TITLE CONTENDERS STRENGTHEN BID FOR SILVERWARE

29 January 2007

Afan Lido and Goytre United both gained comfortable victories to remain in the forefront of the battle for the first division title. The Seasiders carded a 4-1 victory over Uwic at Cyncoed while the Port Talbot side ran out 3-1 home winners over Bridgend.

Lido only led on the back of an Ian Jones penalty at the break, but goals early in the second half from Jones and John Felton then took them clear.

Jones completed a hat-trick in the 63rd minute - giving him 28 goals for the season - while the students rounded things off with a strike from Moses Esinglia.

Goytre trailed to an Andrew Mainwaring goal against Bridgend only to go in 2-1 up thanks to a Richard Ryan penalty and a goal from Ian Turner.

They went on to round off a good day at the office with a ninth goal of the season from captain Darren Lyons.

Next up tomorrow evening are important fixtures surrounding Goytre and Maesteg Park at Glenhafod Park while Neath host Newport YMCA.

Pontardawe Town struck early against ENTO Aberaman at the Recreation Ground to take the honours 1-0.

The all-important goal came as early as the fifth minute when Bevan Humphries converted a Mark Napieralla cross.

Maesteg Park led for most of the game at Barry Town on the back of an Ian Shepherd strike only to lose 2-1.

Matthew Driscoll equalised in the 90th minute, and the bell tolled for Park when Josh Bell struck during injury-time.

Goals from Jamie Jenkins, James Stokes and Dan Cloth carried Croesyceiliog to a 3-1 home victory over Bryntirion, who had substitute Jonathan Cuss on target.

In the second division, West End endured contrasting fortunes during a 4-1 victory at Tredegar.

Top scorer Neil Phillips got another two goals, advancing his seasonal tally on to the 12-mark, but a case of mistaken identity allegedly led to him being sent off towards the end.

The Townhill side, who were 3-1 up at the interval, also had Jonathan Eames and Danny Kavanagh on target.

Ammanford bounced back from a 1-0 defeat at Morriston the week before to gain a 4-0 home victory over Penrhiwceiber.

All the goals came during the second half with Dean Jenkins striking twice while Luke Fayers and Richard Lewis were also on the scoresheet.

Briton Ferry battened down the hatches in the Cardiff suburbs before registering a 2-1 victory over Caerau Ely.

The Cardiff side dominated the first half but only led 1-0, and that encouraged Neil Morgan's side.

Daniel Thomas equalised on the hour with an eighth goal of the season from Keith Phillips eventually separating the sides.

Morriston turned in a plucky performance before surrendering 1-0 at second-placed Cambrian & Clydach with Garden Village going down 3-0 at Pontyclun.

To make matters worse, Village had Steve Evans dismissed after half an hour and they failed to score for a fourth successive time.

Leaders Garw march on, defeating AFC Llwydcoed 9-0 thanks to a Tom Hopper hat-trick and goals from Vincent Wattleworth (two), Lewis Williams, Dave Truan, Jamie Morris and substitute Christian Burge.

In the third division, Ystradgynlais defeated Llantwit Fardre 2-1 at Ynyscedwyn Road to win for a third straight time.

A first goal of the season from Andrew Miller gave Ystrad the lead and although it was 1-1 at the turnaround, Craig Hopkins swayed issue on the strength of an 84th-minute penalty.

Craig Catterson struck in the 43rd minute to set up a 1-0 victory for Llansawel over Porthcawl at Lock's Lane with Seven Sisters collecting a vital 3-1 home victory over fellow strugglers Risca.

Though Rhys Isles gave Risca the lead, Seven led 2-1 at the break thanks to Chris Herdman and Nigel Westall with Chris Herdman sealing victory in the 65th minute.

Centre-back John Edwards got the Llangeinor goal in a 1-0 success at Aberbargoed Buds, but Cwmamman remain bottom after losing 2-1 at leaders Pentwyn Dynamos. Michael Chapman dragged Cwm back into contention in the 63rd minute and despite looking the better side for long periods, the Carmarthenshire side conceded late.

NEATH FIND QUINS TOUGH

27 January 2007

Leaders Neath Athletic struggled for long periods before securing a 2-0 win over lowly Grange Quins in the MacWhirter Welsh League division one at Llandarcy Park.Having recorded a 5-1 win over the Cardiff side in the reverse fixture back in August, this latest success was much less convincing.

