ABERYSTWYTH Town fell to another desperately disappointing JD Welsh Premier League defeat at the hands of rivals Carmarthen Town as they went down 2-1 on a blustery New Year’s Day encounter at Park Avenue.

A bizarre 66th minute goal by Carmarthen keeper Lee Idzi, followed by a late Liam Griffiths strike were enough to hand the Old Gold three points, and complete a festive double over the Seasiders.

Aber’s Matthew Jones netted a consolation goal in added time, but the defeat leaves Neville Powell’s men in 10th place in the JD Welsh Premier League, with no hope of finishing in the league’s top six.“It was desperately disappointing from us, because we knew the first goal would probably win the game," said Powell. "We should have got a result, but we haven’t, and we have got a tough few weeks ahead of us now."Basement side Carmarthen came into the game having won just two of their previous 19 league games, but buoyed by their 1-0 Boxing Day victory over Aber.

Aber started well, with a gale force wind at their backs, and Declan Walker fired an early shot straight at Lee Idzi, whilst Craig Hobson also volleyed over the bar, and Ashley Young’s in-swinging corner was inches from crossing the goal line.

Looking to take advantage of the elements in their favour, Walker tried his luck from long range once more, and Jonny Spittle fired an effort wide of the post.

The visitors struggled to get a foothold in the game, but the strong winds significantly impacted both teams’ efforts.

As half time approached, Luke Borrelli swivelled on the edge of the penalty area before unleashing a shot that was deflected straight into the grateful arms of Idzi, and the first half ended in a stalemate.

Aber came out in the second half playing into a very stiff breeze, but there appeared to be more urgency in their play.

Borrelli’s effort was cleared off the line after a scramble inside the penalty area - but the turning point in the game came on 66 minutes when Carmarthen took the lead through the most unlikely of scorers.

Idzi collected the ball inside his penalty area and when he launched a high kick out of his hands, the ball bounced up and over the head of Aber’s goalkeeper Chris Mullock, who was six yards off his line.

Home manager Neville Powell sensed it was time for changes as he introduced Joe Phillips and Malcolm Melvin to try and create some added attacking threat.

Aber again went close when Declan Walker broke free down the right flank, before narrowly shooting over the bar.

The Seasiders were becoming increasingly desperate as they searched for an equaliser, and on the stroke of full time Carmarthen delivered their sucker punch which ultimately secured the three points.

Keiran Lewis neatly played the ball in to substitute Liam Griffiths, who slotted a neat finish past Mullock to make it 2-0.

Aber were able to grab a consolation goal before the full time whistle when local lad Matthew Jones tapped in Ryan Wade’s cross at the far post - but it was too little too late for Powell’s side.

ABERYSTWYTH: C Mullock, D Walker, J Spittle, R Wollacott (G Kellaway 77'), C Hobson (J Phillips 71'), J Owen, L Borrelli (M Melvin 71'), R Wade, M Jones, A Young, J McKenna. Subs not used: J Rimmer, H Horwood, L Jenkins, H Rowe.

CARMARTHEN: L Idzi, L Cummings, J Knott, D Vincent, D Sheehan, K Georgievsky, K Lewis, L Walsh, C Hanford (L Surman 89'), K Bassett (L Griffiths 55'), L Thomas. Subs not used: T Brock, D Thomas, N Smothers.

Attendance: 337. Referee: Rob Jenkins.