8/13/2019 WPT14 - 04

1/10

OOffffiicciiaallNNeewwsslleetttteerroofftthhee

CCoorrbbeettttSSppoorrttssWWeellsshhPPrreemmiieerrLLeeaagguuee

W LSH PR MI R TIM S220011331144 IIssssuuee44//RRhhiiff44 2233//0077//1133

Prestatyn and Saintsface daunting tasks

CCyyllcchhggrraawwnnSSwwyyddddooggoollUUwwcchhggyynngghhrraaiirrCCoorrbbeettttSSppoorrttss

CCyymmrruu

A hat-trick by Benko and singles from Zlomislic and Jugovic gave HNK Rijeka a 5-0 win in ThursdaysEuropa League tie in Croatia. But although, barring a miracle, the Seasiders' European adventure is all butover, they did themselves proud and can leave eastern Europe with their heads held high knowing theyhave carried the Welsh Premier League flag furthest in this year's competition.But overall the score is immaterial as Neil Gibson's men wrote another chapter in their remarkable recent

history and gave the whole town - and indeed the whole of Wales - a reason to be proud of their efforts.Despite the result chairman Phil Merrick was full of praise for both the team and the way the club hadbeen treated in Croatia."I am immensely proud of the players for their efforts tonight and of the loyal supporters who made thetrip at such short notice. I would also thank our opponents, their president and management for the superbway they have looked after us and I don't think there is any disgrace in going down to a team of suchobvious strength and quality..The New Saints FC must climb a mountain to reach the UEFA Champions League third qualifying roundafter succumbing 3-1 at home against Legia Warszawa.The home side led at half-time through a Ryan Fraughan goal, but the Polish champions proved too strong

and hit back three times after the break to take command of the tie.

This Weeks Matches

LEGIA WARSZAWA vTHE NEW SAINTS

PRESTATYN TOWN V HNK RJIEKAThursday 25

thJuly

At the Belle Vue Stadium,

Rhyl

Kick-off 19:00

Wednesday 24th

July

At the Stadion Wojska Polskiego

Warszawa

19:45

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Second Qualifying Round

UEFA EUROPA LEAGUE Second Qualifying Round

8/13/2019 WPT14 - 04

2/10

CLUB NEWS

ABERYSTWYTH TOWN ww.atfc.org.ukWith the kick off for pre-season friendlies less than five days away, Town Manager Ian Hughes has expressed hisdelight with the primarily local nature of this season's First Team Squad.Hughes said: 'It's important to have finally secured the services of the local players, who I know will play a key

role for the club next season. Some have come through our excellent Academy and I expect more players todevelop through this system and into the first team in the coming seasons.Local players ensure local passion and I hope the supporters appreciate this and get fully behind the team, withpre-season games starting next week. I am also pleased to have added other quality players from further afield tosupplement and support what we have locally.'To date twelve players have signed for the First Team, and seven of them live in or around Aberystwyth (StuartJones, Antonio Corbisiero, Cledan Davies, Rhydian Davies, Geoff Kellaway, Bari Morgan and Sion James). Addto these Wyn Thomas from Llandysul who is a product of Aber Town's Youth Team, and Chris Venables, who isbased only 30 miles away in Llanidloes, and the local connection is even stronger.Talented midfielders Declan Carroll and Craig Williams, and keeper Mike Lewis are the only players signed sofar who will face significant travelling for home games in 2013/4, and given the arduous nature of a NationalLeague, their contributions will also be greatly appreciated by home supporters.

PRE SEASON FRIENDLIESSaturday 20thJuly Barmouth & Dyffryn Utd A 4-3Saturday 27thJuly Caersws FC A ko 14:30Saturday 3rdAugust Haverfordwest County H ko 14:30Thursday 8thAugust Bow Street A ko 19:00Saturday 10thAugust CPD Porthmadog A ko 14:30Saturday 17thAugust Goytre United H ko 14:30

AFAN LIDO FCAFAN Lido Football Club have completed the signing of one of the Welsh Leagues brightest prospects.Jamal Roberts completes his move to the Welsh Premier outfit from Division One high-flyers Taffs Well.The winger is the latest addition to the Lido squad, as the club looks to improve upon its disappointing bottom-placed position last term.Manager Paul Evans said: Taffs Well didnt want to let Jamal go. They were keen to keep hold of him so werehappy that hes decided to join.He wanted to have a crack at Welsh Premier League football and hopefully hell take that opportunity with usthis season.Jamal Roberts notched up 11 league goals for Taffs Well last season, and is looking forward to his next challengein Lido colours.He commented: Im looking forward to stepping up to the Welsh Premier. Hopefully I can play my part inhelping Lido and my new team-mates to a successful season.The Seasiders have also been buoyed by the news that long-serving defender Kristian James has pledged hisfuture to the club for another term. James has been a regular fixture in the squad for the past four seasons, and has

