ABERYSTWYTH University stayed firmly on the promotion trail in the Spar Mid Wales League division two as they defeated leaders Berriew 2-1 - but the following day they spurned a chance to take over pole position as they could only draw 1-1 at bottom side Penybont.

The students are just one point off top spot, but have played three more games than the Rhiewsiders, who remain firm title favourites. With six games left, however, the Uni are in good shape for a swift return to division one next season when they resume action after Easter.

Their terrific 2-1 win over leaders Berriew at Vicarage Fields on Saturday was only the second defeat of the season for the visitors, with University manager Chris Warden describing his side’s performance as the best of the campaign.

Berriew had started well and they hit the bar twice in the opening 20 minutes through a Barry Bellis header and Rob Pritchard from close range, with the rebound being cleared off the goal line.

The students, however, took the lead on the half hour when Niall Jones’ through-ball found Rian Devlin, whose cross-shot was parried by Danny Foulkes into the path of Liam Powell who tucked it away.

The Uni had the lion’s share of possession for the rest of the half, but the visitors were given a lifeline a minute before half time when Bellis was ruled to have been tripped in the box by Josh Orton and Karl Seliaerts dispatched the penalty.

The students had the better of the second half, and finally got their reward in the 89th minute when a lofted Tom Francis free kick was nodded back across to Devlin who beat both defender and keeper to the ball to nod home the winner.

• That victory, however, seemed to take its toll as the following day the students were held 1-1 away against Penybont.

The Uni found themselves a goal behind when Darren Murphy’s header from a Gavin Johnson corner found its way into the back of the net via the crossbar.

The Uni responded quickly and Matty Hunton’s drive into the box was finished off from close range by Shaun Roberts, but that was as good as it got for Warden’s men who missed a chance to go top.