Football round-up

THE cry of "We were robbed" from a Lampeter Town fan was understandable after his favourites were denied a Costcutter League Division One Boxing Day win over unbeaten runaway leaders Llandysul who got out of jail with a last gasp goal to earn a 3-3 draw at North Road.

Few would argue that Town were slightly superior on the day in a game that was a credit to both teams and although the homesters will feel they should have banked maximum points full credit to the Swallows who battled until the final whistle.

The only other title contenders Newcastle Emlyn made it five league and successes on the trot with a 6-3 win over visitors and bottom of the pile Bargod Rangers while reigning champions Cardigan Town sank neighbours St Dogmaels 4-1 at King George V Playing Field.

After a tremendous contest Llandysul dropped their first points after 12 wins on the bounce but Chris 'Coco' Davies' charges remain nine points ahead of Emlyn who have a game in hand and 12 clear of third-placed Lampeter, the latter having played three fewer games.

After inventive midfielder Adrian Hazzelby fired a left-footed shot past stand-in goalkeeper Paul Simmonds to nudge the visitors ahead Terry Witts squared matters from the penalty spot.

The mid county side then went ahead through Gethin Davies who was put through by Scott Davies and the raider beat

Jonathan Durbridge with an exquisite chip shot.

As the interval approached the home defence was caught square and Simon Davies calmly rounded Simmonds before slotting home.

Lampeter were in the ascendancy for lengthy periods during the second half and deservedly regained the lead when Luke Lovell found the pacey Gethin Hunter who finished with aplomb.

Soon afterwards Town were denied a fourth goal by Durbridge and in the last minute Llandysul pressure told when Scott Thomas netted the equaliser.

With a number of players in their line-up who have not been available week in and week out Cardigan were stronger than St Dogmaels for some time but the scoreline rather flattered the Magpies who were second best during the opening 45 minutes when they were indebted to vastly experienced goalkeeper Carl Woodhouse.

Saints, with Rhys Jones causing problems to the home defence and substitute Ioan Owen also a handful, could feel rather aggrieved although it has to be said that on the evidence of the full 90 minutes Town just about deserved maximum points.

The homesters shaded the midfield exchanges where skipper Iestyn Evans, Ben Davies and James Evans gave their skills an airing.

Town went ahead against the run of play when skipper Evans unleashed a 30-yarder and the ball flew into the top of the net giving Aarron Walters no chance.

It was all square again early in the second period when a Chris Jones effort hit the underside of the crossbar before going in and Marcus Dean made absolutely sure with a header on the line.

As the Magpies began asserting they were awarded a penalty and skipper Evans duly obliged from the spot before Tom Toft headed a third goal and Iwan Jones ensured victory with a fourth strike.

The game at Parc Emlyn was over as a serious contest before the break with the Reds leading 5-1 and although Rangers to their credit refused to capitulate and shaded the goal-scoring during the second period, the homesters were home and dry.

For Emlyn the marksmen were Peter Almond, John Curran, Scott Lote-Williams, Jake Harries, Huw Jones (penalty) and Dan Jones.

Improving Crannog handed out a six-of-the-best caning to Cilgerran Rovers at Parc y Dre, New Quay came out on top 2-1 in a relegation clash with Aberaeron Reserves at Parc Arthur while it ended goalless between Dewi Stars and Felinfach at Llanddewi Brefi.