Aberystwyth Town 1-2 Newtown: Harry scores stoppage-time winner to strengthen grip on top six
A dramatic late-winner from George Harry sealed vital three points for the Newtown in the race for a top-six place.
Lifumpa Mwandwe had put Christopher Hughes’ men ahead in first-half played at high tempo, only for Mathew Jones to equalise from the spot with just seven minutes left.
A last-minute flick-on header by striker George Harry was enough to secure a crucial win for the Robins.
Harry’s winner means that Newtown climbs up to sixth place, three points clear of Cefn Druids – they were beaten 2-1 by league leaders The New Saints – while Aberystwyth remain in ninth place.
The game sprung to life immediately as the hosts appealed for a penalty in the second minute, with Marc Williams going down in the area, only for referee Richard Harrington to wave away the protests.
A swift counter-attack from the visitors lead to on-loan Shrewsbury Lifumpa Mwandwe firing home to give Newtown an early lead.
Referee Richard Harrington was again called into action in the sixth minute as Aberystwyth once again claimed for a penalty, this time for handball. Harrington refuted the claims, makig for early controversy at Park Avenue.
After taking the lead, Newtown controlled possession and could have doubled their lead.
Jack Kelly met a corner at the near post, flashing a header into the six-yard area, but there was no one in red to poke home.
The visitors went close again with Kenton’s cross nearly deceiving goalkeeper Connor Roberts.
Aberystwyth then grew into the game as their attacks became more frequent, but struggled to make the keeper work in the early stages.
Dave Jones was called into action as a long-range strike from Pedro Vaz tested the Robins’ goalkeeper.
The hosts had another chance through centre-back Lee Jenkins, heading over from a corner as Aberystwyth piled pressure on the visitors.
Newton’s defence, however, stood strong, with captain Kieran Mills-Evans heading crosses away a common theme.
Aberystwyth started the second half much as they ended the first, as they forced a chance through captain Marc Williams, heading into the grateful arms of Dave Jones.
Wes Baynes came close to equalising for Matthew Bishop’s men less than ten minutes into the second half, his long-range effort just inches over the bar.
Aberystwyth’s first clear-cut chance came at the hour mark, with Paulo Mendes finding himself free in the area, only to fire wide with Dave Jones beaten.
They piled on the pressure with ten minutes to go, as a goalmouth scramble fell to Luke Boundford, but he failed to connect cleanly with the goal begging.
The pressure told with seven minutes of regular time remaining as Richard Harrington granted the hosts a penalty at their fourth time of asking; Mathew Jones firing home for the equaliser.
There was still time, however, for late Newtown pressure.
Chasing a winner to stand them in good stead for a top-six place, Joe Kenton fired over in the 88th minute.
A draw looked on the cards until George Harry popped up in the last minute to flick a header past Connor Roberts, giving his side a crucial three points.
Newtown face the difficult task of hosting TNS in their next game, while Aberystwyth travel to Caernarfon.
Aberystwyth Town: Connor Roberts, Wes Baynes, Ryan Edwards, Geoff Kellaway, Paulo Mendes, Marc Williams ©, Pedro Vaz (Luke Boundford 77), Lee Jenkins, Stuart Jones (Adam Hughes 87), Mathew Jones, Thomas Price
Newtown: Dave Jones, Sean McAllister (Ian Sheridan 81), Kieran Mills-Evans ©, Neil Mitchell, George Harry, Joe Kenton, Jack Thorn, Lifumpa Mwandwe, Niall Flint (Craig Williams 67’), Alex Fletcher, Jack Kelly
Attendance: 283
Find out how Newtown claimed the three points at Park Avenue with our blog below:
(Featured Image: Colin Ewart)
