JONES CASTS A LIDO CLOUD

29 December 2006

Afan Lido face the possibility of being without top scorer Ian Jones for tonight's top clash at leaders Neath Athletic in the first division (7.30pm). The 23-goal hitman fractured a wrist before Christmas, and it will take five weeks to recover. 

However, Jones is in a fibreglass cast and could make the match if the referee is satisfied with its length.

But the possible loss of Ian Jones has been softened by the return from injury of John Felton to partner Craig Jones in attack.

And although Shaun O'Leary is ruled out for two more games due to suspension, managers Phil Holmes and Paul Evans welcome back both Carl Evans and Carl Edwards.

Meanwhile, Neath's Jarrod Price has been given the green light to play - as a one-match ban starts tomorrow - but Carmarthen Town centre-back Liam Hancock is ruled out.

Fitness tests will be run on striker Jonathan Keaveny and defender Steve Evans, who both have leg problems, while Carl Jenkins is out until the end of next month.

However, striker Carl Shaw resumes following seasonal work patterns and defender Jock Fairbairn returned during last Saturday's vital 1-0 win at champions Goytre United.

Lido will looking to get back on track, having seen the end of a 16-match unbeaten run during a pre-Christmas clash at Ton Pentre.

Bryntirion Athletic entertain Maesteg Park this evening and Maesteg boss Andrew Rickard, who paraded new signings Rhys Owen (ENTO Aberaman) and Tom Hooper (Port Talbot Town) in last week's 1-0 win at Dinas Powys, is still without Paul Jones, Gareth Davies and Nicky Cole.

Pontardawe Town face a difficult trip tomorrow to third-placed Ton Pentre, who have hit top form over the last month.

In the second division, West End will be looking to pick up where they left off against Cardiff Corries last time out during a re-arranged home fixture with Betws.

The Townhill side last weekend bounced back to form on the back of a resounding 5-2 home win over Corries, but will be mindful that they lost 2-0 at Betws on October 28.

Ammanford, buoyed by Saturday's splendid 3-2 victory at Betws, are involved in a key home clash with fourth-placed Caldicot.

Managers Neil Rees and Huw Preece have recently signed former Llanelli player Richard Hurlin, who is back from America.

Vital survival points will be on the table at AFC Llwydcoed with Morriston the visitors, while Briton Ferry and Garden Village both face difficult away tests.

Ferry take on table-topping Garw at Blandy, but Old Road boss Neil Morgan has been encouraged by the recent form of Steven David, Scott Kenyon and Carl Harris.

Village, who travel to Merthyr Saints, lose both Chris Morgan and Sam Brown to suspension.

However, centre-back Dave Rimmer is expected to have recovered from the extraction of a wisdom tooth, and Phil John also returns to squad duties.

In the third division, Ystradgynlais boss Andrew Hopkins will be looking to trigger a revival at fellow strugglers Chepstow with Llansawel bidding for retribution at Risca.

Earlier in the season, Sawel suffered a 2-1 home defeat against Risca, but since then the Cwrt Herbert side have shown a marked improvement.

TONY POOLE

LOCAL TRIO CONFIRM THEIR BIDS FOR PREMIERSHIP STATUS

28 December 2006

All three Neath Port Talbot football clubs, Afan Lido, Goytre United and Neath Athletic, have confirmed they will be applying for Welsh Premiership status.With the December 31 deadline fast approaching for clubs to make their intentions clear, Pontypridd are the fourth Welsh League club to have thrown their hat into the ring along with Cymru Alliance club Buckley.

This year for a first time, clubs have to enclose a £500 remittance with their Welsh Premiership application after Goytre last season opted out of promotion after being crowned Welsh League champions.

Goytre secretary Lyndon Suhanski confirmed an application would be made.

"As far as we are concerned it is business as usual, and I can confirm that the club will be applying for promotion," he declared.

Neath had a tenancy problem to clear up before they were given the green light to once more bid for a Premiership place.

Having applied for promotion last season on a runners-up ticket, following the withdrawal of Goytre, the Llandarcy Park side was eventually turned down on ground criteria.

Neath last week met with the new owners of the ground - Llandarcy Park Limited - and an amicable agreement was reached. The sticking point before Neath sent in their application surrounded tenancy once the current one expires in 2009 as the Welsh Premiership required a five-year tenancy.

