Dafabet Welsh Premier League

Newtown 2

Llandudno 2

JASON Oswell rescued Newtown a deserved point with a last gasp leveller to leave Llandudno stunned and the Robins in pole position for the Europa League play-offs.

The thrilling encounter began with both sides showing their attacking intent with Luke Boundford going close for the hosts whose Jack Perry also had to be alive to the threat of Jamie Reed’s shot.

However Perry was beaten on 15 minutes as Llandudno captain Danny Hughes curled home from 25 yards with the Newtown goalkeeper unable to get a firm hand to the shot. 

Newtown were unfazed and immediately threatened at the other end with Oswell volleying wide from 12 yards after Tom Goodwin’s headed lay-off.

The Robins were back on terms on 27 minutes with Rushton linking with Alex Fletcher who made room on the right side of the box before crossing for Boundford to powerfully head beyond Roberts on the far post.

Moments later Boundford should have given Newtown the lead from a similar move only to mistime his header which he sent over the bar with the goal at his mercy.

The Seasiders managed to keep league top scorer Oswell quiet for much of the half while the Robins defence restricted Llandudno to a few long range pot shots at the other end as Sam Hart and Robbie Parry blazed over with the half ending level.

Newtown looked to start the second-half on a positive note but Boundford was unable to control his curling shot after Oswell led a counter attack.

The Robins survived a let off soon after when Ben Jago’s low 25 yard drive through a crowded goalmouth was pushed onto the post by Perry with Marc Williams' follow up adjudged offside.

Newtown almost led in sensational style on 62 minutes when Rushton showcased his shooting repertoire with an acrobatic effort from the edge of the area which came back off the bar.

The Robins were punished when Llandudno regained the lead four minutes when Danny Shaw was afforded the time and space 10 yards out to steer past Perry following good work by Williams.

Both sides looked to attack with manager Chris Hughes introducing Ryan Kershaw and Joe Kenton in the closing stages in a final bid to force a breakthrough.

The substitutes immediately came to influence the game with Newtown taking the game to the Seasiders with Rushton and Oswell going close.

Llandudno’s final chance of the game saw Lee Thomas’ shot comfortably gathered by Perry and in the final five minutes Newtown were encamped in the visitors half.

Rushton’s low curling shot was tipped around the post by Roberts as the Robins sensed their unbeaten record about to end but with seconds remaining Rushton teed up Oswell on the edge of the area to fire home and rescue a point.

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

Att – 324