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Posters courtesy of Mark Pitman.

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The club are currently conducting an investigation into the matter and are closely liaising with our neighbours Afan Lido FC. Appropriate action will be immediately taken upon our findings, as part of our zero tolerance policy to unacceptable behaviour within the club.

We are treating this matter very seriously and we reiterate that Port Talbot Town Football Club will not accept any form of offensive or improper behaviour.

Former Steelmen Danny Thomas and Kristian James inflicted the damage with goals either side of half-time in what was a disappointing night for Mark Jones’ side.

The first-half was something of a slow burner with chances few and far between early on. Sacha Walter’s was the first to test the Afan Lido goal, sending a first time shot into Craig Morris. And Walters was again involved against his former side with an ambitious attempt from distance sailing over the bar.

As Port Talbot looked to settle, Paul Keddle’s free-kick from wide was met by Paul Cochlin but the central defender steered his shot wide of goal. And Martin Rose snatched as the ball flashed past goal.

Despite their control, Port Talbot would find themselves trailing at the interval. Shane Williams split the Town defence with a hooked ball into the path of Danny Thomas who confidently fired the visitors ahead.

The goal shocked Cortez Belle into an almost immediate response, forcing Craig Morris to acrobatically tip the ball over the bar and the Port Talbot skipper again threatened with an audacious strike from all over 35 yards, which whistled pass the upright on the stroke of half-time.

Worse was to come in the second period as the Steelmen quickly found themselves trailing by two goals as Kristian James extended Lido’s lead with a 48th minute effort.

Port Talbot were able to offer little in response as Mark Jones reshuffled his pack introducing Craig Jones and Gareth Phillips for Paul Cochlin and Leigh De-Vulgt, as Cortez Belle paired up with James Bloom in the heart of Town’s defence.

PORT TALBOT TOWN 0-2 AFAN LIDO
Danny Thomas 40’, Kristian James 47’

Port Talbot: David Burnett, Aaron Biddescombe, Paul Keddle, Sacha Walters, Leigh De-Vulgt (Craig Jones 54′), Paul Cochlin (Gareth Phillips 54′), Lee John, David Brooks, Martin Rose, Cortez Belle, James Bloom

Afan Lido: Craig Morris, Daniel Sheehan, Samuel Hodge, Craig Hanford, Liam Hancock, Anthony Finselbach, Kristian James, Alex Rickett (Andy Hill 76′), Daniel Thomas (Mark Jones 60′), Liam Thomas, Shane Williams (Leon Jeanne 71′)

Attendance:135 Referee: Kevin Morgan

All images courtesy of Gareth Elms

Both teams picked a point on the road in the league over the weekend, with Mark Jones satisfied with Port Talbot’s result at Aberystwyth Town.

“It was important we didn’t lose this one but we should have wrapped it up by half-time. It was the proverbial game of two halves and a draw was about right in the end,” Jones told the Evening Post.

Rookie forward Richard Greaves strengthened his growing reputation with a superbly taken goal but Aberystwyth turned the game with their second-half equaliser, in what was an encouraging performance from the Blues.

Greaves is again likely to feature on Tuesday but strike partner Martin Rose could miss out. David Brooks however could return after completing his two match ban, for his sending off in the previous clash against Lido.

Form: WLLWD
Last encounter at the Gen-Quip: Friday 10th February 2012 – Afan Lido recorded a 2-1 victory at an eventful night at the Gen-Quip, as Paul Cochlin and David Brooks both saw red after Rose had put the Steelmen ahead. The dismissals proved to be the turning point of the match with Lido equalising soon after before going on to finally add a second late on, with Cortez Belle becoming the third player to be dismissed late on.
One to watch: Leon Jeanne – The in-form wingman struck twice in the recent league encounter between the two sides and rescued a point for Afan Lido against Newtown on the weekend.

