Llanfair thriving on support upsurge

As Llanfair prepare for a big local derby at Meifod this weekend, the club has praised the upsurge in support from the town which has boosted the club’s Spar Mid Wales Division Two campaign.

Saturday’s 3-1 win over Talgarth marked the first time that co-manager Steve Andrew (pictured with co-manager Daryl Griffiths) believes they have fielded a full strength side and the second victory of the season in front of a decent crowd saw them move into mid-table comfort.

“We have had a difficult start to the season,” he admitted. “We have often found ourselves with six or seven 'first teamers' missing each week, and with such a small squad we have struggled. But Saturday was the first time we could field our strongest team.”

New signing Matt Jones marked his debut with a goal on Saturday and will return to his old club this weekend in Llanfair’s colours. He came in for praise from the boss who also praised the increase in support the side has enjoyed this season.

“We had been after him for a while, but missed out on him at the start of the season,” said Andrew. “He was excellent against Talgarth. We have also put seven days on a couple of other players but they have decided to stay at their current clubs, so we will keep looking.

“We have been getting decent numbers watching each home game which is a massive improvement on the one man and his dog we had last season! The community does seem to be getting behind us a lot more which is very encouraging.”

Meanwhile, the club is in the process of submitting an application for grant money from the league to continue their ground improvements that will increase the length of the pitch.

Elsewhere in Division Two, Llanfyllin travel to Talgarth Town and Four Crosses enjoy another long away day at Tregaron Turfs.

Technogroup Welshpool travel to Caersws for a Huws Gray Alliance encounter with caretaker manager Benji Evans at the helm following the midweek resignation of Graham Evans. Paul Dowbridge should make his debut following a switch from the Cheshire League. Guilsfield entertain Buckley Town with manager Mike Barton hoping for another improvement following last week’s narrow Welsh Cup win at Caernarfon.

In the Spar Mid Wales Division One, leaders Llanrhaeadr face a tough challenge at Carno while Berriew travel to mid table Dolgellau with striker Will Thomas in hot form after netting 15 goals in his last six matches. Waterloo Rovers entertain Aberystwyth University’s first game of the season and Llansantffraid Village travel to bottom side, Presteigne.

The top two face off in the JT Hughes Montgomeryshire League Honda Division One when Llangedwyn welcome Waterloo Rovers Reserves, while Division Two’s unbeaten leaders Technogroup Welshpool Reserves travel to Berriew Reserves for a Llanidloes Town League Cup second round match.

Caersws v Technogroup Welshpool

Guilsfield v Buckley Town

Bow Street v Dyffryn Banw

Carno v Llanrhaeadr

Dolgellau v Berriew

Penparcau v Builth Wells

Presteigne v Llansantffraid Village

Tywyn Bryncrug v Newbridge

Waterloo Rovers v Aberystwyth Uni

Abermule v Aberaeron

Llandrindod Wells v Kerry

Meifod v Llanfair United

Talgarth v Llanfyllin Town

Tregaron v Four Crosses

Honda Division One

Bettws v Carno Reserves

Churchstoke v Caersws Reserves

Llangedwyn v Waterloo Rovers Reserves

Llanidloes Town Reserves v Guilsfield Reserves

Dyffryn Banw’s Reserves v Waterloo Colts

Mordan United Reserves v Trefonen

Berriew Reserves v Technogroup Welshpool Reserves

Llanrhaeadr Reserves v Llanfechain