Connahs QN 3 Newtown 1

NEWTOWN suffered more misery on the road as Connahs Quay Nomads strolled to victory in Deeside on Friday night.

The Robins suffered the worst possible start when poor defending from a long ball pumped into the area saw James Owen volley the hosts into a first minute lead.

Newtown looked for a response with Nick Rushton heading into the grasp of goalkeeper Jon Danby moments later.

The Robins enjoyed plenty of possession but struggled to break down the Nomads defence with Steve Leslie firing over from distance in their best opening of the half on 32 minutes.

Newtown ended the half on top with Callum Roberts’ appeals for a penalty after being impeded by Danny Holmes ignored while Rushton drilled across the face of goal as the Mid Wales side started the second-half on top.

However the hosts weathered the early storm and with 20 minutes remaining Ryan Wignall seized upon a defensive lapse to fire under goalkeeper Dave Jones.

Newtown rallied with Ethan Jones and Sam Phillips introduced but neither could force a breakthrough.

Instead the Nomads settled the game with two minutes remaining with Wignall’s cross steered onto the bar by Andy Owens and with the Newtown defence rooted Callum Morris nodded home

Newtown introduced Luke Boundford late on and the substitute reduced the arrears deep into stoppage time with the home defence finally breached.

However it was too late to prevent Newtown crashing to a second successive defeat and concede three goals for the second match in a row to leave manager Chris Hughes with plenty to ponder ahead of the visit of Cardiff Metropolitan on Saturday.

NEWTOWN: D Jones, Williams, Mills-Evans, Bailey, Roberts, Fletcher, Denny, Mitchell (Boundford 88), Kenton (E Jones 74), Leslie (Phillips 74), Rushton. Subs: Goodwin, Perry, Evans

Att 208