NOT a classic by any stretch, but Llanelli Town plough on to extend their unbeaten run to three matches following their festive double over Taffs Well, with a gritty showing in poor conditions over their Rhondda-based opponents.
Eli Phipps kept up his recent goal-scoring exploits following an 18th minute strike with Louis Gerrard and Thomas Hillman involved in the build-up, culminating in the latter`s shot deflecting off Phipps and beyond goalkeeper Harry Johnson.
Two new signings were included in the home line-up, with Owen Bancroft starting and Joshua Allen on the bench, but they were forced into an early change when the influential Keane Watts had to come off after 25 minutes with Kyran Steadman taking his place.
Seven minutes later, there was further disruption when Phipps had to be replaced by Tim Parker, making his first appearance for four games following his suspension, and these changes did nothing to improve the overall quality of the play by the hosts.
In fact, the visitors were dictating matters to some extent with a corner by Ceri Morgan causing some concern before ending up on the roof of the net, but overall their final ball was poor and the home goal was seldom under any serious threat.
A strong run by Hillman saw him link up with Miles John who in turn played a pass into the path of Parker, but his shot was safely gathered by Johnson, although an offside flag had also been raised.
When Cambrian countered, a searching delivery by Cameron Keeton across the face of goal failed to pick out a visiting player, and the half ended with the Reds clinging on to their slender lead.
The second period saw both sides being presented with scoring opportunities, although perhaps the better fell to the visitors, with Scott Coughlan saving from Camden Duncan when he was allowed to run from his own half before unleashing his finish.
More injury woes then befell the Reds with both Sean Cronin and John coming off with Adam Robbins and Allen taking their place, and so many walking wounded will be of concern with the visit of Welsh Premier side Connah`s Quay Nomads on the horizon in the 4th round of the JD Welsh Cup next Saturday.
Hopefully, all the players involved will be fit for the tie against opponents who currently occupy second spot in the table and are sure to prove to be tough adversaries.
Coughlan was called into action again, this time keeping out at his near post a snap shot by Duncan, although Parker might have done better when he met a ball by Steadman but could only volley it off target.
With the contest in its closing stages, Cambrian were still seeking the equaliser and came close when an inswinging corner forced Coughlan to push it clear from under the bar, with this proving to be the final attempt of a closely-fought encounter.
Results in other league fixtures also went in favour of the Reds, with Afan Lido drawing and Carmarthen Town being defeated, and they are still three points adrift of second-placed Briton Ferry
Llansawel, but with two games in hand, with leaders Barry Town United a further four points ahead, and their visit to Stebonheath later in the month could prove pivotal.
Next Saturday sees the visit of Connah`s Quay Nomads to Stebonheath in the 4th round of the JD Welsh Cup, with the tie being shown live on S4C from 5pm with kick off at 5.15pm.
