Neath Athletic have bolstered their striking options ahead of the visit from Bryntirion Athletic tomorrow. The Macron Welsh League first-division leaders have signed Haverfordwest County hitman Chris Miller as the Llandarcy Park outfit aim to head into 2006 at the summit.

This meeting will form a first league match between the clubs with the Bridgend side keen to avoid a fourth successive defeat.

Neath, who have picked up six straight wins since losing 2-1 at home against Maesteg Park on November 5, will be without polished defender Jock Fairbairn.

He picked a fifth booking during the 3-1 win at Ton Pentre before Christmas, resulting in a one-match ban, and teenager Steve Davies is also suspended.

Ian Vaughan will also be missing but manager Andrew Dyer has an option to recall David D'Auria, who could face another ex-Swan in Damian Lacey.

Work commitments have prevented Lacey from playing over the last month, but Bryntirion have already ruled out Ian Gearie (calf strain).

Maesteg Park brought forward their home game with Dinas Powys to Wednesday, and gained a 2-0 victory.

Top scorer Robbie Walters headed Maesteg into the lead after a quarter of an hour while his 19th goal of the season on 65 minutes sealed victory.

But the game between Ton Pentre and Goytre Utd on the same day was called off, owing to the frozen state of Ynys Park.

Meanwhile, a catalogue of postponed matches has prevented Pontardawe Town from climbing the table, and they will be hoping to make up lost ground against AFC Llwydcoed at the Recreation Ground.

The Swansea Valley side still have Steven Cox suspended, but other than that they expect to be at full strength.

Afan Lido challenge Caerleon at Cold Bath Road minus the suspended duo of Daniel Williams and Justin Williams.

The Cold Bathers have run into some kind of form over the last month, and the Seasiders will have to perform in order to get a result.

Suspensions have also hit Briton Ferry ahead of their home game with Taffs Well.

Manager Steve Price will be without both goalkeeper Lee Williams and skipper Leigh Morgan.

The Old Road side last triumphed in the league way back on August 24 when defeating AFC Llwydcoed 1-0, and are in the midst of a barren 11-match sequence.

However, losing margins have been slim, and a victory over fellow strugglers Taffs Well could send Ferry steaming out of the drop zone.

In the second division, Garden Village have a home double-header, hosting Pontyclun tomorrow and Croesyceiliog on Monday (both 2pm).

A six-point return would provide manager Robert Lloyd with a welcome New Year's box, but Lee Sullivan is ruled out through a ban.

Ammanford, who saw a five-match unbeaten run in the league come to an end at Penrhiwceiber on December 17, welcome Morriston to Rice Road.

The Dingle side were beaten last time out, 1-0, by Garden Village, and a tight contest seems in prospect.

Struggling Gwynfi Utd face a difficult task at Croesyceiliog, who remain on course to gain a second successive promotion.

In the third division, improving Ystradgynlais will be without Andrew Miller for their clash with Llantwit Fardre at Central Park.

Miller was sent off during the 3-0 victory at Cwmbran Celtic on December 14, and since then Ystrad have stretched an unbeaten sequence to six matches with a 2-1 home win over Risca.

West End will be hoping to build on a pre-Christmas 4-2 home win over Cwmbran Celtic at Risca.

The Pryderi boys will be looking to add consistency to their New Year repertoire if they are to gain immediate promotion.

Finally, Cwmamman should be at full strength against Treharris while Newcastle Emlyn returned to the top in midweek via a 1-0 home victory over Monmouthshire side Goytre.

TONY POOLE
 

Neath Athletic triumphed 3-1 over Ton Pentre at Ynys Park to go 15 points clear at the top of the first division.

But Ton didn't cover themselves in much glory following a 30th-minute incident in which goalkeeper John Howe handled outside the box. He was sent off and former Maesteg Park striker Alyn Jones also received his marching orders for verbal abuse aimed at referee Jonathan Twigg (Haverfordwest).

During the interlude, with the sides locked on 1-1, Ton manager Kevin Richards was also shown a red card.

Dwayne Mardenborough had shot the Bulldogs in front, with Ryan Frankcom levelling.

Andy Hill, who had missed a first-half penalty, then sent the Llandarcy Park side ahead in the 55th minute.

