Despite conceding an injury time equaliser at home to Chelsea in midweek, Swansea City should have approached Saturday’s game at The Hawthornes with optimum confidence having shown class and quality to earn a point off Villas-Boas Champions League chasers.

Brendan Rodgers unsurprisingly opted for the same eleven that started Tuesday’s game against Chelsea, having delivered a sumptuous display against the Londoners.

Despite falling behind to a Fortune strike at The Hawthornes, Swansea City came from behind in order to record their second away victory of the campaign.

Brendan Rodgers’ side were looking to complete their first double of the season on Saturday having already beaten the Midlands club at The Liberty earlier in the season.

Read more here.

Tuesday 27th December 2011 – Swansea City v QPR

Our very own Abi Davies puts on her new Christmas Jumper, packs her Turkey sandwiches and heads down to the Liberty for the last time in 2011.

Having picked up 15 points from our opening 8 home games, Swansea City were hoping they could continue in a similar vein of form when they played host to fellow promoted side Queens Park Rangers on Tuesday. Swansea were looking to gain revenge for last Boxing Day’s game at Loftus Road, which saw Brendan Rodgers’ side condemned to a crushing 4-0 defeat.

Having made impressive second half appearances against both Newcastle and Everton, Kemy Agustien was rewarded by a place in the Swans starting XI, as he was favoured ahead of Mark Gower for Tuesday’s game against Rangers.

The only other Swans change came in defence as Neil Taylor missed out due to a knee injury, Angel Rangel made his first start since picking up an ankle injury against Aston Villa, whilst Jazz Richards was drafted over to left back.  Read more here.

Tuesday 27th December 2011 – Waterloo Rovers v Welshpool

Ben Westmancott travels west to Wales for one of the most local derbies in the United Kingdom and sees an eleven goal massacre.

Local derbies rarely get much closer than this (geographically speaking). Waterloo Rovers and Welshpool Town occupy pitches at either end of Maesydre Recreation Ground in Welshpool. As far as value for money goes, £3 for one adult and two children is up there with the best. No programme though and no tannoy announcements, and with only one team sheet (guarded by the referee) matchday information was on the lean side.

The facilities at Waterloo’s ground are functional – just. No toilets, a minimalist tea bar, a 50 seater stand and small rooms for changing was about it. No floodlights hence the 2pm kick off. On the far side, park benches saved supporters from standing. Rudimentary but charming. Did I mention the lack of toilets? The sight of players running for pre-match relief behind the trees was a new one for me. And as for the inevitable, “Dad, I need a wee.” Well, enough said. Read more here.

Monday 26th December 2011 – Port Talbot Town v Afan Lido

Mark Pitman reports from The GenQuip Stadium as Port Talbot Town were held by local rivals from literally around the corner, Afan Lido in the Welsh Premier League. Gareth Elms was on hand for the photo’s.

Once a traditional festive derby in the Welsh Premier League, the last time Port Talbot Town and Afan Lido competed against each other with league points at stake was back in 2004-2005. Local pride was shared that season as Afan Lido claimed three points at Port Talbot before Port Talbot repeated the feat at Afan Lido, and honours remain even after the first festive game since Afan Lido’s return to the top-flight this season after this 2-2 Boxing Day draw at The GenQuip Stadium. Afan Lido have claimed the upper-hand with two Welsh Cup victories since the two sides last met in the league, the most recent being earlier this month, but this latest share of the points sets up an interesting return fixture in January.

Afan Lido went into the fixture with a three point advantage over their local rivals and approached the match in better form. Manager Andy Dyer has turned his side into over-achievers this season and his quickly-assembled squad have already taken points off the top four teams in the league table. By comparison, opposite number Mark Jones has not seen his side win since October, and has suffered defeats against the only three teams below them in the Welsh Premier League table this season. Dyer and his side also have the advantage of a Welsh Cup victory over their rivals, but went into the match without suspended defender and captain Carl Evans, while Jones had the rare luxury of having a full-strength squad to choose from for this much-anticipated derby.  Read more here.

Wednesday 21st December 2011 – Everton v Swansea City

Leaving Christmas shopping to the very last minute, Abi Davies hopped on the team coach and headed north to Merseyside to take on the troubled toffees.

Having earned their third point away from home at the weekend, Swansea went into their final game before Christmas hoping that they could finally seal a Premier League victory on the road.

Wayne Routledge deservedly retained his place in the starting XI for Wednesday’s trip to Goodison Park whilst Ashley Williams continued to skipper the side, with Gary Monk out of favour and vice captain Alan Tate still injured.

Everton got the game under way and were quick to settle on the ball, dictating the pace of the game, pressing Swansea high up the field not allowing them to settle into their renowned rhapsodic, rhythmic style. The home side were looking far more assured, with more penetration pushing forward, looking constantly dangerous.

Read more here.

Saturday 17th December 2011 – Newcastle United v Swansea City

Christmas shopping?  Not on your nelly…Abi Davies boarded the Swansea fun bus and headed as far north as you can in the Premier League with a visit to the St James, errr Sports Direct Arena.

Swansea City made the long journey North on Saturday in the midst of a busy Christmas period looking to capitalise on Newcastle’s current poor form which sees them without a win in their last 4 fixtures, in order to record their first away victory of the campaign.

Alan Pardew’s much depleted back line has left him with little resources at his disposal over recent weeks so it would have come as much relief that he had both Coloccini and Williamson back to bolster Newcastle’s defence.

