LONG-time leaders Lampeter Town got over the line in their last game of the season to secure the Costcutter Ceredigion League title for the first time in nine years, after a tense 2-1 win over third-placed Newcastle Emlyn.

The North Road men had to win to deny second-placed St Dogmaels the Championship honours, but with just a minute to go of this showdown they were a goal behind to the Reds.

At the same time the Saints were coasting to a 3-0 victory at Ffostrasol, which would have seen them secure the title.

Scymon Konwiak netted an equaliser for Lampeter, as supporters looked anxiously at their watches, and then just a few minutes later the home side were crucially awarded an injury time penalty.

Skipper Terry Witts was entrusted with the spot kick, and he held his nerve to tuck the ball home, to spark celebrations.

“I’m delighted for the boys, I think it’s well deserved as they have worked hard all season,” said manager Terry Jones, who is retiring after 11 years at the helm.

“It has been tough, with such a small squad and we have had to rely on pretty much the same 13 men. We were knocked out early in some of the Cups, otherwise we would have been very stretched.

“We had a bit of a blip in March, after going unbeaten for so long, but we came back strongly and showed plenty of character when it really mattered. I would like to thank all my players and supporters for their commitment week in week out.”

It has been a gruelling end of season run-in for Newcastle Emlyn, who won the Emrys Morgan Cup and Costcutter League Cup, as well as reaching the final of the Cwpan Coffa Dai ‘Dynamo’ Davies.

Jake Kelly provided the solitary goal for Emlyn midway through the second half in what was a very nervy and scrappy match, and his team should have sealed victory 15 minutes from time as Dion Davies failed to capitalise on a great chance.

St Dogmaels meanwhile finished as runners-up in division one with their solid 3-0 win against Ffostrasol last weekend, and like Lampeter, only lost two matches.

Peter Almond finally broke the deadlock for the Saints on 50 minutes, before further goals from Dan Jones and Chris Morgan sealed a well-deserved victory.

“I’d like to congratulate Lampeter Town and manager Terry Jones on their achievement,” said Saints boss Steve Williams after the game.

“We pushed them all the way, until the dying seconds of the final game. I am very proud of my team, who have been superbly led by skipper Jason Williams.”