FOOTBALL ROUND-UP

The semi-final draw for the J Emrys Morgan Cup is being made by the Central Wales FA tonight (Tuesday) with local clubs Cardigan Town and Newcastle Emlyn in the last four – the latter went through under the Parc Emlyn lights on Friday with a 3-1 extra time win over Felinfach.

Many followers consider Brecon Corries – they went down 3-0 against holders Berriew in the Central Wales Cup on Saturday – to be clear favourites to lift the trophy.

Corries have not yet reached the last four – they are set to visit another Powys outfit Guilsfield Reserves in a quarter-final tie on March 21.

Even though the last eight confrontation in Powys is to be resolved Cardigan, who were winners five years ago, feel they have what it takes to match the Corries and hope to draw them at the penultimate stage.

A Town source said: “We are not in awe of Brecon and hope to meet them in the semi-final.”

The result of the Emrys Morgan quarter-final tie at Newcastle Emlyn was in the balance until extra time when the Reds netted twice against Felinfach to earn a 3-1 win.

The Teifisiders were without several key players and included manager Owain Thomas in the line-up – he proved his worth to the team by setting up two goals.

Emlyn went ahead after 16 minutes when Dion Davies collected a loose pass just outside the penalty area and rifled a shot into the top of the net.

The Reds had chances to increase the lead, especially when Sam Skinner was set up but he headed wide.

Midway through the second half Kieran Boyce poked home from close range to bring the Milkmen level and it was game on.

Just before the end of the first period of extra time an accurate Owain Thomas corner picked out Skinner and there was just no stopping his header.

The Reds boss also did the spade work for Jake Kelly to net a third home goal and end the Felinfach challenge.

The Magpies kept up the pressure on Costcutter Division One leaders St Dogmaels with a 7-0 demolition of Dewi Stars seven days after beating the same opponents in extra time in the Emrys Morgan.

It really was a one-sided affair at King George V Playing Field with Town in the ascendancy throughout and it was surprising that the title contenders did not win by a far wider margin.

Once again Cardigan were in a position to leave regulars on the bench, but with the likes of youngsters Liam Doherty, Jack Everton and Jac Blackford showing their undoubted potential there were no problems.

It was nip and tuck during the opening quarter, but once the Magpies got their act together the writing was on the wall for the visitors.

Skipper and inspirational midfielder James Evans got the first goal and shortly afterwards striker Doherty hit a stunning 30-yarder into the top corner with the Stars defence motionless.

That’s how it remained until midway through the second period when incessant pressure told when Everton blasted a long-range effort into the roof of the net followed by two goals apiece for young Blackford and Dylan Davies.

Before the start of the game a minute’s silence was observed in memory of referee and former Crannog player Gareth ‘Gazza’ Evans who died on Wednesday after a long illness courageously borne, aged 44. Silences were held at all local games.

There were more solemn moments at Crannog where captain Mike Glover also led a small ceremony in memory of Gareth as the team were held to a 0-0 draw by Ffostrasol.

The 2-0 scoreline in favour of runaway leaders St Dogmaels against basement boys Aberporth at School Field may suggest a closely fought contest, but in the event Saints were streets ahead of their rivals.

That the Teifi Estuary high-flyers did not swell their goals for column was down to sheer bad luck and a superb performance by goalkeeper Ryan Banks.

The vastly-experienced custodian pulled off a string of saves that were right out of the top drawer, as he kept out efforts from Louis Harding, Rhys Jones and others, but was reduced to a spectator as two Harding blasters rebounded from the woodwork.

Adam Williams fired the first goal when chasing an accurate chip by Rhys Jones and slotting the ball past Banks.

Harding doubled the advantage after the break and there was no way back for the Airmen.

Mid-table outfits Lampeter Town and Llanboidy shared four goals in an entertaining game at North Road.

The homesters held a solitary goal lead after the opening 45 minutes, the strike by central midfielder Marc Evans.

Both sides went at it hammer and tongs during the second period as a second goal for Lampeter struck by leading marksman Jason Jones and two visiting goals by Celt Thomas-Jones and Gethin Scourfield ensured a share of the spoils.

Followers in the area joined in extending congratulations to Llandysul Reserves on being crowned Division Three champions.