RADNOR VALLEY secured a crucial victory in their attempt towards mid-table safety in Lock Stock Ardal North East after overcoming Llanfair United 2-1 at The Bypass.

The Goats came into their latest outing unbeaten in their last five league matches but were looking to turn draws into victories in an effort to pull further away from the relegation zone.

It was the visitors who made the stronger start at The Bypass in the winter sunshine.

Llanfair United came closer to breaking the deadlock three minutes later when a close-range effort was blocked by the home defence.

Joey Price latched on to a fine cross-filed pass from Callum Matthews in the 20th minute but was denied by visiting goalkeeper Sion Willliams after driving into the penalty area.

Matthews' effort from the edge of the penalty area on the half-hour mark drifted wide of the far post before the former Presteigne St Andrews forward broke the deadlock six minutes later.

Matthews' shot on the turn from close range found the back of the net after the visitors failed to deal with a long throw into their penalty area.

Llanfair United looked to respond before the half-time whistle but prolific striker Josh Astley fired narrowly wide of the near post when he was played through on goal four minutes prior to the interval.

The Goats saw their penalty appeals in the 63rd minute waved away by referee Chris Corfield when Price appeared to be hauled down by an opponent as he surged into the Montgomeryshire club's penalty area.

The Goats came within inches of doubling their lead in the 66th minute when Joey Price struck the crossbar from 10 yards before substitute Jack Clarke diverted the rebound wide of the target from only a matter of a few feet.

The hosts had to wait until the 77th minute to double their lead when substitute Rees Morris closed down goalkeeper Williams and turned the loose ball into an empty net.

The Mount Field side halved the deficit in stoppage-time when recent signing Astley ran on to a well-timed through ball before finishing past the advancing Jones.

However, there was no time after the restart for the Montgomeryshire club to find an equaliser when referee Chris Corfield blew the final whistle.