollerenshaw had to be at his best to keep the Seagulls in contention with a fine reflex save to deny Greg Draper.

Seagulls Manager Frank Sinclair called on the cavalry at half time, making seven changes, which proved to be a game-changer as Steve Connor and Jamie Ellison were denied in quick succession.

With just ten minutes remaining, Louis Moss set up John McKenna who equalised from the edge of the area and just two minutes from the end, Cameron Darkwah won possession in the TNS half to send Ellison clear and lob the advancing ‘keeper to net the winner.

Meanwhile, newly formed Penybont played out a highly entertaining 3-3 draw with Merthyr Town at Bryntirion Park.

The Division One Welsh league side Penybont, who formed this summer with the merger of Bridgend Town and Bryntirion Athletic, looked more assured on the ball in the early stages, and the hosts took a deserved 2-0 lead into the interval after a brace from ace marksman Robbie Walters.

The Martyrs' Ryan Prosser halved the deficit five minutes after the interval, stepping up to convert from 12 yards after he was felled in the area, as Garry Shephard’s men grew in confidence.

However, against the run of play, Bont restored their two goal cushion with Walters once again at the centre of the attack as the striker ran at the Martyrs' defence before sliding a neat ball through to Jack Delve, who coolly converted.

However, the Evo Stik Southern Division One side would not go away and continued to bombard the hosts, and with five minutes remaining, Alex Long headed in at the back post to reduce the deficit.

The once assured Penybont defence now looked in disarray and with pressure mounting, referee Colin Jones once again pointed to the spot for an infringement in the hosts' box, and replacement Ryan Newman stepped up to clinch a well-earned draw. 

There was also late drama at Park Avenue where Aberystwyth were held to a 1-1 draw by Haverfordwest.

Both sides fielded a hatful of trialists seeking to impress and it led to a midfield stalemate with chances at a premium.

And fans had to wait until eight minutes from time for the first goal when Aber’s Sion James found the net with a close range shot following a corner from Antonio Corbisiero.

Corbisiero set up another chance which Rhydian Davies failed to convert, and the visitors snatched a late equaliser through Dale Griffiths to earn the Welsh League side a share of the spoils.

Meanwhile, Newtown surrendered a two-goal lead as they lost 3-2 at another Alliance club, Guilsfield, Welsh Premier new boys Rhyl knocked four past Conwy Borough, while Port Talbot Town made the long trip to Bedfordshire and returned from Biggleswade with a 3-3 draw.

Elsewhere, Jordan Follows scored a late consolation goal for Carmarthen Town in a 3-1 defeat at Bath City, David Pratt bagging a brace, while Karl Murray was on target as Prestatyn Town drew 1-1 at Vauxhall Motors.

Finally, Bangor City completed a miserable week as they crashed 4-0 at Nantporth to Burscough, managed by ex-City defender Derek Goulding.

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Lido appoint Evans as Manager

Welsh Premier side Afan Lido have announced Paul Evans as their new manager for the forthcoming season.

Evans, a former club captain at the Port Talbot side, takes over the reins following the departure of Paul Reid at the end of last season.

Lido have struggled in recent seasons, having only survived relegation from the top flight this term due to the financial demise of Llanelli.

The 39 year old Evans played more than 500 matches for the Seasiders and was also part of the management team behind Lido’s Welsh Cup run back in 2007.

Club General Manager, Mark Robinson, said: “Firstly, Afan Lido Football Club would like to thank Paul Reid for his hard work over the last twelve months during what was a difficult season.

“We are delighted to have Paul Evans back on board as manager, and look forward to the forthcoming campaign under his guidance.

“Paul’s heart has always been at Afan Lido, and we hope that his return will have a positive effect both on and off the field.”

Evans has started his tenure by retaining the services of Chris Hartland, Luke Borelli and Mark Crutch, all of whom have signed on for the 2013/14 season.

Afan Lido have also kept hold of Supporters’ Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year, former Swansea City midfielder Gareth Phillips, who will remain in his role as player/coach.

Evans commented: “We are delighted to retain the services of Gareth Phillips whose knowledge of the league and experience will be of massive benefit to the club once again.

“We have had excellent turn-outs so far in pre-season training and we hope that we can add to our squad from the many new players that have trialled so far.”

Evans will see his charges in action for the first time in a pre-season friendly at Abertillery Bluebirds on Saturday July 13.

