Goytre United triumphed 2-1 at Ton Pentre keep the pressure on Macron Welsh League first division leaders Neath Athletic.

A late goal from recent Bridgend Town import Kevin Davies did the trick for second-placed Goytre, who go into this weekend's programme trailing Neath by 15 points with six games in hand. Ton had the better of the first half, deservedly leading 1-0 at the break through Carl Thomas, with Darren Lyons knocking in a 75th-minute equaliser.

Goytre now move on to Cold Bath Road tomorrow to challenge Caerleon, and they will once more be without top scorer Richard Ryan.

Neath, who gained a 3-0 victory over Barry Town at Llandarcy Park in midweek, face a derby clash with Pontardawe Town at the Recreation Ground.

Already ruled out is defender Liam Hancock with a knee problem, and manager Andrew Dyer is looking to recruit another player.

Pontardawe have signed Dale Griffiths, older brother of striker Darren, on dual registration from Merthyr but he will not figure against Neath.

They are also boosted by the return of key players Rob Folland, Steven Cox and Simon Davies.

The programme is launched tonight by Maesteg Park, who take on Afan Lido to Tudor Park.

The Seasiders have fine-tuned their management structure with Mark Robinson becoming general manager.

Captain Paul Evans and another experienced defender, Phil Holmes, have taken over managerial duties along with Steve Llewellyn.

Lido have four players returning to their squad - Karl Lewis, Luke Harrington, Karl Roberts and Daniel Williams - and will be looking to improve on a 2-2 draw in the reverse fixture.

Maesteg will again be without striker Gareth Davies, but his recent loss has been countered by the arrival of Kyle Morris from Ton Pentre.

Time is fast running out for bottom-placed Briton Ferry, following a 2-1 midweek defeat against Bridgend Town.

Young defender Ross Howells impressed from the bench, and might well start against Ton Pentre at Old Road, while Richard Colwill and Richard South are set to return.

In the second division, fast-finishing Morriston have home advantage over Merthyr Saints, but they will be without Jonathan Parry, Leighton Connor and Scott Horton.

Ammanford, who host lowly Abertillery, might well have defender John Garland and top scorer Cerison Davies missing.

In the third division, Ystradgynlais surrendered a three-goal lead in a 4-4 midweek draw against Llanwern and face another top-of-the-table clash at Newcastle Emlyn.

West End hope to make a start at Treharris on an end-of-season schedule containing 17 matches in the space of six weeks.

Garden Village face second division rivals Penrhiwceiber in the first Shamrock Travel Cup semi-final at Afan Lido.

The second semi-final between Pontardawe and Morriston will be staged at Afan Lido next Wednesday (7pm).

TONY POOLE
 

Leaders Neath Athletic inched closer to the Macron Welsh League division one title with a 3-0 victory over Barry Town at Llandarcy Park. The opening half was evenly contested but Neath made the breakthrough in the 55th minute via Steven Pockett.

It remained that way until two goals in rapid succession from Andy Hill, one a penalty, sealed the win.

But Briton Ferry sank into deeper relegation trouble with a 2-1 home defeat by Bridgend Town.

Though Ferry made a bright start, Layton Thomas heading them in front after just seven minutes, Bridgend soon hit back. A defensive blunder set up an 18th goal of the season for Bridgend top scorer Andy Mainwaring, while Martin Rose produced a 35th-minute winner on the end of a Dale Raven cross.

TONY POOLE
 

Just two matches in the Macron Welsh League top-flight produced outcomes as another league programme was badly hit by heavy rain.

The most disappointed side were championship-chasing Goytre United, who were 2-0 up when their home game with Ely Rangers was abandoned. Goals from Darren Lyons and Ryan Penny sent them ahead, but the game was then abandoned in the 43rd minute.

Maesteg Park were also 2-0 up when a premature halt was called on proceedings at AFC Llwydcoed in the 53rd minute.

Former Garw star Dean Vokes recorded a first goal for the club while Robbie Walters doubled the lead midway through the opening half.

