MMP MID WALES LEAGUE DIVISION 1

There were defeats for Builth Wells, Llandrindod Wells and Radnor Valley in the MMP Mid Wales League first division on Saturday when there were wins for the four teams chasing honours.

Llanidloes Town remain four points clear at the top following a hard fought 2-1 home success against Welshpool Town. Ross Harris had given Welshpool the lead but Gareth Owen tapped in an equaliser for The Daffs. Welshpool were reduced to ten men before half-time but Llanidloes took until ten minutes from the end to secure the points thanks to a fine strike from former Knighton Town man, Connor Bird.

Caersws stay second after a 3-1 victory over Dylan McPhee’s Builth Wells. Craig Harris and Mark Edmondson gave The Bluebirds a two goal lead but Josh Price pulled one back for Builth before half-time. Builth’s hopes of salvaging something were dashed when substitute, Phil Jones grabbed a third for Caersws fifteen minutes from time.

Llanfair United and Berriew have games in hand and both kept the pressure on the top two.

Llanfair entertained Radnor Valley and ran out 3-1 winners against The Goats whose league form really has fallen away over the second part of the season. A depleted Radnor had taken the lead on the half hour against the run of play when Jack Williams capitalised on an error at the back. The hosts equalised three minutes before half-time and Karl Seliaerts fired Llanfair ahead straight after the restart before Josh Astley netted the third.

Berriew are still in contention but had to withstand a few anxious late moments before triumphing 4-3 at Aberaeron. Baile Austin, George Mitten, Charlie Humhreys and Joe Haycock netted for Berriew with Gareth Severs, Elwyn Edwards and Ifan Burrell replying for Aberaeron for who two late goals made it interesting.

Llandrindod Wells fell to a narrow 1-0 defeat at Carno where Richie Evans got the all important goal with a second half penalty. But the Spa men had the opportunity to avenge that defeat on Wednesday night when they were scheduled to play the return fixture on The Broadway.

Tywyn Bryncrug are saving their best for last and made it four wins from their last five with Nick Williams and Aston Heath on target in a 2-1 win at bottom of the table Churchstoke.

MMP MID WALES LEAGUE DIVISION 2

Newbridge were hit for six in the MMP Mid Wales League second division as Four Crosses stepped up their challenge for promotion. The Villagers crashed to a 6-0 home defeat at the hands of an in-form Crosses who are now five points behind Hay St Marys with two games in hand in the race for the second promotion spot. Newbridge paid the price for a poor first half performance when they conceded five times as Gareth Jones (2), Ben Simms (2), Ollie Jones and Harry Davies netted for the visitors.

Machynlleth, who will face a fine and a three point deduction for failing to fulfil their fixture at Rhayader Town last midweek, drew 2-2 with Waterlo Rovers while Abermule and Dyffryn Banw played out a goalless draw.

WATSON FINANCIAL MID WALES LEAGUE (SOUTH)

Brecon Northcote ended their Watson Financial Mid Wales League (South) campaign with a 3-0 home win against Hay St Marys Reserves. Goals from Kyle O’Shea, Tom Morgan and Kyran Dillon earned Northcote the spoils to put them in good heart for next season.

Felindre also ended their league season but with a 2-0 defeat at Presteigne Reserves. It could have been so different had Presteigne ‘keeper, Liam Tomkins not saved a second half penalty when Felindre were one down. Tom Lewis and Jackk Bridley netted the Presteigne goals.

Newcastle are certain to finish third following a 2-1 victory at Builth Wells Reserves. John Bateson and Mark Jones put the Shropshire side two up before Gethin Jarman reduced the deficit for Builth.

PIP SAMUEL (ELECTRICAL) MID WALES (SOUTH)LEAGUE CUP

Penybont United are through to the final of the Pip Samuel (Electrical) Mid Wales (South League Cup after a 4-2 extra-time victory over league leaders, Talgarth Town. The Polecats got off to flying start and led 2-0 thanks to an own goal and Alfie Stonefield. Craig Jones gave Talgarth a lifeline reducing the deficit midway through the second half and Scott Powell’s clever free-kick forced the extra half hour. Talgarth must have then fancied their chances with the momentum with them but Dan Farmer restored the lead for Penybont before Finn Francis sealed the win to end Talgarth’s hopes of a League and Cup double.

Penybont will now meet either Llanidloes Town Reserves or Presteigne Reserves in the final.