LLANYSTUMDWY’s hopes for a decent run in the FAW Trophy were dashed in 3-2 first round home defeat to Wrexham visitors Cefn Mawr Rangers on the opening day of the new season.

The Dwyfor side led for a while, with Jordan Wood’s goal on 10 minutes, but it all went pear-shaped for them in a frustrating second half.

Although Meirion Pritchard hit a second goal for the hosts on 68 minutes, Cefn edged clear thanks to Jordan Powell on 50 minutes, Lewis Jones’ penalty on 63 and another Powell strike on 82.

Three other flag-bearers from the Gwynedd League secured progress in the Trophy, but a couple of them had to resort to a penalty shoot-out to get through.

Aberffraw beat Wrexham side Acton 4-2 from the spot, after the teams had been deadlocked at 1-1 at half-time, 2-2 after 90 minutes and then after extra-time.

Richard Roberts scored for Aberffraw on 25 minutes and Andrew Jones on 46, whereas Acton’s marksmen were Ricky Lloyd on 20 and Chris Knowles after 70.

Beaumaris Town, playing at Llansannan, edged their win by a 4-3 margin on penalties, after a 2-2 stalemate even through extra-time.

They recovered from being two goals down to Llansannan’s Adam Gage after 49 minutes and Jamie Jones after 68 as they produced quick-fire replies from Dean Redmond on 70 minutes and Chris Camilleri on 78.

Menai Bridge Tigers were the most convincing performers as they dominated 6-0 at Mynydd Isa Spartans, piling up their tally through Tim Evans on 18 minutes, Ryan Wood on 44 and 65, Tom Scorer on 58 and Danny Camilleri on 85 and 89.

Meanwhile Harlech Town were beaten 3-1 on the opening Saturday of the Gwynedd League’s new season as visitors Bontnewydd, who are tipped as title challengers this time, took their chances.

When Emlyn Jennings produced the home side’s solitary reply, the game had gone 85 minutes, with the outcome virtually assured.

Bontnewydd made their impact with goals from Terry Jones a minute from half-time and Aled Steele on the hour, and the same player again after 79 minutes.

Nefyn United meanwhile held Waunfawr to a goal-less draw, whilst newcomers Blaenau Ffestiniog Amateurs, who have entered their reserve side, were in dire trouble in a 9-0 defeat to Bodedern Athletic, who were five up by half-time.

The Anglesey hosts featured as many as seven different scorers, led by Matthew Jones, with a hat-trick within half an hour, timed after 19, 27 and 28 minutes.

Ricky Jones netted on 25 minutes, Gareth Wyn Roberts on 44, Shaun Jenkins on 65, Casey Boylan on 79, brother Shane on 83 and Eric Leech after 86 minutes.

Bro Goronwy, who had been promoted to the Gwynedd level as last season’s Anglesey League champions, won 2-0 at Talysarn Celts.

A goal in each half saw Alex Jones score after seven minutes, and Callum Thomas secured the points with his goal close to the hour.