Should Coleman utilise Bale as a striker?

One interesting sound bite coming out of the pre-match media talk for Wales v Austria in Swansea this Wednesday is that manager Chris Coleman is weighing up deploying Gareth Bale as a striker in future games.

The flying Tottenham winger will be utilised in his accustomed wide position for the forthcoming friendly, but, maybe in a warning shot to his miss-firing strikers, Coleman has admitted he is prepared to play Bale in a striking role in the upcoming qualifiers with Scotland and Croatia.

Coleman said: “You have to score goals to win matches and it’s a role he could perform, without any shadow of a doubt. I do think about these things. Can I surprise Scotland or Croatia by playing someone like Gareth out of position?

“He could even perform this role of a false nine, so to speak, the system Spain introduced with no out and out striker. Barcelona also play that way from time to time with Lionel Messi.

“Once you put somebody like Gareth up front, the formation of the opposition changes completely. Defenders drop deep because they are terrified of his pace and that, in turn, creates space for your midfield to run into and support Gareth.

“We tried this when we were chasing the game against Croatia (in the 2-0 loss in Osijek back in October) and, if we can get the formation around him right, we may well use Gareth in that type of role going forward.

“Obviously that means the position he traditionally fills is not as strong for us, and I don’t wish that to sound derogatory to anyone. But these are the balancing acts I have to think about.”

But would such a move work for Wales? Well, as stated by Coleman, Bale filled the role during the second half out in Croatia, and provided by far Wales’ best attacking outlet. One trademark run from half-way brought a fine save from Croatia ‘keeper Stipe Pletikosa.

Bale certainly holds the attributes to be an explosive striker. Similar to a young Michael Owen or Thierry Henry in terms of pace and the ability to take a defender on (if not the finishing), he has produced memorable goals at full speed for both Wales and Spurs.

Against Scotland at home in the same month as the Croatia defeat, the 23-year-old almost single-handedly took the game to the visitors in the second half, and his second goal, a long-range thunderbolt, will live long in the memory.

We have seen Theo Walcott perform the same role for Arsenal too this season, with some success. But questions would be asked over Bale’s ability to find the net consistently, and those queries could only be answered by the Cardiff-born star.

It may also further dent the confidence of an underperforming Welsh frontline.

Wales have managed to find the net just three times in four qualifiers for the World Cup in Brazil in 2014 – all from the boot of Bale.

In fact, the last players to score other than Bale were Craig Bellamy and Sam Vokes (twice) in Wales’ 4-1 victory over Norway (Bale got the other of course) in November 2011, Gary Speed’s last match in charge before his tragic death.

Of the current Welsh strike force, Bellamy has amassed 19 goals in 70 caps and Vokes four in 24 (both seeing their last strikes in that Norway match).

Simon Church only has one goal in 19 caps, the second in a 3-0 friendly win over Scotland in November 2009, and Craig Davies has not found the net in six appearances, although this writer remembers him missing a dreadful open goal on his competitive debut in a 1-0 defeat in Poland in September 2005 (I was there).

Of the rest of the current crop not involved for various reasons: Robbie Earnshaw has netted 16 times in 58 caps for his country, but not since May 2011 against Northern Ireland and Scotland in the Nations Cup held in Dublin.

Steve Morison’s only goal in 20 appearances came in the 2-1 Euro 2012 qualifying win over Montenegro in September 2011, and other than Hal Robson-Kanu (no goals in 11 caps although really a winger by trade like Bale), there are no other real options.

There has been a real failure by any one player to nail down the No9 jersey since John Hartson (14 goals in 51 caps) retired, and with another qualifying campaign in danger of slipping away Coleman may be right in testing one of world football’s brightest prospects in a prominent attacking position to try and find a new talisman.

Bale’s one-man show against Scotland shows he may possess the ability to carry Wales further than he already has in a goal threat sense, and his current tally of nine international goals is more than Vokes, Church, Davies and Morison combined. And he has done it in nearly half (38 caps) the others’ combined appearances (69 caps).

