IN a topsy-turvy start to the campaign Newcastle Emlyn Reserves lead the way in Division One with five wins from as many starts while all eleven of their rivals have tasted defeat.

Emlyn notched win number four with a 7-0 midweek thrashing of early basement boys Aberaeron Reserves and three days later completed a nap hand of successes as they sprang a 2-0 win over battling Aberporth at Parcllyn.

Former Cardigan Town and Maesglas striker Phil Furney was the goal hero against the Black and Ambers as he netted a hat-trick.

After slipping up against Emlyn the previous Saturday St Dogmaels bounced back with a 5-2 win over Crannog at the School Field and doubled up by beating Aberaeron Reserves 3-0 in the seaside town.

As Crannog were outplayed Slovak Waleczek hit a hat-trick and the other goals came via Rich Connolly and Tom Phillips.

It was anything but a cakewalk for Steve Jerry Williams and Co at Aberaeron as the Black and Ambers put up a stern challenge. Goals by Waleczek, Ioan Owen and Anthony Murtagh ensured Saints returned with a full complement of points.

Promoted Cardigan Town got the season off to a great start with a 4-2 win over Lampeter Town but things have gone awry for the Magpies – they went down 1-0 against Crannog at Llangrannog in midweek and were beaten 3-2 at home by Bargod Rangers on Saturday.

Town produced an insipid showing against Rangers and could have no complaints about the result. Lively raider Sam Skinner netted a brilliant hat-trick for the visitors and although Adam Williams and Rhys Davies replied for the homesters Rangers were full value for the points.

Four days after defeat at Cardigan there was more disappointment for Lampeter Town who lost 5-4 at home against Llandysul.

But on Saturday the mid county men found their true form when sinking champions for the past three seasons New Quay 3-1 at North Road.

Luke Lovell, Marc Evans and leading marksman Jason Jones were the Town marksmen with Gareth Thomas replying for the champs.

On the evidence of early results it would appear Llandysul are a force to be reckoned with. The Swallows were narrowly beaten by Emlyn on the opening day but have since notched a win hat-trick.

Having banked maximum points at the expense of Aberaeron Reserves and Lampeter Town they won 7-3 against visiting Crannog.

Simon Jones is scoring goals for fun just now, the front-runner top of the goal-scorers list with 12 strikes in four games. The raider hit a hat-trick at Lampeter and was in even more buoyant mood against Crannog when netting five times. The other goals were fired by Lewis Jones and Sion Price.

Even at this early stage several clubs are experiencing difficulty raising teams and have been helped out by players coming out of retirement.

The division two game between Saron and Llanon was postponed when Saron were informed just before the 2.30pm kick off that Llanon could not raise a team for the journey to the Carmarthenshire village.

Another problem for the league is a shortage of referees and this is something that obviously must be addressed as a matter of urgency.*

* Newcastle Emlyn reached the second round of the Welsh League Cup with victory over Pontypridd Town at Parc Emlyn. The Reds notched a 2-1 win over the visitors who like Emlyn are in the lower reaches of the third division.