But Llwydcoed player Jonathan Mason was taken to hospital with a suspected broken ankle early in the second half, and the game was abandoned soon after.

Pontardawe were leading reigning champions Ton Pentre 2-1 after just 19 minutes when the game was called off.

Though the Bulldogs scored first, Pontardawe hit back with goals from top scorer Jamie Bowen and Darren Griffiths.

It was goalless at the North Site at half-time when the clash between Betws and Afan Lido was abandoned.

Matthew Lavis forced a good save out of home goalkeeper Leon Cosker but Betws defender Dean Simmons was injured following a collision with a goal post.

In the games that produced results, Newport YMCA eased relegation fears with a 2-0 home victory over Bridgend.

After Bridgend had centre-back Ryan Barry sent off after just six minutes, Aaron Stewart opened the scoring in the 17th minute while Dan Heath completed the win midway through the second half.

Uwic hauled themselves into second place with a 1-1 draw against Dinas Powys in the derby clash at Cyncoed.

Leaders Neath Athletic resume league duties tomorrow evening at home to Barry Town, relegation-threatened Briton Ferry entertain Bridgend Town while Goytre United visit Ton Pentre on Wednesday.

In the second division, two goals in as many minutes set up a 2-1 victory for in-form Morriston Town at Abertillery.

Mark Carlyle rattled the woodwork during a goalless opening half, but in the 50th minute a shot from ex-Swan Jonathan Coates was only parried.

Centre-back Carl James followed up to score and soon after an 11th goal of the season from top scorer Dean Rosselli doubled the lead.

Although Abertillery pulled a goal back, Morriston clung on to extend an unbeaten sequence to seven matches.

In the basement battle at the Cape, Porthcawl gained a slender 1-0 victory over Gwynfi.

The goal that separated the sides arrived as early as the sixth minute when a shot from Paul Atkinson stuck in the mud, but Gareth Duffy was on hand to drive the ball home and provide the Seasiders with a glimmer of hope in their relegation battle.

Having lost 7-1 at leaders Pontypridd in midweek, Ammanford failed to bounce back at Caldicot, losing 3-1.

The Rice Roaders fell a goal behind after 25 minutes only for Steve Devonald to drill home a free-kick from the edge of the penalty area.

But Caldicot, who had a man sent off, led 2-1 at the break and went on to seal victory on the back of a second Gareth Cullimore strike.

Garden Village's clash with Garw at Blandy lasted just 20 minutes, and it produced a blank scoreline.

In the third division, home matches involving Cwmamman, Seven Sisters and West End were all postponed.

However, the encounter between Ystradgynlais at Treharris at Ynyscedwyn Road reached half-time before being abandoned with Ystrad a goal up.

However, a 30-yard screamer from Nicholas Maggs did not count, and Ystrad now move on to Llanwern on Wednesday.

TONY POOLE
 

TONY POOLE
 

It was a case of as you were at the top of the first division in the Macron Welsh League with leaders Neath Athletic and main challengers Goytre Utd both held to draws.

Neath required an injury time goal from substitute Simon Dyer to secure a hard earned point in a 2-2 outcome at relegation haunted Ely Rangers. An early goal from Dan Hooper gave the Cardiff side confidence while Dyer got the first equaliser in the 70th minute.

A Graham Cummings penalty sent Ely back ahead with Dyer levelling during a goalmouth melee in the 95th minute.

Goytre peppered the Barry Town goal at White Tips in Treforest only for the game to peter out in a goalless draw.

That means Neath continue to head third-placed Goytre by 15 points, but the Port Talbot side have six games in hand.

But back into the title mix have come Maesteg Park, who climbed to second on the back of a 2-0 success over Taffs Well.

The Old Parish side took the lead through new signing Kyle Morris.

The goal separated the sides until Paul Jones completed the win with a 78th-minute strike.

Uwic's championship challenge has all but hit the buffers, following a 3-1 defeat at Bryntirion Athletic.

