Newtown came away with a hard fought 2–1 victory over Gresford in a tough encounter. The Robins showed real character to regain control after being pegged back, with goals from Robbie Evans and Louis Jacob’s securing the three points.
The game began at a high tempo, and in the 5th minute Fin Starkey-Jones was on the receiving end of a tough challenge that saw the Gresford man James Smith go into the referee’s book.
The Robins were on the front foot early, and six minutes later, Tom Jones burst down the right with great pace before crossing for Fin, who narrowly missed the target with his effort.
The pressure soon told in the 24th minute. Tom Jones again proved a menace down the wing, effortlessly beating his full-back before clipping in a superb cross. Robbie Evans rose highest to meet it, guiding a powerful header into the top corner to give Newtown a deserved 1–0 lead.
Gresford struggled to create clear chances in the first half, with only a free kick on 37 minutes troubling Newtown’s defensive shape.
Just before the break, Devon Torry almost doubled the lead but couldn’t quite get on the end of a teasing ball across the face of goal.
After the restart, Gresford threatened through Iwan Roberts, whose low strike in the 51st minute was brilliantly saved by Dave Jones.
Devon slipped a clever pass through to Jamie Hyne, whose run had the home defence scrambling, but his shot was blocked just as the talented forward looked to pounce.
The hosts found an equaliser in the 57th minute when Thomas Smith’s well-placed finish into the bottom left corner left Dave with no chance. However, the Newtown keeper was in inspired form moments later, denying Gresford’s No.10 with a brilliant stop to keep the scores level.
Newtown regrouped, and after Robbie fired over following a smart move by Steff Jones in the 61st minute, the visitors regained the lead in the 71st. A great bit of play from Ollie Sharp who passed the ball to Louis, who kept his composure to fire home from close range before being shown a yellow card for removing his shirt in celebration.
The Robins looked to extend their advantage, with Jamie testing the keeper from the edge of the box on 80 minutes. Gresford pushed for a late equaliser, but Dave stood firm again, pulling off a stunning save in the 87th minute to deny Charlie Mann after a superb first touch from the forward.
In stoppage time, Sharpy forced another good save from the home keeper, but Newtown saw the game out professionally to secure a vital win.
Final Score: Gresford 1–2 Newtown
Scorers:
Robbie Evans (24’), Louis Jacobs(71’)
Thomas Smith (57’)
Man of the Match: Dave Jones – several key saves that kept Newtown in control.
