SEMI-FINAL OFF

28 February 2007

Last night's Shamrock Travel Cup semi-final between Goytre United and Betws at Maesteg Park FC was postponed because of a waterlogged pitch. It will now be played at the same venue on April 3.

D'AURIA PROVIDES THE SPARK FOR LEADERS

26 February 2007

Neath Athletic improved their lead at the top of the first division with a 5-0 home victory over Bryntirion. Former Swansea City player David D'Auria made a successful comeback, setting up his side's three opening goals.

Chris Miller benefited from two D'Auria crosses to take Neath clear while Andy Hill made it 3-0 on the end of his fine service.

Miller struck a hat-trick goal just before the break with Steve Evans completing the rout in the 68th minute.

Second-placed Pontypridd, who trail Neath by four points with two games in hand, were held to a 0-0 draw at Goytre.

In a game of few chances, Goytre captain Darren Lyons missed out in the 25th minute with a free header inside the six-yard box.

Afan Lido clung on to fifth spot with a hard-earned 2-1 victory over Dinas Powys at the Murch Field.

A goal from ex-Maesteg Park and Goytre striker Mark Dunford sent the Cardiff side ahead with Carl Evans responding.

The sides changed ends on 1-1 while the winner arrived in the 77th minute with Ian Jones beating goalkeeper Joe Cushieri to move on to the 30-goal mark for the season.

Maesteg Park lost for a sixth successive time, going down 4-0 at relegation-threatened Ely Rangers.

Although it was goalless at half-time, the Cardiff side swept to victory thanks to goals from Wayne Matthews, Spencer Clarke, Sean Nash and Nicky Hooper.

Pontardawe went down 3-0 at Taffs Well while Bridgend squandered a two-goal lead in a 2-2 draw at Newport YMCA.

Andrew Mainwaring and Shaun Chappell scored for the visitors with Lewis Sommers and Danny Cueto the YMCA marksmen.

In the second division, West End got their promotion quest back on track with a thumping 5-0 win at Ammanford.

Having lost successive home games to Garden Village and Betws, the Townhill side led on the back of a Wayne Jones double at the interlude.

There was no way back for the Rice Roaders, who went on to conceded a hat-trick to Darren Griffiths.

Despite only trailing 3-2 on the hour, Morriston suffered a 5-2 defeat against Troedyrhiw at the Willows.

A goal from Ashley Coombs pulled Troedyrhiw back to 2-1 at the break with James Barrett netting on the resumption.

But Coombs was sent off late on, as a Richie Collins hat-trick pushed Morriston towards a 13th league defeat of the season.

Garw took the top-of-the-table encounter at Cambrian & Clydach with a 20th-minute strike from Vincent Wattleworth separating the sides.

The best result in the third division belonged to Ystradgynlais, who beat third-placed Llangeinor 6-3 at Ynyscedwyn Road.

Llangeinor had player-manager Damian Lacey sent off after just five minutes while Ystrad's Robbie Daniels was dismissed on 35 minutes.

Countless others were booked, as a brace from Craig Hopkins along with strikes from Nicky Maggs and Liam Soroka made it 4-0 on the hour.

The visitors hit back through Jonathan Quigley, but further goals from substitute Darren Langford and Andy Miller made it 6-1.

The promotion-seeking Bridgend side, however, salvaged a little pride late on through Owain Green and Steve Boydell.

Two goals at the end of each half cost Llansawel dear in a 2-2 draw at table-topping Pentwyn Dynamos.

Craig Catterson gave the Cwrt Herbert side the lead, but it was 1-1 at the break - and Catterson missed a penalty on the hour.

However, he atoned in firing Llansawel back ahead in the 70th minute only for the Cardiff side to come late to snatch a point.

A late goal from Gareth Griffiths earned Porthcawl a point during a 2-2 stalemate with Seven Sisters at Lock's Lane.

