The opening weekend of the season is upon us in the JD Cymru North and JD Cymru South, with every club keen to get off to a winning start. Here are the key games to watch.
JD Cymru North – Rhyl 1879 v Brickfield Rangers (Friday, 7:45pm)
Last season’s two northern tier three title winners meet on the opening night of the JD Cymru North as Rhyl 1879 host Brickfield Rangers.
Rhyl claimed top spot in the Ardal North West by an emphatic 10-point margin, while Rangers only secured the Ardal North East crown on the final day of the season.
The two sides had contrasting results in the Nathaniel MG Cup first round last weekend, as Paul Fleming’s late winner gave Rhyl a 2-1 victory over Caersws, while Brickfield were beaten 3-0 by Gresford Athletic.
The most recent encounter between the two clubs finished goalless at Belle Vue in the Ardal North West in 2023/24, after Rhyl had earned a 1-0 win in the reverse fixture earlier in the campaign.
JD Cymru South – Cambrian United v Treowen Stars (Friday, 7:45pm)
Cambrian United and Treowen Stars meet on the opening night of the JD Cymru South, just six days after they went head-to-head in the Nathaniel MG Cup.
Cambrian went 2-0 up in that tie before Treowen dramatically scored twice late on to send the match to penalties, with the Rhondda side prevailing from the spot.
2025/26 JD Cymru South
Liam Williams’ team – who finished sixth last season – have been tipped as one of the favourites for the title this term, particularly after signing last year’s golden boot Liam Eason from Llanelli Town. Cam Strinati and Taylor Jones have also joined after helping the Reds win the title.
Treowen are preparing for their debut campaign in the second tier after winning the Ardal South East title by a 12-point margin last term. New signings Drew Banner, Tom Meechan, Callum Hodges and Shaun Gardiner all add second tier experience.
JD Cymru North – Buckley Town v Airbus UK Broughton (Saturday, 2:30pm)
Last season’s JD Cymru North runners-up Airbus UK Broughton begin the new campaign with a Flintshire derby against Buckley Town at The Globe on Saturday.
Despite only suffering two league defeats through the campaign, the Wingmakers lost out on the title on the final day of last season, but have signed six-time JD Cymru Premier winner Blaine Hudson and talented forward Mason Blackwell-Jones this summer as they aim to make sure of a return to the top-flight.
2025/26 JD Cymru North
Buckley achieved their best ever points tally in the JD Cymru North last season (47) as they finished fifth, and Asa Hamilton’s side have already got their season off to a flying start with a 4-0 win over Holyhead Hotspur in the Nathaniel MG Cup last weekend. Oli Blayney and Hugh Holland have both arrived at The Globe from Airbus this summer.
Airbus are unbeaten in their last nine meetings with Buckley, triumphing 3-2 in both encounters between the sides last season. Jake Eyre scored a 91st-minute winner from the penalty spot in the most recent clash on Boxing Day.
JD Cymru South – Llantwit Major v Aberystwyth Town (Saturday, 2:30pm)
After being relegated from the JD Cymru Premier for the first time in their history, Aberystwyth Town begin life in the JD Cymru South with a trip to Llantwit Major on Saturday.
It has been all change for the Seasiders after their 33-year stay in the top-flight came to and, with former Newtown boss Callum McKenzie replacing Antonio Corbisiero in the dugout. Dylan Downs, Calvin Smith and Desean Martin have followed from Latham Park as part of a squad overhaul.
There has also been a managerial change at Llantwit Major this summer, with 2021/22 title-winning boss Karl Lewis returning to replace Ben Stait.
Lewis has re-signed four of his title winning team – Nathan Jones, Josh Jones, Cullen Kinsella and Cian Goldsworthy – but the Major were beaten 2-1 at home by Afan Lido in the Nathaniel MG Cup first round last weekend.
