Llanidloes Town’s title pursuit in the MMP Mid Wales League division one suffered a jolt as they slipped to a disappointing 3-0 defeat at Llansantffraid.

Wayne Austin and Nathan Prodger had given the home team a two-goal interval lead, before Austin sealed the three points with his second goal after the interval.

Ash Owen, Connor Bird and Peter Rees had opportunities for Llani, and they also had claims for penalty turned down, after Bird appeared to felled by the keeper.

Manager Hugh Clarke, however, admitted his side were well below their best, as they gave title rivals Caersws and Llanfair the opportunity to close the gap.

“Most of the players had an off day,” Clarke said. “We also had five out, but we still should have been good enough, and these are the games you have to win.

“None of the decisions went our way, but we were not good enough, and didn’t show enough fight. We can’t just expect to just turn up and win games, and players need to look at their own performances.

“With the run we’ve had, we may be tired and aching, but it’s the same for every side this time of the season. We’ve got to keep going, and start winning again.”

Llanfair United, who have four games in hand on the league leaders, moved to within four points of the Daffs with a solid 4-1 triumph over Llandrindod Wells.

Gethin Stephens opened the scoring with a header from a Paul Griffths free kick, and Paul Griffiths doubled the lead following a Nathan Edginton pull back.

Robert Nicholls did get a reply goal, but a neat chip by Josh Astley from 25 yards and a great strike from Andrew Hughes completed the scoring for the home side.

Second-placed Caersws also the closed the gap on Llanidloes to five points, with a game in hand, as a hat-trick from Lance Jones sealed a solid 6-0 at Churchstoke.

Craig Harris had opened the scoring for the Bluebirds, with further goals being scored by Jake Parr and Jo Jo Harries to cap a dominant performance.

Richard Davies meanwhile scored the only goal as fourth-placed Berriew ground out a 1-0 win against a well drilled and organised Bow Street side.

Tywyn/Bryncrug climbed above Bow Street and out of the bottom two as goals by Nick Williams, Aled Jones and Tom Allen Davies earned a 3-1 win over Aberaeron, who travelled with just 11 players available. Llew Lloyd got a reply.

Carno were 3-2 winners away at Kerry, courtesy of goals from Harry Vince-Holt and Andy Evans, with a brace, whilst Ben Hendleman scored twice for the hosts.

A hat-trick from the prolific Will Thomas sealed a solid 3-0 win for Welshpool Town at home against Radnor Valley as the Lilywhites consolidated their top five position.