First half goals from Martin Dando and Jonny Fulton sent the Bridgend side clear, with Marc McKee making it 3-0, before the students responded with a Ryan Jenkins penalty.

A late goal from Darren Griffiths set up a slender 1-0 home victory for Pontardawe Town over struggling Briton Ferry.

With Betws beating AFC Llwydcoed 5-1, the Ferrymen have sunk back to the bottom.

In the second division, Garden Village went on the rampage at home to Merthyr Saints, running out 6-0 winners.

Dale Selvedge, Paul Dickie and a Dave Rimmer penalty sent Village three goals clear after just 12 minutes.

Ashley Richards converted a penalty just before the break, and they rounded things off with further goals from Richards and substitute Nigel Rogers.

Morriston maintained their excellent run of form by defeating Caldicot 3-2.

Despite conceding after just 50 seconds, the Dingle men evened things up through Mark Baker while Leighton Connor headed them in front early in the second half. Caldicot then pulled back to 2-2 with Paul Sweeny striking a 67th-minute winner.

Third-placed Garw went goal crazy, winning 6-1 at promotion rivals Croesyceiliog courtesy of braces from Tony Wallis and Ashley Burge along with goals from Thomas Hopper and Sam Donald.

But Porthcawl sunk into deeper relegation trouble after being outplayed by Caerau Ely at Lock's Lane - and losing 4-1.

The Cardiff side, who led 3-0 at the interlude, netted through Pete Harrington (2), Jordan Cottrell and James Cottrell, with Del James getting Porthcawl's consolation goal late on.

Third division Ystradgynlais triumphed 4-3 at bottom-placed Penrhiwfer to keep in touch with the promotion race.

The Ynyscedwyn Road side led three times through goals from Michael Whapham (two) and Lancelot Davies.

But Penrhiwfer levelled on each occasion only to concede an own-goal.

And Cwmamman pulled off the surprise result of the day, triumphing 2-1 at promotion-seeking Cambrian & Clydach.

Goals from Chris Williams and substitute Luke Rice while eye-catching displays came from Michael Hodges and Jonny Jones sealed the win.

TONY POOLE
 

Morriston Town will face local rivals Pontardawe Town in the semi-final of the Shamrock Travel Cup at Afan Lido's ground on Wednesday, April 5, kicking off at 7pm.

The other last-four match will see Garden Village take on Penrhiwceiber at the same ground on Saturday, April 1, at 2pm. In the Harris Printers (Reserve Division) Shield, Neath Athletic face Chepstow Town in the final at Taffs Well on Wednesday, May 10, kick-off 7pm.

Haverfordwest County, meanwhile, clash with Cambrian & Clydach in the MacWhirter (Youth Division) Cup final at Goytre United on Sunday, April 23, kick-off 2.30pm.
 

Wayne Jones lifted FAW Trophy for the second time in 12 months following a polished West End performance that swept aside Cefn United at Caersws.

Last season it was goals from Darren Griffiths and Neil Phillips that brought the silverware to Townhill for the first time following a 3-0 win against Llandudno Junction at Rhayader. A minding opening 45 minutes made sure that the outcome was repeated by the Macron Welsh League newcomers with skipper Wayne Jones, Gary Davies and Rory Smitham all on target.

Wayne Jones stamped his side's authority on proceedings when he made an instant impact straight from the kick-off to silence the Wrexham side's healthy band of supporters in the cold Mid Wales wind.

Neil Phillips made a quick break down the left wing and with Jones and goalkeeper Spencer Samuels attempting to gain possession, the West End skipper headed home with just 12 seconds on the clock.

That lead lasted only four minutes, however, when Adam Jones swung over a cross from the right, and Darren Stretch hit a low shot past goalkeeper Lee Adams.

Giving a display full of energy and invention in the difficult conditions, West End won a corner after 14 minutes, but Richard Jones's header was turned behind by Jamie Jones.