Scoring goals consistently at international level is not easy, as many prolific strikes at club level have found out to their detriment. But the scoring totals of the current crop of frontmen do pale in comparison when compared to some of Wales’ recent greats.

With Bale in his finest scoring form for Tottenham this season, club manager Andre Villas Boas could also have toyed with the idea. But while Spurs have a wealth of attacking midfield options to pick from to replace Bale should he move forward, Coleman’s Wales choices are more limited. If you take Bale out of midfield, would he get the service?

There are Aaron Ramsey and the two Joes, Allen and Ledley, still in there, so there is still every chance that Bale would see the ball up front.

The best option is to wait for the Scotland and Croatia games and see how such a formation would work. On the evidence given above, it might just be worth a shot.

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Book Review: The Welsh National Anthem

Rugby football in Wales comprises peaks and troughs, with the euphoria of Grand Slams  followed almost automatically by periods of disappointment and despondency. 

One feature stands unchanged and unchallenged on every occasion the national team takes the field: the performance of “Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau”. In a new book “The Welsh National Anthem”, Siôn Jobbins traces the origins of the work, providing some fascinating background along the way.

The tune came to factory owner Evan James as he walked the banks of the Rhondda river near Pontypridd one Saturday afternoon in January of 1856. His son James was asked to provide some words and together they created “Glan Rhondda”, with the intention of providing nothing more than a popular folk song for performance on stage and in chapel.

This was what it remained for an “apprenticeship” period of some 40 years. Success at a Llangollen eisteddfod saw it begin transformation to higher status. With the name changed to the one we know today, it became first an anthem and then the national anthem, expressing exactly what it means to be Welsh.

It was at the famous 1905 Wales versus New Zealand match [when Wales won after the legendary Deans’ “try” had been disallowed] that it was first sung at a rugby international. In the centre of the field before kick-off, the Haka war dance was answered by a lyrical song in four-part harmony. It did not take long for the practice to become firmly established.

A statue to the two James men stands in Ynysyangharad Park as a mark of the nation’s indebtedness. “Not bad for a Pontypridd weaver and his son,” was the father’s reported remark at the time.  

45-year old Geoff Camm [one of Wales’ most ardent overseas supporters] made the journey from Ottawa in Canada to Cardiff just for the All Blacks game last November. The match result may have been a disappointment, but sitting in the stand at the best stadium in the world listening to 74 thousand ardent fans singing “Hen Wlad” made, he says, his 8,000-mile return journey totally worthwhile.

France and Italy have exciting anthems. But it is ours, describing what it means to be Welsh, which possesses the real “Puccini factor”. Most members of the current Welsh rugby squad seem to have made an effort to learn the words. Perhaps a crash course should be automatic, in which case this slim volume can be recommended as required reading.  The words, their meaning and musical notation are all included.

“The Welsh National Anthem” by Siôn T Jobbins is published by Lolfa

ISBN: 9781847716590

Review by Barri Hurford

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Brewerton makes top 25 Down Under

Welsh golfer Becky Brewerton posted a top 25 finish at the Volvik RACV Ladies Masters on the Gold Coast, Australia over the weekend, including a second round score of 69.

The St Asaph-born 30-year-old was looking for her first professional title since the 2011 Tenerife Ladies Match Play event, but finished tied for 24^th on even par, 13 shots behind winner Karrie Webb. She shared that position with Aussie Nikki Campbell and Maria Hernandez of Spain.

Her second round of 69 (three under par) included six birdies and three bogeys, with her overall total posting 11 of each.

Two other Welsh stars, Lydia Hall and Sahra Hassan, failed to make the cut for the third round of play.

Webb’s victory was her eighth at the event, equalling the record eight won by Sam Snead.

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Fishlock set to Reign in America

Wales Women’s football captain Jess Fishlock has announced she will leave Bristol Academy to start an American adventure with Seattle Reign.

The 66-times capped international had previously agreed a new contract to stay with Bristol throughout the 2013 season, but has instead opted to move to the States and compete in the inaugural National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), which begins this spring.

