On Wednesday evening Maesteg hand a debut to former Swansea City player Andy Legg in a re-arranged home fixture with Betws (7.30pm). His last Football League club was Peterborough Utd, and he is looking forward to a Cardiff City testimonial match in March.
 

Holders Goytre Utd bowed out of the Shamrock Travel Cup, beaten 3-1 during a penalty shootout with Uwic at Glenhafod Park.

Sam Small put the students ahead a minute into the second half, with Michael Waters making it 1-1 on 75 minutes. Extra-time failed to produce a winner and during the penalty shootout Waters scored again while John Meacock, Jonny Walkley and Leigh Shrimpton all saw efforts saved by goalkeeper Brendan Cropley.

League leaders Neath made it safely through to the quarter-finals, defeating Ton Pentre 3-1 at Llandarcy Park.

Ryan Frankcom delivered Neath a goal, only for Raith Plant to square matters midway through the half.

Just before the break Carl Shaw sent Neath back in front, while a 65th-minute own goal from Ryan Shugars sealed victory.

Pontardawe Town needed extra-time before emerging with a 3-2 victory over Betws at the North Site.

Another net-buster from Ian Morgan gave Ponty the lead, with Brian Burke equalising midway through the half.

The Bridgend side looked likely winners when ex-Garw star Richard Llewellyn netted in the 85th minute, but Carl Mainwaring then forced extra-time.

And in the 100th minute, 17-year-old substitute Daniel Thomas delivered a glorious winner from 25 yards.

In the fourth all-top-flight tie, Maesteg Park gained a more clear-cut 2-0 home victory over Taffs Well.

Robbie Walters netted after quarter of an hour, while his 25th goal of the season a minute into the second half confirmed the Llynfi Valley side as quarter-finalists.

Morriston also got through on penalties against second division rivals Troedyrhiw after the Dingle tie finished goalless.

Although regular penalty-taker Dean Rosselli failed, successful penalties from Mark Carlyle, Michael Chapman, Boullent Sergeant and Neil Simon saw them through 4-2 - and it completed a treble over the Willows side.

Garden Village gained back-to-back home wins over Caerau Ely, triumphing 6-1 on this occasion.

The week before Village defeated the Cardiff side 3-0 in the league, while in the cup rematch two-goal contributions from both Paul Dickie and Steve Evans sent them on their way.

The Gorseinon-based side, who led 3-0 at the break, also had Ashley Richards and Mark Lloyd on target, with Jason Hollis netting for Caerau Ely.

Switching to the Macron League division one, it was celebration time at bottom-placed Briton Ferry, who beat Dinas Powys 2-0 to end a 15-match league sequence without a win.

Last successful back on August 24 when defeating AFC Llwydcoed 1-0, second-half goals from Layton Thomas and Keith Phillips gave Ferry hope that they can avoid the drop.

Goals from Andy Mainwaring and Brian Showdry set up a 2-2 home draw for Bridgend Town against Newport YMCA, while Bryntirion secured a point in a 1-1 outcome with Barry Town.

Scott Lanyon gave the Dragons the lead, with Leigh Pratt equalising midway through the second half.

In the second division, Ammanford had John Garland sent off after just 10 minutes during a goalless draw at Tredegar. Recent acquisition Matthew Roberts, on dual registration from Aberystwyth, went close for the Rice Roaders, as did Nathan McNeil near the end.

A goal from Christian Burge, his ninth of the season, was good enough to secure Garw a 1-0 win over Cardiff Corries at the Riverside.

In the derby clashes in the third division, West End kept their promotion pot on the boil with a 2-0 win at Ystradgynlais.

Both sides missed penalties, while the Townhill side had David Brown dismissed after just five minutes.

But two first-half goals from Neil Phillips, one a penalty, secured a 10th league win for the visitors.

And Cwmamman came from 2-0 and 3-1 down to force a 3-3 draw with Seven Sisters in the Dulais Valley.

