Sommers' day

And it was quite a day for Lewis Sommers, who got a hat trick, with two goals in the first half and another after the break. In addition, YM were about to go to Cardiff for their opening-day clash with the students without a goalkeeper before Andrew Cueto stepped in to help out in their hour of need.

Coldrick said: "It was a very pleasing result. There's still a lot left in the locker, though. Lewis had a well-worked first goal where he hit a volley from 18 yards and then he hit a free kick with his left foot. The funny thing was we were practising free kicks on Thursday night in training and he didn't hit the target once, then scored in the match.

"We were 2-0 up and comfortable but, in fairness to them, they came at us just before half-time and hit a post, which was a bit of a wake-up call. We had a chat about it at half-time and, when Lewis headed the third goal, it was a case of keeping possession and stopping them having the ball."

As for Cueto's late inclusion, the manager added: "He didn't have much to do but he was organising in the game and it was great to have an experienced 'keeper in the team."

But there was heartache for Caerleon, who went down to a late winner from Pontypridd Town after drawing level in the dying moments of the match. The teams went into the break at 1-1 after Nicky Vassallo grabbed Caerleon's opening goal. Their opponents took the lead again after the break and the home team had to wait until the 90th minute before substitute centre-half Richard Snook went up for a set piece and scored the equaliser. Unfortunately, as Caerleon were hoping to cling on to a draw, Pontypridd restarted the match and immediately struck the winner.

Manager Brendan Dowd said his young side were a bit naive, but added: "They came off the pitch and started talking about the match for 20 minutes instead of other things, which was good to see. They put 90 minutes of hard work in and they spoke about the odd mistake they made."

But Dowd added: "You need a good start over the first five or six games before you begin thinking about targets for the season.

"We have Croesyceiliog at home on Wednesday and then the YM next Saturday. We will be fine but we're just a bit disappointed at the moment."

The other problems are that Caerleon lost two players with injuries during their loss. Left midfielder Andy Gay was the most serious, as he suffered ligament trouble. Centre forward Gafin Griffiths also had to limp off with a thigh problem, but Dowd is bringing two new recruits in for the match against Croesyceiliog.

Robbie Howells could play a half before leaving for a prior engagement, but Martin Phillips is set to sign for the club and slot into the midfield vacancy left by Gay.

Tredegar Town, though, were left "very disappointed" by their 3-1 home loss to Briton Ferry in their opening Division Two fixture. Tredegar trailed 1-0 early in the first half but managed to draw level when centre forward Lee Brooker found the back of the net.

However, matters went downhill from then on. Briton Ferry had a player sent off, which resulted in a penalty for the Gwent side. However, they failed to convert that into another goal and soon saw the West Walians hit two more strikes before Tredegar themselves had Gareth Stevens sent to the dressing-room for an early bath.

Manager Rob Ellis said: "We have no complaints about it. The result was very disappointing."

Chepstow Town fought out a five-goal thriller against Pentwyn Dynamo before coming out on top 3-2 in their Division Three game, while centre forward Jason Price grabbed a 70th-minute equaliser to give Cwmbran Celtic a 1-1 home draw with Newcastle Emlyn.

Celtic had chances to win the game, as did their opponents towards the end, but the entertaining fixture has nicely set up a return between the pair when they play in the Welsh Cup next weekend.

Llanwern were happy, though, with a 2-0 away win over Goytre despite missing Michael Binning with a neck problem before the match.

The Steelmen went ahead when Denis Spiteri took a free kick on the left and put it into the box. Midfielder Tony Shier rose high and headed it into the net with a powerful effort.

And, after the break, Ivan Poncak went past two players before putting a lovely through ball into the path of centre forward Mike Vaux to net.

Risca, though, will have to bounce back from a 3-1 home defeat to Llangeinor if they are to topple Llanwern on Wednesday. Aberbargoed Buds got their season off to a flying start with a 3-0 victory over newcomers Ystradgynlais while Abertillery Excelsiors finished all square at Seven Sisters with a 1-1 draw.

MacWhirter Welsh League results Division One: Barry Town 0 Taffs Well 5, Caerleon 2 Pontypridd 3, Dinas Powys 1 Bridgend 3, ENTO Aberaman 1 Ely Rangers 0, UWIC 0 Newport YMCA 3.

Division Two: AFC Llwydcoed 0 Treharris Athletic 0, Caerau (Ely) 0 Troedyrhiw 0, Cambrian and Clydach 1 Garden Village 2, Merthyr Saints 6 Pontyclun 0, Penrhiwceiber 2 Morriston 1, Tredegar 1 Briton Ferry 3.

Division Three: AFC Porth 5 Cwmamman 2, Aberbargoed Buds 3 Ystradgynlais 0, Chepstow Town 3 Pentwyn Dynamo 2, Cwmbran Celtic 1 Newcastle Emlyn 1, Goytre 0 Llanwern 2, Gwynfi United 0 Llansawel 1, Risca 1 Llangeinor 3, Seven Sisters 1 Abertillery Excelsiors 1.