HIGH-flying Llanidloes Town tightened their grip at the top of the MMP Mid Wales League division one after they finally got the better of Radnor Valley.

Two goals from impressive front man Connor Bird, and others by George Clarke and Gareth Owen, saw Llani secure a 4-2 victory to open up a five point lead over rivals Caersws at the top of the table.

After losing their previous five meetings against Radnor, manager Hugh Clarke was delighted to get the better of their opponents in rain-drenched conditions.

“After five defeats, we owe them more than one,” said Clarke. “The weather conditions were tough, but it was all about getting the three points. It was not a great game, but there were some good goals.

“Connor Bird was a real handful, and with us being without Josh Hartrick, Ryan Biggs and Peter Rees, as well as Ash Owen going off after 20 minutes with a hamstring injury, it showed what a good squad we’ve got. We’re five points clear, but we know there’s still a lot way to go.”

Playing with a strong wind at their backs in the first half, the Daffs capitalised to open up a 3-0 at the half-time break.

After George Clarke was denied by a good save from the first attack, they took a 25th minute lead when a long clearance from keeper Kris Williams was flicked on by Bird for George Clarke to fire home.

That advantage was extended five minutes later with Bird’s excellent header from an Ed Clarke corner kick, and it was soon 3-0 when Bird nodded home his second goal following a Llion Jenkins cross.

One-time leaders Radnor Valley were not finished, and reduced the arrears a minute into the second half when Elliot Morris squared for Cal Mathews to prod the ball home, following a corner kick.

A thumping 30-yard strike from Joey Price into the bottom corner trimmed the deficit further, but the Daffs steadied the ship with a change of formation and Owen stifled home thoughts of a fightback when notching the fourth goal on the hour, with a fine finish from a tight angle.

Bow Street were cruelly denied a point at home to Llanfair United as a last minute Josh Astley goal secured all three points for the home side in a close-fought match.

With both sides working hard in tricky conditions, defences remained on top and the match appeared to be heading for a goalless stalemate in the closing stages until Astley headed a last-gasp winner to move up to fourth position in the table.

The top four showdown between Caersws and Welshpool finished all square in a 2-2 draw at Maesydre on Friday evening.

There were no goals until the 75th minutes, before a Craig Harris brace was sandwiched by a double from former Bluebird and division one top scorer Will Thomas, in an action-packed climax to the match.

Third-placed Berriew returned to winning ways with a 3-1 victory against a resolute Llandrindod Wells side, with goals from Tomos Williams, Richard Davies and Marc Jones, who scored a penalty.

The Spa side had showed plenty of resilience after going down to 10 men in the second half when Joe Prosser was sent off, and netted their goal through Ryan Sims.

It was another tough day at the office for Aberaeron as they went down 4-1 at home against Carno, despite finding the back of the net through a Gareth Severs goal.

Goals from Joe Morris, Harry Cottam, Andy Evans and Tom Evans earned the visitors a well-deserved three points.

The division one match between Builth Wells and Llansantffraid Village ended goalless, whilst Tywyn/Bryncrug’s match with Kerry was abandoned after 40 minutes, because of a waterlogged pitch.

MMP MID WALES LEAGUE DIVISION TWO

BORTH United were denied a hard-earned point in the MMP Mid Wales League division two as a winning goal from striker Greg Preece right at the death saw hosts Hay St Mary’s snatch a 1-0 win.

It was a cruel blow for visiting Borth, who had more than played their part in the very difficult playing conditions.

The heavy rain that was predicted duly arrived as the two teams took the field, but the players did their best to control the ball in the rapidly heavy conditions.

Second-placed Hay were unlucky not to score on 20 minutes as Greg Preece saw his snap-shot rebound to safety off the post, but Borth also had their half chances and Bryn Oliver’s lob was misjudged by the keeper, only to miss the post by inches.

The pitch began to take its toll in the driving rain as an even half ended goalless, and second half chances were few.

The home side’s cause wasn’t helped when Callum Maddy was shown a straight red card for a rash challenge, but it seemed that Borth had done more than enough to gain a well-deserved point.

With only seconds remaining, however, a corner kick wasn’t cleared and Greg Preece’s low shot evaded keeper Hopkins and went into the bottom corner for what proved to be the winning goal for Hay.

Aberystwyth University are still seeking their first league win of the season after they went down 2-0 at Four Crosses after goals from Ben Simms and Ollie Jones.

Leaders Montgomery made it 11 wins on the bounce with a 3-0 win over Dyffryn Banw, through goals from Robbie Hartshorn, Charlie Jellett and Scott Williams

Newbridge let slip a 3-1 lead as visitors Abermule came from behind twice to eventually win the match 5-4, despite home goals from Dave Thomas, with a brace, Kejan Foryszewski and Aeron Powell, who converted from the penalty spot.

Adam Williams scored a brace for never-say-die Mule, along with goals by Tom Halliday, Dan Green and an own goal.

Rhayader Town meanwhile registered a welcome win as two goals each from Jamie Evans and Aaron Bates earned them a 4-2 away verdict against Presteigne, whilst the scheduled match between Machynlleth and Dolgellau was postponed.