She refused to rule out a return for The Vixens, saying on Twitter: “I would like to thank everyone at Bristol Academy for everything they’ve done for me, I’m sure I haven’t played my last game for them.

“For now I can’t wait to get started in Seattle and look forward to meeting my team-mates as and when I get to the States.”

Following the NWSL Player Allocation on January 13, Fishlock will line-up alongside Team USA superstars Hope Solo, Megan Rapinoe and Amy Rodriguez at the Starfire Stadium.

The league comprises eight teams, four of them survivors from the Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) league, with her opponents being Boston Breakers, Chicago Red Stars, FC Kansas City, Portland Thorns, Sky Blue (New Jersey), Washington Spirit and Western New York Flash.

The 26-year-old spent three years at Bristol over two spells, as well as previous spells abroad with AZ Alkmaar in Holland and Melbourne Victory in Australia. That spell in Holland saw Fishlock become the first Welsh Women’s international to play professionally abroad.

Fishlock was a success in the west county, particularly after Bristol Academy formed part of the Women’s Super League in 2011.

She helped the club to the 2011 Women’s FA Cup Final, where they lost 2-0 to Arsenal, as well as the last 32 of the UEFA Women’s Champions League. She twice won the club and fan’s player of the year, made the WSL All-Star Team on one occasion, and picked up the 2012 FA WSL Player’s Player of the Year award.

 A club statement said: “The club would like to thank Jess for her contribution over the last two seasons and wish her all the best for the future.”

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Colwyn Bay bring in Joyce

Colwyn Bay boss Lee Williams has brought in midfielder Charlie Joyce on a month’s loan from Blue Square Bet Premier side Southport.

The 19-year-old former Morecambe player is rated highly by Southport manager Liam Watson, and will help provide cover for the team as they look to stave off relegation from the Blue Square Bet North division.

He is able to operate either on the right or in the center of midfield, and Williams said: “He is a very competitive midfielder and is the sort of player we need.”

It follows the recent acquisition of striker Arthur Gnahoua on loan from Macclesfield Town, who made his debut as a substitute in Saturday’s 4-1 home defeat at the hands of Workington - a performance Williams described as “embarrassing”.

Colwyn Bay also hope to make a further signing, with former Wrexham and Bangor City player Jamie Crowther expected to put pen to paper on a deal with the club after impressing on trial.

Another versatile player, Crowther can operate either in midfield or central defence.

Bay fans will be hoping the new signings can help alter a run of form that has seen the club lose their last five league fixtures, and win only five of their last 25 in all competitions.

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Neath help Green Stars celebrate milestone

Aberavon Green Stars RFC 7   Neath RFC 38

Due to WRU cup commitments seeing Aberavon RFC having to postpone their game against Aberavon Green Stars last Friday to celebrate their 125th season, Neath RFC magnanimously agreed to step in on the eve of international fixture.

In wintry conditions at their Little Warren ground, the Division 3 South West side played their hearts out against the Premiership All Blacks, and neither side had scored with just five minutes remaining of the first half.

Then, a defensive error allowed Neath winger Bowdy Davies to take the ball at ankle level to cross for their first try. Just before the referee blew for half time, prop Lloyd Phillips crashed over for their second try. The conversion by outside half Dean Cummings gave them a 0-12 interval lead.

Hooker John Leyshon got their third try soon after the restart with another Cummings conversion. Aberavon Green Stars' tenacity was rewarded after twenty minutes when captain for the day Keiren Mattocks flipped out a neat pass to winger Karl Meyers to score their only try which Mattocks then converted.

 In the final quarter, the All Blacks’ Premiership quality and power came to the fore, and tries were scored by winger Kevin James, flanker Leon Ward and Lloyd Phillips with try number two. Dean Cummings put over two more conversions.

The Green Stars squad included a mixture of young and old with Blake Parker and Carl Leyshon both making their debut, while 51 year old John Wellington made his presence felt for the last ten minutes of an entertaining game. Green Stars return to league duties at Bryncoch on February 16^th.

Thanks to Bernard Donovan for the report.

