01.12.07 CPD Porthmadog 1 Carmarthen Town 2

Having trailed at the break to a solitary Porthmadog goal Carmarthen Town turned the game around in the second period with a well taken brace that saw the Richmond Park outfit run out deserved winners at Y Traeth on Saturday.

Deryn Brace partnered Neil Smothers in the middle of the defence in the absence of the injured Liam Hancock and with Nathan Cotterall maintaining the left back berth Jamal Easter returned to the wing to ensure width in attack.

But against the run of the play it was Warren Beatty who put the hosts ahead in the 24th. minute with his first goal for the Traeth outfit. As Town struggled to clear a corner, returning the ball to the mid-fielder, Beatty’s shot from the edge of the box emerged from a forest of legs and across the unsighted Neil Thomas.

Earlier Tim Hicks had hit the Port post following a flowing move that involving Gregg Coombes, Cotterall and Easter. The No 8 also saw a diving header go inches wide of the Porthmadog goal and on 35 minutes, having broken through, lost out in a one-on-one with Richard Harvey in the Port goal.

Despite Porthmadog having won both of their last two games, including a victory at league leaders Llanelli, it was EMC Services sponsored Carmarthen Town who continued to make the running with a purposeful start to the second period.

Chris Thomas and Walters both came close before Danny Thomas pulled Town level on 63 minutes. Cotterrall floating in a long ball cross for the busy front man to chest down and net comfortably past Harvey from six yards.

Town keeper Neil Thomas, who was largely a spectator throughout the second half except for a sharp save from Gareth Parry, almost put Town ahead when his long range effort beat the keeper but drifted just wide of the target.

Then a strong run from Smothers provided for Walters who secured the winner with a curled ball into the top corner of the net from twenty yards. The win, following two drawn outings, maintains Town’s fifth place and Manager Deryn Brace was naturally delighted to have collected all three points.

“After such a disappointing result in midweek it was important that we produced a performance of substance today.

“Travelling to North Wales is never easy and to come to Porthmadog, who had won their last two games was a difficult task. In fact we lost our last four league games at ‘Y Traeth’ by three goals to nil.

“The win in difficult weather conditions was a great credit to the players.”

CPD Porthmadog: Harvey, Jacobs, Evans, R Roberts, Hughes, Parry, Orlik, Beattie (Jones 79'), P Roberts, Owen, A Rowlands. Subs not used: Sadler, J G.Jones, Smart.

Carmarthen Town: N Thomas, Easter, Brace, Coombes, Smothers, C Thomas, D Thomas, Hicks, Fowler, Walters, Cotterrall. Subs not used: Williams, Davies, Morris.

Attendance: 181 Referee: Kevin Parry

08.12.07 Carmarthen Town 8 Connah’s Quay Nomads 0

Carmarthen Town equalled the club’s Welsh Premier League winning margin with an eight goal drubbing of lowly Connah's Quay. A scintillating opening twenty-four minute period stunned the visitors with front-man Tim Hicks leading the rout firing five well taken goals to break the club’s individual goal scoring record after he had established a five minute hat-trick in the opening period.

Town’s game against the Deesiders was one of only two Welsh Premier games to survive the atrocious weather conditions and Danny Thomas started the ‘goal fest’ after only five minutes when he latched on to Tom Baker’s misdirected defensive header.

Hicks then netted three gaols in a five minute blitz. Set free by Greg Coombes his determined diagonal run was rewarded after Nomads defenders failed to close him down and he struck a 15-yarder to make it 2-0.

Hicks than completed his hat-trick with two close range headers. The first when he ran onto Nathan Cotterrall’s curling ball into the box and his second, a deft glancing effort when he got in front of the keeper after Thomas had played a one-two with Coombes, following a quickly taken corner to make it 4-0 in an unbelievable opening sixteen minutes period.

With Town completely dominant Thomas outpaced the cover just after the twenty minute mark to get on the end of looping ball forward, lobbing keeper Paul Pritchard for Town’s fifth after Paul Fowler and Coombes combined well to provide.

Then, three minutes later, with Coombes and Jamal Easter breaking out from defence, Easter’s diagonal ball in provided the sixth for Hicks after Thomas had taken the pace off the cross.

With the game finished as a contest Town were unfortunate to lose Neil Smothers who is such a competitive influence in the central of defence with Ashley Williams, the first of Town’s trio of teenage substitutes, replacing the injured defender.

Having been rocked and with the game beyond them Nomads then showed considerable character as they established a presence in the game with good periods either side of the break.

