LIDO GET THAT SINKING FEELING IN FINAL GAME OF SEASON

18 May 2007

Afan Lido rounded off their season in disappointing fashion, losing 4-1 in the first division against Caerleon. Though the fifth-placed Seasiders opened the scoring, they were eventually undone by two penalties.

Ian Jones gave them the lead after just five minutes with a 42nd goal of the season, allowing him to level with Goytre United's Richard Ryan.

But after that it was all-downhill for Lido, with goals from Luke Cueto and Ben Davies taking Caerleon ahead.

A Matthew Hearne penalty made it 3-1 and cBen Davies scored from the spot to make it a miserable night for the Shamrock cup winners.

Ely Rangers picked up a crucial point towards avoiding relegation in a 2-2 draw at Bryntirion Athletic.

The Bridgend side were twice ahead through Ben Bannon while Ely responded via Danny James and Leon Pietrowski.

However, Cwmbran Town, who finished bottom of the Principality Welsh Premiership and were relegated, have confirmed they will compete in the MacWhirter Welsh League next season.

Tomorrow sees the curtain come down on the Welsh League season with the final fixture being contested in the second division between Caerau Ely and Morriston Town at Cwrt-y-Ala (12 noon).

Following Caerau Ely's shock 2-0 win at promoted Caldicot in midweek, it took the Cardiff side clear of the relegation zone.

That means there is nothing resting on the clash with Morriston, who have already been relegated.

"What was pleasing during the closing weeks was the way the boys kept going right to the end," said Morriston manager Paul Lewis.

"It was our mid-season form that cost us dear, but hopefully we will bounce back."

Ammanford secured sixth place in division two on the strength of 2-2 home draw with Tredegar Town.

A 23rd goal of the season from Luke Fayers sent the Rice Roaders on the their way and having been pegged back to 1-1, Nathan McNeil sent them back in front.

Though Tredegar were awarded a debatable late penalty, the one-point return was enough for Ammanford to leapfrog Troedyrhiw on superior victories, as the pair finished with identical points and goal-difference.

Meanwhile, the Welsh League will contain two Cwmamman clubs next season after Cwmaman Institute from Aberdare beat Sully Sports, 2-1, in the South Wales FA play-off at Maesteg Park.

After the sides went in on 1-1, the Amateur League champions went on to edge out their Senior League counterparts.

However, the situation in the east is unclear as Gwent County League champions Newport Civil Service have been refused promotion.

But last night ground facilities were being inspected at Monmouth Town, who are pursuing Welsh League membership on a runners-up ticket.

TONY POOLE
 

PRICE SPOT ON TO SEIZE MORE NEATH SILVERWARE

18 May 2007

Cup Sponsor Tony Nakonecznyi and Neath skipper Andy Hill with the Cup

An 89th-minute penalty from Jarrod Price completed a late smash-and-grab raid by Neath Athletic over Garden Village in the Tony Nakonecznyj West Wales Senior Cup final. The newly crowned Welsh League champions were forced to come from behind to win the cup for a first time after Village rose to the occasion, and made it a competitive final.

Unbeaten at home this season, the Llandarcy Park side created precious little during the opening half, and fell behind to a 43rd-minute goal. Dave Rimmer pumped a free-kick into the box that Gary Davies helped on, and Lee Rastatter headed home at the far post.

That brought a rare frank discussion between Neath manager Andrew Dyer and his troops during the break, but little changed on the resumption.

Village seemed capable of hanging on to the one-goal lead until misfortune struck in the 76th minute.

From a Mattie Rees corner, a header from Neath captain Andy Hill seemed to be drifting wide until Rastatter turned it past Stuart Lloyd in the Village goal.

That led to the champions redoubling efforts to head off extra time, and close to time Neath's livewire performer Rees was brought down on the edge of the penalty area by Gary Davies.

Jarrod Price sent goalkeeper Lloyd the wrong way with a perfectly executed penalty, allowing Neath to follow twice winners BP Llandarcy and return the cup to the club.

"At the end of a memorable season this was the perfect way to round things off, but hats off to Garden Village, they took us all the way," said Neath boss Dyer.

