BSB1901

Its a big week at PTT and so far we have had mixed blessings. Last Saturday we kept our winning run in the WPL going with an emphatic 3-0 win the Nomads, this was followed by a disappointing exit in the semi final of the Loosemoores Cup when the Blues went down 2-0 to The New Saints in Oswestry. On Thusday night the club hosted a Victory Shield International between Wales and Northrn Ireland that was televised Live on Sky Sports. Not only did things run smooth but the Taffies beat the Irish 2-0 and our own Josh Pike made an appearance in the San Siro.
So with the mixed bag of fortunes we play Bangor City at home and the Blues will try to extend the unbeaten run in the WPL which has seen us climb into 5th place.
The Blue Skinned Beast have gone out and spoke with the Blue hitman Martin Rose and Chairman Eddie about the weeks events this was what Rosey told us 'It will be good to get back to the lead and take the horrowshow of Wednesday night behind us. We are still feeling good. We have worked hard and gone out and won 3 League games on the bounce. Bangor are a big club for this level of football but they are not doing so well this season for whatever reason and it does not appear to be happening for them and PTT have nothing to be afraid of.
'It was really gutting on Wednesday night. Every 50 50 decision seemed to go against us and the ref did not want to know. TNS's place is like a training ground and the pitch gives them a definite advantage, it don't sit right with me. I thought that we got to grips with it towards the end and we played the better stuff. I have never lost at home to TNS with Port Talbot but up there its a different story. I'd like to thank all the fans that made the journey up to TNS on a Wednesday and I 'm sorry we did not win for them. Lots of the boys would have had to have taken days off and it did help when we were up there. It helped us finish the game so strong.
'Its also nice to hear about young Josh Pike's achievements, hope it all goes well for him in the future and we hear more about him'.
Andrew Edwards the Blues Chairman had his rewards for the constant progress at the club with the Victory Shield game so the BSB 1901 Blog found out what Chairman Eddie had to say about last night 'I thought that the club did itself proud and we gained many friends last night. I had plenty of compliments about the standard of the pitch and the facility that we now have. There were many nice things said by people in Welsh football that I respect and I we have done ourselves no harm in the possiblility of hosting some more Internationals. We showed that we can host a game of this magnitude. I'd like like to thank the groundstaff and those at the club that helped out behind the scenes to help us make it happen. People worked so hard and I'm really grateful for their effort.
'Now its back to the bread and butter and I want three points from the game with Bangor City tomorrow to keep putting pressure on the teams above us by keeping the winning run going'.
Cheers Blues
Allez Allez

This Semi-final was on every Blues mind this week as were had a chance of reaching our first final since we played TNS in the League Cup in 2005. Sadly, we lost that 4-0 and we looked about as unlikely to win during last night's match as we did then. Two quick goals in the first half saw off any hopes the healthy contingent of travelling blues may have harboured. The talk on the way up of keeping them at bay in the first half hour and the importance of scoring the first goal was to no avail as we did neither. It was probably the first time they had really got in behind us when they scored their first with a well placed lob over the stranded Lee Kendall. The difference between the teams was summed up there and then. One chance, one goal, one nil. After even more inadequate refereeing we found ourselves 2-0 down and out of the cup. The overweight referee overruled his (obviously untrusted) assistants twice and straight after refusing to accept the linesmans flag for a handball against TNS they went up the other end and won a penalty when Lee Kendall brought down their man in the box. The penalty was put away and it was game over. We had some chances, some of which were probably better than half-chances but they were squandered.
If you are going to beat Rhyl or TNS away then you have got to take the majority of your chances because you won't get many. I'm not sure but I think we have never kept a clean sheet at Belle Vue, Treflan or the Venue. No wonder then that the only away win we have had in the league against these two was last season when we scored three good goals from the few chances we had at Rhyl and hung on for a great 3-2 win right at the end.
The players never stopped running last night though and there was 100% effort from all. The disappointing thing was that we can play so much better but you have to take different things into account. The pitch is obviously a huge advantage and you could tell the way they were passing it about that they train on it full time. Every through/long ball we played was either zipping into touch or zipping straight to their keeper. Combine this with the journey up for the players, many of whom I'm sure would have come straight from work, then you are really up against it from the start.
Unless it is a big game for us in the league or cup I think many of our fans will not be returning to 'THE VENUE' to watch a game. Thinking last night of modern day football and the commercialism, extortionate prices, lack of atmosphere, lack of identity, swapping around names and just having the soul ripped out of it I think you could accuse TNS of having the full package.
This isn't sour grapes as TNS were the best team on the night but I hope that Rhyl spank them in the final and that TNS never win another trophy. After there was hardly a murmur after their two goals and the final whistle I reckon they don't deserve a final.

