MORE than a third of people in Wales claim they cannot go a whole day without a sugary snack, according to a new report.

The report from the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) urges the UK population to get no more than 5 per cent of its daily energy intake from sugar.

This week, Swansea MP Geraint Davies has presented a parliamentary bill to tackle added sugar in processed foods to reduce obesity in Wales.

Mr Davies said: "My bill would set targets for overall UK sugar consumption, require sugar content in food and drinks to be shown in teaspoonfuls and put restrictions on misleading advertising. Taken together, alongside healthy eating promotion and cookery classes at school, the bill tackles head-on the obesity epidemic in Britain.

"The World Health Authority and UK Government scientists now say a healthy diet should only contain 5 per cent added sugar but adults are currently consuming twice that amount and children three times that level. No wonder there is an epidemic in obesity with one in four of us obese and two out of three men overweight."

Kirsten Davies, a senior nutritionist from Llanelli who founded The Food Remedy, said she thought Mr Davies's bill sounded like a good idea.

"I think it's a great idea that manufacturers are being made to be more accountable and it's a step in the right direction," she added.

"However, we as consumers need to take full responsibility for what we put in our body.

"We need a food revolution, we as a society have become so reliant upon processed food we seem to have lost the art of eating."

Miss Davies, aged 31, said she thought the bill would help cut down people's sugar levels but added that people still needed to be careful and pay attention to other things like sweeteners.

She said: "We need to go back to eating real food. Natural unprocessed food. We have come so far in terms of technology but we seem to have lost touch with so many things, do people even know what foods are in season or local anymore? While manufactures need to be accountable, ultimately we all need to take full responsibility for our own health. While it's great this bill will ensure packets of food and drinks will have the amount of sugar on, then it may just open the door for a different marketing ploy to occur, with manufacturers putting in sweeteners and other chemicals in its place. Low sugar foods may still be void of nutrients."

Earlier this year Health Minister Mark Drakeford said more should be done to reduce the food industry's impact on levels of obesity.

Police are investigating an allegation of assault on a female child by a male adult.

A Dyfed-Powys Police spokeswoman said: "At about 12.40pm to 1pm on Monday July 14 an incident occurred directly outside The Premier Store in Panteg, Felinfoel, Llanelli."

"Police are appealing for any witnesses who may have been passing the store and who witnessed an incident to contact PC 946 Oliver by ringing 101," the spokeswoman said.

CAMPAIGNERS hoping to save emergency services at Llanelli's Prince Philip Hospital are appealing their failed judicial review.

Last week came the news that Mr Justice Hickinbottom had crushed the campaigners' case against the Hywel Dda Health Board and Health Minister Mark Drakeford.

Leading the fight is campaigner Tony Flatley, who said he would "fight until the end" to get the best possible health care for the town.

Pushing his disappointment aside, he now plans to appeal the judge's decision.

"I intend to take this as far as I can," Mr Flatley said.

"We will take this back to court and ask the court to reconsider as we think there is still a case to answer to."

Fellow supporter of the campaign, Gerald Hughes, of Morfa said he was backing Mr Flatley.

He said: "It's great news because, with the judicial review, I think it shouldn't have come to an appeal — we should have won the case.

"Fair play to Tony, he is standing up and speaking for us.

"I'm all in favour of the appeal and I'm really proud of what he is doing."

The original case at a judicial review held in Cardiff last month made attempts to stop planned changes to services at the hospital.

It was ruled the health board had acted lawfully in its consultation about changes to A&E services at Llanelli's hospital.

A&E services at Prince Philip Hospital will now be led by GPs and nurses.

Mr Justice Hickinbottom said he was "wholly unconvinced" that any aspect of the procedure adopted by the health board or the Health Minister was unlawful.

Chris Wright, the health board's director of corporate services had said he hoped the decision would assure the public the board had acted with best practice.

"We have always maintained that our consultation fully complied with the law and was open, accessible and inclusive," Mr Wright said.

"We are now eager to continue working with our clinicians, to deliver a fit for purpose emergency service for Llanelli."

A LARGE Gower village in danger of losing its final pub has found its party hat again.

Businessmen Colin Macdonald and Mark Swistun bought The Royal Oak, which developers had apparently been eyeing up, and ploughed in some £60,000 to bring it back to life.

A hugely successful opening night, with legendary hooker Roy "Shunto" Thomas doing the ceremonial honours, helped galvanise the community.

And Mr Macdonald, managing director of Parsons Pickles by day and bingo caller by night, said they have not looked back since.

