Ardal North East – Corwen’s great run comes to an end, vital wins for top four

LOCK STOCK ARDAL NORTH EAST REPORTS – FEBRUARY 25

Corwen 2 Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant 4

Report: Gavin Billington

Resurgent Corwen suffered their first defeat of 2023 as unpredictable visitors Llanrhaeadr took the spoils at the Memorial Park.

The first goal came in the 11th minute, when a free kick played into the Corwen box was spilled by keeper Will Hughes, allowing captain Joe Vaughan to tap in.

Four minutes later the visitors doubled their advantage from another set-piece. Joseph Evans delivered into the area, and Daniel Kelly lost his marker to head home from close range.

The hosts looked for a way back. A Scott Evans free kick hit low into the box was fumbled by keeper Dyfrig Jones and chased down by Luke Appleby; however the Llan number one was able to recover.

On the half hour, Matthew Pleavin crossed and Tom Williams headed wide at the far post.

Scott Evans hit the underside of the crossbar from a free kick before Tom Williams tore down the wing and sent a low shot at goal, which looked as if it had been dealt with by Jones, however the ball somehow went through him and into the net. Half-time: 1-2.

In the opening minute of the second half Will Hughes came sprinting out of the penalty area to clear the ball, which looked as if it was going out for a throw-in, but was collected on the touchline at the halfway line by William France.

He looped the ball at goal and saw it drop into an unguarded net for a candidate for goal of the season.

The score was 4-1 two minutes later as a Tomos Evans effort caused a scramble in the box, which was not dealt with and crept in to give Corwen a mountain to climb.

A Kelly own goal pulled one back for Corwen, but that was end of the scoring.

Bow Street 3 Dolgellau AA 0

Rhydian Davies’ double and a Daf Carruthers single banked three important points for title hopefuls Bow.

Builth Wells 2 Penycae 3

Liam Sklenar (2) and Austin Owen delivered the goals which earned Penycae a great win at Lant Fields.

The visitors won the day despite having Alex Rowlands sent off for two yellows six minutes into the second period.

Jamie Evans and Lyndon Jones (pen) hit back for the Bulls.

Caersws 2 Llanfair United 1

Tougher than expected for the leaders who needed an 84th minute winner from substitute Peter Rees to secure the honours.

Ryan McVeagh’s 40th minute own goal put the Bluebirds ahead, but Karl Seliaerts made it 1-1 from the penalty spot.

Llangollen Town 0 Cefn Albion 2

Albion kept in sight of the table-toppers thanks to two Callum Mannion penalties at Tower Field.

Llanuwchllyn 3 Llandrindod Wells 4

Wells edged a seven-goal thriller, Jack Evans (2, 1 pen), Daniel Hall and Thomas Durant with the away goals, Michael Pritchard (2) and John Evans for the hosts.

Rhos Aelwyd 3 Rhayader Town 1

Three welcome points for the Aelwyd, Ryan Jones, Aled Robertson and Ian Hughes with the all-important goals, Sion Herman having initially handed Rhayader the lead.