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David Taylor

GG; David - what a season - you really set the league alight last year.

DT; Thanks very much - Personally I had a great year, as the whole squad did - last season was just an experience I will never be able to forget.

GG; Welsh Player of the Year last season - were you suprised?

DT; Very much so. I had a great year personally, but to pick up a prestigious award like that in your first season of regular football is amazing. I only hope that I can go on to win it again in the future.

GG; So do you intend to stay in Wales?

DT; That's up to the gaffer - I'm under contract until 2005, and I have no intention of going anywhere else at the moment. I'm enjoying my football, and really looking forward to the Champions League.

GG; How far, realistically, do you think Pontlottyn can go in the Champions League then?

DT; All the way! - No, we'd have to be happy with just getting past Silema Wanderers I think. If we do that though, we will be full of confidence for the Second Qualifying Round - and I think all the lads are looking forward to travelling abroad to represent the club. It's going to be an adventure, certainly.

GG; Certainly. Another award you took last season was the supporters player of the year - how much does that mean to you?

DT; A lot. The supporters are the lifeblood of any club, and I'm really pleased that they appreciate me. I was suprised really though, we all thought Darren Poole would win it!

GG; Yes, Darren had a fine year - did having two good wingers help the strikers last season?

DT; Definatley - Darren and Phil Carratt really helped us a lot up front - both by scoring and setting chances up.

GG; Just before you go David, what was your most memorable game of the season on a personal level?

DT; Well, for me it has to be the 5-1 win over Connah's Quay right at the start of the season - it was my first hatrick since youth football, and the last one was a free kick - I was just walking on air that afternoon, and asked to take the free kick about 20 yards out - the skipper told me to go for it, and it just sailed straight in! - I've never scored one like that before, and I'm not sure when, or if, the next one will come along.

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Chris McConville

GG; Chris, what a year for you - Welsh Young Player of the Year and a regular in the team at 19 - how does it feel to be rated as one of the best young players in the league?

CmC; It's a dream come true - I really enjoyed the role I had, roaming forward from midfield, and I was so amazed when they told me at the end of the season that I had scored 17 - as a midfielder, you just concentrate on setting up the strikers, and if any chances come your way you try to score them.

GG; No bookings last season either - are you a Gary Lineker?

CmC; It's an honour to be compared to him! - No, I don't think so. Obviously nobody wants to get booked, but as a midfielder I do have to get stuck in sometimes, and I'm sure that I will pick up a few cards over my career. What Gary did was amazing, but in a different era for the game, and I doubt you'll see it again at the highest level.

GG; Talking about the past, who was your footballing hero as a child?

CmC; When we played at school, I was always Gazza! - I used to play in midfield and I could do a few kickups and tricks, and I think one of the PE teachers gave me it as a nickname.

GG; Yes, you've certainly got a few tricks - does it help to have good technique at this level of the game though?

CmC; I think it helps to be technically good at any level - keeping hold of the ball is the most important thing though, and I still feel I need to bulk up a bit. You do get knocked about a bit at this level, but it's part of the game - I've not had any serious injuries, just a couple of minor knocks, so I'm not too worried.

GG; Remind us again what you were doing before you signed for Pontlottyn?

CmC; I was working for my dad, as a labourer with his building firm! - After I left Lincoln I never expected to get back into the game, so I had to do something. Like I said though, I'm not especially strong, so I was finding it a bit tough, and when I got the call asking if I fancied a trial, I jumped at it - I never did find out who recomended me though, but I guess it was someone at Lincoln - I'm forever grateful.

GG; Any chance that you'll be moving back to England to play soon?

CmC; You never know - but I'm happy at the club for now. I've heard rumours that a club were looking at me, but I never heard anything. Obviously every player wants to play at the highest level they can, and I would love to play for Lincoln again one day - you always want to play for the team you support!

GG; Yes, 11th in Division Three last year, were you pleased as a fan?

CmC; I didn't get much chance to catch up to be honest, with everything that was happening here - but losing two managers to other clubs obviously didn't help. Hopefully we can do something this season, as I think we deserve to be in the Second Division at least. Sincil Bank is a very nice ground these days, and I'm hoping that one day it will see a high level of football.

GG; Just going back to Wales if I may, is the standard of the league higher or lower than you expected?

CmC; I really didn't know what to expect, but there really are some quality players - we've got some lads who really are top quality, and I think some could go all the way. As for the other clubs you only have to look at Steve McCormick - joint to scorer last season with Pooley (Darren Poole), and he's now gone to Rotherham in Division One - clubs are always on the lookout for good players at whatever level, so there's always a chance that lads will be spotted here.

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And finally, we talk to the man who made it all possible - manager Stuart Fairway .

GG; Stuart, last season must have been incredible, especially as your first season in charge.

SF; Well, it started badly with the players all leaving, but once I had brought in a whole new crop, it worked really well - amazingly well in fact. if you'd have told me we'd win the league, I wouldn't have believed you.

GG; And in Europe too - How much of a challenge will that be?

SF; Oh an enormous one, certainly. It depends on who we get, of course, but for once, 100% commitment might not be enough. I hope the lads can suprise everybody, but I'm just so proud we are at this stage to be honest.

GG; Do you think Pontlottyn have enough to beat Silema Wanderers?

SF; They are a good team, and perhaps more importantly, experienced in European competition. We will all enjoy the games though, especially the away leg in Malta - the players wives and girlfreinds were pretty excited with that draw!

GG; Well, it's got to be better than Latvia! - Just looking back at last season if I may, who were the players that you think were at the heart of everything good that happened?

SF; You can't answer that without mentioning Darren Poole , who had an absolutley incredible season - and of course David Taylor up front - but all the players had a part to play, and they all thoroughly deserved their Championship medals.

GG; Sticking with the past for the moment, several players have moved on over the summer - would you just like to talk about them for a moment?

SF; Well, players moving on is a part of the game - obviously Brian Healy, Pieter Huistra, Sergey Gerasimets and Gary Blackford have retired. Brian is a legend, and I'm eternally grateful that he has agreed to play two more matches for us against Silema. Sergey - well, Sergey was a fantastic player, but we all knew that he wanted to retire at the end of the season. Having him around as a coach will really help matters. Gary didn't play as much as he might of liked unfortunatley, but he was always solid and never let us down. Pieter is staying on as a coach, with particular emphasis on the strikers. The other two who have left, Landry Zahana-Oni and Darren Bradshaw both moved on for the good of their careers - £20,000 is a great return for Landry, who did very well but just found himself edged out by Phil Carratt, while Darren frequently covered us at the back, and at 35 he wanted to move closer to home, which is very understandable.

GG; How about the future - talk us through the new faces that are confirmed for next season.

SF; Well, there are a couple of young lads promoted from the youth setup - Gareth Rees is a left winger, 17 and a fair prospect - though he has a bit of work to do before I consider him ready for first team football. The other is a defender, Chris Thomas , who we are excited about - he's in the similar mould as Tony Adams - and Tony himself rates Chris quite highly. I've also been able to bring in a defender, Dale Hawtin , from Hyde in England, and Aaron Shanahan , an Irish youngster from Bristol City. We've paid £20,000 for Aaron, and I see him as the successor to Brian Healy. He's a rough diamond at the moment, but as he's only 19, he has plenty of time to shine yet. Steve Soley , a creative midfielder with bags of experience, has joined from Southport as a player/coach, and I'm also pleased that Marcus Richardson will sign in September on a Bosman from Torquay.

GG; You mentioned Tony Adams there - how has having him as your assistant helped?

SF; I was a professional, but Tony Adams has to be one of the ultimate pros - he battled back from his personal demons as we all know about, and for both Arsenal and England he was a hero. I think he'll make a great manager himself one day, but for now I'm delighted to have him as my assistant. He's got a 'never say die' attitude and is great at working with the younger players - most of whom remember him in his prime as they are so young!

GG; Yes, youth has been a big policy of yours - do you deliberatley look for young players?

SF; If a player is available who I think will improve the squad, I will look at him - whatever his age. I think by buying Brian Healy last summer when he was 39 we proved that - experience is just as important as youth, and having an older head like Brian, or Sergey around, it helps to give the kids a guiding hand. The boys here are young and excite me a great deal, but let's not forget that they are young, they will make mistakes, and still have a lot to learn.

GG; So you think you can keep hold of them for a while yet?