Seven seemed to be cruising once James Griffiths and Chris Herdman netted during the opening half, with Luke Rice pulling one back on 65 minutes.

Ten minutes later Huw Keenan made it 3-1, but swift responses from Gareth Morgan and Rice then earned Cwm a point.

TONY POOLE
 

TONY POOLE
 

Afan Lido slid to a 1-0 defeat against Uwic at the Marston Stadium to fall further behind in the battle for the Macron Welsh League division one title.

The fourth-placed Seasiders now trail leaders Neath Athletic by a massive 18 points with just three games in hand. However, the victory consolidated third spot for the students, who took the honours thanks to a 59th-minute goal by Samuel Small when he capitalised on a defensive blunder to score from the edge of the penalty area.

The nearest Lido came to salvaging a point was through a late Karl Lewis header that was well saved by goalkeeper Brendan Cropley.

Meanwhile, Afan Lido have an attractive home friendly this Saturday against Dublin-based side Bellurdan Utd (3pm).
 

TONY POOLE

Sharp-shooting Richard Ryan once more came up trumps for second-placed Goytre United, scoring all their goals in a 4-0 success at AFC Llwydcoed. This was the third time this term for Ryan to collect four goals, and at the halfway point in the season he has got an incredible 31.

But there is more to Goytre than just one man, as Darren Lyons, Ryan Penny, Ian Turner, Michael Waters and Jonny Walkley all proved at the top of the Cynon Valley.

The Port Talbot village side, who now trail Neath by 12 points with four games in hand, were 3-0 up at the interval, one of the Ryan goals coming from the penalty spot.

He completed the scoring in the 65th minute, and the only sour note was having substitute Kevin Bartley dismissed for alleged elbowing.

With leaders Neath and Afan Lido both sitting out the programme, Maesteg Park rose to fifth spot on the back of a 4-0 home win over Barry Town.

The Llynfi Valley side dominated from start to finish, with top scorer Robbie Walters knocking in a hat-trick to move on to 23 goals for the campaign.

Only a fine display from ex-Park goalkeeper Adrian Tucker kept Barry in touch, but Walters struck twice during the first half.

Lee O'Brien sent them clear in the 73rd minute, with Walters getting his third on the end of Kieran Howells pass.

Pontardawe Town continued a midwinter climb up the table, a 2-0 home victory over Dinas Powys lifting them to sixth.

A goal in each half from Geza Hajgato did the trick for Ponty, who had lost 3-1 at Dinas Powys in early season.

But bottom-placed Briton Ferry finished with just nine men in a 4-1 defeat against Uwic at Cyncoed.

Things started well for the Old Road side, who took an early lead via Layton Thomas, but goals from Ryan Jenkins (two), Samuel Small and John Edwards left their barren run intact.

Bridgend, under caretaker manager Drewe Phillips, beat Caerleon 3-0 thanks to goals from Andrew Mainwaring, Carl Jenkins and Craig Davies on his debut from the youth team.

In the second division, Garden Village maintained their promotion push by triumphing 3-0 over Caerau Ely at Stafford Common.

A superb chip from Ashley Richards put Village in front, and Paul Dickie doubled the lead on 35 minutes.

Dickie then struck again early in the second half to wrap things up and leave Robert Lloyd's side in good heart for the cup rematch with Caerau Ely this Saturday at the same venue.

Morriston remain on the fringes of the promotion race thanks to a 2-0 victory over Tredegar at the Dingle.

Following a goalless opening half, the Dingle men kicked for home once Michael Chapman made a 52nd-minute breakthrough.

And when assistant manager Dean Beniamous was felled soon after, Dean Rosselli confirmed the win from the penalty spot.

Also to the fore in the promotion stakes are Garw, with two-goal Thomas Hopper setting up a 2-0 success at Merthyr Saints.

Ammanford came from two goals down to gain a deserved point in a 2-2 outcome with Troedyrhiw at Rice Road.

The visitors were reduced to 10 men just before the break but went a goal up before Ammanford had Liam Preece dismissed for two bookable offences.

