ABERYSTWYTH Town saw red as their slim chances of qualifying for a top six position in the Welsh Premier end with another home defeat - with Luke Sherbon and Chris Venables both sent off in the final minutes against mid Wales rivals Newtown on Saturday evening.

Needing to win by two clear goals, Aber’s hopes of overtaking their old rivals on goal difference had been shattered inside 20 minutes, as goals from Neil Mitchell and Sean Evans kicked-off Newtown’s celebrations.

A second half comeback saw top scorer Venables get a goal back on 55 minutes, but the visitors held firm to repeat their 2-1 Play-Off Final triumph at Park Avenue last season.

Interim manager Wyn Thomas was not helped by the absence through injury of Geoff Kellaway, although the return of Luke Sherbon to the Aber midfield was a massive boost.

As was the case in the Play-Off Final last May, however, Aber had a nightmare start as Newtown broke quickly to score after just three minutes - with supporters still arriving.

Jason Oswell held the ball up for Matty Owen, and he found Mitchell down the left flank to expertly take the ball wide of keeper Mike Lewis and slot the ball in at the near post.

Oswell then lobbed another chance over, but within 15 minutes it got even worse for Aber as they conceded again from another quick break.

A defensive slip by Lee Surman allowed Oswell to secure the ball, and he found Luke Boundford out wide.

His dangerous cross was met by ex-Seasider Evans, and although hs header was initially saved, he managed to bundle the ball over the line.

Boundford then fired inches over, but Newtown then looked to slow the game down as much as possible, allowing Aber possession - but the home chances were slow in coming.

Jonathan Evans had the hosts’ first attempt after 25 minutes when he headed straight at keeper Dave Jones, and later on he was picked out by Cledan Davies, only to see his rasping shot whistle past the post.

In injury time Craig Williams’ deep free kick was met by Rhys Griffiths, but his header was straight at Jones, and the two goal deficit remained.

Boundford went close for the Robins just after the break, but Aber’s Evans fired over from another Davies ball in, and hope was re-ignited for the Seasiders on 55 minutes.

A deep free kick by Williams was deflected back across the box by Newtown’s Oswell, and Venables swept in his 12th goal of the season.

Aber’s momentum was halted as Newtown’s Tom Goodwin had to be stretchered off immediately after the goal, and Newtown almost restored their two goal advantage when Williams’ corner to the back post found Boundford, who headed just wide.

At the other end the hosts stepped up their pressure as Evans fired over, Antonio Corbisiero had a shot blocked, and Sherbon fired wide.

Evans went down under a Stef Edwards’ challenge, but ref Nick Pratt waved play on, and Aber’s frustration showed as a committed Sherbon picked up a second yellow card for a challenge from behind on Evans.

Soon after Venables’ frustration got the better of him as he swung Newtown’s Craig Williams off the pitch, and kicked the ball away in anger - before Aber played out six minutes of injury time with just nine players.

ABER: M Lewis, A Corbisiero, C Davies (L Jaques 88), S Jones, L Surman, L Sherbon, C Venables, C Williams, S James, J Evans, R Griffiths. Not used: R Stephens, W Thomas, J Rimmer, T Jones, N Blake.

NEWTOWN: D Jones, C Williams, K Mills-Evans, T Goodwin (M Cook 60), G Cadwallader, S Edwards, M Owen, L Boundford, S Evans (C Harris 90+5), J Oswell, N Mitchell (J Tolley 88). Subs not used: J Price, J Wells, J Perry. Att: 371.