SF; Every footballer worth his salt wants to play at the highest level they can. I'm honest with the players if I hear of any interest, and we discuss any official approaches - but just as a personal opinion, I think clubs are sometimes too quick to try and sign young players - they need to be nurtured carefully. Curtis Jackson for example, last season, played too many games in my opinion - he had to, because of injuries, but I would have rather rested him more often. To answer your question though, yes, hopefully we can keep this team together for a while yet.

GG; And just finally, how about yourself - is there any job that would persuade you to leave Pontlottyn?

SF; Just two - The job at Brighton & Hove Albion , where of course I played for many years - the other? - Well, any international job would make me think! - but I somehow doubt I'll get to that stage - for a while yet at least!

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So there you have it - the 2001/02 season, in the words of those who lived it. But what if you didn't see it? - Furnace Park frequently filled up - so if you didn't manage to get to see the team last season - or if you've just come back from the moon - here's what happened in our month-by-month roundup;

July 2001

Pontlottyn Blast Furnace are confirmed as members of the Welsh Premier Division. All 16 Welsh Alliance Championship winning players leave the club on the same day that Stuart Fairway is appointed manager. Lee Lawrence, Rhodri Jones, Robert Lawrence, Peter Huistra, Darren Bradshaw, Chris McConville, Phil Carratt, Curtis Jackson, Alex Kevan, David Taylor and Alex O'Reilly all sign for the club.

August 2001

Darren Poole, Gareth Sutton, Brian Healy, Ben Vaughan, Landry Zahana-Oni, Fred Wilson and Ryan Dorrian all sign in the opening five days of the month, followed by Sergey Gerasimets on the 13th. Pontlottyn win all three scheduled preseason freindlies, beating Buckley Town (6-1), Skewen Athletic (4-1) and Eastbourne United (4-0). The league season kicks off in style with a 3-2 win at Caernarfon Town, followed by a 5-2 thrashing of Total Network Solutions at home. Sergey Gerasimets scores his third in as many games as Pontlottyn round off the month with a 3-0 win over Carmarthern Town in the Welsh League Cup, a game in which striker Curtis Jackson becomes the youngest player to represent Pontlottyn at 15.

September 2001

A busy month sees no less than 8 First Team matches played, with 5 in the league and the remainder in the league cup. All matches, bar one, end victorious for Pontlottyn - including 5-1 anhilations of both Bangor City (League Cup) and Connah's Quay (League). The final match of the month, in the League Cup, is a 1-1 draw, as Pontlottyn need a late Pieter Huistra goal to salvage a point, enough to see them through to the knockout stage. Striker Lee Withe signs on a free transfer.

October 2001

After 8 matches in September, October just has four games - and while league wins over Llanelli (4-2), Cwmbran (4-2) and Aberystwyth (3-0) keep Pontlottyn top, in the League Cup it's a different matter, as Fairway's side fall to their first defeat - Bangor City gaining revenge for humilation in the league with a 3-2 victory at Furnace Park.

November 2001

November sees four more wins - Oswestry (4-0), strugglers Welshpool (5-1), and Bangor City (2-1) are all beaten in the league while Non-Leaguers Briton Ferry are destroyed 5-1 in the Welsh Cup Third Round. Lee Withe scores his first for the club in the victory over Oswestry - he will go on to bag nine in 21 matches for the club.

December 2001

The month begins badly, with the first dropped points in the League - a 1-1 draw with Afan Lido, and what turns out to be the only League defeat all season, to Haverfordwest County (3-2). Pontlottyn get over the disapointment of defeat by thumping Cefn Druids 5-1, TNS 4-2, and Port Talbot 3-0 in the final match of 2001.

January 2002

January's 4 matches are all victories for Pontlottyn - Barry Town (3-1), Caernarfon Town (4-1), Carmathern (3-1) and Caersws (4-1) keeping them at the top of the table. Loanee left back Andrew Kilpatrick arrives from Albion Rovers until the end of the season, as cover.

February 2002

Connah's Quay are beaten twice in a week in both the league (2-0) and Welsh Cup Fourth Round (2-1) - Pontlottyn follow this up with a 4-1 thrashing of Newtown and a rare 1-0 victory over Llanelli. The month is rounded off in style with a 3-1 victory over Cwmbran, in a game which sees David Taylor score his 20th of the season and Chris McConville his 15th.

March 2002

Another 1-0 victory over Aberystwyth - but this time, it's irrelevant as David Poole's 70th minute strike secures the title for Pontlottyn on the Second of March. After wrapping up the league, Pontlottyn crumble in the Cup - going out 2-1 to perennial bogie team, Bangor City (2-1). In the league, the march goes on - wins over Oswestry (3-1), Welshpool (3-0) and an action-packed draw (3-3) with Haverfordwest to round off the month.

April 2002

The league season is completed with four wins from the final four games - Afan Lido (3-0), Cefn Druids (4-2) and Barry Town (2-0) all despatched - but by far the sweetest is a 6-1 demolition of Bangor, in which Darren Poole nets his 30th goal of the season - it later emerges to be Pontlottyn's 100th in the league - from the penalty spot.

[/quote]

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Pontlottyn Blast Furnace - The Squad 02/03

Apps include Substitute apperances

Goalkeepers

Alex O'Reilly - GK - 22 - Irish;

First Choice last season, and a solid figure between the sticks. £30,000 bid from Partick Thistle rejected over the summer.

Last Season; 39 Apps/43 Conceded - Ave Rating; 7.41

Gareth Sutton - GK - 21 - Irish;

Solid when called upon, but lacking in class compared to O'Reilly. A useful backup, but don't expect great things.

Last Season; 4 Apps/2 Conceded - Ave Rating; 7.50

Defenders

Robert Lawrence - DR - 19 - English;

Regular at right back, Robert is maturing into a fine player. Solid and dependable.

Last Season; 36 Apps/0 Goals - Ave Rating; 6.89

Lee Lawrence - DL - 17 - English;

A little weak in the challenge, but makes up for this with explosive pace and tenacity - a regular last season despite his tender years.

Last Season; 37 Apps/1 Goal - Ave Rating; 6.81

Rhodri Jones - DRC - 20 - Welsh;

Rock at the back, and the new club captain. Dependable, and an occasional threat at set pieces.

Last Season; 34 Apps/2 Goals - Ave Rating; 6.85

Ben Vaughan - DRC - 19 - English;

Definatley a talent, and a regular last season, but perhaps not yet showing his best form. A good goal record.

Last Season; 36 Games/5 Goals - Ave Rating; 6.69

Dale Hawtin - DC - 26 - English;

New signing from Hyde United. A powerful defender who will add experience to a youthful back line.

Last Season - N/A

Chris Thomas - DLC - 17 - Welsh;

Quick, Brave and with a mean left foot, Chris is one to watch. Second product of the youth system to earn a contract.

Last Season - N/A

Midfielders

Aaron Shanahan - DMC - 19 - Irish;

Signed for £20,000 from Bristol City, the first signing to command a transfer fee. Superb passer, has the makings of a great.

Last Season - N/A

Alex Kevan - MLC - 21 - English;

In and out of the team last season, but reliable when called upon. Definatley a talent, and popular with supporters.

Last Season - 26 Apps/4 Goals - Ave Rating; 7.23

Darren Poole - AMR - 24 - English;

Already a Pontlottyn legend - 33 goals last season, with a record to worry any defence.

Last Season - 42 Apps/33 Goals - Ave Rating; 7.79

Phil Carratt - ML - 20 - English;

A wicked left foot, and a mean crosser - Phil created no less than 21 goals last season. A potential star.

Last Season - 37 Apps/6 Goals - Ave Rating; 7.41

Chris McConville - MC - 19 - English;

Mr Reliable - a midfield Goal machine, Chris exploded onto the scene with amazing impact. Another potential star. Welsh Young Player of the Year.

Last Season - 35 Apps/17 Goals - Ave Rating; 7.60

Steve Soley - AMC - 31 - English;

Player/Coach - an experienced creative midfielder brought in to provide a more attacking option.

Last Season - 9 Apps/3 Goals (Southport), 5 Apps/0 Goals (Leigh RMI - Loan), 4 Apps/2 Goals (Marine - Loan) - Ave Rating; Southport - 7.00, Leigh RMI - 6.00 - Marine - 7.25

Ryan Dorrian - MC - 17 - Welsh;

The only member of last season's squad yet to make a first team appearance - Spent 6 months out after Cruciate Ligament surgery, but potential for the future.

Last Season - N/A

Fred Wilson - MC - 17 - English/Australian;

Rarely used last season, but definatley one for the future. Out on loan for the season to Llanelli.