"So many pubs have closed here," he said. "We knew we would get the support."

Mr Macdonald and Mr Swistun, managing director of Penclawdd Shellfish Ltd, both live in the area, know its background and people.

And local heritage, industry and sport are very much themes at The Royal Oak. There is the Ole Penclawdd lounge, the Fireside Cwtch, Little Nook Corner, Farmers and Horse Traders bar and Roy 'Shunto' Thomas sports bar.

Penclawdd football club are based there now, while a picture is already up of champion local stallion Kylebeck Crespo, which claimed top spot at last week's Lampeter Stallion Show.

"We've got the old characters who come, and the women on Tuesday for bingo," said Mr Macdonald. "I dressed up as Dame Edna Everage for the bingo this Tuesday — they loved it."

The 58-year-old's partner Heather Skipper runs the freehold pub, which employs four other staff.

Poker, darts and pool players also frequent The Royal Oak, which will be serving locally-sourced food before long. Drinkers of a younger age might be tempted by the cocktail, Sex on the Marsh — a nod to the nearby estuary.

Pub regular Peter Waters said: "Since the pub has been taken over by Colin and Mark, it has brought the community together. They've worked seriously, seriously hard."

A ST Thomas resident is "fed up with the amount of rubbish and the poor upkeep of the paths" in his area.

Frank Allen, aged 84, said he had been phoning Swansea Council for the past few months about the overgrown bushes and grass at the side of Fabian Way in Swansea but nothing had been done.

He said: "Things are particularly bad on the junction between Fabian Way and Kinley Street (the one that leads up to Port Tennant). It is in an awful mess and looks disgusting.

"The bushes are full of rubbish and the grass is terribly overgrown.

"The overgrowth has spilled out onto the pavements and you can't see the railings anymore because of the weeds.

"It is time Swansea Council cleaned up the area."

Mr Allen, who is a resident of Middleton Street, said he had been calling the council for the past six weeks.

He said: "That area just looks so neglected.

"The rubbish and hedges look awful, especially as it is a main route that visitors take into the city.

"It doesn't give a very good first impression for visitors coming into the city. I love my city and I am very proud of it which is why I want it to look the best it can. The rubbish just looks awful dumped in the hedges.

"I have also been in contact with Mike Hedges AM who has been trying to improve it.

"I pay my council tax every month and expect the same prompt service back."

A spokeswoman for Swansea Council said a programme of work had started in the area.

She said: "Cutting back of vegetation along this stretch of road is already underway and should be complete by the end of next week.

"However, the reality is that people who thoughtlessly dump litter are the ones responsible for littering that goes on in St Thomas and other communities in Swansea.

"The council plays its part in keeping the city clean as we spend more than £2.5million a year on tidying up after people who dump litter or fly-tip waste.

"We are cracking down on littering and since last September more than 3,000 fixed penalty notices have been issued to those people who think it is okay to dump litter rather than take it home with them or use bins."

You can follow all the runners live here - with sector times and all the overall results.

The timings are supplied by D B Max – Race Timing and Multisport Events.

They are some of the most prized professional football trophies - and they are on their way to Llanelli in August.

Football fans will be able to see the UEFA Super Cup, Champions League and Europa League trophies up close when they arrive in Llanelli on Saturday August 9.

The trophies will be displayed at Llanelli's Stebonheath football ground during their tour of Wales which will take place between August 1 and 11 and fans will be able to have their picture taken next the famous trophies.

The dates for the tour are as follows:

• Friday 1st August 2014 - Dragon Park, Newport International Sports Village, Newport
• Sunday 3rd August 2014 - Glyndwr University, Wrexham
• Tuesday 5th August 2014 - Book People Stadium, Bangor City FC, Bangor
• Thursday 7th August 2014 - Park Avenue, Aberystwyth Town FC, Aberystwyth
• Saturday 9th August 2014 - Stebonheath, Llanelli Town FC, Llanelli

The tour will end at the Cardiff City Stadium on August 12 where Real Madrid will face Sevilla in the UEFA Super Cup.

Wales and Real Madrid star Gareth Bale said: "I am really looking forward to the Super Cup at Cardiff City Stadium. I will be playing in my home city. It will be a fantastic occasion."

Jonathan Ford, Chief Executive of the FAW said:"This is the first time that all three UEFA trophies will have been shown in Wales and we want to use the tour as an opportunity to promote grassroots football right across Wales."

SWANSEA hair and beauty salons provided plenty of gloss at the industry's Oscars-style ceremony.

