JD CYMRU PREMIER LEAGUE
THE battle to beat the drop will go down to the final day of the season after the three sides battling to survive all lost yesterday.
Aberystwyth Town went down 2-1 at Barry Town United, but remain two points above the drop zone after Pontypridd United lost 3-0 against Penybont and bottom side Colwyn Bay’s 3-1 defeat at Haverfordwest County.
Aberystwyth, who have 24 points, host Pontypridd on the final day of regular matches next Sunday. Colwyn Bay who, like Pontypridd, sit on 22 points; they at home to Barry and must win to stand any chance of avoiding a return to JD Cymru North.
The Seagulls gave themselves a mountain to climb at Haverfordwest after finding themselves 2-0 down inside the opening 10 minutes. Rhys Abbruzzese curled a free-kick from 25 yards into the top left-hand corner to put the Bluebirds ahead after eight minutes.
Then, less than two minutes later, Abbruzzese turned provider, floating a free-kick into the Colwyn Bay box, where Lee Jenkins was there to glance a header in the net to double their lead.
Ben Fawcett put the result beyond any doubt when he seized on goalkeeper Reece Trueman’s error to curl home a third on 73 minutes. Tom McCready pulled one back in added time.
The result also means Haverfordwest now need just a point from their trip to Penybont next Sunday 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 but Penybont have a superior goal difference.
A goal in each half from Chris Venables helped Penybont to a comfortable win over struggling Pontypridd. Gabriel Kircough had earlier given Penybont the lead.
Goals in each half from Sam Snaith and Ollie Hulbert secured all three points for Barry over Aberystwyth. Billy Kirkman had pulled Aber level on 64 minutes but Hulbert’s winner seven minutes denied them.
In the Championship Conference, Newtown thrashed Caernarfon Town 5-0 at Latham Park to move up two places into fourth as they look to secure home advantage in the play-offs.
Aaron Williams’ chipped effort put the Robins ahead at the break. Williams scored his second after the re-start 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.
Elsewhere champions The New Saints are just one game away from going the entire league campaign undefeated. Declan McManus scored in each half on their way to a 5-0 win at Cardiff Met. Dan Williams, Jared Harlock and Leo Smith also found the net.
Connah’s Quay Nomads and Bala Town played out a goalless draw.