Good luck to the Welsh under 16's v Norn Iron Tonight at the Genquip especially Josh Pike.

Great turnout and support last night. Bangor are next on Saturday. Come on you Blues.

Allez Allez

The BSB 1901 Blog has gone back to speak to Lee Kendall before the second leg on Wednesday night as the possibility of a penalty shoot out looms. Since we last spoke to Lee he has lived up to his safest hands in Welsh soccer tag as he has kept another two clean sheets. This is the form Lee said he would produce when he joined the club and his biggest test with the Blues so far is coming his way in the shape of The New Saints. Lee however, is anything but running away from the challenge ahead as we found out when we spoke to him this morning 'Blues managed to get a decent result at home with the goaless draw and we contained a pro club. We will field a strong side in the return leg and the intention is to go out an get an early goal.
'We don't have to win to progress as the away goal rule is in our favour and a score draw means progress. We are unbeaten in the cups this year and we are on a tidy run in the WPL so we are capable of upsetting the odds. Our squad' strength is for everyone to see with the progress that we have made in this competition. We have plenty of players chompin at the bit to come and get themseleves in the starting line up. Gary Bansor has been excellent when he has come in and is challenging an established patnership in Serms and Reeso. Its a great dilemma for Mark Jones to have when he picks a side.
'Gazza, Andy, Nicky all look like they can slip into the starting XI and it would be so deserved if we make it to the final. We have already beaten both Neath and Carmarthen away in this comp. The time is right to break PTT's duck against TNS on our travels. My personal record against them is tidy. I have won there with Barry, Haverfordwest and Rhyl thou I must say I have also been beaten. The first 20 mins and the first goal is going to be key in this contest. Its so important they do not get an early goal and change the dynamic of the tie. If we can keep it clean we will have our noses in front and we can go and get the glory. I have never had a penalty shoot out but I would back myself if the situation arose.
'Blues are a club that are looking to go places and its a good start this week. We can recruit players from all over south Wales and get stronger. As the blog has already documented we are under the radar but on 21 points and we are not half way through the season. On Saturday we have another big clash with Bangor City. They have got a front line that is capable of gettng goals with Les Davies, Sharp and Stock. To get to where we want to be we will have to overcome Bangor and keep their scoreline down to a minimum.
'With the results going the way they have I think that we could see more fans coming through the gate to watch the skills on show. The signs are that the blues are goin to have a mighty season'.
Allez Allez
Keep it Clean Kens

