FELTON, JONES MAKE IT A LIDO WIN DOUBLE

Afan Lido beat Uwic 2-1 at the Marston Stadium in the MacWhirter Welsh League first division to build on a 2-0 midweek success at Aberaman. The Seasiders went ahead in the 13th minute through John Felton, but they had to wait until the 65th minute to double the lead after striker Ian Jones was obstructed in the penalty area.

However, goalkeeper Brendan Cropley saved Jones's penalty attempt only for him to knock in the rebound.

Pontardawe went down to a 1-0 defeat at Aberaman despite piecing together a decent first-half display. But roles were then reversed, and a lone goal from Richard Jago in the 55th minute settled the issue.

Maesteg Park recorded a first victory of the season, defeating Barry 3-0 at Tudor Park.

Robbie Walters had Nicky Cole and Lee O'Brien to thank for his opening goal in the 18th minute, but Park lost their way and had Kieran Howells sent off.

The introduction late on of ex-Ton Pentre man Kyle Morris then pepped Park up, and he was responsible for Walters's second goal in the 86th minute.

Soon after Park were awarded a penalty with Walters going on to complete a hat-trick.

In the highest scoring game of the afternoon, Bryntirion endured a few scares before wrapping up a thrilling 5-4 home win over Croesyceiliog.

Ex-Bridgend striker Scott Lanyon and Jonathan Cuss both scored twice while Andy Jones was also on target for Bryntirion.

But goals from Chris Watkins, Andy Pittard, Mark Jones and an Andy Jones own-goal kept left the game wide open with Watkins striking the woodwork during injury time.

In the second division, a magnificent strike from Luke Fayers earned Ammanford a 2-2 draw with Briton Ferry at Old Road.

Lee Parfitt gave Ferry a 23rd-minute lead with Fayers restoring parity a minute into the second period.

But the game looked all up for the Rice Roaders once Scott Barrow headed in a Daniel Thomas cross on 70 minutes.

Ammanford then had goalkeeper Richie Walton dismissed for dissent only to level when Fayers chipped home goalkeeper Alex Davies from 30 metres.

Second-placed Garden Village were made to battle for a 2-2 outcome at Caerau Ely.

Unbeaten Village went ahead via Phil Myles after just five minutes, but going into the closing stages they were 2-1 down.

However, a wonderful solo goal from Jamie Evans evened things up, leaving Village to reflect on missed chances.

Two goals from Lee Brooker condemned Morriston to a 2-1 defeat at Tredegar.

The Dingle men failed to get out of first gear during the first half, but things improved after Michael Chapman converted a penalty.

West End also lost by a 2-1 margin against Troedyrhiw at the Willows, but were unhappy with a 50th-minute penalty.

It gave the Merthyr side the lead, and they went 2-0 up before the Pryderi boys completed the scoring through a second Anthony Wright penalty of the week.

Christian Burge netted as unbeaten Garw beat Treharris 1-0 at Blandy while Cwmamman achieved the best result of the local teams in the third division.

Goals from Luke Rice and Stephen Williams secured them a 2-2 draw at Aberbargoed Buds, but high-flying Cwmbran Celtic pipped Ystradgynlais at the post 3-2.

Liam Soroka and Gareth Watkins both netted for Ystrad, and with the game destined for 2-2, Celtic scored during injury time.

A lack of goals is holding Llansawel back, and the point was underlined during a slender 1-0 defeat against Gwent side Goytre at Plough Lane.

Gwynfi United suffered a 3-0 defeat at Risca while Seven Sisters went down by a similar score against visiting Llangeinor - Dai Lewis (2) and Jonathan Quigley the marksmen for the Bridgend side.

Porthcawl launched their season with a 2-1 victory at Abertillery thanks to strikes from Dan Harris and Lee Giles.

TONY POOLE
 

EARLY PROBLEM NEATH BOSS HAPPY WITH

First division leaders Neath Athletic launch the weekend MacWhirter Welsh League programme, challenging Grange Quins at the Leckwith Stadium tonight (7.45pm).

