Llanelli get European campaign off to a sound start

In the first ever European Club Competition match played at Stebonheath, Llanelli gave themselves a sound chance of progressing, defeating Latvian Champions, Ventspils 1-0 in the Champions League Qualfiying Round.

In an exciting encounter in front of the S4C cameras, Stuart Jones nipped it at the far post to convert veteran Andy Legg's long throw as early as the 12th minute. This seemed to unsettle the visitors, but their confidence grew towards the interval, putting together some attractive approach play but failing to trouble Duncan Roberts in the Llanelli goal.

It was end to end stuff after the interval, with chances in both penalty areas, but it was The Reds who looked the most likely to add to their lead. Mark Pritchard's shot was cleared off the line, and shortly afterwards a Rhys Griffiths effort from just inside the box was saved. At the other end, my Man of the Match Legg headed a short range effort off the line, while goalscorer Jones proved his worth as a defender with a last gasp tackle, denying the Latvians when they looked sure to equalise. But the Reds held on for a famous victory to the delight of the majority of the near 1,000 crowd.

A delighted Peter Nicholas, seemed to be looking forward to next weeks return leg, quite rightly pointing out the advantage of travelling to Latvia without having conceded an away goal.

"I'm pleased for the players, they worked their socks off, Ventspils were a very disciplined team...One goal is one goal and it makes the game very interesting.

"It's like a game of chess, they've got to score two goals, but if we score one, they've got to score three. I would be more worried if I was their manager."

Everyone involved with the Principality Welsh Premier League, will I'm sure be behind them in their bid for a Second Qualifying Round tie with Norwegian Champions SK Brann Bergen.