committed to another season at the Marstons Stadium.Lidos transfer spree has continued this week with the addition of three club legends to the fray.Manager Paul Evans has added three veterans to his new-look squad as he seeks to bolster his team going into thenew season.First to rejoin the club is goalkeeper Brian Thomas. The former Hereford United shot-stopper was the clubs number one keeper for more than ten seasons before hangingup his boots. Evans has persuaded his former team-mate to step out of retirement tohelp the club rebuild, and will also be utilising Thomas as his goalkeeping coach.Second to be added to the squad is winger Greg Hurley.Hurley played for Lido in Europe and also appeared in the 2007 Welsh Cup Final.The versatile veteran will be joining the coaching staff but also registering as a player.Finally, Evans has called on the experience of former club captain Shaun OLeary.

The cultured midfielder again spent more than ten seasons with the Seasiders, andreturns to assist his former midfield compatriot both in a playing and coachingcapacity.

8/13/2019 WPT14 - 04

3/10

8/13/2019 WPT14 - 04

4/10

BANGOR CITY www.bangorcityfc.comPRE SEASON FRIENDLIESSaturday 13thJuly Buckley Town A 4-1Wednesday 17thJuly Caernarfon Town H 3-1Saturday 20thJuly Lancaster City H 1-1Tuesday 23rdJuly Gwalchmai H ko 19:00

Saturday 3rd

August Burscough H ko 14:00Tuesday 6thAugust Conwy Borough H ko 19:30Saturday 10thAugust AFC Telford A ko 15:00Tuesday 13thAugust Caernarfon Town A ko 19:30

CARMARTHEN TOWN www.carmarthentownafc.comPRE SEASON FRIENDLIESSaturday 20thJuly Pontardawe Town A 4-2Saturday 20thJuly Taffs Well A 4-0Wednesday 24thJuly Merlins Bridge A ko TBASaturday 3rdAugust Bath City A ko 15:00Saturday 10thAugust Ton Pentre A ko 14:30

Saturday 17thAugust Midleton FC (IRL) A ko TBASunday 18thAugust Cobh Ramblers (IRL) A ko 19:45

GAP CONNAHS QUAY www.the-nomads.co.ukPRE SEASON FRIENDLIESSaturday 13thJuly Conwy Borough A 0-0Tuesday 16thJuly Runcorn Town A P-PSaturday 20thJuly Flint Town United A 2-3Friday 26thJuly Pontefract Collieries A ko 19:30Saturday 27thJuly Goole FC A ko 15:00Tuesday 30thJuly Wrexham FC H ko 19:15Friday 2ndAugust Buckley Town A ko 19:30Saturday 3rdAugust Corwen FC A ko 14:30Tuesday 6thAugust Cardiff City H ko 19:30Saturday 10thAugust Nantwich Town H ko 14:30Saturday 13thAugust Conwy Borough A ko 14:30

NEWTOWN AFC www.newtownafc.co.ukAfter persistent pursuing from Bernie McNally, hefinally nailed his man last night in the form ofHaughmond striker Nathan Hodge. Hodge has been onMcNally's radar for many years during the managerstime at AFC Telford United and Hednesford Town.

And after an attempt to capture the signing of Hodgeearlier in the summer, McNally finally got his man andspoke of his delight last night."Nathan is a terrific signing for us. He's a quality

player, and I want to get him and Jeff White togetherthis season. We could cause a few surprises to teamsthis season," said the Newtown manager.McNally was speaking after yesterdays 2-0 defeat at

Wellington Amateurs a game in which Hodge played, and McNally was full of praise for the forwardsperformance."He was terrific yesterday, looked very good, and its going to be exciting to see him playing now."Hodge joins the Robins from Haughmond, where he had a terrific goal haul last season. He also turnedout for Ludlow Town, who his brother Dale, as they claimed the Mercian Regional League title.

8/13/2019 WPT14 - 04

5/10

And the striker hasn't come without interest with Market Drayton Town and Telford United interested inhim.After making his debut yesterday, he is in line to play again next week away at Shawbury United.

