Newtown 1 Prestatyn Town 0
PAUL Keddle marked his home debut with an unforgettable winner, as Newtown maintained their unbeaten start to the season.
Victory saw Newtown climb to second in the Welsh Premier, although their first home match of the season was marred by the injury time dismissal of debutant Michael Jackson.
Referee Markham-Jones issued red to the Robins debutant, after his arrival at the club in midweek, along with the Seasiders’ Ian Griffiths following an injury time confrontation.
the only goal of the match saw Keddle burst forward from deep on the left, before cutting inside and firing home a 12th minute opener beyond Prestatyn goalkeeper Jon Hill-Dunt.
However the goal was a rare piece of quality in an otherwise uninspiring match, which saw Newtown kept under the cosh for lengthy spells.
The Robins also unveiled their midweek signing, John McKenna, who has followed the path of striker Craig Whitfield and defender Sean Jones in following Andy Cale to Latham Park.
The former TNS youngster fired wide in the first-half with Chris Hartland also unable to find the target on his home debut.
Newtown dealt with Prestatyn's pressure, with newboy Mike Jackson immediately underlining his experience with a solid partnership alongside Gavin Cadwallader, who continues to lead by example this season.
Former Newtown midfielder Ross Stephens provided his usual threat from deadballs and whipped in several free-kicks, which were comfortably dealt with by Dave Roberts who enjoyed a quiet day in goal.
The match continued in the same vein in the second-half, with former Robin Steve Rogers introduced in a bid to draw level, while player-manger Neil Gibson also came on in search of an equaliser
However Prestatyn were unable to unlock an organised rearguard and the Robins almost snatched a second on the hour, with Shane Sutton’s firm header saved by Hill-Dunt.
Even when Jackson departed Newtown held firm with the Andy Cale inspired resilience, which has seen them among the surprise pace-setter in the early weeks of the season.
Manager Cale said: “This was a good display and although it was pleasing to win, it is important to remember that this was very much a defensive display and all credit to the players for working hard over the 90 minutes.”