Goytre United will be looking to get to within a point of longtime Macron Welsh League leaders Neath Athletic when they challenge Bryntirion at Glenhafod Park tomorrow.

A 2-0 midweek victory over Betws further encouraged the Port Talbot side, who are looking to close out the championship with victories over Bryntirion and in the big one at home against Neath a week tomorrow. A first goal of the season from Thomas Meiring sent Goytre ahead in the 17th minute, but Betws battled hard and gave them some anxious moments.

And it wasn't until the 86th minute that Darren Lyons sealed victory with an 18th goal of the season - and a 100th team goal in all competitions.

Neath remain on the sidelines until their final outing at Goytre and in the meantime Pontardawe are making up ground.

A Mark Dunford strike set up a 1-0 win over Caerleon at Port Talbot Town that took them fourth and they next face Betws at Bridgend Town tomorrow.

Rob Folland and Steven Cox both return while there is a possibility that Steve Crabbe will return from a leg operation.

Already ruled out are Ian Morgan, Richard Cleverly and Darren Griffiths as Pontardawe eye up a good finish to the season.

Briton Ferry's final game is at home to fellow strugglers Ely Rangers, and managers Paul Barrow and Richard Gay will be without Richard Colwill.

Jonny Chellew is set to return and Dan McGrath is approaching full fitness, but in all probability Ferry's future now lies in the second division.

The weekend programme is launched tonight at Tudor Park with Maesteg Park looking to wrap up a quickfire double over Bridgend.

Chris Barlow takes over in the Park goal from Gary Wager who is unavailable.

In the second division, Garden Village visit Tredegar with manager Robert Lloyd looking for more goals from striker Paul Dickie.

The former Ynystawe front man made a successful comeback at Garw in midweek, scoring both goals in a 2-2 draw.

But four players missing at Blandy - Paul Bromage, Dave Evans, Matthew Cannon and David Rimmer - are all back in the Village squad.

However, they lose Jamie Mansell to cricket with Dafen while Marc Lloyd is attending a course.

Ammanford, who played out a goal-less midweek draw at Porthcawl, travel to promotion-seeking Croesyceiliog.

Anthony Douglas and Cerison Davies are expected to return, but Steve Devonald has commenced cricket duties with Dafen.

Morriston will be without ex-Swan Jonathan Coates for their home clash with struggling Abertillery.

Manager Michael Ellery welcomes back Adrian Blake, Leighton Connor and Neil Simon.

In the third division, West End will be hoping to keep their promotion push on an even keel during home games with Treowen tomorrow and Llantwit Fardre on May Bank Holiday Monday.

Goals from Rory Smitham and Andrew Tyrrell secured them a 2-1 midweek victory at Penrhiwfer and for the encounter with Treowen, Neil Phillips, Kevin Watkins and Rob Fulford are likely to make comebacks.

It's also a busy weekend for Seven Sisters, as they look to trigger a move away from the drop zone.

They are involved in a real six-pointer at Cwmbran Celtic tomorrow, moving on to Risca on Sunday, and have Richard Smith and Sean Lambert back for both matches.

Ystradgynlais, whose promotion push was ended by a 2-1 home defeat by Treharris in midweek, stage their final home game tomorrow against Pentwyn Dynamos.

Finally, Cwmamman, who have recently climbed the table, face a Goytre team desperate for points to avoid a return to the Gwent County League.

Pontardawe Town beat Caerleon 1-0 at Port Talbot Town to go fourth in the Macron Welsh League first division.

However, it looked as if missed chances would haunt Ponty until Mark Dunford turned in a Sam Brown cross in the 80th minute.

In the second division, Garden Village also struck late to earn a 2-2 draw with Garw at Blandy.

Village striker Paul Dickie headed in an 18th-minute Marc Lloyd corner, but a minute on Adam Shields equalised.

Paul Penikett headed in a Shields cross in the 35th minute, and Garw led 2-1 until five minutes from time.

And it proved third time lucky during a goalmouth melee with Dickie scrambling home a 14th goal of the season.

But Ystradgynlais saw their promotion hopes come to an end, following a 2-1 home defeat against Treharris.

Though Ystrad opened the scoring midway through the first half via Andrew Miller, it wasn't enough with Dave Williams rolling in a last-minute winner.

