A LATE goal from Knighton’s Johnny Samuels sentenced Penrhyncoch to their first defeat of the season in the Spar Mid Wales League division one, to throw the race for the title wide open.

After trailing to an early goal from Connor Bird, the Roosters looked to have secured a precious point in their top-of-the table showdown when substitute Nathan Warren headed an equaliser 12 minutes from time.

With just two minutes left, however, Samuels stabbed the ball home to put Penrhyn four points behind the hosts, but with two games in hand.

Roosters boss Gari Lewis remained philosophical after the defeat, and felt there was still a long way to go in the title chase. His side have eight games remaining, four away, before finishing the season with four at home.

“There was very little in the game, but unfortunately a couple of individual errors have cost us,” Lewis said.

“But I’m not going to be too harsh on the boys, they have been fantastic all season.

“We conceded early, which put us on the back foot, and Knighton had the better of the first half. We came back and shaded the second half, and deserved something.

“Whatever the result, there is still a long way to go. Knighton have got some tough games left, and I’m sure there are still going to be some twists and turns.

“Carno and Llanrhaeadr could still have a say, and for me it could go to the wire.

“We’ve had a bit of a virus running through the team, and had a few lads playing with illness, but they have put in a brave performance.”

“We have to put this result behind us, dust ourselves down and look to go again at Llanidloes on Saturday.”

The Roosters have been given a boost with the return of the influential Owain James who is now back from working in New Zealand. He will be added to the Penrhyn squad for Saturday’s trip to Victoria Avenue.

Having won the home meeting 2-0, Penrhyn arrived at the Bryn-y-Castell Showground in good heart.

Mike Gornall came into the starting side, with Warren on the bench following illness, while captain Josh Shaw and Mark Gornall were playing despite feeling under the weather. Dean Evans was meanwhile unavailable.

Knighton were ahead after just five minutes when Jon Foligno was unable to clear, and Bird fired into the net.

The Roosters responded well, with Mike Gornall forcing a save from outside the area, while Aiden Nyhus headed across goal from a Mark Gornall free kick.

At the other end Corin Jones headed over, and Gareth Mansell and Danny Ives forced saves, but clear chances were in short supply.

Penrhyn were back on level terms on 78 minutes when sub Warrren headed in Gornall’s corner, but with time ticking away Nyhus lost the ball, Dylan James failed to clear and Samuels nipped in to score a dramatic winner.