With just 10 minutes remaining, Troedyrhiw were 2-0 ahead, only for Cerison Davies to pull a goal back.

That lifted the home side, and substitute Nathan McNeil was the architect of a superb late equaliser for top scorer Davies.

Gwynfi suffered a 7-0 defeat against table-topping Pontypridd at the Cape, while Porthcawl lost 2-1 at home against Aberaman.

The Seasiders led after a Paul Atkinson penalty, but goals from Richard Jago and a 90th-minute winner from William Davies left them in continued trouble.

In the third division, West End came from a goal down to gain a comfortable 5-2 win over Chepstow at Pryderi Park.

Neil Phillips struck twice for the Townhill side, who led 3-1 at the break, with Carl Smitham, Rob Shannon and Andrew Tyrrell also on target.

Seven Sisters made it two wins on the trot, a Richard Herdman penalty and a debut goal from Richard Smith setting up a 2-0 win at Monmouthshire club Goytre.

Meanwhile, Cwmamman suffered a surprise 3-2 home defeat against Llantwit Fardre.

Cwm took the lead through Michael Hodges, but a contentious penalty led to them falling 3-1 behind before Luke Rice got a late consolation goal.

TONY POOLE
 

Goytre United will tomorrow look to close the gap on first division leaders Neath who, in midweek, lost for only a second time this season. Neath fell to a surprise 1-0 home reverse against lowly Newport YMCA at Llandarcy Park.

A 50th-minute penalty from Darren Poretta - he missed another spot-kick towards the end - did the damage.

Although Neath were shut out for long periods, chances fell to both Jonathan Keaveny and Andy Hill, but they were not put away.

It was Neath's first defeat since the 2-1 home reverse against Maesteg Park on November 5.

Neath sit out tomorrow's programme, but Port Talbot village side Goytre United, trailing by 15 points, but with five games in hand, will be looking to narrow the gap at AFC Llwydcoed.

Bridgend Town recruit Steve Healy is retained in their squad.

However, managers Craig Duggan and Andrew Radford have minor injuries surrounding Jeremy Chandler, Jonny Walkley and Michael Waters to concern them.

Pontardawe Town have three players suspended for their home game with Dinas Powys.

Steven Cox, Ian Morgan and Steve Crabbe are banned, but the club have been boosted by the arrival of Jeffrey Aspell from third division West End.

Aspell played on dual-registration with Pontardawe last season from Carmarthen Town.

Afan Lido are also on the sidelines this weekend, but they have a re-arranged home fixture with Uwic on Tuesday.

Bottom-placed Briton Ferry will be hoping to get something out of their trip to Uwic, while Maesteg Park should have a stronger side to face Barry Town at Tudor Park.

The Old Parish side, who were held to a 2-2 draw last week by Bryntirion, have top scorer Robbie Walters back from suspension, while Gary Wager is set to take over in goal from Chris Barlow.

But there is a question mark surrounding the fitness of both striker Gareth Davies, who is suffering from a thigh strain, and Lee Michael (shoulder).

Following the departure of ex-Llanelli manager Nicky Tucker from Bridgend Town earlier in the week, Drewe Phillips takes charge for their home game with Caerleon.

In the second division, Garden Village have a home double-header against Caerau Ely during the remainder of the month.

League points are on offer tomorrow at Stafford Common while the following Saturday they clash at the same venue in the Shamrock Travel Cup.

Manager Robert Lloyd is resigned to being without Swansea City assistant physio Mark Lloyd, and he is hoping that Dave Evans will recover from injury to take his place.

Morriston lose centre-back Carl James to a one-match suspension which means he misses tomorrow's home game with Tredegar.

Ammanford, who host Troedyrhiw, have Jason Cousins back in their squad, while they hope to have Nathan McNeil back from a hand injury at Tredegar a week tomorrow.

Bottom-placed Gwynfi United face a huge task against leaders Pontypridd at the Cape, and Porthcawl have an equally demanding assignment against Aberaman at Lock's Lane.

