FOLLOWING a shaky start to their Division One campaign, Cwmbran Town continue to impress, Newport YMCA are also unbeaten in four, Caerleon won again, while there were further set- backs for Caldicot Town and Croesyceiliog.

The Crows suffered relegation from the top-flight Welsh Premier League at the end of the 2006-07 season and suffered an opening-day defeat at Taffs Well before scrapping a 4-4 home draw against Croesyceiliog in their first three matches.

However, since, the Cwmbran Stadium outfit, under Spanish manager Guillermo Ganet, have posted three successive wins - scoring 13 goals without reply in the process.

And anyone who witnessed Saturday's demolition of leaders Dinas Powys' 100% record in a 3-0 victory will tell you the brand of football is simply first rate.

Ganet's men simply out-classed their opponents, who conceded all three goals by the 35th minute. Had the Gwent outfit really had their shooting boots on, then the visitors could have been seriously embarrassed.

The quality of the goals was of the highest order - witness Brazilian Leonardo Martins Ferreira's superb 12-yard volley, the passing movement which helped Jean-Black Ngody score his ninth goal of the season from close range and Ricky Hodges' sledgehammer of a shot from long range for the third.

The visitors tightened up considerably during the second period, although Crows' Christopher Omuta and Anthony Shadrach should have made it an even more emphatic winning scoreline.

Former Cwmbran chairman John Colley was impressed, while the club's current boardroom leader, Mike Lewis, was equally delighted.

"The lads were outstanding, although they appeared to take their foot off the pedals during the second half," said Lewis. "But we can't complain about the quality of our goals, they were all superb efforts.

"The football our supporters are seeing at the moment is the best displayed at Cwmbran Stadium for a very long time and as long we can keep up with this standard, then we've great hopes for the remainder of the season."

Despite the success Cwmbran remain in sixth position - three points and two places better off than YMCA, who have also played six games.

The Mendalgief Road outfit hosted struggling Pontypridd Town and were expected to roar to a comfortable win over opposition who had conceded 25 goals in their opening four league matches.

So when YMCA scored twice in the first two minutes through Lewis Sommers and Gareth Lynch, something of a cricket score appeared to be very much on the cards.

But the home side completely lost its way in allowing Pontypridd to draw level at 2-2 before substitute Chris Egitto, returning from a calf strain, fired the winner ten minutes from time.

"I must be honest and admit that the better side lost," said YMCA boss Mark Coldrick. "Credit to Pontypridd for turning things around and getting on top, and if it weren't for some fine saves from our goalkeeper Gareth Wesson, then there's no doubt they would have won.

"We missed a few late chances. But we're extremely grateful to have won three points and on a day when we should have really lost."

Caerleon are another place down on goal difference, but with a game in hand, following a 2-0 away win over another struggling club, Maesteg Park Athletic.

Goals in each period from Simon Truman and Luke Cueto earned the victory, Caerleon's third in five league outings.

"Maesteg lost 6-0 (to Dinas Powys) the previous week, but played a lot better against us and we were made to work hard throughout," said Caerleon boss Brendan Dowd.

"But we deserved the points, although perhaps we could have added to our total. However, I'm pleased."

With number-one-choice goalkeeper Pat O'Hagan and stand-in John Bailey both on the long-term injured list, Croesyceiliog were forced to sign local youngster Rob Watkin for the away game with Cambrian & Clydach.

However, his presence failed to halt a disturbing run which sees the village side without a win and only one point from five league encounters following a 3-1 reverse.

"While I'm not pressing the panic button just yet, there's little doubt that we are in desperate need of a first victory," said Croesyceiliog chief Chris Evans.

He was also forced to send out a young and inexperienced side because of the unavailability of 12 players, with only substitute Mark Jones managing to get on the scoresheet.

There was no luck either for Caldicot Town, who were beaten 2-1 at home by Port Talbot-based Goytre United.

Tyrone Tucker was the Gwent side's goal-scorer at Jubilee Way, where Caldicot manager Jason Pritchard admitted his side didn't do enough to earn a win.

"We are as hard-working a team as any other, but the truth is we are lacking a bit of quality," said Pritchard. "That means we have to put in twice the effort and sometimes it's simply not enough."

In Division Two, promoted Cwmbran Celtic are the county's highest-placed side, in fourth position, but they had to come from behind to gain a point against visiting Bettws - Kieron Porter's equaliser stretching Celtic's unbeaten run to a 27th game.

Llanwern shared eight goals at home to Llangeinor, scoring through Stephen Perszewski (2) and Dan Bailey (2), but missed out on the win after leading at one stage by 3-1.

Tredegar Town had Neil Matherson to thank for gaining their first win of the season at the fifth attempt, the 1-0 home win over Barry Town moving them up two places off the bottom of the table.

In Division Three, Aberbargoed Buds had only a James Davies goal to show for a 3-1 defeat at Porthcawl Town and Goytre a Nathan Evans effort in a 4-1 at-home reverse at the hands of Newcastle Emlyn.

However, Abertillery Excelsiors excelled at home against visiting Morriston Town, swapping places at the bottom as a result of a fine 5-1 home success.

Risca United also won, but defeated county opposition in the shape of promoted Monmouth Town.

Midweek games involving Gwent clubs (kick-off times in brackets): Tuesday - Gwent Senior Cup preliminary round - Tredegar Town v Newport County (7pm). Wednesday:Division One - Croesyceiliog v Caldicot Town (6pm). Division Three - Monmouth Town v Goytre (6.15pm). Friday - Division Two: Llanwern v Caerau Ely (7pm).

6:52pm Monday 3rd September 2007

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