There was a touch of spring last weekend as glorious sunshine bathed Saturday’s league action. However, it wasn’t quite a full programme with two games unable to survive overnight frost in the Welsh Football League.
Nevertheless, the Welsh League delivered another programme of stunning competition, with results in all three divisions proving nothing can be taken for granted.
We saw teams from lower down the league beat teams near the top, at least three hat-tricks (including one from a defender), plenty of goals and we are still no closer to knowing who is going to take the honours in all three divisions.
Here is your Welsh Football League round-up…
Division One
Briton Ferry Llansawel completed a fabulous February on a floodlit Friday night, securing a fourth win on the bounce this month and a third derby win in as many weeks. Port Talbot Town were visitors to Old Road and their young side went down 5-2 to Carl Shaw’s troops.
Leaders Penybont were held to a goalless draw by Goytre United at the Kymco Stadium. Llanelli Town failed to take advantage, falling to a shock 1-0 defeat to Undy Atheltic at Stebonheath Park; Paul Clayton with the winner. Haverfordwest County’s game at Ton Pentre was called off because of a frozen pitch, which made Afan Lido the biggest beneficiaries at the top. Lido won 2-0 at Cambrian & Clydach Vale, a result that takes them up to second and just a single point behind Penybont. The top two meet next week at Marston’s Stadium.
At the bottom Caerau Ely earned their second league win of the season (and new manager Craig Sampson’s first win), thrashing Cwmamman United 5-2 away from home. It’s a result that gives the Cardiff-outfit’s survival hopes a boost while dragging Cwmamman to the foot of the table.
In the relegation battle, Monmouth Town also won, defeating Goytre 2-0 in their Gwent derby thanks to goals from Lewis Clare and Elliot Ford. That’s four defeats in a row for the Plough Road side.
Taffs Well won for the first time in 2018, ending a six-game winless run, with a 3-0 victory over Cwmbran Celtic. Leon Jacka and Jamal Roberts both scored their first goals for the club.
Division Two
The result of the day belonged to West End. Last weekend a young West End side were on the end of a 12-0 hammering at Pontypridd Town. There would have been little expectation as they welcomed leaders STM Sports to Pri Deri Park on Saturday. However, West End ran out 4-0 winners – a result that boosts their survival bid, while dealing a severe blow to STM’s title aspirations.
Pontypridd Town took advantage and cut STM’s lead to just one point courtesy of a 7-0 win at Dinas Powys. There was another hat-trick hero, this time club captain Scott Hillman. A reportedly ‘perfect’ hat-trick, which is particularly impressive because Hillman usually plays in defence!
Below them Caldicot Town earned a hard-fought victory over fellow promotion chasers Llantwit Major. Despite playing for 70 minutes with ten men, following a red card for Ashley Palmer, Tony Wallis’ side dug deep and Connah Hughes’ second-half goal earned them all three points.
Risca United stay 4th thanks to a 3-1 home win over AFC Llwydcoed, Tom Berry on the scoresheet again. Ammanford and Garden Village played out a 1-1 draw, allowing Pontardawe Town to move up to 6th after they inflicted a 4-0 loss on bottom club AFC Porth. The Rhondda outfit has now lost all 17 of their league matches this season.
On Friday night, Abergavenny Town halted Aberdare Town’s recent surge in form with a 2-0 win at the Pen-Y-Pound Stadium. The remaining fixture between Aberbergoed Buds and Croesyceiliog was postponed due to an unplayable pitch.
Division Three
Leaders Trefelin BGC maintained their unbeaten league status with a 3-2 win at Pontyclun. However, they were pushed all the way at Ivor Park as Pontyclun led 2-1 going into the final stages. Two late goals from Jordan Edwards (to complete a hat-trick) turned the game on its head through and gave Richard Ryan’s side another win as they march towards promotion.
Swansea University kept abreast in second place, thrashing Treharris Athletic Western 5-1 at Sketty Stadium with the help of a Nick Hyden hat-trick. Bridgend Street continue to keep the top two honest, winning 2-0 at Newport City. The Cardiff-based side are ten points behind Swansea University with two games in hand.
At the bottom Treowen Stars pulled off just their second league win of the season, coming from behind to beat Panteg 2-1 at Panteg House. However, they remain bottom despite Ely Rangers losing 3-1 at Caerau on Friday night and no league game this weekend for Neuadd Wen.
In other two matches in Division Three Trethomas Bluebirds consolidated their hold on 4th place with a 3-2 win at Chepstow Town and Penrhiwceiber Rangers moved into the top half with a 2-1 home win over Ynysygerwn.
(Featured Image: Steve Roberts)
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