In the third division, improving Cwmamman welcome Llantwit Fardre to Grenig Park, and West End have Anthony Wright back from Bridgend Town for their home game with Chepstow Town.

Ystradgynlais place a nine-match unbeaten run on the line at home to table-topping Cambrian and Clydach.

The Ynyscedwyn Road side have Andrew Miller back from a four-match suspension, and Liam Soroka is also available for selection.

Seven Sisters, buoyed by a 1-0 home win over Pentwyn Dynamos last Saturday, travel to Monmouthshire to face Goytre.

Added to the side that beat Pentwyn are Barry Herdman, Leon Thomas and Huw Pascoe together with recent Goytre United recruit Richard Smith.

TONY POOLE
 

Macron Welsh League division one side Bridgend have parted company with manager Nicky Tucker by mutual consent.

The former Taffs Well and Llanelli boss stood down, following Saturday's shock 2-1 home defeat against relegation-threatened Ely Rangers. Tucker was also unhappy that he did not receive the full backing of the Bridgend board.

His reign at Coychurch Road lasted just four months, and during this period big-spending Bridgend became dubbed the division's underachievers.

Assistant manager Drewe Phillips has taken over in a temporary capacity ahead of Saturday's home game with Caerleon.

''They sold me a dream, but things never worked out as you cannot buy team spirit,'' explained Tucker.

''The pressure on my shoulders to win promotion this season was huge, and in all honesty I was never comfortable at Bridgend.

''Put simply, the club tried to run before they could even walk.''

TONY POOLE
 

Leaders Neath Athletic and nearest challengers Goytre Utd both registered victories to leave things unchanged at the top of the first division.

Neath were placed under pressure before emerging with a 3-2 success at AFC Llwydcoed, while Goytre gained a convincing 7-3 home win over Taffs Well. Dale Gardiner, Carl Shaw and Jonathan Keaveny all netted during the opening half as Neath went in 3-1 up.

Chris Vardon kept the Cynon Valley side in striking distance, and it could have been better had Neath goalkeeper Huw Liddell not saved a penalty.

Andy Hill missed a couple of good chances to wrap things up and after James Doherty reduced the deficit to 3-2 in the 65th minute, Neath were given a thorough examination.

Goytre led 3-1 at half-time thanks to a Ryan Penny opener and a brace from Darren Lyons.

Just 30 seconds into the second half Richard Ryan made it 4-1, but Jeremy Chandler then put through his own net.

A 27th goal of the season from top scorer Ryan made it 5-2 on the hour, while a second goal from Barry Gunstone gave the Cardiff side a chink of light.

But two goals in the last 10 minutes from substitute Kevin Bartley rounded off a good day for Goytre, who remain 15 points behind Neath with four games in hand.

However, Neath have a chance to increase the lead on Wednesday evening when hosting Newport YMCA in a re-arranged fixture.

Afan Lido moved up to third on the back of a 3-2 win over Ton Pentre at Ynys Park.

Reith Plant fired the Bulldogs ahead, with Karl Reynolds levelling early in the second half.

Ton then had Sean Mainwaring sent off, only to go 2-1 up thanks to a Lee Matthews strike.

But a young Lido side battled back to take the spoils via a Justin Williams header and a late Liam McCreesh penalty.

Lido moved up on the back of Uwic's 2-1 defeat against Pontardawe Town at the Recreation Ground.

Following a goalless opening half, Rob Folland shot Ponty ahead on the end of a telling pass from man-of-the-match Carl Mainwaring.

And they rounded off a stylish victory with an eighth goal of the season from top scorer Jamie Bowen.

Briton Ferry remain bottom after playing out a 0-0 draw with Newport YMCA at Old Road, while Garden Village and Morriston both gained sound victories in the second division.

Village triumphed 3-0 against Porthcawl at Lock's Lane with all the goals coming in the opening half.

