Some championship-chasing sides face vital tests in tomorrow's shortened Macron Welsh League first division fixture list. Just four matches are staged, with the spotlight falling on Pontardawe Town's home game against Bridgend.

The Swansea Valley side have both Marc Otten and Paul Davey suspended but four players - Steven Cox, Michael Chaves, Layton Thomas and Richard Smith - come into the reckoning.

Bridgend have parted company with striker Peter Cheeseman, but three new players have signed this week.

Former Carmarthen Town midfielder Rhys Jones has joined brother Gethin at Coychurch Road, while ex-Swansea City defender Kevin Davies and midfield man Michael Parkin, formerly of Yeovil, has also signed.

Fourth-placed Neath Athletic challenge lowly Caerleon at Llandarcy Park without either Martyn James or Paul Carpenter.

This game forms the start of an important week for Neath as they host Taffs Well next Wednesday ahead of the clash with table-topping Dinas Powys.

The visitors to Dinas Powys tomorrow are Afan Lido, who will be looking to trigger a climb up the table.

Lido boss Mark Robinson has placed a seven-day order on Goytre United striker Ian Jones and he might figure at Murch Field.

He has also brought in Carmarthen Town midfielder Steffan Hughes on dual registration

Sitting out suspensions are Carl Evans and Leigh Shrimpton, but the Seasiders are buoyed by the return of Karl Lewis and Paul Reid.

In the second division, Ammanford include two newcomers for a tough assignment against Caerau Ely.

The Rice Roaders have signed midfield man Jodie Thomas and striker Luke Sayers from Carmarthen in a bid to use the 3-0 home win over Tredegar as a springboard.

Garden Village manager Robert Lloyd has announced an unchanged squad to challenge Gwynfi United at the Cape.

Both Richard Uffendale Chris Morgan are having run outs in the second team after injury problems.

Morriston, fresh from a 2-0 home cup success over Afan Lido, take a trip into the unknown against Garw at Blandy.

Morriston will be without Mark Baker, Scott Horton, Mark Carlyle and Jonny Parry while Carl James is only rated 50-50.

Cwmaman travel to Llanwern while Seven Sisters entertain rock bottom Treowen.

Talented front-runner Leon Thomas returned to training this week.

TONY POOLE
 

Port Talbot Town head into tomorrow's Welsh Cup second-round tie with Macron Welsh League Division One outfit Newport YMCA with the words "Halkin United" ringing in their ears. Last season the Steelmen went down to a shock smash-and-grab home defeat to the North Wales minnows and manager Wayne Davies is determined it will not happen again.

But there is no reason to believe that lightning will strike twice as the hosts look better equipped to avoid another banana skin exit.

Welsh League table-toppers Dinas Powys failed to unsettle Davies's side in round one with the visitors gaining a comfortable 2-0 passage thanks to a Rhys Griffiths double during the first half hour.

When Davies was reminded of the Halkin giant killing he said: "We will have to do better than that this time.

"We peppered them from first minute to last and just could not find a way through and they sneaked a breakaway goal.

"We need to be professional in our approach tomorrow as we were against Dinas Powys. We have prepared thoroughly for the match and if our application is good we should get through."

Leigh De Vulgt misses the tie with ankle ligament damage, Matthew Rees is sidelined by illness and Robert Cockings is only 50-50 to start.

Carmarthen Town's entry into this year's competition is an away encounter at Cardiff Corinthians, who languish below halfway in division two of the Welsh League.

Having reached the final last season, before losing 1-0 to TNS, Richmond Park boss Mark Jones is keen to go one better.

"The Welsh Cup is a fantastic competition and having tasted a place in the final last season we are hungry for more," he said.

"Corries are a great club but we can take nothing for granted if we are to progress. Remember, last season we went to Gresford and only won after penalties.

"We don't want a repeat of that. We have done our homework on them and their pitch should suit us so I'm looking for our entry into round three, hopefully with something to spare."

Jones selects two former Cardiff Corries players in his line up - striker Mattie Davies and central defender Richard Carter - but he is also without a number of first-teamers.

Definitely out is skipper Rhodri Jones (broken nose) Craig Hughes (groin) and Martyn Giles who is attending a family wedding, but their absence should not prevent Carmarthen going through with some ease.

Llanelli have fallen to minor opposition in recent years so the new regime under Lucas Cazorla Lucque will not be taking Risca & Gelli lightly at Stebonheath.

It should be a routine victory for the Reds despite the fact they have been unable to find the net in their last three Welsh Premier clashes.

"It has been very frustrating as we have been on top in the matches but failed to hit the target," said coach Peter Nicholas.

"Basically, it's down to poor finishing and it's something we have to put right and quickly and I am confident we can."

Last week, Haverfordwest player-manager Deryn Brace voiced his concern over his side's character following their 1-0 loss at Grange Quins.

The Bluebirds can show their boss that his harsh words have had an effect when Goytre United visit Bridge Meadow.

West End will be looking to pull off another giant-killing act when they make a first visit to Croesyceiliog.

In eliminating Afan Lido in the last round, the Pryderi boys announced their presence on the big stage.

The only absentee will be striker Andrew Tyrrell, who also missed last Saturday's 2-1 home win over Pentwyn Dynamos.

"We would have preferred a big club at home, but if we can overcome Croesyceiliog then that remains a possibility," said West End chief Donny Smitham.

Briton Ferry will be without suspended Gavin Guy for their tough assignment at second division Aberaman.

Guy was sent off after five minutes of last Saturday's Shamrock Travel Cup defeat against Merthyr Saints. The Old Road side are also likely to miss student Carl Harris, who has returned to university.

Ystradgynlais have prided themselves on good cup runs and they welcome first division Bryntirion Athletic to Ynyscedwyn Road.

Ystrad have Andrew Miller back from holiday but already ruled out are Chris Innes and Gareth Evans.
 

Afan Lido headed the list of casualties as just half of the 18 first division clubs will be involved in this week's draw for the second round of the Shamrock Travel Cup. Lido bowed out 2-0 against second division Morriston at the Dingle after Dean Rosselli scored in each half.

But the Dingle side's hero was goalkeeper Jonny Martin, who pulled off a string of superb saves.

Briton Ferry, who lifted the cup the season before last, were beaten 1-0 by second division Merthyr Saints at Old Road.

Ferry's Gavin Guy was dismissed after just five minutes for abusive language, and in a tie of few chances Saints marched on thanks to an 85th-minute goal from Ceri Mullins.

Bridgend Town, Bryntirion Athletic and Newport YMCA were other top-flight casualties against second division opponents, while Garw failed to raise a team at Uwic.

On top of elimination, the Blandy club, who are confident they will field a side at home to Morriston in the league this coming Saturday, face a league fine of £250.

But among the carnage there were a few South West Wales success stories, Garden Village leading the way with a 3-0 win over Barry Town at White Tips.

Village hit the front with an own goal, while Steve Evans made it 2-0 at the break.

And for the second successive week young Dale Selvage hit the target as the Gorseinon side booked a place in the last 32.

Last year's beaten finalists, Pontardawe Town, emerged with a 3-0 victory in the Monmouthshire countryside over third division Goytre.

In a repeat of last season's semi-final at Ely Rangers, a 25-metre screamer from Steve Stone put Ponty ahead.