Beauty Salon of the Year was Irresistible, of Llangfelach.

Other city winners included Therapist of the Year Hayley Godden, of Grave & Evie in Swansea; Best of Swansea award Andrew Price and Make Up Specialist of the Year Andria Doran, of Brideology, Swansea.

And a Swansea hairdressing salon was voted the best in South West Wales at the Fake Bake-sponsored event at the Cardiff City Stadium.

The Jamie Hill Salon is based at Victoria Quay in the marina.

Owner Jamie Hill said: "This was an incredible surprise, although we have worked very hard since we opened to create a unique, comfortable and must-go destination salon. The team are dedicated to offering quality at all times, so I'm very pleased for them."

The awards were based upon public nominations covering 22 specialist categories.

Sandra Vaughan, chief executive of Fake Bake UK, praised the quality of the winners and the businesses which were short-listed.

"We had a great night at this year's awards and enjoyed the opportunity to share in the successes of the elite hair and beauty professionals Wales has to offer," she said.

POLICE investigating an early-morning street assault are appealing for help from the public.

The incident took place on St Helen's Road, Swansea, at around 3.50am on Monday, July 14, when a 28-year-old man was attacked.

Police have released a CCTV picture of a man they want to talk to in connection with the incident, and are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

A South Wales Police spokesman said: "Police in Swansea are appealing for the public's help to trace a man in connection with an assault — officers want to trace the man who is seen on the CCTV picture."

Can you help? Call South Wales Police in Swansea on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously 0800 555111 quoting reference number 1400252647

WELSH Minister for Housing and Regeneration Carl Sargeant is visiting Swansea to see the wave of benefits brought through regeneration funding.

It will be one in a number of coastal communities that Mr Sargeant will be heading to right across Wales.

He will be looking at the impact that Welsh Government-funded projects are making to communities during visits to Barry, Aberystwyth, Holyhead and Rhyl.

Mr Sargeant said he was pleased to have the opportunity to look at the action being taken to transform coastal areas, particularly those which have been storm-ravaged during the winter.

He said: "I'm looking forward to seeing the difference our substantial regeneration funding is making to coastal communities and the wider area. "Following the impact of the atrocious storms earlier this year, I'm particularly pleased to see Welsh Government funding supporting them to get back on their feet and ready for the holiday season.

"It's also pleasing to note the diverse nature of many of these projects, with local needs, priorities and pressures shaping the nature of the regeneration and resulting in some excellent facilities for all to enjoy over the summer months."

BEN Davies is rumoured to be on the brink of sealing a £10 million move to Spurs.

And that deal could see Gylfi Sigurdsson head in the opposite direction.

The Swansea City left-back reportedly underwent a medical with the London club in America and is now closing in on a switch.

He was not involved in Swansea's final pre-season friendly in the States on Saturday evening, a 2-0 defeat to Minnesota United.

Davies has been a Spurs target since the end of last season, and they are believed to have seen a £8 million approach rebuffed earlier in the summer.

Liverpool have also been tracking Davies, who has become hot property after two outstanding seasons in the Premier League.

With a ready-made replacement in Neil Taylor, Swansea are believed to be ready to cash in on their asset.

And Gylfi Sigurdsson could return to the Liberty as part of the agreement.

Sigurdsson enjoyed a hugely successful loan spell at Swansea in 2011-2012, scoring seven goals in 18 appearances.

Garry Monk is keen on bringing the Icelander back, and Swansea are in the market for a goalscoring forward player after Michu left for Napoli.

Spurs are also believed to be closing in on a deal for Michel Vorm.

The Dutch goalkeeper, who has not yet reported back for club duty after his World Cup commitments, has been a big hit in South Wales.

He made a £1.5 million switch from Utrecht three years ago and has been Swansea's first choice stopper ever since.

But the summer signing of Lukasz Fabianski has put his position in doubt.

The 30-year-old is no longer guaranteed the Swansea No.1 jersey and he is unlikely to be content with a place on the bench.

Wilfried Bony is another player said to be on Spurs' radar.

The Ivorian has attracted plenty of attention this summer after a sensational debut Premier League season.

He has already been linked to Liverpool before emerging as a possible Tottenham target.

GREEN-FINGERED youngsters from a Swansea school have defied vandals who destroyed their garden to lift a Swansea in Bloom trophy.

The pupils at Blaenymaes Primary School won the David Franklin Cup for the best school garden in a close contest with Cila Primary School, who have won for the past two years.