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Caton calls on experienced campaigners to lead club in to Europe

Bala Town manager Colin Caton labelled his side’s European debut this week as “phenomenal”, and has called on experienced footballers like Kenny Lunt to lead the squad in to the unknown.

The Lakesiders have been drawn to play Estonian club FC Levadia Talinn in the Europa League first qualifying round, playing the home leg at Rhyl’s Belle Vue Stadium on Tuesday and the return fixture in Talinn on July 11.

Their qualification for Europe came on the back of a stunning 13-match winning streak that culminated with a last-gasp 1-0 victory over Port Talbot Town in the Europa League Play-off final.

Caton said: “Many players will be playing in Europe for the first time, and Kenny has said playing in Europe will be a career highlight for him despite playing more than 500 games in the Football League. We will rely on him massively – his composure, his ability and his experience.

“But we do have other lads with European experience who won’t be fazed by it.”

Despite the short break since that famous win at the GenQuip Stadium in May, Caton believes his squad are in “great” shape going in to Europe, adding: “They are looking sharp, the fitness levels are great for this time of year and the lads have trained hard and are looking forward to it. To be in the Europa League is phenomenal because we’ve only been in the WPL for four years.”

While their Estonian foes may not be household names in this country, Caton says his side are well prepared to face them. He continued: “We know quite a bit about them as people are helping us out with scouting, which is great. We have DVDs arriving including individual run-downs.

“We were unsure of the smaller teams in the draw and wanted either a big name or an easy tie. If we can do well at home we might have a chance going in to the second game.

“We have to give the players a structure and shape and they have to be patient and stick to it. We don’t want to be out of it by half-time.”

They are not the only debutants. Airbus UK Broughton and Prestatyn Town will also make their first tentative steps in to mainland Europe this week.

Airbus, the surprise package of last season who edged Welsh Premier titans Bangor City in to third place, face tough opposition in Latvia’s FK Ventspils whom their management team travelled to watch this week in preparation, while Prestatyn also face a Latvian club in FK Liepajas Metalurgs – the side Ventspils were playing during the spying mission.

Airbus will play their home tie at Wrexham’s Racecourse ground on Thursday, while Prestatyn will also play at Rhyl on Thursday.

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WPL set for explosive return

The Welsh Premier League is set for an action-packed return over the August Bank Holiday weekend with clubs set to play two gruelling rounds of matches in just three days.

The league kicks off a week later than usual with first-time European qualifiers Prestatyn and Bala Town squaring up on August 23, and the rest of the teams in action on Saturday, including defending champions TNS welcoming Scott Young’s Port Talbot Town to Park Hall in front of the live S4C cameras on August 24.

Completing the August bank holiday weekend, all 12 teams are in action again on the August 26.

Rhyl are back in the top flight after a three year absence, gaining promotion by remaining unbeaten throughout the last league campaign, winning 24 games and scoring more than 100 goals to become the first team to achieve that feat. They kick off their season with a home fixture against Aberystwyth, who finished 10^th last season.

Another team with a home fixture as their first game is last year’s surprise package Airbus UK, who finished in second place ahead of WPL stalwarts Bangor City last time out, gaining a place in this year’s UEFA Europa League first qualifying round. They start their season against Carmarthen, who earned qualification to the UEFA Europa League play-offs last time out by finishing sixth.

Afan Lido finished last season bottom of the league by nine points, but due to Llanelli’s liquidation, they stayed in the WPL as the Reds were demoted. They will look to get some early points on the board with an away clash against Gap Connah’s Quay.

The other opening day fixture is contested between Newtown and Bangor City, which will take place at Newtown’s Latham Park.

The last games of the season before the league splits promise to be a great spectacle as last season’s top two go head to head at TNS. Other key matches include Bangor making the trip to Aberstwyth, while Rhyl face Port Talbot in a home fixture.

Other key dates include TNS travelling to Rhyl on October 12, Airbus taking on Bangor in a home tie on the November 15 and Prestatyn taking on Port Talbot at their home ground Bastion Road on October 19.

