Town boss expecting tough battle in semi-final play-off

Manager Scott Young acknowledges his side are in for a tough battle going into Saturday’s must-win play-off semi-final against Carmarthen Town (2.00).

The club have cut admission to £5 for adults and free for under-16s as they prepare to host Carmarthen Town – a victory would see Port Talbot take a step closer to qualify for European football.

Speaking to the club website, Young shared the mood of the camp ahead of Saturday’s decisive game: “Training has gone very well this week, it’s been high intensity but there’s been lots of banter amongst the lads and everyone’s enjoying it and looking forward to the start of the play-offs.”

“It’s going to be a tough battle for us, we know we’re in for tough game which could easily swing either way but we’ll go into it with just as much confidence as they will do,” he added.

Port Talbot have a near clean-bill of health going into the game with the exception being Chad Bond.

The forward sustained a suspected broken foot in the Blues’ recent win over Airbus UK Broughton.

“Bond is the only injury casualty who is going to miss out and I have my fingers cross that the rest of the squad will be fully-fit,” revealed Young. “Chad’s done very well over the last few weeks for us and losing any player who’s been involved during that time would be missed.”

Get behind us in crunch Euro semi-final says Scott Young

Manager Scott Young has called for strong local support as his side prepare for Saturday’s crucial play-off semi-final (2.00).

The club are potentially two wins away from qualifying for next seasons UEFA Europa League and have slashed admission prices ahead of Saturday’s must-win game against Carmarthen Town.

Under-16s will be FREE whilst adults admission has been cut to just £5.

Young believes that a good turnout at the GenQuip stadium will help drive the squad on in what is their biggest game of the season.

“I assure you that we’ll be doing our utmost in terms of preparation for Saturday’s game but it would be a massive boost to the entire squad if they have a good crowd encouraging them from the stands. We’re in this together as far as I am concerned.”

Top-scorer David Brooks meanwhile believes the squad’s work ethic will help the club move a step closer to qualification.

Brooks who has claimed his 15th goal of the season in Port Talbot’s outing, a 1-0 win over Airbus UK Broughton two weeks ago, said: “I really believe we can get to into Europe. I think that’s what we need to be targeting going into the play-offs and I’ll be disappointed if we don’t make it.”

“It’s been a real team effort to get to where we are and the squad and the coaching staff have just been amazing.”

All supporters new and old are encouraged to come and support the Blues in Saturday’s crucial game. Reduced admission is available on the gate – no ticket necessary.

Limited parking is available at the ground. Families welcome!

Under-19’s held in eight-goal thriller

Two goals apiece from Jordan Edwards and Ryan Morgan saw Port Talbot Town’s Under-19 squad draw 4-4 against a strong Haverfordwest County side on Sunday.

A miserable opening half hour saw Port Talbot trail 3-1 in a game that already looked dead and buried. But Mark Pike’s side were rewarded for their spirited display as they fought back to a 4-3 lead with just 10-minutes remaining.

Port Talbot were forced into making two early changes as Darius Waters and Sam Bell both limped off whilst Alex Vaughan and Joe Holland were amongst the walking wounded on the full-time whistle.

A needless free-kick from wide led to County forcing a late equaliser. And in further drama, Port Talbot saw a late penalty appeal waved away to leave both sides taking a share of the points.

“This has been a brilliant season as we’ve been able to draft in a number of 16-year-olds into the squad,” said Mark Pike. “They are developing very well and will be ready with this year’s development for next season.”

The end of the season does however mean old members of the Under-19 squad will move on.

“I’m saddened to be losing players who have been with me since the age of seven years of age. Hopefully these players will continue their development at the club and I hope to see these players gracing our turf in years to come.

“I wish all those players Jordan Edwards, Ryan Morgan, Josh Pike, Jake Parry, Luke Edwards, Darius Waters , Alex Vaughan, Luke Martin, Alex Williams, Oliver Bowen and Jordan Harris all the very best.”