Admission: £7 adults, £5 concessions/students, £1 under 16′s
All student and junior/academy entry is strictly subject to proof of identification

(Contributions from Michael Noakes & John Kearle)

The Under-12’s resumed their season on Sunday after having a month of cancelled fixtures due to the weather. We had two home games against Mardi Tigers and Valleys United and we knew these were going to be tough games and that our girls were going to be rusty after our long break. We played Mardi first and started well with some neat passing and looked confident with Georgia Finney looking our best player working hard down the left hand side and linking play well with Peyton Quinn and Tia Morgan but our girls for all the good play were unable to break through the Mardi defence this was the story of the first half no clear chances created by either teams. The second half went the same as the first for 5 minutes then Mardi hit a long ball from the back our defence didn’t clear the ball and the ball was hit low across our goal and the Mardi striker was first to react and toe poked the past our keeper Elle Hancock who up until then had nothing to do, this goal spurred Mardi on and 2 minutes later they forced a corner and again their striker reacted quicker and Mardi went 2-0 up. The girls looked stunned this was the first time all season they had been in this position trailing by two goals now we would find out what they were made of, from the kick off Tia Morgan and Peyton Quinn went on the attack and Tia hit a shot that just went wide of the goal and from the goal kick we forced our first corner the girls wanted this game now and we looked our old selves from the corner Mardi cleared the for a throw Tyler Ward took the throw which she launched at their goal it clipped of the defenders head and into the net great throw 2-1. Only 4 minutes left and Mardi came at us again but this time our defence of Katie Ely, Tia Cole and Tyler Ward were not letting anything past them and were passing the ball wide using both wings to give us the attacking upper hand, we were now going at the Mardi defence with all we had and equaliser came with 2 minutes left the ball was passed wide to Jess Garlick on the right who passed it to Tia she ran at the defence before pushing the ball back to Jess she crossed the ball only for the defender to clear the ball into the middle of the pitch 15 yards from goal Peyton took one touch then hit aright footed shot that beat the keeper easily 2-2 great goal. A brilliant fight back girls the whistle blew for full time we needed 5 more minutes and would have won the game well done
Our second game against Valleys was a crucial top of the table clash with both teams joint top and the same number of games played so we knew this would a close game. We had two new signings starting for us in this game Amy and Robyn and they both got involved straight from start both making tackles in midfield that stopped Valleys who started the game at a fast pace that made our midfield and defence have to be alert from the kick-off.We eventually got control of the game and started to pass the ball from back to front using both sides of the pitch and giving Valleys plenty to think about with their keeper making two good saves from shots of Tia and Maddie Fry who looked to use the ball well whenever she had it, just before half time Valleys forced a corner and from the corner scored with a good headed goal 1-0 to Valleys at half time .The second have started and our girls started on the attack with new girl Amy passing the ball to Tia and again the keeper made a good save to keep us out ,we brought on Peyton for new girl Robyn who had done well in this here first game and moved Maddie to left midfield with only 8 minutes left we were still 1-0 down but we looked the stronger side we continued to pass the ball well with only desperate tackles and clearances keeping us from levelling the game. The goal did come with a move down our left side Tyler passing the ball onto Maddie who pushed the ball through for Tia to hit hard and low shot that the keeper could only get a hand to but was unable to stop it going in 1-1. The girls now knew they could win this and just attacked Valleys with all they had our midfield now had complete control and passed and moved the ball from one side of the pitch to the other pulling the Valleys midfield and defence around at will ,they played great football to get the winning goal with a move that started from the back with all outfield players touching the ball before Peyton pushed the ball through the gap created by our movement Tia ran onto the ball and smashed it into the net a brilliant goal 2-1 Port Talbot .The game did restart but with only seconds left there was to be no reply to our winning goal the game finished 2-1 and put the girls top of the league . The girls worked very hard today and deserved the win well done girls an excellent day.

The Under-14′s enjoyed the luxury of having a fully-fit squad available after last week where girls were ill and injured only Sophie Williams ill this week down with a bad case of flu everyone else back and fighting fit and raring to go. Today we entertained Dinas Powys with a game at home at Vivian Park this will be our fourth meeting this season with league and cup fixtures, and the girls were keen to get revenge for the 4-3 loss in our last encounter in the league.

