CYMRU PREMIER REVIEW
COLWYN Bay earned themselves a lifeline in the battle to avoid relegation from the JD Cymru Premier after beating Pontypridd United 1-0 in their basement battle at Llanelian Road.
After kick-off had been delayed for an hour after the referee deemed a small section of the pitch unsafe, Harry Owen netted what proved to be a decisive goal from close range 18 minutes into the contest.
This was the Seagulls’ first win in six matches and the result lifts them off the foot of the table and above Pontypridd.
It’s now back-to-back defeats for Pontypridd, whose troubled campaign received a further blow this week after they were refused a Tier 1 licence for next season by the FAW’s First Instance Body.
The decision means that unless Pontypridd manage to lodge a successful appeal, they will be relegated, irrespective of their final league position.
The club have already been docked nine points this season for rule breaches.
Meanwhile there was another late show from Haverfordwest County who remain on course to finish seventh and secure a European play-off spot after coming from behind to beat 10-man Barry Town United at the Ogi Bridge Meadow.
Captain Curtis McDonald, on his 100th appearance for Barry, drilled his side in front on 56 minutes.
However they had Aiden Lewis sent off four minutes later for a challenge on Martell TaylorCrossdale that earned him a straight red.
Lee Jenkins levelled on 73 minutes for the Bluebirds who then snatched all three points in bizarre fashion on 88 minutes, when keeper Michael Lewis somehow let Corey Shephard’s chipped pass into the box past him and into the net.
Haverfordwest have now scored four goals in the 88th minute or later against Barry this season.
In the Championship Conference, Bala Town are now assured of European football again after a 1-1 draw at home against Newtown secured their top three place.
Skipper Kieran Smith put Bala ahead on 17 minutes before
Louis Robles levelled from the penalty spot just before the break.
Connah’s Quay Nomads, having already made sure of qualification for Europe, look set to finish second after a 3-0 victory at Cardiff Met.
First half goals from Josh Williams and Jordan Davies put the Nomads in charge at Cyncoed before Michael Wilde wrapped up the win on 87 minutes after coming off the bench.
Already crowned champions The New Saints remain firmly on course to finish the league season unbeaten after thrashing Caernarfon Town by 7-1 at Park Hall.