Ponthenri bounce back from horror start to clinch triumph

PONTHENRI have enjoyed a dream start to the Carmarthenshire Premier League season and sit third following another eye-catching win against Gorseinon Athletic.

After defeating Bwlch Rangers at home 2-1 in midweek thanks to goals from Garin Morris and Sion Roberts, Ponthenri beat Athletic 4-2.

But they started on the wrong foot, conceding a goal nine seconds after kick-off.

The Ponthenri defence stared in disbelief as a Richard Quinn effort flashed past the keeper.

But Ponthenri responded positively and were soon back on level terms.

After good approach work, Morris picked his spot from six yards.

In the 33rd minute the Gwendraeth Valley side were ahead for the first time.

Advantage

Sion Roberts beat the offside trap before curling his shot past the keeper from the edge of the box.

Ponthenri extended their advantage in the 55th minute. Picking up the ball on the edge of the centre circle, left-back Ciaran Lee outstripped the defenders before side-footing into the back of the net.

Although Gary Davies breathed new life into Gorseinon with a far-post header in the 67th minute, Ponthenri were not to be denied.

They restored their two-goal cushion when Huw Rumble got behind the defence and converted on 85 minutes.

In contrast, it's been a nightmare start for Johnstown. In the space of five days they conceded 22 goals in two games.

After crashing 13-0 in the away clash against Seaside in midweek, Johnstown were on the road again last Saturday and lost 9-0 to Bwlch Rangers.

Clayton Jenkins scored four goals, there was a hat-trick for Matthew Hughes, while Ethan Scoogle capped an outstanding performance by striking twice.

After failing to win any of their first four league games, Tumble United finally delivered with a 6-1 win at home to Llansteffan.

Four of the goals were shared between Tyrone Williams and Andrew Moore, while Brett Enoch and Freddie Trelore were others to get their names on the scoresheet.

In division two, third-placed Kidwelly Town are going well, and thoroughly deserved their 5-4 win at Ammanford Town.

Kidwelly eventually gained the upper hand through a Mark John penalty and further goals from Luke Fitzpatrick, Ben Walters, Barry Proctor and Chris Paul.

In division three, two late goals helped Cross Hands to a hard-fought 2-1 win at Bancffosfelen, who took a fifth-minute lead through a Daniel Lewis penalty.

A tap-in by Liam Preece presented Cross Hands with an equaliser on 80 minutes, and then came a dramatic winner in the 89th minute.

A long throw by Timothy Rees was fumbled by keeper Ryan Alexander, who saw the ball slip from his grasp and over the line.

It was a disappointing 90 minutes for Pembrey, who lost 5-0 at home to leaders Greenfield Rovers.

John Ryan scored twice and also on target were Kevin Davies, Daniel Geary and Gareth Hatton.

There was an early exit in the Senior Cup for Burry Port, beaten 4-1 at home by defending Premier division champions Seaside in the first round.

But the Port players can hold their heads high.

With the score 1-1 at half-time they had the visitors worried.

Eventually Seaside pulled through thanks to Steven Stone, Robert Thomas, Bruno Farkouh and Lee Stone.

Also through to the next round are Whitland.

A first-half hat-trick from Chris Bowen helped his team oust Drefach 6-0 on their own ground.

On target in the second half were Alistair Bowen, Robert Shipton and Geraint Phillips.