NEWCASTLE Emlyn moved to the top of the Costcutter Ceredigion League Premier Division after edging out Llechryd 3-2 in an entertaining encounter on Saturday.

Llechryd made the brighter start and took an early lead through Cory Davies, who capitalised on slack defending to score from just outside the box.

The visitors frustrated Emlyn for much of the first half, with Mike Glover's effort from a corner striking the crossbar. Emlyn improved towards the break and Josh Bennett was denied by a superb defensive clearance.

The hosts levelled soon after the restart when Ash Campbell produced a fine solo effort, beating three defenders before firing home.

Llechryd responded immediately as Gwion Howell took advantage of hesitation in the Emlyn defence to restore his side's lead.

The match continued to swing from end to end. The Llechryd goalkeeper produced an excellent save to deny Bennett, but Emlyn drew level when Campbell set up Will Williams for the equaliser.

The decisive moment came in the 86th minute when a clearance rebounded off an Emlyn player into Campbell's path and he calmly finished for the winner.

Both sides ended with 10 men. Liam Doherty was red carded, while Emlyn debutant Gareth Evans received two yellow cards.

Elsewhere, Crymych were the division's biggest winners, thrashing Cardigan 9-0. Rhodri George, Sion Vaughan and Danny Williams all scored twice, while Rhodri Roberts, Gethin Evans and Tomos Jones also got on the scoresheet.

St Dogmaels maintained their perfect start to the campaign with a 6-0 victory at Llandysul. Chris Morgan and Louis Harding gave them a two-goal half-time lead before Jordan Owens, Gwylim Rees, Jack Skeels and Elliot Wigley completed the scoring.

Lampeter Town Reserves produced a dramatic late comeback to beat Maesglas 2-1. John Rees had given the hosts the advantage, but stoppage-time goals from 16-year-old Rhys Jones and Sibanda Mengezi earned all three points.