LLANIDLOES boss Hugh Clarke hailed a solid defensive display as fortunes continue to look up in the Spar Mid Wales League division one with a 1-0 win over Llandrindod Wells at Victoria Avenue.

A goal just before half time separated the sides in the end, with an excellent cross from George Mitten being well finished by top scorer Rhys D Evans.

Manager Clarke was delighted with the win, but particularly heartened with the clean sheet, as his side consolidated their place in the top half of the league table.

“We don’t look like conceding the goals we were earlier in the season, which is good,” said the former Caersws defender.

“We’ve been working on keeping clean sheets and we made a few changes, and it seemed to work as we didn’t look like conceding, particularly in the second half.

“The pitches are getting heavier, which do not suit us, but we’ve got to deal with it, and the lads are learning all the time.”

Rhys Evans had chances to have added to his tally after the break, and substitute Josh Matthews also failed to capitalise on a one on one, while Harri Clarke hit the crossbar from an Ed Clarke corner kick.

Richie Evans scored a hat-trick as Carno maintained their top three spot with an impressive 5-0 win over Hay St Mary’s.

Within two minutes Andrew Evans played in Richie Evans, and he turned the defender inside out before curling home.

Evans was denied three times in the opening 20 minutes by the busy Hay keeper, and Jordan Jones had a header cleared off the line from an Ashley Owen corner as Carno piled on the pressure.

At the other end Kris Williams made a one-on-one save, but Ger Jones doubled the Greens’ lead just before half time, when his shot went in from 12 yards out.

Carno started the second half brightly and captain Steve Jones then sent Richie Evans through to score his second goal of the game inside the first two minutes.

Moments later it was 4-0 as Ashley Owen fed Richie Evans, who yet again he turned the Hay defender to fire home.

Ashley Owen, Ollie Lewis and Ger Jones were all denied by the keeper as the Greens pushed on for more goals. Peter Rees also hit the post, before he fired home after being put through by Evans.

Ash Owen was denied again and Peter Rees had a goal ruled out as the home team finished the game on the front foot.

Bow Street left it late to secure a 1-1 against Knighton Town, who had looked on track for the points after taking the lead through a Sam Williams header, which was deflected in off Tom Wyn.

Andrew Gittens converted a late penalty to earn the Magpies a point and maintain their position in the top four of the table.

Tywyn/Bryncrug edged a welcome 1-0 home win over Welshpool Town, with Aled Jones scoring their winner, whilst Harry Holt scored the only goal as Machynlleth won 1-0 at Montgomery Town.

Richard Davies scored a hat-trick and Karl Seliaerts also netted as Berriew kept their pressure on leaders Rhayader Town with a 4-2 home win against Aberaeron.

Mathew Davies and Gareth Severs scored in the second half for the visitors.

On Friday, a Richie Powell goal earned Rhayader a 1-0 win over Radnor Valley.