Swansea had Joe Allen available again after the midfielder sat out last weekend’s victory over Fulham due to a one match suspension. He returned to the starting line up in place of Luke Moore who may have felt aggrieved to have to settle for a place amongst the substitutes given the magnitude of his performances in Swansea’s last two fixtures.

The only other change made by Brendan Rodgers saw Danny Graham restored to the starting XI to make his 250th career league appearance in place of Leroy Lita who has also delivered outstanding performances of late, looking hungry and eager in front of goal.

Read more here.

Saturday 10th December 2011

Our very own Abi Davies has returned to the Earth’s orbit after a celebratory weekend toasting the pride of South Wales.

Suffering their sixth defeat of the season at Ewood Park last weekend, I felt Saturday’s fixture against Fulham was an important game for Swansea to win given that their next two games are away from home against incredibly stern opposition. However coming up against a Fulham side full of confidence having claimed a 1-0 victory over Liverpool on Monday night, Brendan Rodgers’ side knew that taking 3 points from Martin Jol’s side would be no mean feat.

The Welsh side were without influential midfielder Joe Allen as he served his match suspension following the red card received last week. Luke Moore was the player to benefit from Allen’s absence as he made his first Premier League start for Swansea.

Having been drafted into the side last weekend in place of the injured Danny Graham, Lita retained his place in the side to face Fulham despite Graham’s availability, meaning Swansea’s top scorer had to settle for a place among the substitutes.

Read more here.

Saturday 3rd December 2011

Mark Pitman reports from The GenQuip Stadium as Afan Lido claim another Welsh Cup win over their rivals. Gareth Elms was on hand for the photo’s.

The first competitive match between local rivals Port Talbot Town and Afan Lido for over four years was a very different affair to famed previous encounters, but the only consistent of derby days passed was on hand to head home the headlines as the scoreline once again went in favour of the visitors. The two sides, separated by a couple of streets in the South Wales town, last met when they were drawn together in the Welsh Cup back in 2007 and a 1-0 win for the Lido was as good then as it was again in this latest contest. The fixture had a string of similarities in terms of the competition, the venue, the score, the goal and the importance, but the personal and the passion of previous derby days were very sadly missing.

The scene was set for another intense encounter between two sides battling for local supremacy, but the match echoed little of what has made this fixture so famous over the last decade. Over the years the fixture has been memorable for midfield battles, red cards, penalties and controversy in front of a crowd quadrupled for a one-off occasion. Sadly, this latest instalment lacked it all. Since the last time the two sides met, both teams now have different managers and while Leigh De-Vulgt, Lee John, Martin Rose and substitute Dylan Blain remain for the home side, the only name still on the Lido team-sheet from that 1-0 win in 2007 was Carl Evans. Although Evans played briefly for Port Talbot Town after that win, he like so many others before eventually him found his way back to Lido, and it would be his winning goal that would decide the tie. Afan Lido left-back Craig Hanford should also receive a mention at this time, he was part of the Port Talbot Town side that lost the 2007 fixture.

Read more here.

After their “planned” capitulation at Cardiff City on Tuesday, Swansea City’s visit to Ewood Park could have spelt disaster for Rover’s manager Steve Kean.  Alas, as Abi Davies found out, there is nothing worse in football than a centre forward scorned.

A whole host of defensive errors from the Swans on Saturday, along with many great tactics applied by Steve Kean’s side, further prolongs Swansea City’s wait for a first Premier League victory away from home.

The visitors got the game under way and enjoyed the superior spells in possession early on. However, despite Swansea’s initial dominance it was evident that the hosts had done their homework on Brendan Rodgers side as they pressed us high up the field, not permitting us to play out from defence. On the rare occasion that they did allow us time to build from the back, Blackburn doubled up on our wide players cutting off our sources/outlets and forcing us to spontaneously alter our strategies.

Read more here.

Sunday 27th November 2011

Abi Davies brings us some of the reaction from the highly emotional game yesterday at The Liberty Stadium.

The Swans recorded a 6th clean sheet of the season on Sunday in a game where the result became somewhat insignificant following the tragic sudden passing of Welsh manager Gary Speed. My overwhelming feeling prior to kick off and throughout the fixture was one of distance from the game. The tragic circumstances put into perspective how much more there is to life, as the football World began to moan the death of one of the most respected and well loved gentlemen to grace the game.

Four members of the Welsh national squad were involved in Sunday’s fixture as Ashley Williams, Joe Allen, Neil Taylor and James Collins all started for their respective clubs, whilst close friend of Speed, Shay Given also played at The Liberty despite understandably being unable to disguise his grief.

The only change to the Swansea side condemned to defeat against Manchester United last weekend came in midfield, as Joe Allen returned to the starting XI in place of Wayne Routledge who had to settle for a place amongst the substitutes.

Read more here.

Saturday 11th November 2011

Defeat by the reigning Premier League Champions on Saturday saw Swansea condemned to their first defeat at the Liberty since February 6th.  But Abi Davies is still a very proud Swan.

It took just one lapse in concentration from the home side to allow the visitors the opening to score the only goal of the game.

Brendan Rodgers made just one change to the side that drew at Anfield, as Scott Sinclair returned to the starting line up in place of Joe Allen who had to settle for a place among the substitutes, having picked up a calf injury in midweek. Sinclair regained his usual position meaning Wayne Routledge was drafted into a more central role.

