Brecon Corries begun their preparations for the new Floodlighting and Electrical Services Ardal South East campaign with a 4-2 defeat to higher-graded Cambrian United in a competitive encounter at the Rich Field.

The Tonypandy-based visitors opened the scoring in the ninth minute following a break down the right flank and the subsequent cross which was converted at the far post.

The JD Cymru South club doubled their advantage 10 minutes later with a similar goal to the opening score that left the host's defence exposed.

Brecon Corries halved the deficit when Andrew Hammett headed home from close-range after a 23rd minute free-kick played into the penalty area was only partially cleared.

The hosts had a couple of opportunities to equalise before the break but were unable to take advantage. Craig Evans drove into the penalty area but saw his 39th minute effort saved before Hammett was denied from a 25 yard free-kick less than 60 seconds later.

The hosts eventually levelled the scores three minutes after the break when Corey Evans converted a penalty awarded by referee Nigel Mathias for handball.

Substitute James Jeffreys came close to putting the Rich Field club ahead in the 63rd minute but his shot from the edge of the penalty area was deflected behind for a corner.

Just when it appeared that the Corries would take at least a share of the spoils from this opening friendly fixture, goalkeeper Declan Gaydon injured himself making a crucial save, before being beaten by a header from the subsequent 75th minute corner.

The home keeper was beaten again directly from a corner within 60 seconds of the restart and ultimately ended the host's chances of securing a share of the spoils.

Despite the result, Corries player/manager Damien Daniels was able to hand debuts to youngsters Leo Davies and his son, Finlay, in readiness for the upcoming season.

The Rich Field club now turn their attention to their next outing when they entertain Pontardawe Town on Saturday afternoon (2pm) for another testing encounter.

Brecon Corries will open their Ardal League South East campaign away at Treowen Stars on Tuesday, July 23.

It is the first of three away games in midweek as they also travel to Abertillery Bluebirds and Tredegar Town.

Their first match at The Rich Field will be against Croesyceiliog on Saturday, July 27 and they host Chepstow Town on August 3 and Caldicot Town a week later.

Meanwhile, Corries have been drawn away at Treharris Athletic Western in the first round of the Ardal Southern League Cup.