Roberts a Surprise Starter for Steelmen
Port Talbot Town v Elements Cefn Druids - 7:30pm
Former Llanelli and Barry Town goalkeeper will be a surprise starter in goal for Port Talbot Town this evening, when the Steelmen host Elements Cefn Druids at the GenQuip Stadium.
Roberts retired from the game in November 2008 through injury after 69 Welsh Premier League appearances, but he has signed for the Steelmen as emergency cover for this evening's match. Regular incumbent Lee Kendall is unavailable just for tonight, so Roberts will deputise.
Roberts boasts a wealth of experience having won the Championship with Llanelli as well as playing for a number of years in the English pyramid. He also played in the Welsh Cup final at Newtown against Bangor City, when a pitch invasion from behind his goal, marred the afternoon in May 2008. Previous back-up 'keeper Tony Pennock joined Welsh League Aberaman so Roberts, who lives in Barry, has answered Mark Jones' SOS call. As a player whose last contract was cancelled, under FIFA rules, the 30-year old was allowed to sign for any club outside the transfer window.
Roberts will be delighted to have the experienced centre-backs Lee Surman and Matthew Rees in front of him for his debut, as the duo return following suspension. Leigh deVulgt will move back to right-back, with Nicky Holland dropping out. Karl Lewis was suffering with illness on Friday so he is a doubt.
Jones and Waynne Phillips are likely to be without Ricky Wright and Dan Barnett who are both carrying knocks while Josh Russell and Drew Wickens are also unavailable. Phillips is also likely to miss out himself while he continues to recover from a minor operation. Chris Buxton is likely to be drafted into the squad after missing out on the sixteen on Friday.
Neath FC v Aberystwyth Town - 7:30pm
Neath have the opportunity to leapfrog their visitors Aberystwyth when the two sides clash at the Gnoll this evening. The Eagles, buoyed by their 1-0 win at Caersws on Saturday, have not endured the best start to 2010, but they will be hoping that scraping the three points at Caersws last Saturday will be the turning point to kick-start their season and European challenge. Wales International forward Chris Llewellyn dropped the best hint for a recall with the winner, but Ian Hillier misses out again through suspension. Kristian James will face his former club at left-back for the Eagles.
Aber boss Alan Morgan is expected to name an unchanged team after their 2-1 home win over Port Talbot Town on Friday night, which means that the experienced Graham Evans and Christian Edwards may have to be content with a place on the bench again.