And 10 minutes later they sealed victory with Jonathan Keaveny's 14th goal of the season

The demise of Ton led to Goytre Utd climbing into second spot on the back of a 5-3 victory over Briton Ferry at Glenhafod Park.

The Port Talbot village side didn't have things all their own way, however, and early in the second half they were 3-1 adrift.

The Ferry scorers were Daniel Triggs, Lee Parfitt and Richard Gay, with Richard Ryan the Goytre marksman.

But Ferry then began to run out of steam and by the 70th minute it was 3-3, courtesy of headers by Ryan Penny and Paul Lenihan.

A 21st goal of the season from Ryan put Goytre ahead for the first time, and a superb late strike from Michael Waters sealed the win.

Afan Lido moved into fifth place thanks to a 1-0 victory over bottom-placed Ely Rangers at Princess Margaret Way.

The goal that decided the issue came midway through the opening half, Stephen Parry and Greg Hurley setting up Ian Jones.

Pontardawe gained a 2-0 victory at Taffs Well after two goals in the approach to half-time.

A 25-metre effort from Paul Davey gave Ponty the lead, while a net-buster from Ian Morgan settled things.

Maesteg Park, who have brought forward their home game with Dinas Powys to December 28 (2pm), lost 2-1 at Uwic.

Though leading on the strength of a Paul Jones strike at the break, they were eventually overtaken by goals from Liam Walsh and Gavin Chesterfield.

In the second division, a 6-0 home defeat by Tredegar has cast doubt over Gwynfi United's future.

''If I were a gambler then I wouldn't bet on Gwynfi seeing out the season,'' said club secretary David Walters.

Gwynfi, who were only a goal down at the break, had Luke Williams sent off in the 20th minute.

A Chris Summers strike earned leaders Pontypridd a 1-0 home win over championship rivals Garw, allowing Garden Village to take over second position.

Village won 1-0 against Morriston at the Dingle thanks to a 35-metre effort from new boy Paul Dickie, formerly of Ynystawe and Pontardawe, just before the break.

Ammanford surrendered a two-goal advantage in a 3-2 defeat by Penrhiwceiber at the Glassbrook.

Goals from Steven Williams and Luke Fayers put the Rice Roaders in the driving seat, but a five-match unbeaten streak came to end when Ceiber responded via Chris Keepings (two) and Andrew James.

West End kept their promotion push going with a 4-2 win over Cwmbran Celtic at Pryderi Park.

Though Darren Griffiths struck twice, it was 2-2 at the interlude, but Wayne Jones and Andrew Tyrrell then struck to keep the Townhill side moving in the right direction.

Also picking up are Ystradgynlais, who followed up a 3-0 midweek win at Cwmbran Celtic by beating Risca 2-1 at Ynyscedwyn Road.

Though a goal down early on, Liam Soroka and Nicholas Maggs soon made amends.

But former Ammanford player Rob Griffiths missed a first-half penalty as Cwmamman settled for a point in a drab goalless draw with bottom team Penrhiwfer.

And Seven Sisters lost for the fifth successive time, sunk 2-0 at Llanwern by goals in each half from Marcus Power and Graham Poyner.

TONY POOLE
 

First division pacemakers Neath Athletic will be bidding for a sixth straight win in tomorrow's Macron Welsh League top-of-the-table showdown with closest rivals Ton Pentre at Ynys Park.

Unbeaten since the 2-1 home defeat against Maesteg Park on November 5, Llandarcy Park boss Andrew Dyer has an option to bring ex-Swansea City player David D'Auria back into the side. The Bulldogs have been linked this week with unsettled Bridgend Town centre-back Steve Healy, who was with Betws last term.

One player who will not figure in tonight's derby clash at Coychurch Road between Bridgend and Bryntirion is former Llanelli striker Peter Cheeseman.

Bridgend have released Cheeseman, who failed to recapture last season's scoring feats with the Reds in the Welsh Premiership, and might bring in Jeffrey Aspell from third division West End.

Another of the division's form sides, Goytre United, are involved in a derby clash with Briton Ferry at Glenhafod Park.

The Port Talbot village side, who are unbeaten in their last six league and cup engagements, have John Meacock and Jonny Walkley back.

Both players missed last Saturday's 2-1 win at Pontardawe Town that consolidated third spot.

Sixth-placed Afan Lido will not be a full strength for their home encounter with bottom-placed Ely Rangers.