Jamie Bowen went on to double the lead, while Carl Mainwaring rounded things off in the 70th minute.

Neath Athletic also appeared to be exiting when conceding two early goals at third division Newcastle Emlyn.

Simon Dyer scored during the opening half, but the Llandarcy Park side were still 3-1 in arrears at the interval.

However, Dyer pulled a goal back on the resumption, while his late strike not only completed a hat-trick but also took the tie into extra-time.

Dyer could have got a fourth but he sent in Martyn James to give Neath the lead for the first time at 4-3, and they sealed victory late on via Jonathan Keaveny.

A week after playing out a 2-2 draw with Ely Rangers in the league, Maesteg Park took the cup rematch 5-2.

Though outplayed for long periods in the first half, the Old Parish side went in with a flattering 3-0 advantage.

Rob Walters was responsible for two while Gareth Davies scored on his return to Tudor Park following a five-year absence.

Ely then pulled back to 3-2, Dan Hooper and Terry Munkley the scorers, but Walters completed a hat-trick and substitute Lee O'Brien netted late on.

Third division Cwmaman accounted for Gwynfi Utd, brothers Chris and Steve Williams their marksmen.

Chris Williams gave the Grenig Park side the lead, with Gwynfi squaring matters during the second period.

And just when extra-time seemed on the cards, a magnificent seventh goal of the season from Steve Williams saw Cwmaman to victory.

The third division derby in the Dulais Valley went to Ystradgynlais, who came from behind to pip Seven Sisters 2-1.

Nigel Westall shot Seven in front in the 20th minute, and it remained that way until Craig Hopkins equalised on the end of a Liam Soroka cross.

Ystrad then displayed more desire and made cup progress thanks to a Dave Griffiths tap-in.

Though Porthcawl were on the scoresheet first through ex-Goytre Utd player Michael Noonan, two contentious penalties saw Pontyclun through to a 2-1 extra-time victory at Lock's Lane.

TONY POOLE
 

Goytre Utd hauled themselves off the bottom of the first division with a 4-2 victory over Betws at the North Site. Though a goal down early on, Darren Lyons equalised just before the break, and the Port Talbot village side shot into a 4-1 lead by the 75th minute.

Richard Ryan, Ryan Penny and substitute Carl Evans took them clear, and a first league win of the season lifted Goytre into 10th spot.

And in the third division, West End maintained a 100 per cent record with a 2-1 home win over Pentwyn Dynamos.

The Townhill-based club launched their new Pryderi Park headquarters against the Cardiff side, who took an early lead.

But a sixth goal of the campaign from Darren Griffiths restored parity, while Richard Mansell drilled home a 75th-minute free-kick to give West End all three points.

The win lifted them into third place, four points behind leaders Cambrian & Clydach with two games in hand.

TONY POOLE
 

Impressive Garden Village inflicted a second successive Welsh League Division West defeat on Afan Lido, with Matthew Thomas scoring a first-half hat-trick. Garden Village pressure produced a reward in the 14th minute when Matthew Thomas connected with a downward header following an opportunity created by Owen Williams.

Garden Village increased the lead eight minutes later, Thomas drilling home from the penalty spot following a raised foot offence by goalkeeper Kyle Llewellyn on Dayle Selvage.

The Gorseinon side added a third goal in the 37th minute, Selvage linking with Owen Williams for the teenager to score with a low shot.

The Lido defence continued to take a battering, and they went further behind when Thomas netted his third goal with a well struck volley into the roof of the net.

Lido's best chance of opening their account arrived ten minutes into the second half, but Howells blazed a rising shot wide following a Craig Jones free-kick.

Garden Village moved the tempo up a gear and Kyle Williams stabbed the ball in from close range on 74 minutes.

The visitors continued to torment Lido and struck again in the final minute, Kyle Williams latching on to a through ball by substitute Andrew Hall and then advancing into the penalty area.

"I thought we showed a great sense of maturity, played very well and retaining possession with a disciplined performance,'' said Garden Village's joint manager Clive Williams.

"Matthew Thomas has been a prolific scorer throughout junior football and despite playing in midfield he still managed to find the net for us."

"With us four goals in front at half-time, Afan Lido continued to put up a spirited performance in the second half and could easily have caved in, but they didn't.''
 

Third division West End tomorrow remove the wraps from their new Pryderi Park headquarters for a rearranged Macron Welsh League clash with Pentwyn Dynamos. The unbeaten Townhill-based club, who possess the only 100 per cent record in the three divisions, have striker Andrew Tyrrell unavailable for their first home game of the campaign.

And they have this week welcomed back goalkeeper Nicky Pritchard from first division Briton Ferry.

"We've waited a longtime for this moment and hopefully Pryderi Park will be launched with a victory," said West End chief Donny Smitham.

The only other league fixture is in the top flight with Goytre United challenging former champions Betws at the North Site.

The Port Talbot village side, who take a fit squad to the Bridgend suburbs, will be keen to haul themselves off the bottom.

The main programme is devoted to the first round of the Shamrock Travel Cup.

Morriston welcome Afan Lido to the Dingle, with the Seasiders without the suspended duo of Leigh Shrimpton and Paul Evans.

Also ruled out are Karl Roberts, Phil Holmes and Justin Williams, while Carl Evans will take a late fitness test.

Carl Lewis is available while the wrangle regarding Shrimpton's suspension has been settled. He sits out the Morriston tie and their next league fixture.

The Dingle men have already ruled out both Mark Baker and Geraint Jones, while assistant manager Dean Beniamous is only rated 50-50.

But Carl James has recovered from groin strain and Gregory Williams is back from holiday.

Seven Sisters, who will be without suspended Lee Sullivan, entertain third division colleagues Ystradgynlais.

Ystrad boss Andrew Hopkins has brought in Swansea cricketer Nicky Maggs and former Cwmaman man James Brown while Craig Hopkins and Dave Griffiths are both fit.

In a repeat of last season's semi-final, Pontardawe travel to the Gwent countryside to face Goytre.

The Swansea Valley side prevailed 4-1 in May, only to lose out to Goytre United in the final. They will run fitness tests on Steven Cox and Layton Thomas.

After an absence of five seasons, Maesteg Park are set to bring back striker Gareth Davies from Llangynwyd Rangers for their home clash with Ely Rangers.

Last Saturday the sides played out a 2-2 stalemate with a late strike from Matthew Ray saving Maesteg.

Neath Athletic boss Andrew Dyer has a full complement for their tie at Newcastle Emlyn while Briton Ferry have a goalkeeping issue to resolve for their home encounter with Merthyr Saints.

The Old Road side have utilised Craig Harris in their last two games and the problem has been heightened with the loss of Nicky Pritchard.

But it seems as if Ferry have clung on to Gavin Guy, a target of big-spending Bridgend Town.

Cwmaman are at full strength for their showdown with Gwynfi and Garden Village boss Robert Lloyd is hoping Chris Thomas will shake off a knee injury in time to face Barry Town.

TONY POOLE
 

Pontardawe Town came from behind three times to force a 3-3 draw with Bridgend Town at Coychurch Road in the first division. Bridgend paraded four new signings in the ex-Llanelli trio of goalkeeper Gareth Williams, midfielder Gethin Jones and striker Peter Cheeseman, along with Jason Hislop (Neath).