Paul Atkinson gave the Seasiders a 17th-minute lead, but Seven, who dominated the second half, levelled on 58 minutes via Owen Llewellyn.

Soon after a superb header from Nicky Moore looked to have sealed another Seven win, but it wasn't to be.

The matches between Garden Village and Briton Ferry along with Cwmamman and Abertillery were both called off.

TONY POOLE

NEATH STILL COUNT COST OF INJURIES AND BANS

23 February 2007

Leaders Neath Athletic are again below full strength for tomorrow's first division clash with visiting Bryntirion Athletic. Still out through suspensions are Jock Fairbairn, Jonathan Keaveny and Chris Pridham while Jarrod Price, Carl Shaw and Chris Vardon are all likely to miss out because of injuries.

However, Jack Jenkins returns, following a suspension served at former club Morriston.

Neath have abandoned interest in centre-back David Burrows, who has plumped for Port Talbot Town.

Terms had been agreed with the ex-Aberystwyth player-manager, but he then went with the Blues last Saturday to New Saints.

Goytre United picked up an important point during a 1-1 draw with Ton Pentre at Ynys Park in midweek.

Both goals came during the opening half and, despite going a goal down, Goytre levelled on the back of a 26th goal of the season from top-scorer Richard Ryan.

Tomorrow Goytre have an equally demanding clash against second-placed Pontypridd Town at Glenhafod Park.

The Port Talbot side will be bidding for a double, having taken the Ynysangharad Park meeting 2-1 back in October thanks to goals from Jonny Walkley and Kevin Bartley.

Afan Lido visit Dinas Powys, and the Seasiders have an injury worry surrounding Shaun O'Leary (calf strain).

But striker John Felton returns to the side, and managers Phil Holmes and Paul Evans have no other injury problems.

Pontardawe have some of their walking wounded back for the clash at Taffs Well, who beat Barry Town, 3-1, in midweek.

Former Garden Village striker Paul Dickie is set to make a club debut, with Steve Crabbe, Gavin Guy and Jonny Owen also in the selection mix.

Maesteg Park, beaten in their last five matches, have Gareth Davies and Ryan Morgan out at bottom-club Ely Rangers.

Lee Michael is nursing a shoulder injury, but is expected to recover in time.

In the second division, West End will be hoping to get their fading promotion hopes back on track at Ammanford.

Still out for the Pryderi boys are the suspended duo of goalkeeper Alex Davies and striker Neil Phillips, but Rory Smitham has completed a one-match ban.

Liam Preece sees out a final suspension, but the Rice Roaders are hoping to field dual-registered Richard Lewis, from Llanelli.

Another derby is being staged at Stafford Common, with Garden Village facing Briton Ferry.

Village will run a fitness test on David Evans, but striker Rob Shannon is unavailable.

Ferry chief Neil Morgan is hoping to have two new players on view and welcomes back from suspension both Rob Cann and Ross Howells.

Morriston include former Swansea City player Jonathan Coates against Troedyrhiw at the Willows.

The Dingle side also have Leighton Connor and Paul Batcup back in their squad, but goalkeeper Dale Hulland is out and Matt Martin deputises.

Seven Sisters once more call on semi-retired Nigel Westall for their encounter with Porthcawl at Lock's Lane.

Westall is set to come in for Chris Herdman, who is moving home, as Seven look to make it eight wins from nine matches.

Bottom-placed Cwmamman are being linked with former Morriston midfielder Mark Carlyle ahead of their vital home game with Abertillery.

Michael Hodges and Dean Rosselli return to the Cwm squad and, along with teenager Andy Lewis, are in line for selection.

Barring unavailable David Mills, Llansawel will be at full strength for a stern test at leaders Pentwyn Dynamos.

Ystradgynlais manager Andrew Hopkins is waiting on striker Michael Whapham (hip injury) ahead of the match with third-placed Llangeinor at Ynyscedwyn Road.

