SOUTH'S WINNER MEANS PONTARDAWE MAY NOT BE HEADING SOUTH

30 April 2007

Pontardawe Town improved their chances of remaining in the top flight with a 2-1 win over Ely Rangers at Station Road. Though the Swansea Valley side trailed to a Sean Nash goal after just seven minutes, Andrew Stokes equalised in the 50th minute.

But it wasn't until six minutes into time added on that Richard South knocked in the winner after a Stuart Hoskins effort was only partially saved by goalkeeper Ashley Hart.

Goytre United cling on to the belief that they can still finish second after a 1-0 home win over Newport YMCA. The goal arrived in the 18th minute when Richard Ryan converted a penalty to move his season's tally on to 38.

In the battle for the first division title, all eyes will now be on Aberaman on Wednesday night for their home game with second-placed Pontypridd.

If Ponty fail to win, then Neath - who require just a point to lift the title for the first time - will be crowned champions without kicking a ball.

Bridgend Town sealed a 4-2 victory at Croesyceiliog, Michael Hartley (two), Raith Plant and Simon Heal their marksmen.

In the second division, Morriston came from two goals down to seal a remarkable 6-2 victory over Pontyclun at Ivor Park. It left the Dingle side still in with an outside chance of avoiding the drop, but they now move on to leaders Garw this Wednesday.

Goal braces from Kevin Melville and Gary Taylor set Morriston on a victory footing, with Leighton Connor and Paul Sweeny also on target.

Promoted Garw were held to a 2-2 home draw by Caldicot - Thomas Hopper got both goals for the Blandy side - while second-placed Cambrian & Clydach lost 2-1 at promotion rivals Betws.

It looks as if West End's promotion chances have hit the buffers after being held 2-2 by relegation-threatened Tredegar at Pryderi Park. The Townhill side were twice ahead through Neil Phillips and Ross Jones, but it wasn't enough.

Richard Howell got both goals as Briton Ferry sunk to a 4-2 defeat against Troedyrhiw at the Willows, while Ammanford went down 3-2 against Penrhiwceiber at the Glassbrook. Dean Jenkins got both goals for the Rice Roaders, who gave one of their less convincing showings of the season.

Yesterday Garden Village played out a 2-2 draw with Treharris at Stafford Common, with goal from Ashley Richards and Lee Rastatter.

Llansawel picked up a precious point in a 1-1 draw with third division pacemakers Llanwern at Cwrt Herbert.

Sawel led for much of the game after a 40th-minute goal from Gary Evans, who headed home a Michael Walsh free-kick.

Two goals from Shane Williamson carried Cwmbran Celtic to a 2-1 home victory over Seven Sisters, who hit back late on through Matthew Harris.

Lee Giles and Steve Atkinson were the Porthcawl scorers during a 2-2 draw with Llantwit Fardre at Lock's Lane.

Ystradgynlais went down 3-1 at home to improving Risca, Andrew Hopkins's side only having a Liam Soroka strike to reflect on.

Third-placed Llangeinor came late to pip Aberbargoed Buds 3-2 at Llangeinor Park. Dai Lewis gave Llan the lead from the spot but a goal double from Ross Fowler placed Buds in the driving seat. But a late equaliser for Damian Lacey's side from Lewis set up a driving finish and Ryan Jones, on dual registration from Caerau FC, got an injury-time winner.

TONY POOLE

 

NEATH HAVE TO PUT BUBBLY ON ICE

28 April 2007

Leaders Neath Athletic were last night forced to place title celebrations in the MacWhirter Welsh League division one on hold after being held to a 1-1 draw at Llandarcy Park last night. That means Andrew Dyer's side require one point from their three remaining away matches - involving Ely Rangers (May 5), Pontardawe (May 8) and Dinas Powys four days later - in order to be crowned league champions.

After a fifth-minute shot from Neath's Carl Jenkins was well saved by Ponty goalkeeper Gary Haman, all the pressure came from Ponty.

They took the lead in the 25th minute when a static defence allowed Chris Summers to drive the ball past Craig Morris from a tight angle.

However, it wasn't until the closing stages that Neath perked up and in the 77th minute, substitute Mattie Rees shot home from inside the box.

During injury time Ponty substitute Nathan Hosgood hit a post, but they were unable to relieve Neath of their 23-match unbeaten record in the league.

Meanwhile, a 38th-minute goal from Karl Lewis set up a 1-0 win for Afan Lido at Maesteg Park, also in the first division.

TONY POOLE

 

NEATH AIM TO SECURE LEAGUE TITLE

27 April 2007

Neath Athletic hope to wrap up the first division championship tonight against closest challengers Pontypridd Town at Llandarcy Park (7.30pm).Unbeaten in their last 22 league matches, Maesteg Park were the last side to lower their colours back in October at Tudor Park.

Neath are also unbeaten at home in the league this season, and took the reverse clash with Pontypridd 2-1 last month.