Lido boss Mark Robinson has already ruled out five men - Carl Evans, Liam McCreesh, Shaun O'Leary, Chris Piper and Paul Reid - but the flu bug that has hit the club is receding.

Maesteg Park, who introduced Kieran Howells (Briton Ferry) from the bench during last Saturday's 4-2 home win over Newport YMCA, have a fit squad for their trip to Uwic.

Pontardawe will be looking for a return to winning ways at Taffs Well, with Steven Cox the only likely absentee.

In the second division Morriston and Garden Village clash at the Dingle.

Village have strengthened their side by signing the Ynystawe pairing of Paul Dickie and Paul Edwards, but they will be without both Steve Evans and Chris Thomas.

Edwards will not figure against Morriston, but back in the squad is Swansea City physio Mark Lloyd.

The Dingle men might be without Neil Simon because of work commitments and there is still an injury doubt surrounding defender Scott Horton.

Ammanford, unbeaten in their last five league matches, face a major test against Penrhiwceiber at the Glassbrook.

Gwynfi United, who lost 11-1 last time out at Troedyrhiw, are hoping the return of some senior players will lead to an improved showing against Tredegar at the Cape.

In the third division, Ystradgynlais, who moved out of the relegation zone in midweek with a 3-0 win at Cwmbran Celtic, are home to Risca.

Andrew Miller is ruled out, having been sent off with two Celtic men.

West End, who host Cwmbran Celtic, still have Neil Phillips ruled out with a pulled tendon, and they will also be without Richard Mansell.

Seven Sisters will be hoping to bring a four-match losing sequence to an end at Llanwern.

TONY POOLE

First division leaders Neath Athletic took the derby clash at Briton Ferry 3-1 to remain 14 points clear of Ton Pentre.

But the Llandarcy Park were made to battle all the way and for much of the time only led 2-1. Andy Hill shot Neath ahead in the first minute, with Sam Brown squaring matters soon after.

Carl Shaw then lifted Neath into a 2-1 lead, and it wasn't until the 89th minute that Jonathan Keaveny wrapped things up with his 13th goal of the season.

Ton Pentre won 2-1 at Bryntirion despite having Andrew Sebburn dismissed in the 68th minute when trailing to a Brandon Walters strike.

But late goals from Ryan Shugars and substitute Dwayne Mardenborough left the Bulldogs with their tails up ahead of Saturday's showdown with Neath at Ynys Park.

Goytre Utd clung on to third place on the strength of a 2-1 win over Pontardawe Town at the Recreation Ground.

Goals from Kevin Bartley and Michael Waters sent the Port Talbot village in with a 2-0-interval lead, while Marc Otten pulled a goal back midway through the second half.

But Afan Lido lost ground in the championship race, going down 1-0 against Barry Town at Treforest.

Former Bridgend Town striker Scott Lanyon got the goal that separated the sides in the 53rd minute, although Lido went close late on through Stephen Parry and Greg Hurley.

Maesteg Park hot-shot Robbie Walters collected a hat-trick as the Old Parish side beat Newport YMCA 4-2 at Tudor Park.

Walters and Lee O'Brien put Maesteg in the driving seat before Dan Heath struck to make it 2-1 at the break.

Craig James restored parity from the penalty spot, but Walters headed Park back ahead on the hour.

YMCA had Hafris Yafai sent off a minute from the end, and Walters registered his hat-trick goal in injury-time.

The biggest surprise came at Bridgend Town, who were outplayed by Dinas Powys and suffered a 3-0 loss.

In the second division, Garden Village extended their unbeaten run to five matches with a 1-0 home win over Cardiff Corries.

The issue was settled in the first minute when Chris Thomas sent Derek Jenkins through and the ex-Briton Ferry star bagged a first goal for his new club.

Also heading in the right direction are Morriston and Ammanford, who both recorded fine victories.

Morriston beat Penrhiwceiber 4-1 at the Dingle, with Mark Baker, Leighton Connor and Mark Carlyle all standing out.

Goals from Dean Rosselli and Dean Beniamous made it 2-1 at the interval, while two-goal Baker went on to seal the win.

The Rice Roaders were indebted to Luke Fayers for their 3-2 home victory over Merthyr Saints.

