Goytre United triumphed 3-1 over Pontardawe Town in Ton Pentre last night to lift the Shamrock Travel Cup for the first time. The Port Talbot village side struck early to gain the ascendancy, but having pulled back to 2-1 at half-time, there was a feeling that Ponty could force extra time.

But their brave challenge came to an end in the 79th minute when Carl Evans curled home a superb shot from just outside the box.

Goytre hit the front in the 12th minute when Ponty conceded a needless free-kick, leading to Mark Dunford side-heeling the ball past goalkeeper Neil Fredrickson.

In the 29th minute another set piece yielded them a second goal, Shaun Morgan heading home on this occasion.

But in the 44th minute Ponty struck a big blow when Jamie Bowen turned in a Richard Lewis cross.

During the second period the Swansea Valley side created a series of half-chances before Evans settled the issue in fine style.

Adjudicator Raymond Parker of the Newport-based South Wales Argus handed Goytre centre-back Jeremy Chandler his man-of-the-match award.

TONY POOLE
 

The last piece of Welsh League silverware is up for grabs tonight when Goytre United taking on Pontardawe in the Shamrock Travel Cup final at Ton Pentre (7pm). Goytre booked their place with a 3-1 success over holders Briton Ferry last Saturday, while Pontardawe accounted for Monmouthshire third division giantkillers Goytre FC 4-1.

Missing from the Pontardawe side will be Marc Otten, Carl Edwards and goalkeeper Lee Williams, bringing club goalkeeping coach Neil Fredrickson between the posts once again.
 

Division One Champions: Ton Pentre; runners-up Grange Quins (promoted to Welsh Premier League)

Relegated: Garw, Gwynfi Utd

DIVISION TWO

Champions: Pontardawe Town; Newport YMCA and Bryntirion Athletic also promoted

Relegated: Seven Sisters, Llanwern

DIVISION THREE

Champions: Troedyrhiw; Croesyceiliog and Caerau Ely also promoted

Relegated: Fields Park Pontllanfraith and Albion Rovers

Promoted from feeder leagues: Cambrian & Clydach, Cwmbran Celtic and West End.
 

A New name will be etched on the Shamrock Travel Cup this Thursday when Goytre Utd challenge Pontardawe Town in the final at Ton Pentre. The Port Talbot village side eliminated holders Briton Ferry 3-1 in Maesteg, while Ponty accounted for third division giantkillers Goytre FC 4-1 at Ely Rangers.

Just three days earlier Goytre Utd had fallen by the same score to Ferry in the league at Old Road, but they deservedly redressed the balance on Saturday.

Following a slow start at Tudor Park, a dubious penalty award gave Ferry the chance to launch their quest in the 39th minute.

But Goytre goalkeeper Ross Williams guessed correctly and a low save to his left thwarted Sam Brown.

Five minutes later, Thomas Meuring threaded the ball through to Ian Turner, whose far-post cross was drilled home by ace marksman Kevin Bartley.

Bartley's 13th goal of the season separated the sides at the break, while Brown went on to a convert a 63rd-minute penalty that restored parity.

But Goytre, who showed more in the way of desire and a cutting edge in front of goal, retook the lead in the 67th minute from a Turner corner.

Bartley headed the ball back from where it came and Paul Lenihan headed past goalkeeper Steven Mabe.

And they wrapped things up four minutes later when Mark Dunford had two bites of the cherry before beating Mabe.

There was still time for a Ferry revival, but on the day they didn't have it in them.

In the other tie, Pontardawe led 1-0 at half-time thanks to a 10th-minute goal from top scorer Jamie Bowen, who converted a far-post cross from skipper Ian Morgan.

They doubled the lead in the 57th minute when a sweeping raid involving Jamie Rickard, Bowen and Steve Stone resulted in Bowen collecting his 25th goal of the season.

But the Monmouthshire minnows, who battled hard throughout, pulled a goal back on the hour via Kevin Wallace.

However, Ponty knocked on the head any thoughts of a cup shock when super sub Aled Rees made it 3-1, and they took their leave of the Cardiff suburbs with a 75th-minute strike from Paul Davey.