Goytre United are working towards three successive victories in order to wrap up the first division title.

It was a possible case of ringing out the old and bringing in the new at Glenhafod Park as the Port Talbot side defeated reigning champions Ton Pentre 4-0. That means home victories over Betws on Wednesday, Bryntirion on Saturday and in the big one against leaders Neath Athletic on May 6 would see Goytre crowned champions.

It's still a big ask, but Goytre made the right omens in taming the Bulldogs thanks to first-half goals from Ryan Penny and Kevin Bartley (penalty) and during the closing stages through Darren Lyons and Richard Ryan.

Neath left it late in wrapping up a 2-1 win over Bryntirion on a first visit to the Bridgend suburbs.

Liam Hancock headed Neath ahead in the 55th minute with Andrew Lyddon levelling a quarter of an hour later.

And it wasn't until seven minutes from time that substitute Carl Shaw lobbed goalkeeper George Cronick for the winner.

With games in hand, Pontardawe are focusing on third spot after also coming late to win 2-1 at bottom club AFC Llwydcoed.

An early Christian Aldridge strike was eventually eclipsed by goals from Carl Mainwaring along with Jamie Bowen.

And Briton Ferry kept alive their flickering survival chances in gaining a 1-0 win at fellow strugglers Taffs Well.

The goal that separated the sides came in the 67th minute when Richard Howell engineered Keith Phillips's stunning strike.

Maesteg Park lost for a third successive time, going down 2-1 against Dinas Powys at the Murch Field. Goals from Dwayne Strong (penalty) and Brian Craven swayed the issue with Matthew Rea getting Park's first-half equaliser.

In the second division, Garden Village emerged with a 2-1 victory over lowly Pontyclun at Ivor Park.

Steve Evans broke the deadlock in the 65th minute while a 17th goal of the season from Ashley Richards took them clear.

Pontyclun hit back near the end, but Village will go to Garw tomorrow with renewed confidence.

A late goal double from Ashley Burge earned Garw a 2-0 victory at Caerau Ely while an 87th-minute Gavin Porter header provided Ammanford with a 2-1 victory at Morriston.

Terrance Ward gave the Rice Roaders a first-half lead with Dean Rosselli evening things up in the 65th minute.

However, many felt Cerison Davies fouled home goalkeeper Jonny Martin in the build up to Porter's winner.

Relegated Gwynfi United battled hard before going down 5-2 against promotion-seeking Croesyceiliog at the Cape.

Twice ahead through Luke Williams (penalty) and Paul Rogers, the Afan Valley side again showed a big improvement.

And the plight of Porthcawl worsened at the bottom after losing 3-1 against cup finalists Penrhiwceiber at Lock's Lane.

Though Thomas Marlow nudged the Seasiders in front, an Andy Workman goal double and a Richard Veale strike settled things.

In the third division, West End got back to winning ways with a 3-1 victory over Risca at Pryderi Park.

It was 1-1 at half time - Carl Smitham netting for the Townhill side - and another Smitham goal along with a Christopher Hole left them in better heart to overturn last week's 5-1 home loss against leaders Cambrian & Clydach in the Rhondda Valley rematch tonight.

Ystradgynlais still stand an outside chance of promotion after a goal on the hour from Andrew Miller brought about a 1-0 home win over relegation-threatened Llantwit Fardre.

However, they face major tests this week against fellow promotion candidates Treharris (tomorrow) and Cambrian & Clydach (Thursday).

Seven Sisters came from 2-0 down to pick up a valuable point in a 2-2 draw with Chepstow at Larkfield.

A 25th-minute goal from Chris Herdman threw Seven a lifeline, but it remained 2-1 until the 85th minute.

Substitute David Cole then fired home a first goal for the club that could yet prove pivotal to their survival.

Cwmamman gained a stunning 2-1 victory over promotion-chasing Treharris at Grenig Park.

They came from a goal down to take the spoils thanks to second-half goals from Michael Hodges and Jeffrey Aspell.

Title-seeking Goytre United hope to have three key players back for tomorrow's first division match with Ton Pentre at Glenhafod Park.