The Swans got the game under way and were the quicker to settle, as they demonstrated from the outset that they were not going to sit back and absorb the onslaught of pressure that Utd would try to apply but instead continued to play their possession-based football that has served them so well thus far.

Not looking at all over-awed during early exchanges, it was the hosts that created the first opening when Mark Gower lofted a perfectly weighted ball out to Angel Rangel who picked out Danny Graham inside the box, the striker headed the ball down for Gower who could not connect properly and his effort fired wide of the target.

Read more here.

Friday 10th November 2011

Mark Pitman reports from The Marston’s Stadium as Afan Lido upset the Welsh Premier League leaders. Gareth Elms was on hand for the photo’s.

Afan Lido eased their Welsh Premier League relegation worries on Friday night with the result and performance of the season. League leaders The New Saints arrived at the Marston’s Stadium looking to return to form after a rare home defeat to Bangor City the week before. Andy Dyer’s side had already defeated the only other full-time club at home this season when they edged past Neath back in August and more recently had frustrated a list of clubs challenging at the top of the table with draws against champions Bangor City, Llanelli and Neath. Addressing their limitations with a defensive line-up had suitably upset their superior opponents, but the fact that the side had not scored more than one goal in any of their previous fifteen league games this season explained their place in the bottom two.

The New Saints have seen their lead at the top cut in recent weeks but a 3-0 win over Afan Lido at Park Hall earlier in the season offered an indication that the club could and should retain their place at the top of the table following this latest fixture. While Bangor City were claiming a memorable 4-3 win at Park Hall the week before, Afan Lido were slumping to a comfortable 3-1 reverse at bottom-half side Airbus UK Broughton in a match that their usually solid defence had been easily exposed. The New Saints have consistently challenged at the top of the Welsh Premier League over the last decade and the chance of the side losing two consecutive games meant that the smart money was firmly on the visitors for this latest match.

Read more here.

Saturday 5th November 2011

Abi Davies was at Anfield on Saturday.  To say that she was elated by the result is an understatement.

Swansea City went into Saturday’s game at Anfield as mighty underdogs as a win for Liverpool would have seen them leapfrog Chelsea and Spurs into the top four, whilst victory for Swansea would have been their first 3 points away from home in the Premier League.

Brendan Rodgers made just one change to the side that claimed an annihilating victory over Bolton last weekend as Wayne Routledge made his 5th start of the campaign, replacing Scott Sinclair who had to settle for a place among the substitutes.

Read more here.

Saturday 29th October 2011

Abi Davies only got this piece to me this morning after an extended bout of celebration on a great performance from the Swans on Saturday.  And why not, eh?

Aiming to maintain their unbeaten home record in the Premier League, Swansea named an unchanged side to face Bolton from the one that drew at Molineux last weekend.

From the outset it was apparent that Bolton would have been content leaving The Liberty with a point, playing deep, with 2 defensive rows of five meaning Swansea were finding it hard to push up past the half way line in the opening minutes, despite enjoying the majority of the possession.

Gardner found out early on that he was in for a tough afternoon as Nathan Dyer demonstrated his blistering pace to pass the defender on a number of occasions.

Read more here.

Saturday 22nd October 2011

Abi Davies was back on the road yesterday to Wolverhampton to see if Swansea’s away day blues could be banished.

Swansea made just one change to the starting XI that were compiled to a moral crushing 3-1 defeat at Carrow Road last weekend, as Mark Gower returned to the side in place of the more attacking Wayne Routledge who had to settle for a place on the bench, as the Swans went in search of their first victory away from home in The Premier League.

Swansea knew they would face a stern challenge to record a win at Molineux as Mick McCarthy’s side also had a point to prove on Saturday, having been condemned to defeat in their last five games.

Both Swansea and Wolves were eager to get back to winning ways, and this was evident from the outset as the game was played at a quick tempo with both sides searching for a breakthrough early on.

Read more here.

Saturday 15th October 2011

Abi Davies travels up to Norfolk and the land of Partridge to see if there was any “Ah Ha” for the Swans.

Swansea went into Saturday’s match aiming to end their run of games on the road without picking up a point. Having faced mammoth challenges, coming up against 3 of the Premier Leagues highest calibre sides away from home so far this season, The Swans should have still felt optimistic that they could travel back to South Wales with more than just their pride in tact providing they gave a true account of themselves.

Swansea were bolstered by the return to full fitness of Leon Britton who came as the only change to the Swans side that beat Stoke a fortnight ago, having missed the fixture due to a recurrence of a back injury that plagued him in past campaigns.

Michel Vorm, Neil Taylor, Ashley Williams and Joe Allen all started for Swansea despite fears they may be a little jaded following their international excursions last week.

Read more here.

Mark Pitman reports on the Welsh Premier League as Port Talbot Town claim a welcome win over struggling Airbus UK Broughton at The GenQuip Stadium. Gareth Elms was also there to provide the photo’s.

Cortez Belle scored twice for Port Talbot Town in front of the live S4/C cameras as Mark Jones side claimed a much-needed win after three consecutive defeats on Saturday. The summer-signing has proved to be the clubs most influential players this season and his return to the front-line after recent failed experiments in midfield and defence meant that fan favourite Martin Rose could only take a place on the bench for the visit of Airbus UK Broughton. Managed by former Middlesbrough defender Craig Harrison, the Wingmakers claimed their only win of the season last weekend with a 3-2 victory over fellow-strugglers Newtown, but rarely looked capable of building on that result on their visit to South Wales.

