TWO early goals put the skids under Aberystwyth University, whose title challenge in the Spar Mid Wales League division two suffered a major setback with a 4-1 home defeat against Radnor Valley last weekend.

With joint leaders Berriew without any league action, the in-form Aber students had a chance to go clear at the top as they chase a swift return to the first division.

They were left chasing the game, however, after going two goals down inside five minutes - both following some slack play- really left them chasing the game.

The students did steady the ship, with player-manager Chris Warden having two efforts well saved, before they reduced the arrears on 35 minutes when Warden’s ball over the top was met by Sean Fahey, who crossed for top scorer Rian Devlin to head home at the far post.

Their optimism was dampened just before half time when the visitors restored their two goal cushion with a scrambled goal from a corner, and little was going right for the Uni, who were also unhappy at a number of decisions by the referee.

Their fate was ultimately sealed when Radnor Valley netted their fourth goal from a counter attack in the second half. Callum Matthews had scored twice for the visitors, with Joe Price and Craig Piggott also finding the back of the net.

The defeat means that the University remain second on goal difference from Berriew, but having played two more games, whilst Kerry are just one point behind.

The students look to bounce back at home to struggling Dyffryn Banw on Saturday before visiting Builth on Sunday.

• In midweek, Aberystwyth University Firsts had lost their unbeaten record in the British Universities’ 4B West Division, when losing comprehensively 3-0 to a well-drilled Swansea University Thirds.

On the adjacent pitch, Aber University Seconds also lost 3-0 against Swansea University Fourths, casting them them further adrift at the bottom of 5B West.