Aberystwyth Town 0 Newtown 0

HALF TIME

It’s honour even at Park Avenue at half time in a first half which lacked clear-cut scoring chances.

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.

Aberystwyth, who made one change, as Matty Jones replaced Rhys Davies, and Jon Owen returning to the squad from injury, threatened again on 10 minutes, Lee Jenkins’ cross after a marauding run down the right just too high for Jamie Reed.

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, Tyrone 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 waves 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