CENTRAL WALES CUP

Radnor Valley’s Central Wales Cup run ended in heartache last Tuesday night as they fell to a 2-1 semi-final defeat against Berriew at Llanidloes Town. An 89th minute winner from Joe Haycock left Radnor stunned after they had pushed their MMP Mid Wales League first division rivals all the way in a competitive tie.

Radnor started brightly but Berriew opened the scoring catching The Goats on the counter attack with Richard Davies firing them ahead. Radnor levelled straight after half-time with Jack Williams cutting inside and Geraint Lloyd was on hand to prod home. The tie was stretched in the second half when Radnor looked to be the stronger. It looked to be going to extra-time until with a minute left, Davies delivered a cross to the far post for Haycock to convert.

Builth Wells are also out of the Cup as they went down 2-1 to Huws Gray Alliance side, Llanrhaeadr in their quarter final tie at Llansantffraid. It was a tight affair and Builth turned in another good performance but again with no reward. In difficult conditions, Dan Kelly had given Llanrhaeadr an interval lead following a set piece. Builth upped the tempo in the second half but went further behind when Danny Ives was adjudged to have fouled Iwan Matthews and Khyam Wyton scored the resulting penalty. Builth continued to press and Gavin Samuel headed a goal back from a Sam Williams corner with five minutes remaining but time ran out for The Bulls.

Builth are still firing on another cup front – they meet Carno in an MMP Mid Wales League Cup semi-final on Good Friday while Radnor Valley have Easter Sunday’s Aspidistra Radnorshire Cup Final against Llanidloes Town to look forward to.

MMP MID WALES LEAGUE DIVISION 1

Manager, Dylan McPhee is hoping Builth Wells can get back into the winning habit following Saturday’s 3-1 home success over Kerry in the MMP Mid Wales League first division. McPhee said: “We started the season with a run of wins but lately have got into the habit of losing despite good performances. The Bulls had to come from behind against Kerry and after trailing at half-time, collected the points thanks to Danny Ives, Richie Powell and an own goal.

Radnor Valley and Llandrindod also returned to winning ways with Joey Price grabbing a hat-trick in Radnor’s 4-1 home victory against Carno. Price opened his accout with a tap-in following good interplay between Geraint Lloyd and Jack Williams but Callum Breeze equalised for Carno heading in a Richie Evans free-kick on the stroke of half-time. Price put Radnor back in front when Carno ‘keeper, Chris Brown fumbled a Williams cross and the striker completed his hat-trick from a Callum Davies cross. Price then turned provider breaking clear to square for Elliot Morris who completed the win.

Llandrindod remain the highest placed of the local sides after completing a league double over Tywyn Bryncrug. The visitors arrived on The Broadway having won four of their last five but Llandrindod triumphed scoring through Kieran McCarley, Samed De Groot and an own goal.

At the top of the table, Llanfair United closed in on leaders, Llanidloes Town with a 2-0 victory at Aberaeron. Early goals from Matt Bumford and Josh Astley saw Rhys Stephens’ side extend their unbeaten league run to fifteen and they are now just two points behind The Daffs with two games in hand.

Bow Street climbed out of the bottom two with a vital 1-0 win at Llansantffraid Village with Tom Wyn Roberts grabbing the all important goal.

Meanwhile Caersws are through to the League Cup Final following a 2-1 win against Berriew at Montgomery Town. Charlie Humphreys had given Berriew the lead but Craig Harris levelled for Caersws early in the second half before Ryan Davies headed their winner on 71 minutes. The Bluebirds will meet either Builth Wells or Carno in the final.

MMP MID WALES LEAGUE DIVISION 2

Jack Biggs completed a hat-trick as Hay St Marys continued their push for promotion to the MMP Mid Wales League first division with an emphatic 8-0 home win against a depleted Machynlleth. Liam McInally headed The Saints in front and Biggs doubled the lead before half-time. Machynlleth had their moments in the first half but it was one way after the break. Biggs went on to complete his treble with Matty Tong, Will Goodwin, Greg Preece and Harry Hooper also on target.

Hay remain five points ahead of Four Crosses who have two games in hand and Crosses are on a roll as they too were 8-0 winners against Presteigne St Andrews, who were playing their final league match of the term. Ben Simms led the way with a hat-trick and Gareth Jones and Aaron Thorpe each scored twice. Kyle Wilson completed the tally for Crosses.

Saturday’s other Division Two match resulted in a 5-1 win for Abermule at Aberystwyth University. Player-manager, Dave Anthony scored twice with Tommy Jones, Stuart Emberton and an own goal making up the nap hand.

Christian Morris replied for the students who were unable to raise a team for their trip to Dyffryn Banw on Sunday meaning a fine and a three point deduction.

There was one match played on Monday night and in horrendous conditions, Dolgellau pulled off a high scoring 6-4 win at Machynlleth.

ER JENKINS DIVISION 2 CUP

Rhayader Town team manager, Dai Davies praised “an almost perfect defensive display” as The Red Kites reached the final of the MMP Mid Wales League (ER Jenkins) Division Two Cup with a 2-1 victory at local rivals, Newbridge. Davies added: “We were always going to be rusty after six weeks without a game but when it counted were clinical.” Two first half goals set Rhayader on their way with the influential Gareth Hughes heading the first from an Aaron Bates free-kick. Rhayader had soon added a second with Joe Wozencraft smashing home after a goalmouth scramble following a corner.

Newbridge were quick out of the blocks in the second half and put Rhayader under pressure with goalkeeper, Liam Addison making a good save to keep the two goal lead intact.

Midway through the half, Newbridge were back in the tie with Jake Bufton reducing the deficit although it might well have gone down as an Addison own goal. The introduction of the experienced Mattie Lewis and Mark Davies settled Rhayader and despite penalty shouts at both ends, there was no further score.

Newbridge coach, Scott Davies said: “Two early goals for Rhayader left us playing catch up. I felt we dominated the game and were denied a clear penalty. I can’t fault the boys for effort but we could not quite get that second goal.”

Rhayader will now face either Abermule or Four Crosses in the final - the second semi-final was due to be played on Tuesday night.

WATSON FINANCIAL MID WALES LEAGUE (SOUTH)

Talgarth Town remain on course for the Watson Financial Mid Wales League (South) title despite slipping to their first league defeat of the season. The Royals were beaten 3-2 at home by ten man Llanidloes Town Reserves who stretched their own winning league run to fourteen.

Topscorer, Harry Sharman headed Talgarth ahead from Gavin Perry’s corner but Rhys D Evans equalised from the penalty spot. Soon after a bad challenge from Gavin Perry led to a reaction from Llanidloes with the other Rhys Evans being red carded by referee, Joe Lewis. Talgarth restored their lead through Ben Sharman who capitalised on a poor clearance by the visiting ‘keeper. But Llanidloes dug deep and Evans converted a second penalty before veteran Adrian Foulkes grabbed the winner.