Newtown took a very youthful side to Wellington Amateurs on Saturday for their first friendly of thenew season. And despite going down 2-0 to Wellington Amateurs there were a lot of positives taken outof the game by manager Bernie McNally."Considering the young side we had, we were terrific. We went in 1-0 down at the break, but stuck to

our guns and kept going," said McNally.McNally paid compliments to two of the youth players. "Richard Davies was great in central midfieldand had a really good game and Michael O'Reilly got a good 90 minutes under his belt at left back."McNally added, "But today is not about the result, its about building back up for the season."McNally handed debuts to Mike Platt in goal, Tom Goodwin in mid-field and Nathan Hodge up front,with trialist Jamie Breese also featuring.Absent through injury yesterday were Craig Williams, Matty Cook and new signing, Jeff White. ZackEvans is on holiday and Andy Jones & Max Penk had work commitments.All the Management team were in impressed with the debut of new signing, Nathan Hodge who has

been a target for Manager, McNally for some time. Nathan comes to the Robins from Haughmond(Shrewsbury) who compete in the West Midlands League. Previously with AFC Ludlow, he transferredto Haughmond midway through last season and was named as the Manager's Player of the Season.The squad featured several youth players - Richard Davies and Mike O'Reilly getting full games, whilstthere were half hour spells for Harley Thomas, Joe Evans and Luke Evans.PRE SEASON FRIENDLIESSaturday 20thJuly Wellington Amateurs A 0-2Saturday 27thJuly Shawbury United A ko 14:30Saturday 3rdAugust Guilsfield A ko 14.30Tuesday 6thAugust Shrewsbury Town XI H ko 19:30Saturday 10thAugust Hednesford Town H ko 14:30

PORT TALBOT TOWN www.porttalbottown.co.ukPORT TALBOT TOWN are delighted to announce the signing ofstriker Rhys Griffiths.The 33-year-old marksman has put pen to paper for a third-spell at theGenQuip stadium after recently leaving Newport County.Griffiths, one of the most respected players in the history of the WelshPremier League, returns to Port Talbot Town after originally returningto the club from Llanelli a year ago.His high-profile return to the club was cut short when the seven-timegolden boot winner was offered professional terms at Plymouth Argyleshortly after joining.

Manager Scott Young believes Griffiths will be out to impress upon his return to the Corbett SportsWelsh Premier League.Im delighted to have a player of Rhys calibre in my squad, said manager Scott Young. Rhys wasgiven a great opportunity to play in the Football League after joining us last summer and we couldntstand in his way. The Chairman and board of directors acted very reasonably last time around and Imsure Rhys will be returning with all guns blazing, he added.Rhys is a great professional and a proven player in the Welsh Premier League but it was important thatwe were able to bring him to the club within our strict budget.Griffiths will now join up with the squad for pre-season and will wear the #26 shirt.Griffiths has spoken to the clubs official website to discuss his return to Port Talbot and his hopes forthe new season.

He was officially confirmed as a Port Talbot Town player for a third time on Tuesday amid speculationof a return to the Corbett Sports Welsh Premier League following his exit from Newport County.

8/13/2019 WPT14 - 04

6/10

Port Talbot were always the club I wanted to go back to. There were reasons to go to other clubs aswell, but I think the way I left [left summer] was unavoidable but difficult for everyone at Port Talbot,he explained.I went to the game against Cambrian just to show my face and shake a few hands and within fiveminutes I realised it was the right place to be as I knew so many of the boys.Griffiths revealed that there were several offers on the table from the Conference and Welsh Premier

before opting to return to the GenQuip Stadium.

There were quite a few [offers from other clubs]. Its nice to feel that Im still wanted but I narrowed itdown to two in the end and I felt [joining Port Talbot] would be the right thing to do.With hindsight, [last year] I wouldnt have signed for Port Talbot four weeks prior to leaving and Iwouldve saved people of a lot of messing around, myself included in some respects. I just felt that theright thing to do would be to come back to Port Talbot, as long as theyd have me. Ultimately I have anaffiliation with Port Talbot, who along with Llanelli, are close to me, he added.Griffiths, who became a cult-hero amongst the clubs supporters after winning his first of seven golden

boot awards during the 2005/06, is banking on strong home support this season to help the side go onestep further and challenge for its first piece of major silverware.In an ideal world, Id love to win a Welsh Cup and get into Europe. I just asked they keep getting

behind us. I know the fan base is growing so lets keep it growing and lets make the Sand Siro a bit ofafortress and I dont see any reason why we cant be near the top at the end of the season, he said.I hope they understand what happened last year and as Ive said, I wished I hadnt signed for fourweeks as it would have saved a lot of pain. Im justlooking forward to the season, I want to kick on, andwork well with the other players. People will expect me to score and I expect myself to score and its allabout Europe.Talks have taken place between Aberavon RFC and Port Talbot Town FC over moving to a new sharedstadium. Officials from the two clubs have held several meetingstogether with council chiefsoverthe issue.The Welsh Premier League club have been in negotiations with Aberavon RFC about the potentialconstruction of a dual-purpose ground funded by Neath Port Talbot Council.

