Neath Athletic were knocked off the top of the first division by Maesteg Park during a day of surprises throughout the league. The Llandarcy Park side came to grief 2-1 against one of the their bogey sides, resulting in Aberaman - 2-1 home winners over Dinas Powys - taking over leadership.

Robbie Walters shot the Old Parish side in front after quarter of an hour with Andy Hill evening things up soon after.

It remained that way until the 86th minute when a ninth goal of the season from Walters lifted Maesteg into third slot.

Also on the receiving end were reigning champions Goytre United, who went down 2-1 during a similar set of circumstances at Croesyceiliog.

Chris Pritchard fired Croesy into a first-half lead with Richard Ryan levelling on 70 minutes, but it wasn't to be for the Port Talbot side as Michael Dewar headed in an 88th-minute winner.

The other surprise came at UWIC who beat high-flying Taffs Well 2-0 thanks to goals from John Howells and Huw Neale.

Ton Pentre climbed into fifth spot following a 2-1 triumph at Bridgend Town with Tony Rees and Alyn Jones (penalty) on target for the Bulldogs while Drew Fahiya got Bridgend's consolation goal.

The clash between Pontardawe Town and Bryntirion Athletic was called off at midday, owing to the wet state of the Recreation Ground.

In the second division, West End were the victims of the day's shock result, going down 2-0 to rejuvenated Betws at the North Site.

On a first visit to the Bridgend suburbs, the Pryderi boys found the infamous slope an uphill task with Robbie Hugglestone getting both goals, one in each half.

Morriston went down in a similar 2-0 scoreline against Cardiff Corries at the Riverside with Kevin Crook the executioner-in-chief.

He got both goals as the Dingle men were left to reflect on a packet of missed chances, especially during the second period when they were the dominant force.

Garden Village played out an exciting 3-3 draw with Caldicot at Stafford Common with Rob Shannon bagging a brace and Ashley Richards also on target.

Ammanford rallied strongly during the closing stages but still went down to a 3-2 defeat against promotion-seeking Garw at Blandy.

Garw victory were cruising after goals from Vincent Wattleworth and a Dave Thomas double (one from the penalty spot) sent the Pontycymer side into a 3-0 lead on the hour.

But the Rice Roaders built a recovery around an 80th-minute strike from Dean Jenkins and a debut goal from Dafen import Scott Davies set up a nail-biting finish.

Briton Ferry lost for a fourth successive time in the league, going down 2-1 against Pontyclun at Ivor Park.

Though Richard Howell nudged Ferry in front, two second-half goals sent them sliding to a fourth one-goal defeat on the bounce.

In the third division, Michael Ellery's new broom around Grenig Park failed to sweep clean as Cwmamman crashed to a 6-1 home defeat against Newcastle Emlyn.

The only crumb of comfort during a bitterly disappointing afternoon for the ex-Morriston chief - that saw Carl James sent off - was a consolation goal from Michael Rybicki.

Anthony Walsh struck a late equaliser as Llansawel drew 3-3 at Cwmbran Celtic, but steadier finishing would have resulted in a victory for the Cwrt Herbert side.

Walsh netted twice and Lee Thomas was also on target as Sawel came from 2-1 down at the break and 3-2 behind on the hour to pick up a deserved point.

Ystradgynlais were on the wrong end of a 5-1 scoreline against leaders Llanwern at Ynyscedwyn Road - Michael Whapham netting close to time for Ystrad - while Seven Sisters lost 2-0 at AFC Porth.

Gwynfi United led 1-0 at half time thanks to Nathan Jones only to lose 3-1 at Chepstow Town while improving Porthcawl hit Gwent side Goytre FC for six at Lock's Lane.

Paul Atkinson struck twice, once from the penalty spot, while Lee Giles, Steve Atkinson, Gareth Duffy, and James Lott also hit the target in a 6-2 success.

And finally the last 100 per cent record in the league was surrendered when Llangeinor fell to a 3-2 defeat at Pentwyn Dynamos with Craig Phillips and ex-Swan Damian Lacey striking for the Bridgend side.

