STARS ARE SHINING

Costcutter League Round Up.

The Christmas spirit was flowing at Llanddewi Brefi after Dewi Stars picked up their first league win of the season following a difficult few months and as a result lifted themselves off the bottom of the table.

However it took a mighty second half effort to secure the three points after Aberaeron had bossed the first half but only had a goal advantage to show for all their efforts.

Ryan Jenkins made a powerful run and finished with a fine low drive on the half hour to give the visitors a deserved interval lead and only desperate defending kept the Stars in it. A half time wake up call saw a different Stars team as they immediately started to turn the tide with several purposeful attacks.

A Siencyn Jones corner on the hour saw William Williams head against the crossbar and from the ensuing goalmouth scramble, Arwel Jones prodded home the equaliser.This spurred the Stars on and visiting custodian Simon Tinney was by far the busier of the two keepers. He was beaten again on seventy minutes when he was deceived by a dipping Ifan Thomas long range effort which crept agonisingly in over the line for him, but much to the delight of the large home crowd.

The match winning moment came with ten minutes left when Aberaeron were awarded a free kick on the edge of the box. Chris Aldritt’s effort was destined for the top corner, but Stars’ Rhodri Edwards flung himself full length to tip the ball round for a corner for a magnificent save. Aberaeron continued to push for the equaliser and gambled by leaving gaps at the back and with five minutes left the ever dangerous Arwel Jones broke clear from the halfway line and coolly slotted home to make the result safe.

Leaders Lampeter Town moved six points clear at the top of division one following a narrow 3-2 win over neighbours Felinfach.The very heavy pitch failed to stop the teams playing some enterprising end to end football and the hosts who took a 3-1 lead midway through the second half were forced to endure a nervous finale after they conceded from the penalty spot with just ten minutes to go. However Terry Jones and his men weathered the storm and managed to hang on for the three points. Robert Slawkowski bagged two for Town and Scott Davies chipped in with the third. Rhys Jon poached the opener for the visitors and Lee Forrester tucked away the penalty.

Two goals from Mathew Smith helped steer Crannog to a 3-2 win over Cilgerran Rovers at the Urdd field. Midfielder Smith opened the scoring when he took full advantage of a fumble by the Rovers keeper before the visitors equalised after a fine run and finish from Mathew Williams. Smith grabbed his second ten minutes into the second half and Dan Robinson sealed victory when he chipped the keeper from well outside the box to make it 3-1. Cilgerran though kept fighting in the extremely cold and windy conditions and they were rewarded for their positive attitude with a late consolation goal from Matty Thomas.

There was a welcome win for New Quay as they overcame the challenge of division two high fliers Aberporth by 3-1. TJ Gibbins netted twice for the seasiders and there was one also for Simon Thomas.

The local derby matches between St Dogmaels and Cardigan Town and Llandysul and Newcastle Emlyn were postponed.