Having accounted for lacklustre Uwic 6-0 in midweek, Llandarcy Park boss Andrew Dyer has pleasant selection problems to mull over. Carmarthen centre-back Liam Hancock is available, and ex-AFC Llwydcoed man Chris Vardon has recovered from injury.

Zack Misbah, a summer signing from Cwmbran, is pushing for selection, but on the downside Jock Fairbairn has a bad back while Jarrod Price is struggling with a groin strain.

Afan Lido, buoyed by a 2-0 midweek success at Aberaman, take on Uwic at Marston Stadium tomorrow.

It remains to be seen whether player-managers Paul Evans and Phil Holmes, who both performed admirably at Aberaman, remain in the team.

Carl Evans and Justin Williams are now both available, as is striker John Felton, but still ruled out are Shaun O'Leary, Carl Edwards and Stephen Parry.

Pontardawe are the latest local side to test the temperature at Aberaman.

Captain Steve Crabbe has recovered from a facial wound, and a solid performance from midfielder Craig Connor has kept him very much in the thoughts of Pontardawe chief Dai Rees.

Maesteg Park, who entertain Barry Town, are likely to retain recent Cardiff City acquisition Ryan Morgan in midfield.

However, the availability of veteran goalkeeper Gary Wager is still up in the air, but Park possess a worthy deputy in ex-Porthcawl stopper William Alston.

In the second division, pacemakers Garden Village will be looking to stretch an unbeaten start to four games at Caerau Ely.

Village boss Robert Lloyd has Jamie Evans available, but this is countered by the loss of Michael Harvey.

Briton Ferry, who completed a quickfire double at AFC Llwydcoed on Wednesday, welcome Ammanford to Old Road.

But Ferry will once more be without inspirational player-manager Richard Gay, who was yesterday seeking advice from a top physio in a bid to cure a hamstring pull.

But on a positive note, waiting to return to the side are Richard Howell, Lee Parfitt and Richard South, but Carl Harris will be missing.

Ammanford have been playing better than defeats at the hands of Garden Village and Caldicot suggest, and Neil Rees's side are expected to mount a strong challenge.

West End place an unbeaten record on the line against Troedyrhiw at the Willows, but Pryderi chief Donny Smitham will run a fitness test on his son Rory.

Young Smitham aggravated a leg injury during Wednesday's 2-0 win at Morriston, and they will also still be without new signing Marc Otten (Pontardawe).

Morriston will be looking to bounce back at Tredegar Town without defender Leighton Connor, who has work commitments.

In the third division, Ystradgynlais face the biggest challenge of the day at high-flying Cwmbran Celtic.

Ystrad will be without Robbie Daniels, Craig Hopkins, Dave Miller and Nicholas Maggs, but Liam Soroka returns to the fray.

Cwmamman will be without ex-Llandeilo striker Keith Dainton (collarbone) at Aberbargoed Buds while few changes are anticipated in the Gwynfi United side away to Risca.

Seven Sisters, who host unbeaten newcomers Llangeinor, have both Huw Pascoe and Dan Cole (suspended) ruled out.

Llansawel hope to have Steve Jones and Lee Thomas back for their trip to the Gwent countryside to face Goytre.

TONY POOLE
 

Afan Lido gained a first Welsh League victory of the season, triumphing 2-0 at newly-promoted Aberaman. Having lost to both Neath and Pontardawe, the Seasiders broke the deadlock in the 63rd minute via Chris Piper.

And Lido, well served by player-managers Paul Evans and Phil Holmes at the heart of defence, went on to seal victory six minutes later through Ian Jones.

In the second division, West End took a well-contested Swansea derby against Morriston at the Dingle, running out comfortable 2-0 winners.

A goalkeeping blunder on the half-hour mark from Morriston's Adrian Barnsley led to a 20-yard free-kick from Neil Phillips going in.

Goal chances proved few and far between, but the game was all up for the home side when ex-Morriston striker Dean Rosselli was brought down in the box in the 82nd minute.