While Grange posed little threat in front of goal, it was not until Rob Folland netted in the 78th minute that they were assured of victory.

Neath created four good chances inside 10 minutes, but wayward finishing let them down.

They eventually took the lead in the 23rd minute when a shot from Stephen Pockett took a deflection, and wrong-footed Grange goalkeeper Allain Favanauini.

The best effort from the visitors came in the 26th minute when home goalkeeper Craig Morris tipped over a free-kick from Omar Abdillahi.

Neath captain Andy Hill then failed twice to get the final touch on crosses from their best player Mattie Rees.

However, Favanauini could only parry a shot from Hill in the 78th minute and Folland followed up to lash the ball home.

During time added on, Grange had Ramos Karvouniaris dismissed for a second bookable offence.

A 14th league win of the season left Neath five points clear of Pontypridd going into this afternoon's programme.

TONY POOLE

TOP-SCORER RYAN BACK FOR GOYTRE

26 January 2007

Goytre United have top-scorer Richard Ryan, Ian Turner and Jonny Walkley all back for the visit of Bridgend Town in the first division tomorrow. Ryan and Turner have both completed suspensions, while Walkley is free of work commitments.

However, they coped admirably without the trio against Pontardawe in midweek, running out 2-0 home winners.

A first goal of the season from Michael Waters sent Goytre on their way, with Andrew Pearson wrapping things up with his fifth goal for the club.

Afan Lido have four frontline men missing for their clash with Uwic at Cyncoed.

Striker Craig Jones is still out with a back injury, and Daniel Williams is sidelined by a groin complaint.

Liam McCreesh and Chris Latham are both suspended but Carl Evans, who was on the bench against Aberaman last week, is set to return.

Managers Phil Holmes and Paul Evans may lean towards talented teenagers Cory Thomas, Carl Payne and Josh Cockings.

Maesteg Park, who visit Barry Town, have centre-back Rhys Owen back from New Zealand.

Pontardawe, meanwhile, host Aberaman.

In the second division, West End head for Tredegar Town, without Richard Jones, Marc Otten and Rory Smitham who are banned.

To make matters worse, Anthony Wright is ruled out because of a knee injury, and Danny Kavanagh is unavailable.

However, the Townhill side are delighted Carl Mainwaring has turned down a move to first division Maesteg Park.

Ammanford will be looking to get back on track against Penrhiwceiber at the Recreation Ground, but will still be without the suspended Liam Preece and Paul Jones.

New signing Steffan Hughes has a ligament injury, while fitness tests will be run on James Murray and Jason Cousins.

However, they welcome back Dean Jenkins and dual-registered Llanelli front-man Richard Lewis, while Jamie Evans has signed from Carmarthenshire League side Camford.

Garden Village, looking to get a much-needed win at Pontyclun, are boosted by the return of four key men - Sam Brown, Chris Morgan, Rob Shannon and Lee Rastatter.

But that is countered by the loss of both Dave Evans and Ashley Stevenson, with neither available for selection.

Briton Ferry visit Caerau Ely, and will be without midfield player Dan McGrath.

The Old Road side will be looking for a return to winning ways, having lost 5-2 in midweek at Cambrian & Clydach.

The Old Road side were 3-0 down at the break and, although Rob Cann and Keith Phillips both netted during the second period, the damage had been done.

It is the turn of Morriston to visit promotion-seeking Cambrian tomorrow, and the Dingle men have ruled out Gary Taylor through ankle trouble.

However, Derek Jenkins, who covered the bench during last week's 1-0 win over Ammanford, is likely to be promoted.

In the third division, improving Ystradgynlais host Llantwit Fardre, but there are fitness doubts surrounding Jamie Williams along with brothers Carl and Huw Evans, which are offset by the return of Nicky Watkins and Craig Hopkins.

Seven Sisters will be without Chris Gardiner and Nicholas Moore for the visit of fellow strugglers Risca United.

That has led to Seven boss Julian Fry looking towards Nigel Westall to once more come out of semi-retirement.

TONY POOLE

MILLER MAKES MERRY AS LEADERS NEATH BOUNCE BACK

22 January 2007

First division leaders Neath Athletic came from 2-0 down to force a draw with lowly Uwic at Cyncoed.  The Llandarcy Park side handed a debut to former Morriston centre-back Jack Jenkins, while former Afan Lido and Port Talbot midfield man Chris Pridham, a recent Maesteg Park acquisition, was introduced from the bench. 

