A BRACE from Tristan Harris helped Aberystwyth University lift the ER Jenkins Division Two Cup with a fine 3-1 win over Churchstoke in the final at Llanidloes.

Victory, in which Ali Palmer also found the net with a terrific volley, was the perfect finish for the students, who finished sixth in the Spar Mid Wales division two.

Churchstoke had gone into the final at Llanidloes’ Victoria Avenue in good heart after clinching runners-up spot and securing promotion to division one.

They were soon on the back foot, however, as the students, fresh from a month’s break, made most of the early running and created several early scoring chances.

Liam Powell put an effort wide after just 30 seconds from a Palmer cross, and Palmer and Chris Warden also had efforts.

The goal that they threatened arrived on 25 minutes when a long throw from Powell was nodded past the keeper by Harris.

The students, urged on by their lively band of supporters, doubled the lead five minutes before half time when Matthew Hunton’s long crossfield ball was met on the edge of the penalty box by Palmer, who hammered a great volley into the net.

Harris then made it 3-0 in the second period, when powering home a header from another Powell throw-in, but Churchstoke battled hard to hit back.

After picking up several bookings, they eased their frustration with a reply goal 15 minutes from time from Trevor Dunham, and they also forced two fine saves from University goalkeeper Filip Lisczyk.

The students were not to be denied, however, and they ended their campaign on a high with a well-deserved win - but will need to rebuild next season as they are set to lose seven members of their side.