Pontardawe Town are hoping it will be a case of third time lucky tonight when they face Penrhiwceiber in the Shamrock Travel Cup final at Afan Lido (7.30pm).

The final has twice been postponed at Maesteg Park because of a waterlogged pitch, and this is a last-ditch chance to settle things ahead of the May 31 deadline. Dual-registered striker Lee John (Port Talbot Town) is now available for Pontardawe but Dale Griffiths (Merthyr) is ruled out.

Also back in the selection frame is defender Jamie Rickard, who would have missed out last Friday because he was away.

Pontardawe will be attempting to lift the cup for the first time.
 

TONY POOLE

The twice-postponed Shamrock Travel Cup final between Penrhiwceiber Rangers and Pontardawe Town has been rescheduled for tomorrow (30th) at Afan Lido (7.30 pm).

Pontardawe Town have midfielder Geza Hajgato back for tonight's Shamrock Travel Cup final against second-division Penrhiwceiber at Maesteg Park (7.30pm).

Hajgato would have missed out last Friday but the final was postponed, owing to the waterlogged Tudor Park pitch. However, his return is countered by the loss of the dual-registered pairing of Lee John (Port Talbot Town) and Dale Griffiths (Merthyr Town).

Also ruled out is defender Jamie Rickard, as Ponty attempt to improve on last year's runners-up tag against Goytre United and lift the cup for a first time.

"Hopefully, we can lift the cup to round off a good first season back in the top flight," said Pontardawe Town spokesman Jonathan Wilsher.

TONY POOLE
 

It is D-day for Neath Athletic today in their 11th-hour bid to secure promotion to the Vauxhall Masterfit Welsh Premiership.

The ground inspection panel, headed by Welsh Premier secretary John Deakin, will be assessing what work needs to be completed in order to bring Llandarcy Park up to the required standard. ''We are keen to get a club promoted, as a 17-team league doesn't appeal to the Welsh Premiership,'' said Deakin.

''But we have to be fair to everyone, and hopefully the situation will be resolved as soon as possible.

''We will be looking and listening to what Neath have to say, while the board of directors will make the final decision.''

A full Welsh Premiership board meeting will be held ahead of the league's AGM at Llandrindod Wells on Saturday week.

Neath are hopeful that the issue of the area that has previously caused concern, on the cricket side of the ground, can be resolved amicably.

The Llandarcy Park club are gearing themselves towards an 11th-hour entrance on a runners-up ticket after Welsh League champions Goytre United last week turned down promotion.
 

TONY POOLE

Neath Athletic's players are backing the club's 11th-hour bid to fill the vacuum in the Vauxhall Masterfit Welsh Premier.

Following a decision last week by Macron Welsh League champions Goytre United to turn down promotion, the Llandarcy Park club convened a players' meeting yesterday. However, Neath, who finished runners-up to Goytre in the Welsh League, now face a key meeting this week with Welsh Premier secretary John Deakin.

Work on bringing Llandarcy Park up to the required ground criteria gets underway this week, and it remains to be seen whether the Welsh Premier give them time to complete that work.

What could count in Neath's favour is that the Welsh Premier has been reduced to just 17 clubs.

Grange Quins have taken voluntary relegation back to the Welsh League, and with the Cymru Alliance not putting forward a suitable candidate, it has left the Welsh Premier a club short.

''The players are up for it, but the decision is now out of our hands,'' said Neath Athletic manager Andrew Dyer.

A decision has to be made ahead of the Welsh Premiership AGM in Llandrindod Wells on June 3 that will rubber stamp membership issues.

TONY POOLE
 

Last night's Shamrock Travel Cup final at Maesteg Park FC fell victim to the heavy rain. The game, between Pontardawe Town and Penrhiwceiber, has now been rescheduled for next Friday at the same venue, 7.30pm kick-off.

Meanwhile, Neath Athletic are holding a players' meeting tomorrow evening to discuss the possibility of elevation to the Welsh Premiership as runners-up after champions Goytre United's refusal to take up their place.

Goytre United have turned down promotion to the Vauxhall Masterfit Welsh Premiership. The Port Talbot side, who were crowned Welsh League champions at Newport YMCA last Saturday, have left the Welsh Premiership with just 17 clubs for next season.

