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 Welsh Football Young news - by Owain Jones
  

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Just a quick thank you to everyone who has sent e-mails with news on youngsters for this section. It is very much appreciated as I don't always get the time to look around websites as much as I would like, so please keep them coming. Owain

  
  
Young guns news - Friday 30th April 2004.

Lee Beevers (Boston - defender) - Forced the ball home from close range as Boston ran out 3-1 winners over Leyton Orient on Saturday. The Wales U19 defender must be slightly mystified why he has been over looked for the Wales U21 training camp, especially since he is one of the few players who gets a game week in, week out. 

Chad Bond (Swansea - striker) - Finished with aplomb for the Swansea reserves on Thursday night, but his goal was not to be enough as his side lost 2-1 to Yeovil. The youngster was a second half replacement for Mark Pritchard (striker) as his side battled bravely against a Yeovil side that contained the talented Dale Williams (striker)

Ramon Calliste (Man Utd - striker) - Signed off from Manchester on a high note before travelling to join up with the rest of the Wales U21 squad, by stepping off the bench to earn his side a penalty against Newcastle in mid week. The Wales U19 striker will now hope he can convince Glyn Hodges that he can be a very important figure in a very competitive U21 qualifying group. 

Thomas Carter (Wimbledon) - Could be another Welsh qualified international lost to Wales after his call up to the England U18 squad this week. The talented youngster played for the Three Lions this week in the 2-0 loss to Sweden after earlier being involved in a behind closed doors friendly. We reported here last week that Luke Graham (Northampton - defender) was another player who had slipped through the net, probably because of lack of games at youth level. 

It is all well and good spending a huge amount of money fighting court cases, but without regular games at youth level, we will lose more and more players who want to be exposed to international football but can't manage it with Wales . We are talking about playing off a much larger budget in respect to the boy's at Soho Square, but England have fielded sides in U16, U17, U18 and U19 competitions over the past couple of weeks, and we just cannot compete with that , but surely there must be more room for training camps or something? . It's all well and good keeping the same squad from the U17's for the U19's, but does that mean that we have such a lack of talent that nobody of the right age group qualifies?? 

David Cotterill (Bristol City - striker) - Made the step up to the reserves on Tuesday night as City beat Brislington 5-0 in the final of the Somerset Cup. The U17 striker scored his sides fourth goal as he slotted home from ten yards in the 36th minute. The Cardiff born striker is another one of Wales' dual qualified players and must have been one of many players who were mystified to see the Wales U17 squad being called up to represent the U19's on mass. 

Kyle Critchell (Southampton - defender) - Started as Southampton U19's entertained Arsenal as they strive to reach the play off final. The Wales U17 international and his side did enough to snuff out the Arsenal big guns, who included Adam Birchall (Arsenal - striker) running out 2-1 winners on a scorching hot day. 

Richard Evans (Sheffield Wednesday - midfielder) - Returned to training this week after nearly eight months on the sidelines after injury. The former Wales U20/U21 international has been chomping at the bit to get back into action, but will have to make do with building his fitness up during what's left of this season.

Stuart Fleetwood (Cardiff - striker) - Was a member of the Cardiff City second string that won the Wales and West Combination League on Wednesday. The Gloucester born forward has been in the headlines of late, with reserve team manager Colin Pascoe stating that he could have a big future in the game if he applies himself well. Well it was to be a good afternoon's work for the in form forward as he rounded the goalie to give his side a 1-0 lead and then forced the ball over the line in the second half to give the points and the title to the Bluebirds.

Jon Kift (Cardiff - striker) - Got on the score sheet as Cardiff's U19 team beat AFC Bournemouth 3-1. It has been a quiet season for the former Wales U17 star, who was matching colleague Stuart Fleetwood (Cardiff - striker) for progress until this year. After a spell at Derby County, the teenager will now look to re-ignite his career as he strives to make sure that he earns another contract at Ninian Park.

Matthew Niedzwiecki (Arsenal - goalkeeper) - Made an appearance on the bench for Arsenal reserves on Monday night against West Ham. The former Wales U19 goalkeeper has had a nightmare of late after injuring his thumb earlier in the season. We wish him all the best as he battles to regain fitness. 