Like the Liberty Stadium, which houses Swansea City and the Ospreys, the arena would be built and runby the council and its chosen contractors.That would appear to be a sticking point for Port Talbot, who would stand to make more money from theredevelopment of their own GenQuip Stadium."We've got two options at the moment," said Andrew Edwards, Port Talbot's chairman."One is where we can put a 3G pitch in at the GenQuip Stadium through the FAW, who are looking tore-lay 3G pitches around Wales. We've expressed an interest and presented a business plan for that."Option two is the possibility of us going to a brand-new purpose- built stadium, ground-sharing withAberavon. There's still a lot of water to go under the bridge and a lot of hurdles to overcome, but it isalso a strong possibility. We've been to several meetings with the authority and the rugby club."While a potential shared stadium would be owned and maintained by the council, re-laying the GenQuip

Stadium pitch would be for the sole benefit of Port Talbot."It is an advantageous option for us because we will have an income stream from having the 3G pitch atour own stadium," Mr Edwards added."We're a bit uncertain whether we would or would not have an income stream if we moved to a newstadium. Discussions are still ongoing, but no firm decision has been taken."Aberavon chief executive Andrew John said: "It doesn't look like it's going to come to anything. If PortTalbot put a 3G pitch in their own stadium, the issue will be dead in the water. Talks have taken place

but it's not an option at the moment."PRE SEASON FRIENDLIESSaturday 27thJuly Briton Ferry Llansawel A ko 15:00Wednesday 31st July Cardiff City H ko 19:30

Saturday 3rd

August Biggleswade Town A ko 15:00Saturday 10th August Merthyr Town H ko 15:00

8/13/2019 WPT14 - 04

7/10

PRESTATYN TOWN www.ptfconline.co.ukPRE SEASON FRIENDLIESFriday 21stJune Amlwch Town H 11-0Friday 28thJune Flint Town United H ko 19:30Saturday 20thJuly 1874 Northwich H ko 14:30Saturday 3rdAugust Vauxhall Motors A ko 15:00

Saturday 17th

August Manchester City XI H ko 14:00Rhyl FC www.rhylfc.co.ukRhyl Football Club is proud to announce a new partnership with Thai-based sporting goods companyFBT, who will supply all the Lilywhites' bespoke first team kits and training and leisure wear.Managing director Mike Jones said: "We are delighted to have FBT involved at the club and we intendto strengthen our relationship with the FBT family."FBT has a deserved reputation in Asia as the leading sports brand and we aim to support and promotethe brand in the UK and Europe. This is a very important step forward in the evolution of Rhyl FootballClub."The deal, which sees the sporting goods giant supply the first team with all kit and training wear free of

charge, also gives the football club license to sell the brand in partnership with FBT Europe Ltd. MikeHegarty, director of FBT Europe, explained the company's objectives."Our plans over the next three years involve recruiting at least 20 semi-pro and pro clubs to fly the FBT

banner. However successful we are in this and in supplying the junior clubs at grass roots level, bydefinition Rhyl FC will now be our first and therefore our most precious friend."Our agreement with Rhyl came very late and as such our delivery of this year's product has not beenideal. We have always been on catch up it seems. We have, however, still managed to provide the clubwith a bespoke kit which we feel better suits the club, rather than have one off the shelf from a localsupplier."Mike Hegartty was invited to meet with FBT in Thailand just over a year ago by Sir David Richards, thethen chair of the English Premier League.

"We were delighted to have been invited, subsequently, to help develop a joint business with them tobring their brand to the UK."FBT make 550,000 garments a month at their own factory, where managers get around using golf carts.It employs 2,800 staff and has an annual turnover of $480m.Sir Rodney Walker, chair of FBT Europe is absolutely delighted to bring the prestige brand to the UK."Almost before we have started," he said. "We shall remember Rhyl FC in the future for the trust theyhave put in us. "We are very much aware of Rhyl's recent history and wish them well in their return tothe Welsh Premier League."Hopefully soon they will be back representing their country in competitions and we look forward to

perhaps being a part of that."Director Mike Hegarty spoke of how impressed

they have been with the FBT range and explainedhow, with a new 10,000 sq ft warehouse in SouthYorkshire which they plan to double in the next 12months, the company is targeting 10m of businesswithin three years."FBT started with the founder sewing footballs parttime in 1952 on the streets of Bangkok," said MrHegarty. "Sir Rodney Walker and the team are veryexcited at the opportunity to bring this brand to theUK."We thank Rhyl FC for your support in this as aninnovative community club. We really do lookforward to growing with you."The new training kit is pictured above being handed over to manager Greg Strong by managing director MikeJones and below one the adverts for the training gear..