On the stroke of half time Neil Thomas tipped over John McAllister’s looping header and on resumption Thomas had to be alert to deny Chris Melia with a sharp near post save, but normal service was soon resumed as Town looked to establish a record performance.

Following Coombes’ persistence in winning possession Easter rattled the crossbar, having played a one-two with Hicks, with an effort from the edge of the box. And the woodwork again saved Nomads when Thomas fired his spot kick against the post after Pritchard had brought down Hicks in the box after the front man had chased a long ball forward.

With Town working tirelessly in the heavy conditions Easter finally got on the score-sheet in the 76th. minute after sub Ben Morris won the ball on the edge of the box and fed Hicks who played the ball into Easter’s path.

And it was Easter who again rattled the bar with nine minutes remaining but this time there was no escape for the visitors as Hicks followed up to beat Pritchard for his fifth and final goal.

The win sees Town move into third spot and, with the goal difference tally looking considerably healthier, Town will feel confident to face some difficult challenges over the next few weeks.

Coach Mark Aizlewood, whilst delighted at Towns’ win and Hick’s individual tally, also stressed the need to remain focused.

“You have to be happy with an 8-0. But as a contest where the result depended on it, it was over after 20-25 minutes.

“The final outcome then depended on several things. How good do we want to be? Can we keep a clean sheet? Can we keep doing the right things?

Aizlewood outlined Town’s change in tactics. “Before the game we had an important ten minute meeting when we completely changed our tactics according to the conditions. The players adhered to that for the first 25 minutes and it was reflected in the fact we got the goals. For the next 20 minutes I thought the opposition were the best team.

“At half time we stressed that they had to keep focused. We could turn the game into what I deemed to be a four point game with the goal difference important. We needed to keep pushing on in the second half, and we did that.

“What pleased me most was Tim Hicks getting his five goals. He has come in for a bit of flack recently but his endeavour, energy and all round work rate over recent months have been first class and he got his reward today.

The Richmond Park coach praised the Nomads players. “I thought they had some decent players and at times they were better than us. I don’t think we played particularly well today. It was one of those games when everything went into the back of the net.

“We’ve put in some decent performances recently and some we haven’t quite managed to turn into wins. Hopefully we have turned the corner.

Looking forward to next week’s game and the strength of Town’s squad he said. “Rhyl will give us a harder test defensively. But we can’t do more than win our home games and we will take that today.

“It’s a disappointed that Neil Smothers has picked up an injury. We are currently without Liam Hancock and today we were without Chris Thomas. But we have to manage with the resources we have and like many clubs we will be looking to add to the squad in the January transfer window.

Town: N Thomas, Hughes, Brace, Coombes (Morris 72'), Smothers (Williams 28'), Easter, D Thomas (Davies 64'), Hicks, Fowler, Walters, Cotterrall. Sub not used: Daniel Butler.

CQN: Pritchard, Baker (Cook 46'), Glover, Cadwallader, Alston, Jones, White, Kilgannon, McAllister, Morgan (Petrie 61'), Melia (Herbert 53').

Attendance: 240 Referee: Mark Petch

15.12.07 Carmarthen Town 0 Rhyl FC 0

A stunning 19th. minute penalty save by Town stopper Neil Thomas to deny Andy Moran’s 100th strike together with an improved second half performance from Deryn Brace’s men ensured a well earned point for Carmarthen Town against fellow European hopefuls Rhyl FC.

Without the suspended Liam Hancock and the injured Neil Smothers Brace partnered the returning Chris Thomas at the heart of Town’s defence. But in all honesty as well as Thomas’ save the hosts had to be thankful for some wayward finishing from Matthew Holt and Mark Connelly, who both spurned a couple of good chances, to keep the game goalless at the break.

Rhyl lost Chris Roberts after 27’ and sub Chris Sharp made an immediate impact with a curling left foot drive but despite Rhyl’s first half dominance keeper Lee Kendell had to produce his best to deny a diving header from Town front man Tim Hicks.

Coach Mark Aizlewood told was delighted to get the squad into the changing room at half time with a clean sheet.

"Considering the problems we had getting the team on the pitch and especially considering the nature of our first half performance where we gave them too much respect and too much space, allowing them to dictate, I was delighted to go in at the break not having conceded.

“They were dominating possession and Tomo’s save was crucial to keep us at 0-0. I knew we could only get better.

“Overall I thought our improved second half performance where our endeavour, work rate, discipline, organisation and commitment to the cause, was second to none probably earned us the point.