Rory Smitham then flighted the ball to the far post for former Port Talbot Town midfielder Gary Davies to powerfully head the ball home.

The Pryderi Park outfit maintained their attacking momentum to grab a third on 21 minutes when Wayne Jones intelligently guided the ball into the net after Carl Smitham had made the opening.

West End pressure allowed them to add another goal as they continued to stamp their authority on the match.

Anthony Wright, the ex-Llanelli player, superbly delivered a back-heeled flick into the path of Rory Smitham, and the attacking defender applied a perfect finish with a delicate lob over Samuels that dipped under the crossbar and into the far corner.

Frustration set into Cefn's play 10 minutes into the second half, with Stretch dismissed for a second bookable offence by referee Darren Adie following a late tackle on Wright.

There was a late revival by the North Wales side on 85 minutes, when they pounced for a second time with Lee Jones nodded in from five yards following a cross by Ben Roberts.

But a minute later, Wayne Jones had a glorious chance to complete his hat-trick, only to send a rising shot from eight yards just over the bar from an inswinging cross by substitute Lee Maunders.

"We made a positive stunning opening in the first minute, which was really unexpected, but it was annoying in the manner that we let them in for the equaliser," West End boss Donny Smitham said.

"The team then increased the tempo and our finishing was simply breathtaking.

"Throughout the match, we showed a lot of courage and commitment.

"Now that we have won the Trophy we can concentrate on the league.

"We're mid-table at the moment, but hopefully we can win promotion as we have a lot of games in hand and that would be the icing on the cake."
 

The Shamrock Travel Cup quarter-finals threw up a hatful of surprises, with the top-flight trio of Neath Athletic, Maesteg Park and Uwic all bowing out.

Neath lost 2-0 at last year's losing finalists Pontardawe Town, Maesteg Park surrendered 3-1 against Morriston, while the students were eliminated 3-2 by Penrhiwceiber at Cyncoed. A third club from division two, Garden Village, also booked a semi-final place courtesy of a 3-2 victory at Llanwern.

Pontardawe had Paul Davey sent off towards the end of the first half against Neath, but as so often happens the 10 men rallied.

A first goal of the season from Steven Cox sent Ponty ahead in the 70th minute, and Geza Hajgato went on to seal the win.

It proved a successful return to Maesteg Park for Morriston boss Michael Ellery after an absence of 10 years.

Ellery, who managed Park during their League of Wales days, saw Andrew Davies give the Old Parish side the lead.

But it wasn't long before Carl James equalised, and Mark Baker took the Dingle side ahead on the resumption.

Morriston were now calling the shots and they secured victory with a Mark Carlyle goal.

Garden Village needed a late winner at third division Llanwern. Though Paul Dickie and Mark Lloyd were on target for Village, the tie was locked on 2-2 and drifting towards extra-time.

However, a superb goal from Dickie, his 12th for the club, made sure Village go into the hat for tomorrow evening's draw.

In the first division, the main focus centred on the relegation battle, with Briton Ferry suffering a 2-1 setback against Caerleon at Old Road.

The Cold Bath side opened the scoring in the 12th minute when Troy Quarterly converted a Craig Joliffe cross.

But Ferry applied pressure and levelled in the 56th minute after John Seymour handled in the box.

Sammy Brown knocked in his seventh penalty in as many games, but right out of the blue a speculative 74th-minute overhead kick from Quarterly crept in at the back post.

Struggling AFC Llwydcoed must have regretted transferring both centre-back Ryan Barry and frontman Christopher Vardon to Bridgend Town last Friday.

Vardon netted on his Bridgend debut at Llwydcoed, with Martin Rose their other marksman.

Bryntirion remain in relegation trouble after goals from Dan Heath and Aaron Stewart saw Newport YMCA beat them 2-0.

In the second division, Ammanford left things late to net a 1-0 victory over lowly Caerau Ely at Rice Road. It wasn't until five minutes from the end that Rhodri Robinson engineered the winner for young Matthew Fisher.