8/13/2019 WPT14 - 04

8/10

PRE SEASON FRIENDLIESFriday 12thJuly Tranmere Rovers H 0-5Saturday 13th July Hyde FC H 0-5Wednesday 17thJuly Bolton Wanderers H ko 19:45Saturday 20thJuly Marine H 1-3Tuesday 23rdJuly Cammell Laird H ko 19:30Saturday 27thJuly Prescot Cables H ko 15:00

Tuesday 30

th

July CPD Porthmadog H ko 19:45Saturday 10thAugust Manchester City XI H ko 15:00Tuesday 13thAugust Burnley XI H ko 19:30

THE NEW SAINTS FC www.tnsfc.co.ukPRE SEASON FRIENDLIESSaturday 22ndJune British Universities H 0-1Tuesday 25thJune Bala Town H 3-1Saturday 29thJune Conwy Borough H 5-1Saturday 6thJuly Cliftonville A 1-0Monday 8thJuly Market Drayton A 2-5

SCORECARDUEFA Champions League 2ndQualifying Round 17/07/13The New Saints FC 1 Ryan Fraughan 11'Legia Warszawa 3 Micha Kucharczyk 47' Marek Saganowski 57'

Jakub Kosecki 74'The New Saints FC

Paul Harrison, Simon Spender, Chris Marriott, PhilBaker, Kai Edwards, Ryan Fraughan (Sam Finley 64'),Christian Seargeant, Jamie Mullan, Michael Wilde,Alex Darlington (Matthew Williams 80'), Aeron

EdwardsSubs not used: Chris Mullock (GK), Scott Ruscoe,Greg Draper, Connell Rawlinson, Scott Quigley

Red Cards: NoneYellow Cards: Wilde 17' Baker 54'

Legia Warszawa

Duan Kuciak, Dosa Jnior, Marek Saganowski,Vladimir Dvalishvili, Jakub Wawrzyniak, BartoszBereszyski, Jakub Kosecki (Micha yro 80'), IvicaVrdoljak, Hlio Pinto (Dominik Furman 46'), Jakub

Rzeniczak, Miroslav Radovi (Micha Kucharczyk46')Subs not used: Wojciech Skaba (GK), Janusz Gol,Tomasz Brzyski, Mateusz CichockiRed Cards: NoneYellow Cards: Dvalishvili 71' yro 90'+3

Attendance: 2915 Referee: Thorvaldur rnason (ISL)Europa League 2nd Qualifying Round 1stLeg 18/07/2013HNK Rijeka 5 Leon Benko 19' 23' 59' Vedran Jugovi 67' Damir

Zlomisli 85'

Prestatyn Town

0

-NK RijekaIvan Vargi, Dario Kneevi, Mehmed Alispahi (IvanKrstanovi 50'), Ivan Tomeak, Marko Lekovi, IvanBoras, Goodness Ohiremen Ajayi, Leon Benko(Antonini ulina 69'), Mate Male (Damir Zlomisli59'), Josip Brezovec, Vedran JugoviSubs not used: Ivan Mance (GK), Niko Datkovi,Goran Mujanovi, Nikola PokrivaRed Cards: NoneYellow Cards: Brezovec 42'

Prestatyn Town

David Roberts (Jonathan Hill-Dunt 87'), Chris Davies,David Hayes, Sean Hessey, Michael Parker, NeilGibson, Andy Parkinson, Ross Stephens, Rhys Owen(Tom Kemp 69'), Greg Stones, Tommy HolmesSubs not used:, Adam France, Carl Murray, DannyMarkland

Red Cards: NoneYellow Cards: Owen 17' Hessey 41' Parker 58'Kemp 84'

Attendance: 9500 Referee: Carlos Gmez (ESP)

8/13/2019 WPT14 - 04

9/10

8/13/2019 WPT14 - 04

10/10

Compiled by Mel Thomas at Soccerfile Wales

mel@soccerfilewales.com Tel/Fax: 01766 830805

Distributed by e-mail only from WPL, 11 / 12 Neptune Court, Cardiff CF24 5PJContact: Lucy Kelly vialkelly@faw.co.ukor 02920 435 847

mailto:mel@soccerfilewales.commailto:mel@soccerfilewales.commailto:lkelly@faw.co.ukmailto:lkelly@faw.co.ukmailto:lkelly@faw.co.ukmailto:lkelly@faw.co.ukmailto:mel@soccerfilewales.com