"The new owners are keen to have the high standards at Llandarcy Park, and they were happy to give us the assurances required," said Neath Athletic secretary Tony Melding.

"We now have a five-year tenancy agreement to back up the application, and Welsh Premiership secretary John Deakin has been advised of our intent."

Meanwhile, Afan Lido have confirmed that director of football Mark Robinson will be applying for Welsh Premiership membership ahead of the deadline.

TONY POOLE

HILL'S SPOT-KICK KEEPS NEATH AHEAD OF THE CHASING PACK

27 December 2006

A late penalty from captain Andy Hill carried first division leaders Neath Athletic to a 1-0 victory at Goytre United. In a game in which defences were generally on top, a harsh decision in the 67th minute to penalise Goytre defender Jeremy Chandler for handball settled the issue. 

Hill sent keeper Chris Curtis the wrong way from the spot and a 12th league victory of the season kept Neath two points ahead of nearest challengers Pontypridd, who won 2-0 at Grange Quins.

A 68th minute goal from Robbie Walters - his 14th of the season - enabled Maesteg Park to collect a 1-0 victory at Dinas Powys.

And a 14th goal of the season from Luke Fayers earned Ammanford a deserved 3-2 victory over Betws at the North Site.

Richard Lewis and an own goal from Karl Miller set up victory for the Rice Roaders, who rose to seventh in the table.

West End got back on track with a 5-2 victory over Cardiff Corries at Pryderi Park, Darren Griffiths bagging a goal brace.

The Townhill side, who led 3-1 at the break, also had Lee Morgan, Carl Mainwaring and Neil Phillips on target.

Briton Ferry gained a much-needed 2-1 home win over Tredegar, with goals from Daniel Thomas and Rob Cann triggering a sixth league win of the campaign.

There was no joy for Garden Village, who had Chris Morgan sent off during a 3-0 home defeat against Cambrian & Clydach.

Morriston remain in relegation trouble after losing 4-2 to Penrhiwceiber at the Dingle. Though twice ahead through Jack Jenkins and Marc Baker, it wasn't to be for the Dingle side, who leaked two late goals.

The top-of-the-table clash between Caldicot and Garw ended goalless, while in the third division Porthcawl lost 2-0 at Llantwit Fardre.

TONY POOLE

BANNED RYAN RULED OUT OF DERBY CLASH

22 December 2006

Some key players miss tomorrow's long- awaited MacWhirter Welsh League derby clash between Goytre United and Neath Athletic at Glenhafod Park. For the reigning champions, top scorer Richard Ryan starts a three-match ban that will also rule him out of the cup clash between the clubs at the same venue on January 6. 

But returning to the Goytre squad are midfield players Jonny Walkley and Ryan Penny.

Table-topping Neath run fitness tests on both striker Jonathan Keaveny and captain Andy Hill, but Carl Jenkins is out with a back injury.

Defender Adam James has transferred to Merthyr while Carl Shaw is working and to make matters worse, Jarrod Price has a one-match ban for five bookings.

Carmarthen Town centre-back Liam Hancock is available, and there is a possibility of Jock Fairbairn resuming after a two-month absence with a broken jaw.

Maesteg Park visit Dinas Powys and have Chris Lee back from a ban, but Richard Stevens is still suspended.

Lee Michael hopes to resume, and Park are showing an interest in former Porthcawl centre-back Rhys Owen (Aberaman).

Pontardawe are involved in a crucial bottom-of-the-table clash with Ely Rangers at the Recreation Ground, and have Andrew Stokes back in their squad.

In midweek, Bridgend slid to a 3-2 home defeat against Taffs Well and had Gethin Jones dismissed.

Goals from Shaun Chappell and Andy Mainwaring left Bridgend in with a shout, but the Cardiff side, who had Nathan Johnson sent off, shaded the issue via goals from Wayne Marks (2) and Barry Gunstone.

In the second division, West End will be looking for a return to winning ways against Cardiff Corries at Pryderi Park.

Last time out, the Townhill side pieced together one of their poorest performances since joining the Welsh League in losing 3-2 against visiting Caerau Ely.

Striker Darren Griffiths returns from a one-match ban, but Rory Smitham is still suspended.