Robert Williams (Leicester - defender) - Was on trial at Rotherham this week as it seems his time in the Midlands has come to an end. The former Wales U19 international gave a solid display at the back as the Millers second string drew 0-0 with Preston. The Preston bench included Welsh qualified youngster Liam Maloney who qualifies for Wales through his grandmother who was born in Bangor.

  
Young guns news - Thursday 22nd April 2004.

Rhys Carpenter (Burnley - striker) - Celebrated his call up to the Wales U21 get together with a goal in the youth team's 5-0 thrashing of Darlington. It is another step in the right direction for the Welsh youngster as he continues to battle back from a catalogue of serious injury. He was joined in the squad by fellow Welshman Adam Jones (midfielder) who is also on his way back from injury. 

Matthew Collins (Fulham - midfielder) - Was included in the Fulham reserve team that faced Coventry on Wednesday night. The talented play maker got off the bench after 70 minutes as his side drew 1-1 with the Sky Blues. Things haven't quite worked out for the talented youngster this season, who must have thought that he might get more reserve team experience than he has. 

Rob Edwards (Aston Villa - defender) - Was sent off on his return to Villa colors during his appearance for the reserves this week. The full international was harshly sent off for a foul against Man City. Out of interest the game also saw Mark Delaney make an appearance as he battles back from his injury.

Luke Graham (Northampton - defender) - Looks to be another Kevin Sheedy in the making as he slipped through the fingers of the Wales youth selectors as he played and scored the winner for the Republic of Ireland U18's in midweek against Turkey. He is someone we have mentioned on this site a few times this season, but it seems he has been over looked and as a result joined the emerald army. Although with the new changes in the Youth rules, he would still be available to us until he has played for the senior side. Let's hope we don't make the same mistake with players such as Russell Fry (Hull) and the talented youngster Dale Williams (Yeovil).

Gareth Owen (Stoke - defender) - Scored his first goal for Oldham since the beginning of his loan spell at Boundarry Park. The Wales U20 international is surprisingly missing from Glyn Hodges' U21 training camp, which is a shock considering he is one of the Welsh youngsters who is playing regular first team football. It was also to be his last appearance at the club as his loan spell came to an end as both clubs could not agree on a fee for a permanent move, so he has returned to the Britannia Stadium. The Shropshire born defender is now looking forward to proving his worth during what is left of the season. 

Rhys Powell (Bolton - defender) - Got another taste of reserve team football this week as he played alongside ex French international Ibrahim Ba. The Cardiff born full back who has recently been picked for the U21 training camp along with his brother Liam (Leicester - defender) was a member of the back four that kept a clean sheet against Middlesborough. 

Lewis Price (Ipswich - goalkeeper) - Got his first start in the league for Ipswich on Saturday after a bug hit first choice goalkeeper Kelvin Davis the night before. Unfortunately the first thing the Wales U21 squad member had to do was pick the ball out of the net after a penalty for Gillingham. It didn't effect his confidence in anyway as the youngster went on to have an impressive debut. 

"Lewis came in and had an excellent game for us. He didn't have a tremendous amount of work to do, but what he did, he did very well. He didn't let the penalty affect his confidence and we think a lot of him at this club. He has an exciting future." - Joe Royle, Ipswich manager 

Chad Bond (Swansea - striker) + Mark Pritchard (Swansea - striker) - Scored as young Cardiff City and Swansea City second string clashed on Wednesday afternoon at Ninian Park. The game finished 2-2 with Pritchard scoring the equaliser in the second half. 

Ross Stephens (Shrewsbury - midfielder) - Continued his hot scoring streak as Shrewsbury's youth team beat Hull 2-0 on Saturday. The midfielder has been on the fringes of the first team all season, without quite managing to make the same kind of break through and impression that Dave Edwards has. His goal was an absolute peach as well, a thirty yard drive into the top left hand corner. 

Matthew Tipton (Macclesfield - striker) - Was on target again as Macclesfield strive to finish the season on a high after a campaign which has seen them battle to avoid being sucked into the relegation zone. The Bangor born striker has been one of the shining lights at Moss Road this season, and a second half strike was enough to share the spoils with high flying Hull City. 