Having gained a 2-1 home win in midweek over Ely Rangers with five key players out, the Port Talbot village side are hopeful that Kevin Davies, Ryan Penny and Richard Ryan will all return. But still ruled out is midfield player Leigh Shrimpton along with centre-back Steve Healy, who is on honeymoon.

Leaders Neath Athletic have a difficult assignment at Bryntirion Athletic.

The Bridgend side have found form of late on the back of nine goals from ex-Porthcawl Town player Marc McKee.

Pontardawe Town travel to AFC Llwydcoed, and could have four players out.

Ryan Fahey picked up a facial wound in the 4-1 home win over Ton Pentre in midweek, while Simon Davies is carrying an ankle problem and Steve Cox a hamstring injury.

Defender Ian Morgan starts a two-match ban, but Paul Davey is back on the scene.

It is now or never for Briton Ferry at Taffs Well in their battle to avoid relegation, but managers Paul Barrow and Richard Gay have a fit squad, barring long-term injury victim Richard South.

Afan Lido launch the programme tonight at the Marston Stadium against Caerleon.

In midweek, Caerleon brought Maesteg Park's title aspirations to an end, Craig Joliffe netting in the 50th minute in a 1-0 win.

Lido hope to have top-scorer Ian Jones back from a hamstring pull, but they have already ruled out both Chris Piper and Phil Holmes.

Liam McCreesh, who has an Achilles problem, is likely to continue, while Craig Jones is expected to return.

Third-placed Maesteg travel to Dinas Powys without ex-Goytre United skipper Andrew Davies, who will miss the rest of the season with a hamstring problem.

But Tudor Park boss Andrew Rickard is hoping to have striker Gareth Davies back.

In the second division, Morriston Town will be looking for a big improvement in their home derby clash with Ammanford.

Though the Dingle men were out of sorts at Porthcawl in midweek, two late Michael Chapman goals set up a 2-1 win.

Carl James, boosted by a superb strike at Garden Village, was one of the few Morriston players to perform at Lock's Lane.

Ammanford's Liam Preece starts a five-match suspension, while young Matthew Fisher is now concentrating on cricket.

However, the return of striker Luke Fayers should pep up an Ammanford side without a win since the 1-0 success over Caerau Ely on March 11.

Garden Village, who visit Pontyclun, pieced together a good display to secure a 3-3 draw at Croesyceiliog on Easter Monday.

Goals from Owen Williams, Dave Rimmer and Ashley Richards set up the one-point return, but it could have been better as they were 3-1 up with just 10 minutes to go.

Manager Robert Lloyd has cricket star Jamie Mansell back in his squad along with Nigel Rogers, but Paul Dickie is still out.

Gwynfi United, who challenge Croesyceiliog at the Cape, will be hoping to carry on where they left off in a 1-1 outcome with Penrhiwceiber in midweek.

A goal from Dale Rogers secured them a first point since a 1-0 victory at Cardiff Corries way back in October.

In the third division, West End will be looking to pick up the pieces, following a 5-1 trouncing at Pryderi Park against championship rivals Cambrian & Clydach on Easter Monday.

With the midweek trip to AFC Porth called off because of a waterlogged pitch, the Townhill side have declared an unchanged squad for tomorrow's home game with Risca.

Ystradgynlais have top scorer Craig Hopkins suspended again for their encounter with Llantwit Fardre at Ynyscedwyn Road.

Hopkins made a brief return in the 3-2 midweek victory over Blaenrhondda, scoring twice, but he also sat out last night's replayed game with Seven Sisters.

Seven move on to Chepstow Town tomorrow, while Cwmamman have top defender Michael Hodges and Steven Francis back in their squad for a home fixture with promotion-seeking Treharris Athletic.

TONY POOLE

Goytre United defeated Ely Rangers 2-1 to strengthen their push for the Macron Welsh League division one championship.

Kevin Bartley gave the Port Talbot side the lead in the 25th minute with Michael Waters making it 2-0 early in the second half. Joey Parker pulled a goal back in the 75th minute, but Goytre clung on to close to within six points of leaders Neath Athletic with three games in hand.

Neath tonight visit Pontardawe Town, who came late to take the spoils 4-1 against Ton Pentre.