Last Season - 4 Apps/0 Goals - Ave Rating; 6.25

Gareth Rees - AML - 17 - Welsh;

First of the Youth graduates - on a one year contract with a need to prove himself. Has something, but may not be good enough for this level.

Last Season - N/A

Attackers

David Taylor - FRC - 20 - Welsh;

A real gem of a player, last season's Fans Player of the Year and Welsh Player of the Year. Awesome goalscoring record, and will only get better.

Last Season - 34 Apps/26 Goals - Ave Rating; 8.24

Curtis Jackson - SC - 16 - English;

A regular despite his tender years, will have to be protected to prevent burnout. Quick, with an eye for goal, Curtis could go a long way in the game.

Last Season - 33 Apps/13 Goals - Ave Rating; 7.59

Lee Withe - FRLC - 20 - English;

Began as a bit-part player, but progressed into a key squad player and substitute. Decent record, will get more of a chance this season.

Last Season - 21 Apps/9 Goals - Ave Rating; 7.29

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\o/ Thank God all that coding worked


June 2002

Steve Soley (15th) and Dale Hawtin (24th) arrive on Bosman free transfers. Gary Blackford and Pieter Huistra retire from football.

Utility man Darren Bradshaw (4th) signs for Hereford on a free transfer. Winger Landry Zahana-Oni (17th) is sold to CPS Glantreath for £20,000, becoming the first player to be sold on for a fee by Pontlottyn.

July 2002

Pontlottyn begin the month with a 2-2 Friendly draw against Rhydymwyn - goals coming from Curtis Jackson and a Darren Poole spot kick - Dale Hawtin also makes his debut in the game. Two days after the game (5th) Sergey Gerasimets ends his playing career to concentrate on coaching.

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The Sun - Football - Thursday 11th July

Disapointment for Welsh Minnows in Europe

'Welsh side Pontlottyn Blast Furnace lost their first ever match in European competition last night. At a packed Furnace Stadium - just one seat in the away end available - Maltese side Sliema Wanderers romped to a 4-2 victory, leaving progression for Wales' only Champions League contenders depending on a result in the Second Leg.

It was Pontlottyn who started the better - Darren Poole having an effort turned over the top as early as the second minute, before Rhodri Jones shot straight at 'keeper Vella from the rebound. Last season's star man started as he had finished last season for the home side - 33 goals in Wales last term - but Poole was a little unlucky on 14, denied by a superb stop from Vella.

On 22 however it was the visitors who took the lead - Camilleri feeding strike partner Simon Farrugia , who made no mistake from close range. Although Pontlottyn looked a little despondent, they soon worked their way back into the match, and on 39, Poole should have headed the Welshmen level with a powerful, close range effort that required a desperate goalline clearance.

With the home side seeming to lack that vital spark, Fairway made one change at half time - replacing Chris McConville with new signing Steve Soley. Soley proved crucial - picking out Darren Poole just two minutes after coming on, to allow the winger to head beyond Vella. While Pontlottyn deserved to level the scores, it was little suprise when the Maltese visitors again took the lead 10 minutes later on 58 - the busy Camilleri floating the ball across goal for Azzopardi to head down at the far post. 'Keeper O'Reilly got a hand to the ball, but it was not enough, and Simon Farrugia tapped home for his second of the match.

Just three minutes later, with their plans threatening to fall apart, Pontlottyn went a further goal behind - in frustrating circumstances for manager Stuart Fairway. A quickly taken Sammut corner was drilled home at the near post by John Aigus , leaving Pontlottyn's hard-pressed defence chasing shadows. With the visitors threatening a rout, Pontlottyn again pulled a goal out of the bag to reduce the defecit - veteran Healy combining well with sub Soley, who knocked the ball into the path of Phil Carratt . Carratt made no mistake - rifling home a superb shot on the volley to leave Vella stranded at his near post.

Pontlottyn continued to press for the equaliser - Curtis Jackson closest on 70 with a half-volley that cracked against the post. It however, would never come - and on 80 another Kevin Sammut corner provided the opportunity for Mario Camilleri to finally kill off stubborn Welsh resistance with a well-taken header at the far post. Despite the scoreline, Mark Vella was the busier of the two 'keepers - and Pontlottyn sub and provider of both goals Steve Soley thoroughly deserved his Man of the Match award. Pontlottyn go to Malta in a week's time, needing a 3-goal victory to progress. Their first taste of European football will have been a bittersweet one - the relative inexperience of the defence in particular perhaps to blame - but manager Fairway can take heart from the performance. Don't write off these Dragons yet...


Pontlottyn Blast Furnace 2 - Sliema Wanderers 4

Goals;

Farrugia 22
Poole 47
Farrugia 58
Aigus 61
Carratt 64
Camilleri 80

Attendance; 1999

Pontlottyn BF (4-4-2); O'Reilly, R Lawrence, L Lawrence, Jones, Vaughan, Poole, Healy*, McConville (Replaced 45 Soley), Carratt, Taylor, Jackson.


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Pontlottyn Blast Furnace would achieve success in the Second Leg - A brace from David Taylor and a Chris McConville strike four minutes from time enough to upset the applecart, and send Fairway's men through to the Second Qualifying Round, potentially four matches away from the incredibly lucrative Group stages of the tournement.

As promised, after the match (19th), veteran Irishman and club captain Brian Healy hung up his boots at the age of 40. Fairway reacted quickly - spending £20,000 to bring in another Irishman, 19-year old Aaron Shanahan from Bristol City. Shanahan started his career at Coventry, before moving Westwards, but never made his debut for the Robins.

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The Sun - Football - Thursday 25th July

Slovaks Shocked by McConville strike

'The Welsh champions charge goes on - Pontlottyn Blast Furnace , who amazingly reached the Second Qualifying stage of the Champions League after beating Maltese side Sliema Wanderers 3-0 at home, have continued their amazing form with a 1-0 victory over MSK Zilina at the Slovakian champions home ground, Pod Dubnom.

A small, but enthusiastic party from Wales travelled with the squad and saw their heroes almost take an immediate lead - Darren Poole rushing an opportunity in the second minute, firing wide after a fine pass from debutant Aaron Shanahan. They would have to wait just nine more minutes for the goal to come - Curtis Jackson flicking on a Shanahan pass for Chris McConville to brilliantly lob Slovakian international 'keeper Branislav Rzeszoto from the edge of the area.

After the goal, however, the first half was a relative anti-climax - just a clearly offside 'goal' for Zilina frontman Hrncar ruled out on the stroke of half time by Swedish referee Martin Ingvarsson. This time, Fairway chose not to adjust his team at the interval - leaving an unchanged side to begin the second half. Zilina again came close - Mintal seeing a half-volley well blocked by O'Reilly on 55 - but the real flashpoint was yet to come.

Frustrated by his lack of success, Zilina winger Martin Vencal kicked out at Alex O'Reilly on 56 - and immediatley saw red. Three minutes later, with tensions still running high, he would be joined by Miroslav Hrncar, dismissed for a second bookable offence after a confrontation with Pontlottyn's Lee Lawrence, who recieved a booking for his part in the incident. When play finally restarted again, Zilina nearly scored - Bartos merely inches wide with a raking free kick from the right.

As Zilina began to tire in front of a by now baying home crowd, Pontlottyn siezed their opportunity, creating more and more chances from deep. Teenage striker Curtis Jackson was close with a header on 75, before goalscorer McConville saw a shot on the turn hit the base of the post 10 minutes from time. After a pulsating period early in the second half, the match again began to drop off in pace - Zilina resigned to their fate, with nine men not wanting to commit many forward, and Pontlottyn either unlucky or unable in their bid for a further breakthrough.

The result - combined with Pontlottyn's fearsome home record - raises hopes that they could be the first Welsh club ever to reach the Group stages of the Competition. Manager Stuart Fairway isn't so sure, telling The Sun; "It was a fantastic result tonight, but we can't get carried away. Even if we do progress, we would have a very tough match in the Third Qualifying Round - there really are no easy games in this tournement"

Despite Fairway's pessimisim, Pontlottyn fans will be celebrating this result for years to come - and may just recover in time for the second leg, back at The Furnace Stadium, next Wednesday.


MSK Zilina 0 - Pontlottyn Blast Furnace 1

Goals;

McConville (11)

Attendance; 9373

Pontlottyn BF (4-4-2); O'Reilly, R Lawrence, L Lawrence, Jones*, Vaughan, Poole, Shanahan, McConville, Carratt, Taylor, Jackson.