Anthony Wright drove the penalty past goalkeeper Barnsley to confirm a first West End win of the season.

Briton Ferry wrapped up a quickfire double over AFC Llwydcoed on the back of a 2-1 success at the Welfare Ground.

Though a goal down after 20 minutes, Ferry did not panic and soon levelled when a Scott Barrow corner was met by veteran Jeremy Walsh, who set up a goal for Daniel Thomas.

It remained 1-1 until the 88th minute when Carl Harris drove in the winner.

Seven Sisters led twice during the derby with Cwmamman at the Welfare Ground in the third division only for the game to end 2-2.

A superb header from Chris Herdman gave Seven a 25th-minute lead with a defensive blunder gifting Luke Rice an equaliser.

A first league goal from Beau Hopkins sent Seven back ahead, but Dan Cole was then sent off in the 70th minute for hand ball and Cwmamman were awarded a penalty.

Stephen Williams made no mistake but having beaten Seven 5-1 the week before, Cwm had to be satisfied with a point.
 

One of the quickest goals in Neath Athletic's history helped to rocket them to the top of the MacWhirter Welsh League division one last night. Straight from the kick-off, the ball was worked right to former Swansea City striker Jonathan Keaveny, who played the ball into the box. Carl Shaw latched onto it, and shot past goalkeeper Alex Cropley to register a stunning goal after just 15 seconds.

Captain Tom Morris had Uwic's best chance in the 23rd minute as Neath went in at half-time only a goal ahead.

But just 35 seconds into the second half, ex AFC Llwydcoed man Carl Jenkins turned in a Keaveny cross. Jarrod Price made it 3-0 in the 49th minute and, soon afterwards, teenager Lee Bevan headed in a Jock Fairbairn corner to register his first league goal.

Ex-Llanelli front man Paul Fowler struck in the 66th minute while a Keaveny penalty rounded things off after Kieran Stone brought down Mattie Rees in the box.

Near the end, the students had Leon Lima sent off.

TONY POOLE
 

Champions Goytre United launched their first division campaign in fine style, triumphing 1-0 at Maesteg Park.

Unbeaten at Tudor Park since March 2000, a 14th-minute goal from Richard Ryan extended the Port Talbot side's productive sequence at the ground to eight league and cup matches. But goal attempts proved few and far between and visiting goalkeeper Leon Cosker - in denying ex-Goytre captain Andrew Davies - made one of the best saves of the day.

Neath Athletic dropped their first points of the season in a 2-2 draw at newly-promoted Aberaman.

However, the Llandarcy Park side left it desperately late to salvage a point, having trailed 2-0 at the break.

In the 83rd minute ex-Swansea City striker Jonathan Keaveny played the ball into substitute Mattie Rees, who headed Neath back into contention.

And, with just three minutes remaining, a goalmouth scramble developed, resulting in Keaveny drilling the ball in from close range.

The surprise result of the day went to Pontardawe Town, who won 1-0 against Afan Lido at the Marston Stadium.

In another game containing too many low spots, the outcome was settled in the 84th minute when substitute Chris Gardiner converted a Jamie Rickard cross in brilliant fashion.

In the second division, it was celebration time at Garden Village as they toasted three opening wins in the Welsh League for a first time.

On the receiving end on this occasion were Merthyr Saints, who went down 4-1 at Stafford Common.

Steve Bradford shot Saints ahead, and it could have been more if Village goalkeeper Stuart Lloyd had not pulled off a stunning penalty save.

Dave Rimmer levelled just before the break, with brothers David and Steve Evans taking them clear by the hour.

And, with just five minutes remaining, substitute Rob Shannon registered a first league goal for the club.

Morriston carded a first victory of the season, defeating AFC Llwydcoed 3-0 at the Dingle.

Michael Ellery's side did the damage during the opening spell thanks to a goal brace from Michael Chapman along with a sublime strike from ex-Swansea City midfielder Jonathan Coates.