Neath boss Andrew Dyer is able to choose from a full squad, with Liam Hancock on dual registration from Carmarthen.

''We've worked hard all season to get into this position and, hopefully, we can seal the deal against Pontypridd.''

Tonight's other fixture sees injury-ravaged Maesteg Park at home to Afan Lido, who beat Taffs Well, 1-0, on Tuesday.

The Old Parish side have Richard Stevens, Rhys Owen and Kieran Howells all ruled out through suspension.

Third-placed Goytre United, who beat Bridgend 1-0 at Porthcawl in midweek, lost Luke Bowen after 40 minutes.

He will have a fitness test ahead of tomorrow's home game with Newport YMCA as the reigning champions look to remain on course for the runners-up spot.

In the wake of manager Dai Rees's decision to resign, Pontardawe have a swift rematch at Ely Rangers.

With Barry Town and Grange Quins already relegated and Uwic vulnerable, a victory would make Pontardawe safe for another year.

Bryntirion drew clear of the drop zone with a 2-1 midweek home victory over Caerleon, thanks to goals from Jonathan Cuss and a late winner from Lee Vick.

In the second division, Garw sealed promotion thanks to a 5-2 win at Merthyr Saints, with Dave Truan on target twice while Jamie Morris, Martin Davies and Tom Donald also scored.

Briton Ferry played out a goalless home draw with Morriston on Wednesday, and the Old Road side will be strengthened by the return of Rob Cann and Scott Kenyon at Troedyrhiw.

Garden Village came late to gain a 1-0 victory over Tredegar at Stafford Common on the back of a superb Sam Brown free-kick.

Village host Treharris on Sunday, and will be boosted by the return to squad duties of both Paul Bromage and Lee Rastatter.

Ammanford visit Penrhiwceiber tomorrow and manager Neil Rees has both Dean Jenkins and Steffan Hughes back.

West End, who still hold an outside chance of promotion, expect to be at full strength against Tredegar at Pryderi Park.

In the third division, Cwmamman's fine end-of-season form just held up during a 3-2 win over Porthcawl at Lock's Lane on Wednesday.

The Grenig Park side were in the driving seat once Michael Chapman scored on 50 minutes and Luke Rice soon after.

But the Seasiders hit back with goals from Matt Mohamed and Richie Thomas to square matters.

But, in the 89th minute, a vital touch in the box from substitute Dean Beniamous set-up the winner for teenager Andy Lewis.

Cwmamman are without a game tomorrow, while Seven Sisters visit Cwmbran Celtic ahead of four closing home games.

Lowly Llansawel - fresh from a morale-boosting 2-0 win over Chepstow at Larkfield on Tuesday - take on leaders Llanwern at Cwrt Herbert tomorrow.

Sawel will be without both David Mills and Anthony Walsh against the Steelmen, leaving just two remaining fixtures - home against AFC Porth and away to Seven Sisters.

Ystradgynlais challenge Risca in their final home game and lose schemer Nicholas Maggs to cricket with Ynysygerwn.

Nicky Watkins is suspended, having been sent off during the 2-0 loss against Aberbargoed Buds on Tuesday, while there is a fitness doubt surrounding Lance Davies.

But manager Andrew Hopkins hopes to have back top scorer Craig Hopkins, Robbie Daniels and Jonathan Griffiths.

Promotion-seeking Llangeinor gained a 1-1 midweek draw at Llantwit Fardre with Mattie Jones equalising on the hour for Damian Lacey's side.

The Bridgend village side are home to Aberbargoed Buds tomorrow.

TONY POOLE

GOYTRE KEEP RUNNERS-UP SPOT IN THEIR SIGHTS

26 April 2007

Goytre United maintained a challenge for runners-up spot in the MacWhirter Welsh League division one with a 1-0 win over Bridgend Town at Lock's Lane in Porthcawl. The Port Talbot side's top scorer, Richard Ryan, failed to hit the target a few times before Bridgend's Raith Plant missed a sitter on 55 minutes.

The issue was settled in the 66th minute when Ryan played in captain Darren Lyons, who smashed the ball past ex-Goytre keeper Leon Cosker.

Pontardawe Town defeated relegated Barry Town 4-0 at Maesteg Park to remain clear of the four-strong drop zone.

Richard Cleverly shot Ponty ahead early on, with a Steven Cox penalty and a strike from Paul Dickie making it 3-0 at the break.

Dickie struck again in the 55th minute ahead of Saturday's swift rematch at Ely Rangers.

An 86th-minute winner from player-manager Phil Holmes set up a 1-0 victory for Afan Lido over Taffs Well at the Marston Stadium.

In the third division, Llansawel boosted their survival hopes in winning the basement battle 2-0 at Chepstow.

Craig Catterson broke the deadlock on the hour, while Andrew Cann sealed victory 15 minutes later.

There was further good news for Llansawel as bottom-placed AFC Porth lost at home 3-1 to Goytre FC.

