Shamrock Travel Welsh League Cup 3rd round: Briton Ferry v Cardiff Corries; Pontardawe v Garden Village; Newport YMCA v Penrhiwfer; Dinas Powys v Betws; Barry Town v UWIC; Goytre United v Tredegar; Goytre v AFC Porth; Bryntirion v Ammanford.

Ties to be played on or before Sat, Jan 29, (2pm).
 

Briton Ferry went on the rampage in the first division and won the derby clash against Neath 5-0. Things were tight at Llandarcy Park in the opening exchanges, but in the approach to half-time Ferry struck three times in eight minutes.

Steven Griffiths, Michael Chaves and Gavin Guy set up the opener for Derek Jenkins in the 37th minute, and soon after Rob Cann was on target.

Neath, beaten 6-1 last time out at Betws, were then on another damage limitation footing once Jenkins got a second right on half-time.

The introduction of striker Kurt Tracey from the bench then reaped dividends for Ferry as he scored twice in the last 20 minutes to make it five goals in as many games since stepping up from the Swansea Senior League last month.

But Skewen Athletic lost 1-0 against Barry Town at Tennant Park.

Though Skewen welcomed back Andy Hill from illness, it wasn't their day once Gary Davies put the Dragons ahead after quarter of an hour.

Skewen did enough to merit a point, but Carl Mainwaring missed two good chances and Hill was also wayward in front of goal, and it seemed a case of Barry lifting their game to impress new managers Ashley Griffiths and Gavin Price, who have replaced David Hughes.

The poor form shown by Goytre Utd over the last month continued at AFC Llwydcoed during a 2-0 defeat.

Though the Port Talbot village side brought in ex-Porthcawl striker Darren Lyons from Garw, he failed to pep up the frontline.

Jarred Price put the buoyant Cynon Valley side ahead after five minutes, and after Goytre had failed to capitalise on countless openings, Jonathan Mason chiselled out a second near the end.

Maesteg Park gained a much-needed victory in accounting for Dinas Powys 2-1 at Tudor Park.

Maesteg introduced goalkeeper Carl Davies, son of club chairman Phil, from South Wales Amateur League club Corus Steel, and they were given lift-off by a superb 15th-minute goal from Steve Conaty.

However, on a rare first-half excursion into home territory, Dinas levelled via Liam Beddard, and what turned out to be the winner arrived in the 28th minute.

Conaty found Rob Walters with a telling pass, and the club's recent acquisition from Caerau obliged to set up a fifth league success of the season.

One of the more surprising results came at Coychurch Road where Bridgend toppled leaders Taffs Well 3-0.

Taffs Well have brought in Mark Evans to fill the managerial vacuum created by Nicky Tucker's departure to Llanelli with six players.

But they were a shadow of their former selves against Bridgend, who introduced teenager Shane Dawe.

Dawe scored with a penalty after 25 minutes, while second-half goals from Ben Bannon and player-manager Francis Ford sealed victory.

Meanwhile, second division leaders Pontardawe Town left things late in wrapping up a 2-0 home victory over lowly Cardiff Corries.

Corries looked like picking up a point when it was 0-0 in the 80th minute, but Paul Buckingham then got on the end of a Jamie Rickard ball to head Ponty in front, and an 11th goal of the campaign from Jamie Bowen completed the great escape.

Garden Village moved up to third place with a 1-0 victory over a youthful Caldicot side at Stafford Common.

Caldicot made Village work hard for the win, and the issue was settled in the 20th minute; Steven Williams chased what seemed like a lost cause close to the touchline and a telling cross set up the winner for Nicholas Romanello.

Tredegar were held 2-2 by visiting Porthcawl. A Jamie Thomas free-kick gave Tredegar the lead before a seventh goal of the season from Michael Courtney squared matters.

A 75th-minute penalty from Paul Atkinson then sent the Seasiders in front, but within a minute the Gwent side had restored parity via substitute Shane Williams.

Improving Bryntirion Athletic continue a climb up the table with a 4-1 home win over Pontyclun.

Though Barry Quinn gave Pontyclun the lead against the run of play, the Bridgend side won for the fourth consecutive time in the league thanks to goals from Ian Gearie, Johnny Fulton, Richard Jago and substitute Brian Burke.

Ammanford tossed away a two-goal lead in losing 3-2 to Aberaman at Rice Road.

The home side were in the driving seat after Tristan Lewis and Mark Smolka had both netted inside 20 minutes.

Home keeper Craig Morris then made good saves from a twice-taken penalty, but Aberaman pulled back to 2-1 at the break. That goal seemed to lift the visitors, who added two second-half goals.

There was no joy either for bottom club Seven Sisters, who lost 3-0 to Pontypridd at Ynysangharad Park.

A first-minute goal from Steve Powell sent Pontypridd on their way, but Seven battled valiantly and deserved to get something out of the game.

But first-half chances for Nigel Westall and player- manager Paul Sullivan weren't converted and the home side made them pay for those misses with two goals in the last 10 minutes from Powell and Ceri Harding.

In the third division, there was a goal fest at Ynyscedwyn Road as Ystradgynlais beat Chepstow Town 5-4.

The Ystrad goal hero was top scorer Craig Hopkins, who collected four goals to move his seasonal tally on to 12.

New signing Gareth Shell, a recent acquisition from Cwm Wanderers, got their other goal in one of the best games seen at the ground for years.