S4C will cover several fixtures throughout the season, the first five being:

24/08/2013: TNS v Port Talbot (15:45)

26/08/2013: Bangor v Rhyl (14:45)

31/08/2013: Afan Lido v Airbus UK (15:45)

07/09/2013: Prestatyn v Gap Connah’s Quay (15:45)

14/09/2013: Bala v Newtown (15:45)

Opening fixtures:

23/08/2013:

Prestatyn v Bala

24/08/2013:

Airbus UK v Carmarthen

Gap Connah’s Quay v Afan Lido

Newtown v Bangor

Rhyl v Aberystwyth

TNS v Port Talbot

26/08/2013:

Aberystwyth v Afan Lido

Bala v Airbus UK

Bangor v Rhyl

Newtown v Carmarthen

Port Talbot v Gap Connah’s Quay

Prestatyn v TNS

30/08/2013:

Aberystwyth v TNS

Bangor v Prestatyn

Carmarthen v Port Talbot

Gap Connah’s Quay v Bala

Rhyl v Newtown

31/08/2013:

Afan Lido v Airbus UK

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Welsh quartet face tough Euro draws

Welsh Premier League champions The New Saints face a tough draw in the second round of qualifying for the Champions League, as they take on Poland’s Legia Warsaw.

The Welsh Champions did have a shot at securing a glamour tie against Scottish giants Celtic after they were drawn in the same group, but will instead head to the Polish capital.

TNS will play their home tie on the weekend of July 16/17 and the away leg a week later.

Meanwhile, the Welsh Premier League’s European debutants Airbus Broughton UK, Bala and Prestatyn Town will all be heading east in the opening round of qualification for the Europa League competition.

Airbus and Prestatyn were both drawn against Latvian opposition, facing FK Ventspils and SK Metalurgs respectively.

Ventspils has a winning track record against Welsh clubs having beaten TNS and Llanelli in recent years. The Saints lost on the away goals rule in 2007/8, while Llanelli lost 4-1 on aggregate the following season. The Latvians reached the Champions League group stages in 2009/10.

The Lakesiders will be heading to Estonia and will face Levadia Talinn in the city that was voted European Capital of Culture for 2011.

Both Bala and Prestatyn will be using Rhyl’s Belle Vue for their home legs, with the Lakesiders in action on Tuesday, and Prestatyn facing SK Metalurgs there two days later.

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Bala tie two key men down as they prepare for Europe

Defender Tony Davies and midfielder Kenny Lunt have put pen to paper on new contracts at Europa League newcomers Bala Town.

The news is welcome at the Lakesiders, who lost play-off hero John Irving earlier this week as he decided to pursue a new life playing professionally in New Zealand.

Former Crewe Alexandra and Hereford United star Lunt, 33, took a while to settle in North Wales after signing in the summer, before starring alongside captain Mark Jones in midfield as the club put together a remarkable 13-match winning streak after the mid-season split to secure their place in European competition next term.

Davies, 28, was also a new signing last season and cemented his place at the heart of the defence, making 36 appearances and contributing two goals.

Caton said of Lunt’s renewal: “Kenny has had an incredible second half of the season and is probably one of the top three midfielders in the league alongside Mark Jones. He took a while to settle into the Welsh Premier, but since the split he has been outstanding.”

The club were disappointed to lose Irving, but did not want to stand in his way of emigrating. Their longest serving player, he has signed an agreement that he will re-join the club on his return to the country and will not join another team in the UK or Ireland without their consent.

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Aberystwyth FC appoint new Manager

League of Wales side Aberystwyth FC announced yesterday that they had appointed Ian Hughes as their new First Team Manager.

Following the resignation of Tomi Morgan last week, the club has moved quickly to announce former Assistant Manager Hughes as their new head. 

Anglesey-born Hughes, 29, is one of the youngest coaches in Wales to have achieved the UEFA A licence standard, at just 24 years of age. He was formerly Academy Director and Assistant Manager of Llangefni Town, and helped them to lift the Cymru Alliance in 2010. Ian has experience coaching at Wrexham’s Academy, and has been based with the Welsh Football Trust for the last four years as a Coach and Player Development Officer.

Hughes said: "It's a privilege to be asked to take the club forward and build upon the strong foundations that have been set. The club prides itself on its strong community links and with such a strong, loyal fan base, it gives us a great opportunity to move forward together. 

Sustainability is key and it's great that Wyn Thomas has accepted my offer of becoming the Club's Assistant Manager. Antonio Corbisiero will become First Team Coach as well as being an important player on the pitch.

Finally, I would like to thank both Alan and Tomi Morgan. Tomi has been supportive of my appointment which I appreciate and I look forward to starting in my new role." 

