Aberystwyth Town 1 Newtown 0

FULL TIME

THREE second half incidents swung the game Aberystwyth’s way to give them the bragging rights in the big Mid Wales derby against Newtown.

After a closely fought first half, which lacked clear-cut goalscoring chances, the visitors were dealt a huge blow early on when Tyrone Ofori was sent packing after seeing a second yellow for a late tackle on Lee Jenkins.

It continued to be a competitive game despite Aber’s numerical advantage but they made the breakthrough on 77 minutes, Harry Franklin released through the middle and finishing with a beautiful dink over on-rushing keeper Dave Jones.

And the Robins were then presented with a gilt-edged opportunity to take a share of the spoils six minutes later when they were awarded a penalty, but Connor Roberts pulled off an amazing save to deny Alex Fletcher.

Despite the setback, Newtown continued to press for an equaliser but Aber kept composed to secure a valuable three points.

In the first half, Newtown had a player cautioned with just a minute on the clock, James O’Neil going into the referee’s book for a strong tackle on former Robin Jamie Reed.

The hosts were awarded another free kick five minutes later, with Jamie Veale and Matty Jones lining it up before Jones fired into the wall.

It was an even start to the game with both teams enjoying spells but the hosts were carrying the greater threat.

The visitors’ first opening came on 22 minutes, but the effort flashed wide of Connor Roberts’ goal.

At the other end, Reed made ground down the right and cut the ball back to Owain Jones whose shot was well blocked.

The resulting corner forced a save from Dave Jones and a skewed effort wide from Harry Franklin from close range.

Clear-cut chances were few and far between though, Newtown’s best chance of the half coming on 44 minutes, Ofori shooting over from a good position.

And Aber nearly made the breakthrough in stoppage time, Matty Jones’ powerful free kick well saved, the ball dropping to Franklin who appeared to be taken out by a defender, but the referee waved away protests.

Aberystwyth: Connor Roberts, Louis Bradford, Lee Jenkins, Harry Franklin, Jamie Veale, Marc Williams, Matty Jones, Owain Jones, Jack Thorn, Jamie Reed, Jack Rimmer. Subs: Jonathan Evans, Richie Ricketts, Steven Hewitt, Joe Saunders, Geoff Kellaway, Jon Owen, Rhys Davies