Welsh Premier League Football - Steelmen want to stay top of the pile

PORT Talbot aim to maintain their grip at the top of the Welsh Premier as they host pointless Carmarthen at the GenQuip Stadium on Friday night.
Manager Mark Jones is warning his players not to be complacent against the west Wales strugglers, despite the fact his Steelmen have made the perfect start to the campaign with back-to-back victories and two clean sheets, while Tomi Morgan's side are pointless so far.
"Carmarthen beat us twice last year, despite the fact we finished third, and they have pretty decent players in their squad," Jones told the South Wales Evening Post.
"I saw them lose to Airbus last week and although they did not have the best of days, Airbus are a very good team.
"The week before they were just edged out by Aberystwyth, another side that should do very well this season.
"It makes absolutely no odds to me whether we are playing a side at the top or bottom of the table. The minute you drop your guard you're brought back down to earth with a bump."
Other than a slight doubt over wideman Daniel Thomas, Port Talbot expect to be at full strength.
Old Gold manager Morgan acknowledges that his side will have to up their game to compete with the on-fire hosts.
"They've started really well and Mark has done brilliantly in his time there, tt will be a very hard match for us," says Morgan, who is still trying nto strengthen his squad before the transfer window closes next week.
"I can promise a bit of a shake-up as we have 21 players available and I have told them that, after the first two performances no-one is certain of their place."
Neath return to action after last week's postponement of their match against The New Saints with a trip to Haverfordwest, who are also without a point after successive defeats by Newtown and Prestatyn Town.
Last week Saints were involved in European action on the Thursday night so the match against Neath was put back despite the opportunity for a Sunday engagement.
After an opening day defeat at Bangor City, manager Andy Dyer is anxious to open his side's account.
"Yes, it's important we start to pick up points to set us on our way so I was encouraged by our performance in our friendly at Afan Lido last week," said Dyer.
"Lido made it a very competitive evening so it was an excellent run-out for us, but I thought it was easily the best we have played so far.
"We need to carry that into the Haverfordwest match. You know what to expect when you play there but we will be concentrating on ourselves, not them.
"We will go to Haverfordwest looking to win, but it is always a tough place to go, although their surface is one of the best in the league and should suit our style of play."
The only doubt surrounds striker Chris Jones, who sustained a shin injury in the 4-1 win at Lido, where Lee Trundle netted twice.
Photo: Port Talbot host Carmarthen at the GenQuip Stadium.