Gwynfi Utd, who were two men short at the start, went down 5-1 in a re-arranged fixture with Caldicot at the Cape.

A 10th player eventually stiffened resolve, with Philip James getting the Afan Valley side's 80th-minute consolation goal.

In the third division, Seven Sisters toppled leaders Newcastle Emlyn 4-3 in the Dulais Valley.

Two goals from midfield ace Richard Smith and a Barry Herdman strike put Seven 3-1 up at the interval.

Although the visitors had a man sent off before the break, goals from Mike Preddy, Jon Clarke and Steffan Davies made it 3-3.

However, Barry Herdman settled the issue close to time with a well-crafted individual goal.

Cwmamman eased their relegation fears in coming from 2-0 down at the interval to pip Goytre 3-2 at Plough Road.

Teenager Gareth Owen launched the fightback and Paul Pugh netted twice to complete a much-needed win.

Ystradgynlais remain on the fringes of the promotion chase after beating AFC Porth 2-1 at Ynyscedwyn Road.

A 19th goal of the season from Craig Hopkins separated the sides at the break, with Michael Whapham doubling the lead.

And although AFC Porth pulled a goal back, Ystrad missed a catalogue of chances that should have shut the game out.

But West End lost ground in the promotion race with a 1-1 draw against Blaenrhondda at Pryderi Park. Carl Smitham netted for the Townhill side in the 65th minute, only for Jamie Michael to even things up.

TONY POOLE
 

Neath MP Peter Hain is backing Neath Athletic Football Club's bid to secure Vauxhall Masterfit Welsh Premiership status.

The Welsh Premiership grounds inspection panel has recently inspected their headquarters at Llandarcy Park - along with the two other southern applicants Afan Lido and Goytre United - and all made favourable impressions. However, in the case of Neath they will be successful only if their ground is upgraded.

As club president and a keen soccer fan, Mr Hain is looking at ways to find the necessary sponsorship to kick-start ground improvements.

The main need is for proper fencing and a hard standing on the cricket side of the ground to meet league regulations.

While continued sponsorship is always welcome, that is not the issue, more a case of one-off investment to make the ground compatible.

''It would be fantastic if the club did make into the Welsh Premiership,'' said Mr Hain.

He added: ''It would be an equivalent boost to Neath's name, recognition, profile and reputation for success as we have with rugby."

The Macron Welsh League leaders are planning to place improved dugouts and accommodation for a fourth official on the cricket side of the ground, making it a non-spectator area.

However, the hard standing they hope to lay will then be covered in Astroturf, in order for Llandarcy Cricket Club to carry on playing.

They also have to install two turnstiles while the cricket scoreboard is set to incorporate a press box and television camera gantry.

TONY POOLE
 

Semi-final places will be up for grabs tomorrow in the league's Shamrock Travel Cup, with top billing going to Pontardawe Town at home to Neath Athletic.

Table-topping Neath will be missing only striker Chris Miller, but Pontardawe are hit by defender Ian Morgan's wedding where Michael Chaves is best man. West End recruit Darren Griffiths is cup-tied while fitness tests will be run on both Rob Folland (thigh strain) and Jamie Rickard (eye injury).

However, Steve Crabbe is set to return, following a six-week absence, with a leg injury that required an operation.

Morriston boss Michael Ellery makes a first return to Maesteg Park since standing down as manager at the Old Parish club back in 1995.

However, Ellery will be missing four key men in defenders Scott Horton, Leighton Connor and John Williams while another ex-Maesteg man, assistant manager Dean Beniamous, is ruled out with a calf strain.

However, Maesteg will not be at full strength either with goalkeeper Gary Wager, Paul Evans, Kieran Howells, Steve Conaty and Ian Shepherd all ruled out while there is also a fitness doubt surrounding striker Gareth Davies.

Also on the cup trail are Garden Village, who visit third-division Llanwern, and manager Robert Lloyd welcomes Ashley Richards back from suspension and also has Swansea City assistant physio Mark Lloyd available.

