PENRHYNCOCH manager Gari Lewis is looking for his side to push on after a late headed goal from substitute Dean Evans secured a vital 2-1 win at Waterloo in their pursuit of the Spar Mid Wales League division one crown.

Having lost pole position to title rivals Knighton Town following the previous week’s postponement at Llandrindod Wells, the Roosters needed a winning return to the pitch.

Despite missed chances, they eventually prevailed courtesy of Evans’ late winner six minutes from time, keeping them one point behind the Radnor Robins with two games in hand.

The Roosters now embark on a vital spell of games that could determine the success of their season, starting with this Saturday’s home clash with one of their main rivals, Carno.

With further league games coming up against Llanrhaeadr and Knighton, and a Central Wales Cup clash with Guilsfield, it promises to be an exciting time for the Cae Baker side.

“It’s a crunch time for us, but these are the games you want to be involved in,” said Lewis.

“We were probably not at our best against Waterloo, but all you can ask for is another three points from the boys, which extends our unbeaten league record for another week.

“In the first half, we bossed possession, we looked comfortable and could have probably been three or four goals up at half time.

“We became a bit sloppy in the second half, we struggled to pass the ball like we had been doing on a bobbly surface, and got dragged into a battle. But the main thing was the result.

“We slipped up there last season, but this result keeps up the pressure on at the top.

“We’ve now got Carno on Saturday, they are a big, strong side, which is another massive game for us. We came through the game without an injuries, and we’ll train hard this week.”

Against Waterloo, they were soon on the front foot with Jon Foligno missing a golden chance when firing wide from close range while Josh Shaw was also narrowly off the home target.

Arron Lemon and Mattie Davies also had chances, and Matt Mousley delivered a good cross to Shaw, who saw his effort well saved.

The second half became a bit more scrappy on a bouncy surface, but the visitors remained in control, with Davies forcing a save, before they made the breakthrough on 67 minutes, when Lemon nipped in to poke the ball home.

It looked like missed chances could prove costly, however, as Rovers hit back to level through Nick Roberts on 83 minutes - but Penrhyn regained the lead from their next attack when Evans marked his appearance as sub by getting on the end of a terrific Lemon cross.

After taking on rivals Carno this weekend, Penrhyncoch will visit Cymru Alliance side Guilsfield in their delayed fourth round tie in the Central Wales Cup next Tuesday, 8 March.