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Bourke breaks Welsh hearts

Ireland performed a smash and grab to deny Wales in their opening RBS 6 Nations encounter at the Talbot Athletic Ground.

Gillian Bourke broke Welsh hearts five minutes from time, as the Irish hooker barged her way over out-wide to gift the visitors with the narrowest of victories.

A good crowd formed at the home of Welsh Premiership’s Aberavon Wizards to witness this evenly contested opening round match.

TRY TIME: Rosie Fletcher races under the posts.
Photo courtesy of Joseph Kiff 

 Rhys Edwards’ team were bolstered by the return to International duty of Gem Hallett, Catrin Edwards, Catrina Nicholas and Elinor Snowsill as they looked to overturn a heavy 36-0 defeat their opponents dished out last season.

Defences were very much on top in the opening quarter with space and quick ball at a premium, and it was the Irish that broke the deadlock after 22 minutes when lock Sophie Spence dived over in the corner. Niamh Briggs fired home the extras with a conversion from tight on the touchline

The score seemed to burst Wales into life and they were back level just before the interval, with full back Rosie Fletcher rounding off the move on the blindside after great play from the Welsh forwards set up the initial attack. Snowsill slotted the conversion to draw the sides level.

Wales carried on where they left off after the break and perhaps Rachel Taylor’s troops were guilty of spurning points, as twice they were denied by knock-ons over the try line.

With the hosts well and truly on the front foot, Caryl James sent the home support into raptures, as the diminutive wing looked to have touched down in the corner. However, her opposite number Alison Miller covered well to hack the ball away, with James’ fingers agonisingly close to glory.

NEAR MISS: Wing Caryl James was agonisingly close to touching down
Photo courtesy of Joseph Kiff 

 The pressure did eventually pay for Wales ten minutes from time as replacement Laura Prosser slotted a successful penalty to put her side into the lead for the first time, while Ireland were down to 14 players  after Stacey-Lea Kennedy saw yellow.

Having stemmed the tide the Irish were now on the front foot, and whereas Wales were wasteful in front of the whitewash, the visitors needed no invitation. Wave after wave of Green attack threatened the Welsh line with Bourke making no mistake, crashing over to clinch victory.

“It's a real kick in the teeth to lose a game that was there for the taking but we go to France next week knowing that if we repeat today's performance, we've got a great chance of coming away with a positive result,” admitted Head Coach Edwards.

Wales must finish fourth in the competition if they are to secure an automatic place at next year’s World Cup, and now face difficult trips to France, Italy and Scotland. Edwards will no doubt be encouraged by his side’s performance but they will have to be more clinical if they are to meet their target.

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Swalec Cup- Brilliant Benjamin leads battling Beddau into Round 2

Beddau battled to an action packed 32-18 Swalec Cup first round success over Championship rivals Llanharan at the Dairyfield.

The Dairymen were led on to the field by veteran flanker Nikki Allen, who was making his 400^th appearance for the club.

In typical Cup tie fashion, tensions were running high as things threatened to boil over on the pitch.

The Green and Golds took a 17-13 lead into the break in a half that was marred by a mass brawl started by a late hit on Llanharan full back Sion Summers, who was subsequently taken off with concussion.

Both sides were reduced to 13 men for the opening exchanges of the second half as Harley Thomson and Bill Carey were yellowed for the hosts, while Chris Cunningham and George Lee were also given time to cool down.

Ultimately, the match was decided by the clinical kicking of Beddau wing Tom Benjamin who fired home two penalties and three conversions to accompany a second half touchdown, while Joe Casella, David Francis and Josh Sheehan also went over.

It may not have been the win Allen was hoping for, but the Llanharan stalwart did get amongst the tries for the hosts along with Jack Phillips and Tom Marley.

The next round will see Beddau bag a plum tie at Premiership side Aberavon, after the Wizards strolled to a 42-0 victory over Whitland.

In Carmarthenshire, it was also a landmark day for Wizards legend Jamie Davies, with the prolific outside half also joining the 400 club, his six conversions helping his side to only their second win in league and cup play this season.