The Neath revival was triggered on the hour when Pridham headed down for Chris Miller to sweep the ball past goalkeeper Brendan Cropley.

Miller was also responsible for their equaliser, firing through a crowded penalty area in the 80th minute and finding the net.

This week a string of important clashes are being staged, with Goytre United hosting Pontardawe Town on Wednesday and Neath entertaining Grange Quins on Thursday.

And all eyes will be on tomorrow's top billing at Ynysangharad Park when Pontypridd challenge Ton Pentre.

Second-placed Pontypridd closed to within three points of Neath after defeating visiting Bryntirion 4-2 thanks to goals from Ross Lloyd, Andrew Hughes, Chris Summers and Geza Hajgato.

A strike from Ben Bannon and a Neil Williams penalty kept Bryntirion in contention until Pontypridd swooped late to take the spoils.

While a waterlogged pitch led to the postponement of Pontardawe's home clash with Goytre United, title contenders Afan Lido beat Aberaman 2-0 at the Marston Stadium.

The Seasiders came good with wind advantage during the second half, scoring two goals in as many minutes.

Paul Evans eased Lido in front in the 64th minute and the cheers had hardly died down when John Felton headed in a Stephen Parry cross.

In the second division, lowly Morriston gained a surprise victory over Ammanford at the Dingle, triumphing 1-0.

Though the Rice Roaders had threatened from set-pieces during the first half, Ashley Coombs squared the ball for Marc Baker to net a 70th-minute winner.

Briton Ferry, returning after a month's absence, were full value for a 3-2 win over Merthyr Saints at Penydarren Park.

Goals from Keith Phillips and Gwilym Ball placed the Old Road in the driving seat and they led 2-1 at the break.

Rob Cann then went on to convert a 75th-minute cross from Ball as Ferry celebrated a third league double of the season.

However, Garden Village boss Robert Lloyd was annoyed Troedyrhiw gained a 1-0 win on the back of a contentious penalty.

Nine cards were produced in a game that produced little malice with Brent Hewitt obliging on 42 minutes from the spot.

The victory kept Troedyrhiw within two points of leaders Garw, who won 2-0 at Penrhiwceiber thanks to goals from Lewis Williams and Vincent Wattleworth.

Victories from Seven Sisters and Ystradgynlais lit up the third division as both clubs took significant steps towards safety.

Seven gained a remarkable 5-3 victory over Abertillery at Woodland Field - and at one stage they led 5-1.

Chris Gardiner, Chris Herdman, Richard Herdman and Nicholas Moore all netted before the break with Lee Bull responding.

Teenager Aaron Price, who was making a senior debut struck on the hour, and the only negative was seeing Abertillery secure late consolation goals from Bull and Sean Smith.

Ystradgynlais built on a 5-2 win at leaders Pentwyn Dynamos the week before by gaining a 2-1 victory at Newcastle Emlyn.

The Swansea Valley side took the lead from an early Nicholas Maggs throw in with David Griffiths teeing up a goal for Dave Miller.

Though the sides changed ends at 1-1, the winner arrived in the 73rd minute when substitute Craig Hopkins netted from close in.

But there was no joy for Porthcawl, who went down to a 4-2 defeat a promotion-seeking Llangeinor.

Though Richie Thomas sent the Seasiders ahead, a goal double from top-scorer Dai Lewis eased Llan in front.

A Paul Atkinson penalty then restored parity on the hour, but late goals from Jonathan Tossell and Mattie Jones carried the Bridgend village side to victory.

TONY POOLE

LEADERS LOOK FOR A SHAW THING

19 January 2007

Leaders Neath Athletic have striker Carl Shaw back for tomorrow's first division match with Uwic at Cyncoed.  Shaw, who scored from the bench during last week's 2-1 home win over Aberaman, missed the cup-ties with Goytre United and Morriston. 

The Llandarcy Park side are being linked with Morriston centre-back Jack Jenkins, who impressed during his side's 1-0 West Wales Senior Cup exit against Neath last Sunday.

There is also an outside chance of Carl Jenkins returning from a back injury sooner than anticipated.

Afan Lido, who host Aberaman, run fitness tests on both striker Craig Jones (thigh) and centre-back Justin Williams (foot).

Carl Edwards is missing with a hamstring pull, but 25-goal striker Ian Jones hopes to continue despite his arm being in plaster.

