Cymru Premier round-up: The opening weekend of action
- Published
Flint's Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro in action during their win at Pontypridd United
JD Cymru Premier
Friday, 12 August
Airbus UK Broughton 1-2 Aberystwyth Town: Aberystwyth, founder members of the Cymru Premier in 1992, marked the first game of the 30th anniversary season with victory at promoted Airbus UK at The Airfield.
Joseph Palmer headed Charley Edge's corner into his own net to give Aberystwyth the lead five minutes before the break. George Peers equalised for the hosts with 19 minutes remaining, heading home Jake Phillips' cross. But five minutes later substitute Alex Darlington struck for Aber after a long throw in from Jack Thorn to give new manager Anthony Williams a winning start in the league.
Saturday, 13 August
Cardiff Met 2-0 Connah's Quay Nomads: Cardiff Met enjoyed their first league victory over Connah's Quay since gaining promotion to the Cymru Premier in 2016. A first-half goal from Sam Jones and a late second-half goal from Lewis Rees gave Ryan Jenkins victory over fellow new manager Neil Gibson.
Haverfordwest County 1-0 Caernarfon Town: Haverfordwest County enjoyed an opening win of the season courtesy of Jordan Davies' close-range header. It was the perfect start for new boss Tony Pennock as he looks to build on the progress County made under previous manager Nicky Hayen during the second half of last season.
Newtown 0-0 The New Saints: It finished goalless at Latham Park as champions The New Saints, with new boss Craig Harrison at the helm, dropped points on the opening day of the season. Both sides were looking to start the league campaign well after failing to progress in Europe.
Pontypridd United 0-1 Flint Town United: Flint got their season off to a winning start with victory at Cymru Premier new boys Pontypridd United. The Silkmen's goal came on the stroke of half-time and straight off the training pitch, with debutant Okera Simmonds firing home off a corner.
Sunday, 14 August
Penybont 2-0 Bala Town: Penybont claimed all three points thanks to two second-half goals from debutant Rhys Kavanagh. Penybont have made big progress under Rhys Griffiths, finishing in the top six in the last two campaigns, and made an ideal start to the new campaign as Kavanagh opened the scoring just before the hour. Kavanagh curled home his second just five minutes later as Bala, who finished second last season, were beaten. Penybont held on for victory despite having substitute Sam Snaith sent off following a clash with Antony Kay 12 minutes from time - just four minutes after he had come on for Kavanagh.