Aberystwyth has retained a large portion of last season’s playing squad and will hope the continuity within the club will see them flourish next season. Hughes will be joined on the Management Team by Wyn Thomas, who becomes Assistant Manager, and Antonio Corbisiero, who becomes First Team Coach. Both Wyn and Antonio are currently studying for the necessary A Licences.

Club Chairman Tony Bates commented: "The Board of Directors and I are looking forward to a new and exciting phase for the Club, with a youthful and highly motivated Management Team. We have high hopes for the future under Ian, Wyn and Antonio, and we encourage all our supporters to get right behind them as they endeavour to bring success to Aberystwyth Town Football Club."

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Former star Delaney to enter Welsh Premier League Hall of Fame

Former Wales, Aston Villa and Cardiff City right back Mark Delaney is to become the 20^th inductee in to the Welsh Premier League Hall of Fame.

It coincides with the 20^th anniversary of the league, and comes as a result of the player’s rise from the ranks of Carmarthen Town to a Premier League and international regular and FA Cup finalist.

The Pembrokeshire boy caught the eye playing for Carmarthen Town, for whom he played more than 50 games after making his debut in 1995, and also captained at the age of just 20.

Cardiff City came in for him in 1998 and he proved an integral part of the team who gained promotion by finishing third in Division Four behind champions Brentford and Cambridge United under the stewardship of Frank Burrows. His sole goal for the club came in a 6-0 FA Cup victory over Chester City where he ran almost the entire length of the pitch.

He only stayed at Ninian Park for one season, moving on to Aston Villa for £250,000 in 1999 in a move that turned many supporters against the club’s board.

He made nearly 200 appearances for the Villa Park outfit, scoring twice, but his time in the Premier League was hampered by knee injuries, which ultimately ended his career in 2007. He now works as a youth coach at the club.

He played in the 2000 FA Cup Final loss to Chelsea, the last ever final at the old Wembley Stadium, where a Roberto Di Matteo second half strike won it for the London club.

He claimed 36 full international caps for Wales, and was an integral part of the team that famously beat Italy 2-1 at the Millennium Stadium in 2002.

A WPL statement said: “Delaney without doubt raised the profile of the WPL and showed that our national league does produce some great talent.”

The WPL Hall of Fame: Marc Lloyd Williams, Mark Delaney, Lee Trundle, Nigel Adkins, Tomi Morgan, Steve Evans, Rhys Griffiths, Ken McKenna, Tony Willcox, Chris Summers, Colin Reynolds, Andrew Thomas, Gary Lloyd, Timmy Edwards, Neville Powell, Gary Barnett, Andy Mulliner, Dave Taylor, Eifion Williams and Mark Ovendale.

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Bala aim to make it lucky 13 with win over Port Talbot

Bala Town and Port Talbot Town are gearing up to battle for a Europa League spot with the entire campaign boiling down to one last fight in South Wales this weekend.

Bala’s incredible 12-match winning streak since the mid-season split in the Welsh Premier League sees them on the cusp of European qualification.

They saw off defeated Welsh Cup finalists Bangor City 4-2 in the semi-finals of the Europa League play-off competition at the weekend, and will need an equally impressive performance in the final to overcome The Steelmen.

The Lakesiders’ secretary Ruth Crump hailed her side’s remarkable run, but said that there is still much more work to do as the team had “won nothing” yet.

She said: “We’ve won 12 on the bounce and it’s been a tremendous effort by all involved. This match is huge to the club in every way. Financially and everything it’s a dream come true.

“Winning is a brilliant habit and we’ve got to take this forward, but we understand what’s involved. We underachieved in the first phase but have turned it around. We’re not getting carried away yet though, and are not even mentioning the word Europe just yet!”

Yet the prospect of such a huge prize cannot be ignored, and should they triumph on the weekend Ms Crump admitted she would love to draw Swansea City after they sealed their own place there by lifting this year’s Capital One Cup.

“It would be special for me,” she added. “My aunt lived in the Mumbles and I spent many summers there growing up. Drawing a Premiership club would be huge for anyone.”

Port Talbot Town reached the final courtesy of a 1-0 win over Carmarthen Town last weekend in the other semi-final thanks to a David Brooks goal.

The Steelmen have had a successful time under the guidance of former Cardiff City star Scott Young this term, and their superior league position means they will have home advantage in the fight for a place in Europe.