In the second division, Bryntirion Athletic confirmed promotion with a 5-1 victory over Tillery at Woodland Field.

The Bridgend village side, who led 2-1 at the break, were guided home by goal braces from Brandon Walters and Richard Uffendale, along with a Marc McKee strike.

But Morriston Town failed to bring the curtain down on their season with a victory, going down 2-0 against Caldicot at the Dingle.

Mark Baker and Boland Sergeant both missed good chances for the home side, who were eventually undone by two late goals from Gareth Claymore.

In the third division, although Steve Williams registered a 17th goal of the season, Cwmaman suffered a 2-1 defeat against promoted Caerau Ely at Grenig Park.

The destination of the final piece of league silverware went to Troedyrhiw, who were crowned third division champions following a 2-0 win over Risca & Gelli at the Willows.

TONY POOLE
 

Pic-up Spares Swansea Senior League champions West End have been elevated to the Motaquote Insurance Welsh League. Their facilities have received the thumbs up verdict from the league's inspection panel and, as a result, they become the first Swansea side to play in the higher tier via the pyramid.

Meanwhile, Seven Sisters have been relegated back to the third division following Ammanford's 2-1 defeat against Tillery at Rice Road.

Despite winning their last three matches, it was not enough to prevent the Dulais Valley side making an immediate return to the basement.

Tillery's late run of form saw them win their last five matches to stave off relegation.

They registered the winner in the 50th minute while the Rice Roaders, who pulled back to 1-1 at half-time thanks to a Paul Jones strike, escaped relegation as only two teams went down.

Caerau Ely celebrated promotion to the second division following a 5-3 home win over Treowen.

TONY POOLE
 

The Motaquote Insurance Welsh League focus switches tomorrow to the Shamrock Travel Cup semi-finals. Holders Briton Ferry take on Goytre United at Maesteg Park with second division champions Pontardawe throwing down the gauntlet to Monmouthshire minnows Goytre FC at Ely Rangers.

Ferry gained a psychological boost against their local rivals on Wednesday in taking the league encounter at Old Road, 3-1.

Only four of the team involved in midweek are likely to turn out in the rematch as Ferry hope to end the season in retaining both the Shamrock Travel and West Wales Senior cups.

Derek Jenkins, Dean South, Daniel Thomas and goalkeeper Chris Curtis are all likely to return to the side.

''We've built a reputation for being a good cup side, and hopefully that will stand us in good stead,'' said Briton Ferry coach Raymond Pennock.

United retain young Ross Williams in goal, and their side is strengthened with the return of both Jonny Walkley and Mark Dunford.

However, on the downside, Darren Lyons and Michael Waters are both cup tied.

''Cup ties don't always respect favourites, as third division Goytre proved in the last round against Uwic, and league form sometimes has no bearing," said Goytre assistant manager Andrew Radford.

In the second semi-final, five players who missed Pontardawe's 1-0 defeat at Tredegar on Tuesday return to the squad against Goytre FC.

Paul Buckingham, Paul Davey, Jamie Mansel, Richard Lewis, Layton Thomas are all now available as Ponty brace themselves for a tough battle.

''We've watched Goytre FC twice and they won't lie down for us,'' said Pontardawe general manager Jonathan Wilsher.
 

Pontardawe Town were crowned second division champions at Maesteg Park. Pontardawe, who defeated Merthyr Saints 2-0 at Tudor Park, received the silverware from league management committee member David Griffiths.

It formed the culmination of a marvellous season that has seen the Swansea Valley side make an immediate return to the top flight.

''Week in week out we have proved the most consistent team in the league, and this has led to us only losing twice in 33 league matches,'' said Pontardawe general manager Jonathan Wilsher.

''But the season still has something to offer us as we would also like to lift the league cup for a first time.''

First-half goals from Richard Lewis and Steve Stone sent Pontardawe marching to victory over the Saints, and during the second period consolidation was the name of the game.

Pontardawe wind up their league season at Tredegar tomorrow ahead of the cup semi-final showdown with third division Goytre FC at Ely Rangers on Saturday.