TONY POOLE

RYAN SMASHES HOME A HAT-TRICK FOR GOYTRE

19 February 2007

Neath Athletic saw their lead cut to just two points at the top of the first division by Pontypridd Town. The Llandarcy Park side's intended fixture at Dinas Powys was the only one in the entire league to be called off, leading to Pontypridd making hay on the back of a 4-1 win at Barry Town.

Goytre United kept heading in the right direction following a 4-2 success over Uwic at Cyncoed. A Richard Ryan hat-trick, moving his seasonal tally on to the 25-mark, and a strike from Andrew Pearson set up victory for Goytre, who leapfrogged Maesteg and Afan Lido to go fifth.

Pontardawe Town cemented a mid-table standing with a 2-1 home win over Caerleon.

Steven Cox converted a 25th-minute penalty after teenager Luke Michael was felled, but soon after Jamie Hillier levelled.

The winner arrived in the 75th minute when substitute Jamie Rickard crossed and Michael headed home.

Bridgend ended a 45-year stay at Coychurch Road with a magnificent 7-0 win over outgunned Croesyceiliog.

A Michael Hartley hat-trick sent Bridgend on their way along with an Andrew Mainwaring double and a Nicky Burke strike. However, the final goal at the ground went to Pencoed teenager Adam Carpenter, who hammered in a Hartley cross.

Maesteg Park remain in the doldrums after losing 3-1 to Newport YMCA at Tudor Park.

Craig Ford gave the visitors a 16th-minute lead, but straight from the kick-off Gareth Davies equalised.

But YMCA made it no fun for Maesteg as goals from Steve Edwards and Liam Spargo led to a fifth consecutive defeat.

In the second division there was also more heartache for West End, who lost 2-1 to improving Betws at Pryderi Park. The Bridgend side shot two goals clear before Carl Mainwaring responded in the 65th minute.

Leaders Garw march on with a 2-0 win over Ammanford at the Recreation Ground taking them seven points clear of Cambrian and Clydach, who lost 2-1 at cup-semi finalists Tredegar.

The Blandy side were at their best during the opening half with goals from Jamie Morris and Tom Hopper setting up victory.

Garden Village's improved form came to an end at promotion-seeking Caldicot, who took the honours 3-0.

It might have been different at the 1-0 stage if a Dave Rimmer goal had stood, but Caldicot were the better side.

Morriston's relegation fears heightened after losing 2-0 against Cardiff Corries at the Dingle while Briton Ferry beat Pontyclun 2-1 at Old Road.

Keith Phillips gave Ferry the lead after 15 minutes with a superb 70th-minute goal from Richard Howell doubling the advantage.

However, Pontyclun rallied late on, scoring once while home goalkeeper Rhys Jones pulled off an exceptional save.

In the third division, Seven Sisters made it seven wins from eight starts on the back of a 3-1 home victory over AFC Porth.

Though Steve Brock gave Porth the lead in the 35th minute, the Dulais Valley side's hero was ex-Pontardawe striker Chris Gardiner. He completed a second-half hat-trick to turn the game on its head, and move Seven into a secure mid-table position.

But there was no joy for either Llansawel or Cwmamman as they both look to turn things around.

Llansawel lost 1-0 against Cwmbran Celtic at Cwrt Herbert, and now face a key clash at home to AFC Porth tonight (7.30pm).

Cwm went down to a 2-1 defeat at Newcastle Emlyn despite Stephen Williams giving them the lead from the spot in the fifth minute.

But two breakaway goals from Emlyn sealed victory, leaving Cwm anchored to the bottom.

Goals from Mattie Jones and a debut strike from Maesteg Park import Steve Boydell secured Llangeinor a 2-0 home win over Pentwyn Dynamos in a top-of-the-table showdown.

Ystradgynlais came from 3-0 down to earn a draw at home to Cwmbran Celtic yesterday.

A Shane Williamson brace and a strike from Craig Cheedy saw the visitors race into the lead.

But a Craig Hopkins penalty and Nicky Maggs double spared Ystrad blushes.

