Welcome back to the Sportin Wales Welsh football weekend round-up, after a good weekend for Swansea fans and a miserable one for Newport and Cardiff…

Bulut Absent After Another Defeat

With another defeat, this time away to Derby County, Cardiff have now had their worst league start to the season since 1989.

The 1-0 defeat, thanks to a Kenzo Goudmijn goal, consigned Cardiff to a fourth defeat in five games. The Bluebirds have only recorded one point and one goal – both in the South Wales derby – this season, making it their worst start to a campaign since the 1989-90 season.

Under pressure manager Erol Bulut, who was absent from the touchline after a red card against Swansea, handed the post-match media to his assistant coach Omer Riza.

After a positive season in 2023/24, Cardiff have reverted back to the form that left them struggling at the bottom of the Championship in the previous two seasons.

With a fiery home match against Leeds coming up on Saturday, Bulut’s future at the Cardiff City Stadium will rest on the performance and result of his side.

Swansea Show Progress With Norwich Win

Swansea had their defence to thank for their 1-0 win over Norwich City on Saturday.

Ben Cabango was magnificent at the back, typified in his excellent challenge to deny Borja Sainz, who was threatening to break clean through. That manager Luke Williams compared it to obby Moore’s famous tackle on Brazil’s Jairzinho at the 1970 World Cup, spoke volumes.

After five games, Swansea remain inconsistent – two wins, two losses, and a draw – but are starting to show signs of the growth that Williams has spoken about in recent week.

Over some defensive woes in recent seasons, the addition of Goncalo Franco has brought a certain steel to the Swansea midfield, while Cabango, Harry Darling, Josh Key, and Josh Tymon are a settled back four.

Depleted County Soundly Beaten

Newport fell to a damaging 4-0 defeat to previously winless Swindon Town, turning the form book on its head.

County, who have now fallen out of the play-off places after three wins in a row, were 4-0 down at half time.

The weakened Exiles side were missing a host of defenders: Shane McLoughlin, James Clarke, and Joe Thomas were all injured; while  centre-backs Ciaran Brennan and Kyle Jameson were suspended, following red cards against Port Vale the week before.

Head coach Nelson Jardim admitted that it was a “very tough” afternoon for his side but, with a EFL Trophy match to come on Tuesday, Newport have the chance to return to winning ways.

Top of the table clash

Wrexham, whose 3-0 win over Shrewsbury Town lifted them to the top of League One, face big spenders Birmingham City on Monday evening in what will be a big test of Phil Parkinson’s side and their promotion credentials.

It is understood that Birmingham’s summer outlay was between £20-25million, which puts Wrexham’s spending into some perspective.

Not to be outdone by their opponents, Wrexham did make a signing this week; Josh Adam has come in through the dressing room door following a trial. The midfielder was previously on the books of Manchester City and Celtic, and signed a deal until the end of the season, with the option of another year.

Wrexham’s excellent recent form has won Parkinson the League One Manager of the Month award, and he dedicated the award to ‘everyone connected to the club’.

Despite their excellent early form, this match may see Parkinson split up the Ollie Palmer-Jack Marriott strike partnership, as Paul Mullin looks finally fit to start in the league. His excellent strike against Salford City showed his undoubted quality, but more revealing was his ability to play 68 minutes, with plenty left in the tank to start against Birmingham for Wrexham on Monday.

Cardiff beat Wrexham in Adran Premier Opener

Defending champions Cardiff City got their title defence off to an excellent start on the weekend, with a 2-0 away win over Wrexham. Ffion Price put the Bluebirds in front from a free-kick in the 56th minute before Eliza Collie sealed victory eight minutes from time.

Elsewhere, there were big away wins for Briton Ferry Llansawel (0-4) and The New Saints (0-5) against Aberystwyth Town and Barry Town United respectively.

Swansea City, who were second last season behind Cardiff, also started the season with a win, 2-1 at Cardiff Met as debutant Danielle Broadhurst and Stacey John-Davis both netted for the Swans to turn the contest around following a Cardiff Met opener.

Penybont continue their fine form while TNS look menacing

Penybont’s unbeaten start to the season continued with a fine 0-1 away win at Connah’s Quay, going three points clear at the top of the table thanks to Newtown’s 2-1 win over Cardiff Met on Friday night.

Elsewhere, TNS beat Barry Town 4-0, while Briton Ferry were again denied their first league points in a 3-2 defeat at Caernarfon Town.

There were also home wins for Bala Town (3-0) and Flint Town (1-0) over Aberystwyth Town and Haverfordwest County respectively.

Results

Friday, 13 September

Newtown 2-1 Cardiff Met

Bala Town 3-0 Aberystwyth Town

Saturday, 14 September

Swindon Town 4-0 Newport County

Flint Town United 1-0 Haverfordwest County

Caernarfon Town 3-2 Briton Ferry Llansawel

The New Saints 4-0 Barry Town United

Derby County 1-0 Cardiff City

Swansea 1-0 Norwich City

Sunday, 15 September

Connah’s Quay 0-1 Penybont

Adran Premier

Aberystwyth Town 0-4 Briton Ferry Llansawel

Cardiff Met 1-2 Swansea City

Barry Town United 0-5 The New Saints

Wrexham 0-2 Cardiff City

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