Bottom-placed Grange Quins had already made it known that they wanted to return to the Welsh League.

''People have to understand that a difficult decision has been made that will make Goytre United a bigger and better club,'' said club director Lyndon Suhanski.

He added: ''Since our application was made back in October we have been forced to make a £14,000 investment to improve both the playing surface and clubhouse facilities.

''The easiest thing would have been for us to have gone gung-ho into the Welsh Premiership, but just because we chose against doesn't mean we lack ambition.

''It was a hard call to make, and in the end it was done for all the right reasons.''

However, managers Craig Duggan and Andrew Radford are distraught at the decision, while the players last night gathered at Glenhafod Park to discuss the situation.

''I'm devastated that the club has turned down promotion, as it has denied me another opportunity to manage a Welsh Premiership club,'' said Duggan.

TONY POOLE
 

Macron have caused a shock by pulling the plug on a second year of sponsorship with the Welsh League. It is believed they became frustrated with a situation - mainly in Cardiff and with the Gwent clubs - that saw many games played without Macron balls.

They came on board last year with clubs benefiting from kit and balls, but the deal has come to grief within a year.

The hunt is now on to find a new sponsor ahead of the league's annual meeting at Maesteg Park on June 24. However, there are hopeful signs that a new backer will emerge before then.

Meanwhile, second-division Garw have got away with a rap over the knuckles from the Welsh FA surrounding the alleged inclusion of Jamie Morris as an ineligible player on 12 counts.

The Blandy club received confirmation earlier in the week of a reprimand from the game's governing body, warning them of their future conduct.

However, they did not impose a fine on either the club or the player, and they will not be appealing against the decision.

The episode will finally be put to rest when it is raised at the next league management meeting on June 13.

This means in all probability that Garw will make an immediate return to the top flight on a third-place ticket.

The club who were set to benefit from an anticipated 36-point deduction against Garw was fourth-placed Aberaman.

However, third division champions West End have yet to receive any communication from the Welsh FA, regarding a case of playing an alleged ineligible player on one occasion.

A three-point deduction would strip them of the title, but they would still be promoted.

The Welsh League management committee are confirming promotion - and associated membership applications from feeder clubs - at a meeting in Maesteg Park tonight.

It has been called ahead of the Shamrock Travel Cup final between Pontardawe Town and Penrhiwceiber (7pm).

In the final act of an eventful season, Pontardawe will be looking to go one better, and improve on last year's losing finalists tag against Goytre United.

The Swansea Valley side will be without the cup-tied pairing of Geza Hajgato and Sam Brown while they are unlikely to include dual-registered players Dale Griffiths (Merthyr Tydfil) or Lee John (Port Talbot Town).

However, Ian Morgan is back from suspension, and he will provide them with extra bite at the back.

''It would be a great way to round off a successful first season back in the top division to lift the cup for a first time,'' said Pontardawe Town spokesman Jonathan Wilsher.

''But we won't be taking Penrhiwceiber lightly, as there have been many tight battles between the clubs in recent times.

''Hopefully, the boys will receive good support, and we can finish the season on a high note.''

TONY POOLE
 

It was celebration time on Saturday for Goytre United, who beat Newport YMCA 3-0 to be crowned division one champions. Five years after narrowly missing out on the title, the Port Talbot side held their nerve to round off a fantastic season.

Goytre required all three points in the Newport suburbs to pip longtime leaders Neath Athletic for the championship, and they achieved their quest to win elevation into the Welsh Premiership.

''The boys were tremendous, a real credit to the club, and all we now want to do is celebrate,'' said Goytre United assistant manager Andrew Radford.

''We were bottom of the table in early season but a 23-match unbeaten run turned things around.

''April was a key month, and although we lost to Neath last week, real character was then shown to go out and beat both Afan Lido and Newport YMCA to clinch the title.''

Club secretary Lyndon Suhanski echoed that sentiment, pointing to an all-round effort.

''The hard work that has been performed at the club since we joined the Welsh League in 1991 reached fruition today,'' he declared.

''We secured a fine win over a good Newport YMCA team, and I'm very proud of our achievement.''

Goytre got off to a dream start when in the fourth minute captain Darren Lyons collected his 19th goal of the season.