Village manager Robert Lloyd said: "We have shown what we are capable of against both Neath and Carmarthen in this competition, and must now repeat these performances regularly in the league."

Neath Athletic: C. Morris, R. Folland, M. Rees, L. Bevan, S. Evans (C Pridham 45), J. Price, S. Pockett, C. Jenkins (M. James 71), C. Miller, A. Hill (capt), C. Shaw (S. Dyer 71)

Scorers: A. Hill 76, J. Price (pen) 89

Garden Village: S. Lloyd, P. John (K. Griffiths 90), D. Evans, D. Rimmer, G. Davies (capt), P. Bromage, D. Selvage (Stephen Evans 77), S. Brown, L. Rastatter, A. Richards, C. Hopkins (Scott Evans 90)

Scorer: L. Rastatter 43

Yellow cards: A. Richards 41, P. Bromage 57, C. Pridham 81

Referee: Garwyn Davies (Morriston)

Attendance: 250

TONY POOLE

 

CRAIG FIRES LIDO TO CUP GLORY

16 May 2007

Defender Craig Martin saved the best for last as Afan Lido edged out Goytre United to lift the Shamrock Travel Cup for the first time. It looked as if one goal would settle this all-Port Talbot final at the Remax Stadium, and that's how it worked out when the Seasiders won an 82nd-minute free-kick for holding.

It was entrusted to left-footer Martin, who curled it past goalkeeper Chris Curtis from 25 yards to register his first goal of the season and the 100th team goal of the campaign.

The victory went some way to compensating Lido, who lost 3-2 in the Welsh Cup final against Carmarthen Town at Llanelli earlier in the month.

Neither side carved out any genuine chances during a tight contest that could have gone either way.

Goytre top-scorer Richard Ryan just missed out with a free-kick after three minutes, and, soon afterwards, it was the turn of Lido - appearing in a first Shamrock final - to go close.

Craig Jones, who deservedly picked up the man-of-the- match award, shot wide after getting on the end of a Chris Piper delivery.

Late in the half, Goytre's Luke Bowen had a shot blocked while on the restart Michael Waters tested Lido goalkeeper Brian Thomas with a curling effort.

Paul Lenihan and Bowen both missed half-chances for Goytre, who lifted the cup two years ago, and in the end Martin's superb touch settled the issue.

Afan Lido: B. Thomas, C. Jones, K. Lewis (C. Latham 45), D. Williams, C. Evans, C. Martin, L. McCreesh (capt), P. Evans, I. Jones (M. Lavis 89), C. Piper (C. Edwards 42), G. Hurley

Scorer: C. Martin 82

Goytre United: C. Curtis, P. Lenihan, I. Turner, J. Meacock, I. Morgan, M. Chaves, L. Bowen (D. Strong 87), R. Penny (A. Pearson 75), R. Ryan, D. Lyons (capt), M. Waters.

Referee: Garwyn Davies (Swansea).

Yellow cards: L. McCreesh 72, C. Edwards 83

Man-of-the-match: Craig Jones (Afan Lido).

TONY POOLE
AT THE REMAX STADIUM

NEATH FINISH OFF IN RECORD STYLE

14 May 2007

Champions Neath Athletic took their leave of the first division in style, winning 3-2 at Dinas Powys to break a longstanding record. The Llandarcy Park finished with 92 points - bettering by one the tally secured by Briton Ferry in going into the Welsh Premiership back in 1995 - with a 100th league goal of the season taking them into the record books.

The winning goal at Murch Field came in the 83rd minute from veteran striker Carl Shaw, who ironically got Neath's opening goal of the season at Afan Lido back on August 12.

Neath were twice ahead through Carl Jenkins and captain Andy Hill, but the Cardiff side kept them waiting for the record.

''The boys came out fighting on day one at Afan Lido and to win the league by 12 points speaks volumes for their commitment,'' said Neath Athletic boss Andrew Dyer.

''We now start planning for a new future in the Welsh Premiership, and it will provide us with a big new challenge.'''

Neath bring the curtain down on a memorable campaign against Garden Village in the Tony Nakonecznyj West Wales Senior Cup final at Llandarcy Park on Wednesday (7.30pm).