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With morale at an all-time high, a weakened Pontlottyn side edged out Shrewsbury Town 1-0 in a freindly at the Furnace Stadium (28th) - with fringe players including Ryan Dorrian and Gareth Rees handed their first chance to shine.

Despite the best possible warmup however, Pontlottyn's European adventures would end on Wednesday 31st July - MSK Zilina running out 3-0 winners at The Furnace Stadium with goals from Miroslav Petras and a brace from Michal Paraska . Zilina went on to face Racing Genk of Belgium in the Third Qualifying Round. A disapointing end to an epic month.

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August 2002

After the disapointment at the - perhaps a little premature - end of the European campaign, Fairway quickly reacted to keep his squad intact - rejecting a £30,000 bid from Partick Thistle for 'keeper Alex O'Reilly (3rd).

Preperations for the season continued apace - On the 6th, Pontlottyn destroyed Merthyr Saints 6-1, with David Taylor grabbing a hatrick, Darren Poole a brace and Phil Carratt completing the rout. 4 Days later (10th), Curtis Jackson scored twice as Pontlottyn defeated Burton Albion 2-1 at Furnace Park in the last of the preseason matches.

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www.valleytoday.co.uk - Sport - Thursday 15th August 2002

'Youth Starlet Signs New Deal'

" Pontlottyn Blast Furnace have today confirmed that defender Chris Thomas , a recent graduate of the clubs' youth policy, has signed a contract, keeping him at the club until the summer of 2005.

Thomas, 17, is naturally left footed but can play on either the left or in the centre of defence. "We're delighted to have secured Chris" stated manager Stuart Fairway. "It's always good to have local players in the squad, and Chris is a very exciting young player".

For his part, Thomas is pragmatic rather than overly excited. "I know it will be tricky to get into the first team, but I do hope to make the breakthrough sooner rather than later. I'm realistic - there are probably three players before me in the hunt for a place at centre back at the moment, but as I said, hopefully I can impress in the reserves and earn my chance."

The three players that Thomas refers to include club captain Rhodri Jones . Jones, 20, told valleytoday; "We're all excited that Chris has come through - although it makes it harder for myself, Ben (Vaughan) and Dale (Hawtin)! - He's always had talent, which we saw when he was training with us at 16 in the latter part of last season. It can only improve the squad, having youngsters like him and Gareth Rees coming through"

Although not expected to be involved in the squad for Pontlottyn's league opener on Saturday, Thomas is set to make his bow for the club tonight, in a reserve fixture against Afan Lido .

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

On Friday morning (16th), midfielder Fred Wilson tied up terms with Llanelli - the Australian born midfielder sent out on loan to improve his chances of winning a first team place at the Furnace stadium. A day later, Pontlottyn did begin their title defence with a victory - although winning 2-1 against Afan Lido was not as easy as might have been expected, with the visitors causing problems, Howell equalising Chris McConville's early strike before Curtis Jackson killed off resistance 22 minutes from time.

Immediatley after the match, David Taylor became the first Pontlottyn player to be called for international duty - added to the Wales Under 21 squad for the match against Holland. While the rest of the week was quiet, Fairway made one change for the trip to bottom club Oswestry - bringing in Steve Soley for Chris McConville. An inspired goalkeeping performance from Oswestry's Embleton kept the scoreline down - Lee Withe blasting the only goal of the game on 20. Bad news, however, came in the form of a knock for Phil Carratt , keeping him out for four days.

With Carratt not fit by Wednesday, Fairway handed teenager Gareth Rees his first opportunity, bringing the youth product into his squad for the League Cup trip to Barry Town . Under serious pressure in the opening moments, Barry took the lead in unfortunate circumstances - Aaron Shanahan diverting a shot beyond his own 'keeper. With changes at the break, sub Chris McConville levelled things for Pontlottyn on 50 - before stupidly hitting out at Kennedy on 71 to recieve his marching orders. Barry - the better side - continued to press, and were somewhat unlucky to see a late goal ruled out, with Lawrence Davies offside.

The final match of the month would come on Saturday, with the visit of Carmathern Town - a match that suprisingly saw Chris McConville reinstated to the team after his one-match ban was revoked by the Welsh FA. One change would have to be made though - David Taylor off on International duty, with Lee Withe paird with Curtis Jackson in attack. Carratt also returned - Rees on the bench after a not-unimpressive debut in the League Cup. Pontlottyn finally hit top form - destroying Carmarthern 4-0, with a brace from Curtis Jackson , and solitary strikes from Darren Poole and Chris McConville - the latter scoring his 5th of the season.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">********************************************* ************************************************** * Welsh Premier Division - Saturday 31st August 2002********************************************** ************************************************** ================================================== ============================================== 2002/3 Table============================================= ================================================== =Pos Team Pld Won Drn Lst For Ag Won Drn Lst For Ag Pts--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1st PONTLOTTYN BLAST FURNACE 3 2 0 0 6 1 1 0 0 1 0 9 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2nd T.N. Solutions 3 1 0 0 2 0 2 0 0 6 3 9 3rd Flexsys Cefn Druids 3 1 0 0 2 0 1 1 0 3 2 7 4th Llanelli 3 1 1 0 4 3 1 0 0 3 2 7 5th Bangor City 3 1 0 1 6 3 1 0 0 4 0 6 6th Connah's Quay 3 1 0 1 4 3 1 0 0 4 2 6 7th Port Talbot Town 3 2 0 0 4 0 0 0 1 0 2 6 8th Aberystwyth Town 3 2 0 0 3 0 0 0 1 1 3 6 9th Haverfordwest 3 0 1 0 2 2 1 1 0 4 3 5 10th Barry Town 3 0 1 0 1 1 1 1 0 4 3 5 11th Caersws 3 1 0 1 9 6 0 0 1 0 1 3 12th Welshpool 3 0 0 2 2 5 1 0 0 4 3 3 13th Afan Lido 3 1 0 1 3 4 0 0 1 1 2 3 14th Oswestry Town 3 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 1 4 5 3 15th Caernarfon Town 3 0 0 1 2 3 0 0 2 0 4 0 16th Cwmbran Town 3 0 0 1 1 2 0 0 2 0 5 0 17th Carmarthen Town 3 0 0 1 2 4 0 0 2 0 5 0 18th Newtown 3 0 0 1 0 4 0 0 2 3 8 0 </pre>

displaced_seagull

September 2002

David Taylor returned from a Wales Under 21 defeat (1-0 at the Amsterdam ArenA) without playing - the striker not involved in the final 16 for the match. September, however, began with a transfer bid - Shamrock Rovers offering £12,000 for goalkeeper Gareth Sutton - an offer immediatley accepted by Fairway. A day later, Sutton agreed the move - Pontlottyn £12,000 better off, but with just one recognised 'keeper.

By Tuesday (3rd), cover had arrived, in the form of Nuneaton 'keeper Chris McKenzie - the 30-year old Englishman on loan for the rest of the season, with Fairway considering a permanent move should the situation merit it. McKenzie, however, would only be on the bench for the second home match against Carmathern Town in a week - this time in the League Cup. The match began badly - Rhodri Jones seeing red for a crude challenge after just nine minutes. With his skipper off, Fairway immediatley signalled for Dale Hawtin to replace Lee Lawrence, going with a 3-4-2 formation. Unsuprisingly, the visitors quickly took advantage of the extra man, and Parker fired them ahead on 16. It took Pontlottyn until the second half - and substitutions - to level, with Darren Poole netting from the spot after Carmarthern 'keeper Brook had too seen red, this time for tripping Soley when through on goal. Carmarthern's young sub 'keeper, Lloyd, tried his best, but was unable to deny Curtis Jackson on 76 - and with the game long since wrapped up, Curtis Jackson netted again in injury time to wrap up the result with a fine, low drive.

After victory would come disapointment - Lee Lawrence fracturing a cheekbone in training to rule him out for a month, while skipper Rhodri Jones recieved a further 2-game ban for serious miscounduct against Carmarthern - the Welsh FA coming down harshly on the young defender for his challenge.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>

Glamorgan Gazette - Sport - Friday 6th September 2002

'Bosman Richardson signs for Pontlottyn'

"Torquay United striker Marcus Richardson has finally completed his Bosman free transfer to Pontlottyn Blast Furnace, agreed earlier in the summer.

Richardson, 25, is a centre forward who has had spells at both Cambridge and Torquay since moving into the pro game from Non-League Harrow Borough. He failed to see first team action at Plainmoor, and is now looking to make up for lost time.