TONY POOLE

BURROWS BOOSTER FOR NEATH

16 February 2007

Neath Athletic have bolstered their title hopes in the first division in signing centre-back David Burrows from Aberystwyth Town. Burrows, who was also player-manager with the Welsh Premiership club, put pen to paper ahead of tomorrow's clash with Dinas Powys at the Murch Field.

Burrows goes straight into the side, as the league leaders lose four players to suspension - Jack Jenkins, Jock Fairbairn, Jonathan Keaveny and Chris Pridham.

Jarrod Price is ruled out by a thigh strain, but Rob Folland has recovered from flu.

Goytre United head for Uwic without unavailable Jonny Walkley, while another championship-chasing side, Afan Lido, launch the programme tonight against Taffs Well at the Marston Stadium (7.30pm).

Managers Phil Holmes and Paul Evans could be without Karl Lewis, who has a hand injury, but Matt Lavis and Carl Edwards might well return.

But Lido are waiting on frontmen Craig Jones and John Felton, who have been recent absentees.

Pontardawe still have Jonny Owen suspended for their home game with Caerleon.

Pontardawe have completed the transfer of Paul Dickie, but the ex-Garden Village striker is out with an ankle injury.

Maesteg Park, frustrated by the late postponement of their game at Ton Pentre on Tuesday, welcome back Kieran Howells for the visit of Newport YMCA.

Tomorrow marks the end of a 45-year era for Bridgend Town, who play their final game at Coychurch Road.

Croesyceiliog are the opponents ahead of Bridgend heading for a temporary base in Porthcawl.

Second division Ammanford have signed Jordan Follows from Bwlch in the run-up to their home clash with leaders Garw.

Dean Jenkins returns to the squad, and the Rice Roaders have dual-registered Richard Lewis available from Llanelli, who play Haverfordwest County tonight.

But Liam Preece starts another ban for a dismissal picked up in a reserve team match.

Improving Garden Village visit promotion- seeking Caldicot with a full-strength squad, but Morriston have both Leighton Connor and Paul Batcup out for the visit of Cardiff Corries. Michael Gammon is back in the squad.

Briton Ferry, who entertain Pontyclun, lose Ross Howells and Rob Cann to one-match suspensions.

West End have the same problems at home to Betws as they would have experienced during last Saturday's postponed game at Garw.

The Townhill side are still without the suspended trio of goalkeeper Alex Davies, top-scorer Neil Phillips and midfielder Rory Smitham.

Seven Sisters have a chance to cement a mid-table place at home to AFC Porth, who visit Llansawel in a re-arranged fixture on Monday (7.30pm).

But new Llansawel manager Wyn Evans will be looking towards a winning start against Cwmbran Celtic at Cwrt Herbert.

Llansawel have Anthony Walsh missing because of work commitments, but Nigel Rees is set to resume.

Bottom-placed Cwmamman hope to kick-start their campaign at Newcastle Emlyn, with manager Mike Ellery turning to Luke Rice up front.

Michael Hodges is back, but there is a selection doubt surrounding striker Dean Rosselli.

Ystradgynlais are in action on Sunday against Cwmbran Celtic at Ynyscedwyn Road (2pm).

Ystrad, who are beginning to hit top form, are boosted by the return of top-scorer Michael Whapham from suspension.

TONY POOLE

CARL SHOWS HE'S A SHAW THING

12 February 2007

Carl Shaw showed why 13 is his lucky number as he fired 10-man Neath Athletic to victory over Taffs Well at Llandarcy Park in the MacWhirter Welsh League division one. Super sub Shaw, who came on for Jarrod Price after 56 minutes, hit the winning goal after Andrew Hammett had cancelled out Jonathan Keaveny's opener.

But the former Swansea City and Carmarthen Town striker turned from hero to villain 12 minutes from time when he saw red after allegedly directing foul and abusive comments to one of the assistant referees.

