Penybont 0-2 Newtown: Robins strengthen case for top six spot
Penybont slipped into the drop zone as they suffered defeat to play-off chasing Newtown.
Second-half goals from Kieran Mills-Evans and Niall Flint gave the Robins their fourth straight victory.
Rhys Griffiths’ side remains winless in four Cymru Premier matches as they fall behind fellow promoted side Airbus UK.
The Robins, on the other hand, made it four straight victories in all competitions.
Penybont almost secured an early goal but for the instincts of Newtown goalkeeper Dave Jones.
Owain Warlow’s low cross was met on the second attempt by Curtis Jemmett-Hutson who touched his shot at Jones from a few yards out.
Newtown put the ball in the net with their first real opportunity but the linesman flag thwarted any celebrations.
Jack Kelly’s searching ball was touched home by George Harry but he was judged to be offside.
The Robins continued to put pressure on and had claims for a goal.
Alex Fletcher’s corner was met by the head of skipper Kieran Mills-Evans but his attempt was hooked off the line by Kane Owen.
Newtown continued to command the first-half and brought Rhys Wilson into action.
Alex Fletcher’s well-lifted free-kick was palmed away by the Penybont goalkeeper.
Penybont having weathered the torrential conditions and a wave of Newtown attacks had their own opportunity.
Cullen Kinsella’s dinked effort almost caused Jones problems with a late bounce.
Lifumpa Mwandwe – a threat throughout the first-half – went close to breaking the deadlock.
Mwandwe latched on to Niall Flint’s through ball and his narrow-angled shot went just past the post.
Warlow’s gritted shot was saved by Dave Jones in the last action of the first half.
Newtown came out with the more attacking intent in the opening minutes of the second half.
Kieran Mills-Evans’ goal-bound header was blocked by a Penybont player.
Penybont were then dealt a handicap as Oliver Dalton required treatment in the changing room.
Newtown would make the most of the man advantage by scoring the games first goal.
Joe Kenton’s cross was nodded home by Mills-Evans, despite Owen’s attempts to clear off the line.
Shot-shy Penybont almost pulled one back as Nathan Wood’s low shot went just past an outstretched Jones.
Kane Owen’s laced shot forced Jones into action as the Robins keeper parried the ball away from goal.
Flint and Mwandwe were enjoying a fruitful partnership as Mwandwe went close to scoring from Flint’s through ball.
Mwandwe’s clean run on goal resulted in a block from Wilson to keep his side in the match.
Newtown put themselves into an easier position as they doubled their tally for the afternoon.
Lifumpa Mwandwe showed composure to roll the ball to Niall Flint who tucked home from close range.
Wood hit the post for Penybont with what looked an untroubling shot, before forcing Jones to punch clear twice from his crosses.
Penybont were unable to muster any real attacking threat in the final moments of the match with the Robins quelling any late pressure.
Newtown manager Chris Hughes said:
Penybont: Rhys Wilson (C), Kane Owen, James Saddler, Oliver Dalton (Matthew Harris 62), Cullen Kinsella (Kostya Georgievsky 62), Curtis Jemmett-Hutson, Nathan Wood, Dan Jefferies, Daniel Griffiths, Owain Warlow, Michael George (Adam Carpenter 80).
Newtown: David Jones, Sean McAllister, Kieran Mills-Evans (C), Neil Mitchell, George Harry, Joe Kenton, Jack Thorn, Lifumpa Mwandwe (Sam Barnes 90), Niall Flint, Alex Fletcher, Jack Kelly
See how Newtown beat Penybont here:
(Featured Image: Lewis Mitchell and NCM Media)