Goytre United lose wide-man Ian Turner to a ban against Pontardawe Town at the Recreation Ground.

Michael Chaves misses out against his former club because of work commitments, while Pontardawe welcome back both Steven Cox and Bevan Humphries.

Maesteg Park launch the programme tonight with a home derby clash against Bridgend Town (7.30pm).

In the second division, Morriston are involved in a home derby clash with Ammanford.

The Dingle side have announced Steve Brown and Scott Horton as assistant managers to Paul Lewis in a bid to stave off relegation.

Brown has arrived from Swansea Senior League club CRC Rangers, while Horton has retired as a Morriston player.

Derek Jenkins is likely to return to the Morriston side, while Mark Webber is in line to retain his place.

Ammanford are still without the suspended trio of Paul Buckingham, Liam Preece and Paul Jones, while Welsh Premiership side Llanelli are set to recall Richard Lewis.

Dean Jenkins is out until next month, but Steffan Hughes is once more hoping to make a delayed club debut.

West End, who welcome Pontyclun to Pryderi Park, are keeping their fingers crossed that Anthony Wright is free of a knee injury and Carl Smitham has recovered from a back complaint.

However, the Townhill side have both Marc Otten and Rory Smitham free from suspension.

West End will be looking to bounce back from a 3-1 West Wales Senior Cup exit at Haverfordwest last Sunday.

Briton Ferry travel to Merthyr Saints, and are set to include Llansawel import Jonathan Davies for a first time.

Old Road boss Neil Morgan has a fit squad, and hopes that will also be the case for Wednesday's re-arranged fixture at Cambrian & Clydach.

Garden Village entertain Troedyrhiw, while Cwmamman have Aled Rees back for their home game with Cwmbran Celtic in the third division.

Llansawel have signed Nigel Rees from Neath Athletic, and he is in their squad for the clash with AFC Porth at Cwrt Herbert.

Sawel also welcome back defender Wayne Holloway, who has been sidelined since September, while fitness tests will be run on both Lee Fleming and Scott Mahon.

Seven Sisters have a re-arranged fixture at Abertillery with Ystradgynlais heading west to take on Newcastle Emlyn.

TONY POOLE

GOYTRE FIND A LITTLE BIT EXTRA

15 January 2007

Goytre United needed extra-time to see off Neath Athletic to reach the semi-finals of the Shamrock Travel Cup with a 2-0 victory at Glenhafod Park. The Port Talbot side, who lifted the cup the season before last, will now meet Betws, who won 2-0 at second-division colleagues Caldicot. 

Just 48 hours after gaining a 2-1 home league win over ENTO Aberaman, the table-topping Llandarcy Park side started well with both Jarrod Price and Stephen Pockett going close.

But once Goytre settled, captain Darren Lyons and Paul Lenihan both stretched visiting keeper Craig Morris.

Chances then proved few and far between during the second half, and the last thing Neath really wanted was extra-time.

The deadlock was broken in the 102nd minute when Luke Bowen swept home an Andrew Pearson pass.

And they sealed victory in the 113th minute after a Darren Lyons shot was beaten out, and Pearson followed up to score, however they were reduced to 10 men when Ian Turner saw red for handball in the area, but luckily for him Andy Hill missed the spot-kick.

Afan Lido are yet to discover their semi-final opponents as Tredegar and Bridgend was postponed for a second time.

The only bright spot for Neath came in the MacWhirter Welsh League Division One as two of their championship rivals - Afan Lido and Pontypridd - both dropped points.

Lido were held to a 1-1 draw by Pontardawe Town at the Recreation Ground while Pontypridd played out a similar scoreline at Dinas Powys.

Lido went ahead in the 10th-minute when top scorer Ian Jones engineered a lead goal for John Felton.

But in the approach to half-time, Ponty dragged themselves back on terms.

Steve Davies was on cue with a speculative effort from close to the touchline that snookered Lido keeper Brian Thomas.

In the second division, West End returned from a three-week lay-off with a laboured 2-1 victory over bottom-placed AFC Llwydcoed at Pryderi Park.

Despite falling behind to a Mike Doherty goal in the 32nd-minute, the Townhill side rallied late on.

Former Briton Ferry captain Lee Morgan headed home a 75th-minute equaliser - and soon afterwards came the winner.

Neil Phillips seized on a defensive mistake, and his 10th goal of the season settled the issue.

