FFOSTRASOL maintained their perfect start to the MMP Central Wales League South season with a hard-earned 2-1 victory away to Rhayader Town on Saturday.

Having won all five of their previous league matches, Ffos were full of confidence but were made to work for every point by a determined Rhayader side. On a large playing surface, the hosts competed well and often came out on top in the battle for loose balls.

The opening half was a closely contested affair, with both teams enjoying spells of possession but clear-cut chances at a premium as defences largely remained on top.

The deadlock was finally broken five minutes into the second half when 17-year-old Keane Moore combined with Iolo Thomas before finishing confidently to put Ffostrasol ahead.

The lead lasted little more than a quarter of an hour. Rhayader responded positively and were rewarded on 64 minutes when fellow teenager Steven Walsh found the net after good work from Owain Rowlands.

However, the momentum swung once again moments later when the hosts were reduced to 10 men following the dismissal of Robert Pugh. T

Despite their extra man, Rhayader continued to battle resolutely and looked set to earn a valuable point. As the clock ticked into the closing stages, Ffos appeared destined to leave with only a share of the spoils.

But just when it mattered most, Moore produced the decisive moment. The young striker struck in the 90th minute to snatch a dramatic winner.

Second-placed Felinfach lost further ground after being held to a goalless draw at home by Aberystwyth Town Development.

In the day's other fixture, Bow Street Reserves claimed all three points with a 3-0 victory over a youthful and energetic Penrhyncoch Reserves side at Cae Baker.

With the Magpies' first team not in action, Street were able to bolster their squad with several first-team reinforcements. Even so, there was little to separate the teams for much of the opening period as Penrhyncoch worked tirelessly and matched their visitors across the pitch.

The breakthrough eventually arrived just before half-time when Tom Williams played Osian Burrell through on goal and the forward produced an emphatic finish to open the scoring.

A key moment followed soon afterwards when Burrell was adjudged to have been brought down inside the penalty area. Williams stepped up to convert the resulting spot-kick and double Street's advantage.

Although Bow Street enjoyed plenty of possession after the break, Penrhyncoch continued to compete well and limited them to one additional goal, scored by Jordon Lee Perry. Street were also able to utilise their strength in depth, introducing fresh legs from the bench to help see out the contest comfortably.

Street manager Huw Bates said after the game: “Today was all about picking up three points considering we were sat second bottom of the league and, on the whole, I thought we just about deserved the victory.

“I certainly won’t be getting too excited considering that’s the strongest squad I’ve had all season and also, the penalty effectively ends the game as a contest and it’s certainly not one I’d ever want to see given against us!

“The real test for the club will now follow when we have to field two sides every weekend for the foreseeable future but, hopefully, today will enable us to take a bit of momentum into Saturday and we’ll go from there.”