LLANIDLOES Town continued to gain momentum as they maintained their hold on top spot in the Spar Mid Wales League division one with a convincing 3-1 win over one of their closet rivals Llanfair United at Victoria Avenue.

Victory, their seventh in nine league outings, kept the Daffs one point clear of Welshpool Town, who moved into second spot with a 6-1 rout of Kerry, whilst Llanfair slipped down to fourth place, now five points off the pace.

Llani boss Hugh Clarke was full of praise for his charges, who showed their worth with a terrific all round display.

"It was a commanding win, we were very good all through the team," he said.

"We should have been at least 2-0 up at half time, so when we went in 1-1, you wonder whether you’ve missed our chance. But we dominated the second half, and had ample chances to score more goals in the end.

"Llanfair have quite a few players with Cymru Alliance experience, but we shifted the ball round really quickly, and were more streetwise. It was a very good performance, and will give the lads confidence in themselves, and also in their team-mates."

Llani took the lead after 13 minutes when, following a throw from Ashley Owen, a cross from Richie Evans skidded into the box before being turned into his own goal by a Llanfair defender.

Rhys Evans and Ed Clarke were both denied by a double save, before Llanfair levelled five minutes before half time through Ben Jones.

However, the visitors were second best in the second half as the Daffs wrapped up the spoils with a dominant showing.

Harry Clarke, who took a knock to the head moments earlier, bravely headed the home side back in front 10 minutes into the second period from a Steve Jones corner.

And victory was sealed in fine style in the 71st minute when Richie Evans cut in from the right before curling a terrific left foot strike into the far top corner from outside the box.

Rhys Evans and Ed Clarke had further chances, but the Daffs would have been more than happy with their efforts as they prepare for Saturday’s Welsh Cup first round tie away to Welsh National League premier division side Buckley Town.

Defender Drew Reynolds is suspended.

Earlier in the week, missed chances proved costly as Llanidloes bowed out of the Aspidistra Radnorshire Cup with a 4-2 exit at Radnor Valley, Rhys Evans getting both goals for the Daffs.

LLANIDLOES (v Llanfair United): A Warrick, R Biggs, S Jones, H Clarke, Josh Evans, E Clarke, G Owen, A Owen, Rhys Evans, Richie Evans, G Clarke (Joe Evans 85). Subs not used: M Savage, O Lewis.

Read the Spar Mid Wales Division One round-up by clicking on the link below: