IT was another case of what might have been as Llanidloes slipped to a hat-trick of cup defeats when bowing out of the FAW Trophy with a 2-1 exit against neighbours Carno at Victoria Avenue.

Having slipped out of the Spar Mid Wales League Cup and the Welsh Cup in recent weeks, the Daffs were eager to stop the rot against their local rivals.

They were again left with little to show for their efforts, however, as an injury time goal from Andy Evans saw Carno secure progress into the last 32.

Llanidloes manager Hugh Clarke was happy with the response after the previous week’s loss on penalties to Kerry in the Spar Mid Wales League Cup, but was disappointed with the result.

“We were on top for a lot of the game, particularly in the second half, but it seems to be the same story every week,” reflected Clarke.

“We’re getting punished for individual errors and conceding sloppy goals, while we’re not being given very much at the other end.

“It was heartbreaking for the players as we did not deserve to lose, but it was the same story. We’re now back to the league at Welshpool on Friday night, and we need to start getting a few wins to lift the confidence.”

Peter Rees opened the scoring for Carno within four minutes when he gambled on a long ball from keeper Kris Williams to fire home his 15th goal the season.

Ashley Owen hit the bar and Ioan Humphreys also went close in the opening 30 minutes, but Llani were back on level terms with a neat finish by George Clarke.

The second half saw both teams locked in a midfield battle as Carno’s Drew Reynolds and Ioan Humphreys both went close, as did Rees.

Llanidloes had threatened with the odd set-piece, but keeper Williams was rarely tested, and the winning goal came with just moments to go as Ioan Humphreys sent Andrew Evans clear and he coolly slotted the ball home past keeper Aaron Warrick.

• Harry Holt scored a brace as Machynlleth won 2-1 away at Tywyn/Bryncrug to advance to the last 32, with Tom Allen-Davies netting the reply goal.

A Iwan Matthews brace and a Keiran Evans goal earned Llanrhaeadr a 3-2 win over Llanuwchllyn, who had scored twice through Joe Evans.