TONY POOLE

 

MACWHIRTER RENEW DEAL

26 April 2007

Long-established air conditioning company MacWhirter have renewed its sponsorship of the Welsh Football League for season 2007-08.The company will again be the league's main sponsor and the league will continue to be known as the MacWhirter Welsh League.

MacWhirter will also continue to sponsor the MacWhirter Youth Division Cup for a third season.

League secretary Ken Tucker said: ''The Welsh Football League is delighted that MacWhirter has agreed to continue as the league's main sponsor and again sponsor the League's Youth Division Cup.

''MacWhirter is a well-established company in the field of air conditioning and is well known and respected for its sponsorship and support of youth football over many years.

''We thank the company for this continued sponsorship, which will greatly benefit the league.''

REES QUITS AS PONTY BOSS AFTER REF ROW

24 April 2007

David Rees has stood down as manager of MacWhirter Welsh League division one club Pontardawe Town, citing the unacceptable standard of match officials.The former Port Talbot Town and Afan Lido chief departed after Saturday's 1-1 home draw with Ely Rangers.

He was sent from the dug-out just three minutes into the game for calling a decision rubbish.

The club have issued a statement backing his decision, and will advertise for a new manager at season's end.

''He's had one or two run-ins with officials this season over wrong decisions and recently overstepped the mark against Pontypridd,'' read the statement.

''But having been sent from the dug-out after just three minutes on Saturday, he now feels there's a witch-hunt against him.

''He didn't swear, wasn't aggressive and claims he was told by the referee that he wasn't allowed to question decisions.

''It's disappointing, but as a club we would like to thank him for all his hard work.

''His sole target was to keep us in the top flight, and the boys are determined to finish the job.''

TONY POOLE

PONTY'S SURVIVAL HOPES BOOSTED

21 April 2007

Pontardawe Town improved their chances of avoiding the drop in MacWhirter Welsh League division one with a 2-1 victory over Dinas Powys at the Recreation Ground. Andrew Stokes sent Ponty into a 10th-minute lead and early in the second half he was brought down in the box. Steven Cox converted the penalty, but it wasn't long before Paul Carro dragged the Cardiff side back into contention.

However, Ponty hung on and go one place above the drop zone.

In the second division, Briton Ferry's winning streak came to an end in a 2-0 defeat against leaders Garw at Blandy.

The Old Road side carved out some decent chances during a goalless opening half, but the game was up for them once Jamie Morris and Tom Donald both scored midway through the second half.

Betws, who are involved in a three-way battle with Caldicot and West End for the third promotion spot, were held to a goalless home draw by Merthyr Saints.

Ex-Swansea City player Damian Lacey was sent off along with Llangeinor colleague Lloyd Griffiths during a 2-0 defeat in the third division at Cwmbran Celtic. A 15th-minute goal from Joe Carlos and a late strike from Shane Williamson set up the Cwmbran victory, resulting in them leapfrogging Llangeinor into third spot.

TONY POOLE

STOKES EARNS A POINT

19 April 2007 

First division strugglers Pontardawe Town picked up a valuable MacWhirter Welsh League point in a 1-1 draw with Newport YMCA at Mendalgief Road. Andrew Stokes fired Pontardawe ahead in the 20th minute with Lewis Sommers getting the equaliser midway through the second half.

In the third division, improving Cwmamman made it five wins on the trot with an emphatic 5-0 victory over Llansawel at Grenig Park.

Dean Rosselli knocked in a hat-trick while Michael Chapman struck twice, leaving Sawel facing the prospect of an immediate return to the Neath League.

Seven Sisters took the derby clash against Ystradgynlais at Ynyscedwyn Road, 3-0, to moreorless guarantee safety.

Tommy Todd gave them an early lead with Richard Herdman heading home in the 55th minute.

Rob Shannon sealed victory on 70 minutes while Ystrad had Tom Jones sent off during the closing stages.
 

WATERS RUNS IN LATE STRIKE TO SINK TON PENTRE

16 April 2007

Michael Waters struck four times as Goytre United came late to win a seven-goal thriller against Ton Pentre. It lifted the Port Talbot side above the Bulldogs into third spot, 12 points behind leaders Neath with a game in hand.

Goals from Andrew Mainwaring, Kristian Orchard and Paul Evans kept Ton in the hunt, but Waters completed a hat-trick inside 35 minutes, before firing home the all-important fourth two minutes from time.

Table-topping Neath marched on with a 4-0 home victory over relegation-threatened Ely Rangers.

Carl Shaw shot them ahead inside five minutes with second-half goals from Steve Evans, Lee Bevan and substitute Chris Miller completing a comfortable victory.

Afan Lido went fifth on the strength of a 3-1 victory over Newport YMCA. Faris Yafia rubbed out an early Lido strike from Chris Piper while a 30th-minute header from Liam McCreesh allowed the Seasiders to retake the lead. But they didn't seal victory until the 94th minute when Stephen Parry lobbed Kevin Blackburn.

