28.04.07 Caernarfon Town 3 Carmarthen Town 5

A superb attacking performance by Carmarthen Town ensured a full quota of points from an eight goal thriller that gives Town a seventh place league finish.

The playing surface at The Oval certainly suited the flowing football played by the visitors as Town got off the mark quickly when Sasha Walters, who was voted man of the match by the home fans, burst past his full back and his cross was pulled back by Nathan Cotterall for Paul Fowler to score with a fine drive on twelve minutes.

Cotterall and Walters were also involved in the build up to the second as Cotterall danced his way past two defenders and released Walters whose measured cross was headed home by Kaid Mohamed to make it two after twenty minutes.

The in-form Walters nearly made it three but his powerful run through the middle of the Canary’s defence ended with his effort going just wide of the goal.

Despite being on the back foot the home side were thrown a lifeline by some defensive lapses from the visitors. Paul Addo, who proved to be a constant threat throughout the afternoon, burst on to a poor pass and shot past Neil Thomas to reduce the deficit. And a run by Chris Jones down the right was stopped by a strong tackle in the middle of the field, with the ball falling kindly at the feet of Carl Furlong who evened up the score.

Having dominated the opening half Town were given a wake up call and quickly regained the lead at the start of the second period.

This time Mohamed turned creator as he released a fine pass into the penalty box for the influential midfielder Danny Thomas to pick his way past two defenders and net Town’s third of the afternoon.

Walters then picked up the ball on the edge of the box and sent a swerving shot past custodian Mike Price in the home goal to make it four but the Town defence let the hosts back into the game and once again when Addo pounced on a defensive error and shot past Thomas.

Having caused problems down the left hand side all afternoon Walters was felled by a miss-timed tackle but fortunately was soon back on his feet to create the final goal. Accelerating past his marker he crossed for sub Paul Keddle to put the game beyond doubt and round off the season on a positive note ahead of next weekend’s Welsh Cup encounter.

Town manager Mark Jones was delighted with Town’s sharpness.

‘Our form has dipped since reaching the Welsh Cup Final but this performance today showed me that the team is focused and ready to perform next Sunday.

“We had width and whenever our wide players received the ball I felt that we could score.’

Caernarfon Town: Price, Harris, Harrison, Glendenning, E.Jones, Quinn, C.Jones (M.Thomas 78'), Maxwell, Furlong (Rowley 67'),
Addo, J.Thomas (Peters 67').

Carmarthen Town: N.Thomas, Evans, Brace, Walters, Dodds, K.Thomas, D.Thomas, Ramasut (Loss 65'), Fowler, Mohamed (M.Davies78'), Cotterrall (Keddle 65').

Attendance:169 Referee: Mike Jones

22.04.07 Newtown AFC 1 Carmarthen Town 1

Despite enjoying the lion’s share of possession Carmarthen Town failed to press home their considerable advantage against a youthful Newtown AFC fighting for League survival at Latham Park on Saturday.

Having gone behind on the quarter hour when the ‘Robins’ netted after Town gave away possession in a rare Newtown ‘breakout’ the Richmond Park outfit spurned several first half chances and remained in arrears at the break.

At the resumption manager Mark Jones brought on a brace of changes. Colin Loss replaced Paul Fowler in mid-filed and Deryn Brace slotted into the middle of defence allowing Kris Thomas to take a mid-field role instead of the departing Sasha Walters.

Town looked to have better shape and levelled almost immediately. Nathan Cotterall and Tom Ramasut created well down the left and Danny Thomas took his goal well .

Town should have gone on to build on the positive second half start but, despite considerable possession and several opportunities, the winner remained elusive and the Richmond Park outfit had to settle for a point.

Jones, who was without the services of Mark Dodds and Kaid Mohamed, drafted in Liam Hancock to partner Kris Thomas in the centre of defence and gave Mattie Davies his first League start of the season.

Newtown manager Darren Ryan welcomed back marine Christian Courtney from duty in Afghanistan and drafted in several youth players including debutant keeper David Jones.

Courtney showed his early pace with a speculative long range drive that Neil Thomas did well to tip over. But with Terry Evans firing in a series of curling crosses from the right and Cotterrall probing down the left the Latham Park outfit were kept penned in their own half for much of the opening period.

