LLANIDLOES Town lost ground in the chase for Spar Mid Wales League division one honours as they were edged out 2-0 away at early leaders Welshpool Town.

Ian Probert’s penalty separated the sides at the break, before Adam Davies doubled the advantage in the second period.

Manager Hugh Clarke felt his side could have come away with at least a point for their efforts from an evenly poised affair.

“There was nothing in it,” he said. “The performance was not bad at all, we huffed and puffed in the second half, but a few things didn’t go for us, which was the difference between the teams in the end.

“There’s still a long way to go this season, and there are about eight teams who could be challenging. Everyone’s going to take points off each other in what is going to prove a very tight league this season.

“We would have settled for where are now at the start of the season. We are stronger and more streetwise than we were a year ago, and we’re getting better.”

The visitors counted themselves unfortunate not to get a penalty when Rhys Evans appeared to be brought down, and Evans also had a couple of opportunities.

Joe Evans also provided some late impetus after coming on as substitute, but Llani could find no way back against a solid Pool side, who have turned the corner following last season’s struggles.

The Daffs’ third league defeat leaves them five points adrift in third position, and facing another big clash at Llanfair United this Saturday, with forwards Rhys Evans and Joe Evans both unavailable.

Llanfair United moved up to fourth place, and to within two points of Llanidloes, having played two more matches, with a convincing 6-1 at Knighton Town.

Goals from Matt Spencer, Paul Griffiths, Mark Griffiths, with a brace, Toby Evans and Llyr Griffiths sealed the points, although Knighton pulled it back to 1-1 at the start of the second half through Gareth Mansell, on his return from Oswestry.

Meanwhile Bow Street were unable to stand in the way of Llanrhaeadr as they consolidated second position in division one with a solid 4-0 win at Cae Piod.

Goals from Joe Vaughan, with a brace, Iwan Matthews and Tom Evans ensured that Llanrhaeadr stayed within two points of frontunners Welshpool Town, with a game in hand on the league leaders.

Richard Davies scored a hat-trick as Berriew hammered struggling Machynlleth 7-1, with Dewi Hughes adding a brace for the hosts, whilst Steffan Rogers and Karl Seliaerts also got onto the scoresheet.

Ben Davies scored a consolation for Mach, who are rooted to the bottom of the table, with nine defeats from 10 games.

Kerry returned to winning ways, despite having six players out, as goals from Ben Davies, and a well-taken brace from Luke Mumford earned them a 3-0 win over Llandrindod Wells at Dolforgan Park.

Luke Evans and Scott Williams got on the scoreheet for Carno, but the Greens had to settle for a 2-2 draw at home against Churchstoke, with Tony Meredith and Jamie Oakley scoring for the visitors.

Radnor Valley came through for a 5-3 home triumph against Tywyn/Bryncrug, with Ieuan Price and Steve Morgan both scoring twice, and Elliot Morris once.

Aled Jones scored a brace and Dave Jenkins once for Tywyn, who were leading 2-0 just before the interval, before Radnor took charge in the second half.

The scheduled all-Ceredigion clash between Borth United and Aberaeron at Uppingham Playing Fields was postponed.