But that failed to take the gloss off this victory as Neath continued to march towards the title.

"This was an excellent three points considering we finished the game with 10 men," said Neath boss Andrew Dyer.

"It was the ideal way to put the Welshpool (cup) defeat behind us."

The Neath boss sung the praises of his two goalscorers and admitted his players could do very little to stop the Taffs Well strike.

"I think sometimes you can be too critical of your own team, if you look at the goal," he added.

"But what could we have done about it? Not too much to be honest.

"Keaveny did well. He kept a cool head when he scored but he let himself down later on.

"He's a passionate lad but he has said something that has got himself sent off.

"Carl Shaw is capable of doing something special and that's what happened here. He's an experienced player and frequently finds the net - he's done well for us."

The visitors to Llandarcy Park are one of only two teams to have beaten the division one leaders this season and took the game to Neath early on.

Stephen Evans headed clear a cross from Well's player-manager Mark Evans, before Padraig Burke latched on to the loose ball but he could not find a way past former Aberystwyth Town keeper Craig Morris.

Neath took the lead after 14 minutes when Carl Jenkins broke clear and moved into the Taffs Well half before picking out Keaveny and he fired past John Howe.

Neath's failure to add to their slender lead proved costly, with Taffs Well snatching a 58th-minute equaliser.

Barry Gunstone found substitute Hammett in space on the left and he fired in a shot from just outside the six-yard area.

The high tempo was maintained, with Neath forcing the visitors to stubbornly defend, and when Ryan Frankcom shook off the attention of Lee Denner, the ex-Goytre player curled a delivery into the path of Hill, only for him to head over the bar from eight yards out.

Dyer's decision to introduce Shaw proved inspired when the newcomer superbly swept home a Stephen Pockett free-kick.

 

HAPPY HOPKINS BAGS QUARTET AS YSTRAD GO ON RAMPAGE

12 February 2007

Ystradgynlais went goal crazy against Abertillery in the third division, registering a club record 11-3 victory.This was the Swansea Valley's fifth consecutive victory and moved them into sixth-place in the table.

"We struggled to put out our best side in early season, but things have gone well since winning last month at leaders Pentwyn Dynamos," said Ystrad manager Andrew Hopkins whose son Craig scored four times against Abertillery.

"We still have 15 remaining games and if we can maintain form, then there is a chance of us going up."

The deadlock was not broken until the 26th minute when Nicholas Maggs shot the Swansea Valley side ahead.

But a rush of scoring in the approach to half time left Ystrad with only a tenuous 3-2 lead at the break.

A first goal of the season from Lance Davies and a first senior goal from Nicky Watkins fired the hosts ahead, while strikes from Kevin Robbins and Lee Bull pegged them back.

Maggs struck again a minute into the second half with Craig Hopkins getting in on the act on 52 minutes.

Back came the visitors with a goal from Timothy Sterry on the hour - and at 5-3 a revival was still on the cards.

But Ystrad drew clear with a 62nd-minute header from Hopkins, closely followed by a goal from substitute Andrew Miller.

Hopkins completed his hat-trick from the spot in the 75th minute while another goal from Andrew Miller made it 9-3.

Ten minutes from time, a 14th goal of the season from Hopkins moved Ystrad into double figures.

But a nightmare afternoon for Abertillery goalkeeper Christian Johanson didn't end there, as Liam Soroka completed the scoring in the 84th minute.

At towards the foot of the table, Porthcawl Town picked up a vital 2-1 victory over Risca United at Lock's Lane.

Dan Harris fired Porthcawl into the lead in the 51st minute with a free-kick and Tom Warren doubled the advantage 15 minutes later.

However, a Chris Thomas header on 83 minutes set-up a tense finale.

Bryntirion's clash with Ely Rangers was abandoned after 41 minutes.

Third-division Llansawel have parted company with player-manager Paul Carpenter, who has returned to Neath Athletic.