Todays game was to be another great game of football between these two teams who have had some great battles this season and was to be a great confidence booster before our Tesco Cup semi final on 22/02/12 a Wednesday night kick off at 7.00pm @ the Gen Quip Stadium against Troedyrhiw everyone welcome to support the Port Talbot girls.
Port Talbot lined up Asleigh Rumph(GK) Megan Berry, Pria Ratti, Shauna Thomas,Sophie Cardy (defence) Beth Kennedy, Jess Edwards, Carys Wilkinson, Megan Kearle (midfield) Lauren Amor, Jade Dawkins(strikers) Shorna Thomas (sub)

Dinas won the toss and elected to kick off and from the outset both teams were playing good attacking football with both keepers and defences being tested with some great football but it was Dinas who made the breakthrough on the six minute mark where a lovely through ball down the centre of the pitch was picked up by their striker who chipped the advancing keeper to give the visitors a 0-1 lead.

This brought the game to light and Port Talbot launched attack after attack only to be thwarted by excellent goal keeping by the Dinas keeper and last ditch defending by the Dinas defence to keep Port Talbot at bay.

Sophie Cardy picked the ball up just outside the Port Talbot goal area and went on a mesmerising run down the left hand side of the pitch going past several players with speed and skill to cut into the Dinas penalty area and shoot from a very acute angle to beat the keeper with a terrific shot to make it 1-1 on the twenty two minute mark with a fantastic individual effort.
This is the way it stayed until half time with both sides having chances scrambled away by the defence and both keepers pulling off fine saves to keep the score 1-1.

Port Talbot came out second half having made one change with Shorna Thomas coming on for Pria Ratti, Port Talbot were playing some great football and were controlling the second half with some great attacking football and only fantastic goal keeping was keeping Dinas in the game with their keeper playing out of her skin.

On the forty minute mark Jess Edwards picked the ball up just outside the halfway line looked up and noticed the Dinas Goal keeper off her line and from a full 35 metres hit a shot left footed which cleared the keeper and dipped inside the crossbar for another great goal to give Port Talbot a well deserved 2-1 lead.
Port Talbot were now playing some great attacking football with the Dinas defence working overtime to keep them out with the keeper again still having a great game Port Talbot through lauren Amor hit the bar and the post and no matter how hard they tried the girls were kept at bay by great keeping last ditch defending and the woodwork the final whistle blew and Port Talbot were victors winning 2-1 which they well deserved.

The girls and coaches all shook hands and the girls celebrated a great win, this win was a great confidence booster against one of the title contenders in the girls league ahead of our Tesco Cup semi final against Troedyrhiw this coming wednesday well done girls and best of luck for wednesday.

Neil Ruddock (centre) joins club chairman Andrew Edwards (left) and first-team manager Mark Jones (right)

The club enjoyed another successful Sports Dinner last Thursday at Blanco’s, with special guest Neil ‘Razor’ Ruddock.

The audience enjoyed many of the stories told by the former Liverpool, Tottenham, West Ham and England defender, as well as the superb hospitality provided by Blanco’s.

The club were well represented at the evening by both the first-team and academy set-up and Port Talbot Town would once again like to thank everyone for such a fantastic night.

Images taken by Gareth Elms
Click to view slideshow.

Curtis Hutson broke the deadlock minutes before the interval whilst Sam France capped off a memorable week by netting the winner.

Mark Pike’s side quickly settled as they controlled possession and looked to stretch the hosts in the opening stages. But it took until the 40th minute for Port Talbot to break the deadlock, as Curtis Hutson stole in with a fine header. The boys continued to press for a second after the break and having made his first senior appearance, as a substitute in the first-team’s victory over Carmarthen last Tuesday, Sam France scored what proved to be the decisive goal with a great strike on 65 minutes. Several chances again went begging as Port Talbot searched for a third and Callum Holden, Roberto Freitas and Hutson all went close but failed to find the back of the net.

“It is important that we continue to create chances, the way we’re playing is magnificent at the moment and we just hope that we can continue to sustain this level of quality until the end of season,” explained Mark Pike.

“The strength and character shown by the youngsters was superb,” he added.

Pikes squad has been bolstered with another signing, as Dale Morris who made his debut from the substitute’s bench.

