ST DOGMAELS bowed out of the Emrys Morgan Cup with a 4-1 defeat to an impressive Brecon Corries side of the Mid Wales League (South).

The Saints, who were runners-up to Penparcau last season, were left to rue three mistakes, and at 3-1 at the break they were always struggling.

The Corries arrived with a fine reputation, having swept all before them this season, and having already notched over 100 goals - and it soon became apparent they were a decent outfit, with quality players.

The Powys side opened the scoring when, from a hotly disputed corner, and with some defenders still arguing the toss with the referee, Steven Potter headed home.

St Dogmaels came straight back, and within a minute they were level as Louis Harding sneaked in behind the defence to poach a goal - only the fourth the Corries have conceded all season.

Intent on trying to disrupt the Corries’ play, the Saints, who are themselves unbeaten at the top of the Costcutter Ceredigion League, implemented a physical game plan on a testing playing surface.

Midfielder Adam Williams was presented with a great opportunity five minutes later, but he unfortunately blasted his shot over the bar.

Midfielder Rhys Jones was outstanding for the Saints, but it was the Corries who continued to dominate as the home team played into their hands, with experienced manager Steve Williams screaming at his players from the touchline to lift their heads and play to feet.

The pressure continued and Corries scored two goals in as many minutes, and both of these came from the home players just switching off. The first of these saw Josh Mellor robbed of possession 30 yards out, and visiting striker Mattie Roderick needed no second invitation.

Then, when the experienced Peter Almond was robbed near the corner flag, the ball was crossed to the far post and steered in by Paul Keddle, to make it 3-1, and a long way back for the Saints.

Ironically, this proved to be a wake up call and the hosts started to knock the ball about confidently, with Mellor unlucky not to pull one back with a decent effort.

After the break, the Saints could so easily have levelled with Harding and inspirational skipper Jason Williams narrowly missing the target. With the slope in the Corries’ favour for the second half, however, it was all about them controlling the game and seeing out the win.

Corries were forced to change their keeper midway through the second half because of a back injury, and player manager Damian Daniels was given the gloves.

This did not have much bearing on proceedings, however, as the Saints were reduced to 10 men with 15 minutes to go, and soon after this things got even worse for them when they conceded a penalty, which Corries captain, Dale Evans, dispatched confidently to seal the win.

Costcutter Ceredigion League

JUST two matches survived the weather in the Costcutter Ceredigion League, with Crannog enjoying a comfortable 6-1 win over Llandysul in their division one match.

The Llangrannog side came flying out of the blocks and were 2-0 up after 10 minutes, with George Colven and Gary Davies netting, before the Swallows hit back with their only goal of the game.

This fightback proved to be shortlived as the visitors dominated the second half and two goals apiece from Robbie Evans and young striker Ifan-Sion completed a convincing win for the hosts.

The scheduled division one matches between Aberporth and Ffostrasol, Lampeter and Newcastle Emlyn, and Felinfach and Cardigan were all postponed last weekend.

In the only other match played Crymych beat division two leaders New Quay 4-2 in their League Cup tie.

The Preseli men, who have only lost once this season, were indebted to Osian Wyn for bagging a brace, and there was a goal each for Aled Morgan and top scorer Sion Vaughan as they proved once again that they are a fine up and coming side.

St Dogmaels go into the Christmas period six points clear of second-placed Cardigan in the Costcutter division one, but having played two more games - and there will be all to play for in 2020.

The top two sides in the Costcutter division one are set face each other at the School Field on Boxing Day in a crucial festive fixture, whilst third-placed Newcastle Emlyn have requested their annual postponement.

The other festive fixtures will see Crannog play hosts to Aberporth, Ffostrasol entertain Llandysul, and Lampeter play hosts to Felinfach.