PENRHYNCOCH powered back to the top of the Spar Mid Wales League division one after overcoming previous leaders Knighton Town 2-0 at Cae Baker.

Knighton had gone into the game on the back of a 10-match winning run that had put them into pole position the week before, and in real title contention.

But Penrhyn underlined their credentials to take victory with a first half brace from Mark Gornall, the opening goal courtesy of a free kick, followed by a penalty.

Victory took the Roosters two points clear at the summit with two games in hand from their rivals, while also maintaining their unbeaten run in the league.

"The boys were really impressive, and I was really proud at the way they stood up to a big, powerful Knighton unit," said Penrhyn boss Gari Lewis.

"Knighton have the best defensive record in the league, are very compact and strong with a lot of their players over six foot, and we knew it was going to be a real test.

"But we defended well from their free kicks, and matched them, and I felt we were just that bit quicker and sharper than them all over the pitch.

"It was a big win for us, but nothing was decided on Saturday as there is still a long way to go, and I wouldn’t be surprised if the title race goes to the last week of the season with Carno and Llanrhaeadr also having a big say.

"We’re now unbeaten in 14 league games, but we will continue to work hard which has been the key to our success this season."

Lewis had to make a tough decision, relegating the wholehearted Elwyn Edwards to the bench following the return of skipper Josh Shaw after suspension.

"Elwyn’s been fantastic, It was a heart wrenching thing to do, but I felt it was the right decision for the team on the day," added Lewis.

Now two points clear at the top, Penrhyn will look to cement pole position on Saturday when they travel to Llandrindod Wells, a team they swept aside 4-0 in the Central Wales Cup just two weeks back.

"We’ve now got Llandrindod, but we won’t be taking anything for granted," said Lewis. "They lost last weekend, and we beat them in the Central Wales Cup, but they will want to bounce back and we’re up there to be shot down.

"It’s all on the day, so we’ve got to go into the game with the same mindset as we did against Knighton, and make sure we keep working hard."

Read the full match report in this week’s Aberystwyth edition.