TWO first half goals from Jonathan Evans helped to steer Penrhyncoch closer to the Spar Mid Wales League division one title with a 4-0 victory over basement boys Montgomery at Cae Baker on Saturday.

With leaders Knighton losing 2-1 at Machynlleth, the title looked in Penrhyn’s grasp, with two wins from their remaining three games enough to win the crown.

On Monday, however, Penrhyncoch missed their chance to go top of the table when sliding to a last-gasp 1-0 defeat at Carno, as the title race took another twist.

Their destiny is still in their own hands, though, as wins in their last two games, at home to Tywyn Bryncrug on Wednesday night, and Hay St Mary’s on Saturday, would still be enough to clinch the title

It has been a remarkable turnabout as Knighton appeared to be the firm favourites a week before - but Roosters’ boss Gari Lewis was refusing to get carried away.

“There have been a few twists and turns, but Mach did us a real big favour and I would owe them a few beers if we do go on to the win the league title,” said Lewis.

“But we’ve still got a lot of work do to, we can’t switch off at all, and we’ve got to approach each game just like every other.

“We’re at home to Tywyn on Wednesday, which is always tough, and on Saturday we are at home again against Hay St Mary’s, who are flying at the moment.”

There are sill a few injury doubts, with Dean Evans and Nathan Warren both missing last weekend’s action, as Penrhyn closed the gap to two points on Knighton with two games in hand on the leaders.

Returning from his three-match ban, Jonathan Evans was soon in the thick of the action against Montgomery, with his brace easing any nerves as Penrhyncoch put paid to the struggling visitors.

Penrhyn were soon on the front foot, and took the lead in the 21st minute when the returning Jonathan Evans beat the offside trap before rounding the keeper to score.

That advantage was doubled a minute later as Evans notched his second when heading home a cross from Dylan James.

Evans went close to his hat-trick when blazing over when well placed, but a third goal arrived in the space of seven minutes when Owain James headed in Matt Mousley’s cross from the right at the far post.

Already out of sight at the break, Penrhyn added a fourth goal on the hour as a corner kick was cleared as far as Josh Shaw, who lashed his shot into the net.

Evans almost completed his treble, but he headed over from an Arron Lemon cross.

On Monday night, however, a terrific injury-time goal from Carno’s Jordan Jones, saw the hosts break 70 yards with a series of one-touch football to snatch a dramatic 1-0 win over Penrhyncoch, who were left to rue a missed penalty in the last minute.

They still trail leaders Knighton Town by two points, with one game in hand.