FOURTH CONSECUTIVE WIN FOR SKEWEN

30 August 2004

Skewen Athletic maintained an unbeaten start to the season with a 1-0 victory over Goytre Utd at Glenhafod Park. The match of the day in the first division was ultimately settled on a 75th-minute incident in the penalty area when Goytre defender Phil Holmes allegedly elbowed Skewen striker Andy Hill in the mouth.

Holmes was dismissed, and Hill got the better of home goalkeeper Gareth Scantlebury for his fifth goal of the season with the subsequent penalty.

Hill was then forced to leave the field with a dead leg after he was felled in the 87th minute by John Meacock, who was also sent off as Goytre finished with just nine men.

Skewen moved up into second place thanks to that fourth straight win, with Grange Quins taking over leadership from Ton Pentre.

Grange were twice forced to come from behind against Briton Ferry at Old Road before claiming a 3-2 success.

Gavin Guy opened the scoring direct from a free kick, with Quins levelling via a penalty from Leon Jeanne after another ex-Cardiff City man, Kurt Nogan, had been brought down in the box.

However, on the resumption Steven Cox sent Ferry back ahead from another Guy free kick, only for ex-Maesteg Park player Brian Showdry to once more restore parity.

But 10 minutes from time Grange mustered a winning goal, which shot them to the top.

Bridgend Town heaped more misery on Garw, winning 2-0 at Blandy Park.

Ben Bannon gave Bridgend a first-minute lead, but it wasn't until a minute from time that they made things safe when ex-Goytre forward Steve Hughes was on target.

Once again a first division match was called off owing to a player shortage caused by a social event.

This time around Gwynfi Utd had to pull out of their intended fixture against Caerleon at Cold Bath Road, and the league management committee are next month set to come down hard on further incidents of this nature.

In the second division, Ammanford gained a deserved 3-1 over high-flying Bryntirion Athletic at Rice Road.

The Carmarthenshire side are building a reputation for destroying some of the big guns in the division, having shot down Tredegar 2-1 on the opening day of the season.

Ex-Trostre striker Nathan Jones sent Ammanford in with a 1-0 half-time lead, while Paul Hughes netted on the end of Terrance Ward flick on early in the second half.

The game was all up for the Bridgend side once Hughes got his second, and by the time Ceri Thomas pulled one back, Ammanford were already toasting another fine win.

Garden Village were bitterly disappointed to leave Spytty Park with only a point, having been held 1-1 by Llanwern.

In a scrappy encounter, Jamie Evans gave the visitors the lead, and it wasn't until five minutes into time added on for stoppages that the Steelmen came up with an equaliser.

In a game of few chances, Morriston were held to 0-0 against Merthyr Saints at the Dingle.

Morriston's best chance came near the end when a defensive blunder let in Paul Edwards, but he flashed a shot just wide of goal.

This was the fifth successive home match for Morriston, who show a seven-point return.

Seven Sisters turned in a lacklustre display during a 3-2 defeat at Tillery.

The Dulais Valley side created a cluster of early chances and it was against the run of play when Tillery went ahead.

Seven were dragged back on terms by a Lee Sullivan penalty, only to trail 2-1 at the break.

Tillery scored again in the 84th minute, and although Seven's experienced striker Nigel Westall pulled one back, it wasn't to be.

In the third division, Cwmaman surrendered their unbeaten record with a 3-1 defeat by Llantwit Fardre at Central Park.

The damage was done either side of half-time when Llantwit got all three goals, and by the time Niall Davies netted the game was over.

Ystradgynlais gained a second draw in the space of four days, playing out a 1-1 stalemate at Gwent side Goytre.

Having picked up a first league point in a 3-3 draw at Troedyrhiw, the Swansea Valley side fell behind to a contentious 27th-minute penalty.

But Ystrad regrouped in the second half and in the 65th minute Liam Soroka set up an equaliser for top scorer Craig Hopkins.

