Newtown v Aberystwyth Town: Match Preview

JD Welsh Premier League 
Sunday 30th December (2:30p.m Kick Off)
Newtown v Aberystwyth Town 

Aberystwyth Town prepare for their third JD Welsh Premier League fixture in ten days as they travel to Latham Park to face Newtown in a game which holds huge implications for their top six hopes on Sunday afternoon. Aber fell to a 2-0 home defeat against the Robins on Boxing Day, slipping five points adrift of their Mid Wales rivals in the league table, and travel to Latham Park on Sunday needing a positive result as they aim to secure their place in the top half at the league split in three weeks' time. 

After the Boxing Day defeat, Aber manager Nev Powell labelled Sunday's reverse clash with the Robins a must win game, and admitted his side haven't quite had the rub of the green in recent weeks. Powell commented "When you're on a poor run and needing a result, sometimes things don't seem to fall your way. But we have to keep fighting and we'll go to Newtown knowing it's a must win game for us". Town's manager will hope his side are able to re-kindle the November form which saw them climb up the league table and go eight games without defeat, as they enter their final three league games of the season needing as many points as possible. 

The Seasiders have lost just once in their last six away fixtures in all competitions, and will need to demonstrate the resilience and attacking flair that has seen them beat the likes of Cardiff Met and Bala on the road in recent weeks. Nev Powell's side need to look no further for inspiration than their last fixture away at Newtown, when Joe Phillips' strike secured a 1-0 victory on the road last season. 

Meanwhile, Sunday's hosts Newtown know that victory against the Black and Greens will secure their spot in the top six for the second half of the season. Chris Hughes' side have an excellent home record this season, undefeated in nine JD Welsh Premier League games at Latham Park. Fixtures between the two teams have been closely contested over the years, with Aber recording five victories compared to Newtown's four, and one draw in the last ten games between the sides in all competitions. 

Festivities are likely to be at a premium at Latham Park in what is another massive clash between the Robins and the Seasiders. Aber travel to Newtown knowing that they need a positive result, and will be relying on the vocal away support of the Green Army to carry them on to victory as they have already done so often this season. Kick off on Sunday is at 2:30p.m, and Newtown AFC's postcode is listed as SY16 1EN.