So the Blues went up to the Nomads and came home with the three points and an emphatic scoreline, that's 3 league wins on the bike and the run shows no signs of stopping. Its another decisive week for PTT with the return leg of the Loosemoore's semi up in Oswestry on Wednesday and the visit of the self proclaimed biggest club in the WPL - Bangor City on Saturday. If the Blues win up in Oswestry we will be in our first final since the days of Wayne Davies and Rhys Griffiths. This would be a MAJOR day out for the whole club and the supporters. PTT would evolve and the thought of silverware celebration is awesome for all those that have ever stood on the Burns Road or sang in the McCreesh stand. Whether this is the season that the Blues have finally arrived will be answered this week. There will be some of the hardcore supporters and website regulars heading for Shropshire Wednesday night and we are not going to go lightly into the night.
The BSB 1901 Blog thought it was only right that we caught up with Mark Jones and a few of his troops and this is what Jonah had to say 'We had a great start up in Connah's Quay with a bright piece of work from Daniel Thomas to pick out Martin Rose with only 15 seconds on the clock.
'Rosey showed his quality as a striker to control it with his chest before smashing it in the back of the net and happy birthday 20 seconds gone and we are in front. We were getting a bit sloppy towards the end of the first half and Kens hard more to do than I wanted but we went in HT 1 up. After an hour we made a double subsitution and the pair of them Scott and Drew were wonderful. The Nomads did not have the legs to contain them and we could have been out of sight once again. At the end of the game the little fella has popped up and got his 8th goal of the season. Liam is doing ever so well and he must be creating about 4 chances a game for himself and we have got ourselves a blindin scoreline. Not many teams will get that kind of result against Connah's Quay and they have just beaten both Rhyl and Airbus to show their pedigree.
'We are critical of pitches sometimes but I must say I'd like to know who did the drains at Connah's Quay because they should get the job in the Millenium Stadium - the pitch was fantastic.
'Blues are now in 5th and we are desperate to extend our wiining run and consolidate the 5th position. PTT have a squad of people who do not want to be in mid table and we have some cracking games coming up.
'Once again we find ourselves facing a massive week. I went to watch TNS on Sunday and they cruised to a 2-0 win over Llanelli. Its a major challenge going to a pro club and playing on their unique surface but I have no doubt im my boys ability or attitude and we will compete that is for sure. Port Talbot Town have never won away to TNS and that has to be put right. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone on Wednesday and I hope the Burns Road lads can make the trip to get behind the boys and hopefully enjoy a wicked celebration'.
Welsh football's favourite blog has also got up with the Blues dynamo Karl Lewis and asked him about the Connah's Quay game and the season this is what Cawb had to say 'I thought that we were mediocre in the first half but went in 1-0 up in poor conditions which was good after the long journey. In the second half the boys who came on injected so much pace into the game and we just took it to them and got the win.
'PTT being in 5th is good but it could have been so much better when I look back on the Aber and Harrywest games. I'm really enjoying the challenge of the WPL and it was a good test for myself after playing Welsh league with the Lido. I've really settled at the club, we have a good bunch of lads and we want to work hard to make sure that we keep up the challenge and stay in the top 5'.
BSB 1901 also found the Welsh Prem's Ronaldo and this what the 25 year old Aberdulais lad Daniel Thomas had to say 'I'm really loving the season so far. Its a new test for me after spells with Briton Ferry and Goytre United. Its a good set up at PTT and the fans are always noisy. I'm liking that and it helps me with me game. I think the best of me is yet to come and I'm glad that we are winning.
'It was hard on Saturday with the travelling and the wind and the ground not having any atmosphere. When I took the throw in Jonah shouted 'Take your time - lets settle down' but I knew that I could hit Rosey with my throw. He didn't say nothing after the goal went in ha ha.
'I have some confidence about the TNS clash and they should not write us off. I quite like the surface they use as I have played a lot of 5 a side on it.
'TNS were good and I watched them on the box on Sunday in the Ambassador. Its the sort of game that I joined PTT to be involved in and I want to play in a final like all of the boys. I'm due a goal so I shall see what I can do this week'.
Chers lads
Allez Allez

PTT travelled the length of the Principality through torrential rain, parked the coach in Deeside College and then handed out a football lesson to the Nomads. They may have been in the middle of an athletics track but the Nomads were a non-starter. In saying that the league is a marathon and not a sprint but the Blues are jogging along at a nice pace at the moment. The pacemakers are still in front of us but they are in sight and within touching distance. We at the 1901 blog have said all along that we would click into gear soon and although the start of this winning run was maybe a little bit of 'winning ugly' we now look ready to rock n roll.
Yesterday's inadequate showing by long ball, whinging and elbow specialists Llanelli sees us three points behind their second placing with the same games played. Even the fervour of the best fans in the league (the A block Massive) couldn't rouse them from their Sunday slumber. It raises the question of why this fixture was selected as a live game. Seriously, the only time the A Block massive create any sort of atmosphere is against us or Neath and TNS couldn't make a racket in a Slazenger factory and the loudest noise you hear at The Venue is when people see the bill for their burger and chips. On the footballing side the Turks are hardly a visual feast. If you liked watching white objects flying around in the air you'd go to Rhoose Airport or something. To be fair to TNS they knock the ball about well.
Gratitude should be shown to Rondo/S4C though for showing live matches but with experience maybe they'll choose their games a bit better. They've gone for clubs with 'Big club syndrome' again but that myth was blown away yesterday. 0-2 up at title rivals and there wasn't a green fleece to be seen.
Neath v Aber was a washout which would have been good for greasy mullets but not condusive to good football but hopefully Neath AND Aber will have plenty of time to rearrange this one when the cup competions kick in.