 

CHANGING TIMES IN LEAGUE SHAKE-UP

28 August 2004

The first portion of an arduous season has come to an end with the completion of the summer midweek matches. Some clubs have now completed five fixtures, while others like Maesteg Park have played just twice.

The Llynfi Valley side were without a game today, as were three other top-flight clubs, but none was prepared to take on Maesteg.

Older followers - who in the past would have turned up and played for nothing at anytime and any place - find it hard to contemplate that any player would wish to be restricted to the sidelines on a Bank Holiday weekend.

But family demands have changed since the post-war years, as have leisure pursuits, and clubs have to accept that social changes have changed the face of football at this level.

That was very much the case last weekend when Garw pulled out of their first division clash with Skewen.

The game at Tennant Park coincided with the stag weekend of midfield ace Rhys John in Blackpool, and Blandy colleagues of the Reading-based fireman set the seaside town alight.

In the old days a stag night would have been the norm, but that has now generally been extended to a weekend session.

The early rounds of matches in August are often taken with a pinch of a salt as sides attempt to overcome a combination of holidays, cricket, injuries and players swapping clubs.

It isn't until the autumn that things settle down and patterns are really established.

After this afternoon's league programme, the majority of teams face two weekends of cup football.

A week today is the first round of the league's Shamrock Travel Cup, while the weekend after sees the launch of the Welsh Cup.

What has taken everyone by surprise over the last week is the back-to-back defeats suffered by fallen giants Barry Town.

It was assumed that the Dragons would roar back to the Welsh Premiership at the first attempt - ?? la Llanelli last term - but that might not be the case.

Both Briton Ferry and former champions Betws have shattered the myth that they would be hard to beat.

Ferry raised some eyebrows last Saturday when they triumphed 2-1 at Jenner Park, but Betws then toppled Barry by the same score in midweek.

Goals either side of half-time by Gavin Guy and Michael Groves set up the Ferry win, with goalkeeper Chris Curtis keeping out a Morgan Harris penalty in the 70th minute.

Young Curtis, who keeps wicket for Ynysygerwn in the South Wales Association, is regarded as one of the best penalty stoppers in the league.

"If I was taking a penalty, then I wouldn't want to face Chris Curtis," said Briton Ferry chief Steve Price.

"His penalty save against Barry was fantastic, and overall our performance was exceptional, especially as nobody gave us a chance against them.''

But as so often happens, Ferry were brought back down to earth with a bump in midweek when losing 2-0 against Bridgend Town at Old Road.

Ferry dominated the early exchanges and both Danny Thomas and Michael Groves should have converted good early chances.

Bridgend were on a damage limitation brief from an early stage, and it came as a huge surprise when ex-Tredegar frontman Ben Bannon shot them ahead in the 32nd minute.

That represented Bridgend's first raid, while a looping 55th-minute header from captain Mattie Williams confirmed what turned out to be an easy win.

What was alarming was the way Ferry capitulated, and during the second half Bridgend goalkeeper Brendan Cropley was given an armchair ride.

The Coychurch Road side were no great shakes, but they did play as a team and in the end deserved victory.

Today's encounter between Goytre Utd and Skewen was the match of the day in the top tier as these two sides look the best bet among the South West Wales contingent to spark a championship challenge.

Goytre, who won first time out at Gwynfi, maintained an unbeaten start to the season with a 2-1 win over at Uwic last Saturday.

Last year the Port Talbot village side could only force a draw in Cyncoed, and it seemed as if another stalemate was on the cards when the sides were locked on 1-1 going into the closing stages.

But the two players who set up the opening goal for Paul Lenihan in the 40th minute - John Meacock and Thomas Meuring - struck again.

The benefactor on this occasion was striker Ian Jones, the ex-Ammanford man delighted to record the winner against his former club.

The team of the week in the second division have been Bob Lloyd's Garden Village.