"I don't see the Welsh league as a step down" he said. "I hope I can become a regular in the team, which is something I've not really known since I left Harrow".

Pontlottyn manager Stuart Fairway told the Gazette; "Marcus offers us a different option in attack - and although he hasn't been playing as often as he'd like, he's just about to be coming into his prime - I'm sure he can become an important player for us, as well as taking some of the pressure off our three young strikers"

Richardson will go straight into the Pontlottyn squad, travelling to the Deeside Stadium to face Connah's Quay in Saturday's Premier Cup opener.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Connah's Quay would provide Pontlottyn's first opponents in the potentially lucrative Premier Cup competition, pitching Welsh sides against the 'exiled' clubs of Merthyr, Cardiff, Swansea and Wrexham. Faireay cose to keep faith with his attack, putting Richardson on the bench - but the injury to Lee Lawrence gave young Chris Thomas an opportunity to impress at left back, and skipper Rhodri Jones plays his final game before suspension. Quay looked a little suspect at the back, and it was hardly a suprise when Pontlottyn took the lead - Curtis Jackson scoring twice in four minutes (14 and 17) - but on the half hour, Robert Lawrence added a third in bizzare style. The right back attempted to cross from deep, but saw the ball caught by the wind - and sailed over the unfortunate 'keeper Mulliner - not a bad effort for the defender's first goal at senior level. With two changes at the break, including a debut for Richardson, Connah's Quay quickly pulled one back - Alec Sumner blasting home from close range on 48. After a quiet second half, Mulliner again got a hand, but not enough, behind a header - this time Vaughan, from a corner, allowing Darren Poole to knock the rebound home on 88, and seal a fine victory.

With Jones' ban and Lawrence's injury, Fairway made initial approaches on Tuesday (10th) to two Scouts - Richard Kenworthy and Craig Dodds , both Welshman, in an effort to broaden his searches for new blood. With the earlier sale of Gareth Sutton , Fairway had a transfer kitty of £75,000 - and had no intention of letting it go to waste.

While neither man had joined the club by Saturday, Fairway had more pressing things on his mind - namely a match against Newtown and that TNS had leapfrogged Pontlottyn in the league - although with a game in hand for Fairway's side, and over 30 matches to go, he had little worry at this stage in the season. With 19 year old Robert Lawrence as a stand-in skipper, and no defender on the bench, Fairway hoped that the visitors would pose his side little trouble. His wishes would come true - and in some style! - by the 13th minute, Chris McConville had netted twice, either side of a Darren Poole strike to effectivley end the match as a spectacle. Poole added his second on 70 - and when Phil Carratt rifled home from a Thomas cross on 81, the rout was complete. Newtown, to their credit, played fairly well, but had little answer to an electric attacking display from Pontlottyn.

Richard Kenworthy and Craig Dodds both agreed terms on Sunday - the two scouts immediatley deployed to scour the UK and Ireland for new talent, with Fairway especially keen to bring in extra cover in defence, and, to a lesser extent, midfield.

On Wednesday though, thoughts of transfer dealings temporarily sat on the backburner - Barry Town the visitors in a crucial League Cup tie, which Pontlottyn must win - or at least, avoid defeat in, to progress to the knockout stages. Although it was never easy - Barry looked threatening for large periods of the game - Pontlottyn took the lead on 21 through David Taylor , who would also score late on to seal the win. Chris McConville netted in between, bagging his 8th of the season on 71. It wasn't all good news - young Chris Thomas picked up a knock that will see him out for 10 days (knee) - but with the win, Pontlottyn progress to the Quarter Finals, and have a final, 'dead rubber' game against Carmarthern to hand fringe players experience.

He would be joined by goal hero David Taylor on the sidelines - the frontman out for a few days with a bruised shin sustained in training on Thursday (19th) morning.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>

Glamorgan Gazette - Sport - Friday 20th September 2002

'Youngster set to sign as Blast battle for Defender'

"Pontlottyn Blast Furnace have been joined in the chase for Albion Rovers fullback Ciaran Hutcheson by Berwick Rangers - with both clubs having £1000 offers accepted.

Hutcheson, 19, has long been admired by Fairway, and is touted as a 'classy, quick and versatile youngster'. Adept on either the left or right of defence, Hutcheson, a Scot, has been quoted in the Scottish media as saying that he is yet to make up his mind over which club to move to.

"I'm hopeful with Ciaran" Pontlottyn manager Stuart Fairway told the Gazette. "He's a decent young player, who will give us cover in a couple of positions. I think we made a good impression when he came to have a look around, and hopefully we can come to an arrangement".

Fairway is also set to sign defensive midfielder Robert Brown . Brown, 17, was spotted playing local football by one of Pontlottyn's new scouts, Craig Dodds . Brown, a Welshman, has been offered a contract until 2005 after impressing on trial at Furnace Park.

"Rob's a good player" said Pontlottyn boss Fairway. "We really think he can do well in the game, although I'm not sure that he's quite ready for regular football just yet. He could do with bulking up a bit, but I'm sure at his age, it won't be a problem".

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Saturday (21st) saw another trip for Pontlottyn, with a visit to the in-form Flexys Cefn Druids . With a not match-fit Lee Lawrence answering an emergency call to sit amongst the substitutes, Fairway also called Ryan Dorrian into the squad for the first time, replacing Alex Kevan on the bench - the former Burnley midfielder out of position at left back. Completing the changes, Marcus Richardson also makes his first start, in for the injured Taylor. With a radically altered team, Pontlottyn still raced into an early lead - Chris McConville (11) and Phil Carratt (19) both scoring inside the opening 20 minutes. Alex Kevan , clearly enjoying the chance to bomb forward from left back, was rewarded for a fine overlapping run on 29, firing home a Jackson pass to practically kill off Druids. They would recover slightly in the second half - Andrew Pearson netting on 73 - but other than disapointment for the otherwise impeccable Alex O'Reilly, the effort was never likely to inspire a comeback, and indeed O'Reilly maintained his previous good form to the final whistle - another fairly routine win for Pontlottyn.

Two days later (23rd) there would be disapointment for Fairway - Ciaran Hutcheson chosing to move to Berwick Rangers rather than Pontlottyn, but that was tempered with the return of David Taylor - and the arrival of a new trialist.

16-year old 'keeper Craig Rees , a local lad, approached the club direct to ask for a trial. Impressed by his attitude, Fairway allowed the youngster to train with the Senior squad for a couple of days - and was equally impressed by his ability, Assistant manager Tony Adams in particular happy that Rees should be offered a deal. While Fairway decided not to grant Rees' request for a signing on fee, he was happy to launch a bid for the stopper, keen to have - for the rest of this season, at least - three 'keepers available.

Robert Brown officially became a Pontlottyn player on Tuesday (24th) - with the defensive midfielder pitched straight into a weakened/reserve team for the League Cup trip to Carmarthern Town - Pontlottyn's progress in the competition already assured. His hopes of being able to blood new players however, took a blow in the runup to the game - Lee Withe (groin) succumbing to injury, and being ruled out for a month. Brown, Chris McKenzie, Gareth Rees and Steve Soley however would all start, with Rhodri Jones making his comeback after a ban to boot. Far from being a relaxed end to the Group stage however, the game turned into an exciting, action packed affair, with no less than 8 goals and a string of fine performances. Pontlottyn took the lead as early as the second minute - Darren Poole thundering home a shot from distance, before Marcus Richardson headed home his first in a Pontlottyn shirt from a Rees corner on 10. Two minutes later, David Taylor nodded beyond hapless 'keeper Brook to make it three. Carmarthen, however, still looked dangerous, and the classy Sion Meredith beat three before slotting home a wonderful solo goal on the stroke of half time. Immediatley after the break Marcus Richardson restored the three goal cushion with an unstoppable drive, while on 53 Player/Coach Steve Soley got in on the act to take the scoreline to epic proportions. The home side then did grab one back - Miller tapping home from close range after McKenzie made a fine reflex stop from Meredith. On 81 though victory - all but assured - was totally wrapped up, with Steve Soley netting a second from close range after great work from Poole. In the grand scheme of things it mattered little - but Fairway was especially pleased at goals for new signing Richardson and player/coach Soley - kept out of the regular team by the form of Jackson and McConville respectivley.