The former Carmarthen striker got their first two goals, but with a quarter of an hour to go Saints were still in the mix on 2-2.

But recent Cwmamman import Steven Williams got his 12th goal of the campaign to bring about a deserved Ammanford win.

The biggest losers of the day were Gwynfi Utd, who were let down by some senior players and crashed 11-1 against Troedyrhiw at the Willows.

The Cape side, who trailed 5-0 at the interval, had Andrew James sent off after half an hour. Their lone reply came via Chris Lee.

Garw kept their promotion pot on the boil with a 5-2 victory over Pontyclun at Blandy, with Swansea University students Rob Jones, Nicky Hooper, Jamie Morris and Adam Shields all on target along with player-manager Christopher Wells.

Cwmamman survived a first-half siege to gain a 1-1 draw with AFC Porth at Dinas Park.

The Carmarthenshire side were fortunate to only be a goal down at the break, and celebrated the great escape with a 63rd-minute goal from ex-Neath player Gareth Morgan.

But West End suffered a 4-2 defeat in a promotion encounter at Newcastle Emlyn.

The scoreline failed to reflect the efforts of the Pryderi Park boys, who looked capable of winning when Rory Smitham pulled Emlyn back to 2-1 early in the second half.

But the home side absorbed pressure and went 4-1 up before a late Darren Griffiths penalty completed the scoring.

And there was no joy either for Seven Sisters, beaten 4-0 at leaders Cambrian & Clydach, a fourth straight defeat for the Dulais Valley club.
 

TONY POOLE

Afan Lido have a flu bug running through their squad, with only five players declared fit for tomorrow's first division clash with Barry Town at Treforest.

Manager Mark Robinson is hoping that some of the players currently laid low recover in time to face the former League of Wales giants. Coach Paul Reid, Paul Evans and Shaun O'Leary are ruled out, but goalkeeper Brian Thomas is recovering from a thigh strain.

Thomas has been on the sidelines for two months, and might well have a run-out with the reserves at home to Pontardawe Town.

Leaders Neath Athletic, who are involved in a derby clash at Briton Ferry, stretched their lead over Ton Pentre to 14 points thanks to a 3-1 home win over Uwic in midweek.

Two goals from Jonathan Keaveny and a Steven Pockett strike set up an 11th league win.

Neath manager Andrew Dyer has the luxury of selecting from a fit squad to face struggling Ferry.

However, last Saturday Ferry proved they are capable of ruffling the feathers of the best while securing a point in a 1-1 draw with champions Ton Pentre at Ynys Park.

Having played just once in the last six weeks, Pontardawe are desperate to host third-placed Goytre United.

Pontardawe still have Steven Cox suspended, while Goytre will run fitness tests on both Darren Lyons and John Meacock.

Lyons missed last Saturday's 7-3 home victory over Caerleon with a calf strain, but is expected to return at the Recreation Ground.

Maesteg Park have declared a fit squad for the clash at Tudor Park with Newport YMCA.

In the second division, in-form Garden Village could well be without three frontline performers for their home meeting with Cardiff Corries.

Mark Lloyd is on physio duties with Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium, while Steve Evans, who got both goals in last Saturday's 2-1 win at Penrhiwceiber, is suspended on the back of five yellow cards.

There is also a doubt regarding goalkeeper Simon Cole.

This has led to manager Robert Lloyd drafting in Lee Sullivan, Carl Alfie and Mark Snell to the squad.

Morriston will be keen to get back to winning ways against Penrhiwceiber at the Dingle following a 1-0 set-back last week at Merthyr Saints.

Manager Mike Ellery is hoping to bolster his defence with the return of both Scott Horton and Michael Gammon.

Ammanford will be looking to maintain their recent improvement against Merthyr Saints at Rice Road, while survival points will be on the table at Lock's Lane when Porthcawl play Abertillery.

Despite being without top-scorer Nigel Rogers, Gwynfi United are hopeful of getting something out of their clash with Troedyrhiw at the Willows.

West End welcome back defender David Brain for their difficult assignment at promotion rivals Newcastle Emlyn in the third division.

Brain missed last Saturday's 2-1win over Treharris Athletic at Pryderi Park, because of a one-match ban.

However, still ruled out is Richard Mansell, who was injured when playing as an emergency goalkeeper in last month's Welsh FA Trophy success over Cogan Coronation.

