LLANIDLOES Town got their Spar Mid Wales League division one campaign off to a winning start, but were made to battle all the way against 10 man Knighton Town.

Steve Jones, from the penalty spot, debutant Drew Reynolds and an own goal from stand-in keeper Danny Ives saw the Daffs take the spoils with a 3-2 win at Victoria Avenue.

Knighton, however, were always in the hunt, despite having former Rhayader keeper Joey Prosser sent off early on.

“It was not a great performance, we never really got going, but it was a massive three points against a team like Knighton, who will be there or thereabouts this season,” said Llanidloes boss Hugh Clarke.

“When you’re playing against 10 men, it’s hard as you’re expected to win, but they made it difficult for us. In the end it was a good three points in the first game.

“We had a great chance to go two up, and had we scored then I think we could have gone on to win quite comfortably, but when there was only one goal in it, they always had a chance of getting back.

“We know we can play better, but the important thing is for the lads to learn.”

Llani now have three away games, starting with a trip to Llandrindod Wells on Wednesday (7.30pm) when they will be without George Clarke through suspension, as well as Josh Evans and Joe Evans.

The Daffs then visit Llanrhaeadr on Saturday, before facing another tricky trip to Carno, who suffered a surprise 3-1 loss at Tywyn Bryncrug on the opening day.

Knighton, with Connor Bird a threat up front, started the better, but had new keeper Joey Prosser red-carded on 17 minutes for kicking out at Drew Reynolds after the custodian had been unhappy with a goalmouth challenge moments before.

Steve Jones converted the resulting penalty, while Rhys Evans missed a golden chance to add a second when failing to capitalise with just the keeper to beat.

Knighton were level at the break through the first of Bird’s brace, but Daffs debutant Reynolds restored the lead after the interval with a header from an Ed Clarke cross.

The impressive Bird put the visitors back on terms again, but Llani, for whom keeper Arron Warrick was in fine form, then got in front for a decisive third time.

Ed Clarke put a corner into the goalmouth and stand-in keeper Danny Ives could only turn the ball in his own net when under pressure from the hosts.

LLANIDLOES TOWN (v Knighton Town): A Warrick, S Jones, Josh Evans, H Clarke, D Reynolds, M Savage, R Biggs (Joe Evans 70), A Owen, Rhys Evans, Richie Evans, E Clarke. Subs not used: A Jones, O Lewis.