Rhayader Town claimed the Radnorshire derby bragging rights following a 7-1 victory over hosts Penybont United in the MMP with Norman Lloyd Central Wales League (South) at The Racecourse.
The Red Kites broke the deadlock on the half-hour mark through a Bradley Goodwin strike but the hosts were back on level terms in the 35th minute later when Cian Bufton beat keeper Eifion Price at his near post.
Rhayader Town regained the lead within 60 seconds of the restart when the ball was pulled back by Kai Evans to Ryan Addison on the edge of the penalty area to sweep inside the far post.
The visitors extended their advantage after breaking quickly from defending a 39th minute corner and Evans was set free by Jacob Jones to race towards the Penybont United penalty area and fire home his team's third goal of the afternoon.
Rhayader Town scored first in the second half when Evans saw his drive from over 25 yards fly over the head of keeper Brandon Bailey and underneath the crossbar.
The Red Kites added a fifth goal in the 73rd minute through Thomas after being picked out in space in the penalty area by Herman to cooly finish before Jacob Jones' cross from the right sailed over the head of Bailey five minutes later and nestled inside the far post.
The scoring was completed with three minutes remaining when Sam Rees was played through on goal by Evans and slotted the ball past Bailey on this occasion.
The two teams have the opportunity to do it all over again on Saturday when they return to The Racecourse. Rhayader Town require just a draw to finish top of the group and secure a home semi-finals in the ER Jenkins Cup.