They will be hoping that will mean a continuation of the league form in the first phase where Bala won 2-0 at Maes Tegid in October, but they won the reverse fixture at the GenQuip 2-0 in January.

The semi-final win over Carmarthen was watched by a rowdy home support, and chairman Andrew Edwards has called for a repeat this weekend as his side aim to be the second from the area to qualify for Europe this term after The Jacks.

He said: “The support leading up to, and during the [Carmarthen] game was absolutely magnificent, and it was great to see a good turn-out for such a crucial match.

“Now that we’re just one result away from qualifying for Europe, I ask football fans in the area [to] give us the same backing once again. European qualification would be a major achievement for the club, and one that the whole town can be proud of.”

League secretary Gwyn Derfel congratulated both clubs on reaching this stage, and cited Bala’s run to the final as a great incentive for teams in the Conference after the mid-season split to keep fighting to the conclusion as the team finishing top qualifies for the end-of-season event.

He said: “I hope that the Lakesiders’ charge to the final will give great confidence to any team which finds itself in the bottom six of the Welsh Premier League [after the mid-season split] next season.”

The huge occasion kicks off at Port Talbot’s GenQuip Stadium this Saturday at 3pm.

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Lovering decision leaves Welsh league in confusion

Barry Town owner Stuart Lovering’s decision to withdraw his team from the Welsh League could wreak havoc in the chase for promotion to the Welsh Premier League.

After installing himself as secretary earlier this season, Lovering decided to withdraw Barry from the division just four days before the end of the season, meaning should they not complete their fixtures then their record would have to be expunged and the promotion race could be decided by the permutations.

A statement from the FAW on Wednesday said: “The Welsh Football League have received correspondence from Stuart Lovering, the owner of Barry Town Association Football Club Limited, withdrawing the football club from the league.

“The Welsh Football League Management Committee will be meeting on Monday and will discuss the ongoing situation at Barry Town.

“The FAW has sympathy with the supporters of the proud club who want to see their team playing football and continuing the long history and tradition associated with Jenner Park. The Association is in correspondence with all involved in the matter.”

Current leaders West End would be least affected as they would only lose two points having drawn twice with Barry this year. Taffs Well and Haverfordwest, second and third respectively, would both lose six points, while Cambrian & Clydach in fourth would lose three points.

That would leave West End five points clear on 55 points with two games remaining, while Cambrian & Clydach would be in second on 50 points, also with two fixtures to play. Taffs Well would drop to third on 49 points, and Haverfordwest would sit fourth with 47. Both sides have just one fixture left to play.

Barry’s scheduled fixture against Ton Pentre on Tuesday was cancelled as the dispute between Lovering and the Barry Town Supporters’ Committee, who finance and run the Dragons, rumbles on.

David Cole, of the Supporters’ Committee amd vice-chairman of the League, stated they were doing all they could to save the situation. He said: “We have been in contact with the FAW and the league to try and finish the season.

“We want them to delay the decision to expunge our record so that we can play Ton Pentre away on Saturday and the postponed game. It’s in the hands of the FAW and the Welsh League. We have been lobbying all their officers but time is running out.

“We have received worldwide support on Twitter. But what’s the point of receiving all this support if we don’t achieve our goal of staying in the Welsh League?

“We need the FAW to recognise Barry Town Supporters’ Committee as a club in its own right, and then need the league and the other clubs to accept us as a replacement to Barry Town.

“We are hopeful of achieving this and hopeful the support will turn in to votes. We will never give up!”

The community has been behind the club for some time as they battle to wrestle control of the club away from Lovering, with Vale MP Alun Cairns a long-time supporter of their cause. He posted on Twitter: “Doing all possible to see how we get Barry Town FC through to season’s end following [secretary’s] withdrawal. Calling on [the FAW and Welsh league] to help.”

But as Mr Cole says it is now in the hands of the governing bodies of Welsh football to decide whether all the lobbying has been for nothing.

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Bala see off their rivals to go through in play-offs

A Lee Hunt penalty was enough to grab a Europa League play-off first round victory for Bala Town in a plucky encounter with Gap Connah’s Quay.

It was a game of few clear cut chances, but that will matter little to the Lakesiders’ supporters who witnessed their team pick up their third win of the season over their rivals and notch up a phenomenal 11^th-straight win since the mid-season split.