YMCA were lively at times, and right on half-time Goytre were relieved when top scorer Richard Ryan was on target for the 35th time this term.

And it was all over bar the shouting in the 50th minute once Paul Lenihan netted, triggering a night of celebrations at Goytre.

Pontardawe Town took third place on goal difference thanks to an 87th-minute goal from Dale Griffiths at Bryntirion Athletic.

Ponty were level on both points and goal difference with Maesteg Park going into the final day.

But while they beat Bryntirion 4-2, Maesteg Park could only muster a 2-1 home win over relegated AFC Llwydcoed.

Goals from Aussie Jarred Macdonald-Funnell and Mattie Phillips sent the Bridgend side clear, with Carl Mainwaring making it 2-1 at the break.

But three goals in the last quarter of an hour from Geza Hajgato, Lee John and Dale Griffiths secured the minor honours for Ponty .

A 35th goal of the season from Robbie Walters, along with a Kieran Howells strike, guided Maesteg Park to victory over AFC Llwydcoed, who had Matthew Phillips on target.

Betws filled the final relegation spot after goals from Martin Rose (two), Andrew Mainwaring and Dale Raven condemned them to a 4-1 defeat at near neighbours Bridgend Town.

In the second division, Morriston were never ahead in an incredible 5-5 draw at Caerau Ely.

Trailing 5-3 midway through the second half, the Dingle men earned a point through goals from Paul Sweeny (two), Dean Rosselli, Marc Baker and Michael Chapman.

Ammanford finished the season on a high, defeating Abertillery 3-1 at Rice Road thanks to goals from Nathan McNeil, Gavin Porter and Luke Fayers.

Garden Village lost 3-2 against promoted Garw at Stafford Common, Paul Dickie getting both Village goals. But top scorer Ashley Richards missed a penalty, and Garw won the day via a Thomas Hopper goal double and Ashley Burge.

But Garw still await the outcome of a Welsh FA charge of including Jamie Morris 12 times as an alleged ineligible player.

A similar charge, albeit on just one count, could yet rob West End of the third division title.

The Townhill club completed their fourth match in as many days with an 8-1 demolition of relegated Penrhiwfer.

A Carl Smitham hat-trick along with goals from Danny Kavanagh (two), Chris Hole, Neil Phillips and Anthony Wright left West End on top.

But Cambrian & Clydach, who relegated Treowen on the strength of a 1-0 win, are only two points adrift of West End.

There was no joy for Ystradgynlais, beaten 3-1 at promoted Treharris Athletic, with Craig Hopkins the Ystrad marksman.

TONY POOLE
 

Promoted West End kept their title hopes alive in division three of the Macron Welsh League with a slender 1-0 win at Treowen. Just when the game seemed to be petering out into a goalless draw, Carl Smitham settled the issue in injury time with his 13th goal of the season.

Treowen now have to win at championship-chasing Cambrian & Clydach today in order to protect their Welsh League status.

In the first division, Pontardawe Town and Afan Lido ended up on 1-1 at Briton Ferry.

Scott Bamsey capitalised on an error from Ponty goalkeeper Chris Curtis to give the Seasiders a 25th-minute lead.

It remained that way until the 71st minute when Paul Davey dragged Ponty back on terms.

Close to time, Lido's Karl Lewis just failed to hit the target, as did Barry Walkley.

TONY POOLE
 

Promoted West End maintained their challenge for the Macron Welsh League division three title with a 5-0 victory over Llanwern at Pryderi Park. Goals from Rob Shannon (two), Wayne Jones and Neil Phillips, along with an Anthony Wright penalty, caused meltdown for the Steelmen.

But the Townhill side dropped two points in a 1-1 draw at AFC Porth. Jones grabbed a 65th-minute equaliser.

Cwmamman played out an exciting 3-3 draw with Treowen at Grenig Park with top scorer Stephen Williams on target twice and Peter Windsor once.

In the first division, goals from Ryan Fahey and Jamie Bowen carried Pontardawe Town to a 2-0 win over Bryntirion at Briton Ferry.

Pontadawe are involved in a battle with Maesteg Park for minor honours behind title protagonists Neath Athletic and Goytre United

And Maesteg Park kept up their quest for a third-place finish with a 3-1 victory at AFC Llwydcoed. Robbie Walters scored two, with Paul Jones also on target.