It was 4-4 going into the closing minutes when Hopkins knocked in a Shell pass to supply Ystrad with only a third league victory of the season.

Cwmaman game unstuck at Treowen, going down 2-1 and having keeper Richie Walton sent off after 25 minutes.

The Carmarthenshire side were two goals adrift in the 55th minute, but Nathan Davies pulled a goal back to set up a tense climax.
 

14: Andy Hill (Skewen)

12: Ian Jones (Goytre Utd)

10: Jamie Bowen (Pontardawe), Paul Hughes (Ammanford)

9: Ben Brown (Garden Village), Brandon Walters (Bryntirion)

8: Craig Hopkins (Ystradgynlais), Steven Williams (Garden Village)

7: Aneurin Evans (Cwmaman), Gavin Guy (Briton Ferry), Layton Thomas (Pontardawe)

6: Michael Courtney (Porthcawl), Carl Mainwaring (Skewen)

5: Carl Evans (Goytre Utd), Richard Jago (Bryntirion), Jamie Rickard (Pontardawe).
 

Events out of their control are conspiring to make it a strange season for second division Morriston Town. The postponement of this afternoon's league fixture with Tillery at Woodland Field owing to the Gwent club's participation in a cup competition was one of many interruptions the Dingle men have experienced.

It has led to them playing only twice in two months, and Mike Ellery's troops are likely to be ring rusty for next Saturday's home game with cock-a-hoop Bryntirion Athletic.

Betws eliminated Morriston from the league's Shamrock Travel Cup in the first round, while other clubs have pulled out of league matches with them owing to cup engagements.

The Caldicot team bus breaking down en route to the Dingle also cost them a game, and this all means that Morriston will now face a hectic end to the season.

After losing 3-0 at Seven Sisters on October 2, their next match came 28 days later when losing 2-1 at home against Tredegar.

Following another break, this time for three weeks, they returned to the fray last Saturday and beat Ammanford 1-0 at the Dingle.

Now there's a gap of a fortnight before Bryntirion are seen at the ground.

"All these gaps means it is very difficult to build any kind of momentum, and a lack of match practice is our biggest concern," said Morriston Town manager Mike Ellery.

Paul Edwards got the goal that secured Morriston only a third league win of the season at the expense of Ammanford.

But for long periods the Dingle men came under the cosh, and manager Ellery was grateful to a watertight back four of Greg Williams, Neil Simon, debutant Leon Dennis and Kevin Hodder for building victory foundations.

There was also the small matter of Jonny Martin in goal, and two of his late saves were out of this world.

However, everyone at the Dingle was delighted to see assistant manager Dean Beniamous back in the team following a groin strain that dated back to August and the home game with Pontardawe.

"It was good to have Beni back against Ammanford, but owing to his advancing years I was forced to pull him off for his own safety," beamed Ellery.

However, the strangest occurrence at the Dingle this season was seeing manager Ellery net during the defeat by Tredegar.

The second division this season contains some very good sides, and the team that was really going places ahead of today's round of fixtures were Bryntirion Athletic.

Arguably, the Bridgend side registered the result of the season in this division last Saturday in triumphing 4-0 over second-placed Newport YMCA.

Few would have predicted a Bryntirion victory, and even fewer by a four-goal margin.

But with Bryntirion now fielding their first-choice back four of Ceri Thomas, Rob Aplin, Mattie Bishop and Padraig Burke on a regular basis, things have gone into overdrive.

They carried on in Newport where they left off in winning 3-0 at Bridgend in the Shamrock Travel Cup, with Brandon Walters netting twice and the others going to Richard Jago and an on-fire Johnny Fulton.

Bryntirion were in home action this afternoon against Pontyclun, and other teams in an exciting promotion race are monitoring their progress.

Still heading in the right direction are fourth-placed Garden Village, who gained a slender 1-0 away victory over Aberaman.

But Village boss Robert Lloyd was only too aware that his side had pulled off something on similar lines to the Great Train Robbery.

As Lloyd pointed out, it was a case of the side doing well getting the breaks and vice versa for the team towards the bottom.

"This was one of our poorest performances of the season, and in fairness to Aberaman they hit the woodwork on three occasions," he explained.

"On the evidence of this display, Aberaman should pull clear of relegation trouble as they are a good side.

"That said, I would take this kind of win every Saturday as we know from two seasons ago what it is like when the rub of the green goes against you.

"All in all, the game provided our young team with plenty of the right kind of experience - and let them know what the Welsh League as all about in midwinter.''

Another manager complimentary to struggling hosts over the weekend was Porthcawl Town boss Chris Holmes.

The Seasiders won 2-1 at Seven Sisters, but Holmes took his hat off to the way the Dulais Valley side battled back.

"Many sides would have given up the ghost after going two down with half an hour to go, but in fairness to Seven Sisters they staged a good comeback," said Holmes.

He added: "And if they play like they did during the last half an hour then they will pull away from the foot of the table.''

Paul Atkinson shot Porthcawl ahead in the eighth minute, and top scorer Michael Courtney doubled the lead on the hour.

A goal from Seven player-manager Paul Sullivan then triggered the fightback, and only some fine goalkeeping from William Alston eventually won the day for Porthcawl.

Briton Ferry's Steven Cox was a two-goal hero the week before when Ferry won 4-1 at second division Caldicot in the league's Shamrock Travel Cup.

