THREE goals in an eight-minute spell before the interval paved the way for the hosts to secure a quick-fire cup double over a much-changed Cwmbran outfit.

The Old Golds had romped to an emphatic 7-1 Welsh Cup success at Cwmbran Stadium last Saturday and showed little mercy again at their Richmond Park home in thisLoosemores League Cup group qualifier.

The Crows gave a debut to goalkeeper Keiron Blackburn, who recently returned from playing in the US, anddespite letting in four goals, he proved a capable stopper.

Not that it was all one-way traffic because his opposite number, ex-Cwmbran number one Neil Thomas, was also kept busy in making fivesaves, notably from Michael Parkins, Sam Small and Matthew Prosser.

"We were a little bit naive in our defending but came into the match later on," said Crows coach Steve Grey.

"Keiron Blackburn's display was a big positive for us, although we made their goalkeeper work hard too."

Cwmbran used the rota system in beginning this game with only Gareth Wysome and Michael Parkins from Saturday's starting line-up while the hosts made just one change to theirs.

But as in the Welsh Cup encounter, Carmarthen had the game won as early goals from Mattie Davies, Danny Thomas and Kris Thomas gave Blackburn a tough introduction.

The Crows enjoyed a decent spell after the break, but Davies completed the scoring with his second 25 minutes from time.

There was another down side when Cwmbran, who could only name two substitutes, were reduced to 10 men afterdefender Lloyd Jenkins had beenforced off with a cut above an eye following an accidental clash with an opponent's boot.

He will almost certainly be unavailable for selection for Cwmbran's next match, Saturday's home Welsh Premier League game against Airbus UK (kick off 2.30pm).

Carmarthen Town: N Thomas, T Evans, H Fleming, C Lima, M Dodds (A Williams 72), K Thomas, D Thomas (L Denner 65), T Ramasut (N White 54), M Davies, K Mohamed, M Cotterrall (c). Sub not used: L Hancock. Goals: Davies (24 and 65), D Thomas (20), K Thomas (28) .

Cwmbran Town: K Blackburn, J Davies, G Wysome, L Jenkins, R Williams, G Goodridge (D Raven 46), S Dawe, M Evans, M Houston (S Small 57), M Prosser, M Parkins.(Only two subs named). Booked: Evans (53), Jenkins (63).

Referee: S Hames (Aberaman).