Ashley Richards gave them the lead but then saw a penalty saved by home goalkeeper William Alston.

However, Paul Dickie fired home the rebound, with Richards scoring again on the half-hour mark.

Morriston came from a goal down at the break to win 2-1 against Troedyrhiw at the Willows.

Paul Sweeny ended a goal drought that dated back to the 5-2 home win over Troedyrhiw on August 20, with Dean Rosselli knocking in a 68th-minute winner from the penalty spot.

Ammanford battled hard, only to lose 1-0 at second-placed Aberaman, and reflected on Luke Fayers, Cerison Davies and Steve Stone all being denied by sound goalkeeping.

A Geraint Williams hat-trick provided Pontyclun with a 3-0 home victory over Gwynfi Utd in a basement battle, while Garw handed Abertillery a 6-1 thumping at Blandy.

Swansea University students Jamie Bradburn (two), Thomas Hopper and Dave Truan all netted, along with local boys Christopher Wells and Lewis Williams.

In the third division, Lee Sullivan struck on the hour to supply Seven Sisters with a much-needed 1-0 home win over Pentwyn Dynamos.

And Ystradgynlais kept heading in the right direction after beating Chepstow 2-1 at Ynyscedwyn Road.

This stretched Ystrad's unbeaten run to nine matches, though they weren't at their best.

Craig Hopkins's 14th goal of the season separated the sides at half-time, and Chepstow squared matters midway through the second half.

And just when the game had 1-1 written all over it, Michael Whapham drilled home an 88th-minute winner following good work from Ioan King and Nicky Watkins.

Cwmamman picked up a point in a 1-1 outcome with Risca at Ty Isaf Park.

Having gone a goal down in the 25th minute, Cwm battled back with Paul Pugh striking the equaliser after Luke Rice had rattled the woodwork.

TONY POOLE
 

Leaders Neath Athletic have Andrew Fairbairn back from suspension for tomorrow's trip to AFC Llwydcoed in the first division.

Fairbairn served a one-match ban during last month's 3-2 home win over Bryntirion, while former Haverfordwest County striker Chris Miller is pushing for a first start. Neath will be bidding for a third double this term. They won the reverse fixture 3-1 in August.

Nearest challengers Goytre United, who host Taffs Well, have Darren Lyons back from suspension.

Lyons scored during Goytre's opening game at Taffs Well, but they will now require maximum points to keep the pressure on Neath.

Fourth-placed Afan Lido visit Ton Pentre, and the Seasiders have Chris Piper suspended, while Shaun O'Leary is working.

That means coach Paul Reid, who figured for 10 minutes from the bench during last week's 2-1 home win over Briton Ferry, will come into the equation, along with teenager Carl Evans.

Pontardawe Town, who host Uwic, have lost defender Steven Cox to another suspension, leaving the way clear for Marc Otten to return.

Briton Ferry have the chance to complete a double in their basement battle with Newport YMCA at Old Road.

If Steve Price's side could bring a barren 13-match league run to an end, it would boost their chances of avoiding the drop.

The weekend fixtures kick off tonight with Maesteg Park and Bryntirion meeting in a Tudor Park derby (7.30pm).

The Old Parish side will be without top scorer Robbie Walters, who is serving a one-match suspension, while Ian Shepherd is unavailable.

Meanwhile, Steven Williams has opted to leave Ammanford and return to Cwmamman after just five weeks.

Williams scored three times in four starts for the Rice Roaders.

This is the third time for Williams to return to Grenig Park, having in the past also taken in short spells with Garden Village and Skewen.

Ammanford, who visit Aberaman in the second division, will also be without Nathan McNeil and Gareth Jones.

Provided the transfer is completed in time, Williams goes straight into the Cwmamman squad for the third-division clash at Risca.

Garden Village will be hoping to place a slender 2-1 defeat against leaders Pontypridd behind them at struggling Porthcawl.

Though manager Robert Lloyd has Derek Jenkins back from suspension, younger brother Jack Jenkins is doubtful, as is Dave Evans.

