Carmarthen Town ready for new campaign

Carmarthen Town begin their Welsh premier League campaign for the 2011-12 season next Saturday with a home game versus mid Wales side Newtown FC (Kick off at 2.30pm).
First team manager Tomi Morgan has been busy during the pre-season in adding to his squad from last season but he was especially pleased last Saturday when goalkeeper and Player of the Season for 2010-11 Mike Lewis decided to return to Richmond Park for the coming campaign.
Lewis is picture above signing for Carmarthen Town with club chairman Gareth Jones.
Lewis had been training with Newport County during the summer but decided to commit himself to the Old Gold prior to the last pre-season friendly against Welsh League Champions, Bryntirion Athletic.
A late goal by Steffan Williams was the difference between the two sides in what was a pleasing encounter.
Williams was netting his third goal of pre-season series of games.
The game also saw the first appearance in the Old Gold shirt for Jack Christopher and he was denied at least two goals by the legs of the visiting keeper.
Lewis was rarely troubled by the visiting attack but one effort did rebound from the inside of a post and into his arms.
Prior to the game versus Bryntirion, Town had visted Goytre in midweek and came away with a 3-1 victory and a very pleasing performance.
Goals were scored by Nick Harrhy, Tim Hicks and Williams to ensure an emphatic victory.
Despite these two convincing displays Morgan was under no illusions for the coming season.
“We have succeeded in strengthening our squad over the summer but other clubs have also done the same. Neath have become a full-time club, while Llanelli, Bangor and The New Saints have retained and added to their already strong squads.
"It will be very difficult to break the apparent stranglehold at the top of the league, but we must make sure we are as competitive as possible.”
Saturday’s visitors have had a turbulent summer.
They have now appointed former Northern Ireland international Bernard McNally as their manager while Elwyn Jones returns as Chairman.
Morgan stated:“Even though there have been a few changes within Newtown Football Club they are still a potent force at this level.
"I am sure that they will have prepared for this game and will be a difficult side to break down. What we need is a convincing start to the season.
"I have retained a large percentage of last season’s squad who performed admirably for Town but hopefully I have added to the quality of the squad by making sure there is competition for every place in the team.
"I have been very pleased with their commitment in training and their attitude towards the pre-season series of matches but it is what happens next Saturday and the following 33 games which is of paramount importance. We are judged by results and number of points gained rather than on performances.”