LLANIDLOES Town will be looking to step up the pressure on the MMP Mid Wales League division one leaders when they host Llandrindod Wells this Saturday in the first of back-to-back fixtures against the Wellmen.

The Daffs consolidated third spot with a 1-0 victory at Kerry, as George Clarke’s strike right on half-time was enough to separate the sides.

The Daffs are now just three points adrift of leaders Caersws, who went down 4-2 at home to Welshpool, but they trail second-placed Radnor Valley by two points.

After exits in the FAW Trophy and Welsh Cup in recent weeks, Llani hoped to get back to winning ways by avenging a 3-2 home loss against Kerry in October.

Striker Connor Bird proved a handful against the Lambs, while Ed Clarke impressed on his switch to left back, after Jordan Jones went off on the half hour with a recurrence of his ankle injury.

The returning Peter Rees also made his mark up front, and could have put the Daffs ahead early on, but failed to capitalise on a one-on-one.

The goal that won it came close to half time when Llion Jenkins released George Clarke to neatly slot home.

Kerry continued to battle hard, but the visitors were not to be denied their ninth win in 12 league outings.

“It was a big win for us against a decent side, with some good players,” said Llani boss Hugh Clarke.

“We played with a lot of energy and had enough chances, but at 1-0 they were always still in the game.”

He added: “Llandrindod will be another challenge. I’ve been to see them a few times and they’re a big side. But we’ve got a strong squad, and players who can come on and change things in the last third of games.

“We just have to keep going, and make sure we are right up there at Christmas.

“We have to be up for every game. We have no problem raising our game against the top sides, but we have to do it week in week out against the mid and lower teams.”

On Friday, a hat-trick from former Bluebird and MMP Player of the Month Will Thomas had earned Welshpool Town a deserved 4-2 win at leaders Caersws.

Josh Morgan also netted for Welshpool, who had gone 3-0 up early in the second half, before Ash Harries and Elliot Jones got replies.

High-flying Radnor Valley’s Joey Price meanwhile scored a brace as they won 2-1 away at Aberaeron, who finished with 10 players.

Price had opened the scoring with a well-taken breakaway goal after 10 minutes, and they held onto their lead until the half-time interval.

Aberaeron were reduced to 10 men when Chris Wilkins was dismissed for two quick bookings around the hour, but against the odds Dan James levelled matters for the hosts on a counter-attack.

It was the prolific Price who had the final word, however, as he snatched victory with a neat finish into the bottom corner of the hosts’ net.

Four Builth Wells players got on the scoresheet as they beat Churchstoke 5-1, with goals from Tom Bethell, Chris Roff, Josh Price, Richie Powell, as well as an own goal. Jake O’Donnell replied.

Llanfair United’s Karl Seliaerts continued his impressive goal-scoring run as his hat-trick saw off Carno 3-0.

After taking the lead on 35 minutes, Seliaerts’ second goal came from the spot on the hour, before completing his treble with a great volley at the far post on 71 minutes.

Joe Haycock and Steffan Rogers both scored twice as Berriew eased to a 7-1 win away against Llansantffraid.

An emphatic second half showing saw them hit six goals, with George Mitten and Charlie Humphreys also on target. Rob Carruthers scored for the Saints.

Mike Collister scored twice as Llandrindod Wells registered a solid 4-0 success at Tywyn/Bryncrug, with Shaun Nicholls and Ryan Sims also on the scoresheet.