TONY POOLE
 

Goytre United kept their Macron Welsh League division one title hopes alive with a 2-1 victory over Afan Lido.

Top scorer Richard Ryan put Goytre ahead in the 17th minute and although Andrew Pearson equalised soon after, Darren Lyons hit the winner in the 43rd minute. This moves Goytre to within one point of leaders Neath ahead of Saturday's make-or-break clash at Newport YMCA.

A win would give Goytre the title.
 

The 1-1 draw between Betws and Taffs Well struck more bad news for defending champions Ton Pentre.

A win at Ely Rangers tomorrow would keep them up, but a failure to do so would leave Betws looking for just a point to stay up at Bridgend Town on Friday evening. Goals from Ben Tholma (2) and Dan Hooper set up a 3-1 home victory for Ely Rangers over Pontardawe Town. Richard Cleverly netted for Ponty.

A Shaun Chappell double carried relegated AFC Llwydcoed to a 2-1 home win over Bryntirion, who had Michael Hartley on target.

The second division produced a goal fest, with Ammanford playing out a 4-4 draw with visiting Caldicot.

Incredibly, the Rice Roaders were never in front, with Paul Jones (2), Nathan McNeil and top scorer Luke Fayers all coming up with equalisers.

But yesterday Ammanford suffered a 1-0 home defeat against Pontyclun, the only goal coming from Geraint Williams on the half hour.

Also yesterday, Garden Village gained a rousing 3-2 home victory over promoted Croesyceiliog, with four goals coming in the last 10 minutes.

A 17th-minute goal from Chris Thomas sent Village ahead, with Jody Jenkins equalising in the 80th minute.

But goals from Nigel Rogers and Ashley Richards sent Village clear before Jamie Jenkins completed the scoring right on time.

Morriston registered a 6-1 win over relegated Gwynfi United at the Cape, though at half-time the sides were locked at 1-1.

Ex-Swan Jonathan Coates gave the Dingle men the lead, with Nathan Jones striking a superb equaliser.

But the Swansea side pulled clear in the second half, Coates completing a hat-trick while their other goals were supplied by Dean Rosselli (2) and Michael Chapman.

An 85th-minute goal from Lewis Williams saw Garw triumph 1-0 at Abertillery - and with it came promotion.

However, Garw's case for playing an ineligible player on 12 occasions will be heard by the Welsh FA this Friday.

Porthcawl lost their battle to avoid the drop, going down 3-1 at Troedyrhiw, Steve Atkinson getting a consolation goal.

And in the third division, West End celebrated promotion after beating Goytre FC 4-1 at Pryderi Park.

Goals from Neil Phillips (2), Carl Smitham and Anthony Wright did the trick for the Townhill side, who are still eyeing up the title.

Games on four successive days, commencing at home to Llanwern tomorrow, will determine their quest.

But the three other local sides all lost, Seven Sisters going down 1-0 at home to Treharris while Cwmamman suffered a 2-0 defeat at Treowen and had Jeffrey Aspell sent off.

And Blaenrhondda took a possible final curtain on the circuit with a 4-0 home win over Ystradgynlais.

TONY POOLE
 

Pontardawe Town defeated Ton Pentre 1-0 at Ynys Park to push the reigning Macron Welsh League champions closer to relegation. Geza Hajgato struck as early as the eighth minute, slotting the ball home after goalkeeper John Howe only parried a Jamie Bowen free kick.

The Bulldogs now have just one more game to save their skins - a relegation dogfight at Ely Rangers next Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Afan Lido drove the champions of three seasons ago, Betws, closer to relegation following a 2-1 success at Maesteg Park.

Luke Harrington opened the scoring in the eighth minute while Betws had Karl Miller dismissed in the approach to half time.

Only a second goal of the season from Chris Piper doubled the lead in the 51st minute, and it wasn't until injury time that Betws responded via Anthony Rawlings.

TONY POOLE
 

Leaders Neath Athletic and Goytre United clash at Glenhafod Park tomorrow in the Macron Welsh League division one match of the season.

A victory for Goytre, who trail Neath by a point with two games in hand, will give them the title - and promotion to the Vauxhall Masterfit Welsh Premiership. The Port Talbot side have successfully played catch up over the last month to wipe out a 15-point deficit.