School caretaker Alison Williams, teaching assistant at Blaenymaes and leader of the gardening club, said: "We have entered for a couple of years now and we have made our way up into the premier division of the schools competition.

"Last year we were second and this time we have gone one better even though we have had vandals here who broke our polytunnel and caused a lot of damage — the children were very upset. But they dug in and they showed their fighting spirit and were determined to do it and they have."

This year, schools had to follow the theme of Dylan Thomas for their gardens.

Ms Williams said: "The theme was Dylan Thomas because it is the centenary of his birth and the pupils have worked hard and found out a lot about him. We concentrated on the wildlife aspect here in the garden and everyone has been involved from our two-year-olds to the junior pupils of 11 — the little ones loved going out to water the plants. We've planted lots of flowers and we also have vegetables and are part of the grow local scheme."

The competition is sponsored by Swansea's Quadrant Shopping Centre and manager Ian Kirkpatrick visited the school to congratulate the gardeners of the future.

He said: "There is always a wonderful standard in this competition and Blaenymaes have had to be very good to hold off the challenge of Cila — both gardens were fantastic and the judges must have had a difficult time separating them. But considering that they had to overcome an attack by vandals the children here at Blaenymaes are worthy winners and we're delighted to back such a great competition – I'm hoping to pick up a few tips from them for my garden."

Leighton Evans, chairman of Swansea in Bloom, said: "It was quite a difficult theme but the standard was very high once again. I am pleased for Blaenymaes because they've struggled with being vandalised a few times. Someone donated a polytunnel for them and they had built a greenhouse out of plastic bottles and then the vandals came and smashed them. But they didn't even tell the judges about that or put it in their portfolio. We only found out after we had done the judging."

ORGANISERS of Neath's first cider and ale festival say they hope the event will be the first of many.

Hundreds of people made their way into Neath town centre yesterday to enjoy a tipple or two.

The event, which was held at the Old Town Hall, was organised by Neath Town Centre Consortium along with Neath Town Council, the chamber of trade and Neath Port Talbot Council.

Guests at the festival not only got to try a range of 25 Welsh ciders and ales but they were also treated to new secret ales made by Neath's own Real Ale pub, The Borough's Arms.

Chairwoman of Neath Town Centre Consortium Sally Rowlands said the event had gone really well.

"It's going brilliantly. We have got a good crowd here."

She said the aim of the festival was to get more visitors to Neath.

"As a consortium our primary goal is to put Neath on the map and to increase footfall in the town for the benefit of the community and for the businesses," she said.

"This is the first event the consortium has managed like this, and it is the first cider and ale festival we have had here.

"It's going really well and we hope it will be the first of many."

The event was officially opened by town mayor Alan Carter and then Peter Hain MP unveiled the new unnamed ales from The Borough's Arms.

Visitors were also kept entertained by an array of local bands.

Neath Town Council clerk Kathryn Charles said: "We are very pleased with how it is going. We hope to put on more and more events together."

She said to celebrate the festival restaurants and pubs in the town had got involved in Real Ale Trail, which saw visitors following the trail visiting various places in the town.

"It is encouraging people to go around Neath and see the town," she added.

The festival will continue from 11am to 11pm today.

Geraint Thomas meets up with a couple who chose an alternative way when it came to getting baptised...

MOST of Swansea's old chapels have baptism pools hidden away under their floorboards .

But when Cory Corbertt and Sian Collins decided to dedicate their lives to God they chose a rather more public location.

The young couple, both members of the Step by Step Church which worships out of Mynyddbach Chapel, asked for the ceremony to be carried out in the sea off Swansea beach.

Sian, aged 20, says: "The reason we wanted to get baptised in the sea is because in the beginning it was done outside - one of the first baptisms carried out on Jesus by John the Baptist in a river - and it's a gorgeous beach."

Explaining the nature of the ceremony, which sees the person immersed in water Cory, aged 24, says: "Baptism is letting everyone know that you are dedicating your life to the Lord. You can lead a Christian life but basically you need to be reborn, have your sins washed away.

"Being fully submerged under the water symbolises being dead to the world but when you come back up you are reborn."

The occasion drew a large crowd but neither Sian or Cory minded or felt self conscious..

"There is no need to be embarrassed by something that you believe in," says Sian.

Cory adds: "It was just a great feeling. I would willingly ask everyone to come and watch."

The pair, who have been a couple since meeting at Swansea's Young Singles Homeless project, have both overcome hardship in their lives before reaching a point of spiritual happiness.

