Bonfire night may be complete, but more fireworks are expected across the JD Cymru Leagues this weekend. Here are the key games to keep an eye on.
JD Cymru Premier – Connah’s Quay Nomads v Penybont (Saturday, 5:15pm)
In-form Connah’s Quay Nomads host second-place Penybont in Saturday evening’s live Sgorio fixture.
The Nomads have earned 13 points from the last 15 available in the JD Cymru Premier, with a 3-0 win away at Cardiff Met last weekend being the sixth consecutive game in all competitions in which they have scored three goals. John Disney’s side currently sit fourth in the table and another victory on Saturday would see them move just a point behind Penybont with a game in hand.
Connah’s Quay Nomads v Penybont
It will be an immediate return to the Essity Stadium for Bont, who came from behind to secure a thrilling 4-3 victory against Flint Town United last weekend thanks to late goals from James Crole and Noah Daley – the perfect response to back-to-back defeats against The New Saints and Caernarfon Town. Rhys Griffiths’ side are currently nine points behind TNS at the top of the table.
Rhys Hughes scored the only goal of the game as the Nomads won 1-0 in August’s reverse fixture in Bridgend, with the midfielder heading into Saturday’s clash having contributed at least a goal or assist in each of his last six appearances in all competitions.
Predict the outcome of Connah’s Quay Nomads v Penybont in our JD Cymru Leagues Match Predictor.
JD Cymru North – Holywell Town v Buckley Town (Saturday, 2pm)
An enticing Flintshire derby awaits at Bartons North Wales Stadium on Saturday as JD Cymru North leaders Holywell Town host sixth-place Buckley Town.
Following Airbus UK Broughton’s defeat to Llandudno, Holywell climbed to the top of the table with an emphatic 6-0 home win over Brickfield Rangers last weekend. It is now three consecutive victories for Johnny Haseldin’s side, who are yet to lose in the league this season. Attacking duo Craig Lindfield and Jamie Breese both sit top of the division’s scoring charts with 12 goals each.
Buckley triumphed 4-3 at home against Caersws last weekend, meaning they have won four of their last five league matches and have lost just once in the JD Cymru North since August. Only Holywell and Airbus have scored more goals in the division than Asa Hamilton’s side this season.
Bradley Knight’s double earned Buckley a 2-0 victory in the first meeting between the two sides last season, but the Wellmen gained revenge with a 2-0 win of their own in February’s reverse fixture.
JD Cymru South – Caerau Ely v Cambrian United (Friday, 7:30pm)
The key clashes keep coming at the top of the JD Cymru South as third-place Caerau Ely host leaders Cambrian United at Cwrt yr Ala Road on Friday.
Caerau Ely’s six-match winning streak in all competitions came to an end last weekend as they suffered a shock 3-2 defeat away at Afan Lido. Dean Wheeler’s side are now five points adrift of Cambrian, but do have a game in hand over the league leaders. The Young Guns will also be cautiously looking over their shoulder too, as they are only inside the top three on goal difference.
Cambrian have come from behind to earn 4-2 and 5-2 victories over Pontypridd United and Cardiff Draconians respectively in their last two league outings and are currently four points clear at the top of the table – although they have played one game more than second-place Trefelin. Liam Williams’ side also reached the Nathaniel MG Cup semi-finals on Tuesday as Calum Bateman’s strike sealed a 1-0 win over top-flight Briton Ferry Llansawel.
The two sides played out a 2-2 draw in their first league meeting last season before Tim Parker’s brace earned Cambrian a 2-0 victory in the reverse fixture. Parker has since made the switch to Caerau Ely so could face his former club on Friday.
Predict the outcome of Caerau Ely v Cambrian United in our JD Cymru Leagues Match Predictor.
JD Cymru South – Pontypridd United v Cwmbran Celtic (Friday, 7:30pm)
There are also crucial points up for grabs at the other end of the JD Cymru South as Pontypridd United host bottom-of-the-table Cwmbran Celtic at USW Sports Park.
After being involved in the title conversation last season, Pontypridd have struggled this term and currently sit 14th in the table after winning just two of their opening 12 league matches – with both victories coming at USW Sports Park. Only league leaders Cambrian have scored more goals at home this season than Ponty, but equally no side has conceded more at home.
Cwmbran Celtic are the only team in the JD Cymru South yet to win this season, with Simon Berry’s side currently sitting three points adrift of safety. A 1-0 home defeat against Baglan Dragons last weekend was Celtic’s fourth consecutive defeat.
The two sides have already met this season as Pontypridd prevailed in the Nathaniel MG Cup first round by triumphing on penalties following a goalless draw in 90 minutes. Celtic’s 2-1 win in the last league meeting the two sides in March was their first victory over Ponty in eight attempts.
