Costcutter Ceredigion Football League

NORMAL service was resumed on the opening day as champions for the past three seasons New Quay got straight back in the groove by handing out a six-of-the-best caning to Aberporth at Parc Arthur writes John Adey.

The Airmen were still in contention after the opening 45 minutes when trailing 2-1 but then the Seasiders reverted to type spraying the ball around accurately and hitting four goals without reply.

It was a good all-round team performance from the champions with Craig Richardson, normally a defender, standing out in a central midfield role and crowning a fine performance with a brace of goals.

Front-runner David Evans put the homesters in front early on with a right foot shot from outside the penalty area that beat excellent goalkeeper Ryan Banks.

Another striker Johnny James doubled the advantage with a close-range effort before the visitors halved the deficit when goalkeeper Sam Berti made a hash of collecting a throw in and pushed the ball into his own net.

As the Seasiders upped the tempo during the second period Johnny James doubled his tally, Richardson netted twice and player/manager Jonion Evans left Banks stranded with a well-placed free kick from 20 yards.

Afterwards Quay boss Evans said “It was a satisfying start to the season and the lads played really well during the second half.”

Crannog have been putting in strenuous training sessions on beaches and other locations and the hard work paid off when the coastal villagers ran out 6-1 winners against Maesglas at Maes Radley in Cardigan.

The visitors looked a competent outfit and given that one swallow doesn’t make a summer there were signs pointing to them being a force to be reckoned with. A big early test comes tomorrow with a visit to fortress School Field to play St Dogmaels.

A defensive error allowed George Colven to put the visitors ahead but the Blues replied in double quick time with a well-struck goal by Ashley Summers who was a real livewire for the home side.

Maesglas enjoyed plenty of possession with skipper Marc James inspiring those around him but the Blues were rarely seen as a potent attacking force.

Vastly experienced Huw Reed impressed in the Crannog midfield while Tom Bellotti was a tower of strength at the heart of defence.

Colven regained the advantage for his side before the break and as Crannog got on top in the second half Rhydian Roberts was twice on target and other goals came via Reed and Leigh Davies.

Newcastle Emlyn Reserves were forced to pull out the stops before edging home 3-2 against full-of-fight Llandysul at Parc Emlyn.

Gary Davies, Phil Furney and Adrian Hazelby were the Emlyn marksmen while Simon Davies got both goals for the visitors.

Lampeter Town started on fire when burying Aberaeron Reserves under a ten-goal avalanche at North Road..

Winger Jason Jones led the goal rush with a hat-trick, Luke Lovell and Mark Rivers bagged a brace apiece, and the other goal-getters were Terry Witts, Marc Evans and James Gudgeon.

Neighbours Llanybydder also banked maximum points with a hard-earned 1-0 victory over visitors Bargod Rangers. Jordan James hit the all-important goal.