But last Saturday at home to Caerleon in the league, Cox was sent off in the 25th minute, leaving his team-mates to cling on for grim death to a point in a goalless draw.

Caerleon even missed a late penalty, and as Ferry coach Morrys Scott explained, they were relieved to come out of the game with a point.

"This was one of our poorest showings of the season and although we were defensively solid, few chances were created," he said.

"In the end it was a case of us being grateful for a point and moving on.''

In many ways Goytre Utd last Saturday picked the short straw in facing table-topping Taffs Well.

The reaction to manager Nick Tucker moving to Llanelli was always going to be difficult to assess, and it seemed to be minimal as the Rhiw Ddar men won 4-3.

Goytre found themselves 3-1 down at the break, a goal from Carl Evans being trumped by two goals from Alan Colwill and another from Peter Cheeseman.

However, Goytre then staged an exciting comeback with goals from ex-Maesteg Park player Mark Dunford along with a second from Evans setting up a grandstand finish at 3-3.

But just when it seemed as if the Port Talbot village side would be heading home with a point in their pockets, up popped teenager Rhys Yates to secure a late winner.

Goytre certainly missed John Meacock and Paul Lenihan at the back, and at times a patched-up defence failed to cope.

"Poor defending cost us dearly, but Taffs Well are still a force as they possess strength in depth," said Goytre Utd assistant manager Andrew Radford.

The sentiment, therefore, to come out of Rhiw Ddar seemed to suggest: Crisis, what crisis?

Even if the Cardiff suburbanites lose some men to the Reds then they can call in players from their successful reserve and youth teams.

Skewen slipped down to fourth place after their game at Bridgend Town was the only top-flight match called off.

The drainage at Coychurch Road failed to cope with prolonged rain on the morning of the match and a grade A referee prevented Skewen from travelling.

Two days earlier, Bridgend had also been forced to call off a reserve game at the ground for the same reason.

Five miles north of Bridgend, former champions Betws put Neath to the sword in winning 6-1.

The Llandarcy Park side were at sixes and sevens at the back throughout, and Betws's front-running duo of Steve Amos and ex-Bryntirion man Gavin Thomas ran them a merry dance.

Though Neath opened the scoring via Kristian James, Thomas soon equalised and Amos converted a penalty.

Despite going up the slope, Betws were 2-1 ahead at the break and it was all over bar the shouting once Andy Sebburn, in his first game back from Ton Pentre, and Amos scored early in the second half.

Thomas netted on the hour and substitute John Kear completed the scoring on a wet day in the Ogmore Valley that Neath will want to forget in a hurry.

However, this might be the victory that turns Betws's season around, especially as the latest injury scare suffered by ace marksman Richard Ready wasn't as bad as first envisaged.

TONY POOLE
 

Skewen will be without new signing Richard Ryan for tomorrow's top-of-the- table Motaquote Welsh League encounter with Barry at Tennant Park. Ryan signed for Goytre last summer, but has been playing for Aberystwyth on dual registration in the Welsh Premiership.

His arrival has brought Skewen's squad up to an acceptable level of 16 and manager Andrew Dyer is able to include both David D'Auria and Steven Pockett against the Dragons.

D'Auria and Pockett in all likelihood would have missed last Saturday's postponed game at Bridgend.

The availability of top scorer Andy Hill depends on a scan along with the player's decision on whether he wishes to resume footballing duties.

Barry this week appointed Ashley Griffiths and Gavin Price as their new managers in succession to David Hughes.

This forms the first of two major tests for the Tennant Park club, who the following weekend face Grange Quins, and Ryan is set to make his club debut at the Leckwith Stadium

Goytre will be without Carl Evans and Paul Lenihan for their difficult task away fixture against high-flying AFC Llwydcoed.

Evans, who was sent off during the closing minutes of last Saturday's 4-3 defeat at Taffs Well, received a five-match ban for a third dismissal of the season.

Lenihan is still sidelined with a hand injury, but John Meacock is available for selection as the Port Talbot side attempt to end Llwydcoed's long winning streak that dates back to August.

The other main attraction in the top tier is the derby clash between Neath and Briton Ferry in Llandarcy Park.

Having lost 6-1 at Betws last Saturday, Neath then beat Neath League side Caewern the following day by the same margin in the West Wales Senior Cup.

Nigel Stevenson is likely to bring back Ashley Hopkins into his squad, but Ferry will be without Steven Cox, who was red carded during Saturday's goal-less draw with Caerleon, and Lee Williams.

Maesteg Park host Dinas Powys, and in all probability will have Chris Barlow in goal.

The move has been brought about as goalkeeper Lee Williams has signed for second division pacemakers Pontardawe, but Park might bring in a player from another first division outfit.

They have signed local boy Rob Walters from Caerau, but will be without three key performers in Atif Bashir, Ryan Frankcomb and Rob Folland.

Pontardawe include new signing Williams for their home encounter with lowly Cardiff Corries.

Williams takes over from joint-manager Neil Frederickson, who has done a grand job between the posts following the loss last month of regular stopper Craig Mansell with a broken leg.

Steve Devonald gets a final run out before starting four-match suspension.

Garden Village, who entertain Caldicot, are more hopeful of clinging on to striker Steven Williams now that Skewen have brought in Richard Ryan.