The Nomads were again difficult to get the better of, while home ‘keeper Ashley Morris was troubled little in a repeat of the same match and scoreline as the final Phase Two encounter last weekend between the two sides.

The sole score came with quarter of an hour to go. John Hardiker was adjudged to have handled by the officials, and his protests got himself and player-manager Mark McGregor booked. The controversy didn’t put Hunt off his stride though, as he stepped up to send Nomads stopper John Rushton the wrong way.

Both sides perked up a bit after that, and although there was a step up in tempo the score remained the same and Bala were in to the next round.

Who they face next depends on tomorrow's Welsh Cup final.

Bangor City square up with Prestatyn Town in the Welsh Cup final that promises to be real David vs Goliath encounter.

This is because Bangor have a long and successful relationship with Wales’ premier Cup competition, winning it on eight occasions. Along with Cefn Druids, this is the highest tally other than those of Cardiff, Swansea and Wrexham.

It will be their 18th appearance in the final, moving them on to the same tally as Swansea, and they will be hoping that their pedigree will count in their favour come tomorrow.

It will be Prestatyn’s first appearance in a Welsh Cup final, and they know they have a real shot at making history at Wrexham’s Racecourse ground.

Both sides are aware that a win will guarantee European competition next season. They both finished the regular season in Europa League play-off slots, and with the Cup winners taking their place in European competition next year, the chance to avoid the end-of-season lottery will have both teams’ eyes on the prize in more ways than one.

Prestatyn boss Lee Jones is looking forward to the chance to build on his side’s recent achievements, although he knows that the second half of this past season has not been a fruitful one for them.

He said: ‘It’s going to be a massive day at the Racecourse - a ground I know well from my four spells with Wrexham.

“Prestatyn have done really well to finish in the top six, although our Phase Two results haven’t been great. We all know that it’s going to be tough against Bangor, who have got an impressive Cup record in recent years, but let’s hope that it’s the underdog’s turn on Monday.”

Bangor manager Neville Powell is not taking anything for granted. He said: “Prestatyn have risen fast and they certainly cannot be underestimated. It is a massive game for our players and victory will mean we do not have to go through the Europa League qualification play-offs.”

The loser will have to compete in the Europa League's play-offs, with the semi-final line-up to be decided once this game has finished.

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Europa League play-off chase enters final round in the Welsh Premier League this weekend

The final round of games in the Welsh Premier League second phase take place this weekend, with clubs looking to enter the end-of-season play-offs with a bit of momentum.

Aberystwyth and Llanelli may have finished their seasons due to the game being moved forward to before Llanelli’s early week court date, in which The Reds were sadly wound up, but the remaining 10 teams are all in action.

The play-off picture is still all to play for of course. Welsh Cup finalists Bangor City and Prestatyn Town are both in the play-off places, meaning the winner of that match will automatically take a qualification slot for Europe.

The loser will then be thrust in to the winner-takes-all, no-holds-barred play-offs, to be joined by the team finishing eighth, or second in the Conference.

Gap Connah’s Quay and Newtown are currently fighting it out for that honour, meaning there is sure to be plenty of thrills and heartache in the final round of games.

Championship:

Bangor City v The New Saints

Fans of both sides, neutrals and TV broadcasters were probably looking at this fixture as a mouth-watering encounter which could decide the title. As it happened, TNS had the league wrapped up long ago, and Bangor have been pipped to second place by Airbus UK Broughton.

Yes, The Citizens can technically still catch them, but it will take a win for them, a loss for The Wingmakers and a 20-goal swing in their favour.

The hosts will be looking to avenge their 6-0 drubbing the last time these teams met in the league, as well as showing the visitors their last-gasp Welsh Cup semi-final win over them wasn’t a fluke.

TNS, on the other hand, will want to end their season on a high. Bangor ended their chances of a league and Cup double, and the champions will want revenge.

Free-scoring Michael Wilde has been in hot form recently, while veteran Matty Williams notched a hat-trick in their 7-1 thrashing of Prestatyn last weekend, so they certainly pack enough punch to hurt their hosts.

This writer usually predicts lots of goals for such encounters, but that hasn’t gone very well the last few times, so…

Prediction: Bangor City 1-2 TNS

Port Talbot Town v Airbus UK Broughton

Both sides have done well to find themselves where they are this term, with Airbus in particular surprising many by securing second place and an automatic Europa League qualifying slot by the final game of the season.