The only likely absentee will be ex-Gwynfi United striker Nigel Rogers, who is cup-tied.

The fourth tie involves Uwic at home to second-division side Penrhiwceiber.

In the Macron Welsh League, all eyes will be on Old Road as first-division Briton Ferry challenge Caerleon in another vital basement battle.

Last Saturday, Ferry came through at Ely Rangers, winning 4-2, but red cards shown to both captain Leigh Morgan and defender Richard Colwill that rule them out against the Cold Bath side.

Manager Paul Barrow will also be without teenager Daniel Thomas, Lee Parfitt and Dan McGrath, but Barrow's son Scott has declared himself fit.

He is set to wear a mouth protector, after being the victim of an alleged punch to the face at Ely Rangers.

That means Richard South and Marcus Evans are in line to return along with Jonny Chellew and Dean Morris.

Another vital clash in the relegation battle will unfold at Taffs well where rock bottom Betws are the visitors.

Bryntirion Athletic and Newport YMCA clash in the league for a second successive weekend with the Newport side looking to improve on last Saturday's 1-1 draw at Bryntirion Park.

In the second division, Ammanford manager Neil Rees welcomes back top scorer Cerison Davies for their clash with Caerau Ely at Rice Road.

Porthcawl will do well to get another out of their trip to leaders Pontypridd Town while in the third division, Seven Sisters could shake up the promotion race at home against pacesetters Newcastle Emlyn.

The Dulais Valley side have James Griffiths, Leon Thomas and Nigel Westall all back in the selection mix.

West End only have David Brown suspended for their home game against Blaenrhondda, and Cwmamman will be at full strength for their trip to the Monmouthshire countryside to face Goytre FC.

Ystradgynlais, who host AFC Porth, have re-signed midfield operator Lee Thomas from first division AFC Llwydcoed.

Thomas switched to the Cynon Valley side over a year ago, and he will form a useful acquisition as Ystrad look to make a late promotion push.

However, Andrew Miller is still suspended, and a facial wound has again accounted for Nicky Watkins.

TONY POOLE
 

Carmarthen and Goytre United hope it will be second time lucky when they travel north to play their re-scheduled Welsh Cup quarter-finals tomorrow.

Snow caused the postponement of last week's scheduled encounters but now heavy rain that has lashed the country all week could threaten both matches. Carmarthen travel to Bangor City, with Town boss Mark Jones saying: ''This is a gigantic game for us. We will give it our all to try to reach the semi-final, but it won't be easy.''

Carmarthen are without the suspended Neil Smothers and will also travel minus cup-tied Craig Lima, Kaid Mohamed and Wayne Jones.

The winners of the tie meet Llanelli for a place in the final while Goytre, who travel to Rhyl, will play neighbours Port Talbot in the last four should they win.

''People outside the club are coming up to me all the time asking where the match against Port Talbot would take place, but it's a bit premature that sort of talk,'' said United's assistant manager Andrew Radford.

''You won't hear anyone inside the club talking that far ahead as we have a massive challenge on our hands against one of the top Welsh Premier clubs.''

The extra week has certainly been a blessing in one respect as ace goal scorer Richard Ryan and John Meacock should now make the starting line-up.

But Johnny Walkley misses out through suspension and Steve Healy is also an absentee.

''It gives the lads a great opportunity to play against one of the top teams in Wales and we are really looking forward to the challenge,'' Radford added.

One match that looks certain to get the thumbs up is tonight's Welsh Premier encounter at the Remax Stadium where Port Talbot host Aberystwyth Town.

Port Talbot manager Wayne Davies is confident the sandy surface will enable the match to go ahead.

''I can't remember a game being called off in Port Talbot, so we'll be okay as the pitch is virtually waterproof,'' said Davies.

The Steelmen have the opportunity to move level on points with fourth-placed Rhyl with a victory over the Seasiders but Davies acknowledges the match could well be a very difficult one for his side.