Despite setting up ample chances against Croesyceiliog, it wasn't to be for Pontardawe who lost 2-0. A late smash and grab raid by Croesy through Mike Dewar and Mark Morris earned them the points.

Maesteg Park scored first through Robbie Walters at Caerleon only to go down to a 7-1 defeat at Cold Bath Road.

Luke Cueto got a hat-trick, Ben Davies scored twice with single strikes going to Matt Hearne and Chris Pearce.

In the second division, West End remain promotion outsiders after coming from two goals down to beat Cardiff Corries 3-2. A goal double from Danny Kavanagh dragged them back into contention with Darren Griffiths knocking in a late winner.

Ammanford did West End a good turn in taking points of Betws during a 2-2 stalemate at the Recreation Ground.

Richard Ready fired the Bridgend side in front a Marc Simmonds own-goal along with a Steffan Hughes strike sent the Rice Roaders in with a 2-1 lead. But on the hour mark, Betws drew level with another Ready strike.

Rob Cann celebrated a return to the Briton Ferry side in registering a hat-trick during a 3-3 home draw with Caerau Ely.

Garden Village defeated Penrhiwceiber 4-1 at Stafford Common to maintain a late-season climb up the table. Soon after Dave Rimmer gave Village a third-minute lead from the penalty spot, the Cynon Valley side equalised.

An Ashley Richards header took the home side back ahead with Steve Evans and Richards getting second-half goals.

Garw remain top after beating Tredegar 3-0 at Blandy thanks to goals from Dave Truan, Jamie Morris (pen) and Tom Donald.

In the third division, Cwmamman leaders Llanwern 3-1. Michael Chapman and Mark Carlyle both scored before the break with Dean Rosselli taking them three clear on the hour.

Llansawel plunged deeper into relegation trouble after losing 3-0 at Risca, and Porthcawl are now fighting for their lives after going down 2-0 at Ystradgynlais. Craig Hopkins got a goal in each half for Ystrad to advance his seasonal goal tally on to the 27-mark.

Although leaders Llangeinor weren't at their best, they still emerged with a 2-1 home victory over Goytre FC.

Young Jonathan Quigley and Thomas Marlow got the goals for Damian Lacey's side with Steve Collett responding.

TONY POOLE

LIDO SET TO SEEK EURO LICENCE

14 April 2007

Welsh Cup finalists Afan Lido may become the first Welsh club to apply for a special licence to participate in Uefa club competition. Lido face Carmarthen Town in the Welsh Cup final at Stebonheath Park next month and would become the first team outside of the Welsh Premier League to earn qualification into Europe.

Since the inception of club licensing in the 2003-04 season, all Welsh Premier League clubs have undergone an annual process with a view to gaining a Uefa licence, which is a pre-requisite for participation in Europe.

The club licensing manual takes into consideration the scenario that has come about with Lido qualifying for the final and, should they lift the cup on May 6, they will have the right to play in the Uefa Cup qualifying round if they meet the special licence criteria.

The FAW manual states: "If a club qualifies for a Uefa competition based on its sporting results that has not gone through the FAW licensing process, because it is not a member of the Welsh Premier League, the FAW may request the extraordinary application of the licensing system.

"This club could be a winner or runner-up in the Welsh Cup competition, but normally playing in a league not subject to the FAW licensing requirements.

"As a precautionary measure, the FAW will notify the Uefa administration in writing by April 15, 2007, at the latest of the possibility of such extraordinary application, stating the name of the club concerned.

"The Uefa administration will then consult the FAW and as a precautionary measure, establish the procedure or applying the national icensing system in the case concerned. In particular, an immediate action must be taken with regard to the club in question.

"If the club ultimately qualifies for the Uefa competition on the basis of its sporting results, it must submit a request to Uefa, via the FAW for the extraordinary application of the licensing system if it wishes to compete in the competition in question.

''The Uefa administration will establish the minimum criteria for the club concerned as well as the necessary time frames.

For this purpose, Uefa will take into account the requirements of the FAW licensing system for Welsh Premier League clubs, as well as the status of the club in question.

''It is the responsibility of the FAW to examine these criteria and notify Uefa of the outcome. If the club provides the necessary documentary proof and fulfils the requirements established within the stipulated deadline, it will be admitted to the Uefa club competition in question on an exceptional basis and without a national licence, but with special permission from Uefa."

In the three years of club licensing, only three clubs out of the 52 Uefa member nations have played in Uefa competition with a special licence.

The most notable is English side Millwall, when they qualified for the Uefa Cup in 2004-05 season as runners-up in the FA Cup to Manchester United, who had already qualified for the Champions League.

All other clubs in the Principality Welsh Premier League were assessed for their club licence last week at an independent meeting in Cardiff.

