Caernarfon 3-5 Newtown: Super-sub James Davies sends Robins into Europe in eight-goal thriller

Newtown qualified for the Europa Conference League after defeating Caernarfon Town 5-3 in an eight-goal thriller at The Oval.

Super-sub James Davies scored a three-minute brace to take the Robins from a losing position to the ecstasy of European football.

The former Canaries forward Jamie Breese scored with five minutes remaining to ensure European football in Powys for the first time since 2016.

Jack Kenny gave Caernarfon the lead in the first quarter but a Nick Rushton penalty and a Lifumpa Mwandwe strike gave the away side a first-half lead.

Darren Thomas then scored a second-half brace to restore Caernarfon’s lead but he would be outdone by James Davies.

Caernarfon marked their positive start with the opening goal to settle the nerves. Louis Malandjou-Kondjo sent a delicious ball over the top for Kenny to dip over the already committed Dave Jones to break the deadlock.

The Robins earned a shot at a leveller after looking unlikely to score Brass cleaned out Mwandwe for a penalty. Rushton stepped forward and drilled his penalty down the centre.

Mwandwe then changed the complexion of the half after an almost idle first period for the Newtown. Rushton was expertly denied by Brass but on the rebound, Mwandwe drilled home a shot into the corner to give them the confidence going into the break.

Newtown emerged from the dressing room with verve about them as Rushton again caused problems for the Cofi defence.

Caernarfon though were undeterred by the early onslaught as Thomas leveled proceedings. After Newtown failed to clear a throw-in, the midfielder struck a low first-time effort past the despairing Jones. 

Playing to the topsy-turvy fashion of the match, Mills-Evans almost restored the Robins lead after that setback as he stretched a shot at Brass’ post.

Caernarfon would then throw the game into another direction as Thomas netted a second goal which had the Cofi Army dreaming of Europe with fifteen minutes remaining. Max Cleworth carried the ball from his own box to the final third before squeezing in Thomas who tucked the ball past the rushing Jones.

In reaction to Thomas’ effort, James Davies, a former player of opposition manager Huw Griffiths was sent on to change the game again.

It proved to be an inspired substitution as Davies netted with a crucial header. Newtown skipper Craig Williams found him with a precise free-kick and there he was to flick home an effort past Brass. 

As Mwandwe bared down at goal, he was tackled by Noah Edwards, however, the pass only deflected to Davies who turned Williams out before slotting home to restore Newtown’s lead and earn his second. 

Moments later, former Cofis forward Breese made sure of the victory. Davies involved again had a tight-angled shot saved by Brass but Breese was there to turn home. As a mark of respect, he didn’t celebrate against his former employers. 

Caernarfon Town: Lewis Brass, Joe Williams (Cai Jones, 87), Gareth Edwards (C), Louis Malandjou-Kondjo, Sion Bradley, Paulo Mendes (Ryan Williams, 27), Mike Hayes (Jake Bickerstaff, 45), Darren Thomas, Noah Edwards, Jack Kenny, Max Cleworth. 

Goals: Jack Kenny 17, Darren Thomas 58, 74′

Yellow Cards: Jack Kenny 8, Max Cleworth 76, Joe Williams 77, Gareth Edwards 90+1

Newtown: Dave Jones, Kieran Mills-Evans, Nick Rushton, Craig Williams, Tyrone Ofori, Ryan Edwards, Shane Sutton, Alex Fletcher (James Davies, Lifumpa Mwandwe, Callum Roberts.

Goals: Nick Rushton p 39, Lifumpa Mwandwe 45, James Davies 78, 81, Jamie Breese 85′

Yellow Cards: Kieran Mills-Evans 45+4, Craig Williams 90+1

(Featured Image: Lewis Mitchell/FAW)