Penrhyncoch fell at the first hurdle in the FAW Nathaniel MG Cup despite a spirited second half display at Ammanford.

Two first half goals from Gavin Jones proved enough to earn the Cymru South side a 2-1 victory, before the Roosters set up a tight finish with a late headed reply from substitute Carwyn Morgan.

Despite making a first round exit, manager Gari Lewis could take heart from the way his side responded from being two goals down in the first half.

"I thought we had a sloppy first 20-25 minutes, did not look ourselves, and conceded a couple of poor goals," he said."After five friendlies at home, it took time for us to settle and get used to the new surroundings, but there was a really good reaction from the boys in the second half.

"I felt Ammanford dominated the first half, but in the second we made a couple of changes, and looked the stronger and fitter side. All in all we did well for a first competitive game. There is a lot to work on, but we can take positives from winning the second half 1-0."

Penrhyn, who included five debutants, had gone into the tie without experienced striker Stef Davies, as well as Tom Evans and the suspended Liam Lewis.

And ambitious Ammanford were soon on the front foot with Richard Jones forcing keeper Leigh Jenkins into the first of several smart saves.

Their early endeavours soon brought an opening goal on 10 minutes when Jones fired his first after latching onto Brett Enoch’s through ball before adding a second in the 36th minute when driving his shot into the bottom corner after a cut back from Bruno Forkuoh.

Jenkins kept Penrhyn in the hunt in the second half when thwarting Jones and Craig Frater, but the Roosters were now starting to prove an increasing threat as they took the game to the hosts.

Jonathan Evans fired one shot over the bar after turning his marker before Ifan Burrell forced keeper Craig Morris into an excellent save with his feet.

Finishing strongly, the visitors finally found a way through eight minutes from time when midfielder Morgan headed in new signing Lance Jones’ cross at the back post just moments after coming on as sub.

The Roosters pushed for a late leveller, but their efforts just fell short as Ammanford held firm to book a second round trip to Newtown on Saturday.

Lewis, meanwhile, was delighted to wrap up the signing of former Caersws captain Lance Jones who made an encouraging debut at Ammanford.

"He’s got grit and desire, and is the type of player we need if we are going to stay up," he added.

The Roosters, who had warmed up for the cup game with a 6-0 friendly victory over Llanidloes Town, launch their Cymru North campaign with a trip to Llanrhaeadr on Saturday, August 17.

Penrhyncoch (v Ammanford): L Jenkins, J Rimmer, M Penberthy, S James (G Pugh-Jones 86), J Foligno, O James (A Corbisiero 57), L Jones, S Gittins, I Burrell (C Morgan 81), J Evans, G Huws. Subs not used: A Thomas, S Meredith.