In the third division, Cwmaman travel to Treowen while Ystradgynlais take on Chepstow at Ynyscedwyn Road.
 

Goytre Utd suffered a narrow 4-3 defeat against division one leaders Taffs Well at Rhiw Ddar. It appears as if new Llanelli manager Nicky Tucker is taking six of his former Taffs Well players to Stebonheath and that it was Peter Cheeseman's final game.

Cheeseman netted during the opening half while Alun Colwill was on target twice, and Goytre responded via Carl Evans.

Adrift 3-1 at the break, Goytre responded strongly, and dragged themselves back on terms through Mark Dunford together with another goal from Evans.

But just when the game looked like petering out into a 3-3 draw, teenager Rhys Yates hit an 87th-minute winner.

Skewen's game at Bridgend Town was the only top-flight game to be called off, and as a result the Tennant Park club slid down to fourth.

Former champions Betws won for only the second time this season and the first time since late August with a 6-1 drubbing of lifeless Neath at Betws Park.

The Bridgend village side proved the hungrier throughout and despite going up the slope in the opening half, they were 2-1 to the good.

Though Neath opened the scoring in the 17th minute via a Kristian James drive from just outside the box, Betws hit back through Gavin Thomas along with a Steve Amos penalty.

Two goals in two minutes then settled the outcome, leaving the Llandarcy Park side with only pride at stake.

Amos and Andrew Sebburn, on his first game back from Ton Pentre, took the Bridgend village side out of sight.

Thomas knocked in a Richard Llewellyn near-post corner in the 62nd minute, and substitute John Kear hit Neath for six near the end.

Maesteg, 3-2 conquerors of Barry Town in midweek, suffered a 4-0 setback against second-placed Grange Quins at Leckwith Stadium.

Park dominated possession in the opening half without hurting Quins, who went ahead on the back of a strike from ex-Park man Dale Raven.

But the game was all up for Park once Terry Evans doubled the lead on the hour, and Quins wrapped things up with another Raven strike and a John-Paul Jenkins own goal.

Briton Ferry had Steven Cox sent off for a second bookable offence during a drab goalless draw with Caerleon at Old Road.

Cox was ordered off in the 25th minute, and near the end Caerleon's Chris Pearce blasted a penalty high over Chris Curtis's crossbar.

In the second division, it proved a good day for leaders Pontardawe Town, who defeated Pontypridd 4-0 at Ynysangharad Park.

A superb goal from Simon Davies sent Ponty on their way, and his goal separated the teams at the break.

The Swansea Valley side then kicked for home and wrapped things up with further goals from Geza Hajgato, Jamie Bowen (his 10th of the season) and substitute Aled Rees.

Fourth-placed Garden Village continued their superb run with a slender 1-0 win at lowly Aberaman.

Beaten just once in the league since the opening day of the season, the Gorseinon-based side picked up maximum points on the back of an eighth goal of the campaign from Steven Williams.

Williams struck in the 25th minute, but Aberaman were unfortunate to come away empty-handed as they hit the woodwork three times.

Bottom-placed Seven Sisters finished strongly against Porthcawl Town at the Welfare Ground but nevertheless lost 2-1.

Paul Atkinson shot the Seasiders ahead in the eighth minute, and a sixth goal of the season from Michael Courtney sent them two goals clear midway through the second half.

However, the Dulais Valley side rallied, and they were in with a shout once player-manager Paul Sullivan reduced the arrears on 75 minutes.

Only some fine goalkeeping from William Alston then denied Seven a point.

A lone goal from Paul Edwards settled the clash at the Dingle between Morriston and Ammanford.

A through ball from Neil Simon in the 25th minute split the Ammanford defence and from an acute angle Edwards rifled home the winner.

However, the result that made the second division sit up and take notice came at second-placed Newport YMCA, who lost 4-0 against Bryntirion Athletic.

Bryntirion carried on where they left off the week before when winning 3-0 at neighbours Bridgend in the league cup.

A Johnny Fulton header sent Bryntirion in front, and two second-half goals from Brandon Walters, moving him on to nine for the season, along with a Richard Jago strike rounded off a notable victory.

But there was no joy in the third division for Ystradgynlais, who came unstuck 3-0 at Caerau Ely.

Justin Hollis gave the Cardiff side the lead in the opening half, but Ystrad did manage to muster a few chances to equalise on the restart.

But Hollis again and Pete Harrington wrapped up a home victory, leaving Ystrad in the bottom three.
 

Goytre had to endure a penalty shoot-out before they saw off Ton Pentre 8-7 in the Shamrock Travel Cup last weekend. ''We've had our disappointments already this season, but the boys played well against Ton Pentre and deserved to win,'' said Goytre assistant manager Andrew Radford.

''It seemed as if the entire team responded more to a good crowd, but like in any game against Ton, you are always made to work hard for victory.''

Second division leaders Pontardawe Town left it late before wrapping up a 2-1 victory over third division Risca & Gelli at the Recreation Ground.

Paul Buckingham's early headed goal for Ponty was cancelled out by a Rhys Isles strike, and it wasn't until the 80th minute that top scorer Jamie Bowen got the winner.

Bowen's ninth goal of the campaign got Ponty off the hook, and home fans were delighted to see veteran goalkeeper Neil Frederickson perform admirably.


