The relegation battle in the JD Cymru Premier will go down to the final day of the season after all of the bottom three teams suffered defeats on Saturday afternoon.
Aberystwyth Town were narrowly beaten 2-1 by Barry Town United, however the Seasiders are still two points clear of the drop and will be favourites to avoid relegation on the final day.
Sam Snaith’s composed finish put Barry ahead after just 11 minutes, but the visitors hit back midway through the second half through Billy Kirkman’s superb free-kick.
Aber went in search of a winner but they were outdone by a swift Barry attack in the 83rd minute, which saw Kayne Mclaggon’s effort rebound into the path of Ollie Hulbert, who made no mistake from close range to give the Linnets their first win in phase two.
Victory for Aber at home to Pontypridd United on the final would keep them up, but defeat would see the Dragons survive while a draw would open the door for Colwyn Bay to stay in the division.
The Seagulls remain two points adrift of safety following their 3-1 defeat to Play Off Conference leaders Haverfordwest County.
The Bluebirds made a rapid start to proceedings as March’s JD Cymru Premier Player of the Month Rhys Abbruzzese curled a terrific free-kick beyond Reece Trueman in the eighth minute before delivering another set-piece into the box two minutes later which Lee Jenkins headed home his second goal in two games.
Tony Pennock’s side added a third with 73 minutes on the clock as Ben Fawcett capitalised on Trueman’s tame pass and fired into the top corner. Bay eventually got on the scoresheet through Tom McCready, but the captain’s goal only proved to be a consolation.
Later in the day, Pontypridd were comfortably beaten 3-0 on home turf by Penybont, who remain in the race for a play-off spot.
Bont didn’t take long to open the scoring as quickfire goals from Gabe Kircough and Chris Venables opened up a two-goal lead inside 20 minutes.
Ponty searched for a second half comeback, but Venables completed his brace and made it three in the 66thminute after calmly rounding George Ratcliffe and tapping into an empty net.
Bont remain three points behind seventh-place Haverfordwest but have a superior goal difference, so victory over the Bluebirds on the final day would confirm their play-off place.
Champions The New Saints continued their quest for an unbeaten league campaign by securing an emphatic 5-0 victory against Cardiff Met at Cyncoed Campus.
Declan McManus’ composed finish was the only goal of the first half, but Craig Harrison’s side turned on the style after the restart as a thunderbolt from Dan Williams and McManus’ diving header gave them a three-goal cushion.
Blackburn Rovers loanee Jared Harlock grabbed his first goal for the club by heading home from close range with five minutes to go and fellow substitute Leo Smith rounded off a five-star performance with a fierce strike into the top corner.
Newtown recorded their joint-biggest league victory in nearly three years as they triumphed 5-0 over Caernarfon Town at Latham Park to leapfrog the Cofis into fourth place in the table.
Aaron Williams has endured an unusual goal drought of late but he scored either side of half-time to give the Robins a two-goal lead.
A stunning effort from George Hughes and a calmly converted penalty from Zeli Ismail gave the Robins greater comfort before the hosts pounced on a Caernarfon error to add a fifth through Louis Robles in stoppage time.
Friday’s only match saw second-place Connah’s Quay Nomads and third-place Bala Town play out a goalless draw at the Essity Stadium.
Both sides have already confirmed their places in the UEFA Conference League first qualifying round for next season, but nothing could separate them in Flintshire.
Jordan Davies and Harry Franklin both spurned glorious chances for Nomads, who were left frustrated all night long by Kelland Absalom and the Bala defence as both sides shared the points.
JD Cymru Premier results
Connah’s Quay Nomads 0-0 Bala Town
Haverfordwest County 3-1 Colwyn Bay
Barry Town United 2-1 Aberystwyth Town
Cardiff Met 0-5 The New Saints
Newtown 5-0 Caernarfon Town
Pontypridd United 0-3 Penybont