A goal double from leading scorer Jamie Bowen along with strikes from Mark Dunford and Sam Brown did the trick with Alyn Jones on target for Ton.

In the second division, Morriston played poorly but nevertheless won 2-1 against Porthcawl at Lock's Lane.

The Seasiders led on the back of a 12th-minute goal from Thomas Warren until Michael Chapman struck twice during the last five minutes, the winner coming from the penalty spot.

Gwynfi United came from behind to earn a point in 1-1 outcome with cup finalists Penrhiwceiber at the Cape.

Dale Rogers got the Gwynfi goal, which earned a first point since his side won 1-0 at Cardiff Corries on October 22.

In the third division, Ystradgynlais beat visiting Blaenrhondda 3-2 on the back of goals from Craig Hopkins (two) and Michael Whapham.

Ystradgynlais host Seven Sisters tonight in a match that was abandoned earlier in the month because of violence.

Briton Ferry's plight in the Macron Welsh League Division One worsened after losing 5-0 at Bryntirion Athletic.

Marc McKee proved the executioner-in-chief, striking four times as the Bridgend side handed Ferry a heaviest league defeat of the season. McKee volleyed Bryntirion ahead in the 42nd minute, and the former Porthcawl player doubled the lead early in the second half.

His hat-trick strike arrived on the hour while eight minutes later Michael Hartley was dragged down in the box.

McKee converted the ensuing penalty and they signed off with a late goal from Aussie import Jarra Macdonald-Funnell.

The first division clash between Pontardawe Town and Afan Lido, together with the second division fixture involving Gwynfi United and Morriston, were both postponed because of waterlogged pitches.
 

Leaders Neath Athletic fell to a surprise 2-1 home defeat to relegation- threatened Briton Ferry as the pressure mounts on the main first division title contenders.

But second-placed Goytre United, held to a 1-1 draw by Pontardawe Town, failed to exploit the situation. A glancing header from ex-Neath man Keith Phillips sent Ferry ahead in the 25th minute, with Neath equalising soon after via Andy Hill.

The Ferry winner came in the 73rd minute, with Richard Gay celebrating elevation to the club management team with a well-taken effort.

Goytre opened the scoring against Pontardawe with a Kevin Bartley strike but a superb 25-metre free-kick from Jamie Bowen restored parity.

Although Goytre had Steve Healy sent off just before the break, they held on to close the gap on Neath to 10 points with five games in hand.

Third-placed Maesteg Park had the chance to close on the main title protagonists but were held to 0-0 at Newport YMCA.

Top scorer Robbie Walters missed some good chances for the Old Parish side, while Lee Michael and YMCA's Liam Spargo were both sent off early in the second half.

Key games this week involve Briton Ferry's trip to Bryntirion tomorrow, with Goytre visiting Dinas Powys on Wednesday.

And this Friday, points will be crucial to both Ferry and Goytre when they meet in an Old Road derby clash.

Champions Ton Pentre slid to an incredible 14th defeat of the season, a late goal from Jonathan Cuss earning a 3-2 victory for visiting Bryntirion.

Dale Price and Lee Matthews netted for the Bulldogs, with Marc McKee and Ian Gearie also on target for the Bridgend side.

And in a day of surprise results in the top flight, Bridgend Town were toppled 1-0 at Dinas Powys.

In the second division, Garden Village's promotion push is fading after losing 1-0 against Cardiff Corries at the Riverside. The only goal came after half an hour through Geraint Passmore.

Morriston battled back from 2-0 down against Penrhiwceiber at the Glassbrook to draw 2-2.

Two goals adrift at the break, the introduction of assistant manager Dean Beniamous sparked the Dingle side's revival.

Beniamous scored on the hour, and soon after Dean Rosselli set up an equaliser for Mark Baker. Morriston mounted a strong finish, with Michael Chapman going close near the end.

Two late goals sent Ammanford sliding to 2-0 defeat at Merthyr Saints. Gwynfi United also lost 2-0, against Troedyrhiw at the Cape, while Garw kept their promotion pot on the boil with a 2-0 win at Pontyclun after goals by Paul Penikett and Christian Burge.

Jason Bekker and Paul Atkinson (penalty) were the Porthcawl marksmen in a 2-2 draw at Abertillery.