TONY POOLE

NEATH OPEN UP GAP AT TOP AGAIN

13 April 2007

Neath Athletic's 5-0 win over Caerleon at Llandarcy Park restored their six-point gap at the top of the first division, and they have a game in hand over closest challengers Pontypridd. Andy Hill struck four times and Carl Shaw once, while Caerleon duo Chris Pearce and Ben Davies both missed penalties.

Hill opened the scoring after just 40 seconds and, although Caerleon created plenty of chances, they trailed 2-0 at half-time.

Neath are at home again tomorrow hosting relegation-threatened Ely Rangers, but Liam Hancock is likely to return to Carmarthen Town.

Goytre maintained their title challenge thanks to a 3-0 success at Dinas Powys, with top-scorer Richard Ryan netting twice and Darren Lyons also on target.

Tomorrow Goytre have home advantage over Ton Pentre, who are also lasting the pace in the title race.

Afan Lido, who handed a debut to 16-year-old goalkeeper Rory McCreesh, went down to a 2-1 defeat at Croesyceiliog.

Though Ian Jones gave the Seasiders the lead, goals from Chris Pritchard and Paul Belski secured the points for Croesyceiliog.

Lido host Newport YMCA tomorrow, with Maesteg Park heading for Caerleon.

The Old Parish side gained a slender 1-0 home win over relegation- threatened Grange Quins in midweek, with Robbie Walters striking in the 22nd minute.

Pontardawe Town hope to have both Steven Cox and Luke Rees back for their clash at home to Croesyceiliog, but there are fitness doubts surrounding both Steve Davies (dead leg) and Stuart Hoskins (ankle).

However, Bridgend did Pontardawe a good turn in winning 1-0 at fellow strugglers Uwic, with Raith Plant scoring on the hour.

In the second division, Ammanford will be at full strength for their showdown with Betws at the Recreation Ground.

The Rice Roaders were the last side to beat Betws in the league, triumphing 3-2 at the North Site on December 23.

Garden Village and Briton Ferry played out a 2-2 draw at Stafford Common in midweek.

Dan McGrath gave Ferry the lead but they went 2-1 down - Cameron Hopkins and Ashley Richards were the Village marksmen - before Richard Howell equalised late on.

Ferry entertain Caerau Ely tomorrow, while Village host Penrhiwceiber.

Ricky Hayden celebrated a senior debut for West End by converting a penalty as they beat Morriston 4-1 at Pryderi.

Wayne Jones, Danny Kavanagh and Carl Mainwaring were the other West End scorers, as they went 4-0 up, before Rob Isles netted Morriston's consolation goal.

West End will still be without suspended top-scorer Neil Phillips against Cardiff Corries at the Riverside tomorrow. Morriston are without a fixture.

Cwmamman pulled off an important 3-0 win over Chepstow at Larkfield on Wednesday to climb out of the drop zone.

First-half goals from Michael Chapman and Mark Carlyle (penalty) set up the winning platform, with Roy Tomlinson rounding off a key victory thanks to a 68th-minute strike.

The Grenig Park side add top-scorer Stephen Williams to their squad for tomorrow's home game with leaders Llanwern.

Lowly Llansawel, who visit Risca, are boosted by the return of Scott Mahon from suspension.

Three other experienced campaigners, David Mills, Dan Triggs and Richard Weller also return as the Cwrt Herbert side chase survival points.

Ystradgynlais welcome Porthcawl to Ynyscedwyn Road and manager Andrew Hopkins is hoping Dave Miller will make a delayed return.

But Ystrad lose Robbie Daniels to suspension, while a twisted ankle troubles Ioan King.

The Seasiders will be without Marc McKee, who was sent off during their 5-1 defeat at Pentwyn Dynamos last Saturday.

TONY POOLE

HIT BY A LATE STRIKE

12 April 2007

Pontardawe Town fell to a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat against title-chasing Pontypridd Town in the MacWhirter Welsh League division one at the Recreation Ground. Steve Davies shot Pontardawe ahead in the 29th minute but straight from the restart, Geza Hajgato scored against his former club. It remained 1-1 until the 91st minute when Pontypridd grabbed a late winner from Andrew Hughes.

IT'S MILLER-TIME FOR NEATH'S TITLE HOPES

 09 April 2007

Chris Miller got the vital goal as first-division leaders Neath Athletic grinded out a 1-0 victory at Croesyceiliog.

Miller struck in the 68th-minute to give the Llandarcy Park side the points, and they now head closest challengers Pontypridd by six points with a game in hand.

Pontypridd dropped points in a topsy-turvy clash with Afan Lido at the Marston Stadium that ended 3-3.

Early goals from Craig Jones and Paul Evans placed Lido in the driving seat, but by the 80th-minute they were 3-2 in arrears.

Mike Jones and Geza Hajgato made it 2-2 at the break with Tom Billings sending Ponty ahead. But substitute Chris Latham equalised on 85 minutes.

Goytre United went on the rampage against relegation-threatened Ely Rangers, running out 7-3 winners.

Richard Ryan moved his seasonal goal tally onto the 33-mark with a hat-trick while Michael Chaves, Paul Lenihan, Andrew Pearson and Jeremy Chandler were also on target.

But Ely's Nicholas Hooper also knocked in a hat-trick.

A controversial penalty prevented Pontardawe Town carding victory over Barry Town in a 1-1 stalemate at Jenner Park. Craig Reddy obliged from the spot on the half-hour mark with Jamie Bowen squaring matters midway through the second half.

Despite dominating for long periods, Maesteg Park were also held to a 1-1 draw by Uwic at Cyncoed.

Robbie Walters gave the Old Parish side the lead in the 65th minute with Chris Hardwicke equalising late on.

The surprise result of the day in the second division came at Stafford Common with Garden Village toppling former leaders Garw 1-0.

The goal arrived in the 20th minute with Garw goalkeeper John Chorley failing to cope with an effort from Ashley Richards.

Improving Briton Ferry made it five wins on the trot courtesy of a 1-0 win over Penrhiwceiber at Old Road.

The goal that separated the sides came in the 80th minute with Daniel Thomas converting a free kick.

West End came from two goals down to gain an emphatic 6-2 victory over Caerau Ely at Cwrt-yr-Ala.

Carl Smitham and Wayne Jones dragged the Pryderi boys back on terms by half-time with goals from Wayne Jones and Richard Jones making it 4-2.

And during the closing stages, recent Neath Athletic import Jock Fairbairn struck twice to enhance the victory margin.

Ammanford gained an excellent 3-2 victory over Pontyclun at Ivor Park with Dean Jenkins striking twice and Luke Fayers also on target.

And Morriston kept their survival chances alive with a 2-1 victory at Treharris.

Having won by a similar scoreline at Merthyr Saints three days earlier, first-half goals from Gary Taylor and Dave Cann did the trick for the Dingle men.

In the third division, Cwmamman hauled themselves off the bottom with a 2-0 home victory over Goytre FC.

Cwm dominated the early exchanges and after Stephen Williams gave them the lead, teenager Andrew Lewis got the killer second goal in the 35th minute.

Two first-half goals from Barry Herdman took Seven Sisters clear only for Llantwit Fardre to hit back and take the spoils 3-2.

Ystradgynlais were held to a 2-2 home draw by AFC Porth, who nevertheless hit the bottom.

Ystrad, who trailed 1-0 at the break, went ahead through goals from substitute Michael Whapham and Craig Hopkins only to concede late.

Gareth Evans got a consolation goal for Llansawel, who sunk into deeper relegation trouble following a 6-1 defeat at promotion-chasing Llangeinor.

Mattie Jones and substitute Carl Gardiner both bagged goal braces for Damian Lacey's side with Dai Lewis and a Gareth Evans own goal accounting for the remainder.

TONY POOLE

NEATH LOOK TO LIDO TO GIVE A BIT OF SUPPORT

06 April 2007

Welsh Cup finalists Afan Lido could do first division leaders Neath a good turn if they take points off second placed Pontypridd at the Marston Stadium tomorrow. A 1-1 draw at Newport YMCA in midweek formed the latest setback to their league aspirations, but they will be boosted by the return of player-manager Paul Evans, John Felton, Karl Lewis and Shaun O'Leary against Ponty.

Neath boss Andrew Dyer only has long-term injury victim Chris Vardon out for the trip to Croesyceiliog with the Llandarcy Park side looking to stretch an unbeaten league run to 18 games.

Goytre United hope John Meacock has recovered from illness, and will face Ely Rangers at Glenhafod Park. Defender Ian Morgan, who missed the 1-0 cup semi-final victory over second division Betws in Maesteg on Tuesday, is rated doubtful through a calf injury.

Few changes are envisaged in the Maesteg Park team at Uwic, while Pontardawe scrap for survival points at Barry Town.

However, Pontardawe boss Dai Rees has re-signed striker Jamie Bowen from Carmarthenshire League side Seaside, and he goes straight into the squad.

They are also boosted by the return of both Richard Cleverly and Richard South.

In the second division, West End give a second run out to former Neath Athletic defender Jock Fairbairn at Caerau Ely.

Fairbairn made his debut during last week's 3-2 home win over Treharris, and the squad is also boosted by the return from suspension of both Alex Davies and Rory Smitham.

Improving Briton Ferry have Ross Morgan in their squad for the home game with struggling Penrhiwceiber while Carl Harris returns.

Garden Village host leaders Garw, and manager Bob Lloyd has both Sam Brown and Cameron Hopkins available.

Difficult away assignments face Ammanford and Morriston at Pontyclun and Treharris respectively. The Rice Roaders hope to have Richard Lewis fit.

Morriston came from a goal down to collect a 2-1 victory over Merthyr Saints at Penydarren Park on Wednesday. Former Swansea City player Jonathan Coates equalised with Dave Rowe notching the winner.

All eyes in the third division focus on Cwmamman, and their home meeting with Monmouthshire side Goytre FC.