The match also provided the stage for two goalkeeping debuts as a result of two injuries for the regular shot-stoppers of both clubs. Port Talbot Town were without Kristian Rogers and handed a Welsh Premier League debut to Polish keeper Bartek Fogler, while Airbus UK replaced the injured Niki-Lee Bulmer with 40-year old veteran Andy Mulliner, as the former TNS goalkeeper was tempted out of retirement to make his 471st appearance in the domestic top-flight. Mulliner is best remembered for his heroics in the 1996 Welsh Cup Final. By comparison, Fogler was just 11 years-old when Mulliner was lifting the famous old trophy, and was now up against him on his first Welsh Premier League appearance.

Read more here.

Sunday 2nd October 2011

Having been condemned to their 3rd consecutive defeat away from home last weekend, Swansea were back in action at The Liberty on Sunday where they were looking to extend their unbeaten run at home which stems back to February 6th

A goal either side of the interval as well as a forth consecutive clean sheet at The Liberty for Swansea City ensured they signed off for the international break in the best possible fashion, as they claimed their second victory of the campaign.

Spending big in the summer transfer window, having captured the signatures of a number of multi million pound players, Tony Pulis’ Stoke side would have gone into Sunday’s game as overriding favourites, having already been tipped for a top six finish this season. The Potters pose a large aerial and physical threat, leading many to question how Swansea would cope with their substantial height advantage, and whether Brendan Rodgers side would struggle to defend against the likes of Peter Crouch. However it was Swansea’s quick fluid passing movements that proved impossible to contend with as Stoke struggled throughout the majority of the game.

Read more here.

Saturday 24th September 2011

Abi Davies loved her trip to London so much after the Arsenal game two weeks ago she came back this weekend.  Unfortunately her trip co-incided with Chelsea banishing any early season wobbles.

Swansea went into Saturday’s fixture at Stamford Bridge still searching for their first point away from home having been condemned to defeat at The Etihad Stadium on the opening weekend of the season, before being unfortunate not to come away from The Emirates with a point two weeks ago.

Swansea had no fresh injury concerns ahead of Saturday’s game and were bolstered by the return of Danny Graham who recovered from the injury that kept him sidelined for the Swans first Premier League victory. However Swansea’s record signing had to settle for a place among the substitutes as Brendan Rodgers named an unchanged side to the one that comprehensively brushed aside West Brom last weekend.

Read more from the game here.

Saturday 17th September 2011

Abi Davies can at last breathe a sigh of relief as the Swans finally kick into gear and record their first ever Premier League victory.

Given the level of Swansea’s performances prior to Saturday’s game against West Brom, it was highly perplexing as to how a first Premier League goal still evaded Brendan Rodgers side having not looked overawed or outclassed in their league games against Wigan, Sunderland or Arsenal..

Prominent in their fixture at The Emirates last weekend was the fact that Swansea’s goal drought had not hindered their determination or dented their confidence too much, as for the best part of the game they matched Arsene Wenger’s side in each department.

Read more from the game here

Mark Pitman takes in a debut victory for new Goytre United manager Derek Brazil as the former Manchester United defender returns to the Welsh League.

Former Welsh Football League champions Goytre United announced the appointment of new manager Derek Brazil during the week as the man to succeed Robert Cooke and the reign of the former Manchester United and Cardiff City defender began on Saturday as his new side welcomed Cwmaman Institute to the picturesque Glenhafod Park. Brazil becomes the highest-profile figure in what is the South Wales feeder league to the Welsh Premier and picked up a welcome three-points in this eventful contest.

The Dublin-born defender joined Manchester United in 1988 but made only two senior appearances in his four-year career at Old Trafford during which time he went on-loan to Oldham Athletic and Swansea City before making a permanent move to Cardiff City for £85,000 in 1992. Brazil played well over a hundred games for Cardiff before dropping down to non-league football with Newport County four years later. A move to the Welsh Premier League followed with two separate spells at both Inter Cardiff and Haverfordwest County as a knee injury curtailed his professional career. In 2006 Brazil re-emerged as manager of Haverfordwest and built up a well-respected team in the next four seasons.

Read more here

Saturday 10th September 2011

Mark Pitman reports from Aberystwyth Town and Afan Lido in a double seaside visit to the Corbett Sports Welsh Premier League.

An early split has emerged in the Corbett Sports Welsh Premier League table after just six rounds of games, and while Aberystwyth Town and Afan Lido, both find themselves in the wrong half of the table with an equal return of four points but both sides have a game on hand on the rest of the domestic top-flight. Things looked much better for the two clubs before a ball was kicked in August as they occupied the top two places, but their rise was due only to alphabetical placings over ability, and their respective lack of finishing this weekend has left them has left them in desperate need of a quick victory.

Both clubs have struggled for different reasons so far this season. Alan Morgan’s Aberystwyth had a player sent off in each one of their opening four games of the season, while Andy Dyer’s new-look newcomers Afan Lido had the unenviable task of taking on three of the best teams in the league in their first few fixtures. Both sides had recorded one win each ahead of this weekend however, Aberystwyth defeating Newtown 4-1 while Lido earned the shock result of the season with a 1-0 win over Neath, and this weekend both sides would find themselves back at their respective seaside grounds for the visits of Port Talbot Town and Airbus UK Broughton.

Read more here.

Saturday 10th September 2011 – Arsenal v Swansea City

Is there a better time to play Arsenal than at the current moment?  Swansea didn’t think so, so they came down the M4 in their numbers to see what the Swans could do at The Emirates.  And of course right in the middle of that Welsh cake was Abi Davies.