Top scorers

THE leading South-West Wales scorers in the Welsh League and Welsh Cup competitions this season are as follows:

14: Andy Hill (Skewen)

12: Ian Jones (Goytre Utd)

10: Paul Hughes (Ammanford)

9: Jamie Bowen (Pontardawe), Ben Brown (Garden Village)

8: Craig Hopkins (Ystradgynlais)

7: Aneurin Evans (Cwmaman), Gavin Guy (Briton Ferry), Layton Thomas (Pontardawe), Brandon Walters (Bryntirion), Steven Williams (Garden Village)

6: Carl Mainwaring (Skewen)

5: Michael Courtney, (Porthcawl), Jamie Rickard (Pontardawe)
 

Two second division managers were beaming last Saturday after they had gambled on youth and seen it pay off handsomely. Ammanford's Neil Rees and Robert Lloyd, of Garden Village, both saw their teams make progress in the league's Shamrock Travel Cup at the expense of second division colleagues.

While Ammanford beat Seven Sisters 1-0 at Rice Road, Village swept to an emphatic 4-0 victory over Porthcawl Town at Lock's Lane.

The tie at Rice Road was anything but a classic, but it threw up a magical moment for 16-year-old Matthew Fisher, who was making his first full start for the Carmarthenshire side.

Fisher, the son of ex-Ammanford star Phil, plays for Pontardawe Town in the MacWhirter Youth League and is also a talented cricketer with Ammanford.

He had been given his head as Nathan Jones was unavailable, and he took it with open arms.

The tie was goalless up to the 55th minute, and there was every reason to believe it would remain that way until Fisher beat the offside trap in the centre circle.

With only Seven goalkeeper Adrian Barnsley in front of him, the talented teenager kept his nerve.

He checked before going around Barnsley, and went on to register the goal that eventually separated the sides.

''Matthew Fisher proved an ice-cool customer in providing a drab tie with its only quality moment,'' said Ammanford boss Neil Rees.

''The game was so poor that we had to wake up a few supporters, but they were pleased when told that Ammanford had won 1-0!''

Another fresh-faced youngster, Lee John, covered the bench and it surely won't be long before he follows Fisher into the team.

Garden Village manager Lloyd was purring about the form shown by a quartet of 17-year-old players - Lewis Cann, Jamie Davies, Craig Smith and Owen Williams.

''We have the makings of a good side, and what has made the season so special is seeing some of our home-grown talent coming off in the first team.

''Our performance against Porthcawl was one of our best displays of the season, and in fairness to the Seasiders they weren't a bad side.

''Last season Porthcawl were the only side to double us in the league, but this time around our finishing was deadly and we scored some quality goals.''

Ben Brown added to his growing reputation in opening the scoring, and his ninth goal of the season separated the teams at half-time.

But Owen Williams made it 2-0 on the resumption and after Porthcawl missed some good openings, Garden Village finished them off with further goals from Mark Lloyd and Phil John.

However, with one eye on next month, Lloyd is now afraid that Porthcawl will come out like caged tigers when the sides meet in the league at the same venue.

The most significant development on the league scene last Saturday was Skewen's 2-0 home win over Garw.

Carl Mainwaring got both goals, making it six from as many games since returning from injury last month.

It took the Tennant Park club level on points with another of the first division newcomers, Taffs Well, but the Rhiw Ddar men remained top on superior goal difference.

But it gave further evidence that along with AFC Llwydcoed, the three promoted clubs are becoming major players in the top flight.

TONY POOLE
 

The Welsh Cup might have been a disaster area for the South West Wales teams, but at least they are making an impression in the league cup. Briton Ferry are keen to hang on to the trophy they won against the odds last season.

Few gave Ferry a chance against Llanelli in the Ton Pentre final, but the Old Road side thwarted the Reds, returning to the Welsh Premiership with a double under their belts.

Ferry were expecting a rough ride against Caldicot at Jubilee Way last Saturday, but it didn't work out like that and they prevailed 4-1.

Kurt Tracey, who was recently plucked from Swansea Senior League football, celebrated his first full start by getting their first two goals.

With Ferry ahead 2-1 at the break, it was then the Steven Cox show, two long-range screamers making sure Ferry's name goes into the hat for next month's draw.

''The attitude of the players was all embracing. They never stopped working from first whistle to last,'' said Briton Ferry coach Morrys Scott.

''The boys are keen to keep the cup at Old Road and without boasting, the result was never in doubt.''

Also impressive for Ferry was Tracey's strike partner Derek Jenkins, along with captain Leigh Morgan and Sam Brown.

But arguably the biggest upset came at Coychurch Road, where Bryntirion Athletic defeated Bridgend Town 3-0 in the Battle of Bridgend.

The tie had generated plenty of interest around the town, and a good crowd witnessed Bridgend old boy Brandon Walters getting all three goals for Athletic.

It seemed as if Bridgend Town assistant manager Cohen Griffith had got under the skins of the Bridgend suburbanites.

In the local press he went on record to state that he wouldn't lose any sleep over Bryntirion.

His words were pinned to the Bryntirion dressing room door, and afterwards Griffith's former Cardiff City colleague Peter Francombe gave a tongue in cheek response.

''Cohen (Griffith) might not have lost any sleep over Bryntirion, but I wonder how he slept last Saturday night?''

What made the Bryntirion victory so special was that they have lived under the shadow of Bridgend throughout their history, and even shared facilities at Coychurch Road with them during the 1990s.

