RIAN Devlin carried on from where he left off last year as he fired a brace to help take Aberystwyth University into the fourth round of the Central Wales Senior Challenge Cup with a 3-1 victory against visitors Montgomery Town.

In their first action of 2016, the students effectively wrapped up the win in the first 25 minutes of their rearranged tie, with Tom Penberthy also on the mark with the opening goal.

They now face a tricky encounter at home to Hay St Mary’s who were 8-0 winners against struggling Penybont.

The University never looked back after Penberthy had latched onto a poor clearance from the keeper to fire home, before Devlin opened his account when heading in a Matthew Hunton corner.

Devlin then made it three after cutting in and beating a couple of defenders for a fine solo effort, but Monty came back into the tie as the hosts eased off.

After the break, the students lacked their earlier spark as the visitors reduced the arrears with a dubious penalty after Sam Chapman was ruled to have handled.

And the outcome could have been a lot more tense had Monty not spurned a second penalty, this time for a foul, when firing wide from the spot.

The following day, the University maintained their promotion push with a 3-1 win at Churchstoke in their first outing of the year in the Spar Mid Wales League division two.

The prolific Devlin again led from the front as he showed his eye for goal with another well-taken hat-trick.

Victory consolidated fourth spot, and the students have games in hand on the three sides above them - two of whom they play this weekend.

They host third placed Builth Wells on Saturday followed by another important trip to leaders Kerry the following day.