THERE were differing fortunes for the two Brecon teams on Saturday in the Watson Financial Mid Wales League (South) as Brecon FC saw their title hopes severely dented after a 2-1 home defeat at the hands of Newcastle.

Simon Oakley gave Newcastle the lead after two minutes but Kyle O’Shea, the league’s leading marksman, levelled from a free-kick.

Richard Jones headed the Shropshire side back in front from brother Matt’s corner in the second half although Brecon should have got a second themselves. O’Shea had his penalty saved by ‘keeper, Mark Griffiths after Oakley had seen red for a foul.

Meanwhile, Brecon Northcote were celebrating following a 1-0 victory at Builth Wells Reserves.

A looping header from Joel Evans after just five minutes settle a scrappy affair on The Lant Field to give Northcote their fifth league success of the term.

Knighton Town Reserves also dropped valuable points in the title race in a 1-1 draw at Llanidloes Town Reserves. The Robins had looked on course for the spoils when Marc Wozencraft gave the an early lead but Rhys Evans bagged a leveller for the Daffs five minutes from time.

Slip-ups from Brecon and Knighton mean Rhayader Town Reserves are firmly in the driving seat and The Weirglodd side are seeking a league and cup double after progressing to the semi-finals of the Pip Samuel (Electrical) Mid Wales South) League Cup.

Rhayader beat Talgarth Town 1-0 with Pete Horne netting he only goal from Paul Bishop’s first half cross.

Llandrindod Wells Reserves are also through following a 3-1 win against St Harmon. Tom Bethel, with a cracking free-kick, and Scott Davies put the Spa men two up.

Ryan Addison raised St Harmon hopes pulling one back on the stroke of half-time but a third Llandrindod goal from Luke Evans sealed it for the hosts.

The draw for the semi-final of the Pip Samuel (Electrical) League Cup was made on Monday as follows:-

Llandrindod Wells Res v Rhayader Town Res, Newcastle v Llanidloes Town Res.