ABERYSTWYTH Town ended phase one of their JD Cymru Premier campaign with back-to-back wins and clean sheets, after a fourth minute own goal by Penybont’s Billy Borge proved enough to earn the Seasiders the points in a 1-0 win.

They go into the three week break from league action in ninth position at the split, with eight points to make up on Cardiff Met in seventh if they are to challenge for a Europa League play-off spot.

Manager Mathew Bishop gave home debuts to David Thompson, Pavel Vieira and Ilan Hughes, and a full debut up front to new signing Alhagi Touray Sisay, following international clearance.

Aber took just four minutes to open their account as the magnificent Paulo Mendes pulled out a great trick down the right to beat his man, and sent in a testing cross that the unfortunate Borge deflected past his keeper Ashley Morris.

The lightning fast Nathan Wood won the ball in midfield, before shooting wide for Penybont, but at the other end Touray turned his defender and sent in a shot, which Morris parried to safety.

A nice Penybont move ended with Ashley Evans sending in a low shot for Connor Roberts to save, then Michael George surged down the right and crossed for Dan Griffiths to curl just past the post.

After a promising start from the hosts, the visitors were now taking the initiative, but the Seasiders were showing some good defensive discipline through Thompson and Lee Jenkins in particular.

Another searching cross from Jones just evaded Touray at the far post, and the same pair combined minutes later as Touray flicked the ball past the post.

Kane Owen’s free kick was headed wide by Kostya Georgievsky, with Penybont threatening again, then Jenkins pulled out a superb goal saving challenge to deny Wood a strike on goal.

James Sadler saw a shot deflected safely to Roberts in Aber’s goal, and in injury time Mendes and Wes Baynes were denied by strong blocks, and the Seasiders went into half-time a goal to the good.

Another hectic start characterised the second half, but clear cut chances were limited. Touray beat his man and curled a left-footed volley goalbound, only for Morris to save, and Jenkins surged up from centre back, and his effort was deflected back to Kellaway, who fired over.

Mendes sent in a ball which captain Marc Williams headed at the visiting goalkeeper, but Penybont were dominating possession, and Wood’s cross was aimed straight at home keeper Roberts. Georgievsky headed wide again, but then Jones sent in yet another quality cross for Williams to glance just wide.

Jones’ corner was then deflected and cleared off the line by a visiting defender, before Penybont went close with a header at the death - but Aber held on for a crucial clean sheet and three points.

Penybont deserved credit for their progressive style of football, but Aber defended well, created chances and showed the know-how to win a game of football.

Attention now turns to the Welsh Cup, with the Seasiders facing a challenging fourth round tie away against The New Saints at Park Hall on Saturday (2.30pm).

ABERYSTWYTH TOWN: C Roberts, W Baynes, D Thompson, P Vieira (E Vaz 65 minutes), G Kellaway, P Mendes, T Marie (L Boundford 81’), M Williams, L Jenkins, M Jones, I Hughes. Subs not used: A Pennock (gk), R Edwards, R Ricketts, J Phillips.

PENYBONT: A Morris, K Owen, A Evans, J Saddler (L Harling 63’), O Dalton (O Warlow 46’), K Georgievsky, N Wood, B Borge, M Harris, D Griffiths (C Jemmett-Hutson 63’),Ml George. Subs not used: B Borge, E Phipps, R Griffiths. Attendance: 252. Referee: I Griffith.