Dafabet Welsh

Premier League

Newtown 3

Rhyl 2

JASON Oswell returned to haunt his former club with a brace as Newtown celebrated a thrilling victory in the rain at home to relegation rivals Rhyl.

Once again loanee Nicky Rushton netted the winner to maintain his sparkling form since arriving from Gap Connahs Quay last month with the Robins unbeaten since his return.

Rhyl fans arrived in good number and good voice but were temporarily silenced when Oswell followed up to net after Shane Sutton headed Craig Williams’ 11th minute corner into the path of Neil Mitchell whose shot was spilled by goalkeeper Dan Lavercombe into the path of Oswell.

However just moments later the Seasiders levelled with their first shot of the game as Steffan Halewood unleashed an unstoppable 35 yard drive into the top corner.

The end to end game continued with Sutton heading over before Kieran Mills-Evans dragged wide while livewire Toby Jones tested Robins' goalkeeper Jack Perry who produced a smart save to push a close range volley over the bar.

Rhyl started the second-half on top with Jones once again denied by Perry before the young Robins No1 denied the Rhyl winger with a brave save at his feet.

Rhyl became increasingly desperate to turn their possession into a goal but repeated penalty claims were ignored by referee Dean John.

Newtown took some time to find their first-half level with Alex Fletcher and Ryan Kershaw shots both blocked in a packed goalmouth on the hour.

However 10 minutes later the Robins led against the run of play when a swift counter saw Rushton cut inside and fire a low drive onto the post for Oswell to tap home the loose ball.

The reaction of the travelling Rhyl supporters soured the game after with their foul and abusive language directed at the home bench and Newtown fans for the remainder of the contest.

Rhyl substitute Steve Lewis almost had an immediate impact when his speculative turn and volley from 30 yards caused Perry into action.

However with 10 minutes remaining Rhyl’s persistent appeals paid off when John pointed to the spot for an adjudged shove by Mitchell on Lewis following a corner with Kristian Pierce converting the penalty.

Both sides went for victory in a thrilling finale but glory belonged to the Robins when Oswell broke to release Rushton to slot past Lavercombe and seal their points, boosting Newtown’s European play-off bid while entrenching Rhyl further in the relegation mire.

NEWTOWN: Perry, Williams, Sutton, Mills-Evans, Price, Mitchell, Goodwin, Fletcher, Edwards, Rushton, Oswell. Subs: Cadwallader, Kenton, Kershaw, Boundford, Stephen, Jones, Rose.

Att – 155