Ammanford secured promotion to the JD Cymru Premier for the first time in their history after coming from behind to win 2-1 away at Cwmbran Celtic on the final day of the JD Cymru South season.
Wyn Thomas’ side knew that victory would be enough to see them go up, but found themselves behind after 21 minutes when Cwmbran Celtic captain Andrew Larcombe – making his last appearance for the club – thundered home a superb half volley.
Already-relegated Celtic, who only won for the first time this season against Aberystwyth Town last weekend, were enjoying spoiling the party but found themselves down to 10 men in first half stoppage time when Kian Bodenham was sent off for a challenge on Callum Thomas.
Ammanford made their man advantage count in the second half as Dan John levelled the contest on 73 minutes, as the ball dropped to him in the box and he got a decisive touch that Lewis Watkins couldn’t keep out.
The comeback was completed in stoppage time when Matt Delaney headed home a corner, sparking wild scenes of celebration among the Ammanford faithful.
Ammanford seal promotion to the JD Cymru Premier
Ultimately a draw would have been enough for Ammanford to secure promotion as fourth-place Caerau Ely were held to a 0-0 draw away at Pontypridd United.
The Young Guns sat in the promotion spots at half-time as a point took them above Ammanford who were trailing, but it was not to be for James McCarthy’s side following a cagey encounter. Ponty end up in 11th after a fifth-place finish last season.
Trefelin clinched the JD Cymru South following an emphatic 5-0 win away at Newport City.
Andy Hill’s side knew that victory would confirm top spot and they showed no signs of nerves by going up 3-0 up inside the first 22 minutes, Luke Bowen scoring either side of Callum Saunders’ finish.
Tyler Brock got in on the act shortly before the hour mark, before Bowen completed his hat-trick late on. The 38-year-old’s treble also secured him the league’s Golden Boot. Defeat for Newport City sees them end the campaign in 10th.
Victory for Trefelin ended the title hopes of Cambrian United, who nonetheless finished the season with a 3-1 win away at Llantwit Major.
The Rhondda side had to win to stand any chance of leapfrogging Tref and they led 2-0 after 33 minutes thanks to a pair of quick goals from Frazer Thomas and Dylan Edwards.
Tom Stokes pulled a goal back for Llantwit just before half-time, but the hosts were reduced to 10 men in the second period when defender Connor Goldsworthy was sent off. Cambrian restored their two-goal cushion late on as Alex Bonthron scored from the penalty spot.
Liam Williams’ side will still be playing top-flight football next season following their second-place finish, while Llantwit secure eighth position – their highest placing for three years.
Cardiff Draconians sealed a seventh-place finish in their first ever second tier campaign following a 4-1 home win over Afan Lido.
Dan Bowen finished from close range to open the scoring for the Dracs after just 10 minutes, before Cameron Keetch got Lido back on level terms 10 minutes before half-time.
Harry Treharne restored the hosts’ lead just before the hour mark after being played in by Sam Roberts, who then got on the scoresheet himself with a curling effort on 80 minutes. 17-year-old Charlie Pepper came off the bench for his debut to complete the scoring from close range in stoppage time.
Treowen Stars also finished their first campaign in the JD Cymru South with a 4-1 home win over Carmarthen Town.
After a goalless first half, Treowen took the lead eight minutes into the second period through Corey Jenkins before Tom Gameson doubled the advantage on 72 minutes. Christian Davies made it 3-0 from the penalty spot with three minutes left of the 90.
Luke Cummings got Carmarthen on the scoresheet with a superb free-kick in stoppage time, but the Stars would have the last say as substitute Lewis Green netted his side’s fourth of the afternoon.
Ben Murphy’s side secure a ninth place finish and have the Welsh Blood Service League Cup Final to look forward to next weekend, while Mark Aizlewood’s time in charge of Carmarthen finishes with back-to-back defeats as they place fifth.
There was nothing to separate Baglan Dragons and Trethomas Bluebirds, who played out a 1-1 draw at Evans Bevans Playing Fields.
Baglan had the lead at the break thanks to Tom Davies’ strike from distance in the 17th minute, before Alex Newman-Jones brought Trethomas back on level terms shortly after the hour mark.
The Dragons finish the campaign in 14th place, with the Bluebirds – who were runners-up last season – four points better off in 13th.
Ynyshir Albions and Aberystwyth Town concluded the season by playing out a goalless draw at the Ynyshir Oval.
The hosts played over an hour with 10 men after Jorrie-Blue Griffiths was sent off for two yellow cards in quick succession, but Aber could not find the breakthrough despite their numeral advantage. The Seasiders were awarded a penalty late on after Desean Martin was fouled in the box, Rackeem Reid struck the crossbar with his effort from 12 yards.
Ynyshir finish 15th in the table – 13 points clear of relegation – following promotion from the third tier last season, while Aberystwyth’s first ever JD Cymru South campaign sees them place sixth.
Weekend results in full:
Baglan Dragons 1-1 Trethomas Bluebirds
Cardiff Draconians 4-1 Afan Lido
Cwmbran Celtic 1-2 Ammanford
Llantwit Major 1-3 Cambrian United
Newport City 0-5 Trefelin
Pontypridd United 0-0 Caerau Ely
Treowen Stars 4-1 Carmarthen Town
Ynyshir Albions 0-0 Aberystwyth Town