Not content in going to fancied Bryntirion and pulling off a surprise 2-1 win, they then beat Tillery in exciting fashion, 4-3, in midweek.

The win at Bryntirion Park relieved the Bridgend side of their unbeaten tag, and Village's goal-scoring hero was ex-Llanelli and Cwmaman front man Steven Williams.

Williams put Village ahead in the 25th minute, with Jonathan Cuss levelling soon after.

But a determined run from Craig Blake set up the Gorseinon side's winner for Williams.

However, they left it even later against Tillery on Tuesday with Blake striking during injury time.

Goals from Carl Alfei, Dave Rimmer (penalty) and Jamie Evans lifted the home side into a 3-1 half-time lead.

But the Gwent side hit back with goals from Jamie Williams and Dave Smith to square matters on the hour.

Darkness was then descending on Stafford Common when a goal-bound header from Jamie Evans was blocked but on hand was Blake to drive in the winner.

Village's sound start to the season has been based on three wins in four starts ahead of today's visit to Llanwern.

Two of the three wins were away - Ammanford and Bryntirion - and this represents a major reversal on last season.

Last time around it took them seven months to gain a point on their travels when winning 3-0 at Tredegar on March 6.

They followed it up the following month with a draw at Merthyr Saints, along with a victory at Treharris, but seven points out of a possible 48 on the road was a dreadful return.

League newcomers Ystradgynlais opened their account at the second time of asking on Tuesday, forcing a 3-3 draw against Troedyrhiw at the Willows.

This was a good result as it is never easy to come away with a reward from the feisty Merthyr-based club.

Having suffered a 1-0 defeat at Treowen on the opening day of the season, Ystrad had 10 days to take stock ahead of the visit to Troedyrhiw.

It took them just five minutes to get their first league goal, with ace marksman Craig Hopkins giving them the lead.

However, the Swansea Valley side were 2-1 down at the interval, but Richard Barness then dragged them back on terms.

Troedyrhiw retook the lead, and the game seemed all up for Ystrad when Barness had the ball in the net, only for it to be ruled out for offside.

But Ystrad stuck to their guns and at the death Barness - formerly of Giants Grave - mustered an equaliser.

"The point at Troedyrhiw provided us with a big lift, and hopefully we can now go on to better things," said Ystradgynlais secretary Kevin Davies.

Ystradgynlais were due to visit Gwent side Goytre this afternoon, and a week today the curtain goes up on their home programme when Merthyr Saints visit Ynyscedwyn Road in the Shamrock Travel Cup.

Last weekend the name of Cwmaman appeared at the head of the third division for the first time.

A goalless draw against AFC Porth left them on top - albeit on goal difference from Chepstow and AFC Porth - and in midweek they maintained an unbeaten start with another goalless stalemate, this time at Risca & Gelli.

Their four-match unbeaten run went on the line against Llantwit Fardre at Central Park this afternoon.

But all in all it represents a promising start for the Carmarthenshire side, who failed to set the place on fire during their two previous campaigns.

TONY POOLE

 

UNBEATEN RECORDS ON THE LINE

27 August 2004

The two remaining 100 per cent records in the first division go on the line when Goytre and Skewen Athletic meet in tomorrow's match of the day at Glenhafod Park. While Goytre have opened up with away wins over both Gwynfi and Uwic, the Skewen record shows home victories over both Betws and Briton Ferry, along with the exciting 3-2 midweek success at Ely Rangers.

The Port Talbot village side welcome back Johnny Walkley, who missed last Saturday's 2-1 victory at Uwic, and managers Craig Duggan and Andrew Radford report a fit 14-strong squad.

Skewen will still have striker Ashley Richards missing from their line-up, but his place was successfully filled against Ely by recent Neath acquisition Ben Davies.

It promises to be a vibrant clash, with the local rivals attempting to match joint leaders Ton Pentre and Grange Quins stride for stride.

Grange visit Briton Ferry, who will be looking to place Tuesday's poor display against Bridgend Town behind them.