U-19’s: Martin, Morgan, L. Edwards (Michaels), Parry, Biddescombe, Iles, France, Silva, Hutson, Holden (J. Edwards), R. Freitas (Morris)

Images courtesy of Aneurin Venables

Richard Greaves was again on target on Friday night but Port Talbot were forced to share the points as hosts Aberystwyth snatched a 1-1 draw.

The Blues went from strength to strength after Greaves’ cool finish put Mark Jones’ side ahead on 16 minutes. Port Talbot enjoyed control of the game for large periods throughout but failed to put Aberystwyth to the sword before Josh Shaw cancelled out the lead.

Mark Jones welcomed back Paul Cochlin, Cortez Belle and Martin Rose for the visit to Park Avenue, whilst recent additions Richard Greaves and James Bloom retained their place in the starting line-up which saw Dylan Blain and Lewis Harlin both ruled out through injury.

And it was two of club’s January transfer window arrivals which would combine early on to threaten the Aberystwyth goal as Greaves headed Bloom’s cross into the arms of Steve Cann. Following his impressive showing midweek against Carmarthen, Greaves was not to disappoint in his first full Welsh Premier League start and tucking the ball away with aplom, after latching on to Leigh De-Vulgt’s direct ball.

With Nicky Holland containing Aber’s lively playmaker, Geoff Kellaway, the Blues went from strength-to-strength enjoying sustained periods of pressure with Lee John and Rose both going close to extending the advantage at the break.

A strong start to the second-half followed and Greaves again found himself in a great position to add to the lead but opted to look for the pass to the incoming Martin Rose. But the Blues’ dominance was undermined midway through when the lively Josh MacAuley got the better of the Blues defence and substitute Josh Shaw pounced to fire in an Aber equaliser against the run of play. Having drawn level, Aber were stirred into action with MacAuley and Sean Thornton on growing in influence. Both sides saw claims for a penalties waved away Mark Petch and Port Talbot were forced to settle for a point.

PORT TALBOT TOWN 1-1 ABERYSTWYTH
Richard Greaves 16’ Josh Shaw 66’

Port Talbot: Kristian Rogers, Nicky Holland, Paul Keddle, Gareth Phillips (Craig Jones 70′), Leigh de Vulgt, Paul Cochlin (Sasha Walters 70′), Lee John, Richard Greaves, Martin Rose, Cortez Belle, James Bloom

Aberystwyth: Steve Cann, Krzystzof Nalborski, Michael Howard, Aneurin Thomas (Liam James 65′), Sion James, Wyn Thomas, Geoff Kellaway, Sean Thornton, Chris Llewellyn (Josh Shaw 59′), Josh MacAuley, Andy Parkinson

Attendance:296 Referee: Mark Petch

(Gareth Elms)

Port Talbot ran out 3-1 winners on Tuesday night to set up another cup date with neighbours Afan Lido, after advancing past Carmarthen Town 3-2 on aggregate in the League Cup first round.

Trailing 1-0 from the first-leg, Richard Greaves eased any Port Talbot nerves scoring his first goal for the club, heading in on seven minutes. Chris Hartland extended the lead as the Blues enjoyed a strong spell late in the second-half, before Sacha Walters fired low to put the result beyond doubt soon after. Steffan Williams grabbed an injury time consolation for the visitors.

With the suspended trio of Cortez Belle, Paul Cochlin and David Brooks all absent, Mark Jones handed a debut to recently acquired defender James Bloom and Richard Greaves made his first start for the club, with Martin Rose failing to shake off a knock he picked up against Afan Lido. Academy prospects Chris Silva and Sam France were named on the bench whilst Carmarthen opted to rest a string of first-team players.

Defending the Burns Road End in the first-half, Port Talbot were handed an early warning as Steffan William’s clipped the right angle of Kristian Rogers’ goal. Port Talbot soon found themselves on level terms over both legs however as Richard Greaves opened his goalscoring account for the club on 7 minutes. The former Ely Rangers man headed into the top corner at the near post after meeting Sacha Walter’s precision cross from the right flank.

The Blues’ looked to have doubled their lead briefly when Hartland turned the ball in from a corner but play was stopped for an infringement, much to the disappointment of Hartland who was booked for his protests.

Port Talbot continued to press for a second with and Greaves could’ve have doubled his talley following Hartland’s threaded through ball, but pulled his shot wide past the far post.

