CROESYCEILIOG made the perfect start to life in the top flight of the MacWhirter Welsh League, winning their opening Division One game at Caerleon last night.

Caerleon, beaten at home by Pontypridd last Saturday, went down 2-0, a goal scored in each half.

Chris Pritchard, back with Croesyceiliog after a spell at Caerleon, gave his side the lead after 15 minutes, the home defence backing off and his long-range shot deceiving goalkeeper James Cairns.

Caerleon came back well and dominated for long spells but Croesyceiliog's defence was strong and well organised. The best the home side could offer was an excellent header from Steve James, his well-timed effort striking a post from Ben Davies' corner.

Stubborn Caerleon's cause, on a quite dreadful surface, was not helped when they lost debut-making central midfield player Martin Phillips, sent off after collecting a second yellow card for a challenge on goal scorer Pritchard.

The pitch had more of an end-of-season look than the start of a new campaign. But all things considered it was an entertaining game in front of a well-sized attendance.

Substitute Mark Jones made the game safe for Croesyceiliog, who face a tough test at Taffs Well tomorrow night.

Jones, making his debut, was one of two players signed from West Pontnewydd, the other being John Rees, a powerful figure in the centre of defence.

Newport YMCA battled back from a two-goal deficit against visitors Grange Quins to earn a point from a 2-2 draw. Quins led 2-0 at the break through Tomas Lubuski and Mike McDonagh. Daniel Heath started the YM revival and then Aaron Stewart had an effort disallowed for handball.

In an enthralling finish, Lewis Sommers headed just over the bar from a corner but the time running out he came to the rescue with his fourth goal in two matches.

Caldicot got off to a perfect start in Division Two with a 3-1 home win over Tredegar. They held a two-goal half-time lead through Paul Harris and Andrew Edwards, with Jason Thorn scoring close to full-time before the visitors pulled a goal back with very little time remaining.

Jason Pritchard, Caldicot manager, said: "It's just what I wanted. We didn't play particularly well but it was a good derby battle and although we went two up it did flatter us a little."

Three goals in the final 20 minutes gave Cwmbran Celtic a 3-0 home win over Chepstow, Jason Price breaking the deadlock. Joe Carless, set for a trial with Accrington Stanley who have just won their way back into the Football League, scored a second Celtic goal and the third was from Sam Winter. Carless will be joined by goalkeeper Nicky Church for the trial.

Llanwern maintained their good start to the season with a 3-0 win at Risca, all the goals scored in the first half through the recalled Steve Perszewski and two from Richard Shier.

Laurence Owen, Llanwern manager, said: "It was an excellent win and we have kept another clean sheet."

League newcomers Aberbar-goed Buds couldn't quite hold on to their lead against Pentwyn Dynamo, the game ending in a 1-1 draw. Chris Duggan gave Buds a second-half lead but the Cardiff visitors equalised late.

Goals from Shaun Smith (2) and Lee Coburn gave Abertillery Excelsiors a 3-1 home win over Goytre.

Macwhirter Welsh League results: Wednesday August 16: Division One: Bryntirion Athletic 2 Bridgend Town 0; Caerleon 0 Croesyceiliog 2; Dinas Powys 2 Barry Town 0; Neath Athletic 2 Pontardawe Town 0; Newport YMCA 2 Grange Harlequins 2; Ton Pentre 0 ENTO Aberaman Athletic 2.

Division Two: Briton Ferry 2 AFC Llwydcoed 0; Caldicot Town 3 Tredegar Town 1; Garden Village 3 Ammanford 1; Pontyclun 0 Cambrian and Clydach 4; Treharris Athletic 2 Penrhiwceiber Rangers 1; Troedyrhiw 3 Merthyr Saints 0.

Division Three: Aberbargoed Buds 1 Pentwyn Dynamo 1; Abertillery Excelsiors 3 Goytre 1; Cwmamman United 5 Seven Sisters 1; Cwmbran Celtic 3 Chepstow Town 0; Gwynfi United 1 Llangeinor 3; Llantwit Fardre 3 AFC Porth 2; Newcastle Emlyn 4 Llansawel 2; Risca United 0 Llanwern 3.