''Aberystwyth have improved a lot and we will have to raise our game on last week's performance which, although we won 3-0 against Llangefni, was disappointing.''

Port Talbot were also 3-0 victors at Park Avenue in the first meeting of the clubs and will be virtually at full strength, although Luke Bowen is likely to test his hamstring strain with a run out with amateur league side Corus.

Llanelli have rearranged a league match with Connah's Quay Nomads tomorrow, although that too could be in jeopardy because of the weather.

The Reds welcome back Efrem Fernandez, now fully recovered from a broken leg sustained in October, for a vital clash with Nomads which could further cement their second spot.

Llanelli manager Peter Nicholas said: ''The weather is frustrating at the moment and we'll be calling on the league for an extension of at least a week because of the backlog of fixtures.''

The only absentee from the Llanelli line-up is Dylan Pierce who will need another couple of weeks to return to full fitness.

Haverfordwest are scheduled to travel to Caernarfon, with the Pembrokeshire club suggesting to their North Wales rivals that if Saturday is ruled out the clubs could try again on Sunday.

''We'll play anywhere, any time," said Bluebirds player manager Deryn Brace who has just been awarded the manager-of-the-month accolade for February.

Brace said: ''It's an honour not for myself but for the players who have worked so hard for me this season''.

Haverfordwest will be at full strength and looking to extend their unbeaten league sequence to nine matches.
 

Briton Ferry triumphed 4-2 in a stormy basement battle with Ely Rangers at Station Road to haul themselves off the bottom of division one of the Macron Welsh League.

Despite being reduced to 10 men with the dismissal of captain Leigh Morgan after just six minutes, Ferry deservedly took the spoils in a clash that boiled over in the 87th minute. An alleged punch thrown at Ferry teenager Scott Barrow resulted in the Swansea City youngster having to undergo an operation on a facial wound.

Though Ferry twice trailed, two Sam Brown penalties, making it six successful spot kicks in as many games, threw Ferry a lifeline.

A 70th-minute strike from Daniel Thomas then gave them the lead, while a late goal from Keith Phillips sealed the win.

But following the incident surrounding young Barrow, Ferry also had Richard Colwill dismissed.

In the top-of-the-table clash, leaders Neath Athletic conceded a last-gasp penalty in a 3-3 draw at Maesteg Park.

Andy Hill gave the Llandarcy Park side an eighth-minute lead, only for Robbie Walters to make an immediate response.

However, Neath took control in the approach to half-time, with Carl Shaw striking twice to level with Hill on the 14-goal mark for the season.

Gareth Davies pulled a goal back in the 58th minute, but with a 3-2 outcome in the offing, Steven Pockett handled in the box.

Walters converted the ensuing penalty, taking his seasonal goal tally on to 29, to relieve Neath of two precious points.

All eyes tomorrow night will now be on third-placed Goytre Utd, who resume league duties at home to Afan Lido (7.30pm).

However, Neath have a 14-point buffer over second-placed Uwic, who defeated Afan Lido 3-1 at Cyncoed.

Goals from Samuel Small and Liam Walsh sent the students clear, but Lido trimmed the deficit on the resumption.

Top scorer Ian Jones drilled home a 25-metre free kick, but Uwic clung on and Rob Latchford went on to settle the issue.

Pontardawe Town followed up a 1-0 win over Ely Rangers the week before by defeating Caerleon by the same score at Cold Bath Road.

The goal that separated the sides arrived in the 14th minute when Jamie Bowen was tripped in the box, and Carl Mainwaring registered Ponty's first goal from the spot this season.

This allowed Ponty to leapfrog Afan Lido into sixth position on the back of a 10th league win of the campaign.

Bryntirion Athletic played out a 1-1 draw with visiting Newport YMCA, a Marc McKee goal for the Bridgend side rubbed out by a Faraz Yafia strike.

In the second division, Garden Village failed to tick many boxes in defeating lowly Abertillery 2-1 at Stafford Common.

