Despite a huge fixture backlog resulting in Costcutter League champions Cardigan Town having to take part in three games a week since the start of last month and manager Seamus Doherty writing off his team’s chance of retaining the title the Magpies have emerged as strong challengers.

Two vitally important victories over title rivals Newcastle Emlyn and Bargod Rangers in 48 hours put Doherty’s men right in contention.

Their hopes were given an extra boost by a surprise 1-0 home defeat for leaders Lampeter Town at the hands of Crannog.

Town ended the title hopes of Newcastle Emlyn with a 1-0 home win in a top of the table encounter that never reached any heights and a goal by 17-year-old wide player Tomos Toft was enough to sink the Reds and give the Magpies hope.

Many believed the champions faced a formidable test in their second outing against Bargod at Parc Puw, but in the event it was plain sailing for the visitors who sprang a 3-0 win and the margin of victory could have been far bigger as the visitors were denied by the woodwork on three occasions.

Once again it was young Toft who stole the limelight, the right-winger ghosting in to put his side ahead before the break and hitting the target twice during the second period to complete a brilliant hat-trick.

There was no let up for Cardigan as the hectic programme continued last night against Bargod Rangers in the final of Cwpan Coffa Dai Dynamo Davies and tomorrow Steve Blackford and colleagues cross the Teifi to take on arch-rivals St Dogmaels in a league game.

After the local derby the Magpies have four league games remaining – at Pencader on Saturday, home against Bargod next Tuesday, at Llandysul two days later and finally as hosts to Lampeter on Saturday, May 14, a game that could be a title decider.

On top of the league commitments there is also the matter of the Bay Cup when Town visit Felinfach for a round two tie.

Lampeter bounced back from the Crannog setback with a 1-0 win at the expense of disappointing former challengers Emlyn and victory over Llandysul at North Road tonight would put Terry Jones and his charges in line for their first title since season 1908-09.

And Llandysul are in the picture after wins over Aberporth at Parcllyn followed by a 3-1 win at St Dogmaels on Saturday.

A 3-2 defeat at Felinfach sealed the fate of Pencader and the Carmarthenshire villagers were joined in the drop by Aberporth.