But it was a case of third time unlucky for Briton Ferry, who went down 2-0 against Garw at Old Road.

In another poor game dominated by 10 yellow cards and a red shown to Ferryman Lee Parfitt, the Blandy boys came late to take the spoils.

Former Cardiff Blues youth rugby player Adam Shields scored from an acute angle in the 86th minute while Paul Penikett recorded a similar kind of goal 11 minutes later.

Newly-promoted West End began life at this level in gaining a sound 1-1 draw against Penrhiwceiber at the Glassbrook.

But it could have been better for the Townhill side, who conceded a late equaliser to Ryan Buckman in the 93rd minute.

Ex-Morriston star Dean Rosselli had given the Pryderi boys a 38th-minute lead during a goalmouth scramble.

Ammanford were twice ahead during a 3-2 defeat against Caldicot Town at Jubilee Way.

Nathan McNeil sent the Rice Roaders in with a 1-0 advantage, and they were denied a penalty on the resumption.

And, although Luke Fayers set up a 70th-minute strike for Liam Preece, sending Ammanford ahead 2-1, it was not to be.

Just one game went ahead in the third division, with Seven Sisters losing 4-0 at home against Llanwern, with the others involved in Welsh Cup action.

However, it proved a blank day for all three local clubs - Cwmamman, Llansawel and Ystradgynlais.

Cwm crashed 5-1 at Pentwyn Dynamos with a lone goal from ex-Llandeilo striker Keith Dainton making it 1-1 midway through the first half.

Llansawel lost 1-0 against Gwent side Goytre, while Ystradgynlais exited 2-1 during extra time at Aberbargoed Buds.

Having lost the league encounter at the ground 3-0 the week before, this formed a better Ystrad showing.

Though Andrew Miller was sent off in the 58th minute for a second bookable offence, Michael Whapham shot them ahead. But last year's Gwent League champions went on to equalise - and won it on the back of a 118th-minute penalty.

TONY POOLE
 

Neath Athletic defeated Pontardawe Town 2-0 at Llandarcy Park to make it two wins on the trot in the MacWhirter Welsh League Division One. Having opened up with a 1-0 win at Afan Lido, a 25th-minute header from Stephen Pockett shot Neath ahead against Ponty.

And during first-half injury time, Simon Dyer traded passes with Ryan Frankcom with Dyer completing the scoring.

Bryntirion took the derby clash with Bridgend Town, 2-0, thanks to goals from former Bridgend players Ian Gearie and Scott Lanyon.

In the second division, Briton Ferry and Garden Village gained home victories over AFC Llwydcoed and Ammanford respectively to also maintained unbeaten tags.

Ferry were the dominant force early on against AFC Llwydcoed with goals from Keith Phillips and Lee Parfitt completing a 2-0 success.

Phil Myles scored twice as Village accounted for Ammanford 3-1 in a lively derby meeting.

Myles, who scored 40 goals for the reserve team last winter, shot Village ahead only to see a thunderous free-kick from Paul Jones restore parity.

It wasn't until the 75th minute that Myles struck again, and they sealed victory when Mark Napieralla engineered a late goal for Mark Lloyd.

Cwmamman put last Saturday's 5-2 loss behind them in a 5-1 win over Seven Sisters at Grenig Park.

Paul Pugh and Stephen Williams both struck during the opening half with further goals from Luke Rice and Williams making it 4-0.

Owain Llewellyn pulled one back for Seven, but Craig Maloney completed an emphatic Cwm victory.

Gwynfi United once more battled hard only to lose 3-1 against league newcomers Llangeinor at the Cape.

Dave Lewis shot Llan in front with new signing Geraint Mizen (Caerau) squaring matters early in the second half.

But a contentious penalty led to Gwynfi goalkeeper James Hughes being sent off - and Lewis converted the spot-kick. Razz Abdul also beat deputy goalkeeper Nathan Jones as Llan went on to maintain an unblemished record.

