The key talking points as Newtown secure derby win over Aberystwyth

Newtown claimed derby day bragging rights over Aberystwyth Town with a dramatic 2-1 victory at Park Avenue. 

Seasiders captain Marc Williams’ first-half header was cancelled out by Robins striker Tyrone Ofori, before substitute Jordan Evans struck in injury-time to give the visitors the three points.

In an entertaining, competitive contest, here are five main talking points: 

First-half of chances

Typical of a local derby, the first-half was played at a very high tempo with both sides keen to press with intensity and create chances. 

The Seasiders found joy in counter-attacking and winning the ball back in midfield, but couldn’t quite find a clinical final ball to open up the Robins defence. 

Chris Hughes’ side had a spell of sustained pressure in the first-half with Nick Rushton heading narrowly wide, Callum Roberts having an effort well saved by Pennock and Kieran Mills-Evans heading over the bar. 

Captain Williams on target

Despite the Robins creating numerous opportunities to take the lead in the first half, they were punished for not taking their chances, as Aberystwyth broke the deadlock with their first corner. 

A pinpoint delivery from left-back Mathew Jones was met powerfully by Williams, heading past Dave Jones to give the hosts the lead. 

Offering both leadership and goals to the Aberystwyth lineup, Williams once again proved his value for the Seasiders.

Newtown’s superb response 

Having fell behind on the stroke of half-time, it was key that the visitors responded well with a positive start to the second-half and they did just that. 

The Robins put Aberystwyth under wave after wave of pressure in the second period, with chances  falling to Alex Fletcher, Ofori and Roberts. 

Despite a resistant performance from the impressive duo of Louis Bradford and Lee Jenkins, the pressure finally told as Newtown’s second-half display turned the game on its head.

Ofori continues to impress

One of the star men for the Robins this season has been striker Ofori, who signed for the club in the summer from fellow Cymru Premier club Cefn Druids. 

Since arriving at Latham Park, Ofori has made an impression and continued his positive form with the equalising goal at Aberystwyth, turning his man and firing past Pennock. 

The striker takes his tally up to seven for the season, four greater than his tally for the Druids last season.

Robins substitutes make an impact

Having equalised going into the final ten minutes, Hughes looked to the bench to add some firepower to his attack, introducing Jamie Breese and Jordan Evans. 

Breese, who got on the scoresheet in the defeat to Connah’s Quay Nomads, went close to making an instant impact, heading narrowly over shortly after entering the fray. 

But it was the lively Evans who made the difference, firing a powerful effort past Pennock in injury-time to secure a dramatic derby win for Newtown.

(Featured Image: Will Cheshire)