Newtown boss hails defensive strength after impressive record continues

Newtown boss Jay Owen praised his side’s defensive resilience after they returned to winning ways with victory over Buckley Town.

Josh Astley struck inside the first minute before Jamie Hyne added his 10th league goal of the season to seal the points.

The Robins sit second in the Cymru North, four points behind leaders Brickfield Rangers with a game in hand. Owen was particularly pleased with his side’s eighth clean sheet in 12 league matches.

“It’s something that me and Mike (Pearson) looked at when we came in, about keeping clean sheets,” he said.

“If you keep a clean sheet you are always going to get a positive result and then ultimately, if you do put a chance away, you get three points.

“Getting back to a clean sheet this week was important, we were disappointed last week to concede two. Two poor goals in our opinion.

“To get a clean sheet against a strong Buckely side has put us back where we would like to be.

“We have conceded five goals in 12 games and it’s something we are proud of.

“The lads should be because they have put the hard work in. You don’t see the work that we put in as a defence first and foremost, and it shows on the pitch.”

The victory extended Newtown’s unbeaten league run to four matches, following back-to-back draws.

Owen added: “We know their (Buckley) qualities and what they have to offer. They have been in great form. So we knew what we were coming into.

“For our players to nulify that is testament to the hard work they put in and I am really proud of them.”

The Robins travel to struggling Ruthin Town on Friday night looking to extend their unbeaten away league run to six matches.