Carl Mainwaring and Paul Davey answered two first-half strikes from Jones as the sides changed ends on 2-2.

Seven minutes into the second period, Cheeseman, who is starting a third stint at Bridgend, put them back ahead, but Ponty levelled near the end when Rob Folland headed home a Jamie Rickard corner.

Fourth-placed Neath were also forced to settle for a point - their fourth on the trot - after a 1-1 stalemate at Newport YMCA.

The home side took the lead just before half-time, and it wasn't until late on that Neath clawed their way back.

Carl Shaw and Andy Hill had both missed out with headers but the ball rebounded to Simon Dyer, who drilled home the equaliser.

Maesteg Park also came late to earn a share of the spoils in a 2-2 scoreline with Ely Rangers at Tudor Park.

A Matthew Ray own goal put Rangers in front, with Rogan Matthews locking the sides on 1-1 at the break.

The game looked all up for the Old Parish side in the 86th minute when Sean Nash slipped the ball past goalkeeper Gary Wager.

But Maesteg refused to lie down and up popped Ray with a magnificent volley from outside the box.

Briton Ferry experienced some poor decisions during a 3-2 defeat against table-topping Dinas Powys at the Murch Field.

Ferry fell behind to a disputed Jamie Dix penalty, only to equalise via a Sam Brown screamer.

Ramos Karvouniaris then sent the Cardiff side ahead, with Ashley Stevenson equalising.

But Dinas Powys's 84th-minute winner was hotly disputed as Ferry defender Carl Harris seemed to have prevented the ball from crossing the goal line.

Bryntirion missed two first-half penalties but still emerged with a 5-2 home victory over fallen giants Barry Town.

Jonny Cuss knocked in a hat-trick and Leigh Pratt and Brandon Walters were also on target as the Bridgend side went second.

In the second division, Ammanford returned to form with a vengeance, defeating Tredegar at home 3-0.

A fourth goal of the season from Cerison Davies put the Rice Roaders ahead, and Nicky Dawson doubled the lead early in the second half.

And Ammanford rounded off a morale-boosting victory with a goal from teenage striker Emyr Jones, a recent acquisition from Drefach.

Garden Village went down to a disappointing 2-1 defeat against Aberaman at Stafford Common.

Things started well for the Gorseinon side when teenager Dale Selvedge opened the scoring, but Leighton Price then pegged them back to 1-1 at the interval.

By the 75th minute the Cynon Valley side had been reduced to nine men, but it failed to prevent William Davies registering a late winner.

Morriston also conceded late in a 2-1 defeat against leaders Croesyceiliog at the Dingle.

After a goalless opening half Morriston fell behind, only for assistant manager Dean Beniamous to square matters on the hour.

But a crowd containing a strong West End contingent saw their next Welsh Cup opponents come late to take the spoils.

A goal from Jason Bekker on the hour was good enough to secure Porthcawl maximum points in a 1-0 home win over Troedyrhiw, while in the third division Seven Sisters won 1-0 at Cwmaman.

The goal that settled the issue arrived in the 75th minute when Barry Herdman was felled in the box, resulting in his cousin Richard Herdman converting the ensuing penalty.
 

Swansea Senior League outfit Maltsters Sports caused one of the upsets of the second round of the FAW Trophy when they sent Welsh League Abertillery tumbling to a 3-2 defeat. Adam Jones scored two of the Sports' goals, with Chris Rogers getting the other.

In the eagerly awaited Swansea derby, West End, who are playing their first season in division three of the Welsh League, put out their long-time rivals Ragged School 2-1. Jeffrey Aspell and Andrew Tyrrell netted for West End.

Corus Steel were in splendid form against Llanrumney United and swept to an impressive 4-2 success after goals from Michael Courtney, David Al-Wadi, Rob Webb and Aaron Keefe.

South Gower also made it into round three - but only by the skin of their teeth after a penalty shoot-out.

They were level 1-1 with Cardiff side Lisvane at the end of 90 minutes. Extra-time failed to produce any goals but they edged through 5-4 on penalties.
 

Two Macron Welsh League division two clubs have been docked points by the management committee. Both Gwynfi United and Caerau Ely were found guilty earlier in the week of playing an ineligible player.

Gwynfi had six points deducted for twice fielding Llangeinor player John Edwards without the proper documentation.

And Caerau Ely lost three points for playing Lee Carter without the blessing of Ely Rangers.

As a result the Cape side have plunged to 15th place in the table - just one point clear of the relegation zone, while the deduction has taken Caerau Ely down into mid-table.

TONY POOLE
 

Afan Lido again launch the Macron Welsh League weekend programme and will be looking for an improved display against Goytre United in the first division tonight (7.30). A week ago they bowed out of the Welsh Cup against third division West End, sending ripples through Princess Margaret Way.

But manager Mark Robinson has placed initial disappointment behind him, and is hoping the return of some experienced players will lead to a turn in fortunes.

Chris Piper has completed a suspension and makes a first start of the season while Karl Reynolds and Carl Evans are also likely to be included.

Lido are hoping that a wrangle between the Welsh and South Wales governing bodies over Leigh Shrimpton's suspension will be resolved in time for him to play.

Goytre, who go into the derby clash holding up the table, are at full strength.

One of the top games on tomorrow's list is the visit of Briton Ferry to table-topping Dinas Powys.

Ferry are hoping to have goalkeeper Nicky Pritchard back from injury, and for captain Leigh Morgan to make a first start since suffering an opening-day injury against Afan Lido.

However, there is a doubt surrounding Gavin Guy, who picked up a groin strain in training last week.

Second-placed Neath Athletic challenge divisional newcomers Newport YMCA at Mendalgief Road, and manager Andrew Dyer has the luxury of a fit squad.

However Jason Hislop has left the club, joining ex-Llanelli boss Nicky Tucker at Bridgend.

Bridgend are due to host Pontardawe, but doubt has been cast on the state of their pitch and a decision is not expected until tonight.

Pontardawe are keen for the game to go ahead, and the fixture might well be reversed.

The Swansea side have fitness doubts surrounding three men - Rob Folland, Layton Thomas and Ian Morgan.

Maesteg Park entertain Ely Rangers, and the Llynfi Valley club welcome Andrew Wright back to the squad.

In the second division, Garden Village have Dave Rimmer and Steve Evans back for their home clash with Aberaman.

Village boss Robert Lloyd drafted in defender Jamie Mansell from Pontardawe last week, but faces the prospect of being without injured striker Ben Brown for a few months.

Former Bryntirion player Richard Uffendale and Dave Evans are others ruled out.

Morriston take a trip into the unknown against newly-promoted Croes- yceiliog at the Dingle.

Manager Michael Ellery has fitness worries surrounding hamstring victims Mark Baker and Michael Gammon, but Gregory Williams has made himself available for selection.

Ammanford have signed former Briton Ferry player Liam Williams ahead of their home clash with Tredegar.

Former Cwmaman captain Lee Jenkins is also on board at Rice Road, but managers Neil Rees and Huw Preece fear that Gareth Jones will be ruled out by a groin strain.

The third division throws up a derby clash between Cwmaman and Seven Sisters at Grenig Park.

TONY POOLE
 

Afan Lido Football Club have been quick to quash rumours that Mark Robinson has stood down as manager. The Macron Welsh League Division One side last Friday crashed out of the Welsh Cup against West End at Princess Margaret Way, losing 3-0.

