Ammanford AFC’s hopes of closing in on the top half of the JD Cymru South table were dented in a 2-1 defeat to Risca on their artificial pitch at Ystrad Mynach on Friday evening.

Ammanford had got off to the perfect start under the lights when talisman Lee Trundle skilfully turned on the edge of the penalty box and fired home.

But before half time the home side were awarded what appeared to be a soft penalty, and Leon Thomas duly despatched the spot kick with aplomb to level it up at 1-1.

The second half saw both sides pressing forward with real determination and no quarter given, and the referee was kept busy with the production of several yellow cards.

Risca made the breakthrough in the 68th minute when substitute Harvey Selway assisted Leon Thomas to break through the middle of the Ammanford defence and beat keeper Craig Morris for 2-1.

Ammanford did their best to respond and Brett Enoch came the closest with a couple of attempts in the last ten minutes, but Risca held firm for their fourth league win of the season.

Ammanford, with six wins and nine defeats this season, face a tough test this Friday evening at home to league leaders Pontypridd Town, who hammered Afan Lido 8-1.

Results: JD Cymru Premier: 4 December: Caernarfon Town 1Penybont 2; Cefn Druids 1 Cardiff Met University 3; Flint Town United 4 Haverfordwest County 1; Newtown 2 Barry Town United 1. 3 December: Aberystwyth Town 0 Connahs Quay Nomads 1; Bala Town 1 The New Saints 4.

JD Cymru South: December 4: Llantwit Major 0 Briton Ferry Llansawel 1; Port Talbot Town 0 Swansea University 2; Trefelin BGC 0 Carmarthen Town 2; Undy Athletic 3 Cwmbran Celtic 4. December 3: Llanelli Town 3 Goytre United 1; Pontypridd Town 8 Afan Lido 1; Risca United 2 Ammanford 1; Taffs Well 1 Cambrian & Clydach 1.

Ardal South West League: December 4: AFC Llwydcoed 5 Cwmamman United 1; AFC Porth 1 Ynysygerwn 0; Caerau Ely 2 Garden Village 2; Penrhiwceiber Rangers 2 Cardiff Draconians 0; Pontyclun 1 Ton Pentre 0; Treharris Ath Western 1 Pontardawe Town 1; West End 1 Ynyshir Albions 2.