Having won 2-1 at Barry Town on their previous outing, Ferry were on a high but they failed to regain their poise after Ben Bannon shot Town ahead in the 32nd minute.

The Old Road side add defender Lee Brown and midfield player Daniel Triggs to their squad, while manager Steve Price hopes to have Derek Jenkins back in the side in the near future.

Teenager Jenkins, who broke into the team at the back end of last season and made a big impression, is recovering from an ankle ligament injury.

Gwynfi are struggling for numbers in order to challenge Caerleon at Cold Bath Road.

Joint-managers Dave Blackmore and Alan Simpson are both ruled out as are Chris Lee and Ryan White, who netted in Tuesday's 5-1 setback at AFC Llwydcoed.

With Maesteg Park and second-division high fliers Pontardawe both sitting out the league programme, the clubs have arranged a friendly at Tudor Park.

Garden Village, who levelled with both Newport YMCA and Pontardawe on nine points following Tuesday's exciting 4-3 home win over Tillery, take on Llanwern at Spytty Park.

Manager Bob Lloyd has Nicholas Romanello and Dave Evans back in his squad as the Gorseinon side bid for a third successive away victory.

Llanwern, relegated from the top tier last season, have not enjoyed the best of starts to the new campaign - winning just one of their four opening games.

Ammanford will have Cerison Davies, Steve Evans and Steven Francis all missing for their home game with Bryntirion Athletic.

But, on the plus side, ex-Trostre striker Nathan Jones and Gavin Morris are both available, having missed Tuesday's 2-2 home draw with Seven Sisters.

Morriston bring in goalkeeper Mike Shultz for Johnny Martin against Merthyr Saints at the Dingle.

Martin suffered a groin injury during Tuesday's 2-0 loss against Pontypridd, and it required hospital attention.

Dingle boss Mike Ellery is hoping to include Mark Carlisle in his squad for the first time this season, and he is keeping his fingers crossed that centre-back Carl James will be fit to resume.

But assistant manager Dean Beniamous is likely to be missing for another month. Her damagied a leg playing against Pontardawe last week.

Seven Sisters, who face Tillery away, have lost Richard Herdman and Simon Isaac to golf.

Goalkeeper Nicky Pritchard, on dual-registration from Llanelli, is set to continue, as both Chris Casey and Adrian Barnsley are still laid low with hand injuries.

Leighton Connor, who suffered a lip tear at Ammanford earlier in the week, has declared himself fit, while Paul Hopkins and Lee Sullivan are both set to start for a first time this season.

In the third division, unbeaten Cwmaman challenge Llantwit Fardre at Central Park with utility man Aneurin Evans back in their squad.

Evans missed the goal-less draw at Risca in midweek, and the Carmarthenshire side are hoping his presence will trigger an end to their goal drought.

Ystradgynlais, buoyed by Tuesday's point at Troedyrhiw, head east to face Gwent side Goytre.

The Swansea Valley side have utility player Andrew Miller back from suspension, while midfield man David Griffiths, who missed the Troedyrhiw game owing to work commitments, is available for selection.

 

NO JOY FOR FERRY AFTER FADE-OUT

25 August 2004

Briton Ferry last night failed to build on early promise and suffered a 2-0 home defeat against Bridgend Town in the Motaquote Welsh League division one. The Old Road side looked as if they were about to carry on where they left off during Saturday's surprise 2-1 win at Barry Town, but right out of the blue, Ben Bannon shot Bridgend ahead in the 32nd minute, and from that point on there was only going to be one winner.

A looping header from Bridgend captain Mattie Williams doubled the lead on 55 minutes, and they went on to complete a comfortable victory.

Gwynfi suffered a 5-1 defeat at AFC Llwydcoed while Barry lost for a second successive time, going under 2-1 at former champions Betws.

In the second division, Pontardawe got back on track with a 3-0 win at Aberaman.

