CENTRAL WALES CHALLENGE CUP

Spar Mid Wales League second division leaders, Builth Wells are in the quarter finals of the Central Wales Challenge Cup after triumphing on penalties at first division Churchstoke. Builth staged a superb fightback having trailed 3-0 before keeping their nerve in the shoot-out.

It looked all over for Builth as Churchstoke raced into a three goal lead through Joe Haycock (2) and Omar Bozdag. But the turning point of the tie saw the home side reduced to ten men with their right back sent off just before half-time. Ryan Powell headed one back for Builth from Shaun Powell’s corner early in the second half but they then conceded with manager, Chris Jones, forced to don the ‘keeper’s jersey, holding his hand up after Haycock beat him at his near post to complete a hat-trick. Tom Bethell reduced the deficit with a penalty when Richie Powell was taken out and two goals in the last five minutes forced extra-time. Jamie McIlroy scrambled Builth’s third with Josh Price equalising with virtually the last kick of the ninety minutes. Adie Jones hit the bar in extra-time but it went to penalties when Bethell, player-manager, Jones, Johnny Samuel and Josh Price all netted with Churchstoke missing two of their first three to give Builth a 4-1 win and an intriguing tie away at local rivals, Llandrindod Wells in the quarter finals.

Knighton Town also progressed and also needed extra-time and penalties to see off Tywyn Bryncrug to book an away tie at Llanfair United. The Robins started the brighter and missed a number of chances which proved costly as the visitors took the lead through Aston Heath on the half hour. Knighton were soon back on terms with Connor Bird scoring from the penalty spot when Mark Jones was upended. Gareth Mansell put Knighton in front in the second half after Adam Worton’s corner was headed against the bar but Tywyn hit back with Aled Jones making it 2-2 and force extra-time which produced no further goals. In the penalty shoot out, Connor Bird, Mark Jones and Danny Ives all made no mistake while ‘keeper, Joe Prosser saved Tywyn’s second and third efforts leaving player-manager, Worton to convert the decisive penalty and see Knighton through to the last eight.

The two remaining teams from the Huws Gray Alliance also made it through to the quarter finals in midweek with Caersws defeating Spar Division One leaders, Welshpool Town 3-1 while Guilsfield edged through 1-0 at Llanidloes Town.

Rhydian Davies gave Caersws an early lead against Welshpool but that was cancelled out by ex-Bluebird, Ian Probert. Luke Sherbon put Caersws back in front in the second half before Richard Davies sealed the win with his first goal since a transfer from Berriew.

Chris Catthral got the only goal for Guilsfield in their hard earned victory at Llanidloes.

The full draw for the Central Wales Cup quarter finals is:

Guilsfield v Bow Street, Llandrindod Wells v Builth Wells, Llanfair United v Knighton Town, Waterloo Rovers v Caersws.SPAR MID WALES LEAGUE DIVISION 1

Radnor Valley surrendered a two goal lead as they were beaten 5-4 at Llanfair United in a Spar Mid Wales League first division thriller on Saturday. Llanfair went into a two goal lead through Josh Astley and Toby Evans but Radnor hit back in the lead up to half-time. Sam Lloyd cracked home a fine 30 yard strike and Joey Price equalised from the penalty spot when Elliot Morris was brought down. Price capitalised on a defensive error on the hour to edge Radnor in front and when Callum Matthews chipped the home’ keeper to make it 4-2 the points looked to be coming back to Radnorshire. But Llanfair hit back with three goals in six minutes as Alun Hughes and Karl Seliaerts drew them level before Josh Astley bagged the winner to end a roller coaster afternoon at The Mount Field..

Llandrindod Wells fell to a 2-1 defeat at home against Welshpool Town but pushed the leaders all the way in an excellent game despite the heavy conditions. Ian Probert fired the visitors ahead with a cracking strike from outside the box but Llandrindod settled and grew into the game with Ryan Sims levelling after being played in by Kieran McCarley. As the first half drew to a close Welshpool regained their league when a clearance hit Llandrindod’s Rhys Davies and fell favourably for Adam Davies to score. McCarley might have equalised immediately but his lob grazed the top of the bar. Possession was even in the second half and Llandrindod were entitled to feel they were out of luck with McCarley hitting a post and seeing a further effort cleared off the line.

Llanrhaeadr remain six points behind Welshpool with five games in hand after an impressive 5-1 win at third placed Llanidloes Town. Tommy Evans completed a hat-trick for the Tanat Valley side with Tom Bailey and Daniel Graham also on target while Ashley Owen gained a consolation for The Daffs.