On resumption Moran’s goal bound header from Connolly’s corner was palmed over by the sharp Thomas but gradually Paul Fowler and Gregg Coombes established themselves in midfield to prompt and push the home side, putting the visiting defence under some real pressure.

Kendall was forced to clear his lines on several occasions as Hicks and Danny Thomas threatened and in one bizarre moment of indecision by the visiting defence Danny Thomas almost stole a goal when he came between defender and keeper.

But, despite considerable momentum, Town failed to create the one clear cut chance that could win the game.

Defensively Town worked well as a unit with Chris Thomas a confident presence at the back. Brace’s contribution as an organiser can not be underestimated and some of the younger members of the side competed well as a group against a very experienced and physically stronger side to win important second ball, tackles and headers.

As the game progressed both sides failed to make the most of a string of free kicks in dangerous areas and in the closing minutes Rhyl’s Lee Hunt was wasteful at the near post from Connolly’s free kick.

Having now played all the sides in the League, with the exception of Llanelli, a share of the points sees Town remain a point ahead of Rhyl in third place at what is, in effect, the half way mark of the season.

Richmond Park boss Brace thought it was a well point won point. "Yes definitely it was a good point won. We changed our game plan as we didn't want Rhyl to take the points home and get above us in the table. We set our stall out early in that we weren’t taking any chances.

“Normally we play pretty football but today we scrapped. Yes we rode our luck on a couple of occasions in the first half but I thought we were pretty comfortable in the second.

Brace felt that his young squad was maturing and showing some confidence.
"When we played them (Rhyl) at the start of the season people said they should have won 10-0. Christmas is almost here and we're above them in the table so, obviously, we are getting something right".

Looking to this week’s game Brace was reluctant to concede that it would be an easier task. “On paper yes, but we’ve been in the League long enough to know that there are no real easy games.

“Llangefni are desperate for points to get out of the relegation zone and they are going to give us a hard time. We will need to be fully focused.

Town: N Thomas, Hughes, Brace, Coombes, Easter, C Thomas, D Thomas,
Hicks, Fowler, Walters, Cotterrall. Subs not used: Williams, Davies, Morris, Butler.

Rhyl FC: Kendall, Jones, Roberts (Sharp 29'), Connolly, Horan, Ruffer,
Wilson, Holt, Hunt, Moran, Graves. Subs not used: O’Neil, Cameron.

Attendance: 302 Referee: Wayne Tregonning

22.12.07 Carmarthen Town 2 Llangefni Town 2

Following a late decision by referee Phil Southall that the pitch was playable Town took an early lead on 13 minutes when Sacha Walters swept in Nathan Cotterrall's cross after Paul Fowler had sent the wing man free down the flank.

But with Town failing to build Llangefni got a foothold in the game and deservedly pulled level after an overhead kick wrong footed Town's defence and Steven Kehoe's cross from the left was well finished by Grahame Austin on 41 minutes.

Gregg Coombes grazed the visitor's crossbar and Darren Thomas became prominent for the visitors but it remained all square at the break.

On resumption Llangefni continued to press and on a difficult surface Town were forced to defend a series of troublesome long throws. But the Old Gold picked up the pace and it took a great save from keeper Farai Jackson to deny Jamal Easter's shot.

Tim Hicks replaced Richard Hughes providing more attacking options. Cotterrall pushed forward from left back and Easter moved to the wing with Hicks partnering Danny Thomas up front.

The switch paid dividends immediately with Jackson doing well to save Fowler's free kick and a minute later again denying Walters. At the other end Lee Dixon wrong footed Brace but could only find the side netting and Dylan Owens's low shot was palmed away by Neil Thomas.

Town should have regained the lead on 72 minutes. Hicks picked up on a poor headed clearance and having rounded the keeper inexplicably put the ball wide of the gaping goal.

But it was Llangefni who took the lead with twelve minutes remaining. With Town static, looking for the offside, the lively Thomas capitalised from six yard and it looked as if the 'islanders' might take a valuable three points.

But Town responded well and finally salvaged a point when Nathan Cotterrall broke down the left and Hicks headed home. With Llangefni looking for the whistle and Town looking for the winner it was a nail biting finale with a share of the spoils a fair reflection of the game.

Manager Deryn Brace was clearly relieved,

“To be honest I'm relieved more than anything. You look at where both teams are and you think in terms of three points” .

“In all honesty we didn't do enough to win; but I don't think we deserved to lose out either as we were on the front foot for most of the game”.

“We learnt from the Caersws game and I think it was very positive the way that we clawed it back. We didn't give up. We stuck at it”.