Morriston have centre-back Carl James suspended for their encounter with Troedyrhiw at the Willows.

Survival points will be on the table at Ivor Park as Pontyclun challenge Gwynfi United in a relegation dogfight.

Two sides hoping to win second-division status meet at Pryderi Park with West End challenging Llanwern.

The Townhill side have 13-goal Darren Griffiths back from suspension.

Ystradgynlais will be looking to extend their unbeaten run to nine matches against Chepstow Town at Ynyscedwyn Road.

Andrew Miller sits out a final suspension while Mark James has recovered from a groin strain, and is drafted into the squad.

Seven Sisters look to bring a six-match losing spell to an end against Pentwyn Dynamos at the Welfare Ground.

Seven gave a good account of themselves, despite losing 3-2 last time out at West End, and they are hoping both Leon Thomas and Huw Pascoe are fit.

TONY POOLE
 

Top scorer Richard Ryan got all four goals as second-placed Goytre Utd kept Neath Athletic in their sights with a 4-1 win at Bryntirion Athletic.

Ryan, who also struck four times earlier in the season during a 6-2 Welsh Cup win over Troedyrhiw, opened the scoring after 20 minutes. His second came from the penalty spot, but on the restart the Bridgend side responded through Leigh Pratt.

Jonathan Cuss missed a great chance to level, only for Goytre to gradually regain composure.

And they rounded off an excellent win with two more Ryan goals, moving him on to 25 for the season.

Goytre's ninth league win of the season narrowed the gap with Neath to 15 points with four games in hand.

Afan Lido clung on to fourth spot with a 2-1 victory over Briton Ferry at the Marstons Stadium.

Though the Seasiders dominated for long periods, they never really shook off the bottom-placed side.

Ian Jones struck right on half-time, and his second on the end of a Liam McCreesh pass doubled the lead.

Fine goalkeeping from Alex Davies frequently frustrated Lido, and it was Ferry who completed the scoring via ex-Neath man Richard Howell.

Maesteg Park remain handily placed in sixth after taking the derby clash with Betws 2-0 at the North Site.

A 20th goal of the season from Robbie Walters shot the Old Parish side ahead in the 20th minute, and they went clear on the hour when substitute Gareth Davies scored with his first touch.

Pontardawe Town remain anchored in mid-table after just managing to salvage a point in a 1-1 scoreline with Newport YMCA at the Recreation Ground.

Though YMCA had Craig Ford dismissed in the 65th minute, a Darren Poretta penalty gave them a surprise lead.

It wasn't until injury time that Ponty, who themselves had Steven Cox sent off, equalised when top scorer Jamie Bowen converted a Geza Hajgato cross.

In the second division, Garden Village lost the top-of-the-table encounter with Pontypridd 2-1 at Stafford Common.

A Paul Dickie header gave Village a 25th-minute advantage, but Chris Summers restored parity before the break.

The winner came in the 70th minute via Paul Penniket, and although Village mounted a big finish, Ponty clung on.

Morriston were another side to lose a top-billing encounter, going down 2-1 at home against Aberaman.

The seventh goal of the season from Mark Baker gave the Dingle men early encouragement, but not even the continued presence of ex-Swansea City player Jonathan Coates, whose transfer from Aberystwyth came too late for him to make his Port Talbot debut at Welshpool, could save Morriston.

Goals either side of half-time from former Bryntirion frontman Richard Jago did the trick for the Cynon Valley side.

Ammanford heaped more misery on struggling Gwynfi Utd, triumphing 3-0 at Rice Road.

Two first-half goals from Luke Fayers, advancing him on to six for the season, set up the victory, with a Steven Williams strike rounding off a satisfactory Ammanford display.

But Porthcawl sunk to a 7-2 defeat in a re-arranged fixture at Cardiff Corries, even though it was 2-2 at the break.

On target for the Seasiders were Del James and Christian Pascoe.

