Saturday 14 October

"The international break is over, and its time to return to the Cambrian Tyres Aberystwyth League. One match was played before the break, as the now bottom placed Penrhyncoch Reserves defeated UWA Reserves 3-1 in Division One on Friday 6th October. Mark Gornall, Jonathan Foligno and Gareth Hughes got the goals for Penrhyn. Tiago Silva replying for the students.

So, we move to last weekend, and unquestionably the biggest match was the showdown between Bow Street and Tregaron at Cae Piod. Both these teams must consider themselves as challengers for the title, and therefore I expected a close game.

Unfortunately (for Bow Street) it turned out to be anything but, as they sustained a 5-0 whipping at home. Cledan Davies, Jonathan Evans, Rhydian Garner (2) and Brynmor Jones got the goals for the Turfs, who also had two goals disallowed for offside, although I should state Bow Street also suffered a disallowed goal. I have to admit I was surprised by the result, as Bow Street's form had been looking quite ominous before this fixture. However, they have perhaps flattered to deceive in a number of matches I have seen, and the wheels seemed to come off in a dramatic fashion last weekend. The win confirms the Turfs in second place, while Bow Street are in fourth, a full seven points behind the leaders, though they have two games in hand.

Those leaders are Bont, who now seem to be stepping up to a new level and really are challenging for the title, after an 11-2 demolition of Talybont. Scott Lowe and Peter Horton both grabbed hat-tricks in the rout. Bont lead Tregaron by two points at the top, though the Turfs have a game in hand. Talybont, despite their embarrassment, remain comfortably in mid-table, though this loss must have dented their confidence.

Below the top four, Dolgellau moved into fifth, via a 2-1 win at Padarn, thanks to two Sion Williams goals, Padarn's reply coming from Will Johnson. Llanrhystud dropped below Dolgellau, as they drew with Penrhyncoch Reserves 1-1. Fergus Morris got the goal for Penrhyn, Darren Davies replying for Llanrhystud. Penrhyn's position is now officially at minus 5 points, and they are firmly bottom.

The two teams above them fought it out also, as UWA Reserves gained an excellent win at Aberdyfi. A Simon Greaves hat-trick helped the students to the win, and they are now just a point behind Aberdyfi having played 5 games less.

In Division Two, a Tim Turner hat-trick helped Aberystwyth Town Thirds to a 5-1 win over Dolgellau Reserves, though the Thirds sustained a blow as Peter Griffiths sustained a metatarsal injury which will keep him out of action for around 8 weeks.

Elsewhere, Tywyn/Bryncrug Reserves kept pace with Aber at the top with a 2-0 victory over Bow Street Reserves, Llanilar Reserves gained their first win of the season with a 3-1 victory over Machynlleth, Llanon defeated Talybont Reserves 3-2, and in two suprising results Trawsgoed upset Penparcau Reserves 4-3, and UWA Thirds defeated Penrhyncoch Thirds 5-2.

There are a number of interesting fixtures this weekend, as Bont face a testing trip to Dolgellau, Bow Street attempt to get themselves back on track, though that will not be straightforward as they are visiting Penparcau. Tregaron face Aberdyfi, Llanrhystud play Padarn, and Llanilar take on UWA Reserves at Blaendolau.

Perhaps the most interesting game will be the clash of Division Two's leading sides, as also at Blaendolau Aber Town Thirds take on Tywyn/Bryncrug Reserves. Both teams are currently locked together at the top, both are undefeated in the league, and they have conceded one goal between them.