The Wizards led 21-0 at the interval through three tries, all converted by Davies.

Centre Richard Thomas grabbed the first two tries, both coming as a result of breaks by wing Steffan Andrews.

Shortly after, the Aberavon scrum disrupted a Whitland ball and Chris Davies sent wing Richard Carter over.

Despite a yellow card to centre Matthew Jenkins, the visitors were crossing the whitewash again with Carter claiming his second of the afternoon, collecting a perfectly weighted Davies kick.

Craig Evans – who had replaced Jenkins – raced clear to touchdown under the posts, while the Wizards’ final try came from the power of replacement No 8 Steffan Jones and Davies landed his sixth conversion from the touchline.

An injury to scrum half Joe Heatley brought a debut for Will Batcup at scrum half, while his opposing number nine was Andrew Jenkins, the former Aberavon player, who skippered Whitland.

Elsewhere, Championship side Bonymaen had a trip to Rodney Parade to forget after they went down 95-14 to Newport.

The Black and Ambers were rampant throughout with James Leadbeater and DanRobinson both at the double for the hosts, while Owen Broad, Craig Attwell, Ryan Prosser and Elliot Frewen were amongst the tries.

Newport will host Swansea in an all Premiership affair on February 16.

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Second phase of Welsh Premier in confusion after Connahs Quay points deduction

Connahs Quay Nomads thought they had secured their place in the top six of the Welsh Premier League before the mid-season split with an action-packed 6-3 win over 10-man Bala Town, before it emerged they were to be deducted a point for fielding an ineligible player.

The Nomads introduced Lee Davey as a late substitute in their fixture with Carmarthen Town on January 5, but it has emerged that he had already appeared for Colwyn Bay and Conwy Borough this term – and it is not permitted for a player to appear for three teams in one season.

A statement from the Welsh Premier League on the incident concluded: “The panel decided to deduct the club one Corbett Sports Welsh Premier League point and fine them £250 for fielding Lee Davey as a late substitute in the league match against Carmarthen Town.

“Gap Connahs Quay has seven business days in which to appeal the decision. The club is perfectly within its rights to appeal.

“The Corbett Sports Welsh Premier League is aware that this may impact the beginning of the second phase of the [season].”

Connahs Quay have decided to appeal the decision, meaning there could be a delay to the start of the second phase.

A statement read: "We apologise for any disruption that might occur to our colleagues as we take our right to appeal. We believe we are innocent of the charge brought against us by the FAW as both prosecution and jury.

"We are taking this fight forward and hope you will appreciate that, if we allow this injustice to proceed, we weaken all of the clubs.

"It could easily be you charged similarly next. If the official Welsh FA registrations database is not to be trusted and is dismissed by the FAW as just advisory, then how are clubs to protect themselves in this situation?

"We will avail of our right to appeal until no appeal process is left open to us. Unfortunately this may take some time."

So fans are now awaiting on the result of that appeal to find out who will nab that sixth place, and the fixtures for the second phase can be finalised.

On the field, Bala could have secured their own place in the top half during a frantic encounter with the Nomads, but a red card for defender Conall Murtagh for a two-footed lunge after five minutes made that all the more difficult.

A Ben Collins own goal put Connahs Quay ahead, but Bala equalised when Lewis Codling slotted through the legs of John Rushton after a delightful chip in to the area from Lee Hunt.

An even half, in which Bala squandered numerous chances, was then rounded off by a fine first senior goal by Connahs Quay’s Ryan Edwards from long range.

The Nomads dominated the second half and four Mike Hayes goals out-scored a penalty by Hunt and a Stuart Jones header for Bala.

Carmarthen had pushed Connahs Quay for that sixth place with a 4-2 win over fellow top six hopefuls Newtown, but missed out on goal difference - a mere two goals. Their srikes came via recent signings Geoff Kellaway and Christian Doidge both netting a brace for the Old Gold.

Newtown had twice taken the lead through Luke Boundford and Shane Sutton, but the hosts slowly grabbed control.

If the FAW upholds its decision, then it would be Carmarthen who take that coveted sixth place and a shot at European football next term.

