Chris Hughes’ side have been dealt a result they will soon wish to forget as they were trounced 4-0 by Mid Wales rivals Aberystwyth Town thanks to goals from Mathew Jones, Jonathan Evans, Owain Jones and Harry Franklin.
Aberystwyth started off on the stronger foot as Jonathan Evans’ headed attempt was sent goalwards, but young goalkeeper Kham Steventon saved well to keep the scores level.
Five minutes later, Newtown had a chance of their own to open the scoring, but after a scuffle in the box with a mix of Aberystwyth and Newtown players involved, a last ditch tackle from loanee Louis Bradford ended the attack and the ball trickled just wide of the post and went out for a corner.
Jonathan Evans tried a cross but the ball didn’t find one of his teammates and in rolled out over the line for a throw in at the other side of the pitch.
In a one-on-one situation, Aber forward Owain Jones was caught and taken down in the box by Kham Steventon and referee Benjamin Williams pointed to the spot for a Seasiders penalty. The penalty was converted well by Mathew Jones.
Another chance for the visitors came when another one-on-one situation saw pacey attacker Jonathan Evans attempt to chip Steventon, but his shot hit the crossbar and the score remained 1-0.
Another chance for Evans came only a couple of minutes later but his header flies narrowly over the crossbar and lands on the roof of the net.
Steventon, who despite the scoreline had a good game, was called into action again when Northern Irish midfielder Harry Franklin found himself through on goal. He saved the attempt well to keep Aber within catching distance.
Though, the visitors were quick to get the second as Jonathan Evans, who caused Newtown many problems in the first half, finally got his goal as he beat the offside trap and he cooly slotted the ball past the Robin’s shot stopper to double Gavin Allen’s side’s lead.
A quick double for Aberystwyth came as only minutes later Owain Jones pounced on a Newtown error to slot the ball past the keeper to get the visitors’ third of the afternoon.
Newtown had a chance to pull one back as Nick Rushton had an attempt, but it was dealt with well by Connor Roberts in net.
A strike from Callum Roberts was fired off the crossbar and youngster Rhys Hesden also had an attempt on goal but his close range chip ended up floating over the crossbar.
Aber’s fourth of the afternoon came through talented midfielder Harry Franklin who has proved to be a fantastic signing since arriving from Evesham United in January. A lovely pass from former Cardiff City youth captain Jamie Veale found the goalscorer at a tight angle, but despite his positioning he managed to put the ball in the back of the net to inflict further misery on the play-off conference leaders.
Newtown: Kham Steventon (GK), Jake Phillips, Sean McAllister, Kieran Mills-Evans (C), Neil Mitchell (Dylan Downs, 73′), Nick Rushton, Jamie Breese (Rhys Hesden, 60′), Tyrone Ofori, Ryan Edwards (Alfie Jones, 73′), Callum Roberts
Unused subs: Dave Jones (GK), Jordan Evans, Alex Fletcher, Lifumpa Mwandwe
Yellow cards: Kham Steventon 23′, James O’Neill 58′, Sean McAllister 75′
Aberystwyth Town: Connor Roberts (GK), Louis Bradford, Lee Jenkins (C), Ian Kearney (Joseph Saunders, 90′), Harry Franklin, Mathew Jones, Jamie Veale, Rhys Davies (Richy Ricketts, 90′), Jonathan Evans (Jamie Reed, 85′), Owain Jones (Jon Owen, 79′), Jack Thorn
Unused subs: Alex Pennock (GK), Harri Horwood, Jack Rimmer
Goals: Matthew Jones (P) 23′, Jonathan Evans 47′, Owain Jones 50′, Harry Franklin 84′
Yellow cards: Lee Jenkins 23′
Relive the action with our live blog below:
(Featured Image: H18-Pdw Photography)
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