KURTIS March’s 89th minute winner handed Aberystwyth Town a late Christmas gift in front of a joyous Dias Stand as the Seasiders edged a tight Boxing Day derby 1-0 against old adversaries Newtown.

With time running out, the effervescent midfielder popped up at the back post to convert Kostya Georgievsky’s left wing cross to snatch a dramatic win, and revive Aber’s hopes of making it into the top six.

Indeed, it was the least that Matthew Bishop’s side had deserved, after a strong defensive display and territorial domination had looked like it would be in vain.

Looking to brush off the festive blues after their home defeat against Bangor, Ricky Watts and Sam Rodon returned to bolster Aber’s defence, and the hosts looked solid on a chilly, but sunny day.

The Seasiders were soon on the attack, with Dan Alfei sending in the first of a seemingly endless stream of brilliant crosses to find Luke Borrelli’s head, but visiting keeper Dave Jones saved well.

Cledan Davies and Watts curled shots wide as Aber made the most of the wind advantage, forcing corner after corner as their midfield dominated the possession.

Despite the odd break Newtown had to soak up much of the pressure throughout the half, against the tough coastal wind.

A Luke Sherbon cross almost dropped in, only for the Newtown keeper to save again, and Dave Jones also had to be alert shortly after the half hour mark to tip March’s effort onto the post and behind.

Sherbon saw another low shot well saved, Sam Rodon glanced a header wide and keeper Jones had to be alert shortly after the half hour mark to tip March’s effort onto the post and behind the goal.

Newtown responded before the interval when Neil Mitchell crossed for Jason Oswell, who could only poke wide from a matter of yards, and Luke Boundford’s shot looked bound for the top corner, only for ex-Newtown stopper Chris Mullock to save with the last kick of the half.

Neil Mitchell had also missed the target, and Shane Sutton also forced a save for the Robins as the half ended goal less.

The visitors pressed for a spell after the break and Mullock was again needed to deny Steff Edwards’ effort, before Craig Williams fired wide after cutting inside.

Borrelli sent in a brilliant cross from the right, which somehow evaded everyone, and then with Sherbon limping off, subs Jack Rimmer and Kostya Georgievsky were introduced to play, to good effect.

With an hour gone a tight intriguing game remained in the balance, and it looked like one mistake would decide it.

March played a classy one-two before finding Borrelli in space, but Jones was out to deny him again, and Georgievsky headed wide from Chris Jones’ corner.

Then moments later Georgievsky curled an excellent cross to the back post but Joe Clarke headed wide from five yards out.

Ryan Kershaw curled an effort wide for the Robins, but in the last five minutes Borrelli was again released down the left channel, only to be denied by the keeper, and Georgievsky also curled wide.

Then, just as it seemed that time would run out, Borelli played livewire Georgievsky in down the left side and his cross found March at the far post to sweep the ball home, before climbing the steps of the Dias Stand to celebrate in triumph.

Kershaw fired a late rifled shot wide for the Robins, but Aber’s excellent defence held firm for almost five minutes of injury time for a huge and priceless victory.

ABERYSTWYTH TOWN: C Mullock, R Watts, C Davies (K Georgievsky 64 minutes), S Rodon, J Clarke, L Sherbon (J Rimmer 60), L Borrelli, R Wollacott, K March, D Alfei, C Jones. Subs not used: W Bell, B Davies.

NEWTOWN: D Jones, C Williams, A Jones, S Sutton, S Edwards, R Stephens, T Goodwin (J Wells 83), L Boundford (J Newton 63), R Kershaw, J Oswell, N Mitchell. Subs not used: G Cadwallader, J Perry. Att: 476. Ref: L Jones.