Afan Lido cruised to 6-1 home win over relegated Barry with Ian Jones getting four goals to move on to 41 for the season. Greg Hurley and Chris Latham were also on target while Mike Nesbitt responded for Barry.

Tonight Lido face Goytre United in the Shamrock Travel Cup final at Port Talbot Town (7pm) and the Seasiders complete league fixtures at Caerleon on Wednesday.

In the second division, Caldicot claimed the third promotion spot behind champions Garw and Cambrian & Clydach. Caldicot beat Merthyr Saints 3-1 while closest challengers Betws were held 2-2 at relegation-threatened Caerau Ely.

West End finished fifth after being held to a 2-2 draw by Troedyrhiw at Pryderi Park.

Richard Jones scored for the Townhill side during the first half, the sides turning around on 1-1, with Danny Kavanagh equalising deep into injury time,

Ammanford beat Treharris at home 1-0 with the goal that separated the sides recorded in the approach to half time.

Richard Lewis scored from the spot, leaving the Rice Roaders in pursuit of the points at home to Tredegar tomorrow in order to finish sixth.

But Morriston went down to a 3-2 defeat at bottom-placed AFC Llwydcoed to finish in the bottom-two places.

The Dingle men conceded three sloppy goals only to hit back through a Gary Taylor penalty and a strike from Rob Hidle.

In a day of surprises in the third division, Cwmamman suffered a 2-0 defeat against relegated AFC Porth at Grenig Park.

Also on the receiving end against a relegated club were Ystradgynlais, who went down 4-2 at Chepstow Town.

The Swansea Valley side were 3-0 in arrears before responding through Dave Griffiths and Mattie Jones.

Promoted Llangeinor took a weakened side to Newcastle Emlyn and came unstuck 6-2 while Seven Sisters finished with a flourish, defeating longtime leaders Pentwyn Dynamos 2-1.

TONY POOLE

 

GOYTRE CLINCH RUNNER-UP SPOT

12 May 2007

Goytre United gained a 2-0 win over Pontardawe Town at Afan Lido to finish runners-up to Neath Athletic in the MacWhirter Welsh League division one. The defending champions came late to pip Pontypridd Town on goal difference, giving Neath Port Talbot a one-two.

Luke Bowen gave Goytre the lead in the 20th minute, and soon after a 42nd goal of the season from Richard Ryan rounded off another successful season.

In the second division, West End came from a goal down to secure a 1-1 draw with champions Garw at Blandy.

A 33rd-minute shot from Garw striker Martin Davies was deflected past goalkeeper Alex Davies, and the equaliser came in similar fashion.

A strike from substitute Sean Sullivan looked to be drifting wide until Liam Williams turned it past John Chorley in the home goal.

Seven Sisters took the derby clash with Llansawel 3-2 at the Welfare Ground in the third division. Ex-Sawel man Steve Soper sent Seven in front and after Craig Catterson equalised, Chris Herdman headed in a corner from his cousin Barry Herdman. The Cwrt Herbert side levelled via Anthony Walsh on 65 minutes, only for Soper to net the winner.

TONY POOLE

VILLAGE READY FOR CHAMPS

12 May 2007

Garden Village may have ended their league campaign in disappointing fashion but they now have the chance of winning some silverware for the first time in five years. They take on Welsh League champions Neath Athletic in the final of the Tony Nakonecznyj West Wales Senior Cup at Llandarcy Park on Wednesday (7.30).

A 4-1 reverse at neighbours Ammanford in midweek brought the curtain down on their second division campaign, but three defeats in their final 15 games gives Village manager Bob Lloyd plenty of positives.

"This is a very prestigious game for the club, it will be our first appearance in the final and it will be a challenge," said Lloyd.

"Our ultimate aim is to get back into division one and there is no better way to prove ourselves than to play against the Welsh League champions.

"I am a little disappointed that the game won't be played on neutral ground, but it will still be a great day for the club."

Village started off the season as promotion favourites and they lived up to those odds by taking 12 points from a possible 18, but a bad string of results sent them into a downward spiral and by January the club was flirting with relegation.

