Newtown took a giant stride towards the knockout stages of the Loosemores Challenge Cup by chalking up their second group win when prevailing 2-0 at Newi Cefn Druids.

Following hard on the heels of their 7-1 romp against Carnarfon, the Robins cemented their place at the top of group three courtesy of first half goals from Stuart Vernon and Richard Williams-Cooke.

“We defended well, looked comfortable and could have won by four or five,” said manager Darren Ryan, whose Welsh Premier side now need one more point from their remaining two group games to progress to the last eight.

Vernon, promoted to a starting role, made the breakthrough on the half hour with a neat right foot finish after latching on to Neil Mitchell’s pass following Richard Williams-Cooke’s flick-on.Mitchell then had a hand in the second goal two minutes before the break when seizing on to a back pass, rounding the defence before pulling the ball back for Williams-Cooke who took a couple of touches before lashing his shot into the top corner.

Adam Worton also hit the post, Mitchell and substitute Barry Bellis had further openings and Vernon fired over while the Druids went close to a late reply when rattling the woodwork.

Welshpool Town, meanwhile, made a fine start to their Loosmores Cup campaign by winning 2-1 at last season’s beaten finalists Rhyl in their group opener.

Steve Rogers fired the Lilywhites into a 16th minute lead and, despite Craig Jones levelling at the break, the Maesydre men were not to be denied as Paul Roberts restored the advantage four minutes after the interval.

l Aberystwyth’s home clash with Haverfordwest was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch at Park Avenue.