Third division Ystradgynlais came from 2-0 down at the interval to pip promotion-seeking Llanwern 3-2 at Ynyscedwyn Road.

A Craig Hopkins penalty launched their revival and Michael Whapham mustered a 65th-minute equaliser.

And Ystrad extended an unbeaten sequence to eight matches with Hopkins's 13th goal of the campaign.

West End completed their first league double, edging out Seven Sisters 3-2 at Pryderi Park.

Goals from Andrew Tyrrell and David Brown saw the Townhill side 2-0 ahead at the break, only for Seven to level via James Griffiths and Leon Thomas.

But despite being reduced to 10 men the home side hit back, Neil Phillips getting the late winner.

Cwmamman gained a morale-boosting 4-1 victory over Cwmbran Celtic at Grenig Park.

Chris Williams netted twice as Cwm led 2-1 at the break, and they sealed a deserved victory with further goals from Paul Pugh and Mark James.

TONY POOLE
 

Second-placed Goytre United still have Darren Lyons missing for tomorrow's trip to Bryntirion in the first division.

The former Porthcawl and Garw striker is suspended. The Port Talbot village side have a chance to nibble away at Neath Athletic's 18-point lead as the Llandarcy Park side sit out this weekend's programme.

But, although Bryntirion have lost their last four league matches, they gave Neath a fright last Saturday before surrendering 3-2 at Llandarcy Park.

The other main interest focuses on the Marston's Stadium where Afan Lido throw down the gauntlet to Briton Ferry.

The Seasiders, beaten 1-0 at Caerleon last time out, have Liam McCreesh and Justin Williams back from suspension while Karl Roberts and coach Paul Reid return to the squad.

Bottom-placed Ferry have recently brought in both goalkeeper Alex Davies and striker Layton Thomas.

Pontardawe Town have re-signed midfield player Simon Davies ahead of their home game with Newport YMCA.

Davies was a member of last year's championship-winning side in the second division, but his arrival coincides with Paul Davey going on a three-month sabbatical to Canada.

Pontardawe, who have Steven Cox back from suspension, will run a fitness test on top scorer Jamie Bowen, who has a shoulder injury.

Maesteg Park challenge Betws in a derby clash at the North Site, and manager Andrew Rickard is hoping to have striker Gareth Davies back.

Davies missed the 2-0 home victory over Dinas Powys on December 28, because of groin strain.

The big match in the second division involves Garden Village at home to unbeaten leaders Pontypridd Town.

Manager Robert Lloyd is already resigned to being without both Dave Evans and Derek Jenkins.

Another significant bearing on the promotion race will unfold at the Dingle with Morriston taking on Aberaman.

Though Morriston boss Michael Ellery is unlikely to have ex-Swansea midfielder Jonathan Coates in his side this time, Michael Chapman is set to return.

Ammanford have signed Steve Stone ahead of their home game with struggling Gwynfi United.

Stone has been playing for Seaside in the Carmarthenshire League.

The Rice Roaders, who lost 2-0 against Morriston last Saturday, also welcome back leading scorer Cerison Davies together with Steve Devonald and John Garland.

In the third division, Cwmamman received a New Year boost with the arrival of Ammanford captain Steven Francis.

Ironically, Cwm lost their skipper, striker Steven Williams, to Ammanford last month.

Francis goes straight into the Cwmamman squad for the clash with Cwmbran Celtic at Grenig Park.

One of the most improved sides in the division, Ystradgynlais, will be looking to extend an unbeaten record to eight games against Llanwern at Ynyscedwyn Road.

The only definite absentee will be Andrew Miller, who is still suspended, but ace marksman Craig Hopkins and Michael Whapham face fitness tests.

West End will be bidding for a first league double against Seven Sisters at Pryderi Park.

The Townhill side launched their Welsh League career with a 2-0 win in the Dulais Valley, and for the rematch they welcome back David Brain, Andrew Tyrrell and Neil Phillips.

They have also signed Robert Fulford from Swansea League side Farmers Arms, while Seven have Nigel Westall back in their squad.

