Newtown 3 Llandudno 1

SATURDAY night winter football arrived in Mid Wales with Newtown rewarding their shivering fans with a return to victory over Llandudno.

Relentless rain and wind endured only the bravest ventured out for the curiously scheduled night game.

A bright start from the hosts included early chances for Nick Rushton and Luke Boundford before the pressure told with Neil Mitchell brought down in the area for Steve Leslie to slot home from the spot.

However Llandudno gathered their own momentum and from a rare attack ex-TNS striker Matty Williams blasted the basement side level on half an hour.

Llandudno enjoyed their brightest spell with Alun Webb blasting over moments later.

Newtown reasserted their dominance before the break with Boundford testing on-loan goalkeeper Connor Roberts while Mitchell also headed wide.

Newtown were back ahead 10 minutes into the second half with Mitchell rising to head home Sam Phillips’ weighted cross.

Llandudno rallied and threatened with Mark Connolly’s free-kick warming the palms of goalkeeper Dave Jones.

The home custodian was targeted for a host of robust challenges as Llandudno looked to force an error but Newtown were not to be denied and weathered the storm.

Callum Roberts ensured no way back for the Robins with 20 minutes remaining with an assured finish into the roof of the net from close range.

Llandudno’s night got even worse when Williams was injured during a reckless challenge on Leslie.

Newtown ended the game with menace with substitute Ethan Jones causing the tiring Llandudno defence no shortage of problems.

NEWTOWN: D Jones, Roberts, Mills-Evans Denny, Mitchell. Rushton, Boundford, Leslie, Kenton, Phillips (E Jones 87), Fletcher. Subs: Perry, E Jones, Cadwallader, Cook

Att - 191