Swans win Welsh derby, Cardiff suffer setback and Newport lose again
Carl Roberts and former Wales internationals Iwan Roberts and Sam Vokes reflect on the weekend’s results. Swansea came from behind to beat Wrexham 2-1 in their first league meeting for 22 years. Meanwhile, League One leaders Cardiff were beaten 2-1 away at promotion rivals Lincoln, and bottom-of-the-table Newport County suffered another League Two defeat after losing 4-1 away at Colchester.
Cardiff earn Chelsea respect, Welsh derby preview & Newport's cash concern
Carl Roberts, Iwan Roberts and Sam Vokes reflect on a good week for Cardiff City, despite a League Cup defeat to Chelsea. Swansea City and Wrexham prepare for a first league meeting for 22 years, and Newport's financial reality is laid bare as chairman Huw Jenkins faces the disgruntled fans.
Craig Bellamy: A tactical insight into Wales
In a rare and fascinating insight, head coach Craig Bellamy gives a glimpse into the tactics and fundamental principles used by Wales in the recent World Cup qualifying campaign. Using a tactics board in the dressing room at the Wales training base near Cardiff, Bellamy reveals the flexibility of his approach and what he demands from each member of the squad. Carl, Iwan and Sam are engrossed... and barely manage to get a word in.Bellamy, who has won half of his 16 games in charge of Wales, also names his biggest coaching influences and explains the debt of gratitude he owes to Iwan for protecting him during their time together playing for Norwich City.
Super subs
A big statement of intent - that's what Carl, Iwan and Sam made of the three late attacking substitutions made Cardiff City manager Brian Barry-Murphy that turned an acceptable away draw into a huge win at title rivals Stevenage. It increased their lead at the top of League One to four points, but also sent a clear message to their rivals on the manager's winning mentality.Swansea City had a super sub of their own as Liam Cullen struck to ensure a second successive home win that silenced talk of a relegation battle... for now. Newport County put a shocking FA Cup display behind them to earn a point at Crewe, giving Iwan new hope they can climb off the bottom of League Two as the hectic Christmas schedule arrives.And after Mo Salah's remarkable outburst against his treatment at Liverpool, Sam recalls his attempts to persuade Sean Dyche he was wrong to drop him to the Burnley bench.
Swansea's massive month, scouting Lawlor & Wilkinson's relief
It may only be early December, but the message is clear for Swansea City - this is now a relegation fight. And the next two games - at home to fellow strugglers Oxford United and Portsmouth - could define the whole season.Wrexham, meanwhile, are looking upwards after extending their unbeaten run to eight games. Manager Phil Parkinson has now reached 200 league games with The Reds, with a hugely impressive 59.5% win rate. With so many clubs now opting for a head coach rather than a more traditional manager, are the likes of Parkinson becoming a rare breed? Iwan and Sam share their experiences of working under some of the best in the business.Premier League scouts are flocking to Cardiff City to watch Dylan Lawlor, and Rhian Wilkinson can breathe a sigh of relief after claiming a first win for Wales in a tough, yet historically significant, 2025.