David Vaughan (Crewe - defender/midfielder) - Will be withdrawn from the Wales U21 training camp by Dario Gradi because they don't want to risk him aggravating his knee injury. 

Gareth Williams (Crystal Palace - striker) - Scored against Wrexham on Saturday as Colchester completed a double over Wrexham over the weekend. The Wales U21 international pounced on 16 minutes as he reacted quickest to a block to lift his shot away from the defender and the goalkeeper to give his side a the lead in a game which they dominated. 

Lee Worgan (Wimbledon - goalkeeper) - Has been recalled from his loan spell at Wycombe Wanderers after a goalkeeping crisis at Wimbledon. The youngster has just been named in Glyn Hodges' Wales U21 training camp and will hope to swap first team football for first team football. He was on the bench for the Dons in midweek and then played for the reserves on Wednesday in a 0-0 draw against Arsenal.
  
Young guns news - Friday 16th April 2004.

Kyle Critchell (Southampton - defender) - Scored the opener as Southampton's U19's beat Norwich 4-1 on Saturday morning. The Wales U17 defender has made the step up from the U17's this season, and may have an eye on making a reserve team outing before the seasons out. 

Ryan Crockford (Reading - midfielder) - Was on the reserve team bench for the first time on Wednesday afternoon as the Royals took on Gillingham in a vital decider at the Priestfield stadium. The Royals ran out 1-0 winners, with Crockford watching the whole game from his seat on the bench. 

Andrew Crofts (Gillingham - striker) - Made his first start for Gillingham's first team during the Easter Saturday fixture against WBA. The Wales U19 forward has been knocking on the first team door for sometime now, and was rewarded with his first league start. The game wasn't to end in a positive note for the Gills as they slipped to a 1-0 defeat and edged closer to the relegation trap door. Unfortunately for Crofts, he didn't keep his place in the first team squad for the next game against Walsall, although he must have been buoyed by his first taste of senior football. 

Andy Dorman (New England Revolution - midfielder) - Has signed as a developmental player for the New England Revolution. The Flintshire born 21 year old was a intercollegiate at Boston University and was named in the America East All Conference First Team the past three seasons. This past college season, Dorman was fourth in the nation and first in America East in assists, averaging 0.71 assists per game. While playing at BU, Dorman started 66 of the 70 matches he appeared in, scoring 22 goals and tallying 37 assists. Dorman has also appeared as a youth international for Wales, appearing for the Wales U18's. 

Russell Fry (Hull - striker) - Made his come back after a long term injury for the reserve side on Wednesday night. It was to be a happy occasion with his side running out 2-0 winners and the Welsh qualified striker creating his sides opener before he was replaced at half time. The Burnley squad contained Rhys Carpenter (striker) and a first appearance for Adam Jones (midfielder) although both failed to make it off the subs bench. Russell also played in a reserve game against Sheffield two days later which saw the Tigers run out 3-2 winners. 

Adam Gross (Charlton - defender) - Played his part as Charlton reserves wrapped up the 2003-04 league title with three games still to be played with a win 1-0 win over Chelski second string. The Wales U19 full back helped his side keep a clean sheet, although in an unfamiliar role of right back and under pressure for most of the game. 

Daniel Martin (Derby - defender) + Lewin Ngytanga (Derby - defender) - Were again starters as Derby reserves travelled to the South Coast on Monday night to play against a young Southampton second string. It was to be another tough learning experience for the Welsh qualified defenders as the Saints scored three times to ensure that they leap frogged the Rams in the table. 

Daniel Nardiello (Man Utd - striker) - Who has been on the bench of late after a good start at Oakwell got off the bench to score the equaliser in a pulsating 3-3 draw with high flying QPR. The Welsh qualified striker has found the going tough of late after bag full of goals during the early part of his loan period at Barnsley. 

David Pipe (Notts County - midfielder) - Has seen his contract terminated at Highfield Road and has signed for Notts County permanently after an impressive loan spell at Meadow Lane. The Welsh winger has signed a two year contract after what can only be described as a sensational loan spell at the club. 

