While top of the table Connah’s Quay and Barry Town played out an entertaining draw at the Deeside Stadium to remain, Cefn Druids fought back from two goals down to clinch their first away win of the season against Carmarthen Town in the pick of Saturday’s JD Welsh Premier League action.
“I thought we were the better side in the first half and I was disappointed to be 2-0 down,” said Druids boss Huw Griffiths.
“We had 10 or 11 corners and generally dominated, but it didn’t look like we were going to score.
“I had to raise my voice at half-time to get the boys to improve certain things – I’m a really proud manager at the moment.”
Druids were left to rue their luck when Matty Owen turned Luke Bowen’s harmless delivery into his own net. With little between the two sides heading towards the interval, Carmarthen doubled their lead when Luke Bowen pounced on a loose ball with a powerful finish.
Alec Mudimu’s deflected shot halved Cefn Druids’ deficit, but time appeared to be running out until Owen rejuvenated his side. Owen made up for his earlier error with a delightful curling finish on 84 minutes before James Davies completed the comeback, slipping the ball past Lee Idzi two minutes later.
The points were shared in the top of the table clash between Connah’s Quay and Barry Town United in an entertaining encounter between the two unlikely pacesetters.
Connah’s Quay made the most of their strong start when lively forward Michael Bakare struck a low drive from 22 yards found its way into the bottom corner.
Moments after Bakare almost added a second, Barry Town restored parity. Nomads keeper Jon Danby rushed out to clear from Barry striker Kayne McLaggon, but his failed clearance was met by Mo Touray, who side-footed into an empty net.
Touray turned the game on its head a minute later and left Connah’s Quay stunned when he tapped in at the back post, following Southam-Hales’ marauding run.
Substitute Rob Hughes ensured the Nomads of a point, smashing home from outside the box after a long free kick was initially cleared.
Llanelli’s abysmal run continued with Newtown becoming the latest side to rack up a big win against the league’s basement side. Luke Boundford and Nick Rushton both score twice as the Robins ran out 7-1 winners at Latham Park.
The New Saints’ title defence took another dent after they were beaten by Caernarfon Town at Park Hall on Friday.
Nathan Craig’s late penalty handed the champions their first home defeat of the season and leaves them winless in three.
Fourth-placed Bala Town moved level on points with The New Saints with a 4-2 victory at Llandudno.
Gary Taylor-Fletcher marked his Llandudno debut with a brace but couldn’t lift his new side out of their winless stretch.
Aberystwyth Town travel to Cardiff Met of a fourth-straight win this afternoon (2.30).