REDS SHOW TRUE CLASS

WITH both teams in the top four of the JD Cymru South, Llanelli Town were expecting a difficult encounter in the first round of the inaugural JD Cymru South Cup, but the Reds produced easily their best performance to date to earn a comfortable win.

Apart from the opening stages when the visitors were in possession, once the home side settled they caused their Rhondda opponents countless problems.

The Reds deservedly went ahead on 15 minutes following a run down the right by the outstanding Dylan Williams, who found Keane Watts infield and he laid the ball into the path of Eli Phipps to slot past keeper Harry Webber.

Within seven minutes the lead was doubled following a defensive clearance which led to Williams making ground before crossing to Phipps, who notched up his brace from close range.

Phipps could have completed his hat-trick when he was put clear, but Webber claimed the ball at his feet.

Cambrian were finding it difficult to mount any sort of meaningful attacks by a solid home defence, their best chance arising from a free-kick on the edge of the box which was driven in low by Jay Woodford but deflected off the wall for a corner.

At the other end, the Reds did get the ball in the net again but it was ruled out by referee George Nemes, presumably for a foul on Webber.

Just before the break they went close again following a quick corner by Ryan Bevan, who found Miles John, and his far-post cross was met by Phipps, who glanced his header off the upright.

The hosts continued to dominate matters after the restart, and when Phipps was put clear by Adam Robbins he could only find the side netting.

Williams them made ground before firing his delivery across the face of goal. The loose ball was collected by John, whose cross in turn found the head of Watts but he was just off target.

With the home defence well on top, once again set-pieces seemed the only way that the visitors could claw their way back into the contest, and when they were awarded one, Scott Coughlan turned over a wellstruck attempt by Josh Bull.

A triple substitution by the Reds on the hour mark saw Williams, Phipps and Thomas Hillman replaced by Tim Parker, Taylor Marsh and Nathan Logan, and within three minutes the visitors were reduced to 10 men when Liam Eason was red-carded for a crude hack on Josef Hopkins.

The home side were in no mood to let their opponents off the hook, and two further goals in six minutes underlined their superiority. Parker netted the third on 78 minutes when the visitors failed to deal with a ball in the box.

Webber then did well to push clear a fierce effort from Marsh, but he was beaten again in the 84th minute when Watts took full advantage of an awkward bounce to steer his finish into the net.

An outstanding all-round display by the Reds, after a few frustrating outings.

This Saturday they make the short trip to face Pontardawe Town, who are finding life difficult since their elevation to the JD Cymru South with just two wins to date. Kick-off is at 2.30pm.

LLANELLI TOWN: Coughlan (E Williams 79), John, Robbins, Cronin, Baker, Bevan, Watts, D Williams (Parker 60), Phipps (Logan 60), Hopkins (capt), Hillman (Marsh 60). Sub not used: Gerrard.

CAMBRIAN & CLYDACH VALE: Webber, Davies, Coles (Morgan 67), Woodford, Norton, Jones, Smith (Eason 51), Mccarthy (Keetch 30), Wilcox (Bull 51), Owen (capt), Welch (Thomas 67). Subs not used: Young, Johnson (GK).

SCORERS: Llanelli Town — Phipps 15, 22, Parker 78, Watts 84.

YELLOW CARDS: Cambrian & Clydach Vale — Owen, Davies.

RED CARD: Cambrian & Clydach Vale — Eason.

REFEREE: George Nemes. ATTENDANCE: 83.