Form picked up in March and after eight victories and four draws from their final 15 outings they finished a creditable ninth, but Lloyd wants his side to push forward and challenge for honours at the top next term.

"This season has been a roller-coaster ride," he said. "After starting off as promotion favourites it all went wrong and I am so glad we came out of it.

"We are going to work extremely hard over the summer as I want us to progress. I don't want Garden Village to become a mid-table side."

Goalkeeper Stuart Lloyd returns for the final after injury and suspension.

 

NEATH AIM TO BREAK FERRY'S RECORD

11 May 2007

Champions Neath Athletic look to take their leave tomorrow of the first division at Dinas Powys with a record points tally.The Llandarcy Park side need three points to better Briton Ferry's 91-point tally of 1995, and three goals for a century.

They also have the chance to equal the records of Barry Town and Carmarthen Town in losing just twice in a season.

Neath, unbeaten in the their last 25 league matches, together with Cymru Alliance champions Llangefni, are set to bring the Principality Premiership back to a full quota of 18 clubs.

Earlier in the week, Welsh Premiership secretary John Deakin and board member Phil Woosnam from Rhayader conducted a final ground inspection at Llandarcy Park. The main stipulation is that the cricket side of the ground will have to be fenced off.

Meanwhile, losing Welsh Cup finalists Afan Lido play their penultimate league game at home to Barry Town tonight.

The Seasiders then wind things up at Caerleon next Wednesday, after facing Goytre United in the Shamrock Travel Cup final at Port Talbot Town on Monday (7pm). However, Lido suffered a 3-0 defeat at Bryntirion on Wednesday with a Jonathan Cuss goal double, and a strike from Martin Dando setting up Bryntirion's victory.

The only issue of substance to be resolved is the third promotion place in the second division. With Garw having been crowned champions and Cambrian & Clydach runners-up, Betws, Caldicot and West End are vying for third spot.

Caldicot returned to third place on Wednesday on the back of a 6-3 home victory over runners-up Cambrian & Clydach.

The Townhill side needed a win at Garw last night to have anything resting on tomorrow's final game - home to Troedyrhiw.

Morriston must win their last two matches to have any chance of avoiding the relegation trapdoor during the close season.

The future of three top-flight clubs is up in the air, and the ripples would be felt down the divisions.

The Dingle men visit relegated AFC Llwydcoed tomorrow, and a week on they are involved in the league's final fixture of the season - away to Caerau Ely (12 noon).

Ammanford, beaten just once in their last 10 league matches, climbed into sixth place on Tuesday following a 4-1 home victory over Garden Village.

The Rice Roaders have two remaining fixtures both home involving Treharris tomorrow and Tredegar on Tuesday.

Switching to the third division,

Llangeinor wind things up at Newcastle Emlyn tomorrow.

Cwmamman gained a 4-2 home victory over Abertillery in midweek with assistant manager Dean Beniamous registering a hat-trick and Jonny Chellew also on target. Relegated AFC Porth form Cwm's final opponents of the season at Grenig Park tomorrow.

Two other clubs complete league programmes tomorrow - Seven Sisters at home to Pentwyn Dynamos along with Ystradgynlais at relegated Chepstow Town.

TONY POOLE

NEATH BOUNCE BACK AFTER SHOCK

10 May 2007

Champions Neath Athletic came from behind to beat Pontardawe Town, 3-1, at Afan Lido in the MacWhirter Welsh League division one. Paul Dickie fired Ponty into an early lead with Carl Shaw squaring matters on the half-hour mark.

Andy Hill then gave Neath the lead in the 50th minute with Lee Bevan completing the scoring on the hour.

But Goytre United were surprisingly held to a 2-2 draw by relegated Ely Rangers at Station Road.

Richard Ryan (pictured right) and Michael Waters both netted for Goytre, who face Pontardawe at Afan Lido tonight.

In the second division, two goals from Carl Smitham, one from the spot, set up a 2-1 win for West End at Pryderi Park.

But promotion rivals Betws also won, defeating Briton Ferry 1-0 at North Site, on the back of a bizarre goal from substitute Mark Roberts in the 76th minute.

