Costcutter Division 1
Runaway league leaders Llandysul added their ninth win in succession away at Dewi Stars but the title favourites were forced to pull out all the stops against a very enthusiastic and skilful Stars team.
It wasn’t until the third minute of injury time that the Swallows finally put this game to bed with a very late goal from substitute Mathew Newbold to make it 2-0 but John Jones and his men gave Llandysul just the test they needed ahead of their top of the table clash this Friday evening at Parc Emlyn.
Runaway leaders and championship favourites Llandysul were full of praise for this youthful Stars side who are trying to establish themselves back in the first division after promotion last season.
It was the first time this season that Llandysul have failed to score four or more goals in a match and they only got their second in the 93rd minute, as the Stars matched them for endeavour and effort for the whole game.
The Swallows created the better chances, but with young Deian Williams keeping the shackles on the dangerous Adrian Hazelby and William Williams outstanding alongside him, they frustrated their high flying opponents.
At the other end Ryan Hurrell worked tirelessly up front for the Stars, ably assisted by veteran Andrew Jones and Steffan Owens, and all three had half chances before Llandysul struck minutes from the break as Scott Mayes prodded home from close range following a free kick.
The second half followed pretty much the same pattern, but the visitors could not find the breakthrough against a very well organised home team. Carwyn Richards in the Stars goal made two outstanding saves from Lewis Jones and the second goal to seal victory came in the third minute of added time as experienced sub Mathew Newbold netted with a low drive to the relief of their travelling band of supporters.
On this showing the young Stars, who fielded nine teenagers in their squad, with 16 year old Liam Jones making an excellent debut, will comfortably secure first division status while it will take a good side to halt Llandysul as they bid for their first title in almost 70 years.
Reigning champions Cardigan Town who were almost unbeatable just a few months ago were four goals down at half time against division strugglers Aberaeron Reserves and the Magpies who could only field a handful of players from their squad of last season face a difficult few months and the future of their second team must be in serious doubt.
Two goals from Ianto Evans and one apiece for Rhodri Thomas and Llewellyn Lloyd gave the visitors a comfortable lead and despite a concerted comeback by Steve Blackford and co and goals from Joost Burki and Lee Burrows the seagulls were well deserved winners.
Division 2
Aberporth managed to hang on in the howling wind at the RAE ground to edge out Llanboidy and collect their second win of the season. The airmen enjoyed several decent chances in the first half and a goal eventually arrived when came skipper Liam Griffiths let fly from just inside his own half and his wind assisted shot flew into the top corner.
Llanboidy came back strongly after the break and the hosts were forced to defend for long periods but they eventually came through for the three points.
Reserves Cup
A hat trick for Scott Lote-Williams helped steer Newcastle Emlyn Reserves to a 4-0 win over Bargod Rangers Reserves. Damien Routen finished Rangers off with a fourth late on to cap a fine individual performance.
Ffostrasol edged out Llanboidy Reserves at Cae Dandre by 3-2.Ross McDonald and Ollie Latham were on target for the hosts.