Admission prices slashed as play-off opponents revealed

The club will be cutting admission prices for our biggest game of the season this coming Saturday (2pm).

It is now confirmed that Port Talbot’s play-off semi final opponents will be Carmarthen Town at the GenQuip stadium.

The Steelmen are potentially just two wins away from qualifying for European football and Scott Young and the squad are calling on YOU to help make the difference and turn the GenQuip stadium into a fortress.

Young urged: “I assure you that we’ll be doing our utmost in terms of preparation for Saturday’s game but it would be a massive boost to the entire squad if they have a good crowd encouraging them from the stands. We’re in this together as far as I’m concerned.”

All adult admission has been reduced to just £5, all under-16s will be FREE.
Please note that play-off fixtures are not included as part of season ticket.

Under-19′s call for support in final home game

Under-19 manager Mark Pike has called on the clubs’ supporters to back his side in their last home game of the season this Sunday  as the Steelmen entertain Haverfordwest County (2.30). 

Sunday’s clash with Haverfordwest will be their last of the current campaign and with two games of the season remaining, the youngsters are once again challenging at the top end of the MacWhirter Youth Division West table.

“The lads have really benefited from the support they’ve had previously and to see a good turn out in their final home game of the season would be fitting considering the effort and commitment that they have all shown this season,” said Pike.

“We all know that the first-team get tremendous backing from the supporters and it would be great if they can get behind us on Sunday,” he added.

With leaders Pontardawe Town having a five point lead and a game in-hand at the top of the table, the challenge for Pike’s side is to ensure they hold onto second-place and a win over Haverfordwest would go some way to achieving that and seeing off the possible threat from Bryntirion and West End who lie in wait in third and fourth place in the table.

Academy goes from strength to strength

The club’s academy continues to go from strength to strength as a hugely successful season draws to a close.

At Under-16 level, our newly formed side did themselves proud under the guidance of Alan Cripps, narrowly missing out on a quarter-final, by goal difference.

Ian Wozencroft’s Under-14’s progressed to the Welsh Cup semi-final and narrowly lost 2-0 to Cambrian & Clydach, whilst the Under-12’s, coached by David Davies, also lost out to Cambrian & Clydach in their quarter-final.

The Under-19’s play their final game this Sunday at home to Haverfordwest County in what has been a mixed season.

The loss of key players midway through the campaign took its toll as Jake Parry went to play in Australia, Josh Pike to play in Sweden and Alex Williams who went into the Army, whilst a number of senior youth players went to play senior football in the Welsh League to further their development.

Head of Development and Under-19’s manager Mark Pike took the positives from the season. “It has allowed us to promote and develop some of our 16-year-old players and chuck them straight into the mix,” explained Pike. “To be honest, they been brilliant and very patient. We’re probably looking to finish third in the league but we could still get runners-up spot, not forgetting losing in the last eight of the Welsh Cup to Swansea City and then narrowly losing at the same stage of the League Cup to West End.”

“In all a great season again and the development of our young crop continues and gets stronger each year. To cap it all off, on a personal level, I was also asked to manage the Welsh Under-18 Semi-Pro squad and have since been given a two-year contract.”

Under-14 call-ups for Academy youngsters

Five players have been selected to represent South Wales Under-14 academy at the forthcoming Cymru Cup next month.

The FAW’s newly-built Dragon Park facility in Newport will host the event on 27 and 28 May, consisting of the best selected Welsh players from North, Mid and South Wales regions.

Issac Thomas, Jack Hurley, Jordan Pike, William Thyler and Harrison Courtney have all been selected.

“This is the first time in three years we have had players selected from our academy to play at the Cymru Cup and it’s the result of the continued hard work from all concerned including team manager Ian Wozencroft,” said Mark Pike.

“Unfortunately Issac Thomas is unable to make the trip due to school commitments and Jack Hurley is also unavailable due to his involvement with Boys and Girls club football.

Everyone at Port Talbot Town would like to congratulate Issac, Jack, Jordan, William and Harrison on being called up.