In an increasingly positive week, 17-year old Craig Rees put pen to paper on a 3 year contract - just days after his 17th birthday. The final match of the month however, would come on Saturday (28th) - with Haverfordwest County visiting the Furnace Stadium. Rhodri Jones makes his first League start after suspension, while on the bench 17-year old Robert Brown keeps his place. In attack though Fairway sprung his biggest suprise - sticking with goal hero Marcus Richardson, at the expense of teenager Curtis Jackson, relegated to the bench. It proved the correct choice - Marcus Richardson headed the only goal of the game after just 3 minutes - the rangy striker on the end of a Carratt cross. The match had little going for it after that - Blain dismissed for Haverfordwest on 46 - but chances were few and far between, with neither 'keeper in particularly charitable mood. Fairway threw on Soley to liven things up, and the 31-year old did make some intelligent promptings, but the month is rounded off in successful, if unspectacular, style.

Completing the month, the Quarter Final Draw for the Welsh League Cup (29th), would see Pontlottyn pitted against rapidly improving Oswestry Town .

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">********************************************* ************************************************** * Welsh Premier Division - Sunday 29th September 2002********************************************** ************************************************** ================================================== ============================================== 2002/3 Table============================================= ================================================== =Pos Team Pld Won Drn Lst For Ag Won Drn Lst For Ag Pts--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1st T.N. Solutions 7 3 0 0 7 2 4 0 0 10 4 21 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2nd PONTLOTTYN BLAST FURNACE 6 4 0 0 12 1 2 0 0 4 1 18 3rd Caersws 7 3 0 1 12 6 0 2 1 3 4 11 4th Llanelli 7 2 1 1 7 7 1 1 1 6 6 11 5th Bangor City 7 2 0 2 10 6 1 1 1 9 7 10 6th Connah's Quay 5 1 1 1 6 5 2 0 0 7 3 10 7th Port Talbot Town 6 2 0 0 4 0 1 1 2 5 6 10 8th Oswestry Town 7 1 1 2 5 5 2 0 1 7 6 10 9th Aberystwyth Town 6 2 0 1 4 3 1 0 2 5 5 9 10th Haverfordwest 5 1 1 0 6 4 1 1 1 4 4 8 11th Flexsys Cefn Druids 5 1 1 1 5 5 1 1 0 3 2 8 12th Barry Town 7 0 2 1 2 3 1 2 1 7 7 7 13th Carmarthen Town 7 1 1 1 7 7 1 0 3 2 6 7 14th Cwmbran Town 7 1 0 2 4 6 1 0 3 4 9 6 15th Welshpool 7 0 0 4 3 10 2 0 1 5 5 6 16th Afan Lido 7 1 1 2 4 6 0 1 2 2 5 5 17th Newtown 7 0 1 2 1 9 1 0 3 5 14 4 18th Caernarfon Town 6 0 1 1 3 4 0 1 3 1 8 2 </pre>

The monthly awards also see Stuart Fairway pick up Manager of the Month for the first time this season.

displaced_seagull

October 2002

With Chris Thomas returning from injury on Tuesday morning (1st), the youngster would slot right back into the team, ending Alex Kevan's run as an impromptu left back. The Premier Cup trip to TNS came too soon though for Lee Lawrence - with Fairway keen to see both his options on the left of defence back in order to have more options with a congested schedule ahead. Although Fairway was very disapointed to see a lot of empty spaces at the Furnace, he quickly put this behind him when his side were 2-0 up within 6 minutes. The first goal was a real peach - Thomas crossing for Darren Poole to rifle home brilliantly from close range, followed by David Taylor following up to knock the ball home from close range. The 323 that did turn up witnessed something of a spectacle - TNS quickly making up for their shock with a Roberts strike on 8 minutes, incredibly the midfielder's 15th goal of the still-young 02/03 campaign. Darren Poole made his mark on the second half too - scoring with a dipping shot on 53 - 45 seconds before Ward pulled another back for TNS, to keep the game going as a spectacle. With no more games for a week, Fairway kept Jackson on the bench, although Richardson looked a little lacklustre compared to recent showings - but the victory sent Pontlottyn to the top of Group A - with two games played and two wins recorded, qualification is still by no means certain, but looks increasingly likely.

Thursday (3rd) saw Fairway recieve yet another batch of player reports from his Youth scout Jamie Lewis . While he did notice that not many of the listed players were Welsh, one, striker Daniel Lloyd , was allegedly being courted by rivals Bangor City . This, combined with a positive report from Lewis, was enough, and the manager offered both Lloyd and English central defender Chris Kitson , contracts - the two certainly standing out from the crowd as it were, in Lewis' list and player notes.

No match on Saturday (5th) - but there was at last a win for Wales - 2-1 over Turkey at the Millenium Stadium - while Joe Cole gave England victory over Switzerland with the only strike of the game. By the 7th (Monday), Chris Kitson had put pen to paper on a contract, joining Pontlottyn Blast Furnace. The 18-year old central defender would be joining - but Daniel Lloyd wouldn't, the young hitman instead opting to sign for Bangor City. Fairway reacted wryly to the news - already in his short managerial career, Pontlottyn had been involved in some key clashes with Bangor - and he couldn't help but wonder what sort of player he had missed out on.

There was, however, little time to dwell on what might have been - Afan Lido away in the Premier Cup. 32 seconds in, Alex O'Reilly dropped a rare clanger - and the ball - at the feet of Williams, who took advantage to send the home side ahead. It took until the stroke of half time - and an equally bad mistake by Lido 'stopper Thomas for an equaliser, spilling Carratt's cross for Darren Poole to tap home. Both teams had chances in the early exchanges of the second half, but it was Pontlottyn who finally broke the deadlock, Chris McConville netting on the hour with a well-taken header. Although Afan Lido came close - through Reynolds - to an equaliser, it was Pontlottyn who held on, and with two further goals in the final 10 minutes the scoreline perhaps looked a little more comfortable than it actually was - David Taylor (83) and Phil Carratt (86) netting to keep Pontlottyn top of the group.

Thursday (10th) saw a - rather preemptive - draw for the Welsh League Cup Semi Finals, with Fairway noting that should his side beat Oswestry, they would face either TNS or Cwmbran Town .

First, however, there would be the small matter of Oswestry on Wednesday (16th) in the Quarter Finals - with Fairway making one change, bringing in Lee Lawrence at the expense of Chris Thomas. To say it was wet would be an understatment - Monsoon-like conditions at Park Hall Stadium seeing a lot of shots, and a lot of mistakes. Both sides had early chances, but it would be 19 minutes when the first goal went in - Carratt's shot spilt by 'keeper Embleton into the path of Chris McConville , who cracked home the loose ball. After having a strike from Hopkins ruled out for offside, Oswestry continued to pressurise, and two minutes before half time, drew level - David Harthill netting from close range. Pontlottyn took all of a minute to regain the lead - David Taylor heading home a Phil Carratt corner to put the visitors back into the lead. On 58, however, Maloney put Oswestry back into the game with a well-taken equaliser - and Pontlottyn, this time, were unable to come back. McConville had the best chance - seeing a shot smack off the bar - but after a quiet period of Extra Time, penalty kicks were used to decide the game. While the home side missed their first two kicks, McConville and Poole made no mistake for Pontlottyn, before home defender Stephen Roberts and opposite number Rhodri Jones both converted their kicks. With Phil Carratt seeing his effort saved, Oswestry needed a goal to stay in, and Paul Langley obliged - before Curtis Jackson netted to score, and seal the victory for Fairway's men.

Thursday (17th) saw another injury - just as Fairway's squad seemed to be fighting their way back to full fitness. Central defender Ben Vaughan was forced out for a week after suffering concussion caused by a training ground collision - prompting Fairway to bring Chris Thomas into the squad for Saturday's (19th) visit of Cwmbran Town . With several players tired after Wednesday's epic encounter, Fairway also brought Steve Soley and Curtis Jackson back into the side, at the expense of Chris McConville and David Taylor. With Soley succumbing to injury after just 27 minutes, the squad looked even more stretched - and it took his replacement, Alex Kevan - clearly fitter than many of his teammates - to break the deadlock on 46. His goal showed real class, the ex-Burnley man beating one before firing beyond 'keeper O'Hagan. From then on in chances were rare - Jackson probably closest to doubling Pontlottyn's lead.

Steve Soley's injury would be a frustrating one - the creative midfielder out for between two/three weeks with a twisted knee. Sunday (20th) saw the Third Round Cup draw, with Pontlottyn handed a home draw against minnows Cemaes Bay - a pleasing result for Fairway, with his side currently still in the hunt for an unprecedented Welsh quadruple trophy haul.

