Ammanford’s debut at the Cymru Premier level ended in defeat as they fell 2-1 to Briton Ferry Llansawel away from home.
Despite taking an early lead through Matt Delaney, goals in either half from Ollie Anderson and Luke Bowen saw the Reds earn the opening three points on offer for the campaign.
Delaney’s 93rd minute header had secured promotion for the Black and Whites a 104 days earlier and, within 13 minutes of the new campaign, the Pembrokeshire native was on target once again.
A slick move down the right, involving Jonathan Evans and Adam Orme, ended with Evans delivering an inviting cross for Delaney to power a header home and put Ammanford in front.
The last time Town visited the Renewables Centre Stadium, three years ago, the hosts sealed promotion of their own and have since established themselves as a mainstay in the top flight. After falling behind, the hosts responded positively and almost found an immediate equaliser, only for Chris Bell to produce an outstanding recovery challenge.
Tom Walters then curled a free-kick over the crossbar, but it was Ammanford who came closest to extending their advantage. Debutant Evans was denied his first goal for the club as former team-mate Will Fuller stretched out a boot to keep his effort out.
That miss proved costly, with Ferry levelling the scores just under ten minutes before the break. Walters flicked a long throw back across the six-yard box, where the lively Ollie Anderson was on hand to prod home from close range.
The second half began cautiously, with clear-cut opportunities at a premium. Ferry remained well organised, defending their penalty area resolutely and limiting Ammanford’s attacking threat.
Midway through the half, the Reds introduced two familiar faces: former Ammanford winger Tristan Jenkins and Luke Bowen, who returned to the club from Trefelin BGC. Bowen, a player who has tormented Ammanford on numerous occasions over the years, made an immediate impact.
Just three minutes into his second debut, the veteran striker found the net. Ammanford failed to deal with a corner and Bowen, demonstrating his trademark predatory instinct, pounced to break the visitors’ hearts.
Evans came close to restoring parity when he glanced Delaney’s cross into the arms of a grateful Fuller before, with only minutes remaining, Ferry were awarded a penalty.
Following a VAR check, Bowen’s spot-kick was superbly saved by Luke Martin, who dived low to his right.
Ammanford enjoyed the lion’s share of possession and territory during the closing stages, but Ferry defended stubbornly to see out the contest and claim their first three points of the new season.