And because Robinson stormed out of the ground, too much was written into his actions, leading to rumours of his departure.

However, his father Phil Robinson, who is club secretary, confirmed that he will choose the side for Friday evening's home league game with Goytre United.

"Mark was naturally disappointed with the way the team played against West End, as he felt the players had let him down," said Phil Robinson.

He added: "But I can confirm that he won't be standing down as manager.''

Mark Robinson has been in charge at Lido since taking over from Nigel Rees in 1998.

In that time, the club climbed back into the old League of Wales and enjoyed much success before last season's relegation back to the Welsh League.

"Like all Afan Lido fans, I was unhappy with our display against West End - especially the second half when they scored three times," explained Mark Robinson.

"But there were circumstances surrounding the poor showing, like six frontline players being unavailable.

"I have to say that Friday night formed one of the low points of my managerial career, but I don't intend to walk away from the situation.''

Last Friday's cup tie attracted a bumper crowd to Princess Margaret Way, but on the night only one side really turned up. That has now left the onus on the manager to improve the league standing of his side, who have picked up a modest four points from their four opening matches.

The Seasiders hope to welcome back front-runners Chris Piper and Karl Reynolds from suspension against Goytre.

"It's now down to me to make sure that something good comes out of our early exit from the Welsh Cup," continued Robinson.

"With possibly four players returning against Goytre, that will give me the luxury of options in team selection.

"Up until now the side has tended to pick itself, but competition for places can only be healthy."

Whether or not this has taken the sting out of the situation remains to be seen.

The other side of the coin is that some people felt the time was right for Mark Robinson to go once Welsh Premiership status was lost at the end of last season.

Scaremongers point to the club drifting towards the second division and that change at the top should be made now.

But while the side isn't cutting the mustard at the moment, it looks too good to be associated with relegation talk.

Meanwhile, Lido are hoping that Leigh Shrimpton is given the green light to resume against Goytre on Friday.

It was Shrimpton's suspension from now disbanded Sunday League side Red Lion that caused three points to be deducted from Lido's tally last term.

Ultimately, those three lost points sent them down, but Shrimpton has since got sucked into a row involving the Welsh and South Wales football associations.

Hopefully, the matter will be resolved this week, but Lido are likely to be without central defender Phil Holmes for up to two months.

He underwent surgery on a damaged hand last week - and also ruled out of the Goytre game will be ex-Swan Paul Reid, who sits out a final suspension.

These are demanding times for Lido, who were expected to mount a serious challenge to win back Welsh Premiership status.

Meanwhile, second division Gwynfi United will be in the dock tonight when the league management committee discuss an allegation that they have fielded an ineligible player in three matches this season.

The player concerned is John Edwards, of the Llangeinor club, and if found guilty, the Cape side at worst could lose nine points.
 

Maesteg Park collected one of the most emphatic Welsh Cup victories of the first round, defeating Ammanford 7-0 at Tudor Park. And the star of the show for the Old Parish side was striker Rob Walters, who was responsible for five of their goals.

Park, who are being tipped by some pundits for the title, bossed the first half an hour without being able to make the breakthrough.

But Ammanford, who had bowed out 9-0 against Goytre Utd this time last year, were living on borrowed time.

An indication of what was about to unfold came after half an hour when Paul Jones beat three defenders before seeing his shot smothered by ex-Port Talbot goalkeeper Rob Thomas.

The lead goal unfolded after 38 minutes, following a poor back pass from Ammanford central defender and coach Gary Davies.

Walters seized on the error, and squeezed a shot past goalkeeper Thomas to send Andrew Rickard's team on the way.

Just before the break Paul Jones just missed out on the end of an Ian Shepherd ball, and half-time arrived with Maesteg only a goal to the good.

In the 53rd minute, Paul Jones ran at the Rice Roaders, resulting in Steve Conaty and Lee O'Brien setting up Walters for 2-0.

Walters's hat-trick goal in the 70th minute set in motion the Carmarthenshire side's floodgates.

From that point on it was one-way traffic towards the Ammanford goal, and in the 75th minute a Shepherd corner was turned into a goal by visiting defender Nathan McNeil.

A minute on Park turned on the tap again with Lee Tapper setting up Walters to make it 5-0.

Former Caerau player Richard (Toasty) Stevens was then the architect of a Paul Jones strike on 85 minutes, but the Rice Roaders won a penalty near the end.

However, on a day to forget for Ammanford, Huw Preece, the son of manager Huw, saw his spot kick well saved by Maesteg goalkeeper Gary Wager.

And right on time it became a case of seven up for Park - and five for Walters - when he hit the target from a narrow angle.

However, Pontardawe Town bowed out of the tournament, following a 3-2 loss at second-division Pontypridd Town.

The Swansea Valley side looked comfortable at Ynysangharad Park when leading 2-1 with a few minutes to go.

But they then conceded, taking the tie into extra time, and it was the home side that came up with a winner.

Pontypridd's Andrew Hughes got the only goal of the first half, but it was the turn of Pontardawe to come good on the restart.

A first goal of the season from Jamie Bowen squared matters, and things looked even brighter once striker Layton Thomas sent them into a 2-1 lead.

But with just a few minutes remaining, Hughes got his second of the tie and during extra-time Liam Grant drove home the winner.

However, the Pontardawe management team of Robert Cooke and Dave Bowen were unhappy with the display, and issued a warning.

"We will be assessing the squad over the next fortnight, and that means that some players need to take a long hard look at themselves in the mirror," said Cooke.

Also safely through to the second round go Ystradgynlais, who triumphed 4-2 at third-division rivals Cwmbran Celtic.

The Swansea Valley side got off to a great start when Nicky Watkins opened up the home defence for Liam Soroka to net.

Celtic levelled after 29 minutes but right on the half time whistle, Chris Jones stabbed home a free kick to take his side in with a 2-1 lead.

Back came the Gwent side with a second equaliser on the resumption, but they were only on terms for three minutes.

Ioan King then played the ball through to Soroka, and a one-two with Dave Miller resulted in Andrew Miller taking Ystrad into a 3-2 lead.

However, in the 70th minute the Ynyscedwyn men were forced back on the defensive, and only a goal-line clearance from Nicky Watkins prevented Celtic getting another equaliser.

And that let-off became all the more important in the 75th minute when Andrew Miller got his second goal of the tie on the end of a Soroka pass.

The win was all the more noteworthy as Ystrad were without five key men - ace marksman Craig Hopkins, Dave Griffiths, Gareth Evans, Lancelot Davies and Chris Innes.

However, Ystrad are now without a league fixture on the weekend as intended opponents West End are in Welsh FA Trophy action against Ragged School at Paradise Park.

Morriston battled all the way before bowing out 1-0 against first-division Bryntirion Athletic at the Dingle.

Assistant manager Dean Beniamous was again to the fore for the Swansea side, who created as many chances as the Bridgend suburbanites during a goal-less opening half.

That theme also ran through the second period and just when it seemed as if the tie was heading for extra time, the visitors struck on 89 minutes.

Ex-Cardiff City player Leigh Pratt found nippy front-runner Jonny Cuss, who pulled the ball back for Brandon Walters to claim the winner.

