Welshpool 1 Newtown 0

NEWTOWN remain deep in Welsh Premier basement danger after being edged out by their Powys rivals at Maesydre.

The Robins battled hard but lacked cutting edge as Welshpool stretched their unbeaten run to eight games courtesy of Calvin Davies' close-range strike five minutes before half time.

Ross Jefferies broke along the right before driving a low cross into the goalmouth, which keeper Dave Jones could only palm out at full stretch. Davies tucked away the loose ball from a couple of yards.

Newtown were again under the caretaker management team of reserve-team boss Graham Evans and Darren Ryan following the resignation of Roger Preece earlier in the week.

Ryan's involvement was cut short after being sent from the dugout in the first half having been angered by a challenge in which Newtown defender Gary Price suffered a gashed lip.

Aden Shannon should have put the home side ahead midway through the first half when breaking clean through only to steer his shot wide of the right upright.

Pool, who picked up four bookings in the last 10 minutes, could reflect on having the better chances in the second period.

But they found Robins keeper Jones in fine form with a string of excellent saves, notably from Steve Rogers' curling effort and a point-blank block from Davies.

Newtown substitute Danny Barton had claims for a penalty turned down late on.

WELSHPOOL: McGuigan, Windsor, Dowridge, Hughes (James 35), B Jefferies, Keegan, Cunnah, R Jefferies, Rogers, Shannon, Davies. Subs: Vernon, March.

NEWTOWN: Jones, Williams (Foulkes 66), Daniels, Desormeaux, Allen, Price, Hughes, Tolley, Lewis (Seliearts 79), Wickham, Hooley (Barton 62). Subs: Haynes, Giles.