Cwm boss Michael Ellery was delighted with Tuesday's 3-2 win at Llantwit Fardre, and is hoping the result proves the turning point in a troubled season.

Llansawel will do well to get anything out of their trip to third-placed Llangeinor.

Having lost 5-1 at Ystradgynlais in midweek, the Cwrt Herbert side still has key performer Scott Mahon suspended while Dave Mills has returned to Scotland. Resources have been increased with the signing of midfielder Lee Dennis from Pontardawe.

Llangeinor enhanced promotion chances in midweek with a 2-0 win at Goytre FC - Tom Marlow and top scorer Dai Lewis (penalty) scored for Damian Lacey's side.

Porthcawl remain in relegation trouble after losing 5-0 at Llanwern in midweek with Steve Perszewski knocking in a hat-trick while Matt Currie and Richard Shier were also on target.

Seven Sisters hope the return from suspension of Matthew Harris, Nicky Moore and Huw Pascoe will improve their chances at Llantwit Fardre.

Ystradgynlais take on lowly AFC Porth at Ynyscedwyn Road. Ynysygerwn cricketer Jonathan Hubschmid takes over from unavailable Carl Davies in goal, but there is a question mark against Darren Langford, who has a twisted ankle. Dave Miller is expected to return, having missed out of late through family commitments.

TONY POOLE

TURNER STRIKE SEES GOYTRE THROUGH

05 April 2007

Goytre United defeated Betws 1-0 at Maesteg Park to set up a derby clash with Afan Lido in the Shamrock Travel Cup final on May 14.In a low-key semi-final, the issue was settled on the hour when Ian Turner netted.

In the MacWhirter Welsh League division one, Afan Lido were held to a 1-1 draw at Newport YMCA.

Chris Piper gave the Seasiders the lead after a quarter of an hour with Aaron Stewart equalising 20 minutes on.

In the third division, Cwmamman came from 2-0 down to gain a morale-boosting 3-2 victory at Llantwit Fardre.

Goals from Ryan Prosser and Greg Perrott had the Pontypridd side in the ascendancy, but Cwmamman stormed back to take the spoils on the back of goals from Stephen Williams (penalty), Michael Chapman and Michael Hodges.

But Llansawel sunk into deeper relegation trouble after losing 5-1 at Ystradgynlais with Craig Hopkins knocking in a hat-trick.

Nicky Maggs and Andrew Miller were also on target for Ystrad, who led 2-0 at the break, with Andrew Cann getting the Sawel goal.

TONY POOLE

GOYTRE MISS CHANCE TO PLAY CATCH-UP

02 April 2007

Third-placed Goytre United failed to close in on leaders Neath Athletic and Pontypridd after being held to a 1-1 draw at Taffs Well. Darren Lyons headed the Port Talbot side back on terms in the 67th minute ahead of tomorrow night's Shamrock Travel Cup semi-final showdown with Betws at Maesteg Park (7pm).

In the battle to remain in the top flight, Pontardawe went down to a 3-1 defeat against Bridgend at the Recreation Ground.

Pontardawe leaked first-half goals to Sam Small and Scott Hillman with Drew Fahiya making it 3-0 on the hour.

It was only then that Dai Rees's side started playing, and they mustered a late consolation goal from Luke Michael.

A goal double from Nathan White in a 2-1 home win over out-of-sorts Bryntirion dragged Grange Quins closer to Pontardawe.

Maesteg Park came late to take the spoils 4-3 against Aberaman at Tudor Park.

Two goals from Lee O'Brien had Maesteg in the ascendancy with Gareth Davies making it 3-1 on the hour. However, goals from Paul Dawes, a Gareth Scantlebury own-goal and Ceri Harding made it 3-3 going into injury time. In the final move, Chris Lee played in top scorer Robbie Walters, who rode challenges to collect a 19th goal of the season.

In the second division, West End beat Treharris 3-2 at Pryderi Park only to find the other promotion candidates had also been successful.

Wayne Jones shot the Townhill side into an early lead with Carl Mainwaring on target just after the break.

But Treharris hit back to even things up on 2-2 only for Wayne Jones to hit a fine 82nd-minute winner.

Unpredictable Ammanford came up with a 1-0 home win over Troedyrhiw with goalkeeper Richie Walton earning his salt.

Walton produced a masterly penalty save to deny Richie Collins on 65 minutes and the Rice Roaders went on to claim the points.

They won a 78th-minute free-kick that Lee Stone fired through a crowded penalty area, and went in at the far post.

Improving Briton Ferry once more produced the goods, triumphing 3-0 over Morriston at the Dingle.

Keith Phillips shot Ferry in front in the 20th minute while his persistence and that of Richard Evans set up an excellent strike for Daniel Thomas.

They sealed victory midway through the second half with Ross Howells setting up Richard Evans's goals.

Garden Village came from 2-0 down after 20 minutes to record a 2-2 draw at Tredegar.