Monday saw an interesting fax hit his desk - Welshpool put in an offer to take 17-year old winger Gareth Rees on loan for the remainder of the season. Rees, Pontlottyn's first youth product under Fairway's control, had been handed a one-year contract - up at the end of the season - so Fairway was especially keen that the teenager would have the chance to impress at another team. Accepting the offer, he was pleased when it took Rees just 20 minutes to decide that he would make the - hopefully temporary - switch, with Fairway promising that he would keep his eyes open, with regard to offering the lad an extended deal.

Wednesday - and the first of two matches in a week against Total Network Solutions - this one the first leg of the Semi Final in the Welsh League Cup. With TNS looking like Pontlottyn's only real rivals for the League this season, Fairway took some tough decisions, all the while cursing his side's lack of cover, especially for the reliable Poole on the right of midfield - the winger set to be asked to play for a third time in the space of a week thanks to no other option. He did relent with Phil Carratt, bringing in Alex Kevan on the left, and was also able to recall David Taylor up front. David Taylor's pace proved a great asset - the frontman racing onto a Kevan cross to head beyond TNS stopper Doherty. While the first half was all Pontlottyn, Fairway noted some of his players were feeling the heat at the break, and reorganised - Thomas moving to left back to replace the knackered Lee Lawrence, with sub Hawtin on in the middle, while on the right Darren Poole finally made way for Jackson - goal hero Taylor moved to the right wing. One further change had to be made though - McConville too feeling the strain, and replaced by Dorrian on 70, the youngster making his senior bow for Pontlottyn. Six minutes later Alex Kevan grabbed what would prove to be a crucial goal - his rebound coming just five minutes before Nicky Ward pulled one back for a TNS side who seemed to have plenty in reserve, worrying Fairway ahead of the league clash.

Thursday (24th) would prove a great day - not just the return of forward Lee Withe from injury to add another option, but also Ben Vaughan - bringing relief for fullback Robert Lawrence - one of several players who simply had to play due to lack of cover.

Saturday soon came around - with Fairway stressing to his men that this game could potentially decide the title - and with Total Network Solutions missing top scorer Mark Roberts, a midfielder with an incredible 15 goals in 16 games, he hoped that his side would have the upper hand once again. The game began at a frenetic pace, and man of the moment Alex Kevan cracked home the loose ball to put the visitors ahead as early as the 7th minute. Echoing Fairway's comments about the importance of the game, TNS visibly stepped up a gear after going behind - and 10 minutes later, skipper Tim Alexander headed them level from close range. With the score still level at the break, Fairway replaced an unusually subdued Taylor with the returning Withe - but quickly found his side behind for the first time. On 62 sub Scott Ruscoe stole in at the far post to net a neat header, and put the boot very much on the other foot. Like their opponents in the first half, the goal only succeeded in spuring Pontlottyn on, and Irish youngster Aaron Shanahan picked the perfect moment to bury his first for the club - rifling beyond 'keeper Doherty from the edge of the box. With the game balanced on a knife-edge, it would take a moment of class to win it - and probably the most in form player in the Welsh Premier delivered it. Alex Kevan rounded three players before crashing his 5th goal of the season past ex-Derby man Doherty - just confirming what had already been a Man of the Match performance with a wonderful winning goal.

It was enough to sent Pontlottyn three points clear, with a game in hand to boot - and just one more game in October to play. Before that, however, there would be some transfer news...

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>

www.bbc.co.uk/football - Wales - Tuesday 29th October 2002

'Keeper Kuipers Set For Switch'

" Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper Michel Kuipers is set for a sensational £40,000 move to Pontlottyn Blast Furnace after rejecting English Second Division side Cheltenham .

Kuipers, 28, was a teammate of former Albion player and current Pontlottyn boss Stuart Fairway at the Withdean Stadium, and Fairway has admitted that he is 'delighted' to have secured the Dutchman.

"Michel is a fantastic 'keeper" he said. "Alex O'Reilly is a very good 'keeper as well though, and I'm really happy to have two high-quality stoppers on permanent contracts, as well as the young lad Gareth Rees for the future. Having Michel available will really give us a big boost for the remainder of the season - don't forget, we are still competing in four competitions, so I hope we will now have the crucial cover between the sticks should the worst happen".

For his part, Kuipers - a former Dutch marine - told bbc.co.uk; "I'm pleased to be working with Stuart again. We got on well when he was at Brighton, and although it's different now that he is my boss, I had no problem with taking a pay-cut to come to Wales. I am looking forward to getting my career underway again after not being involved much recently at Brighton"

Kuipers is set to make his Pontlottyn debut tomorrow evening, with the Blast travelling to Barry"

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Barry Town would indeed be the final opponents of October for Fairway's men - with Kuipers making his debut in the League clash. In the absence of the rested Rhodri Jones, Darren Poole took the captains armband - and it was the stand in skipper who played a key role in the opening goal, putting Carratt away to cross for Aaron Shanahan to net from the edge of the box. 60 seconds later, Michel Kuipers was picking the ball out of his net for the first time - rooted to the spot as a wonderful moved carved Pontlottyn apart before Craig Owen headed the home side level. The leveller had come against the run of play, and it was little suprise when Curtis Jackson shot home on 15 to put Pontlottyn back ahead. Although Barry improved - and in the opening exchanges of the second half, troubled Kuipers on a couple of occasions - it was Pontlottyn who killed off the game with two goals in quick succession. The first came on 55 - sub Marcus Richardson rifling home on 55, before Chris McConville got a toe behind a Richardson cross 3 minutes later to make it four, and end any home resistance. Though he had little to do at times, Kuipers' debut was widely regarded as solid by the visiting support - and a quiet Taylor performance aside, Pontlottyn looked as lethal as ever in attack.

Despite a successful evening on the pitch, the following day in training would reveal a sombre end to the month - both Robert Lawrence (wrist) and Ryan Dorrian (toe) succumbing to injury, ruling them out for around a week apiece.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">********************************************* ************************************************** * Welsh Premier Division - Thursday 31st October 2002********************************************** ************************************************** ================================================== ============================================== 2002/3 Table============================================= ================================================== =Pos Team Pld Won Drn Lst For Ag Won Drn Lst For Ag Pts--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1st Pontlottyn Blast Furnace 9 5 0 0 13 1 4 0 0 11 4 27 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2nd T.N. Solutions 10 4 0 1 12 6 4 0 1 10 6 24 3rd Caersws 10 4 0 1 15 6 0 3 2 4 7 15 4th Flexsys Cefn Druids 9 2 2 1 7 5 2 1 1 7 5 15 5th Llanelli 10 3 1 1 11 8 1 2 2 11 12 15 6th Connah's Quay 8 1 2 1 10 9 3 0 1 14 8 14 7th Haverfordwest 8 3 1 0 9 5 1 1 2 4 7 14 8th Bangor City 10 3 0 2 14 6 1 1 3 9 10 13 9th Port Talbot Town 9 3 0 1 6 4 1 1 3 6 10 13 10th Oswestry Town 10 1 2 2 8 8 2 1 2 7 8 12 11th Aberystwyth Town 10 3 0 2 7 6 1 0 4 5 7 12 12th Cwmbran Town 10 3 0 2 7 6 1 0 4 4 10 12 13th Afan Lido 10 2 1 2 6 7 1 1 3 7 9 11 14th Barry Town 10 1 2 2 5 8 1 2 2 7 11 10 15th Carmarthen Town 10 1 2 2 10 12 1 1 3 5 9 9 16th Welshpool 10 1 0 4 7 13 2 0 3 5 8 9 17th Newtown 10 1 2 2 4 10 1 1 3 6 15 9 18th Caernarfon Town 9 1 2 1 4 4 0 2 3 2 9 7 </pre>

displaced_seagull

November 2002

Another packed month - seven fixtures scheduled - began with the visit of Port Talbot Town , with Fairway recalling skipper Jones as well as forward Marcus Richardson - the injured Robert Lawrence and exhausted Curtis Jackson both missing out. Aaron Shanahan opened the scoring on 8 minutes - firing home a Lee Lawrence cross to put the home side ahead. Port Talbot had little in the way of reply, and Chris McConville gleefully took advantage of a clumsy challenge on Taylor to make it two from the penalty spot. The visitors did improve a little after the break - Carpenter forcing a good stop from Kuipers - but on 68 Kevan provided the cross for fellow sub Marcus Richardson to head his fifth of the season past veteran player/manager Roger Freestone. The result - combined with a 5-1 hammering for TNS at Afan Lido - moves Pontlottyn 6 points clear at the top, with still a game in hand yet to play.