Meanwhile, West End have announced a re-arranged home league fixture with Betws on December 30.

Briton Ferry have home advantage over Tredegar, and the Old Road club welcome back student Carl Harris from his studies.

Manager Neil Morgan is awaiting fitness reports on both Keith Phillips and Daniel Thomas.

Morriston once more have ruled out Mark Carlyle (chest complaint) for their home game with Penrhiwceiber.

But Paul Sweeny, missing from the first team since September, returns to the squad along with goalkeeper Matt Martin.

Garden Village, who handed experienced defender Gary Davies a club debut in last Saturday's 2-0 loss at leaders Garw, face promotion seeking Cambrian & Clydach at Stafford Common.

Scott Evans is back from suspension while striker Rob Shannon has shaken off a knee injury.

Ammanford will be looking to make further progress up the table at Betws while in the third division, Cwmamman have completed the transfer of Michael Chapman from Morriston.

Chapman goes straight into the Grenig Park side's squad for their home game with AFC Porth.

Ystradgynlais boss Andrew Hopkins has his son Craig back from suspension, and has declared a fit squad to face Aberbargoed Buds at Ynyscedwyn Road.

Having lost on successive weekends in early season at Aberbargoed in both league and cup, Ystrad will no doubt have a point to prove against the league newcomers.

Llansawel will run a fitness test on defender Gareth Evans ahead of their clash with bottom-placed Gwynfi United at Cwrt Herbert.

Finally, Seven Sisters - without a game since beating Chepstow, 6-2, at home five weeks ago - are set to resume at Abertillery.

TONY POOLE

LIDO'S UNBEATEN RUN IS BROUGHT TO AN END

21 December 2006

Afan Lido's 16-match unbeaten run ground to a halt at Ton Pentre in midweek, going down 2-1 in the MacWhirter Welsh League Division One. The fourth-placed Seasiders, last beaten by Pontardawe back in August, dominated the opening half, but only had a single goal to show for their efforts.

Chris Latham headed home a Liam McCreesh cross in the sixth minute, but Latham then had two efforts cleared off the goal line and Paul Evans also went close.

But in a reversal of fortunes, the Bulldogs had their tails up during the second period, equalising via Dwayne Mardenborough in the 71st minute.

The scorer turned provider nine minutes later, as his cross met Ryan Jenkins who headed in the winner.

This formed a third league defeat of the season for Lido while third-placed Ton moved to within three points of leaders Neath with a game in hand.

NEATH LEFT TO RUE VARDON'S SPOT-KICK MISS

18 December 2006 

First division leaders Neath were left to reflect on a late penalty miss during a 2-2 stalemate with Ton Pentre at Llandarcy Park. Usual penalty taker Andy Hill, who had converted a first half-spot kick, had gone off with a stomach injury, leading to Chris Vardon taking responsibility. 

However, his effort was well saved by goalkeeper Marty Ellacott, resulting in Neath's lead being cut to just two points by Pontypridd Town.

Neath dominated the opening half with a Mark Crutch own-goal making it 2-0 at the break, but the Bulldogs rallied to snap up a point through Ryan Jenkins and Alyn Jones.

Goytre were held to a 1-1 draw by Bryntirion at Glenhafod Park and, to make matters worse, top scorer Richard Ryan received a straight red card after 15 minutes.

Bryntirion defender Sean Cronin was also dismissed, and the visitors went ahead through Shane Dawe on the hour.

However, captain Darren Lyons eventually headed home a John Meacock cross to earn Goytre a point.

Afan Lido made it a sweet 16 games without defeat ahead of tomorrow's re-arranged league fixture at Ton Pentre (7.30pm).

The Seasiders beat Ely Rangers 2-1 at the Marston Stadium, but they too finished with just 10 men after Shaun O'Leary saw red in the 62nd minute.

All the goals came during the opening half, with Ian Jones giving the Seasiders a 13th-minute lead on the back of a 24th strike of the campaign.

Ely levelled 15 minutes later through Ben Perkins, while the winner came just before the break.

Greg Hurley and Jones swapped passes with Jones squared the ball for Liam McCreesh to fire past Ashley Hunt in the Ely goal.

In the aftermath of Andrew Birch standing down as assistant manager in midweek, Pontardawe suffered a disappointing 2-0 home defeat against fellow strugglers Newport YMCA.