On the other hand, if Neath win their final game of the season - to extend their lead to four points - Goytre have two remaining matches to turn things around.

They entertain Afan Lido in a derby clash next Tuesday, and head for Newport YMCA a week tomorrow.

The Llandarcy Park side have been on the sidelines since winning 2-1 at Bryntirion almost a fortnight ago.

Although Briton Ferry and AFC Llwydcoed have failed to beat the drop, the battle to avoid the other relegation spot goes on.

A key clash will unfold at Maesteg Park between Betws and Taffs Well while Ely Rangers will be scrapping for points at home to Pontardawe Town.

In the second division, Pontypridd Town and Croesyceiliog have been promoted while a victory for Garw at Abertillery tomorrow will take them straight back to the top flight.

However, Garw could still face a massive points deduction if an imminent Welsh FA inquiry finds them guilty of playing an ineligible player.

Garden Village host Croesyceiliog on Sunday (4pm), and hope to have both Dave Evans and Jamie Mansell back in their squad.

They both missed the 1-1 midweek draw at Aberaman, Paul Bromage netting for Village.

Ammanford have a home double-header, involving Caldicot tomorrow and Pontyclun on Sunday (2.30pm).

They hope to have both Cerison Davies and Gavin Porter back against Caldicot while cricketers Steve Devonald and Matthew Fisher could come into the equation against Pontyclun.

Morriston face Gwynfi United at the Cape, and Dingle boss Michael Ellery welcomes back Neil Simon, Adrian Blake, Mark Carlyle and Paul Sweeny, following a 3-2 midweek defeat at Croesyceiliog.

In the third division, West End climbed into second spot on the back of a 4-1 midweek victory over AFC Porth at Pryderi Park.

Goals from Wayne Saunders, Carl Smitham, Andrew Tyrrell and Anthony Wright set up a fourth straight win.

And with leaders Cambrian & Clydach surprisingly toppled, 2-1, by Goytre FC, the Townhill club have closed to within eight points with four games in hand.

Next up for West End is tomorrow's home fixture with Goytre FC ahead of next week's demanding four matches on successive days sequence.

The schedule opens with a home game against Llanwern on Tuesday followed by a trip to AFC Porth next day.

They move on to Treowen on Thursday, and round things off a week today at home to relegated-Penrhiwfer.

Both Cwmamman and Seven Sisters bring the curtain down on their seasons with home and away matches against Treowen and Treharris respectively.

Cwmamman, who visit Treowen tomorrow, will be without Michael Hodges and they then host Treowen on Tuesday.

Seven Sisters, who guaranteed safety with a 1-0 home win over Risca in midweek, have no injury worries ahead of tomorrow's home game with Treharris.

The Dulais Valley club then round things off at Treharris on Wednesday.

Ystradgynlais have a fitness doubt on Ceri Slyman (ankle) at Blaenrhondda.

TONY POOLE
 

A Richard Herdman header set up a 1-0 victory for Seven Sisters over Risca and guaranteed safety in division three of the Macron Welsh League.

The sides had played out a 1-1 draw at Risca on Sunday, and the all-important goal arrived in the 75th minute. From a Chris Herdman free-kick, brother Richard nodded in to hoist Seven three places up the table.

Cwmamman, who beat promotion-seeking Llanwern 2-0 at Grenig Park, are enjoying their most productive campaign since entering the league four seasons ago.

A superb strike from Luke Rice shot the Carmarthenshire side ahead, while Stephen Williams finished the Steelmen off in the 75th minute.

In the first division, Afan Lido twice came from behind to force a 2-2 draw at lowly Taffs Well.

Adam Moore sent the home side ahead, with Liam McCreesh replying.

American Steve Loverso struck early in the second half, and Ian Jones nodded in a 78th-minute equaliser.

Maesteg Park turned in a poor display at relegation-haunted Ely Rangers, losing 2-0, while goals from Mark McKee and Martin Dando gave Bryntirion a 2-1 win at Dinas Powys.

In the second division, Morriston went two goals up at promoted Croesyceiliog, only to lose 3-2. Marc Baker and Michael Chapman both netted in the opening period, but Croesy came late to take the spoils.

