Aberystwyth’s relegation worries grew on Friday night after being thumped 4-0 at home by mid-Wales rivals Newtown.
The Seasiders have been hovering dangerously close above the relegation zone and are now a single point off the bottom-two following the defeat.
In-form Newtown were always likely to be difficult opponents for Aberystwyth, but manager Matthew Bishop will be concerned after seeing his side comprehensively beaten at home and the gap between them and 11th-place Rhyl shrink.
Jason Oswell headed Newtown in front shortly before the break and the woodwork denied Aberystwyth an equaliser early in the second-half when Luke Borrelli struck the post.
Nick Rushton doubled the Robins’ lead, bundling the ball over the line after Aberystwyth struggled to defend Luke Boundford’s long throw.
And worse quickly followed for the hosts who were left stunned just minutes later when Oswell’s quickly taken free-kick looped over goalkeeper Chris Mullock from all of 40 yards.
Aberystwyth were forced to play the final half hour with ten men after referee Huw Jones gave Luke Sherbon his marching orders for a high challenge on Boundford.
With two minutes remaining, Oswell completed his hat-trick to fire himself him to the top of the league’s scoring charts completing a miserable night for Aberystwyth Town.
Aber’s night was made all the worse when Rhyl rescued a late point from their game at Llandudno, after Stefan Halewood levelled in the 88th minute to cancel out Marc Williams strike.
Cefn Druids gained a point at Airbus after drawing 0-0 for the second week in a row to edge themselves further away from the drop zone.
This afternoon sees Bangor City visit Carmarthen Town looking to push up the table. A win for City could see them overtake Connah’s Quay, who are offering free admission for their game Cardiff Met. Bala Town, second in the table, entertain champions The New Saints on Sunday.
