Cwmaman United 2 Gwynfi United 1

Welsh League Shamrock Cup Round 1

IN a first round which saw many shocks, third division Cwmaman United saw off visitors Gwynfi from the second division.

Cwmaman fully deserved their victory as they were the better side over 90 minutes.

They came out of the blocks with purpose - and a new attacking formation. Gwynfi hardly troubled Cwm keeper Morgan Evans and it was Cwmaman who opened the scoring when Chris Williams beat the offside trap to neatly chip the keeper from just outside the 18-yard box.

Cwmaman almost doubled their advantage when Aled Rees's delicate chip hit the crossbar.

Cwmaman finished off the half with a couple of long range efforts which were easily saved by the Gwynfi keeper.

In the second half, Cwm kept up the pressure with a couple of quick movements and some neat one-touch football.

Then, with 15 minutes remaining, a speculative high cross caused panic in the home defence and the ball was bundled over for the equaliser, much to the disappointment of the home crowd.

Cwmaman made two substitutions as the game seemed destined to head for extra-time.

But the winning goal arrived when Michael Hodges calmly stepped out of defence with the ball and a neat pass found Steve Williams who drilled the ball passed the keeper for the winner and his seventh goal of the season.

Tim Hendra's late effort after a great Michael Evans cross went wide which would have made the game safe.

Michael Hodges was outstanding for Cwmaman as was Aled Rees.

The draw for the next round is in the week - what are the chances of a mouthwatering Cwmaman v Ammanford tie?

Match balls were sponsored by CW Pugh & Sons Plant Hire.