Saturday 17 February

"The interesting spread of games produced some equally interesting results this week, as many long-outstanding cup-ties were settled, but little was decided in the league.

We start with the Cwpan Ceredigion, which due to numerous delays saw games taking place in three different rounds. In Round 2, Dolgellau's involvement in the competition was ended withy a 4-2 defeat at home to Llanybydder. Two Sion Williams goals were not enough for the Aber League team, as strikes from Dai Thomas, Leighton Rees, Adrian Lloyd and Gareth Williams saw the away side through.

In Round 3, Llanilar came flying out of the blocks against Bow Street, taking an early lead via a Richard Pugh goal and dominating the first 25 minutes; but the Magpies gradually asserted control and came out 4-1 winners thanks to a Darren Middleton brace (in a man-of the match performance), and strikes from Ian Evans and Phillip Evans.

Tregaron meanwhile advanced to Round 5 of the competition with a typically high scoring victory away at Aberaeron. Two goals apiece from Rhydian Garner and Dorian Coleman, plus strikes from Brynmor Jones, Jonathan Evans and Nigel Jones saw the title challengers through 7-4. Gwyndaf Lewis, Gareth Evans and James Hemmings were on the mark for Aberaeron, with an own goal completing their scoring.

Penparcau moved into Round 5 of the Central Wales Challenge Cup with an excellent 3-2 victory at home to Newbridge; Steve Wellsby, Alex Rimmer and Matthew Davies were on the mark for the Min-y-Ddol side.

Division One saw three inconclusive results, with little change to either the top or bottom. Aberdyfi were apparently unlucky again in their 2-2 draw with Talybont. Phil Betts and Sam Iverson scored for Aberdyfi, with Dylan Lewis and Jamie Barron getting Talybont's replies.

Bont's slide continued, as they slipped to a heavy 3-0 defeat at home to Penrhyncoch Reserves. Penrhyn's goals came via two Dylan James strikes and Gareth Hughes. Penrhyn are now just five points behind Bont in the league, an incredible achievement considering their heavy points deduction.

Unfortunately I don't have the scorers, but I know Padarn and UWA Reserves battled to a 2-all draw. The result does little for either team, both needed the win and will require more points in the coming games.

In Division Two there were the usual heavy wins for Tywyn/Bryncrug Reserves and Aberystwyth Town Thirds, 9-0 over Llanon and 7-0 over Machynlleth respectively. Tywyn lead Aber by two points, though Aber have two games in hand, with 11 points separating them from third placed Penrhyn Thirds. UWA Thirds continued their good season with a 2-0 win over Corris, while Bow Street Reserves moved into fourth with a 4-0 victory at Trawsgoed.

Predictions for this week:

Bow Street v. Penparcau

Definitely the big tie this week, first v. second in the league. Bow Street have recaptured some of their best form of last year, Penparcau have also forced their way into contention after a shaky start. In many ways the draw would be the most likely result, the sides should cancel each other out. Bow Street are perhaps most vulnerable if they come up against a side who can take their chances at goal, while Penparcau need to make headway early in a game or frustration can creep in. I suppose going for the draw is the easy option, but I'll take it anyway. Prediction: Bow Street 2-2 Penparcau.

Llanilar v. Bont

If ever one side has struggled in 2007, it's Bont. They've gradually been muscled out of the title race due to a succession of defeats. Llanilar have improved from their poor early season form. If they can learn how to finish their chances in their good spells they'll do better. Because of this, I think a home win could be on the cards here. Prediction: Llanilar 1-0 Bont.

Padarn v. Llanrhystud

The home side desperately needs a win here. The problem is I can't see them getting it. Llanrhystud have picked up in recent weeks and seem to be fairly comfortable in mid-table, but not comfortable enough to lose a game here. Prediction: Padarn 0-2 Llanrhystud.

Talybont v. Tregaron

With Bow Street and Penparcau playing each other, Tregaron will be hoping for a draw there and a victory here. That should give them enough incentive to force a win here, though the fixture won't be easy. Talybont have been decent this season and even a heavy defeat in this game would be no disgrace. Prediction: Talybont 0-4 Tregaron.

UWA Reserves v. Penrhyncoch Reserves

Penrhyn have, courtesy of a good post-Xmas run, forced their way into fifth. Much has been said about their methods in doing this, but overcoming the points deduction they suffered is no mean feat. They will defeat the students if they maintain that form, as UWA have faltered recently after a good start. Prediction: UWA Res. 1-4 Penrhyn Res. "

Written by Lee Taylor from Aberystwyth.