Ammanford, who are finishing the season with a bang, gained a resounding 4-1 home win over Garden Village despite having Liam Preece sent off in the first half.

The Rice Roaders were 2-0 up at the break through Dean Jenkins and Luke Fayers with Dave Evans dragging Village back into contention.

However, a Richard Lewis penalty and a superb goal from Jamie Evans sealed an Ammanford victory.

In division three, Seven Sisters lost 3-2 against Llantwit Fardre at the Welfare Ground.

Barry Herdman and Chris Herdman both netted for Seven, but a goal brace from Ian Minton and a Rhys Bowler strike set up victory for the Pontypridd side.

TONY POOLE

 

HOLMES SO PROUD OF HIS AFAN LIDO PLAYERS

09 May 2007

Losing Welsh Cup final manager Phil Holmes had nothing but praise for all concerned as Afan Lido's unlikely crusade stopped just short of the mark. Holmes, who had steered his side to victories over Welsh Premier League opposition in Port Talbot and Welshpool during earlier rounds, said he was immensely proud of his players for pushing Carmarthen all the way in a closely fought final at Stebonheath Park.

The Welsh League side had against all odds reached the showcase and were dreaming of one more victory which would have seen them lift the trophy for the first time in the club's history.

Their never-say-die attitude was refreshing to see in the final and they could not have thrown anything more at Carmarthen than what they did on Sunday afternoon.

They had trailed 1-0 before pegging Carmarthen back via Ian Jones's equaliser, but then found themselves 3-1 down after the break.

Another Jones strike cut the deficit but they could not find another goal to take the tie into extra-time.

Despite shattered dreams following a 3-2 defeat, Holmes was full of pride at the final whistle and would not let the defeat cover up a superb campaign.

''I am immensely proud,'' he said.

''As far as we are concerned we have succeeded in getting to the final - that is a huge achievement.

''I said that as long as we gave 100 per cent and, if that was not enough and we were beaten by a better side, then that's fine.

''Fair play to Mark Jones's side, they are a fantastic team, especially going forward.

''We gave them a run for their money and we have done the Welsh League proud. The boys have given everything. We couldn't have asked for more.

''We were confident going into the game and we believed in fate and really thought we had a chance of winning.

''We scored twice, and on another day, that might have been enough. But they scored three great goals. Fair play to Kaid Mohamed and Sasha Walters - of all people - they took their goals well.''

Lido, whose Welsh League form has dipped since their cup run, will now concentrate on getting into the top flight after having proved they can mix it with the big boys.

However, would Holmes have swapped his cup campaign for promotion?

''I wouldn't swap it for the world,'' he said.

''We had the cameras here and the occasion was excellent. The fans have been brilliant, particularly the junior section, and everyone enjoyed themselves.

''We have had a taste of the big teams and now we have to start again next season.

''Our main ambition is to get into the Welsh Premier League - we need that status.

''We have showed we can compete with the big teams and now it is up to us to get there.''

CHRIS BARNEY

NEATH TO THE FOUR AS THEY LIFT LEAGUE TITLE

07 May 2007

Neath Athletic received the championship silverware at Ely Rangers, and went on to extend an unbeaten run to 24 games. The Llandarcy Park side won the day 4-0, and sent Ely down to the second division along with Barry Town and Grange Quins.

Ely were reduced to just nine men before the break with the Welsh Premiership-bound club going in three goals to the good.

Jarrod Price opened the scoring with Chris Miller doubling the lead ahead of goalkeeper Craig Morris converting a penalty.

And near the end, a 21st strike of the season from Carl Shaw completed a stroll in the park for the champions.

Next up for Neath is tomorrow's clash with Pontardawe at Afan Lido, while they take their leave of the Welsh League scene at Dinas Powys on Saturday.

Pontardawe Town went down to a 2-0 defeat at Caerleon, and Maesteg Park suffered a similar fate at Ton Pentre, Jamie Michael and Jamie Bradford netting for the Bulldogs.

In the second division, West End were unhappy with refereeing decisions during a 2-2 draw in the promotion battle at Caldicot.

