PENRHYNCOCH kept up the title pressure in the Spar Mid Wales League division one as they overcome one of their main rivals Carno by 2-1 at Cae Baker.

Despite falling behind to an early goal from Gregg Brown, the Roosters hit back with goals either side of half-time, with Dylan James levelling with a sweet 25-yarder and Nathan Warren heading what proved to be the winning goal.

The win maintained Penrhyn’s unbeaten league form and keeps them just one point behind leaders Knighton, who were 6-2 winners at Tywyn Bryncrug, and Penrhyn still have two games in hand.

There can be no resting on their laurels for the Roosters, however, who travel to another of the leading sides, Llanrhaeadr, on Saturday, with a early 1.30pm kick off.

Remarkably, it will be Lanrhaeadr’s first home game in three months, since 14 November, following a string of postponements and cup matches on the road, and the villagers lie seven points behind in third place, having played a game more.

“The fixtures have not been kind to us, as we’ve now got a run of six away games in the league before finishing with four at home,” said Penrhyn boss Gari Lewis.

“We’ve done well away from home, but we know we have to be up for every game as every team wants to beat us. The boys have been brilliant, and it was another big result for us on Saturday.

“Carno are a big, strong side, who play three men up front, and you can see why they have done so well this season. We conceded an early goal which knocked us back a bit, but I felt we dominated after that, and had the best chances.

“Carno had a go in the second half, but felt we were never under any real pressure, and overall we deserved the win.”

Fourth-placed Carno took the lead in the eighth minute when a mis-kick from keeper Lee Jenkins from a back pass fell for Gregg Brown, who finished it well.

The Roosters responded well, and went close to levelling when Arron Lemon broke forward, and Josh Shaw’s low shot was pounced on by keeper Chris Brown.

With the hosts enjoying plenty of possession the chances came, with Elian Evans putting another effort wide, while Steve Jones fired over at the other end.

Penrhyn, however, kept their composure and they were back on level terms four minutes before half time when Dylan James drilled home his 25-yard left footed effort into the bottom corner.

Two minutes after the break, the hosts were ahead when Warren marked an impressive outing by heading in the decisive goal, after a collision between keeper Brown and defender Drew Reynolds.

Carno struggled to create many chances, but Gregg Brown went close with a lob, and Danny Pierce had a penalty shout waved away - but it needed a good save by Brown to deny Penrhyn a third.