Llandudno 3

Newtown 4

NICK Rushton was the hero as Newtown prevailed triumphant in a seven goal thriller at Llandudno.

The Seasiders led inside the opening 10 minutes with Robbie Parry breaking the deadlock with a low shot beyond goalkeeper Dave Jones.

The Robins looked to get back in the game with Ryan Kershaw and Alex Fletcher going close before Sam Hart spurned an opening for the hosts.

Newtown levelled on half an hour with Rushton looping a header over goalkeeper Alex Lynch but within five minutes the hosts responded by taking the lead with Danny Shaw steering home Parry’s corner.

A frantic end to the half ended with the Robins restoring parity once again with Kieran Mills-Evans heading home after Llandudno failed to clear Kershaw’s corner.

Parry went close for the hosts before James Joyce forced Jones into action as Llandudno started the second-half on top.

However Newtown broke and led for the first time with Rushton slotting past Lynch to complete his brace with 15 minutes remaining.

The Robins were now on top with Fletcher lashing inches over the bar before linking with man of the match Rushton to feed substitute Neil Mitchell to slot home in injury time.

Llandudno responded with an injury time goal of their own with Toby Jones’ cross from the left deceived Jones and dipped under the bar.

A skirmish broke out in the aftermath with Newtown goalkeeper Jones joined by Llandudno’s Lee Thomas in receiving their marching orders.

NEWTOWN: Jones, Williams, Sears, Mills-Evans, Roberts, Denny, Fletcher, Kenton, Kershaw, Rushton, Reed. Subs: Perry, Boundford, Mitchell, Goodwin, Harries, Evans

Att - 183