Maesteg Park bounced back from a midweek defeat against Caerleon to card a 2-1 home victory over Taffs Well.

The goals were crammed into the last 10 minutes with a home strike from Ryan Morgan rubbed out by Ashleigh Gittins.

However, close to time Robbie Walters converted an Ian Shepherd free-kick to give Park the points.

In the second division, West End surprisingly went down 3-2 against lowly Caerau Ely at Pryderi Park.

The Townhill side were never ahead and although Jonathan Eames netted in the 25th minute, a Dean Howells brace sent the Cardiff side in with a 2-1 advantage.

Matt Lovell made it 3-1 before Lee Morgan headed home on the end of an Alex Davies goal kick.

Despite dominating for long periods, Briton Ferry could only manage a 1-1 draw with Penrhiwceiber at the Glassbrook.

Daniel Thomas showed determination in giving Ferry an early lead, but Ceiber levelled via Richard Veale right on time.

Though Garden Village carved out some good goal-scoring chances, they suffered a 2-0 defeat at new leaders Garw.

Dave Truan headed home a Thomas Hopper cross after 15 minutes, with Tom Donald sealing victory in the 80th minute.

Ammanford clung on during the second period to record a sound 2-1 victory over Pontyclun at the Recreation Ground.

Richard Lewis shot the Rice Roaders ahead and, after Pontyclun had Carl Lewis sent off, they dragged themselves back on terms.

However, in the 44th minute, top scorer Luke Fayers was pushed in the box, and Liam Preece obliged from the spot.

The clash between Morriston and Treharris was called off as the Dingle clubhouse was damaged during a break-in on Friday.

The third division encounter between Seven Sisters and Llantwit Fardre was lost to a waterlogged pitch while Ystradgynlais were twice ahead during a 2-2 outcome at AFC Porth.

Michael Whapham headed in a Nicholas Maggs cross in the eighth minute, and Porth eventually equalised in the 81st minute.

That sparked a late pulse of scoring with a lob from substitute Darren Langford taking Ystrad back ahead, but to no avail.

Cwmamman went down 2-0 at Gwent side Goytre FC while Llansawel lost 4-2 against promotion-seeking Llangeinor.

Craig Catterson got both Llansawel goals during the first half, and they were 2-1 up at the interval.

But the Bridgend side took the honours on the back of goals from Dai Lewis (2), Mattie Jones and Jonathan Quigley.

TONY POOLE

NEW BOY TIMOTHY IN FOR GOYTRE

15 December 2006  

Goytre United are set to parade new signing Billy Timothy in tomorrow's first division clash with Bryntirion Athletic at Glenhafod Park. Timothy signed from Neath Athletic last week, but was cup-tied for Goytre's encounter with Cambrian & Clydach.

But the Port Talbot side lose Jonny Walkley to a one-match ban, while captain Darren Lyons is still struggling with a groin complaint.

Leaders Neath host Ton Pentre at the start of a difficult run of festive season matches.

Top scorer Carl Shaw misses the next two weekends because of work commitments, but captain Andy Hill returns from a three-match ban.

Afan Lido entertain Ely Rangers in what is a dress rehearsal for their Welsh Cup meeting in February.

Striker John Felton, who made a goalscoring return from the bench during last Saturday's 4-0 cup win over Maesteg Park, could get the nod to start against Rangers.

With Carl Evans suspended, player-manager Paul Evans is likely to deputise at the back.

Lido will be placing a 15-match unbeaten run on the line against the Cardiff side.

Maesteg Park finished with just nine men during a 2-1 home defeat against Caerleon in midweek.

Chris Lee was sent off during the first half while Richard Stevens saw red near the end.

Stevens had given the Old Parish side the lead in the 20th minute, with Ben Davies equalising just before the break.

Then, with the game seemingly drifting towards a draw, a Davies free-kick hit the bar and went in off goalkeeper Gary Wager's head.

Park lose both Lee and Stevens to suspensions for tomorrow's home game with Taffs Well.

Nicky Cole is out with a broken jaw, but their squad has been boosted by the return of Dale Gardiner from Pontardawe and Gareth Davies, who has overcome injury problems.

Vital points will be on the table as Pontardawe Town face Newport YMCA at the Recreation Ground.