It was 1-1 at the break with a goal brace from Rory Smitham allowing the Townhill side to keep a tenuous hold on promotion.

However, the third club involved in the race for third-place honours, Betws, were held to a 1-1 home draw by Troedyrhiw.

The key matches tomorrow evening in this tooth-and-nail battle involve West End against Pontyclun at Pryderi Park along with the visit of Briton Ferry to Betws.

This Wednesday, Caldicot host second-placed Cambrian & Clydach while West End visit champions Garw on Thursday.

Ammanford moved up into eighth spot on the back of a 4-2 success at Caerau Ely.

The Rice Roaders opened up a 4-0 lead before conceding a few soft goals during the closing stages.

Top scorer Luke Fayers struck twice - hoisting his seasonal goal tally on to the 21 mark - while Steffan Hughes and Lee Stone were also on target.

And with closing home fixtures against Garden Village tomorrow, Treharris this Saturday and Tredegar on May 15, Ammanford are set to finish even higher.

However, Morriston must now win their two remaining away matches against AFC Llwydcoed next Saturday and Caerau Ely on May 19 to stand any kind of chance of avoiding relegation.

A 3-1 home defeat against fellow strugglers Tredegar Town proved a major setback for the Dingle men.

Morriston's Ian Williams narrowed the half-time deficit to 2-1, but a late goal then confirmed a Tredegar victory.

Speculation surrounding the future of three top-flight clubs could yet save Morriston should they pocket six more points.

Champions Garw were held to a goalless draw by Pontyclun at Ivor Park during a game of few chances.

In the third division, both Llansawel and Porthcawl are set to fight another day in the Welsh League.

A 37th-minute goal from Christian Pascoe secured Porthcawl a 1-0 win at Cwmamman, who lost goalkeeper Adrian Barnsley through injury.

And there were celebrations at Llansawel after they pushed bottom club AFC Porth a step closer to relegation on the strength of a 3-1 win at Cwrt Herbert.

A superb goal from Craig Catterson sent Sawel in front, and second-half goals from Andrew Cann confirmed a home win.

Ystradgynlais found themselves three goals down at leaders Llanwern, only to battle back and only lose 3-2.

Huw Littlewood and Mark James responded for Ystrad, but a victory by second-placed Cwmbran Celtic at Risca on Wednesday will now secure them the title.

Despite playing without red-carded Craig Cheedy for 50 minutes, Cwmbran Celtic secured a point at promoted Llangeinor.

Shane Williamson fired Celtic in front, with a 25th goal of the season from Dai Lewis squaring matters on 87 minutes.

Seven Sisters were held to 1-1 by visiting Newcastle Emlyn, with Seven's Rob Shannon nullifying an early goal from Mattie Price.

TONY POOLE
 

CARMARTHEN WIN THE CUP

07 May 2007

Carmarthen Town lifted the Welsh Cup for the first time in their history in an enthralling final.Mark Jones had asked his side to be history makers in the build-up and he got exactly what he pleaded for as Carmarthen made up for their final defeat to TNS two years ago and booked their place in the Uefa Cup.

Kaid Mohamed grabbed a brace in a man-of-the-match display for the Richmond Park side, with Sasha Walters bagging their other goal.

For Welsh League club Lido, who were also looking to lift the cup for the first time, leading striker Ian Jones bagged a brace as they did themselves proud in making the Welsh Premier side fight tooth and nail for their crown.

They had beaten top opposition in Port Talbot and Welshpool along the way, but the Lido express unfortunately ran out of steam just short of the finishing line.

In a fairly scrappy start, both teams took a little time to get used to the windy conditions at Stebonheath Park.

Carmarthen were perhaps the brighter of the two and skipper Nathan Cotterrall indicated the danger he possesses when he outpaced his marker and flew down the left flank before delivering a low cross which Lido keeper Brian Thomas gathered.

Lido retaliated via Craig Jones, who fired wide from the edge of the box while Greg Hurley directed his effort over the crossbar.