Cwmaman, who visit AFC Porth, will be looking to carry on where they left off during last Saturday's 8-2 victory over Blaenrhondda.

That represented a club best league win.

Seven Sisters start a difficult run of three away matches at leaders Cambrian Clydach.

Over the coming weeks Llanwern and West End form their next opponents, and Seven are keeping their fingers crossed that striker Nigel Westall has shaken off a shin injury.

The Dulais Valley side now have the option to pair Westall with new-signing Layton Thomas (Pontardawe) in attack.

Ystradgynlais sit out tomorrow's programme.

Their visit to Cwmbran Celtic has been rescheduled to Wednesday.

TONY POOLE
 

Neath Athletic defeated UWIC 3-1 at Llandarcy Park to open up a 14-point gap at the top of the Macron Welsh League Division One.

Andy Hill set up a 20th-minute strike for Jonathan Keaveny, and soon after the students had Richard Thomas dismissed for badly timed tackle on Steven Pockett. Pockett doubled Neath's lead in the 55th minute, but UWIC threw themselves a lifeline when Ryan Jenkins chipped goalkeeper Huw Liddell on 70 minutes.

Neath went on to seal the win five minutes from time when Hill sent Keaveny through, and he collected a 12th goal of the season.

Championship outsiders Bridgend Town kept their pot on the boil with a 3-1 win over AFC Llwydcoed at Coychurch Road thanks to an Andrew Mainwaring hat-trick.

TONY POOLE
 

Goytre United gained a magnificent 7-3 victory over lowly Caerleon at Glenhafod Park to go third in the Macron Welsh League first division.

With leaders Neath sitting out the programme ahead of Tuesday's home clash with Uwic, it gave the chasing pack a chance to make up lost ground. Though trailing to an early Chris Pearce strike, Goytre were 4-1 up at the break thanks to Richard Ryan (2), Kevin Bartley and a wonder goal from John Meacock.

A two-goal blast from Ryan Penny then made it 6-1 on the hour with Pearce pulling a goal back.

Top-scorer Ryan went on to complete his hat-trick - taking his season's tally to the 19-mark - while Paul Shepherd had the final word for the outgunned Cold Bathers.

However, Neath were delighted to see lowly Briton Ferry take points off championship rivals Ton Pentre during a 1-1 stalemate at Ynys Park.

The second-placed Bulldogs failed to find their traditional bite, and had Scott Haywood sent off in the 73rd minute for a second bookable offence.

Better followed for Ferry when former Neath striker Keith Phillips shot them ahead only to receive a late reality check.

With just three minutes remaining, Dwayne Mardenborough knocked in an equaliser, but Ton now trail Neath by a massive 11 points with just two games in hand.

In the second division, Garden Village made it three away wins on the bounce, courtesy of a 2-1 victory over Penrhiwceiber at the Glassbrook.

Having previously won at both Abertillery and Merthyr Saints over the last month, the Gorseinon-based side trailed to an Andrew Workman goal at the break.

And it was not until the 80th minute that they got back on terms with Jack Jenkins setting up Steve Evans.

Evans then became the Village hero - his fifth goal of the campaign set up the win - but only a fine save from goalkeeper Simon Cole protected the lead.

Goals from Craig Evans and Paul Dawes earned Aberaman a 2-0 win at Gwynfi United, who went close to salvaging a point through both Gary Randall and Paul Rogers.

Though dominating for long periods, Morriston fell to a 1-0 defeat at Merthyr Saints, while Ammanford were held to a goal-less draw at Abertillery.

In a game of few chances, the Rice Roaders missed top scorer Cerison Davies, while recent Cwmamman acquisition Steve Williams was introduced from the bench.

However, in the third division Cwmaman gained an emphatic 8-2 victory over Blaenrhondda despite losing top scorer and captain Steve Williams to Ammanford.

Paul Pugh took over the captain's armband, and celebrated in getting both Cwm goals during the first session.

The sides changed ends on 2-1, and it was then the turn of Steve Williams's brother Chris to collect two goals.

However, it was Timothy Hendra's goal that lit up Grenig Park, and at 5-1 the Carmarthenshire side were on cruise control.

But, during the closing stages further goals from Aled Rees, Caerau Ely import Luke Rice and Ammanford rugby star Craig Maloney completed a record Welsh League win.