It now looks almost certain as though Bryntirion will accompany Pontardawe and Newport YMCA into the top tier after the Bridgend side returned to winning ways with a 4-1 home victory over Penrhiwceiber.

Goals from Brandon Walters, Jonathan Cuss and Ian Gearie sent Bryntirion into a 3-0 interval lead, and although Richard Veale pulled a goal back, a second Cuss strike rounded things off.

The only way that fourth-placed Tredegar could now pip Bryntirion is if they beat Pontardawe 10-0 on Tuesday and Bryntirion lose their final game at Tillery next Saturday.

But relegation-threatened Ammanford have been left to sweat things out against Tillery at Rice Road on Thursday following a 2-1 home defeat by Pontypridd.

Pontypridd included Haverfordwest County player-manager Deryn Brace in defence, and goals from Jonathan Keaveny and Ceri Harding took them two goals clear after half an hour.

Nathan Jones was then felled in the box and Paul Hughes converted the ensuing penalty, but the Rice Roaders failed to turn things around.

''We have felt all season that we are too good a side to go down, and hopefully the game against Tillery will now prove it,'' said Ammanford joint-manager Neil Rees.

Morriston kept the pressure on Ammanford after the Dingle side lost 2-1 against Tillery at Woodland Field.

Two goals early in the second half did the damage and although Morriston hit back through Jonny Parry, it wasn't to be.

Seven Sisters kept their slim survival hopes alive - should only two sides be relegated - with a remarkable 4-3 success over relegated Llanwern at Spytty Park.

The game looked all up for Seven when they fell three goals behind after just eight minutes, but a Nigel Westall brace along with two penalties from Lee Sullivan completed the great escape act.

In the first division, Briton Ferry lost 2-1 for the third successive day, this time at Ely Rangers.

On Thursday they went down to promoted Grange Quins, on Friday at Taffs Well, while against Ely Rangers tiredness led to coach Raymond Pennock coming out of retirement.

Ferry led on the back of a goal from 17-year-old Daniel Thomas, only to go 2-1 down, and Rob Cann missed a late penalty.

Fourth-placed Skewen, whose future along with that of Neath will be thrashed out tomorrow evening at the league's management committee meeting, wound up their campaign with a 3-1 win at relegated Garw.

Ashley Richards and Andy Hill both struck for Skewen in the opening half, with Lloyd Griffiths dragging the Blandy side back into contention on 70 minutes.

But a late goal from Andrew Fairbairn sealed victory and left them one point ahead of Goytre United, who now play Briton Ferry twice in three days.

The sides meet at Old Road in the league this Wednesday and then move on to Maesteg Park on Saturday for the cup semi-final clash.

Finally, Cwmaman battled valiantly before suffering a 1-0 defeat against promoted Croesyceiliog at Grenig Park.

Nathan McNeil and top scorer Steven Williams missed good chances for Cwm before an 88th-minute strike from Gareth Wilmot settled the issue.

TONY POOLE
 

Second division champions Pontardawe Town are looking to round off their season in style when they take on Merthyr Saints at Maesteg Park tomorrow. "The side has performed admirably all season and, hopefully, our supporters will travel to Maesteg to celebrate the title with them," said Pontardawe Town general manager Jonathan Wilsher.

Ponty have defender Marc Otten back from suspension and he will take the place of Jamie Mansel, who is unavailable.

Simon Davies, who missed last Saturday's 1-1 draw at second-placed Newport YMCA, is also back in the squad.

The other big issues yet to be decided in the second division are the third promotion place together with the relegation issue.

Third-placed Bryntirion, who have games in hand over rivals Tredegar, host Penrhiwceiber tomorrow, while Tredegar wait until Tuesday to complete their programme at home to Pontardawe.

At the moment the situation favours the Bridgend side accompanying Pontardawe and Newport YMCA into the top flight.

At the bottom, Ammanford have got a little twitchy following the revival at Tillery, together with a surprise 3-0 win by Cardiff Corries at Pontypridd on Tuesday.

However, one point from their two remaining matches - both at home against Pontypridd tomorrow or Tillery on Thursday - would see the Rice Road outfit safe.

