Abercarn United 0 Mardy AFC 1

MARDY climbed to the summit of the First Division on Saturday with a 1-0 win over Abercarn, while rivals Bleanavon Blues could only manage a draw at mid-table Panteg.

But coach Ben Bennon blasted the display as "very poor", with Sam White's winner eight minutes from time the only highlight in a dull game. But optimists will point out that a championship-winning side needs to be able to grind out wins away from home, even if the performance is below par.

Bannon said: "The pitch wasn't up to much and really we were lucky to win, but then we had a lot of people pull out and in the end we only had 11 men and I had to name myself on the bench."

White's 82nd minute winner was well taken, with the Mardy man able to get his head to a cross from Delwyn Euers from the left wing. United's keeper produced a good save to deny him the headed goal, but White smashed in the rebound from close range.

Bannon added: "They created quite a few chances and our keep Tom Hinge had to make a couple of good saves. But Abercarn got frustrated at not scoring and we've nipped in to win it."

Bannon is now hoping for a more vintage Mardy performance as they entertain Cwmffrwdoer in the quarter-finals of the League Cup, kick off at Mardy Fields at 1.45pm.