LLANIDLOES Town stayed within touching distance of the leaders in the MMP Mid Wales League division one after pulling off a terrific 2-0 victory away at Llanfair United last weekend.

Second half goals from Connor Bird and George Clarke sealed the win, but the third placed Daffs - despite a game in hand - remain six points adrift of high flying local rivals Caersws, who ran out 3-0 winners way at Berriew.

It’s a big week for Llanidloes who host Kerry tonight (Wednesday) before making the short trip to take on unbeaten Caersws on Saturday in the big game of the day, which will see the return of Daffs’ manager Hugh Clarke to the Recreation Ground.

Clarke, who spent much of his playing career with the Bluebirds, has already taken his Daffs side back to his old haunt in the Central Wales Challenge Cup a couple of seasons ago.

He faces the task of trying to halt a free-scoring Caersws side, who have surged to the top of the table, with 45 goals in their first 10 league outings.

“It’s nice to be going back there for such a big game,” said former central defender Clarke. “They will be the favourites, and rightly so. They are a strong side with most of their players having experience in the Cymru Alliance, but we will go there with confidence, and we have nothing to lose.

“Unfortunately, we’ll be without some of our players through injury and suspension, so we know have to dig deep and roll up our sleeves.”

Still missing are Harri Clarke, Jordan Jones, Ashley Owen and Peter Rees, while Llanidloes are also waiting to learn whether midfielder Dewi Allen will be suspended for the match.

After their solid win against Llanfair, the Daffs will be in good heart, but Clarke’s initial focus is on Kerry.

“My first thoughts are on the midweek match, and making sure we don’t slip up in that one,” he said.

“Llanfair was a good battle, they have some decent young lads, but it won’t count for a lot if we lose that.”

With much of the division involved in League Cup action, Llani were keen to capitalise against Llanfair - and made the stronger start at the Mount.

Gregg Brown had two efforts ruled out for offside and handball respectively, but Llanfair came more into the game, hitting the bar a few times.

Llani made the breakthrough midway through the second half when the returning Connor Bird poked home after George Clarke’s sliced shot from a Brown back heel fell into his path.

Victory was assured 10 minutes from time when George Clarke produced a cheeky chip to double the lead, following a quick counter attack upfield.

Llanidloes Town (v Llanfair United): K Williams, R Biggs, G Owen, D Reynolds, A Worton, E Clarke, D Allen, L Jenkins, G Brown, G Ckarke, C Bird (RD Evans 85). Subs not used: M Savage, Rhys Evans.