18/08/2008 - Champs deliver an early warning to title rivals
Dual league and cup winners Goytre United hit the ground running in division one, defeating Cardiff Corries 5-1 at Glenhafod Park.
The Port Talbot side paraded new signings in Dale Price and Robbie Walters, while former Swansea City striker Jonathan Keaveny and Jamie Bowen were both unavailable.
A Richard Ryan goal separated the sides at half-time while John Meacock doubled the lead on the restart.
Nicky Hooper pulled a goal back for Corries, but two goals from Walters settled the issue.
Goytre rounded off a fine opening with a late goal from defender Ian Morgan.
Pontardawe picked up a useful point in a 1-1 draw at Dinas Powys, who were runners-up to Goytre last term.
A goal adrift at half-time, the visitors levelled through a 65th-minute penalty by Craig Hopkins.
Afan Lido launched the season in fine style on Friday, defeating Bryntirion Athletic 2-0. Two of Lido's summer recruits - Scott McCourbrey and Darren Griffiths - were on the scoresheet with the damage done midway through the first half.
In the second division, Garden Village recorded a 2-1 win over Uwic at Stafford Common.
Craig Burgess netted early on with Sam Brown adding a second before the break.
Rhys Redmond pulled a goal back for the students, but the hosts held on.
Despite staging a brave fightback, Ammanford went down to a 3-2 defeat at Llanwern.
The Steelmen were two goals up at half-time with the Rice Roaders responding in the 47th minute via Richard Lewis.
Llanwern then opened a 3-1 lead before Ben Soar hit back close to time.
Third division sides were involved in the preliminary round of the Welsh Cup with Cwmamman United beating Llansawel 4-2 at Grenig Park.
Their reward is an away tie at Afan Lido in the next round on September 13.
Own-goals from both Leighton Connor and Mark Hanford sent Cwm clear, and by half-time they were 4-0 up as Jamie Evans scored twice.
But Llansawel rallied strongly with goals from Dan Triggs and Gareth Jones while they had an effort from Billy Timothy ruled out.
Briton Ferry also made cup progress, defeating Troedyrhiw 2-1 at Old Road.
Goals from former Seven Sisters midfielder Barry Herdman and Richard Evans set up a home pairing for Ferry in the next round with AFC Porth, who were 2-0 winners at Llantwit Fardre.
Seven Sisters held Risca to 2-2 after extra time, only to bow out 3-2 on penalties.
Andy Morrow shot Seven ahead in the 25th minute as the sides were locked on 1-1 after 90 minutes while Risca took the lead during the first period of extra time.
And despite Seven mustering a 107th-minute equaliser through Robbie Jenkins, it wasn't to be.
Ystradgynlais bowed out at AFC Llwydcoed, losing 4-0, while the tie between Porthcawl and Monmouth was postponed due to the wet state of the pitch at neutral Taffs Well.
TONY POOLE