Lee Trundle’s hat-trick has put Llanelli Town back on top in Welsh League Division One.
The former Swansea City hit-man scored more than 50 goals for the Reds, including nine hat-tricks, when they won league and cup double last season and he’s banging them in again.
Scouser Trundle has netted nine times in the new campaihgn and Llanelli are three points clear at the top after a 4-0 away win against Afan Lido on Friday evening.
Goytre United, still unbeaten this season and managed by former Port Talbot winger Lee John, are second.
Llanelli were promoted after winning the Second Division title last season and they are one of three clubs from the Welsh League who have applied for the FAW domestic licence.
Haverfordwest County and Penybont FC are the other two who have sent in an application for the licence, which is essential for any club hoping to move up into the JD Welsh Premier League.
Haverfordwest, though, are not in favour of the current WPL 12-team format and insist that, while they intend to ensure they have the licence, will not put themselves forward for promotion.
Afan Lido had Kieran Cullen sent off for two bookable offences during the first half of their clash with Llanelli and Trundle had netted his first before the break.
Trundle also set up a goal for Chris Jones and smashed a shot against the Lido bar before completing his treble, a 10th hat-trick in Llanelli colours in just over a year.
When the top two, Llanelli and Goytre United, clashed earlier this season the result was a 3-3 draw.
Almost inevitably, it was Trundle who had the last word when he scored from a penalty five minutes into injury time to earn his team a draw.
Llanelli were unbeaten throughout the 2016-17 Welsh League season and while they have lost against Haverfordwest in this campaign they look a team capable of sustaining a title challenge.
Teenager Scott Coughlan, a former Cardiff City and Wales under-19 goalkeeper, is their number one, but Trundle is their Talisman.
He is now 40-years-old and his input to the Llanelli cause last season was remarkable. They suffered only one defeat in any competition, going out of the Welsh Cup against The New Saints.
Barry Town United returned to the top tier of Welsh football this season, having won the Welsh League title, and Llanelli would love to join them.
They will have to fight off challenges from Goytre United, Goytre FC, Penybont, where ex-Llanelli striker Rhys Griffiths is manager, and others are aiming to stick with the leading group.
Right now, though, Llanelli are out on top, while unbeaten Goytre United entertain third-placed Goytre FC.
Llanelli team v Afan Lido: Scott Coughlan, Kyle Groves, Antonio Facciuto, Kurtis March (Liam Samuel 83)), Chris Thomas, Lee Bevan, Chris Jones (Luke Morgan 83), Jordan Davies, Joe Clarke (capt), Lee Trundle, Ross Jones (James Loveridge 60). Subs not used: Robert Thomas, Jordan Follows.
Afan Lido: Chris Curtis, Josh Doyle, Sean Hanbury, Craig DAvies (capt), Cai Owens, Ben Thomas, Elliot Thomas, Liam McCreesh, Mark Jones, Sacha Walters, Kieran Cullen. Subs: Leigh De Vulgt, Shane Williams, Josh Webber, TAylor Evans, Jack Fleming.
Saturday’s Welsh League Division One fixtures: Caerau Ely v Monmouth Town, Cwmbran Celtic v Undy Athletic, Goytre United v Goytre FC, Haverfordwest County v Taffs Well, Penybont v Cambrian and Clydach, Port Talbot Town v Cwmamman, Ton Pentre v Briton Ferry Llansawel.
