Newtown continued their impressive Play-Off Conference form with a 7-0 demolition of struggling Cefn Druids.
James Davies came off the bench to a hat-trick against his former club as the Robins moved six points clear of Haverfordwest, who play tomorrow.
Newtown, who have won six and drawn one of their seven matches since the split, turned in a ruthless second-half display against a Cefn Druids side, who can consider themselves fortunate that there is no relegation this season.
The suffering Ancients have shipped 20 goals in their last four games and a run of six successive defeats has left them nine points adrift at the bottom of the table.
Despite their defensive struggles, it wasn’t until Nick Rushton’s effort, five minutes before the break, that Newtown led.
Alex Fletcher doubled the Robins’ advantage minutes after the restart before putting the visitors firmly in control with his second on the hour mark.
The introduction of former Druids favourite James Davies saw his former side collapse as Newtown struck three times in six minutes.
Davies’ first was quickly followed up by an Aaron Simpson goal to give Newtown a five goal lead, before Davies added his second. He finally wrapped things up by completing his hat-trick in the 83rd minute.
Ollie Hulbert scored a brace as Cardiff Met climbed above Aberystwyth with a 5-1 win over the Seasiders.
Eliot Evans gave the Archers an early lead before the Bristol Rovers loanee fire home his 10th of the campaign.
Emlyn Lewis added a third in the second period before Hulbert and Liam Warman struck either side of Matthew Jones’ consolation strike, as Cardiff Met avoid defeat for a sixth straight game.
Connah’s Quay and The New Saints are both looking to return to winning ways in tomorrow’s late afternoon top of the table clash (live on Sgorio at 5:15).
Connah’s Quay’s lead at the top was reduced midweek to just two points after they were defeated by Bala Town, while The New Saints dropped points for a successive match after being held by Caernarfon Town.
In the earlier games, Bala Town can secure an automatic European spot with a win over Barry Town tomorrow. A point would even be enough for Colin Caton’s side if Penybont were to lose on the road against Caernarfon.
Elsewhere, Haverfordwest travel to Flint Town United looking to end their recent dip in form.
JD CYMRU PREMIER WEEKEND RESULTS/FIXTURES
Friday: Cardiff Met 5-1 Aberystwyth, Cefn Druids 0-7 Newtown. Saturday (2:.30 unless stated): Bala Town v Barry Town, Flint Town v Haverfordwest, Connah’s Quay v The New Saints (5:15)
