With all the preparation behind them Sawel went into the first game of the season in buoyant mood after a competitive pre season that had seen them put in some good performances against much higher placed opposition.

The opening day of the season was a little different this year with Sawel visiting Cwmmaman United in the Preliminary round of the Welsh Cup. Sawel gave competitive debuts to three of the close season signings including Billy Timothy, Andrew Shaw and Leightion Connor.

In difficult conditions and consistent rain Cwmmaman fielding a number of new signings started the better of the two sides and put Sawel under early pressure. Although the visitors began to get their game together it was the home side who took the lead after some good work down the right saw Mark Hanford deflect a shot into his own net. Cwm’s continued threat down the right wing lead to their second which saw Leighton Connor bundle the ball into his own net while trying to prevent a certain tap in for the approaching Cwm forward. To add to Sawel’s woes minutes later they lost centre back Connor with a dead leg.

Sawel lifted their game but it was a speculative shot from outside the box that beat Ryland Duffield at the near post to put the home side 3 up. The visitors miserable first 45 minutes of the season continued when the Cwm centre forward was brought down in the box by goalkeeper Duffield who misjudged a Billy Timothy back pass.

4-0 down at half time you could have forgiven the visitors for wanting to hit the showers early but it was Sawel who came out with renewed vigour after some strong but fair words from the management duo of Vowles and Colwill ringing their ears. A reshuffle that saw Billy Timothy pushed up front and Andrew Shaw moved to centre half proved to be decisive has Llansawel looking to restore some respectability to the score line put the home side under continued pressure. After some good work by Billy Timothy it was his pass who found the outstanding Daniel Triggs on the edge of the box and his 25 yard drive gave the home keeper no chance. Ten minutes later Gareth Jones again from a Timothy pass found the bottom corner to continue the visitors revival.

The home side responded by lifting their game but found a much more resolute defence determined to prevent Cwm from breaching their goal for a fifth time. Although Sawel pressed for much of the second half which included a disallowed Billy Timothy effort the visitors had simply given themselves to much to do.

This Jekyll and Hyde performance should be taken into context, thankfully no league points were at stake even though for 45 minutes Sawel looked a shadow of the unit that had impressive pre – season games against Neath and Dinis Powys. Sawel can however take confidence from their second half performance which should now provide a stable foundation for the rest of the season starting with their first league game of the season against against neighbours Briton Ferry Athletic this Tuesday at Cwrt Herbert. KO 7.30pm.

Media Watch – South Wales Evening Post 18th August 2008

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.