Mattie Davies fired a hat-trick as Aberaeron eased to a 4-0 win at Kerry with Ianto Evans the other goalscorer for The Seasiders who continue their climb up the table and are now unbeaten in eight in the league.

A youthful Berriew stormed to a 7-1 home victory against Borth United with Harry Watkins and Luke Vickers each scoring twice while Jake Mann, Jack Weaver and Dewi Hughes also netted.

SPAR MID WALES LEAGUE DIVISION 2

Craig Evans scored twice as Brecon Northcote continued their rich vein of form in the Spar Mid Wales League second division with a tremendous 3-0 victory at Llansantffraid Village. Northcote are now unbeaten in six in the league and the fact had Llansantffraid, beaten previously just once all season, won they would have gone top tells just how good a result this was.

The host made the brighter start and Northcote ‘keeper, Alex Horsley made one excellent save to keep it level. Northcote looked dangerous on the counter attack and went ahead on 28 minutes with Craig Evans opening his account following a corner. Two minutes later they added a second through Jordan Ingram although Fraser McInally was also claiming the final touch. Llansantffraid forced a succession of second half corners but Brecon defended well to keep a fifth clean sheet and Evans completed their win powering home his second of the game on the break.

Northcote are now just a point behind fourth placed Hay St Marys, with three games in hand, as The Saints saw their own six match unbeaten league run ended with a 4-2 home defeat at the hands of Abermule. Sam Hamer and Jack Clare twice put Abermule ahead but Hay hit back through Matty Tong and captain Chris Preece only to be undone with Will Denham and Nick Mumby clinching the points for the visitors.

Newbridge ended a six match losing streak in a 1-1 draw with visiting Presteigne. Lyndon Jones fired The Villagers ahead but Presteigne levelled when Rory hackett’s cross deflected in off a defender. Newbridge missed a couple of second half chances while Presteigne hit the post as both teams were happy with a point apiece.

Penybont took on Dyffryn Banw at The Racecourse targeting three points but the visitors went home 2-0 winners thanks to Alwyn Jones and James Vaughan.

Montgomery Town came from two down to beat Aberystwyth University 3-2 with goals from James Coleman, December’s Spar Two Player of the Month, Robbie Hartshorn and Sam Davies who snatched a winner in the last minute. Liam Powell and Matt Roberts had given the students a two goal half-time lead.

WATSON FINANCIAL MID WALES LEAGUE (SOUTH)

St Harmon made a timely return to winning ways with a 5-0 home success against a young Hay St Marys Reserves in the Watson Financial Mid Wales League (South). Dan Price put The Swifts ahead and topscorer, Geraint Mathias struck twice to make it three by half-time. Harry Powell and Rhys Bennett completed the win with second half goals against a Saints side which included seven 16 year olds.

Builth Wells Reserves were the day’s topscorers as they ran riot with an 8-1 victory over Knighton Town Reserves. Dave Thomas gave Builth the lead with a goal which was cancelled out by The Robins’ Jack Brindley. But Builth then built a 3-1 interval lead before dominating the second half. Topscorer, Thomas bagged a second while Gethin Jarman, Aled Powell, Aron Walters, Shane Claridge, Charlie Boucher and Josh Price also got in on the act.

In-form Presteigne Reserves were also among the goals with Gareth Bull scoring a hat-trick in their 7-1 win against bottom of the table, Felindre. Duanne Anning netted twice and Josh Gardner and Tom Lewis were also on target with Luke Morgan gaining Felindre’s consolation.

Newcastle extended their unbeaten league run to ten by beating Llandrindod Wells Reserves 2-0 at home. First half goals from Carl Price and Craig Morris secured the spoils while player-manager, Morris also had a second half penalty saved.

ASPIDISTRA RADNORSHIRE CUP

It is semi-final time in the Aspidistra Radnorshire Cup on Sunday with both ties seeing Spar Mid Wales League first division teams taking on second division opposition. Builth Wells play hosts to Radnor Valley although that tie will possibly be switched to Radnor. Radnor have beaten Llanidloes Town and Brecon Northcote while Builth are yet to play in this season’s competition. They were handed a first round bye and then saw St Harmon concede a second round tie.

In Sunday’s other last four tie, Newbridge take on Knighton Town. Newbridge were given a walkover in Round One when Penybont conceded and The Villagers went on to defeat Presteigne 1-0 thanks to a late Ollie Woods goal. After a first round bye, Knighton beat Rhayader Town 4-3 with Mark Jones and Danny Ives each netting twice.