Bangor City make a bang, Airbus in seventh heaven, Llanelli Town held and Newport City’s perfect start
The JD Cymru North and South kicked off this past weekend with all 32 teams in action aiming for a place in Wales’ top division.
There were some big score-lines across the weekend as 54 goals were scored in the opening 16 league fixtures. Here is a recap of all the action from week one.
Cymru North
A sensational opening day performance from Airbus UK Broughton saw them run out convincing 7-0 winners against Denbigh Town to sit top of the league. James Davies was the star-man for The Wingmakers as he scored four and assisted one before being substituted in the 66th minute.
It wasn’t the only game that finished 7-0 though as newsboys Flint Mountain had a dream start with their conclusive victory against Ruthin Town. Veteran forward Michael Hayes showed all his experience as he got an opening day hat-trick to see his side second in the league after the opening fixture.
Early favourites for the title Colwyn Bay suffered a surprise 4-0 defeat at home against Bangor 1876 in front of 1,236 fans. Two goals from Corrig McGonigle in the first half followed by goals from Tom Clarke and Mason Blackwell-Jones in the second gave Michael Johnston’s men the perfect start.
The spoils were shared between Buckley Town and newly promoted Penrhyncoch as neither side could find a goal in their 0-0 draw at The Globe.
A late free-kick from Charley Edge rescued a point for Gresford Athletic in their 1-1 draw with the final newly promoted side of the division Llay Welfare. A goal from substitute Samuel John looked like it was going to be enough to give Llay the opening day win before the dramatic conclusion.
There was another heavy scoreline at Bartons North Wales Stadium as Holywell Town began their campaign with a 6-0 win at home to Prestatyn Town. 22-year-old attacker Morgan Murray scoring once and assisting twice in The Wellmen’s comprehensive result.
Two goals from Owen Cordiner helped 10-man Mold Alexandra to a 3-1 victory at home against Llandudno. Dafydd Griffiths received a second yellow in the 74th minute with them 2-1 up but a stoppage time strike from Cordiner ensured all three points for Mold.
Max McLaughlin of Caersws made up for his missed penalty in the 12th minute of their away tie to Guilsfield, scoring an 86th-minute winner to earn his side their first three points of the season with a 2-1 win.
Prestatyn, Denbigh and Ruthin make up the bottom three of the Cymru North after the first round of fixtures with them all suffering heavy defeats.
Cymru South
Cymru South newcomers Newport City showed their quality by fighting back from a goal down against Ammanford to get a 3-1 win on the opening day. A debut goal for Luke Cooper followed by a brace from summer signing Nathaniel Jarvis cancelled out Lewis Reed’s first-half penalty.
Relegated Ponty United got their campaign off to a winning start with a 3-2 victory at home against Afan Lido. The Dragons had a 3-1 lead at the break before a Travis James goal ten minutes from time gave them a nervy ending to hold on to all three points.
Early title contenders Llanelli Town were held to a 1-1 draw away to Taffs Well. A first half goal from new signing Henry Jones was cancelled out early in the second half by former player David Lyon to secure a point for The Wellmen.
Lee Trundle showed he’s still got it as his lofted effort sealed a 1-0 win for his new side Trefelin at home against Caerau Ely. The strike early in the second half from the experienced forward was enough to separate the sides leaving The Young Guns still searching for their first points.
Goytre United earned a shock result away to Camarthen Town with Keane Watts staring in their 2-1 victory. Substitute Leon Rayner struck a dramatic late winner for Laurie Marsh’s side to give them the opening weekend win.
Newly promoted Trethomas Bluebirds picked up their first win in the Cymru South with a 1-0 win away to Llantwit Major. The Bluebirds missed two penalties before Gareth Tedstone struck in the 72nd minute having missed the second spot kick just a minute previous.
The last of the newly promoted sides Penrhiwceiber Rangers held Baglan Dragons to a 0-0 draw at Glasbrook Field to get their first point of the season. A hard-working defensive display from Ceiber kept The Dragons at bay before nearly snatching all three points late on with an effort from Jaymie Wearn that struck the post.
Cambrian United claimed top spot on the opening weekend with their 3-1 victory away to Cwmbran Celtic. Two goals from Tim Parker and Joshua Allen got them off to the perfect start, before Allen grabbed his second just before the break to seal the three points.
Llantwit Major, Ammanford and Cwmbran Celtic make up the bottom three in the Cymru South heading into the second week of fixtures.