The Carmarthenshire side lost 4-0 at Bryntirion on Tuesday, but they were without two key players in defender Gary Davies and top-scorer Paul Hughes.

Both return to the side against Pontypridd, while Steven Evans is also available.

"Some surprise results have got us a little on edge, but things remain in our hands and one more point will keep us up," said Ammanford joint-manager Neil Rees.

Morriston, surprisingly beaten 1-0 at Aberaman on Wednesday, will be looking to bounce back at Tillery.

Only a few weeks ago this would have been regarded as a banker away win, but the late Tillery revival has changed all that.

Morriston Town boss Mike Ellery will have talented front-runner Jonathan Parry back, and he is hoping Michael Chapman has recovered from an ankle injury.

The two sides that currently occupy the bottom rungs of the table - Seven Sisters and Llanwern - meet at Spytty Park.

Whether or not the pair have any chance of surviving in the second division remains up in the air.

Continued doubt regarding the future of Barry Town, along with the possible merger of Neath and Skewen, might lead to less than three clubs going down.

Briton Ferry, who are in the midst of a punishing schedule of three games in as many days, visit Ely Rangers tomorrow.

But with Lee Williams still critical in Morriston Hospital, the last thing on Ferry's mind at the moment is football.

Skewen complete their programme at Garw, with manager Andrew Dyer's squad down to the bare bones.

To make matters worse, ex-Garden Village player Steve Evans is attending a wedding, while Craig Maloney has returned to cricket duties with Ammanford.

In the third division, Cwmaman will be hoping to build on last Saturday's 1-0 win at Pentwyn Dynamos when they host promoted Croesyceiliog.

TONY POOLE
 

Morriston Town saw a six-match unbeaten run in the Motaquote Welsh League division two come to an end following a 1-0 defeat at Aberaman. The goal that separated the sides, from Anthony Jenkins, came as early as the seventh minute. But after that the Dingle side missed a series of chances.

Dean Rosselli, Mark Carlisle and Dean Beniamous all rattled the woodwork as Morriston applied pressure without being able to strike back.

Newport YMCA were promoted after fourth-placed Tredegar were held to a 1-1 draw by Penrhiwceiber at the Glassbrook.

The other promotion spot is now likely to be filled by Bryntirion Athletic, who to all intents and purposes will be promoted if they win at Seven Sisters tonight.

Meanwhile, first division Briton Ferry play three games in as many days, starting with a clash against promoted Grange Quins at Maesteg Park tonight.

Tomorrow they visit Taffs Well before travelling to Ely Rangers on Saturday.

TONY POOLE
 

Pontardawe Town were last night crowned Motaquote Welsh League second division champs. Second-placed Newport YMCA's 1-1 draw with Garden Village triggered a night of celebrations in the Gilbertson Suite.

Ponty have led the table for most of the season with Caldicot and Bryntirion the only sides to beat them.

Village went ahead just before half-time when Craig Blake headed home following incisive work from Ben Brown.

It remained that way until the 88th minute when YMCA were awarded a penalty that Lewis Sommers converted.

The other issue settled last night was Grange Quins securing second spot - and with it promotion to the Welsh Premiership - following a 1-0 win over Goytre Utd.

The game between Taffs Well and Briton Ferry was postponed.

The game is rescheduled for Friday while tomorrow night's clash between Grange Quins and Ferry is switched to Maesteg Park.

Bryntirion beat Ammanford 4-0 to remain favourites to clinch the third promotion spot. Brandon Walters and Martin Dando scored twice.

TONY POOLE
 

Ystradgynlais yesterday failed in a bid to end their first season in the Motaquote Welsh League division three on a high. The Swansea Valley side went down to a 3-2 defeat against Newcastle Emlyn at Ynyscedwyn Road, and as a result it improved the chances of the Reds avoiding relegation.

Matthew Price sent the visitors ahead in the eighth minute and Chris Buck doubled the lead early in the second period.

Fine goalkeeping from Carl Woodhouse then frustrated Ystrad, but they did pull a goal back through Gareth Shell.

