MMP MID WALES LEAGUE DIVISION 1

Radnor Valley failed to halt MMP Mid Wales League first division leaders, Llanidloes Town falling to a 4-2 home defeat. But in a game affected a by a strong wind, Radnor gave the Daffs a second half scare. With the elements in their favour, Llanidloes had build a 3-0 interval lead with George Clarke opening the scoring after being set up by Connor Bird who then scored with two headers himself.

Radnor were back in the game just four minutes into the second half with Callum Matthews forcing the ball in after being set up by Elliot Morris following a corner. Five minutes later, Joey Price further reduced the deficit with a low 25 yard drive. But Radnor’s fightback was scuppered when Llanidloes broke quickly from their own half and Gareth Owen tucked away their fourth goal to settle any nerves.

Llandrindod Wells saw their seven match unbeaten run ended as they went down 3-1 at third placed Berriew. But the Spa men turned in a resilient performance and were not helped by the second half sending off of ‘keeper, Joe Prosser. Tomos Williams fired Berriew ahead midway through the first half when they enjoyed the greater share of possession.

Ryan Sims had a couple of chances for The Spa either side of half-time but Richard Davies doubled Berriew’s lead with a fine individual effort on the counter attack. Marc Jones got a third from the penalty spot when Prosser brought down Davies. He was booked for the foul and collected another yellow card for his remonstrations. Ten man Llandrindod reduced the deficit when Michael Collister played in Ryan Sims and the same two combined again only for Sims’ effort to rest in a waterlogged goalmouth.

Builth Wells picked up a point in a goalless draw at home against Llansantffraid Village. Builth were second best for the first 20 minutes and Llansantffraid hit a post and had a goal disallowed. The home side however got back in the game and Josh Price had a goal disallowed at the other end while Sam Williams and Danny Ives both went close.

Builth were well on top second half but found the visiting ‘keeper in inspired form. They played some really good football despite conditions deteriorating and did everything except score.

Llanidloes are now five points ahead at the top after rivals, Caersws dropped points for the second time in three weeks. The Bluebirds were held 2-2 at Welshpool Town where it was goalless after 75 minutes and incredibly 2-2 just five minutes later. Wil Thomas broke the deadlock for Welshpool but Craig Harris then struck twice for Caersws before Thomas, the league’s leading marksman, grabbed his second.

Llanfair United, with games in hand, kept their challenge alive with a 1-0 verdict at Bow Street. They left it late however with a last minute header from Josh Astley enabling Llanfair to go home with three precious points.

Carno made it back wins punishing some poor defending to triumph 4-1 at Aberaeron. Joe Morris, Harry Cottam, Andy Evans and Tom Evans shared the goals with Gareth Severs netting Aberaeron’s consolation.

The Tywyn Bryncrug v Kerry game was abandoned by referee, Eirian Morgan after 40 minutes due to a waterlogged pitch.

MMP MID WALES LEAGUE DIVISION 2

Hay St Marys maintained their push for promotion from the MMP Mid Wales League second division but only just. The Saints needed a late goal from in-form striker, Greg Preece to earn a 1-0 home success against lowly Borth United who would have been gutted to have conceded so late on. In difficult conditions it looked to be heading for a goalless draw until, following a late flurry of corners, Preece was first to re-act to lash home what could be a vital goal for Hay.

Newbridge saw their hopes of a top two finish fade as they were beaten 5-4 at home by Abermule. And The Villagers will be disappointed having led 3-1 at one stage. Kejan Foryszewsjki put Newbridge in front with a header from a corner and a great finish from Dave Thomas saw them 2-1 up at half-time. Thomas struck again after half-time and coach, Scott Davies said “I could not see anything other than a win for us but our game management and overall defending was poor”. Newbridge thought they must have got a point when Aeron Powell converted a penalty to make it 4-4 but Abermule grabbed a late winner following more poor defending. Adam Williams netted twice for Abermule with Tom Halliday, Daniel Green and an own goal making up their tally.

Rhayader Town returned to winning ways with Jamie Evans and Aaron Bates each scoring twice in the Radnorshire derby at Presteigne which ended 4-2 in their favour. Rhayader took the lead when a corner from Bates ended up back to him om the edge of the box and he whipped in a shot that beat everyone. Evans missed a good chance after being put through by the impressive Bates but Presteigne levelled with Tommy Murphy tapping in from close range following a corner. Rhayader however regained their lead towards the end of a first half dominated by corners when Bates delivered and Evans struck with a bullet header. Conditions deteriorated in the second half and The Red Kites extended their lead with Bates netting from the penalty spot when Michael Fowlie was brought down. The introduction of Taylor Wozencraft increased the tempo and some great wing play by the youngster saw him cross for Evans to virtually end the game as a contest. Cameron Mills headed against a post before Presteigne gained a late consolation from Duanne Anning following a defensive mix-up.

Montgomery Town are showing no signs of slipping up and the leaders marched on with a 3-0 win at DyffrynBanw with goals from Robbie Hartshorn, Charlie Jellett and Scott Williams.

Four Crosses, who have game sin hand on all the teams above them, beat Aberystwyth University 2-0 at home thanks to goals from Ben Simms and Ollie Jones.

The Machynlleth v Dolgellau game was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

WATSON FINANCIAL MID WALES LEAGUE (SOUTH)

Felindre were celebrating well into Saturday night after notching their first win of the season in the Watson Financial Mid Wales League (South). And The Millers did it in style with a 5-0 home success over Hay St Marys Reserves. Ieuan Thomas broke the deadlock on the half hour and Felindre banged in four second half goals from John Reyonlds, Lyndon Bevan, James Reynolds and Tom Harris for a vioctory which they hope can kick start their season.

It was a day of firsts on Saturday with leaders, Talgarth Town dropping their first points of the season in a 1-1 draw at Llandrindod Wells Reserves. Topscorer, Harry Sharman gave Talgarth the lead with a diving header from a Matthew Lloyd cross. Sharman later left the field with a shoulder injury and Llandrindod drew level in the second half with a speculative long range effort from Tom Evans. Talgarth looked to get a winner but Llandrindod goalkeeper, Andy Leonard was in excellent form and produced one top drawer late save to deny Gavin Perry.

St Harmon produced the shock of the day with a 3-2 home success over Newcastle to dent the Shropshire side’s hopes of a top two finish. Former Rhayader Town man, Mark Price gave The Swifts the lead but Carl Price and player-manager, Craig Morris hit back for Newcastle. Two goals from topscorer, Adam Martin however won it for the hosts as he levelled before half-time and then grabbed a second half winner for St Harmon who most feel are far better than their league position suggests.

Elsewhere Llanidloes Town Reserves made it nine wins in a row with a 7- home win against Brecon Northcote to go level on points with Talgarth. Rhys D Evans maintained his purple patch with a four goal haul for The Daffs who have played three more games than Talgarth. Gregg Brown, Zach Evans and Josh Jarman were also on target for Llanidloes with Lee Parkinson gaining Northcote’s consolation.