Venables strike earns Llanelli Friendly win over Saints

A 37th-minute goal from new signing Chris Venables gave Llanelli a narrow victory over TNS at Parc Y Scarlets last night.

The match was arranged to give both clubs pre-Europe match practice ahead of their Europa League ties on July 2 and Reds' new manager Andy Legg will be very content with two wins in four days, Port Talbot having lost 3-0 at the same venue on Saturday.

Rhys Griffiths began the winning move with a delightful far-post cross to Antonio Corbisiero, who linked with new-signing Venables who arrived from Aberystwyth, and he blasted a fine drive past Paul Harrison.

Alex Darlington nearly gave TNS a third-minute lead, but his 20-yard shot was well saved by Craig Morris. Legg's crosses caused constant anxiety in the visitors' defence and from one pin-point effort, Griffiths headed narrowly wide.

But it took a brilliant full-stretch parry from Llanelli substitute keeper Ashley Morris to deny Barry Hogan's rasping 80th-minute drive as the players noticeably tired in the heat.