Gareth Evans scored a brace as Caernarfon Town came from behind to beat Newtown 3-1 at The Oval.
Two goals from Gareth Evans and one from captain Nathan Craig take Caernarfon Town into fifth place in the Cymru Premier.
George Harry scored for the Robins in what was a dominant first-half from the visitors but Caernarfon found inspiration in the second-half to battle back from a losing position.
The first chance of the game fell early on to Caernarfon Town’s Sion Bradley whose shot beat the keeper only to be dramatically cleared off the line.
Darren Thomas had the second clear chance of the game in the 18th minute when he dribbled past a few Newtown defenders to get the ball onto his favoured right foot only for his shot to be fired over the crossbar.
George Harry put the visitors ahead as he reacted well to his first clear chance of the game when he was played through by attacking partner Lifumpa Mwandwe.
The ex-Wrexham youngster kept his composure although Ramsay did get a hand to the shot but was unable to keep it out.
There was a scramble in Caernarfon’s box towards the end of the first half where a chance fell to George Harry. He was able to get a shot off however it was blocked by Caernarfon’s Ryan Williams.
Tension rose towards the end of the first half as Caernarfon’s Gareth Evans was unhappy with a challenge he received by Newtown’s Ryan Edwards which was not awarded by the referee.
Gareth Evans then received a yellow card for a late challenge on Edwards only minutes later.
Only a few minutes later again, Newtown players were calling for Evans to be sent off for an alleged off the ball incident with Jack Kelly however the referee did not react.
George Harry was unlucky not to grab his second right at the death of the first half as he was found unmarked in the box by Joe Kenton only for his volleyed effort to be saved by Caernarfon’s Alex Ramsay.
Caernarfon Town started the second half looking like a completely different side. Their risky passes that didn’t work in the first half started to become successful in the second.
Gareth Evans was brought down by ex-Sheffield Wednesday and Shrewsbury Town midfielder Sean McAllister about 30 yards out in the 56th minute which resulted in a free-kick for the home side.
Nathan Craig took aim of the free kick as he tested Newtown’s goal keeper David Jones who could only parry the ball out to Caernarfon’s Gareth Evans who calmly slotted home to equalise.
The goal inspired the Cofi Army who began to sing in full voice following this goal.
Danny Brookwell also made a difference for the home side as he came on just after the hour. His dribbling ability troubled Newtown’s defence on multiple occasions.
Gareth Evans was successful for a second time after being found in the box from a Joseph Williams cross to head home from around the penalty spot.
With less than ten minutes remaining, Darren Thomas was brought down just outside the box by Neil Mitchell who was booked for the offence.
Nathan Craig stepped up to take the free kick as he fired home into the top right to secure the win for The Cofis.
Caernarfon Town: Alex Ramsay, Joseph Williams, Nathan Craig, Gareth Evans (Telor Williams 90’), Darren Thomas, Sam Jones (Daniel Brookwell 62’), Noah Edwards, Gruffydd John, Ben Clark, Ryan Williams, Sion Bradley (Gareth Edwards 87’).
Goals: Caernarfon Town- Gareth Evans 57, 74, Nathan Craig 84’
Newtown: David Jones, Sean McAllister (Matthew Williams 80’), Kieran Mills-Evans, Ryan Edwards (Thomas James Goodwin 86’), Neil Mitchell, George Harry, Joseph Kenton, Jack Thorn, Lifumpa Mwandwe, Robert Williams, Jack Kelly.
Goals: George Harry 26′
(Featured Image: Colin Ewart)
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