Since then Athletic have gone from strength to strength and now boast some of the best facilities in the league.

''We've now got better facilities than Bridgend - and our team is not far behind them,'' said Bryntirion chairman Emlyn Phillips.

The final word went to Griffith, who still feels that Bryntirion's victory proved little.

''Only when Bryntirion get above us in the league will they be the better team,'' said Griffith, assistant to Francis Ford at Coychurch Road.

''League tables always tell the truth, but if we continue to play like we did against Bryntirion then it will be Bridgend in the second division and them in the first.''
 

Skewen won 1-0 at Maesteg Park last night to lift themselves into third in division one of the Motaquote Welsh League. The Tennant Park club, despite being without top scorer Andy Hill, did the damage early on thanks to a fifth-minute header from Nigel Rogers, clinching the points against his former club.

In the night's other game, Neath consolidated a mid-table position with a 2-1 victory over Dinas Powys at Llandarcy Park.

Ben Davies gave Neath the lead after quarter of an hour with James Dix levelling just before the break. But Keith Phillips signalled a return from a ligament injury to knock in an 85th-minute winner.

TONY POOLE
 

Skewen achieved the result of the day in a slimmed down programme, defeating division one leaders Taffs Well 2-1 at Tennant Park. The Skewen hero was Carl Mainwaring, who got both goals, to keep his side in striking distance of the leading pack.

Mainwaring converted a Peter Sheath cross in the 35th minute, only for the Rhiw Ddar men to level just before the break courtesy of a dubious Owen Adams penalty.

But Skewen weren't to be denied, and in the 65th minute a ball played over the top by ex-Swan David D'Auria led to Mainwaring seizing the winner.

Goytre Utd left it late before wrapping up a 3-1 home win over struggling Garw, who brought back three retired players - Anthony McEachen, David Samuel and Ceri Williams - in order to raise a team.

The Blandy side also included ex-Bridgend, Merthyr Tydfil and Port Talbot Town goalkeeper Gary Wager, whose safe hands inspired an overstretched defence.

Goytre wasted a hatful of chances, but they took a 37th-minute lead when a Richard Cleverly cross was knocked across goal by Mark Dunford, and Ian Jones bundled the ball over the line.

But six minutes later Garw were celebrating their first league goal of the season - at the eighth attempt - when a shot from Owen Roberts caught goalkeeper Gareth Scantlebury unsighted.

And it took a two-goal blast in the space of three minutes towards the end in order to make things safe.

A shot from Michael Waters was deflected past Wager in the 77th minute, and in a similar twist a Mitchell Patton shot also crept home.

Neath also experienced a few anxious moments before winning 3-0 against bottom-placed Gwynfi Utd at Llandarcy Park.

Neath, who paraded new signing Paul Wiseman from Goytre Utd, took a fifth-minute lead via Ben Davies.

That proved the only goal of the half, and on the restart the Cape side missed several decent openings.

Those failings came back to haunt them in the 55th minute when Billy Timothy shot past goalkeeper Andrew Jones.

And 10 minutes from the end Richard Howell set up a third for Ashley Stevenson.

Maesteg Park were left to count the cost of some extravagant finishing during a 1-0 defeat against Briton Ferry at Old Road.

Park's wide men Dale Gardner and Paul Jones caused the home defence continual problems but they failed to capitalise.

Ferry came more into the game in the second period, with new signings Simon Tyrell and Kurt Tracey both going close.

However, the issue was settled with a 70th-minute free-kick that Steven Griffiths drilled past Maesteg goalkeeper Lee Williams.

In the division's only other game, former champions Betws lost for the seventh time in nine starts and remain in relegation trouble.

Ely Rangers triumphed 1-0 at Betws Park on the strength of a second-half goal from Spencer Clarke.

In the second division, leaders Pontardawe Town took their time before getting the measure of visiting Seven Sisters.

Ponty eventually emerged with a 4-0 victory, Paul Davey sending them on their way in the 43rd minute.

However, on the resumption Leon Thomas missed a good chance to drag the Dulais Valley side back into it.

That miss proved costly as ex-Porth Tywyn Suburbs man Davey then struck for 2-0, and substitute Steve Stone engineered a 71st-minute goal for Jamie Rickard.

Near the end, Ponty rounded things off with a hat-trick strike from Davey on the end of a Geza Hajgato corner.

Ammanford put a five-match losing streak in the league behind them in overcoming visitors Pontyclun 2-1.

The Rice Roaders, who last won back in August against Bryntirion, sowed the seeds of this victory the week before in only narrowly losing at promotion-seeking Newport YMCA.

They hit the front on the half-hour mark when Nathan Jones scored from an almost impossible angle.

It remained that way until the 70th minute when a great finish from Paul Hughes secured him a 10th goal of the campaign.

Gritty Pontyclun duly responded to set up a grandstand finish, but Ammanford cling on to register only their third league win of the season.

Porthcawl Town maintained a productive start to the season in defeating Caldicot 3-1 at Lock's Lane.

Despite being without leading scorer Michael Courtney, who injured an ankle in training, the Seasiders weren't found wanting in front of goal.

Christian Pascoe converted a Mike Flanagan cross in the 10th minute, and soon after Flanagan netted following sound approach work from Paul Atkinson.

