Western Mail

Gower Power Top-Class Lift but Search for Striker Still On

PAULO SOUSA insists he will be spending some of pre-season's final few days still chasing a goalscorer to replace Jason Scotland. Should Swansea City head to the Walkers Stadium on Saturday without that new striker he wants, at least Sousa has been offered the evidence he needs that goals can come from other areas of his side.

Sousa Stays Silent On Big Plans

PAULO SOUSA insisted on keeping his cards close to his chest in terms of tactics and team-sheet with the season opener less than a week away. But the Swansea City boss did concede he is still working hard on bringing in extra options for that first Sousa side on Saturday, admitting he remains hopeful of signing a new striker before the trip to Leicester.

Phoney War Draws to Close with Cardiff Up for Big Battles

CAN we not play you every week! Can we not play you every week! That would have been the cry of the Cardiff City supporters here - if there was much chanting going on within the cavernous bowl that is the Bluebirds' new home - after Valencia showed enough class to remind everyone of the chasms that exist in the world of football. The Spaniards "only" finished sixth in La Liga last year - an outcome which almost caused a diplomatic incident in Valencia.

Ledley Focused On the First Game Despite Future Doubt

JOE LEDLEY'S future at Cardiff City may be unclear, but the Wales star is fully focused on just one thing - the Bluebirds' opening Championship fixture against Scunthorpe on Saturday. The 22-year-old, who skippered his side for the defeat against Valencia, is yet to ink a new deal at the club and could be on his way out by the end of the month.

Impressive Obeng Gives Saunders Cause to Smile ; Wrexham Huddersfield 1 3

DRAGONS boss Dean Saunders was still smiling despite Wrexham's first defeat of their pre-season campaign. Two goals in the final 10 minutes of a vigorously contested friendly saw Lee Clark's Huddersfield home.

No Bid Made for Bassong - Harry

HARRY REDKNAPP has rubbished reports that Tottenham have submitted a bid for Newcastle defender Sebastien Bassong, although admitted the defender is a player he is interested in. Reports emerged yesterday that Newcastle had rejected a pounds 10m bid from Spurs after the club's chief scout watched the 23-year- old Frenchman in action in the midweek friendly at home to Leeds.

Espanyol Celebrate Stadium Opening in Style Against Reds

Espanyol Liverpool 3 0 REAL MADRID target Xabi Alonso made a brief appearance as a strong Liverpool team suffered a heavy defeat in Spain.

Wenger Is Playing It Real Cool On Rising Star Jack

Arsenal Rangers 3 0 ARSENE WENGER admits he does not know just how many games teenager Jack Wilshere will play for Arsenal next season.

Blues Look to Tempt Traore

BIRMINGHAM hope to find out in the next 48 hours whether Arsenal will allow them to sign defender Armand Traore on loan. Blues boss Alex McLeish has identified the left-back role as the one which is giving him most cause for concern with David Murphy and Franck Queudrue currently not fit. Stuart Parnaby has switched from right-back to fill the position during the majority of pre-season.

Carra's Goal for Owen

LIVERPOOL defender Jamie Carragher is pleased to see former Red Michael Owen back at a top-four club, but hopes his friend finds life at Manchester United tough going. Carragher predicted United's latest signing could prove a masterstroke for Sir Alex Ferguson, but is crossing his fingers the England striker struggles for goals in the Premier League title race.

Flintoff Steps Into the Spotlight to Put England in Control of Test

ANDREW FLINTOFF marked his return to Edgbaston with another influential display as England pushed for victory in the third Ashes Test. The 31-year-old all-rounder, poised to retire from Test cricket at the end of the npower series, has always saved his most eye- catching performances for Birmingham.

We Can Still Win Match - Freddie

ANDREW FLINTOFF talked up England's chances of winning the third npower Ashes Test after an enthralling fourth day at Edgbaston. Australia closed on 88 for two in their second innings, still 25 runs behind, and Flintoff insists a home win is still on, providing England come out firing in the morning.

Ammanford Made to Struggle

The Antur Insurance South Wales Cricket Association Championship programme was again hit by wet weather with nine matches abandoned without a ball being bowled and the remaining matches all had delayed starts. For the second time in a month, Division One leaders Ynysygerwn saw little action, as their clash away to bottom club Llangennech was washed out.

Cresselly Lift Challenge Bowl

CRESSELLY won the 61st staging of the Antur Insurance Pembroke County Cricket League's major competition, the Harrison-Allen Challenge Bowl, with a five-wicket victory over Neyland. The two innings, 22-over-a-side final is always staged at Cresselly and the last of their previous 11 wins came in 2006, but a youthful Neyland side pushed them to the limit in a thrilling match as they tried to win it for the first time since 1983.

Hospital Trip and Century Blow for Star Will

GLAMORGAN pair Will Bragg (92) and Herschelle Gibbs (96) were both denied centuries in the championship clash against Gloucestershire at Bristol. After rain wiped out most of Saturday's second day, Matthew Maynard's side declared on 350 for eight in reply to Gloucestershire's 400 for nine declared.

Crocked Celts Take a Breather

CELTIC CRUSADERS will use their two-week break from action desperately trying to cut down the queue for their treatment room. The engage Super League new boys have been fighting an extensive list of injuries all season.

Henry in Strong Defence of Nz Attacking Policy

SouthAfrica NewZealand 31 19 NEW ZEALAND coach Graham Henry has defended his side's "attack from anywhere" plan following their 31-19 loss to South Africa in Saturday's Tri-Nations at Durban's Absa Stadium.

Sidoli in for Neath Switch

FORMER Dragons second-row Peter Sidoli could join Neath as changes in the Italian game leave his future at Calvisano uncertain. Sidoli, 29, joined Calvisano last summer on a two-year deal but Italy's plans to develop two regions to enter the Magners League in 2010-11 have had knock-on effects on their club game that have hit Sidoli.

Wales in with a Big Chance of Promotion to Top Tier

WALES go into tomorrow's final EuroHockey Nations Men's Trophy pool match against Switzerland in Wrexham knowing they still have all to play for. Following impressive weekend performances against the Czech Republic and Scotland, the hosts, skippered by Bath Buccs' Matt Ruxton, are still in with a chance of winning promotion to the Championship, the top tier of European Hockey.

Beaten Witter Still Looks to the Future ; Sports Shorts