LLANDYSUL, beaten finalists in the J Emrys Morgan Cup beaten finalists, gained compensation when lifting the Bay Cup after a hard-earned 2-1 win over Lampeter Town at Ffostrasol.

For the Swallows, who reached the final with victories over Aberaeron Reserves, Newcastle Emlyn and Dewi Stars, it was their first major success since capturing the same trophy 20 years ago.

Holders Cardigan Town withdrew from the competition because of what the club said was fixture backlog pressure.

Llandysul deserved to win if only for the second half performance when coming from a goal down and controlling the game with some fluid football.

As well as taking his charges to Friday’s triumph and the Emrys Morgan final Llandysul boss Chris ‘Coco’ Davies of Carmarthen led them to a third place finish in the Costcutter League and at one stage towards the end of the campaign looked as if they could go on and lift the coveted trophy.

A delighted manager said afterwards: “The boys were outstanding especially during the second half and I was very proud of them.”

He added that he enjoyed his first season in the hot seat and is keen to continue next season.

His opposite number Terry Jones also did a first-rate job as Lampeter reached the final and led the league title race for a lengthy period before being pipped by defending champions Cardigan Town on the final day.

Although it was essentially a team effort that carried the day for Llandysul special mention should be made of central midfielder Terry Maynard.

The 28-year-old former star with Newcastle Emlyn in the Welsh League and Carmarthen Town was outstanding as he won the majority of aerial duels with dangerous Town raider Luke Lovell.

Lampeter started at a frenetic pace, passing the ball accurately to feet and putting their opponents under pressure for the first quarter.

As Terry Witts and team-mates held sway they took the lead when Gethin Hunter netted on the right side and but for some timely punched clearances from goalkeeper Carwyn Richards there could have been more goals.

During the interval manager Davies made it clear to his players that character was called for and that the next goal would be crucial.

That score went to Llandysul when Scott Thomas chipped a pass to Simon Davies who nodded the ball just inside an upright with Richards beaten.

With Maynard pulling the strings in the middle of the pitch the Swallows asserted but had to wait until six minutes from the end for the winner.

Simon Davies picked up a loose pass on the halfway line and ran right through to slot past Richards to the delight of his colleagues and their vociferous supporters.