Garden Village won for a third consecutive time with a last-gasp goal from Craig Blake carrying them to a 4-3 success over Tillery at Stafford Common.

Goals from Carl Alfei, David Rimmer (penalty) and Jamie Evans saw the Village people go in with a 3-1 lead.

But the newly-promoted Gwent side hit back with goals from Jamie Williams and Dave Smith to square matters.

But with the game seemingly heading for a 3-3 stalemate, a shot from Jamie Evans was only blocked and Blake followed up to score.

Seven Sisters came from two goals down to force a 2-2 draw with Ammanford at Rice Road.

The Carmarthenshire side were in the driving seat after Paul Jones and Mark James both netted, but Barry Herdman pulled one back just before the break.

Chris Herdman went on to complete the scoring on the back of a 46th-minute equaliser.

Morriston, who were playing at home for a fourth successive time, went down 2-0 against Pontypridd.

In the third division, Cwmaman played another goal-less draw, this time at Risca.

Their best chances fell to Nathan McNeil and Nathan Davies, but neither were converted.

Ystradgynlais are up and away, having done well to hold Troedyrhiw to 3-3 at the Willows.

Craig Hopkins registered their first league goal, but at half-time they were 2-1 in arrears.

Richard Barness equalised only for Troedyrhiw to go back in front, and when all seemed lost up popped Barness again to earn Ystrad a deserved point.

TONY POOLE

 

FERRY TURN OVER FALLEN GIANTS

23 August 2004

Briton Ferry achieved the result of the day - winning 2-1 against fallen giants Barry Town at Jenner Park. Having lost 3-1 at Skewen on Tuesday, the Old Road side hit back in style for an important victory.

A defence-splitting pass from Lee Williams saw Gavin Guy send Ferry ahead on the half-hour mark, and soon after Michael Groves missed a good chance to double the lead.

However, Groves atoned in the 55th minute, when latching onto another pass from Williams, and he went on to beat goalkeeper Marty Ellacott.

Barry were then awarded a contentious penalty, but goalkeeper Chris Curtis pulled off a superb save to deny Morgan Harris.

Five minutes from time, Harris did manage to pull a goal back, but Ferry ended up worthy winners.

Unbeaten Goytre registered a second win on the trot with a 2-1 success over Uwic at Cyncoed.

After Carl Evans missed a good chance to give the Port Talbot village side the lead, Paul Lenihan netted on the end of a Thomas Meuring cross just before half-time.

The students levelled on the resumption, but Goytre got the match-winner in the 87th minute when Ian Jones popped up to sidefoot home.

The other significant development in the top flight surrounded the non-arrival of Garw at Skewen.

The Blandy side were unable to field a side as Rhys John's stag weekend in Blackpool robbed them of 11 players.

In all probability they will now have a £250 fine slapped on them by the league management committee at next month's meeting.

Neath failed to follow up a 2-1 midweek victory over AFC Llwydcoed against Caerleon at Cold Bath Road, losing 2-0.

Neath made two sloppy errors in defence which set up goals for Gareth Sadler and David Griffiths.

Maesteg Park went down to a 2-0 defeat against AFC Llwydcoed at Tudor Park.

In another disappointing display, they fell behind to a 41st minute strike from Jonathan Mason and the game was all up for them when Lee Michael put through his own net 10 minutes from time.

Gwynfi leaked three late goals in going down 7-2 against Ton Pentre at the Cape.

The Afan Valley side went ahead via Ryan White and, although Lee Tapper equalised, Gwynfi's Chris Lee missed a penalty.

The score at half- time was 1-1, and it wasn't until the hour mark that Ton began to pull clear.

Player-manager Dave Blackmore scored to make it 4-2, but the Bulldogs lasted the pace better and scored three late goals.

Bridgend Town reversed the fixture with Ely Rangers and in winning 2-0 at Station Road, they relieved the Cardiff side of an unbeaten tag.

Ben Bannon shot Bridgend in front after 22 minutes, and soon after a goal from Dan Jones set up a comfortable victory.