Then, in a classic counter attack, Carmarthen drew first blood after 12 minutes. Lido playmaker Liam McCreesh broke into the Carmarthen half and his back-heeled pass unleashed Jones but he was foiled by a perfect sliding tackle from Mark Dodds.

Fellow centre-back Kris Thomas picked up the loose ball and play was quickly shifted into Lido territory.

Striker Kaid Mohamed, who scored Carmarthen's semi-final winner over Llanelli, chested down a swirling cross and half-volleyed a powerful drive past keeper Thomas.

But before Mark Jones's side could even think of European football, Lido hit back three minutes later.

Carmarthen defender Terry Evans threw a high foot to a challenge in the box and was penalised with an indirect free-kick, not a penalty the vocal Lido faithful had cried out for.

Nevertheless, they got on with things and they were back on level terms when Hurley touched it to top scorer Ian Jones, who blasted into the top right-hand corner for his 36th goal of the season.

Both teams then battled it out, with Tom Ramasut in particular catching the eye in midfield for Carmarthen.

And just when Lido manager Phil Holmes was calling for his side to keep it steady, Carmarthen punished them just before the half hour.

Former Lido midfielder Sasha Walters broke down the right just inside his half and waltzed along. He fooled his marker Karl Lewis before hitting a dipping shot which bounced over the diving Thomas.

It was a sucker punch from Carmarthen, but Lido still plugged away and had the ball in the net again when Jones poked home after O'Leary's shot had cannoned off the bar, but he was called back for offside.

They went close again when Lewis drove an inviting cross into the box and with McCreesh missing out, Carmarthen keeper Thomas was forced into a fingertip save as he pushed the ball out for a corner.

Carmarthen really should have extended their lead before the break when Paul Fowler delivered along the face of goal but Mohamed, unmarked four yards out, failed to connect.

Mark Jones made a change at the break with Paul Keddle - who has been picked for Wales semi-pros' defence of the Four Nations tournament - came on as a direct replacement for left-back Deryn Brace.

With such a slim margin, the next goal was going to be huge in this contest. It came just four minutes into the second half and it saw Carmarthen extend their lead.

A long punt upfield from keeper Thomas was brought down by Cotterrall, who fed Mohamed and he drove a vicious strike low past Thomas into the bottom corner.

Lido kept plugging away, though, and striker Jones saw his 25-yard free-kick gathered well by keeper Thomas, while at the other end Walters drove his curling drive over the bar and Ramasut tested Thomas with a powerful 20-yard effort.

Lido threw on Carl Evans and Chris Piper for Paul Evans and Hurley as they tried to cut the deficit, but it was Carmarthen who continued to have a stranglehold on the game.

They really should have put their tassles on the cup when Mohamed broke down the right flank and squared to the unmarked Walters, but he somehow scuffed his shot wide.

Lido then had a chance to cut the gap when John Felton found himself in some space on the edge of the box but he fired over.

But they went one step closer to levelling when Ian Jones directed Felton's cross into the top corner with 12 minutes to go. It was testament to their fighting spirit and the Welsh League club really threw everything at Carmarthen.

Chris Latham was introduced for Felton, which saw McCreesh pushed up front as Lido went all out for the equaliser, while Colin Loss came on for Walters as Carmarthen looked to close the game out.

They did just that and wrote themselves into the club's history books.

CHRIS BARNEY

NEATH LOOK TO BREAK RECORDS

04 May 2007

Champions Neath head for Ely Rangers tomorrow in their first outing since winning the title on Wednesday evening. But the league winners, who have accepted promotion to the Principality Welsh Premiership, still have unfinished business.

Briton Ferry, in 1994-95, went up with 91 points, resulting in Neath having to win their remaining matches to better the feat.

They are also aiming to score 100 league goals, go up with just two defeats and extend an unbeaten sequence to 26 matches,

''We celebrated on Wednesday evening, but in fairness to the other teams, we owe it to them to compete strongly during our last three games,'' said Neath boss Andrew Dyer.

''The disappointment of missing out on the Premier League last year provided us with sufficient motivation - and the boys have been superb all season.''

Neath, who will be presented with the league trophy at Ely tomorrow, will be without Liam Hancock ahead of Carmarthen Town's Welsh Cup final against Afan Lido on Sunday at Stebonheath Park.

