James Crole announced himself in the JD Cymru Premier as his debut brace gave Penybont a 2-0 win at newly-promoted Briton Ferry Llansawel on Sunday afternoon.
The former Cardiff City academy star opened the scoring in the 42nd minute as he met Clayton Green’s volleyed cross with a clinical diving header.
His second goal arrived just six minutes later to leave Ferry stunned before half-time. Crole stole the ball off Alex Gammond before driving forward and producing a composed finish past Alex Pennock.
Zeli Ismail and Jason Oswell starred as Newtown defeated Aberystwyth Town 4-1 at Latham Park in the opening fixture of the season on Friday night.
Jonathan Evans put Aberystwyth ahead on the stroke of half-time with a first time side-footed effort which went in off the post, but the Robins responded well and found an equaliser five minutes into second half when Oswell headed home from Ismail’s corner.
An error from Aber goalkeeper Dave Jones allowed Callum Roberts to slot the hosts in front on 68 minutes, before Ismail set up Oswell for a tap in two minutes later.
The former Wolves winger completed a hat-trick of assists soon after as he slid in Josh Lock, who tucked away his effort from close range to claim a goal on his league debut for Newtown.
Haverfordwest County stunned last season’s runners-up Connah’s Quay Nomads with a 1-0 victory at the Essity Stadium on Sunday.
The decisive moment came nine minutes into the second half, when a foul from Ben Nash on Harri John in the box earned the Bluebirds a penalty. Summer signing Ben Ahmun stepped up from the spot and calmly rolled the ball home to secure Tony Pennock’s side a memorable victory on the road.
Flint Town United’s return to the top-flight began with defeat as Cardiff Met came from behind to earn a 2-1 win at the Essity Stadium on Saturday.
Josh Jones, who scored 24 goals for Flint in the JD Cymru North last season, opened the scoring with an impressive half volley, but the Silkmen’s lead only lasted 12 minutes as Dixon Kabongo’s fierce effort from the edge of the area nestled into the bottom corner to bring Met level.
The Archers’ decisive goal in the 56th minute as Flint failed to deal with a Met corner, allowing Sam Jones to control the ball inside the area, pick his spot and fire beyond teenage goalkeeper Jack Flint to complete the comeback.
George Newell’s penalty cancelled out Ollie Hulbert’s first half strike as Bala Town salvaged a 1-1 draw against Barry Town United at Jenner Park.
Hulbert held his nerve to calmly slot home and break the deadlock when one-on-one with Bala goalkeeper Joel Torrance in the 15th minute.
However, the Lakesiders were given the opportunity to equalise when Osebi Abadaki was fouled by Ben Margetson inside the area, allowing Newell to convert from 12 yards past Liam Armstrong.
Weekend results in full:
Newtown 4-1 Aberystwyth Town
Barry Town United 1-1 Bala Town
Flint Town United 1-2 Cardiff Met
Connah’s Quay Nomads 0-1 Haverfordwest County
Briton Ferry Llansawel 0-2 Penybont