Ystradgynlais pulled off a morale-boosting 5-2 victory at leaders Pentwyn Dynamos in only a fourth victory of the season in the third division.

Goals from Liam Soroka and Nicholas Maggs sent Ystrad in with a 2-1 lead, but by the hour mark Pentwyn had squared matters.

However, the Cardiff side then got caught out twice at the back.

Michael Whapham and Dave Griffiths profited from the errors to send the Swansea Valley side into a clear 4-2 lead.

And they rounded things off with another strike from Soroka that moved his seasonal tally onto the nine-mark.

That moved Ystrad to within a point of the side just above the drop zone, Risca, who suffered a 6-0 hammering at Newcastle Emlyn.

But promotion-seeking Llangeinor paid a high price for a modest point during a goalless stalemate at lowly AFC Porth. The Bridgend village side lost their two main strikers Dai Lewis and Jonathan Quigley to long-term injuries.

TONY POOLE

GOYTRE AND NEATH HOPE TO GET IT ON

12 January 2007

Goytre United and Neath Athletic hope to settle their delayed Shamrock Travel Cup quarter-final at Glenhafod Park tomorrow. At stake is a pairing against either Caldicot or Betws in the semi-finals, while Neath move on to Morriston on Sunday for a West Wales Senior Cup tie. 

Goytre still have top-scorer Richard Ryan suspended, while defender Billy Timothy is unable to face his former club as he is cup-tied.

Also missing from the Port Talbot line-up will be Michael Chaves, who has work commitments, while Thomas Meiring is doubtful because of a back complaint.

And, with one eye on the future, Goytre have placed a seven-day order on former Afan Lido player Chris Pridham, currently with Maesteg Park.

Semi-final draw: Afan Lido v Tredegar Town or Bridgend Town; Goytre United or Neath Athletic v Caldicot Town or Bettws.

Dates, venues and kick-off times have yet to be arranged.

In the MacWhirter Welsh League, Afan Lido will be looking to turn the tables on Pontardawe at the Recreation Ground in the first division.

Pontardawe gained a 1-0 win at the Marston Stadium in early season, and the Swansea Valley side are set to re-introduce striker Kevin Bartley against his former club.

However, Pontardawe are keeping their fingers crossed on the availability of Bevan Humphries, who is recovering from mumps, while Steven Cox is suspended.

Lido are again likely to introduce top-scorer Ian Jones against his former club from the bench while Shaun O'Leary is back from suspension.

In the second division, promotion-chasing West End have signed midfielders Craig Connor (Pontardawe) and James Norman (St Joseph's) ahead of their clash with bottom-placed AFC Llwydcoed at Pryderi Park.

But the Townhill side, who visit Haverfordwest in the West Wales Senior Cup on Sunday, have both Marc Otten and Rory Smitham banned for the Llwydcoed clash.

Briton Ferry have signed Jonathan Davies from Llansawel, and he is added to their squad for a first trip to Cambrian and Clydach.

Garden Village welcome back striker Paul Dickie, who has been coaching in the States, for their encounter with Cardiff Corries at the Riverside.

But manager Robert Lloyd has three players out through bans - Sam Brown, Chris Morgan and Rob Shannon.

Morriston challenge leaders Garw at Blandy and have Dale Hulland back in goal, while striker Paul Edwards has recovered from a neck injury.

Manager Paul Lewis also adds utility player Paul Batcup to his squad.

Ammanford are also minus three players because of suspension for their home game with Treharris.

Ruled out are Paul Buckingham, Paul Jones and Liam Preece, while recent acquisition Steffan Hughes is set for a debut.

The main focus in the third division falls on the derby clash between Seven Sisters and Llansawel at the Welfare Ground.

Seven are being linked with Llansawel's Steve Soper, but it remains to be seen whether the transfer is completed in time.

The Cwrt Herbert side, who have lost Jonathan Davies to Briton Ferry, have striker Lee Fleming back from holiday while Craig Cole and Anthony Walsh return from minor injuries.

Cwmamman, still trying to come to terms with the Saturday night attack in Ammanford on their skipper Paul Pugh, visit fellow strugglers Chepstow, while Ystradgynlais visit Pentwyn Dynamos, will be without injured Jamie Williams.

Ystrad will run a late fitness test on Andrew Miller, who is rated only 50-50.

