A POWERFUL header by left back Ryan Wollacott finally ended the stubborn challenge of Penrhyncoch as derby rivals Aberystwyth Town edged through to the second round of the Nathaniel MG Cup 2-1 in front of a bumper crowd at Cae Baker in midweek.

It had proved a close-fought encounter with Aber taking an early lead when Chris Jones’ 35 yard strike was deflected into his own net by the unfortunate Jon Foligno, only for Mark Gornall to restore parity by converting a penalty before the interval.

There was to be no repeat of Penrhyncoch’s Welsh Premier scalp against Newtown this time last season, however, as Aberystwyth kept their focus well to claim a hard-earned and much-needed win.

Over 400 turned out for the first competitive match between these two clubs since 1989, and on a warm Wednesday evening it was a tentative start the opening period.

With both sides depleted by injuries, and both with a point to prove after back-to-back defeats, the match developed into a tense and enthralling derby battle.

Dafydd Carruthers was first to get a shot on target for the Cymru Alliance outfit - playing in their opponents’ more familiar colour of green - but it was Aber who broke the deadlock in the ninth minute.

Aber’s Chris Jones, the stand out player on the night, unleashed a spectacular 35 yard goalbound effort, and it found the net with a slight deflection from Foligno.

The visitors, however, were unable to build on their early lead as they struggled to build momentum and capitalise fully on their lion’s share of the possession.

At the other end Carruthers got another shot in, which Aber keeper Dom Richards smothered comfortably, but Penrhyn’s main threat was coming from set pieces.

Gareth Mansell sent a quick free kick inches wide of the post, but Sam Rodon and Will Bell were standing firm at centre back for the visitors, and at the other end Jones saw a flicked header sail wide.

The hosts’ endeavour was rewarded when livewire Elian Evans went on a buccaneering foray into Aber’s box before being felled for a penalty, and Mark Gornall held his nerve from the spot.

Liam Doherty threatened to take the lead for the homesters but Richards was again in the right place, and then back came Aber with Kostya Georgievsky testing keeper Lee Jenkins with low strike.

Will Bell then saw a long range volley deflected for a corner, which was well defended by Penrhyn, who were perhaps relieved to be on level terms at the break.

Aber enjoyed more of the possession in the seconds half, with the Roosters sitting deep and looking to hit out on the break, yet inspiration was still lacking for Town.

Georgievsky saw a shot blocked, but then Penhyn’s danger man Carruthers played in Arron Lemon through the middle, but Richards snaffled out the threat.

Chances were few and far between and so Aberystwyth manager Matthew Bishop brought on Blake Davies and Geoff Kellaway to make an impact – and they did.

Kellaway’s pace gave Aber another threat down the right, although it was Kurtis March who unleashed another stinging 35 yarder from central midfield that Jenkins had to brilliantly tip over.

Then on 71 minutes the breakthrough came as Chris Jones went on yet another thrilling weaving run before curling a peach of a cross into the penalty box, and Ryan Wollacott powerfully headed home.

Blake Davies held the ball up before turning and shooting just wide, and Jones sent another effort past the post as Aberystwyth looked to make things safe.

Penrhyn were never likely to lie down however, and they battled to the end with substitute Dylan James testing Richards again with a free kick.An injury time set piece then saw the Aber keeper again in the right place to deny home keeper Lee Jenkins, who had cantered forward for on final effort.

At the other end, Jonathan Evans set up Kellaway for a snap shot which fizzed over, and Aber were through to round two, where they travel to face assistant manager Wayne Jones’ former club, Haverfordwest.

PENRHYNCOCH: L Jenkins, E Evans, M Mousely, S James, J Foligno, O James, A Lemon, L Doherty, D Carruthers, M Gornall, G Mansell. Subs: J Shaw, D James, D Evans, S Meredith, G Lewis.

ABERYSTWYTH: D Richards, G Walters, R Wollacott, S Rodon, W Bell, C Jones, K March, L Borelli, K Georgevsky, J Evans, L Coyne. Subs: G Kellaway, B Davies, J Clarke.

Attendance: 415. Referee: H Jones.