"I am pleased to be here permanently now, I am wanted here at Notts County where the manager and the fans like me, which is fantastic. I was told by Eric Black (Coventry manager) I was not in Coventry's plans for the future which was disappointing, so it was an easy decision to make after that as there seemed little point in returning to be in the reserves when I could be playing for the first team here." - David Pipe 

Matthew Rees (Millwall - defender) - Scored his first goal for his home town club on Saturday, but it wasn't to be enough as the Swans lost 2-1 to Lincoln at The Vetch. The old fashioned centre half has been one of the outstanding players in a period which has seen the South Wales struggle of late. He has gone on record as stating that he is very keen to earn a contract at The Vetch as his chances of making the break through at Millwall seem to be very limited. 

Jamie Rewbury (Swansea - defender) - Started his first game for Swansea City on Monday night as the club fought to end their barren run. The youngster has been brought into the first team squad by new manager Kenny Jackett and will now hope to impress enough to become a permanent member. He was joined on Monday night by fellow Youth team player Mark Pritchard (striker). 

Matthew Tipton (Macclesfield - striker) - Took his seasons tally to 18 goals as Macclesfield beat Rochdale on Tuesday night. The Bangor born striker has been in a rich scoring vein this season, if not a little erratic in his all round form. The former Wales U21 striker's goals has meant that the club has just managed to keep away from the relegation zone, and a few more goals before the end of the season should see them stay up. 

Dale Williams (Yeovil - striker) - Has become a regular member of this Young Guns news page, and once again gives us column inches this week with a star performance for the Yeovil U17 side. The Welsh qualified player, who has yet to get much attention from the Wales Youth set up, scored a hat-rick and set up three goals as his side beat Cirencester 9-5 on Saturday to once again highlight the need for him to be included in the next Wales U17 squad. He also started a game for the reserves on the left of midfield but was forced off after 60 minutes, hopefully he won't be out for too long. 

Gareth Williams (Crystal Palace - striker) - Scored his first goal of his new loan spell at Colchester in the 4-1 win over Notts County on Saturday. The Welsh striker was buzzing and his runs and link play with his fellow forward created all kinds of chaos as his side cruised to a comfortable win. He will now hope he can string together a run in the first team that will either catch the eye of potential employers or Palace manager Ian Dowie who has been very reluctant to use him. 

Lee Worgan (Wycombe - goalkeeper) - Moved to Wycombe to help ease the goalkeeping crisis that is wrecking Tony Adams' first team plans. The former Wales U19 squad member has decided that life away from Milton Keynes would assist his first team aspirations, and that was the case as he made his debut against Tranmere during the 2-1 loss in midweek. He has been given special dispensation from the league to join the club after Adams had lost all three of his goalkeepers.

 
Young guns news - Friday 9th April 2004.

Jason Brown (Gillingham - goalkeeper) - Played his first full competitive game on Wednesday night for the Gillingham reserves as they entertained Crystal Palace. The Wales U21 goalkeeper was playing his first game since a recurrence of a thigh injury mid February. The young stopper wasn't really in action until being called upon to make a save at the death. The game finished 0-0 with Brown getting the full 90 minutes and first team squad member Andrew Crofts (striker) getting 60 minutes under his belt. 

Karl Daniels (Rushden and Diamonds - goalkeeper) - Made a second half substitute appearance for the Diamonds reserves on Monday. The Wales U17 goalkeeper played his part in his sides 1-1 draw with Leyton Orient. 

Jermaine Easter (Hartlepool - striker) - Will stay on loan at Cambridge until the end of the season after agreeing an extension to stay at the Abbey Stadium. The 22year old former Wales U21 international has made starts for the U's including four appearances from the bench and has scored twice. 

Dave Edwards (Shrewsbury - midfielder) Ross Stephens (Shrewsbury - midfielder) + Jamie Tolley (Shrewsbury - midfielder) - All got on the score sheet as an experienced Shrewsbury reserve side beat Wrexham 5-2 on Wednesday night. Although the Shropshire side found themselves 1-0 down early doors, but they turned the screw at half time with the Welsh trio netting goals to set them to victory. 

