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Newcastle Emlyn 2 Risca United 1 Sighs of relief were almost audible in the Emlyn camp after Sean Jones and Co banked three priceless points to go with a point from a midweek 2-2 draw at Seven Sisters to stay in contention for promotion in the Welsh League Division Three West.

With three home games remaining - against Goytre on Saturday, Seven Sisters on Bank Holiday Monday and bottom of the pile Abertillery the following Saturday - matters are in the Teifisiders' own hands and it will be a major disappointment if they fail to reach Division Two.

In midweek the Reds conceded a goal three minutes into injury time when held 2-2 at Seven Sisters, and it was imperative that they pick up a full complement of points from the visit of Risca.

After his charges came through the test manager Mathew Price said: "We have finally turned the corner and the next three games are the biggest in the club's history. Three wins would definitely take us up and that is the job at hand."

Emlyn went ahead after 23 minutes through front-runner Mike Preddy who dispossessed former Cardiff City defender Nathan Wigg and beat goalkeeper Lee Jones at the near post.

The lead was doubled five minutes before the break when a long clearance by goalkeeper Peter Blain found boss Price whose ball across the face of the goal was turned in by Preddy.

Risca came out firing in the second half and after hitting an upright halved the deficit through midfielder and skipper Brendan Scott who volleyed home at the far post.

Emlyn had what appeared a genuine penalty appeal for a handling offence turned down, Price fired just wide and Jonathan Clarke had an effort saved by Jones.

Near the end Blain made sure his side picked up maximum points with a superb save from Jonathan Pin, the custodian tipping over a shot bound for the top corner.

10:57am Monday 28th April 2008

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