PENPARCAU were punished for costly defensive errors as they lost ground in the MMP Mid Wales League division two title race with a 3-1 defeat at Dolgellau, who continue to climb the table.

The visitors had controlled the game for the first 20 minutes until a mistake led to Ieuan Brooks opening the scoring, and the new signing for Barmouth and Dyffryn United put the hosts in control at the interval with his second goal of the game.

Arky, without a couple of key players battled on, but Dolgellau kept things tight at the back and played to their strengths, and a third goal from David Edwards ultimately sealed the points for the hosts.

Nathan Warren replied for Arky, but their third league defeat of the season sees them three points adrift of leaders Machynlleth, but with a game in hand.Machynlleth meanwhile returned to the top of division two with a solid 5-1 win away at Presteigne, with Max Jones and Harry Vince-Holt both scoring twice.

Jones opened the scoring after just 10 minutes when he headed home from a corner and a Vince-Holt penalty doubled the lead, before Presteigne got one back through Lewis Jones.

Richie Evans made it 3-1 just after the interval, and Mach sealed the points with a long range strike from Jones and a well-deserved second goal from Vince-Holt.

Borth United slipped to a disappointing 3-1 defeat at home to Welshpool side Waterloo Rovers, as a Tom Ellis brace sealed a well-deserved win for the visiting side.

Rovers were gifted a first minute goal when keeper Ben Willis cleared the ball inside the box, only to find the alert Luke Evans to chip home into the empty net.

Within 10 minutes Borth had equalised as Gethin ap Dafydd slid a through ball for Ryan Davies to score with a low shot, and the home side kept up their pressure with Ryan Davies seeing a well struck free kick rebound to safety off the post.

Waterloo regained the lead on 35 minutes as Tom Ellis scored a well-taken goal, and although Borth raised their game in the second half, Waterloo held firm.

The Welshpool side sealed the three points when Callum Foulkes crossed from the right flank and Tom Ellis scored his second goal with a glancing header passed Willis, for a well-deserved win.

Adam Gascoigne meanwhile scored a hat-trick as Aberystwyth University notched their sixth league win of the season with a convincing 4-1 win over Abermule at Vicarage Field on Saturday.

Leo Kelly opened the scoring after 35 minutes with a 30 yard screamer, and almost straight from kick-off for the second half, Jamie Stuart’s hard work paid off as Adam Gascoigne doubled their lead.

Gascoigne extended the lead when his 30 yard free kick dipped into the top corner, and he completed his treble when he coolly converted from the penalty spot.

Mike Humphreys reduced the arrears for Mule with a looping strike over the keeper.

Rhayader Town took a 3-1 half-time lead against Forden United, with goals from Taylor Wozencraft, with a brace, and Kai Evans, but the visitors hit back to earn a 3-3 draw, courtesy of a last minute penalty, with Alex Morgan, Jake O’Donnell and Ben Roberts the scorers.

Third-placed Newbridge notched a 2-0 win at Dyffryn Banw, with goals by Sion Herman and Kejan Foryszewski, whilst man of the match Natty Caslin scored all four goals as Chruchstoke beat Knighton Town 4-1, with Billy Hyett replying.