MMP MID WALES LEAUE DIVISION 1

Sam Williams scored twice, including a stunning winner, as Builth Wells pulled off a vital 2-1 victory in the MMP Mid Wales League first division at Llandrindod Wells last Wednesday night. Williams struck with a 25 yard screamer seven minutes from time to settle a closely fought local derby.

Former Knighton Town striker, Williams had given Builth a first half lead after combining with Richie Powell. Llandrindod always looked dangerous at set pieces but never created much in the way of goalscoring opportunities. The hosts did equalise in the second half with a great finish from Kieran McCarley who netted with a low free-kick just inside the post and Llandrindod then sensed they could go on and win it but Williams struck that late beauty to give Builth a much needed three points.

Caersws are top of the MMP Mid Wales League first division following a 3-0 win in their local derby against Carno on Tuesday night. The Bluebirds, most people’s favourites for the title before the season kicked off, moved above Radnor Valley with their eighth win from nine starts. Former Rhayader Town midfielder, Lance Jones, now the Caersws captain, gave his side an early lead, Topscorer, Mark Edmondson added a second just before half-time and Charlie Gordon completed the win with his first goal for the club five minutes from time.

Berriew followed up their impressive victory against Radnor Valley with a 5-0 home success over Churchstoke. There were two goals each for Tomos Williams and Charlie Humphreys with Steffan Rogers also chipping in.

Llanidloes Town and Llanfair United both dropped vital points in their quest for honours. Llanidloes were held 1-1 at home by Bow Street and needed an equaliser from Gareth Owen ten minutes from time after Callum Ferreira had given Street an interval lead.

Llanfair suffered their first defeat of the season beaten 3-1 at Welshpool Town who forged a three goal lead through Wil Thomas (2) and Ian Probert before Ben Jones reduced the deficit.

Llansantffraid Village were celebrating their first win since being promoted with Nathan Prodger scoring twice in a 4-1 victory over Kerry. Jake Harris and Tom Gale were their other marksmen with Mark Hughes netting for Kerry.

Llansantffraid went on to pick up another point on Saturdfay drawing 2-2 with Churchstoke who finally got off the mark taking a two goal lead through Kieran Mulloch.

MMP MID WALES LEAGUE DIVISION 2

Greg Preece starred with a hat-trick as Hay St Marys pulled off one of the results of the day in the MMP Mid Wales League second division. The Saints beat league leaders, Montgomery Town 5-2 at Forest Road to end the visitors’ previously unbeaten league record and cut the gap at the top to just two points.

Preece fired Hay into an early lead having been set up by Brendan Hackett and then turned provider whipping in a cross which was converted by strike partner, Matty Tong. An own goal saw The Sainst three up at half-time but Sam Williams pulled one back for Montgomery who saw far more possession in the second d half. When Robbie Hartshorn further reduced the deficit there could have been a few nerves in the Hay camp. But they found a second wind and Preece scored from Hackett’s corner before the ex-Hereford United youngster sealed the win with his hat-trick goal.

Newbridge are up to second, just a point behind the leaders after sweeping to a 5-0 home victory against Waterloo Rovers. There was little to choose between the sides in the early exchanges but first half goals from Ollie Woods and Lyndon Jones put Newbridge in control. And they went on to dominate the second half adding further scores through Dave Thomas, Aeron Powell and Jake Bufton.

Presteigne just cannot buy a win at the moment and Shaun Harris’ team suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat at Dyffryn Banw. The home side took an early lead with only their second shot of the game from Jamie Huxley and after that a hard working Banw got players behind the ball and frustrated Presteigne. The Radnorshire side had three efforts cleared off the line, hit the woodwork and also saw the ‘keeper pull off three or four decent saves but again it was not to be.

WATSON FINANCIAL MID WALES LEAGUE (SOUTH)

Alfie Stonefield marked his debut with a goal as Penybont United notched a 3-1 win at Hay St Marys Reserves in the Watson Financial Mid Wales league (South) last Wednesday night. It was The Polecats third win from their last four and takes them third in the league table. There was a scrappy start to the game but Penybont broke the deadlock with Scott Davies neatly tucking home his tenth league goal of the term. Matty James increased the lead in the second half with a goal of the season contender as his 20 yard half volley flew into the top corner. Stonefield, who completed a transfer from Newbridge earlier last week, extended the lead after robbing a defender. Hay never gave in and pulled a goal back when Chris Assirati’s penalty was saved by Darren Powell but Harry Ratcliffe followed in to net the rebound.

In the only other Mid Wales League (South) game last week, Llandrindod Wells Reserves twice came from behind to register a 3-2 victory at Presteigne Reserves on Friday night. Tim Office had given Presteigne an early lead but Mark Truelove hit back for the Spa men. Owen Williams put Presteigne back in front but Tom Evans levelled before half-time and Ben Jones grabbed the winner for Llandrindod early in the second half.

EMRYS MORGAN CUP

Penybont United are safely through to the 2nd Round of the prestigious Emrys Morgan Cup following a 4-1 home success against Bargod Rangers. The visitors made the brighter start and were rewarded with an early penalty but Phil Ruell soon headed Penybont back on terms. Scott Davies grabbed a second before half-time for Penybont and Davies netted his second and The Polecat’s third after the break when Mike Teece robbed a defender and charged forward before squaring. Alfie Stonefield completed the scoring with a header from a corner – his second goal in as many games for his new club.

Also through are Talgarth Town and Newcastle. Mid Wales (South) League leaders, Talgarth Town left it late before securing their passage with a 1-0 home victory over Bont. Harry Sharman was The Royals’ hero cashing in on a defensive mistake to bag the only goal two minutes from time against a team lying third in the Aberystwyth & District League first division.

Newcastle welcomed back striker, Mark Jones after six seasons away from the club. Much of that time has been spent with Knighton Town but Jones has also represented Bishops Castle, Shawbury United and Builth Wells from whom he completed a transfer last week. He made an immediate impact on his return with a hat-trick in the Shropshire side’s 4-0 success at Waterloo Rovers Reserves where player-managar, Craig Morris was also on target.

Llanidloes Town faced a tough test against Penparcau and eventually went down 3-1 at home with Adrian Foulkes gaining their consolation with Nathan Warren (2) and Anthony Evans netting for Penparcau.

Builth Wells Reserves and Hay St Marys Reserves conceded their ties at Llanilar and Llanfyllin Town and it was a frustrating week for CWFA Competition Secretary, Alan Randell with Caersws Reserves, who have folded, Maesyrhandir, New Quay and SDUC (Lampeter) also failing to fulfil scheduled ties.

Brecon Northcote were due to host New Quay so will go into the hat for the 2nd Round draw.