Hancock has been with Neath on dual registration from Carmarthen.

Rob Folland (hamstring) is out for the remainder of the season, Chris Pridham is suspended, while ex-Swansea striker Jonathan Keaveny has left the club.

Back into contention come Mattie Rees, who came off the bench to get the equaliser last Friday against Pontypridd, along with Jack Jenkins and Chris Vardon.

Maesteg Park wind up their campaign at Ton Pentre, and hope to field a stronger team than the one that came from two goals down to win 3-2 at Newport YMCA last Tuesday.

Pontardawe, who made things safe with a midweek draw at Ton Pentre, visit Caerleon and they hope to welcome back Steve Davies, Kevin Bartley and Jonny Owen.

Davies is tonight representing Wales Under-18s in the centenary match with England at Molineux.

In the second division, West End face a must-win situation against third-placed Caldicot at Jubilee Way.

However, the squad that gained a 4-0 home win over second-placed Cambrian & Clydach on Tuesday are all available.

Garw sealed the second-division championship in midweek on the back of a 1-1 draw with Morriston at Blandy.

Though Garw took the lead through Jamie Morris during the first half, a superb goal from ex-Swan Jonathan Coates enabled the Dingle men to pick up a deserved point.

Morriston, who host Tredegar tomorrow, still have an outside chance of avoiding relegation, as they visit relegated AFC Llwydcoed on May 12, and head for Caerau Ely a week later.

Ammanford gained a 2-1 home victory over Briton Ferry in midweek with Paul Buckingham heading in a 75th-minute winner.

Although Ferry scored first through Rob Cann, the Rice Roaders levelled via Jamie Evans.

However, Ammanford have Buckingham, Scott Davies and Richard Lewis all missing at Caerau Ely tomorrow while Dean Jenkins and Steffan Hughes are rated only 50-50.

Garden Village, who suffered a 2-0 home defeat in midweek against Betws, wind up their season at Ammanford on Tuesday.

In the third division, Cwmamman boss Michael Ellery adds goalkeeper Adrian Barnsley along with John Jones and Mark Carlyle to his squad at home to Porthcawl Town.

Cwm carded a 3-2 win at Porthcawl last week without the trio, and they are looking to finish the season with a flourish.

Llansawel entertain bottom club AFC Porth, and a victory would enable them to remain clear of the bottom-two places.

Manager Wyn Evans is without suspended Steve Jones, but other than that Llansawel will be at full strength.

There remains conjecture whether two or three clubs will be relegated, and with that in mind Seven Sisters still need a few more points.

Seven, who have parted company with striker Rob Shannon, commence a run of four home matches tomorrow against Newcastle Emlyn while they host Llantwit Fardre on Monday.

Ystradgynlais visit Llanwern tomorrow ahead of their final outing at relegated Chepstow Town a week later.

However, Ystrad will be without top scorer Craig Hopkins, Nick Maggs, Dave Miller, Robbie Daniels and Andrew Miller.

TONY POOLE
 

NEATH CROWNED WELSH LEAGUE CHAMPIONS

03 May 2007

Neath were last night crowned MacWhirter Welsh League division one champions from the sidelines. The demise of closest challengers Pontypridd Town 4-1 at ENTO Aberaman triggered celebrations around Llandarcy Park.

Andrew Dyer's side have won the title for a first time on the back of a superb run that has seen them go 23 league matches without defeat.

''It was a little disappointing not to have wrapped up the title last Friday against Pontypridd at home, but it cannot deflect from what we have achieved this season,'' said Neath boss Andrew Dyer.

Only Taffs Well and Maesteg Park have lowered their colours this term, and Neath have already confirmed that they will accept promotion to the Principality Welsh Premiership.

Aberaman were 3-0 up at the break through Kurt Nogan (two) and John Phillips and although Ponty responded through Dean Morris, Richard Jago rounded off the scoring.

However, the new champions still have three remaining matches - all away.

They are Ely Rangers this Saturday, Pontardawe at Afan Lido on Tuesday and Dinas Powys (May 12).

TONY POOLE