Switching to the Macron Welsh League division three, Seven Sisters gained a much-needed 2-1 home win over Chepstow Town.

Though Seven lost front man Nigel Westall to the final horse-racing classic of the season - the St Leger at Doncaster - they were first past the post against the Gwent side.

But the omens looked none to promising for the Dulais Valley side when they lost Owain Llewellyn to a tweaked hamstring after just four minutes.

However, Seven had a worthy replacement in Matthew Harris, son of ex-Seven star Chopper, who more than held his own in elevated company.

The first half was evenly contested, but that said home goalkeeper Adrian Barnsley was called on to make a couple of smart saves.

The breakthrough came in the 48th minute from a Lee Sullivan corner.

A goalmouth melee developed, resulting in Richard Herdman heading home.

But just a few minutes later, Chepstow clawed their way back on terms, setting up a grandstand finish in the process.

However, it was Seven who got the winner in the 70th minute via Barry Herdman.

Herdman, who damaged an ankle during the opening day of the season against West End, was playing only a second game of the season.

But when he cut into the penalty only one thing was on his mind, and an unstoppable volley brought Seven all three points.

This week's league action is as follows:

Macron Welsh League

Friday, September 16

Division One: Afan Lido v Goytre Utd

Saturday, September 17

Division One: Bridgend Town v Pontardawe Town, Dinas Powys v Briton Ferry, Maesteg Park v Ely Rangers, Newport YMCA v Neath Athletic

Division Two: Morriston v Croesyceiliog, Porthcawl v Troedyrhiw

Division Three: Cwmaman v Seven Sisters

Vauxhall Masterfit Welsh Premiership

Saturday, September 17

Port Talbot Town v Caersws

This season's top South West Wales scorers in Welsh League competitions and the Welsh Cup are as follows:

6: Rob Walters (Maesteg Park), Steven Williams (Cwmaman)

5: Darren Griffiths (West End)

4: Jonny Cuss (Bryntirion), Paul Jones (Maesteg Park), Rob Shannon (West End)

3: Mark Baker, Michael Chapman (both Morriston), Paul Davey (Pontardawe), Cerison Davies (Ammanford), Jonathan Keaveny (Neath Ath), Andrew Miller (Ystradgynlais), Ashley Richards (Garden Village), Dave Rimmer (Garden Village), Richard Ryan (Goytre Utd), Ashley Stevenson (Briton Ferry), Paul Sweeney (Morriston).
 

Afan Lido crashed to an embarrassing Welsh Cup defeat against third division newcomers West End at Princess Margaret Way. The anticipated good Friday night crowd turned up, expecting to see a cup upset - and they weren't disappointed.

The feeling in the Lido camp was that although they had six players out, they were good enough to account for the new kids on the block.

But Pryderi chief Donny Smitham, the ex-Haverfordwest County star, had made no secret all along that they were all out to make cup progress.

And on this form, few sides will relish a showdown with the Townhill-based side, who took to the sea air on the Aberavon seafront.

The Swansea side proved a breath of fresh air, and it beggared belief that last year Lido were strutting their stuff in the Welsh Premiership while West End were on the parks scene in the Swansea & District League.

West End, who were making a first appearance in the tournament, made their intentions known from the outset.

After just 90 seconds, a free kick from Rob Shannon had home goalkeeper Brian Thomas hurrying across goal to pull off a save.

Once Lido settled they also displayed a willingness to attack with their best player, teenager Craig Jones, firing just wide of Lee Adams's goal.

Chances came at both ends during a free-flowing first period, but by half time the tie was crying out for a goal.

The feeling was that the first goal was going to point the way ahead, and it went to the Pryderi boys in the 50th minute.

Ex-Goytre United player Jeffrey Aspell delivered a driven cross from the right that Darren Griffiths turned into goal.

That left Lido with a difficult task, and it became all the harder eight minutes on when West End doubled the lead.

This time Rory Smitham sent Griffiths into space down the left touchline, and he cut in and beat goalkeeper Thomas on his near post.

A Shannon shot looked to be goal-bound in the 63rd minute until it dipped late and shaved a post, but the Swansea side got another goal on 67 minutes.

On this occasion intricate passing opened up the home rearguard with substitute Andrew Tyrrell netting on the end of an Aspell pass.

The best move of the night looked to have brought West End a fourth goal, but David Brown lifted his shot just wide of goal.

In the end Aberavon belonged to the Swansea side, leaving Lido to lick their wounds ahead of Friday night's home league clash with Goytre Utd.

MATCH FACTS

AFAN LIDO: B Thomas, J Williams, K Roberts, C Martin, M Patton (repl M Driscoll 58 mins), K Lewis, L McCreesh, P Evans (capt), C Jones, S O'Leary, G Hurley.

WEST END: L Adams, K Watkins, R Smitham, R Mansell, D Kavanagh, C Smitham, J Aspell (repl C Hole 74), D Brown, R Shannon (repl M Kneath 81), W Jones (capt), D Griffiths (repl A Tyrrell 61).

Scorers: D Griffiths 50, 58 A Tyrrell 67.

REFEREE: Rob Clarke (Bridgend)
 

Ashley Stevenson knocked in a hat-trick as Briton Ferry cruised into the second round of the Welsh Cup. The former Neath striker opened the scoring after a quarter of an hour, and by midway through the second-half he had registered a first hat-trick for the Old Road club.

Ferry came into the tie minus the services of their two registered goalkeepers - Nicky Pritchard and Michael Eames - leaving third-team defender Craig Davies to takeover in goal. Davies had previously played in goal during last season's 2-1 loss at Ely Rangers in the league, and he once more did all that was expected of him.

Another ex-Neath man, Keith Phillips, was also on the scoresheet during the opening half as the home side built up a 2-0 interval-lead. And with Jonny Chellew calling the shots from the middle of the park, Ferry went four goals ahead. Both were down to Stevenson, but the third-division side then bounced back.

Within a short space of time the lead had been trimmed to 4-2, and there was a need for Ferry to once more switch on.

And the introduction of Chris Butt from the bench remedied the need for another goal. Butt, who is still coming to terms from a thigh strain, went on to complete the scoring on the back of an exquisite 20-metre drive.

Ferry are hoping that goalkeeper Pritchard has shaken off a back problem in time to face Dinas Powys this Saturday.
 

Llanelli's Spanish Armada sailed into Llandarcy Park and it was a case of all hands on deck as they gained a slender Welsh Cup victory over Neath Athletic. The Reds, who signed four Spanish players during the summer when they went professional, took time to settle.

And it was Neath who went closest to making the breakthrough during the first half via front men Jonathan Keaveny and Carl Shaw.

During the second period it seemed as if Neath's chances had taken a turn for the better when Jamie Rewbury was dismissed for a reckless challenge on home captain Andy Hill.

But as so often happens the 10 men raised their game - and Neath were caught with their trousers down.

The Sospans launched a sweeping raid, and one of the Spanish contingents, Ivan Nofuentes, drilled a shot past Huw Liddell in the home goal.

The nearest the Llandarcy Park side came to forcing extra-time was when a Liam Hancock header came back off the cross bar.

However, Neath could take satisfaction in taking a professional side so close.

And they will now be looking to transfer this form into Saturday's league clash with Newport YMCA at Mendalgief Road.
 