Carpenter joined the league newcomers last summer as player-coach and was promoted to manager when Richard Sandham stood down back in October.

But despite good results, he was surprisingly replaced at the Cwrt Herbert helm last week by former manager Wyn Evans, who masterminded a Neath League treble three seasons ago.

TONY POOLE

NEATH WAIT ON SHAW FITNESS TEST

09 February 2007

Neath manager Andrew Dyer is awaiting a fitness report on experienced striker Carl Shaw ahead of tomorrow's home clash with Taffs Well in the first division. Top-scorer Shaw, who has hit the target 12 times this season, came off at half-time during Saturday's 3-0 Welsh Cup exit at Welshpool.

That is the main worry for Dyer, who is hoping the table-topping Llandarcy Park side can protect an unbeaten home record.

Goytre United have a full-strength squad for their encounter with improving Barry Town at Jenner Park.

Centre-back Jeremy Chandler is likely to shake off flu symptoms, as they seek an improvement on last weekend's 1-1 home draw with ENTO Aberaman.

Afan Lido will again be without polished frontman John Felton for their showdown with Caerleon at Cold Bath Road.

Felton missed the 2-1 win at Ely Rangers in the Welsh Cup because of work commitments, and that is the case again.

But striker Craig Jones's back is responding to treatment, and he may play.

Pontardawe lose Jonny Owen to a one-match ban against Grange Quins at the Leckwith Stadium.

The Swansea Valley side are hoping to complete the transfer of striker Paul Dickie from Garden Village to face Quins.

In the second division, Morriston will be involved in a relegation battle at Caerau Ely.

Dingle boss Paul Lewis has Garry Taylor back from an ankle injury, but Paul Batcup is unavailable.

Michael Gammon and Karl Barfoot are set to return as the Swansea side look to maintain a recent improvement.

Garden Village have at last hit a rich vein of form, building on a 3-1 league win at West End in triumphing 1-0 at Carmarthen Town in the West Wales Senior Cup last Tuesday.

However, new-found confidence will be put to the test against promotion-seeking Betws at Stafford Common.

Village boss Robert Lloyd hopes to have both Chris Morgan and Chris Thomas back, but striker Ashley Stevenson is struggling with a hip injury.

Briton Ferry boss Neil Morgan is likely to be without top scorer Keith Phillips (hamstring problem) for the trip to Troedyrhiw.

Phillips, who has netted eight times this term, came off during last Saturday's 4-1 home defeat against Cardiff Corries, but Daniel Thomas has completed a one-match suspension.

Having lost 3-1 to Garden Village last weekend, a demanding task awaits West End against leaders Garw at Blandy.

The Pryderi boys will be without the suspended trio of top-scorer Neil Phillips, goalkeeper Alex Davies and midfield ace Rory Smitham.

That means Andrew Marsh will take over in goal while things are eased with the return of both David Brain and Richard Jones.

Ammanford will be without Dean Jenkins at home to Tredegar with dual-registered striker Richard Lewis expected to remain with Llanelli.

However, the Rice Roaders welcome back both Paul Jones and Rhodri Robinson.

In the third division, Llansawel will be looking to consolidate a mid-table place at relegation- threatened Chepstow.

The Cwrt Herbert side welcome back John Jones, Layton Thomas and Anthony Walsh.

Ystradgynlais will be looking to make it five wins on the trot at the expense of Abertillery at Ynyscedwyn Road.

Another improving side, Seven Sisters, beaten just once in their last seven starts, are home to Newcastle Emlyn.

Cwmamman boss Michael Ellery will be looking to trigger a revival against Llantwit Fardre at Central Park, but assistant manager Dean Beniamous is out with a calf strain.

TONY POOLE

CHAMPIONS FORCED TO SETTLE FOR DISAPPOINTING DRAW

05 February 2007

Reigning first division champions Goytre United dropped points in disappointing fashion during a 1-1 draw with ENTO Aberaman at Glenhafod Park. The Port Talbot village side were caught cold, conceding a first-minute goal to Richard Jago. 

