Relegation goes to last day in Prem and Cymru North
ABERYSTWYTH Town boss Anthony Williams has backed his side to get the job done when they host Pontypridd United in a JD Cymru Premier relegation showdown at Park Avenue on Sunday.
The Seasiders were League of Wales founder members in 1992 but their top-flight status is again under threat heading into the final day of the season.
They can draw inspiration from their dramatic escape last season when they beat Caernarfon Town 3-2 in front of a crowd of more than 1,000 at Park Avenue.
Williams’ men have their fate in their own hands. They sit two points above both Pontypridd and Colwyn Bay heading into the last game.
“This time last year it wasn’t in our hands, it’s in our hands this time so that’s ultimately all we can ask for,” said Williams.
“We know we’ve got confidence and belief going into the last game and our place will be packed out.
“They’ll get behind us, we’ll put on a performance for them and, all being well and good, we’ll be smiling next week.”
The battle for survival was taken to the final day after all three sides in danger lost on the penultimate weekend.
Aberystwyth went down 2-1 at
Barry Town United. Goals in each half from Sam Snaith and Ollie Hulbert secured three points for Barry. Billy Kirkman had pulled Aber level on 64 minutes but Hulbert’s winner denied them.
Pontypridd lost 3-0 against Penybont. Gabriel Kircough opened the scoring before a goal in each half from Chris Venables secured a comfortable win for the visitors.
Bottom side Colwyn Bay were defeated 3-1 at Haverfordwest County. Rhys Abbruzzese, Lee Jenkins and Ben Fawcett netted for Haverfordwest.
Tom Mccready pulled one back for Colwyn Bay, who must now beat Barry to stand any chance of avoiding an immediate return to JD Cymru North, while hoping Aber and Pontypridd draw.
Haverfordwest need just a point from their trip to Penybont to ensure they finish seventh and cement the final play-off spot for a European place.
Tony Pennock’s side have a three-point advantage over Penybont in the Play-off Conference but Penybont have a superior goal difference.
In the Championship Conference, Newtown thrashed Caernarfon Town 5-0 at Latham Park to move into fourth as they look to secure home advantage in the play-offs.
Aaron Williams’ chip put the
Robins ahead at the break. Williams scored his second after the restart before further goals from George Hughes, Zeli Ismael via the penalty spot and Louis Robles wrapped up a memorable afternoon for Scott Ruscoe’s side.
Champions The New Saints are just one game away from going the entire league campaign undefeated. Declan Mcmanus scored in each half for TNS on their way to a 5-0 win at Cardiff Met. Dan Williams, Jared Harlock and Leo Smith also netted.
Connah’s Quay Nomads and Bala Town played out a goalless draw.
Holywell Town are back on top of JD Cymru North and in control of the title race after a 2-0 win over Guilsfield at Latham Park.
Goals from Jamie Breese – his 20th of the season – and Danny Andrews saw the Wellmen home.
They are now three points clear of Flint Town United with two games to play.
Airbus UK Broughton, relegated from the top flight last summer, have one game to play but are four points behind the leaders following their 2-2 draw at home with Buckley Town. They complete their schedule on Friday at Guilsfield.
Both Holywell and Flint face two games each in the final week with both capable of taking the title.
The Wellmen host bottom side
Llanidloes Town tomorrow and then go to Porthmadog on Friday to try to win the title for the first time.
Flint are still hot on the heels of the leaders after their 3-0 triumph at Llanidloes to make it seven straight wins.
Elliott Reeves gave the Silkmen the perfect start with a goal after 10 minutes.
Sol Forde and Michael Burke piled on the agony for relegated Llandiloes in the second half. Flint face two away trips this week to Mold Alex tomorrow and Denbigh Town on Friday.
With Llanidloes and Chirk AAA already relegated, the third place will be taken by either Prestatyn Town or Porthmadog.
Prestatyn head to Gresford Athletic on Friday, while Porthmadog host leaders Holywell: Prestatyn will stay up unless they lose and Porthmadog win.
In the Ardal North West Holyhead Hotspur stayed fourth with a 4-1 win at relegation-battling Hawarden Rangers – a result that kept Bethesda Athletic out of the drop zone despite their 3-1 home loss to Pwllheli.
Menai Bridge Tigers returned to the top of the North Wales Coast West Premier with a 4-2 win at Llanberis: title rivals Trearddur Bay’s match at Glantraeth had to be abandoned after an injury to the referee.