Goytre United gave Llanwern a goal start before making it safely through to the second round of the Welsh Cup. The Port Talbot village side, who had Darren Lyons back from holiday, dominated the opening exchanges.

However, they went a goal down after half an hour before regrouping and taking a 3-1 half-time lead.

The comeback owed a lot to striker Richard Ryan, a recent acquisition from Port Talbot Town, who went on to get a hat-trick.

Goytre's equaliser in the 35th minute was down to a Kevin Bartley cross with Ryan turning it in.

Bartley then netted on an Ian Turner ball and right on half-time Ryan capitalised on a one-on-one to get his second goal of the tie.

It was then more or less a case of selecting the Goytre winning score, and West End boss Donny Smitham wouldn't have been quaking in the boots with regard the threat posed to the Pryderi boys by their third-division rivals Llanwern.

When the heat was turned up the Steelmen suffered meltdown as Ryan completed his hat-trick on the back of a 55th-minute pass from Michael Waters.

It became 5-1 on the hour when Lyons roared on to a Paul Lenihan pass and a quarter of an hour on it was the turn of Bartley to net.

And with 10 minutes remaining, John Meacock got a magnificent seventh for Goytre on the back of a low drive.
 

Llanelli's new Spanish signing Ivan Nofuentes brought a ray of sunshine to a wet Llandarcy Park with a first-round Welsh Cup winner against Neath Athletic. Nofuentes drilled a low shot beyond the reach of home keeper Huw Liddell 20 minutes from the end.

Three minutes before that the Reds had former Swansea and Cardiff youth product Jamie Rewbury red-carded following a late challenge on Neath captain Andy Hill.

Neath made the better start in the sodden conditions, with Llanelli goalkeeper Duncan Roberts deflecting over the bar a Ryan Frankcom header after only two minutes.

The action switched to the opposite end and Billy Timothy saved an Anthony Wright delivery intended for the supporting Rudy Manso-Torres.

Visiting midfielder Craig Williams burst forward into the penalty area to force Liddell once again into action, the Neath goal-stopper producing an excellent save, one of many he made throughout the afternoon.

After Nofuentes's breakthrough, Llanelli went close to improving on their slender lead, only for skipper Efren Fernandez to blaze a rising shot narrowly over from an opening created by Jacob Mingorance.

''I think that we probably had more opportunities to score and went close on a number of occasions,'' said Neath Athletic manager Andrew Dyer.

''I was very concerned about us conceding the goal, especially because we'd had a lengthy discussion about Nofuentes. We'd watched him a couple of times and were aware that he causes defences problems and gets ample shots on target. Regrettably he's done it once in this game and that was the difference between us and them.

Llanelli coach Peter Nicholas said: ''Neath made it very hard for us, playing exceptionally well and rising to the occasion."

''We had a few chances in the first half which we failed to take advantage of, but it was an excellent goal by Ivan Nofuentes, especially after the sending off of Jamie Rewbury.''
 

In division three of the Macron Welsh League, Seven Sisters triumphed 2-1 over Chepstow Town in the Dulais Valley. Richard Herdman opened the scoring with a header in the 48th minute, with Chepstow restoring parity soon after. But in the 70th minute Barry Herdman went on a good run, resulting in him driving home the winner from 15 metres.

Cwmaman had to be satisfied with a 1-1 draw against Pentwyn Dynamos at Grenig Park. Top scorer Steve Williams put Cwm in front, and only some good saves from goalkeeper Morgan Evans kept them ahead until a classy Pentwyn side equalised.
 

One of the main talking points at Llandarcy Park last Sunday afternoon revolved around Neath Athletic's clash with Pontardawe Town being the only Welsh League match that day. All league matches were, of course, called off the day before as Wales were in World Cup action against England at the Millennium Stadium.

But for just one match to be then played on Sunday, when there was almost a full programme in the Vauxhall MasterFit Welsh Premiership, took many connected with the league by surprise.

However, Neath weren't complaining as a decent crowd of around 100 turned out.

That's more than would have expected to attract on a normal Saturday, but it still raised the question as to why others didn't bother.

Arguments raised in arranging a Sunday fixture revolved around a busy start to the season, with some clubs fulfilling five games in three weeks.

Some clubs had arranged youth division matches and would have been stretched to play two games in one day.

And in the case of those attending the Millennium Stadium, it would no doubt have been a case of the morning after the night before.

But all in all, it still beggars belief that so many clubs refused to take the bull by the horns and attempt to boost their coffers.

The game at Llandarcy could at best be described as producing 30 seconds of fame.

The opening half yielded little, but those fans who vacated their seats at half-time missed all the action.

A few thought they were being wound up when returning to be informed the score had moved on to 1-1.

Straight from the restart, Jamie Rickard lobbed home goalkeeper Huw Liddell to give Pontardawe a dream start to the half.

But the Swansea Valley side were still celebrating when Neath's Billy Timothy played the ball into Andy Hill, who slid the ball past goalkeeper Chris Curtis.

When Hill's goal went in there was still only 30 seconds on the second-half clock.

It of course raised the question as to whether two goals had previously been scored so quickly on the resumption - probably not.

But other than that the game will be quickly forgotten, with neither side taking much satisfaction out of a point.

One of Neath's most consistent players during their five opening league matches has been central defender Steve Evans.

The 32-year-old player had previously turned out for both Pontardawe and Llanelli before becoming part of Skewen's second division championship side of 2003-04.

Scotsman Andrew Fairbairn has also been a model of consistency, and many feel he has the sweetest left foot on the circuit.

Ponty were well served by 20-year-old midfield man Steve Crabbe, who has joined them this season from Llanelli.

He helped the Reds climb straight back into the Welsh Premiership two seasons ago and has carried that form with him to the Recreation Ground.

If Ponty were going to pull the game out of the fire at Llandarcy Park then his deliveries into the penalty area formed their biggest threat.

Though Neath boss Andrew Dyer felt the previous one-point returns against Goytre Utd and Afan Lido were sound achievements, a third successive draw against Ponty wasn't on his agenda.

It left the second-placed Llandarcy Park side four points behind early season pacesetters Dinas Powys from the same number of games played.

As for Ponty, who have yet to play at home this season, an away point in a derby atmosphere was more acceptable.

This afternoon they were at Pontypridd in the Welsh Cup, and during the remainder of the month they visit Bridgend in the league before moving on to Gwent side Goytre in the Shamrock Travel Cup.

The cup tie with the men of Gwent will be a repeat of last year's semi-final at Ely Rangers that Ponty took 4-1.

Another side who have yet to play on home soil this season are third division newcomers West End.

The Pryderi Park club will launch home fixtures with a re-arranged league game against Pentwyn Dynamos on September 24.

The Swansea side have opened their league campaign in fine style, winning on the road at Seven Sisters, Llantwit Fardre and Chepstow.

A week today they remain in cup action - they played Afan Lido in the Welsh Cup last night - the FAW Trophy holders throwing down the gauntlet to former Swansea League colleagues Ragged School in a second-round tie.

However, the clash with Ragged School will be played on their old ground at Paradise Park - also in Townhill - allowing Pryderi to be in mint condition for Pentwyn.

West End have continued to beaver away on their new ground since the season got underway, with work on their seated grandstand having been completed.