Caldicot hit back via Wayne Morley in the 78th minute, but two minutes on Porthcawl wrapped things up through Michael Noonan.

Bryntirion left things late before sealing a 2-0 victory over Merthyr Saints at Bryntirion Park.

Substitute Brandon Walters shot the Bridgend side ahead in the 75th minute, while another former Bridgend Town player, Ian Gearie, got their second.

In the third division, Cwmaman took the derby clash against Ystradgynlais 2-0 at Grenig Park.

Ystrad were left to reflect on what might have been had Craig Hopkins converted a few good openings.

But the Carmarthenshire were in the driving seat once Gareth Jones gave them a 35th-minute lead.

Ystrad did enough to earn a point, but the game was all up for them once Jason Cousins netted two minutes from time.
 

Little has gone right for second division Ammanford over the last two months. The Rice Road side experienced a good start to the season, but going into this afternoon's home encounter with Pontyclun they were without a league win in five starts.

They raised a few eyebrows in winning 2-1 at Tredegar on the opening day of the season, and seemed on the verge of good things when beating Bryntirion at home 3-1 on August 28.

The following weekend Ammanford defeated Newcastle Emlyn 5-2 in the league's Shamrock Travel Cup, but their season then turned on September 11 when suffering an horrific 9-0 home defeat against Goytre Utd in the Welsh Cup.

They fielded a weakened side that day and former player Ian Jones made hay, netting six times.

League encounters against Llanwern, Penrhiwceiber, Pontardawe and Cardiff Corries were all lost, but last Saturday they gave promotion-seeking Newport YMCA a run for their money.

This poor run of form has dropped them to just four places off the bottom, but they belied that lowing placing at Mendalgief Road.

Goals from Nathan Jones and Paul Hughes (his ninth of the season) enabled Ammanford to go in at half-time with the score on 2-2.

But on the hour came the game's defining moment when Jones had a second goal ruled out for alleged pushing.

To make matters worse, Newport YMCA were given a 50:50 penalty and they went on to win 4-2.

While delighted with an improved showing, Ammanford boss Neil Rees was nonetheless disappointed to leave Gwent empty-handed.

''When you are down on your luck decisions tend to go against you, and I felt that was the case against Newport YMCA,'' said Rees, who performs joint duties at Rice Road with Wynne Jones.

''It was a crucial decision to rule out Nathan Jones's goal at 2-2, and I am sure that if it had been allowed to stand then we would have got something out of the game.

''But for the first time in almost two months I did spot some light at the end of the tunnel.

''Our league form since August doesn't reflect the talent that runs through the team, and I feel the side is only two signings short of going places.''

Rees was hoping to welcome back three players against Pontyclun - Cerison Davies, Paul Jones and Gavin Morris.

The barren spell has been triggered by an incredible list of unavailable players, and if the performance against Newport YMCA is anything to go by then Ammanford should start climbing the table.

However, picking the three sides that will be relegated at the season's end is very much a lottery as there are no obvious candidates.

While leaders Pontardawe and Newport YMCA look the obvious candidates to go up, the third promotion spot is wide open.

Morriston's campaign has taken a remarkably similar course to that of Ammanford - a bright start followed by an indifferent run.

The Dingle men failed to build on August victories over Penrhiwceiber and Cardiff Corries, and they have now gone six league games without a win.

Last Saturday they led for a long time against Tredegar on the back of a rare goal from player-manager Michael Ellery, only to concede twice late on in a 2-1 home defeat.

Morriston were without a fixture today as intended opponents Garden Village were involved in the third round of the Welsh Cup at Barry Town.

Last month, Morriston had their home game with Caldicot called off as the Gwent side experienced transport problems on the way to the Dingle.

And in their following game at Seven Sisters, which Morriston lost 3-0, they were unhappy that there were no assistant referees present.

These two episodes led to Ellery having a swipe at the league for not getting their house in order.

''Caldicot in all probability will have a hefty fine slapped on them for not fulfilling the game at Morriston when it was no fault of theirs.

''But the league gets away scot-free when they are unable to send two assistant referees to second division matches.

''I know they have problems in recruiting officials, but to my mind that still strikes of double standards.

''Other managers are concerned that too many second division matches are going without three officials, and we don't want it get like the third division which is a complete lottery with just one official.''

Ellery is hoping that the arrival of centre-back Leon Dennis from Port Talbot Town will help to make up for the loss of Carl James.

It is unlikely that James will play again this season, owing to college commitments.

Garden Village manager Robert Lloyd has been bracing himself this week for more inquiries regarding his on-fire strikeforce of Ben Brown and Steven Williams.

Both bagged braces last Saturday as Village swept to a 5-2 victory over gritty Pontyclun at Ivor Park.

That lifted Brown's tally to eight since making his club debut in the 4-3 Shamrock Travel Cup victory over Penrhiwceiber on September 4.

Williams is just one goal behind Brown, and the pair are threatening to shoot the Gorseinon side back into the first division.

However, Lloyd has been around the local scene long enough to know that things could go the other way overnight.

''What has pleased me most this season is the attitude of young side, who have surpassed my wildest dreams,'' said Lloyd.

''But in football you never count your chickens until they've hatched as things could just as easily go the other way.''

Lloyd's brother Huw and West Countryman Dennis Pitt have also had a lot to do with Garden Village raking in the points.

The major talking point in the first division this week once more revolved around the problems being experience at Garw.