But 10 minutes on, Ian Turner crossed for Luke Bowen to head home from the edge of the penalty area.

Chances were then thin on the ground and Goytre were forced to settle for a third draw of the season.

Pontardawe triumphed 1-0 over Uwic at Cyncoed to take a significant step away from the drop zone.

The goal arrived in the 68th minute when Steven Cox rifled a free-kick past Brendan Cropley in the home goal.

Uwic man Festus Odigwe was sent off during the build up while Ponty's Jonny Owen was dismissed close to time.

Maesteg Park lost for a fourth successive time, going down 2-0 against Pontypridd at Tudor Park.

The Old Parish side conceded to Chris Summers after just 30 seconds, and Ponty went on to wrap things up in the 55th minute through centre-back Mike Jones.

A 44th-minute strike from Danny Cueto set up a surprise 1-0 victory for Newport YMCA over visiting Bryntirion.

In the second division, Garden Village, who won 3-1 at West End, provided the shock of the day.

Village hadn't scored in their last four defeats - and were without a win since November 11 - but won at a canter.

Ashley Richards shot them in front in the 20th minute with a Rob Shannon header against his former club doubling the lead.

A Dave Rimmer penalty in the 85th minute confirmed an away win while the Pryderi boys completed a bitterly disappointing day with a late Anthony Wright penalty.

And to make matters worse, the Townhill side had goalkeeper Alex Davies dismissed.

It was business as usual for leaders Garw, who won 3-0 at Tredegar thanks to goals from Dave Truan, Jamie Morris and Dave Thomas.

Ammanford remain upwardly mobile after a 2-1 victory at bottom-placed AFC Llwydcoed.

A magnificent seventh goal of the season from Dean Jenkins gave Ammanford the lead, but it was 1-1 at the break. The winner came in the 82nd minute when top scorer Luke Fayers turned in the box to strike a sweet 16th goal of the season.

Briton Ferry went down 4-1 against Cardiff Corries at Old Road.

Adrift 3-0 at the break, Ferry pulled one back in the 70th minute through Dan McGrath, but any revival hopes were soon cut short.

In the third division, the recent improvement shown by both Ystradgynlais and Seven Sisters again held them in good stead.

Ystrad heaped more misery on bottom-placed Cwmamman at Grenig Park, winning the day 1-0.

The all-important goal came from the spot in the 40th minute with Craig Hopkins converting after Jonny Chellew had brought down Dave Miller.

Despite only piecing together an average display, Seven Sisters won 2-1 at Goytre FC.

Though Kevin Wallis gave Goytre a 20th-minute lead, they had Adam Roberts sent off midway through the half.

Barry Herdman equalised in the 65th minute, and 10 minutes later newcomer Steve Soper struck the winner.

Llansawel were twice ahead during a 2-2 stalemate with Aberbargoed Buds at Cwrt Herbert.

Craig Catterson sent Sawel in with a 1-0-interval lead and although Andrew Cann made it 2-1 in the 70th minute, Buds burst the home bubble in mustering another equaliser.

Llangeinor moved into second position on the back of a 4-0 home victory over relegation-threatened Chepstow Town.

Two goals from top scorer Dai Lewis along with a strike from captain Jon Quigley and an own goal carried them to victory.

TONY POOLE

DUO BACK, BUT PENNY WANTS OUT

02 February 2007

Goytre United have both defender Jeremy Chandler and striker Andrew Pearson back for tomorrow's first division showdown with ENTO Aberaman at Glenhafod Park. The pair missed Tuesday's 2-1 home victory over Maesteg Park that lifted the Port Talbot side into seventh spot.

However, midfield player Ryan Penny has slapped in a transfer request, and he watched his former club Neath's 3-0 home victory over Newport YMCA in midweek.

But Neath have yet to approach Penny, and it is believed Pontardawe might also be interested in his services.