Stuart Edwards (Leeds - defender) + Chris Jones (Leeds - striker) - Both started against Everton reserves on Wednesday night as they continued they're footballing education with the second string. Edwards has been maturing very well at right back this season, and again managed to impress whilst helping his side keep a clean sheet in a 0-0 draw. Jones was managing to boss the game up front without actually getting the break through goal. 

Stuart Fleetwood (Cardiff - striker) - Scored another two goals for Cardiff City reserves as they slumped 4-2 to Yeovil on Tuesday night. The Gloucester born striker broke the dead lock on 15 minutes as he burst into the box and slotted a shot into the corner. He was also on hand to score from the spot with 10 minutes to go, but it was to no avail as his side shipped four goals. 

Adam Gross (Charlton - defender) - Played for Charlton reserves on Tuesday night against Coventry City. The Wales U19 full back has forced his way into being a permanent member of the second string, after starting the season with the U19's, very much like last season. It was to be a good night for the youngster as his side beat the Sky Blues 2-1. 

Lewis Haldane (Bristol Rovers - striker) - Scored within 60 seconds as the reserves drew 1-1 with Cheltenham Town. The Welsh qualified striker who has taken a massive dip in form during the second half of the season has shown glimpses of recapturing his goal scoring touch during the past couple of weeks. He stole in during the first minute on Tuesday night to score with a superbly taken header. 

Ollie Holmes (Cambridge - midfielder) - Will become a scholar at the Abbey Stadium next season after being chosen as one of this years crop of U17 year old's to stay on at Cambridge. The Welsh qualified youngster has been in good form this season alongside his fellow Welshman Ieuan Lewis (midfielder) 

Mark Jones (Wrexham - midfielder) - May miss the rest of the season with a suspected knee ligament injury. The 20-year-old joins a growing casualty list at the Racecourse that has left club physio Mel Pejic feeling the strain. It is now reported that the club now has around 14 players on the injury table. 

Anthony Pulis (Portsmouth - defender) - Got the honour of being reserve team captain on Tuesday night but found it to be a poisoned as he left the field with a bleeding head after 35 minutes. During the time he was on the field, he was joined by Richard Duffy (defender) and Arron Davies (striker) who was making his come back after a loan spell at Barnsley. It was to be a good night for the Pompey boys as the ran out 2-1 winners. 

Ross Stephens (Shrewsbury - midfielder) - Showed once again that he has the knack to be in the right place at the right time with a goal for Shrewsbury's youth team at the weekend. The Wales U19 squad member made a great run and guided his shot into the corner but it wasn't quite enough as his side still lost 4-2 to Chesterfield. 

Scott Thyer (Spurs - striker) - Made the reserve team bench on Tuesday night as Spurs faced up to high flying Derby County. He did not make it off the bench, where as fellow Wales U17 international Lewin Ngyatanga (defender) was making his second appearance for the County second string alongside Welsh qualified defender Daniel Martin the ex England schools squad member. The game finished all square, with both sides scoring twice in a pulsating encounter. 

Owain Fon Williams (Crewe - goalkeeper) - Again proved his worth at Youth team level with some outstanding saves for Crewe on Wednesday night. His smart saves kept his side in the game against Middlesborough, but it wasn't enough as his side lost 1-0 on the night and 3-0 on aggregate in the FA Youth Cup semi final.

  
Young guns news - Sunday 4th April 2004.

Adam Birchall (Arsenal - striker) - Scored to help Arsenal U19's their 16th win this season. The Wales U21 striker has been in fine form over the past few weeks, and will now hope to get more games for the reserves before the end of the campaign. He has already become a hero for the Arsenal supporters after scoring twice in a reserve game against bitter rivals Spurs.

Jason Brown (Gillingham - goalkeeper) - Has resumed training this week after being out with a recurrence of a thigh injury during February. The Wales U21 picked up the recurrence of his injury eight minutes into a friendly with Gravesend after being out since December leading up to that game. He will now have to be at his best to regain his place in goal because his stand in Steve Banks has been in inspired form. 