However, Niko Algieri then made it 3-1 with Ystrad completing the scoring with a Craig Hopkins penalty, his 33rd goal of the season.

Meanwhile, Briton Ferry's first-division fixture against Welsh Premiership applicants Grange Quins on Thursday will now be staged at Bryntirion Athletic and not the Uwic ground in Cyncoed.

Grange are unable to utilise the Leckwith Stadium after tonight's encounter with Goytre Utd.
 

Promoted Pontardawe Town were forced to cling on for a 1-1 draw in their top-of-the-table encounter at Newport YMCA in the second division. However, Ponty now only require a point from their two closing matches - Merthyr Saints at Maesteg Park on Saturday or Tredegar away a week tomorrow - to become champions.

The Swansea Valley side got off to a great start at Mendalgief Road when home goalkeeper Matthew Rees could only parry a second-minute shot from Paul Davey.

But Layton Thomas followed up to collect a 12th goal of the season only for YMCA to level soon after via Chris Egitto.

During the second period the Newport side dominated, but a fine defensive display allowed Ponty to emerge with a hard-earned point.

Two other sides challenging for promotion, Tredegar and Pontypridd, both gained 3-0 home wins over Garden Village and Merthyr Saints respectively.

And the other side still in the promotion mix, Bryntirion Athletic, registered late goals through Marc McKee and Jonny Fulton to win 2-0 at Aberaman.

Seven Sisters remain hopeful of avoiding relegation after gaining a crucial 1-0 home win over fellow strugglers Cardiff Corries.

The Riverside club now face the prospect of further relegation, following the revival at Tillery, who won 1-0 at Caldicot.

Seven took the spoils on the back of a 37th-minute goal from James Griffiths with Andrew Collins the architect.

The Dulais Valley club now face a big week with Bryntirion home on Thursday followed by a trip to fellow strugglers Llanwern next Saturday.

Morriston gained a thumping 5-1 victory over Llanwern at the Dingle, to ensure their participation in the second division for another season.

Though falling behind early on, Morriston went in with a 2-1 lead thanks to goals from Leon Dennis and Dean Beniamous.

However, it was not until midway through the second half that the Steelmen suffered meltdown.

Once Dean Rosselli made it 3-1, Llanwern wilted and further goals from Beniamous and Mark Carlisle finished them off.

In the first division, Goytre United could only manage a 2-2 home draw with Caerleon.

With Carl Evans once more forced to perform goalkeeping duties, the Port Talbot side took the lead via a Kevin Bartley penalty.

But Goytre then switched off, allowing Caerleon to go ahead courtesy of goals from Ryan Andrews and Richard Shiers.

However, another Bartley penalty made it 2-2 at the break and although Goytre created more chances, they had to settle for a point.

Skewen went down to a 2-0 defeat at Dinas Powys - Jason Cowan and Lee Vick both on target - while a David Jones strike secured bottom-placed Gwynfi United a 1-0 win at Ely Rangers.

Second-placed Grange Quins, who are seeking promotion to the Welsh Premiership, beat Bridgend Town 3-0 at the Leckwith Stadium.

Goals from Brian Showdry, Michael Regan and Dale Raven did the trick for Quins ahead of tomorrow's home game with Goytre United and Briton Ferry at the Uwic ground in Cyncoed this Thursday.

In the third division, Ystradgynlais beat relegated Fields Park, 5-1, and it is now thought likely that the Pontllanfraith-based club will fold.

Though a goal down at the break, Ystrad stormed back on the strength of a fifth hat-trick of the season from Craig Hopkins.

That lifted him onto the 32-goal mark for the season, while their other goals came from Liam Soroka and Dave Griffiths.

Cwmaman brought a barren eight-match run to end with a 1-0 victory at Pentwyn Dynamos.

This formed a first success for the Grenig Park men over Pentwyn at the sixth time of asking with Steven Williams getting the all-important goal in the 25th minute.

Finally, Garden Village yesterday returned to winning ways with a 2-0 home win over Porthcawl.

Craig Blake shot them ahead in the 11th minute, and five minutes into the second half they wrapped things up via a Mark Lloyd strike.

TONY POOLE