Maesteg Park could do the championship- chasing trio of Neath, Afan Lido and Goytre a big turn if they take points off Pontypridd Town at Tudor Park.

However, the Old Parish side have lost their last three games, and still have Kieran Howells suspended.

Despite creating more goal-scoring chances, Pontardawe Town suffered a 2-0 defeat at Bryntirion on Wednesday.

They even missed a 35th-minute penalty with Kevin Bartley's effort saved by new Bryntirion recruit Ross Hooper-Nash.

During injury time, Brandon Walters gave Bryntirion the lead and he sealed victory on the back of a 65th-minute strike.

Pontardawe now move on to Uwic, with Steven Cox and Neil Simon returning along with West End recruit Dale Lambrick.

In the second division, one of the main attractions is the West End and Garden Village derby at Pryderi Park.

The Townhill side lose top-scorer Neil Phillips to a four-match ban while centre-back Dave Brain could be out for six weeks, because of an ankle injury. But they have Anthony Wright back, while Richard Jones has completed a one-match suspension.

Without a victory in five starts, Village boss Robert Lloyd has Steve Evans out through suspension, but Ashleigh Stevenson and Dave Evans return.

Briton Ferry, fresh from a 2-1 win at Caerau Ely, lose in-form Daniel Thomas to a ban, but Carl Harris is back from university.

Old Road chief Neil Morgan is also monitoring the fitness of both Gwilym Ball and Steve Davey.

And in the back of his mind lies the possibility of promoting both Jonny Evans and Richie Evans from the reserves.

Ammanford visit bottom-placed AFC Llwydcoed, who suffered a 9-0 drubbing at leaders Garw last weekend.

The Rice Roaders have Liam Preece back from suspension, and Dean Jenkins has made himself available.

However, Rhodri Robinson and Paul Jones, who has now served a ban, have pulled out of the squad.

The big derby clash in the third division sees bottom-placed Cwmamman entertain improving Ystradgynlais.

As yet new Grenig Park boss Michael Ellery has been unable to trigger a change in fortunes and for the visit of Ystrad, he is missing Michael Hodges through a minor eye operation.

He will be also running a late fitness test on young Aled Rees, who has a hamstring problem.

Ystrad, who have won their last three matches to go 10th, are without Michael Whapham, who starts a two-match ban.

Also out is Andrew Miller while manager Andrew Hopkins awaits fitness reports on both Liam Soroka and Robbie Daniels.

But Nicky Watkins and brothers Huw and Carl Evans return to the selection mix.

Seven Sisters head to Monmouthshire to take on Goytre FC.

The Dulais Valley side have won five out of their last six games, but lost at home to Goytre 2-0 back in October.

TONY POOLE

LEADERS NEATH PILE IT ON

01 February 2007

Leaders Neath Athletic consolidated top spot in the MacWhirter Welsh League first division with a 3-0 home win over Newport YMCA. The Llandarcy Park side were never in trouble against feisty YMCA, who had both John Pardue (42 minutes) and Faris Yafia (86) sent off.

Neath opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Mattie Rees was felled in the box, and Jarrod Price obliged from the spot.

It remained that way until the 48th minute when Carl Shaw scored on the end of a Stephen Evans free-kick.

Six minutes later, YMCA goalkeeper Gareth Yeoman could only parry a Jonathan Keaveny shot, and Chris Miller netted.

Champions Goytre came from a goal down to beat Maesteg Park 2-1 at Glenhafod Park.

Robbie Walters gave the Old Parish side a 40th-minute lead with a speculative 55th-minute shot from Luke Bowen evening things up.

The winner arrived 10 minutes later when Park goalkeeper Gary Wager obstructed Richard Ryan in the box, and Ryan scored from the penalty spot.

Meanwhile, Afan Lido will meet Tredegar in the Shamrock Travel Cup semi-finals after the Gwent side gained a surprise 2-1 win over visiting Bridgend in a delayed quarter-final tie.

TONY POOLE