LLANIDLOES Town moved top of the MMP Mid Wales League division one when edging out derby rivals Caersws 1-0 at Victoria Avenue on Boxing Day.

Gareth Owen’s goal on the stroke of half-time separated the sides, with the Daffs holding firm, despite the efforts of the Bluebirds - who had to settle for a 2-2 draw with Berriew four days earlier.

Llani’s victory completed the double over Caersws after Hugh Clarke’s side had ran out 2-0 winners at the Recreation Ground earlier on in the campaign.

“The title race will be a lot closer than some people have predicted,” said Llanidloes boss Hugh Clarke. “Caersws’ draw with Berriew was a good result for ourselves and the league, and it makes things interesting for a lot of teams.

“We’ve just got to look after ourselves, keep going and see what happens, but it’s going to get tougher for everyone as pitches are becoming heavier now.”

The Daffs went one point clear of the Bluebirds at the top, while Berriew - who are four points adrift with two games in hand on the leaders - kept up their pressure in third with a 4-1 beating of Kerry.

Goals from Dewi Hughes, Charlie Humphreys, Joe Haycock and Tomos Williams sealed the points for the Rhiewsiders, despite being down to 10 men for most of the second half. Luke Mumford got Kerry’s reply from the penalty spot.

The previous weekend had seen goals from Joe Haycock and Craig Pearce earn Berriew a 2-2 draw with Caersws, who had been 2-1 up at the interval through goals from Mark Edmondson, with his 20th of the season, and Lance Jones.

In the other pre-Christmas match, Will Thomas netted four goals for Welshpool Town in a 7-1 rout of Kerry at Maesydre.

Ricky Litchfield also cashed in with a hat-trick to complete a resounding victory for the Lilywhites, with Mark Hughes netting a consolation for the Lambs.

Elsewhere Radnor Valley’s clash at home to Aberaeron fell foul to the weather, with School Lane pitch waterlogged.

A Joey Williams goal wasn’t quite enough for Bow Street to take Boxing Day spoils in the Ceredigion derby as Aberaeron’s Gareth Severs levelled matters to earn the visitors a draw 1-1, in front of a sizeable crowd at Cae Piod.

Carno shared the festive spoils in an entertaining 3-3 draw with Tywyn/Bryncrug at Ty Brith, courtesy of goals from Geraint Jones, with a brace, and Joe Morris. Aled Jones, Tom Allen-Davies and Iwan Jones netted the goals for Tywyn.

Llanfair United registered a 4-0 Boxing Day win at Llansantffraid Village, with second half goals from Toby Evans, Josh Astley, Karl Seliaerts and Ryan McVeagh.

Llandrindod Wells drew 1-1 in their festive derby with Builth Wells, with Daryl Nicholls’ deflected strike being cancelled out by a header from Richard Powell.