Although manager Dai Rees introduced new signings Kevin Bartley and Richard South at Croesyceiliog last Saturday, Pontardawe suffered a 4-0 defeat.

Returning to squad duties against YMCA will be Steven Cox, Jonny Owen and Andrew Stokes, while Steve Davies and Steve Crabbe hope to shake off hamstring twinges.

In the second division, West End lose Darren Griffiths and Rory Smitham to bans for their home game with Caerau Ely.

Garden Village face promotion-seeking Garw at Blandy, while Morriston, who take on Treharris at the Dingle, have Mark Carlyle missing with a chest injury.

Briton Ferry challenge Penrhiwceiber at the Glassbrook and Old Road chief Neil Morgan welcomes back Rob Cann, Ross Howells and Daniel Thomas.

Ammanford are home to Pontyclun and while Richard Lewis is rated 50-50 with a groin strain, Liam Preece and John Garland are poised to resume.

In the third division, Cwmamman will be looking for a third win on the trot at Goytre FC.

Cwm manager Michael Ellery is hoping to complete the transfer of Morriston top-scorer Michael Chapman, but he has already ruled out both Aled Rees and Christopher Williams.

Llansawel take on promotion hopefuls Llangeinor at Cwrt Herbert with Anthony Walsh returning to squad duties.

But player-manager Paul Carpenter will be without Dave Mills while Scott Mahon faces a late fitness test.

Ystradgynlais have both Craig Hopkins and Ioan King suspended and the pair miss the away fixture with AFC Porth.

Seven Sisters are also hit by a suspension, Matthew Harris missing out as the Dulais Valley side entertain Llantwit Fardre.

TONY POOLE

CHAMPS DRAW LEADERS

14 December 2006  

Goytre United host first division leaders Neath Athletic in the plum tie at the quarter-final stage of the Welsh League's Shamrock Travel Cup on January 6.Before then the clubs meet in a key league meeting, also at Glenhafod Park, on Saturday week. 

The third Neath Port Talbot club to have reached this stage, Afan Lido, take on third division side Llanwern at Spytty Park.

Draw: Caldicot v Betws, Goytre Utd v Neath Athletic, Llanwern v Afan Lido, Tredegar v Bridgend.

Ties to be played January 6.

MacWhirter Welsh Youth Cup quarter-finals: Cambrian & Clydach or Port Talbot Town v Risca United, Neath Athletic or Goytre United v West End or Haverfordwest, Pontar- dawe Town v Ely Rangers, Pontypridd v Pentwyn Dynamos.

Ties to be played on February 4.

TONY POOLE

RYAN'S HAT-TRICK SENDS GOYTRE THROUGH IN CUP

11 December 2006

The Neath Port Talbot trio of Afan Lido, Goytre United and Neath Athletic all made it safely through to the quarter-final stage of the league's Shamrock Travel Cup on January 6.They will be joined by just one another first division club, Bridgend Town, while the names of Betws, Caldicot, Llanwern and Tredegar will also be involved in tomorrow evening's draw.

Afan Lido and Neath both registered 4-0 home wins over Maesteg Park and Morriston respectively, with Goytre winning the day 5-2 against Cambrian & Clydach at Glenhafod Park.

Neath scored twice in each half with goals from Chris Vardon and Chris Miller separating the sides at the break.

It was action-replay time during the second period as Vardon made it 3-0, with Miller rounding things off near the end.

A Richard Ryan hat-trick set up victory for Goytre over Cambrian, who trailed 3-0 at the break.

Ryan gave Goytre the lead from the spot, with Andrew Pearson and another from Ryan taking them clear.

Teenager Chris Parfitt made it 4-1, while Ryan got his hat-trick goal near the end.

Lido stretched an unbeaten record to 15 matches with a 4-0 home success over Maesteg Park, but they only led on the back of an Ian Jones strike for most of the tie.

However, a second goal from Jones in the 68th minute doubled the lead, and further goals from substitute Chris Felton and Shaun O'Leary completed an emphatic victory.

Maesteg resume league duties with a re-arranged fixture against Caerleon at Tudor Park this Wednesday (7.30pm).

However, there was no joy for the third division duo of Llansawel and Ystradgynlais, who bowed out against Caldicot and Tredegar respectively.

