Llantwit Major began their Cymru South campaign with a 2-1 defeat to league newcomers Aberystwyth Town.
Major boss Karl Lewis was aiming for an immediate response following last weekend’s first-round exit from the Nathaniel MG Cup.
But the Seasiders, under new manager Callum McKenzie, came to Windmill Lane determined to make a winning start to life in the second tier of Welsh football, after 33 years in the Cymru Premier.
The hosts began brightly - but Aber took the lead from their first chance after 12 minutes, as captain Desean Martin beat debutant keeper Kane Draper with a clinical finish from Calvin Smith’s cross.
Cullen Kinsella and Josh Jones pushed for an equaliser, until in the 26th minute, Jack Bevan latched onto a dangerous loose ball and slotted home past Reece Thompson for his first Llantwit goal.
Major narrowly missed the chance to go ahead from a set piece before half time - but after a strong restart, Aber retook the lead on 56 minutes when a long throw in from Smith fell in the path of Tyrone Ofori, who outpaced the defence before smashing home past Draper into the top of the net.
Major struggled to assert themselves in the second half, while Aber found themselves a man down in the closing stages after O’Toole was sent off for two quick yellow cards.
Ten minutes of added time produced little of note as the Aber defence held out for their maiden Cymru South win.
Llantwit’s early league cup exit means they have just under a fortnight to prepare for their first away game at Ammanford on Friday 8th August (7.30 ko).
Elsewhere in the Cymru South, Kayne McLaggon earned Newport City a 1-0 win over Afan Lido on Friday night.
The former Barry Town United captain scored his second goal in his many games for his new club.
And Caerau Ely romped home to a 4-1 win at Ynyshir Albions - with ex-Llantwit striker Matty Kimmins among the goalscorers.
The visitors went behind to an early effort from Dre Griffiths, only to hit back with three goals in just three minutes.
Jack Turner and Zack Maher struck for Caerau - with Kimmins providing an assist - before Tom McLean beat keeper Harry Webber from the penalty spot to turn the game dramatically on its head.
Kimmins went onto score his debut Caerau goal on 68 minutes.
JD Cymru South results
Baglan Dragons v Pontypridd United (Sunday)
Cambrian United 4-0 Treowen Stars
Cardiff Draconians 0-1 Ammanford
Cwmbran Celtic 0-4 Carmarthen Town
Llantwit Major 1-2 Aberystwyth Town
Newport City 1-0 Afan Lido (Friday)
Trethomas Bluebirds 1-2 Trefelin BGC (Friday)
Ynyshir Albions 1-4 Caerau Ely
Barry sign striker Smith
Midfielder Barton joins Barry Town
Welsh Cup: Dinas win qualifier on penalties
Barry beat young Exiles
Connor returns to Llantwit Major
Patten faces Exiles injury lay-off
Tandy named new Wales head coach
Llantwit out of MG Cup
Barry bowlers reach national finals
New season kicks off at Lewis' Llantwit
Barry Archer becomes UK Champion
Lauren takes to the till for Tŷ Hafan
