BORTH United were unable to overturn their 3-1 half-time deficit as they dropped crucial home points in the MMP Mid Wales League division two against visiting Dolgellau on a grey and rainy Wednesday night at Uppingham Fields.

Goals from Jasper Jones, with a brace, and David Edwards had put Dolgellau 3-1 ahead, and despite goals in each half from Ryan Davies and Jamie Walker, Dolgellau held on to claim the spoils.

Despite heavy afternoon rain, the playing surface looked good as the match got underway, and without question Dolgellau, who were unable to raise a side to travel to Rhayader the previous weekend, adapted better to the conditions.

They fully deserved to take the lead as Jasper Jones’ downward header beat keeper Ben Willis after 15 minutes’ play.

Yet, within five minutes Borth’s Guto Huws weaved his way deep into the Dol defence and squared the ball into Ryan Davies’ path, who made no mistake in slotting the equaliser from close range.

Despite Borth’s hard work to get back into the game, Dolgellau restored their lead on the half hour when David Edwards shot on the turn went into the net.

Jasper Jones’ volley then went in off the crossbar to give the visitors a deserved 3-1 lead, which they held up to half-time.

Borth made some inroads into the visiting defence in the hope of reducing the deficit as the second half progressed, but they were also wary of a dangerous counter attack from the lively Dol forwards.

Borth gave themselves a lifeline in the final 10 minutes as a poor goal kick from the Dol keeper went straight to the alert Ryan Davies, and his goalbound shot was intercepted by Jay Walker to slide home.

Borth pushed forward in numbers in search of an equaliser, but in the gathering gloom the determined visitors held on for their first win of the new season.

Hay St Mary’s moved to the top of the table on Wednesday evening as they dug deep to beat Rhayader Town 2-1, with goals from Jack Biggs and Chris Preece.

Biggs forced the ball home from close range, after Brendan Hackett had played the ball back into the danger area following a corner, and a second goal arrived for the Saints in the 24th minute when central defender Chris Preece emphatically headed home from another corner.

The visitors halved the deficit in the 71st minute when young striker Jamie Evans headed home a cross from the right, and the Mid Wales League (South) champions piled on the pressure in the later stages.

Elsewhere Machynlleth hit back to claim a 1-1 draw with Dyffryn Banw, with Jack Williamson cancelling out a second half opener from the home side.

Montgomery Town maintained their momentum with a battling 1-0 win against Four Crosses, with Ioan Humphreys sealing the victory with a 35 yard strike, after goalkeeper Ollie Lewis had made a penalty save during the first half.

Aeron Powell scored four goals as Newbridge hammered Brecon Nortcote 12-1, with Ollie Woods and Dave Thomas also scoring hat-tricks, along with singles from Charlie Boucher and Jake Bufton.

Waterloo Rovers meanwhile beat Abermule 2-1, with goals from Andrew Gwilt and Charlie Boucher, with Adam Williams getting on the scoresheet for Mule.