Pontardawe failed in a bid to make it three successive wins, losing 1-0 against Caldicot at Jubilee Way.

The Swansea Valley side should have delivered during the opening half when they enjoyed a glut of possession, but a catalogue of chances went begging, and Ponty were punished when Andrew Wenzel put Caldicot ahead in the 63rd minute.

To compound a miserable day for Ponty they had substitute David Brown sent off following a scuffle.

Another side to surrender a 100 per cent record were Bryntirion Athletic, who lost 2-1 against visiting Garden Village.

Ex-Cwmaman striker Steven Williams fired the Gorseinon side ahead in the 25th minute with Jonathan Cuss equalising a minute later.

Garden Village had a late penalty claim turned down, but went on to seal victory in the 82nd minute.

Craig Blake broke strongly and although home goalkeeper Robert Cronick made a parried save, Williams followed up to get his second goal.

Morriston moved up into third spot with a 3-2 victory over Cardiff Corries at the Dingle.

Billy Burrows, Dean Rosselli and Steve Sinnock were the Morriston scorers.

Ammanford were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw on a first visit to Tillery.

Ex-Pontardawe Town midfielder Mark James scored their goal

Seven Sisters lost 5-3 against unbeaten leaders Newport YMCA.

Paul Sullivan, Richard Herdman (penalty) and Chris Herdman scored for Seven.

In the third division, the top-of-the-table encounter between Cwmaman and AFC Porth at Grenig also finished 0-0.

DAVIES OUT AS SKEWEN LOOK TO MAKE IT A HAT-TRICK

20 August 2004

Skewen place their unbeaten run on the line tomorrow against Garw at Tennant Park. Back-to-back home victories over Betws and Briton Ferry have provided the newly-promoted side with a sound start to the season.

The arrival of ex-Cwmaman and Uwic striker Ben Davies from Neath will give manager Andrew Dyer added options over the coming weeks.

However, Davies misses out against Garw as he is attending a wedding, but Skewen hope to welcome back defender Steve Evans who missed the midweek win over Ferry.

Neath, who opened their season on Wednesday with a 2-1 home victory over AFC Llwydcoed, face a sterner test against Caerleon at Cold Bath Road.

The Llandarcy side, who have lost two of their man strike weapons in Carl Shaw (Port Talbot Town) and his likely replacement Ben Davies (Skewen), will again be without Steve Thomas and Craig Richards in defence.

Richards, ruled out by a back injury for much of last season, is now awaiting surgery on a troublesome knee.

Managers Nigel Stevenson and Tommy Jackson are encouraged to have Wyn Walters back in goal, although Gary Eckett, from Borough United, performed admirably against Llwydcoed.

Neath retain defender Andrew Shaw in their squad and hope that Richard Colwill and Billy Timothy can once more bolster their defence.

Goytre, who opened their campaign with a 3-1 midweek win at Gwynfi, have midfield dynamo Johnny Walkley missing for their encounter with Uwic at Cyncoed.

The Port Talbot side are still coming to terms with the loss of striker Richard Ryan to Aberystwyth, and they will be on their guard as the students could be dangerous opponents.

Briton Ferry face one of their most demanding games of the season against Barry Town at Jenner Park.

The Old Road side have Michael Chaves and Steve Griffiths back on squad duty.

Maesteg Park, who entertain AFC Llwydcoed, have signed goalkeeper Lee Williams, formerly of Goytre and Gwynfi.

His arrival will place a question mark about the future of Leon Cosker while Rob Folland has gone to Aberystwyth.

The Llynfi Valley side are also set to hand a league debut to Ryan Francombe, who could form a potent force alongside his former Port Talbot Town colleague Michael Waters.

Gwynfi, who have made a moderate start to the season, have home advantage over traditionally strong Ton Pentre.

In the second division, unbeaten Pontardawe have signed Steve Devonald from Llanelli ahead of their encounter with Caldicot.