But Llansawel failed to improve on Saturday's 1-0 win at Gwynfi, going down 4-2 at Newcastle Emlyn.

Craig Catterson reduced the deficit to 2-1 midway through the first half while an Andrew Cann strike made it 3-2.
 

Briton Ferry began life in the second division with a 3-1 victory against the odds at Tredegar Town.

Although the Old Road side opened the scoring in the 40th minute through 17-year-old Cameron Hopkins, Tredegar soon equalised. Worse followed when Ross Howell was sent off during a penalty incident, but goalkeeper Alex Davies produced a stunning save.

However, 10-man Ferry opted to keep attacking channels open and five minutes into the second half a Scott Barrow corner was flicked on by player-manager Richard Gaye.

Dan McGrath drove the ball home, and Ferry went on to seal victory late on via Lee Parfitt.

Garden Village also got off to a flyer, triumphing 2-1 at newly promoted Cambrian & Clydach.

Dave Rimmer supplied Village with a fourth-minute goal, but the sides went in all square.

And just when it seemed as if a 1-1 scoreline was imminent, David Evans struck an 86th-minute winner.

But Morriston squandered a one-goal lead in losing 2-1 against Penrhiwceiber at the Glassbrook.

Michael Chapman turned in a free-kick from ex-Swan Jonathan Coates in the first half, but the cup winners took the spoils on the back of goals from Andy Workman and Ryan Buckman.

The three promoted clubs from the feeder leagues - Aberbargoed Buds, Llangeinor and Llansawel - all carded opening day victories in the third division.

Llansawel were pushed all the way by never-say-die Gwynfi at the Cape and were relieved to leave with a 1-0 success.

The Afan Valley side, well served by industrious Thomas Price, had the best chance during the first half when Sawel goalkeeper Dai Nott denied Nathan Jones.

On the resumption, Gwynfi's Craig Trehar missed a better chance before Sawel produced the deciding goal.

Their best player, Lee Thomas, threaded a 68th-minute pass through to Michael Walsh, whose driven shot across goal clipped the far post before going in.

Aberbargoed accounted for understrength Ystradgynlais 3-0 after goals from Nathan Edwards (two) and Chris Griffiths.

And Llangeinor won 3-1 at Risca, ex-Swan Damian Lacey engineering a late goal for Ryan Jones.

Earlier, ex-Betws man Craig Phillips and David Lewis got the Llan goals that placed them on a victory footing.

Despite opening the scoring from the penalty spot, Seven Sisters were held to a 1-1 draw by Abertillery at the Welfare Ground.

They were awarded a 30th-minute penalty when Simon Hanford was fouled, and Richard Herdman duly obliged from the spot.

Abertillery squared matters through Sean Smith in the 50th minute, while promising newcomer Beau Hopkins and Owain Llewellyn both went close for the Dulais Valley club.

But Cwmamman came unstuck late on during a 5-2 loss at AFC Porth.

Goals from Luke Rice and Michael Hodges led to the Grenig Park side only trailing 3-2 at the break.

But the dismissal of Steven Francis for a second bookable offence led to a downturn in Cwm fortunes and Porth struck twice in the closing stages.

In the first division, Bridgend Town won 3-1 at Dinas Powys, former Wales Under-21 player Michael Parkin giving them a 25th-minute lead.

Anthony Walters headed Town two goals clear on the hour, and they rounded off an impressive victory with a Michael Hartley strike.

Finally, champions Goytre United, who open their league campaign at Maesteg Park on Saturday, gained a 3-1 friendly victory at Welsh Premiership club Caersws.

Recent Port Talbot Town acquisition Luke Bowen shot Goytre in front and just after Caersws restored parity in the 75th minute, Kevin Bartley converted a Richard Ryan cross.

And Goytre rounded off a good showing when Michael Waters broke in the 88th minute to set up another Bowen strike.