A first-half injury goal from Gary Davies threw Village a lifeline, and it was close to time when Lee Rastatter nodded in a quality free-kick from goalkeeper Matt Martin.

Garw retained leadership on the back of a 4-0 success over Pontyclun at Blandy with two goals from Jamie Morris along with strikes from Sam Bradburn and Dave Truan.

Towards the foot of the third division, Llansawel and Cwmamman both went down to defeats.

Llansawel put up a better show than a 5-2 scoreline suggested at new leaders Llanwern. The Steelmen went 3-0 up after 25 minutes, but two goals from Layton Thomas dragged Sawel back into contention.

And with the score on 3-2 in the 58th minute, Daniel Triggs missed a penalty after Andrew Cann was tripped in the box.

Cwmamman lost 1-0 to a Jeff Eckhardt goal at Risca while the derby clash between Seven Sisters and Ystradgynlais ended 2-2.

Dave Miller gave Ystrad the lead in the 55th minute, but Seven players Jonathan Douglas and Tommy Todd went on to get first goals for the club.

Both converted free headers, but Nicky Maggs then netted late on to earn Ystrad a point.

A late Steve Payne goal in a 1-0 home defeat against promotion candidates Cwmbran Celtic mugged Porthcawl.

Another promotion-seeking club, Llangeinor, came from a goal down to beat Newcastle Emlyn, 2-1, at Llangeinor Park.

Thomas Marlow got the equaliser and Jonathan Quigley knocked in a 78th-minute winner.

TONY POOLE 

BRILLIANT LIDO SPOT ON

02 April 2007

It was the glorious day of the underdog as Afan Lido wrote a new chapter in their history with a dramatic Welsh Cup semi-final penalty shoot-out victory over Welshpool at Aberystwyth. There surely has never been a more dramatic finale to a Welsh Cup semi-final as it took 18 heart-stopping penalties to decide the issue before Lido triumphed 7-6.

The tension was intense during the 90 minutes, with the sides locked at 1-1, and nerves were even more edgy in the added 30 minutes.

But the drama that unfolded in the shoot-out was something else for the supporters of both sides.

Then Karl Lewis slotted home penalty No. 17, leaving keeper Brian Thomas to send Lido's supporters into delirium with a fine save from Welshpool substitute Aaron Stokoe.

For Lido, a club that has suffered under the shadow of local rivals Port Talbot in recent years, this is a memorable moment.

Joint supremos Phil Holmes and Paul Evans have done a magnificent job in reviving the fortunes of the club since they were relegated from the Welsh Premier two seasons ago.

But, it was an especially proud and even emotional day for club founder Phil Robinson who is still very much the heartbeat of the Princess Margaret Way club.

It is just a pity that the cup run has impacted upon Lido's promotion prospects and Welsh Premier football may have to wait another year for Holmes's men.

Holmes was thrilled with his side's triumph. ''This is an absolutely fantastic result for us and the boys were superb in every department,'' he said.

''Make no mistake we deserved to win over 90 minutes and after 120, but I have to salute the penalty takers and our keeper Brian (Thomas) who was magnificent.

''Before penalties started, he told the boys 'You do your job and I'll do mine.' He certainly did that.''

Holmes, who introduced himself as a substitute, admitted he was fearing the penalty shoot-out would eventually force him to the spot.

''I was penalty taker No. 12. The last time I took a penalty, they are still looking for the ball,'' he quipped.

On chances, possession and territory, Lido won hands down, but Holmes pinpointed an important difference in the Welsh Premier as opposed to the Welsh League.

''Welshpool had two chances and took one, while we had five or six opportunities before we sealed ours.

''They put bodies behind the ball which made it difficult for us but the character and spirit of my players was superb.

''We had two of our back three missing today but Karl Lewis, Craig Martin and my assistant Paul Evans did a magnificent job for us.''

Lido's boss admitted his side's league form had dipped after they beat Port Talbot 1-0 in the quarter-final.

''It did cost us, but the Welsh Cup is hugely important to us financially and the final will be a fantastic occasion for everyone connected with the club.''

Lido are now guaranteed at least £15,000 for runners-up in the competition, and the winners of what will now be an all South West Wales final will scoop a whopping £25,000.

''For a club like ours that's a huge amount of money,'' Holmes admitted.

Welshpool drew first blood in the 27th minute, Aiden Shannon given too much space down the left flank, beating Thomas with a crisp drive.

It should have been 2-0 in the 65th minute, Steve Rogers blasting wide for the penalty spot after Craig Jones was alleged to have handled in the box.

Six minutes later it was all square when Steve Parry unleashed a fierce free kick from the edge of the box which flew past Gerard McGuigan.

For the record, Ian Jones, Liam McCreesh, Shaun O'Leary, Craig Martin, Craig Hurley, Steve Parry and Karl Lewis were the successful penalty takers with John Felton and Paul Evans seeing their efforts saved