TONY POOLE
 

Leaders Neath have injury problems to sort out ahead of tomorrow's first division clash with bogey side Maesteg Park at Tudor Park. Already out are Jock Fairbairn, Rob Folland and Jarrod Price, while Ryan Frankcom and Jonathan Keaveny are rated only 50-50.

But manager Andrew Dyer, who is looking to strengthen defensive options, is set to welcome back Lee Bevan.

The Old Parish side are hoping defender Paul Evans has recovered from a groin injury, while Kyle Morris has twice figured in the reserves on his way back from injury.

Champions Goytre United, who make a first visit to Croesyceiliog, have Darren Lyons back from a three-match ban.

Also set to return is midfielder Jonny Walkley, who missed last Saturday's 1-1 home draw against Grange Quins, but there is a fitness doubt surrounding defender Ian Morgan.

Pontardawe, who host Bryntirion Athletic, have brought in midfielder Mark Napieralla from Garden Village.

He goes straight into the squad as manager Dai Rees seeks an end to a four-match losing streak.

In the second division, in-form West End have Neil Phillips and Gary Davies suspended for a tricky assignment against Betws at the North Site.

Wayne Jones misses the game while striker Dean Rosselli has joined former Morriston boss Michael Ellery at third division Cwmamman. Jonathan Eames returns from suspension.

Meanwhile, West End will play their Welsh Cup third-round tie against Carmarthen Town at Richmond Park next Friday night (7.30pm).

Garden Village will be hoping to place a poor run of form behind them at home to Caldicot, but they will be without experienced defender Dave Rimmer.

He is visiting his sick father - former Swansea City and England goalkeeper Jimmy Rimmer - in Canada.

Morriston have recent Neath acquisition Andrew Shaw suspended for their clash with Cardiff Corries at the Riverside.

Also likely to miss out is striker Derrick Jenkins, who was injured in scoring the winner against Caerau Ely last weekend, while manager Paul Lewis has signed goalkeeper Dale Hulland from Garden Village.

Ammanford's improving form, covering a five-match unbeaten run in the league, will be put to the test against Garw at Blandy.

The Pontycymmer-based side last Saturday surrendered a 100 per cent record at West End, and the Rice Roaders have both Liam Preece and Paul Jones suspended while John Garland and Steve Thomas are out through injury.

Jason Cousins is rated 50-50, but managers Neil Rees and Huw Preece are hoping to introduce defender Scott Davies from Carmarthenshire League side Dafen.

Briton Ferry, who have lost their last three league games, have completed the transfer back of striker Rob Cann from third division Llansawel ahead of their showdown with Pontyclun.

TONY POOLE
 

Third Division Cwmamman had reasons to be cheerful with a 2-1 home victory over Llantwit Fardre followed by Michael Ellery accepting the vacant managerial role. Ellery, who walked out of Morriston last month, has teamed up with former Dingle assistant Dean Beniamous.

The pair saw Cwm come from a goal down to pip Llantwit Fardre thanks to Ian Waldie and a 75th-minute winner from Gareth Morgan.

However, Cwm remain in the bottom three along with Seven Sisters, who lost 1-0 at Newcastle Emlyn after Richard Herdman had a first-half penalty saved.

Improving Ystradgynlais secured a splendid 3-2 success at Abertillery with a Liam Soroka brace and a strike from Craig Hopkins.

Llansawel went goal crazy against Chepstow, running out 6-2 winners. Although only 2-1 ahead at the break - Lee Thomas and Craig Catterson netting - Sawel stepped on the gas with Rob Cann on target twice along with Anthony Walsh and Andrew Cann.

Gwynfi remain bottom following a 2-0 defeat against Aberbargoed Buds at the Cape, while second-half goals from Christian Pascoe and James Mooney secured Porthcawl a 2-0 win at Risca.

In the top flight, reigning champions Goytre United dropped points in a 1-1 home draw against Grange Quins.

