Newcastle Emlyn 4 Llanelli Town 1

The Reds hit the ground running in springing a 4-1 win over fellow Welsh League Division Three rivals Llanelli Town in the first qualifying round of the Welsh Cup at Parc Emlyn.

New manager Kieran Davies of Carmarthen has assembled a useful looking young squad and even at this early stage signs point to a promising season for his charges.

Llanelli AFC, reformed as Llanelli Town and admitted to the third tier of the Welsh League boasted a number of experienced campaigners but despite a fully-committed showing were second best on the day.

The Teifisiders went ahead early on when influential midfielder Elliot Thomas picked up the ball outside the penalty area and crossed for 23-year-old Thomas ‘Twiggy’ Harvey to find the net on his debut.

Llanelli came back strongly but the Emlyn defence with former Aberaeron goalkeeper Barry Edwards handling confidently repelled a number of raids.

After Harvey had a second goal disallowed for offside Emlyn were denied by the Llanelli goalkeeper who pulled off a string of quality stops.

Emlyn doubled the advantage in the 56th minute when former Carmarthen Town raider Sean Bergiers was in exactly the right spot to turn the ball home.

When the Reds were awarded a penalty for a push in the back Elliott Thomas stepped up and confidently stroked home the spotkick to put his side in the clear.

Shortly afterwards Llanelli midfielder Steve Berry was sent off for using foul and abusive language and visiting manager Bob Jeffrey was also shown red for a similar offence.

Displaying an abundance of fighting spirit Llanelli pulled a goal back but Bergiers put the issue beyond doubt when intercepting a back pass and rounding the goalkeeper before slotting home.

NC Emlyn: Barry Edwards; Mathew Mousley; Nick Rees; Gary Evans; Gavin Rees; Gino Dragone; Thomas Harvey; Elliot Thomas; Sean Bergiers; Adam Thomas; Rhydian Mansfield. Subs used: Sharif Ahmed; Chris Ferrier.

Emlyn start their league programme tomorrow when visiting Grenig Park in Glanaman for a head-to-head with Cwmamman United.

* After a short summer break local football is back with nine midweek games in the Costcutter League.

Many feel the Division One championship is wide open with half a dozen or so clubs contenders to deny New Quay a fourth successive title.

Tonight Maesglas host Crannog at Maes Radley and both will be hoping to make a bright start to the campaign.

The coastal villagers have been training hard for several weeks while Maesglas have hit the ground running in friendlies. Talented goalkeeper Rhodri Jones will again lead the Blues and the signing of St Dogmaels midfielder and former Aberystwyth Academy member Kyle Smith is seen as a big acquisition.

The other game tonight sees Newcastle Emlyn Reserves take on Llandysul at Parc Emlyn. In their first season in the top grade last season Emlyn surprised many and ruffled a few feathers. The Reds could again be to the fore and are fancied to do well while Llandysul are an unknown quantity and more will emerge as to their chances after tonight’s clash.

Lampeter Town led the field for a lengthy spell last term before fading in the final quarter when New Quay came through to take the title.

The North Road followers will be hoping to get off on the right foot when Aberaeron Reserves visit tomorrow.

Champions New Quay will be expected to start with a win against Aberporth at Parc Arthur while Llanybydder could prove too strong for visitors Bargod Rangers.

Fixtures

Tuesday, September20 (kick off 6.30pm)

Division 1: Maesglas v Llandysul; Maesglas v Crannog

Division 2: Cilgerran Rovers v Llanboidy

Wednesday, September 21 (kick off 6.30pm)

Division 1: Lampeter Town v Aberaeron Res; Llanybydder v Bargod Rangers; New Quay v Aberporth

Division 2: Bargod Res v New Quay Res; Dewi Stars v Llanon; Felinfach v Ffostrasol

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