Fairway chose to start with an unchanged side on Wednesday - Total Network Solutions hosting Pontlottyn in the Second Leg of the League Cup Semi Final. After a very scrappy start in tricky conditions, the visitors took the lead just before half time, with Chris McConville knocking home the loose ball after youngster Thomas came close with an effort from a corner. 5 minutes after the break John Toner put TNS level once more - scoring with a brilliant lobbed shot to leave 'keeper Kuipers clutching at thin air. With a tense athmosphere at Recreation Park, TNS were relentless - and finally, on 81, Ward made the breakthrough - skinning Chris Thomas before beating Kuipers low to his left. Right at the death, Pontlottyn should have levelled to win the game on aggregate - Vaughan unfortunate to miss his kick after a Carratt cross. Extra Time came and went with little incident - and again Chris McConville scored the first penalty to put Pontlottyn ahead on spot kicks. Toner matched it for TNS, before Alex Kevan shot straight at 'keeper Doherty. Perry pulled his wide for TNS, while Carratt, Anthrobus, David Taylor and TNS' Chris Taylor all made no mistake. Richardson's kick for Pontlottyn piled the pressure on TNS skipper Alexander, who lashed the ball behind Kuipers, before sub Dale Hawtin stepped up. His kick - not the best - just crept in, and would prove critical - Ruscoe missing for TNS, with Pontlottyn sent through to their first Domestic cup final under Fairway.

While Fairway was delighted with the result, he was even more pleased with the return of Lee Lawrence on Thursday (7th) to bring a little relief to a squad stretched by the sheer number of matches they had recently played. Although he hardly needed to look, Fairway knew that the League Cup Final would be a huge game - especially with old sparring partners Bangor City winning through to the Final with victory over Haverfordwest.

In fact, it would be Bangor City up next - Fairway's men travelling to Farrar Road for a league clash. As far as he was concerned, the return of Steve Soley couldn't have come at a better time - the player/coach immediatley slotted in to replace a worn-out McConville. It would be an ideal change - Steve Soley marked his return from a knee injury with a bullet header on 24 minutes to put the visitors ahead. Despite the scoreline, Kuipers was quickly the busier of the two 'keepers, and on the stroke of half time, was finally beaten - Daniel Lloyd - who turned down a move to Pontlottyn - able to ram home the rebound from Cable's powerful shot. Five minutes after half time, Lloyd buried another rebound to put Bangor ahead. It was somewhat against the run of play then, when Pontlottyn snatched an equaliser - Steve Soley again netting from close range - on 65. This time, Bangor would fail to respond - Curtis Jackson put Fairway's men ahead on 68, before Curtis Jackson netted again on 75 from a Lawrence flick to put the game beyond reasonable doubt. Bangor played well - and perhaps didn't deserve to go down to two goals - they certainly didn't deserve Pontlottyn's fifth, with Curtis Jackson completing his hatrick after the home defence failed to clear their lines from a loose ball.

Tuesday (12th) - and another Cup match. Connah's Quay the visitors in a Premier Cup clash. Fairway made one change to his side, resting teenage defender Thomas for the returning Ben Vaughan. On a bitterly cold - but at least dry - evening at the Furnace Stadium - Pontlottyn got off to a poor start, conceding a goal to Andy Griffiths after just 19 minutes. Four minutes later, a clearly furious Kuipers was again beaten - Alec Sumner slotting home yet another goal in a superb season for the teenager. Fairway got out the 'hairdryer' at half time - making three changes in a bid to rescue the game. David Taylor rifled home from close range after a Shanahan pass on 68, but it wouldn't be enough - only Pontlottyn's second defeat of the season recorded - but just 602 at the Furnace to see it.

With a quiet week - little incident, other than redoubled effort in training after what Fairway publically desrcibed as a 'terrible' performance - the manager chose to make several changes for the visit of Cemaes Bay in the Welsh Cup Third Round, including chances for youngsters Chris Kitson and Robert Brown, with Steve Soley standing in as skipper. It was a vastly improroved performance - Pontlottyn laying siege to the Non-Leauger's goal, but unable to make an early breakthrough. Things were further interrupted on 53 - Steve Soley forced off through injury - but finally, on 61, Robert Brown put Curtis Jackson through for what would prove to be the only goal of the game. A niggly, tight affair - Dale Hawtin dismissed for two bookable offences late on - at least saw Pontlottyn through to the Fourth Round.

With news of their opponents on Sunday (17th), Fairway was displeased to note his side faced a tough trip to Barry Town . He was even more annoyed that Steve Soley had again succumbed to injury, out for a week with a dead leg. No appeal was forthcoming either against the one-match ban for Dale Hawtin - Fairway instead angry at his summer signing for the dissent shown which led to his initial booking. His mood was scarcely improved on Tuesday (19th) - just a day after returning from a previous knock, midfielder Ryan Dorrian picked up a knee injury in training to rule him out for three weeks.

Injury news went from bad to worse on Thursday (21st). David Taylor picked up a gashed head in training, keeping him out for 10 days. Minor relief came a day later - Steve Soley fit for consideration.

As well as seeing the visit of Llanelli , Saturday also brought Pontlottyn's last home match for over a month - with just the one home match in December coming after Christmas. Despite worrying about the financial propsects that this news brought, Fairway was pleased to have 11 players available who were both fully fit and up for the game - no complaints of exhaustion amongst the ranks today. Despite increased optimisim, Pontlottyn initially founf it hard to convert their possession into chances - and before half time, 'keeper Michel Kuipers was forced into a superb one-handed stop to deny Steven Devonald. The game seemed to need a goal to spark it into life - but unfortunatley, for Fairway, it came for the wrong side - Justin Bridges beating Kuipers on 71 to put the visitors ahead. Their lead would last just two minutes - Darren Poole restoring the status quo with a fine finish after good work from the recently impressive Shanahan. Unfortunatley though, that was that - Pontlottyn dropped their first league points of the season, although - perhaps unfortunatley, for neutrals - TNS failed to take advantage, losing 2-0 away from home.

Again, the week would be quiet - and although welcome news on Friday about David Taylor's return from injury, on the same day Curtis Jackson picked up a bruised head, ruling him out for around a week. The final match of the month then comes away at Connah's Quay , with Taylor returned to the starting lineup. There would be no glorious return to form. Instead - and perhaps worryingly for Pontlottyn - Tommy Mutton put the home side ahead on 37, and the visitors failed to respond. Despite changes in the second half they never really looked like scoring, and when Alec Summer added a second on 79, there would be no way back. Instead, things got worse - Terry completed a fairly comprehensive victory for the 'Quay on 86. A draw, and now a defeat - a sign of things to come as we head into December?

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">********************************************* ************************************************** * Welsh Premier Division - Saturday 30th November 2002********************************************** ************************************************** ================================================== ============================================== 2002/3 Table============================================= ================================================== =Pos Team Pld Won Drn Lst For Ag Won Drn Lst For Ag Pts--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1st PONTLOTTYN BLAST FURNACE 13 6 1 0 17 2 5 0 1 16 9 34 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2nd T.N. Solutions 14 5 1 1 16 7 4 0 3 11 13 28 3rd Haverfordwest 13 5 1 0 14 7 3 2 2 11 10 27 4th Flexsys Cefn Druids 14 3 3 1 13 8 3 3 1 13 10 24 5th Connah's Quay 13 3 2 2 17 13 4 0 2 19 14 23 6th Llanelli 14 4 1 2 16 13 2 3 2 13 13 22 7th Barry Town 14 2 3 2 10 10 3 2 2 12 14 20 8th Bangor City 14 3 0 4 19 15 3 1 3 16 12 19 9th Aberystwyth Town 14 4 0 3 11 9 2 0 5 6 11 18 10th Cwmbran Town 14 4 0 3 10 9 2 0 5 7 14 18 11th Caersws 14 4 1 2 17 9 0 4 3 8 12 17 12th Afan Lido 14 3 1 3 13 11 2 1 4 9 11 17 13th Newtown 14 2 3 2 8 12 2 1 4 11 20 16 14th Oswestry Town 14 2 2 3 12 12 2 1 4 7 14 15 15th Port Talbot Town 14 3 1 3 8 8 1 2 4 7 14 15 16th Carmarthen Town 14 2 3 2 15 16 1 1 5 5 14 13 17th Caernarfon Town 13 2 2 2 8 7 0 3 4 3 13 11 18th Welshpool 14 1 0 6 8 16 2 1 4 10 14 10 </pre>