Mid Wales

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Ian Walsh questioned Luke Williams' substitutions as Swansea City conceded a late goal to lose 1-0 against Millwall.

Strikers Zan Vipotnik and Liam Cullen both started against the Lions, although the latter was deployed in a deeper role.

However, with Swansea controlling possession and seeking a winner with the score at 0-0, Cullen was replaced by Joe Allen in the 66th minute.

Goncalo Franco and Vipotnik were later replaced by Ollie Cooper and Florian Bianchini respectively, although Casper de Norre struck a 90th-minute winner to earn Neil Harris' side all three points.

Former Swansea and Wales forward Walsh admitted he was somewhat perplexed by the decision to withdraw Cullen at a point where the contest remained firmly in the balance.

"They played Liam Cullen in midfield, in the Ollie Cooper role, slightly deeper," he told Call Rob.

"For me, Liam is not a midfield player, he's a goal poacher, in and around the penalty box. So that surprised me to begin with.

"They brought off Liam Cullen and brought on Joe Allen. You've already got Franco and [Matt] Grimes in there and you bring Joe Allen on in that similar area.

"At his advancing years, you don't expect him to go out and make something happen.

"On the other hand, Neil Harris the Millwall manager brought on three front players to try to change the game because he felt there was something in this game for him.

"Swansea could have been here all day and not scored but if Millwall had half a chance, which they did in the end, they'd take all three points.

"So that was my thought, why bring Joe Allen on when you're struggling to score goals and take Liam Cullen off?

"In the end, Bianchini came on up top and Cooper came on for Franco. It was a little bit too late."

Swansea have failed to score in any of their previous five matches - the club’s longest run without a league goal since 1996.

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Nathan Blake says Cardiff City's owners should take note of the style of football the Bluebirds are currently playing under interim boss Omer Riza.

Cardiff have gained 11 points from six Championship matches since the departure of Erol Bulut, scoring 10 goals in that period.

They have also kept three successive clean sheets under Riza, the most recent of which came in a goalless draw with promotion hopefuls West Bromwich Albion.

By contrast, they netted just once in six league games under Bulut this season and failed to keep a single clean sheet.

Former Cardiff and Wales striker Blake feels the Bluebirds should continue as they are at present following a significant improvement under Riza.

"You do need some sort of consistency. When a manager gets a job permanently, it does change the mindset of players," he told Call Rob.

"I think they need that stability going forwards. You've got to take your hat off to him (Riza) , from where they were and how they were playing, they've totally changed around.

"I did the game against Portsmouth, and what I'd say to the ownership is that, going forwards, when people talk about the philosophy of Cardiff City and how they play, just watch what's going on at the moment and you'll understand.

"For me, he's done a really good job in a difficult circumstance.

"What Cardiff's owners need to do is make sure they don't try to start controlling things.

"Just step out and let people who can do the job do their job well."

Image source, Newport County

Newport County have appointed Rob Thomas as the club’s new head of goalkeeping.

Thomas served as National Goalkeeper Coach Education Coordinator at the Football Association of Wales (FAW) Trust for the past 15 years.

He will now form part of Nelson Jardim's backroom team at Rodney Parade - replacing previous goalkeeping coach Jim Hollman who recently left the club by mutual consent after six years.

A club statement read: "Newport County would like to extend its gratitude to Jim for his contribution over the years and wish him all the best in his future endeavours."

Thomas has spent the past two seasons at Cymru Premier side Haverfordwest County.