TONY POOLE
 

DERBY CLASH KICKS OFF NEW ERA FOR LEAGUE

The first division derby between Afan Lido and Neath Athletic at the Marston Stadium tonight (7.30pm) launches the new sponsorship package agreed this week between the Welsh League and MacWhirter. The Cardiff-based air conditioning company have taken over from Macron, initially on a one-year basis, having previously backed the Youth League.

The clash between Lido and last year's runners-up forms the main top-flight interest during the opening round of fixtures.

Though Neath will be without Andy Hill, who is undergoing treatment for a hernia complaint, manager Andrew Dyer has plenty of other attacking options.

Carl Shaw, Simon Dyer, Jonathan Keaveny remain from last season while he could also bring in former Llanelli striker Paul Fowler.

The ex-AFC Llwydcoed trio of Carl Jenkins, Jarrod Price and Michael Vardon along with Rob Folland (Pontardawe) will also be on Dyer's mind while brothers Sammy and Zack Misbah also hope to get the nod.

Centre-back Liam Hancock, who has signed for Welsh Premiership Carmarthen Town, is also available while Huw Liddell is expected to be in goal following the departure of Chris Curtis.

In stark contrast Lido only have two new players pushing for inclusion - goalkeeper Gareth Scantlebury (Goytre United) and the return from the RAF of striker John Felton.

Some of last year's injury problems have resurfaced, with Carl Evans, Stephen Parry, Shaun O'Leary and Ian Jones all rated 50-50.

Ruled out are Liam McCreesh and Karl Lewis, but an understrength side gave Port Talbot Town plenty to think about last Tuesday before going down 2-1.

Champions Goytre United, Pontardawe and Maesteg Park all sit out the opening weekend, while interest tomorrow in the second division revolves around Briton Ferry, Garden Village and Morriston.

Ferry, who travel to Tredegar Town, lose teenager Daniel Thomas to suspension.

But the return of Carl Harris from university studies has provided the Old Road side with a boost, along with a return to full fitness by defender Richard South.

Garden Village boss Robert Lloyd has strengthened his hand during the summer, and some of his new men will be on view at promoted Cambrian & Clydach.

Though Neil Simon (Morriston) and Rob Shannon (West End) are ruled out along with suspended striker Ashley Richards, he is likely to include new boys Michael Harvey, Freddie Trelor and Mark Napieralla and welcome back long-term injury victims Stuart Lloyd and Phil John.

Assistant manager Dean Beniamous takes charge for Morriston's potentially difficult assignment against Penrhiwceiber at the Glassbrook.

Goalkeeper Adrian Barnsley has arrived from Seven Sisters, as Jonny Martin has a foot injury, while the Dingle men have retained ex-Swansea City midfielder Jonathan Coates.

A loss up front is the departure of Dean Rosselli to West End, while new signings include Thomas Todd (Brunswick) and Jamie Yeo (Kilvey).

In the third division, it's a big day for Llansawel who open their Welsh League career against Gwynfi United at the Cape.

The Neath side have done well in pre-season, defeating first division sides Neath Athletic and Pontardawe, and managers Mickey Evans and Robert Sandham will be hoping to launch the new era on a winning note.

Returning to a side beaten 5-1 against Ely Rangers last weekend are likely to be goalkeeper Dai Knott along with Steve Jones, Andrew Cann, Daniel Triggs and David Mills.

Cwmamman under new managers Colin Haines and Dave Looney will be looking to maintain a good record at AFC Porth.

The Grenig Park side have gained two wins and a draw on their last three visits, and are expected to field ex-Llandeilo striker Keith Dayton.

Ystradgynlais take a trip into the unknown at newcomers Aberbargoed Buds without the suspended duo of top scorer Craig Hopkins and Liam Soroka.

Manager Andrew Hopkins will also be minus Ynysygerwn cricketer Nicholas Maggs, together with Carl Evans and Dave Miller, who have leg injuries.

Seven Sisters, who host Abertillery, will be giving youth their head.

Manager Julian Fry is looking to introduce the likes of Dan Cole, Simon Hanford, Matthew Harris, Huw Keenan, Nicky Morris and Huw Preece.

TONY POOLE