TONY POOLE

A BUSY TIME FOR LEAGUE LEADERS NEATH

11 January 2007

Neath Athletic will be looking to consolidate leadership of the MacWhirter Welsh League division one against ENTO Aberaman at Llandarcy Park tonight (7.30pm).This is the first of three games in the space of four days for Andrew Dyer's side as they travel to Goytre United on Saturday for a delayed Shamrock Travel Cup tie ahead of Sunday's West Wales Senior Cup clash with Morriston at the Dingle. 

''You can't do anything about fixture lists when they work against you, it's more a case of getting on with things,'' said Neath Athletic chief Dyer.

He added: ''The league game with Aberaman was brought forward to Thursday owing to rugby at the ground, and then last weekend's postponed cup tie with Goytre has been rescheduled for Saturday.

''But we will try and live with the situation, with the prime concern the league game with Aberaman.''

Neath, who were disappointed in only gaining a 2-2 draw in the reverse fixture at Aberaman in August, lose Jarrod Price to a one-match ban.

And fitness tests will be run on key defenders Steve Evans and Jock Fairbairn as the pair are both suffering from hamstring pulls.

TONY POOLE

FINAL COULD BE ALL COUNTY AFFAIR

11 January 2007

The possibility of an all Neath Port Talbot final in the Welsh Football League's Shamrock Travel Cup remains a distinct possibility.The winners of Saturday's delayed quarter-final ties between Goytre United and Neath along with Caldicot and Betws will face each other in the semi-finals. 

The only side definitely through to the next stage, Afan Lido, will face either Tredegar Town or Bridgend Town in the other semi-final.

There is also a possibility of either an all Gwent or all Bridgend County final.

No date has been announced for the semi-finals, but they will be staged at neutral grounds.

Draw: Afan Lido v Tredegar or Bridgend Town, Goytre United or Neath Athletic v Caldicot or Betws.

TONY POOLE

SEASIDERS MOP UP IN CUP TO REACH THE LAST FOUR

08 January 2007

Just one of the Shamrock Travel Cup quarter-finals survived another wet weekend with Afan Lido the only definite name going in the hat for tomorrow night's draw. The Seasiders gained a sound 2-0 victory over Llanwern at the Marston Stadium while the three remaining ties will now be settled this Saturday. 

That has left league leaders Neath Athletic with the chilling prospect of three games in the space of just four days.

The Llandarcy Park side host ENTO Aberaman in a re-arranged league fixture this Thursday ahead of the rescheduled cup tie at Goytre United on Saturday, before facing Morriston Town at the Dingle in the West Wales Senior Cup quarter-finals.

Lido's showdown with the Steelmen was put back an hour while an enthusiastic band of workers mopped up the pitch. And they were rewarded when Lido squeezed in front on 27 minutes through Carl Edwards's speculative 25-yard shot.

Llanwern seldom threatened in front of goal, and the game was all up for them in the 67th minute when Karl Lewis set up a 25th-goal of the season for substitute Ian Jones.

In the MacWhirter Welsh League, high-flying Ton Pentre slid down to fifth following a 2-1 defeat at ENTO Aberaman.

In the second division, Morriston shared the spoils in an eight-goal thriller with Merthyr saints at the Dingle.

The relegation-threatened Swansea side led three times until Saints marched into a 4-3 lead in the 88th minute.

But when all seemed lost for Paul Lewis's side, an injury-time corner from Gary Taylor was helped into the net by Merthyr goalkeeper Jason Pendry.

Set pieces proved a productive area for Morriston with Ashley Coombs and Sean Davies profiting during the first-half.

Coombs registered his first goal for the club after a fifth-minute shot from Leighton Connor was blocked. Davies netted following a goalmouth scramble in the 35th minute, and the sides turned around with the score on 2-2.

Merthyr failed to defend another corner in the 55th minute with Connor driving the ball past goalkeeper Pendry. But Merthyr equalised for a third time, and in the end Morriston were grateful to claim a point.

Leaders Garw triumphed 2-1 at Treharris to take a three-point lead over nearest challengers Troedyrhiw.

Jamie Morris gave Garw the lead in the 20th minute before Kevin Bounds responded just before the break.

However, the Blandy boys kept their shape, and were rewarded when Morris headed in a Vincent Wattleworth ball on the hour.

In the third division, three local sides - Cwmamman, Seven Sisters and Ystradgynlais - prop up the division following the withdrawal of Gwynfi United.