Two massive (there's that word again) games coming up for the Blues as we travel to Oswestry on Wednesday for the 2nd leg. An early goal for us would really open things up. If we can win the midfield battle and take any of the chances we know we can create then we'll have a very good chance of a final in 2010 but it will be tough. Maybe the players have got to believe they can win things this season because although we are still not being talked about we have a good squad and a match-winning bench as proved on Saturday.
Bangor City on Saturday is another big one and we could put ourselves ten points in front of the Citizens with a win. We then go on a winnable run of

Newtown (A)
Porthmadog (H)
Bala (A)
Druid (H)

Do well in these games and we could be going into the festive derbies in the top three. I think our support will be important in this.
Then we'll see a proper live game!

Big up to Reeso on equalling Bobby's record of 155 WPL appearances

Quick joke
A cleaner on a cruise ship came across a large steaming turd. After rigorous scrubbing and three buckets of soapy water she spotted TNS' Steve Evans walking past. The cleaner shouted "Oi! You shit on the deck"?
"Yeah" shouted Steve. "But I'm great in the air"!

Coat on .

Keep it locked to the blog as we have even more interviews ahead.

There is so much happening at he Genquip San Siro at the moment that the BSB 1901 blog felt it was only right to get hold of the Chairman Andrew Edwards to find out what is happening behind the scenes and what do all Blues have to look forward to in the coming months. Chairman Eddie has been doing the buisness for PTT for over 10 years now and is seen as the most progressive young chairman in the Welsh game and was recently touted for the Welsh FA's Chief Executive job such is his standing in Welsh football. We asked the Blue chief how he was feeling about everything PTT and he told us 'Its a real exciting time for the Blues. We are involved domestically on 3 fronts, the semi final next week is such a big opportunity and with it goaless from the first leg I think that we can go to TNS with believe that we could defy the odds and go to the final. We have also got a Welsh Cup encounter up at Aberystwyth at the start of the new year to look forward to - the Welsh Cup has the added incentive of a European place and that is the Holy Grail for this football club. The Blues are tucked in behind the leaders and we are intent on challenging for the Eurpean positions up for grabs. These are the reasons that we work so hard to make this club competitive. We threw some silly points away as everyone knows but we are starting to show some consistancy and this will serve us well in the coming weeks and months ahead.
'PTT retained the neucleus of last season's squad and we have added quality in Lee Kendall, Neil Thomas, Nicky Holland, Lloyd Grist and Andy Boslem, we have a top coach in Paul Reid and in Mark Jones we have one of the best managers in the WPL who gets the best out of his players.
'Blues have also got fantastic support and the fans have really raised the bar this season in getting behind the team. Vocally we are the best in the WPL and this really makes me proud. It serves the club well an is so much easier to sell the club on a matchday to sponsors when they see and hear the passion off the pitch is matching the quality of the play on the pitch and the facilites that we now have to offer. The players respond to the noise and it is making the Genquip an intimidating place to visit for other teams. I see PTT as a proper football club with proper support.
'With the Super 12 season coming the domestic license is every clubs goal who want to achieve a place in the new league. We have been gradually improving our facilities and infrustructure so we only have a few minor improvements to make. So come the end of the season we should obtain our license and take our place in the new league.
'This coming Thursday the club is delighted to host a Victory Shield game between Wales and Northern Ireland which is being broadcast live on Sky Sports 1. PTT will go out to a UK wide audiance, in fact all of Europe.
'Its our first prestigous game of this kind and we hope that it is the first of many. The FAW awarded us the game because they appreciate the work we are doing in trying to make the Genquip one of the finest grounds in the Welsh Premier League.
'Its not only the Welsh FA that have given us the seal of approval - S4C have announced that our game on December 27th with local rivals Neath is also going to be shown live. This is another opportunity for us to showcase the ground and atmosphere at the Genquip and again we hope that it is the first of many such broadcasts.
'This year PTT intend on doing something. We have been accused of under achieving but I don't see it that way. I believe that we have been making steady progress and that we are now an established top 6 WPL outfit. Now is the time to put the icing on the cake and bring home silverware'.
Andrew Edwards Allez Allez
Up The town!

