A FIRST half strike from Ashley Owen kept Llanidloes Town on course for a top three finish in the Spar Mid Wales League division one with a battling 1-0 win over Kerry at Victoria Avenue.

Owen smashed home a low 25-yarder midway through the first period, which was enough to see off the plucky Lambs, who proved stern opposition in the freezing conditions.

Llani had chances in the first half, with Matthew Savage forcing a fine save with a free kick, while Joe Evans was just off target with a few efforts.

Rhys Evans was foiled by a goalline clearance in the second period, but Kerry looked an increasing threat on the break, only to be denied by some determined defending by the hosts.

“We had chances to have made life a bit easier for ourselves, and could have been two or three up at half-time, but that has been the story since Christmas,” said boss Hugh Clarke.

“When you’re just 1-0 ahead, you’re always a bit edgy, and fair play to Kerry, they could have got something out of the game in the second half.

“They are a better side than their league position would suggest, but we were just pleased to have got the three points, and to keep a clean sheet.

“There’s still a long way to go, with nine games left, mostly against sides in the lower half of the table. We’ve got to try and win as many of those as we can, and see where it takes us.

“It’s frustrating that we’re going to be without some senior players now, at a time when we want to push on.”

Machynlleth were unable to halt Llanrhaeadr’s charge towards the top as their visitors eased to a 4-1 win.

Daniel Graham headed Llanrhaeadr in front on 35 minutes and he soon doubled their lead on the stroke of half-time with a cheeky back-heel.

A great strike from Gus Harris and an own goal sealed the points, despite Andrew Page netting for the hosts.

The win moved Llanrhaeadr within a point of leaders Welshpool, with five games in hand, after Pool slipped to a 5-4 defeat away at Tywyn/Bryncrug.

The leaders were three goals down after half an hour, and despite goals from Will Thomas, Rob Pritchard, Ricky Litchfield and Adam Davies there was no way back for the visitors.

Winning goals from Tim Holt, Aled Jones, Mark Edmondson, Nick Williams and Tom Allen-Davies capped an excellent team effort from Tywyn in very difficult playing conditions.

Bow Street moved level on points with sixth-placed Carno, with games in hand, as they registered a superb 3-1 win over the Greens at Ty Brith.

After the resignation of Carno manager Jonathan Evans, Chris Davies had retaken hot seat on Friday, but they succumbed to goals by Tom Evans, Andrew Gittins and Ifan Burrell, despite Scott Williams replying.

Borth United returned home empty handed from a 5-0 defeat at Churchstoke, who have an unbeaten record against the Crows at Cae Camlad.

Two early goals laid the foundation for the hosts, and by the end, Joe Haycock and Tony Meredith had both scored two goals apiece, along with a single from Omer Bozdag. Ryan Davies missed a late penalty for Borth.Llanfair United are through to the semi-finals of the Central Wales Senior Challenge Cup after they held firm to register a 2-1 win over fellow Spar Mid Wales League division one side Knighton at snowy Mount Field last weekend.Karl Seliaerts put Llanfair ahead in the first half, when pouncing on a rebound from an Andrew Hughes shot to score, and in the second half, Josh Astley made it 2-0 with a cracking free kick.Knighton pulled a goal back through Declan Beddoes on 83 minutes, but Llanfair held on to secure their place.The scheduled quarter-finals between Llandrindod Wells and Builth Wells on Saturday, and Waterloo against Caersws on Sunday were postponed.