Champions St Dogmaels are 180 minutes from retaining their title after springing a 2-0 win against Aberporth in difficult conditions at windswept Parcllyn.

Maximum points from their final two outings against Lampeter Town and Crannog would mean the Greens could not be caught and leave Maesglas, Aberaeron and New Quay fighting it out for the runners-up spot.

Playing into the teeth of a gale during the first half Saints defended resolutely, and although the Airmen held territorial advantage for lengthy periods goalkeeper Neil Evans was not unduly troubled.

The visitors played the entire second half with ten men after inspirational Steve Blackford was given his marching orders just before half time.

When the ball bounced over Evans sweeper Blackford handled on the line to prevent a goal, leaving referee Neil Lewis with no option but to show red. Gary Davies blasted wide from the penalty spot.

Despite being a man short the visitors totally dominated the second period, but had to wait until 19 minutes from the end before breaking the deadlock.

Goalkeeper John Banks was the man who kept the Teifi Estuary villagers at bay by turning aside a point blank Iwan Owen header and brilliantly tipping over a Lee Burroughs drive.

A big turning point was when Saints manager Wayne Jones introduced midfielder Lee Ladd who controlled the game and went close on two occasions.

When the goals came they were worth waiting for, and to rub salt into Aberporth's wounds were sprung by former players Sam Orme and Burroughs. Orme blasted a shot into the top corner from 30 yards and Burroughs netted with a corner kick that dipped in under the crossbar.

In another wind-affected game Maesglas ran out 5-4 winners over Aberaeron at Maes Radley to keep alive their slim title hopes.

It was rather cruel on Aeron's Iestyn Thomas. The attacking bright spark netted all four goals and still ended up on the losing side.

With the wind at their backs the Blues started brightly and took an early lead when Phil Furney sold a dummy and a through ball from Llifon Howell eluded goalkeeper Barry Edwards.

The visitors got back on level terms when Thomas fired a free kick past Rhodri Jones, but two quick fire strikes by front-runner Dominic Williams gave his side a two goal cushion at the break.

Another Thomas free kick brought the Black and Ambers back into contention, but goals by Huw Meredith and Chris Hope' Jones appeared to have wrapped up the points for the homesters.

Refusing to throw in the towel the visitors bounced back when Thomas converted a penalty and he netted his fourth at a corner to set up a nail-biting finale.

At the other end of the table bottom of the pile Llandysul won 3-0 over fellow strugglers Dewi Stars, and although the Swallows could still beat the drop it would be a Houdini type escape.

1:53pm Monday 24th March 2008

Print

Email this