ABERYSTWYTH Town boss Neville Powell was left beaming after the Seasiders launched their new Welsh Premier League campaign with a well-deserved 1-0 win over Llandudno on Friday.

Their opening win, however, was soured by an injury to goalkeeper Leigh Jenkins, who was stretchered off the field early in the second half, with no keeper on the substitutes' bench.

Last season’s number one Chris Mullock had joined Bangor City on the eve of the season, leaving Powell with a selection headache ahead of this Friday’s home match with Cardiff Met University.

Jenkins, making his league debut after joining from Penrhyncoch, was carried from the field on 52 minutes after sustaining a bad shin injury.

Early reports of a hairline fracture, however, have been more encouraging, and it is hoped that he will back on the pitch sooner than had first been expected.The Seasiders have moved quickly this week to replace injured goalkeeper Leigh Jenkins, by signing experienced Welsh Premier League stalwart Terry McCormick.“It was Leigh’s first game and he’s come in and not put a foot wrong,” said Powell. “Fingers crossed we’ll get good news on his injury. It’s overshadowed the result really, but his health is more important than anything.

“Our centre forward, Rio (Ahmandi) has gone in goal, and for the backline to protect him in the way that they did was really incredible.

“The defence, with 16 year old Lee Jenkins at centre half, and the midfield have all put a shift in. It was a bit heart stopping in the eight minutes of injury time, but we looked like we could go on and score another one on the break.

“We still looked as good as we did in the first half, so we’ve still got to be over the moon with the performance.

“There’s a lot of energy there, and it’s a great dressing room. They deserve all the plaudits that they get for a really good performance.”

The Seasiders now turn their attentions to Friday’s live televised match at Park Avenue against Cardiff Met, who will be looking to build on a 2-1 win over Newtown.

“I’m really pleased that we got the win. It’s always tough first game, and it’s always going to be at 100 miles per hour,” reflected Powell.

“I think the players adapted superbly. The game should’ve been over at half-time really, as we have hit the bar two or three times.

“We were camped in their half and played some lovely football. We had energy all over the park, and the boys have really deserved the win.

“On another day we could have had four or five goals, but we’re happy with one. It’s a massive three points, it’s really important to get a win in the first game and we’ve managed to do that.”

He added: “We’ll rest up and get the lads back down off cloud nine, and go again. We’ll train on Tuesday and look forward to the live game on Friday, which will be another really difficult game.”

The squad has been further strengthened by the addition of experienced Alan Goodall, who can play in a central defensive or left back role.

The ex-Bangor City player made over 120 appearances for Rochdale, before moving on to Luton Town, Chesterfield, Stockport, Fleetwood, Morecambe and Altrincham, where he briefly served as the joint caretaker manager.

French-born duo Kamon-Sherell Assidjo, a left sided midfielder, and Eliott Assi, a centre forward, have also signed forms, along with local prospect and Harri Rowe.