Prior to Saturday’s game much speculation had surrounded how Arsenal would respond following their 8-2 demolition at Old Trafford two weeks ago. However a busy transfer deadline day ensured Arsene Wenger’s squad would be better equipped to deal with the demands of the Premier League – having seemingly suffered after the departures of the influential midfield duo Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas.

New recruits Mikel Arteta and Per Mertesacker were drafted straight into the starting XI whilst there was a place among the substitutes for fellow deadline day signing Yossi Benayoun.

Read more of Abi’s report here.

Saturday 27th August 2011 – Swansea City v Sunderland

Saturday saw The Swans play host to Steve Bruce’s Sunderland where both sides went into the game looking to sign off for the international break with their first victory of the season, and of course Abi Davies was in the West Stand hoping to see some Tekkertastic football.

The Black Cats, like Swansea, went into the fixture aiming to bounce back after their shock exit from The Carling Cup in midweek. Having made nine changes to the side for their Cup tie against Shrewsbury, Brendan Rodgers unsurprisingly reverted back to the eleven that started against Wigan last weekend, and in the continued absence of Gary Monk, Ashley Williams lead the side for the second consecutive League game.

Swansea got the game under way and aside from an early chance for Sunderland debutante John O’Shea, it was the home side who appeared to settle into the game the quicker, looking composed in possession, and with a lack of pressure from the visitors were allowed to build the play from defence, as well as dictate the pace of the game.

Read more here.

Friday 26th August 2011 – Carmarthen Town v Port Talbot Town

The Corbett Sports Welsh Premier League is a close-knit affair and each week a number of players and managers find themselves in action against their former employers. This popular South Wales fixture between Carmarthen Town and Port Talbot Town offered just that expected sub-plot as visiting boss Mark Jones brought his Port Talbot Town side to the club that sacked him four years before. Joining Jones in his re-acquaintance with Richmond Park was substitute Sacha Walters following his summer switch between the two clubs, but the night would belong to a former Port Talbot Town player in the home squad who would make a much bigger impression on the game than he did during his brief time at his opponents.

Nicky Palmer signed for Port Talbot Town just over twelve months ago as the club prepared to compete in the UEFA Europa League. Palmer was signed as an experienced campaigner from Carmarthen but started on the bench for his new club in their opening European game at Finnish side TPS Turku. Palmer made the starting eleven for the return leg however and almost scored inside the opening few minutes before the side slipped to a convincing 4-0 defeat. This brief foray into Europe would prove to Palmer’s only appearance for the club and he eventually returned to Richmond Park having been unable to earn himself a place in Mark Jones side. The visit of Port Talbot Town would however offer Palmer the chance to avenge his lack of opportunity, and the form of Port Talbot Town at Carmarthen over the last few seasons would suggest he had every chance of achieving just that.

Read more here.

Friday 26th August 2011 – Afan Lido v Neath

In the first of two reports on Welsh games from the weekend, Abi Davies heads down to the Port Talbot Riviera to see what she describes “The worst game I have seen in my life”…Bet you cannot wait to read on now!

Terry Boyle’s Neath side made the short trip to Port Talbot on Friday night to take on Andy Dyer’s Afan Lido.

The two teams made contrasting starts to the season, with Afan Lido going into Friday’s game still searching for their first point since promotion to the Welsh Premier League, while Neath travelled to The Marston aiming to retain their 100% winning start to the campaign, having already completed comprehensive victories over Aberystwyth and reigning League Champions Bangor.

Read more here.

Saturday 20th August 2011

Mark Pitman watches both The New Saints and champions Bangor City suffer respective defeats in the Welsh Premier League. Gareth Elms provides the photo’s.

The Welsh Premier League title was decided on the last day of last season as the top two sides played out a convenient fixture at Farrar Road. Bangor City went into the match against The New Saints with the slight advantage after the two sides had built up a comfortable lead over the chasing pack and the final fixture of the campaign would decide the title. Bangor City claimed the necessary result on the day to take their place in the Champions League while The New Saints embarked on a summer of rebuilding ahead of the new Welsh Premier League season.

The newly-sponsored Corbett Sports Welsh Premier League campaign kicked off last weekend at The New Saints but they were held to a 1-1 draw by a significantly-strengthened Bala Town side, while Bangor City were back at Farrar Road and in a memorable fixture, Nev Powell’s side claimed a very creditable 3-2 win over Welsh Cup winners Llanelli. This weekend the two sides were both on the road to the County Borough of Neath Port Talbot, where they would, unsurprisingly, take on Neath and Port Talbot. For all their dominance of the previous campaign however, both would make the long journey home with nothing to show for their efforts, as a new contender for their title ambition emerges.

Read more here.

Saturday 20th August 2011 – Swansea City v Wigan Athletic

For the first time in her life, Abi Davies was going to see her side at the Liberty Stadium as a Premier League team.  She, along with 20,000+ other Swans fans hoped ex-boss Roberto Martinez wasn’t going to ruin the party.

Following their defeat at The Etihad Stadium 5 days ago, Swansea City played host to Roberto Martinez’ Wigan on Saturday in the first ever Premier League game to be played outside of England. Brendan Rodgers side would have been aware going into the game that they should be taking maximum points from sides such as Wigan, if they are to retain their Premier League status.

The last meeting between the two clubs came in the Carling Cup last October, where Roberto Martinez’ current side knocked his former club out of the competition.
Read more from the game here.

