Flint's late goal saves Aberystwyth and sends Flint down in Cymru Premier
- Published
Thomas Davies scored the equaliser for Pontypridd against Flint
Aberystwyth have prolonged their 30-year stay in the Cymru Premier after a 3-2 home victory against Caernarfon Town on a dramatic final day.
The Seasiders, League of Wales founder members in 1992, needed a better result than Flint at Pontypridd to survive.
Aber twice drew level against Caernarfon, which was enough to survive after two late Pontypridd goals earned a 3-2 win.
Niall Flint's late goal secured victory and safety for Aber to send Flint down.
Aberystwyth, in front of over 1,000 fans at Park Avenue, had the worst possible start when Rob Marsh-Hughes gave the visitors the lead.
The Seasiders missed a host of chances before Harry Arnison equalised, but Laurie Bell restored Caernarfon's lead in first half stoppage time.
Former Flint player Mark Cadwallader levelled for Aber, who were already assured of safety due to events at Pontypridd when Flint struck late on with a third.
Flint had taken an early lead at Pontypridd through Okera Simmonds before Owain Jones capitalised on a defensive mix up to put the home side level.
Rhys Kavanagh put Lee Fowler's Flint back in front,but two goals in the final 12 minutes from Thomas Davies and Ben Ahmun saw the north Wales club relegated, three years after they returned to the top-flight.
Airbus UK, with Mark Allen in his first game since being appointed permanent manager, ended a miserable season without a win as they were beaten 4-1 at home by Haverfordwest County.
Penybont came from behind to beat Newtown 2-1 thanks to second half goals from Keyon Reffell and Josh Yorwerth.
Rhys Griffiths' side are third in the table, but a six-point deduction for breaching league rules still hangs over the club, while they have the right to appeal to an Independent Arbitration Panel.
Third spot could earn a spot in the Europa Conference League next season if league champions The New Saints beat Bala Town in next week's Welsh Cup final.
Bala's poor form continued as they were beaten 2-1 at Cardiff Met, who are fourth.
New Saints striker Declan McManus took his season's tally to 29 goals, a new record for the Cymru Premier since the restructure to a 12-team league in 2010, as he scored two goals in the champions' 4-1 win over Connah's Quay Nomads.
Saints were presented with the Cymru Premier trophy following the game, their 14th title since 2000.
JD Cymru Premier
Saturday, 22 April
Championship Conference
Cardiff Met 2-1 Bala Town
Penybont 2-1 Newtown
TNS 4-1 Connah's Quay Nomads
Play-Off Conference
Aberystwyth Town 3-2 Caernarfon Town
Airbus UK Broughton 1-4 Haverfordwest County
Pontypridd United 3-2 Flint Town United
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