SPAR MID WALES LEAGUE DIVISION 1

Radnor Valley maintained their recent form in the Spar Mid Wales League first division with a 2-0 win against Machynlleth in a match played on Aberystwyth Town’s 3G pitch. As a prelude to the Welsh Premier League Cup Final later in the day, Radnor made if four wins from four since a Boxing Day defeat at Knighton Town and for a third game in a row, they kept a clean sheet. Radnor have now lost just one of their last 13 league games.

Despite their lowly position, Machynlleth turned in a resilient display and Radnor had to be patient as two second half goals eventually secured the points which move them fourth in the table – six points behind leaders, Welshpool Town. Callum Matthews broke the deadlock on 77 minutes after the Machynlleth ‘keeper spilled a shot from Joey Price and Elliot Williams rounded off a fine team move when he raced up from the back to net his first for the club.

Radnor’s game was always going to go ahead on the artificial surface while elsewhere Knighton Town’s home clash with Llanidloes Town was the only other to survive the weather in Division One. But The Radnor Robins saw their recent winning run ended as first half goals from George Clarke and Gareth Owen gave The Daffs the spoils in a 2-0 success. Clarke struck midway through the half and Owen grabbed a crucial second just a minute before half-time.

Llanidloes had striker, Rhys Evans sent off two minutes from time for kicking the ball away – his second yellow card in quick succession – but it made no difference to the outcome.

SPAR MID WALES LEAGUE DIVISION 2

Hay St Marys extended their unbeaten run in the Spar Mid Wales League second division to six with a convincing 3-0 home success over Dyffryn Banw. The Saints bounced back from their Central Wales Cup exit at Tywyn Bryncrug the previous week with goals from Tom Landon and Jack Biggs plus an own goal, all in the first half.

In difficult conditions, here were no goals after the break with Hay manager, Gareth Jenkins pleased with his side’s performance. The Saints included four 16 year olds in their squad and Griff Thomas, who impressed at Tywyn the previous week, was voted Hay’s man of the match.

With leaders, Builth Wells frustrated by the weather – their local derby against Brecon Northcote was postponed – Llansantffraid Village had the opportunity to move to within two points of Builth at the top of the table. But they were unable to take that chance suffering their first defeat of the season beaten 1-0 at Aberystwyth University where James Watts grabbed the all important goal.

Unbeaten in the league this season, Builth Wells look to put that form to the test when they visit first division Churchstoke in the Central Wales Cup 4th Round on Saturday. Manager, Chris Jones is delighted to have signed defender, Gavin Samuel and midfielder, Tom Bethell from Huws Gray Alliance side, Caersws. Bethell will be included in this week-ends squad but Samuel, who Builth had been keen on signing at the start of the season, is cuptied having played for The Bluebirds in the last round.

There is certain to be one Radnorshire side through to the quarter finals of the Central Wales Cup with Radnor Valley and Llandrindod wells clashing in a local derby while elsewhere, Knighton Town welcome Tywyn Bryncrug to Bryn-y-Castell

WATSON FINANCIAL MID WALES LEAGUE (SOUTH)

Rhayader Town climbed back to the top of the Watson Financial Mid Wales League (South) with a 7-2 home victory over Knighton Town Reserves. Ryan Addison starred with a four goal haul as The Red Kites made it ten wins from as many games in the league. Jamie Evans, Jordan McFaden and Addison gave Rhayader a commanding three goal interval lead and despite conditions deteriorating after the break, the hosts did not let up. Addison completed a second half hat-trick and Gareth Hughes was also on target with Jordan Griffiths and Scott Davies replying for Knighton.

Newcastle extended their unbeaten league run to nine, coming from behind to triumph 4-1 at Brecon Northcote Reserves. Matthew Savage had given the home side the lead but Newcastle edged ahead just before half-time before netting twice in the second period with Carl Price (2), player-manager, Craig Morris and Matthew Jones sharing the Shropshire side’s goals.

Presteigne Reserves maintained their good start to the new year with a 5-2 success at St Harmon where an own goal from Dan Price had handed them the lead. Geraint Mathias had The Swifts level by half-time and Josh Rees levelled for St Harmon for a second time but two goals from Josh Gardner and one apiece from player-manager, Tom Lewis and Duanne Anning gave Presteigne the spoils..

The game between Llandrindod Wells Reserves and Hay St Marys Reserves was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch. Llanidloes Town Reserves had hoped their scheduled clash with Builth Wells Reserves would go ahead after passing a pitch inspection however heavy snow mid morning meant that also fell to the weather.

n Hay St Marys Reserves have had three points deducted and been fined £20 for their late cancellation of the league fixture at Llanidloes Town Reserves on Saturday November 18.