BORTH United were unable to overturn a two-goal half-time deficit as Abermule registered a battling 2-1 home win in the MMP Mid Wales League division two.

In blustery, overcast conditions, both teams created good chances, but it was Mule who took the lead on 15 minutes when Tommy Jones capitalised on a hesitant Borth defence to score with a low shot into the bottom corner of the net.

Before Borth had time to regroup, a cross from the left was met by Ryan Wenban to double the home side’s lead with a header at the far post, and Mule maintained their two goal lead up to half-time.

Borth’s midfield took the initiative as the second half got underway, but a resolute home defence coped well until the visitors pulled a goal back on the hour.

Dion Ellis-Clark’s pinpoint cross from the left wing was met by Sam Chapman to score with a fine finish at the far post, but despite some pressure late on, the hosts comfortably held on for their win.

Borth are now just one place above bottom-placed Aberystwyth University.

Andrew Page scored a hat-trick as Machynlleth climbed above Borth with a solid 3-0 home win over Newbridge-on-Wye, to ease their relegation concerns.

Second-placed Hay St Mary’s got back to winning ways as they beat third-placed Waterloo Rovers 6-2, after an early Jack Biggs double, including a penalty, was cancelled out by Tom Ellis and Andy Gwilt for Rovers before the interval.

A strong second half performance saw four unanswered goals from Jack Evans, Adi Lawford, Matty Tong and Biggs, who completed a well-taken hat-trick.

Jamie Evans and Ollie Jones both scored twice as Four Crosses hammered Dyffryn Banw 7-0, with Ben Simms, Aaron Thorpe and an own goal completing the rout.

David Edwards scored twice as Dolgellau won 5-3 at Presteigne, with Charlie Owen, Owain Williams, Dion Jones also getting on the scoresheet for the visitors.

Tom Lewis, Keanu Barnett and Neil Walmsley scored the replies.