TOM Jones' moment of magic proved the difference as Newtown avenged their New Year's Day derby defeat with a 1-0 win at home to Caersws in the second round of the WBS League Cup on Saturday.
A crowd of 752 supporters watched the derby which was well-contested throughout but simmered over on several occassions and led to dismissals for both Newtown's Steffan Jones and Tommy Rowlands of Caersws.
Caersws started on top with Dillon Browne drilling just wide inside the opening minute.
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The match soon found a pattern with defences firmly on top as both sides sought a breakthrough and looked to stretch the opposition.
Jones saw plenty of the ball as he ensured no rest for the visiting defence but the home side struggled to create any meaningful openings.
At the other end a right wing corner from Rhys Hesden wss headed wide on the far post by Ashley Jones on 22 minutes before the Robins finally tested Caersws No1 Max Williams who was forced into a smart save to deny Jamie Hyne from close range five minures later.
Moments later a melee erupted following a late challenge from Rob Evans who was fortunate to escape with a caution.
Steff Jones was not so fortunate and was dismissed 10 minutes later after kicking the ball away as referee Patrick Wilding refused to believe the defender's claims not to hear his whistle.
Caersws ended the half with their tails up with Ashley Harries going close to breaking the deadlock.
It was a similar story after the break with the Bluebirds looking to exploit the disadvantaged 10 men with Lydnon Jones pulling the strings in midfield with a tireless display.
Newtown goalkeeper Mike Jones denied Sam Phllips and Hesden before Max McLaughlin's left wing cross clipped the top of the bar as Newtown survived a fright.
The pressure continued with Hesden's inviting low cross streered away from danger by Newtown captain Kieran Mills-Evans.
As Caersws continued to waste possession and chances the home side became all the more galvanised and snatched the lead when Jones cut inside from the right and fired an unstoppable shot beyond Williams from the edge of the area with 11 minutes remaining.
Caersws toiled against a dogged home defence for the remainder of the tie with their frustrating afternoon compounded with the late dismissal of Rowlands for a late challenge on Mike Jones.
Guilsfield also progressed with Sam Flory's 76th minute penalty sealing a 1-0 win at Rhyl 1879.
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