LLANIDLOES Town were made to work hard before maintaining their Spar Mid Wales League division one challenge with a 2-1 victory over lowly Machynlleth at Victoria Avenue.

After the disappointment of their FAW Trophy extra time exit to Llanrug United the week before, the Daffs were back on track through first half goals from Harri Clarke and Ryan Biggs.

Mach showed plenty of spirit, with Charlie Jellet keeping his side in the hunt with a fine strike before the break.

The Daffs, however, were not to be denied a win that keeps them fourth in the table, while reducing Welshpool’s lead at the top to eight points, with three games in hand on the leaders.

“They raised their game, and we lowered ours, but what mattered was the three points,” said manager Hugh Clarke. “We had chances, but when you are only 2-1 up, you get a bit edgy.

“We overpassed the ball in the first half and with the pitches getting heavy we need to shift the ball faster, which we did better in the second half.”

Llanidloes were ahead on 19 minutes, courtesy of a close range effort from Harri Clarke, following a Matthew Savage corner, and Ryan Biggs soon doubled their lead when launching a strong run from right back.

A strike from Charlie Jellet, after an initial free kick had been blocked, reduced the arrears, while Llani went close with Matthew Savage rattling the bar, and sub Joe Evans was denied by a fine save by keeper Thomas Jenkins.

Meanwhile Bow Street were left to rue missed chances as goals from Andrew Hughes and Phil Hughes earned hosts Llanfair United a 2-1 home win.

On a cold afternoon, and on a sticky pitch, Llanfair had gone close when Andrew Hughes raced through, only to put his effort wide of the post.

Bow Street then piled pressure on Llanfair and came close on numerous occasions, but it was Llanfair who took the lead after a good team move.

Paul Griffiths slid the ball through to Andrew Hughes down the left, and he crossed low into the box for cousin Phil Hughes to tap in at the back post.

Bow Street reacted well and Tom Evans levelled matters from a corner.

Llanfair, however, started the second half brightly and they took the lead when a right wing Paul Griffiths free kick found Andrew Hughes at the back post and he slotted the ball home.

Llanfair saw the game out well, although Bow Street did come very close to netting an equaliser when a good effort was deflected onto the crossbar.

Radnor Valley made the long trip to second-placed Llanrhaeadr knowing a tough task was ahead of them, but came away with a spirited 2-2 draw.

The hosts had taken the lead in the first 10 minutes when a dangerous corner was floated in, and Danny Graham opened the scoring for the home side.

Radnor responded positively - and when Joey Price was brought down in the box, he dusted himself off and blasted home the resulting spot kick.

Radnor worked hard, but were punished when a free kick was conceded by Matt Croose just inside their own half and Glenn Evans floated the ball in for Khyam Wyton to head home.

The visitors stepped up in the second half, and when Elliot Morris made a surging run, he was bought down 25 yards from goal, and it was that man Joey Price who blasted home a free-kick to secure a point for Radnor.

Jordan Jones scored a hat-trick as Carno scored four second half goals to beat 10-man Kerry 5-1, with Scott Williams and Andy Evans also scoring.

Luke Mumford scored for Kerry, who went 1-0 down at half-time to a 44th minute opener by Jones - but they were punished for missed chances and a red card early in the second half.

Aberaeron maintained winning ways as goals from Sion Clarke and Mathew Davies earned them a battling 2-1 home win over Knighton Town, who scored through Gareth Mansell.

Meanwhile goals from Dave Jenkins and Mark Edmondson earned Tywyn/Bryncrug a 2-1 away win against Churchstoke, with Neil Yapp replying.

On Friday, goals from Will Thomas and Ricky Litchfield earned leaders Welshpool an entertaining 2-2 draw in their derby at home to Berriew, with Richard Davies and Matt Mumford on target for the visitors - with the point rescued by a 93rd minute equaliser.