But they are still waiting on another ex-Llanelli man, Simon Davies, who has yet to figure for them because of a knee injury.

Garden Village have Dave Evans and Stuart Morgan missing for their visit to Bryntirion.

The Gorseinon side have parted company with ex-Swan Craig Draper, and will also be without teenager Alex Jones, who is still involved with cricket at Gorseinon.

Ammanford face newly-promoted and are hoping to welcome back Gavin Morris and Nathan Jones to the side, but ruled out through ankle injuries are Scott Evans and James Bonner-Evans, younger brother of Ospreys No 8 Nathan.

Morriston, who host Cardiff Corries, are likely to be without assistant manager Dean Beniamous for sometime.

The side's leading scorer suffered a groin injury during the narrow 2-1 home defeat against Pontardawe in midweek - and in the process he received a yellow card for his troubles.

Seven Sisters have home advantage Newport YMCA while in the third division, two unbeaten records go on the line as Cwmaman go head-to-head against AFC Porth at Grenig Park.

 

HILL SPOT ON AS SKEWEN KEEP THINGS GOING

18 August 2004

Skewen maintained an unbeaten start to the season in the Motaquote Welsh League first division with a 3-1 home win over Briton Ferry. Last season's top scorer Andy Hill struck again, giving the Tennant Park side the lead in the 20th minute.

He converted a penalty five minutes into the second half after Steve Pockett had been brought down in the box by goalkeeper Chris Curtis and former Garden Village player Steve Evans made it 3-0.

Towards the end, Ferry pulled one back via Lee Williams, but it was Skewen's night.

Goytre opened their campaign with a 3-1 victory over Gwynfi at the Cape.

Nicky Flay sent the Afan Valley side into a surprise lead with Ian Jones equalising from the penalty spot.

The sides were locked on 1-1 at the break, but Goytre went on to assume control with Ian Jones and Ian Turner both netting.

In the second division, Pontardawe kept their run going with a 2-1 success over Morriston at the Dingle.

Pontardawe opened the scoring in the 20th minute when Layton Thomas diverted a Jamie Rickard free-kick into the path of Aled Rees, who headed home.

Jamie Bowen made it 2-0 on the hour and although Morriston responded on the back of a Peter Osbourne penalty, Pontardawe clung on.

Garden Village bounced back from a 2-0 home defeat against Seven Sisters to win 3-1 at Ammanford.

Two goals from Nicholas Romanello placed the Gorseinon side in the driving seat, and they went out of sight once Jamie Evans scored.

However, Jamie Evans then conceded an own goal, but by that stage Garden Village were home and dry.

TONY POOLE

EARLY GOALS ARE ENOUGH FOR SKEWEN

16 August 2004

Skewen got off to a winning start in the first division, defeating former champions Betws 2-0 at Tennant Park. Last year's second division champions struck early, striker Ashley Richards, a close-season signing from Pontardawe Town, giving them the lead after just eight minutes.

Betws then had Lee Street sent off in the 16th minute and in the process conceded a penalty.

Andy Hill just managed to get the measure of goalkeeper Mark Stonehouse, but from that point on Skewen switched off.

The rest of the game was ordinary, and Betws finished with just nine men after Ashley Gittins was injured in the 80th minute and all their substitutes had been used.

The remainder of the opening day programme threw up several surprise results across the three divisions, none more so than at Station Road where Ely Rangers beat Maesteg Park, 3-1.

Ely struggled to remain in the top flight last season, but Lady Luck was with them on this occasion.

The Cardiff side scored what must have been the earliest goal of the season via Chris George, who netted after only 54 seconds.

It became 2-0 just before the break when Paul Dawes capitalised on another defensive blunder, but there was still time for the Llynfi Valley side to strike back.

Geza Hajgato picked out Mickey Evans in the penalty area and the ex-Skewen man headed past home goalkeeper David Boulton.

