Saturday 23 September

"This week saw the beginning of the first of the numerous cup competitions centred around the league as the Cwpan Ceredigion got underway, but we start in League Division One, as news filters through that Llanon have abandoned their season in the top flight and have decided to focus on their side in Division Two. All points gained against Llanon are therefore wiped from team's records. Llanon Reserves now become the first team, and are also deducted three points from their Division Two campaign. A very sad development for a team that seemed to be making great strides last season.

Division 1

Given the fact that Llanon are now out of the league, Llanilar went on the trip to Tregaron looking for their first points of the season (again). It was therefore top against bottom in Division One on Saturday, therefore it was surprising when Llanilar took the lead after 15 minutes, courtesy of a clinical finish from Dylan Evans. Unfortunately Llanilar's established weakness in defence showed as they allowed Tregaron to get straight back into the game with an immediate equalizer through Gethin Jones. A real moment of comedy followed after that as Llanilar failed to get their wall in order in time and allowed Tregaron to score via an excellent header from Gethin Jones from the free-kick.

The second half began with a Llanilar player in the book as Barry Thomas, who was on the subs bench due to a late arrival at the ground, came on to bolster the attack. Unfortunately he forgot to tell the referee and ended up getting a yellow card for his trouble. It looked like it was going to be another bad day at the office for Llanilar as Tregaron scored again through Rhydian Garner to make it 3-1. Nevertheless, Llanilar began a spirited fightback as the Tregaron keeper conceded a penalty, giving the away side a chance to get back into the match. Richard Pugh duly scored from the spot and Llanilar were back in it. 10 minutes were now left and Llanilar were now on the up, and they forced the equalizer, through a Richard Pugh strike that managed to sneak in at the near post. The game now assumed a frantic pace as both sides went looking for the win, Llanilar keeper Nathan Bennett pulled off a good save from Tregaron's Rhydian Garner, while Llanilar's Barry Thomas staked his claim for worst miss of the season as he blew a one-on-one when through on goal.

In any case, a good point for Llanilar-however, they're still rooted to the foot of the table, three points adrift of Aberdyfi, who claimed an excellent 3-2 win at home to Padarn through strikes from Zak Smith, John Horton and Sam Evenson.

Tregaron will be frustrated with the Llanilar result, as a win would have seen them open a real gap between themselves and Bow Street. The Magpies could only claim a draw with Dolgellau at Cae Piod, their goals coming via Dylan James and Martin Williams, while Dolgellau struck back through Sion Williams and Tom Evans.

Penrhyncoch Reserves are now playing, knowing they have a lot of ground to make up, given they are facing a possible heavy points deduction for fielding some suspended players in one of their games this season. Their chances of retaining the league would therefore appear to be slim, especially after their 5-1 home defeat to Bont on Saturday. Warren Sedgwick, Owen Schiavone, Tristan Jones, Trevor Jenkins and Scott Lowe were the Bont scorers in the rout, Brian Wilkins getting the home sides consolation. The fact that the reigning league champions are in serious trouble will not be unwelcome to many teams, though whether the comment I heard from an anonymous source: "they should have been thrown out of the league, like Juventus" is justified is a matter of opinion.

Division 2

Division Two sprung a surprise as Corris continued their recent revival with a 5-1 victory at Dolgellau Reserves. Machynlleth recorded a heavy 4-1 victory against Talybont Reserves, Llanilar Reserves and Llanon recorded a 1-1 stalemate while Penparcau Reserves and Bow Street Reserves fought out an entertaining 3-all draw.

Cwpan Ceredigion

Now we turn to the Cwpan Ceredigion, round one of which took place on Saturday. Two of the top sides in Division Two fought it out as Aberystwyth Town Thirds defeated Tywyn/Bryncrug Reserves by 2 goals to 1. Thirds scored through an own goal and a Peter Griffiths free-kick, while Tywyn responded through Gavin Edbury.

In other games, UWA Reserves, having stayed in Division One despite finishing in the bottom two last year, were well beaten by St Dogmaels, Trawsgoed were brave in defeat to Crannog, only losing by 2 goals to 1, while Talybont ensured their progression by destroying Ffostrasol 6-2.

This weekend the Cambrian Tyres League Cup gets underway, the most interesting game perhaps being Aber Town Thirds game against Bow Street as it will show us how good the new team in Division Two really are. There could well be an upset on the cards in that game.

The rest of the fixtures in round one are no less intriguing, as Padarn host Penrhyn Reserves, Tregaron play Trawsgoed, and UWA Thirds face a seemingly revitalized Corris. In Division One there are matches between Dolgellau and Llanrhystud, Llanilar and Aberdyfi (already that looks like a relegation six-pointer), Penparcau and Talybont, and UWA Reserves against Bont.