The dugouts are also done and dusted and a lot of attention has been paid to the playing surface.

So, it looks a case of everything being right on the night when the Cardiff side arrive in Swansea at the end of the month.

They can expect a warm welcome both on and off the field.

As is the norm, September is a bitty month on the Welsh League scene, with cup ties mixed in with league matches.

Next weekend's round of league fixtures is the only one being staged this month, and of special interest will be the first division showdown between Afan Lido and Goytre Utd.

However, the game at Princess Margaret Way has been brought forward to Friday night in an attempt to improve the attendance.

The following Saturday (September 24), because holders Goytre were given a bye in the Shamrock Travel Cup, they have arranged a league fixture at Betws.

Meanwhile, during this year's Welsh League AGM in Maesteg, it was agreed that clubs should put out better programmes.

New rules carrying £25 fines were brought in for clubs failing to supply their hosts with pen pictures and for any side failing to produce a programme.

Pen pictures of visiting teams have already improved editorial content, resulting in more professional programmes being offered to fans.

I have visited five grounds this season and the programmes put out by Afan Lido, Bryntirion, Garw, Neath Athletic and Seven Sisters have been tip-top.

Well done to them all, especially Garw, whose very future has been cast in doubt.

But they still managed to put out a glossy publication that was informative and contained an interesting article on Swansea legend John Charles.

It also carried a picture of King John being introduced to the 74,000 crowd by Garw stalwart Dick Smiles during the Wales v Italy clash at the Millennium Stadium on October 16, 2002.

Of course, it wasn't long before one of the Blandy tanner-bankers came up with the classic wisecrack: ''Who is that in the photo with Dick?''

TONY POOLE
 

West End gained a stunning Welsh Cup victory over Afan Lido to become the first side in the hat for the second round draw. Considering Lido were a Welsh Premiership team last term and the Pryderi Park boys were in the Pic-Up Spares Swansea Senior League, the difference in class was not at all evident.

In fact, the Townhill-based side boomed out a warning that they could be the side to avoid in the tournament from now on.

"This might have been our first tie in the competition, but the quality and desire was there for a good crowd to appreciate," said John Gray, a member of the West End management team.

"The boys know what they are capable of, and a reference before the game that we were a pub team certainly geed them up.''

The effervescent Swansea side looked more likely to make the breakthrough during a goalless opening half.

And they came good in the 50th minute when Darren Griffiths nodded home a driven cross from Jeff Aspell.

Eight minutes later a perfectly weighted ball from Rory Smitham - son of former Haverfordwest star Donny - found Griffiths, who squeezed a shot between goalkeeper Brian Thomas and the near post.

There was no way back for Lido, and West End rounded off a memorable night with substitute Andrew Tyrrell netting in the 67th minute after getting on the end of an Aspell pass.

Near the end they nearly made it four when a superb move ended with David Brown lifting a shot just wide of goal.

TONY POOLE

09 September 2005

West End will be looking to cause a major upset when they launch the Welsh Cup first round against Afan Lido at Princess Margaret Way tonight (7pm). This forms a first outing in the tournament for the Pryderi Park club, who have reeled off three straight victories in the Welsh League division three.

But the clash represents a big step up class although Lido will be without centre-backs Carl Evans and Phil Holmes.

Both are carrying injures while Lido still have four players suspended - Chris Piper, Paul Reid, Karl Reynolds and Leigh Shrimpton.

West End also have a key defender ruled out in David Brain - Dave Kavanagh the likely deputy - while Mark Kneath is hoping to overcome a knee problem.

The plum tie tomorrow is the Llandarcy Park meeting between Neath Athletic and Welsh Premiership high fliers Llanelli.

The Reds have defender Stuart Jones suspended, but they were expected to raise an appeal on Dyfan Pierce, who was also dismissed during Wednesday's shock 2-0 home league defeat against Carmarthen.

Ex-Leeds player Stuart Edwards is likely to deputise for Jones while Neath boss Andrew Dyer has the luxury of selecting from a full 18-man squad.

Martyn James has completed a three-match ban while striker Carl Shaw, who missed last Sunday's 1-1 home draw with Pontardawe through work commitments, is now available.

Goytre United entertain unbeaten third division side Llanwern and will be without defender Thomas Meiring, who is unavailable.

However, the Port Talbot village side welcome back striker Darren Lyons to an otherwise full-strength squad.

Briton Ferry have re-signed speedster Gavin Guy from Llanelli, and he goes into the squad for their clash with Llantwit Fardre at Old Road.

Former Neath front-runner Keith Phillips is expected to make senior debut for Ferry, but they will be without injured goalkeeper Nicky Pritchard.

But they have no qualms in bringing in teenager Michael Eames, younger brother of ex-Swan John, who is a product of the St Joseph's club in Swansea.

Captain Leigh Morgan is battling to overcome a foot problem in time to face the third division underdogs.

Pontardawe travel to Pontypridd minus Michael Chaves while another ex-Briton Ferry man, Steven Cox, is battling to recover from a foot injury.

However, Carl Edwards, who missed Sunday's 1-1 draw at Neath Athletic, is available together with Richard Lewis.

Morriston have an attractive clash with first division newcomers Bryntirion Athletic at the Dingle.

Manager Michael Ellery has his assistant Dean Beniamous back from holiday, and also returning to the squad are Jonathan Parry and Jamie Lydiard.

Maesteg Park have home advantage over Ammanford. Goalkeeper Gary Wager and highly-rated youngster Rob Walters return to the squad but Maesteg will be without Andrew Wright, who is completing a suspension from last season.

Garden Village visit second division rivals Croesyceiliog for a first time while Ystradgynlais will be understrength at Cwmbran Celtic.

Manager Andrew Hopkins has already ruled out five players - last year's top scorer Craig Hopkins, Dave Griffiths, Chris Innes, Gareth Evans and Lancelot Davies. Andrew Miller is likely to return to the side and drafted into the squad are Chris Isaacs and Gareth Watkins.

Port Talbot manager Wayne Davies is expecting a tough battle at Dinas Powys. The home side head the Macron Welsh League with four wins and a draw from five matches and have proved tricky opponents for top flight clubs in recent seasons.

Port Talbot can also boast an unbeaten start to the campaign, albeit three draws from three starts, two of those encounters ending frustratingly with last-gasp goals denying Port Talbot two victories.

Davies said: ''Dinas Powys will be a difficult but if we are professional in our approach we should have a little extra know-how to see us through.''

TONY POOLE

Two goals in the space of 30 seconds proved the highlight of yesterday's derby clash at Llandarcy Park in the Macron Welsh League division one. Following a goalless opening half in which defences ruled the roost, the game burst to life on the resumption.

Straight from the restart, Ponty's Jamie Rickard chipped goalkeeper Huw Liddell from halfway.

But the cheers had hardly died down when Billy Timothy played Andy Hill through and he squared matters with an angled drive.

The biggest threat that Ponty mounted was down the left flank through ex-Llanelli man Steve Crabbe. Twice in the space of a minute he centred, but headers from both Jamie Bowen and Carl Mainwaring failed to hit the target.

Neath's best chance to take all three points came in the 75th minute when a shimmy from Hill created space but striker Jonathan Keaveny failed to get in a telling blow.

Goalmouth action during the first half was sparse, but Ponty almost broke the deadlock in the 25th minute with Crabbe firing across goal.