A combination of solid defence and fine goalkeeping thwarted the Port Talbot side during a goalless opening half and Grange eventually broke the deadlock through Nathan White in the 70th minute.

But 10 minutes later centre-back Jeremy Chandler got on the end of a Richard Ryan free-kick to fire home an equaliser that saved face for Goytre.

Pontardawe lost 3-1 at Dinas Powys with Darren Griffiths their marksman.

In the second division, West End relieved Garw of a 100 per cent record, running out 2-1 winners.

Neil Phillips headed in a Rory Smitham corner in the 20th minute, but soon after the Blandy boys replied with Thomas Hopper nodding home a free-kick.

The Pryderi side's winner came in the 80th minute when Dave Truan handled in the box and Anthony Wright converted a fifth spot kick of the season.

Morriston took a thrilling home clash with Caerau Ely 4-3, with Derrick Jenkins getting an 88th-minute winner on his debut from Garden Village.

Goals from Michael Chapman and Jonathan Coates had taken the Dingle men clear and although Mark Carlyle netted early in the second half, the score stood on 3-3 after 70 minutes.

Ammanford gained a 3-2 away victory over Tredegar Town, despite trailing to a Lee Brooker goal early on.

The Rice Roaders levelled through Adam Dart and during a purple patch, goals from Dean Jenkins and Richard Lewis put them 3-1 up. Brooker pulled a goal back and although Ammanford had Lewis dismissed in the 55th minute, they clung on.

Garden Village slid to a 2-1 defeat at Betws. Richard Ready gave the Bridgend side the lead from the penalty spot with Ashley Richards squaring matters - also from the spot.

But Ready struck again close to time as Village went five games without a league win.

Also out of luck were Briton Ferry, who went down 1-0 against Troedyrhiw at Old Road with Owen McGinn striking the winner.

Maesteg Park gained a 3-2 extra-time victory at Cwmbran Celtic to claim the final place in the last 32 of the Welsh Cup at home to Llandudno on November 4.

Lee O'Brien drove in the winner in the 109th minute.

TONY POOLE
 

First division Afan Lido will be looking to extend an unbeaten run to 10 matches when they challenge Bryntirion Athletic at the Marston Stadium tonight (7.30pm).The Seasiders welcome back centre-back Carl Evans, who missed last Saturday's 2-0 home win over Dinas Powys, but top-scorer Ian Jones will have a fitness test on a sore hamstring.

Stephen Parry is unavailable while John Felton, Liam McCreesh and Chris Piper are all injured, but Carl Edwards has resumed light training following a knee problem.

Fifth-placed Lido have an extra incentive to beat the Bridgend side as a seventh league win of the season might lift them into second spot, just one point behind Neath Athletic, who sit out tomorrow's programme.

However, two sides above them in the table - Taffs Well and Aberaman - meet tonight at Rhiw D'dar in another top-of-the-table clash.

In a slimmed down programme tomorrow, reigning champions Goytre United challenge Grange Quins at Glenhafod Park with club captain Darren Lyons sitting out a final suspension.

Midfielder Jonny Walkley also misses the game, in his case because of work commitments, but a side who gained a morale-boosting 2-1 win at Pontypridd Town last Saturday is boosted by the return of John Meacock.

Pontardawe managers Dai Rees and Andrew Birch might well be without six players for their clash with Dinas Powys at the Murch Field.

Goalkeeper Mark Snell, defender Steven Cox and midfield man Steve Davies are all rated 50-50 while ankle injuries look as if they will account for Stuart Hoskins, Stephen Williams and Gavin Guy.

Centre-back Sean O'Brien is struggling with a back injury, but manager Rees has signed defender Dave Alexander from Llandudno.

Maesteg Park's trip to Ton Pentre has been called off, as they have been reinstated into the Welsh Cup. They visit third division Cwmbran Celtic in the second round.

The removal of Cardiff Corries led to the Old Parish side gaining a reprieve, and they have a fitness worry surrounding defender Paul Evans, who has a groin injury.

In the second division, West End take unbeaten Garw at Pryderi Park.