Maesteg controlled the second half, and towards the end Atif Bashir had a shot cleared off the goal line.

But the game was all up for Maesteg when a shot from Hajgato was blocked and Ely pounced on the break with Graham Cummings sealing victory.

Gwynfi, who were rumoured to be struggling for a team throughout the close season, displayed the gritty qualities that down the years have made them feared opponents.

They held out for a goalless draw at the Cape against Garw, who fielded a team containing nine new players from the Bridgend & District League.

Chances fell at both ends, but with player-managers David Blackmore and Alan Simpson and Nicky Cole to the fore, Gwynfi clung on for a deserved point.

The result of the day in the second division belonged to Ammanford, who came away from big-spending Tredegar Town with a 2-1 success.

Tredegar launched their new ground at the town's leisure complex, but in the end it was the Rice Road men who were celebrating.

Ammanford headed east minus eight key men, but they rolled up their sleeves and defied the odds in determined style.

Scott Evans gave them the lead after a 20th-minute pass from Nathan Jones, but the sides changed ends at 1-1. The winner came in the 70th minute when Paul Hughes went in on goal and the ex-Garden Village and Llanelli player duly hit the target.

The result was more predictable at Ivor Park where Pontardawe just managed to squeeze out a 1-0 victory over Pontyclun.

Ponty created ample chances in the first half but Paul Buckingham, Layton Thomas, Andrew Wright and Steve Stone all missed out.

But in the 68th minute Jamie Rickard beat the offside trap and cut in to drill home the winner.

The game at Stafford Common didn't follow pre-season predictions, with newly promoted Seven Sisters defeating Garden Village 2-0.

Seven were expecting a baptism of fire, but they opened the scoring through Paul Bromage after eight minutes and never looked back.

Nigel Westall had missed a good chance before Bromage knocked in a Barry Herdman corner, and it remained 1-0 until the hour mark when Andrew Collins's header settled the issue.

There was a goal avalanche at the Dingle, with Morriston running out 6-3 winners over Penrhiwceiber.

Mark Baker set the tone in scoring after two minutes, and five minutes on Peter Osbourne doubled the lead.

A superb goal from Michael Chapman, who chipped the keeper from 30 metres, extended the lead to 3-0 at the interval.

Though the Cynon Valley side pulled a goal back, further goals from assistant manager Dean Beniamous and Chapman slammed the door on any revival hopes.

The visitors did manage to reduce the deficit to 5-2, only for Beniamous to strike near the end.

But even then Penrhiwceiber ended a remarkable game by getting the final word.

However, victory was achieved at a cost for Morriston as Adrian Blake (groin), Steve Sinnock (knee) and Osbourne (Achilles problem) were all injured and are doubtful for tomorrow evening's home game with Pontardawe.

But they are likely to welcome back Dean Rosselli, who has opted out of a move to Briton Ferry, and Billy Burroughs.

Porthcawl Town also got off to a winning start, former British Steel and Bridgend Town striker Michael Courtney striking after 25 minutes in a 1-0 win at Tillery.

In the third division, Cwmaman were forced to soak up pressure before beating Monmouthshire side Goytre 2-1 at Plough Road.

The Carmarthenshire side, who fielded two new players in striker Dean Jenkins and midfield man Gary Davies, were given a sound platform.

They won a penalty for handball after just three minutes, which Lee Jenkins converted. Both teams had chances before Davies netted a magnificent debut goal in the 65th minute.

It wasn't until the closing minutes that Goytre responded, and by that stage the die had been cast.

However, there was no dream start in the league for last season's Neath & District League runners-up Ystradgynlais, who went down 1-0 at Treowen.

However, the Swansea Valley side could take comfort from the fact that the Gwent side are being tipped for promotion.

Ystrad were without captain David Miller, whose wife gave birth to their first child, and their side contained only one newcomer, Richard Barness (Cwm Wanderers).

But they battled hard throughout, only to concede midway through the second half.