In the third division, West End gained a resounding 6-0 win over leaders Newcastle Emlyn at Pryderi Park.

The Townhill side, who were four up at the break, remain in a sound position to come late and gain promotion.

They built victory around a Wayne Jones hat-trick, with Carl Smitham, Neil Phillips and Dave Brown also hitting the target.

Ystradgynlais kept their promotion bid alive with a 1-0 home victory over Cwmbran Celtic, Michael Whapham getting the all-important goal in the 25th minute.

The title credentials of both West End and Ystradgynlais will now come under the microscope at Pryderi Park on Wednesday.

Cwmamman eased their relegation worries with a 2-1 victory over AFC Porth.

Chris Williams put Cwm in front, while a 13th goal of the season from Paul Pugh doubled the lead. But Porth rallied and although home keeper Richie Walton saved a penalty in successive matches, an injury-time goal set up a tense finish.

Seven Sisters drifted closer towards the drop zone by losing 3-0 against Cambrian & Clydach.

Goytre United won 2-0 at Caerleon to keep the pressure on first division leaders Neath Athletic.

The Port Talbot side moved to within 12 points of Neath with five games in hand after completing a double over Caerleon. Neath were unhappy with their game being called off in mid-morning at Pontardawe Town as they felt the pitch could have been given time to dry out.

But Ponty did everything by the book, with an experienced referee deeming it unplayable.

Neath now move on to a vital test at Bridgend Town on Wednesday. Of equal importance is the clash between Goytre and third-placed Maesteg Park at Glenhafod Park.

Goytre faced the wind during the opening half and were satisfied to turnaround with a blank scoreline.

Darren Lyons eventually headed them ahead in the 65th minute while a superb goal from Leigh Shrimpton - his first since switching from Afan Lido - sealed the win.

In the battle to remain in the top-flight, Briton Ferry threw themselves a late lifeline with a 2-1 victory over Ton Pentre at Old Road.

Dan McGrath shot Ferry in front in the 25th minute with the Bulldogs levelling in the 75th minute via Carl Thomas.

Just when a draw seemed the likely outcome, Lee Parfitt converted a cross from Scott Barrow.

Bridgend Town ended all hope of Uwic lifting the title, taking the Coychurch Road meeting 3-2.

Two goals from Andrew Mainwaring, moving his seasonal tally onto the 20-mark, along with a Martin Rose strike set up the Bridgend victory.

Goals from Jonathan Cuss and Marc McKee sent Bryntirion clear against Dinas Powys, who hit back through Dwayne Strong and Paul Carrow to force a 2-2 draw.

In the second division, Morriston Town saw a winning streak peter out following a surprise 2-1 home defeat against Merthyr Saints.

They went a goal down just before the break, only for assistant manager Dean Beniamous to even things up in the 70th minute.

But Morriston conceded late and to make matters worse they had Carl James sent off.

Ammanford's home game with Abertillery was called off, while Gwynfi United went down 4-0 at Aberaman.

Garw lost ground in the promotion race, sliding to fifth after being held to a 1-1 draw with lowly Cardiff Corries at Blandy. Ashley Burge got the Garw goal.

Porthcawl failed to ease relegation fears in a 3-1 home defeat against Caldicot.

In the third division, West End got their promotion aspirations back on course with a 3-2 win at Treharris Athletic.

Despite falling two goals behind, Anthony Wright pulled a goal back during the approach to half-time.

They clawed their way back on terms in the 47th minute when Carl Smitham netted while the 70th-minute winner came from the penalty spot. after a foul on Rory Smitham. Wright scored in confident fashion.

Ystradgynlais went down 5-2 in a top-of-the-table clash at leaders Newcastle Emlyn.

Two goals adrift after just 20 minutes, Ystrad rolled up their sleeves and pulled back to 2-2 at the break thanks to a goal double from top scorer Craig Hopkins.

But two goals from Niko Algeri sent the Ceredigion side clear, and there was to be no second comeback.

An injury-time goal condemned Cwmamman to a 1-0 defeat at Blaenrhondda after Cwm goalkeeper Richie Walton had saved a penalty on the hour.

Seven Sisters went down 2-0 against Llantwit Fardre