This forms a first home league game of the season for the Townhill side, who have both Gary Davies and Jonathan Eames suspended. Danny Kavanagh is set to start in defence.

Garw, one of only two sides still possessing a 100 per cent record, are awaiting international clearance on a Norwegian striker studying at Swansea University.

Garden Village boss Robert Lloyd is hoping defender Dave Rimmer has recovered from an ear infection, and will figure against Betws at the North Site.

The Bridgend side last weekend appointed ex-Garw star Mark Sage as their new manager in succession to Paul Giles.

Briton Ferry will be looking to bounce back against second-placed Troedyrhiw at Old Road while Ammanford visit Tredegar Town.

Ammanford have John Garland back to cover for hamstring victim Jason Cousins.

Nathan McNeil returns from suspension, as the Rice Roaders seek to extend a four-match unbeaten league.

Morriston manager Paul Lewis introduces three recent Garden Village acquisitions - Neil Simon and brothers Derek and Jack Jenkins - for the home game with Caerau Ely.

With goalkeeper Adrian Barnsley having decided to retire, the new Dingle boss has signed Matthew Martin from third division Llansawel.

In the third division, Ystradgynlais visit Abertillery and have Lancelot Davies, Carl Evans, Michael Whapham and Ceri Slyman back in their squad.

TONY POOLE
 

BARTLEY STEPS OFF BENCH TO FIRE GOYTRE'S WINNER

Champions Goytre United returned to form, with a late goal from substitute Kevin Bartley giving them a 2-1 victory over Pontypridd at Ynysangharad Park. Having lost back-to-back home games against West End in the Welsh Cup and Afan Lido in the league, the Port Talbot village side handed last year's second division champions only a second league defeat of the season.

A goal from James Ryman sent Pontypridd in with a 1-0 lead, with Jonny Walkley levelling in the 80th minute.

The game seemed to be petering out to a draw until Bartley and Ponty defender Danny Street contested a cross, with Bartley getting the final touch to wrap up the points.

Despite struggling for long periods at Bryntirion, leaders Neath Athletic won the day 2-1.

Neil Williams gave the Bridgend side the lead from the penalty spot on the half-hour, but Neath were awarded a penalty 10 minutes later which Andy Hill converted.

Then, just before the break, Mattie Rees played a telling ball into the six-yard box for Carl Shaw to collect a seventh goal of the season.

Though Neath came under fire during the second period with Bryntirion's Ian Gearie missing a sitter, they clung on to remain three points clear.

Afan Lido extended their unbeaten run to nine matches on the back of a 2-0 success over Dinas Powys at the Marston Stadium.

Craig Jones lobbed goalkeeper Joe Cushieri in the 26th minute to give the fifth-placed Seasiders the lead and he also came up trumps in the 74th minute.

This time Greg Hurley and Shaun O'Leary were involved in the build-up, with Jones side-footing home in confident style.

Maesteg Park remain fourth after beating Ely Rangers 1-0 at Tudor Park.

Lee O'Brien got on the end of an Ian Shepherd free-kick to head home the all-important goal in the 72nd minute.

But there was no joy for Pontardawe Town, who went down to a 2-1 home defeat against third-placed Taffs Well.

Andy Hammett shot the Wellmen ahead midway through the first half, with an own-goal from Gareth Wallwork evening things up 10 minutes into the second period.

But it was not to be for Pontardawe, and in the 65th minute ex-Bryntirion man Brian Burke headed in the winner.

Goals from Drew Fahiya, Rhys Jones and Andrew Mainwaring enabled Bridgend Town to register a 3-1 home win over Newport YMCA, who had Danny Querto on target.

In the second division, West End won the derby against previously unbeaten Garden Village 2-1 at Stafford Common.

The first half was surprisingly goalless, but that all changed in the 58th minute when Carl Smitham fired the West End boys ahead and, soon afterwards, a sixth goal of the season from Neil Phillips doubled the lead.

Village responded through Steve Devonald to set up a grandstand finish, but the Townhill side clung on.

Ammanford heaped more misery on struggling AFC Llwydcoed, running out 4-0 winners at the Recreation Ground.

