LLANIDLOES Town produced a five-star display to keep the pressure on the MMP Mid Wales League division one leaders with a 5-1 beating of Llansantffraid Village at Victoria Avenue.

Llion Jenkins, Dewi Allen and Connor Bird all found the net in the first half and, despite a reply from the visitors soon after the break, the Daffs restored their three goal advantage through Gregg Brown before Peter Rees completed the scoring in the latter stages.

Victory consolidated third spot, and boss Hugh Clarke will be looking for more of the same as his side prepare for Wednesday’s home fixture with Bow Street, before heading to Welshpool Town in the Welsh Cup second qualifying round on Saturday (ko 2.30pm).

"We were strong and more physical all round, and the result was never in doubt once we scored the first goal," said Clarke after the Llansantffraid win.

"We did not start that well, but we got better and better, and played with a lot of energy. Considering we had five players out, we were still able to put out a decent team and it shows how strong our squad is this season."

Clarke added: "There is a great spirit at the club, and everyone can’t wait for the next game. The way we are playing we don’t fear anyone, but we’ve got to keep the momentum going and take nothing for granted."

The Daffs were soon in charge against newly-promoted Llansantffraid as Rees crossed for Jenkins to shoot home. And the hosts quickly doubled their advantage when Allen broke through after playing a one-two with Bird before coolly chipping the advancing keeper.

Bird, who proved a handful throughout, outmuscled the defence to fire a third into the bottom corner, while Brown also went close before the break.

Ffraid’s Nathan Prodger pulled one back at the start of the second half after a weak back header from Gareth Owen, but Brown made it 4-1 from a long pass by Adam Worton before Rees slotted under the keeper to complete the victory.

The Daffs are still without a number of players in midweek, including top scorer Bird, the injured Ryan Biggs and Jordan Jones, as well as the versatile George Clarke and Drew Reynolds through work.

Meanwhile, fielding a mixture of first and reserve teamers, Llani progressed in Radnorshire Cup with a 3-1 passage at home to Newbridge, with goals from George Clarke, Rhys Evans and Mathew Savage.

After finding themselves in the southern part of the draw, Llanidloes face a trek to Swansea to take on Ynystawe in the third round of the FAW Trophy.

LLANIDLOES Town (v Llansantffraid): A Warrick, J Hartrick, G Owen, A Worton, G Clarke, E Clarke, L Jenkins (R Evans 80), D Allen (M Savage 60), G Brown (RD Evans 70) P Rees, C Bird.