Following a goalless opening half, Dale Selvedge engineered a 46th-minute goal for Owen Williams.

A superb 35-metre drive from Paul Dickie then doubled the lead before Abertillery responded to set up a nail-biting finish.

Morriston were another side who failed to hit the heights but nevertheless carded a 3-0 win over Caerau Ely at the Dingle.

Ex-Swan Jonathan Coates was the architect of a Michael Chapman strike in the 27th minute, and it remained 1-0 until midway through the second half.

Mark Carlyle then hit the target in spectacular fashion, while teenager Steven Howells celebrated a debut goal near the end.

However, Ammanford played better than a 3-1 defeat against table-topping visitors Pontypridd Town suggests.

A Mike Jones goal separated the sides at half-time, while the Rice Roaders hit back through Steve Devonald.

Devonald then missed a good chance to give Ammanford the lead, resulting in Ponty regaining their poise and taking the points via Chris Summers and Andrew Hughes.

But Porthcawl Town slumped into more relegation trouble, losing the basement battle with Pontyclun 2-0 at Lock's Lane.

First-half goals from Barry Quinn and Wayne Morgan, both from set pieces, eased Pontyclun's relegation worries.

The Seasiders finished the game with just eight men, Elliott Kokoc, Luke Bowen and Rhys Owen all seeing red along with Pontyclun goal-scorer Morgan.

The third division fixtures involving Seven Sisters, West End and Ystradgynlais were all postponed because of frozen pitches.

TONY POOLE

TONY POOLE

Welsh League outfit Goytre United face a challenging trip to Rhyl tomorrow in the quarter-finals of the Welsh Cup.

It will be the biggest day in the history of the Port Talbot club and offers them the opportunity to produce one of the competition's great upsets. Goytre assistant manager Andrew Radford said: ''This is the first time we have reached this stage.

''All the players and supporters are chuffed at what we have achieved so far and we're all really looking forward to the challenge.''

Steve Healy's involvement in the competition with Bridgend Town rules him out, while ace goal-poacher Richard Ryan will undergo a last-minute fitness test on a hamstring strain.

Llanelli will be favourites to oust Caernarfon at Stebonheath Park - the first of three meetings between the clubs before the season ends next month.

The hosts return to winning ways with a narrow 1-0 victory over Newi Cefn Druids last week but will be hampered by the absence of Gary Lloyd and Neil Thomas who are both cup-tied.

Llanelli manager Peter Nicholas, a previous Welsh Cup winner when in charge at Barry Town, urges caution following the euphoric victory over previous holders TNS in the last round.

''Beating TNS doesn't mean we've won the cup. It's important the players are up for this, otherwise we could come unstuck.''

A visit to Bangor will hold positive memories for Carmarthen who have already triumphed there this season, but the North Walians will be buoyed by their 2-0 recent success at Richmond Park.

Town manager Mark Jones said: ''We were poor that day, but have now chalked up two wins on the bounce so things are looking a lot better.''

Carmarthen are another side hit by cup-tied players.

Kaid Mohamed, Craig Lima and Wayne Jones sit this one out.

Port Talbot look to have the easiest tie as they host Llangefni, conquerors of Caersws at the previous stage.

Manager Wayne Davies said: ''I'm sure Llangefni will come here and battle hard but we'll be bitterly disappointed if we don't get through.''

Kyle Letheren replaces cup-tied Neil Thomas in goal and Luke Bowen's hamstring strain will almost certainly rule him out but Gareth Phillips, Dean Johnston and Andrew Pearson should all win their fitness battles.

Haverfordwest host Newtown in the Welsh Premier.
 

West End are involved in two big cup-ties this month.

On Sunday, their youth side take on Cambrian & Clydach in the MacWhirter Youth Cup semi-finals at Pryderi Park (1.30pm), while on March 18 the Townhill side, who are bidding for promotion in their first season in the Macron Welsh League division three, will be hoping to retain the Welsh FA Trophy. West End face Cefn United in the final at the Recreation Ground in Caersws.