The Rice Roaders opened brightly and Richard Lewis gave them the lead in the 35th minute.

Luke Fayers got on the scoresheet early in the second half, while Adam Dart also hit the bullseye and an eighth goal of the season from Fayers completed an emphatic victory.

Briton Ferry went down to a 1-0 defeat against Cardiff Corries at the Riverside with the issue being settled by a 55th-minute own-goal.

In attempting to clear a corner, Richard South only succeeded in heading past Rhys Jones in the Ferry goal for an own-goal.

The big surprise of the day was the failure by Tredegar Town to raise a side to take on unbeaten Garw at Blandy.

The Gwent side, who last month won 1-0 at first division Bryntirion in the Shamrock Travel Cup, now face a three-point deduction on top of a fine.

In the third division, Ystradgynlais took the derby against Cwmamman, 2-0, with both sides missing penalties.

First-half goals from Nicholas Maggs and Liam Soroka put Ystrad in the driving seat, with Cwm striker Luke Rice fluffing a penalty.

It was the turn of Ystrad's Craig Hopkins to miss out from the penalty spot during the second half.

Llansawel lost 4-0 at Aberbargoed Buds, going down 4-0, while Monmouthshire side Goytre won 2-0 at Seven Sisters.
 

Leaders Neath Athletic have Jarrod Price back for tomorrow's MacWhirter Welsh League top-of-the-table encounter at Bryntirion Athletic.

The former AFC Llwydcoed midfielder has recently been sidelined with hamstring trouble. Llandarcy Park boss Andrew Dyer has granted Danny Kavanagh a transfer back to second division West End.

Kavanagh had been out since August, having broken an ankle in a 5-1 win at Grange Quins, while still missing with ankle trouble is Ryan Frankcom.

Champions Goytre United will be looking to place their Welsh Cup exit against West End behind them, along with a league defeat at the hands of Afan Lido, at high-flying Pontypridd.

But the Port Talbot side still have Darren Lyons suspended and John Meacock is unavailable, but centre-back Jeremy Chandler has turned down a move to Neath.

The division's form side, Afan Lido, have home advantage over Dinas Powys with managers Phil Holmes and Paul Evans looking to extend an unbeaten run to nine games.

However, ruled out through injuries picked up during the 1-0 success at Goytre a week today are playmaker Liam McCreesh, striker John Felton and influential centre-back Carl Evans.

However, the return from injury of Craig Martin will cover for the absence of Evans while Matt Lavis, Chris Latham and Corey Thomas are all pushing for places up front.

Pontardawe welcome back experienced campaigners Jamie Rickard and Richard Cleverly for their clash with Taffs Well at the Recreation Ground.

They have also signed midfielder Dale Gardiner from Neath Athletic, and he goes straight into the squad.

Managers Dai Rees and Andrew Birch, who were disappointed to see their side narrowly lose 1-0 against former champions Ton Pentre last Sunday, will run fitness checks on both Steve Davies and Steven Cox.

Maesteg Park, who host Ely Rangers, still have midfield dynamo Paul Jones out, but have recently been boosted by the return from injury of Matthew Rea, Lee Michael and Ian Shepherd.

There is further good news for Park chief Andrew Rickard with defender Leighton Jones having completed a three-match suspension, and they will be looking to make it five league wins on the trot.

In the second division, unbeaten Garden Village entertain West End in one of the day's top clashes.

Village manager Robert Lloyd is likely to make changes, following the 5-2 Welsh Cup defeat at Bridgend.

Back on the Stafford Common scene from Carmarthenshire League side Dafen is Scott Evans, while Phil John has shaken off a serious ankle injury.

The Pryderi side ex-Neath man Kavanagh straight in their squad, but they lose Gary Davies to a three-match ban.

Ammanford have Nathan McNeil suspended for their home showdown with lowly AFC Llwydcoed, and Briton Ferry's Dan McGrath is ruled out for the same reason at Cardiff Corries.