The hosts have seen a sudden upsurge in results, with Scott Young’s men etching out a goal-less draw with play-off rivals Carmarthen Town last time out, beating Prestatyn 4-1 before that, and being just moments from beating Bangor the game previously.

They will be hoping to continue that pre-play-off momentum, and will want to test themselves against one of the league’s top sides.

Airbus will already be looking forward to competing in Europe next season for the first time, but won’t want to end a memorable season with defeat.

Andy Preece’s men will be all too aware that they could be playing for the futures at the club and will want to show their gaffer they deserve a shot at Europe. They have won six and lost four of their last 10, so Port Talbot know their defence can be breached.

This one looks touch to call, with a lot depending on what players Scott Young chooses to risk ahead of their play-off campaign. The away side could have too much for them here.

Prediction: Port Talbot Town 1-2 Airbus UK Broughton

Prestatyn Town v Carmarthen Town

These two sides face each other knowing the winner will take fifth place in the league, which will decide who has home advantage in the play-off semi-finals.

Welsh Cup finalists Prestatyn know that if they lift the old trophy for the first time they can forget about the play-offs all together. But you can’t pin your hopes on one game only, with chairman Phil Merrick declaring their next three fixtures as “Cup finals” (two of them are, of course, including their North Wales Coast FA Challenge Cup appearance).

They have only won two of their last 10 matches – and both of those were in the Cup. For their last league win, you have to go back to New Year’s Day when they tonked Bangor 4-1 at Bastion Road – a run of 12 without a win.

The Old Gold haven’t been too much better of late, with only two wins in their last 10 games in all competitions, one of those against their hosts at Richmond Park last month.

Goalscoring has been their recent problem, as they failed to find the net in seven of those games. Manager Mark Aizlewood will be desperate to get his men firing again before the play-offs begin, and will also want that home advantage.

Other than top scorer Liam Thomas, with 21 goals in all comps, no player has more than five throughout the season. If that doesn’t change now, then Carmarthen’s season is in real danger of fizzling out.

Prediction: Prestatyn Town 1-1 Carmarthen Town

Conference:

Bala Town v Gap Connah’s Quay

Bala Town are one of the form sides in Europe, having won their last nine games since the mid-season split and that fateful 6-3 defeat to Connah’s Quay that put them in the Conference for the second half of the season.

They have been scoring for fun, netting an incredible 28 times in that run. Their defence has only leaked five in reply, and manager Allan Bickerstaff will be confident of making it a perfect 10 on Saturday in front of the TV cameras.

Their play-off spot is already secure, but with club records falling over recent weeks they will want to take this astonishing run forward and really shock their Championship opponents come the end-of-season lottery.

Following that epic 6-3 victory at Maes Tegid, Connah’s Quay had a point deducted for fielding an ineligible player, and after withdrawing their appeal, took their place among the Conference for the second half of the season, with Carmarthen Town profiting.

How fitting, then, that their last-gasp shot at the final Europa League play-off place should come at the same stadium – and they only need a draw to do it.

The Nomads lost at home to Newtown last time out to keep the visitors’ own play-off hopes alive, and that brought an end to a three-match unbeaten run for player/manager Mark McGregor’s men. You can’t see past Bala adding another defeat to that list.

Prediction: Bala Town 3-1 Gap Connah’s Quay

Newtown v Afan Lido

Newtown require a win against the basement side, need Connah’s Quay to lose at in-form Bala Town and get a seven-goal swing in their favour (Connah's Quay have scored more goals) if they are to sneak above the Nomads and take the final Europa League play-off spot.

That means that attack may be the name of the game from both sides here. Even if the Robins can’t nick the final spot, then they will still want to end the season on a high and avenge their 2-1 reverse at the Marston Stadium last time out.

With manager Bernie McNally already stating he wants to add to his squad and improve it for next term, the players know here, too, that they could be playing for their Newtown futures.

Depending on how many teams with domestic licenses finish their seasons in a promotion place to the WPL, this could, or could not, be Lido’s final game at this level.

They have only won seven of their last 30 matches in all competitions, and are currently on a three-game winless run without scoring a single goal.

They will be looking to the likes of Luke Borrelli for inspiration, but with Newtown having so much at stake in this fixture it could be another win-less match to end their sorry season.

Prediction: Newtown 2-0 Afan Lido

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