Then on the quarter hour Courtney broke the Town back line when he picked up on a stray pass as Town played out from the back. Having turned the cover with his momentum the returning marine provided well for Shaun Butler to net and give the delighted hosts an unexpected lead much against the run of play.

Town continued to dominate. Hancock headed just wide from Danny Thomas’ corner and with half time approaching Davies, who had hitherto held-up and distributed well, frustratingly fired over having been put through with only the debutant custodian to beat.

Walters compounded Town’s frustrating first half efforts when he headed wide when well placed and with referee Mark Petch signalling the break Town were left trailing the battling youngsters.

The half time adjustments brought immediate results. Cotterall and Ramasut interchanged well down the left and Thomas’ finish brought Town level with seven second half minutes on the clock.

Town continued to push forward in search of a second but the hosts remained dangerous on the break. Kevin Scott’s’ long throws caused problems and only great defending by Brace frustrated Damien Daniels’ break on the left as Town failed to turn substantial dominance into goals.

With the game into the final quarter the Robins blocked bravely from Thomas and Davies and Town should have cemented a winner when Danny Thomas and Cotterrall on the right provided well for Kris Thomas unmarked in front of goal before a vital goal line tackle from Daniel Griffiths thwarted what looked to be a certain score.

With ten minutes remaining Davies fired over having been set up well by Keddle and with only a couple of minutes left on the watch a neat back heal from Danny Thomas played in Ramasut who fired into the arms of the stationary keeper before a final defiant flourish from the hosts brought the game to a close.

The point guarantees Welsh Premier football for the Robins next season. But for Town, frustratingly in ninth position with a couple of games in hand on the two teams above, the game only posed a selection headache for the manager for the season's remaining games.

Newtown AFC: D. Jones, Williams, Scott, Griffiths, Showdery, March, Hughes (Raven 78'), Mansell (N. Jones 57'), Butler (Sharrad 55'), Courtney, Daniels. Sub not used: Worton.

Carmarthen Town: N. Thomas, Evans, Keddle, Walters (Brace 46'), Hancock, K. Thomas, D. Thomas, Ramasut, Fowler (Loss 46'), Davies (Bell 85'), Cotterrall.

Attendance: 230 Referee: Mark Petch

14.04.07 Carmarthen Town 1 Rhyl FC 1

Carmarthen Town produced a resolute display against a strong Rhyl FC side looking to close the gap on League leaders The New Saints at Richmond Park on Saturday.

But despite getting off to the best possible start, courtesy of Dave Cameron’s second minute goal, the visitors failed to capitalise as Town recovered well from the early set back to make an even contest of the match.

The flying start came when Mark Connolly’s long throw-in was flicked on by Alex Hay and with Lee Hunt holding up well Cameron got between defence and keeper to head in past Neil Thomas for the simplest of starts.

Town remained edgy as Mark Dodds grazed his own upright with a defensive header but the Richmond Park outfit settled and, despite the early dominance of the visitors, gradually got themselves into the game.

A speculative shot by Hunt flew over and Lilywhites keeper Paul Whitfield palmed behind Nathan Cotterall’s long range effort for the hosts.

Kaid Mohamed’s speed caused difficulty for the visitors with Whitfield forced to block and in a fiercely competitive game there was little compromise as Town gathered momentum around the half hour mark.

Then with Rhyl defending a period of Town pressure James Brewerton was adjudged to have handled on the edge of the box and with the wall in place inside the area a second handling offence saw Town equalise as Tom Ramasut beat Whitfield with the resulting spot kick.

The second period saw Rhyl again dominate early possession with Hay and Hunt combining well. But persistence by Terry Evans saw Danny Thomas’ short ball find Mohamed who was only denied by a reaction save from Whitfield who saved well with his feet at the near post.

Paul Keddle, Cotterrall and Thomas spearheaded a series of Town attacks that kept Rhyl on the back foot for a period and with Dodds and Kris Thomas doing well at the back to check the Rhyl attack there was an ebb and flow to the game.

But the visitors will look to their own wastefulness and lack of composure in front of goal as the reason they failed to add a second that might have enabled them to take advantage of TNS’ slip-up against Caernarfon Town.