This week Blues captain Matthew Rees is set to equal PTT legend Robert Cockings WPL appearance record of 155 games for the club. This is a record that many thought would not be breached for a very long time but not only is Reeso about to break it, there are others that are going to break this significant milestone. Both Lee John and Leigh De Vulgt have currently played 143 games just 12 games short and Lee Surman is on 139. So by the end of season 09/10 it is possible that Our Bobby could have been overtaken by four of the present squad.
Gareth Phillips is another Blue centurion with 105 appearances and Martin Rose has played in 91 games and is surely destined for centurion status this season. Two other super Blues Craig Hanford and Kristian Rogers whom are sadly not plying their trade with PTT played over 90 games for the club and more than ole Russel Wigley who was second only to Bobby before the current crop of players.
Young Scott Barrow has played 69 games already and Liam son of Gerald has played in 64 games. Hopefully Drew Fahiya will hit the 50 mark by the end of the season.
On the goal scoring front the Blues super striker Martin Rose backs up the words 'he is scoring all the time' with a total of 56 WPL goals, next in line was the goal sensation Rhys Griffiths who hit 35 goals in 51 appearances. Old King Kev Bartley scored 29 times for PTT at a time when goals were scarce as the club found its feet in the top flight. Coming in at number 4 in the goal scoring chart is Liam son of Gerald and Trudie. McCreesh whom we all know is highly inflammable has scored a score of goals in his 64 appearance which is two more than our old striker Mark Dodds grabbed as Doddsy made it 18 in 63 appearances (I'll never forget the 40 yard lob at Barry Town which took us top of the league).
There are a couple of other players whom got into double figures in the WPL. Lee John comes in at number 6 with 17 goals, Chad Bond and Baz have both hit 12, and Drew has just made the double figures along with Dean Dougie Johnson (what a player!!!) and Craig 'Guppy' Hughes who only played 22 games.
So there you are my friends. It is easy to find from this stat attack that PTT is becoming a more desirable club to pay for. In the old days Haverfordwest, Lido, Barry, Carmarthen, Llanelli, Merthyr, Newport and Aberystwyth all thought they could come and take our players and at different times they all did. We have not lost any players whom were playing regular since the exodus of Gazza, Griff and David Hughes. PTT are bigger stronger and better placed than ever to go and get that place in Europe. If we have another stat attack at the end of this season the rankings will have changed once again. My bets would be on Lee John to have passed Mark Dodds in the goals and Liam to pass King Kev there are plenty of goals in Drew and Baz too.
Once again Big up Reeso catching our Bobby.
Could we celebrate a double centurion in the next few seasons?
So keep it locked to the BSB Blog kos we are going to be busy at such a crucial part of this season and our quest for a European tour
Thanks to www.welsh-premier.com for the statistics

