Aberystwyth Town survived relegation on the final day of the JD Cymru Premier season for a second consecutive year as they emphatically defeated already-relegated Pontypridd United 3-0 at Park Avenue.
Louis Bradford’s terrific header from Jake Canavan’s corner opened the scoring after 36 minutes and sent Aber on their way to a memorable victory.
Anthony Williams’ side found a second from another corner nine minutes into the second half as Billy Kirkman’s delivery led to a goalmouth scramble from which the ball was eventually turned home by Steff Davies.
The Seasiders sealed the win with two minutes left on the clock when Jonathan Evans provided a classy finish following Alex Darlington’s clever ball over the top, confirming that Aberystwyth will play in the Welsh top-flight for the 33rd consecutive season.
Colwyn Bay did all they could in their fight for survival as they secured a 1-0 home win over Barry Town United, but Aberystwyth’s victory meant Bay were relegated from the division.
The decisive moment at the Four Construction Crosses Arena came in the 83rd minute as Alex Downes guided his header into the bottom corner from Tom Creamer’s cross.
The Seagulls’ relegation to the JD Cymru North also signalled the end of Steve Evans’ time as manager, as he was relieved of his duties on Sunday evening.
Penybont claimed the final European play-off spot with a narrow 1-0 victory over Haverfordwest County at the SDM Glass Stadium.
Bont needed all three points to overtake the Bluebirds at the top of the Play Off Conference and they earned them through Chris Venables’ goal after just six minutes.
The veteran striker drifted away from his marker and met Kane Owen’s pinpoint cross with a superb volley past Zac Jones. Haverfordwest did all they could to find the equaliser they so desperately needed, but Bont were on top form once again to secure their sixth consecutive clean sheet.
Champions The New Saints became only the second ever club to complete an unbeaten season in the JD Cymru Premier as they triumphed 2-0 over their JD Welsh Cup Final opponents Connah’s Quay Nomads 2-0 courtesy of two late goals at Park Hall.
The Nomads had a number of opportunities to find the breakthrough, but a moment of brilliance from Adrian Cieslewicz gave the Saints the lead in the 89th minute. The substitute drove forward, shifted onto his right foot and sent a fierce effort beyond Andy Firth and into the top corner.
A second goal arrived in stoppage time when Danny Redmond’s cross was turned into his own net by Nomads defender Kai Edwards.
TNS will now have their sights set on a domestic treble as they face Neil Gibson’s side in Sunday’s JD Welsh Cup final at Rodney Parade.
Newtown confirmed their fourth-placed finish after they secured back-to-back victories for the first time in 2024 with a 3-1 win away at Cardiff Met.
Close range finishes from Dom Smith and Aaron Williams earned the Robins a 2-0 lead after 21 minutes, before Williams turned provider for Callum Roberts to score his first goal of the season early in the second half.
Sam Jones’ header got Met on the scoresheet, but it was only a consolation as Newtown won on the road for the first time since November.
The points were shared at The Oval as Caernarfon Town and Bala Town drew 2-2 in a fiery final day clash.
Zack Clarke slid in at the back post to give Caernarfon the breakthrough after 34 minutes, but Naim Arsan equalised before half-time with a header beyond Josh Tibbetts.
Bala goalkeeper Kelland Absalom was sent off two minutes into the second half after receiving a second yellow card, and with no recognised goalkeeper on the bench, defender Nathan Peate was called upon to go in between the sticks.
Although they were a man down, Bala suddenly went in front through Joe Malkin, who slammed the ball home from close range in the 54th minute.
However, the Cofis eventually made the most of their man advantage as Louis Lloyd danced through the Bala defence and fired home his ninth league goal of the season to earn Richard Davies’ side a point.
JD Cymru Premier results
Aberystwyth Town 3-0 Pontypridd United
Caernarfon Town 2-2 Bala Town
Cardiff Met 1-3 Newtown
Colwyn Bay 1-0 Barry Town United
Penybont 1-0 Haverfordwest County
The New Saints 2-0 Connah’s Quay Nomads
