MMP MID WALES LEAGUE DIVISION 1

Samed De Groot netted his first goals for Llandrindod Wells as the Spa side maintained their good away form with a 4-2 victory at Kerry in the MMP Mid Wales League first division. Michael Collister handed the Spa men the lead when he controlled a long ball from Corin Jones to slot home. Luke Mumford levelled with an unstoppable free-kick but Collister then played De Groot in to regain the lead. Kerry saw Jed Rodway sent off for violent conduct and De Groot, who joined from Penybont in the summer, grabbed his second before half-time.

Llandrindod were guilty of missing chances early in the second half and Kerry pulled one back with Mumford crossing for Ben Hendleman to score. The Spa then had a nervy ten minutes during which Corin Jones was dismissed for picking up a second yellow but Robbie Nicholls put the game to bed with a fine run and finish in the bottom corner.

Radnor Valley picked up a good point in a 1-1 draw at Carno and are now eleven points behind the leaders but do have a couple of games in hand. Despite difficult conditions, Radnor played some good football bur fell behind to a deflected strike from Josh Matthews. Joey Price soon had them back on terms, taking his chance well after a run from Callum Davies. Radnor felt they could go and win the game in the second half and Geraint Lloyd had a couple of chances, one from which he should have done better, while at the other end, Will Fowden had to be alert to deny Carno a winner.

Leaders Caersws suffered a rare defat with The Bluebirds going down 3-2 at a blustery Aberaeron. Gareth Severs and Ifan Burrell gave Aberaeron a two goal lead but Caersws hit back through Rhydian Davies (pen) and Mark Edmondson before half-time. James Hemming regained the lead for Aberaeron early in the second half and their goalkeeper, Oliver Farebrother, who completed a transfer from Penrhyncoch last week, produced some fine saves as the hosts held on for a shock victory.

Second placed Llanidloes Town failed to cash in as they were beaten 5-2 at Berriew who as a result are now very much in the title race. Marc Jones gave Berriew the lead from the penalty spot and a deflected strike from Joe Haycock made it two. Connor Bird reduced the deficit but as conditions deteriorated Richard Davies (2) and Tomos Williams put Berriew out of sight before former Knighton Town marksman, Bird grabbed his second for The Daffs.

Llanfair United have games in hand but could be left with too much to do and they eased to a 3-0 home success over Tywyn Bryncrug. Josh Astley made the breakthrough on 35 minutes and an own goal just before half-time increased their lead with Karl Seliearts completing the win from the penalty spot.

Llansantffraid Village moved out of the bottom two with an important 2-0 win at Churchstoke with goals from Nathan Buckley and Tom Gale.

There was one game on Friday night and Wil Thomas, the first division’s topscorer, added two more to his impressive season’s tally as Welshpool Town defeated Bow Street 4-0 at home. Ian Probert (pen) and Steve Jones completed the win for Welshpool who temporarily went third in the table.

MMP MID WALES LEAGUE DIVISION 2

Rhayader Town moved to within three points of the leaders at the top of the MMP Mid Wales League second division with a 5-3 win at Aberystwyth University.

The Red Kites scored some cracking goals coming from 3-2 down to keep their good run going. Rhayader took control early on with two screamers, Joe Wozencraft opening the scoring with a long range free-kick before Jamie Evans turned and hit a 25 yarder which flew in via the bar.Ten minutes of madness allowed the students to level with Rhayader defender, Dan Goodman heading into his own net before an error from ‘keeper, Liam Addison gifted Liam Powell a second. The College went in front early in the second half with James Stuart heading in Powell’s cross but topscorer, Evans got his second for Rhayader heading in after good work from Alex Clarke. Mark Davies regained the lead for Rhayader with a cracking strike from the edge of the box and Michael Fowlie topped it off as he went forward from left back to thunder a shot into the top corner from 20 yards.

Presteigne’s poor run continued as they went down 5-0 at Montgomery Town who are now level on points with Hay at the top although they have played a game more than The Saints.

Tom Evans and Robbie Hartshorn each scored twice with Jack Williams also on target for Montgomery.

Four Crosses, with games in hand all the teams above them, were 3-1 winners at home against Dogellau. Jamie Evans netted twice and Josh Thomas was also on target with David Edwards replying for the Meirionedd men.

WATSON FINANCIAL MID WALES LEAGUE (SOUTH)

Newcastle returned to winning ways in the Watson Financial Mid Wales League (South) with a 4-1 victory in the border derby against Knighton Town. After back to back defeats, two goals in each half gave the Shropshire side the spoils as Knighton’s revival came to a halt. Sam Bevan and Jimmy Thomas gave Newcastle a two goal interval lead and Ed Bennett-Jnes and player-manager, Craig Morris added to the tally with Jamie Husbands gaining a consolation for The Robins.

Rhys D Evans snatched a last minute winner as Llanidloes Town pulled off a 3-2 home success over Presteigne Reserves. It was revenge for The Daffs who had lost 5-1 at Presteigne in an earlier meeting this time. Presteigne had twice taken the lead through Lewis Jones and Tom Lewis but James Coleman and Jordan Jones hit back for Llanidloes, who welcomed Keegan Bradley back following a spell with Rhayader Town, before Evans’ late intervention.

Elsewhere, Llandrindod Wells Reserves maintained their recent good form with a 4-0 home victory over bottom of the table, Felindre. First half goals from Dan Baker, Jason Coles and Tom Evans paved the way with Huey Lewis completing the win for Dai |Evans’ side who are now unbeaten in four. The weather had a big say on Saturday for the first time this season with the matches at Builth Wells Reserves, Penybont United and St Harmon all postponed.

MMP MID WALES LEAGUE CUP

Builth Wells have been drawn away at Aberaeron in the quarter finals of the MMP Mid Wales League Cup. Their reward for victory at Llansantffraid a week last Saturday is yet another away tie. There are two cracking local derbies in store with Caersws and Llanidloes Town, currently the top two sides in Division One going head to head at The Recreation Ground while Berriew take on Welshpool Town. The Montgomery Town v Carno tie completes the draw which is:-

Aberaeron v Builth Wells, Berriew v Welshpool Town, Caersws v Llanidloes Town, Montgomery Town v Carno

ER JENKINS DIVISION 2 CUP

Both Newbridge and Rhayader Town have been handed home ties in the quarter finals of the MMP Mid Wales league (ER Jenkins) Division 2 Cup. Newbridge tackle Waterloo Rovers while Rhayader welcome Machynlleth to The Weirglodd.

The full draw is: Dyffryn Banw v Abermule, Four Crosses v Aberystwyth University, Newbridge v Waterloo Rovers, Rhayader Town v Machynlleth.