Elsewhere, league leaders TNS ended Aberystwyth Town’s very slim hopes of a top six finish. They triumphed 3-0, with a brace by Alex Darlington and a goal from substitute Kai Edwards, in a game they largely dominated from start to finish.

Third-placed Bangor City shared a 2-2 draw with fifth-placed Port Talbot Town. There were two braces here also, one for either side, with Port Talbot’s Ashley Evans giving them the lead and then later rescuing a point after Bangor’s Chris Simm had scored two goals of his own.

Finally, struggling Afan Lido continued their torrid season, keeping up their average of conceding three goals a game by going down 3-1 at Airbus UK.

Wayne Riley gave Airbus the perfect start on three minutes, before Steve Tomassen and Phil Bolland put the home side three up in just 26 minutes.

Kieran Howard gave the score some respectability for Afan Lido on 75 minutes.

In the Welsh Cup fourth round, Huws Gray Alliance side Flint Town United overcame Cardiff outfit Caerau Ely 3-1, in a game surrounded by pre-match controversy.

After two postponements, competition rules state the tie should be switched to the ground of the away side. After Flint appealed, the FAW sided with them and Caerau reluctantly made the long trip up north for a second time.

They were undone by two goals in two minutes from Sean Beck and Stuart Hughes. Nathan Pete added a third before Keyon Reffell pulled one back and was then sent off in the last minute.

In the Huws Gray Alliance League, Rhyl maintain their 14-point lead at the top after demolishing Rhydymwyn 7-1.  Dave Forbes, Paul MacManus, Tom Rowlands, Mark Evans, Steff Halewood and James Gambino (two) got the goals, with Dan Drazdauskas scoring a consolation for Rhydymwyn.

Conwy Borough are second after a hard-fought win over Penycae, while there was an exciting finish at Llandudno where Ruthin Town came from 4-1 down with 10 minutes to go to draw 4-4 and move off the bottom.

It was also an eventful day in the Welsh League Division One – top two Taffs Well and Barry Town winning seven goal thrillers. Barry came from 3-1 down at half-time to defeat Monmouth Town 4-3, and Taffs Well won by the same scoreline over Haverfordwest County in a game full of incident.

Taffs Well now head to Barry on February 8 for a mouth-watering top of the table dual.

Elsewhere, Darren Griffiths notched five as West End triumphed 7-3 at Bryntirion Athletic, and there were wins for Aberdare Town, Tata Steel, Cambrian & Clydach and Pontardawe Town, in a truly remarkable day for Welsh football that will live long in the memory.

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Welsh Premier League preview

This weekend sees, weather permitting of course, the final round of Welsh Premier League fixtures before the mid-season split takes place; and five clubs are still vying for a top-six place.

The top five: TNS, Airbus UK, Prestatyn Town, Bangor City and Port Talbot Town, all have their place in the fight for the European places secure. Bottom side Afan Lido are too far adrift.

Llanelli have fulfilled their fixtures, and find themselves a point adrift of sixth-placed Gap Connahs Quay, but the Nomads, Carmarthen Town, Bala Town, Newtown and Aberystwyth Town face an almighty battle of the towns to nab sixth place.

Here, we try and work out who needs what from whom if clubs are to sneak in to the top six for the second half of the season, with all games kicking off at 4.15pm on Saturday (February 2).

Bala Town v Gap Connahs Quay

Connahs Quay sit in sixth by virtue of a single goal, equal on 27 points with Carmarthen and Llanelli, but having the best goal difference of the three (-6).

They face a tricky trip to Bala Town, whose 2-1 win over Bangor on January 11 was only their second victory in eight league matches. The Lakesiders announced this week that two new signings had arrived, ‘keeper Michael Platt and midfielder Edwin Renaud, and they will be hoping for one last push.

Connahs Quay have only won one of the last six themselves in all competitions, but boosted their striking options this week by signing 20-year-old Sean Breen from Chorley Town.

