The scoreline, however, in Town's favour did not do justice to a spirited Lido display, although when Town scored their second goal in the last quarter of the game the match was over as a contest.

Player-manager Tomi Morgan decided to include himself in the line-up at the expense of 17-year-old Matthew Delicate who was relegated to the substitutes bench after having played two demanding League of Wales games in the space of seven days, and Morgan vindicated his decision by making an immediate impact on the game.

Within 90 seconds of the kick off, Morgan deceived his marker Andy Pitman and his fine delivery into the six yard box was swept home by the onrushing Paul Burrows, past a startled Lido keeper Brian Thomas.

The Seasiders re-asserted themselves and should have gained an equaliser in the 15th minute when slack defending at the rear of the Town defence let Shaun O'Leary with only the keeper to beat. O'Leary, however, unaccountably placed the ball wide of the grateful Robert Fitzgerald's left hand post. Morgan was again in the thick of things when for the second time he showed Pitman a clean pair of heels but his cross this time was diverted for a corner.

Both goalkeepers were constantly in action in a game which swung to and fro but prior to half time Lido were holding the edge with midfield general Dean Johnstone doing well for the visitors.

Lido had two gilt-edged chances when both Paul Evans and Leighton Jones had close range headers saved by Fitzgerald and then the keeper produced a magnificent diving save to thwart the dangerous Mitch Patten.

The injury jinx continued after the interval when referee Howard Griffiths of Merthyr sustained a hamstring injury and was replaced by assistant referee Mike Harris. The vacant assistant referee's position was taken up by local referee Eifion George who was a spectator at the match.

Play remained fairly even after the half time whistle and then Fitzgerald's long punt deep into Lido's half caught the defence square and Richard Parker controlling the loose ball did well to round the keeper Thonlas to increase Town's lead.

The two-goal cushion was just the tonic that Town needed as they at last settled down to dominate proceedings with so-e good moves involving Malcolm Vaughan, Rossiter, and Jones, and it came as no surprise when Delicate scored the goal of the match to increase Town's lead.

Picking up a loose ball inside his opponent's half he weaved and turned through the defence to slip the ball past the advancing Thomas to score his fourth goal in three games, impressing the Millwall and Manchester City scouts present at the match.

A late flurry by the Seasiders, however, failed to breach Town's defence as Fitzgerald once again produced a fine save to deny Andrew Pearson. Town's manager, Morgan, however, is very much aware that three games are no yardstick for a 36 game marathon but the gaining of seven points from three games is the best start Town has made since admission into the League of Wales in 1996.

Seventeen-year-old Matthew Delicate got his League of Wales career off to a perfect start by scoring a hat-trick as his side romped home in fine style.

Town's manager, Tomi Morgan, in obvious delight, said "It was our all-round performance in the second half which clinched this resounding victory but I must admit that the performance of the home side was extremely disappointing which may have contributed to such an emphatic scoreline."

The kick off was delayed by 45 minutes due to the late arrival, not of the visiting team, but several Swansea-based players with the home team, as well as the match officials, due to a serious car accident on Pensarn roundabout.

However, despite the lack of pre-match preparation by the home side, it was the Bluebirds who took the initiative in the early stages and within five minutes had rocked the visitors by taking the lead. A free kick taken by Jamie Rickard from the touchline found Mark Otten completely unmarked and his firm header beat Carmarthen keeper Robert Fitzgerald to find the net.

The visitors then settled down and the Haverfordwest defence became increasingly under pressure and goalkeeper Ben Miles, who has been on Swansea City's books, denied Town the equaliser on a number of occasions, especially from Town's new signing Paul Walker and Richard Parker.

Then Miles again rose to the occasion when after good work by Delicate, Parker's shot was brilliantly turned over the bar.

Shortly before half time Town got their deserved equaliser when Paul Walker's corner caused confusion in the Bluebirds' defence and Parker scored from close range in a crowded goalmouth.

Town took complete control in the second half and it was no surprise that a 2-1 lead was taken within six minutes when former Town player Stephen Evans, misjudged his back pass to pressurise Miles to fly kick against Delicate's legs for the ball to ricochet into an empty net.

Within 16 minutes Town increased the lead when Wayne Jones' deep corner kick to the far post eluded Miles and Wyn Thomas powered a header into the Haverfordwest net.

Fitzgerald was at last called into action when he did well to parry Bluebirds' striker Chris Piper's close range header but it was Town who scored a fourth goal when Delicate distributed a fine ball to Parker who made no mistake.

Delicate's dream debut continued with two further goals, firstly when he broke through with some considerable pace to drive past Miles, and then with very little time left, Parker put his colleague clear and after having his first shot well saved coolly headed the rebound into the net.

Despite having little pressure placed upon them, Town's defence had an extremely solid look and none did better than wingback Nigel Nicholas, now completely recovered from injuries that have plagued him in recent years, who produced a polished performance.

A large contingent of Town supporters in the crowd of 979 gave their side a standing ovation as they left the field, but Mike Ellery's side which included eight new signings may not have settled down so early in the season and Town, sponsored by RSU Windows, will no doubt be put to the test in their second match at home tonight (Wednesday) against Rhayader Town, kick off 7.45 p.m. On Saturday, Town play their second home game when they entertain Afan Lid at Richmond Park kick off 2.30 p.m.

Carmarthen got off to a perfect start at Bridge Meadow Stadium this afternoon as they hit six past local rivals Haverfordwest.

Two goals each from Richard Parker and Matthew Delicate saw them take all three points.

Kick-off was delayed by 45 minutes after Haverfordwest's team bus was caught in a huge traffic jam on the A40 near Carmarthen.

It was hardly the right preparation for County boss Mike Ellery, who included eight new signings for the local derby.

Carmarthen's starting line-up included youngster Delicate who has already raised a few eyebrows with his fine pre-season displays.

The delay obviously did Haverfordwest no harm as after five minutes a free kick from Jamie Rickard was headed home past a helpless Robert Fitzgerald by the unmarked Marc Otten.

As Carmarthen settled they created some chances, the best falling to Parker on 25 minutes after a good pass from former County midfielder Paul Burrows. Parker lobbed Ben Miles but saw his shot go agonisingly wide.

Paul Burrows was booked for a bad tackle on former team-mate Rickard, and then only a superb double save by Miles kept the home side in front on 31 minutes.

Paul Walker saw his shot brilliantly kept out and Miles somehow stopped Parker's second effort.

Miles made another superb save from Parker after a great run from Matthew Delicate on 38 minutes. Walker's corner from the tip round the post fell to the feet of Parker who deservedly equalised.

Six minutes into the second half Carmarthen took the lead. Miles's attempted clearance from a short back pass rebounded off Delicate into an empty net.

Fitzgerald in the Carmarthen goal had hardly been tested and on 60 minutes Carmarthen's lead was extended when Wyn Thomas powered home a header from a corner.

Six minutes later Haverfordwest almost pulled one back but Chris Piper's header was pushed wide.

The home side piled on the pressure and sub Andy Jones saw his shot deflected wide as Carmarthen held on.

But on 72 minutes Parker grabbed his second after another defensive mix-up when he slotted home from 10 yards.