Garw remain favourites to take the third promotion spot after goals from Ashley Burge, Dave Truan and a Stuart Evans own goal set up a 3-1 home win over cup finalists Penrhiwceiber.

TONY POOLE
 

Promotion-seeking West End came late to defeat Llantwit Fardre 2-1 at Pryderi Park in the Macron Welsh League division three.

With games in hand, the Townhill side have an outside chance of overhauling leaders Cambrian & Clydach, and this latest success brought them level with third-placed Treharris. West End were a goal adrift until a 13th goal of the season from Neil Phillips evened things up midway through the second period.

The winner came during an 85th-minute goalmouth scramble with Anthony Wright getting the final touch.

Next up for West End is tonight's home game with AFC Porth.
 

Goytre United are just one game away from winning the long battle with Neath Athletic for the first division title. Ahead of the Glenhafod Park clash between these rivals on Saturday, Goytre defeated visiting Bryntirion Athletic 2-0 to move to within a point of Neath.

A victory over Neath, who only have the clash with Goytre to fulfil, will clinch the title for the Port Talbot side.

Goytre have remaining fixtures with Afan Lido at home on May 9 along with a trip to Newport YMCA four days later.

Bryntirion made life difficult for Goytre and it wasn't until the 70th minute that Kevin Bartley made the breakthrough. He turned in a Michael Waters free-kick and near the end his 17th of the season sealed the win.

Fourth-placed Pontardawe Town suffered a surprise 2-0 defeat against Betws at Bridgend Town.

A goal in each half from ex-Bryntirion man Anthony Rawlings ended their productive run and they remain four points behind Maesteg Park, who have played two more games.

Relegated Briton Ferry signed off with a deserved 2-1 home win over fellow strugglers Ely Rangers.

Ferry's form since Paul Barrow and Richard Gay took over at the helm has been that of a mid-table side, but the improvement came too late in the day.

Lee Parfitt equalised in the 65th minute while near the end Dan McGrath got the final touch on a Richard Howell corner.

It proved a day of shocks in the second division with leaders Pontypridd Town losing their unbeaten tag.

Goals from Tyrone Pope and Jason Smith resulted in a 2-0 victory for lowly Pontyclun over Ponty at Ivor Park.

Garden Village kept alive an outside chance of promotion with a 3-0 success at Tredegar.

Two early goals from Ashley Richards sent Village on their way.

It remained that way until close to time when Nigel Rogers rounded things off with a 14th goal of the season.

Another surprise was reserved for The Dingle with Morriston losing 3-2 against relegation-haunted Abertillery.

Michael Chapman equalised twice, but it wasn't enough as Abertillery showed more desire.

Ammanford should have secured a point at Croesyceiliog but Jason Cousins missed a penalty in a 3-2 defeat.

Nathan McNeil gave the Rice Roaders the lead with Luke Fayers producing a sizzling equaliser.

The home side took the spoils after Ammanford were adjudged to have handled in the box.

Porthcawl were another lowly side who carded a win, goals from Steve Atkinson, Lee Giles and Gareth Duffy earning a 3-0 win at Penrhiwceiber.

Goals from Adam Shields, Ashley Burge, Dave Truan and Tony Wallis set up a 4-0 home victory for Garw over Merthyr Saints, who finished with eight men.

West End climbed into fourth place in the third division with second-half goals from Danny Kavanagh and Richard Jones responsible for a 2-0 victory over Treowen at Pryderi Park.

Today's home game with Llantwit Fardre has been put back to 6.30pm.

Stephen Williams produced an injury-time winner for Cwmamman in a 2-1 success over Goytre FC.

Jeffrey Aspell sent the Carmarthenshire side ahead early on with Goytre evening things up 10 minutes from time.

Ystradgynlais came from 2-0 down at the break against Pentwyn Dynamos to earn a 2-2 draw. Craig Hopkins equalised from the spot while his 28th goal of the campaign squared matters.

But there was no joy for Seven Sisters, who went down 3-1 at Cwmbran Celtic.

Celtic received three penalties - two were converted - with Matthew Harris getting the Seven goal near the end.

But they hit back yesterday when gaining a 1-1 draw at Risca. Andy Gay put the home side ahead, with Kevin James equalising.

TONY POOLE