Caernarfon Town were stunned by a rare home defeat to Aberystwyth Town at The Oval.
Former Bangor City forward Marc Williams was at the heart of Aber’s thrashing with the Aber captain staking a claim to a hat-trick against the Canaries.
The Canaries’ shock loss was just their second home league defeat of the campaign.
Caernarfon’s defeat means they were made to wait to secure their top-six spot.
Caernarfon captain Gareth Edwards failed his fitness test before the warm-up and was replaced by youngster Aled Williams.
Caernarfon Town were also without club captain Nathan Craig and midfield maestro Leo Smith; the former being injured and the latter being suspended.
The first half was played mainly in midfield with neither side making a massive amount of chances.
Aberystwyth opened the scoring just over the half-hour mark as Marc Williams converted from close range following a cross in from the right-hand side.
There was some confusion, however, who the final touch came off with speculation it might have been an own goal.
Aberystwyth were unlucky not to double their lead in the 41st minute as Richard Rickets was found unmarked in the box for his volley to be saved through a diving effort from Ramsey at his front post.
Caernarfon pushed on in the second half with hope of scoring an equaliser however they were unlucky on multiple occasions with poor decision making in the final third being a problem for them.
Goalkeeper Alex Ramsey came close to scoring for the hosts with a clearance as the wind seemed to confuse Aberystwyth’s goalkeeper Connor Roberts however the effort flew wide of the post.
New signing David Thompson impressed in defence for the visitors and Caernarfon were forced to try from range on multiple occasions.
Marc Williams fired home again following a driving run through midfield by new signing Pavel Vieira to extend the visitors’ lead.
Sean Eardley’s men seemed to lose hope following this goal as their quick possession-based attacking was replaced by long balls into areas.
Marc Williams extended Aberystwyth’s lead again to complete his hat-trick twelve minutes from time which put the game to bed once and for all.
This win for Aberystwyth Town moves them nine points clear of the Cymru Premier drop zone.
The loss for Caernarfon means they still need at least one point in their final league game to secure a top-six spot as they travel to Cardiff Met next Saturday – subject to other results.
Caernarfon Town: Alex Ramsey, Joseph Williams, Gareth Evans, Jamie Breese, Darren Thomas, Danny Brookwell, Ben Clark, Ryan Williams (C), Sion Bradley (Sam Jones 62’), Cai Jones, Aled Rhun Williams (Noah Edwards 50’).
Aberystwyth Town: Connor Roberts, Wesley Baynes, David Thompson, Pavel Vieira, Geoffrey Kellaway (Luke Boundford 69’), Paulo Mendes, Marc Williams (c), Lee Jenkins, Matthew Jones, Richard Ricketts (Ryan Edwards (45’), Ifan Hughes.
Goals: Marc Williams 34, 69, 78′
See how Aberystwyth stunned Caernarfon here:
(Featured Image: Colin Ewart)
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