Cwmamman went down to a 1-0 defeat against Aberbargoed Buds at Grenig Park. Although the Carmarthenshire side held sway for long periods, Dean Beniamous, Stephen Williams and Chapman all missed reasonable chances.

Buds were reduced to 10 men in the 75th minute and after Cwm goalkeeper Adrian Barnsley pulled off a fantastic penalty save, the Rhymney Valley side came late to take the spoils.

Seven Sisters returned to the fray after a seven-week absence only to lose 2-0 at promotion-seeking Llangeinor.

The Bridgend village side, who handed debuts to the former Gwynfi United pairing of John Edwards and Nathan Jones, took a 10th minute lead via Mattie Jones.

Llangeinor wrapped things up late on when Lloyd Griffiths converted a Thomas Marlow cross.

And there was no joy for Porthcawl Town, who suffered a 2-0 defeat against Abertillery at Lock's Lane.

The Seasiders paid the price for having too few bodies in the box during a goalless opening half. They continued to dominate until the 65th minute when Abertillery went in front on the back of a Jamie Williams penalty.

The visitors then beefed up their attack, and Lee Bull got the goal that sealed victory.

TONY POOLE

 

KEY MEN OUT IN RIVALS CUP CLASH

05 January 2007

Goytre United and Neath Athletic will both be without key personnel for tomorrow's Shamrock Travel Cup quarter-final at Glenhafod Park. Just a fortnight after the Llandarcy Park club triumphed 1-0 at Goytre in the league - on the back of an Andy Hill penalty - these old rivals lock horns in a swift rematch.

The Port Talbot side have top-scorer Richard Ryan serving the second of a three-match ban, while Neath's Jarrod Price is also suspended.

Carl Jenkins is out until the end of the month with a back injury and Neath also have fitness doubts surrounding both striker Jonathan Keaveny and defender Steve Evans.

Keaveny came off as a precautionary move during last week's 4-4 home draw with Afan Lido, while Evans missed out because of a hamstring problem.

However, Neath's defensive problems have eased a little with the return of Jock Fairbairn.

Afan Lido's tie with Llanwern has been switched to the Marston Stadium as Newport County require Spytty Park, and the Seasiders will run a fitness test on Liam McCreesh.

He trained this week and is expected to play, but Shaun O'Leary misses out on the back of a final suspension.

The fourth top-flight survivor, Bridgend, travel to Tredegar, and there is an all second-division clash between Caldicot and Betws.

The only local interest in the top flight over the weekend is tonight's derby clash between Bryntirion and Maesteg Park (7.30pm).

In the second division, West End go into their home game against Troedyrhiw without suspended defender Marc Otten.

Ammanford challenge Briton Ferry at the Recreation Ground, with the Rice Roaders set to parade new signing Steffan Hughes.

The former Carmarthen Town player forms a likely change, along with Rhodri Robinson, Nathan McNeil, John Garland and teenager James Murray.

However, Ammanford lose Liam Preece, Paul Buckingham and Paul Jones to suspensions, while Dean Jenkins is unavailable.

Mike Arnold takes over in goal for Ferry, who also have Paul Morgan back in their squad, but there is a fitness doubt over Ross Howells.

Morriston, who host Merthyr Saints, have defender Leighton Connor back from suspension.

Mark Carlyle also returns to the squad, and it is likely that keeper Jonny Martin will make a first start of the season.

Garden Village are still without the suspended Sam Brown as they entertain Caerau Ely, but they are likely to welcome back Scott Evans and Rob Shannon.

In the third division, Llansawel have signed defender Paul Bromage from Garden Village ahead of their home game with Monmouthshire side Goytre FC.

Goalkeeper Mark Hopson appears for the first time this season, and centre-back Gareth Evans is set to retain his place in the side.

Cwmamman have completed the transfer of Michael Chapman from Morriston, and he goes into their squad for the home game with Aberbargoed Buds.

Chris Williams has recovered from hamstring pull, but Aled Rees is missing because of work commitments.

Ystradgynlais welcome back captain Andrew Miller for their home game with Cwmbran Celtic.

Miller has been out since October and with Jamie Williams (knee injury) the only absentee, Ystrad will be looking towards an overdue climb up the table.

Seven Sisters hope to bring a seven-week absence from the scene to an end at promotion-seeking Llangeinor.