Greaves continued to be involved, heading the ball down to Dylan Blain who fired over the bar. Minutes later Blain’s night came to an early end after a sustaining a head injury in an collision for the ball, with Nicky Holland taking to the field.

With the game fizzling out towards the latter stages of the first period, Nick Harrhy perhaps should’ve done better for the visitors after dispossessing Paul Keddle, but blazed his shot wide.

The start of the second-half saw the welcome introduction of Craig Jones, who made his long awaited return back from injury, replacing Gareth Phillips. And Port Talbot found themselves on the back-foot early on, with Kristian Rogers needing to be alert to turn Steffan William’s rasping shot past the post.

With both teams failing to settle after the break, it took until the 66th minute for Port Talbot to threaten the Carmarthen goal, when Aaron Biddescombe fizzed a low cross across the goalmouth, with the ball just beyond the reach of Chris Hartland; whilst Richard Greaves was once again lively in the goalmouth with ‘keeper Mark Hannington needing two attempts to retrieve the ball from his attempt.

And with the Blues dominant, the second goal of the night duly arrived in the 76th minute. Chris Hartland netted his third of the season, heading the ball beyond the reach of Hannington to give Port Talbot a 2-1 aggregate scoreline.

In the closing stages, Port Talbot continued to muster a decisive third. The impressive Greaves again found himself troubling the Old Gold as he swiftly turned and shot towards the top hand corner but found Hannington equal to his strike, palming the ball away. And with four minutes remaining Sacha Walters fired in a third to put the tie beyond doubt.

An injury time breakaway saw Steffan Williams breach the Blues defence, poking the ball past Rogers but the strike proved to be nothing more than a consolation for the West Walians with Port Talbot deserved winners.

PORT TALBOT TOWN 3-1 CARMARTHEN TOWN (3-2 AGG)
Richard Greaves 7’, Chris Hartland 76′, Sacha Walters 86′ Steffan Williams 90’+1

Port Talbot: Kristian Rogers, Aaron Biddescombe, Paul Keddle, Gareth Phillips (Craig Jones 46′), Leigh De-Vulgt, James Bloom, Lee John (Sam France 88′), Dylan Blain (Nicky Holland 33′), Richard Greaves, Chris Hartland, Sacha Walters

Carmarthen: Mark Hannington, Lewis Jones, Ashley Williams, Steve Berry, Iestyn Evans, Kieran Howard, Sam Wilson, Corey Thomas (Callum Deadman 38′), Dan MacDonald (Andrew Mathias 61′), Nick Harrhy, Steffan Williams

Attendance: 122 Referee: Mark Whitby
All images courtesy of Gareth Elms
Click to view slideshow.

Port Talbot can set up another cup clash with Afan Lido if they can overcome a 1-0 first-leg deficit against Carmarthen Town tonight at the Gen-Quip stadium (7:30).

The Blues trail following last month’s first leg defeat at Richmond Park and Mark Jones will be looking to resume to winning ways against his former club in the League Cup, after seeing his side come away empty-handed in last Friday’s controversial derby.

“We were coasting at 1-0 and playing well but with nine men we were really up against it,” Jones told the Evening Post.

“The lads who stayed on the pitch were magnificent and they are devastated that we did not hang on for a point.”

(Gareth Elms)

Paul Cochlin, David Brookes and Cortez Belle all sit out through suspension whilst Lewis Harlin is also a doubt as Mark Jones is forced to reshuffle his side in what is a must-win game for the Steelmen.

Mark Aizlewood’s Carmarthen could make changes following their 2-2 draw with Aberystwyth on the weekend with player/coach Neil Smothers expected to miss out.

Form: WWWWD
Last encounter at the Gen-Quip: Friday 28th October 2011 – In the absence of the injured Cortez Belle, Martin Rose marked his return to the side with a goal in either half as Port Talbot recorded a 2-0 win.
One to watch: Jonathon Hood –amongst the goals at Afan Lido, Hood was snapped up by the Old Gold in the January transfer window.

Admission: £7 adults, £5 concessions/students, £1 under 16′s
All student and junior/academy entry is strictly subject to proof of identification