STARS RALLY TO STUN CHAMPIONS
THERE was a superb start to the season for Carmarthen Stars, who came from behind to beat defending LTC Mobility Carmarthenshire League champions Bwlch Rangers 2-1 at home.
Trailing to a goal by Matthew Williams at half-time, the Stars battled back to clinch the points thanks to Rhys Lewis and Terry Maynard.
Also off to a flying start are Evans & Williams, who beat Loughor Rovers 5-1 in their away clash. All the goals were scored in the second half.
For the first half-hour there was nothing to choose between the teams, but Loughor were dealt a blow before the break when Luke Goddard was shown a red card.
A couple of minutes into the second half the visitors were ahead through a header by Ben Williams, before Rory Johns was left with a simple tap-in following an error by the keeper to make it 2-0 in the 49th minute.
Loughor did have a chance to get back into the game when they were awarded a penalty, only to see Robert Jones strike the post with his effort
The rest of the game was dominated by Evans & Williams, and Johnny Thomas netted to extend the advantage in the 65th minute.
Thomas went on to complete his hat-trick.
Loughor were rewarded for their efforts with a consolation goal when Jack Jones fired home a free-kick in the dying minutes.
Pengelli United were another team to collect maximum points, their 2-0 win at home to Seaside being well deserved.
Seaside fielded six players from last season’s under-16 side, and for the first 45 minutes they more than held their own as the score was goalless at the break.
The more experienced Pengelli side got on top in the second half, clinching the points with two goals in quick succession in the 55th and 60th minutes from Craig Jones and Matthew Burder.
After grabbing a half-time lead through Dan Rees, promoted Gorseinon Athletic eventually had to settle for a point in a 1-1 draw at Dafen.
Just when it looked as if the visitors were going to hang on, Phil Coomey struck the equaliser for Dafen in the 83rd minute.
Trostre Sports had the better of the exchanges against visiting Tumble United, winning a cracking game 5-3.
After being ahead twice at 1-0 and 2-1 thanks to Ashley Lewis and Nick Jenkins, the home team let it slip to fall behind at 3-2 before Karl Jones equalised before the break.
Trostre tightened up at the back in the second half and regained the lead through striker Chris Waters in the 65th minute. Jenkins scored a fifth, his second, in the 75th minute.
In division one, the biggest winners of the day were Burry Port, who beat visitors Abergwili 7-1 with Adrian Lees (2), Josh Ades (2), Wayne Williams, Lewis James and Ioan Williams the scorers.
CK Swiss Valley produced a solid performance in winning a tight contest 2-1 at Caerbryn. On target for the visitors were Rob Owens and Marcus Edwards.
Striker Chris Hyde, with two goals, was the man of the match for Llandovery Town in their 3-1 win at home to Penyfan United. Tom Hyde scored their other goal.
Carway were pleased with their start to the campaign in division two, the 4-3 win at home to league newcomers Carmarthen Town United being thoroughly deserved.
For the first 45 minutes the visitors were forced on to the back foot, Carway shooting into a 3-1 interval lead courtesy of Robert Maynard, Zak Hartley and Dominic Foreman.
A second-half penalty by Jeremy Rees secured the points.
The Gwendraeth Valley derby between Drefach and visiting Bancffosfelen ended in a 2-2 draw.
Drefach enjoyed the better of the early exchanges, shooting into a 2-0 lead thanks to goals from Tom Butler and Hedd Butler. But their neighbours battled back with two goals from Peter Rayner.
In reserve division one, it was oneway traffic as Evans & Williams defeated a young Seaside side 14-1. Craig Richards scored seven of the goals.
Four of the goals were shared between Nick Sinfield and Ethan John, while Jared Peake, Jack Hussey and Ian Meredith were others to find the net.
Jamie Evans netted twice for Pengelli United Reserves, who beat Pontlliw Reserves 4-2 on their own ground. Scott Barlow and Mark Sherbs also scored.
In the best of the action in reserve division two, CK Swiss Valley were worthy 4-3 winners at home to neighbours Felinfoel in a thrilling clash. Mike Thompson and Rhys Alati scored two goals each for CK Swiss Valley.
Burry Port Reserves went goal crazy against Abergwili Reserves, the visitors winning 17-3.
Jamie Phillips led the way with five goals, the other goals going to Paul Jenkins (2), Charlie Taylor (2), Agim Iljazi, Jared Edwards, Mark Lewis, Joshua Jones, Ben John, Stephen McDermid, Ashley Powell and an own goal.
And in reserve division 3A, Richard Brookes scored both goals for Kidwelly Town in a 2-1 win against visiting Drefach.