Morriston's trip to Merthyr Saints has been called off, as Merthyr are in action at Penydarren Park, resulting in recent arrivals, but on Sunday they travel to Pembrokeshire to play Hakin in the West Wales Senior Cup.

In the third division, there is mixed team news for Llansawel, who take on fellow newcomers Aberbargoed at the Recreation Ground.

Richard Weller and Anthony Walsh both return to the squad, but ruled out are Andrew Cann, Lee Fleming and Scott Mahon.

Ystradgynlais are likely to be without Andrew Miller while Michael Whapham is suspended for the derby clash with Cwmamman at Ynyscedwyn Road, and into the squad come Ioan King and Darren Langford.

Seven Sisters will be hoping to build on a recent victory over Gwynfi at home to Monmouthshire side Goytre FC with Gwynfi visiting Porthcawl.

TONY POOLE
 

Neath Athletic have home advantage over local rivals Goytre United in the Macwhirter Youth Cup second round.Full draw: Bryntirion Ath v Risca Utd, Cambrian & Clydach v Port Talbot, Ely v Cwmbran, Neath Ath v Goytre Utd, Newport YMCA v Pontypridd, Pontardawe v Penrhiwceiber, West End v Haverfordwest. Bye: Pentwyn Dynamo.

Ties to be played December 3.
 

Pontardawe Town went down to a narrow 1-0 defeat against Ton Pentre at the Recreation Ground yesterday in division one of the MacWhirter Welsh League.

Ponty fielded three recent signings in centre-back Sean O'Brien (Troedyrhiw), midfielder Gavin Guy (Bridgend Town) and striker Stephen Williams (Cwmamman). Most of the goalmouth action came during the first half with both sides missing chances galore, including a missed penalty by Ponty's Darren Griffiths.

Surprisingly, the sides went in goalless at half-time and during the second period the home side failed to capitalise on a couple of scrambles in the Ton box.

Half-chances fell to both Williams and Griffiths, but in the end it looked as if a goal would settle the issue, and that's just how it worked out when the ball ran to Jamie Bradford in the 72nd minute.

His 20-metre shot took a bobble and shot past Mark Snell in the home goal to give the Bulldogs all three points.

''We had a couple of penalty claims that weren't upheld in the first half, but that's football for you,'' said Pontardawe assistant manager Andrew Birch.

''I felt a draw would have been a fairer result as there was never that much to choose between the sides.

''However, we have made a good start to the season and just as Rome wasn't built in a day, we'll get there.''

TONY POOLE
 

GOYTRE LOOK TO GET SHOW BACK ON ROAD

Champions Goytre United will be looking to get back on track during tonight's derby clash with Afan Lido at Glenhafod Park (7.30pm).

The Port Talbot side last week bowed out of the Welsh Cup 2-1 against second division West End - their first defeat of the season. However, in the league they have won three out of three, and for the visit of Lido anticipate having top scorer Richard Ryan in the side.

Ryan came off in the 68th minute against West End with a recurring hamstring problem, but it was more in the way of a precautionary move.

However, captain Darren Lyons starts a three-match suspension, following his 53rd-minute dismissal against West End, while centre-back Jeremy Chandler is still sidelined with rib trouble and goalkeeper Leon Cosker has left the club.

Lido will still be without both Justin Williams and Carl Edwards, but managers Phil Holmes and Paul Evans are keeping their fingers crossed regarding goalkeeper Gareth Scantlebury and defender Craig Martin.

Scantlebury missed the 4-0 Welsh Cup win at Barry Town last Saturday, because of a hernia complaint, and veteran Brian Thomas covered his absence.

Martin damaged both shins during the 3-2 home win over Caerleon in September. He is rated 50-50, as the Seasiders attempt to stretch an unbeaten sequence to eight matches.

Table-topping Neath Athletic, who lost their last league match 3-1 at Taffs Well, challenge bottom-placed Barry Town at Jenner Park tonight (7.30pm).

Llandarcy Park boss Andrew Dyer is set to introduce Aberystwyth recruit Craig Morris in goal following the departure of Huw Liddell.

