Costcutter Ceredigion League
Division 1
The main title challengers in division one all enjoyed comfortable wins on the weekend and even at this early stage it is beginning to look like a four horse race between St Dogmaels, Newcastle Emlyn, Cardigan Town and Lampeter Town.
It was the Magpies though who had the toughest test and they were forced to pull out all the stops before they overcame the challenge of Ffostrasol at the King George and there was little in the game at the break with the score locked at 0-0.
However James Evans and his men upped the tempo in the second half and two goals from front runner Liam Doherty and one from midfielder Dylan Davies helped wrap up the three points. Doherty should have completed a hat trick but his poorly taken penalty was easily saved but this mattered little in the end.
St Dogmaels strolled to victory at the RAE Ground where a goal from Mathew Smith was the only reward for the airmen who would have conceded several more had it not been for the exploits of keeper Ryan Banks. The visitors got off to a flier when midfielder Rhys Jones fired home after only 49 seconds and he added a second soon afterwards before Smith replied from the penalty spot.
A further goal followed through Josh Mellor as the greens dominated proceedings and later in the game Jones completed his hat trick and Williams added his second as the Saints peppered the Aberporth goalmouth with Banks forced into making a hat full of saves.
The local derby between Dewi Stars and Felinfach was a classic game of two halves in a competitive affair with the visitors just edging it thanks to a fine first half performance.
The Stars were slow out of the blocks as they came to terms with losing their university contingent, with four players making their debuts and Felinfach capitalised with an early goal after two minutes when Lewis Evans found acres of space to pick his spot. Rhodri Edwards ,coming in for his brother in goal made some excellent saves to deny more damage before Rhys John James doubled their account after another save, to hammer home the rebound.
The Stars settled after the break and started creating chances of their own and they eventually pulled one back when Ifan Thomas coolly picked his spot in the box after a series of attacks and corners. Try as they might they could not find the equaliser and Felinfach were relieved to hear the final whistle as they picked up three valuable points on their travels.
Wins away at Llangrannog are always hard fought and this was the case for Newcastle Emlyn as they had to dig deep before they were able to secure a win against a home team struggling early season. Goals from Huw Jones, Sam Skinner and a penalty from Steve Thomas saw the reds home.
A hat trick from front runner Scott Davies helped steer Lampeter Town to a 4-0 win over Llanboidy. The visitors who have enjoyed some decent form this season were disappointing on the day and were well beaten. Christy Gale was also on target for the hosts.
Division 2
League leaders New Quay moved three points clear at the top of Division two after they enjoyed a convincing win over Ffostrasol Reserves by 4-0. The seasiders who are unbeaten to date played some smart football from the off and were soon ahead when Ollie Edwards netted. Further goals followed as Charlie Dent, Edwards and Jack Chetwynd took full advantage of the possession enjoyed to coast home.
Crymych moved further up the table following a 4-0 success away at Lampeter Reserves. On target once again for the Preselimen were Owain Richards and Sion Vaughan and there was a goal also for Deiniol Mathias. To add further salt in the wounds Lampeter conceded an own goal.
A solitary goal from Bargod front runner Nick Thompson secured a second win of the season for Rangers at the expense of visitors Aberaeron Reserves.
In the Reserves Cup the honours were shared between Newcastle Emlyn Reserves and Cardigan Town Reserves as the game ended at 3-3. For the reds David Smith, Scott Lote-Williams and Ethan Jones were on target.
The match between Felinfach Reserves and Llanboidy Reserves was abandoned due to a serious leg injury sustained by Felinfach player Bleddyn Thomas who was attended to by the St Johns Ambulance and paramedics at pitch side. We all wish him a speedy recovery.