Both sides will be hoping for the win, with Bala needing it. If it’s a draw, then the Nomads need Carmarthen-Newtown to do the same and TNS to beat Aberystwyth.

Carmarthen Town v Newtown

Carmarthen also sit on 27 points and need to better Connahs Quay’s result to steal their place in the top six.

They have lost only one of their last 14 games in all competitions, and will be hoping top scorer Liam Thomas brings his scoring boots to add to his 19 league and Cup goals this season. They will also be buoyed by their surprise Word Cup final win over TNS, and an extra-time win over Bala in the Welsh Cup last time out.

Newtown are unbeaten in four matches and have found the net 11 times in that run. They will be hoping for an away win, coupled with a draw in the Bala-Connahs Quay fixture if they are to break in to the top six. If Bala win, then Newtown will have to do so and score four more goals than their rivals.

If Carmarthen win, then they need a draw in the above fixture to take sixth place.

TNS v Aberystwyth

Aberystwyth Town are the fifth team involved in the drama, and the least likely to emerge with the spoils.

They need to upset the applecart and win away at league leaders TNS, something only Newtown and Carmarthen, ironically, have achieved this season. The Seasiders themselves have only managed one away win all season – 2-1 at Connahs Quay back in September.

Even then, if they manage that then they need the above two fixtures to end in draws.

TNS completed the signing of winger Jamie Mullan this week from Stalybridge Celtic, and hope he will hit the ground running and help provide the service to top scorer Michael Wilde. They are unbeaten in five league games, with the last defeat being the aforementioned Carmarthen reverse at Park Hall.

Airbus UK v Afan Lido

Second-placed Airbus welcome bottom club Afan Lido to the Hollingsworth Stadium, looking to go in to the second half of the season on a high.

Their 6-1 win over Prestatyn Town last time out was their first league win in four, letting TNS move away at the top of the table. A win here, though, coupled with a shock Aberystwyth win at TNS, would allow them to close the gap to four points.

Afan Lido have had a forgettable season thus far, registering only four wins, and conceding 58 times in just 21 matches – an average of just under three per game.

It’s been a busy week or so for the Marston Stadium side, with six players coming in and three leaving following the resignation of Paul Reid. They will be hoping these bring an upturn in fortunes.

Bangor v Port Talbot

The final fixture sees Bangor City v Port Talbot Town, fourth v fifth, in a tussle between two sides who are already guaranteed places in the top six.

Bangor have won only two of their last eight fixtures in all competitions, and will also want to kick on in to the second half of the season in good form.

Port Talbot have been busy transfer-wise recently, with no fewer than six players moving between themselves and Llanelli AFC. They are hoping this won’t disrupt the squad too much, and that they can build on recent form that has seen them win seven and lose three of their last 10 games in all competitions.

The two sides drew 1-1 in the reverse fixture back in October.

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Barry add a much-needed striker to squad

MacWhirter Welsh League Division One side Barry Town have announced the signing of Jordan Cotterill from Ely Rangers.

The forward has notched 12 goals in 16 appearances so far this season for the Division Two side, and joins Barry hoping to help fill the void left by Christian Doidge’s move to Carmarthen Town.

Ely Rangers’ secretary Bob Fry says Barry have signed a player who won’t let them down, but said the door is open should Cotterill ever wish to return.

“We wish him luck and he’s always welcome back if it doesn’t work out,” he said. “We never stand in a player’s way if they want to move up the leagues and we always welcome that.

“He’s a young chap who is very skilful and scores lots of goals. Barry have got themselves a good player.”

Cotterill has already impressed Barry supporters once this season with a stunning goal against them in their 3-1 win over Ely in the Welsh Cup third round as he curled the ball in from outside the area. He also struck the post from a similar position in the first half.

Barry manager Gavin Chesterfield commented: "I'm delighted to have brought Jordan into the squad. We have a young, creative and talented team and Jordan fits this mold well.

"I'm looking forward to seeing him link up with previous striking partner Tj Nagi and Ryan Jenkins."

Cotterill will go straight in to the Barry squad for tomorrow’s clash with fellow promotion hopefuls Monmouth Town.

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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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