Monday 15th August 2011 – Manchester City v Swansea City

Abi Davies made the long journey north for Swansea City’s Premier League debut.  Despite the scoreline they can be proud of their team’s performance.

Less than 3 months since completing their rise from the brink of obliteration to the top flight of English football, Swansea City headed to Manchester to make their Premier League bow at The Etihad Stadium.

The Welsh side were without club captain Gary Monk, who sat out the game due to his foot injury. Whilst left back Neil Taylor also missed the fixture through suspension, following his dismissal in the first leg of their play off semi final against Nottingham Forest.

Brendan Rodgers handed full league débuts to summer signings Danny Graham, Steven Caulker and Dutch international keeper Michel Vorm.

Despite playing a pivotal role in Swansea’s promotion winning campaign, Joe Allen had to settle for a place on the bench as Kemy Agustien made his first start for Swansea since their FA Cup defeat on January 29th with the 24 year old Dutch man offering a larger physical presence in the middle of the park. Read more here.

Saturday 13th August 2011 – Airbus UK 1 Port Talbot Town 1

Mark Pitman takes a look at a much-changed Port Talbot Town squad as they open the new Corbett Sports Welsh Premier League season at Airbus UK Broughton.

Port Talbot Town last played a competitive game in May and it would prove to their most disappointing of the season as they suffered a 2-1 defeat at Prestatyn in the Welsh Premier League play-off semi-final. A win would have left Mark Jones’ side a derby win away from Europe and with minutes remaining the South Wales club were a goal ahead. Prestatyn scored twice in the last few minutes to edge their way into the final however, and the defeat proved significant for the summer and pre-season campaign that would lay ahead for Jones both on and off the field.

Paul Cochlin, Cortez Belle, Matthew Crowell, Dylan Blain, Kristian Rogers and Paul Keddle were not even Port Talbot Town players in May, but less than three months later, the six summer signings were starting for the club on the opening day of the season at Airbus UK Broughton. Another new signing in Chris Hartland was named on the bench, some others didn’t even make the cut, but the fans had travelled in numbers to offer their vocal and instrumental support for the start of what is a new-era with a very new-look side.  Read more here.

Saturday 5th August 2011 – Swansea City v Real Betis

After their goal riot against Neath on Thursday, Abi Davies headed off to the Liberty Stadium yesterday, praying that goal machine Jonathan Periera would have forgotten his shooting boots.

Saturday afternoon saw Swansea entertain La Liga newcomers Real Betis in their final pre-season game before making their Premier League bow against Man City next weekend.  Having beaten three Welsh sides already this week Pepe Mel’s side should have been full of confidence going into the game.

After delivering a stand out performance at left back against Celtic, Alan Tate was moved into the heart of The Swans defence to partner Ashley Williams against Betis, due to the absence of Steven Caulker.

Read more here.

Friday 4th August – Port Talbot Town v Cardiff City XI

Our week of sun, sand and looking at crap tattoos in South Wales was coming to an end.  With work calling us back to London it was time to back up the TBIR bus and head on down the M4.  But wait, what is that I can hear calling?  Is it a bird?  Or a plane?  No, silly, it is another football match.  AND it is literally on the way home (well bar a mile diversion off the motorway).  Now how could I sell this to CMF and the Little Fullers?  Of course! It was Port Talbot Town.  Hmm, still not enough?  Well what about the fact that they wouldn’t have to actually leave the car?

Port Talbot Town’s GenQuip Stadium has one unique value.  Certainly something I have never seen since they banned those little blue cars from parking behind the goal at Stamford Bridge for “health and safety” reasons back in the late 1980s.  You can drive your car in and park it by the side of the pitch….(steps back awaiting amazed response).  Yep, it is genuinely too good to be true.

Read more here.

Thursday 4th August 2011 – Neath v Real Betis

He may only be 5foot 5inches tall, but last night a The Gnoll, in the Vale of Neath, Jonathan Pereira Rodríguez was walking as tall as one of the legendary giants that roamed these parts.  Few strikers can boast a 4 goal haul in a competitive match, let alone a 5 goal salvo.  A double hatrick is as rare as Stan Collymore letting a caller on his show actually get a word in.  But to score seven is almost unheard of in modern football.  At 9pm when he left the pitch to a standing ovation, Jonathan Pereira joined an elite club.  For not only was his seven goals the sole difference between the teams on the pitch, but he became the only player currently playing in Europe to score seven goals in a game twice.

But let’s rewind to Monday 1st August first.  That magical day happened to be CMF and my 13th Wedding Anniversary.  A blissfully happy day, spent with the little Fullers on the beach of the Gower Peninsula.  At 2pm I received an email from our good friend Mark Pitman.

Read more here.

Wednesday 3rd August 2011 – Swansea City v Celtic

“Put some wax on the tracks and slide on out of here.” Adam Ant

Is there any hope left for the SPL? This season they decided to start the Premier League in July so that the teams could be better prepared in Europe.  After the Scots fell behind the Danes in the UEFA co-efficient rankings their easy route to the Champions League group stages was closed as of this season.  So hence the shift forward in the start of the season.  Well, it hasn’t done the teams much good so far with Dundee United out of the Europa League before August started, and Rangers losing 1-0 at home to Swedish Champions Malmö FF at odds of over 14/1 before crashing out on aggregate by 7:55pm on this night.