With the Cameron picking up on a long throw the bustling forward was shadowed to the bye line by Dodds. But having managed to pull the ball back for Ross Stephens in front of goal the mid-fielder sliced the ball wide of the target.

Then with Thomas saving well from Brewerton and Hunt spectacularly miss-kicking on the hard surface after he and Stephens had had the best of Town’s back line the miss of the match fell to Hay with six minutes remaining.

Having been played in by a deft ball from Mark Powell the forward found himself completely unmarked in front of goal. But, with Town’s back line stationary and appealing the offside, he somehow managed to put the ball over despite being afforded time and space to have picked his spot between the posts.

With referee Darren Aide waving away Rhyl’s late shout for a hand-ball the honours were shared but Carmarthen Town Manager Mark Jones was happy to have secured a share of the spoils and a positive performance from his players.

“I’m happy with the way the lads worked. They reacted well to the early set back and I thought our back four did well against one of the best forward lines in the League.

“Sasha and Kaid caused them some problems and we had a little bit of luck at the end. But I’m happy with a point - there was no way we were going to lose three on the trot.

Coach Mark Aizlewood agreed.

“It was important not to get beaten. We went slightly longer than normal and we had a very positive reaction having conceded so early which was great.

“Rhyl were always a threat on the break but the vital thing today was to get something out of the game.

Carmarthen Town : N. Thomas, Evans, Keddle, Walters, Dodds, K. Thomas, D. Thomas, Ramasut, Fowler, Mohamed, Cotterrall. Subs not used: M. Davies, Loss, Hancock, K. Davies.

Rhyl FC : Whitfield, Powell, Brewerton, Connolly, Holt, Stephens, Wilson, Cameron, Hunt, Murtagh, Hay. Subs not used: Moran, P. Roberts, Booth.

Attendance: 301 Referee: Darren Adie

06.04.07 Carmarthen Town 0 Llanelli 2

A SIZEABLE crowd for this Good Friday evening fixture saw Llanelli gain revenge for their Welsh Cup semi-final defeat the previous week.

Goals in each half by Andrew Mumford and Rhys Griffiths ended Carmarthen Town's faint hopes of finishing in the top three this season.

Town fielded the same side who ended Llanelli's cup hopes for the season while the visiting line-up saw the introduction of the cup-tied Mumford and Nicky Palmer, who replaced the suspended Cortez Belle and the injured Craig Williams.

Town began the game in confident fashion with Sasha Walters breaking strongly down the right-hand side and Kaid Mohamed causing problems in the middle with his pace.

Gradually the visitors started to gain their share of possession and it was Jacob Mingorance who had the first clear chance of the evening, but he shot wide when well placed.

On the half-hour the hosts almost scored one of the goals of the season.

Keeper Neil Thomas punched away a Llanelli corner to the feet of Mohamed and his pace took him the length of the field before crossing the ball to Walters, who put the ball wide under pressure form visiting keeper Duncan Roberts.

But the visitors hit back immediately to open the scoring.

An innocuous foul led to a shooting opportunity for Llanelli from 25 yards. Hope keeper Thomas appeared to have Mumford's shot covered but somehow the ball squeezed into the net between his body and the ground.

Town began the second half in an attacking manner but it was the visitors who had the ball in the home net. But it was disallowed by referee Steve Hames for handball.

They also had another effort crossed off the scoresheet for offside.

Town supporters were ready to cheer an equaliser in the 63rd minute when Walters found himself two yards from goal with the ball at his feet. But as he prepared to shoot, ex-Carmarthen defender Gary Lloyd dived in to deny the clear-cut opening.

Both teams were now attacking at every opportunity.

Eventually in the 83rd minute, Rhys Griffiths, the leading scorer in the Welsh Premier League, grabbed the second decisive goal.

After being released by Mingorance down the left side of Town's penalty area, his skill took him past Liam Hancock and he shot confidently past Thomas.

Carmarthen Town N.Thomas, Evans (Hancock 58'), Keddle, Walters (White 79'), Dodds, K.Thomas, D.Thomas, Ramasut ( Bell 52'), Fowler, Mohamed, Cotterrall. Subs not used: A.Williams, D.Davies.

