SEVERAL clubs are belittling the prestigious J Emrys Morgan Cup competition by pulling out of ties that involve travelling long distances.

Some clubs in the Costcutter, Cambrian Tyres League, JT Hughes Montgomeryshire Amateur League and Mid Wales League SCouth do not appear to taking the top competition seriously. They wait until draws for various rounds are made and if faced with travelling 200 miles and more inform the CWFA they are unable to raise a team.

On Saturday Four Crosses Reserves of the JT Hughes League based in northern Powys near the border with Shropshire failed to make the long journey to play Maesglas in a third round tie in Cardigan.

Another JT Hughes team Guilsfield Reserves from the Welshpool area informed the tournament organisers they could not raise a team for the away tie with Costcutter league Division One leaders Newcastle Emlyn Reserves.

In the previous round three clubs pulled out to avoid long journeys and the problem has been ongoing in the competition for several years.

St Dogmaels of the Costcutter League Division One could muster only eleven players for the long journey to take on Mid Wales League South high-flyers Rhayader Town Reserves but did the league proud with a battling 2-1 win.

Saints included young reserves players Craig Williams at left back and John Williams in centre midfield and both acquitted themselves well.

Prolific marksman Trevor Woodgate with a clinical piece of finishing put the visitors in front midway through the opening 45 minutes and the same player doubled his side’s advantage after the break. Rhayader halved the deficit with a late strike but Saints held out.

Lampeter Town sprang a deserved 2-0 win over visitors Churchstoke from Division Two of the JT Hughes League. Inspirational midfielder James Gudgeon headed home the opener before half time and central defender Gareth Williams moved up for a corner to double the advantage.

Second Division Llanboidy rose to the occasion by knocking out Sennybridge from the Mid Wales League South at Cae Dandre.

After a goalless first half super sub Charlie Davidson-Howell became the hero of the hour for the west Carmarthenshire side with two goals in a minute. The visitors netted from a free kick near the end but Llanboidy held on and visit Caersws Reserves in the next round.

In the only Division One game Crannog and Llandysul shared four goals at the Urdd Centre where Chris Welch and Rhydian Roberts were on target for the coastal villagers.

Felinfach took over the leadership of division two after a 4-1 win against fellow promotion challengers Cilgerran Rovers at Parc Y Dre. Luke Sirrell and Kevin Taylor bagged a brace of goals apiece for the visitors.