Stuart Edwards (Leeds - defender) - Was unfortunate to score an own goal on Tuesday night, but was still on the winning side as Leeds reserves beat Liverpool 3-1. The Wales U19 full back has been getting rave reviews of late, and the match report from Tuesday night describes him as a youngster who is growing in stature as a right back. Let's hope that he can be another player who will make a strong case to be in Glyn Hodges' next U21 squad. 

Stuart Fleetwood (Cardiff - striker) - Broke the deadlock as Cardiff reserves beat Swindon 2-1 at the start of the week. The Gloucester born striker is another who has progressed well this season, and will surely be up there challenging the senior striker for a more regular starting berth come the start of next season. He will also surely be a part of Glyn Hodges' next Wales U21 squad. 

Adam Gross (Charlton - defender) - Was on target from the penalty spot, but it was scant consolation as the Charlton U19's lost 4-1 to a powerful Arsenal side. Although it was Gross' Welsh team mate Chris Saunders (midfielder) who was to shine on Saturday, as the 14 year old performed outstandingly well against much older opponents with some tenacious tackling. 

Lloyd James (Southampton - midfielder) - Has become a regular feature on this news page over the past few weeks with his outstanding performances for the Southampton U17's. And he is once again included after scoring for the third week in a row, in a pulsating 7-5 thriller against Aston Villa. His side will now await news on the fixtures for the U17 league play offs. 

Daniel Nardiello (Man Utd - striker) - Scored another goal for Barnsley on Saturday as his side drew 1-1 with Swindon. The dual qualified striker scored from the spot, but it wasn't to be enough as Swindon equalised to take a share of the points. It will surely be make your mind up time for the youngster come the end of the season, when he will have to decide where his international loyalties lie. 

Jamie Price (Birmingham - midfielder) - Was singled out for praise following Birmingham U17's narrow defeat to Leicester at the weekend. The combative midfielder who made a strong impression on the crowd and on his opponents during Wales' trip to Lisbon last month has come on leaps and bounds after moving from Cheltenham earlier this season. It seems Wales have found a carbon copy of senior international Robbie Savage, and could even pass off as a mini-me version of the Wrexham born midfielder. 

Simon Spender (Wrexham - defender ) - Made his senior debut for Wrexham at the weekend, after coming on following the sending-off of fellow defender Craig Morgan at Plymouth Argyle. The U20 international had been on the bench twice before this season, but he seemed unperturbed as he helped marshal the Wrexham defence in the face of an Argyle onslaught. The Reds held out to record a 0-0 draw at the Second Division leaders and Simon must have put himself in line for a few more appearances before the end of the campaign.


Brian Stock (Bournemouth - midfielder) - Celebrated a rare start with his sides first goal in a 3-0 win over Rushden and Diamonds. The Wales U21 midfielder was at the back post to drill in his sides opening goal in what has been quite a frustrating season for the Winchester born play maker who has been in and out of the first XI without being able to hold down a regular spot. 

Dale Williams (Yeovil - striker) - Highlighted once again why someone from the FAW should take a closer look at him with a goal as Yeovil's reserves beat Bournemouth 4-2 on Wednesday night. The Welsh qualified youngster has shown time and time again that he has the temperament and ability to play way above his age level, and must surely be considered when the next Youth international comes around. 

Lee Worgan (Wimbledon - goalkeeper) - Has decided that life might be better for him away from Milton Keynes after discussions with Dons manager Stuart Murdoch, after it became apparent that first team football could not be assured. Lee asked and was granted permission to speak to other clubs with a view to a permanent move . After his availability became known to Wycombes Tony Adams, he was asked to play some trial games. A behind closed door game against Aston villa produced a 4-0 defeat, but a great performance review for Lee. A second game against Peterborough resulted in a 0-0 with further excellent reports on his performance. Tony Adams has commenced discussions about a transfer, but certain obligations could not be met before the deadline date. However Lee will be playing again for Wycombe on Tuesday 30th against Crystal Palace, he will also be spending the week training with the squa! d at Wycombe. Lee is determined to play first team football next season in the hope that some inspired performances attract interest from new Wales U21 manager Glyn Hodges. He also played recently for Wimbledon reserves keeping a clean sheet in their 2-0 win over Chelsea.

  
  
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