Llanelli AFC Roberts, Phillips, Lloyd, Palmer, N.Thomas, W.Thomas, Jones, Corbisiero, R.Griffiths, Mingorance (Fernandez 83'), Mumford. Subs not used: D.Griffiths, Follows, Sinfield, G.Williams.

Attendance: 462 Referee: Steve Hames

01.04.07 LLANELLI AFC 0 CARMARTHEN TOWN 1 (Welsh Cup Semi Final)

A Kaid Mohamed strike ten minutes from time earned Town their third Welsh Cup appearance with a 1-0 win over Llanelli AFC at the New Bridge Meadow on Sunday.

With the Reds having had most of the play, possession and chances the professional outfit paid the price for their profligacy and with Neil Thomas in fine form it is the Richmond Park outfit that will line up against Afan Lido on the 6th. May.

In a first half dominated by Llanelli Craig Williams fired across the goal after Cortez Belle had done well on the right and great save from Thomas denied Jacob Mingorance after Antonio Corbisiero had put his fellow Spaniard clear.

Town forced several corners with no reward and despite Sasha Walters’ energy Town’s only first half response was a snap shot from Cotterall that was tipped over by Roberts.

The second half saw Thomas deny Rhys Griffiths in a one-on-one after he was put through by Mingorance and minutes later the Spaniard could only find the side netting when unmarked at the back post.

Kris Thomas and Mark Dodds did well in the middle of the defence to marshal the Red strike force but when Danny Thomas broke for Town with a quarter hour remaining he lacked the support for a finish.

Llanelli lost both Williams and Mingorance late on and with referee Mark Whitby disallowing a Llanelli goal for a foul on Thomas Town pushed forward.

Then with Mohamed initiating the move from the middle Danny Thomas made ground pushing the ball wide to Nathan Cotterrall on the flank who’s short ball inside found Mohamed for the striker to take one touch wide of the cover and stab a neat volley under Duncan Roberts and put Town through to the final with the same score-line as in their two previous semi finals appearances.

Llanelli AFC: Roberts, Phillips, Lloyd, Fernandez, Belle, W.Thomas, Jones, Corbisiero, R.Griffiths, Mignorance (N.Thomas 77'), C.Williams (D.Griffiths 75'). Sub not used: G.Williams.

Carmarthen Town: N.Thomas, Evans, Keddle, Walters, Dodds, K.Thomas, D.Thomas, Ramasut, Fowler, Mohamed, Cotterrall. Subs not used: Hancock, Brace, Loss

Attendance: 805 Referee: Mark Whitby

Carmarthen 1-0 Llanelli - from Western Mail

KAID MOHAMED was the toast of Carmarthen last night after his 80th-minute goal earned his side a Welsh Cup final berth against Welsh League side Afan Lido.

In blustery conditions at Bridge Meadow, Haverfordwest, the Golds rode their luck against a dominant Llanelli side to snatch a classic smash-and-grab victory.

Reds boss Peter Nicholas must have aged years this season due to his side's wastefulness in front of goal and he once again had to look on in disbelief as chances went begging.

Carmarthen keeper Neil Thomas kept Town afloat with a string of fine saves, but Rhys Griffiths, Anthony Corbisiero and Jacob Mingorance all should have done better with good first-half opportunities.

But Llanelli will rightfully feel aggrieved at referee Mark Whitby's poor call in disallowing Corbisiero's second half 'goal,' the television replay clearly showing that keeper Thomas fell as he desperately tried to retrieve the spillage from trickling into the net. The winner - only Carmarthen's second shot on goal - was a splendid effort, originating from the halfway line when Danny Thomas found Nathan Cotterrall in space on the right flank.

Carmarthen's skipper nudged the ball to Mohamed and the striker showed all the composure Nicholas must have yearned for from his front-runners as he calmly slid the ball under the advancing Duncan Roberts.

After hitting the Reds with the sucker punch, Carmarthen were rarely troubled and Llanelli's frustration was completed when Belle was yellow-carded in injury time and then sent-off for foul and abusive language.

Victorious boss Mark Jones said, "We're absolutely thrilled, but we won't be underestimating Lido."