Returning to squad duties is young defender Lee Bevan while ex-West End defender Danny Kavanagh resumed training this week, having broken an ankle at Grange Quins in August.

However, Jarrod Price has still not recovered from a hamstring pull, and Ryan Frankcom will miss the game because of an ankle injury.

Maesteg Park play Bridgend Town at Coychurch Road, with Lee Michael back following a work commitment. Matthew Rea is also close to resuming following an ankle injury.

But ex-Afan Lido defender Leighton Jones starts a three-match ban, and dual-registered Chris Pridham was injured during Port Talbot Town's 2-0 Welsh Cup win over Haverfordwest County last Saturday.

It remains to be seen if Port Talbot release another other dualled player, Andy Pearson, to Maesteg, ahead of their home clash with New Saints on Sunday.

Bridgend, fresh from a 5-2 home win over Garden Village in the Welsh Cup, rested Andrew Mainwaring, Lee Pratt, Sean Chapell and Bevan Humphries - and all four might return against Park.

Tonight's other big clash in the top flight involves high-flying Taffs Well at home to Pontypridd.

Pontardawe Town have an attractive clash with Ton Pentre at the Recreation Ground on Sunday (2.30pm).

Pontardawe, who battled hard against Pontypridd in the Welsh Cup last Saturday only to go out in extra time 2-1 have new signings Stephen Williams (Cwmamman) and Gavin Guy (Bridgend Town) in their squad.

Former Briton Ferry man Guy was introduced from the bench against Pontypridd, while free-scoring striker Williams has yet to make a club debut.

In the third division, Llansawel and Newcastle Emlyn played out a 0-0 draw at Cwrt Herbert .

The Welsh FA have removed Cardiff Corries from the Welsh Cup and fined them £150 for fielding Rhys Yates without international clearance during a 3-1 home victory over Maesteg Park last month.

The Cardiff side have 10 days to mount an appeal, otherwise Maesteg will go to Cwmbran Celtic in a delayed second-round tie with the winners home to Llandudno at the last-32 stage on November 4.

TONY POOLE
 

Maesteg Park completed a quickfire MacWhirter Welsh League division one, double over Croesyceiliog, triumphing 2-1 at Woodland Road.

Maesteg, who won 3-0 at home the previous week, led 1-0 at the interlude on the back of a 25-yard piledriver from Richard Stevens. Gareth Davies doubled the lead in the 70th minute, heading home a palmed save from goalkeeper John Bailey, while Croesyceiliog completed the scoring during injury time on the strength of a disputed Chris Watkins penalty.

Bryntirion missed out on the chance to replace Neath Athletic at the top, going down 2-1 to Taffs Well at Bryntirion Park.

Andy Hammett fired the Cardiff side ahead early on and although Martin Dando levelled in the 50th minute, Steve Edwards hit in a superb 25-yard winner during injury time.

In the second division, Garw made it five wins from as many starts with a laboured 2-1 win at lowly AFC Llwydcoed thanks to goals from Thomas Hopper and Ashley Burge.

Despite piecing together a strong display, Briton Ferry went down 2-1 at Caldicot.

Dan McGrath scored direct from a free-kick as the sides turned around on 1-1.

However, McGrath was then sent off during a controversial incident that turned the course of the game.

It resulted in Caldicot being awarded a 55th-minute penalty that was converted, but late on Ferry just missed out when David Spendiff and teenager Richard Evans both shot narrowly wide.

With defeats in the third division for Gwynfi United, Cwmamman and Seven Sisters, the only ray of sunshine came at Llantwit Fardre with Ystradgynlais winning the day, 2-1.

A goal adrift early on, Ystrad squared matters in the 35th minute through Jamie Williams while Craig Hopkins knocked in a late winner as the Swansea Valley side celebrated a first win of the season.

Seven took a weakened side to Risca and lost 3-0, Cwmamman went down 2-0 at home to Pentwyn Dynamos while Gwynfi suffered a 2-0 loss against AFC Porth at the Cape.

TONY POOLE