FOOTBALL ROUND-UP

Llandysul and holders Newcastle Emlyn will go head-to-head in the Costcutter League Cup final at Square Field in Aberaeron on Easter Monday (April 2) after coming through semi-final ties on Saturday.

It was a real thriller with the result in doubt right up to the final whistle as Llandysul sprang a 2-1 win over St Dogmaels at Parc Puw in Drefach Felindre, while Emlyn came from behind to emerge 3-1 winners over Ffostrasol at Aberaeron.

Saints must still be wondering how they managed to throw away the tie after battering their opponents for most of the game.

Heaving a sigh of relief afterwards Llandysul manager Chris Coco Davies said: "The better side lost the game, of that there is no doubt, but that is how it goes in football sometimes."

The Swallows made little impression going forward but the back four, expertly marshalled by Dean Jones were excellent and behind them goalkeeper John Durbridge was outstanding.

The big custodian pulled off a string of saves that were right out of the top drawer and capped a superb performance in keeping out a first half penalty awarded for a foul in the area and taken by Saints central midfielder Adam Williams.

As a St Dogmaels move broke down Llandysul broke at pace and striker Simon Davies cut the ball back for central midfielder Carwyn Morgan to give his side the lead.

Almost immediately from the kick off in the second half a mix-up in the Saints penalty area culminated in Carwyn Morgan nipping in for his and Llandysul's second goal.

Big central defender Jason Williams powered home a header at a corner to halve the deficit and although Saints continued to put their opponents under pressure the Swallows held out for the win and a date with destiny on Easter Monday.

There was frustration in the Emlyn camp at halftime as they trailed by a solitary goal after controlling the game to such an extent they should have been in the driving seat.

Just about the only opportunity that came the way of bottom of the league Ffostrasol was gobbled up by central midfielder Bowen who fired past Chris Stevens from the edge of the penalty area.

The Reds continued to pull the strings after the break and it came as no surprise when they drew level through Adrian Hazzelby.

Five minutes later a through ball was seized on by Ian Phillips who rounded a defender before chipping the ball into the net.

The tie as put out of the reach of Ffostrasol when Ashley Summers netted the third goal with a clinical piece of finishing and Emlyn were home

and dry.

Aberaeron Reserves gave their Division One survival hopes a boost with an impressive performance in notching a 5-0 away win over Cardigan Town at King George V Playing Field.

For the Black and Ambers, who outplayed the Magpies for lengthy periods, there were goals for Llewellyn Lloyd, Jack Chetwynd, Ianto Evans and Sam Branell, the latter netting twice.

With only three games left Dewi Stars sank further into the relegation mire after a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Crannog at the Urdd Centre.

Steffan Jones, Dan Robinson and Marc Davies were on target for the coastal villagers.

Cilgerran Rovers failed to raise a team for the home game against leaders Lampeter Town and also unable to raise sides were New Quay and Crannog Reserves in round two of the South Cards Cup.

The J Emrys Morgan Cup semi-final clash between Lampeter Town and Newcastle Emlyn was postponed due to an unplayable pitch at Cae Baker in Penrhyncoch and the tie was scheduled to go on at Richmond Park in Carmarthen last night (Monday) – Emlyn have also gained permission from the Welsh League club to hold a league game at the ground next week.

The other Emrys Morgan semi-final between Powys rivals Four Crosses and Forden United at Latham Park in Newtown was called off due to snow.