The nearest Neath came to scoring was when a deflected cross from Neath's David D'Auria almost caught Ponty goalkeeper Chris Curtis on the hop.

The point took Neath joint second with AFC Llwydcoed, the pair trailing Dinas Powys by four points, while Ponty remain in mid-table.

TONY POOLE
 

Neath Athletic will be looking to maintain their unbeaten start in the Macron Welsh League first division when they host Pontardawe Town tomorrow (2.30pm). This forms the only league action over the weekend because of this afternoon's World Cup qualifier between Wales and England at the Millennium Stadium.

The third-placed Llandarcy Park side will be looking to leapfrog AFC Llwydcoed, and move to within two points of early season pacemakers Dinas Powys.

Having opened up with wins over Taffs Well and AFC Llwydcoed, they have since played out stalemates with both Goytre Utd and Afan Lido.

"I wasn't too disappointed in only registering one-point returns against both Goytre and Afan Lido as they are both accomplished sides," said Neath Athletic boss Andrew Dyer.

He went on: "We now face a third successive derby match, but the boys will be raring to go.

"Enough late chances were created against Lido last Saturday that should have been capitalised on, and, hopefully, we will show an improvement in that area.''

Neath will once more be without suspended Martyn James and, although summer recruit Jason Hislop is now available for selection, he is unlikely to figure tomorrow.

It remains to be seen whether manager Dyer starts with a strikeforce comprising Jonathan Keaveny and Carl Shaw.

Meanwhile, Pontardawe surrendered their unbeaten tag last time out at leaders Dinas Powys, but previously they had won at Afan Lido and gained away draws against Newport YMCA and Uwic.

Although Carl Edwards is unavailable, the Swansea Valley side are keeping their fingers crossed that four players will have shaken off injuries.

Steve Crabbe missed last Saturday's 3-1 defeat at Dinas Powys because of a wedding, while injuries robbed them of Rob Folland (hamstring pull), Layton Thomas (calf strain) and Richard Smith (ankle).

If all four are declared fit that will give managers Robert Cooke and Dave Bowen a selection headache.

Pontardawe general manager Jonathan Wilsher said: "The boys need to make a brisk start against Neath as we cannot afford to play catch-up against them.

"But a lot of people have tipped Neath for the title, and there is probably more pressure on them than us.''

The last time the sides met at Llandarcy Park in the league was on March 23, 2004 when two goals from Carl Shaw, along with a Chris Thomas effort, secured Neath a 3-1 success.

TONY POOLE
 

The prestige of the Welsh League is set to be raised by at least four clubs making realistic applications for elevation to the Welsh Premier League. They have until just before Christmas to inform league secretary Ken Tucker of their intentions, and it is possible that he will be hearing from Afan Lido, Bridgend Town, Goytre Utd and Neath Athletic.

For three successive seasons the league didn't provide a promoted club, following the inability of either Ton Pentre or Betws to play at the highest level.

However, over the past two seasons the league has waved goodbye to both Llanelli and Grange Quins.

Bridgend did make an audacious application a few years ago when there wasn't a realistic chance of Coychurch Road meeting the required criteria.

However, things are changing fast at the former Southern League champions as they inch closer to completing a deal with supermarket giant Asda that will see them vacate the ground.

They showed huge intent last week in appointing ex-Llanelli boss Nicky Tucker as their manager in succession to the highly popular Francis Ford.

It came as a huge surprise to most followers when Tucker was ousted in favour of Peter Nicholas from the Stebonheath managerial seat just a few weeks before the start of the season.

He will now be looking to bring at least five players to Bridgend in a bid to lift this season's championship.

But with Coychurch Road unable to meet the strict Welsh Premiership criteria, they would have to look for an alternative ground.

Rumour has it that if immediate elevation is gained then they would play out of the Brewery Field next season as a stop-gap measure.

The bigger plan, however, will involve the club moving to a new ground in the town as Asda will be constructing an approach road through Coychurch Road to their new store.

''Bridgend is a big town with Welsh Premiership aspirations, and everyone will now be pulling together to bring it about,'' said Bridgend Town secretary Colin Mawer.

''Nothing has been signed, sealed or delivered yet with Asda, but we have got closer over the past few weeks.''

Tucker, who will be assisted by ex-Garw manager and Bridgend Town defender Drewe Phillips, is aware of what is expected of him.

However, the Ex-Taffs Well manager, who only went to Llanelli last November, turned things around at Stebo when they looked to be heading straight back to the Welsh League.

''It was Bridgend's ambition to get into the Welsh Premiership that attracted me,'' said 38-year-old Tucker, an education officer with Vale of Glamorgan Council who played with both Merthyr Tydfil and Mangotsfield Town.

He went on: ''It came as a huge surprise when Llanelli got rid of me, and their decision hurt more than words could tell.

''I must admit I wouldn't have left Llanelli to take on the Bridgend job, but I now have the task of gaining promotion this season.

''In order to win the championship the Bridgend squad needs strengthening, and with that in mind we face catch-up.''

However, Tucker had great sympathy for the man he replaced as club manager, former Briton Ferry player Ford.

''I know exactly how a great guy like Francis Ford feels as it happened to me with Llanelli only a few weeks earlier.

''But football is often an ugly game; and when the Bridgend post became vacant, I detached myself from circumstances.''

There is already a suggestion that a South West Wales club is shadowing Port Talbot-born Ford.

This was the second managerial change in the Bridgend area since the season began - second division Porthcawl had already brought in secretary Steve Harris to replace Chris Holmes.

Incredibly, of the 54 member clubs only 10 still boast unbeaten records.

In the top flight, leaders Dinas Powys, Neath Athletic and Maesteg Park remain undefeated, while a division below Caerau Ely, Morriston and Pontypridd have nil against their lost columns.

However, the third division has an even more rare breed - West End and Llanwern are showing 100 per cent returns, with leaders Cambrian & Clydach and Treharris also unbowed.

However, a truer picture seldom comes until midwinter when the holiday season is over and players who failed to get regular games swap clubs.

Last Saturday, first division Goytre Utd failed to build on opening draws against Taffs Well and Neath Athletic and went under 2-0 against AFC Llwydcoed and as a result sank to the bottom.

And unfortunately for managers Craig Duggan and Andrew Radford, that state of affairs will remain until at least September 16, the date of their next fixture - Afan Lido at Princess Margaret Way.

Duggan feels this year's title is wide open, with a lot of clubs capable of beating each other.

''It's quite possible that Goytre could finish top or 14th as at the moment there is little to choose between a clutch of clubs.

''But we are bottom at the end of August for two reasons; we have played fewer games and at the moment the boys cannot put the ball in the back of the net.

''That said, I am confident that once the goals start going in we will be all right.''

The defeat against AFC Llwydcoed coincided with striker Richard Ryan returning from Port Talbot Town.

Ryan was re-introduced from the bench for Mark Dunford at half-time but not even he could break down an obstinate Cynon Valley defence.

Goytre's goal drought is all the more surprising as they have five proven scorers on their books - Ryan, Darren Lyons, Ian Jones, Kevin Bartley and Mark Dunford.

Over the past two seasons they have netted 103 goals between them, and it must only be a question of time before they score on a regular basis.

TONY POOLE