BORTH United lost ground in the race for the Spar Mid Wales League division two title as they had to settle for a share of the spoils in a 10-goal thriller with Newbridge on the 3G pitch at Park Avenue.

A hat-trick from Liam Lewis and two goals from Ryan Davies were not quite enough for the Crows, who are now five points adrift of league frontrunners Kerry.

Borth drew first blood when Jay Walker played a long ball into the Newbridge half and hesitancy between the defender and the goalkeeper allowed Liam Lewis to nip in and open the scoring for the Crows.

Dafydd Powell soon lobbed the ball over Borth keeper Sean Gates for the equaliser, but Borth responded quickly with Ben Jones’ through ball finding Liam Lewis to score his second goal of the afternoon.

The visitors again hit back with Aeron Powell equalising, and they took the lead when Alphie Stonefield headed home.

As half time approached, however, Bryn Oliver and Ryan Davies combined to put in a through ball, which allowed Liam Lewis to complete a well-taken hat-trick, and leave the teams level at the interval.

The fast tempo of the game continued in the second half and the goals kept coming as Lyndon Jones scored for the visitors to take a 4-3 lead, but Ryan Davies then netted his first goal with a cool finish for 4-4.

The hosts led again when Ben Jones’ long ball evaded the Newbridge defence and Ryan Davies slid the ball passed the keeper for 5-4, but Newbridge made it 5-5 as Aphie Stonefield scored from close in.

In a frantic finish Borth were perhaps unfortunate to be denied a probable winner by the linesman’s flag for offside, as they had to settle for a share of the spoils.

Ali Palmer meanwhile scored twice as Aberystwyth University produced one of their best displays of the season in defeating Llansantffraid Village 2-0 at home.

With one league game left, away to Borth tonight (Wednesday), the students are well placed for a top six finish, and have a chance of landing silverware, with a semi-final against Dolgellau in the ER Jenkins Division Two Cup on Saturday.

After a bright start from Llansantffraid, the University began to take charge with Liam Powell getting behind the defence, and Tristan Harris missing a good chance.

The Aber students finally went ahead on the hour mark when Sean Fahey found Harris, who laid the ball back to Palmer to smash home into the roof of the net.

Victory was settled when Matthew Hunton crossed to Palmer, who powered home his volley into the net at the far post.

Elsewhere in division two, leaders Kerry bounced back from their defeat at Churchstoke with a 3-1 win at Dyffryn Banw.

Top scorer Luke Mumford netted a trade mark free kick for the Lambs, and closer range efforts from Daryl McWatt and Luke Vickers made sure of the win, despite Alan Williams netting for Banw.

The result means that Joe Andrew’s side could secure the Spar division two title with a win against second-placed Borth United at Dolforgan Park this Saturday.

Fourth-placed Churchstoke maintained winning ways with a 2-1 win at Abermule, as goals from Omer Ali Bozdag and Max Mclaughlin sealed the points. Stuart Emberton scored fo the home team.

The match between Dolgellau and Four Crosses at the Marian was postponed.