Sawel set up more goal-scoring opportunities while Caldicot proved better finishers, and were two goals up before Lee Thomas responded in the 80th minute.

That led to Lee Fleming having a shot scrambled off the goal line, while Craig Catterson saw his effort fly over the crossbar.

Ystradgynlais went out on penalties at Tredegar after the scores were tied on 3-3 after 90 minutes and 4-4 after extra time.

Nicholas Maggs got all three goals to force extra-time, and Liam Soroka fired the Swansea Valley side ahead in the 97th minute.

But Tredegar levelled in the 114th minute, and went on to take the penalty shootout 4-2.

Luke Fayers gave Ammanford an early lead against Bridgend Town, only to go out 4-2 at the Recreation Ground.

Goals from Drew Fahiya and Mattie Glasse sent Bridgend in with a 2-1 lead while Fayers equalised on the resumption.

However, Carl Davies headed Bridgend back in front, and they wrapped things up on the back of Ryan Barry's late penalty.

Switching to the MacWhirter League, Pontardawe lost 4-0 at Croesyceiliog, while goals from Gavin Thomas and Jonathan Cuss set up Bryntirion's 2-0 home victory over Dinas Powys.

In the second division, West End finished with just nine men as indiscipline almost got the better of them during a 1-1 draw at Treharris.

A second-minute penalty from Anthony Wright after Neil Phillips had been felled in the box supplied the Townhill side with early encouragement.

But after half an hour Darren Griffiths was dismissed for a second bookable offence, and Rory Smitham received a straight red in the 67th minute.

In the third division, Cwmamman eased immediate relegation fears with a 3-1 win over Risca at Grenig Park.

Midway through the second half the score stood on 1-1 - Roy Tomlinson the Cwm marksman - and the deadlock was broken in the 70th minute via a Stephen Williams free-kick.

Dean Rosselli headed it home and they sealed a second consecutive win on the back of a Dean Beniamous strike.

Porthcawl went down to a 1-0 defeat at Cwmbran Celtic with bottom-placed Gwynfi United losing 8-1 at Abertillery - Alan Simpson got the Cape side's consolation goal.

The clash between Llangeinor and Newcastle Emlyn was abandoned in the 55th minute after a visiting player broke a leg.

The Bridgend village side were 2-1 up at the time through strikes from Rasdul Abdul and Dai Lewis, but the injury called an end to the match.

TONY POOLE

NEATH IN BID TO LAND SILVERWARE

08 December 2006

First division leaders Neath Athletic welcome Morriston Town to Llandarcy Park tomorrow in the last 16 of the Shamrock Travel Cup.Neath captain Andy Hill sits out a final suspension and manager Andrew Dyer is set to ring the changes with David D'Auria, Simon Dyer, Mattie Rees, Ryan Frankcom and Chris Miller all likely to start.

The Dingle club loses top scorer Michael Chapman and keeper Dale Hulland to bans.

That means Morriston boss Paul Lewis will hand a first-team debut to Anthony Frayme in goal with Ashley Coombs the likely deputy for cup-tied Rob James.

Goytre host high-flying second division club Cambrian & Clydach with work commitments claiming both Michael Chaves and Jonny Walkley.

Captain Darren Lyons is continuing to struggle with a groin injury while experienced striker Kevin Bartley has transferred to Pontardawe Town.

The only all top-flight clash is at the Marston Stadium, with Afan Lido putting their unbeaten 14-match run on the line against Maesteg Park.

Lido welcome back striker John Felton, together with player-manager Paul Evans, but Carl Evans starts a three-match suspension.

Maesteg, who have slapped in seven days notice for their former wide man Dale Gardiner (Pontardawe), have Gareth Davies rated 50-50 with an Achilles complaint.

Ammanford hope to profit on visitors Bridgend Town playing a fifth game in the space of a fortnight at the Recreation Ground.

Dean Jenkins is back from suspension, but Liam Preece serves the last of a three-match ban.

Llansawel, who welcome second division Caldicot to Cwrt Herbert, have Martin Griffiths, Steve Jones and Dan Triggs back.

However, that is countered by the loss of both Scott Mahon and Anthony Walsh to injuries.

Ystradgynlais travel to second division Tredegar, and manager Andrew Hopkins has his son Craig ruled out through suspension.

