SPAR MID WALES LEAGUE DIVISION 1

Llandrindod Wells picked up their first points of the season in the Spar Mid Wales League first division with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Llanfair United on Friday night, writes Paul Worts.

After five straight league defeats, the Spa men made a timely return to winning ways. It was end to end for the opening 25 minutes but Llandrindod made the breakthrough when an effort from Shaun Nicholls was fumbled by the ‘keeper and new signing, Shane Pritchard calmly slotted in the rebound. Stuart Williams added a second following a great run and cross from Robbie Nicholls.

A defensive mix up allowed Alun Hughes to immediately pull a goal back for Llanfair but Llandrindod regained their two-goal advantage after the break with Kieran McCarley smashing in a penalty when Pritchard was brought down. Paul Griffiths grabbed a second for Llanfair with the game’s second penalty following a foul by Michael Watkins and the visitors pushed hard for an equaliser but Llandrindod worked hard to keep them out.

Radnor Valley also enjoyed a 3-2 win in Friday night and they too did well coming from two down to beat leaders, Llanidloes Town away from home. It was the worse possible start for Radnor with Joe Evans taking just two minutes to give The Daffs a lead which was added to by dangerman, Richie Evans as the first half progressed. Radnor were far more determined after the break and Elliot Morris soon reduced the deficit with a surging run into the box. Geraint Lloyd levelled after a shot from Liam Jones was blocked and Joe Price won it for Radnor from the penalty spot after being bundled over. Radnor still had half an hour to play but they kept possession well in midfield and defended well to get their season back on track.

Knighton Town’s hopes of extending their unbeaten run to four were dashed as they went down 3-2 at home against newly promoted Kerry. A ten minute spell in the first half which saw The Robins concede three times proved costly. Rob Jones fired Kerry’s opener from 30 yards and a brace from Max McLaughlin left Knighton with a mountain to climb. Danny Ives pulled one back before half-time and Ieuan Crowe made further inroads into the lead but they were unable to get back on terms with player-manaager, Adam Worton admitting “The lads are kicking themselves at a big missed opportunity to have pushed up the table. But we cannot afford to have defensive lapses and squander chances like we did”

Carno have picked up following a slow start and notched a 4-1 win at previously unbeaten Welshpool Town. Scott Wiliams (2), Peter Rees and Andy Evans (pen) saw The Greens four up at half-time before Ricky Lichfield reduced the arrears.

SPAR MID WALES LEAGUE DIVISION 1 (MIDWEEK)

Connor Bird had maintained his rich vein of form in front of goal with the only strike as Knighton Town made it back to back wins in the Spar Mid Wales League first division with a 1-0 verdict over Radnorshire rivals, Llandrindod Wells last Tuesday Tuesday night. Bird struck with his eigth goal of the season - a fin e individual effort -two minutes into the second half. Ieuan Crowe also hit the post for the Radnor Robins but their failure to take further chances meant Llandrindod were always in with a chance.

Radnor Valley turned in one of their best performances of the season but it could prevent a fourth straight defeat as they went down 3-2 at Berriew. Gerraint Lloyd and ieuan Price were on target for Radnor but a hat-trick from Richard Davies, last season’s first division topscorer, won it fr Berriew.

Llanidloes Town were the new league leaders in midweek with goals from Rhys Evans and Richie Evans securing a 2-1 home win over Bow Street. After a goalless first half, Rhys Evans headed The Daffs in front, Llion Jenkins equalised but Richie Evans grabbed the winner with a fine strike ten minutes from time to make it five wins from six for The Daffs. Llanidloes move above previous leaders, Llanrhaeadr, who fell to a 2-0 defeat at Welshpool Town who are emerging as the season’s surprise package.

Second half goals from Wil Thomas and Neil Pryce gave the points to Welshpool who are now unbeaten in five. Llanrhaeadr’s discipline left a lot to be desired as they had Kieran Evans and Endaf Owens red carded in the first half and a further three shown yellow cards.

Last season’s second division Champions, Kerry were also unbeaten and eased to a 4-0 home success over Churchstoke with two goals each from Luke Mumford and Max McLaughlin, against his former club.

Carno were indebted to a goal two minutes into stoppage time from Jordan Jones to snatch a 1-0 verdict over Llanfair United who on the run of play had done enough to deserve a point.

Tywyn Bryncrug maintained their unbeaten start with a 2-0 victory over Borth United. Ben Richards gave them an interval lead and Borth threw everything at the Tywyn goal after the break only to concede am second to Aled Jones in the final minute.

SPAR MID WALES LEAGUE DIVISION 2

Hay St Marys continued their unbeaten start to the Spar Mid Wales League Division Two campaign with a 3-1 home win against Brecon Northcote. Glyn Hobbs handed Northcote the lead but Yom Landon levelled and second half goals from Kevin Jones and man-of-the-match, Callum Maddy won it for a more experienced Saints side.

Hay’s local rivals, Talgarth Town enjoyed a good week picking up four points including one in a 1-1 draw at Builth Wells. Richie Powell gave Builth the lead on his Builth debut but Louis Pritchard levelled for Chris Voyle’s side who had to withstand a late onslaught to hang on for a draw..

Earlier in the week, Talgarth had celebrated a 3-0 home success over former Mid Wales League (South) rivals, Penybont. Kyle O’Shea grabbed the only first half goal via the bar after being picked out by veteran, Scott Powell. O’Shea doubled the lead heading in from Harry Sharman’s free-kick after the break before the in-form Alex Simmonds sealed the victory with a fine individual effort.

WATSON FINANCIAL MID WALES LEAGUE (SOUTH)

Newcastle got their Watson Financial Mid Wales League (South) season up and running with a 3-1 win at Presteigne Reserves on Tuesday night. Having been beaten at home by Llanidloes Town Reserves last week-end, the Shropshire side bounced back with new player-manager, Craig Morris leading the way.

Morris gave Newcastle the lead with a header and Carl Price added a second following a deep free-kick.

Alan Stocker raised Presteigne hopes with a rebound after Tom Crichton’s penalty was saved but a third Newcastle goal from Tom Bright settled matters.

In the other midweek match, Knighton Town reserves maintained their blistering start with a 10-1 thrashing of new boys, Felindre.

There were two goals each for Scott Davies, Eilian Owen and Sam Hoyle with Jamie Blyther, Harry Worton, Ieuan Baynhyam and Jordan Griffiths completing the tally while Berti Jones gained a consolation for the visitors.