A GETHIN Trenholme free kick ensured that North Wales Coast Junior Cup winners Nefyn United started their new Gwynedd League campaign with a 2-1 win over visitors Llangoed in a stirring contest at Cae’r Delyn last weekend.

On 73 minutes Trenholme superbly executed a glorious dipping shot that flew over Llangoed’s keeper Rhys Owen, struck the underside of the bar and landed in the net for the winner.

Nefyn had started well in the first half and might have gained the lead when Guto Roberts burst clear for a one-on-one with the keeper but Llangoed’s custodian Owen prevailed.

On the half-hour, however, Llangoed’s Nathaniel Evans pounced on a mistake by a defender to score the opening goal past Nefyn’s returnee goalkeeper Ian Aikman, back from Pwllheli.

The home team regained parity barely seconds before the half-time interval, thanks to Daniel Roberts, with a low 15-yard effort.

The second half exchanges were evenly contested, until Trenholme’s breakthrough and, after that, Nefyn assumed almost total control.

• Llanystumdwy meanwhile succumbed to a 2-0 defeat at Menai Bridge Tigers, although manager Aled Jones commented that the team’s display had been impressive and encouraging.

After enduring seven games in recent weeks, mostly friendlies, without producing a single goal, the Dwyfor Park team are certainly missing the scoring flair of striker Sion Parry.

Last season, Parry piled up 60 goals in all matches, including 40 in the league, to earn the award as Gwynedd’s top marksman, prompting his switch to higher rated Porthmadog.

Against Menai Bridge, Darren Parry just missed out on a couple of chances, but goals from Harry Jones on 16 minutes and, crucially, Dave Baston on 81 earned the Tigers the points.

Elsewhere, Gwalchmai beat Bontnewydd 4-1 and featured the league’s first hat-trick of the new season, from Dyfed Griffiths on 50, 82 and 85 minutes, with Steve Smith also netting on 67.

Bro Goronwy were the day’s only away successes, winning 3-0 at Talysarn Celts with netted efforts from Dylan Jones on 25 minutes, Jac Thomas on 42 and Liam Griffiths after 82.

Meanwhile Bethesda Athletic have been removed from the league, having not paid any affiliation fees, or registered any players. Mynydd Tigers, the Anglesey League champions last season, have now been granted membership.