NEWTOWN travel to Barry Town United on Sunday (3.30) in their final throw of the dice to keep the season alive.

Anything but victory would end any lingering hopes of ending seventh and clinching a place in the end of season Europa League play-offs.

Manager Chris Hughes confessed the players were hurting after last Sunday’s J D Welsh Cup semi-final defeat at the hands of relegation threatened Aberystwyth Town in Bala.

“We are all frustrated and disappointed,” said Hughes. “We controlled so much of the game and I cannot fault the lads and their commitment.

“Unfortunately we did not make the most of our chances in the first-half and after their second it was always going to be an uphill battle.

“Both sets of players know each other so well due to the number of times we have met this season.”

Hughes insisted the Seasiders second was debatable but refused to blame referee Lee Evans.

“I have seen some given and others not,” said Hughes. “Sometimes you have to hold your hands up and accept it just was not our day.”

The Robins travel to Barry Town United on Sunday for S4C’s televised game before ending their home campaign at home to Prestatyn Town the following week.

Newtown travel to Aberystwyth Town in the final game of the season with the Seasiders looking to cement survival ahead of the derby.

Hughes said: “Seventh is gone realistically. Barry have a game in hand and I cannot see anyone beating them to seventh now.

“From our own point of view we must look to get over last week’s disappointment as soon as we can and that means a good performance and reaction in our remaining games.

“We want to end the campaign as high in the table as possible and with nine points still up for grabs I do not want anyone to think our season is over.”

Defender Callum Roberts returns to contention after being cup tied last weekend with striker Ethan Jones also pressing for a start.