MMP MID WALES LEAGUE DIVISION 1

Tom Bethell netted a last minute penalty to earn Builth Wells a point in the MMP Mid Wales League first division with a 2-2 draw against title chasing Llanfair United. The Bulls had been second best in the first half but rallied after the break. Karl Seliaerts nipped I to put Llanfair ahead early on and Ben Jones volleyed a second for the visitors from a free-kick. Stand-in ‘keeper, Chris Jones also produced a couple of decent saves as Builth struggled to cope. But Builth responded to some harsh half-time words from boss, Dylan McPhee and dominated the last half hour. It looked as if they were not going to get back in thegame but Chris Roff reduced the deficit following a corner five minutes from time. And then in stoppage time, Sam Williams was adjudged to have been pushed in the box and Bethell obliged from the penalty spot.

Radnor Valley were also at home against one of the teams chasing honours and The Goats went down 2-0 at the hands of Caersws who avenged a recent Cup defeat at School Lane. Radnor joint manager, Paul Morgan said: “We failed to make the most of our possession and definitely missed Joey Price in the final third of the pitch.” Bluebirds captain, Lance Jones gave his side a first half lead when he caught Will Fowden put of position. Jones also played a big part in the second goal when his 40 yard effort came down off the bar and went in off the unfortunate Fowden.

Berriew dropped vital points on Friday as they were held 2-0 at Welshpool Town and The Rhiwsiders needed two late goals to salvage anything. Welshpool took an early lead when a free-kick was parried into the path of Sam Evans who did the rest. Ricky Litchfield doubled the advantage midway through the second half but Joe Haycock reduced the deficit before Tomos Williams levelled right at the death.

Carno made hard work of overcoming bottom of the table, Churchstoke 5-3 after throwing away a three goal lead. Sam Williams netted twice for The Greens with Andy Evans, Harry Holt and Callum Page completing the nap hand.

Tywyn Brycrug are saving their best for last and made it three wins from the last four beating Kerry 4-2 at home. Nicky Williams bagged a hat-trick for Tywyn whose other goal came from Cullen Rogers with Ben Hendleman and Luke Mumford replying for Kerry. Llansantffraid remain a point behind Tywyn after a 2-0 home win against Aberaeron with the prolific Nathan Prodger bagging both goals.

MMP MID WALES LEAGUE DIVISION 2

Matty Tong starred with a hat-trick to keep Hay St Marys in the hunt for promotion to the MMP Mid Wales League first division with a 3-0 home success over Abermule. The striker got the Saints off to perfect start latching on to a throughball to hand them a seventh minute lead. And ten minutes late Tong doubled the advantage after good work from strike partner, Greg Preece. Brendan Hackett was the provider for Hay to clinch the points with just under an hour played as he picked out man of the match, Tong who completed his hat-trick.

Newbridge recorded a solid 4-0 win at Dyffryn Banw who played much of the game with ten men following a first half injury. First half goals from Lyndon Jones and Aeron Powell put The Villagers in the driving seat with Jones and Jake Bufton netting in the second period for Newbridge for whom Kyle Morgan who was outstanding.

Coach, Scott Davies said: “It was good to get back to winning ways but with our three remaining games against Four Crosses twice and Rhayader in The Cup, it would have been nice to have had a more competitive game.”

Four Crosses are Hay’s main rivals for the second promotion spot and they were indebted to Paul Bache who grabbed a last minute winner in a 3-2 verdict at Borth United. Harry Davies scored at the end of the first half and early in the second to give Crosses a two goal lead but Borth thought they had done enough for a point levelling up through Clive Morgan and an own goal.

Montgomery Town signed off their title winning campaign with a 1-1 draw at Machynlleth while Dolgellau made it three wins in a row with a convincing 4-1 home success over Waterloo Rovers with Owain Williams leading the way with a hat-trick. David Edwards was also on target with Mike Jones replying for an out of sorts Rovers who have failed to win any of their last five.

WATSON FINANCIAL MID WALES LEAGUE (SOUTH)

Talgarth Town need just a point from their remaining three games to be crowned Watson Financial Mid Wales (South) League Champions. The Royals, who have dropped just two points all season, edged ever closer with a 3-1 home win against a plucky St Harmon. The Swifts made a decent start but Talgarth took the lead thanks to a long range free-kick from the evergreen Scott Powell. James Smith took advantage of hesitation in the St Harmon defence to head a second and Gavin Perry pounced on an underhit back pass to round the ‘keeper and make it three before topscorer, Adam Martin gained a deserved consolation for the visitors.

Llanidloes Town Reserves are assured of runners-up spot following their 5-0 home victory over Builth Wells Reserves. Rhys D Evans, Rhys Evans (2), Gregg Brown and Kai Evans completed the nap hand for The Daffs who have now won thirteen on the trot in the league.

Llanidloes are certain of second spot after Newcastle could only manage a 3-3 draw at home against Llandrndod Wells Reserves. Sam Bevan gave Newcastle the lead but Jamil Kezze put the Spa men back on terms.Player-manager, Craig Morris put the Shropshire side back in front but Kieran McCarley struck to make it 2-2 at half-time. Scott Oxford edged Llandrindod ahead in the second half with a goal against one of his former clubs but Mark Jones grabbed a third for Newcastle as it ended all square.

PIP SAMUEL (ELECTRICAL) MID WALES LEAGUE (SOUTH)

Presteigne Reserves stormed into the semi-finals of the Pip Samuel (Electrical) Mid Wales (South) League Cup with a 7-1 home win against Hay St Marys Reserves. Billy Hyett led the way with a hat-trick with Lewis Jones, Jack Brindley, Tom Lewis and Sam Roberts also on target with Kyle Harding gaining a consolation for The Saints.

Presteigne will now travel to Llanidloes Town Reserves in the semi-final while in the other side of the draw, Penybont United host Talgarth Town, the latter tie scheduled for this week-end

CENTRAL WALES CUP

Llanidloes Town booked their spot in the semi-finals of the Central Wales Cup with a 4-2 home victory over Four Crosses last Tuesday night. Drew Reynolds had given The Daffs the lead but Four Crosses were excellent in the first half and had turned things around by half-time thanks to a brace from Gareth Jones. Assistant manager, Adam Worton levelled with a superb header and Llanidloes took charge from there with Connor Bird setting up Josh Hartrick before Matthew Savage clinched their place in the last four.

In the semi-finals, Llanidloes will now take on Llanrhaeadr or Builth Wells who play next Tuesday night. Radnor Valley meet Berriew in the other semi-final tie at Llanidloes and that is again scheduled for next Tuesday (April 2),

n REFEREES

Talgarth based referee, Callum Richards has received a major appointment. The youngster was an assistant in the recent Wales v Northern Ireland Centenary Shield match at Aberystwyth Town’s Park Avenue along with Connah Sears (Newtown). Both are members of the Radnor Referees Society.

Meanwhile Rob Jenkins (Guilsfield) was fourth official in last week’s Wales v Trinidad & Tobago match at Wrexham. Rob referees regularly in the Welsh premier League and has officiated in the Mid Wales League (South) earlier in his career.