“In the end they were looking for the final whistle and we were looking for the winner”.

Carmarthen Town : Thomas, Brace, Hughes (Hicks 62), Coombes (Morris 74), Hancock, Thomas, D Thomas, Easter, Fowler, Walters, Cotterrall. Not used Smothers, Williams, Davies.

Llangefni Town : Jackson , Dixon , Austin , Hogg, Hughes, Kehoe, C Jones (C Roberts 90'), Evans, D Roberts (Lloyd 70'), Owen, Thomas (M Jones 90'). Sub not used: Ewing (gk). Attendance : 273 Referee : Phil Southall

26.12.07 CARMARTHEN TOWN 1 LLANELLI AFC 2

Having seen a late Tim Hicks goal disallowed and then a Sacha Walters effort cleared off the Llanelli line Town were punished by the professionals when they were denied a deserved share of the spoils by a 90th minute Mark Jones decider.

Following an exciting and incident packed game, that had seen both sides reduced to ten men, the Richmond Park boss Deryn Brace was clearly disappointed at the outcome, “It’s been a “rollercoaster of emotions. In the last minute you think you have won it and in the last second you’ve lost it. It is a hard one to take.

“Overall there were a huge amount of positives. We can’t feel sorry for ourselves and dwell on it, we have to reorganise and go up to Stebonheath on New Years Day and make sure we battle as well as we did today.

Brace clearly felt that Town deserved something for their creativity, effort and endeavour. “Without question I thought that the least we would get would be a point and at times we did enough to get all three. Unfortunately it’s gone the other way; in the end we came away with nothing.

“I think the two off-side decisions late on were tight. Both went against us, but that’s football. We had enough chances to have won it.

With regards to Thomas’ dismissal Brace had no complaints. “Yes both were sending offs, I think the referee got it right. After the first one we were a little erratic for four or five minutes when we should have used the ball more wisely.

“Tomo’s had a rush of blood, which is something Neil doesn’t really do. He’s always been the hero and I don’t think I can criticise him over one mistake. One poor decision does not out-weigh all the great work he's done here at the club.

“We know how magnificent he’s been and in the end we can't say that it's cost us the game because we had enough opportunities to win. But it may cost us over the next few games.

Earlier Llanelli had taken the lead after a poor Town clearance from a Gary Lloyd corner saw Andy Legg send the ball back in for Wyn Thomas to head past the keeper on 19 minutes.

Five minutes later and Town were back on level terms. Some slick inter-play between Chris Thomas, Gregg Coombes and Walters saw Hicks play a brilliant 1-2 with his competitive wing man before netting past Ryan Harrison with power and pace from a tight angle.

Just after the half hour Hicks was again played through but Harrison managed a touch with his foot to deny the forward and with the break approaching Town keeper Neil Thomas did well to deny Mark Jones to keep it level at the half way mark.

In a pulsating second period Hicks again cut in and from a difficult angle but put his effort over before the first sending off of the game when Legg saw red on 67 minutes for a professional foul on Coombes.

But it was soon ten apiece after Town keeper Thomas was sent for an early shower by referee Neil Morgan following a rash tackle on Mark Jones. But with the Town boss taking over the gloves Brace saved Rhys Griffiths’ penalty and further punishment for Town.

Antonio Corbisiero went close with a shot that went wide of the far post, before Craig Jones set up Griffiths but Brace again denied the League’s hot shot.

Then with a couple of minutes remaining Town looked to have taken the points as Danny Thomas broke through and with Hick’ netting Thomas’ squared ball the Assistant referee flagged an offside.

A minute later the full timers were again fortunate to survive as Walters’ effort was cleared off the line by Lloyd with his keeper stranded. Then with the game into time added on the Reds broke Town’s stranglehold and with Jones finding himself clear the Assistant’s flag stayed down and the front man beat Brace from 10 yards to seal a late win for the Stebonheath outfit. The result sees Town slip one place to fourth with the Reds two points off leaders TNS.

Town: N Thomas, Brace, Easter, Coombes, Hancock, C Thomas, D Thomas, Hicks, Fowler, Walters, Cotterrall. Subs not used: Hughes, Davies, Williams, Morris, Smothers.

Llanelli AFC: Harrison, Holland, Lloyd, Mumford, Legg, Thomas, C Jones, M Jones, Griffiths, Holloway, Pritchard (Corbisiero 67').Subs: Wanless, Lewis, Small, Chappell.

Referee N L Morgan Attendance 561