Three other big players - Ioan King, Ceri Slyman and Michael Whapham - are also out, but back into the selection mix come Robbie Daniels, Dave Griffiths and Dave Miller.

The quarter-final draw will be made on Tuesday night, with the ties being staged on January 6.

Neath enhanced their position at the top of the league in midweek with a 4-1 home win over Bridgend Town.

Goals from Jonathan Keaveny, Carl Shaw and Chris Vardon sent Neath clear while Bridgend's reply was down to a Stephen Pockett own-goal, making it 3-1 at the break.

Near the end, a 10th goal of the season from Shaw rounded off a good night for Neath, resulting in them opening up a seven-point gap on closest challengers Pontypridd.

Pontardawe travel to Croesyceiliog, and straight into their squad goes recent Goytre acquisition Kevin Bartley.

But Andrew Stokes misses the game because of a one-match suspension, while Stuart Hoskins has failed to recover from a groin injury.

West End visit Treharris, who came up with the Townhill side from the third division last term.

The Pryderi side have a fitness concern surrounding Richard Jones (calf strain), and Darren Griffiths might be included in the starting line-up.

Centre-back David Brain is unavailable, but Carl Smitham has completed a one-match suspension.

Cwmamman will be hoping to take a further step away from the relegation zone at home to Risca with Gwynfi searching for a first win of the season at Abertillery.

TONY POOLE

NEATH STAY TOP AFTER COMFORTABLE YMCA VICTORY

04 December 2006

First division leaders Neath Athletic came away from Newport YMCA with a 4-1 victory. Having fallen behind to a Craig James penalty, goals from Jarrod Price and Jonathan Keaveny sent Neath in 2-1 ahead. And it was action replay time on the restart as Price and Keaveny both netted again.

Goytre beat Dinas Powys 4-1 with first-half goals from John Meacock and Paul Lenihan. Former Goytre player Mark Dunford pulled a goal back on the restart, but a Richard Ryan double - one from the spot - sealed the win.

Pontardawe led on the back of a Richard Cleverly strike at half-time against Pontypridd only to suffer a 5-1 defeat. The Swansea Valley side had Andrew Stokes sent off just before the break, and goal doubles from Nathan Hosgood and Chris Summers along with a Dean Morris strike saw the home side through.

Maesteg Park triumphed 3-0 at Grange Quins thanks to Robbie Walters (two) and Chris Lee.

Uwic beat Bridgend 3-2 at at Coychurch Road. Goals from Leigh Pratt and Drew Fahiya had put Bridgend 2-1 up.

In the second division, West End won 4-1 against Merthyr Saints with all the goals coming in the second half. Strikes from Wayne Jones, Neil Phillips, Anthony Wright and Rory Smitham saw them home.

AFC Llwydcoed picked up their first league win of the season with a 5-2 success over Garden Village. The Stafford Common side were 3-0 down at the break and although they eventually got going with goals from Mark Lloyd and Lee Restartter, it was the Cynon Valley side's day.

Briton Ferry went down 3-1 at Treharris despite opening the scoring in the 20th minute through Richard Howell.

Morriston slipped into deeper relegation trouble after losing 4-0 to Caldicot at the Dingle, but Ammanford defeated Cardiff Corries 2-1 at the Recreation Ground. Richard Lewis gave the Rice Roaders the lead and after the sides turned around on 1-1, an 11th goal of the season from Luke Fayers secured Ammanford's win.

Garw relieved Troedyrhiw of top spot with a 3-1 win over the Willows side at Blandy. Goals from Tom Donald, Dave Traun and substitute Christian Burge settled the issue while Richie Collins was on target for Troedyrhiw.

Llansawel were held to a disappointing 2-2 draw by Abertillery at Cwrt Herbert in division three. Two goals adrift until the 72nd minute, the introduction of Andrew Cann pepped Sawel up, and he pulled a goal back and player-manager Paul Carpenter hammered home an equaliser.

Third-placed Llangeinor, who named former Swan Damian Lacey as their new manager, went down 4-2 in a top-of-the-table clash at Llanwern. The Steelmen built up a three-goal lead inside 15 minutes and despite goals from Jonathan Quigley and Rasdul Abdul, Llanwern secured the points.