Last Saturday if it hadn't been for 10 players due to play for the second team in the Bridgend & District League the Blandy side would have been forced to pull out of the game at leaders Taffs Well.

They nevertheless lost 7-0, with goalkeeper Mark Elliott, who possesses one of the longest goal kicks in the league, the lone first-team member.

And even the loyal Elliott was forced to leave the field with a knee injury in the second half with the Pontycymer side five down.

However, it then emerged that this could have been Garw's final game, and in the light of a growing crisis an emergency meeting was held last Monday to discuss their future participation in the Welsh League.

But they pulled back from the brink and with officers taking on new responsibilities, were expected to fulfil today's fixture at Goytre Utd.

Down the years, Garw's superb junior section has constantly sent a conveyor belt of talent into the senior side.

''A lot of important decisions were made at the meeting, with people taking on new responsibilities in order to strike a blend in our first team,'' said Garw's long-serving secretary Raymond Smiles.

''We owed it to the next generation of Garw footballers to keep things going, and it is possible a new manager will be appointed ahead of the game with Goytre.

''However, it might well be a case of us being forced to grin and bear it this season, but in this game every dog has his day.

''And even if we go down, things can change quickly.'''

Goytre United got back to winning ways last Saturday, recording a first victory since the landslide 9-0 Welsh Cup success at Ammanford in mid-September with a 2-0 victory at Ely Rangers.

It looked like being another frustrating afternoon for managers Craig Duggan and Andrew Radford until they summoned Carl Evans off the bench in the 70th minute.

The game was goalless at that point, but Evans highlighted the art of top-drawer finishing in scoring twice.

Two new players were responsible for both Briton Ferry goals in a 4-2 home defeat by AFC Llwydcoed.

However, by the time Ferry opened their account in the 70th minute the destination of the three points wasn't in doubt as the Aberdare side were 4-0 up.

But new strikers Kurt Tracey, a recent acquisition from Port Tennant Colts, and ex-Cwm Social man Simon Tyrell held out hope that the Old Road club had unearthed a couple of gems.

The area's top scorer, Andy Hill, got his second hat-trick of the season and a fourth for the club as Skewen beat UWIC 4-1 at Tennant Park.

That shot Hill to the top of the goal-scorer's chart with 14 to his name.

TONY POOLE
 

Skewen Athletic will be looking to topple Taffs Well from top spot when the sides go head-to-head in division one of the Motaquote Insurance Welsh League at Tennant Park tomorrow. Last season Skewen pipped Taffs Well for the second division title, but this time around the men from Rhiw D'dar have made the better start.

But Skewen, who have name an unchanged squad for the encounter, will be looking to make up lost ground in order to keep in touch with the big-hitters.

The game between Goytre and Garw at Glenhafod Park will also generate plenty of interest as the Blandy side have just pulled back from the brink.

The Pontycymer-based side staged an emergency meeting last Monday, and decided to remain in the league.

An amalgamation of ex-players will select their team, and they are likely to parade Alex Andrews from Bridgend Town.

Goytre have an injury doubt surrounding John Meacock but, otherwise, the side that secured a 2-0 win at Ely Rangers is again available.

Briton Ferry go into their home game with Maesteg Park minus the services of midfield dynamo Gavin Guy, who is attending a wedding.

Guy aside, Ferry will be at full strength, with coach Morrys Scott encouraged by the return of Steven Cox to full training.

Neath will be looking to put Saturday's 6-0 defeat at Grange Quins behind them when they host bottom-placed Gwynfi.

The Llandarcy Park side, who had manager Nigel Stevenson sent off against Grange, are still without Ashley Taylor.

However, Keith Phillips is on the comeback trail, and he will be considered for selection over the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, Gwynfi have placed a seven-day notice on Maesteg Park midfield player Daniel Platt.

In the second division, Garden Village are in Welsh Cup action at Barry, while Morriston sit out tomorrow's programme.

Leaders Pontardawe host Seven Sisters in a derby clash, with Ponty looking towards an improved showing.

Last Saturday, the Swansea Valley side were held to a 3-3 draw by Penrhiwceiber, and in the process had Steve Devonald sent off.

The former Llanelli player starts a two-match ban against Seven, whose home game against Caldicot was called off on the weekend.

Ammanford have signed utility player Tristan Lewis ahead of their home game with Pontyclun.

Last season, Lewis was with Carmarthen Town, and he has just returned from a summer coaching stint in America.

The Rice Road outfit welcome back midfielder Paul Jones, but are still without Cerison Davies, Gavin Morris and Steve Evans.

But, having played well despite losing 4-2 at second-placed Newport YMCA last Saturday, manager Neil Rees is hoping Ammanford have now turned the corner.

A tight contest is expected at Cwmaman, who entertain league newcomers Ystradgynlais.

Cwmaman will be looking to get back on track after last Saturday's 4-2 home upset against Penrhiwfer, while Ystrad will be bidding for a third straight win.

Having accounted for both Blaenrhondda and Albion Rovers, the return of top scorer Craig Hopkins will provide Ystrad with a timely boost.

Ystrad manager Andrew Hopkins also expects to have Danny Jenkins back in his starting line-up, but Richard Barness and Gareth Evans have returned to play park football.

Supporters are reminded that tomorrow signals the start of winter with 2.15pm kick-offs.