The innovative BSB 1901 has spoken to Blues boss Mark Jones today and asked him about The TNS and Connah's Quay games that we face in a very important week for the soca club.
Grangetown's finest is craving success for what he believes is Welsh football's most progressive club and this what he had to say 'I thought it was an excellent game of football against TNS. They have some fine young players and they had some quality passages of play. It was a clash that really could have gone either way but both keepers Kens for us and Harrison for the Saints have shown their quality and made some good saves. TNS named their strongest available side and they set themselves out not to lose the game. This is a backhand compliment for them to have done this. It will be difficult at their place but with away goals countin it is far from over. The boys that have come into play the game have done really well and shown me that they are reliable cover. Gary Bansor is really starting to push the other two and has shown that he is ready to start commanding a first team place.
'The performance of the keepers was relevant because there is always the possibility of a penalty shoot out in a Cup game. Harrison is a young talent but Lee will want to show that he is still the best keeper in the Welsh system.
'We won't be putting in extra penalty practice. I'm one of the few managers that does not believe in it. We are all good singers in our own bathroom but in front of a crowd and with so much on the kick I don't think that you can prepare. Look what happened down in Carmarthen last season to PTT.
'Its a game that we are all looking forward to. The players are working so hard to try and strive for the success that the club of this size deserves.
'Connah's Quay on Saturday is a difficult one to call. They are Jekyll and Hyde outfit this season. They have beaten Airbus and Rhyl in the Cups yet they lost 4-0 to Airbus in the WPL. They are founder members of the league they have shown their intent on keeping that status. This season is different because usually at this time of year everyone is looking for 3 results concerning Llanelli, Rhyl and TNS. This year however you have to look out for all nine results. Every game matters in context of what is going to happen next year. Its creating a real intensity and everyone seems capable of taking points off everybody.
'Our league position has improved since the horrid blip at Carmarthen and we have shown strength of character to have won four games and one draw. Another result will make the position stronger. The response since the blip is testament to the squads desire to succeed and I'm proud of their efforts.
'I'm so pleased that Reeso has made the benchmark WPL games to equal Robert Cockings appearance record. Matthew has been fantastic over the last year. Math had a tough beginning to last season with the loss of his Dad but he has been a credit to his self and his family. Well Done my son!'.
Allez Allez
Keep it locked to the BSB 1901 blog as are trying to chase down Reeso

The 1901 blog told you it was going to get the safest hands in soca and that is exactly what we have gone out and done. Lee Kendall has made a big impression at the Blues with his heroics between the sticks and his defensive organisational savvy has lead PTT to become very strong at the back in 09/10.
The BSB team thought it would only be right to find out more about the man behind the gloves. Lee is the son of 70's and 80's Welsh keeper legend Mark Kendall. Kens is 28 years old and lives in Cardiff with his wife Tina and his two children Ashton and Ella. he has played for Crystal Palace, Shrewbury Town, Cardiff City, Barry Town, Haverfordwest County and Rhyl before joining the Blues.
In his 15 games for PTT - Lee Kendall has kept 7 clean sheets. We asked him about the others at the back, The WPL, the Cups and the Burns Road. This is what Kens told us 'We have done well defence and I think that the experiance we have tells. Leigh De Vulgt has played close to 200 games at this level, both Serms and Reeso are both centurions for the club and both Lloyd and Scott have played over 50 games. Reeso and Serms have an established partnership that has developed an understanding over the years.
'Apart from the Rhyl and Carmarthen games we have not conceded more than a goal in any game. I think that we will get better as a unit as the season goes on and and if we can keep it clean and mean we are always likey to nick a goal with our front line and that means results.
'We dominated Caersws on Saturday, we got an early goal but we were still in first gear when they caught us cold with an equaliser. We soon got in front but we missed plenty of chances including a penalty. We dealt with their aerial threat comfortably and I think that all in all it was a good time to play them.
'Connah's Quay is not exactly a nice place to go. We are building a 'mini run' up and we have to go and look for a result to keep that going and set us up nicely for Bangor City at home. The Nomads have every intention of making the top 10 and they will target a south Wales team at home as a must win game. Everyone wants to make the Super 12 in the first season. It will be a difficult league to get back into if you miss the boat. Its not going to go all our way up there and we probably will have to grind out a result and show resiliance.
'I'm really looking forward to the TNS game. A club of our size and status should be going to finals. In doing so it would ensure that the club grows in confidence, standing and fan base. Sometimes in the Loosemoore's the game can feel flat but there was proper good atmosphere against Welshpool in the quarter final. The Burns Road faithfull were like a 12th man as they were in Caldicot. I hope that we can get the same sort of boost against TNS in the semi final because we all know they are a decent side and we want to keep the tie alive for the second leg.
'I'm really enjoying the club and I have been surprised by the fans. It would be nice to get a few more through the gate but the Burns Road boys are something else. They have helped us in the both Cups and I don't think we are a million miles off in the WPL. We have the Nomads, Bangor, Newtown and Bala coming up and these games are all winnable. It should be a very interesting month for the football club'.
Cheers Lee - keep it clean
allez allez