Cwmamman picked up a first victory under new boss Michael Ellery, winning 5-2 against bottom-placed Gwynfi at the Cape.

Cwm's assistant-manager Dean Beniamous struck twice before the break while Roy Tomlinson and Jonathan Thomas were also on target. Gwynfi then narrowed the gap on the resumption to 4-2 via Geraint Mizen and Carl Rees only for Tomlinson seal the points.

Porthcawl were held to 3-3 by lowly Chepstow with Paul Atkinson striking twice and Gareth Griffiths once for the Seasiders.

Ystradgynlais went down to a disappointing 3-2 defeat against Goytre FC at Plough Road. Andy Walsh gave the Gwent side the lead during the first half while in the 47th minute Craig Hopkins equalised only to get sent off. Goytre went 3-1 up before Liam Soroka completed the scoring close to time.

TONY POOLE

TOP SCORER IAN GIVES LIDO A LIFT

01 December 2006  

Afan Lido will be looking to stretch their unbeaten sequence to 14 matches during tonight's first division clash with Croesyceiliog at the Marston Stadium (7.30pm). However, joint-manager Paul Evans picked up an eye injury during a mishap last week while moving home and striker John Felton is ruled out for another week.

Liam McCreesh is expected to play and top scorer Ian Jones has shaken off a few minor injuries.

Having taken new leaders Neath Athletic close last weekend before going down 2-1, Croesyceiliog will be no pushovers.

Neath, who visit lowly Newport YMCA, have striker Carl Shaw back but Andy Hill starts a three-match ban following his dismissal against Croesyceiliog.

Back in training with the Llandarcy Park side, who have a re-arranged home league fixture with Bridgend next Wednesday, is defender Jock Fairbairn.

Goytre United have a fitness doubt over captain Darren Lyons going into their home meeting with Dinas Powys.

Lyons has a groin complaint but defender Ian Morgan is fit.

Pontardawe Town, who drew 2-2 draw at Bridgend last Tuesday, face a major test against Pontypridd Town at Ynysangharad Park.

Pontardawe boss Dai Rees introduced both defender Bevan Humphries and striker Craig Richards at Coychurch Road and, for the trip to Pontypridd, both Neil Simon and Steve Bater reappear in the squad.

However, Stuart Hoskins, who came off in the 50th minute at Bridgend with a groin strain, is a fitness doubt.

Maesteg Park take on Grange Quins at the Leckwith Stadium.

Second division West End have re-signed striker Darren Griffiths from Pontardawe.

Griffiths goes straight into the squad for the Townhill side's home encounter with Merthyr Saints along with centre-back David Brain.

Brain was injured midway through last season, but has regained fitness this term on the Pic-Up Spares Swansea Senior League scene with St Joseph's.

Garden Village, who visit bottom-placed AFC Llwydcoed, have a fitness worry surrounding defender Jamie Mansell (ankle).

Del James is also doubtful with a knee injury while Steve Devonald is unavailable.

However, Village chief Robert Lloyd has added Mark Lloyd to his squad.

Morriston have signed striker Ashley Coombs from Morriston Olympic of the Swansea League ahead of their home game with Caldicot. Returning from suspension is striker Jack Jenkins but Mark Baker is still troubled by an Achilles problem.

Ammanford, who host Cardiff Corries, still have Liam Preece and Dean Jenkins suspended but manager Neil Rees welcomes back both Rhodri Robinson and Daniel Bowen.

Briton Ferry have striker Rob Cann back from suspension for their away fixture with Treharris Athletic.

Old Road boss Neil Morgan has brought in both Scott Kenyon and Gwilym Ball. Ross Howells is out until the New Year with a wrist injury.

In the third division, Llansawel lose Dan Triggs to a foot injury for their game with Abertillery at Cwrt Herbert, but Dave Mills is set to return.

The two sides who prop up the division - bottom-placed Gwynfi and Cwmamman - meet at the Cape.

Cwm are minus defender Carl James and midfielder Chris Williams.

Ystradgynlais are at Goytre FC in Gwent, with fitness doubts over Craig Hopkins (back) and Dave Miller (chest complaint).

In-form Seven Sisters entertain table-topping Pentwyn Dynamos, with the Dulais Valley side bidding for a fourth straight win.

TONY POOLE