Newtown 2 Aberystwyth Town 1

NEWTOWN secured a top six place after completing a festive double over Aberystwyth Town on Sunday.

Having defeated the Seasiders in their own back yard on Boxing Day the Robins went into the game as favourites knowing another three points would secure top six qualification.

Newtown could not have asked for a better start and led inside the opening minute with Neil Mitchell heading home Callum Roberts’ inch perfect cross.

Veteran winger Geoff Kellaway was the outlet of the visitors attacks and forced home goalkeeper Dave Jones into action before heading over moments later as the Seasiders sought a riposte.

Aberystwyth continued to enjoy possession but were restricted to long range pot shots with Rio Ahmadi blasting over from 30 yards with the home defence not overly tested in a tight affair.

The Seasiders had their best spell of the game early in the second-half and Newtown were indebted to goalkeeper Dave Jones who produced a stunning double save to deny Paulo Mendes.

Moments later Jones was in action again to deny Wes Baynes as Aberystwyth pressed for an equaliser.

When Jones was beaten by Ahmadi’s 20 yard effort the woodwork came to the home side’s rescue and finally galvanised the Robins who doubled their lead on the hour to silence the visiting support.

Sam Phillips squared for Nick Rushton to fire beyond goalkeeper Terry McCormick from the edge of the area as Newtown scented glory.

Just five minutes later Luke Boundford should have added further salt to wounds only to be denied by a brave save from McCormick

Newton survived a let off when Ryan Wollacott’s headed effort was blocked on the line by Craig Williams with seven minutes remaining.

The match was five minutes into injury time when Aberystwyth reduced the arrears with Ahmadi chipping Jones.

Desperation crept in as the Seasiders desperately sought an equaliser in the remaining seconds but referee Cheryl Foster was not impressed by Mendes going to ground in the area and ignored penalty appeals as Newtown celebrated victory.

NEWTOWN: Jones, Roberts, Mills-Evans, Denny, Mitchell, Boundford (E Jones 88), Leslie, Rushton, Fletcher, Kenton, Phillips (Williams 51). Subs: Perry, Evans.

Att - 480