Hendy 1 Llandeilo 1 LTC Mobility Carmarthenshire League Division Two

IN the first game of the new year, Llandeilo were well below par in this top of the table clash.

Hendy started the brighter of the two sides as their fast attacking football caused the away side all sorts of problems. However, it was Llandeilo who scored first, much against the run of play.

A fine corner delivered excellently by Alun Jones found wily old veteran Mark Swindells, who rose majestically to head home.

This only spurred the home side on and a defensive blunder between Rees and Kelleher nearly resulted in an equaliser but for the quick thinking of Dai Morgan, whose defensive header cleared a certain goal.

Both teams showed why they are challenging for honours, as both defences were exceptional.

It was much the same in the second half as Hendy pushed forward for that illusive equaliser, and on 65 minutes they got it - even if it was rather fortunate.

A timely-hit free-kick on the edge of the area should have been saved easily by Rees, but somehow the ball squirmed under his body much to his horror.

From then on it was end-to-end stuff and Llandeilo could consider themselves unlucky not to win a penalty as Dainton seemed to be hauled down via a headlock, but the referee waved play on.

With time running out, Hendy threw everything at Llandeilo and, but for the excellent defensive pairing of Kelleher and Morgan, could have come away with the all-important win.

Overall Llandeilo failed to live up to their pre-Christmas form as they struggled to create much in the way of attacking play, but credit to Hendy who were excellent on the day and could consider themselves unlucky to only get a draw from the contest.

The club would like to thank sponsors The White Horse Inn, MBP Fencing, J Carroll, Riverside Supplies, Richard Harris Carpenter, Dilwyn Thomas Builder and Hugh Gwynne Fencing.

l This Saturday Llandeilo entertain Abergwili (ko 2.15pm).