Caernarfon Town spoiled the party on Colwyn Bay’s JD Cymru Premier debut on Sunday, with Richard Davies’ side winning 4-0 at the Four Crosses Construction Arena in front of a 1,411 crowd.
Darren Thomas’ header gave the Cofis a half-time lead, before they scored three goals in 10 minutes in the second half – two from Adam Davies and one from debutant Zack Clarke – to make an impressive start to the campaign.
The other big winners on the opening weekend were reigning champions The New Saints, who triumphed 6-2 against last season’s runners-up Connah’s Quay Nomads at Park Hall on Friday night.
Neil Gibson’s side led after just two minutes through Noah Edwards and were also 2-1 in front after 35 minutes, but ultimately suffered a blitzing at the hands of the hosts. Adrian Cieslewicz and Declan McManus both scored twice, alongside one each for Jordan Williams and Leo Smith.
Former Liverpool academy starlet Iwan Roberts enjoyed a dream debut for Bala Town on Saturday afternoon, as the 18-year-old came off the bench to score a 92nd-minute winner in a 1-0 home victory over Barry Town United.
The visitors had captain Kayne Mclaggon sent off on their return to the JD Cymru Premier, in what was also Steve Jenkins’ first game in charge.
Penybont brushed off their Nathaniel MG Cup exit last weekend by starting the league campaign with a 3-1 away win at Newtown.
Summer signing Chris Venables scored two first half goals before a bizarre own goal wrapped up the points when Newtown goalkeeper Andrew Wycherley saw a Rob Evans back pass roll under his foot and into the net. The returning Jason Oswell netted a late consolation for the Robins.
Eliot Evans was at the centre of the action in Cardiff Met’s 1-0 away win at Aberystwyth Town. The midfielder scored the only goal of the game in the first half by turning in Lewis Rees’ cross, before being sent off in the second half for two yellow cards in the space of three minutes.
Haverfordwest County and Pontypridd United began the campaign with a 0-0 draw at Ogi Bridge Meadow on Friday night. A string of saves from Bluebirds goalkeeper Zac Jones were key in the game remaining goalless.
JD Cymru Premier results:
Haverfordwest County 0-0 Pontypridd United
The New Saints 6-2 Connah’s Quay Nomads
Aberystwyth Town 0-1 Cardiff Met
Bala Town 1-0 Barry Town United
Newtown 1-3 Penybont
Colwyn Bay 0-4 Caernarfon Town
