Newtown produced a masterclass in finishing to win 7-0 at the Cefn Druids to move into a strong position for a European play-off spot.
Former Druids man James Davies marked a triumphant return to The Rock by scoring a hat-trick after coming off the bench.
Nick Rushton and Alex Fletcher had both scored in the first half before Fletcher added a second on the hour mark.
Aaron Simpson scored an own goal in between Davies’ hat-trick to compile an evening of misery for Jayson Starkey’s men.
The Robins move six points clear of Haverfordwest in the play-off race who play Flint Town United at the Essity Stadium tomorrow.
Jamie Breese and Nick Rushton were the brightest sparks for Newtown in the early minutes. Breese in particular looked lively as he teed up Rushton for a volley that was driven wide and was caught offside a few times himself.
As the game began to settle down Cefn Druids’ compact formation was denying Newtown any space in behind. The best of chances mid way through the half fell to centre back Shane Sutton who rose highest from a succession of set pieces delivered by Craig Williams, with each header coming closer to breaking the deadlock.
With five minutes remaining to halftime, the Robins got off the mark. Craig Williams’ corner was flicked towards goal by that man Shane Sutton again and Rushton popped up at the back post to nod the ball into the back of the net. It was a deserved lead for Newtown who had been knocking on the Druids’ goal to no avail until then.
It would prove to be a tale of two halves however. Once Alex Fletcher had lifted his delightful shot into the top corner Druids’ fell apart. Just two minutes from the second half getting underway it was two to Newtown. Nick Rushton did well to keep the ball alive down the right. Breese took over and set up Fletcher on the edge of the box. The midfielder stroked the ball into the top corner leaving Mike Jones in no man’s land.
Rushton and Breese were enjoying themselves up top now and were being given time and room. Both had chances to make it three in the following minutes but were thwarted by poor finishing. At the hour mark they both played a role in Fletcher’s second. A mistake by Aaron Simpson who passed straight to Rushton allowed Breese to be fed in the box. The pass was too strong for a shot but Breese layed it back to Fletcher who duly blasted past Jones.
Midway through the half Newtown replaced Jamie Breese with former Druids’ man James Davies and the striker would run riot. Only minutes after entering the pitch Davies taking advantage of some indecisive defending notched a fourth for Newtown. Picking up the chance in the box he placed the ball with ease into the back of the net.
In quick succession Davies was instrumental in the fifth goal. His fresh energy was too much to handle for the beleaguered Druids’ defence. Davies proved too quick for Druids left back Steff Edwards and surged to the byline before hitting in a low cross in front of the back peddling Aaron Simpson. Simpson’s attempt to divert the ball away from goal caused him to inadvertently put it past his own keeper.
Davies wasn’t settled just yet and grabbed his second goal moments later. Unleashed down the right Steff Edwards again could not catch the energetic attacker. He sauntered into the box and struck low into the corner of the net for a supremely assured finish. This was Newtown’s third goal in six minutes. They were running rampant.
Cefn Druids would finally have a chance on goal in the second period with ten minutes remaining. Sam Phillips was found in acres of space on the right thanks to a great diagonal ball. The goalless former Newtown man’s effort lacked composure and went straight into the gloves of Jones.
Davies would show Phillips how to finish when the Robins immediately went back up the field. Finding himself with the ball in the box he could not get a meaningful shot away from under his feet. Flowing with confidence however he would not be denied. Quicker than any Druids player and bursting onto the loose ball and striking into the back of the net. Seven heaven for Newtown and a hat trick for Davies.
Cefn Druids: Michael Jones, Josh Green, Aaron Simpson, Alex Darlington (Mitchell Williams, 77), Sam Phillips, Niall Flint, Joe Faux (Harry Fuller, 83), Stefan Edwards, Charley Edge, Max Pritchard (Kieran Smith, 68), Bradley Knight.
Yellow Cards: Sam Phillips 82′
Newtown: Dave Jones, Jake Phillips, Kieran Mills-Evans, Nick Rushton, Jamie Breese (James Davies, 67), Jordan Evans (Lifumpa Mwander, 67), Craig Williams (C), (Alfie Jones, 83), Ryan Edwards (James O’Neill, 73), George Hughes, Shane Sutton (Sean McAllister, 73), Alex Fletcher.
Goals: Nick Rushton 40, Alex Fletcher 48, 60, James Davies 70, 76, 84, Aaron Simpson OG 73′
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