Knighton Town kept the pressure on at the top of the Ardal League North East with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Radnorshire rivals Llandrindod Wells.

Report by Paul Worts

When the teams met on The Broadway back in August, Luke Boundford grabbed a hat-trick in a 4-2 win for the Radnor Robins and Boundford was again the difference on Saturday. The experienced marksman popped up with the all-important goal on 19 minutes to settle the local derby with his 17th league goal of the campaign. Callum Stead found Boundford who cut inside to curl his effort past Spa goalkeeper James Barker from 20 yards.

Meanwhile, Radnor Valley pulled off a superb 2-1 win at Cefn Albion thanks to a first half double from topscorer Joey Price.

It looked a tough ask for The Goats with key men Lewis Morris, Tim Office and Ieuan Price serving one-match suspensions but they came from behind to notch their sixth league win of the term. Radnor were however boosted by the return of defender Josh Traylor-Hall, who had been out through injury since early August.

The home side deservedly took the lead through Dion Gibbins and had Radnor under the cosh in the early stages with Radnor keeper Otto Jones forced to make two great saves. But Radnor gradually grew into the game and Charlie Beaumont clipped the bar before combining with Isaac Price for Price’s equaliser.

The Goats then went ahead, with Price making no mistake after latching on to Jack Clarke’s super through ball. Albion saw plenty of possession in the second half but were unable to create any clear openings as Radnor stood firm, with captain for the day Henry Shipley outstanding in midfield, to make it three wins in a row and continue their climb up the league table.

Elsewhere, Builth Wells picked up a precious point in a goalless draw with fourth-placed Penycae on the Lant Field.

The Bulls are hoping their big 5-1 victory at Llandrindod Wells on Boxing Day can kickstart their season. With changes to the JD Cymru Premier coming in next season, only two teams will be relegated and the point gained moves them eight clear of the bottom two. It was another solid defensive performance from Builth who had to play the closing stages with 10 men after captain, Chris Roff collected a second yellow card.

The top-of-the-table clash at Bow Street ended in a convincing 4-1 win for Llanuwchllyn. Dafydd Evans, Joe Vaughan, Dale Davies (pen) and Gwydion Roberts shared the goals for the league leaders with substitute, Taylor Watts replying for Bow Street who have completed the transfers of Gavin Rowlands from Llandrindod Wells and Callum Page from Caersws.

Dolgellau made it four wins in a row with the in-form Gerwyn Williams scoring both goals in a 2-0 success against Corwen.

Llanfair United ended a barren run with Josh Astley firing a hat-trick in a 3-0 win at Llangollen Town and Kerry also picked up much-needed points with Luke Mumford getting a second half winner in a scrappy 2-1 verdict over Lex X1. Evan Roberts gave Llanrhaeadr the lead in their 1-1 draw at Rhos Aelwyd whose Daniel Harrison replied.