TONY POOLE

AMAZING FIGHTBACK SEES ATHLETIC SNATCH A POINT

01 January 2007

Neath Athletic came from 4-1 down in the 44th minute to force a 4-4 draw with Afan Lido in a thrilling first division encounter at Llandarcy Park.But the weekend's programme was badly hit by the wet and windy weather that engulfed the area with only two matches surviving. 

Lido made full use of the wind during the opening half of the derby clash at Neath and looked on course to bounce back from a 2-1 defeat at Ton Pentre before Christmas.

A 40-metre free-kick from Daniel Williams that caught on the wind sent the Seasiders ahead in the 19th minute.

But when play switched to the opposite end, Lee Bevan shot past Brian Thomas in the Lido goal.

The visitors then enjoyed a purple patch with a Liam McCreesh header initially sending them back in front.

A 30-metre drive from Greg Hurley deceived Craig Morris in the home goal and it became 4-1 in the 41st minute.

Top scorer Ian Jones, who was allowed to play with a protective covering on a fractured wrist, collected a 24th goal of the season.

However, towards the end of an eventful half, Neath captain Andy Hill pulled back a key goal, his 11th of the campaign.

And it was a case of game on again once Jonathan Keaveny narrowed the deficit to 4-3 in the 65th minute.

Soon after home goalkeeper Morris pulled off a wonderful save to deny Ian Jones, and it was two minutes into stoppage time when Neath levelled.

From an identical spot to where Williams had opened the scoring, a free-kick from Price also carried on the wind.

Lido goalkeeper Thomas failed to avert the danger, leaving both sides to reflect on a point apiece.

But Neath celebrations ended in a touchline altercation with the Lido dugout, taking some of the gloss of what was an entertaining derby clash.

"We knew the Christmas period was going to form a crucial period for us, and we've done well to pick up five points from three matches against top sides," said Neath Athletic boss Andrew Dyer.

"However, some of our defending against Afan Lido was very poor and in the end we were forced to dig deep in order to get a point.

"But the most important thing is that the ball is still in our court and with 11 of our remaining 19 league matches at home, that is a strong position."

With only one other top flight fixture being completed over the weekend - ENTO Aberaman won 2-1 at Ely Rangers - Neath hold a three-point advantage over Pontypridd, who have three games in hand.

But Ponty have fulfilled just one match against three of their main title rivals Afan Lido, Goytre United and Neath, and that when they lost 2-1 against visiting Goytre in October.

Lido, who lost 1-0 at home to Neath on the opening weekend of the season, were obviously disappointed with the outcome of the rematch.

"We would have accepted a point ahead of kick-off, but that wasn't the case after building up a 4-1 lead," said joint Afan Lido manager Phil Holmes.

The only other game completed was in the second division with Cardiff Corries and Troedyrhiw playing out a 1-1 stalemate at the Riverside.

The entire third division programme was lost, but it emerged on Saturday that Gwynfi United have withdrawn from the league.

However, the Cape side will still field a side in the Port Talbot League and this is where the club's future now lies.

Their swansong appearance in the third division was on December 9 when losing 8-1 at Abertillery with stalwart defender Alan Simpson getting their final goal.

Gwynfi entered the Welsh League in 1996 and as recently as 2005 were a first division club.

But the fall from grace proved rapid, culminating in the decision on Saturday afternoon to become a parks-grade club.

"I'm utterly devastated at the decision to withdraw, as it signals the end of Welsh League football in the Afan Valley," said Gwynfi player-manager Dave Blackmore, who has been associated with the club for more than 30 years.

"Successive relegation seasons left us struggling for players, and the will to survive at this level simply wasn't there.

"The financial penalties of being unable to fulfil fixtures were mounting up and in the end it was a case of us cutting loses."

This will now result in Gwynfi's results being expunged and one of the sides to suffer most will be promotion-seeking Llangeinor, who had already gained the double over them.

Finally, the first division clash between Ton Pentre and Pontardawe Town at Ynys Park was abandoned at half-time with the score locked at 1-1.

Ponty took the lead in the 32nd minute when Richard Cleverly was dragged down in the box by goalkeeper Marty Ellacott and Steve Crabbe obliged from the penalty spot.

The Bulldogs snapped back three minutes later through Jamie Bradford while Ton goalkeeper Ellacott pulled off a remarkable 43rd-minute save to deny Stuart Hoskins.

Porthcawl referee Ian Holyoake then won the approval of both sides in calling the game off during the interval.

TONY POOLE