TONY POOLE
 

First division leaders Neath Athletic came from two goals down to force a 3-2 home victory over Bryntirion Athletic. This left the Llandarcy Park side, who were winning for the seventh successive time, 18 points ahead of nearest rivals Goytre Utd, who have five games in hand.

Despite dominating early on, Neath fell behind in the 40th minute to a Jonathan Wile penalty.

Michael Hartley doubled the lead on the resumption, and the Bridgend side then missed three grand chances to place themselves out of sight.

Neath eventually clawed their way back via Carl Shaw along with a debut goal from substitute Chris Miller.

And 10 minutes from the end, a 12th goal of the season from ace marksman Andy Hill completed the great escape act.

Pontardawe, 3-0 home winners over AFC Llwydcoed, were another side to come late in order to pick up maximum points.

The Cynon Valley side placed enough men behind the ball to frustrate Ponty but came unstuck in the 70th minute when Carl Mainwaring netted.

Mark Dunford made it 2-0, and near the end Pontardawe completed a comfortable victory with a Ryan Fahey strike.

But Afan Lido, who have recently won a major sponsorship deal with Marston's Brewery, went down 1-0 against Caerleon at Cold Bath Road.

The goal that separated the sides arrived on the hour, with Chris Pearce on target.

Before he struck, Chris Piper missed a good chance for Lido, as did Ian Jones near the end.

Briton Ferry, who paraded new signings in striker Layton Thomas and goalkeeper Alex Davies, went down 2-1 against fellow strugglers Taffs Well at Old Road.

The defeat sunk Ferry to the bottom, and the game was already beyond recall before Thomas got a homecoming goal.

In the second division, Morriston triumphed 2-0 over Ammanford at Rice Road.

The Dingle men, who did the main damage in the opening half, got their noses in front in the 13th minute.

Neil Simon and Paul Sweeny engineered the opener for Dean Rosselli and 12 minutes on, an equally telling build-up resulted in assistant manager Dean Beniamous hitting the target.

But there was no joy for Gwynfi Utd, beaten 7-1 at promotion-seeking Croesyceiliog.

The Cape men, who have lost Dai Jones to first division Betws, were 4-0 adrift at the break and had only a Nathan Jones strike to reflect on.

But there was little change at the top with the main promotion protagonists - Pontypridd, Aberaman, Troedyrhiw, Croesyceiliog and Garw - all winning.

However, sixth-placed Garden Village missed out as their showering facilities broke down, resulting in the home game with Pontyclun being called off.

This has also led to the postponement of today's home fixture with promotion rivals Croesyceiliog.

Garw returned to winning ways with a 3-0 win over Caerau Ely at Blandy thanks to goals from the Swansea University duo of Christian Burge (two) and Jamie Morris.

In the third division, improving Ystradgynlais stretched an unbeaten sequence to seven matches with an exciting 3-2 win over Llantwit Fardre at Central Park.

The Ystrad hero was Liam Soroka, who proved the architect of all three goals for top scorer Craig Hopkins.

The first was carved out after just 12 minutes, while the second right on half-time made it 2-1 at the break.

Soroka once more squared a pass into the path of Hopkins for 3-1, only for Llantwit Fardre to pull back to 3-2 on 63 minutes.

In the closing stages Ystrad were forced back on the defensive, but they clung on to overturn a 6-0 drubbing at the ground last winter.

However, West End fell apart during the second period and suffered a shock 3-1 defeat at mid-table Risca.

Everything seemed to be falling into place once Wayne Saunders gave the Pryderi Park boys the lead, but the shoe was then on the other foot as Risca marched to victory.

And Cwmamman were edged out 4-3 in a high-scoring encounter at Treharris.

The sides were locked on 1-1 at the break, Paul Pugh netting for Cwm, and he struck again on the restart.

But Treharris then built up a 4-2 lead before Luke Rice provided the Carmarthenshire side with a late sweetener.

TONY POOLE