PAUL Roberts led the Maesydre massacre with a hat-trick as Newtown revived their bid for survival.


Roberts struck 14 goals in 33 games for Welshpool last season and has continued his form with Newtown, with six goals in nine games since arriving in January.


Neither side had ideal preparations for the Friday night clash, with Newtown leaving their kit back at Latham Park, while midfielder Gavin Cadwallader only arrived in time to be named substitute.


The home side also had issues with an injury to goalkeeper Dave Maguire, forcing reserve Steve Bellersby to step up to the challenge.


Bellersby was picking the ball from the back of the net on 15 minutes after Roberts met Ross Stephens’ corner.


Adam Worton was relishing his more advanced role with his driven effort beyond Bellersby doubling Newtown’s lead on 20 minutes.


Less than a minute later the derby spoils were secured by Roberts who netted from close range.


Newtown continued to dictate play with Bellersby being forced into a string of saves after the break, as Roberts sought his hat-trick.


With 20 minutes remaining on-loan Wrexham youngster Jordan Kane fired a low shot past David Roberts to offer Welshpool an unlikely route back into the contest.


However it was not to be as Roberts finally succeeded in completing his first treble in Newtown colours with nine minutes to go.


Welshpool’s misery was compounded in injury time as another former Maesydre favourite Ross Stephens completed Newtown’s emphatic victory in what could be the last ever top flight meeting between the bitter local rivals.

WELSHPOOL: Bellersby, Williams, Boardman (Peate), Pritchard, Beattie, Ramsey (Price), Hughes, Kane, Cronshaw, Griffiths, Edwards. Subs: Stewart, Jenkins

NEWTOWN: D Roberts, Williams, Hughes, Huthinson (Mitchell), Wright (Cadwallader), Thomas, Russell (Webb), Blain, P Roberts, Stephens, Worton. Sub: McFadden