Newtown 0 Aberystwyth Town 1

JOE Phillips scored the only goal of drab Mid Wales derby as Aberystwyth Town left Newtown’s Europa League play-off bid in tatters.

With five games remaining the Robins find themselves six points adrift of Barry Town United who have a game in hand in the race for seventh.

A slow start to the game gave neither set of supporters much cause for cheer with Ryan Kershaw flashing a shot wide in the hosts best opening of a tepid opening.

Aberystwyth goalkeeper Chris Mullock gathered a tame headed effort from Nick Rushton before Luke Boundford headed over the bar.

The Seasiders came more into the game toward the end of the half with Tom Owens’ goalbound effort deflected over the bar before Newtown survived a goalmouth scramble following the resulting corner.

Having sat through one of the most uninspiring halves of football of the season the second-half burst into life.

Dangerman Rushton skipped around the Aberystwyth defence to tee up Boundford who dragged his shot wide of Mullock’s goal.

Moments later the Seasiders had their best chance of the game with Phillips breaking down the left only to be denied by a fine save from goalkeeper Dave Jones.

However the Seasiders edged ahead shortly before the hour with John Owen releasing Phillips on the left who cut inside and curled a low shot beyond Jones.

Aberystwyth tails were up and the Robins were forced to defend as Owen and Phillips looked to double their side’s lead during their best spell of the game.

Owen should have have put the game to bed with 15 minutes remaining having broken from the halfway line only to fire straight at the advancing Jones.

Newtown were encamped in the Aberystwyth half with Kershaw lashing over a packed goalmouth before Aberystwyth should have settled victory with Owen once again denied by Jones before substitute Kurt Shurlock lashed wide in injury time.

NEWTOWN: D Jones, TC Williams, Mills-Evans, Sears, Roberts, Fletcher, Kershaw, Boundford, Goodwin (Denny), Mitchell (E Jones), Rushton (C Williams). Subs: Perry, Harries, Evans

Att - 261