Cory says: " Life hasn' t always been easy. After r the age of 16 I became homeless and went down the drugs path myself.

"All my life I knew there was something but at the age of 19 I had a daughter and soon after I went into prison. I started going to the church in the prison and learning about the Lord and realised that the feeling I had always had was the Holy Spirit working. It was great and so I chased after it.

"When I came out I had one or two slips but I have done a complete U-turn and given my life to God."

Sian, who like Cory spent part of her life living on the streets, says: When I was young I used to go to church a lot but I never really realised what it was to be a Christian until I got older and I felt like I wanted to get closer to God so I got baptised.

"Through my tough times being in foster care, I went through quite a lot growing up, but when I hit a certain age I felt like I wanted to give myself to the Lord fully. I know he has my hand and is never letting go."

Welsh celebrities from the world of television, music and sport joined Wales's leading cancer charity this week as official patrons.

Tenovus, which supports cancer patients and their families throughout Wales, welcomed weathergirl and TV presenter Sian Lloyd, world renowned harpist Catrin Finch, Ex-Wales and Lions rugby legend, Dafydd James and Welsh TV star Kai Owen to 'Team Tenovus'.

Claudia McVie, Chief Executive of Tenovus said;

"We're very excited to welcome Sian, Catrin, Dafydd and Kai to Team Tenovus.

"Having the backing of such household names in Wales helps us to tell more people about the work we're doing and how we can support people who need us most.

"We get to do all sorts of weird and wonderful things with our Patrons to help us raise money to support more cancer patients in Wales, so their role in supporting Tenovus, while very important, will also be extremely fun!"

Shamed ex-footballer Ched Evans has launched a new bid to overturn his rape conviction.

The former Sheffield United striker was jailed for five years in 2012 for raping a 19-year-old woman in a hotel.

During the trial Evans admitted having sex with her but the woman told the jury she had no memory of the incident. The prosecution argued that the woman was too drunk to consent to sexual intercourse.

Since his conviction, friends and family of the 25-year-old have campaigned tirelessly to clear his name.

A statement posted on a website set up in his name to fight his conviction said that Evans's legal representatives had completed a review of the evidence and how the case proceeded in the Crown Court.

The statement read: "In addition further investigations have been conducted... into a number of previously unexplored areas of the evidence.

"As a result, an application was today submitted to the Criminal Cases Review Commission raising serious concerns about the safety of this conviction. The application submits that the case should be sent back to the Court of Appeal on the basis that there is a real possibility that the conviction would be quashed."

Evans is due to be released from prison in October.

Police are warning youngsters across Pembrey and Burry Port about the dangers of 'tombstoning' - a craze which sees people jumping into the water from cliffs, piers and other structures.

Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police have been warning teenagers about the serious risks they face in jumping from the town's harbour into the shallow waters below.

PCSO Stephanie Maiello said: "It's very dangerous as the water isn't very deep. It's only a matter of time before someone gets hurt.

Paul Stewart, press officer for the RNLI, which is based in the harbour also issued a warning.

He said: "We would definitely not recommend this. We have had brilliant weather recently and the summer holidays are coming but there are perils associated with this.

"Aside from hitting rocks and shallow water the biggest concern is cold water shock.

"The UK's waters are around 10 or 11 degrees and this can immobilise you if you hit it quickly. Even the fittest people find themselves struggling, so we would recommend against that.

"This could also lead to drowning."

Ben Davies has left Swansea City's pre-season tour early to undergo a medical at Tottenham Hotspur.

The Swans squad are due to travel back to South Wales this evening but the 21-year-old left before his teammates to head to White Hart Lane ahead of a reported £10m move.

That deal could see Iceland midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson move in the opposite direction as part of a proposed swap.

Davies was not involved Swansea's 2-0 defeat to Minnesota United on Saturday evening.

MUMBLES kept the pressure on Bridgend at the top of the South Wales Premier League with a four-wicket win over Neath.

Batting first, Neath were dismissed for 118, opener Kieran Thomas top-scoring with 32.

Aneurin Norman and Dan Lewis-Williams claimed three wickets each, while the rest were shared between Dan Roberts, skipper Chris Nelson and Rhodri Evans.

In reply, Mumbles reached their target for the loss of six wickets as Norman again impressed, hitting 36.

Bridgend remain at the summit after they managed a thrilling one-run victory at Pontarddulais

The league leaders reached a total of 175, helped by a knock of 39 from Bradley Wadlan.

Spinner Owen Morgan was the pick of the Pontarddulais bowlers as he took three wickets from 10 overs at a cost of just 24 runs.

