Challengers pick up TNS trail

By Trevor Haylett

Total Network Solutions FC still lead the League of Wales but their advantage has been cut to a single point after they were held 1-1 at home by Bangor City FC at the weekend. It was only the second time Ken McKenna's team have failed to take maximum points this term though they remain unbeaten.

On the mark again
Bangor had gone ahead before Marc Lloyd-Williams equalised with his 17th goal of the season. The striker then had a golden chance to score an 87th-minute winner but missed from the penalty spot.

Challenging hard
Defending champions Rhyl FC have had a good month and are challenging hard in second place. They followed a 4-1 success at Caersws FC with victories against Airbus UK FC, Carmarthen Town AFC and Llanelli FC - their seventh successive win. Newtown AFC are in a similar vein of form. Their 2-1 triumph at Cwmbran Town FC was their sixth in a row and moved them into third position.

Sensational sub
Carmarthen registered a notable 2-1 victory at Caersws on 30 October. Earlier in the month substitute Craig Lima had notched a remarkable hat-trick for Mark Jones's rejuvenated side against Aberystwyth Town FC. He was introduced in the 84th minute with the scores tied at 1-1 but changed all that with a rapid display of sharp-shooting.

Llanelli lose again
Promoted Llanelli are still to collect their first point of the season and, more worryingly for coach Eddie May, have managed just one goal. Last season's second-division champions have one of the best appointed grounds in the top flight but are struggling to produce football of the same standard.

Ref swap
Finally, the Football Association of Wales has entered into a referee-swap agreement with its Scottish counterpart which saw Scottish Premier League official Callum Murray take charge of the TNS-Bangor game. Welsh official Mark Whitby will be sent north in November to control a Scottish First Division match.