But starting so early meant that the “big two” would miss out on potentially financial lucrative friendlies against some of Europe’s biggest games.  In the past few years Celtic have played the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea in the past few years in the US, whilst Rangers have themselves faced some of big guns.  Hardly fair right?

So what did they do? They allowed each team to arrange a friendly during the season and “move” their league game.  Surely the ultimate two fingers up at the tradition of the league. So with Rangers hosting Chelsea next Saturday it was Celtic who took advantage of a weekend off (after just one game!) this week and headed down to South Wales, like the rest of the TBIR gang, on the Gower Peninsula, one of the most outstanding areas of beauty on our fair island to take on Premier League new boys Swansea City. Swansea?  Premier League? A team not from England in the English Premier League? What’s that I hear you say? Foul?  Not so.

Read more here.

Tuesday 2nd August 2011 – Afa Lido v Swansea City

Mark Pitman reports from The Marstons Stadium as Afan Lido take on a Swansea City XI in a low-profile match that seems set to confirm a high-profile exit from the Liberty Stadium.

Swansea City sent a young team to play a low-key friendly and Welsh Premier League side Afan Lido on Tuesday night. Alan Curtis took his place in the dugout as Tony Pennock watched on from the sidelines to oversee a rare opportunity that his players had to show how they can perform against senior opposition. In-amongst the young Swans side were Shaun MacDonald to offer some experience at centre-half, even though he is still only 23, while Tom Butler continued his rehabilitation after a long-injury with a place in the starting line-up. The seniority list was completed however by David Cotterill, an almost forgotten by-product of Swansea City’s recent success, and a player who’s career has covered more ground than his young years but not his hairline suggest.

What many outside of the Swans fraternity fail to realise is that David Cotterill, like Shaun MacDonald, is still just 23. While MacDonald has only ever left his hometown club for a series of loan-spells at Yeovil Town, Cotterill has been the subject of a number of big-money transfers that include a £2m switch to Wigan while he was still a teenager as well as breaking the Swansea City transfer record at the time in a £600,000 move from Sheffield United. He has also played for Bristol City and more recently was loaned out to Portsmouth having failed to hold down a place in the Swans starting line-up. His impressive career stats also include 19 caps for Wales since making his debut for his country 2005.

While MacDonald has worked hard for his chance with both Swansea City and Wales, making the most of his opportunities with the club he grew up supporting and the country he has shined for at Under-21 level, Cotterill was making a name for himself for all the wrong reasons at the age of 20 when he publicly criticised then-manager John Toshack for leaving him out of the squad. Although later re-instated to wear the Welsh shirt by Toshack, it was another significant moment in an already eventful career, and one that the once-capped MacDonald would never be expected to add to his CV.

But on Tuesday night, the duo were both named as part of the young Swans starting line-up in a sparsely-filled Marstons Stadium while their team-mates prepare to take on Celtic at the Liberty Stadium the following evening, and their inclusion could prove to be significant in their careers. MacDonald has found his level in League One with Yeovil Town in recent seasons and has become a fan-favourtie at Huish Park having already played more than twice as many games for the Glovers than he has for the Swans. It seems likely that MacDonald will pay the price of Swansea’s promotion to the Premier League and his sixth return to Yeovil will more than likely be a permanent one.

Read more here.

Friday 29th July 2011 – Neath 4 Merthyr Town 1

After their impressive victory over Premier League side Swansea City, Neath continued their preparations for the forthcoming Welsh Premier League season with a comprehensive victory over Western Football League Premier Division side Merthyr Town, and who was there to see it for us at The Gnoll?  Yep, you’ve guessed it, Abi Davies, South Wales own Georgie Thompson.

The Eagles got the game under way and were quick to show their intent, coming close to breaking the deadlock early on with efforts from Kristian O’Leary and Kerry Morgan testing Merthyr keeper Joe Perry.

Martyrs striker Ryan Prosser’s long range effort looked destined for the top corner however a great save from Lee Kendall insured the visitors didn’t take the lead. Kendall was called into action again moments later with Scott Armitage and Prosser both working the Neath keeper.

After a host of chances for both sides early on, it was the home team who took the lead after 10 minutes of play, following some great work from Chris Jones out wide which saw the diminutive winger turn and leave full back Ryan Dorian in his trail, his inch perfect ball into the box was met by Garyn Preen who found the back of the net from close range.

Neath began to dominate proceedings after the opening goal, with the pace and quick feet of both Kerry Morgan and Chris Jones out wide constantly getting the better of Merthyr’s full backs, as well as Trundle’s deeper link role behind striker Preen working effectively as the two combined well on a number of occasions.

Terry Boyle’s side doubled their advantage through Kerry Morgan, following some great work from the youngster inside the area, the former Swans player’s shot beat Perry from close range and having dominated possession you could not begrudge them of their lead.

Lee Trundle came close for Neath with an attempted chip over the keeper before Merthyr danger man Prosser halved the deficit shortly before half time

Merthyr came close to levelling the scores after the break as Neath failed to clear their lines, however they were dealt a slice of luck as the ball rebounded off the post into the path of Lee Kendall who quickly collected.

As a result of the next attack, Chris Jones restored the home sides two goal advantage as Neath were looking by far the more prepared side for the start of the forthcoming season, posing a threat and looking to push forward every time they had the ball.

The Eagles were creating some great chances with highly impressive link play, but squandered the chance to further extend their lead as a number of great opportunities went begging.

Having been introduced into the game early in the second half, Toby Jones made an instant impact as he created a three goal margin with an hour gone.