Pontarddulais came within a whisker of reaching Bridgend's total.

Opener David Lloyd gave them a good start by hitting 53, but no-one else was able to match that effort.

Sam Pearce claimed three Pontarddulais wickets from eight overs, Alex Jones accounted for two, while Wadlan, Nick Davies and Thomas Dalton took the others.

That left the hosts just one run short of matching Bridgend's total when Matthew Jones was run out on 26.

Port Talbot recorded a comfortable eight-wicket win away to Panteg.

Fine bowling from Lewis Jones (4-28) and Sean Griffiths (3-17) restricted Panteg to just 94 after Port Talbot opted to bowl.

Jones dismissed the top four Panteg batsmen, while Griffiths accounted for the next three. The fit-again Richard Edwards claimed two wickets and spinner Stuart Phelps the other.

And despite a slight hiccup, with both Anthony Thomas and Ian Thomas going for ducks, Port Talbot secured victory with ease.

Griffiths completed a superb individual performance with an unbeaten 61, while Dan Cherry hit 20 not out.

Struggling Swansea went down to a six-wicket defeat to Cardiff at St Helen's.

The home side looked to be in a good position after rattling up 262-5 in which Dwayne Batchelor made a century (102no) and Jonathan Hubschmid struck 91.

But Cardiff also showed fine form with the bat. Alun Thomas contributed 122 and Adam Miles made 50 to help guide Cardiff to victory on 265-4.

Hubschmid took two wickets but was expensive, going for 65 in his eight overs as Cardiff reached their target with eight overs to spare.

The defeat leaves Swansea second from bottom in the table.

In the remaining top-flight fixture, Ynysygerwn drew with Newport.

Put in to bat, Ynys made 197, with skipper Richard Grant again in fine form, top-scoring on 47. Josh Aston claimed three wickets, Harry Powell took another three, Philip Maclean two and Michael Clayden one.

Clayden struck 97 of Newport's reply of 192 as their innings finished short with just three wickets lost.

Ynys sit fifth in the table, three places ahead of Newport.

SWANSEA City slipped to a 2-0 defeat to Minnesota United in the final game of their American tour — but Garry Monk still hailed the trip a successful exercise.

The North American Soccer League spring season champions scored twice in the opening half to condemn Swansea to defeat after an opening draw with Mexican side Chivas Guadalajara.

Full-back Justin Davis put the hosts in front when he latched on to Simone Bracelello's through ball and finished through Gerhard Tremmel's legs.

Swansea pushed for an equaliser, but a Bafetimbi Gomis chip was as close as they got.

Then, just before the break, Minnesota doubled their lead as Greg Jordan collected Christian Ramirez's flick and beat Tremmel.

Monk made eight changes for the second half, but it failed to turn the tables in front of a record 9,064 crowd at the National Sports Center.

"Without taking anything away from Minnesota because they deserved the victory, our energy levels just weren't there tonight," said Monk.

"But while we always want to win because winning breeds confidence, we can't let the result detract from a very successful two weeks for the boys.

"They have worked extremely hard and the level we are at is very good because of that training. But perhaps the 90 minutes tonight was a bit too much because of the work we've been doing. I've been very hard on them and that showed.

"The key thing is that the players will feel the benefits when they return to training next week.

"I've really enjoyed the training and putting them through their paces. I've been very hard on them and enjoyed seeing them sweat.

"The boys know that if they hurt now and they get through the tough periods then they'll be fitter for it and in a better place to go into the season.

"All in all, it's been a very successful week."

Monk and Co were due back in Swansea overnight to continue pre-season preparations on British soil.

Next up is a game at Plymouth on Sunday before further friendlies against Exeter, Bournemouth, Reading and Villarreal.

They begin the new Premier League season with a trip to Manchester United on Saturday, August 16.

Aside from the tough physical conditioning the players have been through in America, Monk believes the trip has had other benefits.

"Everywhere we've gone, from the training pitches, the cities of Chicago, Milwaukee and Minnesota, we have been spreading the name," he added.

"We have grown in popularity and awareness as the two weeks have gone on and we've seen more and more Swans shirts about. It is definitely something the club should build on over here.

"So, overall it's been a very productive week for Swansea City."

Neil Taylor added: "We've worked very hard in the last two weeks and we've got out of the trip what we wanted to.

"We've tried new things tactically, and we've made progress on that.

"We will now travel back, play the five domestic friendly games and hit the ground running when we return home.

"Overall, it was a good trip for the club."