The previous club best dated back to March 22, 2003, and a 7-1 home win over RTB Ebbw Vale.

West End showed promotion intent in defeating Treharris Athletic 2-1 on a heavy Pryderi Park surface.

Only strenuous mopping-up efforts allowed the game to go ahead, and the Townhill side took a 20th-minute lead on the back of an Andrew Tyrrell goal.

Kevin Bounds shot Treharris back on terms at the break while Neil Phillips engineered the 70th-minute West End winner.

A quickly taken free-kick resulted in Phillips turning a defender and Wayne Jones knocked in a free header at the back post.

But there was no joy for Seven Sisters, with two late goals from Huw Bowen condemning them to a 2-0 home defeat against relegation-threatened Llantwit Fardre.

That result proved bad news for Ystradgynlais, who despite picking up a good point at home to Newcastle Emlyn dropped to 17th spot.

However, Ystrad - they have games in hand over the other struggling clubs - once more displayed plenty of battling qualities.

Adam Alexander shot them into a 20th minute lead with Emlyn restoring parity a minute into the second half via Matt Price.
 

TONY POOLE

Afan Lido will be looking to cut Neath Athletic's lead at the top of the Macron Welsh League when the Seasiders host Maesteg Park tonight (7.30pm).

With Neath in league action next against Uwic at Llandarcy Park on Tuesday, second-placed Lido will be looking to stretch an unbeaten sequence to 10 games. The Seasiders have striker Chris Piper back from suspension, but they could be without injured duo Craig Martin and Greg Hurley.

In tomorrow's programme, Goytre United, at home to Caerleon, will be looking to maintain contact with the top clubs.

Managers Craig Duggan and Andrew Radford will run a fitness test on Darren Lyons, who picked up a calf muscle strain during last week's 3-1 win at Ely Rangers.

Struggling Briton Ferry will be looking to gain a rare win over champions Ton Pentre at Ynys Park.

Cwmamman captain Steven Williams has switched to second division Ammanford.

Williams, who has netted 11 of his side's 26 goals this season, is likely to be introduced by the Rice Roaders from the bench at Abertillery.

Ammanford boss Neil Rees is now hoping that the arrival of Williams and Steve Devonald will kick-start their campaign.

Garden Village have Craig Blake suspended for a tricky match against Penrhiwceiber at the Glassbrook.

Village, meanwhile, will host Croesyceiliog in a rearranged league fixture on January 2 (2pm).

Morriston boss Michael Ellery is hoping to welcome back defender Scott Horton as they search for a first win at Merthyr Saints since 2002.

Also back in the mix will be David Thomas and Mark Carlyle, who both missed the 1-0 home victory over Monkton Swifts in the West Wales Senior Cup.

Gwynfi United, who entertain Aberaman, will be without top-scorer Nigel Rogers for up to two months after he broke his collarbone in the 3-1 defeat at Porthcawl.

But, returning to the fray are captain Dave Blackmore along with Dai Jones, Paul Rogers, Luke Williams and Steve Tanner.

In the third division, West End challenge Treharris at Pryderi Park with Nicky Pritchard back in goal.

Pritchard was injured during last month's penalty shoot-out success over Cogan Coronation in the Welsh FA Trophy when a further four goalkeepers were employed.

The Townhill side's reward in the semi-finals is a showdown with Llandudno Junction at a neutral venue in March.

But missing from the West End line-up against Treharris will be centre-back David Brain.

Cwmamman are likely to introduce Luke Rice for their clash with Blaenrhondda at Grenig Park.

Rice, formerly of the Caerau Ely club, is seen as a replacement in attack for Steven Williams.

Ystradgynlais will be without top-scorer Craig Hopkins for their home game against promotion-seeking Newcastle Emlyn.

Hopkins has picked up a one-match ban for five yellow cards, but manager Andrew Hopkins has Andrew Miller back in his squad.

Ioan King and coach Kristian James (Port Talbot Town) are others likely to figure against Emlyn.

Seven Sisters have a clutch of players back on duty for their home game with Llantwit Fardre,

Seven, beaten 4-1 at home by Cwmbran Celtic last time out, have Adrian Barnsley, Shaun Lambert, Leon Thomas and Barry Herdman all available.

TONY POOLE