A MINUTE’s silence was held at all Costcutter Ceredigion League matches in memory of popular player and referee Gareth ‘Garn’ Evans, who has sadly lost his brave battle against cancer.

Gareth, 44, was an outstanding midfielder with Crannog for many years, before then taking up the whistle, and he was adamant that matches should go ahead in the event of his passing. Crannog and Ffostrasol carried out his wishes with great dignity, including a touching tribute in his memory, before taking the minute’s silence.

The scoreline meant very little on this sad day, and it came as no surprise that this poignant affair, watched by a large crowd, ended goalless.

Ceredigion League chairman John Jones said: “We at the Costcutter League send our deepest condolences to his wife Emma and two children Ella and Luke, as well as to Crannog FC, whom he represented with great passion over a number of years.

“As well as being a fine footballer for his beloved Crannog, Gareth was an excellent up and coming and highly respected referee, who would have certainly reached a high level in the Welsh pyramid system, had his illness not taken over just as he was establishing himself in the role.

“The Costcutter League and football in general will be much poorer without the likes of Gareth, a true gentleman respected by everyone.”

Crannog player manager Gary Davies added: “Gareth will be deeply missed as he was a true club legend and a one-team man, who was respected all across the league. He was a hard competitor on the pitch, but was always the first to shake your hand after and buy you a drink.”

There were plenty of goals at the King George field where Cardigan Town were 7-0 winners over an under-strength Dewi Stars outfit.

The Magpies took an early two goal lead thanks to goals from Dylan Davies and Liam Doherty, with the latter chipping the keeper from long range, and they added a third just before the break when talented youth Jack Everton hit the net with superb strike from the edge of the box.

James Evans then made it four on the hour when he threaded his shot passed the keeper into the corner of the net, and Jack Blackford made it 5-0 with a smart finish.

Further goals followed for Cardigan, with Blackford and Davies both claiming their second goals of the game, before the Stars almost grabbed a late consolation with an effort that hit the bar.

League leaders St Dogmaels secured their 13th success of the season with a 2-0 win over a full of fight Aberporth team, with midfielder Adam Williams and striker Louis Harding claiming the goals.

The honours were shared at Cae Dandre, with the match between Llanboidy and Lampeter ending all square at 2-2. On target for the North Ceredigion team were front runner Jason Jones and midfielder Marc Evans, whilst for the Carmarthenshire side Celt T Jones and Gethin Scourfield netted their goals.

In division two Aberaeron Reserves enjoyed a comfortable 3-0 win over Ffostrasol Reserves, thanks to goals from Lamin Manjang, Leighton Daniel and Bryn Evans.

The match between Bargod Rangers and Lampeter Reserves did not take place as Lampeter have now withdrawn their Reserve team from the Costcutter League.

In division three, Llanboidy Reserves matched the exploits of their senior side by holding Newcastle Emlyn Reserves to a 4-4 draw.

Two goals apiece from Liam Woodford and Owain Gibbin were cancelled out when the Reds duo of Jake Shakespeare and Ian Hamilton bagged a couple of goals each, and it ended all square.

There was also a draw at Maes Radley as visitors Cardigan Town Reserves managed to secure a point thanks to goals from Aaron Evans and Alex Heffron. On target for the hosts were George Allerton and Ben Page Broughton as it ended 2-2.

In the South Cards Cup Crymych had a safe passage into the latter stages with a 10-0 romp over Maesglas.

Osian Wyn led the way for the Preseli men with four of the goals, whilst Sion Vaughan bagged a hat-trick and there were goals also for former Maesglas midfielder Llifon Howell, Emyr Williams and Deiniol Mathias.

St Dogmaels Reserves won 6-0 at Felinfach Reserves in their Percy Eldridge Cup tie.