SPAR MID WALES LEAGUE CUP

Rhayader Town continue to fire on three fronts after securing their place in the Spar Mid Wales league Cup semi-finals with a 2-1 midweek victory over Llandrindod Wells. With the league title well within their grasp and through to the Central Wales Cup semi-finals, The Red Kites beat their arch rivals to book a semi-final meeting with Llanrhaeadr.

The tie was a typical local derby with some big challenges going in and Rhayader took the lead with a fine team goal. It started with Gareth Hughes on the edge of his own box and Mark Davies and Ifan Burrell were involved before Richie Powell produced the finish. There was a flurry of yellow cards towards the end of the first half and Tom Bethell picked up his second soon after half-time to reduce Rhayader to ten. Llandrindod piled on the pressure and were rewarded with Darren Murphy equlaising after Joe Prosser could only parry a free-kick. Rhayader changed their formation and snatched a winner with just five minutes to go with Powell tackled by Llandrindod defender, Stuart Williams who inadvertently smashed the ball into his own net.

Llanrhaeadr booked their place in the last four with a 3-2 verdict at Radnor Valley who have now suffered back to back Cup defeats having lost in the Central Wales Cup the previous week. Iwan Matthews starred for llanrhaeadr with a hat-trick before Radnor hit back to set up a tense final few minutes.

Rhys Stephens, Richard Davies and Rob Pritchard scored for Berriew in their 3-1 success over Bow Street and they will now face either Dolgellau or Carno whose tie was postponed at the week-end.

SPAR MID WALES LEAGUE DIVISION 1

Hay St Marys’s hopes of claiming a third straight win in the Spar Mid Wales League first division were dashed as an impressive Llanidloes town left Forest Road with a 3-0 victory under their belts. Without several key players, Hay found it hard going against an energetic Daffs who broke the deadlock with Ed Clarke netting from a corner just before half-time. Clarke scored a carbon copy early int eh second half before Josh Matthews put eh game to bed midway throught eh second half.

Llandrindod Wells followed up their win at Welshpool Town the previous week with a goalless draw at home against Aberaeron while at the bottom, Welshpool pulled off a priceless 3-2 verdict over relegation rivals, Tywyn Bryncrug. Josh Morgan (2) and Sam Evans put Welshpool three up before Tywyn staged a late rally through Nick Williams (pen) and mark Edmondson.

SPAR MID WALES LEAGUE DIVISION 2

Shane Claridge could not hide his disappointment as Builth Wells’ last home game of the season in the Spar Mid Wales League second division resulted in a 5-4 defeat against title chasing Borth United. Builth had trailed 4-1 but hit back to level only to see Jay Walker snatch a last minute winner for the Seasiders. The game got off to an explosive start with Liam Lewis scoring for Borth only to see Dave Thomas level almost immediately. Borth then forged ahead with goals from Liam Berner, Ben Jones and Ryan Davies (pen) but Thomas grabbed a second for Builth from the penalty spot on the stroke of half-time. That gave Builth a big lift and Thomas completed his hat-trick after the break before Gethin Jarman looked to have completed the fightback only to see Walker break their hearts at the death.

Borth now look almost certain of securing a top two finish after third placed Newbridge could only manage a 2-2 draw at home against Dyffryn Banw. The visitors went ahead but goals from Lyndon Jones and Aled Jones had Newbridge in front by half-time. The second half was evenly contested but Banw grabbed their second from the penalty spot.

Presteigne’s penultimate leage game saw the East Radr side go down 2-0 at llansantffraid Village while leaders, Kerry slipped to only their third league defat of the season, beaten 1-0 at in-form Churchstoke. Max Mclaughlin geabbed the all important goal in the first half while kerry’s Luke Mumford had a penalty saved by ‘keeper, Nick Lewis.

Elsewhere two goals from Alistair Palmer and one from Henry Nicholson earned Aberystwyth University a 3-2 win at Four Crosses.

WATSON FINANCIAL MID WALES LEAGUE (SOUTH)

Hay St Marys Reserves closed in on the Watson Financial Mid Wales (South) League title following a 3-2 home victory over Llanidloes Town Reserves. In blustery conditions, The Sainst played with the elements in the first half but found themselves trailing when the in-form Francis Barr netted for The Daffs. Rob McNamara soon equalised and early in the second half, Josh Wisniewski gave Hay the lead after Chris Preece had flicked on a corner. Wisniewski struck again but Llanidloes kept themselves in contention with a penalty from Joe Pritchard. Llanidloes had a further effort ruled out for off-side and both sides had other chances but that was how it remained with The Saints now just four points behind leaders, Brecon Northcote with three games in hand.

Llanidloes had themselves picked up three points in midweek with a narrow 2-1 home win against Builth Wells Reserves. Josh Price had put Builth ahead but Adrian Foulkes equalised just before half-time and Francis Barr won it for The Daffs with a late penalty.

Talgarth Town’s game at Rhayader Town Reserves fell to the weather while Llandrindod Wells Reserves were unable to raise a team for their match at St Harmon.

In the Pip Samuel (Electrical) league Cup, Brecon Northcote are through to the last four following a 4-0 victory against Newcastle. Jack Evans gave Northcote an early lead and then set Craig Evans up for a second. The Shropshire side had Matt Jones sent off before half-time and Northcote were never in danger of not winning as debutant Antony Baumann increased the lead before topscorer, Joel Evans completed the victory.

Northcote will be at home against Hay Reserves in the semi-final while in the other tie, Talgarth Town visit holders, Rhayader Town Reserves.