Neath’s new recruit Adie Harris came close to pressing home Neath’s advantage only for his effort to be denied by the cross bar before Preen had a chance to compile further misery on Merthyr’s evening late on, however his shot was saved by Joe Perry, keeping the deficit at 4-1.

Tuesday 26th July 2011 – Afan Lido 0 Coventry City 1

Abi simply cannot get enough of the Port Talbot riviera so she was back again. Tuesday nights fixture at The Marston’s Stadium saw a young Coventry side turn out to face Andy Dyer’s newly promoted Afan Lido.

Gregor Rioch’s academy side got the game under way, and from the outset looked confident in possession, spreading the play well finding success down both wings as well as through the centre.

Striker Jonson Clarke-Harris was proving to be one of Coventry’s biggest threats early on, with his blistering pace he was at the forefront of numerous Coventry attacks. With 20 minutes gone Clarke-Harris found himself with space to attack Afan Lido’s defence, however some great work from Carl Evans ensured the young striker could not develop the attack.

Mid way through the first half and against the run of play, Afan Lido managed to find the back of the net only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.

Despite Coventry looking more comfortable on the ball with their simple but effective passing, Lido were proving a threat on the counter attack with former Cardiff and QPR forward Leon Jeanne using his pace out wide to get the better of The Sky Blue’s full backs.

With neither side creating any clear cut chances in what proved to be a quiet first half for both keepers, it was no surprise that the scores were level at the break.

Sky Blue’s midfielder Will Roberts was first to test Chris Curtis in the second half, however his strike was dealt with fairly easily by the Lido keeper.

Courtney Richards came close to providing the opener for Coventry shortly after, displaying great skill and trickery to create space for his shot, the strikers effort fired marginally wide of the target.

The visitors were in control of the contest and were handed the perfect opportunity to make their dominance count when they were awarded a second half penalty after Curtis was adjudged to have committed a foul inside the box.

Billy Daniels stepped up to take and convert the spot kick with what proved to be the only goal of the game.

The whole Coventry side had a great work ethic, with the better spells in possession and great on and off the ball movement, they made it difficult for Dyer’s men to have any real impact on the game.

With very few other chances for either side, Coventry held onto their lead and emerged from the game as 1-0 victors- condemning Lido to their second consecutive friendly defeat.

Full time Afan Lido 0-1 Coventry City

Saturday – 23rd July 2011 – Afan Lido 0 Swansea City 2

Abi Davies continues her look at Swansea’s preparations for life in the Premier League with a trip to the seaside.  The seaside in this case being Afan Lido aka Port Talbot Beach….She is a braver girl than I am a bloke as she took a dip in the water.

Following on from last Saturday’s double header in which The Swans were defeated at The Gnoll before emerging triumphant against Port Talbot, Brendan Rodgers side made the short trip to take on another Welsh Premier League side in Afan Lido.

Swansea were without Gary Monk, Jazz Richards, Ryan Harley and new recruit Danny Graham for the game due to injuries, while Ferrie Bodde was rested as he continues in his quest to recover from his cruciate ligament injury initially suffered in 2008.

Brendan Rodgers side got the game under way dominating from the outset it was just 12 minutes before Afan Lido keeper Chris Curtis was tested, as Tom Butler’s shot forced him into palming the ball out for a corner.

Butler was then presented with Swansea’s next chance of the game as a great ball forward from Beattie was controlled and brought down well by Moore who picked out the run of Butler. The winger’s shot was denied by the outstretched arm of Curtis.

Craig Beattie opened the scoring for Swansea moments later after Joe Walsh capped off a great movement down the left wing with a superb cross into the box, and as Luke Moore failed to connect with the ball it fell for Beattie who’s strike blasted past the Afan Lido keeper.

Three minutes later, Butler seemed to have doubled the lead after finding the back of the net with a great long range strike, however his effort was ruled out for offside.

The visitors did double their advantage with 15 minutes of the first half remaining through a superb Lee Lucas strike.  Brendan Rodgers side continued to apply pressure on the Afan Lido defence, while Swansea keeper Jose Moreira was untroubled at the other end of the pitch.

As the ref blew for half time there was no disputing The Swans were worthy of their two goal advantage at the break.  Brendan Rodgers opted to change the whole XI for the start of the second half, which saw the introduction of a number of players who had key roles in last seasons promotion winning campaign.

Within the first minute of the half, Swansea were awarded a penalty and the chance to further extend their lead after Casey Thomas was brought down inside the area by Chris Pridham.  Due to the absence of Scott Sinclair, Stephen Dobbie stepped up to take the spot kick, however his strike was palmed away by Curtis.

Following some scrappy play on the edge of the area, Dyer found space to shoot, only to see his effort fire high over the cross bar.  Casey Thomas was proving one of Swansea’s biggest threats in the second half, demonstrating his blistering pace as well as great power to muscle away from defenders, the winger caused Afan Lido countless problems.

Dobbie had another chance to extend Swansea’s lead but when the ball fell to him inside the area, The Scot failed to find the target as his effort blasted over the cross bar.

The Swans also had chances late on through Casey Thomas and centre-back Steven Caulkar, before Joe Allen and Nathan Dyer’s great link up play set up Kemy Agustien for Swansea’s last real chance of the game, however the Dutch midfielder couldn’t find the target with his powerful strike.

The scoreline remained 2-0 and The Swans now head off to Austria on Monday to further continue their preparations for their début season in The Premier League, before facing both Celtic and La Liga newcomers Real Betis on their return.