ABERYSTWYTH Town’s diehard supporters witnessed an improved performance from Matthew Bishop’s side as they eased any relegation concerns with their third win over Airbus UK this season.

A sparse crowd of just 168 turned out at Park Avenue as skipper Luke Sherbon’s 50th minute winning goal moved the Seasiders level on points with seventh-placed Llandudno with a committed display.

Bishop had demanded improvement after their 5-1 Welsh Cup exit at home to Cymru Alliance leaders Prestatyn Town, but after their third successive home defeat many supporters had stayed away.

Yet, with debutants Dylan Rees, Malcolm Melvin and Dafydd Jones all coming straight into the starting side - taking the number January signings in the team up to five - the Seasiders responded with a fresher and determined performance.

Building on a solid defence, Aber were good value for this vital win, which keeps them right in the fight for a Europa League Play-Off spot at the end of the season.

Recent addition Jon Owen also came back into the starting side after being cup-tied last weekend, and with Geoff Kellaway joining a strong bench after his six-week lay-off, Aber had strength in depth.

In a cagey start, Airbus missed a great chance when Glen Rule’s corner created a point blank opening for Steve Tomassson, but the visiting defender blasted wide.

On a pleasant sunny day, Aber’s first chance came as Rees dropped a lovely ball into the box for Dafydd Jones, and his superb first time volley flew just wide.

Jones, who was a free agent after leaving Newport County at the end of December, then sent in a great left wing cross, which evaded everyone, before the impressive Melvin’s cultured goalbound ball just evaded the hard-working Luke Borrelli.

Obi Anoruo was a threat for Airbus and he hit the side netting from the left side, but Borrelli almost returned the favour by setting up former Halesowen Town player Melvin, but he failed to capitalise.

Minutes after the break Town had another let off when Anoruo created a gilt-edged chance for Liam O’Neill, who straight through failed to unleash a shot.

Bailey Jackson then hauled down Borrelli to give Aber a golden chance, but Sherbon’s well-struck penalty hit the underside of the bar, to the despair of the hosts.

The skipper was not to be denied, however, and just two minutes later he turned well in the area and unleashed a superb low strike which sneaked in at the far post, for his second goal in as many games.

Keen to put the game to bed, Aber pushed on and Owen picked out Borrelli, but his low shot found the side-netting.

Airbus stepped up, but the home defence, imperious in the air and inspired by Ryan Wollacott, limited their chances.

Tony Gray fired a shot over from outside the area and James Murphy aimed a long distance effort just past the post.

At the other end Owen went close with a long range effort and sub Chris Jones brought a save from Shaun Pearson with a late curling effort as the Black and Greens held on for a hugely important result.

ABERYSTWYTH: C Mullock, D Rees, C Davies, S Rodon, J Crowther, L Sherbon, J Owen, L Borrelli (G Kellaway 84), R Wollacott, M Melvin (K March 89), D Jones (C Jones 87).

Not used: K Georgievsky, J Crowl, D Hopton.

AIRBUS UK: S Pearson, B Jackson, G Rule, T Mathews (R Edwards 35), A Williams, T Gray, J Murphy, R J Edwards, S Thomassen, O Anoruo (R Deakin 76), L O’Neill. Subs not used: R Neild, J Hulley, J Spittle.

Attendance: 168. Referee: Kevin Parry.